#lau snippet

[iamthepulta]

For that ask game I'd love to see a perspective flip of a scene from chapter 17, maybe from either mary or jamison's perspective :D Or a coffeehouse au would actually be a lot of fun, too. The Faire family business still sucks just as much but this time food service is involved lol

AHH THANK YOU!! GREAT IDEAS. I had to bang this out because I was so engrossed in what the hell might go through Mary's head. xD

If I get any ideas for the coffeehouse au, I'll do a snippet for that too!

-=-

It was a lovely Tuesday morning. Miss Ellen Farswallow had sent her a calling card for the morning, which promised several delightful little cakes. Her cook specialized in sweetmeats and Ellen loved showing them off.

Mary was just about to pass into the upper class neighborhoods when a little urchin ran up to her, coal-faced and snotty-nosed. Mary yelped and swung her purse when he reached for her sleeve. "Beat it, waif!"

The kid startled. "Mam, yer the O'Tylle fer Fairweather'n Co?"

Mary sighed, the sound sharp with annoyance. "Do you have a message?"

"yessm-"

"Out with it."

He fidgeted awkwardly. "Uh- 'n Arth'r Faire wantsum. At Reysighl'ys'."

Mary sighed again. "Did he pay you? Truth now."

"No, m'm."

She tossed him a penny. "Now fuck off. And don't go grabbbing women's arms."

He scrambled away.

The cafe where Arthur was supposedly waiting wasn't far, but it was close to her residence and Mary grew more irritated from backtracking fifteen minutes on her day off. That was one thing she didn't like about Arthur; he had a terrible precedent for respecting time.

She slipped into the cafe. He'd taken a seat in the back, and she primly removed her bonnet before sliding into the seat. He hadn't gotten her a cup of tea either, which wasn't necessary because it wouldn't been cold by the time she arrived, but the bad manners needled.

"I know I look like I don't get out much, Arthur, but I do try and today is one of the few days where I do get to try, and you've called me here why?"

She'd been imprudent, and it was deeply satisfying to see the muscles in Arthur's jaw twitch. He set his coffee down. "Otto isn't ready."

"And… This concerns me why?"

He sighed and leaned forward. It was his pose of request. Unpleasant. "Send a letter to O'Malley about it when you're back in the office, please. It doesn't need to be immediate."

"Aren't you going back to the office?"

"I-"

He hesitated. For a split second his eyes flickered toward the bar, and then his composure reformed. His lips pursed. "No."

This was the difference between her and Westlie, Mary thought. She knew how to read him. Requests were as close as he'd come to asking for help; which made them a treatise of equal partnership. He didn't want opinions, he wanted acknowledgement of this problem which was so important he'd dragged her halfway across West London to deal with it.

Arthur Faire had his pride, and she had her own. She eyed him with mild annoyance. "Why?"

"Is that any of your business?"

Typical Arthur response. Well, if you don't want to tell me, Old Man, go figure it out yourself. "Is that all?"

"Yes."

"Well." She pushed back her chair and lightly tapped the rim of his empty cup. "I think - if you cared what I think - you should go write the damn letter yourself." She curtsied politely. "Have a good day, Captain."

The cafe door shut behind her and she took a second to admire how regally she'd swept out of the situation. Sure, she'd write his letter if he didn't get around to it, but more importantly, it was a pity neither of Arthur's daughters had turned out like her or Relia. She'd met her several times. They ran in similar, if not concentric circles, and while she wasn't friends with the woman, it was easy to see why people liked her. She was a macaroon. Beautiful, delicious, and without much substance.

And likewise, Arthur was quite a simple man. There was a certain… standard, Mary mused, as she made her way back towards her original destination, that one had to maintain if one desired to stay… competitive in London. And while Westlie was very clever - she'd give her that much - somehow neither Arthur nor Relia had passed down their intuit for class.

It was funny really; at this rate she had more chance of inheriting Fairweather than Westlie. And to be clear, that had never been her goal. Westlie was just so incongruously bad at it that Arthur's faith eroded with every step she took.

Mary sighed longsufferingly and glanced at her watch. Quarter after the original time. Well, she was a working woman. Miss Ellen Farswallow and her little cakes would have to have patience.

[thehermitwitch]

Leo trembled under Donnie, jaw clenched as tears flooded his cheeks, the salty water leaving streaks amidst the dirt and grime. Donnie ripped his purple mask off his face, tying it above the elbow of Leo’s right arm. His own, feeling far too slow, despite the adrenaline gushing through his veins, anxiety making everything speed up, but his stiff limbs refused to catch up.��

It was just the two of them on a supply run. Not even far off from the city. There weren’t even supposed to be any infected. No spores floating invisibly. It was barely a 25 minute walk away. How could this go wrong, how?! 

‘It’s fine Dee, so what if I got bit, it’s fii--ne.’

Donnie’s fingers danced, wiggling due to stress. His lungs stop, start, stop, start. He can’t breathe properly. Leo’s pained rambling of insurances crowding Donnie’s ears. Staring hard at the discarded sword lying near Leo’s head. It won’t be long before the infection takes hold, changing Leo’s mood drastically with it. The limb needs to be cut off. But the katana is on its way to being blunt. It’ll take too long. There is no time for this. Thankfully the runners have been taken care of…  

Donnie’s broken gas mask burns in his lap.

Donnie stops breathing, as his ninpo turns his wooden bō into a wickedly sharp blade. The purple light makes Leo look even iller. Who just swallows and gives a small, wobbly smile. Fear swimming in his eyes.

Leo takes a shaky breath in via his nose, ‘I trust you Dee. I trust you.’

