#the grand festival announcement's got me thinking

[splatsvilles-fashionista]

Back in like May 2022 I wrote a post about how I was excited for Splatoon 3 because it was the first game in the series to not be held back by complications in its development (with Splatoon 1 being a brand new IP by a relatively inexperienced team on a failing console, and Splatoon 2 being very clearly rushed out for that console's successor) and in retrospect that is an extremely naive thing to say about a game releasing on the heels of a worldwide pandemic that ground entire sectors of the entertainment industry to a screeching halt. With Nintendo announcing that they'll announce their next console within the next half a year or so it seems pretty obvious, at least to me, that they wanted Splatoon 3 out much sooner than we got it, which the announcement of the Grand Festival (which HASN'T been confirmed to Splatoon 3's final Splatfest, but it has heavy Splatocalypse vibes), only compounded.

We'll get a Splatoon 4 sooner or later, likely on Nintendo's next console, and it'll likely have it's own troubles during development. Games are just too big and complicated for there to be no growing pains at all, but regardless I hope the devs get the time and resources they need to make it as complete a package as they can.

And in the meantime I think the Splatoon 3 we got is pretty darn good all things considered!

[gublerie]

suburban legends - in depth of a theory that the song is written about matthew gray gubler

this theory was made by me and rafa (@bendthwrules on twitter) cause we’re both delusional and have lots of free time apparently lol please take this lightly this is just to have fun. if you have any thoughts to share or add to our theory dont be shy !

first and foremost, we’ll start with a timeline then dive in to analyze the lyrics! it all starts with taylor’s infamous 4th of july parties, as most of you probably already know, matthew was in one of her parties in 2013, she threw the party at her house in rhode island.

on july 3rd, matthew tweeted that his next stop was new england, later that day, he took a photo with a fan during a flight to connecticut. the rumors that he was at her party started when he posted pictures with face paint and sparklers and people started to notice similarities between his and taylor’s pictures, he later deleted said pictures.

for reference, first are the pictures he posted and the pictures taylor took with other friends on the same occasion.

later on, we got this picture of the of them together, confirming that he was at her party indeed. (i can’t remember who posted this so if you remember please let me know)

his attendance on taylor’s independence party sparked rumors of a possible romance, although they didn’t officially date, it’s common knowledge that they did have a fling (also for the sake of the theory we’ll accept that as true lol).

let’s fast forward to 300 (and almost 65) days later, a new movie premieres at the fantasia international film festival on june of 2014, the movie is suburban gothic. and this was the starting point for me and rafa i mean suburban gothic… suburban legends…

taylor announced her first pop album ever, 1989, on a yahoo worldwide livestream on august 18th, 2014. by the time she announced it, of course, the album was already finished and the tracks it would have were already determined so anything taylor wrote after that, wouldn’t be in the original version of 1989.

our grand theory is that the premier of matthew’s new movie, suburban gothic, made taylor think back on her (very very) brief relationship with him, therefore, inspiring her to write suburban legends, a direct reference to the movie title.

without further ado, let’s get to the lyrics!!

taylor start the song by singing

“You had people who called you on unmarked numbers

In my peripheral vision”

which led us to associating it to mgg’s previous girlfriend and also his co-star in suburban gothic, kat dennings. since they were doing a movie together, they probably were in contact a lot and that’s possibly what taylor was referencing in this verse.

she then goes

“I let it slide like a hose on a slippery plastic summer

All was quickly forgiven”

keep in mind all the 4th of july parties are in the middle of summer, this verse could be a direct reference to that since the very first rumors started with a party in the middle of summer.

“And you kiss me in a way that's gonna screw me up forever”

do i even need to say anything else?

“I had the fantasy that maybe our mismatched star signs would surprise the whole school”

when sharing my thoughts on the lyrics with rafa, i reminded her of what taylor wrote in state of grace “just twin fire signs”, this could be about taylor and the person she’s singing about sharing star signs (of the elements fire) but also about them being twin flames (or at least she thought so). just like she purposefully mentioned matching signs in previous lyrics, i do believe she would mention mismatched signs, mind you that taylor is a sagittarius and matthew is a pisces.

that verse could also be a metaphor about how would people view their relationship, they are from different parts of the industry and didn’t share many mutual friends. “surprising the whole school” could be about how shocked the general public would be about them being together.

“When I ended up back at our class reunion walking in with you

You'd be more than a chapter in my old diaries with the pages ripped out”

here i want to highlight the expression “you’d be” and in the previous verse “i had a fantasy”, when using these expressions, taylor is taking a position of someone imagining something, someone wondering even daydreaming about what things would be like. all the other theories about who this song is about revolve around people who taylor actually had a relationship with like harry styles and it just doesn’t make sense to me why she’d be having a fantasy of how things would be like when she knew how things were. personally, this verses make much more sense when placed in a context of someone who taylor didn’t have a real relationship with, like matthew.

“I know that you still remember”

if we’re starting from the assumption that she wrote the song almost a year later looking back at what happened between them, this verse could be how she is directly talking to him, she is remembering what happened and she knows he still remember as well.

“When you told me we'd get back together”

this could possibly hint to him wanting to get back together with her, wanting to actually evolve into a true relationship.

“I broke my own heart 'cause you were too polite to do it”

although i think there’s something almost sarcastic to this verse (like you were sooo polite you couldn’t even break my heart 🥴), i still do think it makes a connection to the previous verse i mentioned, perhaps he wanted to have a real relationship with her and when she realized it wouldn’t work, she had to break her own heart so she could move on.

and some other verses that just scream matthew gray gubler (iykyk) but i can’t quite put into words like “You were so magnetic it was almost obnoxious” or “We were born to be national treasures”.

well, that was too much ! i think it’s pretty clear that i’m not the most skilled writer (😭) but this was just to share the thoughts that were making me go crazy. huuuuge thanks to rafa cause she was the one to make me stop and think about it also helped me with the writing process and also is big on timeline cause she’s been on both fandoms a long time, ty love 🩷.

please let me know your thoughts on this, love you pookies 🫶

[skellyflowers]

Beach Day

Masterlist

Cumulus x reader x Phantom 

It is Thursday and the band has a week off between music festivals so Copia announced to  his ghouls that they were taking a beach trip to unwind. Phantom ran up to me in the chapel cafeteria after he heard the news.

“Papa said we can all bring a friend! So will you go with us? Please?”

He practically begs me. And he gives me his best puppy dog eyes that he can manage with the mask. I can only imagine his face underneath.  If I was alone or in the ghoul’s common areas I would have been hit with full force.

I put my pointer finger to my chin and look like I am really considering his question. My friend Sister Lucy stands next me and lets out a quiet chuckle. Phantom on the other hand is vibrating with anticipation.

“I don’t know Phantom, I might be busy this weekend.” I say sarcastically.

“PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE! ” Phantom shouts, dropping to the ground in front of me and Lucy. Drawing the attention of everyone in the room. Siblings and ghouls alike turned to look at the three of us.

“Ok, ok I’ll go, stop yelling.” I say, face hot with embarrassment because of the attention. Phantom jumps to his feet with a huge smile on his face.

“Yay! Thank you thank you thank you!” Phantom now holding on to my hand and bouncing. At least the others in the room have turned away. “I’ll see you this weekend!” Phantom gives a kiss to my knuckles and runs off.

“I think he is excited.” Says Lucy after the fact.

“Do you really think so?” I ask sarcastically. My cheeks are still warm. 

 We both laugh and head out of the cafeteria after a few minutes. We walk down the hallway until we pass the Library. Lucy stops and I turn to look at her.

“I got to return this book” Lucy says with an annoyed look on her face “Sister Marge has started getting on my case anytime she sees me. I can’t keep dealing with it.”

“Well you better get in there.” I respond “Sister Marge loves her books more than any of us. I’ll see you later Lucy.”

“Good night bestie.” Lucy says and then enters the Library.

I briefly wondered what book she borrowed and long before Sister Marge considered it too long to borrow any of the books. I’ll try to remember the question when I see Lucy again. I probably wouldn’t if I was being honest. Now I need to find something to do until bedtime. I’m not tired yet and I don’t want to go back to the Sister's living quarters just yet. So I keep walking down The Ministry’s halls and I end at the ghoul’s practice room.

I head into the room and look around to see any unmasked ghouls who may be there. I see Swiss and Mountain sitting on one side of the room. Swiss has a guitar in his hands and three young ghouls around him. Mountain has some bongos and two young ghouls watching him carefully.  I didn’t know that they were teaching! That is so cute! I look at the other side of the room and see the ladies, Cumulus and Cirrus. They are sitting at the grand piano talking.

“Hello ladies” I say while walking over to them.

“Hi Sweetie!” Cumulus says happily.

“Good evening.” Cirrus responses, cool as always.

“How are you two? How was practice?” 

“It goes really well when the boys aren’t goofing around.” Cirrus says loudly. I assume she is talking about Swiss.

“It will be nice to have a week off.” Cumulus said, stretching her arms over her head.

“Are you two excited about the beach trip?” I ask. Both ghoulettes turn to look at me surprised.

“How did you know about that? Papa just told us.” Cumulus asked.

“Phantom asked if I would go.” I explain.

“So that’s where he ran off to.” Cirrus says insightfully.

“WHAT?!?!?” Cumulus yelps “I WAS GOING TO ASK YOU!” She crosses her arms and starts to pout. She looks so cute, like a grumpy little cloud.

“What are we yelling about?”

I turn to see the mystery person who has appeared behind me. It’s Aurora. I can't believe I didn’t hear her coming up behind me. She looks at the three of us with curious eyes. Her tail gently waved behind her.

“Our dear sister here can read minds.” Cirrus jokes.

“REALLY! WHAT AM I THINKING RIGHT NOW!” Aurora shouts, putting her fingers to the sides of her head. Her face twisted in concentration.

“She was joking.” I said deadpan.

“Boo that’s boring.” Aurora said clearly disappointed. “But really what did I miss?”

“Phantom invited her to the beach trip.” Cumulus answered, wrapping her hands around my middle and hooking her chin over my shoulder. I try, and fail, to suppress a smile. “I wanted to ask her.” Cumulus pouts again and I feel her tail around my ankle.

“And you said yes sister?” Aurora asked.

“I couldn’t say no when he dropped to the floor and started begging and yelling.”

“Hot.” Swiss yells from the other side of the practice room. I feel my face heat up again.

“And now Lus is pouting because she couldn’t ask her girlfriend first.” Cirrus says connecting all the dots.

“I’m his girlfriend too.” I say, defending Phantom. Cumulus tightens her grip on me a little so reach behind me and try to find her horns so I give them a little scratch. When I found one she started purring.

“Are you two going to invite anyone?” I ask, trying to get the attention off me for a moment.

“I was planning on asking Sunshine.”Cirrus says.

“I want to but I’m not sure the person will say yes to me.” Aurora says looking very unconfident.

“Who were you going to ask? Do I know them?” I asked.

“Well.” Aurora pauses “Yes you do.”

“Who?! Tell me!” Fully giving Aurora my attention. My curiosity overflowing.

“Sister Lucy” She mumbled covering her blushing face after.

“Really! Go ask her. Lucy will totally say yes!” I encourage.

“You think so?” I hear Aurora become a little more confident with her words.

“Of course she will!” My voice is getting more animated. “She is probably still at the Library getting a lecture by Sister Marge.” 

“OK! I’ll go right now!” Aurora says running out of the room.

“So that means our guest list is Sister Lucy, Aether and you.” Cirrus comments.

“What are you doing for the rest of the night Sweetie?” Cumulus asks.

I look around the room to check if there is a clock in the practice room. When I see it the clock reads 10:37 PM. Wow, time really flies.

“I have to go to bed. I’m helping make breakfast tomorrow.” I sigh.

“Can I walk you back to your room?” Cumulus mumbles into my neck.

“Sure. Good night Cirrus.”

“Good night Sister. See you on Saturday.” Cirrus says waving me and Cumulus off.

The walk back to my room was quiet and uneventful. Cumulus put her mask back on and held my hand on the way. Once we made it to my door she lifted it to give me a good night kiss. Then slowly turned to walk back to the ghoul den, I hope she takes it easy on Phantom.

The day of the beach trip finally arrives. I didn’t realize how much I was looking forward to the trip. It would be nice to have a day of leisure. I head down stairs and outside with Lucy. Outside Papa is getting the ghouls ready. I notice that there are two Brothers of Sin helping pack up two large vans. I think their names are Sam and Ivan. I wonder if they are going with us or just helping.

Aurora sees the two of us first and starts waving her arms. Cumulus and Phantom turn to see us walk over to them. Phantom takes our bags and puts them into one of the vans.

“You two ready to go? Papa said we are going to a private beach!” asked Cumulus, giving me a hug.

“I can’t wait!” said Lucy.

Papa did one last head count and we all got into the vans. I was with Lucy, Aurora, Cumulus Phantom, Rain and Ivan. I guess they are going too. The hour and a half long drive was pleasant with very little traffic. And when we get to the private beach we see that there are bungalows like a private resort.

All of the boys get to work unpacking the vans and setting up umbrellas, chairs, blankets and towels. Mountain and Aether also set up two large tents. Me, Lucy and Cumulus claim a large blanket, two umbrellas and three chairs for our area.

“If anyone needs a break we also have the bungalows.” Papa announces.

I take out the dress I was wearing over my black bikini and I feel eyes on me. Unsurprisingly both Phantom and Cumulus are staring holes thru me. I laugh out of embarrassment and Phantom wraps me in a hug from behind and starts to purr in my ear.

“This is nice.” he whispers.

“Thank you”

“I can’t believe you were hiding this from us.” Cumulus purrs in my face.

“Hey! Get a room you pervs!” shouts Aurora. She throws her shirt at us and my ghouls laugh at her. Aurora helps Lucy put sunblock on her back and the two go to the water.

“Let's get you nice and protected” Cumulus says “don’t want to get burnt.”

She and Phantom work together to put sunblock on every piece of visible skin. They were very diligent and even got my ears. After a few minutes of ensuring I was protected from the sun we joined the others in the water.

I stay in the waist deep water and see what the others are doing. Swiss and Aurora are splashing and dunking each other. Dew, Adam and Aether are a ball around. I don’t see Rain but I'm sure he is having a swim under the water. Mountain has dug a hole with Cirrus and Sunshine. I guess they are making a little private pond. Papa sits at the shore under an umbrella watching over all of us.

After floating in the water for a while I make my way back to our spot on the beach Lucy follows after. We both look into the ice chest for snacks and water. 

“So, you and Aurora?”

“Yes! I couldn’t believe she asked me to come with you guys.”

“You two are so cute.”

“Thank you. But I want to take it slow.”

“Don’t be nervous, I did the same.” I reassure her.

Our conversation ends as our ghouls come over to us. They look in the ice chests and join us. As the day passes Mountain starts working on making a fire pit. As the sun goes down the ghouls gather using the fire to cook meat and veggies that were brought in the ice chests. Swiss brings out some marshmallows and chocolate. Phantom burns his marshmallow but still eats it in one bite. Cumulus cooks her marshmallow perfectly and I ask her to cook mine too.

When the night starts to get cold Cumulus, Phantom and I head into one of the bungalows. The inside looks like a one bedroom apartment with a kitchenette and full bathroom. Phantom puts the bags down in the kitchen and I head to the bathroom following Cumulus. I turn on the shower and wait for it to get warm. The shower is big enough for the three of us. It is also a rainfall shower. Nice. Cumulus helps me get undressed and pulls me into the shower. I let out a giggle and Cumulus starts kissing me. 

“You two getting started without me?” Phantom asks, pretending to be upset. 

We pull him between us and start kissing all over his face. After the ghouls started washing me. Phantom puts soap in my body and Cumulus works on shampooing my hair. We all take turns washing each other.  Once we are done Phantom dries both me and Cumulus off then himself.

I am exhausted by the time we make it back to the bedroom. Pulling back the blanket and sheets I get into bed. Phantom gets into bed next to me laying on his back and I cuddled up at his side and put my head on his shoulder. Cumulus lays on his other side and laced our hands over Phantom's tummy. Both ghouls started to purr. I let the vibrations lull me to sleep next to my ghouls.

[shininglynxie]

OK, didn't want this to be my first post on this account, but I just really wanted to share my thoughts and analysis of the Grand Festival announcement.

I knew they were going to place the new venue near the Crater - the first place we saw all the way back in 2021, when Splatoon 3 was first announced. It was even teased in the Sizzle season 2024 trailer with the jellyfish walking by this same Crater backdrop with merch of all three idol groups.

The Pearlina plane walked so that the Now or Never Seven bus could run. It's just great to see something like that plane again!

The golden replicas of the animals from all the hub worlds that represent each idol are a great touch, too!

Now, to analyze the idols' new outfits! Their shared theme feels very orderly and gives off bleached coral vibes. I wonder what's up with that. Most of them also seem to reference non-cephalopod sea creatures, but I don't know how intentional that is.

The outfits always have to be matching with these two, and I love it! The cut on their skirts point inwards on Callie's and outwards on Marie's. Callie's gloves reveal the base of her arms, while Marie's gloves reveal the ends of her arms or her hands. Both of them are also wearing urchin-themed head accessories.

The way they animated Pearl and Marina's interlocked hands being pointed right at us. It's like they're yelling at us: Yeah, they're gay, dammit! They've been giving us quite a bunch of great Pearlina content lately, and they just had to give us more.

Anyways, their outfits. I love Pearl's big hat! It fits her vibes very well! There's also an Off the Hook logo on it, which is neat. As some people have pointed out already, this is the first time Pearl's showing off her midriff, which is cool to see!

I absolutely love Marina's outfit ,though. It's gotta be one of my favorites of the Grand Fest idol fits! That bra/top paired with the jewelry, the laced pants with the boots, and all those rings combine to create such an awesome look to me! Also, something else of note is the fact that Marina isn't wearing headphones here and showing off her ears. It's uncommon for her to do that, and she's mostly done that outside of the games, and, I think, this is the first time you can see her ears in-game, which is really cool and showcases her personal growth! (Btw, I love the pose Marina's making in the shot on the second pic! It's so cute!

