#let her present more at awards ceremonies!!! she is a treasure

[howbrightthemoon]

she is beauty she is grace

[haztory]

𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐤 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝. (1)

--iwaizumi hajime x f!reader; fake/pretend dating, mutual pining, third year characters, confident/no-nonsense reader, puppet master oikawa, ocassional cursing, other than that no warnings!

--summary: Iwaizumi Hajime was more than content to not be at the receiving end of the hordes of fangirl's attention. 

But when they all suddenly devote their time and love to him, he can't help but quickly want an out. It's Oikawa's suggestion- a good one at that. Get a girlfriend to scare them off.

And what better than use you, Iwaizumi's best friend with a long standing crush on him, to play the role.

a/n: this is my first haikyuu fic! i did not expect it to be about iwa considering im a huge daichi simp, but that’s what listening to bubble pop electric by gwen stefani and browsing through pinterest does to the brain, ig. please let me know if any characters are too ooc, as im still trying to get them down.

other than that, enjoy! messages are always appreciated. 

(w.c. 4836)

masterlist | next chapter

Iwaizumi Hajime was hand sculpted by the gods, the entire female student body deduces with fanatic agreement one blessed afternoon. His shoulders are broad, skin rippling like waves breaking on rocks under the movement of his muscles. His stomach is firm and taut with the lining of his abs and his pectorals are considerably large enough to have every single girl in attendance foam at the mouth. And as he raises one— bulging — arm to wave sheepishly to the widened eyes of the crowd, his thick and veiny hand on full display, a collective moan is heard throughout the building. It has the poor boy ducking his head downward even further. 

The fundraiser arranged to cover the expenses of the volleyball team’s traveling to away games exceeded its initial goal (that of which the all-female led student council was greatly responsible for) resulting in the entire team parading themselves around the cafeteria as a reward for the students’ commitment to the task. 

Shirtless.

And while attention from the female population has usually always been paid to the star setter, Oikawa Tooru and all of his addicting charm, his absence in this mouthwatering and delectable ceremony has allowed for the ace and vice-captain of the Seijoh Volleyball Team to shine. Oh, and shine, he has. 

Within a mere five minutes, the fiercely devoted and militant fanclub belonging to Oikawa has suddenly converted— briefly, they insist— to the groupies of Seijoh’s Vice Captain: powerful ace, leader of offense, total hottie. 

The attention increases tenfold from that point on. Suddenly, Oikawa is no longer the only one receiving love confessions numerous times on a daily basis (much to his chagrin), but instead is sharing the spotlight with his best friend, who is more than uncomfortable with the unexpected shift in notice. He was never ecstatic at being labeled as ‘Oikawa’s number two’, adamant that he was his own entity despite the intricate intertwinement with his best friend, he was, in fact, totally fine with never being hounded by girls at every minute of the day. Sure, the attention would be nice, occasionally. 

But this? This is outrageous.

This is the tenth girl today to have stopped by his locker, a pink flush encompassing her face as she sticks her hands out to present something to Iwaizumi. It’s tupper ware, decorated in a pink bow with his name written in cursive on the top accompanied by some cute glitter stickers. That would make this the fourth container he’s received this morning, and as much as the whole act fills him with a deep dread and hesitation, he doesn’t have the heart to reject her gift. Especially when her hands are shaking so hard and she’s stuttering every other word out. 

So he puts on the standard smile, the one that he’s seen Oikawa pump out a hundred times a day but fails to meet in equal warmth and charm, and thanks her graciously and sincerely— even though he’s not that big a fan of milk bread and this is the third one he’s going to have to shove into his locker. 

He bows to her with an awkward smile, “Ah, thank you, uh…”

“H-Hina!” she shouts, her hands slapping upward towards her mouth after the outburst. The pink flushes deeper on her skin, and Iwaizumi has to wonder what exactly is going through the air for a girl to have this kind of reaction to him. He hasn’t changed, hasn’t developed a new attitude that should have girls swooning at his feet. He’s the same as always, stubbornly so. He is Iwaizumi Hajime, hardass, avid monster movie watcher and the usual second thought. He supposes he should feel somewhat elated at the long-awaited recognition, but he can’t shake off the feeling that this is all incredibly unwarranted. 

It's a surface value attraction. They're not really swooning for him, just the idea of him. That stings a bit more than he’d like to admit.

“Hina,” he affirms with a gentle nod, bowing his head in gratitude, “Thank you for the treat. I will, uh, treasure every bite.”

He doesn’t mean it to be anything charming (because he’s not) nor even remotely romantic (because it’s not), it’s just what he comes up with at the top of his head, but Hina starts to shake and a watery smile spreads across her face when she hears it and he knows he’s made this whole thing much worse. Before he can even awkwardly ask if she’s alright, she bows hurriedly again before running off with a shriek. 

It's then that he’s sure Oikawa is one sadistic motherfucker because there is no way anyone mentally sane could take that reaction as a compliment. There’s an intense guilt that settles in his stomach for the rest of the day for causing a girl to tremble like that. 

Curse the student council for that stupid fundraiser award. He would much rather walk to every away game than have to go through another day of this. 

He opens his locker again, placing the container in there amongst all the other ones and the numerous handmade cards declaring affection. He closes it with a sigh. He can only hope that this phase of adoration is reaching its end. 

Quickly.

**

It does not end quickly. 

It's month three of endless confessions and Iwaizumi is about to lose his mind. Word spreads about his favorite kinds of teas and sweets (which he is sure Oikawa is directly responsible for) and his locker starts to resemble a mall kiosk more than any part of school property. The outside is decorated with stickers and taped with more love cards and he’s pretty sure someone found out his combination (again) because there are balloons floating out of it.

It's a circus. One that Mattsukawa and Hanamaki repeatedly laugh about every time they see it. 

He would like to indulge in the acts or at least make some kind of peace with the situation, he really would. He’s always fantasized in passing about the pride and specialty one must feel at being the center of female attention, having seen it and thwarted it first hand from Oikawa’s fans, but the longer this drags on the more fraudulent he starts to feel.

How can he enjoy his favorite foods when the girls giving it to him are blinded by a false idea of him? They’re not genuine, and if he accepted them, he would only feel like a bad guy, taking advantage of poor girls who haven’t got the slightest clue about him. Because Iwaizumi doesn’t have the million dollar smile like Oikawa does, nor does he have the oozing charm and commercial personality. 

He’s hard, and stubborn, and less inclined to entertain bullshit— the complete opposite of shitty-kawa. So whatever perception these girls think they have of Iwa, they’re wrong. and he can’t accept gifts from these girls who think they love him, when in reality, he’s the furthest thing from what they assume he is. 

“Why are you so adamant to believe that what they feel isn’t real? What's so ridiculous about liking you? Hmm?” Oikawa sings with a laugh one afternoon, the whole team crammed into the club room as they change out of their practice gear. the other guys snicker at Iwaizumi’s dismay, the usual frown painted on his face is permanently etched deeper into his skin and he knows they’re all getting a sick enjoyment from his torture.

The constant reliability to the chaos Oikawa brings is now subjected to his own taste of havoc. And he’s absolutely miserable. 

In all of his stubborn self-sufficiency, he’s refused to even indulge the guys with a verbal complaint, simply grumbling at the gifts before moving on with his day. Intent on dealing with this problem on his own and prohibiting himself from being a burden to anyone else. 

But he’s off his a-game in practice and the crease between his eyebrows is now a persistent feature on his face these days.

“Because it's not real,” he grunts, throwing his sweaty shirt into his sports bag, “They don’t like me.”

Hanamaki snorts from across the benches, a wide smile on his face as he unlaces his shoes and sings, “They only like him for his bodyyy.”

“Can you blame them? Who would ever like Iwa for his personality?” Matsukawa joins him in snickering, earning a killer glare from the victim in question. Not helping. They only laugh harder. 

“So what?” Oikawa questions amusedly, ignoring the sarcasm dripping from the other two third years, leaning his body against the lockers as he watches his best friend ripple with frustration. A constant sight these days.

“So what?” Iwaizumi turns to look at him, incredulity furrowing his features as his friends look at him like he’s grown a third head for being reasonably uncomfortable with this, “It's weird. They’re giving all of these nice gifts to a guy they barely know and they all look at me like a piece of meat.”

“God, girls objectifying you? The horror.” Mattsun torts again, earning a water bottle thrown at his face.

“So what?” Oikawa laughs again, the kind of laugh that reverberates around the room and rings a little too loudly in his ears. He’s heard this laugh thousands of times over the years, coming out to play when Oikawa is far too keen on putting Hajime as the butt of a joke. The mockery is clear in his voice, bleeding in the two simple words yet weighing like a hundred. He can usually take it, dish it back with equal fervor to his best friend, but this time around, he can’t. 

This whole mess of a situation sits heavily on his shoulders and for the first time, any attempt to just barrel through a problem like he so often does seems pointless to Hajime. Because no matter how much he ignores, no matter how often he declines, the girls will continue to only see Seijoh's ace. Not Iwaizumi Hajime. 

He sighs. He doesn’t know what he was expecting in venting to his friends. Validation if they were any nicer, but deep down he knew it would take a different trajectory. 

Maybe they’re right; Maybe he is blowing this out of proportion. Maybe he should just accept the gifts, enjoy them while he can because the girls are choosing to do it. They’re not being held against their will, nor is anyone really being hurt by these peculiar circumstances. It's, theoretically, a win-win.

It doesn’t stop the pit in his stomach from sinking even lower when he sees girls stop their chattering in the hallways as he passes. It doesn’t stop the overwhelming feeling of disappointment he feels when he notices they stare at his biceps before his face before dashing away. 

 Matsukawa shuts his own locker with a grumble, “Must be nice.”

“You wanna take my place, Issei?” iwaizumi turns to look over his shoulder, meeting the mischievous twinkle of the middle blocker. 

“Yeah man, I do. Girls at my feet everyday bringing me food? That’s every guy’s dream.”

“Yeah, if every guy was a piece of shit like you.” The words tumble without second thought and Hanamaki finds himself clutching his stomach with laughter at the retort. He doesn’t mean to direct his anger at his friend, but it seeps into his words anyways. He’s lucky they’re good enough sports to take it in stride. Even if the twinkle in Matsukawa’s eyes dims and he grumbles a “shut up” while he slaps the back of Hanamaki’s head. 

He knows a solution— or sympathy— won’t be offered in his venting, adamant that this is something he needs to solve on his own, but he can’t help himself. He just has to get it out. “I can't even go to class normally anymore. There’s always a girl waiting for me.”

His back is turned towards his friends as he folds his gym clothes into the open cubby, but even despite the absence of his facial expression, the other three sitting near him can hear the exhaustion in his voice. Much as they might tease him, they’ve sat front and center to the slow decline of Hajime’s sanity and comfort as he was thrust suddenly into the spotlight that he was ill-prepared for. He’s laughably out of his element, but his plight is severe enough for all three of them to occasionally step in.

Hanamaki and Mattsun have had their fair share of instances in which they’ve had to redirect of a horde of girls hounding at them for Iwaizumi’s location, telling them that they had no idea where Iwaizumi could have gone when in fact, he was hiding in the clubroom. And while they would’ve been more than happy to send them his way just to watch him fluster and stutter, the two friends knew the momentary laugh wouldn’t have been worth the further depletion of Hajime’s confidence and happiness. Iwaizumi wants this attention to be for something genuine, for something that he was directly responsible for and can be proud of. Not something as surface value as an attractive body. 

Truth be told, all three of Seijoh's third years want to help him as much as Iwaizumi wants this to be over. But just like him, they have no idea what to do.

Hajime sighs again, “Don’t even get me started about when I’m with (Y/N). You think stalking is bad? Try having to deal with evil glares too.”

Scratch that. They have one idea.

The mention of the ace’s other best friend, the one that they’re all too familiar with, has all of Seijoh's members perking their heads upward in interest. A lightbulb going off simultaneously as they all share a glance with one another. Hanamaki looks up to Oikawa who looks to Mattsun who looks to Hanamaki. Their eyes darting between one another, telepathically asking the same question.

Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

Hanamaki and Mattsun finalize their answer with a hard stare at Oikawa and smirks on their faces. They both give a long nod to their captain and like the well-oiled machine the Seijoh Volleyball Team is known to be, a plan is formulated and put into action before anyone can blink. 

“Oh?” Oikawa prods, taking the initiative. His grin is suddenly more wicked than before, “How so?”

Iwaizumi notices the subtle change in tone in the conversation, can hear the smile in Oikawa’s words, but he doesn’t think much of it. Simply attributing it to the mention of the beloved figure they’re all acquainted with. He can’t blame them, finding his own mood has tipped upward at the mere thought of you. And while he has apologized to the moon and back for inadvertently getting you involved in this nightmare of a situation, there’s a resounding comfort he feels at knowing that there's at least one person on his side. One person that is willing to trudge through the mud with him, regardless of how often they complain.

Because whatever happens to him happens to you, you insist. So if he has to deal with a hundred fangirls, then so do you. 

He plows on, airing out his struggles and frustrations with his newfound attention. “They’re always staring at us, making the whole thing uncomfortable when we’re just hanging out. (Y/N) even told me she once got cornered in the girls’ bathroom during lunch.”

Oikawa gasps, always enthralled with any juicy gossip, especially on the rare occasion that it involves you— his beloved, headstrong, annoying other best friend. “What did they say?”

“Some weird shit about staying away from me, like I was their property.”

“And what did (y/n) say?”

Iwaizumi laughs, a genuine one that has been missing since this whole ordeal began. He turns to look at his friends, the smile reaching his eyes and pushing upwards on his cheeks. If they weren’t sure of their plan before, the happiness on his face was enough of a push to solidify it. The happiness that only someone specific can bring out. “It's (Y/N). What do you think she said?”

Oikawa, all too familiar with your personality and deviance from the norm since age ten, huffs out a laugh, “Hmm, let me guess, something about doing whatever she wants with whoever she wants.” 

“No, actually, she—” 

You’re washing your hands in the sink of the bathroom when you hear a cough from behind you. Looking upwards into the mirror, you are suddenly confronted with the reflection of six girls circling around you.

A groan tumbles out of your mouth. You knew something like this was bound to happen, jealousy always emerging victorious whenever girls were thirsting after a young man. You just didn’t think it would be happening so soon, only two months into the fanatic obsession with your best friend. It’s your fault really, you should’ve prepared for a moment like this to come. But as they all shoot daggers into your reflection you can’t help but recognize how woefully dreadful this is.  

You'd kill Hajime for inadvertently getting you into this if he wasn’t already feeling so guilty about it. 

Each one stares at you with an intense fury, and while you’ve never considered yourself to be much of a fighter, you’re mentally preparing yourself to throw a couple of punches in this cramped bathroom. You won’t win, six against one is hardly a story of triumph, but you’ll be damned if you get intimidated by this raging group of hormones. 

The faucet stops, with almost impeccable comedic timing, and a silence emanates throughout the area. It's awkward, painfully so and their silent stares are not helping.

“Uh… Can I help you?”

The one in the middle (the leader, you assume) stands with a hip jutted out and her arms crossed. You’ve seen her in passing before. Her eyes narrow at your question, “So, are you two dating?”

You have to force yourself to not roll your eyes. Of course this is where this was going. Because God forbid anyone have friends of the opposite gender. Indicator number one that the interest of these girls was superficial, considering if they even really had been interested in more than the prospect of having access to Iwaizumi’s body, they would’ve realized that you’ve been in his life for a lot longer than he’s had any redeeming qualities— including those rocking arms of his. 

You won't entertain this, something you’ve been adamant about even if Hajime has insisted you don’t , especially not when it's causing Iwa all this grief that you’ve had to comfort him through time and time again. 

“Who’s asking?” You all but bark back, patience wearing thin.

The one to the right of the leader— Pigtails, you’ve taken to calling her— scoffs and stomps her foot, “We are, obviously!”

Patience is below the ground now.

The left one, the one with pink hair, speaks this time, “Iwaizumi won’t even talk to us for more than a minute but he lets you hang around! So, if you’re not dating you have to tell us!”

“Why?”

“So that you can help us get closer to him!”

“Yeah, no.” you respond curtly, feeling rather nauseous at the lengths in which these girls are going just to get his attention. Cornering his friend and doing a piss-poor job at intimidating them into coercing them for information about him. No wonder Hajime's been feeling so depressed. 

Taking the piss out of him used to be fun, something you and Pikawa could share profound pleasure in, but now that it's at your front door and reeking of death, you’re quickly realizing just how much you owe that spiky haired idiot. 

You grab your bag that lay at your feet, turning to face the six girls with a mirthless smile despite the hatred burning in their eyes.

“Good luck with… whatever it is you’re trying to do.”

You’re almost out the door when the leader, who has puffed out her chest and taken a step forward  blurts out, “If you’re not going to help us, then you better stay out of our way.”

There are few people in this world that you’ve dreamt about punching. Oikawa has made the list a couple times, but that’s only when he’s being particularly obnoxious. Iwaizumi has too, usually when his hard headedness has conflicted with yours, but even then the situation is usually better within the next hour. 

But this girl, oh this girl, she has made the top of your list in record time. And you highly doubt she’s coming off of it anytime soon. And now that you’ve gotten a good look at her, you’re starting to remember exactly where you’ve seen her before.

You raise an eyebrow at her intimidation, “Or what?” 

(You have to pat your back for that one because you really sound like the scary third year you’ve always dreamt of being.)

She doesn’t falter in her misplaced confidence, a smile pulling at her lips, “If he’s not yours, then he’ll be one of ours soon enough. And I can promise you, every boyfriend I've ever had always dropped his girl best friends when I asked.”

“Uh huh,” you glance at your watch that shows there are only fifteen minutes left in lunch. Might as well start on your meal now.

You pull the backpack slung over your shoulder in front of you, unzipping the large pocket and pulling out a familiar container. The girls gasp when they see it. 

It's pink and has a little cat design on the front of it. Very cute and very distinct. You pop open the top, grabbing the milk bread that lies inside with your left hand and holding the lid and the box with your right. The lid is tilted forward, granting all the girls clear viewing of the cursive ink that lies on it.

The name is clear and the handwriting incredibly recognizable. The leader’s mouth gapes open.

You take a bite out of the treat, a dramatic moan escaping your mouth. You point at the girl, “Mm. You made this right?”

She doesn’t answer. None of them do. They only stare with wide eyes.

“I remember seeing you give this to Iwa this morning. It’s really good. He's not a big fan of milk bread, so he’s been giving them to me but I’ve enjoyed every single one of them! Although I am getting tired of eating the same thing over and over. So, if you’re taking suggestions, try Agedashi Dōfu. It's Iwa’s favorite.”

You lick your lips to make the point clearer. A gentle reminder of your place and their lack of one in his life. They seem to get it.

“Right then. Bye ladies! This was fun! I’m sure Hajime will be thrilled to hear all about it.”

Iwaizumi finishes recounting the story with a childlike wonder, meeting the furrowed brows and agape mouths of his friends with a joyous smile. There’s an unmistakable twinkle of affection in his eyes, one that he must not even realize is there. But it's noticeable, and his friends recognize it.

It's the same look he always gets whenever he talks about you. 

It was mean of you to humiliate those girls like that, he knows, but his smile when recounting the tale is more than indicative of his true feelings behind the action. He briefly lectured you about it after you told him, insisting that it was important to be nice to these poor girls who didn’t know any better, that you begrudgingly agreed to, but he thinks about it often. Thinks about it at practice, in the middle of class, and every time he sees you.

He didn’t know how he felt about it, but from the way it warmed his cheeks and filled his chest with a weird lightness, he knew he was ultimately appreciative of the action. Honored that you would stick up for him unapologetically and protect him from unassuming teenage girls.

It shouldn’t be much of a surprise. Were the roles reversed he would do the same for you in a heartbeat. But still, he thinks about it. A lot.

“I haven’t seen those girls since, but I have been getting a lot more Agedashi Dōfu, so I guess that’s a plus.” He shrugs his shoulders in nonchalance returning back to the contents of his locker but the remnants of a smile plays on his lips. 

“Well, how ‘bout that?” Oikawa coos. He steps closer to Iwa, placing his hands on the ace’s shoulders and giving them a good natured shake. 

“I think I have the perfect solution to your problem, Iwa-chan.”

**

“You want me chu do wha?” you ask, mouth full of milk bread as the boy in front of you conveniently avoids your eye contact. 

It's the seventh container he’s handed you this week, and while your little incident has quickly diminished the amount he usually receives, there are still the occasional stray containers with the sweet that he instinctively hands to you. 

