#manjun

[stevebattle]

Uketsuke Komachi "Reception Komachi" (1985) by Shigeki Toyama, Jun Toyoda, Minoru Sashida, Hiroshi Sasaki, and Genkyu Ishii, Namco, Tokyo, Japan. When Namco's headquarters was relocated to Yaguchi, Ota-ku, Tokyo in 1985, President Masaya Nakamura said "Make the receptionist a robot." Consequently, receptionist robot Uketsuke Komachi (受付小町?) was assigned to the reception desk in Namco's headquarters. She also appears in Namco games, including the six Namco Museum games. When Namco merged with Bandai to become Bandai Namco, she relocated to Shinagawa.

"I headed to the office of Bandai Namco Studio in Monzennakacho. When you go through the automatic door at the entrance of the building, you will hear a woman's voice saying, "Good morning." It's a synthetic voice that reminds me of Hatsune Miku. ... The human-shaped reception robot dyed in gorgeous cherry blossom color was smiling gently. She is a 31-year-old veteran robot, "Reception Komachi." She doesn't have eyes or a nose, and her sleek, smooth design is vaguely similar to Pepper's. Although she cannot walk, she can move her torso and arms, and can also bow. ... Each time she greets a visitor, she bows and says, "Good morning." When a visitor arrives, she directs them to an extension phone, saying, "Welcome. Reception is available on this screen." If you look closely, you can see that her mouth moves depending on what she says." – Namco President: "Make the reception a robot" Legendary creators talk about the recklessness of 30 years ago, Manjun Murakami, ITmedia.

[greaterbayarea]

Residentes de Hong Kong e Macau desfrutam de mais conveniência em Zhaoqing! Nova política prestes a ser implementada

Em 29 de abril, o governo da cidade de Zhaoqing realizou uma conferência de imprensa para apresentar detalhadamente as principais medidas do “Zhaoqing Facilitation Measures for Hong Kong and Macau Residents” . O vice-secretário-geral do governo de Zhaoqing, Zhu Jingliang, o membro do grupo do Partido e vice-diretor executivo do escritório da Grande Baía de Zhaoqing, Zhang Xiao, o vice-secretário do grupo do Partido e vice-diretor do Departamento de Assuntos Civis, Li Manjun, o vice-diretor do Departamento de Recursos Humanos e Seguridade Social, Huang Cailing, e o membro do grupo do Partido e vice-diretor do Departamento de Seguro Médico, Li Jiaqiong, participaram da conferência e responderam às perguntas dos jornalistas. O vice-ministro do Departamento de Propaganda do Comitê Municipal de Zhaoqing, Chen Hanzhu, presidiu a conferência.

Nos últimos anos, Zhaoqing tem participado ativamente da construção da Grande Área da Baía Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau com sua nova orientação estratégica. Além disso, tem expandido vigorosamente os canais de serviços governamentais online e offline, realizando o atendimento transfronteiriço de questões como emprego, empreendedorismo e serviços para idosos. Atualmente, 818 questões podem ser tratadas transprovincialmente na área da Grande Baía, e 1650 questões podem ser tratadas transmunicipalmente na província.

Zhaoqing também ampliou profundamente a cooperação econômica e comercial com Hong Kong e Macau. Até 2023, havia 85 empresas de investimento de Hong Kong, um total de 4.979 empresas de investimento de Hong Kong, com um investimento real de 1,29 bilhão de yuans, representando mais de 80% do total de investimento estrangeiro atraído pela cidade. Além disso, foram construídas e operadas 9 bases de inovação e empreendedorismo para jovens de Hong Kong e Macau, com um total de 402 projetos de empresas instaladas, incluindo 102 projetos de Hong Kong e Macau.

A fim de acelerar a implementação do projeto “Área Comum da Baía” e promover a integração das regras com Hong Kong e Macau, Zhaoqing, com base nas condições locais, tem cumprido as tarefas-chave propostas no “Plano de Desenvolvimento da Grande Área da Baía Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau”, bem como os documentos políticos relevantes do país e da província, resumindo e revisando as políticas existentes do país, da província e da cidade. Elaborou esta medida, que foi oficialmente emitida em 18 de março deste ano.

A “Medida” envolve principalmente cinco aspectos:

Facilitar a vida em Zhaoqing: a medida concentra-se na aplicação de cartões de residência, compra de casas, lazer para idosos, e transporte. Zhaoqing fornecerá um ambiente de vida e serviços mais convenientes para os residentes de Hong Kong e Macau.

