#eclectic apt.

[intothedysphoria]

One thing I love about the harringrove fandom is the agreement both that Steve is dyslexic and Billy is a MASSIVE reader.

Because while Steve’s always been surrounded by teachers or his parents or exes who either believe that he’s incapable of appreciating reading or that he just doesn’t care, Billy thinks that’s bullshit.

Because when Billy gets told to tutor Steve in English, he doesn’t start with a book for toddlers or fucking Shakespeare. They start with Billy reading him Wuthering Heights.

And at first Steve does not fucking get it. He doesn’t understand the plot, the message and especially not the dialect. But he finds himself enjoying it a lot. Billy’s a natural storyteller. He could be on stage.

Billy’s taste in books is both eclectic and weird. He’s reading Finnigan’s Wake for fun. In Irish. He likes Portuguese romance books and German surrealism and a lot of George Orwell. So much so that Steve kind of feels that love rubbing off on him.

He’d used to like reading. Before he was told he was doing it wrong. And even though he despised the books set by Hawkins High with every fibre of his being, there was this fire set in his belly, a want to impress Billy.

So he starts with The Hobbit. Eddie “Freak” Munson’s the only other dyslexic Steve knew and he loved that shit. How hard could it be?

The Hobbit is fucking difficult. It starts with a map, Steve thinks is in Elvish and some of the chapters feel like they go on forever. The words still bounce around the page and switch constantly. He likes it though. It’s weirdly fun as a story and he finds himself rooting for Bilbo.

Henderson can never know. That is the one thing Steve is certain of.

Billy doesn’t laugh when Steve tells him that’s what he’d decided to start with. He just rolls his eyes, not meanly and says he used to read that with his mom. Back in Cali. Before Neil fucked everything up.

Billy reads a lot of Oscar Wilde. The Importance of Being Earnest is constantly tucked into his back, dog eared and well loved. Steve knows enough about Oscar Wilde to know what that indicates.

Billy’s a poof. A faggot. A queer.

Billy is like Steve.

He doesn’t have the courage to look out for anything gay. Nothing even that hints at the matter. Steve knows that his dad has The Iliad tucked away in his office. He’s away on business while his mom sits in the kitchen and complains about America. Even after 15 years in the States, she still misses Poland.

His daring heist after she goes to bed leads to him sitting on the kitchen floor, crying about Achilles and Patroclus. Billy’s right, classics are a fucking bummer.

Steves not as stupid as other people think. He knows that if this were a book, him and Billy are hurtling towards deaths door. Even in real life, he’s seen the guys on tv, worn down to the bone on hospital beds.

Gay does not equal a happy ending.

He resolves to never touch The Iliad again.

Billy comes to their next session with a black eye and his mullet chopped off. They don’t talk about it.

1984 is depressing. And surprisingly apt for how Steve feels that his 1984 has gone. He does feel like he’s constantly being watched. Like being in love is illegal. Like saying anything too far against the government will have consequences.

Steve asks if Billy thinks Orwell wrote 1984 about America or Russia. Billy snorts but doesn’t answer.

That’s the note they end on for the year.

Christmas comes and goes. So does New Year. Two months of not seeing Billy aches in his gut.

Then he comes back.

It’s the middle of February. Billy’s been kicked out for a week. Steves playing nursemaid.

He’s beaten up pretty bad. Still, Billy insists he’s had worse.

Steve hedges around asking why it happened. Like the confirmation might suddenly make the full scope of their plight real.

Still, eventually Steve asks. Billy looks at him like he’s particularly simple.

He’s gay. Obviously Steve. And he actually has the balls to go out there, meet men, dance. Even if it does mean getting caught by Neil.

During his explanation, Steve notices they’ve gotten closer together. Like significantly closer.

They’re grazing hands. Electric.

Then Billy moves.

Billy kisses him and Steve’s world turns into a fucking supernova.

They kiss and it doesn’t make Neil vanish in a puff of smoke, it doesn’t make the shopkeepers who sneer at his mother go away, it doesn’t make Steve magically able to read.

But it does make Steve feel like maybe they’ll survive.

[highstakeweights]

The Blue Heron

A place for the odd few who aren't satisfied with just gambling their finances away. The Blue Heron offers a thrill like no other, with the promise of riches and your wildest dreams if you play well enough. The catch, you may ask? Petty things such as cash, expensive jewelry, or other tangible assets are useless to those who already have all they could want and more. No, The House only accepts much more personal stakes. The buy in for a game of poker could be a cherished memory, the love for your favorite food, or... a few inches on your waist~.

The Blue Heron is not only a casino, but a resort as well. While it has extremely pleasant facilities, the more one indulges, the greater their tab. The House is strange, fickle, and often vindictive. Yet, people still keep coming, even though some may never leave~. It isn't just The House you have to worry about, but the eccentric staff here to make your stay as memorable as possible. Dealers, bunny girls and boys, and food you never remember ordering lurk around every corner. All there to help you have the best time possible! Though, some want to make sure you'd never even think of going back to your boring life...

Meet Madam Diana Welstrom Anatolia Rhysford Mihaly, or Madam D for short. The Maître d' for The Blue Heron, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and that both guests and staff have a pleasant time. She ensures that there isn't any mischief afoot... At least, not of her own design. While bearing the title of master of the house, she laughs at the notion of being truly in control of everything around The Blue Heron. Her attention is usually focused on her cadre of bunny girls and boys, running a tight ship with little room for error. Beauties bashfully bursting out of their uniforms is a common sight when Madam D is personally overseeing their work. However, she has been known to don one of those skimpy suits herself to show her blubbery bunnies how it's supposed to be done. Regardless, she's far tubbier than any normal woman, and is known to throw off almost any gambler's groove with her enlarged assets.

Another common sight around The Blue Heron is Walter Romanov (no relation to those you might be thinking of). Walter usually handles any affairs relating to the plethora of dealers, bartenders, and kitchen staff. Like Madam D, he is strict, though he lacks her occasional playfulness afforded to diligent workers. His expression is always neutral, regardless of the situation, and his every move is done with unnatural precision and grace. Regardless of his stoic nature, he can still be seen threatening to brush both sides of a hallway with his hips, not immune to the effects of The House. Though, he is a peculiar sort in that his weight and size can seemingly change on a dime. And, he has been seen helping out Madam D's bunnies when they're particularly short staffed or overworked. Yes, Madam D does make him wear the outfit.

Finally, the most recognizable and enthusiastic bunny girl under Madam D's employ, Tracy Burns. Compared to the other staff, Tracy is by all accounts just a normal girl working as a bunny girl. Though, anyone who works at The Blue Heron is still far from what many would consider normal. And... Well, her proclivities make that statement rather apt. Despite being a fan favorite among many who frequent The Blue Heron, Tracy is often quite the thorn in Madam D's side. The ditzy blonde is always eager to see herself and others grow bigger. Outgrowing her uniform before the start of her shift on numerous occasions, she resorts to using pasties and bikini bottoms that cover precious little when the need arises. If she didn't generate so much guest satisfaction, Madam D would have turned her into a human food disposal long ago...

