#and I would always sing a little song to myself that went 'I wish I was a boy'
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Does anyone else look back and realize that one of your childhood invisible friends had some really weird gender stuff going on that you never thought to examine at the time?
Like I had a whole superhero universe and the main villain, T-who, was... I don't even know. I used he/him to refer to him, but thinking of him as a man feels so weird to me now, and the way I pictured him, his gender was similar to Princess Lily, the main hero, who was Very Definitely A Girl. (His real name, Tom Jack, was like the first two random guy names I could come up with- and the whole thing was a Voldemort ripoff because 'if you say his real name he will send his wolves after you'- not even getting into the fact that my younger brother proceeded to rip off my ripoff by creating an entire supervillain society of alphabet people named A-who, B-who, etc. It was a whole thing.)
But anyways yeah I don't know what was going on with the gender stuff.
#tbh the way I saw gender as a little kid was an absolute mess#like I specifically remember my favorite color being green and my least favorite being pink#and one day my older brother told me that girls like pink#and I just kind of decided that now pink was my favorite color and green was my least favorite?#and I would always sing a little song to myself that went 'I wish I was a boy'#and I remember having a whole list of reasons why being a boy would be better but I can't remember what any of them were#except for 'boys have short hair so it wouldn't get tangled in the trees when I'm climbing#but like nowadays the idea of being a man produces a visceral 'oh hell no' reaction#like I have done the gender questioning and am literally cis#but I still get weird gender moments from like getting my stuff labeled as guy stuff or something#Like maybe you could describe it as being a girl who is a guy#or is that just called being butch#which is even more confusing because now I am VERY attached to my long hair#for dragon reasons rather than gender reasons#because to add some extra layers to this- I experience dysphoria of a non-gender variety!#where was I going with this
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"i'll be here."
rating: explicit- for drinking and joel's dirty thoughts. This is pure fluff NO SMUT and it's probably kinda corny but I DON'T CARE.
summary: Joel wants to make sure your New Years Eve isn't lonely.
tags: jackson!joel, Joel's POV, no use of y/n, no physical description (just an outfit) fluff, so much fluff, pining, age gap, him being handsome and perfect, mentions of food, drinking, being intoxicated so maybe dub-con (but not really)
w/c: ~3.6k
a/n: the holiday was hard as hell this year and it really didn't feel like christmas at all, so i wrote this for myself because i was sad. i hope any of you all that needed Joel to come and sing you songs and play gui-tar find some comfort in this.
thanks for @creepycorbeaux for reading this over. thanks to @thelastofgala for those beautiful gifs and thanks to @saradika-graphics for the dividers.
Joel wasn’t exactly sure what he was doing walking to your house with a bottle of whiskey in one hand, and his guitar in the other, but he couldn’t stop thinking about what you had said last night on patrol.
“Whaddya end up doin’ f’Christmas?”
The face you make when you look over at him almost makes Joel smirk for a split second. The way your nose scrunches and the corners of your mouth turn down slightly. Like you’re confused and upset with him ,and all he did was ask you a simple question.
Then you respond, “Whachya mean?”
Joel doesn’t know how to answer that because… what do you mean? Your eyes are still squinted— like there is some sort of distrust in your soul. Like Joel is playing a joke on you right now.
“Uh, well… Ellie and I went to Tommy and Maria’s...” Joel is uncomfortable suddenly; he forgets that not everyone is as lucky as he is to have family here in Jackson. He doesn’t know you nearly well enough, so now he feels like an ass. He shouldn’t be asking you anything like that.
Or anything at all not pertaining to patrol.
You don’t say anything for a while, you just hold onto the strap of your rifle over your shoulder, and then adjust your grasp on the reins with your other hand. “I just stayed home,” you answer him quietly, almost like you don’t really want him to hear you. “Made myself a nice dinner, read a book and went to bed.”
That ‘put your foot in your mouth’ feeling creeps into Joel’s stomach and he wants to ask if you’d like to give him a nice rocket to his left jaw. He doesn’t stay quiet for too long, he doesn’t want you sitting in this awkward smog he’s created. “That doesn’t sound t’bad, honestly. Whaddya make?”
Joel watches you out of the corner of his eye as you once again adjust the reins in your hand, waiting for you to either respond to his question or tell him to shut the fuck up.
He wishes you would tell him to screw off because he never tries to make small talk, and this is why! He always regrets it!
“Just a venison roast with veggies from the greenhouse.” You finally tell him with a little more life in your voice this time, like you were actually proud of what you cooked yourself. “What did you and Ellie do at Tommy and Maria’s?”
“Had a few drinks, ate some food. Nothin’ crazy.”
Joel didn’t have the heart to tell you that Tommy and him spent most of the day drinking and reminiscing, laughing about being young, stupid kids. Or that Ellie and Maria baked all day, listening to Christmas music someone had found a while ago. He didn’t wanna subject you to all that, knowing now you were home alone.
Since that night on patrol, Joel can’t get the image of you sitting at home on a holiday all by yourself.
Probably being sad.
There isn’t any particular reason why he feels so compelled to come knock on your door, there are plenty of other lonely souls that spend every holiday with no one else around.
There was just a pull. Something inside of him that said go go go.
Go to her.
He doesn’t really even know what he’s going to say to you if you decide to open the door for him. Hell, he’s not sure you’re even going to let him in! You’ve only ever gone on two patrols together. Y’all never really talk outside of that, but that’s mostly because he doesn’t see you around.
Not like he’s looking for you, or anything.
When he knocks, it’s like his heart might hammer right out of his chest. Why is he so nervous? He’s just here to offer you a couple drinks so you don’t have to ring in the new year all alone.
Ellie was with Dina and the rest of her friends, Tommy and Maria wanted to call it an early night because of the baby, and so Joel had two options: the bar, or sitting at home alone.
It’s not that Joel didn’t like being alone. He had been alone since Tess, and that was still something he didn’t like to think about too much.
Too much loss for not enough of — whatever they had been. Losing her had almost been the final nail in the coffin, and if it hadn’t been for Ellie -
Don’t think about it.
Now Joel finds himself on your front porch, holding the screen door open with his large frame, and knocking lightly with the ass end of the bottle of whiskey.
From inside he can hear you moving around. His breath hitches in his throat when you finally open up for him. Joel watches your eyes scan him very quickly, taking in the picture in front of you. Your eyes go wide for a second like you don’t understand why he’s here.
Joel Miller on your front porch with a bottle of whiskey and his guitar.
“Whaddya doin’ here?”
Joel holds the bottle up for you to inspect closer as you wrap your arms around yourself like you’re trying to hide from him.
Joel’s never seen you without your winter jacket, hat and gloves. Right now in your house, you have on a blue sweater, a pair of tight elastic tights that Joel wishes he could see you in more often, and the warmest looking socks he has ever seen.
His eyes scan the length of your body again involuntarily. His gaze lingers on your pants once again– so tight and they hug your curves (that Joel didn’t even know you had) in all the right ways.
“Well, I reckon I came over here hopin’ you had cooked another roast, since it sounded so damn good when you told me ‘bout it on patrol–”
Joel continues his bullshit rambles about why he came over here as you start to smirk, and take a step back so the door can swing open a little wider and he can make his way in.
“The guitar?” You ask as Joel toes off his boots so he doesn’t track snow through your house. He hands you the bottle of whiskey, shifting the guitar between his hands as he takes off his jacket.
“Figur’d if you wanted to share any of the food you made– I could share the whiskey… maybe play a lil gui-tar for ya.”
The last time he played the guitar for anyone besides Ellie– Sarah was still alive.
Who is this man?
There was just something about the way you said ‘I just stayed home’. Joel was thinkin’ maybe you didn’t read a book and go to bed.
Maybe you cried a little, missing whatever you remember from home.
Joel knows all about that, all about the sleepless nights when you just can’t turn your brain off. You can’t stop thinking about the people that are no more, about how different things are now and how you’d give anything for them to go back to the way they used to be.
Joel has Ellie and Tommy. Who do you have?
“You’re in luck because I did cook tonight,” you’re smiling at him and he thinks this is the first time he’s ever seen you smile, too.
So many firsts for Joel, he feels like a teenager as you lead him further into your house - which is clean and smells phenomenally good - and into the kitchen.
Joel hadn’t expected you to actually offer him food, he didn’t know if you cooked dinners like that for yourself all the time, or only on special occasions.
You take the guitar from him and pull out a chair at your kitchen table. For a moment he feels like his brain malfunctions and he’s not sure how to react.
“You can sit,” You’re already in your living room. “I’m just gonna…” Then you trail off.
When Joel peers around the corner to check on you, you’re very carefully leaning the guitar against the wall, holding your hands out to catch it in case it leans too far one way or the other.
Joel feels heat creeping up his chest and neck as he watches you, slightly bent at the waist. The tightness of your pants—
Nope.
Once you’re satisfied that the guitar won’t fall, you turn around and smile at him, even though he’s just standing there watching you like an idiot– blushing!
Blushing?
Part of him thinks this was the worst idea he ever had. How could you be doing this to him and you’ve done absolutely nothing?
He should go home.
“Sit!” You urge him to take a seat at the table while you basically prance into the kitchen to start serving him a plate. Everything is still sitting on the stove in the pots you cooked in.
You explain that you already ate because you weren’t expecting company.
Joel almost tells you not to worry about the food, but then what would he do? Play guitar for three hours? Getting drunk and talking all night seems like a terrible idea.
What the fuck was he thinking? This was the dumbest thing he’s ever done, it really was.
He shuts his mouth though when you set down a plate of steaming food in front of him.
“Dig in! I have more than enough if you want a second plate.”
The way you talk so casually, like you’ve known Joel your whole life while you walk back into the kitchen makes him jealous.
How are you so nice? Sweet?
You haven’t even been here for four months and this is the first time either of you have said more than ten words to each other that didn’t have to do with patrol.
It’s the way your body moves when you walk without all your winter gear on. You sway… almost like you’re floating.
Knock it off, old man. She’s half your age.
Joel has to squeeze his eyes shut for two seconds until he hears your feet padding back to the table. When he opens them, you’re pushing one of the glasses in his direction.
“You brought the booze, so you have to pour it.”
The smile on your face makes Joel feel a mix of pride and guilt.
What are you expecting of him? He can’t give you more than just tonight. He knows that, he hopes you know that too.
Joel opens the bottle and pours each of you a decent, sippable glass.He should have poured himself less.
Probably should have poured you less.
The food tastes better than Joel’s had in years. He even finds himself asking for seconds, something he rarely does.
You’re making small talk as he eats, asking about his travels and how long he’s been in Jackson. If he likes it here, how old is his daughter.
Joel decides not to tell you that Ellie isn’t really his daughter, because biologically she isn’t, but it hasn’t felt that way in a long time.
As he eats, and you chat, Joel starts to relax a little. Your presence is calming, and he finds himself enjoying your company more than he thought he would. He pours both of you another drink, his regrets of pouring less last time completely forgotten.
The food is gone and you’ve cleared his plate. But the two of you are still sitting at the kitchen table. He’s not sure if it’s the fact that this is another first— seeing you up close like this. In the light of your kitchen Joel can really take in your features; your cheeks when you smile, and the way your eyes light up when you laugh at some dumb joke he tells.
You ask him about his life before the outbreak, and Joel hesitates before giving a very brief summary of his past. He doesn’t like talking about it all, and he avoids bringing Sarah up completely.
Not tonight. Probably not ever.
You listen attentively and ask Joel questions that show you’re actually interested in what he’s saying.
Joel continues to pour the two of your drinks each time your glasses are empty and you never tell him to stop. You suggest moving to the living room where it’s more comfortable, and Joel agrees without hesitation.
Go home. This is going to end badly.
There is a fire going in your fireplace, and Joel can’t sit down until he puts another log or two on, and he has to move some things around to get it going again.
“I can do it myself,” you say from directly behind him, sounding a little offended.
Joel doesn't even look at you when he responds, "I know you can. Just helpin'."
When he finally turns around, you quickly look away. Joel can’t help but smirk and feel that familiar in his lower belly.
Had you been staring at him?
Joel watches as you sink down into the brown leather couch, curling up with your feet underneath you. He settles beside you with just enough distance to be polite.
“What songs do ya’ know?” Your voice is soft and your words are slightly slurred. The alcohol has definitely started to affect you, but Joel doesn’t think you’re that drunk yet.
Joel looks at the clock on your wall and it reads 10:45 PM. He can do this. An hour and fifteen minutes left, then Joel can escape.
Not that he wants to. He has to or something bad is going to happen. Something he regrets.
Something you might regret.
But when you ask him about songs, he can’t help but smile. The alcohol is going down too easily, way too easy for both of you.
Joel clears his throat. "Whaddya wanna hear?"
You shrug, your cute blue sweater sliding off one shoulder. Joel has to fight himself to keep his eyes on your face as you mindlessly tug the sweater up. It’s like you didn’t even realize it happened. You kept your eyes on him the entire time.
"Somethin' that makes you happy."
The fact that you’re moving your feet to tuck your toes underneath Joel’s right thigh is sending electric shocks to his brain. He leans and grabs the guitar off the wall– careful to not move too much so he can keep the contact between the two of you.
Shit. What is he getting himself into?
Joel holds the guitar, fingers tracing the old wooden curves. It's been a while since he's played at all. The strings feel ice cold under his calloused hands.
Joel strum a couple cords, “Know a few songs,” he says, clearing his throat. “Might be a lil rusty though,” he smirks at you and gives you a sideways glance.
You smile from behind your whiskey glass and Joel feels something shift inside him. Something he hasn't felt in a long time.
Something dangerous.
Your eyes are glittering in the firelight— different than they had looked in the artificial light of your kitchen. It casts a warm glow across your face, softening the edges that Joel has only ever seen sharp and alert on patrol.
He clears his throat once again and continues to move his fingers along the frets. The first few notes come out slightly off-key, but Joel quickly finds his rhythm. He starts with a Garth Brooks song.
Joel knows he’s not the best at the guitar and he doesn’t play it nearly as often now that Ellie is so busy with her own life.
You don’t seem to mind, and sometimes Joel misses a chord or messes up completely because he can’t stop glancing over to watch you watching him.
He starts to sing, his voice low and gravelly. It's not a perfect voice - never was - but there's something raw and honest in the way the words tumble out.
… Blame it all on my roots, I showed up in boots And ruined your black tie affair The last one to know, the last one to show I was the last one you thought you'd see there
You shift slightly, your toes still tucked under his thigh, and Joel catches you watching his hands. Even as he continues to sing. You never take your eyes off of him. Not once.
… 'Cause I've got friends in low places Where the whiskey drowns and the beer chases my blues away And I'll be OK Yeah, I'm not big on social graces Think I'll slip on down to the oasis Oh, I've got friends in low places
Joel's voice falters for a moment when he notices the concentration of your gaze. His fingers momentarily stagger on the guitar strings, creating a clashing note that lingers in the air for a moment before he continues.
You don't seem to notice, or care. Your eyes are locked on his hands, watching how they move across the guitar with a kind of reverence that makes Joel's breath catch.
Joel finishes the song, letting the last chord ring out softly in the quiet room. For a moment, neither of you moves. You're still watching him, your eyes heavy-lidded from the whiskey, but there's something else there too.
Joel’s eyes fall on the clock on your wall and it’s only 11.
He’s completely fucked.
Joel becomes acutely aware of how close you are.
Your toes are still tucked under his leg, and the warmth of your body seeps through the denim of his jeans. Joel swallows hard, trying to ignore the way his heart is racing.
"Another song?" you ask, your voice soft and slightly husky from the whiskey.
Joel clears his throat. "Sure," he manages, repositioning the guitar.
Joel starts strumming again, this time a slower, more mournful tune. His fingers find the familiar chords of an old country ballad, something he used to play for Sarah when she was real little. Before the weight of being a single dad started to apply pressure.
The memories threaten to overtake him, but he forces them down, focusing instead on the way the light flickers across your face. He can feel the heat of your body against his leg, the whiskey making everything feel soft and blurry around the edges. His voice is lower now, almost a whisper, like he's singing just for you.
Joel sings a couple more songs, a few at your request.
"That was really good," you say softly, your eyes meeting his. There's something in your gaze that makes Joel shiver - it’s a weakness, a longing that mirrors something deep inside himself.
When he looks at the clock again it’s 12:30.
“We completely missed new years,” Joel points to the clock and chuckles. He had completely forgotten that’s why he came over here originally. Once the music started, everything else kind of faded away.
It was just the two of you while the rest of Jackson, and possibly the rest of the world stopped existing in that short time.
“I was havin’ a good time,” you’re still smiling at him and now he can see how glassy they are from the whiskey.
“Y’look like y’were havin’ a good time, darlin’.” Joel smiles and starts to stand up from the couch. It’s not until he’s standing directly in front of you realize what’s happening, Joel watches your eyes shift and change.
