#(( the entrance hall + the walkway at the top of the staircase

[activate-shadow-of-the-window]

Day 6 of No One Except @mr-orion Asked November (NoOneExOriAskNov). I’m really coming to appreciate the ‘auto’ edit button on Apple devices.

Five and a half of the Hermit Civilizations in my Horizon au, because I’m tired as hell. From top to bottom, there is Bdubs’ Land of Livingstone, Cub’s Climbing Spires, Doc’s Maw, False’s Umbra, Gem’s Evergreen, and unfinished Scar’s Technicolor City.

I kinda just chose random sections of each hermit’s aesthetics and building styles to make these civs.

I’m gonna draw these places a lot more for landscape and building practice, of which I have almost none.

In-depth descriptions below the cut. They’re what I based these sketches on.

There are two great hills, steep and rocky, that surround the vale at the center of the Land of Livingstone. Straddled by two great bridges of white rock and creeping vines, their arches swirl with carvings and gradients. Similar odd shapes dot the valley, anchored into the sides of the hills: rusted buildings of metal and brick, adorned with half-crumbled chimneys and long shut doors. Nature has reclaimed this place, as the flower forest grows closer every year, and even the great bridges look as if they are about to buckle. But the ancient buildings persist, unwilling to yield to the land. Some still halfheartedly belch smoke, spooking the birds into flight.

The sun is hot and inescapable in the southern realm of Climbing Spires, its beams blanketing the red sand and enormous rock formations that give this kingdom its name. Adorning these spires are buildings, spindly and delicate yet sturdy enough to cling to the colorful rock. Perilous staircases and thin walkways of metal and wood are contrasted by robust columns and arches of sandstone and brick. What little fresh water can be found here is carefully shuttled about through pipes and waterfalls, adding a sense of movement to the otherwise eerily still architecture.

Whether the Maw got its name from the great spines of ice on its surface or the toothlike rocks of its underground is unclear, but wherever it came from, this land has a fitting name. Icy and inhospitable, the surface is deceptively barren of buildings aside from a few circular boreholes reinforced with iron. But these are no mere pits; they are the entrance to the subterranean complex below the snow-covered landscape above. Practical and brutalist, the underground buildings of this land are home to many strange machines that farm food without light and produce material in seconds, making this underground world one of the Land of the Sunrise’s best kept secrets.

The simple name for the land of Umbra is fitting; forested and shady, the thick canopy of trees hide the incredibly advanced yet eerily dark civilization whose inhabitants are almost never seen. Smooth buildings of dark stone and tinted glass manage to be imposing in their small size, draped with strange foliage that glows unnatural colors of red and blue. Towers that mimic trees and doorways like metal cave mouths are obscured beneath years, if not decades, of underbrush. This realm is closed to most outsiders, and not even traders may come any closer than the upper canopy.

True to its name, the queendom of Evergreen is completely forested in pine, spruce, and fir trees. The deep green canopy is broken by tall castles, their pale tiled spires and dark wood halls evoking a sense of regality and wonder. Thin, arcing bridges connect stone tower to stone tower, allowing their inhabitants the ability to cross rivers and valleys without ever touching the earth. Below these great structures is a dark, fertile ground from which mushrooms and sweet berries readily grow, a thick layer of undergrowth that houses foxes and wolves alike.

Too big to be called a city, yet too small to be an empire of its own, Technicolor City seems to have been plucked straight out of a painting. Every building is unique and colorful, yet they all perfectly meld into a skyline that seems to be made of jewels, aided by perfectly swooping hills covered in flowers and trees. Wide boulevards share space with quaint streets and footpaths, each and every one lit day and night. Every inch of the city seems to reach out in welcome to all comers.

#no one asked november #horizon to horizon au #hermitcraft au #art for my fic #sketch #pencil

[thesluttyvampirewizard]

The Vampire's Dark Mansion

One of the larger structures on Wizard Island is a large, foreboding mansion owned by the resident Vampire Lady, located on the volcanic slopes. It is, decidedly, a mansion and not a castle (at least visually), as all appropriate defenses are magical in nature, as opposed to the mundane stone defenses of a castle.

The surrounding terrain is flattened, with decorated retaining walls on the mountain-ward and sea-ward sides. The entrance gate is at the top of a series of stairs along the lower wall, with an imposing iron fence and gate at the top, with clear view of the front gardens and mansion several dozen meters away.

The most notable feature as you reach the gate, however, is that the entire mansion is always bathed in darkness, including all the gardens, up to the beginning of the gate and regardless of the time of day. At a certain point in a circle along the ground, the sunlight stops and for mortal eyes adjusted to sunlight. it appears almost pitch black.

The castle is surrounded by a Sphere of Darkness, a spell devised by the Vampire herself to allow for her continued existence outside regardless of time of day. From the outside, the only noticeable feature is the aforementioned darkness on physical objects within the sphere. From the inside, however, all sunlight is deflected and rendered invisible save for the light bouncing off the moon, allowing for the night sky to be seen. Objects outside the sphere are darkened as well.

If you're lucky enough to be allowed through the front gate, and your eyes adjust to the sudden darkness. you realize the mansion and grounds are not dark at all. Multicolored fires in dark granite embrasures light the paths and many windows, with flaming vines creeping up the walls, all too dim to see in broad sunlight.

The main grounds are decorated by many different rare and magical plants and animals, a thick canopy, seemingly impossible streams of water which appear and disappear seemingly at will, and the occasional sparkle of rainbow fireflies. There is a sense that everything you see is magical in some way. Pavilions with statues that move suddenly, garden gnomes that behave like actual gnomes when you aren't watching. Fruits you've never seen budding out of the bushes and trees, enticing you like the Snake of Eden to enjoy them.

The mansion is built on granite foundations, with cast iron trimmings and dark paints, with a mix of Victorian and colonial stylings, accentuating its chaotic magical energy. The aforementioned fire vines dance along the structure, carefully dodging the many windows to give light and life to such a foreboding, yet magical structure. It has a northern and southern wing, with the center dominated by a great clock-tower, which tells the time with an AM and PM hand included, as is needed in the perpetual night.

As you reach the mansion located at the center of the sphere, the air gets colder, a byproduct of dark magic (that is, magic which uses darkness). The flames seem to not burn their surroundings, but provide some much needed warmth when convection currents from the outside fail.

The entrance of the castle is a huge, dark red door, seemingly impossible to open, but given that you are invited, it swings open with the characteristic grinding of stone-against-stone. Inside is a grand foyer, three floors high with spiral staircases either side and a central entrance front and center. The walls are painted woods and granite, with mahogany floors and multicolored carpets along the major walkways.

Within the central hall, you see a great feast hall, with fires decorating the walls and air, great barrels of wines and ales, pig roasts, soups, stews, stuffed pumpkins, and the like atop long tables either side of the carpeted floor, and several doors randomly placed on either side, leading to various kitchens, cellars, walk-in freezers and refrigerators, and one door leading to the back garden. The feast hall has a second floor catwalk, accessible from the foyer, with inset bookshelves and benches along the walls. The ceiling is enchanted with a view of the night sky, with more stars than could possibly be counted, with comets and shooting stars, a crystal clear view of the moon.

The foyer also leads to hallways leading into either wing, but despite the seemingly logical shape of the mansion from the outside, the hallways seemingly stop and start at random, with several publicly accessible rooms needing to be crossed to get from location to location. It seems exceedingly easy to get lost here, and you have a sinking suspicion that the halls and rooms couldn't possibly exist within actual space, and yet they do. Hallways with 5 right turns, rooms that by all accounts should exist outside the walls of the manor. Upward and downward stairs which lead to the same location.

There is a grand library, albeit a difficult one to get to, equally so with a theatre hall and a music room complete with an organ which plays itself with the tenacity of a virtuoso. Others include a crypt, blacksmith, den, crypt, and a countless number of lavish guest rooms. The Vampire's room, startlingly, seems missing, but perhaps it does not wish to show itself.

As you find your way back to the entrance, you idly tap along the wall. Suddenly, a panel you touched was pushed back into the wall, and several more panels on the opposite side fold away like Shoji blinds, revealing a secret passage. You want to step inside, to explore more about this fantastical place, but suddenly, an unnatural fear overtakes you. This is wrong, you shouldn't be here. You run out of the hallway, finding yourself outside the entrance faster than you thought possible. Stepping outside, even the embrace of fresh air is not enough. You run through the enchanted gardens, the gate opening to allow your swift exit as you fumble down the stairs.

You vow to never visit this place or speak of that passage again, lest you find yourself at an untimely end. You never met the Vampire, but you believe without uncertainty that she already met you.

#wizardposting #vampireposting #wizardblr #wizard island #vampires #worldbuilding

[jacks-tracks]

Upgrades and museums

What a difference $25 bucks makes! The Hotel Isabel is just that much closer to downtown, and the room is 5 times the size, with a big private bathroom, huge double door onto a second story balcony, and a lovely flat lump free bed. No padlocks on the doors or bag ladys living across the hall. The interior courtyard is glassed over, leaving a big airy space with the walkway lined by flowering plants. The room door is 10 feet tall, matching the 16 foot ceiling. There's a restaurant , and it's all secure. Phew! Pension Zocalo was OK for an overnighter, just a cheap place to flop, but this Hotel is luxury!

I,m here for the culture and am getting a ton. First day out i stumbled through 3 museums, all interesting. Second day i met with Maru, a Mexican friend, and she guided me through 4 more. First a walk through the Alameda, then a cathedral, and on to the Franz Meyer museum, a remarkable collection of bits and pieces, no theme, just whatever caught his eye. I,d seen a poster for a Leonardo Da Vinci collection of artifacts and inventions. I don't know if all those wooden tools were originals but was surprised by how many were

so advanced for their time. He invented the parachute, and while it was far too small to work, the concept of compressing air to slow a fall was sound. The glider too was impractical, but would work if scaled up. How about a trip hammer, and centrifugal machine, a geared pulley, and a dozen other inventions, all made from wood, and rope. The Mona lisa smiled, and Maru pointed out that she has no eyebrows. The last super was larger than i,d imagined

We walked through 2 more gallerys, with lots of paintings, mostly of the "portrait of children, Mums, and patriarchs" school. Now museums are quiet places, so when we saw a huge black marble table too tall to sit at, Maru wondered what it was for. I said it was for corpos(latin for corpse) and she had a giggle fit, but quietly. Some good watercolours, beautiful scenery, and all framed with the most elaborate carved wooden frames, art by themselves. We found a hall of marble statuary, and marvelled at how someone could chip a block of stone into a fully muscled body. The usual angels, a copy of David, and more. Most impressive were the ballrooms with 40 foot ceilings, all frescoed and gilded over delicious parquet floors glossy with varnish and smoothed by use. One music room had block floors, wooden blocks set on end and sanded flat, thousands of them. Elaborate marble staircases, spiraled up along wrought iron railings, leading to overviews of perfect interior courtyards. Too much to list, and a lot of stairs to climb. There were entrance fees for most places, but modest amounts, and well worth the price.

Time had flown by and we were hungry so she took me to the Pagoda restaurant, the only thing chinese being the screen at the bathroom doors. The place was packed with knowing locals, food was Mexican, and the set meal(comida corrida) started with tortilla soup, red rice, tons of buns, and then a main course. I had Mole but it was pretty spicy for my taste. Washed it down with the included lime drink. Maru had arranchera, known as flank steak, very popular locally. Total cost for both meals 200 pesos($16) We ate and chatted, her in english and Spanish, me in English and Spanglish. Odd but we covered some complex subjects by helping each other. She's going to visit her boyfriend gordon in Idaho this summer. Gordon is a crusty old guy, with a good heart, and i grew to like him at Casa Dan.

Maru had a one hour commute by bus to home, as Mexico city is sprawled for umpteen miles. I had a half hour walk to my hotel, carrying my dinner in a bag from the bakery, a doughnut, creme puff, and strawberry shortcake all of which were delicious,proving that not all Mexican baked goods have been run through the flavor extractor. Saved the doughnut for the Anthropology museum and had a few walnuts for topping off. My legs were very tired, basically 6 hour walking. though there are usually period piece furniture in all museums, they are no sit zones and places to rest are few. home to flop with netflixs, and clean internet.

Today was the time to go to the famous Anthropology museum, a must see, 2 floors of artifacts, displays, dioramas, and culture. I,ve been twice before, and will go again, because it's huge, and vastly interesting. Getting there was a challenge, since I am trying to use public transit. I have a map of the subway system, but signage is in Spanish(natch) and everybody else knows the drill. I walked to the marked entrance ( across 6 lanes of traffic) but that station was closed, so i did my usual which is ask several people for directions/info and average it all out. Works! The vendor by the bus stop gave my complete instructions and I faithfully took his advice on buses. Got a bus after 3 passed by, and got off where he,d said(though I really did not understand the details) and with a bit of searching(here,s the exit, where the heck is the entrance?) dashed across those 6 lanes again and down into the tombs. Interrupted the ticket lady who was doing her makeup, and she graciously directed me onward. One more ask at the platform, and got the right train. there are police everywhere, so it,s secure. The first cars are for women only, even safer. On board announcements are in the international language of loudspeakers, loud and blurred to incomprehension. Happily i had my map. and watched the station signs as we paused to dump off people and stuff more on. Actually navigate succesfully, and found the overpass to Chapultepec Park, a 2000 acres woods and lake and garden and zoo and museums and at last the Anthropology museum. So nice to get off the roaring streets and into some woods, however cultivated.

I,m not going to detail the Museum, except to say that after 4 hours of viewing my legs were shot and the cases of artifacts were becoming blurrily the same. All that was just the ground floor displays, so you can imagine the size and complexity of the place.

Getting home was another adventure as i was dubious about the subway stopping where I needed to go. My guidebook said take any bus on Reforma and i did with some trepidation. Started off ok, but quickly filled both decks (double deckers) to capacity. i ended up clinging to a pole by the mid door exit, jammed with my fellow passengers. Seemed like nobody got off, just kept loading them on. Again i asked a guy for the Alameda, the only landmark i knew and he helped me off. I knew the direction but saw no familiar sights. There ahead was salvation! A KFC! Time for lunch! 2pieces of chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, a biscuit, and an ice cream, all washed down with a coke, 99 pesos ($8). Greaty refreshed I asked for more directions and by golly there was the Alameda and now I knew my way. Huge crowds surging by the hundred at crosswalks, and lots of police in riot gear with shields. This did not make me feel safer. All the crowd pressed shoulder to shoulder towards the Zocalo and I felt very uncomfortable, knowing that so many people packed together could have a crushing stampede. No choice but to walk at the crowds pace until my corner, where the pack thinned. Now I really realize just how crowded this huge city is! Glad to get back to a hot shower, and a safe place. Glad too that i abandoned my idea of extending my excursion with a trip to the zoo across the road from the museum, as at 5 pm lightning flashed, thunder roared, and rain pelted down, Most people sheltered in shop doorways, but a surprising number flipped up umbrellas or donned rain suits.

So, another day in the worlds biggest city. Planning to do that zoo visit tomorrow, with a museum or two thrown in. who knows where the bus will take me?

[fruit-of-infidelity]

[ How long has it been since she saw him?

The last time both her and Ritcher met was at their last war together, when she asked him for help, since it wasn't only her life on the line, but her whole family's as well. And considering what happened to her father, mother and sisters when the hunters and the plague came along, it was definitely something she wasn't going to allow, even if it meant losing a lot of her own ego and ask for some little favour from him.

Still, they were on good terms. The note she held so dearly from him was definitely something that made her laugh back then, and it still does, so of course, her feelings might have gotten the best of her that night. She decided to send him a letter, trusting her familiars may find him, and Yvonne's golden eyes lit up slightly when she saw they didn't disappoint.

... Only to find out the man has been whoring around with his brother's wife, and to top it all, it was Cordelia. Not only that, they had a child together.

It was bad enough she felt some heavy, one-sided, ill-feelings from Cordelia towards her, but to think that Ritcher would do something like tha— Actually, no, it wasn't even that surprising. The child was surprising.

