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gemsofgreece · 3 years ago

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Who was Mikis Theodorakis and why he is so important

As the three day popular pilgrimage in the memory of Mikis Theodorakis (1925 - 2021) has started, I am presenting a few of the most crucial facts about his life and legacy. There is no Greek who does not know who he is but there may be young Greeks who don’t completely understand what is so special about him save for his musical talent. He is well known to musicians, artists and political activists around the world as well but probably not to the younger generations. This is for them and all followers who would like to know more about Greek history and culture. 20th century Greek history and culture go hand in hand with Mikis’s life so this is where you begin.

Mikis Theodorakis was a composer, lyricist, visionary, activist, politician and author.

He was born in Chios island in 1925. His father was from Crete island and his mother was a Greek refugee from Asia Minor. His father worked in the public sector and as a family they constantly moved to new places in Greece. From a very young age, Mikis was influenced by and bonded deeply with the Greek landscape, folk music and Byzantine music.

He decided to become a composer when he was a child. He started writing songs before he had access to any musical instruments. He started composing at the age of 13 and he did his first concert when he was 17.

Mikis with his parents in the Acropolis of Athens.

He is credited with over 1,000 works.

He has composed music for almost all genres. His most notable works have been for chamber music, symphonic, cantatas and oratorios, hymns, ballets, operas, stage music for classical tragedies, modern plays and international theatre, film scores, Greek popular music (not to be confused with pop) and, most significantly, his song cycles of poetry set to music.

He has written more than 17 books. His autobiography consists of 5 volumes. He wrote this autobiography in the 80s, so these five volumes do not include the last forty years of his life.

His most well known film scores are for the films Zorba the Greek (1964) starring Anthony Quinn, Z (1969), and Serpico (1973) starring Al Pacino. The music theme for Zorba the Greek is the most well known Greek music piece worldwide.

With Anthony Quinn.

He composed the "Mauthausen Trilogy", also known as "The Ballad of Mauthausen", which has been described as the "most beautiful musical work ever written about the Holocaust" and possibly his best work.

He was awarded the Lenin Peace Prize. He was also a nominee for the Nobel Prize for Peace.

Accepting the Lenin Peace Prize.

During the Axis Occupation of Greece, he joined the right wing youth forces of Metaxas’ regime and fought against the Italian fascists. He was taken captive and tortured. Later, he went to Athens in 1943, and became a member of a Reserve Unit of ELAS (left wing). He led a troop in the fight against the British and the Greek right. During the Greek Civil War he was arrested, sent into exile on the island of Icaria and then deported to the island of Makronisos, where he was tortured and twice buried alive.

His only and lifetime partner was Myrto Altinoglou. Theodorakis started dating her when they were young, however their relationship went through a lot of hardship as Myrto had to wait for Mikis who was repeatedly a fugitive, a prisoner or exiled. They got married in 1953 and they stayed together for life.

With his wife Myrto Altinoglou.

He developed his concept of "metasymphonic music" (symphonic compositions that go beyond the "classical" status and mix symphonic elements with popular songs, Western symphonic orchestra and Greek popular instruments). He contributed to a cultural revolution in his country. His most significant and influential works are based on Greek and world poetry. He introduced poetry to the masses and made the love for poetry mainstream.

With great Greek poet Yannis Ritsos.

Songs of his have been performed by the likes of the Beatles, Edith Piaf, Shirley Bassey, Joan Baez and Dalida.

With Edith Piaf. He was tol and she was smol.

After the assassination of Gregoris Lambrakis in May 1963 he founded the Lambrakis Democratic Youth and was elected its president. Under Theodorakis's impetus, it started a vast cultural renaissance movement and became the greatest political organisation in Greece with more than 50,000 members. Because of his political ideas, the composer was black-listed by the cultural establishment; at the time of his biggest artistic glory, a large number of his songs were censored-before-studio or were not allowed on the radio stations.

Reading a speech for the Lambrakis Democratic Youth.

Theodorakis was a symbol of resistance to the military regime of 1967. He went into hiding and founded the "Patriotic Front" (PAM). On 1 June, the Colonels banned playing, and even listening to his music. Theodorakis was arrested on 21 August, jailed and tortured for five months. Following his release end of January 1968, he was banished in August to Zatouna with his wife and their two children, Margarita and Yorgos. Later he was interned in the concentration camp of Oropos.

Tribute to Theodorakis inside his old cell in the prison of Oropos.

An international solidarity movement, headed by such personalities as Dmitri Shostakovich, Leonard Bernstein, Arthur Miller, and Harry Belafonte demanded to get Theodorakis freed. On request of the French politician Jean-Jacques Servan-Schreiber, Theodorakis was allowed to go into exile to Paris on 13 April 1970.

Due to his mistreatment in exile and imprisonment Theodorakis suffered for many years from recurring tuberculosis and was hospitalized several times.

Mikis Theodorakis was good friends with Fidel Castro, Pablo Neruda and Yasser Arafat. Dimitri Shostakovich was a fan of his.

With Fidel Castro.

While in exile, Theodorakis fought during four years for the overthrow of the colonels. He started his world tours and gave hundreds of concerts on all continents as part of his struggle for the restoration of democracy in Greece.

Returning to Greece after the fall of the regime of the colonels, 1974.

After the fall of the regime and his return to Greece, Mikis Theodorakis made some political choices that were considered controversial by some. He initially united all the Left wing parties and was elected three times in the Greek Parliament but later distanced himself from the Left (of which he was a symbol) and was elected once in the Greek Parliament as an independent candidate and then as a minister with the centre-right wing party Nea Dimokratia. Through his position, he worked for the progress of the arts and education and he contributed to the improvement of Greco-Turkish relations. Theodorakis soon resigned from political life though and was appointed General Musical Director of the Choir and the two Orchestras of the Hellenic State Radio, which he reorganised and with which he undertook successful concert tours abroad.

As a sidenote from me because I have read his autobiography and several interviews of his, Mikis Theodorakis has explained his distancing from the Left and flirtation with the Right and Centre through some implications such as that his relationship with the leaders of the left parties started deteriorating for ideological reasons and in his mind the Left was taking a path he did not agree with. He also hinted at corruption and anti-Democratic beliefs in the Left of the time. He accepted to rally with the centre-right wing party, desperate to channel his fervor for political action. He soon grew disappointed by the right wing too and retreated, choosing to be an activist for peace, human rights, animal rights and environmental issues. He initiated the Greek–Turkish Friendship Society. In 2020, he stated that he lived his strongest and most mature years as a Communist and he wished to be remembered as such.

Theodorakis was Doctor honoris causa of several universities worldwide.

He was furiously opposed to the Israeli War against the Palestinians. He was against Israeli Government and state although he clarified he loved Jewish people, which is proven by his musical work in remembrance of the Holocaust. He was against the War in Iraq and the meddling of USA in foreign affairs and he was opposed to the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia like most Greeks. On 31 May 2011, Theodorakis gave a speech attended by approximately 10,000 people in the center of Athens, criticising the Greek government for the loan debt it has taken from the International Monetary Fund. In 2017, in the age of 92, he gave another speech, this time opposing to the Prespes agreement between Greece and North Macedonia.

After his speech in 2017.

His last set of songs was published in 2013, in the age of 88. Theodorakis achieved the distinction of producing one of the largest works by any composer of any time.

Mikis Theodorakis had embraced his mortality very early on. He had prepared for his death since 2009 and he had repeatedly said he was not afraid of dying. “I have danced with Death in the fields too many times...”

Many concerts were held in his honour during the last decade. The second to last tribute concert he attended took place in 2017, and he wished to conduct the ending of the show. So he did and in the end he was deeply emotional and wept, in one of the most memorable and moving moments of contemporary Greek music scene.

The last concert he conducted, 2017.

The last concert in his honour he attended was in 2019. With his health fast deteriorating, he showed up exactly on time in a wheelchair and with a butterfly needle in his hand.

Last public appearance, 2019.

Mikis Theodorakis once said that he wouldn’t be able to write the music he wrote, had he not lived this life. However, in another interview, he said he should have retreated from political action earlier because he didn’t have the time to compose more than the 10% of the music that was raging inside his mind.

Theodorakis once said: “I am not a hero. Heroes die young. I was just a citizen who was trying to do his duty”.

He died on September 2nd, 2021, aged 96, from a cardiovascular arrest.

If you want to narrow it down, Mikis Theodorakis was a musician, a communist, a pacifist and a patriot - all of his qualities were proven again and again with unalloyed eagerness, because above all he was a restless spirit. Another thing that made Theodorakis so important beside his musical genius or his political activism was his intent to make music for the people and bring it to the people. He managed to bring everyday people closer to classical music and poetry, arts that are traditionally considered elitistic. He was adamant to always make music as accessible to everyone as possible. Despite his passionate nature, he was a man of soft and polite manners and he was always supportive and welcoming to young and new artists. Through his music and his life, he tried to capture the essence of Greece, the meaning of freedom and the celebration of all cultures, all unique and different, but as ever coming together to compose the Harmony of humanity, life and the world.

Mikis Theodorakis was voted the 11th greatest Greek of all time by the Greek public in 2009.