This time it came in a purple container. No outlandish designs or stickers like the other ones, but there is a written poem on the top comparing his eyes to the dirt of the Miyagi mountains. You suppose that’s romantic, but your leniency only goes so far. Particularly when this poem has no clear rhyming pattern. 

You’ve long since passed the point of guilt for eating all of the treats that were clearly not meant for you. Hajime was much too conflicted with the gifts to even consider smelling them, so it serves as a solution to the problem to just give it to you. He doesn’t have to worry about maliciously taking advantage of these girls and you get food. 

Win-win.

And while you’re not that into milk bread (having eaten it almost everyday for the past couple of weeks), your consumption of it seems to give him some peace of mind. Out of sight, out of mind kind of thing. And really, that’s all you’ve ever wanted for him.

But this is going too far.

Swallowing the last piece of milk bread, you look up at the idiot from your place on the bench. He stands in front of you, hands shoved deep into his pockets and shuffling from foot to foot. 

“You’re joking, right?”

This is a joke. It has to be. There’s no way the world would be this cruel to you.

His eyes remain averted, his thumb and index finger pinching the bridge of his nose as if it would wake him up from this endless nightmare, “Look, it’ll only be until I can get these girls to back off of me a little.”

“No.”

“Wha— (Y/N).” He breathes out, a twinge of desperation and pleading seeping into his voice as he finally looks into your eyes. He doesn’t know what he expects to see, but the pure and unadulterated seriousness is not one of them. He’s almost convinced to drop the subject altogether. Almost.

“Whose idea was this?” You practically growl out, closing the container and cleaning your surrounding area of any stray crumbs. You thrust your hand outward, shoving the container his way. He takes it from you without question.

“Does it matter?”

“Whose?”

“...Oikawa.”

Of course it was. “I’m gonna kill him.”

“(Y/N),” he says your name more forcefully. It’s the same tone he uses with Oikawa when he’s being whiny. It's enough of a bite to have you stop rearranging your items for a brief moment, meeting his determined gaze with one of your own. He stares intently, eyes unwavering in their silent plea to make you understand.

That’s the worst part about it. He’s serious, and he’s confident that this is the only way to solve the problem that’s been plaguing him for the past three months. 

If there's one thing you know about Iwaizumi Hajime, it’s that he’ll solve any problem on his plate and won’t stop until it's fixed. He’s responsible to a fault, refusing to burden others unless absolutely necessary. The fact that he’s viewing this to be the only solution and actually trying to persuade you is indicative enough of how desperate he is. 

Even more so indicative of how truly fucked you are, considering you’ve already made a decision before he even explains further.

Damn him and that hard head of his. 

Damn Oikawa for knowing what he does and still dragging you into this mess. No doubt he was thoroughly enjoying this.

“Will you please be my girlfriend?”

Damn that student council and their stupid fundraiser for getting Iwaizumi Hajime, the boy you’ve been best friends with since you were ten and had a crush on since you were thirteen, to ask you to be his fake girlfriend in order to thwart off hordes of fangirls. 

Damn you for already having an answer before you can even think twice.

Iwaizumi Hajime was hand sculpted by the gods, and they were all laughing at your expense now. 

end notes: whoop there it is. let me know what you all think! should i keep going? should i say fuck a degree and major in iwazumi hajime? idk man im about to.

[sharperthewriter]

The 15th Annual Kim Possible Fannies - Chapter 1

From the Desk of Sharper Hello, everyone, we finally made it to that point. It is time to reveal the winners of the 15th Annual KP Fannies Awards. Of course, this is the third (and last) time (for now? Who knows. :P ) that the plot of this story will focus on the live-action movie. Also present is a parody of the streaming services that every network seems to be going into these days...and of course, the craziness that we're all dealing with right now with the...thing-that-shall-not-be-named. So let's kick back and enjoy the ceremony...hopefully without incident this time...hopefully... :P Kim Possible, characters and settings (both live-action and the toon) are created by Schooley and McCorkle and (c) by Disney. The fanfic is rated T for some language, comic action violence, a drug reference, mild thematic elements and some suggestive dialogue.

Chapter 1 - Quarantine (LAM verse, April 16, 2020, 6pm) And the Dow dropped today by another 1000 points due to the virus pandemic... ...schools throughout Colorado will be closed until further notice... ...there are now 7,303 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colorado with 290 deaths... ...Smarty-Mart is now instituting rationing for paper towels, toilet paper, and tissues, along with hand sanitizer and cold medicine...

Kim Possible sighed, looking at the depressing news on the TV. Even though she was the girl who can do anything, it was  beyond her comprehension to dealing with the sitch involving the coronavirus, something that wasn't machine-made by one of her rogue's gallery of villains in one of their world-domination plots. Although she, Ron, and Athena were deemed as 'essential workers' in their duties of saving the world by Colorado's governor, no villain on Kim's list has even attempted a world-domination plot because they required the use of henchpeople, which would be a violation of 'social gatherings' of more than 10 people. "Athena, can you please turn off the TV? It's bringing my mood down!" she insisted. The current 15-year old, in a blue shirt and jeans with her Kimmunicator pendant, was sitting on one end of the couch. “I'll have to switch it to a streaming service.” Athena was  sitting on the other end of the sofa. She was in a purple heart t-shirt and jeans. “I'll get it...” the teenaged cyborg said. She looked in the cushions.

“That is, if I can find it...” Kim tried her hand in finding the remote. However, it was nowhere to be seen in the couch. “Don't tell me the Tweebs have it!” Kim groaned. She knew what potential danger a mere TV remote would be in the hands of Jim and Tim.  Last time they did so, they caused a 12-hour long power outage in Middleton. “I'll ask your Dad...” Athena said while standing up from the couch. “Ask away.” Kim insisted, “Keep in mind, though, that Dad is busy doing the 2020 US Census.”

“Hey  Mr.Possible! Have you seen the remote?” she asked into the kitchen. “Yeah, it should be on the coffee table....I think..." James replied. "Now...do we count you in the census?" "Dad...you're a rocket scientist and Mom is a brain surgeon. You should probably know the answer!" Kim replied. "Then I would take that as a yes." James replied, marking down his answer. "Speaking of Mom, is she still at the hospital?" Kim asked. "Unfortunately, yes, she is, Kimmie-cub." James answered. "She has been working 14-hour shifts ever since this whole virus outbreak began. And I'm working from home as well due to the fact that one of the scientists at the space center tested positive for the virus."

Kim sighed, "I can't be cooped up in here!" "Doesn't Middleton High have that e-learning thing up?" Athena questioned. "They do, yes." Kim said, "But some students in the district don't have access to a computer."

"Have you two seen Ronald?" James asked, sniffing the air. "He's coming over here to the house." Kim replied, "Said something about getting a few things from Smarty-Mart." "How can he? Did you even see the scenes of empty shelves?" Athena asked in disbelief. "I don't get him sometimes, Athena." Kim said before hearing a knock on the door. "Can you get that, Kim? It's probably Ron." Athena replied. Kim got up from the couch and wondered. "How did you know?" She opened the door and saw Ron clad, head to toe, in a HAZMAT suit with disinfectant spray in two gun holsters. He was also holding a duffel bag. "Ron...what are you doing?" Kim groaned. "KP, I'm doing what I have to do to protect my friends!" Ron exclaimed as he took a couple of cans of disinfectant spray from the holsters to begin spraying the Possible house. "I do not want the death virus to kill the ones I treasure the most." Kim began to cough. "Ron...you don't have to go that far! All we have to do is follow the CDC reccomendations and we should be fine!" she insisted.

"What about Nana, though?" Ron countered, "At her age, the virus would be more problematic!" "It's no big, Ron! We can still chat with her!" Kim said, dismissing his concern. "How?" Ron asked. "Duh! We live in the year 2020, Ron! Video chat!" Kim sighed. "Oh right!!" Ron said, realizing the technology. "I almost forgot about that."

"Ronald..." James said as he entered into the living room. "...would you mind being watchful about the disinfectant spray?"

"Dad, it's just Ron being Ron." Kim replied. She then whispered, "You did stock up in the panic room, did you?"

He whispered back, "We did. We bought at least 50 rolls of toilet paper and 20 rolls of paper towels. As long as we don't run out of supplies, we should be fine." "Ron...lose the HAZMAT suit..." Kim insisted. "Why don't you come and sit with us so that we can stream some movies together? It'll take our minds off this thing for at least a few hours."

Thankfully, Kim made Ron take off the suit, but not before he sprayed every square inch of the Possible household with at least 30 cans of the disinfectant spray.

[hoopdiddies]

I'm Not Over You // Ben Hardy x Reader (Part 4)

A/N: I was on vacay for a while and I had a hard time thinking the plot through but this could work. If you want to be tagged, just ask me uwu

Summary (for the entire series Ofc) : You had always loved Ben ever since you two met in university and became the best of friends. That feeling went out like a candle flame when the two of you parted ways until he re-entered your life...but this time with someone who has already occupied his heart.

Word count: 2148

Tags: None

Warnings: Mentions of drinking. And some angst, yet again *sigh*

Part 3

Part 2

Part 1

Parallel to the nature of the grimace present on your face shrouded by the umbra of the umbrella, the thunderclouds become bleaker and unwelcoming, complimenting the harsh pour of the rain on the city. In your mind, it could just get worse.

You tighten your grasp on the stem of your umbrella, the pressure of your grip making the veins in your wrist visible. To think you were enthused to spill the news to him, only to end up feigning the real one because you couldn't bring yourself to accept what must be.

You know he loves you, he loves you so much. He tells you 24/7. But that love is purely limited to hugs, small arguments, spontaneous fits of laughter, gentle pats on the back and forehead kisses. Compared to the almost spiritual connection he has with his fiancee. You've known and been around him longer than you could remember and yet, you're always several steps behind.

Well how else does platonic love compare to something romantic and sexual?

You stop in your tracks just half way through the wet sidewalk and stare at your reflection on a puddle beneath you. The tears dripping from your cheeks making bigger ripples on the puddle in contrast to the ones made by the rain. You sniffle, wiping your eyes quickly with your sleeve.

You hear a faint ring from your pocket and pull out your phone, seeing Lucy's name flash on the screen. You swipe the answer button and go on walking along the moist pavements.

"Hey Luce!" You blurt to hide the cracks in your voice.

"Y/N! Where are you right now? I just got back from a photoshoot and I want to hang out with you!" She giggles through the line and you keep your eyes ahead.

"Well I'm walking back home-"

"In the rain? You could get sick!"

"Lucy, relax. I'm covered up."

She sighs in relief, chuckling at her little mistake. "Sorry there. But mind if I stop by at your place?"

You don't think twice before answering, feeling the need to have some company. "Of course. Hurry up, I'm almost home." You aren't though, you're a dozen blocks away from your destination but you kind of want her to be there just in time for you to...vent.

You hear an audible slam echo from the line, almost coming off as a car door slammed close. "I'm on the road, I'll see you, Y/N!" You hum in response, your mouth curving slightly to the side. "You too, Lucy. Drive safely."

She bids you adieu for the meantime and you pick up your pace along the streets, careful not to glide recklessly over moist surfaces. The rain is not going to lighten very soon, you're sure of it.

As soon as you step foot into your living room after drying off, you are welcomed by a laid-back version of Lucy seated on the couch with a can of Mountain Dew in hand. You chuckle softly at how mellow she's positioned during such a weather, even more so at her choice of beverage.

"You're late." She shakes her head at you, pretending to be upset.

You shrug out of your coat and drape it over your shoulder, trudging to her and crouching down to hug her. "I am so sorry I left almost too quickly last night though."

She pats your back, letting a 'tsk' slip past her lips. "You are lucky Gwilym was there to accompany me."

"Hmm, he's not mad at Joe and me, is he? " Pulling away, you joke a little to cheer yourself up.

"No," she takes a sip of her can and puts it on the table, "in fact he's furious." This could be a little enlightening, a chat with Lucy to shed a beam of light on your mood. You take a seat next to her and begin your conversation. It's not much except that it's full of what happened at her photoshoot, the promotions she is required to attend, a few people she's had a little beef with and apparently her planned getaway with Rami to France. The topic is almost unilateral but you always take genuine interest in everything she says. Notwithstanding the fact that she constantly groans at the mention of the situations she underwent, you both still take a laugh out of it.

It's Lucy, she's a fascinating person with a fascinating life. You sometimes even wish you had her glam and eye for fashion.

She moves a lock of her blonde hair away from her forehead and looks at you curiosly. "Okay enough about me, what went on with you this week?"

You shrug, in an attempt to recall anything at all. "Not much. New Year's was a blast and last night's party was another thing," you turn your glance to your shoes, a frail smirk ghosting on your lips, eventually turning into a hopeful beam as your acceptance into the medical school flashes in your mind, "and... I got accepted into the medical school I applied for."

Lucy's eyes snap wide open at the news. "Shut up," she grabs you by the shoulders and gapes at you with eyes sparkling like they just found a heap of treasure, "you applied for medical school?" The slight disbelief and utter amazement can never be any clearer in her voice.

You nod happily and without warning, Lucy pulls you in for a tight hug, squealing at your success. "Oh my god, that's amazing! When did you get the letter? Have you told anyone?"

"I was sent an email from the institution this morning and told my parents and Joe about it soon after."

Lucy shifts on the couch, sliding her hands over her lap. "Which medical school though?"

"It's outside the country."

"Have you told Ben? "

With her question still hanging in thin air, you pause for a while before turning your head to her, shaking it slowly.

"Why?"

You stand up and head for the kitchen to grab a glass of water, your action confusing Lucy. "Y/N, are you okay?" She asks and you return on cue with your glass in hand. You let out a soft exhale and descend onto the couch. "I just...dont want to make him worry."

"Worry and Ben aren't exactly two words that mingle well. Solely in the context of a great news such as your acceptance."

"Of course, but I don't know how long I'll be gone." You notice your voice dwindle down to a whisper with the cast of your gaze to the side. The look on your face is deciphered by Lucy who's somehow adept at reading expressions, the blank that is your face making it easier for her.

And she suddenly knows what those furrowed brows mean. "There's something you're not telling me, Y/N. Just say it. I mean...even if you don't say it, I already hinted at it." She slides a hand over yours and you slowly turn to her, your expression becoming mildly stark. Of course she'd have a guess and it's only fair that she knows, she could help you get over it.

Your lips part but quiver as you try to find the right words. "I love him."

Lucy's gentle hold turns into a light squeeze, an indication of her comforting you. Her lips curve into a tender yet sad smile as she draws you in close again.

No matter how hard you're trying to let the tears fall, it just doesn't. It hurts but your tears aren't present to highlight that churning burn. Against all the odds to have them resurface in your eyes, you dip your head onto her shoulder and just squeeze your eyes shut. You mumble languidly on how it was an impulse to lie about your acceptance to Ben after he had broken the news about his engagement to you and soon after you had the thought that he would slowly forget about you once he and Rosy marry, and that your friendship wouldn't matter in the long run. As the decision that it'd be best if you go without him knowing, thinking it would make it easier for you to move on.

Lucy clears your face of your hair strands, staring at this once hidden,broken side of you. "I'm so sorry. I know this might not change a thing but you must tell him. He would never forget you, you're like the first person on his mind when he needs someone to talk to."

"Rosy's his life-"

"Y/N, don't demote yourself to a third party. You're more than what she is in his life," a brief pause from Lucy followed by a heartwarming emphasis, "you're his soulmate."

That word always meant something different to you. It involved a deep,romantic relationship but with how Lucy uttered it, it now means something entirely new. But you can't bring yourself to believe it. It's not a concept that can suture the gaping cut left in you.

With the little emotional strength left in you, you smile, launching at her with another hug as a requital to her presence during a time as this.

"I know it hurts...but- bloody, that's what love does to everyone."

--- (Apparent time skip 👀)

Amidst the hectic schedule your job has burdened you with throughout another week, never once have you faltered in between. You've gotten tons of invites to get-togethers during your weekend from friends yet out of the fear of losing all concentration on your duties, you turned them down politely. The second week of a new year means a new batch of spine-cracking, workload for everyone with jobs.

You're doing all this to save up for med school and it's something you tend to prioritize first and foremost. And regarding med school, you are to leave a month before enrollment to ensure your documents are in tacked and get served first. Since a few days before first semester arrives, enrollees would be lining up from different backgrounds and classes would be heavily filled. You have weeks left before your departure...and still, you haven't told Ben the truth...or talked to him in days, at least. For all you know, he could be on a tour, at a conference, an awards ceremony that you don't know of- certainly not the Oscars since you've been told that it's scheduled on February. He's probably busy enough to have other things in mind.

You discard the distraction and go about your business in your work area, with the intention of letting it purposefully distract you.

Minutes close to your dismissal, one of your co-workers strut in to invite you to have a drink with them. You could do no more than turn her down politely but with regards to the strain you've put yourself in with work, she insists and demands that you don't hesitate.

"But-" You try to protest, only to fail as she cuts you off. "I beg of you. Just for tonight."

"Tonight?"

"Yes."

You lightly clap your hands on the desk, springing from your chair with your head lightly tilted to one side. You turn your head to the wall clock on your far left and bob your head. "Do we leave now?"

"Most certainly. Come on!"

You haven't sped out of the building that fast with your colleagues before, not that it's not the first time but it certainly feels like it with how relieved you feel to go out. You needed a distraction from your personal ordeal and you got it, in the form of a night out for a drink.

You hit the pub that's just right across the street for the sake of convenience, half expecting your night to turn out eventful. A light buzz from your pocket stops you halfway into the entrance and slightly indisposed, you fish your phone out from your pocket, holding up your index finger at one of your colleagues to take the message you've received. They stride in ahead of you as you read the message, a little surprised to know Joe's back in London in the favor of Lucy who had asked him to come back. He's asked you out for a dinner with his friend but you tell him you're out for a drink with your colleagues, to which he replies with, "Mind if we join you then?"

And of course, you invite him over. Traipsing through the near rayless place to find your friends, hilariously realizing you're walking to the beat of the music coming from the speakers, you do a double-take at the table to your near left, quickly covering your face and speeding away to continue your search as the sight of Ben with his mates and Rosy ruins the first half of your evening.

What a distraction from a distraction.

[thiskryptonite]

Faerielands

Tagging: Aria Fawn, Alexander “Vitalis” Drakos, August Knight

Timeframe: January 13th - January 19th, 2019

Location: Ashbourne, The Otherworld, Faerielands

Notes: Sarau Event, as awarded for completion of task: nostalgia. August receives an invitation to attend a Sarau hosted by High Queen Nymphadora of the Faerielands. August was permitted to bring a +1 and so he opted to bring Aria while Xander escorted them from Ashbourne, through the Otherworld, and into the Faerielands within. 

August

August had spent the last twenty-four hours preparing, the High Queen had not given him much notice, and no small part of August couldn’t help but feel that the court had decided to do so intentionally. There were a million questions that ran through his mind, though what he should wear was least among them. The Otherworld was dangerous, more so even than Ashbourne, and at the heart of it all, sat the Unseen Realm. A place where, as far as he was aware, few witches had ever been brought to before. Arrogance would’ve liked him to believe that he’d earned such an honor, but Aria had been quick to remind him that there were several other witches that were much more highly esteemed. He’d done a job for a Fae before, in what now felt like another life, but August could not see how the two might be related. What could he possibly offer a Queen?

It was a serious question, he’d asked around and apparently it was customary to offer her something. He did not know what an Earthborn-Fae Queen might desire, but he’d rooted around special through his belongings to find something that was by no means commonplace. His hands closed around the jar as it thumped lightly, a black cloth was draped over and sealed beneath the lid, but there was a warmth that came through the glass still. To say it was taboo would be an understatement, and parting with it was not something August enjoyed doing, but if his offering did not make him suffer in some way, somehow, he doubted it would do very well to appease the High Queen. He’d chosen simple attire for the ceremony, August was an undertaker and truthfully, he didn’t own anything that would come close to the likely impossible standards of such a race, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t at least willing to put in some effort. He even shaved. August tucked the bell jar into the breast pocket of his jacket, it rested over his own heart, the offbeat, rhythmic thumping so close to his own was off-putting at first, but he acclimated quickly. He’d left the funeral home early and was leaving now from his apartment, dusk was approaching, and August needed to make sure he met up with Xander and Aria before they headed into the woods together. August positioned himself near the edge of the wood, in the clearest path to the Sacred Tree and shot an updated text to Xander and Aria about where he was waiting. Dusk was still half an hour away, but August could feel himself tensing and relaxing reflexively. He was nervous, he never got nervous.

