#where's the finesse where's the showmanship

[bloody-wonder]

omg im the tsc anon, i literally sent it cause i knew from the past aftg opinions you shared - you'd likely feel similarly to the way i did about tsc

neil outshines jean to such a shocking degree when he only has a handful of scenes... neil is a fantastic protagonist so ofc it's hard to live up to, but come on 😭 jean has such a weaker personality imo? he does/says less interesting things, but also has a less interesting perspective on things. his lack of standing up for himself when the trojans badgered him constantly and talked behind his back bothered me to. can u imagine neils reaction if the foxes had been sharing his secrets over a group chat?

but just in general. tsc felt like a sanitised version of aftg, if that makes sense? scrubbed clean of the controversial and unconventional aspects. and it's those aspects that, in my opinion, played a huge part in what made aftg so good. noras a very talented writer, but i can not comprehend the decision to make tsc... all that it was, yknow? it feels almost like it was written for the 'andreil say ily' part of the fandom...

neil really saved this book for me icl. outsider pov of him is fascinating. and while andrew barely said/did anything even when he was there, i actually kinda liked that? it puts into perspective how ig off-putting andrew can appear to those who don't put in the effort with him. 'creepy little goalkeeper' is so funny and so accurate, he IS a creepy little goalkeeper and i love that for him.

idk, some things i had anticipated - the trojans being who they are were never going to match the foxes. jeremy x jean was never going to match andreil (and ive seen ppl comparing them already... the blasphemy.) but there were things i was surprised weren't there. i had expected kevin and jeans relationship to be a lot more tense ig? i had thought jean would harbor a MUCH deeper resentment towards kevin, but i suppose its just not his character? but when i was reading, i couldn't help asking what would the fan reaction had been if that had been the case? if kevin and jeans past relationship, and places in a cult hierarchy, had shown through in a much uglier and uncomfortable way? i can see why she didn't do that, i don't even necessarily want that, i think i was just desperate for this book to have some sort of deep conflict between the characters.

on the subject, kevin felt quite different from how he was in aftg. but i can't quite put my finger on why.

anyway, it is nice to see someone else have mixed feelings towards the book. i enjoyed it, but i was shocked how many people seemed to really love it. not because it was bad. but because, to me, it was so fundamentally different from aftg.

thank you for sharing your thoughts! i suspected you might have written me bc i used to be the resident notorious contrarian of the fandom lol

yeah neil is a textbook example of a protag who drives the plot forward, he has that main character energy which jean totally lacks which makes sense since jean was originally a minor side character. at the same time the differences in their characterization make complete sense in universe due to the different ways they were brought up and the different trauma they faced. so it all comes down to each reader's personal preference: for me, neil's arc is a self-indulgent power fantasy. i think i have a strong sense of self and when i can't achieve something it's due to circumstances so far out of my control it's impossible to overcome them. it's therefore very satisfying to read about neil facing impossible odds and winning thanks to the sheer force of his personality, whereas jean's way of dealing with trauma feels less fun by comparison. but other readers can relate to him more and all the power to them. i do however think tsc does a disservice to its new characters by opening with a rather lengthy recap of how cool the foxes were in the last act of tkm and closing on a chapter where neil comes along and reminds us who the real hero of this story is🤷‍♀️

i don't think tsc has been entirely scrubbed clean of controversial aspects - i saw plenty of reviews complaining about the amount of dark content (in book 4 of a series known for its dark content, le gasp) - but i do think the handling of certain things was less nuanced than in aftg. for instance, both stories have a plot bit about someone unknowingly exposing a character to their abuser which leads to them being retraumatized (jean himself comments on the similarities between drake and grayson). in aftg that someone is nicky - a person andrew knows and trusts, a person the readers grew to care about (lol not me but certainly some other readers) - so his role in the tragic sequence of events is that much more upsetting. rape and abuse is terrible but the fact that a person who means well can exacerbate the issues bc they don't have the framework to understand the other person - that hits so much harder for me personally. so in the end drake is just an evil rapist but nicky is a much more nuanced character bc through him nora questions whether being nice and having good intentions is enough, whose feelings should be centered on in such a complex situation, whose emotional needs should be prioritized etc. by contrast, in tsc that person is lucas - someone we basically just met, who is nothing more than an antagonistic stranger to jean and who we therefore don't care about. which is why when he leads grayson to jean it's like, first of all, duhh. but secondly, bc it happens against the backdrop of the other ("good") trojans' cheerfully patronizing attitude it doesn't come so much as a shocking twist that puts the ways how we deal with complex trauma into an unconventional perspective than as a culmination of everyone disrespecting jean's boundaries all the time - which is likely what nora intended but the overall constellation feels much less interesting to me.

ig this ties into your point about the book lacking the kind of deep conflict aftg had - but maybe that was intentional too, maybe it's supposed to be aftg light in that sense, sort of a post canon character study fic. which i am not opposed to, not everything has to be high plot and tension and grey morality, but unfortunately the emotional core the story relies on in the absence of the plot just didn't work for me. i can accept jean's "weaker" personality, i can understand him not being able to stand up for himself even tho i can't admire it, but i draw the line at how forced his friendship with jeremy and the girls ended up feeling. like, i still can't get over cat's sex toy joke right on the heels of jean being badgered into admitting he had been sexually abused - the info which jeremy promptly spilled to the girls. if something like that happened to me i would never be able to trust these people again, much less call them friends so soon. it's such a bizarre contrast between how neil joining the monsters in tfc despite their problematic initiation rituals feels valid bc the narrative earned it both plot-wise (we're now facing a bigger enemy together) and character-wise (neil pushing back, talking about why they did it, nicky apologizing) on the one hand - and how jean accepting jeremy, cat and laila as his new friends feels rushed and artificial despite them being so very nice and domestic and wholesome on the other hand. idk maybe it's bc i'm inherently skeptical about disingenuous cozy/hopepunk subgenres in modern lit bc they usually have a darker underbelly people are loath to confront but ngl the words sanitized and conventional did come to mind while reading and so did the idea that tsc will especially appeal to a certain subset of fans which found the (at times uncomfortable) complexity of the original trilogy too much to handle. well, i hope they're enjoying their fantasy of healing a survivor of cptsd by cooking and shopping and hugs - i certainly got to enjoy mine in aftg, there's plenty to go around lol

besides, tsc being so different/separate from aftg makes it really easy to just not engage with the fan content and discussions if it starts feeling like they veer into the annoying territory too much. tbh my primary concern when tsc was announced was that it could contain some retcons about andreil and aftg which i wouldn't agree with - and that didn't happen, my boys are still very much in character, so i can just retreat to my enclosure and leave tsc to jean stans who are its main target audience in any case.

[anonymousewrites]

Nature of the Human Soul (Book 1) Chapter Eleven

Platonic! Hazbin Hotel x Teen! Reader

Father Figure! Alastor x Teen! Reader

Chapter Eleven: Convincing through Son

Summary: Charlie attempts to convince Cannibal Town to follow her into battle.

            Rosie lifted a megaphone and marched right outside to give Cannibal Town her announcement. She had Charlie and (Y/N) under her arms and was quite pleased to be bringing her guests around her territory. Alastor walked behind, pleased with how his plans were turning out.

            “Cannibals and cannibettes!” called Rosie. “Assemble in the square!” She looked at Charlie. “Now, darling, you know I would do anything, anything for my clients, but I can’t exactly command all of Cannibal Town to follow someone else into battle.”

            At least she’s respectful, thought (Y/N).

            “Now, don’t get me wrong, they love carnage and bloodshed, but to get this group in line, you got to win ‘em over.” She spoke through her megaphone again as they arrived at the square. “Settle in!” The crowd had gathered. “Settle in! Important meeting.”

            Charlie cringed. “But how do I—”

            “With sparkle! Razzmatazz!” declared Rosie, and (Y/N) decided they liked her even more now. “And that oh-so-appealing moxie of yours.”

            “Shouldn’t be a problem!” said Alastor. He grinned at Charlie. “It’s not like you’ve ever failed to inspire before.”

            “You can do it, Charlie,” said (Y/N) encouragingly as they walked onto the dais.

            Charlie groaned anxiously.

            “But fair warning, this group sticks together,” said Rosie. “So in order to convince any of them, you’ll have to convince all of them.”

            “Yikes,” said (Y/N).

            Rosie huffed. “And there’s one in particular—”

            “Ugh, Susan,” said Alastor, rolling his eyes.

            “Susan,” agreed Rosie. “Who’s a bit of an, uh…” She considered.

            “Ornery old bitch?” suggested Alastor cheerfully.

            “That!” said Rosie. She leaned down to Charlie. “She’s tough, but win her over and the rest will be easy as pie.”

            “You’ve got this,” said (Y/N), giving Charlie a thumbs-up.

            “Ready?” said Rosie.

            “I guess…” said Charlie.

            “Everyone, we have a very special, very royal guest this evening!” announced Rosie. “Please put your bloody hands together for Princess Charlie!”

            She waved awkwardly from the microphone.

            Instantly, a cranky voice rang out. “Boo! Bring Rosie back!” The crowd parted to reveal an old cannibal in furs waving a walking stick around.

            “Susan?” said (Y/N), looking at Alastor and Rosie.

            “Susan,” they said simultaneously.

            Charlie coughed and accidentally hit the microphone. The feedback squealed, and the crowd cringed.

            “Sorry! Uh, okay,” said Charlie, stumbling over her words. “Uh, my name’s Charlie, and—”

            “Boo!” heckled Susan.

            “Well, I run this hotel with my partn—”

            “Get off the stage you blue-blood bitch!”

            “—well, someone, and—”

            “Boo!”

            “Wait, let me start over.”

            “We don’t give a shit about some hotel.”

            “Angels are coming to kill us all, and we need help defending our realm.”

            “Leave before I eat those big-ass eyes of yours!”

            “So, we, uh, we need your help—”

            “Boo! Get off.”

            This really isn’t going well, thought (Y/N), wincing at how awkward the situation was.

            “With your assistance, we can make a stand for—” tried Charlie.

            “Where’s the showmanship?” sneered Susan.

            “I…I have a dream!” Charlie tried to sing.

            “Where all the finesse? Fucking mediocre.”

            “Fuck you! You old bitch!” Charlie snapped and gave Susan the finger.

            The crowd gasped.

            “Okay!” Rosie rushed up to salvage the situation. She took Charlie by the shoulders and guided her away. “We’ll be back after a brief intermission.”

            “Well, I think that went well,” said Alastor, grinning.

            “For you, yeah, because you got entertainment,” said (Y/N), smiling.

            “Precisely!” said Alastor.

            “Do you think Charlie can convince them all to follow her?” said (Y/N), looking out over the crowd of cannibals.

            “If she can entertain them enough,” said Alastor. “And Charlie is always quite amusing.”

            “I hope it works. I think if we have numbers, we have a chance against the angels.” (Y/N) narrowed their eyes. “And I really want a chance to fight the angels. I don’t like them.”

            “I’m sure you’ll get plenty of chances to kill them to your hearts content,” said Alastor, grinning widely. “Just make sure to practice defense techniques with your magic. We can’t have you getting killed, can we?”

            “I’d rather not,” laughed (Y/N), and Alastor smiled. (Y/N) looked at him. “And make sure to take care of yourself, too.”

            Alastor laughed. “I am the Radio Demon. It will take more than some angels to harm me.”

            “You’re strong, yeah,” said (Y/N). “But, still, I don’t want you to die.”

            Alastor’s smile froze, and he cocked his head. Instead of getting a reply, though, Rosie and Charlie returned to the square before more could be said.

            “You can do this,” said Rosie gently.

            Charlie looked at her nervously. Alastor held out his microphone, and Charlie’s eyes widened. (Y/N) nodded encouragingly, and Charlie squared her shoulders, holding the staff in front of her. She took a deep breath and began to sing.

(Charlie) “Have you ever wanted something that was so clear in your mind that you could taste it?

            “You mean like human flesh?” piped up Susan.

            “Eugh, sort of,” said Charlie, smiling awkwardly.

(Charlie) “It’s a feeling like a rumbling in your gut that you could finally be faced with a billion needy faces, I guess what I mean to say is For the first time in my life, I might have to be ready for this.”

            She glanced at the others. Rosie clapped and smiled, Alastor gave a thumbs-up, and (Y/N) nodded and grinned. Charlie’s confidence surged.

(Charlie) “Ready to be the one who’s leading from the front, Gotta come into my own, Gotta come into my throne~ Gotta take charge and defend my only home, And although I kinda feel unsteady, Now I need to be ready for this.”

            She stepped down from the dais and walked among the people of Cannibal Town.

(Charlie) “Have you ever felt like you’re willing to die to save the people of your city?”

            “By ‘die to do’ you mean use my teeth to rip flesh apart?” asked Susan.

            “That’s a start!” said Charlie, deciding to let Susan have her fun.

(Charlie) “’Cause right now we need a leader, And it seems to me that Destiny has picked me to be that, If you’ll permit me. So who’s with me?”

            She spun around and grinned.

(Charlie) “Wouldn’t it be super to see more of Hell? Join up now if you like travel, Come on boys hope in the saddle, Lotta sights to see en route to my hotel, Not to mention the camaraderie, Yes, siree, you’ll form life-changing friendships With folks along the way!” (Alastor) “And feast on all the angels you can eat!” (Charlie) “Okay…”

            However, the incentive of food instantly piqued the attention of the crowd. The cannibals were excited, eager to get a taste of the exorcists that had plagued them for so long.

(Cannibals) “It’s time now to act, They’re on the attack! When they move to strike, We will fight biting back!”

            Charlie had done it. Alastor took back his microphone, and Rosie placed her own staff with a skull-head in Charlie’s hand to lead the cannibals.

(Cannibals) “We’ll follow your lead, We’re eager to feed, We’ll sharpen our teeth for the heavenly feast, From this moment on, you can count on us, To be resolute and ravenous! Our appetites are whet, and we’re set to seize the day, So I say, ‘Oh, hey!’ come join the flesh buffet!” (Charlie) “Well, that’s a little violent, Can we tone it down?” (Rosie) “Oh, don’t be put off by their snarlin’ That’s enthusiasm, darlin’!”

            Charlie looked out over the ravenous cannibals as they retrieved weapons and grinned widely.

