#that's only 3/4 of Team Ivory named...

[raebaekaedae]

Volume One, Episode Thirteen: “Snow”

Series: SCWR Rating: PG-13 (Foul Language, Minor Violence, Violence Against Fantasy Monsters, Drug Use Mentioned, Themes of Racism) Summary: (5,026 words) “A look into the past shows what Hadrian’s first few days at Atlas Academy were like. Just how did he meet the other faunus of his grade and his greatest rival; Vince Delgatto? Did Solitude’s first fight go as well as Security’s?”

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He awoke with a start, shooting up as he looked around. He half-expected someone to jump out at him with a knife as he flung his arm around, frantically trying to silence the loud scream of his alarm clock. His ears were pinned to his hair as he snapped at the shrill, whining clock. He finally found purchase and hit the button to turn the annoyance off. With a sigh, he flopped back down in bed and pulled the blankets over his head.

Unfortunately, he could feel the eyes staring at him. With a huff, he rolled over with his back to the wall as he lowered the covers just enough so he could see out. The blurry form of Hads smiled at him, sitting up in his bed and already dressed, of course. He was almost jumping up and down as he sat cross-legged on his quilted blankets.

Leo groaned as he rolled back over and tried to ignore him. "Hadrian, I swear if you even think about dragging me out of here, I will shoot you."

"Awwwwww," Hads smirked, hopping down from his bed and flopping down right on top of Leon, "You can't tell me that you aren't even a little excited!"

His brother let out another groan as he feebly tried to push him off. Before the boys could start tusseling, their mom opened their door and peeked in. With a slight smile, she said, "Breakfast is almost on the table, boys. Come and eat."

Hadrian pushed off of his brother as Leon politely replied, "Thank you, Ms. Snow."

She smiled sweetly before ducking out of their room. Once she was out of sight, Hadrian cracked a devilish grin. He whipped around to Leo and jumped back on him, pinning his torso to the bed as he messed with his brother's hair, face, and ears. Leon howled with anger as he tried to fend off his terror of a brother. Once he was satisfied that Leo was too wound up to go back to bed, Hads snickered and rolled on to the floor with his tail wagging.

The supposed younger of the pair shrugged the covers off in a huff and got up, slipping his glasses on before moving towards the closet where his and Hadrian's clothes were stored. On his way, he ran a hand through his hair, pushing it out of his eyes as he secured it behind his ears with a clip. Hads turned around on his butt, pulling his weapon case from under his bed as he began to rummage through it for the remaining ammunition he had from their last hunt.

As Leo gathered his jacket and shirt, Hadrian sighed, "I hope the entrance exam isn't too bad. I've only got six shots left."

"That's better than me," his brother replied, pulling off his pajama shirt, "I've only got two..."

When he'd finished getting dressed and went to retrieve his own weapon, he found that Hads was holding out a set of cartridges. He smiled, "Four and four seems pretty fair to me."

Leo scoffed as he pushed his arms through his coat, "I'm not taking your ammo, Hads." When his brother pouted, he continued, "Seriously. It's my fault for not taking down that Sabyr quickly."

"Nah," Hadrian smirked, pushing the bullets into Leo's hand, "Without you pulling that caribou back, the whole trip wouldn't have been worth it. I should've been watching closer."

"We can't keep relying on my semblance to get large hauls back to Mantle when we go out far," he said, leaning down to pull his boots out from under the foot of his bed, "I don't like getting stuck out there at night."

"Hey, that's why we're gonna become Huntsmen!" Hadrian smiled, shifting Sleigh into its picks and clipping them to his belt.

"Yeah, yeah," Leo replied, rolling his eyes, "That's the reason."

When Hads deadpanned over to him with a frown, Leo conveniently turned back to getting ready. After another few minutes, the boys walked into the kitchenette where their mom was cooking eggs over the stove. Hadrian gathered plates and napkins while Leon placed the tarnished silverware. Once everything had been set, Ms. Snow came to the small, round table with two plates, one full of scrambled eggs and the other piled high with pancakes.

As she set the platters down and his nose was blessed with the pleasing smell, Hadrian exclaimed, "Wow! Mom!"

She chuckled as she gave him a kiss into his hair and replied, "Banana Egg pancakes for my two, handsome Huntsmen."

"Thank you, Ms. Snow!" Leo said with a toothy smile, almost immediately digging into his breakfast.

As Hadrian and Leo ate, she smiled softly. For a moment, he thought he saw the faintest of tears in her eyes, but when she blinked they were gone. Hads knew his mom wasn't a fan of them going to the Academy, but she wouldn't let them know that. She wanted them to be happy, even if it meant going away. Thankfully, Leo hadn't caught on. It'd break his heart just as much as hers.

After he finished chewing on a mouthful of eggs, Hadrian reached over and squeezed her hand gently. He half-smiled, "We'll write to you every day."

She squeezed back, "I know, sweetie."

In no time at all, they were waving down to her from a window on an actual Atlesian Airbus. Their packed bags and weapon cases were resting on the floor in between their legs. All of their neighbors had come out to wish them off. The brothers smiled as the ship's engines roared and started to ascend. The windy backlash rocketed his mom, but she stood firm, smiling up at them as she waved. Hadrian couldn't help but notice the wet sheen of a tear on her cheek as she called one last "I love you" up at both of them. Several of the faunus below cheered and cried for joy. He watched as his rundown neighborhood got smaller and smaller until his mom was nothing more than a graying dot on the landscape.

Reluctantly, he pushed away from the window, picking up his duffel of clothes and beat-up gun case. When he turned around, he saw Leo urgently ushering him over to another window on the opposite side of the aircraft. His ears were perked high as stars twinkled in his eyes. The boys awed at the Atlas skyline, seen from the air for the first time. Buildings as tall as cliffs that were made of glass and steel shone in the frosty, fall air. Lights of all colors sparkled from windows like crystals. There were towering pillars reaching up to protect the city with hard light shields, unlike the material ones down in Mantle. There was no snow on the ground, no smog in the air, and no grimm in sight.

Sure, they'd snuck aboard cramped, windowless shuttles to get to the city before, they had seen its underside constantly from Mantle, and they had caught far-off glimpses from their hunts in the wilds of Solitas, but this... this was different. Their first real look at the utopian metropolis. Honestly, it was a little overwhelming.

Soon after that, the base of the imposing tower of Atlas Academy came closer and closer. With a slight jostle, the airship touched down and landed. The brothers exchanged one last look before the sealed doors opened, flooding the cabin with bright light and dozens of new smells. Hadrian had to shield his eyes with his arm to keep from being blinded. When his eyes adjusted, he looked over to see Leo clutching the strap of his bag as he bit his lip into a thin frown.

With a confident smile, Hads shifted his pack up further on his shoulder and grabbed his weapon case before striding out of the airship.

"Wait!" he heard his brother call as he shuffled to get his things.

It was amazing. He'd never seen so many different people in one place before. Hundreds of students shuffled out of airships, greeting old friends and starting up conversations with the new. Everyone was wearing something unique, some were flashy while others were subdued. Some people wore colors and others just browns and blacks. So many new smells danced around in his nose. What really amazed him were the hundreds of weapons, each unique in their own way. The one thing he didn't notice was that there were no other faunus besides Leo.

As he walked towards a gaggle of girls, his eyes transfixed on crossbow and sickle hybrid, he stumbled into another student. They both hit the ground before either had the chance to recover. Quickly, Hadrian set his bag down and got to his feet to help the other boy up. However, as the black-and-white-haired teen reached up for his extended hand, his dark eyes ran across Hadrian's tail.

For a brief moment, he just stared before he smacked the husky's hand away and got to his feet. He stood a good, few inches over Hadrian's head as he sneered down, "Watch where you're going, mutt."

If there was one thing Hadrian hated, it was racist, Atlesian assholes. As he opened his mouth to snap back at the jerk, Leo's hand pulled on his shoulder as his brother quickly interjected, "Sorry, we're new here."

Hads shot his brother a dirty look, but the asshat crossed his arms and frowned, "I can see that. The help doesn't usually enter this way... servants' entrance is down a level." He smirked as he motioned down with his finger as if they couldn't understand.

"We're not 'the help'," Hadrian snapped, pulling his shoulder free and taking a bold step towards the Atlesian jerk, "We're students."

He laughed, angering Hads further, before he scoffed, "Wait. Are you serious?"

"Yes," the husky said proudly.

"Well, you're not now," he said with a smirk, "I'll have my parents pull some strings. You'll both be gone by noon."

Hadrian took in a sharp breath. He wasn't going to let this bastard take away everything he and Leo had worked so hard to get. However, as he inhaled, the sharp smell of tobacco invaded his nose. He looked up at the bully and took another subtle whiff; sure enough, the stench was wafting off of him in waves.

With a smirk of his own, Hadrian replied, "Oh yeah? I'll make sure that you come with us, skunky." He paused before he gestured to his nose and confidently added, "Smoking isn't allowed by students, especially those who are underage; and, it's punishable by expulsion according to the student handbook."

The monochrome Atlesian's eyes widened as his brows rose, which only got Hads smirking more. After a moment, the bully's eyes angered as he pushed a finger into Hadrian's chest and nearly snarled, "Are you threatening me, mutt?"

With the back of his hand, Hadrian smacked the finger away and puffed out his chest as he answered, "That depends. I don't think the Headmaster has to know, so long as you leave me and my brother alone."

He knew Leon was facepalming and that a small crowd was forming around them, but he never broke eye contact with this uppity, Atlas dick. Suddenly, with a snap of the lanky bully's fingers, Hadrian felt his arms being ripped behind his back. In a panic, he flicked his head around to see two more students-- just as tall but twice as bulky as the threatening Atlesian-- were pinning his wrists against his shoulders.

With a growl, Leo jumped forward to help. However, one of the new students elbowed him so hard in the chest that he was sent rocking backwards with the air thrown from his lungs. Hadrian could only watch as his brother caved forward, grabbing his torso as he fell to his knees. With a new found anger, he tried to break free from his grapple, but he couldn't fight against the combined strength of these jerks.

The Atlesian bastard rolled up one of his sleeves as he pulled back his fist. Hads pulled all his aura forward, hoping to lighten the blow, as he squeezed his eyes shut. Before the bully could plant his fist into the husky's gut, a sharp sound cracked through the air. He heard the bastard shout as he opened his eyes to see a rope-like whip wrapped around the pulled back wrist of his attacker.

The smell of fresh hay danced in his nose with the appearance of his savior.

He followed the rope back to a fiery-haired girl with anger written all over her scowling face. She was wearing a pair of thick, baby blue overalls over a pink plaid shirt with the sleeves rolled up past her elbows. She had on a pair of heavy-duty, winter boots that were caked in mud. A bandanna was tied into her ombre hair, cut to reveal her canine ears, both of which were pinned to her head.

Another faunus...

"Hey, asshole!" she snarled loudly, "Why don't'cha fight with some class, 'stead'a havin' y'ur cronies do it for you!"

When the Atlesian tried to yank his arm free, the rope tightened, causing him to sharply inhale. The collie girl snapped, "What's it gonna be, Delgatto..."

Hads took the opportunity to search for Leo. His blue eyes scanned the crowd of students until they rested on a towering figure with one of his brother's arms resting across his shoulders. Leon was gripping onto his chest, taking in a few ragged breaths as the pale-haired giant supported him. Hadrian was just as surprised to see this boy was also a faunus. An akita inu by the looks of his fluffy, curled tail.

As the skunk-haired bastard-- Delgatto, that's what she called him-- finally managed to wrestle his wrist free, the rope of the whip retracted back into the long shaft of a pitchfork, which the fiery girl twirled around and slammed onto the ground. The brutish, Altlesian bully pulled back and motioned for his goons to release Hadrian and circle the girl instead.

Release is a nice word. He was shoved into the pavement and just barely managed to pull his arms in before they were stomped on.

Before they had gotten even halfway to her, the bell rang. The students who had stayed to watch the fight were hurried away by their friends who didn't want to be late for the Headmaster's speech. Delgatto grumbled under his breath and started off towards the auditorium, his friends at his side.

"This isn't over, bitch." He snapped at the girl as he passed. She, however, only stuck her tongue out at him and started off in a different direction.

Hadrian started to move after her to thank her, but was stopped by Leo, who grabbed his arm and started pulling him towards the school, saying, "C'mon! We'll see them later, but if we're late on our first day, that jerk will have all the more reason to get us kicked out."

He hated it when Leo was right. Together, the brothers quickly made their way towards the auditorium.

A few hours later, it was dark. As expected, the Headmaster's speech was little more than a boring explanation of things Hadrian already knew. He half expected that they would be put into dorms right away, but that wasn't the case. Apparently, each student would be put on a four person team and bunk with them. He would have been worried about being separated from Leo, but the Headmaster had met with them after and stated that they would be put on the same team since they were the only two applicants from the "Faunus Outreach Program".

That begged a question in the husky's mind though... if he and Leon were the only applicants, who were the other two faunus they'd met earlier? How did they get in without going through the red tape he had to fight against? Did they go to combat schools? Are their parents some kind of influential high risers or something? What are their names??

He stared up at the cloudless sky, watching the stars as airships passed by. Leon laid next to him, curled up on his side with one of his new school books open in front of him. They were outside in the courtyard. That Delgatto guy and his goons kept bothering them, so to prevent a fight, Leon ushered him outside so that they could sleep with their bed rolls and packs. It didn't surprise Hads at all to find that Atlas was never cold, even in what was supposed to be the chilling hours of the night.

After a moment, Hadrian sighed, "Y'know, I wanna complain about basically being kicked out like a stray dog, but... it's honestly warmer out here than it ever was back home."

"Yeah..." Leo replied, looking up from his book to see Hads still laying back and staring up at the sky, "But, hey. Just think about how amazing the dorms are gonna feel."

Optimistic as ever. Hadrian smiled half-heartedly.

They remained quiet for another few moments before a new voice called out, "Hey! Mind if we join ya?"

The brothers looked back to see the two faunus from before walking towards them with their bags thrown over the shoulder of the pale-haired goliath that helped Leo up earlier. They weren't wearing the same clothes as before, they changed into their pajamas as well. The collie girl was wearing a pink Pumpkin Pete tee with red shorts, and the akitu boy was wearing a plain black tank top and pale orange sweatpants.

"Sure," Leon replied, motioning them over, "Make yourselves at home."

The pair sat themselves down, unpacking some sleeping bags and blankets from their packs as the brothers watched. Hadrian spoke up, "Uh, thanks for earlier. I owe you guys one."

