#post and pre banana respectively

[artchixs]

toxic yaoi but idk how to draw curt in profile

[love-overdrive]

One Piece OC Introduction

What it says on the tin! This is my One Piece OC. Below are arts I’ve commissioned of her (please do not use or steal these, I do not give permission for these to be used elsewhere) and her profile.

Name: Mariam/Mary

Age: 35 (Pre-Timeskip) / 37 (Post-Timeskip)

Hometown: Alabasta

F/O: Sir Crocodile

Familial/Platonic F/O’s: Dracule Mihawk and Buggy the Clown (Coworkers), Nico Robin (No ill will towards her… feeling isn’t really mutual), Alvida (Best friend in Cross Guild), Galdino/Mr. 3 (Appreciates his art)

Devil Fruit: Genie Genie no Mi- the power to become invisible or shapeshift as one sees fit. When awakened, this fruit allows the user to manipulate the minds of others and charm or induce fear into them, rendering them vulnerable. Due to its rather broad nature, it is classified as a Paramecia because it does not truly meet the criteria of a Zoan or Logia.

Position: Once a young woman juggling many odd jobs, she works beside her husband, Crocodile, in Alabasta to find any useful information while also keeping up appearances. Using her skills and resources, she plays the part of a doting wife and upstanding lady of the community to get others to spill their secrets. Her contribution allows Crocodile to get what he needs while continuing to convince the population he’s a respectable man.

After the disbandment of Baroque Works and formation of Cross Guild, her job has largely stayed the same, save for the extra work on influencing the community. She tends to do some extra paperwork and keeps the lower ranking members in check should the need arise.

Relationship with F/O: Originally, Mariam had met Sir Crocodile to plead or work out a deal to spare his wrath against her father for not paying his debts to Crocodile. Initially annoyed with her constant badgering, the Warlord became amused by her anger and her insistence on helping her father despite his supposed idiocy.

This interest led to him offering her a deal to ‘test’ her- pretend to be his wife to give him information and a good reputation, then he’ll lower or remove the debt entirely. Although frustrated, Mariam had agreed and thus, their relationship as a “married” couple had begun. Despite their marriage starting out as a fraud, the two eventually fell for each other naturally and became true lovers.

Even though Crocodile is taller and stronger than her, she tends to lecture him or talk back if he gives attitude. It’s a fight he knows he’s not winning, especially with how stubborn she is. Oftentimes, she just teases Crocodile whenever he’s in over his head or refuses to admit he needs help with anything. She knows he’ll ask for it in a bit.

Favorite Food: Bazella

Pets: She helps Crocodile take care of the Bananawanis and was gifted three of them for herself. Their names are: Mawz (Banana), Mishmish (Apricot), and Ruman (Pomegranate). She loves them lots and they’re very protective of her, too.

Favorite Pastime: Despite keeping up appearances being exhausting, Mariam has always loved tea parties. Even after her and Crocodile left Alabasta during the formation of Cross Guild, she still continues the habit of making them. She also likes to read in her spare time to unwind.

(And a last piece of art I’ve Commissioned for Ramadan <3)

[utilitycaster]

From all the TTRPG shows you've watched so far, do you have any favourite player character builds, or builds that you think were especially well suited to the campaign/setting that the character was in?

You'd have to narrow this down - there's a lot (I stopped keeping my massive spreadsheet of character races and classes in actual play updated bc it was getting ridiculous but it's at over 100) so I'm just going to call out a few players who consistently hit this mark in everything they do.

Surprising no one, Emily Axford. Truly one of the biggest reasons why I get annoyed at the "haha Emily will DESTROY this DM" is that Emily has an incredibly good eye towards party composition and collaboration with DMs while also pulling off some wild multiclasses. This serves her in NADDPod especially, since they're a small party and everyone needs to be versatile. I will say that while I love Callie's build and think it mechanically works very well and made sense for her background in Mothership, it feels like it needs more in-story explanation that we haven't quite gotten to, but I also trust that we will.

Surprising no one with taste, Travis Willingham. Even in cases where we know it was off-the-cuff (Grog) he did a lot of work establishing why Grog was the class he was and how he felt about it; and in cases where it was pre-planned, the amount of backstory and mechanics work he does before and during the story is admirable to the point of ridiculousness (updating Chet's backstory to accommodate what Matt said in a flashback sequence? bananas). His multiclass choices always fit both the base build and the story admirably, and always fit a niche within the party that is very much needed, and the choice to play someone like Cerrit in Calamity or Fjord in general would put him here on their strength alone.

Again surprising no one, Aabria Iyengar; DMs make the best players. Capable of some great optimization (Deanna, Laerryn, whatever the hell Antiope had going on) or just playing a character with a simple build but with a strong understanding of the setting (Myrtle the Bitch; Suvi). Really, Suvi alone puts her here in that Aabria maybe more than anyone (though she might be tied with Emily Axford) understands wizards and understands that your character is a part of the DM's worldbuilding and needs to reflect that, while also serving as your contribution to that world.

And finally, Lou Wilson. He often does fairly simple builds - Nydas and late-game Fabian are the only ones with significant multiclassing beyond barbarian/fighter level dips - but he always knows precisely what his character is here to do from the start and why, can adapt on a dime, and he has a fantastic eye for subclass choice.

Honorable mentions:

Zac Oyama tends not to go for incredibly complex mechanics, but he has a great understanding of building a character who fits into the world in a way that both reflects and expands upon it, and has a great sense of subtlety, restraint, negative space, and comedic timing. (I've been meaning to make a negative space/comedic timing post but honestly just watch Zac and Travis.)

Grouping Taliesin Jaffe and Siobhan Thompson together because they are both very strong mechanically and not afraid of a wild min-maxed triple multiclass on occasion, but more specifically because they've both made at least one character I really did not vibe with and also absolutely could not fault in any way other than "not my thing, personally." Related to that, both of them bring an "I'm a generous and skilled player and I don't really give a fuck what the audience thinks" vibe that I (the audience) respects the hell out of.

Jake Hurwitz is the rare player who 100% knows his wheelhouse and embraces it whole-heartedly, and he puts in the character and setting work to keep it interesting.

Justin McElroy is mechanically competent but nothing impressive, but he absolutely thinks about his characters and the setting and how they fit together in a deep and interesting way and which sets him apart in TAZ. Kind of with Jake in that he 100% writes what he knows; I think this kind of player is underrated and having played with some, they shouldn't be.

And on the rare chances Brennan Lee Mulligan gets to play, not only is he min-maxed to the hilt but he always is working with the DM in a truly admirable way, even as he builds a little guy who cannot roll below a 25 deception or who has somehow managed to get sneak attack twice per round or something wild like that.

[m-s-justice]

In a similar vein from my last post, Dempsey and narrative relevancy because holy shit I have lots of thoughts about this. This is mostly about Ultimis Dempsey, but some of it can be applied to Primis, too, probably.

Dempsey is, technically, the only Ultimis character that we formally "see" pre-corruption. We can hear Ult Richtofen before he was zapped by the MPD, but we play as Dempsey in Verruckt. This was probably retconned and the voicelines of the Marines in Verruckt are not likely representative of what Dempsey was like, but... isn't that just sort of insane to think about?

They so could've remastered Verruckt and have Dempsey, Smokey, Gunner, and John Banana actually be characters. We could've had a glimpse into who Dempsey was before being literally tortured and irrevocably changed.

Now, Verruckt and Nacht aren't really relevant to the overarching plot. Their consequences were, but nothing especially important happens with them, narratively speaking. (I love verruckt as a map, it's my favorite WAW map Der Riese can suck it.)

but I really hate to say it, but Dempsey does nothing and is important to nobody. Excepting McCain, but that was for one map and basically a backdrop for his motivations to be at Verruckt to get captured in the first place.

This is most prominent in DE. ZNS and GK both took place in their main character's respective country and dealt with issues specific to them, seen in their Ultimis counterpart. Takeo realizes his betrayal and Nikolai sees what he could become if he chooses to wallow in his grief.

Dempsey just fucking dies. He dies in a 935 base, still frozen by ultimis Richtofen. He's not allowed to have agency or growth. He't not allowed to have his problems taken seriously or explored in any capacity or to have any personal ties. Fucking Dr. Groph got more development in DE than the guy it was actually about.

And this is true of both Dempseys. Primis is jerked around by whoever is in charge at the time, doing what they say regardless of his own personal convictions, often because he feels like he has no choice but to. Ultimis fucks around and spits you in the eye. Bro does not give a shit about anything or anyone. Not in any real sense, anyways. He's american, but does that impact the story at all? Even when he's captured and held in custody by Broken Arrow, his status as an American and former affiliate of Pernell means nothing, it's not even brought up. He's a marine, but he doesn't really exemplify any of it's ideals or practices, other than surface level shit. Any friends or family he mentions are one off lines. They could be canon, but just as easily missed and irrelevant.

I know I've said it before, It's so sad to think about. Poor guy has so little. Probably intentionally so, at least to some degree, like with the deliberate withholding of his first name. Which drives me even more insane. This guy is such a hollow shell that he's denied everything that makes a real, dynamic character. No real connections, no deep motives, no inner conflict, not even a name. He has next to no affect on anything around him.

Everyday I wake up and thank god I'm not Dempsey.

