#also realized today that my camera has been using a beauty filter on me that lightens my skin.... so i turned it off. pls clap

[afro-elf]

it looks like my hair is trying to swallow me

[kekoma]

— hanamaki as your boyfriend.

hands belong in pockets, not in your pants unless you’re him. hope you enjoy.

hanamaki hours has now entered the chambers.

such an amazing man. would do many things for him, but you didn’t come here to know that.

you came here to see how life is like dating hiro, yeah? so let’s get into.

how you two ended up dating isn’t munch of a mystery.

makki  had s personality that attracts all kind of people without even trying so it wasn’t a surprise when he had been able to lure you in as well.

as for when he realized that he actually liked you was when mattsun had pointed out how much he spoke you to him. 

and he also picked up the fact that he started flirting with you more than before too yet it no longer had that playful feel around it— hiro was serious about wooing you over.

pretty sure he was the one to make the move on you. he isn’t someone that is shy so when he asked you if you would go to the amusement park with him— that’s when he became a bolder.

“how are you enjoying our date so far?”

“it’s actually amazing~ can we... huh? wait... our date?”

“well yeah. this is our first official date. heh i suppose this is my chance to confess to you now.”

everything went smoothly. he was quite confident that you’ll say yes since makki made time to learn everything about you and paid close attention to any and every small behavior along side gestures you revealed.

not much to really go on about so i’ll hop right into the actual stuff.

i’ve mentioned it before with issei so it’s only right i’ll mention it here too since takahiro gives off the same energy.

you two are DEFINITELY the kind of couple who jokes around about breaking up over the strangest things and it’ll be at random times too.

“my guy... who cuts your hair?”

“huh? what are you talking about cutie?”

“i can’t help but realize that your hair reminds me of an upside skate ramp. who are you paying because baby...”

“so i see you woke up and choose violence today... you know, i didn’t come to get roasted. i came here to love you y/n and this is what i get?”

“hold up! stay right there. i’m gonna go find my tech deck and do a few tricks.”

“i- yeah let’s break up. my lawyers will call yours and i’m taking the kids too. can’t believe i’m bullied right now.”

vv dramatic but it doesn’t bother you since you go along with his ways.

being serious? is considered rare within the relationship.

however, when it does occur then hiro can be deapan.

which i will take the time to discuss arguments with him briefly.

again, it’s something rare since the relationship is mainly playful and uplifting each other.

yet when you two get pretty heated, it can go two (2) ways.

a) he’ll opt for the silent treatment since he could say some really foul things that could possibly hurt you to the max and he doesn’t want to hurt your feelings. may even go as far to put a little more distance between you two so he can calm down and approach you in a better manner.

b) actually voices how he feels about towards the situation at hand and will probably sound extremely venomous when doing so. his main goal when speaking is getting his point across if you dismissed it and/or made it seem like he’s in the wrong.

up to you on how you would like to view his way of approaching arguments though.

but if you want to make it up to him then give makki space for a while before apologizing. also make sure the apology is honest because HE WILL know if you’re lying and if he catches you then it’s back to square one...

with that out the way, let’s return.

DEFINITELY is an supportive boyfriend that likes helping you grow as a person and reach your goals. since you do the same for him, it’s only fair plus he likes seeing the smile on your face once something is accomplished.

although he already has you— makki will still flirt with you. it’s just more cheesier.

“damn babe. is your father a priest because i’m feeling blessed when i’m with you.”

“shut up before i eat your food.”

“ooh~ that’s hot. guess your dad isn’t one. perhaps i’m dancing with the devil because you’re hot as hell.”

“... takahiro. sir please. stop.”

“okay okay but i think you should see this.” proceeds to shove his phone in your face, the front camera on to reveal you on the screen, “this is the prettiest person i’ve ever met.”

“you’re lucky you’re cute and that i love you.”

definitely does the hand in his pants thing in your house and in his (ofc).

even if they have pockets or you call him out for it, it’s just an automatic for him so you gotta accept it.

besides that, if you’re someone that LOVES to bake or occasionally bakes— best believe he’s the first to taste it all.

extra points to you if you make cream puffs.

is most definitely the kind of boyfriend who invest in matching items. clothing, jewelry, phone case, and etc. he finds the concept cute to be honest.

if you’re lucky enough, he’ll let you buy matching hair clips (something cute like Sanrio, fruits, animals or etc.) and lets you put them in his hair.

won’t compain if it seems extremely girly/cutesy. instead makki will take a bunch of pictures and post a few on his sns about how you two are matching.

also loves to make it known he has the most divine girlfriend in the world. dude is proud to be your boyfriend so ofc he’s gonna show off.

nicknames? yeah yeah nicknames real quick.

top ones for you are 🥁🥁 babe/baby, beautiful, cutie and lover girl occasionally makes it’s way around.

something a little extra: hiro will even call you his doll sometimes but its only brought up at random times. 

moving onto pda since it’ll also be a bit brief.

in love with PDA when it comes to you. 

although he tones it down when you two are in public so of course you get the basics, but something he’ll always do is wrap his arm around you or constantly interlock his fingers with both combined hands on his thigh.

as for private, it’s not as filtered. would say he’s a bit more touchy but i must advise... don’t keep your back turned to him for long because makki will use the opportunity to either smack or grab your ass while saying “i like your cut g.”

... can’t convince me he doesn’t do that. rip y/n’s ass.

last but not least— dates!

don’t think hanamaki is picky about what kind of dates you two go on.

but most dates are chaotic in a way. will deadass text you in the middle of the night or show up to your place be like “wanna film dance vids in a parking lot? or like walk around and eat good street food.” and you just gotta go with it.

however, when they aren’t that way or involving outside then some dates consist of staying indoors. probably baking together, watching a bunch of movies, doing his makeup and etc.

overall: 10/10

best relationship with constant fun <3 we love it here.

and that’s where i end this bc makki do be breaking my brain.

© all content belongs to kekoma 2020. do not repost, modify or translate.

[the-littlefangirl]

TFATWS episode 1 rewatch commentary

The first scene was so beautiful. I loved that we didn't start directly with the fight sequence. It feels way closer to the quiet beginning of CATWS and I love it so much.

The title is also SO NEAT, music's on point too but hey it’s Henry Jackman the one thing I’m sure it’s going to be great overall is the score.

The choreography is AMAZING, really well shot. Sam shielding himself with only one wing was MA-JES-TIC.

“WHAT'S UP” EXACTLY SAM EXACTLY

I did feel so uncomfortable in regards to the military aspect of it. Not that I was expecting anything else, but both here and in Captain Marvel the military we're good guys < 3 propaganda is so blatant and ugh:/ At least there wasn’t a literal recruitment spot like with CM. 

The yellow filter in the Tunisia scene BYE please stop with the yellow filters 2k21

"I've been working with the Air Force for six months now" So, did Sam even catch a break at all after Endgame? Or did he just throw himself to work like SOMEONE did after being iced for 70 years. Hmmm? Sam????

"Essentially, these people, they want a world that's unified without borders" OH NO! HOW AWFUL, how evil of these bad guys smh

Joaquin: SO about Steve

Sam: :)))))) nope

"Moon stuff" SAAAM

#1 cry with Sam's speech, full on chills.. Fuck. Me. His voice about to break before saying thank you bYE.

Shady politician: "It was the right decision" (FUCKKKKK YOUUU)

Rhodey: *press any key to doubt *

I need someone to analyze the different curation of the two exhibits pretty please

NOT THE PHOTO POST-AZZANO JFC. That photo is my weakness, Bucky sweetie (also I find hilarious that usually when there are articles about Stucky and/or #givecaptainamericaaboyfriend they aaaalways use that photo LMAO)

In case someone wants to read the transcription of the texts about Bucky: "In 1944, while on a mission to thwart a Hydra weapon transport in the Alps, Barnes was thrown from a train and believed to have been killed in action. It wasn't until 2014, over seventy years later, that it was revealed that Barnes was alive, having been found by Hydra operatives. Captain America himself (i can't read) the effort to bring Barnes in only to later aid in a escape from custody having been convinced of his innocence. Steve's loyalty to his old friend, coupled with his refusal to sign the Sokovia Accords, led to the dissolution of the Avengers and drove the Captain into hiding with other like-minded Avengers including Natasha Romanoff, Wanda Maximoff, and Sam Wilson. The current whereabouts of Barnes remains unknown, habing been labeled a fugitive following his escape from custody."

"current wherabout unknown" but not the government, interesting. Also, pretty good summary of CACW from the public's perspective, although one of the things I always wanted to see explored was the public's reaction of the fallout of them going into hiding after Civil War (which I'm hoping we'll get to see a little bit of in Black Widow).

Interesting point about the 70 years without having Captain America. Clearly the sacrifice play wasn't enough this time to fuel the nationalism so they went with a squeaky clean John Walker instead.

Sam saying the shield belongs to Steve I'm going to cry now excuse me. Sam. Sam sweetie.

The No. 1 Captain America comic in the display ugH fuck yes

See this is how you do a cameo that has actual meaning. Thank god for Malcolm Spellman being a competent writer. That scene was so well written.

HAVE YOU PRAISED ANTHONY MACKIE'S PERFORMANCE TODAY?? Holy shit that last shot fucked me up.

I'm loving the use of the wide shots, especially in the flashback. The camera movements are in synch with The Soldier's state of mind and mission focus, so good.

EVERYONE STAND UP FOR THE NATIONAL ANTHEM aka The Winter Soldier theme composed by Henry Jackman.

Without a doubt the most brutal TWS fight scene there has been, People involved in Punisher and John Wick are involved in this and it SHOWS. 

For the record, still stands that the only time we've seen him chocking someone with his right hand instead of the metal arm remains the Maria Stark assasination. I know it's probably because of blocking and the way the shot was composed but the implications are still bone chilling. God.

Uhhmmmm I'm very ambivalent about the "Hail Hydra". On one hand, it was 100% fanservice and the internet is probably going to go insane over it, and the dead way Sebastian Stan delivered the line. Good shit. Buuut what I love about CATWS is the way Bucky never, ever ever, mouths Hydra rethoric, and even when Pierce tries to gaslight him with it, it's just an empty effort. The Winter Soldier isn't doing anything because of ideological loyalty to Hydra, even if it's product of brainwashing, it's just sheer dehumanization. They don’t need him to say the words because he’s just An Asset. There are people who have put it more eloquently but yeah, I rather go with the fanon interpretation of that aspect.

The music growing louder with the shot of the keys. GOD.

I'm fine this is fine.

#2 cry with the therapy scene of fucking course.

The government monitoring Bucky is noooot going to end well lmao.

"We need to know that you're not gonna * slowmo stabbing motions *

Bucky: * nodding along slowly * 

I laughed out loud.

"It's passive agressive" I love him.

The way this scene just sucker punched me in the face, made me weep and then had me cracking up. Amazing.

Therapist: You can't do anything illegal

Bucky: yup yup check checkity check. What IS considered illegal tho?

*aggresive tablet finger pressing *

"Then why isn't it rule number one?" Bucky your Steve is showing.

I love the close up shot. I'll keep saying it. It's so good.

"I'm James Bucky Barnes" yeah you are🥺

That smile is nightmare fuel LMFAO I love it.

Uhm the way I'm kinning Bucky it's not funny anymore damn

That whole “are you lashing out at me” rambling is really reminiscent of the bar scene in CATFA and how he lashed out at Steve after Peggy left. Uhm yeah fuck.

"WHAT DO YOU WANT?" "Peace"

"That is UTTER BULLSHIT" "You're a terrible shrink"

yeah ugly crying to ugly laughing speedrun for me

"You're free" "To do what?" jesus. That entire scene. #3 and #4 and #5 cries for moi.

Ugh that Brooklyn shot. Someone needs to do a gifset compairing it to the one in CATFA asap.

"It's like Monique but it's got a "U" in there for uniqueness" "That's absurd" LMAO

"You can't keep fighting with your neighbors" uHM * redacted redacted i'm shifting into 1940s mode abort abort *

"Nobody passed 90" "So young. Such a shame" FGADHGA

🥺🥺 yes flex those flirting skills good for you

"It's a dance to this things. You can't… you gotta warm up and I haven't danced since 1943. Feels like." #6 cry I completely broke down into tears with that.

This Yori storyline is going to punch me in the face with a metal fist. Great!

The TWS theme when he looks at Yori fuuuuuck.

GREAT LET'S GO TO LOUISIANA THAT WAS GETTING HEAVY.

Those shots of Sam in the car. Immaculate. Showstoping. Yes.

Marvel, what if instead of promoting the military industrial complex you put a lot of publicity about cars?

"Uncle Sam!" LMAO subtle.

Everyone trying to have the wings lmao same.

I've only had Sarah for a day but etc. Brooklyn 99 meme

Good mirroring about Steve and Sam family's legacy. Good shit. Goooood shit.

Sam is trying so hard ouch my heart. I can't imagine how painful the scene with them reuniting must have been. He 100% still feels a lot of guilt about being gone for those 5 years (and even longer before that).

"Maybe it is time for us to move on" uuuuuuuuuuh

"To the rescue" "Always" 🥺🥺 i love them so much already

That shot outside the restaurant is so beautiful. Can't wait to see the night scenes in Madripoor tbh.

"I tried the whole online dating thing. It's pretty crazy". Uhm well that is something that Bucky Barnes has now said. In canon. Damn.

"It's a lot" "You sound like my dad" LMAO

Every Bucky fanfic trope speedrun with this scene

"Wow you really can drink" OH you have no idea

Just realized we don't even know her name, well.

"You have any siblings?" "I have a sister" THE WAY I SCREECHED. We're definitely getting Becca

Well that escalated quickly. The important thing is to try?

I can't deal with this BUCKY SWEETIE #8 cry right there fuck

The wardrobe department is KILLING IT, there's such a difference between the outfits of the shows vs how ugly and generic it usually is.

"ThEre is NO such thiNg as on time. You're either EARLY or LATE . picK One" lmao the way he delivered that line

At first I thought the flag smashers had thrown two cars out of a window LMAO

"I don't know how jurisdiction works here, but I'mma have to place you under arrest" uhm yikes. The way they changed Joaquín Torres backstory to just random army nice guy #1 is not sitting well with me, what can I say.

Sam's wings motions I LOVE HIM YOUR HONOR

Fuuuuck this guy.

"Funny how thing's always thighten around us" "Look, I'm on your side. After all, he's a hero". This script is C R I S P as hell, great fucking job.

"I don't care, I'm not gonna quit" "What are you trying to prove? And who you trying to prove it to" SHIT HSIT SHIT!!! UGH amazing. Look it's not necessary to say the show's questions out loud but how they flow between the conversations is still very satisfactory without feeling in your face about it. Inner conflicts have been set up fucking perfectly everyone * claps *

Ugh here we fucking go.  I knew this was how the episode was going to end but my stomach still dropped like a rollercoster. God.

The score is on point. Damn. Damn.

God, Sam.🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

The captain america franchise's visuals in the credits are always so amazing.

Also, does anybody know why Mackie isn't first in the billing?  Uhm what's that about?

ANYWAY CONCLUSION THAT EPISODE WAS SO FUCKING GOOD LIKE HOLY SHIT. I love them so much. The balance between the personal conflicts and the political aspect (although the military aspect is still very much yikes) was on point and it was overall a joy to watch.

[the-edge-of-great]

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ JATP WEEK - DAY ONE: FAVORITE CHARACTER(S) ♥

(i don’t have one favorite character, so i wrote something from different POVs of my main five :)) @jatp-week 

also i forgot ghosts don’t sleep. we’re pretending like they do today

––––––

FLYNN

“Flynn, no pressure, but I’m performing tonight,” Julie says while Flynn is dipping her brush into the black paint. “So, you know, make me look pretty.”

Flynn gasps, almost jerking her hand when she looks back at Julie. Julie catches her wrist before she can fling paint everywhere. “You didn’t tell me you were performing tonight!” She pauses, looking over her current progress. “Now I’m nervous.”