Donnie nods, his vocal cords also having shut down. He can feel a meltdown growing, but this is not the time and place for it. Focusing on removing Leo’s Mask from his face, slicked with sweat. Donnie clumps the fabric between Leo’s teeth, and delays the need to panic. It’ll be a bad one when it shows, but this is not the time and place for it. Time is of the essence. 

Donnie aims the ninpo blade, pushing a good chunk of weight onto holding Leo’s wrist down. The bite mark stares back, all angry and red. 

Donnie saws.

Leo screams.

[qilingxiong]

twilight of the warriors: and the award for best in nostalgia goes to...

i've spent a lot of time in the last couple months thinking about this movie. not just the characters, the story, and the film's production, but also about the place it's come to occupy in hong kong media and film history since its release. and there's one thing i keep circling back to.

when i saw twilight of the warriors for the first time, back in august, the very first thing i said when my parents and i got out of the theatre was, "that was a very 80s hong kong movie".

in hindsight, i would say this is in an understatement. totw doesn't just 'feel very 80s'. it's a tribute, a love letter to 80s hong kong, which reproduces both the city and the cinema of that time. this is in nearly every way it can, from the fight choreography, to the casting, to the overarching themes and genres it pulls from, all in a prominent setting specific to hong kong that nothing in the present can erode the image of (the walled city was demolished from 1992-1993. it belongs to hong kong's past). this was a movie made by people from the 80s and 90s, for people who remember, or want to remember, hong kong and its action from the 80s and 90s, through and through.

and it worked. it worked beautifully. totw was a massive hit at the box office, it got a standing ovation at the cannes film festival, and it's been nominated as hong kong's pick to send to the oscars in 2025. its success has been a rallying point for the hong kong film industry, after years of lamenting that it's been suffering a slow death, with the city's action movies in particular having been perceived as falling in both quality and quantity. (the movie 武替道 (stuntman), released this year and coincidentally starring totw actors terrance lau and philip ng, attempts to reckon with this phenomenon and the fading away of hong kong action cinema. it's an interesting watch when considered in dialogue with what totw came to represent.)

as a result of totw's quality and achievements, there's been one very common sentiment echoing throughout all the media buzz and internet noise surrounding the movie: hong kong cinema is back.

the following press interview snippet with terrance lau (shin/信一) in the film, describes his perspective on the worldwide reaction to totw with more detail:

"我[印象]深刻就有好多外國觀眾，佢哋講話其實等咗我哋[香港電影]返嚟好耐啦。(...) 即是waiting for the comeback噉樣。噉啊… 我諗呢句說話喺我內心重量好大嘅，即是呢，香港電影大家都知係沉寂咗一段時間啦。噉，我覺得呢套[戲]，我唔係好希望只係個別例子。我希望係一個開始，不淨係《九龍城寨之圍城》。我覺得成個行業好似幫大家打打氣，噉我哋一齊再繼續做好香港電影。"

"One thing which left a deep impression on me was how a lot of international fans said they'd been waiting for us [Hong Kong cinema] for a long time (...) As in, they'd been waiting for the comeback. I think this phrase weighed very heavily in my heart, because everyone knows that Hong Kong cinema has died down for a while now. With this movie, I hope it's not just one of a few rare examples. I hope it's just the beginning, and there's not just Twilight of the Warriors. It's as though the entire industry helps cheer everyone up, and so with that, we can continue making good Hong Kong movies together." (x)

totw is being viewed by both its creators and audiences as a revitalization of hong kong cinema, with more movies in its vein hopefully to come (some of those will be in the totw franchise, as both a prequel and sequel film adapting different parts of the novel series are slated for production). it's a rainstorm after a drought to push the industry forward, one reminiscent of what many consider to have been the 'golden age' of hong kong's media.

within this phenomenon, however, lies a paradox.

in looking through audience reactions and thoughts toward totw, it seems that it isn't necessarily praised for being a breath of fresh air, because it's a good 2024 hong kong movie.

rather, it's a good 1980s hong kong movie that was released in 2024.

and even if not quite being talked about as such, it's in no small part the ways in which totw visually, thematically, and historically connects back to 1980s hong kong that have caused it to have such a huge cultural impact.

now, i've seen online reviews before that complained totw didn't do anything new for its genre. there were similar story beats as other older modern jianghu/martial arts movies, similar character archetypes, etc. to which i say: why does everything have to reinvent the wheel? for what totw set out to do, it accomplishes it damn near close to its fullest. it's a solid story with a broad cast of interesting and well-acted characters, and the visual highlights of the movie— the walled city sets and fight choreography— were incredible. the movie was made with care and passion across the cast and crew, and it shows.

yet at the same time, when it comes to making waves across hong kong cinema, and breathing life back into the industry: is copying wheels the best we have to offer here?

i would argue that the response to totw is part of a much larger cultural reaction. the decades of the 80s and 90s are cemented so solidly in the collective memory of hongkongers (both local and diaspora) as the city's heyday that we cannot help but return to them in story. time and again, whether consciously or not. the 'golden age' of hong kong and its cultural exports are intimately recognizable symbols, comforting and nostalgic to many. given how hong kong has changed in many ways since then, up to the present day, it is admittedly no surprise that a movie of totw's qualities garnered so much attention and support. it only makes sense, that this is the classic vision of hong kong cinema people want to throw their passion behind.

but i still can't help wondering, every now and then: is there a modern hong kong cinema comeback on the scale of totw that could ever happen, away from the imaginary of the 'golden age'? or are we determined, destined even, to spend the future trying to return to the past?

i think i already know the answer.

and at the same time, adding to the bittersweet is that i know how and why we wound up where we are. the 80s and 90s were the era when the concept of a local hongkonger identity began to form, independent of other geographic regions or people's origins. if those years, their history, and memories of them are what people identify themselves as hongkongers by, who can truly begrudge them that?

as we draw further and further away from that time, maybe reminders of those decades in media like twilight of the warriors are just what they have left to hold onto.

