#cecilia peck

[dozydawn]

[moratoirenoir]

[lobbycards]

Killing Zoe, Spanish lobby card. 1993

[blueeyeddarkknight]

Val was a bright star in a sky full of them.. Even back then 🌟

Juilliard teacher, Michael Kahn, recalls : "Val stood out as someone you knew would find work. His talent was natural and enormous, and his dedication was so much-fiercer than the average student's. With his looks, you just knew he'd be that one of 97 or so who'd get jobs."

Ultimately earning his Bachelor degree, "with the dub honor of three years on probation,"

Val concentrated his studies in classical theater, acting in many Greek tragedies and Shakespearean plays, including MacBeth and Richard III.

[oldfilmsflicker]

new-to-me #256 - Shut Up & Sing

[radio-therookie-blog]

This is so sweet and beautiful 🥰

Gregory Peck and his daughter, Cecilia.

[squiddy-god]

Love on the breeze

Re-uploading from terminated blog squid-god-supreme, this is honestly just a self indulgent venti fic because I love him

CW : tooth rotting fluff because I'm sad- gn! Reader, mischievous x mischievous, venti uses anemo on you

The winds seemed to sing to the beat of his heart while he held you, a joyful tune that made your stomach fill with butterflies. He held you from behind while you sat under a tree. His hands laced with yours and his head nuzzled into your neck as he gave you a squeeze. “My heart sings for you love~” he mumbled as you giggled, trying to move away so he didn't tickle you. “Nope!” he rolled over, still holding you and taking you with him.

Your head hit the soft ground as grass touched you cheek “ehe i won't let you go” he sang again. “Cheeky bard” you rolled over to face him, a smug smirk plastered proudly on his face. His teal eyes gleamed with playfulness as his finger came up to boop your nose. You glared halfheartedly as you pecked his lips, his smirk falling as his cheeks were lit aflame, bright red spreading to the tips of his ears and you could swear the tips of his braids were glowing lightly. “Why so quiet venti~ cat got your tongue?” you teased lightly, eyes holding nothing but love for the childish bard. “Aww~ come on that's no kiss! How about another? “ you pretended to ponder it for a minute as he flung his arms around you. “Please? Please please?” 

“Hmmm, I don't know venti~ what's in it for me?” he pouted at your response, cheeks puffing out before he sat up and smiled at you. “Why don't I sing my sweet, and you can pay me with kisses” he suggested as the wind swirled by his hands, wooden lyre and iron strings settling softly against him. You nodded enthusiastically and shot up to sit criss-cross next to him. 

One strum then two, his hands danced across the strings as his voice joined the breeze. Leafs swaying to the rhythm of his song he watched you as you listened with closed eyes, content smile on your face. He stood up, fingers still delicately playing his lyre as he sang his gentle song. His voice was gentle, like summer breezes it made your heart warm and content. But alas his joyful song was over far too soon, lyre disappearing with asure light. “Now for my payment~ he looked at you excitedly. Falling into your arms upon seeing them outstretched and inviting.

He wasted no time peppering your face with kisses from the tip of your nose to your cheek he left no space un kissed. “Hmm, for such a great song I think I deserve one more kiss” he giggled before pressing his lips to yours, hands cupping your cheeks with the utmost love. Venti loved freely, the affection and adoration he felt for you flowing threw his touch and makinging you feel giddy. 

“Now how can such a cheeky bard always leave me so lightheaded?” you asked as he pulled back for air. “Why that's my love course~ stealing the air from your lungs” he laughed and you let your head rest in the palm of his hand. “I love you my sweet cecilia, and my heart only sings for you” 

You kissed him again, a gentle smile shared between the two of you. “I love you too venti, with all my heart”

[hotvintagepoll]

Gregory Peck is not only a certified hunk of a man but a great actor and a genuinely good person.

He starred in the film version of the novel Gentleman’s Agreement which was “Hollywood’s first major attack on anti-semitism” which features Peck as a magazine writer who pretends to be Jewish so he can experience personally the hostility of bigots and then calls out and exposes antisemitism and this film was made in 1947 like only two years after the end of World War II so historically an important film(I love this film and think its underated like its great and like Greg looks amazing as he rails against bigots). I could make an argument, and I have honeslty thought about writing a paper on it, that a majority of his films tackle some important issue whether it be antisemitism (Gentleman’s Agreement), racism (To Kill a Monckingbird), nuclear war (On the Beach), post-war discontent and PTSD (The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit), the futility of war (Pork Chop Hill) etc.

His daughter Cecilia said “ My father was a champion of stories that needed to be told, like To Kill a Mockingbird, Gentleman’s Agreement, and On the Beach. He was not afraid of films that championed diversity, equality, and tolerance. He was deeply intelligent, and also very funny in real life.”