[insipid-drivel]

I saw your horse post and it made me curious, because you touched on the specific skills needed and how long it takes to develop those skills and how horse temperament can affect ability and stuff. I’m really just curious, but here is a hypothetical for ya: someone who has never been on a horse before or maybe ridden once with help NEEDS to ride a horse for [insert some important, non-negotiable reason here]. The horse is relatively well tempered and has a saddle, stirrups, reins, etc. and the person is careful not to spook it. Can they ride this horse? What are some things a total beginner in this instance would need to know/do to be able to ride this horse? It can be badly ridden/totally unskilled/painful if they’re not used to it, i just want to know if it’s POSSIBLE and what it might be like. I’m a writer, so work with me a little here 😂 (i’m not even writing anything with horses right now, I’m really just curious lmao)

Okay, I love this question, and thank you for providing some specific examples! Let me do my best to break it down for ya based on situation:

Something to keep in mind is the era in which you're setting the scenes for the horses in. If you're talking modern times where horses are luxuries and not necessities? Privately-owned horses tend to only be comfortable with being ridden by people they've been acquainted with and are given guidance by handlers they trust that the new person is okay to get on the saddle. Most well-trained and good-natured horses, in situations with riders they don't recognize or aren't sure of, will usually default to the nearest person they already know and respect, and will accept a new rider if their Beloved Person indicates it's safe and okay. If they're alone, they're not likely to want to cooperate. It acts as its own form of insurance for keeping thieves from breaking into your barn or paddock and riding away with your very, very, VERY expensive horse. (Really though, the cost of keeping a horse is absolutely bananas and always has been; they are EXTREMELY high maintenance and resource-intensive).

So, say the horse this inexperienced rider is trying to get on is a good-natured horse that's used to carrying newbies and strangers. This isn't weird, because there have always been trainers that teach horses to tolerate skill levels of all ranges. Otherwise, kids wouldn't be able to learn to ride very easily during eras in history where horses were your only source of fast transport.

Firstly, horses can have a sense of "work hours". They're diurnal animals and usually prefer to sleep as soon as it gets dark, and wake up and expect to be fed and handled in the pre-dawn hours just before the sky starts to lighten, so they tend to be a lot more approachable and available during the day than if you try to approach at night.

Your character's first hurdle is "gentling" the horse, or convincing it that it's okay to relax enough to let your OC come near and handle them. Horses have nearly 360 degree vision, with their blind spots being directly in front of them and directly behind them. Approaching a horse at a slight angle head-on, slowly, and expressing gentle words and a calm, affectionate demeanor can help a strange horse relax faster, especially if your OC has something to give them as a treat, like an apple or fistful of oats.

(For your OC: Wherever horses are kept overnight, there will always be a food or grain store very near to where the horses are, if not within the same barn as the horses sleep in. The grain store is usually locked for the horses' safety, but if your OC can get in there and grab a fistful of oats or cracked corn, a horse is gonna be much more likely to wanna make friends)

Your OC should never, ever, ever come up behind a horse. Horses will kick anything and everything they perceive behind them as a potential annoyance or threat, including their owners and riders. If your OC has to get around the back end of a horse with no space to stay clear of the horse's kicking-range, they should either not risk it at all, or try to press the front of their body against the horse's hip and slowly hug their butt and scoot around to the side they need to be on. Then, if the horse kicks, your OC will more likely be pushed and knocked sideways instead of impacted with a fist made of solid Hobbit toenails.

Your would-be rider's next hurdle? Getting into the saddle. It looks easy to just step into a stirrup and throw your leg over, but it is actually an acquired skill and exercise (the kind of groin-pull you can give yourself from trying to get in the saddle will make you cry for days), and your character may need a boost using something like a box, stump, or step-stool to make getting on easier. After a while of practice, your muscles build up enough that most riders don't need a boost for long, but complete newbies tend to need an extra boost. Then, it's a matter of grabbing onto the saddle horn (at the top of the horse's shoulder blades in the middle of their back) and slinging one leg over the horse's back. A lot of people have an easier time using their dominant leg as the one they throw over the horse's back, with their non-dominant leg being the one on the boost or in the stirrup, while other people can benefit more from the opposite. It's up to you, really.

The hardest thing your OC is gonna deal with in the saddle is maintaining their center of gravity. Yes, the stirrups help a lot, but the more heavily they sit in the saddle, the rougher the ride becomes. If your OC has testicles, they're going to get badly thrashed if they don't sit with their pelvis rolled forward, so the widest, fattest part of their butt is what's resting on the saddle. If they have a vulva? Yeah, it'll still hurt, because straddling the horse and bouncing is going to cause the soft tissues of your OC's vulva to grind against the front of their pelvis. It hurts. I speak from experience on that one.

Figuring out how to make the horse go is the next challenge if your OC has never been around riders before. Most people are used to seeing a horse kicked into a gallop (where you thump their sides with your heels), but I guarantee your OC will be immediately flung off if they try to hold on to a galloping horse. You have to know how to move with the horse the faster it goes, or else you're just not going to stay on it. Generally, horses are taught to speed up with a gradual squeeze of the heels against their thighs, not a kick. A gentle squeeze, and often a clicking noise with the tongue, is usually enough for most horses to start walking forward.

Another tricky part is properly holding the horse's reins. The reins aren't just one strip of leather that you can pull left and right on to direct the horse; they're usually two leather strips, and a proper beginning holding position is where you make the two strips resemble an arch like a rainbow, where one strip is tighter than the other. Controlling a horse's head includes controlling how far its head is tilted up or down as well as left and right, and there are certain commands that can only be given in combination with certain motions with the reins that an inexperienced rider would never know about, much less how to use. However, it's not unreasonable for them to already know that, while squeezing/kicking with the legs means "go", pulling evenly and gently toward themselves with the reins can signal the horse to slow down or stop.

Your OC may manage to stay alright in the saddle with a trot (the next sped above a walk), but it's very bouncy, and they may fall backward or sideways and off the saddle as a result. Canters (3rd fastest) require even more muscle control than trots and even gallops (full speed), and I can say from my own experience that learning to canter was arguably harder than learning to gallop for me.

So... your OC isn't likely to have great control over the horse at anything faster than a walk, is likely to fall off if they don't have a good sense of their center of gravity, and if they aren't already in good shape? Will inevitably get exhausted from riding. Riding takes up a lot of muscle, and I still remember my legs giving out the first time I ever rode a horse and got off; it took so much control over my legs that I could barely walk after less than an hour of riding.

So, it's possible for a completely inexperienced rider to hop on a tacked-up horse and ride, but they're likely going to struggle a lot with their balance, keeping the horse relaxed, communicating with the horse, and, potentially, a lot of muscle soreness and weakness from a long time in the saddle for the very first time that can make it very hard for them to get to someone in a hurry if they can't ride the entire way to the [important plot point goes here].

I hope that helps!

[archivist-dragonfly]

Book 548

Unfathomable City: A New Orleans Atlas

Rebecca Solnit and Rebecca Snedeker

University of California Press 2013

With the success of Infinite City came the inevitable sequels—Unfathomable City and Nonstop Metropolis for New Orleans and New York, respectively. While very similar to the SF volume, the most interesting parts of this book is that when it was published, New Orleans had recently been the site of two major catastrophes: the BP oil spill and Hurricane Katrina. So, along with maps of Houma migrations and coastal erosion, cemetery relocations, places of interest in the fight for civil rights, the banana trade, seafood and sex work, there are maps of petroleum extraction and how it impacts nature, the failure of the prison system and levees, and the city pre- and post-Katrina. So, while I’ve never been to New Orleans, I feel like this book gives me an insight into a city that previously had only existed for me in jazz dreams, movies, and Anne Rice novels.

[backupherewego]

72 HOURS IN BUDAPEST WITH JAMES VOWLES

Date: 2022/7/27 Source: 404 (Sorry)

James Vowles, a key figure on the Formula One race circuit, quite literally breezes through Budapest as the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team strives to be named the World Constructors’ Champion for the eighth year in a row. As one of the team members responsible for navigating the road to the top of the podium, however, he does manage to sneak in some local sights and a decadent dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest. Read on to discover his secrets to race-day success and learn about the culinary competition on this year's itinerary.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT AT THE HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX?

“Mine actually stems back to 2006 [when I was working with Honda]. We'd had some successful races and been on the podium a few times, but we hadn't won anything up to that point. Budapest is a track that is very difficult to master. I know it looks simple because it's small and there aren’t that many corners, but it's incredibly difficult to get right for the drivers and engineers. You also have rain that comes in and out. 2006 was my first-ever win as an engineer, as well as the team's first win. It's something that means a huge amount to me because we had to fight for it. It wasn't given to us on a plate. We really had to make the right decisions at the right time. A number of cars had a number of incidents, and we came through the field and did the right thing, so Budapest rests strongly in my mind as a result of that.

The second was with Mercedes in 2013, which was Lewis Hamilton’s first year with us. It was at that point we realized how special he was in Budapest. We didn't have the fastest car—Red Bull was by far the leader that year—yet Lewis was able to win that race fair and square. He did it because [Budapest] is just where he feels comfortable. It's a track he loves, so it holds a strong place in my heart because of that.”

"So often in life, you celebrate on your little podium and then bam, you're straight onto the next thing ... Whether the result is good or bad, we always pull together as a team."

DO YOU HAVE ANY PRE-RACE RITUALS?

“I do. I have to have socks for the current year. For example, the Tommy Hilfiger socks [that are part of the official Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team 2021 uniform], they have to be of that year. They have to be Tommy and they can't be anything different, which I know sounds strange, but that's me!

I also always go out to the pit wall with my water bottle, take it back, empty some water out and put in a Berocca, which is a vitamin pill. It’s something I've always done and always will do. Then, I'll go to the grid. There's a specific time when I set my IWC watch to the exact time of the day. It's just something I've always done to make sure that everything is in sequence. These are odd things to be admitting, but I always make sure I walk through the same side of the garage. Normally, it's Valtteri Bottas’ side, but I don't mix and match. They're all strange things I do out of habit, but they've worked!”

WHAT FUELS YOU ON RACE DAY?

