#its also pretty nice. both drawings drawn in the middle of the night. at late september.

[problemcore]

WOOO first drawing on the new computer. im actually getting back to art now i promise guys (sort of a redrew of this doodle from 2 years ago)

[innittowinit]

SBI headcanons awooga

Some headcanons and things for my sbi fd! Abandoned amusement park fic lol 

Here's the link if you haven't read it btw 

SBI last name is Reid, DT last name is Jackson btw lmao, i probably won't mention it much though unless it's like Mrs Reid for the sbi mom y'know

This has Tommy, Techno, Wilbur and Phil included; lmk if a dt post would be a good idea too 

Tommy

The youngest brother, he’s seven lmao what a child

Even though he’s the youngest, he’s also the most confrontational and will gladly ‘fight’ anyone who talks bad about his brothers 

He can’t fight

He’s very tall for his age but is also extremely light since he’s always running around 

Phil tries to get him to try new foods a lot but Tommy’s a really picky eater

...Tantrums.. Every time he doesn’t get his way

This lead to his brothers spoiling him quite a bit, he’s still sweet enough though since Phil has had many stern conversations with him about being nice to people 

Has a toy music boy, with collectable discs

Wilbur got his first disc for him, it’s his most prised possession 

Every time he does all of his chores (which are really just small things like clean up after himself and keep his room tidy) someone, whether its his Mum, Wilbur or someone else, gets him a new disc 

Techno got him ‘Pig step’ for his seventh birthday and he listens to it every night before bed 

One time he snuck downstairs while Techno and Wilbur were having a sleepover and watched the horror movie they were watching without them realising it. Techno and Wil were the ones to get into trouble since Tommy wouldn’t sleep for a week afterwards. 

Techno had to read him a story every night until he stopped thinking he was going to be eaten by a demon in the middle of the night 

Drinks way too much caffeine for a kid, someone take this boys coke away

He’s got a habit of biting his nails, which has left him with some pretty crooked teeth, which will probably need to be fixed with braces when he’s older. 

It’s also gross because he climbs so much there’s almost always dirt under his nails 

Hasn’t really grasped the whole concept of not saying everything he thinks yet

Oh my god someone shut this boy up

He still believes in Santa and The easter bunny too

One time Techno told him Oogie Boogie from the nightmare before christmas was real and he cried

He talks a lot in school because he finds it boring but he’s also very good at maths and English for his age

Wilbur 

Middle child, Wil is 13. Techno’s twin 

He’s pretty insecure about his music even though he’s been playing his whole life

That’s why he likes being able to practice in L’manburg, there’s no pressure to be perfect when he’s alone with his brothers 

Super extroverted and confident in everything else though, Since Techno can’t talk to most people, he usually tries to speak for both of them

After realising that Techno didn’t really like it when he said ‘Techno thinks’ a lot, back in primary school, he adapted to trying to speak for what Techno wants without making Techno’s issues obvious

They tell people who need to know, but for people they’ll only talk to a few times they usually just get away with Wilbur acting super obnoxious and loud so it seems like Techno just doesn’t have room to talk, rather than that he can't 

It’s easier than getting into it since they don’t feel like most people will understand

has separation Anxiety, when he’s not with his brother he doesn’t relax/ feel safe at all. If it happens at school he won't do his work at all/ Will probably just leave the room and try to find Techno

Everyone kinda knows this and they try to suit things around it without saying it outright 

He’s kinda embarrassed, he likes to think he’s the one protecting Techno but really they need each other the same amount 

Techno gets this though, He doesn’t mind if wilbur has a bit of a saviour complex, he’ll play along if it makes him happy 

They’re working on it with their Therapist though so don’t worry, he won't grow up to be an ass

Interests (besides music) include: 

Watching obscure documentaries 

Disney movies, favourite is peter pan 

  Skating 

He and Techno got Picked on in primary school for being so close, he learnt kickboxing so he could defend himself if things ever got physical. Luckily they didn’t but he still knows how to kickbox so watch out

Almost always turning in homework late, he’s good at talking his way out of Detentions though. 

And when he cant talk his way out, Techno finds a way to get detention too

He’s VERY protective of his younger brother(s(he was born first so he likes to insist that Techno is his little brother)) 

That’s good for the most part but he can be a little overbearing sometimes, he’s got detention many many times for cussing out people who so much as looked at Techno wrong 

When he’s feeling guilty he mumbles a lot 

Techno 

Middle child, 13. Wilbur’s twin

Has selective Mutism, completely fine talking to Wilbur, Only talks to Tommy and Phil if Wil is there too but other than that he’s completely fine talking to them as well. He speaks to his parents but not as openly as he does with his brothers, with them its usually very quiet, one word sentences 

Like Wilbur, separation Anxiety also, It’s not as bad as Wilbur’s is though, Wil just makes him comfortable enough to talk with his brothers, he can deal with being without Wilbur but he absolutely doesn’t want to

He can be a bit arrogant and possessive of his brothers at times, he’s a bit scared of them leaving him because he can be so difficult so he has a tendency to be cold to any new people they bring home 

Interests include: Pvp games, ancient china, farming

He was hyper-fixated on a cartoon when he was younger and now he has multiple cosplays from it that he’ll probably never wear again

His hair is LONG and pink, they never figured out why it grew so fast or why it was pink but it is lmao 

When he was born his parents were terrified, they thought he had some kind of rare condition that was going to hurt him but the doctors eventually came to the conclusion that he just had healthy hair that grew fast and the pinkness was due to an abnormality in the melanin in his system or something idk fellas im failing science pls pretend this part makes sense 

Being silent with long pink hair as a kid, he got picked on a lot. There were many instances where he just pushed kids over or hit them because they were being mean 

Since he’s the quiet one, teachers usually trust him a lot so he and wilbur used to skip class a lot, back when they got picked on, by saying they had to help another teacher do something

In an attempt to get him to be more social, his parents signed him up for violin lessons aged 8, he really liked his teacher and had even managed to speak a little to her over the past 4 years he took lessons 

Spaces out a lot 

He watches a lot of conspiracy theory videos but he doesn’t actually believe any of them, he just finds them interesting

One time he convinced Tommy they were living in a simulation and Tommy hit a kid to see if his hand would pass through

He’s spoken a few words to squidkid too since they’re childhood friends and he’s very comfortable with him. Ironically all he seems to say to him is ‘bozo’ to tease the other for saying it so often, instead of literally any other insult

Phil 

Oldest brother, 16 

Cares about his brothers so so so so so much like he will do anything to keep them happy and safe

One time he missed an exam because Tommy was sick and he wanted to take him to the doctor before anything else

Tommy was fine btw, just one of those bugs you get when you're little

Their parents are pretty distant so Phil has been pretty much raising them since he was little, he doesn’t mind though

Their parents aren’t bad people or anything, they just get called out a lot for work and can’t be at home a whole bunch, it’s a big part of the reason why Techno never got comfortable talking a lot around them

He works at a Nearby florist to get extra cash to buy his brothers things when his parents arent home

When their mum is home, he brings her flower arrangements home from work because he is sweet <3

He’s really into mythology and Folklore as well as drawing, when he was younger he had multiple sketchbooks filled up with different creatures that he had drawn 

When he, techno and wilbur were all little, he used to play a game with them where they’d describe a monster off the tops of their heads and he’d draw it for them 

Techno and Wilbur loved this and always put up Phil’s drawings on their bedroom walls 

When he was 13 he used to write angsty poetry, He told wilbur about it one day and that's when wilbur first started adding lyrics to his songs 

He can be pretty gullible, he likes to believe that people mean good no matter how hard it might be to see it that way 

He can hold grudges for a pretty long time, he’s quick to forgive when it’s himself that’s been hurt but it’s very very hard to get on his good side again if you hurt his brothers 

Watches Alien theories with techno, unlike techno he actually believes in them

Has the ‘i believe in aliens’ poster 

When they were little, he used to grow strawberry plants with techno and Wilbur, this is what prompted techno to start growing other vegetables in their garden himself

[dinosaurtsukki]

Congrats on the milestone, I hope I'm not too late~! “I didn’t do it!” “Then why are you laughing?” “Because whoever did it is a freaking genius.” with Daichi please ^~^)/ Also, if your taglist is open, may I be added? I really enjoy your content~

awwww i’m glad you enjoy my content that makes me happy~ i hope you enjoy this one!!

Daichi + 80 + 81 + 82

80. “I didn’t do it!”

81. “Then why are you laughing?”

82. “Because whoever did it is a freaking genius.”

It wasn’t a typical morning in Karasuno High School. Because for once, it was the last day of classes for the year, more specifically the last day of classes for you third-years. Even though you didn’t really have classes for the day, you and your friends still came to school to pass the time in the gymnasium that forged the bond between all of you and your fellow teammates. On the walk to school, you and Kiyoko chatted about how nice it would be to no longer have to wear uniforms. Sugawara and Asahi were discussing who among their second and first-year teammates were going to cry later. And Daichi was lost in his thoughts. ‘Probably of last night,’ you thought with a smirk before suppressing a yawn.

Once you reached the school and saw the crowded courtyard, it was very clear that it wasn’t a normal day. 

“Whoa, what’s happening?” Kiyoko asked.

“Asahi, can you see anything?” Sugawara elbowed your tallest friend. 

“I can’t see that far!” he protested.

“Come on, let’s check it out!” you grinned, pushing your way through the crowd. 

“Y/n, wait up!” Sugawara called after you.

In the middle of the school courtyard was the statue of Karasuno High School’s founder. You always forgot his name and never deemed it important enough to keep in mind. He was standing before them in all his metal glory, both arms outstretched forward. Except, in his hands he carried a basketball with a drawn-on face that looked like the vice-principal’s. And right on top of that wig, was the vice-principal’s wig.

“BWAHAHAHAHAA!” Sugawara burst out laughing, bent-over with his hands gripping his sides.

“Suga,” Asahi looked at him in shock.

“You paid Hinata and Kageyama do this, didn’t you?” Kiyoko jabbed his shoulder accusatorily. 

“What? I didn’t do it!” Sugawara said in-between laughs, which didn’t make it all the more convincing.

“Then why are you laughing?” Asahi asked.

“Because whoever did it is a freaking genius!” 

If Asahi and Kiyoko weren’t busy trying to get Sugawara to quiet down in order to not draw suspicion to himself, they would have caught the knowing glance and smirk that you and Daichi shared.

---Last Night---

“I can’t believe you convinced me to do a dumb senior prank,” Daichi hissed as he lifted your leg up to help you up the wall. 

“Correction. It’s a senior prank that’s going to be an awesome one,” you huffed at him as you managed sit on the wall with a leg on either side for balance. You stretched out a hand to help pull him up. Not that he ended up needing it. The two of you hopped down on the other side into the school grounds.

“Aren’t senior pranks kind of lame?”

“It’s only lame if the seniors doing them are lame but we’re not lame seniors,” you grinned. “Trust me. This is going to be epic.”

There were very few security guards around the place but most of them were positioned at the school entrance so it was quite easy to sneak into the main school building. It was eerie to walk around the school at night with no one around and Daichi tried not to remember all the ghost stories that Tanaka would tell during training camps. Finally, you stopped in front of vice-principal’s office and pulled out two, small metal pieces from your pocket.

“Is that a lock-picking set?” Daichi asked, astounded while he watched you pick the lock. “Where do you even get that?”

“Lockpickingsets.com. Duh,” you grinned at him right as the lock clicked open. Daichi stepped in first.

“I sure hope you’re right about this,” he said, pacing the room. 

“Trust me. My sources are correct,” you nudged past him as you made your way to the desk. “Megumi from class 3-C saw it somewhere here when she was called to his office. And think about it. I’m pretty sure I guy who wears wigs would keep a spare one in the place where they work. Like shoes!”

“Fine. But if I were the vice-principal, where would I hide my own wig?” Daichi muttered. Both of you turned to look at the inconspicuous filing cabinet situated at a corner. 

“Definitely there,” you chorused. 

After a bit more lock-picking, you slid open the drawers and finally found the wig, propped on its own mannequin’s head and looking very much as if it was well-taken care of.

“Okay, I’m convinced. This might actually be epic,” Daichi grinned. You handed him the wig, still sitting on the mannequin head, and pulled out the basketball and permanent marker that you kept in the backpack you carried.

“Time for Phase Two.”

---Now---

“Best senior prank ever?”

“Best senior prank ever,” Daichi grinned, bumping fists with you while you sat in homeroom. 

“It’s a good thing I convinced you, didn’t I? Or else you’ll have nothing fun to tell your kids,” you grinned cheekily.

“Yeah, yeah. That was pretty fun,” Daichi rubbed the back of his neck. “One last hurrah as third-years here, before we go our separate ways.”

“Ugh, you sound like Asahi,” you rolled your eyes at Daichi’s cheesiness, even though you knew you would probably crying during your send-off later with the volleyball club. After graduation, you weren’t sure when you’d see Daichi or your other friends again, but at least you had one more memory to remember him by. 

taglist (open to anyone who wants in):  @montys-chaos​ @miyumtwins​ @strawberriimilkshake​ @pocubo​ @sugawara-sweetheart @akaashisbabydoll @laure-chan @therainroguefanfiction @atetiffdoesart @stephdaninja @oikaw-ugh

[valkyrisffvii]

Secrets

Setting: Mithra’s apartment in the Shinra Building, Midgar

POV: 3rd person

Summary: Mithra invites Sephiroth over to her home so the new couple can spend time together, and she reveals some of her deepest secrets.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mithra sat on one of the barstools in her kitchen area, mindlessly staring at her phone. She finished cleaning up her apartment earlier to make it look presentable, as Sephiroth was going to be spending the night with her. Apparently, her apartment was nicer than even the 1st class SOLDIER’s, as it was originally a suite for Shinra’s guests. 

The two of them had been together for about a week now. Mithra still felt somewhat overwhelmed and in disbelief at the fact, but Sephiroth had reassured her that he loved her and wanted the relationship. Also, thankfully, there were no rules in SOLDIER that forbade dating among members. Additionally, the two of them had agreed that their relationship could become public, as doing such would prevent fangirls from causing problems. 

There was a knock at her door, and Mithra quickly hurried over. She peered through the peephole and saw the tall, silver-haired First standing on the other side. Heart racing, she opened the door to let him in.

“Hello, my dear,” his smooth voice did nothing to calm her down. He placed his duffel bag down and pulled Mithra in for a hug. Normally, Sephiroth would never perform such a physical act, but Mithra somehow brought out this side in him. Mithra hugged him back, burying her face into his shoulder.

“Hello, love,” she mumbled into his coat. She leaned up to kiss him, which he gladly accepted. Mithra then led him into her living area.

“Your home is very nice,” he said. “I now understand why Zack and Cloud like to hang out here so much.”

“I do my best to accommodate. I made Zack his own jar of puppy food.” 

Sephiroth could not help but crack a small grin; Mithra knew her friends too well. The living area had a television as well as a large couch and a coffee table. The kitchen was in the same room, with a nicely-sized kitchen island that sported several bar stools. Sephiroth spotted several of Angeal’s cookbooks perched on the countertop, showing that Mithra had been borrowing them and experimenting with new recipes. 

Mithra opened one of the doors that led out of the living area to reveal the bedroom. Maroon sheets and pillowcases adorned the king-sized bed, and a matching comforter was draped over the foot. Each side had a nightstand with a pink salt lamp, and the nightstand on the left had a caddy with several small items. Opposite of the bed was a full-length window whose curtains were currently drawn. 

“You can leave your bag there.” Mithra gestured to the dresser against the wall next to the door. “The left side of the bed is my side. I hope you don’t mind sleeping on the right side.” She paused, getting nervous again. “Unless you don’t feel comfortable sleeping next to me, then you could sleep-”

Sephiroth shushed her.

“Relax, love. I’ll be more than comfortable sharing a bed with you. I’m sure your bed will be much warmer with me in it.” He winked at her, inciting a giggle from the now-relaxed Second. As she helped him get settled, Mithra could not help but adore the way Sephiroth could both fluster her to the point of blushing and instantly relax her all in the same breath. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The evening had consisted of the two talking about their lives and gossiping about their friends. Mithra cooked them dinner with the help of Angeal’s cookbooks, and, unlike the times she cooked with Zack, the kitchen stayed relatively clean. They also played chess, which Sephiroth won every single time. Mithra and Sephiroth only grew closer during that time. She had always known that they were more similar than she originally thought, having no clue who their parents were and being mostly solitary in their youth. It almost seemed like they were meant to be together.

It was 9 PM when they both decided to get ready for bed. Mithra showed Sephiroth to her luxurious bathroom, which sported separate shower, whirlpool spa, and toilet rooms that both connected to a vanity and sink area. Not even the prestigious 1st Class SOLDIERs had this amenity.

“I know that you’ll be taking a while with that hair of yours, so I’ll go and shower first.” Mithra gathered her clothes and went into the shower room, finishing her shower within five minutes. She changed into her preferred sleepwear which consisted of a sports bra and shorts, and she went back into the bedroom where Sephiroth was sitting on the bed. 

“You look quite adorable,” he said playfully, which resulted in an equally playful punch in the arm. He pretended to be hurt and chuckled as he went into the bathroom to shower.

Ten minutes had passed, and knowing that her boyfriend would be taking a while, Mithra went to the bathroom and opened up the small skincare refrigerator that sat safely on a vanity away from the sinks. She applied her toner and creams, considering asking Sephiroth if he was interested in trying out one of her mud masks sometime. As she walked back to her bedroom, she failed to notice the large, slippery puddle that a certain someone had dripped in the middle of the floor.

“Fuuuck!” she cried as her feet slid up from underneath her. Luckily, before she could collapse on the floor, a strong pair of hands saved her by catching her under her arms. Instead of laying flat on her back on the floor, Mithra’s body was now propped up by her heels and her rescuer. 