Deep Cut, my beloveds!

This is probably among the weaker fits Shiver ever had, but it's not bad by any means. Those pant boots are kinda weird, and I don't know how to feel about them. But I do like that top she's wearing! It kinda mimics her headdress, which also looks neat! It kinda reminds me of seaweed, dunno if that was the intention. She's also rocking that Deep Cut logo temp tattoo, which is dope! From afar, it looks really similar to the octopus tattoo Callie had when hypnotized by Octavio. The bangs on her in-game model seem to be pushed away a little bit, so you can see her other eye, which is an interesting detail. The expression she has on the official art feels a tad unusual for Shiver. She always acts so cold and aloof, so it's strange to see such an expression of genuine surprise from her.

Frye's outfit is great, but there isn't much to say about it. The buns she's wearing kinda remind me of sea slugs, I don't know if that's what they were going for, though. The ear tie thing she's wearing is also a nice design touch! It's an accessory that utilizes her long ears in a very creative way! I love the way she's grabbing Shiver's waist in the official art, it's so Frye!

Big Man's fit has got to be my favorite! He's absolutely slaying in that fin-like headdress and those spikes, and with that makeup around his eye! It feels very Kiss-inspired. The patterns on his fins look claw-like now. This is something that kinda makes me wonder how Big Man's outfits work in the first place with the various skin patterns he took on during seasonal splatfests. He also seems to have something wrapped around his tail. The best shot I could catch of it is this screenshot below.

Overall, I think the idols' outfits are cool, but they don't wow me like Pearl and Marina's Chaos vs. Order outfits did.

The performance of their new collab song will be so cool! It's gonna feel like a proper big concert!

Speaking of concerts, I might be seeing things, but some of the choreography we see the idols perform in their usual outfits seem to be from the songs other than each idol group's day 1 and 2 songs. The third Splatoon 3 concert just might be held in-game. Which is a great idea and makes a lot of sense! Since most Splatoon fans probably never had the chance to see the idol concerts live, it only feels fitting to create an immersive concert experience inside the game! It's a lot more interactive than a video recording, and it will ensure that a lot more people can see it compared to the in-person concert. Plus, all the idols are in one place already, so they can easily perform the collab songs too! If that does end up happening, I hope that the performances do use the concert versions of the songs, as they're almost always better than original, in my opinion, plus that way they won't overlap with the songs that play during gameplay.

Almost forgot about the theme. Which is most important to you? Past, Present, or Future? With each idol group representing a team, rather than a Deep Cut member each representing a team. I think this quite a solod theme for the final fest, if a bit predictable. The fact that each idol group picked a team for themselves also makes this like an idol fest in disguise, but I'm not bothered by that. I wonder how this fest's outcome will affect a potential Splatoon 4, though, as there's no one clear way how I can see it affecting the game's development.

All in all, I'm very excited for what Grand Festival will bring! By the time it rolls around, this account will, hopefully, be properly active. I'll absolutely have some art to post for the occasion!

[the-eeveekins]

Hopefully my final post on this subject, until there's another development, if there ever is.

So my opinion on Bandai's stance towards Sulemio is that they have a line and they don't care what happens/don't get involved unless: - they kiss. - they're shown getting married. - the words love, married and/or marriage is used towards each other or to describe their relationship.

It's clear Bandai execs know/share the mindset a lot of people have with relationships in media: the above things confirm a romantic relationship between two characters, and without them, there's enough plausible deniability to argue one way or another if two characters love each other/are a couple. Just look at how many people cite the lack of those 3 things to claim Sulemio's relationship wasn't a romantic one.

But it's such a binary and limited way to look at relationships and love and I think the staff working on G-Witch understood that. They still found ways around Bandai's "line" to show they're in love despite not being able to do the usual big romantic moments. They couldn't say "I love you" or "Will you marry me?", but they still worked a confession and a proposal into the show. They couldn't kiss, but they still showed them physically touching in a way that is very intimate. They couldn't show the wedding, say they're married or have them call each other wife, but they still got the rings and that sister-in-law line to make sure it was perfectly explicit WITHIN the show without triggering Bandai's ire or attention.

It's why Bandai didn't say anything when the show ended with Suletta & Miorine explicitly married and didn't mind promoting them as "partners" during the festival even after the "up to interpretation" debacle. And because it's not "official," they don't care if they line the walls of their official festival with flower baskets celebrating Sulemio's marriage, or if the staff makes an "unofficial official" fanbook full of Sulemio stuff for Comiket.

And ultimately it's why I fully expect Bandai to keep promoting and advertising Sulemio, because they know fans love them, but they think if they avoid those 3 things it gives them enough plausible deniability to appease the people that don't like their relationship. It just makes them and the people happy to accept their statement look extra idiotic because the staff found a way around those "rules" and made them explicitly a married couple within the show, so there is nothing to "interpret."

I don't think the Ad Stella universe is done. Vanadis Heart is still being published, as is the LN adaptation of the show, and once Sunrise starts getting through it's other projects over the next year or two, I wouldn't be surprised by a sequel/movie announcement. But currently, Bandai clearly won't approve of anything that expands upon Suletta & Miorine's relationship. They're a huge part of why people loved G-Witch, but if Bandai isn't willing to go any further than what we got during the show, there just isn't much room to build on their relationship either between the moments in the anime or in their future lives. They can't just keep pumping out stories featuring Suletta & Miorine while dancing around the fact that they're in love & married, it would just look incredibly stupid in this day & age.

And setting aside all the other problems with Bandai's statement, it's incredibly frustrating to know that there won't be ANY official content expanding on their relationship until their stance changes. Grand hopes for a OVA/movie showing their wedding are completely dashed, and even something smaller, like a manga/novel focusing on their family/love life in peaceful times is pretty much out of the question.

[yuurei20]

Jack Info Compilation part 14: Port Fest (pt1)

The drama of Port Fest is instigated by Jack trying to take Ruggie out to lunch to thank him for watering his cactus while he was away at a Track Club training camp.

When the restaurant is closed Ruggie is more than willing to accept a free lunch from elsewhere, but Jack insists that no where else will do.

Ruggie gets an idea after talking with the restaurant’s manager and Jack goes back to the school alone without any lunch at all.

Ruggie’s idea is revealed to be getting NRC to collaborate with an upcoming festival. The only two 3rd-year students in their group, Cater and Idia, both refuse the offer to become the group’s leader.

To try and “get the competitive juices flowing” Jack declares that they will both have to fight him for the right to lead the group (“I’m not workin’ for some half-hearted, indecisive punk. Whoever beats me is our leader.”), despite how neither one was interested in leading in the first place.

Idia observes, “That makes zero sense. You’re definitely a Savanaclaw.”

Crowley announces a committee to serve as point-of-contact with festival organizers, consisting of Jack, Ruggie, Floyd and Rook, with Jack as the team leader.

They then learn that they have been volunteered to play instruments in the event’s grand finale, despite how—of the four—Floyd is the only one with any musical experience.

Jack chooses to try the flute (“I’ve got solid lung capacity”), to no success. He insists that they all practice until they succeed: “That’s how everything works. Practice hard, and someday you’ll be able to do it!”

Jack asks Floyd to teach him to play the flute and, while Floyd initially agrees, he leaves Jack alone as soon as he gets bored, leaving Jack to practice by himself all through the night.

Jack insists that the group practice together and gets into an argument with Ruggie, who thinks they should give up entirely and get actual musicians to take their places.

Jack insists that they should do it even if they are doomed to fail because the Headmage assigned the task to them specifically. Ruggie calls Jack pigheaded, Jack calls Ruggie stubborn and Ruggie reacts with surprise (“Never thought I’d hear you talk to me like that.”)

Jack insists that, “I respect you a ton, but this is different.”

Ruggie summarily drops out until Jack is able to prove that he can succeed through the power of hard work, as he claims, and Jack declares he will be going on stage even if he has to go alone: “I’ll get better if I practice, that’s how everything works…it’s not my style to team up with people who shirk practice."

[starshine-hockey-girl]

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes- Never Ever Have I- Chapter Twenty Six

Summary: Evie and Sidney begin "Operation Iceburgh" as he recovers from his surgery.

Author's Notes: I intended to add more pics but Google docs is being a bitch and I just want to get it posted

Warnings: brief discussions/allusions to suicide

@equallyshaw @pensfan5871 @penstxgal1968 @cellythefloshie @pattiemac1

Saturday, December 7th- Grand Ballroom- Fairmont Hotel- Pittsburgh

Sidney found Evie near the rear bar in the festively decorated ballroom space. She spoked animatedly to Kelsey Rust. He approached her and whispered in her ear, “It’s time.” She turned to him with a smile. He grabbed her hand and squeezed it while she said her goodbye. Together, they walked quickly to the stage where the party band was finishing up their song, “Marry You” by Bruno Mars. Bruno Mars - Marry You (Official Lyric Video)

The lead singer got the crowd's attention and spoke into the microphone, “Let’s give it up for guests of honor- Sidney and Evie.” 

Sidney, dressed in his tuxedo, led Evie, who wore a short white sparkly dress, onto the stage. The singer handed Sidney the microphone with a flourish. Sidney wrapped his arm around Evie’s waist and brought the microphone to his mouth. 

“Good evening everyone!” he started as the crowd cheered and Evie grinned. 

“Evie and I want to welcome you to our engagement party. It means so much to each of us that would take the time to come celebrate our love and romance,” he continued before he turned to Evie. “Evie, I was just thinking about the words to that song. He sang joyfully, 'Cause it's a beautiful night, we're looking for something dumb to do. Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you’. What do you say? How about we get married tonight?”

The crowd erupted in cheers when Evie took the microphone and said, “I thought you would never ask. Let’s do it, Beso!” 

The cheers turned into shocked expressions when Sidney took the microphone again. “I can’t lie to you. We had that bit planned, but we decided that since I am not playing right now and Evie’s always wanted a holiday wedding that we would go ahead and get married tonight.” Family and friends looked to Trina and Troy Crosby who shrugged their shoulders. “So if you all will make your way to the ballroom across the hall, we are going to have a quick wedding ceremony,” he added. “Give Evie just a few minutes for a wardrobe change and wait for the music. We will start in about thirty minutes,” he announced. The band cranked back up and sang the song. Sidney and Evie made their way off the stage. They danced and sang as they made their way through the crowd to the corridor. He pulled her into a tight hug. “Well, no turning back now,” he said as he kissed her, “Go, get ready Mon Etoile. I will be waiting for you at the end of the aisle.” 

“Thirty minutes, Beso,” she laughed, “Give me half an hour to transform into your princess.”

“You are always my princess, even in sweats,” he smiled back.

“I’ll see you in there,” she said as she began to walk away, “You can’t miss me. I’ll be the one in white.”

“Can’t wait,” he said as he blew her a kiss. 

“Me either,” she yelled back. 

THREE WEEKS EARLIER- NOVEMBER 14TH-RITZ CARLTON- PHILADELPHIA 

"So what's the idea," Evie asked. 

"Let's get married at the engagement party," he said. She opened her mouth to object and her stopped her. "Think about it, Evie," he said, "You already have the catering, band and decor planned. We just need to add another ballroom for a ceremony and additional floral decor."

"What about the ceremony? If you want a Catholic ceremony, it needs to be at a church," she protested.

"They make exceptions all the time. If they won't make an exception, then we will do a non-denominational ceremony," he argued.

"It will take a lot of work," she said as her mind raced with the details that would need to be completed. "What about the people in Nova Scotia who won't be there? They will miss it," she pondered.

"We can do both," he smiled, "Get married now and have the big party in the summer." When Evie hesitated, he got serious. "Evie, I am tired of waiting to marry you. I want you to be my wife. I want to be your husband. I know I said summer but I don't want to wait any more.Why should we? I am ready to stand in front of our family and friends and exchange our vows." Evie tried to come up with a reasonable objection without success. "Evie, you can have your dream wedding. You can have the Christmas wedding that you always wanted. Maybe this can be the silver lining from the surgery. We can have it all."

Evie warmed to the idea, "If we do it, and I mean IF, should we make it a surprise? I think we need to prepare your parents and Adriana will figure it out if we make changes to the set-up." 

Sidney smiled, "Keep it a secret-no one knows except for the wedding party and my family. What do you think? Let's get married. Say yes, please say yes."

“I think that it’s crazy, but I think we should do it,” she beamed.

“Really?” he asked, thrilled that she was even considering it. 

“Yes, let’s make your masterplan a reality,” cheered, “Let’s do it!”

NOVEMBER 18TH-SIDNEY’S HOUSE- SEWICKLEY, PA

Sidney dialed Evie for a FaceTime call.

Evie: Beso-are you okay?

Sidney: Geno is being mean to me.

Evie: How is he being mean? What's going on?

Sidney: I am hungry and he won't make me food.

Geno shouted from the kitchen- He is lying, Evie.

Sidney: No, I am not, Evie. I just want a grilled cheese sandwich and he won’t make me one.

Geno: I made him two sandwiches already. No good for him. He too picky.

Evie: Is that true, Beso?

Sidney: They weren't like yours, Evie. He didn't use enough cheese like you.

Evie: I'll make you one when I get home. How about you have some of the leftover pasta from last night right now?

Sidney: When will you be home? I miss you.

Evie checked her watch and grimaced: I am going as fast as I can. I still need to talk to Adriana. 

Sidney whined: How much longer?

Evie: Eat some pasta, take your medicine and then nap. I will be back before you wake up. 

Sidney: You promise?

Evie: Yes, and I will bring you a treat if you quit giving Geno a hard time. 

Adriana laughed from the door.  Evie turned and smiled. 

Evie: Do we have a deal,  Beso?

Sidney: Okay, but come home soon. 

Evie finished her goodbyes to Sidney and waved Adriana into the conference room that she had turned into a makeshift office. 

Adriana: Gringo Boy is being a baby? 

Evie raised an eyebrow: A- be nice. He is still in pain and going a little stir crazy. He is allowed to be a little needy. 

Adriana: How many times has he FaceTimed you today? 

Evie blushed: That's Facetime number three

"So why are you in the office today?" Adriana asked as she came in and took a seat. 

Evie looked up, "I needed to walk the ballroom to see if my changes would work."

"Changes to the engagement Party?", Adriana asked incredulously. She would not go as far as to call Evie a Bridezilla, but the planning of the engagement party had been meticulous with multiple meetings to nail down all the details. With the date less than three weeks away, Adriana was confused as to what changes could be made.

"Yes, I'm just adding some space for the ceremony," Evie replied coolly. "The Knox is available and it will work for what we need."

 Adriana blinked slowly. "What kind of ceremony?"

 Evie smiled, "It has to be a secret."

"What has to be a secret?" Adriana leaned forward.

"Sidney and I are going to get married at the engagement party," Evie leaned forward and spoke in a conspiratorial tone. "We are changing the engagement party into a wedding," she added.

"What? Why?" Adriana gasped. Then she looked down at Evie's abdomen. "Are you pregnant?"

"Noooooo!" Evie shrieked. Adriana raised an eyebrow as Evie explained. "It was Sidney's idea. You know I wanted a Christmas wedding because my parents had one. It was the reason we chose the date for the engagement party. With Sidney's surgery and recovery time, we have the opportunity to actually get married on my parent's anniversary," she rambled. "I mean everything is basically planned. We just needed the ceremony space. The Knox ballroom is available. We just need to adjust the contract a bit to add it, change the menu a bit and add wedding cake."

Adriana smiled, "Evie…..You are going to get married in three weeks? Have you thought of everything? You need a bouquet. Will your dress be in by then? I thought it was going to take six months for the dresses.”

“Shit, I forgot about the dress.” Evie said in frustration, I can’t believe I forgot about the dress.” 

“Hey Evita,” Adriana soothed, “You just need a fairy godmother or kick ass best friend. You’re lucky that you have one of those. We’ll get it all worked out. Focus on what matters right now which is getting Sidney healthy. We’ll divide and conquer the rest.”

Evie smiled, “You’re the best A.” 

Together they sat down and created a list of everything that would have to get done. They divided it into different categories- Evie, Adriana and Sidney. Evie was in charge of bridal party wardrobe and floral decor changes. Adriana would handle the logistics of the hotel. Sidney was assigned the task of the marriage license, wedding officiant and other legal issues. By the time she left to go home, Evie felt confident that Sidney's masterplan was going to become a reality.

EARLY EVENING- SIDNEY’S HOUSE- SEWICKLEY, PA

“Beso,” Evie called out as she entered the house, “I’m home.”

“I’m in the living room,” he groaned as she walked inside. She picked up the pace when she heard the sound of his voice. He was lounging on the couch with the TV. 

Geno poked his head out of the kitchen. "You home! Thank God- he is impossible to please.” Sidney glared at Geno and folded his arms. Evie walked over to the couch and kissed the top of his head. Geno continued to complain. "First pasta was too cold, then pasta was too hot, and we wait until it was just right," the Russian complained. 

Sidney shrugged his shoulders, "I like it at the right temperature- that's all."

Evie pursed her lips together, "Did you take your pain medicine? What's your level at?"

Geno walked in, "He refuse pill. Think he is tough man."

Evie got up and retrieved his medicine along with some orange  juice. She placed the pill in Sidney's hand. "Take it," she demanded. He opened his mouth to object. "Then stand up," she challenged, "by yourself." He took the pill without further complaint. "Now say thank you to Geno for taking care of you," she commanded. 

"Thank you, Geno," Sidney obeyed.

Evie gave him another kiss in the head, "I am going to walk Geno out. Think about what you want to eat."

“Just order in food,” Sidney pouted, “I want you here with me, not in the kitchen. You were gone too long.”

