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batb1tch · 5 years ago

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It’s my boy’s birthday so here are some Jason Todd head-canons 🎉

Probably 3rd to last (Alfred and Bruce) on the list of ‘understanding internet slang’ in the household. He died and just sort of fell behind on the times (including memes, pop culture references,etc..) I know he’s known for making snarky quips and sarcastic comments but I have no doubt his siblings would call him out on his outdated references. It’s likely it’d really piss him off too like, knowledge is really everything to this kid and here he is with a group of teenagers who are always on top of shit (Steph, Tim, Duke, even Dick) and he doesn’t know what they’re talking about the majority of the time. Can’t figure out how to use Twitter or Snapchat and he does not have the patience to learn. It’s a genuine sore spot for him regardless of the humorous side.

Has an inner city accent that will never leave him. Still pronounce “on” like “awn” and frequently drops his r’s (which Bruce acts like he hates but really he finds it endearing.) Drops his “ing”s like “nothing” is “nothin.”

Fantastic chef, learned from the best. Very good at making something out of nothing and making it last. Steph has been showing him how to can things like fruit and vegetables. She’s basically just enabled his doomsday prepping behavior.

Speaking of, if you think Bruce is bad with the backup plans (yes there is always a b c d — z) where do you think Jay got it from? Absolutely anal about planning and contingencies. Has a backup for his backups.

Has a small hoard of books hidden in an end-table back at one of his safe houses. His favorite classics (mostly gifted by Bruce.)

Loves the smell of paper.

Definitely could use them but refuses to get glasses. Babs teases him for his squinting when she gets the chance.

“Just join the club book-worm, promise it won’t ruin your badass reputation.”

Jason ~squinting~ “I’d rather die....again.”

Collects cool bookmarks.

Definitely names his guns.

Favorite meal is literally any Spanish/Mexican dish followed by a good chili dog & a coke.

Can pack away enough food to feed a horse and keep going, not even Bruce knows how he does it. Alfred acts like he’s a pain in the ass to cook for but loves feeding him anyways. “You’ll eat us out of house and home someday my dear boy, good god.”

While we’re at it, he is 100% taller and wider than Bruce. You might think it makes Bruce a bit uncomfortable when standing right next to him (I mean...it does lol) but he absolutely loves when Jay throws his weight around because the malnourished string-bean of a child that he met on the street could now powerlift a small automobile and he is so fucking proud and happy that he grew up to be big and healthy (that he managed to grow up AT ALL mind you) how could he be mad? He probably tears up at the dinner table after Jay fills his plate for 4th time that evening and still intends to stay for dessert because he loVES HIM.

His feet definitely hang off the end of his bed by like, the shins because his room only has a full compared to everyone else’s king/queen. It never got upgraded when he hit puberty (because he was dead) and then he wouldn’t let anyone change it once he came back because that’s his bed “don’t fucking touch it I still fit just fine.” (Even though he’s like 22 and there’s a dip in the mattress that could put the Grand Canyon to shame.)

Still has a picture of Catherine hidden away. Visits her grave on the anniversary and always brings her favorite flowers (Lillie’s.)

His hands get cold really easily and they’re always dry/calloused.

Snores. Loudly.

The Lazarus pit did NoT heal his autopsy scar that shit is there for life and it is big and it is ugly. He doesn’t like taking his shirt off because of it and the look on Bruce’s face when he sees it could strip wallpaper.

Stopped dying the lock of white hair on his head.

Has spring allergies that turn him into a giant snotting watery eyed whiny baby.

He’s claustrophobic and not a fan of the dark. It’s why his helmet has night vision.

(While we’re at it, that helmet has to be the equivalent of like, iron mans on the inside. Definitely has built in comms, scopes, analysis systems, navigation, etc etc. the WORKS. whICH he designed and created himself because he’s brilliant.) (Actually Roy might have helped a little but don’t tell him that.)

Has a work-in-progress bike in the cave that hasn’t been finished for over 2 years and it will never be finished because he uses it as an excuse to hangout and spend time with Bruce. Drives Steph crazy to see it sit there but she gets it.

During his first Thanksgiving with Bruce and Alfred he cried for 15 minutes before dinner (which he’s still embarrassed about to this day) and then ate until he literally puked. He hasnt missed many Thanksgivings since he died.

TERRIBLE at 1st-person-shooters and super pissed about it.

“That’s not even realistic, an HK-416 doesn’t even have a 200 round drum. It’s bonkers! It’s madness Tim!”

“Shut the fuck up Jason you haven’t even been facing the right way since we started.”

(He’ll stick to Space Invaders and Mario fuck you very much.)

Really good at piano. Bruce asked him to start playing seriously when he moved in because “learning a musical instrument teaches self -discipline and versatility” but really it’s because one day during his Robin years Jay sat down and started plinking on the keys to a song he learned at the public youth-center on the “old shitty out of tune” wood one they had and it just happened to be a song Martha used to play Bruce all the time. He wanted to hear it fill the halls again.

Gets in a screaming match with Bruce nowadays and instead of lighting up one of Penguin’s underground casinos (like he might of used to 👀) he’ll disappear for a month to cool down. You can always tell when he gets over it though because he sends the family a postcard from wherever he is in the world. (Alfred puts them all on the fridge.)

Pit symptoms used to (and occasionally still do) include horrific night terrors, black-out rage, and brief moments of hallucinations or flashbacks. He had to relive the period of time shortly after he was pulled out through graphic and warped recollections (typically after not getting enough sleep or engaging in physical altercations.) He really only started to work through this after Ducra had suggested keeping a log and writing down everything he could remember. After a time he was able to piece together the things he had experienced or done (mostly to others) and as awful and horrible as knowing may have been, he could at least start to move on.

The more time he spent with Damian after he came back the more he could remember as well. He will occasionally speak to him in Arabic & not even realize he’s doing it (which scares the pants of Dames, himself, and Bruce.)

He does feel closer to the little gremlin because of it though. Talia likely had him as a baby with her the majority of the time after he was born and Jay was recovering/training, so he spent a substantial amount of time with both of them.

Bruce bought him a kindle for Christmas one of the first years he was back and he was (and still is but don’t tell the old man that) elated.

Occasionally mumbles in his sleep, usually in a variety of languages.

He does smoke, mostly only when he gets stressed out (because everyone reams him for it otherwise.) You’d think it’s a rebellious street kid thing but it’s actually because Catherine used to smoke the same brand and the smell reminds him of her.

His shoe size is a 13.

The time shortly after he crawled out of his own grave he could see ghosts (and I’m talking straight up dead people.) He can’t recall much of this or the time spent actually deceased (even after his dunk in the pit) but even now he’ll see things move out of the corner of his eye or get cold chills or feel like he’s being watched. When he hasn’t slept for like, 4 days and is bordering on manic depressive and harmful behavior, he starts seeing them again. Constantine prob finds him real interesting.

My guess is that he did see Catherine when he died but overall ended up in some sort of purgatory-like state which he can’t recall.

When he blushes it’s the hollows of his cheeks, back of the ears and neck and all the way down the front of his chest. The autopsy scar shows up white against it.

Has those hands that no matter how many times he washes them the oil/gun cleaner doesn’t come out of the cracks. Looks like a mechanic.

Tends to wear thicker work/type clothing like carhart fireproof pants and boots. Obviously his jacket too.

Not a fan of cold weather at all. His nose and cheek get really red and he shivers (as unmanly as that is)

OCD. His apartments are spotless, weapons and ammunition categorized and logged, etc.

Had asthma as a child and sort of grew out of it but sometimes his endurance suffers as an adult because of it.

Has this particular phone case 💀

#jason todd #jason peter todd #dc #batfam #red hood

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natsspammityspamspamham · 5 years ago

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Dino Rant (Nov 27 + Other Side Tales)

My siblings are currently mad at me. Here’s what went down. Tagging: @akaskira @ce-la @caratheillustrious Who are all practically my spiritual online older sister/sage advice givers and @lizard-in-the-rain who can be an idiot along with me.

For context: Ate = Sister Kuya = Brother * My dad and I have a rocky past because he’s very old-fashioned, hasn’t been always supportive about my mental health, and is really old and out of date (especially about LGBTQ, feminism, HK protests, etc.) * My sister also has a rocky past with me but has since calmed down a little thanks to old age (she’s 23) * My brother is constantly busy with school (and stressed), is still mourning his breakup after a few months which continues to salt his wounds (not because his ex is crappy but she’s really nice. He’s having a bit of trouble still.), and is a very sensitive person (more sensitive than my sister)

Further in, you can see what happened at the orchestra concert on Saturday. For context, you can check out a previous rant.

Me: Dad got some bad oil burns. I was in the family room as he was yelling “[MOM NAME x 3] WHAT DO I DO WITH OIL BURNS?” Mom was upstairs and didn’t hear They are kinda big He’s upset

Ate: What the why didn't you help him call mom???? did you??? yike oil burns are no joke bc they hurt for longer bc water just steams away but oil sticks and keeps burning and the scars are worse

Me: Uh... I was scrolling on tumblr? I don’t know. I thought he already put ice.