Apoiar o emprego e o empreendedorismo em Zhaoqing: Zhaoqing apoiará ativamente os residentes de Hong Kong e Macau a encontrar emprego e iniciar negócios em Zhaoqing, fornecendo mais oportunidades e conveniências. Isso inclui apoio para exames de qualificação profissional e avaliação de títulos para profissionais de Hong Kong e Macau.

Apoiar o investimento e o desenvolvimento de negócios em Zhaoqing: Zhaoqing incentiva os residentes de Hong Kong e Macau a investir e empreender em Zhaoqing, fornecendo um melhor ambiente de desenvolvimento. Isso inclui subsídios fiscais para imposto de renda pessoal e vantagens para empresas abertas por residentes de Hong Kong e Macau em Zhaoqing.

Promover a facilidade de acesso aos serviços médicos em Zhaoqing: Zhaoqing promoverá ainda mais a conveniência dos serviços médicos para os residentes de Hong Kong e Macau em Zhaoqing. Isso ajudará os compatriotas de Hong Kong e Macau a aproveitar melhor os recursos médicos.

Promover intercâmbios sociais e de vida em Zhaoqing: Zhaoqing promoverá ativamente os intercâmbios entre os residentes de Hong Kong e Macau e os locais. Isso inclui facilitar a liberação de bens importados e exportados.

A “Medida” inclui um total de 19 medidas de política de facilitação, que entrarão em vigor em 1º de maio e terão validade de dois anos. Esta medida tem como objetivo fortalecer ainda mais os intercâmbios e o contato entre os residentes de Hong Kong, Macau e Zhaoqing, proporcionando uma vida e desenvolvimento mais convenientes para os compatriotas de Hong Kong e Macau em Zhaoqing.

[chiquititaosita]

hi hi omg thank you for the tag

are you named after someone?

no, but everyone growing up thought I was named after the 70s song Layla. My mom just loved the Polynesian meaning of Leila meaning Heaven. But mostly I’ve been often told about the Arab love story Layla and Manjun. And the Arab meaning of my name that shit made me cry

When was the last time you cried

easy may 24 2023, 7:30 pm, I cried watching the new little mermaid private screening.

do you have kids?

no 🩷 but do animals count?

do you use sarcasm a lot?

yes all of the damn time.

what sports have you played?

football(soccer), kickball, gymnastics and tumbling, competition cheerleading (never again),

the first thing you notice about people?

their voice, and aura. (Even facial features,)

eye color

soil brown like a nice chocolate brown or soil in the ground of the garden. halfway close to black brown though

scary movies or happy endings

idk I don’t like being overstimulated, but I do love scary movies 🫶🏼 happy endings in movies need to step up their game fr 🙄😠

special talents

I’m double jointed, and I can move my calf like a helicopter (as well as my hand), also I can sing (ew not me sounding like a pick me), also I can

Where were you born

your mom PFTAHAHAHA jk jk, really United States my family is Mexican American. (Both sides) 🇲🇽🇺🇸

hobbies

I love playing bingo (it’s becoming an addiction smh 🤦🏽‍♀️), doing my nails, crochet, shopping, self care, gym, watch people play horror games because that’s my humor.

pets?

yes, four dogs and one cat. (4/5 of these animals are rescues 😭🩷)

how tall are you?

5’1 ft (157 cm)…

fave subject

your mom, jk jk science and literacy

dream job

if money didn’t matter, I’d be a musician, but in this case ultrasound reader/ technician , and radiologist

tagged by @cursedvibes :)) ty

ok 15 questions 15 mutuals lets go

1. Are you named after anyone?

nope

2. When was the last time you cried?

uh idk probably a month or two ago? was feeling very bad </3

3. Do you have kids?

no lol

4. Do you use sarcasm a lot?

eh, here and there. mostly not because i dont want to be misunderstood or accidentally offend someone

5. What sports do you play/have you played?

i used to play tennis and badminton when i was a kid. joined a martial arts club two years ago but idk if that counts

6. What’s the first thing you notice about other people?

their mouth and their face. mouth specifically mentioned from face cause i have to look there when someone is speaking to understand what theyre saying. also when i look at someone my gaze travels up cause it feels awkward looking in their eyes directly

7. What’s your eye colour?

dark brown

8. Scary movies or happy endings?

theyre not mutually exclusive but ummmmm happy endings. i just like sleeping at night i guess lmao

9. Any special talents?

i can draw lol

10. Where were you born?

in a hospital !!