"Nah, don't worry 'bout it!" The girl smiled, fluffing a pillow before she threw herself down onto it, "I went t' tha same school 's Vince, so I know 'e's a jerkwad. I'm Ollie, by the way. Ollie Ombre."

Hads smiled, "I'm Hadrian Snow. This is my brother, Leon Onyx."

"It's nice to meet you, Haddy," Ollie smiled.

The husky raised a brow as he asked, "Haddy?"

"What? Has no one called you that before?" the collie replied, shrugging as Hadiran shook his head, "Well, I think it suits you."

He smiled as Leo reached over and softly punched his arm with a grin. They might have made an enemy of Delgatto, but it seemed that they were making friends as well.

Leo turned to the brutish akitu inu, who was rolling out his sleeping bag beside Ollie, and asked, "I didn't catch your name earlier?"

"It's Bēju, Tadashi Bēju..." he replied quietly without looking up.

As the group started to settle down to go to sleep, Ollie turned over on her stomach and exclaimed, "Hey! I got'an idea!"

The boys turned to look at her as she smirked, "We should totally make this'a trad't'n. Sleepin' under tha stars. Wherev'r we go; f'rst night, we have ta sleep outside."

From his other side, Leon scoffed, "What if we're put on different teams? We probably won't see much of each other."

Ollie rolled over on her back with a toothy smile, linking her fingers beneath her scalp as she stared up with the stars reflecting off her eyes, "I gotta feelin' we'll always b' togeth'r..."

The next morning was filled with hustling and bustling excitement. Because the group of faunus had slept outside, they woke up with the sun's rise and managed to slip into the locker room first to secure lockers right beside one another. Their first real day of class was reserved for team assignments according to the Headmaster's speech from yesterday. What that entailed was revealed to them only moments before.

The General addressed them and told them that the teams would be determined by a race to an Atlas Academy outpost four miles from where the students would be dropped off. Their times would be counted and the four students closest together would be teamed together. They would have to navigate using only their wits and whatever supplies they had brought with them when they arrived, fighting off grimm and the bitter cold.

So, Leo and Hads found themselves standing side-by-side towards the edge of an airship, soaring hundreds of feet in the air. They held onto handles secured to the roof, but were still nearly thrown out by the rushing winds that tore through the cabin. All of the first years had been split into small groups and pushed into ships, headed out towards the wilds of Solitas. The brothers found themselves with a group of eight other students that they hadn't had the chance to meet yet.

Soon enough, the airship descended and came to an abrupt halt. The entire cabin jerked as the pilot shouted back at them to jump out and start their trek. As the students filed out, they each took off in a different direction, eager to be first to this outpost so that they would be paired with other like-minded and high-scoring students. They didn't even take the time to look around.

Hadrian and Leon watched as they all scattered like snow in the wind, waiting until the airship was completely out of sight before pulling Sleigh and Sled from their backs with smirks. It was like this test was built for them. Hads took his eyes to the sky, determining the east from west as Leo examined the terrain. Steep, rocky walls on either side of them and a frozen stream running through the valley.

After a moment to gather their bearings, Leon smiled, "Looks like we're in Amphisbaena Gorge."

Hadrian shifted his weapon into its picks and replied with a grin, "And the nearest Atlesian outpost just happens to be four miles from here. I'd bet that's where we're headed."

With their route planned out in their heads, they took to their climb. With no effort at all, the pair gritted their teeth and scaled the icy cliff. Once they reached the top, it was easy to see the snaking trail of the creek leading the rest of the students in either the opposite direction of the outpost or straight to a dead-end. The gorge had gotten its namesake from its multiple river heads slithering and interconnecting through the region. It was nearly impossible to navigate from the valleys below.

"Hey," Hads asked, "Do you think that with our scholarships, we could create some kind of retractable climbing spikes in our boots?"

"Dunno," Leo replied with a smirk, "But if they will, I'm totally tinkering around with a heated jacket."

The brothers clinked their picks together before Hads took Leo's hand in his, activating his semblance through them both to slide off towards the outpost. It drained his aura to do this, and he couldn't do it for long, but it would be worth it if they were the first students back, proving that they did deserve to be here.

After about an hour of hiking and skating, Hadrian was too drained to continue, so the brothers walked alongside one another. Traveling on top of the cliffs meant that they hadn't run into any grimm yet. They had heard plenty of shots fired throughout their trek and the smell of gunpowder practically wafted off the crevasses below them, meaning that their classmates hadn't been as lucky. If he had to bet, he'd guess they had been dealing with Centinels.

By the Brothers, he hated Centinels.

However, they hadn't heard anything in a while. That was either a really good sign or a very bad one. He hoped that it meant that they were so far ahead of the other students that the brothers would sweep them off their feet and secure the best teammates possible. In the back of his head though, he knew it could mean trouble.

As Leo and Hads came to another crevasse they would have to pass through to continue, they heard a cry that shook the ground from below. They both immediately looked down to see Ollie backed into a dead-end with Bēju beside her and a massive serpent grimm snaking towards them. Its head was shaped like a bony knife and marked with red. Sharp spines arched down its back and sparked with electricity. It was nearly twenty feet long and rising up.

A Haietie.

It opened its maw and a bolt of lightning burst down its back and from its head to strike the cliffs above the faunus, sending a slew of rocky debris raining down on them. The pair ducked and dodged, avoiding the boulders as the serpentine grimm snapped at them with its jaws. Hadrian and Leo exchanged a quick nod before diving into the gorge.

Using the iced walls as stepping stones, the brothers shot down the crevasse on opposite sides. They used the momentum of their fall and bladed picks to tear four long lines in the beast's sides, two mirrored on each side, causing the grimm to cry out in agony. They tumbled to the powdery snow below and knelt in front of Ollie and Bēju. The Haietie screamed in pain but was undeterred.

Hadrian smiled as he jumped up, "Need a hand?"

Before anyone could reply, the snake struck forward, splitting the group apart with its body. Hads caught a glimpse of Bēju's bladed katars as the goliath stood above him and deflected the scaled grimm's teeth from impaling him. Curiously, as soon as the Haietie's fangs came into contact with the akitu's weapon, it was sent flying back. Hadrian studied him for just a moment as he fought, before bringing Sleigh up into its rifle.

He lined up a shot with the grimm's eyes, pulling back the trigger and flicking the guard down twice, each time the bullets ricocheting off into the gorge's walls. Hads stopped himself from wasting any more ammo as he shouted, "We need to regroup! Make a break for the tail, but watch out for the spines!"

"Roger that!" Leo called back, presumably making his escape.

The grimm seemed to be focused on him and Bēju for the moment. The blond brute nimbly rolled into a dodge as the Haietie's scales burst with another electrical shock, taking Hadrian with him as he tucked the lighter faunus into his chest. He gave Bēju a brief nod before he shifted his rifle into picks and used his semblance to skate directly up to the beast's torso.

Hadrian sunk his picks, one after the other, into the serpent's chest, climbing its body until he was firmly sticking into its faceplate.

As he nearly slipped, he harshly whispered to himself, "C'mon, Hads. They need you. You're not gonna let them down. You can do this."

From his vantage point, he could see Bēju sprinting towards the tail end where Leo and Ollie were slashing and whipping into the Haietie's side, trying to draw its attention. Knowing that his brother was safe beside the collie gave Hadrian enough time to look around and come up with an idea.

His eyes scanned the cliff, spotting a rocky bridge linking the two sides of the plateaus together. That was their best chance.

The husky pulled his pick free, skating down the back of the colossal serpent as he danced around the charged spines and upturned scales. As he crested the remainder of the beast and flew through the air, he flipped around and landed with a flourish. He didn't have time to react as the snake tried to whip him into the wall with a flick of its tail. Thankfully, Leo pulled Sled up and shot the beast off target just in time.

Before the Haietie could slither around in the cramped crevasse, Haddy turned to his friends, pointing up at the rocky pathway, and shouted, "We can use the bridge to crush it; but, we have to get on the other side first!"

The group took off towards the other end of the gorge, desperately trying to race back before the serpentine grimm could rearrange itself. They weren't quick enough as the beast flipped around and fired another burst of lightning at them. The faunus were nearly struck as the bolt exploded in the snow at their feet, throwing them all to the ground. As they picked themselves up, they could only watch as the Haietie dashed for them.

"It's too far!" Ollie exclaimed, pushing herself into a sprint, "We ain't gonna make it!"

"I got it! I got it! Just be ready to bust that bridge!" Haddy cried back, slowing and grabbing hold of everyone by their backs.

Just as the collie was about to object, Hadrian pulled his aura past his limits and used his semblance to push them along. His lungs felt like they were on fire and his legs were going to give out. Leo must have realized because he linked his arms with Ollie and Bēju and began to sprint forward, relieving some of the work from his brother as he activated his own super-powered semblance. With this new burst of speed, the team tumbled past the bridge and into the snow once again as Hadrian's aura broke into pieces, causing him to crash into the snow unceremoniously.

Leo and Bēju quickly flipped around on their backs, aiming up at the supports on the rock walls of the cavern before Ollie jumped up between them and let out a long scream. Her voice reverberated off the gorge, a ripple of sound waves visible as the boys grabbed onto their ears. The sonic wave of energy boomed through the air as it tore into the bridge, collapsing it just as the grimm was about to strike at them one more time.

As the echoing faded away, the Haietie gasped and sputtered beneath its rocky tomb. It buckled and fell to the ground, quickly dispersing into black ash as the team watched on.

After a moment to catch their breath, Ollie shouted, "Dude, that was awes'me!"

"What??" Leo called back, just as loud, rubbing his canine ears.

They helped each other up, wiping the snow off themselves as they smiled. It wasn't long before Hadrian navigated them to the outpost. There weren't any other students present, just like he'd predicted. The four of them walked up to the timer, placing their hands on top of one another and pushing down simultaneously-- registering the same times and scores, guaranteeing that they would be placed on the same team together.

[serenitywinter-twe-if]

Demo | Report something | Ko-Fi | Video trailer

[Demo last major update: 28/06/23 |Case 01, Part 01]

[Stonefrey Moodboard]

Solutions : see below.

As a private detective, you were hired for a "simple" missing person's case. 

You were supposed to investigate, find out and be done with it. 

All was fine until, on a sleepless and cliché full-moon night, you stumbled upon a creature you've never expected to find. A monster worth anyone's worst nightmare. A monster holding the key to unravel the case you're investigating.

Your life has taken an unexpected turn after this discovery, how will you manage to face the reality that the supernatural exist after that ? And what will you do when it's revealed that the case is more complex than what you first thought ?

You can choose as you play :

Gender (male, female and non-binary option)(trans-friendly option available) ; 

Pronounces (he, she, they, or  you can personalize  your pronouns);

Name, including aliases and nicknames ;

Background ; 

Appearances (including complexion, hair, eye colour, height,...);

Reactions ;

Fears ;

Timed choices. You can toggle on a setting to allow you to see the timed choices ahead if you need more time to read. Toggling this on will allow you extended time.

Font appearance : the text is available in both : sans-serif fonts (by default), serif, and Open Dyslexic.  

Font size : 80%, 100%, 130% and 150%, to make your reading experience as comfortable as can be.

You can toggle to read with the metric system (default) or use the imperial measurement system (feet). 

Contains sound effect & background music (you can enable and disable the sound from the Settings, by gliding it all the way to the left).

There is a dark mode (by default), a sepia mode and a light mode available ;

Content for mature audiences can be toggled on and off as well. That will not remove the horror features though. 

Trigger warnings are available at each chapter's screen. Or directly via the "Content Warning" link, from the menu; 

Some Romantic Options are gender-selectable, as you play ;

You can choose to romance, date, only be involved physically or not at all with the RO. There are seven way you can interact with the RO : friendly, enemy, neutral, shy love, true love, enemy to lover, or simply lover/physical. 

Poly route available between Yu and Mbaya.  Officially unlockable past case 03. Don't panick before that. 

Locked romance route—or no romance route—would be able to be selected past case 03.  To give you the chance to meet all RO.

Extra story build in game, available past Case 03 here as well.

There are achievements.

To say Elias is a gruff person is to say the least. But you know he has some good will in him behind the non-bothered no nonsense act. He did act to save you, without asking anything in exchange. Though, if you would describe him, you would say he is more like a sulking teddy bear. Yeah, you should probably not say that to him. Elias is probably the only one you're quite certain— not certain, certain, but quite certain — is a human. You have your doubt for the rest of the team. 

"If you think a day can't go shittier than it already is, be my guest."

Appearance : Human, or you can say super-human. 1.97m/6'46. Deep blue sea/cobalt blue eyes. Long white wavy hair (past shoulders). Tanned and weathered  ivory skin. Athletic build with broad shoulders.  3 o clock shadows. 

Has a 4 years old daughter.

[Moodboard]

How could you describe Anya ? Like the mist ? Always shrouded in mystery ? This is her. She is the incarnation of mystery.  She told you she was 31 years old, but you don't really believe the woman. You think she can bewitch the whole city with her smirk, if it's not already the case. But that smirk she puts on her face makes you not trust her that much. Unless it's a question of life and death. Then, probably, you'll consider her help.

"Why work hard when you can work smart ?"

Appearance : A witch, most assuredly. 1.63m/5'34. Hazel eyes. Sultry black hair,  mid-back length. Golden skin. Lithe built.  

[Moodboard]

Miloslav [M] / Mishka [F] / Marcy [NB]

Sheppard seems to be directly in competition with Elias for the title of "Grumpy human of the year".  Though, where Elias appears mostly unbothered in and for all, Sheppard just seems really on edge about everything.  And tense. But you guess it's because of their taxing and demanding work. Or maybe they were just born edgy. It's almost as if their hackles were constantly raised.  But they can be sweet. Somehow.

"Some people are looking for the meaning of life. I'm just looking for what "vacation" means and where I can find it."

Appearance : Not human... 1.78m/5'83. Forest green eyes. Curly auburn hair, cut short. Pale skin with freckles. Athletic build. 

[Moodboard]

Have you already seen in the eyes of someone some age old lost wisdom ? Flowing like crystal clear water from a time where you weren't even born. Something worth admiring. This is what you can see in their eyes.  Despite being a giant, they are a tranquil, very tranquil person. Now that you think about it, you've never seen them eat. Nor drink. This is suspicious. 

"If someone points you the moon, don't stare at the finger."

Appearance : Surely not human. 2.06m/6'76. Sky blue eyes. Long coiled hair, dyed sandy blond (braided with gold thread). Chocolate brown skin. Lithe build. Nose septum piercing. 