So, of course, through letters, they decided to meet up. After all, there were some matters they needed to discuss, and maybe, share laughs and stories with just a few drinks. And, besides, she already had two kids almost (well, physically, of course) the same age (at least, as Ritcher told her) his kiddo was.

So, yeah. There they were, right in front of his doorstep; her, her husband, and her two sons. ]

... This is a bad idea.

Since when something that involves Ritcher is a good idea?

... You got me there.

[ The woman chuckled at her husband's response, and knocked upon their door. ]

[ The Kurosawa’s were met with silence for a long moment. It was quite unnerving, actually... Although, just as they were about to turn back, the manor door slowly creaked open with a masked servant ushering them in, without even asking them to state their business. ]

[ The servant didn’t mutter a word; It was a wonder he could even tell they were there, with that mask of his, eyes seemingly covered over! ]

[ It would surely be unsettling if they were unfamiliar with the servants of this manor... Lord Richter gave his servants strict instructions to keep their faces covered (although, it was safe to speculate that it was Cordelia’s original demand). Still, he had no trouble using his gestures to have them follow him, navigating through the grandiose entrance to the staircase. ]

[ To meet them there was not Richter. In fact, I don’t think any of them (Yvonne, especially) would have been surprised to see that snake-eyed Cordelia, glowering down at them upon their arrival. If they had a keen supernatural sense, though, they may have been able to pick up on her son and lover just out of sight, behind one of the upstairs pillars. ]

Aah, I didn’t realise you were Richter’s supposed guests. I didn’t think he had anything more to do with your type, after all these years.

[ She cast a dirty glance Richter’s direction, from the corner of her eye. But, still... Maybe she could make something out of this unexpected visit. After all, August was looking rather strapping, even after so many years~ ]

...Beloved, forgive me, Iーー

No matter, Richter. I’ll punish you later. For now... 

Nfu, I think I wouldn’t mind catching up with our old friends, would you? 

My, my, as for your two boys - how grown they are! - I think Ryuuto will pass up a chance to make friends; He has s~o much schooling to catch up on, I wouldn’t want to disturb him.

[ Despite her words, Ryuuto had slowly peeked out from behind the pillar, and the curtain, down at their guests. He was shy, sure, but he definitely wanted to say hi... Perhaps he’d get a chance once his Mother warmed up to them a little more? After all, the servant was already ushering them into the next room, past the large archways. ]

...To the living room, shall we? Come, beloved, allow me to escort you.

#(( SO SORRY IF THIS IS TOO LONG I GOT CARRIED AWAYYY #(( also peep the manor backgrounds of mine uwu #(( the entrance hall + the walkway at the top of the staircase #ryuuto sakamaki #sakamaki ryuuto #richter sakamaki #sakamaki richter #cordelia sakamaki #sakamaki cordelia #yvonne beauchene #august kurosawa #kurosawa-family #interaction #long post

[blessedforever195]

Valley of Triumph

Most of the places we visit in sky have had some sort of catastrophe that explains the lack of living people. In Wasteland it was a siege. In Forest, the poison rain. But there is no obvious solution to the deaths of those who lived in Valley.

Valley, from what I can tell, seemed to be a prosperous city. It was built among the snow-capped, high peaks of a mountain range. It’s colors are bright, the winds pleasant, the light cheerful. We see, for the first time in the game, houses. The only wear on the buildings seems to be from time. Unlike Wasteland, whose great monuments have been reduced to rubble, Valley’s village is perfectly preserved.

And yet, the buildings are empty.

(WARNING: spoilers ahead)

The colorful banners are faded, in places torn. The golden statues of the arena, before they were repaired in the Season of Dreams, were chipped and covered in dust. The rugs in the temples you enter to begin a race seem dusty and worn. Even the great citadel, home to the golden floating rings, has crumbled, leaving behind cracked walkways and snow-covered staircase.

Looking at this evidence, it’s clear that no one has taken care of Valley in a long, long time.

But why? The Darkness didn’t affect Valley like it did in the Forest and the Wasteland. The city, as well as I can tell from spirit memories, was thriving before the Stars fell. Where did the people go?

The answer is a lot simpler than you might think. See, the Golden Wasteland was a trading city. You can tell this from the boats that litter the sandy wastes around the city. There is one boat in particular who’s broken hull is filled golden mechanisms, similar to the ones you see on top of the three shrines in the Praire. And it’s thought (by me, anyway) that the spirits of the Season of Enchantment were once merchants, which is why the end goal of that season is to create a spell shop. The spirits get to continue doing what they loved in life, although instead of material items, they sell spells.

Moving back to Valley for a bit (that last paragraph will make sense in a minute). Valley probably made a lot of money off of the tournaments and races they held there. What did they spend this money on?

Food.

Valley does not have the ideal climate one needs for growing food, or even keeping livestock. It’s in a mountain - the ground is rocky. It’s covered in snow - the ground is frozen. The only source of food I can think of is ice fishing, especially in that little pond at the entrance to the two races. But it’s a small pond, and Valley is a large city. You can’t feed a growing population of citizens, athletes and tourists of off that one pond alone. And, even if there are other places to fish, you’d probably get tired of fish eventually. So they bought other food from what we now know as the Wasteland.

It was a prosperous relationship, judging by the size and the sheer amount of wealth displayed by both cities. The Valley held it’s tournaments, charging, oh, maybe one candle per admission. Then it sent a few people down the mountain, across the sky and the sea, and bought ships full of food for it’s people. The Wasteland took the candles and invested the money into it’s own city, creating it’s gigantic walls and glorious halls. All was well.

Until it wasn’t.

If this was a true crime documentary, this would be the time when the picture of a wealthy, growing Wasteland would turn into a cheap film negative. The Stars fell. The Darkness came, overran Eden, and turned its sights toward Wasteland. The city fell.

And Valley, trapped in the snowy mountains, starved.

Oh, they didn’t die immediately. If they were smart, they probably had a stockpile of food stored away just in case diplomatic relations with Wasteland ran south. And they did have a means of getting food for themselves, even if the food was fish.

But eventually the food would’ve run out. And the poor fish population of the mountains, already small, would’ve been hunted to oblivion. People would’ve started dying by the hundreds, if not thousands.

If you’re a gory sort of person, you’d likely argue that Valley could’ve resorted to cannibalism. True, but cannibalism, at least in humans, eventually leads to a disease called Kuru. Because the residents of sky are somewhat humanoid, sustained cannibalism most likely lead to a similar disease.

And if you’re not a gory sort of person . . . Well. Don’t look into sky’s backstory too much. The death of a civilization is never pleasant.

#Sky cotl #Sky #sky lore #skyblr #sky children of the light #Every time I write one of these posts it always turns darker than I intended #Oh well

[writing-by-candlelight]

Hargreeves Mansion Layout: Second Floor

Thank you for coming back for part 2! If you haven’t seen part 1 (the ground floor) you can find it here. And Part 3, the third floor, here!!!

The second floor is slightly more complex than the first floor and it has a lot more rooms. 

If you haven’t seen my first post; yellow symbolizes doors or double doors, green are archways, the neon pink is the staircase coming up from the floor beneath (same goes for the light pink - its the main staircase coming up from the ground floor.), the blue is the long staircase from the stair race scene that goes through the entire house from the basement to the third floor. The orange and black will be explained later.

So overall the second floor has the most rooms out of all the floors and the most colors so here we go!

So for the ‘home’ section of the house lets start on the far right. 

The empty square there is the balcony area above the living room. Its thicker on the bottom since that’s where the bar is and the bar is completely covered. There also seems to be a small sitting area above it.

I’ve realized now in hindsight that the other end of the walkway ends at the wall and does not have the same sort of walkway across the top. I may correct my drawing in the future.

Speaking of the top section, this is where I’ve put Hargreeves personal rooms. I’ve placed the surveillance room here - the room where Hargreeves watches the children’s brainwaves and where Allison watches the tape of Hargreeves death. I’ve also placed it at the beginning of the hall. We only know there’s a hall since Diego walks down one on the way to Hargreeves’ Bedroom.

I placed Hargreeves’ Study right next to it. I know its not L-shaped as I’ve drawn it but I didn’t want to make the surveillance room super big so I’m just going to run with it. We see a living room and another room through a second door in the study so I assumed that this was another way into his bedroom.

The dotted line through the main walkway is just how I separated the house into sections so it may be ignored.

Now the central section is simpler.

On the bottom we have the Academy oil paintings. The small tragic things taking place from their debut until there was only Luther, Everyone leaving or dying or disappearing.

A bit further, slightly around the corner, is Grace’s charging station with its portraits. I put a dotted line around it because there are no walls but I wanted to show where it was.

Ignoring the courtyard we now get to the most complicated part.

The Bedrooms.

So Luther and Allison are side by side with their doors angled like we see in the dance scene and a lot of other scenes as well.

Then to the side is the bathroom which we see in the show has its own small hallway lined with attack posters like the rest of the hall (horrifying, I know).

Now to the interesting part. Klaus and Vanya’s rooms. 

In the flashback scene we see both of their rooms. They are next to each other and both about the size of a closet with Klaus’ being slightly bigger.

But in the scene where they are older and Vanya is destroying the mansion room by room, you can see that Klaus now has a bigger room and that the sort-of-brick wall that we only ever see in Vanya��s room is a part of it. 

So at some point the wall was knocked down and both rooms were given to Klaus. It even seems to have both doors, as in one scene Five enters through one and leaves through the other. This results in this chaotic mess of the room:

See? Both doors!

Moving on.

Any black sections on my ‘map’ are just thick walls or areas filled up with dirt or cement (though that last bit is more likely for the basement.)

The rest of the layout is sort of only based in canon since I had to change things around for them to fit (this is what happens when you film in multiple locations and not one house)

Now Diego’s room is the one at the end of the hall as we see in the flashback of Grace walking along it. Now I know in this scene we also see a hallway veering off to the left but it doesn’t make sense with the layout of the house, since that’s where the house ends, so I’ve erased it.

Diego’s room is the smallest of the rooms (once Vanya’s wall is removed) and it doesn’t change much at all so I have little to say about it. But its canonical location is interesting.  Originally Diego’s room is diagonal to the third floor staircase (which I’ve striped orange) and has a slight angle to the door. Thing is, for the bathroom to have its hallway and for said hallway to be within the constraints of physics, I had to switch the rooms around a bit.

From the hallway scene we know the bathroom is next to Allison’s room and Klaus’ room is next to Luther’s. But in order to fit the bathroom hallway I had to flip them so I could cut the bathroom into the walkway. That’s why there’s a dotted line through the bathroom since the walkway wall would be there. 

The creators also just...forgot??? About the staircase coming up through the floor from the ground floor? so I put the pink stairs right next to the bathroom.

This meant though that I had to put Diego’s room next to Klaus though.

I’ve added a new room for Vanya since she needed one and we are never shown were it is. I’ve put it at the end of the hall, slightly closed off from her siblings since that seems to be where Reginald would have put it.

This is from the hallway flashback just before Reginald comes in frame from that side hallway that doesn’t make sense. The open door we see is Diego’s original (nonsensical) room, which is the room I’ve given Vanya. And the stairs there are from the orange staircase that goes up to the third story. That dark doorway you see is (now) Diego’s room.

Now imagine that the hall just ends with Vanya’s door and that the stairs are folded halfway down to face Vanya’s door.

That’s how I finally got everything to make sense. It took me hours!!! Now we can finally move on to the training section of the second floor.

The second floor is the main training floor. This floor houses the training and exercise room on the far right. This room is mainly for overall training. I’ve headcanoned that it has tan oval running track, weights, workout equipment, punching bags, a climbing wall, gymnastics equipment, and an obstacle course in the center.

The sparring and weapons room is exactly what it sounds like. I’ve put it here for a separate space without all the equipment, because there is no way Hargreeves didn’t pit his children against each other. I headcanon it as having a boxing ring style space at the top and empty weapons space at the bottom with targets secured to the wall (the targets can move with a remote). This space is separated from left to right 3/4 of the way by a large metal weapons case with almost every weapon imaginable. There are dozens of types of guns, swords, war hammers, battle axes, bow and arrows, spears, knives, flamethrowers, scythes, clubs, maces, batons, both dual and singular sticks & staffs, num-chuks, shuriken, and even ‘non traditional weapons’ like ropes and chains.

We know from the scene where Five reappears in Ep 1 that they were taught how to use anything as a weapon. I assume this was either tested in the kitchen itself, or he set up a replica of a household room here.

(This is really really sad, look at it!)

We can see the following:

Egg Beaters - Hair Pull

Stock Pot - Explosive Device

Toaster - Use Cord For Strangulation

Coffee Pot - Throw Coffee In Face

Blender - Hand Mangler

Then I added a row of personal training rooms for their individual powers. Each room has an observation room - with a two way mirror and its own entrance - beneath it. I made it like a prison interrogation room on purpose because Hargreeves goes for functionality and trauma over anything else, and he would not like to be in the same room as some of their powers.

As you can see, the seventh room, which had been Vanya’s, has had its wall knocked down (hence the dotted line) and observation door boarded up. Hargreeves changed it all and made himself a small office instead. This was because it was no longer in use and because he wouldn’t want anyone to suspect anything.

And that’s it for this second installment in the mansion layout!!! Thank you so much for reading, id love to hear any thoughts!!!! Stay tuned for parts 3 & 4.

#The Umbrella Academy #luther hargreeves #diego hargreeves #allison hargreeves #klaus hargreeves #five hargreeves #ben hargreeves #vanya hargreeves #reginald hargreeves

[consentaclecthulhuwrites]

Free Bird, Chapter 6

The next time Revali saw her was at the informal ordination of Link as her sworn protector and chosen knight. The ceremony had supposedly been crafted to be uplifting, and a symbolic beginning for the dangerous journey upon which they were all about to embark. However, if this ritual was meant to set the tone for the entire mission, Revali could only dread the outcome of the plan.

The commentary while Zelda stood above her chosen knight suggested Revali was not the only one with this sense of foreboding.

“Gee, this is uplifting.” Daruk sounded disarmingly sarcastic. “She’s making it sound like we already lost.”

Revali piped up, “Wasn’t this your idea? You’re the one who wanted to designate the appointed knight with all the ceremonial pomp, grandeur, and nonsense we could muster. And if you ask me, the whole thing does seem to be overkill. I think I’m on the same page as the princess regarding… this boy.”

“Oh, give it a rest,” Urbosa sighed. “That boy is a living reminder of her own failures. Well, at least that’s how the princess sees him.”

Her own failures? Revali didn’t understand what Urbosa could have meant. From what he knew of her, Zelda was an accomplished scholar and the pride of the Hyrule legacy. She had modesty, charity, and chastity. She was elegant, well-spoken, truly kind, and carried the weight of royalty like it were gossamer. There was something weighing her down to be sure, but Revali couldn’t imagine it had anything to do with her royal lineage.

Especially around the boy, she seemed more distraught than ever. What was it about this chap that got so under her skin? All the boy had was a stupid destiny. Unlike some people, the champions actually had to work for their skill, for their place in this league of future legends. It was apparent that Zelda had more than earned her reputation as one of the foremost scientific minds Hyrule castle had to offer, as well as a devoted acolyte. Sure, the murmurings made her sound more fanatical and eccentric than anything, but Revali chalked that up to shallow minds with shallow thoughts. It was the squabble of the little people, and what did they know or matter? It was their ignorant hides that needed saving.

After the ceremony had concluded, the champions were allowed time to explore the grounds of the castle. Link had gone to the stables with Mipha, Daruk was off near the armory, Urbosa was in the dining hall carousing with some of the younger soldiers, and Zelda had supposedly returned to her quarters. Revali observed that the princess had slipped out of sight rather swiftly, and none seemed eager to attend her despite what was clearly a downtrodden appearance.

He wondered...

Zelda hunched over the desk in her lab, scowling down at her journal. Why did she ever listen to Daruk? He was such a blockhead sometimes. She appreciated his sentiment; for a man of stone, he certainly had a warm heart, but the ceremony had been an absolute disaster. All the muttering amongst the champions while she spoke the ceremonial script… She caught bits here and there.