Evie smiled as she returned to the couch with phone in hand. She reclined on her end of the couch and he moved gingerly to rest his head in her lap. She ran her right hand through his hair as he looked up at her. “Tell me about your day,” he requested. She told him about the mountain of emails that waited for her. She had worked as much as possible from her phone while they were in Philly, but her first full day “back in the office” was full of demands. “Did you tell A about Operation Iceburgh?” he asked with a smile. He was really quite pleased with himself for coming up with the code name for their plan. “What did she say?” he asked. 

“Well, she asked if I was pregnant,” Evie chuckled. Sidney’s eyes widened in surprise. “People will make assumptions about why we are moving it up, Beso,” she smiled, “They will figure it out when I get drunk at the wedding or when my belly doesn’t start to grow.” 

Sidney grimaced, “I don’t want people to think we are getting married out of obligation. I want them to know the truth.”

Evie caressed his cheek, “I think that we are safe, Sidney. We’ve been engaged for a couple of months. I am pretty sure that people will know the truth.” She gazed into his eyes and saw his pupils dilating slightly- the telltale sign the pain medicine was kicking in. 

“We are getting married because we are in love,” he insisted. 

She nodded her head in amusement, “Yes, we are, Beso. We are getting married because you love me and I love you. People will figure it out.”

“We are in love,” he said emphatically. 

Evie steered the conversation into a different direction, “So what did you parents say when you told them?” His eyebrows knitted together. “You did call them, right?” she asked, “Beso, we need to tell them soon so they can arrange travel.”

“I forgot. I got busy arguing with Geno and forgot,” he answered sheepishly, “I will call right now.” He dug his phone out of his pocket and FaceTimed his parents. 

Troy: Hey Sid- How are you feeling? Did you survive the day without Evie?

Sid: I am okay. The pain is manageable today. Today was awful without Evie. 

Trina: What made it awful, Sid?

Sidney: She wasn’t here. I missed her. Also, Geno was mean to me. 

Trina: Geno was mean? How was Geno mean?

Sidney: He wouldn’t make me food until Evie made him.

Evie lifted the phone out of his hand and spoke directly to Trina.

Evie: Sidney was being particular about his grilled cheese sandwich. Apparently Geno doesn’t use the same amount of cheese as I do. They settled on pasta instead. Isn’t that right, Sidney?

Sidney nodded his head as if his parents could still see his face. 

Evie: Here’s Sidney back. 

Sidney: I have an announcement to make. 

He paused and looked at Evie.

Sidney: Well, we have an announcement to make. 

His parents looked on in anticipation.

Sidney: I am going marry Evie sooner. No waiting until summer. Summer is too long to wait. 

Troy and Trina looked at each other and then at Sidney. 

Trina spoke slowly: I am sorry. What did you say?

Sidney: I am going to marry Evie at the engagement party. Not going to wait. Nope, going to do it then. She is going to be my WIFE. 

Sidney's speech started to slow and he smiled helplessly. He leaned his head back and smiled at Evie. His parents looked at each in confusion. 

Evie grabbed the phone again. 

Evie: We decided to get married at the engagement party. It’s going to surprise everyone except the wedding party and family. 

Troy: Why the change in plans? Is there anything else going on?

Sidney’s eyes got big and he grabbed the phone back: SHE IS NOT PREGNANT. No, she is not pregnant. She going to get her period this weekend. Definitely not pregnant. Not pregnant yet, but one day she will get pregnant. I will do it. Evie, I am going to get you pregnant one day. We’re going to have babies. I want to have babies with you.

Evie grabbed the phone again and patted Sidney’s head. 

Evie: Wow, that was TMI, Sidney. 

Evie blushed and smiled timidly at Trina and Troy who were bouncing between the need to laugh and confusion on the new plan. 

Evie: Since Sidney is on injured reserve and won’t be playing for a while, we are going to take the opportunity to have the Christmas wedding that I wanted. We will be able to have the same anniversary as my parents. 

Trina: Wow. That’s a big change. What about all the deposits we put down here?

Evie: We are going to keep everything the same. We’ll re-do the ceremony and vows and then have the big party still. 

Sidney grabbed the phone and smiled at his parents. 

Sidney: It’s in less than three weeks. You need to come. And Taylor, too. She needs to come because we are getting married. Yes, we are getting married because we are IN LOVE, not because Evie is pregnant. 

Troy: Sid, that’s great. You sound like you could use a little rest since your pain meds kicked in. 

Sidney: Yep, I am sleepy. 

He yawned loudly before he perked up.

Sidney shouted: Evie! 

Evie laughed: Yes, Sidney?

Sidney: We’ll be married at Christmas. When we go home to Nova Scotia for Christmas, I will be your HUSBAND-not your fiancé. 

Evie: That’s true. Now say goodbye to your parents. 

Sidney smiled a goofy grin: Bye. My fiancé told me to say bye. Bye!

Evie took the phone from his hand: Sorry for the goofiness. He just had pain meds. I will update you with the details. See you soon. 

She placed the phone on the side table and looked down at Sidney who continued to gaze up at her lovingly. 

Sidney: Check that off of the list. 

Evie: Speaking of list, I have a list of stuff for you to start doing for the wedding. Can I trust you to get it all done?

Sidney: Yes ma’am

He mock saluted her and she mussed his hair. 

Evie: I think it’s time to get you some dinner into you before you crash. 

Sidney: Yes ma’am

Evie laughed: I don’t know, Sidney. I am digging this agreeable and compliant version of you. 

Sidney wiggled his eyebrows: Don’t get used it, Evie. I will return to bossiness when I feel better. I’ll show you who’s in charge around here. 

Evie: Promises, promises. You have another two and half weeks before you can do that.

BLACK FRIDAY-NOVEMBER 22ND-SIDNEYS HOUSE- SEWICKLEY, PA

Sidney was in the basement watching the Penn State game with several guys from the team when a notification popped up on his phone. 

His head popped up when he heard the door leading in from the garage slam shut. Sidney got up from the sectional and called back to the guys, “I’ll be back. Evie’s home.” When he emerged at the top of the stairs, he saw her standing in the walk-in pantry. He could tell from her head movement that she was in search of something specific. 

“Mon Etoile,” he said softly, “How did it go?”

She didn’t turn around. Instead, she stepped further into the pantry. “Do we have any chocolate? I NEED some chocolate,” she whined. The slight nasal tinge to her voice told him that she had been crying. Adriana had not exaggerated with her text. 

“Remember- you threw all the sweets and junk food in the trash yesterday?” he answered. “You said that you had stuffed yourself on Thanksgiving so you needed to get back in control,” he said hesitantly. 

“Are you fucking kidding me?” she squealed as she remembered. “Let’s eat healthy” Evie had been very thorough in her purge of the pantry. “Why did you let me do that, Beso?” she continued to whine. Sidney paused and stared. She turned to face him. Her face was stained with tears and she put her hands on her hips. It was abundantly clear to Sidney that there was no good answer to her question, but he answered anyway. 

“You said that you have to fit into a dress in two weeks. You didn’t want to gain any weight,” he offered. “Personally I don’t think that you have to worry about that at all,” he began to add, “I think that your body is absolutely perfect. Any dress you pick will look great.”

She stepped out of the pantry and slammed the door. The noise was loud enough for the group of guys below to look up in surprise. “Well, I don’t have to worry about that now,” she huffed. 

“You don’t have to worry about what now?” Sidney questioned. 

“I don’t have to worry about fitting into a dress because I can’t find a damn dress,” she cried out loudly. 

“What do you mean you can’t find a dress?” Sidney blinked, “You’ve been gone all day long. You didn’t find a dress?”

“No, I didn’t find a dress, Sidney,” she crossed her arms over her chest. “We went to six stores and nothing,” she said as she fought back tears. Sidney walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her. “I am not going to find one,” she cried into his chest, “I am not going to find a dress for the wedding.”

"Nothing in six shops? Really?" Sidney soothed. He felt her body tense beneath his touch and she placed her hands on his chest to push out of his grasp.

"Yes, really," she hissed, "You can ask Adriana if you don't believe me."

Sidney stepped back and began defensive maneuvers, "I believe you. Can you explain it to me though? I don't understand why it's so hard."

Evie started a tirade about dress lead times which necessitated getting an off the rack dress. The options of those dresses were limited and according to Evie, cheaply made and not good enough. By the end she had worked herself into a lather.

"Evie," he stared into her eyes, "It doesn't have to be the perfect dress. I think you are being too picky."

"YES, IT DOES! IT HAS TO BE PERFECT," she yelled, "I have to look beautiful for you. I have to look beautiful."

Sidney's mind raced. There had to be some sort of solution. "Are you sure that you can't get the other dress?" He asked for confirmation. He had been present, although heavily medicated, during a desperate phone call to Kleinfeld's bridal salon. "Would they sell you the sample dress?" he probed.

Evie's head popped up, "I forgot to ask."

"We'll call Monday," Sidney soothed, "We will find the perfect dress. I promise you. Don't stress yourself out."

Evie inhaled deeply, "Okay. How are you coming on your list? Is the priest set? Can he come down?"

Sid pursed his lips together, "about that…."

Evie stepped back and looked up at his face, "What?"

"Technically according to church law, the marriage ceremony must be performed inside of a church," he answered. When he saw the panic spread across her face, he added "Don't panic, don't panic." She leaned against the kitchen island and crossed her arms. "We can't get married in the eyes of the church here, but we can do that at the July ceremony in Halifax." She moved and began to pace. "Evie, don't panic," he added, "We can have the ceremony here performed by a justice of the peace or wedding officiant. Everything will be legal and we can do the religious part later." She stopped and stared at him. "I already booked the best rated one. We are all set," he smiled.

"Really? Thank you, Beso" she gave him a soft smile "What about the prenup? Does your lawyer have it almost ready?" she asked. Sidney stared at her. Evie crossed her arms again. "Have you even called your lawyer?" she probed, "Well?"

"You were serious? That wasn't a joke?”, he deadpanned.

"Yes, I was serious," she answered, "Of course we need a prenup."

"No, we don't. I am not doing it," he responded, raising his voice. "I can't believe you are even suggesting it. No, no way- It's going NOT to happen."

"Yes, it is. You have to have a prenup to protect your money. Ask the guys. They get prenups," she raised her voice in response.

"Protect my money from whom?" he raised her volume to match hers.

"From gold diggers!" she screamed.

"I am not marrying a golddigger," he stepped forward and screamed, "I am marrying YOU. Are you a gold digger all of a sudden? Since when?"

Evie stepped forward and yelled back, "Do you think I am? Is that what you think?" Downstairs Geno and Letang exchanged glances. The words were unclear but the volume said it all.

"Evie, what the hell are you talking about?" Sidney took his tone up a notch, "You brought up gold diggers. You brought up a prenup, not me!"

"People will ask, Sidney," she brought her voice down a notch.

"So what? Let them ask," he dropped his tone.

"They will think I am taking advantage. They will assume I am only after your money," she insisted.

"And?" his tone rose again.

"What do you mean and?" Her volume rose again.

"I don't give a fuck what other people think. I know that you are not." He yelled, "This is exhausting, Evie. It's tiring and frankly, insulting." 

"I just….." her voice lowered, "I just don't want people to think…." Her voice trailed off.

"Look, I know that Thad fucked with your head about that, but when are you going to let it go," he pleaded, "When are going to trust me?" 

"I do trust you," she said in a hushed tone."

"You are not acting like it. You are not acting at all," Sidney answered with a pained expression on his face.

"Beso," she took a step towards him, "I do trust you. You know that."

"Then start acting like it," he sighed, "I am going to go back downstairs. I don't want to be around you right now."

"Beso," she stepped toward him and put her hand on his chest, "I don't want to fight. I'm sorry. I don't want to fight."

"Me either," he said, "I will talk to you later." He turned and walked away. When he got downstairs, Geno greeted him with a cold beer. Sidney grabbed it from his hand and took a long swig. "Did everyone hear?" he asked quietly.

"We heard voices but not what was said," the Russian answered casually, "Don't worry. Everyone married. We know women."

Sidney took another swig. He wasn't necessarily embarrassed that his teammates heard them fighting. It was more that they fought at all. He shook his head and tried to clear his head. 

He smiled at his phone before he sat. Geno looked over with a grin "See, I told you no worry." Sid nodded his head and relaxed.

Upstairs, in their bedroom, Evie undressed, started a hot shower before she went to pee. She groaned as she wiped. "Damn," she thought to herself, "That explains so much." She also smiled at the memory of Sidney's drug-addled conversation with his parents. Even high as a kite, he knew that her period should start that day. Nothing slipped past his notice.

She took a long, leisurely shower and dressed in soft, fleece pajamas with fuzzy socks. Evie pulled the blanket up to her chin and rested her head on the pillow. She stared at the ceiling and replayed each dress from the day. Surely, one of them would work. As each dress was eliminated in her mind, she tried to force her mind to relax. The adrenaline from her argument with Sidney still pulsed through her veins. She opened her eyes and looked at her phone. It was a little after eight PM.

With a sigh, she stood up and walked out the bedroom. She wandered aimlessly until she eyed the door to the attic. The only thing left unpacked from her official move into Sidney's house were the dozen or so large boxes from her parent's house in Dallas. When she sold the house, the one luxury that she allowed herself were professional packers.

It was too soon after her parent's deaths to go through the contents of the house herself. Each item contained too many memories. With the exception of her bedroom furniture, every single household item was donated to a local thrift shop benefiting LGBT youths. Her bedroom furniture and all personal mementos of her parents were boxed up and delivered to her small grad student apartment. After graduation, the contents were moved to her apartment. Then it moved to her cottage and now to Sidney’s house. She mentally corrected herself- our house. It had been moved to our house.

Evie opened the door and climbed the stairs. The attic was uncluttered. Most of Sidney's mementos were stored either at his parent's home or a climate controlled storage unit. The boxes from her parent's home were stacked neatly to the side.

She walked over to the first box and opened it. Inside were the contents of her childhood bedroom. She took out her phone, turned on Spotify and hit shuffle. Gingerly she picked up the homecoming mum that had been placed on top. Evie's fingers ran over the long ribbons that were bedazzled with glittery letters. Each ribbon contained a different message- Homecoming 2009, HP Scots, HP Belles Captain, Thad and Evie with a heart.

She remembered the pride she felt that night she wore the mum to the game. Thad Wilson was her boyfriend. Together they made quite the power couple. He being the star of the football team and she being a drill team officer. Little did she know at the time that none of it would make a difference in her life. Evie put the mum down and glanced at the rest of the box.

Downstairs, in the basement, Sidney glanced at the stairs every few minutes. It didn't take long for Geno to notice. One of the benefits of being teammates for so long was the ability to decipher the unsaid messages. Sidney's message was loud and clear. He was desperate to find Evie and resolve their conflict, but was unwilling to risk appearing rude to his guests. So when the game ended, Geno stood and abruptly said that it was time for everyone to go. "Go, go, go," the Russian barked, "Sid still recovering. He need Evie to take care of him. Out- everybody out."

Sidney smiled a sly grin and escorted everyone upstairs. No sooner than when the door shut, he started climbing the stairs. He opened the bedroom door and saw the bed empty. "Evie," he called out in case she was in the bathroom. When he received no response, he turned to leave. Possibly she had gone down to the kitchen he thought to himself. As he walked down the hall, he heard the sound of music. He turned in the direction of the sound and saw the door to the attic open.

Sidney climbed the stairs while calling out, "Evie?" When he reached the top, he stopped and gazed at Evie. She sat with her back to him. A box of mementos spread before her and she sang a sad song.

https://youtu.be/9-rKvhsjwKU

That I'm not a princess, this ain't a fairy tale

I'm not the one you'll sweep off her feet

Lead her up the stairwell

This ain't Hollywood, this is a small town

I was a dreamer before you went and let me down

Now it's too late for you and your white horse

To come around

"Evie," Sidney said softly. She turned to him and he saw her tear-stained face. She got up and ran to him. He embraced her as she threw herself into his arms. The song continued as he held her.

Maybe I was naive, got lost in your eyes

And never really had a chance

My mistake, I didn't know to be in love

You had to fight to have the upper hand

I had so many dreams about you and me

Happy endings, now I know

Evie pressed her face and whispered "I'm sorry, Sidney. I am so sorry." He pressed his hand behind her head.

And there you are on your knees

Begging for forgiveness, begging for me

Just like I always wanted but I'm so sorry

Evie leaned back and sang to Sidney who looked confused.

'Cause I'm not your princess, this ain't a fairytale

I'm gonna find someone someday

Who might actually treat me well

This is a big world, that was a small town

There in my rear-view mirror disappearing now

And it's too late for you and your white horse

Now it's too late for you and your white horse

To catch me now

When the song ended,.he questioned, "Evie?" as he wiped her tears, "What are you doing up here? Why are you crying?"

She stepped back and pointed to the boxes. "I couldn't sleep and didn't want to go downstairs. I came up here to go through these boxes." She moved towards them.

"What boxes are they?" he said as he followed her.

"It's stuff from my parent's house. I never had the courage to go through them. I am not sure what made me do it tonight," she explained.

"Why are you crying?" He asked.

She looked back at the open boxes. "These boxes are everything from the Thad years," she offered, "I was going down that not-so-pleasant memory lane when our break-up song came on."

"What's the name of the song?" He asked, curious to learn more.

"White Horse," Evie informed him. She turned to Sidney. "I used to listen to it on repeat after he broke my heart." He pursed his lips and she stepped towards him. "I always focused on the chorus of 'That I'm not a princess, this ain't a fairytale'" she stated as she wrapped her arms around Sidney's waist. She pressed her forehead against his chest and kissed it softly. "I should have focused on 'Cause I'm not your princess, this ain't a fairytale.I'm gonna find someone someday who might actually treat me well," she said gazed into Sidney's eyes.

"I did," she sighed, "I found you. I wasn't his princess, but I am yours. You gave me the fairytale."