(Charlie) “Eh, they just seem a little murder-y right now.” (Rosie) “Don’t worry, honey, that’s their thing, Keep singing.” (Charlie and Rosie) “We’re super-duper grateful to have you aboard!” (Cannibals) “We can’t wait to taste an angel’s wings!” (Charlie) “Oh, lord.”

            The crowd grabbed her and supported her above their shoulders, and Charlie looked out proudly, hands on her hips.

(Charlie) “For the first time in my life, Maybe I can be ready for this, I can be the marshal leading the parade, I can come into my own, And I think I’ve always known, My destiny could never be postponed! When Adam brings the battle here, I must appear Like I’m ready for this!”

            Rosie, Alastor, and (Y/N) grinned as they watched.

(Rosie) “They’re dancing along, They’re singing her song!”

            She spun (Y/N) around.

(Alastor) “Surprised, why, I knew she could do it all along!”

            He spun (Y/N) around, and they laughed.

((Y/N)) “She’s bound to pass the test as Princess of Hell!” ((Y/N), Alastor, Rosie) “Like her daddy, she is madly power-fell!”

            Alastor spun Rosie around, and she grinned and held (Y/N)’s hands, swinging them up.

(Alastor) “She’s filled with potential that I could guide!”

            Rosie grabbed him and (Y/N) and pulled them close.

(Rosie) “I concur!” (Rosie, Alastor, (Y/N)) “Stick with her, You’ll be on the winning side!” (All) “For the first time in our lives, We know that we are ready for this!” (Rosie) “We’ll show Heaven a fight they won’t forget!” (All) “It’s to take a stand!” (Charlie) “It’s time to lend a hand!”

            “Huzzah!” shouted the crowd.

(All) “Against all the angels and their deadly threat! We cannot take it anymore, The time has come to go to war, Prepare to fight, we’re ready for thiiiiis!” (Charlie) “I really hope that I’m ready for this.”

Taglist:

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[shootinwebs]

( kinda NSFW text )

angel, who could really use a therapist and also just completely different life circumstances: why have you never tried to have sex with me? i've flirted with you like 90 times--

alastor: you're terrible at flirting. you're too blunt, too forward. where's the showmanship? where's all the finesse? boo, get off the stage.

angel:

[dailycharacteroption]

Juggler (Pathfinder Second Edition Archetype)

(art by Dmitri Burmak on Artstation, featured in Magic the Gathering)

There are plenty of characters and options for them in rpgs that are based around agility and dexterity, about demonstrating incredible reflexes and hand-eye coordination, from acrobats to finesse combatants, but it’s sometimes easy to forget one of the best demonstrations of hand-eye coordination that we have, and that is juggling.

Perhaps it’s because it’s considered a small-time trick (until you see someone VERY good at it), or that it’s “Circus Fare” (and therefore, low art), but the art of keeping multiple objects in the air, often more than one has hands, is an impressive feat on its own.

While it doesn’t happen often, there are characters across fiction that utilize juggling as part of their skill set, and often add in the related art of weapon throwing to the mix. After all, the motion of juggling can draw the eye and leave a foe open when one of those juggled knives suddenly is delivered to their vital points.

It should come as no surprise, then, that an archetype for juggling showed up in the Extinction Curse Adventure Path, which among it’s other themes (troglodyte invasion, dinosaur attacks, Aroden’s legacy of causing problems for others) is also circus-themed! It only makes sense that this archetype would be among those that let the heroes use their skills in both adventuring and on the stage.

It’s also worth noting that this is also an archetype that made the jump from First to Second Edition, where it started out as a bard archetype, but is now available to all sorts of classes.

The base dedication for this archetype grants skill at performance and also the ability to juggle, allowing them to effectively have more items “in hand” than they have hands to hold them as long as they maintain it, though naturally they can tire out eventually. Also, most of the feats for this archetype also increase the total items they can keep aloft.

Another feat allows them to maintain their juggle as a free action, freeing them up to utilize these items with more of their normal actions.

Many also learn to add more items to their juggle at once, allowing them to replenish as they lose items much faster.

They can even catch falling items or thrown weapons that would miss them and add them to their juggle as well.

With a high lob, some can toss a juggled thrown weapon at an arc that surprises foes and leaves them open to it.

Some master jugglers can even reflexively throw one of their juggled items at targets at close range, punishing them for leaving themselves open.

If you’re planning on doing a thrown weapon build, this archetype is extremely tempting, allowing you to have your arsenal of thrown weaponry at your disposal without having to spend as many actions to draw them. As such, this works very well with bomb-focused alchemists, rogues, bards, swashbucklers, and even magi, though I’m sure most any class that wants to play with throwing weapons might find it useful. Alternatively, if you’re not going for thrown weapons, juggling could also be used to have multiple potions or other magic items ready at the same time.

While some may consider a few archetypes that are introduced in certain APs, including Extinction Curse to be awfully specific and gimmicky (Lumberjack? Really?), this archetype makes perfect sense for the adventure it’s introduced in, is general enough to be used by any dexterous performer, and even pays nice homage to the original version!

On the note of roleplay, consider reading up on how performers use not just their acts, but their behavior to establish showmanship and keep eyes on them. How does the character act on stage, or off the stage?

The circus is in town, and one of the performers is a hobgoblin juggler and clown named Progg. What most don’t know is that he was once a sergeant in the army of the hobgoblin nation of Vekus, where he retired due to an injury. However, the local authorities recognize him from the war, and wonder if old habits die hard. They might not wait long enough to prove he is a spy before they make their move.

What should have been a routine performance has turned to murder when a knife-catching trick turns deadly. A minor cut from catching one of the knives she used in her performance rapidly turned into a deadly complication due to poison on the blade… poison sourced from the selection of poisonous spear frogs that the carnival keeps on display in their menagerie.

A street performance turns into a deadly ambush when the party is ambushed by a group of mercenaries that double as street performers, with juggled and thrown knives, illusions that turn into very real hostile magic, and the like. After the party survives the attack, they have to figure out exactly who ordered the hit on them and why.

[eohascats]

Your Taste on My Tongue

“Do you, umm, need anything?” Kei turned towards the voice — a guy just a bit younger than him, stumbling from where a retreating production assistant had shoved his shoulder. Black hair, blue eyes, aesthetically pleasing face if not for his slightly twisted expression, muscular and trim. He’d do. “Your mouth." Evident confusion painted the other man’s features before he slowly parted his lips. Kei scoffed. “What, is this your first day or something? I need a blowjob.”

Kei needs a fluffer at the end of a break from shooting.

Rated E (cross-posted to AO3)

tags: adult film AU, pornstar Tsukishima, pornstar Suna, fluffer Kageyama, blowjob in a sort of public place, Tsukishima/Kageyama, background professional Suna/Tsukishima

The call to cut scene rang through the room and Kei went limp on the bed. Suna hovered over him, still propped up, and Kei shot him his driest ‘get off me’ look.

“What?” Suna smirked, pulling out and rolling away. “You’re not having fun?”

“If you actually knew how to use your cock, I might be,” he shot back, relishing the fresh air that came with no longer being within six inches of another person. A slight breeze ran over his sweat-damp body, sending a shiver through him as his skin prickled.

His robe, soft terry and dark green, appeared in his periphery, held out for him to put on as the crew ran around to reset. The director beckoned him over to the monitors just off set in order to show him what they had so far and what needed to change. He groaned and sat up, wincing, ass vaguely sore.

“Anything I can get you, Tsukishima-san?”

He looked at the generic set attendant, unable to recall his name, and slipped into the robe. “Yeah, eyedrops.” His contacts were starting to bother him, not that he tolerated them all that well to begin with. Unfortunately, glasses weren’t a great accessory on a porn set except to be ripped off and tossed aside.

The conference with the director lasted longer than expected due to interruptions by various aides bringing snacks, drinks, the requested eyedrops — he’d gone soft by the end of it.

As had Suna, judging by the way he called the fluffer over to him as they prepared to restart filming. As the bottom for this production, it usually wouldn’t be such a problem if Kei wasn’t hard, but he had been when they’d stopped filming, and continuity would only make this shoot go faster.

Plus, like he’d said, Suna didn’t know how to really use his cock to make his partners feel good, focusing more on showmanship than finesse. That was the business though, Kei lamented; he often had to get his pleasure elsewhere. He fingered the tie of his robe absently, wondering if the guy who’d passed it to him would be up to getting him started.

“Do you, umm, need anything?”

Kei turned towards the voice — a guy just a bit younger than him, stumbling from where a retreating production assistant had shoved his shoulder. Black hair, blue eyes, aesthetically pleasing face if not for his slightly twisted expression, muscular and trim. He’d do.

“Your mouth.”

Evident confusion painted the other man’s features before he slowly parted his lips. Kei scoffed.

“What, is this your first day or something? I need a blowjob.”

The other man flushed a deep red as he snapped his mouth closed, eyes darting around the set. Kei waved him off, not interested in forcing him into it.

“Never mind, I’ll find someone else.”

“No!” The protest seemed to surprise them both. “No I’ll — I’ll help.” He glanced around again. “Um, here?”

It was the set of an adult film. Nobody would bat an eye at one of said film’s stars getting sucked off next to the refreshment table but it seemed like maybe it actually was this guy’s first day, so Kei took pity. He dragged him behind the dressing screen for a modicum of privacy, dropping his robe on the ground for the guy to kneel on.

“I’m, um, Kageyama Tobio,” he introduced himself, sticking out his hand for Kei to shake. Kei stared at it incredulously before sighing, rubbing at a temple.

“I don’t really care.” He ignored the hand, instead pushing down on Kageyama’s shoulders. “I just need you to help me get hard again.”

“Okay,” Kageyama muttered as he knelt. “Asshole.”

“I am,” Kei answered. “Literally, I’m an ass to be fucked. That’s what I’m getting paid to be. Just like you’re paid to help out, which — right now — means sucking my dick.” He gripped the base of his shaft, flapping it in the direction of Kageyama’s face.

Kageyama rolled his eyes but leaned forward, opening his mouth and sticking out his tongue. Kei slapped the head of his cock down on it, expectations low for the impending oral, praying that this guy at least knew to mind his teeth.

Lips closed around him and Kei’s eyes rolled back.

Kageyama’s mouth was hot and surprisingly wet. He ran his tongue once, twice around Kei’s head before tonguing at his slit, pressing at where flesh folded in. He lapped at the divot at the base of his glans before laying his tongue full-out along the underside of his shaft and sucking.

Kei threaded a hand through silky black strands, threw his head back and moaned.

“Shit,” he hissed as Kageyama rolled his tongue down his length, easing up as he took Kei deeper into his mouth, hollowing his cheeks as he drew back, seemingly reluctant to let him leave.

He bobbed, repeating the action a few times before suckling on his head instead, kitten licks matching the pressure of his lips just beneath his crown. He shuffled forward, grabbing Kei’s hips and drawing him in closer.

Kei looked down at him through lidded eyes, losing himself in the sensation. Heat pooled in the base of his spine as blood flooded his cock, lengthening and filling in Kageyama’s mouth. Blue eyes glanced up from under inky lashes as Kageyama inhaled through his nose and swallowed Kei down to the base.

Heat, the squeeze of Kageyama’s throat, the pressure of his lips, his nose nudging at the fine blond hairs of Kei’s happy trail all overwhelmed him and he gave a few shallow thrusts. It vaguely registered that Kageyama wasn’t gagging — Kei wasn’t the largest in the industry but he wasn’t small either, not once fully erect; a pity, he thought — he would have liked to see Kageyama choke. Drool slid from the corner of Kageyama’s mouth down to his balls as he was held deep for what felt like an eternity.

Kageyama pulled off with a gasp, thin ropes of spit snapping from the head of Kei’s cock to land on his chin and neck. He dove back in, gazing at Kei until blue eyes fluttered closed. He rolled his tongue again once Kei was back in the confines of his mouth.

He pulled on his hair to try to get him to back off, sufficiently hard and likely to soon be missed from the set, but Kageyama moaned. The vibrations pushed him dangerously close to the edge; his eyes snapped open.

“Shit, fuck,” Kei ground out, teeth gritted as he held himself back from fucking into Kageyama’s face. Coming now wouldn’t be worth the time added to the shoot. “Off, Kageyama, off now.” He pulled harder on the hair between fingers.

There was a pop as Kageyama released him, settling back on to his heels and wiping at his mouth with his shirt sleeve. They were both panting.

“Was that okay?” he asked, blinking innocently up at Kei as if there weren’t a swollen erection bobbing inches from his face as evidence.

“Fuck off,” Kei bit out.

Fuck those blue eyes and fuck the mischief in them. “But that’s your job, Tsukishima-san.”

Kei gave another tug to his hair before letting go, hearing the director call for him. He paused before rounding the edge of the screen, looking back towards the man still kneeling on his robe.

“Kageyama-kun,” he called. Kageyama cocked his head in answer. “Feel free to take care of that” — his eyes darted to the bulge tenting in Kageyama’s pants, visible enough for Kei to tell that he was aroused but not so revealing that he could figure out what Kageyama might be working with down there — “but don’t get cum on my robe.”

Suna was smirking as Kei made his way back towards the bed, eyebrow quirked.

“Found someone to help you with that, did you?” he asked, nodding at Kei’s hard-on.

“Yeah, no thanks to you, asshole.” He climbed up, resuming his previous position. “Lube,” he called out.

Suna took the bottle passed to them, slathering more on his cock and quickly swiping some over Kei’s hole. The touch, even as perfunctory as it was, had him shivering.

“Sensitive?” Suna teased, running his finger over his rim once more.

“Just get on with it,” he said, shifting his hips. Suna huffed a laugh but complied.

The rest of the shoot went well — smooth and blessedly quick from then on. Kei was sensitive, every feeling heightened — even Suna’s aimless, rolling thrusts felt halfway decent. At the end of the scene, as Kei fisted himself for the money shot, his gaze caught wide-eyed royal blue.

He came.

[oppvenuz]

 Best Bartenders for Weddings in Pune: Elevating Your Wedding Experience

When it comes to creating an unforgettable wedding experience, every detail matters, especially when it comes to the drinks served. The right bartending service can transform your wedding reception from ordinary to extraordinary, offering not just expertly crafted beverages but also an engaging and professional service that will leave your guests impressed. If you're planning a wedding in Pune, hiring the best bartenders is a must to ensure your event is flawless and fun. Here’s a guide to some of the top bartenders for weddings in Pune that can make your big day even more special.

