#sudden and unexpected author promo | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

impracticaldemon · 5 years

Text

The Road to Tokyo

Hakuouki fanfiction by impracticaldemon

Words: ~ 3200 Read also on: FFN | AO3

Author's Note:

I decided to add some more to last year's story about Chizuru reuniting with Saitou after being told that he'd died in Aizu during the war (see “The Ghost” and “Reassurance”). The story is technically an AU, as it doesn't follow any of the canon good or bad endings for Saitou's route in the game. I note that, unlike in real life, I have had Saitou keep the name he had with the Shinsengumi post-imprisonment.

This is, in part, a promo-teaser-trailer for the upcoming SaiChi & Friends event that I'm co-hosting on tumblr. I hope you enjoy it!

~ Imp

The Road to Tokyo (or, Chapter 3 of "The Ghost")

Saitō stayed with Matsumoto-sensei and his wife for a week. Chizuru knew that he would have preferred not to impose on their hospitality for so long, but it wouldn't have been fair of her to leave without at least a few days' notice, and she was determined not to let Saitō leave without her. She'd found it difficult to sleep the night of his arrival—and every night since—for fear that he'd have vanished in the morning. Her emotions were still very near the surface, despite her best efforts, and she hated the way they seemed to swing from joy to fear almost at random.

Her conversation with Matsumoto-sensei about her decision to travel to Tokyo had gone better than she'd expected. She'd worried that the doctor might be upset, or even insulted, that she would choose to leave the security of life at the clinic for the uncertainty of travelling to the new capital without knowing what awaited. She'd also worried that he might—in her best interests—insist that Saitō's protection would be insufficient, or even improper. After all, it was a long trip to undertake with a man that she hadn't seen in two years, especially one who was neither relative, nor husband.

Her fears had proven largely unfounded, to a large extent because Saitō had evidently already considered the situation and decided on a course of action. The day after his arrival, Chizuru had found him in the kitchen preparing tea, even though it was very early, and Chizuru had been there to start breakfast. In retrospect, she realized he'd been waiting for her, although how he'd known she'd be there was unclear.

It had been an awkward moment, since Saitō had gone silent after the first polite greetings, and Chizuru had been forced to turn away to conceal tears of relief that he wasn't just some kind of delusion. That's when Chizuru had discovered that the tea was almost ready, and for some reason she'd frozen completely, unable to think coherently, or move. Saitō had gently turned her to face him at that point, although he'd remained mute for several more seconds before voicing—or at least introducing—his proposal.

"Yukimura-san, are you still of the same mind—that is, will you still accompany me to Tokyo?"

"Yes… yes, of course, Saitō-san. And please—please use my first name. I would prefer it." She hadn't thought to mention it the day before, when there'd been so much else to think and feel.

"…Chizuru-san?" She'd indicated no, that still wasn't quite right, and he'd finally managed, "Chizuru?" The extreme hesitation in his voice had made her want to laugh, but amusement had been immediately doused by sadness. She still mourned those who had used her name almost from the beginning: Heisuke-kun, of the bright smile and kind heart, and Harada-san, who had comforted and protected her, and Okita-san, who had mocked her, and pushed her—in good ways and bad—and needed her care. Fortunately, Saitō had continued almost at once.

"Would it be acceptable to you—do you think we might—for now—make a promise to marry?" He'd been visibly embarrassed, which was unlike him, and his voice had been almost too quiet to hear by the end. When she'd stared at him, bereft of speech, his colour had deepened even further, and he'd hurried to explain his sudden question. "I wouldn't ask—I know it's much too soon—except that it might make things easier with Matsumoto-sensei, and… in general. With officials, and others. For travelling, and so on."

Chizuru had been flustered, and undoubtedly just as red-faced as Saitō, but her answer hadn't been in doubt. She'd tried to make up for her initial stunned reaction.

"Yes! I mean, yes it would be—more than acceptable—but… are you sure you don't mind?" Then she'd cringed inwardly at herself. Of course he didn't mind, since he'd asked. Saitō wouldn't say something like that if he didn't mean it. Would he?

"I don't mind… That is—thank you for agreeing." He'd seemed genuinely pleased, and Chizuru had marvelled that after all the time apart, and so much grief, neither of them had had a change of heart.

It had probably been comical, from the outside—two awkward individuals, trying to express happiness at the prospect of being engaged. They'd done better after that, though. Saitō had managed a rueful smile—but a smile!—and then they'd been in each other's arms, the tea-making forgotten while they held each other. It was a balm and a blessing that Saitō seemed less aloof now than before—Aizu had changed him, a little, or maybe he'd just had long enough to think it all through. Fortunately, nobody had walked in, or if they had, Chizuru hadn't noticed.

Chizuru had spoken with Matsumoto-sensei after breakfast. He'd expressed surprise over the engagement, and genuine regret that Chizuru would be leaving the clinic, but on the whole, he'd taken it very well.

"It's the first time I've seen you smile in a very long time, Chizuru-chan," he'd told her seriously. "And besides, I've gotten to know you rather well over the past two years. I wish I knew Saitō-san better, so that I could be sure that he would take care of you, but I'm certain that you'd ignore any warnings or admonitions I might give you at this point regardless, so I might as well be gracious about it. This way, I know you'll write to me, both while travelling, and when you reach Edo." Matsumoto-sensei hated referring to the new capital as Tokyo.

He'd teased Chizuru a little after that, but kindly, and he'd assured her that he'd help in case there was any dispute over the house. Best of all—and Chizuru had been overwhelmed with gratitude—he'd promised to write letters of introduction to two colleagues in Tokyo, certifying that Chizuru had worked with him and had solid skills in basic medicine, including familiarity with both herbal remedies and Western medicine. Between that, and possible contacts among her father's former patients, Chizuru now felt more at ease about not being a burden on Saitō once they got to Tokyo.