[Moodboard]

Yu is, like, the opposite of Mbaya, whilst being almost similar. In front of you stand something from a past long gone. But, instead of tranquility, Yu is a bubbly person. Almost too bubbly.  And you're almost sure that they own at least half the club and bar of  Stonefrey. If not more. Something about the way they move, silently, and almost feline-like, makes you doubt they are human. 

"I'm not saying I don't care. I'm just saying that, if the whole city was about to burn down, I'll still take the time to appreciate my glass of whiskey."

Appearance : Definitely not human. 1.65m/5'61. Black eyes. Dark brown hair (Yi-seo: Shoulder length hair/Yunsu : Ivy league crew cut). Olive skin. Muscular build. 

[Moodboard]

Well. If you could say a word about Owl, you would say that they are dramatic. And fanciful. And they have a flourish for snarking remarks, and seem to have an ego as big as their wardrobe probably is. But what you would say the most is that they are wearing their name well. Owl, for their knowledge. That you could use. If they were on your side, that is, and totally not a wild card. 

"Everyone is such a bore in this city. Well, so long as you owe me — I mean, pay me. And entertain me. Surely this can work, Love."

Appearance : You're not sure. 1.79m/5'9. Verdigris-colored eyes. Wavy platinium blond hair (F. : Chin-length plunging square cut/M. : Styled curtain hairstyle). Fair and flawless skin. 

[Moodboard]

You have met a nightmarish creature, will probably meet vampire, and werewolves — oh, you've met a witch as well. So now, here they are, an elf. Yes, an Elf. Like in Lord of the Things. In the city. With sunglasses. And their impassible way. Iolrath, child of Rivaran and Iltheruyn, they told you, as they were looking around at "mortals and their ways". Nice.

"Why must I say something ? Isn't silence acceptable in a discussion ?"

Appearance : It's very obviously an elf. 1.82m/6'0. Violet eyes. Long silver hair (reach mid-tight ). Shimmery skin. Elvish build of fairness.  Obvious pointed ears. 

[Moodboard]

What is most important is your mental health. This story can deal with heavy themes, and the list will be updated along with the content. If you feel unwell, I'll advise you to stop reading and take a rest. Taking care of you comes first. Reach out to professional if need be.

 You can find the content warning  here and the side bar, directly in game.  

This story currently contains :

Blood

Body horror 

Cannibalism (mention only)

Death and depiction of death (yours as well as others)

Drowning

Gore

Gun and use of gun

Recreational drug and/or alcohol use 

Partial nudity and/or nudity

Psychological horror and disturbing content (including mental illness)

Strong/vulgar Language

Violence and graphic depiction of violence

The story, all names, characters, locations and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.

Only the first part of Case 01 (chapter 1) is available. There will be at least 8 cases, with no definite length. 

Demo | Report Something | Ko-Fi | Video trailer

[Stonefrey moodboard]

[Demo last major up-date : 28/06/23 |Case01, Part 01]

Case 01 |Part 01 : [1st Keywords] [2nd Keywords]

[snek-of-eden]

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

For the ask thingy Hehehe

cherry - what is your sexuality? bisexual!! also aceflux

lollipop - favorite makeup products? i don’t wear any huge brands (or a lot of makeup) but i love black eyeliner so so so much

daydreams - if you could be anything or anyone, who would you be? i’m pretty happy being me, but i think being a penguin would be pretty good too

october - what month were you born in? december :3

caress - do you like to snuggle? YES YES YES YES i think this is what i was born to do. my purpose, per se. i have it on good authority that i am a nice snuggler and i will always say yes to snuggles

ivory - describe your pajamas? usually a plain t-shirt or sports bra with really old winnie the pooh shorts T-T or black sweatpants

golden - favorite stationary product? i have a special fondness for uni-pin fine line 0.2 black pens

freckles - most-worn article of clothing? probably adidas shorts or my black Queen tank top (wearing it rn)

twilight - best friend? my babe teri!! they’re offline for now but they’re @belt-soup

silk - do you like k-pop? not really. i like a few songs, but i never really got into it

poppy - favorite pastel color? pale blue or purple! same colour as my hair

dimples - most attractive features of a person’s face? smile <3 and i guess just… them in general. we’re all beautiful creatures

sunkissed - autumn or spring? autumn 4eva

buttery - favorite snack? salt and vinegar crackers…. or maybe the tumblr cheese toast is because nothing can beat that

whisper - how much sleep do you get? on average about 8 1/2 hours. 9 if i try!

pencil - do you own a journal? yep, i do. and a diary

cupcake - are you a good cook? i like to think so, yeah! i’m a good baker, i can cook alright

honey - favorite term of endearment? babe, baby, bud, sweetheart, honey, take your pick ^_^ i use endearments with everyone

clouds - describe one of your favorite dreams? i hug a lot of people in my dreams!! it’s definitely a theme. i have a teacher who gives the best hugs ever and i’ve had a few dreams about them… also i had a dream once about scotty and bones from star trek being my gay dads and taking me to a concert? so strange but i loved it

velvet - who was your first crush? a boy named alexander on my primary school soccer team T-T he was so cute man. i still think about what happened to him sometimes

paper - favorite children’s book? hmmm, i used to love ‘where is the green sheep’ when i was a toddler, and it’s become a core memory :3

peaches - do you have a skincare routine? not really lol. i wash my face and sometimes moisturise or do a face mask, but yeah

mochi - favorite studio ghibli film? i’ve never actually watched one! it’s on my list though

backyard - did you ever have an imaginary friend? nope

strawberry - favorite fruit? watermelon or strawberry!

kiss - have you ever kissed a friend? on the cheek and forehead yeah haha

nightlight - do you read before bed? i used to, i never do anymore… i don’t know why, just too exhausted nowadays

shampoo - favorite scent? aniseed, vanilla and fresh rain

skin - what distant relative are you closest to? perhaps my second cousins? they’re lovely

aphrodite - favorite actress/actor? DAVID TENNANT OR ANNE HATHAWAY

cuddles - do you have any pets? i have a dog and i sometimes keep stick insects :}

lace - if you own any dresses, which is your favorite? i don’t wear dresses <3

sheets - sanrio or san-x characters? idk what this means

cream - frozen yogurt flavor? a mix of strawberry and chocolate !! can’t go wrong there

watermelon - do films ever make you cry? i don’t think so. not very often at least. really rarely

sapphos - favorite poet? robert frost or edgar allen poe

plush - how many stuffed animals do you still own? at least ten, but the only one i keep out is my kermit plushie that’s been passed down through the family

roses - what flower do you find most beautiful? lavender or pink tulips <33

sweetheart - favorite mug/cup? i have a rainbow mug my mother got for my birthday that has the same picture as the mug in one direction’s drag me down music video… i’m not a huge 1D fan anymore but i adore that mug sm

sunset - what are your pronouns? he/him right now, they/them sometimes!!

thank you so so so so much for this ask!!!! i’m on a road trip and this made for a very fun time x

[galaxyseclipse]

I’m bored, so have some Splatoon oc lore

we’ll start with Four ‘cause I’ve been thinking about them today(note that there is very little rhyme or reason as to the order for these facts, I’m mostly just writing them as I think of them):

-21 years old as of Splat3

-they’re Tsunami(Captain 3)’s cousin(Tsunami’s dad’s sister is Four’s mother) and they have a very sibling-like relationship

-they don’t know or live with their parents, since they left Four with their aunt and uncle before they were born

-their given name isn’t Four, it’s Coral; but they didn’t like that one much, so they went with the first thing they did like, and they introduce themselves as Four now

-they didn’t even tell Marie their given name for a while after they met, and even then made her promise to not call them that

-they’re scared/distrustful of Callie(“she literally could’ve burst my fucking organs open, dude, you think I’m gonna like her?”), to the point where they both have gone on multiple “team building” missions

-they have a scar on their right side from when Callie smacked the shit out of them with a roller while brainwashed

-they also have top surgery scars, but those were made intentionally

-they’re the shortest official member of the NSS, but just a hair taller than Pearl; their build is more stocky than most of the others as well

-their design is based on the hummingbird bobtail squid, so they glow a bit brighter than the others and have glowing freckles(also why they’re so small lol)

-competed in wrestling through middle and high school, still do occasionally

-as of RotM(though this may change if Agent 4 appears in Side Order) they are in Splatsville attending university at one of the new schools there(Tech Engineering major)

-might maybe possibly have a small crush on Marie, they strongly deny it any time it’s brought up

-they own a motorcycle(the amount of times they’ve had someone riding in swim form under the seat is nonzero)

-weren’t super fond of Ivory(Agent 8) when she first showed up, but they got over it eventually and the two are close friends

-main dualies; not super competent at anything else anymore, but they’re pretty agile and quick to tackle opponents

-are very nearsighted, usually wearing contacts but will be seen with glasses occasionally

-get along pretty well with Ika(New 3) and even let them move into their apartment; the two’s relationship is like siblings

-they’re the one behind a majority of the NSS tech(save for weapons)

-can’t play any instruments(learning dj stuff though) but they can rap and kinda sing(they’ll only sing around Tsunami and Ivory and refuse to let Marie hear them)

-they were pretty grumpy and angsty as a teenager, but mellowed out as they got older(transitioning also helped lol)

-still pretty rash, chaotic, and punchy, but they know when to tone it down and be serious

-they weren’t super excited about being roped into the zapfish situation, but got over it quickly after realizing there was no coming back from fighting a giant, weaponized oven

dang, I thought Four was the least fleshed out of all these guys…. makes me wonder what the posts for the others’ll look like lol

[design-qandy]

6 Tips for Creating Minimal yet Functional Interior Designs in India

India’s rich culture provides a lot of choices for colourful and vibrant interior designs. There are also many options if you want to embellish your home with minimal interior designs. Changing your home to use minimal yet functional interior designs can also give it a touch of traditional Indian culture. You can use the art of minimalism by removing clutter and bulky furniture to show simplicity and spareness. 

Here are the top 6 interior design ideas from the Design Qandy team that will give your home a beautiful style and relaxing feel. Minimalist interior design is more than just plain furniture and monochromatic colours – it can complement any home colour palette or design motif with the right professional support. Let’s have a look at the first tip.  

 1. Get Rid of Clutter

The first rule of minimalism is to get rid of the excess clutter that is not vibing with your living space. Decorating your living space with unnecessary furniture or objects would not be a good idea as it would make the space smaller and harder to utilise. Give yourself room to breathe so it can be an adequate and peaceful environment for you to live in. Less is more, so decorate your living space with furniture or things that are essential and functional. Utilitarianism is the new name of pro minimalism. 

Get rid of all the clutter and fill your room with things that contribute to your daily life. You can space out objects or antique pieces to provide more space to work, play, or relax.  Moreover, you can simplify the visuals by opting for only one large art frame on a bare wall instead of making it a gallery wall. You could also give a minimal look to the floor of your minimalist living room by embellishing it with neutral rugs instead of large patterns or floral rugs. For true purity, you can opt for no covering for the floor at all.

2. Embellish Your Space with Wood Furniture

Solid wood objects and furniture have always been important elements in Indian interior designs. For the Indian yet minimalistic touch, you can choose wood furniture from the large variety in India. India has mind-blowing talent in hand craftsmanship and offers unique and elegant wood furniture. Use sleek wooden furniture with Indian design elements like curved legs and armrests. These beautiful pieces will complement your home’s style without adding clutter.

There are also beautiful pieces of wood furniture that include metal or ivory in ornate designs. For your living room where you can sit with your family to spend quality time, you can decorate it with different sittings like a wooden sofa or footstool. Moreover, daiwan (a long backless sofa)  or jhoola (swing) would be a good addition to your home and gives your space warm and playful energy. 

 3. Add Houseplants to Your Home

 4. Experiment with Texture and Colours

To level up your home interior according to minimalistic interiors you can play with different minimalist textures and colours. Many minimalists even love colourful interiors and bright colour palettes in their homes. Minimalism often uses neutral and light colours like white, pastel, and grey, but anything is possible with some planning. 

No doubt neutral colours can be a good choice for a minimalist home interior but sometimes you want a more vivid option. You don’t have to choose only neutral colours – use some warmer colours that complement your home’s colour palette will give the room warmth and life without dominating the minimalist interior. 

If you want to do something different than a conventional minimalist interior. You can opt for a rustic brick cladding wall with neutral colour furniture. To ensure the minimalist look of the room, go for only essential yet functional furniture. It would be an unconventional and unusual minimalistic interior theme for your house.

5. Setup Proper Lighting 

For the minimalist home interior setting up good lighting is essential so your home doesn’t feel expressionless and plain. You should opt for a lighting system that adds character to the minimalistic theme and vibe with it. For the minimalist home interior, pendant lights or floor lamps are the ideal choices. Moreover, you can also think of streamlined lightning that is built-in ceilings or walls. The choice of light colours also plays an integral part, as the yellow light colour would warm up the living space while white light brings your living to life by brightening it up.

If you have a window in your living space it would be better to leave it unvarnished so it can allow the light to be let in the room. You can also use a thin neutral colour curtain as it will go well with a minimalist lifestyle. 

 6. Make Use of Accent Decorations

Incorporating accent elements into your living space smartly will make your interior stand out. Accent decorations have always been an integral element when it comes to minimal interiors. You can decorate your living space with multifarious elements, decor lights, and beautiful fixtures in your minimalist home interior. You can also decorate your room with sleek brass (metallic) accents instead of bulky metallic artefacts. 

Get Started Today

Minimalist home interior is about decorating your home with essential and functional things without going overboard with colours or furniture. You can experiment with options for your tasteful, yet functional home – or you can work with the team of internationally trained interior design professionals at Design Qandy. 

Give us a call at +91 96196 54321 or send us a message. The Design Qandy Style Test is also an excellent starting point for making a plan for your home decoration project. 

[undinecissy]

The November's Film and Filming in 1987.

Although the magazine selected Maurice as its cover, Maurice was only rated two stars in its Reviews colomn(4 stars: outstanding, 3 stars: very good, 2 stars: good or interesting, 1 star: poor, 0: dud) and was dissected by a critic named RONALD BERGAN, saying Maurice had become a period piece with such risible lines as I'm an unspeakable of the Oscar Wilde sort from the Eighties standpoint...and Ivory has been let down by his Jamesian (Forsterian?) lack of passion...

Maurice Hall falls in love with Clive Durham when they are undergraduates at Cambridge,but their relationship remains semi-Platonic. i.e. cuddling but no sex. When Clive marries Anne, Maurice feels betrayed. He is tortured by his desires, and goes to a hypnotist for help. One night, at Clive's country estate, Alec Scudder, the young under-gamekeeper, enters his bedroom and they make love. Maurice gradually decides to risk everything and commit himself to Alec.

