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password-door-lock · 2 years ago

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From the pale pink wallpaper to the rose gold chandelier, everything looks deliberate, as if the room were decorated just for you… or, at least, as if it were cleaned very thoroughly immediately prior to your arrival. Before you can stop yourself, you run a tentative hand over the shining accents on the walls, lips parting in silent wonder as you attempt to determine whether the panel molding is plated with real metal leaf or just shiny paper. Either way, someone has clearly gone through a great deal of trouble to coordinate the metallic trim with the freshly-polished light fixture in the center of the room. A row of black and white photos hang in dark wood frames above the bed; upon inspection, you recognize only the Eiffel Tower, but imagine that the rest depict famous landmarks as well.

And the bed itself… you know you would stick out like a sore thumb if anyone could see you testing it out. You’ve never laid on anything so luxurious before, and your oversized hoodie and jeans feel out-of-place and scratchy against the impressive linens. The mattress makes you very aware of just how old the one you have at home is— if you had the budget to splurge on something new, this is what you would get. You make a mental note to ask Ray to refer you to his mattress supplier after you finish testing the game. The pillows are beyond plush; they seem to rise and meet your head as you sink back into them. The misty rose bedspread must be made of silk or some equally exquisite material, you decide as you raise yourself off of it. You can only imagine that the sheets will be just as comfortable, but you know that if you tuck yourself into bed now, you may forsake any further exploration in favor of sleeping.

The runner at the foot of the bed features bubblegum flowers against a blush background, a perfect complement to the delicate floral upholstery on the chairs at the center of the room. These, with their golden frames, sit on opposite sides of a small round table with a vase full of flowers positioned atop it. Your limited knowledge of flora in general and your inability to identify the blooms on the table (or the ones by your bed, for that matter) do nothing to stop you from admiring the purple flowers, and then the white ones in turn. They all look so beautiful that, were it not for the Eastertide scent that they project throughout the room, you would be inclined to believe that they were made of plastic.

You push aside the gossamer curtains for a moment and find, to your delight, that your room overlooks a sprawling garden, complete with hedges and floral awnings, which blooms with a vengeance across a series of plots and planters. It is wild and tame at once, nature bent to the will of some very talented gardener and their precise aesthetic vision. No wonder the flowers in the vases are so well-formed… they must have come from outside. You wonder, momentarily, what a game development company could possibly be doing with such an extravagant garden: but the answer occurs to you as quickly as the question did. It must be to boost the morale of the workers, since just looking out the window is having such a positive effect on your mood. You make a mental note to ask Ray about it, anyway— maybe if you bring it up, he might invite you out to get a closer look, and a little extra information wouldn’t hurt. Clearly you have a lot to learn about the world of game design: before this morning, you had no idea that companies hired random strangers to live onsite and test their games!

You imagine that Ray must have come across your resume online and decided that you fit the bill, though you have no idea where to even begin with what the bill might be for a mobile game app tester. Or maybe you’ve played one of his games before without even knowing it, and he figured that his new project would be something you’d like. Shaking your head, you allow the curtains to close, willing yourself away from the window and over to the closet at the opposite end of the room. Before leaving home, you shoved a few spare outfits into your bag, but you’d admittedly been more focused on rounding up such necessities as your toothbrush, wallet, and phone. In the closet, however, you find a seemingly endless supply of clothing; each extravagant garment seems well-made and impressive in its own right. Everything bears a strong floral scent, as if it had just been washed, though you figure that a good deal of the shirts hanging in front of you must be dry-clean only. They are organized by color, and although many of the pieces are a bit extreme for your tastes, accented with outrageous ruffles or perplexing combinations of ribbons, puffs, and lace, nothing looks as if it would be particularly unflattering on you. You can’t say that this wardrobe was curated with your personal style in mind, but you understand immediately that it was brought here for you. Does this game development company employ a team of stylists, too?

You pull a few shirts out of the closet, careful not to damage their elaborate accent pieces, and determine that each of them is roughly your size, with a negligible amount of variation between them. You would expect such fancy clothes to be stiff, but like the bed linens and the curtains, everything in the closet is pleasant to the touch, soft but sturdy. You replace the shirts and redirect your attention to the impressive dresser, which is of antiquated style and features not only drawers but a hat box. One of the drawers is empty— Ray and his contemporaries must have expected you to bring a few things of your own— but the other three are filled with pieces as exquisite as the ones in the closet and a few slightly less-decorated nightclothes, all of which still feature at least a subtle hint of lace. They remind you of the costumes from a period drama, or what a character in a fairy tale might wear— whoever left these things here for you evidently had a certain aesthetic in mind. You blush at the thought that Ray, with his tailored jacket and antiquated waistcoat, might have had something to do with this. Surely he would be too busy to go to so much trouble just for you.

You really do feel like royalty when you open the hat box and discover that it contains not hats but spools of ribbon, along with an ornate jewelry box in the same shade of pink as the wallpaper. You fiddle with the golden latch for a moment before the box springs open; you slam it shut and force the closure nearly as quickly. Surely that pearl necklace, those silver earrings, and that bejeweled bracelet must not be for you? You’re willing to believe that the game developers have supplied you with clothes, but fine jewelry… that seems a little much. You realize with a start that you’re still wearing your shoes and quickly toe them off, carrying them back over to the closet and setting them on beside the others on the shoe rack. You hadn’t noticed it before, but now the five odd pairs of shoes are obvious to you… they’re all very nice, ranging from silk slippers to leather loafers, but none are very practical. Your own sneakers are probably some of the only ones on the rack that would be able to handle getting wet, though it does not escape your notice that everything appears to be your size. How on Earth did anyone get ahold of that kind of information? Maybe you should start actually reading the terms of service agreements associated with the games you download.

After inspecting the fine white carpet for anything you might have tracked in (thankfully, despite their years of wear, your sneakers were relatively clean when you arrived), you make your way to the ensuite, which is just as magnificent as the bedroom is. The cool porcelain tub could be a work of art, with its elaborate clawed gold feet and spacious off-white body. Not for the first time, you wonder whether the gold is real or just for show. The vanity, in white marble with gold accents, looks equally as impressive, and out of the same curiosity that has gotten you this far, you cannot help but open the drawers. The first contains basic products— cotton swabs, toothpaste (in the brand you normally buy, no less!), a hairbrush, and deodorant (also in your typical brand). Your tastes must be so basic, if your hosts just happened to buy everything you normally use. But maybe that’s a good thing— after all, you wouldn’t get it if you didn’t like it, and you’ll admit that you were worried about not having your normal toiletries during your extended stay away from home.

The second drawer is stocked with skincare: the cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and scrub are all the same as the ones you use at home, but there are also several other products you don’t recognize, each with a function more mysterious than the last. You’ve never gotten into skincare enough to understand gels or serums, but the masks look like they would be fun to try if you have any downtime in between playing the game and chatting with Ray. The last drawer contains even more products, including but not limited to a package of very fancy-looking French soap and a few bottles of salon-quality shampoo and conditioner. The razor, securely placed in a travel-safe container, is the same as the one you have at home, but the shaving cream beside it looks a little bit out of your price range. Even the cleaners under the sink look high-quality, with labels professing their all-natural gentleness. Not that you need them right now, anyway— the place is spotless, from the shining mirror to the marble countertops to the pale pink bath mat.

Once you run out of places to explore, you return to the main room and take a seat on the bed, mind racing even more than it was when Ray left. By now, you’re certain that the company you’re testing for must be responsible for some very popular games, if they can afford all this. Do all the employees here live in such luxury? You decide that they must— after all, you’re nothing special. But even so, now that you’ve seen where you’ll be staying, you’re excited to get to work testing the game… and to spend more time with the game developer who invited you to do so.

#mystic messenger #another story #mint eye #is this a drabble or a oneshot I genuinely do not know #there's no plot it's just room #everyone's favorite part of mystic messenger #a location #but this concept has also been living rent free in my head for days

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stampwithtami · 9 months ago

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Easter Lily Gift Set [Easter Lilies Series #5]

Crafting Elegance: A Handmade Gift Set Tutorial with a Touch of Light There's something inherently personal and touching about receiving a handmade gift. It's as if each fold, cut, and embellishment carries a piece of the creator's heart, thoughtfully molded into a tangible form. This sentiment is at the core of my latest creation—a handmade gift set that promises not just to dazzle but also to illuminate your loved one's day, quite literally. In addition to the Stampin' Up! Easter Lilies bundle, I used the Gorgeous Garden Dies with Vellum for the window. A Spark of Inspiration The journey into crafting this exquisite set began with the Stampin’ Up Easter Lilies stamp set and dies bundle. The allure of crafting something as delicate and symbolic as an Easter Lily, coupled with the innovative Square Pillowboxes, sparked a flame of creativity. The concept? A card that not only carries your heartfelt sentiments but if you add a tea light it casts a warm glow through the intricate 3D paper lilies adorning it. This isn't just a card; it's a beacon of warmth and affection, ideal for moments when words fall short. Versatility in Craft What strikes me most about this gift set is its versatile charm. Whether it's Easter, a tender sympathy message, a thoughtful pick-me-up, or a celebration of Mother’s Day, this creation resonates with the spirit of each occasion. The ability to adapt and fit seamlessly into these moments is what makes this gift set not just a card, but a keepsake. The Envelope: A Prelude to the Marvel Inside Choosing the right envelope is akin to selecting the perfect wrapping for a precious gift. For this creation, the slimline card finds its match in either a custom envelope—crafted to mirror the card's design with Designer Paper—or a standard business envelope, ensuring the first impression is as memorable as the message it conceals. PDF: Your Guide to Creation To bring this vision to life in your hands, I’ve laid out a roadmap in the form of step-by-step instructions, a handy template, precise measurements, and a comprehensive supply list. All of these resources are neatly compiled into a free PDF, designed to navigate you through the process of creating this illuminated marvel. Videos: A Visual Companion Understanding the intricacy of crafting 3D flowers and the myriad ways to bring them to life through color can be daunting. To ease this journey, I’ve shared two dedicated Easter Lilies videos. These visual guides are your companions, illuminating the path to creating those delicate lilies that are central to the card's charm. A Continuation of Creativity This project marks the 5th installment in my Easter Lilies Bundle Gift Set Series. It's a testament to the evolving nature of creativity and the endless possibilities that lie within the realm of paper crafting. Each installment is a step further into exploring the potential of simple materials to convey profound emotions and moments. Happy crafting! Tami INSTRUCTIONS & VIDEO TUTORIALS INSTRUCTIONS PDF �� The instructions include measurements and step by step directions to create this card. There is also a clickable supply list. DOWNLOAD PDF EASTER LILIES VIDEO ⬇ TRELLIS CARDS & EASTER LILIES VIDEO CLASS CIRCLE WREATH VIDEO CLASS On this video I demonstrate how to use the Watercolor Pencils with the Leaves. CIRCLE WREATH CARD CLASS SUPPLIES I USED ON THESE PROJECTS Click the thumbnail links to view and purchase in my Online Store. EASTER LILIES GIFT SET SERIES TUTORIALS EASTER LILIES GIFT SET #1 Click the thumbnails below for more free tutorials in my series. STAMPIN' UP! CATALOGS CURRENT SPECIALS PHOTOS This sentiment is at the core of my latest creation—a handmade gift set that promises not just to dazzle but also to illuminate your loved one's day, quite literally. The allure of crafting something as delicate and symbolic as an Easter Lily, coupled with the innovative Square Pillowboxes, sparked a flame of creativity. Add a tealight to this card and it glows The light from the tea light glows through the vellum. Whether it's Easter, a tender sympathy message, a thoughtful pick-me-up, or a celebration of Mother’s Day, this creation resonates with the spirit of each occasion. To bring this vision to life in your hands, I’ve laid out a roadmap in the form of step-by-step instructions, a handy template, precise measurements, and a comprehensive supply list. This project marks the 5th installment in my Easter Lilies Bundle Gift Set Series. It's a testament to the evolving nature of creativity and the endless possibilities that lie within the realm of paper crafting. A few more Square Pillow Boxes that I've created for this series. I have tutorials for all of the gift sets in this series above in the SERIES section. Want to save these ideas for later? Pin them to your favorite Pinterest board. Have you tried these designs? I love to see your creations! Be sure to share them on #shareyourcrafts post every Saturday on my Facebook Page Read the full article

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eternal3d2d · 9 months ago

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kyotakumrau · 4 years ago

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2021.03.10 USEN STUDIO COAST 1st session with Toshiya and Kyo

They changed the tables for some reason, going from two bigger rectangle ones to four one person round high tables.

Fujieda and Takabayashi came on stage, F greeted fans as usual and asked for the applause for the band members.

After a moment of waiting with bated breath, Toshiya appeared and Kyo after him.

Kyo wore a big light grey coat, white shirt, black (most likely Madara)short shorts, white socks with red print and big sneakers.

Toshiya had white shirt, pearls?, and black slacks.

They sat in order Ta, T, K, F from right to left.

T: [As it's an official event] so, I'm Toshiya, the bassist from DIR EN GREY.

K: I'm Kyo.

F: It's 1st time for T to attend a talk event this year, how do you feel?

T: normal.

F: you've played here even as the venue has a new name. But it's been while. How do you feel K?

K: just usual.

F: you don't feel like it's been a while?

K: not really.

T: playing at Rock-May-Kan definitely made me feel it's been a while. The place is so small. We played with no audience, it was a first time in RMK which felt so strange.

F: rehearsal felt normal.

T: yeah.

F: anything from then?

T: it was nice to see all the staff.

F: how about you, K? We watched the live footage in February, anything feels different?

K: ... I don't remember it anymore.

F: the recording was done a long time ago.

K: Can't remember. At all.

F: I want to ask... (K just started staring at him and that was the end of it😂).

Next, F talked about the leaflet (he also mentioned how awesome it is that camera can move and zoom in this time, was it for K?😆), the photo being quite shocking/impactful. Was shooting hard? Finished really quickly, right?

T: Yeah.

K: it was refreshing. I said it was refreshing/cool, I didn't lie. It's like coolness in summer. It's auspicious/celebratory. Celebrating being born. When you're being born it's never pretty. So I didn't lie before, not even once, I said it's like a cool wind, I just didn't say anything about the celebration part to avoid spoiling it.

F: so far K said Oboro is refreshing, like Taiyou no Ao, Kaoru said it's refreshing, but more like Myaku remix. Shinya said it's like '肉付きに龍(flesh and dragon)' How about you, T?

T: you will know when you listen to it. It's not something that can be explained with words.

F: what about TDFF?

K: it's also refreshing. I listened to the file yesterday, it's like a cream soda, refreshing with a bit of a mellow hint.

F: Vanilla flavor?

K: maybe not just vanilla, mixing other stuff in until it almost spills.

F: what do you think T?

T: ...so, refreshing then.

F: ok, it's refreshing.

K: and auspicious.

And auspicious.

F read the info about the May show in Tokyo Garden Theater and fans clapped.

T: it's been over a year since our last show in Japan, I'm really looking forward to it. In this condition holding concerts is not entirely called for, but we as DIR EN GREY have decided to do it. If you're able to please come.

K: it's been a long time since the last concert. But. Isn't it a weekday? Utterly a weekday. It's almost like bullying [the fans]. Shouldn't we try to book a better date for such an important concert? This is really so much like us.

F: it's just after Golden Week (a week long holiday in Japan).

K: people will be so busy getting back to work. (after F encouragement to say something inviting) So, I'm looking forward to the show when people will have to work because it's weekday (sarcasm by Kyo 👌)

Next was merchandise corner. F again asked us and band members to look at the flyer.

F: T, are there any items you really like?

T: all of them.

F: Shinya uses the tote bag in private now.

K: Did you actually saw him use it?

F: he had it yesterday.

K: huh.

Ta: can we really say yesterday was using it in private though?

Next F showed us the hoodie and the towel, holding the towel up.

K: you should present it more properly.

F held it properly so we could see the whole towel, but K continued to give him dissatisfied look😆

Next F talked about the travel pouch saying it's useful when you travel on the tour you can hang it as it has a small hook.

K started to point out the problems with F explanation, where to hang it, isn't it better to just put on the table, the hook is then useless. A hook for a bag you will put on the table, what. You're terrible at explaining the merch.

😂

T: isn't that for shower room?

F: to put shampoo in and so on?

K just stares at F, that face oh my🤣

F: we talked about it being for shower stuff but we worried about it being waterproof.

K: You actually don't know, do you?🤦‍♂️ are you a scam? Why don't you know??? You should know more about the items!

F: I will properly check!

K: with who?

F: with the merchandiser!

K just looked at him😂

F: but you can probably use it safely in the shower💦

Kyo stared...🤣

F: T, do you have any favorites?

T (after giving him a look): I said all.

F: you, K?

K: the hoodie. The picture in the back was done by my tattoo artist, on my request. I really like it.

F passed them their keychains, K just kept staring at them.

T: why are there 2 types?

F: I wonder. It's for Ochita, so one normal outfit and one bloody. Details are really nice.

And then it was time for the questions from fans.

F: there are many questions about movies, anime etc you've watched recently. K?

K: Evangelion. Not gonna spoil it, but please watch it on a big screen.

T: I want to watch Eva!

F: Ta, are you also an Eva fan?

Ta: I watched the old series, haven't seen the new ones.

Ta: there are many Q to and about F. "Most band members are from Kansai, F do you feel alienated by that?"

F: I'm from Tokyo, but not even a bit.

Ta: where exactly? Do you go back a lot?

F: my old neighborhood doesn't change, it's actually around here. Definitely no alienation.

F: "what's your favourite icecream?" There are many Q asking about sweets. How about you, K?

K: Icecream, I like Cola flavoured Sacre. And the melonpan with icecream inside, when I see that in the shop I always buy like 3. Recently not many shops have it.

F: so when you see it you always get them.

K: Yes.

F: get like 3.

K: Yes.

F: how about you, T? Recently it's a bit cold.

T: hah! I don't recently eat icecream. But I like fruity ones. I like rum raisin.

F: any questions you like, T?

While T was deciding which Q to read K just popped his papers on F's desk😂

T: "what was your first impression of other members when you first met? And how have they changed?"

F: so T will tell us about K.

T: the impression when we first met?

K: was it at Farm? In Nagoya?

T: Farm? I went to see some taiban event at GIO and we met there.

F: where is GIO?

T: in Ichikawa. And we talked there. Has he changed? Of course he has, but I thought he is someone who can laugh very carefree.

F: it was a taiban event of different bands.

T: yeah.

F: How about T, K?

K: it's bit muddled, but I remember best T playing guitar. And the strongest memory I have is T going crazy playing guitar.

F: how about other members? Kaoru?

T: I remember we didn't talk much, just said hi.

F: you met them at GIO. what about Die?

T: he was very talkative, very easy to talk to.

F: Shinya?

T: just passed by.

F: you didn't talk?

T: Just hello.

F told them how D described meeting S. Then he asked Kyo about Kaoru.

K: we met at taiban event, he was playing guitar in a band called Charm. I was impressed with his photo on the flyer. I thought he was very cool, and calm.

F: what ablut Die?

K: I found him through a flyer looking for new band members I thought he was cool. and then there was a taiban.

