#dearest sister (2016)

[haveyouseenthishorrormovie]

SUMMARY: A village girl travels to the Lao capital, Vientiane, to care for her rich cousin who has lost her sight and gained the ability to communicate with the dead.

[visitor-q]

[exodusin]

♱ — 𝕬𝖓 𝖚𝖓𝖍𝖊𝖆𝖑𝖙𝖍𝖞 𝖔𝖇𝖘𝖊𝖘𝖘𝖎𝖔𝖓 𖤐 yandere!bill cipher x goth!reader ; MOSTLY triangle bill and some FEW human bill in some parts, human bill is based off this design, no twinkification of the nation, stalking, manipulation, gore, abuse, just overall out of pocket, there will be smut but it is consensual, NO NONCON we don’t do that here, reader’s personality is kind of based of Henrietta Biggle from South Park and Emily the Strange

TW; childhood trauma, bullying, abuse, torture, stalking, creepy ass behavior, manipulation

𝖕𝖗𝖔𝖑𝖔𝖌𝖚𝖊

* ੈ✩‧₊˚

August 25, 2016 — Gravity Falls, Oregon

You and your best friend, Wendy Corduroy, were at the mini-store plazas in downtown Gravity Falls, looking for stuff for college. You were entering the art field, despite your mother's objections that you should study something more lucrative. But you didn't mind; just one year of arts wouldn't hurt. You wanted to pursue something you truly enjoyed.

You picked up a few goth band pins for your backpack: Siouxsie and The Banshees, The Cure, Bauhaus, Sisters of Mercy, etc.

"Dude! Tambry is back. It's been a while since we've seen her," Wendy said, showing you a recent text from Tambry about returning to Gravity Falls. You exhaled smoke from your lips and smiled.

"How's she doing? Did she mention anything about me?" you asked. Wendy shook her head. "Not yet, but hopefully she'll be excited to see us. I think she's still a bit... traumatized by the apocalypse."

"I think everyone is, but we cope with the 'Nevermind that!' thing... It kind of works for me," you said casually. It had been frightening to think about but knowing your abusive mom had been turned to stone made you feel slightly better.

Shaking off the thought, you continued walking and talking with Wendy. You both were headed to the Mystery Shack for work. Upon arrival, you clocked in and placed your backpack near your workspace.

"There you are!" You smiled at the familiar voice of Soos, the coolest manager ever, especially since Grunkle Stan retired in a way.

"Good news, dudettes! You two are getting a raise!" Soos announced.

You and Wendy looked at each other and grinned. "Wait, really?" Wendy asked excitedly.

"Of course! I understand college is a money grab, dudes," Soos chuckled. "Does $19 an hour work?"

"Better than okay, it's perfect!" you exclaimed. Tambry walked into the shack, her hair a bit longer this time, grinning when she saw both of you and Wendy.

"Guys!"

"Tambry!" You and Wendy exclaimed, giving each other a group hug, reminiscing about 2012.

"Purple-haired girl! Is it Tambry? Please correct me, dudes," Soos said as he joined the hug.

"You guys are crushing my bones..." Tambry groaned but chuckled.

"Now that we have a strong trinity of young ladies, I want you three to find something, anything that can attract tourists, as long as it isn't hazardous. Make something up, just like the old Stan ways!" Soos smiled. Tambry looked at him. "But I don't work for you?"

"Oh, come on! It's a good excuse for you three girls to have a night out and go on some sort of scavenger hunt."

"That feels like something Dipper and Mabel would do," you said, memories flooding back.

"Better get going now. Melody is making bomb enchiladas, and I don't want you dudes missing out."

"Bet, c’mon, let’s go see what this creepy-ass town has to offer," you said, grabbing your black trench coat with goth band patches, unaware of the reptilian slit on the moon watching you—only you—invisible to others, but you remained oblivious.

Oh, dearest

Oh, my dearest

[the-lonelybarricade]

LB my dear dear! I have devoured all yours and MB's ao3 works till date ❤️🤌 and I am feeling pathetically ravenous for more 🫠. Although my question is- since I have seen people asking you for suggestions as to which blog and which writer to look to for more feysand/elucien content I would like to request the same only and only if you are comfortable and have the time for this pressing request. And thank you even if you couldn't for some reason im only scared since you are busy and wouldnt want to burden you with such an exigent task. . I'm sorry to bother you That would be it 🥺 👉👈

You want blog suggestions for Elucien/Feysand authors? And you think you're bothering me??? Anon, this happens to be my exact area of exertise and there is nothing love more than hyping up my friends!

To kick us off my lovely friend @velidewrites is an extraordinarily talented writer and artist, and also just an all-around ray of sunshine whose blog I cannot recommend enough.

There's also @writtenonreceipts who's every work is literal potery. Pick any of her stroies and you will come undone.

@belabellissima has a beautiful Feysand/Elucien series called the State of Grace and is also one of my favorite people 🥺💝

@azrielshadowssing also regularly feeds us with delciioiusly sinful Feysand and Elucien stories 🥰 hehehe definitely read the tags though!

Among a host of other incredible fics, @damedechance has an onlyfans series that will make you feral - Playgirl (Elucien) and darling.exe (Feysand) 👀👀 Come back to me once you finish losing your mind

@xtaketwox and @itsthedoodle come as Feysand/Elucien pair hehe. @xtaketwox has treated us to lots of goodies, but I wanted to highlight her modern soulmate AU which has a dedicated work for Feysand, Elucien, and Nessian! @itsthedoodle has written so many beautiful feysand oneshots and is the sweetest, most unhinged person you'll ever have the pleasure of knowing.

@asnowfern is so talented and writes for a lot of different pairings, including Feysand and Elucien! Right now she's working on a stunning Feysand AU inspired by a chinese legend called Till Forever Falls Apart

if you're a fan of next-gen, @areyoudreaminof has lots of adorable fics and headcanons centering around Elucien and Feysand as parents!

@witch-and-her-witcher again writes for many couples, including Feysand and Elucien! She recently wrote a Feysand and Nyx oneshot, The Little Tiger, that completely fractured my heart and put it back together.

@thegloweringcastle is another extremely talented writer who has a wealth of feysand and elucien fics! One I really love is the The Law of the Land which is a Feysand western AU with background Elucien 🤠

@darling-archeron has been in this fandom since 2016 and in that time has blessed us with so much wonderful Feysand and Elucien content!! (One day you really need to sit us all down and tell us the fandom lore we all missed out on from the acomaf/acowar releases 👀)

@iambutmortal has a lot of delicious Feysand and Elucien stories! For Elucienweek last year she wrote a really addicting story called The Honeymooners

@labellefleur-sauvage has written so many incredible Elucien fics! As well as a very delicious monster!Feyre fic called Meet Me In the Woods hehehe 👀

@foundress0fnothing always blows me away with her writing. For Elucienweek last year she wrote an Elucien sex cult fic titled Both Forever and Rather Die that lives in my head rent free.

@howlingcaptaincommando is working on a really amazing pirate AU, Never Shall I Die, centering around Elucien, Nessian, and Feysand!

@vulpes-fennec has so many lovely stories, including her Prythian Fantasia WIP which centers on the Archeron sisters and their mates 😍

@popjunkie42 has yet to dip her toes into writing Elucien but maybe one day we can convince her 👀👀 That said she has so many amazing Feysand works such as Hate Me Instead and her current WIP Blossoming In Winter.

Likewise my dearest friend @wilde-knight has only written Elucien and Nessian, but I can't recommend her works and blog enough!! She's working on an amazing Princess Bride AU called Burnished Gold

@captain-of-the-gwynriel-ship is a die-hard Feysand, Elucien, Gwynriel, and Nessian! Currently they're working on a Feysand fic Five Minutes to Midnight which also features background Elucien!

@octobers-veryown creates so many wonderful moodboards for variuos ships and characters! I cannot recommend following them enough💕

And finally @rosanna-writer, @reverie-tales, @thesistersarcheron, and @starfall-spirit are my multishipping queens 🥰 On their blogs you'll find wonderful content for Feysand, Elriel, Elucien, and other ships as well!

[thetinyshiloh]

Nine People You'd Like to Know Better

Tagged by @thana-topsy, thank you!!