“I have total faith in you.” Julie’s eyes dart between the paint brush and Flynn. “But show me how it looks so far?”

Pursing her lips, Flynn shakes her head, grabs Julie’s shoulder, and aims the paintbrush at her cheek. “No way. You didn’t let me see until you were finished.”

“But—” Julie freezes when the brush touches the corner of her mouth, and her eyes quickly move to something behind Flynn. Her lips begin to twitch into a smile.

“Hey, hey!” Flynn cries. “No moving.”

“The guys are confused.”

“I’ll explain. You stay quiet.” Flynn gives her a second to stop laughing before continuing the delicate line she’s trying to curve across her cheek. She takes it slow—agonizingly, if Julie’s eyes are anything to go by. “So,” Flynn begins loudly to the dense air around her, “we’re getting ready for Day of the Dead, which is a holiday Julie’s family celebrates. I’m trying to draw a sugar skull design on her, like she did for me.”

Julie has always been the residential sugar skull designer in the house. She always drew Carlos’ face, her mom’s, and Flynn and Carrie’s. Usually, she does herself too, but this is their first Day of the Dead without her mom, so Flynn has decided to take the paintbrush into her own hands and surprise Julie with something beautiful—or try to, anyway.

Flynn’s face looks awesome. Julie painted only half in white with a fissured edge down the center of her face. From her eyebrow to her cheekbone, her eye is circled in green and lined with black. Half of Flynn’s mouth stretching to the middle of her cheek has been transformed into skeletal teeth with a vibrant green glow. Her dimple has layers upon layers of dark and light green paint, carefully blended to look like a real skull indentation. Small black circles line the top of her eyebrow, and thin black lines curve across the empty space of her cheek.

For Julie, Flynn is going for a more simplistic look—all of the drawing talent in the friendship seems to have been swallowed up by Julie. Right now, she’s focused on a curved black mouth stretching from one ear to another, adding extra detail to her lips to create a stitched effect, and then? She’ll figure it out from there.

“And I’m not taking any opinions from them,” Flynn declares. She holds her breath until the second line finally meets her ear and she’s finished with the mouth base. “They’re probably biased.”

Julie smiles as Flynn grabs her paint cup. “Actually, Alex says he likes what you’re doing so far.”

“… I’m only taking feedback from Alex.”

Julie laughs. Flynn can’t fight back her smile. “Reggie and Luke like it too,” she adds, smiling up at the space behind the couch. “They think I look scary.”

“How do I look?” Flynn asks, brushing her hair out of her face and looking up at the air, as if she can really see them. She wishes she could.

“They say you look amazing,” Julie translates. “I did that, by the way, so thank you.” She grins at them. Someone must reach for a fist bump, cause she moves her fist across the couch.

“Okay, if you’re going to stay, you can’t make her laugh.” Flynn leans forward, carefully painting over the tip of her nose. “She has a performance tonight, and if I mess up, you can’t fix it. I forbid it.”

“No—” Julie whines.

“You knew the risks when you agreed to let me do this!”

“You didn’t give me a choice!”

Flynn smacks her. “Stop smiling!” But she’s grinning too. It’s hard—how can you look at your best friend and not smile? Flynn waves a hand between them. “Okay, okay, we have to get this done. My hand is tired.”

Julie chuckles. “Okay.” She glances to her left. “No, I didn’t tell anyone I’m performing tonight. It was supposed to be a surprise.”

“Then why’d you tell me?” Flynn demands.

“To make sure you don’t make me look bad!”

Flynn scoffs. Her finger lifts Julie’s chin to make their eyes meet. “Girl, it’ll take a lot of paint to make you look bad.”

Julie grins.

“And Luke better not have said something equally as cute just then.”

“No—” Julie says it like the idea is overly ridiculous, and Flynn wants to roll her eyes. “Of course not.”

“Mmhm. Hold still.”

Julie and Luke are dating. Flynn isn’t sure how that works—him being a ghost and everything—but Julie makes it make sense. And what can Flynn say? As long as Julie’s happy…

Forty-five minutes later, she sits back with a sigh to admire her work. One of the guys poofed into Julie’s room to grab her makeup bag, so Julie’s eyes are shining with pink and purple eyeshadow to match the pink patch surrounding her right eye. Flynn finished Julie’s eye with a thin black ring and pink and purple circles curved halfway around the top and bottom of her eye. Her nose is black—Flynn’s sure she’ll add more detail in her room later. Then Flynn will complain that she messed with a masterpiece, even though she’ll love whatever additions Julie draws in.

“Wow, okay,” Julie says, looking at herself in her phone’s camera. “This looks so good. Way to pop off, Flynn.”

Flynn waves herself. “Thank you, thank you. It’s my hidden talent.”

Julie grins over her phone. They share a beat of silence before bursting into laughter. Julie leans forward, throwing an arm around Flynn’s shoulders and holding her phone above their heads. They take bursts of pictures, some serious, most silly. They play with Snapchat filters, film TikToks. It’s fun—Day of the Dead is always fun. Especially this year: the year Julie found her music again.

–––––

LUKE

He knocks before entering her room. As he passes through the door, he can hear Flynn and Carlos arguing about what color icing should go on the cupcakes. Alex and Reggie are down there too; he hopes Alex doesn’t let Reggie do anything crazy tonight.

Julie’s sitting in front of her mirror, humming and painting over her eye. She glances at him as she walks in.

Luke chuckles. “Flynn’s not going to be happy you’re changing her design.” He pulls her desk chair over and takes a seat next to her.

“I’m not changing it.” Julie dips her brush into pink paint. “I’m just… adding some stuff. I had an idea.”

“Flowers?”

“Dahlias.” She side eyes him and smiles. “My mom loved dahlias.” She balances her palette on her knees, steadying it with one hand while leaning forward to paint a second flower at the corner of her eyebrow.

“Here,” Luke offers, reaching under her arm to grab the paint. He holds the palette next to her, and when she reaches over to dip her brush, she smiles in thanks. “So, what exactly is Day of the Dead?”

“First of all, it’s usually pronounced Día de los Muertos,” she begins. Oh God, he loves when she speaks Spanish. “It’s a three day festival where we celebrate the lives of those we’ve lost. My dad’s side is coming over—we always celebrate with the Molinas. My mom was Puerto Rican; they don’t really observe this holiday. But she celebrated with my dad when they first started dating, and she fell in love with the holiday.”

“What’s so great about it?”

Julie waves a hand at her face. “The makeup. The costumes. The music, dancing, food… Just having family around. Being completely immersed in our culture.” She shrugs at him. “We speak Spanish sometimes around the house, but it’s my grandparents’ first language. They had to learn English when they first came to America, but they prefer Spanish.”

“Where’d they come from?”

“Panama.” Julie pauses, carefully painting leaves around the base of her dahlia. “My grandparents have ofrendas set up at their house—ofrendas are altars where we leave offerings for those who have passed. Tonight, we’re going to the cemetery to visit Mom’s grave.”

He notices the way she falters when she mentions her mom. He hates when that happens; always wants to kiss away the sadness. When Julie puts down her paintbrush, he takes her hand in his.

“Hey,” he whispers, running his thumb over her knuckles.

Julie takes a deep breath. “We didn’t celebrate last year; it was too close to Mom passing away.” She shrugs. “We didn’t have it in us.”

“This is your first year without her,” Luke realizes quietly.

“We have an ofrenda downstairs for her. Dad and Carlos did most of it. I was supposed to find some stuff in the studio, but—” She shakes her head. “It’s just weird. This was her favorite holiday, and now she’s—” Julie rolls her eyes. “I know it’s been a year, but—”

“Hey,” Luke interrupts. He tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. His fingers linger against her skin, cupping her cheek, mindful of the paint. “This is your first year without her. It’s okay to still be sad, Jules.”

Julie’s next breath is shaky; her eyes are glossy as she looks away. “Can’t cry,” she mumbles, shaking her head. “Flynn will kill me.”

Luke laughs. Behind him, he hears the whoosh of Alex and Reggie poofing in her room. Julie smiles weakly at them.

“Were we interrupting?” Reggie asks, raising his eyebrows knowingly.

Alex shakes his head. “Sorry. He kept stealing Flynn’s cupcakes to give to Carlos, and I knew he’d either scare your tía or Flynn would hit him with a spatula if we didn’t get out of there.”

“Carlos deserved to win—”

Julie laughs out loud. She wipes at her eyes carefully; Luke hopes she’s forgotten her grief for now. Luke grins at her. He loves her laugh. Have I mentioned he’s kinda just in love with her?

“We have a little bit before my family arrives,” Julie says, checking her phone. She tugs her lip between her teeth. “And I have extra paint…?”

Reggie bounces on his feet. “Yes!” he cries. “I want a face painting!”

As soon as Luke steps away from the chair, Reggie is there, knees bumping against Julie’s. “Make me look cool.”

Alex lays across her bed, resting his chin in his hands as he watches them. Luke hands the palette to Julie and steps out of her way. While she works on pouring more paint out, he dips his head and presses a soft kiss to her hair. Then he takes a seat next to Alex.

Luke grins. “I want next!”

–––––

REGGIE

He knows the party is really in full swing when the sugar skulls are beginning to set in and the children running around are almost as loud as Julie’s cousins playing music in the living room. Carlos’ real teeth are black; they match the set Julie painted on him. It looks a little creepy; his tía Victoria demands he go brush every time he grins at her in passing.

Reggie ducks past people as if they won’t pass through him; it’s still weird to him, and he knows they feel the same way. At some point, he was separated from his friends. He sees Luke and Julie every now and then—Julie’s making her rounds with her family, and Luke is by her side, always—but he hasn’t seen Alex in a while. He wonders, in the back of his mind, if Alex is even still around. Would he leave a party? He’s done it before. If there’s a chance he can hangout with Willie? No doubt. But would he leave Julie’s party to hangout with Willie? Hm… nah.

His favorite thing, he thinks as he walks through the house, is the atmosphere. There are so many people around—and most are Ray’s siblings! Julie mentioned in the middle of face painting that Latino families are often big, but he wasn’t expecting this! He loves it, though. Sometimes he lingers in a room before moving on, and he hears stories about Ray from his siblings: childhood mishaps and teenage antics.

And with so many siblings comes cousins. They range in age, from Carlos’ to Reggie’s. He overhears Carlos tell the other kids about the ghosts that haunt their house—Reggie leaves with a personal promise to prove him right later.

On his second walk through the living room, he finally spots his friends: Alex is sitting on the arm of the couch next to Flynn with Luke next to him. Julie stands beside an older man with a long beard and a guitar on his lap. Just as Reggie’s about to cross the room to them, something catches his eye.

It’s a shelf to his left, spotted with candles, photos, and flowers. He steps closer, curious. There’s a picture of Julie’s mom in a frame on top, he thinks. She looks… familiar. On the first shelf down is a pair of drumsticks and guitar picks. Reggie frowns. Why are there… drumsticks? He reaches for them. They couldn’t be Alex’s… could they? Why would his drumsticks be—

“I told you our house is haunted!” Carlos cries, and that’s when Reggie notices how quiet everything is suddenly. The drumsticks bounce against his fingers and roll back against the shelf wall.

“Reggie,” Alex hisses behind him.

“Dude, your drumsticks are up here!” Reggie cries.

“My—What?”

Julie moves when no one else does. She’s not looking at Reggie, but he begins apologizing anyway, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare everyone.”

“It’s okay,” she says quietly, reaching for the sticks. “Whose are…?”

“I found them in a box of your mother’s things in the studio,” Ray explains, walking over.

Reggie throws a knowing look at Alex. Alex frowns and summons his drumsticks. They appear in his hand in a flash, and when Reggie turns back, there’s still a pair in Julie’s hand.

“Oh,” she says. “I didn’t know she played.”

Ray chuckles. “Your mother played every instrument she could. Now, there’s a difference in playing and actually sounding good… Drumming is not something she excelled at.”

This earns a round of laughter from their family. From Julie, who’s beaming under her makeup at the new information. From Alex, who adds a “If that isn’t a mood” under his breath.

“What—” Luke argues. “Dude, you’re literally a drummer.”

“I make it look easy.”

Luke rolls his eyes.

“The guitar picks are hers too,” Ray adds, pushing them into his hand. “Look, they have the logos from each of the bands she was in.”

Julie looks them over. “I’m sorry.” She shakes her head. “I should’ve grabbed these from the studio. You told me to find things for her ofrenda, but I—”

“Hey, it’s okay mija,” Ray interrupts. He squeezes her shoulder. “It was actually fun going through her old stuff again. I, personally, haven’t seen these in years.”

Reggie realizes he’s smiling long before Julie finds her strength again. He loves the father-daughter moments they have, even though he has a nagging feeling that he should be over by Luke and Alex and not intruding. Their relationship is addicting, though. He’s never had that with his father.

Maybe… that’s a can of worms to open on another day.

“Speaking of talent,” the man with the guitar says, “Julie? Cantar para nosotros?”

Reggie doesn’t know what he said, but Julie does. She nods. As they part ways—Ray moving past to fix the ofrenda, Reggie walking toward his friends, and Julie heading for the front of the room—Reggie squeezes Julie’s shoulder in passing. They share a quick smile.

“Good luck,” he says. She can’t respond, but he knows her smile is for him.

–––––

ALEX

Alex has never experienced this type of music live. They have a whole band up there—two guitarists, a woman sitting on a cajón box, and Julie with vocals in the center.

“And now you see Julie’s other band,” Flynn whispers to them. “The Molinas.”

The song begins softly. Alex can’t understand anything Julie’s singing, but he doesn’t have to know the words to hear her voice. As the beat picks up, so does her volume. He can see the moment she loses herself completely to the music; it’s the same at their own concerts: her eyes squeezing shut, one hand pressed in front of her and the other at her side. She can’t stand still, either. Julie steps over her younger siblings sitting on the ground carefully, but she’s bouncing on the soles of her feet. The music’s contagious—by the time she’s danced around the room and made it back to where she started, the whole room is clapping on beat. They’re grinning at each other, some singing along, some cheering.

Alex can’t fight a smile. It’s impossible. He looks at Luke and Reggie—they mirror him. The energy Julie and her family has created is infectious, as music should be; even if he still doesn’t know what she’s saying.

Julie ends the song on her own with a stretched out note, instruments falling away with each beat she holds in a breath he can’t believe is possible. Everyone watches with bated breath, anticipation, building excitement for this girl. Julie Molina—Alex shakes his head in disbelief. What a damn star.

Flynn leaps to her feet when Julie finally takes a breath. “WOO!” she shouts. “Go off girl!”

Alex finds himself laughing when the room erupts into cheers. Luke is practically vibrating with excitement. Reggie shouts with Flynn.

Julie takes a bow, shoulders bouncing with quickened breath and eyes shining under the dark makeup.

Flynn yanks her into a tight hug. “Oh my gosh, that was incredible!” she cries.

“Seriously,” Alex agrees. “You killed it.” He fist bumps her, hidden from the rest of the room in front of Flynn.

“I have no idea what you said, but it was beautiful,” Reggie adds, starstruck.

Luke grins at her. “You never cease to amaze me, Jules.”

As the excitement dies down, so does the party. The family disperses in groups until Carlos and Julie are hugging tía Victoria goodbye, and Ray is closing the door to a finally quiet home.

“So,” Ray says, turning to his kids. “One last thing to do tonight.”

Carlos nods. “I’ll grab the candles.”

"And I'll get… everything else," Julie adds. She glances at Alex and the others on her way up the stairs.

They meet her in her room. Alex sits on her bed. "So, what's next?"

"We're going to the cemetery to visit Mom's grave," Julie explains, opening her closet. She grabs a bag and joins Alex on the bed. "You guys can come if you want. People light up the graves with candles and lights—it's beautiful."