Are you panicking?
“Are… were–” you cut yourself off and shake your head, waving a hand at Joel dismissively. “Nevermind. Thank you for coming over.” When you turn to look at him, your eyes are rimmed with a glossy sheen. The whites of your eyes had turned a hazy shade of red.
“S’wrong?”
You shrug your shoulders, your sweater falling off your shoulder again. You don’t notice and twirl your whiskey glass in your hand slowly. “Nothin’. I had a good time… just sad you gotta go.”
Joel knows he shouldn’t, but he gently replaces your sweater, his fingers lingering on the warm skin of your collarbone for a moment before he pulls away. “I’m all outta songs, sweetheart.”
“You don’t wanna stay?”
Joel swallows hard and then cuts you off, “For what?” Joel whispers it and you snap your head up to look at him, almost as astonished as he is. Joel knows that the liquor and the way you had been looking at him all night is a recipe for disaster.
Make me leave, please. Kick me out. Don’t ask me to stay again because I won’t be able to say no.
You finish the last of your whiskey before setting your glass down on the coffee table in front of your couch.
“You know what.”
“I do… but we’ve been drinkin’... ‘n I don’t want ya’ regretti–”
“What is there to regret?” you whisper. Your hand snakes into his and Joel doesn’t pull his away or nothing. “You gotta know more songs.”
Joel sits down beside you again, sighing loudly like this is a giant inconvenience to him, but a part of him knows that this isn’t going to end–
Not at all.
Once he takes you upstairs, it’s over for the both of you. It’s like he can taste it in the air.
“One more,” Joel nods his head at you. “Then I’m leavin’.”
He and you both know that’s not true.
His fingers find their holds on the neck of the guitar and he looks over at you before he strums the first note.
You shy away from him, tucking your toes back under his thigh. Joel lifts his leg slightly so you can slip them deeper under his leg.
There's no stronger wind than the one that blows Down a lonesome railroad line No prettier sight than looking back On a town you left behind There is nothin' that's as real As your face that's on my mind
Joel changes the lyrics just a little, and he doesn’t know if you notice, or even if you know this song. He's not ready to sing about love, not at all.
He confidently sings you the next part though.
Close your eyes I'll be here in the morning Close your eyes I'll be here for a while
hopefully y'all had a better time than I did.
love you all so so much
#jackson!joel#joel miller one shot#joel miller fluff#joel plays the guitar#joel miller x reader#joel miller#pedro pascal#pedro pascal characters#ppcu fandom#ppcu fanfiction#ppcu fics#pedro pascal character#joel tlou
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I'm always thinking about Jason because fixation so my judgement is biaised because every song I listen to makes me think about at least one of my Jasons, but here are some songs though were definitely written for and about canon Jason Todd, and I will take no criticism (but you are definitely welcome to add your own songs):
-Take me To War, by The Crane Wives
>"But I keep snapping at Goliath hands with all of my tiny might"/ "All of the fire I swallowed, all of the sparks that went down in my guts, I am always burning out"/ "I'll be the sweetest thing to ever scare you"
The Robin -> Red Hood transition is so seamless
-Little Soldiers by the Crane Wives
> "On the broken back of all the words we spared, Like little soldiers in the trenches; It was a march we made towards ruin and despair, But we held hands all the while"
I always rant about how how Jason's character and story is centered around love, this is the song that plays in my head while I'm yapping
-Blue Lips by Regina Spektor
> "He took a step but then felt tired, He said I'll rest a little while; but when he tried to walk again, he wasn't a child"
If you ever wanna be sad about Jason's resurrection, catatonia and stolen childhood, this is the song to listen to
-The Horrors and The Wild by The Amazing Devil
"Think of all the horrors that I promised I'd bring, I promise they'll sing of every Time you passed your fingers through my hair and called me child, Witness me old man I am the Wild"
> If Under The Red Hood has one song it's this one
-The Old Witch Sleep and The Good Man Grace by The Amazing Devil
"There's a fire burning/And I'm learning to be/So much more than my tiredness/ So much more than that old witch sleep wishes/ She kisses my eyelids, and I/Breathe"
> If Red Hood: Lost Days (minus the gross bits) has one song it's this one
-Elsa's song by The Amazing Devil
>"And you'll throw some sage and lillies/ And roses where I'll rot/ Of all the flowers you picked/I knew you would forget/ Forget-me-nots"
idk who Elsa is this is about how Jason was grieved but he wasn't remembered
(Yeah I'm pretty convinced that at least either Madeline Hyland or Joey Batey read Under the Red Hood so many of their songs fit so well I restrained myself to three but there are so many)
-A Burning Hill by Mitski
>"I'm tired of wanting more, I think I'm finally worn/ For you have a way of promising things/ And I've been a forest fire"
Jason admitting loss and giving up on begging Bruce is something that can be so personal actually
-Heaven Knows by The Pretty Reckless
>"Now you're on your knees with your head hung low/ Big Man tell you where to go/ Tell them it's good, tell them okay/Don't do a goddamn thing they say"
Crime Alley united!!! Also, "tell the big guy I said hello" :))) (the God/Batman amalgam in Death in the Family is such an incredible one-liner and works so well for Jason omg)
-For the Departed by Shayfer James
>"Now I must finished what I started/I'll write a symphony for the departed/And I have no time for second chances/ So I survive on bourbon blood and backward glances"
The amount of angst, dramatics and intense devotion to his cause at the cost of his life, the literature references, everything about this song? Jason at his angstiest for sure
-Goodbye by Bo Burnham
> "If I wake up in a house that's full of smoke I'll panic/So call me up and tell me a joke/ When I'm fully irrelevant and totally broken dammit/ Call me up and tell me a joke /Oh shit/ You're really joking at a time like this"
exploded warehouse parallel aside, this song feels like not being able to heal because you're not capable of asking for what you really need, wanting to come back but feeling like you aren't allowed to because it would ruin you or the you that was shaped by other's perception of you and most importantly, begging to matter and to have mattered. So. Jason.
#jason todd#dc#batman#red hood#robin#robin ii#jaybin#under the red hood#batman under the red hood#red hood lost days#the crane wives#regina spektor#the amazing devil#mitski#the pretty reckless#shayfer james#bo burnham#jason todd meta
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Could you please do some comforting fic? Like, Tav is crying because of stress (or maybe a painful memory) and Astarion has to console her being an absolute emotional support vampire?
Dying Star (Astarion x GN! Reader)
Your wish is my command!
Synopsis: While exploring the Shadowlands, you run into Arabella and she asks you to find her parents. Unfortunately, you don’t have good news to deliver and Astarion tries to navigate your feelings with tips from Karlach.
Character Class- Cleric of Lliira
(I’m really obsessed with this concept because I’m a Social Worker and I refer to myself as the “positivity police” so this is a character type I have grown fond of)
TW: Grief, Trauma, Parental loss, PTSD, Panic Attacks, mentions of violence and gore.
*I really like the nickname Little Love (I know it’s for Ascended only but…..) so I will be using it as a pet name that Astarion uses for the reader.
Companion song: Dying Star by Ashnikko (feat. Ethel Cain)
It was supposed to be easy. You had an extra skip to your step as you headed in the direction Arabella told you her parents went.
Finally, you had thought, I can do something good for someone. I can reunite a family. No morally gray bullshit to navigate.
You were grinning the whole way there despite your argument with Astarion before sending him with Arabella.
“We don’t have time to go parent hunting.”
“There is always time to go parent hunting.”
He had expressed his disdain about finding Arabella’s parents. He told you it’s a waste of time- they were probably dead anyway. Arabella had whimpered and teared up. That was enough for you to lose your patience and you ripped into him for saying "something so awful and in front of a CHILD, nonetheless!"
You sent him back with Arabella and Wyll, telling him that if he had no desire to search and rescue, he didn’t have to. He had looked hurt and insisted he go, that he needed to be there, but you were fed up and a little girl was crying.
Dejected, Astarion had gone back to camp. The guilt sat heavily at the bottom of your stomach, but you had a personal mission to complete and nothing was going to stop you.
You were orphaned as a young child. The nightmares had gone away (for the most part), but you still remember your father dragging you away from your mother’s cold body as Loth Drows ambushed Silverymoon. They had had a whole army and their druids had control over giant creatures from the Underdark. You remember losing your father in the haze, an arrow to your back, running and slipping into a river. Then nothing. Until a nearby Cleric of Lliira (Leer-uh) had saved you, taking you to Selgaunt (SELL-GAUNT) on the coast of the Sea of Stars. Lliira had healed your heart and saved you- you hoped to pay that debt forward and help Arabella have a better outcome than you did.
No one in your party knew your past and you hadn’t brought it up to Astarion. It feels so long ago and it was a topic you preferred to bring up in a more hospitable place than the Shadowlands and after you help Astarion kill Cazador. You wanted to prioritize his joy and help him finally be free, so why would you burden him with your past while he is suffering far more from his?
It didn’t take you and your party long to locate Arabella’s parents. You found them in the House of Healing- dead. Along with your hope and joy.
You had erupted in a tearful rage and you stabbed the Sister who killed them over and over.
You didn’t care what the Joybringer would do if she saw how senselessly you mutilated the sisters and Malus. You had made them suffer as you saw fit. Mutilating them, using more painful methods of killing (stabbing in painful, but not lethal spots), and your crying came out as painful, angry screams.
Gale, Karlach, and Shadowheart eyed you with concern as you walked back to the camp. Usually you were singing or whistling a tune, cracking jokes to relieve the tension.
Instead, you were focusing on how you would break the news to Arabella that her parents are dead and she is all alone.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Astarion paces around his tent, trying to distract himself from the pit of fear in his stomach. You had never snapped at him that way- usually you just roll your eyes at him and give him a chaste kiss with a soft, “I understand if you don’t want to go, but I would appreciate it if you would come along.”
He wasn’t sure why Arabella and her parents had been a sensitive subject or why you had insisted on looking for them when they were likely already dead. No one survives the Shadow Cursed Lands without a light source and mediocre tactical skills.
That didn’t stop him from rooting for you though- he hopes he is wrong and that you come back victorious. He wants you to be happy. Astarion enjoys seeing you succeed because that’s when you flash that brilliant grin that he has (silently) adored since the moment he met you. The reason he protested in the first place is because he knows how destroyed you would be if Arabella’s parents are dead. He doesn’t want you to hurt- for your heart to lose it’s optimism.
He hears you, Karlach, Shadowheart, and Gale come into camp. He steps out of the tent- hoping that you were able to achieve the outcome you wanted, that you would come parading into camp victorious.
He sees you talking to Arabella in a quiet whisper and he watches as your face contorts to hold back your own feelings as Arabella screams at you. He watches you take it- as she punches you in the stomach over and over. You just let her before she runs off. Withers says something to you quietly before you walk into your tent, closing yourself off from everyone.
Astarion feels stuck in the entryway of his tent. He doesn’t know what to do.
“Hey fangs,” Karlach says, offering a sad smile as she walks up to him, “you should probably know- they went over the rails after seeing Arabella’s parents.”
A look of confusion spreads across his face. What does that even mean? You were barely capable of hurting a fly!
“Like they became upset?”
Karlach nods with weary eyes,“They became upset and… well very, very, very violent.”
The tadpole behind his eyes begins to squirm as he allows Karlach to show him the scene.
He didn’t think you were capable of that much destruction. He saw angry tears slide down your face as you destroyed everything in your path. His gentle, joyful Cleric had broken in the House of Healing.
How ironic, he thinks bitterly.
He feels his own tears begin to prick his eyes as he watches you suffer through the battle- screaming and crying. He should have been there for you. He should have gone and let you be mad at him for disobeying. He hangs his head and pinches the bridge of his nose.
“She really needs you Fangs,” Karlach says to him, interrupting his train of thought.
Of course Karlach would say that as if it was the easiest thing in the world- like he hadn't been tortured and unloved for the past two centuries.
“I don’t know how to be what she needs right now,” he says in a soft voice.
It was true. He had only just expressed his feelings for you and he barely felt confident doing that to begin with. He spent two centuries seducing and manipulating whoever he could to survive. How could he be what you need right now? When he is just as much of a monster as the individuals that killed Arabella’s parents?
Karlach contemplates this, searching Astarion’s face as if the answer to all his problems would be there.
“You don’t need to do anything other than being there- tell them you are sorry. Tell them you were rooting for them because I saw it in your head. Tell them that they aren't alone,” Karlach pauses before saying, “And remind them that they are a good person- that Lliira wouldn’t abandon her in her suffering.”
Despite his fear and reluctance, he thanks Karlach for the advice and walks towards your tent.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Your body is shaking violently as your chest tightens and painful, silent sobs come out of your mouth. You are trying (and failing) to use your hand as a sound barrier.
It’s not about you, it’s about Arabella, you remind yourself, stop being so selfish.
Except the images are back, you are small again, helpless again, alone, and afraid. Despite your effort, Arabella has been given the same fate and in the same breath, you turned away from your Goddess. You lost yourself in the fight, you were aware of this while it was happening. You just didn’t have it in you to care anymore.
You hear footsteps approach your tent- you do the best to rub away the tears and snot.
It’s not about you.
You hear Astarion’s voice on the other side of the tent flap.
“Little love,” he says softly, “can I please come in?”
You laugh, your voice hoarse, “Come to tell me ‘I told you so?’ To gloat and laugh? If that is your intention, then no. You will need to wait one to five business days before you can do that.”
You don’t hear him laugh at your humorous response as he usually does. He enters the tent and you feel him sit down behind you, his legs on either side of yours. He’s tense as he puts his arms around you from behind, pulling you in between his legs. He slowly relaxes against your body, putting his face in the crook of your neck.
“I’m sorry Little Love. I wanted to be wrong. I just knew how much it would… hurt you if the outcome wasn’t… well.”
You sniff, choking back a sob as he begins drawing shapes on the back of your shaking hands.
“It’s okay my love. You can let it out. I’m here for you. You aren’t alone.”
Despite how clumsy and awkward it was said, that sentence alone broke whatever composure you still had. You cry and scream into your hand as Astarion holds onto you as if you are about to fly away and he is your anchor. Your breath is shallow and it’s hard to breathe as you suffocate on your grief and panic. You feel him ask for access to your mind, wanting to know how to help. So, you show him and you let all your grief pour into your cries. You feel his own tear mix with yours as he cries into your neck as he endures how you feel with you- as he watches your whole life fall apart because of one ambush over and over again.
He continues to trace patterns on your hands, asking you to focus on him and what he is doing, reminding you to breathe as you do for him when he is distressed.
You begin to calm as you focus on his voice, focus on his delicate fingers tracing your skin, and for once, you don’t feel so alone. You scoot forward, gently removing his arms , and turn around to face him, your tearful eyes meeting his.
He grabs your face gently and kisses your forehead as silent tears roll down both of your faces. You look down at your hands before speaking.
“I thought… I thought I could help Arabella be reunited with her family,” you say in a gravely whisper, “I had hoped she wouldn’t be alone like I was, but now…”
You suck in a harsh breath and look at your hands, “Gods, I am naive and stupid.”
“No- you do not get to talk about my favorite person that way,” Astarion says sharply.
You look up in surprise at the intensity of his words. He matches your eyes with a look of adoration, guilt, and a ferocity you have never seen before.
“Little Love, you are not naive and you are not stupid,” He pauses, to kiss one of your hands and intertwines your fingers together, “you are so good without trying because that is who you are. You experienced hardship and you didn’t let it destroy you. You didn’t become a monster.”
He looks at your face to gauge your reaction. You sit quietly, letting him continue to speak if he chooses so he does.
“You… you are amazing and a bright light in the darkness. You are my moon, my compass, and you have shown me parts of myself I didn’t know existed,” he clears his throat before continuing.
“ I hate to see you hurt, but I promise I will be here to help you through your suffering,” He stares into your eyes intensely, “for as long as you will have me.”
You pause, taking in everything he has just said to you. You felt like a star dying, exploding in the cosmos. You feel evil and wrong for the violence you inflicted on the Sisters and Malus in your need for revenge. Your actions were not of Lliira's will.
“I don’t know if that’s who I am anymore, Star. I engaged in senseless violence… I don’t think Lliira will forgive me- and if she does, it won’t be easy to obtain her forgiveness,” you say glumly.
He grabs your other hand in his and offers a soft smile.
“Then we will work together to get you back into favor with your Goddess and I will remind you everyday who you are until you believe in yourself again,” he says before leaving a chaste kiss on your lips.
You smile despite yourself, your chest glowing with warmth as you stare into his eyes. You know Astarion detests the Gods, but the fact that he was willing to help you made your eyes tear up again. You are horribly desperately in love with him and as much as you want to tell him that, you practice restraint. There is a time and place- that time is not now, not when the relationship just began.