[monsieuroverlord]

NYX #1 Variant Covers have been released, and it looks like Laura is getting all three of them!

Variants by Roge Antonio, Stanley "Artgerm" Lau, and Todd Nauck

I also noticed this little snippet regarding what she'll be doing:

Source here

[the-blind-assassin-12]

WIP whatever day it is

After a long and depressing drought I am finally making some progress with my writing again (those 300 word valentine's day drabbles shook the rust off!) so I can finally share some snippets!

Over the last *checks notes* 3.5 weeks *gulp, sorry!* I was tagged in wip posts by @sp00kymulderr @grogusmum and @maggiemayhemnj but had nothing at all to share, but I'm fixing that now! Thanks for the tags friends!

Going with one long snippet from Dagger - my very late entry in @jolapeno's Dearuary event that I am aiming to finish next:

It was true that you had become a jewel in CMI’s crown in regards to closing piracy cases and making sure that mining protocols for safety, productivity and loss prevention were being carried out. But there were still some who remembered  how you came to work at the bureau in the first place. There were still some who called you a poacher, a pirate, a backstabber. There were some who cherished any chance they got to remind you - or anyone who would listen - that you only had your job because you had been caught violating mining law on Bahkroma Green, and that you were hired as part of a dated program that sought to get inside the minds of the criminals they were tracking down. Of the twenty agents hired through that program, you were the only one who hadn’t returned to illegal activities, the only one who hadn’t somehow used your position to feed information to anyone on the outside. And some at the bureau said it was only a matter of time before you did the same. 

Which was why this report specifically could not wait for your arrival on Yonto. You didn’t want anyone catching wind that it involved Aurelac, the very gems you had once been guilty of stealing, and then hear that you had waited to file the report. That would look fishy. 

You cast another downwards glance at the bag of gems balanced on your leg as you set the laptop on the shuttle tray table. How did these… You licked your lips as blueish light streaked across the windows of the craft. How did these get here? 

Like any prospector, you’d know your first pull anywhere. You were looking at the fuck-nugget gems that you had scored over a decade ago, back when you were running with a pirate crew out in the Fringe. But I left these with Ezra. So how… 

Your computer finished booting up and you shook your head to clear your thoughts. Doesn’t matter right now. First, you needed to keep up appearances, which meant filing the report. But you needed to do it in a way that framed the incident as harmless so that it didn’t attract more attention from other agents. 

And to buy myself time to get to the bottom of this. 

Cracking your fingers, you opened a fresh report document, and then began typing. 

Field Report #0473 Sector: Lau  Planet/Moon: Lau Prime  CMI Respondent: Insp. Fagan  PB Registration #xxxx-7593 Date: 02/04/3096 Priority Level: Low 

Reason: Unauthorized raw materials (Aurelac pearls, grade C and lower) found at Central Mining owned site in Cobalt Bay. 

Observations: Glossoil miners contacted CMI when they came across four mid-sized, low quality Aurelac pearls that they claim appeared to be “left there on purpose”. I was escorted by the site manager to the pump station where they were found. It should be noted that the site manager and shift workers complied fully with the investigation.

There were indeed four pearls on the ground near the pump controls, however their placement did not seem intentional but random. The pearls were all extremely clouded, though smooth. Initial scans showed no prints on the gems or on any surface nearby. 

No damage was done to CM property or assets, and nothing has been reported as missing or stolen. 

Security footage of the area showed no trespassers. Black and white footage was clear, though did appear to glitch for <1 second, but no change in light, shadow or clarity was detected. 

Analysis: Based on my own observations, accounts given by crew that found the pearls, security footage and quality of the gems (black market/unregistered provenance) it is likely that the pearls were dropped by a crew member unknowingly. Given their low value, it is not, in this inspector’s opinion, a case that warrants further investigation at this time. 

Suggested Action: Continue to monitor security footage. Weekly check-in video calls with Cobalt Bay Refinery manager for three months. If three months pass without incident, discontinue check-in protocol. 

Additional Comments: None at this time. 

You read your write-up once more. It seemed innocuous and bland enough, but not too sparse. It would be sufficient for your boss, anyway, and that was really all that mattered. 

It would also be the first time that you had ever intentionally lied on a report. 

You knew without a doubt that the gems had been left at the Cobalt Bay facility on purpose, and you knew that purpose was to get your attention, not CMI’s. You knew the glitch in the security footage was cause for concern, or at the very least, further investigation. And you knew that these specific gems - worthless as they were - resurfacing meant that the only scenario in which you would abuse your station like your rivals at the bureau said you would was playing out. 

Ezra’s alive. 

Your heart slammed at your ribs. 

And I have to find him before they do.

-- --

I'm having fun with this one! It's going to be told through a combination of chat messages, field reports, letters (and possibly more!) and standard narration. The Prospect universe is always going to be one of my favorite sandboxes to play in, and I'm fully letting myself get carried away here.

[vishnavishivaa]

Nainowale Ne- snippet

The sequel to 'Ajab Si Adaayein' is here. This is a snippet- I will post the whole thing tomorrow! ******

pag pag dolo re, dagmag si main chalti

Maadhavi took a breather at the historic fiction section, sighing. She was swaying in a way she never had before, all because she saw wood that resembled his eye colour. He had really stolen even her common sense, something she mourned a bit dramatically. Could she now walk normally?

She smiled to herself and simply moved one step as if dancing, and giggled quietly. She genuinely felt like she was taking swan-like steps, as Sita and Andal are especially described in Tamizh songs. Anna nadai was a real thing, she mused, turning to grab the book she had been eyeing.

hoon jag mag lau si jalti

tere naino ki kaisi madiraa

"You look so bright today, Dhavi," said Rekha, the middle aged woman who always rang the register in the bookstore. "Like a bright flame, in fact."