F: what about S?

K chuckled first😂: I remember he had a bob hair and a very long earring, just one, like a chain. And that earring was moving when he was talking. I remember that.

Ta: has he changed?

K: His looks changed, but he didn't change inside.

Ta: oh.

K: Just gradually ...got weirder. I think he hates humans. But he has many friends he does riddles with. He knows so many people, too many, he uses social media so much, I have no idea who he's hanging out with, but he even has photos with Dewi Sukarno. He probably doesn't hate humans, just hates his band members. Hates people who know about the past.

😂

Ta: "S said he's using tour merch like tshirts, how about you?"

T: 使うやつが使うね・I use stuff that's ok to use. From this event I'd use the travel pouch and usb.

K: I use our items a lot, like towels or hoodies.

F: "what's your favourite meat cut?"

K: skirt steak.

T: skirt steak or offal.

F: I love skirt steak too! - he the continued to talk about meat how good are some parts until he noticed both T and K looks🤣

F: " do you prefer bath or shower? What time do you take bath?"

K: in the evening. But when I have a fresh tattoo I can't take a bath for about 2 weeks, then I take a shower.

F: do tattoos hurt in a bath?

K: They hurt or sting. It's like an injury so like a cut it stings in a bath. Did you think tattos are like a stamp?!

F: it seems it's tough.

Ta: you know tattoos are allowed in our company...

I loved Ta's jab, but what came after this from Kyo was just pure ❤️🤣

K: I will even buy a tattoo machine and do it so you F can get a tattoo.

F: what kind of desing?

K: a giraffe. On your back. Wouldn't it be more scary than oni or a dragon? I'm serious (he was trying so hard not to laugh😂), it's the scariest option, a giraffe.

F: you would design it?

K: Of course. A yellow one. Guys who have scribble/doodle like tattoos are the really scary ones! A yellow giraffe.

F: Let me think about it.

K: please do!

🤣🤣🤣

F: how about you T, a bath or shower?

T: sometimes a lomg bath, sometimes a ahort one, sometimes a shower.

T: "do you eat sweets?" I don't really. if anything, then chocolate.

F: what type?

T: My favorite was Kirinokibune (霧の浮舟, a bit like Aero. Has been discountinued).

F: I'll check it, you K?

K: isn't half of me sweets?😆

F: what do you like recently?

K: cookies, chocolate cookies.

F: from Morinaga? (big chocolate company in Japan, you can find it in every supermarket etc)

K: Morinaga? I don't like soft cookies, they have to be hard, chocolate cookie with chocolate. Recently, near Harajuku station there's a shop with a red fluffy character that looks like MUCC, I love their cookies.

Then F suggested sth only older people would know it and if looks could kill F would be anihilated by K on the spot🤣

F: last Q, let's choose something easy to answer.

F: "what do you like to eat with rice? I like umeboshi (pickled plum)"

T: in Nagano we eat nametake.

F was a bit clueless how to eat it etc and made T explain more.

F: you K?

K: I don't care. Don't you just eat it with side dishes? No one eats only rice with pickled plum? It's not postwar period!

F: so what side dishes do you like?

K: Sushi.

🤣

F: ...sushi?? Isn't that a bit different??

K: you eat fish with rice, no?

F: so what sushi do you like?

K: fatty cut of flounder fin(あぶりのえんがわ)

And finally last comments:

Toshiya: thank you for today, DIR has decided to hold a concert with audience in May, please come if you can. But you have to decide that for yourself. We made our decision.

Kyo: I don't have anything, as usual. ...your t-shirts will increase, it's hard for people living far from Tokyo, nothing much to say.

F: you mean you will like to see everyone in May and so on?

K: I said I have nothing to say, didn't I?!💢

#dir en grey #kyo #京 #toshiya #目黒鹿鳴館gig #爆音会 #talk event #attempt at live report #新木場studio coast

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tardistimes · 4 years ago

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Perplexing Presents

Summary: There was a box underneath the wrapping and you pulled the lid off. Nestled inside was a pendant made of polish stone, looped around a fine gold chain. Dangling it from the end of your finger, you admired the way it caught the light, setting off shades of blue which painted your skin. “This is beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like it. Where did you get it?” The Master wasn’t ready to disclose that type of information yet, so O carefully answered, “Covent Garden.”

For @imthedoctorlove's birthday. Sorry it's a bit belated!

Series: The Master's Maniacal Misadventures Part 5

Word Count: 6365

AO3 link here.

“What’s this?” You asked curiously, looking at the box before you – wrapped in violet paper and tied with lilac coloured ribbon.

“A present.” O stated sardonically. “You open it.”

Rolling your eyes, you assured him you were familiar with the concept. “But it’s not my birthday or anything. So what’s the occasion?”

“Just saw it and thought of you.” He shrugged.

Intrigue building, you tugged at the ribbon and prised apart the paper. You were slightly bewildered O had got you anything, it was only over the last month you had started to consider him a friend. Until C had partnered you on a job, you’d only seen each other at briefings or around the department. He seemed like most analysts. Cautious, intelligent and prone to bouts of smugness. There was something more to O, however. What, you weren’t sure yet, however you couldn’t deny how pleased you were with the current arrangement. He made for an interesting partner.

His gift left you hopeful that your interest was reciprocated.

You were careful not to rip the wrapping, finding the colour too beautiful to tear.

O tutted at you impatiently. “Open it!”

“I’m saving the paper.” You retorted, going even slower just for badness.

There was a box underneath the wrapping and you pulled the lid off. Nestled inside was a pendant made of polish stone, looped around a fine gold chain. Dangling it from the end of your finger, you admired the way it caught the light, setting off shades of blue which painted your skin.

“This is beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like it. Where did you get it?”

The Master wasn’t ready to disclose that type of information yet, so O carefully answered, “Covent Garden.”

Grinning up at him, you offered it over. Frowning, he accepted the piece – thinking you were rejecting it – until you turned on your toes and pulled your hair up.

Stepping close, O looped the chain around your neck and secured the clasp, his fingers brushing gently against you. The pendant settled just below the hollow of your throat, a chill from the metal inlay offering a pleasant weight against your suddenly warm skin.

“Thank you.” You said, ducking your head as you moved away.

“You’re welcome.” O smirked. He noticed the slight blush on the nape of your neck before your hair dropped back in place and was happy to secure his desired outcome. “I hope you like it.”

You assured him, “I love it. I can’t believe you found it at Covent Garden. It’s so unusual. Thank you so much.”

“It was nothing. I’m just glad you liked it.”

Looking up at his innocent expression, you had to take a deep breath before redirecting your attention to the work at hand. C had personally requested the report you were both working on, and you didn’t dare keep him waiting. Luckily, O thought along the same lines.

“Come on. I booked one of the conference rooms so we can spread out while we work.”

Following him, you waited until his back was turned to lift your hand to the pendant again.

* * *

On his last day at MI6, you found another present in your office. It was wrapped in the same shades of purple but, unlike the first time, O wasn’t waiting eagerly by your side to see your reaction to his gift. You hesitated, wondering if you should wait for him before opening it.

Heading into the bullpen, you asked one of your colleagues, “Have you seen O anywhere?”

E dropped her voice conspiratorially, “I heard C had him clear out his desk this morning.”

You felt the bottom drop from your stomach.

“What?” You exclaimed, certain you had misheard.

“I know. Apparently, he and C had an argument this morning.”

“Has he left already?”

“G said he saw security accompany O out the building.” She caught sight of your distressed expression and added, “Sorry.”

“That’s… that’s okay. I’m just surprised is all.”

“Right.”

Returning to your office, you shut the door and picked up the gift O had left you. Did he know it was his last day, was that why he gave it to you? Or was it a spontaneous act, like the pendant? The one you wore every day. When O had noted it, you shrugged, making up some excuse that it was the only piece you owned suitable for work. In reality, you never took it off; not even at home. It gave hope to the blooming crush you didn’t like to acknowledge and certainly didn’t want him to know about, which is why you tried to act nonchalant whenever he mentioned the gift.

Unwrapping the present, you found another box; slightly larger than the first one he had given you. Expecting another piece of jewellery, you were surprised to find a pair of gloves. They were made with beautifully quilted plum velvet, lined with black fur. They would replace your lost pair perfectly – the ones you had bemoaned to O about last week – and you eagerly slipped them on. If he were with you, you would have clapped your hands happily but, on your own, the gloves were quickly tugged off.

Tracing your fingers over the pair, you were once again touched by the offering. Unlike the first time, however, you couldn’t use it to bolster your affection for O. He had left without a word and, after fruitlessly rooting through the wrapping, you saw there was no note to get in touch. Your friendship was confined to the walls of the office and, with that bond broken, there was no way to get in touch with him. You didn’t even know his real name.

Slumping in your office chair, you reached up to twist the pendant between your fingers. For a split second, you were tempted to pull it off and sever the bond from both ends. The memory of O placing it around your neck however made you keep it on.

You might never see him again, but at least you had something to remember him by.

* * *

The jump with O made your head spin and stomach convulse so violently that, for a split second, you thought you might vomit, but then a strong hand pushed you into a chair and everything settled.

“What the…”

“Vortex Manipulator.” He huffed. “Primitive but effective. If you’re going to vomit, do it in the sink.”

You glanced up at him with bleary eyes.

“I was going to say what the fuck.”

He smiled back, a wide manic grin, unlike anything you had seen before. Part of you wanted to cower at the sight yet it was impossible not to see O in his features.

O wouldn’t hurt you.

“You know the Doctor?”

“I’m her best enemy.” He restated. “Keep up. You’re usually better than this.”

“Excuse me for being somewhat blindsided.” You complained, the events of the last two days cycling rapidly through your mind. After a normal morning at work, the Doctor crashed through your office, talking rapidly to the group accompanying her about an old friend only known as O. She became excited as you revealed your shared connection to the man, interrogating you on your past work together and what you knew of his current activities. The next thing you knew you were in a box that was larger on the inside, hurtling through space and arriving in the middle of nowhere, only to find O waiting for you.

Except he wasn’t O.

“What did you say your name was again?”

“The Master.”

“No, but seriously.” You implored, “Who are you?”

Spreading his arms, he gestured towards the TARDIS console which had materialised amidst his shack since your last visit. “You really need me to spell it out? I thought you were better.”

Not caring for his derisive tone, you bit back. “I’m sorry. I guess I’m having trouble accepting the fact that my former colleague, who – call me crazy for thinking so – I’d always presumed was human, is, in fact, an alien. Who, like the Doctor, can travel through space. Something I only found out was possible two days ago…”

“I told you about the Doctor before.”

Letting out an exasperated breath, you didn’t acknowledge his remark.

“…And now, on top of that insanity, you just killed four people.”

He grinned enthusiastically. “Impressed?”

“No!”

His amusement was not diminished.

“You’ll come around. Besides, the Doctor’s not dead. Not yet at least. She’s with the Kasaavins.”

“What are you planning to do? I guess you’re not done.”

“We’ve barely begun. Now,” O clapped his hands together, “I have a meeting. Stay in your room, I don’t need you getting in my way. And try not to get lost.”

“How would I get lost? You only have three rooms and I’ve been in them all already.”

Somehow his grin widened, teeth bared and sharp.

Backing away, bewildered by the man before you and eager to be nowhere near him, you retreated from the main room. Opening a door that should have led into the only bedroom, you instead found a dauntingly long corridor. Its walls were coated in unrelenting metal from which the harsh lights above gleamed over the edges.

You glanced over your shoulder at the homey shack and the Master whose eyes bored into yours.

“Fourth door on your right.” He instructed before turning back to the central console.

Doors of different varieties broke up the space at random intervals, and you counted them out as you hesitantly walked along the hall. The first was tall and grandeur, the second barely reached your knee, and the third was etched in strange symbols you couldn’t comprehend. The fourth was somehow strangest, looking the most normal. It was proportioned like those on Earth, the kind you would find in any home, although the design was more intricate with floral inlay highlighted in greens and purples. Settling your hand on the door handle, a glass knob that appeared to contain dried flowers, you almost pushed your way forward.

Suddenly dreading what lay on the other side, you paused where you were. You had never been scared of O but that wasn’t the man who directed you. The Master was a different beast, an entirely unpredictable one and your heart hammered at the thought. He had killed the Doctor’s friends with no hint of remorse, consigned his oldest enemy to another dimension, and now – what was he going to do with you? Did your time with O mean anything to the Master or was it all a game? What lay on the other side of the door? Was it a means to your demise or a room like he said?

Your only other option was to return to the Master, a choice which did not appeal. Not while you still saw O; longed to go over to him, hug him close and then slap him for leaving without a goodbye.

Opening the door you were met by a large bedroom. It was mostly dominated by the bed, though there was space for a fireplace, couch and a well-stocked bookcase. The room had two doors leading off it, one taking you into a wardrobe and the second into a rather opulent bathroom. The total floor size was bigger than your apartment back home, and the external appearance of O’s shack.

Sitting heavily on the foot of the bed, the two men clashed in your mind. All the feelings you had for O were real, yet he was not. He was only an illusion, conjured by the Master solely to trick the Doctor. Your feelings were inconsequential. The only reason he had brought you aboard his TARDIS was to likely torment the Doctor further if she somehow escaped the Kasaavins, although her friends would have been more effective bait.

You hoped she would escape. You didn’t like being here; seeing the Master caused far too much confusion. If the Doctor was trapped though, so were you. Until the Master realised there was no point keeping you around. Then, after seeing the manic glint in his eye – having no place on O’s face – he would kill you.

The feeling of hopelessness and confusion felt foreign in your body. You were a trained MI6 agent, there had to be something you could do. Even in the face of aliens.

Beneath you, the bed was soft, covered with soft linen which felt cool beneath your hands. There was a temptation to lay back, enjoy comfort while you waited for the next act to start. Prompted either by the Doctor’s return or the Master’s impatience. Waiting wasn’t part of your nature, however.

Heading into the wardrobe, you found some trainers to replace the heels worn to Barton’s party. They were your size and, checking the label, one of the brands you used to wear to work during assignments.

Confusion doubled, unsure whether to feel like a goldfish in a bowl or to swim in the emotions O used to inspire, you left the room. Surely there had to be another exit and you were determined to find it. Creeping along the hall, you headed for the corner up above.

It only led to another intimidatingly long corridor.

You started trying doors, but several of them wouldn’t budge. The ones that did led, in order, to a kitchen, swimming pool, sauna, sitting room, library, artefact room – filled with bizarre statues and large paintings depicting bloody battles – a second library, cinema and ballroom. The last door on the corridor led to an observation deck, the sight of which put an end to your hopes of escape.

Stepping inside, which you hadn’t for any of the preceding rooms – despite the appeal of several – the door behind you slid shut. To maximise the view, the room was kept dimly lit leaving your eye nowhere to turn except the vast expanse of space looming behind the wall-length window.

Feeling your jaw slackening, you moved closer to the sight. You’d never seen anything like it. The Doctor’s TARDIS had taken you from London to the Australian Outback. It was your first time off the planet.

Unsure whether to feel awed or dwarfed by the enormity before you, you stared back at it, losing all track of time. Before you, stars shined, galaxies gleamed, and your existence expanded. Everything seemed insignificant. Everything seemed magnificent. And you, you, were privy to it.

“Beautiful view, isn’t it?” The Master asked, silently coming up from behind.

You caught his reflection in the glass and cringed away from his proximity. If he noticed, he didn’t mention it.

“We’re in the Obsidian system. We’ll return to that rubbish heap you call a planet soon, but we have time. I presume the Doctor explained that a TARDIS travels through both space and time?”

You turned to stare at him blankly.

He sighed. “Of course.”

“You travel through time?”

Wiggling his eyebrows, he asked again: “Impressed?”

You were, but you refused to admit it.

Turning back to the view, which was easier to look at than O’s face with the Master’s sharp smile, you tried a different question.

“Where are you from?”

“Gallifrey.”

“Is the Doctor from there too?”

“Yes.”

You knew he said about returning to Earth, but – feeling curious about their home world – you asked, “Are we going there?”

He shook his head, a gleam flashing across his eyes. “Can’t now. It’s gone. Destroyed.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

His abrupt laughter made you jump.

“Let it burn.”

“Fine. Why do you need to go to Earth then?”

Deliberating as he looked at you, the Master tried to decide what he was ready to say. He couldn’t give away too much yet, or it could scare you off. Instead, he stayed cautious and answered vaguely.

“Loose ends to tie up with the Kasaavins. You’ll stay here while I go to meet them. Keep wandering if you like, the TARDIS will keep an eye on you.”

“Can’t I go with you?”

“Not the best plan. To a Kasaavin you’re nothing more than a light snack. You’ll be safer here.”

“Why do you care about keeping me safe?” You asked, thinking about the Doctor’s friends – who O befriended and the Master ruthlessly murdered.

Not answering, he wandered closer, and you kept your ground. Wondering what he was going to do, you were surprised when he lifted the pendant between his fingers.

“You kept it?”

“Didn’t see the point of wasting decent jewellery. Even if it was giving to me by a murderous psychopath.”

A flicker of annoyance crossed his expression, but it went no further.

“Good. I would have hated for it to be a wasted trip.”

Frowning, you said, “I thought you got it at Covent Garden?”

“Oh, love,” The Master chuckled, letting go of your necklace. “You haven’t gotten the hang of this yet, have you? I went all the way to Yinope for that. You won’t find a stone like that on this side of the universe.”

“You shouldn’t have gone to so much trouble.” You said acerbically.

He shrugged. “I have a TARDIS.”

It didn’t mean anything then.

“Do you like your room?”

“It’s fine.”

“I had the TARDIS make it for you. You could be more grateful.”

Giving him the most sarcastic smile you could muster, you replied saccharinely, “Thank you.”

The Master’s returning grin was genuine. “You’re welcome, human. Now stay here. I’ll come and get you later.”

Turning on his heel, he walked determinedly from the room leaving you with your view of space and infinitely more confused than when he first rescued you from the doomed plane.

You were there as leverage, and yet he seemed to have prepared for your arrival by preparing a room just for you. It could be an act, though you couldn’t help but hope it wasn’t. Not when O’s eyes focused on you; he was all you could see.

Determined to learn the difference between the two, the Doctor’s friends still fresh in your memory, you refocused on the landscape before you and waited for the Master to return.

* * *

After the Doctor found you aboard the TARDIS, followed by Ada and Noor, you were brought back home. There you saw the Master again – a few hours for you, seventy-seven unaged years for him – before he was exiled to the Kasaavin dimension. You watched the drama unfold, stood behind Graham where the Master’s eyes occasionally flickered over to you.

There seemed to be a distance between you and reality; watching numbly as he tried to annihilate your species and, by default you. He had duped you so easily and so you watched with detachment as the Doctor ensured his banishment. She brought you back to London once it was done, leaving you there after a short and awkward goodbye since she needed to get everyone else home. The Doctor had blown your world apart, yet, for her, it was nothing new. You watched her leave, knowing nothing would ever be the same.