He was against the House Un-American Activities Committee and their investigation of “alleged communists” in the film industry and signed a letter deploring their actions in 1947. He was outspoken against the Vietnam War, while at the same time supportive of his son who was fighting there. He produced the film version of the play The Trial of the Catonsville Nine about the prosecution of a group of Vietnam protestors for civil disobedience. Peck said “I decided to make the film because the play confirmed my thinking that the Vietnam War [was] an abomination.” His outspoken-ness against the Vietnam war and general political activism put him on Nixon’s “enemies list” (honestly what an icon).

He was a vocal supporter of a worldwide ban on nuclear weapons and was a lifelong advocate for gun control.

He and his wife Veronique often hosted dinners at their home in support of the arts and humanitatian or social justice causes. His daughter

He was Catholic but took a pro-choice stance on abortion and supported gay rights.

He was the president of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (1967-1970) and postponed the awards following the assasination of MLK.

He was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969 for his lifetime humanitarian efforts and he also won the Jean Hersolt Humanitarian Award.

He didnt just play the handsome hero on the big screen he was one in real life.

Now some photos of him looking good:

Gregory Peck vs Paul Robeson

[opticfile]

—✦ 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐛𝐮𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 ✦—

✧ Diluc, Kaeya, Zhongli, Thoma, Kaveh

𝐃𝐢𝐥𝐮𝐜 who comes home late again, who knows you’re probably missing him and feeling neglected because of how little he’s been around lately, who thinks of you on the way home and picks up a bouquet of flowers because he wants to show you he cares. Diluc who hugs you when he gets home and sits on the couch with you, kisses your pretty knuckles right where he wants to put a pretty ring. He helps you cut the stems and pick out a vase for the flowers and hugs you from behind while you’re admiring it. 𝐃𝐢𝐥𝐮𝐜 who, no matter how busy he may get, tries his best to show you he loves you and never wants to lose you.

𝐊𝐚𝐞𝐲𝐚 is a gift giver through and through and flowers are common in your home. When he asked you out he gave you a bouquet of calla lilies and that alluring smile that turned into a cheeky grin when you shyly accepted. 𝐊𝐚𝐞𝐲𝐚 will buy you, pick you, even grow you flowers if you asked him to just because he’s a cliche romantic, and what’s sweeter than your man bringing you a single cecilia when he comes home? He’s the kind of guy who would do that hack where he takes one flower from your bouquet and keeps it in his own vase, and then when he sees it wilting he knows it’s time to buy you a new arrangement. 𝐊𝐚𝐞𝐲𝐚 who knocks on your door on date night and tucks a flower behind your ear with a kiss to your temple before taking you out to a nice dinner and spoiling you rotten.

𝐙𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢 is the kind of guy to court you before he dates you, to do it all old-fashioned, he definitely asked you to walk around the Harbor with him the night he asked your permission to court you, bouquet in hand. 𝐙𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢 takes you out on walks through all sorts of places in Liyue, but he loves taking you up to Yujing Terrace or walking outside of the Yiyan Temple at night. 𝐙𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢 who continuously showers you with flowers and gifts, from courtship to going steady to possibly even marriage—and honestly? He probably dates to marry, not just to date. 𝐙𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢 picks wild glazed lilies instead of glazed lilies that have been grown and tended to, he tells you there’s a difference (one big enough to care), that wild glazed lilies are especially fragrant. His way of showing you he cares is by sharing his life and his thoughts with you, past and present, committing his entire soul to you.

𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚 loves and cherishes you and he shows it through his actions and words, no matter how busy Ayato has him he’s always there for you when you need him, he’s always showing you he loves you and cares for you. 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚 walks around Inazuma City with you and smiles so dreamily at you when you lean down to pet a dog on the street, he’s so happy with you and he loves you so much. He does his best to get you gifts and definitely is a flower man. He gives and gives and gives, but one day you give him a windwheel aster and don't think too much of it but archons 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚 is completely melting and he feels so absolutely lucky to have someone like you in his life.

He might not be exactly wealthy, but picking flowers himself doesn't cost 𝐊𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐡 a cent—unless he gets caught by the poor old man whose garden he’s violating. Kaveh shows you exactly how much he loves you even if he’s, for lack of better words, broke as shit and can't afford to get you the pretty jewelry or expensive flower arrangements that the next guy can. He might not be able to take you on a date to a fancy restaurant but he can invite you to his (Al Haitham’s) place and cook you a romantic dinner (with Al Haitham’s food, bought with Al Haitham’s money). 𝐊𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐡 might not be rich but he can pick Sumeru roses out in the wild and give them to you with a peck on the cheek and the love of a hundred lifetimes in his heart.

✧ navigation.