Xander

Xander had taken his sweet, sweet time to pick out what he was going to bring for the faerie queen. He'd given her many gifts over the centuries he'd been alive, but he always fell back on the golden and jeweled treasures from the ancient world. Humans had made many, many wonderful things. And he'd met so many witches who had gifted him with different objects as well. However, the treasures of Egypt and Greece looked splendid in the faerie realm, and he was always one who drifted towards the glitter and shine of earthly treasures. That didn't mean, however, that he didn't know when to part with them. He'd been going to the Otherworld anyway, but it'd been centuries since he'd taken someone like August along – let alone whoever he was bringing. The faerie hardly looked out for anyone but himself, and it was rare that he even cared for a human's wellbeing. Witches were different, maybe. "August – what did you bring for the Queen?" he asked curiously, walking up in a simple jeans and t-shirt combo. In a moment, however, it shimmered into a black suit, the lapels dusted with what looked like glitter because of course he had to shine. "And who did you decide to drag along to the orgy? I hope they know what they're getting into."

Aria

Lately, Aria rarely attended parties . Her wardrobe had old, worn dresses that probably didn’t even fit her anymore. Otherwise she might have not even bothered commissioning something new from Kolya. Even now as she looked herself over in the mirror, she would have taken the thing off and resolved to wear something old and worn that she was comfortable with if not for the fact she was seeing the one and only High Queen in the Faerielands. The dress was high quality and gorgeous, very suitable for a royal faerie audience, there was no doubt about that… but it was not at all Aria’s style. It was far too much for her tastes, even if it might appeal to fae folk. Aria frowned at her reflection as she turned on the spot to see all sides of it. Well, this was it. With a quick goodbye to her Familiar and a dagger strapped to her thigh underneath the dress, Aria left her home and made towards the meeting spot. The dress wasn’t exactly uncomfortable, Kolya had made sure of that, but it felt uncomfortable to know she had something like that on herself. So as she caught sight of August in the distance and his friend, she could only feel her tension rise. To make matters worse, she walked up just in time to hear something about an orgy. “Excuse me?” Aria asked, raising a brow and waiting for the man to turn. “Did you say orgy? Because I did not sign up for that.” She turned her sights to give August a look.

August

August was pleased to see Xander, and then Aria following a short distance behind him. The fae’s attire seemed boring but was typically deceptive as he all but shimmered into a black suit, it wasn’t anything wholly extravagant and absently August let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. He just wanted to make a good impression, and Aria was all but gliding as she walked, August could guess who the tastemaker was behind her attire, but he wouldn’t comment. He looked up at Xander’s question and a small smirk pulled at the corner of his lips, though he supposed that his friend would know best. “I took a guess – I wasn’t really sure what she’d be into, but,” he withdrew the jar from his jacket, there was a light red glow from beneath the black drape, it shimmered with an ethereal light as well when he lifted the drape. “Heart of the beast, still beating.” As if on cue he heard Aria start objecting almost immediately, “Ariana Fawn, a fellow witch.” August said evenly, not at all certain if the two of them had any sort of history together already or not. “Relax, I’m pretty sure the orgy isn’t mandatory.” He was pretty sure, anyways. They started into the forest, headed for the Sacred Tree. His attention directed between the two of them, “did you two also bring an offering for the High Queen?”

Xander

Xander huffed out a laugh, glancing at Aria, "Sometimes they're optional." He was mostly joking. Mostly. The fae hummed a little bit, nodding towards Aria, "Call me Xander. I'm your tour guide for the next few hours – so, anyway, now that we're all happy and together, can we get going?" He glanced back at the offering August had mentioned, and he gave a small smile, "She'll like that. She appreciates things that are difficult to part with – shows you mean it." The air fae turned towards the tree, taking it in before he reached out, the Hidden Gateway clear to him as day. "I brought something a little holder than I am. I always bring jewelry; something pure gold with lapis lazuli." He turned back towards his two companions, taking in a breath, "Ground rules for the Otherworld. Don't touch anything, it might bite back. I wish I could say I was kidding, but honestly, who knows what'll happen to you two if you lose me. So don't lose me, got it? And no, I don't want to hold your hand, August. So if you can follow these simple rules, are we ready to go?"(edited)

Aria

Aria glared at August. “You didn’t tell me to bring anything!” Muttering unintelligibly to herself, she put out her hand and then worded a conjuring spell. A moment later, a tiny jewelry box appeared on her palm. “I told you to do your research, August and tell me.” She started to take off the large pearl ring was wearing, one ocean pearl nestled into the gold circle around her finger with intricate swirling patterns. “Now my most expensive, antique ring will have to do.” She grumbled as she placed it into the jewelry box and shut it. Aria knew she should have done her own research but with getting a dress appropriate for the hugely important event ready, there’d been hardly enough time to read on the Otherworld, let alone the High Queen. She looked up at the stranger and sighed. “It’s Aria,” she said, correcting August. “Pleasure.” Aria didn’t seem all too excited about meeting Xander but that had more to do with the stress of doing something she’d never done before. Passing this up would be passing up the opportunity of a lifetime when one wasn’t a fae. But Aria couldn’t help the bad feeling in the pit of her stomach that she didn’t know enough of what she was getting herself into. “Ready as I’ll ever be. Lead the way.”(edited)

August

“Yeah, we should, I really don’t want to know what happens if we’re late.” Approval was a good sign, but he couldn’t be certain until he had presented it to the Queen herself. He tucked the jar away as Aria and Xander got acquainted. Not even Aria and Xander’s jabs could shake him, the excitement was buzzing under his skin like a sort of static. A current that was compelling him onwards, absently he had wondered if it was some work of the Otherworld, some assurance he’d make it there. August of course knew that wasn’t the case, he was a kid in a candy store and wordlessly he approved of Aria’s offering, even though it was never something she’d intended to give up. Maybe the High Queen would even recognize that. “Must’ve slipped my mind,” he breezed, though somewhere he was incredibly jealous at the addition of the golden laurel leaves to her attire, why didn’t I think of that? “Do you know any Fae?” “Super dangerous, don’t touch anything, got it,” August winked, eager to press through the portal and follow through to the Otherworld. Where Arachne called home, where there was still so much that he did not understand. The fae were trapped as well, there could be puzzle pieces hidden beneath the surface of this Sarau, and while he recognized that it was a party. A chill passed through the air as they went through the gateway, a fog rolled over the surroundings; so dense and thick that it could swallow any of them if they wandered more than a few feet from one another. August noted that even though Xander and Aria were only a couple feet from him, already their visage was distorted, grey and distant like a curtain was being drawn between them. They were in the woods, just as they’d been a moment ago, but their surroundings were distorted in a way, like he was looking at the Forest of Eyes as it was reflected in a shallow pond: far and reaching. Shadows crawled and played tricks of light, and August, was exhilarated.

Xander

Xander didn't comment on anything else, finding it amusing that August left out important details. He simply made his way forward, the old path familiar as it always had been. "I spent decades here at a time," he murmured, though he didn't care much if they weren't listening. The Otherworld was a lot to take in – and it was easy to get pulled astray by words and whispers of answers people didn't even know they were seeking. For the fae, however, it was almost just as much home as the faerielands were. "It's always spring in the realm of the fae. Constant wind, my favorite, and parties that last weeks. Sometimes it's hard to remember that there aren't very many of us still out there." Xander took in a deep breath, the winter chill hitting his arms, even as his eyes began to glow. His human form was still somewhat present, though his skin was slowly becoming iridescent. Glowing green eyes turned back towards August and Aria, "If you ever try to come here without one of us, you'll get pulled into that," he glanced back towards the fog and distorted vision of a forest. "You can say you have the most self-control out of everyone, but it'll still happen. You just need to hope you survive. Any questions? Hope you feel better about it."

Aria

“Just one,” she muttered in response to August’s question. But she didn’t elaborate. The prospect of venturing into the Otherworld had her feeling on edge. And it wasn’t all apprehension for the bad feeling she had. In fact, most of what she felt was pure excitement. It wasn’t everyday the daughter of Ashbourne got to venture outside the norms of town. Her skin tingled and her eyes were alight with attention and elation hidden well beneath her stern visage. Aria had no intention of making it easier for the group to lower their guard by seeming childishly excited. She kept that to herself as well as she could as she followed August and Xander into the gateway. As soon as they were through, Aria held her breath in amazement. The fog lingered between her fingers as she moved them and crept along the folds of her long dress like snakes. It was eerie but it was different. And different was always what she’d longed for. Aria listened to Xander, nodding vaguely afterwards and returning her gaze to her surroundings. “I’m not planning on getting lost or dying today,” she muttered softly. “And how exactly are we finding the place from here?” Part of her hoped there wasn’t too much walking involved. Her heels were higher and thinner than usual.(edited)

August

For a moment, August thought the shifting gray that has seeped between the three of them was altering his perception, while Aria appeared the same, it was Xander’s eyes as they pierced the gloom of the Otherworld that first caught his attention as he listened to the fae’s explanation, directing his question towards Xander, “so I take it you know the High Queen well, then?” He knew Aria had been concerned about the safety of this venture, and had mentioned bringing along a weapons - just in case. He was happy to see Stevros was not with her, August had no intention of having to summon his own familiar again so he had assumed Aria would have the foresight to leave her own on the other side. “Did you bring anything? You know, in case this goes south?” He didn’t think there was much they could bring that would be in any way effectual against the High Queen, but he was curious, just in case they did need to make a run for it. It was not news to anyone that the Otherworld was dangerous, at least not to him, his aunt, a conjurer like himself, had drilled the dangers of spirits and the other side into his head for years and years. “So it’s even worse somehow than the actual Forest of Eyes. Great.” He looked between the two of them, “we should keep moving, then.”

Xander

Xander refrained from rolling his eyes, trying to remember that these two were basically toddlers to him at this point. Despite that, he didn’t really want anything to happen to them. “Aria, isn’t it? I recommend not attempting anything if this goes south. You’ll be horribly outnumbered, and useless against fae glamour that’ll make you spin your head. The queen is...close with all the fae. You learn the ways of tradition really early on, and it doesn’t change.” Xander’s eyes shifted from green to a bright blue, the blue iridescence settling into his skin and glimmering shirt. “You don’t understand that this is literally our world; you should only focus on what the queen wants from you.” The air fae took in a deep breath, a smirk tugging at his features, “We’re almost there. Any questions? Once we reach the palace, you’re going to be left to your own devices. Fae will stare, probably, so don’t get into anything you shouldn’t. And if you want in on an orgy, Aria, you only have to ask.”

Aria

“No, I didn’t,” she lied. Xander was not someone she trusted just yet. She looked over to August, wondering if maybe he would understand the subtle look she shot him that yes, she had brought something. But no, she didn’t trust their fae company enough to share she was willing to stab them if things got bad. Aria then looked over to Xander as he addressed her and tried not to roll her eyes. Maybe she’d be more tame when it came to having August with her, but she was not the docile type. If things went south, there would be no holding back with her once reason failed. She tried not to worry about it - reason rarely failed with her. Instead, she tried to focus on admiring all the beautiful colors that seemed to come out of Xander. It was like his own personal aurora and she wished, not for the first time, that she could take a picture of the view. “Good to know,” she muttered sarcastically. Aria nervously pulled a strand of hair behind her ear and inhaled deeply. Staring was something she was rather used to but staring by a bunch of shiny fae while she was wearing something so strange to her and in a place she had no confidence in was new. And some of her excitement gave way to a little more nerves once more.(edited)

August

He picked up on Aria’s cue, truthfully, he could have guessed that she had brought something. She was the one who had mentioned bringing along something for self-defense, just in case, and rarely had August known her to ever show up unprepared. With their exchange he hoped to provide a follow-up piece of information traded only through their eyes as Aria stated she hadn’t brought any such thing. She was probably right not to trust Xander, but when he’d needed answers and safe passage, it was the air fae who had provided. Just the same, he would not be caught unarmed, either. He couldn't help but wonder what Xander would do, though, in truth, August didn't need to ask. As he'd said, this was Xander's world, this was his home, and this Queen was a friend of his. “Never?” Came August’s question, never was a long time for tradition to remain unchanged, inflexible came to mind. He wondered if it was possible for the High Queen to be close with all the fae under such circumstance, as Xander had stated. “What happens to the fae who try to break or change tradition?” Rigid formality was not something he excelled at, quite the opposite, August had a habit of breaking such things. “Sounds charming,” August rolled his eyes, he was already ready to feel this warmth that Xander had mentioned, “I’m used to getting ogled by fae so shouldn’t be too far of a break from the norm,” August quipped, “seriously though, do you have any ideas why she might have summoned me? – Us?”

Xander

Xander only hummed, though he wasn’t ignorant. He chose not to ask what the look was for, as it was most likely none of his business. He laughed a little at her indignant attitude when she rolled her eyes, but he simply figured they’d learn the hard way if they didn’t believe what he said. “We’re not like that, August. I guess I worded that wrong. Tradition keeps us safe; what’s there to change? It’s not like we’re waging wars or doing something outside of tradition.” “Are you? Can’t say I’ve ever met a fae in the water wheel who was mildly interested in you when I’m standing right there,” the air fae’s smile was wicked as he teased August, managing to keep the air light despite the murky fog seemingly closing in around them. “We’re almost there. Stay close, and don’t stray from the path. It gets messier the closer we get,” he murmured, mostly unbothered. He worried for the humans, though. Voices and figures that offered answers were only false prophets, and well, the Otherworld was unforgiving. “Honestly, I don’t know. It’s not really any of my business, either. The high queen does everything for a reason. If she shares that with you, then let me know. You just owe me for getting you here safe in the first place. Anyone else might’ve just let you get lost,” he grinned. “The entrance is up ahead. You can call me Xander; here, I go by my given name, Vitalis. Don’t pick any flowers, also. They might kill you.”

Aria

Aria kept herself as close to August as she could without making it obvious the place was starting to chip away at her excitement and play around with nerves more and more. The fog didn’t bother her and neither did the new, strange scenery. Not even the shadows that lurked at the edges of her vision did too much too move her. It was really the voices. The whispers that were filling her ears. Aria did not have a great experience dealing with spirits and whispers when it they didn’t come from Stevros. She was getting wary that they’d get to her or to August before they arrived. Hearing that they almost arrived there quelled her growing worries just a little. “We’re going into the faerielands as the only witches, no defenses and no idea what they want with us… And all we have as backup is our sassy designated tour guide…” A pause. “Sounds great.” Aria smiled to herself and walked past the two boys, eager to get out of the fog and into the place they were meant to be in. Finally - a place unseen by her eyes. She made sure August was right by her before making her way through and finally taking in her new surroundings. Her breath hitched in her throat almost immediately. As long as there wasn’t any trouble for her or August, this was going to be amazing.

August

“I suppose that makes sense.” August didn't know enough about their cultures or their traditions really to comment, and truthfully, he didn’t need to know what happened to the fae who broke tradition, but rarely could a wheel spin eternally without ever needing a change. Still, the conversation was a good distraction from the spirits that attempted to ebb at his mind. He wasn’t unfamiliar. August had sent enough people to this place to know he needed to be mindful of what was and was not real. His mother screaming for help, then in another instant promising to tell him everything she’d kept from him. There was Cassandra in his peripherals, standing amidst the fog as she leaned languidly against a tree – she was beautiful, she’d always been beautiful, but her head was in the same mangled condition that he’d left it in when he buried her. There were others, but they were distant enough that he could block them out. His father hung with a broken neck, another face he was still trying to forget. More still of people whose names he’d never bothered to learn, faces he only recognized because they recognized him. Nearest the gate, however, there stood Lisa, and for a moment he faltered. He had not seen her die, had not known if he’d succeeded. He’d been too afraid to ever find out, his eyes fixed but he tried to shake her, though her lips never parted, her eyes never wavered, she spoke to him: foolish boy.

He kept his thoughts trained on Xander and Aria, though the Otherworld was beginning to take its toll. “How could anyone ever see past that big head of yours, Vitalis?” August quipped as he tested the Fae’s true name across his tongue, though a smile was pulling at the corner of his mouth. He could feel the warmth of the faerielands, and although he needed to walk right past his aunt lisa, he did not look twice. The faerielands were more than he had ever expected, flowers bloomed beautifully all around them, a magic nature almost calling to him. He suspected that to be their nature and could only imagine the agony that the no touching rule would put Aria through. August marveled at the architecture, the fountains, the stones, the trees, even the lushness of the grass. It had been years since he’d seen anything not draped in the dreary clouds of Ashbourne, dredged in death and misery, this place was bursting with life. He looked to Aria, fully aware that he was in the company of two people who liked to talk a lot, it was nice, although August was still unnerved he did his best not to show it. “Aria we should try and stick together if we can,” though already he had an urge to wander into the nearest well of wine he could find and drown himself(edited)

Xander

Xander paused at the threshold, watching August as carefully as he could. His shoulders eased their tension when the witch finally walked into the fae lands. He allowed himself a smile, though he still didn’t feel like he was home. They were all trapped here. One could throw in their everlasting paradise; the prison walls of Ashbourne were only hidden from view. “Maybe one day you’ll come back when we’re all free from this place.” Vitalis turned towards his company, “I know you both think yourselves all powerful and capable, but remember you’re in the presence of our high queen, and you can easily die here. So try not to cause too much trouble.” With that, Vitalis continued to walk, the iridescent faerie reflecting the same blue that littered the water nearby. Since air was his element, a silver glow finally took over his eyes, replacing the earlier blue. It was his true form, and the silver iridescence set in completely. As he walked towards the palace, he motioned to the doors, “This is the only way in or out, really. Don’t wander through the faerielands without someone else. It’s still dangerous - spirits are everywhere. Anyway, the queen will probably summon you. Or, there’ll be a line where you enter to give her your offering.” He turned to face Aria and August, silver glowing eyes shining with mirth, “Good luck. I have other people to see.”

[illogicalword-blog]

Religion and Secular Injustice

           I've lived in the state of Arizona most of my life. Sometimes, I'm really proud of that. For instance, we just elected Kyrsten Sinema to the US Senate.  Not only is she the first Democratic senator elected from Arizona since the eighties, she's the first openly bisexual member of Congress and the second LGBT member of Congress.

           But last Monday, February 11, 2019, something happened in the Arizona state legislature that makes me ashamed of this state.  Representative Athena Salman delivered the morning invocation that day. Representative Salman is nonreligious, and delivered a secular prayer inviting all present to ponder the "wonders of the universe" and the interdependence of the earth, how insignificant we are in the grandeur and size of that same universe.  She asked, in a secular way, if we could fathom what it takes to support the many types of lifeforms on this little planet in this out-of-the-way corner of the galaxy.

           There was a response to this invocation. Representative John Kavanagh has sixty-eight years to Representative Salman's twenty-nine or thirty, a booming voice, and a good ol' boy's mannerisms.  He invited his "guest:" God.  For God was in the gallery with them, "as he is everywhere." It was rude, it was snarky, it was demeaning.  It sounded like it was meant to be.

           But Representative Salman did not let it lie. The next day, with a group of supporters behind her, she quoted a number of ways Representative Kavanagh had displayed "behavior unbecoming of a member" of the House.  That day, the reason, perhaps, that Salman was delivering the invocation, was Secular Day, and members of the Secular Coalition for Arizona were in the gallery.  This was likely the reason for Kavanagh's rebuttal to the invocation devoid of a traditional deity.  He sent an emailed response to the Phoenix New Times that expressed no regrets, calling what he said a "friendly counterpoint to Representative Salman's hijacking of the prayer."  He added, "I felt it proper to restore God to the prayer, which is the purpose of the prayer."

           I invite you to view Representative Salman's invocation, Kavanagh's "friendly counterpoint," and her rebuttal the following day on the YouTube channel secularcoalition.  It was how this actually came to my attention, bad local politics follower that I am.  Let me know how friendly you think Representative Kavanagh sounds.

           I have to admit, I have a lot of admiration for open atheists and secularists like Athena Salman in politics.  I've heard it said before that being an atheist in politics is committing career suicide, but she's been reelected more than once.  This isn't the first controversy that's come up over her invocation, either.  In 2017, the House took her to task for delivering one that wasn't religious enough.  No, really.

           I found an article about that on Arizona Central, and the House required by policy for the invocation to invoke a higher power. The House Majority Leader, John Allen, had suggested that if the lawmaker making the invocation had no interest in a higher power they should "ask the members to focus on theirs."