#greece #history #culture #people #great people #mikis theodorakis #rip mikis #greek history #greek culture #greek people #greeks #politics #music #greek music #long post

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intothearcanum · 3 years ago

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Welcome to PHANTOM:ARCANUM

Arcanum is a role-playing story series in the fictional Empire of Eleftheria that enables you to live in five continents of the Empire: Arcane, Valeska, Icaria, Ardvisura, and the Isle of Lune. Live an exciting life as an Eleftherian Purebloods, possessing a mysterious, impressive power bestowed upon you by the Sky God Lykaion. But with great power comes great responsibility and consequences, one of which is to protect the Empire from their mortal enemies, the demons, and to uncover the mysteries behind the invasion.

Join the crusade against the demonic infestation and emerge as the hero with unimaginable powers in this epic fantasy roleplay.

Start by exploring the buttons on the sidebar, for which those buttons stands for:

Introduction - Prologue, the beginning of the Arcanum story

Index - All of the knowledge, lore, and precise details about the universe and its system

World Map - Explore the world of Eleftheria, the main setting of the Arcanum universe

Settlers - Complete list of the residents of Eleftheria (will be updated after the acceptance period)

Regulations - The rules and regulations, the do's and don'ts of becoming a part of Arcanum's journey

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callingcrecallium · 4 years ago

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closed starter for adrian @adrian-kim

Harrison thought of ways to celebrate the new years. He wanted to travel outside Icaria with friends as he didn’t have a family to go back home to, but he didn’t have much luck when he’d invite them out. They were either going home to visit families or just busy. Harrison gave up looking for the perfect travel buddy and decided to be generous instead and spend money on someone else. Adrian was the only person who’d accepted his offer and both of them ended up in a clothing store later that day. “Five clothing items? I’m offering to buy you clothes and you only choose five items?” He asked. “Choose more. I beg of you.”

#harrison.convo #convo ( harrison + adrian )

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larkfox · 4 years ago

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june 25, 2016 // solo

A cute(?) little solo para meandering on Lark’s circumstances on June 25, 2016 and what came after. The scene is set at a four bedroom rental house somewhere in Birmingham, UK. Lark is twenty-two years old (a month from twenty-three) here if I haven’t completely destroyed the calendar at this point. Some mentions of Steffi Müller.

Lark went by her full name on paper. As silly as she thought her name was, it always seemed a little more professional and formal to be ‘Larkspur Fox’ rather than just Lark. She was just Lark in her personal life and in her activism, so when she received mail to Larkspur, it was either solicitations, junk or a notification of something good. Besides, Lark enjoyed reading through terrible advertisements.

Throughout her years in university (it was called Universität in Germany, which often meant a fight not to giggle to Steffi’s annoyance when they both had lived there), she had been published numerous times. She wrote about all sorts of subtopics- usually music, but her interest in history usually overlapped with that significantly. Her works had found their way into ethnomusicology student publications, history journals (although those were sometimes a pain), popular music online publications, and so much more. She kept a little folder on her desktop with archived PDFs or scans of every time she was published. It wasn’t like she was famous or anything, but her prolific writing had been enough for her application into her Masters program considered.

There was no real way for Lark to know that she would stop writing so much in just a couple of years- that everything fun about writing for its own sake would fade away in the wake of procrastination. But for today, she had a nice email in her inbox for Larkspur.

Lark turned her head up from the laptop and beamed at Amy from across the bedroom. “Got another essay accepted for publication. I’m going to have to celebrate by doing some more reviews.”

Amy responded by glancing up from her seat, and giving an exaggerated thumbs up and grin. “Of course you did! I think you’re on a roll.”

Amy was Lark’s housemate and first-ever girlfriend. They had met last year after conspiring on Facebook with two other (then-prospective) students in their postgrad program to live in this very house. The others had moved out after the year was out, but Amy and Lark had both stuck around Birmingham with new housemates to help with the rent. It had taken this long of song and dance for a relationship to come out of this, but Lark was still overjoyed even after over a month together. Not much had changed, really. They still hung out when Amy wasn’t running music outreach programs and Lark wasn’t writing or copyediting up a storm. Now their sleepovers in each other’s rooms were on purpose instead of because someone was too tired to leave after gushing about Sarah McLachlan until four AM.

When Lark was in universität (such a funny word), Lark had harbored an odd sort of crush on her friend Steffi. She’d admitted as much in an awkward, roundabout way, but it had always straddled the line bordering intense feelings of friendship. Now and again by fate or coincidence, Lark bumped into Steffi, but their lives weren’t terribly intertwined at the moment. She didn’t think about Steffi very much nowadays, actually. Lark could definitively say that her feelings for Amy were very different but certainly very extreme.

“I hope so. Hey, do you want to, you know, cuddle or something in a little while?” Lark bit down on her lip, reminding herself that she did not need to be so self-conscious. It was something that she had been working on implementing in herself over the last few years- not caring so much about what others thought of her. It was easier and more satisfying than the alternative (caring about opinions that didn’t matter), but Amy didn’t make that easy. If Amy asked her to hang out, Lark might rearrange her schedule just to make it happen.

With a smile that made Lark feel like the rest of the world wasn’t there, Amy nodded in response, and started to fold up her laptop. “Now’s good with me if it is for you.”

Lark shut her laptop immediately, and slid it under the bed. “Yes. Yes, please. That would be so good with me.”

“You’re so cute.” Amy laughed at her, but Lark didn’t really care because today was a good day. It had been a good couple of weeks, actually, and it being Saturday meant that they both had the day off. Well, Amy officially had the day off. Lark just didn’t do any freelance gigs on Saturday as a personal principle. They both snuggled up under Lark’s immense pile of blankets, and everything felt good.

Amy ran her hand through Lark’s hair, which was her (mostly) natural brunette. Lark had been coloring her hair on and off since her teens, but had dyed it back to dark earlier in 2015. It as reductive to say that brown was her happy hair color, but she did feel the whim to go back to it when she was in a more serene place with herself.

Fidgeting with Amy’s other hand, Lark mumbled, “This might sound out of nowhere, but thanks for saying something. About liking me. I feel less like a complete mess now that we’re together after liking you for ages.”

“You’re fine, babe, I promise.” It was only okay when Amy called her ‘babe’, and only occasionally. In private. “I thought I was being pretty obvious with the hints, but you were serious when you said you didn’t have a lot of experience.”

“Ah, yep. Virginity is a social construct, but there are a whole lot of twenty-two year old virgin jokes that I can still get some mileage out of,” Lark said, laughing nervously.

“You’re not, uh, trying to hint at...”

Lark shook her head, and buried her face in Amy’s neck. Muffled, she stammered out, “Sorry. Sorry, I mean- I’d like to soon, but not today. I want to- Close. Today I want to be close to you, Amy.” For someone so outspoken, sometimes Lark felt like she couldn’t speak at all when it came to her girlfriend. “I love you.” It was the first time that she had said that out loud to someone else with quite that connotation, and she had to remind herself that it was going to be okay.

She was filled with so many warm feelings when Amy responded by kissing her soundly. Later, Lark would note that Amy didn’t quite say the words back.

Lark didn’t have any real way of knowing on June 25th that this relationship wasn’t going to last- that Amy would tell her that they were probably better as just friends (seriously?!?) a few days after they slept together for the second time (oh, you know, just a few days after her twenty-third birthday). On June 25th, she was at the very least aware that the lease on the house would be up for renewal soon. However, she did not know on that day that she would not renew her part of the lease.

She did not know that she would move to Icaria in the very near future without a plan. That... she would bump into Steffi again, which was the world’s weirdest coincidence. That she’d make more than three friends (this was huge progress). That she would genuinely grow to stop caring so much about what others thought of her.

And she had no idea that she would go back to blonde after moving. It didn’t really matter where she worked, after all as a freelancer. Lark couldn’t have predicted that she would find herself without direction, and launch herself into a PhD program that would basically kill all of her drive to write anything else scholarly unrelated to her activism.

#//i was thinking of listing out headcanons #but i decided to embed them in this instead for the full show don't tell experience #solo para #i don't like Love this but i'm proud of a few parts so i'm gonna just post

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ulani-lam · 4 years ago

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@absentialucis - deacon

Alright, that was it. She was calling it. The incident with the Minotaur attack had been the most fun she had in the laboratory over the past few months--well, except for all the deaths of course. Autopsies had been put on hold as more patient samples were being sent in with incident findings and no prior records since most of these people weren’t from Icaria. With the hospital being understaffed, she had to step in and help out; something she hadn’t been able to do in a long time. Lately, things were going back to normal, and she had nothing better to do today accept fling projectiles at Deacon from across the room with nothing but her fingers, a rubber band and folded pieces of paper. “Why so grumpy, hotshot?”

#DeaconL #she knows his dad's dead #but she's not one to treat him differently #she just thinks that'd make things worse

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icarialex · 4 years ago

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📱 Via Discord

Text Messages: Noelle & Chloe @chloevara

When: The night before their auction date

Topics: Just cuteness and Chloe talking about some changes she’d want between them for balance.

Chloe: Hey! It's me. Chloe. Unless you know another Chloe. How is my named saved in your phone, anyway? These are important questions!!