Sounds beautiful, but—Alex looks over at Luke and Reggie. They meet his gaze with as much hesitation as he feels.

"I think we're going to hang back," Luke admits softly. "It's, um… I think it's kind of weird for us, you know? Since we're…"

Julie blinks. "Oh, right. Duh. Of course." She shakes her head. "That's okay."

Alex smiles. "But we'll be here when you get home."

She nods, returning his smile. Her eyes flicker to something behind him, and she hurries around the bed. Alex is just turning to her when Reggie gasps.

“The box," he whispers, eyes wide.

"Don't act like at least one of you hasn't been in here already," Julie mutters, opening the box on her bed.

Alex and Reggie throw a look at Luke, who's chewing his lip sheepishly.

"What're you doing?" Luke asks, moving to her side.

"I—" Julie quickly tucks a piece of paper into her pocket. "I'm just… It's an offering for her."

Luke frowns. "Okay. Sorry, I didn't mean to—"

"No, it's—"

"Julie!" Ray calls up the stairs. "You ready?"

Julie sighs. "Yeah, dad!" She shifts her weight, glancing between them. "I'll tell you guys later, okay?"

Reggie nods. "Yeah, of course."

She takes two steps toward the door before turning back to them. "Group hug?" she asks hopefully. "Real quick?"

Reggie immediately wraps his arms around her. "Like you even have to ask," he mutters. They chuckle. Alex rolls off the bed, and he and Luke join in. They've been doing this a lot more: hugging. Ever since they've been able to touch each other, this has become their thing. Not that Alex is complaining.

When Julie pulls away, she's smiling so wide. Alex smiles back, but he can't help thinking there's something behind that skeletal grin. He doesn't ask; none of them do. They let her go, despite the feeling gnawing at him. Later, he decides. Hopefully they can figure it out later.

–––––

JULIE

The cemetery was always Julie’s mom’s favorite part of Día de los Muertos. There’s a chilling beauty in a sea of lights across acres of land, crowded with people who can all relate on some level.

Rose Molina’s grave is lined with white and blue candles—she always loved the ones that smelled like the ocean. There are guitar picks scattered across the stone, most of which didn’t come from them. Ray suggested previous bandmates; Julie has never met the previous bandmates. She wants to one day; hopes to.

They stay with her for a while. She doesn’t know how long they sit by her, telling her stories about what’s happening in the past year. They have a lot to catch up on—Julie’s sure this is Carlos’ first visit since she died. It’s definitely Julie’s. Her dad’s been here a few times, only once or twice. She wonders if there have been any recent visits.

There are tears in her eyes when they finally stand to leave. Her dad catches it somehow—she’s sure her dark makeup shadowed by the dim light would’ve covered her—and before she can blink, he’s wrapping his arms around her in a tight hold. She would’ve buried her face in his chest if she had washed her paint off. But she didn’t, so she doesn’t hug as tight as she wants, and she pulls away too soon.

As they’re leaving, Julie remembers the note in her pocket. “Wait,” she says, falling out of step with them. “I forgot something.” She lingers, shifting her weight. “Can I meet you in the car?”

Carlos frowns. Dad nods. “Of course,” he says softly.

Julie watches them go, disappearing in the crowd. In just a blink, she’s alone. The note is heavy in her chest. With a deep breath, she turns back to her mom.

“Hey,” she says, sinking to her knees. “I have something I want to show you.” She crosses her legs under her and unfolds the note in her hands. “Remember that song we started writing while you were in the hospital? Stand Tall? We never… got to finish it…” With trembling hands, Julie slips the note beneath a picture frame Carlos left at the base of the stone. It’s a moment captured after Julie’s performance at The Orpheum: her, Carlos, Dad, and tía Victoria, posing under the Julie and the Phantoms sign.

“Well, my friend Luke helped me write that second verse,” she continues. “He’s—He’s kind of more than my friend. You know who he is, and what he is.” She laughs. “Don’t judge me too hard for this relationship, okay? He’s really… a great guy. They all are: Alex, Luke, and Reggie. They’ve helped me in… more ways that I can put into words.” The next time she laughs, her voice is shaking. She sniffs; the black on her nose smears across her hand when she rubs her face. “Anyway, um, I just wanted to give you this. And I wanted to tell you thanks. Thanks for sending the guys to me. Thanks for giving me the courage to get back into music. Thanks for…”

Julie shakes her head. The tears are back—she tries swallowing them back. Maybe if she can just hold it in for a little bit longer, at least until she takes the paint off—

“I really miss you, Mom,” she says carefully, slowly, like every word takes all of her strength. “A lot. Every day. I miss you. I miss you. I love you.”

Someone stops behind her stone. Two people, actually. Julie sniffs. She wipes at her nose again; she doesn’t care what she looks like now.

“Julie?”

That’s weird. Sounds almost like—

“Carrie?”

Julie brushes off her pants when she climbs to her feet. She sniffs again, eyeing the pair across from her: Carrie and Trevor Wilson. Trevor is holding a bouquet of flowers; it takes her breath away—dahlias.

“We were just coming out to pay our respects,” Trevor says. He separates a dahlia and hands it to her.

“Nice makeup,” Carrie says, not unkindly. She’s actually smiling, kind of like she used to when they were friends.

“Thanks, I—Flynn did it. Well, not…” Julie gestures to the smudged paint.

“Right.” Carrie reaches into her bag and offers a wad of tissues. Julie takes them with a smile. They share a nod, Julie thanks Trevor for the flower, and they go their separate ways. At least Julie doesn’t feel as heavy as usual when she walks away from Carrie.

At home, when her face is clean of any paint and she can see herself again, she steps into her animal slippers and makes her way down to the studio. The guys are waiting, just like they said they would. They smile when they see her, and she smiles back, but her gaze settles on the piano, and then she can’t look away from the piano.

Two years ago, she played a song while her mom strutted around the studio, pretending to sing terribly and still managing to sound like an angel. The year before that, Julie and her family sat on the floor surrounded by candles and told ghost stories because an earthquake knocked out their electricity (that’s where Carlos’ fascination comes from). The year before that, they—

Julie’s lip quivers. Her fingers curl around the arm of the couch, her vision blurs, and everything hurts. Someone’s in front of her in seconds—it’s Luke. He’s holding her close, tight against him, fingers in her hair, and she just breaks.

Her hands tighten into fists around his shirt. She buries her face in his shoulder; now that she’s started, she can’t stop. She tries to speak, to explain, but—

“Shh,” he whispers. He rubs circles into her back. “I know. I know, baby.” He kisses her hair. “It’s okay, Jules.”

She doesn’t try speaking again, and when Alex and Reggie join the hug, she just cries harder.

When she wakes the next morning, she’s on the couch. Luke’s behind her, an arm around her waist, legs tangled. Alex is in front of her, sitting against the couch with his cheek pressed against the cushion. She grimaces for him; that can’t be comfortable. On the floor, with his head in Alex’s lap is Reggie, curled in a ball against the couch. They never left her side last night.

With a heart swelling with warmth, Julie snuggles closer to Luke. Her movement causes him to hold tighter, which takes her breath away.

Julie smiles at something across from her before going back to sleep.

Laying on the coffee table in front of Alex, at the edge, as if it doesn’t want to leave her side either, is the dahlia.

[chiaki-translation]

A3! SSR Juza [Novice Photographer] Backstage Story

Because I have a friend who loves Juza, that’s why I decided to translate this one first. But seriously, I think am too jobless that’s why I have time to do this. I can’t wait to read and translate Azami’s story. In the meantime, please enjoy~

Summary:

Juza is learning how to be a better photographer (I am so bad at summary, oops).

As usual, I’m referring to this card from the June Bride 2020 series:

Disclaimer:

A3! is owned by Liber Entertainment

Beloved (Photography) Subject

Juza

……

Director

I’m home.

Tsuzuru

I’m home.

Juza

Welcome home.

You’re coming back from shopping?

Director

Yeah, I got a call from Omi kun that he will be coming home late from work today, so we made the trip to  the market.

Tsuzuru

Ah, it’s already this late, we have to get to start preparing dinner soon.

Juza

Is there anything I can do, I’ll help.

Director

Thank you.

Eh, that camera you’re holding……

Tsuzuru

It’s a toy camera you get from Fushimi-san right.

Juza

Yeah.

Director

(After Omi-kun graduated from university, both Juza-kun and Tsuzuru-kun got a hand-down camera from him.)

Have you been able to take good pictures?

Juza

No, I haven’t.

I couldn’t get the good timing to shoot and now I’m not sure……

Have you used the camera that you got, Tsuzuru-san?

Tsuzuru

Yeah, I tried to take pictures whenever I see something that I think could help me with the scriptwriting.

Director

Even on the way back from shopping, Tsuzuru-kun keeps taking pictures.

Tsuzuru

Pictures that I took today…. Like this I guess.

Juza

This is……?

Tsuzuru

It’s a doll displayed in the window of a shop in the shopping district. It looks like a vintage shop  right.

Director

This is a group of middle school students practicing dance in the riverbank.

Tsuzuru

When I’m thinking of using flash to take the pictures, of course, I’ll ask their permission beforehand.

Juza

Tsuzuru-san, to be able to get this kind of pictures for your script.

It’s amazing……

Tsuzuru

Besides that, to practice using the camera, I also took pictures like Sakuya and Citron-san’s snack time.

I tried to ask Masumi to let me take his pictures as trial, but he hits me with a ‘so troublesome’ face and  refused.

Director

Ahaha……

Tsuzuru

Ah, but you don’t need to think too hard.

Director

Yeah. Juza-kun can take pictures whenever you feel like taking one.

Juza

…… Yeah.

<Shifts to Another Room>

Juza

…

Omi

Oh, Juza.

Juza

Omi-san.

Omi

Haha, somehow you’re looking into the Finder with such a troubled face.

For using that camera, thank you.

Juza

Yeah. I have been practicing so I can take pictures when it’s time, but somehow I can’t take good pictures.

Until now, I don’t really use a camera and I don’t know how to handle it……. It’s hard.

Why can’t I take pictures like Omi-san……?

Omi

Ah, right……

<End of Part 1>

Juza

Why can’t I take pictures like Omi-san……?

Omi

Ah, right……

As expected, is it about the number of pictures you take?

You will get used to is as you shoot more pictures.

Besides, it’s not like all the pictures you take is going to come out good.

Even for a flyer for example, you’ll only choose 1 photo from all the photos you have taken.

Juza

Ah…… It’s true.

Omi

That’s why, you don’t need to think about complicated things. First of all, just think about trying to shoot more pictures.

Juza

Right.

Kumon

Onii-chan!

Ah, you’re here!

Onii-chan, let’s get going-

Juza

It’s already time.

Kumon

Yeah, Muku’s already waiting with the luggage.

I’ll go to the lounge first.

Juza

Alright. I’ll be there soon.

Omi

Are you going out somewhere?

Juza

A relative’s wedding.

We’re going with our family, so me, Kumon, and Muku are going to go back to our family’s home.

Omi

I see.

Haha, sounds like an event where you can shoot a lot of pictures.

Juza

!

Omi-san, thanks.

The camera, I’ll bring it with me.

Omi

Yeah, it’ll be great if you can take good pictures.

<Shifts to Wedding Venue>

Muku

What a beautiful wedding banquet……!

Kumon

Yeah!

Juza

……

Kumon

Ah, onii-chan in a suit, as I thought it’s so cool……!

Juza

You’ve said that so many times since this morning, Kumon.

Kumon

I mean, it’s because it’s really really cool!

Muku

Hehe, but it really suits you, Ju-chan!

A……!

Woah, this bear, it’s the bride and the groom……! So cute.

Kumon

You’re right!

This welcome board here has a lot of flowers too, it’s so pretty!

Muku

Whichever it is, it’s really so romantic……!

Juza

……!

Kumon

Eh, onii-chan, that’s the camera you got from Omi-san right?

Juza

Yeah. I thought I might be able to shoot some good pictures, that’s why I brought it here.

Muku

You’re right. Today definitely, you will be able to take some nice pictures!

Juza

…… Yeah.

<Shifts to Garden>

Kumon

Uhh, somehow I feel so much excitement just being here……!

The bride and the groom too, both of them looks so happy!

Juza

Yeah.

Muku

Yep…..!

Even I become very happy……

Kumon

Yeah yeah!

Muku

Uhh…. somehow…… when the bride starts crying, I can’t help but to cry too, my tears won’t stop flowing……  

Kumon

Me too……! If I remember it again I’ll just…… uuhhh…….

Juza

……

*shutter sound*

Muku

Ju-chan……?

Juza

…... No, it’s nothing.

<End of Part 2>

Juza

I’m home.

Director

Welcome back, Juza-kun.

Omi

Ah, welcome back. You’re early.

Juza

Today’s class is only until 3pm.

……?

What are you looking at?

Omi

Ah, I’m organizing some pictures that I took before for my work.

Give me a minute.

Thinking about it, Juza you took some pictures previously right?

Juza

Yeah.

Omi

Then, let’s take a look at it together in the PC, do you have the camera with you right now?

Juza

Yeah.

Director

Oh Yeah, Juza-kun, you mentioned that you went to a wedding ceremony last time right?

Juza

Yeah. I took a few pictures back then.

Director

Hee, let me see……

Woah, amazing, it looks like pictures taken by filter.

Omi

Toy camera’s pictures will come out like that, that’s why it’s interesting.

Director

Eh, but……

(No matter how much I look, I don’t know what was taken in each of the picture……)

Eh, umm……

Omi

Ah, it seems they’re blur.

Juza

……

Director

Bu, but, if you take so many pictures, it must be such a wonderful wedding!

 Choice 1: Let me hear more about the wedding

Choice 2: You’ll gradually improve with your pictures!

[

[

Choice 1:

Director

What kind of ceremony was it?

Let me hear more about the wedding ceremony.

Juza

It was a good ceremony. The venue was decorated with all kind of stuffs, like flowers and plush toys, it was very beautiful—

The bride and the groom seemed so happy, when I look at them, how to say, I ended up feeling happy too.

Director

Yeah, somehow I get it.

Juza

Yeah. Then the magic trick they did during the entertainment segment was very interesting…

Then—

The dessert and the cakes were very delicious.

Omi

Ah perhaps, the blur picture just now was the cake, I see now.

Juza

Yes.

]

]

[

[

Choice 2:

Director

You’ll gradually improve with your pictures!

Omi

Yeah, let me say this again, you’ll get used to it by taking a lot of pictures.

Juza

Yeah.

….. By the way, that time when Tsuzuru-san took pictures during shopping, he mentioned that he also took pictures of the others during practice.

Director, let me go with you this time, is it okay for me to take pictures along the way?

…… even during practice, it would be great if I can go with you.

Director

Of course! If you’re alright with me, we can go together.

Juza

Thanks.

]

]

Director

(Ah, this……

Only this photo looks so beautiful, even though it’s blur)

This picture……

Omi

Muku and Kumon is it.

Director

The two of them sure cried a lot.

Juza

…… After the wedding ceremony, I took pictures of the two of them who were crying. They were so full with emotion.

The two of them are, the kind of people who can cry for other’s sake.

Such a kind heart, I can’t do it like them.

When I thought about it, by the time I realized I already pressed the shutter.

Director

Hehe, so it’s like that.

Omi

I see.

Juza

?

Director

That way, doesn’t that mean you were moved by the feelings of those 2 at that time. Juza-kun who pressed the shutter at that time, surely also have a kind heart.

It’s so warm, such a good picture.

And in this picture, Juza-kun’s kindness is clearly shown.

Juza

I see……

Omi

From now on, remember that feeling, you can take pictures whenever you see something that touches your heart.

Juza

Yeah.

<End of Part 3>

[tenemos-que-hablar]

“Are you seriously this cool all the time?”

