#nadia squares up w them

[heartburstings]

what r ur guys's headcanons/theories for post-bare? mine is that matt has a sexuality crisis and has a crush on peter and is like, "how soon is too soon" but inflicts catholic guilt upon himself whenever he thinks like that so he just never makes his move, esp bc like. who the hell is he going to go for advice. bc the last advice guy he had made him homophobic so.

and u think this wouldn't be an issue bc like, after they graduate, how much would they see each other actually? but surprise! there's like way too much drama surrounding ivy's pregnancy and what she should do abt it. even tho it's like. nobody's business but yk how ~society~ can be. so the group sticks together and supports her in her decisions, so like, while it's tense bc. matt's there. he's also allowed to be there bc matt's valedictorian (allegedly) straight altar boy status helps them out in reasoning/arguing with whatever rando pta adult takes issue with ivy's decision-making, even when she hasn't made a goddamn decision yet.

speaking of. matt also has "how soon is too soon"-itus with ivy. he's like, well clearly she can't stand to be in the same room w me, but :( i wuv her :( [is repressing his gay realizations]. meanwhile ivy n nadia are eating chips and casually cussing out jason's dad for trying to pressure ivy into keeping the baby as if being the father's father even matters. he's like having 3 different crises in his little chair and everyone else is just chilling and bitching. he's like "how soon is too soon... no. i don't deserve him. not after what i did. and especially not ivy. they all deserve better than me... why am i here..." just brooding in the cvs aisle while peter asks him if he's got cash on him to help pay for ivy's shit bc he's a few bucks short. lucas takes a passing glance at him one day and is like jesus christ dude you need weed so bad and matt's like haha no ty :] i'm a good catholic boy. and lucas is like ok dude but lmk if u change ur mind i'll see u later. and now matt has 1 more thing to brood about even tho he has 0 qualms abt stealing church wine

#wynn speaks #bare: a pop opera #sorry this got long can u tell he's my blorbo. can u tell he's like a pathetic wet-limp hairball to me. #matt steals church wine and is like i hope i get to share it w peter again. as if somehow they will end up dancing even tho everything's #changed and peter is literally grieving his dead bf (whose death matt feels infinite guilt and responsibility for). #he's like well more likely peter will let me know how much he fucking hates me but i remember when we danced. #but i don't deserve him... n i can never tell him...... bc of jason....... #i don't think they hate matt tho. i think they think he's an asshole but they still look out for him. #they're not gonna throw him to the wolves. they're not gonna make him go it alone after everything. #mixed feelings definitely tho. #like nadia knows that matt is forming a crush on peter while also having a crush on ivy and just lets him. #she's like lmao suffer. bitch. #but when someone inevitably accuses matt of being gay himself bc why else would he continue to be friends w and support peter #nadia squares up w them #but she'll never let him know what bisexuality is. matt's gotta learn it from someone else but it'll never be her #u kno what i'm getting at? #the post-bare fic in my mind... it is so bittersweet and everyone is trying to live. live with themselves and with each other.

[gamebunny-advance]

Oh yeah, the Punnet Squares

I never did tell y'all what that was about.

I mostly gave up on it after I realized that I didn't know wtf I was doing, but maybe y'all can run with it anyway.

Basically, I was trying to map out how skin color might be inherited in the NSR universe. I'll put the full document I wrote below the cut, but I don't necessarily believe anything in it at this time.

NSR Genes Headcanon

Skin color -Primary colors (reds, yellows, blues) are dominant over secondary colors (oranges, greens, purples). However, the gene which causes the specific hue is caused by something else, and no specific hue appears to have dominance over the other outside the primary and secondary split.

Unsaturated skin tones (black, white, and grays) are usually actually just tints and shades of a saturated color, and purely unsaturated skin is very rare and tends to be caused by a mutation.

However, primary color skin actually have incomplete dominant genes, so it is possible for people who have heterozygous genotypes to result in secondary or tertiary color children.

So, a child from like-color parents are most likely to also be a like color, but depending on the parents' genetics, it is possible for the child to have different colored skin.

For example, two green parents are likely to have a green child no matter what their genes are, but a yellow or blue child is possible if one or both of parents have heterozygous genes.

If both parents have recessive traits and at least one of them has heterozygous genotypes, then the child has the possibility of sharing either parent's skin color, or the primary color shared between both parents.

For example, the child of a purple and green parent as a chance of being blue.

This is vice versa if both parents have dominant traits.

For example, the child of a red and yellow parent has a chance of being orange.

If the parents are complimentary colors (red and green, blue and orange, yellow and purple), then depending on the parents' genes, the child could potentially be any color.

For example, if a Red parent with a Green partner both have heterozygous genotypes (Hh x Hh) or both have homozygous genotypes (HH x hh), then the child could be any color due to every combination being possible, and every color having an equal chance of appearing against each other.

- But, if the Red parent has heterozygous genotypes while the Green partner has Homozygous recessive genotypes (Hh x hh), then the child could be either red or green. Remember that the gene only determines the likelihood of the color being primary or secondary. The hue is independently determined by other factors. So, in this case since red and green are complimentary and thus cannot mix into a primary or secondary color, if the child gets the Hh gene, it can only be red or green.

Mutations -Very rarely, a child may be born with split-color skin (Example: Nadia/Eve). It is more common to see this when the parents have different skin colors, but it is possible for it to appear even when the parents have the same skin color.

Children of mix-color parents also have a higher chance of developing birthmarks in any other color possible in their genes.

Hair color

Hair color works a little differently than skin color: rather than being determined by the color of their parent's hair, hair color is determined by skin color.

It is dominant for the hair color to be similar or analogous to skin color, while it is recessive to be complimentary.

For example, it is more common for a red person to have red hair, and an orange person to have yellow hair, but it is less common for a red person to have green hair and a purple person to have yellow hair.

Skin Color: Alternate Explanation

Children tend to share their parents' skin tone. If both parents have similarly colored skin, then the child is likely to have the same color.

If both parents have differently colored skin, then the child could have either parents' skin color, or a mix. -For example, a red parent with a yellow partner could have a red, yellow, or orange child.

If the parents are analogous colors, then the child has a chance of being a tertiary color. -For example, a blue parent with a purple partner could have blue, purple, or blue-purple child.

If the parents are both different secondary colors (orange, green, or purple), then the child also has a chance of being the primary color shared between both parents. -For example, an orange parent with a purple partner could have a red child just as well as orange or purple.

If the parents are complimentary colors (red and green, yellow and purple, or blue and orange), then the child could potentially be any color, but is much more likely to share either parent's color.

Unsaturated skin colors (black, white, and grays) are also possible but are extremely rare due to these skin colors being recessive to every other color. It is more likely for a person to actually be a shade or tint of a saturated color than it is to be truly unsaturated.

In general, birthmarks/freckles tend to appear as a shade or tint of a person's skin color, but they can appear in completely different colors too. The latter is more common in people with mixed parents, where the birthmark can be either parents' color or the parents' mixed or shared color. For example, the child of red and yellow parents could have an orange birthmark and the child of a green and purple parent could have a blue birthmark. Rarely, a birthmark can be a color not outwardly present in either parent. For example, the red child of two red parents could have a blue birthmark due to one or both of the parents having genes for blue skin. Split color skin is just another form of birthmark, though it is much more rare than smaller birthmarks.

