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shepherds-of-haven · 3 years ago

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I was wondering if there was a blest equivalent of zodiac signs existing in the ShoH world. Like is there a star sign or season that alludes to a person’s character? I know that in the game the season in which the mc is born does give some stat boost so I was curious! And if so which characters believe in them, take them with a grain of salt, or just flat out ignore them? I can imagine that mimir would take them very seriously if they do exists!

Also, I’m not sure if you’ve answered this but what are some common fairytales in blest? Is there a general story that is well known and popular like how cinderella is widely known to us?

Hi there, thanks for the great question! As far as I know, there isn't really a 1:1 equivalent to star signs or zodiac signs in Blest! There are, like, certain circumstances and omens that are ascribed to people's birth circumstances, some of which include stars, but it's more explicitly superstitious and descriptive of the course a person's life might take, rather than a description of their overall personality, if that makes any sense?

For example:

Blade - born to new snows and a crescent moon, nighttime, beginning of winter: will be a warrior, thought to portend a long, proud, bloody life full of honorable deeds

Trouble - born in the heat of summer, in the middle of the day: potential to either burn out fast or have extreme resilience and outlive many peers

Tallys - born at dawn to the sounds of birds chirping: not much to be said, pretty normal circumstances, might have a tendency for wisdom and having clarity, but not particularly strong signs

Shery - born in spring on a rainy (but not stormy) day: destined to have a peaceful, quiet life, with likely a happy disposition

Riel - born on a fall day when the Polar Candle is clearly visible even during the day: destined to be blisteringly intelligent but shunned and misunderstood by peers

Chase - born under an autumn harvest moon: potential to have extremely good luck or grave misfortune

Red - born during the day, under the Dayspear constellation (Narthax): destined to be an agent of justice and firm with the lines between right and wrong, can be interpreted as being wise

Ayla - born at a blood-red dawn when the Pelinel constellation still visible in the sky: will have a fighter's life, full of hardship, violence, and survival, but will endure endlessly

Halek and Naolin - born under two blue moons with both moons at their fullest, twins: will lead a life of incredible change and destiny, once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, potential to become legends

Briony: - born in spring, morning, with the Tholjass constellation particularly bright throughout the night before: will be a strong fighter with an important social network - links to others are important, or blessed to be surrounded by important loved ones

Lavinet - born in spring, daytime, within a week of the first apple blossoms appearing: will be blessed with great charisma and charm

As you can see, some of these 'omens' fit, and others don't really! There are whole books that are devoted to figuring some of this stuff out, and a lot of it is sort of "pick-and-choose"--like you can conveniently be like "oh that constellation doesn't look THAT visible" if you don't like your baby's omen gfldggf--so it's not really taken that seriously except by superstitious people, particularly small, insular communities with strong ties to past pagan beliefs or ancestral cultures. In the modern day, and especially in big cities, it's not something that's really noted at a baby's birth unless you already believe in that sort of thing.

It's noteworthy that there are also a LOT of bad omens as well as just neutral/vague ones, and the bad omens tend to be more noticed than the good. So if it's like, "Hey, my baby was born in spring, she's gonna be super charismatic!!" it's like "oh! how cool!" But as soon as a baby is born under a blood moon, everyone in the neighborhood is like "YO. Wasn't Teko's kid coming today? The mom is already in labor?? She better hold it in or that baby is going to be destined to be INSANE or a MURDERER"

The baby's not going to be, like, shunned or actually treated poorly for their birth signs, but it will always be that bit of juicy gossip to be passed around in very insular communities, typically by neighborhood wives who want to shit-talk, but few actually like really believe it, if that makes any sense! "There goes Ylissa... Did you know her first was born under a blood moon? *sip tea*" "😲 you're lying..."

As for how each RO feels about these signs and omens, it's basically:

Blade: neutral/indifferent, does not believe in them but does not care or pay attention at all if others do

Trouble: neutral/indifferent, mildly interested when people talk about them, in the way that you ask each other what fortune cookie you got when you're at a restaurant together

Tallys: believes in them to a certain degree: like if someone's baby was born under a blood moon, she'd be like "hm. that's unfortunate" but she's not going to be like "NO. You can't be wise, you were born under the sign for stupidity!!!" In other words, she's not actively thinking about it much and it's more in a passing, shallow sense!

Shery: she like sort of believes in them, sort of doesn't? It's like a fun little icebreaker and she has cognitive bias to believe the ones that are more positive or seem to fit the person better, like wow Blade's seems pretty accurate! But she doesn't whole-heartedly believe in them in any concrete way!

Riel: despises them, especially his. He's smart because he worked to become smart, not because some stupid moon or whatever foretold it!!! stop taking credit for his decisions, moon!!!

Chase: DESPISES his, actively will not talk about it. automatically dislikes anyone who takes the birth signs even a little seriously. (joking about them is okay, but sincere belief is a turn-off for him)

Red: doesn't believe in them at all and thinks they're all coincidental/conveniently vague enough to fit, but doesn't begrudge others if they believe in them and generally won't try to argue with it. Doesn't think his is accurate like at all

Ayla: has literally never even heard of them or thought of them in any meaningful way

Briony: kind of indifferent, she doesn't really like hers very much (if she knows it), she's interested to hear what others are as a fun conversation starter or an insight into their personalities, but does not believe they actually dictate or foretell anything

Lavinet: thinks they're mostly just superstition and doesn't pay much attention to them, but she'd get a little bit nervous if her baby was born to like a really bad omen before laughing it off

Halek: hates his birth sign and blames it for his position in life (his was taken VERY seriously by the Reach). Dislikes talking about it and checks out when other people talk about theirs. Ironically, he's checked out so much that he's forgotten what his birth sign ACTUALLY is and tells MC "it had something to do with the new moon or something" in the game, which is just... wrong lol

Naolin: more respectful about the birth sign and pretty much believes in it, because it would be a super weird coincidence for the first twins born in the Reach in 100 years or whatever to also be born under two perfect blue moons...

Also, yes, there are lots of famous fairytales in the world of Blest! Ironically, most of them have to do with actual fairies (sometimes/mostly spelled faerie or the Faerie) rather than a lot of our prince/princess/monarch fairytales. Some also circulate around angels, deals with demons, djinn, and--especially as the canon of the One-God became more prevalent--a lot of folk stories about saints, like in a Joan of Arc mythologizing sense!

I could swear I did a write-up on common fairytales--no?? Did I dream that or something?? There was a fox, and berries... or... hm. Anyway, I'll have to go hunting for that, but I hope that answers your questions!

#Shepherds of Haven #worldbuilding #fairytale #fairytales #long #long post #stars #constellations #birth sign #birth signs #zodiac #zodiac signs #omen #omens

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galactic-magick · 4 years ago

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Fake Enemies: Catwoman x Reader

Request: DCAU fic? You (the reader) are friends with Bruce and run into Selina/Catwoman. You have to stop her from stealing something but instead you fall in love with her. Thanks if you write this!

Summary: You start fighting crime in Gotham with Bruce, and find some unexpected love.

Words: 1200+

Warnings: none, maybe a couple swears and a dash of angst

Author’s Notes: This was really fun to write! Feel free to send in more BTAS requests!

You’ve been friends with Bruce for years, so it was only a matter of time before you found out about his little nighttime gig, and only a matter of time after that before you begged him to let you join him.

He reluctantly agreed, but now you go out with him whenever you can, and he’s trained you to fight and defend yourself. You have your own suit and mask and access to the computers, and some villains have started to take notice of your abilities.

Especially Catwoman.

You’ve fought her several times now, sometimes stopping her from stealing but never catching her. It’s almost like a game, and honestly you don’t really care or feel bad that you haven’t captured her. It’s not like her motivations are sinister, and damn is she pretty.

An observation you will never mention to Bruce, obviously. Heroes aren’t supposed to fall for the criminals after all, right? You wouldn’t want to end up like that poor Harley, constantly pining for the Joker even though he clearly doesn’t give a shit about her.

But still, your ears perk up a bit every time you hear that Selina’s the one causing trouble that night.

You hop into the Batmobile next to Bruce, slipping on your mask.

“Are you ready?” he asks.

“Of course,” you smile.

When you arrive at the destination, you spring out of the car and split up to different floors of the building. You go upstairs where some rare jewels are stored, most likely one of them was stolen.

You see a shadow move across the wall, and you run towards the source, but you don’t find anything.

“Well, hello,” you hear a smooth voice, and before you can turn your head she pushes you against the wall. “My favorite sidekick has come after me again, how sweet,”

“Just give it up, Selina,” you groan, shoving her off you. She obliges, tossing a diamond in her hand.

“Is this what you’re looking for?” she smirks. “I assure you I only stole it for admirable purposes,”

You reach for it, ducking a kick and a punch from her, “Look, I really don’t care about any of the stuff in here, I’m just doing my job. Plus you knocked out and injured two security guards to get in, and I’m pretty sure that’s an offense too,”

“We both work outside the law, honey, no need to act like it applies to us,” she shoves you to the ground. “You’re the one that should give it up. We’re not so different, you and I,”

You press your hands to the floor, slowly moving upright, “I just want to make Gotham a safer place, why don’t you?”

“This place will never be safe as long as there’s cowards and greed,” she sneers, lifting your chin and caressing your face, “When you finally realize that, feel free to come find me,” she releases it and slips out the window, just as Bruce runs up the stairs.

“She got away, I’m sorry,” you mumble.

“Are you hurt?”

“Just a few bruises and a little dizzy,” you rub your head.

“Well, the rest of the city seems pretty quiet tonight, you should get some rest,”

You nod, gazing out the window once more, the wind hustling through.

You wish you could say you brushed off your latest failure to stop Selina, but it keeps sticking in your mind. What if she’s right? What if everything you and Bruce are doing to help Gotham isn’t actually helping at all?

Sure, overall crime rates are down since the Dark Knight first showed up, but the big criminals are only getting stronger, and none of the root problems have been fixed.

You wait until a night Bruce doesn’t need you to head out on your own, and you make your way to the one place you think she could be.

There’s a few alleys in Gotham that you’ve spotted Catwoman in when she’s not causing any trouble. She likes to pet and feed the stray cats whenever she can, away from anyone who might bother her or them.

You stay in the shadows, not wanting to draw any attention to yourself. You slide along the walls and hear a familiar voice.

“Do my eyes deceive me?”

“I’m not here to fight you,” your hands go up in the air.

“Oh, I know you’re not,” she smiles, walking towards you. “So why are you here?”

“I just wanna talk,” you sigh. “Please,”

“Hmmm,” she circles around you. “Sure you don’t just like seeing me?”

“I-“

“No need to be embarrassed, you’re pretty cute yourself,”

“That’s not-“ you feel you face grow hot.

“Please, how long have we been at this?” she laughs. “I’m not the only one feeling it, am I?”

You stand still, but eventually you shake your head, “No,”

“Hmm,” she brushes some dust off your shoulder. “I see,”

Seeing each other becomes a regular occurrence after that.

You meet with each other whenever you can, and you help her to not get caught whenever you and Bruce have to go after her. It’s quite a lot of risk, but it’s worth it.

You fall for her harder every day, and now you can’t imagine a life without her. She’s compassionate and driven, she speaks her mind, and she loves you more than anyone has before.

You’re happier, more lively, and Bruce happens to notice.

“What’s been going on with you?” he asks one day.

“Nothing really,” you shrug.

“You know you can’t hide anything from me, I know you too well,”

You exhale, deciding to settle for a half-truth, “I’ve started dating someone, that’s all,”

“Are they treating you well?”

“Definitely,”

“Good. I’m glad someone’s making you happy,” he smiles. “But I sure hope you didn’t schedule a date tonight, there seems to be an issue downtown,”

You gaze at the beeping screen, alerting you of a security breech.

Well, not exactly, you think.

Just as you thought, it’s Selina, as well as a few other criminals teaming up together. She takes you aside as soon as she sees you, kissing you fervently.

“Missed you,” she sighs. “The Bat will be distracted with the others, shall we go?”

You nod excitedly.

“What’s going on here?” Bruce’s voice calls.

You freeze, stepping away from your girlfriend, lifting up your fists as if you were about to fight, “I got this, Batman,”

“No, you don’t,” he walks towards you, “I understand what’s going on now,”

“Please, let me explain-“

“You wanted to be a team, and you weren’t honest with me,” he says, glaring at Catwoman. “How many missions have you jeopardized over this?”

“Oh please, Batman, as if you wouldn’t do the same if you fell for me first?” Selina cackles. “They’ve done nothing wrong,”

Bruce is silent for a moment.

“I’ll see you later,” he mutters, flying off into the night.

Selina kisses your cheek, “Hey, at least he didn’t try to take me away from you,”

“You really think he’ll come around?” you ask. Bruce has never been mad at you before, and it breaks your heart to have broken his trust.

“Let’s just say we’re probably the least of his problems,” she laughs.

“You’re right,” you nod, turning to her to kiss her again. “It’ll all work out.”

#catwoman x reader #selina kyle x reader #btas #batman the animated series #catwoman #selina kyle #batman x reader #catwoman imagine #selina kyle imagine #dc #dc comics #dc imagine #dc comics imagine

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caffeineaddicted-noonie · 3 years ago

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Hello i hope you're having a great day and i wanted to ask for a matchup! Creepypasta romantic :)

I'm an enfp and december capricorn, idrk know what my sexuality is but any gender is fine! I'm around 170 cm i think,

Ive got shoulder length blue hair, green eyes and i'm a bit chubby, i like to wear comfortbale stuff so im mostly just in my pajamas all day lol but if i go out id like to look cool in a fairy grunge type of way yk

Personality;

I'm a pretty chill person, tho i can get annoyed fast (for example; if id be in a relationship with someone i wouldnt mind cuddles etc but if theyd want to be affectionate all the time id be a bit annoyed by that lol) so like yk there are some boundaries, im pretty much down to do anything fun either at night or in daytime it doesnt realky matter as long if its fun im both introverted and extroverted it depends on the situstion and who i'm with lol but overall ig im nice 😋

Stuff i like;

I'm gonna try and keep this short since i could go on and on about stuff i like haha

Art (drawing, digital art)

Music

Reading

Crochet

Greek mythology>

Sleeping ( i sleep alot so cuddling would be nice)

Playing videogames (fnaf, sally face, genshin impact, etc)

Cosplaying

My fav type of activities to do;

Walking around forests and listening to music

Theme parks>>>

Ice skating when there are barely any people

Swimming ( going to a beach or just in a river)

Swinging on swinfs at night its so comforting

Sleeping

watching series, anime, movies

My fav food is vegetable or chicken soup, pancakes and sushi! Its kinda basic but its so good, i love to talk about my interests like greek mythology alot so someone that would listen to that woukd be so nice, i'm not a very energetic person at day so i usually just vibe in my bed all day or i go out and do some fun stuff but jts different at nighttime so i'm usually up at night and vibe while drawing stuff :)

I hope this isnt too much i tried to keep it short 😰 so im sorry if its a bit long! But anyway thank you in advance! <3

ORAITY! Hemlo! I‘m sorry this took a long tme to post, it’s mainly because of I was unsure to match you up with who. Brain conflict? Maybe :D But it’s fine bc know it is complete! Yep! Now here it is

