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[eazydogtrainer]

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[thomasshelbydrabbles]

Everything’s a Negotiation (8/?)

Pairing: Modern!Tommy Shelby x OC, Modern!Alfie Solomons x OC

Warnings: series typical violence, language, sexual situations, possessive behavior, consensual public sexual situations

Summary: Mac decides to take the train up north, per Sydney’s suggestion. What she hadn’t expected was company during the ride.

Word Count: 4039

A/N: Let me know if you would like added to the tag list.

Mac considered ordering a taxi to get her to the train station, but still thought her best chance of getting out of town unnoticed by the gangsters of London would be public transport. It wasn’t that she thought they couldn’t find her, but more her belief that they would be less likely to cause a scene on the tube. Leaving town mid-week meant slightly less foot traffic. No matter how many times they’d ridden the tube, Mac still found herself surprised that Zeus truly enjoyed it. There were always a lot of people for him to make friends with, even more smells for him to enjoy, but she had wondered if all of it would be a bit too much. He sat leaning against her legs as they rode the Northern line towards Euston station. A young girl with pigtails glanced up at her.

“Can I pet your doggie?” 

Mac smiled, glanced up at the adult standing with the young girl. “He’s friendly, but it’s your choice.” 

She watched the girl look pleadingly up at the woman. Mac smiled to herself because that’s exactly how Zeus looked at her when he wanted something, and since he always wanted something, it was the main expression on his furry little face. When the woman nodded her okay Mac smiled down at the girl and knelt down next to Zeus. 

“This is Zeus,” she said as she scruffed his muzzle. “He loves to make friends. And if you pet here behind his ears, he’ll be your friend and might even try to lick your face.” 

At Euston station, Mac waved goodbye to the young girl as she and Zeus made their way to the platform. She’d gotten good at navigating with the dog and her small roller bag, but she still had to deal with people knocking into her, grumbling until they saw Zeus. She found an uncrowded section of the station and pulled Zeus over to sit while she pulled up the ticket on her mobile. Walking towards the first-class cars, she couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching her. Of course, she figured Tommy had some of his people watching her, but now she wondered if Alfie did, too. Were they to just watch and report, or would one of them try to stop her from boarding the train? Pulling Zeus in a bit closer, she hoped they’d leave her be. No need to start a scene at the train station, but she would. 

“Ticket?”

She smiled as she showed the host her mobile. 

“Pleasure to have you aboard today, Miss Theil. Can I help with your luggage?” 

Mac nodded as she passed off her roller bag. She got Zeus settled into the car before setting up her laptop at a table near the window. 

“Can I get you something to drink before we depart?”

“G&T, please.” 

Just as the server left, Mac felt a wet tongue against her hand. Thinking it was Zeus demanding treats for his good behavior on public transport, she smiled before reaching down to scratch behind his ears. However, the fur beneath her hand did not belong to her dog. 

“Well hello, sir,” she greeted the giant mut standing next to her, tail wagging. “Aren’t you just adorable?” 

“Cyril, you fuckin’ menace come ‘ere.” 

At the sound of Alfie’s voice, both Mac and Cyril looked to see him striding into the car. Adeline frowned as she shook her head. She’d been right that one of them would come find her. Since Alfie was the one on the train, she imagined it wouldn’t be long before whatever minions Tommy had tailing her would report back to him about this most recent development. Would he just show up when she got settled in Lancaster? Or maybe, he’d stew on it. Be waiting for her when she came back to London. Neither option pleased her. 

“Seems the dog isn’t the only one who’s a menace,” Mac said as she stood from her seat. 

Alfie grinned at her. She didn’t want to like the way he looked at her. She did. In fact, she found herself preening a bit under his gaze. The small smile on his face gave a youthful, almost playful air to him. She could almost feel the way his neatly trimmed beard would feel against her skin, the way his plump lips would linger on hers, teasing. Startling her from her daydream, one which, given the knowing look on Alfie’s face she’d been caught in, Zeus came trotting over, tongue hanging out as he moved to sniff at Cyril in greeting. The dogs seemed pleased enough with each other’s company and wandered off to the far side of the car to become the best of dog friends. Mac fought down the urge to call Zeus back to her side. The empty first-class car suddenly felt increasingly small. What was it about these men? Mac found it quite rude that they took up all the oxygen, all the space, as though forcing her to devote her entire focus to them.     

Not that calling Zeus would have helped because Alfie swept her into his arms and captured her lips in a kiss before she’d really even come to terms with him being with her on the train. He was so warm. Like a heated blanket on a cold winter day. His hands spanned most of her back, his large fingers pressed into her, holding her tightly against his chest. She brought her hands up, intending to push him away, but instead, they wrapped around his neck, brushed along the nape of his neck, feeling the smooth, silky texture of his hair beneath her fingers. Since he’d taken all the oxygen with his presence, returning some to her was the least he could do. She sighed as she gave herself over to the feel of him, the way he ignited butterflies in her stomach. He, of course, took advantage of this and dipped his tongue into her mouth, chasing the taste of her. 

The door to the car opened.

Her drink. 

She broke the kiss, his arms stayed wrapped around her, keeping her close to his body. His hands settled on her hips, thumbs stroking along her hip teasingly. A blush bloomed on her cheeks as the host set her drink on the table. She tucked her face against Alfie’s neck, ignoring the way his body shook with silent laughter. Reaching down, she pinched his ass, which caused his whole body to sway forward against hers. The feel of his hard cock had her breath caught in her throat. Through the material of his slacks, through the fabric of her jeans, he still felt…impressive. Long and thick. She groaned as he rolled his hips forward again, teasing her. Testing her. 

Alfie’s hands slid up her body, fingers grazing the side of her neck causing her to shiver. His hands cradled her face, thumbs caressed her jaw as he tilted her face up. 

“What are you doing here, Alfie?”

“Innit obvious, pet? Thought me holding you in me arms and kissin’, yeah, kissin’ your gorgeous face would be a bit obvious, right?” 

Given how her own arms were wrapped around his shoulders, and her lips still tingled from where his beard rubbed against her face when he’d kissed her, then yes, what he came here to do did seem fairly obvious. She still felt as though she’d wake up, find the train gliding along the tracks. Perhaps fan herself a bit, and then go back to her real life. 

“Tell me you didn’t get on a train just to give me a kiss.”

Instead of answering, he lowered his face, connecting their lips again in a kiss that was slow, sensuous - as though he literally had all the time in the world to stand here on a train and kiss her senseless. Again, she fell into it, her body molding to his as her hands moved from his shoulders up to his hair. Her fingers sunk into it. The thick strands wrapped around her fingers as she tugged him closer to her. Her whole body fit in the shadow of his, his broad shoulders made her feel small, delicate. 

This time it was Alfie who pulled back first. His fingers combed through her hair before tucking it behind her ear. 

“My family, we’re bakers. Going back generations, baking bread. Brown bread, white bread…loaves and loaves of it. Now, that’s not all that interesting since many people, yeah, many people can bake bread, but what it does mean, pet, is that I’m good with me hands, right, very good with ‘em.”

As he spoke, Alfie moved around her body. His hands began kneading her shoulders, down her arms, around to the small of her back. A low moan passed her lips as he dug his fingers into her muscles, loosening them even as other parts of her tightened in response. She felt as much as heard his laugh along her spine, his breath warm on her neck. 

“Know you’ve been feeling a bit of stress, a bit of stress these past few weeks, pet. Some of it caused by me and that’s bad, right, bad of me. So I’m here, right, I’m here to apologize for my behavior in your office,” Alfie whispered, his lips teasing along her neck.  

“You always apologize like this?”