11. What are your hobbies?

drawing, writing. i also write a lot of analysis essays in my free time for fun but im too shy to post any of them here ghrfsghjkbgfsgkj my posts on here are all cleaned up and nice. i practice using nunchucks too :)

12. Do you have any pets?

two birds

13. How tall are you?

170cm

14. Favorite subject in school?

drawing/painting and web development

15. Dream job?

i think i want to be a math teacher. but if we're talking ab a hypothetical job with no drawbacks or harm that would hypothetically support me in all ways then i would love to be an animator or illustrator

i cant think of 15 off the top of my head but tagging @terroristiraqi @cairenes @that-one-queer-poc @zukkaoru @that-was-anticlimactic @bathtublawyer @themeoflauramp3 and anyone else who wants :))

[captainlilyuniverseworld]

100 Ways (#30)

A/N: This pairing took a lot of jumping around to write lol so please be gentle. This is set in the new Interview with the Vampire verse (AMC Version)

The story being read is 'The Story of Layla and Manjun'

One more chapter (#30)

Pairing: Lestat de Lioncourt x Louis de Pont du Lac

A/N 2: Takes place before Claudia's arrival

Unlike the many nights at Rue Royale, the street in front of the house was sparse, the snow outside the door undisturbed. No music coming from the usually open windows, people spilling out, some that had been there all night, some never to be seen again. 

“Having drunk his fill, he lay down on the brocade carpet of soft grass, in the shade of the palm trees to rest awhile…” 

Despite the chill of the world outside, it was warm inside, the crackling of the fire breaking the otherwise stillness of the room. The curtains shuttered, the lights dimmed. 

Lestat ran his fingers up and down Louis’s side as they reclined on the couch. Stroking the flesh of his hipbone as Louis laid with his head on Lestat’s chest. Feeling the rise and fall as Lestat read aloud. 

“Soon the tired man was wrapped in peaceful slumber. Time passed unnoticed. When he woke, the sun was already low in the west. He had the feeling that someone had been staring at him. But who? No living soul was visible, far or near…” 

The clock on the wall chimed, once, twice, three times telling them it was three in the morning. Lestat marked their place and started to move but Louis stopped him. Shifting more of his weight onto Lestat and curling his fingers into the fabric of his shirt. 

“Louis, it is going to be sunrise soon,” Lestat reminded him. 

“We still have time,” Louis didn’t open his eyes. “Thought you would appreciate my rapt attention.” He smirked a little teasingly. 

Lestat huffed out a laugh. Soft as he let his hand wander under the back of Louis’s shirt to stroke the bare skin of his back. 

“La joue de toi,” Lestat smiled. 

“Tu aimes ça,” Louis countered. 

He opened his eyes and looked up at Lestat, then turned and pressed a chaste kiss to the spot just above his heart. 

“One more chapter,” he settled against him more. 

Lestat sighed, as if feeling put out, but opened the book, finding the place where he’d left off, and waited until Louis was comfortable again before continuing on. 

Outside it was cold, and dark, but inside the town house of Rue Royale, two lovers, found warmth.

Fin~

[get-chazzed]

“I was just turned down by... me? Confusing, but wow. That is real fucking sad.”

[causeshesogone]

Chain of Gold (SPOILER ALERT)

***SPOILERS***

I just finished reading Chain of Gold. I loved the book but I was not happy with the way it ended. I despise Grace Blackthorn. I hate her so much - how dare she do that to my Jamie, Jamie and Cordelia! They deserve so much more. God, James, Jamie's in my heart just like Will. And my heart breaks for him just as it did for Will in Clockwork Prince. Please let him be happy at the end of the series, at least. Cordelia is incredible - she's so brave and beautiful and kind. She's amazing. You simply can't not love her. Hold on Daisy, you'll get a happy ending (I hope). Another character in my heart is Matthew. I'm so worried for him too - I just hope he can save himself, as Cassie says, I hope he'll find it in him to trust Jamie, his parabatai, to love him despite everything, to understand that nothing could make James despise him.

The others were amazing too. Anna Lightwood is simply delightful! Thomas is amazing. And Christopher, my, my, he's so adorable. And Lucie ! Now that's one amazing girl!

The scenes between Tessa and Will were a breath of fresh air! It was great seeing Magnus again.

