#hideaway youth project

[thewales-family]

The Prince of Wales visits the Hideaway Youth Project, lead partner of the Manchester Peace Together Alliance during his visit to Moss Side in Manchester, England -November 16th 2023.

[world-of-wales]

NEWS -

Julie Wharton, a director at the Hideaway Youth Project Manchester, spoke about how the Prince of Wales and The Royal Foundation has worked with them and helped the charity to build infrastructure to provide positive opportunities to young people.

The Prince of Wales fulfilled a promise made to them at a garden party and contributed by providing six new computers and funding a podcast room at their center.

[theroyalsandi]

British Royal Family - The Prince of Wales talking to kids & young adults at The Hideaway Youth Project in Manchester about how they have been supported | November 16, 2023

[fillyboy19]

Rushing In

Enji stands amid the chaos and destruction that was once his home with his youngest grandchild asleep in his arms and a smile on his face. His books lay strewn about the carpet, some fallen from shelves and others stacked in odd little piles that make sense only to the minds of the small children now at rest. Chairs are overturned with pale, rumpled sheets and thin blankets draped between them to make little hideaways. Toys litter the floor like a minefield waiting to trip him and jam into the soles of his feet and there are half-eaten plates of onigiri still sitting on the coffee table where he’d let them eat because it was easier to get them to do so over cartoons than it was to get them all settled at the dinner table.

He looks down fondly at the mess, juggling little Kenji in one hand, while he pulls a blanket from one of the kids’ fortswith the other. He uses his foot to help right one of the chairs so he doesn’t bang his shin into the hard, wooden leg again and then peeks into the second little makeshift shelter to find Natsuo’s two oldest children, twins, Hinata and Haruto, curled up around each other and sleeping soundly.

Enji drapes the blanket he’d pulled free over them and then grabs another for himself and Kenji. Thankful that they’d finally fallen asleep and hoping to get five minutes of peace and quiet, a soft, thankful huff escapes him. He’s not sure how Natsuo and his wife manage the energetic trio every day. Bedtime was supposed to be at eight, but they’d all kept him until nearly eleven last night, begging for just one more movie and another bowl of popcorn because, you can’t have a movie without popcorn, Grandpa…

His mind follows an errant trail of thought, from Natsuo’s children to his own and his tired smile falters. He knows well enough that his own children had never been given that luxury. Not movies, nor junk food, nor staying up late. They wouldn’t have dared to beg their father for anything after he’d said, no. He’d never coddled them like this – let them destroy his house and then smiled as he cleaned up their mess for them. He had ruled his house with an iron fist for years… Too many years.

Touya and Shouto still won’t speak to him, and he can’t blame them for that. He knows that he failed them as a father, that he still has so much to atone for. Even after the strides he’d made to change, to restore his relationships with his children, Natsuo had been hesitant to let him watch his grandchildren; worried that they’d be subject to the Enji he knew as father… He won’t be that.

Not ever again.

Kenji whines softly in his arms, pulling Enji from his thoughts and he bounces gently on his heels to soothe the boy back to sleep. He settles back down easily enough, curling against Enji’s chest and popping his thumb into his mouth and Enji finds himself smiling again. Natsuo had made it clear that this was his wife’s idea, that it was only her faith in him that had allowed him this precious weekend with his grandchildren and he’s grateful for the chance to show them how much he’s grown.

He’s determined to not mess it up. He wants to make sure his grandchildren want to come back and spend time with him… even if their youthful exuberance leaves him feeling like he’s run a marathon. Last night he’d hoped that, as late as they had all stayed up, the kids would sleep in. That, maybe, they could have a relaxing, mid-morning brunch and then maybe go to the park.

Instead, the twins were up before the sun had even finished rising, jumping on his bed and demanding breakfast with their cute little pleas of, I’m hungry, Grandpa. All the jostling and laughing had woken little Kenji, and when those bright grey eyes had smiled up at him, he’d resigned himself to an early breakfast of pancakes with sprinkles and extra syrup.

He yawns long and low, a sound he stifles as best he can with the back of his hand as he sits down on the couch. He’s certain that he can power through his tiredness, but the moment he leans back against the soft cushions it feels like a wave crashing over him. Like the exhaustion that had seeped deep into his bones is now flowing like a river through his veins.

He glances at the boy in his arms and then over at the twins, still safely tucked in their little blanket fort. Natsuo had warned him that they were mischievous and needed constant watching, but he reasons that it can’t hurt to have one tiny nap so long as the kids are sleeping as well. It can’t be any different than sleeping at night, can it?

He settles down on the couch, tucking Kenji into the crook of his arm and then covering them both up with the thick, warm blanket that had lain draped over the back of the couch. He promises himself that it’ll just be a short nap, and that tomorrow he’ll call Rei, send another letter to Touya and Shouto, and then falls asleep to the soft snores of his grandchildren.

***

Enji wakes to the sound of screeching sirens. To the flashing of lights outside his windows and his own heart feeling like it’s going to pound out of his chest. He swears he can feel his pulse hammering in his head before realizing that it’s actually someone banging on his front door.

“Just a minute!” He shouts, forgetting the tiny child in his arms, and Kenji starts to wail.

He shushes him hastily as he struggles to his feet. His mind is finally starting to come back online, and he drags his eyes around the destroyed room, searching for Hinata and Haruto and finding the room empty. Panic wells as he gets to his feet, the knocking at his door forgotten as he frantically rips blankets off of pillow forts and searches behind the couch.

“Hello?! I need you to open the door please!” The voice at the door is somehow both soothing and demanding and Enji turns to answer with a low, aggravated huff.

“I don’t know who you are but…” Enji’s voice trails off as he yanks the door open and finds a young man with pointed golden eyes and a small, patient smile looking up at him. Behind him are two fire trucks and a police car that, thankfully, silence their loud wailing. His neighbors are standing across the street, gazing at him with curious interest and for a brief moment, in the chaos of everything, Enji forgets what he’d been doing.

“Hello. My name’s Takami Keigo and I’m with the local first responders.” The man with the golden eyes glances at Kenji and then back up at Enji. “We received an emergency call from someone at this address but the line cut out before we could get much information. Is everything okay?”

“Of course, everything’s okay.” Enji’s voice is gruff as he angles Kenji away from the stranger. Keigo’s eyes shift past him, and he moves to block the man’s line of sight into the house, embarrassed at the current state of it. “There must be some sort of mistake.”

“Is anyone else in the home with you sir?”

“No, of…” Enji trails off, his eyes going wide as he remembers the twins and his frantic search for them before he’d come to the door. “The twins… Hinata! Haruto!”

He takes off like a shot, sprinting through the house. A small part of his mind registers that the man at the door comes with him, but the mess around him is forgotten in his haste to find the children. He calls to them as he searches each room, doing his best to keep his voice as level as he can. Keigo breaks off from him and the man’s voice echoes his own repeating the children’s names.

His heart sinks, chest growing tight as each closet and cupboard he searches comes up empty. His mind races with possibilities of what could have happened – how they could have gotten outside and now be wandering the streets. They could be lost and helpless right now. They could have gotten hurt. They could have–

“Found them!” Keigo’s loud, level voice sounds from across the house and it feels like an immediate weight lifts off Enji’s chest. “Kitchen!”

Enji hurries back the way he’d come, pressing soothing kisses to Kenji’s forehead, though he’s no longer certain anymore whether it’s Kenji or himself that’s taking more comfort from the gesture. The messy house around him is little more than a blur as he reaches the kitchen and drops to his knees in front of Hinata and Haruto. Their little arms wrap around him, and it feels like his heart finally drops back into place.

His hand trails over one slender arm and then the next, cupping each of their wet faces in turn as he assesses them both for injury. He glances up at Keigo almost as an afterthought. “Where did you find them?”

Keigo motions towards the open door of the cellar and the fallen lift-latch that he’d installed shortly before they’d come. “Found them sitting at the bottom of the stairs. Looks like one of the stairs towards the bottom busted and they weren’t able to get back up.”

The cellar is off limits, children. It’s dangerous.

It had been his one rule for them while they were here. The woodwork down there was starting to rot and when Enji had first heard they were coming over, he’d been worried that one of them would get hurt if a stair collapsed from beneath them. He’d installed the latch to deter them, but from the sight of the nearby, overturned chair, he obviously hadn’t put it high enough.

Enji’s temper flares as his glance shifts from the chair back to the children before him, his voice coming out much rougher than he’d intended it to. “Why did you go down there after I’d specifically told you not to?”

“We’re sorry, Grandpa…” Hinata’s lip wobbles as she apologizes.

Haruto stands beside her, nodding in agreement. “Sorry, Grandpa.”

He’s ready to tell them exactly how disappointed he is in them and how grounded they are when a soft chuckle comes off to his left. Enji had nearly forgotten about the man who’d found his grandchildren and his face warms at the thought of what the man must think of him and the state of his house.

“Ah, don’t be too hard on them, yeah? It’s just kids bein’ kids.” Keigo motions towards the small cellphone still clutched in Haruto’s hand. “At least they knew enough to call for help before the phone died on ‘em so no harm, no foul, yeah?”

Haruto sniffles, looking up at Enji with wide eyes before dragging his sleeve across his dripping nose. Hinata’s eyes are wide and he can see how scared must have been. Enji sighs begrudgingly before dragging both children into a tight hug. Kenji squeals happily, patting Hinata’s head and babbling softly as he presses a sloppy kiss to Enji’s unshaven cheek.

Enji isn’t sure how he’s going to explain all this to Natsuo, or if he’ll ever live it down, and he’s certain he won’t be getting any sleep for the rest of the weekend, but he supposes that’s alright. He has the rest of the weekend to figure it all out. When he stands, Hinata and Haruto continue to cling to him. He pats their heads one last time before ushering them all back across the messy house to the front door.