Ate: smh

Me: But looking back, I heard the water running for less than a minute.

Ate: LOL

Me: And never heard the freezer open

Ate: water won't help unless you use soap anyways

Me: So I thought he did that but he was really just yelling for mom He didn’t even ice it. He said he ran some water over it.

Ate: make sure you help if someone yells for help next time even if you think it's handled bc if a person is panicking/in pain they're likely not thinking straight to help themselves speaking from experience

Me: Mom tried to give him advice now and he just walked away going “uh huh”

Ate: even I know to put my hand under cold running water and ice it but I've definitely not done that when I've burnt myself before I would be pretty choked too if there were 2 other people in the house and neither of them came to help me when I got oil burns

Me: Mom was upstairs and couldn’t hear. I thought he was crying wolf as usual.He yells for mom around three times on a daily basis

Ate: fair but fr next time take the 5 seconds to check bc sometimes bad things happenesp if all you hear is a thud

Me: “[Mom Name x 3 again] I CANT FIND THE [blank]!!!” Mom: it’s been in the same spot for over a decade. Look with your eyes.

Me: Mom does that once every other day (has a big thud) usually because something broke. When I heard the yell this time, I thought it was because he knocked something over. Dad is always yelling He even asked mom how to make the rice And didn’t make it because she didn’t answer fast enough Dad is a drama queen. That’s where we all get it from.

Ate: I mean

Kuya: Tf is this situation How can you ignore someone in need of help Regardless of who it is Doesn't it hurt to see someone suffering

Me: I didn’t see anything

Kuya: Unless you hold extreme animosity Like they killed your mom or something I have to hand something in by 10 But I find this quite upsetting

Me: I didn’t see anything, and the last thing he yelled was an oil burn, and the only advice I had was water and ice which I thought he already did.

Me (in response to animosity): Not extreme, but living with him with only me as the child has screwed a lot of things up.It has taken a toll on my sympathy for people (or whatever is left)

Ate: Same but he's still our dad?

Me: Eh, I honestly thought it was a small thing until I saw it.

Ate: I have only shreds of respect for him left but idk if I would go as far as to just overlook "oil burn" and figure "oh, I can't help so I'll ignore him" like that's a lil funny

Me: Again, when someone is constantly yelling, there’s a point where you don’t listen fully to what they’re saying. It only registered later that his burns might actually be serious and more than putting your fingertip on a hot pan. I also have little sympathy due to how he’s treated me during my past situations so honestly, I’ve little tolerance.

Afterwards, my mom called my sister who was absolutely hysterical and screaming on the other line to the point where my mom had to pull the phone away from her ear.

________________

Some Stupid Orchestra Stories:

Things I have said to my orchestra cohorts that might’ve scared them:

*sees me bump my instrument* Trumpet: Ouch Me (walking away): Snitches get stitches and end up in ditches, and dead men tell no tales. Doug: What?

*sees me bump my bow* Doug: Ouch Me (tired because I was just excluded from the conversation today because no one would listen to what I had to say): I’m going to stab you Doug: Pat, protect me!

Me: *tells anything about school* Everyone: MAJOR CONCERN (Examples: Kid said that this guy could have sex with his friend before she turned 21 by slipping a drug into her drink, kid saying he was going to hit a girl with a metal bar from the desk, kids smoking out back, kids make noise downstairs which causes the room I work in to shake, kids throwing stuff out car windows, kids brawling, my science teacher from regular school failing me for practically no reason)

More of an annoying incident from me: Hannah: Who’re you messaging? Your girlfriend? Sean: Yeah Me: YOU’RE STILL TOGETHER?! Sean: (sheepishly) yeah

To be fair, I get weirded out whenever they flash their privilege as semi-well off rich kids. “Remember those special trips you get to take with your school to learn more about science? // Remember those international trips you take with your school club?” Me: ...no?! I’m not poor, I just dropped out of school before I could even go to my nearest McDonalds for a field trip.

But Doug is a little dumb sometimes. He doesn’t get my sense of humour (understandable), but he’s a little ignorant towards not-privileged people.

He literally said he goes to sleep at 9:30pm, got into university (this is a semi-prestigious one) first try with 90s in all of his classes (at least), has a girlfriend, has friends, and doesn’t understand why anyone would stay later than that unless they had poor time management. His words, not mine. My brother stays there until around 12am studying. He was not happy to hear that. Doug is first year so my siblings are making fun of him saying he will perish in a year’s time. My parents saw him stealing kisses from his girlfriend in a parking lot during the day of our last concert. I seriously though the girl in his profile picture was his sister and not his girlfriend because they were both seriously white. Whiter than a bowl of milk I tell you.

He also doesn’t know what a period app would be for. I was a little annoyed. My brother knows about this well enough because we all know my sister and mom would not let anyone in this family live if they did not know the ins-and-outs of a period. Doug was like, “Why would you need to track that?” I responded, “Because they’re irregular.” He looked a little puzzled and I said, “Douglas, you’re a science major. There’s sex ed in school.” He responded that he is going into research (not sure what that has to do with menstrual ignorance) and never paid attention during sex ed (since it’s never for marks). I then got a little more pushy and said, “Well, if you ever want a girlfriend, maybe you should learn.” To which he said, “I have a girlfriend”. To which I gave him a look of:

Stories from the orchestra concert:

I did tell the bass instructor about this so maybe it’ll get sorted out but I did this “tell the teacher” thing twice where it backfired terribly. Let’s hope university kids are a little more grown up.

My messages from that night: Pat told me it was cute when I played in the wrong spots. It was genuine like she said it was cute. But it was like ??? I was having a panic attack. My brain left my body. I don’t want to play anymore. Then she put up her bow to make sure I wouldn’t flip the page Then she hit her bow on her bass. I really don’t want to play anymore. (She also repeated the same thing twice knowing from a previous talk that I have bad anxiety. She has anxiety as well.)

Me: Then Hannah and Patricia were commenting on my shoes. I like wearing my orthotics. They make my feet feel not in pain. Ate: tell them that Me: I did They told me to take off my shoes “They can’t even see my feet” I’m all the way in the back behind people “Then take off your shoes” “But then I’ll be in pain” “But you sit” (I have one foot on the ground) “So take them off. It’s for dress code. People can see you” Ate: but it's literally a medical thing Tell them to actually fuck off hoh my god it's like asking a blind person to put their stick away bc people will trip on it or that you can't have your service dog with you like????

#dino rant

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choicesyouplayandmore · 7 years ago

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ES ASK!! ALL OF THEM!!

Crazy girl. At least you’re learning something from me!

MC: how important are your friends to you?

My best friends are very important to me, close friends as well, my friends are significantly less important, but I’m loyal to everyone as long as they’re loyal to me. I’m Gryffindor, we’re loyal!

Sean: do you consider yourself a natural leader?

Yes I do, my school encourages leadership very well. I used to be a bit of a wild child in kindergarten and in primary school I was a little bit shy, but I channeled the wildness into who I am today :)

Quinn: do you have any medical diagnoses?

I suffer from being-too-sexy disease.

Jake: if you had a one way trip on a plane to anywhere in the world, where would you go?

One way trip? (Damn this is so like Jake.) I’d probably go to Los Angeles!

Estela: are you a vengeful person?

Yeah, a little bit, but not in an “eye for an eye” way. Sort of like….believing people should face the consequences of their actions. I believe in justice, you know!

Raj: do you know how to cook, and if so, what’s your favorite thing to make?

I definitely do and I owe it to Buzzfeed Tasty for teaching me how to cook! I love to make pasta because it’s so easy and simple once you know the ground rules, my favourite is meatball spaghetti and or anything spicy.

Michelle: what’s more important to you: career or family?

Tough tough question. I imagine my career will be more important for me up until I am a certain age (and if I have a bigger family then, if you know what I mean)

I can’t wait to start a career as a lawyer (I’m about to go to law school), I’ve dreamed about it for all my life, but I know being a lawyer is TOUGH in terms of the hours of work you put in….

Grace: favorite subject in school?

There isn’t a day in which I don’t go to school and think about exams so I don’t really have a favourite subject, I suppose Psychology because I sleep during that class. Sounds ominous but my school is intense!

Craig: do you like to go to parties?

Yeah, haven’t been to many of them though. Plus I only want to party if it’s with people that I click with. Otherwise it’d be boring making small talk with a bunch of strangers.

Zahra: favorite videogame(s)?

Nah I don’t play, thanks to schoolwork. But if I had a videogame console the first game I’d pick up would be Assasin’s Creed or Laura Croft.

Diego: favorite pop culture reference?

Lol I really don’t know! Anything hollywood?

Aleister: is having your parents approval important to you?

Hmmm yyeeahhh??? But I’m lucky that my parents love me unconditionally. Thanks mom and dad!

Furball: do you have any pets?

Unfortunately not if you don’t count my Dad’s goldfish, I love cats and dogs equally as much (depends on which types) so I want to own a cat and a dog in the future.

Varyyn: do you speak any other languages?

Chinese in two dialects. Have a bilangual certificate issued by the HK government!