Of course, The Blue Heron has many more eclectic characters calling it home, but best to pace oneself when avarice could very well be your undoing~. Don't bother trying to find your way here uninvited, The House is very picky about who it welcomes inside. Though, you'll certainly know you're welcome if it wants you there. Once it has its sights set on you, it will never let go. Even if you make it out once, twice, five, ten, or even a hundred times... The House always wins~.

(First attempt at an rp blog! Likes and reblogs appreciated, asks always open, and more than happy to do scenes! Still very unfamiliar with all this, so I please ask your patience and understanding!)

[volivolition]

!!!!! We're SO glad you like Cosmos it's such a pretty song tbh like,,, waow,,

ok this time we have. THREE songs ok but hear me out: they go together.. u cannot separate them. sO!

first: The Heart Acoustic by Chonny Jash. This one gives off major canon Empathy vibes to us BUT for our system it's a Volition song. Either in a scenario where he's like. Unsure about his role as a Skill or as very Low levelled Volition wdk. Both r fitting to us though if that makes sense!

second: The Mind Electric, also by Chonny Jash! VERY MUCH a Logic song!! We really like these three songs and how they connect together the whole album is great in that tho it's abt these three guys just fucking FIGHTING EACH OTHER FBDBSJDJFJ but these three songs rlly show that. We see this as a song where Logic and Volition do NOT get along at all [also fun fact our Logic sounds like the dude in this song specifically. lov that 4 him <3]

third: The Soul Eclectic... Also by Chonny Jash! JFKDKDKFFK we r back on our shit [chonny jash hyperfixation <3] This one's an e-chem song 4 SURE to us but like,, Signature Skill Electrochemistry. less "hey do this thing to make yourself happy :3" and more "DO WHAT I FUCKING SAY EVERYONE OR ELSE :^)" sorta vibes FJDJDJFJ

the three songs tell a story of Heart and Mind fighting for control over the lead singer and they both want him to do vastly different things meanwhile Soul is like..... Listen. I need you both to shut the fuck up or I'll just KILL YOU. and our interpretation of the songs w the skills isn't quite like that it's less,, violent. more like "listen to me because I'm signature skill and harry listens to ME so shut it a bit" does that make sense it's 2 in the morning and we're TIRED lmao

anyways!!! all great songs, if you like these three PLEAZE let us kno bc chonny has a looottttt of good shit and we'd be so happy to send you more of his songs omg we lov his music so much

oh ive seen you mentioned these before i think!! :D ive listened to the original mind electric, and i LOVE how he's played with the concepts and melody?? i listened to this version with all three of them (i will not separate them dont worry hkjgh <33) and your interpretation is VERY COOL!! :D

more thoughts below the cut :]

oooh very orchestral and dramatic? i love all the lyrical replacements and all the nods back to the original too ough... i love cool fucking words hkjhg i understand the volition standpoint with "That’s what I’ll say to rationalize / I’m needed if we’re to stay alive." YEAH I SEE IT!! "see how the mind tricks the so-O-O-OUL~!!" MM GOOD SHIT, with the pauses in between? "do what you want, you automaton freak / no, i can no longer bring myself to care" FUCHFKH LMAO...? YOUR TURN BUDDY. man this is so cool...

:0 hell yes, logic you have an EXCELLENT voice, we all love this for him <3 "my logic is the absolute / his pity parties simply harm these chances at an apt repute" DUDE THESE FUCKING RHYMES!! HELL YES!! I LOVE WORDS!!! RUAHG!!!! i love that this one sounds more digital than the last one? OH wait i get it, the heart's acoustic and the mind's electric, man that's so cool... and also REALLY MEAN, lots of insults HKJHG but very amusing, THE GIRLIES ARE FIGHTINGGGG!!

soul starting with "Yo." fucking hgkjhg?? love that. this one OUGH... the BEAT, the vibes are so much more intense now, like oh shit okay!! boss music!! kill, then!! ooh i love heart and mind singing at the same time but different lyrics... oh nooo little guy don't... oh no the implications of the ending, no little fella noooo... :'] its very commanding, it does fit a cool skill signature, go e-chem go!! EVERYONE ELSE BE!! A LITTLE QUIET!! hkjhg

ough these are so cool, low psyche, high int, higher physique build :0

oh if this is something i also listened to The Bidding from Chonny (and watched the music video! its good fucking animation i love how theyre portrayed as little guys :3 the "WE COMBINED??? NO WAY GUYS!!!!!" WE LOVE TO SEE IT HDJKH) they did it!!! they worked together for a little bit!!! :D!! yayayayay!! also a cool one <3 if you would like to tell me thoughts on this one i will gladly send you an ask!! <33

thank you for sharing!! i always appreciate you :] <333

[viric-dreams]

Since the topic's been going around and getting me thinking:

Ockham enjoys the typical shows of romance, particularly those expressed physically. Heshethey does struggle though to be the only person in a relationship and the only means of physical/emotional intimacy or support for someone because of hishertheir transitory nature and personal priorities overriding romance. The Greater London Polycule is a good fit for himherthem. Emotional intimacy might be a bit more difficult because of the current identity crisis happening, but heshethey wouldn't turn down sex or any kind of physical intimacy. That's something that Ockham doesn't really have any hangups about, possibly related to living in close quarters with people most of hishertheir life and seeing it as something mundane and relatively normalised. Especially with hishertheir eclectic set of memories and experiences (many of them serpentine), Ockham finds the sexual mores of Victorian Londoners particularly inane at times. These elements also makes Ockham open to trying pretty much anything a partner may suggest, at least once.

On the other side of the spectrum is Roberts, who's actively irked by any overt signs of romance on Grand Geode, usually because that means said sequencers are distracted or shirking duties. Realistically, the negativity comes from it being something that he feels that he could never have as a consequence of both his sexuality and position (though it's not something he's self-aware enough to know, nor wants to think about). Anyone making romantic overtures at this point would be pushed away out of a mixture of him not believing that he deserves it, that said person is after some sort of advantage because of his position, and that it would be a distraction from The Work, with a healthy bit of fear of the unknown thrown in for good measure. He's built up a ridiculous amount of intricate rituals around physical contact with people that make sense only to him. Having any sort of a sex life is a nightmare when you're almost everyone's superior officer and instantly recognisable, and come with enough emotional baggage to hold every piece of sentient clothing in Polythreme, and thus regulated to quick and faceless encounters, often in foreign ports. Even then, the intricate rules persist: sex is sex, direct and perfunctory. Kissing is off limits, absolutely no lingering touches, nothing that feels too much like intimacy or involves giving up control or trusting someone. Get what you're here for and go.