The sirens outside have, thankfully, stopped their incessant blaring. The ambulance and fire truck have departed and all that’s left of the excitement outside in the first responder vehicle that he assumes belongs to the man still standing on his steps.

He watches as Hinata and Haruto take off towards their coloring books in the living and set Kenji down to toddle off after them before turning his full attention back to Keigo and bowing. “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it.” Keigo’s smile grows wide, and he rubs the back of his neck sheepishly. “Seems like you’ve got your hands full.”

Enji snorts softly at the obvious statement. “It’s only for the weekend. Their father will be here to pick them up Sunday evening.”

“Oh yeah?” Keigo’s gaze shifts between his vehicle and Enji’s face, his voice picking up just slightly in pitch as he clears his throat. “That mean you’re free to go out for dinner on Monday?”

Enji could scoff that he’s probably twice the man’s age, old enough to at least be his father. He should say no thank you and good night, that he’s much too old, but instead he just smiles his own, not-quite sheepish smile and nods. “I’d like that.”

[accidentaloracle]

The Gang

{Order from top to bottom}

✶Shin

My original and has gone through a couple of fantasia changes in her time. I am still trying to work on her details during each expansion but I mostly associate her with the shared canon I have with friends. Which involve falling out of an airship, void bullshit and romantic notions with a tall, blue eyed Ishgardian.

Shin's main class is WHM 🌳Although she lacks a good bedside manner, she always makes up for it with her expertise in healing magics and dedication in helping those in need. My snark queen ♥

✶Badabing Badaboom

[THIS GUY! Listen.. this lad was made purely just for goofs and seeing what playing as a lala was like. Never did I think I would put so much time and energy into him!]

Badabing, a member of the Nanarito family, grew up privileged in Ul'dah. This upbringing in a wealthy environment contributed significantly to fostering a strong sense of entitlement in his youth. He indulged in taking whatever he desired and acted without restraint. Those who dared to oppose him found themselves swiftly and decisively dealt with. Following his father's death under mysterious circumstances, which were connected to his uncle Lolorito, his perception of himself and his way of life began to change.

Following the calamity, Badabing founded NBM, an organisation that funds various projects and covertly assists those in need. Badabing is always battling to keep the organisation one step ahead of his uncle and to preserve his gruff persona so that he does not get too caught up in Ul'dah's shady business dealings. The main operation of NBM is their deli, which provides a variety of lunch and snack options, located in the Goblet residential zone. Originally planned for the NBM hideaway, Badabing's culinary adventures grew as he travelled to other places, ultimately inspiring him to pursue his love of cooking. Badabing often tries out different lunch ideas or makes easy meals for travellers on the road with his limited spare time. Badabing appears cold and distant, but he is incredibly devoted to his friends and close family members. "Playing the game of Ul'dah is an exhausting one"

✶Barm Brack

My sweet, good Elezen gal

Barm was born in Ishgard, but was soon taken in by her aunt Eliviane in Gridania after the death of her mother. Growing up, she found it hard to make friends. Eliviane was notorious for speaking her mind, causing discourse in the city, and challenging the Gridanian policies. Because of this, most of the parents warned their children away from their family. For the majority of her childhood, Barm spent her time wandering through Central Shroud, climbing trees, people watching, and convincing herself she could talk to animals.

Barm often watched hunters and The God's Quivers go about their daily tasks from high atop the trees. One day, hanging around the bannock, she spotted a bow and arrow lying beside a tent. Although she was nervous about being caught, Barm convinced herself she could borrow the weapon and put it right back. Surely, no one could be angry?

With some luck, she had successfully grabbed the bow, made off to one of the few secluded spots she preferred in bentbrach meadows, and began attempting to recreate the perfect archer posture. Unbeknownst to her, an Anole was hurtling towards her. It snapped a twig in the bush, the sharp sound causing her to leap and quickly turn around. She inadvertently released the bow, sending the arrow straight into the Anole's head.

Before Barm could even react, two figures appeared in the same direction as the creature. Two members of The God's Quivers, both smiling in astonishment at the young Elezen's aim. Barm was feeling too guilty about stealing the bow to even understand why they had ushered her back to the city. She had assumed it was to be punished for her crime. It was not until she had glanced up at the familiar sign that she recognised they had taken her to the archer's guild.

From that moment on, Barm was recruited into the guild and told only one person about what really happened that day, her first friend.

(I do have more to add to each character, but I hope it gives enough of a sample of what they are like ^^' )

[itsuki-minamy]

“SIX IDOLS”

CHAPTER 4: “THE PROBLEM OF KUSANAGI IZUMO WITH WOMEN” (Complete)

* K - Six Idols (List of Chapters) * Projects & Chapters

Translation: Naru-kun Raws: Ridia

At that time, Izumo Kusanagi had just returned from shopping for the bar HOMRA.

Bar HOMRA is like an idol lounge in "Homura Entertainment Office". It is a place of relaxation for the idols belonging to the group with strong horizontal connections and at the same time it is also a place for the staff to enjoy the drink. In particular, Kusanagi's skill as a bartender was highlighted and there were many enthusiasts in the industry.

A hideaway-like resting place for the same liquor lovers Kusanagi meets at the bar HOMRA.

Then, the moment he entered the bar, Kusanagi noticed the atmosphere.

"Guys, what's wrong with you?"

It seemed that several idols were near the couch seats in a corner of the bar and were discussing something. They looked at Kusanagi when he entered the bar, then they looked back and started secretly talking about something.

Kusanagi frowned.

In the world of entertainment, the hierarchical relationship between seniors and juniors is absolute, and it is impossible to make eye contact but not say hello. No matter how long they are in the office, tolerating their current attitude is even worse for them. He had to make things clear here.

Kusanagi put the shopping bag on the counter and shrugged angrily and approached them. When he clenched his fist, Misaki Yata, one of the idols, suddenly stood up and looked at Kusanagi.

"Kusanagi-san, I have something I want to ask."

Kusanagi was embarrassed by the angry voice. Yata is a loyal and sincere person. He had never seen him get so mad at himself.

Looking closely, the idols behind him, Rikio Kamamoto, Eric Surt, and Yo Chitose, looked at Kusanagi with guilty eyes.

"What?"

"This that is written, is it true?"

Taking the magazine spread out on the table, Yata placed it in front of Kusanagi.

In the magazine he says:

"Homura Performing Arts Office" staff. Izumo Kusanagi midnight orgy! Sexual harassment is insanity against underage idols!"

Kusanagi's mouth fell open.

Meanwhile, Yata approaches the magazine with an indignant expression.

"What are you doing? Is that true? If so, I can't stand it! I knew Kusanagi-san loved women, but more than anything, you're an idol! I never thought you were that kind of person?!"

After hitting Yata's head with his fist, Kusanagi took the magazine. It was a weekly magazine with a reputation for scandal articles from animators. He turned the pages as he felt cold sweat running down his cheeks.

That day…

About a month ago, the day the movie where Kusanagi appeared was released. At the commemorative party that brought the people involved together, Kusanagi had a drink, sexually harassed all the actresses and female staff in line, then took an underage idol he liked and went to the bar next to the stairs, and he finally disappeared into a city hotel with the girl.

"It is a hoax!"

Kusanagi threw the weekly magazine on the ground.

As he rubs his beaten head, Yata looked at Kusanagi.

"Are you sure?"

"Obviously! Do you think I'm such a person?"

"You are a lover of women."

"You are a healthy person."

"You are kind to everyone."

Kamamoto, Eric, and Chitose responded.

"You guys…"

Kusanagi spoke desperately. Yata took the magazine and hit him. He couldn't find the color of the joke in his eyes.

"At first, we thought that Kusanagi-san couldn't do this, but when I thought about it, it was true that Kusanagi-san was drunk and he came back like that about a month ago."

"Kusanagi-san, you are normally calm, but when you get drunk, I think you can become a conqueror. So I wondered if it was something like that."

The eyes of the youths pierced Kusanagi. Kusanagi was full of words and looked at each of them.

"Please remember. Do you really remember?"

"Well, wait. Let's remember for a moment."

Kusanagi opened his PDA and active the calendar application.

One month ago. Certainly, there was a record of attendance at the commemorative kick-off party. That said, he had gone to parties three times that week alone. In the current situation where President Suoh is not, Kusanagi is the actual leader of "Homura Entertainment Office" and also plays the role of manager of his idols. There were more relationships within the natural industry and more opportunities to drink.

That's right, if you get drunk, you'll be in a good mood. Not that he has never lost his memory. There is no doubt that he likes women who value themselves and others, and if he sees a beautiful woman at a party, he is the type to speak positively. However, no matter how drunk he is, sexual harassment is serious business.

"Kusanagi-san? Did you?"

Yata proclaimed holding the magazine looking like a prosecutor. Kusanagi had been exhibiting for a while, but when he opened his eyes, he seemed to be ready.

"If it's just a light body touch, maybe..."

"After all, you did!"

"It's the worst! Kusanagi-san, you are the worst!"

"It's the name 'Homura'! Clear your head now and hold an apology press conference."

Kusanagi was quick to contain the young people who denounce him.

"Okay, wait! Guys, listen to the story to the end! It's true, I made friends with a grown actress, but I would never date a minor idol!"

"I cannot believe it!"

"You are a liar, Kusanagi-san!"

"Womanizer!"

"Sex stalker!"

He hits Yata's head again. Kusanagi yelled, ignoring the protest "Why am I the only one?"

"I'm not lying! I have that kind of sense! Anyway, if you're an actress, you shake hands with idols! Have they never done that?"

"I don't know about Kusanagi-san's female itinerary!"