He smiled, "Yes, you are. You will always be my princess." He bent down to kiss her softly then he pressed his head against her forehead. "Unfortunately for our fairytale to work, we need to talk about earlier."

"Okay," she replied, "Can I say something in my defense? He nodded his head which caused her head to move in response. "It seems as if I had a surge of monthly hormones that were announcing the arrival of my period. It's not an excuse but it explains my overreaction a little bit, at least to me." She stepped back and sat down on the floor. Sidney followed suit. "The wedding stress is getting to me and I haven't been good about communicating that," she confessed.

He waited patiently for her to continue. "I know that I need to let go of the gold digger fear," she offered, "but I don't understand why you are so adamantly against it."

"I am against it because it is preparing for us to fail. I don't want to think about what may happen if we were to break up," Sidney stammered, "The thought of it gives me heart palpations. If I lose you, I lose everything. I won't care about the money. I won't care about anything." Evie watched as the panic spread through him as he spoke. He was right. Even just speaking about it caused a severe physical reaction.

Honestly, Evie's heart began to race at the thought. She had been so consumed with not wanting to appear like a gold digger that she lost sight of the circumstances that would proceed it. The thought of being separated from Sidney made her heart ache. "I'm sorry, Beso," she whispered, "I thought the prenup would protect you, but I hurt you." She put her hands on either side of his face, "If you don't want a prenup, we don't have to do it. I will drop the subject and we will never talk about it again." Sidney exhaled and she kissed him.

"I don't want one," he admitted, "We don't need one."

"Okay, mark it off the list," she smiled.

They stood silently for a moment. "Want to do another box?", he asked. He walked over and opened the next one. It was much larger than the previous two. Sidney picked up a large, red leather scrapbook embossed with names Vanessa and Mark. He held it up to Evie. She put her hand over her mouth in surprise. "Is this what I think it is?" he asked. She nodded her head. "Let's go downstairs and look at it together," he suggested. She stood, gathered her phone and led him downstairs.

Once they got settled together on the couch, Sidney opened the album. The first page contained a large photo of Mark proposing to Vanessa on one knee. On the opposite page, she had written the story of Mark's proposal. The evening was supposed to be a celebration of Mark's graduation from law school at SMU. However, right after the obligatory speeches from Mark and his parents, he called Vanessa up to the front to give a speech thanking her support before dropping to one knee. Sidney silently read the story while Evie looked at his face. "Wow," he said, "That was a sweet proposal." He turned his attention to the picture. His finger touched Vanessa's face. "You really look like them," he said before he turned to face her, "They made a beautiful baby."

"Thank you," she blushed as she turned the page.

When they got to the pages containing Vanessa's bridal portraits, Sidney looked up at Evie. "What are these?" he asked.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

“I thought that your parents got married in December. These pictures are taken in early fall or summer,” he said.

“Oh, those are her bridal portraits. I think it may be a southern thing,” she explained. “Brides get dressed up in their gowns and take pictures. It’s like a trial run of the wedding day for hair and make-up. Then one of the pictures gets enlarged and displayed at the wedding.”

“Oh,” he said and looked at the picture again. “That dress is gorgeous.”

“Yeah,” Evie said softly, “Once I decided to embrace the princess vibe, it was the style I wanted to emulate. My original dress was slightly different though. It was strapless, not off the shoulder.”

Sidney continued to stare as he flipped through the pages. “Where were the pictures taken?” he asked.

“At the arboretum,” Evie replied, “I was planning on going down once I got my dress and take bridal portraits there too. I am not sure now.”

When they got to the photos of the actual wedding ceremony and reception, Sidney thoughtfully looked at each page. “I can see why you wanted a Christmas wedding now, “ he said, “Everything is beautiful. Will ours look similar?” Evie smiled and explained the details that would be similar such as her bouquet and aisle decor. Then she explained the items that would be different like the cake and reception lighting.

Sidney yawned as she talked. It was his first full day off of pain medicine. His body was feeling the effects. He readily agreed when she suggested bed. After they slid under the covers, Evie rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes. "It's too bad you can't find a dress like your mother's dress," Sidney yawned, "It would be perfect."

"Yeah," Evie agreed, "I have no idea where to look."

They drifted off to sleep. Eventually Evie rolled over and curled into a ball. She floated into a deep sleep and began to dream.

Evie stood in a bridal suite of an unknown wedding venue. She wore nothing but the embroidered panties she had purchased especially for the wedding. There was a loud knock on the door, which startled her. "Evie!" Adriana called out, "It's time. They are about to start the music." Her head swiveled around, saw her reflection in the mirror and began to panic. She brought up her arm to cover her bare breasts.

"Evie, " Taylor called, "Are you dressed yet? Sid’s waiting on you.” Evie turned to look to where her bridal gown was supposed to be hung and the space was empty. She raced around the suite to search for the dress, but found nothing.

Taylor called again, “Evie, come on!”

A familiar voice called out from behind her, "Give us ten minutes." Evie swirled around. Her mother, Vanessa, stood near the couch, holding Evie's satin bridal robe. She held out her arms and Evie raced into them. "Mi Chiquita," her mother soothed, "Where is your dress?"

"I couldn't find one. I don't have one to wear," Evie sobbed.

"Why didn't you want to wear my dress? I kept it for you," she kissed the top of Evie's head.

Evie's head snapped up, "What do you mean you kept it for me?"

Vanessa pointed to the box on the couch. Evie ran to look at it and ripped it open. Her mother's dress was neatly folded within it. Evie took the dress out and held it gingerly against her body. "Try it on," her mother suggested. Evie stepped into the dress and turned to her mother for assistance. She zipped up the dress and together they stated at Evie's reflection.

Vanessa smiled, "Chiquita, it's like it was made for you."

"Why didn't you tell me, Mami?" Evie whispered, "It has always been my dream dress."

"I planned to tell you. I was just going to tell when you got engaged. I thought I had time but….," her voice trailed off.

"But you left me," Evie looked her mother in the eye, "You left me all alone. I needed you and you left me."

"Oh Evie," Vanessa put her hand on Evie's face, "I should have stayed. I shouldn't have left you when you needed me the most."

"Why didn't you stay?" Evie cried, "Didn't you want to stay?"

"I didn't want to leave," Vanessa explained, "I was drowning in grief. I couldn't find my way to the surface. I didn't know a way out so I gave up. I couldn't see how much it was going to hurt you, baby."

They stared at each other for a moment. "I regret it," Vanessa said, "I regret that I am not going to be here for your wedding day. I regret not being here to meet Sidney and my grandbabies. I regret leaving you alone. I wish I could stay with you forever. I don't want to leave you alone."

"I am not alone anymore. Sidney is with me," Evie said, almost defiantly. "I have a family now and they love me," she said.

"I know," Vanessa said, "Go, go and join your new family. Let them love you and take care of you." Vanessa turned to go.

Mami," she cried, "You didn't tell me where the dress is."

"You were so close. It's there. Dig deeper" she said

"Mami," Evie cried out, "Mami, don't go! Don't leave me!"

Vanessa ran back and squeezed her daughter tight, "I will see you again Mi Chiquita. Daddy and I love you. I will see you again."

"Mami, don't leave," Evie cried over and over as her mother disappeared.

Besides her, Sidney stirred to the sounds of Evie's cries. He wrapped his body around hers and kissed her head. "Evie, I am here. You are okay. I am here."

Evie woke up with a start, "Beso?"

"Yes, Mon Etoile," he whispered, "I am here. Were you having a nightmare?"

"Yes, about the wedding dress," she answered, "Then my mom came and helped me. We found a dress together." Evie wasn't sure why she felt to keep the details about the dress a secret, but she did. "We talked and she said she was sorry that she left me alone. When it was time for her to go, she said she didn't want to leave me alone again."

Evie rolled over and stared at Sidney. "I told her that I am not alone anymore. I have you and I have a family again. I am not alone."

"And I will never leave you and not come back," Sidney stated firmly as he caressed her cheek, "I will never leave you alone."

"I love you, Beso" she sighed.

"I love you, too," he said, "let's go back to sleep."

"Okay," she kissed him softly before rolling over again. She relaxed as he wrapped her in his arms again. "It was nice though- to see her in my dream. It was almost like she was here."

"I bet it was," he squeezed her tight, “I bet it helped you so much.”

NOVEMBER 23RD- SIDNEY'S HOUSE-SEWICKLEY

Evie stood in the kitchen when she heard the doorbell. She shouted, "Come in!" as she watched Sidney make coffee for her.

Adriana walked into the house and meandered into the kitchen after petting Sam. "Please tell me that you are in a better mood," she laughed as she entered. Evie had moved closer to Sidney and stood behind him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her cheek on his back. She sighed contentedly as he worked. "Ahhhh, it seems so," she grinned, "Behold the power of the Beso. We should call you the Evie Tamer."

Sidney shook his head and smiled, "Nah, I prefer Evie in her natural wild state." He felt Evie giggle into his back and kiss him gently. "I will leave you ladies to your dress hunt," he teased, "Keep the faith. I think your dream was a good sign."

Evie walked him to the door and waved as he pulled out of the garage. She turned around and said, "Come with me." Adriana followed as Evie marched to the attic.

"Evita," Adriana called from behind, "I thought we were hunting for a dress?"

"We are," she replied as they climbed the stairs to the attic. Evie opened the door and ran to the box that Sidney took the wedding scrapbook from. On top was her baby book, then her baby blanket on top of the dress that she wore home from the hospital. Underneath was a large padded envelope with every card that Evie had given her parents. Finally she reached the bottom and saw the sealed white cardboard box with Stardust Bridal embossed across the front. Evie let out a loud squeal as she lifted the box. "Holy shit, it's heavy," she said with the excitement barely contained.

"What's heavy?" Adriana asked.

"I think it's my mom's wedding dress," Evie looked up.

"What?" Adriana responded.

Evie set the box down and used the box cutter to carefully open the edges of the box as she explained the dream about her mother to Adriana.

"So that's the dress?" Adriana rushed to assist Evie. Together they got the lid off of the box. Evie's hand delicately touched the white beaded satin gown. Adriana looked at Evie as the tears ran down her face.

"Try it on, try it on, try it on," Adriana shouted. Evie stripped off her clothes and stepped in the dress. She turned to let Adriana zip the dress. It fit Evie like a glove. It dawned on her that she didn't have a mirror so Adriana took a picture. "You need a petticoat, but it looks amazing," she gushed.

"I can't believe it," Evie grazed her fingers over the beaded lace, "Mami married my dad in this dress on the same date. That has to be good luck, right."

"It's the best luck," Adriana said as she surprised herself with tears, "but you don't need luck, Evita. Gringo Boy and you are meant to be."

"Are you ever going to quit calling him that," Evie grinned.

"When he makes me an Aunt?", she laughed. "Let's go find you a petticoat and veil. Then you can officially mark it off of your list."

"Don't forget your dress," Evie interjected.

"Damn," Adriana asked, "You are really going to make me wear matching dresses with Taylor?"

Evie paused, "Fine- y'all decide on a color - deep red, black or metallic gold and pick whatever dress you want."

December 5th- Sidney and Evie's house- Sewickley

Evie woke up to the sensation of Sidney's lips and tongue on her neck while his hand roamed under her pajama top. In the weeks since his surgery, Evie had developed the habit of wearing pajamas to bed to remove "temptation" for Sidney as he recovered. Behind her, she felt as hips grinded into her. She looked back to gauge whether he was fully awake or asleep. Another habit that developed is Sidney, while fully asleep, initiated sex with this exact same behavior. Evie would politely, yet firmly, remove his hands from her body while whispering explanations of "It hasn't been three weeks, Beso." and "Keep your hands to yourself, please."

She was fully prepared to do the same when he whispered hoarsely, "It's three weeks today, Mon Etoile. It's been three weeks." Her body, full of pent-up sexual energy, began to respond. When his hand slid under the elastic waistband of her pajama pants, she moaned softly as it made its way between her legs. However, her mind raced to control the situation. Her hand went to his hand that began to explore her folds. She grabbed his hand and pulled it out of her pants. Evie then delicately extricated herself from his grasp and wiggled to the far side of the bed.

Sidney groaned and wiggled to follow her. She rolled over and placed her hand against his chest. Sidney was fully awake and aroused. "Evie, it's been three weeks exactly," he whined, "I need you. I need you so much. Look at how hard I am for you."

Evie resisted the urge to glance at his erection pressed tight against his boxers. "Listen," she said with authority, "I have been thinking about this."

"Less thinking and more fucking," Sidney said with a grin. When she did not return then grin, he asked, "Thinking what?"

"I want to wait," she replied. The look of disbelief conveyed all of his thoughts without saying a word. "Beso, we have already waited this long. I want to wait until our wedding night. I want that night to be special," she added.

Sidney blinked slowly, inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. "Are you serious?" he asked. He studied her face and her sincerity was obvious. He pinched his nose, "Tell me why again."

"I want the first time as your wife to be special," she explained.

"I think that being the first time married would automatically make it special," he countered, "Besides, I am fairly sure that the first time is going to be pretty quick."

Evie smiled sweetly, "I know that it doesn't make a lot of sense given the amount of times that we have fucked and other things. It means a lot to me. It's almost like I will be a virgin again."

"A virgin?" he smirked. He rolled over and placed his forearm over his eyes. Evie watched him mentally process her words. "If that's what you want," he sighed. He perked back up. "Hey, do virgins give handjobs?", he asked. Evie got up from the bed and walked toward the bathroom. "I'm kidding, Evie," he called out. She turned and crossed her arms. He gave her a big grin. She smiled and shook her head.

Evie continued her walk to the bathroom and stripped her pajamas off as she walked. Sidney watched her from the bed. He stood up, walked to the bathroom door and leaned against the door frame. His gaze went from the top of her head and down the length of her nude body. He licked his lips as she stepped into the shower. He looked down as she poured body wash and lathered her smooth skin. His hand went into his boxers and started to stroke his throbbing cock. She called out to him, "I see you, Beso."

"I can't help it," he whined.

"I did it in May," she teased.

"Is this payback for the playoffs?" he laughed, "That's not fair!" She opened the door and stuck out her tongue. "Pretty please? You gotta help me out here," he pouted.

She smiled, closed the door and put on a show while he jerked his hand back and forth. When she heard the tell-tale grunts and groans of his orgasm, she called out, "You're welcome, Beso."

"You need to be ready Saturday night," he said breathlessly, "I am going to fuck you senseless."

"You better," she teased.

TWO HOURS LATER-ALLEGHENY COUNTY MARRIAGE BUREAU

Sidney grabbed Evie's hand as she came around the back of the car and led her up the stairs to the courthouse. Their completed marriage license waited for them to pick it up. Sidney sighed as they reached the back of the line. His status as Pittsburgh Penguins Captain opened doors and parted lines all across the city, country and world. Unfortunately, it was not effective at the marriage license bureau and he was forced to stand in line like the rest of the prospective grooms.

Sidney pulled his cap lower on his head. Evie pulled up her hoodie and grinned up at him. He reached for her hands and pulled her into his body. She whispered, “Maybe wearing the Penguins hat wasn’t the best idea?”

He kissed the top of her head, “What are you afraid of? I don’t care if people know that I am marrying you.”

Evie looked up, “Oh, I know that.”

He flashed a smile, “Then what are you afraid of?”

She returned his smile, “I am afraid that someone in this office or in this line will decide to leak that we have a marriage license before Saturday night. The wedding is supposed to be a surprise, right?”

They moved up with the line. Sidney glanced around, “You’re right. What if I hide in the bathroom and you text me when you get up there.” He kissed her quickly and escaped to the restroom.

Twenty minutes later, Evie texted Sidney. As she waited, the clerk pulled out the marriage license. “Ms. Montgomery, I just need you to confirm that information is correct,” the clerk whispered. Evie looked up and smiled, thankful for the quiet tone. She studied the license carefully. When she was sure that all the information was correct, she looked up and smiled. “Good,” the clerk smiled, “I will tell you that I am not sure that I can prevent this from getting leaked. We have some die hard Pens fans around here.”

Evie leaned forward, “I just need it to stay secret until Saturday.” She reached into her wallet and fished for cash. She came up with a crisp one hundred dollar bill and slid it across the counter. “Can you help us with that?”, she smiled.

“Your secret is safe with me,” the clerk smiled, “Tell Mr. Crosby congratulations. He landed himself a beauty. He’s a lucky man.”

“We are both lucky,” she smiled back. Evie was walking down the hall. Her eyes searched for Sidney. She shrieked as a hand grabbed her hand and pulled into an alcove by a courtroom. “Sidney!” she gasped and playfully swatted his chest, “You scared me.”

Sidney held a finger up to his mouth and shushed her. He whispered, “Did you get the license?” Evie looked around quickly, noted the presence of a young couple then shook her head affirmatively. “Good,” Sidney whispered, “My new friend, Harry, and his fiancée need a favor from us.”

Evie turned to look at Harry, who appeared to be in his early twenties, dressed in freshly pressed slack and buttoned down shirt. Next to him was a very pretty, yet very pregnant brunette, who wore a short white lace dress with an empire waist. The young man extended his hand, “Hi, I am Harry and this is my fiancée , Marissa.” He looked at his fiancée with a look of love that rivaled Sidney’s. “I had the good fortune to run into Sid in the men’s room. I mean what are the odds that I would run into my hockey hero here at the marriage license office.” Sidney moved closer to Evie and slid his arm around her waist as Harry continued to speak. “Anyway, Marissa and I want to get married today, but our witnesses flaked out on us. It’s really important that we get married today. Marissa is due any day now and we want to be married before the baby comes.” Evie looked at Sidney and then at Marissa and nodded her head in understandment. “So would you be willing to do it for us? It would mean the world to us if you could help us out.” he asked hopefully.

“Absolutely! I would be honored to witness your ceremony,” Evie said brightly as she leaned into Sidney’s body. Just then the courtroom doors opened and the previous couple walked out, followed by a gaggle of family and friends. Marissa let out a soft sigh. Evie took her hand and whispered, “You look gorgeous and radiant. Let’s go get you married to your man.”