Click  Here  For  More  Details:https://www.oppvenuz.com/vendors/bartenders/?city=pune

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 1. Cocktail Destination

Cocktail Destination is known for its seamless bartending services that blend creativity with professionalism. With a team of experienced mixologists, they bring flair and sophistication to your wedding bar. Offering customized drink menus, they ensure each cocktail complements your wedding theme and enhances the overall experience. Whether it's a classic Mojito or a signature cocktail created just for you, Cocktail Destination has got you covered.

Services Offered:

- Custom cocktail and mocktail menus

- Stylish bar setups to match your wedding decor

- Skilled bartenders with excellent service

---

 2. Flairology – The Art of Bartending

Flairology is renowned for its flair bartending, where the bartenders not only mix drinks but also entertain guests with juggling, bottle flipping, and more. This adds an interactive element to your wedding, making the bar a focal point of the celebration. Their talented team can whip up everything from classic cocktails to exotic, themed drinks. If you want your guests to talk about your wedding for weeks, Flairology’s bartending showmanship will definitely make that happen.

Key Features:

- Flair bartending performances

- Themed cocktails designed for your event

- Professional and engaging bartenders

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 3. Shaken and Stirred Bartenders

For those who want a professional yet fun atmosphere at their wedding bar, Shaken and Stirred Bartenders provides exceptional service. Known for their impeccable attention to detail, they ensure that every drink is crafted to perfection. Their bartenders are highly trained, not only in mixology but also in delivering outstanding customer service. Whether you’re serving up signature cocktails or a selection of premium spirits, they will manage your wedding bar with finesse.

What Sets Them Apart:

- High-quality drink preparation using premium ingredients

- Friendly and efficient service

- Custom cocktail menus that fit the bride and groom’s preferences

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 4. Bar Solutions

Bar Solutions is a Pune-based bartending service that offers a range of packages tailored to weddings. Whether you want a minimalist setup or a grand, luxurious bar, they can accommodate your needs. Their team consists of seasoned bartenders who specialize in crafting unique cocktails and mocktails using the finest ingredients. They also offer mobile bar setups, allowing them to bring their service to any venue across Pune.

Specialties:

- Mobile bar setups for indoor and outdoor venues

- Bartenders trained in crafting bespoke cocktails

- Affordable packages without compromising on quality

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 5. Elite Bartenders

Elite Bartenders live up to their name, offering a premium bartending experience for weddings in Pune. With a team of highly skilled mixologists, they bring professionalism, style, and creativity to your event. They specialize in signature cocktails and are known for their efficient, friendly service. Their goal is to create a customized drink experience that will leave your guests talking about your wedding long after the event is over.

Why Choose Elite Bartenders?

- Highly skilled mixologists with flair skills

- Custom-designed drink menus for your event

- Premium-quality spirits and ingredients

---

 6. BarCraft Mixologists

BarCraft Mixologists is another top option for those seeking skilled bartenders for their wedding. Their services are tailored to deliver a personalized bar experience, with bartenders trained in both classic and contemporary mixology. They are known for their elegant bar setups, perfect for adding a touch of class to your wedding reception. BarCraft Mixologists work closely with clients to create a drinks menu that reflects their tastes and wedding theme.

What to Expect:

- Personalized drink menus

- Elegant bar setups with glassware and décor

- Bartenders trained in modern and traditional cocktails

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 7. Sipping Spirits

If you want bartenders who focus on the finest details, from the type of glassware to the garnish on every cocktail, Sipping Spirits is the go-to choice in Pune. Their bartending team brings years of experience to your wedding, offering not just great drinks but also smooth, hassle-free service. They specialize in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, ensuring that all guests, regardless of preference, are catered to.

Features:

- Tailored beverage options, including mocktails

- Use of premium and fresh ingredients

- Custom bar setups that match your wedding theme

---

 Why Professional Bartenders are Essential for Your Pune Wedding

Hiring professional bartenders for your wedding in Pune not only guarantees high-quality beverages but also enhances the overall guest experience. Here’s why they’re a must-have:

1. Customized Cocktails: Professional bartenders can create personalized cocktails that align with your wedding theme or even represent the couple’s unique tastes.

2. Flawless Service: With professional bartenders, you can rest assured that service will be efficient, and your guests won’t have to wait long for their drinks.

3. Entertainment: Bartenders with flair skills bring an element of fun to the event, keeping guests entertained while they mix and serve drinks.

4. Premium Ingredients: Experienced bartenders use only the best spirits, mixers, and garnishes, ensuring that every drink is of the highest quality.

5. Stress-Free Experience: From setup to cleanup, bartending services handle everything, allowing you to focus on enjoying your big day.

---

 Conclusion

Finding the best bartenders for your wedding in Pune can be the key to creating a remarkable and enjoyable celebration. Whether you're looking for a simple and elegant bar service or a team of flair bartenders to wow your guests, Pune offers a range of professional bartenders who will meet your needs. With custom cocktails, high-quality service, and a touch of entertainment, the right bartending team will ensure your wedding reception is a success. Cheers to making your wedding day unforgettable!

[influencermagazineuk]

BLACKPINK's Lisa Handles Wardrobe Malfunction with Grace During Concert, Moment Garners Online Fame

Lisa, a prominent member of the K-pop sensation BLACKPINK, encountered an unexpected wardrobe malfunction during the group's recent concert in the United States. However, her composed reaction in the face of this challenge has taken the internet by storm. The vivacious K-pop idol took the stage alongside her fellow BLACKPINK members—Jisoo, Jennie, and Rosé—for an electrifying performance in Las Vegas over the weekend. While their dynamic showmanship captivated audiences, it was Lisa's unflappable response to an on-stage wardrobe glitch that garnered particular admiration from BLINKS, the devoted fan base of BLACKPINK. not even a wardrobe malfunction will make lisa stop serving pic.twitter.com/5uLsBIIuUo— ren (@omfglalisa) August 19, 2023 Amidst the circulating concert footage that has gained immense popularity online, an incident unfolds where Lisa is seen engrossed in her dance routine when a strap of her dress unexpectedly comes loose. Displaying remarkable presence of mind, Lisa immediately took notice of the mishap without allowing it to disrupt her performance. With finesse and quick thinking, she adeptly reattached the strap while seamlessly continuing to sing and dance. The crowd erupted in applause and cheers, offering their unwavering support and appreciation for her professionalism. Lisa's ability to navigate such an unexpected situation with grace and poise showcases her dedication to her craft and her commitment to delivering an exceptional performance to her fans. The incident serves as a testament to the unique challenges that artists can face on stage and the incredible resilience they exhibit in the face of adversity. In the end, Lisa's unshaken response has only deepened the admiration of her fans, cementing her status not only as a remarkable performer but also as a role model in maintaining composure under pressure. Lisa’s professionalism is incredible — you barely even notice the wardrobe malfunction bc she made it seem like it was part of the choreo. Her stage presence & performance level didn’t even waver for a sec. LALISA VIVE LAS VEGAS#LISAxAllegiantStadium pic.twitter.com/UYJIaRTL66— 🦋 LISAKARMA IS REAL 🦋 (@onlystanLISA) August 19, 2023 Featured Image Credit: Instagram of Lisa Read the full article

[sanchitbatra2023]

Enthralling the Nation: The Illusionary Marvels of Sanchit Batra, India's Famous Magician

Introduction:

In a land brimming with diverse traditions, where mysticism and enchantment hold a special place, Sanchit Batra has emerged as a captivating force in the realm of magic. With his spellbinding performances and awe-inspiring illusions, this article explores the journey and achievements of Sanchit Batra, a Famous magician in India.

Sanchit Batra, a prodigious talent, hails from the enchanting city of Delhi, Noida, where vibrant culture intertwines with mesmerizing illusions. With an innate passion for magic, Sanchit discovered his mystical abilities at a young age and began honing his craft relentlessly. Under the tutelage of accomplished magicians, he mastered various disciplines, including close-up magic, stage illusions, and mind reading. As his skills flourished, Sanchit set out to amaze audiences with his extraordinary performances, leading him to achieve national recognition as one of India's most celebrated magicians.

Sanchit Batra's magic transcends boundaries, seamlessly blending traditional Indian elements with contemporary illusions. His performances are an amalgamation of illusion, storytelling, and captivating showmanship, leaving spectators spellbound. From making objects vanish into thin air to mind-bending mind-reading acts, Sanchit's repertoire is filled with awe-inspiring tricks that defy logic. His ability to engage the audience and create a sense of wonder has garnered him a loyal following across the country and beyond.

Apart from his exceptional magical prowess, Sanchit Batra is also known for his charismatic stage presence and captivating personality. He effortlessly connects with the audience, establishing a strong rapport that enhances the overall experience. Sanchit's performances are not merely about the tricks; they are an immersive journey into the realm of wonder and intrigue. Whether performing at prestigious corporate events, grand weddings, or on television, his magical finesse has earned him accolades and a reputation as a true entertainer.

Sanchit Batra's influence extends beyond his live performances. He embraces the digital age and utilizes social media platforms to share glimpses of his magical world with a wider audience. Through engaging videos and tutorials, Sanchit imparts his knowledge, inspiring aspiring magicians and enthusiasts alike. His online presence has not only elevated his own stardom but has also contributed to the resurgence of interest in magic across India.

Conclusion:

Sanchit Batra, Famous Magician In India, has captivated audiences with his mesmerizing performances, astounding illusions, and captivating charm. With his fusion of traditional and modern magic, he continues to push boundaries, leaving spectators in awe. Sanchit's passion for magic and dedication to his craft make him an iconic figure in the Indian magical landscape.

[allieebobo]

Allieee help I've been researching tennis to build my MC better and now I'm invested this is all your fault >:(

Also, curious: what does the tennis ROs play style look like, like who IRL is the closest to their play style?

First anon: you're the absolute cutest, and I take full and gleeful responsibility.

Second anon: hehe, the french open!! bumping this up because the French open will no longer be in full swing and I wanted to add a side-fangirl squee about Nadal.

Edit: OK so it took me so long that the French open is now over and MY BAE Rafa has done it again ((and whattt a trip that was)). Not even gonna put a spoiler alert because anyone who’s interested should’ve found this out by now. 

Take another obligatory Rafa pic as celebration, because belated Rafa Nadal gushing is apparently part of my brand now. Cheers! 

(P.S. I put the answer after the cut because I expect this level of tennis nerding out might not be for the average joe. feel free to share your theories as well!)

Rayyan is modelled after Nadal - single-track-mind determination, power and grit, aggressive topspin shots from the baseline. Most of all, Rayyan resembles Nadal in that they are both absurdly resilient, both physically and mentally. Both love the clay surface most, because they can pound ball after ball at their opponents in a brutal, punishing rally, and showcase their surprising ability to stay in the game, against all odds. 

Tobin is modelled after Federer - an all-court player with unmatchable grace, finesse, and fluid versatility. I thought it'd be fun for the current no. 1 and no. 2 on the Cargill team to have this cool Nadal-Federer dynamic. Tobin is more-or-less solid on every surface, but like Federer, they do best on grass - with the ball’s slightly more unpredictable bounce, they’re able to hit beautiful winners with staggering variety. 

Sam - Trick shot master, known for their creative showmanship and ability to work a crowd. But beneath their love for improvisation and joking around, there’s substance that people often don’t give them enough credit for. First, there’s the pure racket-wizardry and reflexes (not to mention imaginativeness) that characterises their playing style. Then, (and this one runs deeper) there’s a resilience and stoicism that comes with knowing that life can - and will - throw anything at you, and adapting to it is all one can do. And so, where other players would rage and throw their rackets, Sam would simply take it as it is, and crack a joke.  Someone similar would be Mansour Bahrami, for reasons I touched on briefly here :) 

Deepal, Max, Akimi - Counterpunchers, though Deepal is extremely fast and hence able to use their speed as an offensive weapon, similar to Gaël Monfils, maybe? Akimi is on the extreme end of the defensive spectrum, while Max is generally more unpredictable and leans more towards being a junk-baller - often slipping in a silly shot here or there (or perhaps has simply not grown into a rigid style yet). Both are more similar to Caroline Wozniacki/Chris Evert perhaps (sometimes the latter was described as a “human backboard”). All of them generally prefer clay surfaces, because clay is a little more forgiving, allowing them to drag out the rallies and wear their opponents down (or slide to the ball for unbelievable gets, in Deepal’s case). 

Emerson, Blake - Emerson is a serve and volleyer, very quick to the net, aggressive and eager to end the point early. Sharp reflexes, superb in the air, with sharp smashes and dropshots. There aren’t many pure serve-and-volleyers left in the modern game, but Serena Williams has a similarly powerful serve and usually starts dominating the rally right from the get-go. John McEnroe is another example I guess! Blake is also a serve-and-volleyer, but a far less successful one, with a HUGE serve and good net skills, but not much else to back it up - sometimes, they get caught in front and struggle with passing shots (could be a better player if they had better judgment on when to rush the net). 

Jacks, Lee - Like Tobin, Jacks is an all-court player with relatively well-rounded strengths, but Tobin plays slightly more aggressively, and is more likely to go for winners using their tactics and racket technique, while Jacks prefers to slowly build up a winning position and construct defensive-to-offensive transitions. Pretty functional on all surfaces. I’d say Tommy Haas might be the closest match, especially because Tommy is also considered one of the “best players to have never won a grand slam”, which seems to encapsulate the difference between Jacks and Tobin (at least right now). Similarly, Lee is a well-rounded player with a natural athleticism and sharp tactics. They’re good at reading people, but because their time is stretched too thin as it is (they’re in about three different clubs), they’ve never had much ability to focus solely on tennis.

[stylesnews]

“Feeling good in my skin/ I just keep on dancing,” Harry Styles sings in his latest single, “Treat People With Kindness.” And in the song’s exuberant music video -- which has garnered 17 million YouTube views and counting since its debut on New Year’s Day -- he does just that: Wearing a sequined jacket and bow tie, he chassés, spins and flutters jazz hands like an MGM musical star (with a little help from his equally debonair partner, Fleabag’s Phoebe Waller-Bridge).