"Really! Trust me! We are friends!"

The words were sucked into the air of the bar with an eerie sound.

Yata muttered as he clenched his fist.

"That's right. We are friends. If you can't believe what your friends say, you're done."

"Sorry, Kusanagi-san. We only have blood on our heads."

"I want to get close to a beautiful woman, and any man can do it."

"No, I think it's just Chitose and Kusanagi-san."

Through Eric's calm plunge, Kusanagi shuddered.

"Did you get it?"

"However, if so, this magazine is joking. It wrote a rumor that has no roots or foundations like this! Kusanagi-san, let's go to the editorial department to complain!"

Yata was outraged and threw the magazine on the table. Kusanagi had to stop him this time.

"So you want them to say what they want?"

Kusanagi shakes his head at Kamamoto's words.

"Of course, I will protest. But it will take the form of an official announcement from the office. The pen is mightier than the sword."

"Well, if Kusanagi-san says so, it can't be helped."

Yata appeared to be dissatisfied. Injustice cannot be forgiven. Kusanagi laughed as if he was impressive, as his righteousness was like Yata's.

"But why did this article appear?"

Kusanagi shook his head as he took the magazine.

It is an exaggeration to say that there are no roots or foundations, but it is true that he does not remember it. If so, is it someone's conspiracy? The first thing that came to mind was the face of the "Green Idol King", but he immediately denied it. That guy would be a little more elaborate and aim for "Blue" or "Gold" first.

No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn't come to a conclusion. Kusanagi stopped shaking his head and tried to put the magazine back on the table.

It was then that the bar bell rang.

"Oh, Totsuka-san! Anna!"

Yata greeted happily. At the entrance to the bar, he saw all the faces he knew.

Totsuka Tatara and Anna Kushina.

Like Kusanagi, Totsuka is the oldest member of "Homura Entertainment Office". A light-skinned boy who always smiles, but was born into extreme poverty to the level of eating wild grass, and was shot with a pistol by an avid fan and wandered between life and death.

Anna is the only girl idol in "Homura". Although she is only 12 years old, her singing ability is outstanding and she is in charge of the voice of the group "No Blood".

For some reason, she has been in the position of president since the former president, Mikoto Suoh, moved to the United States, but of course, Kusanagi is doing most of the work because it parallels her studies.

When they saw Kusanagi, they made the strongest faces for some reason.

"Izumo."

Anna spoke to him. She had something to say, but she didn't know how to say it. Anna, who usually does not express her emotions, was looking at him sadly somewhere.

"Don't do it, Anna."

"Anna. I'll ask him around here, so go over there, okay?"

Totsuka ignored Kusanagi and made a soft voice. Anna had been comparing the two to a funny face for a while, but she finally ran off to the bar.

Totsuka approached Kusanagi. His kind face unusually was not laughing. When he reached Kusanagi's eyes, he muttered with eyes lowered in pain.

"Oh, Kusanagi-san, I knew you love girls, but I never thought you would get close to minors."

"You too?"

Kusanagi involuntarily pushed him away. Totsuka was orderly. Kamamoto explained with a bitter smile.

"Well, we get it wrong. It's an entertainment magazine scandal, right? But Kusanagi-san's mouth tells me it's a complete hoax."

"Hey, are you making noise in the entertainment magazines?"

Totsuka said anxiously, but Kusanagi felt a hundred times more anxious.

"But…" What was wrong?

"Are you making noise elsewhere?"

Chitose spoke for everyone's ideas. When Totsuka looked at the others in turn, he made a small face and took the PDA out of his pocket.

"Yes. You are doing it right now."

Then, Totsuka projected the image of the PDA.

It was a video of a press conference. In a place like a hotel lobby, people who appear to be related are swaying in a row. In the center is a female idol who, of course, is underage and looks embarrassed.

"So when did you start dating Izumo Kusanagi?"

A sharp question flew out of the reporter.

The female idol was silent for a moment, but when she blushed and turned her eyes slightly, she made a good voice.

"Oh, yeah, I've been dating him since last month."

So is.

Kusanagi felt that the sensitive temperature of the bar had dropped below freezing.

++++++++++

He really doesn't hate being seen by women with cold eyes.

Of course he has always liked to be seen with hot eyes, but cold eyes are not so bad. It is often said that the opposite of love is indifference, and cold disgust and contempt are a type of "interest." You can repaint it with a different color. It is better than indifference.

However, that also has limits.

That day, Seri Awashima turned to Kusanagi, piercing him with the cold and staring at him at absolute zero.

"Good morning, Seri-chan."

At the regular theater studio, Awashima had a meeting with the staff. Until then, she should have responded calmly, but the moment she saw Kusanagi, all of her emotions were lost from Awashima.

"Good morning, Kusanagi-san."

As if drawing a sword, Awashima averted her eyes from Kusanagi. The expression on her profile is like ice, but Kusanagi, who has seen many women, read the phrase "Don't ever talk to me again, lolicon." hidden under the thin skin.

There was a crack in his heart.

However, Kusanagi swallowed it and went one step further. If she throws him away with that degree of rejection (although it's terrible), a loving woman's name will be broken.

Above all, this problem cannot be solved by pulling him here.

"Oh, can't I have some time? There's something I want to talk about."

"I'm sorry, but I'm about to record, so I'm sorry."

It was a line that flowed unhindered. Although somewhere in his heart he was impressed that she was the actress of the current generation, the relentless one that she does not stop treading.

"Isn't filming finished? I checked. It's just a little while."

"Did you check it?"

Awashima made an expression as if he had touched the kitchen waste. His heart was about to shatter with a screech.

However, Kusanagi was forced to smile.

"Oh, I looked it up. After all, Seri-chan is the right person to solve my problem now."

It was a lithe smile, but Awashima only frowned. Or it may have been a manifestation of anger against the background of cold contempt.

"Problem? No way, it's not the scandal with that girl, is it?"

He had to answer carefully. If he gave a bad answer, Awashima would get rid of Kusanagi and never turn around again.

After thinking about it for a second, Kusanagi replied.

"Trust me, Seri-chan. They framed me."

Awashima looked at Kusanagi.

Kusanagi stares into his eyes. The smile has already disappeared. Now is the time to show the "real blow".

If he gets rid of it, even for a moment, Awashima will instantly see him.

Finally, Awashima turned her back on Kusanagi and started walking.

"……"

Kusanagi closed his eyes and gritted his teeth. As long as he couldn't get Awashima's cooperation, he thought there was no way he could.

"What are you doing?"

"Eh?"

When he looked up, Awashima looked back a few steps away. From the terrible facial expression, the aforementioned contempt faded and the expression that seemed astonished returned.

"I don't want to get caught up in the scandal. Let's go somewhere hidden."

For the first time in a few days, Kusanagi's expression glowed again.

++++++++++

"Hanazono Kaon, 16 years old. A female idol belonging to "Alaha Productions". At first, she seems like she was an underground idol, but she made her big debut a year ago and she seems to be very active."

As she manipulated her PDA, Awashima said that clearly.

In terms of information processing capacity, there is no office that exceeds "Promotion Center 4". Perhaps it is the intention of the president, Reisi Munakata, to take over every corner of the entertainment world like a labyrinth. Kusatsu is also familiar with the situation, but if he wants information about the "enemy", it is natural for him to be more precise.

Kusanagi repeated Awashima's words.

"Alaha Productions."

"Needless to say, it is unofficial. Currently, there are only four government-approved offices in the industry."

As she cleaned the PDA, Awashima looked at Kusanagi.

"The unofficial offices are cobbled. Of course, there are many idol offices that may be small, but 'Alaha' is more like a stone. People come and go, and some financial problems happen. It's an office I don't want to have too close."

"Well, that's correct."

"Kusanagi-kun? Once again, you have nothing to do with this office, do you?"

Kusanagi shook his head slowly at Awashima's serious gaze.

"I remember hearing the name 'Alaha Productions'. I certainly knew this girl."

Kusanagi quickly excused himself when he saw Awashima's expression turn steep.

"No, no, don't get me wrong. But surely, I was greeted by this girl and the manager of 'Alaha Productions'."

A month ago, at a commemorative movie party.

The film in which Kusanagi appeared is a series that enjoys a considerable degree of popularity among Japanese films, and naturally many people from the industry gathered at the commemorative party.

Kusanagi played a central role in the party. Originally a sociable person with many connections. He brought the actors the producer was watching, spoke peacefully with the presidents of the investment companies, and discussed the work with the director.

"Did you meet this girl?"

"Oh. I was with the manager, and a newcomer who just debuted, so he told me to cheer her up."

"Well, from your point of view, there are a lot of people like that."

Kusanagi vaguely occupies the image of a famous idol with many connections. There are many people who are willing to participate in the title and they are swept away. Hanazono Kaon and "Alaha Productions", he didn't remember them and when he tried to do it, his head hurt.

Awashima crossed her arms to think.

"So it's easy to talk about it. A publicity stunt scandal is something a bad agency might think of. You can think of many ways to deal with it."

"That's correct, but…"

"Homura Entertainment Office" is one of only four official offices in this country. Its status, honor and power distinguish it from unauthorized offices (so it can be involved in such disasters). Regardless of what's wrong with this, there is no gamble on wielding its power to dispel the falling sparks.

Still, something was trapped in Kusanagi's heart.

Awashima saw it precisely. Mysteriously she looked at him and said.

"What are you wondering? If you are the usual person, you will act immediately."

"……"

Kusanagi closed his eyes and tried to remember.

About a girl named Hanazono Kaon who came to see him with her manager at the party venue.

"That girl couldn't speak at all."

"What?"

"Even in front of me, she was nervous and she made her face bright red. It was just what the manager said and she couldn't say much of anything. All she could say was a greeting."