           At this point you might be asking, as I was, why in the hell there's a prayer before a legislative meeting anyway? I've never watched one, I should point out.  But apparently this is a common occurrence in every single state (at some point in the proceeding) and even at the federal level.  According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, "The constitutionality of legislative prayer was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1983.  In its decision on Marsh, Nebraska, State Treasurer, et al V. Chambers, the court ruled that Congress and state legislatures do not violate the U.S. Constitution's separation of church and state even when clergy are paid to lead devotionals."  So apparently that case was more about the payment than the secularism, but Chief Justice Warren Burger went on to say that prayer during these legislative proceedings is not "an establishment of religion or a step toward establishment; it is simply a tolerable acknowledgment or beliefs."  Again, no mention of lack of beliefs.

           Evidently, this use is part of the pomp and circumstance of legislation, part of the ceremony of the proceedings, and while it may be unnecessary, it goes all the way back to the British Parliament, preceding the creation of the United States of America.  I might point out that the British government is distinctly religious (in theory), with the monarch being the head of the Church of England, while the United States is designed to be the opposite.  But perhaps I shall leave that for another day.

           Representative Salman brought up several arguments for why Representative Kavanagh's behavior was unbecoming of a member of the House. Let's take a thorough look at each of those in turn.

           First, she brought up the Arizona Constitution, Article Twenty, Section One.  This reads, in full, "Perfect toleration of religious sentiment shall be secured to every inhabitant of this state, and no inhabitant of this state shall ever be molested in person or property on account of his or her mode of religious worship, or lack of the same."  The Arizona Constitution was ratified in 1912, when Arizona became a state.  Other subjects of section twenty include a banning of polygamy and a requirement of state officials to read, write and speak in English.  It determined which lands were public lands, which were Native American lands, where the state capital was located, and which lands belonged to the state.

           The point is, the very first section established not only religious freedom, but freedom for "the lack thereof." And yet Representative Salman was publicly shamed for offering a secular invocation on a secular day with a secular group in attendance.

           The second point she offered was the Supreme Court ruling in 2014 of the Town of Greece vs. Galloway.  This ruling involved a town that had similar invocations in their meetings, but the town was largely dominated by one religious denomination.  The ruling determined that volunteer chaplains could open each session with a prayer.  Now, Jewish and atheist women who had filed suit were disappointed by this ruling, as were secular groups.  Ultimately, though, this comes down to what is a prayer?  We already know what Arizona thinks a prayer is.  Cough, cough, higher power, cough.

           That being said, Representative Salman pointed out a passage in it that "prohibits the disparaging of other faiths or none."  Moreover, one of the constitutional prescriptions for the prayer is that "The body may not dictate what is in the prayers and what may not be in the prayers."  That kind of suggests Arizona can't say that it needs a higher power, though I'll admit the prescription goes on to say, "A prayer may invoke the deity or deities of a given faith, and need not embrace the beliefs of multiple or all faiths" and says nothing and a prayer invoking no deity at all.

           Let us briefly consult our friends at Merriam-Webster, since I have no subscription to the Oxford dictionary.  While the first definition of prayer is "(1) : an address (such as a petition) to God or a god in word or thought, (2) a set order of words used in praying," the second part of the definition is only "an earnest request or wish."

           Representative Salman's next point turned to the Arizona Supreme Court of Appeals and Cochise County 1982.  The court stated in that treatise "We cannot imagine that the Legislature would give preferential treatment to one religion over another because one is perhaps more established and thus more acceptable than another." For the record, this appeal had to do with a family of Christian Scientists whose children had been taken away after one had died due to not receiving necessary medical treatment.  And in defense of my state, who it seems decided there was no abuse other than the lack of medical treatment and was awarding the children back to the parents, they also referenced the case of Prince vs. Massachusetts, stating, "Parents may be free to become martyrs themselves. But it does not follow they are free, in identical circumstances, to make martyrs of their children."  This suggests they were still going to have people follow up on whether the children were receiving medical treatment if they were in need of it.  I hope.

           Arizona is a peculiar state.  It leans conservative, despite being surrounded by liberal states.  This is because the largest population center, the Phoenix metropolitan area, leans conservative while many of the other populations centers such as Tucson and Flagstaff lean liberal.  And Sedona. Whacky, whacky Sedona.  According to pewforum.org, Arizona is 67% Christian, with 21% Catholic, 26% Evangelical Protestant, and 5% Mormon.  And yet 27% are Unaffiliated.  Looking at the United States, 70.6% are Christian and 22.8% are Unaffiliated—with another 15.8% being nothing in particular.  So by that logic, there should be 38 Senators who are not religious, and 165 members of the House of Representatives.  Or at least who are nothing in particular.  In reality?  There is one. Representative Jared Huffman of California.  In 2017, Representative Huffman gave an interview with the Washington Post didn't say he was an atheist, but did say he was a non-religious humanist.  He is quoted as saying "I suppose you could say I don't believe in God."

           He was reelected in 2018.  Thank you, California.  Few other states would have done it.

           Even more interestingly, in seven states—eight, if you count an ambiguous line in Pennsylvania's state Constitution—it is still on the books that you must believe in a god to hold public office. This despite the 1961 Supreme Court ruling of Torcaso v. Watkins in which the Justices ruled unanimously that it was unconstitutional for the notary public in question, Roy Torcaso, to be submitted to any kind of religious test upon being appointed to office. Article VI of the U.S. Constitution states, and has stated from the beginning, "no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."  This supersedes the line in the Constitution of Maryland—which, I might add, is still there today—where "a declaration of belief in the existence of God" is necessary for somebody to take public office.  For the record, the next time a referendum can be held in Maryland to discuss modernizing their Constitution is 2020.  People of Maryland, I urge you to let your voices be heard!

           Religion is a divisive subject for people.  I don't understand how people can be so offended when they feel their religion is being belittled, and yet treat people who profess to believe in no religion in the same way.  For many, choosing not to believe in a god is a logical conclusion after study, questioning, and learning.  It's not something we choose so Christians can mock us or preach to us—or both at the same time.

           The original prayer that brought Representative Salman up in the news—you know, the one that wasn't religious enough—was as follows:

Take a moment to look around you at the people gathered here today. We come from a variety of backgrounds and interests, but the passion that ignites us; the fire that burns within us; is similar.  We all seek to form "a more perfect union," creating change from an abiding passion to improve the lives of the humans of this city. There is wonder in that. More importantly, though, there is unity.  In a nation often eager to be polarized in its views, allow us in this moment to recognize what we have in common: A deep-seated need to help create a more just and positive world.  As we speak today, remember that commonality. Remember the humanity that resides within each and every person here, and each and every person in the city, and in all people in the nation and world as a whole.  In the words of former President of Illinois Wesleyan University Minor Meyers, Jr., "Go forth and do well, but even more, go forth and do good."

But remember.  Don't just take my word for it.  Learn everything.  Question everything.

[yotsutama]

2nd Anniversary Special Story 1

Idolish7 2nd Anniversary Special Story

Chapter 1 - We Are the Winners!

MC: Next, the Best Musical Award! This year’s Japan Musical grand prize, The Best Musical Award, goes to….

MC: “Last Dimension ~Who Will Pull the TRIGGER~”!

Audiences: Waaaaa…..!!

Gaku: …… Yay! We’re the winners!

Ryuunosuke: To think that we won The Best Musical Award! We did it! Tenn! Gaku!

Tenn: Yeah… I grew up watching musicals, so this award is like a dream come true to me. I’m glad I did my best in every performance……

MC: TRIGGER, congratulations! Can you give a word to everyone in the venue to express your joy?

Tenn: Everyone, thank you very much! As TRIGGER and as Kujou Tenn, it is a great honor for me to win this award. It’s all thanks to everyone who support us. Thank you very much!

Audiences: Waaaaaaaaa…..!!

[Takanashi Agency]

Riku: TRIGGER’s Last Dimension won the Best Musical Award!

Tamaki: Is that amazing?

Sougo: It’s amazing! As expected of TRIGGER!

Yamato: It’s a long run performance since Kokera Otoshi in Zero Arena, right.

Nagi: OH! It was very exciting show! Riku and I have watched it 6 times!

Iori: It’s not easy to win the Best Musical Award, they must have worked really hard. They are our rival group, but I really respect that side of them.

Mitsuki: Right! I bet President Yaotome is so proud now!

[Yaotome Agency]

Anesagi Kaoru: You guys really did it! 

Gaku: Well.

Anesagi Kaoru: Don’t ‘well’ me, are you embarrassed? Ah, let me keep the trophy.

Ryuunosuke: Thank you. Aaah, I’m so happy! It was our first musical, we really practiced a lot!

Gaku: Because someone was so annoying about it.

Tenn: You were passionate about it too, weren’t you?

Gaku: Of course.

Ryuunosuke: Ahaha! I’m glad we did our best and took the challenge! I treasure every performance we did!

Anesagi Kaoru: The president is in a good mood too! He’s out right now, but when he comes back, I’m sure he will congratulate you.

Gaku: Will he? I think he will say something like, “Don’t be satisfied with just this.”

Anesagi Kaoru: Your very first musical won the Best Musical Award, you know!? No one can keep calm about this! The President is in very high spirits deep down!

Ryuunosuke: Is he?

Tenn: I can’t imagine it……

Yaotome Sousuke: Fufufufu fu~nfu fu~nfufu (he’s humming lastdime lol) ……, *cough*. What, why are you here.

Ryuunosuke: …… Was he just humming?

Anesagi Kaoru: President, TRIGGER has come back! Shouldn’t you say something to them?

Yaotome Sousuke: Huh. You must not be satisfied with something this small. 

Yaotome Sousuke: It’s not this trophy you must win, it’s the overall winner trophy in Black or White. This year, you will overcome Re:vale, and be the winner! Until then, don’t you dare slack off!

Gaku: Said by someone who was just humming our song.

Tenn: We will be more firm and work on it.

Yaotome Sousuke: Good answer, Tenn.

Gaku: …… It’s not like we were slacking off. But we just worked hard to get the result we deserved.

Gaku: Don’t call Japan’s Musical Award as ‘something small!’ Isn’t that rude for those who take musicals seriously!?

Yaotome Sousuke: With that way of thinking, you will just brag about your past glory and not move forward. Last Dimension is a mere stepping stone you have passed.

Yaotome Sousuke: Forget it.

Gaku: …………… Tch……

Anesagi Kaoru: President… That’s too much. These kids have just won the Best Musical Award and……

Tenn: We are not dragging it on anymore. It’s enough.

Ryuunosuke: It’s fine with us, but Gaku is your son, President. You should praise him a little more……

Gaku: I don’t care anymore. I’m not a kid. I don’t expect anything from that guy from the start, anyway.

Yaotome Sousuke: ……………..

Gaku: Let’s celebrate it, just the three of us. …… Let’s go.

Ryuunosuke: Gaku…….

Yaotome Sousuke: Wait.

Gaku: ……………..

Yaotome Sousuke: I don’t want to spoil you a lot but, raising my talents’ motivations is one of my jobs.

Gaku: So what.

Yaotome Sousuke: ……… On the next day off……

Gaku: What?

Yaotome Sousuke: I mean, uh…… On the next day off…… I will take you out to a meal…….

Yaotome Sousuke: ….. Congratulations on your Best Musical Award…… 

Gaku: Your voice is so quiet! I can’t hear you!!!

Yaotome Sousuke: Shut up! Just keep your next day off free! Anesagi, schedule it!!

Anesagi Kaoru: …! Y-Yes! I understand!

Ryuunosuke: I’m glad!

Tenn: Haha… Thanks to the trophy, we got to see an unexpected family drama, huh.

Anesagi Kaoru: I will book the President’s favorite restaurant! You guys! It’s a party!

[TV station hallway]

Riku: So, you will celebrate it with President Yaotome! Ten… Kujou-san, that’s great!

Tenn: It’s thanks to the Yaotome family’s mini drama. Thanks, Gaku.

Gaku: What the heck is a mini drama. I didn’t do anything.

Riku: Yaotome-san, congratulation!

Gaku: Thanks, Nanase.

Mitsuki: When you say celebration, what are you going to do?

Ryuunosuke: This Monday, we will have dinner at President’s favorite restaurant.

Mitsuki: I see! We also want to celebrate TRIGGER’s win!

Ryuunosuke: Really? That makes me so happy!

Sougo: Please let us celebrate it! TRIGGER celebrated our 1st anniversary and all! Although, I don’t really remember it……

Ryuunosuke: A-Ahaha… I think it’s better to not remember it…?

Gaku: You want to celebrate it, huh? If you guys say it like that then……

Anesagi Kaoru: They can’t join us.

Gaku: Anesagi……

Anesagi Kaoru: The President doesn’t like interacting with other agencies. It is our party, you know? At least, don’t worsen his mood this time.

Riku: Is that so………

Yamato: It’s a shame, but we have no choice. Let’s not interrupt their privacy.

Yamato: We can celebrate it next time. Congrats, TRIGGER.

Ryuunosuke: Thank you.

Riku: Kujou-san, have fun there!

Tenn: Thank you, Nanase-san.

*footsteps*

Riku: …… What a shame… I wanted to return what they did for us for our 1st anniversary.

Iori: We can just give them goods to celebrate them. Anesagi-san was right, it’s not good to interact with other agencies too much.

Nagi: YES! And we have something so, so important planned on that day.

Iori: Important plans? All of us are free that night, aren’t we?

Nagi: The Magical Cocona Special Anime is being aired that day! It’s a special day!

Riku: You have been looking forward to that, right Nagi!

Nagi: YEAH! I was born just for that day! This kiss expresses my love to this world! 

Riku: You’re THAT happy!?

Mitsuki: Ahaha! He looks so excited!

Yamato: Hahaha. We should be ready in advance so we can watch it on time.

Yamato: If he misses it, he won’t listen to us for half a year.

Momo: Good morning, IDOLiSH7!

Yuki: Morning.

Riku: Momo-san, Yuki-san!

Momo: Did you watch TRIGGER’s award ceremony? They were so cool weren’t they~!? Hey, let’s celebrate it together!

Yuki: Momo has been talking about it since yesterday. He has many celebration plans…

Tamaki: We just asked them to celebrate it together, but they refused.

Momo: Eeeh!?

Riku: They said they wanted to celebrate it privately.

Yuki: What, it’s just that? No worries. 

Riku: Really!?

Yuki: Yeah. I guarantee it. We have interrupted a private party once before.

Yamato: That’s not something you should be proud of……

Yuki: The party’s main members were happy about it. Although, they were you.

Master Director: Ah! Re:vale-san, IDOLiSH7-san! Good morning!

Master Director: I want to ask a favor; my daughter’s birthday is coming up… Can I ask for your autographs for her?

Momo: Sure, sure!

Yamato: Of course you can!

Master Director: Aah, thank god. TRIGGER-san refused me, so I was worried.

Riku: TRIGGER didn’t accept the autograph requests?

Master Director: They said they don’t accept these requests from staff. Although, Kujou-san did say, “Say hello to your daughter.”

Momo: Yaotome Production is strict after all! What is your daughter’s name? I’ll write it! Tell me her age too!

Master Director: Her name is Hitomi, she’s turning 10 soon. I promised to take her to a beach and have a BBQ, but I suddenly got a job that day.

Mitsuki: What happened?

Master Director: My new coworker made a mistake. The sponsors and President Yaotome were really mad about it. The whole team will have to discuss how to recover from that mistake on the day of my daughter’s birthday.

Yuki: Master Control’s work is the heart of TV programs. If there’s a mistake there, anyone would notice it easily. Here, I’ve signed it.

Sougo: I am done too. Here you go.

Master Director: Aah, thank you very much! Thank god… I can’t be with her on her birthday, but at least I’ll have a surprise present for her.

Riku: Surprise present……

Master Director: Thank you very much! Let’s work hard today!

Riku: Please take care of us!

Riku: Hey, how about we give TRIGGER a surprise present? We won’t trouble them, and we get to celebrate it together.

Tamaki: Nice idea! What kind of surprise?

Mitsuki: Something to make them surprised and happy!

Momo: Then, how about……

Momo: Us!?

Riku: That’s great!!

Tamaki: It’s us! We can’t interrupt their party, but if we go as their present, it’s okay right?!

Mitsuki: Is it really okay…?

Yamato: Isn’t it impossible…?

Yuki: Well, Momo wants to do it, so isn’t it fine?

Sougo: How about we also write celebration cards and give it to them?

Nagi: OH! I can’t participate! That day is a Special Day……

Mitsuki: We can just go home before it airs! Now, let’s discuss what kind of present we will give them!

All: Yeah!!

[Re:vale’s agency]

Okazaki Rinto: Surprise present? That’s good idea. If there’s something I can do, I’ll support you.

Yuki: Thank you.

Okazaki Rinto: Do you know where they are going to have dinner at?

Yuki: Momo just found out about it.

Momo: Hello, I’m Momo from Re:vale. I heard Yaotome-san booked your restaurant, and we want to give them a surprise!

Momo: Yeah, yeah! The idols, Re:vale! We want to surprise them, so can you keep it a secret from Yaotome-san? We want you to…… 

[Takanashi agency]

Takanashi Otoharu: Then, what kind of surprise will you give to Yaotome-kun?

Tsumugi: We plan to sing “Last Dimension ~Who Will Pull the TRIGGER~” together!

Tsumugi: Okazaki-san and I will participate as well!

Takanashi Otoharu: Sounds interesting! Can I join too?

Tsumugi: President too?

Takanashi Otoharu: Yaotome-kun came to our 1st anniversary and all! Banri-kun will come too, right?

Ogami Banri: Yes! If President goes, I’ll accompany you.

Takanashi Otoharu: Okay, we will be their present too. Let’s also buy flowers to celebrate their award.

Ogami Banri: Ah! Look! Breaking news……

Takanashi Otoharu: “King Pudding Discontinued” …?

Tamaki: I’m back~… Eeeeeeh—–!?!?!!

Tsumugi: T-Tamaki-san!

Sougo: Eh, sales will end? It’s on the breaking news, was there an accident or……

Tamaki: NOO!! No way! Don’t end it–!!!!

Sougo: T-Tamaki-kun, calm down……

Tamaki: Don’t you know we can’t eat it anymore!? Should I buy it now before it’s sold out!? 100 million King Puddings!!

Sougo: It would expire before you could eat them all. It’s a shame, but life is full of meetings and farewells……

Tamaki: No way—!! I still don’t wanna say good bye to King Pudding–!!!

Ogami Banri: Ah… The news just now stated it was a mistake. Tamaki-kun, it was a mistake!

Tamaki: Seriously!? Aah….. Thank god……

Sougo: That’s a relief… It’s rare to see a mistake in breaking news.

Takanashi Otoharu: You’ve got a point. This would’ve caused a great ruckus if they didn’t correct it sooner.

Ogami Banri: TV program’s Master Control is the one who takes charge of the breaking news, right? They’ve been making a lot of mistakes lately……

To be continued…

T/N?

Hello so we found out that 2nd anniv hasn’t been translated in tumblr… Even though the 3rd is coming soon (lol) I hope you enjoy it!

THX @ousama-pudding FOR CORRECTING MY STUPID TYPOS

For your information, the 1st anniversary story is about IDOLiSH7's 1st anniversary, but 2nd anniversary story is pretty much about TRIGGER's award celebration so IDOLiSH7 is still 1 year old in this story. (IDOLiSH7 probably won't have 2nd anniversary forever since they don't age lol)

Thanks for reading~

[flowersymbolism]

Flowers of Spring - Chapter 10

AUTHORS NOTE: Guys. This is it. The end. I am so, so grateful for each and every person who took the time to read the story we wanted to tell. I’m sure Alex will make a post giving her two cents, but I wanted to say, from the bottom of my heart, thank-you. Thank-you so much for reading, liking, reblogging and experiencing our story. I want to thank you for falling in love with Lammermeier as much as I did (I love him a lot.) I want to thank you for all the times you’ve said ‘how dare you?’ to us. I want to thank so many people who have given us feedback as we’ve written this. I feel like I’m at an awards ceremony. One last thank-you! I want to thank our beautiful pals @riyis @skeletonmelodies  and @stupid-sea-pigeon for validating us. @obsessive-introvert  for being wonderful and supportive. @thatsilvermagic for being them (Thanks, lke. Sorry we killed you.) And thank-you Alex, the other half of flowersymbolism, @flew-off-with-whizzer-brown for being an amazing co-writer and sister. You’re gonna grow up to do great things, kiddo. We’ve been told a few times how canon this story feels, and we couldn’t ask for a better compliment than that. So, I hereby present to you, after my ridiculously mushy and unnessecary authors note, Chapter 10, the finale of Flowers of Spring.

Yours, forever and always, Lottie.