Yvonne: have you ever been on a cruise?

Yes, the only thing I remember about it is throwing up.

Kele: do you play any instruments?

Self taught piano, I’m not very good, but I’m working on it. I pretty much learnt how to play famous pieces so I can impress houseguests when actually that’s the only thing I know how to play. Kudos to Fur Elise (it’s easy!).

Rourke: if you could change one thing about the world, what would it be and why?

One thing? ONE THING? I don’t know, I feel like getting rid of war/destruction or social inequality is the most important. And Donald Trump can go to hell. I’d get rid of him too.

Vaanu: do you believe in aliens?

One word: No.

Thanks @princesstopgun I hope you answer mine soon!

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tonedefsound · 4 years ago

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Bass? Meh. Is that your reaction when your friend is all riled up talking about his newfound religi…. I mean band and you ask what instrument he plays? It’s true though, bass is a pretty boring instrument for the unintelligent, surface musicians who only follow the mainstream. Let me introduce you to some quality bassists you’ve never heard of that aren’t afraid to stand in front of their lazy guitarists onstage:

Victor Wooten – Bela Fleck Les Claypool – Primus Flea – Red Hot Chills Paul McCartney – The Beatles.

Never heard of ‘em? Look ‘em up. Now let me propose to you uninitiated, dumb dumbs another contender among the bestest bassist list.

Ming Nichols. Not only is the South Carolinian a prolific, dirrrty south kinda songwriter but he’s been a part of some of the most renowned projects in East Asia for the past decade. One of which is his Jared Leto loving, bass and drum, dath-rock (math + death) duo Death to Giants. As openers of the Japandroids Shanghai show, not only was the crowd lapping up every drop of sweat from Master Ming’s chin but the headliners themselves bowed down and worshipped at the feet of this magical mathemusician too.

Ming, now residing in turbulent Hong Kong, sets aside a few #instaminutes to chat with us about his newest projects and releases.

So Nichols, what was it like growing up in the drrrtay south and why the multiples moves to Asia?

Most of my childhood I was surrounded by music, fattening food and humidity. I was a goofy, overachieving, overweight band nerd. So, yeah not much has changed. Moved to Shanghai to teach 12 years ago, had a great time, but wanted a change so my wife and I moved to Guatemala. After 3 years, we missed Asia, so we moved to Hong Kong. Teaching is my passport to employment and international moves, but music has always been my passport to making new friends in new places.

How’d you get into bass as opposed to becoming the Asian white rapper we so clearly see as your calling?

I played low brass – baritone, tube, and trombone – in school band but I also played guitar because my dad always had them laying around. The greatest thing my father ever did was instill in me a love of Frank Zappa and just let me screw around on the guitar in front of the TV. As a guitarist, I was into metal, punk, and ska. While in college, I met one of my best friends who was also a drummer who really got me into progressive rock bands like Rush, Yes, Tool, and King Crimson. Together we started jamming as a drum and guitar duo, but soon I felt more

of a calling towards bass as I have always preferred the low end, so my first “rock” band was a prog-rock bass and drum duo. That basically is the foundation of everything else I’ve ever done.

The projects you’ve been a part of are quite eclectic, from the fantasy-progressive rock band Rainbow Danger Club to the heavy hitting double bass group John Travoltron to a collab with Mongolian throat singing traditional band Guren and errythang in between. Give us some of the highlights of your many projects.

Creatively, my biggest highlights are producing the RDC albums Where Maps End and Souvenirs. When it comes to performing, my biggest highlights are in the many shows and collaborations I did with Death to Giants. Ivan and I had that connection, a very unique energy and rhythm section ESP that isn’t easy to find. My bassists and drummers out there would understand. But overall, the best highlights are the memories and friendships that have been forged through music. Touring with your friends and playing your music to strangers who dig it is the best.

How are you staying connected with the downtrodden people of Hong Kong whilst fulfilling that crave to continue music-making in this troubling time?

It’s a tough time for everyone in HK and while its inconvenient for me, it’s an existential crisis for venues, promoters, and professional musicians. Tons of shows have been cancelled since October due to political protests and covid19. But this hasn’t stopped the local scene to try new things like streaming shows. All my current projects have released and will continue to release music and videos online despite having tons of shows cancelled. John Travoltron has released two “zoom-style” music videos, M.E.A.T.S. is about to release a new EP, and Streets of Rage who still hasn’t had a debut gig – we’ve had SEVEN cancel! – has released two in-studio performances, a lyric video, and a debut EP.

A few friends of mine including Adam from John Travoltron and Art and Gabe from Bastardon are doing stuff under a new collective name called PigRat (representing the year of the pig and the year of the rat – two very difficult years for HKers). We just released a compilation highlighting HK artists and want to release many more! The point of it all is to highlight the local scene. Even post-Covid (if that ever happens) It will be a long time before international acts will be able to come to HK, heck it might be a while before any of us can easily leave HK. So it’s a good time to look inward at the talent that exists here and, even better, to encourage growth in talent. This is just our way of putting our little pocket of musicians “out there” and hopefully inspire others to as well. Arts and Entertainment is essential during times of crisis and challenge.

What does Ming de los Nichols foresee in the future regarding your work?

Honestly, I want to improve as a bass player. I am working on a set of Primus covers to perform at the annual Halloween tribute show. It is a personal challenge, wish me luck! Also, my friend

Adam and I (same guy from piglet/johntravoltron) make homemade instruments. We are working together on making a few and performing with them soon.

Other than that, I am going with the flow and always trying my best. I know that I won’t stop creating and will do my very best to perform and encourage others to do the same!

https://deathtogiants.bandcamp.com

https://rainbowdangerclub.bandcamp.com/album/where-maps-end

https://streetsofragehk.bandcamp.com/releases

https://meats.bandcamp.com/ https://www.facebook.com/johntravoltronmusic

https://www.facebook.com/johntravoltronmusic/videos/620281191937981/

http://www.facebook.com/streetsofragehk/

http://www.instagram.com/streetsofragehk/ http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Qy5QbqUSW1JMzz1VHHMIg

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ianus99-blog · 7 years ago

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30 Questions tag

Nickname : I guess it's Kaylee (my middle name) but most people just call me by my firstname

Gender : Questioning but I think that I'm trans so it's male

Star sign : Aquarius

Height : 5'7"

Time : 11:12 am

Birthday: 02.02.

Favorite Bands/ Bands I listen to: Nirvana, Linkin Park, Sum41, Green day,

Favorite Artists/ Artists I listen to: Adam Lambert, Pink, Ed Sheeran

Song stuck in my head: Lake of fire (Nirvana cover)

Last movie I watched: Scrooged

When did I create this blog : december 2017

What do I post: not much atm. I plan on posting stuff about my journey on reaching my new years goals.

Last thing I googled : cool boy names

Do I have other blogs : No.

Do I get asks : nope

Why did I choose my url : Ianus is the latin version if the roman god janus. It's the god of endings and beginnings and I thought that fits pretty well. And 99 because I was born 1999.

Following : 33

Followers : 5

Average hours of sleep : 4-8 i guess

Lucky number : 4 when I was a child my teacher always said that 3 is a lucky number, rebellious as I was I decided that 4 is my lucky number.

Instruments : Once played guitar and planning on getting back into guitar playing

What am I wearing : sweatpants and a t-shirt

Dream job : I don't really know. I think being a programmer would be pretty cool

Dream trip : I would love to go to Denmark or Brazil

Favorite food : pizza

Nationality : I live in the Us but my father is german. He's still living in germany but I don't see him often.

Favorite song : Jeremy by pearl jam

Last book I read : Looking for Alaska by john green

Top 3 fictional universes I want to join : Maybe the harry potter universe..

I would like to tag: whoever reads this :)

I got this from @katie-hk-studies :) she tagged everyone who wants to do it and I think that's great.

#30 questions #30 questions tag

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mincute · 7 years ago

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thirty questions tag 💌

i was tagged by @hix-txpe thank u! c:

rules: answer 30 questions then tag 20 blogs you would like to know better.

1. nickname: i dont have one,,,,

2. gender: demigirl

3. star sign: leo

4. height: i think im 165cm or smth around

5. time: 00:15

6. birthday: august 6th

7. favourite band(s): bts, blackpink, pristin, aoa, f(x), brave girls, clc, exid, exo, beg, monsta x, up10tion, wjsn, nct127, red velvet, sistar

8. favourite solo artist: troye sivan, hayley kiyoko, taeyeon, hyuna, suran, sia, sam smith, pink, gain, ed sheeran, amber, luna, adam lambert

9. song stuck in my head: sistar - one more night

10. last movie watched: pirattes of the caribbean 2

11. last show watched: skam

12. when did i create my blog: at the beginning of 2016

13. what do i post: kpop, gay/social stuff, memes, cute animals

14. last thing i googled: how to write caribbean..........