“And what if I need it everyday for the rest of your Immortal life?” You say half-joking and half-afraid of his answer.
A wide, genuine grin spreads across Astarion’s face as your words register in his mind.
They want me to stay. They want me to be by their side-even when this is all done.
Astarion pulls you into his lap, your legs straddling his hips as he pulls you into him and presses a soft kiss against your neck before laying his head on your shoulder.
“Then I will stay by your side. Forever.”
#astarion x reader#astarion#baldurs gate 3#baldurs gate astarion#astarion x you#astarion x gender neutral reader#bg3#bg3 spoilers#bg3 astarion#bg3 tav#karlach
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Americans are going thru it today, is there any way you could bless us with sweet facts about Rammstein and Richard? Thanks for your help, I know I absolutely live for your detailed posts, they're my favorite ❤️❤️
Hi 👋
First of all, my heart goes out to all American citizens who hoped, voted and fought for a different outcome. We live in very surreal and scary times and I just wish you all lots of strength and calmness for your minds 🍀🤍
Now on to some other, hopefully uplifting/interesting enough things to get your mind of things - maybe not all sweet ones, since I grabbed them from the top of my head so to speak and searched for the sources afterward, yet I hope they provide a little bit of distraction:
tiny little fact I love: Richard is actually a proper country boy. Eventhough he was born in the city of Wittenberge, he lived up until he was 7 in the german countryside in the little village of Weisen, which according to Google has 997 inhabitants. "That was a beautiful childhood with alot of nature, cats and dogs and a big family with two siblings."
as the most memorable (or miserable) jobs he ever worked in, Richard listed the following: window cleaner (since he suffers from vertigo), making shoes and selling them, going through an apprentinceship for becoming a cook and cleaning for an old lady who had stuffed poodles in her apartment.
if he could timetravel, Richard would choose to visit the period of the Knights Templar, 11th century, since he feels rather drawn to this history era.
a little fact about Richard and the gifts he gets from fans to his door step I think about regularly with mixed feelings: "I myself got a rose on my doorstep every day for years. Sure, it's nice - you always have roses at home, but there are so many unpleasant feelings involved. For a while, someone always left cigarettes in my mailbox. My brother always had to smoke the first one!"
Richard took singing lessons with a coach who also worked with Mick Jagger. Said coach scolded Richard a lot due to him smoking right before class - in one interview Richard mentioned he was so intimidated by that coach that he was ready to call his parents to pick him up. But he went through with it and worked a lot on his voice, which became quite beneficial for his singing.
Apparently, the idea of the infamous Flake-stew during "Mein Teil" came from Richard, who then actually was less than enthusiastic for his own idea: "I had the idea of Flake being cooked in the pot, then I realized, the first time we actually did it onstage, that it was too convenient, just stupid or not even funny, whatever. So I said, ‘I hate it’. But by that time, the rest of them had done it and loved it…"
The band actually considered various names before they settled for 'Rammstein': Tempelprayers, Mutter (mother), Milch (milk), Erde (earth).
A well known fact or rather, legend, but I think about it a lot: Richard recorded the whistling for 'Engel' it true chaotic composer fashion, namely while he was taking a bath and was struck by creativity. The band apparently didn't manage to record a better version, so his version was used for the song.
some song recommendations by Richard - these were his favourites back in 2009: 'Hurt' by Nine Inch Nails, 'Baby I'm gonna leave you' by Led Zeppelin, 'Sin City' by AC/DC and 'Personal Jesus' by Depeche Mode 🎶
I hope this helped at least a tiny bit! Sending you all the good and cosy vibes you might need 🤲🏼
Have some cuddly R+ guys for emotional support:
Sources: Rockhard magazine wir.sehen.euch rammwiki Emigrate Kerrang rammwiki Rammstein
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So I managed to get time tonight to see Jung Kook's 'I Am Still' documentary, and I have many thoughts lol.
Spoiler Free Review
JK is so ridiculously talented. I'm sure it was already obvious. but seeing him in the studio, recording his first album, was amazing. He has such a unique ear for music, and it was impressive to hear him in the studio with his English-speaking producers in the U.S. JK repeatedly talked about how nervous he was whenever he was doing something new, and the astounding thing is you could never tell. His nervousness never showed. He was always delivering at such a high level, that you could never tell in any of his performances. Hearing his luscious vocals and tone in surround sound in a loud theater was worth the price of admission alone.
Spoiler Filled Review Below
There's honestly not too much to spoil. If you watched many of JK's performances during his promo run, you probably have already seen like 80% of the documentary. The TSX performance in Times Square, GMA, Global Citizens Festival, the Golden Live on Stage Showcase, and one of the performances he did in the UK were all highlighted. It's crazy that JK was sick through so much of his promo run. One of the only times he mentioned in the documentary that he was feeling in good condition was for the TSX performance. It was also very obvious how much JK's staff loves him. The fact that they were always taking care of him and asking how he slept, and would cheer if he slept well was sweet.
The behind-the-scenes of Jung Kook recording Standing Next to You, going to the doctor before his GMA performance, and the cutting of his hair all felt like the most significant scenes to me that were actually new. JK recording SNTY really showcased his genius as a musically gifted artist. I mentioned this earlier in my spoiler-free section but JK has a remarkable ear for music, and the fact he could hear a note sung by a producer, immediately knew what they wanted and how to sing it, and deliver it back despite the language barrier was insane. Even though JK was too humble to admit it in the documentary, he 1000% is a musical genius with an innate natural ability that can't be taught.
In terms of appearances by other members, there was not much. While rehearsing Permission to Dance for Global Citizen Festival (I think lol) JK mentioned that Jin and Jimin drive him crazy because of how high their parts are in the song, and that fact he had to sing their parts 😅. He visited Barnes and Noble and saw all the members albums. Tae made a suuuuuper awkward appearance while JK was recording lol. JK's one-arm sideways half hug (with his other hand still in his pocket) made me laugh. Next, Jimin. I have no idea if JK had any input on how the documentary was put together, but Jimin making an appearance at the very end, being one of the last things included, actually felt so meaningful. JK had just buzzed off the rest of his hair, had finished recording Never Let Go, and went to find Jimin. Seeing Jimin's full body reaction to seeing JK's hair for the first time felt equal parts funny and emotional. JK leaned into Jimin as Jimin rubbed his head and then asked him how it looked, like he needed his encouragement at that moment. I thought it was really touching. The scene with Jimin and the scene with his barber/hairstylist who cried after cutting JK's hair felt like two of the most personal scenes in the film that didn't have to do with JK as the artist, but with Jung Kook the person.
This leads me to a few of my issues. While I loved it, I did at times find myself wishing it was a little more personal. A lot of time was spent on interviews with his English-speaking producers who worked on Golden and their thoughts, but thankfully PDogg and Son Sung Deuk were also included to add some much-needed insight into Jung Kook as a person. (I don't want to get flamed for mentioning it, but I really hated seeing Scooter appear, but thankfully he remained in the background during Seven's recording.) The jumping around in time didn't really work for me either, but maybe it's because I was crazy locked in during that time and know the exact order in which his performances happened lol. I also wonder why they didn't include more rehearsal or practice dance footage. They included sooo many full performances from Golden Live on Stage and so much hard work and preparation had to have gone into pulling that off, so it was a little surprising not to see much behind-the-scenes content from it. Or maybe BigHit is saving that footage to use at a later time, which would be very like them lol.
Overall, I would HIGHLY recommend everyone watch 'I Am Still' to see Jung Kook's genius at work on the big screen!!! For a 1 hour and 33 minute documentary , it was time very well spent. Again thank you again to the anon who messaged me asking for my review, this very very long review is really all your fault haha. 😅
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the ghost on the shore.
Nixie! Leon Kennedy x Fem! Reader
Summary: After the sudden death of your nephew, a sudden detail about that strange lake within the woods piques your curiosity. Unable to withstand the temptation, you decide to see if the legends of the lake were true. Do you wish to reap what you sow?
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A/n: LOOK I KNOW I WAS GONNA WRITE A LUIS SERA FIC BUT I COULDN'T HELP MYSELF. I've been dying to write this and since I have motivation (i always do when i'm not at my house for some reason) I was finally able to just sit down and power through this. I hope you guys like it!! and yes, john and jack are from red dead. sue me.
also i listened to this as leons violin music <3 and this
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Genre: Folklore, Horror, Angst Rated: Mature Warning: Death, Drowning, Child Death, Cursing, Nudity, Graphic Depictions of Death, Suicidal Thoughts, Slight Gore, idk what else
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Author: ScariusAquarius
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The water was still.
Sunlight filtered into the lonely forest as twilight entered the realm, covering the trees and floor of the woods in a bittersweet golden jade glow. The birds did not sing, the trees did not whisper, and the animals did not dare make a step as the man played his violin.
He was sitting atop of a mossy and algae-covered rock in the middle of the large lake, his slender fingers skillfully sliding and pressing upon the frets as his rosined bow glided along strings. His music was melancholic; despondent in its tune yet haunting all the same as the sounds bounced off the water and into the air.
Despite the sad melody, he always did enjoy playing his violin for the earth, even though it would often bring unwanted guests to his lake; his home.
He knew he was being watched.
The man, if the divine could call him that anymore, could feel eyes upon him from just beyond the shore. They had been standing there for a few minutes now, enchanted by his violin just as he intended.
He knew it would not be long until the unsuspecting child would give into the whisper within his youthful mind to wade into the waters, and the second his little feet would grace the top of the lake, the man's beautiful song would have to come to an end.
The man turned to the boy on the shore, looking at him with his bright blue eyes, quietly beckoning him to come closer. Listen to my song.
Poor little boy, the man had to think as the boy began to walk into the water, he would not last very long. As the water rose to the boy's chest the closer the child got, the more excited the man's music became. Instead of the haunting melody it had been before, now there was a playful; almost jovial tune beginning to cut through the light of twilight.
The water was up to the boy's neck now, and the man's toes were beginning to curl in excitement as he continued to quietly beckon the child. How much longer would it take? How much more patience would he have to extend to the little child whose little feet could only move so fast in such frigid waters?
The little boy was under the surface of the water now, slowly swimming his way to the rock in which the man sat, little arms flailing as the boy swam the best that he could. The man's music gradually went into a crescendo, going back to that haunting tune, but this time, his melody spelled out disaster.
Tragedy was afoot, and the second the boy placed his hands upon the rock and broke the surface, gasping for air, the man couldn't help but to smile. Allowing the boy to sit with him, the man was almost vibrating with anticipation. The very second that his song came to an end, the man placed down his violin before grabbing the boy by the neck and diving deep down into the water; dragging him down into unnatural depths unusual for a lake.
The water slowly rippled.
-ONE WEEK LATER-
The tears still had yet to dry as you sat on the edge of your bed. Within your hand was a picture, the edges frayed from how much you had been handling the memory, and you bit your lip as you stared down at the boy smiling so widely at the camera.
Your nephew had only been 6 years old.
It had been a complete accident, your brother told you. John had been out in the woods hunting mushrooms with his son when he had decided to make camp since it was getting dark. Jack had claimed that he needed to go to the bathroom, and when he didn't come back, John had tried to search for him. Nightfall, however, came so fast that John was forced to wait until morning.
And then John found Jack's boots by the shore of the lake, and he knew what had happened. When they pulled Jack's clothes out of the lake, John was in so shocked and upset that the medics forced him to go to the hospital.
He'd begun drinking ever since.
When John told you the news, you had been devastated. You had just seen Jack that day, and you could still remember how excited Jack had been to go camping and mushroom hunting with his father. God only knew how much Jack liked being able to spend time with his dad when John wasn't too caught up on work.
Jack's funeral had been earlier in the day. Friends, family, and many of the townfolk who knew and loved Jack had attended. Nobody said a word about John's intoxicated state as he stood before the preacher and the grave, swaying and fiddling with his flask. Eyes ringed in red, bags beneath them, stinking of body odor and cigarettes, John hadn't spoken a single word.
Nobody blamed him.
So, now you sat within Jack's bedroom, looking at all the books that still had bookmarks in them that Jack wouldn't be able to finish, all the model boats and hunting gear his father had bought for him, taking in the scent of the vanilla cookie wax melts Jack always begged John to buy because of how 'yummy' they smelled, as he had said it.
You missed him terribly.
There was a shuffle within the doorway, and you looked up to see John standing there, nursing his flask and swaying as he tried to blink the bleariness of his eyesight away. He couldn't even look into the room, staring down at his muddy boots, and you felt an urge to suddenly cry as you stared at your brother.
"They keep saying the man in the lake got the boy."
His gruff voice was bitter, his grey eyes dark as he glared down at the floor and shifted to catch himself as he suddenly lost balance, and you shook your head. John was quiet for a moment before he whispered, choking up as he held a hand to his mouth.
"I looked away for a second...let him go to the bathroom like he wanted to and he was gone."
"John..."
Your voice was small, confused on what exactly to say, and John shook his head, squeezing his eyes shut as tears filled his eyes.
"I hadn't even noticed Jack was gone for too long...had I been more diligent...god, it should have been me."
John fell to his knees, sobbing, and you gathered your brother up into your arms, sniffling as his tears invoked your own. You whispered, not trusting yourself to be able to hold back any sobs alongside John if you spoke any louder.
"It wasn't your fault, John. They said his foot got caught on a fallen tree beneath the water."
"It was the man in the lake, (Y/n). He got him. He has my son."
Legends in the town spoke of a spirit that lived within the lake. Sometimes, he appeared as a man playing the violin, and sometimes, he was a beautiful and majestic stallion that would allow his victims to climb on before dragging them to their watery deaths. Many children and women had gone missing when visiting the lake, but there was never an explanation for why.
One minute, they were there, and the next, they vanished; never to be seen again. Nobody really knew if the legends were true, but the bodies of the missing were never recovered. Only some personal belongings here and there.
That's why Jack's death was so hard. There wasn't even a body to bury. Just an empty casket filled with stones to give a false sense of human body weight.
But even you could tell the casket had been too heavy while pall-bearing.
John was sobbing for a minute before suddenly, snores wracked his body, and you couldn't help but to clutch your brother tighter. Using all your strength, you lifted the broken man up and laid him down on Jack's bed, taking his boots off for him before quietly shutting the door.
Making your way down the stairs, you could see a few of the townsfolk standing in the kitchen, all of them nursing a few drinks and snacks that you had made for after the funeral. They were whispering to themselves, but you could hear the words coming out of their mouths.
"I'm telling you, it was the man in the lake. That boy got enchanted and he got him."
A woman, a lady that you recognized to be the owner of the public library in town, shook her head.
"Daniel, you know there ain't no such thing. Jack probably wanted to go swimming, but you know he hasn't learned how to yet. He was supposed to start lessons with his aunt next week."
A much older fellow that owned the gunstore just beyond the library curled his lips into a grim expression. He was nursing a beer, courtesy of John after he filled the refrigerator with the alcohol.
"Leah, I've been in this town long before you both ever saw the sunrise upon this place. Children, women...they've been disappearing for years...every single one of them...that lake is cursed...has been since this godforsaken town began."
When they noticed you, their expressions of grim secrets and fear was washed off of their faces only to be replaced with looks of sympathy. You swallowed thickly, suddenly angry as they all began to open their mouths to speak, and you couldn't help but blurt out.
"Keep that shit about the man in the lake to yourselves. My nephew is dead, and now my brother is ranting and raving about the damn thing. Jack drowned. No man in the lake got him. The boy fucking drowned. That's all there is too it."
Your voice was shaking, small despite the bite to your words, and you couldn't even bother to wait around to hear what the people had to say. At the moment, you couldn't even care. You couldn't care what any of them had to say.
All you cared about was Jack and your brother.
Sighing heavily when you got out the door, you ran a hand over your face and felt the urge to scream at the top of your lungs. You were trying so hard to hold it together, but it was so hard. For years, you were the one to keep a level-headed mindset. You were the oldest sibling, so it was by design that you were the one to stay calm in dire situations.
But being strong suddenly didn't feel good anymore.
Would it have been different had you been there with them? John had asked you to go, but you had already picked up an extra shift at work to make a bit of extra money so you weren't so worried about being able to pay John's rent that he was behind on to help him out, let alone your own rent.
Biting your lip, you shook your head and glanced at your shoes. They were a bit dirty from walking through the muddy grounds of the cemetery for Jack's funeral, and so you decided that it would be best to call it a night and go home to clean them.
You would think more in the morning.
-TIMESKIP-
It was noon the next day. Your shirt was sticking to your back from all the sweat that was running down your spine as you moved boxes off of the delivery truck and into the shop that you worked at in town with your brother, the hot summer sun beating down on you as you unloaded the vehicle.
The auto shop was fairly empty, save for a few mechanics that weren't on-call and instead working on the vehicles parked inside that still had yet to be fixed. Nobody would speak. It was almost as if they were afraid that you were surrounded by glass and any word they would speak would shatter the box and shatter you next.