I MATCH YOU UP WITH

BEN DROWNED 👾

maybe it takes a moment log 1 - friends🌹

+ Ben and you, freinds. How? + Breakfast, cereals, you two. On a Monday morning, during breakfast, a single cereal box stood in the almost empty kitchen cupboard. Two pairs of eyes watched it. They look at each other. One had wheat blond hair and the other had blue hair. They both wondered if the cereal was enough for both. The blond looked at the other for a moment before walking towards the cupboard to take it. He struggles a bit due to standing on his tippy toes. After managinbg to grab it, two bowls were in his hands and he puts them down on the counter. He looks into the cereal bowl and sees that it’s quite enough. Ben pours the cereal equaly into the two bowls. He looks at you again and remembers about the milk. Masky had used it yesterday when baking bread (yes, Masky bakes, my hcs :D) He sighs. ”Can you check if there’s uh any milk in the fridge?” he asks you. ”yeap,” you replied. Upon opening the fridge, you were greeted with no milk. You sigh, ”no milk,” He groans *Damn you Masky* You two ended up eating with no milk.. + The both of you meet again when wanting to watch TV Noonie exited the TV room with a yawn. It was 11.45 pm. ”Right on time..C’mon, head to sleep,” Masky told her. She nods sleepily. The sounds of footsteps were heard heading towards the door to the TV room. A blue haored girl sat on the couch, her hands were on the TV remote. She was changing channels, nothing interesting was on at this time. Her friend left to sleep. The girl wasn’t really sleepy yet. Her attention shifted towards the door when the sound of the door nob being turned was heard. A blond boy was seen entering, ”Mind if I join you? I can’t really sleep..” You nodded, ”Sure..honestly, i have nothing to watch so..here,” you handed him the remote. He took it and sat a few inces a way from you. He immediately put on Animal Planet. His eyes were somewhat dazzled by the otters that were on the screen. You noticed and ask, ”You love animals?” He nodded, too focus on the show. You smiled slightly, ”So, Animal Crossing?” He looks at you, ”You play?” ”Yep,” ”Any others?” ”Yeah, Fnaf, Sally face, G.I etc etc” ”Cool…uh…what’s G.I?” ”Genshin Impact,” ”Ouhh, i don’t play it but I’ve seen it in youtube ads…heard it’s fun tho..” ”You should definitely play! I can teach you if you want to!” You told him eagerly. ”For real?” ”Yeah!” ”Ok, if you say so..sure,” + And friendship~ + Gaming with each other is a hobby. ”see you at 3 pm,” ”wait, wasn’t it at 4 pm?” ”…3 or 4?” ”What about 2? We could play Animal Crossing until 4 and continue with Genshin,” ”Sounds alright,” Noonie watches and wonders how could they play for so long + He’s not a big fan of greek mythology tho. ”Ares is Athena’s step bro?” “Uh, accurately, half-brother” ”But then she has a brother?” ”Imma start the story-“ ”Please don’t” ”Ok…” He will listen tho! Just not the second time because his brain gets jammed a lot XD + He might asks you to read some books to him. Just don’t read him the book about Zelda. + He will binge with you! Totally will. Watch anything, and he’ll binge. ”Wanna watch Downton Abbey with me and Noonie?” ”You watch Downton Abbey???” ”yeah, who knew politics back then were handled more properly.” + If you draw anime, he’ll ask you to draw him as anime. He will I tell you. + I can see you two walking around the forest rocking to songs. Like, when he listens to any song, he goes wild. Melodies just get him. + Does he tease you? Sometimes eheh. Or should i say, it’s his habit lol

to see it bloom beautifully log 2 - love birds♥️

+ Ok, I- Noonie helped him confess. ”Spending time with you have made me realised that I love to do nothing more. I’d probably be bored to death. I don’t know what and how to say…just…your voice melts my heart, your eyes enchant me in the best ways. How I wish that every second was with you and only you. But here I am, speaking to you through writting. Straight to the point, you have my heart. I love you. Ben.” Noonie looks at you after reading his letter to them. ”Where is he?” you asked. ”He’s uh in his closet..” she says awkwardly. + You comfront him, calmly and comfortly. He admits his love for you. And you said ily <3 + Ah yes, adorableeee + When you ice skate, he usually watches you. Be’s not really good at skatibg and he’s a bit scared too, since under ice is water. If he wants to skate with you tho, he’ll want to do that in a ice rink. Very clumsy haha. You watched him as he skates for the first time in a few months. Ben holds on to the side railings as he tries to balance himself. You chuckle and skate to him. ”Grab my hand..” he looks at you and does so, ”Babe..i’m rusty,” he says ”You’ll get used to it!” + He would love to swing with you! Probably made one for you too + Please please take care of yourself when swimming. I beg you, he’s damn worried. But he won’t stop you tho. + He might look like he’s not interested in greek stuff, but he is. Even when he’s playing a game, he’ll listen to you. Because you’re fun, your voice is soothing and he loves you! + Theme parks! He loves going there for the stall games and the uh merry go round heh. Roller coaster is his fav too. Loves the thrill. + He always lay down with you at night. Whether you two are talking or you’re drawing or vibibg to songs, he’s there on the bed relaxing with you. + Overall, a promising relationship. He might be hard to get along or communicate at times but he tries to make it better for the both of you!

Sorry it took sooooo damn long @yosei1i! Apologies. Hope you have a great day and take care! Please leave a review or comment ^^

#creepypasta matchups #creepypasta #noonies writtings

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calientecoochie · 4 years ago

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It Happened So Fast-

•3•

Kirishima told you he was going to pick you up around 8. Which gives you abouttttt two hours to get ready. That’s manageable right? You shower, get all primped and pretty and, now for the clothes.

-Three days earlier-

The outfit Kiri -overall Mina- picked out for you was hard not NOT to get attention in. You can even remember Mina’s singsong voice, “ You’re going with THE Red Riot, Y/N. He’s already flashy! You HAVE to match his energy! This bland shizz has got to go! Here tryyyyy THIS!” She held up the most risqué thing you’ve ever seen. It was still classy but, places were low when they were supposed to be high, cutouts and, glitz/glam. The works.

-Present-

You’re not too sure how the pair got you’re measurements to the t. Going to have to ask that question later.

Just as you were finishing up, a car pulling up could be heard. A red Aston Martin. You didn’t expect anything less... Opening the door, you were greeted with fresh, crisp, night air. This all felt so...nice like, you could actually breathe. Carpe diem and all of that.

“W-wait! Wait right there, Y/N!” You froze, confused. Kiri power walked towards the front of your door. He gingerly closed the door on your face and knocked on it.

You smirked coyly and opened the door. You lean on the doorframe and crossed your arms, “ Really, Kirishima?” You laugh, “You’re too of a gentlemen...”

“Don’t like it” He looked perplexed.

“I’ll get over it.” You joked and threw Red a wink. You took his extended hand and got lead back to his car. “Wow, your car is gorgeous...”

“I could say the same about you.” Eijirou begins to rub his neck, “ You’re outfit and like, your face because you don’t have a car here, haha!” Uh oh, he’s beginning to nervous banter.

“Thank you, Red. You look handsome. Let’s get to the Gala before traffic gets any heavier.” He beamed and nodded.

The car ride over is pleasant. Traffic was okay (it’s been heavier, especially going towards downtown), within the car has been relatively silent but it’s obvious that you two just enjoy the other’s company. At some point, Kirishima threw his arm over the back of your seat. You could not help yourself and focused on the viens in his hands or how his muscular build strained against some parts of his suit. What’s his exercise regimen? How would a hug feel? How long you were looking? You don’t know. The music was low, seems like the whole squad was into the same stuff. Maybe you should try having a conversation?

“Soooo~” you drum your hands on his dashboard, “Kirishima, do you like hero work? Anything, interesting happened?” You curse yourself mentally. Of course he would like hero work!

“Hmmm, yeah! I love it. Cant really see myself doing anything else...” He keeps his eyes focused on the road but it’s obvious his brain is elsewhere, “Some days are harder than others but, there are great day too of course! I get to meet so many cool people. I met you.” His gives you a quick smile, “ Oooohh, let me tell you about this time I was saving these people from a bu-“

Now this car ride is getting livelier. Red is so animated when talking about his experiences. He so passionate... it’s nice :).

-At The Hero’s Gala-

You could not see a single star in the pitch, black sky; the venue was so bright. Practically blinding. How many of these did these Pros have to attend?! You don’t mind being the center of attention but, this is WAY too much. At least you’re not alone. You guess.

“YYY/NNN!! YOU MADE IT! THAT LOOKS SO BOMB ON YOU!”

You could not even process the blur of pink barreling towards you and Kirishima before it practically tackled you (thankfully not to the ground).

Mina squished your cheeks together, “Ah~! You look so gorgeous! Especially you’re hair-!”

It seems like she was about to ask you something else but Red picked her up from under arms and gingerly put her to the side, “Come on, Mina, if we don’t hurry inside we’ll be late-“

Mina waggles a finger towards Kirishima, “Tuh tuh, fashionably late.”

“Late is late, Mina”

“Since when we’re you such a stickler about time 😩! Don’t act brand new just because you got a boo-“

“HEY HEY!” Kiri claps his hands together-loudly- a few times, “Where’s your plus 1, M?”

“Hmm? Wh-She was just beside me! Don’t tell me they just went inside~ Ughhh, where could they be at?” Mina pulls out here phone, “I’ll see you inside, Y/N! Save me a seat beside you!”

“Okay, Mina!” You give her a thumbs up as a sweaty, blushy Kirishima rushed you towards the Gala’s entrance.

•

You had thought this whole extravaganza would be exhilarating! Exciting! A completely new experience! It kind of sucked. The venue was gorgeous, all pretty and made up. The people were chatting amongst themselves sometimes forgetting about the announcer. The food is great.

You sat beside Kirishima and left the two chairs to your right empty for Mina and her date. Your table was between Bakugo’s and Denki’s. To be frank, there was was never truly a lull, especially when the two blondes spoke to their redhead friend. You could really understand since they were speaking a bit too fast and adding slang you haven’t heard before. Bakugo was always threatening and Denki was just acting like a crackhead. It wasssss fun.

A bit later, it seemed like everyone mellowed out (probably thanks to the alcohol) and started mingling amongst each other. You guess you should start too, this whole thing is for the agency.

As you try to get get up, you feel a firm palm settle on your thigh, lightly pushing you back down, “Relax, Y/N. Bakubro finally left and Denk is off flirting...” You settle back into your seat, “The Agency will still be standing still be there. Just enjoy yourself.” He takes a swig of a soda, keeping his eyes forward as if he was focusing on something but, nothing interesting was in that direction as far as you could see.

“I hope Mina found her date...”

“She probably did. She’s pretty good at finding people.”

“Not going to drink?”

“Mmmm, we got to get home. I’m also much more comfortable drinking at home. I think they water it down at the events now due to...” he makes a painful face, “last time.

“Last time?”

“N’yeah...Some hero got super trashed and just let loose.”

The two of you stare at each other for a bit then start to laugh.

“Mm, I wouldn’t drink either then, I guess! Afraid you’ll say something you don’t mean, Red?”

“PFFT, no! All I have to say are good things. It’s just if I pay for a drink, I don’t want it to be watered down. What’s your excuse?”

“Welll, I thought I was going to be promoting our company. Guess not now.”

“So again, what’s your excuse?”

“Mmmm, I like having my wits”

Just as Kiri was about to reply, you both heard a voice from across the floor, “FINALLY FOUND YOU TWO” it was Mina and her absolutely stunning date. “What are you two just sitting down?! Let’s liven up this place! To the dance floor!” As if either was you had a choice.

Red had absolutely NO rhythm but that didn’t really stop you. The two of you spent the rest of night dancing away (along with Mina’s guidance at times). It was almost perfect.

•

Kirishima and you trudged back to his red, luxury car.

“Uwaaaa! My feet!” Kiri exclaimed, “When I usually dance it never hurts this bad~”

“That’s because you were dancing right, Kirishima.”

“Tsk, I am not that bad. That first move I busted always kill~”

“Yeah, yeah, people probably.”

“Hey, rude~” He opens the car door for you, “let’s get you home. Traffic shouldn’t be too heavy.”

“Thank you, Red.” He gives you a smirk as he shuts your door.

As it was before, the car ride was hella quiet, more so due to being tired. You look to the driver’s side of the car at Kirishima. His eyes were half lidded and focused on the cars in front of him... or so you thought.

“Hmm, caught the staring bug again?” You quickly turn back forward, caught off guard, “I’m just messing with you, Y/N, I don’t mind.” He flung his arm around the back of your seat again.

I guess it’s our time to talk, “Ha, I just can’t help it. You’re so nice and tonight has been really fun. It’s all been really fun. That and (I hope this doesn’t sound too creepy) your physique is amazing! I can tell you put a lot of care into it.”

“Haha, well, I have to!”

“Of course, of course, hahaa..” you start to break into a cold sweat.

Kiri notices the lull, takes his arm from behind your seat and instead takes your left hand and intertwines both of your fingers together. His hand practically engulfs yours and it’s so clammy.

“Uhh, hope you, don’t mind..” Kirishima says bashfully.

“Nope!” Smooth, Y/N. Real smooth, “Not at all. You’re hand is very soft...”

The car went silent again, hands still tangled together. Both enjoying the nighttime view and the somewhat muted sounds coming from the cars surrounding you guys.

-Back At Y/N’s Home-

Kirishima walked you to your door, “Welp, here we are.” He rubs the back of his neck, “S’thanks for being my da- company and all. It was- it was super fun, yeah.”

You were digging around for your keys but still listening to you stuttering boss, “Hm, hm. It was super fun for me to. Especially getting to experience the Hero Gala!” Finally, you found your keys and opened your door. You turn towards Kiri and he looks as if he is about to pass out, “Uhm, Red? Do you want to crash here? I don’t really think you should drive back-“

“Oh no, I couldn’t! I’m fine, I promise-“

“Then at least let me make you some coffee or something with caffeine, Red...”

“...Yeah, I will take you up on that..”

The pair of you step inside and you lead Kiri to the sofa, “Here, just relax.”

He slumps against the arm and lays his head against his forearm. “Thank youuu~” Yeah, he sounds like he is about to knock out.

You gently shake his form, “Here, Red, drink up.” He doesn’t say anything, he takes the cup drink from it and just stares down into it.

“Is it nasty?”

“<Wha-what? Oh, no, it’s delicious>” pfft, he’s so out of it he didn’t even realize he started speaking Japanese.

“<Want to speak in your mother tongue?>” He seems to wake up a bit more.

“Ha, sorry. Hey, Y/N?” Kiri drums his fingers against the side of his cup.

“Mm?”

“Do you have anyone waiting for you?”

“Uhm, no? I mean I have my family but I can’t say they are really waiting for me...” you ponder his question, “Why’d you ask?”

“...” He seems to be reluctant in whatever he is trying to do. You can really get read on him. He looks scared? Kiri sets him lukewarm cup down on the side table and stares deeply into yours eyes.

“Red?”

He grabs your hands.

“Kiri”

He starts to pull you closer

“Kirishima??”

“It’s Eijirou.”

He pulls you into a passionate kiss. It felt so desperate and longing. The need for oxygen being long forgotten between the two of you.

This was going to be a long night.

#bnha #mha #y/n x kirishima #y/n #y/n x mha #y/n x bnha #bnha x black!reader #reader #mha x reader #reader x kirishima #pro hero kirishima #mha kirishima #mha x black!reader #black!reader #slow burn #fanfic

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dc41896 · 4 years ago

Text

Small Mishaps

Pairing: Chris EvansxBlack Reader

⚠️: All fluff💕

“Da-yee!”

Chris couldn’t help the smile tugging on the corners of his mouth as he heard the shouting of his newest nickname paired with little feet padding closer to his office.

“Yes bae-yee?” As if on cue, he turns to see the dangling plaits and toothy smile of his four year old, Kira, looking like the exact copy of him at that age and even displaying the same seemingly unending energy.

“Spa now?!,” she asks lightly tugging his hand to make him get out of his chair.

“Give me a second, let me make this last note,” he answers lifting her to sit on his lap. With a small huff, she wraps her arms around his neck making him chuckle from her cheek being pressed so closely against his. Ever since early this morning all she wanted to do was play her new game with him, but each time she asked he always said the same thing.

Later.

To anyone else, later might’ve been fine. However to a toddler, later was an unknown answer that just made her antsy as she looked at that ticking thing on the wall wondering when later would come.

“How long’s a second?”

“Well uh mathematically speaking, it’s much shorter than a minute.”

“Oh...what’s mat-tick-catly?” Head tilted back, his laugh echoes throughout the office and into the halls at his daughter’s attempt to repeat the challenging word.

“It’s just a big word for numbers,” he smiles kissing the top of her head. “Nothing you need to worry about until you get older and go to school. But hey guess what?”

“Hmm?!”

“I’m done, which means-,”

“Spa!!! Cmon da-yee you’re gonna look so pretty!,” she excitedly claps, leaping from his lap and pulling an amused Chris behind her.

———

“There, now no touch!,” Kira orders with a pointed finger making Chris hold up his hands in surrender as he chuckled.

“You got it.”

“And what’s going on here?” Back from your run with Dodger, you lean on the doorframe giggling as you take in the sight in front of you. Sat on the tile floor with one leg crossed over the other, white cream speckled with orange dots messily covered his forehead, nose, and cheeks while your daughter squat beside your nighttime bag rummaging through your products.

“Kira wanted to play spa, so I’m her customer.”

“Here you go,” she smiles handing him a single square of tissue paper.

“What’s this?”

“I think that’s your bill honey,” you quietly laugh as your daughter nods her head.

“Five monies please!”

“Kira, you’re gonna make your dear old dad pay? After all the fun we’ve had?” Rocking back and forth on her feet, her eyes roam around the room waiting for her requested payment and making Chris shake his head as he chuckles.

“I’ll give you cookies...”

Smile lighting up her face, she takes the piece of paper from his hands and instead gives it to you leaving you silent with mouth slightly agape. “Your turn mommy!”

“Let’s get this off of daddy’s face first then after I shower we can work on me,” you smile watching her reach for the silver handles of the facet before being placed on the counter by your husband. Slowly tip toeing to your phone, you return pressing record just in time to catch their cute exchange as your daughter dangles her feet back and forth.

“Now you look pretty forever and ever!”