“I'm really particular on what goes into my body. I’m generally on the pit wall for qualifying and the race, which is about two hours. You have to hydrate to the right level. If you over-hydrate, you're just desperate to go to the loo in the middle of the race, which is the most distracting feeling in the world! So, step one is actually controlled hydration throughout the day. Step two is I always have a banana and an apple straight after qualifying and the race. There is a tremendous amount of adrenaline that goes through your body and you have to put food in to absorb it to a certain extent.”

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE WAY TO CELEBRATE POST-RACE IF YOU WIN?

"The trackside team that you see at every race spends more time together than they do with their respective families. We use celebratory occasions to pull together as a team, to strengthen the team, and to create a bond. After Silverstone, we all went across to the motorhome, every single engineer, and we took five minutes to breathe, relax, and enjoy the moment. So often in life, you celebrate on your little podium and then bam, you're straight onto the next thing ... Whether the result is good or bad, we always pull together as a team.”

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT VISITING BUDAPEST?

“There are two things that not just myself, but a number of us like. First, there is a dedicated running track along the Danube. Then, you can run around Margaret Island in the middle of it. Everyone is there exercising, which I love because you miss that in a lot of other city centers. The second is that there are literally hundreds of restaurants that I would recommend, be it in the old town or the city center. I've never really had a bad meal in Budapest.”

ARE THERE ANY MUST-SEE SIGHTS?

“You can’t go wrong cycling or driving from the city center [where The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest is located] to Heroes’ Square. You’ll see some of the most incredible parliamentary buildings and hotels along the way.”

IF YOU HAD ONE DAY OFF IN BUDAPEST, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

“I'd go to the water park. I've never been there, but it looks amazing! I often find myself sitting outside in 34°C [93°F] heat looking up at the hills and all you see is people amusing themselves in splashing water.”

WHAT IS THE BEST MEAL YOU' VE EVER HAD IN BUDAPEST?

“The best meal would be the one that I had with The Ritz-Carlton. I was fortunate enough to be invited to a dinner that they hosted and you can't really compare—it’s just the highest level of quality that you could possibly have. After that, there's a steak restaurant called La Pampa. It's covered in cowhide and it’s truly amazing as well. You get the choice of either Hungarian, Argentinian, or U.S. beef. For what it's worth, the Hungarian beef is my favorite. I’ve been there enough times that I've tried everything! I also had dinner on a boat while sailing up and down the Danube, which was quite a unique experience. Nothing, however, tops a chef looking after you for the night at The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest.”

IS THERE A TRADITIONAL HUNGARIAN DISH OR BEVERAGE THAT YOU’D LIKE TO TRY?

“There are a lot of Hungarian dishes, goulash being the most well-known, but I haven't really tried any of them in depth. I find that the cuisine in Budapest is quite international. I've had curries there—our team has a fascination with curries. This year, there's an engineer's curry-off that's going to take place in Hungary. If things go wrong, we’ve got a few weeks to recover in August!”

[slvttyspider]

# slvttyspider : an independent angel dust from the (rushed) series hazbin hotel! semi-selective, oc-friendly, multi's are cool! [ this blog is for grown ups ]

— art credit and avatar credit blogs contents: nsfw/18+, gore, dr*g use, ab*se, adultery, s*x, homosexuals, s*x work, ka-booms, the violence, bloodshed, yada yada etc whatever. i don't like kids following this blog either, so please —

thanks for reading, babe.

performed by ... moni / call me anythin' you want - 25 - pt

notice: I lead a busy life with work etc and tend to vanish for a few days because of it. please be patient with my timing or lack thereof, I promise you it has nothing to do with me not being interested in you. please remember, this is a hobby. have fun. :’)

basics

☆ independent and selective ☆ multi-verse, maybe even a little canon divergent. don't mind dabbling in headcanons ☆ i love OC's. i'll ship with them, i'll love them as if they're my own, i'll write with them, hand 'em over. ☆ multi-muses are cool! i'm sorry if i gravitate to the muses angel's already familiar with, it sounds silly but i don't wanna neglect other muses yk? ☆ practice common rp etiquette. as in respect rules, please don't reblog an ask to continue a thread. you don't need to ask to reblog regular posts from me, that's bananas. just go for it. ☆ 18+ nsfw nsfw nsfw 18+ ☆ do not steal anything 

interactions

☆ I am not fast.☆ i do not ship val & angel. thought it'd be obvious but i'll make it so i'm Crystal. i'll write with valentino's but it's not a ship at all imo. there's history there, yeah. but angel doesn't like him. i don't like him :knife: (the val writers are aight lmao). ☆ do not assume my speed or lack thereof means I am not interested. ☆ some threads may be dropped quietly, apologies in advance ☆ plotting is welcome. although, I enjoy pre-established relationships. ☆ random starters are acceptable, this includes asks. ☆ former rule goes in hand with: do not roleplay via my inbox. start a new post! ☆ I do not practice reblog karma but I will respect your practice. don't feel like you need to ask. i appreciate the respect but it's totally okay, promise. ☆ DMs are always open especially for shouting purposes. if you just wanna jump in and talk to Angel, I suggest complimenting his looks. it earns some good points.

… i *tentatively* returned to rping angel (and kind of in general). so. no disrespect. behave yourself. tag things accordingly. don’t be ugly. i deal with enough at work lol. uhh i think that’s it for now. just be nice. i know drama is a hot topic in some places, i don't really care. curate your spaces respectfully. please just be cool! thank you x

[anbuthalapathy]

Iyer Wedding Arrangements in Chennai: Preserving Tradition and Celebrating Love

Iyer weddings in Chennai are a beautiful blend of tradition, culture, and family values. With roots in Tamil Brahmin customs, these weddings are deeply spiritual and steeped in rituals that have been passed down through generations. Organizing an Iyer wedding in Chennai requires meticulous planning and an understanding of these customs to ensure that each step aligns with tradition and respects the sanctity of the marriage. From pre-wedding ceremonies to the grand feast, every aspect of Iyer wedding arrangements in Chennai reflects a commitment to cultural heritage and unity.

Choosing the Perfect Venue

For Iyer weddings, the venue plays a vital role, as it needs to accommodate a range of traditional rituals and provide a serene environment for religious ceremonies. Kalyana mandapams (marriage halls) in Chennai are popular for their spaciousness, amenities, and convenient locations. Many families also choose to hold weddings in temple premises, which adds an element of sacredness and fulfills traditional values. The choice of venue often depends on the couple's family traditions, budget, and number of guests.

 Key Rituals in an Iyer Wedding

 An Iyer wedding spans several days and includes numerous pre-wedding, wedding-day, and post-wedding rituals that mark the couple's journey. Each ritual holds a special significance, bringing families together in a joyous celebration of the couple’s new life.

 1. Nischayathartham (Engagement): This formal announcement ceremony involves both families coming together to exchange gifts and blessings.

 2. Panda Kaal Muhurtham: A sacred prayer performed a day before the wedding to seek divine blessings for a smooth event.

 3. Vratham: This ritual involves both the bride and groom observing fasts and purification rituals to prepare for the wedding.

 4. Kashi Yatra: In a playful tradition, the groom pretends to renounce worldly life before being brought back by the bride’s family to marry.

 5. Oonjal Ceremony: The couple is seated on a swing, signifying life's ups and downs, while they are blessed by elders and serenaded with songs.

 6. Muhurtham: The main wedding ritual where the groom ties the mangalsutra (sacred thread) around the bride's neck, sealing their union.

 Traditional Catering and Decor

Food is central to any Iyer wedding, and caterers provide a lavish South Indian vegetarian spread that’s typically served on banana leaves. The menu includes a variety of traditional dishes like sambar, rasam, kootu, poriyal, and sweet treats like payasam. Caterers specializing in Iyer weddings ensure that the food is authentic and that each meal reflects the couple’s cultural background.

In terms of decor, traditional Iyer weddings often feature elegant floral arrangements, intricate kolam (floor designs), and brass lamps, creating an ambiance that feels both sacred and festive. Décor is designed to enhance the temple-like atmosphere, incorporating flowers such as jasmine and marigold, which hold religious significance.

Conclusion

Iyer wedding arrangements in Chennai are a seamless blend of culture, spirituality, and joy. With carefully chosen venues, traditional rituals, authentic catering, and classic decor, these weddings honor the rich heritage of Tamil Brahmin customs. For families looking to organize an Iyer wedding, Chennai offers all the elements needed to celebrate this sacred occasion, ensuring the couple begins their new journey with blessings, love, and cultural reverence.

[the-boyo1]

Benefits of Peanut Butter: Heart Health, Weight Management, and More

People of all ages adore peanut butter because it is tasty and adaptable. It not only satisfies our palates but also has a host of health advantages. In this article, we'll examine the many advantages of peanut butter, including how it may help you lose weight and improve your heart health. So take a dollop of your preferred peanut butter, and let's explore its wonderful benefits!

How Healthy is Peanut Butter as you think vs How actually it is:

Rich in Heart-Healthy Fats

The high concentration of heart-healthy fats in peanut butter is one of the product's main advantages. It has monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to raise HDL levels and lower LDL levels, respectively. You may encourage a healthy heart and minimize your risk of cardiovascular problems by including peanut butter in your diet.

Prominent Protein Source

A vital macronutrient, protein aids in the development and repair of tissues, the growth of muscles, and the maintenance of a strong immune system. Protein-rich peanut butter is a great option for people who want to get the recommended amount of protein each day. You may provide your body with energy by eating a peanut butter sandwich or include it in your smoothies for better protein needs fulfillment.

Nutrient-Dense Powerhouse

Peanut butter is a nutrient-dense food in addition to being a source of protein and good fats. Vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus are just a few of the critical vitamins and minerals it contains. These nutrients help to maintain healthy biological processes including boosting bone health, boosting the immune system, and promoting neurological function.

You can also check and try BoYo Peanut Butter for an amazing taste and health.