You were actually thankful.
Less speaking meant more time to focus on doing your job, and more focus meant you got the job done faster and were able to go home. The sound of the door to the front office opening caught your attention, and you looked over your shoulder to see the boss, a man named Chris, walk in. His brown eyes were firm, steely in his reproach as he made his way to you.
To the rest of the people in the shop, it would look as though Chris was angry, but you knew that expression of worry any day of the week.
"How are you doing?"
You almost grimaced as the words left Chris' lips.
"Doing just fine, I suppose. Just...trying to work and get through."
Chris was quiet for a moment before he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Listen, I know that you usually just deal with things and don't give yourself any real time to process stuff before you go ahead onto the next shit, but I think you should take some time off. I know how much Jack meant to you."
You frowned heavily, stating firmly.
"Chris, I can't just take time off of work. I have bills to pay."
"I'll make it paid leave. I just don't want you to drown in work after what happened with your nephew and the man in the lake."
The man in the lake. Ever since that day, that's all you ever heard. It was hard to bite your tongue and not give your boss any lip, but in the end, you knew it would be futile. Chris was as stubborn as a mule. Whatever he set his mind to, he did it with no second thoughts nor hesitation.
Hell, you were sure he would punch straight through a boulder if he really wanted to, so you just set the last box down onto the dolly and slammed the door shut to the delivery truck before silently walking away.
As you walked down the street towards your car, your eyes caught attention of a newspaper headline from the paper one of the older business owners always read during his mornings in the diner.
MAN IN THE LAKE STRIKES AGAIN: CITY COUNSIL SEEKS ANSWERS
You were certain that you drove 90 the whole way home. When you arrived, John was sitting on the couch in a pair of shorts and a tank top, nursing a beer as he sat in front of the TV. The news was on, the news anchor speaking solemnly.
"Locals are petrified once more as the Man in the Lake strikes again. Tragically, six year old Jack-"
You shut the TV off with a furious click of the remote, John's drunken eyes glaring at you as he slurred out.
"What the fuck. I was watching that."
You shook your head, throwing the remote down onto the coffee table haphazardly, the back of the remote falling off and the batteries rolling onto the carpet below.
"I don't give a shit, John. You're drinking yourself into a grave next to Jack's if you keep going on like this."
John scoffed, muttering as he took another deep drink.
"It'd be best if I did. I'm a piece of shit father that should have never taken him out there."
You grabbed the beer from his hand, giving the man a harsh look.
"Johnathan. I know losing Jack was hard. I'm having trouble even trying to keep it together, but drinking yourself to sleep every night won't bring him back."
John looked angry, opening his mouth to speak, and you sat down in front of him, forcing his hands into your own as you added.
"I miss him. I miss his laughter, his reenactments of whatever fairytale he was reading at the moment, and his cute nose...I miss him being excited to see me when I got time off of work to come hang out with him...I miss watching him devour ice cream like he hadn't eaten in days."
John was quiet, staring at you as tears welled up in his eyes as you sadly laughed, clutching John's hands tightly as you whispered.
"I miss him too, John...and there's a part of me that feels like I'm to blame too because I didn't go on that trip with you guys. Had I been there too, maybe it would have been different. He'd be here with us, watching his cartoons while stuffing his face with your nasty excuse for spaghetti."
John couldn't help but to snort before he began to suddenly sob, clutching your hands as he ducked his head low, stringy hair falling into his face and hiding his expression from you.
"I feel like such a piece of shit, (Y/n). I wasn't a good father, but I tried to be. Ever since...ever since she left, it's been hard...I just didn't think I'd fuck up this badly."
"John, it wasn't your fault. None of this was your fault. He wandered off when he knew he wasn't supposed to, fell into the lake, and you and I both know that he didn't know how to swim."
John shook his head, his voice so quiet that you almost didn't hear him.
"I know it was him, (Y/n). I know he took my son and killed him. They never found Jack's body."
You knew what he was referencing. The man in the lake. The evil spirit of the water. The fictional legend the town made up to soothe their grieving hearts. It was almost futile to even tell John that it wasn't real, so you simply sat there with John as he cried, his grip so tight that your fingers had started to go numb.
You'd worry about the ache within your chest in the morning.
Instead, when John had passed out from the drunkenness and the tears he had cried, you had laid him down again and wrapped him up in a blanket. It was hard to watch him become the shell of a man you once knew, but grief was never easy. Jack wasn't your child, so you'd never truly understand the pain, but your heart was just as broken.
You were just trying to stay strong for your little brother.
Settling into your bed, you sighed as you stared up at the ceiling. Sleep was hard to come by nowadays, but you could feel the exhaustion finally catching up to you. Your eyes closed, and you were suddenly dreaming.
You dreamed of water, of hands pulling you under, of cyan eyes that glowed with malice within the murky waters of the lake.
A violin was playing.
The water was still.
-TIMESKIP-
You didn't tell John about the dream. In fact, you didn't tell anybody about it knowing they would stir up a ruckus about how the 'man in the lake' was now coming after you or something stupid like that. You chalked it up to being exhausted and from how much you've been hearing about the damn legend since Jack's death.
Sighing into your cup of coffee, you bit your lip as you stared out of the diner window. The place was busy for a Sunday, most of the customers coming in from the Church down the street, and you could hear a couple talking to each other from behind you. The second they mentioned the legend, your ear automatically tuned in.
"It won't be long until another poor soul goes near that lake, James."
The old man named James sighed, pausing to either take a bite of food or drink his coffee before speaking again.
"None of the youngsters in the town believe in the legend. They haven't been around long enough to know. I keep telling the mayor to put up warning signs, but he won't budge."
The woman scoffed, muttering bitterly.
"That old crone never believed either. The first few deaths, he reported them as being bear attacks!"
James huffed.
"They just don't know any better, Loretta. The man in the lake isn't seen by anyone and lives to tell the tale, so they just don't know."
Your coffee cup was empty, food already eaten, and you were beginning to grow irritated. You were about to ask for the check when the woman named Loretta asked James.
"Do you think the boy was having dreams? Rose said that her little girl had dreams about the man in the lake before she disappeared."
The man hummed deeply, replying lowly.
"We probably won't ever know. God knows the boy's father and aunt are too distraught to think of such a thing, and I've heard from Daniel that the aunt don't believe."
When the waitress came, you silently gave her the money and left, chair screeching from how fast you had stood up and tried to get out of the diner.
You hated small towns.
You hated that everyone knew your business, that everyone you passed gave you such sad and sympathetic eyes, and you hated that everyone was blaming some dumb legend for Jack's death. In a weird burst of determination, you were eager to prove them wrong. You were eager to prove the town that there was no such thing as the man in the lake.
So, you decided that you would make your way to the woods. Sending John a quick text about how you were running some errands and would be back soon, you shut your phone off, got into your old beat-up pickup truck, and began driving towards the forest.
The whole time you drove towards the forest, your knuckles were white from how taut the skin was pulled over bone as you gripped the steering wheel. Man in the Lake this, man in the lake that, why did it always circle back to that dumb man and the lake?
Slamming the truck door shut, you left your phone in the truck, grabbed a pocketknife, a small flashlight just in case, and some granola bars. The lake wasn't too far, but just far enough that you would probably get a bit hungry on the way there.
Weaving in and out of the trees, ducking beneath leaves and long branches, hopping over fallen logs, you were a woman on a mission. You weren't exactly sure what time it was when you began to near John's camp, but the trees were beginning to block out the sun, the forest surrounded within the light of twilight.
It was odd for lunch time.
John's tent had been packed up, his and Jack's personal belongings already recovered, but you could still see the blackened sticks and logs of an old campfire. Looking around, you began to wonder where exactly the lake was located.
Deciding to go with your gut, you took a right and began to walk, a strange sense of foreboding coming over you. The birds did not sing, the trees did not whisper, and the animals did not dare make a step. It was as if the forest had frozen over, keeping itself still as the sudden tune of a violin began to echo through the environment.
It was...beautiful. To you, it sounded sad; a tune of sorrow that had your skin pricking with goosebumps. Who would be out here playing the violin? Maybe one of the townsfolk who didn't believe in the man in the lake was playing for Jack.
The closer you got, the more relaxed you started to feel. The notes soothed you, filled you with a sense of serenity, and you found your feet to be moving on their own. When you arrived at the shore of the lake, you were shocked into such a stupor that you could not move.
A man was sitting on top of a large rock in the middle of the big lake.
Water dripped from his legs, his toes just skimming the surface of the water, and his skin was deathly pale. HIs hair was brown and long in the front, cropped slightly short in the back in the style of a 90's fringe. His eyes were closed as he played his violin, his fingers skillfully pressing and sliding against the strings of his haunting instrument, and you were almost dumbstruck by the way his cupid lips parted to let out a small breath.
He wore no clothes, simply in the nude and thankfully facing to the right so you didn't see anything more than you needed to. His music became slightly louder, and you could hear the slightest whispers in your mind to come closer. Listen to my song.
Your feet dipped into the water, and the water was so cold that you were shocked completely out of the strange trance the man had placed you under.
His eyes finally opened, and they were the most beautiful shade of blue that you had ever seen.
The man turned to you, brows furrowed as his music suddenly stopped, and you were frozen from the fear as his eyes glowed just the slightest within the light of twilight. The two of you stared at one another for a very silent moment, and the wind suddenly blew, making you shiver.
Your voice was soft and shaky as you whispered.
"So they're true?"
The man was silent, simply staring you down with an expression of irritation yet curiosity. He began to play his violin again, the tune more foreboding and disastrous, and you could feel another whisper against your mind.
Come closer. Listen to my song.
Your feet would not move. Something kept your feet planted firmly in the ground, and the man finally turned towards you, his violin becoming angry. The wind picked up, but the water of the lake did not budge. It stayed deathly still, as if it only wanted to ripple if you stepped into it, and you swallowed thickly.
You were strangely unable to speak as if something was keeping you from interrupting the song. Fear rippled through you as well as a strong temptation to get closer. Your eyes were beginning to water from the need to blink, but you were so worried that if you blinked, he would disappear.
The man was growing confused and frustrated.
Why weren't you coming closer? Why wasn't his music entrancing you? You should have been next to him already, enchanted by his song and under his complete control. The man could feel that there was a part of you that was his, but there was another part; an unreachable part that refused to become trapped beneath his spell.
Why were you different?
It scared him. In all the eons that the spirit had lived, he'd never been refused before. Why now? Why were you suddenly an enigma? What made you so special? The man slowly made his song come to an end.
"Do you not like it?"
His voice was frustrated, almost sounding water-logged and vibrated as if he was under water. Within those blue eyes, you could see the confusion and...fear. You spoke to him, feet still planted firmly on the ground though they still felt tempted to move forward.
"It's beautiful...but I didn't come here to listen to your song."
The man looked startled, taken back as your words registered, and he hissed.
"Why are you here then? What makes you different?"
Different? Did he mean that in such a way that you weren't entranced by his song? You frowned and stated.
"I'm here to find out what you did to my nephew. Where is Jack?"
The man's eyes lit up slightly as he spoke, head tilting almost robotically as his words carried through the wind.
"He's with the others."
But where was that? The man almost chuckled as he sensed your confusion and he brought up his violin again, playing a sadder tune that almost had you closing your eyes. You could feel him digging his nails into the tresses of your mind, desperately trying to pull you in, but you shook your head and clutched at your temples.
The music was so loud, it was almost as if he was next to you, and you could hear his voice within your head repeating the words over and over like a mantra.
Come closer. Listen to my song.
Come closer.
Come closer.
Let me hold your broken soul.
You took a step back, gasping in air, and you were disoriented for a moment. Your head was pounding, heart racing within your chest, and you swore that you hadn't been breathing for a while.
The music was gone.
And so was the violinist.
The water slowly rippled.
[END PART ONE]
TAGGING: @backseatmary
#leon kennedy x reader#leon s kennedy x reader#leon s. kennedy x reader#leon scott kennedy x reader#leon kennedy#leon s kennedy#leon scott kennedy#leon s. kennedy
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Review: Wish (2023) [SPOILERS]
Evening, everyone! Tonight my mother and I went to go see Disney's most recent film, Wish, which fortunately came to theaters in my area right before its formal American release date. I'd been very curious to see how this tribute to Disney's last 100 years of filmmaking would turn out, and now that I've seen it...well, I have to be honest, I was a little disappointed. I want to be very clear both that I was going into this with a rather sunny outlook and that there are things I really liked in this film...but overall, it felt like a lot of the good ideas it had were only half-baked, and I found myself -- forgive me -- "wishing for something more" than what we got.
For a more comprehensive deep-dive...a cut!
The Good!
+The single best element in this film for me was Chris Pine's performance as our villain, Magnifico. There are definitely some things I can critique about Magnifico's overall storyline and "character arc" further down, but Chris was clearly having a grand old time being an egotistical, sassy jerkwad, and it totally showed. Even in his villain song This is The Thanks I Get?, which just screamed "passive-aggressive abusive parent," you can hear how much fun Chris was having in the studio, recording it. I just about always enjoyed when Magnifico was on screen, and I actually did really like the idea that a lot of his villainy is rooted in him being obsessed with control over everyone and everything. In a weird way, Magnifico's turn to the Dark Side parallels Anakin Skywalker's in the sense that he lost so much in the past that he's determined to never lose anything important to him again -- especially the power he's accrued to make himself feel strong, after having felt so powerless. I find that very interesting, and I kind of wish that aspect was really highlighted more in the story, but we'll talk about that later.
+Asha was a likable enough heroine, even if I found her to be a lot like a two-way fusion of Mulan and Anna placed in a vaguely Snow-White-ish role in her clearly Seven-Dwarf-inspired friend group. Ariana DeBose portrayed her rather well, both acting and singing-wise. I also liked the "social justice" bent to Asha's character where she wants better things not just for herself and her family, but also Rosas overall -- in the French translation of her main song "This Wish," they even push this further by having Asha wish "to see the world happy again someday." We haven't seen a heroine really express this kind of desire for a positive change in the world since Esmeralda in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and that's cool! Plus representation in mainstream media for previously underrepresented groups is always nice. ^.^
+As much as I don't think they all got enough focus as individuals, I liked Asha's friend group! Especially the fact that it is a friend group made up of people that are around the same age as our protagonist, which -- let's be honest -- isn't that common for Disney heroines. Often with "sidekick groups," you're more likely to have situations like Cinderella with the mice (who are more like cutesy sidekicks than equals) or Snow White with the Dwarfs (who are all quite a bit older than our heroine)...so a friend group made up of peers with their own personalities and motivations was kind of fun.
+The setting of Rosas itself could be pretty. I liked a lot of the Mediterranean-inspired architecture, especially inside Magnifico's tower.
+The combination of 3D and 2D-esque animation was also interesting! It really served to give the film its own distinctive visual style that sets it apart from other Disney projects, which I always appreciate.
+Star was...cute. Obviously just designed to sell plushies and definitely reminded me way too much of Kirby, but cute enough. I do think it's kind of cool that they're never gendered at all in the entire movie, because it'd be silly to think of a sweet little androgynous ball of stardust as being specifically male or female.
+I liked the idea of Simon "betraying" Asha, only to be turned into a pawn by Magnifico in the process, but not being treated unsympathetically by the story for it. Didn't love the full execution of the idea, but hey, that's what the negative section is for.
+The idea of everyone finding the power inside of themselves to stand up against Magnifico (because they're "all stars," and presumably all have the magic needed to make their wishes come true) was a little predictable, but still sweet. I have problems with how the film wrote it (which we'll get to), but the idea itself was wholesome and fitting.
+I like several of the songs, just on their own -- I added This Wish and Knowing What I Know Now on my ITunes as soon as I first heard them prior to the film's release, and now I've added At All Costs too: it's a really pretty duet! (Gorgeous work, Chris and Ariana!) I'll leave my praise here, though, because sadly the soundtrack is going to get a lot of discussion in the less positive section.
The Not-So-Good...