Mithra opened her eyes and looked up to see her silver-haired lover who currently sported the most smug face she’d ever seen. To add to her embarrassment, the only thing covering him was a white towel wrapped securely around his hips. She could feel the heat rising in her face as she gained her footing and looked away. Sephiroth stepped in front of her, smiling at how cute she looked. She looked up and was met face to face with a broad, naked chest, which she could not take her eyes off of. She was snapped out of her trance when she felt his velvety lips press against her forehead.

“Sephy! Why are you walking around and leaving puddles everywhere?” she cried. “Go dry yourself off and put on some clothes while I clean up the mess you made!”

“You know, I could use my towel to wipe the floor...”

“No!” Mithra practically shoved him back into the shower room and went to mop up the puddles, all while fighting the urge to peek in on him getting dressed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After she had wrung out her mop and left it out to dry, Mithra headed back to her bedroom and sat on her side of the bed. She laid back against the pillows as she doodled on her tablet with her prized stylus. Drawing proved itself to be a favorite pastime of hers. It helped her relax and unwind in between missions and long training sessions with Angeal. She had drawn portraits for all her friends, which they appreciated immensely. 

Mithra was currently working on yet another sketch of Sephiroth. She knew that she was falling for him when she found herself drawing him over and over, constantly trying to get more and more accurate with her portrayal of the famous SOLDIER. Having spent plenty of time with him lately, she basically had his entire face memorized.

The bathroom door opened, and Mithra turned her head to see Sephiroth standing there. His hair still laid flat on his head with dampness, and he had slipped on a pair of black sweatpants, leaving his bare chest exposed. Mithra could not help but crack a small smile at him. He came over to sit next to her, peering at her tablet and the drawing she worked on.

“Drawing me again, aren’t you?” He asked teasingly. He looked more closely at Mithra’s work, his eyes sparkling.

“I’ll probably be drawing you a lot more, my dear,” Mithra responded, looking up at him and getting lost in his minty-green eyes. She noticed that his usual slit pupils had dilated slightly, now resembling ellipses. Before he had confessed his feelings towards her, Mithra had rarely seen him look at anything with the amount of love and adoration he currently exhibited. He was always so serious and dedicated to his work. He chuckled in response to her statement. 

“If you ever want me to model for you, I’d be honored.”

“Remind me to bring my pen and tablet when we go to Costa Del Sol,” she laughed, placing her items down and scooting herself in between his legs with her back resting on his chest. Sephiroth wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace, burying his face in her hair. He then leaned back against the headboard and began to mindlessly fiddle with Mithra’s short brown locks, a stark contrast to his long silver mane. 

As she shifted her head, he noticed something peculiar under her hair right behind her right ear. He pushed the hair aside to reveal a long, raised scar that marred her skin from right behind the tip of her ear to about halfway down her neck. He could not stop staring at it as his finger went to trace along it, causing Mithra to cease her movements.

“How did you get this scar?” He asked curiously. Mithra did not respond, as thoughts of how she’d explain its story swam in her head. Even though it had been so many years since that event, the memory was still fresh in her mind. It was one of the things that made her hate her life in the slums, and how glad she was to have been able to find a new life at Shinra. 

“Mithra?” She turned slightly so she could look at Sephiroth from the corner of her eye, and her scar was still fully visible to him. 

“I got it when I was sixteen. I was in the slums and I was leaving a bar because I had to return a stolen item to a client,” she explained. Sephiroth only stared at the mutilated skin, running his thumb along the length of the healed scar. “I was just outside the entrance when a man reeking of booze grabbed my arm and told me I looked pretty. He asked me if I was interested in having some fun with him; he was obviously trying to get me to sleep with him. I refused and tried to pull away, and he eventually got so mad that he slammed his half-empty bottle into my head. He aimed for the right side of my face, but I was quick, so it ended up hitting me behind the ear.” Her hand came up to meet his. “It still hurt like a bitch though. If I didn’t jerk my head I probably would’ve gotten glass in my eye and gone blind on that side.”

Sephiroth only looked at her in horror. How could someone do that, and to a sixteen year old no less? He concealed the anger and hatred he felt towards that man; Mithra was most likely safe from him for good now, but that wouldn’t stop Sephiroth from killing the offender if he dared to show his face. By now, Mithra had turned around to face him, her hands on his shoulders.

“I know what you’re thinking. I give you full permission to impale him with Masamune if you see him. I still vaguely remember what he looks like.” She paused to reach behind her ear and touch her scar. 

“Experiences like that one are what taught me all the skills I’ve needed to survive. After I staggered from the pain, I ran for my life. It wasn’t until a year later that I had the courage to leave when I knew that I had had enough,” she sighed, looking down. “I had to hide from several people who were angered by my refusal to submit to them. That’s how I became so good at staying in the shadows and being undetectable. Well, my job as a thief helped me also.”

By now, she felt like she had said too much. Mithra hung her head, afraid to see her lover’s facial expression. His hand came under her chin and gently forced her to look at him, just like how it did when he kissed her a week ago. She stared into his eyes and swallowed thickly.

“Mithra,” he began, “I am so sorry that you had to experience that. I did not know that your skills were the results of such traumatic events.” He pulled her in for a tight hug, her head buried in his neck and his hand stroking her hair. 

“You are such a strong person. I have seen the compassion you exhibit and the hard work you put into everything you do. You have overcome so much adversity, yet you still have a kind heart.” He pulled away slightly to caress her cheek, looking into her eyes yet again.

“I love you so much, Mithra, and I promise that I will do everything within my ability to protect you. If anyone tries to hurt you, they will have to go through me first.” By now, Mithra was blinking back tears of love and adoration. She slammed her lips against his in a long, passionate kiss, her arms wrapped around his neck and his arms around her waist. She knew he was the one for her, and he knew it too. They separated for air, resting their foreheads together. 

“Sephy, you were the first man to catch my eye and the first man I fell in love with. I will always be by your side,” she said, her voice full of raw emotions. By now, there was an evident sleepiness in her voice, and, despite trying her best to look at him, her eyes were drooping. Sephiroth chuckled and kissed her nose in thanks.

“Someone is falling asleep. Why don’t we call it a night?” Mithra nodded eagerly, turning off the lamps. Sephiroth laid on his back, extending an arm to her. She happily nestled against him, her head on his bare chest. She could hear the calming rhythm of his heart beating. His arm came to wrap around her waist, and she tangled her legs with his. Peaceful slumber overcame her almost immediately, and her mouth was frozen in a small smile.

“Good night, my love,” he whispered, kissing the top of her head. He soon drifted off as well, looking forward to what the future held for the both of them.

[wethepixies]

Welcome to the third and final part of our staff interview series! This set of interviews focus on some of our most social staff members - our Discord moderators and our social media team. Once again, these pixies had a lot to say, so we’re tucking all of it under the “Keep reading” link!

WTP’s Discord server is the main place for the community to come together - in fact, we just passed 6,000 members! It’s extremely important to keep the server as safe and friendly as possible, and that’s where our beloved moderators come through. Without them, we wouldn’t have the loving WTP community!

Our moderators are Lila Almondpetal, Gloria Flutterflower, Daphne Moonflower, Anastasia Foxheart, Rose Morningmist, and Kassie.

What are some of your favorite memories about the original Pixie Hollow? And what are some things that you’re excited to see again in WTP?

Daphne: If I had to choose only one favorite thing then it would be shopping in Pixie Hollow especially those GORGEOUS gowns from the Queen's Boutique. It was the luxury store of Pixie Hollow, and the gowns they had were on a whole different level. I used to play Pixie Hollow every day as a kid and I even convinced my dad to get me the annual membership. I was able to make a lot of friends from different parts of the world because of the game. My best memories of the game are of Camp Pixie Dust! As for what I’m excited to see in WTP, I am exhilarated about the Tearoom and Animal Derby coming back since those were the only places you could play with other players. They were always packed with other fairies and sparrowmen and I used to hang out in those two places the most.

In her interview, Daphne sent us some pictures of two of her favorite things in Pixie Hollow - a couple of screenshots of Camp Pixie Dust and her favorite gown from the Queen’s Boutique.

Anastasia: Honestly? As a kid, I spent most of my time attending the parties. The minigames there were always so addicting! Gameplay wise, I loved baking and tailoring! I wasn't as invested in it as other Disney MMOs because I never was able to get a Pixie Hollow Membership, but I still loved to play it! It influenced my decision to play the DS games, as well as the Fashion Boutique mobile game! I will say that my love of the original Pixie Hollow has benefited my life in many ways as without it, I wouldn't have so many memories with friends I've made along the way. Also, I would've never found WTP! I think one of my best memories from Pixie Hollow has to be from the one party where I won almost all of the party games. I was pretty young when I was really into Pixie Hollow, so although it's a bit silly, I just remember feeling super proud and feeling like the queen of the party, haha! As a kid, I never really appreciated the quests (although I did do them), so I am excited for those to come back & relive that experience. However, since WTP will not have a paywall for any of the experiences from the original Pixie Hollow, I am incredibly excited to explore The Wilderness for the first time!

Lila: My favorite part of the original game was honestly how open and free it was! There was always so much to do in the game, but I never felt pressured to do any of it if I didn't want to. I could go crazy one day playing games and doing quests, and then I could spend the next day flying around, just admiring the scenery and doing absolutely nothing in terms of progress. There were no obligations at all - I think that's why I remember the game so well. I was also really invested in it - I actually kept a journal about what I did in the game, can you believe it? I would say it's made my life better in a couple of ways - when the game was still open, it was a fantastic stress reliever, and even now I love thinking about it (plus, it led me to WTP!). As for my favorite memory… well, there are so many! I'd have to say my favorite was the time a Sparrow Man and I flirted in the Tearoom using nothing but those preset Speedchat phrases. I don't know who started it, but I'm pretty sure we were both non-members at the time - maybe we were drawn together by those Arrival Day outfits. We ended up drawing a crowd; I remember seeing a lot of clapping emojis and hearts. It was insane! Sadly, we forgot to add each other as friends, so we never saw each other again. I just got out my old journal to check if I wrote down his name - and I apparently did! Figfig, my guy, if you’re out there, I was either Twilight Olivemist or Karina Lightningflame at the time. As for what I’m excited for, I'm super excited for all of the meadows to come back! I loved just flying around and seeing all of the gorgeous artwork. And multiplayer, of course - Pixie Hollow was such a social game. I loved those little things like sitting on a branch and chatting.

Gloria: My favorite part of the original game was definitely the community aspect! I made a lot of friends in Pixie Hollow that were really special to me. It was so much fun to play games and throw parties with other pixies in the Hollow! I played the original game from January 2009 to its closing in 2013. I was really invested in the game and played very often! It definitely helped me embrace my inner child and hold onto magic longer than a lot of my peers, something I am grateful for. One great memory I have of the game was the events. I specifically loved the Silly Days Event, which allowed users to access the Mermaid Grotto. And Camp Pixie Dust, of course! For WTP, I am super excited for questing! It was a really unique experience every time and led to neat storylines which allowed players to unlock some cool items. I really liked the added structure of quests in game.

Rose: I was mildly obsessed with Pixie Hollow for a good majority of my childhood. I was picked on quite a bit when I was younger, so Pixie Hollow became this sort of safe haven for me, where I could express myself without fear of judgement. I spent a lot of my time roleplaying with online friends, pretending to be waitresses in the Tearoom, or secret agents fighting crime and protecting the Hollow – it was a lot of fun. Some of my first ever story ideas came from some of those roleplays, which lead to me starting a blog and later pursuing a career as an author, so I actually owe a lot to the game and the friends I made there. My favorite thing was probably decorating my home – I loved creating different settings with all the furniture I had, from cafés to ice palaces. It was a lot of fun. I'm super excited for multiplayer – I’ve made so many friends through the PBC (Pixie Blogging Community) and WTP, so I can’t wait for when we can hang out in-game.

Kassie: I played Pixie Hollow starting in late 2008 until it closed! Every day after school I would grab my snack and head to the computer to play for at LEAST an hour. Narrowing down my favorite part of the game is so hard!! But if I had to choose I would say getting creative with outfits and color combos! I loved going to fashion contests and seeing other people's creations- that's actually how I met a lot of my friends. I think Pixie Hollow benefited me as a way to escape from the stresses of the real world. Middle school and early high school were difficult seasons for me and it was nice to venture into a mystical land where I felt people truly cared for me. One of my favorite memories was when I met my friend Strawberry. We were mutual friends with someone and we both went to her house at the same time. However, our friend was asleep (remember the lil z's?) and so we started talking and suddenly we became the best of friends! Over 10 years later we are still friends and catch up with each other once in a while. We don't live far from each other so we hope to meet each other someday! Honestly, I’m most excited to have house decorating in WTP! I remember people would spend HOURS decorating their homes and doing the coolest designs- I always concentrated more on fashion so I'd love the chance to redeem myself and design an awesome home!

How did you first find out about the WTP project and what inspired you to start working as a moderator?

Kassie: A lot of my close friends started up the project and eventually invited me to be a part of it as a moderator! In our friend group I tended to be the one to mediate conversations, so I think it was a no-brainer to ask me to moderate.

Daphne: When I got to know about Club Penguin rewrites, I thought there might be a rewrite for Pixie Hollow as well and I stumbled upon a YouTube video which mentioned WTP. I really wanted to help out with the project in any way I could so that really motivated me to become a moderator.

Anastasia: I actually found out about the WTP project through Teresa, on another Pixie Hollow site where she first posted the Bubble Bounce demo! She even DM'd me about potentially helping out as an artist, which I've always wanted to do! However, due to my schedule being a bit too busy to consistently help out with game art, I never felt like I could apply. However, I've always tried to help out in other ways, such as when I was an Event Manager & hosted movie nights! When it was decided that movie nights were going to take a hiatus, I really wanted to continue helping out in the community, and thus, I became a mod!

Lila: I first found out about We The Pixies when I joined a Club Penguin rewrite. I hadn't thought about Pixie Hollow in years, but then I wondered if someone else had rewritten Pixie Hollow, so I looked it up and found WTP! As for joining the moderation team, I'd been pretty active on the server when the application opened up, and I really loved the community. I figured I'd give it a shot - worst they could say was no, right? Well, I ended up getting the role! It’s been a really great job ever since.

Gloria: I found out about We the Pixies while doing some Google searches and checking out the Pixie Hollow community this year. I definitely jumped at the opportunity to apply to be a moderator because I have so much passion for the project and wanted to help out and connect with others who also had interest. 

Rose: I found WTP through Phoebe Bumbleflip’s blog – she published a post promoting the remake and the Discord back in October last year. I don’t have any skills that can really help with the recreation of the game itself, but I wanted to contribute in any way I could, which is what inspired me become a moderator.

(Phoebe is a member of the WTP Hype Squad, you can find her blog here!)

The WTP community is mostly positive, but have you ever had instances where you felt like server members weren't being the nicest? If so, how do you deal with it?

Anastasia: Since I'm new to the staff team, I've only ever come across a handful of issues involving the members, and most of them resolve with ease. Typically, directing people to the rules and giving them a warning is enough.

Lila: With so many people in the server, it's not unusual to see something that isn't so friendly - usually, if an argument starts up in the chat, reminding people of the rules or starting a new conversation fixes things. If things are really bad, I might talk to someone individually and ask them nicely to be, well, nicer.

Gloria: In my time on the staff so far, we have had a couple trolls and people who haven't complied with the rules, and in that situation, we generally like to calmly message the person and ask them to comply with the server rules. In my experience thus far, this usually sorts out the problem. However, if the issue persists, the moderation team would consult each other and figure out how to deal with it further based on the severity of the behavior.

Rose: They’re very rare, but we have had to deal with some disputes with upset or angry members. Usually us moderators will talk and discuss the issue and then decide the best course of action together.

Kassie: There's always going to be someone unkind who comes across the server every now and then. I think the best way to handle it is to tell them what rule they're breaking and WHY it's important that they adhere to the rule. Ultimately, our rules are about respecting everyone in the community. If we can help them empathize and understand respect I think that's making strides not only in the WTP community but hopefully in EVERY community that individual is a part of.

We've had a few events in the WTP community, how does creating one come about and how do you plan it?

Anastasia: Excellent question! As a former Event Manager, I'm the right Pixie to ask!

It all starts with the approval of administration. Once the admins approve of it (and other staff have no issues with it), you can go forward and begin scheduling a time. We typically don't do events without having a proper schedule or time frame. We also try to accommodate other time zones as best as we can, since we know that WTP has Pixies from across the globe! Then, you need to designate certain responsibilities to people. This was the purpose of the Event Managers, since we were in charge of hosting Movie/Game Night. I have a lot of good memories hosting movie nights with Alchemist (Lavender) and Asteria! With other events, staff members are chosen to have either a leading role or a helping hand in making sure the event goes smoothly. Even if they aren't in charge, it is important to note that all events typically require staff supervision. Now, planning it typically involves a discussion among the staff (and any other WTP players that may be involved in helping out). We usually try to make sure that the community voice is heard, and that they can get involved! Our main goal is always to bring everyone together while having fun, and that is the foundation of all our events.

Daphne: The Hype Squad is the creative mind behind all the events we have. Since we can not have in-game events (which we definitely will once the game is fully developed), the Hype Squad tries to come up with flitterific events to keep us in the pixie hollow spirit while we wait. Our former team of event managers was behind the shorter events such as the numerous game nights and movie nights.

Lila: Starting an event is absolutely a team effort - no matter where or who the idea comes from, we like to talk about it for a while first. For example, I had the idea for Meadow Madness one night out of the blue, and I made sure to run it by the staff and Hype Squad before I started anything up. It ended up being a huge success - we had an average of 200 respondents per round, which was pretty neat for something I came up with in ten minutes.