Styles shot the video in early 2019 after several weeks of training with choreographer Paul Roberts, a collaborator since his One Direction days. “I think somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew this could be something special,” says Roberts, a veteran stage director and choreographer who’s worked on videos and tours for the likes of Sam Smith, Katy Perry, Diana Ross, and the Spice Girls (their Spiceworld stadium tour).

Watching the explosive fan reaction to Styles’s little known dance talents -- including from the Spice Girls, who've “sent lovely messages" about the video -- Roberts says it seems like "Treat People With Kindness" arrived at the precise right moment. “Most people’s comments are, ‘I’ve not felt that happy for three and a half minutes in a long time,’ or ‘I smiled from ear to ear the whole way through.’ It’s a positive light.”

He spoke to Billboard about Styles’ intensive training process -- and why he wouldn’t be surprised to see him dancing onstage again.

There’s been one pretty overwhelming reaction to this video: “This is the guy who was in the group that insisted they couldn’t dance?!” Did you expect this kind of reaction to Harry dancing? I’ve been with Harry for 10 years: I was with the One Direction boys from the beginning the whole way through their career before they took the hiatus, and they always made a very conscious decision that they didn’t want choreography as part of their brand -- but they did want a kind of disheveled organization in order to allow the cameras and the lighting to stand a chance in terms of presenting them in the best manner possible.

What was very evident to me was that all five of them, and then it obviously became four, they’ve all got their own magic. The only time I’ve experienced that was when I worked with the Spice Girls. I always knew that they had special skills aside from what they were in One Direction, whether it was movement, songwriting, being able to handle the business side of things. For such young lads they were very astute and very decisive.  So, getting together with Harry -- he’s a bit of an alchemist, is Harry. Everything he turns his hand to turns to gold. Where did the initial dance-centric concept come from? Harry and the directors, Ben and Gabe [Turner], sent me a video link to the Nicholas Brothers scene from Stormy Weather and Harry asked me, "How long do you think it would take to dance like this?" I was like, "OK, are you being serious?" "Yeah, I’m being serious."

That is probably one of the most standout dance sequences ever captured on film -- so I knew we were aiming high. I said, "Why don’t we go into a studio and let’s workshop some choreography, some moves, some short sequences, and see what your ability is, see how we can tailor this to make you look the best you can possibly look." Obviously it would take some investment in terms of rehearsal and commitment, I told him it would be mentally and physically exhausting, but I thought, "My God yeah, let’s do it; this will be an adventure."

How long did the whole process take? We started in mid-January 2019, and we rehearsed and workshopped for about four to five weeks before the shoot, every day. Both Harry and Phoebe had other things going on, so, for instance, Phoebe was working on the new Bond movie in Canada, so I sent my assistant to Canada to work with her. I stayed in the U.K. with Harry, and then we went to L.A. where Harry shot two more videos, for “Watermelon Sugar” and “Falling.”

At the end of the “Watermelon Sugar” shoot, he wrapped, got in his car, came to the dance studio and we rehearsed into the night. Knowing how short a time you sometimes get with artists even for really big performances, I thought the rehearsals would dilute and we’d lose momentum, but both Phoebe and Harry were so committed.

What was the process in the studio like with Harry? We didn’t even use his [vocal] track to begin with -- we used different big band songs, some contemporary alternative music. It was just about finding his [movement] language first and foremost.  Then we developed the choreography and sent it to the directors, who gave us feedback. We enhanced the work a bit more, and then once we had some really solid sequences, Ben and Gabe storyboarded the scenes against the timeline of the music.

At this point Harry and Phoebe were still working separately, and then we joined forces in London, where we really started to refine these sequences of choreography we’d developed, trying to find the finesse and the style, almost making sense of the movement for them so they felt they had a dancer’s way of working the movement through the body. You’ve worked with a wide variety of artists, many of whom aren’t dancers first. How do you find, as you put it, the “language” of movement that makes sense for each of them as individuals?

I think the general answer is really communicating -- listening and understanding what the artist’s desire is. And also collaborating, so you don’t get too lost in yourself as a choreographer. What looks good on you might not transcend to the artist, or even necessarily the dancers.

With Harry, what was important within the language of the choreography was that it felt joyful and had personality. Him and Phoebe, with the work she’s done with Fleabag, you associate them and what they do with a sense of style, a real confidence, but at the heart of it it’s entertainment. And with the amount of time and budget we had, which was such a luxury in this day and age, we wanted to do something that pushed both of them out of their comfort zones. We tried to make it as athletic as possible but without compromising them as artists and becoming too comedic. We wanted it to be a bit quaint and cute in places, but we definitely didn’t want it to be thought of as nonsensical or silly.

Harry’s movement in the video is so crisp and precise, even his hands and arm extension look very dancerly. Did that come through a lot of specific work with you? As a songwriter and artist, for Harry it’s about detail, about pushing yourself to be the best. He’s always got questions: "Why are we doing that? Should we be doing this?" We got to a point during the rehearsal period where I brought in a ballet teacher, really to just get Harry and Phoebe to open themselves up from behind their shoulder blades, have an idea of extension, the lines that extend from your center all the way to the tip of your finger. I’d be saying, “Your arms Harry, your arm line!” Asking him to push his shoulders down, lift his carriage up, extend through his breast. And when he hit those lines, he’d be like, “Oh yeah, that feels different.” It’s funny: We spent a couple days apart -- he had to go off and do a gig somewhere -- and I was like, “I hope you’re rehearsing when you’ve got some downtime, dude!” And he sent me a picture in the gym with his arms in the most beautiful balletic arm line! I was like, "Yes, by George, you’ve got it!" Besides the Nicholas Brothers, did you have any particular dance references in mind for the feel of the choreography? I just delved into the MGM archives. Obviously [Fred] Astaire and [Gene] Kelly, the two greats -- especially with Astaire, we loved how sometimes it seems so effortless yet a bit throwaway, not totally totally perfect always.  We enjoyed the moments from him of “I’ll just do a bit of this,” “I’ll just walk off camera left,” the dropping in and out of movement.  We loved the duet “Moses Supposes” from Singin’ in the Rain, for Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor -- we loved the camaraderie between them, which felt a bit goofball at times, and just that wry smile, the look to the left, knowing your partner is there and has got your back. It feels fizzy, it feels joyful.

And yes, there was a massive core of MGM-ism, but at the same time an absolute huge dollop of Harry-and-Phoebe-ism. It was important to us to feel a bit more contemporary, so again we stay true to Harry and Phoebe as artists. Has Harry indicated any interest in dancing more going forward?

We had a conversation back at the end of the summer about how much we enjoyed the process, and I know he was doing another project where choreography was involved, so we were just talking about it and how he felt. Coming from where he came from to what he was about to do, he felt he could be pushed even further. I don’t know if he got the bug, or if it’s just the way he is as a person, very inquisitive and wanting to keep elevating himself. There’s now been some talk on social media that it can’t be long before Harry does Broadway. What do you think?

I mean, I think with Harry Styles, anything is possible, is it not? I mean, I’m sure because he’s tasted the dance, he’ll inject that along the line in his career. It won’t necessarily be out-and-out dancing, but I guess it’s a bit like Bowie used to do, isn’t it? It’s the showmanship and presentation of the performance. Who knows? He’s just so open-minded and open-hearted — and because he’s so open it allows the universe to come back at him and he’s able to do anything he sets his mind to.  

[kingstylesdaily]

How Harry Styles Found His Inner Dancer For 'Treat People With Kindness'

“Feeling good in my skin/ I just keep on dancing,” Harry Styles sings in his latest single, “Treat People With Kindness.” And in the song’s exuberant music video -- which has garnered 17 million YouTube views and counting since its debut on New Year’s Day -- he does just that: Wearing a sequined jacket and bow tie, he chassés, spins and flutters jazz hands like an MGM musical star (with a little help from his equally debonair partner, Fleabag’s Phoebe Waller-Bridge).

Styles shot the video in early 2019 after several weeks of training with choreographer Paul Roberts, a collaborator since his One Direction days. “I think somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew this could be something special,” says Roberts, a veteran stage director and choreographer who’s worked on videos and tours for the likes of Sam Smith, Katy Perry, Diana Ross, and the Spice Girls (their Spiceworld stadium tour).

Watching the explosive fan reaction to Styles’s little known dance talents -- including from the Spice Girls, who've “sent lovely messages" about the video -- Roberts says it seems like "Treat People With Kindness" arrived at the precise right moment. “Most people’s comments are, ‘I’ve not felt that happy for three and a half minutes in a long time,’ or ‘I smiled from ear to ear the whole way through.’ It’s a positive light.”

He spoke to Billboard about Styles’ intensive training process -- and why he wouldn’t be surprised to see him dancing onstage again.

There’s been one pretty overwhelming reaction to this video: “This is the guy who was in the group that insisted they couldn’t dance?!” Did you expect this kind of reaction to Harry dancing? I’ve been with Harry for 10 years: I was with the One Direction boys from the beginning the whole way through their career before they took the hiatus, and they always made a very conscious decision that they didn’t want choreography as part of their brand -- but they did want a kind of disheveled organization in order to allow the cameras and the lighting to stand a chance in terms of presenting them in the best manner possible.  

What was very evident to me was that all five of them, and then it obviously became four, they’ve all got their own magic. The only time I’ve experienced that was when I worked with the Spice Girls. I always knew that they had special skills aside from what they were in One Direction, whether it was movement, songwriting, being able to handle the business side of things. For such young lads they were very astute and very decisive.   So, getting together with Harry -- he’s a bit of an alchemist, is Harry. Everything he turns his hand to turns to gold. Where did the initial dance-centric concept come from? Harry and the directors, Ben and Gabe [Turner], sent me a video link to the Nicholas Brothers scene from Stormy Weather and Harry asked me, "How long do you think it would take to dance like this?" I was like, "OK, are you being serious?" "Yeah, I’m being serious."

That is probably one of the most standout dance sequences ever captured on film -- so I knew we were aiming high. I said, "Why don’t we go into a studio and let’s workshop some choreography, some moves, some short sequences, and see what your ability is, see how we can tailor this to make you look the best you can possibly look." Obviously it would take some investment in terms of rehearsal and commitment, I told him it would be mentally and physically exhausting, but I thought, "My God yeah, let’s do it; this will be an adventure."

How long did the whole process take? We started in mid-January 2019, and we rehearsed and workshopped for about four to five weeks before the shoot, every day. Both Harry and Phoebe had other things going on, so, for instance, Phoebe was working on the new Bond movie in Canada, so I sent my assistant to Canada to work with her. I stayed in the U.K. with Harry, and then we went to L.A. where Harry shot two more videos, for “Watermelon Sugar” and “Falling.”

At the end of the “Watermelon Sugar” shoot, he wrapped, got in his car, came to the dance studio and we rehearsed into the night. Knowing how short a time you sometimes get with artists even for really big performances, I thought the rehearsals would dilute and we’d lose momentum, but both Phoebe and Harry were so committed. What was the process in the studio like with Harry? We didn’t even use his [vocal] track to begin with -- we used different big band songs, some contemporary alternative music. It was just about finding his [movement] language first and foremost.  Then we developed the choreography and sent it to the directors, who gave us feedback. We enhanced the work a bit more, and then once we had some really solid sequences, Ben and Gabe storyboarded the scenes against the timeline of the music.

At this point Harry and Phoebe were still working separately, and then we joined forces in London, where we really started to refine these sequences of choreography we’d developed, trying to find the finesse and the style, almost making sense of the movement for them so they felt they had a dancer’s way of working the movement through the body. You’ve worked with a wide variety of artists, many of whom aren’t dancers first. How do you find, as you put it, the “language” of movement that makes sense for each of them as individuals?

I think the general answer is really communicating -- listening and understanding what the artist’s desire is. And also collaborating, so you don’t get too lost in yourself as a choreographer. What looks good on you might not transcend to the artist, or even necessarily the dancers.

With Harry, what was important within the language of the choreography was that it felt joyful and had personality. Him and Phoebe, with the work she’s done with Fleabag, you associate them and what they do with a sense of style, a real confidence, but at the heart of it it’s entertainment. And with the amount of time and budget we had, which was such a luxury in this day and age, we wanted to do something that pushed both of them out of their comfort zones. We tried to make it as athletic as possible but without compromising them as artists and becoming too comedic. We wanted it to be a bit quaint and cute in places, but we definitely didn’t want it to be thought of as nonsensical or silly.

Harry’s movement in the video is so crisp and precise, even his hands and arm extension look very dancerly. Did that come through a lot of specific work with you? As a songwriter and artist, for Harry it’s about detail, about pushing yourself to be the best. He’s always got questions: "Why are we doing that? Should we be doing this?" We got to a point during the rehearsal period where I brought in a ballet teacher, really to just get Harry and Phoebe to open themselves up from behind their shoulder blades, have an idea of extension, the lines that extend from your center all the way to the tip of your finger. I’d be saying, “Your arms Harry, your arm line!” Asking him to push his shoulders down, lift his carriage up, extend through his breast. And when he hit those lines, he’d be like, “Oh yeah, that feels different.” It’s funny: We spent a couple days apart -- he had to go off and do a gig somewhere -- and I was like, “I hope you’re rehearsing when you’ve got some downtime, dude!” And he sent me a picture in the gym with his arms in the most beautiful balletic arm line! I was like, "Yes, by George, you’ve got it!" Besides the Nicholas Brothers, did you have any particular dance references in mind for the feel of the choreography? I just delved into the MGM archives. Obviously [Fred] Astaire and [Gene] Kelly, the two greats -- especially with Astaire, we loved how sometimes it seems so effortless yet a bit throwaway, not totally totally perfect always.  We enjoyed the moments from him of “I’ll just do a bit of this,” “I’ll just walk off camera left,” the dropping in and out of movement.  We loved the duet “Moses Supposes” from Singin’ in the Rain, for Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor -- we loved the camaraderie between them, which felt a bit goofball at times, and just that wry smile, the look to the left, knowing your partner is there and has got your back. It feels fizzy, it feels joyful.

And yes, there was a massive core of MGM-ism, but at the same time an absolute huge dollop of Harry-and-Phoebe-ism. It was important to us to feel a bit more contemporary, so again we stay true to Harry and Phoebe as artists. Has Harry indicated any interest in dancing more going forward?

