#bianca dawes

[darksideofparis]

OC Valentine's Day Challenge 2023: Day 5/February 11th: that's so us

Alex Locke x 11th Doctor - Red String of Fate: Two characters are bound by fate to be together. Melanie Warren x Spencer Reid - Give Geeks a Chance: Nerds are given a chance at love. Delaney Tyler x Aaron Hotchner - Sunshine & Grumpy: Two people with opposite personalities meet, one a positive and upbeat person and the other a grumpy and pessimistic person, and learn to love each other. Bianca Dawes x Sherlock Holmes - Bodyguard Crush: Falling in love with somebody hired to protect you or vice versa.

tag list: @arrthurpendragon @that-demigirl @foxesandmagic

[anyalovesu]

tolerate it.

ix. i know my love should be celebrated

— “but then, i also changed. probably more than he did. leon was meeting a stranger more than i was when i met him again after four years.”

“Hindi pa ako ready umuwi,” Eli sighed, hugging Leo closer as they sat on the warm sand watching the waves crash to the shore under a tree shade. “Ikaw, bubs? Gusto mo na ba umuwi si Ninang?” 

The toddler babbled, wobbling as he tried to stand up by holding onto Eli’s shoulders. “No, ‘wi ninam.”

“Oh, ayaw daw,” Leon laughed, caressing the back of his head as the kid chuckled, proud of himself for what he just said. “P’wede namang hindi muna. Anak ka ng may-ari, Eli. You can virtually do anything you want.”

“Dadami ang gagawin ni Ynes if I don’t go back sa city agad,” Eli replied, dejected that she had no choice but to go back. “Sinalo na nga ni kuya ang mga gawain ko this week.”

“You can afford to lose more days, Eli,” he sighed beside her. “Hindi gugunaw ang mundo kung hindi ka makakapagtrabaho ng isang linggo.”

“I know that. I just don’t want to be an inconvenience sa office, they’re already taking up too much work for me dahil ang dami kong ginagawa outside of work. Nakakahiya nang dagdagan pa ‘yon.” 

“Hanggang kailan mo sasabihin ‘yan? Paano kapag may anak na tayo? Or may emergency?”

It took a while before Elijah got to respond to that with something snide like she usually would. She doesn’t know why it still shocks her to hear Leon say the most out of pocket shit she’s ever heard but it does. It’s Leon! He’ll always speak before he thinks. This time it wasn’t something weird though. 

Kids. With Leon.

The idea of it did not seem repulsive. Especially after seeing Leon play with Leo all day, how gentle he was and how caring he seemed looking after a dependent child, it didn’t trigger her like it did when her papa brought it up the first time. After all, much like her to Cielo, Leon basically raised Bianca as well. He was bound to be great with kids in one way or another.

However, all thoughts aside, Eli chose to take it lightly as he intended it to be.

“What makes you think I’ll let you knock me up, ha?” Eli laughed at him, playfully hitting his arm.

That flustered Leon. He didn’t think of that when he said it. “Situation kasi ‘yon!” He tried to defend himself but his face had already turned a shade of crimson to even think of a way out of the hole he dug himself. “Ito! Ang dumi dumi mo!”

“Ako pa? You were the one who brought it up!”

“Hindi naman nga kasi ‘yon ang ibig sabihin ko!”

“And I was just asking!”

Leon never thought of it before. Having to be that kind of intimate with Eli was something that might’ve crossed his mind when he was a horny teenager, but he has conditioned himself to think that was just plain wrong—and that’s how it’s been. Since then, it has never crossed his mind to wonder what her lips would taste like, or how they would feel against his, or how her cheek would feel like when he would hold her face while they’re at it—maybe even how the rest of her body would feel like when they are both hot and bothered. He didn’t think of it.

Or so he thought.

His mouth forms an ‘O’ when he realized that he does know now what half of that felt like—what her lips would taste like, how it feels—how her cheek would feel when he holds her while they’re at it.

And now he craves it again. 

He can’t help but stare at her smiling face, so peaceful for someone who’s been through a lot—he cannot believe it’s bothering him right now that he’s thinking of things that he wants to do if they do end up in that situation. It did not help at all that she’s never looked more unreal than right now, when she’s holding Leo like she probably would if it was their own child.

God. He was stupid to pretend that it was just a “situation”. He did want to have a family with her, raise three kids probably, like both of them had in their own families. He wants to see her teaching their kids to paint like she does so effortlessly—or play guitar, or sing, or play bewitching classical pieces on the piano. He wanted to have kids with her, build a family that wasn’t too far from how they were raised, but different at the same time, because this time they will be there for their children unlike their parents were.

“Do you want to have kids?” she blurted out, snapping him out of his trance. He looked at her fondly… he has never said ‘yes’ to a question that quick before. He was sure of it. 

“Ikaw pa rin naman ang masusunod, katawan mo ‘yan eh,” he added, unfolding his arms from his chest to help Leo walk over to him from where he was sitting in front of Eli. “Pero kung ako ang magdadala ng mga bata, yes, gusto ko magka-anak. Ikaw ba?”

“Mga?!”

“Three, para parang kami nila Kuya and kayo nila Kuya Santi,” he chuckled. “Ang saya kaya maging middle child. So underrated.”

“Favorite ka kasi,” she snorted.

“Favorite ka rin naman ni Tito Zaldy at ni Myla, ah?”

“Only when he knows he’s done something wrong,” Eli sighed, feeling the sadness dawn over her again after her mind flew back to their texts this morning. “Only then maalala na n’ya na he has to make it up with me, give me something as consolation. Alam mo naman na ‘yon, hindi ka naman ibang tao. Your parents were there for me more than mine were— pero mine were very involved  in Kuya Santi’s and Cielo’s life.

“And Myla has passed already,” she continued, “Wala nang may favorite sa akin. But that’s fine. I can do well naman on my own. I’ve survived 22—fuck 23 na—23 years, nakaya ko naman— well, you were there for most of it, the past four years lang hindi. Pero I’ve done well naman. I’m proud of myself for that.”

“I’m proud of you rin dahil doon,” Leon smiled at her, a soft one, feeling his heart soften as well upon seeing how much Eli has grown in the last four years. Her growth might’ve been headed away from him, but she grew—on her own for that matter. That’s a big thing.

“Nak! Luto na ang pagkain, baka gabihin pa kayo ng uwi! Halina kayo rito!”

Leon was once broken out of his trace when Dolores called from the house, making the both of them stand up, Leon picking up Leo as the child clung to him while they walked back to the house.

They met Rico and Malaya, Leo’s parents, inside of the house. Apparently, Malaya came home early from her day job as a stay-in house helper in the nearby town and managed to help Dolores cook the feast that was in front of them right now. 

Malaya could not help but gush at how her baby’s name was co-incidentally was a play of both Leon and Eli’s name. Now, the ongoing joke that Eli wants to be Leo’s godmother might actually come to life, as they are now invited to Leo’s christening a few weeks after their own wedding. 

“Matagal na kayo?” Malaya asked her as they stood on the sink, while washing the dishes. “Nababanggit kayo sa amin ni Tita pero hindi pa po kita nakikilala sa personal.”

“Girl, magkasing edad tayo, drop the po,” Eli chuckled at her as she glanced back to Leon who’s bringing down their bags from their separate rooms, contemplating whether she should tell Malaya the truth. Mamay hasn't told her yet, that’s why she’s asking. Maybe it was for the better than some people would not know the entire thing. That being said, Eli decides to tell her the same half truth that she told her wedding organizers, “Ngayong taon lang. Pero magkababata kami.”

“Ang cute naman noon,” she giggled. “Paano n’yo nafigure out na gusto n’yo na magpakasal?”

Pinilit kasi kami. She wanted to say but did not have the guts to.

“When you know you know,” Eli told her. “Ganoon rin siguro kayo ni Rico? Ang bata n’yo rin nagpakasal.”

“Nagkaroon na rin po kasi ng Leo,” she smiled. “Hirap rin pala nang nauna si Leo. Kinailangan kong tumigil sa pagaaral para magtrabaho para sa anak ko, hindi kasi kaya ng sweldo ni Rico ang mga gastusin para kay Leo. Isang taon nalang sana sa Interior Design kaso hindi talaga kaya. Hindi nga pala tayo bubuhayin ng pagmamahal lang. Nakakahiya po kay Ma’am Carmine. Lola n’yo po kasi ang nagpapaaral sa akin. Nagiwan po ng pera ang Lola n’yo na sapat hanggang sa makagraduate ako, tininabi ko nalang muna. Para makapag tuloy pa  rin ako kapag ka medyo hindi na ganoon kagastos si Leo.”

Elijah never had that kind of problem. She had the money, but rarely ever had love. Not from her parents, especially now that the love that used to come from Isaac no longer feels real at all. Everything seemed solvable by money but her need to be loved.

“Kayo ga? Kabata n’yo pa rin!” She asked.

Eli thinks back to the time during highschool when she realized that there’s no one in this world that will get her like Leon ever will. No one will ever memorize her algorithms and mishaps like he will. At one point Leon even jokes, a classic one from the books, that if by the time they reach the age of 30 and they still didn’t have partners, they would consider getting married for the money. But that’s what it is now. At 23, getting married for the money. Though the money isn’t for them, really. It was for the hotel that their family businesses were trying to expand to Cebu.

“Siguro hindi ko lang rin talaga nakikita na iba ang makakasama ko for that matter. It’s always been me and Leon,” Eli replied. “His parents were already mine too long before all these. Siguro alam na rin talaga sa amin na noon palang dito rin kami matatapos.”

“Cute,” she giggled again, finishing rinsing the last plate on the sink.

“Eli!” As if on cue, Leon enters the kitchen with Leo clinging to him while he sits on his hip. “Magba-bye na daw ang baby!”

Eli smiles at him fondly, removing her apron before taking Leo into her arms. “Will you miss Ninang, my love?”

The little boy nodded eagerly, tears forming in his eyes as he realized that Eli and Leon were about to leave. “Magiging mabuti siguro kayong magulang ano?” Malaya smiled at them as she wiped the tears from her son’s face. 

“Update us about the binyag, we’ll be there, Malaya. Okay?”

“Sure po–” she was cut off by Leo suddenly wailing reaching her for her. “Ay nako, ang bata na ‘yan. Uuwi naman si Ninang at Ninong uli!”

“We’ll be back okay?” Leon chuckled at him, kissing the top of his head since he could not bother moving from where he buried his head on Malaya’s neck. “Babalik kami ni Ninang Eli, Leo.”