They all walked in together and took their positions in front of the judge. Marissa cradled her bump and grinned up at Harry. The elderly judge cleared his throat, "Please join hands." The young couple joined hands.

Evie pulled out her phone and nudged Sidney to do the same. When he looked at her in question, she gestured that he needed to take video of the ceremony. It took a moment before he grinned and nodded in understatement. Both armed with cameras, they turned as the judge began the ceremony.

We’re here today to witness the union of Harry and Marissa in marriage. Today, you begin a new life together, founded in love, laughter, honesty, respect, and friendship. The promises you make to each other today should not be taken lightly. A marriage is more than a ceremony – it is a lasting and lifelong commitment.

Evie felt tears filling her eyes. She imagined her own wedding to Sidney. While the script would be different, the universal nature of marriage became apparent to her. She and Sidney would soon join the club so-to-speak.

Do you, Harry, take Marissa to be your spouse and to live together as partners, to treat them with love and respect, and to build a marriage that grows stronger and more loving as time passes?

Harry: Yes, I do.

Evie looked to Sidney. He turned his head to look at her while holding the camera straight. He mouthed the words "I do".

And do you, Marissa, take Harry to be your spouse and to live together as partners, to treat them with love and respect, and to build a marriage that grows stronger and more loving as time passes?

Marissa: Yes, I do.

Sidney stared as Evie wiped her tears and mouthed the word, "I do."

The brief ceremony continued with the exchange of simple gold bands. Evie continued with her self-imposed duty of the wedding photographer but felt as Sidney's hand searched for her hand. She gave it to him to hold.

By the virtue of the authority vested in me by the State of Pennsylvania, I now pronounce you married.

You may kiss! Congratulations!

Sidney and Evie cheered wildly as the young lovers sealed their marriage with a kiss. The foursome stood by the courtroom doors as the judge completed the paperwork. Harry shook Sidney's hand, "I can't tell how much this means to us. To have Sidney Fucking Crosby as our witness, man, we are blessed."

Evie giggled and gazed at Sidney. He smiled joyously, "It was an honor to be included. I hope you have a wonderful life together, especially with that little Penguin on the way."

Marissa joked, "Just wait until everyone hears about it. They will be so jealous." Sidney and Evie exchanged a look. Sidney looked at Marissa, "About that.". He pulled out his wallet and pulled out ten crisp one hundred dollar bills. "If you could not tell the part about us until Sunday morning, we would be really grateful," he said smoothly as he palmed the cash to Harry, "We are trying to pull off a surprise wedding Saturday night."

Harry and Marissa gasped at the cash, "Oh yes, we can keep a secret."

Evie interjected, "Where are you spending your wedding night?"

Marissa blushed, "He is taking me to the Cheesecake Factory and then home."

Evie smiled, "If you would allow me, I would love to arrange a night at the Fairmont for you. You can have the best suite available. Everything is on us." Harry and Marissa tried to object. "Please let us do it for you. This has been such a treat for us to witness," Evie argued as Sidney wrapped his arm around her waist. Her spontaneous generosity was just another reason he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Evie sent a few texts and exchanged numbers with Marissa to send pics.

They waited while Harry and Marissa exited. As soon as they left and they were alone in the courtroom, Sidney pulled Evie into an embrace. She laughed as he showered her with kisses. "Eighty hours," he whispered, "Eighty hours until I can call you my WIFE."

"I can't wait,Beso," she smiled.

"Me either," he kissed her passionately.

[fuzztacular]

Fukunaga does stand up comedy, tonight, and he's hella nervous so the team has promised not to show up as audience.

Instead, they are at your place, bullying you into wearing something very flashy - like a neon green hoodie or the giant Pikachu Hat Fukunaga won you at last year's festival - so that Fukunaga won't notice them in the background when they smuggle you into the show.

What better way of curing nerves than to be more embarrassing?

I scowl at Kuroo. I'm kinda peeved that his sad excuse for an idea isn't such a bad one. Most of the old Nekoma volleyball team is crowded into my living room on an unannounced visit. After hearing that I was the only one allowed to go to Shōhei's second ever stand up show, he did a good job of hiding his first one from them, they were upset to say the least. His feelings on the issue didn't seem to matter, they are insistent that they support their friend and ex teammate. I think their curious natures are getting the better of them more than anything though.

As soon as I turn my back Yamamoto pipes up, "Aw come on, you know it would work!"

I heave a sigh, "Yeah yeah, just let me think for a minute."

It could definitely work, with a properly thought out plan. Do I have what I need to pull this off? What about timing? Do I signal them to come in after he's distracted or should they be hiding somewhere inside?

A vague plan starts to form in my head, but there are so many possibilities of failure. I turn back and eye them appraisingly. "Okay, if we're doing this, we do it my way, got it?" The group cheers, minus Kenma, who perks up in interest. "BUT!" They groan at the mention of another condition. "You guys owe us."

Yaku speaks up this time, eyeing me back critically, "What's your price?"

"I want one of those expensive cakes from that bakery down the road."

"That's all?" Lev's surprise is apparent.

"No that's not all, you guys buy our drinks tonight after his gig."

"Obviously," Kuroo leans back into the couch.

I clap my hands, "Alright then, here's how this will go..."

-----

Sitting alone at the closest table to the stage, I feel the hair at the back of my neck stand on end. Ever since we left my apartment I've felt eyes on me. So many eyes. And not just the Nekoma guys' either. I don't love all the attention but at least we know my distraction attempt will work. It's fine, this is totally fine. Just think of how decadent that cake is going to taste. This all will definitely be worth it...I hope.

As the act before Shōhei leaves the stage, I glance back to the bar area, making sure the guys aren't causing mayhem or drawing attention. Nope, all eyes are still on me. Phase One: success. As my man is finally announced, I perk up, preparing for my part in Phase Two.

Shōhei makes his grand entrance. I shoot to my feet hooting and hollering, clapping in overzealous excitement. The man of the hour startles at the commotion, turning my way and stops, mouth hanging open gawking at my attire. He can't seem to believe it's really me in the embarrassing cow onesie, udders in full view, topped with a bright glittery orange cowboy hat.

My wink restarts his brain and with a guffaw at my expense he proceeds... to make me the butt of his jokes for the next several, long minutes. My favorite punchline ending with, "that's not a cow, that's my future wife!"

Long story short, not only did I end up helping Shōhei with his nerves, but he never even realized the group was there until he met us at the bar. After I changed out of that horrendous get up, of course.

[djsangos]

The smoke screen clears to reveal a crowd a good bit larger than you'd anticipated all staring up at you, cheering wildly. If you weren't sitting on a stool behind your turntables, you think your knees would've probably buckled just from the sight.

You don't really talk much at your gigs, just letting the music keep the crowd hype, but this is a special occasion, so you grab the mic from the stand, steeling yourself. You've practiced this probably hundreds of times.

“Helloooo, Grand Festival,” you say, and cod, you're excited as hell, you couldn't sound more disinterested could you? All the same, the crowd roars. “I'm having fun this weekend, how about you guys?” More cheers.

“Arright, so here's the deal,” you continue. Did you really just say 'arright??' Get real. “We're starting another intermission so our idols can take a break. Even celebrities gotta take a breather after all.” Dude. Shut up. “So you got me here, you got Dedf1sh over on Seashell stage, and a couple more artists after us to keep the party going in the meantime. That cool?”

Once again, screams of approval. Maybe you're a little too in your head, or maybe they're just cheering to get you to get to the music faster.

“Booyah.” Most of the crowd returns the call, and you can't help but smile a little. “Let's get started.”

As you put your hands on the turntables, the crowd fades away, and it's just you and the music, flowing from one track to another, mixing and sampling and keeping it hype. Hype for who? Who the fuck cares, you're keeping it hype and fresh. Just don't look up, and it's as easy as breathing. Swaying and bopping to the beat you've got going, maybe you should be standing up? But you've got a long set, better preserve your energy.

Except in the blink of an eye, you've already reached the end of your set. As you let the final note fade out, there's a split second of deafening silence that hangs forever while your brain tries to catch up with reality, which you're violently brought back to by the audience going buck fucking wild.

You just stare blankly for a second or two before you realize you're supposed to actually end this. You grab the microphone with it and fumble with it for just a second, shit, you're shaking like a fucking leaf, aren't you?

“Uh,” you say, forgetting that the mic's already amplifying your voice. Cod damn it, you're ruining the moment. “Thanks.” Come on, Sango. Give 'em more than that. “You guys've been great, hope I made your weekend just that much fresher. We got, uh. DJ Octavio up next?” You honestly still can't believe he's actually performing here, but the crowd cheers for the announcement all the same, many Octarians in the audience screaming their lungs out for him. “Yeah. And there's Riot Act on Seashell Stage once Dedf1sh's done with their gig. So stay tuned for those guys. Thanks again, have a fresh rest of the festival.”

The smokescreen obscures you from the crowd once again as they cheer you off. Stagehands come to take your turntables and replace them with Octavio's much larger set about as soon as you stand up. Eight's already there at the top of the stairs, and you practically fall into her arms when you reach her.

“You did amazing, Three,” she says, voice full of admiration.

“I think I'm gonna pass out.”

She giggles a bit uncomfortably. “Okay. Let's go sit down.”

The two of you end up taking over the merch stand while Octavio's doing his gig, with Gramps apparently nowhere in sight. You've got a perfect view of the performance, and you'd never tell Octavio to his face, but it's pretty coddamn fresh.

Until about halfway through, when Cuttlefish makes his reappearance by bursting onto the stage and nearly blowing out his back in the process.

“MC CRAIG IN THE HOUSE!”

Octavio just keeps going like nothing happened. Did they plan this??

“'Tavi and Craig bringin' the pain, we're not just here to entertain!”

Holy fuck.

“Takin' over this festival grand, that's always been our master plan!”

This fucking rules.

[shiningwonderland]

Camus (All Star)

Translator: Mimi (Twitter: _mimisaurora)

Love End — Absolute Zero Emotion

Camus-senpai sings under the dazzling lights. 

He’s beautiful.... 

His figure charms the audience, from the way his hair flutters down to the tip of his outstretched hands.

And his voice immediately captivated the audience. 

His delivery was unlike anything he had ever sung before. 

I noticed it instantly.

He was just as elegant and full of passion as ever. 

But at the same time, he sounded very tender.

He who rarely displayed his emotions was now making no effort to hide his affection.

It conveyed “I love you” better than any words could ever. It was a solemn song, graceful, yet somewhat melancholy, like itself was a prayer.

I fell in love listening to him. 

I become lost in the sight of him, in his singing, unable to think of anything else.

Senpai finished singing as I watched him on stage, caught up in the heat of the moment.

Thunderous applause and cheers swept throughout the venue. 

Suddenly, a warm breeze blew from somewhere, and I looked up.

Haruka: Ah…

The formerly overcast sky began to clear up—

Cecil: The curse… has broken.

A voice caught my attention and I turned my head. Cecil-san had been standing there for some time. 

Cecil: Amazing... I never thought Camus could sing a song like this.

Haruka: Cecil-san…

Cecil: Haruka. I have always known that your music could produce miracles. 

Cecil: But if one does not love music, love you, and sing with utmost sincerity, no miracle will occur. Really… that man …

Cecil-san rubbed at his eyes and looked at me again with a smile.

Cecil: Congratulations, Haruka. I wish you all the best.

Haruka: T...Thank you.

The sky continued to clear. 

Cecil-san helped me to my feet and gave me a light push.

At once, I began to move as though ice had thawed. 

I made my way to the exit amidst the continuous applause. 

The festival was still underway. 

I, however, wanted to see Senpai again as soon as possible.

I had just reached the venue's exit against a backdrop of cheers when I heard the president's booming voice from the stage behind me.

Saotome: Resultsss are innnn!!

I turned to look back. 

I saw the president raising the microphone high in the air and striking a pose.

Saotome: The Shining Song Festival's prestigious Grand Prize goes toooooooooo…

Saotome: Mr. Camus!!

The president turned toward the wings of the stage and held out his hands. 

And yet… Camus-senpai didn't walk out.

Huh…?

Haruka: Senpai…?

Saotome: Oh my, oh my, looks like I got the timing wrong here. ….Now, Mr. Camus. Come on!!

The president held out his hands one more time. 

But Senpai still didn’t appear.

At no point did he end up coming out.

Saotome: Hmm? Mr. Camus!?

I wonder what happened. 

At no point did he end up coming out.

Haruka: Senpai…

Camus: Did you call for me?

I was startled by the sudden voice coming from behind me, and when I turned to look, I found Camus-senpai standing there, the man who was still meant to be on the stage right now.

Haruka: C-Camus-senpai?!

He quickly put a finger to my lips as I raised my voice.

Camus: Shh… Keep it down. ...Come.

He pulled me by the arm out of the venue before I could even ask him anything.

I walked outside with him leading me by the hand.

In the distance the president could still be heard on stage calling for Senpai.

Haruka: B-But… Senpai, he’s still calling for…

Camus: The result was announced. I hear no complaints. ...Get on.

Senpai whistles, and with a whine, a white horse trots up to him.

Haruka: H-Huh? W-What…

I remained bewildered as he swiftly mounted the horse and reached out his hand to me. 

I accepted his hand, and he easily pulled me up on the horse.

Haruka: Senpa…

He sat me down in the same way I had arrived, and silently pulled on the reins. The horse let out a single whinny and in no time at all, we were off.

Haruka: S-Senpai… The song festival and… Are you sure...?

We arrived at a park far from the venue, and he stopped his horse by the lake located in the center of the park. 

He dismounted first and then offered his hand to help me down in silence.

Haruka: U-Um…

I stood on the ground, and in front of me, he gave a formal bow.

Camus: I have returned, My precious.

He gently takes my hand and kisses the back of it softly.

Haruka: S-Senpai?!

He kept his head lowered, as if he were addressing a princess. Camus: You have saved both my country and its sovereign. Haruka Nanami-sama, I would like to humbly express my gratitude on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen and the people of Silk Palace.

Camus: You have brought forth miracles with your music, and wicked influences have been banished. So long as you continue to compose, our country will flourish.

Camus: I deeply apologize for my previous insolence. You are the savior of Silk Palace.

He got on his knee and bowed more deeply.

Haruka: Please raise your head. All I did was write a song meant for you…

Camus: I cannot raise my head without your express permission, Haruka-sama.

Camus: Are you… willing to forgive this man?

Haruka: Y-Yes. I forgive you. So please…

Camus: Hmm. That's good to hear.

He straightened himself with a grin on his face. 

His modest demeanor disappeared in a flash, revealing his usual self.

Camus: Now, here’s my thanks.

Haruka: O-Okay…

I nodded my head awkwardly, and he smiled again.

Camus: This song was performed bearing the significant responsibility of saving Her Majesty's life. While it is inherently impossible to avoid falling victim to the burden of that duty...

Singing at the song festival I… was enjoying myself.

Haruka: Senpai…

Camus: An impossible story. I swore an oath to live only for Her Majesty's sake, and believed things like personal pleasures did not exist in this world. 

I never imagined something could exist in this world that could make my heart sing with such joy.

Haruka. Let me thank you again. You saved me as well.

Haruka: Oh no… I really only wanted you to sing for me…

He looked at me with a smile on his face as I stood there perplexed. 

He seemed to have understood everything I had put into the song. 

Reality quickly set in as I heard the sound of tree branches swaying in the wind.

Camus-senpai is right in front of me. 

He really came back to me. 

As soon as my surprise and confusion subsided, I suddenly became very aware that we were alone together and my heart began to race.

I wonder why I couldn't bring myself to look him in the face despite the fact we've been living in the same house for a long time.

Haruka: U-Um…

The things about his homeland, the things that are to come, and then… addressing his feelings. My… feelings.

There were so many things I wanted to confirm when I saw him, so many things I wanted to tell him, but grew so overwhelmed that the words wouldn't come out right.

Haruka: Camus-senpai…

Camus: What is it? Do you prefer for me to behave as I did earlier? Your wish is my command. I will obey whatever you order me to do.

Haruka: N-no. I like you as you are, Camus-senpai. Please keep being you.

Camus: Hmph. You’re too thoughtful. They are both me, I'm no different on the inside.

Haruka: W-Was it a good idea to leave the song festival...?

Camus: We won the contest, it should be fine. There's no need to worry about you not being able to stay with the agency.

Haruka: But… if the president is upset with you…

Camus: ...I couldn't help it. I couldn't stay any longer after I sang. I couldn't wait any more.

Haruka: Well… Why is that?

He averted his gaze, looking a little embarrassed.

Camus: ….. Nothing… Don’t worry about it.

The horse beside us snorted, as if teasing us.

Haruka: That reminds me… Um, where exactly did this horse come from…?

Senpai looked a little amused when I asked him the question.

Camus: He'll be upset hearing you talk like that. You've been living together for months.

Haruka: Uh… What…? For months? Could it be…

Haruka: Is it… Alexander?

Horse: Woof!!

Camus: No barking, Alexander. If you are my dog, then act the part of a perfect horse.

Horse: …Nyeeh

Well, Alexander has magically been transformed into a horse. 

The reason why he had snuck out of his day care was to go get Senpai.

Haruka: What a good boy, Alexander.

Horse: Wo-... Nyeeh

Senpai and I shared a laugh.

Camus: By the way, I believe you had something you wanted to say.

Haruka: Yes. Right…

I started to speak, but then stopped myself.

Now that the ice had melted, Senpai had to return back to his country to serve his queen.

I was afraid that if I asked him anything, this wonderful moment would end....

We watched the moonlit lake in silence for a while.

And then.... 

The following days were pretty hectic.

After Camus-senpai won the Grand Prize, I officially joined the Shining Office as a professional composer, and was faced with a workload and responsibilities far greater than those before my debut. 