He chuckled, low, masculine - the sound had her vibrating. “No, pet. I don’t make it a habit of apologizin’. See, men in my line of work, right, my particular business, can’t be seen apologizin’ for things because it allows people to get ideas, see, stupid fuckin’ ideas about me, about my nature.”

Mac groaned as she arched like a cat under his hands. “And what exactly am I meant to understand about your nature, Alfie?” 

“You, pet? I did not like the way we left things in your office, not a bit. I know it’s mostly my fault because I’m a man accustomed to things going the way I want them, see, and when they don’t, well…” 

Alfie’s hands had moved back up to her shoulders. She could imagine him baking bread, could almost see him stood in the kitchen, apron around his waist, kneading the dough with his big hands. Her shoulders began to relax as he continued to weave a magic spell over her body. 

“If the whole gangs of London thing don’t work out for you, I’d be your first customer at your massage place.”

“You forgive me, pet?”

Mac’s head rolled forward as Alfie’s thumbs dug into her trapezius. It wasn’t fair. She’d agree to anything right now, and…

With a great degree of reluctance, she slowly drew away from his hands, and turned to face him. 

“Why are you here, Alfie?” 

“Work for me.” 

“No.” 

Mac looked around the empty car, brow furrowed. “How is the car this empty? Not that I mind because that would have been quite a show for anyone who might have been in here, and I’m not about giving folks a free show. But it is odd.” 

“Bought the whole car when I found out that you’d purchased a first-class ticket for yourself because I did not want us to be disturbed. We have business to discuss, pet, and I thought it best we be alone for it, yeah?”

“And all the bread-making you did when you walked in?”

Alfie smiled. Damn. She wanted to hate it. But. Just like Tommy that smile was her undoing. Made him seem like a friendly teddy bear. Of course, she knew both he and Tommy would bite, but she’d never been good at learning lessons the easy way. Given how flustered they both made her, she did find it a bit of a miracle that they both continued to be so keen on having her work for them. Certainly, the could go to another firm and find a woman who could refrain from becoming a needy ball of sexual tension. 

“I told you, pet, that was an apology from me to you for my poor manners in your office. My words, right, they upset you that day, and I found myself not liking, right, not liking that my words had upset you.” 

“Now that you’re done apologizing to me, you want me to work for you.” 

“Yes.” 

Mac reached for her G&T and took a long swallow. She grimaced because a lot of the ice had melted, and she hated how watery it had become. Still, she gulped it down like it might be the last drop of gin this side of the Atlantic. 

“Are you and Tommy always like this?” Mac paused, brought a finger to her chin. “Although, I can’t imagine you make out with everyone you want to do business with. Both because I’d feel much less special and because that just seems like a lot of work for you. I’ve explained why it would be a foolish decision to work for either of you. Yet, both of you seem to think you can change my mind by seducing me, and while I’m flattered, and more than a bit overwhelmed, I value my business. As a businessman yourself, I’m sure you can understand my position.” 

“I do understand.” 

“Then what the fuck, Alfie?”

Her tone drew Zeus’ attention, and soon both dogs had trotted over to where they stood nose to nose. She felt Zeus lick her fingers and she reached down to scratch behind his ears. She wanted another drink. Actually, she wanted to sit down in that chair near the window, put in her earbuds and listen to her true crime, guilty pleasure, podcast. 

“Write the contracts in your benefit, pet. You’re clever, and ruthless - I know what you took from Ollie that day,” Alfie said with a wink. “Write them up in such a way that it’s deleterious to either myself or Mister Shelby to betray each other.”

Mac knew her jaw had to be on the ground. He couldn’t possibly have just said that to her.

“What, like bloody primary school? I send you off to the corner when you decided you can’t share the crayons anymore?”

“A bit like that,” Alfie said slowly, his hand stroked his beard. “It is a bit like that, yeah. Because men like me and Thomas Shelby, right, we just can’t help ourselves, pet. And we need, we need someone to provide the boundaries. And in return we make you a wealthy woman, keep you safe.”

She laughed. A great involuntary sound. It had a manic note to it she thought appropriate for the situation, if a bit dramatic. “I swear it’s like you two read the same script. I don’t need money, Alfie. And if it weren’t for you both, I’d not need protecting.” 

“Pet - ”

Mac held a hand up to stop whatever nonsense would come out of his mouth next and took a deep breath. “Okay, let’s pretend for a moment that I’ve gone mad, and I’m entertaining this ridiculous idea of yours. Let’s say I have my team of highly paid, very, very nasty barristers draw up a contract that gives you little worms no room to wriggle, one that makes me the queen of fucking everything you bastards own if you so much as glance at the other’s crayons with ill intent. I do that. I have it drawn up. Everyone signs in blood. Everyone’s happy. Until. Until one of you decides that happy is boring. Men like you, Alfie, men like Tommy - you just get bored, don’t you. Just exactly like bloody toddlers, and when you get bored, you break things. But, now, you’ve got this fancy contract that makes me the last man standing. So instead of breaking toys, you break me instead.” 

She paused. Met his eyes. He had a good poker face. It wasn’t cold and aloof like Tommy. It was just vacant. Like he’d gone somewhere else in his mind. 

“I know how that scenario ends, Alfie.”

“If,” Alfie began slowly. “If there came a time that Thomas and I decided our little agreement, right, our promise to each other, to you, no longer worked for us, right, by the time that happened, Thomas Shelby would be so in love with you that he’d not have you killed, pet. Couldn’t do it.” 

Mac ignored the way her heart beat a bit faster at the thought of Tommy being in love with her. Given how he’d responded when Rodney had shown up to her flat, and the way he’d had Michael escort her immediately to him when all Hank had done was cause her a bit of emotional upset, she could see it. What startled her the most was realizing she could imagine herself loving him back. Veering sharply away from that line of thought, she instead focused on what Alfie didn’t say.

“And you, Mister Solomons? Would you be ‘so in love with me’ that you’d not have me killed?”

The silence hung between them. She couldn’t even be angry about it because she knew. He’d told her that day in her office. Forever wasn’t a promise Alfie Solomons could offer to her. Instead, she got massages and promises of Fabergé Eggs. Perhaps giving the order to see her killed would be difficult for him. Maybe he’d even consider a course of action that didn’t end with her lifeless body in a nice pine box. Yet she knew Alfie. At least, she knew the type. Business would come first. And in the end, when it all went tits up, that’s all she would be…a loose end that needed to be tied up. All in service of business. 

She nodded. “I believe we have reached an impasse, Mister Solomons.” 

“Perhaps not,” Alfie said.

Mac didn’t like the serious tone he used. So many thoughts flashed through her mind. 

“Ollie, small thing that he is, found somethin’ useful. Not that he meant to, no. Hurt his feelings you did that day. He went lookin’ for somethin’ to use against you, but you’re good at your job, Miss Theil, very good at your job, yeah, so he couldn't find anything. Moped around like a child. For days. Like a fuckin’ child. Then, one day, he comes into me office excited as I’ve ever seen him, and he learned something about you, pet, about your family.” 

Mac stiffened. Beside her, Zeus stood, moved to a guard position in front of her. 

“None of that, pet. I’m not here to harm you, no. But your family, an uncle of yours I believe, goes by Hank, and what a fucking stupid name that is, but very Gentile, yes, very fucking Gentile that name, Hank. Well, it appears that he has recently made some business purchases that you might find interesting. Thames Security and Clover have been purchased, and see these names, pet, they seemed familiar. I’d seen them before on that nice list your office sent me the first time you told me no. Both companies were on the top of that list.”

Mac stumbled a bit. Alfie reached out and steadied her, hands warm on her skin. She wanted to push him away, but she didn’t want to fall on her ass, so she leaned into him. Felt his fingers card through her hair. Damn him. Damn them all. Why did it have to feel so good? 