#nsr #i dunno i think this whole thing is kinda iffy #but i figure someone might be able to do something with it #ah i do want to say though #my choices of test colors are not indicative of any personal ships or headcanons #they're just tests for the simulation

[flamediel]

Hi so im kinda new to the fandom and i see all this drama on your blog, which is lovely and great you seem so nice, can you help me with like getting a lil up to date with all cuz i love drama and it seems messy

Ahhh welcome to the fandom! I'm glad you like my blog. This is gonna be a quick summary bc I need to sleep and if you have any specific questions lmk and ill get to those in the morning. putting these in categories by who its about

Chris/joel drama:

Ok, so around two years ago, joel started dating this girl emilia. They broke up about six months ago and joel posted online saying it was really toxic and hurt him a lot. At the time he was hanging around chris a lot and we kind of got the vibe chris helped him through the breakup. Chris was also one of the people who unfollowed emilia at the time, not all the boys did that. Everything was chill for a while, then the day the hero music video was supposed to come out, someone (samantha camara) posted a video from Joel's close friends story where he was hanging out with this girl sam sanchez and they looked all couply. Thing is.. sam s is Chris's ex, so people were mad. Personally I think its pr bc hero was coming out that night and sam s was releasing music, so the timing was toooooo good. Also sam s and c are still really good friends (they were hanging out today) which wouldn't be the case if she had exposed a relationship that was supposed to be private. This all is lowkey for a while, the guys seem to be close in the vlogs and content we get, then last night Chris flowed emilia again. Right after that, joel posted sam s on his story. One theory is this is them being petty and fighting, but sam s is releasing music the same day deja vu comes out so I just think (or hope) its more pr. Thats the gist of this

Erick: ok so erick was seeing this girl nadia mualem for a while. She was in the de cero music video (his girl) and a few others i think (pretend for example). We didn't see them together a lot but we knew they were hanging out bc she was always posting hinting about it. He took her to cancun this summer for example, and when she's in miami she'll post stories that are obviously from his house and stuff. Recently they unfollowed each other.on insta and people thought they might have broken up. Then she posted in miami but she was staying in a hotel which confused people bc she never did that before. Someone asked her if they broke up on tiktok and she answered like this:

This was super out of character bc she's always shoving the relationship in people's faces, so suddenly acting like its private is sus. Imo this and the hotel is definite proof they broke up or at least are fighting/on bad terms. Erick is a huge fuckboy anyway so I doubt he committed.

Richard: speaking if fuckboys.. OK, so you know how I mentioned that erick took nadia to cancun? Richard went too, with a girl named Olivia wong. No one had seen olivia before so we thought she was just a one time hookup he met at the club, but then people did some digging and found that she was at their NYE performance in times square the year before. This was kind of big bc his mom also attended the performance, so if olivia was there w him she met his mom. It also implied they had been together for a while. We didn't see much of olivia after that, but bc we only saw her once it was implied they were still seeing each other. Then the beso video dropped, and Richard started reposting his beso model (doug, idr her last name rn) all over his instagram. Still, he and Olivia kept following each other so all seemed chill. Then in the middle of December olivia posted a tiktok at the airport saying she was gonna go surprise her bf and he dumped her right before. She later said the situation had been "updated" in a comment but all we saw was a text conversation w a contact named "king" where he sent her the tiktok and was like "ouch you were gonna surprise me 🤕🥴" or whatever emoji the fuckboys use these days idk. In the tiktok olivia just responded w "Ig we'll never know" and thats basically all we saw of her. BUT she never unfollowed him so idk. Then, days later, doug is EVERYWHERE. She's in the vid of Richards fam wishing him happy birthday, talking to aaliyah, and she seems really close w all of them. AFAIK she's the only hookup to meet his daughter (other than yocelyn ofc). This is kind of sus bc this was RIGHT after the thing w olivia, so why is he bringing another girl to meet his family? Idk man, in my opinion there was definitely some two timing going on, but this is all we have for now.

Ok, I think that's all of it. Im sorry if this is confusing, just send me more messages if you have other questions. For now tho, gn lovessss

#cnco #richard camacho #christopher velez #joel pimentel #erick brian colon #asks

[straykidsnerd255]

Forever Mine; Count Lucio x Hybrid Reader

 Game: The Arcana

Character: Count Lucio x Fem hybrid reader

Genre: Fluff- Shit ton of fluff

Song used: All I want is everything- Victorious

Memory

“One day only! Come see the magnificent giant white wolf!” A man yelled, making her ears flatten against her head. The damned cage she was in was too small and her body was aching and cramped. Her ears picked up when a deep but smooth voice began talking. “Let me see this so-called ‘giant’ Wolf.” The voice said. The cage around her opened and a chain was instantly thrown around her neck. She whined but didn’t do anything. Her blue eyes scanned the area as they led her out. “I’ll buy her.” The same voice said. “I-I’m sorry?” The man said. “Count Lucio, I don’t think that would be a wise choice. This wolf is wild and nothing but trouble.” The man said. The blonde haired male seemed concerned as he walked over to the massive wolf. His right hand reached up and patiently waited for her to drop her nose down. She did so and her entire body screamed out for him. 

“I’m taking her. Here is the money.” He said, placing a massive bag of money on the man’s hand. He took the chain and she gladly stood and followed after him. Her tail wagged and her tongue lulled out of her mouth as she finally was able to breath. Her blue eyes looked down at the blonde male that held the chain connected to the collar around her neck. “You may call me Lucio.” The male said, making her look down at him. She dropped her nose and pressed it against his cheek startling him but ultimately allowing a gentle smile to appear on his lips. He raised his metal arm and placed it against her nose. His eyes closed and he stayed that way for a bit before dropping his hand and looking forward. She could sense that something was wrong and proceeded to lay down. She gently grabbed the back of his suit and tugged him back towards her. 

Lucio was confused and almost fell backwards but he noticed that she was trying to comfort him. He looked at her bright blue eyes and a small smile covered his lips. “Thank you.” He whispered and moved towards her. He climbed onto her back and immediately laid against the fur. His eyes began growing heavy as lack of sleep caught up with him. She slowly rose to her feet and headed for the palace. People didn’t think it was natural for a massive wolf such as herself to be wandering around but no one seemed to care in the least. As she came close to the palace, she could see people panicking and yelling orders to others. She tilted her head and allowed a soft bark out to catch their attention. 

Lucio paced around the dining room. “What is taking her so long to get ready?” He wasn’t angry, he was just scared that she had moved on and didn’t want to see him. “Relax Count Lucio.” Portia said walking into the dining hall smiling brightly. “It took a little longer because she still isn’t quite used to wearing dresses.” Portia said helping the count back into his chair and walking back over to the door. “I present to you, Y/n.” Portia said opening the door. Lucio could feel his heart begin pounding hard in his chest. His eyes could only stay on her as she walked into the room. Her blue eyes still shone beautifully. Her hands had clasped together in front of her. Her hair was drawn back into a beautiful bun. Her make was on point. Most importantly, the dress. The dress had been a gift from a young girl and he never had the use for it ever since Nadia left him. 

His eyes widened when he saw the dress she wore. “You look beautiful.” Lucio said. She felt a blush find its way on her cheeks. She tried to cover her face but Lucio took her hands gently in his and a soft smile played across his lips. “Don’t hide your face darling. You are beautiful. Don’t hide that from me. From the world.” He said placing a small kiss on the back of your hand. She felt her heart begin pounding in her chest as she watched the Count kiss her hand. “I wouldn’t get too comfortable, little wolf.” She jumped and backed away holding her head with her hands. 

Lucio could see that something wasn’t right. “Guards, get Julian up here stat.” He said. The guard nodded his head. Lucio turned and faced the shriveled and scared female with sad eyes. Julian soon arrived and ushered the female into a closed room. Lucio paced the floor waiting for his friend to come back out. When Julian came back out, he noticed that something wasn’t right with him either. “Julian what’s going on?” Lucio asked, looking at him. Julian pulled him aside. “Where did you find her?” He asked sternly. Lucio explained everything to Julian. “Shit.” Julian cursed and ran his fingers through his hair. “That man. He must have placed a charm on her that if she even remotely felt comfort of any sort, a sickening and scary voice would pull her away making her wickedly wild and scared if anyone came near her.” Julian said looking at Lucio. “If you want her to calm down and not have this problem, you need to confront the man that had her before.” Julian said leaving the palace.

Lucio walked into the room and saw her figure laying on the bed and sleeping. He walked over to her side and sat down softly. He ran his right hand through her hair before stopping at her cheek and gently running his thumb over them. His heart raced as she moved closer to his hand. His entire being melted when she reached out and took his hand in hers and nuzzled her cheek against his hand. He leaned down and pressed his forehead against hers. “Don’t worry. I will take the pain away. I promise.” He whispered. He pressed his lips against her forehead and stood from his spot. 