Please let my Jamie, Daisy, Math, Luce, Tom and Kit have their happiness!

[tanqram]

Qiang Dongyue and Wang Manjun singing G.E.M.’s 我的秘密 (MySecret)

(sr. t0331a 190507 IG Update)

[ask-tegiri-the-samurai]

THE FUCK ARE YOU? ~ask-your-lord

The fuck are you? You look like some green goblin on sterids. Don’t think that I am afraid of you because you’re big. 

@ask-your-lord

[razmah1]

Sabah oil and gas roadshow to promote funding, talent development opportunities

Sabah oil and gas roadshow to promote funding, talent development opportunities

Dateline 2022-08-11, The Star: Local players in the oil and gas industry have been urged to take part in the Sabah Oil and Gas, Services and Equipment (OGSE) Roadshow 2022 here later this month. Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the roadshow would provide a platform for OGSE companies to explore government support to help grow their businesses and secure…

[kekeran]

☆*:.｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆  @tanqram

[pd101c]

180408 Produce 101 Official Weibo Update

Banana Culture (Trainee18) Girls Introduction Video

[greaterbayarea]

Residents from Hong Kong and Macau will enjoy greater convenience in Zhaoqing! The new policy is set to be implemented soon

On April 29th, the Zhaoqing Municipal Government held a press conference to announce the “Zhaoqing’s Measures for Facilitating the Lives of Hong Kong and Macau Residents.” The conference was attended by Zhu Jingliang, Deputy Secretary-General of the Zhaoqing Municipal Government, Zhang Xiao, member of the Development and Reform Bureau and Deputy Director of the Greater Bay Area Office, Li Manjun, Deputy Secretary and Deputy Director of the Civil Affairs Bureau, Huang Cailing, Deputy Director of the Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, and Li Jiaqiong, member and Deputy Director of the Medical Insurance Bureau. Chen Hanzhu, Deputy Director of the Zhaoqing Municipal Propaganda Department, hosted the conference.

In recent years, Zhaoqing has closely followed the new strategic positioning of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, actively participating in the construction of the area. The city has greatly expanded both online and offline government service channels, achieving cross-border handling of employment, entrepreneurship, and elderly care services. Currently, 818 services can be managed cross-provincially within the Pearl River Delta, and 1650 services can be managed across cities within the province.

Zhaoqing has also deeply expanded its economic and trade cooperation with Hong Kong and Macau. By 2023, the number of investment companies from Hong Kong reached 85, with a total of 4979 Hong Kong-funded companies, attracting an investment of 1.29 billion yuan from Hong Kong, accounting for over 80% of the city’s foreign capital attraction. Additionally, Zhaoqing has established and operated 9 Hong Kong and Macau youth innovation and entrepreneurship bases, with a total of 402 enterprises and projects, including 102 from Hong Kong and Macau.

To accelerate the implementation of the “Bay Area Tong” project and promote regulatory alignment with Hong Kong and Macau, Zhaoqing has grounded these efforts in local realities, implementing key tasks such as facilitating the movement of people and goods as outlined in the “Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area,” along with national and provincial policies. Zhaoqing has summarized national, provincial, and municipal policies to formulate these measures, which were officially issued on March 18th this year.

The measures mainly cover the following five aspects: Facilitating living in Zhaoqing: The measures focus on applying for residence permits, purchasing homes, leisure and retirement, and transportation. Zhaoqing will provide a more convenient living environment and services for Hong Kong and Macau residents.

Supporting employment and entrepreneurship in Zhaoqing: The city will actively support Hong Kong and Macau compatriots in finding employment and starting businesses in Zhaoqing, providing them with more opportunities and conveniences. This includes support in areas such as professional and technical qualification exams and professional title evaluations for Hong Kong and Macau residents.

Supporting investment and business establishment in Zhaoqing: Zhaoqing encourages Hong Kong and Macau residents to invest and start businesses, providing a better development environment. This involves personal income tax financial subsidies and incentives, as well as facilitating Hong Kong and Macau residents in starting businesses in Zhaoqing.

Promoting medical facilitation in Zhaoqing: The city will further promote the medical services facilitation for Hong Kong and Macau residents, making it easier for them to access medical resources.

Promoting social and livelihood exchanges in Zhaoqing: Zhaoqing will actively facilitate exchanges between Hong Kong and Macau residents and local residents, including easing the clearance of import and export goods.