We had a conversation back at the end of the summer about how much we enjoyed the process, and I know he was doing another project where choreography was involved, so we were just talking about it and how he felt. Coming from where he came from to what he was about to do, he felt he could be pushed even further. I don’t know if he got the bug, or if it’s just the way he is as a person, very inquisitive and wanting to keep elevating himself. There’s now been some talk on social media that it can’t be long before Harry does Broadway. What do you think?

I mean, I think with Harry Styles, anything is possible, is it not? I mean, I’m sure because he’s tasted the dance, he’ll inject that along the line in his career. It won’t necessarily be out-and-out dancing, but I guess it’s a bit like Bowie used to do, isn’t it? It’s the showmanship and presentation of the performance. Who knows? He’s just so open-minded and open-hearted — and because he’s so open it allows the universe to come back at him and he’s able to do anything he sets his mind to. 

via billboard.com

[outworldgay]

Hi! Would you possibly be able to do 15. Hands, for Kano? Thanks~

15. Hands

Kano, despite his less than preferable hygiene habits, takes immense pride in his hands. He displays an almost effortless deftness with how he handles his knives. He doesn't fear his blade as he casually tosses his knives in the air, catching them with a confidence you don't feel he's earned. If he catches you watching his movements he'll even put on a show, juggling 3, maybe even 5 knives at a time and if you're really lucky, the act won't end with one thrown into your chest.

No one truly knows where Kano acquired that level of finesse with his hands, but the showmanship behind it reveals a glimpse of the amateur thespian he could have been had he not turned to a life of crime. The movements, reminiscent of slight-of-hand magic, would have been at home on a busy street with foot traffic, or even a stage. Despite a talent most would call squandered, Kano feels right at home where he is now; using these skills to stay ahead of his enemies, making far more money than he ever would trying to do something honest.

[veorlian]

spinning blades

for @kanejweek day 1: mythology (gods & saints).

read it on ao3 here!

pairing: Kaz Brekker x Inej Ghafa

rated t for stabbing and past abuse mention

Inej hadn’t known how to fight when she’d joined the Dregs — Kaz had taught her. First it was throwing a punch, before they moved onto blades. Training knives at first. I don't want you ruining my suit, he’d said. You can have a proper knife when I know you won’t trip and fall on it. She'd wanted to hit them, then. She suspected that that was why he'd said it. 

He was a strange boy, Kaz Brekker. She didn't trust him. She’d told him so, and he'd only said: Good, you're a quick learner.

They practiced in an alley behind the Slat. The others largely left them alone, save for the boy named Jesper’s occasional visits to offer encouragement. But mostly it was just her, Kaz, and whatever crows and stray cats wandered by.

"I heard once that there was an honour code for fighting," she said during their second makeshift lesson. She shifted the unfamiliar weight of the knife in her hand and lunged forward. Kaz stepped back, deftly avoiding her attack. She turned around to face him just a fraction too late.

Before she fully registered it, Kaz swept his cane forward, hooking it behind her legs and knocking her off balance. But she was most at home in the air and she easily flipped around, using the momentum to push herself back up on her feet.

"Rules are for the merchers and the aristocracy. Barrel gangs fight dirty," he replied. 

"I'm not that," she said. Kaz shrugged nonchalantly.

"If you want to fight fair, it's your funeral," he said. 

"Or maybe yours." 

Inej nimbly launched herself forward, feet first. Her intention was to hit Kaz square in the chest, but he stepped to the side a second before she would've connected. She landed neatly, rolling into a somersault and back onto her feet in an instant. They circled one another warily.

"Better," he said. "But too slow. Don't waste time talking. You'd be dead before you landed."

"Most people don’t see me coming," she pointed out.

"Surprise is good, but it won’t save you if you're cornered by a dozen thugs with rifles."

Inej raised an eyebrow. "If I have to fight that many, then it can only mean one of your plans has gone wrong."

It didn't provoke the reaction she'd wanted. His expression didn't change, still that infuriatingly bored look.

"There are dozens of spiders in the Barrel that could take that many," he said. The rest of the sentence was left hanging in the air between them. If you can't, then I don't need you.

The world slowed around her. Sudden panic clawed at her throat, white-hot, at the thought that she might be sent back to the Menagerie. Brekker wouldn’t do that, would he? 

She looked at his eyes, so dark they were almost black in the growing shadows. She knew his reputation. Greed was his god, it was said, and cruelty was his creed. He wouldn’t hesitate to get rid of her if she didn’t make herself useful. 

Alright, Kaz Brekker, she thought bitterly, it’s your funeral.

She held herself very still, in the way that she used to before putting her first foot on the wire. She could feel his eyes on her. Good. She was at her best with an audience.

Watch closely, ladies and gentlemen. 

Inej turned her gaze to Kaz. Looked at him the way she assumed he looked at the world — checking for weaknesses. Not the leg; she’d tried that before. Her wrist was still sore from where his cane had hit her. She’d had cause to learn that there was a knife up both of his sleeves, and another in his shoe. Best to go for the face. It felt as though she was seeing herself from a long way away, as though she wasn't in her body anymore.

Prepare yourself for a sight unlike any you've seen before.

She launched into a handstand, grabbing dirt from the ground as she went. Like at home, covering her hands in chalk before sailing from rung to rung. She vaulted over Kaz's head, spraying the dirt into his eyes. He raised a hand to block it, but she'd already landed behind him, the flat of her knife against his throat.

There was a wild, dizzying moment where she considered stabbing him. She’d only been in the Dregs a few weeks, she hadn’t seriously hurt anyone before. But her blood was still roaring in her ears, the acrid tang of copper lingering on her tongue. 

I’m not this, she thought. She forced herself to relax and step back. She needed space to think. She needed to pray.

"It's a start," Brekker said, entirely unruffled.

Inej stayed on the roof of the Slat that night, her eyes fixed on the harbour. She thought of what she was working towards. Leaving Ketterdam. Finding her family. Just this once, she thought, the ends justified the means. She stayed up on the roof till the sun rose, glinting pale pink along the horizon.

She'd fallen into the habit of visiting Kaz’s office first thing in the morning. She'd always been up with the sun, and she didn’t allow herself to sleep in. Not anymore. Her first week at the Slat she’d tried going down to the main room, but it was generally filled with snoring teenagers sprawled along the tables and floor. So, she went to Kaz’s office to get her daily assignments. From what she could tell, Brekker didn’t sleep at all. He was certainly always awake when she arrived, drinking his horrible bitter coffee. This morning was no exception.

“Hello, Wraith,” he said when she entered. She was certain she hadn’t made a sound. On her first visit to the office she’d made a note of which floorboards creaked, which hinges squeaked. That didn’t seem to matter to Brekker. 

He didn’t look up at her, only motioned to the knife on the desk. It gleamed in the morning sun, refracting light across the room. She reached for it, wrapping her hand around the handle. It felt unnervingly right, in a way that the training knives hadn’t. The metal was cool against her palms — like the rungs of the ladder leading to the wire.

“Maybe I’ll use it on you,” she said, turning it over in her hands.

He sighed. “If only you were that bloodthirsty.”

Sankt Petyr, she called the blade. She prayed her Saints would understand the things she did to stay alive.

Inej had never learned how to fight with knives. But she had, on slow afternoons, learned to throw them. It was part of the act; throwing the blades at a moving target, deftly avoiding the person tied to the board.

"I'm nervous," Inej had admitted, before her first time assisting. Her aunt had offered to show her how it was done, to help her feel more safe. Inej had accepted. She’d learned to throw knives from the very best. She could hit a target at 80 paces on a rainy day. And it was always rainy in Ketterdam.

She hadn't mentioned this to Kaz.

He pulled a dagger from his sleeve and demonstrated how to hold it, how to use its weight to throw it. Inej could imagine her aunt kindly critiquing his shoddy technique. There was no showmanship to Kaz’s throw, only grim determination.

Inej nodded and stepped forward. One moment, Sankt Petyr was in her hand, and the next it was embedded in the wooden pole Kaz had set up, immediately next to where his own knife had landed.

"Like that?" she asked politely. The change in his face was almost imperceptible. She might've missed it. She didn't.

"If you're expecting applause you're going to be sorely disappointed, Wraith," was all he said. She still wasn't used to the name. It felt like stepping into dark water; one wrong move and it would drown her.

Inej retrieved her knife, and threw it again. And again. And again. The pole was entirely intact, save for one specific spot, slowly whittled away. The same spot every time. She could almost imagine that she was back at home, practicing with her family. The worn-down alley behind the Slat, the look in Kaz’s eyes, everything seemed to just fall away. There was just Inej, and her dagger, and her Saints. It was as though Sankt Petyr was guiding her hand, reminding her of who she had been. Of who she was.

"Warn me next time before you plan to waste my time," Kaz said after the sixth throw.

“Would you have trusted me if I told you I could throw a blade?” she asked, wiping wood shavings from her knife.

“What information is relevant is up to me to decide,” he said. Everything sounded like a threat, in his voice like scraping stone. “Are we understood?”

“Fine,” she said, after a moment. The ends justified the means. “I’m going to need more knives.”

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” He turned on his heel and left.

She stole her second knife, the one she called Sankta Lizabeta. Too recognizable to fence, but right at home strapped to her thigh. Her third was a gift from Jesper, on one of the very rare occasions that he had cash. The rest were stolen and given and earned, one by one.

She collected her blades and wrapped them around herself like you might wrap a blanket. Each night she cleaned and sharpened them until they were shining. A ritual, of sorts, something familiar amidst the chaotic mess that her life had become. She listed their names as she raced across the rooftops. Her Saints, protecting her.

Kaz had taught her how to fight, but she'd made it her own. She was light on her feet from years in the air, and deceptively strong. Ketterdam was just another wire, and she walked it with ease.

Barrel gangs fight dirty, Kaz had said, and that was true. The gangs of the Barrel were unscrupulous and ruthless, taking any opportunity to rig a fight. But they lacked imagination. There was no finesse, no art to their combat. They could never anticipate her moves. Surprise, Inej learned, goes a very long way in a fight. She’d always been a fast learner.

She didn't fight Kaz again. At least, not with blades.

[hlupdate]

“Feeling good in my skin/ I just keep on dancing,” Harry Styles sings in his latest single, “Treat People With Kindness.” And in the song’s exuberant music video -- which has garnered 17 million YouTube views and counting since its debut on New Year’s Day -- he does just that: Wearing a sequined jacket and bow tie, he chassés, spins and flutters jazz hands like an MGM musical star (with a little help from his equally debonair partner, Fleabag’s Phoebe Waller-Bridge).

Styles shot the video in early 2019 after several weeks of training with choreographer Paul Roberts, a collaborator since his One Direction days. “I think somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew this could be something special,” says Roberts, a veteran stage director and choreographer who’s worked on videos and tours for the likes of Sam Smith, Katy Perry, Diana Ross, and the Spice Girls (their Spiceworld stadium tour).

Watching the explosive fan reaction to Styles’s little known dance talents -- including from the Spice Girls, who've “sent lovely messages" about the video -- Roberts says it seems like "Treat People With Kindness" arrived at the precise right moment. “Most people’s comments are, ‘I’ve not felt that happy for three and a half minutes in a long time,’ or ‘I smiled from ear to ear the whole way through.’ It’s a positive light.”

He spoke to Billboard about Styles’ intensive training process -- and why he wouldn’t be surprised to see him dancing onstage again.

There’s been one pretty overwhelming reaction to this video: “This is the guy who was in the group that insisted they couldn’t dance?!” Did you expect this kind of reaction to Harry dancing?

I’ve been with Harry for 10 years: I was with the One Direction boys from the beginning the whole way through their career before they took the hiatus, and they always made a very conscious decision that they didn’t want choreography as part of their brand -- but they did want a kind of disheveled organization in order to allow the cameras and the lighting to stand a chance in terms of presenting them in the best manner possible.

What was very evident to me was that all five of them, and then it obviously became four, they’ve all got their own magic. The only time I’ve experienced that was when I worked with the Spice Girls. I always knew that they had special skills aside from what they were in One Direction, whether it was movement, songwriting, being able to handle the business side of things. For such young lads they were very astute and very decisive.  So, getting together with Harry -- he’s a bit of an alchemist, is Harry. Everything he turns his hand to turns to gold.

Where did the initial dance-centric concept come from?

Harry and the directors, Ben and Gabe [Turner], sent me a video link to the Nicholas Brothers scene from Stormy Weather and Harry asked me, "How long do you think it would take to dance like this?" I was like, "OK, are you being serious?" "Yeah, I’m being serious."

That is probably one of the most standout dance sequences ever captured on film -- so I knew we were aiming high. I said, "Why don’t we go into a studio and let’s workshop some choreography, some moves, some short sequences, and see what your ability is, see how we can tailor this to make you look the best you can possibly look." Obviously it would take some investment in terms of rehearsal and commitment, I told him it would be mentally and physically exhausting, but I thought, "My God yeah, let’s do it; this will be an adventure."

How long did the whole process take?

We started in mid-January 2019, and we rehearsed and workshopped for about four to five weeks before the shoot, every day. Both Harry and Phoebe had other things going on, so, for instance, Phoebe was working on the new Bond movie in Canada, so I sent my assistant to Canada to work with her. I stayed in the U.K. with Harry, and then we went to L.A. where Harry shot two more videos, for “Watermelon Sugar” and “Falling.”

At the end of the “Watermelon Sugar” shoot, he wrapped, got in his car, came to the dance studio and we rehearsed into the night. Knowing how short a time you sometimes get with artists even for really big performances, I thought the rehearsals would dilute and we’d lose momentum, but both Phoebe and Harry were so committed.

What was the process in the studio like with Harry? We didn’t even use his [vocal] track to begin with -- we used different big band songs, some contemporary alternative music. It was just about finding his [movement] language first and foremost.  Then we developed the choreography and sent it to the directors, who gave us feedback. We enhanced the work a bit more, and then once we had some really solid sequences, Ben and Gabe storyboarded the scenes against the timeline of the music.

At this point Harry and Phoebe were still working separately, and then we joined forces in London, where we really started to refine these sequences of choreography we’d developed, trying to find the finesse and the style, almost making sense of the movement for them so they felt they had a dancer’s way of working the movement through the body. You’ve worked with a wide variety of artists, many of whom aren’t dancers first. How do you find, as you put it, the “language” of movement that makes sense for each of them as individuals?