(Macarena Achaga interview for InStyle Magazine, October 2019)

This phrase stuck in our heads when we stalked Macarena Achaga on her social media (that is, before an interview, we read, investigate, and we even get into those forgotten corners of the internet to know about the celebrities on our cover.) And we believe that this is the one question that many ask the Argentine actress...she answers it for us.

“I’m so excited, what did you think of the photos?” asks Maca about the photoshoot we did in Barcelona, ​​with the new collection of the Spanish brand “Desigual” (we love them, by the way). Precisely, she is an example of that (desigual), of originality embodied in a person; not only transcending from being a teenage entertainer in Mis XV, to becoming the actress whose character, along with Barbara Lopez, became the first lesbian couple on Mexican television in Amar a muerte, a telenovela written by Venezuelan Leonardo Padron and produced by Lemon and W Studios.

“I don’t want to discount any of my work because each of them has taken me to where I am now and shaped me professionally; I started with Mis XV and there I learned the importance of freedom at a young age. I am very grateful to have done it with maturity and that my parents always gave me the chance to make my own decisions; I constantly say that it’s better to regret the consequences of your own choices than to regret the ones that were decided for you. From a very young age, I faced and lived many things that, without knowing, would later give me the weapons to tell other people's stories and have empathy so that girls feel recognized.”

“That was the number one factor that happened with Juliantina; we were able to raise our voice for so many people out there who don’t have the opportunity to do so and who don’t have the freedom that I had. The transition in my career has been immense, but going through different experiences gave me the strength to go out and act. I do this because it allows me to be the voice of so many who don’t have one. Following what my heart says lets me do my job with a purpose,” confesses the artist who began more than 12 years ago in middle entertainment and today is one of the coolest faces on the small screen.

The growth that the Argentine has had has been tremendous, but she has also encountered unexpected challenges and obstacles. The industry is difficult, “as humans we are made to please. I think that it is one thing to pretend to fit in and quite another to want to belong. I don’t think it’s the same to fit in by changing who you are than to be with a group of people who are moved by the same things you are; however, I don’t look to change my way of being. I’m guided by the projects that align with my way of thinking. When I am old and I look in the mirror, I want to say ‘You did everything out of love’. I look to play roles that touch someone from a different point of view, but at the same time tell a message that I believe in.” And it’s precisely that, that she’s sure is how things are flowing and has been the success of her career.

She even told us a story of one of her castings, that she realized how the camera connects you to the audience, and because of that she is transparent with her acting and she feels that is part of the movement that is taking place with Juliantina.

Without a doubt, there are many girls, regardless of their sexual orientation, who have felt moved after seeing her performance as Valentina, who is part of a same-sex couple: “She encouraged them to speak without such filters. I don’t label myself and I want to convey that message. Of course, this opens up the conversation that you can have the relationship you want in the way you think it best; I think that these stereotypes and ideas that are so deeply rooted in society have finally begun to fall. I feel proud and responsible--even blessed--because so many girls have chosen me to be a voice that gives the message of equality and put it out there with the ideals of thousands of people. I am inspired by the change I see. As for the sexuality argument, it seems to me that it shouldn’t be a topic of conversation, not because it’s bad, but because it shouldn’t remain a taboo.” Macarena celebrates individuality and is sure that being yourself is the path to happiness, although she knows how difficult it is to translate into words.

And for the Juliantina fans comes a very important project: the movie that will take the couple to the big screen. Undeniably, it will mark a before and after in the history of Mexican television in which an LGBTQ+ couple transitions from a telenovela to a movie.

“It's beautiful to listen the community of women who are making themselves heard and who want to see the story that touched them so much. I thank God I was chosen to play it; it needed to be told. It is a romantic story, but above all, real. For me, it’s a response to the audience that’s socially responsible and their hope to see so much love and camaraderie. This opens a window for the world to be part of a turning point of love stories in general,” she emphasizes.

For her, it is important to go beyond generations, to reach entire families and that the audience connects with this moment of change. “It’s inevitable, urgent, and necessary that these issues are on the table, discussing important things requires courage. Talking about sexuality is uncomfortable, but it has to be done and we are opening the conversation. Recently, I had coffee with a fan from Brazil who told me that after a time of struggling, then seeing me on TV, and then on my social media, she realized that there was a life out there that she wasn’t enjoying. I want to end the prejudices and not have to explain, when many times you yourself are still discovering what is happening with you”.

Macarena is different, rebellious and breaking the rules since she was a child because she has a conscience that allows her to identify with what she likes and what she doesn't, although she admits that she couldn’t have accomplished it without the support of her family and fans who send her gifts, even from Korea, and make her feel special. 

“I like to break the rules and it’s important to learn how to say no and be an example without shame. End the excuses, give the answers from a place that comes from confidence in who you are,” she declares.

So yes, the answer is that Macarena is this cool, all the time.

--

Interview: Karla Jáuregui

Photos: Paola Vivas

Styling: Paulina Zas

[nationalparkposters]

Visiting Dry Tortugas National Park

Visiting Dry Tortugas National Park: Some 70 miles west of Key West Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico, lies one of North America's most inaccessible national parks. Renowned for pirate legends, shipwrecks, and sheer unspoiled beauty, Dry Tortugas National Park harbors unrivaled coral reefs and marine life, an annual birding spectacle, and majestic Fort Jefferson, the largest masonry stronghold in the Western Hemisphere. Getting There Accessible only by boat or seaplane, just 60,000 visitors make it to Dry Tortugas National Park each year. Compare that to the more than 330 million people who visited America's national parks last year. But it's really no surprise when you consider what's involved just getting there. The jumping off point is Key West, Florida, and from there, you can choose between an all-day boat ride, and half- or full-day seaplane trips, assuming you don't have your own vessel. Pre-Flight When I visited Dry Tortugas National Park, I opted for the seaplane flight and checked in at the Key West Seaplane Adventures office at 7:30 for an 8:00 am flight. Even though it was late March, the sun was just rising, and filtered by wisps of pink and orange clouds. When the remaining nine passengers arrived, we received our briefing, were introduced to our pilot, and then walked out on to the tarmac together to board the DHC-3 DeHavilland Turbine Otter Amphibian. The plane can carry 10 passengers plus the pilot…and when the co-pilot seat was offered up, I literally jumped at the opportunity! Our pilot has been flying to and from Dry Tortugas for years. He would make five trips to and from Dry Tortugas that day…and after dropping us off, his early morning return flight to Key West would be a solo one. Ready for Takeoff Once we had our seat belts fastened, and perhaps more importantly, our headphones on, the pilot began to narrate our early morning adventure as we taxied out on to the runway. I fired up my video camera…and before I knew it we were airborne heading due east into the morning sun, and just as quickly banking south, then west for a bird's eye view of Key West. It was only then that I had the exhilarating realization I would be setting down in a place I'd only been able to conjure in my imagination — turquoise waters, green sea turtles, bright coral, frigate birds, shipwrecks, and a coastal fortress some 170 years old. The co-pilot's seat offered the perfect view of Key West, its hotels, Duvall Street and Mallory Square, which quickly faded from view. The pilot pumped some music into our headphones…though I wasn't quite sure what to make of his first selection: Tom Petty's “Free Fallin'”! Flying at at 130 knots, we were quickly over an area called the “Flats,” a body of shallow water just 3–5 feet deep extending almost 20 miles to the west. Flying at just 500 feet above the water, these shallows are teeming with Loggerhead turtles and you could clearly see dozens of them swimming about as we cruised overhead. 25 miles out, we flew directly over Marquesas Islands, a coral atoll…and then over an area called the “Quicksands.” Here the water is 30 feet deep with a sea bed of constantly shifting sand dunes. This is where treasure hunter Mel Fisher found the Spanish Galleons Antocha and Margarita — and more than a half a billion dollars of gold and silver strewn across an eight mile area. They continue to work the site, and even today, there are regular finds of huge Spanish Emeralds. But it wasn't long from my vantage point in the cockpit before I could begin to make out Fort Jefferson on Garden Key, and further west, the lighthouse on Loggerhead Key. Fort Jefferson, a massive but unfinished coastal fortress, is the largest brick masonry structure in the Americas. Composed of over 16 million bricks, the building covers 16 acres. Florida was acquired from Spain (1819–1821) by the United States, which considered the 75 mile stretch connecting the Gulf Coast and Atlantic Ocean important to protect, since anyone who occupied the area could seize control of the trade routes along the Gulf Coast. Construction of Fort Jefferson began on Garden Key in 1847, and although more than $250,000 had been spent by 1860, the fort was never finished. As the largest 19th century American masonry coastal fort, it also served as a remote prison facility during the Civil War. The most famous inmate was Dr. Samuel Mudd, who set the leg of John Wilkes Booth following the assassination of President Lincoln. Mudd was convicted of conspiracy and was imprisoned on the Dry Tortugas from 1865 to 1869. The fort continued to serve as a military prison until 1874. Almost There… Our pilot banked the De Havilland to the right, providing a spectacular view of the islands and Fort Jefferson, heading the seaplane into the wind for the smoothest landing I've ever experienced — on land or sea — gently skimming the surface, and we glided effortlessly across the turquoise waters and headed towards shore. One more roar of the engines, a quick turn, and we were up on the beach ready to disembark. We arrived about 8:30 AM…and aside from the 10 passengers on board, a half dozen campers at one end of the Garden Key, and a few National Park Service employees, we had the island to ourselves. As I watched the seaplane take off, heading back to Key West, it struck me just how isolated we were in this remote ocean wilderness. I imagined the islands didn't look much different to Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, credited for discovering the islands in 1531. He named them Las Tortugas, or “The Turtles,” as the islands and surrounding waters were aswarm with loggerhead , hawksbill, leatherback, and green turtles. For nearly three hundred years, pirates raided not only passing ships, but relied on turtles for meat and eggs and also pilfered the nests of roosting sooty and noddy terns. Nautical charts began to show that The Tortugas were dry — due to the lack of fresh water — and eventually the islands were renamed as The Dry Tortugas. Taking advantage of the early morning light, I headed inside the fort, making my way up the spiral staircase, and stepped out of the old Garden Key lighthouse built in 1825. The lighthouse is no longer in use, since the “new” 167 foot tall lighthouse on Loggerhead Key, completed in 1858, continues to flash its beacon to mariners, warning of the shallow waters. The view from atop of Fort Jefferson provided a spectacular 360 degree panorama. And besides the few spits of land that make up the park, there was nothing but sky and sea in every direction. About the Park Dry Tortugas National Park, situated at the farthest end of the Florida Keys, is closer to Cuba than to the American mainland. A cluster of seven islands, composed mostly of sand and coral reefs, just 93 of the park's 64,000 acres are above water. The three easternmost keys are simply spits of white coral sand, while 49-acre Loggerhead Key, three miles out, marks the western edge of the island chain. The park's sandy keys are in a constant state of flux — shaped by tides and currents, weather and climate. In fact, four islands completely disappeared between 1875 and 1935, a testament to the fragility of the ecosystem. The Dry Tortugas are recognized for their near-pristine natural resources including seagrass beds, fisheries, and sea turtle and bird nesting habitat. The surrounding coral reefs make up the third-largest barrier reef system outside of Australia and Belize. President Franklin D. Roosevelt established Fort Jefferson National Monument under the Antiquities Act on January 4, 1935. It was expanded to it's current size in 1983, when the monument was re-designated by an act of Congress as Dry Tortugas National Park on October 26, 1992. Its charter: to protect the island and marine environment, to preserve Fort Jefferson and submerged cultural resources such as shipwrecks. Just 100 yards or so from Fort Jefferson is Bush Key. Home to a diverse collection of birds that frequent the islands, it features a mix of mangrove, sea oats, bay cedar, sea grape and prickly pear cactus, reflecting the original character of the islands. A great wildlife spectacle occurs each year between February and September, when as many as 100,000 sooty terns travel from the Caribbean Sea and west-central Atlantic Ocean to nest on the islands of the Dry Tortugas. Brown noddies, roseate terns, double-crested cormorants, brown pelicans and the Magnificent frigatebird, with its 7-foot wingspan, breed here as well. Although Bush Key was closed to visitors when I visited, hundreds, if not thousands of birds filled the skies and the sounds of their screeches and calls filled the otherwise tranquil surroundings. There is no water, food, bathing facilities, supplies, or public lodging (other than camping on Garden Key) in the park. All visitors, campers, and boaters are required to pack out whatever they pack in, so the National Park Service created a wi-fi hotspot — only at the dock — where you can scan a QR code and download a variety of PDFs to your phone or tablet. It's an idea that's bound to catch on with so many mobile devices, reducing the need to print (and throw away) paper brochures. Inside Fort Jefferson, a small visitor's center has a few exhibits and shows a short video. I stepped across the entranceway, and found an equally small office that houses the National Park Service employees who maintain and manage the park. Some of the best snorkeling in North America Although I was only on the half-day seaplane trip, I still had enough time for a quick swim and snorkel on the west side of Garden Key. In the late 1800s, the US Navy built piers and coaling warehouses for refueling, but strong storms destroyed them, leaving only their underpinnings. These pilings, and the deeper water of the dredged channel, now offer an excellent opportunity to see larger fish like tarpon, grouper, barracuda…as well as the occasional shark. Multi-colored sea fans swayed in the gentle current. Colorful reef fish — with their vivid and boldly patterned reds, yellows, greens and blues — were camouflaged amongst the bright coral and sea grasses. Today, turtle populations have diminished, but you may still be able to see green, loggerhead, hawksbill, and leatherback sea turtles. As I walked back to the changing rooms at the dock, the seaplane for my return flight was just landing and I realized my time at Dry Tortugas was coming to an end. If I ever have a chance to get back, I would definitely opt for the full day trip. A week later, after returning home to Colorado and was shoveling snow off of the driveway, a small plane passed overhead and I suddenly thought of my flight to Dry Tortugas : the bright sun, the crystal clear waters, the abundant life — above and below the water's surface — a surreal landscape so captivating, so remote, that even having seen it with my own eyes, I still somehow could barely imagine it. About the Author Rob Decker is a photographer and graphic artist who is currently on a quest to photograph and create iconic WPA-style posters for all 61 National Parks. Rob visited his first national park at age five and began photographing them at age seven on a 10,000 cross-country trip with his family. He would spend the next decade working on his own, building a wet darkroom with his grandfather in the garage and serving as head photographer for the high school yearbook. But Rob's professional training really started at age 19, when he had the rare opportunity to study under Ansel Adams in Yosemite National Park during the summer of 1979, less than five years before Mr. Adams passed away. Since then, he has visited and photographed 50 of the national parks in the US, including those in Alaska, Hawaii, and the Virgin Islands. Click here to see the current collection of posters. https://national-park-posters.com/blogs/national-park-posters/visiting-dry-tortugas-national-park?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=Sendible&utm_campaign=RSS

[all-hail-the-witcher]

questionable government spies: chapter 8

all previous chapters are under # spy boys

alright so I’m going against all of my rules literally ever posting this cause I only have like a chapter and a few sentences written after this one and I’m usually two ahead but like school and y’all need comic relief in the form of race being a freaking idiot 

also this is a link you might wanna play when you get to /the part/

https://youtu.be/F16O5OAK2K8

___________

ship: platonic ralbert, eventual sprace 

warnings: Race is a little shit

word count: not very long

editing: I’m actually not sure ignoring I finished editing this one

___________

Race threw off his covers and bolted into the shower. Two weeks had passed since the day they had met with Spot. He had gotten a call very late the previous night saying that he was going to be going through gang initiation today - whatever that meant - and he was supposed to report to a coffee shop in Brooklyn at 8 am sharp.

Race didn’t really know why he was being sent to a coffee shop, or why he had to be out through initiation, but if it gave him a chance to flex in front of Spot he wasn’t complaining.

He dressed in a pair of black adidas track pants and a fitted black long sleeve shirt and fluffed his blonde hair before walking into the kitchen.