+This film being "Disney's 100th anniversary film" really got in the way of this movie telling a compelling and unique story sometimes. The whole movie really twisted itself into a pretzel trying to check off all the usual Disney tropes, and there were points that certain choices made the story seem incredibly stilted. For instance, one common Disney trope is a dead parent, so of course Asha has lost her father -- but we learn so little about him and he ends up playing such a small role in Asha's arc and story that it seems like an unnecessary detail. Asha's grandfather honestly plays more of a role in Asha's motivation throughout most of the film, so it would've made just as much sense to have Asha's grandfather be the one who believed in stars having power, rather than her father. Another example is the concept of the cute animal sidekick who's just there to make jokes -- as much as Valentino the goat didn't annoy me personally, he added just about nothing of value to the story whatsoever aside from comic relief, in contrast to other funny sidekicks like Sebastian from The Little Mermaid or Olaf from Frozen, who also serve a plot purpose and have a developed relationship with the protagonists. Then there's Asha being cut from the same "naive, awkward, wide-eyed idealist" cloth as many of our Disney Revival heroines like Anna, Rapunzel, and up to a certain point even Mirabel are; Star being in a similar vein to cutesy, innocent sidekicks like Pua, Crikee, and Baymax while Valentino is more akin to sassier, comic ones like Mushu and Sisu; her friends literally being based on the Seven Dwarfs from Snow White; our heroine getting a pretty standard "I Want" song and the villain getting his own solo number that doesn't really take any risks...oh yes, and we mustn't forget the trope of the Storybook opening, which (I'm sorry) I know was supposed to be a reference to Snow White, Cinderella, and Enchanted, but just gave me Shrek vibes the entire time. I was waiting for Shrek to rip out the page and use it for toilet paper any minute. It just felt a lot of the time like the movie was very paint-by-numbers, rather than throwing in much that was surprising or different.
+This isn't even touching all of the pointless meta references to other Disney movies. Asha wearing the Fairy Godmother's cloak and getting a wand like hers at the end -- the mushrooms crowing "we love crazy!" the way Hans did in Love is an Open Door -- Asha riding the reindeer the way Kristoff did in Frozen 2 -- Magnifico using green smoke hands a la Ursula -- the ending with those obvious Wendy and Peter Pan look-alikes, come on, really??? That was just painful.
+As much as Magnifico was an awesome idea for a character and Chris Pine's performance was beyond entertaining, the movie did not always write him as well as they could've. From the very start, we see this guy is an egotistical control freak -- obsessed with his own image, incredibly hard-to-please, arrogant, vain, desperate for attention and unwavering praise and adoration from all of his subjects, and determined to keep an iron grip on everyone else's wishes because of the power it gives him. He's ALREADY a terrible person, from the start -- and yet the film tries to introduce this dark magic book that gets no explanation or backstory whatsoever and has no real characterization or presence, so it leaves no real impact on the audience corrupting him and making him a bad person, when it didn't need to! Magnifico was already the villain this film needed! Just let him fall head-first into madness without the book prompting anything! Even if Magnifico "lost everything" in the past, that doesn't make him a good person, if he takes everyone's wishes away from them and hoards them all to himself, only to grant a few now and again when it would make him look good.
+This above point actually leads nicely into one change I really, really wish the film had been ballsy enough to make -- have Asha already be Magnifico's apprentice, not trying to become it at the start of the story. Give our villain and hero a real relationship, with history that started before the events of this film! Asha lost her father at the age of 12...how interesting would it have been -- whether to make Magnifico more of an anti-villain or show how manipulative he really is -- if he'd tried to fill that fatherly role for our main character and twist her to serve his ends? What if At All Costs was rewritten to be about Magnifico not just being determined to hold onto all of the kingdom's wishes, but also this apprentice he sees as an extension of him and his legacy, while Asha is determined to protect this Star she's accidentally summoned and the suppressed wish of hers it represents? This change would've made Asha's break with Magnifico so much more powerful for both of them -- it would've both justified Magnifico's descent into madness and given Asha more reason to feel like it was her responsibility to stop Magnifico. You even could've then played more with Asha's relationship with Queen Amaya too, in this kind of a scenario.
+Oh yeah, and on that note, Queen Amaya. OOH, this really annoyed me -- okay. So this woman is supposed to be a good guy, in this story. But as I touched on earlier, Magnifico was already a pretty awful person, hoarding people's wishes away in order to make himself powerful. Was Amaya truly so blind to that? Did she truly never question anything, ever? But no, really, she only turns on Magnifico after he starts using the dark magic book and actively threatens her. Only that makes her turn from him, and it's pretty damn immediate. Now okay, I hear you saying, it's like Amaya sings in Knowing What I Know Now, right? "The good in him, I've watched it melt // I was blinded by the love I felt"? Excuse me, lady -- but Magnifico wasn't a good person, before. He was just playing a part so as to stay powerful and adored by the masses. And if the story wants to claim otherwise, and act like that dark magic book was responsible for Magnifico going bad, then why would our Queen decide to keep him locked up in his staff's crystal forever? If the book was responsible, then Magnifico would be the Frodo or Golum to the book's One Ring -- he'd be a victim, in such a scenario: one in need of help and pity, not punishment. So either Amaya is a selfish person who only cared about her husband's mistreatment of others when it affected her, or she's a needlessly cruel person who decides to punish her husband for a vice that anyone could fall prey to. Either way, I don't want this woman ruling anyone! Make this woman a straight-up villain, same as her husband, and have the whole monarchy come crashing down after she and Magnifico both go down in flames! VIVE LA RESISTANCE! (Playing into my idea with Asha being Magnifico's apprentice all along, maybe there could even be a twist on the Evil Stepmother trope with Amaya, where she's jealous of how much Magnifico has tried to groom Asha as his apprentice, rather than spending time and/or starting a family with her or something.)
+As I touched on earlier, there wasn't even close to enough time to develop all of these characters properly. Since our heroine and friends are most similar to Snow White and her friends the Seven Dwarfs, let's compare cast size. Snow White is 83 minutes long and has a cast of ten (Snow, the Prince, the Queen, and the Dwarfs) -- Wish is 95 minutes long and has a cast of fourteen (Asha, Magnifico, Star, Valentino, Amaya, Asha's mum and grandpa, and our seven Friends). This results in us getting the vague idea that "Grumpy" role Gabo is sweet on our "Bashful" role Bazeema, but no time to develop their relationship or give it any kind of conclusion; the others saying "Sneezy" role Safi apparently loves the castle chickens with no sympathetic explanation why, to the point that he gets super excited about a chicken growing to a giant size for no real reason; "Doc" role Dahlia having a crush on Magnifico that is then dropped immediately after Asha turns against him; oldest kid and "Sleepy" role Simon feeling incomplete without the dream he gave Magnifico and "betraying" Asha as a result in an attempt to get it back, only to get stabbed in the back by Magnifico, and then have no time for a proper redemption after he's unhypnotized; Asha's grandfather turning on a dime about whether or not he wants to know what his wish was if Magnifico thought it was dangerous; Magnifico getting some justification in his backstory for his bad behavior, but Amaya's backstory being a complete black hole before she married Magnifico when you'd think it'd explain all the more why she stuck with him so long; and Asha's mum having her wish crushed to dust by Magnifico and then given back without us EVER LEARNING WHAT IT EVEN WAS IN THE FIRST PLACE, even after we see just about everyone else's wishes as soon as somebody picks it up and Asha's mum's wish gets picked up multiple times!! Come on, if you're going to set up NOT showing it, you may as well have a pay-off for it!! At least give us some moment where Asha's mum hugs her in relief and acknowledges that her daughter was her wish! That would've been a nice "aww" moment for everyone!
+Okay, I said I was going to talk about my problem with the songs, so here goes. As I said before, I listened to the soundtrack before watching the movie, and even when I did, I could immediately sense a problem: these songs did not tell me much of anything about the movie, just on their own. Welcome to Rosas, which is pretty much just an exposition dump about the kingdom and how Magnifico founded it, didn't really paint a picture of our setting or characters much at all, the way opening songs like Belle or The Family Madrigal do. This Wish, although pretty, was something I could hear just as easily on the radio -- it didn't feel as tied or necessary to understanding our heroine the way something like Part of That World does. I'm a Star, quite frankly, felt like a lot of inspirational word salad, rather than anything particularly memorable or revelatory -- why else wouldn't it even be worthy of a musical salute in the reprise, where Asha remembers that she and everyone else are stars during the climax? Even after reading summaries of the plot and spoilers from the storybook for this film, I could not figure out for the life of me how At All Costs would fit organically into such a story, being sung by our villain and hero. It wasn't until I saw the film that I saw how the filmmakers decided to fit it in and honestly...the song didn't help tell that particular scene at all. It's a really pretty song and I like it a lot -- but it lacked any of the irony or contrast that kind of a scene that introduces the difference in focus between our hero and villain required. If the scene itself is needed to understand what's supposed to be going on while the song is playing, then the song is not effectively telling the story and is therefore unnecessary. There wasn't even a particularly Spanish or Mediterranean flair to the soundtrack to help set the stage, aside from the occasional flourish of castanets -- instead it sounded very contemporary, which I guess is appropriate, since it was largely written by pop composers rather than any musical theater talent.
+There were also points where the songs felt the urge to shove in a bunch of extra words just because, rather than have the words flow well and really mean something. I'm a Star is most guilty of this, of course, but even in This is the Thanks I Get?, we hear Magnifico gripe that "I let you live here for free and I don't even charge you rent" -- mate, THAT MEANS THE SAME THING! If you live somewhere for free, then you are NOT paying rent!
+Knowing What I Know Now is a bop and I like it (aside from Amaya's stupidity), but I'm sorry, all I can think when I hear it is "This is clearly trying to be Ready as I'll Ever Be from Tangled the Animated Series, but that song blows this out of the water." However fun the song can be, it would've been so much stronger if it actually addressed the contrast between the characters and revved us up for a big final battle, instead of it just being our eight underdeveloped characters psyching each other up.
+The idea of everyone being stars was a lovely idea, but the execution of Asha remembering this fact and using it to defeat Magnifico was terribly handled. First off, there was no revelatory phrase or action that prompted Asha to remember this fact, so her suddenly saying that "they're all stars" came out of nowhere. Second, even putting aside that there'd be no way any of her friends could hear Asha from all the way up on the tower if they're stuck in the courtyard below, there's no reason I can see for Asha's friends or family to know what the hell she was even TALKING about. They weren't there when the I'm a Star number happened! And the way that number made it seem, just based on the visuals, it looked like the "star" power came from a person's dream, since it's the same glow that returns to Asha's grandfather when he gets his dream back, but most of the town's dreams have been already yanked out by Magnifico at this point! I think the idea is that since everyone is a star, even with that big piece of them and the power accompanying it taken out, they still have enough stardust inside of them to be powerful enough to chase their heart's desires...but yeah, I'm sorry, for all the word salad I'm a Star threw around, this world-building aspect was really not made clear, and because of that and the lack of a proper callback to this plot turn, the climax didn't hit as strong as it should've.
Overall, this film felt a lot like a batch of unbaked chocolate chip cookies that someone decided to throw a bunch of brightly colored sprinkles on top of, just because they could. A lot of ideas just don't feel like they were fully developed, and there was a lot tossed in that didn't contribute to the overall taste or bring the disparate elements together in a cohesive whole, instead feeling more like a distraction than anything of actual substance. That doesn't mean I couldn't eat it -- I like eating cookie dough as much as the next person -- but that doesn't mean it felt like a complete, finished product worthy of great praise. Instead I'm left looking at the wasted potential and wishing the movie had carved out its own path more, one distinctive to itself, rather than just be a mashup of previous Disney concepts and tropes. I won't act like there's nothing to like here, nor that it's completely lacking in heart: I actually would love to see fandom for this movie re-imagine it in ways that could've improved the story and characters, because there were SO many good ideas here...but for me personally, this movie left me colder than it should've and -- like Asha after meeting Magnifico -- a bit disappointed.
So I make this wish...to have Disney make a film better than this.
Overall Grade: C-
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Outrun the Future - G.Cleven Ch 2
Ch 1 Ch 3 Ch 4 Ch 5
Next chapter is here! Thanks for reading :)
CH 2
The 354th fighter squadron had settled into their new base with instructions to act civilly. The men were split up into different houses that had extra bunks while Marley was housed with the nurses. They were welcoming of the pilot and excited to have another Egan on base. Bucky had always been good to the nurses, trying to accommodate them as best as he could. Which helped Marley make friends easily.
One of the girls stood out the most to her though. Betty was from a farm down in Texas who joined the war efforts as a nurse to get away from the small-town life. Even though life on a military base wasn’t glamorous, she loved every minute of it spreading a sort of joy throughout the girls. Which is why Marley seemed to gravitate towards her. It was clear to them both that they were meant to become friends.
Word spread fast that the female pilot was Major Egan’s sister. She was now untouchable as Bucky had zero issues putting his men in place. Buck on the other hand was intrigued by the girl. It wasn’t every day they found a woman who could out fly them in a smaller and faster plane. But she was just as loud and outgoing as the other Egan. Something he learned quickly when she joined them that evening at the Officer’s Mess.
Marley walked into the crowded building, immediately finding her brother and his blonde friend by the bar. “So, this is what the bombers do for fun?” Bucky threw his arm around his sisters’ shoulders. “You fighter pilots only wish you had this much fun. Lucky for you, you now get to experience the true perks of war.” Marley rolled her eyes, “Yeah, lucky our base was bombed.” Buck had a small smile on his face as he listed to the two go back and forth.
“What made you pick P-51’s?” Marley turned her attention to the other man that was with them. “I was never one for team sports. Plus having nine other lives on my hands isn’t something that interested me. If I go down, the only person I have to blame is myself.” Bucky scoffed at the answer. “You and Buck will get along great. He doesn’t do sports in general.”
Before Marley could ask why, a new song started up. Her eyes lit up as she turned to her brother nearly bouncing with joy. “You know what this song is missing?” The matching smile made Buck shake his head. “Dear god.” He watched as the siblings danced their way up to the stage, taking the one mic and singing the worst possible version of the song. Neither of them was on tune, but something about the enthusiasm they sang with had everyone in the room laughing.
As the song ended, the two of them took a bow and made their way back to the bar. “See! I told you that song was missing vocals.” Bucky clapped his friend on the back and took a long swig of his beer. All Buck could do was shake his head.
***
The night went on and Marley found herself a little too sober for the men around her. It was one of the few traits she didn’t share with her brother and that was her dislike of alcohol. She would drink a beer maybe two, but the appeal wasn’t there. So, she slipped out the door as her brother was distracted with retelling some story about a unicorn.
The base outside was quiet with the higher ups planning or sleeping while the rest of the men and some women drank as if they wouldn’t make it through tomorrow. For some of them, it might very well be their last.
Not wanting to head to bed yet, Marley climbed up on one of the B-17’s and sat with her legs hanging over the edge. The sky was dark for once. Back at her base, flak could be seen littering the sky at all hours of the night. The Brits always ran their missions during the dark hours, making clear skies like this few and far between. She took advantage while she could and leaned her head back, taking in the cluster of stars.
It didn’t take long before footsteps could be heard and then the sound of metal groaning as weight was put against the plane. “This seat taken?” The gruff voice of Buck Cleven filled the air, surprising her a bit.
She motioned to the spot next to her and watched as he gracefully sat down. “What brings you out here, Major?”
The blonde-haired pilot leaned back on his hands and replied, “Thought I would turn in early but saw someone sitting on my plane. Wanted to make sure no funny business was going on.” Her laugh in turn made him smile. It was a sound he could see himself getting used to.
“Well, Major. I am happy to report that there is indeed no funny business going on here. Although I had no idea this was your plane. I can get down if that makes you more comfortable.” When he shook his head at her, she mirrored his position and leaned back on her hands, resuming her star gazing.
“Do you know any constellations?” It was her turn to shake her head. “Can’t say I do. But I do enjoy making some up. Like that one over there kinda looks like an angry cat.” Buck chuckled at the response and decided not to show her the ones he knew. Her version of constellations seemed more entertaining.
The two sat in a comfortable silence for a while until Marley asked, “Have you been up yet?” There was an underlying meaning to her question and Buck picked up on it. The words themselves were simple but what she really wanted to know is if he knew what was waiting for them up there.
So, he let out a breath and nodded his head. “Last week was my first mission. Was more of a wakeup call than anything.”
Marley tore her gaze from the stars and looked at him. She saw the way his jaw was clenching, muscles not as relaxed as before. It was clear the mission didn’t go as planned and the harsh realities met him head on. “I’m sorry to hear that. Seems like it’s the same no matter what kind of plane you fly.”
He sighed, “Bucky was here a few weeks before the rest of us. I was angry at first when he didn’t clue us into what it was really like. But the more I thought about it, the more I knew there was no words to even describe what it’s like flyin’ those skies. We lost too many good men that day.”
All Marley could do was nod her head. She wasn’t lying when she said it was the same for them as well. “I didn’t tell John what was really going on for that exact reason. Once I got my wings, I had plans to write him. Tell him how hard I worked to get the position I did. But the first mission went by, and I knew if I told him I was a pilot, he would lose it. Our first mission we lost 14 fighter pilots. 14 planes went down in the matter of seconds, and it felt like a slap in the face. So, I kept the secret to myself and prayed for both of us that nothing would happen. Damn air raid screwed that up for me though.”
Buck had turned his full attention to the girl, noticing for the first time the scars that peppered the side of her face. How her brother had missed that earlier, he didn’t know. But it was clear she had seen more than what any of them would’ve wished.
“How many missions have you been on?” He watched as she bit her lip, making him almost nervous to hear the answer.