[radio-therookie-blog]

Love this 🥰❤️

“Of all the children in the whole work who must have wished that they could have had Gregory Peck as a father, he was ours, and that was our blessing. He really was a lot like Atticus Finch. On the last page of his shooting script of To Kill a Mockingbird he had scrolled those four words at the bottom, “fairness”, “courage”, “stubbornness”, “love”. They remind me so much of him as a father. He was not lenient, but he was always fair. He showed up for everything we did, no matter what the demands of his career. When he came home from the set, he would be in our rooms doing homework with us and on his days off he would load us all into the station wagon with the dogs and kentucky fried chicken and drive us to Zuma Beach and romp in the waves with us all day and throw the football and build a bonfire in the evening and then carry us back into the car. He was always that present.” - Cecilia Peck

R.I.P Gregory Peck, April 5th 1916 - June 12th 2003

[maracujatangerine]

Hi I'm thinking a normal amount about Absalom today! Snooty Good PetTM who still (at least in Brutus' nightmares) moves to shield the others. Could we maybe hear a little about him and Brutus interacting (do they get to interact??) or how they first met or their first impressions of each other or. Anything like that? I love they and your writing is always tasty. -@secretwhumplair

86. Introducing Pets

CW: institutionalised slavery, dehumanisation, box boy universe, pet whump

”Do you really want to put them together, love? I mean, Brutus can be a bit high-spirited, and he is quite a lot stronger than your pet.” Wayland Jones shook his head. “I don’t want anything to happen.”

“Ah, don’t worry so much, dear. That nice WRU consultant did recommend for them to get some alone time together to suss each other out. And…” Cecilia twirled around gracefully, making her red skirt swirl out around her. Playfully, she put her hands on his shoulders, reaching up to give him a light peck on the cheek. “… since we are going to live together now…” She beamed, and turned to continue onwards down the corridor. “…we can’t really keep them apart for ever. Besides, we’ll just give them a few minutes, how bad can it get?”

“Let’s try it. I left Brutus in the hallway.”

“And Absalom is in the bedroom. I’ll go and get him.” She went eagerly, heels clacking against the floor.

Brutus and Wayland arrived first. The black-haired guard dog obediently went to kneel on the floor next to the unlit fireplace. His casual attire of dark grey sweatpants and t-shirt matched in colour, but clashed in tone, with Wayland’s dark grey suit and white shirt.

“I really want this to work, so make sure that you don’t mess it up for me.” Wayland’s hash tone made Brutus flinch. “She likes her pet, so be sure that you are nice to it. Understood?”

“Yes, Master.”

“Good. In fact, I count on you to keep an eye on Absalom. Romantics are smart enough to get in all sorts of trouble, but stupid enough to not get out of it again.”

“Yes, Master.”

Soon, the door swung open and Cecilia entered, Absalom half a step behind. At his mistress order, the pet knelt on the other side of the fireplace. He was elegantly dressed in a light blue vest over a white shirt, matching blue trousers, and his wavy, brown hair tied at the nape of his neck with a brighter blue ribbon. His collar was soft, grey leather, in sharp contrast to the black, synthetic material around the guard dog’s neck.

“Absalom, this is Brutus.” Cecilia said, grinning at the formality of introducing the pets to one another. “Brutus, this is Absalom. We want you to get to know each other better, so we’ll give you a few moments to talk.”

Both Cecilia and Wayland went towards the door.

“Have fun, pets.” She smiled. Wayland caught Brutus’ eye and mouthed; ‘Behave’.

As the door fell shut behind them, both pets stared awkwardly at each other for a moment.

Then, Absalom rose gracefully to his feet. The small scar on his upper lip emphasised by his sneer.

“Well, well… look what the cat dragged in….” In an undertone he added. “Though of course it would have to have been a fairly large and weight-bearing cat.”

He danced quickly backwards when Brutus also came to his feet. “That was a bit of a joke.” The pet said quickly, blue eyes wide. Finding himself, he tilted his head and tried a winsome smile. “I’m not usually meeting guard dogs. You are very imposing close by, darling.”

Standing face to face, they were almost the same height, but Brutus’ muscular heft compared with Absalom’s lithe build made the guard dog probably twice as heavy. They watched each other warily. Then, Brutus broke the silence with a shrug and a smile.

“I’m not used to your sort either.” He admitted, and scratched his head. “Actually, the last time I saw a romantic was when we got an old one as bait. He was just running around like a headless chicken and Jazz almost crushed his head when he knocked him out.” He chuckled. “It was actually quite funny… he…” Brutus looked up and finally seemed to register that Absalom’s somewhat condescending smile had frozen and turned into something more resembling a rictus grin. “Eh… He was all right, though… or at least he survived.” He swallowed, and tried again. “I wouldn’t do that to you, though. My Master has told me to be nice with you.”

“Okay then.” Absalom went for a forced, chipper tone. “We’re going to live together, we need to get along.”

Brutus nodded and held out his hand. “Truce?” Absalom studied his face for a moment, hesitating. Intensely blue eyes searching dark brown.

Then, carefully, he reached out his thin, carefully manicured hand, and clasped the the guard dogs darker, larger hand in his own.

“Truce.”