Rose: There’s quite a bit of planning that goes on behind the scenes for events – a lot of events are actually planned by the Hype Squad (which I am a part of) or our social media team. An idea will be presented by a team member, and then we’ll all discuss it – what our thoughts are on the suggestion, and how we’d go about holding it if it were to become an actual event. If everyone on the team agrees and the staff are okay with it, we’ll then start deciding dates for the event and preparing things like banners and announcement posts. Sometimes we’ll also have one of our members act as coordinator too, to make sure everything is running smoothly during the event itself.

Kassie: I'm personally not one of the head honchos who puts events together, but it comes down to listening to a bunch of ideas and trying to figure out which one best fits the needs and desires of the community!

How do you fit working on WTP into your schedule?

Daphne: I finished high school in April and I can't really start college until quarantine is over, so I pretty much don't have anything to do at home right now so it's easy for me to make time for WTP.

Anastasia: I try my best to moderate whenever I can- usually in my spare time. We get a lot of newcomers each day, so there always seems to be someone who needs help getting verified, or a Pixie who needs some other sort of assistance. That's the thing about having such a large community: we always seem to have some moderating to do!

Lila: I actually have the apps I need for moderation (and social media work) on my phone - now that I'm not in school for the summer, I'm traveling a lot, so I don't sit down and use my laptop very often. I think I use Discord on my phone more than my laptop, actually. Using mobile lets me check the server whenever I have a spare moment, so I can keep up with things wherever I go.

Gloria: I have a really flexible schedule in general as school and life goes, so I am able to make time to moderate and spend a lot of time online.

Rose: Mostly by multitasking – I’m almost always online, even if I’m doing other things, so it’s not too tricky to keep an eye on the server throughout the day.

Kassie: It's hard sometimes, but the easiest way for me to stay connected is to keep my notifications on when I'm not busy with the mandatory things in life like my job, planning my wedding, and investing in relationships outside of the community. Giving myself the chance to walk away here and there leaves me refreshed for the next time I log on!

Two of our moderators, Kassie and Lila, also serve on our social media team, so we asked them a special question:

How do you use social media to grow the community?

Lila: Social media is a great place to post about game updates and community events. I've found that few posts get people more excited than posts about new game features. Update posts also let people know that, yes, we are still up and running! Sometimes people think we've shut down already, and social media helps us keep the project alive.

Kassie: Social Media is all about messages. I think what attracts people to join a community is to send a message they resonate with! In WTP's case, nostalgia plays a huge part in growing our community- we are trying to attract people who are excited about something they wish they had again.

One final question for all of our moderators: what’s your favorite part of your job, and is there a way it’s benefited you?

Daphne:  Definitely talking and getting to know so many people from across the globe. I'm always down for making new friends! For me, the most impact moderating for WTP has had is on my people skills. As a moderator, you have to ensure that everyone is following the rules and sometimes people need convincing to follow a rule. It also involves solving any issues related to the game/Discord server and communicating with the members in general, which really develops your people skills.

Anastasia: Honestly, my favorite part of being a mod is being able to interact with the other staff members. They're a really lovely and creative group of people, and it's fun bouncing ideas off of each other and figuring out what's best for everyone in this community! I wouldn't quit WTP for the world! Working for WTP has benefited me a lot as so far, it's helped me work on the ways I can help organize a community. Also, it is helping me work on my time management skills, as well as my ability to work in a team.

Lila: I think my favorite part of my job is, as corny as it sounds, watching this community grow! When I joined, we had maybe 500 users in the server, and we're well over 6000 now. I never thought that so many people would remember the game, but they do. It's remarkable, really. Working for WTP is probably the best volunteer position I've ever taken up. Moderating has really helped me learn how to think things through and get help when I need it. Working on social media has also been great for my writing and graphic design skills - I've got to say that I've gotten pretty good at color combinations!

Gloria: My favorite part of moderating is helping people in the player server and sparking interest and discussion among users. It's so much fun to reminisce about the hollow with other fans. Though I haven't been on the team for a very long time, it has already been lots of fun and I have really enjoyed connecting with the community even more and getting others interested in the revival project. And the other staff members are very cool people that are really rad to work with.

Rose: My favorite part of my job is welcoming new people to the server! Being a moderator has definitely helped with my problem-solving skills – working out ways to handle situations on the server.

Kassie: Being friends with the staff is my favorite part. It is always a joy to log on to laugh and learn with friends. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Asteria and I have created a pretty strong friendship (hopefully she agrees, haha). We've known each other for about 4 years now. She makes me laugh out loud and we've been there for each other in our victories and failures. Her friendship is one I deeply cherish and I hope we get to meet sometime in the future! I care a lot about connection, community, and friendship, so for me, being a part of this team is a way for me to foster those things and be a part of it! I think I've benefited from WTP by learning how to guide hard conversations and disagreements in a respectful manner. Many people think moderators just manage the community, but a huge part of our job is to aid staff in having constructive conversations. There are definitely ruffled wings here and there, but we always get through and I've really grown through those processes!

__________________

Thank you all so much for sticking with us during our interview series! We had a lot of fun answering your questions, and we hope you had a flaptastic time reading them.

[impressivepress]

Henri Matisse and the nun: Why did the artist create a masterpiece for Sister Jacques-Marie?

Henri Matisse’s greatest masterpiece resides not in a gallery, but on a peaceful hillside near Nice: a chapel he designed in gratitude to the nun who helped him through a troubled convalescence.

Famous as a great colourist, towards the end of his life, the artist Henri Matisse moved from painting towards a new art form: cut-outs. He likened the process to sculpture – “carving” into colour – as he sliced into huge sheets of vividly painted paper before pinning the shapes in place on a canvas. This novel approach – which produced some of the most recognisable pieces of art from the 20th century, such as his Blue Nudes, Icarus and The Snail – is being celebrated in a major new exhibition at Tate Modern, in conjunction with New York’s Museum of Modern Art.

Yet it wasn’t any of those works that Matisse himself termed his “masterpiece”: that honour he bestowed on the Rosaire Chapel in Vence, in the south of France. He worked on it for four years, from 1947 to 1951, designing the building, the stunning stained-glass windows, the tiles with monochrome religious imagery on the walls, even the zany chasubles (vestments) the priests wear. Still a place of active worship for Dominican nuns today, it was an ambitious challenge for Matisse, who was no architect, and was very unwell at the time – and he considered it “the achievement of an entire life’s work, the outcome of tremendous, difficult, sincere work”.

It might have been the pinnacle of his career, but the Vence Chapel was also a way for Matisse to use his talents to produce a heartfelt gift for a Dominican nun named Sister Jacques-Marie.

As a young woman and student nurse, then going by the name of Monique Bourgeois, she had cared for Matisse after a gruesomely botched operation for intestinal cancer in 1941, from which he was never to fully recover. Yet it was being confined to his bed as a physical invalid that in part led to his new cut-out technique – and he would never forget the kindness of his nurse.

He immortalised her in several paintings at the time, and their friendship endured – although she later quashed rumours that their affection might have strayed into the romantic, saying in an interview in Paris Match in 1992: “I never really noticed whether he was in love with me… I was a little like his granddaughter or his muse.”

Some years after nursing Matisse, in 1946, Bourgeois wrote to him to say she was becoming a nun. The Dominican sisters settled in Vence – coincidentally, very close to Villa Le Rêve, where Matisse was living. In one of their many conversations, she mentioned to Matisse her desire for a chapel for the sisters on this pretty hillside. Initially, the artist offered to help design the windows, but soon he was involved in the whole building, right down to the candlesticks (modelled to look like long-stemmed anemone flowers). He worked alongside Brother Rayssiguier, who oversaw the construction of the chapel and was far-sightedly enthusiastic about getting such a well-known artist involved. Rayssiguier thought a splash of modern art might help bring the church’s appeal up to date.

Matisse, however, was less concerned with the revival of Christian art than with a personal sense of the spiritual – and the creative challenge such a building would present to him. “He wasn’t religious – he was raised Catholic but was not practising,” explains Flavia Frigeri, assistant curator of the Tate show, which features sketches, maquettes and photographs from the Vence Chapel. It was more the chance to create a whole building, she suggests, than any particular Catholic calling.

However, the chapel has been a place of worship since it was unveiled in 1951, and – although modest and small – it is charged with a serene beauty that can be spiritually affecting to not only the nuns who pray there today, but to visiting art lovers and tourists. Even stepping foot inside in January, as I did, with a weak sunlight coming through his gorgeous “Tree of Life” stained-glass window, you feel enveloped in pure colour that is both revivifying and calming. The vibrant hues – “ultramarine blue, bottle green, lemon yellow”, to use Matisse’s labels – are reflected in and dappled across the polished pale marble floor and white walls. His imagery, though typically abstract, draws inspiration from the natural world, making it emotionally accessible to all, not just those steeped in scripture.

“The spiritual expression of their colour strikes me as unquestionable,” wrote Matisse of his leaf patterns in 1951. “Simple colours can affect innermost feelings, their impact being all the more forceful through their simplicity. Blue… affects feeling like a vigorous stroke of a gong.”

The Vence Chapel stands apart from archetypal Catholic iconography – even the images of Christ are abstracted into pure line, while an image of the Virgin Mary and child comes surrounded by almost hippyish flowers. It’s a far cry from the gruesomely realistic emaciated crucifixion imagery often associated with Catholicism. Yet Sister Marie-Pierre, a Dominican nun, echoes Matisse’s sentiments when I ask how it feels to worship in the chapel. In broken English, a thick French accent and a beaming smile as radiant as the buttercup-yellow light filling the room, she says: “We worship in beauty, instead of in bad things. It feels special. And I think it is better to pray in beauty.”

She leads us through the 14 images that make up “Stations of the Cross”, a series of rather furious-looking paintings on the back wall, which are complemented by enormous but simple outlines of Saint Dominic and the Virgin and Child on two other walls. The latter, Matisse wrote, “have a tranquil reverent nature all their own” while the “Stations of the Cross” are “tempestuous”. All three were painted in bold, sweeping black on white enamelled terracotta tiles.

The process wasn’t simple, however. In those four years of preparing the chapel, Matisse would practise his designs on paper, over and over again. From initial early studies of religious art by Rubens, Dürer and Mantegna, he developed his own iconography. “There were many images as he worked it out; he simplified, intensified, condensed,” suggests Nick Cullinan, co-curator of the Tate show alongside Nicholas Serota. And Matisse’s pious muse, Sister Jacques-Marie, continued to discuss the different designs with him, their affectionate friendship allowing her to be free with her opinions; Matisse later described the chapel as their “shared project”.

The images he worked on were several metres tall, and required fluid, long lines drawn in one smooth motion, so Matisse would practise using a charcoal stick at the end of a bamboo wand about two metres long, allowing him to reach. In his seventies while working on the chapel, and unable to stand for any length of time, this long “wand” had the added advantage of letting him practise from a chair or in bed. He was known to even paint on the ceiling if he woke up, restless, in the middle of the night.

And so it was that the chapel came to life around him. Matisse was now working in his apartment in the grand old Hotel Regina, in nearby Nice. Long rolls of paper cascaded down the walls for him to paint and draw on with his k stick, while he perfected the stained-glass windows using his cut-out technique: snipping out the brightly coloured plant shapes and pinning them to his walls. Photographs reveal how the artist even mocked up an altar in the middle of his room, using boxes, chairs and a table. He spent nearly two years in this work-in-progress world, inside his studio, inside his apartment; “He really lived in it,” says Frigeri.

Eventually, Matisse had practised the outline of his figures so often, he was able to draw them blindfolded. Appropriately, the artistic experience became almost divine: he commented that all the studies “enable the painter to give free reign to his subconscious… after a certain point, it is no longer up to me, it is a revelation: all I do is give myself up.”

And so by April 1949, Matisse was ready to paint on to the tiles which would be mounted on the chapel’s walls. He did not sign the works – they were to be viewed as integral parts of a religious building, not as collectible pieces. “They were not designs, but signs – to help praying,” says Sister Marie-Pierre. Matisse was, she insists, quite adamant that the Vence Chapel should “never become a museum”.

Matisse kept his hand in even until the final finishing touches: he designed the pews and altar, set at a jaunty angle and made of pierre de Rogne stone he specially selected because its pale-brown grain made it look like “a piece of bread”, according to Sister Marie-Pierre. Most fun, however, are the chasubles that the priests still wear – Matisse made several designs for different Holy Days. Some are gloriously bonkers, with bold patterns – very much in his late style, mimicking the cut-outs in cloth – of flowers, leaves and starbursts, as well as abstracted crosses and crowns of thorns. The eye-popping colour schemes throw together lime, yellow and black or lilac, green and rose, and would look as at home on the cover of Sgt Pepper’s as swishing through the Vence Chapel. They were hailed by Picasso as the best bit of the whole project.

The chapel was consecrated on 25 June 1951; thousands of locals and visitors turned up, but sadly Matisse was too unwell to attend. The chapel soon attracted great international attention. Matisse’s cut-outs had not always been viewed in a positive light by the art establishment – there was a sniffy sense, initially, that they were inferior to paintings, suitable for magazine covers but not for art galleries. But the chapel was recognised immediately as a significant work: “With the cut-outs, people express misgivings, that the old man’s past his best; but the stained glass – that’s fine, that’s well-received,” explains Cullinan. Time, Paris Match, and Vogue all reported on the chapel with delight, the latter dubbing it a “Church Full of Joy”.

It’s an apt phrase for the building. But the chapel also had a significant impact on the final years of Matisse’s artistic career: his subsequent cut-outs, until his death in 1954, went super-sized, growing to a scale similar to his preparations for the chapel, taking over whole walls. And for Matisse, there can be no doubt about the importance of the chapel: although unable to be there at its unveiling, he sent along a written statement. It read: “This work… is the result of all my active life. Despite all its imperfections I consider it as my masterpiece.”

Born in 1869, Matisse qualified in law before studying art in Paris. As a painter, he was influenced by Impressionism, before developing his own style – using brilliant swathes of colour – that was dubbed Fauvism. He later also experimented in Cubism.

The cut-outs were a major development towards the end of his life. They began for practical reasons: with commissions for the Ballet Russes in 1939 and for the covers of magazines such as the art and literature review ‘Verve’. These were followed by an artist’s book, 'Jazz’, featuring the well-known image of Icarus in 1947.

To make the cut-outs, Matisse had his assistants paint sheets of paper in bold, luminous colours; using large shearing scissors, he would cut into the sheets and pin the cut-out shapes first to his walls to perfect the look, and then permanently to canvas.

The technique prompted renewed interest in the human form; but as well as a solidity and stillness, the technique also offered a sense of vivacity and movement.

Matisse was prolific in his final years, despite ill health, and the cut-outs grew in scale. 'The Snail’, one of the most famous, epitomises his large-scale, bright, abstract approach.

Matisse also used them as trial-run maquettes for large-scale ceramic commissions. In 1952, Sidney and Frances Lasker Brody asked him to create an outdoor tiled mural for their LA house – it took him four attempts to satisfy them, the final result being 'The Sheaf’, which features his favourite wobbly-leaf designs seen in Vence.

The cut-outs were initially met with dismissive bemusement, seen more as decorative than fine art; but by the late 1950s, the art world had recognised them as significant achievements, and Matisse’s bold use of colour and shape has influenced everything from abstract art to fashion to graphic design ever since.

~ Holly Williams · 30 March 2014.

[stories-mostly]

Stark's Bug

Tony Stark x Son!reader

I have nothing to say this time besides enjoy the usual type of writing that you should expect here by now. And its earlier than usual so :)

Warnings: minor mentions of alcoholic drinks, if theres more dont be afraid to tell me, please.

Words: 1381

Chapter 10!

A bit over a week later your dad was ready to fly again. And you were as tired as ever. It was late at night and you had woken up really early that day, but still wanted to see how it would go. So you forced yourself to stay awake.

Your dad started with 1% thrust capacity and hovered more than he flew. It made the room warmer with a slight breeze.

You were waiting for a crash but it didn't come. It was exciting that he could do it but a crash would've been funny, maybe woken you up a little bit. Now with the warmth you were actually more tired than before.

He increased to 2.5% and hovered really closely over the cars. Your eyes were trying to close at this point.

Tony suited up and flew away with a wave.

You fell asleep the second it was quiet in the lab. Fast enough that your anxiety about being alone couldn't kick in.

You were startled awake by a loud crash and the car alarms blaring.

Had your powers not caught you, you would've fallen off the chair you had been sleeping on.

Now you were just floating mid air trying to figure out what had happen with your heart beating loudly. Once your eyes adjusted you saw your dads armor laying on top of a car. There was a big hole in the roof. You smiled, too tired to laugh and sat yourself back down.

Your dad brought you into your room once the armor was off and went to sleep himself. It had been quite a long day for the both of you.

After school you went straight to the lab. Most of your time was spent there currently. Though you are bored out of your mind there most times. Your homework was as easy as ever and there was nothing to do. Smart-I was also done. She was a cute little robot and with your dad's help was fully functioning. She mostly just rolled around making little chirping noises like R2D2. They didn't have any particular meaning, they were just there to be cute.

Tony noticed your bored figure and decided that you could help him with something.

"Come here Bug, I need your help." he said and you practically sprinted over.

"Look, don't you think the suit looks a bit bland? Could you give me an idea for the colors?" he pointed at the suit on the screen. He smiled at you.

Thinking for a moment and you went away.

"one second." you said as you moved to your workbench grabbed your pens and paper and went to work. You tried your best to draw the outline of the suit and decided on colors you likes best together.

"I'm done. Here." you handed your dad the red and yellow drawing of his armour back with the blue spot in the middle.

"That looks great, thank you bug."

He told Jarvis to paint the new suit the way you had drawn it. Your older AI brother made a snarky remark about it being very subtle. But before your dad could respond some reporter lady caught his eye. She was talking about a party for your dad.

"Jarvis did we get an invite for that?" he asked and Jarvis said that he didn't.

Your dad decided to go there and crash his own party.

"Can I come?" you asked walking after him. You've never been to one of those parties.