Promotes fullness and aids with weight management

Contrary to common perception, eating peanut butter in moderation can help you control your weight. Its high protein and fiber levels help you feel fuller for longer because of enhanced satiety. This can help with weight reduction or maintenance goals by lowering the urge to snack on unhealthy foods.

Increases Energy

Peanut butter might help you out if you need a surge of energy. It delivers a constant burst of energy and is stuffed with good fats, protein, and carbs, making it the perfect pre-or post-workout snack. For a healthy and invigorating treat, spread some peanut butter over whole-grain toast or combine it with a banana.

Promotes Nutritional Absorption

Vitamins A, D, E, and K are examples of fat-soluble vitamins, meaning they need lipids to be properly absorbed by the body. The beneficial fats in peanut butter can help other meals that are eaten with it absorb these vitamins. 

FAQs about Peanut Butter

1] Is peanut butter safe for those who have nut allergies?

Since peanuts are technically legumes and not genuine nuts, peanut butter is not acceptable for people with nut allergies. Before considering consuming peanut butter, people with nut allergies should speak with their doctor.

2] Is natural peanut butter a better option for your health than jarred varieties?

Yes, natural peanut butter is frequently seen as a better alternative to commercially available kinds. There are often fewer preservatives, chemicals, and added sugars in natural peanut butter. To make sure you select a brand without extra hydrogenated oils or excessive sugar, it is crucial to read the ingredients list.

3] Can peanut butter assist with diabetes management?

Yes, when taken in moderation as part of a healthy diet, peanut butter can be helpful for those with diabetes. It is an appropriate choice for preserving steady glucose levels because of its low glycemic index, which helps prevent sudden rises in blood sugar levels.

4] Can peanut butter be a part of a diet to lose weight?

Due to its high protein and fiber content, which helps with satiety, peanut butter may be used in a weight reduction diet. It's important to consume it in moderation and to take your entire calorie intake into account to achieve your weight reduction objectives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, peanut butter has several advantages besides only delicious flavor. This nutrient-dense spread has several benefits, such as helping weight control and heart health. Peanut butter may be a flexible and healthy option for everything from a protein-packed snack to an instant energy boost. Always choose natural types without excessive additives, and consume this delectable delicacy sparingly. Enjoy the advantages of peanut butter—heart health, weight control, and more.

[whiskeysmulti]

Rules

1. Mun is 30+ so some mature themes may happen on this blog. 

2. No godmodding/metagaming, be respectful, etc. I am not afraid to instantly block anyone who can’t show some basic respect. 

3. I am indie, but highly selective and mutually exclusive, if I do not follow back, I have no interest in writing with you.

4. Please notify me of your triggers and blocked tags so I can tag appropriately. My own triggers are incest, rape, pedophilia, and sexual abuse in general. I will amend this list as other triggers come to light. That said, I do have muses who have SA and CSA as triggers in their info, it is only past mentions of it happening though, my own trigger with SA comes in with images and explicitly detailed writing. Interact with Ash Lynx and Shorter Wong with caution if CSA is a trigger, I write them both as survivors of it. I also black list the tag #one piece, please tag your content be it rp or art, I want nothing to do with this fandom and don't want it on my dash. While I have it in my DNI I understand some fandomless OCs and multi blogs rp in it still, I need you guys to tag your verses and content for it please.

5. I am a multi muse, please specify the muse you want to answer said ask when sending one, the only exception to this is OOC/Mun games, I will answer those as myself. Also if you’re a multi or sideblog please let me know the url/muse the ask is from when sending. I am also multiverse, multi ship, as well as duplicate friendly. Each ship is in it’s own verse, I do have mains and exclusives though. I am okay with some pre-established stuff as far as platonic goes, friends and familial bonds. All I ask is you just run it by me first to make sure it works with my headcanons, romantic ships though, I prefer chemistry.  

6. You are always welcome to turn answered asks into a thread, all I ask is that if you move it to a new post, please @ me because I use thread tracker, I also track my replies by the number of drafts I have. That way by @'ing me, I can throw it into my drafts as soon as I see it and then work on the reply when I have time. I use the thread tracker to keep track of my RPs and x-kit to trim them. Thread tracker tracks the thread by the post number from my own blog. Do not move the post every reply. If from an ask, I will allow you to move it once to a clean post and then I will reblog and track from there.

7. I am not an aesthetics source or RP resource and memes blog, please reblog from the source when possible.

8. Do not reblog in character threads you are not involved in. They are not fanfics, they are for my RP partner/s only. Personals please do not interact on them. Anything tagged #ic is off limits.

9. While I do not fully diverge, my portrayals are headcanon heavy. Keep this in mind when interacting with my muses. As some things may be applicable to them that are not discussed in the canon verses.

10. I will not interact if I find your blog to be utilizing A.I. or reposting stolen/uncredited art.

11. DNI: One Piece, Fullmetal Alchemist/Brotherhood blogs. More information here. 12. My timezone is US EST/GMT-5 (New York Time), so if you can't reach me at a certain hour, I am probably asleep or having connection issues with net and data.

This list will be amended as I see fit and is subject to change the longer I write on here.  

Muse List:

Banana Fish:

Griffin Callenrese

Ash Lynx

Shorter Wong

Bleach:

Neliel Tu Odelshwank

Tier Harribel

Lilynette Gingerbuck

Nanao Ise

Karin Kurosaki

Yuzu Kurosaki

Naruto:

Shikamaru Nara

Minato Namikaze

Temari

Hinata Hyuuga

Sakura Haruno

Itachi Uchiha

Konan

Katekyo Hitman Reborn: Sawada Tsunayoshi

Hayato Gokudera Hibari Kyouya

Shoichi Irie

Mukuro Rokudo

Dino Cavallone

Cozarto Simon

Enma Cozzato Adelheid Shittopi

G. Giotto

Reborn Uri (humanized version of the Storm Box Animal) Nightmare Before Christmas: Jack Skellington Sally Skellington Child's Play Universe: Charles Lee Ray (Chucky) Saw Universe: John Kramer (Jigsaw) Amnesia: Shin

Trigger warnings associated with each muse can be found here. Character list with info links to wiki pages on each is found here. Back up Google doc with all rules, muses and info pages is found here in case prior links break.

Hidden/request only muse list can be found here. Mains and exclusives list can be found here. Affiliates can be found here. Ship wishlist can be found here. Verse list can be found here.

Please read these links before interacting!

[consul-valerius]

Donna’s Thoughts on Their Birthday

since it is Donna’s birthday and I don’t think I’ll have a fic ready for tonight (working two jobs and some personal issues has really been killing my creativity 😭), I did want to do a post on how they feel about their birthday/how they would celebrate it! I plan on doing a proper fic exploring this in more detail, but I wanted to do a broader post as a place holder hehehe :3c

General context warning for mentions of trauma, childhood abuse/neglect, and allusions to sacrifices

I’m general, Donna has very… negative thoughts about their birthday (see this post for further context). Every year it’s marked by a growing dread and unease; the context around their birth is just not something that ever gets easier for them to deal with, and their own growing family does little to bring them a sense of ease. In fact, their own personal safety makes them feel more unsafe on their birthday. Their general thought is, “Well things are going…. Too good right now. Which means that I’m due for something bad now, and it would make sense that my crazy, homicidal parents would try to finish me off on the day of my birth 😬😬😬😬”

This is the general thought they have for most of their birthdays while living in Vesuvia; the only time they don’t have them is the three years after they were revived as they simply didn’t. Remember being a failed-sacrificial lamb baby 🤭

As a child, Dominique always tried making their birthdays a blast but something. Always went wrong. This only further “supported” the notion that their birth was this cursed day, and eventually Donna insisted they stop celebrating it in general. Dominique, put out, eventually agreed.

Pre-game events, Donna actually just straight up didn’t tell people their birthday. They would make a game out of telling people their star sign and having them guess the date from there, and even then, they would lie and just go with their first guess (unless, of course, it was correct lol)

Asra was obviously the first person they told, and Sam also knew. Sam, however, was always very good at respecting their boundaries and normally just treated it as a normal day (though he did very subtly spoil them more in special ways aka eating them out until they imploded LMAO)

Gradually, too, they told Valerius. He was at first annoyed they would lie to him about something like that, but once he understands why, he’s extremely doting on them. Typically, they spent their birthdays with just him and Asra, and normally it just involved a nice dinner between the three of them (Valerius either gives them their gifts before or after their actual birthday, when he knows they’ll be more receptive of it)

The person with the biggest issue this was actually Nadia. 1.) She does not tolerate being lied to and 2.) Not showering the person she loves in gifts, especially for their birthday, just doesn’t make sense to her nor does it sit right with her. She initially interprets it as “Oh, Donna’s still feeling like they aren’t worthy of love and affection. I must remedy this.” Her heart is in the right place, but……. Yeas.

She would definitely rope Valerius into throwing them what she thinks is a small surprise party (it isn’t, but it’s Nadia, she thinks a single banana is $20 lmao) While Valerius is initially hesitant, he eventually cannot say no to her and is convinced that because it’s Nadia hosting it, it should go off without a hitch.

The surprise party. Goes. Terribly. LMFAO. And Donna doesn’t even the room, they simply run. (They’re a runner they’re a track starrrrr 🏃🏻🏃🏻)

Donna isn’t necessarily mad at anyone involved, but they’re just. Overwhelmed, sad, and angry that they even feel this way. Nadia, in turn, feels insanely guilty and learns a big lesson on how to properly navigate her grander gestures of adoration :’)))

Her and Valerius do spend the night just totally spoiling them, and she never makes the mistake again, but this is just one instance of people trying to get Donna to break out of their birthday funk and. Failing. LOL

BUT THEN. INSERT. DAMIEN!

Damien absolutely adores his mama, and always insisted on celebrating their birthday in grandiose ways, even when he was a child.