“Would you accept ‘too many’?” Marley had a small smile on her face, trying to lessen the tension in the air. Another trait her and Bucky shared. The day Bucky was in full serious mode was the day he knew things had gone to shit. Marley seemed to be the same.
“I’ll accept whatever you want to tell me. I know that question is personal.” The girl saw a sliver into how good of a man Gale Cleven was. A gem that needed to be locked away for safe keeping.
“Eight so far. Our group started a little bit before yours and can fly more often. Not having to replace an entire crew when we go down, unlike the 100th.” There was a short pause, “I hate to ask this of you, but can you keep that last bit of information from my brother? I’d like to keep him naïve as long as possible.”
Buck nodded his head without hesitation. “Bucky doesn’t need to know we talked at all. I know there must be some added stress to your days now with sharing a base.”
The snort that came from Marley had him chuckling. “That’s putting it lightly.” She sighed, “Bucky spent his whole life looking out for me. Just this once I want to be able to look out for him. Even if that means keeping him in the dark for as long as possible.”
And just as Marley learned how good of a man Gale Cleven was, he saw the same of her.
A/N: Thoughts? Likes or dislikes? Thank you for reading!
-C
#gale buck cleven#gale cleven#john bucky egan#john egan#masters of the air#mota fanfic#mota#gale cleven x reader#siblings#chelsea writes
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Wuthering Heights is many things, but it also has a “Christmas Episode” which is one of the best chapters in the book:
Top 5 Quotes from this iconic chapter:
1- “After playing lady’s-maid to the new-comer, and putting my cakes in the oven, and making the house and kitchen cheerful with great fires, befitting Christmas-eve, I prepared to sit down and amuse myself by singing carols, all alone; regardless of Joseph’s affirmations that he considered the merry tunes I chose as next door to songs. He had retired to private prayer in his chamber, and Mr. and Mrs. Earnshaw were engaging Missy’s attention by sundry gay trifles bought for her to present to the little Lintons, as an acknowledgment of their kindness. They had invited them to spend the morrow at Wuthering Heights, and the invitation had been accepted, on one condition: Mrs. Linton begged that her darlings might be kept carefully apart from that ‘naughty swearing boy.’
Under these circumstances I remained solitary. I smelt the rich scent of the heating spices; and admired the shining kitchen utensils, the polished clock, decked in holly, the silver mugs ranged on a tray ready to be filled with mulled ale for supper; and above all, the speckless purity of my particular care—the scoured and well-swept floor. I gave due inward applause to every object, and then I remembered how old Earnshaw used to come in when all was tidied, and call me a cant lass, and slip a shilling into my hand as a Christmas-box; and from that I went on to think of his fondness for Heathcliff, and his dread lest he should suffer neglect after death had removed him: and that naturally led me to consider the poor lad’s situation now, and from singing I changed my mind to crying. It struck me soon, however, there would be more sense in endeavouring to repair some of his wrongs than shedding tears over them: I got up and walked into the court to seek him. He was not far; I found him smoothing the glossy coat of the new pony in the stable, and feeding the other beasts, according to custom.”
2- “Heathcliff’s face brightened a moment; then it was overcast afresh, and he sighed.
‘But, Nelly, if I knocked him down twenty times, that wouldn’t make him less handsome or me more so. I wish I had light hair and a fair skin, and was dressed and behaved as well, and had a chance of being as rich as he will be!’
‘And cried for mamma at every turn,’ I added, ‘and trembled if a country lad heaved his fist against you, and sat at home all day for a shower of rain. Oh, Heathcliff, you are showing a poor spirit! Come to the glass, and I’ll let you see what you should wish. Do you mark those two lines between your eyes; and those thick brows, that, instead of rising arched, sink in the middle; and that couple of black fiends, so deeply buried, who never open their windows boldly, but lurk glinting under them, like devil’s spies? Wish and learn to smooth away the surly wrinkles, to raise your lids frankly, and change the fiends to confident, innocent angels, suspecting and doubting nothing, and always seeing friends where they are not sure of foes. Don’t get the expression of a vicious cur that appears to know the kicks it gets are its desert, and yet hates all the world, as well as the kicker, for what it suffers.’
‘In other words, I must wish for Edgar Linton’s great blue eyes and even forehead,’ he replied. ‘I do—and that won’t help me to them.’
‘A good heart will help you to a bonny face, my lad,’ I continued, ‘if you were a regular black; and a bad one will turn the bonniest into something worse than ugly. And now that we’ve done washing, and combing, and sulking—tell me whether you don’t think yourself rather handsome? I’ll tell you, I do. You’re fit for a prince in disguise. Who knows but your father was Emperor of China, and your mother an Indian queen, each of them able to buy up, with one week’s income, Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange together? And you were kidnapped by wicked sailors and brought to England. Were I in your place, I would frame high notions of my birth; and the thoughts of what I was should give me courage and dignity to support the oppressions of a little farmer!’”
3- “He ventured this remark without any intention to insult; but Heathcliff’s violent nature was not prepared to endure the appearance of impertinence from one whom he seemed to hate, even then, as a rival. He seized a tureen of hot apple sauce (the first thing that came under his gripe) and dashed it full against the speaker’s face and neck”.
4- “The little party recovered its equanimity at sight of the fragrant feast. They were hungry after their ride, and easily consoled, since no real harm had befallen them. Mr. Earnshaw carved bountiful platefuls, and the mistress made them merry with lively talk. I waited behind her chair, and was pained to behold Catherine, with dry eyes and an indifferent air, commence cutting up the wing of a goose before her. ‘An unfeeling child,’ I thought to myself; ‘how lightly she dismisses her old playmate’s troubles. I could not have imagined her to be so selfish.’ She lifted a mouthful to her lips: then she set it down again: her cheeks flushed, and the tears gushed over them. She slipped her fork to the floor, and hastily dived under the cloth to conceal her emotion. I did not call her unfeeling long; for I perceived she was in purgatory throughout the day, and wearying to find an opportunity of getting by herself, or paying a visit to Heathcliff, who had been locked up by the master: as I discovered, on endeavouring to introduce to him a private mess of victuals.
In the evening we had a dance. Cathy begged that he might be liberated then, as Isabella Linton had no partner: her entreaties were vain, and I was appointed to supply the deficiency. We got rid of all gloom in the excitement of the exercise, and our pleasure was increased by the arrival of the Gimmerton band, mustering fifteen strong: a trumpet, a trombone, clarionets, bassoons, French horns, and a bass viol, besides singers. They go the rounds of all the respectable houses, and receive contributions every Christmas, and we esteemed it a first-rate treat to hear them. After the usual carols had been sung, we set them to songs and glees. Mrs. Earnshaw loved the music, and so they gave us plenty.
Catherine loved it too: but she said it sounded sweetest at the top of the steps, and she went up in the dark: I followed. They shut the house door below, never noting our absence, it was so full of people. She made no stay at the stairs’-head, but mounted farther, to the garret where Heathcliff was confined, and called him.”
5- “He (Heathcliff) leant his two elbows on his knees, and his chin on his hands and remained rapt in dumb meditation. On my inquiring the subject of his thoughts, he answered gravely ‘I’m trying to settle how I shall pay Hindley back. I don’t care how long I wait, if I can only do it at last. I hope he will not die before I do!’
‘For shame, Heathcliff!’ said I. ‘It is for God to punish wicked people; we should learn to forgive.’
‘No, God won’t have the satisfaction that I shall,’ he returned. ‘I only wish I knew the best way! Let me alone, and I’ll plan it out: while I’m thinking of that I don’t feel pain.’”
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“why Atlantis?”
I shared some very quick and informal thoughts a while back on why I hoped enough children grew up with the movie (or are discovering it now) to be influenced by Kida despite her exclusion from the “Disney Princess” brand; or by Milo as an unconventional hero who might remind them of themselves. that post received a couple of standout personal additions from mutuals, so I thought I would share my own “Atlantis story” whether anyone asked for it or not, because it is a bit different. it’s a so-so sample of my writing to lead with, and it came out schmaltzier than intended. but it’s how my pen happened to hit the paper in the moment and shows pretty clearly my typical romanticism, for better or worse.
I was eight years old on opening day in 2001 and as ecstatic as a little girl could be. my mom and I had taken a day trip to see my dad, who out of the goodness of his heart had agreed to sit through a local children’s entertainer in the afternoon and then a Disney movie in the evening. but in between singing puppets and my difficulty keeping still and responding as expected to questions and social cues, his patience started wearing and my mom slipping into a helpless bystander role. when we got to the theater, I had a gut feeling nobody was in for a fun time.
“two adults, one child for Atlantis,” my dad groaned at the ticket window.
I felt I was sitting between one person having teeth pulled and another smiling for the most awkward photos of her life. my mom was always my animated movie buddy, so her silence especially was deafening. her chuckle at Milo in the boiler room was a pin dropping, and her breath in on Helga’s “ho, ho, ho” was a disquieting hiss.
…alright, my dad finally motioned as the Leviathan tore across the screen.
“they talk so fast, it’s hard for me to understand them. and there aren’t even any songs,” was the most explanation my mom would give. the ride home was long, silent, and pitch-black as I lay across the backseat. I wanted to know what happened to Milo, but the wooziness of shame swirling through me let me know that wanting wasn’t even worth it.
pin trading was at its peak the next year at Disney World, and I was on a mission to fill my new pink lanyard with all my favorite characters before the trip was done. in very little time I found myself gazing up at a cast member wearing a Milo pin, and I shocked myself how quickly I asked her for it. I hoped holding onto it would reassure me that that wonderful story and character would wait for me as long as I needed.
watching the movie in high school felt a bit like the very rare party I was lucky enough to inexplicably find myself. I loved what I saw, but I felt my simply being there was a fluke. I wondered at first why I struggled to enjoy beyond arm’s length, but the damage was still in effect. it only reminded me again what I wished every single day: that my brain had kept developing normally, and all the things my autism either distorted or outright forbid would have happened exactly as they were meant. and since attitudes toward special interests had far to go, what would have fed me soup and covered me in kisses at age six could only visit through the glass at sixteen.
the days of LiveJournal and early Tumblr and Instagram came and went, and “Disney adult” culture went from a trickle to a wave. I attended community college as an English major and met my sister-bestie there on Halloween 2013, she dressed as Violet Parr and I as Minnie Mouse. our Anna and Elsa cosplay just a month later on opening night of Frozen couldn’t have been more fitting. a decade later, she made my dream come true of finally seeing Disney World as an adult, and no planning could have prepared me for the personal growth that trip would inspire. I loved throwing my arms around Mirabel in the Magic Kingdom because of, not despite, the emotional control that had finally taken hold at thirty. I wouldn’t have traded that interaction for the one awaiting the costumed little girl right behind me. that realization shook me to the bone.
“don’t cry because it’s over. smile because it happened,” my dad would tell me countless times since childhood with only the best intentions. “I haven’t been able to stop smiling,” I told him week after week following my trip. falling asleep for months scrolling back through those four special days was the most satisfying thing ever.
then one night, deep within a Magic Kingdom dream like any other, there they were. Milo Thatch and Princess Kida, just as they appeared in the “rare character guide” videos I had watched before the trip many months ago. they were hugging a child who had just run up to meet them: a young girl who looked very familiar. that settles it, I thought. the circle had at last closed.
now about once a week, my darling pup hears, “ready for Atlantis?” or “ready for Milo?” and leaps to my side in bed as I start the movie on my laptop. indeed, it feels exactly like a big warm hug every time. the artistry, the story, the characters, the humor, the heart. Milo is every bit the hero I needed as an uncertain child who loved words and language but hated being different…but he’s the one I got as an adult finding peace with her brain and eager to keep chasing her dreams. I’m writing more original words every day, journaling again, and speaking and thinking more fluidly all because of jotting down random thoughts about this movie and liking how they sounded. I’ve also put aside the idea that the influencer path might bring me joy, and I feel comfortable online again and have met some great folks so far through fan works and discussions from silly to profound.
and so I thank that little voice that whispered for 23 years: “…Atlantis is waiting.”
#୨୧ fewer explosions more words#୨୧ personal#atlantis: the lost empire#atlantis the lost empire#atle#disney atlantis#atlantis#milo thatch#disney
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🎄✨ CHRISTMAS 2024: DECEMBER 3rd
pairing: keeho x black reader
genre: fluff
warning(s): eating/food
wc: 1093
SORRY ABOUT THE DELAY, YESTERDAY WAS SO BUSY FOR ME
reader pov
christmas music is playing loudly on the speakers on a nice but extremely cold morning. outside is absolutely covered in a blanket of snow that sparkles under the sunlight. it's truly magical.
keeho and i's apartment is beautifully decorated (since the middle of october) and we're feeling extra festive this year. see, we moved in together in this cozy little apartment earlier this year and we've been so excited for christmas since.
i wrap myself in a throw blanket and move into the kitchen where my wonderful boyfriend is stood over the stove, frying up some cinnamon french toast for us and i take a second to watch him in awe.
"i can feel you staring." he says, his back still turned and i walk to him, hugging him from behind. "you still sleepy? you get really clingy when you're sleepy."
"no, not sleepy." i respond, my voice
"you're a bad liar."
true.
"you're awfully energetic for this hour."
"don't get used to it." he jokes earning an understanding nod from me. mornings aren't for everyone. "do you mind finishing up here while i go set the table?"
"not at all." i reply, taking over the cooking.
he turns away to start taking things to the table while i finish up the last few slices before taking it to the nicely set up table. put down the plate and sit down, taking a good look at the nicely set table.
"are some of them meant to be burnt babe?" i hear him jokingly ask and i glares at him.
"they're not burnt, they're crisp with a slight char. its gourmet." i reply, making him raise an eyebrow.
"is that what it is?"
"just eat."
he laughs before finally digging in.
christmas music is still playing very softly in the background while keeho hums to it.
"how do they taste?" he asks me, watching me take another bite of my pancake.
"they're okay, i guess." i sarcastically reply, earning me a glare from him. "okay they're delicious."
"that's more like it."
we continue to eat, talking about nothing and everything. sometimes i like to just sit and listen to him talk, especially when the conversation is something he's really passionate about, then i get to see that beautiful smile and that sparkle in his eyes that always draws me in.
"you're smiling like an idiot, what's going on?" he asks me, breaking me away from my thoughts and i just shake my head.
"nothing, i just like hearing you talk."
"try not to fall in love." he comments, making me roll my eyes. there goes the sentimental moment.
"what's the plan for today?"
"we need to go get our postcards."
ahh yes, the postcards. we went to get photos taken for post cards about a week ago and they're ready for collection. it was an idea we came up with on a whim to send postcards to all of our friends, wishing them a happy holiday.
"you go get ready, i'll clean up here." keeho says but i immediately shake my head.
"you already made breakfast, i'll clean up."
"how about we both clean up then. we're not in a rush anyway." he suggests and i smile.
i hate washing dishes, please don't get it twisted. the only reason i'm offering is because chores with him are always fun. he'd sing along to whatever song would be playing, i'll hopelessly join in, ruining the soft harmony between his voice and the singer's voice, then the chores would be long forgotten while we waltz in the living room.
i start off by clearing the table while keeho changes the playlist to our joint one and we start working together like clockwork. he washes while i wipe them and pack them away.
once we're done, we both head to our room to start getting ready.
"shower together?" i ask him and it's like his ears perked up at my words.
"no funny business." he tells me.
"you're no fun." i say, walking to the bathroom while he follows close behind.
after brushing our teeth and showering, we get dressed and head over to the little shop to collect our postcards.
"alright you two. how do these look?" the lady that's helping us asks, showing us the final product.
"wait these are perfect." i enthuse, looking at keeho whos smiling at me, making my heart flutter.
"i'm glad you like them. here is your total. will youbbe paying cash or card?" she asks.
"card."
after paying we walk out hand in hand, greeted by the cold breeze outside.
"hey, it's still quite early. is there anything else you wanna do?" keeho asks me and my eyes light up.
"there are these cute christmas thro blankets i saw while window shopping the other day."
"babe, don't we have enough decorations up already?"
"nonsense, there no such thing as enough. comes on." without waiting for a response, i'm already walking off.
"there is when we live in a small apartment." he says, following behind me.
"stop whining, come on."
the shopping center is brightly lit up by lights hanging from the eaves of the shops and the walk way is lined out by green tinsel garlands and lights, giving it a magical feel. it's so beautiful.
"come."
we head to the shop where i sae the throw blankets and let's just say we left with just a tad bit more than what we initially went there for. you can't blame me though, they had cinnamon apple scented candles that i couldn't not take.
"you happy?" keeho asks me after checking out and i nod happily. "perfect. now let's get home before something else catches your eye."
we go back home and change into more comfortable clothes before spreading all the postcards out on the table.
"this should be fun." i comment, deciding what to write on the first one.
