#library venue improvements

[solxamber]

Diasomnia, 8 (or whichever is the non negotiable), fluff

Encore for You || Lilia Vanrouge

For the Holiday Event! || Prompt: "This is non-negotiable" ; Genre: Fluff

Sebek was not pleased.

“Human, this study session is crucial! How do you expect to improve if you abandon your studies so easily?” he barked, pacing around the library as you packed your bag.

“I know, Sebek, but Lilia invited me to his concert, and he said it was non-negotiable.”

Sebek paused mid-stride, his eyes narrowing. “Master Lilia has… compromised your priorities for his music?”

You rolled your eyes. “It’s one concert. I’ll make it up tomorrow.”

Sebek’s protests followed you out the door, but you tuned him out, your heart already racing at the thought of seeing Lilia perform.

The venue—a makeshift stage in the school auditorium—was abuzz with excitement. Cater was setting up his camera for live streams, Kalim was cheerfully waving to every passerby, and Lilia was off to the side, tuning his bass guitar.

When he spotted you, his eyes lit up. He sauntered over, still holding the guitar. “Ah, there you are, my dear. I knew you’d come.”

You laughed. “I didn’t really have a choice. You made it non-negotiable, remember?”

“Of course,” he said, grinning mischievously. “I couldn’t possibly perform without my muse in the audience.”

Before you could reply, Cater called out, “Lilia! It’s time!”

He gave you one last wink before heading to the stage, and you took your seat near the front, the perfect spot to cheer him on.

The concert was… an experience.

Kalim’s enthusiasm on the drums was unmatched. Cater sang well, occasionally pausing to check his phone and read comments from the live stream. But Lilia stole the show, his stage presence magnetic and his energy infectious.

Halfway through a particularly wild bass solo, Lilia glanced down at you and winked, sending your heart into overdrive.

You couldn’t help but cheer loudly, earning amused glances from the people around you. But you didn’t care—this was Lilia in his element, and you were completely captivated.

After the concert, Lilia found you backstage, still holding his guitar.

“Well?” he asked, a playful lilt in his voice. “Was it worth skipping your study session with Sebek?”

“Absolutely,” you said, grinning. “Though I think Sebek might track me down and drag me back to the library any minute now.”

Lilia chuckled, setting the guitar aside to pull you into a hug. “Let him try. Tonight, you’re mine.”

You leaned into his embrace, your cheeks warm. “You were amazing out there. That wink, though—completely unfair.”

“Unfair?” he echoed, tilting his head with mock innocence. “I was merely expressing my affection. Should I stop?”

“Don’t you dare,” you said, laughing.

“Good,” he said, pressing a quick kiss to your forehead. “Because if I’m going to serenade anyone, it’ll always be you.”

And in that moment, with his arms around you and the sound of distant applause still lingering in the air, you couldn’t imagine a better place to be.

Masterlist

[casper-spills]

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☁︎ ᴘɪʟᴇ 1 ☁︎

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕

The High Priestess Upright

Keywords & Signs: North Node, Sagittarius, 3rd House, Gemini, Mercury, Moon, grey, white, alignment, broken mirror, sense of self, New Moon in Scorpio, blue, secret, library, silence, 2

Messages: 'Work through your fears' 'What needs to change?'

Some of you might already know that you want to study languages, technology or psychology. You might feel like it's your calling or your destiny to pursue your dream. Well this is your confirmation!

This year will be focused on your social development and learning. You will be learning more about yourself and others in terms of how people interact with eachother and what certain behaviours and words mean. You will begin to understand yourself and others more. You'll also improve your intuitive social skills, being able to read people like a book, and pick up on things you've never been able to before!

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆

Ten of Wands Reversed

Keywords & Signs: Capricorn, 7th House, Libra, Venus, North Node, fire, 10, black, gold, green, New Moon in Taurus, Anna, plan, foundation, home, beacon, sweatshop, workplace, physical labour

Messages: 'Prosperity lies ahead' 'Lay the foundations'

Traits of your current or potential partner: Positive: Mature, great teeth, striking physique, eccentric, inventive, unique, adventurous, outgoing, sociable Negative: Stress related skin issues, unpredictable, rebellious, moody, hypersensitive, erratic

If you are in a relationship, you could be lacking some fun and spontaneity in your life so perhaps this year you'll be offloading some of your stresses and responsibilities whilst your partner takes on more duties within the relationship. Alternately, you could be so overwhelmed and overloaded with responsibilities that the relationship is on the brink of collapse. It might feel like you're getting nowhere despite putting so much work into the relationship.

If you're not in a relationship, you may be making time for dating and allowing more fun into your life by offloading some of your burdens and stresses this year.

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔

Queen of Wands Upright

Keywords & Signs: Pisces, Saturn, 3rd House, Gemini, Mercury, fire, 13, dance, yellow, yes, New Moon in Virgo, green, 3, scarf, blue, independance, social event

Messages: 'Just say yes' 'A time to give'

You will be managing your finances well and you'll be capable of making sound decisions in terms of investments and spending this year. You're being advised to make sure you don't get too carried away when you spend. Someone may come to you for financial help this year so make sure you're prepared!

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉

Seven of Wands Reversed

Keywords & Signs: Pisces, Neptune, 1st House, Aries, Mars, fire, orange, New Moon in Taurus, postpone, thunder, stairs, exhaustion, compete, 7

Messages: 'Wait. Say no.' 'Success is ahead'

This year you are being asked to pay attention to matters related to your feet, pituitary gland (hormone production) and your pineal gland (melatonin production).

You might be struggling to overcome an illness this year and you might struggle to find a treatment that is effective. You may start to lose confidence in your recovery but don't let this take away your will to fight. Remember that having the will to keep going is important for progress. It could be helpful for you to seek a second opinion and a different perspectives on alternative treatmeants.

𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜

Extended reading for pile 1 includes: ✦ Your spotify playlist ✦ Your pinterest moodboard ✦ What you should prioritize this year ✦ How to fulfill your potential this year ✦ How you can improve your relationship ✦ Who you'll be supporting financially

☁︎ ᴘɪʟᴇ 2 ☁︎

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕

Three of Wands Upright

Keywords & Signs: Mars, Aquarius, 7th House, Libra, Venus, yellow, fire, martini, 3, Mutable Moon, the crumbling, teal, beacon of light, opportunities, overseas, planning

Messages: 'Nothing is yet set in stone.' 'What are you clinging on to?'

This year will be focused on your relationships, your connections, and the work you're putting into them. You could be putting in a lot of time and work into your romantic relationships, your friendships, or work-related connections and this year all your hard work will finally be paid off. An opportunity will present itself to you and this is your sign to take it! You will see a lot of progress, growth, and expansion in your future endeavors as you move forward to a new chapter. You might be going on holiday this year or you could start working abroad/in a foreign country.

Alternatively, If you're in a long-distance relationship, you might have been saving up to go visit them this year. You may also enter a new chapter in this relationship. Perhaps you plan to make a move that can help this relationship become more sustainable, such as moving in together or starting a new job in a new location.

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆

Four of Cups Upright

Keywords & Signs: Aquarius, Venus, 8th House, Libra, water, New Moon in Aries, council of light, Gods, Deities, red, meditation, contemplation, blue, tree shade, graveyard, peaceful spot, 4, bushes, shrubs

Messages: 'It's time to take action.' 'You are divinely guided.'

Traits of your current or potential partner: Positive: Unique facial features, half smile, inquisitive eyes, tall, feminine, attractive, great taste in art and music Negative: Detached, unapproachable, awkward, materialistic

If you are in a relationship, you might become complacent in your relationship, where you spend more time fantasizing about what you want it to be like rather than taking action. Alternatively, you may be underappreciating your partner and letting negative thoughts cloud your judgment. Consider what you could accomplish with your partner if you could put that energy into appreciating your relationship and making steps towards a more fulfilling life together.

If you're not in a relationship, you may feel that you regret past mistakes in love, and you're focused on what was missing in past relationships. This is preventing you from seeing new opportunities in love that are right in front of you! Allow yourself to see new people and trust the process. You have grown from your experiences, so don't dismiss potential partners! You may find love where you least expect it!

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔

The High Priestess Upright

Keywords & Signs: Mercury, Cancer, 2nd House, Taurus, Venus, New Moon in Capricorn, Mutable Moon, brown, blue, secret location, library, quiet location, 3, throne, Moon

Messages: 'Your hard work is paying off!' 'Nothing is yet set in stone.'

You might be the kind of person who has always been sensible with your finances. You handle your finances intuitively, and this year, you will continue to handle your money effectively. You understand the importance of trusting your gut feelings and the knowledge that comes from within, rather than solely relying on external advice.

When in doubt, consider hidden aspects of your financial situations. Look beyond the surface and explore underlying factors that may be influencing your financial health.

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉

Nine of Wands Upright

Keywords & Signs: Mars, Scorpio, 8th House, fire, yellow, New Moon in Scorpio, Pleiades, double mission, blue, ocean, fly, competitive environment, barrier, wall, climb, ladder

Messages: 'Work through your fears.' 'Uplift your spirit.'

This year you are being asked to pay attention to matters related to your reproductive organs, genitals, prostate, colon, pubic bone, and your urinary tract.

You may struggle with your health this year which will take a lot of physical and emotional energy from you. This is your reminder to keep pushing forward. It might be frustrating to be dismissed by your doctors or being misdiagnosed but don't use this as an excuse to give up! You may have suffered a chronic illness or pain and have reocurring symptoms. This may also be related to old injuries. Make sure you're doing plenty of research and getting opinions from multiple doctors.

𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜

Extended reading for pile 2 includes: ✦ Your spotify playlist ✦ Your pinterest moodboard ✦ Your vacation ✦ How you can improve your relationship ✦ Who is your potential partner ✦ External financial influences

☁︎ ᴘɪʟᴇ 3 ☁︎

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕

Eight of Swords Reversed

Keywords & Signs: Libra, 12th House, North Node, Pisces, Neptune, Air, Full Moon in Libra, replenishment, purple, oasis, grey, firefly, 8, prison, therapy, rehabilitation

Messages: 'There will be a win-win outcome.' 'Retreat and rest.'

This year will be a very heavy one for you. I have a feeling that life has not treated you so well, especially in the last year. This year will be focused on your personal development, where you explore the deepest and darkest parts of yourself. You've struggled to see your potential and haven't been able to work towards your highest self, but now is the time to change that! This year presents you the opportunity to escape the things that have kept you in doubt. You will be facing your fears, fighting for yourself, and taking back control of your life! You will feel empowered and more hopeful this year as you begin to believe in yourself more!

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆

The World Reversed

Keywords & Signs: Gemini, 4th House, South Node, Cancer, Moon, New Moon in Libra, Council of Light, purple, chakras, earth, fire, air, water, guiding light, airport, flying, travelling, 21

Messages: 'You are divinely guided.' 'A new romantic cycle begins!'

Traits of your current or potential partner: Positive: Cheerful, expressive, athletic build, truth seeker, passionate, explorer, Negative: Restless, intense, stubborn, obsessive, inflexible, relentless

Some of you may be struggling to move on from a past relationship that ended without warning. You may have felt like the ending was abrupt and you didn't have much time to process the end of the relationship. Perhaps you could be looking for closure, so you are hoping this person will come back. However, you may never get closure from your previous partner, so you must find another way to make peace with the circumstances. You must make the conscious decision to heal and nurture yourself.

If you are in a relationship, it may feel like it's becoming stagnant this year. It may feel incomplete, as if something is missing or lacking in the relationship. For some reason, your relationship is just not meeting its fullest potential, and this could be due to unfinished business or other areas in your life distracting you from being able to fully appreciate each other. If one or both of you have just gotten out of a previous relationship, there could be unfinished business there. You must nurture the relationship and have open and honest conversations because if you don't address these issues, you may start to feel like the relationship is not going anywhere.