15. do you have other blogs: if my very old one counts then yes but i dont use it anymore

16. do you get asks: rarely :(

17. why did you choose your url: bc i wanted something pretty n simple

18. following: 221

19. followers: 897

20. favourite colours: blue, black, gray, lilac

21. average hours of sleep: i try to at least 7 but now as school started it will probably go to 5-6 or less,,,

22. lucky number: 7

23. instruments: i cant play but i’ve got a guitar so like i can pretend n get girls

24. what am i wearing: baggy tee n pj pants

25. how many blankets i sleep with: one thick quilt

26. dream job: hmmmm writer??? but idk, i just want to be happy and have enough money to pay rent n stuff n live. i want some quiet n comfortable job. like bookstore or smth. i dont need much tbh

27. dream trip: i wanna visit england. also id like to go on a self reflective trip,,, just me n the road. n somewhere gay too. i heard berlin is gay. also! id like to go to amsterdam

28. favourite food: pizza, spaghetti, potatoes, chicken breasts, chicken noodle soup, pierogis, borscht

29. nationality: polish

30. favourite song now: idk man honestly i’ve got too many ok

now 20 blogs kjfhjk i hope its ok that i tag u n if its not pls let me know!

so i tag: @whaelian @lesbianblossomjimin @lesbianbts @mangotrees @yoongifocus @pastelprincejin @augustdee @intronevernind @peachixtape @twelves @lesbianyoongz @taegay @j5ope @gayhani @duraznito @biminnie @agustdior @drabbel @sunpeachmochi @01jeonguk

#i rly do hope its okay to tag u all since like i dont talk w anyone kjfhjhhdfg but u seem cool so #tag game

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likeathunderbolt · 7 years ago

Text

Tagged for a get to know.

1. What’s your favourite film? The Prince of Egypt. Or Kill Bill 1&2.

2. Favourite film in the past five years? I really enjoyed The Grand Budapest Hotel.

3. What was your first thought when you woke up this morning? Cheesy but I smiled at the sound of the birds & the rain outside.

4. A book you plan on reading? I plan on reading Michael W. Twitty - The Cooking Gene, as soon as it arrives.

5. What’s a skill learned in your youth that you still have now? I can cook Cantonese food really well because when I was a tiny child my nan had a lodger from HK called Jimmy Chan who was a chef & he used to let me help him in the kitchen at home, he taught me so much.

6. Favourite TV show that’s currently on? I’m rewatching BBC’s Planet Earth.

7. On a scale of one to ten how excited are you about life right now? Actually a 7, it’ll be an 8 in October when I start a course.

8. iPhone or Android? I’m still rocking an iphone 5s, in 2017, because I don’t understand technology…

9. Twitter or Instagram? Both? Instagram. Less drama.

10. Who should EVERYONE be following right now? Chrissy Teigen & John Legend, two of the greats for one. Also Tangela Ekhoff & Jo Rowling are like the world’s wise aunts.

11. What’s your favourite food? When I’m being sensible, peppers & humus. If not, garlic bread or corn chips.

12. Least favourite food? I can not do horseradish or Wasabi.

13. What do you love on your pizza? Spinach, weirdly, also mushrooms.

14. Favourite drink? Water.

15. Favourite dessert? Vanilla shake or shortbread.

16. Dark chocolate or milk chocolate? Dark.

17. Coffee or tea? Tea. 18. What would you be the deity of & what time of year would you have your festival? Communication, & spring.

19. What’s your favourite band? No doubt, Chili Peppers, & blink-182.

20. Favourite solo artist? Britney Spears is my ORIGINAL crush & she’s actually so interesting & such a good person, imagine her autobiography. Wife goals.

21. Favourite song? Gwen Stefani’s Cool means a lot to me.

22. If you could sing a duet with anyone, who would it be? Nicki, obviously.

23. If you could master one instrument, what would it be? Harp or Piano.

24. If you had a tattoo, where would it be? I do have one, but I want another above that one & below my left shoulder.

25. What’s you motto? “To be rather than to seem.”

26. Dogs or cats? Why is the word or in that sentence?

27. Bird-watching or whale-watching? Both, depends where!

28. Best gift you’ve ever received? A blanket my mum crocheted for me or my first proper book, from my nan.

29. Best gift you’ve ever given? You’d have to ask my loved ones… I like taking people to my favourite places & writing them letters.

30. Last gift you gave a friend? A leather embossed notebook.

31. Which fictional universe book series do you think deserves a film franchise? The Old Kingdom Series or Artemis Fowl would be great to watch.

32. What’s your favourite country to visit? Other than places in the UK & France… I love Illinois & Honshu. I really wanna go to Hong Kong & back to Geneva. I have a soft spot for Spain.

33. What’s the last country you visited? Japan.

34. What country do you wish to visit? Other than the ones mentioned, Malaysia, Taiwan & Korea to visit friends but other than that, I have a weird thing for Budapest, so Hungary.

35. What’s your favourite colour? Brown, blue, or orange.

36. Least favourite colour? Any colour works in context.

37.Diamonds or pearls? Diamond is my birthstone but pearls remind me of my nan so I feel personally attacked by this question.

38. Trainers or dress shoes? Skate shoes, Es Kingpins are my staple shoe. 39. Speak every language or be able to watch historic events as if you were there? I’d speak every language. (That was really, really hard.)

40. Jogging or swimming? Swimming, I am a water baby, island child.

41. Best way to de-stress? Do something by yourself, for yourself & take time to appreciate it.

42. If you had one superpower, what would it be? Teleportation, or healing.

43. What’s the weirdest word in the English language? I like words from other languages that aren’t Romance or Germanic, like Futon, Ukulele, Behemoth or Mamba. Their etymology is doubly interesting.

44. What’s your favourite flower? Heather.

45. What’s your alcoholic drink of choice? It was Guinness, then whisky, then rum (dark, then spiced) & now it’s gin, these are the phases of my adult(ish) life.

46. Do you like your handwriting? I wish it was neater.

47. Do you bake? I love baking, I was taught to bake by my nan growing up, so I can do a lot.

48. What is your least favourite thing about yourself? My insecurities.

49. What is your most favourite thing about yourself? I always strive be kind.

50. Pick one US state & one Canadian Province to visit. State: Louisiana. (Illinois/Pennsylvania for the fam) Province: Quebec. (Ontario for the fam)

51. What are you listening to right now? I’ve been in quite a Taylor Swift mood lately with all her albums on shuffle.

52. Favourite smell? Okay weird but my cats. Or the sea.

53. What was the first album you ever bought? I bugged my parents into getting me No Doubt’s Tragic Kingdom when I was an actual baby, by repeatedly singing spiderwebs at them all day long. I still have it . The first album I bought with my own (pocket) money was Avril Lavigne’s Let Go.

54. Which celebrity do you wish you could’ve hung out with growing up? blink-182, Mark & Travis would have been the perfect people to help me lighten up.

55. A sport you wish you could play? I’d love to be able to do Capoeira, or Northern Shao Lin Kung Fu, do those count? If not, just plain ol’ ice hockey.

56. Hair colour? Dark brown.

57. Eye colour? Blue.

58. Scary film or happy endings? I’m a sucker for a happy ending.

59. Favourite season? Spring.

60. Three people alive or dead that you would like to have dinner with? Rosalind Franklin, Amy Winehouse & Queen Victoria.

61. Hugs or kisses? Hugs.

62. Rolling Stones or the Beatles? Beatles. (Hendrix)

63. Where were you born? Born & sold out in the British Isles.

64. What is the farthest you have been from home? Honshu, Japan. I think?

65. Sweet or savoury? Savoury.

66. Sweet or earthy scents? Earthy.

67. Phoenix, dragon, kraken or unicorn? I feel like I should say Dragon, obviously but I’m gonna throw a curveball & say Kraken.

68. No Taylor or Kimye, fill your 5 celebrity squad slots. The squad idea isn’t really my thing but here are some people I can see myself being friends with:

HyunA & Hyoyeon Kim.

Harry & Zayn

Chrissy & John

Holly & Fearne

69. What would be the title of your autobiography? Alexander the Skate.

70. Favourite sound? Babbling streams, purring cats, quiet nights in the city or the countryside, cawing seagulls.

71. Favourite animal? Cormorants or otters.

72. Who is your celebrity crush? Someone I haven’t mentioned yet… Kat Dennings.

73. Last photograph you took? Jazz. From the womb to the tomb.

#asks #thanks #anon #ish #personol #personol ar gyfer ts

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imsvg · 7 years ago

Text

Finding You Chapter 2: building

Fandom: Hibike! Euphonium/Sound! Euphonium Pairings: Kumiko/Reina; Natsuki/Yuuko; implied Asuka/Kaori/Haruka; Nozomi/Mizore; Hazuki/Shuuichi Summary: Two years have passed since Reina left after their second-year. Two years have passed and Kumiko is now a freshman in college. Two years have passed and she receives a letter from Reina. Two years have passed but something Kumiko thought she lost is making its way to her. Words: 4,760 Previous Chapters: 1 | Links: FF is here! AO3 is here!

i rec reading on AO3 b/c it’s much easier to read it on there. oh, and see if you can spot the two references i made in this chapter

The next letter from Reina came a week after Kumiko delivered hers.