For his part, Saitō had said very little to Chizuru about his subsequent, rather lengthy conversation with the doctor. If it had bothered him to answer questions about his intentions toward Chizuru, as well as personal questions about the true state of his health and fortune, he hadn't let it show. Truth be told, Matsumoto-sensei had found him a little difficult to fathom. In the end, he could only hope that the impassive young man cared about Chizuru as much as the girl evidently cared about him.

On the day of their departure, Chizuru rose early enough to make breakfast for the doctor and his wife. They'd given her a home for two years, and she was grateful. She assured them that she would write whenever she could, and that she would pray for the safe homecoming of various relatives still held in custody by the Meiji government. Saitō thanked them as well, his formal bow expressing not only his personal gratitude, but the gratitude of the now vanished Shinsengumi. Matsumoto-sensei had been a loyal friend.

Eventually, Chizuru found herself passing through the gate at which Saitō had appeared just a week before. She was assailed by a feeling of unreality, and not long after, she found herself reaching for the back of Saitō's coat. He must have sensed her movement, because he turned immediately, looking concerned.

"Is there a problem, Chizuru?" He'd become better about using her name now, although it was still new enough to make her at once warm and a little shy.

"No, Saitō-san." When his blue eyes continued to search her face, she decided it would be best to be honest. "I am just… very happy to be here with you. Sometimes it still feels like a dream, and I get anxious that you might go away and not come back." Again.

"I see." His face revealed very little of what he was thinking, but after a moment, he held out his hand. "There won't be many travellers on the roads, given the time of year. If you wish, I will hold your hand, so that you know I am with you."

Chizuru blushed at the unexpected offer. Tentatively, she took Saitō's hand. It was warm, despite the chilly air, and still noticeably calloused from so many years of using a sword. "Thank you, Saitō-san. I'm sorry for being so, um, strange about this."

"Īe. It is fine." He looked down at her, and she was reassured by the lack of either impatience or annoyance in his calm expression.

In the end, they held hands for most of the morning. It was so pleasant, and so reassuring, that Chizuru found herself tensing when they finally came across other travellers. To her surprise, Saitō kept his fingers firmly around hers, and showed no sign of letting ago. The older couple in the small ox-cart nodded politely to them, and if the man's eyes narrowed suspiciously upon making out the just-visible hilt of Saitō's sword, the woman smiled warmly at Chizuru, who immediately found herself smiling in return. She blushed when the woman winked at her, though.

Once the cart had gone by, and was slowly fading from sight behind them, she glanced up at Saitō, to find him looking pensive.

"Saitō-san?"

"…I believe that I will worry people less, now that I am travelling with you." Seeing that she didn't quite follow his train of thought, he added: "The roads are not very safe at the moment, as many were displaced by the war, and the northeast is still short of food. Also, the Imperial Army was large, and had its share of deserters; some of those men would not be welcome if they returned home." Chizuru sensed no particular contempt in Saitō's words, merely blunt assessment, but it was hard to know for sure what he thought.

"I had heard that there have been bandits on the road to Edo," she said cautiously.

"Tokyo," Saitō corrected gently. "The difficulty is that I look like I could be such a person."

Chizuru was immediately indignant. "No you don't! And besides, you would never stoop to—to—robbing people! It's just—obvious!" She came to a full stop, in order to emphasize her point.

Saitō looked at her in mild astonishment, then smiled. "I had… forgotten. How you perceive things." He cleared his throat, as though trying not to laugh. "My appearance has improved over the past week, thanks to your care, and that of Matsumoto-sensei and his wife; however, I believe that a more, ah, a more nervous observer would find my age, attire, and weapon of concern."

Chizuru frowned. Thinking about it more calmly, she could see his point, although she felt that a person would have to be very nervous not to appreciate Saitō's true nature. His clothes might be a little worn, but they were neat—not to mention clean and mended now!—and perfectly tidy. As for general appearances, surely nobody could find fault with his features, which were rather elegant—if a little thin—and in no way like a ruffian's. Perhaps she should have worked up the courage to ask to trim his hair—

"Yukimura? Ah—Chizuru?"

She blinked back to full awareness with a slight start, and was embarrassed to discover that she was staring fixedly at Saitō, her hands clenched into determined fists at her sides. Saitō was looking self-conscious, and a hint of red in his cheeks suggested that some part of her thoughts must have been visible on her face. Her own cheeks started to burn, and that probably would have made things even worse, but just then there was a faint cry for help from somewhere behind them, and they turned in unison, Saitō's hand falling automatically to the hilt of his sword.

It was late morning—surely an unusual time for banditry—but with the cold, and the absence of other travelers, perhaps the ox cart had made a tempting target. More likely, it was an accident with the beast drawing the cart, or with one of the wheels. Either way, Chizuru began to hurry back the way they’d come. Saitō immediately caught her shoulder.

"I will go first. Stay back, and be cautious."

"Hai!" Chizuru reached unconsciously to touch the hilt of a sword that she wasn't wearing, and had to remind herself that she was no longer a page with the Shinsengumi. Saitō's hand remained on her shoulder for a moment longer, and then he was past her, moving so quickly that she wondered if he had retained some measure of his powers as a rasetsu. Not that she'd be able to keep up either way, hampered as she was by her woman's clothing. At least she'd altered this kimono for travel, and wore leggings underneath against the cold.

It turned out that bandits could and did attack in daylight, when the roads were empty, and pickings were slim. Chizuru arrived in time to see one man holding a rifle, while a second stood guard over the ox-cart's owners with a drawn sword, and the third tossed items from the cart onto the road. The scene dissolved moments later, with Saitō's arrival.

They must have somehow missed his approach, she thought, as he effortlessly rid the swordsman of his weapon, knocked him sprawling, and put throwing knives—he was carrying knives?—through the hand and leg of the man with the rifle. He then closed with the third man, who appeared to be reaching for a weapon—whether a sword or a firearm, Chizuru couldn't make out.