Nite's lack of memory has made everything a novel option and possibility. This is not necessarily a good thing. His strong streak for showmanship and craving attention lead to some somewhat extreme behaviour. Those grand gestures that only seem to work in romance novels are exactly what appeals to his sensibilities and he's convinced that they would work in real life, and is apt to try. If boomboxes and romcoms existed in this era, he would be that guy. It clearly seems to work in the films, so absolutely worth attempting in real life. Because a lot of what he imagines romantic behaviour is comes from stories and not real life experience, he starts with the idea that this is what romance and seduction should look like. Many of these things are things he doesn't even necessarily enjoy, but he tries anyway because what does he know, maybe that's just how things are done. This does eventually modulate over time, when he gets a better sense for his own preferences, and the flair for the dramatic remains, but tempered. He is also very quick to emotionally open up and try to deepen a relationship (either romantic or otherwise), often faster than the other person is comfortable with. After a handful of negative experiences he's gotten better at this. Unlike Ockham, whose sexual tastes generally tend to be broader and has a fairly solid sense of hishertheir boundaries, Nite has the same "I'll try anything" approach, albeit it closer to an "I have to try everything to know what I like" outlook, and no moderation or sense of pacing. This has led to a handful of upsetting experiences (both for himself and any partner(s) involved) when he inevitably discovers far too late that this was not a good idea. His lack of knowledge of his own boundaries makes him dangerous to both himself and others.

Tamara's been on dates with some of her peers back in Varchas, but it was never something that intensely interested her, nor did she ever have a serious relationship. It was expected that she would eventually settle down, either with someone of her choosing from a similar class background, or through a suitable suitor introduced through her family. She did enjoy the attention that flirtation brought, but would be the first to tell you that she doesn't really know what she wants out of a partner either romantically or sexually, but of course has plenty of time to figure it out. In London, she has far more important priorities at the moment and isn't even entertaining the idea. Her initial suspicion surrounding Ockham's kindness was quickly assuaged upon realising that heshethey doesn't necessarily want anything from her at all and offering her a place to stay was simply an act of one outsider recognising another and offering a helping hand. Of course, there's plenty more regarding Ockham about which to be suspicious, but that's a different topic.

The Rubbery Barber Surgeon is in a healthy and loving butch/femme relationship with The Tentaclar Surgeoness. He enjoys filling the traditional masculine role that the Surgeoness, a huge fan of pulpy romance novels, seeks in a partner. Thus far, things have gone well for them, and they seem perfectly compatible. She might just be the one. He may have visited a particular jeweler on Flute Street a couple of times. He's slowly planning a very special date night for them in the near future.

[jonathanbyersphd]

Your headcanons on college era jancy?

(Also casually sliding a slip of paper saying ‘Jonathan’s wnyu show?’ Under your door. Can be for either spidey au or canon show timeline. It can even be both if you like.)

Hi Emily! Also College aged Jancy my beloved

(also he's def part of WNYU in the Spidey AU but it's only mentioned briefly in the first chapter)

TRAGICALLY (because the duffers hate me) I have resigned that Jonathan's going to NYU and Nancy's going to Emerson (originally I was a big fan of the NYU/Sarah Lawrence variant but also NYU has a journalism degree not like I'm mad or anything anyways)

Jonathan takes to college like a duck to water, like it doesn't take him very long to find friends at Tisch at all and he loves exploring the city in his free time

Nancy, my beloved, has a tougher time with the transition only because she doesn't really get along with her in-room roommate but she gets along with her suite mates and she doesn't give up just complains to Jonathan a lot

Jonathan, of course, takes photos of everything to send off to Nancy and she writes him like five page letters (he keeps them all in a shoe box)

I think they call each other twice a week but they're short phone calls because they can't really afford them

They alternate weekend visits at least once a month

Nancy definitely makes him participate in some weird sweater exchange like she'll take them and then when they don't smell like him anymore she'll send them back and he'll send a new one

Nancy obviously joins the paper and accidentally ends up usurping the editor and taking over

Jonathan joins WNYU and it's like the most eclectic hour of music on campus but no one kicks him off

Jonathan working at a bar is real to me

Jonathan is also a wedding photographer

Nancy works as a teacher's assistant after a TERRIBLE first day as a barista

Jonathan becomes an RA sophomore year but he ends up hating it because it's so much responsibility and Nancy ends up having to see him more than he does down to see her so he quits

ENGLISH LIT MINOR JONATHAN BYERS IS REAL TO ME

Nancy definitely studies abroad at some point (London or Rome maybe) Jonathan suffers greatly

Related, Jonathan gets really into baking while she's away

Nancy has a hobby graveyard because she can't settle on anything

Until she FINALLY gives in and does ballet again (Jonathan is a big fan of the leotard she makes fun of him for this)

I think like junior year Nancy freaks out because he's never dated anyone else and tries to break up with him and he's like you're the love of my life so respectfully no and she's like I'm the love of your life 🥺

They scheme their way out of going home for Thanksgiving early and spend that week on like cheap vacations with each other

Argyle randomly decides to move to NYC and basically funds Jonathan's apt junior & senior year (rich kid Argyle)

Will ends up going to NYU and Mike goes to Princeton so for a hot minute there the Cali Crew rides again, Argyle loves this, Jonathan & Nancy less so

In my head they settle in NYC but I am partial to the brief idea of them living in London or a Paris for a minute

Oh and Jonathan proposes before senior year because he can't hold it in anymore she of course says yes and they get married the fall after graduating

[merryfortune]

their kiss, laced with the perfume of dahlias

Written for Femslash February 2024

Day 7. Dahlia

Title: their kiss, laced with the perfume of dahlias

Ship: Visionshipping | Ishizu/Mai

Word Count: 1,469

Universe: Duel Monsters

Rating: G

Tags: Established Relationship, Fluff, Holidays, Public Displays of Affection

  For all the gravity with which Ishizu carried herself, there was an element of which had never felt real to her.

   She was sheltered. Sculpted. A mouthpiece, an extension of her previous incarnation’s self and the wearer of the Millenium Necklace.

   For example, she knew what flowers were. How they would be described botanically, what purpose they served in the ecosystem and even admire their beauty. She even had her favourites amongst the ones she had read of but text on a page and secondhand accounts, they couldn’t accurately depict the scent of a flower, or its touch.

   And that was just a trivial example of the Plato’s cave that Ishizu found herself within.

   There was so much outside of the realm of Ishizu’s lived experience. She could forgive her brother for wanting to live it. No one else could live it for him, after all. Only he could. That was, however, not an indulgence that Ishizu would give herself. 