“Already lost…”

“Overkill…”

“Failure…”

Her face burned with shame. She wanted the ceremony to be meaningful, positive, and give hope to everyone. She should have known that endeavor would fail. Zelda had no hope herself. Since childhood, the inkling of the goddesses, the innate sense of their presence, just did not exist for her. Her prayers were answered with silence. Her fasts were met with ravenous spiritual hunger. She even offered up plants as sacrifices, then cried with guilt for wastefully plucking them without result. For whatever reason, the goddesses found her… unworthy.

She scribbled hastily, trying to put down the words as fast as they entered her brain. On the verge of tears, she noted, “It is as if there is a great chasm between the goddesses and I. I shout and shout for them to hear me, but only my voice bounces back from that deep, unending void.”

She heard a noise and snapped her journal shut. Someone was clearing their throat. She whipped back to the doorway, but no one was there upon opening the door, nor waiting at the end of the bridge that led from her scientific tower to her bedchamber.

She began checking the windows and at last, she saw a fierce green eye surrounded by blue feathers floating within the frame of one of the slit-sized windows.

“Champion Revali, I believe it was you who reiterated that it was rude to eavesdrop when we first met.”

He hoisted himself up to where he was fully visible in the window frame, flapped his wings, and gave a bow. “My sincerest apologies.”

“Also, do you not think it inappropriate to come see a member of the royal family in their private chambers?”

“But I’m not in them, now am I?”

Zelda laughed. “Are you in need of something, master Revali?”

He offered a gallant smile. “Perhaps your majesty would care to join me for a walk on the grounds. I can see everything up here, but I’ll admit… Hylian structures are baffling to me. I wondered if perhaps you would be willing to educate me.”

The warmth of the smile that grew on her face told Revali he had succeeded in breaking her out of whatever dismal reverie she’d been in when he peered in at her, scowling at her journal.

Zelda met Revali at the base of the stairs. They began to explore the walkways leading down the primary battlement of the castle with a leisurely gait.

“Here we have the entrance to our library.”

“Library?”

Zelda blinked in surprise, then ushered Revali inside.

“What in Hyrule…” His eyes widened as he glanced around the massive room filled wall-to-wall with books.

“Surely you know what a library is, Revali.” Zelda giggled.

Revali rolled his eyes and ruffled his feathers, then said, “Of course I know what a library is… I’ve just never seen one this massive. There is no actual library in the Rito village.”

The princess’s head cocked to the side. “Why not?”

The Rito raised his wing up to the princess’ field of vision and wiggled the most controllable, dexterous portions of his wing, which still looked wildly unwieldy.

“Oh… penmanship and flipping pages must be difficult!”

“Only disciplined Rito, dedicated to the art, actively pursue reading and writing beyond a primary education. We are creatures of oral tradition and have little use for books, though some of the oldest legends are inscribed on tablets of stone.”

“Is it mostly birdsong?”

“Yes. Why would we speak about the legends of the Rito when we could sing the ballads of heroes, the laments of our tribe, the lullabies our fathers learned from their fathers?”

Zelda pondered this for a moment. Then asked: “Do you sing, Master Revali?”

“I can, but I generally do not.”

Zelda had led Revali up a cascading set of stairs and was clearly determined to show him a specific volume. She was scowling and tracing her fingers along titles as she walked along the upper level of the library.

“I could have sworn it was in this section… Found it!” She pulled out a broad but thin volume, clearly weighted, almost square enough to be used as a breastplate for armor fitted to the girl. A harp was crested into the volume’s cover, gilt in gold.

“This is a musical volume of songs from Hyrule’s history. Do the Rito use notations like this?”

She showed him a page with a simple melody. The notations were similar but…

“We use lines like this but typically our musical staves are much larger…” He squinted at the page and then pulled back. “Our notes are not all round. We use shapes and lines to indicate different note lengths…”

“Fascinating! Could you read a melody like this?”

“I am not well-versed in musical notation. We received basic training in childhood, but after those initial years, my studies were dedicated elsewhere. However, this melody is similar to one we learned as nestlings. The Ballad of the Goddess, I believe?”

Zelda laughed with excitement. Revali could not help but notice her laugh was high and sweet, almost birdlike with a chirpy nature.

“Would you sing it for me, Revali?”

“I would rather not.”

The disappointment that fell across her face was immeasurable. It nearly ruined Revali’s day to see her so put out; he felt he had to explain, even if the reason was made up on the spot.

“I do not like the way I sound when I sing from prescribed notes; the planned nature feels stifling. I would rather you not insist.”

“Oh. I would never dream to impose upon you. I’m sorry!”

Revali turned very stern, and gazed at her directly. “Do not apologize. It is not for someone of your position.”

Zelda was a bit taken aback by this admonishment. Most did not speak to her in this blunt fashion. No one but her father had spoken in unfiltered directives. She understood the Rito were a singularly bold people; perhaps tact was not really part of their vocabulary. Her facial expression betrayed her utter bafflement. She nodded sharply.

“You’re right, Revali.”

At that moment, a member of the royal guard emerged at the top of the stairs and was clearly headed in their direction. Revali moved from the princess’ side just as the guard focused his attention on her and said, “Your presence is requested by his majesty King Rhoam.”

Zelda turned to speak with Revali, but he was already taking a bow.

“Till we meet again, your highness.”

The guard extended his arm, and Zelda passed him by, where he took up her rear as he escorted her from the library, following her quite closely.

Revali watched as she disappeared down the staircase, the royal guard following behind her. Why send a guard? Why did he follow her with so little space between them? What an incredible sign of disrespect. It’s as if they expected her to give chase if they even dared to blink. He hoped nothing was amiss. But he couldn’t help to wonder, yet again…

~*~*~*~*~

Link to Chapter 5 HERE

Link to Chapter 4, Part 2 HERE

Link to Chapter 4, Part 1 HERE

Link to Chapter 3 HERE

Link to Chapter 2 HERE

Link to Chapter 1 HERE

#revali #legend of zelda #zelda #breath of the wild #botw #revali x zelda #zelda x revali #free bird #free bird chapter 6

[zodiyack]

Phantom Of The Opera

Requested by anon: Just wanna say that you're my favorite writer on Tumblr! ❤️ I have a strange request. Could you make one Thomas ShelbyxReader based on The Phantom of the Opera? The reader performs in a fancy theater and a man, the theater's ghost, is obsessed with her. And the Peaky Blinders have to wait for the performance to catch him 'cause he's a freaking ghost (Point of No Return scene) I don't know if you ever watched The Phantom of the Opera, but I can send you another message with more info if you want

Pairing: Thomas Shelby x reader

Warnings: Swearing, mention of stalking, smoking and alcohol, fluff, angst, mention of murder(?), slightly straying? idk man

Note: I’ve never seen the movie, so I’m not gonna be completely accurate, but it’s not supposed to be EXACTLY the movie, so I guess that’s okay? I hope you guys like it! Also.. don’t mind the singing parts... 😅 

so basically, it’s like the movie but there are MAJOR differences... oops

Special addition to the note!: I had some help!! Thank you so much @jenepleurepasbaby​ for the ideas as well as information from the movie, I can’t thank you enough!

Word count: 3,000+

Taglist: @captivatedbycillianmurphy, @stydia-4-ever, @matth1w, @redspaceace, @jenepleurepasbaby, @simonsbluee

masterlist | peaky blinders masterlist

She adjusted her hair as the director dismissed everyone. Their practice was now cut short, dark coming closer and closer. Arthur was her ride, yet he lie asleep, and possibly drunk, in one of the seats. Y/n sighed, grabbing bunches of her large white dress. Her friends bid her goodnight as they walked out of the building, leaving Y/n and her lover’s unconscious brother alone and in silence.

Y/n was unsure of her part. Although they just practiced, she felt the need to go over a bit more. Arthur managed to sleep through the entire rehearsal, so who’s to say he wouldn’t sleep through her singing? She would need to wake him up anyway. So she sang, went over her parts, fell into the melody.

That was, until she heard it.

Until she heard him.

The rough organ, the voice. They clicked into her brain, her voice slipping and dropping silent. It took her by surprise. Though she stopped, the voice kept singing. He sounded beautiful, elegant, more perfect for the singing role of her on stage lover than the singing partner selected for said role was.

“Sir?” No response came to Y/n, but the man continued singing. She looked around, checking on Arthur in his intoxicated yet peaceful state, and then starting her mission. She wished to find the voice, so she followed it.

The louder it got, the bigger the pit in her stomach grew. It was a pit of nothing but fear and worry. She didn’t have Tommy with her, and Arthur was asleep, she knew she would need to be careful. Her hand wandered down to her side. Under the thick fabric of her gown, holster from Polly made specifically to hide on her garter clips, was a small gun.

A breath she didn’t realize she was holding released itself from her mouth, relief at the feeling of the cold metal. She hoped she would have no need to use it, but it was good to be cautious.

His singing was now echoing through the hall, signing his presence. Y/n turned and gasped slightly out of shock. She let her eyes study the figure in front of her, the white mask that donned the side of his face, his slicked back hair, the way his voice sounded...

It was almost like his voice was magic. Her eyes gleamed with an entranced look, like she wasn’t fully there.

His free hand reached for hers and before she could top herself, she slipped her palm into his. He stopped singing, leading her through the theater to wherever he was to take her. She couldn’t stop herself, it was hard enough to even thinking in her own voice with his angelic voice.

Now that she heard him in person, she realized she’d heard him many times before. She’d heard him in her dreams, the same voice haunting her, no matter it’s beauty. He called for her, summoning her to a place she had no knowledge of. 

The stories of the theater dubbed him the Phantom of the Opera, the ghost who would kill those who refused to do his bidding. 

“Reminds me of a certain family.” She remembered telling the story to Tommy and the other Peaky Blinders, referencing their work with teasing smile.

His voice summoned her ever since the first performance she’d ever done at this very theater, a man standing on the rafters and observing her rather intensely. However, she was not the one to spot him that time, instead a backstage worker. He pointed out the man, but Arthur assumed he was just drunk and told Y/n to just ignore it.

Oh how wrong he was.

The half-masked man seemed to have such a power, casting a spell on her and removing logic from her mind. Her face lit up by the torch in his hand as he led her down a staircase. A horse waited down

“Sing once again with me, our strange duet. My power over you, grows stronger yet.” He lifted her onto the horse and guided the dark steed down a ramp-like walkway. “And though you turn from me, to glance behind, the Phantom of the Opera, is there inside your mind.”

He helped Y/n off the horse, held her hand as he helped her into the small row boat. He rowed through the water, closer and closer to his lair. She didn’t know why, but she felt the urge to join in. Was it his spell? Making her feel this way?

“Those who have seen your face, draw back in fear.” It was definitely him. She couldn’t think of a time she’d ever sing something like this, aside from her performances. “I am the mask you wear,”

“It’s my voice they hear.” He continued to sing as she transferred to the operatic vocalizing. The masked Phantom encouraged her, stopping his song and listening to her breathtaking voice. “Sing, my angel of music!”

“Sing my angel...Sing for me!” She grew louder the closer they got, the grate lifting and allowing them entry to his underground lair. “Sing my angel! Sing for me!!” Y/n hit her final high note, cutting herself off as they came to a stop. The candles, which had risen from the foggy waters, were just now being processed with mild confusion. The events prior to her arrival in his hideaway were catching up to her, equally as mysterious.

“Listen my dear. Can you hear that?”

“Hear what?” The Phantom held her hand, helping her out of the boat.

“The organ, of course. I’ve played it for you, in hopes that you’d listen and find your way to me. And that, you did.”

“You were... playing it... for me?” Y/n raised her eyebrows curiously. He nodded, walking over and playing a few notes to the song she had been rehearsing before she wounded up in his secret home. “W-Why?”

“What better way to prove my love for you?”

Her mind gave itself a slap to the face, returning herself to full consciousness, the hypnotic state the Phantom had her in was nowhere to be found. “Excuse me?”

“Is there a problem? I’m simply stating my admiration for you. My undying heart, it beats only for you, and your marvelous voice. That man, the one who sent the other with you, he has no love for you. His heart holds no care nor affection for you. Alas, that is one thing he and I do not have in common.” The Phantom’s lips curled into a smile, a child-like innocence that could’ve tricked Y/n’s back into her trance.

But it didn’t. She pushed him away from her, making sure to not be too rough. “Why!? Why would you say such a thing!? You trick me into following you, just to reveal you wanted to rid me of my lover?”

“No, not just that-”

“Have you lost your mind?! I’m sorry, I can’t. It was a pleasure meeting you, dear Phantom, but I’m afraid I simply cannot except any offers you have. Your love is flattering, but my heart belongs to the one who actually does love me back.” Her hands gripped her dress again, pulling it up enough for her to move back to the row boat.

However, she couldn’t make it to the small boat on time. He grabbed her arm and yanked her towards him, forcing her to face him. “Please, Y/n, just let me prov-”

“How do you know my name?” A silence split between the two. He didn’t answer her question. She looked up at him slowly, curiosity overtaking her. He was distracted, unaware, it as the perfect time to strike. She reached for his mask, snatching it, but being pushed to the ground before she could see his face.

He growled, covering the side with his hand, screaming insults at her as she remained on the ground with wide eyes. She was too shocked to move. The push managed to take the breath from her lungs, resulting in small coughs when she tried to stand up.

“I- I’m sorry.” She reached for his cheek, the action startling him. He stumbled backwards, he reached forwards slowly when she held out his mask, ripping it from her hands. “Please, could you take me back to the theater?”

He didn’t respond. His own way of saying no.

“I’ll... um... I’ll be going then.”

He didn’t stop her. He wanted to, but he didn’t. Besides, she had a performance coming up, did she not?

. . .

“Y/n has called a family meeting!” Arthur stomped over to his chair, sitting and crossing his arms as he waited for the rest of his family.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

“No, Pol, I’m fine...”

Arthur groaned and rolled his eyes. “Yesterday. Theater. Stalker. Tell them, Y/n.”

The family’s eyes shifted from Y/n to Arthur, then back to Y/n after he finished his sentence. “Fine. There was...a man... Um... Remember the ‘drunken man’ from my first performance?”

Everyone nodded. Esme stepped in, receiving a short glance from John, “What happened? Did your stalker try to kill you or something?”

“No no no, he wouldn’t do that.” The calmed family turned to Y/n with concern and confusion. Y/n looked at each one of them, anticipating their reactions. More specifically, Tommy’s. Jealousy and anger surged throughout his body, and somehow, everyone could tell. Jumping out of her chair, she walked over to him and pecked his lips reassuringly, “No, I’m not in love with him, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“Alright alright, Tommy, stop being jealous, Y/n, we must be getting back to the point. Please explain what this meeting is for?”

“Ah yes,” She sat back down. “He um... well he took me somewhere. It was like..under the theater? I sang with him... he called me his ‘angel of music’, and he said my name...”

“What else did he do?” Tommy’s jaw clenched.

“He wouldn’t take me back, so I went back myself. He um... well he did do um.. something...”

Arthur slammed his cup onto the table, standing up quickly, ignoring the wide eyed glares from Linda and Polly. “Oh get bloody on with it! It’s not like you slept with him or something!”

“Damn it Arthur! Could you please just give her some fucking time!?”

“T-thank you, Pol... but Arthur’s right. The man... he... confessed.”

Lizzie was the one to react first this time. She seemed mentally absent from the conversation until the confession had been mentioned, her jaw dropping and eyes popping. “Confessed what?”

“His love. For- for me. I left at that point. He tried to tell me Tommy didn’t love me, but no words from anyone could ever make me believe that. It felt like he put me into some from of trance until then, which I snapped myself out of once he brought up love.”

Tommy started for the door, gun in hand, but was stopped by Y/n. “Please, just... just leave this be... let the coppers handle it, it’ll be alright.”

“Alright? Alright? All-fucking-right?” the blue eyed man pointed to the door, the veins in his hands were bulging. “Out there is a man who is stalking you, obsessing over you, and possibly targeting me so he can take you. And you’re gonna tell me it’ll be ‘alright’?”