Kumiko,

You wrote a lot more than I expected. I’m quite glad you did, honestly; it reminds me of the times you would run off on tangents on our monthly hikes. I’m pleased to hear that everyone we know from band are doing well.

That, obviously, includes you too.

What degree are you working towards? I initially planned on majoring in instrumental performance and making a living off of that, but I heard that Taki-sensei received an offer to play in a prestigious orchestra that’s based in Tokyo. Although he won’t be leaving until a few more years, I’ve decided to become the next band director for Kitauji. It’s one of the reasons I’m back in Uji.

Speaking of Kitauji, I dropped by the other day. It looks just as I remembered it, but something is inherently different about it. I honestly can’t describe it, but when I walked around, it felt so surreal. It didn't feel real. I thought that if I looked away, if I even blinked, it would have faded like a mirage.

Maybe it’s the homesickness talking, but I really missed Kitauji. Sometimes I wonder what my senior year might have been if I didn't leave.

Maybe if I stayed, I wouldn't feel this way towards it.

On a much lighter note, it seems that the company that creates those strange instrument creatures (you know, the ones that Kawashima-san loved—or is it loves? I would think that she would have grown out it, but she never fails to surprise me, if I’m being honest) sponsors the band, now. I think Taki-sensei has mixed feelings about it.

Write soon,

Reina

Kumiko reread the letter, taking in every syllable.

Reina’s words were so raw, so honest, it took Kumiko aback. She thought she would have needed to peel back layers of protection covering Reina’s feelings again, the same way she did during their first two years of high school.

It seems that wasn’t the case. Or, at least, to Reina it wasn’t.

Well, of course Reina would have it easy, Logic began as Kumiko reached out for her lukewarm mug of coffee. She was the one who left, after all.

Kumiko had a hard time forcing the coffee down her throat.

She downed the rest of her drink, and rose from her seat, leaving the letter on the table. After a quick shower, she decided, she would begin working on her reply.

Hopefully.

-X-

Call Transcript

Hazuki Katou → Kumiko Oumae

1:35 PM

HK: Ku—mi—ko—chan!

KO: Hazuki-chan! It’s been a while.

HK: [laughs] Right? It’s hard to believe that summer’s already here! Next thing you know, it’s going to be the holidays, then spring comes, and it’s a whole new school year! Then we’re going to be second-years in college? Funny how time flies, you know?

KO: [chuckles] Yeah, yeah, I get it. What’s new with you?

HK: Nothin’ much, really. Just tryna get through school. [laughs] Sometimes, it feels like I never graduated from high school. I’m still in the same place, still seeing some of the same faces, still hating studying. It’s hard to believe that’s been already a year since we left from Kitauji.

KO: [chuckles] Some things never change.

HK: I guess. [chuckles] What’s new with you? I haven’t seen you in ages.

KO: Nothing really. I mean, school ended for me too. Now I’m just…whittling the hours away by myself.

HK: Eeeeh? Really? By yourself?

KO: Well, yeah, by myself.

HK: Thought you would have gotten another girlfriend or somethin’ by now.

KO: [laughs nervously] No, no, not…yet.

HK: That's a shame. You’re real pretty, Kumiko-chan. Bet you could get any gal you set your mind to.

KO: A-ah, I guess. [nervous laughter] Thanks?

HK: You can probably find someone at the Agata Festival!

KO: It’s already that time of year?

HK: Mhm! I think it’s…in several weeks, or something. But the town’s already making preparations for it. I think they’re really upping their game this year.

KO: I don’t see why. [chuckles] The Festival’s the same every year.

HK: How would you know? You haven’t been home in ages! [laughs] Say, you should come over! Stay over at your folks’ house, reconnect with people. You know, so that you’re not a hermit for the rest of vacation.

KO: Maybe I will.

HK: You should! Midori-chan’s coming over, too!

KO: No way, is she really?

HK: Yeah!

KO: All the way from London? Damn.

HK: Oh, oh! And guess who I saw recently!

KO: Uh…Shuuichi?

HK: [incomprehensible stuttering]

KO: I’m…I’m sorry, what?

HK: K-Kumiko-chan! Ho-how’d you find out?

KO: …Find out what?

HK: Oh. O-oh….

KO: Is there…something I’m not getting here?

HK: Oh…I—[laughs nervously]—I thought you knew.

KO: Knew what?

HK: Well…er…Tsukamoto-kun and I are together.

KO: [sputters and coughs] I-I’m s-sorry—[coughing fit]

HK: [worried] A-are you okay, Kumiko-chan…?

KO: Y-yeah, I’m just—[clears throat] taken aback, is all. How long have you guys been…together?

HK: Not long. I think this is our…fourth month?

KO: [hums] You never stopped likin’ him, huh?

HK: [titters] Y-yeah, guess not. You—er—don’t mind, do you?

KO: O’course not. Why would I?

HK: A-ah—mm—no reason….

KO: [sighs] Hazuki-chan, you know I never liked him that way. You don’t have to worry about me being upset. Just ‘cause he’s my childhood friend doesn’t mean we were anything more than that. Don’t worry, okay? ‘Sides, you two make a good couple. I’m happy for the both of you. [laughs] Although, I am surprised that he managed to get someone as pretty as you.

HK: Thanks, Kumiko-chan. [laughs quietly] But that wasn’t what I was going to tell you.

KO: What is it, then?

HK: I saw Reina-chan!

KO: O-oh?

HK: Mhm! It seems she’s back from studying abroad. She was taking a walk around the river. I wanted to go up to her and say hi, but Tsukamoto-kun and I were on a date. She looks…the same, but different at the same time. I mean, yeah, she cut her hair, but there’s something more to it that I can’t really describe it. If you saw her I think you would understand what I mean.

KO: That so?

HK: Mhm. Mm…Kumiko-chan?

KO: Yeah?

HK: Mind if I ask you a question?

KO: What is it?

HK: Do you two…still talk? Like, I know the both of you had a falling out back in high school when she left, but I was wondering if…you know—a-ah, you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to! I just wanted to make sure that I wasn’t, you know, opening up old wounds.

KO: No, it’s fine. [chuckles] We’re talking to each other. Kind of.

HK: Really? No way!

KO: Kind of is the key phrase here. She sent a letter a week ago, and we have this correspondence going on between us. Sort of.

HK: Ooh, letters! How romantic!

KO: [stammering] I-I g-guess? [chuckles nervously]

HK: Never thought Reina-chan would be that kind of person. You know, because it’s so convenient to just call or send a text.

KO: Yeah, I get it. But, then again, she was always one for the unconventional.

HK: [laughs] Sounds just like her.

[The sound of a door opening is heard, followed by muffled speech is heard in the background]

HK: Ah? Already? Okay. [whispers] Talk to you later, Kumiko-chan. I better see you at the Festival!

KO: [laughs] Sure, sure. See you, then.

Call End

2:03 PM

Kumiko locked her phone and set it aside.

Seems like everyone’s finding love, hm? a part of her pointed out as she reached for a pen. Maybe she found someone new, too.

Kumiko’s hand froze in mid-air.

Slowly, she set her hand down and stared at the blank stationary in front of her. Kumiko would be lying if she said that the thought of Reina having another person in her life didn’t bother her.

Wait, Logic chimed in, if, hypothetically, Reina did—and I’m not saying she does—but if she did, wouldn't have she mentioned it by now? She was never one to beat around the bush.

She didn’t mention the day she was leaving.

But look! Optimism added her voice as Kumiko took a quick glance at Reina’s recent letter. Look how she wrote those words. Look at that tone. You took Literature, didn’t you? How in the hell could she have someone when she wrote like tha—

“Ah, shut up!” Kumiko cried out, silencing her thoughts. She slumped in her seat, her forehead hitting the desk with a faint thunk.

“Why is it so hard to write?” She sighed and turned her head, her cheek resting on the cool parchment.

The sight of a familiar potted cactus greeted her.

Kumiko felt a small smile curl her lips. “At least you never left my side,” she muttered.

The cactus said nothing.

“It’s dumb,” Kumiko continued, “that I can’t be honest with Reina anymore. I mean it’s not dumb—it’s understandable, isn’t it, since she left and all?—but I hate how I can’t just go back to what we had. I mean, look”—she sat up and gestured to Reina’s letter—”at how she can just open up like nothing happened between us. Why can’t I do that? Why am I so s-scared?”

Kumiko hated hearing her voice crack.

Maybe you should talk to someone, Something suggested.

The thought was sudden, but Kumiko didn’t dare argue, not when the familiar sting of tears was prickling the back of her eyes. She cleared her throat, and reached out for her phone. She ignored how her heart was pushing against its stitches, threatening to break them.

With a quick input of her password, Kumiko sent out a text.