   At least not until her duties were done and the ghosts of the past had been put to rest.

   However, Ishizu refused to allow this to be a weakness, to even give a hint of it. She kept her mouth closed on all occasions and allowed the Millenium Necklace to wield her as necessary but there was one incident where her guard slipped.

   She crossed paths with Kujaku Mai and that desire to feel real, to experience what was real, wafted through Ishizu as she caught the scent of Mai’s perfume in passing. They were going in opposite directions. Mai was on her way to the communal restrooms; Ishizu was on her way to her room and just that… 

   It was enough to weaken her and entice her.

   “What a beautiful perfume.” Ishizu thoughtlessly said to herself, not even realising she was thinking out loud.

   Not until the click of Mai’s heels on the hard flooring of the Kaiba Corp. blimp ceased and she turned around, laughing, amused, “Thank you. It's a Mexican perfume with dahlias. Quite an unusual scent, don’t you think?”

   “Ah, yes, indeed.” Ishizu said and she would have liked for the small talk to end there.

   “Have you ever been?” Mai asked. “To Mexico?”

   “No.” Ishizu replied.

   “I think you’d like it there. Just a hunch though.” Mai shrugged.

   And now it did.

   Ishizu held onto her sigh of relief. She did not want to drop her mask of mystery and mystique but she could tell Kujaku Mai had a keen eye for details on people. Just from hunches.

   The fact that it was a dahlia based perfume… Well, now that was a funny trick of fate. Ishizu would have to admit because she had never seen a dahlia in real life, nor would she have begun to have guessed that was the smell of them but dahlias were one of the flowers she liked in theory.

   It was every bit as unique a smell as her books had promised. It was fresh and crisp with a sharp undertone of bitterness to mix with the natural floral scent of the bright and eclectic flower. Ishizu liked it. 

   She did not allow herself, however, to admit she liked it especially on Mai.

   Dahlias symbolised good taste and that seemed to be an apt association for Kujaku Mai: a woman often embroiled in what others might call opulence and luxury.

   Mai was famed for her keen sense of smell, likely having hyperosmia as her now debunked strategy of cheating that Ishizu had heard about involved her lacing her cards with different perfumes. Forty cards to a deck, well, of course she would have quite the collection of perfumes to cycle through.

   Still, that one little encounter, it survived surprisingly well in the every twisting, merging and unmerging of fate, like river deltas in perpetual flux because on the other side of it, Ishizu and Mai found themselves again. Several years later. Going in the same direction this time.

   Mai was a globetrotting Duelist with her name chanted through electric crowds. Ishizu’s archaeology was famed far and wide, she was making waves in academia. It seemed only natural, somehow, that their paths would cross and the connection that they shared all those years ago would turn into a close companionship.

   Especially now that Ishizu was free of those duties that had kept her weighed down akin to Atlas. 

   “See?” Mai giggled. “I told you that you’d love Mexico.”

   Their relationship didn’t have a proper name. Mai didn’t want to be tied down and nor did Ishizu but they still wanted to be attached to one another. Both loved their country of origin and freedom as young adults on the other side of twenty-something to give that up.

   However, lovers and girlfriends might be close but their holidays, like this one, were almost akin to honeymoons given that both ladies disavowed work on them.

   “Yes, you did say that.” Ishizu said but she was almost too enchanted by her surroundings to reply - and she sounded just as airy. Her heart welled up with emotions as she added, “You remembered?”

   “How could I forget?” Mai asked as she snaked her arm around Ishizu’s waist, pulling her in for a half embrace. “It was our first meeting.” 

   Ishizu was highly flattered by the reply as Mai walked her through the Sunday market. They were going to visit Xochimilco later, in the afternoon, and see the canals and listen to the music of mariachi bands playing for tourists like them but already, Ishizu was entranced by the more ordinary locales such as this marketplace. 

   These streets were festooned with traditional architecture and buzzed with commerce. People came and went in throngs, there was chatting and laughter, bargaining and purchasing. The smell of food was strong and made Ishizu’s mouth water as she was tempted by every street vendor or stall selling fruit picked fresh this morning in the wee hours of dawn. The hustle and bustle, the clamour of it all, absolutely enraptured Ishizu.

   She wasn’t a smiley woman, not by a longshot, but her expression was open and light-hearted as she wandered the cobblestone streets with Mai.

   The sheer joy and delight of it all, and underneath an endless azure sky, was a far cry from Ishizu’s upbringing. The desert was barren by night, the stone halls silent even during the height of day and so, she all but celebrated this moment to be amongst the sights and sounds, the smells, too.

   As Mai picked something out from one of the stalls - this one run by a kindly-looking elderly lady and her middle aged son. She nodded, asking wordlessly for permission, to pick up a glass bottle and she beckoned for Ishizu’s attention.

    “No way, I thought these weren’t made anymore.” Mai said, excited. “Look, it’s the perfume I was wearing when I met you. Must be our lucky day.”

   Ishizu blinked curiously. The bottle was pink and multifaceted, with gold lettering on the front of it and attached as an old-fashioned, fuzzy squeeze. Mai paid for it and immediately gifted it to her.

   “Do you want to try wearing it?” Mai asked, her voice dropping low to a whisper as she got on her tip-toes to talk to her.

   “I would.” Ishizu replied.

   Mai hummed as she went back down onto the balls of her feet. They shuffled off to the side, to a dip in the cement and a sliver of the alleyway between the old buildings that enclosed either side of the stone channel the marketplace inhabited.

   Mai took Ishizu’s hand and undid the cap, having enough forethought to not use an asthmatic trigger in public lest it cause an issue. And so, she gently rubbed it on Ishizu’s wrist by taking off the cap and tapping it, coaxing out the liquid to spritz Ishizu.

   The fluid of the perfume was cold on Ishizu’s skin. Runny, too, and of course pungent. Ishizu got a deep breath of it even from far away but when Mai recapped it, she took that as her cue. She drew up her hand to her face and closed her eyes.

   She savoured it. Not just the perfume but all her surroundings. Ishizu was certain, she was in love. With Mexico, with her favourite flowers, and yes, with Mai. She smiled a small smile as her eyes opened ever so slightly.

   “Thank you, Mai.” Ishizu said. “I love it.”

   “I think it suits you, too.” Mai flirted.

   Ishizu didn’t need to read minds to know what Mai was insinuating so she leaned down. Mai initiated a kiss and Ishizu chastely returned her affections. She felt the warm wind blow and their kiss, laced with the perfume of dahlias, was lost in the humdrum ordinance of it all.