Camus-senpai returned to the Silk Palace to help the queen in her recovery. 

Handling the aftermath of the incident seemed to be taking longer than expected, and there were many days when we could not get in touch with each other again.

But… Camus-senpai said he’d be back in Japan soon.

That was because一

Queen: ...Haruka Nanami. The Muse incarnate, do you hear me?

Haruka: Y-Yes! It’s been a while, Your Highness.

Queen: …I don't see the need for you to use honorifics with me…

Haruka: B-But you��re the queen…

Queen: …Nevermind then. I wanted to talk about this visit to Japan. I have a few questions for you who know the country so well…

一That was because the circumstances in Silk Palace have changed dramatically since then.

I admit that I'm still skeptical over the idea that the song I wrote for the Song Festival broke the curse. 

But it was true that the queen was released and that it was accepted by both the people of the Silk Palace and the people of the Agna Palace as it being the power of the goddess of music, the Muse.

Not only was the curse broken by the Muse, but the Queen, who had now recovered from being frozen, was much more powerful than ever before. 

There was no longer any need for her to marry Cecil-san and the engagement was broken off with surprisingly little effort.

On top of that, she's been able to leave her palace more frequently as long as she's in good shape, and has plans to make a private visit to Japan in the near future.

Camus-senpai commented how he’s never seen her so happy before.

However, the effects of the song were only temporary... 

Several weeks after the song festival, I was summoned to the office by the president.

Haruka: I wonder what this is all about…

Haruka: Excuse me…

In the office stood the president, spectacular as ever, and…

Camus-senpai.

Haruka: Camus-senpai!

Shining: Hahaha! You look surprised! Mr. Camus just returned to Japan a short while ago!

Haruka: Senpai… Um… Welcome back.

Camus: Thank you... This time I'm really “back”.

After looking at me for a moment, he turned to the president again and humbly bowed his head.

Camus: I will continue my report. We have recently learned that the restoration of Her Majesty’s power is merely temporary.

Camus: As such, it is essential to continually solicit the muse's power to protect the country.

Camus: For this reason, I have been assigned a new mission to continue singing in Japan.

Haruka: In Japan… Then…

Shining: Excellent! This must mean YOU have to continue being an idol! Oh I sure do hope so!

Shining: I don't want to lose Mr. Camus and this young lady can only write her best music with YOU.

Haruka: H-He’s right… I’m sorry.

Shining: Then… allow me to recruit you once again. I ask that you continue to sing as an official Shining Agency idol from this point forward.

Shining: And not acting as a secret agent for the queen this time!!

The president winked at us beneath his sunglasses, and both Camus-senpai and I bowed our heads.

After confirming our schedule for resuming activities with the president and thanking him once more, we walked out into the hallway.

Haruka: Camus-senpai… singing in Japan…

Strengthening the queen’s power for the protection of Silk Palace by singing in Japan must be your most important mission yet. 

Does that mean… he’ll be moving here permanently…? 

I walked alongside him and glanced up at the side of his face.

Camus: ….

Senpai remained silent for a while, but after a short walk, he cleared his throat.

Camus: I’m sure you know that I will be taking a few days off prior to going back to work full-time.

Haruka: I did. And I’m glad to hear it. You need some rest…

Camus: You’re right. Opportunities like this don’t come around often…. Shall we go on a trip? You and me.

He averted his gaze looking a little embarrassed, and of course, he quickly added that it'd be fine if I didn't want to.

Haruka: I’d love to go… together.

He broke out into a smile at my answer.

Several days later, Camus-senpai and I returned to the same inn we had visited for a previous recording assignment with Alexander.

Despite it being the same place, the atmosphere was completely different this time. 

Alexander also seemed very happy to be able to spend quality time with his owner.

Alexander: Bark bark bark bark!

Although there are plenty of places to visit outside of the inn, it was nice to be able to relax with just the two of us (and Alexander).

We stayed in a room on the first floor facing the garden, enjoying leisurely time together for the first time in a while, keeping Alexander company.

It was perfect that the inn was pet-friendly, and each of the rooms on the first floor had its own individual open-air hot spring bath.

Camus: You know… it’s very curious. 

With his eyes narrowed on Alexander, who was currently playing with a ball, Camus-senpai spoke up.

Haruka: Senpai…?

Camus: I was the one who proposed to Her Majesty that I remain in Japan. I, who has never had a personal opinion on any matter before, except to obey Her Majesty's orders.

Camus: ...I missed singing your songs.

Camus: To think that the first thing I ever wanted for myself would become my new mission is a blessing too good to be true, and it frightens me.

I fixate on his profile.

My heart pounding.

Camus: Haruka. Do you remember the night we first played together?

Camus: I didn't know what to do with myself. Back then, I had no idea just how exhausted I was by the many problems I faced.

Camus: I wondered… why that was. I was able to forget everything while I played.

Camus: Thinking back… Maybe I was already in love then.

Haruka: You’re… in love?

Camus: I am. With you.

Haruka: W-What!?

Camus: What kind of response is that… It’s too late for that.

Haruka: Too late…?

Camus: Yes. …I always knew you were a little slow, but I never imagined you'd be this slow.

He sighed.

Camus: Am I really that difficult to understand?

Haruka: This is not your fault. I'm sorry. I was just, uh, taken by surprise…

He let out an awkward laugh.

Camus: Very well. I must confess that I often found myself impatiently hoping that you would have figured it out.

Haruka: A-Ah…

He chuckled and recounted the day Cecil-san, Tsukimiya-sensei and Kurosaki-senpai came over and we all sat down for hot pot together.

Camus: That day...... I remember the unexplainable anger and confusion I felt at the sight of you and Kurosaki being so friendly with each other.

Camus: The time you spilled hot cocoa on yourself, I felt a helpless panic, despite knowing full well that it was just a minor burn.

Camus: I couldn't figure out myself why I was so emotional over someone I thought of as just a roommate.

Letting out a breath, he added that it was around this time that his country’s problems began to grow, and cleared his throat.

Camus: I suppose I lost my composure, both publicly and privately. I was cold to you, too, many times.

Camus: I didn't understand my own feelings, and was unable to put them into words.

Haruka: Senpai…

Camus: Haruka. I have a question. May I assume that the reason you are with me now is because of… that?

Haruka: Because of… that?

Camus: I’m asking if you love me.

Haruka: O-Oh…

He reached out and brushed my hair aside.

His crystal gaze was close. 

My heart beat fast, I felt embarrassed...

I nodded my head as if enchanted.

Haruka: I-I do. I… love you.

Haruka: Do… you…?

He grinned at my timid response.

Camus: Isn't that exactly the point of this? Are you suggesting you didn't get the message?

He didn't answer me directly.

Haruka: Senpai, that’s not fair…

Camus: Ha. No idea what you’re talking about.

That smile of his showed he was fully back to his usual self.

He drops the playful smirk and begins to slowly gaze into my eyes.

Camus: Haruka. Never leave me from now on. I cannot bear to live without you any longer.

I knew he'd play dirty.... Ultimately, however, my answer was clear.

Haruka: Of course. I will stay by your side.

He slid the hand brushing my hair down to my cheek and smiled at me.

Camus: …Good girl. Ah, right. I brought you a gift from Silk Palace.

He stood and looked around a bit.

Camus: It can't be opened in the room, so... follow me.

I went outside and stood by the open-air bath as he instructed.

Haruka: You said it can’t be opened in the room…?

He doesn’t appear to be holding anything…

Camus: Behold. The pride of our Silk Palace, the dancing goddess of the skies. A befitting present for you.

He pulled out a small vial from his pocket. The liquid, which appeared to consist of seven colors, smoldered in the glass.

He clutched it in his hand for a moment.

Camus: ...Tantevaci a brora.

The vial then explodes mid-air, flooding the sky with a brilliant light.

Haruka: Woah…

In no time at all… the aurora rose into the sky and spread wide.

A band of seven colored lights shimmered high up, creating a beautiful display in the night sky. 

The two of us, and Alexander, remained silent for a while, just gazing at the stunning twinkling aurora.

Beyond the open-air bath's steam, seven lights danced. 

A sight so beautiful and mystical it looked like a dream.

Haruka: It’s gorgeous…

I let out a cough, and he smiled at me happily.

Camus: I really wanted you to see it. …Granted, the original aurora in Silk Palace is much bigger and more spectacular than this one.

Camus: I hope to show you the real thing someday. It's not always visible, but it only serves to make it that much more impressive.

Haruka: Yeah… I would love to see it.

I nodded while looking up at the sky. 

Beautiful and magnificent bands of light. 

Soaring across the sky in their own colors.

Haruka: It shines so brightly… . Kind of… like you.

He furrowed his brows.

Camus: Like me...? Ah yes, I remember when we first became partners, you told me you'd write a song that would make me shine. 

Haruka: Y-You’re right. I did say that.

Camus: I thought you were a pretty cheeky rookie back then.

He chuckled to himself and looked up at the sky once more.

Camus: Do you still hold that belief? That you will continue to write music that makes me shine?

Haruka: Of course. And I will stay close for that reason… Will you?

He looks back at me. 

As though it were fated from the very beginning, our eyes locked, and a large hand brushed against my cheek. 

His fingers were warm. His gaze burned with passion. 

How did I ever come to the conclusion this man was like ice?

Camus: That is… a truly unnecessary concern.

And then… 

Under the shining aurora, he kissed me.

Camus: Hn… I… won't let go anymore.

Haruka: Please… Definitely...

Time stopped. 

Our lips meet, breaths overlap, as if we had never been apart.

With a passionate kiss, like a streak of light flying through the sky, I melted, and felt as though I blended together with him.

Haruka: ….

Camus: ….

Our lips suddenly part, leaving me with lingering regret. 

I looked up at him with teary eyes, and he chuckled. 

He gracefully puts a fist to his chest.

Camus: Now, listen to me very carefully. I have given myself to my country and master, but this soul will remain yours.

Camus: I will never leave, but if you are uncertain, then instruct me not to go anywhere. I will obey any other order. For you are worth it.

Haruka: ...It would… be enough for me if you didn't go anywhere, if you just stay close to me.

Senpai grinned and graciously bowed his head.

Camus: As you wish, Haruka-sama.

He reached out and softly embraced me.

Camus: Is this close enough for you? If it is not to your liking, please give me a command.

Haruka: No… it’s…. I actually don't mind this, but, ordering you…

Senpai and I are not master and servant, so… I don't want to boss him around, to be superior to him, or anything like that.

I just want to stand beside him as his partner.

He gave another satisfied smile when I explained that to him.

Haruka: Obviously, I am still a novice and have much to learn if I am to continue working with you…

Senpai laughed again as he kept holding me in his arms. 

His grin looked a little more mischievous than before.

Camus: In that case, I will stringently teach you a number of things so you can quickly measure up to me.

Haruka: Huh…?

Senpai bends down a bit and his face nears closer. 

He brought his hand over to stroke my hair.

Camus: Remember. My body belongs to my country and my master, but my soul belongs to you. Then… What do you say for yourself?

Haruka: I… you know… 

Camus: What the matter? You can't answer me? To whom does your soul and this body of yours belong...?

He stared straight at me and my voice didn't carry well.

Haruka: I belong… to you.

Camus: You understood perfectly well.

I nodded with a bright blush on my face, and without warning, he pulled me closer to him using the hand around my waist. 

I heard the sound of hot water splashing at our feet.

Haruka: U-Um, won't we get our clothes wet?

Camus: What? It's a hot spring, right? I thought we came here to get wet?

He easily lifted me up in his arms, speaking as if it were a matter of fact.

Haruka: …Oh… huh?

He sat down beside the hot spring with me on his lap.

Haruka: U-Um…

My heart beat loudly, as if amplified by my body turning into one, and was enveloped by the heat. 

Something fluttered against my leg, causing me to shift in confusion. 

I looked to my side and found Alexander, who had just passed by me, was trotting back to the room.

Haruka: A-Alexander…? Where are you going?

Alexander wags the bushy tail that had just brushed against my leg without looking back and disappears inside of the room.

Camus: Hm. He's being considerate. What a very good dog.

He briefly shook his head as he held me in his arms and turned away from Alexander.

Haruka: Considerate…?

Camus: What are you staring at? Don't look the other way.

His face, and those eyes, were so close to mine that it was hardly possible for me to look away. 

He took my hand and silently brought it toward him. 

His long pale fingertips toyed with mine.

Drops of water trickled down my skin and the hot water splashed at my feet.

Haruka: Um…

Camus: What is it? Speak quickly if you have something to say. I may not be able to talk to you later.

Haruka: You… still won't say it? That you… like me.

He smiled and chuckled to himself a little.

Camus: …I still haven’t? Hm. Don't worry, you will become very aware of my feelings without the need for me to say them.

He places kisses on each of my fingertips, and one on my wrist, as if counting.

Camus: Now it is your turn to sing for me.

Something touches my leg. It wasn't Alexander.

He slid his fingers down my leg, enjoying the trail the drops of water left behind.

Haruka: …Camus-senpai….

Camus: There's no need to address me with formality. You gave me a name. You haven't forgotten, have you?

Haruka: N-No.

How could I forget?

It was a very precious name, one I gave to a man with eyes like crystal and who was as mighty as a blizzard.

I called out his name with trembling lips.

Haruka: Criszard…

He kisses me before I can finish.

Camus: Hn… Very good… Call me by my name… and I will be me….

Haruka: Hn…Nnn……

Sweetly, passionately, from the top to the bottom, every part of me melts away and goes completely blank.

He released me with a light bite to my lower lip and let out a chuckle.

Camus: Ah, yes. In my country, with the exception of the monarch, the act of naming a person signifies a betrothal.

Haruka: H-huh!?

Camus: Though, of course, it doesn't mean it can't be called off. Now, what was my name.... Could you repeat it for me?

Haruka: I-It’s… Cryszard.

*Haruka*

He smiled with satisfaction and then looked at me seriously.

Camus: My name is Cryszard R. Camus. The R stands for “eternity”. I will serve my master and be together with you as long as I shall live.

Camus: And for as long as you call me by this name, I shall obey you unconditionally. I am not going to debate this.

Camus: Address me by this name when we are alone. But from now on, I do not intend to spare you a moment to breathe….

Haruka:  A-Ah… Cris…!

My heart trembled in both suspense and anticipation, and when I closed my eyes, I felt his lips close to my ear.

Camus: I love you.

Thanks for playing!

End

[stretchyyonko]

🖤Welcome to Lovely Cafe! 🖤

- Maid luffy

-I can't help thinking about him being a maid anenfkdksjdjd

- A hint of Nami having a crush on vivi

- Plot twist(?)

- I have midterms later yet I did this out of nowhere LMAO

In a one fine day on the Grand Line University...

There luffy, nami, and ussop are playing Uno since their science teacher Vinsmoke Judge didn't come today because of an urgent emergency on his business.

"HEY LUFFY DON'T LOOK AT MY CARDS! THATS CHEATING!"

"oh? Really? My bad.."

"YOU!–"

They got cutted off when the president student council opened their door.

"Greetings! Section B-1! I am here to announce you that Culture Festival is coming!so who wants to vote what would be our theme?"

"Wait before that the ones we are placing on the voting list are the cafe theme, haunted house theme and lastly the collab theme where we will be collabing with the 4th years and 2nd years."

After the speech from the 3rd year president representative Nefetari Vivi along with the vice president Koza.

"All of your votes will be placed here on the voting box and tomorrow we will know what will be our theme"

All of their classmates started writing their votes on a scratch papers they had and after a minute vivi went to collect all of their votes in the voting box and bid farewell to her classmates.

"That's it for today everyone! Enjoy the free time today since prof judge didn't showed up"

After that they all went back from their usual beings as the three stooped playing Uno and just chatted to kill time since science is their last subject.

"What would you think our theme this year? Will we get haunted house?"

"No Ussop sht up we did haunted house maze last year wish we got cafe theme this year!"

"You just want to see vivi on a maid dress aren't you?"

"....."

Ussop shrieked after he hit the jackpot of nami's thoughts.

"Geh you bitch admit it quickly like how you admitted your crush on her"

"Shut up so what if I do want to see her wear one?"

Luffy was just laughing at their banter as he watch them argue like gnawing a toothpick.

"What about you luffy? What did you voted for?"

"Eh? Me? I voted for the cafe theme"

This made the two caught off guard and had their jaws on the floor.

"EHHH? LUFFY VOTED FOR THE CAFE THEME?!"

"Hm? What's wrong if I voted for it?"

"Luffy do you want to see someone in a maid dress too?" Ussop smirked as he nudges his shoulder.

"What? No...I kinda want to try wearing one"

After what he said it made the two silent for a while and nami started blushing.

"NAMI DID SANJI INFLUENCED YOU ON BEING A WEIRDO!?"

"SHUT UP I JUST IMAGINED LUFFY BEING IN A MAID DRESS AND ITS FUCKING CUTE"

Luffy smiled as he knew crossdressing would really make women go crazy.

"If we ever get the cafe theme one i'll mmake you wear a maid dress luffy"

"REALLY?"

"OF COURSE...the more pictures the more money to sell since luffy is quite popular nowadays"

"You're really selling them huh"

A few minutes later their school bell rang and that signals for them to go home and tomorrow will be the start of their preparations for the upcoming cultural festival.

"I'll get going then luffy! See you tomorrow!"

"Byeee!"

Nami left to go home with ussop since her house was just near Ussop and Chopper as Luffy waited on the gate to wait for her brothers.

While waiting for them on the tree bench of their school he was sitting on the swings on their playground section for the elementary while eating lollipop that robin gave him earlier.

"LUFFYYY!!"

He beamed after hearing sabo waving at him and ace behind him who smiled after seeing their little brother oatiently waiting for them.

"ACE! SABO!"

He ran towards them as the two catched him with ease and ace started ruffling his hair.

"How's school today bub?"