“He doesn’t have the capital for that kind of move,” Mac said as she pulled back. “He’s old money, but he relies on the reputation of that name, of the fucking gentry politics more than any sort of funding. He’s not broke, but those are large companies, strong companies. How the fuck did he get that kind of money?” 

“Before you jump to conclusions because I know my actions might have you thinking foolishness, I didn’t give your uncle, right, I did not give that man any money. Not a bloody pence of my money went to him. Ollie dug up the court documents, right, the documents containing information about his atrocious behavior and the things that he said to you, the fucking words he spoke in a court of law about you. Ollie found those and gave them to me. I read them. Yes, I read them, and you are a good person, pet, a fucking good person for not having him killed for what he said, and for what he did to you, to your family.” 

She couldn’t breathe. Zeus whimpered, nudged her with his nose. When had the walls gotten so close to her? Hadn’t there been windows in this car? Hank’s smug, bloated face hovered in front of her, little grin tugging his thin, mustached lips. Mac squeezed her eyes closed, but Hank only grew larger. There wasn’t enough air in the room. She couldn't feel the tips of her fingers. Couldn’t breathe. 

Warm fingers on her face gently stroking her cheek. A broad hand on her chest. Her own hand pressed against a warm body. She could feel a steady thump, thump, thump beneath her fingers. 

“Breathe with me, pet.” 

She knew the voice. Knew it would keep her safe. She tried to do as he said. Kept her hand against his chest, took a breath in through her nose, released it through her mouth. 

Blinking slowly, she forced her eyes open. Alfie knelt on the ground in front of her, eyes tracking her movements, concern etched into her face. She hated how weak her family made her. The panic attacks started when her uncle first brought the suit against her. They increased as litigation continued. Thankfully, she’d never had one in front of him. It was bad enough that both Tommy and now Alfie had seen her have one. She knew men like them shouldn't have this kind of power over her. As Alfie said, Tommy might grow to love her enough for it not to matter, but Alfie would always be a wild card. 

“Give me a reason for him to keep breathing, pet. This uncle of yours deserves a shallow grave, pet, not worth wasting the work of a proper burial.” 

“He’s not worth it.” 

“Bollocks.” 

Mac laughed. The noise startled her. Now, though she had a problem. Alfie had leverage. And now Hank was making moves that made little sense to her. This all might lead to her needing the protection Tommy and Alfie could offer to her firm. She doubted any respectable lender would front Hank the money, gentry or not. Even more so, she knew the owners of both companies. They had no reason to sell. She sighed. 

“Birmingham New Street.”

She’d not noticed the chime for any of the other stops. In her defense, she’d been highly distracted by a man she figured practiced distracting folks daily. 

“That’s me, pet. You’ve the rest of the ride to yourself. Bought the car out as far as Lancaster, so you’ll not be disturbed. I’ll ‘ave them bring you another drink, right, another one when I get me and Cyril off.” 

She nodded mechanically. 

“Think about my offer. Do your research, right, figure out what that worm of an uncle of yours is doing, yeah, and make a plan. Be clever.” 

“I can’t exactly say thank you and mean it, but I’m glad I know now.” 

Alfie nodded. “Fair enough, pet.” 

He pressed a lingering kiss to her cheek. It didn’t so much feel like a goodbye, which is what she’d expected. Instead, it felt like a placeholder. As though he’d simply pressed pause on their…bread making. 

When the door closed behind him, she fell heavily into the chair. Zeus sat near her feet, his head resting in her lap, eyes staring up at her. She scratched behind his ears.

“I have no idea what we’re going to do, buddy.” 

The door opened again, and she just about expected to see Alfie again, maybe even Tommy. Thankfully, it was just the host carrying a tray with another G&T and a charcuterie board. Just as it was set down on the table near her, her stomach let out a loud growl. She chuckled to herself. Damn the gangsters in her life. Damn them all.

Master List

Tag List: @allie131313​  @highgardenrosexx​   @stevie75​   @polishcrazyone​

[moon-stu-dios]

REWIND is a 9-member girl group under Moon Studios, consisting of Rosy, Clara, Mae, Emiko, Danbi, Julie, Dolly, Meizhen, and Emma. They originally debuted on October 21st, 2016 under SM Entertainment, as the 4th sub-unit of the former co-ed group NCT. The group officially departed from the agency, and NCT as a whole, on May 22nd, 2023, following the expiration of their contract, and re-signed under Moon Studios.

Fandom Name | -

Official Fan Colour | -

REWIND Official Accounts |

Instagram | @ ms_rewind

Twitter | @ ms_rewind

Facebook | REWIND

Youtube | MS.REWIND

Official Website | rewind.mstudios

REWIND Members Profile |

Stage Name | Rosy (로지)

Birth Name | Rosy Moon

Korean Name | Moon Ri Na (문리나)

Position | Leader, Main Dancer, Sub Vocalist, Producer

Birthday | June 9, 1996

Zodiac Sign | Gemini

Chinese Zodiac Sign | Rat

Nationality | Korean-Australian

Height | 168.4cm (5'5")

Weight | 57kg (125lbs)

Blood Type | O

MBTI | INFJ-T, Advocate

Rosy Facts |

Born in Sydney, Australia

She has an older sister (Melissa) and a younger sister (Daisy).

Rosy is a former YG Entertainment trainee (2009-2014)

Rosy was scouted by a member of staff from YG Entertainment when she was free styling with a group of buskers, whilst visiting her family in Seoul in 2009.

She trained for seven years.

She has a circle-shaped birthmark on her left ankle.

Her younger sister is partially deaf, so Rosy and her family learnt Australian Sign Language.

Rosy is short-sighted.

She's been taking ballet classes since the age of six.

Rosy has a scar above her left eyebrow, from where she had to get stitches after tripping and hitting her head on a concrete wall at the age of six.

At the start of 2023, Rosy established her own independent entertainment agency, Moon Studios.

Stage Name | Clara (클라라)

Birth Name | Choi Bong Cha (최봉차)

Position | Main Vocalist, Lead Dancer

Birthday | November 15, 1994

Zodiac Sign | Scorpio

Chinese Zodiac Sign | Dog

Nationality | Korean

Height | 164.7cm (5'4")

Weight | 55kg (121lbs)

Blood Type | B

MBTI | ISFJ-A, Defender

Clara Facts |

Born in Daegu, South Korea.

She has a younger sister (Bongsoo)

Clara is a former FNC Entertainment trainee (2008-2011).

She trained for five years.

She loves collecting vintage pieces, and sews a lot of the clothes she wears.

She has an oval-shaped birthmark on the back of her right shoulder.

Clara has a PHD in psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Her left wrist is slightly weaker than her right, due to her falling out of a tree as a child and breaking it.

Clara was the original leader of Rewind, but stepped down as she felt Rosy was better suited to the role.

She is best friends with Blackpink's Jisoo.

Stage Name | Mae (매)

Birth Name | Lin Mingxia (林明霞)

Korean Name | Lin Min Soo (린민수)

Position | Lead Rapper, Sub Vocalist, Face of the Group

Birthday | January 17, 1996

Zodiac Sign | Capricorn

Chinese Zodiac Sign | Pig

Nationality | Chinese

Height | 170.6cm (5'6")

Weight | 54kg (120lbs)

Blood Type | AB

MBTI | ESFJ-A, Consul

Mae Facts |

Born in Guangdong, China.

She is an only child.

She trained for three years.

Mae graduated in 2020 from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, where she majored in vocal studies.

She is ambidextrous.

Mae starred in the remake of Chinese drama Meteor Garden in 2018, as the supporting role of Jiang Xiao You.

She also starred in the Chinese web series Legend of Awakening in 2020, as the role of Qin Sang.

Mae is double-jointed.