It was as if everything were in a haze. Hanschen threw the letter down on the bed, his knees failing him as he found himself falling onto the bed. He sat, shaking, unable to understand why this had affected him so. He was going to leave her. He didn’t want to be here. So then why was his world slowly crumbling around him? This was his fresh start. Suddenly his regret, remorse and guilt was overcome by a new emotion. An emotion Hanschen hadn't felt since childhood, not truly. A hint of it arose when his son, for the first time, had used his words against him, but it had never bubbled to the surface until now.

Hanschen felt rage.

He was angry at himself, angry for being careless and ruining things again. He was angry at his son, his stupid son, for taking things too far and getting kicked out for good. He was angry at the world for letting a villian who stole the life of a child go unpunished. He was angry at the man who had tore his family apart with his soft curls and brilliant smile. He was angry at his damned wife for once again ruining everything he wanted. He wanted to leave, and of course she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.

He grabbed the nearest object to him, a book laid on the bed, and threw it, hard against the wall. It hit the wall with a thud, clattering to the floor and falling open. Hanschen stared at the book, just for a moment, then pushed himself to his feet.

Hanschen hurried out of the room, not realizing until now that he was crying. He aggressively wiped away his tears with the heel of his palm, taking the stairs two at a time. He stormed through the hallways, straight to his study, and looked around for a moment. Darting over to his desk, he grabbed a single item: the letter. The last remaining letter he had saved all those years ago.

He clutched it in his hands, and seemingly for a moment, his anger disappeared. But he soon stuffed the letter in his trouser pocket and headed back out of the door. He moved quickly, at the front door in a second, coat in hand and then around him. He was out the door in a flash, the only things on his person a wallet and that precious, precious letter.

He wasn’t thinking, he knew he wasn’t, but somehow he could bare to spend another minute inside that house. He didn’t know where he was going, but his legs seemed to, and so he followed his heart - or his head, at this point he couldn’t tell which - all the way down the country lane he lived on. Neighbours watched as the distressed, messy and frantic Herr Rilow moved down the road and out of sight, in the direction of the train station.

The air helped clear hard, calm his range, but the distress remained. He was broken, or so he thought, never to be fixed. His family had discarded him, like a broken toy that you were once so fond of but now only see as trash, something to get rid of. Something that no longer belonged. Hanschen no longer belonged in that house. The ghosts that haunted him deserved better than his presence. He missed home. That was not his home. Home was garden parties, and soft kisses, and books, and joy, and love. The house he left was filled with nothing but silence, and remorse, and the weight of every mistake he had ever made. He filed through them in his head, Sofia, his angel, Robert, his pride, his joy, Lammermeier, and sweet, sweet Johanna.

Ernst.

All these lives, ruined. Because of him. He thought of all the lives ruined by others, ruined by fate, and cursed that he too would suffer the same fate. Wendla. Moritz.

Max.

The childhood faces he could barely remember but who’s memory pressed against his chest like a cold, dead weight.

And then he’d reached the train station. He looked up at the building, blinking away tears that hung on his eyelashes. He knew this was where he belonged. He knew that whatever happened, he would end up back here. This was the first time, Hanschen realized as he stood there, taking in the weight of the situation, that he had visited the train station on his own volition. Every other time, something had brought him here.

A letter had brought him here. But not this time. He knew that whatever he chose, stepping into this train station would lead to the end of the line.

And so he stepped inside.

“Open it, father, go on, open it!”

The two eldest children watched their father with big eyes, sat around the fire. The presents under the tree had been unwrapped and the children were sat amongst the collateral damage. Well, all except one. In Hanschen’s hands sat a long, small, neatly wrapped box, with a brown label - ‘Love Santa Claus’. It certainly wasn’t his wife’s handwriting. His wife looked equally confused at the box, but his children waited eagerly, wanting to see what Santa had brought their father.

And so he gingerly unwrapped the box, being careful not to tear the paper too much. He slowly pulled the lid off the box, scanning the contents for a brief moment. A beautiful brass fountain pen lay in a cushion of velvet. Reflecting the light of the fire, it almost seemed to glow. He stared at the pen, feeling his cheeks flushing pink and hot. The children looked disappointed.

“What a beautiful gift,” Sofia said, cooly. Hanschen looked up at his wife, whose eyes were fixed on the pen. He instantly looked back down, to his lap, and closed the box.

“Yes, quite,” he said quietly, slowly pushing himself up off the floor to his feet. “If you’ll excuse me, I-” He faltered for a moment. “...I think I left one last gift in the study.” He moved out of the room, and as soon as he was safe behind the door of his study, almost collapsed against the desk. With a shaky hand, he placed the box onto his desk, sitting down on the surface and wrapping his arms around himself.

Ernst.

He’d forgotten about him. He’d received plenty of letters of good cheer and christmas wishes that he’d forgotten that he haven't received a letter in months. Because he wasn’t sending a letter. He was sending a gift.

Hanschen shook his hard violently, clutching his shirt sleeves tightly on his upper arms as he held himself. His life was going wonderfully, with his third child on the way and two more beautiful children around him. His loving wife, radiant and wonderful, and a home that he could call his own. So why did he hurt so much whenever he thought about the sweet boy he fell in love with all those years ago? Why would he shake, and cry, and hurt? He might never know. Hanschen picked up the pen one last time, opening the box, and noticed an engraving in the brass.

‘Yours, forever and always.’

Standing on the platform, Hanschen was faced with his life. In front of him stood every path, every road taken, and those he’d chosen not to go down, too. A million lives he could’ve lived, but only one he chose. He could’ve lost himself in the dreams of what could’ve been, but he chose not to. Now he had little choice. Now, he was at the end of the road, in front of him stretching out only the woods. For all Munich knew or cared, Hanschen Rilow was dead. He decided he liked that. As the train's whistle grew louder and louder, drowning out all other sounds, Hanschen thought of two men - the one who'd been here before, a passing shadow in his life, a mirror; and a man who was miles away, whose smile was the world's greatest treasure, a dream.

That smile. A smile so bright, so genuine and warm. A smile that ruined him.

His mind always seemed to wander back to Ernst. In the years they'd known each other, they'd spent more time apart than they did together, and yet his image was as clear as day in Hanschen's mind, every detail memorized: the pale freckles on his cheeks on which Hanschen left innumerable pecks. His dark brown hair, tousled by the wind. His voice, soft and warm, but which could also spit scorching flames, jeers and criticisms that you felt for days. The way he moved as though an orchestra was playing a tune only he could hear. Though it was in Hanschen's nature to blame others for his fate, he never could it in his heart to be bitter towards Ernst.

“Hurry up, Hanschen!”

The two boys ran through the streets of the small town in which they lived, schoolbags clutched tightly so as to stop them bashing into their sides, or other people. “If we don’t hurry, my father will have finished his sermon! Hurry!”

Hanschen lagged behind. Not because he couldn’t keep up, but because, quite honestly, going to church with Ernst straight after school on a Friday evening was not his idea of fun. His idea of fun was lazing about in a field of tall grass, with the beautiful dark haired boy tangled in his arms. But Ernst wanted church, and so he would go.

He realized, soon enough, that he had gotten distracted, and had lost sight of Ernst. Frowning, he picked up his pace, close enough to the church that he reached it within a minute or two. As he was running he cursed Ernst’s long, slender legs, for the first time in his life. Hanschen finally reached the church, and slowed his pace as he made his way up the gravel path.

Ernst stood in the doorway of the church, starting with sparkling eyes at what was happening within. As Hanschen got closer, he realized that Ernst was starting at his father, up in front of the congregation preaching something or other about loving thy neighbour, whatever that meant. Hanschen loved his neighbour and was chastised for it. He’d never understood what the Bible had that made it so special, but Ernst was borderline obsessed on learning the details, the lessons, the parables, the whole nine yards. Hanschen bet every penny in his pocket that Ernst could probably tell him what Jesus ate for breakfast the day before he was crucified. Ernst was absolutely set on becoming a pastor, and Hanschen, although unhappy with his decision, supported him. Especially when it meant getting to stare at his wonderful, freckled face and his gorgeous, wide, sparkling eyes just that little bit longer without him noticing.

The sermon ended, and Ernst turned, the biggest, most beautiful smile that Hanschen had ever seen. A smile that made his heart skip a beat. “Ready to go?” Hanschen asked, casually, although inside it was taking all his strength and willpower not to grab the poor boy there and then and place his lips on his neck and tell him how much he wanted him.

“Mhm!” Ernst nodded enthusiastically, his smile seemingly growing even more, which Hanschen had previously thought impossible until he’d witnessed it himself.

“Then let’s go.” He held out his hand for Ernst to take, and he almost did, but hesitated, his smile suddenly fading from his face. Hanschen quickly realized what he’d done, and shoved his hand into his blazer pocket. ‘You’re such a fool’ he thought to himself. ‘Be more careful.’ The two stared at each other for a moment, then Hanschen lifted his chin and turned on his heel, beginning to head off. His cheeks flushed and his body ached and he wanted so badly to touch the beautiful, starry-eyed boy, to feel his skin against his. And then, as Ernst caught up, he felt his fingers brush against his and Hanschen almost doubled over, the wind practically knocked out of him. How was he so affected by this boy? He was nothing like Hanschen had ever seen before. This boy who unbuttoned the collar of his shirt which exposed his neck and soft, warm skin dotted with freckles and god, he loved him. More than his Io. More than his Desdemona. More than his fleeting crush on the good-looking boy in his class who had caught his eye. He loved Ernst, more than he’d ever loved anyone. And this evening, at the vineyard, he would tell him.

The simple realisation struck him as more and more people filed onto the platform, and though the station was filling up, he felt as though he was the last man on Earth. God, I love him.  It was then he felt the cold metal on his finger. His ring. His wedding ring. He twisted it around his finger, toying with the idea, before pulling it off. Hanschen held the ring in his hand, in a closed fist against his chest, feeling the cold, cold metal against his palm. The cold grounded him. Hanschen inhaled deeply, closing his eyes, taking in the ring of the engine, the rapid chatter and shuffling of feet. The soft tinkle of metal as the ring fell from his first to the tracks below. And the train grew closer yet.

He was prepared, now, to take the leap.

It was a pleasant afternoon, the setting sun bathing everything in a deep orange glow, the air hanging with the rich aroma of the flowers of spring. The well-trod path that lead from the church to the small house was once again being walked by Pastor Robel. He could’ve walked the snaking way home with his eyes closed. And sometimes he did, losing himself in the tranquility of pure silence, the few moments where he wasn’t expected to be anyone-not Pastor Robel, the pillar of support, not Ernst, the lover.

Years had passed since he’d last seen Hanschen, and in the predictable yet enjoyable motion of his life, that weekend stood out, the memory of it still as detailed as when it was first forged.  He’d turned it over and over in his mind, much like how he did with Hanschen’s first letter, the cold, distant goodbye and that vineyard, 20 years ago. If nothing else, Ernst could always retreat to his thoughts, taking out moments in time and replaying them as one would take out photographs and read the notes scribbled on the back.

He did, however, come to as he reached his street. Looking to the right, he could see the Pfeiffers’ house, and, on the front porch, Kurt and Dieter were huddled over homework, scratching of pens interrupted every now and then by giggles and fingers fumbling to intertwine. Seeing them so carefree brought a smile to Ernst's face and he knew they'd both taken to heart his advice. All they needed now was luck, which he could only pray they'll have. Just before continuing on his way, he saw Mathilde come out of the house and set out lemonade for them, an easy smile on her face. How the Pfeiffers managed to live unperturbed by whispers or rumours was beyond him, but he could only be happy for them, despite having never had the luxury to do the same.

He turned right to reach his own yard, when he looked up and saw a figure on his porch. Ernst approached, getting closer so as to try and see who it was. A tall man, his back turned to him, and next to him two bags. His hair- golden, shining in the soft light of the sun. Ernst's breath was caught in his throat and a million thoughts raced about his mind, and he felt like everything inside of him, every cell and every drop of blood, was pushing him forward.

He couldn't remember moving his legs, he could've floated for all he knew. Now, Ernst was at the base of the steps, but the man with the golden hair was still lost in his own world and didn't notice anything. It must've taken Ernst years to untie his tongue, but eventually he did, and his voice broke as soon as he opened his mouth to say the name.

“Hanschen?” it was a mere whisper, but behind it were hidden a million unspoken words.

At that, the man was finally brought back to reality, and his head snapped around, coming face to face with Ernst, staring with wide blue eyes. That's when Ernst’s heart stopped. Blue eyes. Blue eyes. Blue eyes that weren’t Hanschen’s. He felt disappointment wash over him, though he knew, rationally, it was not this man's fault that he wasn't who Ernst had wished he was. Still, it took a lot for the misplaced betrayal to not show.

Ernst took a moment to look at him, and a suspicion was beginning to form in the back of his mind. This stranger, though certainly not Hanschen, reminded him uncannily so of him. The hair, the face…  something he couldn’t quite decipher. Regardless of his confusion, Ernst spoke:

“Can I help you?”

It was then that the boy seemed to snap out of his thoughts, and it dawned on him that he’d been silent the whole time. His face reddened and he looked down in embarrassment for a second, before snapping his head back up and answering:

“Hello, yes, you can. Sorry, I, um-” The boy seemed flustered. Embarrassed. Desperate. “I’m sorry to have showed up on your porch like this, but... but I need.. help. Are you Ernst-- Um, Pastor Robel?”

Ernst was intrigued, not knowing how the boy had learned his name, but decided to keep his questions for later. “Yes. And you are...?”

“I believe you know my father.” He swallowed, looking off to the side for a brief moment before looking back up at Ernst with those big, blue eyes. “My name is Lammermeier Rilow.”

[altonajitzu]

[Oneshot] Worthy of Headlines

“Look, Tzuyu-ah. We’re at the airport already.” Sana said excitedly, pulling Tzuyu from her thoughts.

“Oh? That was fast.” Next to her, Mina was still dozing off. TWICE’s resident penguin had had a rough day. Well, technically they all did, spending a larger part of yesterday attending the GAONCHART awards ceremony and not going home until late at night. While admittedly fun, it was no picnic for the more introverted members of TWICE- suffice to say, Mina and Tzuyu were beyond exhausted thereafter. The Taiwanese, fortunately, managed to catch a few hours of shut-eye prior to their trip to Gimpo airport, having prepared her luggage beforehand.

Tzuyu took a glance around the bus she and the J-Trinity were riding in. They were given relative privacy, sitting in the middle of the vehicle with a distance of two seats from their entourage. To better identify, all bodyguards wore uniform black parka, along with- to distinguish from other black wearers- a ridiculously bright yellow cap. What a great way to avoid attention, Tzuyu snorted inwardly. Still, she was not one to question how bodyguarding worked, so she let her mind wander other things instead.

Not yet Tzuyu, don’t go there now. Tzuyu shook her head.

At the two seats on the other side of the bus sat Mina and Momo, who were engrossed in conversation. Rather, it was mostly Momo talking animatedly in Japanese while Mina just sleepily nodded along, occasionally giving curt answers. Such was the dynamic of the couple’s relationship, one being a boundless source of energy while the other being silent and attentive. The scene certainly reminded her of a certain relationship she had with someone.

No! Stop thinking. Talk. Distract yourself. Tzuyu decided not to butt in for now, opting to focus on the remaining member of TWICE on the bus.

“Sana-unnie.” The Japanese girl looked up from her snack.

“Yeah?”

“What are you planning to do when you get back to Japan? I mean, aside from reuniting with your family.”

“Well, we do not really have much time for other stuff, do we?” Sana replied, an uncharacteristic wistful expression present on her face. “I mean, I do want to visit many friends and other relatives too. But given our limited time, I’d rather stay with my family as much as possible than make many pointless short trips.”

That was true for in all their cases, Tzuyu thought sadly.

“What about you, Tzuyu? Tell me you have something different in mind.”

“I actually have to do something else unnie. Do you remember I posted about an earthquake back in my home country the other day?” Sana nodded. “Well, I’m supposed to travel to Hualien city. You know, to pay homage to families of the dead and injured.”

Sana gasped, recalling the pictures she saw on the news. While not particularly devastating, the disaster left several buildings in a highly volatile state, and there had been no updates on the situation since then. “You’re going to travel there, Tzuyu? Isn’t that dangerous? I don’t want you to get hurt.” She dramatically grabbed the younger girl’s hand, giving her a lost puppy look.

Tzuyu laughed a bit at this. “Don’t worry too much Sana-unnie, they already dealt with most of the damage. There won’t be any building falling over me… I think.” This earned her a swat from Sana.

“It’s not a joke Tzuyu! You might really get in danger.”

“But, I’m not alone, remember? I have the bodyguards with me always, and I believe in them.”

Sana still did not seem convinced. She opened her mouth to say something more, then- as if remembering something, she promptly shut it again. “… Oh.” A mischievous smile suddenly crossed her face. This did not go unnoticed by Tzuyu.

“What does that mean Sana-unnie?”

“What does what mean? I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“You just smiled. You’re hiding something from me.”

Again, Sana was about to retort, but thought better of it and sighed. “You’re good Tzuyu-chan.”

Tzuyu shrugged. “What can I say? The silent ones know the most.”

“That I can agree.” Interrupted Mina, who somehow managed to catch what the Taiwanese girl said just now. “The more you talk, the less you know.”

“Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?” Shouted an indignant Momo, and everyone laughed.

With the other two Japanese joining in, the members of TWICE shared a pleasant conversation until they arrived at Gimpo airport, and Tzuyu was all too glad for the distraction.

______

“… And that’s why I think, they have to straighten up the building BEFORE demolishing them.”

They were now sitting in the boarding area, surrounded by a dozen of their bodyguards. Tzuyu had mostly forgotten about whatever Sana was hiding, and was now engrossed in a discussion about the outcome of the earthquake.

“But how is it even possible? I don’t think there’s a machine big enough to just push the building back to its place…” Mina was interrupted by the announcer, calling for passengers on the next flight. “Oops, that’s us. Let’s go guys.”

Even though it was yet her turn, Tzuyu still stood up to give her unnies a round of goodbye hugs.

“See you again next week guys. I’ll miss you.” With her longer arms, she managed to round all three Japanese girls up in one group hug.

“Don’t forget to take pictures Tzuyu! We’ll call you as soon as we arrive.” Said Momo, her voice muffled amidst the bundle of thick clothes they were wearing.

“Stay safe Tzuyu. Happy new year.” Mina said simply, her smile warm and reassuring. Tzuyu smiled back.

“Happy new year to you too unnie. Too all of you.”

“Happy new year! Here, put this on.” Sana chirped, whipping out a yellow cap- the exact same model worn by their escort. Sensing Tzuyu’s distaste, she quickly added. “So you won’t mess up your hair when you fall asleep on the plane or something.”

Tzuyu sighed. That was a valid point.

“Okay Sana-unnie, might as well. My flight isn’t for another hour anyway, I would hate it if I nod off and wake up with tangled hair.” Tzuyu actually took great care of her hair, and only thanks to her meticulous work did it manage to always appear silky smooth. She took the cap and put it on her head. Sana beamed happily.

“Good girl. Here’s your reward.” She leaned in and gave Tzuyu a quick peck on the cheek, making the younger girl blush furiously despite the cold weather.

“U-unnie! People might see us!” She could already hear some excited murmurs from the crowd, as well as the clicking sounds of photos being taken.

“Then let them. Doesn’t hurt to give our fans something every now and then, no?” Said the ever-flirtatious Sana. Not nearly as talkative and quick-witted, Tzuyu chose to narrow her eyes and pout at the older girl rather than replying.

“Just hurry up guys. Don’t be late. I’ll see you soon.” Tzuyu bid her farewell. The Japanese girls all reciprocated with appreciative waves, before heading towards their terminal.

______

As she looked at Sana, Momo and Mina’s figures blend in the crowd and eventually disappear from sight, a growing sense of anxiety sprouted within her. Sighing, she sat down on the metal benches. Leaning back, her head awkwardly knocked against someone sitting on the adjacent seat.

“Oops, I’m sorry.” She hurriedly apologized. The other person did not seem to mind though, as he was immersed in something. He was wearing a black karpa (yet another, thought Tzuyu), obscuring his identity for the most part. With his back to her, Tzuyu could not see what it was, and decided against being nosy.

Settling back into her original position, the young Taiwanese thought back to Sana’s secretive smile. It did not feel good to have someone know something about you that you yourself didn’t, it never did. Therefore, it troubled Tzuyu a bit, seeing she never got Sana to spill the beans.

I sure hope it doesn’t have anything to do with Jihyo-unnie.

As soon as her leader’s name popped into her head, Tzuyu sighed yet again. It had taken all she had to avoid daydreaming about Jihyo, and most of it was thanks to external diversion. Now that she was alone, her mind would invariably drift back to the gorgeous older girl, and she both loved and dreaded it.