If you're not in a relationship, you may feel that your love life has fallen flat. It could be that you haven't been putting yourself out there enough to meet potential partners, or you just don't seem to be meeting any of the right people. Don't give up, and don't end up settling for just anyone! There's no rush to be in a relationship. Don't forget about who you are and what you are looking for in someone.

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔

Ace of Swords Upright

Keywords & Signs: Capricorn, Neptune, 7th House, Libra, Venus, Full Moon in Leo, air, mirror, red pill or blue pill, waterfall, skyscraper, office, library, radio tower, editor's room, orange, blue, red, 1

Messages: 'Don't let pride get in your way.' 'Who or what is triggering you?'

This year your understanding of financial matters is sharpening, and you will be confident making significant decisions in regards to your finances. You will gain a new perspective that will help you see your finances more clearly, and you will develop practical skills that will lead to positive and impactful changes in your financial status! Additionally, it could be that a new connection is what is bringing this clarity to your finances, such as marriage, a contract, shared accounts, partnerships, etc. You have the power to stand your ground against all the odds and seize new opportunities!

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉

Seven of Swords Reversed

Keywords & Signs: Libra, Mercury, 6th House, air, leap, Waxing Moon, 8, Virgo, magenta, pink, secret location, casino, birds, flying, mountains

Messages: 'Take a leap of faith!' 'Things are moving quickly.'

This month you are being asked to pay attention to matters related to your kidneys, bladder, veins, sense of touch, insulin regulation, and lower back.

This year you may end up ignoring several warning signs in relation to your health which will not do you any favours. Be aware of the signals your body is sending you and take your pains seriously! If you continue to ignore these indicators, then it may lead to a much worse health issue.

𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜

Extended reading for pile 3 includes: ✦ Your spotify playlist ✦ Your pinterest moodboard ✦ What you should prioritize this year ✦ How to fulfill your potential this year ✦ How you can improve your relationship ✦ Your Career

☁︎ Thank you for your support! ☁︎

Dividers by @cafekitsune, @animatedglittergraphics-n-more

[thebadgerclan]

All Is Well

Pairing: King George III x reader

Summary: All will be well, so long as he has you...

A/N: I’m easing myself into this character with some fluff lol.

Also, any and all writings featuring King George III or Queen Charlotte are based off of their fictional portrayals from Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, NOT THE HISTORICAL FIGURES

“Is he well?”  “It would not be proper of me to say, Your Majesty.”  “Reynolds, please, you know what I mean.”  “He seems well, all things considered, Majesty.”  You were walking briskly through the corridors of Buckingham House, Reynolds mere paces behind you.  You had been in the library when the King’s Man found you, breathlessly informing you that your husband was having one of his “episodes”

The books you were perusing were left abandoned on the table as you rushed to his side, knowing George needed you now.  Doctor Monro was gone, banished from palace grounds, after his horrendous treatment of your husband, and George had seen marked improvements in his condition in his absence.  Yes, he still had lapses, but they were more manageable, all thanks to you.

You showed your husband kindness, compassion, and patience when he was having an episode.  You may not understand why such trivial things drove him to near hysterics, but that did not mean he was not deserving of kindness.  And George had responded wonderfully.  All he needed was someone who loved and cared about him to help him through.

Servants bowed and curtsied as you hurried past, and when you reached the doors to your chambers, Brimsley was waiting outside.  He bowed as you approached.  “Your Majesty,” he greeted, and you nodded.  “Is he alright?”  “He appears frightened, Your Majesty,” Brimsley responded.  “By what I cannot say.”  “Very well, thank you.  Wait here.”  Your Man stepped aside and you opened the door, closing it gently when you were inside.

“George, darling?” you said softly.  “It is me, my love.  Your Y/N is here.”  For several moments, the room was silent, then you heard rustling from the corner.  “Y/N?” came George’s voice, and you moved closer to him.  “Yes, my sweet.  What is the matter?”  You took another step, finding your husband huddled in the corner of the room, a thick blanket covering him.  He peered up at you, his eyes wide.  “She is angry, Y/N.”

You crouched before him, extending a hand towards your husband.  Reluctantly, he unearthed his arm from the blanket and clasped your hand, pulling you closer to him.  “Who is, George?”  Your voice was kind, patient, and your husband swallowed.  “Venus.  She is angry, Y/N, angry at me.”  “I see,” you said.  “Why is she angry, my dear?”  “I did not go to see her as I promised.  Now she is…I am scared, Y/N.”

It broke your heart to see your husband hurting so, and you moved to sit at his side, kissing his hand.  “You are safe here, my love.  She will not harm you.”  George shook his head.  “No, no, Y/N, you do not understand.  She is so very angry, she will–”  “Shh, shh, my love,” you soothed, coaxing him into your arms.  “She will not harm you, George, I will not allow it.”

“No, no!  You cannot, Y/N, she is-”  “I am a Queen, am I not?”  George fell silent.  “You are,” he answered after a moment.  “Thousands of people bend to my whim.  Surely a celestial being would do the same?”  George had no rebuttal for that, and he nuzzled his face into your chest.  After a few minutes, you coaxed him to sit, gently turning his face to meet yours.

“Let’s get you into bed, my love.  I will make sure that Venus does not–”  “No!” he cried, eyes wide and fearful.  “Y/N, you cannot.  She…she will not…you cannot…”  “George, look at me.”  His gaze had shifted to the wall beyond your shoulder, and his speech had become mumbled.  “No, George, look at me.  You are going to lie down, and I am going to make sure Venus does not harm you.  Then I will return.”

The King shook his head, still mumbling.  “I will not be more than ten minutes, my love, I swear it.”  “You swear it?”  “I do, George.  I promise.”  Your husband was already in his nightclothes, so you turned down the covers and helped him to lie down, tucking the blankets over him and kissing his forehead.

You exited your chambers, where Brimsley, Reynolds, and the guards and staff tasked with protecting the King were gathered.  “The King appears to be having a more subdued episode tonight, but that does not mean you can let your guard down.  I want the usual staff securing the perimeter of the gardens, I want staff at every main exit point with warm clothes, and I want hot water at the ready throughout the night.  Am I clear?”

A chorus of “Yes, Your Majesty’s” were heard, and you nodded.  “Good.  Brimsley, Reynolds, you have your orders.”  “Indeed, ma’am,” Brimsley replied, and you nodded again.  “Good.  Let us hope His Majesty is feeling better by morning.”  You re-entered your chambers, where George was muttering to himself, trembling beneath the covers.

“George, my love, I am back,” you said, unlacing your gown and stays.  You pulled a nightdress over your head and joined him in bed, opening your arms to him.  Your husband gravitated towards you, snuggling into your embrace.  “Venus, is she still angry?” he asked, and you kissed his forehead.  “A bit,” you replied.  “But she promised to forgive you if you promise to see her the next time she is here.”

Your husband nodded, a wave of calm washing over her.  “She did?”  “Yes, my love, she did.  Rest now, my darling.  I love you.”  George hummed, cuddling even closer to you.  “I love you too, my Y/N.”  George soon drifted off to sleep, but you remained awake, watching him as he slept, praying that all would be well.

***

When you woke, it was to find your husband propped up on an elbow, gazing at you lovingly.  “Good morning, my dearest,” he said, dipping his chin to kiss you.  You happily received his kiss, cupping his cheek when he pulled back.  “You are well, my love?  Back with me?”  Your husband nodded.  “I am, Y/N.  Though I am suspiciously clean, so I take it I did not indulge on a late night stroll through the gardens?”

You laughed softly.  “No, you were rather somnolent.  Fearful, even.”  “Fearful?  What of, my darling?”  “Apparently Venus was quite cross with you because you did not go to see her.”  George thought for a moment before barking out a laugh.  “Of course!  It was three nights ago that Venus was at her brightest.  I had planned to spend the evening in the observatory, but someone had other plans, didn’t they?”

A blush painted your cheeks, and George kissed you sweetly.  “Can I truly be blamed?  The doctor said that two weeks after my courses ended–”  “Venus can wait for all I care,” George said.  “You are the most important thing in my life.  And when we have our, both of you will be the most important things in my life.  I love you, Y/N.  Thank you.”  Thank you for understanding, thank you for not judging, thank you for being kind, thank you for loving him, is what he meant.  And you knew it.

“You are most welcome, George,” you replied, kissing him again.  The King’s expression shifted to a wicked grin, and you smiled.  “How long did the doctor say that you’d be fertile for?”  “A few days, wh–oh!”  Your husband had slipped beneath the covers, lifting your nightdress over your hips.  It seemed the morning was off to a rather pleasant start.

[invisibleicewands]

WORTH A LOOK?: *****

WHEN?: Saturday 24 February, opens 6 March and runs through 11 May 2024 RUNTIME: 160 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)

A grieving son wraps his dying miner father in his arms, apologises for everything he could have done better to look after him and vows to make good by helping others.

The son is Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan, the Labour politician and founder of the National Health Service on 5 July 1945, and Nye is the warts-and-all story of the man who would improve the health of countless millions of us and how he did it.

Nye died almost 15 years to the day he founded the NHS from stomach cancer and the conceit here is that he’s in hospital at the end of his life having a fever dream and wanders, pink pyjama-clad, through moments of importance.

Reading the article by former Labour leader Neil Kinnock in the programme about Bevan we discover his education was cut short at 13 when he followed his miner father down the pits to work in 1910.

In an almost reverse of film Dead Poets Society we meet the bullying schoolteacher who would cane a young Nye because of his speech impediment, the classmates who would protect him and the very Manic Street Preachers-like realisation that free libraries could give him the power to overcome his stammer by finding alternative words to those he could not utter.

Riffing on Dennis Potter’s Singing Detective Sheen’s Nye even sings Judy Garland’s Get Happy at 1 point as he and his miner colleagues use the time unemployment has afforded them to bone up on the way their home town of Tredegar in Wales is run and get themselves elected onto the boards of the bodies involved to finally do good by its people.

From our 4th row seats we see director Rufus Norris, also outgoing artistic director and chief executive of the National Theatre, tread the boards at the beginning of this 1st preview to remind us as such there might have to be a pause in proceedings because of the freshness of the material but perhaps 1 of the reasons its star Sheen is beaming so much during the curtain call (see picture below) is because it all actually went so well.

The action is staged as if in a hospital ward for much of the time with beds on wheels used to great effect and curtains around beds featuring prominently and at 1 point, rather brilliantly, lowering to become rows of seats in Parliament.

Tony Jayawardena (Marjorie Prime, Menier) is quite brilliant as Nye’s nemesis Winston Churchill, a man who succeeds in doing what Labour were unable to by uniting all classes in opposition to world war.

Sharon Small (Good, Harold Pinter Theatre) is more than a match for a revelatory performance by Sheen, at 1 point seemingly channelling the boyish enthusiasm of a young Declan Donnelly from Ant and Dec, as she explains the sacrifices she made to support her husband.

There’s a lot of injustice to make the audience angry here and there’s some terrific political theatre in London at the moment to both challenge the mind and make the heart soar – An Enemy Of The People and Standing At The Sky’s Edge for example.

Like the outstanding Dear England, this is an example of a venue at the top of its game doing exactly what it should be doing in offering insight into stories of those who have shaped our country and influenced the people we have become.

---------

Another one who sang "Get Happy":

[sippy--sippy]

Page Turner (Kageyama Tobio x Reader) Part 3 - Summary: Tobio wants to try something risky with you. CW: Smut, Exhibitionism, Semi-Public Sex Word Count: 3,650 Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 A/N: Tee hee, this is my first time (writing smut) be gentle. No gendered pronouns are used, but it is implied the reader is AFAB. MINORS DNI ! Also, this can be read as a stand alone one-shot if you nasties just want the smut

Come to the locker room.