He thought for a second. What was more irresponsible, leaving a six year old alone in a mansion with robots but also dangerous tools and sort of weapon, or taking him to one of the rather tame business parties/galas full of strangers and only a little bit of alcohol.

Both were pretty irresponsible but he really didn't want to leave you home alone since you asked to go with him.

"Alright put your best suit on! We're leaving in 10 minutes."

You did as told and put on your good suit you had only worn a few times before.

Tony helped you with the tie and buttons and off you went speeding down the streets. You liked to drive fast. Well you liked when your dad drove fast, you had no idea how to drive. Yet.

Before arriving your dad handed you your sunglasses knowing that camera flashes would blinding as soon as he steps out of his car.

He helped you out of the car and as predicted the media went nuts. You waved at the reporters as Tony guided you along into the building.

Inside you walked past a load of people swaying to and talking over the music.

"Stay close." Your dad said not letting go of your hand.

You weren't planning on leaving anyway to be honest you kind of wish right about now that you hadn't told him that you didn't want to be carried.

At the bar you saw a familiar face. Coulson was talking to your father before said man left without you noticing. You had been too busy staring at the Spy-Agent to pay attention to your father.

But your father didn't notice either.

"Hi again." you said smiling up at the man.

"Hello, (y/n) right? What are you doing here?" He asked while you climbed up the barstool. He helped you a bit.

"Thank you, daddy took me with him. And you?" You asked right back. You were confident in your conversation skills.

"I was invited." He stated.

"For the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division?" You asked turning the glass of juice the bartender gave you.

"Yes. You memorized that?" he asked a bit stunned. You could only nod. It was rather easy for you to keep stuff in your head. Memorizing is one of your talents.

"Do you have your gun now?" You questioned remembering the last time you talked.

"No. And even if I did, I wouldn't tell you." He said winking. You nodded once again and let your eyes wander through the crowd of people dancing. You couldn't see your father anymore. Just as you were about to panic he came back. But then Phil was gone. Today is strange. Maybe Phil could teleport, who knows.

"Hey Bug, sorry I left you. I was just on the balcony with Pepper for a bit." He explained taking the question out of your mouth and ordered two drinks. He told you that one is for Pepper before he could take them and walk with you to the roof he was interrupted by a reporter lady. A different one, one that wasn't in the TV before. You had never seen her before.

She gave him some pictures and asked him questions in a rude tone. Before you could react they were gone. Tony had an energy about him that didn't make you want to be involved with whatever was going on. He'd come back. He will. Most likely. Hopefully.

You grabbed your and Peppers drink without the bartender noticing and made your way onto the Balcony which you searched for for about three minutes. Pepper was standing there with her hair open, you almost didn't recognize her.

"Here! Daddy got it for you but went outside after a reporter gave him some pictures of a war zone and the weapons of the bad guys." you said handing her the glass in your left hand. The one that smells bad but looks nice.

Pepper took it and looked at you a bit.

"The bartender just let you take the drink?" she asked concern in clear on her face.

"He wasn't looking." you said and took a sip of your juice. Pepper nodded and did the same.

"You look nice."

"Why thank you sir. That's so kind of you. You look great as well."

"Thank you!"

After a bit of a pause Pepper spoke up again.

"You want me to bring you home?" She asked. You thought about it and nodded. It's a bit too much here for you and your dad would be fine with Pepper taking you home.

Maybe he went to the city on the pictures to help. Or maybe he went home to do some research. Who knows? You wanted to know. Pepper took your hand and you left being driven home by a driver you didn't recognise. But it didn't matter to you since he was kind enough.

You hadn't even realised Uncle Obie was there until the car drove off.

Tags: @shannonr2003 @art-estrange @nicholasbich @tater-thottie @tonystanktheirondad @gaylemonshark @emilaa2001

[strayneoculturekids]

Adoration - Renjun x Reader

Summary: For as long as you can remember, you had always drawn on your arm and for just as long, you had always remembered finding a drawing that you didn’t remember doing, often they were just as good as your usual ones, if not, better.

Soulmate AU, Strangers to Lovers AU, Highschool AU

Genre: fluff, crack (?)

Word Count: 1900

You groggily woke up, yawning loudly and stretching your arms, pulling one back to rub your eye afterward. Catching a glimpse of your arm, you saw watercolour painted all over the floral drawing you had done in black pen, colouring it a beautiful array of not too bright pigments, complimenting your skin tone and the ink pen well. You would be proud of it, however, you truly don’t remember colouring it in. Looking over to your art desk, you saw trays of your watercolour and gouache spread across it.

“Oh, I guess it must have been me then. Maybe I really should get this whole memory thing checked out” you mumbled to yourself, slowly putting your sheets to the side and stepping out of the blissful warmth that was your bed into the cold hell that was the winter morning

Wanting to get dressed as quickly as possible so you didn’t end up freezing to death, you quickly pulled out a pair of jeans from your closet, a long sleeve shirt, and a warm sweater, also grabbing the fluffy pair of socks you had thrown into the corner of your room before going to bed last night.

Your phone suddenly buzzed, checking it, you saw a text message from your best friend.

[The only Snake I accept]: “Oi bruh, where tf are you, we’re all waiting at the mall for you”

“SHIT” You yelled, checking the time, seeing that you were meant to meet your friends 15 minutes ago

[You]: Yeah sorry, I’m almost there!

You were not almost there.

Rushing out of your room, you said a quick goodbye to your parents and sprinted out of the house, jumping into your family car and starting up the engine. Once you had actually started driving and your adrenaline rush was over, you realized how godamn ice cold it was. You looked out the side window, realizing it was covered in frost.

“Shit. That’s illegal.” You mumbled to yourself again, winding the window down and straight back up again to get rid of the fog and frost that had made its way onto there.

A couple of minutes later and you had a call from your friend. You cursed yourself and answered the call, putting it on speaker so you could talk without being distracted.

“If you’re not almost here, don’t tell us you’re almost here!”

“Yea, yeah, I’m sorry. I’m a wreck, I know” you said, hoping she wouldn’t yell at you too much

“Just hurry up, it’s freezing, we need to start walking”

“I’m sorry! Love you, bye” you said quickly, hanging up before she could say anything back

Soon enough, you had made it to the mall. It was still reasonably early so it didn’t take long to find parking. 

“Oh my God! There you are!” your friend called from across the parking lot “Hurry your ass up, the others are waiting”

You quickly ran to catch up with her, finally entering the heavenly warmth of the mall.

“Cool drawing by the way,” She said, motioning slightly to your arm

“Oh, thanks!”

“The colours are really nice”

“Oh yeah...thing is, I don’t remember doing that part” You mutter, rubbing the back of your neck, still confused by your own actions, even though this had been going on for as long as you had been drawing on yourself

“Again? I’m telling you, it’s your soulmate. You can’t just be forgetting stuff like that out of nowhere”

“No way! I’m not old enough for my soulmate sign to show up yet, and besides, the drawing style is always similar to mine.”

“If you say so,” She said back, unconvinced of literally everything you had just said

“Oh come on, you know that soulmate signs are always gene connected, my family always has something to do with telepathy!”

“Sure, sure”

After about another minute of walking, you met up with the rest of your friends. They all collectively groaned once they saw you and slapped you on the back. You smiled awkwardly, rubbing the back of your neck again and giving them small apologies. They all rolled their eyes jokingly in return and told you that you were paying for lunch because of it. You sighed but accepted your inevitable yet horrible fate.

The day was spent with you and your friends goofing around and them emptying your wallet with expensive food as payback for you being late. One by one, they all noticed the array of elegant flowers and vibrant colours adorning your arm, winding up it gracefully. You told them one by one what happened with your memory and they all looked at you, repeating the same thing one after the other; telling you that it was your soulmate and not just your shit memory. You dismissed all of them, telling them it was ridiculous.

The end of the day came around and you all said your goodbyes. You were walking back home, admiring the snow-covered trees and the soft snowflakes falling down but despising the cold and inwardly regretting not putting on more layers than you had. 

Just as you were about to dig your hands into your basically non-existent jean pockets, you caught a glimpse of the back of one of them, seeing that it had writing on it. You put it up to your face; ‘Hey’ is all it read. You looked at it, uncertain about what to feel. You shrugged it off, figuring one of your friends probably drew it on you while your attention was elsewhere.

The next morning came around and you once again had to reluctantly climb out of your warm bed, this time though, it was for school, making everything all the more worse. Sighing, you let the cold hit you like a sledgehammer, accepting the shit destiny laid out before you. 

You groggily descended the stairs after getting dressed and grabbed an apple from the fridge, not bothering to make yourself a real breakfast before heading out and getting into your smaller family car and starting to drive to school, not wanting to wake your parents up just to say goodbye.

You pulled into the parking lot at your school, looking at the building in front of you remorsefully and sluggishly opening the car door, stepping out and making your way into the school gates just as the first bell had rung. You suddenly were wide awake and rushed to your locker, getting out your books for the first and second period and quickly heading to class, not exactly wishing to be late.

Halfway through the first lesson and you already wanted nothing more than to go home. You looked back down to your arms, wanting to distract yourself from the lesson with the intricate patterns on your arm you had drawn and the pretty tones that had mysteriously appeared. As you were admiring the way they fit so well together, you caught black ink appearing on your other arm through the corner of your eye. Alarmed, you quickly look over to it, seeing writing appear magically on your skin. Realization had finally set in. It was your soulmate.

‘Are you in school right now?’ the writing read

You quickly grabbed a pen, finally getting over the initial shock and writing a quick message back.

‘Yeah, first period. You?’

‘Same. We must be in places with similar time zones’

“Ahem, Y/N and Renjun, maybe one of you would mind telling me the answer” You looked up, dumbfounded, to see your teacher switching her gaze between you and another kid in your class

Looking over, you saw the other one, supposedly named Renjun, also had writing on his hand, you also managed to catch a short glimpse of his other arm, displaying a floral pattern exactly like the one on yours. He looked over to you and you made eye contact, he dropped his gaze down to your arms and immediately his jaw dropped, right along with yours

“Maybe you two could stop drawing on yourselves in the middle of class and actually pay attention”

“R-right, sorry,” You said, peeling your eyes off of your newly found soulmate to look your teacher in the eye

“Y-yeah, sorry miss” Renjun said, mirroring your actions

Class continued as normal but you and Renjun continuously kept looking over to each-other, amazed you had been so close together the entire time and never realized. Any moment your eyes weren’t on Renjun, they were on the clock, desperately anticipating the end of the period. After what felt like years, the teacher finally dismissed you and the class. Renjun immediately made his way towards you, you doing the same and meeting him halfway.

“Meet me on the right side of the school gate after school.” Renjun said, before quickly walking away, obviously not wanting to be late for class

You blinked, trying to process what just happened. Shaking your head, you snapped yourself back to reality and followed the crowd out of the classroom into the crowded hallway to head to your next class.

Each period felt like it lasted forever, each tick of the clock etching itself into your brain. Finally, the bell for the end of school rang and you dashed out of the classroom once the teacher had dismissed the class. You made your way to the front of the school, going to the right side like instructed and waiting patiently. About half a minute passed before you saw Renjun running up to you, waving slightly. He finally made it, slightly out of breath. You stayed silent, telling yourself you were letting him catch his breath but really, you just had absolutely no idea what to say, which led to it getting very awkward once he did catch his breath.

“Um…Nice art?” You said, not being able to stand the silence

“Uh…you too,” He said hesitantly

It stayed silent for a while before both of you made eye contact and suddenly burst out laughing, out of anger? Amusement? Adrenaline? I dunno, something starting with ‘A’, the word was on the tip of your tongue but oh well.

“I can’t believe we were that close to each other the entire time and never noticed,” You gushed once you’d calmed down

“Same! It’s so hard to believe, I’m almost always drawing on myself in that class”

The laughter died down and it ended with you two smiling at each other in comfortable silence. You stuck your hand out in front of him.

“I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced. I’m Y/N”

“I’m Renjun,” He said, taking your hand and shaking it

BONUS

You and Renjun had gotten to know each other really well over the past few days, and here two you were, in your room making a huge mess that you were gonna pay for later with art supplies, brushes, and paper. Renjun was making all sorts of things, and every single one of them beautiful, almost as beautiful as Renjun’s smile, or his voice, or personality.

You finally found the word starting with ‘a’ you were looking for a few days earlier.

It was adoration

[thisdiscontentedwinter]

Stella and the Wolf - Chapter 18

You can read if here on AO3 or find the Tumblr Chapter Index here. 

Everything freezes in this moment.

When Stiles feels the press of the barrel against the back of his head, his limbs lock and his heart forgets to beat. A part of him wants to close his eyes, but also this might be the last time he gets to look at Dad’s face. It’s a careworn face, both somehow stern and open at the same time usually, but it’s stricken right now. Pale and stricken in the moonlight, as though he’s looking at Stiles and already seeing a ghost.

Stiles can hear Kate panting for breath behind him.

A droplet of sweat slides down the back of his skull, close to where she has the barrel of her firearm pressed.

Stella, peering out from behind Dad, is wide-eyed and open-mouthed, and Stiles wants to tell her to close her eyes, but words are beyond him right now. He can’t even breathe, so words are beyond him.

Kate sucks in a breath. “Nobody mo—”

But Dad already is.

He’s already pulled the gun out of Stiles’s waistband, and he’s lifting it even as Stiles realizes what he’s doing and somehow finds a way to unlock his frozen limbs and drops heavily to the ground. The report is loud, and leaves Stiles’s head ringing. Leaves him lying there, gasping, and wondering if he’s still in one piece.

“Move!” Dad yells at him. “Move!”

And Stiles grabs Stella by the wrist and drags her around to the other side of the granite memorial. He looks back to see Dad following, crawling as best he can with his wrists and ankles cuffed.

Kate Argent is on the ground, but she’s still moving too. She’s climbing to her feet, swaying like a drunk, one hand out for balance, and one still clutching a gun.  

And Derek is running for her, roaring.

Kate pivots on her back foot, fires, and Derek hits the ground. Stiles can’t tell if it’s a dive or a fall.

And then Stiles can’t see anything at all, because Dad is here, and he’s shielding him and shoving him at the same time. Stiles hits the back of the granite memorial, one arm wrapped around Stella, and one hand clutching at Dad’s shirt.

He glimpses a flash of silver between the headstones. Lydia’s dress.

“Stella,” Stiles says. “There’s Lydia. Can you get to here? Can you run?”

“No!” Stella shakes her head, her face wet with tears. She clings to Stiles. “No!”

And then Stiles sees the darker shape moving towards them between the headstones. This is the second time tonight he’s been stunned to see Jackson Whittemore. Like, at some point he might even have to reevaluate his low opinion of the guy or something.

Jackson reaches the last of the headstones, and then breaks his cover, running towards the Hale memorial.

Stiles, with more strength than he even knows he has in him, pushes Stella towards him, and Jackson scoops her up and darts away with her. Kate rounds the back of the memorial, her gaze drawn to the movement, and Dad kicks both legs out at her, making her stumble backward a step before she regains her balance.

It’s enough.

Jackson and Stella are away.

Kate stares down at Stiles and Dad, and lifts her gun.

Stile’s heart stops beating.

“No.” The word is sharp and articulate, and so very strange to hear coming from the jaws of a beast.

Peter.

He’s rounded the other end of the memorial.

“It’s me you want, not them,” he says. “The Hale Alpha.”

Kate shoots him, and he barely flinches as the bullet hits.

He shows her his fangs. “Is that all you’ve got, bitch?”

He steps back, and back again, and Kate follows him like a fish caught on a glimmering line. She steps past Stiles and Dad, and that’s Stiles’s signal to move.

“Go,” Dad mouths at him. “Go.”

Stiles shakes his head.

He can’t. Not without Dad.

And then he looks up to see Derek.

They have her now, he thinks wildly. She has a gun, but they have her between them. The piggy in the middle.

Whatever happens, she won’t be walking away from both of them.

Derek crouches down, and grips the shackles on Dad’s ankles. Snaps the chain as easily as if it’s made of paper, and then does the same for his wrists. His eyes are glowing, and his fangs are showing, and there’s a low rumble in his chest that’s a growl waiting to burst forth, and he’s as beautiful like this—strong and powerful—as he is in his human skin.

Stiles takes Dad’s hand, and they scrabble down the hill towards the cover of the headstones.

And then, gasping for breath, Stiles turns to look back at the Hale memorial.

***

The Hale memorial is black granite, but it shines silver in the moonlight, a beacon on a hill. Peter and Derek stand at either end—one a beast, and one not quite a man, and Kate stands between them. Her back is to Derek, but there’s a readiness in her stance, a coiled anticipation, that says she knows he’s there. Her gaze might be fixed on Peter, but she’s not ignoring Derek.

She’s a hunter. She knows predators. She must know they’re circling her now, trying to divide her attention, to force a misstep. She must know they’re looking for a weakness. And Kate Argent doesn’t seem like the type of person who will give them one easily.  

“She came hunting an Alpha, Peter. She’ll be prepared,” Chris Argent said earlier tonight.

Stiles’s stomach swoops as Kate reaches into her jacket pocket with her free hand.

“Hey, Peter.” Her voice carries clearly on the cool night air. “Burn in hell. Again.”

She draws her arm back—

Derek moves toward her a fraction of a second too late.

—and throws.

The object hits Peter square in the chest, light flashes, and Peter howls and rears back as he is suddenly engulfed in flames.

From somewhere nearby, Stiles hears Stella scream.

***

Kate turns on her heel, laughing, her arm extended, and shoots Derek in the chest.

He stumbles back.

She fires again.

And then Peter is lunging towards her, grabbing her from behind and tackling her into the ground. They struggle, and the flames continue to burn, and Kate is screaming, or maybe both of them are, and Derek is there, trying to pull Peter off her, trying to save his uncle, and then, as quickly as it began, it’s over.

The screaming stops.