It did not take long for Tzuyu to develop feelings more than friendship towards Jihyo. Since the very first days, when she was just fresh off the boat and could barely exchange a word with any other trainee, Jihyo had been the first to extend her greetings. And in Mandarin, no less. Their first conversation was awkward as hell, both stumbling with their respective foreign languages, but she enjoyed every second of it. Throughout the period when Sixteen was recorded, they met up in private a lot- whenever they were tired from practicing, and in need of mental relief. Jihyo seemed to have taken a particular interest with Mandarin, and she urged Tzuyu to give her quick supplementary lessons, something the younger girl was all too happy to comply.

Days went by, with Tzuyu improving in Korean much faster than Jihyo in Chinese- which was understandable, seeing as she also had proper Korean lessons with designated tutors courtesy of JYP. Still, she was yet to feel comfortable to share anything more than small talks in Korean, so she treasured every moment she got together with Jihyo; before she knew it, she started to disclose more and more about herself- albeit in simplified sentences, so that Jihyo could follow. Being able to share personal emotions brightened her mood dramatically, helping her to open up to other trainees as well. Despite that, Jihyo remained her first and closest friend.

When Sixteen was finished and TWICE officially had their debut, all members moved to live in one common dorm, something Tzuyu was really looking forward to. Free from the stress of competition, Jihyo underwent a miraculous transformation- gone were the old chubby cheeks, and in came a body of godly proportions. With that- alongside her relentless training and her motherly act towards other members, Jihyo became a figure of admiration and respect for them all.

Except for Tzuyu.

_____

She snapped her head up, realizing she’d been dozing off. Looking at the watch, Tzuyu sighed when there was still another half an hour before her flight. Her mind had wandered back to the past all that time. What happened after that had not been a pleasant memory, Tzuyu thought. She remembered the mental struggle when seeing Jihyo grow more and more beautiful each day. She had felt incredibly guilty that her feelings toward Jihyo was gradually growing into something else entirely. She did not think much of it at first, but as time went by, it started to creep its way so deep inside her heart that she could not deny its presence anymore.

It embarrassed her to recall, but she had lusted over Jihyo for such a long time she lost count. Every minute spent in close proximity with Jihyo felt like torture; her body would heat up uncontrollably, every time they touched felt like an electric jolt, and she found herself stuttering on virtually anything she said. For fear of ruining the group’s dynamic, Tzuyu actively distanced herself a bit from her leader, spending more time with her fellow maknaes instead, hoping the inappropriate feelings would go away.

They didn’t.

To her dismay, Jihyo was unbelievably oblivious to what she felt. She was not about to let any beloved members of TWICE drift away from her too far, so Jihyo made sure to give extra attention to Tzuyu- joining their arms on public trips, pulling her in for Vlive sessions, and so on. It annoyed Tzuyu to no end, and- if she was being honest with herself- incredibly happy. It had not felt right, giving someone you loved the cold shoulder, so Tzuyu just threw caution to the wind and erased the distance between them that she’d created earlier. For a while, she was at peace.

Then something else happened.

Observing Jihyo closely, Tzuyu bitterly realized she was not special. Jihyo tried her damndest to spend time with every member of TWICE. She had walked into not one, but many private conversations where Jihyo was acting like a perfect therapist- listening to problems, offering solutions, and most of all, offering a shoulder to cry on.

It made Tzuyu extremely, utterly jealous. She was not one to go to others about her problems, but she seriously considered breaking this creed of hers for the sake of being comforted by Jihyo.

And she did.

_____

“Jihyo-unnie.”

“Tzuyu-ah.” Jihyo replied, not looking up from her work. Her dainty hands moved rhythmically, forming stitches after flawless stitches on the purple scarf.

“Who is it for this time unnie?” Tzuyu asked, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

“It’s for Dahyunie.” Answered Jihyo with a fond smile. “She wants one before going home to her parents. You know, where she lives can be really cold in winter.”

‘She did not offer to make me one’, Tzuyu bitterly noticed. Still, she came to Jihyo with a purpose, and she would accomplish it. Mentally barring the negativity from taking over her mind, Tzuyu took a seat next to her leader and gingerly rested her head on Jihyo’s shoulder, lest the older girl be disturbed and hurt herself. Fortunately, Jihyo did not seem to mind.

“I want one too unnie.” She said in a low tone, but Jihyo heard it nonetheless. She stopped to give her a questioning look. “Taiwan is freezing too. Aren’t you afraid I’ll catch a cold?”

“Well of course Tzuyu. But… you’re leaving for your hometown the day after tomorrow, aren’t you?” Jihyo asked. “That’s too little time. Tell you what, let’s go out together later and buy you a pretty…” She was silenced by Tzuyu’s finger pressed on her lips. The younger girl stood up and crouched down at her, their forehead almost touching. To Jihyo she looked deadly serious, scary even.

“No unnie. I really want you to make me one.” Pausing a bit, she added. “Just as much as I want you for myself.”

With that she rushed off, leaving a flabbergasted Jihyo behind.

_____

She didn’t. To her distress, she did not even see Jihyo the whole day after, nor when they left the dorm for the airport. Granted, they had to leave quite early in the morning, but still… she was being ignored, a righteous treatment to her recklessness and inconsideration.

Tzuyu coughed into her mask. It had gotten colder than when she arrived, and the overcoat was doing a poor job at covering her throat. Another painful reminder of the scarf she would never receive on time.

As she pulled her luggage to depart, she found that it would not budge. Tzuyu tried harder, but to no avail.

“Ugh, what now…” She looked down to the luggage handle, only to see it held back by another hand from hers. Looking up, a shocked gasp escaped her lips.

In front of her stood stood Park Jihyo, her sheepish smile visible beneath the fluffy black hood. 

“... Hi Tzuyu.”

The woman that plagued Tzuyu’s mind every waking moment was there all this time, discreetly putting the finishing touches on the scarf she was holding in her hand while disguising as another bodyguard.

The image of Sana’s wicked smile appeared in her mind. So she knows. But there was no time to dwell on this right now.

“… Jihyo-unnie? Why are you here?”

“Y-you said you want your scarf before leaving for Taiwan, so… here it is.” Jihyo hesitantly wrapped said scarf around Tzuyu. “I finished it just now, s-sorry if it does not look pretty.” Tzuyu could not care less about how the present looked, as her heart was now filled with a burning desire to engulf Jihyo in a crushing hug.

“Jihyo-unnie… if you don’t tell me to stop, I’m going to kiss you.”

That earned her the reaction she had anticipated. Jihyo’s arms went limp at her sides, and she simply stood there slack-jawed, with a flaming blush that went all the way to her ears. Before long, she struggled to reply.

“B-but, there are so many people here, and you hate scandals and compromising pictures, and…”

It was adorable how the ever-talkative and eloquent Jihyo became a stuttering mess when it comes to romance. Seeing her beloved in this state flipped a weird switch within Tzuyu, and she put on a sly smile.

“You did not say no.” Observed Tzuyu. This only helped to deepen Jihyo’s blush, if that was even possible.

“Tzuyu-ah, I don’t like the way you’re looking at me…”

“Doesn’t hurt to give our fans something every now and then, no?” Tzuyu mischievously said, repeating the exact words Sana had said to her an hour ago. Leaning in close, she boldly whispered. “Let’s give them a story worthy of headlines.”

Chou Tzuyu, the visual of TWICE, the third most beautiful face of 2017, the innocent angel to all, was known for never showing affection, be it verbally or physically.

But she would break down every single wall of hers, if it meant she could get Jihyo.

Wrapping her arms around the astonished Jihyo, she sealed her lips with a passionate kiss.

Tzuyu was on her way home, but at the same time, she was home.

[wxnnabe]

Welcome to the world of imagines! Could we get some relationship headcanons for Trish, Yukako and Midler?

These are pretty long (Because I Love All Jojo Girls)

-Trish can come off as selfish and a bit spoilt at first-she may seem to expect a lot from her s/o, but she’s really just judging how they are as a character and whether she can truly trust them. Once she is happy that they are genuine with their feelings toward her, though, she’ll soften up and spoil them back just as equally. It’s her s/o after all, and they deserve only the best for sticking by her even through the early stages of their relationship. She understands that she tends to draw even good people away with her initial front, but likewise as she uses this persona to hide her true feelings toward what is happening around her, she also uses it to hide the fact that she is afraid that her s/o might be using her for fame or for the money she possesses. Her father’s actions toward her left a profound feeling in her-one of betrayal, loneliness and utter and bitter hurt that she doesn’t want to feel again in her life-so it’s important that she is sure in knowing that they don’t wish to use her and leave her. 

-She loves shopping dates, whether that be finding an exquisite outfit for each of them during an awards ceremony (no-one can deny that her energy and voice that has done her well as a rising pop star) or seeing who can pull off the most outrageous outfit (within a private dressing room, of course-while she certainly won’t object to having fun with her s/o she is constantly under the public eye and the last thing she wants is her s/o’s privacy being violated under media scrutiny over something as small as a silly date.)

-Trish is a thoughtful lover in her own way-she tries to pay attention to their style of clothing and jewellery they like to wear, and when she is out and happens to spot something that would compliment her s/o’s tastes perfectly she will buy it for them regardless of the price; they deserve it after all and she can’t wait to see the look of surprise and joy on their faces when she gives it to them. It’s often something that they’ve been meaning to go out and get or something they only briefly mentioned to her, which makes it more special to know that she’s been looking out for it.

-She’s also a very teasing lover. Once she warms up to people, she does tend to tease and give light jabs at them and her s/o is no exception. She especially likes to move in for a kiss only to turn away at the last minute, giggling at their expression. Teasing with Trish is light and fun-she knows when her s/o isn’t in the mood or when it has gone on for too long, though.

-Trish tries to keep pda to a minimum; while hand holding and goodbye/hello kisses are welcome, she tends to stay away from passionate kisses and cuddling as her status and reputation-both of her and her s/o-are on the line. She does, however, like teasing, so she knows a lot of more private areas of their favourite shops and towns to let out some tension-or perhaps to leave them cutting their date short in favour of coming home and finishing what they started.

-Due to how little she sees her s/o with her career, she gets jealous quite easily and can jump to conclusions-maybe she’s picking up a tabloid and see them out with another friend, and she can’t but be led astray by the tabloid gossip columns sometimes. She will need an s/o that can be patient with her when she see’s them next in an overly haughty mood, and rationally explain the situation. Trish will believe them, of course, and apologise for her actions. She feels partly ashamed that she will, in her vulnerable states, lash out at her s/o-but her s/o will understand that she is still affected greatly by the hurt she has felt in the past. If they can, she would love for them to be there with her when she goes on tours.

-When Yukako falls in love, she falls hard, and it’s quite clear to see that during the events of DIU that she can become obsessive in her love for another person. She is enamoured by them as much as she is determined to gain their love, and it will be a lot often turn out a lot smoother if they give in to her wishes. It’s not often, but they will note the glint in her eyes as she softly mentions the fair opening up and what a wonderful experience it would be if they could go together. More often than not, (and sometimes to the chagrin of her s/o) it will turn out to be as perfect as she says it will be (she has grown a bit of a reputation around town for being a beautiful yet intimidating character), so her s/o will indulge her wishes often. 

-Yukako loves every part of her s/o-even their flaws. She finds a great respect in people that hold self-improvement and betterment in a high esteem and would throw all her energy into helping her s/o overcome some flaws or study for a test they don’t know too much about. Yukako is a hard teacher, though they certainly can’t say that they haven’t improved because of it once they reap the benefits, and the gratitude she gets in return will make her heart swell.

-Yukako will treasure any gift her s/o gives them, but she appreciates ones that her s/o has put effort into more than anything. Something hand-made and thoughtful, like a handmade scarf or a card, is something that she will truly treasure. She likes to make handmade lunches for her s/o, too-they will be spoiled, as she is a good cook and even better when she knows she has someone she wants to impress. She will appreciate the odd jewellery or clothing, particularly as her tastes are usually more elegant and take a while of saving up to afford-but she’d much rather be able to see the tangible effort her s/o has put into the gift for her, as she can see the love and thought put into the present. Even if it doesn’t turn out as expected, maybe the cookies that they baked her are a bit burnt at the bottom or a few stitches dropped from the scarf they knitted-but she will treasure it all the same.

-She doesn’t mind pda, in fact, will love it when her s/o reaches for her hand to hold while walking home. It’s so official to her-like a turning point where they are ready to show everyone they are hers and she is theirs-she’ll have a blush shading her face for the rest of the night. She doesn’t really care about what other people think about her when she’s with her s/o, and they should know that they are together, so she won’t object to hugging or kissing-but she was raised in a traditional household, one that she has picked up a few unconscious habits and beliefs. As such, she won’t go too overboard in her pda.

-Their s/o will have to have a conversation with her about her nature and be firm in telling her that her obsessive tendencies are not appropriate early on if they want to avoid any serious fighting. Yukako is determined, and quite set in her ways-it will take some time for her to even acknowledge what her s/o is saying, and they will need a great deal of patience and speak with a level head, and she may even accuse them of not loving her. After all, she has only known to love fiercely and passionately. It will take some time for her not to start a fight with other people interacting with her s/o if she feels they are closer than acquaintances to them-she trusts her s/o, but she does not trust many other people. After a few arguments, Yukako will come to an epiphany that she, by following her own mantra of giving everything she has to her love and her loved ones, is losing them. She is coming off far too strong, far too early, and all it is doing is pushing them away from her. She’ll be quite unsure of what to do to herself after this and will avoid her s/o in thinking that it’s already too late. Yukako feels emotions with every part of her, and although it’s not something she’d usually do, when she is sad she cannot help but dwell in her own pity and close her mind to any solutions that may be present until someone or something pulls her out of her reverie-and it’s up to her s/o to do so, and to confront her and find a solution together. Once they do, though, their relationship will take a deeper, stronger bond than it ever was before. If her s/o sticks by her through this, it’s sure their relationship will be a long-term one.

-Midler isn’t accustomed to settling down and into a long-term relationship with anyone, and she’ll make this clear on their first couple of dates, harmlessly flirting with waiters and waitresses in the restaurant. Her s/o will know what she is like and will not make a fuss out of it, or she would not bother with them in the first place. Although the mood and tone of their relationship is playful, she will not hesitate to remind them of its short lifespan-she believes it makes every second they have with each other more memorable within each other’s minds.

-Midler is the type to go all out on dates-the more outrageous, the better. She likes surprises, so even while bungee jumping certainly isn’t her cup of tea, she’s excited to try it out once (and maybe just once more after that-the thrill of the free fall is a new and exhilarating experience for her). They’ll take turns in the date organising, and they will never stay in one place and call it a date-she likes going out to several places, maybe a restaurant or cafe then a show then a bar to finish off the night-its the fast-paced, fun dates that will bring a smile to her face when she looks back on it.

-She’s a very self-assured woman-she came from a family that loved and supported her, but who ultimately held her back. She wants to explore, she wants to try everything and everyone-and while she doesn’t like to chase endlessly for people, she doesn’t mind it when her s/o plays hard to get. It’s an experience for her, and she’ll pull all the tricks to spend little while being their lover.

-She loves pda-she also loves making a scene for those who verbalise their distaste for it and will do the exact opposite. She’ll pout if they turn her away or if they simply aren’t interested in pda, but she won’t push it and respect her s/o’s boundaries. If their s/o is trying, for her, it will be sure to melt her heart-she’s had many lovers in her past, but the ones that truly care for her and go beyond what they must do for her are ones that she won’t easily forget. She will have to refrain from bringing them into a passionate kiss to show them just how much she appreciates it, but the glow in her eyes shows them they certainly did something right.

-However, she made a promise to DIO to destroy the Joestars-and no other s/o will triumph the feeling of reaching that goal, the exhilarating feeling of walking through the dark and cold castle in search of the almost ethereal being that she resolved in the moment he called upon her t his cause that she would follow to her end. She made a promise and for as light-hearted and playful as she is, she does not take promises lightly. The relationship will have to come to an end, and she will continue her quest for her God.

[adventures-in-drabbling]

Lacewoodshipping Week Day 7: Hello/Goodbye

I DID THE ENTIRE WEEK 

the achievement is real omfg. I’ve never managed to keep to one of these before, baha.

This, as per the usual, became both wildly out of control, deviates totally from the prompt, the end is SUPER ABRUPT, and it was written between midnight-3:20am because what is a sleeping pattern.

If anyone wants to actually read something that does kind of stick to the prompt, I did actually do a series of alphabet oneshots, and G and H actually happened to be Goodbye, Hello, and bonus prequel Fight (to  be read in the order Fight , Goodbye, Hello). I haven’t read any of these back because I’m far too tired to deal with my old (awful) writing skills, but if you fancy dealing with my old (awful) writing, go nuts!

I’d like to thank @monsycamour AGAIN for organising this lacewoodshipping week! It’s been amazing to throw myself back into writing for this ship, and in a week I hand in my final project thesis of my masters degree, and I’m free from uni! (at least until I get the PhD position I’m aiming for lmao lmao). Until I figure out what I’m doing with my life, I’m gonna have a load more free time (hopefully), and I 100% intend to finish rewriting my old fics! So, the Sinnoh series rewrite will be completed, Written Words is going to be re-edited, probably rewritten and completed, and I might even finish the alphabet drabbles (because I’m fairly certain I only made it up to like, H or I or something and I have like, half finished oneshots for the rest of the alphabet just hanging out in my hard drive). I also might expand on a couple of these shipping week oneshots! 

HYPE.

Also, for fic clarification, I headcanon Serena as beginning her Pokémon journey around 19/20 (I know there was a little conflict with the ages of the player character ingame and such, but w/e, that was my age when I was playing so there we go lmao), with the main campaign lasting around a year or so, and her eventually becoming Champion around 20/21ish.

enjoy!!

---

The first time they meet, Serena is a strange mix of nervous and excited. It had taken some time, but she had finally made it to Lumiose City – and it was amazing. Even as she entered the city from Route 4, the atmosphere totally overwhelmed her – so many people moving confidently through the streets, the shops and cafes and attractions all begging for her attention. Still she resisted the urge, following Sina through the South Boulevard to the Sycamore Pokémon Lab.

“The professor can’t wait to meet you. You can find him on the third floor, so hop in the elevator!” the research aide grinned at Serena, clapping her hands together in excitement. Serena tried to smile back at her in return, though she’s fairly sure she only managed a slightly sickly looking grimace, before moving to the aforementioned elevator, eyeing the slightly rickety looking mechanics before gingerly stepping inside and pressing the button for the third floor.

She wiped her slightly sweaty hands on her skirt, straightening her clothes as the elevator rose to her destination. Heart jumping in her chest, Serena slid her way through the door before it had fully opened, gazing around the surprisingly bare room. Two desks sat before her, alongside a couple of bookcases overflowing into stacks of books on the ground, and what appeared to be a semi-temporary screen wall partitioning off a portion of the room into a more private area.

Before she could move more than a few steps, however, a figure in a lab coat rounded the partition wall – Professor Sycamore.

“So,” the professor grinned down at her, stopping a small distance ahead of where she stood and propping a hand on one hip. “We finally meet!”

Serena let out a faint laugh, tension ebbing out of her at the relaxed aura that surrounded the man. “It’s about time,” she agreed, remembering her manners and sticking a hand out in front of her. “Hello, Professor Sycamore. I’m Serena.”

“Oui, oui, fantastic!” He closed the space between them to grab her hand, shaking it up and down so enthusiastically, Serena was jostled by the force. “Come this way, won’t you?” He let go of her hand (turning away before he witnessed her shaking it in relief) and motioned toward the wall partition, leading the way around to where a slightly more grandiose desk (absolutely littered with papers) lay.

What followed definitely constituted as one of the more bizarre experiences of Serena’s lifetime. Being told she had a… what did he say? Je ne sais quois? Followed by a battle, being gifted a new Pokémon and some sort of strange stone, the rest of the ‘gang’ showing up, being asked to help with Mega Evolution… By the time Calem and the others had begun to head out, leaving Serena behind with the professor, Serena was more than a little overwhelmed.

“Everything alright, Serena?” the professor asked once he realised she had yet to leave. Serena nodded quickly, rearranging her bag on her shoulder and laughing a little.

“Yes, of course! Sorry professor,” she grinned, raising a hand in a small wave. “Goodbye!” He raised a hand in reply, but just nodded at the new pokeball in her hand.

“Take good care of Squirtle, OK?” A smile spread across his face. “Not that I have any doubt you will do a fine job,” he added. Serena nodded eagerly, before making her escape around the partition to chase after her friends, and maybe convince them to tour the city full of shops and cafes with her.