He turned towards the door and walked out. “I want guards positioned by this room at all times. I don’t want anyone getting in that room.” He said sternly. ‘At least, not till I get back.’ He thought. He stormed out of the castle and headed into town. Seeing the same cart that had her locked away, he growled lowly and briskly walked towards the entrance. His eyes narrowed and he looked around. “Ah the Count has returned. What can I do for you? Have you come back because the wolf was too much?” The man that stood before him had a wicked grin on his face and look in his eyes that made Lucio want to punch him square in the jaw.

“Yeah. I want you to stop hurting my beloved before I round kick you in the ass.” He snarled crossing his arms. The man backed away and started shaking. “W-What ever do you mean? I have done nothing to that beast- I mean wolf.” He said. Lucio growled. “DON’T call her a beast you mangy mutt.” Lucio hollered. The man shivered and nodded his head. “Alright, I placed a separation spell on her. If she begin to get comfortable with someone other than me, a voice tells her not to get too cozy.” He said. Lucio slapped his metal arm against the table breaking it in half. “Remove. That. Spell. NOW!” He demanded glowering at the shivering male. 

{Time Skip- 3 years Later}

Lucio watched as his two dogs and Y/n bounded around the backyard. Her wolf and human forms had become Mercedes and Melchior’s favorite being other than Lucio. Y/n soon walked over to Lucio and sat in between his legs. He smiled and sat up. He ran his fingers through her hair and started braiding it. “Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?” Lucio asked, moving his right hand down and under her chin, tilting her head up so she was looking at him. She smiled and used her arm power to press her lips against his. His eyes closed instantaneously and his hand found her hands. “I love you.” He whispered when they parted. 

She smiled and laid her head on his leg. “And I love you too Lucio.” She whispered back. Mercedes and Melchior came bounding over to them and laying across Y/n’s lap with their tongues lolled out of their mouths. Y/n ran her hands across their fur smiling like a child. Lucio watched with adoration in his eyes as you petted his dogs. “One day, me, you, and the dogs should go out and do a little hunting together.” Lucio said smiling down at her. “That sounds like a wonderful idea Lucio.” Y/n said standing up. She turned towards Lucio and held her hands out. He took her hands and was instantly pulled up. He looked down to see their hands intertwined. 

“Finally fallen for me have you?” Lucio asked. You smiled softly. “Yeah. I guess I have fallen for ya.” She whispered, pressing her face against his chest and blushing. He chuckled brightly before spinning her around. Lucio was her everything. Had he not rescued her from her hell, she wouldn’t know what would have overcome her at the moment she was being led out to the crowd. Lucio looked down before leaning closer. He smiled softly before pressing lips against hers. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she returned the kiss. His arms wrapped around her waist and tightened. Pulling apart, the count began swaying. A soft breeze moved through the garden, shifting his cape and her hair. She knew right then and there, she was in a place she wouldn’t want to leave.

Enjoy!!<3

#The arcana #Count Lucio #Reader #Wolf Reader #Hybrid Reader #Female reader #Cute #Enjoy #Fluff #Plot is mine #everything else belongs to their owner #Requests for The Arcana are open

[oopcio]

Can I have mian six reacting to have a gen z child?like they do alout of funny shit?

ho my god yes tis me

asra:

oh sweetie, he loves ur energy, but can hardly keep up with you to be completely honest

sometimes has to get u out of trouble when u get urself into it

but will protect u to the ends of the earth

if anyone tries to dampen your mood or make you feel bad, he will send them that death glare (you know the one i’m talking about) and will deal w it in private

even if he is not as big of a fuckin hilarious memer as you he certainly appreciates the fact that you are

loves that u make his worse days nore bearable, just by giving him a reason to smile at ur stupid antics

ur so cute awh 🥺

nadia:

if this takes place during the point when nadia faces headaches, she’ll actually be a bit annoyed first at the amount of energy you have

like, who has that much energy? that’s baffling!

but she gets to know you and you’re so FUNNY WTF

how could she ever hate you if you were this funny the whole time???

absolutely loved being around you but tries to prepare, if she can, beforehand, to make sure she won’t experience any headaches while she’s out w you so she can enjoy your company without interruption

everyone knows better than to mess w u over ur energy bc shes the countess duh

julian:

LOVES ur energy omg loves it loves it

cannot be as funny as u but GODS does he wish he could

he tries oh so desperately to make u laugh half as much as you make him laugh like,,, daily

if anyone has anything negative to say abt u he will shake a fistful of leeches in their stupid puny face

“you’re just mad because you don’t have a sense of humor”

starfish posing trying to protect u from any rude words

muriel:

oh boy...........

you’re quite the loud one, aren’t you......

asks you many times to maybe tone it down just a little????

if u do, awesome!! he appreciates it

if u can’t, he won’t say anything. he just kinda winces when u yell all loud n shit

but he can recall when he first met u and u were so quite and reserved like him

then he realizes this must be how you behave when ur comfortable w someone

and then he feels really special

and he starts to slowly enjoy ur energy and humor

u will NOT catch him laughing. u may see a little chuckle or smthn but he will never be the cackling type. i’m sorry

no one has balls steely enough to complain abt u bc muriel’s huge and scary

portia:

she literally has the same personality u cannot convince me otherwise

fight me if u wan

anyway yall get on like a house on fire

ur the types to keep adding more funny stuff onto the joke until yall are clutching ur sides and gasping for breath

gods forbid if yall have ANY piss in ur bladder bf u get started

everyone remarks that yall r meant to be since u are so alike

whether they mean it as a compliment or an insult doesn’t matter

u both accept it as a compliment

if anyone tries to say anything, u’ll rip them to SHREDS

i jus picture her w the big ass hoops and the glossy lips w the hand thing as she spits fire and burns ur haters to a crisp

if this was a modern au u cannot tell me she would not be a nicki minaj stan

lucio:

u have been dubbed the official

✨royal fool✨

u make him cackle so much he’s lit rally got to have u next to him at all time

“and that’s on... what’d you say? period?”

yep.

that’s on period.

he will literally pay u to insult the people he doesn’t like

or someone who insulted him like once when he was nine

and he makes a decree that anyome who insults his ✨royal fool✨ will get the CHAIR

jus kidding lol

he makes u roast them in town square in front of everyone

(a/n: the way this took me way too long... i’m so sorry PFHAHAHA also i jus kinda described me in here hope it applies to yall too oops)

- jiah 💖

#the arcana #the arcana reacts #gen z #shameless self insert #hope you don't mind #nooratheking #jiah writes

[tsuki-chibi]

Ladrien June Day 23: The Press

Marinette wasn’t sure she had ever seen Adrien’s face as white with shock and horror as it was right now. Similarly, she didn’t think she’d ever seen Gabriel Agreste’s face as red with rage as it was right now.

“Adrien, can you explain this photo?” Nadia asked again, shoving her microphone closer to Adrien’s face.

Adrien’s mouth opened and closed soundlessly as he looked at the photo. There were two very recognizeable people in that photo. Ladybug, in all of her red, black-spotted glory, was sitting on the sill of what was unmistakably Adrien’s bedroom window. Adrien, clad in the same outfit as he was wearing right now, was very happily kissing her.

“How dare you,” Gabriel seethed. “Interrupting my show with these frankly ridiculous questions -”

Nadia ignored him. “Well?” she demanded. “Do you know Ladybug? Are you dating Ladybug?”

“It was me.”

The words were out before Marinette could stop herself. Literally everyone turned to stare at her. She resisted the urge to shrink in on herself and instead squared her shoulders. She’d come here for the fashion show, and to enjoy the day with her boyfriend even if Adrien didn’t know he was her boyfriend, but she wasn’t going to stand by and let Nadia Chamack harass Adrien.

“Excuse me? Are you admitting to being Ladybug?” Nadia practically yelled.

Marinette recoiled. “What?! No! I...” It didn’t take much effort to make her face heat up from a blush. “Adrien and I... he likes when I... um... dress up in a Ladybug costume?” Her voice was barely a squeak at the end, but clearly everyone heard because several people in the crowd started to laugh.

Adrien looked mortified, and Marinette wanted to shrivel up and die.

Nadia looked at Marinette, and then she looked at the photo, then back at Marinette. “Wait. This is you in a costume?”