"I don't think so, but you…"

Awashima said that, in a tone that made him wonder from the bottom of his heart.

"Isn't it said that you caught the attention of Hanazono Kaon?"

Instead of answering, Kusanagi scratched his cheek and looked away from her.

Awashima sighed deeply.

"Do you know who the other person is? Someone tries to take advantage of you, either with a scandal or a fire. If you give affection to such a person, you will be unilaterally hurt."

Awashima's words are correct. Kusanagi knows better than anyone that he can be eaten by showing a breach in the devilish world of the entertainment world.

But still…

"Idols are what light people's hearts."

Kusanagi said that in a low voice.

"I'm not saying there should be a norm for people, but in front of Kokujoji. For us, a simple story, it makes someone smile. It makes someone brilliant. I think, if I could do that, I would be older."

"……"

"I'm sure she wanted to be like that too. I want to be an idol, and I want to become an idol and give energy to all the fans. I think I thought so."

"But now Hanazono Kaon is betraying her fans. Anyone who wants to lie and lift her name is not qualified to be an idol."

Awashima was always calm. Kusanagi also has no intention of putting it there.

"That's why I want to know. Hanazono Kaon, the true heart of that girl."

Awashima opened her eyes slightly and looked at Kusanagi.

She then she shook her head as it was hopeless.

"I thought you were a bit more rational, but apparently you were just pretending."

"I'm also a "Homura Entertainment Office" idol."

Kusanagi jokingly saying that, Awashima shrugged and returned the gesture.

"Well, it's your problem, so you can do whatever you want. At best, behave however you want. But don't fly here."

"Of course. Thank you, Seri-chan."

Instead of answering, Awashima shook his hand and left.

"Well, now…"

Kusanagi looked at the PDA, handled it lightly, and requested her contact information.

++++++++++

"No! I'm glad you had a press conference, Kaon-chan."

Hanazono Kaon felt a reflection of disgust for the manager who was smiling on the room couch.

On the one hand, she was grateful to him. She uploaded song and dance videos on the internet, and she was so happy and excited with the number of views and the number of people registered, that she made her big debut. She has never doubted that skill or policy.

Up to now.

"That's why you have been interviewed by several performing arts magazines, but can I accept all of them? I also posted information that I had not published before, so I'm sure it will be a great promotion."

"That…"

Intercepting the manager's words that he is good at it, Hanazono Kaon squeezed her skirt tightly.

"Yes?" Hanazono Kaon caught the manager's gaze. She was not good at seeing someone's eyes and speaking. She can sing and dance in front of a lot of people, but when she goes out in front of people, she hangs out. Hanazono Kaon was such a girl.

Finally, as usual, the manager read what the phrase meant and shrugged as if he was in awe.

"What? Maybe you still feel bad? Kusanagi Izumo asked for it."

"Okay."

Hanazono Kaon barely replied, the manager giggled. He took the cigarette out of his pocket and lit it.

"Kaon-chan, you're also a professional, so let's be a little more illustrious. It's fine, but since he's a celebrity there, he's used to this scandal."

"So is."

"Isn't that the case? So what? Betrayal of the fans?"

Kaon's voice was violently dominated. Like using Kusanagi, what hurts the most is that some fans feel hurt by her love reports.

But even at that, the manager laughed.

"Ahahahahaha! Do you care about that? Okay, because if you become famous, they will follow you! Rather, the fans so far are just a burden to Kaon-chan who will be great in the future. I'm thankful that you were."

It wasn't from the cigarette smoke that she suddenly felt congested, it was from anger.

He laughed at the fans who have supported her so far and cut off her efforts to do so without fear. She felt angry at her manager as if she had been stomped on the back of her chest.

The more the muscles in her hands stretched, the tighter she held her skirt with a noise. When he realized that, the smile on the manager's face faded.

"What is that face? I'll tell you."

The manager stood up. That only made him sound terrifying and she backed away. The adults were scary and the men were even more scary. The manager sighed as he approached Kaon with her back against the wall.

"Kaon-chan, you are also an accomplice, right?"

With just that word, she felt her entire body weaken.

"No, I can say that I am the main culprit. You read the script that I wrote on my own initiative. Whether I betray the fans or use Izumo Kusanagi, Kaon-chan said, "I want to do that.", do you blame everything on me?"

"Ah, uh..."

"What's the difference? You said you wanted to be more famous and shine more, right, Kaon-chan. I just set it up to be able to do that."

The manager laughed deeply, putting his hands on both of Kaon's shoulders that she couldn't say anything.

"It's natural, isn't it? Because I'm Kaon-chan's manager. That's why."

His eyes narrowed and housed a beast light.

"You just have to listen to me."

The sound slipped into place. She looked ​down with a scared look, the manager said to Kaon.

"So, I'll take all the interviews. Read the script correctly. If you can act well, it can be treated like a drama, and it will be a hit."

After that, the manager left the room.

The manager's points are all correct from one to ten.

She wanted to be famous. It's been a year since she made her debut, and she has done jobs like singles and mini-lives, but she couldn't get any results. If the title of "Rookie Idol" disappears, it will become even more severe. When the manager said that, she felt impatient as if she was on fire. What was far scarier than losing a job or going unsold was losing the dream that had been shining within her.

But was that dream only possible in this way?

Was the shine she wanted so dirty?

Kaon no longer knew what was right. She killed her voice and began to cry, burying her face between her knees.

At that moment, the PDA sounded a dial tone.

She could answer later, and now she didn't want to talk. The moment she saw the name of the caller with a blurry vision, that idea disappeared.

It was shown as "Izumo Kusanagi".

++++++++++

Seating on the balcony of a cafe facing the main street.

He was reading a paperback in a shady seat where the breeze was nice, and he giggled when he noticed Kaon had arrived.

"Hello, sorry to call suddenly."

Kaon remained in place and couldn't even make a voice.

Kusanagi Izumo, that person. Even if he is in disguise, it is not just about being aware that there is an idol as famous as him. Also, Kusanagi is in the middle of a scandal, yes, the scandal created by Kaon.

The moment she thought about it, Kaon was fragile and she wanted to apologize.

She barely stopped because she thought she would hurt him even more. She hardly notice it now, but if she attracts attention, Izumo Kusanagi will be here. If Hanazono Kaon was there with him, her scandal would be difficult to handle.

Kusanagi smiles as if to calm Kaon who is not moving, he said...

"Sit down for now. If you stay standing, we won't be able to speak calmly."

"Ok."

Kaon sat on the seat, guided by a soft voice.

Still, Kaon couldn't see Kusanagi's face properly. She lowered her head like a defendant brought out in front of a judge, or in a weak voice.

"Sorry." Kaon said.

She could only say that. She didn't expect him to forgive her. But unless she apologized, she couldn't be in front of Kusanagi again.

After a moment of silence, Kusanagi said in a low voice.

"Raise your face."

Kaon trembled as if struck and raised her face.

The form of anger she had imagined was not there.

Kusanagi had a serious expression. He looked at Kaon with a direct gaze that has never been seen in any drama in which he has appeared.

"It doesn't matter if the idol is down. The idol must always be facing forward."

Kaon forgot to breathe and looked back at Kusanagi's face.

Kusanagi smiled to ease her feelings.

"Idols cheer on their fans with their own brilliance. It's a shame that I can only cloud the brilliance of myself."

Kaon gritted her teeth and held back the tears she was about to shed.

Don't shed tears. She was not qualified to do such a thing.

Kusanagi said what an idol is. He is a person who encourages people with his own brilliance.

So she can't afford to break. No matter how boring or dirty she is, Kaon is still an idol. She couldn't have shed tears of self-pity for an apology.

With her eyes closed and the signs of suppressed tears, Kaon opened her mouth.

"I'll tell you everything."

She wanted to be an idol. She didn't want to lose the dream that she finally had. She then tried to use Kusanagi while she was impatient. She spills a scandal without foundation, and even neglecting the fans, she was the shallow girl trying to climb.

After hearing everything, Kusanagi calmly said.

"You told me all that. Thank you, Hanazono-san."

Kaon shook her head. She has done nothing to make him grateful. She was just doing something harmful to Kusanagi. She cannot complain even if she has no questions and she is excluded.

She thought a lot and suddenly it hit her.

Why did Kusanagi do that?

"Um. Why did you listen to me?"

"Eh?"

"Kusanagi-san, you must have a scandal that you don't remember. I think you should have taken a 'countermeasure' without asking about my circumstances."

Kaon looked around at the audience.

There are many customers on the open terrace. Why did he listen to her even at the risk of meeting her alone in public?

When she asked him, Kusanagi laughed lightly and...

"Well, I'm sorry. I don't want to pay for the sparks that fall on me. I will do it in formal protests with this in mind."

With that said, he stared at Kaon.

"Hanazono-san, at the party, my fans told me."

"I didn't talk much about it, maybe it's lip service. It's against my belief to eliminate fans without asking questions. Be it an idol or Izumo Kusanagi."

Kaon clenched her fist in her lap and murmured that.

"Belief…"

"Wow. My 'Homura Entertainment Office' colleagues and I, we move based on our beliefs. Of course, risk management is important. Still, there is a trade-off."

Kusanagi's gaze, looking into her heart, did not take his gaze away from Kaon. After swallowing just once, she opened her mouth.

"Even me, can I do that?"

"You can."

There was no hesitation in Kusanagi's answer.

"If you are an idol, you can always do it. You can fight for what you think is right because of your beliefs. That is the brilliance of idols."

Kusanagi said that was his belief.

Kaon saw the glow of the idol named Izumo Kusanagi there. He trusts idols and Kaon. Even though she used Kusanagi, she still hasn't lost the brilliance of the Hanazono Kaon idol, and says it based on his belief.