Noelle: You are so friendly and peppy even through text message. It’s impressive. I actually changed your name in my phone while I was in the hospital. Is the suspense of knowing to what eating away at you?

Chloe: 😦 😦 😦 😦 Impressive could mean something negative too. YES, the suspense is 100% eating away at me. Did you spell my name wrong at first?? There's no K anywhere in my name

Noelle: You should assume that I’m not saying something negative about you from here on out. If I point it out, I usually think it’s so you that it’s cute. That was an unnerving discovery for me. Who spells it with a k? No, I changed it from Chloe Vara to Chlo.

Chloe: As long as you like that you think I'm cute, right? ...Mostly the Kardashian lady spells it with a K. But I don't. Oh, so now we're in the nickname phase? I could change your phone name but maybe not to what you'd expect.

Noelle: I do like that I find you cute. It was just an adjustment for me to feel that way for someone else for so long. Usually it wears off after a week or two. That family is odd. I don’t get why they make so much money. I suppose? Your first and last name sounded too — distant. Oh? To what then?

Chloe: Now I'm really hoping that doesn't wear off, because I really do like you. Oh! I don't watch that show either. My dad says it's too real and fake at the same time. On second thought, maybe I'm not going to tell you what I changed it to?

Noelle: You like saying how much you like me now since seeing how I didn’t freak out about it at the hospital, don’t you? But since I like you too, I think it’s safe to say I’ll keep finding you cute. Thank God. If you tried to make me watch that, I’d have to hide. Wow, you’re rude. I told you when you asked. 😒😔

Chloe: Yes! It's so freeing to be able to tell you that you're great, and sweet, and careful, and, that I like all of that. :3 Fiiiine. You're Elle 🐘 . Emoji included! I was thinking of Elle-phant but that would make me laugh every time I opened the phone, so I didn't.

Noelle: I’m glad that it makes you happy. I’m not great at accepting praise or compliments, but I’ll work on it. I approve of that. The emoji is also adorable. You know, you’ll probably still say Elle-phant in your head and laugh right?

Chloe: Not enough people told you how great you are, clearly!! ...And yes. How did you know that was going to happen? You're the one who gave me nickname permission, after all.

Noelle: Clearly. If you ever get to meet my parents, you’ll get a full picture of that. I guess I’m starting to learn enough about you to figure out some things you’ll do. I did I did. Btw, how did it feel to have Noelle and Noel fighting for you at an auction?

Chloe: I'm still cross with your parents. Oh nooooo. Am I too predictable? Should i mix it up? Agh. It was a little confusing, but I just thought you forgot how to spell your name :/

Noelle: You don’t have to worry about them. I doubt they’d step foot on this island. You’d only meet them if you wanted to go to Hawaii. I mean, you could, but didn’t you want us to get closer so we knew more about each other? That would just be confusing. Nope, I was trying to make things easier for you. I never thought you’d bid on me though.

Chloe: I don't really want to go to Hawaii for a lot of reasons. I didn't want to see you have to date someone else. And it meant that you have to go on a date with me, which I wanted so much. Which is the first thing on my list of proposals. I want to be able to go outside with you sometimes and have it be a together activity.

Noelle: What are those reasons? Now I’m curious. I didn’t want to date anyone else, and I wouldn’t have. I would have gone for coffee or something. That’s simple enough. I am okay with that. Are you okay with part of our first date not being out and about? I just didn’t want to do dinner at a restaurant. It’s too cliche for a first, real date date. Plus, you’re kind of the first, official one for me.

Chloe: Colonialism, your family, I don't leave Icaria if I can help it. I don't mind it not being out and about always. But sometimes I want to show you off a little. Get a change of pace is most of it! You're going to do amazingly, I promise. It means a lot to me

Noelle: Those are all good reasons. I love Hawaii because it was home, but I never actually stay at my house. Show me off a little, huh? I can’t say I blame you. 😉 Plus, I would like the chance to brag about you too. Alright, dates outside of the house together is something I’m very comfortable with. It — it means something to me too.

Chloe: I'm not averse to going, but it isn't on my list of vacation spots. And yes! You're quite a catch. I do like a quiet night in more overall, but I don't want that to be the only option. Plus you can probably only handle me trying to cuddle you so many times

Noelle: I’ll make sure to send you lots of pictures next time I go then or video call you. I stay on an animal sanctuary when I visit, so I can send you cute animals too. I am not. I’m very difficult to be with. Try to cuddle me? I think you succeed, Chlo.

Chloe: That sounds so nice... You have the coolest job, you know? Maybe, but I'm not very good at stopping what I'm doing because it seems difficult. Like cuddling, apparently. It's nice, okay??

Noelle: Yeah, I’m a big fan of it too. Playing with animals all day is the best part of my job. I’m glad that you aren’t that good at giving up on things. I mean, it may take time, but depending on your patience this could end up being worth it. Hey, I’ve complained less about it lately, haven’t I? I don’t even tense up when you do it anymore.

Chloe: Oh, it's not dealing with the animals' parents?? Yeah 🙂 But let me know if you ever just... don't want me to touch you or anything. I don't want you to be anxious just because I think you're super snuggly.

Noelle: Well, flirting with parents of the animals was my go to activity when I wanted something easily accessible, but I’m not really looking right now which I remember thoroughly surprised you. Oh, you wouldn’t make me anxious. I’m just not used to being touched, but it can have it’s benefits. Kissing is one I think very highly of.

Chloe: I was wondering how you met folks... But yeah. It really did surprise me. I like the kissing. And being close in general. I think I like almost everything. Did you want me to run more of the suggestions I had in mind by you now or on the date, by the way?

Noelle: Either through the hospital or just around. I mean, I found you didn’t I? That’s good to keep in mind even though I think I picked up on that. Which would be more comfortable for you? Do you like being able to read things before you send or seeing my facial expressions?

Chloe: But I talk to everybody... Anyway, there are some things I would like to say in person but other stuff? I know I want to tell you one part in person, but otherwise, I'm all for good communication.

Chloe: Like I want to hold your hand sometimes. Not a lot. Just sometimes.

Chloe: To be able to tell my dad about you, and maybe work our way up to having you meet him. I think he'd like you a lot

Noelle: Okay, so I’ll wait until our date to hear that part. You just tell me when you’re ready.

Noelle: Holding hands? Okay I can do that. I mean, that’s simple enough. Will you get upset if it takes me a bit to initiate that? It’s just not something that usually crosses my mind, and that’s not because I don’t like you. It’s just new.

Noelle: Your dad is very important to you. You think — you want to tell him about me? I mean, you’re more than welcome to. As for meeting him, eventually, would this be virtually or in person?

Chloe: I appreciate that! I'm sorry to keep you in so much suspense. I don't expect you to initiate it if you don't want to. I just.... really want to sometimes and I was afraid to tell you.

Chloe: Yes? Eventually virtually. He just got a new phone, so he's probably too distracted by that anyway. Trust me, he's one of the easiest dads to meet ever. He hasn't liked all of my exes, but I never knew until afterward...

Chloe: THAT WAS THE WRONG THING TO SAY

Noelle: It’s okay. I mean, this is new territory for me. I’ve never gotten to a point where I’ve wanted to compromise with someone or cared so much about them being happy. It’s not that I’m selfish so much as I didn’t think I was the person that could be the one to make someone happy, If that makes sense?

Noelle: I’m sorry you were afraid to tell me, and thank you for telling me now. Reach for my hand when you want. Now that I know you will, I won’t pull back or anything out of surprise.

Noelle: Comforting, Chlo. 😉 If this will make you happy, then okay no problem. How are you going to introduce me though? Or is that what we’re waiting for the date to discuss?

Chloe: I don't relate to it, but I am making an effort to understand it. At this point, we really aren't on different pages. I think you would make me happy once we get everything to make a bit more sense. I know that I'm touchy. Like abnormally touchy. Being close as much as possible is the best????

Chloe: It would be fine to hold off on meeting him for a while, so we don't have to talk about that right now. I haven't talked to anybody about you, though, and it's kind of killing me.

Noelle: I guess that’s where you’ve surpassed my expectations of people. Instead of just writing me off as cold or unfeeling, you try to understand. So, I’m trying back. Okay touching. I can initiate kisses when I think you’re cute. I just didn’t know how you felt about PDA.

Noelle: Why haven’t you told anyone? That’s not fair. My brother knows about you. Well, Noah. Oh, yeah I have another one. But yes, and I’m sure more know after the auction or suspect.

Chloe: I love PDA. Hold my hand, kiss my cheek, use me as an armrest. Whatever you want besides pinching is probably great in my book.

Chloe: Because I don't really enjoy talking about how I really like someone who I thought just saw me as a booty call. But then I couldn't talk about what bothered me. Also everyone was busy with parents week or really stressed about the minotaur, so I didn't want to burden them

Noelle: Who in the world would pinch you to show affection? Really has this happened to you?

Noelle: To be honest, you started out as a booty call. Well, you can talk about me to people if you want to. I’m a part of your life, and I don’t like policing what you do. I want you to be you, and I’ll be me.

Chloe: I have really, really, really, really bad luck when it comes to relationships. Even the good ones had something weird or wrong. I didn't think you were a booty call at first.