“Yes. I made it myself,” Marinette said, certain her face was the same shade as the suit by now. “I... I was pretending that I was Ladybug, come to visit my boyfriend. That’s why I was sitting on the windowsill.” She wrung her hands together.

“Wow, what a scoop. Kids roleplaying.” The camera guy switched the camera off in disgust.

Nadia’s expression was pure disappointment. “You’re sure this was you?”

“That’s definitely Marinette,” Adrien said. He’d gotten a little of his color back, though he still seemed horribly embarrassed. “She’s my girlfiend.”

“Ugh, figures,” Nadia sighed. She tore the photograph up and walked away. Gabriel, still looking pissed, went after her with Nathalie in tow.

Marinette toyed with the hem of her shirt, not meeting Adrien’s eyes as the crowd swiftly dispersed around them. He raised a hand to rub at the back of his neck, a sure-fire sign that he was still feeling extremely awkward.

“Um... I, uh, I’m sorry about that. But thanks for the save,” Adrien whispered to her. No doubt he was trying to figure out how to explain who had really been sitting on his windowsill.

Luckily for him, he didn’t have to.

“It’s okay, Hot Stuff,” Marinette said to the ground, and heard Adrien’s breath catch. She lifted her head. He was staring at her in shock.

“W-what - M-Mari?!” he stuttered.

She grinned shyly at him. “Next time, let’s make out in your bed instead. No cameras there,” she said, and went to enjoy the fashion show. It took Adrien about five minutes to get over his shock to catch up. She considered that an overall win.

#ladrien june #adrien agreste #marinette dupain-cheng #ladybug #identity reveal #one-sided identity reveal

[kinsbin]

A Ship at Sea

Title: A Ship at Sea Ship: Asra/Jenna [Self Insert/Canon] Word Count: 3055

Summary: Asra is lost at sea for weeks after he was set to come home. Fearing the worst, Jenna decides to mourn. Though it hurts her, it is the only thing she had left. Then something happens to change her mind.

A/N: A commission for @asrasdarling of their selfship with Asra! An angsty piece with fluff at the end ;w; I always have fun writing this ship <3

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jenna didn’t know why she was so worried today, of all days.

Asra had left many times before. Each time he left, he always did so with that easygoing smile of his, so beautiful and warm on his lips as he reached out and pet her cheek. As he moved a strand of her hair out of the way of her face and leaned forward to place a gentle and loving kiss on her lips. It was as if, by doing that, he imbued their bodies with the magic of one another in return. Like he recharged the heart that settled deep in her chest, lighting up the line that connected their destinies together and bound them like silk in a spider’s web. Though, Jenna supposed, he was more like a scorpion. Beautiful and deadly with a poison behind him that was lethal if given in the wrong way to people. How poetic. How thoughtful.

It would have been better if he was there.

With that kiss, he had left her in the shop. Her shop, the one that she had owned for so many years before him. He was going overseas for something, something she didn’t remember the name of what with the trip so far in the past now, and promised it would be only a week. Two weeks at the most, but he swore he would be back soon. Soon enough for them to feel one another’s embrace again and to kiss under the same moon that always rotated around Vesuvia. It was the moon that kept them connected, along with the tarot cards and the heart that bound their souls into one beautiful thing. Whenever Asra swore something, she knew it was real. She gained a feeling of its truth deep in her fingertips and out in her lungs, where it breathed out in strands of fire and flowers as she fell even more in love with him. As she waved him goodbye and away from their home with a request that he travel safe and be careful as he moved. To send her pictures and gifts if he could spare the time, to which he laughed and agreed that he would.

No pictures came. No gifts wrapped in holographic paper were presented at her front door. Not even a letter of his whereabouts delivered by magic or familiar was available to her in the slowly droning weeks that seemed to pass as he lingered across the ocean for longer than usual. It was unusual for him not to at least write, Jenna thought with increasing worry, but she tried to soothe herself. To say it would be fine. Asra was just busy, he was a great magician after all, and surely he had something to do that required all of his attention. She could only stand by the calendar hanging over her shop’s ware table and cross the days off as they passed. The day that Asra was supposed to come home grew closer and closer… It ebbed and wiggled its way from a week to days in a matter of what felt like minutes, time distorting itself without Asra by her side. The world dissipating as she marked each day passed in that same bright red marker she always had by her side.

Until, at last, the day came and it went.

Soon a week passed beyond its date, the decorated square that read ‘Asra Comes Home’ with a doodle of his face alongside it was scribbled out in a deafening shade of red, so much so that she had almost lost all of the ink in the single art supply. The refill spell had done wonders for its empty cartridge but not so much for the emptiness in her heart.

She had started to ask around by then, questions to the baker nearby as she tried to bring it up in casual conversation. As she tried to bring it up without sounding terrified. Jenna wondered just how successful she was, though. Just how easy it was to ask where Asra was without her voice breaking as she admitted that she hadn’t seen him in far, far too long. Longer than he promised, which is odd, because he always kept his promises. This would be the first one he had broken in… She didn’t want to think about it. She had asked Julian, who said that he would ask around about the status of the seas in the direction Asra was going. She inquired to Nadia, who promised to have a word with the mail service and the port martial about the situation at hand. Everyone threw themselves into the hunt for him, even Muriel who Jenna asked first thing and even he didn’t know. It only seemed to worry him, though, and she felt bad for even bringing it up.

It was Nadia who summoned her first and, when she arrived at the castle, Julian was at her side with a map and a chart before them, eyes furiously scanning each turn of the ocean on the grafted paper when she cleared her throat. Nadia’s gaze was soft and afraid as she hit Jenna’s own. Jenna felt her body tense up with terror at that look. God, she worried at her bottom lip with her teeth, what were they going to tell her? There was the impending fear of… Of him never coming back. The impending notion that he might be dead and the thought alone brought tears to her eyes and-.

“A storm struck the side of the waters that Asra was traveling towards,” Nadia whispered to her friend, “The boat never made it to its port… But, Jenna, we are doing everything in my power to find him I swear to you that. We have search parties going out already and are working with other nations to-.”

She collapsed before the woman before her could finish her blind reassurances, tears streaming down her eyes as she covered her face with both of her hands and sobbed. Inside of her chest she felt her heart tighten and then shatter somewhere deep in the bowls of her stomach.

Nadia had knelt to hug her before she could even think, Julian hovering quietly on the sidelines as he watched the two hold each other. Jenna’s tears stained Nadia’s clothes but it didn’t seem like she minded as she only embraced the other closer to her with a long sigh from her nose, hands running through her friend’s hair as she  glared up at the sky through the window, cursing god against Jenna’s weak willed sobs. Her hand found Jenna’s and squeezed, gentle and caring, as she made the other look up at her. Determination was set in Nadia’s warm eyes as she glared forward.

“I promise I will find him,” Nadia spoke in a whisper to her, “And bring him back to you safe.”

The words were comforting, but, only in the first week of their promise. Slowly, ever so slowly, time had begun to pass. Word of clues that might lead them to Asra’s whereabouts seemed to grow less and less. Jenna had only a few things to remember him by, none of them his face, and the thought of forgetting his face was one of the most horrifying she had had in quite a while. Still, try as she might, she could feel it slipping. Slowly fading away from the point in her mind where she was able to recall it at the drop of a hat. HIs smile grew into a fog against the business of her brain as her life continued on despite the urge for it to stop. The craving for it to end all at once.

To fade as her lover had faded away from her.

Jenna hadn’t admitted to herself that he might be dead. It was the word itself that brought her pain, the echo of it in her mind burning her stomach and making her feel like she might vomit. Each time she thought of it, she shuddered and found something else to preoccupy herself: organizing the shop, searching for herbs, visiting friends… It all wasn’t enough, though. None of it seemed to manage the anxiety that constantly plagued her. About life and about her world as it shattered, inch by inch, around her feet like a looking glass that displayed to her the wrong fate. For a fate without Asra was… was….

Jenna stared down at her hands as she had been for the past hour. Or longer. She couldn’t remember. She had set about cleaning up the shop to distract herself this time, but found in her search Asra’s old things he left behind. Though her teacher was a light packer, he had left some items in her home for safe keeping. Trinkets of little value to anyone but the famed magician. The sight of each one brought a swell of tears to her eyes and disassociation to her heart.