After the events at MI6, it hadn’t been difficult to persuade your department for a short leave of absence. You spent a few days out of town, before returning to your apartment. The whole time, you kept the pendant O had given you on. If someone asked, you weren’t sure you could explain why it felt wrong to take it off, but it did. In a sense, it felt as though O had died. The Master was so entirely different from the man who was your colleague, partner and friend.

Your apartment was evidence of that. It was littered with all the other small tokens O had given you. A book on chaos theory sat on your mantle, copies of his alien files waiting on your dining table, a scarf hanging beside your front door which he had loaned you months before he left. You should gather them up, discard anything the Master gave you.

With a sigh, you hung up your coat and walked into the kitchen to get some water. It took a moment to see the door which shouldn’t be there.

Instinctively stepping back, you stared at it disbelieving. For a split second, you doubted your own memory, but it definitely wasn’t there before. It was new. A new door – how was that possible?

“What are you looking at?” A voice came from over your shoulder, sending you half a foot in the air as you jumped away in shock.

The Master frowned at you as you settled down, a hand pressed heavily over your hammering heart.

“What,” you cleared your throat, voice too high, and tried again. “What are you doing here? How did you get in?”

Rolling his eyes good-naturedly, he pointed to the door. “The Doctor didn’t do much of a job hiding my TARDIS. You’d think she’d know me better by now, but she continues to underestimate. And when you have a TARDIS it’s more a case of where you can’t go.”

“Okay.” You intoned. “But why are you here?”

“I wanted to see you.”

“How long has it been for you?” You asked cautiously.

“In the Kasaavin dimension? Barely a day.”

Since you’d last spoken, however, it had been seventy-seven years – for him. It was hard to wrap your head around, still dazed from your discovery that time travel was really possible.

“You?”

“Erm,” you did the maths in your head, “I’ve been back home for four days.”

“Since we were in the hangar?”

“The same. Four days.”

A scornful expression crossed his face. “She just brought you back home? They didn’t ask you to go with them?”

“Should they have done?”

“Would you have said yes?”

It was an interesting question. You’d certainly felt abandoned when you were dropped back home; so much had happened and the only people you could possibly talk to it about had left at the first opportunity. They all had each other while you had no one. In the aftermath, you’d focused on the goodbye rather than the potential of further travel.

There was so much more left to learn. Answers to find the questions for. Yet, you didn’t know the Doctor. Could you trust someone that much to take you from the safety of your own time and planet, under the assumption they would one day bring you back?

Uncertainly, you shook your head. “I don’t like hypotheticals.”

“Fair enough.” The Master mused. He looked at you curiously. “Shall we try a practical scenario?”

“What do you mean?”

“Travel with me.”

Staring at him blankly, you couldn’t believe what he just said.

“You’re asking me to go with you?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

He leaned in. “Why? Don’t you want to see the universe? Travel through time and space?”

Put that way, it was easy to answer: “Sure. Sounds great.”

“But?” He asked, noticing your lacklustre tone.

“You’re the one asking.”

“So you would say yes to the Doctor?” He demanded, getting angry.

“No. I don’t know anything about her. Just like I don’t know anything about you. Except that you tried to kill my entire species four days ago; which doesn’t really help your case.”

Tusking impatiently, the Master insisted, “It wouldn’t have worked on you. I encrypted your phone.”

“I suppose I only have your word for that. For all I know, wanting me to go with you is just another one of your schemes. Like pretending to be O or taking me hostage, all to one-up the Doctor.”

“I didn’t take you hostage, I saved your life.”

“You spared me. From something you started.”

“Come on, love. You know me. I worked at MI6 for years. I was there when you first joined. We were partners. Friends, even.”

“That wasn’t you.” You lamented, wishing the Master were O and not the other way around. “It was all an act. I don’t know you.”

“Yes, you do.”

“No, I don’t.” You asserted.

“You’re still wearing the necklace.” He observed.

Placing your hand over the pendant, shielding it from his stare, you tried to act casual. “I told you before. I don’t see the point of wasting good jewellery. No matter who it came from.”

“Oh love,” he grinned cheekily, “you like me.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Yes, you do.”

“No, I don’t!”

“Yelling only shows that you care.” He snickered.

Biting your tongue, you tried to come up with a way to effectively express your dislike and banish him from your apartment. The thought of succeeding sent an unexpected pang to your heart.

It was O you didn’t want to lose. You really had to learn the distinction.

“We’re not too different.” The Master commented. You wondered if he had somehow read your mind or if your expression was that transparent. “We were both driven, and I know you could tell he had a temper, even if it was hidden under a gag-inducing amount of sincerity. I admit I don’t go to any length to hide it – or my madness – but since when did honesty count against a person? I showed you my ‘research’ on aliens. Once or twice I even tried to drop clues that I was one, especially when I saw you shared a similar interest.”

He nodded his heads towards O’s files still sitting on your dining table. “I thought it was good to expose you to the idea; I wasn’t going to stay as O indefinitely. Only until I had got the Doctor where I went her. I planned to come back.”

“Why?” You said, unsure if you believed a single word out of his mouth. “Why do you want me to go with you?”

Unusually serious, he told you.

“I’m not completely sure. I don’t often tolerate stragglers. No matter the species, but especially a human. You interest me though. You have since C partnered us together. I could see you were more open-minded than our colleagues, and you showed a particular relish for dangerous assignments. You saw me better than most too. It’s unusual I find something which piques my interest; I find such things hard to let go of. That’s why I want you with me. I need time to figure you out.”

Worrying your lip between your teeth, you admitted: “I don’t know.” Could you really go running off with a man who had proved and described himself as an unstable lunatic?

“A trial run then?” He countered. “Come on, love. When is an opportunity like this going to come knocking on your door again? We can go anywhere you want. For you, I’ll even trudge through Earth’s past or future. No strings attached. Think of it as a gift, for the time we worked together.”

You glanced at the door leading to his TARDIS. It was a tempting offer, but you needed to clarify.

“And you’re going to bring me home afterwards?”

“Cross my hearts.”

“You’re not going to kill me or dump me on some planet and leave me there.”

“Would I ever do such a thing?”

You answered with absolute certainty: “Yes.”

Coming closer, he booped the end of your nose. “See? You get me. That’s why I want you to tag along.”

Rolling your eyes, you pointed out that wasn’t a good way to incentivise someone.

“Live a little.” The Master told you, scanning your eyes in search of an answer. When he found it, he lit up.

Clapping his hands, he beckoned you after him. “Excellent. You don’t need to bring anything, the TARDIS has plenty of clothes and the kitchen’s stocked. Come along.”

Sighing, you were certain you’d just made a terrible mistake and yet you couldn’t force yourself away. It really was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Besides, perhaps spending time with the Master might finally help you divide him from O. Then you could move on with your life.

As you followed him into the TARDIS, your mind finally caught up on a small detail.

“Wait, did you say hearts? Plural?”

The Master’s laughter echoed around you as the door slammed shut.

* * *

“You remember that time I made you promise not to kill me?” You panted, leaning heavily against the TARDIS door.

From beside you, the Master good-naturedly tsked. “It’s not my fault you’re so slow. You should be more careful, or I’ll lose you one of these days.”

“Well, you managed to find me today.” For which you were grateful. While searching for the cargo hold, you’d gotten lost in the labyrinth of corridors surrounding it when the device given to guide you had shorted out. If the Master hadn’t found you when he had, the guards would have killed you.

“I don’t know how you found me though. I had no clue where I was.”

“Time Lords have a superior sense of direction.”

The TARDIS hummed, evidently in communication as the Master sent her an annoyed look.

“Lucky for me.” You shrugged, unconcerned. She was probably bitter about having been left alone for several days while you both integrated with the ship’s passengers. “I’m going to go get changed. That blaster singed my sleeve.”

The Master spared you a glance from his silent conversation with the TARDIS. “It didn’t injure you, did it?”

“No, I’m fine.”

Heading down the corridor without looking back, you ducked into the bathroom for a quick shower before changing into some comfier clothes. The reason for breaking into the ship was to acquire parts to repair the TARDIS, which the Master was always pushing to its breaking point. So you were confident you’d be aboard the TARDIS for a while, and you wanted to relax after several days playing the part of the Master’s lackey.

Pulling your hair back into a ponytail, you felt something slither from around your neck and drop heavily to the floor. With an exclamation of dismay, you realised the fine chain on your necklace had broken. At least it happened in the safety in your room; it would have been difficult to retrieve from your latest crime scene.

To keep it safe until you got a replacement you placed it on top of your dresser. Either the Master would have a spare lying around, or you could pick something up the next time you visited a planet.

Heading back to the console room – to politely offer to help with the repairs, knowing full well said offer would be refused – you found the room empty. Unconcerned, you turned on your heel to head to the library, where the Master was probably holed up, but a blinking screen on the central console stopped you in your tracks. It stopped blinking once you stood in front of it; suggesting the TARDIS wanted your attention.

There was a map on the monitor, but it took several moments to recognise it as the TARDIS. It was centred on the console room and, given the arrows pointing at several components in the room, it seemed to show where repairs were required. The only odd thing was one flashing dot set away from the main room, off the first corridor. You counted the doors before finally realising it was on your room.

“That’s weird.” You said to yourself. Was the TARDIS trying to tell you to go back there?

“Is he in a bad mood?” You asked the machine conspiratorially.

“Are you talking about me again?” The Master grumbled as he came in, holding a box of parts to start his repairs.

“Why is there a flashing dot over my room?”

He frowned at you, not noticing for a second what you were looking at. As always, he quickly pieced things together when he saw the screen.

“Where’s your necklace?”

Confused, you placed a hand over the empty spot around your neck.

“Oh, I had to take it off. The chain broke.”

Pointing to the screen, you restated your question. “What’s the dot mean?”

“It’s your necklace.” The Master stated. “It’s a Yinopean mineral which emits low-level radiation. The TARDIS can pick it up.”

“Where are you going with this?” You asked, confused. “It’s radioactive?”

“No. Why do humans hear radiation and devolve into the mindset of spooked cattle? Most things contain some form of radiation. It’s harmless.”

Ignoring his statement, you said: “Why did you give me radioactive jewellery? Please tell me this isn’t a slow and unnecessarily elaborate way of killing me?”

He gave you an unimpressed look; the sort he shot at you every day.

“I gave it to you as a token of affection.”

It was almost enough to distract you, but when the TARDIS console blinked again you remembered.

“And why is my necklace showing up on the screen?”

“While the radiation is harmless, it gives off a unique signature which makes it easy to trace. When I couldn’t find you aboard the Nott I came here to locate it.”

“You…” frowning, you realised, “you gave me a tracking device?”

“Yes.”

Flabbergasted into silence, it took several moments for the incoherent noises escaping your mouth to become fully-fledged words.

“What the hell is wrong with you?”

The Master was unruffled by your explosive accusation.

“When you have something of value, it is important you don’t lose it.”

How did he keep rendering you speechless?

Stepping around you, the Master switched the screen on the console off before starting a quiet argument with the TARDIS. Something about the box pushing its luck.

Eventually, he walked away, seizing up his box of parts to start work on the repairs.

“I’ll get you a replacement chain before we go anywhere else. Can’t have you running off.” He said offhandedly, taking the stairs beneath the central console and leaving you alone on the upper level.

You walked to the library, taking a seat beside the fire and picking up the first book you came across. With no idea what was in your hands, you flipped it open to a random page and stared blankly at the text as your brain whirred on overtime.

It had been almost a year since you’d come aboard the TARDIS. While the Master treated you better than anyone else you came across – protecting your from harm while showing you the universe – it was still hard to accept his pleasantries as genuine affection. His actions were kind, but any affection was always on your terms.

Whenever you thought he felt something more toward you, it was dismissed as residual feelings from his time as O. It was easy to admit how you felt about O; a kind human with who you could have shared a life. The Master was entirely different. It was astonishing he even tolerated you as a travelling companion, and yet he said he valued and had affection for you. Enough to put a tracking device on you, which seemed morally dubious, but you supposed it came from a good place. Just like reading that ridiculous book on caring for human beings.

You didn’t see the Master again for several hours, not until you wandered into the kitchen for a snack. Without looking at you, he offered up a fine gold chain for your pendant. Except, something was already hanging from it.

“What’s this?” You asked, taking the proffered item.

“A key.” He sighed. “You use it to open things.”

“I can see it’s a key. What’s it for?”

“It unlocks the TARDIS.”

“You’re giving me a key to the TARDIS?” You said disbelievingly. He’d never let you so much as borrow his key when you wanted to grab something from the ship, and now he was giving you your own. “What’s the occasion?”

The Master glanced your way, saw the emotion shimmering in your eyes, and refocused on the cup of tea he was making.

“It seemed sensible. In case we get split up on an excursion. You can come back here, instead of looking for me.”

Sliding it off the end of the chain, you held the key in your palm. There was a warmth to the metal, and it seemed to emit a slight glow against your skin.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, human.” The Master replied, picking up his cup and returning to the console room.

Pocketing the key, you went to your bedroom and added the pendant to the chain. You were about to place it around your neck when you paused; a better idea springing to mind.

Walking slowly to the console room, your feet took you to the Master where he sat on the floor reattaching wires to a command panel. Your shadow fell over him, but he didn’t acknowledge you. Not until the necklace dangled before his face.

“Is something the matter?” He asked, looking up.

“Will you put it on for me?” You replied, trying to sound indifferent while your heart thrummed.

The Master stood, taking the necklace. Eyes locking for a split second, you turned away and lifted your hair aside. With a light brush of his fingers over the nape of your neck, you could feel your body break out in goosebumps, but he showed no sign of noticing. He secured it in place, the stone settling heavily against your sensitive skin.

Letting your hair drop, it brushed against the hands which remained on your shoulders, as the Master seemed as loathe to let you go as you were to part from this rare contact.

“Thank you, Master.” You breathed.

“You’re welcome, pet.” He said, pulling away.

“For the chain too.”

“You don’t mind about the stone then?”

Shaking your head, you assured him you didn’t as you moved to face him. “It seemed sensible once you explained it. I’d hate to get lost.”

I’d hate to lose you seemed to echo around your mind, but the Master’s lips didn’t move so he couldn’t have said it.

“Go rest up.” He told you. “I’m taking us to Itradus once I’ve finished recalibrating the computer. You’ll like it.”

“I always do.” You said, fully meaning it.

You might have come aboard the TARDIS to see the stars but, you had to admit, nothing seemed to hold an appeal unless you were seeing it with the Master beside you. You just hoped he felt the same way.

#dhawan!master x reader #master x reader #the master #doctor who #dhawan!master #doctor who revolution of the daleks

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undine-taz · 3 years ago

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5 times Diavolo failed to be a sugar daddy and one time he succeeded

I'm just imagining poor Diavolo trying SO HARD to spoil an MC who is just. Not greedy in the slightest and loves weird little shinies while being totally indifferent to the super crazy expensive gifts he usually gives to people he's trying to woo. Just in case, this is the PUREST OF FLUFF and completely sfw. I can’t even think of any tw to tag??? Let me know if you notice something. Oh, and MC is imagined to be gender neutral. There’s a mention of perfume, but not in the feminine sense- that’s just the proper word for a certain level of scent concentration.

1. Expensive Perfume

Diavolo's first attempt is the most expensive perfume/cologne money can buy

He's not quite sure what MC's favorite scent is, so he buys a wide variety

All the bottles are sleek and minimalistic and the scents inside are VERY obviously expensive, the kind of thing Mammon would probably lose his mind over

MC's reaction is perfectly grateful, they say sincerely how much they appreciate him thinking of them. He doesn't feel a single lie off of them and he walks away mostly satisfied thinking maybe they’re just the type to not show a ton of excitement over gifts

That is, until he's walking down the hallways in RAD and happens to overhear a conversation between Asmo and MC

Asmo's talking about how he's been going through perfume at a record pace lately, and he feel so bad about wasting these beautiful bottles... would MC like them? He has one shaped like a rose, one like a star, one modeled after the cosmos...

Asmo doesn't even get to finish because MC is already flapping their hands in joy (I'm autistic and MC is going to happy stim if it kills me) and wiggling and practically jumping into Asmo's arms in excitement

Asmo's laughing and promising to save all of his prettiest empty perfume bottles for MC from now on and MC is practically wiggling in joy and nuzzling their face into Asmo's chest in happiness

They’re talking about spending the night in Asmo’s room trying to make perfume blends for each other to fill up the bottles and tossing scent ideas back and forth

And Diavolo is sitting there feeling a bit like he's been bonked over the head. Those happy stims are ADORABLE and he wants to be the one who causes them. He's not sure why his perfume failed and Asmo's literal empty bottles worked but he's DETERMINED to try again

2. Fancy gemstones

Diavolo's next attempt is fancy gemstones. He finds large, beautifully cut and processed gemstones, the type that are so perfectly processed they look almost identical except for color

Again, when he gives MC his gifts he can tell that they're sincerely grateful! They tell him they love that he was thinking of them, they worry that he spent too much money on them ( they try to refuse at first because it's too much, but Diavolo breezes past their protests with a smile and an iron will) and Diavolo doesn't sense even the tiniest hint of untruth from their professions of gratitude

But.... there are no happy wiggles, no stunned gasps, no joyously flapping hands, no nothing. Just calm gratitude.

Diavolo goes back to the drawing board, and he's just going to visit the HOL library for inspiration in a rare book (and as an excuse to see MC) when he hears Satan and MC laughing together in the library.

When he walks in, he sees Satan and MC crouched together with some strange tools in their hands, gently chipping away at a large rock. There's a tiny pile of uncut, unprocessed gemstones at MC's elbow.

As soon as MC sees him, he's aflood in a wash of excited chatter as MC tells him about the gemstone mining kit Satan bought after reading a book on gemstones. In fact Diavolo can see the book open at Satan's elbow along with a notebook where the two have been identifying every gemstone they dig up.

Before he knows it, MC seizes his hand and he's drawn into the game, watching their eyes shine and seeing them bounce in their seat with excitement every time they uncover a new gemstone.

Dammit. Another failure. But, Diavolo finds as he watches MC's obvious joy, he can't be too frustrated when they're this happy.

3. Shopping spree at Majolish

Diavolo is undeterred! He takes a day to bring them to Majolish, having them try on outfit after outfit. Sure, they're not picking out very many things, but he loves spending time with them and they say they're enjoying themself.

After several hours, Barbatos gently reminds him that he has a meeting soon and that MC seems absolutely exhausted.

Diavolo pouts, especially when he sees that MC hasn't picked out very many things, but he sighs and concedes.

When he drops them off at the HOL, MC gives him a hug and thanks him for helping them pick out some more formal outfits for any upcoming RAD events. Diavolo accepts the hug gladly, but there's no squeaking or jumping and DEFINITELY no flapping. MC seems rather exhausted, and Belphegor has appeared from nowhere and draped himself over MC and is mumbling about needing a nap buddy and MC isn't even trying to argue

The next day, Barbatos shows him Levi's post on Devilgram. It's a video, of Levi giving MC a plain, unassuming box.

When MC opens the box, their mouth drops open, their eyes go wide, and they fling themselves at Levi, happily nuzzling into his chest and mumbling incoherent thanks while Levi turns bright red and starts stuttering and clearly tries not to combust

The video cuts out for a second and then starts again with MC wearing a simple shirt embroidered with a strange logo, which Levi explains from behind the camera is inspired by MC's favorite series and was handmade by Levi for practice. Levi was apparently asked to design formalwear inspired by anime, and he chose MC's favorite to practice a design. According to the caption, the two spent an entire day together watching the series and sketching ideas!