“Tom... to be fair, you are being a little ov-”

“Ada, don’t you dare finish that fucking sentence. Tommy’s right.” If looks could kill, Arthur would be long gone by now. “When it first happened, she asked us to wait until it happened more, then it did. But she still didn’t want us to do anything. This time she had an in-person encounter with the creep, and she wants us to wait for coppers?”

He turned to Y/n, “Arthur’s correct. We waited, just as you asked, and now, it’s extreme. Please...” He returned his gun to it’s holster, taking her face in his hands, “let us deal with this.”

“I-” Her e/c orbs glanced around the room, zooming from person to person before giving in and locking eyes with the man in front of her and relaxing into his touch. “Okay... just, don’t hurt him. He seemed so... alone.”

“We can’t promise anything, but we’ll try our best. We’ll all come to the show, and we’ll be your protection, alright?” She nodded and kissed him back as he pressed his lips to hers softly. “Now, let’s get home.”

“Thank you everyone... I’m sorry about-”

“No.” Y/n’s head snapped up, quirking an eyebrow to Polly’s interruption. “Don’t be sorry. It’s gonna be okay. Get some rest, you have quite a performance to prepare for.” With that, she winked and smiled, waving goodbye to Y/n and Tommy as they exited the Betting Shop. She was right. They had a big day tomorrow, and there was no time for messing around.

. . .

As she sang, her eyes were focused on the audience, darting around in search for her lover and his family. The Peaky Blinders weren’t that hard to miss, but they soon became so when The Phantom entered onto the stage where her partner should’ve. She noticed quite quickly, the difference in vocal ranges, the height and figure differences. She would be lying if she were to say she didn’t feel even the slightest bit of fear.

Their voices danced together, the trance returning to her, her body and mind betraying her. The Phantom walked closer, lust filled his eyes, the trance-like-state forcing the same into hers. Tommy, in his seat, gripped his gun. Patience escaped him, replaced with burning jealousy and rage.

“When will the blood begin to race, the sleeping bud burst into bloom? When will the flames at last, consume us?”

They began towards each other. Arthur nudged Tommy’s shoulder, gesturing to some of the cast peaking from behind the curtain, obviously puzzled with Y/n’s singing partner. All the proof they needed that he was the man they were watching for.

Their voices joined, “Past the point of no return! The final threshold!” Tommy’s hold on his weapon grew tighter as Y/n and The Phantom closed the distance between their bodies. The stranger spun Y/n around and wrapped his arms around her stomach, his hands over hers. “The bridge is crossed, so stand, and watch it burn...”

Like a bull to a red flag, the sight of The Phantom’s wandering right hand traveling up Y/n’s chest and to her neck brought darkness to his eyes. “We've passed the point, of no return...”

Although the song was due to end there, The Phantom had other plans.

Y/n’s eyes opened as The Phantom’s voice continued. She was waking herself up, realizing her state and snapping out of it.

“Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime... Lead me, save me, from my solitude... Say you want me with you, here beside you, anywhere you go, let me go too -  Y/n, That's all I ask of-”

He was interrupted by the screams of the audience. Y/n did what she needed to do. She had pulled the black mask free of his face, revealing to the audience just who he really was. Thomas took the screams as his cue and pulled his gun from it’s holster. He didn’t move, instead, he waited for a sign that would tell him that it was necessary. He preferred Y/n get out of this alive.

She looked to the Phantom with sorry emotion, genuine sympathy and hurt in her e/c orbs. The Phantom returned her reaction. He couldn’t be mad at her, but that wouldn’t stop him from having her.

Out of his peripheral vision, he noticed the coppers racing to the stage, pushing past people. He immediately grabbed hold of Y/n’s waist, as tight as he could, and cut the string to the enormous chandelier.

Tommy jumped up, alerting his family, directing each person to move out of the way. He froze, watching Y/n and The Phantom fall from the bridge, and into the ground. Tommy surged forward, leaning over the railing and screaming in agony, forced to watch the stalker escape through a hole in the ground with the love of his life. Polly, Michael, and Arthur grabbed Tommy, trying to pull him back. Even Pol had tears in her eyes.

It was never meant to go this way.

When did everything go so wrong?

What did they mess up?

. . .

The three brothers found their way through waters, ending up in The Phantom’s lair. Tommy’s eyes widened. Y/n, face covered in tears, mouth shivering, frozen in fear, stood there, next to The Phantom, in a wedding dress. She looked gorgeous, but Tommy couldn’t let that distract him.

“What the f-”

Arthur slapped a hand over John’s mouth, quieting him before they could be caught by the pair. He looked over to his other brother, scanning the look of worry on his face. His other hand rubbed his brother’s arm comfortingly.

“Pity comes too late,” The Phantom placed a veil on Y/n’s head, “turn around and face your fate! And eternity of this!-” he pointed to the scared side of his face, “before your eyes...” He calmed himself by looking into her eyes. Erik, the Phantom, placed a ring into Y/n’s hand.

Y/n walked to a covered mirror, taking off the veil as she walked. “This haunted face,” She tore down the cover, turning to Erik. It was clear that they were no longer strangers. “Holds no horror for me now. It’s in your soul; that the true distortion lies...”

John snorted a little, finding humor in the fact that they were still singing, but quickly shut up when Erik turned his head towards the noise. It was too late, far far far too late. He smirked mischievously.

“Wait, my dear, I think we have some guests!” He switched from singing to talking.

Her eyes followed his gaze, spotting Tommy, John, and Arthur. “Tommy!” She moved forward. Tommy mirrored her and pressed himself against the portcullis.

“Sir. Or shall I say, sirs. This is indeed, an unparalleled delight! I had rather hoped that you,” he made eye contact with Tommy, “that you would come!” Erik walked down the steps, next to Y/n. “And now, my wish comes true.” He pulled Y/n into her side. Tommy flinched upon hearing and seeing Y/n’s panic caused by Erik’s actions. “You have truly made my night.”

“Let me go-”

Everything broke from Tommy’s head. It was purely in the moment. For once he was acting with his heart, rather than his brain. “Free her!” Y/n stopped and looked to him with confusion, opposite to Erik’s looks of amusement. “Do to me whatever you would like, but please! Free her!”

“Your lover makes a passionate plea.”

“Please- Tommy... it’s useless...”

“Tom! She’s right, we can’t do anything with this stupid thing in the way.” Arthur grumbled.

“I love her!” He was speaking to everyone. From the heart. “Does that mean nothing? I love her! Show some compassion-”

“The world showed no compassion to me!” The brothers and Y/n faced Erik, small signs of empathy for the red and ruined side of his face.

“Y/n. Y/n, let me see her. Let me fucking see her!” Tommy kicked the portcullis harshly, showing his demand was not to be taken as a joke.

“Be my guest, sir.” Erik smirked wider and walked to a lever. He pulled it and the portcullis began moving upwards. Before he could say more, Tommy fired random shots. He could careless if he hit The Phantom or missed, his mission was to get Y/n and then skedaddle the fuck out of there.

John and Arthur exchanged glances and nods, joining Tommy in open fire towards the man.

Tommy reached Y/n, pausing and pressing a kiss to her soft lips, closing his eyes and melting into their short kiss. After the separated, he picked her up, one arm under her knees and the other somewhere above her waist. He nodded to her. Her arms wrapped around his neck.

“John! Arthur! Cease fire! I repeat! Cease fire!”

Erik chuckled madly, “Aren’t you going to finish me?” He looked at Arthur, then his gun. “Kill me!”

Arthur raised his gun. Aimed. Inhaled.

“Stop! Don’t kill him! Let him be... please...” Y/n faced Tommy with watery eyes, “let me down for a second, please.” Thomas hesitated, but followed the orders of his significant other. She kissed him once more, then walked to Erik and shooed the brothers away from him.

“W-what’re you doing!? Y/n! T-Tom, she’s gonna get hers-”

“Leave it Arthur. Y/n knows what she’s doing. I hope.” Tommy mumbled the last sentence under his breath.

They watched as Y/n caressed the cheek of the scared side to Erik’s face, her face scrunching with visible focus. She pulled him down to her, rested her forehead against his and whispered to him.

“Angel of music... thank you for this journey... Alas, twasn’t I that was destined to join you on it.” John shouted for her to hurry, the sound of the coppers growing near. “Run, dear Phantom, run and don’t ever look back. One day the world will except you...you just can’t force it.” 

Y/n reached for his hand, opening it and placing his ring in it, then folding it shut, just as he did to her hand. He smiled at her. He finally surrendered.

Tommy walked up to them, causing Erik to move back a bit. Tom stopped in front of the man and handed him a large amount of money, smiling with a heart full of sympathy. “Run, Phantom. As far as the coppers know, you’re dead. My uncle will have a boat, board it if you’d like. Start a new life.” 

The Phantom nodded, taking the money. But. He paused. “Go. Be free, my Angel of Music. You’ve shown me nothing but kindness and care, and I thank you for that.” The unfamiliar voices neared. Erik’s eyes widened, “Hurry! Leave! Go!”

Tommy grabbed Y/n, pulling her with him as they headed into the water and tried to ran through it. Y/n turned her head, giving Erik one last look, giving him one last nod, and smiling to him for the last time. They ran out the burning theater, Moss interviewed her, writers for news companies chased after her, but everyone was shooed away by her family.

At home, Tommy cradled Y/n’s cheeks, looking deeply into her eyes. “I thought I lost you...”

“Well I’m here, aren’t I?” She leaned forward, mumbling against his lips, “I missed you... I love you so much Tommy.”

Tommy closed the cap between them, staying for a few minutes. Peaceful. Quiet. Still in his suit and her in the wedding gown she was forced into. “I love you too, Y/n. Very much... Maybe this dress could do some use for us. Eh?”

#tommy shelby x reader #thomas shelby x reader #tom shelby x reader #cillian murphy x reader #peaky blinders x reader #peaky blinders #tommy shelby imagine #thomas shelby imagine #tom shelby imagine #cillian murphy imagine #phantom of the opera #the phantom of the opera #tommy shelby #tom shelby #thomas shelby #cillian murphy #x reader #reader insert #zodiyack #tommy shelby one shot #thomas shelby one shot #tom shelby one shot #cillian murphy one shot #peaky blinders one shot #peaky blinders imagine

[nora-theteawriter]

Find the Word Tag

Thanks for the tag @chayscribbles! These are all from draft 4 of The Witch University. Tbh, they’re not all the first occurrence of the word

build

“Foxglove…cool. I’m Sam, she/her.” Sam glanced back at the dark building. “What was that place? It doesn’t come up on the map.”

Foxglove laughed. “That’s a complicated question.” She didn’t elaborate. “So, you’re a freshman? Where are you from?”

round

“I’m hoping the magic block is confined to the inside of the building.” The two came out into a tall, round room. Shelves of books covered the walls, going up hundreds of feet into the air. Sam felt tiny in comparison, like she was at the bottom of the rabbit hole from Alice in Wonderland. There was no way up. Literally, because she saw no stairs and no elevator or walkways.

fall

Outside, the air was crisp in an early sign of fall. The sun was out and birds were chirping. It seemed so normal, so lovely. Sam hated it. She felt exposed in the direct sunlight, she needed to find shade. She turned around the side of the building and ran into the woods. Maybe the trees would hide her for a little while.

door

The entrance hall towered above them, an arched ceiling three floors in the air. Starting at the door, a long burgundy rug trailed up a grand staircase and split in two at the top. A wide balcony looked over the hall on all sides from the floor above, opening up the space so it seemed endless. It was held up by a gallery of pillars, each hosting an image sculpted with crafty precision – a fortress in a battle, a sword rising out of the water, a group of witches huddled together in a diplomatic fashion. Sam caught the sword one moving out of the corner of her eye, voices whispering in a language she didn’t recognize. She smiled, loving whatever spell had brought these images to life. Standing candelabra of wrought iron and candle sconces looping off the pillars like arms provided a haunting light, the shadows of the moving sculptures shifting across the floor and ceiling. The whole place smelled a little musty, chilling Sam in her summer clothing.

Tagging @druidx, @tundra-tiger, @thethistlegirlwrites, and @suninks. Your words are snow, cold, bare, and dark. (Going for a wintery theme lol)

#writeblr community #tag game #find the word tag

[thisisthehardestthing]

This Is The Hardest Thing - 2

CHAPTER 2

Synopsis: A exchange student from the US in enrolled into UA when her father has to move to help with the increased crime rates in Japan. The final year of high school is a lot to handle, adding on top the class of 3-A and the trouble they get into will make for a wild ride.

Author’s note: Switches to third person in the middle. I hope it’s not complicated lol. I have been reading this chapter over and over and over again trying to tweak it but I think this is the best I’m going to get it. After this chapter, the plot is going to get a jumpstart in a new direction.

Triggers: swearing

Word count: 3.4k

@whats-her-quirk​ , @aizawascumslut 

CHAPTER 1 , MASTERLIST

CHAPTER 2 - BUTTERFLIES

Sun’s setting earlier, you mused. Different to what you were used to. The cool breeze of this morning was back. In a few days, it would officially be autumn. Your chest rose as you took a deep inhale. The scent of sweet grass lingered in the air as though it was recently mowed. There was a sigh of content that escaped your lips.

You walked to the dorms that you were to live in. Large doors loomed in front of you as you dragged your purple suitcase over the stoned walkway. The 3-A was hanging above the entrance painted in white on the red brick.

During the last class of the day, you were called to the reception to fill in some forms about the living arrangements, and received the key to your bedroom and front door. You recalled the amenities mentioned by the smiling receptionist; a full gym, kitchen, laundry and bath area’s. Your suitcase had also arrived, being couriered directly from the airport. You had only one that wasn’t even full, so it had felt like a waste to not have waited for it yourself.

As you stood in front of the large doors to the dorm house of Heights Alliance, the butterflies in your belly managed to start up again, wings fluttering and getting caught in your intestines. There you stood in front of the closed front door, not knowing what to expect on the other side. It almost felt as if you were supposed to knock before entering, even though you now lived there too. Your eyelids shut as you took a breath before gripping the handle with white knuckles.

The floor was wooden. A light birchwood that bent and bounced under your weight as you walked across it. Inside the large front room, the lights were bright and gave the room a warm glow. Some of your new classmates were sprawled in the lounge area, watching T.V. It was a collection of arms on the back of the chairs, legs thrown over the top of pillows. Mineta was sitting on the floor near the tv as an actress was jumping off a building, almost as if he could look up her skirt from his angle.

There were dishes clattering in the kitchen, it was carrying voices arguing about who is cooking and who is washing up. Kirishima wants barbecue meat, Momo wants a green salad with plently of fried sides to share. You heard them come to a decision of a mixture of both. Todoroki was standing in front of sink, filling up empty ice cube trays with water. It was as if the house was both the eye and the storm at once. They were working together in a neat chaos and you took it all in as you walked in.

The sounds of your footsteps and the bag wheeling behind you caught the girls’ attention and they all rushed to you. Mina and Uraraka gave you a welcoming hug. Your intestines unwound and you forgot why you were nervous in the first place.

“Finally! We were wondering if you were going to be living with us in the dorms or not!” Mina gestured, linking her arms with you like when you first met. She was extremely friendly and put you at ease with how natural it felt to talk to her.

“Yeah, I am. I had to go fill some stuff out before I got here.” You replied, smiling back at her.

“Awesome,” She said with a thumbs up, catching you off-guard because it was in English, and your smile widened. You pulled your arm out of hers and fumbled for your room key in your pocket.

“What room is 2-3?” You ask, showing the girls the yellow tag.

Mina, Tsuyu, Momo and Uraraka said they would accompany you up to your room.

“Do you mind if we help you unpack?” Uraraka asked, footsteps lightly padding on the floor as you made your way to the staircase, past the kitchen. “We want to get to know you! There are so many boy’s in our class, it’s nice to have another girl to talk to.” You heard a laugh that bordered on a bark.