A sock puppet made to look like Faust hung like an anvil in her palms as her thumbs ghosted over its button eyes. A sob broke somewhere in her throat as she bit her lip and held it up to her face, pressing the fabric close to her nose and exhaling onto it the weep she had been holding back. She missed him. She wanted him. She longed for him to walk through the door again and smile at her, apologizing for taking so long and embracing her as he always did on trips. Instead, though, the room felt uncomfortably cold even as she hugged the now treasured item close to her body and ate up the last of its scent. The last of its purely Asra energy.

And slowly she put it in a box.

She moved with that box, out of the shop and into the busied ports of Vesuvia, the sound of waves hitting her ears and the echo of water lapping at the side of concrete and wood as she shifted. Jenna didn’t stop to admire the world around her like she usually did. Because when she usually did it, Asra was by her side admiring with her… Not this time, though.

The port she came to was empty, the endless expanse of sea before her as she stared forward. As she let the wind blow through her hair and the scent of the salt and sea push against her face, spraying her with its gentle breeze. She bit back another flow of tears, having shed too many already, and went to take one last look at the box with a wince to her gaze. It would be better, she thought, to put these back with him… In the ocean now, where they would find him one way or another… In the waters where they could be one and, perhaps, she may be able to move on without the memories of him at her side.

It was a lie. To herself and everyone. She knew it. She could never move on from him.

Her hands trembled. Her grip was so weak that she feared she might let the box slip before she was mentally prepared. She had to do it, she thought with pain as her breath came shorter, tears falling down her eyes. She had to-

A hand touched her shoulder from behind, the grip firm a desperate. The warmth of the palm radiating against its shaking nature. She tensed at the touch, but, moreso at the voice that accompanied it. A voice that sent shivers through her spine and a gasp to her lips as she gripped harder now at the box in her hands. As her hair brushed on her shoulders.

“Jenna,” Asra’s voice was somewhat weak with emotion as he gripped her shoulder harder, “I finally found you.”

She turned faster than she thought she could manage, her head whipping around to catch sight of Asra’s worried violet eyes. Of the softness of his hair as it bounced in the breeze. His gaze was pitted between relief and desperation as he watched her closely, mouth parted in such a perfect shape that she wanted to kiss it then and there. Relief and fear flooded her stomach all at once as she jerked away in surprise.

“I’m hallucinating,” She gasped weakly, “Y-You aren’t real… You aren’t… here I… A-Asra?”

Asra’s hands found their way to her face, his warm palms cupping her cheeks as he brought her close. She could see the worry and pain in his gorgeous orbs as they seemed to brim with wetness. To fill with tears as his lip trembled and he kept himself closer to her. As though, in any moment, she might disappear from his grip. Unfair, Jenna thought through her shock, because surely that was supposed to be her line on account of his sudden appearance. On account of the miracle that he was even here. A hand was raised and her palm touched Asra’s knuckles, feeling along his rough hands and seeing only blurs as her own vision as tears filled it.

And then his lips found hers.

God, she missed those lips. Those soft, perfectly shaped lips that slotted against hers as though that was what they were made for. Those gorgeous and careful movements he planted on her mouth were a symphony of welcome against the storm of regret that flooded inside of her. With that kiss, Jenna forgot everything that was or might be as she shut her teary eyes tight and embraced fully the body of her lover, arms flying around his neck to pull him in close as they shared the moment together on the docs. Her hair whipped around them, a flurry on the wind as they clutched one another. As they tried to mold themselves to each other’s body. As though they might imitate The Kiss in its beauty and golden sparks of romance flung itself from the ethereal plane of their emptinesses, making them whole again. He tasted of the sea underneath his normal sweetness of lavender and candy floss.

He tasted of home, still. He was always home.

Jenna and Asra separated, their mouths only an inch away from one another's as they stared into each other’s eyes. Their breath ghosted over each other’s faces as they searched their expressions for… something. Perhaps disbelief still. Perhaps worry or regret that the other might have returned. Nothing of the sort was found, however, and Asra’s smile proved that he was convinced as he brought Jenna in for another kiss, his arms wrapping around her waist now in a hug as he laughed into her mouth.

“I’m sorry,” He whimpered, voice racked with worry, “I’m so sorry I… The boat was caught in a storm. We made it safe to a port we weren’t supposed to dock in, but I had no way to contact you. No idea where I was so… I wandered and sailed until I found it again. Until I found my way to you.”

“You’re an idiot,” Jenna laughed through her sobs as she hit him lightly on the arm, “Worrying us all like that… Worrying me. Making me think that you… That you were…”

There was a silence between them as she let the statement linger. Realization changed to momentary hurt and then understanding on his face as he considered her position. Asra’s smile was warm as he leaned forward, his forehead finding hers as they pressed together. She sighed, relishing in the touch of her lover that she so desperately missed. So longingly craved. Jenna refused to ever forget this feeling now. To forget what Asra’s hands felt like. What his body temperature was. Just how he felt at her side like this.

“Oh, my love,” Asra’s voice was a whisper of delight in the wind of the ocean around them. Waves lapped longingly at the docks, spraying the couple with small splashes of salt water. She could feel the foam tickle her cheeks and moisten the back of her shoes as she stood against its spray. It was cold outside. The chill was only just noticeable against her skin as goosebumps rose on her arms. As it hit her neck, but, she smiled still. She didn’t moved or waver from her spot as she brought Asra in close. He continued with his words warm on her face.

“I would never leave you. Not like that. You mean everything to me and I would move the world to be by your side… I’m sorry I was gone for so long but… I’m back now and, I promise, I am not leaving.”

He spoke with reassurance. With a power that sent a flutter in the center of her stomach before it crept up into her heart. Jenna felt her body clench, her chest twisting at the words that were spoke so earnestly into her ears. As she absorbed them with the realization that Asra was here. Asra was alive. Asra was safe and in her arms and close to her body so that she could feel him. She sobbed, the phrase she longed to say stuck in her throat so she communicated it another way.

Her hands found his cheeks this time, running her thumbs along his face for a moment and admiring the way he turned red in her touch, and then she leaned forward.

They kissed again. Jenna felt as though the world was expanding in her mind. Fireworks lit up the dark corners as she remembered this feeling. As she received it again after losing it for so long. She sighed into his mouth and his lips curled into a smile as he leaned into the kiss. Her hands remained on his skin, keeping him close and refusing to let him go. No, Jenna thought stubbornly, she would not let him go again. She would keep him by her side and they would stay like this for eternity. It was all they needed. Well, she realized as her lungs clenched, until she needed air.

“I love you,” She sobbed as she pulled away at last, her hands running over his smiling face, “I love you and I’ll never let you go again.”

And he kissed her forehead, hugging her close.

“And I’ll always be right by your side.”

#self ship #self shipping #self ship writing #writing commission #kinley writes #asra #the arcana

[discordias-apple]

Target Practice

He gritted his teeth, certain that he would grind them into dust before the night was over. His fingers clenched the stem of his champagne flute and he had to force himself to relax lest he shatter the glass.

Maybe shattering the glass wouldn’t be so bad. It might give him good reason to flee the busy party with his present company. Vanish into the shadows where no one could--

“Oh, the musicians are starting up again!”

He swore he heard his teeth crack.

Would this woman never cease her prattling? She had latched onto him as soon as she spotted him at the buffet table, sliding her arm through his and begging for a dance or two between her inane chatter. Abandoned by his mistress and date for the evening, he had listened to Duskwind’s daughter with half an ear, sifting through her rubbish for any important information to report to Ji’hye.

But even a god’s patience could be tested and his had worn thinner than ancient vellum.

Plastering a charming smile across his face, one hand slithered around her waist while he tucked a finger beneath Nadia’s chin and lifted her head, trying to ignore the image of his claws curling around her throat and squeezing the life from her body. Ah, but her terror would taste divine, he knew it. The idea made him want to lick his lips, but he only grinned harder. Wider. Maniacally. Sweat beaded on his nape and trickled down his spine.

As her eyes lifted to meet his, roses bloomed in her cheeks and she tittered, her pulse hammering against his knuckle. For a moment, he felt less like a treed animal and more like the hunting hound, poised to rip open the vixen’s jugular after running her into the ground.