"this one should definitely go to jiung." keeho says after reading what i wrote which makes me laugh.
"you continue there. i'll make us some hot chocolate." i offer and he nods, writing away on another card.
i look back at him and admire the concentrated look on his face as he writes. i don't know how i got so lucky but i am so grateful that i get to share these kinds of moments with him.
"i can feel you staring at me." he says, not looking up from what hes doing but i notice the small smirk playing on his lips.
"so what if i was?"
"creep."
"hey!"
#yoon keeho#keeho#yoon keeho imagines#keeho imagines#keeho scenarios#yoon keeho scenarios#keeho fluff#p1harmony scenarios#p1harmony fluff#p1harmony imagines#p1harmony keeho
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Codex Entry #43: A Grey Warden's Journal
We searched the area but found no sign. If he was here, it was some time ago.
The fishermen in this area are friendly. Unlike some, they remember how the Grey Wardens fought to save Ferelden in the last Blight. Though they had little, they shared some of their catch to give us a better supper than we had tasted in weeks. They even deferred to me once they saw that I commanded the other Wardens, and there are few even in Ferelden who would watch an elf command men without pause.
They are friendly folk. After all this land has suffered in the past years, I hope they find some peace
───────
Still no trace of him, though I feel the darkspawn in the ground below. Could he be lurking close to them, perhaps preparing to die with honor? I doubt it, but it is the only lead we have so far. I confess that this seems a fool's errand at times, given how much is at stake.
We saw bandits harassing the fishermen, and we intervened. The fishermen thanked us, though I fear the bandits will return again in greater numbers, and we will not always be here to help. Nevertheless, as long as we are here, the fishermen are safe.
The dreams continue, as they do every night. They make it hard for us to sleep, but we must persist. Hopefully the others will have found a solution by the time we return. In the meantime, I sing the song of Andruil to myself to clear my mind as best I can.
───────
I grow more convinced that if he was ever here, he is now long gone. Still, it would not do for us to miss him through laziness, and he was one of our most skilled warriors. If anyone could hide himself here, it would be he.
One of the fishermen shows promise with a spear and has shoulders like an ox from throwing nets all day. He asked about joining the Grey Wardens. Under other circumstances, I would be honored to take a worthy and willing volunteer. Now... my orders did not say whether I should seek new recruits, even with our circumstances. Or because of them, I suppose. It did not hurt his cause that he was easy to look at, and clearly wished to know more about the Dalish.
The darkspawn are louder than I thought at first. The constant whisper at the back of my mind makes it difficult to sense them as easily as I usually do, but they are near the surface. Perhaps bandits are not the worst these people have to face.
───────
He is not here. We have searched thoroughly, and we will now move on. How many days have I wasted here, with whispers lurking at the back of my mind, on this mad assignment? I pray we have more luck as we head south.
After speaking with the other Wardens, I told the fishermen about the darkspawn we sensed beneath the earth. They may not burst forth from the ground today or tomorrow, but I fear it will not be long... and we will not be here when they finally surface. The fishermen were grieved at the news, but they decided to make for West Hill, which is safe for now.
As for the fisherman who was interested in joining, I convinced him that now was not the time. Others might have told him otherwise, but he is too young to make such a sacrifice simply because he does not wish to throw nets into the water all his life. We shared one last night by the campfire, and he went on his way with a smile, humming the song of Andruil as he left.
—From pages torn loose from a journal found on the Storm Coast
#dragon age#dragon age inquisition#grey wardens#a codex a day keeps the dreadwolf away#dragon age dreadwolf#dragon age the veilguard
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Natsuki Shinomiya (Repeat)
Translator: Raz (Twitter: agnadance)
Proofreader: Nadie (Twitter: nmoniag)
Editor: Aoi (Twitter: AoiTsukihime)
QA: Rei (Twitter: wolfe_raine)
August — One Summer's Affetto
It's now August. Most of my classmates have returned home.
I debated whether or not to go back or not, but I was glad when Shinomiya-san said to me that we should do our best during summer break as well…
I've decided to stay behind and now I'm practicing at the school everyday.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Phew… It's so hot everyday.
Haruka Nanami: I agree, but at least it feels cooler inside the school.
Saotome Gakuen's air conditioning is top notch. It's always mildly air conditioned so it never becomes too hot in the summer.
Natsuki Shinomiya: There are many delicate instruments, so I'm glad that the air conditioning is reliable.
Haruka Nanami: Speaking of instruments… I was thinking about adding a violin in the musical accompaniment…
Haruka Nanami: So… are you willing to play it?
Natsuki Shinomiya: … Me?
Haruka Nanami: Yes. I would love for you to play it, Shinomiya-san…
Natsuki Shinomiya: I… see. If I can be of service, but…
Haruka Nanami: Um… Don't push yourself… I know you have... special circumstances.
Natsuki Shinomiya: No, that's not it…. I just noticed that you went back to calling me Shinomiya-san again…
Haruka Nanami: Ah…
I've called him Natsuki-kun a number of times when I put in the effort, but I naturally slip back to calling him Shinomiya-san.
Natsuki Shinomiya: I know I shouldn't be forcing you to call me that… but I do feel a little lonely.
Select the Phrase!
1) 時間をください。Give me some time. (+5 Love, +5 Music)
Haruka Nanami: Shinomiya-san… You're older and composed, so I have a hard time calling by your first name so casually…
2) ごめんなさい。I'm sorry. (+0 Love, +0 Music)
Haruka Nanami: Um… I'm not used to it yet, so I end up calling you Shinomiya-san…
3) 努力はしているのですが・・・I'm trying my best, but… (+10 Love, +5 Music)
Haruka Nanami: I can't really get myself to call you that right now… but I want to properly call you by your first name one day. So…
Haruka Nanami: I don't dislike calling you by your first name, it's just… I just feel like a person like me isn't fit to call you like that…
Haruka Nanami: Once I feel more confident, I think I'll be able to call you by your first name, so can you wait for me until then?
Natsuki Shinomiya: Haru-chan… I understand. I'll be waiting…
Shinomiya-san puts both of his hands around my right hand.
Natsuki Shinomiya: You're a far more wonderful girl than you think you are.
Natsuki Shinomiya: I want you to someday be more confident, even if it may take time.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Your hands can make music–they have unlimited potential. Your music can change the world no matter what it could be like.
Natsuki Shinomiya: I understand lacking confidence the most out of anyone else… I was that way too.
Natsuki Shinomiya: … Huh? How strange, I was trying to encourage you, and yet….
Natsuki Shinomiya: I can say the same things I'm telling you, to myself.
Shinomiya-san breaks into a smile and hugs me tightly.
Haruka Nanami: Uh, um…
Shinomiya-san gently lets go of me and looks me in the eyes.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Let's make an entire world, you and I… I will sing the songs you make. If our song is recognized by others, would that give you more confidence?
Haruka Nanami: … Yes.
Natsuki Shinomiya: If that's so, then I need to do my best, too… If you wish, I'll play the violin and the viola in any way you please.
Haruka Nanami: T-thank you. T-then, I'll bring the sheet music. I left them at the dorm…
Natsuki Shinomiya: Okay, see you soon!
I head to the dorms to fetch my sheet music.
When I return to the classroom, Shinomiya-san is sitting on the window sill while gazing forlornly at the scenery outside.
Haruka Nanami: … Shinomiya-san.
Natsuki Shinomiya: …
Haruka Nanami: Shinomiya-san…?
Natsuki Shinomiya: Ah… ahh, I'm so sorry! I was just deep in thought…
Shinomiya-san… Is he scared to play the violin after all?
Haruka Nanami: U-um! I'm sorry, you're still scared about playing, right? Well… we don't have to use this song. I'll return the sheets back to my room.
In a panic, I whip around and try to return to the dorms, but…
Natsuki Shinomiya: Haru-chan, don't go…
Shinomiya-san hugs me from behind.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Don't say such a sad thing… You wrote that music, didn't you?
Haruka Nanami: … Yes.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Your sound… I don't want to miss one note of a melody you've spun to life. I want to feel all of you.
Natsuki Shinomiya: What you have here isn't just music notes lined up next to each other. It's your heart… I refuse to disregard it.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Can you show me your sheet music?
Haruka Nanami: … Okay.
Shinomiya-san looks at my sheet music, smiles, then plays it on the spot for me.
His performance back in April when he was introducing himself sounded lonely…
But now, his sound is kind, warm like a ray of sunshine.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Haru-chan…
Shinomiya-san freezes in place.
Haruka Nanami: U-um… Is it hard to play…?
Natsuki Shinomiya: No, it's wonderful! So much so that I think it's a waste for me to be the only one playing.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Haru-chan… Will you join me?
Haruka Nanami: Join…?
Natsuki Shinomiya: There's a piano.
Haruka Nanami: Ah…
I can play the piano, but…
Haruka Nanami: But I'm not that good… Also, I don't know if I can properly match your performance…
Natsuki Shinomiya: Haru-chan, believe in yourself… Believe in me who chose you.
Natsuki Shinomiya: It'll be okay. You're an angel loved by the gods of music.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Feel me and my music… Go with your feelings and let the piano sing…
Natsuki Shinomiya: That way, we'll surely become one. We can communicate heart to heart.
Haruka Nanami: … I'll try.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Merci, Haru-chan! I'll begin.
Shinomiya-san weaves a melody… Following my heart, I let my fingers dance on the piano keys.
A momentary dream. It was only a couple of seconds, but it felt like an instant that could've been an eternity.
Even without thinking about it, I knew the sound in my heart.
I want to resonate and become one…
A voiceless chorus flows outward from my fingertips and spontaneously weaves itself into a melody.
Natsuki Shinomiya: …
We are like fairies who are music notes dancing on top of the musical staff.
I'm filled with pleasure, happiness, and sorrow…
Tears are about to overflow–this indescribable feeling melts and blends into our sound.
Natsuki Shinomiya: …
Haruka Nanami: …
Once we finish our duet, we gaze at each other and smile.
Shinomiya-san puts his violin back into its case, then puts his hand on mine.
Natsuki Shinomiya: It's been so long since I've felt such exhilaration! Your sound moves me and has gripped onto my heart!
Haruka Nanami: No, not at all… but I wanted the intro to be like this. I… enjoyed myself…
Natsuki Shinomiya: I enjoyed myself as well! It's been so many years since I've had so much fun playing the violin!
Natsuki Shinomiya: You really are my muse. I was about to forget what I hold dear to me, but you helped me remember once more.
Natsuki Shinomiya: I feel like maybe I can take back the past I lost that day as long as I'm with you…
Shinomiya-san… As I thought, something happened in his past…
Maybe that's why his personality changes when he takes off his glasses…
Shinomiya-san, I want to know the real you.
I wonder if you'll show me one day…
Haruka Nanami: Um…
Natsuki Shinomiya: Ah, I'm sorry. I've said something heavy just now.
Natsuki Shinomiya: How about we change our surroundings and practice outside? I made a lunch box! We can eat it under the shade of the trees.
Select the Phrase!
お弁当・・・ですか?A… lunch box? (+0 Love, +0 Music)
Natsuki Shinomiya: Yes. There's octopus sausages and bunny-eared apples!
Haruka Nanami: That sounds delicious!
Natsuki Shinomiya: I have a favorite spot behind the mountain on the academy grounds where we can eat our lunch.
はい。Okay. (+20 Love, +0 Music)
Haruka Nanami: Practicing outside sounds exciting!
Natsuki Shinomiya: Right? I'll show you my favorite spot. I've told no one else!
あ、いいですね、それ。Oh, that sounds great. (+10 Love, +0 Music)
Haruka Nanami: That sounds very fun!
Natsuki Shinomiya: I'll take you to my favorite spot, but it's a secret between the two of us, hehe!
Shinomiya-san brings me to the forest behind the academy.
A cool breeze wafts through the air of the forest.
Haruka Nanami: Ah…
As I space out while walking, I stumble on a branch.
Luckily, I find myself cradled in Shinomiya-san's arms.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Are you okay? I'm sorry, it must be hard to walk in the forest.
Haruka Nanami: Ah… Sorry, I wasn't being careful.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Should we… hold hands?
Haruka Nanami: Huh?
Natsuki Shinomiya: We can't hold hands at a party, but I can escort you to the forest amphitheater.
Haruka Nanami: … T-thank you.
Shinomiya-san holds my hand as we walk through the forest.
Natsuki Shinomiya: We're here. Welcome to the forest amphitheater…!
The place Shinomiya-san has showed me is a spot where small animals come to rest among the rays of sunshine.
The small birds fly about as the squirrels and rabbits frolic among the pools of light.
Haruka Nanami: Wow! What a wonderful place… I didn't know there was a place like this!
Natsuki Shinomiya: Hehe! This is the secret flower garden… I often come here and talk to everyone.
One little bird flutters towards Shinomiya-san.
It flies around him and twitters as if it's talking to him.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Hehe, how do you do, little bird? What? You want to hear that song? Sure, I'll play it for you.
Shinomiya-san strokes the bird's head on his shoulder, grins, then starts playing his viola.
The animals of the forest gather around him, attracted by his performance.
… Unbelievable.
Truly wonderful performances not only enrapture people but animals as well.
The moment the song finishes, the animals crowd around him.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Hehe, everyone's been doing well, I see…!
He strokes the small animals' heads and necks as he talks to them. They all seem to be comfortable around him.
A cat walks up to him.
Haruka Nanami: Ah, Kuppuru…! Come here…
Natsuki Shinomiya: Is that kitty's name Kuppuru-chan? I've never seen him before. Is he your cat?
Haruka Nanami: Umm, I saved him once and ever since then, he's been attached to me. I've been secretly keeping him in my dorm room.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Hehe, that's against the rules.
Haruka Nanami: I'm sorry.
Natsuki Shinomiya: If you call me by my first name, I won't tell anyone.
Haruka Nanami: Uh…
Natsuki Shinomiya: Hehe, I'm kidding… There's no rush.
Haruka Nanami: I'm sorry.
Natsuki Shinomiya: That's no good, isn't it. I've been causing you so much trouble lately.
Haruka Nanami: Not at all…
Natsuki Shinomiya: No, I've been pushing your boundaries, and you're such a nice person… I've been asking too much of you without realizing it.
Haruka Nanami: You're always so nice to me… You're not asking too much at all.
Natsuki Shinomiya: If you say it like that, I'll start wanting to push you even more.
Natsuki Shinomiya: You're like an untouched canvas, completely open to me dotting it with foolish words.
Natsuki Shinomiya: You always respond to me so honestly, which makes me want to see more of your expressions.
Natsuki Shinomiya: But if I do that, I'll end up causing you too much trouble.
Natsuki Shinomiya: I know I need to push down these feelings…
Natsuki Shinomiya: Even so, there are times I can't keep them in. For example, like this…
Shinomiya-san takes my hand and pulls me towards him.
He gives me not a light hug–it's a firm, deep embrace.
Natsuki Shinomiya: I want to feel you forever, just like this…
His soft whisper is not his usual kind tone of voice. There's a tinge of sadness mixed in it.
My heart skips a beat at Shinomiya-san's uncharacteristically serious attitude.
He has his childish, innocent expression. Now he has a mature expression.
They're both a part of him… yet why is my heart beating so fast?
Haruka Nanami: Um, uhh…
Natsuki Shinomiya: See, I'm already making you nervous.
Shinomiya-san chuckles.
Natsuki Shinomiya: But now… you're within my arms, and that makes me happier than anything else.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Feeling your warmth, I get caught up in this illusion that it's not just your heartbeat, but the beat of your soul that I get to touch.
Haruka Nanami: Umm, this is very embarrassing… But… I'm not hating it…
Hearing that, Shinomiya-san releases his hold on me.
Natsuki Shinomiya: If you say something like that, it's going to be hard to keep myself from teasing you even more.
Natsuki Shinomiya: It’s no good, I need to hold myself back… Shall we change the mood and start eating lunch?
He grins.
Haruka Nanami: … Okay.
It's the usual Shinomiya-san and his kind, soft smile…
This makes me think there's a different side to him besides when he doesn't have his glasses on…
There are times when his atmosphere is so different that I become confused.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Come, Haru-chan. Sit here…
Shinomiya-san spreads a large handkerchief on the ground and gestures to me to sit on it.
He takes out a lunch box in one smooth motion.
If I recall correctly, the cookies he brought for his self-introduction were not very tasty–in fact, their flavor was beyond anyone could ever imagine.
I briefly shudder at the memory.
The lunch box is decorated with cute illustrations of small birds. The usual fillings karaage chicken and tamagoyaki–rolled omelets–are packed inside of it.
I know Shinomiya-san isn't that great at cooking, but…
It looks quite nice, so I'm sure he must've improved his cooking skills.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Here, have a bite.
Select the Phrase!