When she realized it, Kaon blinked.

There was no longer a trace of tears. A clear sight spread out in front of him. Izumo Kusanagi glowing, seemed to indicate to Kaon what he should do from now on.

Kaon stood up and thanked Kusanagi deeply.

"Thank you, Kusanagi-san. I already know what to do."

"You are going to do it?"

"I will speak to my manager. I will act for what I think is correct."

After resolutely stretching her back and saying it, Hanazono Kaon smiled for the first time in a long time.

"Because I am an idol."

Seeing that, Kusanagi also smiled and took control.

"Oh, yeah. Go ahead."

"Yes. Thank you. And I'm sorry for the inconvenience!"

After saying that and bowing again, Kaon left.

She no longer turned around to Kusanagi.

++++++++++

One month after Kusanagi Izumo's lover scandal.

The usual routine has returned to the bar HOMRA.

"Oh, Kusanagi-san, hello!"

Kusanagi casually replies "Hello." while he cleans a glass, Yata and Kamamoto ring the bell and enter. Joining Akagi and Bando, who were lounging on the couch, he began spreading the manga and entertainment magazines that he bought from the store while he came. Kusanagi knocked on the refrigerator door in an attempt to prepare the ingredients as he glanced at the everyday scenes.

At that moment, Yata made a strong voice.

"Oh! Kusanagi-san, there is an article about that girl!"

Kusanagi raised his face, and approached the juniors who were making noise around the couch. Akagi and Bando looked at each other and made a mysterious voice.

"Who is this girl?"

"She is Hanazono Kaon-chan."

"Hanazono...? I remember hearing somewhere..."

"A girl who became a scandal with me."

Yata handed the entertainment magazine to Kusanagi, who looked down at the table. It's a small black and white page with no photos, but it had her name on it.

"The first mini-live after breaking free from her idol office, the idol called Hanazono Kaon."

"Is she a fiery idol? This is another tough headline."

Kusanagi says with a bitter smile. Kamamoto crossed his arms with a difficult expression

"Well, it can't be helped. After that, there was a lot of noise."

Hanazono Kaon conspired with the office and invented a love scandal for the purpose of selling.

The public already knew that. None other than Hanazono Kaon herself confessed everything in the interview she received.

Thanks to that, the stigma of Kusanagi dissipated, but the wrath of the world turned to "Alaha Productions". Hanazono Kaon has announced that she will be leaving the office and continuing her activities as an independent underground idol. Criticism focused on her, but she never said that she would stop being an idol.

Then a week later, and two weeks later, new news broke out in the entertainment world and her name was no longer remembered.

"But, I'm not convinced. According to Kusanagi-san, that girl isn't bad, right?"

"No, that's not true. Even if the office told her, it doesn't change the fact that that girl used Kusanagi-san for her own convenience. It's her own business."

"Yata-san, you're too strict! She couldn't help herself, if the office told her."

"Huh?! So, if your office tells you to die, will you die?"

"Please stop, that way of speaking is like that of an elementary school student!"

"Who is an elementary school student?"

Yata puts a key on Kamamoto's head. Akagi and Bando rush to stop him. Kusanagi thinks as he reads the article with such fuss.

Could she act on his own beliefs?

Kusanagi has not been in contact with Hanazono Kaon since they met at the cafe. So he doesn't know exactly what kind of interaction she had with the manager or the office. At least from what he saw in the interview article, Hanazono Kaon clearly acknowledged her responsibility. She said that she used Kusanagi of her own free will, rather than blaming the manager or the office.

Idols inspire their fans with their brilliance. What Hanazono Kaon did was, in that sense, betray the fans.

But at the same time, the idol is a human being. She may get lost or discouraged. Kusanagi thinks that how to act in those moments determines the value of the idol.

Hopefully she's lucky, Kusanagi thought.

So that she doesn't regret her actions.

The doorbell rang again. When he looked back at the door, he was about to see Totsuka enter.

He had an envelope in one hand. Totsuka shook him while he laughed softly.

"Kusanagi-san. The letter has arrived."

When he received it and turned it over, he couldn't find the signature.

Anonymous letters, etc. should not be opened. However, he had a premonition at the time. When he opened the inside, it was written with a fine brush.

Izumo Kusanagi:

Please forgive me for the sudden letter. I thought that I shouldn't talk to Kusanagi-san because I had done such a thing in some way, so I refrained from contacting you, but now that my personal situation has calmed down, I would like to apologize and report back, so I am thanking you in writing.

After telling the truth and leaving the office, I disappointed many fans. Most of the fans have abandoned me. Looking at the disappointed faces of the fans, I once wondered if I could stay as an idol or if I should retire.

Still, some fans said that they still wanted to see me as an idol. They told me not to stop as an idol because they would keep supporting me no matter what.

Kusanagi-san said that idols can fight for what they think is right, and that belief makes them shine.

Now I think the right thing for me is to do everything possible for the fans. As long as there is at least one person who supports me, I will not stop being an idol.

Then I will continue to be an idol. I want to reach as many people as possible with my previously dull brilliance. Like Kusanagi-san said, never look down, look ahead.

Thanks for telling me that. And I am very sorry for the inconvenience.

Hanazono Kaon.

"Hey, I'm not a good boy."

Totsuka, who was watching from the side, said such a thing. Kusanagi put the letter in his pocket and poked his head out.

"Letters from people, you are stealing."

"Ah, I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Kusanagi-san, so I wonder what happened."

Kusanagi smiles bitterly when Totsuka's fluffy smile catches him. Totsuka took the entertainment magazine and said as a soliloquy.

"Is it a mini-live? I'm a bit worried too. Let's see it."

"Oh, go ahead. Better to have as many clients as possible."

"Won't you go, Kusanagi-san?"

Kusanagi laughs a little and shakes his head.

"When I went, I made her worry more. I'll do it without being stingy at first."

Kusanagi remembered the text of the letter, shrugged slightly and said.

"I already know the brilliance of that girl."

[watchmegetobsessed]

Sing to me - Tom Holland

back with writing fics based on my dreams lol, i couldn’t help it!

word count: 967

masterlist

Wrapped up in a warm blanket you sit on the balcony, one of your favorite spots in the house, because you have the most amazing view of the disappearing sun above the horizon every evening, a cup of tea in your hands as you listen to the cheerful chirping of the birds, no cars, no people anywhere near. Tom’s idea to move to the outer part of London definitely paid off, now your home is a hideaway from the rushing world where you can recharge after a work filled day.

It’s been a tiring week, you just finished a huge project, something you’ve been working on for weeks and you feel like you are breathing for the first time in days, taking some well-deserved time off on this quiet evening.

You hear a car entering through the gate on the other side of the house and you know Tom is going to be up here in just a couple of minutes. A smile spreads across your lips when you hear the front door open and close, then he calls out for you.

“Hello Darling!”

“On the balcony!” you reply, hoping he can hear you through the glass door. Soon enough the door slides open and your husband appears in his fitted jeans and black hoodie, a tired smile on his handsome face when he sees you all snuggled up on the little couch you have outside.

“Hey, how was your day?” he softly asks sitting next to you, pressing a gentle kiss to your cheek as he stretches his legs out in front of him with a quiet sigh.

“Good, finally finished the Kingston project, everything went fine.”

“That’s amazing! I knew you’d be great!” He locks his hands behind his head and putting your tea to the little table in front of you, crawling closer to him you cuddle to his side, one arm instantly curling around your shoulders.

“How was your day?”

“Just the usual, meetings went fine, everything is slowly coming together.”

Spreading a hand out on his chest you hum to yourself as you snuggle closer to him, his hands slowly running up and down on your arm as you watch the sun paint the sky a bright red, orange and blue color. The silence between you is not awkward at all, it’s more like a comfortable peace where both of you are just enjoying this little moment together. You feel like you could fall asleep right here, right now.

Tom quietly starts humming, something he has been doing a lot and you can’t complain about it, you love hearing his soothing voice when he is working on his computer, cooking or showering.

“What’s this song?” you ask smiling up at him.

“Just something I heard on the radio on my way home,” she shrugs with a shy smile, pressing a chaste kiss to your forehead.

“Sing something for me, please?” you plead, resting your chin on his chest.

“What do you want to hear?” His playful smirk and bright eyes are something you’d die for any day. You love seeing him so fulfilled and open towards you.

“I don’t know. Whatever you can sing.”

He thinks to himself, trying to find something he can sing to you, he then licks his lips and with his eyes fixed on the sunset he starts to sing softly.

“Don’t you call him baby, we’re not talking lately…”

You easily recognize Harry Styles’ Cherry, you’ve listened to it so many times since the album came out last year. You wonder if he chose it because he knows you love the song or because he has grown a liking to it himself. But judging from how well he knows the words, he has been listening to it in his car lately for sure.

“Don’t you call him what you used to call me.”

He is always shy about his singing, but he is hitting the notes just right, the song is perfect for his voice, you could listen to him sing all day long and wouldn’t get bored of it.

“I confess, I can tell that you are at your best, I’m selfish so I’m hating it…”

He flinches when he doesn’t bring the melody the right way, but it still sounds nice so you smile at him warmly as he continues.

Skipping a few verses he finished the song soon, clearing his throat looking a little nervous of the impromptu performance.

“I could listen to you sing every day,” you murmur pushing yourself up so your lips can meet his for a short kiss.

“I should make an album,” he jokes with a chuckle.

“I would be the first one to buy it,” you grin pecking his jawline and he pulls you closer to his side, his hand squeezing your arm gently.

“Mm, my number one fan,” he smiles and leaning down he kisses you slow and full of lust, taking his time with your lips.