Stage Name | Emiko (에미코)

Birth Name | Kobayashi Emiko (小林恵美子)

Position | Lead Rapper, Sub Vocalist, Visual

Birthday | April 3, 1998

Zodiac Sign | Aries

Chinese Zodiac Sign | Tiger

Nationality | Japanese

Height | 168.7cm (5'5")

Weight | 56kg (123lbs)

Blood Type | AB

MBTI | ENFP-T, Campaigner

Emiko Facts |

Born in Kyoto, Japan.

She has a younger brother (Kaiyo).

She trained for four years.

Emiko was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of five.

Her cousin, Ryuji, is a member of the Korean co-ed band Setsunai. He debuted in 2017 under the stage name Ryu.

Her younger cousin, Risa, is a member of the Japanese kawaii-metal band Babymetal. She debuted in 2011 under the stage name Risametal.

Her younger cousin, Akemi, is a member of the Korean girl group Deity. She debuted in 2020 under the stage name Kemi.

Emiko's grandmother was the one who signed her up for the global SM auditions back in 2012.

She graduated from the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA) in 2016.

She loves to bake and cook. She's known as Rewind's designated chef.

Stage Name | Danbi (단비)

Birth Name | Song Dan Bi (송단비)

Position | Main Dancer, Lead Vocalist, Centre

Birthday | September 30, 1999

Zodiac Sign | Libra

Chinese Zodiac Sign | Rabbit

Nationality | Korean

Height | 173.7cm (5'7")

Weight | 54kg (121lbs)

Blood Type | A

MBTI | ISTJ-A, Logistician

Danbi Facts |

Born in Cheongju, Chungbuk, South Korea.

She has two younger brothers (Dansoo and Danbin).

Danbi is a former Fantasia Entertainment trainee (2010-2015).

She trained for five years and five months.

Danbi and Astro's Moonbin were childhood best friends. She is very close with the boys of Astro, as well as Moonbin's younger sister Moon Sua (Billlie).

Has been in many kdramas, including Who Are You: School 2015, with BTOB's Yook Sungjae; and Bring It On, Ghost, with 2PM'S Ok Taecyeon.

Her mother was a principal with the Korea National Ballet Company, and she enrolled Danbi in ballet lessons at the age of four.

Danbi acted in Astro's 2015 web-drama To Be Continued, where she played the lead role of Jung Ah Win.

Her younger brother, Danbin, is a member of the boy group Enhypen. He debuted in 2020 under the stage name Dabin.

Danbi often takes sleeping pills, as she struggles getting to sleep.

Stage Name | Julie (줄리)

Birth Name | Juliette Leclair

Korean Name | Park Soo Jin (박수진)

Position | Lead Vocalist, Sub Rapper, Visual

Birthday | October 11, 2000

Zodiac Sign | Libra

Chinese Zodiac Sign | Dragon

Nationality | Korean-French

Height | 159cm (5'3")

Weight | 45kg (99lbs)

Blood Type | AB

MBTI | INTJ-T, Architect

Julie Facts |

Born in Bordeaux, France.

She has two older sisters (Esme and Genevieve), three older brothers (Frederic, Henri, and Theodore), and a younger sister (Madeleine).

She trained for 10 months.

Julie got scouted at an NCT127 fan sign that she attended with her brother Theo, who is a huge NCTzen.

She studied fashion design at ESMOD and graduated in 2022. Has said that she wants to go back and get her "Creative Director" Diploma when she has the time.

She is highly allergic to bee stings.

Julie starred as Kang Sun Min in the drama Midnight Cafe, alongside former group member Doyoung.

She has a birthmark on her nose.

Julie was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of two.

She loves making her own jewellery; After debuting in Rewind, Julie made matching necklaces for each of the girls in their representative colours.

Stage Name | Dolly (돌리)

Birth Name | Okamoto Hoshi (岡本ほし)

Position | Lead Dancer, Sub Vocalist

Birthday | July 5, 2001

Zodiac Sign | Cancer

Chinese Zodiac Sign | Snake

Nationality | Japanese

Height | 161cm (5'3")

Weight | 48kg (106lbs)

Blood Type | A

MBTI | ISFP-A, Adventurer

Dolly Facts |

Born in Tokyo, Japan.

She is an only child.

She trained for three years in total, two years under up-front agency and a year under SM Entertainment.

Dolly is a former idol under Hello! Project as an 11th generation member of the Kpop group Morning Musume. She debuted with the group in 2012, at the age of 11.

She graduated from Morning Musume in 2018, alongside fellow member Ogata Haruna, to move to South Korea with her parents.

She's been a fan of classical music from a very young age, and can play the piano, the violin, and the harp.

Dolly has admitted that she used to get bullied by her classmates for having two mums.

Dolly graduated from the Toho Gakuen School of Music in 2021.

She has a scrapbook of candid polaroids of her members, friends, and family, including the Morning Musume and NCT members.

Stage Name | Meizhen (메이젠)

Birth Name | Tang Meizhen (唐美珍)

Korean Name | Tang Mi Jun (탕미준)

Position | Main Vocalist, Lead Dancer

Birthday | November 20, 2001

Zodiac Sign | Scorpio

Chinese Zodiac Sign | Snake

Nationality | Chinese

Height | 161.5cm (5'3")

Weight | 52kg (114lbs)

Blood Type | AB

MBTI | ENFP-A, Campaigner

Meizhen Facts |

Born in Shanghai, People's Republic of China.

She has a younger sister (Meixiu).

She trained for three years.

Meizhen never really wanted to be an idol; it was her parents who signed her up for the SM auditions in 2013.

During pre-debut, she was so close to leaving SM and moving back home, but Renjun joined the company and convinced her to stay after becoming close friends.

Her natural hair is actually pretty curly, however the stylists have a habit of straightening it.

Meizhen graduated from Shanghai Ocean University in 2023.

Her parents met at Shanghai Ocean University and , after graduating, opened up their own marine rehabilitation centre together.

Even though her parents worked primarily with marine animals, Meizhen grew up in a house full of all types of animals, including snakes and tarantulas.

Meizhen has a collection of stamps from all over the world, and purchases more every time they go on tour.

Stage Name | Emma (엠마)

Birth Name | Kang Eun Jeong (강은정)

English Name | Emma King

Position | Main Rapper, Lead Vocalist, Maknae

Birthday | August 7, 2003

Zodiac Sign | Leo

Chinese Zodiac Sign | Goat

Nationality | Korean-British

Height | 158.5cm (5'2")

Weight | 49kg (107lbs)

Blood Type | O

MBTI | INFJ-T, Advocate

Emma Facts |

Born in Greenwich, England, but grew up in Kingston-Upon-Thames, England.

She has six older brothers (Caleb, Sammy, Lewis, Calum, Finley, and Max), and two older sisters (Susie and Mia).

She trained for three years.

She graduated from the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA) in 2021.

Emma was put up for adoption at birth as her biological mother was unable to take care of her. She was adopted by Ellen and David King at the age of two.

Emma is highly allergic to seafood.

She has a large circle-shaped birthmark on her upper left thigh.

Her older brothers, Calum and Finley, were the ones to introduce her to Cpop and Kpop.

Emma joined the Mickey Mouse Club in 2015 as a 'Mouseketeer', along with a few other SM rookies.

Apart from English and Korean, Emma can speak a lot of other languages fairly fluently, including Mandarin, Cantonese, Tagalog, Japanese, and Thai. She's currently learning French, Spanish, and German.

[heinous-desiree]

What are Jas and Hunter's hobbies :000?

(Again, welcome back, dear!)

Both Jas and Hunter have a few hobbies.

Jas the Wildcard

Dancing. Jazz, hip hop, ballet, salsa, femme vogue, etc. She has been fascinated by dance ever since she watched a movie where characters burst out in music and moves. Her actual name is Jasmine (named by the lovely Bailey, she'll never escape comparisons from the Dixney princess), but she started calling herself Jas to sound like jazz. She used her first paychecks to get her into dance classes and can be found humming to herself and moving to imaginary beats while doing mundane tasks.