When you got the sudden text from Tobio, you were lounging on a bench outside the gymnasium where Tobio’s team had just suffered a brutal loss to a rival French team. Knowing the loss would weigh on him as it always did, you had already run over to the pastry shop nearby to pick up many of his newfound favorite Italian delicacies. Tobio was a perfectionist, so when games didn’t go his way, he would spend the rest of the evening thinking through every minute of the game, trying to piece together what he could’ve done differently to get his team the win. The added stress of still trying to prove his worth to his new team, even after being on the team for nearly a year, didn’t help.

Moving to Italy after Tobio had signed a deal with Ali Roma hadn’t been easy. Both of you scrambled to learn Italian as fast as possible, find a place to live and adjust to the different culture. You had to find a job, even though Tobio insisted you didn’t need one because his volleyball career could support you both. While he was right, you couldn’t stand the thought of being home alone all day while he was at practice or gone to away games that you weren’t able to attend. So you found a job at a bookstore close to your condo.

It was tough in the beginning since you couldn’t read in Italian yet and could still barely understand it when people spoke to you at the shop. Luckily, the old lady who owned it seemed to enjoy your charm and hired you anyway, especially since you already knew the ins and outs of the book world with your years as a librarian. The job helped your Italian come along nicely, as well as Tobio’s. Back in Tokyo, Tobio would spend any free time he had around his volleyball schedule to keep you company in the library after the two of you started dating. Doing so helped him realize he actually enjoyed reading for fun, not just out of necessity.

Now that you worked in a bookstore and could buy books in Italian, the two of you would spend quiet nights slowly reading children’s books to help improve your comprehension. Now, after a year of learning, both of you are back to reading at your regular level.

The longer you lived in Italy, the more you fell in love with it. The people, the scenery, the food. It was all perfect. Plus, shortly after moving here, the Italian countryside had given you both the most beautiful wedding venue one could ever ask for so maybe you were just a tad bit biassed about how perfect Italy was.

Tobio’s sudden text caused you to pause your scrolling through the comments on your most recent Instagram post (A picture of a particularly gorgeous sunrise streaming through your bedroom window and a small glimpse of Tobio snuggled up next to you, asleep. His fans always went nuts for posts like this. You loved to feed them small nuggets of your domestic life with him). He never asked you to come to him after a game, especially in the locker room. He always said to wait outside and he’d find you. You were instantly concerned something was wrong. Did the loss really affect him that much?

Gathering the bag of pastries in your arms, you stood up from the bench and rushed back inside the building. It was almost completely empty by now. There were a couple fans still loitering in the halls, conversing with each other and a couple building staff roaming around. You doubted the athletes were even still here. 

Hustling down a couple of side hallways, you eventually walked up to the men's locker room. It was silent inside. Slowly pushing the door open, it creaked loudly on its hinges. You couldn’t see Tobio anywhere just by peeking your head in, so you tentatively stepped past the threshold of the door and walked inside.

“Tobio?” you loudly whispered. You prayed no one else besides Tobio was inside. You really didn’t need to see one of his teammates naked today. When you received no response, you wandered further in. You passed multiple alcoves of lockers, and a line of open showers before finding him. 

He was tucked in the last alcove of lockers, sitting on the concrete bench that ran underneath said lockers. He was slouched forward, elbows resting on his knees and hands grasped together. Dropping the bag of pastries on the floor, you rushed to him. You’d seen him down on himself after games before, but he’d never looked this upset.

“Tobio? Sweetheart?”

You gently rested your hands on the sides of his head and tilted his face up so he’d look at you. To your confusion, he didn’t look angry or sad. In fact, you couldn’t tell at all what he was thinking. You’d gotten really good at reading Tobio’s almost constantly stoic expression, but now you were doubting your abilities. 

“Are you okay?” you whispered, almost hesitantly. 

You took a step back as he stood up, towering over you. He stared intently into your eyes, brows bunched in thought. You took the time to glance at the rest of him, assessing for any possible injuries that might explain his weird behavior. He still wore his volleyball getup, even his knee pads hadn’t been removed. He wasn’t glistening with sweat anymore but still smelled like it, meaning he hadn’t showered yet either. What was he doing in here the whole time, then? Just sitting? It wasn’t like him, but you couldn’t see any physical clue to why he was acting so weird.

Well, until you took notice of his shorts. They weren’t skin tight by any means, but they sure didn’t leave anything to the imagination when he was aroused. You knew because you had seen it happen many times. You would have Tobio wear his volleyball uniform in bed quite often. You couldn’t help it, he just looked so good in it and it never failed in turning you on.

Tobio slowly removed your hands from his face and instead threw them over his shoulders so your arms were wrapped loosely around his neck, never breaking eye contact with you. His hands then slid down your sides to rest low on your hips, fingers sliding under your matching Ali Roma jersey to hook underneath the hem of your jeans. 

“I wanna try something,” he mumbled, slowly starting to tug your pants down, underwear following suit. 

“R-Right now?! But Tobio, someone could walk in and see us.” Despite your verbal protest, you didn’t stop him from helping you toe off your shoes and kicking your pants and underwear off your legs.

“I know. That’s the point.” His voice was much deeper and rougher than it usually was.

This was a real shock to you. Tobio had never expressed the want or need to attempt anything public beyond holding hands and the occasional hug or kiss. He preferred having you all to himself in the privacy of your bedroom, and didn’t want to risk sharing you with anyone else. So why’d he suddenly change his mind?

Once your legs were free of clothing, Tobio wrapped his hands around the backs of your thighs and lifted you into the air with ease, walking you back to rest against the lockers with a thud. Your legs automatically wrapped tightly around his hips to keep yourself in the air, feeling his arousal rub against yours.

Your mind was running a hundred miles an hour. The fact he chose his team’s locker room of all places was very surprising to you. Any of his teammates, coaches, or managers could walk in at any second and his volleyball career could go up in smoke. All those years of hard work and dedication, gone.  But even knowing this, he wanted to risk it anyway. You couldn’t deny the whole situation had you shaking in both nerves and anticipation.

“W-What’s gotten into you? You’ve never wanted to try anything like this before.”

You fisted your hands into his jersey as he held you up with one arm wrapped tightly underneath you and used his free hand to tug down his shorts just enough to free himself. 

“Last Monday, when you had work and I had the day off, I skimmed through one of those romance books you brought home from the bookstore since you’re always raving about them and I was bored.” As he spoke, without any preparation, he entered you slowly. It was a little more uncomfortable than normal, but you were already so wet because of the whole situation that he had little trouble sliding in. It took everything in you to stop from letting out a loud groan, in fear someone would hear. You chose to bite your tongue instead as Tobio kept talking. “They did something similar to this in the book and it was intriguing. I wanted to test it out to see if it was as exciting as they made it seem.” He finally bottomed out, and let out a shaky breath, a small smile crossing his lips as he nodded. “So far, they were right.”

You heaved a breath and let out a light giggle. “Those books are filthy. Can’t wait to see what else you want to try.” 

Tobio leaned in to rest his forehead against yours, staring deep into your eyes as he always did and gave you a smile. “I’ve got lots of ideas.” He tilted his head forward the last couple centimeters to claim your mouth with his and started to set a slow, tantalising pace.

He swallowed up the noises you made with his mouth, but he couldn’t stop the loud sounds your back made as it rhythmically thumped the empty lockers. Kageyama was a professional at turning you into a pile of mush. He knew just what to do with his hips to make your eyes roll back into your head. 

When you first began dating, Tobio was extremely embarrassed to admit that he’d never been intimate with anyone before. He’d never seen the appeal until you came along, and suddenly volleyball wasn’t his whole world anymore. The first time was awkward, and he was a blushing mess the whole time but Tobio was nothing if not a great learner. It only took him a couple attempts before he knew exactly how to make you squirm. It helped that he had an impressive length. It wasn’t the thickest, but it could reach spots of you you didn’t know existed.

Your toes curled around the air, your legs squeezing his hips to try to get him as close and as deep as possible. You were certain your tongue was going to be bleeding from how hard you were biting it, keeping your noises suppressed as much as possible. Still, whimpers escaped your throat on their own. Tobio seemed to have trouble keeping himself quiet, as he’d decided it would be best to bite down on your shoulder, gripping the Kageyama jersey you wore in his teeth. Grunts still escaped him as he rocked you against the lockers. You honestly didn’t even know why you both bothered to keep your voices down, because the lockers were loud enough to drown out any noise you both made and alert anyone passing by to what you were doing anyway.

Tobio kneaded the flesh of your thighs in his hands, gripping hard enough to leave bruises that you knew he’d profusely apologize for later. Any time you started to slip down the lockers, he’d heft you back up with a thrust that had you seeing stars.

To keep yourself distracted, you busied yourself with gripping the dark strands of hair at the nape of his neck, mouthing at his throat that bobbed at every nip you made. The salty taste of his sweat from the game still lingered all over his skin, and you made it your mission to lick up every single drop that you could reach.

After you started paying special attention to the spot on his neck just under his ear that made him melt, all movements between the two of you stopped immediately when the loud creak of the locker room door echoed through the air. You instantly pulled your head away from Tobio’s neck to stare wide eyed at him in fear. He stared back at you, eyes swimming with concentration as you both held your breath to listen for any more movement. 

“Kageyama? Sei ancora qui?” (Are you still here?)

It took every brain cell you had left to translate the sentence as Tobio had nearly pulled completely out of you on his last thrust, now just barely filling you with his tip. You couldn’t place the voice but it sounded familiar. One of Tobio’s teammates?

Tobio gulped to clear his throat before the bastard actually answered him back. He could’ve just kept quiet and the man would’ve hopefully just left when no one responded to him. Now the man would know Tobio was here and might come looking for him.

“Sì, sono stato un po' distratto. Sto proprio per farmi una doccia e tornare a casa.” (Yes, I got a little sidetracked. I'm just about to shower and head home.)

“Va bene, volevo solo farti sapere il programma della nostra prossima partita.” (Alright, I just wanted to let you know about the schedule for our next game.)

As the man went into the details about their next game (you think that’s what he said, at least. You couldn’t focus on a single thing he said), you watched Tobio get a dangerous glint in his eye. On one hand, you were eternally grateful that the man decided to just talk to Tobio loudly across the locker room rather than come talk to him face-to-face. On the other hand, it gave Tobio the perfect opportunity to torture you when you had no choice but to stay quiet.

Supporting you with one arm wrapped underneath your ass so you wouldn’t fall, he clamped his free hand over your mouth. He then hiked his leg up so his foot stood on the concrete bench that ran just underneath you. This spread your thighs apart even further to make room for him as he ever so slowly seated himself fully in you once again. The new angle helped him reach even deeper and hit the spongy part of you that had your eyes rolling so far back into your head, you felt like they were about to pop out of your skull. 

To your both pleasure and pain, he didn’t move more than that, forcing you to stay seated on him while he talked to the stranger. Any involuntary clench of your core made him twitch, which brushed that sweet spot, bringing you closer and closer to release but never quite reaching it. Dignity be damned, you dug your heels into his ass to try to bring him even closer than he already was, begging him to move or do anything to get you satiated. Stubborn as always, he refused to budge, planting himself against you as he talked to the man as if he wasn’t buried to the hilt.

To an untrained ear, he seemed to be talking normally but after your years of knowing him, you could hear the almost undetectable shudder to his voice. Good, you thought, he should be suffering too. This is what he wanted, right? So you looked him right in the eye as you started to grind yourself down on him as much as his iron grip would allow. It wasn’t much, but it was doing the trick as his breathing picked up and you saw his abdomen twitch, his own body begging him to move. He gave you a look that made you shiver. You knew you’d pay for this later.