Maadhavi blushed, embarassed at the compliment. She could rarely handle compliments well, rather shrinking and hiding when they are given, turning varying shades of pink and red instead. She could not own a compliment, definitely not the way she could own deprecation, especially self-deprecation.

She knew her bright appearance was due to the addiction of his eyes. She had seen the Universe and beyond in them, and there is nothing she could do beyond constantly thinking of them and losing herself in them. Smiling quietly to herself, she shifted to the section on Sanatana Dharma, and froze. ******

Have quite a few things to write as well as to post! I am excited for it. For all my PS readers, Edhuvum Avanukaaga chapter 5 is getting ready, though the writing is a bit slow. I have something on MitravindaMukunda and ParvatiShankara coming up soon, so there is that.

And if there is any couple you want to read on from me, or even any specific scene from Sanatana Dharma, all you have to do is DM me or drop it in my asks.

@ahamasmiyodhah @mahi-wayy @yehsahihai @theramblergal @krsnaradhika @ramayantika @achyutapriya @thegleamingmoon @nidhi-writes @houseofbreadpakoda @hum-suffer @kanhapriya @kaal-naagin @krishna-priyatama @willkatfanfromasia @celestesinsight @arachneofthoughts @idllyastuff @mahaswrites @braj-raj @krishna-sangini @krishna-premi @chaliyaaa @tripurantaka @writersiya @ambidextrousarcher What do you all think? The whole OS is due tomorrow.

[n0sewise]

Intern Watch 2k24

(aka posting a first draft snippet of my killugon and leopika The Office AU in the vain hope that it’ll motivate me to finish it)

The office had gotten three interns for the summer. This in and of itself shouldn’t have been notable, but watching the interns had devolved into something of a spectator sport, and Kurapika was not above participating.

It hadn’t started out this way. Kurapika worked in accounting, so he didn’t have much interaction with the interns initially. The first time they spoke, he’d been working on something requiring a great deal of concentration when he heard the distinct sound of someone delivering a sharp, swift kick to the photocopier.

“Come on!”

“Don’t break the copier, Killua!” Gon whispered.

“It’s an ancient piece of junk anyway,” Killua muttered. “Hey, pull up a video on YouTube if you’re not going to help.”

“What kind of video?”

And Kurapika couldn’t help but sigh right along with Killua as he stared at his fellow intern in disbelief.

“How to use a fax machine, genius.”

“Ohhh,” said Gon. “That’s a good idea.”

Eventually Kurapika lost his patience and abandoned his task entirely to show them how.

“That’s dumb,” said Killua. “Why not just send a pdf?”

“I don’t know, just send the fax,” he replied. “And please, do try to keep it down.”

“We will!” Gon called over his shoulder loudly, already trailing after Killua who’d walked away while Kurapika was mid-sentence.

Their third intern was a boy named Zushi, who Kurapika quite liked and was so polite and respectful that he nearly made up for the other two.

Nearly.

“That Zoldyck kid is a menace,” Leorio grumbled to him about a week later. Kurapika had taken to spending his lunch breaks outside on the bench between their office building and the walk in clinic, and more often than not, he ended up sharing the space with Leorio, one of the doctors who worked there.

He looked up from his pasta salad in surprise.

“You’ve met our intern?”

Leorio snorted. “Oh yeah, we’ve met. Multiple times.” He stretched out on the bench and Kurapika found that he didn’t mind when their shoulders brushed for the briefest of moments. Leorio went on, oblivious to the entire thing. “Stupid kids, the both of them. Came into the clinic right when we were about to close because someone watched a parkour compilation and decided to jump off the roof of the building and into some boxes three stories down.”

Kurapika had abandoned his lunch entirely, leaning in with open interest. “And this was Killua?”

“No! It was his batshit crazy friend, the one with the spiky hair, but it might as well have been with the way they were both carrying on. Zoldyck had him hoisted up on his back, and the entire time he’s demanding we shut everything down so that multiple doctors can tend to his friend— meanwhile the kid just has a sprained ankle.”

“Gon’s crutches,” Kurapika murmured absently, connecting the dots.

“Oh right,” said Leorio. “Gon. I’ve been calling them Thing 1 and Thing 2 in my head. Nice kid on his own, but Christ, what a mess. You would’ve thought he’d been shot with the way Zoldyck was losing his mind. Both of them in my office arguing over whose fault it was that he got hurt, and now I have to put in another order for cotton balls because Gon ate so many.”

“Wait, what?”

“Oh yeah, I didn’t mention that part, huh?”

Kurapika shook his head emphatically, knowing he was wasting his lunch on nonsense and needing to know the answer anyway.

“Yeah, so they’re both arguing over how it’s their own fault it happened, Freecss is trying to say it’s on him because it was his idea to go onto the roof, Zoldyck’s nearly in tears because he came up with the addition of jumping onto the refrigeration boxes; I stepped out of the room to get some crutches— and let’s be real,” Leorio grinned, “to give them some privacy. When I got back, the little shit was eating my goddamn cotton balls!”

“I’m not sure I’m following,” Kurapika admitted. “Why did Gon eat the cotton balls?”

“To make Killua laugh,” Leorio said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “The kid was so upset, convinced he’d gotten the other one nearly killed— and if I’m being honest, with the amount of times I’ve seen them for stupid shit over the past few weeks…” He trailed off, scrubbing a large hand over his face with a groan. “If they were regular people they’d probably both be dead, but the two of them are weirdly indestructible, so it wasn’t a big deal, except now I’m out like half a jar of cotton balls.”