Forgetting Saitō's command to stay back, she rushed to the couple kneeling at the side of the road, noting with dismay that the man was badly injured. He had a gash on his head, and his arm appeared to be broken, but he was still conscious, and looking murderous, rather than panic-stricken. His wife was clearly in shock, and had been roughly handled; Chizuru saw a bruise starting to darken under one eye. Tears in her clothing, and bleeding scrapes, suggested that she'd been dragged from the cart with far more force than necessary, and Chizuru felt a surge of anger.

"Knew your man for a soldier, miss, but damned if I expected a hero." The injured man was still surprisingly calm, although the sweat on his forehead betrayed significant pain.

She dove hastily into her bag for first aid supplies, but a shriek from the trembling woman beside her brought her eyes back up anxiously to check on Saitō. The former Shinsengumi captain was fine—unlike his opponent—but the bandit that he'd first disarmed had drawn a long knife, and was rapidly closing on Chizuru.

"Saw you two earlier," he growled, "an' I reckon your man would prefer ta keep ya in one piece."

"You're a fool to even try it," spat the ox-cart owner. "You're just going to get yourself killed."

"Shut it, you!" The bandit's hand had closed on Chizuru's collar, but he foolishly paused to aim a kick at the man taunting him.

Furious at the threat to use her against Saitō, and by the violence used against the cart owners, Chizuru snatched her scissors from the open medical supplies kit, and drove them as hard as she could into the bandit's closest leg. His agonized scream was cut off an instant later by a blow to the back of the head.

"Saitō-san!"

"Yukimura! Are you injured?"

They stared at each other over the bandit's unconscious figure. Blood was flowing freely down the man's leg, although Chizuru's blow didn't appear to have hit the artery, or any other significant blood vessel.

"She's fine, young bushi—though she's a lot more dangerous than she looks, it seems."

Chizuru immediately turned to the man and his wife in concern. "Oh! I'm so sorry—please, allow me to assist you! Your arm, and head—"

"What's she apologizing for?" the man asked Saitō, who gave a tiny shrug and turned away, his blue eyes not reflecting the calm he pretended. Chizuru might not realize it, but the blade in his hand had been aimed with killing intent. He'd changed his attack at the very last instant, and only because Chizuru had caused her assailant to stumble heavily. She'd saved the man's life—from Saitō, at least.

Eventually, they left the cart owner with his arm splinted, and his head bandaged, and the woman with the worst of her scrapes seen to, and recovering from her shock. She'd thanked Chizuru repeatedly for her care, and praised her courage. She'd completed the younger woman's discomfiture by adding that Chizuru had obviously chosen a strong, useful sort of man, who should be up to producing fine children. Meanwhile, Saitō had held a low-voiced conversation with the woman's husband that covered such topics as not wanting to delay their journey to Tokyo in order to look after formalities and paperwork related to the captured bandits. Saitō had made it clear that he'd gladly forfeit any bounty for the sake of remaining anonymous and free to travel.

Once back on the road, Saitō had taken the opportunity to regain Chizuru's hand—and to express his disapproval.

"You should not have gotten so close," he told her flatly. "I was in no danger."

"Gomenasai, Saitō-san." Chizuru hung her head. Now that the incident was over, she was feeling slightly sick—it had been a long time since she'd been in that kind of situation, and on top of that, she'd stabbed somebody. At the same time… if she hadn't been there, would the bandit have inflicted more harm on the nice couple before Saitō could subdue him? He must have been quite strong to recover as fast as he had from Saitō's initial attack.

They walked in silence for a bit, and then Chizuru was pulled abruptly from her thoughts when Saitō jerked her roughly into his arms and against his chest. It wasn't like him, and conveyed a great deal.

"…I should not blame you for my failure," he murmured against her hair. "It has been too long since I tried to fight without killing, and I misjudged. Gomenasai, Chizuru—he should never have been able to threaten you."

Chizuru couldn't respond; she was being held too tightly against Saitō's dark coat. But it pained her to hear the self-directed anger in his voice, so she finally made the effort to free herself—at least a little.

"You were wonderful, Saitō-san! You rescued everyone! Please—please don't be upset with yourself. I'll be more careful next time." When Saitō's embrace loosened enough for her to look up at him, she made the effort to smile. "Thank you for not killing anyone. I know they probably deserved it, and I know that they might end up dying anyway – as criminals. But thank you."

Saitō studied her carefully, then released his hold. Chizuru shivered involuntarily at the lack of his warmth, but she could hear other travellers approaching, and she knew that Saitō would be embarrassed to be caught in such an intimate pose—they both would, although privately she thought it might be worth it.

"Are you ready to go, Chizuru?"

"Hai!"

"…We are no longer with the Shinsengumi; nor are we with the army."

"I know. But you're still Saitō-san. I can't help it." This time her smile was unforced.

Saitō took her hand again, even though the other travellers were now in sight. "Let's go, Chizuru."

[END]

A/Note: Thank you for reading! I'm looking forward to SaiChi & Friends 2019 on tumblr from February 16 to 19, 2019. :) Also, please let me know if you'd be interested in seeing more of this particular "ghost" story

Tags: @shell-senji @eliz1369 @nalufever @canadiangaap @rainylune @sabinasanfanfic @kondo-hijikata @hidetheremote @petri808 @hakuouki-or-hakuoki @soujthings @iba-hime @moon-faced-pear-shaped @hakuyamazakisensei @nollatooru @kurokiorya @ladyshiranui

@writer-appreciation

Note: please let me know if you’d like to be added to, or dropped from, this list; my tag list is out-of-date, and I apologize in advance for omissions / extra adds.