[shinygoku]

Revolver (1966)

So, you know from my previous write-up that I think Rubber Soul is a little bit underrated. I think there may be a similar thing occurring here, as while it's more likely to be picked as The Greatest Beatles Album, it's still in the shadow of what comes right after and a couple of the later ones. Still, this is home to a couple of absolutely iconic staples as well as a few hidden gems. Deciding to scrap live concerts entirely, they could now dabble with The Studio itself to bring out new and exciting sounds. Load up yer bullets and ready the needle arm, we're on something Revolutionary.

The famous line art and collage made by Friend of the Band since Hamburg days, Klaus Voormann! Ya can't deny he gets their likeness, though George's direct look at the viewer with those lips is a bit unsettling for me personally. Still, it's what they call Art and the first cover that isn't a single photograph, we have iconic illustration and an eclectic montage here! Very cool ...if not something I'd want on my wall lol

SIDE ONE

Taxman: Remember how in the previous write-up for Run For Your Life, I complained about how dope instrumentals were bogged down by lyrics that sucked? Well it's a similar situation here! I'm Pro-Public Sector being funded by the Ultra Rich being shaken down for change!! I know the Marginal Rate was huge, but it was for those who could, like, actually afford it. Unfortunately that may include Daft Rock Stars, innit? .....Anyway yeah, the guitar shredding is really good but the cleverness of the lyrics is wasted by picking the wrong stance, so this ain't one I listen to that often. The music video on the official youtube is pretty visually interesting though.

Eleanor Rigby: A sad tale of an older lady dying alone, ya wouldn't expect it to be one of the most iconic songs by a band that's already made countless bangers about love and sex and rocking out, wouldja? And maybe it's because of that stark difference, and the song itself being so beautiful, that it stands out and even wins over Beatle Haters! The sound is best in the 2022 remix, obviously, but I like to watch the music video that was in Yellow Submarine for this song, where a multitude of different Lonely People are shown. But the fairly detailed story described without visuals really does tug at the heartstrings (apt that this tune has such a prominent String Octet, haha).

I think part of what makes this work so well is, not just the Tragic Narrative, but also the mundane nature. The allusion to wearing a mask of a false self in public, the bluntness of the apathy shown to strangers. Dreams that go unfulfilled, words that go unheard, your entire life being known only as you have a headstone, if that. It applies to countless people we walk by every day. And the irony of how Eleanor and the Father McKenzie might have been able to connect, but only actually have contact when he's performing her lonely funeral. Owch.... a great song but Not a fun one!

I'm Only Sleeping: First of all, I MUST endorse the painting music video that's also on the Official Youtube. Even if ya've heard this song countless times, you have gotta See it too!!

Anyway, gorgeous strumming and a steady drum balance the slower pace of this number. John's vocals are serene and drowsy, matching the feeling of having a lazy morning in a comfy, comfy bed. The way the music pauses and starts back up with increased tempo, the backward guitar (!!) and how the song starts to repeat itself from the beginning again all give it such a beautiful, distinct vibe, and again it's pretty faithful to that feeling when you doze off and lose track of time.

Love You To: After George's previous song being blazing electrical guitar set to complaining, this one is quite different! Very sitar heavy and introspective, with a very slow start for a while before kicking off with the vocals. It's not really my bag, but I can appreciate the artistry in it, at least. After such a long intro the outro feels pretty abrupt, too.

Here, There and Everywhere: This also has an animated video on the Youtube! It's nice but oddly rotoscopes Help! (Movie) footage among other things, it doesn't feel as Bespoke so it's optional as far as I'm concerned lol. Anyway! Paul does a Beach Boys! It's a pleasant, serene ode to a nebulous woman but, while I like it, it doesn't have quite the memorable staying power other than that it sounds like another band did it. Sorry for being so mild, Paul! I just like others ya did more!

Yellow Submarine: YEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

A real Marmite of a song, innit? I adore it, myself~ It's deceptively complex, hidden behind what could be seen as a monotonous, repetitive lyrics sheet, but for those who listen not only with yer ears but your heart and soul as well, you'll enjoy it :3

Even without reading Pro-Community or Escapism subtext within, the base level of a children's song with pretty described visuals and creative, clever sound effects over a catchy base tune with Ringo's vocals really make a song that's more than the sum of its parts. No wonder it did so well as the Title Track and Main Vehicle of the animated movie! XD (Also, as a Supermarionation Fan, I sure suspect Thunderbird 4 was inspired by this number as well as the practical truth that yellow is the most visible colour under water~)

She Said She Said: The LSD in this one is very apparent lol. A bit of mystery lurks in no one knowing if Paul actually played on the final version due to some undisclosed drama. The ......metre? changes partway in and (as always) the instruments are groovy, but again I'm not wild about it and wouldn't notice if it were cut lmao

SIDE TWO

Good Day Sunshine: This hits a little different when hot days are very annoying... but I can't fault this song for the massive shift in climate! I do like how upbeat and jolly this is, the piano offers an interesting flourish and some good harmonies and cymbal crashing.

And Your Bird Can Sing: This is the song I always think of when mulling over Hidden Gems by the Beatles. It's 2 minutes of Rock Perfection and yet it's chronically overshadowed by so many others! While there's much debate over who or what "your Bird" may be, the actual thesis of the song is about deflating materialism and pride, which is cool. The guitar shredding, rhythmic percussion and that triple harmony with "you tell me that you've heard every sound there is" make this such a delight! I think that particular vocal sync may even be the best I've ever heard, it's sooooo great~

For No One: Paul's at it again with 'Maaaan dating Jane Asher isn't doing it for me' songs! However I think this is the best of them lol. Very engaging piano and clever lyrics about two former lovers who now feel mere indifference for the other. Somehow they've drifted apart and it's only a matter of time until they admit defeat and make it formal, but we're not there just yet.

Doctor Robert: This is weird cause it's based on the real dentist the lads used, who spiked John and George with acid and in general seems like the most cartoonishly suspicious kind of nightmare who you really don't want to be left in charge of your numbed body, what the fuck?! I mean the song itself is pretty rockin' but dear GOD do I hope they cut that dude out once the drugging came to light. I'd be hiring some fucking Goons to scare him rather than writing a ditty about the situation, but I guess their ways of coping differ to modern times... oh right, the music? It's good, duh! I'll highlight Paul's Bass as being a very Groovy fixture~

I Want To Tell You: This one I tend to forget about entirely lmao. George at it again, good piano and drum work... I think the Bridge is good but the main song doesn't do much for me. Another "well it's not Bad, but..." number. Huh, sorry George, I know songs ya made that I adore but they ain't here...!

Got To Get You Into My Life: Ska?! In The Beatles? It's more likely than you think! But I actually prefer the "Second Version" that one may find on the YT or Super Deluxe edition. This main one sounds a little overpowering with really loud brass and Paul's voice seems to be filtered. I loooooove that it's a declaration of devotion to Weed instead of a person this time though, while cunningly woven to fly under the Morality Police radar.