“Forever and ever?! What magic did you use huh?,” he asks tickling her side. Zipping her lips, she shakes her head making her plaits wildly swing around.

“Nope, it’s a secret,” she giggles holding onto his hand and playing with the silver band on his finger.

The following morning, the Evans household started as usual these last couple months. Sunlight peaking through the curtains. Chris groaning as he begrudgingly gets up to use the bathroom leaving you lying in bed snuggling with the comforter until he would return taking its place. Taking over his side of the bed, you smiled to yourself waiting to hear his deep chuckle followed by the feeling of soft hands gently lifting your “sleeping” body and keeping you close to him while you both lied in comfortable silence.

Instead, you felt your arm being frantically shaken by your husband repeatedly beckoning you to wake up.

“Babe. Babe!”

“Hmm what’s wrong?,” you groggily ask rubbing your eyes to help you see clearer. Small red sploches dotting his face, you rise on your knees getting closer to his face making sure what you were seeing was in fact true. “What happened to your face?”

“I don’t know. I just noticed it when I went to the bathroom.”

“Does it itch?”

“A little. Do you think it was the mask?”

“Maybe, do you remember if she used anything else from my bag?” Shrugging his shoulders, there’s a momentary silence before his palm hits his forehead as he silently curses.

“Of course this happens on the day I’m supposed to talk with Jimmy Fallon.”

“Listen it’s okay, we’ll hopefully have you fixed before then. Just let me think of what could help.”

“Mommy! Da-yee!” As if on cue, Kira runs into your bedroom using the bench at the end of the bed to climb in and stand next to you. “Ooh I want face paint too!”

“It’s not face paint honey, daddy might’ve had a reaction to the mask from last night.”

“Reaction?,” she asks slightly tilting her head.

“Yea, like when you ate peaches that one day and your tongue was itchy and cheeks got puffy? That’s a reaction.”

“Ohh...I hurt da-yee?” Frowning with pouted lips, Chris picks her up smoothing the frizz from her hair as he kisses her temple.

“Noo no sweetie you didn’t hurt me. I promise I’m fine, my face just looks a little funny.”

“Mommy’s special tube didn’t work.”

“Special tube?,” you both inquire looking puzzled. Nodding her head, she nervously wrings her hands together afraid of your coming reactions.

“The white one.”

“Ohhh...”

“I’m guessing this white tube is what caused me to look like a Dalmatian with red spots?,” Chris asks slightly rocking Kira back and forth.

“Yea, it’s my acne gel. I call it my special tube because only I can use it sweetie,” you answer lightly rubbing her back.

“Ohh, sorry.”

“It’s okay, let’s not use it anymore though. Especially on daddy’s delicate skin.”

“Delicate?,” he asks raising an eyebrow in amusement making you laugh.

“Babe you even said so yourself that you have sensitive skin, don’t start,” you laugh stepping out of bed. “Now let me go get the rash cream.”

“Wait, rash cream?”

“You have a better idea?” Groaning as he rolls his eyes, Kira places her hands on either side of his beard before kissing his cheek.

“No worry da-yee, mommy can fix it.”

“I hope you’re right bae-yee,” he smiles blowing raspberries on her cheek making her wildly giggle.

———

“Okay first it was poor Dodger’s haircut now this?! What is going on in the Evan’s household during this quarantine?,” Jimmy asks trying to hide his laughter but failing.

Sat at the island in his kitchen, he chuckles to himself while shaking his head at his current predicament. Surprisingly the rash cream did help a bit, but the red spots were still evident on his face although a bit lighter in color.

Especially now currently being in the room with the best lighting.

“Well uh as you can see it’s been a bit eventful,” he laughs as he runs a hand through his brown locs. “Kira’s been watching her mom do her nighttime routine so now her favorite game to play is Spa. Long story short some things didn’t agree with my skin when we played yesterday.”

“Ohh noo,” he laughs covering his mouth with his hands. “Are you okay though? How did she react when she saw you?”

“Yea I’m fine. It was a bit itchy but now it’s starting to fade away, and at first she thought it was face paint, but after telling her what happened she felt bad because she thought she hurt me. So now she’s been checking on me and making sure I’m okay.”

“And speaking of, looks like she’s here to check on you now.” Turning around, he smiles seeing his little girl in her jean overalls raised on her tip toes trying to get a look at Chris. Waving her over, she nervously steps to her father before he sits her on his lap.

“Hi Kira! How are you?”

“Good,” she shyly replies playing with her braid.

You tried to keep her occupied during his time away with his interview, but your sneaky little one took advantage of your lapse of judgement when distracted by your phone. She said she was going to the bathroom and by the time you thought you should walk with her, you could hear feet scurrying down the hall towards the kitchen.

Catching the corner of his eye, you mouth “sorry” before he smiles mouthing back “it’s okay” and giving you a quick thumbs up.

“And how do you like being home with your parents this whole time?”

“I-I like it. We get to play a lot!,” she smiles making both men lightly chuckle.

“So your dad tells me you like to play a game called Spa. Is that something you’d want to do when you get older?” Nodding her head, she giggles looking up at her father as he kisses the top of her head.

“Well I already know you’ll do such a good job with your own spa one day from this video from a little birdie’s instagram.” As he plays the short clip of Chris and Kira talking in the bathroom while he washes off his mask, he meets your eyes shaking his head as you innocently shrug your shoulders as if you didn’t know anything.

“Hmm I wonder whose Instagram you got that from?”

“You know I can’t reveal my sources,” Jimmy laughs. “The adventures of being a girl dad though right?”

“Yea, and I wouldn’t change a thing about it,” Chris smiles holding onto his baby girl as she latches around his neck.

Taglist: @fumbling-fanfics @honeychicanawrites @honeychicana @lady-olive-oil @themyscxiras @melinda-january @lovelymari4 @literaturefeen @damnitaa @curlyhairclub @renfrewscorner @fullofmelaninsarcasmandepression @nunubug99 @felicity-x0 @ellixthea @jojolu @jnk-812 @brwn-sgr @captainsamwlsn @wildfirecracker @nina-sj @iammyownlover @chaneajoyyy @secretmysteriousperson @plokyu23

If anybody wants to be tagged, has asked to be tagged but don’t see your name, only wants to be tagged for certain people I write for, or no longer wish to be tagged just let me know🤓!

#chris evans #chrisxblackreader #chrisxwoc #chrisxreader

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engekihaikyuu · 5 years ago

Photo

Fly High - Review

Check out the Read More if you’d like to hear about this show! Askbox is open as well if you’d like me to elaborate on anything out of this.

I saw it twice today for both the matinee and soiree performances, so I can remember pretty much all of it. The sequence of events in the play happen as follows:

New Year’s celebrations with Karasuno, the third years visit a temple and pray for good luck at Nationals....

Karasuno make the journey to Tokyo for Nationals, check into their old, run-down inn, third years reminisce, Hinata and Kageyama go for a night run with Tsukki following on a bike...

The next day they go to Nationals to check in and to do the opening ceremony, Hinata runs into Hoshiumi, Kageyama runs into Sakusa and Miya...

And then Kiyoko leads us into the flashback of how they got to the orange court. She’s basically the narrator for this play in the same way Yachi was for Summer of Evolution.

The flashback then takes us to Kageyama being called away to the National youth training camp and Tsukishima being called to the Miyagi First Years’ training camp, and Hinata sneaking his way in.

Act 2 is when we get into the practice match with Datekou, Kageyama slipping into his old “King of the Court” tendencies, and Hinata re-crowning him.

Then we slip back into the “present” where Karasuno is headed to their first match, Hinata forgot his shoes because he grabbed the wrong bag, and we get to see Kiyoko run to get it and do the hurdle jumping as she narrates her own journey as well as the team’s journey.

This brings it back around to the beginning of the play where the team is gathered and Hinata and Kageyama are really excited to start their first match of Nationals, so the story winds back around in a circular fashion.

So now with the format of the storytelling, I’ll go into more detail:

We no longer have the usual Engeki Haikyuu opening sequence that we’re used to, and this is in large part due to the fact that we had very few projections overall. The play has a new choreographer now, and I feel like this may be the main reason for the shift. They have 6 giant moving LED screens on-stage that they use heavily for background images, impact animation, showing us the text for what they’re saying, live video footage, but there just really aren’t projections anymore. In place of an opening sequence, we pretty much just dive right into the story.

Surprisingly, they begin the play with Hinata and Kageyama center-stage, with the screens on both sides projecting footage of THE PREVIOUS CAST. Which was basically just a straight up, let’s-just-acknowledge-the-elephant-in-the-room-this-is-a-new-cast sequence, and then the screens show silhouettes of the new cast. These screens do move up and down and when they move down, they reveal a raised platform behind them.

So as the screens move down they reveal our new cast members behind them, and then they gather together on the center of the stage to get worked up and ready for their first match at Nationals. We still do get the usual chorus speech of: Volleyball, Haikyuu, a game where two teams etc...

After that we fade to black and move to the New Year’s sequence, which opens with New Year’s dreams. Kiyoko’s dream includes her running as a voice calls out to her, and this is actually fairly elaborate because she’s lifted into the air by the entire cast and she does a horizontal run in the air as she narrates. Daichi’s hilariously weird New Year’s Dream where Asahi becomes a zombie and infects everyone. He meets up with Suga and Asahi at the temple for hatsumode, Kiyoko meets them too, and they pray for good luck at Nationals and also pull omikuji and things. Supporting cast members have little New Year’s stalls and it’s a really cute set. I really love the chemistry of our new third years, especially because Kiyoko is included in their unit. The four of them together seem like a close group of friends and the way they joke around together was really cute. With Satomi, Kiyoko no longer feels quite so removed from the other third-years.

After the third-years finish their prayers, we see Datekou arrive to do the same thing, and Aone is in that lovely traditional black kimono, with Futakuchi and Sakunami in regular clothes in tow. When Sakunami asked what Aone prayed for, assuming some volleyball-related answer, Aone replies that he prayed for world peace. Lol. Later Koganegawa charges onto the stage and tackles into them with candied apples. In the afternoon show, the other three had been lined up really close together, so when Koganegawa tackled them, only Futakuchi went flying because he was on the other end of the line. In the evening show, I think he ran a little too hard into them so they just all went falling to the ground lol.

We get to see the others of the team goofing around playing hanetsuki with the little wooden paddles (minus Tsukishima) and this is sort of where we get to see the first bit of Noya and Tanaka’s athleticism. I can tell that they’ve got acrobatic ability, but the rest of the choreography in the show doesn’t really let them show it off yet. When Yachi asked Yamaguchi why Tsukishima wasn’t with him, we got to see Tsukki in pajamas and slippers walk across the stage grumbling about how much he didn’t want to wake up early on one of his precious few vacation days just to spend time with the two idiots, grumble grumble as he shuffled across stage lol.

And then Hinata challenges Kageyama to their first contest of the New Year, and this is one of the ad-lib parts. In the afternoon show, they get ready to race, and Hinata goes, “Look, a UFO!” and when Kageyama gets distracted, he breaks for a head start. But in the evening show, Hinata goes, “Look—!” but Kageyama cuts him off going, “I’M NOT GONNA FALL FOR THAT!” and he makes a break for it instead lol.

Pause in the review just so I can say: WINTER CLOTHES!!! CUUUUUTE!!!

Then we see Karasuno headed off to Tokyo in their bus which is just all of them shuffling together in a box formation on-stage with Kiyoko narrating at the start, Asahi throwing up into a bag, Daichi yelling at everyone to calm down, etc… and then they arrive!

There’s the funny little bit where they all think they’re staying at the nice big fancy hotel but then Ukai tells them they’re staying at the scary-looking, run-down inn instead. Takeda-sensei cries that it was because they didn’t have enough money and crumples backward onto the ground by just like, bending his knees and then falling backward. Very flexible, very funny. The little hanging sign for the inn that was on the back of the stage tilts and stuff too to add to the effect.

Then a bus arrives that has the Niiyama girls and here we see Tanaka being really cute with Kanokaaaaaa~ Oh my god they were so cute. They had this secret handshake thing that was super cute and at one point, Tanaka crouches down on the ground to tell her, “You’re still super tall!” and she laughs and offers him a hand to help him up, and he stumbles forward into her and everyone on Karasuno is just watching like !!!!!

Their first night at the inn was a really fun sequence, with it going back and forth between third-years reminiscing on the balcony, to Kiyoko and Yachi taking a bath together and chatting… to the obviously hilarious moment of Ennoshita sending Tsukishima after Kageyama and Hinata’s nighttime run on a bike. The old lady who gives him the bike runs off the stage quietly adding, “The brakes are broken tho… but it works fiiiiine.” So then later, we see Hinata and Kageyama sprint across the stage and then Tsukishima is following while riding the bike and he suddenly goes, “Brake… brake? Brake!!!”

In the afternoon show, the next time we see them, Hinata and Kageyama have stolen the bike somehow lolololol. So Kageyama’s driving it, Hinata is riding right behind him in the child’s seat and whining and Tsukishima is tiredly running after them. In the evening show we just see Hinata and Kageyama starting to tire as they run and Tsukishima is still riding the bike behind them.

Tanaka sneaks out with a ball to practice and for some reason Yamaguchi follows him. So then when he meets up with Kanoka outside by chance, Yamaguchi hides and watches everything unfold. Tanaka and Kanoka sit together, Tanaka scoots away nervously… Kanoka seems on the verge of confessing something, Tanaka suddenly shouts that his heart’s already spoken for and then her cousin shows up and Tanaka thinks he’s misunderstood the entire situation and runs off screaming about that Ennoshita’s an idiot. Yamaguchi springs up because he’s shocked too, and Kanoka and her cousin are weirded out by Yamaguchi’s random presence on top of that lol. In the afternoon show, Yamaguchi just kind of awkwardly apologized before running after Tanaka, in the evening show, he just awkwardly whistled a tune while slowly meandering off stage. That super casual, not casual whistling lol.

The next day we see them line up for opening ceremony with their little Karasuno sign and then Kiyoko starts narrating us into the flashbacks. They do a little rewind sequence, aka, let’s everyone walk backwards all jittery to reset the scene.

Takeda-sensei enters screaming BIG NEWS BIG NEWS in English and Ukai tries to calm him down usually with a little ad-libbed joke. We hear about Kageyama and Tsukishima being called away to their separate training camps, etc…

They integrated the Miyagi and Tokyo camps pretty heavily together on-stage because they wanted to keep Hinata and Kageyama’s stories together while they were apart. So for example, when Hinata shows up suddenly at the Miyagi camp even without being invited and Tsukishima is pretending like he doesn’t know him while yelling at him that he’s an idiot, Kageyama is on the other side of the stage, getting lost in a station because he can’t read the instructions he has. So Tsukishima screaming out ‘idiot’ really applies to both Hinata and Kageyama.

Little side snippet for Ukai and Takeda co-parenting really well lololol. When Hinata has to call Coach Ukai because he did a bad by barging into the training camp he wasn’t invited to, Ukai is yelling at him on the other line. But he only gets to yell about two things before Takeda-sensei quietly sidles up beside him and just wordlessly holds out his hand for the phone. Ukai quietly obeys, because it’s CLEAR Takeda-sensei is the stricter parent in this situation and ooooooh Hinata’s in troublllleeeee lol.

And when Hinata is struggling at the camp, so is Kageyama but for different reasons obviously. Hinata is trying to figure out what he needs to do, how he needs to think while being ball boy, and Kageyama is trying to figure out why Miya would call him a goody-two-shoes…

They have a little sequence where Kageyama’s confused and goes out for a run at dinnertime to try and clear his head, and Hinata is going home from the Miyagi camp for the night (because he’s not allowed to stay in the dorm while being ball boy), and they both end up running next to each other on-stage, getting exhausted, and leaning into each other, supporting each other, helping each other up, so like… they’re apart in the story, but they’re still somehow there for each other.

Eventually the rest of the team appear on stage together behind them, with every one of them getting a little monologue to show what they’re hoping to improve upon and then everyone is running frantically and stumbling together.

After they fall, we fade to black and that’s the end of Act 1. Act 2 closes out both camps simultaneously, and Hinata and Kageyama race to school when they meet up again and also immediately almost fight again because that’s their routine. Mostly because Kageyama is saying Hinata’s jumps are too light (after seeing Hoshiumi’s). I have to say that Daigo and Akana have a lot of great chemistry on-stage and they play off of each other really well in their choreography.

Then we get the Datekou match and obviously the big emotional moment in that involves Kageyama slipping into his King of the Court habits after having spent time at the Tokyo camp with a lot of high-caliber players. I feel like the build-up to that was done really well with all the little stressors in the game, and adding in some of his frustrations from the Tokyo youth camp. Akana plays Kageyama’s frustration really well, and because it’s Engeki, we get to re-crown him using the same cape and crown set that we’ve been using from the very first show lol. Only this time, Hinata’s reframing it in a positive light, and of course because he has the support of everyone else on Karasuno too. So at this point, Tatsunari, Kage-chan, and Akana have all done the rip-away-cape sequence lololol.