Kurapika blinked. “Are you certain he ate them? That seems...“

“Yes, Kurapika, I’m certain he ate them. I walked back in time to hear, ‘Killua, Killua, don’t be sad! Look how many of these I can fit in my mouth!’ And then the little fucker swallowed them when I tried to stop him.”

“Oh,” said Kurapika. “That’s…that does sound like them,” he sighed.

He didn’t give the interns much thought after that because Leorio wanted to know if Kurapika would like to get dinner sometime, and his brain promptly short circuited at the thought of going out with the hot doctor from next door.

[aglimpseofsomethingintimate]

hi! qastion. for everyone. if your OC smokes in some capacity, what do they smoke. how do they smoke it. like are they more into cigarettes or cigars or like. blunts. bongs. whats the situation i'm nosy again

For @stabknives <3

Xiang smokes. Benefits of not being human— don’t have to worry about LAME cancer. Sue me it’s hot too. Fire. Etc. Usually smokes cigarettes but has smoked cigars too. Usually after pilfering from somebody else lmfao.

Vietnam has a HUGE and long cultural history with tabacco and smoking… Henry smokes while Klos does so occasionally. I have the specific cigarette brands/notes for those used by vietcong veterans etc but that’s another level of brain rot… maybe link later

Law smokes. It’s one of his ‘hobbies’ that’s really just another self destructive habit. Only cigarettes for him this is NOT for enjoyment he is smoking crappy cigs.

Chan Hap doesn’t smoke, super health conscious. #healthy breakfast

Lou doesn’t smoke. His smoke breaks are just him staring off into space disassociating

Guerra smoked but quit in Vietnam for the simple fact that he could trade cigarettes for rations and eating > smoking. Forced withdrawal was not pretty but wasn’t like he was doing great before either lmfao. Has tried weed at Least once and has dealt in it before. In another world he could’ve been Martha’s drug dealer lmfao.

Lau isn’t unfamiliar with smoking, thinking his dad was a smoker and besides smoking more normalized in the 50s-60s + espec in more working class areas. He personally doesn’t smoke though. The smell is familiar but he doesn’t like it. He doesn’t like weed since it messes/can mess with cognitive functioning/he likes to be aware.

Lorne has done everything at least once. Sigh. He smokes if it’s to get closer to victims, smoke breaks etc. do NOT share a blunt with this guy 99% chance he spiked the weed or added something else to the mix. Anyway. Spiking drinks and foods like through edibles is fun for him

Agatha’s dad smoked and some of her brothers did too. Her mom always chastised them and Agatha favored her mom so took her side ofc lol. She does not think smoking is cool. It just makes her think of her cringe fail brothers etc. is too scared to try weed without anyone she trusts nearby 😔 and then never gets the chance to because. Well. She guts herself lmfao

Lorraine tried weed when she moved to LA but prefers edibles to get high. She doesn’t like the smell of cigarettes or weed. Some thoughts about connection to her childhood in Louisiana might elaborate later

Martha smoked weed pretty regularly. Hippie culture. Lorne probably spiked it at least once when um. Hunting her. more vulnerable than you know. Gaslights her if asked if something else was in it.

Matthew and Gordon both smoke. Intricate rituals you know. Gordon smokes cigars, nice ones, in his office but he smokes cigarettes too (also high quality ones) and enjoys both! Matthew is the classic picture of a cook leaving the kitchen for a smoke break. He’s a stress/contemplative smoker. He stops smoking as much when he starts working at the firm because the smell lingers inside. Even when/if he quits completely he still carries a lighter with him because Gordon somehow always forgets his ✋🙄

Had a snippet of China and Vietnam smoking together but shame demons refuse to let me post it so

[nerves-nebula]

hi! I’m still alive. By the way.

Leo hat sich gerade so eingekriegt, (und die Überreste des Kleids sicher unter seine Matratze gestopft) wenn jemand an die Tür hämmert. Für einen Moment spielt er mit dem Gedanken das es Vater ist – vielleicht ist Donnie doch spontan ein Rückgrat gewachsen, und er hat es ihm erz��hlt, flüstert eine dunkle Ecke in seinem Hirn – aber die Schläge sind dafür zu schwer. Wenn er die Tür aufmacht, sieht er direkt in Raph’s grimmigste Miene. 

“Ich weiß nicht was für eine Laus dir über die Leber gelaufen ist,” fängt er an, und Leo versucht nichtmal sein Augenrollen zu unterdrücken, “aber Splinter isst heute mit uns. Genau wie du. Jetzt komm bevor es kalt wird.” 

“Ja, ja. Du musst mich nicht hetzen.” 

Translation:

Leo has just barely calmed down (and tucked the remains of the dress securely under his mattress) when someone starts beating on the door. For a moment, he plays with the thought that it’s father - maybe Donnie did spontaneously grow a spine and told him, a dark corner of his brain whispers - but the knocks are too heavy for that. When he opens the door, he looks directly in Raph’s most pissed-off face.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with you” he begins, and Leo doesn’t even try to suppress the eyeroll, “But Splinter is eating with us today. Just like you are. Now come before it gets cold.”

“Yeah, yeah. You don’t need to rush me like that.”

in the original, if i were to translate it very literally, Raph says “i don’t know what lice walked over your liver” which means “I don’t know what’s ruined your mood” and i didn’t really know a good English equivalent for that, (again, translating off the cuff) so that line is a little awkward. German sayings are fun. Leo is also being extra bitchy here. Because she is a normal well-adjusted individual, trust me.

Side note, do you think leo might address splinter using Sie (formal you) instead of just du (informal you, reserved for anyone you’re close with and for children), at least within training? It’s a fun thought to me, even if it might not be totally accurate.

I ended up losing sight of this project for a while, which happens often with things like this. I have not finished a proper fic in wayyy too long now. I think i actually sent the last snippet right around the time i had my finals - including English, which funnily enough included a section where you had to translate stuff so even though i didn’t do any actual studying towards that exam, i still ended up practicing that. The official trick to being good at school: be insane about ninja turtles.