Chloe: You were really pretty, and interesting, and you didn't tell me to go away or anything, and I thought you wanted the same things I did. It's embarrassing.

Chloe: I haven't talked about you, or that super messed up thing with my neighbor that I'm trying to avoid, and it's like I'm about to explode.

Chloe: But I'd like for you to be a part of my life. Very much. I look forward to what you have planned.

Noelle: It’s not embarrassing. I mean, it’s working out pretty well for you now, right? You mesh with me better than I thought you would. You’re not high maintenance to be around, and you’re calm.

Noelle: By the way, you’re gorgeous. I don’t say it nearly enough, but you should know that.

Noelle: Well, talk as much as you want about this, okay? I’m private but not controlling. I only care about what I share or who asks me questions because I can be prickly. I think you’ll love it. Just tell me when, but give me like a day notice.

Chloe: I don't want to be anything but really self-sufficient. But emotionally needy. I'm going to be that.

Chloe: Thanks!!! It drives me a bit crazy how beautiful you are sometimes? Like I just think about it, and then I forget how to be a person.

Chloe: Okay. I really, really, really want us to talk more. Another list item. Could that day be tomorrow or the next day? I don't know if I can wait too much longer.

Noelle: Chlo, thanks for telling me stuff. I don’t make it easy, but at least I understand more now.

Noelle: You’re very silly. Do we need to take pictures together for you to stare at? Or will that just worsen the problem?

Noelle: That’s easy. Talking I can do. It can be tomorrow. That gives me enough time. I’ll be ready by 7 to pick you up.

Chloe: : )

Chloe: Uhm. We should take pictures. That would be really nice. I'd like that lots. Yes please

Chloe: 7... PM right? I'll be awake either way, but I do have to check.

Noelle: We can do that. I have my Polaroid too, so you can even get hard copies.

Noelle: Yes PM. I mean, I will be too, but that’s prepping time. So tomorrow, 7 PM. Dress cute but comfortable.

Chloe: You have a Polaroid???? Why didn't I know this?

Chloe: I can do the thing. Have a good night, okay Elle? I can't stress how much I'm looking forward to seeing you

Noelle: Um — I don’t know? I have scrapbooks too of all the places I’ve visited.

Noelle: You too, Chlo. Me too. Sweet dreams.

#noelle ft. Chloe #chloe

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steffiisms-icaria · 4 years ago

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( CLAIRE HOLT, FEMALE, SHE/HER ) ⌇ have you seen STEFANIE “STEFFI” MÜLLER around icaria? they are the TWENTY-NINE year old child of MOMUS. they remind me of SARCASTIC COMMENTS, EUROPEAN NIGHTCLUBS, and GHOSTING THE SECOND IT GETS COMPLICATED. They’ve been on the island for 4 years.

Key Stats:

Name: Stefanie Müller

Nicknames: Steffi (pronounced Shteffi)

Age: 29

Birthday: 17. January 1992

Height: 5′5″

Gender: Female

Pronouns: she/her

Orientation: Pansexual

Spoken languages: German, English, Greek

Godly parent: Momus

Powers: Ability to cause headaches and/or a behavior-altering sense of inferiority when insulting others (has to be actively trying to do this - most of her insults, while pointed, do not actually do psychic damage. When they do, think vicious mockery in D&D, or a meaner version of charmspeak)

Nationality & ancestry: German

Faceclaim: Claire Holt

Bio:

Given her generally grumpy attitude and propensity to call out people’s flaws (real or perceived), Steffi isn’t always particularly well-liked. She acts like that’s just fine with her, even claiming that she doesn’t particularly like much of anyone else either. Deep down she actually does want friends though, and it can confuse her when a conversation goes from what she thinks is good-natured ribbing to an all-out argument, even if it won’t stop her from doing everything in her power to win that argument. Her life continues to careen in directions she didn’t plan or want, which has only served to worsen her existing attitude issues. Still, she can be nice when she wants to - there’s just no way to know when or why that might be.

She considers her early childhood relatively ideal, having lived with her mother, Lena Müller, and a few blocks away from her grandparents in Berlin. Her mother would bring home a boyfriend every now and then for her to meet, but thankfully it never took more than a few such visits and pointed questions from her (or insults, whichever seemed more effective) to get those men out of her life once more. The tactic worked for years, but her luck ran out when she was eleven and her mother began seeing someone new yet again - an English businessman this time, who Steffi wasted no time in informing that he seemed boring and had a silly name (Paul Smith) and a stupid accent. As the months went on he started spending more and more time not only with her mother but with her, clearly trying to step in and fill a father role that Steffi had been more than happy not to have in her life until this point.

When she was twelve, Lena and Paul married. When she was thirteen, Paul came home one day and informed the family that he was being transferred back to the London branch of the firm for which he worked. While Lena was fine with the move, Steffi most certainly was not. She hated England, and she hated the stupid school she was transferred to even more. So what if it was prestigious? She was convinced that half the teachers were idiots, and none of the students there were worth her time.

It was at that school where she met Lark - seeing as most of the rest of the students already knew each other from having attended school together and the two of them were... not exactly popular kid material, they tended to be grouped together and became reluctant friends. Lark was loud and weird and obnoxious, but for whatever reason she didn’t seem deterred by Steffi’s pointed comments or numerous complaints - and it was nice to have someone to be able to talk to, even if she’d never admit it.

When the time came to apply to universities, she and Lark didn’t often discuss where they were applying or which schools they hoped to be able to attend - making it quite the surprise when they were both accepted into their school of choice - Heidelberg University in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Deciding it would be better than the expense of living alone or the inevitable disaster of living with a total stranger, Steffi agreed that they might as well be roommates. They went their separate ways for grad school, though they still somehow managed to keep bumping into each other while Steffi finished her law degree despite living in different countries.

After passing the bar Steffi managed to land her dream job, putting her arguing skills to good use as a prosecutor specializing in corporate cases. Much to her dismay, it was only a few months later when her father, Momus, had the nerve to show up and tell her she needed to move to Icaria. She grudgingly went, figuring she could switch to providing freelance legal advice remotely while she waited for the danger to pass so she could get back to her life.

As the weeks stretched into months and then years, she eventually realized that with how long it might take before she could move back to Germany, it might be worth studying to take the bar in Greece. Currently she’s continuing her freelance work, but is taking classes at the university to help her prepare.

Although she ran into Lark yet again on Icaria, this time she was adamant that they not live together - they have keys to each other’s homes though, and have a habit of showing up completely unannounced and at odd times.

Other Details:

Her father, Momus, is the god of satire, mockery, evil-spirited blame, and unfair criticism. To say that he and her mother had a love-hate relationship (while it lasted) is a bit of an understatement.

Due to being exiled from Mount Olympus (for constantly mocking the Olympians), he was around for more of Steffi’s childhood than he otherwise would have been. Although they didn’t always get along, they found common ground in pointing out the faults of others.

Despite how she acts, she really does consider Lark to be her closest friend.

She’s always on the lookout for people who can ‘keep up’ with her, whatever that means.

Despite how much she can claim to dislike people at times, Steffi does enjoy going out, whether it’s to party in a huge crowd or hang out with one or two people. If she truly was all on her own, she wouldn’t have anyone to insult.

Most of her comments are in what she considers to be good fun, or at least not particularly malicious - if she truly wants to hurt someone, she won’t hesitate to use her powers to add weight to whatever she’s saying. Thankfully, this is a relatively infrequent occurrence.

In this vein, she frequently uses sarcasm and backhanded compliments when attempting to flirt. Somehow this has actually worked out reasonably well for her, though she tends not to stick around beyond the first few dates and has never had a relationship last for longer than six months. She’s rarely interested in anything serious and is usually the one to end the relationship, and is highly offended when it’s the other way around.

#icaria; intro #icariaintro

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absentialucis · 4 years ago

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NOW ACCEPTING BIDS FOR A DATE WITH WOLFGANG JAMISON

Son of Hypnos.

Writes for a living, working on his MFA at Icaria University.

Flirting is his favorite hobby.

@icariastarters

#throwing wolf in instead of millie #could be fun. could be back. time will tell #no one knows him so could be a lot of fun.#event: minotaur relief auction #( wolfgang jamison ) BIDDING AUCTION

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icariahq · 4 years ago

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Thanks for applying Emma! We look forward to seeing Odessa around the island. Make sure to send your blog in within the next 24 hours or reach out to us if you need an extension. Mary Kate Wiles is now taken.

(Mary Kate Wiles, cisfemale, she/her ) ⌇ have you seen Odessa Vega Drakos around icaria? they are the 28 year old child of Nyx. they remind me of the smell of insense burning, black lipstick, and sweet sarcasm. They’ve been on the island for 1 day. ( boo…jk its emma)

NAME / PRONOUNS | AGE | TIMEZONE Emma / she|her | 27 | EST

ROLEPLAYING EXPERIENCE

Uhh at least 10 years.

TRIGGERS

Uhhh I think the ones we have are the ones I’d put.

WHO ARE YOU BRINGING TO THE ISLE?