3 Ships Yyra Denirien x Teldryn Sero (OC x Elder Scrolls) - If you're following me and you don't know this... you must scroll tumblr with your eyes closed or something lmao. They are INCESSANTLY in my head 24/7/365. They are both so broken but trying their best and the most important aspect is that (in my canon story) their friendship happens FIRST and is MOST important before anything else occurs between them. I know all the smut I draw says otherwise, but I draw the smut because my main story is so slow-burn hahahaha. FemShep x Garrus Vakarian (Mass Effect) - I went hard for this one... it's almost like there's something about red-headed strong-willed women with snarky, non-human mercenaries with distinctive voices that just does it for me... Jude x Cardan (The Folk of the Air series) - Despite the fact these are "young adult" books, holy shit did they do something for me. Also 100000% better than any published erotica I've ever read AND a fantastic example of enemies-to-lovers. Anyways, I finished the main trilogy recently and these two have been rotating on a smaller platform in the background while Yyra and Teldryn continue to rotate in the foreground lol. I HAVE TO ADD ONE MORE, SORRY, I'M BREAKING RULES BUT NIKAIDO x KAIMAN (DOROHEDORO) HAS TO BE INCLUDED TOO, I am obsessed

First Ship I have such a hard time remembering stuff from my early life, but technically the first pairing of people that I fixated on (though this would be way before "shipping" was a thing I knew about) was Aerith x Sephiroth (despite how that canonically goes lol, but i guess i've always loved saying fuck canon).

Last Song "Magia" by Kalafina - Despite almost never watching anime, I binged Puella Magi Madoka Magica in one day (it's only 12 episodes) and holy cow that fucking show what the fuck. Anyways, the end credit song rocks and this is it.

Currently Reading Inside of a Dog by Alexandra Horowitz Attack of the 50 Foot Blockchain by David Gerard I recommend both of these so far, but I'm also only partially through them because I always take a thousand years to read nonfiction.

Last Film Dearest Sister (2016) - It's weird if I'm not watching at least one horror film in the past week, but this was actually two weeks ago? I think I need to re-watch it, but I thought it was pretty good!

Currently Craving I was craving salted nori today but I do actually have some and so I had it a few hours ago. Right now I'm not really craving anything! I guess this question is more about creative works but as usual, I go with food haha.

I tag: @downontheupside @mishikaiya @ocheeva @dontiform @perilously @fliinnie @orfeolookback @bendingsignpost @drowsy-fantasy

[brooklynislandgirl]

Don't know if this applies but T.M.I . for the Mun- What and who influences Beth as a Muse the most? Or did inspiration come from else where?

TMI Tuesday || Always Accepting

I am so sorry you asked this, Nonnymouse, but here we go. First, let me tell you, I've been a writer for a very long time. I was a reader by the age of four, and by the age of eight, I was outlining and writing my first novel. When I was 14, my friends at school introduced me to a tabletop rpg {Advanced Dungeons and Dragons 2nd. Edition: Dragonlance}. Role-play and writing have been lifelong past times and I become very involved in character creation. Fast-forward to 2014 when I saw CA: The Winter Soldier. Now of course I knew pertinent parts of the story from having been a comic book collector for some years, but there was something about the movie and the portrayal of SebStan that hurt my heart. I started to think the boy needed, in no particular order, a bath, a hug, a warm blanket, a kiss on the forehead, and a grilled cheese sandwich cut in half, diagonally. Two of my nearest and dearest suggested that maybe I write some fanfic, so I set about thinking about what kind of person would make a very good friend for Bucky Barnes. The first thing I decided was he would need someone who wouldn't be afraid of him, initially, and maybe someone who could patch up the kinds of wounds he might have after you know, someone dropped the Treskelion on him. Then I decided that she would need the kind of flexibility to drop everything for the sake of our tragic hero if need be, or to provide him with resources that he might need.

I wanted her to not fit into the mainstream. I wanted her to have a connection to the world without overshadowing the canons that already existed. I knew she would be Riley's sister. So she had to be part Irish. It was Beth herself who told me she was that, but more importantly, that she was Polynesian. Hawai'ian to be specific. It took me almost a year to learn about Hawai'i, the people and culture, the food and dress, the struggles of the people, and to teach myself how to read and write the language, and the slang {Pidgin}. It took me even longer to find a face claim for her and for Andy both. Eventually, when we were both happy with her bare bones/history, I decided that I wanted to get a sort of "feel" for her, and that's when Stoat {my roomie extraordinaire over at @morgansmornings} told me about Tumblr and told me maybe I could try her out here.

2016, in September, she made her debut. The first three people who ever befriended me were another OC {@multi-mused}, a John Constantine {I miss you, Nick!}, and a Loki { @lokitheliesmith}, the first and latter whom I still play with! And while I did make Beth for Bucky, she grew and changed and became a little breathing being all of her own. Some of her background stems from my own, some of her personality from my nearest and dearest friend, but like a child you have and raise, she had some fundamentals, but ultimately she created herself, evolved and changed based on her experiences and circumstances, and she's her own person now.

some influences include: 1. The lyrics for this song. 2. This tabletop role playing game, arguably my most favourite. 3. Just how cute and tiny is Kristin Kreuk? 4. And honest to goodness, all of you who have interacted with her, leaving your own marks on her, to which I am grateful for. If that isn't the questions you were asking, then please feel free to ask others, dm me, or hit me up on disco. <3

[thosekillerheels]

Dearest SLG-you’re 22 today-that’s fucking bonkers. While Rattlesnakes is my favorite, every song from this era is so unique, and yet they all hang together really well. I often think of this record as ADP’s best friend or older sister. It also calls to mind Choirgirl, because of the group aspect. Tori has a HUGE posse! (All the songs are a posse, really, but SLG and ADP are the ones that are actual characters). As with all of Tori’s covers, I prefer most of Tori’s versions, and it’s mostly true with SLG too. The songs that I love equal for her version and the originals are Strange Little Girl, Rattlesnakes, and Enjoy The Silence. All others, I prefer Tori’s. The urban sunrise of New Age, the strident and adventurous Strange Little Girl, the tender yet slightly melancholy Enjoy The Silence, the kill or be killed rampage of Heart Of Gold (it always makes me think of The Godfather/the mafia), the road trip ode of Rattlesnakes, the many voices and cultural critique of Happiness Is A Warm Gun who was more of the the moment than any of us could have imagined, the ominous dark feminine of Raining Blood, and Real Men’s hard look at every man all came together to make an amazing collection. When you add Tori’s horror film last testament that is ‘97 Bonnie and Clyde, the heartbroken Time, who was the perfect choice for Tori’s performance as David Letterman’s first post-9/11 musical guest, and the eerily spot on massacre (back when school shootings were “new”) of I Don’t Like Mondays, and you have a singular, badass, beautiful record, a statement that was very of the moment, and helps us remember how we felt during that unimaginably difficult time. Our heartbreak and connection in common humanity splintered into paranoia and mistrust of difference that has been festering ever since, and whose viral disguise has metastasized in pain sight since 2016. I will love these girls forever. Happy Birthday, Baby!

[nikosasaki]

hello Mara my dearest can you tell me abt your k-pop groups?

oh BOY can i;

I actually made a sideblog for me to post all of this stuff on so hopefully sometime soon you'll see an official intro post and company bio on there, but here's the unofficial introduction!

the company is called Infinite Stage Entertainment, or ISE. it was founded by a husband-wife duo in 2006 but didn't land their 'big' act until the debut of girl group SUG★R in 2016. the company's mission statement is that they want to produce 'infinite' idols who transcend trends and generations. as you can imagine this hasn't always gone the way they want to. for the most part the company has an okay image, but in recent years rumors have been coming out that their trainee schedule and the rules their idols are required to live by are inhumane and abusive.

the company (currently) has three active groups that have achieved genuine success;

SUG★R, lead by vocalist Hyejin, with Sohee, Julia, and Ari. the group debuted in 2016, and is still going strong seven years later, with their most recent comeback in february of 2023.

these girls are the prized possession of ISE, and despite especially Hyejin being vocal about her issues with the company management they would never dream of pulling the plug on this group.

SUG★Rs concept is the idea that they're the big sisters everyone always dreamed of having. they are meant to embody fun and joy to the fullest extent. they're also the girls with the longest trainee period out of any of the ISE idols, and they're often praised by netizens for their professionalism (though Hyejin not as much, as of recent)

according to many, limit/less is ISE's attempt at recreating the success they found with SUG★R. with members Evie, Sunyeong, Hana, Minni, Honey, and Bea. the group debuted in 2020, and their most recent comeback was in april of 2023.

limit/less is known for their timeless pop sound and their colorful concept, with many of their styling centered around looking like the idealized teenage sleepover.

despite being only three years young, limit/less is already known for their several controversies, including alleged in-group bullying, dating controversies, and even rumors of members entering relationships with ISE staff.

finally there's S-DIVISION, a k-rock group lead by bassist Max, with drummer Dae, guitarist Leo, Jasper on keys, and main vocalist Atlas. the group debuted in 2017 and has since produced five albums, with their next comeback teased to drop in august of this year.

they're unique in a lot of ways, but the main thing is that these guys write and produce all of their own music! they are given complete creative control by ISE (as far as the public knows, anyway) and write, record, and produce all of their songs themselves.

they are often praised for just how talented each individual member is, but none of the boys have expressed any interest in going solo either now or in the future. they are a team, and they'll always stick together.

so, yeah! follow Infinite Stage Entertainment to keep up with the idols, comebacks, social media posts, and more!