‘GAYS grow up watching heterosexual movies ...watching Now Voyager and deciding whether they are Bette Davis or Paul Henreid.’ said Harvey Fierstein, author of Torch Song Trilogy. Maurice, at least, is a boy's own love story and it has a happy ending.

When E.M. Forster's 1914 homosexual novel was finally published in 1971, it had become a period piece with such risible lines as ' I'm an unspeakable of the Oscar Wilde sort? James lvory and his co-writer, Cambridge-educated Kit Hesketh-Harvey, have been more faithful to Forster than he was to himself, but the above quote is now cleverly seen at an ironic distance, from our Eighties standpoint. Earlier in the film, the Dean of Trinity (Barry Foster, nice and dry) implants the idea by commenting on the ‘unspeakable love of the Greeks, during a tutorial on the Symposium. Sadly, although gay fiction has moved on, attitudes have not changed drastically. An American hypnotist (Ben Kingsley) advises Maurice to go and live in another country where homosexuality is legal because, 'the English will never understand human nature: This line brought applause from the understanding English preview audience.

Again, as in Heat and Dust, Quartet and Room With a View, the non-English team of Merchant and lvory (this time without Ruth Prawer Jhabvala) have looked at English hypocrisy, and meticulously recreated a stiffly hierarchical society. Maurice is as literate, subtly intellectual, pretty and precious as we have come to expect from them, something to be grateful for when our screens are dominated by trashy teen pics. It certainly is the type of film that should do well in America where audiences prefer to have their images of England reinforced by seeing beautiful manners and manor houses (Brideshead re-revisited), gorgeous costumes and decor, and abundant servants. Ivory coasts in a rather leisurely academic style from one well-dressed, tasteful scene to another, sugaring the pill of sexual repression and class distinction. Pierre LHomme's sometimes murky photography, covers the period in a glow of nostalgia.

But there is another kind of nostalgia at work, as in Prick Up Your Ears, which looks back in envy at a pre-AIDS world, when one didn't have to stop to slip on a condom when the under-gamekeeper entered one's window at night and joined one in bed. The prole (played with slightly wavering accent by Rupert Graves) hovers around in the background for ages before he and Maurice make it together. Unfortunately, this key moment in the hero's sexual liberation comes across as a bit of groping under the blankets in the dark. Once again, as in Room With a View, Ivory has been let down by his Jamesian (Forsterian?) lack of passion.

Unlike the 'clone look' of today, moustaches denote respectability in the film. After his youthful fling with Maurice-lying on the grass in each other's arms and punting together- Clive (Hugh Grant,another actor in the upper-class Rupert Everett mould) grows a moustache, marries and becomes a Tory candidate. When Maurice enters the City as a stockbroker, he begins to sport blond hair on his upper lip. Once sexually freed, the moustache vanishes.

With or without facial hair, newcomer James Wilby (replacing Julian Sands after shooting began), physically of the James Fox sort, kept reminding me of lan Carmichael as the innocent, often called Windrush, in those Boulting brothers comedies of the late Fifties. Most of the pleasure derives from the cameo performances by Simon Callow, a bearded schoolmaster, Mark Tandy, a corruptor of youth, Patrick Godfrey, a knowing butler called Simcox, Peter Eyre, a prissy parson and, yes, naturally, Denholm Elliott.

RONALD BERGAN

[random-genshin-things]

Savior (Childe x Medic Reader) Ch 4

Link to Ch 3

Link to Ch 1

.

The trip back to Mondstadt was relatively easy. Cyrus and Iris had insisted your team take the supply wagon at the base camp and ride back to Mondstadt. Originally you had felt a little guilty to be taking their wagon, but since you couldn't walk and your team needed to bring back an unconscious man, your slight protests had been swiftly laid to rest.

Fortunately, your patient seemed to improve with the change in weather and altitude. While still unconscious, you were able to change his bandages with help and give him better medicine to treat his fever. He was even starting to regain a normal colour in his cheeks. You were almost hoping he might awaken on your trip back but that was not the case.

You had resigned yourself to the idea that it was probably best that he hadn't awoken. If he had, then he probably would have been subjected to questioning from your teammates. And if your suspicions were correct, they would be furious when they found out that he was a Harbinger. Yes it was for the best that he slept through the trip and had no recollection of who you were.

Once you had arrived at the gates of Mondstadt, your team was stopped by a knight.

"Welcome to Mondstadt, travelers. How can I help you?" Jean-Pierre was the first to approach the knight as he spoke.

"Hello. My name is Jean-Pierre. We are a research team from the Sumeru Akademiya. One of my team members was injured on Dragonspine and we also found an unconscious man. Where is the best place to seek medical attention?" The cart you were on stopped in front of the gates as Jean-Pierre spoke.

"That would be the Favonius Cathedral at the tallest point in Mondstadt. Just ask for Barbara." The knight gestured through the city center towards the spires in the distance. You let out a groan just looking at the trek you were going to have to make.

Unfortunately for you and your team, there are an inordinate amount of stairs to climb to get to the Favonius Cathedral. You had to use Jean-Pierre as a crutch while Monika and the knight, who's name you learnt was Lawrence, carried the still unconscious ginger man.

"How much longer?" Monika looked like she was about ready to drop him. And her tone was hinting at mild annoyance.

"It's the building just up ahead, ya know behind the giant statue of Lord Barbatos." Monika shot you a sharp glare at your words.

"It was your idea to save him, but I've had to carry him up over two hundred stairs!" Monika huffed in response. Maybe your sarcastic retorts should wait for another time.

As you entered the Cathedral, you were greeted by a short blonde. Her wavy hair was pulled back into twintails on either side of her head. She wore a pristine ivory dress with a matching cap. On her left hip rested a catalyst and hydro vision. It was clear from her uniform that she must be a nun and hopefully the deaconess.

She spoke in a soft voice as she addressed you, "Oh dear. What happened here?"

You held her concerned gaze as you replied. "We were caught in an avalanche on Dragonspine. I'm a doctor from the Sumeru Akademiya, so I was able to administer some aid, but my wrist is broken."

"Oh dear! Here let's get you both to a bed!" The blonde, who introduced herself as the cathedral's deaconess Barbara, helped you to a bed in the back.

You insisted that she look at your companion first. He definitely needs more care than you would and you wanted to make sure that he was stable before worrying about yourself. Once Barbra was able to bring down his fever completely using her vision, she turned to you.

"As you thought, I believe your wrist is broken but luckily your ankle is only sprained. I should be able to treat it and have you walking again soon." Barbara assesses your injuries and begins setting to work on healing them.

Jean-Pierre, who had insisted on staying with you despite your protests that he go with Monika to Good Hunter, now spoke up. "Does that mean we will be able to leave tonight? We were already supposed to have left for our trip back to Sumeru."

"Once I've finished treating her ankle, she should be able to walk." At Barbara's response, you turned to Jean-Pierre.

"Why don't you go tell Monika the good news." You needed to get him out of here so that you could talk to Barbara about your new Fatui Harbinger friend.

Jean-Pierre seemed reluctant. "Are you sure? You don't need me to stay with you?" Jean-Pierre's reply doesn't surprise you. He's always seemed like a worrier and he's usually especially concerned about your safety. You smile softly at him and give his hand a squeeze.

"I'll be fine Pierre. I'm not going anywhere. I'll be right here when you and Monika get back." With that final push, Jean-Pierre nodded to you and left the cathedral to find Monika. Now you could discuss what you really need to with Barbara.

"Excuse me, Barbara. Would there be a way to send a message to the Goth Grand Hotel? I have reason to believe that the man I brought back is a Fatui Harbinger. But my team members cannot know that. So is there a way to notify someone to come get him after we leave?" You try to seem as calm and collected as possible but you're really hoping Barbara gets the idea that your teammates must be kept in the dark about this man's identity.

Barbara looked between you and the man lying in the bed. "Y-yes I can send a message, but I believe I'll need to inform Acting Grandmaster Jean."

"Of course. Thank you." You let out a sigh.

Barbara treats your injuries in silence. Once she is finished, she leaves to inform the Knights of Favonius and the Acting Grandmaster that there was an unconscious Fatui Harbinger in the cathedral.

You decided it was time to say goodbye to the man who's name you would never learn. He was sleeping peacefully now and his skin had returned to a natural colour. You placed your uninjured hand to his forehead to check his temperature one final time, and were pleased to find his fever had completely dissipated. He was going to be alright and you could breathe a sigh of relief that your patient was going to make it. As you removed your hand, he reached out and caught your wrist in his grip.

"Y/N..... don't... go...." He was still in a deep sleep and you knew he couldn't hear you but you still replied.

"I'm sorry. I have to go now. But you'll be okay, you're safe." You reached your other hand out to slightly brush his soft bangs. You could hear his breathing, slow and steady, as his grip on your wrist lessened before his hand fell back to his chest.

"Goodbye."

Jean-Pierre soon returned with Monika and you all began your trek back to Sumeru leaving Mondstadt and the mystery Harbinger behind.

.........

Beams of light streamed into the Favonius Cathedral in Mondstadt, shining directly onto the face of the Eleventh Harbinger of the Fatui. Tartaglia clenched his eyes before slowly opening them to be greeted by the high arches of the gothic cathedral. The sunlight that streamed in graced the walls in a soft celestial glow and caught the swirls of dust rising and falling in the air.

"It took you long enough to wake." A sharp voice rang through the hollowed arches of the cathedral breaking the tranquility of the space.

He knew that voice. It was the condescending tone of his fellow harbinger La Signora. Tartaglia sat up slowly, and felt dull pain in his abdomen.

Right. He'd receive a hit in a sparring match. He takes his time to make sense of his surroundings. This most certainly wasn't Dragonspine, where he had been leading a squad in investigating the strange environment. Not something that he would normally handle, but the other harbingers had their hands tied. He had been at the base camp when the avalanche happened.

Wait. He'd been buried in an avalanche.

That's when she saved him. Tartaglia could only vaguely recall the soft voice and gentle hands that had treated him so kindly.

"When the Acting Grandmaster of the Knights of Favonius approached me to inform me that one of my fellow Harbingers was unconscious in the Favonius Cathedral, I almost laughed at her. What are you doing here?" La Signora's voice was tinged with disdain as she sat in a chair next to Tartaglia's bedside. Her legs were gracefully crossed one over the other and her arms crossed over her chest. She sat with the air of royalty, only the fingers on her left hand tapping against her arm betrayed her annoyance in her countenance.

Tartaglia was lost in thought, his mind consumed with trying to recall everything he could remember from the days he spent ill.

She must have brought him here. His savior.

"The deaconess said you were running a fever as a result of an infected wound. Had it not been treated by the doctor that brought you back to Mondstadt, you might have died. As it turns out, the doctor was also the one who identified that you are a Harbinger." La Signora's tone betrayed very little but Tartaglia had worked with her long enough to tell that she was not happy.

However Tartaglia didn't respond, he didn't even acknowledge that he'd heard her at all. His thoughts ran rampant.

She knew he was a harbinger? And she still helped him?

Tartaglia knew how most people outside of Snezhnaya felt about the Fatui, let alone a Harbinger. But that hasn't stopped his savior. She hadn't cared. She saved him anyway. Tartaglia finally looked up and acknowledged his fellow Harbinger. Only to ask a single question.

"So where is she?" Tartaglia was ready to run to her side, to pick her up and spin her around while offering his sincerest thanks.

La Signora's brow rose in slight confusion. "Who?"

"My savior." Tartaglia let a grin break out over his face at the thought of seeing her again, for real this time.

La Signora chuckled. "Do you mean the doctor? She's already left to return to Sumeru."

Tartaglia's grin slowly fell.

She had left? Why?

Tartaglia racked his brain for what he could remember from his hazy semi-conscious state.

“I'm sorry. I have to go now. But you'll be okay, you're safe.”

That's right she was forced to leave. But why?

“I'm a doctor from the Sumeru Akademiya.”

The Akademiya. She had to return to the Sumeru Akademiya. Tartaglia wanted to curse his luck. If he had only woken up earlier he'd be able to speak with the wonderful soul that saved his life. The bold woman who didn't fear his status as a Harbinger and found the kindness to help him in his time of great need. Tartaglia resolved not to let this be the end. If she couldn't stay here with him, he'd just have to go find her. Tartaglia gave La Signora another of his boyish grins.

"Guess I'll just have to go find her then."

……

.

Link to Ch 5

[slippinmickeys]

A Sequel: Amazon Archeologist/Scientist AU, Part 2:

You can read on AO3 here.

1. “How does it feel to have cured cancer?” asked Kathy Lee. Scully couldn’t take her eyes off the rim of the host’s wine glass; it was smeared with lipstick, and the wine contained therein had legs, running down the bell curve of the glass in thin amber stripes.

It was oddly, surreally quiet on the unnaturally blazing stage -- multiple cameras pointing at them, a team of professionals sitting in dead silence in the dark spread out below.

“I only wish I’d done it sooner,” Scully said, going off script a bit. “I think of the people that died while we were still searching, still researching, while the studies were being checked and… I just wish I’d found it sooner.”

The host’s face softened, and she reached forward and put her hand over Scully’s on the arm of the chair where it was resting. She gave it a squeeze and Hoda took over, “Up next, the group BTS is going to sing us their latest single!”

There was a dull bell that rang off to Scully’s right and the stage manager stepped forward, headphones clomped over his ears, his mic slung low around his jaw.

“We’re clear!” he called, “Sixty seconds!”

The show would be cutting to a co-host standing at a stage set-up outside 30 Rockefeller Center. Scully reached up to unhook the mic attached to her lapel, and a trio of sound technicians descended on her. In ten seconds, she was relieved of all equipment, and she was left swaying in the funnel of the Fresnels on the too bright stage.

“You did great,” she heard from her left, and the show’s host winked at her, and retook her hand, leading her to the dim cool just off stage.

She found Mulder standing before her once her eyes adjusted, just outside the reach of the stage lights, looking nervous and out of place, his hands clasped behind his back. He was wearing a turtleneck and a suit coat, looking every inch the tenured professor.

“And who’s this?” Kathie Lee asked, looking at Mulder brightly.

Scully shook herself, trying to remember her manners. It wasn’t always easy, having spent so much time in the field.

“Uh, this is Mulder,” she said, “Dr. Fox Mulder. My, um… my fiancé.”

The television host smiled warmly at Mulder and clasped his hand.

“I’ve heard the story of your meeting,” Kathie Lee said, “It’s a real pleasure.”

“I’m a big Giants fan,” Mulder said, giving her hand a firm shake, “the pleasure’s all mine.”

The host winked at him and then stalked off, and Scully exhaled, falling a little into Mulder’s side.