It was barely 7 and Albert was probably still asleep - he had managed to sleep the entire night in his own room last night without nightmares so Race had yet to see him - which meant Race couldn’t have coffee, because Albert made the best coffee ever and his tasted like dirt. So, Race did what any caffeine deprived person would: woke up Albert to make him coffee.

He paired his phone to the Bluetooth speaker and sifted through his Disney Spotify playlist until he found the song he was looking for. Then, while the intro played, he banged around rather loudly as he prepared his lucky charms.

The chorus of the song began and Race put down the cereal he had been puring to scream along, well, sort of.

“No one's nerd as Gaston! No one catches birds like Gaston! No one says WHAT THE FUCK RICHARD like Gaston!” Race screamed at the top of his lungs. This wasn’t how he usually woke Albert up, but hey, he was going to be a gang member today, he needed to get in the villain spirit - Race style.

“For there’s no man in town half as memelyyy! Perfect, a pure meme god! You can ask any Tom, Dick, or Stanley. And they'll tell you whose team they'd prefer to be onnnnnnnnnnnnnn…”

Race cranked up the music louder and grabbed his spoon to use as a microphone as he pranced around the kitchen dramatically. “Whoooooo’s aaaaas meme as Gaston? Who can scream like Gaston? Who can do Krispy Kreme flips like Gaston? As a memelord, yes, I'm intiiiiiiimidaaaating! My, what a boi, that Gaston!”

From Albert’s room, Race heard a loud groan and he smiled. He hoped Albert was appreciating this. True art such as this was only created once in a lifetime.

“I needed encouragement, thank you, LeFou. Well, there's no one as easy to bolster as yoooooooooou! Too much? ...Yuuup.”

Race paused dramatically before leaping into the livingroom to continue his performance.

“No one bakes like Gaston! Has a face like Gaston! In a vine comp no one says they were roommates like Gaston!”

“When I flirt I sneak up with wii music,” Race tip toed awkwardly into Albert’s room. “And all of my friends say a praaayer. First, I hope what I say is not too sick, then I flirt from behind- Is that fair? I don't care!”

Albert rolled over, pulling his pillow over his head as Race jumped up onto his bead and began to sing dramatically. “No one tickles like Gaston! Eats pickles like Gaston! No one says look at all those chickens like Gaston! I'm especially good at quoting lazzzzzzzytown!”

Albert let out another loud groan, which Race ignored, and pulled his blanket over his head. “TEN POINTS FOR GASTON!” Race yelled as he did a straddle jump off the the bed and ran back toward the kitchen.

“When I was a lad, I ate four despasitos every morning to help me get large! And now that I'm grown, I eat five despasitos,” Race climbed up onto the counter and tried to flex, “So I'm roughly the size of a goooooOOOOOOOOODDDDDDD!”

Race grabbed two pots off the counter and began slapping them together on the beat of the song. Then he jumped down off the counter and began parading around the apartment - first the living room, then the hallway and then into Alberts room, all the while banging his pots together and improv tap dancing. If Albert didn't wake up after this he was going to have to break out the airhorn.

Race danced back into the kitchen, executing perfect leaps and turns while still banging his pots. He heard a loud clunk, which sounded suspiciously like Albert falling off his bed, and he smiled before climbing back up on the counter to finish off his performance.

“Who has a bed like Gaston? Drinks mead like Gaston? Who can say roadworrrrrrrk ahead like Gastoooooooon? I use yeeting in my everyyyyyyyyyyyyday liiiiiife!” he paused, looking at the pots in his hands. “YEET!” he screamed, throwing them across the kitchen with a fantastic clatter.

“RACETRACK HIGGINS!” Ah, yes. That was Albert, definitely awake and definitely pissed that he was awake. Race could hear him stomping down the hall angrily but that didn't stop him.

“Say it again! Who's a meme among men? Who's the super success? Don't you know? Can't you guess? Ask his fans and his five hangers-on! There's just one boi in town who's got all of it dowwwwwwwwwwwn…”

Albert arrived in the doorway wearing only a pair of sweatpants, his hair rumped from sleep and glaring fantastically at Race who was still standing on the counter. Race gave him a wink and a smirk to which Albert rolled his eyes before he began the final verse of his performance.

“And his name's R-A-C-EEEEEEEEEE.... I believe there's another EEEEEEEEE…… It just occurred to me that I'm illiterate and I've never actually had to spell it out loud beforeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee… Gastoooooooooooooooon!” Race jumped down from the counter and bowed graciously as the song ended.

“Are you trying to start a cult?” Albert said in disbelief, his voice raspy from sleep.

Race looked up at his friend sheepishly. “No…?”

“Then why are you screaming Beauty and the Beast before 7am?” Albert groaned.

Race leaned against the counter, cocked his head, and put on his best pleading face. “Make me coffee?”

Albert muttered several curse words under his breath before moping into the kitchen. “Sure, fine, whatever.”

“Oh, thank you, Albie!” Race exclaimed, clapping his hands. “You’re my favorite person in the whole wide world!”

“Yeah well,” Alber muttered, reaching into the cabinet to pull out the bag of Hazelnut Coffee. “You’re not my favorite person today.”

“I’m not your favorite person any day, am I?” Race sniffled.

“That’s not true,” Albert sighed. “I just don’t like it when you wake me up by screaming incorrect Disney lyrics.”

“Mmmmm so any day that ends in y then,” Race mused and Albert threw a coffee filter at him.

“I don't have time for your bad jokes,” Albert stressed. “You have to be at initiation in like an hour. Let’s go over your cover one more time.”

“Fiiiiine,” Race groaned, hopping up on the counter.

“Alright so, what’s your name?”

“Philip Marx.”

Albert sighed and rolled his eyes. “Tell me why you picked that again?”

“Welllllll,” Race began, “Philip like Philip Carlyle form the Greatest Showman cause he’s a badass and goes from one lifestyle to a complete other, ya know, becomes an outcast and stuff? Isn’t that kinda what it’s like to be in a gang?”

“I don't know,” Albert said rather annoyed as he measured out the coffee grinds. “Also I doubt that people choose their gang names based on a movie about joining the circus.”

“It’s not about joining the circus Albert!” Race smacked his friend with a dishtowel. “It’s about love and loss and finding yourself and realizing who you really are and telling social norms to screw themself and Zack Efron’s just really hot, okay?”

“Alright, fine, whatever,” Albert sighed. Race was beginning to regret waking him up, he was acting far more grumpy than usual. “Do I even want to know why you picked that last name?”

“Because Karl Marx is a badass.”

Race laughed as Albert turned to him, sputtering incoherently. “Ra- wha- why- ugh.” He buried his face in his hands. “First of all, Karl Marx is dead. Second of all, he’s not a badass he invented communism and basically started the downfall of Russia and a crapload of other problems. Third of all-” Albert was interrupted by the timer going off signaling that Race’s coffee was done brewing.

“Yeah, yeah, I get it,” Race smirked. “He’s problematic, like me. Also we both have really great hair.”

Albert wordlessly handed Race his cup of coffee. “Remind me why I thought it was a good idea for you to do this job again?”

Race pondered. He couldn't exactly say that it was because he didn't want Albert to get in harm’s way. “Because I’m a good agent and you love me?” He hopped off the counter to pour some coffee creamer in his coffee.

“Close enough,” Albert sighed. “Now hurry up and eat your cereal. I gotta get you to initiation.”

•••

Initiation, as it turned out, was a gruff looking man inside the coffee shop handing him a folded piece of paper with a strange code on it. Race solved the code quickly, it was a simple number scramble that said: down three blocks, back parking lot.

He walked out of the coffee shop, down the street three blocks, as per the instructions.

“Rapunzel, where are you going,” Albert asked through the comms unit in his ear.

“Down three blocks to some back parking lot,” Race responded.

“Alright, Vincent just pulled up a street camera. Looks like there’s a guy in his late 20s there and that's it.”

“Okay,” Race responded, a little disappointed that Spot wasn't there. “I’ll talk to you guys when I’m done.”

“Be safe, Rapunzel.”

•••

Two hours later, Race climbed into the back of Jack’s van, tired and very much in need of a shower.

“How was it?” Albert asked, turning around and laughing at Race’s flopped position on the floor of the van.

“Tiring,” Race sighed. “I had to break into a store and steal a cd without setting anything off.”

“An actual store?” Jack asked from the driver’s seat.

“Yes, an actual store,” Race said pulling himself up.

“Ah, yes,” Albert said, “my best friend, a petty thief.”

“I’ve been a petty thief my whole life, Albie, remember when we-”

“Ah ah ah” Albert cut him off, gesturing to Jack. “We have children present.”

Race laughed and rolled his eyes as Jack protested. “Anyway, the guy had me also do all this fancy parkour junk and self defense stuff. Haven’t worked that hard since training with Jacobs.”

Albert made a sympathetic face. FBI training camp had been the most strenuous thing either of them had ever done to date. “What was the guys name, again?”

“Oscar Delancey,” Race said, wrinkling his nose. “He was nasty. He kept pushing me unnecessarily hard. And he said something weird. He told me ‘oh, you’re him’ which didn't make any sense.”

“Yeah, that's kinda weird,” Albert agreed. “Maybe he expected you to be someone else.”

“Maybe,” Race brushed it off. “Anyway, I got my first mission tomorrow. Gotta report to the used car place at 9 am sharp.”

Albert and Jack let out a cheer. “That’s fantastic, Race!” Albert said, shooting him a smile. “Pretty soon we’re gonna crack this case right open.”

Race couldn't agree more.

___________

ah yes that song took me three days to write and it’s probablt the best thing I’ve ever written

did anyone catch the jace quote ?

also pay close attention to the greatest showman references....

also shits about to get real yo it’s going the hell down

feedback is always appreciated hmu to be on the tag list

tag list @fairly-awkward-trashcan @well-the-kids-do-too @racetrackcook @bouncyscreamingnewsboys @ughwaitwhat @aw-jus-let-em-try @ben-cook-can-cook @the-woild-is-my-what-now @elmer-s-s0cks @voice-foundshoe-lost @galaxy-trees13 @stopthe-presses @ridin-in-style @pinecovewoods @imjusttheoutgoingsidekick @i-got-no-clue-what-im-doing @bencookisagod @be-more-chill-evan-hansen @hellasoulless @stellar-alpaca @saxoph-ella @smolcanadiankid @disney-princess-sized @the-newsies-justice-for-zas-blog @insane-tomato @so-up-rolls-a-riot-van @spot-conlon-king-of-brooklyn @have-we-got-news-for-you @thatfancyclam @myidkwhatmynameisblog @legoflambwrites

[myrevival2019universe]

A LIFE WITHOUT FILTERS

Being a working woman is quite normal today but what was being the only woman boss in a newsroom in the ‘80s? Patricia Elkins, ex picture editor of the Daily Star, talks about it.

By Francesca Mazzola

Everyone is turning their heads looking at her, she fiercely walks in the newsroom, but her presence is a rare event: she is a woman, the first woman to be entitled as picture editor in a national newspaper in the UK.

Patricia Elkins worked at Daily Star from 1987 until 1991 pursuing a career that was utopian at the time.

Her life was about searching, digging and finding the best photo under a pile of hundreds of photographs describing hundreds of stories.

Nudity, defects, beauty, ugliness, and secrets once hidden were discovered by readers turning a page.

“I remember when I used to enter the newsroom, they had a chalk notice board with all sort of initials and figures, a few days later somebody told me they were trying to see who was going to shag me first,” firmly says Elkins.

She is 76 and she retired in Spain living day by day under a sunny sky. Her life now is different from what it used to be before leaving the rainy and steamy London.

“Difficult days,” says Elkins, days different from the #metoo movement or women fighting for gender pay gap today.

Her eyes are looking somewhere, somewhere far away from the present, as if she is seeing the headlines that made her life so peculiar again.

Her career begun quite by chance, in fact, her job was assisting and organizing interviews and important affairs for the editor of The Weekend Telegraph during its launch in 1964.

“I was a really bad secretary, so I was sent into the picture department to help there, and so my career started,” she says.  

She didn’t have a clue on how to take a picture neither recognising a clear, vivid and interesting shot but that didn’t stop her learning and working for some of the best publications such as Women Magazine, New Magazine, The Sunday Mirror, and The Telegraph Magazine.

Each photo would have been manually analysed and each choice was crucially important for the final result.

The Daily Star was at its best with an unthinkable circulation compared to 2019, “My first impression of Patrica was good, she had an air of confidence about her without coming across as cocky,” says Mark Bourdillon, Times Inc. photographer and friend.

The atmosphere at Fleet street was impregnated by cigarettes, alcohol, and misogyny, “however in all the years I worked with Patricia, her gender was never an issue with any of her photographers, it was just that secretly we all loved her,” adds Bourdillon.

Being a good picture editor is also supporting, enhancing and reinforcing the context in which the article is written, “nowadays everyone has a camera and I imagine magazine receive tons of pictures, everything is so celebrity driven and the quality of photography has decreased,” says Elkins.

Back in the days Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram didn’t exist and there were no filters that could make a photo look better, “there were no second chances to rescue a bad photo, the picture had to be properly exposed and composed,” says Jim Taylor, Patricia Elkins’s friend from 25 years and freelance picture editor.

Social media though are not only changing the way photography is perceived but it is also a source of fake news – which half of the population regularly see on Facebook- but most importantly a proof of women’s voices, “It’s still a man’s world and women must be tough,” says Daily Star’s picture editor.

Patricia Elkins remembers the first time she saw an Apple Mac in the office but “photoshopping wasn’t still there and it was very easy spotting a manipulated picture”.

Even if she was unknown in Fleet street, Patricia was appointed by a very experienced editor and picture editor. Mark Bourdillon, in fact, remarks: “I and my colleagues knew she would have to be talented and this wasn’t a selection made on looks, despite Patricia’s very classy demeanour,”.

Eighteen staff photographers would work hard next to Patricia Elkins and “at the end I realized I was the boss,” says her while laughing recalling those moments.

After her career she moved to Catalonia because of the sunny weather, “I am glad to be in Spain now and not in Brexit Britain”.

[rksora]

jiwonahhh    ›    FRECKLE BOY MAKEUP FT ・  재현  ◞    UPLOADED !

104재현  [ +566, -55 ]  jaehyun is so good looking!!!! and jiwon unni is so cute!! 😍 we ship 💗 chertewoz  [ +84, -29 ]   can you do a video of just jaehyun next time AZTK [ +236, -187 ]   you call this makeup it just looks like you put dots on his face

                                                 CLICK PLAY !

she doesn’t really remember how she had convinced him to be the model for a make-up look she had wanted to try. she was 100% sure that bribery of ice cream must have been wagered, half-aware that some form of puppy-dog eyes were involved, and the open-ended promise of lessening the gavin memes was given but the fact that he had actually agreed -- it was unheard of. at least until she had him propped up against a wall that was taped with some form of beige paper in order to hide the hideously cracked plaster, her makeup (as little as it was) scattered on the table in front of them, artificial lighting directed at them from all possible angles did it actually feel real.

( it’s a momentarily lapse of judgement but shortly later does she realize, fuck she let another person into the shambles that she called home )

jiwon, like most days, goes through filming without a plan -- this included -- as she shows him a picture before she turns on the camera, with a tiny, nonchalant shrug; “i mean, how hard could it be -- it’s just freckles.”

like most of her sit-down videos, jiwon begins the video with a makeshift clapperboard with her hands. unlike most of them, whenever she has someone else guesting on her videos, she makes them do it. and since jaehyun was her unwilling guest --

“you just have to clap your hands in front of the camera,” she whispered, glancing at him as she dons a pretty smile, fingers pulling the sleeves of the pretty purple sweater she had put on for the shoot. when he doesn’t do it the first time, her hands reach over underneath the table to pinch his side, turning quickly to give him one of her looks before glancing back at the camera with a smile.