[cricketburger]

Kinda related to the other thing I was talking about:

The fact that I can’t differentiate canon and fanon like where’d my media literacy go

I’ll start it now off with some anecdotes that a lot of people can relate to probably and then get more obscure as we get on okay??

Common hcs that I forget aren’t real

- Thomas is bisexual (idk where this one even came from but everyone just accepted it)

- Abe listens to weezer (look at him!!)

- Craig isn’t Peruvian (white Craig fanart always throws me off)

- Kenny doesn’t have freckles or scars (he’d fit freckles and also I hc he’d get a scar every time he dies like a bullet shaped one or one on his head from the chainsaw)

- Mike isn’t trans??? (Genuinely everyone I’ve seen agrees with that one)

Okay now the more obscure ones and Mandela effects I’ve forced upon myself (might as well divide them into fandoms):

The owl house:

These are all hunter ones because I like him the most

- Hunter texts like an old man and posts really blurry photos on penstagram

This one comes from a Headcanon I have relating to Melly that she’s the really tech savvy one and creates new slang in ever text and hunter is like a literal caveman like bro probably didn’t even know about electricity until he was 14

Lke melly prbly txts like ths 2 save time n all her txts

AN.d H un T3r TexTs.likethis be,aues hes nevER USEDA0hone be froe

- he also gives really heartfelt apologies for really silly things like

‘Dearest Luz, I am deeply apologetic towards you for my use of the phrase ‘Fatherless Behaviour’ towards you this morning. I was informed by Gus that it was a funny phrase used by humans towards people who are fans of the popular Minecraft Youtuber, Dreamwastaken, which you have mentioned to me that you enjoy. Thus, I found using the phrase to be appropriate for the situation. I was unaware that it had bad undertones however, as I had not been informed about the passing of your father. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. - Hunter.’

- Also all 3 of the blights ratio him on literally everything like he’ll tweet about what happened to Flapjack and they’ll have successfully ratioed him 1931029:1 in 30 seconds

South park:

Okay let me tell you there’s a lot of these so buckle in:

For context, most of these (all) come from a crack episode me and my sister thought up last year about a costume day, so they’re all really stupid and ooc ones (even more so than hunter’s)

- Craig is a huge Hamilton Stan

He absolutely went through a phase from 2016-18, this alongside Bmc and Heathers made him realise he was gay (he probably kinned Laurens and Michael and then realised why like 3 years later and was definitely into JD) his favourite song is what’d I miss and had to buy more storage because of the amount of Hamilton memes on his phone

- On the other hand, Mr Mackey despises LMM with a burning passion

This one started out as a joke where he threatens to expel Craig for liking Hamilton (‘if you come into my office talking about Lin Manuel Miranda I will expel you) but next time it was brought up it was misremembered as Kill so then it snowballed into this weed of a man threatening nuclear genocide on the universe at the mention of this man?? But he does gen seem like the kinda guy who doesn’t like Hamilton (principal Victoria would love it though she’d be super enthusiastic about the inclusion and stuff (not a pc principal level though))

- Principal Victoria is the worlds most performative activist

I drew fanart of her standing next to Craig in a hospital bed holding a pride flag like ‘get well soon!! Please don’t tell your parents about this!! I’m an ally!!’ (Context: she nearly accidentally killed him)

- Kyle and Stan don’t have really high pitched voices, Clyde doesn’t sound like a Chad, and Cartman doesn’t sound like a grater

Context: nobody involved in the voice cast of RotBC can voice act

Bonus, which isn’t from RotBC: Mysterion and Pip aren’t actually best friends and Kenny actually hates him as much as anyone else

[fuckyeahwomenfilmdirectors]

Dearest Sister dir. Mattie Do (2016)

A village girl travels to the Lao capital, Vientiane, to care for her rich cousin who has lost her sight and gained the ability to communicate with the dead.

[lilasblanc]

i was listening to ivy by taylor swift, and i couldn’t help but reminisce about the life i once had around late 2013-2016; the summers i spent at my dear godmother’s country home, feeding the chickens, running around town with the pets bobby, tiger, and finally yorkie, when bobby and tiger passed. the pictures we had framed and printed at the local printing shop. my afterschool club, where there were wonderfully kind leaders like olive, bridget and ainé who helped us with homework and planned trips, like the time we went surfing at inchydoney beach and the cultural festival we had in town where i got henna for the first time. the weekends when me, my sister, and our friends amira and michelle went to our mutual friend mary’s house (her mother being friends with my mom and she still sends us birthday cards and money every year), her beautiful, big home that was surrounded by forestry, and how we’d crush over her brothers jude, ernie, florrie, and blaise. and we’d spend our time exploring the area. how we joined the local junior orchestra, me and my other friends adiba and osas, and we picked up the violin, our teacher gifting us each a fiddle of our own, and the lessons spent giggling and learning to play nursery rhymes, albeit with a well-known, childish dissonance. and how we’d all, including bradley and russell, flock to the computers in the main room of the lodge we lived at, and play video games like fire boy and water girl, fighting over who’d be water girl because we were all used to using the arrows instead of the standard WASD. and the day me, my sister, and amira went with my mother’s other friends, her name stolen from me by time, to the woodland grove with all the fairy houses and we learned to make our own. and how we’d spend the night at amira’s, watching her mom playing coronation street on the telly, or at michelle’s, where we were frightened of her porcelain doll. how we snickered at bradley having to do his communion with us because he was held back, but promptly apologised after we realised he was upset. the aforementioned communion day, where i was adamant about frowning in all my photos due to my aversion at having my picture taken, and the only picture with me displaying a true smile was when i was surrounded by my dearest, precious childhood friends and we were elated about getting a table all to ourselves with fancy golden-rimmed cups, glass plates and silverware, and we laughed and smiled, because we were children and everything felt infinite. how much fun our school days were; the time i got my first splinter from running my hands too quickly along the wooden fence and cried for the first time at school, my classmates comments on how i was only five and in their class, nationality day, when my teacher told me off for writing on the desk, our school play of the nativity where i was one of the three wise men when i desperately wanted to be an angel, and how the parents clapped when we all joined as one on stage, our frequent visits to ucc and how we congratulated caolin for being our class representative, and when our first teacher retired and we were sad because she was the best. the time it started hailing on our way to school, and we ran back to the lodge, our home, screaming and yelling giddly until we noticed zainab was bleeding, but we got to skip school that day, so all was well. when we’d name the horses, flora, chocolate and brownie, that roamed the field across, and we’d beg the man who was responsible for their keeping to let us ride them and feed them. and our devastation when buttercup (a small gray pony with a golden mane) went missing, was found, and died shortly after from a sickness that i no longer remember. the day when school ended and summer arrived, and we went to a mud camp and spent it sliding into muddy water and playing pranks on each other. how none of the photos taken that day, that i still own, have me in them. and how we all cried and stared in confusion, when zainab’s mother passed, and most of the adults left to attend her funeral. and nothing was really the same.

[sadviper]

Woo Do Hwan: Interview with Kankoku TV Drama vol. 97 (Aug 2020)

Once again, much thanks to @staidwaters​ for graciously reviewing and correcting!!! This was a really hefty interview, hope you enjoy~

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

Woo Do Hwan

Sword, bow, and horseback riding for the first time

A “Monstrous Newcomer” in a career-making, historical drama debut

In 2016, in the movie “Master”, Woo Do Hwan played the role of Lee Byung Hyun’s subordinate. Even though he appeared onscreen for just three minutes, he left a strong impression, attracting attention. Since then, he starred in “Save Me” (2017 OCN), taking on the nickname of “Monstrous Newcomer” and setting out on a brilliant career path. The next step he takes will be his first historical drama “My Country” (2019 JTBC).

Tackling a historical drama is an ideal chance for young and promising actors to grow; they have a rare chance to study in depth with multiple superb veteran actors over the long filming period. Woo Do Hwan did not miss this opportunity. His new work “The King: Eternal Monarch” (2020 SBS) leverages 120% of what he learned from “My Country”, and his popularity is surging.