But Leo only ended up crying more.

“He’s gonna cry himself to sleep,” Eli laughed as she caressed his head one more time before tugging at Leon’s shirt. “Iiyak ‘yan lalo kapag nagising uli at andito pa tayo.”

“Ang dami nyo pong alam sa mga bata ano?”

“Kailangan alagaan ang mga bunso eh,” Leon chuckled. 

“Ah! Kapatid n’yo nga pala po si Bianca Park ano? Yung nasa commercial ng SM?”

Leon felt his heart swell upon the fact that his own little sister has really made a name for herself just from her own hard work. He nodded proudly at Malaya. 

“Tuwang tuwa si Leo palagi kapag nakikita n’ya ang commercial na ‘yon!”

“Isasama namin next time,” Leon smiled at her.

-

“You said I didn’t know why you were going home kahapon noong nagpipilit ako sumama,” Leon mumbled as they sat in the afternoon traffic sa Tagaytay, enjoying the warm pink skies of the afternoon in Tagaytay as they drove home. “Did you really think makakalimutan ko na magbbirthday ka?”

Elijah just looked at him, shocked that he was bringing it up. Truth be told, Leon has been thinking of asking that before they even reached Batangas yesterday, but she seemed too distraught with the news with Isaac. He feared he’d add more salt to the wound if he asked, so he held back. 

“I celebrated your existence from the very beginning. For 19 years of your life, I have been there, Ellie. Did you think it didn’t matter to me?” Leon continued upon realizing that Eli wasn’t doing anything to defend herself. It was very Elijah to let everyone critique her and she’d just sit there, allowing people to just point out everything wrong with her. “I mean, you have every right to assume na hindi ko maaalala. To be fair, apat na taon rin akong wala. That’s on me. But I remembered your birthday doon sa mga taon na wala ako. And I’m here now. Hindi ko makakalimutan ‘yon.”

“I just didn’t think it was worth celebrating,” Eli replied honestly. “It’s just another day. Actually, it’s surprising they’re throwing a dinner party for me. I suppose you got the email rin kaninang tanghali? I found it out kela Ynes, earlier bago nila sabihin sa akin through our family groupchat. Funny. All of a sudden, probably because I was an instrument to the company’s expansion, mahalaga na ako. I was worth celebrating na. Besides, I’ve celebrated it with Myla ever since.”

“And me,” he mumbled quietly. “You should be celebrated, Ellie. You deserve that more than you want to admit.”

The car ride was quiet as they let the soft love song play on Elijah’s shuffle playlist. It wasn’t too long until she was peacefully sleeping on the passenger seat with her blanket and neck pillow comfortably wrapped around her. Leon couldn’t help but steal quick glances whenever they stopped at a red light to admire the calmness beside him. 

That was the same woman he slept next to last night but of course she wouldn’t remember that. She slept too well and deeply from how she sobbed until she basically passed out. He knew she only remembered that she fell asleep next to him like they used to and thought he’d gotten up when she was asleep. 

But Leon remembers everything, even the tone of her breathing and the pace of his own heart beating as it slows down from its frenzy when she laid her head on his chest while she cried. Every single detail about that night haunted him in the most beautiful way because he doesn’t know when he’ll ever get to feel that comfortable again now that they are returning to their normal lives. 

Will she stay up late in the office again? Avoid him like she did the past few weeks before yesterday? Pretend like he doesn’t exist again?

—

“Are you okay?” Leon asked, reaching for her hand under the table, leaning closer just so she would hear him properly. Her hands were clammy and cold, shaky even—that alone is enough to confirm that she isn’t feeling very well with the entire situation back in the Yang Residence, but he still wanted to hear from her that she wanted help.

Leon’s heart breaks at the small head shade that she gave, squeezing his hand slightly, feeling her manicured nails dig lightly on the back of his palms. “A bit on edge, sorry.”

Truth be told, she was just waiting for things to get worse. Waiting for an uninsured announcement that's gonna make her life even more complicated than it is like the last dinner party that happened. The time is dragging by so slow and they just wouldn’t announce it right away. Elijah was sitting on the edge of her seat waiting for it, just so she could say that she was ready to hear another one of her parents’ absurd ideas.

“Alis muna tayo or kayo nalang muna ni Ynes?” He asked, though he very much hoped that she would pick him and to his surprise, she agreed to go with him. 

He then composes himself and glances at the dragon on the table, Soren Yang, politely, and smiles at him. Soren, much too immersed his delight that his daughter and Leon are doing well with each other, raised his eyebrows in the same polite manner, and asked why. “Medyo masama po ang pakiramdam, magpapahangin po muna.”

Soren nodded, “No problem, dear. Be back though, isserve na yung dessert in while.”

Leon offers stands up, tall and composed before helping Eli up as well. Everyone coos at the sight. “Aye! Protection okay? Hindi si Eli ang dessert!” Tobi playfully chuckles, making Bia, who is sitting next to him, slap his shoulder. “Ang bastos ng bibig mo, okay? Nasa harap ka ng pagkain!”

Everyone giggles at Bianca, their attention shifting on the young girl and how good her table manners are—how good she was raised. Elijah cannot help it, but she sees herself so much in Bianca. It then reminds her of why this marriage must be done. If it’s not her, it’s gonna be Bianca or Cielo or either of their brothers.  It would ruin her to think that she allowed for that to happen.

“Hinga muna,” Leon smiled at her as soon as they reached the garden, the both of them sitting on the swing of their old playset.

Oh, that old playset. Countless memories of the both of them knocking each other out of the swing whenever the other pushed too hard. All the scrapes and bruises they had as children, most of them were because of this exact playset.

Now they’re all grown. Set to marry in a few weeks or so.

Despite Leon’s reminder, Elijah only finds it harder to breathe as she looks around reminiscing everything they did here as children. They were no longer children anymore.

“Hala s’ya,” Leon worriedly stands up and walks over to where Elijah was sitting, beginning to hyperventilate. “Tayo ka.”

Elijah knows that method too well, where Leon was going to hug her as tight as he could until the pressure signals to her brain that she is safe and nothing wrong is going to happen. “Bilang ka hanggang 12 tas pabalik.”

It always worked with Leon, without fail. But no one else was able to do it besides him. Not even her own brothers or any of her girl friends were able to successfully do it. They always resorted to just frantically searching for her rescue inhaler to help with her attacks 

“It’s not gonna work,” Eli managed to argue while her hand was curling up on the skirt of her dress as she desperately tried to regulate her breathing on her own but it only got worse with every passing second. Her own heartbeat was flooding her ears and her senses were beginning to cloud, only focusing on the fact that something might happen.

“Sumunod ka nalang muna, for once okay? Tigas ng ulo mo kahit kelan,” Leon sighed, pulling her up by her sides before engulfing her in a tight hug. “Bilang,” he orders, which Elijah does in her mind, but instead of counting to 12 and back like she was asked to, she found herself counting the steady beats of Leon’s heart instead, distracting her from the thumps of her own heart.

“Ang hirap mo kalingain, Elijah,” he sighed. “Kailangan makipagaway sa’yo palagi para magpaalaga ka. Hindi naman p’wedeng ganoon. Palagi tayong magaaway kung palagi kang gan’yan.”

“Nakakapikon ka naman kasi talaga.”

“Touche,” he chuckled softly, still maintaining his tight hold on her. “But that’s how I am dati palang. It’s not gonna be Leon if I don’t piss you off.”

Bits of Leon still lingered, she thought. She was so consumed by the fact that it was Leon who walked away first that she didn’t get to see that Leon was still Leon when he was with her and it took him quicker to adjust than she did. Maybe she played the victim to well to notice that Leon was having a hard time with her too and it wasn’t just her.

Nawalan rin si Leon. 

Unlike her, Leon lost Margot. The goddess herself. The most ideal woman that Elijah has probably met in her entire life. Margot was a lot to lose. 

And Isaac, he probably was just waiting for the perfect moment to break it up with her and be with Louisse. Someone who understood him better than Elijah ever will. Someone who never complains that he’s too busy, because they are busy together. 

But that’s besides the point. Leon was still Leon. Eli was the one who changed so much. So much that what used to be normal did not feel normal anymore to the point that Leon did not seem like Leon anymore. Leon wasn’t the stranger she thought he was in the beginning. She was the stranger meeting Leon again and not the other way around.

“What are you thinking?”

“I’m sorry,” she blurted out, eyes spaced out as she continued listening to his heartbeat like her life depended on it, breaths finally getting lighter and slowed down.

“For what?”

“For being a terrible person these past few weeks– the past month,” Elijah sighed, closing her eyes as she tried to maintain the calm breaths when she found a lump in her throat when she tried to explain. “This is hard for you rin. I was just really heartbroken that my life was being meddled with nanaman—but it’s not a good reason for being an asshole—for not coming home for dinners, for leaving you before you’re up—”

“It’s okay, Eli,” Leon mumbles before kissing the top of her head. “I understand.”

“Kahit na.”

“I’m forgiving you,” he replied. “I was an asshole rin for leaving you before and making you think na I’m always going to do that. Quits na tayo. Kailangan mo nang patawarin rin ang sarili mo.”

Elijah looks up at him. Leon's heart quickens its pace, Elijah can hear it but it doesn’t make her heart thump like it did a few minutes ago. Leon stares at the soft features of her face, especially her glossed over eyes, as she looks up at him fondly.

“Iiyak ka nanaman,” he chuckled, pressing a firm kiss on her forehead. “Iyakin.”

“Ikaw rin naman,” Elijah playfully hits his chest to retaliate even though it was true. She was a crybaby. They used to joke when they were kids that Elijah’s first response to everything is to get overwhelmed and cry. But her emotionality ultimately made her the great artist that she is right now. Sheer talent and the ability to project emotion to art, apparently was a favorable trait to have, she learned from the past art conventions that she has joined. “Umiiyak ka na rin e!”

“Napuwing ako,” he joked, reaching up to wipe the forming tears on the corner of her eye. “Puwing lang ‘yon. Tunay ‘yung iyo oh.”

“Tama ka na,” she laughed, finally finding her arms wrapping around Leon, returning his embrace that has loosened now into a hug instead of a squeeze for deep pressure. “Either way, I just wanted to say na I missed getting to talk to you like this. I’m sorry I changed a lot.”