***

When Mom died, they used to come here a lot. Stiles remembers Stella, a little fat toddler, wavering on unsteady legs between the headstones. Dad would sit by Mom’s grave with Stella on his lap and Stiles at his side, and talk to Mom about things that were happening in their lives now that she was no longer with them. And Stiles tried to do the same, but it was weird, and it was wrong, and he couldn’t look around and see all the pretty trees and flowers and think that this was a nice place. Not when there were all those dead people underneath him, slowly rotting away.

Not when one of them was Mom.

He thinks of Mom now, and of the Hales, and of the thousands of others of dead here, and it doesn’t scare him anymore, but it aches.

Everything aches.

Derek’s howl isn’t quite like a wolf’s. It’s a man’s too, and it’s full of despair and disbelief and heartbreak.

Stiles climbs to his feet, drawn to that sound like it’s a siren song.

“Stiles,” Dad says, and tries to catch him.

Stiles dodges out of his reach and hurries up the slight hill towards the memorial. Dad follows. So does Lydia, a strange fae creature in her silver dress in the moonlight, her stole fluttering on the breeze. Jackson, still holding a crying Stella, stays back.

Good.

Good, because Stella shouldn’t see this.

Nobody should see this.

Chris Argent is on his feet again now, leaning against a headstone like he’s just crawled out of a grave. He makes no move to join them. Maybe he doesn’t want to see his sister’s body. Maybe he doesn’t want to see Peter’s. Or maybe he’s bleeding out slowly and doesn’t have the energy to move.

Stiles isn’t sure where he finds his, and he wasn’t even shot. But Derek needs someone—maybe he even needs Stiles specifically—and there’s no power in the universe that can stop him from going to him.

Breathless, he reaches the memorial.

Peter isn’t a beast anymore by the time Stiles gets there. He’s a man, his body red and black with burns. His chest is rising and falling, but the sound of his breathing is wet and ragged. There’s an intent light in his eyes, desperate and piercing, and Stiles can’t bring himself to look away.

Derek has dragged him away from Kate’s body, and is kneeling beside him at the base of the memorial.

There are no individual names on this side. Just one word: HALE.

Peter lifts a shaking arm, his fingers no longer… no longer properly there, and touches the stone. When he drops his arm again, he’s left a bloody smear on the granite, as messy as a child’s finger painting.

“Peter!” Stella wails from a distance. “Peter!”

No.

No, it doesn’t end like this, Stiles thinks. It can’t. They beat the odds. They did, so it’s not fair that it ends like this. Peter isn’t the bad guy, and nobody deserves to burn like this twice. Peter can’t die. Not when he’s won. Not when he’s got his revenge. Not when—a strangled, crazy laugh tries to fight its way free of Stiles’s throat—not when he and Stella haven’t finished reading Matilda yet.

It’s not fair.

Stiles’s eyes sting as he drops to his knees beside Peter. His hands hover over his body, but he’s afraid to touch. He’s afraid it will hurt him, even though there’s probably nothing he can do at this point that would hurt Peter more.

Dad’s fingers dig into his shoulder.

“Peter,” Derek says, his voice as small as a child’s. “Uncle Peter.”

He’s not afraid to touch the way that Stiles is. He puts a hand on Peter’s chest—Stiles winces at the sticky sound it makes—and black lines, thick and inky, climb up the veins in his forearm.

Lydia kneels beside Stiles. Her face is pale, but her gaze is solemn and fierce at the same time. Her stole slips, baring her shoulders to the moonlight. She’s hurt, Stiles realizes. Her shoulder is bleeding.

She tugs her stole up again, shivering.

Peter’s blistered mouth quirks, but his breath stutters. It sounds as though he’s choking. He keeps his gaze fixed on Derek. “Do it,” he rasps. “Take it.”

Derek raises his hand and extends his claws.

Stiles closes his eyes so he doesn’t have to watch.

He still hears the moment Derek’s claws tear through what remains of Peter’s throat though, like wet Velcro ripping.  

“Derek?” he asks, eyes still squeezed shut. “Are you okay?”

And Derek says, in a shaking voice, “I’m the Alpha now.”

[fyrapartnersearch]

Hello~! My name is Fuu! I am here looking for something else this time! My hobbies include writing, cooking, reading, cosplay, crying over fictional characters, crying in general, video games, drawing, and talking to my cats. I work part time at a library. I am 21+. I'm about as intimidating as a pink butterfly stuck on a marshmallow. I'm an absolute chatter box, if I go on a tangent, just reel me back in.

☆○o。RP Preferences 。o○☆ ✦Writing I write in 3rd person format, multi/semi-para. I seek partners who do the same.

✦Replies I am able to reply frequently and I prefer to write with people that can do the same. I won't rush or badger anyone to reply. Take your time! Just not like a month, without warning. I lose muse/forget threads if they're left untouched for 2+ weeks. ✦Communication I enjoy making friends of my rp partners. It really helps me throw ideas/build ships/build stories if we're compatible.  ✦Plotting I highly value plotted threads over unplotted threads. Considering this ad is looking for a specific genre/plot, all I’m looking for is someone who wants to build onto it.  ✦Shipping The ship idea I’m seeking is not entirely romantic or platonic, if that makes sense. It can be either/or/in the middle, to be honest.  ✦Limits I am very squeamish, I can't handle things regarding gore, excessive swearing, excessive vulgarity, etc. very well.

☆○o。What Am I Looking For 。o○☆

I will pose a question. Do you like 70s style anime? That retro, water color, and everyone has a sparkly, floral background? Do you like tragedy with a sprinkling of possible edgy themes? Now, do you wish it had more fairies in it?

No? Just me? Understandable, have a nice day.

Before I give up at turn this into a fanfiction, I wanted to see if I could get some interesting variety through rp! I had discovered this old anime/manga called Kaze to ki no Uta. It has a full manga available online, and an hour long OVA that covers a good 1/3 of the manga, in that beautiful retro, harpsichord filled fashion. 

Now before I go any further, this story specifically has quite a bit of a chip on its shoulder in regards to how edgy it can go. Take a pot of edgy sauce and reduce it down to a sludge and that’s what you have left with this story masquerading as a tragic romance. 

I forgot where I was going with this, point is, it has some dark themes in it (not that I’m seeking those dark themes for writing but it does form a basis as to how I added fairies into the story.. If you want to see a suspension of belief, girl who believes she's part fairy get thrown into the mix of this story, then continue reading!)

This plot as two options Canon or Original. I’m mostly seeking the canon version because that’s how the plot developed in my head, but I did manage to weave a version purely for original basis. Or we can use the canon plot as a basis! Canon would be taking characters and themes from the story. The ‘fairy’ in question is this one. She looks kinda like this but a little older. A walking doll basically. Or this, right from the manga itself. A song that heavily inspires this character is this.  I got nothin' for an excuse besides I thought up a plot and can't get rid of it now. I'm actually not seeking romance (exactly?) from this one. I will say it’s probably 18+ because it has some dark themes in the story.  Canon This part turned into a giant wall of text so to give you the almost shorter version, it’s basically inserting the fairy-like character into a canon characters background and changing some stuff up a bit. If you know the canon story, it’s going to start in Volume 4 of the manga. If you have a general idea of the canon story, we can either follow it or like I said, go with an original, similar idea.

The gist of the story is a boy raised in poor circumstance becomes enchanted by a girl who believes she’s part fairy. It’s so much easier to explain if you know the canon story, so if you’re interested in this, hmu and I can go into further detail. 

The pairing concept, and bear with me cause it's probably going to sound weird, is a boy who never had a mothers love, finding it in a rather twisted way with a girl who very much enjoys taking care of 'things'. She's genuine in her feelings for him, but there's a reason why both characters end up getting drawn to one another. 

What unfolds in the story is a friendship that happens purely by chance, and the strange ways the new person must deal with this supposed demi-fairy girl. Her name is Clarabelle. 

Original Playboy Brat x Demi-Fairy Girl or Goody Two Shoes x Demi Fairy Girl Whether you want to use the 'canon' story line or go with something original is entirely up for us to decide and work on! This plot/set up should work with most character personality types, though I had one or two in mind; brat or goody-two-shoes.

This is a story set in the 19th century, or the general 1800's, in a small town I've yet to think up a name for. This town is very quaint but it's an otherwise quiet place. The idea I had in mind takes place in a sort of... suspended belief of reality, but not so much that fantasy is a part of the story.  There is a house in the more suburban area of the town, where it has its own property, including a garden in both the front and back, and it's covered in all sorts of greenery from flowers, floral bushes, to vines of ivy and trees. It's a very pretty house, but a very quiet one. A woman lives there. Beautiful, rich, sought after by all manner of men and she's quite the social butterfly - it's clear she's the owner of the house. Yet, there is a second inhabitant - a younger, more fair girl.  This story would be focused on the girl and her befriending, or being befriended by a newcomer. What they discover, however they met, is that the person living in this house is a girl not much older than they are (I picture they're about middle to late teens). She seems quite enigmatic, despite having such a social caretaker. The older woman is her aunt, her brother - Clara’s father - is a Duke. When asked who her mother was, she simply replies her mother was a fairy. This is where a mild suspension of belief is asked. For the sake of her enigmatic nature, it's never really confirmed or denied if what she says is true. Strange things seem to happen when she's around though. The house is covered in beautiful flowers and the garden is breathtaking, yet they give it very little care. People seem drawn to the girl when they see her. Her singing can lull even the most alert of people. She attracts the fireflies in the garden at night. Her appearance always seemed heralded by a butterfly, even in the dead of winter. She seems all together other worldly. What unfolds in the story is a friendship that happens purely by chance, and the strange ways the new person must deal with this supposed demi-fairy girl. Her name is Clarabelle. Now, you're probably wondering 'where does the character personality come into play in all this?' Since I created this plot using the canon content, I based the 'newcomer friend' on the personalities of the boys in Kaze; Gilbert and Serge. In this case, Gilbert, the blond one, is the one I originally picked out. He's a brat and she won't be manipulated by him.  I also mentioned the other boy, Serge, has a personality that would also work. Only in this case, he isn't a brat but exactly the opposite. An honest, goodey-two-shoes sort of kid.  How sad their background might be will be entirely dependent on the partner, should they choose to play this sort of character. (I like to think something like two broken people become friends and find themselves whole again after a while)

If you find that any of this has somehow managed to tickle your fancy, you can reach me on gaia at x_panko_x. Obv not everyone uses it so since this is posted on Tumblr, you can reach me OOC wise at whiterosemilktea for further discussion then we can decide where we'll write it out. As far as discord goes, it is also open for rping this genre and I will provide if you are interested. Honestly though, if you even recognize this genre or have seen this manga/anime I would love to talk to at least one other person who has.

[btsandvmin]

A Vmin throwback - 2017

Is it just me who’s kind of tired of seeing “*insert ship* is dead” all the time? I mean it’s not just with Vmin, but I’ve seen it a lot when people talk about Jimin and Taehyung’s relationship lately. I don’t get it. I mean some just say it as a joke, and that’s fine I guess. But at the same time people seem to get the image that Vmin aren’t as close any more, and I think even those jokes can play a part in that.

However, my biggest complaint is simply that people seem to forget so quickly. Like I agree that BST era had a ton of Vmin moments and interactions. Possibly because Taehyung was going through a really tough period and Jimin did his best to cheer him up and support him. But just because they aren’t attached 24/7 that doesn’t mean that 2017 haven’t given us some really outstanding Vmin moments. So, to remind you all that Vmin is very much alive I’ve done a small (read HUGE) recap post to just show you a few things that we actually got for 2017.

First 2017 was off to a great start with ISAC. 

You see that when Vmin get the free time to do what they want, without supervision, they tend to spend that time together. Separation issues? We already know they have them. Remember Jimin looking lost and searching for Taehyung? Jimin basically clung to Tae that whole day.

Just a few things that happened on ISAC was Jimin clinging to Taehyung, playing with his hair, listening to music together and of course the spanking.

Jimin got some butt smacking done too.

Also, they took selfies and made finger hearts towards each other. They only took photos with their two drawn poster images too. Oh, and they danced towards each other.

This and even more was all in just one day, one day where they chose to stay close and played around freely. (One day on the event that is considered a dating ground for Korean Idols.)

This video is 14 minutes long (I would have made a video of my own if I had the time) and doesn’t even cover all of the great Vmin moments from that day!

Anyways, moving on from ISAC despite there being material enough for a post of it’s own.

So we know Vmin has a hard time being apart. Remember Jimin letting us know he missed his oppa?

We also had some confirmed jealousy as well, no “look at that stare”-kind of jealousy (though we got that too).

...But actual jealousy from Jimin regarding Tae hanging out with other people and saying he loves his Hwarang hyungs. 

Jimin even got asked about it in an interview and not only admitted to it, but Tae thought it was cute, and Jimin even asked his other friends about it.

And maybe we didn’t get any pure Vmin vlives, but we did get a lot of vmin from various Vlives throughout the year.

Jimin and V crashing JK’s vlive together in their pajamas. Most likely they shared a room or were at least together before getting to JK’s room.

Tae and Jimin talking about each other’s birthday presents on Vlive, and almost spoiling it for each other. 

Also Tae talking about Jimin’s previous Vlive showing he watched it. (I am starting to think V can’t go a full Vlive without mentioning Jimin)

Jimin thinks Taehyung is so handsome (Nr 1 most handsome face in the world 2017) and wants to hang a picture of Tae on his wall.

During one vlive Tae talked about how Jimin’s adlib was his favorite part.

And in another one he also mentioned how Jimin should do a cover because he can’t shut up about Jimin.

Also remember Taehyung talking about going shopping with Jimin during his Vlive in May? And getting the tiger pendant and the Gucci belts that they both keep wearing? 

Also, how they went to the museum im New York together and later on for Taehyung’s “hobby section” there were two pictures of Jimin. Basically showing Jimin is Taehyung’s interest.

Actually they’ve taken a lot of pictures of each other and together this year and most of it we’ll never get to see. 

Just because they don’t post it doesn’t mean they haven’t taken any.

We know this, but sadly I can’t show all the examples due to lack of time.

There are several other examples... Alas I can’t include them all.

Also remember that conversation Vmin had in the fanclub chat?

Not only did Jimin try to call out Tae in the middle of the night just to bicker with him. Tae also more or less exposed that he has nudes of Jimin.

Jimin also posted this super sensual sounding video of him saying “ Kim Taehyung, do it. I told you to do it.” It’s about passing on doing aegyo but that voice is killing me...

So, there are plenty of Vmin videos and photos out there. They just might not want to share them all. ;)

And do I need to remind you that Gayo track 10 was a thing that happened? It was Vmin all over that episode.

No matter when they keep on complimenting each other, Jimin even got flustered.

The Gayo episode where they made an MV for Spinebreaker and Vmin just looked at each other to confirm they were a team. 

All that dancing together. And Tae saying Jimin’s smile makes him forget his blue feelings.

Then we have all the Run episodes. Remember the jail episode, with V saying Jimin’s crime is being cute and also plenty of clingy Jimin moments.

When in the waterpark we got a bunch of cute Vmin moments. 

We got a lot of Vmin from these episodes, even though they cut out their turn in the waterslide for some reason. We even got a moaning Tae getting a massage, come on! 

Ice-skating and taking pictures for each other again. 

Also, being on the same team for the sled-curling and being sweet, Jimin thanking V for his achivements. Also we can’t forget Tae cheering for Jimin in his race against JK and then going straight to hug him after he lost. (Look how cute Jimin is, smiling at Tae coming to him.)

Pretty much every Run episode has had some Vmin. Like when Tae helps Jimin cook to his best ability? This is why we need Vmin on the same team more often. All those soft moments! 

And also Yoongi telling them to hug, but they already did.

You should let them be together, they obviously want to.

If they were allowed to pick for themselves more often I’m sure we’d get a lot of Vmin on the same team.

Like here, where Jimin really, really, wanted to dress Taehyung and even picked out an outfit specifically for him. (Also, bonus couple necklace)

The best part though, is that even if Vmin doesn’t end up on the same team they still manage to gravitate towards each other.

Even if they compete against each other they can’t help but flirt and distract one another.

They just have to touch and goof around.

I love bickering Vmin.

But I have to move on from Run, it’s taking all the space.

So, moving on, just a few different moments worth reminding you all of.

Remember when Jimin wasn’t allowed to dance? A Tae kept going to him to make him feel included.

Even RM ships them.

Speaking of RM... There’s also V bringing up Jimin writing him a birthday letter when asked who’s romantic in the group and RM refusing to translate the “I love you.”

Jimin and V talking about going to the Sapporo snow festival and playing in the snow together.

Oh, and what about Jimin climbing on top of Tae and groping his butt while lying on him in bed?  (There were also that soft moment where Jimin fixes Tae’s hair. The duality of Vmin.)

Then we have the BT21 where Tata is basically based on Jimin, and Jimin thinks it’s meaningful because Tae used to draw it a lot.

V just has to compliment Jimin and Jin is so done. (Seriously, Jimin is on Tae’s mind 24/7)

We also can’t forget 4 O’Clock, a song which content was partly inspired by the feeling Tae felt as he waiting for Jimin at dawn.

There is of course also the sun and moon theme that became pretty obvious with Vmin this year.

We even got a Vmin photo to celebrate 95z Day from their producer with “Caught in a lie” as the tagline.

The whole second season of Bon Voyage was filled with Vmin moments.

Remember how Taehyung just bought a gift to Jimin randomly? Which was a snowglobe with a couple in it?

Constantly finding each other when blindfolded to the point they just gave up and held hands.

Them softly by the sea, Jimin holding on to Taehyung.

Them ending up being nostalgic and talking about their late night walk at the harbour in Kobe. And also late night walks where they gazed at the stars. Every night!

Remember those separation issues? Yeah, they even swam with their arms around each other.

Jimin ordering a burger because he knew Taehyung might not like his. And then feeding Tae with said burger.

Whatever this chase was, look at Tae teasing Jimin like in some romantic parody gesture.