Reading. She didn't plan to pick up reading, but between going to the library all the time to keep up her grades, and having Sydney excitedly talk about books then cut herself off cause she doesn't want to spoil anything, Jas started reading books per Sydney's and sometimes Robin's recommendations... She loves it far more than she thought she would. She wants to one day own a bookshelf full of her and Sydney's favorite books, but while in the orphanage, she's too scared someone will steal any book she buys.

Gambling. Specifically for luck based games. This is probably a HORRIBLE hobby to pick up, and she fully blames Wren for this. Ever since Wren invited her to join his blackjack games, she never found anything that gave her as much of a high. The fact she can win and dominate based on Lady Luck, and no one has cheated her in these games yet makes her feel powerful when she wins and still in control of her life when she loses.

Hunter the Allrounder

Horseback riding. Hunter likes things that are exciting and active. Riding a creature that moves way faster than you and could break your bones is exactly that. If he could get his hands on a motorcycle, he knows he would be just as addicted to the experience. Horseback is special in its own way, though, since he has to gain the horse(centaur)'s respect and be skilled enough to ride something with a mind of its own. He values the bonds he builds with his animals and God, he enjoys riding to town even more when Remy's goons try to harass him on a horse. You gotta get your kicks somehow!

M*sterbating. Ah yes, the activity that helped him turn from fallen angel to demon in the first place. The town is a stressful place, and some him time is great for de-stressing! However, now it has become a bit of a necessity. If he doesn't do a certain amount of sexual acts within a day, the blood in his veins burns hot white, paralyzing him while he's stuck silent screaming on his bed till the pain eases. A quicky is great when he's too busy to meet anyone for a good time. Anything to escape that traumatizing agony.

Dogs. To clarify, he loves almost all activities involving dogs, even the feral ones that are technically wolves. He loves training dogs, walking them, grooming them, and gaining their trust. He loved his job at the pound till the people put him into a muzzle/leash to make him the dog. He tries to go to the forest every once in a while to hunt with his pack, and he loves training the dogs on the farm. He is a dog kind of person in more ways than one.

[umichenginabroad]

Bring on the Blue Mountains! (Week 9)

After returning from Tasmania, it was time for me to recharge again before my family came to town. This meant some more local traveling, as well as catching up on sleep! On Tuesday, once my photography class ended in Paddington, I took to the streets to find a new route to explore which led me to Rushcutters Bay Park along the water just a bit east of the Opera House. The park and nearby pier reemphasized my love for the Sydney coast. 

Not pictured: dozens of dogs playing in the field.

More than the incredible beaches and vast ocean, the coast is full of the greenest parks and forests, houses climbing up rolling hills, and people. People exercising, playing with their dogs, picnicking like there’s no tomorrow, or just enjoying the beautiful weather. Even at night, the cityscape illuminates the water and makes Darling Harbour the perfect place to take a seat and catch up with friends. 

Darling Harbour at night!

Along Coogee Bay Rd, the central road of Coogee beach, I finally got to try a Vietnamese food stop which always has the longest lines in the area and runs out of food before the sun sets. The chicken banh mi I got instantly became my favorite local meal and I got it again only a few days later.

My week ended with a hostel group trip to the Blue Mountains just about 2 hours from Sydney. Known for their vast canyons and incredibly diverse greenery, the Blue Mountains are a popular site for both locals and tourists as they’re full of hikes and unmatched sites. In fact, the most popular hike which we took is called the Grand Canyon trail which takes you to Australia’s own Grand Canyon! I can’t say it compares to the one in Arizona, but it sure makes a mouth drop. The several mile hike winds down into the valley where you’re immersed in a rocky rainforest before taking you uphill to a much drier walk full of completely different flora. The hike exemplified Australia’s endlessly diverse landscape as well as the easy access to nature from the city. 

^ The start of the Grand Canyon hiking trail.

^ The Grand Canyon! It sure is greener than the one in Arizona, but can you also spot the blueish mist? They are called the Blue Mountains, after all!

^ The squad!

The trip to the Blue Mountains did expose a harsh reality of day trips - the logistics of getting there and back. Tired of taking public transport everywhere, my friends wanted to try Uber Carshare which lets you borrow someone’s car for hours/days at a time without going through the hassle of renting. The problem was that the car we booked was a 40-minute transport away anyway, and didn’t cut down the travel time compared to the train at all. And when it came to returning the car, we spent 20 minutes trying to parallel park it into the exact same spot we got it from despite the fact that the car simply did not fit into the spot. We then realized that the Uber app had a different drop-off location specified which prompted us to try again at this new location, but to no avail. Between the one-way roads and cones in our path, we couldn’t even reach the parking spot and had to park as close as we could manage. Then, as Shaunak went to take pictures of the car to submit to the app as proof of good condition, his phone died! At that point, we suggested the others go home and the two of us set off to find a USB-C charger. Adamant that we didn’t need to go home or find a store where we could buy one (there were none in the vicinity), I led us to a nearby student accommodation apartment building. I was confident that if we asked enough people, someone would help. As luck would have it, the very first person we talked to who worked in the lobby happened to have a USB-C charger right there with him! He was generous enough to let us use it and hangout in the lobby while we waited. 

The logistics of planning trips, between finding housing and flights, coordinating activities, and figuring out how we’ll get around is not an easy task for a bunch of procrastinators, but with each trip and excursion we get just a little bit better. The fact that we haven’t quite planned a week-long trip to New Zealand for 14 people in just two weeks is a little worrisome, but a reality for many students studying abroad. I look forward to sharing a bit more about that in the future! Until then, cheers!

David Bayer

Biomedical Engineering

University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia

[highwaytruckdrivingschool3]

Top Truck Driving School in Sydney

Obtaining a truck driving licence is the first step towards an exciting new career, and Highway Truck Driving School is here to support you on your journey. We are a leading provider of heavy vehicle training and assessment services in Sydney, and we are dedicated to ensuring your success. We have years of experience in the industry, and we are completely fluent in Hindi Punjabi, Sri Lankan and English. We are based in Sydney, Prestons.

Training and Assessment - how we operate Highway Truck Driving School is your one stop shop for heavy vehicle training and assessment. Initially, you will complete a 1-day training course with one of our friendly instructors. Most students find that this is enough time to become acquainted with the vehicle and how it operates, but in some cases, we may suggest further training to improve your skills and increase your chance of passing the assessment. Once you have completed training, you will be assigned an assessor. You will be required to demonstrate your skills and capabilities in operating a heavy vehicle, and upon passing you will be able to obtain the appropriate licence class from the RMS. We understand that life is busy, which is why our training schedule is flexible. Please contact us today to book your session.

HC Truck Licence In NSW If you are looking to embark on a career as a semi-trailer driver, you will need to hold a HC truck licence NSW. This licence class covers vehicles including prime movers, pig trailers, floats, low loaders and truck and dogs. The HC truck licence class is required for a number of careers including tanker driver, road construction/quarry driver, refrigerated transport, container transport, heavy general freight, bulk garden supplies and more.

HR LICENCE TRAINING At Highway truck driving school Pty Ltd, we take pride in providing top-notch truck training that meets the standards required for obtaining your HR truck licence in NSW. We make sure our learners can understand the fundamentals of handling a heavy rigid vehicle safely. In our one-on-one cheapest HR licence training in Sydney, we cover several aspects of safe truck driving to develop essential skills. Our learning modules include the safe operation of heavy vehicles as well as encompass defensive driving techniques.