---

Since their first meeting, Serena and the professor had met a few more times throughout her journey – Courmarine City, Lysandre Café, their slightly heartwrenching conversation in Couriway Town after everything with Lysandre… Sycamore had been visibly shaken during that particular encounter. Even so, he departed with a cheery promise of a surprise (though Serena was convinced his cheer was mostly a façade ), and a hint of a treasure of his to be found in the town.

When she finally located the inscription at the train station, she squinted as she read it out. "To the person reading this,” she began, tracing her fingers over each word. “What are you like now? Did you become who you wanted to be? For starters, what was the person you wanted to become even like? I don't know, but it would be wonderful if you can boast that you're living each day to the fullest. To future Sycamore. From the Sycamore dreaming of the future.”

With a morose sigh, she let herself drop to slump on the bench next to the ‘treasure’, hand still pressed against the inscription as she thought of the conflicting emotions on Sycamore’s face during their last conversation. She was fairly certain the past Sycamore who carved a message into a train station bench certainly couldn’t have predicted the alarming events of the last few days.

“Am I becoming who I wanted to be?” Serena whispered to the ceiling, tipping her head back to stare up at the roof and pressing her fingertips against the words beside her.

She didn’t sleep well that night, plagued by dreams of what had happened within the Team Flare Secret HQ, ending with the image of a younger Sycamore – without the lab coat – staring back at her as the HQ crumbled around him.

---

Despite the questionable quality of Serena’s sleep now that images of the crumbling HQ plagued her at night, she somehow managed to beat Diantha, taking the mantle of Kalos Champion as her own. The parade at Lumiose was beyond unexpected – she might have bothered to actually wear something nice had she known she was going to be thrust into a spotlight the second she arrived in Lumiose as requested by the professor – but she enjoyed it nonetheless, allowing herself to relax at the afterparty at the lab with their closest friends and family.

As the night began to draw to a close, Serena  held her drink close to her chest as she peered around the room for the one person she really wanted to talk to. The professor had presented her with the Honour of Kalos during the public ceremony, dark circles under his eyes that he had clearly at least tried to hide with some concealer. At Serena’s concerned look, he squeezed her hand lightly as he handed the award over with a quiet promise of “We’ll talk later.” However, though he had made another speech at the beginning of the party, Serena hadn’t seen him since.

Slipping away from the main body of the party, she summoned the elevator and stepped in – it still looked rickety, but she was more willing to trust it now she’d been in the lab as many times as she had. She didn’t even have to step out at the second floor, a quick glance around the room after the door opened told her that there was no one there.

Stepping out on the third floor, however, the temperature instantly dropped. Making her way around the partition to Sycamore’s desk, she found the doors behind it flung wide open onto the balcony beyond, the silhouette of Professor Sycamore leaning on the railing illuminated by the bright lights of the city. His lab coat lay abandoned on the desk, and he suddenly seemed smaller without it, less an imposing figure of authority and direction, and instead more… human.

“Professor?” Serena tentatively broke the silence, skirting around the desk and stepping onto the balcony into the brisk air of Lumiose City.

As if broken from a trance, Sycamore jumped at her voice, spinning around to face her.

“Ah, Serena, désolé,” he apologised, the bubbling liquid in the champagne flute clutched in his hand sloshing wildly with his movement. “I just needed some air, I can come back-“

Serena cut him off with a wave of her hand, moving to his side and leaning on the railing to mirror his previous position.

“Don’t worry, Professor. I could use some air too, I just wondered where you were,” she reassured him, letting her own (empty) champagne flute dangle by the rim over the edge of the balcony.

Sycamore reassumed his position, twirling the stem of his glass in his hand with a sigh and let the silence stretch between them.

“Professor…” Serena broke after a few minutes, shifting her gaze to the man beside her as the quiet tension finally became too much. “Are you… alright?”

Sycamore shifted uncomfortably, refusing to turn his gaze to her as he hung his head. “I…” he began, but trailed off, the silence pressing down heavily on the pair.

“I still have nightmares,” Serena blurted, and that made him look up at her. “Lysandre is there. So is the legendary Pokémon, and then… then everything is crumbling, and I’m running but I can still hear him behind me.”

“Serena…”

“You’re there too, sometimes,” she added, and his eyes widened in surprise at that. “You as you are now, or sometimes you when you were my age – or at least,” she glanced to the side, an embarrassed flush rising to her cheeks as she thinks maybe she’s said too much. “How I imagine you probably looked, anyway.” She met his gaze once more. “But I have them. Every. Night.” She hesitated for a moment, then balanced her glass on the railing and moved her hand to lay it on his forearm. “We’re allowed to grieve,” she reminded him softly. “And we’re allowed to hurt.”

Sycamore breathed in deeply, breaking their gaze to tilt his head back and stare at the sky above them, his eyes shiny. “You are wise beyond your years, Serena,” he chuckled, though his voice was tight, threatening to catch in his throat. Another moment of silence before he continued. “I keep replaying our conversations in my head, Lysandre and I,” he admits, his voice soft and quiet, an uncharacteristic change from his usual confident and strong air. “Trying to see if I should have noticed earlier, if I could have saved him from… his own delusions, I suppose.”

Serena tightened her grip on his arm, fingers digging into the fabric of his shirt. “No,” she replied firmly. “There wasn’t anything- if someone had any idea- this isn’t on you, professor.”

“Augustine,” he replied quickly, moving his wet gaze back to her face. “Unless you want me to start calling you Champion, I believe we are past the point of formalities. Especially talking about this.” Serena searched his face for a moment before nodding slowly.

“Okay. Augustine.” The name felt thick and foreign on her tongue, but a thrill of excitement ran through her, her fingers twitching slightly in their grip on his arm. “We can’t keep wondering what might have happened had we acted differently,” she added, her voice hushed.

Augustine sighed again, pressing his hand over hers on his arm. “Oui,” he conceded. “I know. Yet I still can’t help it.”

Serena twisted her hand to press their palms together, twining their fingers. The slight intimacy of the gesture felt strange, but the comfort it offered won over her hesitation.

“We need to support each other,” Serena squeezed his hand. “You, me, the others who were there. We don’t have to suffer alone.” She watched curiously as Sycamore balanced his still full glass beside her empty one, before pulling her into a tight hug, hunching over slightly to rest his chin on her shoulder.

“Thank you,” his voice was close, right beside her ear and she couldn’t help a slight shiver at the proximity even as she wound her arms around his back. “You’re the first… to really say anything. Diantha tried, but it was… too soon.” Serena squeezed him.

“You looked like you needed to talk,” she replied softly.

They both fell quiet, drawing what comfort they could, but neither moved from their position. At least not until a wolf whistle pierced the air from the boulevard below, followed by a chorus of laughs and jeers. Serena whipped back, scowling down at the group of guys stumbling along below them – clearly on their way back from some bar - and jabbing her middle finger up at them. A few more laughs, but they continued on their way without consequence.

“I apologise about that,” Augustine said nervously, his glass back in his hand and a respectable distance put between them once Serena turned back to him.

“Don’t worry about it,” Serena waved it off, jamming her freezing hands into the pockets of her skirt as the chill in the air finally began to register. Augustine still looked slightly uncomfortable, his gaze following the group of lads up the street. “It’s fine, Augustine,” Serena reaffirmed, moving to bump his shoulder with her own. “Though I really should head back to my hotel. It is late, if the bars are turning out, and today has been… exhausting.”

“Of course,” Sycamore grabbed her glass from the railing and motioned inside, moving together to shut and lock the balcony doors behind them as they moved back into the building.

“Thank you for everything, Augustine,” Serena bowed slightly as they waited for the elevator to arrive to take her back downstairs.

“Ah, do not thank me,” Sycamore laid a hand on her shoulder. “I am truly so proud of you.” He chuckled as her cheeks became pink at his praise.

“It’s all because of you!” She argued as the elevator door slid open. She stepped inside, slipping from his grasp and turning to face him, raising a hand to wave farewell. “Goodbye, Augustine!”

“No,” he cut in quickly, half-entering the elevator to grab her hand mid-wave and squeeze it lightly. “Not goodbye. That always seems so… final. And I think we’ve had enough finalities for a while, at least.” Serena grinned, but nodded in agreement.

“You make a fair point,” she conceded. “Not goodbye, then. See you later?” Sycamore smiled and winked, bringing her hand up to press a light kiss to her knuckles.

“Tomorrow, perhaps?” he asked as he released her hand to step back, out of the small elevator. “Allow me to buy you dinner in thanks for… everything. And as a celebration of your achievements, Champion.”

Serena grinned, her cheeks reddening further. “That sounds wonderful,” she agreed. “I’ll message you in the morning?”

“Sounds like a plan, ma chérie,” Sycamore nodded. “I look forward to it.”

“Same here!” Serena laughed, finger hovering above the button for the ground floor. “See you later, Augustine!” At his wave, she pressed the button, waiting for the door to close before clumping against the wall and pressing a hand to her pounding heart.

[rebeccalucymiller2]

Week 5 Narratology

Vogler bases his identification of the ‘hero’ around action, sacrifice, growth and change. As opposed to Propp who identifies the hero as the person who suffers the act of villainy etc, considering lack or desire.

‘In recent decades, we’ve seen greater emphasis on the personal growth of the lead character’ (Lengsfield, 2016).

The ‘psychic wound’ - Protagonist begins with a flaw/defect or ‘psychic wound’ that needs to be resolved. John Yorke’s suggestions on why stories are told: The Rehearsal Reason - The brain gets stronger by practicing the different scenarios.

The Healing Reason - Stories help to recognise our own flaws, and heal. The information retrieval reason -  Makes information easier to remember. The panacea reason - Gives us hope of order and justice. The procreation reason - Ends in sexual union, encourages continuation of species. The psychological reason - Helps us to achieve overcoming our own shadows, into our own psyche. The above suggestions by John York are important in understanding why change is needed within stories. It is so societies can continue adapting, rejecting the old and accepting the new. Thesis, antithesis and synthesis are important in the stages of creating a new idea, the 19th century philosopher, Hegel, describes the process of change as those three steps. So when we are considering change for the protagonist, we consider what the polar opposite is of what they want or expect. Wholeness, self-regulation and transformation are the three key notions that define a structure. Earlier in the unit we looked at Aristotelian structure, which is change, complete, self contained and connected. Without these characteristics the ‘group of objects’ is known as an aggregate (collection) not a structure. It is important that in the course of a story someone is changed, a plot of resolution. There is also the ‘modern plot of revelation’ which entails the story content being divided into existent and events. The idea is that the events take a lesser role and therefore the plot is character orientated. 

Is the Hero’s Journey character orientated? Unlike the modern plot of revelation, it is driven by the question ‘what will happen?’. It is character orientated but still seeks to resolve a fundamental flaw/wound. The Hero’s Journey is divided into a classic 3-act structure, yet it can also fit into a 5-act structure. Act two being split into 2 parts, adding the midpoint. This idea of ‘Acts’ come from theater, where breaks were signaled by the curtain closing. These were also split into scenes, which are linked into sequences. Sequences come from early cinema when a film lasted only 10 minutes, advocating 8 sequences as opposed to 3 acts.

Shakespearean plays split the story into five parts in order to be able to trim candles and light them again.

Above is the three act structure that has become more conventional. Looking back at the modified Freytag’s pyramid it ties closely to the shape of the other. 

‘Stories happen because somebody wants something and has trouble getting it.’ (David Mamet)

Act I ‘Get your character up a tree’ (screenwriter Billy Wilder).

‘The first act usually lasts twenty to thirty minutes and has the task of setting up the story. It’s all about our “Somebody” and the “Wants Something” (Lengsfield, 2016).

Act II ‘Throw rocks at her’ (Billy Wilder).

‘The second act usually lasts for half of the movie, up to an hour, and it’s all about the ‘Has Trouble Getting It’’ (Lengsfield, 2016).

Act III ‘Get your character down from the tree’ (Billy Wilder). ‘The third act takes the movie’s final half hour to resolve the story. In most cases, the character has learned from the struggles in the second act, so a changed person will gather their strength for a final confrontation that will answer the story questions and bring the story to a close.’ (Lengsfield, 2016)

The Hero’s Journey (the Vogler version)

Act I (Separation)

1. Heroes are introduced in the ORDINARY WORLD, where

(Prologue, and Carl going about his everyday. We see his relationship with his wife Ellie and see how his life has lead up to becoming a grumpy reclouse)

2. they receive the CALL TO ADVENTURE.

(The Building work surrounding Carl leads him to hit a worker around the head. This soon leads to being asked to retire into a caring home called Shady Oaks)

3. They are RELUCTANT at first or REFUSE THE CALL, but

(Carl refuses the call for him to go to the care home, and makes his own call to go to Paradise Falls)

4. are encouraged by a MEETING WITH A MENTOR to…

(Carl encounters a young boy named Russel who wants his Exploring badge. When Carl takes off he realises that the boy is still there on his doorstep.)

5. CROSS THE FIRST THRESHOLD and enter the Special World, where…

(The thunderstorm forces them to keep going forwards, even though Carl dreamed of taking Russel back. There is no going back as they enter the new world.)

Act II: Descent and Initiation

6. they encounter TESTS, ALLIES, AND ENEMIES.

(As they are walking towards paradise falls they encounter a dog named Dug and a bird named Kevin. They also run into other dogs which are after the bird, Kevin.)

7. They APPROACH THE INMOST CAVE, crossing a second threshold

(Kevin is captured by Muntz.)

8. where they endure the ORDEAL.

(Carl refuses that he has been mistaken about what was important to him as he has been attached to his house for such a long time and it is difficult for him to let go of this attachment to Ellie. He choses the house over saving the bird,)

9. They take possession of their REWARD and…

(Carl finds Ellie’s sketchbook, as I explained in the previous summary, this helps him to change his mind as he realises she is asking him to have a new adventure.)

Act III

10. are pursued on THE ROAD BACK to the ordinary world, undergoing a spiritual death before...

(In order for Carl to save Kevin he listens to Russel and uses what he has learned to leave the house behind him and move forward onto a new adventure.)

11. They cross the third threshold, experience a RESURRECTION, and are transformed by the experience. (Carl has not only sacrificed the house but has also saved Russel at this point. He has learned to love Russel and care for Kevin and Dug.)

12. They RETURN WITH THE ELIXIR, a boon or treasure to benefit the Ordinary World.

(They return to the US where Carl is much happier, and supports Russel with his new found love by going to his award ceremony. Carl gives Russel the badge that Ellie gave him, letting go of this obsession with possessions that were associated with Ellie.)

Wants vs. needs - Characters don’t always get what they want as it may not always be good for them, it is instead replaced by what they need. Up is a clear example due to how Carl wants to reach paradise falls for Ellie, yet needs to be able to love and be happy. There is this idea that the middle is often the hardest part to get right when planning a narrative. It is generally the longest and requires a balance of ups and downs to keep the audience’s interest.  John Yorke, ‘Roadmap of Change’: 

I also researched a little into his book ‘Into the Woods’ that discusses stories and why we tell them. The image above shows how Yorke has presented an adapted version of telling 2D stories. 

‘In two-dimensional stories protagonists don’t change’ (Yorke, 2013: 62)

In some cases change is not that apparent within the protagonist, and they instead change the world around them through knowledge of a situation. This is also the case for TV shows, in which the protagonist returns week after week. 

[sharperthewriter]

Chapter 1 of the 15th Annual Kim Possible Fannies

From the Desk of Sharper, @bcbdrums, and @gothicthundra

Hello, everyone, we finally made it to that point. It is time to reveal the winners of the 15th Annual KP Fannies Awards. Of course, this is the third (and last) time (for now? Who knows. :P ) that the plot of this story will focus on the live-action movie. Also present is a parody of the streaming services that every network seems to be going into these days...and of course, the craziness that we're all dealing with right now with the...thing-that-shall-not-be-named.

So let's kick back and enjoy the ceremony...hopefully without incident this time...hopefully... :P

Kim Possible, characters and settings (both live-action and the toon) are created by Schooley and McCorkle and (c) by Disney.

The fanfic is rated T for some language, comic action violence, a drug reference, mild thematic elements and some suggestive dialogue.

Chapter 1 - Quarantine

(LAM verse, April 16, 2020, 6pm)

And the Dow dropped today by another 1000 points due to the virus pandemic...

...schools throughout Colorado will be closed until further notice...

...there are now 7,303 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colorado with 290 deaths...

...Smarty-Mart is now instituting rationing for paper towels, toilet paper, and tissues, along with hand sanitizer and cold medicine...

Kim Possible sighed, looking at the depressing news on the TV. Even though she was the girl who can do anything, it was beyond her comprehension to dealing with the sitch involving the coronavirus, something that wasn't machine-made by one of her rogue's gallery of villains in one of their world-domination plots. Although she, Ron, and Athena were deemed as 'essential workers' in their duties of saving the world by Colorado's governor, no villain on Kim's list has even attempted a world-domination plot because they required the use of henchpeople, which would be a violation of 'social gatherings' of more than 10 people.

"Athena, can you please turn off the TV? It's bringing my mood down!" she insisted. The current 15-year old, in a blue shirt and jeans with her Kimmunicator pendant, was sitting on one end of the couch. "I'll have to switch it to a streaming service."

Athena was sitting on the other end of the sofa, due to the art of social distancing of staying 6 feet away. She was in a purple heart t-shirt and jeans.

"I'll get it..." the teenaged cyborg said. She looked in the cushions.

"That is, if I can find it..."

Kim tried her hand in finding the remote. However, it was nowhere to be seen in the couch.

"Don't tell me the Tweebs have it!" Kim groaned. She knew what potential danger a mere TV remote would be in the hands of Jim and Tim. Last time they did so, they caused a 12-hour long power outage in Middleton.

"I'll ask your Dad..." Athena said while standing up from the couch.

"Ask away." Kim insisted, "Keep in mind, though, that Dad is busy doing the 2020 US Census."

"Hey ! Have you seen the remote?" she asked into the kitchen.

"Yeah, it should be on the coffee table...I think..." James replied. "Now...do we count you in the census?"

"Dad...you're a rocket scientist and Mom is a brain surgeon. You should probably know the answer!" Kim replied.

"Then I would take that as a yes." James replied, marking down his answer.

"Speaking of Mom, is she still at the hospital?" Kim asked.

"Unfortunately, yes, she is, Kimmie-cub." James answered. "She has been working 14-hour shifts ever since this whole virus outbreak began. And I'm working from home as well due to the fact that one of the scientists tested positive for the virus."

Kim sighed, "I can't be cooped up in here!"

"Doesn't Middleton High have that e-learning thing up?" Athena questioned.

"They do, yes." Kim said, "But some students in the district don't have access to a computer."

"Have you two seen Ronald?" James asked, sniffing the air.

"He's coming over here to the house." Kim replied, "Said something about getting a few things from Smarty-Mart."

"How can he? Did you even see the scenes of empty shelves?" Athena asked in disbelief.

"I don't get him sometimes, Athena." Kim said before hearing a knock on the door.

"Can you get that, Kim? It's probably Ron." Athena replied.

Kim got up from the couch and wondered. "How did you know?"

She opened the door and saw Ron clad, head to toe, in a HAZMAT suit with disinfectant spray in two gun holsters. He was also holding a duffel bag.

"Ron...what are you doing?" Kim groaned.

"KP, I'm doing what I have to do to protect my friends!" Ron exclaimed as he took a couple of cans of disinfectant spray from the holsters to begin spraying the Possible house. "I do not want the death virus to kill the ones I treasure the most."

Kim began to cough.

"Ron...you don't have to go that far! All we have to do is follow the CDC recommendations and we should be fine!" she insisted.

"What about Nana, though?" Ron countered, "At her age, the virus would be more problematic!"

"It's no big, Ron! We can still chat with her!" Kim said, dismissing his concern.

"How?" Ron asked.

"Duh! We live in the year 2020, Ron! Video chat!" Kim sighed.

"Oh right!" Ron said, realizing the technology. "I almost forgot about that."

"Ronald..." James said as he entered into the living room. "...would you mind being watchful about the disinfectant spray?"

"Dad, it's just Ron being Ron." Kim replied.

She then whispered, "You did stock up in the panic room, did you?"

He whispered back, "We did. We bought at least 50 rolls of toilet paper and 20 rolls of paper towels. As long as we don't run out of supplies, we should be fine."

"Ron...lose the HAZMAT suit..." Kim insisted. "Why don't you come and sit with us so that we can stream some movies together? It'll take our minds off this thing for at least a few hours."