*

Everything feels a bit dark and scary in the world at the moment. Especially when things feels like they are going the wrong way, I think it is really important to involve yourself with actually trying to improve things, preferably together with other people in the world out there.

It is, however, also important to keep your own spirits up, so I took this advice, and decided to make something today. I have been twisting and turning this wonderful ask by @secretwhumplair in my mind for a while, and it finally clicked together in a way I’m happy with. I was also inspired by this ask. Thank you so much for the ask, @secretwhumplair, I hope you’ll enjoy Brutus and Absalom’s first meeting! ❤️

*

Tag List Part 1: @cupcakes-and-pain @whump-em @whumpzone @wh-wh-whu @neuro-whump @carnagecardinal @cowboy-anon @whump-me-all-night-long @redwingedwhump @myst-in-the-mirror @haro-whumps @eatyourdamnpears @bloodsweatandpotato @pinkraindropsfell @whumptywhumpdump @theydy-cringeworthy @whump-in-progress @whumpsy-daisy @nicolepascaline @whumpcreations @briars7 @shiningstarofwinter @whumppsychology @alex-ember @miss-kitty-whumptastic @whumpy-writings @in-patient-princess @youtube-fandoms-bands @goblinchildindabog @mazeish @distinctlywhumpthing @inpainandsuffering @canniboylism @icannotweave @incoherent-introspection @kim-poce @broken-typewriter @the-monarch-whumperfly @whumpers-inc @grizzlie70 @lil-whumper @writingbackwards-blog @sunflower1000 @wingedwhump @thecitythatdoesntsleep @thingsthatgo-whump-inthenight @onlybadendings @rabass @wolfeyedwitch @melancholy-in-the-morning

[coldinfluencerbeliever]

So, I reread the beginning of UnOrdinary (up to where John reveals himself but not much beyond that), and the thing that stuck out to me was relationships within the hierarchy.

It's explicitly stated that people within the different classes/groups tend to befriend/socialize only with their group for obvious reasons, or "knowing their place".

John is a half and half latebloomer. He can't be in one group without remembering the people in the other, he wouldn't fit in to any of the social hierarchies. Not the high tier, not the mid tier, not even the low tier or cripples. Thus he tries to ignore it, focusing on developing his personality apart from any of the existing classes.

It's kind of a classic set-up, the most powerful person having an alter-ego or trying to act "normal" in order to connect with people on their level rather than always looming over them. John added his past regret and trauma to the mix, but manages to conceal it (in the beginning at least). He just wanted friendship, friendship defined by personality and traits instead of proficiency in beating the snot out of people.

John didn't hate the bullies, or Arlo, or the violence, not really. What makes him hate everyone isn't their power or even their bullying ways, it's the fact that the hierarchy forces people to only associate with people on their level (and turns them into monsters around anyone weaker). If he had been honest with himself his real hatred was for that hierarchy, the system that (in his mind) enabled everything else.

Even if he had been open about his power level or tried to fit in with the mid-tiers, the outcome would have likely still been the same. People would be judging him purely on his power level (and not on him himself), the very thing he wanted to avoid. Arlo would still be breathing down his neck for not "knowing his place", his "equals" within the hierarchy would be gossiping about him and even mouthing off at him to his face. There's a scene early on with Cecilia lecturing Remy about fraternizing with Blyke and Isen, insinuating that the lower tiers don't actually respect her because she refuses to "stay in her lane" (they don't say it to her face of course). Heck, Arlo later points out that Cecile was talking smack to the person who defeated her and "took her title". It's almost like your power level wasn't the real thing everyone respected, it was the pecking order your power level placed you in. (On a side note John rightfully gets flack for not trying to make things better, but could things really be made better until everyone's hierarchy-shackled mindsets were broken free? Maybe John's rampage was what Headmaster Vaughn had been looking for all along.)

Mid-tier John befriending high-tier Seraphina would still have brought down Arlo's wrath and made him a pariah who got constantly targeted, and high-tier John would have still been lonely and ostracized by everyone else for not knowing his place, at least when they weren't kissing up to him for favors (which would have ignited his wrath and given him the poor reputation he got later on).

All of this also meant he couldn't really live up to UnOrdinary the book because it still divided people up into groups, into a "hierarchy" such as it was. His dad wanted to guide him into the "guardian" or "protector" role, but he just wanted to relate to people based on their personalities/talents instead of their power level. The actual cripples and low-tiers would have been far too obsequious and needy for his tolerance, the mid-tiers too obsessed with maintaining their paltry footholds in the monkey-pile. He ends up relating best to the high-tiers like Sera, but only because they have enough security in their position to actually consider what he was offering.

Sera ended up being the only one who responded, the only one who comes to share his desire. The story of how they became friends almost feels normal, like two high-school students in a normal kid's story. It's a rather genius way to introduce the setting, showing how difficult (and ultimately impossible) just being a normal highschool student with "normal" friends would be rather than trying to simply explain it.