I wish I had more to say about the match but we didn’t get much of it because of the focus given to Kageyama’s little breakdown. Datekou’s dance choreography involves a lot of boxing other people in, arms wide out and stomping, and we got a little bit of explanation about Datekou’s blocking technique, Koganegawa’s high tosses, but that was about it. I mean, at no point did they bring out a net, there’s not even really much room on that stage for a net, and we didn’t keep.... a score count. Only at the end of the set did we see a scoreboard on the screens.

Kiyoko then narrates us back to the ‘present’ where Karasuno has to navigate public transit to get to the gym. This involved almost losing Asahi to a crowd, and Hinata accidentally swapping his bag with someone else’s (which leads to the shoe problem).

Back at the main gym venue, Noya runs into someone and falls into Kanoka, and we get the follow-up scene for her and Tanaka. Because Yamaguchi saw what had happened at the inn, he basically shoves the other second years off-stage so that they can have a private moment, although he still stays behind to eavesdrop.

After Kanoka tells Tanaka to watch her because she’s gotten better, Tanaka also runs off with some renewed conviction and a sense of not wanting to lose either. Yamaguchi puts his hands to his heart going, “I feel like I just watched a romance drama.” AND HE’S NOT WRONG.

Then Hinata realizes he doesn’t have his shoes and we get to have Kiyoko running to get them. She monologues and narrates the entire time she’s running and they have these moving frames for her to run through almost like the hurdling she used to do, and at the end, they actually tear away her clothes and she’s got her hurdling uniform on underneath!

A lot of Kiyoko’s narration centers around the themes of finding one’s role in the team (she says that she still has things she can do for the team even if she doesn’t wear a uniform with them), remaking and reinventing yourself (cough* cast change), and Karasuno always being the underdogs and to remember that.

Overall, I enjoyed the show and I really love the new cast. They’re great on-stage together, some core groups have really great chemistry, and some of them got a chance to really shine individually. I have no criticisms about the cast, but I do have criticisms about the complete lack of projections. It’s in the name of the show, and the projections have always been something very unique to Haikyuu and was its special trademark among other 2.5D productions. They were always fun and colorful and very well-designed and choreographed, and they don’t go unnoticed. I don’t know if it’s because we have a new choreographer, I haven’t checked my pamphlets to see what other major staff changes there have been. I think that their use of the LED screens is creative and well-executed especially because they can move, but they just can’t completely replace the appeal of the projections for me. So I hope that future shows bring those back and either do away with the screens or minimize how many big screens are used. The closing sequence and bows are really plain visually when it’s just the black screens with their names in plain white font.

And as much as I’ve loved Wada-san’s music for previous shows, it’s a little harder to work with in this play. Very little of it is as energetic as we’re used to, and the opening and closing music just isn’t the adrenaline rush that the previous ones have been. Due to lack of music and visual cues, the audience got confused too; we weren’t sure when and where to clap because it’s not explicitly clear when they’re done. I’m sure choreography will get more polished as the tour goes on, I’ve seen how much it can improve from the first show to the last in previous tours too.

But I want to end on a high note (ha ha, get it) and say that it’s still a fun and great show and that I’ve fallen in love with all of the new actors immensely~ <3

I’ll be seeing it once again tomorrow evening, keeping my eye out for additional details... feel free to ask me questions!

#Fly High #haisute #engeki haikyuu #hq stage #review

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redhoodieone · 5 years ago

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Here with You

A/N: Hi everyone! This is my first requested fluffy fic from @yeetthatpussy. Thank you so much for the idea! This was fun and a big change for me since all I do is write smut and nasty things hahaha. Also, I want to point out I did not give Bruce an age or the reader, since I believe readers should imagine Bruce and themselves the way they want. I personally imagine Bruce like how he was in the animated movie, “Justice League War” since I happened to be watching that particular movie a while ago (because some of you might imagine Ben Affleck, Christian Bale, or the new Robert Pattinson). So other than that enjoy the story!

@randomdcfangirl @jasonredtoddhood @lady-of-the-abyss @psychovigilantewrites Enjoy this my friends.

Warnings: Language and just pure pink, yummy fluffy cotton candy!

It became a habit; a tradition really, when Bruce and I would have free time to hang out. Every Friday night is our “friend date time”, the title came from Bruce, when he realized over the past two months that I’m the first female in his life who has remained by his side and hasn’t put up with his bullshit.

True, women have come and gone throughout his life, specifically Selina Kyle. I’m no stranger to her, since she has played a pretty big part in Bruce’s life. Although she was always civil to me, I admit, I couldn’t help but feel envious of her beauty and body.

I sometimes wonder why Bruce permanently let her go.

I consider myself average. Maybe not overly beautiful like supermodels, but I’ve been told by family and friends I’m awfully pretty, sweet, funny, and kind. I’m about average height, and I admit I do have feminine curves. But overall, I’ve learned to love myself, and I’ve also had my fair share of ex-boyfriends and dates.

But none of my relationships have lasted more than three months. Considering my anxiety and what my doctor has described as PTSD from the eight year mental and physical abuse from my alcoholic father and uncle, my past boyfriends left me because I’m a nutcase (they really didn’t know how to help me or understand my past and current issues). Let’s just say I’m too much to handle when I’m alone or in a too comfortable environment.

And my latest ex-boyfriend Josh (who was a sweetheart, but I broke up with him because I just couldn’t be in another relationship at that moment) has been hinting to get back together with me for some time. But after I realized I’m never going to be able to move on from my past, I accept the fact that I should be alone and stay alone.

Because at least I would never betray or hurt myself, I believe.

But here I am. I’m being escorted to our usual table at one of Bruce’s restaurants. The waiter smiles once we meet up with Bruce at our table.

Knowing Bruce for a few years has given me reason maybe some men aren’t so bad. The media and tabloids have always painted him as a man-whore and spoiled rich boy, but after witnessing the doofus trip over his own shoes at work, (I happened to be at Wayne Enterprises for an interview with him, as I am a journalist) I realized he was exactly like everyone else.

Clumsy, foolish, and funny.

Bruce stands to greet me, while looking extremely handsome in black suit. His hair is nicely combed, and his grin is his usual smirk. His blue eyes brighten the room from its golden décor.

“Y/N, you look beautiful,” Bruce compliments me, with a kiss to the cheek.

It’s true. I feel more confident tonight since I’m wearing my favorite short black Gucci dress. I decided to curl my hair a bit and wear little makeup since I try very hard to look more natural to love myself more.

“You’re not so bad yourself, Bruce,” I respond politely. I sit down, and he pushes my chair in. As he takes his seat, the waiter quickly brings our appetizers of loaded potato skins and mozzarella cheese sticks and marinara sauce. “Didn’t you want to stay home and order pizza and watch a movie?”

“We did that last week. I figured...why not treat my favorite girl to a fancy dinner so we can talk shit about the rich people around us while we pig out on our favorite food?” Bruce answers, and gives me a soft smile.

“I guess you have a point since food is always a way to win me over,” I chuckle and then raise an eyebrow at him. “Did you just say I’m your favorite girl?”

“Well, you are Y/N. I mean, you gave me a chance to show you the real me. You didn’t let the media and tabloids change your mind about me. You know me better than most people think they do. Hell, you’ve even been there for me during the anniversary of my parents’ deaths. You’ve even seen me in my darkest times, and not once did you leave me or try to change who I am,” Bruce confesses softly. It sounds as if he wants to continue on with his confession, but he stops himself. He ends up smirking at me. “Anyways, is Josh still bothering you so you can take him back?”

“No, I mean…I haven’t heard from him today. What about Selina?” I tease him back.

“I haven’t spoken to her in four months. But I guess I wouldn’t know if she’s called the manor considering you take up most of my time anyways. I swear, the more we hang out with each other, the more we become like a married couple.”

“A married couple?” I repeat.

“Yes, since we’re always together and you know me better than any other woman. Hell, I don’t think I even allow most women to know certain details about my parents’ deaths or my sons. I have to protect so much of my life, but with you, I just found out I want to protect you as well,” Bruce explains.

I’m stunned to hear this right now. Of course, I know about Bruce’s parents’ deaths. I even know about his sons: Dick, Jason, Tim, and Damian, too.

The sweet, handsome charming Dick Grayson.

The tough, strong and huggable teddy bear man Jason Todd.

The smart, wise, and computer genius Tim Drake.

And of course, the small, mature, handsome Damian Wayne, Bruce’s miniature version of him.

I knew Dick, Jason, and Tim were Bruce’s adopted sons (and he loves and worries about them so much) and I’ve even come to love every one of them, especially Damian. Bruce had told me Damian’s mother had left him with Bruce, and even though Damian had been arrogant, rude, and sometimes defensive, he’s come to respect me and even likes me hanging around the manor as long as I don’t steal his father most of the time.

And being close to all of them, I see Bruce has made a wonderful family, and I envy almost everything about that.

I even know Alfred. He’s a one real son of a bitch who doesn’t put up with Bruce either.

But the way Bruce is speaking of me kindly is starting to freak me out. I was never one to receive compliments or kindness before.

I decide to change the subject quickly. We both serve ourselves our favorite appetizers and dig in.

“So, what are your sons doing tonight? Causing trouble or just lounging around the manor?” I ask, with a small smile.

But Bruce seems to not realize what I did; unless he’s hiding it.

“Dick is probably out with Barbara. And I believe Jason, Tim, and Damian are bothering Alfred for their usual nighttime snacks,” Bruce replies, and then exhales heavily. “Y/N...I-I really need to talk to you and I just need you to listen.”

“Bruce...” I warn him. My heart already aches because I’ve been keeping a secret of my own and I finally realize what frightens me.

Bruce.

Bruce terrifies me.

Why?

Because I’m in love with him.

My mind flashes back to the memories of when Bruce tripped, and how everyone chucked at the Prince of Gotham, and how I helped him with a small smile on my face, because he took my breath away with his natural charm and handsome good looks. And when he showed up at my apartment with pizza and horror movies because I was too sick to leave and go out into the chilly rainstorm.

Or how when my younger sister got married, Bruce offered to be my “date” since he knew I couldn’t find a date in time. But he also showered the bride and groom with gifts and surprised my sister and my new brother-in-law with an amazing already paid honeymoon to Paris and Italy for an entire week! The whole night we spent dancing together, my head rested against his chest, and then I suddenly felt my heart beating inhumanly fast and slow at the same time.

Bruce’s hands remained on me the entire night. Just him touching me made me feel I was dancing on clouds the entire night.

Just the thought of Bruce makes me want to faint and fall because these feelings are scaring the shit out of me.

“Please listen to me, Y/N. I need to tell you what’s been going on in my head lately, because I don’t know how much longer I can keep it to myself,” Bruce begins, appearing more nervous than before. The usual confidence and smile on his face is now replaced with his eyes pleading for me to listen to him and his body is tense. “I-I don’t think I can keep pretending to be your best friend anymore. I can’t keep acting like I just want to be your friend. I can’t stick around anymore and see you date assholes who don’t know the real beautiful, kind, funny girl, you really are. Just the thought of you dating them makes me want to beat the shit out of them and possibly drop them off on a deserted island forever...okay that last part was supposed to be a joke, but I guess my sense of humor is different than most. Maybe I’m not kidding at all...”

I can feel my stomach hurt from this stressful situation. Bruce sees me eyeing the exit.

“Y/N, I-I love you. I love you so much that just saying these words isn’t common for me, because after all these years of meaningless dates, hookups, and reckless partying, I think I see why love is very rare. I didn’t think I would ever fall in love, and I even trained myself not to either. My parents were the true definition and example of love, and with them gone, I suppose I really let myself fall more into the darkness and isolation than I ever thought I could reach. But knowing you, you just showed up in my life as sunshine; just bursting with energy and life in a room when all my life I felt alone. W-what I’m really trying to say is, I want us to give us a chance.”

I slowly look up at him. I instantly felt betrayed, as if this is just a joke. “You...want to date me?” I barely whisper.

“Of course, Y/N. I’m serious about this,” Bruce says, appearing as if I’ve offended him and doubted him. He looks distraught and anxious. “I’m-I’m in love with you. I want us to be together. Official.”

When those words leave Bruce’s mouth, I suddenly realize, he’s NEVER, EVER said those words before. The words sound raw and rare; like a child speaking for the first time in their lives.

The thought of being close to a man like Bruce sends waves of paranoia and fright throughout my body. The last time I was intimate or even lying next to a man resulted in nightmares and fears of being hurt all over again.

I was just a child when my father and uncle would come home from work drunk, and how they would request my little sister and I to climb in bed with them. Being the oldest, I tried my hardest to protect my sister, and I ended up fighting them back; defending us from their violent drunken behavior.

Which always resulted with me getting hit, slapped, kicked, and thrown to the ground. Even though I eventually learned to fight back, I would always panic and feel defenseless until I fight back.

But it would always come down to that first hit to the face that would make every memory and nightmare come back to life for me.

I can just feel my father’s fist striking my mouth again.

The pain feels real again.

“How could you be in love with me if you don’t know a thing about me?” I ask. I realize I sound harsh and bitter.

“What?”

“Let me just say one thing, Bruce. You don’t really know me, because I only let you see what I want you to see,” I snap. I fill with sudden anger and pain. If only Bruce knew the real me. If only Bruce saw what kind of pathetic mess I am. “Unlike you, your life is Gotham’s most known story of your parent’s generosity, luxury, and their deaths. You don’t have to hide anything. I myself, have to hide a lot just so I don’t lose my mind and get locked up in Arkham and so I don’t lose those closest to me because I’m a walking, fucking time-bomb. Do you know how hard it is to put on a strong, brave, face even when I want to cry and show everyone how hurt I am and how much pain I go through each day?! You don’t because your life is fucking perfect, so why don’t you leave me alone and go find the perfect girl because I’m too damaged to love and fix!”

The pain, anger, and fear take over me. I knock all glasses of wine and plates of food off the table and I storm out, leaving a poor, terrified Bruce Wayne behind.

I’m rushing down the sidewalk to go far away, anywhere from here. The tears fall down my cheeks, and I start to hate myself even more for letting my past get the best of me.

After everything that’s happened, I don’t think I’m fully capable of being in love, in a serious relationship, married, having children, or just a family in general.

Only good people have that; the people who were never hurt or touched dangerously in their whole lives.

Just when I think I’m far away, Bruce manages to catch up to me by running VERY fast. He grabs my arm to stop me, and just that forceful touch awakens something within me: I go into defense mode to protect myself.

Just like all those years ago.

“Don’t fucking touch me!” I yell. My fist makes a hard connection to Bruce’s jaw; knocking him to the ground.

People around are watching us; gasping and pointing at us. Bruce looks up at me and holds his jaw. “Ow...”

I begin to breathe heavily before I begin to cry again. Bruce immediately gets back on his and comes to me.

“Y/N...please tell me what’s bothering you,” Bruce says softly. He doesn’t lie a hand on me, but he’s watching me intently.

“My past. I-I can’t seem to move forward without having to be dragged back every mile,” I answer quietly.

“Is this about your father and uncle?”

My eyes widen. I look up at him. “How did you-”

“You talk in your sleep. I’ve heard you have nightmares before, and after listening and lying beside you for some time, I put the pieces together. They abused you, and you tried to get out,” Bruce admits, before he sighs. “The reason why I never told you I knew about it is because I wasn’t sure if telling you was...appropriate, and considering you never made the attempt to tell me yourself. I just...didn’t want to cross a line and make you feel more pain, but I suppose I fucked up by not saying anything.”

“It’s not your fault. I always figured, ‘why bring it up if you’re just going back to past when you just want to be here’...in the present,” I mutter under my breath.

I think back on the times Bruce and I would fall asleep on his couch. After our movie nights, I would fall asleep on his arm and he would hold me until the morning came. Ever since then, the couch has been like a bed to us; the closest to a bed we’d ever share.

“I’m sorry, Y/N. I-I didn’t know how much pain you’ve been in. But please let me help you,” Bruce begs, and reaches out to touch my hands but removes them quickly after what happened. “You don’t have to be alone during this time. Let me be there like you were there for me.”

“I’m never going to get better, Bruce. I have so many ugly scars, I could never be loved for who I am and what I've been through. After all this time, I thought I would be my best, but I ended up just getting worse. Maybe I should just give up and be at peace with myself for the first time in forever,” I whisper. “I’ll just keep trying again and again, because I don’t think there’s a reason to keep going forward, because I never will.”

Bruce’s mouth opens to speak, and the horror takes over his face when I find the little strength to stroll over to the street and walk into the fast driving cars in traffic in hopes of dying the quickest way possible.