いただきます。I'll have a bite. (+10 Love, +5 Music)
Natsuki Shinomiya: Okay, open up!
He holds out a karaage for me.
Haruka Nanami: Uhh…?
Should I open my mouth? I guess I should…
I'm a little embarrassed, but I open my mouth and chomp down on the karaage.
Natsuki Shinomiya: I've always wanted to do something like this. I feel like I'm a mother swallow feeding her chick.
あ・・・はい。Ah, okay. (+10 Love, +0 Music)
Haruka Nanami: I'll have a bite.
I eat a bite of a tamagoyaki.
だ、大丈夫ですか?I-is it okay? (+0 Love, +0 Music)
Natsuki Shinomiya: Of course it's okay! I made enough for two.
No… That's not what I meant… But I can't outright ask him about the taste…
I steel myself and eat an octopus-shaped sausage.
…!
Haruka Nanami: Erk…
T-this is…! This is beyond mere flavor… My consciousness… is fading…
I have no idea how long I've been out. When I wake up, I find myself lying down with my head resting on Shinomiya-san's knees.
Natsuki Shinomiya: … Phew, thank goodness, you've woken up!
Haruka Nanami: Ah… Yes. I'm sorry.
I try to raise myself up.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Don't strain yourself. Rest a little longer…
I comply.
Shinomiya-san gently strokes my hair. I feel sheepish… but it's kind of soothing.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Haru-chan, you've been working too hard… You must've had a bout of anemia.
Natsuki Shinomiya: My apologies, I should've been more mindful…
Haruka Nanami: Huh? … Ah, umm…
Shinomiya-san… Does he think the reason why I fainted was not because of his food, but because of anemia?
If that's so… then I shouldn't tell him the truth. I'll go with anemia.
Natsuki Shinomiya: If you're in any kind of pain, please don't hesitate to tell me. We're partners, after all.
Haruka Nanami: … Okay.
Select the Phrase!
あの、さっきの料理なんですけど。About the cooking earlier…(+0 Love, +0 Music)
Natsuki Shinomiya: It's fine, I saved a portion for you. Do you want to eat it now?
Haruka Nanami: No… not yet…
I think about telling him, but I'll just keep it to myself for now.
ありがとうございます。Thank you. (+20 Love, +0 Music)
Haruka Nanami: I'll make sure to depend on you more.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Yes, you can depend on me. I feel like I can make more delicious cooking if you did that!
Natsuki Shinomiya: My liver and spinach shortcake is delicious! It can cure anemia!
Haruka Nanami: I… see. Maybe if I ever had the opportunity…
I say that, but I couldn't bring myself to finish my sentence with, "I'll eat it."
これからはちゃんと言います。I'll tell you from now on. (+10 Love, +5 Music)
Natsuki Shinomiya: Yes, please do. I never want to see your smile as beautiful as a delicate wild rose to darken…
Natsuki Shinomiya: It's getting dark, so we should go back to school. You can ride on my back.
Shinomiya-san turns his back towards me.
Haruka Nanami: No… I can't do that. I'm okay…
Natsuki Shinomiya: I can't make you walk when you've fainted earlier. Am I not dependable enough?
Haruka Nanami: No, no. That's not it… Umm… Okay, I'll do it.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Okay!
I let Shinomiya-san carry me on his back.
Night falls as he walks through the woods, revealing the moon and a brilliant star.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Ah, a star… The first star of the evening.
Haruka Nanami: Ah… It is…!
Natsuki Shinomiya: Do you like stars?
Select the Phrase!
はいっ! Yes! (+10 Love, +10 Music)
Haruka Nanami: When I unravel the lore behind the constellations, it inspires music in my soul.
Haruka Nanami: I'm a real big fan of the moon, the stars, and constellations!
銀河って・・・ The galaxy… (+10 Love, +0 Music)
Haruka Nanami: It's so romantic… I bubble over with excitement when I see the starry sky in all its glory!
宇宙は・・・ Space… (+0 Love, +10 Music)
Haruka Nanami: I'm interested in it because it's mysterious and enigmatic.
Haruka Nanami: It gives me such delight just watching the stars above. They're wonderful!
Natsuki Shinomiya: Hehe! When I was a young boy, I saw the most beautiful stars one night!
Natsuki Shinomiya: I got to visit the beach with my parents in the south, and the starry sky and moon were shining bright.
Natsuki Shinomiya: People tend to shed tears when they see something truly stunning.
Natsuki Shinomiya: That was the first time I was so moved. The Southern Cross was shining bright and left an impression on me…
Natsuki Shinomiya: When I returned to Japan, I tried my best searching for that same starry sky, but I couldn't find it.
Natsuki Shinomiya: My parents said it's a constellation you can't see in the Northern Hemisphere and I was disheartened.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Stars are unreachable, but when I look up at them, they shine down on me.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Still, I wasn't even able to gaze upon them. I yearned for them, and yet they became even further out of reach…
Natsuki Shinomiya: But… It's not like I can't go see them again. I can always just go back.
Natsuki Shinomiya: When I decide to visit again, will you go with me?
Natsuki Shinomiya: If I were to take the Southern Cross out of the night sky and put it into a necklace, I'm sure it would look beautiful on you.
Haruka Nanami: I… would like to see that starry sky too.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Hehe, then if I were to debut, let's go there on our first vacation.
It sounds like a dream, but sounds like a possible future if we were to try.
Shinomiya-san carries me as we head back to the dorms.
Shinomiya-san's back is much more built than I imagined. He feels more like a man than ever before.
Haruka Nanami: … You're warm.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Hehe, it's my pleasure.
Haruka Nanami: Eh…? Ah, I… said that out loud? S-sorry.
Natsuki Shinomiya: Why are you apologizing? I'm so happy! I would like to be like this forever.
Haruka Nanami: N-no, um… I'm heavy… so…
Natsuki Shinomiya: Of course not. You're as light as a little bird.
Haruka Nanami: … A little bird? That can't be true…
Natsuki Shinomiya: Hehe, but it is, my sweet bird…
Shinomiya-san keeps teasing me all the way back to the dorms.
MINI GAME
Ringo Tsukimiya: Today, I'm going to have you play a more difficult performance, but it'll be okay. I'll teach you!
Ringo Tsukimiya: Hehe, I'm a pro after all! I'm pretty skilled!
Ringo Tsukimiya: Even if the song is the same, you can change its feeling by your performance. Learn more and polish it up.
Ringo Tsukimiya: Anyway, music start!
RANK S
Natsuki Shinomiya: Wow, amazing! Let's do our best and make our dreams come true!
Haruka Nanami: Yes!
Shinomiya-san… He listened to my performance! I'm glad I did well.
Chapter End
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Open Starter
As if by a Christmas Miracle, despite the numerous portal delays and a layover in Atlanta (why it always happens there, she'll never know), she finally arrived back in their original world and set about finding her dearest brother, eager to set off her choice brand of festivities.
She kept her Hero detection off to make sure her surprise wouldn't be spoiled, and thankfully found her brother... distraught in his room next to her beloved and a bottle of Wagnas' draught beer... Oh dear, had she been away that long? She'll have to apologize later... 'just hang on a little longer, dear brother!!!' she thought to herself.
Figuring nightfall would be best for the little lightshow she prepared with magic, she set her nearby stage up - a little forest clearing with a large fir tree in the middle, with a bunch of presents and trinkets around the tree. Once done, it was nightfall, just like she wanted.
Sending a small decorated ether-man with a little Santa hat into Noel's room, it beckoned both her brother and beloved over to her impromptu stage, just as she set her Hero detection back on. ...And hopefully not be yelled at too harshly... Oops...
It was unfortunately too late to celebrate her dear brother's birthday (Curses!), but it was at least still appropriate to perform her intended song for him and Wagnas, just in time for Christmas...
And as they approached, she snapped a small band of ether-men to play their various instruments, and began to sing.
"I don't want a lot for Christmas, There is just one thing I need~ I don't care about the 🎁presents🎁, underneath the 🎄Christmas🎄 tree🎄~ I just want you for my own, More than you could ever know~ Make my wish come true, All I want for Christmas is you~❤"
Magical fireworks and holograms shot off in celebration, lighting up the area as she continued to sing and dance around the two until the very end, ending the song with one final, heart-swelling bang.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, dear brother, Lord Wagnas... I owe you an explanation. I'd wanted to perform this for your birthday, dear brother, so I'd been preparing everything in private. Mainly it was to protect myself from Kzinssie meddling with my plans - you know how he is. And that required I stay hidden, unfortunately even from you, since it'd spoil the surprise if I didn't. But then things went a bit awry, and I didn't quite make it in time for your birthday. I'm so sorry!" she hugged her big brother tightly, hoping to ease his exhaustion with her presence.
Easing up just a bit to look in his lovely ruby eyes - his slightly redder-than-usual, clearly tears-wept and sleep-deprived eyes... 'Oh no, I've REALLY worried Noel sick...' she thought.
"I hope you can forgive me. Good news though, your beloved sister is here once more, and I did finally make it back, just in time for Christmas!"
#open starter#SHE'S HERE#Noelmun finally caved and made a Roc blog#poor Noel#you worried your big brother SICK Roc
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5, 6, 9, and 10 with Daryun and Saam for the ask game! 👀
Oh, what wonderful characters! (And so obviuse lmao but that is on me for talking about them so much) and what fun questions! I went a little on a rant here, sorry!
If anyone wants to partake here are the original questions/post!
WARING: Long post
5. What's the first song that comes to mind when you think about them?
I usually am a person who listens to a song and is reminded of the character, rather than looking or thinking about a character and being reminded of a song. So I had to wade through my song list to find the perfect songs for my two special boys. And damn, was it HARD.
For Daryun - Lion by Saint Mesa: The whisperlike/calm singing combined with the overwhelming sound and powerful lyrics talking about somebody embracing their inner power (only a loose summary, do check out the entire meaning of the lyrics) remind me of him. He is a strong man and has many remarkable qualities. He is a courageous man who doesn’t shy away from challenges in his way nor from showing warmth to his friends/companions.
Lyric that remind me of him: “Gold are your fingers, leaving traces everywhere you go” “Sound of the water, deads dripping down your face” “Bring the lion out, bring the, bring the lion out”
For Sam - Warrior by Aurora: It reminds me of how he is trapped in his own mind and guilt of what happened in Ecbatana (as he tells Kishward in Chapter 124) and wishes for his own death. But he still fights on for what he believes in and to protect what he holds close and to keep people safe.
Lyric that remind me of him: “I can’t recall the last time I opened my eyes to see the world as beautiful.” “I’m trying to battle the night.” “Just reach out for the light, warrior, warrior.”
There are obviously more songs but for now, I chose these. For Daryun it was the hardest. Most of these songs will also probably be in my playlist for the AU as they both ALSO remind me of Azar.
6. What's something you have in common with this character?
Ok, be prepared for a little self-love/self-praise in this one (which is needed sometimes. Practice self-love, folks!).
I generally pride myself on being kind, friendly and (somewhat???) loyal as a friend and general human being. And who is quite literally the definition of loyalty?? Our famed knight in black, Daryun! (Sam as well, but that is not as noticeable under his other great characteristics (even though the recent chapters have proven me wrong)).
But most importantly, we three are the mom-friends. We care deeply for our friends and people we hold close to us. Daryun is the more protective mom-friend - always asking if you are okay and please, do send a text when your home safe and sound (I actually did that to a guy friend of mine. It was after a party of mine, it was after midnight and he wanted to head home for the night (he came by bike). I and another friend of ours didn't let him go until he promised us that he would send a text that he was home. I literally didn’t go to sleep UNTIl I had the text. It was like 2 or so in the morning! (I was also slightly tipsy), He only lived 20 minutes away from me, mind you).
Sam would be the mom-friend who would lend you a shoulder and an ear if you need it. He would hate it if an argument ensues between some of his friends and try to be the mediator. Probably has like random medical stuff (band-aid, painkillers, etc.) or other things one might need at hand. (I always have band-aids, at least two bottles of water, different types of pain medication, something against a cough or a small bite to eat (usually small chocolate bars) with me.) He (and Daryun, actually) would give you their jacket, scarf, etc. in a heartbeat. (I always have something to change into with me if it’s too warm/cold outside, be it a scarf, extra pair of gloves or a tshirt. If you even vaguely mention around me that you are cold, I will immediately offer you my jacket, pullover, etc.)
9.Could you be roommates with this character?
And while we talk about them being mom-friends, they would probably be wonderful roommates.
I would always have a clean and organized flat/home, probably a full fridge and no worries of a brake in (the burglar would run in fear jkashnscfluf). When stressed, they would probably hype me up and remind me to take regular breaks. While Sam would probably be the one cooking, etc, Daryun would repair things around the flat and move heavy stuff when asked. Look after things when I’m sick, take care of me, regular mental health checkup, etc. Fun late night talks and at least one regular thing we would all do together (like regular strolls, movie nights, going out to eat, that kind of stuff). Also weekly sit downs for discussing roles for housework, expenses for all of us, etc. A lot of my friends would say we have a cute family dynamic (Sam -the dad, Daryun the older brother, me- the youngest/the baby). A lot of compliments for achievements, my art, etc from them. My two personal trainers for working out (and also muscles to oogle at all day long consensually and politely of course (yes, there I said it!)). Always making sure that I’m safe and rush to help/save me from weirdos/situations I don’t feel safe in/ etc. Would have period products with them when we’re out and not squeamish to talk about normal woman anatomy/health, etc.
But as there are upsides there are also downsides in everything.
They would probably constantly be on my ass for doing things and reminding me of my deadlines (probably). Daryun would be up and early to go for a jog, the gym, his general workout, etc, while Sam would be already cleaning the apartment after one (1) coffee. Like imagine, it is a Saturday and I think, I can sleep in? Nope, 5 or 6 am, the men of the house are up and doing their routines. Probably trying to be quiet, but failing. Sam MUST have first cleaned the house before he can do ANYTHING else in his day (like my mom). Daryun would have a whole cabinet of protein powder/stuff for himself and oh my god, the many times I would send myself flying over his home-workout equipment? I would be a WALKING bruise. And when we are already talking about the work out, Sam and Daryun would both probably try to get me to work out more. Always pushing me to my limits (“You can do it!” or “One more.” “No, TWO more!” bro, no. I have pudding and noodles for arms. The only thing I will manage to do is for me to hurt myself the weirdest way possible and you have to patch me up AGAIN. I literally ripped a tendon in my ankle by TURNING AROUND IN MY ROOM! You have to put me in bubble wrap and I would STILL manage to hurt myself.). When I go out they would make me promise to text them when I arrive or am about to leave. When it is like a minute after agreed time (call, coming home, etc.) texts and calls would ensue. Out of fear and worry for my well being, of course. Like, you know how parents sometimes call several times and you would get annoyed? Yeah, that. Full on parent mode from the both of them. Sweet at first but a little overwhelming after a while. And since they are, ya know, men, the sink would look terrible after a shave! They would try to be clean, obviously, but sometimes they forget. So, deep cleaning it is!
But there are more pros than cons and most cons would be me being clumsy and them having to patch me again, sooo…
10. Could you be best friends with this character?
Sam
Probably not really. He is a lot older than me and it would probably be more of a casual friend than a full on best friend. Like the older coworker you slowly become friends with and have some casual meetings in a cafe with and sometimes invite for dinner or a party with some friends. But it would always be fun and you could probably get GREAT life and/or dating advice from him. Always a life hack or wisdom in store and a fun life story to tell. Easily could lighten up the entire party with stories when he has good energy. Later on would probably sit more alone or have a casual talk with somebody as his energy goes down. But still, fun to be around regardless
Daryun
Oh, Brother! Not to the extant as he and Narsus are, but still! It would be like watching a competition of who can take more care of the other (like the meme where two people constantly upstage each other so the other doesn’t get shot.). Regular hangouts, just sitting with each other and enjoying the others present, movie nights, etc. Basically very similar to what I have written down for the roommate one. Would help me in any need, have a few jokes up his sleeve for when I’m down and hype me up as much as he can. Does tell me when I made a blunder but as gently as possible (I’m sensitive as hell, I WILL cry and think about it to no end!). (WARNING: A little self indulgence in the next phrase. If you find this cringe, huh, SUCK IT.) Friends would either say we are siblings from another parent/brother and sister, OR we would make a great couple, are couple goals and if we aren’t married in the next few years, they won’t believe in true love anymore. No in between! Regardless of if we have feelings for each other or not. But he would be a very reliable best friend and I would do the same for him in a heartbeat! Lend him my ear, draw stuff for his birthday, etc. But Daryun better get ready for dem hugs as my love language is physical touch and I LOVE cuddling! (There is probably some gift giving and acts of services in there too). If he isn’t a fan of it, I would obviously respect his boundaries.
#arslan senki#the heroic legend of arslan#daryun#saam#azar (oc)#important writing defender#ask game answers
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