Thankfully, Kim made Ron take off the suit, but not before he sprayed every square inch of the Possible household with at least 30 cans of the disinfectant spray.

[takenews-blog1]

Celebrities Who Saved Their Virginity Till Marriage

New Post has been published on https://takenews.net/celebrities-who-saved-their-virginity-till-marriage/

Celebrities Who Saved Their Virginity Till Marriage

Individuals are fast to lose issues. A kind of issues is a top quality that’s oftentimes reserved for marriage. A number of peer strain comes together with this, and the instances have modified drastically which has brought about a paradigm shift in societal views. There are some people who need to save their virginity for the proper particular person, and there are people in Hollywood who need to save themselves for marriage as nicely.

Meagan Good held out and went together with her coronary heart when she determined to attend and get married earlier than dropping her virginity. She simply occurred to get married to DeVon Franklin. She discovered him to be affected person sufficient to attend till they have been married earlier than the enjoyable and video games started.

Meagan Good has gone on report as describing her husband’s persistence: “Our marriage ceremony night time would be the first time we’re truly collectively. He was prepared to be celibate with me for a 12 months.” She has additionally determined to put in writing a e book known as The Wait which can be used to advertise virginity earlier than marriage. She spoke to Jimmy Kimmel concerning the function of the e book and stated “Spiritually, it’s what I imagine I at all times ought to’ve executed. So I used to be like, you realize, let’s attempt it this manner, it was very completely different and it’s been wonderful.”

It’s principally believed that ladies are those who wait and determine to abstain from sensual exercise earlier than they’re married. Celine Dion is an instance of this sample of thought. When she met her future husband René Angélil, she was 12. By the age of 17 she had revealed to him that she actually appreciated him.

A number of years later she would encounter him once more and he or she mustered up the braveness to inform him how she felt. She explains: “It was he who known as me a number of minutes later from the foyer of the resort to ask if I used to be all proper. After which he informed me: ‘When you actually need to, I’ll be the primary.’ And I answered him: ‘You’ll be the primary, and the one.’” You must give it to the lady, she is aware of what she desires. By the age of 20 she married him and even now after his demise, he was nonetheless the one and solely.

Bethany Hamilton has survived the percentages throughout her lifetime. She gained notoriety on account of a horrible occasion which occurred to her whereas she was browsing. She was attacked by a shark and he or she has lived to inform about it. She determined to avoid wasting herself for that particular somebody earlier than she began a household.

Hamilton has defined her relationship experiences: “I positively imagine God has somebody particular for me. I simply need to honor Him and patiently watch for that particular somebody. Can’t wait! (haha, not so affected person) I’ve solely dated one particular person. I haven’t kissed anybody! I’m actually glad with my decisions and don’t really feel the necessity to rush something.”

Lolo Jones is aware of what it’s prefer to endure for lengthy durations of time. Her Olympic coaching has taught her about self-discipline and persistence. She will not be afraid to let anybody know that she remains to be a virgin and he or she is holding on to her virginity till she finds the proper mate.

Lolo went on Actual Sports activities and stated that she is a virgin. She says it’s arduous being chaste: “If there’s a virgin on the market, I’m going to allow them to know, it’s the toughest factor I’ve ever executed in my life — tougher than coaching for the Olympics, tougher than graduating from school, has been to remain a virgin earlier than marriage.”

Leelee Sobieski held out for a very long time till she bought married. She felt like her virginity was extra than simply one thing lady may simply give away freely. Many individuals obtain presents when the time is correct. Leelee Sobieski determined to present her present to her man when the time offered itself.

Leelee Sobiesk waited till she was 26 years of age, the age that she bought married she had this to say: “I suppose 26 is type of previous to lose your virginity, nevertheless it was vital to me that I remained a virgin till after I used to be married. It wasn’t for any spiritual causes or something like that, however just because, to me, my virginity was essentially the most treasured present that I may ever give to a person, and I needed to make certain I used to be giving it to the proper man.”

Individuals might have their stereotypes about actually stunning girls, however these girls even have their very own views about abstaining from sexual exercise and ready for the proper particular person. Adriana Lima is thought for strutting her stuff on the runways in horny outfits and the like. Some might not imagine that she abstained from intercourse till she discovered the proper mate.

Adriana Lima had an interview with GQ in 2006 and he or she was relationship basketball participant Marko Jaric. She let the journal know that she believes in abstinence earlier than marriage: “Intercourse is for after marriage. [Men] should respect that that is my selection. If there’s no respect, which means they don’t need me.”

Ali Landry is not any stranger to marriage. She was as soon as married to Mario Lopez of Saved By the Bell fame. Is there a such factor as put up marital abstinece? Possibly there exist such a factor. Ali Landry positively tried this entire factor after she bought a divorce from Mario Lopez. She refused to have any type of sexual relationship till she bought married once more.

Aid got here within the type of her second hubby Alejandro Monteverde. She married Monteverde in 2006 and he or she didn’t have interaction any type of sexual exercise till she married him. She appeared on the Wendy Williams Present in 2012 and described her experiences with post-marital abstinence. She exclaimed: “I used to be simply treading calmly, and didn’t need to make any errors on this relationship.” She additionally stated: “We abstained from having intercourse till we bought married.”

Peer strain could cause somebody to interrupt their very own ethical code. Some individuals need others to deviate from their each day routine and “reside life.” The strain can turn out to be so unhealthy that one would truly give in and break their very own ethical code. It’s arduous to withstand temptation typically, and a bit strain from one’s friends makes giving in that a lot simpler.

Some persons are even made enjoyable of due to their nonconformity. Russell Model poked on the Jonas Brothers due to their determination to stay abstinent. Jordin Sparks simply occurred to attend the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards and Russell Model introduced this situation up. Jordin Sparks had this to say “It’s not unhealthy to put on a promise ring.” Jordin went on to say: “Not everyone — man or lady — desires to be a [expletive].”

Probably the most generally handed down beliefs concerning the follow of celibacy comes from both household or faith. Spiritual doctrines purpose to information individuals of their each day lives and supply non secular enlightenment. The spiritual practices stick with an individual all through their lifetime and their religion practices mirror their existence.

Tamera Mowry-Housley and her husband Adam Housley each abstained from having a sexual relationship due to their spiritual religion. Their divine and non secular inspiration got here although their spiritual religion. She believed so strongly about celibacy that she informed Ebony Journal: “We felt God needed us to do it. Everytime you’re feeling discouraged simply pray collectively.”

Generally it’s simply greatest to speak issues out. There may be motion over the cellphone, resembling these in style commercials that use to broadcast within the 90s. A few of you bear in mind these 1-900 numbers that have been campy and a bit humorous. Julianne Hough took this method however not via the campy commercials.

Julianne had an interview with CosmoGIRL in 2008. She stated: “I need to be with that particular particular person. I feel [the choice] to have intercourse earlier than marriage is a person one, however when you’re simply with one particular person, it’s just for one good cause, and [waiting to have sex] will strengthen that relationship. I’m not making an attempt to evangelise penalties right here, however I feel once you say no, down the road it is going to be a greater determination.” It was found that she and her now husband Brooks Laich had some steamy cellphone conversations earlier than they bought married in 2015.

Some guys won’t admit to being a virgin when they’re requested. It’s a very embarrassing factor amongst guys to say if they’re a virgin or not. It may trigger some man’s face to blush (some guys) once they admit that they’re a virgin. There must be somebody who will not be embarrassed to confess that they’re nonetheless a virgin.

Enter Tim Tebow into the image. Tim is a religious Christian and he has admittedly stated that he’s a virgin and he stands by this. He went on report in 2009 saying: It’s about discovering a lady who likes me for me, and never due to what I do, or who I’m, or the title.”

Intercourse is usually a soiled factor to some people. Background and ethical practices say that that is true in some circles. It’s one thing that ought to solely be talked about behind closed doorways in response to some individuals. Have you ever ever heard that intercourse could possibly be harmful?

Andy Grammer waited for the proper time to lastly roll within the hay. He stated on The Discuss: “I truly waited till I used to be married to have intercourse.” He additionally stated: “I do assume that, as a tradition, we don’t perceive the consequences of that. I really feel for males proper now as a result of it’s by no means been this straightforward to do one thing so harmful to your self. It makes my coronary heart unhappy that we don’t fairly perceive how harmful that’s, every day, that we may be doing to ourselves.”

Colton Dixon married a lady named Annie in January 2016. He revealed that earlier than this time he was truly abstaining from sexual exercise. He even went on to disclose that it was his first time truly having relations and sharing the identical mattress when he and his spouse have been on their honeymoon.

Colton Dixon informed Individuals in 2016: “It was type of unusual: we checked into the room and realized, ‘We truly get to fall asleep facet by facet! That is so cool! ” He went on to say: “Anyplace we’ve traveled earlier than, we’ve at all times gotten two resort rooms. We needed to stay pure in that space.”

Two individuals who actually love and perceive one another won’t balk on their relationship due to an settlement. There may be an excessive amount of understanding that comes alongside when somebody says to their accomplice that they must watch for the keys to the gates of paradise. For people who find themselves sincerely in love with one another the wait is nicely definitely worth the time.

Ciara Wilson and Russell Wilson have been engaged in 2015. She waited till the seahawk landed earlier than she would have interaction in an intimate relationship with him. Ciara went on report as saying: “It’s till the deal is sealed. Completely!”

No entry to the womb till the rock is on the finger was the assumption that 30 Rock creator Tina Fey held so expensive earlier than she bought married. She has a non secular facet that informed her to not have interaction in any sort of exercise till the time was proper. Tina Fey didn’t lose her virginity whereas she was in highschool like so many teenagers do in present instances. She truly waited till she was 24 to lose her virginity.

She married Jeff Richmond years in the past and he or she even informed her story about her celibacy on The David Letterman Present: “That’s simply good, Christian values, or, being homely. I couldn’t give it away.”

It’s pure for individuals to have the urge to mess around. Individuals are individuals, they usually have sure cravings that would solely presumably be stopped with a really chilly bathe. This will assist briefly, however the burning urge will come again to hang-out an individual. It’s even tougher when somebody desires to stay celibate and hold their present for his or her honeymoon.

Kevin Jonas has been made enjoyable of for admitting to being a virgin earlier than he married Danielle Jonas in 2009. He had these urges and he let everybody find out about these urges. He informed Individuals: “I may’ve gotten married the day after we bought engaged. We’d have gone loopy ready any longer.”

Might celibacy turn out to be a preferred pattern? Our society dictates what’s in and what’s out. There may presumably, however not going, be a pattern that happens the place an individual’s celibacy may turn out to be in style and catch on. Jessica Simpson actually wore right here celibacy round her neck earlier than she married Nick Lachey.

Jessica Simpson bore a purity ring which she had since she was 12. She has been outspoken about her virginity earlier than her marriage and he or she appeared like an advocate of types when it got here to celibacy. She went on report as saying: “Of all of the issues about myself, staying a virgin till my marriage ceremony night time is the factor that makes me most proud.” She additionally informed Individuals in 2000: It’s not at all times straightforward. However I do respect it. Virginity may be cool and horny.”

Carrie Underwood is a rustic singer who greater than probably was formed by her spiritual beliefs when it got here to abstaining from pre-marital intercourse. She is from Oklahoma, which is included within the bible belt. Her bible belt influences led her within the course of protecting the gates closed till the proper particular person had the important thing.

Carrie Underwood waited till she discovered her man, who was Mike Fisher. Carrie went to numerous shops and opened up about her celibacy. She informed Slate that she would stay a virgin till the time was proper. She married Mike Fisher in 2010. She informed Individuals that she tries to maintain in form for her husband: “Even when he’s like, ‘I’m so out of form,’ he nonetheless has a six-pack, I need to be a sizzling spouse!”

Mariah Carey has been married beforehand earlier than she met Nick Cannon. She had already had relations and he or she determined to recapture the second when she was nonetheless a virgin by remaining abstinent earlier than she began relationship Nick Cannon.

There’s a such factor as a “born once more virgin” and a few individuals need to recapture their second once they lastly meet the proper particular person. The primary time was not a attraction for some individuals, and so it’s pure to turn out to be a type of born-again virgins. Mariah married Nick Cannon in 2008, two months after assembly him, and so her celibacy didn’t final that lengthy.

Some individuals attempt to make up for his or her previous once they have executed incorrect. Generally the incorrect eats up an individual to the purpose the place they are going to repent and need to do proper. A complete life turnaround may be enlightening to somebody who has been on the wild facet. Marriage can change an individual to the purpose the place an individual feels that they’ve been renewed.

Sean Lowe wanted a change in his life, and he discovered a life accomplice in Catherine Giudici. He waited to be intimate with Catherine and he even informed Individuals journal: “From my perspective, I’ve lived life type of selfishly for a very long time.” Sean went on to say: “Now, I’m going to attempt to reside it the best way I do know to be proper.”

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New Post has been published on Cloudlight

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First Listen: The Heliocentrics, 'A World Of Masks

When a band is able to many musical styles, it could be thrilling to hear them all on a single album. But it can be just as fun when the institution dives deep into one mode, focusing their musical revel in and artistic imagination into a coherent vision. That’s how the Heliocentrics’ fourth album, A World of Masks, feels. The UK-based ensemble, which has blanketed as much as nine contributors, has in the past delved into hip-hop (first making their name on DJ Shadow’s 2006 album The Outsider), jazz, psych, funk, Afrobeat and greater.

A World of Masks suggestions at all those patterns, on the grounds that musical variety is baked into the Heliocentrics’ musical DNA.

But at some stage in eleven tracks totaling 45 minutes, the group concentrates on the whole on otherworldly psych-funk. Each piece looks like a part of an universal suite, a type of infinite cosmic jam the band should reputedly play for all time. Heliocentrics songs usually originate from improvisation, but this is clearer this time around. The unfastened nature in their unfettered trips evoke European collectives like Can and Träd, Gräs och Stenar as a whole lot as space tourists like Funkadelic and Sun Ra (who, not coincidentally, made two albums within the ’60s referred to as The Heliocentric Worlds of Sun Ra).

The cognizance on A World of Masks comes partly from a new improvement. Heliocentrics tunes are generally instrumental, but on more than half the album’s songs, Slovokian singer Barbora Patkova improvises lyrics, regularly in her native language. Her vocals are just as space-sure as the Heliocentrics’ track – at times she evokes the striking Sun Ra Arkestra singer June Tyson – however they also provide a framework for the band’s elastic jams. The album opens together with her maximum out-the front overall performance, as she sears across the slow construct of “Made of the Sun,” forging a vocal-instrumental symbiosis that persists during A World of Masks.

Listen to Your Inner Voice for Success in Life

How to concentrate for your internal voice is first understanding your real Teacher or Guide whilst in this international.

Our Creator gave us His Teacher, the Holy Spirit to replace the only we made that keeps us within the dream of separation. The Holy Spirit does now not want to raise conflict, however He does need to update what needs replacing.

His substitute efforts will handiest take an instantaneous in time, which is the identical quantity of time you have been dreaming of life faraway from your actual Home.

The Holy Spirit is invisible, but you could see the results of His Presence, and via them you will learn that He is there.

His efforts will no longer have an impact on eternity, because not anything can.

So really ask that He do the job. As you learn how to listen to your internal voice let Him take over as your Teacher, all time that has passed is now long past. Everything now’s precisely because it changed into before you made a decision on a course to nothingness.

Your route to nothingness has been an extended and weary journey, and for now you can’t even don’t forget what it changed into like before you started. In the dream, you do not know what it is want to be awake.

The dream of lifestyles in this international appears very actual.

However, you are still the equal and unchanged-simplest now you have got a brand new trainer Who is guiding you to awakening, as opposed to deeper into the dream. There was a tiny tick of time whilst each of us made the first error and slipped into the dream of separate environment.

Within that single blunders stemmed extra errors within the dream, and others branched.

While these errors were stemming and branching, additionally they held within them their Correction. In that tiny tick of time earlier than we drifted off to dreamland, which is now gone, God gave us a Protector.

This is our Answer, and how to pay attention for your internal voice.

Your adventure continues to answer, and now your new Teacher is showing you Its consequences. However, we cannot fully wake up until the arena as-one awakens. The ego, our former teacher, wishes us to shift from side to side between the beyond and the prevailing.

Much of our time is spent looking on the beyond as though it were real. But our actual, or complete-thoughts perspectives the past as a dream. How commonly have you idea, “It all looks as if it become a dream”?

Your abstract thoughts receive the Holy Spirit’s whispering into your dreaming mind. World Championship Rings

World Series earrings are awards given to every participant in Major League baseball who has received the World Series. Started inside the 1922 World Series when earrings have been given to the members of the triumphing team, the New York Giants, courtesy corporations like Tiffany& Co or Balfour, they have got grown in stature and length. They flaunt the team’s logo in precious stones like diamonds and rubies and are set in 14 carat white gold. Teams shopping for their very own contributors have a machine of classification with the grandest rings for their pinnacle players, and watered down variations for players lower down the rank and crew employees. While the primary jewelry had a couple of diamonds, the modern-day-day version has over 2 hundred diamonds!

Valuable Sports Memorabilia

It is likewise considered through lovers as treasured sports activities memorabilia that may be auctioned or offered at will. Sites like eBay host such objects, and lots of a player in need of cash has sold his ring and made thousands of bucks. Museums have replicas as reveals and there may be a reckoning of who has won the maximum variety of earrings. Yogi Berra has gained the maximum wide variety of jewelry at 15!

Like baseball, there are several professional, semiprofessional, novice, university and excessive school sports. Basketball, Super Bowl Football have all got their championship awards within the form of those rings which can be coveted by all of us, however unfortunately may be enjoyed handiest by means of those players and their groups who win the year’s championship.

Teams are also made from fanatics, who root for their cherished gamers, shouting themselves hoarse and cheering them to victory. So, when a person got here up with the concept that those fanatics too must be rewarded with their very own championship jewelry, it was applied through a few businesses who committed their time, attempt, know-how, and understanding in making precise replicas of the World series championship earrings, as showy, as exuberant, and as ‘obnoxiously over the top’ as the originals.

The Championship jewelry of some of the predominant tournaments and leagues those agencies study replicating are

MLB- World Series- (Baseball) NFL – Super Bowl (Football), NHL-Stanley Cup (Hockey), CFL – Grey Cup (Canadian Football) NCAA (Basketball) NASCAR (Auto racing) Since each yr there was a winner in those video games, the variety is mind boggling and you may order the 12 months and that team’s ring for oneself. It is a passion best fans can recognize and there are heaps out there! Great Gifting Idea

A first-class gifting concept, such rings are fantastic to gift in case you recognise what group the recipient is rooting for. Such loyalties are very sturdy and lifelong and a World Series Championship ring can be a whole lot liked. People who love their teams would love to buy and possess the earrings of their favourite group as a mark of souvenir. There are thousands and thousands of enthusiasts out there of all age companies and gender who would love to have jewelry of their favorite triumphing team. Here is an example while guys love earrings!

The History and Use of False Face Masks Among the Seneca

False Face Masks are considered to be living and breathing “faces” that convey a spirit’s presence with them. The mask are typically used in recuperation ceremonies to convey remedy from health afflictions. There is a False Face Society some of the Iroquois tribes and those who are cured with the assist of False Faces routinely grow to be members. Believers in traditional Iroquois thought do no longer trust or name these False Faces “mask” as they agree with the faces are inhabited via living representations of spirits. False faces are even “fed” with a cornmeal “mush” and they accept presents of tobacco for recovery ailments.

Iroquois legend has it that the beginning of the False Face Mask way of life

Took place due to the fact the “Creator,” “God,” “Divine Supreme Being,” whichever name you choose to use, encountered a stranger once, known in the Onondaga language as “Grandfather.” The Creator challenged Grandfather in his capability to transport a mountain. Grandfather made the mountain shake and rumble however turned into unable to transport it. The Creator stated Grandfather had a few energy however now not enough strength to move the mountain. The Creator then moved the mountain to demonstrate his potential to Grandfather. The Creator told Grandfather now not to appearance at the back of him while the mountain moved, however Grandfather changed into curious and while he became to look, the mountain struck Grandfather within the face and left his face damaged and smashed.

The Creator then hired Grandfather to guard his kids however he knew the sight of Grandfather’s broken face might scare the children, so Grandfather become exiled to the forests and underground caves. To these days, sightings are mentioned of a lone figure, clothed in regal Iroquois apparel, peering from at the back of the timber of the woodland. He is stated to have long hair and either a pink or black face. He most effective leaves the confines of the woods whilst known as upon to heal or interpret dreams. He is now referred to as “Old Broken Nose.”