#hakuouki #hakuoki #haku fanfiction #saichi #impracticaldemon #imp writes #saichifest 2019

79 notes · View notes

helplesslyfictional · 5 years

Text

Loki Fanfiction - Remember the Old Ways, Chapter 9 - “Just Hidden”

Author’s Note: I'm aliiiiiiive! That's right, my darling readers, I'm back to update. I hit a creative wall along with a bad stint of depression, only briefly stepping out with a burst of inspiration yesterday. Updating this fanfic is incredibly important to me, so I'll be working hard on another update in a week. However, because my mental health is the most important thing, I'm not going to be pushing myself too hard to meet my (self-given) deadlines. I do hope that you enjoy this. I didn't expect the progression to go quite like this, just like Tolkien didn't expect some of his plot twists until he wrote them. I can't wait to bring the next chapter to you all!

Chapter Summary: Loki's connection to Time strengthens with new visions, exposing painful truths and lies. Pairings: None! These stories are focused on family relationships.

What characters, then? Loki, Thor, Odin, Frigga, OCs [Sophia] [Forsetti], Heimdall

When? Pre-Thor 2011: From Asgard to Earth, will go through Thor 2011 Chapter Warnings: Mature themes, non-specific descriptions of battlefield and explosions, emotional trauma, anxiety

Taglist: @loki-the-fox; @i-am-loki-and-now-i-speak-up; @trickster-grrrl; @deviantredhead; @mylokabrennauniverse; @leanmeanand-green; @juliabohemian; @latent-thoughts; @lucianalight; @nox-th-lk-sf; @be-a-snake-stab-your-brother; @myart-reviews Please let me know if you would like to be added/removed from tags and I’m more than happy to do so!

AO3 story link; Wattpad; Promo/Master Post (please share if you like the fic!)

tumblr: Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3 / Chapter 4 / Chapter 5 / Chapter 6 /Chapter 7 / Chapter 8

“Loki.”

Loki’s eyes fluttered open as he tried to wake up.

“Loki?”

A woman’s voice - was it Mother?

Then his memories rushed back, putting the voice in its place. Sophia. Turning over, he saw her shadowed figure next to his bed. “What is it?” he asked, squinting a little bit as his eyes adjusted to the light.

“You said if I was overwhelmed to let you know,” she said softly.

Ah, right. Given that she hadn’t come back before he went to bed, he’d almost forgotten. “What can I do to help?” He didn’t want to suggest anything that might be taken the wrong way - her comfort was of paramount importance right now after she’d summoned that memory.

Sophia really shouldn’t have done that, but, in her defense, he was careless at times with experimentation. It was the joy of the unknown, the unexpected, that made such methodology exciting. Even with this new relationship, this new person, he was exploring, watching, learning, and reacting. It was thrilling after the stagnant air of palace life.

She moved a little, the moonlight revealing her face. “I’m not sure what you can do - I suppose even just being with you makes me feel less alone. More safe. But I have to sleep, or I’ll feel worse in the morning.”

“I’ll come to you,” Loki said slowly, stretching, “and keep you company until you fall asleep.”

She nodded, and he closed his eyes to focus on her bedroom. When he opened his eyes again, he had to steady himself against a bedpost. It was disorienting to go from sitting to standing so suddenly. Sophia was clutching her blankets around her, her form diminutive in comparison to to the size of her bed.

He thought briefly about commenting on the awkwardness of the situation, then decided against it. Carefully, unsure of how this form would interact with its surface, he sat on the bed, crossing his legs.

Sophia shifted to lie down, looking up at him. “Thank you,” she said softly. “This means a lot to me.”

“You’re welcome,” he responded. Though he was tired, the few hours he had gotten were more than enough to last him for a while. He’d already woken up once that night with a nightmare about his demise, so he didn’t mind being awake for the rest of the day. Though in some ways Thor’s vision assured him he’d live for eight years, the irrational part of him somehow feared he would die in his sleep.

Sophia closed her eyes, but after a few moments she frowned and opened her eyes. A deep-seated fear was coming from within her. Pursing her lips, her hazel eyes met his gaze. “Please - I hate to ask, but could you stay after I fall asleep? I just...I don’t know…” Her voice trailed off as she squeezed her eyes shut. “It’s silly, I’m sorry.”

Loki understood too well. In many ways, he didn’t want to be alone at present either. “I’ll stay,” he said softly. “I won’t leave until you ask, if that’s what you want.”

Tears welled up in Sophia’s eyes as he felt her overwhelming relief. Reaching out, he took her hand and squeezed it.

It was what he’d want if he was in the same position.

She gave him a smile, relaxing as her eyes fluttered closed. A few more tears came, a sniffle, and then her breathing deepened as she started to fall asleep.

Leaning back, Loki surveyed the room, which was quite dark with no windows. Then, not wanting to disturb her, he worked on the thought exercises his mother had taught him to hone his mind for magic. He didn’t particularly like to do them, but it would help pass the time.

At one point, Sophia’s breathing quickened and she stirred. Undoubtedly she was dreaming. It seemed to be a nightmare, however, as she began twitching, her breath becoming rapid. Loki reached out and put his hand in hers. Images flashed through his mind, snapshots of buildings crumbling, the earth rending apart. Despite the feelings that came with them, he continued to hold her hand, wishing her peace.

After a few moments, her fingers tightened around his, her muscles relaxing.

As the light underneath her door began to grow brighter, he heard the sound of footfalls upstairs. After a particularly sharp noise, Sophia stirred, opening her eyes, then glancing up at him.

“Oh my god,” she said, “You stayed.”

“Of course.”

She propped herself up on her elbows. “Thank you, Loki. I slept better, I think.”

Loki briefly thought about asking about her nightmare, but decided against it. Let her focus on her pleasure at his presence instead of the darkness.

“Don’t you need sleep?” she asked. “You don’t seem tired.”

“We only really need sleep to refresh our energies, not as a biological necessity,” he said, straightening, stretching his neck. “As a result, if we aren’t doing much, we can go longer without it if necessary.”

“Lucky you, I’m jealous,” Sophia said with a smile. “I should let you go, though. I’ve taken far too much of your attention.”