Tomorrow Never Knows: This is more Art than a song, and I mean that in a good way! The completely unique Sounds and the experimental Techniques, Ringo's beating on them drums..... it's just really fun to listen to~ Mere words don't work so well for this one XD;;;

CONCLUSION

Best 3: Eleanor Rigby, I'm Only Sleeping, Yellow Submarine

Blurst 3: Love You To, She Said She Said, I Want To Tell You

Hmm, picking the Blurst was really hard this time and now it looks like I have Anti-George sentiments, which I don't! But it's less the choices there are Bad and more Not For Me. That's part'a why I've been saying Blurst this whole time instead of Worst, the subjective aspect can't be ignored...! And maybe I'm showing a little Bias in the Best category, but again it's painful to hafta discard bangers like And Your Bird Can Sing for anything, but I love me some Yellow Submarine just that much more ^^;;

I already used the line, but fuck it; Revolver is indeed Revolutionary. (Read that in the Devious Diesel voice Ringo does, please~). The studio tweaks done to increasingly Sophisticated music really marks a change in the landscape, not just for these Bugs, but the medium as a whole. That kinda sentiment persists with a lot of Beatle Moments, of course, but I think Revolver represents a real point of no return.

🪲🪲🪲🪲

Next month, we'll be (checks notes) ah, instead of The Beatles, there'll be a new group 『サージェント・ペパーズ・ロンリー・ハーツ・クラブ・バンド』. I hope you tune in anyway, as they're very well regarded! A splendid time is guaranteed for all~

[vulnaviasims]

Penthouse Loft - San Myshuno

I spent to much time to create this apartment, and I love it so much. It is a place where I would like to live!

It's an apt for young roommates, artists and eclectic people.

There is a nice open space with the kitchen and a livingroom with a dancefloor

at the first floor, there are 2 small but cute and cozy balcony

there is a super pastel pop bedroom and a nice music / multimedia studio:

Upstairs, there is a chill out area and a second bedroom

and the terrace could not be missing

Nobody lives here.

I hope you like it!

find everything in my save file here

see you next time!

[shanaraharlyah]

Please answer 2, 7, 13, 34 and 50 for the OC ask ♡

Thank yooouuuu!!! 😘😘😘

Thank you so much for the ask, my lovely! 💕 Answering these for Hellendil in the HL fandom of course!

2. Why'd you choose your OC's name?

I have answered this on my side blog, but I will add the answer here as well. 🤍 Hellendil Melinae is the name of an elf OC I created about twelve years ago, brother of my main OC, Sarovanya. Since I needed a magic user for HL I chose to base my MC on him. The name itself is derived from Tolkien's elvish language and means "lover of the sky" (which in hindsight is actually pretty apt for him).

7. What career path would your OC take?

Initially he is interested in a career as a curse-breaker because it would allow him to work alongside his brother in archaeology. However, once he heard Ranrok's tragic backstory and realized how poorly much of wizardkind treat goblins, he decides to pursue a career as a liaison at the Ministry in the hope of advocating for them.

13. What's the worst thing your OC's ever done?

Probably the devastation he caused to Rookwood and his followers when he found out that he was the one who cursed Anne. With that whisper in his ear, he made the connection and just snapped. It haunts him. He may not have used the killing curse, but it terrifies him that he was capable of such destruction and unbridled rage.

34. What's your OC's "thing"?

He's that long haired kid that doesn't wear his uniform and dresses eclectically (very Ravenclaw of him). lol While at school, at least, he's prone to wearing things that aren't exactly fashionable and look more like medieval leather armor. As an adult he's more fashionable, but still doesn't dress in typical fashion.

50. What do you love and hate most about your OC?

I love how genuinely kind and caring he is and how he will stand up against injustice whether it affects him personally or not.

What do I hate? Since he's so focused on other people, making them happy and doing whatever it is they need in the moment, he's the type of person who would cheat. 😞 Not for the sake of cheating or because he wants to, but because that person has a good reason to need it of him. I don't know if this will ever happen, but the possibility is there. Of course it would also eat him up inside afterward when he thinks about what he's done to his partner. He's such a lovely person overall that it's really a disappointing trait.

[kittensoftpaw]

MyKitty

He’s my dapper lil man-

Yes he has a surname of his own, I like giving my pets proper names, bc it’s both cute and respectful ^^

His Adoption Story

So story with him, once upon a time I decided I wanted a kitten, specifically a Black Cat/Kitten, bc as a (Eclectic) Witch I know they’re Good Luck, supposed to ward off evil.

I tried the Animal Shelter, they had a few but then wouldn’t allow me bc my Apartment Building, for those who’re Disabled sadly requires cats have their front claws removed.

I get it, it’s wrong, but those are the rules!

Anyway so I called the Vet that my bio mom’s cat went to, bc I saw an advertisement about kittens available- I asked if there was any black kittens available? They said yes! And that he had two calico (or was it tortoiseshell?) sisters! But I wanted the black one, the boi.

So after that me and my friend (at the time) drove to the vet, but it was closed. :-(

But then sometime later (day or days?) my bio mom called and said at the vet there was a black kitten for sale/adoption- it was the same kitten as before!

So I came to see him- and when he was on the counter he hissed at this other kitten (maybe his sister?) it was so cute X-3

Anyway I adopted him, named him and he goes to that same vet now for his checkups/shots.

He was 4 months old when I adopted him, he was born in August, I thiiink like August 10-12 or so? Either way he’s a Leo (fitting). August 2011.

And yes he got his front claws removed, but also fixed in the same day, bc he was little he’s never known anything else- and he still “scratches” things, getting his gland scents on things. Oc if my apt didn’t have those rules, I’d never declaw, but it’s the way it is.

Love him so much- even if he’s naughty sometimes, like how he takes extreme personal offense if I have the audacity to Sneeze or even have a snuffy nose (which is why when I’m sick he is NOT allowed in my room)

Here’s a few recent rl photos of him:

[attraktor]

Apartment Berlin Mitte Annabell Kutucu

A unique extended stay apartment in the heart of Berlin. The accommodation offers a private, comfortable space totaling 150m² with three bedrooms. The eclectic design is an homage to Berlin and its creative diversity.

NOMADS APT. BERLIN Interior Design / Styling & Experience 

Concept by Annabell Kutucu & Michael Schickinger 

Photography by Steve Herud 

Images and text via Annabell Kutucu

[sheirukitriesfandom]

Summer Reading/Writing/Arting Tag

@thequeenofthewinter (and I think domeone else too but there's nothing in my notifications 🤔) tagged me a while back but because I have a whole bunch of shit going on irl I've been feeling rather "socially drained" and putting all my free time into Italian and ESO.

So sorry for the wait 😅.