I think the general answer is really communicating -- listening and understanding what the artist’s desire is. And also collaborating, so you don’t get too lost in yourself as a choreographer. What looks good on you might not transcend to the artist, or even necessarily the dancers.

With Harry, what was important within the language of the choreography was that it felt joyful and had personality. Him and Phoebe, with the work she’s done with Fleabag, you associate them and what they do with a sense of style, a real confidence, but at the heart of it it’s entertainment. And with the amount of time and budget we had, which was such a luxury in this day and age, we wanted to do something that pushed both of them out of their comfort zones. We tried to make it as athletic as possible but without compromising them as artists and becoming too comedic. We wanted it to be a bit quaint and cute in places, but we definitely didn’t want it to be thought of as nonsensical or silly.

Harry’s movement in the video is so crisp and precise, even his hands and arm extension look very dancerly. Did that come through a lot of specific work with you? As a songwriter and artist, for Harry it’s about detail, about pushing yourself to be the best. He’s always got questions: "Why are we doing that? Should we be doing this?" We got to a point during the rehearsal period where I brought in a ballet teacher, really to just get Harry and Phoebe to open themselves up from behind their shoulder blades, have an idea of extension, the lines that extend from your center all the way to the tip of your finger. I’d be saying, “Your arms Harry, your arm line!” Asking him to push his shoulders down, lift his carriage up, extend through his breast. And when he hit those lines, he’d be like, “Oh yeah, that feels different.” It’s funny: We spent a couple days apart -- he had to go off and do a gig somewhere -- and I was like, “I hope you’re rehearsing when you’ve got some downtime, dude!” And he sent me a picture in the gym with his arms in the most beautiful balletic arm line! I was like, "Yes, by George, you’ve got it!" Besides the Nicholas Brothers, did you have any particular dance references in mind for the feel of the choreography? I just delved into the MGM archives. Obviously [Fred] Astaire and [Gene] Kelly, the two greats -- especially with Astaire, we loved how sometimes it seems so effortless yet a bit throwaway, not totally totally perfect always.  We enjoyed the moments from him of “I’ll just do a bit of this,” “I’ll just walk off camera left,” the dropping in and out of movement.  We loved the duet “Moses Supposes” from Singin’ in the Rain, for Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor -- we loved the camaraderie between them, which felt a bit goofball at times, and just that wry smile, the look to the left, knowing your partner is there and has got your back. It feels fizzy, it feels joyful.

And yes, there was a massive core of MGM-ism, but at the same time an absolute huge dollop of Harry-and-Phoebe-ism. It was important to us to feel a bit more contemporary, so again we stay true to Harry and Phoebe as artists. Has Harry indicated any interest in dancing more going forward?

We had a conversation back at the end of the summer about how much we enjoyed the process, and I know he was doing another project where choreography was involved, so we were just talking about it and how he felt. Coming from where he came from to what he was about to do, he felt he could be pushed even further. I don’t know if he got the bug, or if it’s just the way he is as a person, very inquisitive and wanting to keep elevating himself. There’s now been some talk on social media that it can’t be long before Harry does Broadway. What do you think?

I mean, I think with Harry Styles, anything is possible, is it not? I mean, I’m sure because he’s tasted the dance, he’ll inject that along the line in his career. It won’t necessarily be out-and-out dancing, but I guess it’s a bit like Bowie used to do, isn’t it? It’s the showmanship and presentation of the performance. Who knows? He’s just so open-minded and open-hearted — and because he’s so open it allows the universe to come back at him and he’s able to do anything he sets his mind to.  

[allyvampirelass29]

The Besiege of Bruce Wayne McQueen

A NOS4A2 Review By: Allyssa J. Watkins

I didn't say you could get up I'll swing the hammer back Until you've had enough Your armor cracking, amidst your son's frantic call Tell me, Victoria Who's the Strongest Creative of them all? Bones breaking You cower before me shaking As I wield my blunt instrument without relent You've had your fun, Bad Mother I hope you've gallivanted to your heart's content I am the magic your beautiful boy has so long lacked Bruce Wayne best behave Or I'll break his mother's back Lost Boys belong in Neverland Consider me, his Peter Pan You don't care for him like I can Neglect and endangerment is the McQueen way, isn't it? You selfish fake C'mon Vic He's safer with his Uncle Manx You ungrateful Brat....... Just say THANKS!!!!

Three words. PULSE. POUNDING. PHENOMENAL!!!!!!! I write this wide-eyed and shell-shocked, a trembling wreck of electric emotion, the prevalent being pure, paralyzing BLISS!!!! DAMN, NOS4A2 you are SPOILING us!!!! Is it Christmas!? Last week I watched the glowing potential of the ascending firework disappear, and just as I lamented its predicted fizzle out, it SHATTERED the skies around me with an explosion of colours brighter and more vivid than anything I've ever seen, in a deafening ROAR!!!! HOLY SMASH!!! I LOVED THIS EPISODE, so much so, that I feel like I lived it, every death defying second, so ALIVE with the rawest emotion, the most terrifyingly beautiful villainy, my every sense heightened, and in this bloody besiege for one, Bruce Wayne McQueen, our spectacular cast shines BLINDING, giving their best, and most authentic performances of the series. Prepare yourselves for a Lake House excursion, you will NEVER forget!!!!

I LOVED how this episode sent us sprawling right into the action, and I was so so so wrong about the fantastic build-up of the suspense from last week going to waste, because it lit the fuse for one HELL of a firework display. Where last week didn't hit me quite hard enough, this episode STRUCK like LIGHTNING, electrifying every vein, and barely taken breath. The fight scene....... yes, you know the one, the all out, claws drawn, hammer wielding, haughty taunting, smoulder and slashing duel to the death was pure, screaming, POETRY!!! It's ART, the most electric, ENTHRALLING, aria of wit and savagery, it's the single most INTOXICATING scene, not just in an episode full of instant iconic images, but of the ENTIRE series.

Vic VS Manx, a faceoff fraught with revenge and raw energy, no special powers, no knives even, just hurling razor-edged words, fighting, grappling, scraping, nothing but an autopsy hammer between the two of them, was MESMERIZING!!! Charlie is a black, roiling wave of breathtaking rage, coming down on his worst enemy like hurricane thunder, with a ruthless, ferocity, such as we have never before seen. I loved every second, even as I fell apart at the seams, hand clasped over my mouth, trying not to scream. While some might say this head on collision lacked his usual finesse and refined showmanship, I must vehemently disagree. How clever of the writers to give us a Charlie driven to the verge, snapping, shaking off his gentleman's cape, to reveal his sharpest edge, and rawest fury, not to mention darkest intent. Charlie's done playing the game....... he's ready to win, to take the queen. Or in this case, the prince.

The juxtaposition of his elegantly brandished wit, and the brutality of his swiftly dealt blows, is pure, and utter genius, not to mention one hundred percent CHARLIE!!! I grinned like a lovesick schoolgirl when he told Vic, "I hope you have galivanted to your heart's content." I'm swooning, even as I write that, his dialogue was on point, as the kids say, as perfectly tailored to his elegant malevolence, his beautiful wickedness, as that magnificent chauffer's coat!!! Also, forgive me my shameless fawning, but can we TALK about his shiny, raven especially gorgeous HAIR during this episode!? Whether it's falling wild in his eyes, as he draws back his blood-thirsty hammer, or hanging in dark, feathery waves, as he smirks, leaning over his seemingly vanquished nemesis, Charlie's iconic silken strands were as deadly as his backswing, drawing my eye, and stoking my passion something fierce!

I loved how he laid it all out for her in his Malicious Manx Rhetoric, and one of the things I desperately love about Charlie, is how he can speak such vulnerable truth, even in the midst, of a rasping seethe. He explains it all, passes his sentence, this is why you don't deserve him, this is what I'm going to do, and why you can't stop me, even as he pounds the hammer against her back, oblivious to the protective armor, cleverly concealed in her biker jacket, due to some quick thinking, and a fun, surprising telepathic assist from the miniature McQueen. "No Mom, just play dead......" I loved all the nerves Charlie touched on, not just physical nerves, but the exposed, emotional ones as well. He knows how insecure Vic has felt, about the kind of mother she's been, her shortcomings, her fear about not being good for him, not able to love him like she should, provide for him, and Charlie exploits that to profound perfection. "You won't be able to ride away from your Beautiful Boy. He'll call you, sometimes, from Christmasland, and you will see...... He's BETTER with me!!!"

But the thing that shook me the most, was the bleeding truth of his words as he told her, "That's what you do, Victoria, you run. Even from the things that you LOVE!" WOW Charlie....... the depth, the piercing insight in that quote still gives me chills like mad, and it's a searing revelation. I also marveled at Charlie's outright admission of having been in love with Vic, which I'd always suspected, especially after Parnassus, but he's never just come out and said it, and definitely not to her face. "It's a dangerous game...... endeavoring to love Vic McQueen, I found that out myself with Craig, after you set us both on FIRE." I love how he snuck that in there, how he makes Craig and himself out to be HER victims, and I think Charlie's relationship status with Vic will always be, "It's Complicated," because while she holds a special fascination for him, most of her allure lies in the challenge. What he loves is the most about Vic is hating her. Hell hath no fury like Charlie Manx scorned.

You know what else, was just....... a THRILLING chill!? After giving her a good and proper thrashing, and tongue-lashing, Charlie's voice is a spiteful growl as he rasps furious, "Just say THANKS!!!" I could NOT breathe!! WOW........ What SPLENDID writing!!! It's not enough for Vic to lie there, and take her punishment, the punishment that in Charlie's eyes she so obviously deserves, but he demands her thanks as well, for taking her only child, reprimanding her wicked, wanton ways, sparing her from having to be a bad mother. "If you had a grateful bone in your body, you'd thank me......" Charlie has always seen himself as the hero of NOS4A2, saving children from their broken homes, and lonely lives, and if you told him point blank he was actually the villain, the antagonist, he'd scoff in your face. This idea that he's being generous, actually helping Vic, even as he enacts his ultimate revenge speaks volumes to that, and I loved it. He even tells her young son, with such soothe, "Don't worry........ She can never hurt you again."

That being said, I also loved how Vic fearlessly turned the tables on our handsome phantom, dropping the pretense of excruciating pain to strike hard, breaking Charlie's leg, and leaving a nasty gash across his lovely cheek, before reigning down hell on the Wraith. This was especially jaw-dropping for me, since I had written a scene eerily similar, over a YEAR ago, in my NOS4A2 Series, and it was such a giddy, breathless joy, to see it all play out, exactly as I had imagined it!!! I loved how Vic gives Charlie his insisted upon thank you, after making her move, even though, yes, I was a little heartsick, seeing that impossibly perfect face so drastically marred. The warm, happy, fuzzy feel of Wayne's childhood memories, interspersed with the impassioned violence was yet another INSPIRED, and poignant stroke of brilliance, and in my opinion made the scene even more powerful and intense. It also inspired a fascinating theory....... That Wayne is a Strong Creative, that can speak through his memories telepathically to his mother. There are several instances in, "Bruce Wayne McQueen," where our adorable title character floods his mother's mind with happier times, and words of wisdom. Yes, Vic is a powerful Creative, and this could very well be her own doing, but as she's never been one for sentiment before, something tells me Wayne is speaking to her, calming her down, keeping her safe.

This episode is a masterwork of action and suspense, a transformative audience EXPERIENCE. You're in the Wraith with Charlie and Wayne, sitting on the edge of the backseat, you're treading water, traumatized with Vic, as the bullets whizz past you under the surface, flinching with every shot Bing fires, and you're pressed up against the window with Wayne, hands on the glass, as his mother sobs her devastated goodbye, promising to find him, her stricken eyes so full of love, knowing she has to leave him, if ever she'll have the chance to fight again. It's so beautifully executed, every shot, drawing us into our creative heroes' journey with immersive cinematography. It's unique to any other episode that has come before, and stands out as a groundbreaking method of emotional storytelling.

I must say this though....... This episode was as close to achingly perfect as you can get, right up there with Sleigh House, a MAGIC that I never EVER thought anything in my natural life could touch, but as much enamour as I feel, there were a few slightly detracting flaws. I absolutely LOVED the shifts between different points of view, it may be an unpopular opinion, but I thought that was another daring risk, that definitely paid off. My issue however, lies in the repeated events from one person's point of view to the next. I felt that the needless repetition slowed down the breakneck action, throwing a kink in the timeline. There were more than a few times where I was like WAIT, did that happen before or after what we've just seen!? I appreciate that they were trying to give us a new vantage point to what we'd just witnessed, maybe even belabor the moment for dramatic effect, but it ate up valuable runtime, and undercut the flow in my opinion, as well as shortchanged the suspense, knowing full well what was going to happen, because we'd already seen it from another character's point of view! How much better to show a scene from one perspective, and then jump right into the consequent action with the change to the next? How much MORE would we have gotten to see!?!? Had they done that, then this episode would have surpassed even Sleigh House, my ultimate ideal.

Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy getting to see what happened in the car with the boys, during Vic's ride through the woods. I LOVED how Charlie, ever the paternal guardian, was so taxed by Wayne's vehement cries, and frantic banging on the windows, that he says, in true exhausted parent fashion, "Please Wayne, just a small nap......" There were times that the rewind worked, but most times, I just wanted to get on with the story. Another grievance....... What the HELL are the Wraith's windows made of!? Yes, I understand that this is a supernatural, sentient car, but SERIOUSLY!!!! No amount of force, be it from a swung wrench, or slammed autopsy hammer, or SPEEDING bullet, could shatter even one of the Wraith's windows. Yes, I know it added to the suspense, watching both parents try desperately, and still fail to free their son, but it detracted from the reality, suspending my suspension of disbelief. They should have been able to at least break ONE!!!