                                                         clap!

she begins her usual monologue with an overly-friendly smile and the raise of her eyes to the camera, using a specialty of hand movements to blur the motions between her words. dressed almost comically in an eye mask edged along the crown along with two carefully wrapped buns on either side of her head; it was like she was ready for bed but the minimal base makeup dusted along her face tells otherwise. 

“hi everyone, it’s jiwon -- and i’m here with a regular of my vlogs, it’s jaehyun!” there’s an applause clip that plays in the background, blaring over the soft undertone of animal crossing background music as jiwon shakes her hands around jaehyun’s head.

her personality does a quick 180º when the cameras turn on and her internet persona resides over her usual calm and casual exterior; instead a personal of bright smiles, sunshine and rainbows takes her place beside the male. she’s all twinkly eyes and dimpled grins and of course, freckled make up that she introduces through a variety of viewer-pulling catch phrases.

“i know, i know,” she sighs. “i’m pretty late to the game with all this freckled make-up but when i tried it on myself, i didn’t quite like it so i decided to bring along a friend who is much more handsome than i to help me.” there’s a childish ‘yay!’ inserted as the camera zooms into jaehyun via her special editing skills done later on in the week -- depicting jaehyun in all his gorgeousness, not really doing anything: barely doing the minimum of breathing, if at all. not like jiwon really cared, not like she ever did when it came to her dragging him along to do a video with her.

he should have expected this by now.

after a few more minutes of blinking at the screen and mindless chatter between them, jiwon looks up from her phone to show them the tutorial they were going to follow; a mixture of several videos she had watched before attempting her own. “i was going to follow a tutorial from one of the beauty gurus here on youtube but it was a bit much for my taste and i don’t think i have enough make up to really do that so --”

“you need me to buy you new makeup?” 

her gaze directs itself to him briefly at his question and she scrunches up her nose, shaking her head. “no, if you buy me more -- we’d just have to do more of these. and, do you really want that?” she shrugs, smiling back to the camera for the nth time with the over-exaggerated raise of the lips. “and anyways, we’re just doing freckles today.”

she glances over at jaehyun, and his clear skin and his stupid, good looking face. “god, you’ll probably look even more handsome with freckles on,” she mutters, almost regretting her decision of bringing him along for the ride; a tiny bit of her real personality seeping into her movements. but oh well, maybe his gorgeousness could reel in another thousand viewers. her viewers did love watching jaehyun on her channel.

“i’m in no way a makeup expert,” she wrings her fingers together, pulling at their intertwined digits in her lap. “so, we’ll just ... see how this is going to go. probably not going to go well but it’s all for the experience, right?” the older girl looks to jaehyun for an answer, awaiting his nod -- and his smile, considering that was what really brought viewers in -- before shifting about, kneeling so she could reach over and ready the products.

her hand is at the ready with the eyebrow pencil, a lighter shade of brown than she’d usually use for her eyebrows but was apparently perfect for faux freckles. “i’m just going to concentrate the freckles along the bridge of his nose and a little on the tip ... i don’t really want to overpower his face, i mean --” she frowns, turning his chin forcibly away from her face to show the camera. “he’s already good looking enough, if we make him too good looking, he might actually combust into flames.”

the first few dots come out smudged and more oblong than she intends but her index finger rises to smudge them out a bit. her other hand returning to dot along the bridge of his nose. eyes going a little crossed as she concentrates the product along the slim bridge.

“yah --” when he shifts for what felt like the hundredth time, her hand grabs at his chin and she frowns, slightly; sitting back on her heels, knees digging into the raggedy plush of her carpet.

“stop moving or else i’m going to poke your eye out.” she warns, holding the eyebrow pencil steady in her left hand and his face in the other. for one who wasn’t particularly fond of close proximities, jiwon guesses this was probably the closest she’d ever sat next to jaehyun and the longer she does the more the bumps on her arms grow, alarmingly showing the discomfort as a girl who loved her personal space despite the smile pressed into her lips and the teasing gleam rolling along her irises.

it’s only several seconds after that he moves again and he grins that she knows he’s doing it on purpose and she’s trying to hold herself back from glaring at him and his stupid, handsome face. 

“stop that, you’re handsome, we get it.” she grumbles. pinching his nose in retaliation only to realize, belatedly, that she had messed up the work she had done for the past 20 minutes. 

ugh.

about halfway through the dots and the excessive smudging does jiwon realize that this was probably a really bad idea. no way was jiwon a makeup expert, hell -- her channel didn’t even specialize in makeup or the like and yet, here she was taking her chance on whatever the hell this was and it was ... turning out quite horribly. and from the looks of things, no amount of smudging between her fingers and dots made by the brown pencil would make it any better. but she continues, they’re about five minutes of her pounding the tip of the pencil along his nose and her teeth ripping into her bottom lip. they couldn’t go back now.

“aaaaaaaand --” she drags the word out, tongue in cheek as she stares at him, eyebrows scrunched. oh, did it look bad -- and that was saying something considering jaehyun was pretty much a walking god. jiwon retracts her hands from his face, capping her brown eyebrow pencil before trying to muster up her best smile, trying to fend off the tug of her lips and the laugh inching up from the depths of her stomach.

“um,” she coughs, a hand pressed into her mouth before she shakes her hands along the underside of his jaw. “tada!”

she reaches beside her for the mirror, handing it over to him so he could take a look at himself -- and by the look he gives her, jiwon can only offer him a sheepish grin in return.

“i mean -- you look ... alright, kind of.”

it’s only when the screen fades to black and a comical jaehyun-chibi lights up the corner of the screen does his voice filter through,

“you took 30 minutes to put dots on my face, jiwon-ah. what even?”

when the camera finally stops recording, jiwon drops the facade. her face now embarking an expression much more akin to amusement and less of false pretenses. the polite tone she had taken throughout the recording also falls through the cracks as a hand moves off camera to retrieve a tissue before handing it to him. “you look kind of okay in the viewfinder,” she says, pointing at the screen above the camera; prompting the younger boy to lean over to look at himself.

“still awful but --” she shrugs, “i did say i didn’t know anything about makeup.”

mistakes were definitely made, maybe next time -- makeup was something she wouldn’t do.

                                                    REPLAY ?

[chibalein]

Kalafina Live Review - 10th Anniversary

Finally it’s available and I watched the whole 10th Anniversary Live (again and again), so I thought I’d give a review on it. Here is my original Live Report -> click. My opinions didn’t really change much, though, so I’ll be repeating myself here and there :p Here we go!

Ring your bell ~ in the silence

I love that intro, especially with those flags opening

other than that, boring entrance -> the 9+ONE intro would have PERFECT for that occasion

Ring your bell

fuck that song

However, I like the performance, surely one of their best, I love their bright smiles and movements

 BUT it gave me reminder of why I don’t like this song: the final “ring your bell”s, Wakana always makes me cringe

Quick opinion: I really came to hate Keiko’s dress. Not the colors or the golden/black pattern, that’s pretty cool: it’s those lace shoulder pads and the leather corsage. They make her chest area look super bulky and the chest part of the dress is not form-fitting at all. She has such a beautiful body but this dress just doesn’t support it.

Mirai

Fuck that sooong and everyone who voted for it

But even I have to say, I have a lot of fun watching them perform, they move around, interact with the audience, it’s lovely and more carefree

Lirica

Definitely one highlight of the night

I realized for the first time that the Strings are actually plucking their instruments lol I thought it was a background sound by the manipulator

I barely hear Hikaru in the chorus, is she singing high or low? xD

Keiko is the best here, so deep and dramatic!

Booooring stage show. No movements by the girls is one thing, but no special light show or anything? They could have been so creative with this dark piece..

Manten

OMG some choreography

Wakana is greeeeeat

Yane no mukou ni

First performance where I almost cried during the actual live, perfect and emotional

Still don’t like Hikaru here, she sounds like she is shouting which kills all emotions she might have had while singing

Cool plucking violins at the end, never noticed they do this

Hikari no senritsu

overplaaaayed

OMG light dude, DO SOMETHING

Best flute solo of all time

Quick opinion: all the performances where I criticise the lack of creativity, movement etc. look actually great on the DVD, because we have the cameras. Changing angles, focus on each girl, their faces, the audience and the band give variety and it makes it look a lot more interesting. But sitting in the actual audience is absolutely tiring, because there is just nothing happening on stage. It’s just like you listen to a CD, especially if you had a seat in the far back and could only rely on the screen. Such a shame and waste.

Storia

oh god no

their steps in the middle part are all over the place XD

fun and good performance

Quick opinion: almost all songs by now have been completely or partly illuminated in blue light. Uncreative? Yes.

Natsu no Ringo

Hikaru again sounds strange and shouting, she definitely was edited

Other than that super beautiful performance, Wakana was in top form that night

Serenato

Another big highlight, one of the best performances Kalafina ever did

Actually a nice, refreshing intro by the accordion, but I personally find it kinda dominant throughout the song, which was a bit distracting and which I didn’t really feel in the actual live

ARIA

Hikaru sings lower and I like it a lot, although they definitely enhanced her voice to sound a bit “prettier”

she did such an emotional and sad performance, you could see that is not struggling as hard as e.g. in Red Day

Sprinter

that Keiko hug

finally some action on stage and interaction with fans!

super fun to watch and OMG Keiko is using the pedestal

Oblivious

still bad place in the setlist

great AMV and surely also a highlight, sadly this is the only special treatment for their debut song, should have been celebrated more

Poor Hikaru gets always ignored during WaKei duet lol

Kizuato

Great performance, I adore that song

Keiko’s voice a bit too cute for me here

Kimi ga Hikari ni Kaeteyuku

Keiko’s stupid cutesy voice

Very emotional and those sad faces at the end kill me every time

I just realized that they have sung all Kara no Kyoukai songs in a row XD

Quick opinion: It’s like they only have red, white and green filters, all while the light technician’s finger is apparently stuck on the blue light button. This is BUDOKAN! This is ALL you can deliver?!

Kantankatan

I honestly wonder why this song made it into the setlist. Hyakka Ryouran sure, being their most recent single, but why this B-side song (and e.g. why not Tombo?). Since fans couldn’t vote for it, it makes me think that the girls just really love this song and wanted it included in their last recorded live performance.

Wakana is simply perfect, Hikaru... well... she’s there. Where has her “neverending” voice gone to?

Where is the second violin dude? Toilet break?

This song becomes so much better when the Strings join in the last part

Symphonia

I still hate Keiko’s dress

omg girls, please move around or something

good and nice performance

Red Moon

finally SOME DARK SONG and finally something for the eye with the video

Hikaru still sounds kinda weak, but during the actual live she was barely audible, so I guess that’s a plus here

Keiko is amazing, you can hear her so clearly! Wakana too! Epic performance

Waaaaay too much blue for a song called Red Moon

Adore

Flashback to After Eden with Red Moon -> Adore xD

Wakana is suuuper!

What the hell is wrong with you Hikaru? What happened after After Eden? She’s sooo shouty, this is definitely her weakest performance of the night

Great violin solo

OMG they use the pedestals FOR THE FIRST TIME and they use it for GODDAMN 12 SECONDS

And I noticed they actually played some video -> good!

To the beginning

finally after way too long, an upbeat song since Sprinter (which is 6 songs ago)

It took me years to realize that they sing “down to zero we go”, however Hikaru sounds suuuper strange singing that line

finally some light action, took you long enough, eh

That Keiko punch at the end xD Not enough of those cool shots

Progressive

YEAH SOME REAL ACTION

also one of the best performances of the night, I love Keiko here, she’s moving so much and having so much fun, it’s infectious

Hikaru killed it and that very last line is awesome

Ongaku

Aaaaw that hug in the beginning

of course, Ongaku is a must, I still think this would have been a better entrance or encore song

look at this power, fantastic

those band solos are the best thing of the whole concert, honestly I love them so hard

however, accordion solo is so out of place and unnecessary beyond belief

Bongo duuuuuuude, LOOK AT HIS FACE I can’t even xD

KONNO HITOSHI VIOLIN EPICNESS!!!!!!! With great justice he got the best reaction from the audience

They edited that Keiko jump/hug, it took her much longer to reach Wakana xD

The interaction between the girls is gorgeous, something we have been missing overall a bit

they included the flute at the end too, very nice (I suppose the accordion too, but fuck that)

that was the best Ongaku performance they ever did

Heavenly Blue

they still should have gone to MC after Ongaku

other than that, good performance I guess

Into the World

well hello there blue filter, it’s been a while

is it just me or has Keiko been made more dominant than she is supposed to be in the beginning?

Nightmare Ballet

come one, at least do that Zaregoto BGM THAT SOME ASSHOLE CUT FROM 9+ONE!

Great intro by accordion though, her duet with Sakurada is so cute

I feel I should take that blue spotlights to a date by now, because I have spent more time with them today than with my boyfriend

Great performance by the band, though too late into the concert in my opinion

Hikari Furu

best performance of this song of all time

Wakana kills it so hard, I feel bad for the others

fantastic mix of normal and acoustic version

that epic pause, THAT EPIC PAUSE

Quick opinion: I am not the biggest fan of those white “wedding” dresses. While their “final” version is pretty cool, I don’t like the veils, simply because they serve no purpose, especially since they’ll be thrown away immediately afterwards.

Hyakka Ryouran

nice flute intro

Red-Blue-Red-Blue-Red-Blue FUCK YOU

Ah, that middle HiKei dance, now you finally can see what I was talking about in my live reports. Wakana would have been better standing on the middle stairs though... #needless nitpicking

the flags are waving, that’s admittedly pretty cool

great performance of everyone, good that this song made it into the setlist

Alleluia

this doesn’t have many live recordings I think, so I am really glad that Alleluia made it as the last and most popular song of the night

definitely a marvellous farewell song for Keiko

look how powerful she sings, she knew this was her last big performance and she delivered

- Why is the manipulator celebrated to heavily? Is he particularly popular or something? XD

- Ehm, Wakana’s dress are actually pants? Do I have that correct? XD

- They should have thrown in “snow falling” as a surprise encore, just for the joke

-------------------------------

+ the musicians brought in so much variety and creativity even in highly overplayed songs, they made this truly a special concert

+ very good camera work, some great and cute shots and not so many cuts like in 9+ONE for example

- apparently an intern did the lighting here, I can’t explain this amateur work otherwise

- it’s a pity that there wasn’t any extra content included like some kind of Making Of or something on the Commemoration Lives. Sure, they reserved it for the movie, but still, at least something would have been nice

I really love this Live, although I had a lot of criticism. Kalafina delivered and they gave some of their best performances of their career. It was worth it all and it’s simply sad that this is their last concert. They deserved better treatment for this and it should have been even more special, with more effort and creativity by the staff/the agency.

Oops, that became longer than intended, sorry! Thanks for reading!

[violetevents]

thin ice

pairing: shane madej/ryan bergara word count: 1,5k summary: “Ryan?” Shane asks, taking off his soaked rain coat, only to reveal a soaked jean jacket underneath. “Are you okay?”

“Y-yeah,” Ryan stutters out, between the clattering of his teeth. “Ju-just rea-really c-c-cold.”

Or, the boys end up frozen and wet after a disasterous shoot in the woods. Shane helps Ryan get warm again. a/n:  hey tumblr, its me, ya girl. im alive and kicking and also yet again in another fandom but what else is new. this is just a lil scribble i did to get myself into writing these boys. (also im already planning a longer fic why am i like this) hope you enjoy!!!

It’s raining. It has been raining since they’ve arrived, nearly three hours ago now. The woods are in are supposedly haunted, but after three hours of unrelenting rain they have absolutely no footage. Even Ryan, who is usually capable of detracting entire sentences from the smallest gusts of wind has been uncharacteristically quiet. Shane’s wearing a raincoat, they both are, but at this point it has been completely soaked through. It kind of feels like he’s never going to get dry again.