In the end though everyone else wanted him to fall in line and be defined by his power. Arlo goes on and on about John not being a "proper" cripple (and then gets all indignant when John stops being crippled but still won't dance to his tune.) In the end they all get their wish, and unfortunately most of them had earned it.

[awlimagines]

Part One: Them being possessive of you.

CELIA/CECILIA

Cecilia feels jealousy and depression just like anyone else. She worries when she sees you with someone else laughing at what they said or when you tell her something someone else did that you appreciated. She does not let these feelings affect her actions in noticeable ways. Ceci wants you to be happy even if you won’t be with her. So, Cecilia wears her usual soft smile and takes an interest in your conversations with her. 

Despite this, Cecilia is highly attuned to you. She can tell you when you’ll have a cold from the rain. Ceci knows without looking when you’re upset over something from the simple change in your energy. She knows everything that could bring a smile to your face and effortlessly gifts it to you. Ceci seems puzzled when people say you’re quiet and difficult to get to know. She tries to help by explaining everything she knows. When the left corner of your mouth flicks upward, you’re trying to conceal a laugh. The slight furrow of your brow combined with a frown means you’re confused and thinking. Cecilia doesn’t understand how people don’t see these obvious to her details.

GUSTAFA

Gustafa always thought he was an even-keeled kind of guy. He went with the flow and didn’t let someone’s anger stoke his own. Everyone has their struggles, and he could roll with that. Things changed some when you came into the picture. Gustafa felt himself becoming annoyed when others would spend time with you. His grip would tighten on his instrument ever so slightly while he glared through sunglasses. Gustafa knew he shouldn’t feel this way. It wasn’t like the two of you were dating or engaged. You were free to hang out with whomever you wanted. Gustafa would just prefer those people weren’t other eligible bachelors or bachelorettes. 

That was before you started dating. Gustafa was over the moon happy you chose him. He wanted to make sure everyone knew, also. He’d lace his fingers through yours and pull you closer to his side as the two of you walked through town and gave you a peck on the cheek before parting ways. Gustafa quickly discovered how to make you swoon and focus on him alone. He’d lean forward just enough to allow his glasses to slide down and reveal his eyes when smiling at you. Gustafa abused this trick when your conversations drew on, and his arm around your shoulders didn’t divert your attention back to him.

MARLIN/MATTHEW

Marlin knows he naturally looks surly. It had never been a huge problem in the valley. People there were nice enough to greet him and leave him alone if he didn’t want to speak with people. Then you arrived. Your ceaseless attempts to see him every day wormed into his heart. Marlin was very blunt in sharing how bad he thought your crops were but admired your determination to get better and how you clung intently to his advice. 

It started small. Marlin would glare from your side as someone encroached on his time with you. He didn’t think it was any different from his usual look. Marlin is pleasantly surprised with how quickly people finish speaking with you, leaving the two of you alone again. As the two of you grew closer, Marlin expressed worry about your trips to the city to see friends. It wasn’t a safe place like the valley, especially with how late you stayed out. Marlin insisted on accompanying you to walk you home through the city streets and mountain trails for safety.

NAMI

You were at the beach chatting with Nami about wanting to visit Coco Island one day after Pui talked about it. He didn’t mention many details, which is why you were intrigued. During your conversation, Molly caught sight of Nami and you. The blonde greeted you both warmly, asking what you were talking about. Molly gushed about how sweet you were to donate money to Pui like that. Nami asked about the cafe and if Griffin was working alone, grinding Molly’s conversation with you to a halt. After Molly parted to return to work, Nami spoke to you. “You know she was flirting with you, right?” 

Nami left when you asked what she meant. Molly had acted the same as always. You were still fretting over the miscommunication days later when you came across Gustafa playing outside his yurt. You were talking with him about what could have made Nami so mad when she appeared on the path toward the beach. When she saw you sitting with Gustafa, she glared before turning around and heading in the opposite direction. You gave Gustafa a quick goodbye before hustling after Nami. 

“You must be into Gustafa now. I didn’t expect you to be the type to switch so quickly. But to each their own, not like I care.” You frantically explained both Gustafa and Molly were just friends. You liked her, not either of them. You were trying to ask what you had done to upset her to fix it. Nami stood quietly, taking in your worried look before muttering not to worry about it. She ignored your confused look with a blush and asked, since you were already there if you wanted to walk to the spring with her.

ROCK

Rock believed himself to be not only the most stylish guy around but the most laidback as well. After returning to his parents’ inn after a spate of bad luck in finding a job to make him happy, Rock was living his best life. Rock could laugh off most everything without an issue, but as he grew to like you, he began having trouble. Why did everyone always want your attention? His parents would whisper bets about what bachelor or bachelorette you would settle down with. They never included his name, even though he made you laugh more than anyone else. The feelings simmered away until they came to a boil when you talked about a funny story about something you did with another person. 