“Fammi sapere se hai domande. Grande partita oggi!” (Let me know if you have any questions. Great game today!

“Grazie, signore. Ci vediamo domani.” (Thank you, sir. See you tomorrow.)

You registered their goodbyes as the loud creak of the locker room door swung shut, leaving you both in dead silence once again. The tension was thick as you stared at each other, both faces flushed and breathing ragged.

“Trying to make me break in front of my coach?” he hummed, pulling his hand away from your mouth once a couple of moments passed without a sound, making sure the man had actually gone.

“This was your idea in the first place, babe. Wanted to make sure you got the full experience,” you teased. “What do you think?”

A smirk graced his face as he trailed his slim fingers down to that sweet spot right at the apex of your thighs. “I think we should do this more often.” And he was off again, setting an even more fierce pace than before. 

With the new angle he entered you at and the carefully calculated pinches, rubs and scrape of his nails on the bundle of nerves that drove you mad, you felt yourself nearing your end in mere minutes. He didn’t seem to be faring any better, thrusts becoming sloppy and less timed, his hold on you becoming shaky. You gripped his shirt with one hand and held your own hand over your mouth as your noises became impossible to stop. He went back to biting your shoulder, this time certainly leaving a bruise where his teeth sunk into your flesh through the jersey. 

Neither of you said a word as you both reached your climax, groaning in sync as he coated your insides in his spend. Breath ragged, he slowed his movements down to ride you both down from the high until his hips stopped, seating himself within you in content. You held tight to his shoulders, breath heating his neck as you tried to slow your heart rate down. You could feel his thighs twitching beneath yours in exhaustion from supporting you for so long. The only sounds in the otherwise silent locker room were your breathing, the hum of the overhead LED lights and the occasional splat of your mixed fluids falling onto the tiled floor. 

After a second, Tobio gently pulled out and set you down on your feet, supporting your weight when you nearly collapsed. Your legs were numb and knees had turned to jelly. You leaned against his broad chest, listening to his quickened heartbeat as he ran his fingers up and down your back.

“I love you,” you sighed, blissed out of your mind.

“I love you too. Sorry if that was too intense.”

You looked up at him and smiled, rubbing circles into the soft muscles around his waist. “That’s ok. I enjoyed it.”

Tobio helped you over to the locker room showers, assisting you in removing the rest of your clothing even though you insisted you could do it yourself. You busied yourself with getting the shower at the perfect temperature as Tobio wet a towel to clean up the mess you both left on the bench and had trailed to the shower. He had shed all of his clothing by the time he returned, holding his personal bottle of shampoo and body wash for both of your use. 

He focused on you first, scrubbing your body down with the cedar smelling soap. With the softest touch, he cleaned up the mess between your thighs. You let him do his thing as you loosely wrapped your arms around his waist, brushing your fingers over the two dimples that sat in his skin at the base of his spine. He took care, for whatever reason, to keep his body between you and the open locker room behind him. It wasn’t like he was blowing your back out in that exact locker room minutes before. You weren’t sure why he was suddenly so concerned about keeping any straggling eyes off you, but you didn’t mind. 

Once your body was washed (you told him not to worry about your hair, you could just wash it at home), he let you wash him. You focused on his hair first, scrubbing the shampoo into his scalp as he closed his eyes in delight. Once his hair was clean, you scrubbed every nook and cranny of his body to get rid of any leftover sweat from the game that you missed with your tongue. 

You were both contently silent as you towel-dried each other off, helping each other dress and slipping out the back entrance to the locker room to avoid any curious eyes. He held the long forgotten pastry bag in his hand and slung his gym bag over his shoulder, using his other hand to hold onto yours tightly.

“We should try that again sometime”

Tobio looked at you in surprise. “Really?”

“Yep. But next time, let's pick a spot where if we do get caught, you don’t lose your job.”

He nodded and shrugged. “Maybe. That added to the thrill of it though. I don’t think we’ll find a better spot than that. Except maybe in Atsumu’s bed at his next birthday party.”

You giggled and held onto his arm with your free hand. “That could be fun. First though, I want you to show me what else you learned in the book you stole from me.”

He got that evil glint in his eye again and squeezed your hand. “Deal.”

-

A/N: Ahhh hope you guys enjoyed! Smut is scary to write omg. Next up? Probably Brazil arc Hinata because he’s so babygirl or an Atsumu fic because I love that loser

[cupcait]

RULES: bold what applies - italicize sometimes. Repost, don’t reblog!

SUN • egotistical • melted wax wings and fingers • stretching sunburnt skin • the most generous soul • blood in the fruit • halos • anger on fire • high vitality • thunderous laughter • is pride really a sin? • halogenic aura

MERCURY • expansion of the mind • silver-tongued • an everlasting wanderer • polyglot • high dexterity • handwritten letters • innately critical • en vogue • eyes in the trees • hidden libraries • there’s always room for improvement

VENUS • in love with strangers • iridescent waters • love potions for your mirror • selfless devotion • shattering crystal • seafoam upon sand • the golden ratio • drowning in your own passion • material value & high principles • luring • plush lips

EARTH • fresh springs • tree hugger • we can start again tomorrow • a blazing rainforest • respects survival of the fittest • nature’s adversity • lazy bones • constantly evolving • flowers sprouting from wounds • a granite altar • fossilized remains

MOON • illusory • silver shimmer off the ocean • secrets and gossip • cycles of reincarnation • a crybaby • physically ethereal • shared glances with a stranger • cat eyes • mistrusting their intuition • fear is a prison • ornate magic wands

MARS • healthy competition • attraction and repulsion • magma and rubies • a blade being forged • wrath wrath wrath • malefic • intense eye contact • cannon fodder & fireworks • blood floods • copper taste on your tongue

JUPITER • red robes and a suit of armor • beacon of stability • leader by birth • thunderbolts and lightning • guilty but can’t stop • secret rich kid • golden touch golden tears • innate optimist • failure isn’t an option • constantly reaching for more • unfinished symphonies

SATURN • traditional • overbearing energy • a sculptor of reality • this existence is a karmic one • has a heart it’s just�� way down deep • law, order & justice • avoid all necessary risk • the sound of shackles clanging • sisyphus’ struggle • grappling with the reality of time • self-governing

URANUS • psychedelic funk music • overflowing cups • a rebellion with skin • looking good in photo id • oblivious but caring • middle fingers in the air • double rainbows • icy diamond exterior • holographic • afraid of their own mediocrity • pearlescent smoke

NEPTUNE • an elegy for the lost • dissolving boundaries • white horses • the burden of mystical conditions • deceptive • escapism is their reality • a polarizing entity • artists soul • paranoia • searching for the unseen • a siren’s swan song

PLUTO • angel statues over graves • power • the cycle of necrosis • transformative • unfathomable depths • an ivory tower toppling over • screaming at the sky • violets and irises • eclipsed darkness • speaks with their shadow • sex, death, rebirth

tagged by : @essencefluxed & @lestaya ty both !! tagging : @officrnolen , @lifebinds , @hopewrought , @anomallis , @coqueclaus , @piltoverstar , @fervonian & steal from me !!

[postmortiem]

𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐑 𝐒𝐘𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐌

RULES: bold what applies - italicize sometimes. Repost, don’t reblog!

SUN • egotistical • melted wax wings and fingers • stretching sunburnt skin • the most generous soul • blood in the fruit • halos • anger on fire • high vitality • thunderous laughter • is pride really a sin? • halogenic aura

MERCURY • expansion of the mind • silver-tongued • an everlasting wanderer • polyglot • high dexterity • handwritten letters • innately critical • en vogue • eyes in the trees • hidden libraries • there’s always room for improvement

VENUS • in love with strangers • iridescent waters • love potions for your mirror • selfless devotion • shattering crystal • seafoam upon sand • the golden ratio • drowning in your own passion • material value & high principles • luring • plush lips

EARTH • fresh springs • tree hugger • we can start again tomorrow • a blazing rainforest • respects survival of the fittest • nature’s adversity • lazy bones • constantly evolving • flowers sprouting from wounds • a granite altar • fossilized remains

MOON • illusory • silver shimmer off the ocean • secrets and gossip • cycles of reincarnation • a crybaby • physically ethereal • shared glances with a stranger • cat eyes • mistrusting their intuition • fear is a prison • ornate magic wands

MARS • healthy competition • attraction and repulsion • magma and rubies • a blade being forged • wrath wrath wrath • malefic • intense eye contact • cannon fodder & fireworks • blood floods • copper taste on your tongue

JUPITER • red robes and a suit of armor • beacon of stability • leader by birth • thunderbolts and lightning • guilty but can’t stop • secret rich kid • golden touch golden tears • innate optimist • failure isn’t an option • constantly reaching for more • unfinished symphonies

SATURN • traditional • overbearing energy • a sculptor of reality • this existence is a karmic one • has a heart it’s just… way down deep • law, order & justice • avoid all necessary risk • the sound of shackles clanging • sisyphus’ struggle • grappling with the reality of time • self-governing

URANUS • psychedelic funk music • overflowing cups • a rebellion with skin • looking good in photo id • oblivious but caring • middle fingers in the air • double rainbows • icy diamond exterior • holographic • afraid of their own mediocrity • pearlescent smoke

NEPTUNE • an elegy for the lost • dissolving boundaries • white horses • the burden of mystical conditions • deceptive • escapism is their reality • a polarizing entity • artists soul • paranoia • searching for the unseen • a siren’s swan song

PLUTO • angel statues over graves • power • the cycle of necrosis • transformative • unfathomable depths • an ivory tower toppling over • screaming at the sky • violets and irises • eclipsed darkness • speaks with their shadow • sex, death, rebirth

tagged by: @vesthnik ♥

[kilmer]

SOLAR SYSTEM.

bold what applies - italicize sometimes.

SUN • egotistical • melted wax wings and fingers • stretching sunburnt skin • the most generous soul • blood in the fruit • halos • anger on fire • high vitality • thunderous laughter • is pride really a sin ? • halogenic aura

MERCURY • expansion of the mind • silver - tongued • an everlasting wanderer • polyglot • high dexterity • handwritten letters • innately critical • en vogue • eyes in the trees • hidden libraries • there’s always room for improvement

VENUS • in love with strangers • iridescent waters • love potions for your mirror • selfless devotion • shattering crystal • seafoam upon sand • the golden ratio • drowning in your own passion • material value & high principles

EARTH • fresh springs • tree hugger • we can start again tomorrow • a blazing rainforest • respects survival of the fittest • nature’s adversity • lazy bones • constantly evolving • flowers sprouting from wounds • a granite altar • fossilized remains

MOON • illusory • silver shimmer off the ocean • secrets and gossip • cycles of reincarnation • a crybaby • physically ethereal • shared glances with a stranger • cat eyes • mistrusting their intuition • fear is a prison • ornate magic wands

MARS • healthy competition • attraction and repulsion • magma and rubies • a blade being forged • wrath wrath wrath • malefic • intense eye contact • cannon fodder & fireworks • blood floods • copper taste on your tongue

JUPITER • red robes and a suit of armor • beacon of stability • leader by birth • thunderbolts and lightning • guilty but can’t stop • secret rich kid • golden touch golden tears • innate optimist • failure isn’t an option • constantly reaching for more • unfinished symphonies

SATURN • traditional • overbearing energy • a sculptor of reality • this existence is a karmic one • has a heart it’s just… way down deep • law, order & justice • avoid all necessary risk • the sound of shackles clanging • sisyphus’ struggle • grappling with the reality of time • self-governing

URANUS • psychedelic funk music • overflowing cups • a rebellion with skin • looking good in photo id • oblivious but caring • double rainbows • icy diamond exterior • holographic • afraid of their own mediocrity • pearlescent smoke

NEPTUNE • an elegy for the lost • dissolving boundaries • white horses • the burden of mystical conditions • deceptive • escapism is their reality • a polarizing entity • artists soul • paranoia • searching for the unseen • a siren’s swan song

PLUTO • angel statues over graves • power • the cycle of necrosis • transformative • unfathomable depths • an ivory tower toppling over • screaming at the sky • violets and irises • eclipsed darkness • speaks with their shadow • death and rebirth.