A taxi is speeding down an open lane and is heading right for me. I stop in my tracks and look at the driver in hopes my past will never hurt me again.

Because I’ll be dead.

But strong arms pull me out of the way; knocking me and whoever saved me back onto the sidewalk. I’m on top of a big, hard body and the time I sit up to look down, I see Bruce, breathing hard.

“Y/N, are you okay?” Bruce asks me. He sits up as I stand up. Once he’s on his feet, he quickly removes us from the eyes of the public and we both head into an abandoned alleyway.

“I would have been okay, if you didn’t stop me,” I answer, slightly angry from him stopping me. “Why did you stop me, Bruce? Why can’t you just let me finally let go of everything?”

“Because if I lost you, I wouldn’t have a reason to go on either,” he says quietly. “Please don’t ever do that again. I-I can’t lose you. I need you in my life. I need you with me.”

“What about your sons? Alfred?”

“I love them, but I also love you too, Y/N. Dying...is never the answer. It’s darkness that you’re trying to escape, but no matter what, it will be with you forever. I’ve seen death, and I’ve also seen good people who allow the darkness and fear change them into people who could never be saved. I may not know everything that happened in your past, Y/N, but I know you’re stronger than you think you are. And you’re beautiful, Y/N. Everyone has ugly scars, including me. But if you managed to get this far in life, I would say that’s an accomplishment not many people can achieve,” Bruce says softly, before he finally holds my hands. I let him, and I let myself cry more. “Trust me, there were times I almost let my inner demons take over my life and emotions. I almost let go at a young age too. But then I have come to learn from an old friend that in every darkness, there’s light. You just have to find your light, and you’ll never be alone.”

I wipe my tears and smile up at him. “Alfred?” I ask.

“Yes, Alfred taught me that. Do you know who my light is?”

“Your sons? Alfred?”

“All of you,” Bruce answers.

“Even me? How?” I ask, completely shocked.

“Because after I met you, I...I felt normal. Human. I don’t have to try too hard with you, and I don’t have to put on a face of confidence and behave like I’m better than everyone. The playboy billionaire title doesn’t exist to me, because when I’m with you, I’m here with you, and that’s all that matters to me. I can laugh at stupid jokes. I can walk around in just a t-shirt and regular jeans around you. Hell, I can even talk shit about other celebrities with you. I can even tell you about my own nightmares, and how someday, I hope I really can make my parents proud of me. I trust you with all that and only you, Y/N,” Bruce reveals.

He finally takes the first step. Lowering his head to mine, he kisses me. Our lips connect like magnets, and the heat between us is hotter than hell, I believe. With one hand, Bruce holds my face gently, as the other holds my waist.

And for the first time in forever, I’m not afraid.

After Bruce pulls away, he looks down at me with a small smile. He pushes a strand of my hair behind my ear.

“I really care about you, Y/N. I love you, and if I have to wait a bit to be with you, then I’ll wait as long as I need to,” Bruce says.

“Thank you...for being patient with me and for just being there Bruce,” I say.

“I’ll always be here for you, because there’s nowhere else I rather be than be here with you, Y/N.”

“Same for me too,” I admit.

Bruce wraps an arm around me and leads me back to the restaurant. “How about pizza?” he asks curiously.

“And a movie?”

“Of course.”

“Will the boys be there?”

“Most likely but as soon as that movie ends, they’re gone. It’ll just be you, me, and my couch.”

I smile, a real smile that’s not forced for the first time in a long while. “I’d love that. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

“I know what you mean,” Bruce whispers to me. “Because all I want is you here with me.”

“And I’ll be here with you every day.”

Was it good? Let me know please! I’m used to smut and I think it’s safe to say that this fic was a challenge but a good one!

#dc comics #bruce wayne #bruce wayne x reader #bruce wayne x y/n #bruce wayne fluff

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trouvelle · 5 years ago

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Emogust 15.08 — Twisted Fairytale

A/N: I don’t know if I twisted this right! As always, its KaiAo and HeiKazu and (mentioned) ShinRan. I’ve been longing to write something about Kaito and someone else aside from Aoko, Saguru, Shinichi, etc. So here ya go, platonic KaiZuha! :D Also idk the thought of him losing his cool is just overall comedic @mintchocolateleaves @sup-poki

"Fear not, for I am here to rescue you from your deadly slumber!" exclaims Kaito in triumph as he stands at the foot of the tower with one foot up on a tree stump, his dashing white cape billowing majestically in the breeze.

He’s not exactly expecting anything, but he certainly isn’t expecting a response. So when a girl with her hair up in a ponytail soon pokes her head out the window while stifling a yawn, he is majorly shocked.

"...Who are you?" shouts the girl in response, staring down at him with an eyebrow raised.

Kaito flinches as he takes in the sight of his princess, who has been known worldwide as Sleeping Beauty, but is very much awake. "Uh," he says lamely while squinting up at the window, "You're already awake?"

"Of course—I wake up every morning," she deadpans. "I've been doing that for the past eighteen years, in fact. Is there supposed to be something wrong with that?"

"Oh, good Lord, the spell was broken that early?" Kaito frowns, positively bewildered. "Does this mean… another prince got here earlier than me?"

"Well, I haven’t been getting any visitors at all, but Mother comes to visit once in a while. Actually, I shouldn't even be talking to strangers. Who the hell are you, anyway?" the girl questions warily.

"I should be asking you the same question," Kaito sighs in exasperation. "In fact, I have a lot more to ask. If you don't mind, I'll be coming up now. We need to talk."

He proceeds to spend the next half hour inching his way up the side of the tower with the help of a grappling hook fashioned from some rope and the metal frame of his father's old parasol, as the ponytailed princess watches rather amusedly from the window. (Wait, why is he even carrying his father's parasol again?)

Just as Kaito clambers onto the window sill, panting, the girl lunges at him and yanks him inwards into the tower, knocking him to the floor with an impressive martial art-like move and pinning him down with all her body weight.

"What the hell?" Kaito gasps, completely taken aback. "Is that really necessary? I'm here to rescue you!"

The girl leans down to take a good look at his face, still keeping a strong hold and him. He curses Fate for giving him such a violent princess.

"Oh, I'm sorry," She finally says after a rather long and awkward stare-down. She lets go of Kaito and stands up, dusting her skirt, looking a little sheepish. "It's just that...I've never had anyone aside from Mother in my tower before, it's a little... intimidating. Had to make sure you weren't going to kill me or anything." She adds, "Plus, I have a lot of spare time up here, so I've been practicing aikido."

Kaito winces as he slowly gets up from the floor, rubbing his elbows and knees. "That was a bit of an overreaction, if you ask me. Anyway, now that you know I'm not out to assassinate you, I'm Kaito, otherwise known as Prince of the Moonlight. And judging by the look on your face right now, you don't like the second name, so just call me Kaito."

"Very well. I'm Kazuha, but you might’ve heard people use my birth name—Rapunzel. Why do you need to rescue me, anyway?"

He vaguely gestures to the room they’re in. And for the first time, he notices her hair. More specifically, the length of her hair. It’s literally in a loop, occupying each corners of the room. "Well, I was sent here to rescue a sleeping princess, but right now, I'm just thoroughly confused by everything. And why the hell is your hair that long anyway? Your head must weigh a ton!”

She wisely chooses to ignore his last remarks. "Oh, Princess Aurora, you mean? Although we don’t call her that here, we call her Ran, because Aurora is a little bit too twisty of a word. She's in the next kingdom. I believe you've come to search in the wrong place." There's amusement written all over Kazuha's face at this point.

“No—wait. Sleeping Beauty is the princess that Prince Shinichi is tasked to find. I’m supposed to rescue the princess from the kingdom of Far Far Away, who like, transform as a human only between sunrise and sunset. If I remember correctly, her birth name is Fiona or something.” exclaims Kaito in desperation.

Kazuha walks to the window—the only window in her whole tower room, and points at the greenery even further away. “Then I think you’re looking for Princess Aoko!”

“What’s up with you princesses and your code names? Honestly you’re confusing me even more.” Kaito shakes his head in despair. Aurora, Ran. Fiona, Aoko. And what was Kazuha’s birth name again?

“That’s kind of the goal here, actually. We have to come up with a plan to throw off the bad guys. It’s worked pretty well so far! People come here bellowing things like ‘We’re here to kidnap you, Rapunzel’ and I simply tell them that I’m Kazuha, not Rapunzel. They’d always leave feeling very confused.” She laughs, obviously proud of her own accomplishment.

“Makes sense. So about Princess Aoko—”

“Right! She’s the only one who becomes an ogress during nighttime.”

“Ogress?!”

Kazuha laughes lightly. She’s having fun teasing this strange prince with his equally strange, messy hair. “Nope, I was joking. It’s just that she has poor eyesight, so she doesn’t really venture out during the night. Also, her tower is two more kingdoms over in that direction.”

"Are you kidding me?!" Kaito continues to talk to himself as he takes out his map to check his location. He proceeds to pull out his monocle from his breast pocket and puts it over his right eye to get a good look at his map. "I must’ve gotten the wrong map. Didn’t even notice it when it got switched. What kingdom are we in anyway? ... This is why I should start wearing my monocle more often."

Kazuha can see how compatible Aoko and Kaito would be. Heck, Kaito even has his own set of monocle. She wonders why Aoko is so adamant about revealing the fact about her eyesight to anyone.

Kaito rubs his temples. "I am so, royally, screwed. How am I supposed to reach there in a week? It took me a whole month to even get here!"

Kazuha honestly doesn't know what to say to this, so she just leans against the windowsill, tapping her foot while Kaito paces back and forth, eyebrows furrowed in concentration as he thinks and thinks.

“The Council of Kings won’t be pleased.” He murmurs to himself, angry at how he could’ve gotten his map switched. And to think that he’s not even a real prince! He’s just a thief with big ambitions, following in his father’s footsteps as the renowned KID. If the Kings find out that he’s failed his mission and the fact that he’s not a prince, he’s doomed to spend the rest of his life in a dungeon.

Kazuha woefully suggests, rubbing her eyes in an act of weariness. “Listen, I have an idea. Why don’t I just go back with you, and when we meet the other prince and your supposed princess, we can switch places. Aoko and I are pretty close, we often send letters to each other. I’m sure she will understand. Hm?”

"That might actually work, provided if Princess Aoko and whoever rescues her don’t get the castle first before we do." He agrees a little reluctantly.

"It’s settled then!" Kazuha cheers adorably, excitement very evident in her voice. “I’ve never been out of this tower before. Mother always says that the outside is full of evil and selfish people, but look at how it’s just so, so beautiful out there.”

Kaito smiles back at her. He’s heard that out of the three Tower Princesses, Rapunzel is the one who has been in the tower the longest, since she was taken away when she’s still a baby. “It is,” He agrees, making his way to the door, “I can guarantee you that you’re gonna love it.”

“Wait, Kaito! This tower doesn't have any stairs, in case you didn't know.”

"Okay. Easy, no worries. I have my most trusty grappling hook for us to use." He says with a dismissive wave of his hand. Years of being a thief gave him experience in climbing and maneuvering. He walks over to the window sill, peering outside. The grappling hook lies on the grass below.

“On second thoughts… you were saying something about no stairs?"

There’s a brief moment of silence as Kaito slumps his shoulders forward, like he’s giving up dealing with his life at this point. Seriously, when he volunteered for the Tower Princesses Rescue Mission, he didn’t think it’s going to be this challenging.

Kazuha sighs. "That’s what my hair is for.”

She joins him by the windowsill and attempts to throw her hair off her right shoulder and down the side of the tower. She’s pulling and pulling, and pulling, then pushing and pushing and pushing. And as Kaito watches in awe, he can’t help but notice how her hair seems to have a life of its own. Her hair is superbly smooth and silky, and he simply slides down with ease.

Far better than using his grappling hook.

“Also, your prince is a total dumbass. Good luck—you’re gonna need it when you finally meet him.”

For what it’s worth, he thinks, this Princess is quite entertaining. Their journey back will be fun.

Part II

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a-spark-of-gold · 5 years ago

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Dancing with the Stars

3/8/40 LC, Past midnight

We’ve been here on our vacation for a few days and some interesting things have happened during them.

When we arrived Thursday, we had our own little beach party to kick off the vacation. During this time, we found out that Pridion is dating a beautiful Kaldorei woman (who is the dominant one in their relationship), and that Sam has been afflicted by the Worgen Curse.

Friday, we spent most of the day hanging out at the beach. I talked to Sam about my plans for the vacation, and any potential hookups I might find while we’re here.

I had a swim to think about them, and come upon the decision that, for my long-term goals, I’ll look for someone that respects and communicates with me, and that otherwise, I’ll let the cards fall where they may, regardless of who I end up falling in love with. However, for the short-term, I told him I’d just be looking to get laid to satisfy him, but kept to myself that it’d be more of a chance to test the waters and see where things may go.

While Sam and I were talking, Darioch came by and relaxed with us for a bit. After Sam had left, he and I talked for a few hours about our relationships, how they were going, and how we hoped they would go in the future. I told him that I was potentially interested in Istins or Melwyn and why, and he told me what he thought about either of them. I also told him my feelings about Ardan, and he advised me that I should talk with him about how I felt when we got back, even if he didn’t feel the same way and ended up staying with Lily.

I also found out something about Dare and his relationship with Nasira that I won’t write here, on the chance that someone finds this journal and reads it (if you are, you should be ashamed of yourself).

When evening rolled around, Sam, Lt. Witherseed, and I faced off against Thaddeus, Alison, and Spears in a beer pong competition and won 10 to 8. Those of us left after the game went up to the steam pools to play a few rounds of Two Truths 1 Lie, and I may have gotten more than a little carried away with my drinking.

Saturday was left open, so most of us stuck to ourselves, which was nice because I was nursing a hangover for most of the day. Eventually, once my headache was gone, I managed to take some time to go out, relax on the beach, run a few laps, and have a nice swim.

Today was more of the standard beach fare: running along the coast, swimming laps, sunbathing, talking with friends. A group on the other side of the beach celebrating one of their birthdays. Things like that.

When evening rolled around, our group went into Kingsport for a few hours for a change of scenery. We stopped at some of the market stalls and had a bit of a browse (nothing good caught my eye), went into a seafood restaurant and had an overall okay dinner, had a glass of red wine that got me pretty messed up (I don’t even remember it being that strong), went to the dock for a nice view of the nighttime ocean where we almost killed a group of actors because they were dressed as pirates, then went into a dance hall to finish off the night.

When we got to the top floor of the dance hall, the music playing a bit more relaxed than we were anticipating, but that didn’t stop some of the couples from taking to the dance floor, though there were more than a few of us singles who mostly stayed to the outer edge.

I saw Melwyn was dancing by herself, so I took the chance, and asked her to dance with me. Thankfully, she agreed, and we talked as we danced, though she mainly asked questions about me: how long I’ve been with the 1st, why I joined them, how long I’ve been a mage. I think my answers kept her interested, because she kept asking, at least.

She asked if I was originally from Stormwind, and at first I only told her it was a bit of a story, and we might not have time for it. She pulled me in to dance with her, and convinced me to go on. So, I told her: how I came to be raised by the goblins on Kezan, our fleeing the island, both Hellscream and the Bilgewater Cartel casting me out, and how I found myself alone wandering the forests of Ashenvale when I was picked up by a sentinel patrol. She eagerly listened, and when I was done, she said that I was better off with the Alliance. I said I was glad to be, as otherwise I wouldn’t have been here to enjoy the moment, implying that I was enjoying my time with her.

I think she was, too, but Kaldorei don’t really make it easy to get a read on their feelings, though I guess that comes with the territory of living for hundreds and thousands of years. The dance ended, and she had to go to tend to her owl. I told her that next time we talked, we could talk more about her, as I didn’t get the chance to ask her anything tonight. She agreed, and left the building, leaving me there breathless and wanting more...

I think Sam must’ve caught on to how I was feeling, because even as he and Mera danced, he asked me if I was alright. I got my head out of the clouds long enough to tell him I was fine, and that I was just thinking. I don’t think he was quite satisfied with that answer, but didn’t press further.

We left the dance hall not too long after, took a carriage back to the resort, and we all went our separate ways for the night.

Melwyn is... a mystery to me, as of writing this. I don’t know much about her, but there’s something there that’s calling to me, almost begging me to find out more about her. I think she’s still considered young by Kaldorei standards, but, she’s a Captain of the Crescent Glaive. Surely, she’s done quite a few good things to have gotten to that position so young (by their standards, anyways; she’s probably got a few centuries on me, or nearly any other human).

...

Dammit. I think I’m falling for her, as well. But, I still feel something for Ardan... right?

... I don’t think I know anymore...