MC LICENCE The MC combination truck licence course at Highway Truck Driving School is an intensive, safety focussed course that aims to improve student’s skill and confidence behind the wheel of MC vehicles. We provide you with the fundamental knowledge needed to successfully obtain your MC licence, as well as key strategies to help you stay safe on the roads.Our course is run on a one-to-one basis, with one of our friendly instructors guiding you along the way. You can choose to carry out your training in either a Non-Synchromesh or Semi-Automatic gearbox vehicle. Throughout the course, you will learn all about Australian road rules, how to successfully steer, start, manoeuvre, stop and load your vehicle. We will also show you how to drive defensively and avoid potential hazards and risks.

Get started on your truck licence now! Shoot us a note with all your details and a member of Highway Truck Driving School will be in touch.

[puppy-school]

Puppy to Dog School

Elevate your dog's obedience and behavior with our outstanding Dog Training Classes in Sydney, Australia. Our expert trainers provide personalized guidance to strengthen the bond between you and your four-legged pal. Don't miss out on this rewarding experience - book your spot now

[sydneycleanservice]

House Cleaning Services in Marrickville

Marrickville is a culturally rich suburb located 7 km south west of the Sydney CBD. It is home to working professionals and families with kids. The area is also home to a thriving real estate market and a large number of high-class shopping facilities and restaurants. Fortunately, it is also well-served by public transport, with bus and train services available to most localities.

There are several cleaning services that are worth checking out. Many providers, such as Jim's Cleaning, offer free quotes and phone booking. Others, such as Fantastic Cleaners, provide custom cleaning plans. These companies will gladly come to your place, and do a thorough job.

As a matter of fact, most professional house cleaners bring their own supplies. They are equipped with a wide variety of tools, including non-toxic cleaning products, to keep your home looking great. A good house cleaning Marrickville will also have a police check and have experience with pets. Of course, you should tell your cleaner beforehand, as they may be allergic to dogs or cats.

You can also opt for a one-off clean after a long day at work, or a regular weekly or monthly cleaning service. Both options come with transparent pricing and a guarantee of clean premises.

You can also use a website such as Houseproud Cleaning, which offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Their cleaners can be let into your home or placed in a lockbox for safekeeping. After the clean, they'll be happy to return to correct any hiccups. If your house isn't quite up to scratch, they'll also be more than happy to recommend a range of useful repairs to get you back on track.

The best cleaning services in Marrickville, however, are found in the surrounding areas. In particular, you'll find a good selection in Coogee, Eastgardens and Rosebery. Another option is DC Cleaners, which provides cleaning services throughout Annandale, NSW. Additionally, you can also get a quote from Merit Cleaning, which is located in Marrickville. This company offers a range of services, from one-off end of lease cleaning to regular deep cleaning.

Other than the obvious - such as cleaning your windows - you'll also find that some providers have more impressive tricks up their sleeves. For instance, you'll find that the same cleaner that you hired for a regular weekly or monthly clean will also be able to pop in a key and get your house spick and span for the holidays.

As you can see, the name of the game isn't as much about how well you can perform the tasks yourself, as it is in how you can do them in the most efficient way possible. You can take care of the tiniest detail, while leaving the larger jobs to the pros. With the right combination of services, you'll be able to enjoy a sparkling and spotless home every time.

The most important thing to remember is to choose a cleaning company based on customer satisfaction. That means choosing a provider with a solid guarantee, a large range of services, and a good reputation.

Sydney Clean Service are Sydney’s trusted cleaning service, providing high quality cleaning service to both commercial and domestic clients. Our team are highly trained cleaning experts, built on more than 10 years of cleaning experience.

[eazydogtraining-blog]

Find a good Dog Training Sydney for efficient classes

There are lots of puppy preschools in Sydney to make your dog teach obedience. They are been run by vets, vet nurses, dog trainers with good intentions. No wonder it might be daunting to select! But to ensure your puppy gets the best beginning of life, you should spend some time selecting one. A Good Dog Training Sydney might be hard to find…. If you don’t know what to consider!

Experienced, positive dog trainer

How many people that teach dogs have experience doing so? In my opinion, an experienced dog trainer can guide you on what to do, they also train their own puppy. You need to search for the professional expert with skills to train all kinds of dogs. It can be difficult for you to choose Dog Training Sydney.  You need to ask a few questions to make sure you select the best dog training expert to make your dog positively learn behavior manner.

Positive approach

And it’s crucial with a puppy because they are always learning. This means that they learn whether things around them are good or bad. When a dog decides they are not, you’ll find some of the behavior issues such as timidness, aggression, fearfulness, etc. It doesn’t sound good, isn’t it? So don’t risk it by using harsh or negative Dog Training Sydney methods!

Book a Private Dog Training Lesson with expert Dog Obedience Trainer in Sydney. Our expert team can help you with positive dog training to reinforce positively. We can assist you with online dog training, private dog training, and dog training classes. Check out the online courses available with us for your dogs!

[puppyplaygroundsydney]

Is your dog a prince or princess? Why not treat them like one! We provide professional dog grooming services in Sydney! Call us today 02 9663 3666.

[eazydogtrainer]

Dog Agility Trial

Eazy Dog Training offers exciting Dog Agility Trials in Sydney, perfect for enhancing your dog's fitness, coordination, and obedience. These fun, fast-paced trials are designed to challenge dogs of all skill levels while strengthening the bond with their owners. Join Eazy Dog Training for expert guidance and a rewarding experience that your dog will love!

[puppy2dogschool-blog]

Dog Training Sydney

Are you looking for Dog Training Sydney? If agreed, then y'all require to do is be with us and we can take care of your Dogs.  

[prey-and-predator]

just me imagining some scenarios with the LIs:

Any one of your school LIs joining you in dancing lessons (wonder who’s the better dancer between the four of them)

Going on a school outing to the forest to study plants and accidentally bumping into Eden (who you are dating and is very much jealous of that one student who’s holding onto your shirt and hiding behind you)

Robin selling their lemonades right next to your stall because they’d like to spend more time with you

Sirris showing up with embarrassing baby Sydney pictures when you’re hanging out with Sydney at the library

Soft Whitney moment where they quietly braid your hair during Math class

Kylar expanding their artistic abilities and crafting you little trinkets to wear (as a way to show everyone that your claimed by them)

Lazy afternoons with Alex as they try to teach you how to train the dogs to do tricks

(I have no idea what to give to Avery... im not good with sugar daddies apparently lol)

Edit: @nyeowmi yeah sure go ahead (OwO)/ I would love to read it once you’re done!

[a-man-for-hire-and-his-archives]

Ten Terrifying Questions with Luke Arnold!

Luke Arnold was born in Australia and has spent the last decade acting his way around the world, playing iconic roles such as Long John Silver in the Emmy-winning Black Sails and his award-winning turn as Michael Hutchence in the INXS mini-series Never Tear Us Apart. When he isn’t performing, Luke is a screenwriter, director, novelist and ambassador for Save the Children Australia. He is also the author of the Fetch Phillips fantasy series.

Today, to celebrate the release of the latest Fetch Phillips book, One Foot in the Fade, Luke Arnold is on the blog to take on our Ten Terrifying Questions! Read on …

1. To begin with, why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself – where were you born? Raised? Schooled?

I was born in Adelaide and spent my primary school years in the Adelaide Hills, which were really pretty ideal for that time of my life. Our house was at the bottom of a cul-de-sac street where every home had a kid close to my age, a dog, a place to build a cubby and, over time, either a Sega or Nintendo system. I moved to Sydney for High School until year 11, then I finished up on the Sunshine Coast, before heading over to WAAPA in Perth to study acting. All the moving around likely prepared me for the unpredictable life that would come from being in the arts.

2. What did you want to be when you were twelve, eighteen and thirty? And why?

At twelve, I wanted to write and draw comics. I loved writing stories and did art classes after school, so creating comic books seemed like the perfect combination of my passions.