“You grew, Ruby,” Leon replied to her. “Maybe hindi patangkad, but you grew. Maybe not in the same direction as I did, as everyone else did. But you grew. At your own pace. In the way that you wanted to. ‘Yun ang mahalaga. And dapat cinecelebrate ang mga ganoong bagay, hindi inihihingi ng patawad.”

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ characters ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ previous ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ next ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

[fnafoceansoffun]

Voices! I love thinking of voices. Most of our pinniped pals have theirs!

Neil: Aziraphale from Good Omens

Leonard: Matt Berry

Maikal: Bingo from the Banana splits (So Daws Butler)

Rick: Elton John

Wallace: Not sure yet

Ramsay: Not sure

Henry: Both Bianca Del Rio (Roy Haylock) and Brendan Rogers (exercise caution due to NSFW content if you're looking up) (depends on his mood)

Carmello: Puddles Pity Party

Gene: Christopher Eccelstom

Seth: No clue yet

Rocket: Jack Black

Manny: The late Michael Lindsay

Captain: He's a Foxy...

Harry: Jinxx Monsoon

[lettersfromthecatcave]

I guess we are completing our 2nd round of holiday stars lol. I already got the champagne planner about 2 weeks ago, kahit na bad choice ata since I think I won’t use it? Palit nalang sa digital planner dyan oh. LOL.

The 2nd round I’m letting the husband choose haha. I think he likes the tumbler. Funny lang because when we met, this guy says he doesn’t drink coffee kaya windang kami ng friends ko. My soul sister (and also my MOH) and her husband looked at me like “why are you spending time with a person who doesn’t drink coffee?” when we met for a Binondo food crawl back in 2018. LOL. Ngayon, eto na nagyaya na mag Reserve naman daw kami kasi he likes his Hazelnut Bianca haha!

[aheckinmess]

List of Characters I Can Write

My Hero Academia (Current Hyperfocus, Fan for 3 Years)

Pro Heroes

Shouta Aizawa (Eraserhead) - Enji Todoroki (Endeavor) - Hizashi Yamada (Present Mic) - Keigo Takami (Hawks) - Oboro Shirakumo (Loud Cloud) - Toshinori Yagi (All Might) - Rumi Usagiyama (Mirko) - Snipe (Choku Dan)^ - Sekijiro Kan (Vlad King) - Nemuri Kayama (Midnight) - Kugo Sakamata (Gang Orca) - Mirai Sasaki (Sir Nighteye) - Ryuko Tatsuma (Ryukyu) - Taishiro Toyomitsu (Fat Gum) - Ectoplasm

^ "Choku Dan" is a placeholder name that I've given Snipe since it hasn't been revealed in the manga/show to my knowledge.

Adults

Natsuo Todoroki - Fuyumi Todoroki - Toya Todoroki - Inko Midoriya - Tensei Iida

Villains/Anti-Heroes

Dabi - Tomura Shigaraki - Himiko Toga - Jin Bubaigawara (Twice) - Atsuhiro Sako (Mr. Compress) - Danjuro Tobita (Gentle Criminal) - Manami Aiba (La Brava)

Class 1-A

Izuku Midoriya (Deku) - Katsuki Bakugo (Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight) - Shoto Todoroki (Shoto) - Eijiro Kirishima (Red Riot) - Denki Kaminari (Chargebolt) - Mezo Shoji (Tentacole) - Kyoka Jiro (Earphone Jack) - Tenya Iida (Ingenium) - Mina Ashido (Pinky) - Momo Yaoyorozu (Creati) - Yuga Aoyama (Can't Stop Twinkling) - Tsuyu Asui (Froppy) - Ochaco Uraraka (Uravity) - Mashirao Ojiro (Tailman) - Koji Koda (Anima) - Rikido Sato (Sugarman) - Hanta Sero (Cellophane) - Fumikage Tokyami (Tsukuyomi) - Toru Hagakure (Invisible Girl) - Minoru Mineta (Grape Rush) - Hitoshi Shinsou

The Big Three

Mirio Togata (Lemillion) - Tamaki Amajiki (Suneater) - Nejire Hato (Nejire)

Jujutsu Kaisen (Active, Recently Discovered)

Jujutsu Sorcerers (Adults)

Satoru Gojo - Suguru Geto - Kento Nanami - Choso - Ryomen Sukuna - Toji Fushiguro

Jujutsu Sorcerers (Teens)

Yuta Okkotsu - Toge Inumaki - Panda - Maki Zenin - Yuji Itadori - Megumi Fushiguro - Nobara Kugisaki

Pokémon (Semi-active, Fan for 21 Years)

Pokémon Emerald (Ruby/Sapphire)

May/Brendan - Wally - Steven - Scott - Professor Birch - Roxanne - Brawly - Wattson - Flannery - Norman - Winona - Tate & Liza - Wallace - Juan

Pokémon Platinum (Diamond/Pearl)

Dawn/Lucas - Barry - Cynthia - Professor Rowan - Roark - Gardenia - Fantina - Maylene - Crasher Wake - Byron - Candice - Volkner

Pokémon Black (Black/White)

Hilda/Hilbert - Bianca - Cheren - Alder - Professor Jupiter - N - Ghetsis - Colress - Chili - Cilan - Cress - Lenora - Burgh - Elesa - Clay - Skyla - Brycen - Drayden - Iris

Pokémon Black 2 (Black/White 2)

Rosa/Nate - Bianca - Hugh - Iris - Professor Jupiter - N - Ghetsis - Colress - Cheren - Roxie - Burgh - Elesa - Clay - Skyla - Drayden - Marlon

Pokémon X (X/Y)

I didn't have the money for a 3DS when this first came out, got behind on Pokémon games until I got one since Pokémon Moon was my first Pokémon game on the 3DS. My hubby just recently bought X for me so I can finish my timeline of Pokémon games available (aside from Alpha Sapphire/Omega Ruby). When I'm finished playing it, I'll add it.

Pokémon Moon (Sun/Moon)

Selene/Elio - Hau - Professor Kukui - Ilima - Lana - Kiawe - Mallow - Sophocles - Acerola - Mina

Pokémon Shield (Sword/Shield)

Gloria/Victor - Marnie - Hop - Bede - Leon - Professor Magnolia - Milo - Nessa - Kabu - Allister - Opal - Piers - Raihan

Pokémon Scarlet (Scarlet/Violet)

I haven't finished playing this one yet - maybe I'll finish it soon!

Batman (Inactive, Fan for 11 Years - Have Only Recently Found WFA)

Batman: The Dark Knight

Bruce Wayne (The Batman) - Joker - Harvey Dent (Two-Face) - Rachel Dawes - Jim Gordon - Alfred Pennyworth - Lucius Fox - Salvatore Maroni

Wayne Family Adventures

Bruce Wayne (The Batman) - Richard Grayson (Nightwing) - Jason Todd (Red Hood) - Tim Drake (Red Robin) - Damian Wayne (Robin) - Duke Thomas (The Signal) - Cassandra Cain (Orphan) - Barbara Gordon (Oracle) - Stephanie Brown (Spoiler)

Marvel Cinematic Universe (Inactive, Fan for 13 Years)

Captain America

Steve Rogers (Captain America) - Peggy Carter - James "Bucky" Barnes

Iron Man

Tony Stark (Iron Man) - James "Rhodey" Rhodes (Iron Patriot) - Happy Hogan

The Avengers

Tony Stark (Iron Man) - Captain America (Steve Rogers) - Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) - Clint Barton (Hawkeye) - Thor Odinson (Thor) - Bruce Banner (The Hulk) - Nick Fury - Agent Phil Coulson - Agent Maria Hill

Thor (Asgardians)

Thor - Loki - Odin - Frigga - Heimdall - Fandral - Lady Sif - Volstagg - Hogun

Guardians of the Galaxy

Peter Quill (Star Lord) - Rocket Racoon - Groot - Gamora - Drax the Destroyer - Nebula - Yondu

Age of Ultron

Pietro Maximoff (Quicksilver) - Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch) - Vision (J.A.R.V.I.S.)

Ant-Man

Scott Lang (Ant-Man)

Spider-Man (Homecoming)

Peter Parker (Spider-Man) - Mary Jane - Ned Leeds

Doctor Strange

Stephen Strange (Dr. Strange) - Wong - Christine Palmer

(There are many more, but it's been a while since I've watched anything MCU since End Game because OW)

The Phantom of the Opera (Inactive, Fan for 13 Years)

Phantom (Erik Destler) - Christine Daae - Raoul de Chagny - Meg Giry - Madame Giry

[I have seen the musical, yes, but I got started on the 2004 movie musical and it stole my heart the moment I saw it.]

If you do not see a character listed, feel free to send me a request and I'll let you know if I can write them!

[benefits1986]

Whisky Lowball Wonders SZN

Scrooge from the South started the holiday szn somewhere in the East Side. Not bad. Not bad at all.

I hate parties and social spaces a lot, but, of course, holiday means merry making and good tidings. So, let's slay bells, shall we?

As an outnumbered Southie, I said YES to our YE party that meant I'd have to leave the house really, really, really early. Glad to have my reliable driver and my dad with me because I had to do a grocery run. It was supposed to be with my go-to carpool office buddy, but she had some urgent and important home errands.

First, anything beyond Diliman is alien to me. I remember driving to SM Marikina for a bloody TVC ages ago and damn, pray na lang talaga ako kasi 'di ko alam mag-navigate. LOL. It turned out okay naman and even got an elusive Presto I've been hunting down during lunch break. GAH. Time flies talaga. I also drove a good number of times to Antipolo but had company during wee hours of the morning. How far is the East side in my book? Tipong tapos na lahat ng Aegis PL and iba pang PL, naka-yosi na ako ng ilan sa daan, pero nasa area pa ako ng Robinsons Metro East levels on a weekday. Partida dahil pa-Makati pa lang ako niyan those times.

So, going to the East at this holiday season is just very curious. 'Pag nadaanan na 'yung studio ni Bianca Cordero near White Plains, sure akong malapit na ako sa Katipunan. LOL. Labo ng references ko, pero dun ko nagegets 'yung navigation e.

My nakshie driver was patient enough to let me wait for my siomai ambag somewhere sa Kapitolyo area na shemay sa complication ang routes; but, I arrived naman with the goodies including a cooler filled with ice around 1 PM.