On top of that it’s freezing cold outside, partly attributed to that fact that it is the middle of the fucking night. At this point Shane is contemplating just admitting ghosts exists just so they can go back to their hotel to warm up. Shane would kill for a warm blanket and some hot chocolate right now.

Ryan apparently has the same idea, because he makes a frustrated noise, and says, “We’re not getting anything. Let’s go to the hotel and try again tomorrow.”

Shane could kiss him, but that’s not a thought he wants to get into right now. That box is staying locked away in the deep corners of his mind, never to be opened, preferably. “Maybe it’s a ghost that’s causing all this rain. Maybe they’re doing it on purpose, don’t want us lurking around their home,” Shane says, notably cheered now he knows he’s only half an hour away from a fluffy blanket.

“Shut up, Shane,” Ryan says, but the soft smile pulling at his lips considerably lessens the insult.

--

When they finally get back to their shared hotel room, Ryan is shaking like a leaf. Shane is feeling pretty cold too. The heating in the car did nothing to warm them up, only making them realize how cold and sticky and wet their clothes really were. Next to that the car dropped them off on a street that was still a ten minute walk away from the hotel, which means they just got soaked all over again.

So the most logical thing to do when they get inside the room would be to take of their wet clothes and put on some dry ones. However, when Ryan steps inside, he just stands in the middle of the room, seemingly frozen.

“Ryan?” Shane asks, taking off his soaked rain coat, only to reveal a soaked jean jacket underneath. “Are you okay?”

“Y-yeah,” Ryan stutters out, between the clattering of his teeth. “Ju-just rea-really c-c-cold.”

Shane has shucked off his jean jacket as well, and turns to frown at Ryan. He’s still fully dressed, trying to undo the zipper of his rain coat. He’s struggling, because his fingers are absolutely frozen stiff. While Shane had had his hands tucked into his pockets for most of the shoot, Ryan had been operating the cameras. Without gloves.

“C’mere,” Shane mutters, stepping into Ryan’s space and slowly undoing the zipper of the raincoat. Up close, he notices Ryan’s lips have turned completely blue. He momentarily entertains the idea of kissing them warm again, and then scolds himself for even thinking like that in this situation. Ryan needs him right now, which means his little ‘I may have a bit of a massive thing for my best friend’ crisis is going to have to be put on the back burner.

After the rain coat he removes Ryan’s jacket, and then reaches down for his shirt, slow, hesitant. But Ryan doesn’t stop him, just lets it happen, looking soft and frazzled and still so, so cold. Shane wants to do anything he can to warm him up as soon as possible.

So he pulls the shirt over Ryan’s head, slowly, carefully, and then reaches for his pants. When those are off too, Ryan is in front of him, in just his soaked boxers and a pair of wet socks, staring at Shane with so much trust and fondness that Shane has to turn away before he does something stupid.

“Here,” he says, trusting a pair of his own sweats and a hoodie at Ryan. “Go grab some dry underwear and get changed. I’ll go do the same,” he adds, vaguely waving in the direction of the bathroom. He flees, because if he has to spend one second longer in the same room with a ruffled, sleepy looking, wet, half naked Ryan Bergara he is definitely going to do things he is going to regret later.

When he emerges, Ryan is sitting on the bed, wrapped in Shane’s hoodie and sweatpants, and Shane curses himself for offering up his own clothes, and then curses Ryan for looking so absolutely adorable in them. He doesn’t try to think about how readily Ryan had accepted the change of clothes instead of grabbing his own.

Ryan looks up when he hears Shane enter, and he smiles. Shane wants to wrap him up in a million and one blankets and never ever let him go again. He also wants his brain to stop thinking things like that. “You feeling warmer?” He asks, sitting down on the bed as well, scooting until he’s next to Ryan, leaning against the headboard.

“Yeah,” Ryan says, but a small shiver running through his body betrays him.

Shane snorts, “Liar,” he says, untucking the covers and throwing them over them both, “Or are you going to tell me it was the ghosties that made you shiver?”

Ryan just hums, and scoots a bit closer to Shane. Shane, who desperately hopes he isn’t reading the signs wrong, wraps his arm around Ryan’s shoulder and pulls him against his chest. For body heat purposes, obviously.

Ryan makes a happy noise and snuggles into Shane’s chest. “D’you reckon we have to go back tomorrow?” He asks.

“I don’t know,” Shane says, running his hand up and down Ryan’s arm. “I don’t think we got much useful footage. Although knowing you, you can probably pull some shit out of thin air. ‘Do you hear that Shane? That’s not rain, that’s the screams of the thousands of lost souls that roam these woods.’”

Ryan wheezes, and Shane appreciates that he finally seems to be getting himself back a bit. He thinks back to the frozen Ryan that had been standing in their hotel room only minutes ago, and decides he much prefers the warm, giggling variety. “I think the rain was kind of fun,” Ryan eventually says, and Shane frowns.

“Did you get brain freeze?” He asks, genuinely concerned, and Ryan laughs again.

“No, no, I mean, it was an experience wasn’t it? It’s like, bonding time,” Ryan says.

Shane snorts. “You have a weird perception of what bonding time is. Although I guess undressing each other is considered a pretty good bonding time activity by many couples.”

Yes, Shane, great. Why not use the word couples while talking about undressing your platonic best friend. Great work. 10/10.

Ryan, predictably, falls silent. “Yeah,” he eventually says. “I didn’t mind the undressing very much.”

“Me neither,” Shane blurts out, because Shane clearly has no brain to mouth filter. “I mean, like, considering all the horrible shit we went through today it was definitely not as bad.”

Ryan wheezes, “Not as bad, that’s, that’s really doing wonders for my self confidence, thank you Shane.”

“Hey, don’t worry about it, buddy. You’re an attractive young man. Anyone would be lucky to undress you.”

Yes, great going Shane. Fucking dig your grave even deeper.

Ryan’s expression turns serious, which is about the last thing Shane wants right now. “Anyone?” He asks, tentatively, and Shane swallows.

“Anyone,” he echoes, and suddenly Ryan is lurching forward to press their lips together.

The angle is kind of awkward, because until then Ryan had kind of been lounging on Shane’s chest, and also Shane isn’t expecting to be kissed, which means he’s thrown for a bit of a loop, but then Ryan is sitting up and swinging his legs over Shane’s thighs for better access and his hands are on Shane’s cheeks and oh.

Oh.

If Shane had to spend the rest of his life kissing Ryan, he doesn’t think he would mind.

Shane’s hands have dropped to Ryan’s waist, and one of Ryan’s hands is slowly tangling himself in Shane’s hair, and for a minute the whole world disappears, and it’s just them.

And then Ryan pulls away for air, and rest his forehead against Shane’s. “Do you still think the supernatural is fake? Because I thought that was pretty out of this world,” Ryan eventually says, their faces so close his breath fans Shane’s face.

“I’m breaking up with you,” Shane informs him.

Ryan pouts at him, “We’re not even dating yet.”

Shane hums. “Hey Ryan, you want to be my boyfriend?”

“Yes,” Ryan says, without hesitation.

“Great. I’m breaking up with you.”

Ryan laughs. “Shut up, Shane,” he says, and it sounds an awful lot like ‘I love you’.

“You shut up,” Shane counters. It sounds an awful lot like ‘I love you, too’.

--

The next morning, the weather is beautiful. Shane can’t even find himself to be petty about it, not when Ryan snuffles in his sleep, and rolls around to bury his face in Shane’s chest.

[fiorentfernisia]

Reflecting Kezia Alyssa Sandy's "Hari Itu, Hari Ini" (2021) on Elizabeth Diller's "Liveness and Mediation" (2003)

look at the bottom right corner of every photo of Kezia that I screen shot through the video conference last night. given the yellow serial numbers and the number of Kezias on each space, it is clear that the three performance scenes had been previously recorded and edited. titled "Hari Itu, Hari Ini", Kezia demonstrated how a performance of 'that day' could be presented differently from that of 'today'. yes, the one dance of 'today' was perfromed live as the fourth scene after the recording ended, using Kezia's own laptop camera in the virtual conference room.

well now you may ask how is the 'today' part look like...

hehe.. my bad.

i was hipnotized by the sudden contrast change from the overlayed recordings to the single view one. a subtle difference but enough to take me some time to make sense of the different ways of looking that i was experiencing -referring to the text by Elizabeth Dliller below; from “passive viewing” to “witnessing”.

so yea, when i was just going to take the screen shot, Kezia covered the camera with her palm to end the show -too bad, haha. 

now about the two words, "liveness" and "mediation". they cannot be more highlighted today, now that with the pandemic many performances are mediated through video streaming apps (like youtube) and video conference apps (like zoom). what's funny about these two media is that they both adopt each other's nature. youtube, a video streaming platform that allow people to watch the same thing in different time, now has youtube live. while zoom, being a video conference apps which gather people to meet at the same time, has a screen sharing feature that can roll a pre-recorded video.

however, i believe, performance artists must realize the flip side of this coin more than anyone else. it is true that both video streaming and video conference platforms play an important role in bridging the distance gap we cannot cross atm. but since we only meet virtually, the veil that is inherent in the media's own nature, reduces the experience that the audiences may otherwise grasp.

here is where i love Kezia's piece. instead of seeing the veil as a reductor, kezia exploits the veil to allow her to show something else. i mean, of course i cannot spatially perceive Kezia's movement using my own body (most of the dance was done on 'that day' anyway), but Kezia got me experience the beauty of the visual composition through the video editing techniques. i wonder if she has even more techniques to be explored next time.

one more thing i would like to note in a performance presented through this kind of media is the power of the camera. how many camera are there? from what perspective? how far is the camera from the dancer? what about the color filter? All of those features do not only determine what the audience can witness, but also the political stand point in which the piece itself is made.

this got me thinking. does Kezia plan to make this piece serial? cuz i bet: “that day” and “today” will keep on... along with the dancer's embodied relationship with the space she lives in and the camera she performs for.

[aion-rsa]

Is Virtual Photography the Next Great Artform?

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

2020 saw the release of highly-anticipated games like The Last of Us Part II, Death Stranding on PC, Ghost of Tsushima, and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales. What do all of these games have in common? Stellar in-game photo modes that allow a growing online community of virtual photographers to capture the beauty and complexity of these game worlds. 

Fans have been taking screenshots of their favorite games for almost as long as they’ve been playing them. Photo modes themselves have existed at least as far back as 1999’s Metal Gear Solid: Integral, which featured a bare bones “photoshoot mode” as bonus content. And even back when most games didn’t have in-game photo modes, the most avid photographers created their own camera mods on PC or used third-party software like NVIDIA’s Ansel camera tool. 

Photo modes have only grown more sophisticated since then, and a new generation of virtual photographers have honed their craft and are sharing their unique perspectives on social media to thousands of followers. You can now find dedicated virtual photography communities, hashtags, and aggregators on social media platforms as well as online magazines dedicated to the craft and even an app called Captis that’s pitching itself as the social home for the medium.

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

“I think the biggest benefit [of a photo mode] comes from having the ability to capture precious in-game moments that one can also share with others. It works as a sort of connection between the game world and the real world,” says Hiroaki Yoshiike, a lead level designer at Kojima Productions who worked on the stellar photo mode for Death Stranding, a game full of moody, detail-rich environments that serve as a particular paradise for photographers who love to capture stunning landscapes.

In fact, from the moment Kojima Productions decided to integrate a photo mode for the PC release, its main goal was to provide a user-friendly camera tool that also provided advanced features for more seasoned photographers. Yoshiike’s team worked alongside the Lighting and Cinematics teams on iterations of the mode.

“We created a prototype, but they told us it was too basic,” says Yoshiike of testing an early version of the photo mode with members of the team. “So we went back and started adding more features, adjusting until we arrived at the specs that you see in-game today. One part we got caught up on was figuring out how to provide the right tools for making pictures better, from lighting adjustments to stylized filters.”

These tools are very important to virtual photographers, who aren’t just taking pictures of “what looks cool” but are considering elements of real-world photography like composition, framing, and the rule of thirds. They’re thinking about depth of field, lighting, and filters. Virtual photographers take their craft seriously, and there’s a sense that their community of followers — many of which aren’t gamers at all — are doing so as well, following handles for the photographs themselves and not just because they’re fans of the subjects being captured. Could this mean that virtual photography is on the rise as the next great artform?

We talked to a group of photographers about their process, what they look for in a photo mode, and why they think virtual photography is becoming more popular.

Sindy JB

Sindy JB has photographed many games, but her haunting shots of Death Stranding on PC are among her best as they capture the phases of a long, Odyssean journey through a post-apocalyptic America. Shots of photorealistic mountainscapes and war-torn cities have earned her almost 20,000 followers across Twitter and Instagram, where she posts under the handle @mesopatmian_meow. 

“Landscape pictures are probably my favorite subject to capture,” Sindy says of her technique. “I almost never plan my shots. I wait for the right place and moment. I don’t use filters a lot because I like my pictures to look as natural as possible.”

Rockstar’s award-winning Old West action game Red Dead Redemption 2 was the game that originally got her into virtual photography, and she’s gotten to know many photo modes since then. There are a few things she looks for when picking up a game’s camera component.

“The most important thing for me is the camera movements. Without free camera control it’s very hard for us to take the pictures we want to take. Some games restrict the camera with an orbital control only in their photo mode and it’s just terrible. I know I speak for many virtual photographers when I say it’s by far the most disappointing thing to see in a photo mode.”

Sindy’s following has grown quickly since her debut in 2018, and she posits that a lot of that has to do with the game makers themselves.

“I think there are many factors that led to the increased popularity of virtual photography, the first being the support we are getting from the game developers these days on social media sites. We often get likes, retweets, and comments from them, and it’s very encouraging.”

Berduu

Petri Levälahti, who goes by Berduu on Twitter, is one of the most popular virtual photographers in the community with over 40,000 followers. In fact, Levälahti has turned virtual photography into a career. He works as a Screen Capture Artist for Swedish game studio EA DICE, best known for the Battlefield and Star Wars Battlefront games.

Interestingly enough, the Battlefield 4 pictures taken by virtual photography legend Jim2point0 are what first enticed Levälahti to get involved with the community.

“Jim and other members of the screenshot community showed me the ropes. This was back when there really were no photo modes in games, outside of a few racing titles, so all the free cameras were created by fans. Most of the actually good game cameras are still created by fans, by people like Frans Bouma, for example.”

Levälahti does it all — portraits, landscapes, action shots. He needs to be multifaceted and have a keen eye for what will catch the viewer’s attention, a key element of his day job. At DICE, he takes marketing screenshots as well as the images you see on their games’ menus and loading screens.

“I get a request for a specific screenshot, let’s say an Action Shot in place X, with focus on Game Feature Y,” Levälahti says of his normal day-to-day at DICE. “Then I start to look for a good location or two and play around with ideas. I’ll do a handful of iterations before settling on one or two, consult an art director for notes, get approvals, do final captures, and ship it.”

Levälahti loves to shoot other games outside of DICE, too. Standouts include stylish portraits of characters from Control and Cyberpunk 2077 you could easily imagine as magazine covers. How does he do it?

“I always check that my shots work at small size — that there’s a clear subject, and that the shot is easy to read and you can tell what’s going on. I [also] check that my shots work at large size — are there ugly textures or assets shown too close and thus causing eyesore? Does the character’s leg clip through the floor, is there anything ruining the immersion? Awkward poses, non-existent shadows, aliasing? Always look for good light! Shadows and light make or break your shot.”

Soulsurrender

Soulsurrender, who also works as a freelance graphic designer and photographer in Sweden, got into virtual photography thanks to the seminal fantasy RPG The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, a game often celebrated for its beautiful vistas, lively settings, and cavernous depths.

“Mods made the game pretty and I just wanted to capture that. I didn’t really call it virtual photography or share any of my shots back then. That came much later, after realizing there was a whole amazing community out there.”