Struck by a midwinter waterfall, the most dreadful and frigid opportunity to showcase yourself

--What kind of work is ”My Country”?

WDH: Each of the characters clash with the others for the sake of their personal convictions. This drama depicts their love and friendships. The country they are each reaching for … in a way, you could say they seek the same goal. Everyone wants a country in which they can live happily, but each person has a different path to that goal. This work skillfully depicts the conflicts that arise in the midst of this.

--Please introduce the role that you play.

WDH: Nam Seon-ho is an illegitimate child born to a family of nobles (yanban), and he has suffered greatly because of his birth. The poor guy is only able to relax his guard and laugh when he is with Seo Hwi (played by Yang Se Jong) and his younger sister Yeon (played by Jo Yi Hyun). However, even under such circumstances, he holds onto his ambitions. He doesn’t want other people to experience the same kind of pain that he has endured, so he strives to become the right-hand man of Yi Seong-gye (played by Kim Young-cheol), the future founder and king of the Joseon Dynasty. However, it doesn’t go as expected and I end up in opposition to Hwi, my dearest friend.

--What things did you pay attention to when creating the role?

WDH: Since it’s a period drama, it was difficult to get used to the way of speaking and tone of voice. It took me a while to get the hang of it. Now  I have the opposite problem, I’m doing my best to shake off the historical tone (laughs).

--The gorgeous hairstyles and clothing were a sight to behold.

WDH: Honestly, at first I thought “Long hair probably won’t suit me…” (laugh). So early on, I participated in many concept meetings and tried out different hairstyles. Even with long hair, there are many different hairstyles that can be made, such as wearing with armor or tying it up. I collaborated with the director to choose the most suitable style according to the situation in the drama. I was able to try on as many outfits as hairstyles, but I really enjoyed being  able to wear the special costumes such as the armor and the inspector’s garments; things we normally don’t get the chance to wear.

--How did you practice horseback riding, swordsmanship, and archery?

WDH: Before filming started, I studied martial arts for about two months. Filming lasted nine months, so in total I was focused on this work for a whole year. While filming action, it’s important to skillfully capture the scene, but the most essential thing is to not to get hurt. For that reason, the cinematographer, my co-stars, and I always had to be in perfect sync. It took time to match movements for the sword fights.

--You became the topic of much discussion when you revealed your magnificent physique in a waterfall during the opening of the drama. What are your secrets for managing your fitness?

WDH: I train on a regular basis. If I only started working out when I knew there were going to be scenes with skin showing, it’d be stressful trying to build up my body in a short period of time for shooting. After all, I don’t know when or where I will have to strip down for a scene! (laugh) Usually I play a lot of soccer, and I’ll go to the gym to train if I have time. If I take care of myself properly as a habit, then I don’t need to worry if my body looks good or if I should put in more effort during acting; I can just concentrate on my performance.

--Was the director’s reaction a good one?

WDH: He was extremely happy, hahaha. They keep trying to make me take my clothes off, so I was like, “Come on, give me a break!” The road to the filming location for the waterfall scene was rugged and steep and it was incredibly cold; it was the most difficult scene. Se-jong even said “I never want to go into water that cold again”.

--A lot of viewers said that “Nam Seon-ho is the most pitiful man in the world.” How do you personally feel?

WDH: I wanted to present Seon-ho as a tragic figure, so I was glad that the audience saw him the same way; it encouraged me to put in even more effort and I worked hard to build up his character. Seon-ho constantly stands on the boundary between life and death, living a life where he might die at any moment. He never manages to accomplish any of his dreams, and it is only at the very end that he realizes what is most precious to him. However, even though Seon-ho is a tragic character, if we just focused on the sadness the drama would be hard to watch and it wouldn’t be interesting at all. Therefore I wanted to show many things with him, such as him being a powerful figure, and the loneliness his power hides.

He was able to finish the drama because he was with Se-jong, his co-star of the same age.

--At what points did you sympathize with Seon-ho?

WDH: There is always a conflict in Seon-ho’s life in that he always has to sacrifice something in order to get something he wants. Seon-ho’s situation is an extreme case, of course, but I think that in our lives there are many moments like his, even if they are small and trivial. Moments when we desire what we can’t have, or throw away things we shouldn’t throw away. There are also moments when we all have to give something up for the sake of a goal that we are reaching for.  In the midst of that, I worried about the things that I should protect, so I deeply sympathized with Seon-ho, whose ideals and emotions were in conflict with each other.

--Your portrayal of the character’s emotions was well-received. When was Seon-ho the most emotional?

WDH: It would be when he heard that Seo Hwi was alive. I had a deep rapport with Se-jong in all my scenes with him. From a certain point onwards, the events in the drama truly felt real, and I fell more and more in love with Se-jong (laugh). I deeply empathized with Seon-ho’s emotions, which made me want to perform even more intensely in this work.

--Concerning expressing emotions, are you the type to do a lot of preparation beforehand? Or are you the type to perform what you feel on the spot?

WDH: I think I am half-and-half. Beforehand, I’ll think, “So we’re filming this kind of scene today”,  why is this happening, and what was the situation before this scene? However, it’s difficult to continuously hold onto emotions because there are rehearsals and blocking out our positions with the director. So I will concentrate on creating the emotion in the moment when acting.

--And what about your mutually dependent relationship with Yang Se-jong, who played the role of Seo Hwi?

WDH: I believe it would have been very difficult if Se-jong hadn’t been there. I relied on him a lot. The make-up room was set up in a large van onsite, and while our hair was being done, we would go over our lines. If one person said their lines, then the other person would just naturally respond with their own lines. We are the same age, not just in the drama but also in real life, so in both the Goryeo and modern eras, we were always communicating well, back and forth.

Se-jong always helped me, and even though we were together on location for very long periods of time, not once did we fight or have a conflict of opinion. We spent our time together as good friends, always being considerate of each other.

--There were many scenes of Seon-ho and Hwi’s friendship that brought out tears, but was there a particular scene where you especially felt the friendship between the two?

WDH: All those scenes where we rescued each other. Especially that scene in the latter half, where Hwi took Seon-ho out of Yi Bang-won’s (played by Jang Hyuk) house; that was memorable. Then in the first half, during the massacre of the Liaodong Punitive Expedition advance party, there’s a scene where we cross swords in the midst of combat and I recognize my dear friend Hwi. That scene was very good and had a big impact.

--What is your impression of Seolhyun (AOA) as Han Hee-jae?

WDH: Seolhyun was truly a “celebrity” to me (laugh). She is one of Korea’s top idols; I’ve seen her movies. When I heard that she would be co-starring with me, I was very much looking forward to it. Once we were actually performing together, I was amazed that her acting was even better than I expected. Seolhyun was the youngest on location, but she had a very mature attitude during filming. In front of a large crowd of her seniors, she played a bold and strong woman. I was impressed.

--The antagonism between Seon-ho and his father was one of the highlights of the drama. How was it like to co-star with Ahn Nae-sang, who played the role of your father?

WDH: Ahn Nae-sang sunbae was like a real father, a very interesting person. Although he’d say “Seon-ho is an impertinent son” (laugh), he worked well with me, and did a lot for me. During breaks, he tells jokes and lightens the atmosphere on set, but once filming starts, his gaze radically changes and he becomes a terrifying father. He’s not someone who hands out advice left and right to juniors, rather, he is a person who reacts kindly and looks after us. 

Extremely jealous of Se-jong’s Japanese fanmeet

--What are your thoughts on successfully wrapping up your first historical drama?

WDH: I wore hanbok, long wigs, and armor--I got to experience all of these things for the first time. I’ve also never done things like swordsmanship, archery, or horseback riding, so each one of those was a new challenge. Because I have never lived in that time period, I worried about how I should portray it. Despite that, I enjoyed everything. The remote locations that I visited were very beautiful, and during breaks it was a wonderful experience to enjoy the scenery and watch the seasons change instead of sitting in the dressing room. I’ve heard from my seniors that once you’ve done one historical drama, you’ll want to do another, and now I know what that feeling is like for myself.

--What was the most memorable location?

WDH: In the opening scenes, I often went to the countryside, but first I filmed the waterfall scene and the cliff scene. That cliff scene was absolutely terrifying. I scaled the cliff and did the action scene, but I thought...I might actually die if I fall (strained laugh).

--Watching the behind-the-scenes footage, you seem the quiet type but at the Japanese fanmeeting, I feel that you were skilled at speaking onstage. What is your actual personality?