Loki searched her eyes. Her smile was genuine, her heart warm. “Very well,” he said, “but if you need me…”

“I know where you are,” she finished. “Thank you, again.” She blushed and laughed. “This is more than anyone’s done for me.”

Loki smiled in response, her warmth infectious. “You’re welcome,” he said, “and no need to be so polite. We might be family, after all.” With a wink, he returned to Asgard.

Afterwards, Loki attempted to return to a normal routine. But as he rushed to get out of the palace to an academic graduation, he passed a feasting hall and heard his father’s strident voice pealing out. “Are you nearly finished?!”

The muscles around his heart clenched as he halted in place, a childish panic growing in his mind. Was Odin speaking to him?

“I’m trying, Odin, just a few moments more!” It was his mother. Her voice was filled with fear and tension.

Something was wrong. Loki rushed into the hall, looking around sharply. It was pillared, less decorated than other spaces, but currently filled with a golden banquet table and flowers.

There was no one in sight. What was going on?

Perhaps they were around the corner. Quickly, he strode toward the other end of the ballroom.

“Are you nearly finished?!” It was Odin’s voice again, exactly the same as before. Loki’s eyes darted around the room as he flexed his hands nervously, preparing to cast his magic if needed. Was this a recording of some kind? Was someone playing a trick on him?

As he stepped forward, a sudden blast sent him backwards, hitting the floor hard. His instincts helped him roll with the momentum; he leapt to his feet to see the other end of the hall smoking. A guard was standing in front of his father as they were attacked by some humanoid in armor. Odin lifted Gungnir and felled the enemy with a blast before turning in Loki’s direction. “Frigga, hurry!”

“I’m trying, Odin, just a few moments more!” Mother’s voice came from behind him.

Loki pivoted to see his mother kneeling before a magical circle, her hands out and wreathed in her signature silver magical energy. Runes swirled in front of her as he heard her murmuring underneath her breath. He recognized a binding spell, but didn’t know the technique she was using. Stepping closer, he looked to see what it was she was binding.

A pile of golden cloth lay on the floor inside the circle, and he gasped as his eyes fell on a baby. Its eyes were open, its small limbs flailing, but it wasn’t crying despite the chaos.

A blink, and they were gone. Breathing fast, Loki looked around the room once more to find it as still as when he first entered.

A vision, his mind told him, even though his heart beat fast from the shock. A vision of the past, like when he was in the Seer’s chambers. What was the meaning of it?

And when had the palace been attacked?

Loki pursed his lips, conflicted about whether to continue on to the graduation as his mind worked quickly to understand what he’d seen. His common sense won out, so he left the ballroom and continued onwards, departing the palace and walking out into the streets.

He couldn’t help but scan his surroundings, looking for hazards. The blast had set him on edge, so that the back of his mind was screaming about danger despite the peaceful streets. A light glinting off a horse’s bridle, a sudden laugh, or the movement of a child’s ball made his muscles tense.

Arriving late to the graduation, Loki stayed as long as was polite before his return home. This time he took a more quiet route, preferring not to be as stimulated by the crowds of the main thoroughfares.

Loki was still disturbed by what he’d seen. There’d been no warning, no slow connection to Time as he’d felt the first time he’d had a vision. Perhaps he’d missed it in his fear upon hearing his father’s voice.

When in the past had this happened? Somehow intruders had made it deep into the palace - his father was telling Frigga to hurry as though something needed to happen. As though he was concerned whether or not they would make it.

And who was the child? Was it Thor?

Loki’s thought were interrupted by a growing prickling feeling in the back of his mind. Oh, no. No, no, this was not a good time for another -

In a moment, the street around him was transformed into one covered in ash and rubble. Einharjar ran, scattered, between buildings. Some turned to fight enemies in bronzed armor as they came upon one another. The sky-shroud was obscured with smoke billowing up from smoldering fires. Looking up, Loki saw ships of an unknown design bombarding the palace shields.

“Come on, men!” Loki turned to follow the sound of the commanding voice. A sergeant of the guard waved his men forward - a small group of four, haggard and bleeding. There was a cry - “Incoming!” - and the group ducked as the building beside them exploded, scattering stones in every direction. Loki shielded himself magically, but a stone that was headed toward him passed through harmlessly.

As the dust began to clear, one of the guards stood up, then began digging in the rubble frantically. “Sir! Sir! Can you hear me?”

Loki’s eyes widened. He knew that voice. He knew it, where did he know it from?

“Sir! No - no!”

It came to him. Loki walked closer, squinting his eyes for visual confirmation. Yes. It was Lord Forsetti, albeit much younger. He was removing debris to find his squadron, gasping in despair as he found each one dead. Forsetti bowed his head, touching his forehead to those of his squad members, murmuring the traditional words, “I bid you take your place in the halls of Valhalla…”

Forsetti looked up suddenly, and Loki turned to see one of the humanoids in armor, close enough now for him to get a good look.

Whatever type of being could get this far into Asgard must be powerful. It was clear this warrior fit that description. Its countenance was fair and comely, with long hair unbound shrouding pointed ears. Its armor was intricately wrought and well-fitted, shining despite the grime. In its hand was a curved sword, gleaming in the firelight. Its eyes, however, were cold and calculating.

It had seen Forsetti, who had frozen, eyes wide as his hands were covered in the blood of his comrades. It seemed to regard the young lord, then decide he wasn’t worth the time, turning to walk quietly down the street.

The first thought that sprang to Loki’s mind, against his better nature, was “coward.” Any Asgardian would have attacked the enemy on sight; Forsetti had frozen instead. If anyone had seen him, he’d be flogged, if not executed - regardless of his nobility. Shaking his head, though, Loki saw the fear and grief in Forsetti’s eyes. Turning to look at the rest of Asgard, Loki saw his home smoldering and bare under attack; the same fear and grief threatened to overtake him as well.

Closing his eyes, a tear escaping, Loki wished for the past to disappear. Please, he pleaded silently with the universe, please, I don’t want to See anymore.