Taehyung wanting to go look at tattoos with Jimin (and getting a henna sun and moon).

Taehyung sneakily trying to get Jimin to cook for him, but failing. And Jimin who just keeps complimenting Tae.

Just to mention a few, because Vmin is ALWAYS ALIVE!

And of course the big one, which will definitely get its own chapter in the Vmin history: Taehyung’s letter!

Of course it’s also good to note on how Jimin doesn’t think anyone else understands why Tae cry and what they are both feeling, not even the members. Intimacy on another level.

I could have made several posts just for Bon Voyage alone!

Another random moment: Taehyung had a nightmare and admitted to going to Jimin’s room to sleep together. Jimin also gave Taehyung a dreamcatcher after.

And we have some really nice concert moments too of course.

Maybe you all magically forgot Jimin running and jumping into Taehyung’s arms? And maybe all those lovely moments when Jimin couldn’t dance is something that didn’t really happen.

Spring Day also kind of deserves its own chapter for Vmin this year. Just look at them flirting!

And this funny yet soft moment when Vmin was in the balloon together. Look at Jimin leaning against Tae.

There was also the annual flirting at awards shows, when they sit together and can’t stop themselves. Taehyung getting his hands on the jibooty without any shame.

That wink Tae gave Jimin during the Billboard awards, what was that for? Remember them being clingy again and sitting next to each other for awards? Or maybe Tae staring some more at the jibooty?

There are so many moments that I just couldn’t include, because this post is already too long.

And these aren’t even all moments, but just a collection of the ones we actually get to see. If anyone can say that Vmin is dead after they’ve witnessed Taehyung’s letter to Jimin they are just fooling themselves, because it’s obviously not true. Basically this year has been super good for Vmin, just like 2016, people just seem to forget faster now. They’ve also been a lot more private, and maybe they’ve together less on shows, but still as prominent in their own free time. So yeah, Vmin isn’t dead, and it won’t be for a long time. I for one is looking forward to 2018 and plenty of new Vmin moments to come.

So, Happy New Year and don’t you dare say Vmin is dead.

[infinitum-imaginaerum]

Embers // Jung Jaehyun ; Two

Embers One | Embers Two

He didn’t sleep well that night. Something was very, very off—he couldn’t place it but you were disrupting his sleep like some crazed nightmare out of a horror movie. Jaehyun inhaled deeply as he awoke for what seemed like the hundredth time that night. He was heavily torn between looking at the clock to see what time it was, and ignoring it to try and go back to sleep.

Curiosity won out—his eyes cracked open to peer at the clock. It was 1:37 in the morning. He’d barely gone to bed two and a half hours ago and he’d already been woken by his dreams six times. He sighed heavily and threw the covers off himself, the moon blaring through the wide-open ceiling to floor window of the loft as he’d forgotten to close the drapes and had no motivation to get up. Now, though, his feet were on the cold wooden floor, shuffling across the mostly empty room to the kitchen to get a glass of water.

Tap was fine for him, anything to calm his nerves as he guzzled the glass, almost slamming it down on the countertop to leave it by the sink as he meandered back to his room. The setup of the loft he shared with Yuta was interesting. It was a one-bedroom rather large loft. Jaehyun insisted that Yuta take the privacy of the bedroom while Jaehyun set up a mattress in the middle of the living space. He didn’t mind, really—the window with the most glorious view over the city was worth it.

In front of that window he stood, half naked as he raked and hand through his hair, trying to find any comfort, even in the freezing air conditioning that was blasting on his bare, pale skin.  He shoved one hand into the pocket of his sweatpants, the other rubbing over his exhausted face and he sighed heavily.

“I don’t know who you are or what’s going on but just let me fucking sleep,” he muttered to himself, his eyes barely able to stay open enough to scan the yellow-orange lights of the city below. But even though his eyes could barely stay open, he knew he would only be asleep for so long if they closed.

The hallucinations were hitting now. There, across the way to the other building, he swore he could see a figure standing on top of it.  A female figure dressed in dark clothes who was also looking over the city. Jaehyun rubbed his eyes, but when he stopped, the figure was still there. He took half a step closer to the window, touching the glass with his fingertips as he tried to get a better look and the head of that female figure turned to face him.

Jaehyun’s brow drew together, the figure was too far away for him to positively ID but it wasn’t long after the figure noticed him that it turned to disappear over the ledge of the building.

“What the… hell…”

He rubbed his eyes again and shook his head, reaching out for the drapes to his right to walk them across the window. Maybe the darkness would help Jaehyun sleep better, because obviously the setup he had wasn’t doing it for him. Jaehyun meandered back to his thick mattress on the floor to fall into it, the sheets puffing around him until they faded back down. He threw them over himself, sleep wrapping its sweet embrace around him to pull him back into the darkness.

The smell of coffee wafted through the air, the quiet lull of the television awoke Jaehyun from his sleep. Yuta was always up first, it was normal for the loft to smell strong and for the television to be on the morning news. Jaehyun could faintly hear the weather forecast, his eyes cracking open to the still dark room—the blinds were still drawn; even though Yuta was the first up, he was very considerate of Jaehyun’s sleeping habits, especially since he knew the younger hadn’t slept well in quite some time.

“Good morning,” Yuta’s voice echoed quietly.

“Good morning,” Jaehyun replied, raising his arms above his head to stretch a bit.

“There’s coffee in the pot and some breakfast on the heating pad,” Yuta added, cradling his white ceramic mug in both hands as he sat cross-legged on the couch. Jaehyun sat up slowly, covers pooling in his lap as he rubbed his tired eyes.

“Thanks, Yuta,” Jaehyun replied.

“I don’t mean to girlfriend you, but how did you sleep? We have that big job coming up, Taeyong wants to make sure you’re rested,” Yuta continued.

Jaehyun chuckled. “You’re not girlfriending me; I didn’t sleep well until about two. I got up to get some water; I guess I’ve been sleeping worse than I thought,” he stated, alluding to the figure he saw last night.

Yuta allowed the younger to rise to his feet and make his way to the kitchen before he started asking questions. Jaehyun tended to be pretty grumpy in the morning before coffee, so he waited patiently. Jaehyun stood in the kitchen, a freshly poured cup of coffee to which he added two sugar cubes and a teaspoon of creamer. Yuta listened to the teaspoon bang gently against the mug until Jaehyun returned from the kitchen, sans breakfast.

He plopped into the chair adjacent to the couch, resting his elbows on his thighs as he gripped the mug himself, the loft a little chilly this early in the morning.

“Are you going to tell me about your hallucinations, or are you going to make me ask?” Yuta teased with a small grin, lifting the white cup to his supple lips as he eyed Jaehyun.

“Right, sorry,” he apologized, shaking his head as the mug left his left hand, finding his own lips with the grip of just his right hand to take a small sip. “The girl we saw, the one Taeyong whistled to. We talked vaguely about it, but I mentioned I’d seen her before. She plagued my dreams like a bad horror movie. I swear I woke up every twenty minutes. I was getting frustrated, so I went to get some water—”

“I heard you, about one forty,” Yuta interrupted only for Jaehyun to nod.

“Anyway, I forgot to draw the curtain and with my mind elsewhere, I checked out the city. There was a figure on top of the building there,” he pointed lazily, “I rubbed my eyes assuming it was just my mind playing tricks on me, but the figure turned to look at me for a moment before turning to disappear. I don’t know; I got a weird feeling in my gut, but I went back to sleep alright.”

“You don’t think it was her, do you?” Yuta asked, pretty curious now. Was it just a huge coincidence that Jaehyun was having all kinds of dreams, just for it to be eased by his hallucinations? Or what he thought were hallucinations…

Jaehyun sighed after another sip of coffee, lounging back in the chair now. “It’s hard to say; I couldn’t get a good look, it was dark and I was already tired enough… I drew the curtain and went back to bed. Maybe it was just the light keeping me up.”

Yuta nodded, processing everything Jaehyun was saying. It was unusual for Jaehyun to have feelings like this, but when he did, they were usually important. Taeyong didn’t seem that worried, but he didn’t know Jaehyun like Yuta did. “Do you have a bad feeling?” Yuta finally asked, eyeing Jaehyun a little more sternly now.

It was an important question to ask. Jaehyun’s feelings were usually something to heed.

“I… I can’t pin it, really. I don’t think it’s bad; I just… I’m uneasy. I’m not worried, I don’t feel danger, I just don’t feel right.” He looked down into his now empty mug; remnants of coffee grounds peppered the mug barely visible to the human eye.  “We need a new coffee machine,” he sighed before standing for another cup, “or better filters.”

“Maybe Taeyong will budget us one,” Yuta grinned, the sarcasm behind that statement was so thick it was nearly palpable.

“Taeyong wouldn’t even budget us money to eat; besides, I pawned a fifty grand Rolex the other day. This sweet old lady… she bumped right into me; I didn’t even spot the watch on her until it was almost too late.”

“Damn, a fifty thousand dollar watch,” Yuta shook his head, “the audacity of some rich royalty in this town, I swear. They still haven’t learned.”

“They’ve thrown greater amounts of money away before; what’s another Rolex?” Jaehyun questioned, sitting back down with his second mug of coffee, already in a much better mood than before.

The chatter between the boys died down a little, the laughs fading and the news in the background was taking the stage. It was a story about their next hit, so Yuta quickly grabbed the remote to turn the volume up a little.

An antiques auction, the kind that only came around every once in a while; there was going to be a big banquet for all those invited for the donators. Of course, NCT would somehow forge their way onto the list and it was the spotlight Jaehyun and Yuta had to be prepared for. The president was going to be there, along with hundreds of highly trained officers for security. Three days from now; three days from now they were going to be rolling in dough—paintings, sculptures, woodwork, jewelry, vehicles, royal heirlooms, anything to be thought of that could be antique and highly sought after was going to be there.

“Three days to prepare,” Yuta commented.

“Three days until we can maybe move out of this place,” Jaehyun tacked on.

“Oh come on; you liked this one. You always complained about the cramped space, this one’s big and you liked the view,” Yuta reminded him. Jaehyun was the one who picked it in the first place.

“It’s one bedroom,” Jaehyun fired back.

“We built you a nice wall!” Yuta replied, gesturing towards the nicely painted woodwork that was barely separating the lounging area from his bed, aside from a set of five stairs. Doyoung was nice enough to do the wiring, affording a lamp light on either side of the wall equipped with a working switch and everything. Jaehyun’s ‘bedroom’ was a solid 800 square feet, considering the apartment itself was barely over 1900, had a floor to ceiling window with blackout curtains and anything he could ever want—besides a door and four walls.

Jaehyun sighed, “I wish the damn heat worked.”

“Fine; I’ll give you that one,” Yuta responded, being reminded of just how cold it was in their large flat, cozying into his loose cardigan.

Jaehyun set his mug on the table to his left, reaching over to the coat rack for a gray button down sweater of his own to pull over his bare torso which was contracting all kinds of goosebumps in the cool morning air. Silence loomed between the two boys which was pretty normal for them. The television volume was back down, barely a lull in the background, each of them both waiting for the other to say something in regards to the auction or Taeyong, who was bound to call a meeting any moment, despite it being so early in the morning.

Sure enough, Yuta’s phone started buzzing a moment later and Jaehyun melted into his seat.

“I haven’t even eaten breakfast yet. Nobody should be up at this time, the sun has barely come up,” Jaehyun groaned, not wanting anything to do with the conversation that was about to ensue—he rose from his seat to head back into the kitchen where Yuta had left some breakfast for him, as he mentioned previously, and Jaehyun grabbed a plate out of the cabinet to serve himself.

The conversation between Yuta and Taeyong was short, and it didn’t take much for Jaehyun to gather that it was mostly about him when Yuta replied, “He had some hallucinations last night; I think a little bit of sleep walking. He’s not been sleeping well, Taeyong. Let him rest.”

It only continued a little bit further as Jaehyun stood leaning against the counter, plate of breakfast in his hands as Yuta hung up the phone and rounded the corner to pour more coffee.  Yuta glanced at Jaehyun, watching him chew slowly, waiting for Yuta to say something—

“Taeyong’s worried about you,” Yuta said.

“Is that what he said…” Jaehyun trailed off with a tinge of sarcasm lacing his voice.  

“For once, yes. You’ve not been sleeping well for a good while now. He can see it on your face, so can everyone else but you know it’s bad when even he mentions something about it.”

Jaehyun swallowed hard, tapping his utensils against his plate, suddenly having lost his appetite. Yuta stood, eyeing Jaehyun as he cupped his mug, still settled nicely on the counter, pot back on the warmer; Jaehyun seemed to be lost in thought about the job, about Taeyong, about his dreams, about the sleeping, about everything that could possibly cross his mind right now before finally coming back to you. Something about your walk, not even your face or your voice—your walk said so much more to him than anything ever could. He’d seen that specific walk so many times before—

“It can’t be…”  Jaehyun murmured, his eyes shifted from his plate to straight forward, brow drawn together, perturbed. “It just can’t be.”

[notesofarichlycolorednight]

Color Asks for Tori (and Luke if you want??????): Chili, Spice, Peach, Honey, Mint, Baby Blue, Periwinkle, Amethyst, Magenta, Snow, Cream, Chiffon, Ecru, Sugar Cookie, and Graphite

aw yiss

tori’s gonna be so thrilled

luke isn’t my oc, but i dragged him in here anyway, just for fun i guess he kinda is regarding my au, tho...

besides tori could use the company…some of those question made her kinda sad that last round

Chili - Do you like spicy foods?

tori: yes, i love them! i’ve built up a tolerance over the yrs.

luke: *shifts uncomfortably* i…like it once in a while.

tori: *stage whispers* he hates spicy foods

luke: tori!

Spice - Do you like to cook? Do you cook often?

tori: i can’t cook to save my life. i think it’d be nice. my mom tried to teach me once…that didn’t go well. i think if…she was still alive i would know how to cook.

luke: pass

tori: *kicks his leg* just answer, it’s fine. it’s supposed to be confidential *glares at me*

luke: i can cook basic things. i had to learn to. that’s all i’m saying.

tori: *pats luke’s arm and takes his hand*

me: moving on…

Peach - Are you generally a more gentle and soft spoken person or a louder and rougher person?

luke: *bursts into laughter* is that even a question?

tori: rude! i’ll have you know, i can be very gentle and soft-spoken, thank you

luke: *strokes his thumb cross tori’s hand* i would agree with that. but most of the time, she’s definitely louder and rougher. in more ways than one.

tori: *blushes furiously* yeah well, you’re definitely louder and rougher all the time. he’s only gentle and soft-spoken around me.

*they start leaning toward each other*

me: okay, next question!

Honey - Have you ever considered marrying someone? What is your opinion on marriage in general?

*luke and tori exchange a glance and shift awkwardly, both blushing*

luke: well i mean, i have…thought about it, yes *eyes flicker to tori*

tori: i guess…i guess i never thought i’d live long enough to even consider it, but… *glances up at luke*

me: and the second question?

tori: i think it’s something really special. it’s a big decision too, and it’s something that should be discussed and contemplated rationally. it’s also something to be cherished.

luke: *looking at tori and stroking her hand again, a small smile on his lips* i agree

me: [aside] they’re so cute

Mint - Does Ice cream exist in your world? If so, what is your favorite Ice cream flavor?

tori: yes! and i love it! i sneak it into camp all the time. i love strawberry ice cream.

luke: i really only like it because it’s a good bargaining chip. smuggling ice cream into camp was worth more because you have to keep it frozen. it’s very perishable item.

tori: *rolls eyes* i swear, his sweet tooth must’ve fallen out or something. but he’s right about the bargaining. you wouldn’t believe what kind of favors you can get out of getting ice cream into camp.

Baby (blue) - Would you consider having children? If so, how many?

luke and tori: *more furious blushing*

tori: like i said about marriage, i never really thought i’d live long enough to consider it. but…i think i like the idea of children. *frowns* i don’t know how safe they’d be around us though *looks over at luke*

luke: i’d have to think about it more. i’d love to have children with tori, but…i also agree with her concerns. it’s more dangerous for them, and…that’s a lot of responsibility. *frowns deeply* you have to make tough choices and sometimes they’re wrong

tori: *moves closer and rubs his arm with her free hand*

Periwinkle -  Would you consider yourself to be a good parent? what do you think a good parent should be?

luke: i don’t like these questions anymore

me: last one, i promise

tori: i would try to be the best parent. of course i’m going to make mistakes, but that’s part of life. that’s the very human part of who i am. *looks at luke for a moment* i think that i’d try and mimic my mom, because she was the best mom i could’ve ever had. i think…i think luke would be a very good parent. i know he would protect and cherish our child or children and… *looks at luke again* he may make mistakes, but i know we’ll come through them

me: *glances at luke* uh…

tori: *shakes head*

Amethyst- What is your aesthetic?

luke: my what?

tori: i asked leo about this, but it’s so hard to define. it’s something pleasing to look at–it’s very specific to your personal tastes. it doesn’t have to be an object, it can be clothes on a person. or a person themselves. if…if that makes sense.

luke: i don’t understand this question. does sword-fighting count? i guess–pleasing to look at? *glances at tori* well...tori in armor, sword drawn. or when she’s asleep in the morning lights filters through the windows and makes her glow. when we’re training and little hairs start to wiggle loose from her braid and stick to her forehead. her eyes. her smile.

tori: *hiding behind her hands and blushing too much to speak*

luke: *laughs and puts his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into him* brush passes–you know what those are?

me: *scoffs* of course

luke: hushed conversations. the empty hermes cabin. empty camp. the sound of tree nymphs racing through the forest. the sound of wind whistling in your ears as you run. charismatic smiles. mischievous eyes. does that answer the question?

tori: *takes a deep breath and pulls her hands from her face* i really liked looking at my mom’s guitar on its stand, underneath the lamp. posters of plays and musicals covering the walls. bonus if they’re signed by the cast and crew. *sighs* as much as i hate apollo, i really do like early morning or late evening sun–there’s something soft and soothing about the light it creates in the sky. *blushes and glances at luke, hunching her shoulders* luke’s blue eyes. and the look of concentration he gets when he trains or is in battle. in the middle of the night, when he’s asleep. it’s…it’s the most relaxed an carefree i ever get to see him. *mumbles* in one of his many brown shirts *sighs* shirtless–oh my gods, did i just say that out loud? next question!!!