How apt. Let us go in for the kill, then.

“Thou lookest so smart in thy fine gown, thine elegant coiffure, thy glittering jewels,” he crooned, his voice smoother than Pandaren silk; Nadia gasped and her blush grew bright enough to blind a colony of Illidari. Painted lips started their climb, curling up into a pleased grin, but the Harlequin sighed and shook his head, destroying her sudden joy. “Then thy mouth flaps and ruins that impression. ‘Tis a pity thou couldst not glue thy jaws shut as skillfully as thou glued on thy false lashes.”

Ji would probably throttle him later, but the horror dawning across this nettle’s face was worth every ounce of torment his mistress doled out.

A strangled noise escaped the girl and her eyes widened. Hot colour scalded her face, her neck, her breasts as surely as if he’d dumped boiling water over her head--and this time, it was not his empty flattery or illicit touch that caused her to burn. Slapping his hand away from her chin, she drew back and squared her shoulders, sniffing like a hog rooting around in a trough.

“Yes, w-well,” she managed, drawing her wounded pride around herself, “it is a shame that you leave no impression at all!”

The Harlequin chuckled and swept her a mocking bow.

“Sometimes, dear girl, the point ist so sharp that a body cannot feel the impact.”

Waving one hand, he turned on his heel and lost himself in the crowd of revelers, his step jaunty and his sleeve bereft of its hidden blade.

#stories #story #the Harlequin

[greybat]

Death Turns Their Back

Chapter 1: The Necropolis

Alternative name: BLASTED PANTS

Summary: It's the night of the Masquerade and Xixa can't get the hanged man out of her mind. It doesn't feel like a time to celebrate to her. Wearing her costume, she decides to head toward the Necropolis, to see his corpse.However, it truly seems Death has turned their back on Julian.

Ao3 Link - Chapter 1 has no sexual content. Future chapters will be mature for smut. 

Lights burned all throughout Vesuvia. The excitement of the Masquerade infected every street, every alleyway. People rushed down the cobbles and dirt, dressed as ornamented interpretations of animals with heavy clouds of perfume and cologne trailing them. Singing wheedled out of the taverns, giggles heard down every dank alley. Cheer seemed to have envelope the city and everyone in it.

To Xixa, it felt as if she were the only one caught in the throes of grief as she quietly made her way through the streets. From the corner of her eye, the palace caught her attention. Brightly illuminated with lights, regal, majestic… In those walls, Portia worked – probably keeping the other servants to a timetable – and stifled back her tears. Intuition pulled the scene out, slapping it over Xixa’s thoughts.

No, Xixa wasn’t only one grieving. Portia had lost a great deal more and continued pushing forward. Xixa turned away from the palace, ducking her head shamefully. The handmaiden couldn’t take a reprieve the night of the Masquerade. Countess Nadia still didn’t know Julian was… had been her brother.

The apprentice wasn’t obligated to go to the damned party, though. Not that there wasn’t the definite expectation.

In fact, it hadn’t been until the last possible moment she decided otherwise. Too many times, she broke down into chest heaving sobs when donning the teal and gold gown. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Julian at the gallows. Oh, how he struggled, swinging on that rope, gasping for… Xixa savagely shook her head. She didn’t want to remember how long he dangled there, struggling. Watching it happen was one time too many.

She had donned the inane butterfly mask and, though her mind had thought to set out for the palace, her feet headed toward the Necropolis. On the opposite side of the city, on the outskirts, gave her plenty of time to walk and mull over her plan to get inside. People eyed her garments as she passed. A few tittered that the party was the other way. Xixa ignored them all. She had to steel herself for what she was going to see.

xxx

The Necropolis crouched in darkness, the lights of the city and the merrymaking not making it to this distant place. Xixa paused before the building, a chill licking up her neck. Made of black stone, decorated with ornate carvings and pillars, it was a pantheon to Death. Here, even the weakest of spirits could break through the veil and make contact. The touch of ghosts, of spirits, of oblivion filled the air, making her stomach clench. Goosebumps ran up Xixa’s arms. So many cold fingers and hands reached out for her.

She slammed down the shutters in her mind. Her goosebumps abated as the balmy night bundled around her. The ghosts were put at bay, but there were other dangers to consider.

Treating corpses like merchandise happened at the Necropolis. It wasn’t a well-kept secret, but Xixa doubted the courtiers and Countess Nadia thought of the black market for body parts. Well… until one of their own became involved. Organs, skin, hair, even bones were used in a wide variety of magic, especially the less palatable sort. But, it was practiced. Not to mention she heard surgeons often bought corpses – even if they were in pieces – for their apprentices to practice on.

Trudging toward the daunting doors, Xixa cobbled together an excuse to feed the corpse attendant. If she was lucky, they were at the Masquerade with everyone else.

As she pushed the heavy door, crossing the threshold from humid night to chilly indoors, a voice called out. “G’evening, lass! What’re you doin’ here when there’s a party going on!”

It seemed her luck had run out for the evening.

Xixa blinked, her eyes adjusting to the… was this a foyer? Lamps lined the walls, basking the entry area in a pleasant glow, despite the brisk ambiance. A table near the door housed a vase with a decadent bouquet. Rather plush and plump red chairs and couches spaced about the area, contrasting against the white marble floors.

Her eyes finally caught on the person behind the large, black front desk. Their skin a rich brown, with stark ice-blue gaze, seemed just as out of place as the rest of the foyer. Their dark bronze curls spilled out from their hat, which had a calligraphic ‘N’ emblazoned on it in silver.

Brushing aside her shock at the inviting atmosphere, Xixa steeled herself. Squaring her shoulders as she approached the desk with determination. She raised her chin and said as authoritatively as she could, “I’m here to see Dr. Devorak’s corpse.”

The attendant raised an eyebrow, blue eyes dipping down and up Xixa’s body. Under her cloak, the dress peeked out and the mask had settled awkwardly on her face. Obviously, her manner of dress seemed a little out-of-place. “Why would you want to see such a nasty creature?”

The apprentice barely stifled her affronted growl. Instead, she offered up a tight smile to the attendant. “I just came from the Masquerade. The Countess requested I verify Ju- Dr. Devorak’s continued demise. Can’t be too careful, can we?”

At the mention of Nadia, the attendant’s eyes widened. They jumped off their seat, nodding their head. Wouldn’t want to be the hiccup in the Countess’s request, now would we? “Follow me.”

They pushed aside a curtain, which hid a long stretch of sterile white hallway and black doors. Plain black lanterns hung from the ceiling, burning their midnight oil. After the attendant ducked forward, Xixa followed. A blast of cold air churned down the hallway, biting through her clothes.

“Sorry for the chill,” the attendant threw an apologetic smile over their shoulder. “Corpses rot unless kept very cold.”

Her stomach crawled with anxiety. In an attempt to ignore her discomfort, she read the silver plaques on each door: Asphyxiation, Stabbing, Dismemberment, Poison, Decapitation…

“We haven’t had a corpse from a public hanging in awhile,” the attendant chattered. They seemed completely at unaffected inside the Necropolis, despite the fact they were surrounded by dead bodies. And, probably unknown to them, spirits. To a point, Xixa envied them. “Ah, here we are.”

The door they stopped in front of had a plaque that read: Public Executions.

“Fun fact: Magic discerns the difference between regular death and those put to death for crimes! Asphyxiation has its own area, I’m sure you saw it.” The attendant flashed Xixa a bright smile as they flipped through a keyring. All the keys were black, with silver numbers painted on them. “Who’d’ve thunk magic was so particular, right?”

Xixa already knew this, though she didn’t often think of it. Many magic users – grey to black magic, mostly – needed the Toe Of A Hanged Man or Nose Of A Dead Man. There were substitutions, of course, but there were rather strict ‘traditionalists.’ The attendant looked at her with such earnestness, though, Xixa couldn’t help an insincere smile and polite, “Interesting.”

Finally, the attendant found the key. They jammed it into the keyhole, the tumbler clicking after a turn. They slowly pushed the door open. Xixa held her breath, pulling her mental shutters closer. She had to be prepared for what she saw inside. The corpse, laying on a slab? The decency of a white sheet? Had they already done an autopsy? Or cut him into pieces for greater profit?