WDH: Do I look like someone who doesn’t say much? I’m definitely not the talkative type, though. Hahaha. I talk a lot when I’m with Se-jong, but the interesting thing is, how much Se-jong and I will say changes depending on the day. On some days Se-jong speaks more than I do, and on other days I won’t shut up (laugh).

--Since filming continued for about a year, was it difficult to break free from the role of Seon-ho?

WDH: Honestly, I wouldn’t have thought about Seon-ho without today’s interview. However, Seon-ho’s sword is in my living room, so whenever I see it, I’m going to remember (laugh). But because I can’t use historical speech in the drama that I’m currently filming, I try to forget as much as possible.

--Currently you’re in the middle of filming the drama “The King”, right?

WDH: In “The King”, one person plays two different roles. The show depicts parallel worlds. In one world, Lee Min-ho sunbae plays the emperor and my character, Jo Yeong, has been by the emperor’s side since childhood and is the captain of the Royal Guard. In the other world, I am Jo Eun-seop, a social service worker whose personality is the complete opposite to Yeong’s. I’m having a lot of fun filming this, so please look forward to it.

--What does “my country” mean to you?

WDH: I believe it’s the people around me. I have family, I have friends, and I also have colleagues. A life where I can live happily with all of them, that is my dream country, I guess. No one goes on without desire, so I want to live together while caring for each other.

--You’ve been called the “Monstrous Newcomer”. With this kind of recognition, do you feel pressured?

WDH: I’m always under pressure. However, I tell myself I can’t lose to it, I have to work harder to overcome it.

--Finally, a message to your Japanese fans.

WDH: 2020 was the year I definitely wanted to meet all my Japanese fans, but filming for “The King” started earlier than expected and hasn’t finished yet. I was incredibly jealous when I heard that Se-jong held a Japanese fan meeting at the end of 2019. When “The King” finishes, I would like to meet you all. Until then, please take care of yourself and be happy. I will do my best to finish my work and greet you in good form. If you haven’t seen “My Country” yet, I definitely invite you to watch it.  I also hope you look forward to “The King”.

You can direct fan mail to:

KEYEAST / 30, 11-Gil, Hakdong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06042 Korea

[albertserra]

whenever i see someone from the industry having a letterboxd account i get so embarrased remembering roxane mesquida liked my review of à ma souer. like. it wasn't for her to see 😩😔 anyways that's also why i don't have twitter

me when the husband of the director of dearest sister 2016 commented on my negative review ujr5ilht4b3ujil.thbniujhriurfh

[sleepyowlwrites]

find the word tag CLXXXIV

for my next trick I’ll also do poetry, but only from 2016 or earlier. all these words are from Ember, my dearest @ashen-crest 

speak (paper matchstick parade, 2014)

My whole body is one big bruise I can't walk 'cause all my bones are broken My whole head has been throbbing for weeks I can't speak 'cause my heart is broken

pink (this isn’t poetry, but here’s from the journal I kept during my school trip to Italy in Nov, 2014) (actually, I wrote the above poem while I was there)

After class in the morning, we went and visited the Duomo. Aside from the beautiful paintings in the dome itself, the ceiling and everything else was rather plain. The outside is spectacular with green, white, and pink marble and carvings and statues and intricate details over the whole thing. It's really beautiful. Then our glorious leader decided that we would climb the bell tower. Oh yes, THAT was fun. 460 steps!

yell (this is also not a poem. it’s from that game where you pass around a paper and each write one sentence of a story. 2014 as well)

One day after school, Jimmy met up with Darlene. But he saw that she had been slaughtered by a pack of beavers. The beavers knew fatherlessness was common in their breed, leaving the sisters to raise the young. The beavers went on to have a good log to eat cheeseburgers and waffles. Then a giant purple people eater jumped out at them. It yelled "go away from here!" And so Jimmy and Darlene quit school and joined the circus of albino squirrels. But the squirrels rebelled and overthrew the American government. The End.

blue (I feel purple inside, 2013)

But my mind, oh, my mind is rainbow So rainbow that violet is greenish red And blue is truer than thoughts in my head The blood in my veins (and arteries) fled, So I'm pale Like white, like snow, like white A fairytale, you know I feel like my fingertips can glow And the soles of my feet like my cheekbones are tired They're velvet, and worn, and torn And eager to lie down and rest

crack (ever time, 2013 - I think this was half about one friend and half about another)

Every time I see you I want to talk Go on one of our long midnight walks When everything was just a joke And you would you walk me home But now you barely crack a smile Every time I see you I'm torn apart 'Cause there's a you-shaped hole in my heart Honestly, I'm fine to be just friends But you get so scared of the end And now we're not friends anymore

create (inspiration for writing, 2011, also not technically poetry but it might as well be. in fact, I think I’m going to post the whole thing.)

And what is inspiration? What is it, but the same thoughts and words, from another source? Your mind is the artist's palette; let the paint mix to create new images. Let the clay spin on the wheel to form new structure.

able, ache, anew, arch, asks. BONUS: amends, amiable. @no-url-idea-tho @vivian-is-writing @homesteadchronicles @ellatholmes @ink-fireplace-coffee OR ANYBODY or nobody

[knightofameris]

being a mess can get you a date  — edmund pevensie

Request: Hi :) can you write an Edmund x reader where he’s running late for a meeting. So his hair is disheveled, his crown is crooked, and his buttons are in the wrong places. So y/n is super close to him, fixing his hair and stuff. Awkward Edmund <3

Setting: Golden Age Contains: fluff? I guess?

Sorry if it’s not that great! ;u; I wanted to try to get this one out as soon as possible since it’s my first one and all! ;u; I really kinda don’t like this one so I might redo it?

[reposting from my 2016 blog, this one brings memories back since, like old me said, it was my first post. also like this one somehow got almost 2000 notes and im like huh?]

Edmund rushed around the castle quickly grabbing a piece of bread from the kitchen before heading towards the stables to grab his trusty steed, Phillip. On his way he was still putting on his clothes and his crown was crooked as it sat upon his head.

Edmund woke up a bit too late and he happened to be running late for a meeting with King Lune of Archenland and his brother, High King Peter… The Magnificent. He was woken up by a messenger who said that the meeting was much earlier than when he wanted to wake up. So he rushed to get ready. When he turned a corner, he crashed into somebody. His piece of bread fell out of his mouth as he cried out. A clatter from his crown echoed in the hallway of the castle.

“Oof!” a voice yelped. Edmund opened his eyes and saw (e/c) eyes staring into his. Edmund ended up falling on top of (Y/n). Who just happened to be the one he fancied here in Narnia.

They stayed like that for a good 10 seconds before Edmund started blushing when he realized how wrong this would look like if someone just came walking by them.

“Oh! (Y-Y/n)! I’m so sorry…” Edmund stuttered out as he got up. (Y/n) sat up and he held out his hand for her.

“It’s quite alright, Edmund.” (Y/n) smiled up at him.

She gladly took it. Unfortunately he pulled her up too hard and she came crashing into him, once again. But he was able to keep his balance and held her around her waist with his other arm. (Y/n)’s pink lips almost touched his and they both blushed furiously.

“Oh Aslan, I’m such a mess today I’m sorry,” Edmund let go of her and then suddenly realized, he was still late for his meeting. “Oh bollocks! I’m still late for my meeting!” He ran off then suddenly came to a stop and turned around. Edmund forgot his crown.

(Y/n) had it dangling on her fingers as she giggled when he ran back to get it.

“Thanks, love.” He kissed her on the cheek and grabbed the crown. (Y/n) raised her hand up to her cheek where he just kissed her. (Y/n) always liked Edmund. She had suspicions that he liked her back and his sisters even told her that he did. This just proved that he did. Edmund didn’t realize what he did until (Y/n) grabbed his hand.

“Wait…” (Y/n) murmured. She grabbed the collar of his shirt. Edmund thought she was going to pull him down for a kiss and closed his eyes. (Y/n) smirked knowing exactly what he was thinking and what she was doing.

Edmund didn’t feel anything happen except for his shirt being moved around on him. He opened his eyes and realized she was fixing his shirt. Edmund blushed from embarrassment and just from how it seemed like she was unbuttoning his shirt as if…. Well you get the point.

“Your buttons are all in the wrong places, dearest. How do you think you’re gonna go to the meeting like that?” She asked. Then she moved her hands to his head. “And this hair, such a mess. Here, hold your crown as I fix your hair.”