These measures consist of 19 facilitative policies and will officially take effect on May 1st, with a validity period of two years. This initiative aims to further strengthen the exchanges and interactions among residents of Zhaoqing, Hong Kong, and Macau, making life and development more convenient for Hong Kong and Macau compatriots in Zhaoqing.

[canada4news]

Sabah allows salons and car washes to reopen, but not night markets

Sabah allows salons and car washes to reopen, but not night markets

KOTA KINABALU: In line with the Federal government’s announcement, the Sabah government has allowed hair salons and car wash centres to reopen for business. However, in a statement released by the state Local Government and Housing Ministry on Thursday (Feb 4), night markets are still not allowed to operate in Sabah. Night markets have been allowed to resume operations elsewhere by the Federal…

[iceprincessviviane]

Magnificent Century Character Tag Game

(I didn't get tagged, but I love idea and never actually post anything about MC, soo let's go! Hope you can forgive me.)

I really want to thank @hurremsphoenix and @minetteskvareninova I saw their posts and dare to write that 💖 (If you don't want to be tagged or you are uncomfortable dm me I will delete the tag.)

Warnings: It can be long, because I watched whole series long ago, now I am rewatching some episodes for personal reasons.

The character I first fell in love with: Hatiçe, because I very liked her early softness and her frobidden love with Ibrahim was soooo romantic (at least for me, I love such things), later I didn't like her behaviour and thing that each of Suleiman sister was anti Hürrem. Early Gülfem, I like that despite losing son, she had respect from Süleyman and Hafsa, also she was wise in her way.

The character I never expected to love so much as I do now: it's hard question, but I guess Mahidevran, in early episodes I couldn't actually decide between her and Hürrem, but later I appreciate her and Mustafa dynamic and her caring way towards him.

The character I love than none else does: Nasuh, I really like him and think that he deserved better. Nigar, I just loved characters aside Sultans and odalisks, she was interesting and I like her as kalfa. Atmaca, I have soft spot for him because of being loyal. (I kinda have things for side characters.)

The character everyone loves, I just don't: Nurbanu I think, but it isn't strong dislike, she wanted to help Selim, but I didn't like her ways with other hatuns and big ego. I actually like Nurbanu~Hürrem relation and later dealing with Selim.

The character I am obsessed with: Çihangir, my cinnamon roll, adorable chocolate chip. I love absolutely everything about him. He was wise, caring and strong in his own way. He deserved better for sure and I love that he actually knew what was happening in palace. When he said that Mustafa can't have bad intentions when he has military advance - in episode when Mustafa raided capital because of posion jacket, just made my heart jump. I can go on and go on about Çihangir. (Well I wasn't watching in English but in my native so sorry for bad translations about series)

The character I would slap: Süleyman for a lot of reasons, late Ibrahim and Hatiçe like come on, Rüstem (he was annoying me almost everytime), Nazenin, Dilşah and a little Huricihan but that would be the gentlest slap in history of gentlest slaps.

The character I'd want to be: Çihangir, as I said he was wise, strong and he got fears but he was facing them. Hürrem, but in way of being determinated and knowing yourself. Atmaca as said above he was loyal.

The paring I love: early Hatiçe and Ibrahim, Huricihan and Bayezid (forbidden love too), Selim and Nurbanu, I like their dynamic, but in separate way not really. Selim was doing everything to be good in Süleyman eyes, despote having flaws (wine drinking). Nasuh and Sadika, but from his perspective, but very little. Çihangir and Huricihan again from his perspective, it was pure and innocent love. I had attempt to read about Leyla and Manjun because of that. Bayezid and Defne, late I prefered them than Nurbanu and Selim, I like that he forgive her and Defne was different than Nurbanu. I want to include there brotherly love between Mustafa, Bayezid and Çihangir, I am hoe for strong siblings bonds and I loved that in this trio each of them was unique. Mustafa had to be careful all the time, Bayezid thought he was not appreciated and Çihangir was struggling with his disability. I like that they found comfort and understanding in themselfes.