“I’m glad that’s over,” she said.

“The price you pay for changing the course of human history,” Mulder mumbled, squeezing her into his side and kissing her hairline. He led her off the soundstage and into a waiting limo.

2. It had been a whirlwind since the Nobel Prize Award ceremony in Stockholm. It was cold in Sweden in December — especially to a person who’d spent years in the humid jungles off the beaten paths of the world, and she and Mulder both felt out of place and perpetually in the clasp of a bone-clutching chill.

“I just want to be back in the field,” she’d whisper to him, and he would kiss her hand. With the prize money, they could buy a house, start a family — but they both would rather be in a jungle somewhere, sweating into the other’s skin on a too-narrow cot, in a too-hot clime. There was no science when they were in the cradle of the other’s hips, there was just each other. Sex made life more simple. Sex made life more fun. But sex didn’t cure cancer. Pleurotus Mulderatus did that, and the world wanted to hear about it.

3.She had a free ticket. Any university, any assignment.

“I feel pressure,” she told him, her nose pressed into his ear. “What do you do after you’ve cured cancer?” she asked, earnestly, “there’s nowhere to go but down.”

He’d taken her to Rhode Island, to his family’s cottage in Quonochontaug, creaky and drafty and smelling of mildew and old pine. No one had visited in decades and everything needed to be cleaned and aired out.

They kayaked and frolicked in the waves, drank coffee in adirondack chairs and listened to the pinched squawks of hovering sea birds. They’d find a place in the dune grass, down low where the wind wouldn’t catch them. They’d soak up the sun and then go into the cottage and make love between the knotty pine walls, their moans absorbed by the thick shag carpet laced with the grit of sand, faded drunkards path quilts nailed to the walls.

“Down is a state of mind,” Mulder would murmur into her ear, “Up is fighting gravity. You have nowhere to be but here. You have no one to impress but me.”

He would catch her lips with his own and they would sink into each other gratefully.

4.Mulder was burning pancakes in the kitchen when there was a dull knock on the screen door.

Scully was laughing at Mulder’s culinary ineptitudes when she turned toward the sound, her laugh fading when a well-done-up woman appeared on the stoop, holding her hand up to shield her eyes from the sun’s glare, trying to see into the murky depths of the house.

“Are you press?” Scully asked through the screen door glumly, her mood taking a nose dive.

“I’m Samantha,” the woman said, and it took Scully a full five seconds for her synapses to fire, to figure out the identity of the visitor.

“Oh my god,” Scully said, swinging the door open to admit the polished woman waiting on the other side. The door itself was swollen with humidity and didn’t shut all the way -- it caught like there was a second latch. “Come in, come in!”

Samantha had a full head of thick hair just like her brother, but it was curled and tawny, streaks of not-quite-blonde highlights running from the roots. She was wearing Lily Pulitzer pastels, and would have looked at home in a sun hat or on the pages of Coastal Living.

“You must be Dana,” she breathed, smiling widely. Scully nodded and looked around self-consciously. “God, this place hasn’t changed in thirty years,” Samantha finished, shaking her head ruefully. “Where’s Fox?”

“Kitchen,” Scully said, inclining her head toward the cooking space, though she knew Samantha knew right where to go.

“You’re using the cast iron?” Samantha said boldly and apropos of nothing, stepping into the sunny kitchen, “God, I hope you seasoned that thing.”

Mulder’s face brightened at seeing his sister, and he turned to her fully, enveloping her in a hug, a greasy spatula in one hand, held out so as not to soil her clothes.

“Like you can cook,” he drawled, turning back to the smoking pan.

“I know enough to hire a caterer,” she said, plunking down in an olive green vinyl kitchen chair, looking at ease but totally out of place in the dated decor of the cottage. “So. Who do I have to fuck to get a mimosa around here?”

“Me,” said a voice from the entryway. The screen door slammed ineffectually shut and Scully’s own sister Melissa stood awkwardly in the slant of sun showing through it, holding several plastic bags laden with glass bottles and juices, a hopeful, nervous smile on her face.

“Missy?!” Scully squeaked, and Mulder looked to the door, his face chagrined and pleased as Scully launched herself at her sister, wrapping herself in the earthy patchouli smell of the woman, the plastic bags clunking to the floor at their feet.

XxXxXxXxXxX

“I got ordained online,” Melissa said, drinking a Bellini from a yellow smiley-face mug, her feet tucked under her on a rough-hewn dining chair. “It’s perfectly legal.”

“But it’s--” Scully started, then abandoned her argument. She looked to Mulder desperately, who smiled and plunked a cup of hot coffee in front of her.

“It was only an idea,” he said, squeezing her hand and sliding an ancient sugar dish in front of her. The crinkles around his eyes had hardened in the ocean-reflected sun, lending him an air of easy humor she hadn’t witnessed much of in the jungle.

“Don’t you need two witnesses?” she asked, realizing how lame it sounded the second the words were out of her mouth.

Samantha leaned over and grabbed her hand, squeezing her fingers in such a way that made her feel bolstered and secure. “Not in Rhode Island,” Mulder’s sister told her, looking her square in the eye.

“We don’t have to do it,” Mulder said, still standing at her side, “but I thought…”

She felt overwhelmed with emotion, thinking of her father, who hadn’t lived long enough to witness her greatest achievement, which would have saved his life.

“Mom sent her wedding dress,” Melissa said, holding up a garment bag -- it was a yellowed ivory in the kitchen sun, the zipper up its middle aged and brittle.

XxXxXxXxXxX

They exchanged vows on the beach in front of the old cottage in a whipping Atlantic wind. Gulls hovered overhead and the sun was as bright as a brass doorknob, the air clearer than glass.

Samantha had read a poem by an amateur poet named Tim Pratt called Scientific Romance (Mulder having confessed to her later that night that it only seemed right to have had a reading replete with scientific notation for a wedding between two people such as themselves). Melissa had read words as old as the institution of marriage itself and they exchanged simple rings and had eyes only for each other. Scully handed her bouquet -- a small posy of wild swamp azalea and yellow flag that Melissa had picked the hour before -- to her new sister in law as she strode up the peeling wooden steps of the house. Mulder had insisted upon carrying her over the threshold and Melissa and Samantha had stood back thoughtfully, and were now sitting closely on the beach, heads bent together, talking in hushed tones.

Scully didn’t know quite what to do with herself, dressed in old lace in the heavy salt air, her left ring finger feeling as heavy and pendulous as an old bell. Mulder wrapped his arms around her from behind and told her they never had to leave.

“Nobel Laureates live in Rhode Island, too, you know,” he whispered into the hair behind her ear.

“Mmm,” she said happily, watching her sister and his dig their feet in the gritty sand.

He kissed the skin where her shoulder met her neck. “Life can be as simple as the state motto.”

“Which is?” she asked.

“Hope.”

5. She stood above the riverbank, the grass a trampled, muddy squelch. A monkey called from overhead, a high primate shriek that echoed through the canopy. Its compatriots soon joined in, the welcoming committee announcing the rare arrival of a visitor.

He sat in the back of the approaching hollowed-out canoe, his knees practically to his neck, the lanky bones of him jutting out at all angles. He wore jeans and chambray, all wrong for the climate, but the blue set off the dark mink of his hair, and his eyes -- as green as the river upon which his boat perched -- caught hers from twenty yards away -- they held her gaze as the craft glided to shore, and he leapt off with the galumphing grace of a power forward.

“Dr. Scully I presume,” he said, finding his balance on the slippery shore and reaching a hand forward. She clasped it gratefully, then brought it to her belly, which was protruding out like a carved fertility statue, a life-sized goddess, gravid and full. “I thank God, doctor, that I have been permitted to see you,” he finished, and they embraced on the shores of the jungle river, perspiring and damp and finally, finally feeling at home.

[thatmultifandomhoe]

Knitting You a Home - 2

Pairing: Wolf Hybrid Namjoon and Human Reader

Word Count: 3k

Genre/Rating: Hybrid AU - Established Relationship - Angst - Fluff - Smut - PG-13

Overview: Things have changed for you and Namjoon. It’s been a year since the two of you got together, and despite a rocky start, it was impossible to deny the bond and love you shared for each other. But ever since Hoseok had been separated from his Mate, Namjoon has been withdrawing himself from you and doesn’t come home until late at night.

With questions far larger than either of you imagined, you can’t help but wonder if he’s let his past and old fears come back to haunt him. You had shown him that it was possible to have a home and be loved once before, but will you be able to do it again?

Warning: None.

Playlist:

Main Master List:

Knitting You a Home Master List:

Mated Love is Never Easy Master List:

Sneak Peak - Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 - Part 8 - Part 9 - Part 10 - Part 11 - Part 12 - Part 13 - Part 14 - Part 15 - ?

©thatmultifandomhoe Do not repost, translate, or use my stories without permission.

June 2019

The ringing of the overhead bell captured your attention, whisking you out of your memories. With a forced smile, you looked up from where you pricing the bamboo knitting needles to greet the customers.

You recognized the two women as regulars who frequently came to your shop for supplies or to add to their yarn addiction. “Hi Carol, hey Tammy, how are you ladies today?”

“Doing fine,” Tammy answered. Carol disappeared to the back of the store where the larger displays of yarn were kept. Yup. Adding to their yarn addiction was on the menu for them today. “Is your grandmother here?”

Chuckling, you added another package of needles to the wire basket you had sitting on the stool next to you. “In the back fawning over the Mongolian Cashmere yarn.”

“Are you talking about the Jade Sapphire brand of Mongolian Cashmere?” Tammy’s eyes widened, leaning closer to you as she held onto the counter.

With a serious nod, you fought back the urge to smile. “The very one.”

“What colors?”

“Moonstone, Red Light District, Ivory, Perugia, and Umbrian Sky.”

Tammy gasped, her hand coming up to clutch her chest. “You only had three colors last time.”

It never ceased to amaze you how die hard some of the women who came into the shop were for the yarn, especially the luxury yarn that you sold. The conversation didn’t last much longer, and it was with a smile that you watched Tammy scurry her way to Carol and whisper in her ear, the two of them high tailing to go find your Grandmother.

While you had your own love and passion for the age-old hobby of knitting – so much that you went into business with your Grandmother to open your own shop, Second Gen Knitters – you weren’t about to go spending fifty dollars on a single hank of yarn. Not only would your bank account cry, but Namjoon would most likely choke on whatever you fed him in an attempt to break the news.

Sighing, you stuck a label on another pair of needles, taking a moment to look around the store. The teal carpet stood out from the hardwood floor, and the mahogany bookcases that lined the walls gleamed from being dusted earlier that morning. On a large square table in the middle of the front room were wicker baskets displaying smaller hanks of colorful sock yarn, and a decorative black wrought iron stand that stood out among the bright colors, held up a sign you had painstakingly painted to display the prices.

In the corner to the left near the windows, was a sitting area with matching teal couches and chair along with a mini coffee table. A various group of knitting, country lifestyle, and People magazines were neatly spread out, completely ignored by the group of husbands that sat there on their phones, letting their wives go about and shop.

It always amused you when a couple would enter the shop and after only a few moments the husband would hightail it to the sitting area, leaving the wife completely unsurprised.

Namjoon never outright said anything, but every time he saw that area filled and he was in the shop, he made a habit of making faces in their direction to amuse you. Whenever you went on your own knitting shopping spree, he would join you and help to make decisions if you were stuck between colors or how many you needed to complete a project. Especially when what was being made was for him, he was there to give his input on colors and textures.

The summer weather made it too warm for the scarves and sweaters that Namjoon loved to wear, but it was perfect to sit down and knit away so he’d be able to wear them in the fall.

As much as you loved him, these last few weeks had your mind spinning with his strange behavior. When Hoseok’s life had gotten turned upside down, Namjoon had become extra protective of you. While the possibility of what happened between Hoseok and his mate would happen to Namjoon and you were highly unlikely, the instinct for him to be there and watch over you was too strong for him to suppress.

You hadn’t minded it, especially when his physical affection increased greatly. But it’d be a lie to say that you weren’t affected by what happened, even if you were barely involved in the situation. It was one of those things that buried itself deep in your mind, forcing you to think about it even when you didn’t want to.

It was different for the two of you though. You weren’t just his Mate, but it was your name written on his Adoption papers.

Life had begun to go back to normal when Hoseok and Sarah were finally reunited, but then they dropped another bomb. Hoseok had signed a contract with a dance company in Seoul and at the end of the month, he was leaving for a year to tour with a professional team made up of elite dancers from all around the world. While you had been stunned by the announcement and how long he was to be gone for, you were ecstatic for your friend to pursue his dreams.

But then, Namjoon changed again.

As the days inched closer to Hoseok’s departure, Namjoon had grown quieter, and surprisingly, withdrawn. The extra affection had declined along with his usual amount. While he was naturally a quiet person, he always managed to start up a conversation and keep it going for hours, but something had flipped inside him and he was barely able to keep one going. Now it was you who was randomly hugging him while out in public or crawling between his legs when you saw him reading on the couch. He never turned your affection down, but he wasn’t seeking it out either.

The bell rang out again, but you didn’t look up as you were in the middle of counting how many needles you already had labeled. If the goal number was met, then you’d be able to put the rest back in the storage room for now.

“Hey Angel.”

The corner of your mouth curled up at the soft and familiar voice calling out his pet name for you, abruptly dropping the needles back into the basket to turn and face him.

Namjoon raised an eyebrow as he looked at the basket, a teasing grin appearing as he leaned against the counter. “Isn’t that important?”

“Not as important as you,” you sweetly answered, smiling as you watched Namjoon duck his head. It was absolutely cheesy, but it worked like magic to make him happy.

“Shut up,” he murmured, handing you a coffee before taking a sip out of his own.

Grateful for the caffeine, you tapped the white recycled cup that’s only design was the black lettering that spelt out, Kim Seokjin’s Café in cursive. “I thought you had work today?”

“Lunch break,” Namjoon answered, his ears twitching as he glanced around the shop. “I thought you might want a cup, and the bus stop just happens to be conveniently near your store.”

You hummed in agreement, leaning back to look in the direction of where your Grandmother was. Well, in the direction that you heard her voice coming from. Even from the front, you were able to hear her explaining how to do a cable stitch to someone.

“How’s your day been though?” You asked, gesturing for him to come around the counter with you. At least his little visits hadn’t stopped. They were a habit he started not long after moving in with you and when he saw how much you looked forward to them, made it a point to come by when he was able to during the day.