2:09 PM

kumiko: natsuki-senpai?

natsuki: Whats up kid

kumiko: i

can i

talk to u about smth?

natsuki: Sure

But i think i remembered telling u to call me

Not txt

kumiko: you dont mind, do you?

natsuki: Ofc not

I was just playin w/ u lol

kumiko: oh okay

natsuki: So what do u need

kumiko: ah well

it’s just

tbh idk how to start lol

natsuki: Just start w/ the problem

kumiko: well reina’s been sending me letters

okay it’s only been two but still

it’s been really hard to reply to her

natsuki: Y

kumiko: honestly it’s b/c im scared

natsuki: Of what

kumiko: opening up to her again

she’s talking to me like nothing’s happened

like she didn't leave

and i cant bring myself to do the same thing

natsuki: So ur scared of talking to her

Is what ur tellin me

kumiko: basically yeah

natsuki: U no

If ur not comfortable w/ talking to her the same way u used 2

U dont have to force urself

Forcing urself to be comfortable will make u uncomfortable

But it seems u already no that lol

Take things slow and soon ull be talking to her like u used too

I no itll b hard

But being able 2 be at ease w/ the other person is important in any relationship

And thatll come eventually if u let it

kumiko: it looks like you’ve had a lot of experience w/ this lol

natsuki: Dont tell yuuko but

One of the reasons i acted like an asshole 2 her back in the day was b/c i didnt no how to talk to her

And b/c i thought she was annoying as shit

I always thought she was cute but

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

kumiko: those are very natsuki-like reasons lol

natsuki: U cant deny that yuuko is an acquired taste

kumiko: okay i guess you're right lol

natsuki: Can i ask u smth now

kumiko: yeah what is it?

natsuki: U said u were gay rite

kumiko: yeah

natsuki: Were u and reina an item or smth

kumiko: yeah

we kept it under the covers-ish

only a handful of people knew, like asuka-senpai and midori-chan and hazuki-chan

i dont think any of her family knew

but we were somewhat open w/ affection like holding hands and stuff

you know?

natsuki: Yeah i no lol

I kinda called it tbh

But it wasnt my business and idc who ppl date anyways

As long as ure happy and safe

kumiko: mhm

natsuki: She must have meant a lot to u huh

kumiko: …

yeah..

it sucks that things went the way they did…

natsuki: Yeah

It rly hurt u a lot huh

When she left

kumiko: was it noticeable?

natsuki: Kinda

U always had this zoned look on ur face when no1 was talkin to u

And u were quieter

kumiko: you're surprisingly observant

is it your vice-president intuition kicking in lol

natsuki: Lmao i guess

U pick up things after a while

kumiko: yeah i get it

natsuki: Plus i think i got it from u lol

kumiko: yeah?

natsuki: Yeah

U have this weird ability to read ppl sometimes

kumiko: wish i could read what reina was thinking back then

or when she writes to me now

so that i know why she left in the first place

natsuki: Ull figure it out

Maybe itll be clear sooner or l8r

Ask when ure ready

kumiko: yeah maybe

thanks natsuki-senpai

for letting me talk to you

i would have gone to asuka-senpai but she gets a little too blunt sometimes lol

and as much as i love her she’s useless when it comes to these kinds of things

natsuki: Anytime kid

Oh btw this is offtopic but

R u going to the Agata Festival

kumiko: i was thinking about it

are you?

natsuki: Yeah

Yuuko’s been begging me to take her

I think its so that she can see kaori again lol

kumiko: or maybe she just wants to spend time w/ you

you know

since you’re her girlfriend

natsuki: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Who knows

Anyways were planning on leaving in two weeks

So we could have a week to chill before the actual festival

U wanna come

kumiko: sure

natsuki: Cool

Ill txt u more deets l8r

kumiko: sounds good to me

i’ll ttyl then

better start on this letter lol

natsuki: Got u

Ttyl

Kumiko locked her phone, and reclined in her seat. She stared at the ceiling, noticing how, despite the summer heat around her, her chest felt considerably lighter. Like someone came and took a weight she never knew she was carrying.

Just build up to her, Something whispered. You can do that, right?

Kumiko sat up and reached for her pen again. Once the tip touched the paper, words began to form on the page. Words turned into sentences, which took shape into paragraphs, and before Kumiko knew it, she had to reach for another piece of stationary.

Reina,

I went into college undecided. Right now, I’m getting all the general classes out of the way, but I took a music composition class as an elective. It was an interesting experience; it made me remember why I loved music and euphonium so much in the first place. I might take extra classes on it.

If I’m being honest, I’m surprised that you decided to become a teacher. I never would have expected that from you, considering how well you received the underclassmen when they came in. You would always rant on and on about that whenever we went on our hikes, too. Especially when you got frustrated at the “lack of commitment” from the underclassmen during our second-year. But, you know, we pulled through in the end. We managed to get a gold at Nationals that year (but then you complained on how it was a dud gold and not real gold, and that reminded me of a particular scene back in the middle-school).

It’s hard to believe, yet at the same time, I can picture Band Director Reina perfectly. You would be similar to Taki-sensei, I think. Overly-serious, with a stoic face and straight voice. You would give tons of tough love to the slackers and the ones who weren’t improving as quickly as you would like, but your harsh words would carry good intentions.

Writing that made me realize how much I missed Taki-sensei and Kitauji. Maybe I’ll drop by when I come by in a few weeks, around the Agata Festival.

Speaking of the Festival, are you planning on attending with anyone? Me, I don’t really have plans to attend, honestly. Midori-chan is coming back from England, so I might be with her—maybe. I heard from Hazuki-chan that the Festival is going to be more lively this year. How much more lively, I wouldn’t know—I haven’t gone the last couple of years.

Maybe if you go, we can run into each other again.

Kumiko

Finishing her signature with a flourish, Kumiko glanced over her letter with a touch of pride and lots of satisfaction.

She certainly wrote much more than she had expected.

But, underneath her contentedness, there was a nagging question in the back of her mind, prodding around for answers.

Why did Reina leave in the first place?

You can ask her once you’re ready—just build up to it. Like Natsuki-senpai said, Something assured. And then you’ll be able to find the answer.

Kumiko pulled out an envelope from her desk drawer, folded the letter into thirds, then tucked it into the envelope. As she wrote down Reina’s address followed by her own, Kumiko noticed a budding feeling in her chest. It made her feel jittery at the thought of sending this letter to Reina, while at the same time, an unbridled sense of anticipation filled her when she thought about the possible replies Reina’s letter might hold.

-X-

Reina’s reply came a mere two days after Kumiko delivered hers.

Oh, Kumiko,

If that was your way of trying to find out whether or not I have someone else in my life, the answer is no, I don’t have anyone to go to the Festival with. But, if you’re in Uji for the Festival, then perhaps we can go together—that is, if you’re not busy with your plans with Kawashima-san.

(At this, Kumiko pictured Reina curling her lips into the subtlest of smirks, and she had to pause reading to gather her flustered self)

But, you know, attending the Agata Festival wouldn’t be so bad. It’s been two years since I’ve attended it, after all. I doubt that there will be any groundbreaking changes, but I think I’ll still go. For nostalgia’s sake, you know? Coming back to Japan made me realize how much I’ve missed everything. I suppose you can say that the Agata Festival is one of them. I’m not one to linger on these types of things, but when you leave the place you once knew for a whole new world, you’ll start to miss the flavor of familiarity. Sure, there’s the thrill of trying new things, but that can only last so long.

You know how they say you can never truly appreciate something until it’s gone? I think I understand what they mean now.

Anyways, it’s a pleasant surprise to hear that you’re still involved with music. Music composition is a very interesting choice of study. I remember I took a class on it in my time abroad. I didn’t find it quite as enjoyable as actually performing, but I’m still going with it. Maybe somewhere along the line I’ll actually like it.

Speaking of music, have you watched Kitauji’s performance in this year’s Sunrise Festival? I’m surprised at the rapid growth of the group, if I’m being honest. They’ve improved a lot since our second-year performance with them. They nearly doubled in size—instead of 40 people in the band and only a handful of color guard, it’s almost an 80-piece band. I didn't get a proper count of the color guard, but there was a considerable amount. Their diagonals were a bit off, but their steps were together, and all of them were on beat. The sound was amazing as well—loud, bold, yet majestic. If you ever decide to drop by Kitauji when you’re in Uji, I’m sure Taki-sensei will show you the tape. I feel a sort of quiet pride exuding from him every time I mention it. You’ll understand what I mean if you do.

Awaiting your reply,

Reina

It’s almost comical how our letters to one another are getting longer and longer. Kumiko chuckled, taking out a sheet of stationary.

Maybe it’s all part of building up to each other, Something mused. Kumiko silently agreed as she reached for a pen.

Unlike her last two replies, Kumiko didn't hesitate to work, her words filling up page after page.

-X-

Before Kumiko knew it, she established a comfortable correspondence with Reina. She received Reina’s letters at unpredictable times, sometimes two days after she sent her own reply, other times a whole week. Nevertheless, Kumiko found herself stopping by her PO box with anticipation every morning. If she was especially restless, she would even check her mailbox multiple times a day. Once that letter arrived, however, Kumiko made sure to reply and deliver right away.

Even if it meant going down to the lobby near the dead of night.

“Going to deliver something so late, Kumiko-chan?”