TAGGED BY:

@enshijou thank you as always, posi!! this was really fun 🥺

TAGGING:

...you! steal it and say i tagged you! <3

[youneedthisjob]

solar system study. bold  what  applies  to  your  muse,  italicize  what  sometimes applies,  strikethrough  what's  antithetical  to  your  muse.  repost,  don't  reblog.

SUN.   egotistical.   melted  wax  wings  and  fingers.   stretching  sunburnt  skin.   the  most  generous  soul.   blood  in  the  fruit.   halos.   anger  on  fire.   high  vitality.   thunderous  laughter.   is  pride  really  a  sin?   halogenic  aura MERCURY.   expansion  of  the  mind.   silver-tongued.   an  everlasting  wanderer.   polyglot.   high  dexterity.   handwritten  letters.   innately  critical.   en  vogue.   eyes  in  the  trees.   hidden  libraries.   there’s  always  room  for  improvement. VENUS.   in  love  with  strangers.   iridescent  waters.   love  potions  for  your  mirror.   selfless  devotion.   shattering  crystal.   seafoam  upon  sand.   the  golden  ratio.   drowning  in  your  own  passion.   material  value  &  high  principles.   luring.   plush  lips. EARTH.   fresh  springs.   tree  hugger.   we  can  start  again  tomorrow.   a  blazing  rainforest.   respects  survival  of  the  fittest.   nature’s  adversity.   lazy  bones.   constantly  evolving.   flowers  sprouting  from  wounds.   a  granite  altar.   fossilized  remains. MOON.   illusory.   silver  shimmer  off  the  ocean.   secrets  and  gossip.   cycles  of  reincarnation.   a  crybaby.   physically  ethereal.   shared  glances  with  a  stranger.   cat  eyes.   mistrusting  their  intuition.   fear  is  a  prison.   ornate  magic  wands. MARS.   healthy  competition.   attraction  and  repulsion.   magma  and  rubies.   a  blade  being  forged.   wrath  wrath  wrath.   malefic.   intense  eye  contact.   cannon  fodder  &  fireworks.   blood  floods.   copper  taste  on  your  tongue. JUPITER.   red  robes  and  a  suit  of  armor.   beacon  of  stability.   leader  by  birth.   thunderbolts  and  lightning.   guilty  but  can’t  stop.   secret  rich  kid.   golden  touch  golden  tears.   innate  optimist.   failure  isn’t  an  option.   constantly  reaching  for  more.   unfinished  symphonies. SATURN.   traditional.   overbearing  energy.   a  sculptor  of  reality.   this  existence  is  a  karmic  one.   has  a  heart,  it’s  just...   way  down  deep.   law,  order  &  justice.   avoid  all  necessary  risk.   the  sound  of  shackles  clanging.   sisyphus’  struggle.   grappling  with  the  reality  of  time.   self-governing. URANUS.   psychedelic  funk  music.   overflowing  cups.   a  rebellion  with  skin.   looking  good  in  photo  id.   oblivious  but  caring.   middle  fingers  in  the  air.   double  rainbows.   icy  diamond  exterior.   holographic.   afraid  of  their  own  mediocrity.   pearlescent  smoke. NEPTUNE.   an  elegy  for  the  lost.   dissolving  boundaries.   white  horses.   the  burden  of  mystical  conditions.   deceptive.   escapism  is  their  reality.   a  polarizing  entity.   artists  soul.   paranoia.   searching  for  the  unseen.   a  siren’s  swan  song. PLUTO.   angel  statues  over  graves.   power.   the  cycle  of  necrosis.   transformative.   unfathomable  depths.   an  ivory  tower  toppling  over.   screaming  at  the  sky.   violets  and  irises.   eclipsed  darkness.   speaks  with  their  shadow.   sex,  death,  rebirth.

[brainyxbat]

Chapter 31: The Pirates' Banquet, and Operation Escape from Alabasta!

(episode 128)

A few days later, as most of the crew rested, Chopper was mixing ingredients for a medicine with expertise that impressed the palace doctor. "Oh, that compound is amazing!" Dr. Ho stroked his long, grey beard, as he watched him in fascination. "Unusual, I might say. Well, it's indeed practical; it's wonderful."

"What?" Chopper turned to him cautiously.

"Where on Earth did you learn those medical skills?"

"Tony-kun is a doctor from Drum," Vivi explained while approaching, while carrying a bowl.

"Why! Is that so? The Drum that used to be the land of advanced medical care."

"Ahh!" He tensed up nervously.

"I see... their medicine is as advanced as I thought. I've been a doctor for 40 years, but I didn't know such techniques existed at all."

"Ah..."

"This is really wonderful. Though you're so young, I'm no match for you."

Now breaking, Chopper nudged the mug towards him with a wide grin. "Shut up! Don't stare at me like that, you idiot! Go away, you bastard!"

Dr. Ho turned to Vivi in confusion. ""Well, have some tea and watch as much as you like"; can I take it that way?"

"I think you can."

"Well, you're really outstanding!"

"Shut up..."

As Dr. Ho marveled, Vivi soaked a washcloth, wrung out the access water, and laid it on a sleeping Luffy's forehead. "I can only say I'm impressed. Boy oh boy, you've got splendid skills!"

"Go away! Shut up, you bastard!"

Meanwhile, as Usopp and Sanji shopped around, the people of Alubarna were making repairs to the damages. "Hey! Do you have more lumber?"

"I don't have enough either!"

"I've got some extra. Go ahead, and use it."

"Oh, thanks!"

"This country is sturdy," Usopp remarked.

"That's because the princess is cute," Sanji agreed with a smirk.

"That has something to do with it?" Usopp asked skeptically.

"It does!"

They encountered a citizen fussing over gaping holes in the building. "Dammit! House after house is penetrated! What's this hole? It looks as if someone kicked and broke them."

"Urk!" Sanji gawked in a panic. He completely forgot!

-

"Ahh! We don't time to go around!" He fussed, and to Venus' surprise, he kicked a hole into a building close by. "We'll take a shortcut!"

"Good thinking!" Venus beamed, keeping her grip firm.

-

"Whoa! this is terrible," The sniper remarked at the damage.

"Hey, Usopp! Look!" Sanji nervously redirected his attention. "There's something over there."

"Huh?" Usopp was confused, but followed the cook when he walked away from the damage.

Out in the desert, despite his injuries, Zoro was balancing huge boulders on his arms. His mind flashed back to his battle against Mr. 1, where he was almost defeated. 'I'll improve my concentration. Until I can bring out that power any time, I can't consider myself stronger.'

-

Meanwhile, Nami was in the palace library with Cobra. "Whoa, they're all interesting books! Is it really okay to take them with me?"

"Yeah, that's fine," He assured, "Since I've read all of them."

"Thank you! Then I'll help myself."

Cobra was mentally scaling the inventory, when a certain one caught his eye. "Say," Nami turned to him after flipping through one of the books, "One of you is a magical witch, right?"

"Yes, that would be Venus. Why do you ask?"

"I think she would make great use of this particular book. Certainly more than I would." He took one out, and handed it to her. "Can you give her this for me?"

"Yeah, sure thing," Nami complied.

-

"Did you not hear me say I don't know?!" Chaka glared at a swarm of Marine officers outside the palace. "Go back!"

"If you lie, it'll harm your country! Sheltering pirates is a felony."

Just then, Sanji and Usopp returned from their shopping trip. "Hey, what's up?" The former greeted.

"Hey," Usopp chimed in.

"Oh, welcome back."

"I think we were able to purchase enough, considering the state this city is in."

"Yeah..."

"Do you have any evidence that pirates are here?!" Chaka demanded.

The officers were caught off guard at that. "W-well, that's..."

"I wonder if he woke up," Usopp remarked, "And Venus-chan too."

"If he wakes up, things'll get noisy, though," Sanji pointed out.

-

"I can really keep this, Vivi?" Venus asked after waking up, holding the hem of her borrowed nightdress, as she sat near the head of a sleeping Luffy's bed.

"Yes, Venus-san," Vivi assured, "I have plenty of nightgowns anyway; it looks great on you!"

"Th-thanks," She blushed.

"Boy!" Luffy's enthusiastic shout while awakening startled her. "I slept really well!" He then felt his head, and began to ramble. "Oh? My hat? My hat! Where's my hat?! I'm starving! Breakfast! Hey, breakfast! Where's my hat?! Breakfast! My hat?!"

"You just woke up, and you're already loud!" Sanji griped. "And it won't be breakfast; it's early evening right now."

"Your hat is over there," Usopp pointed to a table at the other side of the room, "A soldier found it for you in front of the palace."

Luffy reached over, and grabbed it. "Oh, good!" He eagerly put it back on his head.

"I'm glad you got well, Luffy-san!" Vivi smiled, sitting on a chair at the foot of his bed.

"Got well?" He repeated in confusion. "I've always been well."

"Well, you were in serious condition with a high fever, and some injuries," Venus pointed out.

"Vivi and Chopper attended you all this time!" Nami added, holding the books.

"Really? Thanks!"

"Oh, Venus?" Nami addressed the witch. "Cobra-sama wanted me to give you this."

Venus grabbed the book, and perked up upon eyeing the cover: it read "Toribia Hekate's Spellbook of Heat and Soil Spells". "Ooh, this is awesome! I'll have to thank him next time I see him!"

"Hey, let me see that!" Usopp ran over, and had a look after Venus handed it over. "Wow! With these spells, you can burn things, and control soil!"

"Yeah!" She nodded. "So cool!"

"You'll be unstoppable in no time!"

As they flipped through the book together, Zoro pushed the door open, and peered inside the room. "Oh hey, Luffy! You woke up?"

"Hey, Zoro, long time, no see! "Long time, no see"?" Luffy repeated himself in confusion.

"Ahh, hey!" Chopper panicked at the swordsman's entrance. "You went out training again, didn't you?!"

"What? It's my business, right?"

"No means no!" Chopper scolded. "I'm the ship doctor! And don't take off the bandages either!"

"It's hard to move in them."

"Don't move!"

Through the argument, a still confused Luffy tilted back and forth at his own words. "Long time no see? Long time no see?"

"Well, it's perfectly natural to feel that way," Usopp assured after returning to the couch, "Since you slept for three days."

"Three days?! Did I sleep for three whole days?!"

"Yep."

"You were out like a light," Venus added.

Luffy stared in shock for a moment, before slumping in disappointment. "I missed 15 meals."

"How come you can calculate so quickly when it comes to food?!" Nami exclaimed.

"On top of that, in his calculations, there are five meals a day!" Usopp added.

"Sounds like a lot of food," Venus remarked, before the door was open.

It was a tall woman with large curls in her light blonde hair. "Did I hear right that the captain is up?!" A servant pushed a cart full of fruit inside the room. "It'll be dinner time soon, so would you wait a little?"

"Wha-?!" Zoro gawked at her familiar appearance.

"Oh hey, old tube hair guy!" Luffy beamed. "You're alive?!"

"S-so you were really were into that sort of thing," Zoro remarked.

"Into what?" Venus blinked cluelessly.

"No, everyone," Vivi cut in, "She's Terracotta-san. She's Igaram's wife, and is also the head of the palace's servers."