“HA! As if she’s a girl.” Bakugo roared out, still bitter that you had the upper hand for a few seconds during the short fight. Kirishima grabbed him in a headlock, pulling him down low. Your eyebrows shot up as he was able to keep a firm hold on the neck, not faltering under the strength of Bakugo’s threats and tugs. He had a grey gym tank on that had wide armholes. The movement had shifted one so that half of a dark brown nipple was on display.

“Ignore him,” He flashed a toothy smile. “He just needs to get used to you. Kind of like a dog.” You gave Kirishima a small grin in return. Your eyes snapped back to Bakugo who had set off an explosion against Kiri’s side to free himself. The girls dragged you up the stairs as they rolled their eyes.

“See what we mean?” They all giggled.

Your bedroom was on the second floor, the third to the right of the split hallway. You unlocked the door. It swung open with ease, as if welcoming you home.

There was a simple bed with light grey covers folded neatly on the end. A dark wood desk and chair to do your work on, a set of drawers and a single closet, that already had some school uniforms hanging, courtesy of dad. The mini-fridge and microwave was snugly against a marble counter that had storage space both above and below it. There was an attached bathroom with a toilet and a sink. It was a bare room, which was fine because it meant you could decorate it throughout the year with things you come across.

Your bag fell heavily on your bed and Mina jumped on after it, giddy with excitement. Uraraka explained that they wanted to see what kind of clothes you wore in the USA.

“Well, I don’t want to disappoint you, but it’s pretty normal stuff.” You laughed. They were acting like you came from another planet. “I also don’t actually own a lot of things, so I’m sorry if it’s not up to your expectations.” The purple trolley bag was now unzipped and open. Tsuyu peered over your shoulder as everyone looked at the items. They watched as you hung up your clothes and they chatted animatedly among themselves, handing you some of the shirts and jeans.

It felt good to be talking to other girls your age. Ever since your mom left, it had been you and your dad. The people in your old school had started to shun you after a particularly bad incident with your quirk, which is why you didn’t want to bring it up for as long as possible. And the girls were fine to not talk about what it was, instead bringing up other topics. They’d seen how you’d danced around the questions about yourself from Midoriya’s examination during lunch. He’d been scribbling a notebook about your father but you had changed the topic as soon as he asked about you.

“Oh my!” Momo interrupted as she saw your underwear. It was a rather large collection of thongs, some lacey, most plain. Yet you only owned three bra’s in total. “So skimpy!” She lifted one up by the waist band and stretched it out gently, blushing red. You grabbed it from her, your own face and ears going pink, burning hot.

The girls fell down in their laughter. You quickly gathered it all up and stuffed it into a dresser, deciding to sort it out later.

“I like nice things” you shrugged, closing the drawer quickly.

“What else can we expect from the land of Victoria’s Secret?” Mina wiggled her eyebrows.

They soon left you to your own devices to sort out the rest of your room, welcoming you to UA as they closed the door.

It was 1 in the morning when you were finally ready to climb into bed, having just changed into your red night dress. Everything was meticulously packed away, and you were happy with the way the day turned out. Three framed photograph’s of your family sat atop the dresser. You were about 10, gap toothed smile on display with your parents staring lovingly at each other behind you. The other two were more recent pictures of you with each of your parents after their divorce.

But then your stomach rumbled and you moaned as you realized you had never eaten dinner. You raked your fingers through your thick hair, pulling it against your scalp. How could you have completely missed it? That’s also when you realized that you had not looked at your phone the entire day, and had no one’s numbers. Which was a shock. Your body was still not used to the time difference, so you convinced yourself to head downstairs since you wouldn’t have been able to sleep anyway.

Maybe there are leftovers? You thought to yourself as you shrugged on a thin, white cotton bathrobe and padded quietly down the hall with your bare-feet to make your way to the kitchen. The nerves in your feet hummed in response as your quirk begged to be used.

*************************

Bakugo was definitely not expecting to see anyone. He’d went to the gym after dinner, training until late and was once again hungry. He’d just finished a shower, drops were dripping down his neck. Fingers combing through the blonde hair to fluff it back to its usual points as he made his way to the kitchen, stopping when he saw the light was already on.

Who else could be awake at this time? He thought to himself, eyebrows knitting together as the corners of his mouth turned down.

He really did not feel like talking to anyone and he was exhausted from the extra hours of exercise, so he had every plan of ignoring who else was in there until he saw her. The sight of Rei’s back to him made his blood boil, white-hot heat exploding in his body. It was a melting pot of hormonal lust, embarrassment and knowing there was an unfinished fight. It was made worse by the red nightdress hanging on her body. It dipped into a slight V, showing half of her back. She was fit and muscular, it was obviously the kind of body only achieved by intense training. He found her insanely attractive, which pissed himself off even more. He was 100% focused on being the top hero when graduating at the end of the year. He did not have time for feelings. Especially when it was only normal hormonal lust. So he redirected the anger onto other things: the punching bag in the gym, the sponge he scrubbed himself with and at Rei.

He watched in the shadows as she opened the fridge, bending forward slightly to scan the contents. Her short nightdress rode up, dangerously close to the fold of her ass and he felt his hands begin to sweat. His frown deepened. It felt stifling hot in the dark common area and if he wasn’t already shirtless, he would’ve been pulling at the neck to try and get some air. She straightened up, not finding anything that would satisfy the midnight cravings, and her dress dropped again to a somewhat respectable length.

What an idiot. Dressing like this in a common area. He thought to himself, then he saw the bathrobe on the table that had been taken off when she thought no one was going to be there. He wondered if she was as warm as he in that moment.

He heard a huff and she put one hand on her hip, the contours of her shoulders muscled reflecting in the warm glow of the kitchen and moved the hair that was over her shoulder to the back, thick strands covering smooth skin. It bounced with the movement, natural highlights glinting from the hours she would spend in the sun. It was almost mocking Bakugo for staring so intently.

He watched as she moved to inspect the cupboards and scowled when his designated doors in the corner were opened. Rei’s hands lifted up above her head as she reached for a cookie tin that was just out of reach, her dress lifting up one again. Part of him wished for it ride a little higher, the other part of him wished she would crawl back to the hole she’d come from. It was his cookies that he saved for whenever he wanted a treat. There was no way he was letting her take some. They were his.

*******************

The cookie tin kept shifting away from your fingertips as you made a grab for it, pushing it back a little further each time. Your bottom lip was caught between your teeth as you stretched up onto your toes. You huffed as it scooted all the way back and you dropped back down onto your heels. Someone tall must be their owner to store it up so high, or someone wanting to keep it hidden. Your stomach grumbled again, egging you on for the sweet snack.

Fine. You grumbled, stretching your arm out, hand open. To an outsider, it seemed as if an invisible string was connected to the tin, dragging it from the shelf as it flew into your hand. But what you felt on the inside was pure bliss. It was the first time you used your quirk, in weeks. You loved the rush of endorphins it gave you to have control over the object and you smiled. The cool metal of the tin vibrated against your palms, double chocolate chip goodness gripped firmly.

“Oi, new girl!” A gruff voice cut through the silence of the kitchen and you froze, painfully aware that you were naked underneath the dress. Pivoting on your heels, you saw Bakugo standing across from you, leaning against the counter top with his arms crossed across his bare chest. His biceps and shoulders bulged, nostrils flared.

How long has he been standing there? You wondered. Usually nothing could sneak past you, especially when your feet could feel the vibrations of everything.

Then you realised he saw you. It was nothing impressive, just moving a small object to you, but it wouldn’t be long until the rush of power it gave you would call out to be used again.

“Is that your quirk?” He sneered, with an eyebrow raised, “controlling cookie tins? That’s so shitty.”

You frowned. It was anything but that, but you learnt your lesson a few months ago when people challenged you and it went horribly wrong, and so you bit your tongue.

“Whatever, I’m not trying to impress anyone.” You retort back, opening the lid. You saw his eyes dart to the cookie tin, pupils narrowing.

“I don’t think you can impress anyone even if you tried.” He snapped, his hands dropping to the counter behind him as he leaned back. The pose was relaxed, inviting you to prove him wrong.

“Oh yeah?” you challenged, slamming the tin on the countertop, taking a few steps forward. If he wanted to fight, you wouldn’t back down. You were now a meter away from him, and you puffed your chest up to show that you weren’t going to take any of his shit.

“Yeah, dumbass. You fight like a girl, can’t even punch right.” You had to look up to him. Even though you were tall, he was still a few centimeters above you. His eyes glanced down at your chest before glaring at your eyes again. It was so fast that if you weren’t paying attention, you most probably would’ve missed it. The purple bruise on your sternum that he gave you was bright against the skin of your chest, perfectly in between the sun and moon tattoos underneath both your collarbones. His eyes glinted wickedly.

Your body moved before you knew what you were doing. You stuck right your hand out diagonally, a few centimeters away from touching him. He didn’t flinch, eyes traveling to look at your outstretched hand, raising an eyebrow.

“What’re you going to do? Throw the cookie tin at me? Hah.” He barked, laughing at his own joke.

You held your tongue and just dragged your hand horizontally through the air. Your toes pressed into the floor, feeling for the vibration you wanted. His eyes followed your hand and before he knew what was going on, the cupboard door behind him opened and smacked into the side of his head. He grunted and you turned on your heel, walking back across the kitchen. You were no longer hungry, angry at a man that taunted like a child.

“What the fuck!” Bakugo shouted, his voice echoing in the empty space.

“What are you going to do? Swear at me?” You spat back his own ‘insult’. Your comeback felt sour on your tongue. It wasn’t any good, but you were pissed off and anything you said seemed to make him angrier, which was fine with you. “I was going easy on you during training today.”

His nostrils seemed to flare at that last sentence. The palms of his hands began to steam and spark. There was nothing he hated more than people not giving their all when fighting, people thinking they had to hold themselves back when fighting him.

“YOU WERE WHAT!?” He bellowed, his fists clenched. “I’M GOING TO KICK YOUR ASS BACK TO AMERICA!”

If you weren’t already used to intimidating men in New York, you probably would’ve flinched at his shouting, but instead you squared your shoulders and started walking back towards him, your own fist closing. You both pulled back to launch punches at the same time. Then, the air got freezing cold and Bakugo’s fists came crashing down as two thick balls of ice wrapped around them. If he weren’t as strong as he was, he would’ve fallen to the floor. Instead, they dropped to his sides, making his shoulder droop down with the weight. A look of complete shock came across both of your faces and your heads snapped to look at the source.

Shouto Todoroki was standing behind the dining room table, looking extremely pissed off in his beige pyjama set. His half-white, half-red hair messy and shadowing his eyes.

“Can you guys please just shut up and go to bed. You’ve woken up the entire building.” He said, voice dripping with contempt. A slew of curse words erupted from Bakugo’s mouth as he lifted up the ice to bang them against each other, trying to crack them open.

You felt your nipples harden in the now cold room and grumbled, once more aware of just how bare you were. You grabbed your dressing gown that was on the dining table. Wrapping it around yourself as you walked back to the cookie tin to put it away. Bakugo seemed to ignore what Todoroki said, instead calling out to taunt you again. There was no way he was going to let this go.

“What, don’t want to eat the cookies anymore? Fine with me, you were pretty fucking heavy.”

You froze. Through the vibrations, you felt Bakugo adjust his weight to lean back, pleased that it granted a response from you. With the cookie jar away, you strode back up to face him for the final time that night. Shouto tensed up, ready to interject once more. It was a low blow, Bakugo knew it too but his chin was raised indignantly.

You said nothing as you stood in front of him. Your eyes searching one another for a hint that either one of you would back down. The balls of ice were already melting and forming puddles by his feet, the cold water spreading to tickling your toes, so you twisted them out. The cupboard door that you had opened next to his head slammed shut. The loud noise echoed in the kitchen and you turned away from the irritating man.

“Sorry, Todoroki. Good night.” You nodded to him and walked back to the stairs, fuming with anger. You could just hear Todoroki mumble about the time to Bakugo and a scoff in reply, but you couldn’t care enough to pay attention anymore, his insult replaying over and over in your mind.

****************

Thanks so much for reading Chapter 2! <3 Hope you liked it.

#bnha #bnha fanfic #bnha x oc #fanfic #TITHT #chapter 2 #swearing tw #bakugo #bakugo katsuki #mha #writing #mine #this is the hardest thing

[lifblogs]

13/04 Monday 2. Gentleman

I’m a week late to the party, but here it is! I’ll try and get to the prompt for today, well, today. @bend-me-shape-me, @helianthus21, @pray4jensen

Castiel straightened Dean’s bowtie, even though, strictly speaking, this was his first time being up close with such a clothing accessory. The first time he’d seen it, he’d asked, “Why do you have a bow around your neck?” Dean had laughed, and then told him Cas needed one too.

With Dean’s bowtie straightened, the hunter was now tying his for him.

“I thought we were hunting,” Castiel said.

“We are,” Dean answered, taking a brief moment to glance up into Castiel’s eyes and give him a smile. Castiel, as usual, was too stunned by that smile and its close proximity, to smile back. He just stared. What else was he supposed to do when faced with the most beautiful human on Earth? “Sometimes hunting gives us some perks.”

“Perks?” Castiel asked. “I wouldn’t think you’d be one to enjoy dressing up.”

Dean finished with Castiel’s bowtie, and then brushed his fingers against his cheek, giving him that smile yet again. “Yeah, sometimes. Besides, sneaking into a fancy party is totally fun. See, the rich shmucks think you’re one of them, and the joke is, you’re not.”

Dean held Castiel at arm’s length, and then looked him over. Castiel observed Dean in the same way, though he wasn’t sure what he was looking for. In flannel, in a suit, without clothes — Dean was always beautiful to him.

“Uh, lose the jacket,” Dean said.

Castiel took hold of his overcoat, and stared at it somewhat longingly. But, he did as Dean said, folding it up and handing it to him once it was off. Was it just his imagination or did Dean’s fingers grip tight at the fabric, like he was trying to keep a piece of Castiel with him?

“Where’s Sam?” Castiel asked, as they started heading out of the house they were squatting at. He placed the overcoat on a chest by the door.

“Sam,” Dean answered, “is doing the less fun job. He lost rock, paper, scissors.”

Castiel stared at Dean, even tilted his head at him. “No, he didn’t.”

“Okay, fine,” Dean answered, cheeks flushing. “No, he didn’t. I bribed him.”

They started heading out the door, Castiel putting a hand to Dean’s elbow.

“Bribing your bother — I didn’t know that was allowed in rock, paper, scissors.”

“It’s not. But at least we’re not stuck in a graveyard waiting for some ghost to pull a no-show. Come on.”

oOoOo

It was a long ride to the party, but as Dean drove, even with the windows up, Castiel could smell salt off the water brought to them by a cool ocean breeze. The drive up to the large building the party was being held at was all gravel. It looked like a mansion, jutting out over the ocean, and it was decorated in lights. From the Impala, Castiel could see that the walkway up to the ornately carved, oaken double doors was laden with rounded, flat stones made to look like giant sand dollars. Sparkling white lights wrapped around the rails on either side.

“Okay,” Dean began as they pulled up, “we have to act like gentlemen.”

Cas gave him a smile. “What does that mean?”

“No weird angel crap,” he answered.

Castiel retorted, grabbing Dean’s shoulder and squeezing lovingly, “No weird hunter crap, then.”

Dean shot him finger guns. “See? You’re getting it.”

The stroll up to the mansion ruffled Castiel’s hair, and he could hear the ocean crashing against rocks, and the cliffside down below. Off to the left once they got up on the bluff there was a patio, the moon shining above it, reflecting in the deep, dark waters underneath. Castiel wanted to pause there with Dean for a moment, but his boyfriend took him up the steps. They were arm in arm.

At least it couldn’t have been too fancy a party because they had to open the doors themselves — but it didn’t escape Castiel’s notice that the doorhandles were golden. Once inside, he realized his assessment had been wrong. This was a very fancy party. Men in expensive suits talked in the entryway with women in long dresses, most of which revealed shoulders, collarbones, and quite a bit of cleavage. For a quick second, Castiel worried Dean would have eyes for the women, but when he looked to his boyfriend, Dean’s eyes were all his.

An older woman in dress pants, a button-up shirt, and a black vest came to them.

“Invitations?” she asked.