The door jerked the rest of the way, the attendant’s eyes widening as the doorknob slipped from their hand. From the innards of the frigid dark of the room, a voice burst forth. “You l-l-let me keep m-my eye p-p-patch, but you take m-my blasted pants?!”

Julian Devorak stepped forward, a pale shining beacon in the cooler. A completely nude and shivering beacon. Xixa’s hands flew to her mouth, a gasp slipping from between her fingers. Ice crystals peppered his hair and hung from his eyelashes. The flush of cold bit over his body and his lips harbored a blue hue. A faint bruise around his neck seemed to be the sole remnant of his time at the gallows. And that injury was fading fast. Beside her, the attendant crumpled to the floor.

“Oh!” Xixa’s head snapped to the fainted attendant. She swept down, fingers checking their head for a wound. Other than a particularly nasty knot, she wagered they’d be fine.

Across the attendant’s body, Julian knelt. His practiced hands worked along their scalp, wincing slightly as the glow on his throat transferred whatever problems he found. His eye came up, finally catching Xixa’s masked face.

“I s-suppose I s-should be flattered,” Julian’s bitter smile, well-known to Xixa, crossed his lips. The stutter of cold still afflicted his words. Judging by the lilt of his tone, the apprentice realized hadn’t recognize her. “Y-you w-wanted to see the d-dead murderer instead of s-s-staying at the party.”

“Something like that,” she whispered, eyes trailing over his face. Disbelief still coiled around her thoughts. There was no way this was happening. Maybe she was dreaming? The nudity definitely seemed like dream material.

Julian’s eye widened, realization finally sinking in. Softly, he gasped, “X-Xixa?”

Tears burned at the back of her eyes, the word settling into her brain. She didn’t think she’d hear his voice say her name, ever again. A shift from the unconscious attendant quickly drew Xixa away from her thoughts. Her eyes flickered up and down the hallway. She and Julian had to get out of the Necropolis.

Skirting around the attendant’s prone body, Xixa draped her cloak around Julian’s nude form. As she reached up to remove her mask, Julian stood, confusion dotting his expression. “What a-are y-you doing?”

“We’ve got to get you out of here.” It was matter-of-fact, obvious. Finally free of her mask, she pressed it toward him. Her gaze flickered down his body, thankful her cloak reached his knees. “You can’t walk out of here buck naked and with your face unobstructed.”

“Well, I c-could,” Julian grinned, eyebrows arching as if he enjoyed the prospect of streaking through Vesuvia. He donned the mask, regardless. “But, I’m n-not eager for another trip to the g-gallows.”

Xixa tensed at the mention of his previous fate. Instead of dwelling, she grabbed his hand – trying to ignore how cold it was – and began to guide Julian through the halls of the Necropolis. The doctor squeezed her hand and, she thought, she heard him sniffle. A swarm of emotions warred in her and she was certain a good deal of them were incited by Julian.

“We’ll have a moment when I get you somewhere safe.” She rubbed her thumb over his knuckles, just as they made it to the foyer curtain. Julian replied with a half-choked sob.

#the arcana game #thearcanagame #julian devorak #julian devorak x mc #julian devorak x xixa #xixa #my writing #I'M SERIOUS GUYS THE NEXT CHAPTER(S) WILL BE SUPER SMUTTY #I LITERALLY HAVE 6.5 PAGES OF SMUT #imsorry?

[monalisaliveshere]

“Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.” – Aesop

Because if you do, surely you will have underestimated. Both the quantity and quality of the Make A Chicken project assignment far exceeded my expectations for my art students in grades 5 and 6 at Miscoe Hill School, in Mendon, MA. Three key events came together as I assigned this project on April 13:

My husband and I had added eight chicks to our little farm on April 8. They were precious and sweet and truly brought much needed joy to our lives as we quarantined due to COVID19

On Facebook, I had seen the work of Massachusetts College of Art and Design Professor Chuck Stigliano and his students as they responded to his Chicken Challenge assignment: https://www.facebook.com/MassArtBoston/posts/10157789254776201

My school district was set to enjoy a school vacation from April 20-24. As we entered our 5th week of remote learning on April 13, I wanted to assign something cheerful and engaging to be accomplished with found materials already at home.

Patrick C

As we approached the fifth week of remote learning, I still hadn’t seen or heard from about half of my 196 students. Families were adjusting to learning at home and the many challenges they were suddenly confronting. Students weren’t yet sure what their responsibilities were and it was a nebulous time for many. I had been pushing out simple drawing tasks along with a weekly wellness check-in, where I asked students to send a photo or short video of themselves or what they were doing to pass the time to share with the rest of the class. I would upload the photos and videos to Animoto and create a weekly video to share via Google Classroom and as an unlisted video on my Youtube channel. More students participated in this weekly check-in than with the weekly drawing assignments. After a few weeks, my district shifted from “practice” and “optional” assignments to “regular” assignments and participation grew immediately.

During the week of April 13, I pushed out the Make A Chicken assignment with an introductory video:

I fielded questions throughout the week and shared creations on social media as they came in. It was a daily delight to look at the fun submissions to Google Classroom. And curating chickens for publication became my morning focus.

Liam F

That week, students were also asked to complete a survey about the art materials they had at home. As it turns out, many did not have colored pencils, chalk, crayons, or paint. The only items 100% of my students had at home were pencils, paper, and scissors. The Make A Chicken project allowed for everyone to create and create they did! Here are just some of the chickens that were submitted (you can click on a photo and view the collection as a slideshow):

Jack O

Abby M, Tommy J

Adam D, Jack S

Alexa L, James A

Alyssa B

Ana T

Ben M

Brady G

Brody K

Carly W

Charles M

Connor M

DashC

Evan D

GavinM

Grady O

JackM

JacobH

Jason C

Jessica C

Kate M

Kaycie G

Kendall M

Kyle K

Liam F

Liam F

Liam F

Liam F

Lily T

Logan D

Finn L

Lyla H

Mackenna S

Riley C

Maggie R

Matthew B, Patrick G

Max G

Michael L

Nadia S

Nick L

Orianna M

Patrick C

Samantha C

Sydney D

Tyler N

Tyler V

Kaylyn T

Gabriella L

In all, about 160 hand-crafted chickens were submitted. Some are shared above, and I’m happy to add that you can see these chickens and more on Artsonia in our Make A Chicken gallery: https://www.artsonia.com/museum/gallery.asp?project=1981037

My principal, Jennifer Mannion, was inspired to Make A Chicken and I was delighted to find this image in my email one day:

Jennifer Mannion, Principal, Miscoe Hill School

How creative is that?

And it just kept happening that people from all aspects of my life shared their chickens with me! This is the absolutely magical thing about the Make A Chicken project! For the first time in all my years of facilitating art making in school and sharing artwork via social media, this project is the first that knew no boundaries. Art teachers reached out to me for the lesson and family and friends across the United States shared chickens with me that they had made. Here is a special gallery of “affiliate” Make A Chicken submissions:

Sarah G of New Boston, NH – Granddaughter

  Nellie M of Denver, CO – Great niece

Julia G of New Boston, NH – Granddaughter

Jayne M of Somerville, MA – Sister in Law

Pam S of Bridgewater, MA – Second Cousin

Penny S of Raynham – First cousin once removed (my father’s cousin)

My father’s cousin, Penny Sawyer, not only shared the quilted chicken (above) with me, she shared the story of the original quilt maker, Barbara LaFlamme. Barbara was a friend of Penny’s who I had also spent time with visiting quilt shows with Penny and my mom. Barbara passed away after a long illness in June 2019. When Penny introduced us, she knew we would enjoy each other’s company because Barbara was a former teacher, retiring after 30 years of teaching art. In her spare time she enjoyed quilting and crafting. And indeed we did enjoy each other’s company, especially when Penny and Barbara would drive up to visit the Thimble Pleasure quilt show at Blackstone Valley Tech with my mother and me. The photo below is from a visit to my home after the quilt show, apparently around St. Patrick’s Day, 2018:

When Barbara’s family was going through her home after her passing, they found some unfinished quilts, including a collection of chicken squares. As Barbara and Penny often worked together (at least conspiratorially) on quilts, Barbara’s family gave Penny the unfinished quilts.  Penny took the chicken squares and sewed them together to make this beautiful quilt:

Barbara and Penny’s Chicken Quilt

I especially enjoy the stitched sayings around the edges(Penny) and the incredibly detailed stitchery and beadwork on the individual squares (Barbara):

I’m grateful to the Make A Chicken project for taking on a life of it’s own as I stumbled through the middle weeks of COVID19 enforced Remote Learning. I have enjoyed sharing the creations across social media where I believe they were enjoyed by all. As we go forward into the final six weeks of remote learning, I’m focused on maintaining the joy, creativity, and humor the Make A Chicken project fostered. I thank everyone for participating and once again thank Chuck Stigliano for the idea. Thanks for reading, “peeps”:

Make A Chicken Project/Wk 5 Remote Learning "Do not count your chickens before they are hatched." - Aesop Because if you do, surely you will have underestimated.