Mera did a tarot card reading for me, before we left. One of them sprang forth from the deck, and she drew two more. My cards were the inversed Justice (dishonesty & corruption), the Three of Wands (moving abroad), and the Hanged Man (sacrifice). One piece of advice she gave me after the reading? “The Hanged Man holds his own rope, and is free to let go at any time.”

I think... in order to move on, I have to ultimately let go of my feelings for Ardan, and to not force him to choose between either Lily or me. Then, I will be free.

Shit. I’ve never been one for the dramatic arts, but fuck me if joining the 1st hasn’t brought out that part of me. Heh.

At any rate, tomorrow we’ll have another day to ourselves, and then we’ll be doing... something, during the evening. They have us vote during the day on what we want to do that evening, and they tell us what we’ll be doing as a group based on what the most people voted for.

I’ve never learned how to play marmotball, but it sounds like a fun, if mindless, way to spend an evening. Should be fun. Maybe if we get done early, we’ll finish up our beer pong tournament from Friday.

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ofmarcos · 5 years ago

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( shawn mendes, cismale, he/him ) i just saw MARCO SPIEGELMAN walking down the street’s of provincetown the other day playing 100 BAD DAYS BY AJR out loud. rumor has it that the TWENTY TWO year old is WARMHEARTED, but can also be UNNECESSARILY OVERWROUGHT — overall they’re a POLYMATH. they remind me of A WORN GUITAR NECK WITH OLD STRINGS, COMING HOME THREE MINUTES BEFORE CURFEW, A CRACKLING WOODFIRE, AND FRESHLY BLOWN OUT BIRTHDAY CANDLES. ( ophelia, 19, est, they/she )

hello guys, gals, and non-binary pals, my name is ophelia and it’s lovely to meet u all!! i am nineteen, living in florida, work at an escape game, and my t key on my laptop gets stuck so um if u ever see me leave a t out of a word that’s why. also, fun fact!! i’m originally from a small town in ma about a two hour drive from provincetown :O but enough about me !! this is marco, he’s an actual meme, and you can read all about him under the cut. like this and i’ll come slide into ur dms for plots. <3

(also this got way longer than anticipated, i’m sorry, pls love me)

PINTEREST.

tw: cancer, death, car crash, addiction

marco joshua spiegelman was born on an overcast august day in the city of boston, massachusetts. he was the fourth child and the youngest by seven years, meaning that in some way, he was his parents’ last hope.

the spiegelman family practiced orthodox judaism – his dad was raised orthodox and his mom converted from reform judaism in order to marry his dad– so marco’s childhood was very much focused on religion. the spiegelman family went to services every friday night, celebrated every holiday, forced marco to wake up early on sundays to go to hebrew school, and treated him they same as they had treated his older siblings. however, as his siblings grew up and moved out, they all stopped devoutly practicing judaism and moved into a more modern and laid back interpretation of their religion. marco craved this from a young age, but because he was stuck at home with his parents, he was forced to follow their rules and beliefs.

marco went to jewish private school for elementary and middle school, had his bar mitzvah in the seventh grade, and tried to blend in as best as he could. he liked history and english, eager to learn more about the past and help shape the future. at this point in his life, he had his goal of becoming a politician pretty much set. he would help the end the fighting in israel, solve world hunger, and just be an all around awesome guy.

however, his plans shifted on valentine’s day his eighth grade year. after coming home from school, his parents sat him down and told him that his dad had stage four exocrine pancreatic cancer. he knew that his dad had been losing weight and not eating as much recently, as well as complained all the time that his back hurt, but marco didn’t realize that it was something so terrible and life threatening.

with a survival rate of about one percent, the spiegelman family knew that his dad’s chances of survival were not good. the next few months were difficult, his dad went through lots of chemotherapy and experimental trials, but nothing seemed to be working, and he passed away before june. this crushed marco and his mom; his dad was a kind, gentle, and loving person, and the three of them had grown extremely close with each other due to marco being the youngest and the only child still living in the house.

it was hard for the two of them to live by themselves in a town that his mom didn’t really have any connection to, so a few months after his dad’s passing, marco and his mom moved to provincetown, the place where she had grown up, to try and start fresh. their new beginning came coupled with the loss of their connection to their religion, and marco and his mom no longer practiced judaism

freshman year in a brand new town was intimidating for marco, and this resulted in him being extremely quiet and shy for the majority of the year. however, his history teacher saw how invested in history and current events he was and convinced marco to join the debate team. this is where he found his voice once again.

marco did a type of debate called public policy debate, a style of debate where you talk extremely fast and have to do an insane amount of research to ensure that you know what you’re talking about. in order to participate in that style of debate, his teacher assigned him a partner and he grew extremely close to her very quickly. the two of them went on to win the national title their sophomore and junior years

after joining debate, marco grew more confident in himself and began to talk more both in and out of class. being good at something gave him the boost he needed to no longer be shy, and he was well liked by most people at school. this was also when he found the snackpack, and he has always been grateful for their presence in his life. marco’s sophomore and junior years were quite possibly the best years of his life.

however, right before the trophy ceremony his junior year, he got a call from his mom, telling him that his sister had gotten in to a car crash and that she was in a coma in a hospital in san francisco. marco flew to san fran immediately after receiving the call, leaving his partner to collect the trophy on his behalf.

for the following two weeks, marco rarely left the hospital for fear that his sister would pass away without him there. although the two of them were not that close, losing another family member was something that marco could not imagine. on the fifteenth day of her being in the hospital, the doctors said that there was nothing they could do to save his sister. so they harvested her organs as donations, and the spiegelmans were forced to put another member of their family into the ground.

senior year came around and marco was a changed person. he was not as passionate or confident as he used to be, he quit debate, and he focused on judaism again to try and give his life some meaning. however, he explored the type of judaism his sister was into, reform judaism, based more on learning and exploring the ideas of religion than sitting in a sanctuary and praying.

although he skipped school often and had mediocre grades, he managed to graduate, his dreams seeming unimportant and his life in shambles. throughout this, he still managed to keep a positive attitude, now convinced that god had a plan for him and that everything would work out fine. he does have really bad anxiety tho, so it’s this classic combination of trying to have faith in the way things work out but never really being sure that they will

without his debate professor, he wouldn’t have even gotten into college, but with the help of someone making sure he followed through, he got into u mass amherst to study sustainable food & farming. this seemed like a out of the blue choice, but it combined marco’s love of research & science, and allowed him to feel like he could have a greater impact on the world than he could as a politician.

college went by without incident, but here are some highlights (joined hillel and loved being w/ other jews, was a nerd, did nerd things **including a lot of acid, lived his best life)

he just graduated and is home for the summer, he has a job working for the local farmers’ market, and is just chillin’, trying not to think about the other shoe that is bound to drop

he’s doing okay, and that’s all he’ll ever answer the question “how are you?” with

headcanons:

marco worked as a waiter at an italian restaurant in high school so that he could have spending money. money was never a problem in his household as his mom is a cardiologist, but he always felt bad asking for money for things, so he made his own money instead

if marco was a crayola crayon, he’d be pine green. the color is a bit darker than most of the other greens in the crayola family, just like marco in his family, but also has a hint of blue in it, hinting at the sadness that lies beneath marco’s outer layer.

marco really loves old school video games. his old nintendo 64 is collecting dust in his closet, and although he rarely has time to play it anymore, he refuses to throw it out. while growing up, video games were his way of connecting to his two older brothers, his older sister always watching on with a disapproving gleam in her eye. whenever the siblings get together, however, they always manage to turn on an old, favorite game of theirs, and the competition is always heated

in high school, marco smoked a lot of weed. he would always be seen outside at any high school party, smoking by himself or with a group of other people. however, after graduating, marco switched to cigarettes. he smokes frequently, but will furiously deny being addicted if approached about it

marco plays as waluigi when he plays mario kart/party

marco has a slight boston accent

marco is a night person. he utterly hates getting up early in the morning, but staying up late comes easy and natural to him.

marco recycles religiously. if something is recyclable and you don’t put it into the recycling bin, he’ll lose a bit of respect for you as a person

marco absolutely loves space and the universe and stargazing (part of his appreciation for nighttime), but he also wholeheartedly believes that aliens are real, no doubt about it.

wanted connections

his debate partner from high school

romantic connections (male or female or nb!!)

exes w/ lingering feelings

exes who ended on good terms

the person who took his virginity l m a o

that person that he’s been pining after since freshman year in high school who he just wants to get w/ but has convinced himself he cannot

neighbors when they were growing up

current roommate

that friend that u always compete with and like ur friends w/ them still, u are, but also u always want to brag about how great ur doing

someone who confides in him who he rarely confides back to

u KNOW they probably made a band in high school

people he went to college with

anything ur heart desires!!

#snackpackintro #im sorry that i wrote a novel i really am

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deadskepticfiles · 5 years ago

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THE DREAMING PROPHET, EPISODE ONE [Transcript]

LAVANYA Good morning, Red Acre! And welcome to your favorite nighttime show, the Dreaming Prophet. Now, they may have taken away our phones, and they may have taken away our computers, and they may have taken away that coveted one hour of subliminal messaging that passes as television here.

LAVANYA But do you know what they haven't taken away? The shitty radios in the garage, which is exactly what we're using right now to bring this especially to you, because we're just that fucking dedicated dedicated to you. You're welcome. Now, my name is Lavanya --.

ASTRO And I'm Astro, and we'll be your hosts for tonight!

LAVANYA So make sure you have fun~.

LAVANYA First of all. We're gonna start off this podcast with a quick explanation of what it is. If you want to do the honors Astro?

ASTRO Yes. This is a "The Blackout Club" podcast for Blackout Club players, and we'll talk about what that means after we wrap up with our intro. But the basics are that this podcast focuses only on the facts. All lore, no speculation.

LAVANYA Even though we love speculation.

ASTRO We do. We love speculation. But we want to provide solid facts for other players use in their own speculation, so we'll try to keep ours to a minimum. We begin each show with a spoiler warning, and a content warning, because this game does deal with some heavy topics. And we will go right into that now.

LAVANYA Our general content warning for this podcast is that there will be discussion of children being harmed, and children being injured! Nothing in depth, but that is kind of part of the premise of the game, as well as general horror themes.

ASTRO And as a blanket warning, please keep in mind that the Dreaming Prophet will not be spoiler free. If you really want to experience the game to its fullest, play it yourself, don't listen.

[Music cue: Sleepers playing strings]

ASTRO If you haven't heard of The Blackout Club game, go ahead and check out WWW.BLACKOUTCLUBGAME.COM.

ASTRO And there's a lot of info on that page, but I'll read off a little bit. The premise of the game is that you are a child in this suburban town, Red Acre. And you are recording evidence of the strange things that are going on, to try to tell the world about this cult that's taken over everyone - including you, including your parents.

ASTRO When you close your eyes, you get possessed by a god, and so does everyone else in the town. It’s called “blacking out,” and it causes people to sleepwalk, and then wake up with dirt and blood on them, and trails that lead through their houses. Or they may not even wake up in their bed at all. They may wake up outside of town. They may wake up on train tracks. Kids in the Blackout Club are trying to record what’s happening in their town, to hopefully stop it, and they’re also trying to protect their own while they do it. Because as they’ve found out, the organizations behind this phenomenon - the god, Speak-As-One; the organization, CHORUS - They don’t want anyone to know what’s going on in Redacre, and they certainly don’t want it to stop.

[Music cue: Stalker switch]

LAVANYA The Blackout Club is primarily a multiplayer game, but there are parts of it that are single player. As of right now, there are no plans for single player missions, but we do have the prologue! The Prologue basically involves you, instead of playing your own individual character, you are playing Bells, who is a young woman 14, about to be 15 in three months, if I recall correctly. And she is trying to figure out a way to leave Red Acre!

BELLS V/O OK, recording... I think... Hi. It’s Bells - Isabella. If you’ve done your homework, you probably know I live in the Radio Quiet Zone. We have no cell signal here, no internet - Nothing. So no one knows what’s happening to us. At night, our town - [stuttering] - it changes. We like, wake up in the woods, or on train tracks, no idea how we got there. If you tell an adult, they just laugh it off, and most folks my age - well, they’re cowards.

BELLS V/O But - so last night, I set up a hidden camera, and I finally got proof. Stuff the world needs to see. The video’s all on this thumb drive, and tomorrow, I’m gonna take Mom’s car, and sneak it far enough out of town to finally get online. To reach you. When you see this, come to Redacre. Help us. Please. Um, thank you.

LAVANYA OK. So that exciting clip is a line directly from the prologue of the Blackout Club, the single player mission. What we heard there was Bells explaining the basic premise of the game. I personally feel it's important for most players to try to play it, because it sets up the basic themes of the game.

LAVANYA The basic themes of the game are friendship and also psychological terror. What Belles keeps having emphasized to her throughout the prologue is that she cannot trust anything that she sees or anything that she hears. She's seeing a strange shape that is pursuing her and trying to maybe kill her, maybe mind meld with her, throughout the prologue. The game will instantly end if you're caught by it.

LAVANYA She's getting mysterious voices in her head: two different ones that are speaking to her and trying to guide her through this to safety. And she's realizing that: are her parents are on this conspiracy that she's discovered prior to the start of the game, or is literally everyone in town?

LAVANYA She cannot trust anyone in the town and she cannot even trust herself. As is shown by the ending of the prologue, when the voices lead her all the way to the boxcar, and then she is dragged away.

LAVANYA So, it's kind of a good summary for the overall game, because the children face the same issues during the multiplayer game play as well. You can't trust the adults. You can't trust the other children who might be following opposing Daimons, and you certainly can't trust yourself, because the game keeps empathizing, every time you close your eyes - every time you black out in game - you're being possessed.

LAVANYA So the only people that you can trust actually are your friends. The player characters operate in missions of up to three other players, all of whom are bound together by friendship, trust, and the knowledge that they are working together to succeed in taking down CHORUS. Bells is betrayed by her parents in the prologue, and she is potentially betrayed by the voices as well. The player character, any time that you play with stalker enabled, is betrayed by the stalker, who is someone in the Blackout Club that is working for SAO instead of the kids. So, when you can't even trust yourself, the only people that you can rely on are the friends that you choose to surround yourself with - which is one of the biggest themes of the game.

[Music cue: Stalker switch]

ASTRO The prologue, in addition to introducing you to this story, also introduces you to a lot of the core gameplay, which we'll go over here.

ASTRO You have two different things that you can see. When your eyes are open, you can see the overworld, you can see the adults walking around sleepwalking or not, and you can see the houses and everything else around you.

ASTRO When you close your eyes, you can see the Shape, you can see footsteps that are guiding you to your next objective, and you can see secret messages that may be hidden somewhere in the map. Among other things, there are several new things that have been cropping up lately, so it's always a good idea to close your eyes every so often, and see what's out there.

LAVANYA Exactly! Because sometimes it's secret messages, sometimes it's just secret marks that, when you look at them with your eyes open, they just look like scuffs on the ground - and when you close your eyes, they're glowing in red!

LAVANYA We're going gonna do a quick breakdown of all the basic items in the game. The way that the items are set up in game is that you have two classifications of items, basically.

LAVANYA You have the hero items, and then you have the standard normal items that you use and then they'll be terminated from your inventory. Let's start off with the hero items. Hero items are controversial! They are a controversial part of the fandom, because everyone has their specific favorite and everyone will talk shit about others. Which one you take ultimately just depends on how you feel and what your gameplay style is, because this will change the way you play the game pretty significantly.

LAVANYA So with the hero items, we have three hero items. First off, we have the Taser which is, to quote the game, “a close range stun gun. It requires time to recharge after every use and is not for use by children.” Luckily, we're not children in game. We're 14, going on fifteen in three months. Perfectly safe for us to use!

LAVANYA The way that the Taser works is: it is an item and it is an escape item, basically, that will recharge over time. So if a lucid or a sleeper grabs you, then you'll be able to automatically tase them as long as you have a charge on your taser and be able to escape from them. It traps them for about three to four seconds in a loop of electricity.

LAVANYA If you have a Stalker in game, you can also tase them. If you have a friend who is shaped in-game, and thus wandering around spouting off voice lines about being asleep, you can also tase them. I don't know why you would, but that option is there!

LAVANYA The second hero item is the grappling hook. The description for the grappling hook is: “will stick to walls and ceilings, and lower a climbable rope.” So it's pretty straightforward! What the grappling hook does is basically it increases your mobility in a game that is already so heavily focused on movement.

LAVANYA With a grappling hook, you don't have to jump up places. You can throw your hook and you can hop right onto it and climb up. I would say it extends about 15 to 20 feet down.

ASTRO On average, it's about two stories. So if you are three stories above something, [you] will have a steep drop, but it'll be less fall damage than if you fell from the full height.