“They don’t deserve you - I don’t deserve you. But at least I’m aware of it,” Rock pouted. After overcoming your shock, you reassured Rock you weren’t interested in anyone except him. His goofy antics stole your heart a while back. So, Rock took that as a go-ahead. You were shocked when Rock gave you a high-class lip stain to wear. He claimed it was just something small to help your lips from being chapped. Rock asked to see the color on you. He thought it would match your complexion and just wanted to be sure. After checking it out on yourself and loving it, you kissed Rock on the cheek before getting back to work. That had been hours ago, so why was he still wandering the town with a stain on his cheek and a smug look?

[mc2tp]

MARYANA (MARIANA AND ANA) IS LIKE OTALIA (OLIVIA AND NATALIA)

So only @xenarulz is old enough to remember the similarities between #Maryana and #Otalia...

The way they fulfill the enemies-to-friends-to-lovers trope.

The way they are roommates, co-workers, and co-parents.

The way they communicated was through touches and intimate conversations.

The way Olivia/Ana becomes a giant cheeseball around Natalia/Mariana.

Olivia is Ana, the older executive mother of two daughters, with blue eyes and money.

Natalia is Mariana, the young scrappy mother (of a teenage boy), with brown eyes and no money.

Emma, Olivia’s younger daughter, is Cecilia, the two most supportive children of both ships. Little Emma wrote a fourth-grade project named "My Two Mommies".

Gus, Natalia’s sweetheart and fiancée, died and his heart ended up being a match for Olivia (as soapy as swapping babies). And Olivia ended up loving Natalia with Gus’ heart beating inside her.

And for those disappointed with Maryana intimate moments, Otalia just shared one fake peck in their long story. USA 2009 vs. México 2022, who did it better?

PS #1: In the most confusing moment, Natalia/Mariana throw themselves to a guy just to avoid the love of their lives. Soapy thing: Natalia even gets pregnant.

PS #2: The names of the characters are also very similar: Olivia/Natalia shared 3 letters, like Ana/Mariana. Even the guys in the middle of both ships share 4 letters: Frank/Ferran.

[genericwizard]

Trick or treat :P

You like Venti yes? Have an excerpt of some kaeven wingfic I abandoned lol. Under a read more for length

“My wings?” Venti repeats back to him, as though confused. 

“Yes. I wanted to know if you actually had wings. Or if that’s more ‘thing of legend and bardic poems’” he gestures air quotes for emphasis. 

Venti hums for a moment, calculating something. 

“Well, yes and no. Yes, I have wings, but to you, it's not exactly something you could have ever noticed,” Venti explains. “If Nahida were here, she’d say ‘Your wings exist in a state of superposition! Yada yada quantum physics I don’t fully understand- I'd prefer to say that it’s closer to Lumine’s teapot,” Venti gives as an incoherent explanation. Kaeya says nothing, hoping he’s going to elaborate. 

“I keep my wings in a kind of… pocket dimension.They aren’t visible or tangible in this plane of existence, but I suppose if I really wanted to, I could take them out. It’s not like I’m ashamed of them or anything. But in this era, I think most people would be a little alarmed, if I just had them out in broad daylight,” Venti smiles sheepishly. 

Kaeya scoffs at that claim. “I dunno, I’ve met plenty of people across Teyvat with horns and animal-like traits, and no one’s accusing them of Godhood. Surely wings wouldn’t raise too many eyebrows?” 

Venti laughs awkwardly. “I mean. Well… would you want to see them?” he asks pointedly. “Because case and point-”

“Yeah, maybe I would like to see them.” Kaeya cuts him off with a smirk. 

Venti sighs heavily, dragging a hand over his face. “Ugh fine, but I’ve kinda gotten used to hiding them. I feel more…human when I hide them,” he pouts a little as he says it. “I’m not doing it here. Tomorrow afternoon, meet me in the teapot.” Venti amends.

“Oh?” Kaeya’s lips twitch into a smile. “Then I’ll meet you there.”

--

Kaeya sees Venti seated near the horizon behind the manor. The wind is gentle and warm against his face, he’s dressed down because they’ll be alone. He assumes viewing a God’s wings is an intimate experience, and that he should attend open and inviting as well. 

Venti had laid out a blue gingham blanket in a patch of grass in the sun. A few small wildflowers have sprouted up through the long grass and sway in the breeze. He’s shirtless, presumably for mobility, his hair is braided back in a crown with fresh cecilia. 

Venti’s eyes look up at him as he approaches, and he smiles like he’s been handed a fresh cup of cider. His eyes seem brighter than usual.

“Thank you for coming, Kaeya,” Venti says, voice warm and low. Kaeya nods as he sits next to him, giving him a peck on the cheek. 

“Wouldn't have missed it for anything,” Kaeya promises with a smile. 

“I know you’re very smart, so I know you know I don’t do this for just anyone,” Venti says. 