The sounds of battle around him diminished, and when he opened his eyes, he was in the present once more. Now that he’d seen the street demolished, Loki looked at things more carefully. Some of the buildings were indeed constructed of newer materials, while others had a shift in the color of the stone, indicating the usage of a different quarry. The scars of this conflict were still present, just hidden.

Just hidden.

He needed to know what happened. If Forsetti had been present, this...invasion had to have occured within his lifetime, not before. Quickening his steps, it wasn’t long before Loki was standing before his favorite location to use an informational beacon. It was out of the way, almost hidden, rather than some of the more public locations, such as those in the Hall of Sciences.

A quick search revealed nothing. It’d have to be more in-depth, then. If the two visions were connected - which given the armor of the enemies, Loki believed so - then his parents had a baby at the time. That meant it was shortly after Thor’s or his birth. Glancing at a timeline of events, there was no mention of an invasion. At all.

Loki’s heart sank. Another secret, probably. He was making a lot of assumptions, however, so perhaps it wasn’t the case.

But deep down, he felt that it had somehow been concealed. How could damage of the magnitude he’d seen be covered up? If so, where should he look?

Probably Forsetti was the key to this. A quick check of Forsetti’s age revealed that yes, he would have been the right age for service in the guard, and his records revealed he had served at that time. However, Loki froze as he found the records sealed. They were only accessible by the Crown - which, fortunately, meant he could access them - but still, that meant there were matters of importance within. And it meant that its access could be tracked.

Leaning back, Loki glanced around the corridor. No one in sight.

Anyone could use this beacon. Tapping his fingers against his leg, he decided it was worth the risk, opening the file. There was little to no information, however, despite its classification. Files about his squadron were similarly empty. No information at all was given about their deaths, simply their names. As he attempted to cross-reference their deaths with public records, he found that they didn’t have any. It was as though these squad members had never existed in the first place. Never born, never died.

Surely that couldn’t be the case.

But the names from these sealed files didn’t exist elsewhere. No record of their birth, life, existence in censuses, death, nothing. Their existence had been erased.

Loki bit back the fear rising within him. Had Father done this? Why?

Forsetti had quit working for the guard just a couple years after Thor’s birth. This, he felt, was the indication he needed that the invasion occured around that time. Most likely Forsetti struggled with the aftermath, given what Loki knew. The baby, then, it must have been Thor. The invaders must have gotten quite deep into the palace to have reached that hall.

The invaders. He’d never seen a race like theirs, but he’d heard of one similar, buried in the history books. A quick search revealed that yes, he had remembered correctly.

The invaders were Light Elves, from Alfheim. The reason they’d fallen from Asgard’s memory was that, prior to the Fall of Arlathan nearly 1800 years ago, the Light Elves could no longer maintain contact with Asgard due to a worsening conflict.

How, then, could they have mustered an army 500 years later to invade Asgard? Though the Elves were reportedly skilled in magic, they in no way in recorded history had the technological capabilities that he’d seen - ships with the ability to bombard the city.

Forsetti might have answers, but he was of low rank at the time and unlikely to know much. However, there were others present in the city at the time, namely one person he hadn’t even considered asking.

Heimdall.

The reason Loki had avoided Heimdall was the sentinel's oath to his father. It seemed likely that they might be discovered if Heimdall were to let Odin know about their inquiries. However, he could hold key information that could answer their questions, since this battle, in particular, was being covered up.

Additionally, Heimdall’s abilities were suspiciously similar to what Thor and Loki had discovered about themselves. Heimdall had the Sight in a way, Loki guessed, but he could instead See the present instead of the past or the future. Perhaps he might have an understanding of the Seers or their magics. Undoubtedly he was aware something was currently amiss between Loki and Thor, if he’d been paying attention.

Loki decided then to find Thor and find out what he thought. Perhaps Thor had heard something different from Father about the attack.

Taking a different path out of the corridor in an effort to avoid detection, Loki went off to find his brother. As he guessed, Thor was returning from the Chanter’s hall after a ceremony. Loki took him aside to a private room, explaining to him what he’d seen.

Thor’s reaction was unsurprising - disbelief, then surprise as the details continued to sink in. “I’ve never heard of this,” Thor said, crossing his arms. “You think the baby was me?”

“Of course,” said Loki with a sigh, “Forsetti quit the guard just after your birth, so I think the invasion must have happened then.”

“An invasion, brother, you’re talking about a massive event. How could we have never known about it?”

Loki spread his arms, giving a shrug. “We didn’t know about the Seers either. There’s lots of things we haven’t been told, we just have to go looking, I suppose.”

“But - covering it up? How could such losses go unspoken? Would they not be venerated as heroes and their deaths mourned?” Thor’s face showed concern. He seemed deeply unsettled by the idea, as though the dead were somehow lost, not in Valhalla or Hel.

“I know not, brother, but the silence surrounding it suggests a greater reason for keeping these events quiet.”

Thor locked eyes with Loki. “A matter of security, perhaps? How the invaders penetrated our defenses?”

“I don’t think a matter that small would require such significant intervention,” Loki said, shaking his head. “I think there must be a more important reason, I just can’t figure out what it could be.”

Loki broached the idea of speaking with Heimdall to Thor, who stroked his beard as he thought. “I think we could speak with him,” Thor said slowly.

“You don’t think he would report back to Odin?”

“Heimdall is extremely loyal to Father, but he can be reasoned with. If we ask the right questions, I think we won’t raise any concern.”

Loki narrowed his eyes at Thor. “You know he doesn’t really speak with me, so you’ll need to do the talking. Do you think you’ll be so deft as to ask the right questions?”

Thor shot Loki a smile. “Loki, you always underestimate me.”

“With good reason. I remember you blundering us right into a brawl with the Wethin family because you forgot their daughter was married.”

Thor grinned, not even bothering to rise to the accusation. “Fine, but even so, I think we can navigate around it. Heimdall could provide us with some important answers to all...this. And what’s the true harm if Father finds out we’re poking around?”