LAVANYA Exactly. And the grappling hook - most places in the game, you'll be able to get with the grappling hook, or else you'll be able to get as long as you and a friend have a grappling hook. Most of the tunnels that connect the rooms in the underground and most of, like, the major shorter cliffs, like Hoadly's Leap, in the first two areas, you can climb up that with a single grappling hook. So it's pretty useful if you want to increase your mobility.

LAVANYA It's by no means required. You can get anywhere that you would get with a grappling hook without a grappling hook, it may just take longer.

LAVANYA The last hero item is the crossbow which says, “modified from an old history project to fire tranquilizer darts with pretty decent accuracy.” Because Red Acre plays history rough, I guess. In a lot of ways, the crossbow is possibly one of the most powerful items in game so long as you have tranquilizer darts. So if you are willing to drop the snacks to buy tranquilizer dart at the beginning of each game, what this does is it means that anyone within - I would probably say, 60 meters or so - as long as you have your crossbow cursor aiming at them, you will be able to shoot them.

LAVANYA You can shoot and tranquilize tranquilize a Lucid from about two houses, down as of June 6th, 2019. This may get changed after we say that. [laughter]

LAVANYA Honestly, the crossbow is my favorite item, when I'm not scampering around the walls like a fucking aye-aye. Because you can use it to take down Lucids. You can use it to take down drones - not the large ones that fly overhead, but the other player drones, if you just want to be horrible for some reason. You can take it to take down sound mines. You can use it to.. I think that's about it, actually.

LAVANYA So, maybe technically, it doesn't have a lot of use? But it has a lot of use in my heart. I love the crossbow. We have a very special relationship.

ASTRO It's not versatile, but it is useful.

LAVANYA Exactly. It is useful and if you have stalkers in your game you can absolutely buy a ton of tranq darts and load that motherfucker up.

ASTRO The hero items will become obvious to you when you're in the boxcar. There is a table that has all three of them laid out in a row. And, strictly in my opinion, they're in the order of difficulty.

ASTRO If you're a new player - if you have just picked up the game - the taser is going to be your best friend as you try to learn how to navigate and how to get out of these scrapes. The taser is your second chance.

ASTRO The grappling hook helps you explore more after you understand parts of the map; after you start getting on your own two feet.

ASTRO And the crossbow, I feel, is extremely difficult to master, but once you do have mastery of it, it is so helpful to everything that you do.

LAVANYA It really is. It takes a minute to master it [the grappling hook] because the walls are not always smooth in the areas in which the grappling hook can actually successfully land are not always straight-cut.

LAVANYA I've been using the grappling hook for three months now, and I still sometimes hit spots where I throw it, it should land and instead it ricochets off the walls. [laughter] Because early access! But once you get the hang of it and you have a general idea for what the grappling hook looks like when it will be able to actually drop down, it is absolutely wonderful.

LAVANYA So now we're just going to cover the in-game items real quick which are largely self-explanatory.

LAVANYA The first of the in-game items is the bandage! The bandage is basically: you can find this in chests, you can start off the game with this if you have the Medic perk, and you can buy them from the snack machines or from the firework vendors in game. What it does is it will heal about one third of your stamina. So if you've taken a wound by falling off a cliff, being grabbed by a lucid, or being fucked up by a stalker, it's here for you. You can bandage yourself or else you can be bandaged by another player, too, which is always useful.

LAVANYA Second up is the energy bar, which is often having debates involving it on the various Discords over whether or not it is OP. Because the energy bar will briefly top off your complete stamina bar, so you have endless energy, and more importantly you will do not get staggered when you fall. So you can jump off as high of a cliff as you want, and when you hit the bottom, as long as you had an energy bar on the way, you will be able to still keep running with no interruption.

LAVANYA Third up is the flash bang, which - it is an escape item. It is a military flash bang, which - we are not asking how these fucking children found this in Red Acre. Red ACre is just stocked the fuck up. What it does is you can throw it and you can blind enemies - in what I'd probably say is a six foot radius around where it lands? - And it will also stun the Shape. It will also make the screen flash white for any players around, but it won't stun them the way it will for, like, Stalkers, which is always nice.

LAVANYA Third up is the noisemaker. It's little fireworks. When you toss them, it will create a ton of noise, and it will attract any lucids or sleepers who are not presently engaged over to it. So it's a very useful method of crowd control in a game that does not necessarily have crowd control. It also seems like it may be one of the most common drops because you will usually have a noisemaker in your games.

LAVANYA Foam grenade.. basically, whether or not its OP, like with the flash bang grenade, is a pretty big topic of discussion in some parts of the community. Because a foam grenade, once you thought it will create a puddle of foam - hyper absorbent foam! - on the ground. When you land on that, it will produce no fall damage. If you walk on it, it will have no noise. It will disable cameras temporarily if you throw it at it. It will disable sound mines and proximity mines permanently if you throw them on it. And anyone who walks through it will start producing footprints you can see exactly where they go. In addition to that, if you throw it at the Shape, it will stun the Shape very briefly, and it will highlight the Shape, so he'll be covered in foam and you can actually see him with your eyes open.

ASTRO The foam grenade as one of the most versatile items in the game, if not the most versatile item.

LAVANYA Oh I think it's absolutely the most.

ASTRO It's quite genius. I think it's one of the highlights of the blackout club as a game..

LAVANYA It is, it is, because the thing is the foam grenade is one item, and people can use it for about five different gameplay styles. Which is very nice, because I almost never use it to actually make - to reduce noise, I use it as a limited form of crowd control to get Lucids the fuck away from me, as a method to stunning Lucids, and also to ensure that I don't take fall damage, so I never have to stop. [laughter]

LAVANYA The next item is basically, uh, a tranquilizer dart. Unless you are carrying a crossbow, it is melee only. It is an escape item. You can use it when you are grabbed, or else you will have to grab a Lucid in order to use it. Or a Sleeper, or a Stalker. Kids can be tranquilized by Stalkers. It is not a big deal. It will stun you for about 5 seconds, but it is fucking infuriating. Best way to make somebody tilt in zero point five seconds! [laughter]

LAVANYA The sleep trip wire is basically the tranquilizer dart for anyone who plays more stealthily. It will create a trip wire across the ground, and any enemies - whether that's Lucids, Sleepers, or other children - who walk across it, will be stunned. In the case of Lucids and Sleepers, it will knock them the fuck out. You can also set it up for the Shape, and it will stun him temporarily the same that it will do for player characters.

LAVANYA Quick note here! Except for shooting other players’ drones, TBC does not have friendly fire. So you don't have to worry about setting up a sleep tripwire and then fucking over your teammates, because they just won't be affected by it at all.

LAVANYA And the last item is lock picks! The locked areas in game are the chest, doors to the houses, and I do believe that's it. You can also “kick in” anything that is locked instead of unlocking it, at the severe risk of drawing a shit ton of aggro. So, it's another matter of gameplay style.

[Music cue: Stalker switch]

Astro [00:06:58] When you play a mission your character has one of four classes. These are called major powers in the game, and the four major powers at this time are Takedown, Prankcaller, Unstoppable and Drone.

ASTRO Takedown players are your hand to hand combatants. They are really really good at wrestling with sleepers - with adults - which is something that not all of the kids can do. As a 14 year old, a 15 year old, you don't have the strength or body weight of an adult, but Takedown players have trained themselves to be able to do that to be able to stand a little bit more of a fighting chance. Takedown players can wrestle enemies for themselves or for their friends. If you see a friend in trouble, you can grab an enemy and hold them down and try to decrease the danger in that area.

LAVANYA Takedown is one of the most uncommon powers for people to take, but honestly it's one of the most useful, because what's more helpful than when somebody is jumping for your friend when they're on low health, than being able to just jump in there and pin them for the rest of the session down to the ground? The Lucid! Don't pin your friends.

ASTRO Prankcaller is a more stealth focused class. Prankcaller asks you to use your tech know-how to hack into phones and other devices, and disable them for your friends. You can call sleepers at the first level, which distracts them with a spam marketing call while you sneak past them. Sleepers can't see you. They can only hear you and so filling their ears with pyramid schemes will distract them pretty well, unless you make a horribly loud noise.

ASTRO Unstoppable temporarily makes you invulnerable and gives you extra stamina. Your stamina doesn't deplete when you run or jump. At the first level, you have about 10 seconds to do whatever you want and get the hell out of dodge.

LAVANYA And, my god, you can do anything you want. Fall damage: no. Lucids: no. Sleepers: no. Speedmines: they will fucking destroy you, don't do those. But anything else!

ASTRO So this is really, really good if you are a player who tends to get yourself in a bunch of bad situations and needs to run very, very fast. Also interesting: Unstoppable recharges when you take damage. If you end up in a lot of scrapes, that will eventually help you down the road.

LAVANYA Exactly. And if you like going places and you like going to them fast, Unstoppable is an excellent power - but you have to keep in mind when Unstoppable runs out, you will have to take a ton of damage in order to turn it back on. So don't race into danger, race across the map, separate yourself from your team, and then start crying when your unstoppable is gone. That's the classic mistake.

ASTRO And the last class is Drone. Drone players have a secondary player character, if you want, which is this drone. It's a stolen drone from the cult that you've managed to jury rig into your own device. Drones are a remote camera that you can send around the map within a limited range from yourself that can see other things and at higher levels can perform actions such as recording or tasering. Drone players are able to look around corners and scout out inside houses and rooms without actually going there and putting themselves in danger.

LAVANYA Yes. If your drone touches anyone, then it will, like, fucking die? But the good news is you can either send your friend over - your friend with Unstoppable - Make sure your team is well-varied! - into danger to grab your drone off the ground and bring it back to you, or else you can manually fetch your drone. So, it cannot be destroyed permanently, as far as I know.

ASTRO Now these classes all work well together. Having a well-balanced team helps you because it means that you have access to all of these different powers.

LAVANYA Exactly.

ASTRO But it's by no means required for you to have one of every single type. I think that's a really nice feature of the game, which is that you can have whatever team composition you want. If you have one take down and three unstoppable, that will still help you a lot.

LAVANYA Exactly. I will clarify: if you have four drone users, you may have a little bit more of a rough time, but you just have to take it steady and slow. And also have a designated victim who has to collect your drones back.

ASTRO Now the minor powers get a little bit more complicated. There are six of them right now. They are Locksmith, Atlas, Improved Stamina, Lucky Loot, Medic and Nutritionist. Most of these will give you an extra item. Locksmith, Medic and Nutritionist will all give you various items at the beginning of the game to help you out, which are, respectively, a lock pick, a bandage, and a energy bar.

ASTRO So if you happen to be the type to use those items a lot. Those are definitely minor powers to look into. Atlas allows you to run while carrying bodies. This won't impact the noise made from carrying bodies, but it will allow you to move quicker while you're carrying them.

LAVANYA There isn't much practical use for carrying bodies unless you want to be a sociopath and dump them off the cliffs or something. That's not advisable. Don't kill your grandma.

ASTRO Bodies can be discovered and if you happen to be in a tight spot and you need to hide a body, Atlas is a great power to help you book it.

ASTRO Improved Stamina gives you 10 percent more stamina than what you start with. Again, super useful if you want to run a little bit, but maybe you aren't into the idea of the whole Unstoppable power. Improved Stamina can get you a little further. The description for Improved Stamina also says it can be used to rush skills as well as movement. They mentioned lock picking and hacking like in the Prankcaller power. I don't know how true that is. I've tried rushing lock picking and I think it speeds up a little bit, but this is not necessarily true.

LAVANYA The truth of the Deck is whatever you believe will become true. If you just believe that you're lock picking a little bit faster, I'm sure it's 100 percent working as the devs intend.

ASTRO And the last minor power we'll cover is Lucky Loot. Lucky Loot will sometimes grant you a second copy of whatever item you pick up. Extremely useful in all cases. Honestly, Lucky Loot players are an asset to every team.

LAVANYA They really are. Lucky Loot can sometimes be the absolute difference between acing a level, and crashing and burning after a Stalker throws a foam grenade in your face. You will semi-frequently end up with doubled lock picks, doubled flash bangs, and everything else. And even with the ability to buy flash bangs and tranqs and bandages and candy bars with the little fireworks machines now, that can make a ton of difference. As far as I know, you do not get Lucky Loot when you purchase goods, though, you're just out of luck there.

[Music cue: Stalker switch]

ASTRO So, as mentioned in the prologue, the core premise of the game deals with this idea of gathering evidence of what's happening in your town and hoping to eventually take it out of the town. And in the game, you do this quite a lot.

ASTRO There are some missions that will require you to record things. There are also things called bonus evidence which are scattered around the map. When you go into your pause menu, you can see how many pieces of bonus evidence you have in any specific game. It can be anywhere from three pieces to possibly 14 pieces and maybe more. As your map expands, you have the opportunity to find more bonus evidence, but it will also be scattered further. You'll have to travel more to find it. And each piece of bonus evidence that you get will give you more XP, and it will also unlock journal entries for you to read in the boxcar.

ASTRO These pieces of bonus evidence can be various things. You will know them, because they will prompt you to record them by having a little bit of TV static and a slight green haze on them. They can be posters. They can be suitcases. They can be -

LAVANYA They can be creepy duffel bags full of mail. Depending on the mission, sometimes the bonus evidence will be things like pages from confidential files that you can kind of, but not quite, read. Or else they'll be bloodied up furniture, or blood stains on the ground that you have to clean up. It really just depends on what type of game you're in at that point!

ASTRO Yes. So if you happen to see that TV static effect - if you happen to see that green haze - take out your phone record whatever it is. Ultimately it can only help you.

[Music cue: Stalker switch]

ASTRO As if we couldn't have more things to do in our games - in addition to the main missions, the bonus evidence, just listening to the different enemy voice lines to get lore - there is another objective that you can complete throughout many missions, which we might call a fragment quest.

ASTRO There is a Daimon of this game called Thee-I-Dare, and Thee-I-Dare was fragmented. He was shattered. And because of that shattering event, various parts of his name are scattered around the map. They appear as small bits of fog against a wall, or in a specific area, and you can collect them by turning on your flashlight, aiming it at the spot, and closing your eyes.

ASTRO This does make you more visible, so it's not something you should do in a risky situation, but collecting these named fragments allows you to choose how to use them. You can return them to Thee-I-Dare, or you could turn them over to Speak-As-One to be burned. There are no in-game mechanics for this. However, when you interact with those Daimons, you can choose what you'd like to do.

LAVANYA Personally, I was going to do this fragment section, but someone banned me from it - [laughter] - on account of the fact I keep burning mine! But if you want to burn them, the way you do that is you light up a Light of Rebellion, one of the reward items you can get from the chest, and you just send off a prayer. And you're like, hey, Speak as One, I want you to know - here's some fragments for burning!

ASTRO Fragments will appear once in a while. And if you spy a fragment in one place but you can't retrieve it at that time, your next fragment will always appear in that place until you collect it.

[Music cue: Stalker switch]

LAVANYA So as your resident Speak-as-One stan, I'm going to cover the next game mode, which is possibly the most important game mode that you will ever play. Fuck the main missions, because this is what we're placed on this Earth for.

LAVANYA So, Stalker Mode was introduced in Update 5, which was phrased ENTER THE STALKER. Basically, in order to access the Stalker mode, you'll need to gain one Dossier, and then enter into the Stalker van, and select a mission to stalk.

LAVANYA The stalker is the player antagonist of the game. Basically your mission is not to make the team of children wipe, but to increase the spookiness of their playing experience, by not getting caught, filming them, and attracting enemies to them. You're trying to make the game harder and you're trying to freak them out. It's a lot of fun. The responses and reactions you can get from the player characters is always fucking amazing. So you'll be playing one versus two at the very minimum, because in order for a Stalker to arrive in a game, it has to have two players at the very least. Often you'll end up in a fourstack, so it'll be you versus four players.

LAVANYA Again your goal in this game mode is not to wipe the player characters. You will almost never be able to wipe the player characters. But! It is to just make it more difficult for them. And usually if people see a stalker is in the game, they will derail everything and become dedicated to hunting you down like a fucking dog. So it's a lot of fun for everyone involved! Like a really sadistic game of tag!

ASTRO It should be noted that when you begin the stalker mode, there is explanation text on the screen that starts with you will be caught. This stalker adds atmosphere, adds danger, but they are not the protagonist of the Blackout Club. The club kids for which the game is named are the protagonists of the game.

LAVANYA And It's important to note that that if you wipe the kids, you will get your dossier back, the only way that you can get points is keeping them alive to farm them for interactions with the lucids or for proof of their crimes. You get points and you reach the top with the Stalker leadership board, which can reward you either a jacket or a shirt, through recording and interacting with the kids. The goal is not, which can never be stated enough, to wipe them wipe the entire party. The mode is ultimately about encouraging interaction.

ASTRO Maybe the real winning was the friends we made along the way.