I was also a tad bit disappointed with The Hour Glass Man, how about you guys? The way Abe set him up to be this heavy hitter, this "Fixer," in the Dark Creative World, I was so excited to see his knife and how it worked!!! At the beginning of the episode, our calm, sharply-dressed secondary villain, uses an hour glass, not to stop time, not to rewind time, not to alter time, but....... to hypnotize the two feds long enough to assault the lake house, SHOOTING Chris McQueen in the leg, before turning the gun on themselves. Yes, it was only our first look, and I'm sure our man of unsolved mystery has more than a few tricks up his ironed sleeves, he isn't in high demand for nothing, but....... as he was supposed to be Charlie's ace in the hole, I had prepared myself for something truly mind-boggling, something more than just compulsion, an everyday occurrence on The Vampire Diaries. Even in his second go at Vic, he pulls a Manx, and just hits her with his far less supernatural SUV. I knew something was up, the way Charlie didn't veer, and try to run Vic off the road as she pursued him on her new motorcycle, firing shots into the driver side window. He let her ride alongside him, so calm, and I KNEW he was leading her into a trap, and leading me straight into my second disappointment with The Hour Glass Man. I don't know, even though it got the job done, and landed her in the hospital, him hitting her with the SUV just felt....... underwhelming, which this episode is definitely NOT.

The hidden hero of "Bruce Wayne McQueen," is by far Chris Freaking McQueen, who has redeemed himself in my eyes through his fearless fight, both to stay sober for his daughter, and to keep her from losing her son. Not gonna lie guys, I was HORRIFIED, when I thought the Feds killed him at the beginning of the episode, and for the longest time after he got shot I was like DON'T you dare FREAKING kill Chris, oh god, is Chris dead!? A question to which there is no answer until nearly the end of the episode. Vic, still treading water underneath the dock, shakes violently as she hears the gunshots go off a little too close, and I, myself, was scared as HELL, thinking Bing was firing straight down, having discovered her. A horrible moment, as the blood falls thick from between the wooden slats of the dock, directly onto Vic's forehead. And then....... Chris Freaking McQueen, like a gun wielding white knight charges the sick BASTARD, Bing Partridge, shooting him repeatedly, although, to our collective chagrin, does not kill him!!! Seriously. Somebody gut that Creepster Pervert like a fish!!! Chris even takes on Charlie all by himself, firing at the Wraith, as it speeds off to my complete and utter delight WITHOUT Bing Partridge leaving him behind, FINALLY!!! You GO, Charlie, time to sever ties with that obnoxious deadweight.

Where this episode uncovers Charlie in his most heightened, dangerous state, raw and intense, Bing is portrayed at his detestable WORST, and my hatred for this hulking henchman was infinite. I HATE the way he is with Wayne, it literally made me sick to my stomach. Charlie is so sweet and gentle, paternal, and patient with our dear little Bats, doting upon him, and you can tell how excited he is to be his father, how this particular child, Vic's only son, is the second most important entry into Christmasland, after his own daughter. I'm still dyyyying from the way he said, "You and I have been dreaming about each other, haven't we?" How PRECIOUS!!! In counterpart, Bing is disgustingly abusive, grabbing him up off the ground, dangling him by his arm, threatening to shoot him, bite him, calling Wayne a, "pretty girl," (GOD, YOU SICKO!!!!) and I just couldn't stand it, I was so damn furious, I couldn't see straight, and I'm DONE with Bing, I want to put a hit out on that lewd, child abusing, BASTARD!!! It would seem Charlie is done with him too, leaving him behind to die, and I especially enjoyed that cleverly veiled threat in the car, Bing droning on and on about what he wants to do when he gets to Christmasland, and Charlie smirking with a coy mention of a special feast. Yeah...... I see what you did there, Babe. It's time to hang a Partridge, swinging from a pear tree.

Another thing I particularly loved about this episode, was that it had the unique symmetry of beginning and ending in the hospital, and in both instances, Wayne's birth, and the aftermath of his abduction, Vic loses him. Even as a newborn, after a harrowing C-section, Vic knows something is wrong, crying out to the nurses, as they do CPR on the tender little babe, and after only just bringing him into the world, Vic already has to face the threat of one without him. That was beautifully mirrored in the final, heartbreaking scene, when Vic, seeing her boyfriend, and father in hospital beds from her own, but no Wayne, realizes, with abject terror, her son is gone. Her worst fear, the ONE man she'd fought for eight years to protect him from, has taken him. BEAUTIFUL, heart-wrenching, devastatingly good acting from Ashleigh, the desolate sobs, as her mother holds her in her arms, the hopelessness, and fear in her eyes. It shattered me.

An all time high for NOS4A2, "Bruce Wayne McQueen," holds all the emotional drama, and high risk of a proper Season Finale, and we're only FIVE episodes in!!!! If it's THIS good, this early in the story, I can't even imagine what lays in wait, as the Wraith races away with a very special boy in tow. Hold on, Strong Creatives....... Our WILDEST dreams are about to come true.........

[thebickedwitchoftherest]

Unraveled || Cece & Otto

Location: The Magic Circle 

Featuring: @gravityfissure

Summary: Otto calls in Cece to talk about magic, but they mostly just flirt.

The Magic Circle was quiet for a Thursday. Although it was still early, Otto knew that a fair few of their regulars would be stopping in soon enough and was in the process of organising a few of the bottles. He knew precisely where each was located, it was a skill you needed when things got busier as the night drew on. Patrons didn’t care to be kept waiting and the smooth efficiency with which the bar staff worked and communicated kept everything moving in orderly fashion. Out of most of the odd-job bar gigs he’d worked across the years Otto had to admit the Circle was a nice change of pace. Not to mention the garden theme and twinkling light charms emanated a welcoming atmosphere that put most of their guests at ease; it was a rustic oasis of calming charm in a town that seemed hell bent on providing its residents with anything but. He was just in the process of pouring out a pint for Old Joe; a grizzled werewolf with a hefty tuft of a beard who always seemed to look half-asleep even when talking to you when the door to the establishment opened and a familiar figure walked in. Glancing over his smile brightened, “evening love, with you in just a second” he winked before quickly adding the pint to Old Joe’s tab. With no other patrons in need for the moment, he slid down and out from behind the bar to meet Cece half-way opening his arms for a hug. “Cece, looking stunning as ever. How the devil are you?”

Cece liked the magic circle. It didn’t take long after discovering it for the bar to become one of her favorites in town. This was of course in part to the exclusivity of it all. Though she tried to keep a downlow on her abilities, the bar was specifically known for being a pretty secretive place. The other part was the company. Since the place was so exclusive the people that frequented the place seemed to have a Cheers familial type presence to them. Plus, the bartender was easy on the eyes. “Otto! If it isn’t my favorite bartender and hype man.” She greeted him with a hug, doing a little twirl for show, “You’re right of course, but I never get tired of hearing you say it. You’re not looking so bad yourself.” He finger gunned at Old Joe. The two saw each other often but never exchanged much more than a head nod. “I’m fantastic as always. I’m ready for the tea” Cece turned her attention back to Otto, hopping onto a bar stool and resting her elbows on the bar, “And for whatever’s on special tonight. How are you holding up tonight?”

Some things warranted exclusivity and if that branch of secrecy protected those that came here then all the more for it. Otto knew that a lot of the patrons still preferred to maintain their airs and not disclose what they were, which was fine, so long as you didn’t cause any lasting trouble for other clients or the staff. Anything that was deemed too much would be taken care of swiftly and efficiently. “Always, always” he beamed, wrapping her up for a moment before letting her go so she could take a seat. “And I will never tire of saying it.” Slipping back behind the counter once more he set about immediately setting out a cocktail glass and turning to the bottles behind him. His hands moved with practised efficiency, spinning one to pour out just the right amount while throwing another bottle to his free hand, each movement finessed and accentuated by a soft purplish trail of shadow dotted with glittering silver sparks. Magical illusions, nothing too taxing or draining to perform but entertaining regardless. The finished drink - rose petal in colour with a white base was slid forward. “I like to call this one split decisions. Gin, Marie-Framboise, Forhave Apertif with a dash of lemon. Fresh and lively.” There was no point in rushing, they could get into the topic of what he’d wanted to chat about once she’d settled. “How’s life? Not been hassled too much by those mimes wandering the streets I hope?”

Cece watched with glee as Otto put some pizazz into his drink making, another perk of her favorite bartender. He certainly liked to put on a show. Cece was sure that his pockets full of tips at the end of the night lent a hand in him continuing to show off. The end result was a pretty drink, just flashy enough to make a statement without making Cece feel like she was drinking a pina colada. “You work magic, Otto.” She joked, sliding the drink over to take a long sip, “Mmm magnifique, as per usual.” She beamed dreamily, taking another sip to savor the flavor. “You know me, I like to stay busy.” Cece shrugged. Admittedly, she had been pretty bored since Morgan had moved out. Work kept her busy during the day, but she found herself either at the bars or curled up on her couch watching TV. Neither were particularly exciting by herself. She was ecstatic for the excuse to run by the bar tonight to meet Otto. “Not even the mime version of me would have the balls to try to kill me” Cece joked, wondering why she hadn’t seen one of her own. She had heard talk around talk. Another notch on an increasingly long list of supernatural things that White Crest citizens willfully ignored. Shocker. “How about you, you surviving out here?”

Otto knew well enough his job was just as much about showmanship as it was serving the drink, it was the nature of the sort of work he was drawn to - client first. Whether in pouring a drink or stealing a priceless relic, so long as they were happy and got what they wanted at the end of the day his bank would be full and happy. “Anything to keep you coming back,” he winked, his tone light-hearted and playful as ever another fact of the job. People came here to deal with their issues, not listen to the front of house complain about theirs and Otto was rather good at keeping his issues out of sight and out of mind. “Yes, you do. But has anything interesting happened? You can tell me your life’s been all work no play?” He threw the rag that he used to wipe down the counter to one side, folding his arms and leaning forwards, occasionally his eyes would drift to the rest of the bar but no one else needed his attention right now. “Oh don’t say that too loud, next thing you know she’ll be right up in here trying just that…” he made a face at the thought, the clean up would be horrific. “Well enough besides the weird black liquid pouring out of my taps… Not to mention a cute guy bringing me flowers. Life’s on the up and up all things considered.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. I think you’re stuck with me for life now.” Cece tipped her glass towards Otto and took another long drink. “My life has been shockingly uneventful over the last month. My roommate moved out. My boss practically had a nervous breakdown, so now I get to work extra hours making sure her replacement doesn’t fuck up the morgue. She claims he’s competent at his job, but I’m not so sure.” Admittedly, Cece was almost positive that he was perfectly capable of performing his job well, but she didn’t like him. That was all she needed to be unimpressed with any little thing he did differently than Regan. “I need something to do. Anything, honestly.” She hadn’t spent this much time alone in months. “Can you imagine? Two of me in here? Poor Old Joe’s heart couldn’t take it.” She flirted, glancing over at him, knowing that he must have heard her. He didn’t give any indication that he had. Boo. “Black liquid was a rocky start, but please tell me more about this cute guy of yours! Give me a love life to live through Otto. I’m begging you.” She gave her classic puppy dog eyes, staring up at him pleading as she took a long sip from her straw, finishing the drink with a loud slurping noise.”

“There are worse things in life than having you around,” Otto laughed, shaking his head fondly before looking back to his friend. “Your boss? Regan right?” Nervous breakdown? The thought made him frown. “Sheesh… Sounds like hell in the WCPD.” Was that why so many cases in this town went unsolved? Granted, some of them were more than most people informed on the realities of their would could handle let alone the many mortals that bolstered the department’s ranks. But that wasn’t really their fault. “I don’t think any of us would. Nothing could withstand that level of beauty… But if you’re looking for things to do I’ve got a couple of things I could use a hand with…” he threaded his fingers together. “Well, the black liquid is one of the jobs I need a hand with, but how about details about the cute guy in return for help on these problems?” he offered with a tilt of his head. “Now steady on there love,” he laughed holding up a hand, “I’d say love life is a stretch by a mile. We met by chance at a club, hit it off and it’s a complete and utter disservice to how attractive he is to say he’s simply handsome, but…” Otto’s grin grew a little more coy “he’s hot as hell...” He pointed at the drink, “another?”

Sure, Cece loved to gossip. Probably more than was any good for her, and drinking only made it worse. But even Cece knew better than to overshare about Regan’s personal life. “Yeah, well… Lots of people dying in town. Plus, the captain is convinced that the supernatural doesn’t exist so that doesn’t help cases get solved.” She shrugged, “Or well, they get solved incorrectly.” Cece enjoyed most of her coworkers, and they did their best considering the resources provided to them. “You drive a hard bargain, but I think we can work out a deal.” Cece clapped her hands together excitedly. “Oh I’m so sorry Hugh Hefner, didn’t know I was dealing with Playboy.” She had an image of this hot many in her head, hoping that the real thing did her picture any justice. “Ah, to meet a hot boy at a club and get flowers. Feels like a Taylor Swift song.” She pounded her hands on the counter playfully and chanted, “Another, another, another!” She was excited for her other drink, but even more to help out with whatever Otto needed.

While the staff didn’t necessarily deal in gossip that which did get said here didn’t tend to go any further. It was a respect thing between them and the patrons of this place, a safe haven to escape the world for a little bit. “Yeah, nothing can really help with that can it? But I guess you’re right, you have to work with what you get.” Cece’s excitement was easily infectious and Otto always found himself smiling a fair bit more around her. “Oh shut up,” he huffed good-naturedly, “it’s not my fault all good things typically happen when I’m buzzed.” He shook his head a little, “nah, his name’s Luke, really short hair, golden brown eyes, about my height and pretty athletic… And when he smiles he gets these really cute little dimples.” It was strange, having friends to talk to about things like this. The Tarot never really interested themselves all that much in the personal affairs of their members so long as they kept to the job. “Actually… I might have a photo,” fishing out his phone he started thumbing through until he found a photo and turned the phone around “cute right?” Once Cece had seen the photo, Otto was off down the bar once more pouring up another fix of the drink he’d given her earlier. 

Cece shrugged, “My job is to test pee, not solve crime.” Sometimes she got swept up in the excitement of it all, but when it came to the unsolved mysteries it would drive Cece up the wall knowing something about a case that she wasn’t able to talk about because there was no way that Regan would believe her or the Captain would laugh her out of his office. Not that she had ever tried, because it wasn’t really her place. Sometimes she let the excitement get away from her, like with Felix and that murdered vampire. But despite her attitude, she really hadn’t moved here to be flashy. She just wanted to have some fun and live a life. “Luke, huh? Sounds cute.” Cece flirted, perking up when he offered to find a picture of him. She grabbed onto the phone to get a better look and whistled, “Damn dude! Okay, okay. I’ll give you that win.” She handed the phone back off to him, leaning back in her chair and watching as he worked his magic again on her drink. “Do you think he has an equally cute, interested in girls, brother?” She questioned Otto, “Next time you go out drinking you gotta take me with you apparently. Maybe I’ll have better luck.”