Loki did a double-take. “Well - um - there’s a lot, Thor.” He started ticking things on his fingers. “One, that we have the same abilities as the Seers. Two, that we’re Children of Time. Three, that we have a strange connection with a Midgardian that I think might be a sibling. Four, we know about an invasion that might be covered up around your birth. Need I go on?”

“Alright, you’re right, that is something we’ll need to approach more delicately on our own. Things need to be broken more…slowly to Father.” Thor crossed his arms, tapping a finger against a bicep.

“Yes,” Loki said, rubbing his forehead. He really didn’t want to deal with Father’s temper. At all. “Do you know if Heimdall is busy?”

“I don’t know of any use of the Bifrost today,” Thor said, striding past Loki. “So let’s go.”

Loki closed his eyes, hoping that they weren’t about to cause further problems for themselves.

The brothers decided to walk along the Bifrost bridge instead of riding, since the weather was so pleasant. The wind would always pick up as they began crossing over the water, blowing some of the spray into their faces. A quarter of the way across, Thor halted, squinting, then turned. Loki followed his gaze to see Sophia. He’d been wondering when she’d show up today.

She grinned guiltily, looking around wide-eyed. This was the first time she was outside the palace. “I hope I’m not bothering you,” she said loudly over the wind.

Loki put his hands on his hips. “Of course you are!” he said in a mocking tone.

A smile split Thor’s face and he pretended to shove Loki. “Don’t listen to him,” he said, “Come on! Have you seen the Bifrost yet?”

“Is this it?” Sophia said, walking up and gazing down at the myriad colors underneath her feet.

“No, no,” Loki said with a laugh, “This leads up to it.” He gestured down the bridge to the golden dome.

Sophia nodded and looked around, her brown hair blowing with the wind. “This is beautiful. Probably the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen, and that’s saying a lot.”

Thor seemed to stand a little taller. “Asgard is a beautiful place,” he responded, drawing her alongside them and beginning to walk. “We’re going to see Heimdall, our sentinel.”

“He keeps watch?” asked Sophia, looking up at them.

“Yes,” Loki said, “he both keeps watch over the Realms and is the gatekeeper of Asgard.”

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought King Odin kept watch over the Realms.”

Thor laughed, and Loki grinned along with him. “He does as King, as Protector of the Nine Realms,” Thor said, “but Heimdall is able to actually see all things in the universe and relays that information to Father.”

Sophia’s eyes widened. “That’s quite an ability!”

“Yes,” Loki said. “That’s why we’re going to ask him some questions.” He paused, realizing something. “Please don’t try to take me over, though - I feel like I have to say that all the time now. Heimdall would certainly notice a change in my behavior.” He wasn’t certain if Heimdall would be able to see her in his body. That would certainly be a question to ask later, if Heimdall ever found out about her.

Sophia looked at Loki with a smile, but her eyes were serious. “I won’t do it again unless it’s necessary. I honestly didn’t really know it was going to happen the first time, and I am sorry about that. I suppose it was disturbing for you.”

It wasn’t overly so in perspective, but he appreciated the thought. “Thank you.”

It wasn’t too long before they made it to the golden dome, with Heimdall, in his golden armor, standing ever-vigilant. “Welcome, princes,” he said, stepping down from the central pedestal. “I’m honored you’ve come to visit.” His brilliant eyes drifted downward. “And that you’ve brought a visitor.”

Loki’s heart stopped. He heard Thor inhale sharply. “You can see her?” Thor asked, frowning.

“Of course.” Heimdall’s voice remained calm and unwavering. “Welcome, Sophia Alexandria Florian. I hope you are finding Asgard to live up to the stories you’ve read.”

Sophia was hugging her sweater close around her, seeming to shrink as her fear became evident. “Thank you,” she said tightly. “It is.” Her eyes drifted over to look at Loki, who gave her a confused expression.

He didn’t know what to do. He hadn’t even processed that this was the first time he’d heard Sophia’s full name. Heimdall could see her, which meant that, potentially, he’d seen all of their interactions.

By the Norns, how much did he know? How much did Father know already?

“Well, Heimdall, you continue to surprise me,” Thor said, trying to make light of the situation.

“Indeed,” Heimdall said, folding his hands in front of him. “But I suspect you’re here to talk about a great many things.”

Thor looked at Heimdall hard. “It will be difficult to continue if we know all will be passed on to Father.”

“I am bound by oath to our King,” Heimdall said, “However, only matters of the utmost importance need reach his ears.”

“A king’s time is valuable,” Thor said, giving Loki a glance. “Too valuable for sundry matters, I would assume.”

Well, Thor did seem to know what he was doing. Loki begrudgingly credited his brother with taking the right approach.

“Indeed,” Heimdall replied, “Or to be troubled with the details of all who visit Asgard.”

Thor gave Loki a knowing look. Yes, fine, you don’t need to gloat, Loki thought.

Thor was considering his words carefully before speaking. “What do you know of the Seers, Heimdall?”

Heimdall’s orange eyes flicked toward Thor. “I know much about them, Prince Thor. They were once an active part of our lives in Asgard. What do you wish to know?”

“Are there Seers who still practice their magics?”

“Yes, but none on Asgard.”

“Where are they?”

“The remaining Seers practice on Vanaheim, often in secret.”

“Why?”

Heimdall looked visibly uncomfortable. “I cannot answer that, Prince Thor.”

Thor frowned. “Why not?”

“Because it would violate my oath.”

Loki held back any expression of surprise. It was difficult, since he’d no idea the Seers were considered a matter directly related to King Odin. Thor looked at Loki, seemingly to gauge his reaction, but he continued on.

“Of the remaining Seers, is there perhaps someone who would speak with us?”

Heimdall relaxed a little, though his stoic nature made it difficult to read his state. “Yes. There is a matron named Evelin of Clan Vidfavne who might be willing to do so.”