The paring I despise: Süleyman and Firuze, I always have mixed feelings about them, but although Firuze seemed different and something new in series, in whole I don't like their paring. Attempting to give Mihrimah love interest just to show how she was unhappy. Right Rüstem was older than her, because of marriage he have become Grand Vizier, and was loyal to Hürrem, but actually for me Mihrimah was in good position during marriage. She was close to palace, so could visit it anytime, Süleyman and Hürrem took care of all her worries and troubles, she had respect, her husband too in general way. Right she couldn't get divorced, because Hürrem would lost her support and her brothers would be in danger, it was hard situation, but personal for me, there were more + than -. Rüstem loved her and he might annoy her with that, but it was better than hate I guess 😅 and they had same goal, to take care of Selim, Bayezid and Çihangir.

[get-chazzed]

Asuka, Junko and Momoe for the W, B, B.

Wed, Bed, Behead:

"Well, of course I'd marry Asuka! The other two... I think Momoe is into me? So bed her and kill the other- Junko is it?"

[minmin-of-kit]

Breaking of Chain - 4. Painless Fire

Prelude to Chapter 4

Ever since James got engaged to Cordelia, he have visited Magnus Bane's place for a significant amount, and it was always with his parabatai, Matthew.

Matthew was known to be fond of the warlock, so when Magnus have decided to stay in London for a while, Matthew would visit him whenever possible, and they were always welcome.

Moments later, Cordelia have arrived. It was only mid afternoon yet the sky was considerably gloomy. Cordelia's presence have always brought him light and warmth for reason he could not explain. Now it was particularly different, yet somewhat familiar to him. He feels things for her beyond his understanding of himself. Something that felt like to him he was holding on to for a long time now.

“It looks like it is going to rain isn't it?” She said to him when she have reached him. A few of her curls were loose on her face, while the rest were tucked under her hood.

“We should hurry before it pours.” He said then off they went to Magnus's apartment. It was not a long walk as it was only a few blocks away from where they met. A thunder was heard as soon as they reached his doors.

Cordelia knocked on the door, in a moment, Magnus opened the door. He could never really disappoint to impress James every time he sees him. Now he is wearing a deep blue silk robe that touches his floor, and untied. His pale-yellow shirt intended to be hastily untucked.

Another rumbling was heard from the sky.

“Oh goodness, do come in. This looks like it is a heavy one.” He moved to let Cordelia and James enter his apartment.

They were greeted by a cat, a gray persian cat, who is now purring on the bottom of Cordelia’s dress, as she removed her coat.

“Well hello there Church.” Cordelia greeted the cat cheerfully, sitting down on the floor, to scratch the cat’s chin. Whenever they came over at Magnus, Church only seemed to like Cordelia. They were told that it used to live in the institute and was owned by Uncle Jem.

“I did not expect for your soon to be other half to come along.” Magnus said to Cordelia, as he strode off to his living room, sitting on one of the armchairs, his legs crossed.

Cordelia stood up, and looked at James. “Oh, I... It slipped my mind to inform you.”

“No matter. Now. What is it that you wish for me to look at?”

Cordelia and James went over Magnus and sat on the loveseat in front of him. Cordelia dug on to her pocket and produced an object covered in her handkerchief. She puts in on the table in front of them then revealed what was inside. His bracelet.

He turned to Cordelia and noticed that she was looking at him warily.

“This” Magnus said. “Is this not yours James?” he asked looking intently at James.

“It is.” He answered. Absentmindedly he touched the wrist where the bracelet once resided. A phantom of coldness encircling where it was placed.

“And why does your fiancé would like me to look on it?”

Cordelia started, telling him about what happened that night. Excluding some of the details that does not need to be disclosed.

“Loyalty binds me” Magnus narrowed his eyes towards James. “Cartwright.” He said with a tone of understanding on where the bracelet came from.

Magnus waves his hands over the bracelet, making it float in front of them. With his hands faced towards it, he whispers a chant, his cat-eyes focused intently on the bracelet.

James was wondering on what could be wrong with it. He had it for a very long time, as it was given to him by Grace when he retrieved it for her. Grace. It's odd thinking about her now. She feels like a memory now. He knew he loved her before. Does he still feel that way about her now?

“One thing.” Magnus said. The bracelet is back on the table now. He is breathing heavily and beads of sweat can be seen on his face. “Actually there are two things I would like to say. One. Get yourselves far from the Blackthorns as much as possible.”

He felt Cordelia shift beside him uncomfortably, when he looked at her he she was looking at the bracelet confusingly.

“And the other one?” James asked.

“This bracelet has been under the influence of a very dark magic, as it makes a person believe that he is in love with a particular person.” Magnus said carefully eyeing them both as he said each words. “You James Herondale, have seemed to have been under the influence of such.”