He held onto his cup a little tighter, not wanting to spill a single drop as he maneuvered his way around the counter. The space was small and even as you moved the wire basket and stool out of his way, he didn’t seem to relax until he set his cup on the counter. “Good. We’re working with a rapper this time. He’s really hands on with the album, which is amazing considering the last artist we--”

“Oh, Namjoon!” your Grandmother called out.

Teasingly rolling your eyes, you grinned as she came out from the back, her glasses on the bridge of her nose when she held her arms out to bring Namjoon in for a hug, despite the fact that he was easily a foot and a half taller than her.

“Hey Ma, how are you?”

“I’m good sweetheart.”

Without even looking, you were willing to bet that his dimples were showing. Grandmother just had a certain way about her that made it impossible for anyone to not be happy around her.

You leaned backwards against his Namjoon’s chest out of habit when he came back, feeling the gentle vibrations coming from him as he wrapped his arms around your waist in a loose hug. The gesture, while small, had you relaxing even more so. This was the majority of any affection the two of you had been sharing lately.

The moment would have been more enjoyable had you paid attention to the conversation that your Grandmother was having with Namjoon, but you had glanced around the store out of habit. You didn’t want anyone to feel ignored in case they had a question about a product, needed assistance with a project, or simply was ready to check out.

She was looking at the sock yarn at the table across from the counter. An older woman with a wire basket resting on her elbow. It was with experienced eyes that you noticed two of the Jade Sapphira hands sitting in there, and in her hands was some blue sock yarn, but she wasn’t looking at that. Matter of fact, her gaze was focused on you, but it was too low to be an attempt to capture your attention.

To someone who didn’t understand anything about Hybrids, the scar on your neck appeared to be the result of a painful accident. In reality, it was the exact opposite. The scar was your Mate Mark, the very one that you treasured when Namjoon had given it to you almost a year ago, sealing the bond between you as Mates for the rest of your lives.

The old woman stared at the Mate Mark, her gaze flicking towards Namjoon to see the wolf ears on top of his head, then down to his tail that was carefully wagging behind him.

“I’m sorry ma’am,” Grandmother suddenly spoke, stealing your attention as she walked towards the woman who had been staring. “But I couldn’t help but notice you’d been looking at this young man, and while my son-in-law is not for sale, we do have some great patterns in the back that have almost as equally handsome young male models on them.”

Your heart nearly stopped as she led the old woman away and to the back, internally dying at her antics but grateful for them at the same time. Embarrassment had your cheeks feeling warm, and with Namjoon’s body shaking from holding back his laughter, you covered your face with your hands when the women were out of sight.

With the exception of the chuckles slipping out, he was quiet as he tightened his arms around you, leaning down to gently kiss at your Mate Mark. While you had only been able to see her stares, Namjoon had been able to sense the woman’s distaste the second she saw him hugging you.

“She’s a closed-minded old woman,” he softly murmured in your ear, hoping to ease your hands away from your face. “Who is currently having to deal with an upset Ma right now, and I think that’s punishment enough.”

Like always, your skin tingled each time he kissed the mark, the sensation coursing throughout your body even after you lowered your hands. “That doesn’t mean I like her,” you muttered.

Namjoon simply chuckled, settling for kissing your neck again. Normally, you would have let him have his fun before teasing him to stop, reasoning that you were at work and the last thing you wanted to do was make anyone uncomfortable with all the affection. But you didn’t stop him this time. This was perhaps the most affection that he had given out since Hoseok’s career announcement, and you weren’t the one having to initiate it.

“I’ve missed you,” you whispered, sliding your hands over his until you were hugging his arms. It had felt like forever since you last shared such a sweet moment with Namjoon. All you wanted was to make it last, because if tonight was anything like it has been for last several weeks, he wouldn’t be home before midnight again.

Despite your silent wishes, Namjoon lifted his head and kissed your cheek once before resting his chin on top of your head.

“I know,” he softly murmured back, his arms wrapping around you further in an attempt to bring you closer. “I miss you too.”

Your heart dropped however, and you stared at the packaging of the knitting needles you had been counting, wishing that it didn’t feel like there was sea separating you from Namjoon these days.

“Will you be late coming home again?”

He closed his eyes, signing as he kissed the side of your head. Able to sense you true feelings, he knew that you already had the answer. “I’m sorry Angel.”

Pressing your lips together, you gently squeezed his hand. “Will Yoongi be there?”

“Yoongi practically lives there,” he joked, kissing your mark once more before finally pulling back. “I should get going, the bus will be here soon.”

His hand slid down to your lower back before disappearing completely as he walked around the counter, leaving you feeling cold and alone.

It was reassuring to know that Yoongi was going to be with him, but with all the hours he’s been spending at work, it was becoming impossible to recall the times that he was at home. Most nights he was only getting home after you crawled into bed, and having gotten used to Namjoon hugging you to his chest while the two of you slept, sleeping without him wasn’t easy. A majority of the time you found yourself playing on your phone for an hour or so before ditching it in an attempt to get some sleep, but then you’d be woken up at the touch of his arms sliding around your body as he slipped under the covers with a kiss to your neck, coaxing you back to sleep.

Stolen moments and gentle kisses were the most romantic the two of you were getting these days.

As much as you loved them, it all reminded you of the early days of your relationship, and as he withdrew in on himself, you couldn’t help but wonder if it had to do with you. Had the relationship become too much of a routine? Were you becoming predictable? Was he no longer attracted to you?

Like she knew that she was needed, Grandmother once again came back to the front, this time without the old woman following her. “Heading back out Namjoon?”

Namjoon nodded as he leaned down to give her a hug, his arms carefully wrapping around your Grandmother like he thought she was fragile and was afraid that he’d break her. Which wasn’t unrealistic, considering all the dishes that he’s broken in the last year.

“Yes, I need to catch the bus to get back to work.”

“You need to get yourself a driver’s license hun,” Grandma teased, rubbing Namjoon’s back before tilting her head to kiss his cheek.

As they parted from their hug, you smiled at seeing the light blush on his cheeks for a brief moment, any worries disappearing for the time being.

“I like taking the bus Ma,” Namjoon teased, pulling out of her embrace to lean against the counter for a moment. “It’s relaxing and lets me clear my thoughts.”

“You can clear your thoughts at home you know,” Grandma pointed out, her eyes crinkling at the corner. “I’m not getting any younger, and to be able to hold my great-grandbabies is a dream I want to see come true.”

Once again you felt your cheeks heating up, the sound of her laughter echoing as she left the two of you alone again. Ever since you told her that you were Namjoon’s Mate, she made sure to hint around about grandkids whenever the moment struck her.

“I love her I do…” Namjoon murmured, reaching his hand out for yours to hold.

“But she drives us nuts.” You supplied, smiling up at him.

He nodded, his own embarrassed smile appearing to be permanent while displaying his dimples for you. “Okay, I really have to get going or I’ll be late. I love you Angel.”

Your smile softened as he held your hand to his lips, his fingers squeezing your palm quickly. “I love you too Namjoon.”

He didn’t stay much longer, his tail wagging as he walked out the door and shortly out of your sight, his departure forcing you to get back to work, and allowing your worry to come back to the forefront of your mind. This time free to do so since Namjoon wasn’t around to sense your emotions.

It was proven time after time that Hybrids only had one true Mate in their lives, and once couples completed the bond, they weren’t able to have any romantic feelings towards anyone else. Which was why you were struggling to understand these changes with Namjoon.

Reaching up, you touched the Mate Mark, recalling all the moments when Namjoon had been the one to pull you back to bed, to cuddle you for five extra minutes because he had missed you. It was stupid to doubt his love for you, but you couldn’t help it.

There had to be a reason for why he was so distant again. For why he was barely being affectionate these days. Was it because these long nights that he spent at work with Yoongi, were with someone else? That he was enjoying the warm embrace of another before coming home? The idea was far-fetched, and you began doubting it a second later like always, but what were you supposed to think?

“Oh Joonie,” you sighed, seeing that he had left behind his coffee cup.

It was too late to try and rush out to bring it to him, so you tossed it into the trash with a thump, feeling like you were grasping at straws at this point. When you had done researched on what it meant to be Mates, never once did you come across a point where there was a possibility that the couples separated. It wasn’t even a consideration.

But now…you weren’t sure what to think.

[lovehotelreservation]

[Hey, just for the day, we’ll pretend I’m made of money. I’ll be your sugar daddy. - Dance Gavin Dance] Gran has finally graduated(?) from an idol of the prestigious Gran Cypher Entertainment and signed a new contract as solo artist. With all this newfound freedom from the idol lifestyle, Gran plans to party hard with tables and bottles of Dom Perignon. He is no longer baby, he wants power.

THANK U JESSICA 4 THIS PROMPT OF SELF LUV U UNDERSTAND ME SO WELL

The Ideal Idol.

The Eternal Valentine.

The Singularity of the Music Industry.

The Captain of All.

There were many phrases drummed up by journalists and squealed by adoring fans to describe the one and only Gran of Gran Cypher Entertainment. As leader of GC Entertainment’s newly debuted boyband SPARK, he already had to be front and center for variety show appearances, interviews, and the like. However, with his boyish looks, incredible vocals, mastery of dance, commanding stage presence, and captivating personality, it did not take long for many fans within the Japanese idol community to take immediate notice of his rise in popularity. 

His merch always being the first to sell out, tv producers practically fighting one another to have him so much as cameo in their newest drama, and more.

A promising future in the entertainment industry was practically assured. He need only say the word.

And so, when it came time for Gran to make his highly publicized graduation out of GC Entertainment, he had his eyes set on a solo career with the famed Crystal Records.

The nation’s idol was taking his first big step towards becoming his own artist.

And he was doing so by taking a grand stand atop a VIP table of a Vegas nightclub, pumping his fist into the air as he proceeded to chug back a bottle of Dom Perignon while the performing DJ was blasting some sexy EDM remix of Paradise Lost. The surrounding crowd of Americans--all unaware of his pristine, clean image back in Japan--cheered and jeered in support of his stranger who seemed to be paying top dollar for a fun night. 

Champagne bottles, platters of hors d'oeuvres and sushi--there was a feast all on Gran’s black card to commemorate his newfound freedom from his idol days and to give thanks to his management team for their guidance throughout his career up until now and beyond.

You didn’t feel thanked.

Rather, you felt stressed.

Quite stressed.

From the day that SPARK was selected, you were assigned to be Gran’s personal manager. Wherever he went, you would go--all to make sure he kept to his schedule and was on his best behavior. Of course, given that you both were rather close in age, your professional relationship became more relaxed and at ease. You saw firsthand the struggle to keep up to such an inane perfect ideal as an idol that he faced, and you did your best to give him time to unwind, whether time to sleep in or indulging his desire to sneak out for a fun night around Tokyo.

This closeness was why he almost turned down Crystal Records’s initial contract upon hearing that they would assign him to new management. He would only allow his signature to glide along the paper if you came with him.

And so it was done.

And it was why you were standing in this club, watching what was basically immediate grounds for the end of an idol’s career unfold before your very eyes.

No wonder he insisted on celebrating in Vegas.

To the other clubgoers, he just looked like some rich influencer balling out.

To you, it was the sight of Japan’s most cherished idol freely handing out retirement savings to all sorts of unscrupulous paparazzi.

It was almost inevitable that he was about to literally begin to rock out with his cock out.

You had to act fast.

Though Gran didn’t have to abide by idol standards anymore, you refused to see his solo career to be tainted in debauchery by the work of Instagram Live.

One moment you were at the other end of the club, the next you were halfway at the center by the poolside bar, asking for napkins and a pen from the bartender.

When it came to the idol industry, far too often did you have to create NDAs on the spot to ensure and protect the image of your idols. Never once did you step into law school, but you were familiar with striking down any potential leaks.

With your makeshift agreements in hand, you were ready to hunt down anyone who was taking pictures of Gran’s shameless display.

Your eyes shifted over to the table he reserved for tonight’s party.

He wasn’t there any longer.

“Just a step behind, manager.”

Because one of his arms was busy slinging around your shoulder, hugging you close to his side as you were quickly led away from the bar towards one of the nearby poolside cabanas--another special rental for tonight’s celebration.

Heat quickly rose to your cheeks. Both out of fear and a feeling of something that only he was privy to. Your head turned around while your fingers clawed at your stack of napkins, alarmed as you looked around to see if anyone--mere clubgoer or sneaky paparazzi--was looking your way.

“G-Gran! What are you doing--?!” You gasped out to him above the deafening club music and the chatter of the crowd. “How drunk are you that you’re doing this?!”

He only grinned toothily as he opened the tent flap, ushering you in while his hand stayed on the small of your back. “I’m not drunk, I’m alive!”

Gran entered after you. 

As the opening flap of the cabana fell closed behind him, he immediately brought his hands up to your cheeks and drew you in for a kiss.

The two of you were close after all.

“Gra— Gran…!” The gasp of his name was muffled between your mouths, his tongue swiping at your bottom lip. Your body was quickly ensnared within his grasp, his arms toned from years dedicated to staying in shape for his years as an idol. Hands that left fans buckling with a mere wave were now roaming over your body, finding much indulgence in squeezing your ass or grabbing at your breasts.

It wasn’t until you felt the slight brush of a napkin against your leg that you realized that you dropped your makeshift NDAs in the process, suddenly making you aware of what you were doing and who you were doing this with.

You pulled away with a weak whine. “We’re still in public—!”

He pursued and kissed you over and over, a grin plastered on his lips. “Who’s to say that everyone out there wouldn’t do the same if they had the chance?”

His fingers ran over the fabric of your dress, brushing at the hem as he teased, “I got this dress for you because I wanted to celebrate, and yet you were still working.” With you still in his arms, he guided you over to a nearby wicker sofa, having you lay across the ivory cushion on top as he hovered above you, gazing down into your eyes with a mischievous expression. “Bad girl~”

As his manager, you were the one to always guide him along his career path, making sure he followed up on his schedule as an idol while giving him space as needed.

But Gran was a leader for a reason.

And he reminded you of this as his fingers tugged down at the neckline of your dress while hiking up its hem.

Fanservice for hands was common for his days as an idol, with him being an expert of winking at a camera during a televised performance, or murmuring a tender line of romance to an audience of adoring fans during a variety show appearance.

But nothing he did publicly could compare to how effortlessly he made you melt with the filth he spoiled you with as the two of you remained locked in your own little world together as the party outside raged on.

“Manager’s pretty nipples--” He groaned in-between noisy suckles and kisses along your breasts, his lips clamped around your hardened peaks, all while his hips ground against yours, making sure you felt the weight of his clothed, erect cock through the flimsy material of your panties, of which were soon removed afterwards.