AUGHASDGHSDGHA HIII omg its the fic in german again.. it's RETURNED !!

SOO cute they are having. Family dinner (Evil)

in the original, if i were to translate it very literally, Raph says “i don’t know what lice walked over your liver” which means “I don’t know what’s ruined your mood” and i didn’t really know a good English equivalent for that, (again, translating off the cuff) so that line is a little awkward. German sayings are fun. Leo is also being extra bitchy here. Because she is a normal well-adjusted individual, trust me.

i KNOW there's an idiom that works here but i can't remember it. my first thought is like, "i don't know who shit in your stir fry" which is DEFINITELY NOT a common idiom, but the "who X your X" format is pretty common i think.

I DO think Leo would use a more formal way of addressing Splinter. he often calls him sensei or sir to his face, so if it's like that then yeah that's in character.

The official trick to being good at school: be insane about ninja turtles.

this is so funny cuz it's literally true. do you have any idea how many times I included TMNT in my projects last year? and I'm doing it again rn !!

[thatgirlonstage]

We passed a milestone today lads

The two Kuro fics I posted today are tiny--originally prompt stuff I did for friends in a discord server--but, yknow, it's all fic. I liked them enough to want to save them so I hope they bring some other folks a tiny bit of joy. And I am throwing myself a tiny handful of confetti for finally having more Kuro fics than anything else (even if Voltron definitely still has more total words haha)

(If you would like to check them out: there is a snippet of Lau & Ciel and an amuse-bouche of Sebaciel)

[barananduen-blog]

WIP Tag Game

😊Tagged by @clj-art-blog

"Rules: Post the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, and then post a little snippet or tell them something about it! Then tag as many people as you have WIPs."

These are all art WIPs. You will find that my nomenclature is very boring.😅

Gebreel 01 (it's an OC)

LDK 06 (fanart: Li Daikun)

Nacar 01 (OC)

ChongZi-MuyuChongZi 03 (fanart: ChongZi)

MuYu 02 (fanart: ChongZi)

MuYu 2023-09-14 (fanart: ChongZi)

QueenLau 01 (fanart: The Legendary Life of Queen Lau)

WWLQ 01 (fanart: Wan Wan Lei Qing)

WWLQ 02 (fanart: Wan Wan Lei Qing)

flower - felicia amelloides (flower study)

Toxxik 01 (OC) - ✅ [answered]

Water 17 (OC) - ✅ [answered]

Water 22 (OC)

Alternatively, you can ask things like "What ever happened to the first five Lidaikuns?" or "...Waters 18-21?" Which, honestly, is the type of question I'm asking myself after putting this list together.😂

Look at what cdrama has done to me. It used to be all OCs.😂

I'll tag whomever wants to do this, artist or writer or whatever. You're coming up with a *Ignis voice* "New Recipeh!"? Let us know!😆

[clericofshadows]

7 snippets, 7 mutuals

got tagged by @rotschopf-thedrow :D ty!

tagging anyone who sees this and wants to participate!

I have a few misc WIPs I'm working on :)

icy nights, icy lights - Nyx/Kaidan, Noveria

Kaidan traced the lines of black ink on Nyx's arms, wondering what inspired the art. Wispy lines reminiscent of magic–or biotics even–were painted on the muscled arms, weaving together with the long since faded scars of war that also made their home on his skin.  Perhaps they were a sign of his biotics, a way of showing them off without being able to do it himself.  What would they feel like, alongside his, joining as one, combining mnemonics and dark energy to control the battlefield?  Or will he ever know them beyond secret moments of pleasure, flashes of blue held back by years of control and a custom amp and implant designed to keep him safe? Kaidan hated that he didn't know the answer.  A dark part of him, the jealous part that came about after learning about Nyx's history with Hackett couldn't help but fill his veins with cold ice. Hackett may not be a biotic, but he was probably more acquainted with Nyx's biotics than Kaidan will ever be. 

2. face your own enemy - Regis/Kaidan/Zaeed, continuation of my Citadel DLC write-up

Regis wasn’t impressed. “I don’t give a fuck who you claim to be. I’m Admiral goddamn Shepard, not you. You can be your own person!” He sneered, an ugly look that marred his face, twisting his features. “You’re the prize I want. It’s time I had my turn.” Kaidan stepped forward. “And you want to kill us so no one remembers Admiral Shepard.” “Ah, so you aren’t just a pretty-faced idiot,” he taunted. Zaeed stepped forward behind him, getting closer to Kaidan. The clone pointed at his husband. “And it looks like someone needs to put down your guard dog. I don’t like it when they bite. In any case, a personality change caused by the traumatic death of his little cult? Easily explained.” “It will never work,” Ashley said, raising her voice. “Too many people know Regis. You’re just setting yourself up for failure.” “Really? How unlikely it is that he’s surrounded by people he could have so easily killed. All three of you were so close to dying by fire and brimstone, and yet you continue to follow him.” His gaze landed on Ashley. “And you continue to fuck him.” He leered at his husbands. “He made such a terrible mistake in keeping all of you alive. Should’ve left you two to burn on Virmire. And let him burn in the flames of his own mistakes.”