“Mama, we have all this money and you have all these friends!!!! Where are they!!!!!! This is ridiculous!!! Father, you call yourself a husband???? 😤😤😤”

Despite their growing paranoia, Donna is more inclined to let Damien have his way. He and Valerius would plan bigger parties for them, and they learned how to grin and bear it for Damien’s sake.

As an adult, and now knowing why his mama doesn’t care for their birthdays, he’s much chiller but still very much attached to their hip all day.

“Mama, why are you working? Go back to bed. MAMA GO TO BED!!!!”

They have a private Mama/Son lunch every year, and the family always has a very large dinner together. Damien always takes weeks prepping for their gift, and him and Valerius have a secret bet on who can make Donna cry more with their presents LMAO (Damien always wins, but to be fair, he does have the unfair advantage of his presence being a present alone lmao)

[kittyilana046]

DC UNIVERSE MASTERLIST

Started: 5/28/2020 Last Updated: 5/29/2020

This list is a collection of some of my favorite posts from my favorite bloggers. This list is perfect for new fans who want a cohesive guide to understanding these characters. 

Meta/essays and comic book panels.   

This masterlist is in alphabetical order.  

I did not write nor do I own any of the works below. 

Links 

THE DC UNIVERSE MASTERLIST - BATFAMILY EDITION

Batfamily

CANON VS. FANON 

Characterization cheat sheet: the batfamily boys

What are in your opinion the biggest difference between the comic and the fanon versions of the other Batfamily members?

DC COMIC PANELS

Batman (Bruce Wayne)

Batman #42 by Tom King and Mikel Janin (Bruce and Selina get captured)

Batman being a Batdad to his Batprincess

Banana Muffin is Superman and Batman’s safeword

Batman & Robin Eternal #22 (Bruce being kind to Damian) 

Detective Comics (2016-) #1017

How Bruce deals with trauma 

Injustice 2 #51 -”Have you tried turning it on an off again?”

“My favorite superhero is Superman” “…He’s my favorite, too”

Robin (Damian Wayne)

Deathstroke #5 - “Mirrors” (2016) (Damian taunting Deathstroke)

Damian talks a lot in front of his favorite people

Injustice 2 #8 (Proof Damian has a heart p2)

Robin Son of Batman 011 (Damian being done with Bruce and Talia)

The Shadow/Batman #3 (Ra's al Ghul threatening Damian)

Super-Sons My Best Friend

Nightwing (Dick Grayson)

Everyone loves Dick Grayson

Dick beating up Bruce compilation

Dick is that type of brother…

Dick you whore

Unpublished pages of Nightwing #30

Red Hood (Jason Todd)

Detective Comics (2016) #976 (Jason standing up to the Batfamily)

Robin 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1 - “More Time” (2020)

Red Robin (Tim Drake)

Tim and Dick talking: A Compilation

DC SHIPS (OTP AND BrOTP)

Do Bruce and Selina truly love each other?

Super-Sons panel rewrite – Nicodrawings  

META / ESSAYS

Batman (Bruce Wayne)

Bruce firing Dick vs. Dick firing Tim

Does Bruce love Damian?

Did Bruce love Jason?

Is Bruce a good dad?

Is Bruce nice?

Jason was Bruce’s beloved son and DC’s writers are doing shit. 

Robin (Damian Wayne)

Do you guys ever think about how much of a crappy life Damian has been having since Rebirth? Because I do.

Is Damian sexist?

Proof Damian has a heart p1

Things I Wish Writers Would Explore More with Damian

Nightwing (Dick Grayson)

Dick Grayson’s strengths and weaknesses  

DICK I’LL BE THERE FOR YOU GRAYSON

Dick Grayson and Temper

Dick, you’re so spoiled

Do Dick Grayson and Roy Harper have commitment issues?

Objectification or Empowerment: how writers express Dick Grayson’s sexuality

What should happen after the Ric Grayson arc ends?

Red Hood (Jason Todd)

Do you think Jason would hit his s/o? (Headcanon)

Do you think that Jason will be into art?

Jay and Dick are musicians? What do they play?

Jason Todd and the Ladies: Post-Resurrection

Where did Jason get his Respect Women Juice?

Robin’s relationships with each other

Advice on how to write Damian and Tim brother dynamic

Damian & Dick: analyzing their relationship

Do you think Dick and Damian have a brotherly relationship?

All Robins are great and they all bring something to the table

Other Characters

META / ESSAYS

John Constantine

Analyzing The Family Man Arc  

Jericho (Joseph William Wilson)

Introduction to Jericho

Kyle Rayner

Tips for how to write Kyle Rayner

Did Kyle think he was in a love triangle with Jason Todd and Donna Troy?

Deathstroke (Slade Wilson)

Rebirth Slade’s Personality Shift

Speedy/Arsenal/Red Arrow (Roy Harper)

Does Roy hold a grudge against Oliver Queen? (n52 vs. pre boot)

Roy, about guns (Analysis of Roy’s relationship with guns)

DC COMIC PANELS

Superman (Clark Kent)

Superman: Heroes #1 (2020)

DC SHIPS (OTP AND BrOTP)

Halbarry Reading List

[snowlessknitter]

The Masked Singer: S6, E7 Running Commentary

After a couple of weeks off, the competition resumes tonight (although this episode could have been pushed to next week if the World Series had gone to Game 7). The final Wildcard Mask of the season will be introduced, and the previews teased that the Take It Off Buzzer could possibly be used tonight. The Take It Off Buzzer can only be used twice (once in each group, Group A and Group B). If a judge believes they’re absolutely sure who a particular performer is, they can press the buzzer and make a guess. If they’re right, that singer must immediately unmask and is eliminated, and the judge who makes the guess gets two points toward the Golden Ear. If they’re wrong, the contestant remains in the competition and the judge loses two points in the Golden Ear standings.

As always, I post before seeing any unmasking, so these are not spoilers.

Mallard 🦆: Says he’s from a famous family, was seen holding an Allen wrench, and the one word clue is a crown 👑. These clues do point towards Willie Robertson from Duck Dynasty. I think the Allen wrench is a reference to Willie’s brother Alan, who is a preacher and was often billed onscreen on Duck Dynasty as “Willie’s Beardless Brother” (as he is the only one of Willie and his brothers to not be seen wearing a long beard and long hair). His brothers Jase and Jep were billed as “Willie’s Brother” and “Willie’s Other Brother”, respectively. I still think putting Willie in a mallard costume would be a little too obvious, though!

Caterpillar 🐛: A paper with a pentagon is seen, and he didn’t really know his family growing up. He worked in a call center. Is there any significance to Caterpillar’s smile having braces. I wouldn’t think it’s someone from N Sync, because he’s singing their song. And it doesn’t sound like AJ McLean this time, either. Is there a boy band member or teen idol who may have been adopted? Yes. JC Chasez was adopted and the pentagon in the clue package could refer to Washington, DC, where I think he was born. The only thing is that Caterpillar doesn’t really sound like him. I remember JC’s voice being more melodic than what I was hearing, although he’d be in his 40s now and singing voices do age, so he may not sound the same as he did in his twenties. Also, the one word clue was “POP”, which is the name of an N Sync song from their third and final studio album to date, Celebrity.

Queen of Hearts 👸 ❤️: Got subjected to a lot of scrutiny early in her career, we also saw a cowboy hat. It does sound like Jewel. She was in her early twenties when her first singles came out, and she did get some scrutiny for her unique vocal tone (which especially in “Who Will Save Your Soul” and the original version of “You Were Meant for Me” does have a nasal, almost frog-like sound) and also got flack for being caught lip synching the national anthem at the Super Bowl in 1998. (However, that was more on the fault on the NFL because they usually try to get national anthem performers to pre-record their vocals, and the league admitted as such.) The cowboy hat is likely a reference to her ex-husband Ty Murray, who was a professional rodeo competitor.

Banana Split 🍌 🍨: Now, if viewers had a “Take It Off Buzzer”, I would push this in a heartbeat. I’ve known pretty much since their first performance that this is Katharine McPhee and David Foster, and there’s not really much that could change my mind. I can recognize Katharine’s voice from a mile away!

Beach Ball 🏖 ⚽️: “From the Florida Panhandle”… 😂 Has been in the spotlight since they were very young. May have gone through a breakup. We also saw a peach, so they may be from Georgia. So, apparently it’s a pair of them. Sisters, friends, or partners, maybe? I didn’t really recognize their voices. They’ll probably be eliminated, though. I have no clue who they are. Just as a wild guess, I’ll go with Paris and Nicky Hilton.

[captainscanadian]

Love Me Blue | Bucky Barnes x Reader (Janmashtami)

My Masterlist

Series Masterlist

Summary: When you were younger, you had always dreamed of falling in love with someone who would love you like Lord Krishna loved Radha. A dream that once felt as though it was silly no longer felt that way. 

Word Count: 4400+

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Tamilian!Hindu!Reader

Warnings: MINIMAL TAMIL SONG LYRICS (I’m more than happy to translate!) & TAMIL CULTURE, References to Hinduism, PTSD, Insomnia, Endgame References.

A/N: This is my entry for @bucky-smiles​‘s 3K Diversity Writing Challenge! My prompt was to write a fic with a Hindu reader. I decided to write this fic with a Tamilian reader because I am Tamilian. I was born in Sri Lanka and my mother’s side of the family are Hindu. Although I consider myself an agnostic theist, I do enjoy reading the epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. I hope everyone had a wonderful Janmashtami. Along with Lord Krishna himself, it’s also @jalapenobarnes​‘ birthday this weekend so please go shower Saran with all the love. This one’s for you, my chellam! <3 Pics are off of Pinterest! 

Bucky Barnes watched curiously as he sat cross-legged on the tiled floor of your living quarters, splashing a handful of water on the bright green banana leaf that you had laid out in front of him. 