At eighteen, I was deciding whether to train to be a writer or an actor. I was working my first job in the film industry, behind the scenes, and had applied to writing courses, film school and WAAPA. The lead actor in the film I was working on told me that writers and directors generally have happier lives than actors, and my principal told me that I was a great writer but a terrible actor so I should definitely go do writing or directing. Despite all advice to the contrary, I ended up going to drama school and I don’t regret it at all. We didn’t have a lot of money growing up so I didn’t leave the country until acting started taking me around the world.

At thirty, Never Tear Us Apart, where I played Michael Hutchence, had just aired and I was working on a brilliant pirate show called Black Sails. I loved performing both of those roles, it left me feeling creatively fulfilled as an actor for the first time, so I felt I was ready to get back into developing my own work.

3. What strongly held belief did you have at eighteen that you don’t have now?

For better or worse, I’ve never been one to firmly believe in much of anything. I’ve always been aware of my own naivete and try to stay open to having my world turned on its head. My parents instilled that at an early age. Rather than enforce a particular view of the world, they promoted openness, malleability and curiosity. There are some downsides to this though. A strong world view and set of beliefs can help propel you through the world, but I don’t mind the fact that I can look at most accepted ideas, rules, or ways of doing things and think “yeah, but what if it’s all nonsense?”

4. What are three works of art – this could be a book, painting, piece of music, film, etc – that influenced your development as a writer?

The Big Sleep – Both the book by Raymond Chandler and the film starring Humphry Bogart. My Dad recorded it off the TV when I was young and after we watched it together on some rainy Sunday, I was hooked. It inspired me to go back through classic cinema, and then follow the influences of film noir through Chinatown, Blade Runner, and beyond. Those films clearly set the foundations for the Sunder City series, while also pushing me towards a career in cinema. The Chandler books would have also been some of the first adult books I read, opening up a world of literature outside the school library.

Return to Oz – This is a weird one but, like a lot of those children’s films from the 80’s and 90’s – things like The Witches, The Peanut Butter Solution, The Never Ending Story – it really got under my skin. There was something about seeing the yellow brick road shattered into pieces that woke my little brain up to mortality, aging and impermanence. Or at least showed me a story that expressed those complex feelings that were bubbling up inside but I was as yet incapable of grasping, let alone expressing myself. The fact that the characters were inexplicably different from the first film, and the continuity was all over the place, only added to the nightmarish quality of the whole thing. Horror filmmakers have to work really hard to create the kind of existential terror that film activated in my little mind.

Sesame Street – It‘s probably the most important TV show ever made. I love to go back and watch old episodes and I’m constantly awed at the creativity, care and respect that the program has for its viewers. It’s educational but also so full of joy, humour, heartfelt sincerity and perfectly crafted nonsense. It’s truly one of humanity’s greatest creations and it features a bunch of googly-eyed puppets that we all, in some part of our brain, believe are real. There is no doubt that the sensibilities, rhythms, poetry, humour and heart of that show imprinted on my brain at an early age, and I’m sure I’m a better person for it.

‘These books aren’t really designed to make you slam down the back cover with a smile on your face and jump online to write a glowing review, but I hope that there are enough moments where the reader feels connected to Fetch’s inner world and relates to his hope and his pain.’

5. Considering the many artistic forms out there, what appeals to you about writing a novel?

I love that – for the most part – I can do it on my own. The beauty of the film industry is that it’s collaborative. You get hundreds of dedicated specialists and bring all their brilliant hands and minds together on one project. But getting to that point is an arduous task that, more often than not, eventuates in an unproduced script sitting in a drawer. I’m never short of ideas and have ambitions in a variety of mediums, but most of them require other people to come on board early, and bring money, skills and support. With a novel, I can be anywhere in the world, without any special equipment, and get to work. And when it’s done, I can give it to someone else and they can enjoy it as it’s intended. They don’t need to imagine a film crew bringing it to life, or a great piano player underscoring it, or a brilliant artist rendering what I’ve described. It’s just my imagination dancing with theirs.

6. Please tell us about your latest novel!

One Foot in the Fade is the third book in the Fetch Phillips Archives, following The Last Smile in Sunder City and Dead Man in a Ditch. They are set in a fantasy world where, six years ago, the magic faded from existence. For two books, Fetch Phillips has been working as a Man for Hire, trying to do a little bit of good in a broken world, dealing with the fallout of the catastrophe and the complicated process of what they will build from the ashes. In this third book, he breaks out of his usual alcohol-fuelled self-loathing routine and kicks things up a notch. An angel has fallen on the streets of Sunder City, as if dropped from a great height; higher than any of the nearby buildings. Fetch sets out to discover how an angel might have flown without magic, and the case sends him out of the city on the kind of adventure that he thought this world had left behind.

These books are a mix of noir and fantasy, and while the first two are mostly urban crime novels in a dystopian magical setting, this one flirts with a more traditional magical quest.

7. What do you hope people take away with them after reading your work?

That’s a tough one because it’s never any specific thought or realisation, more of a mood. And it’s tough again because this series is noir, and noir has an inherent level of dissatisfaction. These books aren’t really designed to make you slam down the back cover with a smile on your face and jump online to write a glowing review, but I hope that there are enough moments where the reader feels connected to Fetch’s inner world and relates to his hope and his pain. He is a mess of a man but, despite his trauma and his vices and his self-doubt and self-loathing, he’s trying to work out what he can do to put some good back into a broken world rather than just be part of the problem.

8. Who do you most admire in the writing world and why?

I’m bad with absolutes, so I’ll just say that someone I’m in awe of right now is Donald Glover. Atlanta is a phenomenal piece of art that perfectly balances social commentary and drama with humour, surrealism and irreverence. It is clearly a very personal piece that deals with a specific lived experience but is also universally accessible and relatable. There is a boldness and confidence that makes you want to dig into the surreal elements to find out what they might be hinting at, but even when you don’t know the context it’ll get under your skin and into your head. It’s always interesting to watch an artist who isn’t afraid to reinvent themselves and push beyond what they or anyone else has done before.

9. Many artists set themselves very ambitious goals. What are yours?

Every piece of art is ambitious. Most stuff doesn’t work and even when it does, usually nobody cares anyway. I’m in the middle of a bunch of projects now – mostly things I can’t yet announce – in mediums that are completely new to me, and I really just try to deal with what’s in front of me at any given time. I’m working towards bringing my experience as a writer and actor together, creating more of my own projects in different fields, but there’s no particular place in the future I’m trying to get to. If I get to work on interesting projects with friendly, talented people, then I’m going to continue to be happy.

10. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

This advice works for all creative industries and probably most things in life. Your main reward for doing something well is the opportunity to do more of that thing. Don’t do something because you think it will get you to a place where you can be someone else or live some other kind of life. Do the thing you want to do. When you have to sit alone all day pulling ideas out of your head to get something down on paper, know that even if you’re successful, the praise and prizes will be fleeting and you’ll soon have to go back in that room alone again to do some more work. So make sure you write the thing that, when people tell you they want more, you’ll be happy to write again. Write about the things that keep you up at night, write them the way you want to write them, and then when people want more of what you offer, you only have to look inside yourself to see what comes next.

Thank you for playing!

—One Foot in the Fade by Luke Arnold (Hachette Australia) is out now.