Tatay ko tuwang-tuwa kasi 'di pa rin siya nakarating sa side na 'to. Gulat-gulat pa siya kasi ang liit daw nung eskinita tapos ang daming puwedeng gawin sa venue. Kulang na lang mag-stay siya. Partida, 'di niya pa nakita 'yung pool niyan. HAHAHAHA. He met some officemates and pinaalis ko na rin sila kasi ayoko silang mastuck sa rush hour na hindi lang madugo. Sobrang karnehan season.

Buti na lang sobrang up my alley 'yung theme: Pamaskong Pambahay. I love Harry Potter so much to the point na reruns niya mala-pudpod na good copy sa kung saan mang platform ko siya puwedeng panoorin. Siguro, the past years lalo this 2023, pati audiobook marathon, naggawa ko na. Dad always teases me pero nakikisabay na rin siya ngayon sa mga well loved lines niya sa movies.

I usually wear black at home lalo 'pag may need akong itawid forda the home and forda life. :p Happiest or should I say most sedated ako 'pag walang ayos at all that also includes no fucking drawn kilay. It's a stark contrast to what I wear on RTO days and nights, too. Though, I think I'd be wearing all black more in 2024 because there'd be more days I need to be in BGC. :p

What I really, really, really like to do during parties is to drink, vape and just let things be. Basta malamig kasi nga pawisin ako much. Buti may malaking electric fan na 'di umano, bagong bili. Kita ko ng 'yung box e. Sana pala sinabi kong ipa-raffle na lang din that night kaso baka mapagalitan ako e. LOL. As a laking electric fan, need ko talaga ng ventilation sa life. Bonus 'yung kwentuhan sessions kasi lagi naman akong nagsasalita na napapadalas TMI gawa ng collabs na need para sa mga paganaps both planned and unplanned.

Buti na lang, nakita ko mga alak na walang balak sa aking tukador. LOL. Mahal na kasi ng alak ngayon. In fairness naman, bumawi ako sa team ko kasi ng self-confessed clingy sila and ang kaya ko talagang i-offer is 'yung vodka na may LGBT design na dapat talaga sa first tiny home ko outside Manila ko bubuksan. HAHAHAHAHA. Syempre, 'di ko na 'to nikwento kasi bakit pa? Sayang oras. My team is much like my lifeline even when I know I can be too much talaga kasi nga sanay ako sa galawang start up. Mabagal ako super these days to be honest pero kasi eto rin 'yung pagbibigay ko ng chance na i-embrace 'yung gestation season ng team ko. Hindi siya madali as in. Ang daling mamitik at mag-sputnik pero let's not go there, anymore. Pansin ko sa team ko now, weirdos talaga kami. 'Yung isa billiards ang turf. 'Yung iba, mahiyain by nature, pero wagas mag-videoke. 'Yung isa naman, tahimik lang pero matinde 'yung comments and killer lines. 'Yung dalawa namang magkasangga sa two main houses naming inaalagaan at inaapula ang apoy, may certain dynamics na parang magkapatid sila even sa kalokohan. 'Yung isa naman, tito levels 1000000000 pero super duper oks with me kasi it reminds me that old soul is the best soul there is. 'Yung isa naman, saltik levels 100000000000000 pero all the care and concern in the world, dinala na niya talaga. LOL. 'Di ba? Mga oddballs pero we vibin' talaga. Hindi madali ang work namin pero natutunan ko at patuloy ko pang inaaral to see the light more than the shadows.

Iba kasi ang shadows e. It makes any subject more dimensional. Mas nagiging unique and curious. Pero okayyyy, focus tayo sa light kasi doon naman nagsisimula ang most flattering shadows, right? Speaking of which, I'd be pitching a project headshot sa team namin soon. I like to capture this era of my life because it's game-changing talaga. LOL. They'd most likely dig this para din mas vibe 'yung photos namin sa MST. Lololollloll. Sakto for 2024 pagangaps. Black and white syempre na ambient and not edit. Always.

Anyway, sobrang tagal na ng last whisky and cola session ko. As in. Saka, na-surprise ako sa Suntory na I think galing pa sa Subic. HAHAHAHAHA. Mura kasi talaga doon as in. Saka 'yung Suntory whisky na 'to manipis pero may sipa. Should have brought a highball ensemble kaso mas madaling mauubos e. LOL. Next time na siguro.

Hindi na ako bumili ng Jack kasi, oks ang Suntory na 'to kahit 'di mahal. Uhaw levels sa combo na 'to which is my poison lalo 'pag I work outside is 100000000 also. Pero 'di na ako nakakainom masyado since 2023 H2 e. By choice na rin siguro. Or baka mapatawag pa ako sa principal's office. HAHAHAHAHA. Again, drinking is my sedation and creative process kasi. Kaya, sana naman, maging isa itong adjustment. 'Di naman ako kasi wasak uminom. Dutch courage and inspo vibes lang talaga siya. Saka pampakalma ko lalo kasi I overthink to the nines.

Glad to see my team and other team mates having a good time also. Parang nasa probinsiya kami. 'Di lang talaga ako nakaswim because it's fucking time of the month na siksik, liglig at umaapaw. :(((((( Kung kelan talaga may importanteng lakad, lagi na lang panira 'tong uterus ko. Pati 'yung Osaka ko, nag-OD ako ng Naproxen para ma-slay ko 40K steps. CHZ. Linis pa man din nung tubig. :((((((

Buti nagdala ako ng siomai kasi favorite ko talaga siya. Dapat nga, yun na lang kinain ko kesa kumuha pa ako ng ibang food. Mga naka-dalawang tray ako ng siomia so mga 30 or 40 pieces 'yun. Sarap din nung chili oil na from Malaysia kaya extra spicy. :D

May kahihiyan na naman akong naggawa na I can't unsee. LOL. Nagpa-shot ng tequila 'yung kabilang team. E 'di ako naman, I took the shot tapos, inom agad since ayoko ng tequila bilang nakakatorpedo mode siya for me. Saka memories na hahahahahahaha. Lord, sorry na talaga. 'Yun pala need pang i-cheers. So, ayun, two rounds ang paunang buga ko. Siguro uhaw levels 10000 nga kaya 'di naman panget ang hagod nung tequila na 'to.

Hassle lang kasi walang malapit na bilihan ng pods kaya napa-Esse Pop na lang ulit ako. Wala e. Dapat talaga merong ganun sa South Supermarket. In fairness, may South sa East ha. Hahahahaha. It's giving Ever Gotesco kasi sobrang nakakalito 'yung pagkaayos ng mga SKUs sa branch na 'to. Muntik na nga akong mag-grocery ng malala kasi wala na akong bigas sa bahay ko. Nahiya lang ako kasi para 'di naman ako late.

We ended the pre-game ng 10-ish and syempre, medyo may pag-CLAYGO muna para 'di naman mahirapan 'yung may ari ng lugar at 'di rin nakakahiya sa compound. Ganda rin talaga nung BNB namin. Gulat ako DMCI corner unit tapos mid-rise. Engineering talaga strength ng DMCI saka granite countertop sa mga kinda finished units upon TO. LOL. Bili na. CHZ. Weird lang kasi ng locations talaga. Na need mo talaga ng car and scooter para 'di ka mahassle.

If may gusto akong DMCI property, syempre matik na Bonifacio Heights bilang isa 'yun sa legacy properties nila. Maliit lang talaga ang elevators pero puwedeng-puwede na talaga. LOL. Going back to our post-party na inabot ng midnights... naglaro lang ako ng Uno Stacko with officemates na sumama from other teams. Then, umupo ako sa sofa na sobrang sarap ng feel. Tapos, poof. Nakatulog na ako. Hahahahahahaha. Hindi ko na namalayan. Sabi ng officemates ko, kahit ang lakas ng tawa nila sa Cards Against Humanity nila, wala. Bagsak talaga ako. I love the solid na solid sleep. Pero nung nagtry daw silang magphoto na tulog ako, gumising daw ako. Hahahahaha. LOL. Then natulog ulit. HAHAHAHHAHA. Ending, sa sofa na ako natulog kasi ang lamig ng AC sa lahat ng rooms. Namiss ko rin kasi mga dogs ko. :( Sanay ako sila katabi ko. :( Si dad naman bantay nila kaya oks lang din.

Nung nagising ako, pinakilala sa akin 'yung jowa nung isa naming ka-team. Medyo napahaba kwento kasi nga parehas kaming tubong Laguna na malayo. LOL. Nagulat din siya sa dami ng piercings at tats ko. Siguro pati pagtulog ko sa sofa na weird and bagsak, nagulat din siya. Hahahahaha. Fun times talaga. Sabi ko sama siya madalas sa team namin 'pag nasa Manila siya.

Siguro, ito 'yung first super sedated sleep ko since H2 2023. Ang sarap talaga ng sleep ko. Syempre, with every inom na malala, dama ko ang puffy and bloated vibes. UGH. Sooooo, magdadala na lang talaga ako ng siomai, chili oil and kanin sa mga susunod kong inom sessions this szn. Para managed pa rin intake ko. :p 'Wag mo isama diyan samgyup saka seafood ha. Ibang usapan 'yun.

Friday na walang pasok. Thursday good vibes overnight. December, you are looking good so far. Itawid na natin ang mga kaganapan para tuloy-tuloy ang paglipad at paglagapak sa 2024 sa ngalan ng Q1 na no laptop and socmed Japan leave love. HAHAHAHAHAHHAHA. Sana matawid ko 'yung importanteng part next week para makalma na ako ng tuluyan... for this 2023 YE. CHZ.

Saka, sa totoo lang, gusto ko ng tapusin ang kaya kong tapusin kasi gusto ko rin ma-maximize 'yung talents ng new hires and hires na evolving namin sa team. Thankful talaga ako na sila ka-team ko. Hindi ko lang sure if the feeling is the same for them. HAHAHAHHA. HUY.

[blvnk-art]

Hi Bianca, just wanted to say that the first few pieces of music you've shared with us are genuinely breathtaking and gorgeous, I could swear they were the professional soundtrack for a film or video game! We all know how terrifying it can be to share a new passion that you've been working hard on, but I hope you're happy that you've started putting it out there. Very excited to see (and hear, of course) what you continue to come up with next!

!! Thank you so much for taking the time to listen to them, and to send me this message. It really means a lot that you thought of this. the soundtrack of Horizon Forbidden West (I get chills when I listen to them) inspired me to download a free DAW - everyone can literally make music nowadays - and start this path.

I think people that share their music are brave people, and I want to be brave too, so that means a lot, really!