Even though your apartment had a designated dining room with an oak wood table and chairs, he wondered why you preferred to be eating on the living room floor. Not to mention the way you had chosen to serve him on a banana leaf than a plate. 

As much as he found it bizarre, he was also curious about the traditions that you seemed to follow. Not just through the way you ate your meals, but also the way you honored your dead best friend and the way you had filled your apartment with idols and paintings of your Hindu God. It came as a surprise to him that someone as young and well-educated as yourself could even hold onto the traditions that you had been raised with despite having settled away from your home for years. 

Bucky had been surprised to find that as the decades had progressed, traditions had evolved with the emergence of a post-modern society. The way people had practiced religion had also evolved with time, but the way you practiced yours seemed to be the same as the way his own mother had practiced hers back in the day. 

You did not conform to modern life for the sake of it, and he found that inspiring. The old Bucky who had always been fascinated by all that science had to offer would probably disagree with you. But having lived a whole century as one of HYDRA’s science experiments made him wish that he could return to the pre-modern society that he had been born into. He hated confirming with the status quo as much as the next guy, but seeing you made him realize that he did not need to force himself to confirm either. He could be himself, as long as he could figure out who exactly he was meant to be. 

“According to my grandmother, eating off of a banana leaf is a lot more healthier than eating off of a plate. Apparently the nutrients in the leaf can mix with the food.” You explained to him as you served him some of the rice, careful not to overcrowd the banana leaf. You knew that he was unfamiliar with the dishes, but also appreciated that he was willing to try out a new cuisine at this witching hour. “She said that it’s good for the immune system, prevents intestinal ulcers, skin diseases… soothes the stomach, helps with digestion and prevents kidney stones.” 

He nodded, understandably. “Right…” He agreed, not having the heart to tell you that the super soldier serum in his body ensured that his cells would constantly regenerate and prevent him from falling ill. Nevertheless, he found your endearment quite refreshing. You really did treat him like he was Sergeant James Barnes of the 107th and not the Winter Soldier, and he was grateful for that. 

“We’re used to eating off of the leaf during special occasions or when we have guests.” You added. “There’s a Buddhist and Hindu philosophy... Atithi Devo Bhava. It literally means that the guests must be given the same respect as you would give to your Gods. And since you’re my guest tonight, you get the banana leaf.” 

“I’m no God, Y/N.” Bucky clarified, sighing as he ran his metal hand through his greasy hair. “I’m a human being, a brainwashed assassin, a weapon of destruction who brought so much pain in people’s lives. I don’t deserve to be treated with so much respect.” 

“Bucky…” You frowned at his words before shaking your head. “As the one who spent most of my life studying the life of Sergeant James Barnes of the 107th, I beg to differ. I know that you have a lot of internalized guilt about those days and I don’t blame you for that. But you can’t let the Winter Soldier define who you are. You’re more than who you used to be when you were brainwashed. It wasn’t who you were.” 

“To be honest, I don’t even think I know who I am anymore…” He admitted, a truth that he hadn’t told anyone else at the compound but felt that he could trust you with.. “But I know for sure that I don’t deserve to be respected like you respect your God.” 

“You should let me be the judge of that. My concept of God is actually quite different from the Abrahamic religions that you happen to be familiar with.” You protested with a soft chuckle, crossing your legs to sit across from him. “My grandmother once told me that Lord Krishna… being the God of love and compassion, he’s always present in one’s heart. Wherever there’s love, he’s always there. If there’s love in your heart, he’s there. And that makes you just as Godly as anyone else.”  

“I’m the world’s longest prisoner of war who spent most of my life imprisoned in a cryofreezer. There’s nothing Godly about the life that I’ve had to live.” He shook his head. “If anything, I’m a symbol of pain and suffering.” 

“Well, Lord Krishna was born in prison.” You remarked. “His life was meant to be filled with so much love… It started on Janmashtami, in a prison cell where his parents were locked up by his own maternal uncle. Even in all that pain and suffering, the betrayal that Lord Krishna’s parents had to face… they were blessed with a child who was the incarnate of the supreme God himself. All that pain and suffering led to some kind of reward, and I’m sure you’ll get yours in due time. Sri Krishna never discriminates, and he forgives those who are truly remorseful of their sins. He’s the God of compassion after all.” 

Bucky could not help but chuckle softly at your words. For every word of self-hatred that came out of his mouth, you had your own rebuttal that was rooted in your faith. He was left with no choice but to accept his defeat and give in to being treated as your guest for the night. It was the least he could do other than make use of that computer he had been given to catch up with the world by looking up Lord Krishna. “So, what’s on the menu for tonight?”

“Okay!” You exclaimed, pointing to the rice dish that you had placed in the center of the leaf. “Ven pongal, basically made from rice and yellow lentils. It’s also got some peppercorns, cumin, turmeric, ginger, curry leaves and cashews that I fried in some clarified butter. That’s why it smells so good. Don’t worry about the spices though. This is probably the mildest dish I’ve ever eaten in my life.” 

Bucky nodded as he looked up at you. “Do you make this often?”

“It’s a traditional breakfast food in South India, but it also makes for the ultimate comfort food when I’m missing home.” You replied with a shrug of your shoulders before grabbing the bowl of sambar and pouring it over the rice. “Now this might be a little spicy for you. But it’s the side dish of all side dishes. Sambar, basically a mixed vegetable stew with lentils and spices. Great with most South Indian breakfast foods.” 

“And what about the rest?” He asked as he eyed the remainder of the delicacies that you had laid out before him. He could not deny that the warm aroma that wafted up his nostrils made them much more appetizing. Despite it being past midnight, he was starved. 

“Medhu vada… deep fried lentil fritters, coconut chutney to dip ‘em in… and kesari, dessert made from semolina.” You pointed to the items as you placed them on the banana leaf. “I hope you don’t mind eating with your hand. We don’t really use utensils and I kind of forgot to pick some up. If it makes you feel any better, the right hand is commonly used to eat so…” You motioned towards his hand. “Dig in?”

He raised his eyebrow at your words. “I guess that was very convenient for me.” He joked before looking down at the food and back at you. “Aren’t you going to eat with me?”

You chuckled softly before shrugging at his question. “It’s alright, Bucky. I can eat after you. It’s not polite to eat before the guest.”

“Y/N, come on… you just said that you made all of this food because you were feeling homesick. I can’t eat all of this without you.” He clarified with a smile. 

You looked down at your lap in embarrassment as you felt your cheeks heat up. “I kind of only bought one banana leaf because I thought I would be the one eating all of this food.” You told him, shamelessly. “I didn't think I would have company, not that I don’t want you here or anything. I invited you to eat but… my grandmother says it’s rude to eat right out of the serving bowls if you’re going to be serving the food to someone else. I don’t mind waiting until you’re done and helping myself to your leftovers.” 

A part of him could not believe how bound you were to your grandmother’s words, especially when it came to your dining etiquette. Despite the fact that your grandmother had been someone to hold you back from your potential, he admired that you still respected her enough to follow through with the culture that she had taught you. 

“Fine, then if you don’t mind…” He reached down to grab a dollop of the pongal and sambar with his thumb and two fingers, carefully holding his hand up towards your mouth. “Let me at least feed you.”

Your eyes grew wide at his gesture and you found your cheeks heating up in embarrassment once again. “Um…” You gulped, not knowing how to react to that. A part of you wanted to accept his offer, but the pitter patter against your heart mimicked the rain against your window and caused you to become very nervous. 

As much as you had denied it when you were around the rest of the team, you knew that you did have a slight crush on Sergeant James Barnes of the 107th Infantry Regiment when you had first watched through the archival footage from the war. After all, who wouldn’t. At that time, you had believed that he was dead so it didn’t mean much. But now he was very much alive and sitting right before you. He was certainly a good looking man who’s smile could light up the world, and unbeknownst to you he had just lit up yours. 

You had spent years studying his life, along with the rest of The Howling Commandos, in the name of academic curiosity. But you could not deny that now seeing him in person changed how you really felt about this man. Not many people who studied historical figures had the chance to see them face to face. But this had happened to you twice now, and it still felt surreal. Bucky Barnes really was sitting on the floor of your living quarters, about to feed you a bite of your most favourite South Indian comfort food. What kind of idiot would you be not to accept it? 

You accepted the bite of food that Bucky had offered you, bringing your hand over to cover your mouth as you chewed. Your lips curling into a small smile as your eyes glazed over, you looked down at your lap. 

For some reason, eating from this man’s hand had made you miss your father quite so much. Seven years it had been since he had passed away. You never even got to say goodbye, the last time you had spoken on the phone being an argument that you had ended abruptly by hanging up on him. Had you known what was going to happen just hours later, you would have done things differently. You would have cherished the last moments you got to share with your father. Hell, you would have even prevented him from dying the way he did. But it was all too late now. 

Perhaps you suffered from internalized guilt just as much as the super soldier who sat before you, for you did feel partially responsible for your father’s death. Being an agent who was meant to save the world and all, you couldn’t even manage to save your own father. While this did once make you doubt your skills as an agent, you could not deny that you would give anything to be able to do right by the man who had raised you to be anything more than a typical Indian farm girl. But for now, all you had to do was exist for the sake of existing and accept the position that you had been given. Do the right thing, just as your father had taught you. 

When you had been five years old, your grandmother had told you the story of how Lord Krishna was married to more than sixteen thousand women. She had told you that he married every woman who loved him. He loved them back just as much too, being the God of love after all. But the woman he loved the most, he hadn’t even been married to her. Radha Rani was the love of his life. She was his soulmate. Despite not being married, their love for each other was so pure and eternal. 

It was then you told your father, in your childish little voice, “Appa, I want someone to love me like Lord Krishna loved Radha.” 