"Thanks for helping Vivi-sama, and my husband."

"No way! A wife could resemble her husband, but this is too much!"

"Zoro," Venus frowned.

"I heard you eat a lot," Terracotta turned to Luffy, "Would you have some fruit to hold you over until dinnertime?"

"Okay," He complied, and in half a second, the entire platter was gone, to Venus' surprise.

"Are you a magician?!" Zoro and Sanji exclaimed.

"Lady, I'm gonna eat three days worth of food!"

"Looking forward to it! I've devoted my past 30 years to the job of serving! I won't lose against a youngster's stomach, so eat to your heart's content!"

"I think you're in for a real challenge there, Terracotta-san," Venus giggled.

"No worries, sweet pea! I'm ready for it!"

Later at the long banquet table, most still clad in their sleepwear, the crew dug in without an ounce of shame. "They don't have a shred of dignity," A soldier remarked in shock.

"Meals at this dining hall are supposed to be quieter than this," Another added.

"So it wasn't an empty boast," Terracotta said to herself through more cooking, "But I won't lose!"

"Eat quick, or it'll be gone!" Zoro went for a bite, but Luffy snatched it away with lightning speed.

"Luffy, no!" Venus shielded her plate, but he reached over her arms anyway. "Luffy!" She glared. "You're not the only one who's hungry!"

"Hey, Luffy!" Usopp confronted when his plate was suddenly empty. "You just took the food from my plate, didn't you?!"

He shook his head in denial, but Nami punched his cheek at his messiness. "Don't spit the food!"

"Hey, hey, if you eat in a hurry like that, you'll..." Sanji scolded Chopper, who was slurping noodles like his life depended on it.

"We've got a lot, so..." Vivi assured.

"What're you doing?" Venus whispered to Usopp when he had a mischievous grin.

"I'm gonna put a Tabasco Star in here," He replied while squirting the sauce on his large rice ball, "Wait 'til he gets a mouthful of this!" She snickered mischievously with him. It was foolproof.

On cue, Luffy grabbed it, and shoved it in his mouth. As he spewed fire, Usopp and Venus cracked up laughing... alongside Lashes.

"Hey!" Usopp flinched back upon noticing the camel's unexpected presence. "When did you...?!" He merely snickered in response.

"What do you call that dish?" Sanji asked one of the chefs.

"This is called konafa. You bake noodles in the oven, and..."

"Delicious!" Nami beamed.

"Now, here's more!"

"Oh, I've always loved seafood!" Venus gushed.

"Off man, I diffn mow mu mere meh ming!" Luffy mumbled to Cobra through his mouthful. "Men mu're... muff... Mimi's mad, huh?"

"W-well," Cobra smirked sheepishly, unable to understand a word he said, "We can talk after dinner."

"Meah, mu're might."

"Can I have another mug full?!" Zoro demanded.

Sanji was on alert when Chopper started choking. "Hey, we need some water here!"

"What a noisy dinner table," A soldier remarked.

"They're too vulgar to keep watching."

They were surprised at Vivi laughing, clearly enjoying their antics. "How can Vivi-sama just keep laughing?" As the chaos went on, the soldiers couldn't help themselves; they joined in the laughter, as Chopper had chopsticks up his nose and keeping his mouth open, while Usopp stood on the table, balancing empty plates on his nose. The cheers and laughter were heard from the kitchen, as Terracotta wiped sweat from her forehead with a smile.

-

As the sun set, once the banquet came to an end, the crew were escorted to the lavish palace washroom. "Whoa!" Luffy gawked after they fully stripped.

"This is the palace's proud main bath," Cobra introduced. It was a huge, ivory, two-tier fountain with gold lion statues spewing the water out of their mouths. "We normally use this only during the rainy season."

"Amazing!" Usopp exclaimed. "This is gorgeous! Gorgeous!" He and Luffy made a mad, eager dash. "I'll be the first to go in!"

"No, I'll be the first!"

Sanji watched with exasperation, as they crashed into the fountain, and slid all over the room. "Are you guys enjoying that?"

"Well, I really enjoyed the dinner," Cobra remarked after everyone was in, as Usopp and Luffy kicked water at each other, "Because of the current situation, I thought we'd keep it simple, but it seems that anything you guys get involved with would become a party."

"Hey, Zoro, look at this! We can train here!"

"Training! Training!"

Zoro turned around from scrubbing Chopper's head, to find Luffy and Usopp meditating under one of the waterfalls. "What training is that?!"

An eager Sanji nudged Igaram with his elbow. "So where's the women's bath?"

An offended Igaram smacked his arm down. "Are you nuts?! Why would I tell you?! Vivi-sama's there!"

"Don't be so stingy!" Sanji patted his back jovially.

"It's behind that wall!" Cobra pointed out.

"King! You bastard!" Igaram glared.

"Hey, old guy!" Usopp came trotting over, alongside Sanji, as Zoro stayed put. "You're not bad at all!"

"This feels good!" Nami remarked, sitting outside the fountain, as a towel-clad Vivi scrubbed her back. "I wonder if a ship with a big bath like this exists."

"I'm sure it does, since the sea is so vast," She agreed, "We saw giants; we saw dinosaurs."

"Don't forget the cherry blossoms blooming in a winter land," Venus added from the fountain.

"Oh yes," Vivi grinned, "There're more and more things in the sea that are beyond our imagination!" She turned to the young witch. "Venus-san, want me to get your back for you?"

"Th-that's okay," She declined nervously, "I got it already, thanks."

"It's my turn," Nami looked back at Vivi with a grin.

"Thank you."

"GAH!" The two were startled at Venus' yelp, and ducking down into the water in an attempt to hide.

"What is it, Venus-san?" Vivi looked up at the wall; the guys, including Igaram and Cobra, and sans Zoro, were peeping in.

"Get outta here!" Venus glared in anger, shielding her legs and feet from view.

"What're you all doing?!" Vivi exclaimed.

"Those idiots," Nami frowned, before standing up while wrapping her towel around herself. "It'll be 100,000 berries per person, okay?!"

"Hm?" The boys looked on in confusion, while Venus was suspicious.

"Happiness Punch!" She opened her towel at the front, causing the boys to topple back with nosebleeds.

"Nami!" Venus shouted with exasperation.

"Nami-san!" A shocked Vivi gaped.

"Do you even have a shred of dignity?" She facepalmed in embarrassment, but Nami's only response was a proud smirk, and a thumbs-up.

On the other side of the wall, the guys laid limp on the floor from the surprise. "Mellorine," Sanji muttered deliriously.

Later, the three girls were sitting in the fountain to relax, a small cloth on Nami and Venus' heads each. "You can't make up your mind, can you?" Nami asked Vivi when she looked hesitant.

"What?"

"I'm thinking that we might wanna leave here tonight."

"What? Really?" Vivi asked in surprise.

"Because we no longer have a reason to stay here, right? The Navy is probably at the harbor ready to capture us. Our ship will be in danger soon."

"She's got a point," Venus frowned sadly.

-

With the guys, blood leaked out of Cobra's nose after the fall. "Thank you..."

"You dirty old man," Usopp scolded.

"I'm not talking about that!" Cobra wiped his nose, and regained his composure. "I'm talking about the country." He sat cross-legged, and bowed before them, to their surprise.

"Hey, hey, is it okay for a king to do such a thing?" Zoro asked from the fountain.

"This is a serious incident, Cobra-sama," Igaram reprimanded, "A king shouldn't bow his head to anyone."

"Igaram, authority is something you wear over your clothes. But we're in the bath; there's no such thing as a naked King." His attention returned to the crew. "I'd like to thank you from the bottom of my heart, as a father, and as a resident of this land." Luffy responded with a chuckle, and a wide grin. "Thank you very much. I really appreciate it!"

Through the exchange, Zoro sneered in Usopp's direction. "You were looking too, y'know. For a certain someone, perhaps??"

"What?! N-no!"

-

Before long, nighttime came around; and with it came an announcement from Nami, to the rest of the crew, as they were gathered in the bedroom, clad in their nightwear. "Tonight?!" Usopp exclaimed.

"That's right," Nami confirmed.

"Leaving here?" Chopper asked.

"Well, I think it's appropriate too," Zoro agreed, "Since we no longer have a reason to stay here."

"Yeah," Sanji added, "I'm also worried about the Navy's actions."

"Okay then," Usopp turned to the captain, "You decide, Luffy."

"Okay! We'll leave after we have some more Alabasta dishes again."

"We're leaving right away, idiot!" Zoro scolded, and whacked his head. "Idiot!"

"I can't eat anymore," Venus griped.

-

"What should we do, Igaram-san?!" Chaka fussed over a new discovery. "We have to let them know right away."

"Yeah, of course. But this is becoming a big deal. I hope they can leave this island safely. How quickly they prepared!" They were looking over a pair of wanted posters; one was for Zoro! "Roronoa Zoro. His bounty is 60 million berries!" The other was Luffy's, but with a new bounty. "Monkey D. Luffy. His bounty is 100 million berries!"

"Igaram-san..."

"With bounties of this level, flag officers at Navy Headquarters will surely start taking actions. You can no longer go back, Luffy-kun. You and your crew took down one pillar of the Seven Warlords of the Sea!" Clutching the posters, he rushed out, and burst into the bedroom. "There's trouble!" To his dismay, the crew was gone, and only Vivi was in the room, watching the window. "Vivi-sama, where are they?!"

"What is it, Igaram? What's the big hurry?"

"Where did Luffy-kun and the others go?"

"To the sea," She replied with a small, sad smile, "They're pirates, you know."

"Oh no..." He dropped the posters in despair. He was too late."

As the Marines, two of which were from two of the Straw Hats' past, plotted the crew's capture, they were sprinting through the desert on the Duck Squadron, donning their white capes and regular clothes. "Hmm... this is nice," Zoro smirked.

"So this is finally farewell to the sand kingdom," Usopp lamented, tears running down his cheeks, and turned to the captain. "Hey Luffy, when are you gonna stop eating?"

"The Alabasta dishes are great! Sanji, make them sometime."

"Yeah," Sanji complied, "I was interested too, so I got some recipes from Terracotta-san. Some spices too."

Chopper noticed that Nami was unusually quiet, even looking somber, and turned to her in concern. "Nami, are you feeling sick?"

"Nami, do you want one piece of meat?" Luffy offered through munching. "Just one piece, though."

She was still quiet. "Nami-san, you're thinking about Vivi-chan, right?" Sanji asked. "I understand how you're feeling; but thinking doesn't get you anywhere. Yeah, I know... you two were really close. But hey, chin up."

They waited patiently for her response, as she hesitated. "I... for Vivi's sake... I'm willing to give up... on the 1 billion berries."

Everyone face faulted right there. "Of course you should!"

"So it was about money?!" Sanji exclaimed.

"Are you even capable of empathy?!" Venus added.

"Ah! Usopp fell!" Chopper pointed out.

"Usopp-kun!" Venus fussed.

"Nami! Don't act misleading!" Zoro reprimanded.

"What?! What're you guys worked up about? If it's about Vivi, it's no use worrying about it, right?"

"Hey! Usopp fell!" Chopper repeated.

"Leave him be," Nami dismissed.

"It was your fault!" Everyone else shouted in response.

-

"Karoo! Where are you, Karoo?!" Igaram called him over.

"It's no use, Igaram."

"Why? We should at least let them know their current situation."

"Since I had the Duck Squadron take them, even Karoo can't catch up. And it won't change anything."

"What won't change?"

"They'll be happy when they know it. That's all; nothing will change."

"But-!"

"They'll be fine! Now leave! I'm going to bed!" Vivi forcefully escorted him out. "You have to get up early, right?"

"Ah, yes, that's right. We have to let the entire country hear your voice."