[darksideofparis]

If Bianca could have any other job, what job would she like to have, and would she be good at it? - from, Foxesandmagic

If she wasn't a model, Bianca would have liked to have become a psychologist. She's very interested in psychology, particularly in regard to criminals and their motives in committing crimes, so if modeling ever fell through for her, Bianca would start on the path to becoming a psychologist.

[anyalovesu]

tolerate it.

iii. i notice everything you do or don't do.

—“i noticed everything. every little detail. every little flaw. most days i wish i couldn’t. it would be easier to care less if i didn’t. maybe then i’d seem as careless as he was. like nothing in his life was important but himself.”

The house has been exactly as it has been when they called their bosses to announce that the house was built and done. Their team had worked on this house for an entire year, making sure every corner and every piece in the house worked in harmony along with the other parts and yes… that includes all of Ynes Hwang and Elijah Yang’s silly innuendos that were scattered around the house that were barely noticeable unless accidentally discovered. 

The duo has always been known for their slightly eccentric designs and this house was no exception to that. Being given with a hundred percent creative freedom to design the inside of the house sent the both of them into a frenzy of this and that which led to the both of them scouring the country for amazing stained glass window makers and floral light fixtures. Santi and Simon could only laugh at their sisters at how passionate they were into putting the house together. Building the mystery  house, as they call it, because none of them knew at the time the actual person who they were building the house for, really pulled out the best bits of the team. It wasn’t even listed for sale but real estate agents were pulling strings to be the one to sell it. Now it makes sense why the house was never sold no matter how hefty the price tag got.

Eli was pulled out of her trance with the sudden loud noise coming from outside the house. By looking at the open window, it was easy to see that the noise came from two pick-up trucks, both trunks filled to the brim with boxes, parked outside. One of them rolled their window down to reveal Tobi Park, the one sitting in the driver's seat, to ask if they were in the right place.

Cielo manages to dash out of the house to greet them, confirming that they were in fact in the right place. Bianca Park was first out of the car, coming up to greet Cielo and Eli, who had now come out against her will to greet the other tenant of the house—her supposed fiancé. 

Eli could not help but notice the sour look on Leon’s face that he did not even bother to hide at that moment. Bianca looked up the location of the house that morning when she and Tobi arrived at his brother’s condo unit to help him move. It impressed Leon at first but after the discovery of who had built the mystery of a masterpiece, he could not get himself to be interested in it anymore. In fact, he couldn’t care less anymore at Bianca’s rambles about all the art pieces that littered the walls of the home from the pictures on the internet.

“Eli,” Tobi greeted, walking up to Eli to give her a short hug. Bianca followed to do the same thing. Leon only looked at her and walked past with his suitcase.

Okay. You have to be nice.

“Nasa taas si Kuya, he’s just checking if working lahat ng lights and waterworks,” Eli chimes as she follows them inside. “There’s rooms sa taas, then the master’s bedroom is right up there rin.”

“Naka lipat ka na?” Leon asked, his tone sounding dry and uninterested. 

“Not yet,” she replied curtly. “Sabi ni Kuya better daw kung pagusapan muna before–”

“I’ll have the master’s bedroom– Aray ko Kuya!” Tobi had slapped the back of his head for his response.

“Buti nga sa’yo,” Bianca chuckled at him before glancing back at Eli. She’s grown so much since the last time Eli saw her four years ago. Two more years and she’ll be in college as well. “So, Ate, what do the rooms look like?” 

Bianca walked up to Eli and linked arms with her. She’s always been a nice girl. Always so polite and soft spoken. Unlike her two older brothers that had been boisterous ever since Eli could remember. 

“You can have the master’s bedroom,” Eli smiled at him awkwardly. “If you really want it. I don’t mind.” It’ll be too big for her anyway. She’ll only feel even more lonely if she stays there. She thought that the size of one of the rooms upstairs would be more fitting for her. 

It took a while before Eli decided she’s had enough awkward air and went back to talking. “There’s actually four rooms upstairs. One of them is a nursery, which is…” God fucking damn it. “We built this house with a young couple in mind that’s expecting– or at least trying for that matter.”

Tobi was holding his breath not to laugh, Eli could see it as she glanced at him instead of Leon with her lips pursed. “Either way, I never imagined na ako pala ang titira dito.”

“That’s okay,” Tobi chuckled through his nose, obviously trying to hold back his laughter at how awkward this situation has gone.

The tension was so thick in the air that you could cut through it with a knife if you tried to. While Bianca and Cielo seemed immersed in the design of the house, Leon did not seem to care about anything. Eli doubts he even remembers which room she claimed to be the one she’ll be taking as hers or which one was the door that led to the master’s bedroom. He did not seem interested in anything she said and while she expected that from him, it still hurt to see the person that used to listen to everything she had to say not give a shit anymore.

“So, ayon, there’s also a music room here in the basement. It has instruments na but I don’t know if you’re fond of the brands that we bought. It’s also insulated so, if you want to practice here, that’s completely fine. I’m not at home rin naman most of the time, so I don’t think magiging problem yon with me.” Eli smiled. It felt pathetic that she was still trying to get a reaction from Leon but he just stood there as stoic as he was when he got here. 

Somehow that hurt. Leon used to be one of the biggest fans of her art; now he seemed to be so nonchalant about the things that Elijah had created. How can he be so nonchalant about the house that really set Eli and her partner apart from the rest of the interior designers in the country?

The most reaction that Eli got from Leon was him nodding when he saw the master’s bedroom. After that, all he did was stare at his phone pretending to be busy just so he can avoid making conversations with Eli. He didn’t even enter the supposed music room where he and his bandmates could literally have as much creative freedom they want, just like how it was for Eli and Ynes when they were given this project.

Santi had joined them mid-house tour, making it easy for him to notice the slight change in Eli’s mood after they finished the tour. “Ayon lang naman. I guess, you're welcome here any time. Magstart na akong magunpack ng mga gamit upstairs. You guys, do what you want to do.”

“What do you think of the house, kuya?” Bianca chimes, still obviously enamored by all the details that Eli had chosen to disclose to them during the tour. She could not help but keep her eyes at the ceiling and the colorful light fixtures by the window.

“I think it’s nice,” Tobi smiled, going up to Eli to give her a fist bump. “You did great, my sister-in-law!”

“Yeah, too early for that,” Eli manages to laugh, referring to the nickname, as she accepts the friendly advance. “Pero thank you–”

“It looked like you gave a child a coloring sheet tapos yun na ang sinunod nila ni Hwang.” Leon spoke so bluntly that even Tobi was too shocked to hit him again for saying something atrocious. “It’s childish, Bianca.”

“I like it,” Bianca defends herself. “I think you’re bitter lang kasi you never made anything like this.”

“I… Um… That’s okay–” Elijah could not seem to find the right words to say... Did he really just say that?

“That was the point, Leon,” Santi chuckled, cutting off his sister who is clearly in discomfort at how Leon reacted, trying to make the situation lighter than it is. “It’s supposed to be a place where you can rest and feel like a careless child again. I think kailangan mo rin ng konting kulay, Leon. You need more perspective.”

Eli just stood there dumbfounded with how everyone reacted with what he just said. Was it really childish? She looked around the receiving room to go through every little detail that she and Ynes have created. Is it really childish?

She watched as Leon nodded with dissatisfaction before walking out of the scene with as much suitcase as he could.

“He’s being an asshole, ate,” Bianca shrugged, rolling her eyes at her older brother. “Ang galing galing mo magdesign ng bahay. He’s just bitter na hindi n’ya kaya gumawa ng ganito.” 

Her statement was then followed by a series of doors opening and closing, proving Eli’s thought just a while ago, that he does not remember which room was hers and his, was right. 

“Wow,” Eli sighed, all of a sudden feeling uneasy that by tonight, she will be left alone with this nonchalant monster to live with for possibly the rest of her life. 

It’s not that she felt unsafe. It was the fact that she did not feel as comfortable as she used to being with Leon anymore and she didn’t know what words to say to not tick him off and push him further away because God forbid she want to be ignored and invalidated even further than she is right now.

“By the way, kailangan n’yo na rin daw pagusapan ang mga preferences n’yo para sa kasal,” Tobi mentioned as he began picking up his brother’s boxes as well. “Mom will send your schedules para sa mga appointments n’yo para sa kasal.”

“Agad?”

Tobi only gave her a tight lipped smile as he nodded.

“Please be more patient with my kuya, okay?” Bianca smiled at her, such a beautiful kid to look at, asking for someone to be more understanding of her older brother. “He’s being hard lang right now. Pero he’ll warm up to you rin. You know him naman before.”

If Eli had a little more balls and said what she wanted to say the moment that it was there, she would’ve explained how hard everything is for her to do every little favor to do the work in rekindling what they had before. Leon was so much different than she knew. The Leon that was with them a while ago seemed so absorbed in his own world to care about what she was saying— what anyone was saying. All he cared about was what his phone contained and that annoyed her. She wanted to slap the phone out of his hands to actually get him to pay attention but they don’t have that kind of relationship anymore for her to do that.

And she tried. To pay less attention to what he did and did not do. But the thought kept looming in her head, she kept looking over his direction, in hopes that he would care even just a little bit like he used to… like suddenly the Leon she knew would appear out of nowhere and notice how much blood, sweat and tears she gave just to put together something she loved… like he always used to. But there was nothing. He looked like he didn’t want to be there.

Eli looked at Bianca, hopeful that she would understand why she’s not able to fulfill the request immediately especially after her feelings being hurt with what her brother had to say about the house. 

She wanted to cry. The house that she used to be so proud of… The house that she worked so hard on making every little detail perfect to their vision… was childish? Did that mean that she was childish? Was she too immature for him?

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ characters ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ previous ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ next ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

[moconut]

Whatever It Takes: A Degrassi Season 10 Retrospective (Better Off Alone, Pt. 2)

CW: child abuse

It's been a rough night for KC, who wakes up in Bianca's car to an angry call from his social worker. Apparently he got drunk on the stolen gin and told his new buddies all about his mom's issues (and that time his old coach hired a hooker). An unimpressed Jenna shows up to lecture KC and tell him he smells.

Clare's mom is dropping her off at school and brushes off concerns about any potential marital problems. Clare seems unconvinced, and her mom almost tells her something before seemingly thinking better of it.