Now as you swallowed the bite that Bucky Barnes had fed you, you couldn't help but look over his broad shoulders. Up on the wall behind him you had hung one of the many paintings of Radha and Krishna that you owned. But in that particular one, Radha and Krishna were affectionately gazing into each other’s eyes while feeding each other. 

It didn’t seem like a sign to you then, but you prayed for some things to be made clearer in due time. After all, you were going to be here for a while. If Lord Krishna was really going to bless you with the kind of love that makes you blue after all of that pain and suffering, then you might as well accept it like you had just accepted that bite of food from Bucky. 

“Tell me the truth, Bucky.” You looked over at the man who sat next to you on the couch, his legs crossed as he leaned against the armrest. “Why are you even up at this hour?” 

Bucky Barnes looked over at you and let out a sigh, not knowing if lying to you about his insomnia would sell. After all, you seemed to know him better than he knew himself despite the fact that you had met just yesterday. While he feared that admitting the truth would cause you to become weary of him, he knew better than to lie to the woman who was in a position of authority. He had to be transparent with you, mainly because he didn’t have the heart to lie to you. 

“I can’t sleep.” He admitted, biting down on his bottom lip as he sat up straight, his elbows resting against his thighs as he covered his face with his hands. “I haven’t slept properly in a while, ever since I moved into the compound really. Every night I go to bed at a reasonable time. But I still end up waking up at this strange hour because of some nightmare.” 

Leaning over to rest your hand on his shoulder, you wanted to give him a squeeze. But you were quick to realize that his left shoulder was vibranium, so instead you moved your hand to rub his back. “Have you talked to Sam about it?” 

Not that you would assume that his friendship with Sam was anything like his friendship with Steve. As someone who had your own demons, you knew that it was not that easy to confide in someone about something like this. But you were well aware that Sam had some experience offering support groups to veterans who suffered from PTSD during his time working at the VA back in DC. He seemed to be much more equipped to handle something like this than you were, no doubt about that. But since you were now the boss around here, you knew that something needed to be done to address the mental health of your heroes.  

Bucky shook his head. “He’s always been weary of me, Y/N. I don’t think I should worry him about this. The last thing I want is for anyone to think that the Winter Soldier is still in me when he’s not.” 

“Sam can be an asshole at times… but he means well. He cares a lot about his friends, and that includes you and me.” You admitted. “But I know what you mean. What you’re going through, it’s not easy. You’ve had to deal with a lifetime’s worth of torture under HYDRA, along with the whole thing with the blip. The world has changed so much that it’s not all that easy to keep up with anymore.” 

He looked up at you and frowned. “I feel so lost, you know? Like I don’t know where I should start. I’ve missed out on seventy years of… life. The life that I knew before the war is gone and the life that I had since then… is full of torture and bloodshed. I’m just lost in the midst of it all.”

“Bucky, you do know that… if you ever want to talk about anything that has to do with history or what happened in the world during those seventy years, you can just talk to me about it, right? I may have a Master’s degree on The Howling Commandos but I do know a thing or two about what happened in the world after the war.” You offered, finally cracking a smile. “I can definitely help you out with catching up with times.” 

He chuckled softly at your words. “Is that how you and Steve… became friends?” 

You felt your cheeks heat up in embarrassment at the mention of Captain America, a man whom you had respected and aided in the recovery of until Natasha had decided to set the two of you up on a date. It was a brief fling while the two of you had worked together in DC. But once you had realized it wasn’t going to work, you had ended things amicably. While you had remained friends and you had helped him catch up with the world, things had changed so much around you. 

“Yeah, I guess.” You admitted with a shrug. “He needed someone to catch him up to the world and Fury realized that he hired a history major. I think it worked out for all of us.” Looking back now, you only felt blessed to have known Steve Rogers. He was not only an inspiration, but also one of your closest friends. “And that’s why I’m offering to help.”

“But how could you help me, Y/N?” He asked. “What can you possibly do to help me come to terms with who I am?”

“Well, I had Steve read through the Internet a lot and make a list of all the things he wanted to try… like Thai food and Sherlock Holmes. I know that you’re not going on any missions right now. You’re just hanging around the compound and trying to kill time, right? I’d say… make use of the computers we have here, learn as much as you can. We can talk about it. But don’t ever think that you’re alone in this.” 

The Internet was a great place to start learning, right? Surely, Bucky had been apprehensive about taking that step. But he needed to be given a little push. Thankfully, he now had you for that. “I guess I can do that.” He gave in, for he was starting to get bored of the facility’s gym. 

“There is something that needs to be done about your nightmares though.” You pointed out. “This compound needs an on-site therapist. I need one. You need one. Wanda needs one. We all need one after all this crap that we’ve had to deal with.” You made a mental note to make some calls in the morning, but for now you knew that your attention should be on the super soldier. “But right now, you really need to get some sleep.” 

Bucky shook his head in defeat. “I can’t seem to fall asleep in my bed, Y/N. Believe me, I’ve tried… for many nights. I guess I just have to suck it up and kill time until the morning.” 

You raised your eyebrow at his words before crossing your arms against your chest. “What? Do you need me to sing you a lullaby or something?” You asked him, teasingly. 

He laughed at your question before shaking his head. “As if that’s ever going to work on me…” 

“Is that a challenge, Sergeant Barnes?” 

Bucky Barnes had no clue how it even happened. Just twenty-four hours ago, the two of you had been strangers who had nothing in common except for the fact that you both shared a past that had been perfectly entwined somehow. But now you were sitting against the headboard of his queen sized bed in the living quarters adjacent to yours, his head resting against your lap as he shut his eyes. 

Your soft hands running through his silky dark hair, you sang the words that you had pretty much memorized by now. It was a lullaby that your grandmother had sung to you when you were younger, written about how Lord Krishna himself had fallen asleep after a long day of playing around his village. 

Ayarpadi Maaligaiyil

Thaai Madiyil Kandrinai Pol

Maaya Kannan Thoongugindraan, Thaalelo

Ayarpadi Maaligaiyil

Thaai Madiyil Kandrinai Pol

Maaya Kannan Thoongugindraan, Thaalelo

Avan Vaai Niraiya Mannai Undu

Mandalathai Kaattiya Pin

Oiveduthu Thoongugindraan, Aaraaro

Oiveduthu Thoongugindraan, Aaraaro

Ayarpadi Maaligaiyil

Thaai Madiyil Kandrinai Pol

Maaya Kannan Thoongugindraan, Thaalelo

Pinnalitta Gopiyarin Kannathile Kannam Ittu

Mannavan Pol Leelai Seidhaan Thaalelo

Pinnalitta Gopiyarin Kannathile Kannam Ittu

Mannavan Pol Leelai Seidhaan Thaalelo

Andha Mandhirathil Avar Uranga

Mayakkathile Ivan Uranga

Mandalame Urangudhammaa Aaraaro

Mandalame Urangudhammaa Aaraaro

Ayarpadi Maaligaiyil

Thaai Madiyil Kandrinai Pol

Maaya Kannan Thoongugindraan, Thaalelo

Bucky Barnes had no clue how it even happened. But as he listened to the melody of your lullaby, he had drifted off into a deep slumber. When he woke up the next day, he found that you were gone. But he knew that you were the one to thank for helping him sleep after many months of waking up from nightmares. 

As the weeks went by, you and Bucky had become quite close. As most of the team were gone for days at a time because of their respective missions, the two of you often found yourselves being the only ones remaining at the compound. Despite your loneliness, you somehow found comfort in each other. 

Your free time was usually spent cooking up a storm in the common kitchen, and Bucky found himself frequently joining you for your meals. He had taken quite the liking to South Indian cuisine, but he had also kept his promise of making you a completely vegetarian Wakandan meal - something that he apparently prepared by video-calling the Queen Mother of Wakanda herself and asking her for recipes. 

“Does this mean you have diplomatic immunity? Being the adoptive child of Queen Ramonda and all…” You had joked. “They call you the White Wolf, don’t they?” 

“Did you ever have to use your diplomatic immunity?” He had asked you mockingly. “Being the daughter of an Indian diplomat after all.” 

“Bucky, could you please give Queen Ramonda my regards? Let her know that Agent Y/L/N, the daughter of Ambassador Y/L/N, sends her regards and thanks the royal family for all of their help.” You hadn’t been all that familiar with the Wakandan royal family during the reign of King T’Chaka, but it was only after his death did you have the chance to work closely with them. After all, you understood the pain that they had been dealing with all too well. 

Bucky was not familiar with why you seemed to know them so well. He had just assumed it must be because of your career in diplomacy before you became an agent. He did not think much of it though, at least not until he had told Shuri that you gave their family your regards. 

While the truth behind your relationship with the Wakandan royal family had certainly shaken him to his core, he did not make it known that he knew about it. After all, it was a huge part of your own personal life and you were just his boss. He did not feel the need to let you know that he knew something about you that you might not have wanted you to know. But instead, he continued to learn more about you and the culture that you were raised in. 

The Internet was a great place when it came to catching up with the world. He had read just about everything he could get his hands on, from history to literature and science. While he tried to keep up with how much the world had changed, he had also read as much as he could about your religion. 

He often joined you on your visits to the temple in the city after noticing that you made it a habit to go there every Friday. When Janmashtami came around, Bucky had offered to help you paint footprints from your front door to your shrine of Lord Krishna. 

According to your grandmother, the tradition of painting baby footprints was done believing that Lord Krishna would follow them and enter your home. You had been doing that every single year on Janmashtami for as long as you could remember. But that year, you just knew. It was the first year that Krishna had entered your home for real.

[rhinoswriting]

A Life On The Road - Part 3 (A Luke Hemmings FanFic)

A/N: Hi, sorry it’s been a while since I posted. I’ve been busy moving home and doing all the admin shit that comes along with it. But anyway, Part 3 is here! It ends a little abruptly because I’ve got writer’s block, but I didn’t want to hold off posting for even longer. Part 4 will be here soon, I promise.