MC is beaming and happy stimming while Diavolo thumps his head into his desk dramatically and Barbatos elegantly stifles a chuckle behind him.

4. Bouquets of flowers

Well now Diavolo is determined. HE WILL MAKE MC HAPPY STIM IF IT KILLS HIM

HE HAS HIS PRIDE AS THE FUTURE DEMON KING DAMMIT

He begins watching the corniest of romcoms for ideas.

Midway into one of them, he sees the character buy their love interest bouquets upon bouquets of roses

BRILLIANT! He's up and placing orders immediately. Barbatos stays behind for a few minutes to actually watch how this particular ploy works out on screen, before laughing and going to watch the chaos

As dedicated as he is to the young lord, watching Diavolo scramble around trying to impress his first puppy love only to fail because the target of his affections is simply too humble.... well, it's honestly adorable. He'll step in if it goes on for too long, but for now it might actually be good for the young master to experience something he can't have by throwing money or influence at it.

Diavolo has some of the Devildom's finest florists on the horn and he's sending a veritable flood of their finest cut flowers... AND he's sending them from an anonymous source, just like in the movie! The woman in the movie only sent over THREE bouquets to the object of her love, so Diavolo sends 300. Only the best for his MC :)

He's waiting impatiently for the results of his little scheme when he gets an apologetic text from Lucifer saying that he'll be late to the meeting and MC won't be coming at all. Some anonymous admirer sent MC an excessive amount of flowers and the sheer amount of pollen triggered allergies in ALL of the demon bros and MC.

Lucifer needed time to clear out the house and distribute allergy meds to everyone and buy out the nearest store on tissue paper

Barbatos is no longer even bothering to stifle his chuckles while Diavolo buries his face in his arms to hide his shame

To rub salt in the wound, Lucifer tells him a few days later that he set up a miniature greenhouse for MC to grow humanworld herbs in and they've barely left it in the last two days

Lucifer’s been spending most of his free time in the greenhouse with them, helping them tinker with humidity spells and listening to their excited monologues on human gardening techniques

Lucifer is definitely smirking as he tells Diavolo this and Diavolo doesn't bother to ask how Lucifer knew what was going on, because his old friend knows him too well and Diavolo realizes he's not exactly subtle.

What he doesn't realize is that Barbatos is also a dirty dirty snitch and he and Lucifer have been watching over his attempts with a mix of hilarity and pity

5. Desserts

Some might give up, but not Diavolo! His newest ideas is fancy desserts. He was told by a sweet old succubus that the best way to his lover's heart was through the stomach (actually she initially had some far raunchier suggestions that had made Diavolo blush and had given him some ideas for far, FAR in his future relationship with MC, but that's neither here nor there) and so here Diavolo is, placing a giant order at Madame Scream's to be delivered to the HOL.

This time he has learned from his mistakes and he signs it as being from him and addresses it to "MC and the residents of HOL" because even he recognizes there are far too many sweets for a human to eat before they go bad

Barbatos by this point is starting to feel pity and is almost tempted to suggest he wait until it's not Beel's day for Fangol practice to send a giant array of tempting sweets.

Almost. If it weren't for the maid cafe fiasco of last week Barbatos probably would have, but that lace had chafed in areas that should never be chafed.

Diavolo sent his gift only to receive a poorly drawn thank-you card drawn by Beel and signed by everyone at the HOL, including MC, even though "I didn't even get a chance to eat any, BEEL"

This poor man feels his soul leave his body, especially when he returns home from RAD to find Barbatos and MC baking together and singing along to Disney songs (well, MC was singing, Barbatos was simply watching them with a smile and occasionally twisting them into a simple dance to make them laugh and squiggle with joy)

Et tu, Barbatos?

After yesterday's glitter incident, Barbatos has no shame and simply smirks back. He'll help the young lord when he can shower without finding glitter in every crevice.

+1: Tea together

Diavolo is planning his next gift when he gets a message from MC, of all people

His heart flutters, he has butterflies in his stomach, and he hasn't even read it yet!

It's a simple text- "What are you up to?"

Obviously Diavolo can't admit he's shirking paperwork to try and figure out a gift that would make them happy! So he improvises and claims he's working. He gets back a sad face emoji and a simple "Miss you! I feel like we haven't hung out in forever, but I know how busy you are. Good luck, I'm rooting for you!"

SHOT THROUGH THE HEART AND MC IS TO BLAME

This man is dramatically draped over his desk wailing about how cute MC is.

Luckily for him Barbatos has forgiven him for both the maid cafe incident and the glitter incident and Diavolo has been too distracted trying to plan gifts to cause any new chaos

Barbatos hands him a lovely picnic basket, complete with tea and fancy sandwiches, and tells him to go see MC and take a break since he's clearly not getting any work done as is.

Cue guilty glance to the overwhelming stack of paperwork that's been building up. He swears he's never seen Barbatos place more and yet they keep growing, are they breeding somehow...? Did Lucifer curse him after the taffy incident?

Either way, Diavolo takes the basket and heads off to HOL.

He's either very lucky or (more likely) Barbatos bribed Lucifer into helping him out, as MC is the one to answer the door.

They look kind of down until they see him and he explains he's there to spend time with them, and then they absolutely LIGHT UP.

Before he knows it, they've thrown himself into his arms and they're bouncing in excitement and snuggling him and happy flapping and boyo is confused but OVER THE MOON.

He finally did it!?!?! What was it!?!?! The picnic basket? Do they have a thing for picnics baskets!?!?!

And then he actually tunes in a d listens to their flood of chatter and how happy they are to see him and how much they've missed him and how excited and grateful they are they he took time out of his busy schedule to spend time with him and out in the thought to prepare a way for them to spend time in each other's company...

O H

He is M E L T I N G

He can't believe it was this easy.... no need for fancy gifts or anything like that, just... paying attention to their likes and spending time with them????

Holy shit he is gonna protect this human's smile witH HIS LIFE

And now that he understands them better he can buy EXPENSIVE SHIT THEY'LL ACTUALLY LIKE AND HE'LL GET ALL THE HAPPY SNUGGLES AND JOYOUS STIMMING IN THE WORLD!!!!

Yes, he decides, wrapping his arms around them while trying to keep the basket level

Now that he's gotten a taste of their sincere joy, he's hooked and he's going to make them as excited and happy as this as often as he possibly can.

#obey me #obey me shall we date #obey me diavolo #obey me one master to rule them all #sfw #fluff #bc Dia is just as starved for a friend #gn!mc

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ducktracy · 4 years ago

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183. porky’s double trouble (1937)

release date: november 13th, 1937

series: looney tunes

director: frank tashlin

starring: mel blanc (porky, killer), tedd pierce (narrator), sara berner (petunia)

the end of an era—this is the final cartoon to feature “fat porky”. though he’d been dieting since late 1936 and steadily throughout 1937 with the other directors, frank tashlin was the last one to skinny him up. ironic, since he was such a stickler for streamlined designs! nevertheless, this is an exciting change, as porky is finally completing his transformation into the pig we know and love today.

not only that, this is the final appearance of frank tashlin’s petunia as well. she’d go on a hiatus all throughout 1938, only to be revived by bob clampetts with a totally new design in 1939. unfortunately, she was only kept for two more shorts before being discarded again. parting is such sweet sorrow!

we deal with not one porky, but two: an escaped convict kidnaps porky and steals his identity in order to successfully rob a bank. it’s up to petunia to put a stop to this criminal’s crime spree... or is it?

a silhouette of a pig furtively creeps under a blanket of typography from the title card. the pig isn’t our favorite stuttering porcine, but rather a grisly, stubbly porky doppleganger attempting to escape from prison. he jumps and growls at the spotlight that shines on him, shooting at the offscreen subjects. not only does he whip out two pistols, he even flips them--such a small detail of flamboyant dramatics goes a long way.

prison guards shoot back at the convict, silhouetted against the night sky, illuminated only by the glow of the searchlight and the stylized white bullets raining down below. the composition is stellar, its flatness reminiscent of the backgrounds of the early ‘40s cartoons, primarily from the likes of frank tashlin, chuck jones, and even norm mccabe at times. a whistle screeches as the prisoners run along, rifles in hand. in all, the dramatic opening rampant with silhouettes feels quite reminiscent to the opening of little beau porky, another tashlin entry just a year prior.

callbacks are more blatant as we undergo the signature Frank Tashlin Expositional Montage, footage of cop cars racing out into the street reused from tex avery’s the blow out, while a close-up of a newspaper press is also reused from avery’s porky the wrestler. all the while, a shot of the convict, identified as “killer” by one of the newspapers in the montage, oversees the chaos, his eyes drifting along to survey the action, his lips parted in a sneer. the narration (tedd pierce?) is the cherry on top--often times, narration has a tendency to feel redundant, as if it’s a crutch to support the gags (i.e. some of tex avery’s earlier entries), but here it elevates the theatrics of the entire prison escape.

speaking of narrators, ours introduces us to a gangster hideout--an abandoned all girls school by the name of katz school for girls, a nod towards studio business manager ray katz--no doubt a place frequented by killer. tashlin’s cinematography is in full swing as we iris in on an exterior shot of the hideout before panning along the interior, an arsenal of weapons littering the schoolroom of years past. a smooth, clever transition of pans from the classroom to a grandiose hallway, focusing on a door.

killer’s lackeys crowd around a table littered with alcohol bottles and playing cards, but most importantly, newspapers highlighting killer’s escape. his cronies all mutter words of praise in thick brooklyn accents (”yeah, dis guy’s clever, jus’ like who-dun-y! he can get outta anyt’ing!”). the conversation between the gangsters is surprisingly natural and fun to listen to: one of the lackeys likens killer to “clark taylor”, a humorously false remembrance of actors clark gable and robert taylor combined.

knocking outside the door prompts the cronies to whip around with their guns drawn, all crowing “who’s ‘dere!?” in unison. outside the door stands a rather spherical caricature of mae west--if there’s a mae west cameo, it must be a ‘30s cartoon! funnily enough, tashlin gets an animation credit on buddy’s beer garden, a cartoon whose mae west caricature is relatively integral to the plot as well.

mae informs the boys that she comes peddling a message from killer. furtively, they all crowd around the door, stacking on top of each other, each peering out of their own peephole door. the silent film inspiration is strong in this shot. not only that, its composition also reminds me of some of the shots in tashlin’s porky pig’s feat, a personal favorite of mine.

all hesitation to let newcomers in is dropped once the cronies spot their curvaceous company. they’re instantly smitten, batting eyelashes and all, one of the cronies going so far as to stroke mae the messenger’s face. tashlin’s cartoons always had a promiscuous flair to them, especially in the ‘40s--here is no exception. perhaps it’s only natural, seeing as this entire cartoon is one large parody of all of the gangster pictures churning out from warner bros. at the time (marked woman, kid galahad, san quentin to name a few.)

“he said...” mae lunges a haymaker, causing all four cronies to domino together and knock into the door as mel blanc settles out of his falsetto, “NOT T’ FOOL AROUND WITH DAMES, YA LUGS!!!” killer strips out of his outfit (even removing an iron barbell from where his chest is), growling “let that loin ya a lesson!” as always, mel is fun to listen to--his falsetto voice sounds rather similar to the voice he’d use for his lou costello caricatures.

killer eyes a stray newspaper, gloating “once i was only public enemy numba NINE!” at the sight of his new title as public enemy #1. (it should be noted that in tashlin’s first picture, porky’s poultry plant, another “public enemy” gag is used. gag continuity is always fun to see!) his eyes drift over to an article on the other side of the page (if you look closely, the date is “thoisdays octember 42nd”, the paper addressing the denizens of “porkysville”.):

“hey! what’s dis? da guy looks just like me! he could be me twin brudda!” frank tashlin’s disgruntlement with porky can be felt multiple ways here. not only did he hesitate until 2.5 minutes into the cartoon to introduce him, the underscore is “puddin’ head jones”, a frequent score associated with porky on numerous occasions offering not-so-subtle commentary about his intelligence (or lack thereof.)

killer ushers his lackey to take a glimpse at his bank-teller doppelgänger, whispering a plan to them involving porky and the bank, the narrator clueing us in that “the evildoers carefully plan another hideous crime.”

it’s not a tashlin cartoon without his signature up-shot: we iris in on an impressive up-shot view of “worst national bank”, a score of “plenty of money and you” and even the extravagant car horn of a limo solidifying that yes indeed, this here’s a bank! inside, porky dutifully deposits the goods of his spherically designed patrons. even by 1937, these mathematically proportioned designs were out of style--i suppose tashlin got the memo, though, seeing as this is the final “fat porky” cartoon, indicating a transition into more modern, streamlined designs.

bob bentley animates a close-up of porky depositing the cash of a scottie dog. cue the ever prevalent “cheap scotsman” gag, the scottie’s coin purse (a sock with a lock on it) revealing a swarm of moths upon its opening. he deposits a lone dime, porky happily obliging to sign the bank book. the scottie leaves, and it only takes a few bloated seconds for porky’s brain to catch up with him, realizing that he just signed a bank book to deposit a measly dime. he smacks himself in the face, a carl stalling favorite cue of “you’re a horses ass” providing musical commentary as porky glowers into the camera, hand sliding down his pudgy face. stereotypes aside, this is a fun little scene. it gives porky some personality, accentuating his gullibility (a persistent factor of his character, no matter who is directing him), and bob bentley’s animation is extremely appealing. no discretion to volney white, who animates the next scene, but there’s a noticeable difference in bentley’s and white’s styles, bentley’s animation much more dimensional. i absolutely love how he draws porky.

secretary petunia, once again voiced by sara berner, coos at porky to come over to her desk. she wastes little time flirting with him, asking that the two “step out” for the night. volney’s animation of porky is hysterical--his discomfort is exceedingly visible. porky gets cold feet, a stuttering mess (more than usual) as he sputters “geh-eh-g-eh-g-g-gee, miss petunia, i’m, uh, buh-beh-bashful... huh...heh, you’re so eh-peh-purrty, and eh-uh-i’m, uhh... yee-you’re, uh...” cue one of my favorite deliveries ever by mel blanc as the lunch bell rings. porky grins, realizing he’s saved by the bell. he doesn’t stutter once as he declares breathlessly “it’s time for lunch, g’bye!” and rushes off. the comedic timing, both from mel’s delivery and volney’s animation, couldn’t be better.

porky strolls outside, where he stumbles across killer (disguised as mae west again) hammering away at a car. porky’s good nature prevails, which often leads to trouble: with a polite tip of the hat, he asks if the woman needs any assistance. “would you be so kind?”

as porky works on the vehicle, killer prepares to strike, hammer in hand. his motives are thwarted as porky turns to offer assurances that the car will be fixed in a jiffy, killer impatiently hiding the bludgeoner behind his back. the charade continues, porky turning and talking, putting a stop to the nefarious deeds. as porky turns to say “eh-nuh-neh-nuh-now, it’s in the beh-beh-eh-beh-bag!”, killer grunts in his normal voice “SO ARE YOU!”, kicking porky under the hood (bumpy ride!) and peeling off in the car to certain doom.

the transition from killer kidnapping porky to killer putting on porky’s clothes (who’s bound and gagged in a chair) is surprisingly snappy, yet comprehensible and smooth. of course, the narration does contribute to the clarity, but regardless, such a quick transition can be difficult to convey smoothly and clearly. tashlin does it very well.

volney white animates killer’s taunts to porky: “and, wit’ your sissy clothes on, i can rob da bank! and YOU’LL take da rap, see!? AHAHAHA!” volney’s animation is fun to watch--before i saw this cartoon for the first time, i only ever saw google images of it, this scene being one of those images. volney’s eye takes amazed me at how anachronistic they seemed, and i remember likening him to joe murray if he made cartoons in 1937. very fun eye takes indeed!

speaking of fun, bob bentley does a neat little scene involving a brawl between killer and his reflection in the mirror. he goes to check out his new pilfered duds (”now i look like da squoit!”), admiring himself in the mirror. suddenly, his reflection grows a life of its own, sticking its tongue out. real killer gets pissed (if you notice, when he does a take of surprise, you can see where the cel of the reflection gets cut off) and punches the mirror, leaving the glass broken, his reflection now touting a blackened eye. while the “reflection becoming sentient” gag may seem tired, i enjoy how interactive killer’s reflection is, all without saying a word. the staging feels incredibly natural and nonchalant.

with that, killer makes his way to the bank, whistling along to the underscore of “with plenty of money and you” beneath the words of the narrator. you can spot a bit of camera trouble as the camera pans out from the sign at porky’s desk reading “PORKY PIG -- OUT TO LUNCH”: the pan janky, the picture briefly turning blurry before resuming to normalcy. it’s more interesting than detrimental, especially considering warner bros never did retakes.

cue a montage of “porky” stowing away the goods of the townspeople into his pocket, pretending to deposit them in the bank. the minor key rendition of “puddin’ head jones” is a nice reminder of killer’s similarities and differences. similar in appearance, maybe, but not much else.

petunia engages in her routine from before, attempting to seduce “porky”. mel blanc’s genius shines as killer responds to petunia’s calls in a gruff, scratchy “YEAH, WHAT IS IT!?” he catches himself, and responds in an authentic porky voice “ye-ye-ye-yes, wuh-weh-wuh-weh-what is it?” the transition is seamless. whether it was on one take or two separate recordings, i don’t know, but it remains just as entertaining either way. i especially like how killer switches from “yeah” to “yes”--porky’s personality, while still relatively thin at this point, is certainly coming clearer. at the very least, frank tashlin knows that porky wouldn’t respond by saying “yeah”. it’s a little detail, but it says a lot.

and, just like myself, petunia also understands the distinctions between killer and porky--especially when killer plants a kiss on her as soon as she pulls the same “how ‘bout you and i stepping out tonight, big boy?” routine. killer grabs her in his arms, sneering “why wait until tonight, baby?” and gives her a kiss, prompting petunia to smack him and declare “why, you’re not porky pig!” killer’s response is full of careful wit and thoughtfulness as he so eloquently answers: “SO WHAT?”

ringing the burglar alarm, that’s what. petunia discreetly sets the alarms off, prompting a flurry of bullets to whiz at killer offscreen (they sure have good security!). killer retaliates with his own shotguns, but quickly speeds off to his hideout, goods still in his possession.

killer and his lackeys admire the treasures stacked on the table, eager to pounce. a clever pan to porky, still writhing around in his ropes as killer sneers “AND DEY ‘TINK YOU DID IT!”

tashlin’s artistry strikes again as we peer at the hideout through the bars of iron gates outside. truck out to reveal police officers crowding around outside, crouching on the ground to remain discreet. the shot is composed rather nicely, with the ground level nearing the horizon line, elevating the subjects to the middle plane. even though the shot itself doesn’t linger very long, the clarity is easy to see. a tree placed off to the side cleverly frames the two officers who are on the screen--little things like that make a big difference.