Magenta - What is your Zodiac sign?

tori: i’m a scorpio *looks at luke expectantly*

luke: *rolls eyes* capricorn

Snow - Have you ever seen snow? Do you like it? What do you like to do in the snow?

tori: i love snow!! my mom used to throw snowballs at us, in the house, on the first day we get snow. right after we’d woken up and gone out into the kitchen for breakfast. it’s also...really beautiful, the way it sparkles in the sun. the sound it makes when you walk on it. the silence of it when it falls. it quiets the earth and it love it.

luke: i tolerate it. it’s not my favorite. it’s cold. it makes things icy. but i agree that it can be quite beautiful. just so long as i’m not out in it, i’m fine.

Cream - Do you prefer Tea, Coffee, or Cocoa? (If your world has those things. If not, what sort of hot drinks do you have?)

tori: oh, cocoa, no question. it’s my childhood favorite, and will always be my first choice. tea is my next choice.

luke: coffee. black. like my soul.

tori: *playfully shoves luke so hard he nearly falls out of his chair* don’t listen to him. he puts so much milk in his coffee. i’m trying to get him to drink more herbal tea.

luke: *righting himself in his chair* i honestly prefer energy drinks

tori: *shaking her head* it’s not healthy

Chiffon - Do you prefer a larger and cleaner environment, or a smaller and cozier one?

tori: i like small and cozy. it feels more intimate and warm. lived in.

luke: i...honestly like larger and cleaner environments. but that’s really only because of the crowded fucking hermes cabin. *tuts, rolls eyes, and shakes head* i’m tired of it being so crowded. and i can see how miserable it makes everyone having to live like that. *takes a breath* i can see myself in a smaller, cozier environment with tori, though. *looks over at her and takes her hand*

Ecru - Do you have curly, wavy, or straight hair?

tori: my hair is naturally wavy, but very softly wavy. if you weren’t looking close enough, you wouldn’t notice.

luke: *shrugs* pretty straight, i guess

Sugar cookie - What reminds you of your childhood?

luke: i thought you said that last question was the last one!

me: *curls up in chair, hides behind clipboard and mutters* you don’t have to answer this one

luke: *looks away moodily*

tori: *takes his hand into both of hers and gently strokes the top* hot cocoa, of course. softly sung lullabies. the sound of the guitar or violin. music in general, really. warm hugs. my brother practicing his lines either by himself or with me or my mom. when my mom would read to me and voice act all the characters. dan practicing the violin--badly. my mom humming from the kitchen.

Graphite - Do you like to draw? If so, do you draw often? What do you like to draw?

tori: um...i actually do like to draw. mostly sketching, honestly. i don’t draw all that often, though. maybe once or twice every few months. *shrugs* don’t really have the time. i like practicing guitar more. when i do draw, i like sketching places and things, mostly. *blushes then mumbles* sometimes i’ll sketch luke.

luke: i leave that stuff to the apollo kids. i’m more of a con and pavement artist.

me: boo

luke: *rolls eyes* can we go now?

me: your fans thank you

luke: our what now?

me: bye!

ahh, sorry this took me so long! i got self-conscious again...

also i’m be supremely busy with grad school oTL

it’s the end of the semester, the profs were threatening a strike (which may not be happening anymore, hopefully??? we’ll see come april 30) and i just have...a ton of shit to do before the semester ends in both academics and housing/storing my shit/moving back to my home state

RIP me

bonus: i picked capricorn based on a plausible time he could’ve been born according to the books, but also based on the description of capricorn. i think he really fits that zodiac. also, i actually picked tori’s b-day before this, but scorpio fits her well. glad it worked out XD

[todaydreambelieversfic]

Author Spotlight: ItsNotEasyBeingQueen Day 4

Day 4:  Recs!

Oh, where to begin???  There are SO many wonderful fics out there that I cannot possibly reference them all. What’s funny is that every fic I’ve listed below is quite long – and I’m mostly a one-shot writer.  I am not sure what that says about me!  

Rec #1 – “Callaway Place” by @sunshineoptimismandangels https://archiveofourown.org/works/8791888?view_full_work=true https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12265808/1/Callaway-Place

Such an AMAZING piece of writing.  Take out the names “Kurt” and “Blaine” and this fic stands as a work of completely original fiction, perfectly suitable to be published as a novel or to be made into a movie.  Kurt and Blaine meet in a very unusual way as children, then find one another again as adults, becoming ensnared in a world of magic, mystery, and mortal danger.  I can recall stopping whatever I was doing to read each chapter as soon as it was posted.  This story is riveting from start to finish.  I wish I was as talented and creative as this author. You needn’t look much further than the Prologue to get drawn in:

The numb feeling in his chest was morphing into something else, not the steady fear he’d been running on, but something strong, something driving – it was morphing into anger. He walked up the old creaky stairs to the third floor, breath coming a little faster.

Blaine stood in the middle of the large open room, his muscles tense and his body trembling from head to toe. He clenched his jaw and balled his fist staring resolutely at the tall full length mirror in front of him. The twining vines of its frame radiating with a burning light, the glass heaving inward and out like the lung of a living creature. The only mirror in the house not broken.

All Blaine had ever wanted was to be rid of this thing, to run as far away from it as he possibly could. Now, he was staring it down like an enemy he was about to meet on the battlefield. Every instinct he had was telling him to run, to flee, to leave this place behind him for good. Instead, he took a step closer. And another. And another.

There were a myriad of small golden lights floating on the other side of the glass, swirling and swarming around calling to him. It wasn’t necessary; he didn’t need an enchantment to know what he had to do. At this point he’d do anything. He reached out an unsteady hand towards the glass, pressing his fingers and then his whole palm against it. The glass was warm and pulsing, and it had a give to it in a way that glass really shouldn’t. Blaine shuddered and closed his eyes, drawing on all the courage he had. Then, he opened his eyes and pressed his hand harder against the glass; his hand started to sink in, like moving through thick mud.

Blaine wanted to scream, but he stuffed it down, pushing forward until the mirror had engulfed his arm up to the elbow. Blaine cleared his throat trying to sound steady, “I’m coming Kurt,” he promised and then took a step forward, the mirror pulling him through to the other side.

 Rec #2 – “Heartstone” by @sunshineoptimismandangels

https://archiveofourown.org/works/4124506?view_full_work=true

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11309971/1/Heartstone

Yes, I realize I’m dedicating two of my recs to the same author, but you asked for my favorite stories, and it just so happens that she penned two of them.   (Don’t complain too much – I tried picking two others from memory and realized both were her stories, too.  Apparently, I have a fanfic type.  I’m choosing fics by two other authors, though, to spread the love.) Again, this fic has a supernatural element, and the author creates a completely unique world into which she deposits Kurt and Blaine.  Under a curse meant to spare his life, Blaine endeavors for decades to recover that which would restore his humanity.  Fate has, unbeknownst to either man, tied Kurt and Blaine together in a tale of mystery and fearful creatures that seek to destroy Blaine.  Seriously – stop reading my drivel and go read this story.

I had a terrible time choosing an excerpt to post here.  I think this gives you a good idea of the quality and tenor of the writing without giving away too much plot:

Blaine lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling and waiting for his alarm to go off. He tilted his head, finding images in the fibers of the ceiling paint, a face, a castle…

 A monster.

Blaine shut his eyes to rid his mind of the images of a fanged creature staring down at him; his alarm clock went off, and even though he'd been waiting for it, it made his heart rate spike as he sat straight up in bed and slammed his palm on the alarm to shut it up. He'd been having nightmares again, worse than usual, his mind dredging up the most evil of his memories, red eyes glaring at him in the dark and screams of pain.

 Blaine got up from his bed, swallowing deeply, and walked over to the mirror that hung above his dresser. He moved it to the side to reveal the safe in the wall and worked the combination until it opened. Inside, was the source of his nightmares; they'd gotten worse since he traded Felix for this vial. He pulled it out and held it in his hand for a moment, the heat inside warming him a little, but still making him shiver. He put the vial down on his dresser top and went to get ready for the day.

 He'd had the vial for a few weeks now but hadn't done anything with it. He told himself that it was because he didn't have everything he needed for the ritual yet, which was true. It was also true that Blaine hadn't been trying very hard to get what he needed. That changed today, though; he had an appointment late that afternoon to get the piece he needed in order to finally use the heartstone remains. He should be excited, elated even, but he couldn't muster it.

 Mostly he felt… worried. Worried about what he would find out, worried about where the new information he gained would lead him. Away from New York? Towards facing the truths that have been chasing him most of his life? Away from Kurt? The thought of Kurt surprised him and he pinched the bridge of his nose trying to concentrate. He chided himself; he couldn't give up on what he'd been working towards almost his whole life just because of a pretty boy with a pretty smile that made Blaine feel… made Blaine feel for the first time in too long.

 Blaine stared at the clothes hanging in his closet while wearing only the jeans he'd slipped on after his shower. He never thought much about what he wore, but today he wanted to look nice, at least as nice as he could; he was probably seeing Kurt this afternoon and he didn't know when he'd see him again after the ritual. Blaine sighed; all of his clothes were various shades of black and gray and when did he become so boring? He ended up picking out a sweater that could conceivably be considered navy, layered with a crisp gray button up underneath, and resigned himself to looking as put together as he could.

 On his way out, he grabbed the vial and stuck it in his coat pocket. He wasn't foolish enough to leave it behind. He kept it in the safe at night and on his person at all other times. He may hate what it was and what it represented, but he knew he needed it. It felt heavy in his pocket, like it was dragging his whole body down. The more Blaine thought about it, the more he wasn't sure he should even meet up with Kurt today; wouldn't it be better just to fade from Kurt's life like he'd never been there? That thought made his chest unexpectedly tight.

 Kurt was the first friend he'd allowed himself in some time, he wasn't sure why'd he'd made the exception for Kurt, but he had. He considered Kurt a friend and the thought of him warmed Blaine's cold world. If he'd been someone else maybe he'd let himself have more than friendship with Kurt. He was smart, and attractive and inconceivably patient with Blaine. Still, it was a moot point now, now that Blaine was going to perform this ritual life was going to change. It had to.

 He'd have one last cup of cinnamon coffee with Kurt and then close that chapter of his life. He could do that. Blaine gulped as the cold wind picked-up outside. He could do that, right?

 Rec #3: I Won’t Let You Down by Mrs Criss 2012

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10671690/1/I-Won-t-Let-You-Down

https://archiveofourown.org/works/2259336?view_full_work=true

Another favorite author whose work I admire is Mrs Criss 2012.  “I Won’t Let You Down” is a beautiful, emotional, often angsty romance between an older (age 27) Kurt and younger (age 16) Blaine.  Before you get potentially turned off by the age difference, let me assure you, this is a fic about true love and compassion and finding out that the person you’re meant to be with might surprise you.  The age difference is thoroughly discussed and is a logical part of the story.  Blaine’s family moves in across the street from Burt Hummel.  Kurt, who lives in New York, comes for a visit, but is a hardened version of the boy he used to be.  However, the young, unhappy boy across the road is just the person to make Kurt become the best version of himself again.  It takes a loooong time to get there, and Kurt’s horribly maddening sometimes, and Burt is quite the watchdog papa bear protector – of Blaine – but it’s all so very worth it.

This excerpt may be a spoiler (so sue me), but it’s one of the best first (well, technically, second, but you have to read it to understand that) kiss scenes ever.

"That was your first kiss?" Kurt asks, stricken.

Blaine doesn't speak but gives a small nod, looking down at his shoes as the rain runs from his hair.

"Oh Blaine," Kurt says sadly. "You...I...I'm..." He is fully intending to apologize, but when Blaine looks up, pain and anguish painted across his face, Kurt is overcome. Surging forward, he closes the gap between them and claims Blaine's mouth in a hungry kiss. The feel of Blaine's wet hair sliding through his fingers only makes him press their bodies closer together, and then suddenly Blaine is kissing back in spite of himself, his hands fisting the front of Kurt's sweater and tugging him unfathomably closer still. The feel of their lips together is better than either could have ever imagined, and every ounce of frustration, anger and desire manifests itself in a kiss which neither ever wants to end. 

The initial passion gives way to deep longing, and the kiss becomes romantic and loving. Tentatively, Kurt dares to taste with his tongue and when Blaine moans softly in his throat and opens his mouth wider, Kurt feels himself growing hard immediately. They keep kissing, right there on the corner of Blaine's driveway in the pouring rain, with Kurt's hands framing Blaine's face tenderly until eventually they slow. Even then they are both reluctant to part, dropping sweet kisses to each other's lips as gradually Blaine allows an ear splitting grin to take over his face. 

"You have no idea how desperately I've wanted to do that," Kurt whispers, his eyes still closed as he presses his forehead against Blaine's. "I just..." He goes back in for more and Blaine responds willingly, his hands on the small of Kurt's back this time, pushing their groins together. It becomes Kurt's turn to whimper, and his soft groan is immediately swallowed by Blaine who runs his tongue into Kurt's mouth once more. This time, when they break it is to fall into a deep, long hug, and yes, Blaine does fit as perfectly as Kurt hoped he would.

He holds him tight and allows himself to be held in return, noticing how although Blaine might be young, and relatively small, he is manly and firm against him, and just the feel of Blaine's arms around him make him feel safe and secure.

Rec #4 – Angel in a Red Vest by @dontbefanci

https://archiveofourown.org/works/3143186?view_full_work=true

I just read this on a recommendation from another reader and I was blown away. Blaine is a firefighter who meets Kurt, a volunteer disaster responder.  It’s masterfully written, romantic, and utterly heartbreaking at times – and I read the whole 100k+ fic in two days.  (My eyes may never be the same, but it was totally worth it.)  It’s all so good and hard to parse up, but here’s a little early scene to whet your appetite:

“Is, um…is there something else I can do for you?”

 “Yes.” A blush crept up Blaine’s face as he smiled, his eyes darting away from Kurt’s gaze and back again. “Kurt, I actually came by for another reason.”

 “Oh?” Kurt tilted his head in question unable to hide his grin. Not only had Chief remembered his name, but the way he said it, as though it curled in his mouth like a ribbon of candy. Kur…t.

 “I was wondering…if you would like to join me for dinner one night this week.”

 Their eyes locked and Kurt no longer had to worry about hiding the hitches in his breath. He completely forgot how to breathe. But, he found his voice, if not his ability to speak properly. “Sure. That would…yes. I’d…I’d like that.” Smooth, Hummel.

 “Good. I’ll um…I need a way to contact you?”

 “Oh. That might help.”

 They exchanged numbers, through their phones and Blaine pocketed his as he stood pausing in the frame of Kurt’s office door, another blush sweeping over his cheeks. “So. I’ll call soon?”

 “That would be great. And, come back by. I know Dot wants to meet you.”

 Blaine’s stance stiffened, zippering back up into Chief mode and he smiled tightly. “Will do.” He nodded and winked and disappeared out the door as swiftly as he’d come in.

 And Kurt? Well, Kurt let out a whoosh of air, breathing properly for the first time in about ten minutes. “Oh. Mygod.”

 He stared at his desk, the papers on it, his to-do list over and over again, not able to start on anything, irritated with his school boy behavior. Really now. It’s a date. You have dates. You even have dates with handsome men. What IS your problem?

And he couldn’t answer even himself; his face remaining heated and flushed until he finally pulled himself out and it and focused on his volunteer email list to announce an upcoming training.

And then the door opened again.

It was Blaine, rushed and unable to make eye contact.

“Hello again.”

“Yeah. Hi. So. I wimped out just like I promised I wouldn’t.”

“Pardon?”

“Look. I’m not normally this ridiculous, but um…” He stepped in all the way and leaned against the door frame, nervous and wide-eyed. “You entrance me, Kurt Hummel. What are you doing for lunch today?”

Kurt laughed. Hot and adorable was an amazing combination on any man and here it was, standing right in front of him. “I was just going to grab something up the road. Would you like to join me?”

“Yes. Please.”

“So, is this in addition to or instead of…?”

Blaine started to answer and stopped, measuring his words. “In addition? I just didn’t want to put it off and talk myself out of it.”

“Is that a habit of yours? Talking to yourself?”

“No. Yes? Probably.” Blaine blushed and stopped talking, looking away. He started and stopped two more times, finally giving up.

“Well.” Kurt looked down at his desk, collecting his thoughts that had scattered all over the place. “Shall I pick you up at the station?”

“No. My invitation; my ride.”

Kurt nodded and smiled. He’s even adorably polite. I might die. “Noon is fine.”

“I’ll…I’ll see you then.” Blaine grabbed for the door handle, missed, tried again and succeeded. “And, I won’t bother you again until then. Promise.”

“You’re most definitely not a bother.”

[megatraven]

Girl Crush

Right okay so this took forever but it includes the first three femslash feb prompts and is also a late birthday gift to @starscrumbling :D EDIT: I forgot a read more lol woops

Summary: After not having spoke for a little while, Alya decides to call Marinette, only to run into her in an unlikely place.

AO3

Snow fell over the city, wrapping it in a blanket of cool cleanliness as lights shut off and many Parisians went to sleep. The sky was dark but the city glowed softly still, and with its silence, very few would find it perfect to be outside just then.

Alya was not one of those few. Sure, sometimes the quiet could be nice, and being alone could be a gift, but there was always such a thing as too much. While she trekked through the snow, the quiet began to bug her, and it didn’t take long for her to think of a solution. Removing her hands from the warmth of her pockets, she took her phone out and began scrolling through her contacts.