Tagging: @elavoria @skyrim-forever @alma-amentet @katastronoot @miraakulous-cloud-district @dirty-bosmer

1) Describe one creative WIP project you’re planning to work on over the summer.

I hope I'll finally finish ACoS: Foe so I can move on to the letter G (ACoS is based on a series of letter prompts). I also want to continue with my original writing project.

2) Rec a book!

I rarely get around to reading for myself rather than uni (two foreign languages = two literary canons, yay), so I'm going with an author I admire greatly. 

I recommend "The House* of Ulloa" (Los pazos* de Ulloa) by Emilia Pardo Bazán. 

The story is set in 19th century Galicia and follows the young priest Julian Alvarez, who becomes chaplain for the marquis of Ulloa. Upon his arrival at the run-down estate, he gets drawn into the intrigues between the marquis, Pedro Moscoso; his majordomo, a suspicious, brutish man named Primitivo; and Primitivo's daughter Sabel, who is the mother of Perucho, Pedro's illegitimate son.

The House of Ulloa is an example of the Spanish naturalist movement, so if you're a fan of minimalist style, this book probably isn't for you.

*House doesn't exactly equal pazo. A pazo is a manor house in the countryside which often looks a bit like a small castle.

(Pazo de Meiras, where EPB used to live. Sadly, it later became the summer home of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco...)

3) Rec a fic! 

A Dream of Empire by Melampus

I'll just let the summary do the work for me:

"The Empire was all Lyrian had ever known. From a simple war mage trainee to Fatebinder, she never looked back on her choices, assured of her life as a loyal servant of the Empire and the Overlord. The war of conquest for the Tiers changed that. The fires of war forged Lyrian into something else beyond a mere tool. War was an ugly, dirty thing, but Lyrian felt right at home in the grime of battle, the spilling of blood. She never aspired to more, yet the world simply laughed.

And yet, in the chaos of war, there was a constant that she gravitated around without truly realizing it. Or rather, someone.

The Fatebinder of Balance."

I love Lyrian and her relationship with Calio, I love the additions to Tyranny's worldbuilding, I love the way everyone is characterised—it's just a great fic for a great, underrated game.

4) Rec music!

I've been thinking long and hard about which Trve Kvlt metal band I'd talk about just to show off my ~~eclectic taste~~ but fuck, I wanna gush about Angelo Branduardi. 

I love Angelo Branduardi. 

He's a renown Italian folk/traditional/pop musician, author, film soundtrack composer, (small-time) actor and, relatively recently, voice actor for a point & click adventure game.  

His music spans an incredible range of genres, lyrics & time periods ranging from songs of medieval origin to quiet folk to singer/songwriter to pop. He's released 28 studio albums and 50 albums in total. My favourites are the "Futuro Antico'' albums which contain adaptations of traditional songs from different areas and time periods as well as languages.

For example, the other day I listened to "Loibere Risen" from the first Futuro Antico album and thought to myself "Wait a minute, that's not exactly German… but it sounds so German I can kinda understand it." It's a song from the 13th century sung in Middle High German… Other obscure languages and dialects, such as Occitan, also find their way onto those albums.

Many publications call Branduardi a "modern day bard" and I think that's an apt description so if you're in any way inclined towards folk and "Bard-ish" music (or are learning Italian and looking for an easy to understand singer), I recommend you check him out.

Oh, and Angelo Branduardi is also the voiceclaim for Chief Justiciar Valcarion, one of my ESO OCs.

 5) Share one piece of advice!

When it comes to creative activities, rules are there to be broken. 

For any creative expression there are so many guides out there telling you to do this and that and while you should understand why those rules exist, don't let them limit you. Write that experimental 500k word novel from the perspective of a goose, wear that weird outfit you find cool even if they tell you those colours don't go together or it's out of fashion, draw that proportion-defying figure even if people tell you that's not how it works. 

It's all about expression and it's all good as long as those deviations from the norm are your intent (rather than, say, trying to draw a proportional human being but failing and hiding behind style).

[quote-tournament]

because be born is currently sweeping (surprisingly) heres some other quotes from chonnys charming chaos compendium bc this album goes so hard

“But when Harmonia shines, Atlas beholds her / So bathed in serenity; beauty, in synchronicity / Blissfully entwined.” - Dream

“Stuck inbetween, in indemnity, the indomitable weather / Of opposites with no regard for time; no reason behind their rhyme” - Mucka Blucka

“And so Juno got what he deserved / Imprisonment was all that he earned / So let’s stop on in and see if he learned a goddamn thing” - Ruler of Everything

“Looking through glass eyes / Giving a few tries / Nothing goes right in its time” - Good Day

“What’s the point in trying if this end result of dying / Sits persistently encloaked in dimness / Life can’t thrive controlled by digits” - The Heart Acoustic

“My logic is the absolute / His pity parties simply harm these chances at an apt repute / Esteemed regard in place of mockery” - The Mind Electric

“See how they fight all day / The other half won’t hear what’s had to say / It’s just the game they play here in this labyrinth maze” - The Soul Eclectic

“And here he is: the piece of shit / Sitting, seething high atop his stolen throne / Glass is the house of the hypocrite / And yet you still continue arming stones” - The Bidding

“Humility’s a virtue; pride a sin / Or so it has been said / But every time I’ve hurt you, or at least tried to / You’ve laughed and smiled instead” - Light

“To anyone who knows me, I’m sure i sound absurd / But I’m an egoistic queer under any definition of the word” - Two wuv

“You want something? / You know more about me than my family / All these sick, unsightly maladies / Staving off the due insanity / Haptic feedback, half-baked blasphemies / Twenty-seven songs are yours / My blood, my sweat, my open doors” - Taken for a Ride

Mmh Good Food 👌

Honourable mentions!

[markalexanderdesign]

Upgrade Your Bedroom With The Perfect Headboard or Artfully Designed Bed Head

A headboard or bed head is not only a functional component. It is a cardinal component that may serve to overall room aesthetics greatly. Besides, should you have a minimalist, classic or even eclectic theme, picking the apt headboard can project the whole place to new heights.

Why Choose a Headboard or Bed Head?

Aesthetic Appeal: Just a simple headboard installation alone will enhance either a serene, mature, or fun look of your chamber, in case you like that.

Comfort: The chair is good for your spine that makes reading or resting just fantastic in bed.

Practicality: Using a headboard will give you the benefits of reducing the chances of bruising and staining over your wall.

Types of Headboards and Bed Heads

Upholstered Headboards:

Classic Elegance: Upholstered headboards are absolutely timeless and can add a soft side to your bedroom as you can choose from various fabrics and colors.

Modern Minimalism: Easily and cleanly designed, these headboards usually consist of straight lines and neutral shades.

Luxurious Velvet: Headboards made of velvet with a shade of luxury, which breaks the luxury of the room.