FACECLAIM: Mary-Kale Wiles NAME: Odessa Vega Drakos AGE:28 BIRTHDAY: 12-21-1991 OCCUPATION: Priestess of Nyx (probably not a real job but that’s what she’d say is her job) HOMETOWN: Pittsburgh, PA PETS: None POWERS: “Silence” She is able to use the shadows/darkness in order to silence someone’s power as long as she is within 50 feet of them. The further away they are the less her powers work. They are the strongest if she physically touches the person. She is able to work with shadows but that isn’t her strong point. She is best at night.

BIOGRAPHY:

Odessa Drakos knew from a small age that she was meant for greatness. Her family were generations of Nyx followers. Her grandmother (on her father’s side) was even a priestess for their sect. Ever since she was a little girl Odessa wanted nothing but to serve her mother in the same ways as her father’s family had for generations. Starting since she was a few months old her family told her she was going to be important and going to serve her mother in similar ways as members of her family did before her.

When she was 7 years old she started preforming ceremonies with then current priestess of her sect. They taught her all of the rituals and rights of passage a priestess of Nyx. As she grew up Odessa became more and more confident to the point of being a bit over confident. She knew that she was perfect in her imperfection and that gave her power.

When she was 16 she was allowed to become a training priestess officially. She practiced her powers more than before and traveled to different followers of Nyx to see how their sects customs worked. She quickly grew in popularity with a lot of followers. Dessa loved all the attention that her new role had given her. She embraced her mother’s love of night and the dark but generally going out in mostly dark clothing. Odessa was inspired by women especially women in gothic movies/shows. She loved how powerful they looked and that’s what she wanted to be.

Dessa never went to public school and was always seen as an outsider to most of the people of the public. It didn’t help that she knew that she was better than just about everyone around her. Minus of course her mother, but no one could be better than her. She spent all of her adult life following the whim and orders of her mother and she would have it no other way. When it was time for her to move to a different set of followers she simply picked up and carried on.

Now she was asked to come to Icaria to help figure out just went wrong. Odessa planned to find out exactly what happened and was going to do whatever it took to make things right. She of course was the most popular almost high priestess of Nyx and only in her 30s. She was smart, witty and stubborn. No one was going to get in her way. Ever.

ANYTHING ELSE:

Hiii! This is my Wednesday Addams/April Ludgate Love child.

#icaria: accepted #submission

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chloevara · 4 years ago

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Too Close for Comfort // Varapark

July 16, 2020 || After the Gazette reported Noelle’s best friend Ava missing, Chloe rushed over to Noelle’s to make sure that she was okay.

@icarialex

chloe

Chloe had shifted around other prior obligations as soon as she had heard the news (and it wasn't good news). She hadn't thought twice about it before going on autopilot, and showing up at Noelle's front door. It probably would have been wise to text first, but she put that thought out of mind as she knocked frantically and loudly on the door- enough for her knuckles to hurt. Would she answer?

noelle

The world was truly cruel was the conclusion Noelle had come to after sitting in her house, in the dark, crying. She never listened to that stupid radio show, but she’d decided to turn it on that morning to have background noise as she began stretching for her workout. It was then that she heard the news. Ava, her best friend, and for the longest time only confidant, was missing. How was that possible? Yes, she knew there were people that had been disappearing around the island, but she’d been naive. Like so many, she never thought it could affect her life. Now, she didn’t know what to do. Her hands were shaking with electricity vibrating on her fingertips as she let tears run down her face.

The loud banging on her door made her head snap up. Not caring about her appearance, Noelle moved slowly towards the door. If it was someone who she didn’t care to see, she could let out some of the agony currently coursing through her. When she opened the door though, her body went from it’s menacing stature that she held for appearance to one of vulnerability. Chloe. She should have known the sweet, caring woman would make her way over to check on her. “Chlo,” she whispered as she leaned her weight against the door to hold her up. She was suddenly feeling weaker and had the oddest urge to just bang her fists against anything to make the world listen to her pain. “I — I don’t know what to do,” she admitted.

chloe

Chloe knew sometimes that she absorbed others' emotive energy- not for any particularly magical reason, bit that was just how it was. It took all of her effort not to fall into am absolutely devastated state when she saw how Noelle reacted to her arrival. Or to the announcement that Ava was gone. There was a lot going on, clearly.

"Hey, I'm here," she said in a small voice, stepping forward and trying to help Noelle support her weight. "You sit down and drink some water is what you do." Not good to mention that tears were draining. "Let me help."

noelle

Leaning on someone in any sense was not Noelle’s forte. Truthfully, she’d never liked the idea of needing people before because if they left the pain felt would be devastating. That was never a risk she was interested in. Still, she found herself leaning against Chloe and kicking her door shut with her foot as she moved back into her home towards the couch. “I — you,” she started in between hiccups from crying. No one had ever seen her cry besides her mother when her grandmother died. This was all new, uncharted territory. “Don’t you have work? Or something? I don’t want to bother.” The last thing she wanted was to take her — Chloe away from something important. She had to pull it together. Life had to keep on moving. Weeping like a lost child wasn’t going to help anyone or fix anything. None of it would bring her friend back.

chloe

"All that really matter was a brunch meeting. I could do those in my sleep. You're what matters right now," Chloe said evenly, gesturing for Noelle to stay put while she unearthed a water bottle from her bag. She knew very well by now that Noelle was pretty bad at relying on other people, and had figured that insisting on results was the only way to accomplish any sort of help. Breathing carefully, she held out the water. "Your house was sparking. Will this be safe?"

noelle

This was the second time that Chloe had shown up when Noelle was in trouble, and that didn’t go unnoticed. In fact, it was becoming welcomed. It felt nice to have someone care about her so much, and that was one of the things the event planner had asked to be allowed to do. “Okay,” she replied after sniffling a little. Gods, she probably looked like a mess. When she heard her house was sparking, her eyes widened slightly as she looked at her hands. Thankfully, she’d been in enough of a right mind to not accidentally shock Chloe. Closing her eyes, she evened her breathing as much as she could to get better control over her turbulent emotions. “There,” she said after a few moments before accepting the water. “I can’t believe you came in here. I’d hate myself if I ever hurt you.”

chloe

Chloe bit down in her lip, now doing her best not to break into sympathetic tears. Ava (and everyone, really) disappearing was deeply disturbing to Chloe, but it had not quite shaken her yet. "I didn't think that you would hurt me either. Maybe I was just seeing things, though. Sometimes that happens." There was always going to be room for doubt when she had a tendency to jump to conclusions. "I'll always be there for you if you let me. Sometimes even when you don't explicitly let me. Directions aren't always clear. But do you want to talk? Sit? Be fed?"

noelle

“I doubt you were seeing things,” Noelle replied after swallowing a sip of water. “I’ve been known to do that before. I’m just happy you’re okay.” Showing care and concern for certain people came with the territory the closer someone got to Noelle. With her siblings she even initiated affections which was definitely weird when it first happened. As she thought about the words that were coursing through her mind, the vet bit her lip before saying, “I want you here. I didn’t even realize that I would until you were here, but I do.” One thing Ava had told her was to be more honest about her emotions, so she was trying. It was the least she could do, so when the woman came back, Noelle could say she actually listened for once. “Talking and sitting are good. I’m thankfully off today. I don’t think I’d do anyone much good at work right now,” she said as she slumped back against the couch and curled her legs beneath herself. “Thank you by the way.”

chloe

Rubbing one of her thumbs nervously, Chloe nodded a few times. "I'm fine. Today, uhm, is the one day that you don't need to worry after my feelings." Seeing Noelle (and her house, apparently) this rattled was disturbing.

She perched on her side of the sofa, and kept her tone level. "You're welcome. I couldn't stand the idea that you were alone." Chloe hadn't really imagined that Noelle would have stayed at work for long after hearing about what happened to one of her people, but Chloe was relieved all the same that there were no prior obligations. There weren't any big events to worry about today- just some prep meetings pushed until the next day and some people using the space. If Icaria Hall caught fire because she wasn't on hand, then she would take full responsibility. "So we can try talking. It's scary, so I'm afraid to broach the topic and say the wrong thing about your friend whom I don't know well."

noelle

Usually Noelle didn’t worry about many people, but that was becoming increasingly difficult to do when it came to the woman across from her. She was used to having concern for the well being of those that she cared about to an extent, but she was quickly finding that it was different with Chloe. “I’m finding it harder and harder to not worry about your feelings. It’s hard for me to be selfish around you,” she said with a small shrug. “Alone used to be my default setting. Then this really beautiful woman came into my life and starting turning things upside down,” she said with the tiniest smile she could muster. Her mind was okay with flirting, with being close because it allowed her to stay away from the dark corners in her head. Noelle couldn’t let her mind worry about whether or not Ava was okay. Her friend had to be. “It’s scary. This whole thing is terrifying, but I don’t think you’ll say the wrong thing, Chlo. Everything you do comes from a good place which is always a great start. I just — I can’t think she’s not okay. I need to know that she’s coming home because that brat got me used to having her in my life, and I’m not prepared to lose that.”