Students are enjoying their balls in Media Immersion as Dave compliments Alli about her party the night before. She continues to flirt with him and says she's hoping to spend quality time with her boyfriend, whom Dave presumes is himself. Alli finally puts Dave's hopes to rest with a devastating "I can't wait to tell Drew." She seems surprised Dave thought she was into him, laughing it off and calling him sweet while Dave dejectedly shuffles his ball a little farther from her.

The next scene opens with a lingering shot of Coach Armstrong's fancy car, which definitely won't have anything bad happen to it soon. KC gets rough at football practice and slams into Owen, who deserves it because of who he is as a person. A concerned Armstrong pulls KC aside and wants to know what's wrong, letting him know they can always talk if KC needs it.

Dreamy Eli catches up to Clare in the hall with a Twilight joke and talks her through her worries about her parents. He suggests she write a letter to her parents for her English essay, which she still hasn't done and was due yesterday.

KC shows up at his mom's apartment to call her an alcoholic and blame her for him drinking the stolen gin. He begs her to drop her plea for custody, brushing past a mildly interested NPC as he leaves his mom standing despondently in the doorway.

In English class, Eli is impressed by the essay Clare apparently wrote in the past ten minutes. Ms. Dawes invites her to read her assignment in front of the class, but she can't get through it without breaking down. Eli and Ms. Dawes choose to ignore Clare's obvious discomfort with sharing this intensely personal piece by forcing her to sign up for the talent show happening that very evening.

KC and his social worker are meeting with a lawyer, who thinks KC needs references to prove he's better off alone without his mom. KC later approaches Coach Armstrong and asks him to be one of those references, but Armstrong feels wholly unqualified to make that decision and turns KC down. A furious KC heads out to the parking lot, where he happens to spot Armstrong's defenseless car.

Later, Drew is talking about music with his harem when Alli pops in to interrupt. He briskly refuses every attempt she makes to plan a date with him, claiming he'll be too busy with football to be her boyfriend. He heads off, leaving a heartbroken Alli alone with the girls who look like they're about to add Alli to their cringe compilation.

At the talent show, Eli tries to coach Clare into reading her essay for the crowd (where her mother is waiting). But she refuses, dashing off and leaving a concerned mom and awkward Sav in her wake.

KC finds Jenna in the hallway and entreats her to come on a roadtrip with him--now. He admits he did something bad, which somehow convinces Jenna to agree to go off alone with him. They're stopped by Mr. Simpson, who summons KC to his office.

Drew is suddenly into Alli again, claiming he wants to keep hanging out (aka making out) with her. Because Alli doesn't have standards yet, she agrees even though she clearly wants more from the guy whom she still doesn't know at all. Also, she grabs his ass in the hallway.

At home, Clare confronts her mother with the letter she couldn't bear to read earlier. She hands it over and lets her mom read it before finally asking if her parents are getting divorced. Her mom is reluctant to talk about it, saying Clare is a kid who shouldn't have to worry about that sort of thing even though Clare is clearly old enough to notice and be bothered by the constant parental discord. Clare keeps pushing, and her mom admits that dad just doesn't seem to want to spend time with her. Clare continues to be the family therapist and encourages her mom to talk to him.

KC walks into what looks like an intervention. Armstrong and Simpson basically accuse KC of keying Armstrong's car, which KC immediately denies. KC is shocked to see his mom immediately jump to his defense, claiming the school is blaming KC because of her criminal record. Simpson says they wouldn't jump to conclusions, even though that's exactly what just happened. KC's mom asks for alone time with KC and says she'll let him stay in the group home if he wants. KC, shocked to hear an adult grant him agency in his life, seems to have some thinking to do.

Eli shows up at Clare's house, somehow knowing where she lives. He apologizes for meddling in her personal life, but Clare admits the plan worked--her parents are currently talking inside. Eli gifts Clare his huge headphones and she puts her hand on his (squee!) to say he's allowed to meddle occasionally. The fact that this ship used to be so adorable just makes what happens seasons later even worse.

KC is at his mom's again--with a bag of his things. He tells her he's scared, and they hug as she promises things will be better this time. KC hesitates at the doorway before admitting he missed her, shedding a tear.

This episode has always been a favorite for me, and that's down to KC's understandable angst and Eclare's amazing chemistry. KC, even when plotting to frame his mother and keying a car, remains likable throughout and you can absolutely see where he's coming from. He offers snippets of his mom's past neglect and drug addiction that contrast with her sweet and seemingly redeemed current self. Her apparent transformation makes outsiders think KC is being unreasonable by rejecting her, but his point of view is justified to me.

Too often, abused children's needs are passed over in favor of giving unfit parents chance after chance to keep ruining their lives. I saw it time and time again as a counselor--neglected and beaten kids stuck with their tormentors because of a child welfare system that either couldn't or wouldn't pick up the phone or investigate abuse allegations. What do you say to a child who comes to school hungry, dirty, and tired because they've been failed by the very people supposed to protect them? There was only so much I could do, and that weighed on me. These kids had no voice and were at the mercy of adults making decisions for them.

So when KC fights to stay in the group home, I root for him. Does being a biological parent automatically give you the right to raise your child? I don't think so--not if you're actively a danger to that child. In the end, it seems KC's mom's reformation is genuine and he does end up moving in with her. But the key point is that he chooses to, and that's only after she gives him that choice. She acknowledges the pain of not having control over your life, and KC finally feels heard. The two clearly still have a long way to go, but it's a step.

As for the B plot, this was the real birth of Eclare. I obsessed over this pair as a teen--one of the main reasons I got a Tumblr was to follow shipping and roleplay blogs (does anyone remember the SimplyGold group?). In just one episode, Eli and Clare build a relationship through both witty banter and genuine emotional support. They're fun to watch, as both of their egos tend to bounce off each other without ever falling into actual insults or superiority complexes. They're instantly comfortable with each other and seem to click on an instinctual level that the other couple in this episode, Alli and Drew, notably doesn't.

We also see Clare open up to Eli, a near-stranger at first, about her turbulent home life. All the while, he listens and encourages her; while he pushes a bit too hard at times, his intentions are always positive. He quickly becomes invested in Clare's well-being, even showing up at the end to apologize for his nosiness and present a thoughtful peace offering. There are a few moments of physical closeness--the pole incident and the hand touching at the end--but the relationship is largely developed through these acts of emotional vulnerability and kindness.

In contrast, Alli and Drew's bond is purely physical. Alli seems to want more but uses physical closeness to lure Drew closer, all in the hopes that he'll finally commit. Drew is your typical player here--he'd rather have a wider group of options than settling for just one girl. That's not inherently bad, either, but it's incompatible with Alli's need for a relationship. What the two need is honest communication, but that's not exactly a strong suit for Drew right now (remember his flimsy excuse about being busy with football). Alli also lacks the confidence to stand up for what she wants, seeming to settle for the crumbs he's willing to toss her way.

All in all, I think this is one of the strongest episodes of 10A. It's not necessarily the most eventful, but it's strongly character-driven and establishes relationship dynamics that will carry on throughout the season (and beyond in some cases). Thanks for reading and I'll see you next time!

[kalawakan-fam]

Presenting: Class 2020 of Kalawakan!!

@nangunguhang-alien . Si Tito ‘yung class president niyo. Lagi siyang kasama ni titser, tapos lagi special mention. Kapag wala si Ren, malungkot magturo si titser. Kapag wala si titser, sya din ang "pacifier" ng classroom.

Lagi nyang linya.

"Guys! Please keep quiet!"

@dumdum-things Si Top 2. Dumdum - Vice president ng klase. Siya yung laging nakasunod kay president. Kaya kapag nag wawalk out si president siya yung tiga sigaw ng "Guys respeto naman!"

Sya rin po yung laging nakangiti kapag nakakakita ng titser! "Gooooooooood mooooorning titser!!"

@atomicdump Si Ruru, Siya yung kaklse mong mahilig magsayaw, kada first day ng school, hindi mawawala sa intro nya ang dance number. Bibo kid #1. Punishment nya yung sumayaw sa harao ng klase sabi ni titser, pero nag uubos lang talaga ng oras si titser dahil wala na syang maituro.

@eccentrieth Si Riri, Siya po yung tiga lista ng noisy and standing. Hindi pwedeng di mo sya bestfriend kase laging may minus payb kapag naililista sa board.

Lagi din syang hirap mag lista kasi nga nililibre sya ng mga kaklase nya para hindi sya mailista.

Malaki tumanaw ng utang na loob. Puro utang na loob nalang.

Lagi din napapagalitan kapag maingay klase.

Lagi nyang linya:

"Maam kapag maingay, ako agad?"

@starsandrocketsss Ang Dynamic duo. Source ng food pag fieldtrip. Parang bag ni dora yung bag nila, hindi nauubusan ng laman. Laging may binabatong chichirya at imported na food galing kay mommy nya. Laging may baong pagkain san man pumunta.

@medyo-gaga Si Kyu, Sya po ang maldita ng klase. Tinitignan sya ng lahat. Mahirap kalaban sa classroom. One day, friends kayo. The next day, kaaway kana ng group mates nya. Takot lahat ng faculty dito. Ganon sya kamaldita,  kahit guidance sinukuan sya. Best friend sila ng principal dahil minsan maghapon sila magkakwentuhan dahil nireport ng kaklse.

Sya yung nagtitisod kapag dumaan ka sa pwesto nya Tapos sasabihin "di kasi tumitingin" 

@nijuugo Si Cath, Ito po sobrang bait nito. Hindi ito napipikon. Laging naka smile. Kaklse mong tatawa tawa lang pero tahimik sa bahay. Masarap po sya kasama at hindi nauubos yung tawa nya.

Favorite line: Titser! May joke ako!

@garlicbraed Si Aira, Siya po yung kaklse nyong sobrang tahimik. Hindi tumatayo sa upuan. Uupo pag pasok, tatayo para mag recess, tapos tatayo nalang ulit kapag uwian na.

Hindi sya maingay sa upuan. Mas trip nya yung mag day dream. Favorite hobby nya yung mag day dream at matulog. Mahilig din sya mag color ng coloring book at mag damit ng dressup paper doll.

@adobongmayfeelings Si Jed, Sya po yung isa pang bida ng classroom. Jollibee. Makarinig ng music, automatic naka smile na sya. The rest is history. Bestfriend nya si bibo kid #2. Tiga sample sya. Pero sya din talaga gusto din mag sample.

Favorite line "Sasayaw na yan! (Mamaya ako tatalunin kita!)"