“Alright, fair enough. But you’ll help solve a mystery in a pinch and that’s what really counts for something,” Otto grinned as he leaned back on the counter folding his arms loosely across his chest. “He is, but it’s not really serious. He’s fun and makes things interesting,” Otto wasn’t really even sure what it was they had. A fling that had turned into an enjoyable morning and then Lucas had jumped to come over and make sure there wasn’t a gloop monster about to form in his kitchen. It was sweet… But Otto didn’t know what sweet really counted for these days. “Maybe? Honestly we… haven’t really discussed that kind of stuff,” in fact, Otto realised in that moment they hadn’t really spoken about much of anything. Then again, if it wasn’t serious was that stuff still warranted? “Sure, I’ll let you know when I’m going out. We’ll hit the town.” With that settled his mind moved on to other matters “but uh, the stuff I mentioned-- There’s something I wanted to ask you...” His playful expression grew a little more serious and he worried his lip for a moment before asking, “have you ever encountered… Any kind of magic that doesn’t… uh… conform to the normal branches? Like you know how stuff is subdivided usually? Elemental, divination, alchemy… You know the works. Ever seen anything that doesn’t… fit those?” Or not been mentioned at all?

Maybe Otto was serious that his fling with this Lucas character was nothing more than a night or two together, but Cece couldn’t hold back her giggling when she caught on that Otto did seem a bit flustered thinking about him. She knew there was something deeper to that effortless flirt persona. “Doesn't matter, I’ll figure out for myself when I run the background check,” Cece joked, winking at the bartender, “Gotta keep my boy safe. Can’t have him running around with any sketchy figures. All it takes is a pretty face for you to fall hard apparently. I didn’t know Otto was such a softie.” She would have to remember to let Regan know beforehand that she would be sick the next morning when her and Otto went out somewhere. Something told her that it would be a wild night. Eventually, Otto got into the real reason that he had asked her to swing by. A different kind of magic? Cece hadn’t thought much on what Otto had wanted to talk to her about, but that certainly hadn’t been one of her theories. “I’ve seen a bit of it all back in my day, or at least it feels that way.” The coven saw a lot of people pass in and out as they moved around, so she had minimal exposure to all sorts of fresh faces with unique specialties and ideas. “Depends on what you mean. Like necromancy? Blood magic? How morally acceptable are we talking?”

“Oh god,” Otto groaned pressing a hand to his face at the thought of her running a background check on a guy he barely knew. “Wait…” his hand dropped and he looked at his friend “did you run a background check on me?” He wasn’t sure what the results might be, but then again… Cece was still friends with him so maybe she didn’t really mind so much. Though there were things about his past he’d much prefer remained hidden. Those secrets didn’t need to see the light of day. But talk moved on and Otto folded his arms as he waited for Cece to give her input. “No nothing of the sort, it’s cliche and niche” he waved his hand in a mildly dismissive motion, his arms folded once more over his chest fingers curling a little into the material of his shirt “like… What if you found out you could… change the forces on something… Like… push a bullet off course or stop someone plummeting to their death…”

“Are you kidding? Duh?” Cece shrugged, taking a long drink from her glass and setting it back down, folding her hands together and leaning against the bar, “Any you have a lot of explaining to do mister.” She stared at him for a long moment before she smirked, smacking the table and leaning back in her chair, “Nah I’m just fucking with you. I’m a toxicologist, I can’t run background checks.” Still the most interesting part of the night had apparently just begun. Otto’s question was starting to sound a lot less hypothetical. It sounded like he was a bit more serious about the topic. “Well I definitely wouldn’t have lost that axe throwing contest in Dallas. I lost like $400 bucks on that bet.” She mentioned casually, suddenly thinking further on the subject, “Wow drunk Cece was really confident about that bet considering she’d never thrown an axe before”. She stared up at the ceiling again, remembering the night. Then she remembered the situation, and literally waved the memory off, focusing back on Otto, “That’s not important. Anyways, I’d say that sounds pretty dope. Some kind of telepathy? Do you have a specific example?”

There was an extended pause and a momentary debate of wondering whether she had actually found something before Otto rolled his eyes good-naturedly despite the momentary internal panic that hadn’t conveyed into his expression. “You’re a little shit Ce, I love you but damn girl you had me wondering what dirty laundry you were gonna pull out,” he clicked his tongue lightly but his demeanor remained light-hearted as ever. “I’m sure I could get you that money back at the next local fair or whatever they do in this neck of the woods for fun, probably in the weight of goldfish and stuffed animals but either way...” But a bet was rather besides the point of why and what he was asking. “Well, telepathy is the sharing of thoughts between minds, telekinesis is moving shit… It’s a bit like that but… I’m talking more… being able to reverse, redirect the gravity and forces acting on something.” One example came to mind, always the first thing that did when he dwelled on this but the sudden flashes of blood splattering the walls and a man crumpling to the ground weren’t an ideal example to give to a police officer regardless of how lax their… protocol might be. “Someone fell off a cliff the other day, I broke their fall from a plumet to… a glide. Caveat is… it only seems to work in stressful situations.” At least right now. His issue was trying to find that control in situations that weren’t life-threatening or stressful.

Cece had a devilish smile plastered to her face, “I know I am.” But she couldn’t help herself, if the opportunity presented itself, she had to make some sort of joke about it. What was she supposed to do? Be boring? No thanks. “Wow, fighting to restore my honor? I might be the one buying you flowers next.” She finished off her second drink, and realized from Otto’s explanation that these drinks were clearly strong because she couldn’t keep her ESP skills straight, “Hm. Potato, potahto. Some kind of gravity magic, huh? Haven’t heard of that one before.” It sounded interesting enough, though. Stopping someone from plummeting to their death? That was impressive. And it sounded fun. “Sounds like you need a training buddy.” If Otto could only use the abilities under life-threatening circumstances, that just meant he needed to be put under more stressful scenarios so he got a chance to practice more. Maybe after enough of those, he could start to get a handle on the ability under normal circumstances as well. “I feel like if we put our brain power together we can figure something out, yeah? What do you say? Partners?”

“Don’t flatter me like that or else you might be the one coming home with me tonight,” Otto winked playfully, a mirthful laugh leaving him as he turned to pour himself a glass of water from the tap. Sipping this he gave a nod to her summary, “seems so… Only issue is, I don’t have a coven and well… It’s not like there’s anyone around that can do this too. I’m flying blindfolded in fog on this one...” He could tell it was related to stress, but that didn’t make it any easier to recognise how best to actually harness control over it. “That’s what I was hoping you’d say,” he admitted when she made her suggestion his smile faint but hopeful that perhaps with help he’d get the knack of figuring this out. So Otto nodded, offering his hand out across the bar. “Partners.”

“A girl can dream, can’t she?” Cece winked back at him. Two could play at that game. Sure, Old Joe was a bit of a buzzkill but Cece had never minded an audience much. “Coven’s are overrated anyways” Sure, those words may have been inspired by Cece’s not exactly stellar experience with a coven in the past. It hadn’t left a particularly good taste in her mouth and she just figured she was done with it all when she got to Maine. Obviously White Crest had something else in mind for her. Maybe someday she could see herself joining one again. Were there any hippy ones around town? A little less murdery than her former coven? “You’re the only one that we know of. There are some other witches in town. Maybe we can see if they know anything about this shit. On the DL of course.” Cece thought of other options, perhaps finding some telekinetic person could help? Different magic apparently but they had cross functions. Could help with the basics. Though Cece didn’t know anyone with telekinesis. “So excited to officially be in business with you! Let’s start with a timeframe. How long ago was it that you figured out you had these abilities?”

“Who says it has to be a dream?” It was easy familiarity and perhaps a dash of confidence that left him posing the subtle challenge. He gave her a slightly strange look upon hearing the statement about covens, “I dunno… My one back in NYC was pretty cool… I was definitely more powerful when I was connected and siphoning energy from the leys there.” In all honesty, Otto missed the social aspect of the coven as well. Every one worked differently, but ultimately there was power in numbers that couldn’t be denied. “Maybe, I just don’t want to draw too much attention, you know?” But there had to be some answers, maybe in the archive. Though that would come with time. “Uh…” there was an awkward look that crossed his expression “right before I arrived in town… Kind of the reason I had to leave the city… But...” He made a slightly funny face again, seeming to wrestle with himself as to whether it was worth sharing. “I think… I think I’ve always had the capacity… There might’ve been… an incident when I was a kid...” That is if you could call sending your parents car headlong into oncoming traffic because of a temper tantrum an incident.

“Ooh la la. Otto, you’ll make me blush.” Cece reached out and pushed at his shoulder playfully. She wasn’t opposed to the idea, though it seemed a bit tasteless given Otto’s recent suitor. Cece and Otto had obviously spoken of each other’s abilities, but they hadn’t talked much about coven’s before. Cece wasn’t opposed to speaking of her coven, but she wasn’t about to go in great detail. Her distaste for the memory was enough. “You’ll have to tell me about them some night. My coven ended up sucking ass. Maybe you can sweeten up the bitter taste I have for covens.” She chuckled, mostly joking. “Fair enough. I definitely get wanting to stay lowkey.” Even if the supernatural in this town seemed a bit excessive, she wasn’t exactly ready to start mixing cauldrons and performing seances at the local Dairy Queen or anything. “Ooh, the plot thickens. So let’s assume this is some kind of genetic magic instead, not just something that anyone could practice. Early childhood experience with it would suggest that. Especially without any prior knowledge. That’s certainly interesting. Color me intrigued.”

“I think it’ll take more than that to get you blushing love,” it was nice banter and Otto wasn’t entirely joking in the suggestion he put forward. Whether it led to anything, well, that was another matter entirely. “Maybe I will, but on a night I’m not working… That sort of uh… thing isn’t for public environments.” For the time being covens weren’t his biggest concern, it was mostly trying to figure out this damned ability before it landed him in actual hot water. It had already ruined his life in New York, he didn’t need a repeat of that here. The memory of the bank caused his expression to drop minutely but Cece always could pick up what he meant. She seemed to tether on rather easily and his smile returned not much later. “Yeah… Issue is I don’t have anyone to ask about this stuff. I thought my old mentor at the Tarot - our coven might have some answers, but I’m not sure contacting them is a good idea right now… I left under not the most… ideal circumstances.” Perhaps it was better to talk now than later about this, he checked his watch. “You know what? Thierry will be here soon to take over my shift… I’ll be free after that, we can go back to mine and talk more there... ”

Interesting. Cece had thought Otto had a positive experience with covens, but is now hearing that he didn’t leave under the best circumstances? That was peculiar. She would have to dig deeper into that someday. But now didn’t seem like the time. “Right. Keep to the shadows and everything. I can keep things on the DL” Cece finger-gunned at Otto and winked. It would be cool to see some new magic she had never seen before. “Wish I could help out there. Way I see it is you need to hunt down someone that knows about it too, or we try to figure it out ourselves.” The latter wouldn’t be easy, but it could be pretty fun. “Finally, a proposition for a girl like me. I’m in, but you better not be lying about knowing how to show a girl a good time.”

As with most things in White Crest, it was complicated. Otto would tell her in time, but some things had to be earned and she’d peaked into enough of his secret trove today. If she could help him with this then it was a start, foundations that could be built upon but it would take time on both their parts. “Unfortunately, as far as I can tell it’s just my family that do… I’ve had our grimoires for years but they don’t really explain the steps necessary for controlling this… power. So I think the latter might be what we’re working with.” He laughed, “wonderful, who knew it’d be so easy to get you back to mine… Can we stop for takeaway on route? I work better when there’s food involved.” As promised Thierry arrived not much later, a taller man, well-built with dirty-blond hair buzzed short on the sides, bright green eyes and a folded pair of iridescent emerald wings folded at his back. 

“Evenin’ boss,” he greeted warmly and gave a nod to Cece as well in greeting “Ce. Beautiful as ever.”

“G’evening T, all’s well i hope? Not too busy tonight…” he said with a quick look around the tables. “I’m stealing this lovely away before she gets lost in those pretty eyes of yours” he winked pushing off the bar and circling around the hatch. “Come on m’love.”

Cece cracked her fingers, accepting the challenge. “You know what? I can work with the latter. Wouldn’t be the first time.” It would actually, when it came to gravity. But Cece had worked with plenty of magics that she hadn’t personally practiced or known. She may not be able to use the stuff personally, but she figured she could help him tap into it, right? It couldn’t be that hard. Rather, it sounded pretty fun. “You’re reading my mind, dude. Tacos?” 

Thierry arrived not much later, another familiar- and pretty- face to work behind the bar. “You’re not looking too bad yourself, T.” Cece winked. She definitely didn't mind the view here. “Until next time pretty boy. Don’t go forgetting about me.” Cece waved to Thierry as she gathered her things to live with Otto, following him out of the bar. “For the record, this is a way better reason to leave a bar and head back to some dude’s place. Sex has nothing on defying gravity. Idina Menzel is quaking.”

“No? Tell me more,” Otto was admittedly intrigued, if Cece had dealt with something like this before he was curious to hear all the ins and outs of that situation. “How’d it work out in the end?” Either way he hoped it was a sign that maybe this would work out, maybe together they could figure out how to actually master this. “I thought maybe having someone to practise with would help as well? I just… Don’t know where to start.” He’d had a lot of things to use back at the Tarot, and without them he felt rather adrift. Like a limb had been severed and he was having to figure out how to use it again.

“It’d be to my shame to ever forget you,” T waved giving Otto a finger-gun salute as they departed.

“Ring me if you need anything,” Otto said as they exited through the back looping his arm through Cece’s as they walked. “Yes, Tacos,” he pulled out his phone with his other hand and opened an app putting in an order while asking what Cece wanted off the menu - that way it’d be there when they got back to his. “Well, lets go ahead and give her a run for her money huh?”