Moments like this in such a hectic life that you are managing are worth everything, just you and your husband, sharing something others don’t get to see or hear. You love how still can wrap this little bubble around the two of you and focus on nothing else but each other.

You stay there on the balcony until the last rays of the sun disappear on the horizon and darkness falls on the neighborhood. The air becomes too chilly, so you move inside to the couch in the living room, lazily eating leftovers from yesterday and watching Netflix, occasionally forgetting about the plot when you get lost in each other legs tangled, hands on each other, softly moaned names filling the room until the end credits start rolling and you are already in the bedroom, taking it all the way.

-

general/forever taglist for Tom Holland

i do separate taglists for different people, but not for different works of mine! if you ask to be on my Tom taglist, you’ll be tagged in all of my Tom fics!

@zaahidahhh​ @shawn-youth​  @wildflower-cth​ @imaginashawnns​ @haute-shawn​ @curlsofshawn​ @learning-howto-be-myselfx3​ @cutepenguin1​ @madatmendes​

if you’d like to be taken off or added to the list, please let me know!

[summerdoll8]

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The Flamberge is just one of the much safer weapons that gamers can make use of if they don't intend to experiment way too much with their moveset. That being said, the Bastard Sword is absolutely among the much faster weapons in Dark Spirits-- although its highest-damaging attack very sluggish-- and is a terrific pick for an individual to finish their playthrough with. The Bastard Sword may-- ironically sufficient-- be mostly neglected when it concerns picking a proper sword in Dark Hearts, but there's no denying the legitimacy of this weapon for individuals who are seeking a Quality build. This tool is fairly comparable to the Uchigatana, so gamers that are made use of to that famous weapon can select this counterpart if they're seeking a Quality develop.

I wound up purchasing Vigor in addition to STR/ DEX after reaching 27 VIT/ 19 END - all to use the Lothric Knight Armour. That along with Havel's Ring is currently able to handle a mix of Morne and also Expatriation armours - within 70% WR. Making use of Prisoner's Chain rather than the Life Ring to compensate for the additional END levels. We have actually been constructing outstanding new homes throughout the UK for 70 years, creating exceptional homes in desirable locations. In an independent survey, greater than 9 out of 10 of our consumers would advise us to a pal.

Using the really most recent advancements designed to make living in a Heath Farm house simple and easy. Providing exceptional high quality living areas is what Lovell is renowned for, however at Health Ranch we have taken points to a totally various level. My male, arcane is exceptionally underated, additionally if you are doing a hybrid you must simply opt for 25 arcane given that A telephone call past does not actually have much usage and you will certainly have much more AR on your weapons.

He was efficient, precise and also communicated any concerns in the process to ensure that we recognized any kind of additional prices we may sustain. It did appear small, expected a big location, however the children happily picked out their bears and also had a good time. I recommend bringing a minimum of ₤ 30 per child to cover bear and also any kind of added prices for clothing, shoes, beating heart or perhaps a voice box. In this manner you keep the 50 str you missed out on in the normal quality one as well as still keep the high dex as well as str. Every little thing is simply my viewpoint though, so at the end of the day just purchase whichever statistics you really feel deserve investing.

[someschooling]

Selfhood in “Call Me By Your Name”

Spoilers included

I will start with the end.

Loss implies a decrease, an absence. It is subtraction, taking a part away from a whole. But the loss that follows love is something different—it is alive, present inside of you, stealing your breath, whispering in your ear. Remember this place? Remember this feeling? It is a profound pain, tethered to the joy that preceded it. Call Me By Your Name lives in the wounds that love creates--the spikes of fear and overwhelming need that force you to open up a space in yourself for someone else to inhabit. The feeling of enveloping them, of them enveloping you. And finally, predictable and wrenching, the hole they leave when they are gone.

The lovers are 17-year-old Elio (Timothée Chalamet) and twenty-something Oliver (Armie Hammer). It is the summer of 1983, and Elio's summertime inertia at his family's Northern Italian villa is disrupted by the arrival of his father's research assistant, Oliver. Elio is our protagonist, and thus we regard the visitor with a cautious remove at the film's start. He is first glimpsed from above—a flash of golden hair, tanned skin and enviable height—as the camera peeks at him from Elio's upper-floor bedroom window. "He seems very confident," Elio says to a friend, smirking.

At the breakfast table, the camera cuts to a close-up of Oliver's Star of David necklace; Elio, too, is Jewish, but seems to wonder how he could hold anything in common with Oliver. Elio is irked by the easy and voracious way that Oliver occupies space; the newcomer flops onto Elio's bed with barely a word, and in the morning he gulps apricot juice and devours a breakfast egg as if these surroundings were created to bend to his will. Elio, by contrast, enjoys quietly reading and composing music. He is brilliant but unformed, and seems threatened or envious of Oliver's seemingly brazen projection of self.

I saw this film three times in one week, on a Monday, a Thursday and a Sunday. I revisited it in part because Chalamet is so enrapturing as Elio that I barely processed Oliver's interiority the first time I watched the movie. That is no fault of Hammer's; he gives Oliver substance and charm. But for a large portion of the film, Elio does not recognize the nature of his feelings toward Oliver, and once he does, he can't discern if they are reciprocated. Oliver's motivations are a mystery to both viewer and protagonist; we only know that Elio is drawn to the very boldness that at first alienated him from Oliver, and the hint of melancholy beneath Oliver’s beauty. Elio's attraction is crystallized in the much-memed scene in which Elio watches Oliver dance with abandon to the Psychedelic Furs' Love My Way. It's all there in Chalamet's brilliant performance; Elio is conflicted, but enamored. He begins to pursue Oliver romantically, and the camera drinks up the object of Elio's affection, as in a particularly gorgeous shot of Hammer's back as he wades in a sun-dappled river, the camera low, tipped skyward to face this Platonic ideal of a man. 

Director Luca Guadagnino and cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom construct Elio and Oliver's love story through atmosphere rather than dialogue. Sings Sufjan Stevens, who provides much of the soundtrack, "Words are futile devices." We do not know what Elio and Oliver discuss on their meandering bicycle rides through the countryside. Guadagnino prefers to meditate on the winding road, the whisper of leaves in summer breezes, the villa's creaking stairwells and slamming doors. Much of the conversation we are privy to is coded and barbed with defensiveness. "What are you thinking about?" Oliver asks Elio as they lounge in the pool. "It's private," Elio responds from behind his Risky Business sunglasses. Oliver hops out of the water with a chuckle and begins to help Elio's mother pick fruit from their orchard. Elio hurries behind him, pushing Oliver to the side and taking his place under the tree. At the river, Elio gazes at Oliver adoringly, then splashes him with water and jumps atop his back. These chances to brush against one another, to fuse body with body and bodies with place, are their love language, and the orchards and gentle waves of Northern Italy that summer will be more indelible to their memories of that love than any words.

Except, of course, the titular line. "Call me by your name, and I'll call you by mine," Oliver offers Elio. The scene is a turning point in our understanding of Oliver. He, too, longs to be consumed by the love affair. He seems to be the more experienced lover of the pair, and approaches Elio's youth tenderly. In one of my favorite scenes, Elio gets a nosebleed during a fraught dinner-table conversation and retreats to a hideaway in the bowels of the villa, where Oliver finds and comforts him. There is an innocence to the scene; Elio and Oliver regard the older adults fighting at the dinner table almost as aliens, and when Elio appeals to the housekeeper for ice, she sends him to an empty fridge. Elio goes looking elsewhere--the adults are no help. But Guadagnino stays on the fridge door, which Elio has left hanging open. The housekeeper comes over and slams it shut. We can imagine her muttering about children as she does so. The scene typifies the in-between world that Elio has found himself in. He is not a child, but not yet an adult. The discovery of love and sex, its pleasures and pains, is the discovery of that selfhood. Oliver seems aware of this transitionary period, and is at once eager to love and be loved by Elio, and afraid to push him too far, too fast. "It wasn't my fault, right?" he asks when he finds Elio, bloody rag to his nose. "No," Elio responds, embarrassed. "I'm a mess." Oliver gives him a foot massage, a care-taking technique he learned from his Bubbe, he explains. "You're gonna fucking kill me if you do that," Elio exclaims at the intensity of the massage. "I hope not," Oliver replies, gazing at Elio. He takes his foot and kisses it gently.

Oliver’s slow, assured consent to the relationship conveys his longing and fear, and ultimately you sense that his fears are not only for the safety of Elio's young heart, but also for his own. Guadagnino focuses in on Oliver in the final third of the film, bathing Hammer in moonlight as Oliver reflects upon the relationship in its final days. We watch him watch Elio, the tables finally turned, and sense the impending grief that Oliver's departure will visit upon the couple. Elio cannot foreshadow this pain, because he has not yet felt it, but Oliver seems to know what is coming. We see that Elio’s initial impressions of Oliver’s arrogant nonchalance were in fact his defense mechanisms, his attempt to wall off yearning. Hammer is careful to reveal Oliver's layers, subtly imbuing him with a deep empathy and guardedness. 

The intensity with which we buy into Oliver's feelings, not just Elio's, is central to the film's gut-punch of an ending. When Oliver calls in winter to inform Elio and the family of his surprise engagement, his lover breathes into the phone, "Elio. Elio, Elio, Elio." Oliver draws in a long breath. "I remember everything," he declares. And you know it is true. Elio almost smiles at this confession, not out of joy, but out of transcendent pain. He loved, and was loved, and that makes it all the more impossible to let go. And so we end with the devastating final shot, certainly one of the greatest I have ever had the privilege of seeing. "I have loved you for the last time," Sufjan Stevens sings, as Chalamet lays bare Elio's grief. The second and third times I saw the movie, my heart began to pound as we drew near the scene. Why sit through it? Why stay with his suffering for those long final minutes, as the credits role? Because you must hold onto it, the film argues. All of it. The agony, yes. But also the ecstasy that built it. You must feel it, and let if form you.  