Source: Booktopia Australia

[felixiesegg]

Bang Chan

Stage name: Bang Chan (방찬; バンチャン) Birth Name: Christopher Bahng Korean Name: Bang Chan (방찬; 方燦) Nicknames: Chris, Channie, Kangaroo, Koala, Crispy Position: Leader, Lead Vocalist, Lead Dancer, Sub-Rapper, Producer Birth Date: October 3, 1997 (age 24) Birth Place: Seoul, South Korea Zodiac Sign: Libra Chinese Zodiac: Ox Pets: One Dog - Berry

Bang Chan was born on October 3rd, 1997, as the eldest of 3 children. In his childhood, he moved to Sydney Australia, and moved many times. He had taken ballet and modern dance classes and had won many swimming competitions. At 13, He passed a local audition for JYP Entertainment. He had moved back to Korea to continue training. During his time there he had made close friends with GOT7, TWICE, and DAY6. He trained there for 7 years with his friends.

Bang Chan had formed a unit titled 3RACHA, With Han (J.ONE) and Changbin (SPEARB). On January 18, 2017, they uploaded their first untitled mixtape, J:/2017/mixtape, onto SoundCloud, which had 7 tracks. They continued to release self-composed plays on Soundcloud.

It was then revealed in August 2017, that JYPE had a reality survival show to launch a male kpop group. Bang Chan was the leader of the 9 "Male Group Project" members, including Han and Changbin.

In December 2017, it was revealed that Bang Chan would finally debut as the leader of the boy group Stray Kids.

[hazard-and-friends]

i watched the first episode of canine intervention tonight, here’s some uncensored liveblogging featuring my spicey dog training takes:

“my dog training system is known all over the world" mhmm. lemme google this guy.

by clicking through his in person training site to his online remote training course, i found a whole lot of big red flags: "Establish pack leadership" dogs don't have pack leaders. anyone who wants to make you a leader is not using a good understanding of dog behavior "Time your praise and corrections" the times when i use corrections are when i'm the least on my game. my goal is NEVER to use corrections/positive punishment. why should i? it's concerning that he uses it as a core part of his method. "Exercise and reinforce your leadership as a way of life" more leadership bullshit.

fancy letters are not the end-all-be-all, and there are trainers i seriously respect who have none of them. but they don't talk about leadership and corrections. it's concerning that he talks about his sports team as a kid, where he went to high school, and his celebrity clients, but not his mentors and education in training.

back to the show

why does his facility have enough dogs to keep them in kennels? how does that teach aggressive dogs how to be safe in a home environment?

not all of the dogs in the first shot of a class (~1:38) have two collars on but a lot do. that's not a red flag (i worked sydney in two collars [her flat collar and a martingale, because syd was very gear smart and it was nice to tell her that we were doing heeling now]) but with what i saw on his website? it's quite likely that one of those is the dog's normal flat collar with tags, and the other is a prong, choke chain, or electric collar

also: "I help the dogs that no one else will" is a flat out lie

if you're willing to take on any human aggression cases, generally you’re willing to take on all of them. now, some of these cases may generally lead to a recommendation of euthanasia. but that's in the best interests of the dog and owner

oop class shot where it's clear that they're wearing prongs

here's two points not about this guy specifically: 1) it is hard (impossible?) to do humane, ethical dog training in a 45 minute episode slot. it's not good tv. it's slow as hell. there's no drama. the aggression trainers i know? have never been bitten. many have never been CLOSE to being bitten. no tv value. 2) the positive dog training community is OVERWHELMINGLY white and middle class.

it's also full of racists.

"Nearly a million dogs are euthanized yearly and over 40% of them are pit bulls" i've calculated that first statistic myself, but it's important to put it in context: this is USA specific, and that's down from 3-4 million 20 years ago. the second one, i would love to see his source.

he's right that it's important to understand where aggression comes from

anyway back to those two points, at the same time that it's really, really hard to do compelling TV with ethical dog trainers, it's also really REALLY important that the positive dog training community be working on being anti-racist. and it's really, really important that low income dog owners and people of color are getting good dog training.

alright first case! he's had her 3 months, 3 bites in that time. 10 attempted attacks. she's a young adult bully breed mix who had one front leg amputated after being shot. owner walks her in a muzzle which is a) too small and b) not bite proof.

"I see what we're working with" he says, after approaching a dog in her crate. hazard responds similarly to someone coming in, but he's not a bite risk. that's not a good evaluation.

he is correct about lady macbeth's motivations: this is a dog who's scared as hell and making herself really big and scary so that everyone leaves her alone.

okay he's also right that playing with her around strangers is really, really good for fear aggression

"frenzied just chaotic state" yeah no

reality check for y'all: i am not an aggression specialist and i have seen more freaked out dogs

she was on edge! she was unhappy! but holy shit was she not even remotely close to what dogs are capable of

"she just bit me!" she nipped your cheek, not breaking skin. that's a level 1 or 2 (of 6). that's not NOTHING but it's well within normal for a dog who's being restrained when she wants to be somewhere else.

[note that at no point in the episode was the owner ever given any sort of indication that lady macbeth is not this horribly aggressive Pit Bull TM. nor was there any discussion of a bite scale.]

"The only option we're gonna have is to [board and train] for 3 weeks" "I have no choice but to take her back to my facility back in San Jose and work daily with her" no!!!!!

[15 minute break]

lmao sorry i had to go yell at gf about how much this board and train is not necessary and in the process penny decided to cause Drama again

ANYWAY, the b&t is not necessary because all of those aggressive incidents bar the first could have been avoided if the owner was on the ball. this is not JUST a lady macbeth issue, this is ALSO an owner issue. both of them need to relearn how to handle new people.

as a bonus, lady macbeth needs to learn to trust her owner, which she categorically cannot do in a b&t

"The box is an important training tool to teaching new behaviors. It's also a first step in establishing pack leadership" ok this is new to me

and new is not a good thing here

text: Obedience depends on a dog's trust and respect for their pack leader calculus depends on your trust and respect for your math teacher! if you respect them a lot you will magically be able to do calc!

I WAS HOPING. I WAS TRYING.

i was HOPING that his training for her fear aggression would be based in toy play.

instead he's got a fake arm and he keeps reaching out to poke her, and the owner says "no!" and does a leash pop (leash wrapped around her neck) every time she tries to bite.

"She doesn't know it's not his hand" it smells like plastic what would she THINK it is

also funky that we're 19 minutes into the episode about an aggressive bully breed mix and the trainer's childhood bully breed mix who killed a dog, and like. not a single mention of what these dogs were bred for.

let's go back to "how are you teaching aggressive dogs to live nicely in a home, if they are spending most of the day in a wire kennel"

for shits take, high school doesn't teach you how to handle your emotions! why should obedience class teach your dog the same?

and then like, every time she breaks the down he yells NOPE and leans over her??????

dude you're scaring her into being obedient. while you're talking about how it's important to treat her fear.

text: Fear based aggression can be reduced by desensitizing the dog to strangers you're right! it sure can! THAT'S NOT WHAT YOU'RE DOING HERE

you've got a dog on her side with one hand over her, the other on a skinny check chain on her neck. every time she does anything but lay flat, the leash is popped and you say no. you are flooding this dog and creating learned helplessness.

jo summed it up well with this: he's good at seeing the behavior, he knows what he's looking at, he just can't change it. he only knows one method.

jo and i are now trying to figure out if "dog training but marie kondo not cesar milan" is a viable tv show

jas correctly stops the friend and changes how he approaches the dog, that's a good response

i'm laughing bc after a 3 week board and train which is not going to be less than $4k, he's giving the exact same "how to meet new people" directions that i would give to a similar client--at the start of our time! not at the end!

"I can't imagine imagine a dog having it too much worse than she did, the fact that she took a gunshot, the fact that she had no security for years of her life" alright dude a) think worse, this PALES to abuse cases b) let's not? shittalk? the care that people without reliable housing give to their dogs (and occasional cat!)?? because what they do for their pets is incredible, and it isn't necessarily connected to her opinions on strangers

so yeah still laughing bc like. that "happy ending" would be my first session with a client. that's how you START handling stranger danger. and for this the owner paid thousands.