chloe

"This one of times that I want you to be very, very selfish. I'm giving you permission to be upset, and say uncomfortable things as long as they're not very mean to me." Chloe leaned in, not wanting to be too tempted into physical contact before they were done talking. While she was a touchy person, now was not the time to be tempted by compliments, in large part because she still wasn't confident she would say all the right things. All she could do was say what she believed. "I can't give you anything definite. And I feel bad for that. I think everything as a whole will end up okay. Somebody is going to get to the bottom of this and fix it. Maybe even my new centaur friend that we discovered did not fit very well through my door, and therefore could not become my new roommate." Chloe noticed that she was starting to cry now, but hoped it wasn't noticeable.

noelle

Noelle shook her head lightly in response to Chloe’s words. “There is never a good reason to be mean to you no matter the circumstance. I can’t say I’ll be perfect at that, but I don’t like taking my anger out on people who mean a lot to me. It’s not fair,” she explained quietly. Her voice was still dry, so she took another sip of water in the hopes that it would help. Her father always took his moods out on others. Actually, he placed all his feelings, expectations, and disappointments on someone’s back until it broke. “As amazing as you are, I don’t think any of us can give promises like that, but I hope you’re right. I’ve known her for about eight years now,” she began before Ava’s words once again rang through her mind. One of the last pieces of advice she’d gotten from her friend was to be honest about how their relationship started. Noelle didn’t know if it was the sorrow of Ava being gone, or her agreeing that it was the right thing to do, but she began talking. “We actually started as friends with benefits. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. It’s not because it was something I wanted to keep a secret, but I honestly don’t even see it as significant. It ended years ago.”

chloe

Chloe shrugged. "I didn't say mean. Just selfish. Telling me about your feelings even though it seems uncomfortable and I won't really understand right away." She knew that she wasn't anything half as helpful as Ava (duh, therapist for a living), but she had to try. Chloe was taken aback at that last statement. It seemed a little out of left field, and even more uncomfortable than she had anticipated. She could not help but be a little jealous, but couldn't really fault Noelle for being friends with her ex... sleeping partner. When things weren't this messy, she tried to befriend her exes. Eight years, though... "Okay. Uhm. So feelings for her are one hundred percent platonic now? Or familial? Either is okay. Just... That is not what I expected." Chloe felt she had a right to be a little selfish for just a second and ask that question. Just because she was there to comfort Noelle did not mean that she could pretend that everything tangentially related to relationship health made sense.

noelle

A chuckle left Noelle’s lips because she couldn’t help it. She’d definitely listened to Chloe and made things uncomfortable. Perhaps that’s how she reacted to tragedy or sadness. The vet rambled and was much more open than she’d ever usually be comfortable with. “Ava told me I should tell you. It was one of the last pieces of advice she gave me because she knew I wouldn’t think to,” she explained sadly. The woman knew Noelle well. Not completely, but she knew her enough that she could guess how she’d react or feel about most things. “One hundred percent platonic. We haven’t been physical since we were in Thailand years ago. I’m new to this — building a relationship thing, but you should know you’re the only person I even wanted to try with. So, my feelings for you kind of dwarf those I’ve ever had for anyone else,” she said with a shrug. “We never wanted anything more. Being best friends is all we’ve ever wanted, and since Ava can see strings she knew mine didn’t lead to her in any color but friendship.” Hopefully that would provide comfort. While people could lie about their feelings and intentions, the strings that lied between people didn’t. Noelle didn’t see the point in lying though. That would just waste time for both people involved.

chloe

Chloe was a little baffled that this had never occurred to Noelle to mention before. She could understand it being uncomfortable about it but not ever bringing it up? "Noelle, I- uhm, at this point I really appreciate Ava, then. Uh. If you have any other friends that you want me to meet, could you give me a heads up beforehand if you've slept with them?" Chloe made a mental note that this went both ways, but thought it a small chance that she would do many fun hangs with any of her exes soon. Ulani wasn't exactly someone she was thrilled for Noelle to meet. "I'm not exactly upset. Confused, though. Anyway, it's more than a touch flattering to be the only one you've considered. Do you want to talk about anything else?"

noelle

“Oh well that won’t happen because she’s the only one, so you’re in the clear,” she answered numbly. A part of her wanted to ask if that was going to be with Ava going forward, but the words stopped in her throat. She was glad that Chloe wasn’t upset though. That was something that she didn’t know if she could handle right then. “I — I just want my friend back,” she said as she looked down at the hands on her lap. “She’s family. She was the first family I made when ties were cut with mine. How the hell could she go and get herself kidnapped? What was she doing,” she asked in frustration. How could she have gotten involved in something so dangerous and stupid? Nothing made sense. “We’re in trouble. I — what if something happened to you? I feel so helpless. What are we supposed to do?” Asking so many questions was not typically in her nature, but she couldn’t just act like she had all the answers. Not with this.

chloe

"And this really never occurr- Never mind. There's no replacing someone in your life that's so important to you. I don't know what she was doing. Hopefully being safe," Chloe sighed, trying to to think too hard about the details. Sometimes her imagination went a little wild in a distressing way. What was she even supposed to say? "Nothing so bad's happened to me ever really. I'm not sure if there's anything we can do unless you want to try honing our investigation skills. If it helps, I'm very, very good at finding threading needles." That did not probably help very much, no. Oh well.

noelle

“Nuh uh,” she said with a light shake of her head at the woman beside her. “Finish your thoughts, Chlo. I always want to hear them.” Noelle didn’t know what made the event planner so scared of of sharing her thoughts and feelings. Whatever it was, she wanted to kick it because no one should have to worry so much. “I just don’t know what I’m supposed to do. Am I supposed to just go back to normal and wait?” That seemed ridiculous, but she honestly couldn’t become some weird version of inspector freaking gadget. Plus, she didn’t even have the gadgets! Noelle would rock them if she did though. “Can you stay tonight? Or me with you? I just — you know what, it’s okay, I’ll be fine,” she said with a shake of her head. What was she doing? She never asked things like that. She didn’t do vulnerable.

chloe

"I'm still stuck on how you didn't think to tell me that you'd slept with your best friend who you'd talked up to me so much. I know that we're different people, but it's still strange," Chloe sighed, pulling her legs up to hug them. She bit down on the corner of her lip accidentally until it hurt. Bad choice, even if the pain was only momentary. "I don't know if there's any such thing as normal, or if there's a supposed to. But of course I'll stay over. I don't care whether or not you think you're fine. If you want me here, or you want to go to mine, then that's what will happen. Maybe we can cook together tonight. And I could wake up early in the morning and make you breakfast?"

noelle

Noelle’s brow furrowed at the comment, but not in a way that was upset. Truthfully, she was just trying to wrap her mind around her comment and find the best way to respond. “I know typically people keep that a secret for very shady reasons, but that’s not how I am. If I grow feelings for someone else, I’d tell you. If I didn’t want this, I’d tell you and respect that you’re the strong, independent woman with big feelings that you are who could handle it. I don’t tip toe. The only reason I didn’t mention it is because it’s so insignificant to my present which is you, but I see how it could upset you, and I’m sorry,” she said in more words than she’d used in months. “I think your rambling is contagious,” were her next words that were accompanied with a nudge of the woman’s legs with her foot. “Is this what you taking care of me is like? Because that sounds like everything and can get pretty addicting.”

chloe

"Okay.... Thanks for the explanation." Shifting her weight, Chloe considered the contents of the monologue. It alarmed her that Noelle might wind up with feelings for someone else. Was that possessive for someone that still seemed reluctant to take on the girlfriend monker? "Hey..." Chloe whimpered when she was nudged, not quite expecting that after being told that her tendency not to shut up was apparently spreading. At least she knew that she was being teased here. "Pretty much like that. I can't sleep very well. Or don't need to sleep much. It's unclear. Anyway, I have a lot of time in the morning to do things for you. I like certain chores..."

noelle

Arching and eyebrow, Noelle lifted herself up from leaning against the back of the couch to lean over and lightly grab Chloe’s ankles. Lightly, she tugged on them to stretch the woman’s legs across her lap. “Do you feel better? If not, what can I do to make you feel better,” she asked genuinely. It was obvious that she would misstep a few times throughout this process because she was as elegant as a baby horse taking it’s first steps, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t work to correct them. “How’d I get a woman like you to like a grump like me,” she asked as she tilted her head to lean against her shoulder. It really didn’t make sense. “Hmm, can I bribe you to stay in bed longer and rest if I give you cuddles? I love breakfast, but I want you to take care of you too.” Noelle wasn’t a late sleeper anyway, so they’d rarely be in bed together past ten unless it was for very adult activities. “Also, I need to know these favorite chores of yours.”

chloe

Chloe let herself be moved around, although she did make a few mumbly noises through the process because she was not used to this sort of treatment. Also she hadn't really expected it either. "If you tell me what time you want to cuddle me, I can come back and cuddle you. You clearly overestimate how much sleep I get," Chloe said, wrapping her arms around Noelle's upper body affectionately. The idea of having to stay in bed waiting to cuddle made her anxious. What was she supposed to do with hours of stillness? "I like organizing things in general. Less scrubbing, more putting things back where they go or finding a better place for them to go."