After a bit of her fixing everything and him staring/glaring at her for doing that to him she finally said, “There. Now you’re ready, sweetheart.” She went on her toes and kissed him on his cheek. Then she turned and walked away. Edmund stood there blushing and just kept on thinking about how she fixed his shirt and ran her hands through his hair and just how she kept calling him names. It was impossible to resist his temptations.

So the tables had turned and Edmund grabbed her hand and stared at her. He didn’t say anything.

“Edmund?” (Y/n) waved her hand in front of him. “Don’t you have a meeting to go to?”

“Well, it doesn’t matter much anymore does it now? I’m already late so a few more minutes wouldn’t hurt.” Edmund murmured. “Might as well just kiss you here and now.”

“I’m sorry, what? I didn’t quite catch all of that.” She replied even though she heard each word very clearly.

“You see, my dear, I know what you just played out. And I’m not exactly going to let you get away with that.” He said in a lower voice than usual.

“… Well, I’m sorry. But I don’t know what you mean, handsome.”

Edmund chuckled and pulled her into his chest. “Well love. What I mean is that you owe me this.” He leaned down to kiss her when he heard his name being called.

“Edmund! Edmund!” It was Peter. Edmund growled. “What are you doing? You’re late! Consider yourself lucky King Lune is a very kind King.”

(Y/n) giggled and slightly shoved Edmund. “Go on, the duty of a King awaits.”

Edmund smiled at her. “Date after this?” (Y/n) nodded and then waved him off. He walked away a bit giddy with himself that he’s finally with her. Kinda.

“Sorry Ed, I just wanted to see how you would react about me coming in.” Peter slapped him on the back. One of those friendly, brotherly smacks. “Also, I’ll have you know that there’s actually no meeting.”

[nalgenewhore]

Slipping Through My Fingers - Eight

masterlist - ao3 - last chapter - next chapter 

warnings: angst, cemetery

an: ummm u kno wut, maybe it is not actually fun, fresh, or cool! maybe it is in fact not fun, stale, and warm? anyhoozles. 

The rolling hills, bright with vibrant green grass and dotted with squares of various rocks, went on forever. It was silent - a respectful quiet for what everyone went there for. 

Lorcan carried a subdued Kohana, who held his favourite stuffed hippo - named Robert - tightly in one hand and sucked on his thumb. It was an old habit that seldom arose. Father and son recognized some of the regulars they shared this day with. Son chose to hide his face in his father’s shoulder while father nodded a tight greeting, grief clear in the lines of his body. 

A short while later, Lorcan set Kohana down and they walked hand in hand through the neat rows of meticulously cared for headstones until they reached a black stone one, a bouquet of dark red peonies already resting atop of it. 

That was something that Lorcan had liked when he was… researching cemeteries. What a cruel and twisted thing, so morbid. But Lorcan had liked this one. They cleaned the headstones all once a week and left a bouquet of flowers on them when the anniversaries came along. She had always loved peonies, loved how fluffy they were. Her absolute favourites were the tiare blossoms of her home, but the tropical blooms were rare in the cold climate of northern Terrasen. 

Kohana dropped Lorcan’s hand and ran the last few steps, sitting down cross-legged on the plush grass. Lorcan remained a little while away, turning around so Kohana could have his own time. 

His ears picked up the melodic tongue of her home that tumbled so effortlessly from their son’s mouth. Lorcan wanted to cry, so unbelievably thankful for his son - for having the ability to speak that language. Both of theirs. It was a blessing, truly. Eventually, Kohana came running back, telling Lorcan he was going to go exploring. 

He began to roam, not too far and always in sight after Lorcan told him to keep off the other headstones. It took a deep breath and the feeling of his wedding band on his left hand for Lorcan to take those last few steps and sit down, picking at the grass. 

He didn’t say a word for a long time, just reading the engravings. 

August 30, 1995 - October 15, 2016

Beloved Mother. Wife. Sister. Friend. 

Her entire life, twenty-one years summed up in five fucking words. 

Lorcan’s eyes welled up and he reached his hand out, tracing her name. Essar Tangaroa. 

With a smile, his tears spilling down his cheeks, he whispered, in his less-than perfect Bogdano, “Hey, babe. I miss you.” He sniffed, looking down at his hands. “Ko misses you too. So do Fen, Con, V, Ro… Mia too. Everyone. Emrys made your favourites.” He pulled out a pastry bag from the canvas tote he’d brought, filled with things to occupy their child. “Oatmeal raisin. Still don’t get how on earth you like oatmeal and raisin, but I guess that’ll be one of life’s many mysteries, huh?” 

He caught her up on everything, stumbling when he got to the topic of Elide. Turning his wet eyes to the skies, Lorcan said, “I know you’re laughing right now. You’ve always delighted in my misery. You’d like her and I bet you’re insanely jealous she slept with my dumb ass cause she’s completely your type.” Lorcan laughed and almost ducked to avoid the hand Essar would’ve no doubt slapped upside his head, but it didn’t come. 

That sobered him and he straightened, tears still steadily falling. “She’s really good for Ko. And Esther, that girl is the best. Still the same bubbly little kid she always was. She and Ko are ‘bestest friends ever’. Oh, you know what’s the fucking weirdest shit ever?” Nobody replied and Lorcan wasn’t sure if he’d been waiting for it. “Rowan’s dating this girl named Aelin - perfect for each other and I hate it when they’re happy but whatever - and guess who her sister is? Yeah, fucking Elide!” 

“Até! Bad word! No bad words,” scolded Kohana, frowning fiercely as he stomped over and sat himself in Lorcan’s lap, in the cradle Lorcan’s criss-cross-applesauce legs made. “Hi, Mama. I would like you to come back, please.” Kohana’s voice wavered and he sniffled. “Please, come back. I want my mama back.” 

The lump regrew in Lorcan’s throat and he used every gram of willpower in his body, willing himself not to cry as Kohana started to, his small frame shaking with the force of it. Lorcan could only discern ‘come back’ through Kohana’s sobs and he hugged the little one closer, feeling his child turn in his arms and cry into his hoodie. “I just want mama back.” 

“I know, baby.” He kissed the top of Ko’s head, rubbing his back as he quieted, only hiccupping now. 

“Mama’s never coming back.” It was a statement, just a fact. “I don’t like that.” 

Lorcan found it in himself to smile, whispering, “I don’t like it either.” 

They remained there for a while, eventually joined by a handful of people. Dresenda walked up, taking Kohana into her arms. Lorcan watched them interact, watched his son’s eyes grow misty and watched as he ran back to Lorcan, asking if they could go now. He said yes, waiting as Kohana said good-bye to Essar. 

Kohana turned and waved shyly, then he turned back to Lorcan and away they went. The five-year old was passed out by the time Lorcan had carried him to the truck and buckled him in. Lorcan drove in silence away from the cemetery, making his way back to the main roads and away, hating that it felt like every time he came here that he was leaving a new shred of his heart with her. 

+*+*+*+*+*+*

The bell for lunch rang and Elide herded her little students to the cubby room, telling them that even though it was sunny today, it was still a bit chilly and they needed to grab their jackets and coats. 

Esther needed help tugging her wool sweater over her curly-haired head but other than that, everyone was ready to go. Despite the absence of Kohana, his bestest friend seemed to be in a relatively alright mood as she raced outside with a good-bye shouted over her shoulder. The others quickly followed her, all clambering to be first outside. 

Sighing, Elide turned back to get her phone as Nehemia popped her head inside. “Ready for lunch?” 

“You know it,” Elide replied, getting her long wool coat and slipping her arms through the sleeves. “Where do you want to eat?” 

The school that they worked at was located in a quiet pocket of downtown Orynth, which meant that they had plenty of options within walking distance. Nehemia hummed in consideration, “I don’t know, I’m really craving something hot. Maybe a sandwich too.” 

“Ooh, that sounds good,” Elide said, shivering slightly as they walked outside and were hit with a gust of chilly wind. “Do you want to just go to the cafe, then?” 

Nehemia nodded, waving at a few of her students, “Yeah, that sounds good.” She looped her arm through Elide’s and tucked herself in closer. “Gods, it’s freezing.” 

Elide laughed, “It’s barely even fall, Mia. You’ve lived here for years, how are you not used to it!” 

“I’m a delicate Eyllwe blossom, I can’t be out here in this weather,” Nehemia pouted. 

“Yeah, you need your big strong man to warm you up.”

Nehemia wiggled her brows, smiling wickedly, “Oh, in more ways than one, my dearest.” She cackled as Elide made a face and shook her head. 

“I really walked right into that one,” she grumbled, her face changing into a smile as she waved at Esther, who was occupying herself on the swings, going higher and faster with every pass. 