[thewales-family]

The Prince of Wales visits the Hideaway Youth Project, lead partner of the Manchester Peace Together Alliance during his visit to Moss Side in Manchester, England -November 16th 2023.

[world-of-wales]

THE PRINCE DIARIES ♚

16 NOVEMBER 2023 || MANCHESTER VISIT (1/2) - HIDEAWAY YOUTH PROJECT, MOSS SIDE

The Prince of Wales carried out engagements in Moss Side in Manchester.

For his first engagement of the day, he visited the Hideaway Youth Project which is a lead partner of the Manchester Peace Together Alliance, to learn more about the work of the Alliance to reduce violence amongst young people.

William's visit marked the launch of a new initiative, galvanised by The Royal Foundation and the Mayor of Greater Manchester aimed at helping expand the work of the Alliance through the creation of new opportunities for those at risk of youth violence.

During his visit, he heard from those affected by youth violence about the devastating impact the issue has on local communities before speaking with youth workers and young people supported the Hideaway and other Alliance partners.

William also joined in a conversation with Alliance partners and representatives from the business community who have been convened by The Royal Foundation, the Mayor of Greater Manchester and Manchester City Council to create the Alliance's first dedicated youth employment, skills and training programme. He heard more about the long-term impact that the new program will have on local young people through the provision of new opportunities, helping to build aspirations and support those at risk of violence to reach their true potential.

[theroyalsandi]

British Royal Family - The Prince of Wales plays pool during his visit to The Hideaway Youth Project in Moss Side, Manchester, to mark the launch of Royal Foundation Community Impact Project | November 16, 2023.

[architectnews]

Family Time Apartment, Hong Kong

Family Time Apartment, Hong Kong Home, HK Real Estate, Flat Interior, Architecture Photos

Family Time Apartment in Hong Kong

19 Dec 2021

Design: Littlemore Interior Design

Location: Hong Kong, China

A Lovely Abode for Family Time

More than just a resting space, Family Time Apartment is a loving paradise abode for a family to share life and grow up together.

Watching their children grow up healthily is the most precious thing in life for this pair of young parents. With this in mind, littleMORE transformed their three-bedroom apartment into a comfy and intimate family hangout where they can spend quality time together by embracing thoughtful partition design, carefully chosen materials and earth-tone colour palette.

The couple has a penchant for a nature-inspired interior and wooden materials which beautifully exude warmth and calmness. To this end, one will be greeted with the first highlight when stepping into the home: a welcoming foyer constructed by a half-waisted wooden wall, a wooden screen and a wooden wall-mounted mirror. This newly created corner could enhance the sense of dimension and better block the view of the whole apartment from the entrance.

Next to the foyer, on the wall, is a large, multifunctional oak cabinet that serves as the focal point of the living and dining room. Continuing the nature theme, it is home to the TV and the dad’s favourite audio system, as well as the cosy snugging spot for the family’s cat in the bottom right corner.

Further in, the baby boy’s future bedroom adjacent to the living room is the real treasure of the home. Before he becomes old enough to have his own sanctuary, this room is like an “empty canvas” which doubles as a family room, a playroom, a reading room and a guest room, thanks to its semi open-plan design.

Here, the partition wall along the hallway was removed and replaced with a Japanese-inspired sliding door made of wooden frame and frosted glass, making the room an extension of the living area and extending the space into the long hallway. Apart from sufficient storage volume, the raised platform area built inside the room carves out a perfect venue for the family of four to bond and enjoy the valuable time together. Open and airy, this room has become their favoured spot.

Adding to the allure is the ingenious use of colours throughout the home. Eucalyptus green was chosen to complement the wooden elements to elevate the sense of warmth and purity. This subtle colour is found on the wallpaper in the living room behind the TV and the terrazzo tiles in the kitchen. Meanwhile, the bathroom wall is decorated with wall tiles of playful patterns, bring a pop of colour to the neutral, earthy palette and injecting a sense of youth and vitality.

Space planning of our homes is more important than ever under the pandemic as both adults and kids have to stay home to stay safe. For this family, they definitely own a joyful hideaway where they can share their happiness, laughter and all the good things in life hereafter.

What was the brief? A family of 4 with 2 children. They need personal space for themselves while they also wanna to have spaces to interact.

What were the key challenges? Flexibility of space is limited by the shear wall structure dividing the apartment into two main portions,

What were the solutions? By merging the space of the corridor into the kid’s room, the living spaces started to melt with the children’s area smoothly without sacrificing individuality.

Family Time Apartment in Hong Kong, China – Building Information

Designers: Littlemore Interior Design

Project size: 598 ft2 Completion date: 2021 Building levels: 15

Photography: Michael Perini

Family Time Apartment, Hong Kong images / information received 191221

Location: Hong Kong , China

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Airside, former Kai Tak airport Design: Snøhetta image courtesy of architects Airside Hong Kong Building

M+ presents ‘Archigram Cities’ illustration by Drawing Architecture Studio. Commissioned by M+, Hong Kong M+ Archigram Cities

M+ Building West Kowloon topping out news M+ Building West Kowloon for WKCDA image Courtesy of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority

West Kowloon Cultural District Art-themed Park

The Lyric Theatre Complex Architects: UNStudio renderings by DBOX ; Masterplan image: © WKCDA The Lyric Theatre Complex West Kowloon Hong Kong Architecture Designs – chronological list

Design Society, Shenzhen, China Design: Fumihiko Maki Architects image © Design Society Design Society Shenzhen Building

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Comments / photos for the Family Time Apartment, Hong Kong page welcome

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[pookystolenkissworld]

#radioprogram #broadcasting #playlist #music #listening #pop #rock #indie #live #cool #catradioactive #series #funforaday #hipster #shoegazer #anything #modernrock #musicoftheweek #newrealease #varieties #international Catradioactive by DJ Wasana Wirachartplee on every Saturday at 22:00 - 24:00 hrs. (+07:00 GMT) at www.thisiscat.com DJ Wasana Wirachartplee’s Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wasana.wirachartplee Catradioactive 7 August 21: The Black Garden Circus - Haunted Forest A Place To Bury Strangers - I Need You Gloomchurch - coin heaven Sleigh Bells - Locust Laced Amyl and The Sniffers - Security Chelsea - Why Aren't We There Moon Sand Land - Cut the Carpets Wavves - Hideaway Dizzy - Primrose Hill at Midnight (Feat. Flyte) mandarinaduck - A1 Pastel Coast - Funeral The orange Peels - Pastels Car Seat Headrest - Running Up That Hill Orchards - History (Acoustic) The Mirrors - On My Way Cielo Oceano - Error In Judgement Ghost Tail - A Haunting / Eileen (Where Do You Go) Nightcrush - Wish Blue Pleasures - Smoked Deafheaven - The Gnashing Keen Dreams - Pressing Eyes ViVii - Swimming Pool Small Reactions - Faces Paris Youth Foundation - Goodbye https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1vivgCogzg&list=PLU62MFne4NxDLNhL6NQ24UgMeyjXs9iBy Fun for a day 231: Gavin Rossdale - Adrenaline Jerry Cantrell - My Song Queen - I Want To Break Free (Live At Wembley 1986) Depeche Mode - Enjoy The Silence Audioslave - Like a Stone Soundgarden - Fell On Black Day (Live) Alice In Chains - Down in a Hole (MTV Unplugged) Portishead – Glory Box (Later Archive 1994) Luciano Pavarotti, Brian Eno, Bono, The Edge - Miss Sarajevo (Live) Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballé - How Can I Go On Queen - Now I'm Here (Live At Wembley) Gavin Rossdale - Love Remains The Same Restless Heart - For Lack Of Better Words The Brilliance - Gravity of Love The Style Council - Shout To The Top The Association - We Love Us Weezer – Enter Sandman Guns N' Roses - ABSUЯD Das Fluff - Silent Life Orfeo Project - More (Original Mix) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9vEh68vfLY&list=PLU62MFne4NxAcN_e59UNJvzfslXhxYyEJ https://www.instagram.com/p/CST9pakJq_a/?utm_medium=tumblr

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Best Laid Plans by Roan Parrish

Garnet Run #2

What fun this charming story was! Two men so very different and yet seemingly puzzle pieces that fit together in perfectly meet in Wyoming and eventually end up with their very own happily ever after.

What I liked:

* Rye: independent, jobless, kind, forthright, feline lover, inherited house from unknown relative, difficult past, generous, kind, prickly but wonderful – I liked him a lot.

* Charlie: honorable, giving, kind, family oriented, generous, business owner, creative, woodworker, sometimes clueless, lost years of his life caring for his brother – I liked him.

* The interactions between Rye and Charlie. They made me smile, warmed my heart, made me happy, grew in maturity over time, clear communication, openness, caring, tenderness…all that should be in a good relationship.

* Marmot, Jane and Redrum: felines, characters, great support for their humans, and good with one another.

* Clive and his insight into Rye’s grandfather.

* Meeting Charlie’s brother and his significant other (missed their book)

* The small-town location and community support.

* Marie and her expressive eyebrows

* The compassion and understanding that rye had for the four youth he met.

* That Rye and Charlie were not cookie-cutter-characters.

* That both Rye and Charlie overcame difficult circumstances.

* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:

* Rye’s parents

* The loss Charlie suffered in his senior year of high school.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin – Carina Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Book Description:

A man who’s been moving his whole life finally finds a reason to stay put.

Charlie Matheson has spent his life taking care of things. When his parents died two days before his eighteenth birthday, he took care of his younger brother, even though that meant putting his own dreams on hold. He took care of his father’s hardware store, building it into something known several towns over. He took care of the cat he found in the woods…so now he has a cat.