noelle

“You’re silly,” she said affectionately when she realized how Chloe took her words. “I’m an early riser too. I usually can’t sleep past seven, but I may overestimate how much sleep you get. Just know that I might try to pull you back into bed when you go to move, but I’ll eventually let you go,” she said with a small shrug. Trying to hide how affectionate she could be at night was pointless. Plus, she knew it would make the other woman happy to know. Physical touch was a big part of who the event planner was, and she was finding that she enjoyed the warmth it brought her coming from Chloe. Noelle allowed herself to ease into Chloe’s embrace and let out a sigh. “Just promise you’ll tell me where you put stuff when you’re here.” If not, she’d be calling the woman to find things more often than necessary. “I feel guilty. I’m here being comforted by you, but should I feel comfort? But there’s nothing I can do but hope she’s okay. Is there a way you could lend me some of that optimism you always carry?”

chloe

Chloe could not help but giggle a little, wondering how everything had almost worked out too perfectly. "I usually sleep around four hours, six if I'm really messed up. I'm not sure how that aligns with you, but I can always come back around six-thirty to cuddle you." An invitation to cuddle was pretty difficult to turn down. "Noelle, you are allowed to be comforted. I didn't know your friend that well, but I know she wants you to be okay based on... Everything I know? You can keep me around to help but I can't make you think anything. That unfortunately is on you."

noelle

The woman’s eyes widened at the idea of only needing four hours of sleep. Back in college that was her usual, but now that she worked full time she definitely needed more like six or feel human. “I need what you need when you’re messed up usually,” she said with a small smile. “So I don’t know if I’ll fall asleep before you or wake up later, but whichever works. Although, if you ever want me up with you, there are certain wake up tactics that will work every time.” She was debating whether she should give away those secrets, or make Chloe work for them. After all, working to learn things was more fun. “You’re right. I just wish there was a way to know that she’s okay. But, thank you for rushing over here. You’re always here when I need you even before I ask you to be.”

chloe

Chloe nodded, wondering if she was missing out on something by not trying to sleep more. Oh well. At least it sounded like Noelle would keep her waiting for too long to keep her company. Having the dark hours of the morning to herself was nice, but they got lonely after dragging on for so long. "I'll come running whenever you ask me to. If I'm too much, just... let me know? I know I'm a lot, but I can't stand the idea of not trying to be there. I'm sure I'm not the only one that you can lean on, but I don't want there to be nobody for you to go to ever. Am I talking in circles? Sorry. But, I don't know, let me know if I'm too nosy."

noelle

“What makes you think you’re a lot,” she asked genuinely. Noelle knew she wasn’t kind to most people, but with the woman beside her she was different. There was a soft spot in her heart for Chloe, and she knew she’d be beyond pissed if anyone ever made her feel like anything was wrong with her. “I doubt I’m even close to scratching the surface on things Chloe Vara, but from what I’ve seen you’re pretty perfect. At least to me,” she said with a shrug of her shoulders. Now that they were communicating better, and she didn’t have to guess why the event planner was always a bundle nerves. If Noelle asked a question, the woman was usually forthcoming now which was great. “Ask whatever you want, and be as nosey as you want. You’re one of a handful of people in the world who has that green light with me without fear of getting electrocuted. You should use it.”

chloe

A strange look crossed Chloe's face. "Most people? I've gotten broken up with before because of it. I come on really strong. But you seem to like that at least for now," she said, knitting her forehead as she dwelled on that conflicted expression. "Nobody's really perfect. You don't have to flatter me that much. I've been told all of my faults enough times. I know the good parts too, though, I think. I'm just not perfect." Chloe nibbled on her lip thoughtfully. "Do you... miss me when I'm not with you?"

noelle

“You don’t though,” she said with a furrowed brow. “At least with me you didn’t. In fact, you were hyper aware of what made me comfortable and put aside what you wanted until you were a tiny bundle of nerves that I poked to tell me what was wrong.” That was definitely not coming on strong. Noelle has experienced girls who came on strong. They barged in with expectations and dreams without even trying to see if two people really would work. Those people never had the patience to deal with Noelle and wait for her to open up when she was ready. “Also, no one is perfect which is why I corrected it at the end. You seem perfect to me which doesn’t mean I have lofty expectations. We will fight, probably cry, and yell, but that’s okay. I’ll probably still like you then,” she said with a shrug. She’d just need to cool down really. There were very few things that were on the list of unforgivables for her really. “I do,” she said with a nod. “I’ve actually been working on gathering the courage to say that to you, but every time I text it I feel like an absolute sap,” she said with a light laugh.

chloe

It wasn't difficult for her head to start spinning with possible explanations. Overcompensating, a misunderstanding, it would get worse later on... In her own head, Chloe wasn't going to easily agree that she was anything but too much. "I, uhm, am really not looking forward to fighting. I'm very bad at arguments. It's almost always laughable in hindsight." She still did not quite get what perfect was supposed to mean, but as long as she was on Noelle's good side... Hopefully if Noelle ever wanted to end things, it would be gentle. Chloe kept worrying at her lip, not really sure if it was a good or bad thing that she had not come on so strong this time around. "You know I don't mind sappy, right? Send me all of your sweet messages! Send me anything. I know it's not the same as Ava, but I will literally respond to anything." She wasn't kidding. Fielding strange messages was one of her favorites.

noelle

“If you were looking forward to fighting I’d be a little worried,” she replied. Even she, who was considered a confrontational person, wouldn’t look forward to a a fight with her person. Noelle was getting closer to being okay with the word girlfriend in her mind which was good progress. “Unless you’re looking up to the making up after. But, it’ll be alright. I usually just need to walk away to cool down so I don’t say anything hurtful, but I’ll come back.” Walking away was almost a given if things got too heated. She’d done that with most people, and since she hated the idea of hurting Chloe, she was sure she’d react the same. “I’m glad you’re not Ava because I like Chloe. Plus, I didn’t send Ava sappy, sweet messages,” she said with a light laugh. “This is just a you thing. Ava and I spend half of our time making fun of each other. Totally different. But, I do miss you when I’m not with you. It’s a new feeling. One I’m not sure how to navigate because I worry about wanting you around too much,” she said honestly. That was something she’d get annoyed about with other women, and there she was contemplating asking Chloe over after a night at work. Totally weird, but it was nice too.

chloe

Chloe made another face- a grimace this time. "No, uhm, that's okay. I don't really look terribly forward to make-up sex. Because something upsetting had to come before it." It just didn't sound like a good idea. "Well I don't know exactly what you talk about with your friends! I don't look at your phone. I only know my dad's passcode because he makes me help him set up technology. Even though he knows better..." She shook her head in disapproval. Sometimes her dad was so ridiculous; it wasn't as if he was even computer illiterate. Anyway, she was getting very sidetracked. "I want you to want me around. And for it to feel a little different than with your friends. That's sort of why I asked. If it's weird, I'm really sorry, but when you're not there I miss how it feels to have you holding my hand or smiling at me because you think I did something cute. Can't make you stop worrying, but I don't think it's a bad thing to miss me. We can talk about new feelings whenever you want. Nothing would really make me happier than to know you want me around, honestly."

noelle

There were very few people in the world that were as wholesome as Chloe. The woman wasn’t naive, but she was just inherently good. “What makes you feel better after fights?” Noelle wanted to know because after the dust settled she wanted to be able to take care of Chloe. The woman did such a good job taking care of her, that she wanted to reciprocate the gesture. Well, as best as she could. “Oh you could look at my phone,” she said with a shrug. “I leave it around all the time. I’ve gotten better at having it near me for you, but yeah I don’t care much about that thing. People in my life would probably appreciate it if you answered when it rings,” she said with a chuckle. Noelle was horrible at keeping up with her cell. If people wanted to reach her, they were usually better physically finding her. “It’s not weird,” she reassured. “Before I feared someone feeling things for me the way you do because I had never wanted for someone to become a fixture in my life. Reciprocating those feelings weren’t something I ever did until you,” she explained. It was always interesting trying to have someone understand how she used to look at relationships. Very few people understood her pessimism towards them, but there she was trying one. “I thought about asking you over or heading over to you twice this week after work, so I definitely want you around. You’re really nice and warm to be around, both literally and figuratively,” she teased at the end.

chloe

Chloe shifted in her seat, and tried to think about what made her feel better after a fight. Before she could think too much, she explained, "More interested in apologies and cuddling. Maybe some time apart so that I can process what I'm feeling while baking. I stress bake. Do you ever stress cook?" Chloe also morning baked, event baked, and bored baked. There were a lot of excuses to put feelings into dough or decorating. "I- Your phone is private. I don't want to dig around even if you say it's okay." She was nosy enough as is without a time-stamped record of phone calls and internet search history. "If you miss me, I'm just a text away to keep you warm and snuggly, okay? I'll never judge you about that. I'm trying really, really hard not to overwhelm you at this stage, though." Chloe was afraid that this maybe-relationship was going to end like all the other ones, with this one closing before it even began. "And I'm here for you tonight, okay?"