"Its fine prof. Judge is absent today since he has a meeting with the other proffessors in the science lab"

"Ohh so thats why prof. Kureha was absent too!"

"Is that so? I though that Old hag was just absent from drinking too much after I caught her buying 2 bottles of wine on a convenience store"

"What..."

"WHAT? ITS REAL I REALLY S–"

"OKAY OKAY SHUT UP NOW ACE..I'm just shocked to know that she was alchoholic"

"Anyways luffy what theme will ya'll display for the upcoming cultural festival?"

"Its still being unnanounced since we just voted a while ago what theme if its the cafe, the horror one or the one where we will collab with the 4th and 2nd years."

"The collab thing is tough but what if you got the cafe theme? I wonder how you girl classnates will be wearing it or reverse?"

Sabo smacked the back of Ace's head in his attempt of imagining 2nd years wearing the maid dresses.

"Quit yapping we're supposed to be role models since they are the juniors so stop imagining things"

"Yes yes mother sabo~"

"THE FUCK YOU JUST SAY?!"

Luffy was right there laughing as fter ace called sabo a mother.

"WHY YOU LAUGHING TOO?"

"ah–sorry shishishi"

They kept being noisy as they walked to the train station and until they got home, well their grandfather garp offered them a ride but the three insisted so they would know how to ride transportations like people do.

The moment they got home their caretaker Ivan greeted them on the maind door along with other butlers and maids.

"Welcome home masters you're grandfather garp is already waiting you at the dining hall"

"Geh..gramps is waiting for us?"

The butler sighed.

"Sadly yes"

The three of them went to the dining room as the two hide behind sabo eventhough sabo was also scared to face garp.

"WHERES DAD WHEN IT COMES TO TIMES LIKE THIS?"

"Didn't he told you that he has business matters overseas?"

"Ohh yeah I forgot hehe"

They reached to the dining hall and found garp sitting on the middle as always and was waiting for them with a devilish smile...

"YOU THREE...I HOPE YOU ARE PREPARED FOR ANOTHER SCOLDING?"

"GYAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!"

Let's just say they all slept peacefuly after getting exhausted avoiding their grandfathers love.

By the next morning the three always woke up early since their classes and work start at 6 in the morning while luffy's classes starts at 8 and by the time Ivan woke him up je also started doing his usual routine and walk to the train station where he will meet with nami, ussop and of course chopper.

By the time he got there Chopper quickly hughed luffy who was still a little sleepy and has a toast on his mouth.

"Oh? Good morning ya'll"

"Good Morning too Luffy!"

"You looked tired as hell, midterms didn't even come up yet"

"Well gramps almost killed us yesterday"

"Dam so thats why"

"By the way where's robin, zoro, sanji, franky and brook are they going with us today?"

"Well I've texted them but franky texted me that him, robin and brook went ahead early since their schedule is also early"

"Ohh so that's why ace and sabo went early today"

They stopped chatting when they heared zoro and sanji already fighting their way towards them.

"WHAT THE HELL WOULD I GO TO SCHOOL WITH YOU?! YOU CURLY PERVERT?"

"THAT'S MY QUESTION TOO STUPID MOSSHEAD"

"You two stop before i'll push you down here on the railing of the train"

The two immediately stopped as sanji got distravted by nami and went swinging to her as zorocwent beside luffy who was busy eating his bread.

The train finally arrived and they all went inside and since the train is not packed today.

When they arrived chopper went ahead to go to his class as zoro and sanji also went to their class as the three went inside the classroom and found that vivi is about to announce their said theme.

"Oh? What did we miss?"

"The president just announced that our theme will be cafe theme and to avoid malicious scandals boys will be crossdressing and girls will be wearing the butler uniforms."

The three went silent after hearing the news and both luffy and nami beamed while ussop suffered after hearing the news.

"WAIT VIVI CAN I ATLEAST WEAR THE BUTLER UNIFORMS?"

"Hmm? Why yes of course ussop-san we can exchange so i'll be wearing your maid dress and you'll be wearing my butler uniform"

Nami quickly thanked ussop for that.

After the voting their 1st subject teacher Mr. Rayleigh went inside and just announced important details such as their upcoming exams that will be held after their cultural festival and told them that if they got the highest votes they will be exempted on his exam.

"So let's work hard everyone!"

"YESSS"

Days Later....

They all started buying decorations on their classroom and started thinking about recipe's to serve and nami burrowed sanji's cooking book in this and he happily let him borrow his cooking book. He even attempt to volunteer as cook but his classmates told them no.

After decorating for their cafe they all tried putting on the maid dresses that Vivi profided

"Yo this maid outfit is quite different...."

"Well who's the one who hasn't picked their miad outfit?"

"I think its luffy"

"HEYY LUFFY TRY OUT THIS ONE!"

Nami tapped his shoulder and to catch his attention.

"Here yah go"

"Oh thank you!"

After the Distribution of their uniforms they all went back home to take a rest so they'll be fired up for tomorrows opening of the cultural festival.

The next day....

There they all gathered on the grounds of the university as the head director of the school akainu made a little speech and after the speech the said cultural festival has began.

There they went on their standby as they welcome customers outside. While Nami is waiting for the signal since she was assigned as the cook along with Koza and Vivi.

Moments later strangers are coming inside of their cafe and their first customer was four girls from the 1st year department.

"Welcome to our Lovely Cafe!"

The girls chuckled as they all find it interesting to see male crossdressing but what caught their attention was liffy who was just standing on the doorway waiting for customers.

"Uhmm May we ask who is that senpai on the door?"

"Ohh? Him? Hi's name was Monkey D. Luffy just call him Luffy why though?"

"U-Uhm can we have a picture with him later?"

"Ohh sure sure"

After that the girls started ordering a lot of food since they didn't emate nreakfasy before going to school.

After finishing up with their food they went to luffy for a picture and luffy obliged to their requests and took a picture with them.

"Thank you for the food! We will gladly recommend your cafe to our friend too!"

Their whole class beamed at how sweet their juniors are and thanked them as they left to check the other rooms.

The next customers are of course robin with franky, and brook and ace and sabo.

At first their other female classmates freak out when they heared that ace and sabo arrived to check their room.

"Shucks I though I will see girls wearing maid dresses....by the way where's luffy?"

"Eh? He's right there on the door laughing along with robin as he welcomed them in.

"WHAAAATTT!? THAT'S HIM!?"

"HOW COME I DIDN'T NOTICE!?"

Their shouting started commotion on their room.

"If you two want pictures you can buy them from me"

"Will gladly do"

"You freaks...that's your brother you know"

"Well its the first time we see luffy like that since at first he hated wearing dresses whenever we play dress up but he insisted he's the prince while sabo and I got dressed up as princesses.."

"How come you gave him the shortest one?"

"Well..if he quickly grabbed one of those longer ones then he would not wear the shortest one..."

"...."

The two just shrugged and ordered only pancakes and juice while ussop went to collect robin, franky and brook's orders. And after that they praised the cooking since and the food as for robin she knew that the food came from sanji's cook book.

"Well then Nami we will buy that one package of luffy's 6 pcs of photocards."

"Okayy~ that will be 10k berries"

"WHY IS IT SO FUCKING EXPENSIVE?"

"In my defense its luffy we are talking about"

"AREN'T YOU HIS BROTHERS?! WHY BOTHER BUYING HIS PHOTOS! YOU CAN TAKE THEM ANYTIME WITH HIM!"

"Well we are sometimes busy sooo..."

"We'll just buy 2 those one where he was smiling"

"Okie dokie here yah go its 1k berry since you are his brothers"

"WHY RAISE UP THE PRICE AND NOT GIVE US A DISCOUNT 😭"

"okay 2k berry then?"

"You know what here yah go and we will yake those photocards"

Sabo gave the money to nami and bid farewell to them andnwent to go back to their classroom since they only visited for luffy but luffy got occupied with many people for fan service.

As the others are happily serving the people girls started surrounding luffy asking for a picture since they found him all cute just from standing.

"Well well luffy be getting the attention now huh..."

"Now that I've noticed luffy looked good with wearing a maid dress"

"Not you falling too mate quit yapping and just focus on serving food"

Sooner later their cafe got popular after luffy's name got spread and they started getting too many customers and even nami who also slipping in her business of selling luffy's photocards she just took a while ago while on their break.

Moments later one of the higher ups/school directors started checking out of the clubs and some of them was shock to see luffy in a cute maid dress.

One was shanks who was with buggy and Mihawk, and Edward the three are happy to see luffy wearing one and told him that it suits him and for shanks he was speechless and even called luffy beautiful.

Second was zoro and sanji who at first was about to get past to the doorway but they cameback to see if it is luffy or not and was shocked that it was really luffy.

Third was Jinbei and Chopper and Carrot who complimented luffy and told him he was beautiful and looked like a real woman.

Fourth was another of the higher ups the Donquixote brothers, crocodile and of course smoker who was stunned to see him wearing a maid dress but croco just ruffled his hair as smoker adored his star earrings and corazon tried flirting luffy up but he just laughed and doflamingo just laughed at how he funny looked to him.

"YOU FUCKING LOOK STUPID"

"NOT AS STUPID AS YOU"

"....."

"....."

"Damn Doffy you just straight up roasted right away"

"SHUT UP LETS GO INSIDE I'M HUNGRY"

And which was Trafalgar Law, Eustass kid and Kilelr who just casually met up on the said doorway.

"well well well isn't the doctor nerd"

"Shut up loser you you can't keep up with me and your stupid love for metal things"

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?"

"STOP IT YOU LOSERS NO FIGHTING INSIDE OUR CAFE"

Law just gave him a smirk as killer tried stopping him from attacking Law but he stopped by himself after they saw Luffy on the door

Both of tem went red as they saw luffy standing there with his cute maid dress in view.

"Oho?~ looks like these two are in a good timing then"

"OI NAMI DON'T TRY TO–"

"Luffy these two are you're special customers today so go serve them and i'll take it here for now"

Luffy was indeed confused but he stopped his intrusive thoughts and just assisted the two on their tables.

The two calmed down as they patiently wait for their food

Except for Trafalgar Law...

He was following luffy with his eyes...

Man was hooked by a man's beauty.

Killer was just casually chatting with eustass about their upcoming assignments as for Trafalgar he was wondering if he could see luffy wearing it once again..

Well he was my boyfriend...

Wait no Wake up Trafalgar Law

You two kept it secret so kept it like one

Or else you'll lose him...

"–ao? Torao? Torao!"

Luffy called him for how many times as luffy carefully placed down his order which was three types of onigiri with an orange juice as he snapped back to reality.

"Are you okay torao?"

"Ah-Mhm yes.."

"shishishi...by the way do you like it?"

"Like what?"

"This maid dress I wore?"

Law avoided his puppy alluring eyes as he continued eating his onigiri.

"C'mere"

Luffy went beside where people cannot see them since it was crowded due to the amount of customers coming.

There he placed his hands on his thighs as he finished his onigiri and drank his juice after wiping his mouth with a tissue and went to  give luffy a sloppy kiss on his neck and gave him a hickey and cover it up with the lace choker after.

"You look ravishing but I'm quite restraining myself on taking you right here right now"

Law growled on his ear as luffy let out a quico whimper.

"You jerk marking me in a place like this?"

"I swear I'll buy you this kind of dress and ravish you all day"

"Oh? Its a challenge then shishishi"

They got cut off when nami called luffy since his fangirls are back again to take the last picture for the day.

"You two have the fucking audacity to flirt right beside me huh..."

Law throw a side glance at eustass kid who was smirking at him...

"Pft you're just jealous I got him before you, you loser"

Kid glared at him and let out a scoff

"You asshole you better not hurt him or i'll steal him from you"

"As if I could not like you who rejected him for a few times"

"....."

A Few Hours Later......

Luffy was sprawled on the floor still wearing the maid dress as he breath in and out...as the others are just sprawled on the chairs and tables as they got worn out from today.

"GOOD WORK TODAY EVERYONE! By the way proffessor rayleigh told me that on friday will the day of the festival and tomorrow will the opening of the booths of 4th and 2nd years so lets go check them out tomorrow!"

After that they all rest for a bit and pack up their belongings as for luffy he changed back to his shirt and slacks and put the uniform on the basket and help the others clean up their classroom.

After cleaning a knock could heard on their classroom door only to see Trafalgar Law leaning on the door frame..

"KYAHHH IS LAW-SENPAI!!!"

The girls started squealing after seeing law who ignored them.

"I'm here to just fetch mugiwara-ya"

"Ohh its fine! He's done a lot today so you can go now luffy"

"Ohh okayy then I'm off now! Tell ace and sabo I went with torao if they ever fetch me in here!"

"Of course!"

"BYE THEENN GOODWORK TO EVERYONEE!!" he said as he ran to go with trafalgar who quickly gave him a quick kiss on his cheeks which made everyone shocked except for ussop...

"Hey ussop?"

"Yeah?"

"Are those two?..."

"Yes ya'll they are dating...in fact they have been dating last year and I just knew it when I caught them kissin on the rooftop last time when I was finding luffy"

"WHAATTTT?!"

"GEEZ STOP SCREAMING"

- I think that's it

- 😭

- I'm like sanji when I thought of maid luffy and Nami and chopper for dragging law to see his rubber bf wear a maid outfit.

[cyber-cry-baby]

Miasma Pt. 16 "Grand Soirée"

Caustic x fem reader Words: ~1700 Warnings: none A/N: oops, looks like I wrote three chapters today?? Also, this fic isn't 100% lore-accurate as you probably can tell… hope you don't mind. I’m trying my best to follow it tho! I'm glad to see that people are reading this fic either here or on AO3. I'm not sure which one is the place to post nowadays, but I'll probably continue posting to both. I'd like to hear what you think so far? Thanks for reading this, it means a lot to me!!

Previous chapter | Next chapter

You looked at yourself in the mirror. You hadn't seen yourself this polished in who knows how long. You were getting ready for the Grand Soirée with a small group of friends, and it was fun to see everyone dressed up so elegantly and impeccably groomed. The common rooms were buzzing with cheerful chatter.

The Grand Soirée was an annual event and certainly one of the highlights of life as a legend. With fabulous catering and guaranteed fun, what could possibly go wrong? You stood in front of the mirror and couldn't decide if you felt stunning or like a clown.

"Y/N, you look AMAZING!" Natalie clapped her hands while looking at you. Maybe you did.

"You look beautiful yourself!" you complimented her back. Everyone looked different than ever before. Your black evening gown sparkled and your dark makeup added a beautiful touch. Your hair was styled in classic, elegant curls. You were actually quite beautiful. You wondered how Alexander would look in his suit and quickly shook that thought away when you realized you were blushing.

"We look fabulous, darlings", Loba walked over to you, smiling.

"We should hurry, allons-y", Natalie announced to everyone.

"How do I look? Well, handsome, of course! Oh, I'm the star of the evening, take all the pictures you want", Elliott posed one more time in front of the mirror. You playfully pushed him away from the mirror.

"Alright, let's head to the venue", you urged. The venue was a place you had never been before, but you knew it would be magnificent, with its high ceilings, spacious terraces, large windows, and crystal chandeliers.

You mentally prepared yourself, gathering your composure. There was a lot to face tonight: the media, Alexander, people from the Syndicate. You knew that your family and friends outside of the games would be following the evening's events through the media.

Half an hour later, you got a taste of what life as a celebrity was really like. The red carpet seemed over-the-top, and the camera flashes almost blinded you, but you couldn't help but feel like a star. You had a few solo photos taken, and then a group picture with your friends. You posed confidently with a smile. As you arrived at the venue, you couldn't help but admire the grandeur of the hall and its decorations. You sat down at your assigned seats and began to enjoy the delicious food. You had never tasted such exquisite dishes.

"This is why we work and brawl in the games!" Walter exclaimed, almost devouring his food with both hands. You smiled blissfully, seeing how excited everyone was. You wondered how everything looked to outsiders, the glamour and glitz. You began to feel full and sipped on the expensive red wine. At this moment, you wholeheartedly agreed with Walter.

The rooftop terrace was not lacking in extravagance either. Bar counters and hot tubs were scattered everywhere. The atmospheric light installations added a festive touch to the whole setting. The music was playing softly, but you knew it would pick up as the night went on.

"Y/N Y/L/N! You are known in the game as Specter. You're one of the youngest legends and have been in the top ranks in the games a lot now. What do you have to say to your fans?" You were almost startled as a woman with a microphone and a man with a camera stood before you. You probably should have prepared for questions earlier. You stood there looking sophisticated with a wine glass in hand, smiling nicely. Your friends were probably cheering for you in front of the TV right now.

"I want to say, chase your dreams and work hard for them!" you responded with a cliché, and the duo moved on to harass others with their questions. You saw your chance and quickly moved a little further away. You leaned against the railing and took a sip from your wine glass. The view was breathtaking. The city looked massive, and all the other buildings seemed tiny. The billboards blinked in the evening's dim light, and the traffic down below appeared minimal.

You turned around and were taken aback when you saw Natalie talking to Alexander in the distance. They seemed to be having a good time, and you felt a little sad. Why couldn't you just go and chat with them? No, you couldn't act normal in his presence. Probably never again.

Alexander looked incredibly handsome in his suit. You wanted to burst. You wanted so badly to go and grab his arm and let everyone see—your friends, the media, everyone. But there was no chance.

"Oh, how sweet. Are you pining for him?" you heard a familiar, annoying voice from beside you.

"Doyle..." you spat his name contemptuously and rolled your eyes. He looked terribly official in his suit.

"Can't I come and chat with my favorite legend?" he said, leaning closer to you and clinking his glass against yours. You glared at him angrily.

"What? Can't I even admire my favorite legend?" he whispered in your ear, and you glared at him once again. Then he left to join his like-minded friends.

"That jerk", Loba walked over to you to check if you were okay.

"Ugh, he's just a loser, I'm not afraid of him", you waved your hand dismissively.