Castiel took the invitations — forged invitations — Dean had given him and handed them to the woman. Knowing how to pretend to be important, he nodded at her kindly, and then strolled on past. Why wait to see if their invitations were alright? The story was that they’d been invited, so of course they could just enter the party.

The entry hall was made up of an intricately tiled floor. Off to the left, close to the entrance, Castiel could see that a room opened up, the dark wood forming a bar inside, and drinks sparkled against the light. Before them was a low, large circular table of wood, chairs with dark leather padding ringed around it. And to the left of that, a fire crackled in a fireplace of green marble. A massive staircase was on their right, other halls seeming to branch off under it. Just ahead, doors with windows opened into a wide, bright room of all white. That was where some guests seemed to be dining. Candles were in ornate lanterns on perfectly white tablecloths, and flowers adorned each table. Beyond that Castiel could see windows that were nearly floor-to-ceiling. They showed them the wide breadth of the ocean.

It was rare that Castiel was in such a beautiful place on Earth. Usually with Sam and Dean, they stayed low to the ground, where the monsters would be. In crappy motels, alleys, abandoned warehouses, graveyards.

But this, well, Castiel hadn’t known this side to hunting before.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Dean asked. “I scoped out the place last night. After hours, of course. Whatever we’re looking for, it sure wasn’t around then. One of the patrons surely has the object.”

“And Sam? Will he be alright?”

Dean shrugged as the walked further into the mansion. “Yeah, well, you know Sam. He’d probably hate being here anyway.”

oOoOo

Sam sat on a gravestone in the graveyard their “Casper the friendly ghost” had been buried in. His hands were in the pockets of his jacket to keep them warm in the night air. Candles from his séance flickered, shadows playing across the ground. Sam puffed out his cheeks, blowing out a long breath, tapping his feet in complete boredom.

“Great,” he muttered.

He’d already been alone there for some time, and he’d had no luck.

Dean and Cas were probably having the all the fun. He was so bored he’d sell his right foot to be with them instead of here.

oOoOo

The night wore on. Castiel didn’t find many of the guests as entertaining as he wished. It was hard to be in competition with Dean Winchester. Things had been going rather well, it had seemed, until Castiel saw one of the guests’ true faces. What in the world was a demon doing showing up to a hunt involving a ghost? It was possible it had heard they were in the area, and didn’t want to lose the opportunity.

Castiel stopped in his tracks when he saw them. He stood at the bottom of the staircase, about to ascend it. The demon had been descending. Dean tugged at Cas.

“Hey, baby, come on. They’re serving more food upstairs. You know I want some of those oysters.”

Castiel summoned his angel blade.

Dean stared down, frowning.

“Uh, Cas, not that I’m against you being stabby or anything, but showing your weapon at a party isn’t gentlemanly.”

“Dean, go to the Impala, get the spare angel blade in the trunk.”

“What? Why?”

Castiel pointed at the man smiling, coming closer to them. His eyes had gone black.

Castiel could smell Dean’s nerves. But then Dean kissed him on the cheek, and took off down the steps, through the entryway, and out the door.

oOoOo

There were screams coming from the mansion when Dean got back up to the bluff, angel blade in hand.

It was pure chaos inside the mansion. Castiel and the demon fought inside the entryway, and couples bejeweled in finery were desperately trying to scramble out of the way. A few bodies were on the stairs, either dead already or on the way there. They were bleeding out.

Castiel crashed down against the round table in the entryway, wood shattering beneath the force of his fall and his weight crashing down on top of it. The demon grabbed Cas by the throat, and backed him up towards the fire, head banging against the mantlepiece. Sparks singed Castiel’s suit.

Dean was about to go help him, but Cas fought the demon off, pushing them back.

Dean started rounding up guests. “Okay, okay. This way. Get behind the bar.”

But that area started filling up quick, and there were others too far away. The demon was body-hopping too, not just to keep Castiel on his toes, it seemed, but to use the humans to kill each other.

Dean got some people safe under the stairs, a few in the women’s bathroom, and some in the long, walk-in closet with all the coats.

But he cursed, realizing everything was too spread out. There were still people coming from the stairs to peer over the top of the railing and see what was happening. The demon took that as an advantage to fling guests to their deaths.

Realizing he couldn’t help them anymore without getting into the fight, he stood amidst the blood and broken glass and shattered wood, angel blade in hand.

“Hey!”

The demon had gone back into its original body (well, if body-snatching counted as its original body).

“You looking for me?” Dean asked.

“I’m here for you, and the angel,” the demon answered.

Dean kept it talking as Castiel came up from behind.

“Lucky for you, we’re both here.” Dean started to pace, doing anything to keep the demon from wanting to turn around. “What brought you here anyway? Don’t tell me it was the cheap tourism.”

“Where the Winchesters go, I follow.”

“Yeah, ‘cause that isn’t stalkery at all. Look, buddy, not to be rude, but I’ve already got a date for the evening. You mind doing us all a favor and sending yourself downstairs? I’ll help. Free of charge. Excorcizamus te, omnis immundu—”

The demon lunged for Dean, even as its body contorted from the power of the exorcism. Dean came up, ready to take some blows if that’s what it took to get this thing stabbed and killed. His blade rammed up into its ribcage. Castiel came from behind and pierced it in the back.

The demon sparked out in orange light, body falling to the floor, blood trickling out of it. Dean leaned down to wipe the angel blade he had on the dead guy’s jacket.

“That wasn’t very gentlemanly of you,” Dean told Cas.

Castiel argued, some levity in his rough voice, “I wasn’t the one who stabbed him first.”

Castiel put his blade… wherever he put it — the void or something — and then he said, “I’ll call Sam.”

“Yeah, I think he’d want to get in on our gentleman escapades.”

Castiel squinted his eyes at him. “What is it with you and that word?”

Dean straightened his bowtie, feeling hot blood that had splattered on it get on his fingers.

“It’s the bowtie,” he responded.

Castiel just rolled his eyes, but he pulled Dean into a kiss.

#SpnStayAtHome #Destiel #Destiel fanfiction #Supernatural #spn #Supernatural fanfiction #spn fanfiction #fanfiction #writing #my writing

[rainandhotchocolate]

Winter Ball

A/N HELLO it’s DAY 10 (even though it’s 11 oops), here is the first fic for the day! I thought I’d mix it up a bit and do a gxg one so here is a Narcissa x reader fic cause why the hell not, and also @malfoy​ has gotten me onto the Narcissa fic track and im a mess.

It is very smutty just an FYI (also sorry I have v little experience in the gxg area so feel free to give me some feedback!)

Enjoy xx

Y/N stared at herself in the mirror, fiddling with her hair. The dorm room was quiet around her, and she knew she should really be getting going before everything started, but she couldn’t help watching to see if there’s anything out of place.

She was wearing a long dark green gown, strapless with small sparkling stars on the sweetheart bust and the remaining silk falling down to her ankles in a soft silhouette. She’d picked it out months ago with her mum in Diagon Alley but now she was wearing it, hair and makeup done, she felt nervous.

Y/N took in a deep breath, steeling herself before turning away from the mirror and walking determinedly down towards the common room. It was nearly empty, Christmas decorations hanging across the fireplace and snowflakes hanging in the air around the green Slytherin common room, fake snow blanketing the windowsills. Y/N slipped out of the room quickly, not wanting anyone to comment on her slinky dress and twinkling black heels and make her even more nervous.

This wasn’t exactly Y/N’s element. She could normally be found in much more… casual clothes. She barely could be seen in anything but black or blue jeans when she wasn’t in her uniform, and baggy jumpers were a staple.

Her heels clicked loudly down the hallway as she moved quickly towards the staircase that led to the Great Hall which had been transformed into a dance floor for the evening. There had been an announcement a month previous regarding the introduction of a winter ball, where you could choose to bring someone and stay over Christmas to enjoy winter festivities and a live band. Only fourth years and above were permitted entry unless you were invited by an older student, and students had been talking about nothing else for weeks.

Y/N reached the top of the stairs and peered out into the hallway. There were still some other students milling around the corridors surrounding the Great Hall, the doors wide open. Y/N sighed in relief, thanking Merlin that she wasn’t going to make some grand entrance into the ball and pushing herself to move forward and towards the doorway.

Y/N felt herself let out a small gasp at the sight of the Great Hall, stepping into the side to avoid the main walkway into the dance floor. The four tables that normally took up the majority of the room had disappeared, replaced with hundreds of small round tables covered in gleaming white tablecloths and floral centrepieces that seemed to be covered in snow. In fact, the entire room looked like it had been coated with a layer of fresh snow, the dance floor looking like ice, gleaming brightly underneath large ornate chandeliers covering the ceiling. There were ice sculptures of each house mascot in different areas of the room, which seemed to move when a student walked passed.

“It’s amazing isn’t it,” someone had sidled up to Y/N as she stood in awe of the decorations. Y/N turned to see Narcissa Black, dressed in a silvery-white gown that matched her hair which was curled loosely down her back. She looked angelic, though Y/N knew she was usually quite the opposite.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard you say that about anything,” Y/N smirked, turning to face her. Narcissa rolled her eyes.

“I’m allowed to be positive on occasion.”

“Apparently so.”

“So, who did you come with?” Narcissa gazed pointedly at the empty space beside Y/N and back to her.

“You know I said I was going stag.”

“You just couldn’t get the courage to ask anyone out,” Narcissa raised an eyebrow turning back towards the dancefloor. Y/N followed her gaze, spotting a small group of Slytherin’s dancing to the side of the room.

“You came with Lucius then?”

“Of course, we are the perfect couple, aren’t we?” Narcissa grinned at Y/N, “He’s actually here with some Ravenclaw girl and I’ve been stalking Oliver all night.”

“Well make sure you get some photos with Lucius this time, so you don’t get killed by your parents.”

“Duly noted.”

They fell into a comfortable silence, gazing across the crowd. Whilst the ball was to integrate the houses in a fun and safe environment, the standard cliques were definitely showing across the crowd. Y/N could see the more awkward Ravenclaws standing around the drinks table chatting animatedly, the Hufflepuff Quidditch team dancing the most intensely in the centre of the dancefloor, standing dangerously close to the Gryffindor ice sculpture. There was the self-proclaimed marauders watching a group of girls from a table right next to the dancefloor, smirking stupidly at each other every few minutes.

“Care for a dance?” Narcissa turned back to Y/N, expression calm, but one hand was sidling up to Y/N’s waist. Y/N couldn’t help but let a small smile curl onto her face.

“Only if it’s going to completely destroy hetero conceptions of the world.”

“But of course.” Narcissa took Y/N’s hand and led her through the tables and onto the dancefloor. Y/N had the momentary feeling that she would slip when she stepped onto the floor but it was solid and smooth and felt natural under the tip of her heel.

Narcissa pulled her close, a hand on her waist and another on her shoulder, the way one would dance at a proper pureblood evening with a male suitor, grinning as they fell into a waltz across the room.  

“I’ve not seen you in a dress before,” Narcissa spoke softly as they moved across the ice, gaining more than a few turned heads.

“I like to confuse expectations.”

“I can tell.” She spun Y/N around suddenly, pulling her in close and whispering in her ear, “You look incredible.”

Y/N felt her stomach twist in a delightfully nervous way as Narcissa pulled back, keeping her expression plain but not hiding the twinkle in her eyes that she always got when she flirted with Y/N. They continued to dance slowly with the music, people beginning to ignore them as two friends dancing together. The hum of the speakers changed as the song ended and people began moving towards the stage.

“So there will be live music huh?” Y/N watched the crowd build around them, swarming towards the stage where a curtain was currently pulled over.

“Any bets it’s someone very terrible.”

Before Y/N could answer the curtain pulled back, revealing four boys in the same black velvet robes, looking very hyped.

“Are you ready to ROCK HOGWARTS!” The lead singer screaming into the microphone, resulting in a loud response from the crowd.

“And you are right,” Y/N laughed as the crowd pushed up against the stage and the band began to play aggressively.

“I think it might be time to casually slip out,” Narcissa had hold of Y/N’s wrist and slid her out of the crowd and towards the exit of the Great Hall.

Y/N looked quickly behind her to see if anyone had seen them leave before following Narcissa’s long strides across the corridor and down some stairs that lead to the Dungeons. Y/N couldn’t help but watch as Narcissa’s dress swished from side to side with her perfect feminine walk, the one Y/N was sure she had practised in the mirror for every event her parents held.

They passed the Slytherin common room quickly, moving towards the potions classroom and where Y/N knew there was a roomy broom cupboard hopefully sitting unused and out of the way…

Narcissa spun on her heels, the silver-white dress clinging to her hips as she turned to face Y/N as Y/N came to meet her.

“Care to join me?” Narcissa nodded towards the cupboard, looking innocent enough, the gaze Y/N had seen her use countless times to get boys to do what she wanted.

“If you insist,” Y/N stepped forward, standing directly in front of Narcissa now, slightly shorter than her even in heels, leaning forwards so that their bodies were touching as Y/N opened the door behind her.  

Narcissa grabbed Y/N roughly, pushing her inside and closing the door with her foot. It was dark, a soft light coming through the gaps in the door which outlined Narcissa’s curves as she stalked towards Y/N. Y/N pulled out her wand and gave a flick, a ball of light coming from the end of it and hovering above the two of them so Y/N could see Narcissa’s grinning face.

And then suddenly she was pushing her up against the back wall, kissing Y/N roughly, hands pressed against her own, lifting them up above Y/N’s head and pinning them to the wall behind her. Y/N kissed her back with equal passion, parting her lips so that Narcissa could flick a tongue against Y/N’s, both smiling into the kiss. Narcissa pulled away, swishing her long hair across her right shoulder and leaning against Y/N’s left, biting her way down Y/N’s neck and clavicle as she groaned softly, arching her back into Narcissa’s chest.

“You like that?” She cooed into Y/N’s ear, chewing on it softly.

“Yes,” Y/N gasped, closing her eyes, wanting to feel Narcissa’s hands still pushing against the wooden back wall, the soft tulle of her dress swishing against Y/N’s legs. Narcissa placed a heeled foot between Y/N’s legs, using the gap to lean further forwards.

“What else would you like?” She whispered, her voice getting rougher, less controlled. Y/N loved it when she lost control.

“Make me scream so loud you need to cover my mouth,” Y/N whispered back, grinning when she heard Narcissa’s soft moan at her words.

“How much do you like this dress?”

“Not enough to keep it on.”

Narcissa smirked, letting go of Y/N’s wrists above her head and trailing them down towards the zipper of Y/N’s dress, her long fingers trailing against her spine. Narcissa kept her eyes on Y/N, biting her lip softly as her hands reached around the back of her dress and ripped it open in one smooth moment. Y/N gasped lightly as she felt the top of the dress slip, revealing her very naked breasts heaving in front of Narcissa.

“Fuck,” Narcissa groaned, looking at her almost primitively, moving her hands around to the front of Y/N’s chest and massaging each breast softly, almost painfully slowly edging her way to each nipple before pressing a thumb on each and pressing lightly inwards, continuing to massage as Y/N felt her eyes roll back into her head. Narcissa grinned, leaning forward and sucking on one of her nipples, hard, biting down slightly when Y/N bucked her hips into Narcissa’s.

“You know, it’s really not fair that you still have this on,” Y/N breathed, looking down and Narcissa’s gown that was still very much in tact.

“I think you’re right,” She gave her an innocent look, standing upright and holding Y/N’s gaze as she unzipped her dress slowly, letting it slip the whole way down her body and onto the ground, only wearing a pale white thong.

“Not fair,” Y/N growled, giving her body a once over, feeling everything inside her tingling slightly at the sight of her porcelain, perfect skin and stunning body. Y/N let out a soft breath, but before she could take in another Narcissa had pulled the up the skirt of Y/N’s dress and picked her up with surprising ease, Y/N’s heels kicking back onto Narcissa’s hips. She pulled the skirt up higher and higher, kissing her way up Y/N’s leg slowly as Y/N reached down and gripped a large number of her shining curls in her fist, pulling back in the way she knew Narcissa liked. She responded by moving closer to Y/N and kissing the top of her vulva, making Y/N squirm.