“Guah!” Kumiko nearly jumped out of her own skin. Whipping her head around, she saw Gram staring at her behind the counter with a smile, brown eyes twinkling in the bright light of the lobby. “G-Gram! I—uh—didn’t see you there.”

Gram chuckled. “I can tell.” Her gaze drifted to the lone envelope that Kumiko held in her hands. “Bills?”

“A-ah, no.” Kumiko scratched the back of her neck. “It’s, uh, a letter.”

“A letter?”

“Yeah. For someone.”

Gram looked back at Kumiko, her smile never wavering. “It looks like your generation knows how to write letters after all.” There was an amused lilt in her voice, and hearing it made Kumiko smile crookedly.

“Admittedly, it wasn’t easy.” She chuckled. “The first couple of times took me much longer than it should have to write.”

“That’s how it is with a lot of things,” Gram said with a knowing nod. “I was the same, you know.”

“Really?”

Gram nodded and turned to the small picture frame that sat on her desk. Kumiko followed her gaze, craning her neck to get a better look, and saw the faded black-and-white picture of a young couple., The man was meticulously dressed in a suit, hair slicked back. His arm was around the waist of a young woman dressed in a flowing kimono, her black hair tied back into an elaborate bun. While at first glance their expressions seemed stoic, Kumiko noticed that both their lips were curled into the subtlest of smiles.

“Hideo-san had to find work, oftentimes abroad, especially in the beginning of our marriage,” Gram began. “We would write letters to one another, but in the first few years, I struggled to figure out on what to write. What do I say to someone that I barely knew, yet at the same time, someone I was supposed to share my everything with? We were an arranged marriage, and we didn't get to meet face-to-face until our wedding day.”

“Sounds…tough.”

Gram laughed, her voice rich with nostalgia. “It was. Our letters to one another at first were sparse, both in quantity and quality. But over time, we—how do I say this? We—”

“Built up to one another?”

“Yes,” Gram said with a nod. “Something like that. Our responses to one another grew and grew, and so did our love.” Gram looked at Kumiko, and Kumiko noticed how her brown eyes shimmered in the light. “Love finds its way, Kumiko-chan. It always does.”

Kumiko’s stomach churned, as if it had a hard time digesting the sudden sweetness in Gram’s voice. “That so?”

Gram let out a breath of amusement. “You don’t believe me, do you?”

“Wha—I never said tha—why would you assume—”

“It’s fine, Kumiko-chan,” Gram said with a laugh. “It’s hard to believe it when love hurts, like so many things in life.”

Kumiko’s words died on her tongue.

“Love is never easy. I’ve learned that the hard way. But”—Gram reached over to cup Kumiko’s face; she melted into the calloused, yet gentle touch—”it’ll always find you. Whether it’s through a passion or a person, developed or spontaneous, love will find you. And when it does, it will stay. Do you…understand?”

Kumiko pursed her lips to keep them from quivering as she gave a faint nod. “Yeah, I—I think I get it.”

“Good.” Gram lightly pinched Kumiko’s cheek before pulling her hand away. “You’ve been hurt by this person, haven’t you?” Her eyes drifted to Kumiko’s letter.

“Yeah. She, uh, left. To study abroad. Didn’t really say anything about it, though.”

Gram hummed and gave a knowing nod.

“But she sent me a letter a couple of weeks ago saying she’s back in Japan, so….” Kumiko shrugged and looked down at the letter in her hands. “My friend told me to slowly build up what I used to have with her. I found it a little hard at first, but I’m getting used to it now. I even look forward to getting letters. But, it’s just that—I don’t know—I just I think she’ll leave again, and this time, she’ll never return.”

“Well,” Gram began, “if she came back in the first place, it must mean something, hm?” She raised her eyebrows and a playful smile tugged her lips.

Kumiko chuckled. “Yeah, I guess….”

“Is this person someone important to you?”

“Yeah,” Kumiko said, “she’s an important…friend.” Kumiko forced the word out, and ignored the way her heart winced in her chest.

“Your eyes say otherwise.”

Kumiko’s ears were suddenly ablaze, the shame of lying to Gram consuming Kumiko’s face in a red blush. “U-uh—w-well—”

“You’re still the same to me, Kumiko-chan.” Gram said with a growing smile. “Love has no boundaries. Never be ashamed of loving another person, regardless of who they are.”

Kumiko’s lips pulled into a crooked smile. “Thanks, Gram.”

Gram’s smile turned into a grin as she chuckled. “Anytime. Ah, before you go, I have something for you.” Kumiko watched as Gram shuffled off into the back of her office, rustling about, until she returned with a Tupperware container full of food.

Kumiko’s stomach growled when she saw the chicken katsu and rice inside.

“Thanks,” Kumiko said as she reached out for the food. She could feel the slight warmth of the rice tickling her fingertips as she held it. “You know, you don’t have to do this, though.”

Gram shook her head. “It’s fine. I want to do this. I love cooking because it reminds me of Hideo-san. I would always cook for him whenever I had the chance.”

Kumiko’s heart ached when she saw Gram’s shining eyes drift towards Hideo-san’s picture, a nostalgic smile on her face.

Her love never ends for him, Something whispered. Maybe she’s right. Maybe love does stay.

The thought left warm feeling in her chest.

“Thanks, Gram,” Kumiko said quietly.

Gram looked up at Kumiko. The beads of tears that were collecting in her eyes sparkled in the light, and in that moment, Kumiko thought that Gram looked like the beautiful young woman in the picture.

“Enjoy the food,” Gram said, the smallest of smiles tugging on her lips.

-X-

you remember

the first meal you cooked

together

she was home

alone

“no one’s here?” you asked

“yeah, but it’s okay,” she said

as if it was normal for her to be

alone

you tried not to let that bother you

as the both of you prepared dinner

together

the drone of the tv playing,

the clatter of cutlery,

the ruckus of pots and pans,

the sizzle of the meat,

all of that was just background noise to you because you focused on

how she looked

how she laughed

how she spoke

because it was moments like these, you realized

that she looked genuinely happy,

and sparkled in the moonlight

like an angel

flung out of space

you prepared the food

together

you set the table

together

you ate

together

laughed

together

you spoke

together

you were happy

together

“the food tastes amazing,” she said

“yeah,” you said, “it does.”

but in the back of your mind

you wondered

how often she ate her meals

alone

and how bland they tasted

whenever she ate

alone

because people always say

meals taste better when eaten

together

#oumae kumiko #kousaka reina #i write #kumirei #hibike #hibike! euphonium #sound! euphonium #hibike fanfic #fanfiction #nakagawa natsuki #katou hazuki #angst

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sarahinzhuhai-blog · 7 years ago

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Arriving in 珠海： Culture Shock, Awesome Host Family and 生病