“No Kohana today? Poor Esther,” Nehemia commented, catching the way Elide’s face fell. “What happened? Did you sleep with Lorcan again?” she joked, nudging Elide with her elbow. When Elide didn’t answer, Nehemia gasped, “You did?” 

Elide shook her head, “No, but we kissed. In the gods-damned cubby.” 

“When?” 

“Last night. After the Parent-Teacher thing.” Elide rested her head on Nehemia’s shoulder. “I stopped it.” 

“But you didn’t want to.” 

“No, I didn’t want to.” They walked out of the school grounds, making their way down the sidewalk. “It… it just feels like we should’ve been more. I walked out and he walked out and it felt so… ordinary.” If she wanted any ending, it was harsh words and anger, after something long and true. Screaming, tears - anything was better than the two of them letting go.

Nehemia gave her a snug hug, “I’m sorry. But are you sure that was your ending? What’s stopping you from going for it?” 

“Everything. We just can’t.” 

+*+*+*+*+*+*

It was getting late and Kohana was barely awake. Lorcan pushed the plate of cut up pancakes his way, “C’mon, just five bites, ok?” 

Kohana sighed and put Robert, his stuffed hippo, to the side. “Ok, Dad.” Dresenda, sitting beside him in the corner booth, chuckled and wisely ate her own waffles, knowing Kohana would be quick to glare at her uneaten food. Kid’s got the best glare in the game, a fierce and menacing frown that no one would expect from such a sweetie. 

They were sitting in an old diner, one they’d gone to for years - just Lorcan and Essar, and eventually Kohana too. They’d had a busy day after going to see Essar at around noon, then going to the beach where Kohana hunted for treasure. Dresenda had met up with them again, red-eyed as she played with Kohana and sat in silence with Lorcan. 

Kohana munched on steadily, finishing his five bites before shoving the plate away. “Done. All done.” 

The two adults smiled and Dresenda gave him a high five, “Good job, kiddo.” Kohana giggled and babbled on as the adults finished their food, picking up Robert and playing around with him while Lorcan went to pay. 

Kohana and Dresenda walked up to wait at the counter beside Lorcan as he settled the tab. “Ready to go home, até,” Kohana said sleepily, hugging his stuffy to his side with one arm as he rubbed his big brown eyes with his other fist. 

Lorcan chuckled and picked him up, propping him on his side. “Yeah, you had a big day today, huh?” 

Nodding, Kohana rested his cheek on Lorcan’s shoulder and waved good-bye to Dresenda. “Bye-bye, Dee-Dee.” 

“See ya, kid,” she quipped, giving a two-fingered salute as she walked out to her motorcycle and shortly after drove off into the night. 

+*+*+*+*+*+*

“No no no,” Elide whined as her car started sputtering. “C’mon, girlie, we’re so close to home!” They weren’t - she’d gone to the good night market after her friend from college, Asterin, had called her during a twelve-hour layover on her way home to the Witch City. They’d gotten food from the stalls and spent a few hours catching up before parting ways. 

It seemed her pleas weren’t enough and she turned her blinkers on as she turned onto the shoulder of the highway, cursing herself in Blackbeak. She sighed and waited until it was safe to get out of her car, walking to the trunk to get her toolkit. 

She walked back to the engine and leaned through her open window, popping the pedal for the hood. Rolling up her sleeves, she lifted the hood and put her hands on her hips, staring down at the engine. “Alright, Bets. What’s wrong?” 

Elide felt a wave of heat coming off the engine, as well as a puff of steam, greater than it would normally be. She groaned in frustration and put her hair up, knowing it was the coolant reservoir leaking again. 

With an old car like hers, it cracked a lot and Elide had a feeling she wouldn’t be able to patch it up and get on with it. “Oh, fuck it all!” she yelled, remembering that the only mechanic she knew was Lorcan. “I am not happy with you,” Elide hissed at her car, narrowing her eyes as she unzipped her toolkit and took out a pair of pliers to switch off the battery. “Don’t want to get electrocuted today, no sir.” 

Elide got to work, making do with what she could just so she could get home. It was a Friday, which meant she would have the whole day tomorrow to bring Betsy in to the mechanic’s. 

She was humming a song she’d been using in her classroom to teach boundaries, physical and otherwise - she couldn’t help it, they were ridiculously catchy, when a truck pulled off to the side. Elide froze, subtly grabbing the heaviest wrench she could and stepping out beside the driver’s door, just so she wouldn’t be caged in with nowhere to go. A hulking figure climbed out of the truck, “Hey. You ok?” 

Oh, fuck it all. No, there was no way this was real right now. Elide scowled up at the skies, asking her gods, What did I do to deserve this? “Hi, Lorcan.” 

He stopped, a hand lifting up to rub his brow, “Elide?” 

“Yep. Coolant reservoir gave out again,” she said while gesturing with her wrench towards her car. Lorcan raised a brow at the too-large tool, approaching warily. Elide huffed a laugh, “I didn’t know who you were and I can’t take any chances. You know, being a woman and all.” 

“I fucking hate men,” he said under his breath. “D’you mind if I take a look?” 

“Please, be my guest,” she said, moving out of the way so he could see. Lorcan nodded and rolled up his sleeves and her mouth definitely did not water at the sight of his sinewy forearms, bronze skin marked with black tribal ink. 

Elide leaned back against her door and crossed her arms, trying so hard to not blurt out why Kohana hadn’t been at school and why he hadn’t said a thing. Lorcan tinkered around for a few minutes and then stood up, wiping his hands on the rag she passed him. “I don’t think you should drive… Betsy, that’s her name, right?” 

Laughing, Elide nodded and he smiled, “Ok, so, it’s not safe for you to drive her home, from the looks of it it’s been leaking for a while. I can, um, I can give you a ride home if you want.” 

“Oh. Ok. Yeah, that’d be great,” she said, slowly packing up her things and grabbing her purse and keys. 

“I’ll get the tow truck out here tomorrow and you can pop over tomorrow.” 

“Perfect.” It was really anything but, but she could handle a half hour ride in an enclosed vehicle with him, right? That was a silly question, of course she could. She was an adult, so was he, they could be professional. 

Lorcan led the way to his truck and, like a perfect gentleman, opened and closed her door for her. Elide looked around and saw Kohana seated in a booster seat, head rolled to the side as he slept. She had a feeling the only thing that was keeping him from falling to the floor was the seatbelt. He was so cute, his chubby cheeks rosy, his thick lashes brushing against his face. 

Lorcan swung himself into his seat and turned the car on with his right hand, using his left to grab his seatbelt and click it into space. A flash of silver caught her attention and she turned her gaze to his left hand, noticing he was wearing a silver band on his ring finger. Elide remembered that band, recalled how it had hung from a chain during their one-night tryst. 

He must’ve felt her staring as he let a car pass before pulling back onto the road. “Is there something wrong?” 

Elide felt her cheeks flush at being caught and shook her head, “No, no, it’s, um, you didn’t wear your… ring. Before, you wore it on a chain.”

Stiffening slightly, Lorcan nodded, tight-lipped. “Yeah, I wear it on the anniversary. Of my wife’s passing.” He didn’t offer anymore than that and Elide felt her stomach drop. She shouldn’t have said anything. As if sensing that she was looking for a way to shove her foot in her mouth, Lorcan spoke again, “That’s why Ko wasn’t at school today - I told the office, but I guess they didn’t tell you?” 

“No, they- they didn’t. I’m sorry for your loss,” she said, offering condolences. She knew how those words sounded, had heard them so often in the years following her parents’ death but… she truly meant them. “Really, I know how those words sound, but I mean them. No one deserves pain like that.” 

They looked at each other, like recognizing like. A soft snort interrupted the moment and they both looked into the back, where Kohana was slowly waking up. He blinked, rubbing his wide eyes with his fist. Kohana startled when he saw Elide and smiled shyly, “Hi-hi.” 

“Hey, Kohana. It’s nice to see you,” she said, waving at him. “How are you?” 

“Sleepy,” he yawned, grabbing what appeared to be a stuffed hippopotamus. “This is Robert. He my hippo-po.” 

Elide chuckled, “Well, it’s very nice to meet you, Robert. Did you guys have a good day today?” 

Kohana nodded slowly, his face growing sad, “Yup. Saw mama and auntie D and went to the beach. I hunted-ed for treasure.” 

“Oh, wow, really? What did you find?” 

“No treasure, but I sawed a jellyfish. Dad told me it was a moon one. It looked like see-through jello,” he told her, yawning once again. “Then we had pancakes at the diner.” 