When a stranger with epic tattoos and a glare to match starts coming into Matheson’s Hardware, buying things seemingly at random and lugging them off in a car so beat-up Charlie feels bad for it, his instinct is to help. When the man comes in for the fifth time in a week, Charlie can’t resist intervening.

Rye Janssen has spent his life breaking things. Promises. His parents’ hearts. Leases. He isn’t used to people wanting to put things back together—not the crumbling house he just inherited, not his future and certainly not him. But the longer he stays in Garnet Run, the more he can see himself belonging there. And the more time he spends with Charlie, the more he can see himself falling asleep in Charlie’s arms…and waking up in them.

Is this what it feels like to have a home—and someone to share it with?

Garnet Run

Book 1: Better Than People

Book 2: Best Laid Plans

EXCERPT

Through the glass front door, Charlie saw an ominously smoking car grind to a halt in the parking lot. It looked like it had originally been a late-eighties two-door Chevy Beretta but had since been Frankensteined of multiple ve¬hicles’ pieces, many of them different colors and some of them clinging desperately together, helped only by electri¬cal tape and grime.

Charlie winced, fingers itching to put the car together properly—or, perhaps more practically, drive it to the junk¬yard and put it out of its misery.

Marie was bagging Bill Duff’s purchases when the door burst open. In stepped a man Charlie’d never seen before.

He certainly would have remembered.

Long, dark hair fell messily over his shoulders. He was slim and angular, with a slinky walk that made him look like he was made of hips and shoulders. The cuffs and collar of his long-sleeved T-shirt were worn rough and the knees of his jeans blown out. He looked like ten miles of dirt road.

Charlie raised a hand at the newcomer.

“Welcome to Matheson’s. I’m Charlie. Can I help you find anything?”

The man’s light, kohl-lined eyes darted around, as if Charlie might be talking to someone else, then, looking confused, said, “Uh. No.”

He hurried off down aisle one and Charlie let him alone. Some people didn’t want help or attention while they shopped, and Charlie was just glad of a new customer—and a young one at that. Business was okay, but with each passing year overnight shipping and Amazon ate further into his profit margin, particularly with customers under forty.

The stranger walked up and down the aisles, muttering inaudibly, swearing audibly, and consulting his phone every minute or so, as if the answers he wouldn’t accept from Charlie lay there.

After the better part of half an hour, he approached the register, arms full, though there were baskets and small carts available.

“Find everything okay?” Charlie asked as the man dumped his purchases on the counter.

“Uh, sure.”

He sounded distracted and was glaring at the items he’d chosen.

“You need any help with…” Charlie gestured at the hard¬ware equivalent to marshmallows, cheese, and spaghetti be¬fore him.

The man raised a dramatic dark eyebrow but didn’t say anything. His eyes, Charlie could see now, were gray, and his skin was pale, as if he were a black-and-white image in a color world.

That pale glare lanced him, and he looked away, ringing and bagging things up.

The man swiped his credit card like he was ripping some¬thing in half and had to do it again when the machine didn’t get a read. He glared at it.

When Charlie handed him his bags he couldn’t help needling the man a little.

“Need any help getting things out to your car?” he asked, as he’d ask anyone.

The man glared down

About Roan Parrish

Roan Parrish lives in Philadelphia, where she is gradually attempting to write love stories in every genre.

When not writing, she can usually be found cutting her friends’ hair, meandering through whatever city she’s in while listening to torch songs and melodic death metal, or cooking overly elaborate meals. She loves bonfires, winter beaches, minor chord harmonies, and self-tattooing. One time she may or may not have baked a six-layer chocolate cake and then thrown it out the window in a fit of pique.

Connect with Roan Parrish

Website: https://www.roanparrish.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoanParrish

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roanparrish/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parrishorperish/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14070842.Roan_Parrish

Carina Adores is home to highly romantic contemporary love stories featuring beloved romance tropes, where LGBTQ+ characters find their happily-ever-afters.

A new Carina Adores title is available each month in trade paperback, ebook and audiobook formats.

· The Hideaway Inn by Philip William Stover (available now!)

· The Girl Next Door by Chelsea M. Cameron (available now!)

· Just Like That by Cole McCade (available now!)

· Hairpin Curves by Elia Winters (available now!)

· The Love Study by Kris Ripper (available now!)

· The Secret Ingredient by KD Fisher (available now!)

· Just Like This by Cole McCade (available now!)

· Teddy Spenser Isn’t Looking for Love by Kim Fielding (available now!)

· Knit, Purl, A Baby and a Girl by Hettie Bell (coming March 30)

· The Hate Project by Kris Ripper (coming April 27)

· Hard Sell by Hudson Lin (coming May 25)

Buy Best Laid Plans by Roan Parrish

Harlequin.com: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781335924803_best-laid-plans.html

IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781335924803

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Best-Laid-Plans-Garnet-Run/dp/1335924809

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/best-laid-plans-roan-parrish/1138272513

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/best-laid-plans/id1529725794

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Roan_Parrish_Best_Laid_Plans?id=ogL6DwAAQBAJ

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/best-laid-plans-80

[altotales]

Brand spanking new!

Hi there! Welcome to my fresh, sparkly, new blog. For those of you who are new here, I hope you enjoy your stay, and to those of you who followed musiiki it is so lovely to see your face again. I decided to make this new page as throughout my whole fourth year at the Conservatorium, I didn’t make a single post, and it seemed wrong to reinvent a page that holds so many wonderful glimpses into my student life. As this is my first post on this page, I’ll start with a little (probably a lot let’s be real) about myself before we kick on with the life updates.

My name is Sophie, I was born and raised in Cairns, Far North Queensland, and I’ve been playing viola since 2006. I am classically trained and studied under John Curro AM MBE at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music for four years. I graduated in 2019 and - thankfully - got out of there before that thing came along (you know that virus everyone is talking about). During my school years I was a part of choirs, many string ensembles and was principal viola in my high school orchestra from grade 9 through to my senior year. I also played in community orchestras and occasionally did the odd solo gig! 

I moved to Brisbane to start my degree in 2016 and it truly has been a massive journey. Meeting John and his incredible family changed my life in more ways than any of them could know. John was a great mentor and grandfather figure to me and has revolutionised my practice techniques and my performing to a place where I never could have imagined. No, I’m not some prodigy, and I’m nowhere near as good as the top young violists in the country but he taught me how to practice efficiently and intelligently, and my improvement throughout my degree was always surging upwards. He also constantly reminded me to love music, which is something we can forget when we make a career out of our passion, but he instilled that love in me and I will always hold his wisdom and love close to my heart. John was in his eighties and was always battling health issues during our time together. He would often joke about dying and make light of it, but at the beginning of my third year, he sincerely promised me that he would hold onto life until I finished my degree. The day after my final recital he passed away. It hit all of us like a tonne of bricks. He touched thousands of peoples’ lives and truly left his mark in Australian music history. I will write more about John in future posts, and I know this post is meant to be about myself but I couldn’t not include him in this as, especially now that he’s gone I feel that he is a part of me in some way - especially as an artist. 

My time at the Conservatorium was on the whole, pretty fucking awesome (there will be some swearing in this blog, if that’s not for you, thanks for stopping by). I made so many lifelong friends and was involved in so many wonderful musical experiences from chamber ensembles, to symphony orchestras, operas, musicals, and solo performance. I was also (and am still) doing the odd Australian Youth Orchestra program and am in the Queensland Youth Symphony - the top orchestra of the Queensland Youth Orchestras (founded by John in 1966!). Over the years, I’ve managed to build myself a network to the point where I am now a core member of Deep Blue, one of Camerata’s Upbeat artists, and occasionally get booked for gigs with String Source and Four Strings. And of course, the more friends I make, the more I find myself in random independent gigs for various events.

The last musical project I insist you must all know about is my folk duo Old Semeil. Made up of myself on viola/vocals and the wonderful Gavin Cook on guitar/vocals/harmonica/banjo/whatever the fuck he feels like playing that day, we have been together for 5 years and JUST RECORDED AN ENTIRE ALBUM IN ONE WEEKEND!!!!! Well, it’s missing a few overdubs, but it’s a predominantly live album so we’re about 70-80% of the way there. This year especially, Old Semeil has become an integral part of my life, and has breathed new energy into my artistry like I never could have expected. As much as I love the classical world, the fantastic repertoire and the power of playing in an orchestra, there is something truly unique and special about creating your own music and sharing it with the world. In a future post, I will talk about my mental struggles but I will say now that Old Semeil often reminds me why I still want to pursue music and why I love it so much. I can’t wait to share our album with you all!

Finally, while music has always been my first love, my wonderful little horse is a very close second. If I’m honest, the line is a little blurred at times. I decided I would own Rockstar before he was even born. I went on my first ever horse camp at Black Mountain Hideaway at the age of 10, and fell in love with this wonderful buckskin mare Verity, who was VERY pregnant. I told Suzie - the owner of the farm and a very pivotal female warrior figure for myself as a teenager - that I would have him one day. After not buying myself literally anything (including new clothes) for the three years after he was born he was mine. I trained him myself, and he helped me through my absolute best and absolute worst times throughout high school. I had to leave him up in FNQ when I moved to Brisbane, but I am so incredibly excited to say next year, he will be moving down here and we will be together, full time once again!

If you made it this far, thank you for your time! There is so much more I could (and will) write, but I think this post gives a pretty good insight into who I am and what I love. I will try my darned best to post regularly, and hopefully keep it interesting! Also, if there is anything you would like me to write about, perhaps compare an experience of mine with yours, or share my thoughts on something you don’t want to share yourself, please pop into my ask box!