(note: this was supposed to be posted 6/24 Zhuhai time but I'm bad) Two days ago was really, really rough. We saw HK and it was absolutely gorgeous, but after we took the ferry and I felt seasick, the downhill tumble began. I'm not going to talk about it much, but for the entire second half of the day I seriously hated everything and wanted nothing more than to go home. It was a combination of having gotten very little sleep (in HK, I went to bed at 12am and then woke up at 1, 2, 3 and 4 and then couldn't sleep again), constantly traveling and differences in surroundings--there's a smell that is everywhere here and even though BNUZ is fairly new, the buildings are a lot more run down (and in big cities in general, which I am already not used to, are a lot dirtier and have a sad feeling to them)--that made me feel terrible. I'm not sure why these random things got to me so much, but they did. I'll leave it at that; it was bad. Now that we're all at host families, everyone else is having some emotional difficulties, but for me the worst part of this whole trip so far was the time before meeting families. I truly felt a sense of deep despair and it was very discouraging. // Yesterday was amazing--started out rough because again woke up at 4 and couldn't sleep, worried I would still feel as bad as yesterday. Ate a good breakfast (complete with piping hot water)--包子，馒头（sweet steamed bread, super good), watermelon, noodles, some sort of leafy green, etc. Some kids went running, I did NOT. // After that we took a campus tour via ecart. Campus is very green with a lot of water. Apparently BNUZ was created about 15 (or 50? I think 15) years ago...it doesn't look like that though. They do renovation differently than in America. Our "tour guide", Emily, is a student at BNUZ and is going to be one of the program language partners (students who are paired w us and eat with us, help us learn Chinese, hang out with us and guide us around campus, etc--most of them are majoring in teaching Chinese as a second language). Emily seemed super cool! //After the tour, I was still in a depressed/bad/I-don't-know-how-to-describe mood and that continued throughout the orientation. We were given bus cards, more info about surviving in Zhuhai, etc. Interesting thing: apparently, part of the reason for drying clothes in the sun instead of a dryer is because there is a cultural belief that the sunshine disinfects. After orientation, we are even more, I got nice and full, and then just an hour later it was time for lunch 😂 I am eating so much here, it's crazy. // Lunch was the turning point for me...my mood went from terrible to great. We went to the canteen and it was so big. There are dozens of windows, each selling different foods. I bought pork dumplings (our Chinese conversation was "8$ dumplings please *frantic pointing* pork? Meat...type? Pork? Ok") and XY didn't want her boba tea, so she gave it to me. I ate lunch with everyone but mainly talked to Grace (Sihong's daughter, who is our age and studies in the US and is AWESOME ), Queen Isabel, XY and...Reyna? I can't remember who XY was sharing with. Anyways, that was so much fun! Then we went to the supermarket on campus and me, Lexi and Maggie (the kpop crew) found a bunch of ads with Lu Han (see OPI post) and another kpop guy on them--I took pictures. My mood at this point had dramatically increased. We headed back to the dorms, packed and went back to the meeting room. // Then they told us we had to prepare a little performance for the opening ceremony. We decided to sing "对不起，我的中文不好” ("Sorry, my Chinese is bad"). Before, we had to give a little introduction so the group voted me to say (in Chinese): "Thank you for welcoming us to Zhuhai. Before we sing, we will quickly introduce ourselves. I'm ..." I was really excited to get to do that // Apparently, opening ceremonies are a big thing here that they like to do before every program that comes. I wasn't expecting much but it was the coolest thing ever. First, several PhDs gave speeches and then, after we introduced ourselves and sang our little song, the students performed. It was amazing. They did dance (traditional Chinese and a hip hop routine to "Worth It"), played different instruments, did calligraphy, diabolo, kung fu...like Zack said, that blew our dinky little song out of the water. It was amazing!!!! One guy spoke English in a British accent which was really interesting to me: I never really think about it but we learn from our teachers' accents, so of course people learning English might have a British or Southern accent, just like how I speak in the white-person-who l-learned-from-a-teacher-from-Beijing accent. // Afterwards, I thanked some of the performers and met a few of the language partners for other people. We all took a picture together, and then it was time for the placement tests. // I was super nervous as we waited (and hyped because the performance was so awesome), but I calmed down eventually because we were just chilling outside on a balcony area. Then Maya and I got to talking about dance and did some pirouettes...that's when I forgot my phone was in my pocket and then it took flight and cracked. That was a real mood killer. // Then it was time for the test. Before we went in, we waited with two of the TAs. They were so nice! We talked in Chinese and English and they told me they thought I was the best and would do fine and to not be nervous. They were so sweet!!! Then it was time for the test: first it was just some conversation with three of the teachers. I know I made some grammar mistakes but I think it went well--we talked about where my name came from, the weather, my city, etc. Then the writing section--I had just relearned the characters because someone else had to write them in their test and told us about it, so I guess that's not really fair but oh well. I basically knew them before (sans a few radicals) so it's fine. Then they said two sentences and asked me if I understood them. The first one , I did NOT-the first and last words yes, but the middle part no way. The second one, I understood everything but the last word (which was a key part of the phrase lol). Then I thanked them and left. I talked to the TAs some more (they said that if I make it to the highest level I'll be in their class...I hope that's the case but I'm not sure I did well enough) and then went back outside. Then Richa and I walked back to the hotel and talked about what was making each of us have a hard time. That was the first time I opened up about what specifically was giving me a hard time here, so that was nice. Then, we met our host families! My mom came to pick me up, we took a picture together, and off we went. // Our first stop was the police station to register me. On the way I told her about my school, my classes, activities, other languages, etc, and then at the police station she was bragging about me to the officers 😂 Not gonna lie, that was kinda nice (I was also pretty proud that I could understand some of what was going on). // After the police station, we went to pick up my little sister from school! She was really happy to see me! Then we dropped her off at a birthday party (where some kid yelled "GUYS, THERES A FOREIGNER" in Chinese to all the other kids--this is pretty typical and I have already gotten used to getting stared at) and my mom took me to fix my screen (! I was only expecting to buy a screen protector so I didn't cut myself on the glass but she insisted we switch out the screen). Then, while we waited, we went and got fresh squeezed orange-pear juice at this shop and ate some dinner-pork pieces with some sort of green vegetable and rice. I've been feeling kind of sick (to be expected), so I couldn't finish it. Then we went to the supermarket and got fruit, milk, a cup to brush my teeth, etc. Then I realized I had to go the bathroom- I wouldn't write about that but public bathrooms are an experience here. They are squatty potties, but there's usually no TP and no soap. But I had forgotten to bring tissues (rookie mistake) so my mom sent me back into the store to get some. When I went in, someone asked me "are you a foreigner?" (你是外国人吗？）, and I was like ...yeah I'm American. Later I told my mom about it and was like "of course I'm a foreigner" and she thought that was pretty funny. // On the walk back, we bought some croissant-y bread with red bean for breakfast and picked up the phone. Then we got 笑笑（that's my little sisters nickname) from the party and my mom bragged about me again to the moms at the party. They gave me a slice of cake (which was really good! It had mango and...tomato? I was a little confused) and then we headed home. // Home is so nice! I'm so lucky--almost everyone else seems to be having some problems with their family but mines great (except that I can't understand my dads accent yet). My room is basically bigger than my room at home, and it has a piano in it! 笑笑 played piano for me and then I played for them. My mom videoed the fat part of the Rachmaninoff and put it on her WeChat moments (kind of like Facebook). Then I showered and hung out, and went to bed. I felt so so so much better mentally, but now I'm dealing with some stomach problems--that's okay! // Today I woke up first at 6 and then at 9. My sister went to sports school for swim already, so I was just chillin with 妈妈and爸爸。I had some breakfast (since I'm feeling sick, I'm literally never hungry, but they keep giving me food)-杨梅（yángméi-bayberries). Then I watched TV for like 10 minutes, was really confused, and then my mom said we could go for a walk in the mountain that is literally right next to our apartment building. I was going to wear bug spray and sunscreen and bring water and everything else, and she was like no! You don't need to! Just bring an umbrella and if you keep walking the mosquitos won't get you. That was inaccurate. // The mountain was absolutely gorgeous!!! Lush, full of plants and butterflies. There was this really pretty walkway with little stones with all the zodiac animals on them. We went over a little river, up and down, etc. Then we walked through the apartment complex. We watched some ladies do dancing in a little plaza (and my mom taught my how to swing my umbrella around my legs to keep bugs away), and then we kept walking. She showed me the pool, the bus stops and how to get home from the stops. // At this point I was dripping in sweat. We're talking soaked through my shirt. We went to pick up 笑笑 from the sports school and she commented that my shirt was very wet. Lol// We went for lunch and again, I was still not hungry but still ate--milk tea and beef noodles. While we were eating, some guy came in and starting yelling and then one of the waitresses yelled "你有病吗？” (which is like "are you insane?" But it's very satisfying to say)...very interesting debacle. After lunch, we went home (my mom made me show her that I could find the house), my stomach problems continued, and we figured out how to use the bus system to get to school. // at my sisters piano lesson, I listened for a bit but I was having stomach problems so bad that I had to curl up in the fetal position. At the end, her teacher had me play for her. Then she said that I might be able to play in a recital that she's going to have in a few weeks. I'm not really sure what exactly happened there. We also talked about finding a balance between feeling and technique, she was very complimentary and I really appreciated her kind words. // after, on the way home, I tried to ask my host family if I could have some broth. That was our first major communication issue. I did not know the word, and all my attempts to explain failed. However, in the end, we managed to work it out (Queen Isabel helped). I had my broth and bananas for dinner, and took some medicine. Then it was time for calligraphy. // Calligraphy class was so fun but omg, it was so uncomfortable. All the little kids just STARED, and none of them could understand my American accent except for my sister and the teacher. 很糟糕！At first, the teacher had me try to write. That was absolutely disastrous: I haven't done calligraphy in a long time, the brush had too much ink, and my hands were shaking. This was very amusing for everyone else. So, over the course of the class, my sister help me since I couldn't understand any of the things anybody was saying because I don't know any calligraphy words, and I made some big improvements. I don't think I ever got used to all the kids staring at me and saying "wow, a foreigner". Also, since a lot of the kids are speaking very quietly, I couldn't really understand what they were saying either. All in all, I think they thought that my Chinese was a disaster. And it was very embarrassing. However, at the end, one of the little girls gave me a pack of seaweed, so I guess she didn't dislike me. Anyways, that experience made me so uncomfortable: I was expecting to get stared at but the cultural expectations are just so different from what I'm used to...I talked to 笑笑 after about how in America, it's considered rude to stare and especially not at foreigners and how different it is here. // At home, 笑笑 and I goofed around for like two hours and sort of neglected her English homework. I showed them some ballet and Basque dance, we talked a lot, etc. I'm so grateful for my family's patience with me as I have to look up every word and constantly ask them to explain things in different ways. //Observations for the day: 1) I'm very surprised at how open my host family is with me (in terms of clothes or lack thereof work around the house) considering we've only known each other for 24 hours. 2) Squatty potties are awesome and maybe I'll post later about why 3) in case anyone's wondering, this is my communication system w my host family: we speak in Chinese unless my mom or sister randomly uses English, and if I don't know a word either I look it up or I have them write in on the dictionary app and look it up. Or we try to piece it together in English. Sometimes I just smile and nod. 3) Being sick sucks but my family is very caring and I have AC in my room so I'm as happy a camper as possible right now.

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