one of the lackeys notices the cops are lurking by, alerts the others, and immediately shoots his machine gun out the window. watch all of the stuff flying out of his pocket as he shoots--playing cards, knives, guns, jewelry, even a wig! definitely a fun scene to freeze frame and pick apart all the details.

the cops retaliate, and an all-out shootout occurs. a gag reused from i’m a big shot now (another gangster parody cartoon) and porky’s duck hunt ensues as a cop shoots up at the building, the impact from his rifle driving him into the ground as each shot digs the hole deeper and deeper. another rather fun gag includes a woodpecker drilling into a tree, causing the officer in the branch to clutch his heart and moan “they got me!”

in the process, stray bullets from down below shoot out of the floor, conveniently ripping the ropes bounding porky to the chair. a quick bird’s eye view of the hideout, and it’s onto porky to take action. because we all remember porky as a suave, charismatic crime fighter, it’s only natural for him to jump onto a chandelier hanging from the hallway and knock all of killer’s cronies into a door. (do cartoon characters have stunt doubles? surely they do! don’t they?)

volney white’s animation prevails for the remainder of the cartoon. porky hops down from the upstairs landing, plopping down right on top of killer himself. both come to fisticuffs, volney’s hilarious facial expressions and treg brown’s masterful sound effects combining to make quite the amusing amalgamation. certainly a scene worthy of freeze-framing for all of the funny faces!

perhaps even more amusing, however, is the drastic tone shift as soon as the cops arrive: no time is wasted during the transition between the fight and an armed cop probing “alright, who’s the killer!?” the fight breaks up in an instant off screen, and porky (his voice un-sped) pleading “i’m uh-puh-peh-puh-peh-porky!” the transition is almost too swift, but is comical over everything else, so i’m not too slighted by it. killer insists in his own gruff voice “I’M porky!”

the cop isn’t convinced, and tries again. both insist that they’re porky. that’s when it’s petunia to the rescue, who assures the cop that she knows how to find out. she cozies up to the real porky, once more enacting their “big boy” charade from earlier. as porky flops over his words in all of his collar-tugging glory, petunia gloats “that’s porky.” porky nodding along to her affirmation is a nice, subtle touch.

as we’ve repeatedly discovered, frank tashlin was no fan of porky. even though he outwardly admits that he didn’t like to work with him, there are multiple clues throughout his pictures solidifying his disdain. here is no exception, as petunia outright screws porky over.

her sultry demeanor changes from reassuring to duplicitous as she heaves a sigh and coos “how that killer can kiss!” porky rightfully grows angry, and, in a pattern we’ll observe in many a cartoon, allows his jealousy to triumph his bashful, reserved nature as he grabs petunia’s arms and pulls her in for a kiss. killer’s eye-boggling, affronted expression and porky’s triumphant, chest-puffing stance after the fact are both hilarious. volney white does a wonderful job of conveying personality through his animation.

here’s the kicker. despite getting her kiss from porky, she still isn’t satisfied. she coldly remarks “i STILL take the killer!” with that, porky can only gawk in awe as petunia and killer march arm-in-arm out the door, petunia cooing that she’ll wait until killer gets out of prison. iris out.

the voice acting steals the show in this cartoon. mel KILLS it (no pun intended) as killer, from the falsetto to the porky impersonation--which is just mel doing his regular porky voice--to killer’s evil belly laughs. sara berner does a fine job as petunia, and tedd pierce’s narration is always a joy to hear. i’m unsure of who voices the lackeys, as they don’t quite sound like mel, but nevertheless, they too are fun to listen to, especially their introductory dialogue. if anything, you should check out this short for the voice work alone.

frank tashlin’s eye for cinematography sparkles as it always does. the opening montage is particularly impressive, especially the use of silhouettes. very bold and striking. his layouts are very well structured, and the cartoon flows very nicely. it’s a snappy one, but it hardly feels like it drags. there’s a lot packed into these 7 minutes!

though i do pity porky, especially at the end, i will concede that the end IS a good shocker, even if petunia is straight up cruel. porky’s personality is slowly weeding its way out of the woods, with some traits (good natured, gullible) sticking to his character all throughout his career. progress is being made! and, as i said before, as much as i enjoy the fat porky design, i won’t shed too many tears over this being its final appearance, because it marks a new step forward for warner bros. cartoons are becoming funnier, snappier, wittier, the disney influence continually waning. good things await.

i definitely recommend you check this one out. while it’s not my all time favorite tashlin cartoon, there’s a lot to admire, from voice direction to animation to even the layouts.

link!

#lt #looney tunes #porky’s double trouble #tashlin #reviews #long post

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sparkkeyper · 4 years ago

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The 2020 Aro Way Challenge had a prompt "Heaven's prayer inbox room" and while that wasn't my prompt at the time, this idea never left my head. So here you go.

I did way too much math for this fic, haha.

***

Aziraphale had only been sent up to Receiving once or twice in the last few thousand years, and upon stepping through the door again in 1967, he decided at once that his opinion of it hadn't changed.

It was stark and white and open just like everything else in Heaven but it was crowded. Angels moved briskly about, carrying stacks of incoming prayers from their jingling manifestation points in boxes along one massive wall to a series of filing rooms in the opposite one. Processing desks filled the rest of the space: noting, sorting, cataloguing. Aziraphale might have liked it if it hadn't been so clean and empty, but the only thing close to decoration was a set of long white curtains down the left wall, which seemed more for texture than anything else. He got the impression that there was much more cataloguing going on than answering.

He didn't need to like it, he reminded himself. It wasn't his jurisdiction. He just needed to pick up his intended prayer and be on his way.

He walked up to the closest desk, getting bumped by three angels in the process. "Yes, hello. I'm here per Gabriel to pick up...well, I suppose it would be one of the more recent-"

"Name?" the clerk asked without looking up.

"Emilia-"

"Not the human's, yours."

"Ah. Aziraphale."

The clerk flipped through a rolodex, frowned at the card she found, and added it to a different pile on the desk. "Your prayer has already been requisitioned. It will be ready for you in thirty minutes. Please wait by the wall."

"Yes. Well. Thanks so much."

Aziraphale picked his way back to the edge of the room, doing his best not to get trampled in the crowd. After several more moments of sidestepping and pressing back into the wall, he found himself next to the long white curtains. Perhaps he could take shelter behind them, he thought wryly.

Yet another angel shouldered past and he pressed himself further into the wall until -

There was a door there. Just behind the curtain. An older style, still white but polished wood instead of metal. A single, simple plaque sat at head height.

Unnecessary

Aziraphale blinked. Heaven didn't have unnecessary doors. It was, if anything, ruthlessly efficient. So why?

He had thirty minutes, he reasoned. Clearly the Receiving angels didn't want him around. And it would be easier to stay out of the way of their work if he left the room just a few steps.

The door wasn't locked, he discovered. Few of Heaven's ever were. It opened without a sound and he ducked behind the curtain and through the opening before he could be noticed.

The hall beyond was dark. Well, nothing was truly dark in Heaven, but the light was a bit muted and that seemed a stark contrast to the brightness outside. Filling the massive interior were rows and rows of shelves identical to the ones outside in which prayers manifested - not unlike modern human post boxes. Except these were silent. Empty. No sparks of light or jingles of bells to indicate any use. No slips of paper with requests or thanks or pleas. Curiosity getting the better of him, Aziraphale slowly moved deeper into the room. His footsteps echoed in the silence.

A moldy scrap of parchment, covered in so much dust that he nearly missed it, sat in a box at about shoulder height. It looked like it must have been thousands of years old. Had Heaven missed this prayer by accident somewhere in the past? Glancing around to make sure he was alone, he pulled it out and pried it open.

Day %#&%: HOW COULD YOU?! WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY?! I HATE YOU!!

He dropped the the parchment at once and stuffed it back into the box. That...surely that wasn't...

He scrubbed dust from the box's label, trying to read the sender's name. Instead of letters in any Earthly language, he found himself staring at a sigil.

An angel.

No, not an angel. Not anymore.

He stood slowly, looking around at the countless rows of empty prayer boxes. The places where the Fallen had once been stared back at him, like a graveyard.

He wandered the shelves with a strange mix of pity and dread pooling in his stomach. Here and there, the occasional box would hold only a single, ancient, dust-covered paper - their last response to the Fall. Unnecessary, the door had said. Because the Fallen did not pray. Not to God.

He was just about to turn around and head back to the main Receiving hall when a break in the pattern caught his eye. One box, all the way down by his feet, was not empty. He bent to examine it and found that it held a small stack of folded papers - not much but far more than the rest of the boxes. He rubbed away the dust on the label and was shocked to see that he recognized the serpentine sigil - he had seen it many times over thousands of years on the face of his adversary.

Crowley had prayed? The topmost paper didn't even look that old. He reached for the box but hesitated. It wasn't his place to read another's prayers. They were private correspondence. But his stomach sank as he looked around at the empty shelves. No one was hearing them, he realized. Unnecessary, said the door. The Fallen gave up a line to the Almighty when they chose to rebel and the angels ignored them accordingly.

But if a demon did choose to pray...shouldn't someone listen?

Carefully, he pulled the papers out and flipped over the stack to reveal the oldest.

Day %#&%: THAT HURT! IT STILL HURTS! WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?? Do You have any idea what it feels like?? I don't want to be here, I didn't ask for this! Hello? Hello?! Are You listening?!

The symbols on the page devolved into several lines worth of furious, wordless screaming.

Okay, fine! S'pose I'm not good enough for You! Screw You anyway! You and every other miserable angel!

Aziraphale put the paper down, swallowing hard. Had God ever seen these? He suspected She interacted differently with prayers than angels did, but had She ever heard these final cries? Or had She blocked them out like the rest of Heaven had?

He unfolded the next paper.

Day 46: Well You at least did one thing right.

Odd. Aziraphale thought back hard. Days were tricky to remember near the Beginning, as he hadn't known he was supposed to be keeping track of them yet. But if his memory served, Day 46 had seen the first humans cast out of the Garden. Crowley certainly hadn't considered that 'right', whatever his definition was. The only thing he'd seemed to like at all was...

Aziraphale felt his face heat up, remembering the demon smiling at him. Crowley couldn't be referring to him. Could he? Even if that was the case, surely he wouldn't have intentionally said so to God?

Intentionally was the key word, he suspected. It was possible to pray without meaning to - directing thoughts Upwards very hard or invoking the name of the Almighty, for instance. He doubted very much that this particular thought had been meant as a prayer.

The next one, though, definitely had been.

Day 351898: You really don't want me, do You? I know, sure Crawly, what was your first clue? The screaming dive or the sulfur bath? But I dunno, I wondered... I hoped... I mean the humans... Never mind. It's been a thousand years, more or less. I can take a hint. Who needs You anyway? Not me.

With a deep breath, Aziraphale opened the rest.

Day 365357: What are you doing? All this rain... You can't be serious?

Day 365358: StopstopstopstopSTOPSTOPSTOP!

Day 1018783: What did he do?! He was five! He had another twenty five, thirty years ahead of him! All for a row you've got going with Pharaoh?!

Day 1018783 Part B: Fuck You, fuck You, fuck You, fuck You!

Aziraphale bit his tongue hard to keep it in check. It wouldn't do to find himself agreeing with such things.

He bit it very hard.

Day 1493608: It's so quiet tonight. The stars are still so bright, all the way up there. Like it's been no time at all. ... ...do You ever miss me? ... ... ...suppose not. If You did You'd answer once in a while. ... The sky looks so vast from here on Earth. Funny. It used to look so small from above. Does it still? There's so much here. Does it all look so tiny to You? ... ... It's quiet tonight. I used to hear You in the quiet. I don't anymore. ... ... ... ...I miss You...

Day 1479943: God Almighty, that smile. How did you capture an entire sunrise in one angel's face?

Day 2078008: I thought You were supposed to be omniscient. Know everything, right? Know about him and me. If You are, why have You never told them? And why did You ask about the sword if You knew he'd- ...No. No use pressing my luck, eh? Or his. If anybody's gonna snitch its not gonna be me.

Day 2171226: God, please don't let me be too late, please don't let me be too late - You think burned feet are enough to keep me out when he's in trouble? Up Yours, You sanctimonious prick.

Day 2172585: God help them, they're going to kill themselves.

Aziraphale did some mental maths, putting the date of that last one somewhere around early August, 1945...

Oh. Yes, that made sense.

The final paper looked recent, maybe a couple months old at the most.

Day 2180588: You play a bloody confusing game, You know tha'? Spinning everybody 'round like pawns, nono, like tops, like dreidels until they dunno which way t'go and jus' fall down, and then HOPE they land on th' right side. An' if they don't well too bad, thanks for playing, they're etern'lly fucked six ways fr'm Sunday! Ingenious game design, really. You great TWAT. ... ...Okay, okay look, I'm really drunk right now. I know I shouldn't be talking t' You. I know You don't listen. An' I probably shouldn't've started off with th' insults but Jesus You don't make tha' easy, do You? Just...just don't hang up, just listen t' me this once, yeah? Look, I haven't seen him in two decades. I just...I don't want to lose whatever this is. I can't. I need SOMEBODY to talk to at the end of the day. Because fuck knows You never stop in to have a chat. So much for laying off th’ insults, I guess. Wha’ are You gonna do about it, eh? Gonna smite me when I break into Your House tomorrow? I know wha’ You’re thinking, didn’t he learn ‘is lesson from th’ burned feet? Too bad, I need tha’ water if I’m gonna keep all this safe. Joke’s on You, I’ve got a plan AND I’ve got shoes this time. I won’t ask him again. I ruined everything last time. Still not sure he wants t’ see me again, long as Nazis don’t have guns t’ his face. Surprised You didn’t smite me when I bombed th’ church, honestly. You must know. If You're watching at all You must've seen us. ...unless You're not watching. ... ...unless You've given up on all of us. ... Please don't. Look, look, I know You gave up on me a long time ago. I've accepted tha'. Just...don't give up on th' humans. Don't give up on HIM. He still looks to You. Don't turn Your back on him. ... Fuck, I'm drunk. I've said too much. Keep ignoring me, like usual. It's safer that way.

Aziraphale folded up the last paper, his heart doing uncomfortable acrobatics inside his chest. Thousands of years and no one listening. Or, if the Almighty had ever heard, She'd left them in the empty hall to rot alone for eternity.

In an instant of decision, he gathered up the small stack of prayers and tucked them into the breast pocket of his coat. Without so much as a backward glance, he strode back through the silent hall, closed the door securely, picked up his waiting assignment from the Receiving clerk, and left.

In the deepest corner of the bookshop, inside a box-within-a-safe-within-a-cabinet that was jammed behind an Edwardian-era end table, several lamps, and twenty seven stacks of biographies (and protected by no less than seven miracles and three human locks that Knew Their Business) sat an unassuming tartan thermos.

Aziraphale removed it with more care than he afforded even his rarest books and left the stack of papers in its place.

#good omens #Good omens fic #My fic #aziraphale #Tw child death #I guess I mean it's barely mentioned but just to be safe #Heaven's prayer inbox room #Crowley prays accidentally sometimes whoops #Does God listen to these prayers even if the angels don't?? You decide #Crowley yells at God

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succulentsunrise · 4 years ago

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Where the Fire Lilies Grow

Content: SFW, contains mentions of nightmare and chronic illness.

Hey, it’s my series on Tani and Mereleona, inspired by @thoughtfullyrainynightmare‘s Embers of Sun and Flame! It will tell the tale of Tani meeting and falling in love with Mereleona...but we’ll see if she feels the same 😉

Next >

Chapter 1: Tani, the Verdant Knight

“Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle, love is a war; love is a growing up.” James Baldwin

The morning had begun rather peacefully. There had been no reason to get up early, but Tani was used to waking up before the sun rose. Back at Kikka - her hometown - she had worked hard since the dawn. Now, as a Magic Knight of the Azure Deer, not having to wake up and go at it for the whole day made her feel almost like she was slacking. She had prepared for the day without much of a plan. Still, her planless plans had been ruined by her teammate and friend, Icree. Tani had been calmly treating her small garden of plants, when the red-haired Knight had popped out of nowhere and pushed a new recruit to her shoulders. There they stood now, staring at each other in an uncomfortable silence. The recruit looked young and extremely frail, as if a wind could knock her over. It was a rather direct opposite to Tani’s muscled bearing. The girl’s purple hair was tied into a long ponytail, which could almost reach the end of her long, dark dress. Her eyes were soft and heavy, lending her a youthful and sorrowful appearance.

“I’m Kliodna--Kliodna Sheeban,” the girl said with a hoarse voice. “Pleased to meet you.”

It sounded as if she had smoked all her life, if not more. The smile that she offered was weak at best. Tani nodded uncertainly, recognizing that she belonged to a noble house by her family name.

“My name is Tani Chartreuse,” she answered. “Is your--are you alright?”

“Yes, please, do not worry,” Kliodna quickly rasped. “I was very sick recently, which has left my voice damaged. I will be better soon.”

“Perhaps you shouldn’t talk as much, then.”

“I have a lot of questions.”

Tani narrowed her eyes at the innocent smile the girl flashed at her. Straining one’s voice like that would lead to no good. She brushed parts of her short, brown hair behind her ears.

“I will take care of my garden first,” she commented, turning back to her collection of plants. “Then we’ll get you a quill and some paper.”

“This is yours?”

“Yes. Not everything here, but some of these. That,” Tani pointed at a larger, hanging fern a little further away. “And these here.”

The plants she pointed out last were small, potted succulent plants - her favourites. She took care of them with gentle passion, always making sure they had what they needed.

“You have plant magic, correct?” Kliodna asked, clearing her throat a little.

Tani gave her a surprised glance, stopping for a brief moment to evaluate where she got her knowledge.

“Yes. Did Icree tell you that?”

“Icree?”

“The red-head that dropped you here.”

“Ah! Yes. She said your plant magic was impressive,” the girl answered happily.

Tani eased into a small smile.

“It is still far from what I’d like it to be,” she commented, starting to look for her watering can. “The attack on the capital showed there is still much to do.”

Though it had been a couple of weeks since the terrorist organization Eye of the Midnight Sun had flooded the streets with undead, Tani had not been able to think much else since. She possessed great powers in healing and reinforcing magic, as great as any self-trained commoner could have, but no skill in offensive magic. No matter how she tried, she could not learn a spell to harm. To mend this flaw, she had taught herself how to use a sword. Even now it hung around her waist in its scabbard, attached to her belt. The undead, however, had not cared about a few meager stabs to their already dead flesh. Though Tani had not admitted it to anyone, she still saw occasional nightmares about that flaming street, surrounded by zombies and with no friends nearby to help. The dead citizens laid at her feet - those that she had been unable to defend. It had been sheer luck that Icree and Luka had found her in time back then. With Icree weakening the strange magic’s hold on the bodies and Luka’s sculpted jackals tearing them apart, the remaining citizens - and herself - had been saved. Still, the outcome of the overall attack had not been good. There were hundreds of victims, and a captain of another Magic Knight squad, Fuegoleon Vermillion of the Crimson Lion Kings, had fallen into a deep coma due to his injuries.