LAVANYA Yes. Maybe the real winning is the friends we made along the way. And the real purpose of the stalker mode is learning the beauty of the enemys to bff-les for life. Don't hunt down your stalker like a dog and tie them up to sacrifice In-Her-Teeth. Bring them home for hot cocoa and a blanket.

[Music cue: Stalker Switch]

ASTRO So if you are a player from the Blackout Club, you may have listened to this episode and thought to yourself - I already know all of this! What is this podcast of use to me? The reason we’re making this episode is to catch everyone up to the same point. From here on out, we'll be moving on and talking about new things, we’ll be talking about things more in depth, that you may not have thought about before. Or maybe you did!

LAVANYA Exactly. And it's always important to note - we're starting off these first few podcasts with an introductory to the game series and everything in it, partially because so many players in game have no fucking idea what's going on. They don't know how the Lucids are alerted, they don't necessarily know what the storyline is, they don't understand [Enhanced] Horror Mode.

ASTRO The learning curve of the Blackout Club is very steep, and that isn't a bad part of the game..

LAVANYA But it can be very frustrating!

ASTRO It can be very frustrating, but ultimately, it requires you to rely on your friends, which is the core of the game, and you learn together. This podcast is a small way to help that learning curve, and to help individual players learn the language and the playstyle of the game, so they can become better, and pass on more information.

LAVANYA And this podcast is also about ensuring that we can become not only your friends, but your best friends. Your truest, closest friends. WE SPEAK AS ONE.

ASTRO Oh my god. I can't believe you used me for advertising!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CREDITS:

The Blackout Club is made by Question Games. Our fact-checker is Be11amy. Our transcript is by Lavanya. Audio editing is by me, Astro. Xaviul is a henway.

#tdp transcripts

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concerthopperblog · 3 years ago

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The Best of AmericanaFest 2021!

Americanafest 2021 looked a bit different than in previous years. The days, and lineup, were reduced. The crowd capacity was capped. A few long-time venues (Station Inn) dropped while others were added (6th and Peabody). But the biggest change were the blue “Health Check” wristbands seen throughout the festival to signify the wearer had shown their vaccination card or recent negative COVID-19 test. While the requirement was too far for some, it made others (aka me) feel more comfortable getting back into a full concert environment. But what didn't change about Americanafest 2021 was the pure focus on music. Where some festivals spend time ensuring a perfect environment for that perfect selfie, Americanafest is all about the tunes. Here are some of the best things we saw at Americanafest 2021.

Best In Show- Christone “Kingfish” Ingram If your idea of “the blues” is a gnarled old black man in a rocking chair, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram is here to rocket you to the future. The 22 year old guitar wiz played before the most packed set I encountered all weekend, and much younger than is typical for Americanafest. The crowd was warranted. Kingfish and his stellar band put on an electric blues clinic. The guitar solos soared. The songs of bad lovers, bad loving, hard living, and bad luck that typify the blues were present, but invigorated by Kingfish's pure, unashamed joy at taking this old musical form into the next generation.

Best Replacement for the UN- Abigail Washburn and Wu Fei This is essentially “Best in Show” 1A, but it belongs more fully here. Let's face it. The United Nations is just a bunch of politicians bickering over whatever politicians have to bicker over this week. But Abigail Washburn and Wu Fei have found the true secret to international harmony; music. The genius of Washburn, arguably the best clawhammer banjo player in the world right now, and Fei, a master of the guzheng (which looks kind of like a harp, banjo, and hammered dulcimer had a baby), is that they found commonality in the folk songs of Appalachia and China. People love, and lose love. People feel joy at new life, and grief at its loss. Laborers toil, and the toil is hard. By mashing up these themes, trading back and forth between them like a ping pong match, they show that we aren't a race, an ethnicity, a culture, a religion. And, despite what some politicians would like to tell you, there is no “other.”

Rookie of the Year- Yasmin Williams It is, as far as I know, guitarist Yasmin Williams' first time to play Americanafest. Hopefully it isn't her last. Joining Kingfish as a “next generation talent” (if you want to feel really old, she decided to play guitar because she beat Rock Band on expert...), Williams is more jazzy than your typical Americanafest artist (if that exists). Her tapping and percussive techniques owe much less to Hank Williams than to jazz guitar god Tuck Andress. If one woman with one guitar and no vocals for an hour sounds dull, let me fix that notion for you. Even if you're not an instrumental nerd, it's impossible not to be mesmerized by how much sound one person and one instrument can make.

Best Low Key Supergroup- Colin Linden Just an hour after Kingfish packed The Cannery, a smaller crowd (Linden joked that the only people present were friends of his) got to see a secret supergroup perform an hour of electric blues. Linden is an instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer who can be heard on hundreds of albums. Joining him for this show were long-time John Prine bassist Dave Jacques and veteran blues producer (including of the aforementioned Kingfish) Tom Hambridge. Together they put on a flawless show mostly pulled from Colin Linden's new album. But then it doesn't hurt when you end with a song you wrote that was recorded by your “favorite band”, or in this case Band (as in The), “Remedy.”

Best Use of Found Objects- Jack Broadbent Brit bluesman Jack Broadbent is the second lap picker I saw Americanafest weekend, but his style couldn't be more different than Yasmin Williams. Broadbent is a straight up wailing slide blues guitarist. Over the years, the slide has been made out of everything from glass to metal. I've seen beer bottles used as a gimmick. But Broadbent's use of a hip flask as a slide is genius. It fits perfectly into your hand. It's got a good grip. And it has the right surface area. It only looks funny for a moment, until Broadbent unleashes some serious in your face electric blues.

Best “So Nice I Tried It Twice” Moment- Early James I did not go into Americanafest planning to see Early James twice. I went into Americanafest having no idea who Early James was. My schedule just happened to line up for him to be at a daytime set with someone I wanted to see (Sierra Ferrell) and a nighttime set with someone I wanted to see (Kingfish). Lucky me. The latest find by The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach signed to his Easy Eye Sound label, Early James combines the folksy wit of Lonesome Roads with the fashion sense of Al Yankovic. Disarmingly funny (and a James Gunn level fashion disaster in orange overalls and a straw hat with a pig bandana on it), James combines Southern gothic folk, blues rock, and old time elements, all familiar to any Americanafest regular, into something completely unique. Auerbach has shown a talent for finding artists who turn throwback elements on their (pig bandana-covered) ears, and James is up to the task.

Best “Making It Up As We Go Along” Artist- Tim Easton Poor Tim Easton. If it could go wrong during his 45 minute set on night 1 of Americanafest, it did. A series of technical glitches and outright failures had house techs scrambling and Easton without an instrument. It could have been a disaster. It ended up being one of the most fun sets of the weekend. Easton told jokes. He mused on the advantages of acoustic instruments as techs attempted to perform CPR on a dead amp. He threw to his excellent band for some Phish-style jam extensions while he helped sort cables. At one point he ran into the dressing room and borrowed the guitar of the artist playing after him (a gracious David Newbould). Nashville residents have long known that Tim Easton was an entertainer. But anyone can write up a set of audience patter. It's in those “holy shit, what do I do now?” moments that the true entertainers rise. Tim Easton rose (and finally got to finish his set, using a borrowed guitar to sing an ode to John Prine, who was likely laughing into his Heavenly vodka and ginger ale at the spectacle.

Best Alternative to the International Showcases- Andy's Americana Mitzvah There were many ways Americanafest looked different in this very different kind of year, but the most depressing was the lack of Saturday international showcases that have been a highlight of many an Americanafest. The Canadian showcases are always rock solid. The British delegation throws a cross-pond bash that includes both English and American artists (and gave a first showcase to a “nearly the last name on the bottom” Yola in 2016). And the folks from Sounds Australia confirm whatever stereotypes you may have about how hard the Aussies party. Trust me, they party harder than that. But not this year, another casualty of COVID travel restrictions. Fortunately there was Andy's Americana Mitzvah at the British Underground's usual home, The Groove Records. Veteran artists like Amy LaVere and Will Sexton joined youngsters like The Sweet Lillies for an afternoon showcase highlighted by the Americanafest appearance of Johnny Dowd.

Worst Americanafest Conflict- Thursday For the most part, my Americanafest fell pretty neatly into place, with the usual mild regrets... except for Thursday. I could have happily made a weekend out of just the acts playing Thursday. In addition to the show we saw, Abigail Washburn and Wu Fei, Allison Russell was playing across town in what is almost certain to be her final Americanafest showcase as she should be playing The Ryman by this time next year, and two of my longtime favorites Whitney Rose and Boo Ray were playing Musician's Corner. It broke my heart to miss any of them, but in the end rarity won the day and you just don't get to see Abby and Wu that often.

Check out this slideshow from Americanafest 2021 and go to our Facebook page for the full sets.

#Americanafest #americana #festival #Kingfish #Concerthopper #Festival #festival review #Review #2021 #music

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fanfic-from-a-67-impala · 7 years ago

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Just What I Needed

Characters: Sam x Reader, Dean

Word count: 1521

Summary: You're a hunter who has crossed paths with the Winchesters a few times before, and you and Sam hook up sometimes. Really fun, totally casual – overall a healthy and mutually beneficial relationship. Based on The Cars – Just What I Needed (YouTube) (Spotify).

Warnings: A couple of implied smut moments; I don't know if it can be classified as fluff. It's just... cute. And fun.

A/N: This is the first oneshot I ever wrote and I've been waiting months to post it today. It’s Valentine's Day, so I'd like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that it's okay to be single, it's okay to love being single, it's okay to have friends with benefits, and it's okay to want a strictly sex-only relationship, as long as it's all legal and consensual. Thanks and enjoy!

You avoid eye contact with the lady at the front desk of the motel, who shoots a wary glance at the blood and ash caked under your fingernails. She doesn't question it, though, as she drops a key into your hand. You swing your bag over your shoulder and walk outside to your room, ready to collapse.

As you massage the prickling burn on your arm through your jacket, a car in the parking lot you were too tired to notice before catches your eye. A classic – well-taken care of, not a rust spot visible on the glossy black finish as it gleams in the moonlight.

Only after a pause do you realize why it seems so familiar.

Laughing to yourself, you knock on the door in front of it, the only room with its lights on.

"(Y/N)," the man says, his surprised smile reaching his green eyes. He ushers you in with a kiss on the cheek, placing the handgun he held behind the door on the table beside him.

"Thought I smelled Winchester," you smirk, scanning the otherwise empty room. "What are you doing in town?"

"Sammy and I just got here. Five people choked to death in the past two weeks. We're thinking witches," he says, popping off the top of a beer and handing the bottle to you.

You nod in thanks. "Well, you'd be right. They were witches."

"'Were'?" he questions.

"Aah," you sigh after taking a long, bubbly sip. "Burnt to a crisp."

He narrows his eyes. "You...?" An annoyed expression replaces the confusion on his face. "Of course you did."

"What can I say? I'm efficient," you chuckle, dropping your bag at your feet and leaning against the edge of the table.

He reaches behind you to grab a half empty beer, muttering something about a day's drive down the drain as he brings the bottle to his lips.

"If it makes you feel any better, it was pretty boring," you say. "Run-of-the-mill kitchen witches, crazy with a side of vengeance."

He gives you a short laugh, letting it melt into a distant gaze. "Remember when they were all that simple?"

"You mean before the first apocalypse or the second?" you joke.

The two of you catch up, swapping stories and reliving days past, until a final lull in the conversation signals a good stopping point. You tilt your head up and swallow the last swig of beer in your bottle.

"Well, I'm calling it a night," you say, rising from your seat. "Thanks for the drink."

"Whoa, early night. Someone's getting old," he teases.

"Three witches, man," you remind him.

"You don't want to stick around and say hey to Sam? He's picking up some grub across the street, should be back any minute. You two always seem to, uh, hit it off," he raises his eyebrows, flashing you a suggestive grin.

You blush as images of long brown hair tangling with yours flash before your eyes, the feeling of muscle and bare skin under your palms.

"Right, a day of pointless driving and research, the end of the world looming overhead, then a one-night stand," you muse. "That's just what he needs."

"But it'd be a five- or six-night stand by now, wouldn't it?" he says, still smiling.

You roll your eyes, unable to give him an exact number if you wanted to.

Dean shrugs away his grin, replacing it with genuine concern. "All I'm saying, everybody's gotta blow off some steam, and you know he ain't a 'random chick in a bar' kinda guy."

"That's what hookers are for," you note, though you acknowledge his sincerity. Your hand lingers over the doorknob. "I'm in room five. Tell him to come find me if he wants."

Dean winks at you, and you step into the brisk nighttime air toward your room.

Before midnight rolls around, a soft rapping knock echoes through the quiet room. You look up from your computer screen to the door and slide out of bed, slipping the knife from the nightstand into your hand and replacing it with your laptop.

Your heart races as you pad across the floor, grateful for the rough carpet muffling your footsteps. Gripping the handle of the blade, you crack open the door.

It reveals a tall, moonlit figure, wearing a shy smile and a thin t-shirt, despite the chill in the air. You open the door wider, a smile creeping onto your own lips.

"Hey, you," you greet.

He steps inside and glances around the darkened room before turning back to you, eyes wide with regret. "You were sleeping," he says, apologetically.

"Don't worry about it. I was researching," you say, closing the door and nodding to the bed. "I, uh, didn't think I'd see you tonight. Figured you'd be busy."

"You mean, looking for a new case?" he gives you a pointed look.

"Dean told you about that, did he?" you laugh, setting the knife back onto the nightstand and taking a seat beside him.

"Says you full-on Salem'd them," he says. "Thanks for that, by the way. Dean would never admit it, but we've got a losing streak when it comes to witches."

You fixate on your lap. "Nah, you could've taken these guys."

A lock of your hair falls to cover your face from him as you look down, but you raise your eyes as he lifts a finger to pull the hair back, a wordless question of whether or not to continue as his hand lingers near the back of your neck. "Really, thank you," he murmurs.

"No problem," you whisper, craning your neck to meet his lips with yours.

He entangles a hand in your hair as you move to close the space between you, pulling away from the kiss only to ask, "Sure you want to waste your time with me tonight?"

He smiles, and you feel his breath on your lips in a soft laugh. "I don't mind if you don't."

You lean in again, this kiss deeper and stronger than the last, while you find the hems of each other's shirts.

It ends with your heavy breaths in time with his as you fall to the side, pulling apart.

"I think," you say between gasps, "that was our best work yet."

"The first time or the second?" he pants.

You breathe out a laugh before letting silence fall, save the slowing inhales and exhales, reveling in the sweaty, shaky feeling and tangled hair and the warmth of a body next to yours. Sam plays with your hair, running the strands through his fingers in short, absentminded strokes.

You watch the moon travel across the night sky, an indistinct body of light, blurred by the thin curtains as it crosses the window. The moonlight silhouettes him as he slips out of the twisted sheets and reaches for the bundle of clothes at the foot of the bed. You let your eyes travel over his deft hands as they move to pull on his clothes, his shirt clinging to his skin with sweat.

"Catch you in the morning," he whispers.

"Yeah," you nod, waiting until the door closes behind him to find your own clothes in the dark and slide the fabric over your skin.

You have decided on sleeping and finding a case in the morning when Sam slinks through the door again, leaning back against it after he closes it, eyes wide. Your fingers trace the hilt of your knife again, your body tensing.

"What's wrong?" you hiss across the room.

"We, uh, weren't the only lucky ones tonight," he says.

You let your shoulders drop, sighing. "Dean?" you say, placing your blade back on the nightstand.

He nods, and you shrug your shoulders. "Good for him."

Sam's traumatized eyes fade into a giggle to match yours. "Mind if I hang out here for the night?"

You crawl under the covers before pulling them back behind you. "Get in here, Sam."

He lets his jeans fall at the foot of the bed with his shoes and slips into the bed once again, letting his arm settle in the hollow above your hip. As he works his fingers through strands of your hair, you trace patterns on his shoulder, grateful for the company and the warmth.

You wake to movement beside you, a shift in the bed, a loss of heat. Then, the sound of fabric against skin, a zipper closing.

"Morning," you moan before opening your eyes against the early morning sunlight seeping through the curtains.

"Hey," he says, matching your smile and the sleep in your eyes. "How'd you sleep?"

"Mm, fine. How about you?" you mumble, stretching.

"Not too bad." He pulls on his t-shirt. "Did you know you talk in your sleep?"

"Really?" you yawn. "Sorry."

He runs his hands across his hair and leans down to kiss you on the forehead. "I don't mind. See you in a bit."

"Thanks for coming over," you call as he reaches the door.

"Thanks for letting me," he says. "I think it was just what I needed."

Happy Valentine’s day, everyone!

#Supernatural #Supernatural x reader #Spn x reader #Spn #Sam Winchester #Dean Winchester #Sam Winchester x reader #Sam x reader #oneshot #writing is hard

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