3. LOTSB - Regis/Kaidan/Zaeed, my LOTSB write up.

“You… died in that armor,” Vasir stated, echoing his earlier words.  “How the hell did she get it?” “You tell me, Vasir,” Regis spat, dropping the remnants of his scarf on the ground.  “Take whatever you need, Wren, for your dossier.  I need some fucking air.” There wasn’t exactly a private place to go, so he walked over to the balcony next to the bullet holes.  Zaeed joined him, leaning against the barrier.   Regis moved closer, the shoulders of their armor touching.  “Zaeed, I am going to be the worst goddamn hypocrite right now.” He shrugged.  “Don’t feel like you have to apologize for goddamn Zorya again.  None of us expected to see that.  What a fucking–” he shook his head.  “Don’t even have the goddamn words to say how angry I am on your behalf.” “She has to have my dog tags.  My ring.  God, she tore that off of my corpse!  Cerberus didn’t have the full armor…” Regis swallowed down bile.  “I felt violated before, but this?” He let out a shuddering breath.  “This is unforgivable.”

4. wanna get caught? - Kaidan/Zaeed, PWP exhibitionism and sick!Regis who is tired of their mothering and wants them out of the house.

Zaeed pulled him into a familiar alleyway not far from their apartment, quiet, dark, free of foot traffic. “You goddamn tease,” he growled, pushing him up against the wall, dimly lit by the neon lights of the strip just outside the entryway. “Is this why you wanted me out of the damn house?” Kaidan only laughed, tangling a hand in his hair as he started kissing at his neck, leaving biting, stinging little marks. He got Zaeed exactly where he wanted him. Riled up, horny, and desperate. His favorite Zaeed. A little teasing sitting side by side in a booth was just enough. A hand on a thigh. Leaning on his shoulder and teasing him with a kiss that turns into a nibble. A trip to the bathroom to prep himself with a plug, knowing Zaeed recognized the slight change in his gait. Another reason why Kaidan enjoyed going on dates with only Zaeed. He indulged him and his kinks oh so well, both loving the thrill of being in public. Almost out of sight. Almost out of mind. One stray look is all it takes for them to be caught.

5. nothing will shine as bright - Kaidan/Zaeed, post ME2 prologue, Zaeed meets the Alenkos (i've been working on this for ages rip)

He found himself halfway over to the barn where he and Regis kept their motorcycles. He thought back to the damn helmets Zaeed had made for them, not even knowing about their hobby but wanting them to share in his. Yet another thing that had in common. Yet another thing that would’ve made their relationship great. Footsteps crunched the leaves behind him, and he whirled around to see Zaeed, hands stuffed in his jacket pockets. “Wasn’t about to leave you alone.” “Leaving me alone probably would’ve made them judge you even more,” he sighed, leaning against the wall of the barn. “I’m sorry.” “I wouldn’t make them the damn bad guys yet,” he said softly. “Just worried about their son who lost the love of his life and is shacking up with a guy damn near twice his age.” “Well, I’ll give them more to talk about.” Kaidan unlatched the door of the barn and headed inside. “Let’s go for a fucking ride.”

6. the SR-1 - Part of my Subject Zero!Kaidan series, primarily Regis/Zaeed.

It had been two fucking months.  Two months without hearing anything.  Sure, they’ve gone long stretches of time without talking to each other.  Normal in their line of work.  Not always able to send a quick message, especially with Regis’s N missions that typically required radio silence. But Kaidan’s mission was recon.  Typical UNC bullshit.  And a bit of a training venture for some new biotic recruits, as Kaidan had cemented himself into being an instructor like Regis if a need arose for it. It shouldn’t have been anything to worry about.   It never should have ended like it did. A whole squad, gone.  No sign of struggle.  No sign of battle.  As if they were never there. Nothing to give any sort of hope.   Two months since their last communication, well-wishes and ribbing about trainees and so much love.  And nothing after.   No investigation turned up anything useful.  Everyone lost hope day by day.  But Regis never did.  Zaeed never did, vowing to use what he could to look into it himself.   The Normandy was his only chance.

7. a beginning - Nyx/Kaidan, the aftermath of their one-night stand that turned into more.

Kaidan wasn’t quite sure what to think about the man lying in the bed a couple of feet away from the bathroom, watching him with those deep purple eyes that said a lot about him.  Gene modded, clearly, with a deep hue that contrasted his rough exterior.  He had to have been at least in his fifties, if not more, the skin marked by both war and natural aging. But one thing’s for sure, Nyx knew how to charm a man, even one that wasn’t normally for one night stands. “Doing okay in there?” he asked, making no move to cover himself up, turning towards him with a grin. “Just thinking,” Kaidan replied, dampening a washcloth with warm water, testing it with his hand before wringing it out.  “Dangerous,” he teased, running his hand down his chest, toying with those pierced nipples–and what a fucking surprise that was.  “Penny for your thoughts?” He was thinking about a lot, actually.  About how he thought he saw a flash of light blue rimmed around his eyes while he fucked deep into Nyx, pressing his weight into him, keeping a steady gaze on him, watching for any reaction that wasn't complete pleasure.  Biotics from a man far too old to be part of the first gen, much less any other stable gen.  Far too pure to be a trick of the light.  But maybe it was.

[mariaofdoranelle]

Happy new year 🎊

Any laus update? It's so long since you posted, is it everything good?

Nonnie hiiii happy new year to you too!! 🎊❤️

I’m good! I’m having lots of family time (between social battery breaks) and binge-reading kindle unlimited books (i’m currently addicted to annika martin). There’s some catching up for me to do over here, and i haven’t done a lot of writing lately either, but my boyfriend did give me a bed desk for christmas. It’s time for me to put it to use, huh? 😆

✨Snippet✨

“Why would I be upset? Because you’re too good for my idiot cousin?”

[govindhtech]

Flow Google: An AI Tool Built by & for Creatives with Veo 3

Introducing Flow Google’s AI-powered filmmaking tool for Veo 3.

Flow, an AI filmmaking tool developed with creatives, is for future storytelling.

Flow Google

Google developed Flow, an AI filmmaking tool. It was created for future storytellers. Flow helps storytellers create cinematic sequences and snippets while letting them experiment.