noelle

A smile formed on the vet’s face at the mention of Chloe processing things via baking. At least after fights when they fixed things there would be delicious baked goods to eat. “I do stress cook,” she said with a nod. “And clean. But good to know. After cooling down, cuddles and apologies. Got it.” That would be easy enough to remember at least. Jealousy was a nasty thing, and she knew it was even harder for people who are naturally nosey. Still, Chloe turned it down which was sweet in a way. “Well, can I count on you to ask me if you’re curious about something? Don’t let it fester. I’m pretty sure that makes worrying worse.” Noelle didn’t care what the problem. While she could be mean, the woman never made fun of the feelings of others. That was a type of cruel she didn’t mess with. “Just out of curiosity, if you didn’t hold back right now, how would you act? I mean, I’m guessing you got hurt rather badly before, and that’s made you think that things that are so naturally you are bad for relationships, but I kind of want to know. I want to know because maybe, just maybe, I’ll think differently than whoever has hurt you.” It wasn’t so out of the realm of possibility. After all, Chloe got Noelle to feel things she never had before, so she had to be special. Plus, she’d already passed the point of wanting to run from those feelings, and instead was at the place of being scared to lose the person making her feel things. “I’m glad you’re here.”

chloe

"Uh huh. I'm still usually crying at that point." Chloe was relieved that Noelle understood to some degree how she worked through things. While she didn't stress-clean very much, she did like to stress-organize, which was similar. Chloe nodded at the request, and shifted in her seat. She didn't really know what could prompt questions, but she didn't think this would be a very fun thought game. "It's- it's not their fault. If I- It's just easier to not tell you what I'm thinking at all times. But if I wasn't holding back? You wouldn't be able to get me to shut up. I can barely make up my mind on the best of days. I'd be a lot more affectionate. Probably more than you'd be okay with. We wouldn't be here right now because I wouldn't have slept with you more than once because I'd have told you that I want a relationship. So you would have turned me down. I'd send texts every night. Talked about- I'd have talked about..." Chloe was finding it incredibly difficult to stay calm about this. She was sure that Noelle would be okay or on the same page about some parts, but they came bundled up with 'too fast' words. "I would have told you where I wanted a relationship to go instead of stopping at how I want it to begin. Because- because I don't think the seriousness of my feelings should be gauged on how big the wedding is supposed to be. And I'd tell you all about my feelings for you without stopping before it sounds like too much."

noelle

“Crying is part of your process,” she said with a shrug. “You have so many feelings in that pretty body of yours that sometimes you’ve gotta cry. I get that. I electrocute things, you cry,” she said with a shrug and a smile. Different ways of coping, but still an external outbursts that were a way of trying to lessen the amount of emotions whirling beneath the surface. Noelle took her time to digest everything Chloe was saying. The woman was right in the sense that if she hadn’t held back they most likely wouldn’t be where they were which made her realize something really important. “You’re right. If you’d rambled all this after we first slept together, we wouldn’t be here right now, but that’s my baggage. I’d have missed out on an amazing woman, so while part of me is glad you held off, I’m also sad. I’m sad that I wasn’t mature and open enough to start having feelings for you being completely yourself.” Noelle had been told that one day she’d feel the way she was describing. She used to think people were just dumb, hopeless romantics that couldn’t accept her being happy alone, but they were right. Eventually, she’d find someone that would make her think maybe. “I like your cuddles, kisses, and hand holding, so your affection should be okay. I’m not tending up anymore, and I initiate it because I want to be touching you. Weddings are over rated. I’m not someone who cares about them either way, so I understand you there. But just, you accept me completely. You deal with me being a grump, meaner than you understand, and very slow on progress emotionally. So, let me accept you,” she asked with a tilt of her head. It wasn’t fair that Noelle had the freedom of not having to worry, but Chloe did.

chloe

"Should I invest in some good insulated gloves?" Chloe asked seriously. The hazard level wasn't known to her. Chloe was not entirely sure whether crying and electrocution were particularly effective techniques... She was still pretty worried if Noelle's electronics would be okay. It wasn't... Fun to hear that everything had only worked out because of her pain, but Chloe had more or less known. She was still trying to figure out what the correct level of no-filter was. "I only want to get married if my dad's there and there's no party or ceremony. I know, sounds weird for me to say it. Weddings are the only party I refuse to plan. They're always some kind of disaster. Also I always cry at them even when I don't know the couple." Sighing dramatically, Chloe shifted her position so that she was even more on top. "You're progressing very well, I promise. It's sort of difficult not to be weak when you keep getting sweeter. I don't really understand how that happens, but I won't complain."

noelle

If Noelle ever let her electricity get out of control to the point that she hurt Chloe, the vet would never forgive herself. She had worked hard to make sure her anger didn’t get her to that place. “No, I won’t hurt you with my power. That’s an easy promise for me to make.” Trees, random patches of sand, and soda cans are another story. They aren’t safe along with certain very annoying humans. “That doesn’t sound weird,” she said with confusion lacing her tone. “I mean, I’m not going to lie and say I’ve spent loads of time thinking of my perfect wedding, but I’ve never seen the point of the big ones. The loads of money, huge guest list, and all the complications is rather unnecessary to me. You’re taking a day that’s meant to celebrate love and turning it into stress.” When Chloe moved to cuddle closer, Noelle maneuvered her arm so she could wrap it around the woman and have it rest on her hip. “Are you happy? I mean, are you really happy or just being patient in hopes of being happy? Because as much as I like you, I don’t want you to be unhappy.”

chloe

"I trust that you won't," Chloe said, confident enough to accept this promise. Her own powers were a non-issue at this point when it came to control, but they were also not especially powerful or dangerous. Noelle's didn't seem especially built for safety, but the conviction meant something. "I wouldn't have expected you to have a dream wedding in mind, but I think people expect that from me." Chloe made another weird, exasperated noise, and just kept lessening personal space. "I'm happy that you like me after all, and that it doesn't seem like a horrible burden for you to meet me halfway. I'm happy with trapa- Not trapezoid. Trepidation. I want to build something that lasts with you. If that's okay?"

noelle

“Just because you’re an event planner for a living,” she asked curiously. “That’s silly. Sure you love your job, but that also means you know more about what goes into it than anyone else. If anyone was to caution against it, I guess I’d see them as someone in your position. That’s just me though.” Noelle didn’t see things with hopeless romantic glasses on. She didn’t understand the women that spent their days fantasizing about their big wedding. To her the thing that should have the move attention devoted to it would be the relationship being celebrated by the wedding. “That’s okay,” she said before placing a kiss on Chloe’s cheek. “Is it okay for us to just veg out watching a movie or show until dinner? I’m sure we can scrounge something up together with what’s in my kitchen.”

chloe

"Probably... But I'm really, really not a wedding planner! It's on my website that I don't do weddings. Everyone who dates me should read my website before going any further..." Chloe looked up in alarm. "Have you read up on my website yet? I- Never mind. That can wait." She didn't want to derail everything too far when she was supposed to be here to be comforting and patient. "Yeah. yes. Of course... Is it bad that I want to watch that silly Disney + movie for Christmas that has your name and Anna Kendrick? I haven't seen it before, but I've been sort of curious what your face will be like when we watch it... Sorry. If."

noelle

Noelle had no idea that rambling could be such a cute habit, but there she was smiling at Chloe as she talked a mile a minute. “I’ve read your website,” she said honestly to answer the question the woman obviously had pop into her mind. It went with the flow of conversation after all, and even though she wasn’t someone that could plan past girlfriend yet, she did know that was important to know. “And just so you know, not wanting a big wedding isn’t a deal breaker for anything. I wouldn’t care. It’s a piece of paper that doesn’t really change anything. People put way too much emphasis on it really.” It was seen as such a big milestone even though it rarely changed things anymore. Decades ago people didn’t move into together until marriage, and in some cases didn’t have sex either, so she understood it being seen as a big step. Now though, that wasn’t the case. “You want to watch Noelle,” she asked with a small laugh. “Sure, Chlo. The remote should be on the TV stand next to you. I know moving will be such a struggle since I make a very comfortable pillow,” she teased.

chloe

"Oh!!" By this point, Chloe was kicking herself. Of course Noelle was just that thorough. It made her breath get stutter for a moment at how much she liked being paid attention even while not present. Everything was almost too clandestine at this point, and she just hoped that Noelle didn't change her mind about wanting the too-big wedding if things progressed further. "Yeah, I want to watch Noelle. I always want to watch Noelle." Based on her goofy little grin, it was pretty apparent that Chloe was pleased with herself for that comment. "You're the best pillow I could have asked for, but I'm here for you today, so I'll be good and get the remote." Chloe shifted her position so she could press an affectionate but careless kiss to Noelle's chin, and then scrambled off to get the remote. Since this was not a terrible burden of a distance, she was not away for long before taking up more of Noelle's personal space once again while working to get the television on. "Basically whatever you want is yours today, okay? Okay. Buckle in for your Christmas movie."

noelle

The joke was so corny, but it was so adorable coming from Chloe. “You’re so cute, and I’m surprised you’re not tired of watching yet. You have access whenever you want to,” she replied and for once didn’t lace it in innuendo. Their time together was becoming about more than sex, and the veterinarian found herself appreciating it just as much. When Chloe settled back in against Noelle, she easily got comfortable. Cuddling was something she was quickly getting used to with the woman. Plus, it felt nice to make Chloe so happy. the woman thrived off of physical touch. “I just want you, so I’m good. Christmas in July is a thing, so let’s do this.”

#ch:np #icc #//if you can believe it we finished writing this july 21 but it does not seem to have been posted

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