Kaeya grins, “Without a doubt.”

“I’m so happy to have someone like you Kaeya, for being my friend before anything else,” Venti says solemnly. A sigil illuminates behind Venti, light bending circles suspended in midair. They turn, before dissipating in a white flash. 

And in the wake, huge, pure white wings fan out behind Venti’s tiny frame. They dwarf him, easily a wingspan of three meters or so. He understands immediately why this would be conspicuous for someone trying to blend in as a traveling bard.

“I figured it would be alright for you to see me for what I really am. Because. I am a God at the end of the day. I could take on many forms, if I really wanted but honestly, I don’t have much use for these powers, because I am perfectly happy without them. I would rather devote what power I do have back into Mondstadt. As songs, as seasons, and blessings for good wine,” Venti nods. 

“I can’t deny I enjoy having wings though. Which is why I can’t bring myself to give them up completely,” Venti chuckles. “Stretching them out on a clear sunny day is certainly nice,” Venti relents. He slowly extends his wings, setting loose a few feathers; they seem iridescent as they flutter free, catching the sunlight.

His wings finally settle again, arched forward to crowd Kaeya in.

[dariusult]

FFXIV Write Day 23- On Cloud Nine

"I believe congratulations are in order, Cyrus."

Cyrus smiled politely at the remark from Jorinus rem Nobilis, his commanding officer. It was a rare occurrence for the Ninth Legion to grant leave for its soldiers to return to the capital, and rarer still for those soldiers to take it. But on occasion it was both extended and accepted, and this had been one such occasion for the young soldier, Cyrus pyr Itineras, who had taken leave extended to him as an opportunity to return to the capital and propose to his long-time sweetheart, Cecilia dus Munatia.

Cyrus and Cecilia had known each other since they were kids, and they had rarely interacted while they were growing up. It would've come as a surprise to any who had been acquainted with the two to see them together like this. Cecilia was practically beaming from ear to ear, and even Cyrus was wearing a smile despite his typically stoic manner.

As Jorinus looked over the two, he smiled softly. "We will have to make sure that Cyrus can take leave again for the ceremony, won't we?"

"I suppose I can't just hog him all to myself, now can I?" Cecilia replied with a chuckle. "But thank you very much!" She then turned her attention to her brand new fiancee, her smile widening even more. "I know you're going to be busy, so I don't want you to worry yourself over planning anything."

"I can't make you do everything." Cyrus replied, still smiling faintly. "I should at least-"

"It's really no trouble." Cecilia insisted. "As long as you let me know what you do or don't want at our ceremony, I can take care of the rest. Work out the food, the guest list-" The Garlean woman's eyes widened as she had a sudden realization. "Oh, that's right. How should we invite your parents?"

"Just invite both of them." Cyrus replied. "As long as they don't sit together, it should be fine."

Cecilia studied Cyrus's face for a moment, trying to get a read on whether it was actually fine or if he was just saying so. Seemingly satisfied with what she saw, Cecilia nodded. "Okay, that should be easy to work out... Oh!" She seemed to have another realization. "We'll have to make sure your brother knows too and can also get leave. He's with the Fourteenth, right?" Cecilia smiled and sighed. "It's been an age since I've seen Darius! Do you think he's gotten any taller?"

"Probably not." Cyrus replied with a chuckle, something nearly imperceptible flashing behind his eyes for a moment.

"It should be easy for him to get leave from the Fourteenth." Jorinus said, chiming into the conversation, smiling crookedly at Cecilia. "Cyrus is the one you're going to have to worry about."

"I said I'd share him with the Ninth, not fight them for him!" Cecilia exclaimed, flashing a grin to match Jorinus' own. "But if I have to, don't expect me to hold back!"

The officer chuckled. "Such fire! Maybe we should forget Cyrus and take you, instead!"

Jorinus' comment elicited a full-on belly laugh from Cecilia, who clamped onto Cyrus's arm and smiled widely at him. "Well there you have it, Cyrus. I suppose I could send you to the Senate as a scribe in my place, then!"

Before Cyrus could give an answer, a sharp whistle sounded across the platform, signaling the train's impending departure. Cecilia smiled apologetically to Cyrus. "Oh, that's me." She released her grip on her fiancee's arm and straightened the sleeve of his uniform. "We have an invitation to dinner at my parents' place tonight, we can go break the news together."

"Alright." Cyrus said, smiling at Cecilia. "I'll meet you here after work, then." He then leaned down and gave her a chaste peck on the forehead. "Better hurry, now. Don't want to miss your train."

Cecilia smiled brightly at Cyrus and hurried off towards the doors of the train. Quickly hopping aboard and turning to face him just as the doors slid shut with a gentle hiss. No longer having the ability to speak directly to her fiancee, Cecilia opted instead to mouth 'I love you' through the window, waving as the train began to pull out of the station.