"Come on, let's stick together", Loba protectively took your arm and began to lead you towards the others. Yes, the others. You saw the whole group standing together in the distance, including Alexander. Natalie squealed when she saw you.

"I just praised Dr. Caustic about you. You look so beautiful, don't you think, Dr. Caustic?"

Well, this got awkward.

Alexander just grunted and turned away. You didn't expect any other reaction. You wondered what it looked like from afar when you and Doyle were talking.

"You and that Syndicate guy will probably be in the headlines tomorrow, the way you two were acting..." Anita pointed out. She looked like a bodyguard in her suit. You wished someone could have guarded your back tonight. Clearly, it was needed.

"That would be hell of a headline..." Kairi sighed and took a sip from her drink. "I need another one."

"Tell me about it", you huffed in response to both of her comments.

You noticed everyone around you gradually moving toward the bar counter. Soon, you found yourself standing alone with Alexander where you had been in a group just a while ago.

"Who was that bastard in the suit?" Alexander suddenly spoke.

"Aren't everyone like that here tonight?" you teased, and you could tell your joke didn't amuse him much at the moment. You couldn't exactly tell him that the guy was someone you were feeding information about his secret experiments to.

"I'll break his hands if he attempts physical contact with you again", Alexander growled, and you couldn't help but smile.

"Like any good colleague would?" you asked, feigning innocence.

"Of course", Alexander replied, adjusting his bowtie. You were relieved that your encounter wasn't awkward, and you could continue your conversation normally. You hoped for more, of course.

"Well, do you agree with Natalie?" you asked, and Alexander looked at you questioningly.

"Am I beautiful?" you flirted with a seductive look, just like any colleague would.

"You're very... alluring", you saw Alexander blush. "And that dress looks great on you."

"Thank you, but I think that you would look great on top of me", you whispered, and you saw Alexander almost choke on his drink. You struggled to stifle your laughter.

"If you weren't my colleague, I'd make you pay for that", Alexander muttered in a low voice, and your laughter abruptly stopped. Were you really going to continue this flirtation? Because if you did, you wouldn't be able to control yourself. You had to take a deep breath. This was truly torturing yourself. If you wanted to continue with your normal life, you couldn't do this to yourself.

"What did you have in mind? After all, I'm just your colleague", you asked innocently. You just had to continue...

"I'll come up with something. I find myself already too deep in this situation, and I'm uncertain whether it's possible to pull back", he said, giving you a meaningful look, and you felt like you were about to burst. You had just prepared yourself to detach from all of this, and now it continued. Not that you minded; it was better than anything. You knew you shouldn't allow yourself to...

fall in love.

But as Alexander had just pointed out, he was already deep into this, and so were you.

"I... I'll get a drink. Do you want anything?" you mumbled and started moving towards the bar counter. Alexander just shook his head and showed that he still had some of his drink left. You headed further away, and suddenly you saw Doyle signaling you over. His face looked serious. What the hell was going on?

You made your way over to him. It was best to obey. However, he couldn't do anything here with everyone watching.

"The files you sent have been examined now. Turns out, you were useful", Doyle said. It was a relief to hear. Maybe now he would be satisfied and leave you alone.

"You're probably interested in this...", Doyle pulled out his phone and began showing you something on the screen.

"It's no longer about Solace City; he's interested in another, more remote location where he's seriously planning gas attacks."

You furrowed your brows and leaned in to look at the screen.

"Does this look familiar? That is your hometown, right?" Doyle smirked as he saw the shock forming on your face.

[greatdragonorion]

Dear Love

I remember last summer when we watched the sunset on the cliffs near town. I watched as that smile of yours grew across your face. You loved the way all of the lights turn off blanketing the horizon with darkness, ready to signal the end of the day. You told me something then, in that language of yours. I do not know what you said and I may never know what you said, but I know it was beautiful.

Under the light of the new moon, the air grew frigid. The wind stung my face and like a fool, I forgot my scarf. You lit a fire for me. The warm glow of the blaze glistened off of your ivory skin. It was one of the most beautiful sights. You kept me warm and safe that night. I just wish I could relive that again.

I visited again the next day asking how to speak that language of yours. I wanted to understand you. I wanted to know how all of the words you say are turned into poetry in my mind. I brought a book that was supposed to help. That old, rotting cover I dug out from the back of the library. The librarian was confused about where I found it. There were no records of it anywhere, but it had everything I needed. All of the words and phrases you spoke. You stared at that book, the happiness gone from your eyes. I guess I was the only one who found joy that night.

The day after that, I knew I had to make it up, so I brought you a gift. That carmine drink you say you always crave. It was hard to get a hold of. I had to ask so many people. They were confused and concerned about why I would want it. You wouldn’t believe what I had to do to get it. I found it though, a friend of mine hooked me up. When I  gave it to you though, there was disappointment. That smile of yours faded. You said you wanted more than the puny sample that I brought. How this will never be enough. How I am not devoted enough. All I can say is sorry.

I miss you so much. I haven’t seen you in so long, yet you were the only thing I could think about. Every thought just comes back to you. It got so bad that a friend told me that I looked sick. That my face was pale and sunken. I told them I had never felt better. That my days were joyous and filled with wonder. My brother told me once that I muttered nonsense in my sleep. That I spoke words that he didn’t understand. I told him that I’d been sleeping great. I always wake up feeling well slept and ready to start the day. Everyone simply gives that damn smile of pity and walks away.

They don’t understand. They won’t ever understand what I see. I read through that book. I finally learned that language. I know what you said. I understand your wishes, and why you craved more of that drink, and I want to make them come true. Tonight, we shall meet on the beach. I’ve arranged for people to arrive at Sunfall for the supposed moon festival. There will be pies and dances to lure them all in. We will revel at the allure of the lunar eclipse, and then the allure of you. The skies will be ablaze from the electric fires of the skyline. Soon they will burn from the true fires until they are pure.

When the mayor will give a speech about how our city is changing and growing, that is when you will come—striding from the ocean in your everlasting glory. It will be such a grand occasion, can’t you see! I set up a fireworks display to announce your arrival. I designed it so each flare has a little piece of you, a thought, an idea. It will shape the world down to its very core. Down with the clouds, they shall burn upon the sky. Down with the cars that throw smoke, they will rip apart those who oppose you with their steel maws. Down with the skyscrapers and bring forth the spires that stretch beyond in ruby and diamond. Down with the trees and leaves and rise the branches of your neurons, pulsing with every thought. The people will be one with you. They will be as you wish, shaped by your will into nothing more than pawns for your game.

You will spread through the roots and water. The lands far away will hear you laugh as you consume all. It will be yours! The world will know your name. You will ride the wills of birds and bears to deep valleys and mountain peaks, and I will be there with you, riding the waves of change. Sitting by your throne at the peak of the world. I will always be there for you. I love you.

[star-trekkin-across-theuniverse]

Song for my Soulmate, pt 3

Part 1, Part 2 I know, I know... it’s been 84 years... I found this in my google docs...

XXX

Of all the weird things her job had offered, a Disney film festival might have been the strangest. The Big Man in the penthouse had decided it was a thing though, as a company social. It was hard to be social when you were concentrating on a movie, she’d thought when the event was announced, not realizing at the time that he did nothing by halves. 

When she’d headed down to the theatre on the third floor, the place was decorated up like it was an actual movie premier, complete with red carpet. There was a moment of intense awkwardness when she realized that her messy bun and yoga pants weren’t really red carpet attire. Looking around, she saw her fellow coworkers dressed to the nines, and turned to flee back to her apartment and get changed. Without looking when the elevator opened she stepped in and slammed into someone very solid. She looked up, an apology on her lips. But never managed to utter it. It was Captain America. She’d walked into Captain America. His hand steadied her and she gaped stupidly. His suit was tailored to fit him perfectly and she took in the broad shoulders and narrow waist with some serious thirst. And then grew more mortified - what if he noticed?

“Ma’am, are you okay?” He asked. She nodded, and backed into the elevator, burning with embarrassment.

“Yeah,” she finally managed. “Sorry.”

The elevator doors closed and she escaped back to her place to get changed before heading back down to walk the red carpet into what might have been the most ridiculous staff function she’d ever attended.

XxX

Steve relaxed in his seat with a box of popcorn and a cola. He was near the back third of the theatre and as close to centre as he could manage. It was the perfect spot to watch a movie. Tony had schemed up the damn film festival when he’d admitted he hadn’t seen most modern Disney movies. He’d caught up on a few, of course, but in the grand scheme of things, cartoons hadn’t been of peak importance. Tony disagreed, and said life couldn’t continue until Steve had seen Mulan and Beauty and the Beast at the very least. 

Just as the film was opening, a pretty woman he thought might have been the one who’d walked into him slipped into the seat in front of him. Her hair was down now, a riot of messy curls that reached the middle of her back, and she wore a little black dress that was elegant in its simplicity. Compared to the faded yoga pants she’d been in when she’d darted onto the elevator, she almost looked like a different woman. It was the apologetic dip of her head to the people sitting beside her that gave her away.

The movies were enjoyable, and Steve appreciated Tony’s insistence that he see them. He found himself humming the music from Mulan as he headed up to his suite. It wasn’t until he was in the quiet of his bedroom, pulling on his pajamas that he realized the singing in his head wasn’t that of the actors in the movies. 

My girl will think I have no faults That I'm a major find How 'bout a girl who's got a brain Who always speaks her mind? My manly ways and turn of Phrase are sure to thrill her He thinks he's such a lady killer

The soft, feminine voice in his head was definitely not that of the rough soldiers in the movie. He grabbed his phone and hit the speed dial for Tony.

“She was at the movie tonight, Tony,” he said, instead of a greeting.

“How can you be sure?” Tony replied.

“I can hear her singing one of the songs from Mulan in my head.” Steve paused, listening as she started singing a different song from the movie in his mind. “And she doesn’t know all the words.”

“She doesn’t?” Tony laughed.

“Let's get down to business, to defeat the Huns. Did they send me daughters, when I asked for sons? You're the saddest something I don’t know, something else before we're through, Mister, I'll make a man out of you. Do those lyrics sound right?” Steve asked. Tony started to cackle.

“I’ll get JARVIS to scan the theatre footage from tonight, and isolate all the women who are unattached. We can start working through the list and find your girl in the morning,” Tony decided.

“What if she doesn’t like me?” Steve asked.

“Are you kidding? As much as I give you a hard time, you’re a pretty great catch, Spangles,” Tony laughed again. “Meet me in the morning in my lab.”

[compellingselling]

Cannes is the ultimate advertising ICYMI

I try to keep up with what's causing the industry to buzz, but every year projects surface at Cannes that I missed. Here are some of my favorites that I didn't know about until they popped up at the 2023 Cannes Creativity Festival.

Chipotle Doppelgänger

While there are a gazillion of combinations of Chipotle's various ingredient options, agency GALE figured out how to tell when two people somewhere in the country placed the exact same mobile order at around the same time and messaged each where their "Chipotle Doppelgänger" was. Search it on Google and you'll see how much organic attention these received. Case study above. Agency: GALE. Lion: Gold, Data-Driven Targeting

Muskrat Magazine "Missing Matoaka"

The cynic in me couldn't help seeing many purposed-driven Cannes entries and winners as desperate attempts at trophies rather than sincere concern for a problem. But I admire this one for being so innovative and clever in how they attempt to counter the inaccuracies in Disney's Pocahontas. (And, okay, I'll admit that it's a stretch that their "client" is a small publication.) Agency: BBDO, Toronto. Lion: Gold, Silver, and Bronze, Brand Experience & Activation; Gold, Radio & Audio

I see Coke

Pepsi arrived to Saudi Arabia before Coke, so they have more share and spend more on media. “In a region where Coke is the challenger and not the leader, there was still one place Coca-Cola owned: movies and TV shows. So, we turned 100 years of product placements on the big screen into an interactive, shoppable experience using voice [Alexa].” Easier said than done. I can’t imagine what it took to pull this off, but it’s a fun idea. They claim that brand awareness increased 234% as a result. Case study here. Agency: VMLY&R. Lion: Silver, Radio & Audio

Opt Ink

McCann’s client wanted to increase the number of Germans who consent to donate their organs. Their ingenious solution: “a free tattoo designed by renowned ink artist Gara” and offered at 250 studios across the country. They promoted it at tattoo conventions, through influencers, and got a ton of free PR. Turns out 25% of Germans already have a tattoo, so they had a built-in audience. Case study here. Agency: McCann Germany. Lions: Gold, Social & Influencer; Silver, Direct; Silver, PR; Bronze, Direct; Bronze, Media.

Clash From The Past

To celebrate Clash of the Clans' 10th anniversary, Wieden + Kennedy created a 20-minute documentary celebrating the make-believe FORTY-year history of the game. This is reminiscent of the "Make-Believe History of Black Star Beer" which was also done by Wieden and also won big in the award shows. But I think it's okay to steal from your own agency's history.

In addition to the 20-minute documentary – which has was produced really well, especially the old commercials – the game makers invited current fans of the game to play games from Clash's make-believe historic origins. Winner of the Grand Prix for Gaming AND Grand Prix for Entertainment. Case study here. Full documentary here.

Cashback for your jersey's back

Just before the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Brazil national team made the jersey they would be competing in available for purchase by fans. The Nike jersey was the most expensive ever. Flash, "a benefits card" that gives cash back for certain purchases, announced on social that they would reimburse half the cost of the jersey if fans put "Flash" on the back of the jersey instead of a player's name. That's a very clever guerrilla tactic that answered a real problem for fans and got Flash a ton of attention. I won't say it was "free publicity," because they did have to pay out a lot to cover half the cost of the jerseys ordered before Nike's website blocked people from putting "Flash" on their jerseys. Case study here. Agency: FCB Brazil. Lion: Gold, Social & Influencer

Sorriso sponsors Sorriso

Sorriso is the name of a Colgate toothpaste and a big shot football player. “Sorriso” means “smile” in Portuguese. Sorriso (the toothpaste) were able to get their logo on the back of Sorriso's (the soccer star) jersey/kit AND wherever the player’s name appeared on stadium signs and TV screens. Then they did the same for a female player with that last name. I saw this one mentioned as a Cannes contender, but it looks like it didn't win any Lions. Case study here. Agency: VMLY&R.

McDrip

To recruit more young employees to work in their restaurants in Sweden, DDB got a streetwear designer to redesign McDonald's uniform. Even if it's still a hurdle to get teens to work at a fast food restaurant, I bet it increased the chances teens would apply to McDonald's ahead of other fast food joints. Case study here. Examples of TikTok here and here. Lion: Bronze, Social & Influencer.

Hilton Waitographer

To show the lengths they go to serve guests, Hilton in the Middle East brought in a professional photographer to train staff people – especially restaurant servers – how to take good phone photos. By TBWA/RAAD, Dubai. (It didn't win at Cannes, but it was in some coverage of Cannes hopefuls. I'm not going to include a link to the case study because it was silly and overlong.)

[f1]

Toto Wolff reveals Pep Guardiola as the unlikely new influence on his 'journey going forward'

Toto Wolff reveals Pep Guardiola as the unlikely new influence on his 'journey going forward' as the Mercedes boss claims the pair are 'on the same wavelength' after being spotted deep in conversation at the Abu Dhabi GP Toto Wolff and Pep Guardiola were invited to a Q&A event for sponsors Puma  Both have enjoyed unprecedented success as leaders in their respective fields  The Mercedes boss lost out on the constructor's title for the first time since 2013 And Manchester City come into the festive period second in the Premier League  By Dominic Hogan For Mailonline Published: 04:17 EST, 18 December 2022 | Updated: 04:17 EST, 18 December 2022 Toto Wolff has revealed an unlikely influence for the rest of his journey as Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.  The Mercedes boss was pictured in deep conversation with the Spanish coach at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix earlier in December, and Wolff has revealed that the pair have  strikingly similar approaches to their respective crafts.  After missing out on a first constructor's title since 2013 this season, Mercedes have announced Mick Schumacher as their reserve driver for 2023, and are confident that Lewis Hamilton will not spring a surprise retirement on them, and instead expect him to sign a new contract.   Toto Wolff claims that Pep Guardiola is set to play a continued role in his 'journey' as Mercedes boss Both are considered among the preeminent individuals in their field; Wolff won an unprecedented eight consecutive constructor's titles in the period 2014-21 and Guardiola became the first team to win a sextuple in 2009 with Barcelona.  The pair met at a Puma event at the Abu Dhabi GP  'The two of us, we didn’t know each other but when I heard him talking, it was like my sentences, the same approach – and he said the same about me,' said Wolff, talking to the Beyond The Grid podcast.  'Fundamentally, it’s down to human management, and he is someone that is certainly going to be part of my journey going forward because he was just on the same wavelength, and even the family was on the same wavelength between Susie and I.' The first encounter between the two hugely successful bosses came at a Q&A event for sponsors Puma, where the pair first got the opportunity to pick one another's brains.  Guardiola is known as one of the most forward-thinking coaches in football, so it perhaps comes as no surprise that he might seek inspiration from outside of football in his incessant pursuit of greatness and perfection.  But though both have enjoyed enormous success in their fields, they come into the festive period in positions that they might not have expected to find themselves in 12 months ago.  Mercedes are increasingly confident that Lewis Hamilton will sign a new contract at the team The Silver Arrows came into the 2022 season with great promise after Lewis Hamilton controversially lost out on the title on the final day, but failed to mount a challenge on rivals Red Bull sue to a consistently under-performing car.  And 2022 was in fact the first season that Hamilton failed to even win a race in his long career in Formula One.  Guardiola's City side, who have been touted as one of the leading teams in the world, come into the new year second in the Premier League table five points behind shock leaders Arsenal.  Guardiola's Manchester City team come into the festive period second in the Premier League Advertisement Share or comment on this article: Toto Wolff reveals Pep Guardiola as the unlikely new influence on his 'journey going forward' via Formula One | Mail Online https://www.dailymail.co.uk?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490