Wooden Headboards:

Rustic Charm: Reclaimed wood headboards embody an earthy ambiance and give your bedroom a natural look and feel.

Modern Minimalism: Shiny wooden headboards with straight lines of design may go along with contemporary decor.

Ornate Details: Embellishments and carvings make for the rich classical look.

Metal Headboards:

Industrial Chic: Metal headboards with pipes that are visible or with an unfinished surface add a current industrial look.

Art Deco Glamour: Shimmering metals, angular shapes and patterns bring back the sense of sophisticated style of the 1920s.

Choosing the Perfect Headboard for Your Bedroom

Consider Your Bedroom Style: Go for a headboard that blends with your general decor to be an entire part of the decor.

Measure Your Bed: Make sure the headboard’s size matches the bed size as well as the room dimensions.

Think About Comfort: Go for a headboard that blends with your general decor to be an entire part of the decor.

Budget: Cut down on extras and look into what is possible within your budget.

By carefully selecting a headboard or bed head, you can create a bedroom that is both stylish and comfortable.

Conclusion

The right headboard or bed head can musically turn your room into a getaway from the busy world into a peaceful haven. It is not only a piece of furniture, but an ornament that expresses your personalized flavor of aesthetics. You can choose a headboard that will put your mind at ease and help you decorate a room that will be a beloved place to go to by analyzing the style, comfort, and practicality aspects of the option you are going for.

[tommyoboe]

BERLIN 2024.

I don't have a plan for this post and I believe that's pretty apt for talking about this place. For me, Berlin is not just a city but a character and a way of life. I embrace the hippie nature of this statement, just as I embraced the German capital with Cameron. With everything we had.

Upon arriving Monday morning, we enjoyed the ease of self check in at the vibrant Urban Loft. We then toddled along in the scorching but not entirely unpleasant heat to grab a coffee and Anzac cookie from the renowned Barn Coffee. The service was superb and the coffee outstanding. This is one of our top roasters, so to experience the coffee in person was a real treat.

On to charming Prenzlauer Berg we went, showcasing remnants of the Berlin Wall, that is a huge part of Berlin's personality. It was fascinating to walk through wide sunlit streets and capture the contrast between West and East. Second hand shops and adorable cafés lined the way, displaying mid-century pieces in a rainbow of colours. It was a real celebration of culture and loudness in the home. I loved it.

With deli goods in hand we stumbled upon a tree containing books, divine cold brew coffee, a mosaic salamander, and Ting, showcasing the best of Scandi design.

An effortless ride on the U-Bahn took us to Friedrichshain, with the Eastside Gallery displaying art from times old and new. There were celebration pieces alongside works for thought and a look back through history with striking impressions on a period ruled by division. The other side led to the cute River Spree, with buskers playing folk and jazz tunes as the sun set.

Our trip to supreme Berlin chain Burgermeister rounded off a day full of walking nicely! We people watched, noticing all sorts of characters roaming the bustling but calm streets. Groups were fairly small, mainly individuals and duos going about their lives. It was a nice change the night scenes of Birmingham, swarmed with large garish groups all looking the same. I love that in Berlin everyone is truly individual.

Balu Coffee was our breakfast spot the next morning. The croissant benedict with avocado and salmon was vibrant and refreshing. Cameron's kimchi toastie was full of flavour, my grapefruit juice zingy and Cameron's cold brew packed a superb punch.

Edgy Kreuzberg was our central location for the day. The streets were lined with converted East German flats and vast greenery. Minimum was bursting to the seams with furniture from our favourite brands and the neighbouring stationery shop had a huge selection to make the mind boggle.

We found ourselves in an oasis of greenery at a garden centre set up for the homeless, then at a charming street corner for cold brew with tonic. This seemed commonplace in the city, and it's now something I miss.

Markthalle Neun was a definite highlight. The eclectic range of food options had us gasping in delight. The freshly made salami pizza slice went nicely with Fritz Kola, something that is a true German staple.

The afternoon continued with exceptional dark chocolate ice cream and as the evening approached we made our way to the Tempelhof. This was the site of a Berlin airport for many years and is now a meeting place for all Berliners. Barbecues, cycling parties and even a refugee shelter brought people together. This beautiful mix epitomised Berlin in every single way.

We rose the next morning to be greeted by bagels and cold brew coffee at Tucano Coffee, before making our way to the Tiergarten to embrace all things green. The eerie but magical sounds of the Carillon Tower were enchanting, and as we strolled through the gardens, I felt a sense of happiness and confidence. Everywhere we went in Berlin, people didn't stare or question each other, rather people enjoyed themselves and had no worries. I felt self conscious about wearing shorts, but in this city I felt this completely disappear.

They also have this thing in Berlin called summer.

The afternoon contained more contrasts, from a bombed out church from World War II that still had elements of beauty to lavish department stores in the west. We marvelled at the Vitra collection in the KaDeWe, as well as Paper & Tea and some astounding cookies.

Potsdamer Platz followed for more sensational Barn Coffee, then to the Mall of Berlin for shopping with a view over Berlin's government buildings. Alexanderplatz brought sensational currywurst and a trip to the DDR Museum for an insight into life in former East Germany. Even the U-Bahn journey home brought joy, with Berlin's Hauptbahnhof illuminating us from underground with a ceiling depicting a starry night.

We ventured to the Moabit area for breakfast on our final full day in this bustling metropolis, followed by more shopping at familiar brands like Arket, Cos and Rains. A bakery pit stop and cold brew later we were at the Kurfürstendamm, one of Berlin's most famous avenues for shopping. We took in the designer outlets on the sunlit boulevard before continuing our journey at the Musical Instruments and Deja Vu Museums. We stocked up on Ritter chocolate at their huge store before enjoying a final cocktail to close our experience in the stunning capital.

It was difficult to say goodbye to this wonderful city, as to me there is no place more brilliant I have ever visited. It has everything the imagination can conjur. The public transport is unreal, rightly putting UK public transport to shame with its vast selection of overground and underground offerings. The pace of life is slow but people get things done with no complaints. The weather is beautiful in the summer. The blend of past and future is spectacular. The history is like that of no other city. And the people are one that I can embrace. I feel I can be my true self in this city, and that is the best possible feeling.

This trip has heightened our desire for a life abroad, as I feel this is where the future really is. This is where true happiness can be found, and that realisation is one of the most exciting ones to date.

So until next time Berlin, vielen dank und auf wiedersehen.

[divinechieko222]

going for a very eclectic studio apt. lots of velvet. fun colors. ambient lighting. unique glassware. animal print. large japanese fan. persian rug. bar table. standing brass candelabra. matcha station. non-toxic kitchenware. projector instead of tv. bead curtain maybe i don’t fucking know. record player. a clock.