"I know. Come here, Karoo; let's sleep together."

After Igaram left, and the door was shut, she laid in bed with her hair down, unable to sleep, as Karoo was out like a light. Something about the atmosphere felt... off. "It's quiet, isn't it, Karoo?" She observed. "We haven't had a quiet night like this for a long time. The cook who fights with the fridge robber is gone; the swordsman who trains every night is also gone; the navigator who throws her pillow half asleep is gone too, and the witch sleeping through anything, and everything; they're all gone."

-

"Transponder Snail communication? From whom?"

"From someone named Bon-Chan." The crew was getting ready to leave, only to receive news about a strange call.

"Bon-chan? Who's that?" Sanji asked.

"No one knows him," Usopp added.

"But he insists he's your friend, so..."

"Our friend?" Sanji stood up, and grabbed the speaker.

"Hello? Hi there!" A familiar man greeted, and laughed. "It's me! Me! Uhm..."

"Hey, it's that Mr. 2 swan guy!" Venus recognized his voice.

Sanji hung up before he could finish, but it started blaring again. "What?! Shut up!"

Luffy reached over from the bed, and pulled the snail from the platter, onto his bed. "Hey, it's you, huh? What do you want from us?"

"Oh? That voice must be Straw Hat, right? You're strong! I was so surprised! Oh yeah, tell the Little Swanny; don't call me Mr. 2. If this signal is caught by the Navy, I'll be in trouble."

"You just said it yourself!" Chopper exclaimed.

"It's him, alright," Venus deadpanned at the nickname.

"Just tell us what you want!" Zoro demanded.

"Oh yeah; I took your ship."

"That's not funny!" The crew raged.

"You son of a bitch!" Usopp glared. "This isn't a joking matter! Where're you now?!"

"On your ship."

"Of all others, he..." Sanji grumbled.

"No, no! Gee..." The snail grinned widely. "We're friends, right?" He laughed mockingly, as the crew stayed silent in anger.

"He's at the upper reaches of the Sandora River," Luffy observed after Venus forcefully hung up.

"Can we trust him?" Sanji asked around.

"We became friends one time, but..." Luffy recalled.

"In your case, you may be able to make friends with him again, which is scary," Zoro sneered.

"But we have no choice, but to go," Chopper pointed out nervously.

"He's right," Sanji agreed, "He has our ship. If he tries to trick us, then we'll just beat him up."

"Now that it's decided, let's get ready quickly," Zoro took charge.

"Okay!" Usopp agreed. "Let's hurry. If we don't get there quickly, our ship will..."

"Say, everyone," Vivi gained their attention, and hesitated, "Say... everyone," She teared up, "What... should I do?"

"Listen well, Vivi," Nami ordered, "We'll give you 12 hours. Once we take our ship back on the Sandora River, we'll draw the ship near the eastern harbor just once, at exactly noon tomorrow. We probably won't be able to anchor. If you want to continue traveling with us, that moment is the only chance to come aboard. If that happens, we'll welcome you; though you'll become a pirate."

Sanji stood in the window, with a rope around his ankle. "Since you're a princess of a country, this is the best we can do to invite you."

"Come, Vivi! Definitely come! Come now!"

"Stop it, Luffy," Usopp scolded.

"Let's go," Zoro urged.

"Why?! Don't you want her to come?"

"That's not the point!" Usopp confronted Luffy. "It's something Vivi has to decide!"

-

Later, as Vivi was still awake, as her mind raced. 'Noon tomorrow... if it's the eastern harbor, it'll take four hours to get there on Karoo. If I leave here at 8, I'll make it on time. I never thought of becoming a pirate; if I miss this chance, I'll never have such a choice for the rest of my life. I've never thought that being a princess was uninteresting, and the country is still at a critical point, though the rebellion is over. 'Her hand rested on a sleeping Karoo's face. "If I go, you'll go too, right? Say, Karoo; what... would you like to do?"

-

"I've been waiting for you guys!" Bon Clay stood on the crow's nest of the Merry. "Long time, no see!"

"We're here!" Zoro exclaimed.

"Okay, unload!" Sanij ordered. "Thanks, you guys!"

"We have to say goodbye to you here," Usopp lamented.

"Have a safe trip back!"

The crew waved in farewell, as the Duck Squadron made their leave. "Say hello to the King, the old tube-hair guy, and the others!" Luffy called out.

"Take care!" Usopp added.

"I'll see you... definitely see you again someday!" Bon Clay waved, before snapping out of it, and leaping down on the deck. "Hm? Wait a sec!"

"What?!" Sanji exclaimed.

"Don't "what" me!" He stomped his feet in anger. "That's not how you treat your friend, is it?!"

"What do you mean "friend"?" Luffy confronted. "We were enemies; you lied to us!"

"I didn't lie!" Bon Clay genuinely panicked. "I didn't know it either! But you see; who cares about it anymore?" He sat glumly on the railing, as Zoro loaded their baggage on the Merry. "Baroque Works fell. We're no longer enemi-"

"Hey, move over."

"Oh, sorry." He scooted over to give the swordsman more room.

"Even if we're not enemies, why are you on our ship?!" Luffy glared.

"You stupid head!"

"What'd you say?!"

"Listen!" Bon Clay ordered, as Sanji lugged up more bags and crates. "If I wasn't on this ship now, what do you think would've happened to it?!"

"It might've been taken by the Navy," Nami answered.

"What?!" Luffy gawked.

"Not "might've"! It definitely would've happened! Do you know what's going on around the island right now?! It's completely blocked by the Navy ships! It's blocked!"

"Wait, so you're protecting the Going Merry from the Navy?" Venus asked.

"Why?!" Usopp demanded.

"How come?!" Chopper glared.

A tearful Bon Clay give a wide grin. "Because we're friends!" Once everyone was on the ship, he was dancing with Luffy, Usopp, Chopper, and Venus, just like a few days ago.

"Do we still have stuff to load?" An exasperated Nami asked Sanji.

"Nope, this is the last one."

"In other words, Mr. 2," Zoro spoke up, "You guys couldn't get off of the island due to the Navy's coast siege, so you wanted to find allies. Isn't that right?"

"Bon-chan!" Luffy, Usopp, Chopper, and Venus exclaimed in concern when he toppled over at the question.

"That's right," He confessed, "In a time like this, because it's a time like this... gather! In the name of friendship! Let's unite our strength, and fight together!"

"Yeah!" He cheered with the four.

"Geez," Nami griped.

"Yeah!"

Suddenly, a ship appeared close by, perfectly matching Bon Clay's aesthetic. "So thanks in advance!"

"You were there?!"

[marlborovintages]

solar system study. bold  what  applies  to  your  muse,  italicize  what  sometimes applies,  strikethrough  what's  antithetical  to  your  muse.  repost,  don't  reblog.

sun.     egotistical.     melted  wax  wings  and  fingers.     stretching  sunburnt  skin.     the  most  generous  soul.     blood  in  the  fruit.     halos.     anger  on  fire.     high  vitality.     thunderous  laughter.     is  pride  really  a  sin?   halogenic  aura.

mercury.     expansion  of  the  mind.     silver-tongued.     an  everlasting  wanderer.     polyglot.     high  dexterity.     handwritten  letters.     innately  critical.     en  vogue.     eyes  in  the  trees.     hidden  libraries.     there’s  always  room  for  improvement.

venus.     in  love  with  strangers.     iridescent  waters.     love  potions  for  your  mirror.     selfless  devotion.     shattering  crystal.     seafoam  upon  sand.     the  golden  ratio.     drowning  in  your  own  passion.     material  value  &  high  principles.     luring.     plush  lips.

earth.     fresh  springs.     tree  hugger.     we  can  start  again  tomorrow.     a  blazing  rainforest.     respects  survival  of  the  fittest.     nature’s  adversity.     lazy  bones.     constantly  evolving.     flowers  sprouting  from  wounds.     a  granite  altar.     fossilized  remains.

moon.     illusory.     silver  shimmer  off  the  ocean.     secrets  and  gossip.     cycles  of  reincarnation.     a  crybaby.     physically  ethereal.     shared  glances  with  a  stranger.     cat  eyes.     mistrusting  their  intuition.     fear  is  a  prison.     ornate  magic  wands.

mars.     healthy  competition.     attraction  and  repulsion.     magma  and  rubies.     a  blade  being  forged.     wrath  wrath  wrath.     malefic.     intense  eye  contact.     cannon  fodder  &  fireworks.     blood  floods.     copper  taste  on  your  tongue.

jupiter.     red  robes  and  a  suit  of  armor.     beacon  of  stability.     leader  by  birth.     thunderbolts  and  lightning.     guilty  but  can’t  stop.     secret  rich  kid.     golden  touch  golden  tears.     innate  optimist.     failure  isn’t  an  option.     constantly  reaching  for  more.     unfinished  symphonies.

saturn.     traditional.     overbearing  energy.     a  sculptor  of  reality.     this  existence  is  a  karmic  one.     law,  order  &  justice.     avoid  all  necessary  risk.     the  sound  of  shackles  clanging.     sisyphus'  struggle.     grappling  with  the  reality  of  time.     self-governing.

uranus.     psychedelic  funk  music.     overflowing  cups.     a  rebellion  with  skin.     looking  good  in  photo  id.     oblivious  but  caring.     middle  fingers  in  the  air.     double  rainbows.     icy  diamond  exterior.     holographic.     afraid  of  their  own  mediocrity.     pearlescent  smoke.

neptune.     an  elegy  for  the  lost.     dissolving  boundaries.     white  horses.     the  burden  of  mystical  conditions.     deceptive.     escapism  is  their  reality.     a  polarizing  entity.     artists  soul.     paranoia.     searching  for  the  unseen.     a  siren’s  swan  song.

pluto.     angel  statues  over  graves.     power.     the  cycle  of  necrosis.     transformative.     unfathomable  depths.     an  ivory  tower  toppling  over.     screaming  at  the  sky.     violets  and  irises.     eclipsed  darkness.     speaks  with  their  shadow.     sex,  death,  rebirth.

[silentknives]

RULES: bold what applies - italicize sometimes. Repost, don’t reblog!

SUN • egotistical • melted wax wings and fingers • stretching sunburnt skin • the most generous soul • blood in the fruit • halos • anger on fire • high vitality • thunderous laughter • is pride really a sin? • halogenic aura

MERCURY • expansion of the mind • silver-tongued • an everlasting wanderer • polyglot • high dexterity • handwritten letters • innately critical • en vogue • eyes in the trees • hidden libraries • there’s always room for improvement

VENUS • in love with strangers • iridescent waters • love potions for your mirror • selfless devotion • shattering crystal • seafoam upon sand • the golden ratio • drowning in your own passion • material value & high principles • luring • plush lips

EARTH • fresh springs • tree hugger • we can start again tomorrow • a blazing rainforest • respects survival of the fittest • nature’s adversity • lazy bones • constantly evolving • flowers sprouting from wounds • a granite altar • fossilized remains

MOON • illusory • silver shimmer off the ocean • secrets and gossip • cycles of reincarnation • a crybaby • physically ethereal • shared glances with a stranger • cat eyes • mistrusting their intuition • fear is a prison • ornate magic wands

MARS • healthy competition • attraction and repulsion • magma and rubies • a blade being forged • wrath wrath wrath • malefic • intense eye contact • cannon fodder & fireworks • blood floods • copper taste on your tongue

JUPITER • red robes and a suit of armor • beacon of stability • leader by birth • thunderbolts and lightning • guilty but can’t stop • secret rich kid • golden touch golden tears • innate optimist • failure isn’t an option • constantly reaching for more • unfinished symphonies

SATURN • traditional • overbearing energy • a sculptor of reality • this existence is a karmic one • has a heart it’s just… way down deep • law, order & justice • avoid all necessary risk • the sound of shackles clanging • sisyphus’ struggle • grappling with the reality of time • self-governing

URANUS • psychedelic funk music • overflowing cups • a rebellion with skin • looking good in photo id • oblivious but caring • middle fingers in the air • double rainbows • icy diamond exterior • holographic • afraid of their own mediocrity • pearlescent smoke

NEPTUNE • an elegy for the lost • dissolving boundaries • white horses • the burden of mystical conditions • deceptive • escapism is their reality • a polarizing entity • artists soul • paranoia • searching for the unseen • a siren’s swan song

PLUTO • angel statues over graves • power • the cycle of necrosis • transformative • unfathomable depths • an ivory tower toppling over • screaming at the sky • violets and irises • eclipsed darkness • speaks with their shadow • sex, death, rebirth

tagged by: stolen from the dash tagging: YOU!!