#ArtEducation #artsed #creativity #MakeAChicken #MiscoeHill #mursd #mursdvisualart

[lemonhexagons]

1.17.2019

things i did today

woke up from 3-430, moisturized

woke up at 12

played the discover weekly playlist while brushing teeth

ate leftover yummy pork ribs and jasmine rice

got a text from carina to walk around arboretum and draw postcards and get a tattoo from good faith

got dressed with new pink uniqlo shirt and pink thrift velour jacket and uniqlo jacket mama bought me, with lots of buttons

ubered to her house (after rushing around and not being able to find key)

went out the back door and ran to the intersection of russett and independence

walked in by knocking on her kitchen window

briefly charged phone

noticed piano playing in the background

she’s the only one in the house

hygge

talked about netflix

walked to urban renewals, she got a new mint and evergreen raincoat

i dropped my backpack off by the register- a policy- but i felt good taking off my jackets and stuffing them inside and giving it to the register woman, because i dislike carrying around a bunch of stuff in a hot indoor area

walked around and didn’t notice anything that sparks joy in me (marie kondo)

walked outside, briskly, noticing all the beautiful restaurants and shops in allston, then arriving at good faith tattoos on the other side of match charter

walked up the stairs, i sat on the couch listening to the music and admiring the tattoo art hung up on the wall, on the other room there was a bearded fellow tattooing a man laying on a masseuse’s platform

carina made an appointment at 6

we walked to coolidge corner, to the brookline bank. i ate (crunched-bad for teeth, but i cant help it) 2 ‘brookline bank’ financial empower-mints

looked around the circular walkroom and saw offices lined in circle, and bank tellers in the front chatting

by that time it was 250/3pm- school was getting out, i was afraid we’d see people we knew

went to the brookline booksmith and saw beautiful contemporary book covers

went downstairs to peruse

i could have spent the entire day there.

but i craved a pbj

so we walked back to her house, after checking out trader joes

on the run to cross by the end of the light i saw some passing familiar face

it was seth, in a funky patterned purple hoodie

i said what, hi!

we went in

carina ate the sample- which was the same as two nights ago (or was it last night-- i can’t remember)

we walked back to her home

bella and ella were there, bantering loudly

i opened her fridge and found (on the search for the strawberry jelly) an assortment of interesting spreads and jams

i took out the pink grapefruit marmalade (tj’s) and big apple butter and strawberry jelly

i spread the tip with the marmalade (a light clear pink) and the next part with apple butter (dark brown thick spread) and the rest half with strawberry jam and then pb, dolloping pb on the first 2 jams bc i couldnt spread the thick (not so oily) pb on the already-placed jams

ate it 

made another, ate that

it was so good

carina suggested we read

she read her vacation’s book, i selected voices of brookline from her bookshelf, and read the section on BHS students and the head librarian

the section on bhs students- i read it and then realized those people were 31 by now, and i facebook searched their lives, and i felt very strange and young and indescribable

the library section- i loved it more than anything

i remember how i didn’t like the library when i was new to brookline but now i am settled and i love it

thomas vh came back and watered the plants

musa plants hung around the place

banana plants are dormant under 70 (carina: like you)

i felt hygge (right after pbj, looking at cypress sniffing in the watering can and batting the insides, listening to tom speak on the phone about mai an, the lamps turned on, me reading voices of brookline, carina  on the couch with her book and a big comforter, my side heated by the stove, and looking at the tall ceiling and decorations and cd’s organized on the shelf. the lighting yellow and warm)

we walked back at 520, briskly, and arrived at comm ave as the sun set and we went inside ten minutes early. so we sat on the couch and i asked to look at her instagram (which is really fun)

she went in and the tattoo artist, a bleached blond small lady with a black outfit showing her arms full of small tats, printed and enlarged the mountain goat

we ran into romy- she was making an appointment!

she was led into the other room

i felt calm and slightly tired

she took off her clothes and laid on the massage platform

she got a tattoo

the lady, talking to the other man who appeared to be done with his last job and settling in for the next/cleaning up, told him about being intimidated by her little niece who was 7 who told the tattoo lady ‘she’s weird’. made me and carina chuckle

got the tattoo of a mtn goat by the sun

carina was on the phone with dot while i went to the bathroom

i drank water from carina’s metal blue smith bottle

we walked down the heated stairwell, ran to the other side of the road (the lights were running out) and saw mama’s car

we went in, i was in shotgun

we picked nadia up from 68 parkman

she hugged me from behind in the carseat

talked about kumon and hw and japanese tutoring and hw lifestyle

talked about being a scientist and cs engineer at google and oracle (which jan vitek has experience in)

nadia- apparently they find out what youre good at and make you do it over and over again

we drove the beautiful night path to sobro

got out, it was cold

mama gave us the chinese new year cookie bin

and the chinese salted vegetable cookie flaky pastry things in small packets (from china)

we played hearts ( i lost miserably)

i played music from the computer (debussy/gymnopedie?)

mama made egg with tomato and mountain yam with mushrooms and cucumbers in a fancy plating and fried tofu with sauce and rice

i ate a lot of fried tofu which was so good (crispy outside, creamy tofu inside, not too soft)

and tonkatsu (so good)

poured the egg and tomato sauce in my rice and it was yummy

we ate sweeties

and japanese candy (almond rice krispie’s tiny squares and chess cake - nadia figured out it was chestnut mooncake, and it was amazing)

hokkaido butter candy for carina and nadia

we looked at the phys ed classes offered at rice, cornell, and smith

nadia’s taking swedish massage with her friend next semester

the cornell fishing pe classes ‘attract weird people’

she talked about materials science class which was so hard and one of her anecdotes about the tests was really funny (1- she once got a 20/100 on a quiz) (2- one of the bonus q’s was about a candy bar where you had to name the candy and the manufacturer and one guy was super against her spreading the name)

she talked about cornell stereotypes (cornell ppl don’t know how to read)

realized i was seeing them for the last time in a great many months

we put on our heavy coats and shoes and walked out

carina and nadia thanked mama for dinner (we ate so much)

mama was talking to amy (rosie’s mom), and she checked in with me before i left

and i led them to the right direction and i led them to the right direction

walked nadia and carina to the uber on the intersection of south

talked about lydia

said goodbye to nadia and carina as they went into their uber

we hugged

i walked to the gym, and it was a really happy walk, reflecting on my time with carina and nadia

i had to pee really bad

i worked out in the dark with terrible form (it’s ok tho)

the residential place was so warm and cozy and empty

thought about talia, thought about max

the cold cold sky

bertucci’s, brueggers, cvs

the shortcut home bc i took off my second pants, and my legs were cold in just leggings

home was so cozy

walked the long way back home tho (w shortcut)

ate a pear and orange

texted stella about her fave netflix/utube things

watched i love egg ep 1 and 2, a few mins of marie kondo, and third of uss callister

wrote carina an email to clarify which pb she used

texted rachel abt hanging tomorrow

wrote blog post

felt really happy 

today felt like a long, complex, infinitely detailed stream of experience. i suppose that’s what it is

writing it out made me realize how much i left out and how much little joy complied into my greater contentedness and happiness at the end of the night

it was a great journey