“Wow,” she breathed, feeling a little guilty when she finally got to the one she wanted. “I... haven’t talked to her in so long.” She tapped the contact, and her thumb hovered over the call button. She didn’t notice she’d paused in the middle of the park, and her brows drew together as she considered what the consequences of calling so late could be.

On the one hand, they could catch up and the quiet of the city could be drowned out by their talking. On the other, Alya could be cursed out for waking her up. Deciding that even being cursed at was better than the lonely feeling she had, and before she could talk herself out of it, she hit the call button and put her phone to her ear.

A small smile lit up her face when she heard the familiar ringback tone.

~ ♪ ♫ Feel the magic in the air,

Allez, allez, allez

Levez les mains en l'air

Allez, allez, allez

Feel the magic in the air,

Allez, allez- ♫ ♪ ~

Hey, you’ve reached-

“...Marinette?” Alya asked, cutting off the message with a quick tap of the ‘end call’ button. She stared for a moment longer before rushing forward, shaking awake the girl sleeping on the park bench. “Marinette! Girl, wake up! What’re you doing, sleeping on the bench while it’s snowing out!?”

It took a little more shaking before Marinette opened her eyes and yawned. “Mmm... A-Alya? What’re you d-doing out here?” she questioned through chattering teeth.

“What am I- girl, what are you doing out here? I’ve heard of ‘blankets of snow’ but you shouldn’t take it as a literal blanket, Mar!” She sighed and pulled her friend into a hug, hoping to share her warmth. “Mon Dieu, you scared the hell out of me,” she whispered.

“I-I was dr-drawing,” she explained, gestured to a sketchpad that had a layer of snow covering it now. “F-first snow, you know? Good i-inspiration.” Alya tightened her hold when she felt Marinette shiver and bury her face in the crook of Alya’s neck.

“Mhm. And how long were you out drawing for?”

“Not t-too long! But, um, it’s b-been a long few weeks, and I h-haven’t been sleeping well. Th-the peacefulness put me to sleep I gu-guess.” A full-body shiver went through her then, and that drove Alya to action.

"C'mon, get up. I live closer, so you can crash at my place tonight," she said, helping Marinette to her feet. She kept her arm around the other girl, who in turn wrapped both of her arms around Alya.

"Um, s-so about the last t-time we-"

Alya cut her off with a look. "We can talk when you get warm, okay?"

Marinette looked like she wanted to say more, but she bit her tongue and nodded instead. The rest of their walk carried on in silence, save for Alya occasionally commenting on the sights or closeness to her apartment.

When they finally did arrive, Alya made quick work of climbing the stairs, despite half-dragging Marinette alone. She hoped that what had happened between them hadn't been the source of her sleepless nights, because Alya knew Marinette, and she knew it took a lot for her best friend to be capable of falling asleep while walking. Of course, it only usually happened when there was a big design competition coming up, but Alya hadn't heard anything. Then again, her and Marinette hadn't spoken in awhile either.

Sighing, she tried not to jostle Marinette as she dug out her keys and opened the door. She didn't flick on the lights, used to arriving and maneuvering in the dark, and walked until she could drape Marinette over the couch. Detaching herself from her best friend's vice-like grip proved to be a challenge, but it was something she had experience with, for better or worse.

Alya took off her own jacket, and laid it over Marinette until she could get a few blankets and some hot chocolate going. Luckily, over the years, she had acquired quite a lot of blankets, thanks to Marinette herself. It was, as she put it, 'a travesty among travesties' that she only have two blankets. Alya chuckled at the memory of it. Man, that girl is dramatic, she thought with a shake of her head. She quickly took a few blankets out of her closet, pausing only to add a couple more into her pile in case they'd be talking for awhile. She walked back out to where Marinette dozed, and made sure she stepped quietly, avoiding any creaky spots in the wood she'd come to memorize.

She took a quick moment to watch her friend sleep, enjoying the startling calmness Marinette exuded when she slept. Her lips were drawn into a small smile, and she looked completely at peace. Alya smiled down at her friend, and reached down to sweep her bangs out from her face, only allowing her touch to linger for a second. With a content sigh, she took her jacket away and replaced it with a couple of blankets. Marinette automatically snuggled into them, which Alya had expected, but she also grabbed onto Alya's arm when she made to pull away.

"Mari?" Alya asked, her voice quiet and gentle. "Mari, you have to let go, or I can't make us hot chocolate."

She didn't respond for a good moment, and Alya was convinced she was asleep until she tugged on Alya's arm and mumbled, "No hot chocolate."

Alya let herself be pulled down, taking care not to sit on her friend. "No hot chocolate?" she repeated, and Marinette shook her head, enough so that her hair fell over her face again. Alya snorted and quickly swept it away. "So what, then?"

"Mmm… talk. Bout stuff." she answered, yawning as she said so. She stretched her body out and adjusted her position so that when she finished, her legs laid over Alya's. Her tired gaze found Alya's own and a frown tugged at her lips. "Sorry for not calling."

"It's alright. I didn't either, so I guess we can both take the blame there, huh?" Alya responded with a small smile. It took a few seconds, but Marinette returned it in full, and it took just as long for Alya to realize that her best friend's smile filled her with butterflies. "Anyways, um… I'm sorry if I didn't respond well- okay, wait, no. I know I didn't respond well, because I was really surprised? I mean, I was always under the assumption you were… well, straight, I guess. That, uh… that sounds pretty bad, doesn't it? I know I shouldn't have assumed-"

"Shh. It's okay. Assuming is what people do. You know what Americans say about assuming, though, don't you?" Marinette says with a smile. Alya snorted in response. "Really though, it's okay. I never… I didn't ever tell you or anything. And I did chase after you know who for like a good couple of years. Guess I was kind of ignoring anything else, so I didn't even realize things until our last year of lycée. But when I did notice it was like a switch flipped or something. I suddenly noticed like everything, the little touches, the ones that lasted for awhile, the way you and others moved, and it was just like. Wow."

"But it's been years since then, Mari…"

"I know. And I meant to tell you, I did! But in lycée you were with Nino again, and I couldn't say anything that might hurt you or him. And then you guys broke up again and even though it wasn't so bad I knew you were still sad and needed space, so I obviously wasn't gonna tell you then. After that, I guess… I never found a good opportunity. Last time wasn't very ideal either, but I was, admittedly, a little tipsy-" Alya laughed at that, and Marinette shot her an unamused look before continuing, "-and you looked so goddamn amazing and it just… slipped out." She sighed and closed her eyes, laying her head back against the arm of the couch. "I didn't mean to make things so awkward."

Alya stayed quiet while all the information sunk in. Marinette stole a glance at her, and was relieved to see that her best friend didn't look mad or uncomfortable about it.

"I didn't even get a chance to say something," she finally whispered."You ran out yelling something, and I- I didn't... I didn't go after you. Or call. Or message or email or anything." She swallowed and looked at Marinette. "I'm really sorry, Mar. You ran out and I thought you made a mistake. I didn't want things to be awkward so I just…"

"Waited." Marinette finished for her. When Alya nodded, Marinette found herself sitting up and putting her hands on Alya's shoulders. "I did too. We both made a mistake in doing that, I guess. But I want you to know that even though we didn't talk for a little while, I still thought about you, and I still really, really, really want to be friends, at the very least. Like I really wouldn't know what to do without you in my life? I fell asleep in the snow on a park bench while we weren't talking, for crying out loud!" She threw her hands up and was about to launch into one of her ramblings, but Alya was always one to calm her down enough to prevent it.

The situation they found themselves in didn't change that.

It was Alya's turn to put her hands on her friend's shoulders, and when she successfully got Marinette's attention, she pulled her into a hug. The blankets fell from Marinette's form, and Alya's fingers dug into the cloth of her friend's shirt. It was soft beneath her fingertips, but she knew Marinette was softer still. She took a deep breath, appreciating the scent of vanilla, new fabrics, and paper that clung to Marinette, as it has since the two met. Her eyes shut and her hold tightened as she listened to Marinette's semi-frantic heartbeat slow into a rhythmic tempo. Eventually, Marinette returned the hug with just as much love and care as she rested her head against Alya's chest.

"Girl, I don't think there's anything in the world I want more than to stay in your life." Her voice was quiet, but in the silence that had permeated the apartment, it was loud and clear. "No matter if it's as an acquaintance, a fan, a friend, a best friend, a girlfriend..." She heard Marinette's breath catch. "As long as I get to be greedy and steal even just a minute of your time, I think we'll be just fine." She pulled away just enough to smile at Marinette, whose eyes shimmered with tears ready to spill. She wore a small, nervous kind of smile, one not unlike how she smiled in front of previous crushes.

Alya winked at her, which made Marinette lean forward and laugh into her shoulder. Her laughter proved to be contagious, because soon both were laughing, Marinette into Alya's shoulder and Alya into Marinette's hair. When it finally died down, they stayed in the same position until Marinette pulled away just enough for them to be looking at each other.

"S-so, uh… girlfriend, huh?" she asked, nervousness taking root again, though this time it was accompanied by hope.

"Mademoiselle Dupain-Cheng, are you asking me, greatest reporter of all time, to be your girlfriend?" Her voice was teasing in an effort to lessen the building tension, and to the relief of them both, it worked.

"Why, Mademoiselle Césaire, that's exactly what I'm asking," she answered with a smirk.

"Ah, yes, in that case," she started, leaning forward so her nose pressed into Marinette's cheek, "I would be honored to have such a title."

"Really?" she breathed.

"Really." Alya placed a quick peck on the corner of Marinette's lips. "Now, you're still kind of cold and I swear you look like you're gonna pass out at any second, so let me make us some hot cocoa and then we can get some sleep. Sound good?"

Her girlfriend- Marinette's my girlfriend now! Alya thought with glee- hummed, thinking about the offer.

"I think sleep sounds better. Cocoa's got nothing on blankets and cuddles, you know," she said in a very serious, certain tone. Alya snorted and moved to get up anyways, but Marinette, in a shocking show of strength, pulled her back down. This time, they were laying next to each other rather than sitting, and neither could lie about how nice it felt to share in each other's embrace. "You won't leave me to freeze, will you?" she pouted.

"Alright, alright, you've twisted my arm. Cuddles it is."

Together, they wrapped themselves in the plenty of blankets Alya had brought out until the warmth and rightness of their proximity lulled them both to sleep.

[retrocollect]

Before I actually delve into the main meat and potatoes of Cowardly Creations’ recent PS4 and Vita release, I want to discuss the title. Uncanny Valley is named after the notion that the more accurate simulations of human faces and expressions get, the more we (as in, us real humans) become aware that they might not be authentic. A great example of this are the characters seen in the Tom Hanks computer generated movie The Polar Express. The facial animations of the characters are eerily lifelike…but there’s something decidedly soulless about them and the human eye has an unnerving ability to detect the fabrication. The same can be said of the young Jeff Bridges in Tron Legacy or the recreation of Peter Cushing depicted in Star Wars Rogue One. Like The Thing from John Carpenter’s eponymous 1980s masterpiece, it looks like a human…but it isn’t. And so ends the pseudo-science lesson. I simply find the notion of the uncanny valley theory totally fascinating and this in part might be one of the reasons that I was drawn to this retro-inspired psychological horror in the first place.

Uncanny Valley is actually a fairly old game, having originally been released on Steam way back in 2015. I only discovered this after searching for information about the game prior to its release on the PlayStation Store earlier this week, and I unearthed a bunch of rather unfavourable reviews, too. Not wanting to be influenced by the actual reasons behind the various two-star ratings Google threw at me amongst the search results, I decided not to read them and instead wait for the game to arrive and play through it with no prior knowledge or information about the storyline or the gameplay mechanics. The only things I cared about at the point of purchase were that I was enamoured with the 2D, pixel art trappings and the promise of playing what looked like a retro-themed take on Silent Hill. Having experienced and enjoyed aesthetically similar games on my Vita, such as Lone Survivor and Slain (both of which have a definite horror theme), I wanted to give Uncanny Valley my full, undivided and uninfluenced attention.

The game starts with you playing as a guy called Tom (which was disconcerting at first, as I though the game somehow knew my actual name), who has just taken a job as a security guard at an isolated facility surrounded for miles around by nothing but snow-covered forests. The facility was once the home to an organisation called Melior, but now stands unused yet is eerily still full of office equipment and machinery. So far, so The Shining; and I think it’s important to reference Stanley Kubrick’s seminal horror flick at this point because Uncanny Valley draws much of its uneasy atmosphere from the 1980 movie. The feeling that everything appears to be normal, but there’s something not quite right. Where are all the workers from the facility? Why does the massive building stand empty apart from you and another security guard with who you share a shift pattern? Who is the mysterious house keeper you occasionally run into at the now deserted staff accommodation block? There are so many unnerving elements to the game’s story that you can’t help but be drawn in, driven by a desire to know more. It’s like The Shining mixed with the desolation of Pripyat and the mysterious, unnameable weirdness of HP Lovecraft’s novella Shadow Over Innsmouth.

Once you settle in, Uncanny Valley sets you the task of doing the rounds in the Melior building after dark, where Buck (the other security guard) gives you instructions on which floors to patrol and barks at you over the radio to fix the generator if the power goes down. During these shifts (which actually only last for 7 minutes each) you are generally free to roam around the deserted building and the limited outside areas by torchlight, picking up audio tapes and reading emails on the various computer terminals you find. Both of these activities will yield further information about what went down at Melior before the firm went to the wall, and also reveal the unease felt by staff at working in such a remote location, with the company dabbling in unethical and slightly disturbing research. It is once these night shifts end and Tom finds himself needing the warm embrace of sleep that Uncanny Valley truly takes a trip into the macabre and surreal.

The dream sequences place Tom in a host of unconnected scenes and locations – police stations full of corrupt cops, alleyways populated by mutilated corpses and tenements full of what can only be described massive green faces bursting through walls…because that’s what they are. The desolate reality merged with the horrific dream sequences, both in turn coupled with no real idea of what is going on (initially at least) do make Uncanny Valley a truly unique and genuinely unsettling experience. For this, I cannot fault it. The game does start a bit slowly, and is a little bit more of a walking simulator than you would expect, but after a while the creepiness ramps up and the action starts…and then it goes fully Silent Hill and you find yourself running down shadowy corridors, shooting zombies in the head and being chased by crowds of invincible silhouettes. What does it all mean? What was Melior doing out there in the place beyond the pines? Well…I won’t spoil it for you, but rest assured it’s pretty creepy and makes Uncanny Valley stand out on the Vita especially as a game well worth investigating.

Another, not so positive aspect of Uncanny Valley, is just how full of glitches it is. At first, I wondered if what I was encountering was a play on Eternal Darkness’s way of messing with the player. Remember the ‘corrupt memory card’ prank and the other ways in which the Gamecube classic tried to freak you out by breaking the fourth wall? Well, Uncanny Valley has plenty of these moments…but they aren’t intentional. A major bug I found was that if you are in the middle of attempting a puzzle when the game forces Tom back to his bedroom to get some sleep (it’s a bit like the mechanic used in Shenmue where Ryo Hazuki has to keep popping off to bed when it gets late), then the game will not load the following screens. It’s hard to explain, but essentially you can still move around and interact with items and other characters…but you cannot see anything on the screen. Pressing pause will make the black mask flash for a split second, revealing the game as it should be before going back to a black screen. In this case, the game had auto saved and no matter how many times I reloaded my save, the black screen glitch was replicated. Annoyed, I restarted the adventure resigned to the fact that I’d just wasted two hours of my life.

Interestingly though – and as a testament to the message you get upon starting Uncanny Valley for the first time – on my second play through I got a slightly different experience. Different conversations with the same characters, different items in the game world to collect and slightly different dream sequences. Uncanny Valley boasts several different endings and you are encouraged to play through the whole adventure multiple times to see everything the adventure has to offer, and the fact that this annoying glitch forced me to restart after just two hours allowed me to get a look at what the developers intended. There are some other clever aspects to Uncanny Valley, such as the ability to heal certain parts of Tom’s body with bandages, and the damage model will hinder progress (such as making Tom walk slower or not allowing him to move boxes at all if his arms are injured). There are standard puzzle elements too, such as finding key codes and unlocking doors and there are also some nice little touches like being able to interact with the vast majority of background items. However, the muddled way in which the story is revealed to the player, and the general air of not knowing what to do next does detract from the overall experience.

In a nutshell, Uncanny Valley is an intriguing and refreshing experience – certainly on the Vita, anyway. It looks pretty great and the animation is brilliant, while the sound design perfectly builds suspense and a feeling of uncertain and otherworldly horror. Sadly, there is a distinct air of style over substance. The somewhat aimless wandering around and slow pacing of the opening sections will probably leave many gamers cold, and the occasional game-breaking glitch means that many will likely never get to see the further recesses of either the Melior facility or Tom’s subconscious. Indeed, if I hadn’t decided I was going to review Uncanny Valley here for RetroCollect, I probably wouldn’t have restarted the game at all. Ultimately though, if you’re hankering for a new approach to horror on your Vita (or PS4, as cross-buy is included in the price), then by all means give Uncanny Valley a few of hours of your time. It looks good and the general weirdness peaks the interest just enough to make you want to see just how bizarre the game can get, and with multiple endings there’s a decent level of replay value.

Since playing Uncanny Valley, I’ve been back and looked at those reviews I mentioned in the opening section of this review and for the most part I agree with the criticisms levelled at the original Steam release. Not much seems to have changed since the jump from PC to console, and even the same glitches appear to have been dragged along for the ride. That said, as a Vita game there’s not really a lot of competition for Uncanny Valley and it’s really quite an interesting take on survival/psychological horror. Head into this expecting a Super Nintendo version of Silent Hill and you’ll be disappointed. Head into it expecting an intriguing new slant on the genre and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Just remember not to attempt any puzzles before Tom’s bedtime.

Link: Uncanny Valley at PlayStation Store

via RetroCollect - Retro Gaming Collectors Community