Tani looked at the moving lips of Kliodna and realized that she had fallen too deep into her own thoughts. She had not listened properly to the girl’s raspy speech nor had she found her watering can. She concentrated in time to at least hear the question.

“--unable to move. You were present then, protecting the capital?”

“Yes. It’s our duty as Magic Knights. Your duty too, now,” she answered, hoping that Kliodna had not realized that she had not listened.

“I hope to make our squad proud,” the girl said cheerfully.

If Tani had not been caught in distressing thoughts, she might have joined the cheerfulness of the girl. Another member of Azure Deer, Fragil, had told her not to dwell too long in memories of the past. She and Fragil were not very close, but it seemed like the other had sensed her unease. Still, she found it hard to forget how helpless she had felt that day.

“I should introduce you to the other members,” Tani stated a little flatly, the thought of Fragil sparking the idea. “Why did Icree leave you here in the first place?”

“She said she was quite busy - don’t get me wrong, she was very sweet to me! - but that you could show me around.”

Kliodna seemed to have sensed that something was a little off. Her gravelly voice was laced with a little bit more forced cheerfulness. Tani gathered herself mentally. She would have to do better than this.

“That is likely true to an extent,” she commented, pushing a smile on her face. “We are all a bit shaken by the attack. Icree spends her days and nights hunched over books, trying to figure out how to cancel the kind of magic we saw on the battlefield.”

“You--we expect them to return still, then?” Kliodna asked, the forced cheerfulness turning into wariness.

“We don’t know. We need to be prepared,” Tani answered. “However, do not dwell on it now. You have used your voice more than is good for it, so let me use mine. I will show you the place and introduce you to the others.”

The young girl nodded, this time obediently saving her voice. She waited kindly as Tani took care of her plants, and then they left together. The tour was short, but sweet. It took Tani’s mind off of the previous topic of conversation. Though many members of the squad were on missions, she was able to introduce Kliodna to a few of them. The first one they met was a dark-haired and lithe woman in the dining hall, Fragil Tormenta. Tani met her dark blue gaze with slight apprehension, remembering how sharp she was with reading others’ emotions. At least she did not comment anything, but instead welcomed Kliodna warmly to the squad. Fragil was a gentle and caring person by nature, though a little introverted. She and Kliodna got along well, especially after they found out that they were of the same age. Tani made a mental note of being right about Kliodna being young - she was 20 years old, making her six years younger than Tani. Two other members passed them by as they were talking with Fragil, only briefly introducing themselves to the newcomer. Tani had never talked to them much. Francis was a tall, black-haired man with a rather cold air to him. Cesc, instead, was a boyish red-head with a bit of a cocky attitude. They were nice people, but not someone you easily got to know better. The last two members they were able to find that particular day were Tani’s friends: Icree Papillo and Luka Diffidus. Icree they found in her room. What once had been a spacious and clean area was now littered with books and notes, and one tired red-head. Still, her greeting of them was as bubbly as always. Icree was a people’s person. She was a short woman in her 20s, with bright red hair crowning her head. Parts of it she had dyed white for fun. There was always a distinct scent of flowers and fun around her - the latter part being a little exhausting for Tani, who enjoyed calm time spent alone much more than fun time. Nonetheless, Icree was a reliable friend, who adjusted her attitude according to the people she was hanging out with. Later, they found Luka in his small studio. It had once been a normal room, but ever since the green-haired noble had come there, it had turned into his studio. Finished sculptures and designs were neatly put into their respective places, and the floor covered with protective canvas. Luka himself was a rather quiet and shy person, who rarely interacted with others. He was handsomely melancholic, as if a sculpture himself - though the illusion was easily broken if he got embarrassed. He could most often be found right here, in his studio, working tirelessly on details of the most beautiful stone or wood sculptures. He and Kliodna only spoke very briefly. The most that Kliodna could get out of him was Luka explaining what he was working on. He spoke of it with quite the passion - but receded back to his silent self as soon as he realized it.

The tour of the place ended at Kliodna’s new room: a simple, spacious place for resting and her hobbies. Her unopened bag was neatly placed on the floor. Tani concluded that Icree must have snatched her right as she had arrived.

“May I ask something?” Tani asked carefully.

It was something that had bothered her for a while: it was not time for the entrance exam. Yet the girl was noble, so perhaps she was allowed to join a little later. Or perhaps she had been scouted beforehand.

“Of course,” Kliodna said cheerfully, though her gaze was inside her room.

It was likely she was tired from meeting all the new people and seeing all the new things - or at least, Tani would be.

“Why are you joining only now? The entrance exam was a long time ago.”

“Oh. I have been sick for a very long time,” Kliodna answered with a bit of hesitation, her raspy voice breaking a little. “I qualified this year to join, but unfortunately it set me back a little. I’m fine now.”

Tani nodded, uneasily looking to the room as well. Either she had hit an uncomfortable subject, or she was causing the girl to strain her already unstable voice even more. Neither was a good thing.

“Well,” she started cheerfully, searching for comforting words. “We are here for you now. If you feel unwell, come to any of us, and we’ll help you in any way we can.”

Kliodna smiled, and with one hand on her throat, nodded.

“I’ll need to rest now, but thank you for everything,” she said silently. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Do you need anything warm for your throat? I could bring you a cup of tea.”

Tani only got a nod as a reply. She smiled at the young girl and left for the kitchen. She understood perhaps a little now why Icree had brought Kliodna to her. Icree was a person that wanted others to talk, so she could listen to them. With this girl, Icree probably had to worry a lot about where the line between talking and asking questions was. With a small sigh, Tani navigated the corridors to the common kitchen. It was not as if she had done any better job. They’d have to come up with some easier way to communicate. Writing on paper would take a significant time and be a slight waste of resources. It wasn’t the same as talking. Yet Kliodna should not be made feel unwelcome either. Icree would have to be pulled into this. Tani set decidedly three mugs in front of her: one for Kliodna, one for Icree, and one for herself. Icree had worked the whole day, probably. A small pause and a little bit of gossip would do her good. A warm cup of tea would be just the thing. Tani prepared the three mugs of tea and placed them on a wooden serving tray. After a brief consideration, she added the teapot on the tray as well, and made her way back to Kliodna. The new recruit received her tea and the filled teapot with gratitude, having clearly started unpacking her things. Tani did not speak with her long, but instead headed back to Icree’s room. Supporting the serving tray with her left arm and leaning it against her waist, Tani knocked on the door.

Icree’s voice was faint through the door, and clearly tired.

“Come in.”

Tani pushed the door open dexterously. Icree smiled upon seeing her.

“Drinks? Anything hard?” the red-head asked with no small amount of hope in her voice.

“Just tea this time,” Tani laughed. “We’ll get better stuff at the festival.”

“I don’t think there will be a festival, Tani,” Icree responded, beginning to make space on her messy desk for the tray.

“Not true. They are holding it.”

“Really?” Icree sounded very surprised. She gave a slightly distrusting glance to her brunette friend.

“I heard the Captain talk about it earlier,” Tani revealed. “The Star Festival will be held despite the concerns. We’ll get to play festival games and eat well. We are in dire need of it, aren’t we?”

Icree smiled tiredly at her.

“We’ll get to watch the scoreboard tell a sorry tale of the prowess of Azure Deer. I talked recently with my friends in the other squads. The Green Mantis’ have sixty-nine stars for all their efforts. The only one we have hope catching up on are the Purple Orcas, and they have fifty-one. Do you have a way of conjuring two more stars out of nowhere?”

Tani put down the tray onto Icree’s desk. The most popular part of the festival was indeed the ranking of the squads. While their squad, Azure Deer, had never had any hope of catching up with the royal squads, they had managed somewhat to stay in the lower middle of the list. Now it seemed like they’d be second last, if Icree’s information was correct.

“Well, at least we can trust the Black Bulls to be last, right?” she said reassuringly, but it didn’t seem to have the wanted effect.

“Black Bulls have one hundred and one stars,” Icree answered bluntly. “I talked with Vanessa yesterday.”

Tani stared at Icree for a moment in surprise. The Black Bulls were a group of misfits, who completed their missions by the means of destruction. As far as she could remember, they had been near negative amounts in stars. However, Icree’s source was reliable. Vanessa Enoteca was a member of the Black Bulls, and not one to boast without something to back it up.

“So we are likely last?” she asked with a sinking feeling in her stomach.

“Hooray for us,” Icree confirmed, rising her tea mug in a sarcastic celebratory manner.

“Have you told the Captain?”

“Would he care?”

The question hung quietly in the air. They both knew that Rill, their Captain, would likely care, but most often he was rather carefree about running the squad. He was the youngest of the Captains - and younger than both Icree and Tani - and it showed in the way he led. His talent was easy to respect, but his personality was all over the place. Well, that was Tani’s opinion. She would trust him with her life on a battlefield, but on a day-to-day basis of running the squad and making sure everyone had missions? No.

“You know he does,” Tani answered quietly, taking her mug of tea and sitting down on the bed near the desk. “If you don’t tell him, he is going to freak out.”

“He’ll freak out in any case. Better let him enjoy the festival first,” Icree shrugged. “Either way, want to help me with something?”

Tani nodded, having a pretty good guess on what it would entail. Icree always wanted to test out her new theories after a long day of reading and theorizing.

“A new thing you want to try out?” she questioned.

“Yeah. Can you make one of those plants - it can be anything - and just--don’t resist,” Icree requested with a slightly cheered up tone.

It was rather clear she was excited to test out her new theory. Tani closed her fist and concentrated, pushing from between her fingers a pink flower with small petals, large leaves and a long stem: a kalanchoe.

「Molting Larvae」, Icree spoke, creating a striped caterpillar on the plant. Tani had witnessed Icree’s magic many times before: it created butterflies that could hinder and harm enemies. She had never seen her teammate create a caterpillar before. In the most determined manner that she had ever seen a caterpillar eat, this one set out to eat her magical flower. No, it attempted to eat her magic itself. It was a rather slow process, but both Icree and Tani looked at it with wonder.

“I don’t sense you receiving the magic you are taking,” Tani noted after a while.

“As far as I’ve understood my own spell - the caterpillar gets it,” Icree answered, slightly flustered.

“It’s not complete yet. Something is missing. It’s terribly slow and not something I could use in a battle very easily, unless I was able to hide the caterpillar somewhere on the person. Plus, the more magic it eats, the more noticeable it becomes.”

“I could try to reinforce your mana flow?” Tani suggested with uncertainty.

She wasn’t quite sure this was a problem that could be solved with better control of mana, though it was Tani’s specialty. She could help others withstand harder hits and move quicker by reinforcing them and speeding them up, as well as help them regulate the flow of their magic.

“No, it’s not about that,” Icree confirmed her suspicions. “I might just have to keep working with the spell.”

“Well, while the caterpillar feasts - you’ll come with me to the festival? Even if we might be last, we can still enjoy the thing.”

“Of course. I think we’ll all be there, except for Luka. We should drag him out as well.”

“Maybe he’ll find inspiration from the festival,” Tani teased, though neither of them believed in it.

“Maybe he’ll find a muse!” Icree joked a little, her worries melting away for a little while.

They stayed chatting together for a while, leaving behind the worries of attacks and achievements. It was more relaxing to get excited about the Star Festival like everyone else and ponder what to do about Kliodna’s condition.

#Tani Chartreuse #Where the Fire Lilies Grow #black clover #black clover fanfiction

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leechtwinsfling · 5 years ago

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Twisted Wonderland @ DISNEYLAND [ Chapter 2 ]

✨ Twisted Wonderland FanFiction ❤

[ Disneyland Date Series - HEARTSLABYUL ]

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Going through the road that leads directly to the Queen of Hearts Castle, we finally arrive in a few minutes before lining up for the theater to open. Seeing others beginning to line up, we wait for a few more minutes. Ace munches on his popcorn as I reach for some too, but he pulls them away.

“You underestimated my popcorn eating.” he playfully glares at me getting me to raise a brow in disbelief.

“Really? Are you seriously going to finish all that and still be able to eat during the Unbirthday Party and Banquet Hall?” I remind him.

He thinks about it before agreeing, “Okay, fine.”

Smiling, I grab some popcorn to munch on as we sit on the steel rail for keeping the line consistent. Deuce joins my other side as he takes some popcorn from my hand.

“He’s the one who has the whole bucket!” I gasp seeing how much he took from my hand.

“He refused to share them with me.” Deuce states getting me to look at Ace who smiles innocently.

Continuing to wait, Cater takes more pictures of us as a group. Whenever you’re siting on a rail with a habit of being clumsy and unstable, let’s just say you’d eventually fall down. And that’s what happens as I feel my band slip during one of the group photos and I begin falling back. They all see this before grabbing onto me before falling to my doom and pulling me back up.

“I suggest not sitting on the rail.” Trey says getting me to whine.

“But it’s fun!” I argue.

“Not when you injure yourself.” Riddle sighs disapproving, “Anyways, the doors will open soon so you all get off.”

Reluctantly, the three of us do, and just like Riddle said, the staff members open the doorway to the theater. They direct all of us in a single file line before we enter the grande room. My eyes instantly widen at the scene in front of me as I feel myself stop to stare at the setting. It was an amazing place as the leather-like chairs are rose red with a white ceiling full of gold accents. All around the walls and the ceiling has amazing structure design as the middle of it has a dome showing a glass art. The stage has red velvet curtains and in front of it has a black box full of prepared musicians.

I am getting drag along the road as I can’t stop myself from looking around. There are so many components making this fascinating theater.

“[N/A]?” Trey calls getting me to break the daze, “You okay?”

“Yeah, just in awe.” I blush getting him to smile.

“Don’t worry, you’re not the only one.” he gestures to the others.

Riddle, Ace and Deuce look like children in a candy shop as Cater is taking millions of pictures. Giggling at their reactions, we find a row of seven seats getting us to instantly take it. Sitting between Trey and Riddle, the others sit beside the Prefect. Waiting for the show to begin, I give a glance to Riddle seeing his face of anticipation that makes him look incredibly adorable and child-like.

“He’s been waiting to come here ever since he was a kid.” Trey leans towards me whispering, “Every birthday, he wished to come here.”

I can feel my heart melting hearing such news.

“Trey!” Riddle blushes hearing his childhood friend spilling his secret, “Why did you tell [N/A]?!”

Trey chuckles guiltily as I give a quiet giggle. Before any bickering can start or continue, the lights begin dimming signalling the start of the show.

Feeling Riddle’s excitement contagious, a smile begins spreading on my face as the theater with live music begins. As the show escalates about the Queen’s history, in the middle of it, I feel fingers crawling to my left hand before intertwining them with mine. Glancing over to Trey, he gives me a wink before focusing back onto the screen. Hoping the darkness of the theater hides my blush, I feel something land on my shoulder snuggling up to it. Looking down to find Riddle being the one on my shoulder, I don’t say anything as I see his genuine smile watching the show attentively. I lean back onto his head as I slightly rest mine on his as we continue to watch,

Soon, the credits are rolling and the lights begin brightening up again. I feel the fingers entwine and the head is off my shoulder. We all then begin heading out of the theater as we then find ourselves back outside.

“Okay, we have to head to the Greet and Meet next in the Queen’s Garden.” Riddle takes out the map, “And right after is the Unbirthday Party.”

As he guides us all towards the destination, I look over to Ace to see him actually finish all the popcorn.

“Wow, you actually finished.” I state slightly impressed.

“Yeah, but,” he leans in whispering, “I don’t think I can last through the Unbirthday Party and Banquet Hall.”

I laugh at his statement, “What do you think Prefect Riddle will say?”

“Please don’t mention it to him.” he pleads, “He’s gonna behead me.”

Deciding not to tattle-tale on him, I give in, “Fine, but you’ve got to think of a plan on how you can trick him.”

“I know.” he sighs in depression.

Soon after, we arrive to the entrance of the garden, and we all halt to admire it. There is a row of heart shape entrances made of roses as rest areas are nearby. Instantly, Cater demands pictures as we all pose underneath the entrance along with other travelers.

Walking down the path, we enter another area full of flower-made structures and that’s when the formation we had breaks as we all head off to check it out. Buildings were covered with roses, and real-life flamingos are nearby too.

My eyes focus towards a pond with buildings nearby, the main interest is the rabbit in the middle as I applaud for whoever made such an amazing garden.

There is also another portion of the garden with peacocks, butterflies, and mushrooms getting me to wonder if they accept people living here. Cause I sure hell would love to,

“[N/A]!” Ace calls out for me getting me to see him in close proximate but across the pond.

Rushing over there, I see him standing beside a huge card solider bush and a huge chess piece. Gasping, I immediately quicken my speed to see them closer.

“Do you think they allow people to live here?” Ace asks.

“I was wondering the same thing.” I agree.

He laughs, “Take a picture with me!”

Pulling me towards him, we both kneel down to allow the shot of us with the card soldier. A huge goofy smile is on my face as excitement of wanting to wander around here grows bigger.

“Would you like me to help you two take a picture?” a nearby traveler asks.

“Really! Sure! Thanks!” Ace hands over his phone to the traveler.

Wrapping his arms around me, he makes his hands turn into a heart getting me to chuckle and do the same. Hearing the traveler taking a few pictures, he hands the device back to Ace.

“You guys are an adorable couple.” he comments getting me to blush.

“Ah, we’re not a couple.” I correct finding Ace checking the picture,

“Really?” the traveler asks, “I suggest you quickly take him before someone else does, cause he looks like he’s a keeper.”

My face takes another shade of red hearing the advice. Before I can speak again, the traveler leaves as Ace breaks his concentration on the phone.

“Huh? Where did they go?” he asks about the traveler, “Also, [N/A], your face is red. Are you okay?”

Calming down, I shake my head, “I’m fine.”

He shrugs, “Okay then. Ah, Riddle just messaged me, we have to head over to the Greet & Meet now. It’s starting soon.”

“Okay, let’s go.” I take out the map before guiding us to the destination.

When we arrive, the others are already there. We all enter the line that is slowly growing. I couldn’t help myself from smiling as I see all the boys excited for the Greet & Meet.

A staff member from the front of line then speaks, “Along with the Greet & Meet, there will be a tour. So everyone please form pairs to have easier access in the garden.”

Our group looks over to each other as I know that we all don’t want to get separated.

“Let’s play a card game to decide!” Ace suggests.

“No.” we all decline bluntly.

“Rock, Paper Scissors?” Deuce asks getting us all to agree seeing that’s probably the best choice.

We all play figuring what our pair is, and in the end it’s the Adeuce Team, Third Years Team, and then Riddle and I.

“No fair~ I wanted to go with [N/A]!” Cater whines.

“Am I not good enough for you?” Trey asks playfully.

Laughing, we then soon find ourselves at the front of the line as Riddle and I head off first. With a staff member guiding us down a narrow pathway with tall bushes beside us, I feel Riddle slowly grasp my hand. I respond back with grasping his tightly as we go through the path with a slight ease due to our small structure.

Finally exiting the narrow pathway, we find an area full of heart shape bushes with red roses in the middle. The staff member guiding us leaves as another is there as they begin to give us the tour around the area.

“Welcome to the Queen’s Garden, this area is a exact copy of the Queen’s private garden who she only allowed a few to enter. At every area you enter, there will be staff members to guide you. Will you be planning to participate the Unbirthday Party?” the staff member asks.