Cyrus smiled and waved back, watching as Cecilia rode out of sight. Once she was gone, he stood in silence on the emptying platform until only he and Jorinus remained. Cyrus slowly turned to face his commanding officer, his pleasant and practiced smile being met with a cold blooded glare.

"What a pitiful display..." Jorinus said coolly, regarding Cyrus with a look of utter disdain that made his pleasant demeanor mere moments before seem like a distant memory. "That girl has no idea."

Cyrus's smile faltered, but only for the briefest of moments. "I'm afraid I don't follow, sir."

Jorinus rolled his eyes. "Please, Itineras. You know as well as I do... That woman isn't in love with you, she's in love with the mask you wear." He paused, his own expression remaining utterly impassive as Cyrus's smile faded from his face only to be replaced by a cold, smoldering glare. "There he is..." The Garlean glanced down the tunnel the train had disappeared into. "The poor girl was positively elated. I imagine she'd been hoping you'd propose for some time."

"Enough." Cyrus interjected. "If this is your idea of a joke, it's in poor taste."

Jorinus sighed and threw his hands up in an exasperated shrug. "The only joke here is your insistence on perpetuating this farce in my presence. You're a miserable actor, Itineras. I expect that your fiancee is only taken in by your performance because she wants to believe it." He took a step towards Cyrus, who firmly held his ground. "When I first recommended you for the Ninth, it wasn't because of your loyalty or your martial prowess. It's because I recognized what you really are." The legionnaire paused, keeping his eyes locked with Cyrus. "You're not a soldier, Itineras. You're a killer. We can recognize our own."

Cyrus's glare didn't falter as Jorinus elaborated to him. The Legionnaire was right, but Cyrus didn't know what his angle was. So he was a killer too? What did that matter? The young soldier's scowl deepened. "Is there a point to this?"

"That's actually my question for you, Itineras." Jorinus replied, a grin playing across his face. "I know you don't care about that woman, it's writ on your face plain as day. So that raises the question, why are you engaging in this nonsense with her?"

Cyrus's eyes narrowed, Jorinus had read him like a book, and he did not care for it. Whether or not Jorinus wanted to frame this analysis as identifying a kindred spirit or whether he was trying to blackmail Cyrus didn't matter—it was a problem no matter the reason. The Soldier slowly shifted his hands, reaching for the knife under his coat.

As Cyrus began reaching for his knife, Jorinus suddenly made a move, stepping into Cyrus and grabbing his subordinate's hand, placing it onto the hilt of the knife. Jorinus held Cyrus's hand there, tightly around the hilt of the knife. "Go on." He said, goading the soldier into drawing the blade. "Do it. Show your mettle... Prove you're a man of the Ninth."

Cyrus hesitated, his grip tightening around the hilt of the weapon, but he didn't dare draw it, not here.

"Tell me, Itineras..." Jorinus began, turning his head and glancing at the soldier out of the corner of his eye. "What is the motto of the Ninth Legion?"

Cyrus turned his head, his gaze meeting Jorinus's. "It's...Omnes Legioni..."

The Legionnaire's gaze intensified as he tightened his grip on Cyrus's hand "That's right. Omnes Legioni. All to the Legion. Which begs the question, Itineras—if you're going to run off and get married, how exactly are you going to be giving your all to the Legion?" He waited for Cyrus's answer, but got none. "If you're not willing to give your all to the Legion, then maybe you don't belong here. Maybe you should run off to the Fourteenth with that brother of yours."

That did it. Cyrus ripped the blade out of its sheath and took a wild swing at Jorinus, who quickly leapt back but still caught the blade across the palm of his hand as he pulled it away. The legionnaire chuckled as Cyrus held the bloodied blade out, ready to strike, eyes wild. He clutched his hand into a tight fist, holding it out and letting the blood leaking between his fingers drip onto the train platform. "This is the only truth there is, Cyrus. The shedding of blood. Within conflict, all is laid bare. You understand this."

Cyrus tightened his grip on his knife, stifling the primal urge surging through his veins—the urge to rush forward, plunge his blade into Jorinus's neck and gouge it out, to shut him up for good. He couldn't. Not here. Not now. He slowly inhaled through his nose and re-sheathed his knife, taking a step back from the precipice.

Jorinus kept his arm extended, more drops of blood falling to the train platform. "I don't begrudge you your mask, Cyrus. We all must wear one." His expression softened. "But I've seen too many men with great potential like yours let themselves rot behind their masks—growing accustomed to the hollow facades they'd built for themselves, not realizing that those very facades were hollowing them out in turn." Jorinus slowly lowered his arm. "You don't need to answer me, Cyrus, but you do need to answer yourself. Are you a killer, or are you the lie you tell the world?"

With that, Jorinus slowly turned and left the platform, leaving Cyrus alone with only the distant noise of the station above as company. What was he? What was it that truly made him happy? Where did he belong?

He knew the true answer.