@lovingshannen Si Shannen, Anak ng president ng PTA, hindi umuuwi kapag hindi si mommy ang susundo. Laging may hawak na barbie doll sa classroom. Hindi pinapagalitan ng titser. May backpack syang sailormoon/barbie/unicorn. Hindi nawawala ang bright colors sa gamit nya.  Note. Siya yung may 64 crayola sa bag / may 128 crayola sa bag.

@chieesecake Si Chie, Siya yung kaklse mong hindi nauubusan ng joke at kwento. Laging nasa likod at may ka chika chika. Laging number 1 sa noisy. Pero binubura din nya at wlang palag si tiga lista.

Lagi syang may baong funchum at cream-o/rebisco at kinakain nya habang nakikipag tawanan kaklse nya. Perfect yun sa thermos na baunan nyang may lamang tubig na malamig na naka balot sa towel.

Favorite line:

"Uy alam ba, dating sementeryo tong school"

@rae-ngoaway Si Rae, Anak ng atty/doctor. Laging nakasasakyan papasok at pauwi ng school. Laging naka tali ang buhok. May baon syang pagkain na complete meal may side dish pang mixed vegetables. Hindi nawawala si yaya kapag lunch at recess. Laging may bimpo sa likod pero inaalis din naman.

Favorite line: "Wala kayo sa daddy/mommy ko!"

@thefatherofkhalebandanwyll​, Si Darryl Sya yung parang anak ng diyos. Magugulat ka nalang nasa misa sya sya every first monday ng buwan. Pero the rest ng buwan, puro kalokohan ang ginagawa sa class room. Sya yung kaklse mong nag fafade away 3 points shot sa basurahan ng papel na binilog bilog nya habang nag tuturo si titser tapos kapag hindi nya na shoot, pupulutin nya tapos fade away shoot ulit. Favorite line " 3..2..1.. Kobe Bryant for threeeee!!!"

@babaengartsy​ Si Rio, Ang lakambini ng klase. Sobrang hinhin, nakakahiya lapitan kasi mapapasorry ka kahit wala kang ginagawa. Tumatawa pero nakatakip ang bibig. "Hihihi"  Laking panlaban sa muse at mr and ms ng school. Bata palang natuturuan na mag ayos kaya ang ganda talaga. Lagi syang iniirapan ni maldhital ghurl dahil ayaw nya ito kalaro. Favorite line:"My name is.... I, thank you!" *sigaw ng buong klase*

@nagiisangtiyak​ Si Alexa. Kaklase nyong MIA, tapos magugulat ka nalang sasabibhin ni titser na,makikita daw natin sya sa TV. Working ghurl at early age. Artista. Laging nasa workshop at taping. Bigla biglang pinu pull out sa klase. Minsan nalang makita, nag mamaldita pa. Besties sila nila ng maldita ghurls.

@n-dv​ Si Nico, Ito po yung literal na kaklase nyong barsiti. Tinitilian ng ibang school kapag inter-school. Malakas ang dating sa chicks. Malakas ang awra. Dadaan lang,pero nagtitilian babae. Laging mabango. Laging amoy presko at bagong ligo.

Siya yung kaklse nyong laging may panyo. At laging naghihilamos.

Kahit titser, gustong-gusto sya. Paborito at heartrob ng school.

Favorite line: "Guys wait lang, papicture daw"

@ynalwls​ Si ley, Kaklase nyong anak ng bgry captain kaya hindi nyo masumbong sa teacher. Kasundo ni bhosz maldita. Tandem sila mambully kapag walang teacher. Pero kapag nanja si teacher mababait. Matataas din ang grade at laging bida sa show n tell. Gawa naman ng iba yung assignments and projects nila.

Favorite line :

"Ayan  pampan ka kaseeee." "Ay eeeepaaaal"

@tired-eyesv​ Kaklse mong active sa extra curricular. Kapag kailangan ng athlete number 1 sa exempted to sa finals dahil mag cocompete outside the school. Laging laman ng tarpoline. Kesyo mapa sports, mapa journalism, at kahit dance sport. Kinakareer nya ang extra curricular. Tumataas ang grade dahil sa exemptions.

Matalino at talented. Waging wagi. Kaya laging unang tinatawag nila titser dahil magaling.

Favorite line: "Watch me. Learn from the expert guys!"

@babaengmadaldal​ Si Jai, Kaklse mong titser's pet. Anak din ng titser kaya peborit nila kumare na titser din. Mahilig tumambay sa faculty. At tignan mga grades ng mga kaklse. Lagi din syang kaaway ng smart ones dahil sinasabihan syang sipsip sa titser.Favorite line: "Maam, nakalimutan nyo po kunin yung assignment last week"

@katedoesntmatter​ Si Kate, Kaklse mong hindi mo patatalo sa chinese garter at lusong tinik at luksong baka. Sila yung kapag umayaw sya, wala nang maglalaro. Mader sa 10-20. Dakilang taga saway sa magugulong kaklse. Peace keeper sa classroom. Lahat nakikinig kapag silaang nag sasalita. Sgt. @ arms at hindi mo maloloko. Sila ang katuwang ni president kapag wala si maam. Pero number 1 na maingay kapag breaktime.Favorite line: "10-20 tayo, sali kayo dali!habang wala si titser"

@hotdogogh​ Si Edmund, Siya yung kaklse nyong Juan Luna ng klase, bata palang potensyal nang pintor. Sobrang artsy nya. Kumpleto lagi ang art materials nya sa mapeh. May 64 crayola sya. May pentel na iba iba kulay, may water color,may drawing book na makapal, may poster paint, may coloring pencils. Bilang nya bawat isa. Kaya kapag may nanghihiram, alam nya kung ano ang nawawala at kung sinong nakawala. Very good sya sa arts at nkikipag sabayan din sa music, sya din yung mahilig tumugtog ng instrument sa classroom para mag jam at magkantahan lahat. Arts and performing arts genius daw sya. Thanks sa genes nya.

Favorite line nya: "Okay lang manghiram, basta ibabalik nyo ha"

@hishiddenletters​ Si Sean, Sya po yung kaklse nyong lapitan ng mga umiiyak. Magaling magpatahan at mag payo. Kaklse nyong matured agad sa murang edad. Daddy sa classroom. Very mabait at maunawain. Tiga awat ng nag aaway dahil pambata lang daw yung away.

Sya rin ang kuya Kim, ang pinanlalaban sa quiz bee dahil ang daming general knowledge na alam. Laging may trivia at life hacks.

Sya rin yung minsan na ground sa saksakan dahil pinatunayan nyang nakakakuryente kapag sinundot ng tinidor.

Favorite line: "Alam nyo ba, na ang...."

@tanginate

​ Si Nate, Sya po yung naka PE uniform  sa grad pic pero pinahiram lang ng isusuot. Ayaw nya tumingin kasi masama loob nya sa nag pipicture, di sya pinayagan mag wacky.

@the-lost-boy-from--neverland​ Si Jay, Eto yung hindi palaging kasali sa laro. Sya yung burot sa taguan, laging taya. Lagi ding di mahanap kalaro nya sa uwian, kasi sinusundo na pala ng serbis. Lagi din binubully

@hugoterongmakata​ , Si ZeddSya yung kaklse mong late, kesyo traffic daw or may banggaan sa kanto, pero ang totoo, late lang nagising. Late na nga pumasok, natutulog pa sa klase.

Sya din yung kaklse mong chill lang sa classroom. Hindi namomoblema sa grades. Hindi daw nag aral, pero ang taas naman ng score sa exams.

Kaklse nyong hindi nyo makikitang may hawak na handouts/notes at natutulog lang pero nakakasagot sa recitation.

Very active kapag wala si titser. Sya yung pinaka maingay kapag walang ginagawa. Instant noisy. Instant maligalig. Kapag nag sama sama sila ng top 1 maingay at jollibee, disaster.

Favorite line: "ZzzzzzzzZzZ.."

@istambai​ si Jovic, Siya yung kaklse nyong pasimple sumuntok ng jokes. Mahilig mag biro. In short, sya yung clown ng classroom. Lahat ng bagay joke para sa kanya. Tinatawanan kahit.pag piyok ni titser. Kapag tinanong mo kung anong nakakatawa, tawa lang ulit isasagot sayo.Tahimik din sya. Kapag tulog. Favorite line: "HahahahHahahaahHahaha. May joke ako HahahahaHahaha. *hanggang tumawa na lahat wala pa yung joke*"

@bbarican​, Si Bianca . Sya po ang kaklse nyong "mother", may maternal instincts tinawag na anak ang mga kaklse. Nagprapractice na agad sa murang edad. Sya din yung kaklse mong marunong at magaling magluto. Laging bida sa cooking class at baking class. Marunong sa kusina kaya kapag may food to bring sya lagi engrande magdala. Madalas sya din ang tiga payo at tagapagpatahan. Nilalapitan ng mga sawi at early age. Mahal nya ang lahat kahit ang malditah gHurLsz. Peborit dn ni titser kasi mabait. Lagi din siyang may dalang tarot.

Favorite line: "Oh mga anak....."

@seaimyourmanx​, si Bej. Sya yung kaklse nyong parang tiga higher batch. Isa sa dumbohala sa klase. Laking nasa likod ng pila. Kapag pinapa pila sa klase, alam nya na agad na nasa likod sya. Mukha syang alpha pero mabait sya. Mahilig magpatawa at makinig sa kwento.  Nabubuhay ang klase kapag humihirit sya ng mga banat nya," haaaww " at "gileeeew"

Favorite line: "Tangina snacks!"

@98fourth​, si Por. Sya yung kaklse mong jammers. Maganda boses. Malamig. Kapag break time, humihirit yan ng "ala-ala'y bumabalik..." Sarap makinig sa klase kapag wala si titser kasi instant soundtrip agad. Buhay ang patay na oras sa classroom kapag nagsasama sila ng jammerz. Madaming kinikilig sa boses nya. At early age, tinitilian na din sya ng ghurls. Sya yung tipo ng mHaditUh ghurLs. 

Favorite line: "1..2..3.. *kanta* "

@pikelerick​ , Si Erick. Your resident tito in da haus, sya yung kapartner na jammerz ni songer. Hindi nawawala sa bitbit nya ang gitara. Magugulat ka nalang bigla nalang tutugtog tong mga to sa may hagdanan/klase tapos lahat nag kakantahan na. Paborito nyang kaskasin sa gitara ang eheads at parokya. Born-rockstar. At early age, music prodigy daw sya.  Takot kaklase nya sa kanya kasi ang tapang ng dating nya. Pero soft boi pa din ang ating resident tito. Mabait at mapagbigay. 