[fushichoumomo]

repost , don't reblog!

SUN • egotistical • melted wax wings and fingers • stretching sunburnt skin • the most generous soul • blood in the fruit • halos • anger on fire • high vitality • thunderous laughter • is pride really a sin? • halogenic aura

MERCURY • expansion of the mind • silver-tongued • an everlasting wanderer • polyglot • high dexterity • handwritten letters • innately critical • en vogue • eyes in the trees • hidden libraries • there’s always room for improvement

VENUS • in love with strangers • iridescent waters • love potions for your mirror • selfless devotion • shattering crystal • seafoam upon sand • the golden ratio • drowning in your own passion • material value & high principles • luring • plush lips

EARTH • fresh springs • tree hugger • we can start again tomorrow • a blazing rainforest • respects survival of the fittest • nature’s adversity • lazy bones • constantly evolving • flowers sprouting from wounds • a granite altar • fossilized remains

MOON • illusory • silver shimmer off the ocean • secrets and gossip • cycles of reincarnation • a crybaby • physically ethereal • shared glances with a stranger • cat eyes • mistrusting their intuition • fear is a prison • ornate magic wands

MARS • healthy competition • attraction and repulsion • magma and rubies • a blade being forged • wrath wrath wrath • malefic • intense eye contact • cannon fodder & fireworks • blood floods • copper taste on your tongue

JUPITER • red robes and a suit of armor • beacon of stability • leader by birth • thunderbolts and lightning • guilty but can’t stop • secret rich kid • golden touch golden tears • innate optimist • failure isn’t an option • constantly reaching for more • unfinished symphonies

SATURN • traditional • overbearing energy • a sculptor of reality • this existence is a karmic one • has a heart it’s just… way down deep • law, order & justice • avoid all necessary risk • the sound of shackles clanging • sisyphus’ struggle • grappling with the reality of time • self-governing

URANUS • psychedelic funk music • overflowing cups • a rebellion with skin • looking good in photo id • oblivious but caring • middle fingers in the air • double rainbows • icy diamond exterior • holographic • afraid of their own mediocrity • pearlescent smoke

NEPTUNE • an elegy for the lost • dissolving boundaries • white horses • the burden of mystical conditions • deceptive • escapism is their reality • a polarizing entity • artists soul • paranoia • searching for the unseen • a siren’s swan song

PLUTO • angel statues over graves • power • the cycle of necrosis • transformative • unfathomable depths • an ivory tower toppling over • screaming at the sky • violets and irises • eclipsed darkness • speaks with their shadow • sex, death, rebirth

tagged by : stolen from @/cupcait!

tagging : @biskael , @ketsumyo , @kuurosakiis (for ichigo!) , @heavenfrost , @prideblades

[charlesmwa]

What’s New in Wireless DJ Equipment? The Future of Cables and Connectivity

Wireless technology is revolutionizing the DJ world by reducing the dependency on cumbersome cables, offering more flexibility, and streamlining setups. Innovations in wireless DJ equipment are paving the way for seamless performances and enhanced creativity. Here's a look at the latest trends and developments in this field.

1. Wireless Audio Transmission

Gone are the days of tripping over long XLR cables. Modern wireless audio transmission systems allow DJs to connect mixers, speakers, and other equipment without physical connections. These systems use proprietary low-latency radio signals that maintain high audio quality and reliability, even in challenging environments like outdoor events or large venues. Such advancements significantly reduce setup time and improve mobility during performances.

2. Low-Latency Wireless Headphones

Latency has long been a barrier to using wireless headphones for DJing. Recent innovations, like proprietary wireless links, enable DJs to use high-quality headphones without audio lag. These systems are especially useful for performers who move around during their set or prefer freedom from cables while maintaining studio-quality sound. This innovation has been embraced not just for live performances but also in studio environments, providing artists with the flexibility to focus on creativity.

3. Bluetooth for MIDI Controllers

While Bluetooth is generally unsuitable for high-quality audio due to latency issues, it is making inroads in transmitting MIDI data. Modern controllers can now wirelessly connect to devices like tablets and laptops, making DJ setups more portable and user-friendly. For instance, some entry-level controllers use Bluetooth for MIDI signals while maintaining audio through a traditional cable to ensure minimal latency.

4. Wireless Streaming Integration

With built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet capabilities, advanced DJ gear can directly access online streaming platforms. This feature allows DJs to access vast music libraries without needing external devices. However, reliability remains a concern, as a stable internet connection is crucial for uninterrupted performance. As technology progresses, we can expect more robust solutions to these challenges.

5. All-in-One Wireless DJ Systems

The trend toward compact, integrated setups continues to grow. All-in-one wireless DJ systems combine controllers, mixers, and sound systems, eliminating the need for external connections. These systems are perfect for mobile DJs and smaller venues, offering convenience without compromising performance.

Benefits of Wireless DJ Equipment

The adoption of wireless technology in DJ equipment offers several advantages:

Portability: Reduced reliance on heavy cables makes transportation easier.

Flexibility: DJs can move freely during performances, enhancing stage presence.

Simplified Setup: Faster setup times allow for more time to focus on the music.

Aesthetic Appeal: Cable-free setups look professional and uncluttered.

Challenges to Overcome

Despite the advancements, challenges like latency, interference, and dependence on reliable power sources still exist. Innovations in battery technology and signal processing are critical for overcoming these hurdles and achieving wider adoption.

Wireless DJ equipment is shaping the future of performances, providing a glimpse of a more connected, cable-free era. As these technologies evolve, investing in equipment from professional and reputable audio shops like VIP PRO AUDIO ensures reliability, quality, and expert support for a smooth transition into the world of wireless DJing.

[essencefluxed]

RULES: bold what applies - italicize sometimes. Repost, don’t reblog!

SUN • egotistical • melted wax wings and fingers • stretching sunburnt skin • the most generous soul • blood in the fruit • halos • anger on fire • high vitality • thunderous laughter • is pride really a sin? • halogenic aura

MERCURY • expansion of the mind • silver-tongued • an everlasting wanderer • polyglot • high dexterity • handwritten letters • innately critical • en vogue • eyes in the trees • hidden libraries • there’s always room for improvement

VENUS • in love with strangers • iridescent waters • love potions for your mirror • selfless devotion • shattering crystal • seafoam upon sand • the golden ratio • drowning in your own passion • material value & high principles • luring • plush lips

EARTH • fresh springs • tree hugger • we can start again tomorrow • a blazing rainforest • respects survival of the fittest • nature’s adversity • lazy bones • constantly evolving • flowers sprouting from wounds • a granite altar • fossilized remains

MOON • illusory • silver shimmer off the ocean • secrets and gossip • cycles of reincarnation • a crybaby • physically ethereal • shared glances with a stranger • cat eyes • mistrusting their intuition • fear is a prison • ornate magic wands

MARS • healthy competition • attraction and repulsion • magma and rubies • a blade being forged • wrath wrath wrath • malefic • intense eye contact • cannon fodder & fireworks • blood floods • copper taste on your tongue

JUPITER • red robes and a suit of armor • beacon of stability • leader by birth • thunderbolts and lightning • guilty but can’t stop • secret rich kid • golden touch golden tears • innate optimist • failure isn’t an option • constantly reaching for more • unfinished symphonies

SATURN • traditional • overbearing energy • a sculptor of reality • this existence is a karmic one • has a heart it’s just… way down deep • law, order & justice • avoid all necessary risk • the sound of shackles clanging • sisyphus’ struggle • grappling with the reality of time • self-governing

URANUS • psychedelic funk music • overflowing cups • a rebellion with skin • looking good in photo id • oblivious but caring • middle fingers in the air • double rainbows • icy diamond exterior • holographic • afraid of their own mediocrity • pearlescent smoke

NEPTUNE • an elegy for the lost • dissolving boundaries • white horses • the burden of mystical conditions • deceptive • escapism is their reality • a polarizing entity • artists soul • paranoia • searching for the unseen • a siren’s swan song

PLUTO • angel statues over graves • power • the cycle of necrosis • transformative • unfathomable depths • an ivory tower toppling over • screaming at the sky • violets and irises • eclipsed darkness • speaks with their shadow • sex, death, rebirth

tagged by: @anomallis Tagging: @prtector, @demacianbrawn, @cupcait, @taliswho

[taliswho]

RULES: bold what applies - italicize sometimes. Repost, don’t reblog!

SUN • egotistical • melted wax wings and fingers • stretching sunburnt skin • the most generous soul • blood in the fruit • halos • anger on fire • high vitality • thunderous laughter • is pride really a sin? • halogenic aura

MERCURY • expansion of the mind • silver-tongued • an everlasting wanderer • polyglot • high dexterity • handwritten letters • innately critical • en vogue • eyes in the trees • hidden libraries • there’s always room for improvement

VENUS • in love with strangers • iridescent waters • love potions for your mirror • selfless devotion • shattering crystal • seafoam upon sand • the golden ratio • drowning in your own passion • material value & high principles • luring • plush lips

EARTH • fresh springs • tree hugger • we can start again tomorrow • a blazing rainforest • respects survival of the fittest • nature’s adversity • lazy bones • constantly evolving • flowers sprouting from wounds • a granite altar • fossilized remains

MOON • illusory • silver shimmer off the ocean • secrets and gossip • cycles of reincarnation • a crybaby • physically ethereal • shared glances with a stranger • cat eyes • mistrusting their intuition • fear is a prison • ornate magic wands

MARS • healthy competition • attraction and repulsion • magma and rubies • a blade being forged • wrath wrath wrath • malefic • intense eye contact • cannon fodder & fireworks • blood floods • copper taste on your tongue

JUPITER • red robes and a suit of armor • beacon of stability • leader by birth • thunderbolts and lightning • guilty but can’t stop • secret rich kid • golden touch golden tears • innate optimist • failure isn’t an option • constantly reaching for more • unfinished symphonies

SATURN • traditional • overbearing energy • a sculptor of reality • this existence is a karmic one • has a heart it’s just… way down deep • law, order & justice • avoid all necessary risk • the sound of shackles clanging • sisyphus’ struggle • grappling with the reality of time • self-governing

URANUS • psychedelic funk music • overflowing cups • a rebellion with skin • looking good in photo id • oblivious but caring • middle fingers in the air • double rainbows • icy diamond exterior • holographic • afraid of their own mediocrity • pearlescent smoke

NEPTUNE • an elegy for the lost • dissolving boundaries • white horses • the burden of mystical conditions • deceptive • escapism is their reality • a polarizing entity • artists soul • paranoia • searching for the unseen • a siren’s swan song

PLUTO • angel statues over graves • power • the cycle of necrosis • transformative • unfathomable depths • an ivory tower toppling over • screaming at the sky • violets and irises • eclipsed darkness • speaks with their shadow • sex, death, rebirth

tagged by: stolen from the dash tagging: YOU!!