Were it not knowing that he would only tease and torture you further if you proceeded to do so, you wanted to hide your face in embarrassment--even now, it was still just so much to have the nation’s idol be so dirty towards you.

Especially when it came time for when his desire for you could not wait any further, with the hasty unbuckle of his belt and the tug of his zipper before you felt the hot, drippy tip of his cock nudge and slide against your dribbling center as he groaned out, “--manager’s pretty pussy.” With adoration in his eyes, he then breathed out with reverence as he drank in the sight of your disheveled state. “Everything about you is pretty.”

“You are too much,” you shuddered with a whine, the barrage of his relentless sweetness. “To think I let you get away with practically everything.”

“‘Too much?’” He repeated curiously with a chuckle. “Are you saying you want less? Because I’m pretty sure you want more, right…!”

His hands grabbed hold of your waist as he sheathed his cock inside you fully in one thrust. The squeal of his name on your lips and the adrenaline of partying so hard had him wasting no time to begin pounding away into your core with heavy, hearty thrusts. With a twinkle in his eyes, he admired how precious you looked as you were left to grab at the cushion of the sofa beneath you, all while humming out, “I guess it’s only reasonable that I behave like I do when my manager is so naughty~”

“Gran--!” This man was just too damn good.

His lips were all over yours again, a mix of tender love and shameless desire with each kiss. “No matter where we go from here together, that’s the sound I always wanna hear above anything else in the world!”

It was nearing 3 AM at this point, but as everyone in the club continued to party the night away, so would you and Gran as the both of you celebrated not just his newfound solo career, but a new chapter where he was no longer bound to his duties and expectations of an idol, but to being his own individual, one who would eagerly and happily proclaim his love for you soon enough.

Because while everyone beneath the blue sky saw Gran as their one true idol, there was no one in the world who idolized you like him.

[e-merge-2021]

Sweet Cry-Sis

When it comes to sweet spreads, nobody does it like Nutella. The creamy, chocolatey hazelnut-infused spread has been winning over the hearts of consumers since it was first spread on top of the bread.

Nutella is a sweetened hazelnut cocoa spread made by Ferrero, an Italian company that’s the third-largest chocolate producer in the world. Today, people around the world consume Nutella, and it continues to grow in popularity. This chocolate and hazelnut spread is consumed in many ways and commonly used as a topping for breakfast toast, pancakes and waffles.

However,

CHOCOLATE could soon be extinct as experts warn rising global temperatures could make it more difficult to grow the crop.

About half of the cocoa beans recently produced by the Ivory Coast aren’t meeting quality standards, adding to an existing worldwide shortage of that key chocolate ingredient.

Exporters are rejecting the beans because they are too small and have high acid levels. This means more problems for a market that already has a 180,000-tonne supply deficit. So, what does that mean for chocolate production?

Smaller beans have less cocoa butter, which gives chocolate its texture and the higher levels of acid erode the quality of cocoa butter. Experts predicted in 2014 that there will be a chocolate shortage by 2020, due to the issues with cocoa production.

This rise in the price of cocoa will not only hamper Nutella’s sales but an already premier chocolate spread will become unaffordable. Not only does the cost of production increase, the procurement of materials also is tougher.

Task in Hand:

You as an entrepreneur have to come up with new use of your chocolate spread that will not only increase your sales but will also adjust to the shortage of chocolate.

(For example- Nutella Fills, byte-sized wafers where less amount of Nutella will be added. This is to increase sales and use a minimal amount of chocolate)

Deliverables:

1. Idea and kind of Business

2. Phase-wise Implementation plan

3. Marketing Plan (conventional & unconventional)

4. Allocation of Finances

Submission Details:

A PPT not exceeding 10 slides

Deadline - 11:55am, 18th August 2021

Email: emerge.eh.2021@gmail.com

Subject & File Name: Team Name_Task Name

For any queries, contact:

Sahil: +971 508816347

[ur-favoriterecord]

I was thinking about a Killjoys Pokemon AU and now your left with the thoughts </3

General

Since there are so few ways to like, actually kill a Pokemon, I'd think that they'd be as useful in crews as actual Joy's?

Barely anyone (zone or city) have full teams of six(too many mouths to feed :/). Most have at least 1, at most 3-4

After the Wars, there only remained only a few types. Water and Ice just completely died out all together, and those who didn't adapted into Zone/City exclusive forms (Most notably, the Sneasle line, Vaporeon, Glaceon, and the Staryu line).

Grass types are on the verge of extinction, with only the Cacnea line and Maractus being completely left unchanged from the radiation. The same goes for Flying, Fighting, and Normal types

Eevee's are pretty common in the city, and are usually given to the children of Crows as partners, as most are expected to take their Parents place. That makes it's evolutions more common place in the City rather than the zones. That doesn't mean they are exclusively in the City. Due to some Crow's children escaping to the zones, there more uncommon rather than rare or nonexistent

Evolutionary stones now take one of two forms; Artificial and Atomic. Artificial (Made by BL/i) have a metallic finish, are smoother, and generally have a peice of steel on the stone somewhere. Atomic (Found in the zones) are the closest to regular stones your going to get. They have taken on either a sickly green color or a feint purple. They are more jagged, and you can count that there is a huge crack

Shinies have basically gone from "You'd be lucky to see one in your life" to "Your crewmate probably has one. Maybe all your crewmates have one"

Fab 4 + The Girl + Radio Crew

The Girls partner/starter was a Zones!Sneasel(Dark/Fire) she met when it tried to steal Party's hair dye, mistaking it for food. Her name is Thi </3

Jet has a Shiny Salandit named Ivory that they got after rescuing her from Joys trying to get extra money

Party's partner, a Houndoom named Blaze, they met after TCM was complaining of someone-or something-stealing merchandise. She tracked it down and after a few protests from Tommy, caught him.

Ghoul doesn't really have a set partner. Xey more so have 3 partners who continuesly try to eat xeir doritos. A Zones!Raticate(Fire)[Named Rascal], a Shiny Krokorok[Named Shades], and a Sizzlipede[Named Dante]

Kobra's partner is a Zones!Umbreon(Dark/Poison) named Ivy. She had evolved shortly after(like, a day after) they had "Officially" formed the crew. Ivy really protective of The Girl

Cherri's partner is a Klefki named Bottle that helps him at the track

Ivy does not like Cherri

Dr. D's partner is a Rotom named Ziggy. It likes to try and disrupt the broadcast but never succeeds

Show Pony's partners are a Boltund named Speed Racer and a Dedenne named Satellite. They help them on supply runs

Comic/Post-SING

C.A.T is just a Purrloin. Literally nothing different about it other than it now has a tiny camera strapped to its back

The Fab 4 had left their teams at the diner before hand in case anything happened to them

The Ultra V's have Two pokemon between all of them and they are Vaya and Vamos's Plusle and Minun that they not only got after the group formed and found the two in Tommy's makeshift dumpster, they don't have names for them

Pokemon just HATE Val

Ivy is no exception

Misc Zone Inhabitants

Tommy doesn't have a partner. Like, at all. Sure, a few Pokemon come into the shop from time to time, and he will give them extra food and water(He's not completely heartless), but he never really needed one

Dr. Benzedrine has a little Sinestea floating around them at all times. It's not officially their partner, but it might as well be. Its name is Earl

Mr. Sandman's partner is a Zones!Hypno (Psychic/Ghost) named Brightside. Like Ziggy, he likes to play pranks on everyone.

Side note: Ivy LOVES Sandman

The Phoenix Witch does have a partner, a Zones!Leafeon(Grass/Ghost) with No Name. She's never spoken of in grave detail, as no one has seen her in person, though some have stated that they may have seen her being on Dr. D's lap one time while he was doing the traffic. (She was getting the best ear scritches!)

So far, that's all I have for this AU!

[delicatebluebirdruins]

Rereading THG 1

Part 1 the tributes; Part 2 the games; Part 3 the victor

My notes and thoughts as I reread the series in light of finished Ballad (it should have been sooner but I wanted to finish the book I was currently on... I was planning on ending the series and I’m on the fifth book of the six book series its going to drag me for a while I can tell so here I am) 

1 - 4

- the first time we see Kat and Gale together they’re in the woods and then they go to the lake when in Ballad the lake is the last place Snow visits in D12 

-- I’m listening to the audiobook narrated by Tatiana Maslany and I love that she actually did a quack sound and I quite like her as Katniss thus far

- the humiliation from being made to see the the Hunger Games as a barrel of fun and games

- So what did happen to Lucy Gray?

- I kind of snorted when I read this bit “As far as Reapings go at least this one has a slight entertainment factor” Snow was probably watching this and just going

- I always love the salute

- “Family devotion only goes so far for most people on reaping day” interesting line especially watching Haymitch’s games in CF

- Katniss references 7 year old Prim cleaning there fathers old shaving mirror every night-- not really a comparison but Snow looking at and smelling the powder in his mothers compact mirror--- Did Prim stop? if so when? and why?

- In Ballad Grandma’am made Tigris and Snow sit down and eat their meal together =Kat is telling the bread story she tells us she made Prim wait and fetched her mother and they sat down together eating one of the loaves and had some tea as well... However, I’m sure we can all see the differences in the two very different families

- Everlark shaking hands with the “reassuring squeeze” compared too Lucy and Jessup shaking hands with the blatant show man ship of it all- random note I liked Jessup and was sad with when he died and this was one of the scenes where I wished we were in another persons head as well

- Prim’s faith in Katniss vs Tigris and her faith in Snow

- from Ballad we know they did not have a chance to say bye so when did this come in?

- Katniss’s reaction to the gifts and the gratefulness for them until she rejects the cookies from daddy Mellark

- the conversation between Gale and Katniss is also reminiscent of something in Ballad

“you know how to kill.” “Not really.I say”... The awful thing is that if I can forget they’re people, it will be no different at all”

- I wonder about Johanna’s thought process in her Games

- the differences in trains between Ballad and this

-  about Mockingjays “something of a slap in the face to the Capitol“ We all know what Snow thought about them so that leads to even more wondering how long the mockingjay is a symbol of the rebellion

- Katniss appreciating the food and then annoying Effie with eating the rest of the food by using her fingers is still great

- Haymitch self medicating and the first reference to Haymitch’s job of mentoring I wonder if the 10th games is the first and last game when the Capitol kids did mentoring or when the victors became the mentors

5 - 8

- Katniss about Peeta’s kindness vs Snow about Sejanus

- The woods became our saviour and I was desperate to save us.... In Ballad the Snows also struggled with finding food for a few reasons they were in the city with a war going on

- Mrs Everdeen admonishing Katniss about her eating habits

- Everlark exchanging a exasperated look and Katniss admonishing her self about it

- “the best looking tributes always seem to pull more sponsors”

- 64 years of “progress” leading to the tributes having their own recognisable train

- Katniss winning over the prep team with a little manipulation via a smile and sweet words

- D12 were the stylists ordered to be bad or just incompetent?

- Relief about seeing Peeta and his knowledge of fires

- them laughing about their costumes and Haymitch 😂

+ Cinna was there a chance of the fire going horribly wrong?

When did the parades start being a thing and I hope to god it wasn’t inspired by what happened to Brandy?

- who throws the rose?

- The reaction of the Capitol people and how Katniss feels about them

- Katniss about the elevator is precious

- Effie wanting to threaten Haymitch with a gun to get him to the sponser table

- Kat wanting to press all the buttons in her suite

- Was Delly Cartwright just the first person Peeta thought of

- I wonder what Lavinia was running away from specifically

— “that I let the Capitol kill the boy and mutilate her without lifting a finger... Just like I was the games”

- “I can’t do anything, says Peeta” that’s me

- The effect Katniss has on people and think about Maude Ivory

- “its weird how much he’s noticed me... And apparently, I have not been as oblivious to him as I imagined, either”

- the knot station and the camouflage station is two stations that don’t get a lot of action why is that

- I love the bread lesson

- one of the gamemakers fixated on Katniss?

- Rue 😟😔 we first learn her name when Everlark at the spear throwing station

- i kind of hyper focused on the “we finally escape to bed”

- And of course the private audience with the gamemakers theres a little showmanship

— upstaged by the pig

— all the different places Kat shot at

— the reaction of the Avoxes and Gamemakers

- insert point here that I forgot

- “And I realise the impossible has happened. They have actualy cheered me up”

- “I grin at Peeta and realise I’m starving”

- the portrayal of Everlark being a team and the later romance

- the eleven probably made Snow grind his teeth

- the interview prep... “if you appeal to the crowd... you gain favor”

- the interview dress being eye catching

- “I am as radient as the sun”

- the difference between the interviews in Ballad and the ones in THG are also telling

— I think I’m goin to stop listening to the audiobook despite my liking of Tatiana Maslany because I’m also rereading the physical book kind of sad but not really

- Caesar and Lucky interview techniques born from their circumstances in the timeline

- Peeta’s confession gets me everytime... and I really really want to know what he was thinking in this reread

- “It’s all a big show. It’s all how you’re perceived” another Ballad similarity

- Another possible tie it in “more than a piece in their games”

- I really can’t imagine why cannibalism doesn’t play well with the Capitol audience.... 

- When did the trackers get developed? and when did they start being used for the Games?

-- In Ballad the mentors had a group planning session with Dr Gaul so did this become a regular thing that the head gamemakers had to add things to the games during their stint?

- Who came up with idea for the old arenas to be used as vacation spots?

[raulsparza]

Moby Dick: A Musical Reckoning: 1.2.2020 ~Thoughts~

Alright so I loved it. There were parts I felt unsure about throughout, and there are parts I would alter or cut, but it felt like a malloysical and I was captivated the entire time. I was a little worried it would drag because 3 ½ hours is a good hour longer than any other show I’ve seen but it definitely didn’t. I would have happily sat in that theater for another two hours. Unfortunately, my biggest gripe was with the microphones. I feel like I missed a fair amount of what the cast was saying and I’m glad I had my knowledge from reading the book to fall back on.

Bullet point thoughts for each part under the cut, because this became too long 

Prologue:

-        Opening with the Jonah and the whale story rocks. We are all in the belly of the whale. Made the audience part of the show immediately. Let’s get on the Pequod together why don’t we.

-        Manik Choksi stepped onstage, wearing a baggy water-splashed jacket, and I was hooked. He was the perfect Ishmael and I had that thought no less than 30 times throughout the show. Perfect casting. Perfect man.

-        First we got a little introduction into the history of the theater and the book itself. The show broke the fourth wall often, critiquing both Herman Melville’s writing and the state of the world as it stands today. Sometimes this felt a little on-the-nose (my friend reflected she would have liked more show-don’t-tell tactics) but it’s also an interesting way to be a critical consumer of media while still enjoying the original story. The Melville bust and the physical book Moby Dick were both on stage the entire show.