“Yes, we are.” Riddle answers.

A smile blooms on the guide’s face, “Great, just tell the last staff member who will be beside the Queen of Hearts about that and they can guide you to the event. Now, let’s move along. You will be meeting not only the Queen of Hearts, but also the King of Hearts, White Rabbit, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, and many more. You can ask the photographers to take pictures which can be printed off at the shop in the Queen’s Castle. If you have any questions, be free to ask any staff member and they’ll gladly help.”

“Thank you very much, we will.” Riddle responds back as we continue to get guided down the garden.

The staff members glances towards our hands and smiles looking at me, “You must be very happy to have such a polite boyfriend.”

In synce, the both of us blush as we look at each other and back to the staff. The staff member is about mid forties getting me to wonder how they have such a crazy idea. First it was Ace, now it’s Riddle?

“Um, we’re not, in a relationship.” I try to correct getting the staff member to be in shock.

“Oh, sorry about that. I just assumed you both were since you guys look adorable with each other.”

The situation is getting worse as I feel my body slowly become warmer from the panic in my head.

Before the both of us can even respond back to them, we find the White Rabbit mascot nearby getting me to gasp at it’s adorableness.

He greets us with exciting waves as he offers a hug to us which we instantly accept as we fall into his furry embrace. Not as comfortable as Jack’s tail or Ruggie’s hair, but it’s good enough.

“[N/A], do you want to get our pictures taken?” Riddle asks with a slight hesitance.

“Of course! It’ll be awesome to have it framed in my room!” I cheer as the photographer gets ready to take one.

The White Rabbit forces the both of us to get closer before moving our hands to hug around each other. Enjoying the excitement, I give off a huge smile as the photographer counts down. Hearing the click, we take a few more pictures with our phones before thanking the White Rabbit and the cameraman. Handing us the photo we took, I coo at the sight as I see Riddle off a smile too.

“Please head down this road, a staff member will be at the end.” a staff member aside instructs getting us to do so.

“Awe, look how cute you look Riddle.” I comment showing him the photo.

“Why do you always call me cute?” he grumbles.

“Because you are?” I tilt my head slightly confused.

“Not as cute as you.” he mumbles getting me to barely hear it.

I suck in my cheek as I pretend I didn’t hear it despite the obvious blush on my face. Continuing the tour, each staff members guide us through the garden with information for each area as we took many photos of the scenery and the mascots. Soon, we find ourselves in a bigger space than the rest that we’ve been through. Huge heart shape bushes full of roses are on the side as a beautiful gazebo is at the middle of the area. The sunlight works perfectly with the garden as it looks like it’s from a fairy tale.

In front of the gazebo is the one and only Queen of Hearts mascot as there a few more staff members here. Looking over to Riddle, I see him frozen like the Ice Age as he stares at the mascot. Needing to pull him down the pathway as it seems like he has malfunctioned, we stop in front of the Queen.

“Hello -” I speak before suddenly getting shocked as both the Riddle and the Queen of Hearts mascot speak.

“Look up! Speak nicely! And don’t twiddle your fingers!” the demand as I do as they say due to the shock, “Turn out your toes, curtsy. Open your mouth wider and then always say ‘Yes, Your Majesty.’”

“Yes, Your Majesty?” I curtsy in complete confusion.

“I apologize, Your Majesty.” Riddle bows, “I shoulder have taught her the proper etiquette before meeting you.”

“Do not fret, it’s already quite a surprise to see such a young man like yourself understanding the proper behaviors.” the Queen speaks as I decide not to make a single movement so I don’t go through the same thing again.

“We are from Raven Night College, I’m the Prefect of the Heartslabyul Dorm dedicated to you. We follow your laws and teachings in the daily.” Riddle speaks in admiration.

“Ah! It’s a pleasure to know such a reliable prefect is taking care of the Heartslabyul Dorm! Please continue with your good work!” The Queen gushes, “Now, now, let’s take a picture!”

Not knowing what to do as I don’t want to make another mistake, Riddle heads over to the Queen before realizing I’m not moving.

“[N/A]? Are you not coming?” he asks.

“Is there any rule or technique to walk? Cause, I’m scared to get another lecture.” I ask trying to sound polite.

He chuckles before offering his hand, “Come over here, you silly.”

Trying my best to walk gracefully with gentle steps, I take his hand. We both stand in front of the mascot as she looks at both of us.

“Young man/lady, you’re lucky to have this fine gentleman as your boyfriend.” The Queen states.

Shockingly, I don’t bloom a blush as I’m already very used to hearing that hypothesis from the many staff members before arriving here.

“We’re not together.” Riddle and I sync after so many times of people assuming we are.

“Oh my, what a shame.” The Queen sighs, “I suggest you should quickly take him before someone else does then.”

I give a nervous laugh before we hear the photographer signalling us to get into position. Looking over to the camera, I feel Riddle’s fingers intertwine with mine as the picture gets taken. We both once again curtsy to the Queen of Hearts before being lead to another pathway that they told us leads to the Unbirthday Party.

Looking through the pictures we’ve taken, I can’t help but blush staring at the one we just took. Riddle has a sincere gentle smile that for sure, if I showed to a few girls, they’d melt. Though, my focus is on the hands as I can still feel the warmth I had a few seconds ago. It’ll be an unforgettable moment.

#twistedwonderland #twisted wonderland #Heartslabyul #riddle rosehearts #trey clover #cater diamond #deuce spade #ace trappola #twisted wonderland fanfiction #disneyland #disney #Aniplex #twff dds #Queen of Hearts

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kessielrg · 4 years ago

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[Kingdom Hearts] Busy Bees

Summary: By far, Ven’s got the most boring job at the flower shop; the cashier. Sitting day in and day out for someone to browse along the rows of flowers and gardening tools, then probably walk right out again. Sometimes an interesting thing would happen- but they were few and far between. [flower shop AU focused on UX kids][Part 3 in a series of oneshots][VenxOC][EphemerxOC/F!Player]

Rating: K

Word Count: 1,682 words

If you liked this story, please reblog!

- - -

Roughly a week before Easter, and Ventus was spending his time rearranging some displays in the hope someone would buy one. It could have been worse- he could have been placed on Easter basket making duty. Strelitzia and Lauriam were already in the back making some. Even more so, at least he wasn't on Easter Bunny duty. That was an event planned for the last day of March most of the time. And, thankfully, it was Ephemer who became their Easter Bunny. Not that anyone else wanted to volunteer...

The bell above the door twinkled as someone came into the shop. Ventus gave a half-hearted look up to give a customer service 'how are you today?' before recognizing that it was just Brain. Trailing right behind Brain was his sister, Sabrina (to whom Ventus absolutely did not have a crush on because she would never give him the time of day). Sabrina was giving her brother a rather irate glare as she sipped on her strawberry milkshake. Likely because Brain was going on about some tech video he saw earlier.

“Why don't you get how neat it was, Sabi?” Brain teased as they lingered near the entrance, possibly so Sabrina could finish her milkshake. “This guy was able to encode a full 5 minute video on a 3 inch floppy disk, and the quality was amazing. Amazing for what it could be, of course.”

Sabrina took her lips off her straw just to rasp, “Nerd.”

“Alright there peanut gallery,” Brain snorted, “I see how it is.”

He then attempted to mess up her hair, but Sabrina dodged it with a casual swoop to the side. It only lead to Brain to laugh at her even more.

“Oh!” he then realized, digging into a paper bag he was holding, “We got something for you Ven.”

Ven blinked, as if he were unaware of his own presence, as Brain pulled out a large muffin. Sabrina started to sip her milkshake again, starting to give Ven a rather judging look. He was more aware of her looking at him than the muffin.

“Are you guys going to help Strelitzia and Lauriam?” he asked, taking the muffin with care.

“Yup.” Brain grinned. “Even managed to drag Sabi into it because she needs something to do than staying at home managing her fashion blog.”

Sabrina huffed. “As if it's my fault that Elie Saab's idea of escapism is 'cirque du soleil' extravagance. 'Designed with his costumers in mind', my well manicured pinkie toe.”

“For the record, you should probably cover them with something.” Brain told her, pointing down to her feet. They were well manicured, and presently being showed off with lace-up sandals. “We're putting small bags of potting soil in the baskets this year.”

Everyone looked down at Sabrina's feet as she wiggled them a bit at the idea. After a moment, she just shrugged.

“I have a pair of socks in your locker just for this reason.” she informed him before starting to head toward the backroom. Brain watched her leave with a grin on his face, his hand at the brim of his fedora in an equal amount of fondness. He looked over at Ven -who started picking at his muffin with some interest- and his grin grew a bit wider, as if he were thinking of something amusing.

“You can come join us, you know. I'm sure Skuld wouldn't mind you abandoning the store front for back end stuff.”

“I… I'll think about it.” Ven carefully replied, almost timidly. “There's a lot of stuff to do...”

“Gotcha.” the older of the two nodded, tipping his fedora at Ven before also heading to the backroom.

Brain casually strolled into the backroom to see what kind of operation the Fleur siblings had concocted to get the baskets done. He was impressed to find that they came up with an assembly-line sort of set up. It started with the round wicker baskets they were going to place everything in, then someone would set a decent sized teddy bear in, then add small, unpainted terracotta pots with a bag of potting soil placed inside, then a young orchid, and finally a packet of flower seeds tucked between the orchid and pots. It was going to be a nice little display in all said and done.

“Look at you busy little bees,” Brain teased, “You need some food.”

Strelitzia, who had been measuring the potting soil to place in the zip bags, looked up at Brain as if she hadn't been aware they had arrived.

“You didn't have to do that.” she told him. She then worked herself up and brushed the soil off her work uniform. Sabrina -now wearing a pair of socks instead of her sandals- took a few steps back with a look of disgust on her face.

“How many baskets did Skuld want this year?” Brain asked Lauriam as he handed him a bagel.

“Twenty-five.” the pink haired man informed him. “That was the only amount of baskets she ordered.”

“Quite a bit, don't you think?”

“Seems like it, but we're in an outdoor mall and pretty well known locally. We'll get rid of them eventually. Speaking of, Skuld wants us to take picture of the baskets so we can put them up online.”

“We should have Sabrina do it.” Strelitzia happily suggested as she went to the sink to wash her hands off.

Sabrina scoffed as she took a stool to the prep table- right where the pending orchids and teddy bears were. “Because last time you used me as a marketing ploy, sales were so high that we had a party to celebrate.”

“You have a very marketable face, sis.” Brain teased, playfully rubbing her back. Sabrina let out another indignant scoff. The banter between siblings made Lauriam and Strelitzia go into a light laughter.

After everyone had something to eat, it was back to business. Strelitzia went back to measuring out the potting soil. Sabrina made herself the one to place the teddy bear and orchid into the basket, Brain sat beside her to get the bags of soil from Strelitzia so he could place them in the little pots. This then left Lauriam with placing the seed packets inside, and decorating the basket with a ribbon. Once they found a comfortable groove to work with, that was when the four of them started to talk.

And since she didn't come around that often, Sabrina was the focus.

“Have you found a new job yet, Sabrina?” Strelitzia curiously asked.

“No.” came the rather annoyed sigh. “At this rate, I might as well get into politics.”

“So we should all be afraid, then?” Lauriam mused as he carefully tied off a bow.

“El Presidente Sabi the Tyrant.” Brain remarked before giving his sister a teasing side glance. Sabrina sneered before poking him with her elbow. He poked her right back without shame.

“Have you thought about working here?” Lauriam asked, a smile on his face reflective of the fun environment. “You and Brain could carpool. I'm sure Skuld would arrange schedules so you two share the same shift.”

“Or share it with Ven.” Sabrina immediately spat back. She paused for a moment, as if she wasn't quite sure of what she had just said. It was Strelitzia who didn't see this hesitation, so she thoughtfully asked without meaning any harm;

“Have you and Ven started dating yet?”

“Strelitzia.” Lauriam quickly -but still oddly gently- admonished.

Strelitzia's cheeks immediately started to flare a bright pink. “Oh. Is that still a sore subject? I'm sorry. I didn't mean...”

“You're fine, Strelitzia.” Sabrina told her with a wave of her hand- not that the woman could see it. “It's not your fault that some people can't mind their own business.” She shot her brother a dark glare that he just as easily shrugged off. After giving an exasperated sigh, Sabrina then went on to say, “I don't see why I'm the one that has to ask him. I get that it's obvious, but I'm not the one that needs to put a spine in him. If he can't do something that simple, then I will wait- for him or otherwise.”

“Sabrina, I hate to break it to you, but not everyone can be like Ephemer.”

“Don't be stupid- Anora was the one who took the lead in everything they did. Probably still does.”

Strelitzia let out a snort so unflattering that everyone turned to look at her.

“Do you have something to say, Zee?”

“N-no!” the young woman stammered- her face becoming a shade so red, it could have rivaled a blossoming rose. “Not at all!”

“Some things never change.” Lauriam calmly noted as he went back to work.

Meanwhile, Ventus was doing his absolute best to grow a spine. He was caught in a conflict over whether they could really use his help, or if he just wanted to sit by Sabrina and make it less than obvious that he was admiring her. Other than that, he remained in the front as he tried to look busy in case someone came in. If he did go help the others, then who would come out to help a costumer than came in? There wouldn't be much of a competition, would there? Everyone but Sabrina was still a clocked-in employee, after all.

It's not like everyone didn't know he liked her. Everyone at that stupid flower shop wouldn't hesitate to place the two of them in the same room so something would happen. If Ventus went back to help, and a costumer came in, he'd almost place a hundred bucks that Brain himself would go to help.

“You know what?” Ven mumbled to himself as he took a look outside the windows. There wasn't anyone that looked remotely interested in coming toward the shop, and so with a nod, Ven went to the backroom. His confidence in his choice nearly faded the closer he got. When he was just steps away from joining the others, Ven nervously cleared his throat before asking;

“Room for one more?”

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eternal3d2d · 9 months ago

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vannahfanfics · 4 years ago

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Family Vacation

Category: General Fluff

Fandom: Noragami

Characters: Yukiné, Yato, Hiyori Iki

Hey, everybody! I am super happy to present my story for When Gods Wander: A Noragami Travel Zine (@noragamitravel)! The zine is free to download, so be sure to check out the zine’s social to snag a copy of the PDF and enjoy all the wonderful content it has to offer!

Yukiné narrowed his eyes as he straightened up in the train seat, craning his neck to peer over the treetops framing the tracks. As he stretched as much as the cramped compartment would allow, he could just barely discern the pyramidal accents of the old Shinto and Buddhist shrines peeking above the emerald canopy of the forest. He plopped back down into the seat with a disappointed huff and crossed his arms.

Yato had insisted on traveling to Nara for their “family vacation” or whatever, but so far, Yukiné was less than impressed with the historic city. If you could call it a city; right now, it just looked like a bunch of trees. Seething from the anticlimax, he slid his gaze to his right, where Yato was leaning over the armrest, trying to flirt with Hiyori. Bitterly, Yukiné wondered if this was less about “spending time with family” and more about Yato desperately trying to impress Hiyori.

“Why did I have to come along then?” Yukiné grumbled to himself as he sagged down into the seat. He blanched when he caught a glimpse of Yato pursing his lips at him out of the corners of his eyes.

Oh, crap. I didn’t mean to say that out loud! Now he’s gonna gripe at me like some grumpy old man.

Before Yato could scold him, however, the train attendant cheerfully announced that they were approaching the Nara train station. Yukiné sat up again and looked out the window; the forest had thinned considerably to reveal well-tended gardens and paved roads framed with ornate fencing. They sprouted like snakes from the station to disappear behind corners in the maze of buildings, gray rivers sluggishly flowing through the collections of green grass and decorative rocks and bright green mosses. The pretty scenery was an improvement from the neverending expanse of trees, so Yukiné found his curiosity piqued, at least a little.

“Ah, I’ve never been to Nara before,” Hiyori trilled excitedly as soon as they stepped out of the station. She clasped her hands by her cheeks as her eyes sparkled with delight. “Wow, it’s so pretty! I can almost feel the history,” she chortled. Yukiné rolled his eyes and shoved his hands into his cargo pants pockets; the novelty of the gardens had already worn off, leaving him sulking again.

“Hey!” he grumped with Yato elbowed him hard in the ribs. As the god flashed him a chastising glower, Yukiné scowled and rubbed the likely bruised spot on his side. “What’re you lookin’ at me like that for? You and I both know you’re just trying to get in good with Hiyori!”

At his bold— and loud— accusation, Yato gasped and looked suddenly at the girl. Thankfully, she was as oblivious as ever, prancing over to a tourist center attendant who was handing out free maps. Yato scowled and clapped his hand over Yukiné’s mouth and leaned in to whisper into his ear.

“You’re such a brat, you know that? Just be grateful that I brought you along at all!”

Yukiné wriggled about, prying his mouth free of the grip so that Yato’s hand clenched his chin instead. He gave the god a dour scowl, so deep that the pink of his gums bared.

“Eh? Why should I be grateful that I’m a third wheel, huh?” he countered. Yato smirked sordidly, an artery bulging in his forehead as he struggled to maintain his composure. Yukiné turned up his nose disdainfully. Before either of them could continue bickering, Hiyori trotted up brandishing the map brochure, her cheeks flushed with elation.

“Yato, Yukiné, there’s so much to do!” she gushed as she flipped the map open to show them. Her index finger traced a path across the laminated paper. “The nice lady said that if we follow this route, we can see most of the heritage sites here.” She turned the map around to appraise the various locations, eyes shining.

Yukiné found himself relaxing just a little. It was hard to be irritated seeing Hiyori so excited. Even if Yato had dragged him along to play like he didn’t have any ulterior motives, Yukiné supposed it was all right as long as Hiyori had a good time. She deserved that.

So, he kept his resentful comments to himself as they wandered throughout the historic city of Nara. He mostly flitted along like a ghost, half-listening to Hiyori’s avid gushing and Yato’s lame attempts to be relevant. The temples were pretty cool, he had to admit, as he appreciated the ancient architectural craftsmanship and the surrounding gardens. Still, Yukiné really didn’t care for any godly beings other than Yato and could only derive so much enjoyment from musty old buildings, so after about the third temple, he was finding himself pretty bored. It was around this time that they entered Nara Park.

“Park” was a generous designation; it was really a series of interconnected paths leading to the other, grander sites. The roads were framed by short, stubby wooden cylinders chained by iron links. As Hiyori paused to debate which part of the park they should visit first, Yukiné found his mind wandering to a debate of his own. Maybe he should have blown off the “family vacation” to hang out with Kofuku and Daikoku instead; they’d be a heck of a lot more interesting than this, and maybe Daikoku would be nice enough to make him a snack.

Yukiné nearly jumped out of his skin when something nudged him in the forearm.

“What the—?” Gasping, he looked down to see a spotted deer with velvety antlers looking up at him with expectant, shiny black eyes. He blanched in confusion, looking around wildly to see that a small herd of the animals were engaging visitors all along the path. His frazzled mind failed to articulate that these were the deer Nara was known for, but thankfully Hiyori came trotting up before he could make a total fool of himself.