It somehow did not made sense to him. “That… that is not possible. I loved Grace for so long. I knew that. It was painful, and it was there I felt it. I don't understand.”

He felt Cordelia hitched a breath beside him. Her hand grabbing on to her skirt, yet her face was unfazed.

“The magic that this bracelet possesses is very powerful. You see there is no magic in this world that could make you fall in love with someone, it just makes you believe or at the very least get infatuation, that also fades over some time. But this, it's different. I can see that it may not have the full effect on you now given that you are not wearing it, but some of the magic lingers on to you. The fact that you have worn this for so long also contributes to that.” Magnus explained to them. For some reason, he was looking at Cordelia with pity, and she looked away.

He was still confused. It was difficult for him to accept it. For so long he have ached for Grace. For so long he thought the world of her. Now it was all because of a bracelet?

“I know this may confuse you now. I may be able to help you on that if you'd let me.” Magnus offered.

James just nodded. His head was still swimming with different thoughts. Of the summer nights at Idris. The kisses that tasted like burnt sugar. The letters.

Magnus snapped his fingers, then produced blue flames from his palm. He felt warm all of a sudden, then he closed his eyes.

He saw Cordelia. Memories with her suddenly came flooding in. The nights he had a scalding fever. Of Layla and Manjun. The whispering room. When he asked him for advice on who to marry. When she agreed to marry him.

Then it stopped. He opened his eyes, the first thing that he saw was Cordelia's eyes, full of worry.

“Daisy.” James said.

“What happened?” She asked Magnus, but her eyes never left him.

“With this kind of magic, I know there might be some memories that have been forcefully tucked away or altered in order to not create any conflict on his feelings. I just resurfaced those memories, as it might help him with his confusion.”

Suddenly there was a knock on his door. Cordelia and James stood up abruptly.

Magnus stood up as well, and made the bracelet disappear with a wave.

Whenever there are unexpected guest on Magnus' apartment, they would always go hide, as he explained that those who seeks his services might not see kindly to a Nephilim in the premises.

Without a word, James grabbed Cordelia's hand as they head into one of the bedrooms, while Magnus went to answer the door.

“How… How are you feeling?” Cordelia asked once they have closed the door.

A sweet smell. It was a memory of a sweet smell that came to him. He remembered holding Cordelia in that room. A feeling that grew over him reaching out, wanting more desperately. He knew then that he have never wanted anything like that in his life. He knew now that he felt the same now. That was the only thing that he was certain of now.

He reached out to her, tucking her hair on to her ear. “My angel, Daisy. How could I have been so blind? For so long. You told me before, that it need not to be pain. You were right.”

“What do you mean?” Cordelia asked.

“I told you I burn for you, but it have never caused me pain Daisy. It was not torture. Maybe it was desperation as whenever you are close I just want you in my arms.” His thumbs moved to her lips, tracing them. “and on how much do I want to kiss those lips again, that have brought me out of my misery.”

Cordelia reached out to run her hands on his hair then resting her arms on his shoulders, as she pulled herself up to him. Next thing he knew, she was kissing him. It was delicate as she held him on his nape, yet it was there, the desire carefully poured, avoiding any spill.

She then broke away. “I do wanted that too. For so long I wondered when.” She said as she looked on his lips.

James broke the space between them then went back to kiss Cordelia. They were kissing each other back, fervenrently and urgently this time. James held her waist as he pinned her down to wall. Every bit of him wanted to cling on to her, be near her so bad. They were very close, yet it was not enough. He knew, it won't ever be enough.

Cordelia's leg clings on to the back of his, inching him to be closer to her. Their mouths, soft as they might be, were searching deep and desperately for each other.

Intoxicated he moved, kissing her chin, her jaw, her throat, her neck. With every kiss, she muffles a moan and her hands held on to his hair. Her heavy breath crashed on to his chest, as she tried to lean even closer.

He went back to her lips. Addicted to the taste of it. Tongues crashing, and teasing deepens.

“Apologies for interrupting.” They heard Magnus, waking them up to their senses, making them jump away from each other. “If you could save some for your honeymoon. Also, your friend is here.”

A well dressed blond suddenly appeared from Magnus' back. “Again?” Mathew said, unamused.

It's a bit long I know, but I hope you enjoy this one as much as I have enjoyed writing it. It's not yet done, but it might be near. Thank you so much for reading. ❤️❤️❤️