“Pancakes? I’m more of a waffles gal myself.” 

“Dad too. He doesn’t like pancakes.” His eyes drooped and his head bobbed. Slowly, Kohana fell asleep again and snored gently. 

Lorcan looked in the rearview mirror and smiled at the sight, asking Elide quietly, “So, what’s your address?” 

“Oh, no, you should get Kohana to bed first. I can just get a cab or something from your place - it’s really no problem,” Elide insisted. Lorcan hesitated, but then he glanced back at Kohana and relented. 

“Thanks, he’s had a full day,” he said, turning onto the exit and then to the street that would take them to his neighbourhood. 

They fall into a semi-comfortable silence, listening to the radio. It wasn’t long before they pulled up in front of a quaint, two storey house. It had a porch that went along half of the front and wrapped onto the right side. The other half of the front was taken up by large bay windows and most of the other sides of the house had huge windows, no doubt letting the sun and natural light just spill in. 

The yard was a decent size and well maintained, a gorgeous garden with every flower imaginable beneath the bay windows, a trellis with jasmine, she assumed, snaking up between the windows and the porch.

Elide climbed out of the truck and waited while Lorcan carefully gathered Kohana up in his arms, carrying the sleeping child up the front stairs. Kohana woke up and wiggled to be put down once they reached the front door. Lorcan unlocked the door and Kohana pushed it open, carefully taking off his shoes before running off inside to the open-floored area as Lorcan paused, turning to Elide. “Do you want… a drink or something?” 

“Oh, sure. That’d be nice,” she said, nodding as Lorcan ushered her in. Elide took in her surroundings, the stairway directly to her right that went up and then turned to the left, disappearing to the next floor. She slipped off her shoes and looked at the living room and kitchen, taking in the lived-in space. It was cozy and warm here. 

Kohana came pattering back, precariously holding a fluffy cat under its arms. The cat seemed to resentfully accept its fate and looked to Elide with a deadened expression. “Oh, um, hi! Who’s this, Kohana?” 

“Tigger! He’s my kitty! Dad doesn’t like Tigger and Tigger doesn’t like Dad,” he informed her, bending his head down to kiss the top of Tigger’s head. “He was my mama’s kitty.” 

Elide chuckled and approached the duo, “You know, I’m more of a dog person myself. But I love kitties as well.” She reached out and softly petted Tigger’s head. “What a nice kitty.” 

Kohana nodded and smiled brightly, his cheeks dimpling. “He’s my bestest friend.” Elide smiled and startled as Kohana’s eyes widened and his mouth popped open. “Oh, no! No, Essie’s my bestest friend. Don’t tell her I said that, ok?” 

Elide nodded seriously, “I promise.” 

Kohana looked at her warily, shifting the cat to one arm. Good gods, Elide had to stifle the urge to take the cat away from him, Tigger looked like he was begging her for help. “Pinky promise?” Kohana asked, holding his pinky up.

Elide chuckled again and hooked her pinky around his, “Pinky promise, I won’t tell Esther.” 

Lorcan, who had been watching the exchange with something fond and soft in his eyes, cut in, “Prince, why don’t you go put Tigger down and go get your PJ’s on, yeah?” 

“Kay-Kay, até,” Kohana said, smiling sweetly before turning and speeding away to put Tigger down on one of the armchairs. They matched the black leather couch and were situated before the floor-to-ceiling bookshelf. 

“He’s so cute,” Elide said, toying with the butterfly pendant on her necklace. Lorcan smiled, a genuine smile, and ducked his head. 

“Thanks. He’s honestly my favourite person alive,” Lorcan said and they both walked in further, their arms bumping as they both moved at the same time. Elide let him go first and trailed behind him. The little one pushed past them on his way up to his room, going as quickly as he could. 

Lorcan motioned for her to seat herself at the island bar as he went to the cupboard and got two glasses. “What can I get you?” 

“Water’s fine,” she said, clasping her hands on the butcher block countertop. Lorcan nodded and opened the fridge to grab the pitcher of cold water, filling her glass to halfway and placing it before her. 

“I’m gonna go to the bathroom,” he said, nodding once before he walked away. 

Elide took her glass and stepped onto the floor, looking to snoop around. Her eyes went to the fireplace mantle, trailing over the framed photos. Most of them were of Kohana and Lorcan, as well as a smiling woman. Elide recognized the ta moko*  marking her lips and chin, the traditional body art of the Bogdano people.

She had the same light brown eyes as Kohana did and Lorcan always seemed to look at her with an awed expression. Utterly beautiful, she was a petite, raven-haired beauty with warm brown skin. She seemed like the sun incarnate. 

Her attention was locked on one photo of the woman - her brow furrowed in concentration as she cut a wave in two, more traditional ink marking her outstretched arms, looking one with the sapphire blue waters on top of her board when two little feet padded down the stairs. “Elide?” 

She turned and smiled at Kohana, “Hi, Kohana. I was looking at the pictures. Is this your mom?” 

Kohana smiled brightly and nodded, running over to her side. “Yeah, that’s my momma.” He sat down on the thick carpet in front of the TV, opening the cupboard and dragging out a thick photo album. “More pit-churs in here. Come-come, sit-sit.” 

Elide obliged him and sat down cross-legged next to him as he opened the album on his stretched out legs. “See, this is my kōkara. She’s not here anymore but she misses me and loves me very much, you know.” 

She nodded, smiling as he gushed about his mother, pointing to all of the pictures. He talked and talked, until they had flipped to the last page, where there was a photo of Lorcan and the same sunshiny woman. Lorcan was carrying her on his back and she had her arms raised, her face tilted to the sun as she smiled. Lorcan was smiling too, his eyes crinkled against the sun. 

“Mama’s favourite colour is blue, like the Oro sea. That’s where she did surfing,” Kohana told her, carefully closing the album and putting it away. He stood up, picking at the hem of his pajamas. They were pale blue with otters on them. “I miss my mama.” 

Elide stood as well and grabbed her left wrist, rubbing her thumb over the raven tattoo she’d gotten for her mother. “I miss my mama too.” She felt someone’s gaze on her and turned around, spotting Lorcan leaning against the bookshelf, looking at her with something too heavy for her so she looked away. She’d never seen someone’s eyes hold that much depthless sadness. 

She suddenly found the wood grain of the mantle very interesting as Lorcan said, “Ko, you ready for bed?” 

“Yup!” Kohana ran off to Lorcan, launching himself into his father’s arms. “Night-night, Elide.” 

That had her turning and offering what she hoped was a gentle smile. Off of her student’s confused expression, it was anything but. “Goodnight, Kohana. It’s pretty late, I should go.” 

“Dad,” Kohana whispered, only it was way too loud and Elide graciously pretended she couldn’t hear him. “Can we have a sleepover? Like with Essie!” 

It was out of her control when her head snapped up and Lorcan stiffened, looking at her dead in the eyes as he swallowed and said, his voice ragged, “No, Elide’s gonna sleep at her house. We’ll see her tomorrow, for her car, ok?” 

“Oh. Ok. Bye-bye, Elide.” 

“Bye, Kohana. Thank you for showing me,” Elide lamely gestured towards the closed cupboard and the photo album behind it. “It was nice.” 

Kohana smiled, unaware of the awkwardness settling over them. Elide had never been more keenly aware of the amount of distance between her and another human. “See you tomorrow.” 

She repeated the phrase as Lorcan carried him upstairs and Elide moved to the front door, quickly grabbing her things, putting on her jacket and slipping out the door after putting her shoes on. She couldn’t… she couldn’t deal with saying good-bye to Lorcan, for the umpteenth time. Every time she said it, he was shoved back into her life and this burgeoning feeling of friendly familiarity couldn’t happen anymore. 

Lorcan was the parent of her student. Lorcan was her sister’s boyfriend’s brother. Lorcan was her mechanic. Lorcan was the guy she’d had a one night stand with. Emphasis on one night. 

They were not friends, they were not lovers, they were nothing more than acquaintances. 

Elide wiped away tears as she latched the front gate shut behind her and cursed herself for them. They were barely together. Nothing they did merited her tears. Or anyone’s, for that matter. 

She was walking down the sidewalk when she heard a low voice call her name. “Elide.” 

Despite the voice in her head that was telling her to keep her head down and keep walking, Elide turned, seeing Lorcan standing at the top of his front steps. “Yes?” Something akin to grief rippled through his dark irises and he swallowed once.

“Her name was Essar.”

+*+*+*+*+*+*

an: *Ta Moko is the traditional tattooing of the Maori people! You can learn more here and here and here (video) 

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