Flow Google is designed for Google's most advanced models, like Veo, Imagen, and Gemini.

Flow was designed for Google's cutting-edge generative video model, Veo. Veo is known for its deadline adherence and stunning physics and realism in filmmaking. Users can communicate their vision in natural language with Gemini models' background suggesting.

Flow integrates with Google's Imagen text-to-image converter. This lets users develop characters using their own assets or create “ingredients” in Flow.

Flow Google was inspired by the idea that manufacturing is effortless, iterative, and full of possibilities, almost if time has stopped. Creatives who use these tools say the approach is finding it, not forcing it. It seems everything is coming together. Like a garden, the art grows organically, totally, vibrantly, and thoroughly.

Some claim seeing possibilities like travelling among universes or looking down at characters and places that seem to be coming to life while in control. The method, which seems to build upon itself, could lead to unlimited story endings.

After creating a subject or scene with Flow, these “ingredients” can be used in different films and scenarios. Consider starting a new shot with a scenario image you generated.

Flow Google has several key features to help storytelling:

Camera Controls: This tool lets users manipulate camera motion, angles, and viewpoints to perfect their shot.

Scenebuilder: This simplifies shot tweaking and extension. It can show more action or transition to the next scene while maintaining motion and recognisable characters.

Asset Management: This capability helps users organise their prompts and components.

Flow TV: Veo-generated channels, video, and entertainment are constantly developing. Users can learn and adapt new approaches by seeing the suggestions and strategies utilised for clips they like. It can also spark creativity.

Flow Google built on Google Labs' VideoFX project.

Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra plan users in the US can use Flow, which plans to expand internationally. Subscription packages offer different access levels:

Google AI Ultra has the highest usage limitations and early access to Veo 3 with native audio generation, which adds character conversation and ambient noises to movie creation.

Google AI Pro includes Flow features and a 100-generation monthly cap.

Google is partnering with filmmakers to improve their creative workflows with AI and shape Flow. They feel these technologies help young filmmakers tell their stories. Google has worked with filmmakers Dave Clark, Henry Daubrez, and Junie Lau, using Flow and other tools.

Despite its early stage, Google believes tools like Flow may unleash new creative voices and possibilities in filmmaking, ushering in a new era of creativity.

[mykpopwire]

media release: BAMBAM AND LOCAL STARS DOLLA, BLINK, AND MORE LIGHT UP THE STAGE FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS AT THE SEGi K-POP SOUNDWAVE!

SEGi University & Colleges recently made history with its inaugural musical and carnival extravaganza, the SEGi K-Pop Soundwave. Held on 24th August 2024 at Campus Piazza, SEGi University, Kota Damansara, this groundbreaking event attracted an impressive crowd of 4,500 attendees, including recent school leavers and current university students.

As a major milestone for one of Malaysia's leading private higher education groups, the festival featured international K-Pop sensation BamBam of GOT7 alongside popular local acts. This vibrant celebration not only showcased top-tier performances but also underscored SEGi's commitment to blending educational achievements with unforgettable experiences.

The festivities began at noon, welcoming students from various universities and final-year secondary school students to SEGi University's main campus grounds. Attendees were greeted by a lively atmosphere complete with carnival games, engaging activities, picture-perfect zones, stilt walkers, and a diverse selection of delicious bites, setting the stage for the festival's main event.

The show kicked off in true SEGi style with special performances by the university's very own student body, highlighting the talents within the institution. Local acts Saixse and Ezra Kairo took to the stage first, including a special performance of their collaboration track, "Anak Helang". They were followed by Dolla, Malaysia's hottest girl group, who commanded the stage with their dynamic moves and powerful vocals.

The excitement reached its peak with K-Pop star BamBam, who delivered a high-energy set featuring his latest hits. Known for his charisma and skillful dancing, the GOT7 member held the crowd roaring with enthusiasm as they cheered for their favourite songs.

The event concluded with a high-energy finale as DJs Blink and Nahsyk took over, bringing their infectious grooves and incorporating K-Pop tunes into their sets, providing the perfect ending to the SEGi K-Pop Soundwave.

"The SEGi K-Pop Soundwave has been a vibrant celebration of diversity, blending global and local music, offering a wide array of cuisines, and bringing together students from all walks of life. As an educator, it's inspiring to see the next generation embrace the future with such openness. This event marks a historic moment for SEGi University & Colleges, and we're immensely proud to have hosted it on our campus grounds. Welcoming students into a world that celebrates both global influences and local traditions has been a privilege. This festival isn't just a celebration of their achievements - it's a unique introduction to the multifaceted world of higher education and the next phase of their lives." - Ms. Stella Lau, Managing Director of University, Colleges, & K-12 at SEGi

This high-energy musical and carnival event would not have been possible without the generous support and contributions of its incredible sponsors; HeeBee Beauty, Hyatt Place, Ming Hing Aluminium, Sinn Huat Synergy, Menang Engineering, TanahMas Construction, YOF Consult Engineering, and LEGENDARY. They played a key role in making SEGi K-Pop Soundwave an unforgettable experience.

Watch the snippet of the event here!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MY K-POP WIRE (@mykpopwire)

Thank you SEGi University for the invitation

Don’t forget to like, follow and subscribe to MY K-POP WIRE for more K-Pop interview, debut, comeback and event updates!

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[dailystraitsdotcom]

News In Brief

Welcome to our ‘News In Brief’ column.

Welcome to our ‘News In Brief’ column in which we digest all the news releases for you in no more than five paragraphs. Below are snippets of all the media releases we received from Jan 29 till the end of the week. This article updates throughout the week. Varia Secures RM94.86M Project Datuk Benson Lau, Managing Director of Varia. Kuala Lumpur, Jan 29: Varia Berhad, a renowned entity in…