Narcissa smiled against her leg, leaning in again and flicking a tongue across the edge of Y/N’s clitoris. Y/N moaned loudly, grabbing a hook that was sitting behind her and pushing her head against the wall as Narcissa began to flick her tongue back and forth softly but consistently over Y/N’s vulva. Every few flicks she would suck softly, making Y/N squeeze her thighs tightly around Narcissa’s head and neck and moan even louder.

“Fuck, Cissy, fuck,” Y/N gasped, squirming uncontrollably now as she felt her stomach begin to shake at Narcissa’s touch. Y/N could feel Narcissa grin but made no sign of slowing as she moved down suddenly and pushed her tongue into Y/N’s vagina.

“Merlin, I’m so close,” Y/N gasped, tightening her grip around Narcissa’s shoulders and pulling a hand through her soft, white hair. Narcissa looked up momentarily, wanting to see Y/N’s body wrapped around her own, breathing hitched, eyes wild.

She winked at Y/N before pushing Y/N closer to the wall, using her hands to push Y/N’s ass higher on her face and flicked her tongue faster against Y/N’s clitoris. Suddenly, her right hand moved away from Y/N’s body and moved up Y/N’s thigh as Narcissa licked faster and Y/N’s body shook. Narcissa pushed her index finger into Y/N’s vagina and Y/N had to stop herself from screaming Narcissa’s name loudly across the room.

“Fuck, Narcissa,” She managed, hissing into the air as her stomach shook harder, the orgasm building in her. “I want you so bad.”

Narcissa moaned into Y/N at her words and the vibration made Y/N slam her head against the wall and moan loudly, her orgasm washing over her in waves as Narcissa pulled her head away, continuing to move her finger in circles inside Y/N.

Narcissa clamped one hand against Y/N’s mouth, smirking mischievously, but the hand against her mouth just made her wetter, biting down against Narcissa’s fingers as she rode out her orgasm.

Narcissa pulled out her index finger after a moment, placing both hands around Y/N’s waist to hoist her down from the wall and around her shoulders.

They stood in silence for a moment, both breathing heavily and smiling. Y/N bit her lip as she saw Narcissa’s glistening skin, her breasts pressed against her own.

“We should probably get back before anyone wonders where we got to,” Narcissa breathed, trailing one finger along Y/N’s arm, making her shiver.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to finish you off?” Y/N placed her hand against Narcissa’s upper thigh, her lip curling as she watched Narcissa’s pristine manners disappear with a dark flash across her face.

“Later,” Narcissa grinned, pulling Y/N’s hand away and leaning in to kiss her softly. “I’ll see you after I kiss Lucius publicly goodnight.”

“Such a tease.”

“I do my best.” Narcissa pulled her dress back up, zipping it quickly before helping Y/N pull her own up and glued it back together with a flick of her wand.

“Give me five minutes,” Narcissa nodded towards the door, pulling it slightly open to check the coast was clear before slipping out silently. Y/N leaned against the door, still breathless, giving Narcissa the 5-minute gap she’d requested. Later, she’d see her again later.

Y/N smiled to herself and followed Narcissa’s steps out of the cupboard and out of sight.

 Taglist: @maraudersandco​ @gollyderek​

@northscorpio @seesaw-it   @passionfruitt @depressedcoffeebean @supercuteasalily @palaisdecouture @blackpinkdolan @fashionlive15 @creepysweet @sour-patch-kid

#rainandhotchocolate #narcissa x reader #narcissa black x reader #narcissa imagine #narcissa malfoy x reader #narcissa malfoy imagine

[architectnews]

Frank Gehry unveils renovation and extension of the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry has designed new galleries and public spaces as part of a revamp of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Pennsylvania.

The museum's new spaces will open to the public tomorrow on 7 May 2021 after a four-year-long renovation.

A sculptural staircase leads down to the Williams Forum

Called the Core Project, the renovation and extension encompassed 90,000-square-feet (8,360 square metres) including 20,000 square feet (1,850 metres) of new gallery space. The first stage of the renovation opened to the public in 2019.

Canadian-American architect Gehry led the process of redesigning the historic building on Fairmount hill.

The Lenfest Hall has been renovated

Designed by American architect Horace Trumbauer and his chief designer, African American architect Julian Abele, the museum first opened to the public in 1928.

Frank Gehry worked with the same material used by the original architects, a golden limestone called Kasota stone, which is quarried in a small town in southern Minnesota.

Limestone lines the new Williams Forum

"The goal in all of our work at the Philadelphia Museum of Art has been to let the museum guide our hand," said Gehry.

"The brilliant architects who came before us created a strong and intelligent design that we have tried to respect, and in some cases accentuate," he added.

"Our overarching goal has been to create spaces for art and for people."

The new public space has a domes white ceiling

The Robbi and Bruce Toll Terrace – formally the West Terrace – has been rebuilt with integrated Kasota stone and granite ramps to make the museum accessible.

On the first floor the main entrance, called the Lenfest Hall, has been renovated. Its stone walls and columns have been cleaned and new LED ceiling lights installed.

Kasota stone features on the curving staircase

Gehry also designed an admissions desks for the Lenfest Hall, which is clad in Douglas fir and topped by bronze counters.

A new public space called the Williams Forum connects the ground floor to the upper storeys. It is reached via a 40-foot-high (12 metres) sculptural staircase clad in Kasota stone with bronze-topped railings.

A domed ceiling of white plaster tops the space, which will be used for large-scale installations and – after the coronavirus pandemic – large gatherings.

Art by Teresita Fernández occupies one wall of the Williams Forum

Displayed on the east wall of the Williams Forum is a map of America made from pieces of charcoal by American artist Teresita Fernández.

Called Fire (United States of the Americas), it "points to the cycles of destruction and regeneration on which the history of this country is built", according to the museum.

Tiles have been restored and pipes laid below the Vaulted Walkway

The Vaulted Walkway, a 640-foot-long (195 metres) corridor running the breadth of the exterior of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, has been reopened again after 50 years.

The Guastavino tiles in the vaults between the collonades have been restored, and new steam pipes, water lines, electric and internet cables have been installed below the paving to improve the museum's infrastructure.

The South Hall has been turned into a sculpture room

A room at one end of the Vaulted Walkway, called the South Hall, has been refurbished and turned into a sculpture display area.

Gehry is a much-lauded architect and the recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, Japan's Praemium Imperiale, and America's Presidential Medal of Freedom amongst other accolades.

Notable museum projects from his practice include the upcoming Luma Arles arts tower in southern France, which is slated to open in June, and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.

Photography is by Steven Hall.

The post Frank Gehry unveils renovation and extension of the Philadelphia Museum of Art appeared first on Dezeen.

#Architecture – Dezeen

[the-witch-and-her-husbands]

Day Twenty-Six: Zombie

Jilomena peered from under her hood at the large building that loomed above them.

Her husband had called for her that morning after breakfast, when she was finishing getting ready for the day. Severus had explained that they had been summoned by the Dark Lord, who wished for their assistance for a new potion.

Rumour had it that the Dark Lord was undertaking a new tactic in his quest for power. Severus and his wife were the only two that could be trusted with both their discretion and their combined skills in Potioneering. Hence the invitation.

They’d quickly apparated to the address that Severus had been given. This was the new temporary location of the one who had summoned them. He didn’t usually stay in one place for very long, preferring to move from safe house to safe house in order to keep one step ahead of the Order.

This time, the location was a a former muggle museum. It was located in a seaside town which had seen its heyday long ago, before the muggles discovered cheap transportation to climes abroad. The building was old, the windows boarded against intruders. WAX MUSEUM stood out in stark relief above the main entrance.

They went inside, using their wands to illuminate the darkness within. Displays stood here and there, in what was clearly the former lobby. A Death Eater stood guard in the corner, looking like one of the displays himself in his formidable silver mask.

The couple approached the man, who quickly indicated that Severus should follow him. The Dark Lord was waiting. Jilomena was excluded from the meeting until it came time to be given the instructions relating to the new potion. The one in charge had funny ideas about women, believing that they were somehow lesser and not usually to be trusted with his secrets. It was of no importance to her. Severus would tell her everything afterwards anyway.

‘It’s fine.’ She stood on tiptoe to give her husband a quick kiss before he departed. ‘I think I’ll just look around here a little.’

That had been that. The two men had left and she was now on her own to explore the premises as she saw fit. Holding her wand high for the light that it was emanating, she started to poke around.

Once upon a time, the building had been subject to climate control, so that the wax figures therein would be protected from extremes of temperature. Since the museum had gone bankrupt, the figures that remained had been given no such protections, sadly. They were beginning to crack and melt, evident from their sunken eyes and the fissures in their cheeks and on the back of their hands. For her, this held no detraction from their appeal. She stared, frankly fascinated.

There was a large opening to the right of the lobby, which is where the tour would have begun for the muggles once they’d paid the price of admission. She walked past the ticket desk, deciding there would be no harm in doing a little looking around while she was waiting. The lobby only held about six figures, that once upon a time would have made a tableaux. Maybe there were more in the other rooms?

The second room was much bigger, and held much more to look at. Famous figures from muggle history lined the walkway, looking more like corpses in their neglect. Spider webs covered the eyes of some of them, making them look like they had cataracts as they attempted to peer out at the world through dim and fading vision.

The seated figure of Queen Victoria caught her attention. According to the dusty placard, the figure had once had a motor which caused its chest to rise and fall as if it were breathing. It was amazing, the things that muggles would pay good money to go and see. If such a thing existed in the Wizarding world, the figures would be enchanted to move and speak as if they were living things. Now that would be something! A real tourist attraction.

Her light fell on a poster on the wall and she stopped to read it. It was a map of the available rooms: the Hall of Royalty, the Room of Celebrity, the Corridor of Politicians, and, of course, a Chamber of Horrors. It appeared the Chamber was downstairs. Now extremely curious, she decided to go and have a look.

She located the stairwell and carefully descended. Her light seemed to grow fainter, but then the darkness was more complete down here. There were no windows to let in cracks of light around the boards that covered them.

A large arrow pointed to the left as she arrived on level ground again. This way to the Chamber of Horrors! Children under 14 Prohibited! Pregnant ladies and those of a nervous disposition Should Not Enter!

A cracked wooden sign hung above the entryway. Abandon All Hope, Ye Whomst Entre Here...

She shook her head with amusement, walking through the fake rock facade. There wasn’t an awful lot of interest, and she was terribly disappointed so far. A few chains hung from the walls. A replica of a guillotine with a pile of heads before it; an old lady who was dressed in the clothing of ancient French peasants holding a lantern high above the scene. An axe here, an Iron Maiden there, open to show passers by the wicked spikes within.

Perhaps most of the decent exhibits had been removed? That would be a shame.

In the back corner of the Chamber, there appeared to be a pile of bodies. Aha. Maybe the rest of the exhibits had been thrown in a heap in haste, as the administrators stripped everything of actual value from the building. She moved closer, the steady light from her wand never wavering, in her curiosity to see more waxwork figures. The white beam fell upon the pale figures, the eyes in the sockets of the closest heads appearing white and cloudy.

Suddenly, it appeared that an arm from the pile twitched upwards, and then was still again.

She stopped. Huh. Maybe more than the model of Queen Victoria had motors in them to make them move? Muggles certainly were clever, weren’t they? This, she had to see.

Nearly on top of the pile, she stopped again, leaning forward to see better. This caused her to nearly lose her balance, so she quickly shifted one of her feet forward, brushing the leg of the nearest figure.

The pile suddenly appeared to erupt, as bodies began to untangle themselves, trying to stand or get on all fours.

She backed away, trying to make sense of what she was seeing. One figure, a woman, began to crawl after her, teeth gleaming in a malevolent grin. Jil could now see that the woman’s skin was rotten, stretched tightly over bone, her eyes appearing to gleam white in the reflected light...

The knut dropped. Inferi! The Dark Lord was assembling an army of Inferi!

"They are corpses, dead bodies that have been bewitched to do a Dark wizard's bidding.” The words from one of her long-ago textbooks suddenly came back to her. Why hadn’t she seen it sooner?!

There was no time for berating herself now. She turned and fled for the staircase. No way could she hope to hold off all of them. Her best option was to try to outrun them and go for help.

Just as she nearly reached the first stair, she tripped, landing flat on her face. Her wand came out of her hand with a clatter as she hit the cement full force. The light died out. She was alone, in the darkness, with a room full of Inferi. A bony hand gripped her ankle, and she kicked out with all of her force. No way was she going down without a fight. Wand or no wand, she would fight the muggle way if needs be.

In the darkness, a ring of flame erupted. Crimson and gold, the ring of fire surrounded her, causing the Inferi to let go and stumble away in their haste to save themselves from the only thing that would bring them harm. She looked upwards. Her husband was standing on the bottom step, wand held high as he whipped it around him, causing the fiery ring to encircle them.

He helped her to locate her wand, then reached out his hand and pulled her up, holding her close to his side as they backed up the stairs and towards safety. The ring of fire encircled them, offering protection until they’d reached the upper level and daylight.

‘Oh. Thank Merlin!’ She threw her arms around his neck in a grateful hug. ‘If you hadn’t come along when you did....’

‘Yes.’ He held her tightly, burying his face in her hair. Severus had been sent to get her, amused and then concerned as he tried to locate her in the bowels of the building. His heart had stopped when he realised what was in the room there with her, trying desperately to take her from him. He’d nearly lost her! It didn’t bear thinking about. What had she been thinking, going off to explore on her own like that?! But there would be plenty of time for recriminations later. She was safe, and the Dark Lord was expecting them.

Once she’d stopped trembling and calmed down a bit, Severus led her towards the meeting room for their instructions. It wouldn’t do to keep him waiting.

He kept a tight grip on her hand this time, vowing to never let her out of his sight again.

#drabble #day twenty six #promptober #v:Shadow of Solace

[atalana]

Hargreeves House Masterpost

So sometimes you’re just there watching Umbrella Academy and you think “Hey, this is a really big confusing house, it would help to have a map of it!”, but no one’s done that so you have to (and also you’re a trivia nerd who wants to).

There will be a couple inconsistencies with certain parts of the show because the house wasn’t all filmed on one location, so those inconsistencies are in the show itself, but I’ve done my best to be as accurate as possible with as much of the show as possible

This is gonna get long, so I’ll put it under the cut

Okay, let’s start with the basics

The house forms roughly this shape

you can see it in this screenshot, with the courtyard in the middle there, and the courtyard is enclosed on all sides except for the opening to the right

It’s got a gazebo but not a whole lot else, it’s a pretty dismal place.

The reason I’ve split the stuff around it into house and training rooms is that the house curves around the courtyard but basically ends there (where I’ve marked on the diagram), the windows here mark the back of the house (give or take a small amount) and look onto the courtyard

However, this staircase

isn’t one that appears in the house, and I don’t think Hargreeves would allow the kids into the courtyard if he didn’t own all the buildings around it, and given how they’re doing exercise stuff here I assume this part of the building functioned for schoolwork, fitness and powers testing

(We don’t see any of this part of the building other than the stairs, but there’s plenty of it, so you can go wild with the headcanons here)

Now to the house itself - we’ll take this floor by floor.