Soulsurrender has captured many subjects, including those within the worlds of Fallout 4, Mad Max, and Cyberpunk 2077, and she has a real eye for finding the majesty in dystopian settings. Her awe-inspiring shots of Mad Max’s endless deserts don’t even look like they’re from a video game despite the fact that she took up virtual photography after growing bored with shooting her real-world surroundings.

“I’m currently on a break after getting kind of burned out, getting frustrated with gear, and living in a small town of which nothing feels left to explore and shoot. Which naturally led me to find other ways to express my creativity: I started shooting virtual worlds instead, where the possibilities are nearly endless.”

Soulsurrender mainly likes to shoot vast landscapes, characters standing far off in the distance, colorful skies as backdrops. She says her approach to virtual photography is the same as in real-life: “go explore and find something interesting.”

Voldsby

“I’ve been a hobby photographer for a few years, so when I discovered that there was this feature where you can literally just stop the whole game to take pictures, that was when I became addicted to it.”

Danish photographer Voldsby has made a name for herself in the community with her portraits of The Last of Us Part II’s main characters. On her Twitter page, you’ll find pictures of Ellie and Abby, their faces half shrouded in thick shadow, as if to hide something in their expressions, while one eye looks straight at the camera. The gaze is so piercing it might make you cower.

“I like to really get close to my subjects and make them feel like they’re looking into the camera, [that] they’re aware that I’m taking the picture,” Voldsby says. “I know it sounds silly because it’s a video game, but it makes the photo come alive.”

Why has she spent so much time photographing TLOU2 specifically? Well, first off, she loves the series, but it also has a lot to do with the game’s incredible lighting. So much of the game takes place in creepy, enclosed areas like hallways and underground tunnels, and Voldsby finds it particularly exciting when she discovers “beautiful little light beams just sitting there in a window” to light her shots. 

After Voldsby takes a picture, it goes through a “rigorous procedure” before she shares it online. She transfers the picture over as a PNG to a USB drive (pro tip: never use PlayStation’s Share function to upload your high quality photographs) and then she touches it up a little on Adobe Lightroom, mostly to add a bit more lighting or shadow to make sure things are popping. But when it comes to capturing the picture itself, Voldsby prefers a simple photo mode.

“It’s all about simplicity. Less is more, you know? I don’t really need any of those fancy features that a lot of photo modes have,” Voldsby says. “It’s just like real photography. Buying an expensive camera with loads of features doesn’t automatically make you a good photographer.”

Kayne

Kayne, whose Instagram handle @firstpersonshutter boasts almost 20,000 followers, dreamed of traveling the world as a freelance photographer for outlets like National Geographic, but soon found that he couldn’t afford it due to the cost of lenses and other equipment necessary for the job. But that hasn’t stopped him from practicing his craft in the video game world.

His favorite games to photograph are Insomniac’s Spider-Man series, and it’s easy to see why. Kayne can get a lot out of the high-flying web-swinging mechanics in the game as well as Spidey’s superheroic poses and myriad suits.

“In Spider-Man‘s case, arranging Spider-Man to where he’s looking at something that’s well-lit puts those reflections in the eye lenses so that you can actually get all those details on the face masks,” Kayne explains.

With photo mode, Kayne has found a new way to think about photography, and hopes that other artists will start to think of virtual photography as an artform, too. Will we one day see one of the pictures in this article hanging in a museum?

“I am very hopeful that it takes off into something bigger. And I feel like we’re on the ground floor.”

The post Is Virtual Photography the Next Great Artform? appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/2LTkexm

[eirstohter]

So for the past three days I've been grappling with The Thing That Did Not Work Out (thank you for your lovely words, @the-emerald-halla and @thisonelikesaliens ) and why it threw me harder than it should have. And I've realized that I've neglected a bunch of things that used to be good for me and that I would like to start again.

First, I'm going to start the daily WIP posts again. Even if no one (not even me) particularly cares to read "Added ten rows to the Neverending Scarf Of Eternalness" eight days in a row, it does help remind me that I am making progress at least on some things and not just fighting an endless losing battle against entropy. I also want to include some sort of progress picture, because I like that kind of thing. These will go under a cut because they'll mostly be unposed, badly lit tablet camera pictures that no one needs on their dash.

Second, in addition to the WIP of the day I want to post a Happy Thing of the day. Just some small thing that has made me happy that day as a reminder that I actually do live a pretty nice life even if my brain often tells me otherwise.

And thirdly, that thing up there that looks like a unicorn threw up all over the paper? That's me having an unexpected amount of fun with water soluble crayons. Playing around with colours like this is fast and relaxing and satisfying, so once in a while I'm going to put up one of these just because I can.

So. You've been warned. All posts will be tagged with "Eto WIPs", "Eto has a Happy" and "Eto's Colour Exploits" for your filtering convenience. All right, now that that's out of the way, let's get on with it!

WIP of the day: #35, Ashley portrait (thank you for the prompt, @feedthedamnfish , I love it!) Finished the line art and printed it out several times so I have room to really mess around and learn how these colours work.

Happy thing of the day: Today was cold, but beautiful and sunny. When I took the baby for a walk I wore my N7 hat, N7 hipbag and Shakarian mitts, which gave me the Nerdy Crafter set bonus of +3 confidence, +2 awesome and +5 quality of life. A+ styling decision, highly recommended :-)

[writers-leir]

soulmate!non-idol!seungcheol

soulmate!non-idol!seungcheol

the words on your wrist are pretty simple

“uhm,,,,,thanks?”

although you’re a bit offended by the hesitation

like if someone compliments you you’re not supposed to hesitate while saying thanks right

but your friends are all like “no no your soulmate will definitely hesitate you have no filter”

you shrug that off like okay,,,,,,,,,,

you’re honestly not that stressed about soulmates like if it happens it happens

your friends love hanging out with you because everyone else keeps stressing and telling them that they might die without ever meeting their soulmate

but you’re like,,,,,,,,,,that’s cool,,,,,,,,,i mean i don’t have to have a soulmate to be happy i’ve got my friends

and honestly you’re their idol they look up to your positivity (indifference?) so much

aNYways

you’re a broke university student so you need to find a job really soon because your rent and food aren’t going to pay themselves

you get a job at the coffee shop on campus but it’s literally the shift of death,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

it’s from like 2 to 7 in the morning

at first you’re like oh hey i guess that means no one’s going to be there

wROngngngngggg

it’s known as the shift of death because

1: the timing is terrible because you have classes at like,,,,,,,,,,10,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,so you’re always wondering if you should sleep those two hours or if you should just sleep in class

2: the cafe is always filled with half dead university students trying to finish their essays and projects and everyone is running on coffee,,,,,,,,,,including the employees,,,,,,,,,,,,,

on the bright side you get free coffee whenever you want (even though you’re only allowed black coffee with sugar and the occasional cream if you wanted) ((not that you really mind though))

you’ve actually made a few friends from this shift

your fellow barista!jihoon and waiter!soonyoung

they’re literally water and fire and you’re like what even is this friendship

you meet seokmin when he comes in to give soonyoung his textbooks because soonyoung has a class literally,,,,,,,,the minute after his shift ends and you and jihoon are both like how are you even aliVE

one day as you’re making a customer’s cappuccino and jihoon’s manning the register

you hear both jihoon and soonyoung go like “hyung!”

and when you look up you’re like,,,,,,,,,,,,,,what,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,what is this,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,my eyes have been blinded by this beauty,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

because standing in front of the register is???????? the most beautiful man you have ever seen?????????

you end up spilling the customer’s cappuccino so you’re like frICk and you have to start over

and when you finish you turn to see if you can see the person again but they’re gone and you’re like awe )))))))))):

jihoon notices you’re a little bit pouty so he’s like “what’s wrong with your face”

“tHANKS”

he laughs and then goes like “no seriously you can tell me”

and you’re like,,,,,,,,,,,,,,jihoon,,,,,,,,,,wow,,,,,,,,,,,,,you’re a true friend,,,,,,,,, :’^)

so you ask him “who’s the guy just now?”

jihoon looks really confused for a second because he just took the order of like,,,,,,,,seven guys so he’s like ????????? and then he’s like oh!!!!!!!!!!! you mean hyung!!!!!!!

and you’re like yeah yeah you called him that

soonyoung slides up beside you two and is like i sniff gossip :))))))))))))))))

jihoon’s pushes soonyoung’s face away like “go away soonyoung no one wants your gossipy ass around” and then turns back to you like so,,,,,,,,,,,hyung,,,,,,,,,,, :)))))))))))

you’re like shhHhhhhhHhhush lee jihoon before i smACk you

soonyoung obviously hears and he’s like omg,,,,,,,,,are you,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,do you have a crUSH??????????

you smack his arm like shUsH soonyOUng i do nOT!!!!!!!!!!!!

the manager comes out and is like can you guys,,,,,,,,,,,,,please work,,,,,,,,,,,

and you guys turn and there’s like,,,,,,,,,,nine people waiting in line looking half dead so you guys are like i’M sORRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

after your shift though you guys walk together to the train station

but you guys look at soonyoung like,,,,,,,,,,don’t you have a class,,,,,,,,,and he’s like I CAN SKIP ONCEEEEE but jihoon’s like no go study

you end up sitting with jihoon going in the same general direction

and he’s looking at you like ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) so,,,,,,what about my hyung ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

you tell him about how the person was the most beautiful man you have ever seen and jihoon like sort of,,,,,,gags like okay,,,,,,,,,,you do you,,,,,,,,,,,,

but he does help!!!

you find out that the man’s name is choi seungcheol and he’s a music major studying music production and he’s in jihoon’s advanced music theory class

jihoon also tells you that he does underground rapping with the name s.coups

and he typically performs with fellow rappers wonwoo, mingyu and vernon (to which you were like?!??!?! that shy little kid??????? who’s in my beginner photography class??????)

when you get back to your apartment you look at your friend and go like

“i just saw the most beautiful man today” and your friend is like!!!!!!!!!!tELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

so you tell your friend about seungcheol and your friend is like wow,,,,,,,,,,you’re obsessed,,,,,,

but then they ask the serious question that you’ve been trying to avoid

“what if he’s not your soulmate though?”

and you’re like,,,,,,,,,i know,,,,,,,,,,i don’t want to think about that though

you kind of sit there sulking for a bit and your friend is like hey,,,,,,,,,you know what?

you cheer up immediately like aRE YOU GOING TO HELP?>????????

your friend is like lmao no bUT i know someone who can!!!!!!!!!!!

turns out your friend is childhood best friends with wonwoo (no surprise that they were each other’s soulmates)

and just your luck wonwoo invited them on an outing with him, mingyu, hansol and seungcheol

so you wait for your friend to text wonwoo and when he replies saying that yes, they can bring a friend

you both cheer

you tell jihoon during your next shift like !!!!!!!!!!lee jihoon you will nEVEr guess what i’m doing this saturday

he looks at you and you’re like omg your eyes are red when was the last time you slept,,,,,,,,i’ll go make you a coffee

once he gets some of his energy back he’s like “ok now tell me what”

you tell him about what happened and he’s like ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

soonyoung overhears and goes like ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) too and you’re like stopPppPppppPPPP you guys are embarrassing

friday night your friend and you are just lying around in the living room and suddenly you’re like!!!!!!!!!FRICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

your friend looks at you really lazily like okay what did you do/forget this time

“i had homework for my photography class!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

your friend looks at you like are you serious,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,like can’t you do it on sunday

and you’re like nO because it’s due saturday miDnIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

your friend asks you what your homework is and you’re like,,,,,,,,,i have to take pictures of something beautiful,,,,,,,,

and your friend is like just take your camera with you tomorrow i’m suRE you’ll find something (or someone ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)) beautiful

as soon as hansol sees you the next day with your camera he’s like,,,,,,,,,,,frICk,,,,,,,,,we had photography homework didn’t we,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

you and hansol end up spending most of the morning together trying to finish the homework

your friend and wonwoo are both like,,,,,,,( ≖.≖) didn’t you ask to come with to get to know seungcheol better,,,,,,,,,,,

during lunch you’re sitting beside hansol trying to figure out which photos are good and which should be deleted

wonwoo and your friend are literally like oh,,,,,,my god this person is hopeless,,,,,,,,

you look up for a second and see seungcheol waiting in line for the food with mingyu and he looks sO good you’re like how,,,,,did i not notice oh my god

and then you realize like?????you haven’t even said a word to him oh bOy HOW SMART

and he looks reALLY good laughing beside mingyu and unconsciously you raise your camera and snap like,,,,a dozen photos of seungcheol just laughing and hansol’s like hEY i was using that

and then he notices the photos you took and he’s like,,,,,,oh,,,,,,,,,oh damn,,,,,,those are really good photos,,,,,,,,,,

but then he realizes that you took photos of only seungcheol and he’s like,,,,,,,you,,,,,,LIKE HIM

you slap your hand to his mouth like shUsH or i’m deleting all the photos you took

seungcheol hands hansol and you your food and you kind of just go onto auto pilot

“i’m being served by an angel with the body of a demon”

it takes a second for everyone to process

but then hansol and your friend burst out laughing while wonwoo tries to hold it back

mingyu’s just confused

“uhm,,,,,thanks?”

your friend’s eyes widen when they realize what seungcheol just said

wonwoo’s also like hyung,,,,,,,,,aren’t those the words on your wrist,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

you both kind of go like oh,,,,,,,,well isn’t this awkward,,,,,,,,

you apologize “i’m sorry i’ve been told before that i have no filter”

but seungcheol’s like that’s,,,,,,okay it’s fine,,,,,

hansol’s like mingyu hyung move over i can’t sit here anymore

there’s an awkward silence between you and seungcheol before he asks “can i,,,,see your photos? i notice you haven’t been on any rides yet because you’ve been,,,,,,pretty busy,,,,,,,,,”

and you’re like he noTICEd?????????mE????????????????????????????????

but you hand the camera over and he’s looking through them like wow you’re really good!!!!!

“that one’s hansol’s lmao” “i’m soRry”

he gets to the last few and notices they’re all of him and he’s like hey ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) i wonder who this amazing person is ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) they look pretty hot ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

you try to take the camera back like stopPTPPpPppP PLEASEEEEE

you end up lending the camera to hansol for the day and you and seungcheol just go on your own way to go on all the rides

you use your phone to take a bunch of photos of him and he’s like stopppppp i know what your theme is and i’m not beautiful

you’re like lmao weren’t you the one who was going on about how good you look literally ten minutes ago

that night you submit a bunch of photos of seungcheol at his most natural state (including the one when a bird flew into his face trying to get his ice cream)

when he finds out he gets sOOooOo flustered it’s adorable

“nooOoooOooo!!!!!! now your teacher is going to see me being an idiot!!!!”

“my beautiful idiot”

two weeks later when you get your grade back (it’s an A guys you did great) your teacher wrote in the teacher comments

“As much as I enjoy your photos, next time please refrain from sending in pictures of your boyfriend being attacked by birds”

you framed that comment along with said photo and nailed it to your wall

seungcheol visits you during your shifts at the cafe

and every time he does jihoon gives you both a look of disgust

“go be cute and fluffy somewhere else i’m trying to make coffee”

he invites you to one of his underground rap battles

as soon as he and his friends get on stage you’re screaming and cheering for them at the top of your lungs

“thaT’S MY BOYFRIEND!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOP WOOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

after the performance he gets sO shy like why are you so embarrassing ;; and you’re just like emBaRRassing?????? mE???????????? noooooooo i’m just showering you with lOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!

he seems like a cool and collected person but he’s not

he stresses about you every second of his life

if he’s not worrying about you getting enough sleep he’s worrying about your studies or if you’re eating well

you joke about him getting white hairs before he reaches thirty and as a prank seokmin and soonyoung actually dyed a few of his strands white

you freaked out when you saw him the next day

he really adores you honestly you’ve basically become his reason for waking up every day and when he told you that you were like awE but at the same time when did you get so cheesy don’t let jihoon hear you say that