Part 1:

-        And then, “Call me Ishmael” – chills. It’s a damp drizzly November in his soul and we are heading off to sea.

-        Starbuck, Stubb, and Flask had this wonderful repeating joke where each of them had to say the other two names any time they all interacted and it was good fun. Each shipmate got introduced, perhaps a little quickly but they all did develop further later. Queequeg even said he would get his own song in a bit.

-        Queequeg’s own song really did not work for me. It was a bit too campy. It followed Ishmael’s strong desire to not share a bed with a cannibal in the book, but it was still goofy. I keep going back and forth on how goofy I am comfortable with the first half of the show being, to really contrast it with the darker later half, but this song was a bit much for me. It ended with some great cuddling, and I would have liked some quiet dialogue between Ishmael and Queequeg while they were holding each other in bed.

-        Tom Nelis as Ahab KILLED IT. (well the show, not the whale). He looked like an absolute corpse of a man in respectable captain garb. The physical acting he did to walk and sit with his ivory leg was astounding.

-        I honestly just really loved the casting for this show. I could make a separate point for everyone. But Starr Busby as Starbuck really needs her own point. She was commanding and human and torn and excellent.

-        DEATH TO MOBY DICK! Intense green lights and music as Ahab touched the lances and then poured shots into the harpoons. It was exciting! It was only border-line concerning. We are descending, but we have not yet descended.

Five minute pause:

-        Manik made eye contact with me

-        He picked volunteers for part 2. I was not picked to be a volunteer but he sure did pick the guy right next to me and told him he could “tell your friend all about it!” so Manik also talked about me

Part 2:

-        Audience volunteers were ushered onto the stage and adorned in red ponchos as they were warned of a splash zone.

-        Cetology was perfect. I unironically enjoyed this notoriously terrible book chapter so you bet your ass I shared Ishmael’s child-like excitement as he named all the whales that cast members brought out in puppet-form. This song could have been longer. It could have been much longer. It became a running joke to cut Ishmael off when he was about to go on a tangent and I just want to live in a world where Manik is given the time and space to infodump eight hours of whale anatomy to me and me alone.

-        Then four little boats on wheels came up out of the stage and the audience volunteers were each rounded up by a cast member and put in a boat. This took a bit of time (honestly, as fun as the volunteers are, I could see this being where the show would be shortened first) but I had a stupid grin on my face the whole time and the boats went around the stage, commanded by the crew with harpoons at the ready.

-        Stubb killed a whale and the use of puppetry here was my favorite in the show. A whale made of crumpled plastic water bottles was brought to center stage and took it’s last shuddering breaths. Someone crouched inside the puppet to make it breathe shallow and raspy, and to spray some ‘blood’ in the direction of the audience volunteers.

-        Fedallah broke the fourth wall and gave a wonderful critique of the Melville’s inability to give this character any depth. Again, this teetered between good exploration and on-the-nose preaching for me. It’s clear we are not just watching a Moby Dick adaptation, but we are also part of an important literary critique. Would all of the critique have been better off in the prologue, or is it useful to interrupt the flow of the story for this sort of discussion? I’m still not sure. The more I think about it, the more I liked it woven in the story because it’s reflective of how we end up consuming media, but it caught me off guard at first because it’s unusual in a setting where characters are delivering a story. Again, maybe that’s a good thing.

-        The whale as a dish was stupidly fun. Lots of props for whale parts and buckets of blood and a very enthusiastic Stubb. Kalyn West was bouncy and limber and was very adept at dealing with her pipe the whole time. Another example of a goofy song to contrast the darkness later. I enjoyed it a lot.

-        Cast and volunteers then all sat in a circle around the stage and squeezed some sperm. Queequeg waved Ishmael over to sit next to him and they shot each other cute glances during the song.

-        The Pequod met the Bachelor and the sailors danced on the platform right next to me. Dawn Troupe shook my hand at the end of it bless

-        Tashtego and Daggoo sat up in the crow’s nest and interpreted whale song. Some of their dialogue felt stilted but Tash had a beautiful song.

-        Starbuck confronting Ahab and then Ahab pulling a gun on Starbuck…INTENSE. Man, Starbuck really shined for me here.

Intermission:

-        Shout out to the crew members that have to mop up whale blood for this 15 minute chunk of time

Part 3:

-        We’re in Pip hours babey. Maybe I would have liked Pip’s character to have been developed more before this part. It was developed retrospectively throughout part 3 but some sprinkling of Pip in 1 and 2 could have worked for me.

-        I’ve seen better analyses of tambourine than I could write rn so I’m not gonna get too deep into it. But, I agree that the race elements could have been handled different? Better? Get Dave a co-writer maybe? The thing about gender was odd to me. I’m also curious about the cast’s thoughts on this one. I ALSO agree that this song slaps. It’s been the one most consistently stuck in my head. And Morgan Siobhan Green’s acting/dancing/writhing really stood out to me.

-        Loved Pip in the whaleboat while the rest of the cast billowed a big blue sheet in the middle of the stage. The song about Pip being left behind in the water was haunting.

Part 4:

-        Part 4 was by far my favorite. Holy shit. This part felt the most uniform and really solidified the show for me as Good Theater. If there was a way to preserve some of the goofiness from part 2 but also develop the characters throughout in the way they were treated in part 4, that would be ideal. Like I REALLY loved part 4.

-        Got some good Queequeg and Ishamel moments here. I am disappointed their relationship wasn’t highlighted even more. Other than their songs, they held hands center stage together at one point (during Fedallah’s prophecy I think?). Which like, fine, but also Melville married them so that could have happened too.

-        “No one grew into anything new, we just became the worst of what we were.” Well dAMN. Excellent summation of the story right there. Ishmael kept repeating this haunting line, and then it kept repeating in my head till the end. Perfect.

-        Sextet rocked so hard everyone had a different conflict they were working out and different musical themes and Starbuck shined because Starbuck shined the whole time but wow I loved it. Ahab is all focused on a new leg and harpoon, meanwhile Queequeg is sick and only Ishmael is helping him. And Stubb and Flash hanging off the crow’s nest saying in dissonant unison “shall we lower Mr. Starbuck” really highlighted Starbuck’s great desire to not lower. *Chef’s kiss*

-        And y’all. When they chased Moby Dick. Three ropes came out of the front of the stage that they all pulled on and big BRIGHT lights (think Anatole in great comet) shown into the audience. There was slow motion rope pulling as the cast swayed and struggled. It was so visually beautiful and it worked so well.

-        And then I wanted to hug Ishmael but I want to do that a lot.

Bottom line, this was not a favorite of mine and I think it still needs some restructuring and rewriting to really be coherent and final, but I enjoyed it a lot. The pit and crew and cast and design team all worked incredibly hard. This must have been a marathon for the performers! I have a lot more thoughts that are still developing, which I also like. I want to leave a theater and continuing thinking about the show. I’m excited to see how this musical reckoning might change over time.

[grusinskayas]

i was tagged by @msariadneoliver. thank you! :)

this or that

coffee or tea | early bird or night owl | chocolate or vanilla | spring or fall | silver or gold | pop or alternative | freckles or dimples | snakes or sharks | mountains or fields | thunder or lightning | egyptian mythology or greek mythology | ivory or scarlet | flute or lyre | opal or diamond | butterflies or honeybees | macarons or eclairs | typewritten or handwritten | secret garden or secret library | rooftop or balcony | spicy or mild | opera or ballet | london or paris | vincent van gogh or claude monet | denim or leather | potions or spells | ocean or desert | mermaids or sirens | masquerade ball or cocktail party

instructions: tag 10 people you’d like to know better

name: mari

starsign: aries

hogwarts house: hufflepuff

height: 153 cm (that’s 5' 0.25" apparently)

sexuality: lesbian

favorite animal: probably cats

average time of sleep: usually 7 (i try)

current time: 9:40am

dogs or cats: cats

blankets you sleep with: one that i always sleep with no matter the temperature because i need the emotional support it gives me

when you made your blog: october 2018

followers: 2337 but i’m pretty sure there are many many bots hidden there

why you made your blog: the old hollywood people are nice here

reason for your url: greta garbo is pretty great

rules: answer 21 questions and tag 21 people you would like to get to know better

real name? mariana

nickname? mari

zodiac? aries

favorite musicians or groups? i’m very weird with music, i usually listen to a bunch of random stuff from very different people.

favorite sports teams? none

other blogs? @effanineffables

do i get asks? when i do those ask games, yes

how many blogs do i follow? a lot. 747.

tumblr crushes? none

lucky numbers? 3 and 9

what am i wearing? i’m still in my pajamas lol

dream vacation? i like sweden. england too

dream car? no cars please

favorite food? pasta

drink of choice? juice

instruments? mainly piano

languages? english, my first language is portuguese and i understand spanish if you speak slowly (but i think most people who speak portuguese do). also i did swedish for some time and i can understand VERY BASIC stuff lol

celebrity crushes? bjebvjhev the concept of celebrity crushes is such a weird one to me and i would like to say i don’t have any but the image of rosemarie ford popped into my mind involuntarily when i read the question so yes.

random facts? elaine paige is only 2 centimeters shorter than me and i think about this a lot. we’re practically twins.

20 random facts about yourself that may surprise people

1. do you make your bed? yes, very neatly

2. what’s your favourite number? 9

3. what’s your job? i wish i had one

4. if you could, would you go back to school? i’m actually at uni lol but if we’re talking about high school, i would NEVER go back to high school

5. can you parallel park? what does this mean (ok i just searched it, it’s a car thing 😂 i only knew the portuguese word for this so i was very confused lol but i can’t, i don’t drive)

6. a job you had which would surprise people? i don’t think i had any surprising jobs? i used to tutor a little boy and i once worked in a newsstand

7. do you think aliens are real? yes

8. can you drive a manual car? why are there so many car questions here

9. what’s your guilty pleasure? idk?

10. tattoos? don’t have any

11. favourite colour? red and pink

12. things people do that drive you crazy? demand that i reply to messages fast because omg i can’t do that to save my life. messaging takes me a lot of mental strength and half the time i think i said the wrong thing and you hate me so please be patient, i love you a lot but i am an anxious munchkin 💕

also when people raise their voices in a discussion. it’s actually not difficult to keep your voice down you know

13. any phobias? no

14. favourite childhood sport? swimming

15. do you talk to yourself? that’s all i do tbh

16. what movie do you adore? so manyyyy, but the red shoes is a pretty cute one

17. do you like doing puzzles? i don’t do many, but yes

18. favourite kind of music? the only thing i’ve been listening to lately is musical theatre stuff

19. tea or coffee? tea

20. the first thing you remember you wanted to be when you grew up? a veterinarian

i tag @imaginerium @she-went-all-cylon @an-elephant--never----forgets @celluloid-dame @theoldsoulsclub and @historically-inclined

[youngke]

INSTRUCTIONS: TAG 10 PEOPLE YOU’D LIKE TO KNOW BETTER!

and [thor voice] ANOTHER! a much longer one, too. tagged once again by the loveliest of lovelies @kidmannicole <3

name: sheryl starsign: aquarius sun, gemini moon, gemini rising hogwarts house: i’m finally a ravenclaw height: 5′3″ i think sexuality: queer favorite animal: doggos, pandas, elephants average time of sleep: 5-6 hours but i wish it was more current time: 10.34pm dogs or cats: doggies blankets you sleep with: one big one i like to wrap around myself so i’m a human burrito when you made your blog: this blog? maybe 3 years ago? but i’ve been on this site since 2009 omfg followers: about 150 why you made your blog: surprisingly, tumblr now seems like the least harmful social media platform for me since i can curate this space as much as i want reason for your url: bong joon-ho is a boss

RULES: ANSWER 21 QUESTIONS AND TAG 21 PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO GET TO KNOW BETTER

real name? sheryl nickname? sher zodiac? aquarius favorite musicians or groups? janelle monáe, julien baker, pvris, my chemical romance, fall out boy, taylor swift, lady gaga, blackpink favorite sports teams? i am Clueless here other blogs? not anymore do i get asks? only sometimes how many blogs do i follow? about 100 and like maybe 10 of those are probably chris evans fan accounts tumblr crushes? ari you’re one of them!! also @whatelsecanwedonow whose blog is EPIC lucky numbers? 2, 7, 11 what am i wearing? black shorts, meg & dia t-shirt dream vacation? i want to visit all of scotland and ireland dream car? ya girl can’t drive and doesn’t really plan to LOL favorite food? carbs. <- SAME drink of choice? black tea or black coffee, no sugar instruments? piano and guitar languages? english and a little mandarin celebrity crushes? many many many people. i get crushes on talented performers all the time. and idk if you knew this but if you just spent a teeny bit of time on my blog... the answer is chris evans random facts? i cannot ride a bicycle

THIS OR THAT

coffee or tea | early bird or night owl | chocolate or vanilla | spring or fall | silver or gold | pop or alternative | freckles or dimples | snakes or sharks | mountains or fields | thunder or lightning | egyptian mythology or greek mythology | ivory or scarlet | flute or lyre | opal or diamond | butterflies or honeybees | macarons or eclairs | typewritten or handwritten | secret garden or secret library | rooftop or balcony | spicy or mild | opera or ballet | london or paris | vincent van gogh or claude monet | denim or leather | potions or spells | ocean or desert | mermaids or sirens | masquerade ball or cocktail party

20 RANDOM FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF THAT MAY SURPRISE PEOPLE.

1. do you make your bed? NO 2. what’s your favourite number? 11 3. what’s your job? i write 4. if you could, would you go back to school? fuck nooooooooo 5. can you parallel park? the bitch can’t drive. 6. a job you had which would surprise people? eh i’ve always worked within my field 7. do you think aliens are real? yep. 8. can you drive a manual car? is this quiz just trying to make me feel inadequate for not knowing how to drive!!! 9. what’s your guilty pleasure? nothing anymore 10. tattoos? sadly, none 11. favourite colour? lilac, powder blue, obsidian 12. things people do that drive you crazy? people who willfully miscommunicate drive me bonkerssss 13. any phobias? butterflies and moths 14. favourite childhood sport? netball 15. do you talk to yourself? all the time. 16. what movie do you adore? the lord of the rings <- DITTO 17. do you like doing puzzles? i haven’t done any since i was a kid so i don’t know! 18. favourite kind of music? anything with narrative, introspective lyrics 19. tea or coffee? truly both 20. the first thing you remember you wanted to be when you grew up? buzz lightyear space ranger. seriously.

honestly if you got to the end, you’re such a champ!!! ily. tagging you reading this specifically.