Basement Level

The dance scene isn’t 100% accurate for where stuff is in the house, because they cared more about showing the people than the house, but it’s a pretty good guideline

The basement level is laid out more or less like this (doors/entrances are green)

(I’ve listed the staircases by colour because there’s more than one set)

So the whole academy wasn’t originally one building, Hargreeves more or less just bought the whole block and then knocked down the connecting walls, you can see them around in certain places where he hasn’t bothered to fix it up, the doorway between the stairs and the kitchen is an excellent example, as you can see here

(if you’re looking at this from the kitchen you’ll see the utilities, but like I said, discrepancies)

Now next to the main entrance of the Academy is what used to be a laundromat, and that laundromat has it’s own basement entrance that goes down from the street, it’s where Vanya and Leonard enter through in episode 6

And that leads into the kitchen

We don’t know much about this part of the house other than what we see in the dance scene, but we can see Pogo’s room, and we can presume from the look of the place next to it (and also bc there’s nowhere else for it to be), that that’s where the elevator down to Vanya’s dungeon is (probably quite deep underground, as the elevator takes a while to go up and down)

Ground Floor

The ground floor layout looks something like this

The entrance hall and living room we’re all pretty familiar with, that’s where most of the scenes in the house take place

Next to them in the dance scene we can see two things, the continuation of the red staircase coming up from the basement, and Grace working in a kitchen

This kitchen actually has an oven and stuff, so I assume it’s where most of the food prep gets done, as opposed to the basement kitchen which is a lot more chill of a space

We don’t technically know what’s behind any of this, but there has to be something given how the floor above it has rooms there, so if I had to guess I’d say it was more spaces Grace needs

The part at the back again, we only know is there because of the floor above it, and the second floor is entirely Sir Reginald’s back there, so this part probably is too

The second floor is the most complicated, so I’ll take it in parts

Second Floor - Left

This is where most of the kids rooms are, and is most characterised by the long corridor with the fighting instructions along it

The original layout for this part of the house was something like this

(The blank space is left because there is a corridor there, but we don’t ever see what it leads to, and the cues we get from the scene don’t make sense with the layout of the house)

The red stairs continue throughout the house, the spaces left in this case because it’s just part of the corridor, though there is a door downwards

The bathroom is directly across from what was originally Vanya’s room, and there’s fighting posters along that corridor too

Now I say originally, because here’s the interesting thing - at some point Vanya’s room was removed

Our first scene we see of the kids rooms, you can see Klaus and Vanya’s rooms are clearly separate, here (and both really tiny)

However when Vanya goes back in episode 10 to all the memories in these rooms, it’s not her room anymore, it’s just Klaus’

And this continues into the present day - here’s Klaus’ room now, and you can see the divide in wall where it used to be two rooms

It’s also still got both doors, in this scene Five enters through one and leaves through the other

What happened that Vanya was removed from her room? I don’t know, but I’d imagine that had something to do with Reginald’s attempts to isolate her (and it definitely contributed to this being a bad memory for her)

(Also on the subject of Five - when he left Vanya’s room was still on this floor so that’s another thing to think about)

Diego’s, Allison’s, and Luther’s rooms stay pretty consistent throughout the series, here for reference

At the end of the corridor is the green staircase, which leads up to the attic (and also connects to the central part of the house)

(in here)

Second Floor - Central

Not much to say here, it’s all very pretty but we know what it looks like, or you can go back and watch for yourself, this part is in most house scenes

Second Floor - Hargreeves’ Rooms

We don’t know that much about the layout of Hargreeves’ rooms, we see a lot of it but not in relation to itself, we know it contains Hargreeves’ bedroom, study, the surveillance tapes room, and many other rooms, it’s all blue and dramatic

Here’s what we do know

(Hargreeves’ bedroom)

(Hargreeves’ study and the room beyond)

(The hallway with the surveillance room)

Second Floor - Right

There’s not much of note here, it’s basically just the walkway, so I’ll just include the dance scene screenshot

Third Floor/Attic

The layout of the third floor looks like this

This is far enough over that half of it faces the alley, with the dumpster where Klaus chucked Hargreeves’ stuff

(here’s the fire escape from Five’s room)

(and Five’s room itself)

Closer to the street is the attic room, which we see from the balcony a lot (I mean okay upon further looking it’s probably just an extension of the fire escape but it’s a balcony now bc I don’t feel like changing my floor plan)

And here’s the attic room itself, with our only glimpse of the rest of the attic beyond it

It’s also the place Klaus gets Diego to tie him up

In the hallway we can see the top of the green stairs, and also a room to the right, which we know nothing about but I’m going to assume is Ben’s room, because no one ever goes in, and it’s the most convenient place to put it

(It also means that the attic housed the two kids who died/went missing, which would explain why Diego and Klaus mention they hate being up there, and Allison goes up there when she’s upset)

We can also assume there’s stairs up to the roof somewhere here, but we never see them

Roof

Honestly, this is more of a courtyard than the courtyard.

On the left is where the attic stairs would come up, and is probably the only access point to this whole place, since that’s the route Hargreeves uses, even though his rooms are on the other side

The only place of note here is the greenhouse, where Allison and Luther’s fort was

But yes, that’s a complete layout of the Hargreeves’ house (or as much as we see in the show anyway), now go forth and write more informed fics or come up with headcanons or whatever you wanna do with this info

#tua #the umbrella academy #reginald hargreeves #luther hargreeves #diego hargreeves #allison hargreeves #klaus hargreeves #number five #five hargreeves #ben hargreeves #vanya hargreeves #tua meta #words

[siribear]

‘so.’ alice loads another clip of microfusion cells into her laser rifle. ash whirls around her shoes as they move past another section of subway tunnel, and she pointedly ignores where it came from. ‘you said there’s danger in publishing the paper?’

‘people don’t like hearing the truth all the time.’ she pitches her voice high. ‘piper, why don’t you publish good news for once? they’d rather eat up lies than swallow the truth.’

‘poetic.’ alice searches the pockets of a dead triggerman, coming up with a handful of bullets for her 10mm. ‘ignorance is bliss, i suppose.’

piper brushes invisible dust from her coat. ‘right. enough that they’d try to poison me instead of listen.’

‘wait, you were poisoned?’

‘oh, man.’ her eyes light up like she isn’t remembering a near-death experience. ‘so, there i am at the dugout inn, winding down with a drink. i turned to talk to someone about... something, not important, but the next swig i take tastes funny.’

at the end of the half-collapsed subway tunnel is a closed vault door, vault 114 printed on the cogwheel shape. alice frowns, unspooling the plug on her pipboy to unlock the vault door in front of her. ‘funny how?’

piper shrugs, watching. ‘off. so i start getting woozy and before i can pass out, i stick my head under the still and just start chugging moonshine.’

code flashes by on her pipboy screen, just like when she opened the door in vault 111. piper is too into her story to realize alice knows too well what she’s doing for someone that just picked up a pipboy.

‘and i just - just vomit all over the floor. yefim wasn’t happy with me, but hey. no poison.’

the vault door screech open when she presses the manual override button. the door turns like a wheel, sliding into the wall. yellow lights strobe around the room beyond. ‘well, i’m glad you aren’t dead,’ she says when the grating noise stops. ‘how’s nat feel about all this?’

piper’s smile falls. she pulls her hat down to her eyes. ‘that’s, uh,’ she pauses when two triggermen appear to investigate the door opening. wielding only bats, they don’t even make it close. ‘that’s kind of what worries me, sometimes.’

alice hums in understanding. they make their way into the vault. it’s more cluttered than vault 111 was. shelves create a labyrinth after they walk across the grated walkway into the vault entrance. crates and boxes line the shelves; some empty, some with supplies that she and piper take for themselves.

‘do you think she could be in danger?’

piper pauses, halfway to tucking a stimpak in her coat pocket. ‘i don’t know. after mcdonough threatened us, i’m kind of worried that she is. and i don’t know what i’d do if something happened to her.’

because of me, alice imagines she isn’t saying. ‘why don’t you move, then? or give up the paper.’

‘because, as dangerous as it is, it’s the right thing to do.’

-

after following the winding halls and rooms through the vault, a staircase finally leads to a room that opens up to a large area, indefinitely under construction. digging equipment is still lodged in the dirt walls, mid-job. alice leads the way across metal catwalks over the dirt floor. their shoes echo on the walkways.

another handful of triggermen rush out to greet them, but between piper’s quick shooting and alice’s laser rifle, they make quick work of them.

‘are you with the brotherhood of steel?’ piper asks, watching alice pick through more pockets.

‘no. i helped the squad that was trapped at the cambridge police station. the gun was a gift.’

piper crosses her arms over her chest. ‘yeah? didn’t know the brotherhood was so.. giving to anyone that wasn’t one of theirs.’

alice shrugs as she sorts through ammo. ‘they definitely tried.’

‘but you managed to get a custom brotherhood weapon without joining?’

the line of questioning is fair, alice thinks. probably deserved, since she’s done nothing but pry since they left diamond city. ‘i assume you aren’t a fan.’

‘they’re not the most accepting group. and they don’t like anyone else sharing their toys.’

finished with her looting, alice stands and brushes ash off her jeans. they exit the excavation room only to find a smaller room similar to the ones before except - it’s a dead end.

‘well. great.’ hands on her hips, piper looks around. ‘what now?’

alice walks around a large pillar in the center of the room. in the back corner is a terminal and, almost comically in front of it, a hole in the floor. ‘here,’ she says, craning her neck to look down the hole. it’s not a far fall if they land on the piece of ceiling to the second floor that juts out.

‘okay... that’s not dangerous at all.’

‘more dangerous than taking on a gang with just us two?’ alice asks with a raised eyebrow. before piper can respond, she sits at the edge of the hole, turns, and swings down to the ceiling. it holds. she helps piper down to the next level, then jumps down to the next room.

rifle drawn, she sweeps the room and finds it clear. piper stumbles after she hits the ground, but steadies herself on alice’s arm. ‘are you okay?’

‘i’m fine!’ piper exhales heavily. ‘do you think other journalists do stuff like this?’

alice smiles. ‘you’re the only one crazy enough.’

‘you’re... probably right.’

-

when they finally find nick valentine, it’s in a room at the very top of the vault atrium. a pair of voices drifts down the open room, one distinctly accented and the other belonging to another gang member.

‘that’s nick,’ piper whispers. ‘sounds like he’s stuck up there.’

alice and piper quietly make their way to the top, turning at the top of the stairs. a triggerman argues with nick through a circular window, his voice growing panicked as their argument continues.

‘the black book?’ says the triggerman, voice fearful. ‘i-i better go clear things up with skinny. don’t-don’t move, valentine.’

‘wouldn’t think of it, dino,’ comes nick’s response, dry and flat.

dino jogs their way and gets the butt of a laser rifle to the face when he gets close enough. he crumples in a heap, blood flowing from his broken nose. alice nudges him with her shoe, but he doesn’t get back up.

‘piper, that you?’ nick asks when piper passes in front of the window. ‘what’re you doing here?’

‘brought you some help! hang on, nicky.’ piper begins tapping away at a terminal on the wall.

when alice passes by the window, the room is too dark to see much. a single ceiling light illuminates nick standing in the center, but all alice can make out is a yellow trenchcoat.

‘hey, think you can get this?’ piper says, smacking the side of the terminal. ‘i hate these things.’

alice hacks the terminal easily and keys into the option to unlock the door. the door itself opens with a hiss. alice steps into the room just as nick steps fully into the light, a half-lit cigarette in hand.

yellow, glowing eyes stare back at her, same as the synths she fought back at arcjet. her hands twitch toward her gun, but nick either doesn’t notice or simply doesn’t mention it. when he removes the cigarette from his mouth, he has no breath to exhale.

‘can’t say i don’t appreciate the irony of the reverse damsel in distress scenario - ’ he snuffs out the cigarette in an ashtray on the desk next to him. ‘ - but who are you?’

alice grins. ‘your knight in shining armor, princess.’ nick’s robotic face, plastic skin stretched over a metal skeleton, is impassive. ‘i’m alice.’

a gear whirs in the exposed joint of his jaw. ‘and what brings you to help out an old detective?’

‘i need your help finding a missing person.’

‘hey, uh,’ piper calls from the door. ‘we might want to get going. i’m hearing footsteps.’

valentine takes alice’s offered handgun. ‘alright. you and i will talk when we get out of here. let’s go.’

-

at the bottom floor, the trio hides in a side room. a handful of triggermen enter the room, guns drawn. ‘dino?’ one of them calls.

‘up here!’ dino yells, leaning over the top railing with one hand. ‘some bitch broke my nose!’

‘there goes the quiet option,’ nick whispers beside her. he shoots a triggerman in the chest when he runs into their hiding spot. dino, when he stumbles down the stairs to the mid-level of the atrium, gets himself shot in the head, courtesy of alice’s hunting rifle.

their way out of the vault is a bloody one. more triggermen try to stop them, only to be gunned down. in contrast to the empty maintenance rooms that made up their entry to the vault, they fight their way through the residential areas. one triggerman surprises them by jumping out of a nursery. alice hesitates, breath catching when she sees an empty crib. the triggerman’s bat slams into her arm.

she hears bone snap before she feels it, pain lancing through her arm. her rifle clatters to the floor. nick spins on his heel and fells the triggerman before his bat can come down on alice’s head.

‘hey. you alright there?’

the crib is blurry in her vision. she closes her eyes. ‘yeah,’ she grounds out. ‘peachy.’

‘that didn’t sound alright,’ piper says, behind her. ‘i think her arm’s broken.’

nick tries to touch it, but alice shies away when she feels a hand grab her sleeve. ‘we have to set it before we can use a stimpak.’ alice opens one eye. ‘hang on.’

‘fuck,’ alice swears. one of nick’s hands - metal, skeletal - holds her arm in place while the other injects a stimpak into her skin. she exhales a breath she didn’t realize she was holding and forces herself to breathe.

‘doctor sun can take a better look at that when we get to diamond city. are you good to move?’

she flexes her good hand, knuckles still white from clenching her fist. ‘yeah. like i said - peachy.’

she doesn’t look back at the nursery.

-

nick had told them skinny malone’s name was ironic, and it wasn’t a lie. a bigger man in a tuxedo stands in front of them, flanked by two triggermen. a woman in a purple sequined dress stands to the side, a bat held tightly in her hands.

‘what’re you doing, nicky?’

‘you shoulda told your dame to write home more often, skinny,’ nick says. ‘or none of us would even be here.’

the woman frowns heavily. ‘you should have killed him earlier. but no, you had to go soft on him because of old memories,’ she mocks.

‘shut up, darla. you don’t know what you’re talking about.’

‘what i know,’ darla spits, ‘is he brought his friends here to wipe us out.’ skinny malone half-turns to darla, ready to argue.

‘darla,’ alice begins, weary. she holds her healing arm lightly, not enough to be obvious she’s injured. ‘you shouldn’t even be here. you’ve seen what we can do - you have a family that’s waiting for you to come home.’

darla turns to her, eyes wide. her grip on her bat loosens. ‘i - ’

‘darla,’ skinny warns.

‘that’s what i was sent here for. to bring you home,’ adds nick.

it’s the nail in the coffin. ‘y-you’re right. i - don’t even know why i’m here.’

‘d-darla?’ skinny’s voice wavers. there’s a vulnerability there alice wasn’t expecting. ‘what’re you doing?’

‘what i should have done a long time ago, skinny. it’s... over,’ she says, almost sadly. her bat falls to the floor.

‘wow,’ piper whispers. alice agrees.

when skinny gives them ten seconds to leave without a fight, they don’t need to be told twice. nick leads them to a side room back in the subway tunnels and a ladder that will take them back to the surface. he goes first, alice follows one-handed, and piper brings up the rear.

the manhole opens up in the middle of boston, halfway between park street station and diamond city. the sun has already set on boston, and the city is quiet for it. after checking her pipboy, the trio head back toward diamond city.

‘how did you know where i was?’ nick asks in the silence.

piper swears, startled. alice responds, ‘your assistant, ellie, sent me.’

‘hm. i should give her a raise.’

-

they reach the diamond city entrance tired and hungry. a few of the guards greet nick happily, but alice and piper merely shake their heads. happy to see him, but none of them were willing to go after him. piper breaks away, heading home to check on nat.

doctor sun they catch just before he closes up shop, and he’s none too happy about it. though, when they pay him extra caps, he stops his grumbling. the doctor grabs her arm, ignoring her pained wince, and inserts another stimpak. this time, after a moment, she can move her arm with little pain.

nick walks her back to the dugout inn, and at his word, yefim gives her another night in her room for free.

‘i don’t need sleep, but you look dead on your feet.’ when he tips his hat, he reminds her of the detectives on old television shows. ‘we’ll talk tomorrow.’

he leaves her alone in the room. alice falls asleep before her head hits the pillow.

#oc: alice ward #siri drabbles #series: we will all go together when we go