“Ahhh! So these are the famous spotted deer of Nara! They’re so pretty!” she crooned in delight. The deer just continued to stand idly beside Yukiné as she stroked its white-spotted, russet fur appreciatively. After petting it a few seconds, Hiyori looked at Yukiné with a bright smile. “They’re quite tame, Yukiné! Try petting it!”

Yukiné looked uncertainly at the small deer chewing on grass in front of him. It didn’t seem aggressive. Reluctantly, he reached out to gently stroke its flank. Its side twitched, making him recoil in fright, but the animal didn’t move to attack him. Again, he caressed the deer’s side. An excited smile slowly worked its way onto his lips as the deer allowed him to pet it.

“Hehe… It’s soft…” Yukiné chuckled quietly. He jumped as the deer suddenly moved to butt its head softly against its leg. “Wh-what’s it doing?” he squeaked to Hiyori, who just giggled.

“Relax! It probably just thinks you have some deer crackers. Wait here; I’ll go buy some, Yukiné.”

“What? Hiyori, no, don’t leave!” Yukiné protested in a high-pitched voice, but the willful girl had already abandoned him in search of the crackers. He froze stock-still in the middle of the path as several deer began to nose at his cargo pants pockets and snuffle at his hands. “Hehehe… Nice deer… Hiyori will be right back with some crackers… Please don’t eat me instead!” he fretted, sweat rolling down from his wavy blond hair. He looked up to see Yato lounging on a bench with an assuaged grin on his face.

“The hell you laughin’ at, Yato?”

“My cute little Regalia,” the god responded, his smirk deepening with amusement. Yukiné scowled, sorely tempted to whack that shit-eating grin right off the god’s face, but he was too nervous around the deer to make any sudden movements. Thankfully Hiyori came hurrying back with several packs of crackers in her hands.

She yelped in surprise as the deer suddenly surrounded her. She held the crackers up as they insistently nibbled at her clothes and craned their necks in attempts to get at the treats.

“Heehee! Patience, patience! Let Yukiné feed you, too!” she laughed, completely unbothered by the deer swarming her. She stretched out her arm to hand Yukiné some of the crackers, which he took reluctantly. Several of the deer splintered off to demandingly paw at him instead. He hastily drew one of the crackers and held it out, and one of the deer immediately clamped down on it. Crumbs rained from its lips as it devoured the wafer, making snuffling noises that had Yukiné chuckling.

“Heh… That’s it…” Yukiné said skittishly as he held out another cracker. Another deer claimed it as its prize, shouldering another out of the way. Yukiné hurriedly procured another for the disgruntled smaller deer that had been denied its treat. Little by little, he became more relaxed, feeding the animals with a happy smile. It wasn’t long before he ran out of the deer crackers.

“Wah! I’m sorry, guys, I don’t have any more!” he laughed as they nosed disappointedly at his pockets and clothes. One of them tried biting down on the pom-poms of his hat, which he had to hurriedly yank out of the way before it could be coated in goopy deer spit. After a minute of hassling him, the deer figured out that he had no more food and trundled off down the path to harass other park visitors. Yukiné watched them trot off with a beaming smile.

“Wasn’t that fun, Yukiné?” Hiyori asked breathlessly as she trotted up.

“Yeah!” he confirmed with a bright smile. He brushed the crumbs from his shirt as Yato sauntered up. Yukiné grunted as the taller boy slung his arm around his shoulder with a self-satisfied sigh. “Knock it off, Yato!” he whined as Yato knocked off his hat to affectionately tousle his blond curls.

“I can’t help it! My little Regalia is so cute <3” he cooed. Yukiné scowled in disgust as Yato nuzzled his cheek endearingly. “I’m so glad you’re finally enjoying our family vacation, Yukiné~ You were making Father oh-so-sad!”

“Get offa me, ya creep!” Yukiné protested and squirmed out of his hold to stomp a few paces down the path. Yato watched him with watery eyes and a wobbling bottom lip before making grabby hands at Hiyori. “Oh, don’t pull that crap!” Yukiné fumed as Hiyori took the god into a comforting hug.

“You sleaze!” Yukiné snorted as Yato flashed him a triumphant smirk over the oblivious Hiyori’s shoulder. Really, is Hiyori that much of an airhead?

“Hiyori-chaaaaan, why is our son so temperamental? Am I a bad father?”

Yukiné rolled his eyes and turned his back, mentally blocking out Yato’s wheedling. Instead, he watched the deer as they demanded crackers from travelers or lounged under the shade of the trees dotting the park. As he watched the quiet, graceful animals, the annoyance melted from his tense body, and a serene smile appeared on his lips. Unprompted, one of the deer trotted up and butted his hand, nuzzling into his palm. Yukiné petted it eagerly, relishing how soft its fur was.

Well, he thought with a small smirk, at least there’s something worthwhile about this trip. Even when Yato and Hiyori finally pulled him away to resume exploring the various temples, Yukiné felt buoyed by his interaction with the local deer.

Not a bad family vacation after all, he had to admit.

Enjoy this oneshot? Feel free to peruse my Table of Contents!

#noragami #noragami fanfic #iki hiyori #hiyori iki #yukine #yato #noragami yato

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twisted-nox-sidus · 5 years ago

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(I'm bad with clear skies. I want to hide my ugliness from the light. But things lurk in the shadows cast by that light... And I'm a little interested in finding out more about them.) - Strix, narrating.

Based off nighttime and an owl, so she's not necessarily "twisted" from anything/anyone. She's actually designed around an otome MC struggling with the concept of love (because why not).

(Note: This post is super long since I put a lot of depth into this OC. There’s a lot of angst surrounding her than what’s given at face value. I even left out some details that are considered a surprise that reveals more about Strix. Some bits of her profile are rather messy and all over the place. I hope you guys love her as much as I do!)

Name: Strix Noctowl

Real Name: Secret

Nickname(s): Transfer Student, Problem Child, Newbie, etc.

Age: 16

DOB: 3/3 (Pisces)

Gender: Female

Height: 5'4.5" (164 cm)

Likes: Fluffy things, birds (particularly owls), music boxes

Dislikes: Gossip, thunder, her eyes

Hobbies: Reading, singing, piano playing

Race: Human

Affiliation: Night Raven College

Year: First

Relative(s): Unnamed mother (deceased), unnamed father (defected), unnamed grandparents, Sidney (great-grandfather)

Dorm: Unallied

Personality

A down-to-earth but curious young lady who never runs short of her sharp-tongue. She goes by Strix Noctowl in order to separately identify herself as the girl known specifically in Twisted Wonderland. Strix tends to be pessimistic and talk about pop cultural references no one in Twisted Wonderland would understand but nonetheless is determined to return home. She is more of a nocturnal person.

She is known to be “disobedient” and rebellious by the NRC. Many students admire her for her fearless, outspoken character but also keep at a distance to avoid getting roped in potential punishments with her.

Strix is not a virtuous person and can play petty if the situation compels her. She can be violent and won't hesitate to resort to a little punch to get her point across. Questions how most of the cast don't know the meaning "no" on a daily basis.

Underneath her shell, Strix is a touch-starved, naive, and utterly vulnerable girl. The absence of her parents led her to believe she is not loved and relies on her dear grandfather for almost anything she has trouble with. She is also shy about asking to fulfill her selfish desires and sometimes hides it too well that it becomes painfully evident to others.

Strix has a child-like impulse to touch things that pique her curiosity, such as trying to touch Leona's ears or Malleus' horns. The Savanaclaw dormitory is a prime victim of her "harassments".

Strix has a bad habit of falling asleep on a constant basis to the point she can sleep with her eyes open and stay still from what she was doing (ig. holding a stack of papers). This also happens arbitrarily at random places and time, such as sleeping mid-conversation. It's an impressive feat, as remarked by many of the guys. The habit was stemmed from the inner part of Strix that likes to dream (despite being a realist) and being a sound sleeper. She says this is the only time she can truly escape the cruel reality. It's a technique Strix may or may not be proud of.

About

Strix is a rare case at Night Raven College. Initially it appeared she had no powers whatsoever and was not remarkable in magic classes. Pretty disastrous, actually. She received a lot of hostility from the students who believe she doesn't deserve to be a worthy student at the prestigious magic academy, the very field she sucks at. Soon, Strix awakens her powers (explained in Abilities section) and works to control it while attending the college.

Due to Strix's insistence, she identifies herself as an "unallied" student and is taking residence at the run-down dormitory. She had complained a lot about each and every dorm and considers the NRC dorm a better place to reside in. She didn't really mind being the sole student in the rundown dorm since she was accustomed to solitude. She won't spend much time other than sleeping there anyways.

In order to repay Crowley's generosity and protection, she volunteered to work as his aid, such as helping clean up and sorting the books and documents piling up his workload. In addition, Strix works part-time across each of the seven dorms to earn herself money instead of relying on Crowley all the time. This also helps keep her busy and familiarize herself with the dorms and its students (since she has to cooperate with the uncooperative chaotic student body). (FYI, her payment is based on her performance which will be reported by the dorm leaders to determine the wage.)

Abilities

Strix has the ability to summon colorful, quirky, and adorable Dream Eater Spirits (please think of the Kingdom Hearts series because that's exactly what they will look like. I’m not capable of creating them myself so please use them as reference) that obey her heed. She surprisingly has good control of her magic (probably because she’s a dreamer and is adept with her dream magic as a result) and works on honing her abilities so she doesn't subconsciously summon the fun yet pesky creatures and start a zoo attraction. If a colorful creature is running rampant on campus, you know who is responsible for it. A common Dream Eater Spirit she summons is a curious owl dubbed Peepsta Hoo (shown below).

History

Strix was raised by her great grandfather Sidney since she was a child, whom she trusts and loves the most in her family. Sidney is a half-blind antique shop owner; a man who was born on the very day and year Disney was founded (10/16/1923). He practically grew up with Disney and shares his love with his descendants including Strix, who also adores the magic of Disney as a result. He is at least 96 years old, yet still somehow has spunk to him.

Strix's mother died from childbirth. Her father couldn't handle the sight of Strix who was slowly looking more like his dead wife every day and abandoned her to start a new life with another woman, essentially cutting ties with Strix when she was only five years old. In an outburst he said he hated Strix's eyes that were said to be devoid of light and emotion ever since she was an infant before leaving the house with luggage in hand. Strix dislikes her birthday since that marked the day her mother died and never encourages her own birthday parties or gifts.

Strix grew up resenting her eyes that were seen as a curse. Her grandparents even agreed with her former father that her mother gave birth to a "heartless, cursed monster". It was said that for the first five years Strix was born into the world, she barely expressed emotion outside of a blank slate, though Strix herself claims to not remember that. Her grandparents on her mother's side still resented her for her mother's death while the grandparents on her father's side don't want to have anything to do with her. Only Sidney was willing to raise her.

Strix is touch-starved due to the absence of her parents. As a child she had wished for them to pat her head, hug her, and hold their hands; the simple intimate things expected for family to do. She never knew her mother, and her father was aloof towards her and even treated her like the Plague by avoiding contact with her. What she had wished was for their affection, or rather the affection of a mother and/or father (which will be fulfilled by everyone’s bird dad Crowley in the future).

The only one who could meet her demands was Sidney who happily gives her attention and affection. He was the only one she could confide to and seek help.

Strix grew up believing she only needed to depend on the love of her great grandfather. She was extremely timid and nervous as a child who didn't understand how to befriend kids her age and harbored jealousy towards them who lived with happy families. This jealousy is what primarily made her keep a distance from them. As a result, she didn't make any friends, and never had up to when she was warped to Twisted Wonderland.

Strix once had a crush on a boy (dubbed "Caelum" for narrative purposes) who smiled brightly like the sun and filled her with warm giddiness. However, that was when she was six years old and the boy in high school, practically a decade year gap between them. It was more of adoration than romantic attraction, but she never met anyone else who was as nice and warm as him other than Sidney.

Caelum was her neighbor who babysat her whenever Sidney had to run errands. He played with her and spoiled her with her needs; they were like brother and sister. It was until he had graduated and moved away to dorm in a faraway college that they never saw each other again until seven years when a letter of invitation was sent for his wedding.

Strix's emotions conflicted over how she should express her romantic feelings among the platonic ones up to the day of his wedding. She froze up and fled out of fear before she could answer him. The moon was blue yet cold that night, and she discovered something like a mirror in the garden pond. She was suddenly shoved from behind and fell into the mirror. This leads to the current situation and the start of a twisted fairytale where happy endings are not as they seem.

Trivia

- Strix is a name used in various mythologies to refer to creatures who bring forth misfortune. They usually appear in the form of birds, mainly owls. "Strix" is also a genus of owls in the typical owl family (Strigidae).

- Noct in Noctowl means "night". Yes the owl is snuck in there, go figure.

- Strix's birthday falls on "I Want You to Be Happy", also known as Girl's Day.

- Strix once took care of a baby snowy owl as a child but had to say her farewell when it was released into the wild. Ever since, she likes to learn more about the beautiful feathered creatures.

- Strix's preferred type of person is someone who would wholeheartedly accept her touch-starved needs. Of course, she would do the same vice versa.

- Strix's most treasured item is the wristwatch that also plays like a music box. She never goes out without it. She also carries a gold heart lock (the one seen in her default outfit) on her out of impulse and never bothered to understand why. She says she feels safe bringing it with her.

- Strix has 2.0 eyesight. She can pinpoint a person from far away and recognize them.

- If you rub Strix's head in a particular way by running your fingers from behind her ears and massaging her scalp, she'll fall asleep. Apparently it calms her nerves and loosens the tension built up. She melts like goo on the spot and subconsciously clings to the person, purring in contentment like a completely different person (like an affectionate house cat). It's effective for silencing her, having her sleep, or just fluster her altogether. The first in the NRC to discover this embarrassing weak spot was...? That's a story for another time, though.

- Strix learned to play the piano for ten years since she was six years old, the same time when she first met Caelum. Caelum was the one who got her into the piano after expressing his love for the instrument and classical music. Initially Strix played to earn recognition from him, but over time, especially after he left, she grew fond of the piano (also because the sound works similarly to a music box) and honed her expertise in the field. She won piano competitions up to now and has a goal of becoming a pianist in her career. Her piano skills are highly praised by her peers and sought after by Azul, but even then she feels insecure. Ever since the wedding, her hands freeze up and hover over the keys as she automatically recalls the daunting memory of Caelum and her bittersweet emotions. The crowd's peer pressure wasn't helping either. (And yes, she can play the piano while asleep. What a pro.)

- Strix's love for Disney makes her prone to humming and singing to songs including but not limited to Disney as she works (of course when she knows she's alone). Sometimes she can get carried away with her singing and wind up lost in her own world as she does and would take a while to notice another presence in the room. When she gets caught, she dies on the inside and gets extremely embarrassed to the point of acting tough with a tomato red face. Apparently she is terrible at being self-aware of her surroundings when she gets into it. Then again, this is the same girl who falls asleep in the middle of corridors without realizing she was asleep.

- On that note, her singing voice is actually really nice, almost trained like a pro. Azul officially never lets her out of his sights now that she has full potential to be a full-time staff at Mostro Lounge. Her singing and piano skills are much needed at Mostro Lounge, however Strix would only willingly do the latter. She would die before singing in public. That's a big no no.

- Strix is said to have back (and neck) problems. Probably from the arbitrary times she sleeps in uncomfortable positions, or simply the stress from Night Raven College and the students' antics overall. Someone once touched her shoulder and mistook her for a statue. It's surprising how her appearance hides the stress and drowsiness well. She looks nothing like your average sluggish person.

- Strix likes antagonistic characters in storytelling. She tends to like the villains more than the main characters because she admires the good, the bad, and the ugly of their characters unbound by the laws that prevent them from their free spirits. They're flawed, but she finds relief in knowing they are not completely black like many would depict.

- Strix had a fear of brooms as a child after she watched Fantasia. She grew out of it soon, but even to this day she still looks back on the rather horrific scene with a pale face while holding the broom during flight class, much to Ashton’s confusion.

#twisted wonderland #my post #my art #character profile #strix noctowl #twst oc #twisted wonderland oc

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tedswoodworkingidea · 4 years ago

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Teds WoodWorking Reviews

Teds WoodWorking Reviews: Practical Tips & Free PDF Plans On How To Work Wooden Materials - TedsWoodworking

Teds WoodWorking Plan Reviews - Does Ted mcgrath WoodWorking Program Really Works Or Scam? Read Ted's Woodworking Review An Honest Customer Opinion.

Ted's McGrath WoodWorking Plan Guide Review

Teds WoodWorking Plan Reviews - Does Ted mcgrath WoodWorking Program Really Works Or Scam? Read Ted's Woodworking Review An Honest Customer Opinion.

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This guide details the steps required to complete woodwork projects effectively. The course teaches participants the necessary skills to be a woodworker. Likewise, it has 16000 Woodworking plans to give users a chance to build some projects.

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The package Teds Woodwork is a series of many woodworking plans. It also lists primary resources to build woodwork projects for home, business, office, or any other area. This is a practical woodworking course that is true and most comprehensive.

Teds is an ideal source for users to appreciate the comfort of their homes in designing their designs. It can be accessed from any digital computer and read anytime, anywhere, and later.

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The genius behind the Teds Woodworking strategy is Ted McGrath. He's a Slate Iowa-based coach, mentor, writer, and accredited master woodworker. With years of woodworking experience, Ted has agreed to create an impressive series of woodworking plans to support those who need to improve woodworking.

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The Ted's Woodwork Kit contains approximately 16,000 wooden constructs, which user can quickly build using step by step guidance. This simple wooden article not only makes users happy but also makes people unleash their artistic side.

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Starting an urgent job, for example, a bird house. Users don't undertake a complicated project suddenly since they can see how amazing it would be when completed. First, they could get sad and forget about woodworking.

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Is This Guide Safe and Reliable?

Woodworking is an art that has offered, those who have taken action to get into it, positive effects. It's a joy to make anything from scratch at home. People sometimes care about something other than the usual routine. They will calm down with this sense of accomplishment when at work at home.

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In most cases, ClickBank promises a refund to consumers if they do so according to their timetable. Refunds can be made only within 60 days of the date of the sale. Clients have to wait a month or two to get their money back. They need patience.

The model Teds Woodworking is available on the website of Teds Woodworking. Involved parties must apply to the service and have access to it. Here, the deal costs 67$. Plus, it offers users access to 16000 wood project schemes from Teds.

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McGrath��s Woodworking Bonuses

Users can also get these incentives when they order the Teds Woodworks package:

Plan or viewer for CAD and DWG. This app is designed to help woodworkers alter or edit the kit plans. It can cost a customer a further $197 to get the app alone elsewhere.

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Teds Woodworking Review – Final Verdict

Overall, Teds Woodworking is a thorough and informative woodworking kit that comes with a wide range of solutions for every form of woodwork people think about.

Some of them are inexpensive than this, but customers highly doubt that any kit that is as complete is with thousands of comprehensive instructions for all forms of designs, fantastic bonuses, and outstanding customer service. There are even more excellent woodworking bundles available.

Users should find this guide reviews on Teds Woodwork useful!

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