Part 2 Ending Recap: After a great gig you and the boys celebrate on the bus. It’s now the early hours of the morning and it’s just you and Luke left in the tour bus lounge chatting and getting to know each other better.

Part 1, Part 2

********************************************

My drunk get-to-know-you-better chat with Luke was really fun, sweet and eye-opening. We asked about each other’s families, dreams, fears, regrets and fondest memories. And we answered with the truth; bearing our souls drunkenly to one another to build a closer friendship.

It was nearly 5 am and we were still sat asking each other questions.

"What’s your favourite breakfast?” Luke asked.

“If we’re talking sweet, it’s banana pancakes. If we’re talking savoury, it’s anything with a poached egg on top.” I answered before firing my next question at him, “Would you rather visit the moon or Atlantis?”

“Easy! Atlantis; there’d be way more to do there. What’s your biggest fear?”

“Developing some form of memory loss. What do you miss most from your pre-fame life?”

“Not being able to form genuine connections with people.”

Luke’s answer caught me a little off guard and tugged at my heart strings. Before I could respond he spoke again,

“Right now being a much welcomed exception.” He smiled at me with eyelids heavy from a lack of sleep and his head tilted to rest on the sofa.

“Right now being a much welcome exception.” I repeated and mirrored his closed lip smile, “We should probably go get some sleep though y’know. You look shattered and it’s a press day tomorrow. And I mean that in a caring friend way, not a Lou way.”

I forced my tired, stiff body up from the sofa and put my hand out to him. He gratefully took it and used me as a counterbalance as he pulled himself up from the sofa. We kept our hands loosely held together on the short walk to the bunks.

“Goodnight, Luke. And thank you for tonight. It was really nice getting to know you a little better.” I told him as I pulled the curtain of my bunk open.

“Honestly, thank you. I look forward to more late night tour talks.” Luke admitted before pulling me into a lazy, sleepy hug, “Goodnight, Elizabeth.”

And with that we both clambered into our respective bunks for what little remained of the night. Just as I was beginning to drift off to sleep, I heard my phone double vibrate to let me know I had just received a text. I opened one eye and saw my bunk had been slightly illuminated by my phone screen. Too tired to muster enough energy to see who was messaging me gone 5 in the morning I simply flipped my phone over and allowed the mattress to absorb the annoying rectangle of light.

What felt like an hour later I woke up and instinctively reached for my phone to check the time, only to find it had actually been 10 hours since my head hit the pillow. I also saw now that the message I received just before I fell asleep was from Luke. I held my thumb on the fingerprint sensor and opened his message.

Luke Hemmy: Lets grab a coffee tomorrow after we finish up at Oui FM x

Seeing as I’d already left him hanging for 10 hours I immediately typed out my response:

Shit! Sorry! I’ve only just seen this. I’m awake and definitely down for coffee. Meet you where? X

Then I grabbed my toiletry bag from the foot of my bunk, hopped out my bunk and freshened up in the tiny tour bus bathroom. When I got back to the row of bunks I pulled on fresh underwear, my jeans, a t-shirt I’d grabbed from the batch of merch being sold on this tour and then went in search of my docs and jacket. 

The tiny coat cupboard was an overflowing mess. Instead of digging around I grabbed one of the many leather jackets stuffed in there. The jacket smelt like Cal, so I knew I’d definitely be fine to borrow it. I quickly glanced in the cupboard door’s mirror. Satisfied with my outfit choice and how well Cal’s jacket added to the look, I grabbed my purse and phone off the counter before exiting the bus and locking up.

Not knowing what direction to head in I checked my phone to see if I had had a response from Luke. I had a few.

Luke Hemmy: Meet you here x Luke Hemmy has shared his location with you. Tracks done about to go in for the interview dk how long Given your name to the station so you can get in the building to wait x

Now having a destination, I made my way to the little red pin on the map.

When I arrived at the tall, plain building I saw a large group of fans patiently waiting outside the entrance on one side of some metal railing the radio station had put up. I did a lap of the block hoping for another entrance to the building. I didn’t want to have to walk right through and in front of all those fans patiently waiting. I knew I’d look like an ass and they wouldn’t like that I could just turn up, in a 5SOS t-shirt of all things, and saunter into the building. But of course there was no alternate entrance; so I made my way over to the crowd again and zipped up Cal’s leather jacket.

“Excusez moi. Excusez moi. Désolée. Excusez moi. Merci.” I said as I made my way to the slight gap between one of the rails and the building and then approached the large, silent man stood in front of the glass doors, “Excusez moi, je m’appelle Elizabeth Phillips. Je suis attendue.”

Fuck I hope I said that right. And if it is right I hope I don’t sound like a dick saying ‘I’m expected’.

I stood awkwardly and blushing before the tall man and surrounded by 5SOS fans as he checked with someone inside over his radio that I was indeed expected and not a fan trying my luck at getting in. Eventually my name was confirmed as valid and the man stepped aside and opened one of the glass doors for me.

“Merci.” I thanked him with a smile then hurried in and over to the reception desk. I’d used up about as much French as I could remember from school so tried my luck in English with the receptionist, “Hiya, is it okay for me to wait on the sofa here or is there somewhere I should go?”

“The sofas here is fine. They should be done soon, but can I get you a drink?” The man behind the desk responded, who was so surprisingly young I assumed he must be an intern.

“Oh no, I’m fine thank you. Thank you for the offer.” I told him with a smile as I sat on one of the two leather sofas and fought the urge to take my jacket off.

To distract myself and appear occupied I pulled out my phone, popped in one earphone and started scrolling through my Instagram feed. Once I was caught up with the feed I went through a couple of stories. When it got to Ash’s story I was greeted by the video he uploaded last night of me, him and Luke dancing and singing to KISS. He hadn’t put my handle on it so I couldn’t re-share it onto my story. I made a mental note to get him to send me the clip later.

I was about to go into my emails when I heard the elevator ding. I looked up from my phone and saw the guys and Lou spill out into the lobby. The portion of fans with a good view through the glass doors also noticed this by the sounds of the sudden fanatic screaming outside.

I made my way over to the guys, 

“Hey, hey!” I smiled at them all.

“Nice jacket,” Cal said as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me into a side hug, “I better be getting that back.”

“Oh you will.” I said before adding playfully, “Although it does look damn good, so maybe not.”

“Honestly I wouldn’t keep it. You don’t know where that’s been or what liquids have been spilt on it.” Michael grimaced which cracked everyone up.

We quickly wrapped up the pleasantries so the guys could go outside and meet their fans. It turns out there was an underground car park with two cars waiting, so I stayed in the lobby with Lou and we chatted about the tour, business and my KPIs. Around 40 minutes later the guys came back in and we were led to the underground car park and the two waiting cars.

“Coffee?” Luke asked as he turned to me while simultaneously putting his hand out behind him to reach for the handle of one of the car doors.

“Coffee.” I confirmed with a nod, then turned to the others to be polite and extend the invitation, “Coffee?”

“Yeah I’d be down for coffee.” Cal said with a casual shrug and began walking towards the car we were stood in front of.

“I’m still feeling a bit rough from last night. I’m gonna head back to the bus and nap, so I’ll see you guys at the restaurant for dinner.” Ashton answered.

“I’ll be honest with you, I just want to go back to the bus and play some games.” Michael said.

So with our next activities decided, Cal, Luke and I jumped in one car and Ashton, Michael and Lou got in the other. Luke asked our driver to drop us off at a coffee shop he’d recommend and with that we were on our way to a mystery coffee shop.

Much to our delight, our driver had an exceptional taste in coffee shops. He dropped us off near a narrow road, that wasn’t quite an alley, and instructed us to go down it until we came to a coffee shop on the right. He also recommended their lattes. We dutifully followed his directions and were rewarded with a small and comfortably busy coffee shop that made an excellent latte.

Lattes in hand, we made our way over to the small circular table right by window. I was sat between Cal and Luke, looking directly out onto the street with the fourth chair opposite me left empty. We chatted a lot about their afternoon at the radio station as well as the press so far on this tour in general. Then, as we were finishing up our lattes, we moved onto trying to plan something to spend the night doing after our big meal out.

“More importantly, should we not actually be on our way to the restaurant now?” I asked after glancing at my watch.

We quickly donned our jackets and headed out of the coffee shops. When we were out on the street Cal looked up directions to the restaurant on his phone and began leading the way. 

I pulled out my phone to check my emails as the three of us mindlessly followed Maps. I saw a response had come in from one of the editors at ELLE. After reading the first two lines I stopped dead in my tracks and just stared at the screen I was cradling in both hands.

Luke was the first to notice I’d stopped walking alongside them both, 

“You alright back there?” He asked.

I looked up to see him and Cal taking a few steps towards me to close the little distance they had gained. I beamed at them giddily, 

“ELLE are interested in running two of my pieces in upcoming months!” I squealed, “They said they like the exert from the Glasgow piece I wrote. They want to publish the completed thing and they’re interested in the idea I outlined for Munich!” 

“That’s amazing!” They congratulated me as I was engulfed into a group hug.

“I’m so proud of you, EP!” Cal added as the three of us pulled apart.

“It’s such a relief that this gamble might actually pay off!” I said still smiling from ear to ear, “I need to tell Drew!”

I turned my attention back to my phone and excitedly told Drew the news in all caps.

YOU’RE NOT GOING TO BELIEVE THIS ELLE WANT TO RUN WITH TWO OF MY ARTICLES THIS MIGHT ACTUALLY GO WELL FOR ME ALSO HI FROM PARIS, I MISS YOU WE SHOULD FACETIME SOON XX

After hitting send I put my phone away and continued walking with the boys. After a left and two rights we found ourselves at the restaurant, and being the last to arrive, sat at the table’s remaining spaces.