Favorite line:

"Wish 107.5..."

[dustinreidmusic]

Van Morrison ~  Live at the Grand Opera House Belfast - 1984

Live at the Grand Opera House Belfast is a live album by Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison, released in 1984. It was recorded from four live shows in March 1983 at the Grand Opera House, Belfast, Northern Ireland (Morrison's birthplace). The album was composed of songs from Morrison's last four recordings. It is the second live album Morrison released, following 10 years after It's Too Late to Stop Now.

Track listing:

All songs by Van Morrison unless stated otherwise

"Into the Mystic (Instrumental)/Inarticulate Speech of the Heart" - 1:06

"Dweller on the Threshold" (Morrison, Murphy) – 3:38

"It's All in the Game/You Know What They're Writing About/Make It Real One More Time" – 7:09 (Charles Dawes, Carl Sigman)/(Morrison)

"She Gives Me Religion" – 4:35

"Haunts of Ancient Peace" – 6:25

"Full Force Gale" – 2:22

"Beautiful Vision" – 3:34

"Vanlose Stairway" – 5:29

"Rave On John Donne/Rave On Part Two" - 9:09

"Northern Muse (Solid Ground)" – 3:45

"Cleaning Windows" - 4:56

Personnel:

Van Morrison - vocals, guitar, electric piano, alto saxophone

Pee Wee Ellis - tenor saxophone, flute, backing vocals

Mark Isham - synthesizer, trumpet

John Allair - organ

David Hayes - bass

Peter Van Hooke - drums

Tom Donlinger - drums

Chris Michie - guitar

Katie Kissoon - backing vocals

Bianca Thornton - backing vocals

Carol Kenyon - backing vocals

[benefits1986]

Of Deja Vu and Horror Stories

It's the 31st of October and KJMS x Diplomat Hotel x Ed Caluag is trending. I also happen to love Baguio and have been thinking of visiting yet again, just because, why not?

Let this be a rundown of curated horror stories from someone who has overactive imagination. Horror stories even the most ugh ones actually make me scream to the top of my lungs. Umaatras talaga ako e. However, I like ghost hunts in old streets and spaces like Manila and Baguio. LOL. Iba 'yung live experience and for me, there's actually a world in between the living and the dead for such a long time.

I guess this roots back to my first encounter where I saw my Inang Sinta's last breaths. It was a sweltering summer just in time for the our sleepy town's pista ng bayan. I think I was around 8 or 9 years old. I was playing nonchalantly and I was called by my older cousin. I didn't know ina is passing. Days before, she even had her signature red mani and pedi from her suking tagakutkot ng kuko. She had to get a bedrest because she seemed to have a slight fever. Nothing too serious, though I knew she's nursing a stomach trouble for quite some time. So, there I was. I didn't know how to process it but as I saw her breathe her last breath. It was not so much of a struggle and looking back, she looked peaceful.

Not sure if this where some weird things started, but I started to have far and few lucid dreams. I do not generally believe in paranormal stuff then even when mom and my brother would always have their versions of amulets along with their rosaries. LOL. Badtrip nga ako sa mga laway kahit sinasabing nababati ako ng mga lola, tita at strangers. UGH.

At first, it was just random deja vu like field trips, specific moments in class and the like. However, when I was a frosh in nursing, I started to have more lucid dreams like being in an all girls' school. Of course, I laughed it off as I shared to my soul sister. Since she is a fan of the paranormal, she told me that it might be a premonition. I brushed it off because nowhere in my literal and figurative dream that I want to be in an old classroom with all girls in the hood. The blackboard was old and there was a quiz that made me wrinkle my nose. A year after stopping from school, I found myself in an old classroom with all girls downing an accounting exam. I wrinkled my nose and stopped. DAMN. Siguro kaya C+ lang ako sa accounting dahil dito. Hanap sisi lang but, hey. GAAP naman is pretty practical: economic entity, monetary unit, and time period. 'Wag ako. Saka puwede na AI 'yan these days. LELS. I remember kulang ng less than 1 PHP 'yung balance sheet ko. So graphic. It's traumatic. I had two Baguio trips where I had tongue in cheek shit shows. One was a ghost hunt and another is an exclusive solo tour in Diplomat Hotel.

The ghost hunt was actually just something I chanced upon and dahil gusto ko may something new every punta sa Baguio, sige. Naubusan na ako ng ideas PLUS my friends are really up for it. So ayun na nga, wala lang talaga siya sa umpisa pero, as we progressed, ang stress. 'Yung highlight niya is 'yung public cemetery ng Baguio. LERKZZZ. 'Yung mga fetus and babies na graves. Plus 'yung center spot doon is so weird. As in. Doon daw na-corner 'yung mga American soldiers back in the time of war.

Before I talk about the Diplomat Hotel "exclusive" tour, let me share my experience in La Casa Bianca. I chanced upon it from Paula Peralejo's recos. I love its location because it's accessible but not in the bustling side of Baguio. I booked it online and got a good deal. When we arrived, I was welcomed by no less than the Laperal House right across it. Syempre, soul sister ko was so giddy, since she devours horror stories. As in high na high siya. In fairness, I love La Casa Bianca and might spend a night there yet again. LOL.

So ayun na nga. Ginamit ko ang aking angking-galing para makapasok sa Diplomat Hotel kasi by special arrangements lang siya. LOL. My soul sister wanted to check it out and see me chicken out before she flies to SG. So, ayun na nga. Nadali ako ng bata sa may fountain. And of course, my most graphic lucid dream is when I saw how mom died, two weeks before siya madeads. HAYYYYY. Sabi sa church noong may Life in the Spirit Seminar ako na nahatak ako, 'yung gift ko daw is prophecy. HAY. Pinag-take kasi kami ng quiz tapos ayun. Sabi ko nga, okay naman na ako ng ibang gifts, 'wag lang 'yang prophecy na 'yan. LOL. Maging prophet na lang ba ako kesa maging alipin ng AI? Hahahahahahahaha. At least, may choice ako saka in demand naman mga prophets kahit hindi legit. LELS.

Siguro, 'yung pivotal moment ko sa belief ko is when I experienced astral projections. Yes, plural. I would talk about this when I am ready. HUHUHUHUHUHU. Akala ko nga simpleng sleep paralysis lang e. OOOOWEEEEMM. I just cut-pasted the paragraph above kasi ni-move ko and guess what? Ang nag-appear is 'yung last night copy-pasted ko. LOL. First time in history, baby. Baka nanay ko na naman 'tong nanga-agit. Hahahahahaha. Tigilan mo ako, ma. Ang aga-aga. Labyoooo. Sunduin mo na ba ako? Hahahahaha. I think ready naman na ako, hindi ko lang sure kung ready ka ba. 'Wag mo akong subukan. 'Wag mo akong i-trigger with thanks. Paki note. Duly note, please. Syempre, there's the suking PGH and Manila Doctors na ang stress talaga minsan lalo 'pag ako lang mag-isa sa corridors. Pati elevators, mhie. 'Yung Baler na balete tree na I swear may sumusunod sa akin pero hindi creepy. Parang mala-Avatar feels. 'Yung Siquijor and Danjugan encounters na sobrang in my face and up my thicc ass. LOLOLLOL. Plus, Diliman at night. As in, ilang beses na ayoko ng bumalik doon kasi ang lakas nila. I cannot. Kaya pala Diliman name niya. Pakshet. To clarify, 'pag may nararamdaman ako, talagang prayers lang and overthinking ang baon ko. Lagi ko sinasabi sa entities, 'wag magpakita kasi hindi ko talaga kaya. Isa pa lang nakita ko irl. 'Yung babaeng walang face sa jump train ng MRT. HUHUHUHUHUHU. Sabi ko naman nung na Anong dream kong next level ng horror shitshow ko? This is sooo crazy kasi nga libre naman mangarap. Pyramids of Giza. A non-mainstream castle somewhere in EU. Japan's Forbidden Forest. HUY. Hahahahahahah. Shet. Baka cardiac arrest na abutin ko neto, but as I said previously, I get scared easily, but I go for it anyway. Sana 'pag natupad, madocument ko ng photos and vids kasi hindi ko talaga kayang pagsabayin. Can I just say also na mas takot pa rin ako sa commitment, sa unknown, sa mga buhay na buhay at g na g na walang moral compass, at lalo sa mga waking and walking dead. Good morning, WL Tuesday! I love youuuuu pero baka may isundot ako. Hahahahahahaha. Babu for now! Laters!

[ugh-tsumu]

ay okay bet HAHAHAHHSHDHS okay um, same guy sa last ask, uh nasa lobby kami ng school namin ng mga kaklase ko tas dumaan siya ng mga kaibigan niya tapos biglang sumigaw mga kaklase ko na hi daw sabi ni bianca tapos nag hi siya 😭✋ marupok ako so 🥰🥰🥰 HAHAHHAHSHSHSHAHAH AY MAY KWENTO PA Q ABT THIS GUY NEXT ASK WAIT

BET KO TO AHHAHAHAA IT'S ALWAYS SCENES LIKE THIS YUNG BENEFITS IF MAY CRUSH HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[lifeinmotion]

Nexus Studios - Boobs, directed by Hannah Lau-Walker from Nexus Studios on Vimeo.

NEXUS STUDIOS Executive Producer: Julia Parfitt Production Manager: Lucy Caetano Production Assistant: Violeta Fellay Director: Hannah Lau-Walker Compositor: Hannah Lau-Walker 2D Animators: Emma Kelly, Laura Robinson, Bianca Toloi, Ivyy Chen, Myungeun Kim, Olga Makarchuk, Caitlin Young, Natasha Pollack, Sheetal Thankey, Martha Dziura, Marta Lemos, Angelica Fernandez, Sorrel Milne, Hannah Lau-Walker

BASED ON ILLUSTRATIONS BY Illustrators: Minji Moon, Jiaqi Wang, Kirsten Ulve, Dia Pacheco, James Daw, Catalina Vasquez, Eunho Lee, Bea Vaquero, Jovana Krstanovic, Yeye Weller, Takuro Takagi, Sona Lee, Ekaterina Milan, Genie Espinoza

EDIT Edit Studio: Nexus Studios Editor: Hannah Lau-Walker and Dave Slade

SOUND Music Supervision: Sister Music Composed by: Neighbourhood Jukebox