“Vidfavne,” Thor said, crossing his arms. “The clan that’s pillaging the countryside. You think she’d be willing to speak with us?”

“She is an amenable woman, and if you seek her guidance regarding Seers, the clan would have no reason to be aggressive particularly toward a prince.”

Thor nodded. “Your abilities, Heimdall, do you know if they’re related to the magics of the Seers? One called it seidr.”

A small smile crossed Heimdall’s lips. “Yes, Prince Thor, it is indeed related to seidr. I possess the Sight, though only for the purposes you know - my ability is specific and honed. I can See the present in all aspects, and for that I am grateful. The abilities that you and your siblings have gained, however, are just as specific, great in power because of its focus, instead of the broad-ranging Sight of the typical Seer.”

So he did know. Wonderful. Just wonderful.

Thor pursed his lips. “Have you told Father of what we’ve learned about our abilities?”

“No, my prince.” Heimdall’s answer was terse and unexpected.

“Why not, Heimdall?”

“There is no need at this time.”

Thor seemed to be thinking. “Siblings,” he said. “You said siblings. Do Loki and I have a third sibling?”

Heimdall seemed to carefully consider this. “Yes,” he said slowly. No doubt he was measuring what words would go against his oath. Loki’s heart started beating faster as he began to realize that Heimdall could possibly confirm what they’d been questioning this entire time.

Thor also was carefully considering the wording of his questions. “Who is this person?” he finally said. In answer, Heimdall simply shook his head.

He needed to reword the question. Loki wracked his brain, trying to think of an alternative. Then an idea came to him. Drawing closer to Sophia, he said, “Is Sophia Alexandria Florian our sister?”

Heimdall’s eyes crinkled in a hidden smile. “Indeed.”

The air of the observatory seemed to settle as all present seemed to soak in the implications of what had been said.

Sophia broke the silence. “Well, that’s that then.” Despite her blasé statement, however, emotions were roiling inside her.

“How?” Thor blurted out, then caught himself. “Sorry, Heimdall, you probably can’t say.”

“I cannot. But I think that Prince Loki’s insights in the matter will be most revealing.”

What insights? “I haven’t found anything related to how this could have…..oh.” The sound escaped Loki’s lips as realization hit him. “Oh - shit.”

Thor wouldn’t like this. That is, if Loki was thinking right. Yes. Yes, it must be, that would - but how would it have worked? No matter, it made too much sense.

Loki glanced at Heimdall. He was cooperating enough that it seemed safe to discuss this.

“Thor, that was what I saw this morning. With Mother. The baby, it - it wasn’t you.”

Thor looked stunned. “It had to be,” he said, confused.

Loki found himself getting emotional. “Thor, I’ve thought about another time Mother could have been pregnant, and I could never think of any. There was no other time for a reason.” Loki glanced at Sophia, who was staring at him with tears glistening in her eyes. Then he looked back at his brother. “It’s because you weren’t the only child that was born that day.”

Thor physically took a step back, his mouth opening as he grappled with the idea. “No,” Thor said with a desperate smile. “Loki, that’s not funny. We can’t joke about this.”

“Oh my god,” Sophia said, wiping at her tears. “That explains some stuff.”

“Thor, I’m not joking,” Loki said, “I wish I was. But it all makes sense. Mother was using binding magic, not on you - but on her.” He pointed at Sophia.

Thor was staring at the floor, breathing heavily, likely in an effort to control his emotions. Sophia moved to go to him, but Loki quickly grabbed her and pulled her back. “Not now,” he told her softly.

Thor was volatile right now. Loki couldn’t tell if he was liable to lash out in anger or not, and he didn’t want Thor to hit Sophia. Even if she wasn’t present, the physicality of their connection made it seem as though she would indeed be physically hurt. As a mortal - or at least someone bound to a mortal form - she could be injured.

Looking up at Loki, tears glistening on her cheeks, Sophia tried to speak, but couldn’t. He couldn’t tell if it was Thor’s emotions cascading through her or her own, but they were understandably overwhelming.

“Heimdall,” Thor spoke, his voice breaking. “Please tell me that Loki is wrong.”

“I cannot,” Heimdall said. “For that would be a lie.”

Thor kept his head down. “Thank you - for your honesty,” he forced out, then walked out of the dome quickly, using Mjolnir to fly away immediately.

“What! Really!?” Sophia said in shock. “He just leaves?”

Loki held on to her shoulder. “He has a hard time when he’s emotional,” he said to her. “I know this is hard, it’s hard…” he swallowed back his own sorrow which threatened to spring forward, “it’s hard for all of us.” He needed to be strong for Sophia right now, because he was the only one that could.

Sophia turned to look at Heimdall. “You knew - you knew all this.” She wasn’t speaking accusatorially, simply stating it aloud.

“He has certain duties - “ Loki interjected to try and calm her down, not wanting to upset Heimdall.

Sophia continued without listening to Loki. “It must’ve been hard.”

That wasn’t what Loki had expected. He looked up at Heimdall to gauge his reaction.

Heimdall nodded. “Duties are always difficult, that is why they are important.” He stepped forward, tilting his head a little as he gazed at Sophia. “You know much of the hardships a duty can cause, and have endured much for seemingly little reward. Remember that such rewards are often intangible and difficult to see.

“If it is a comfort, I have watched you all your life, Sophia. There was always a witness to your pain, though you did not know it. You have not suffered in vain; the lessons you have learned will certainly guide you through the years to come.”

Loki hadn’t heard Heimdall string that many words together in his life. The sentinel's words seemed to hit Sophia right in the heart, panging deeply. She nodded, unable to speak.

He looked up at Heimdall, feeling the need to speak for the three of them. “Thank you for your understanding, Heimdall, and your kind words. Though Thor was unable to express it, we’re grateful for what you’ve done today.”

Heimdall had never been kind to Loki, but he saw the sentinel soften just a little. “Thank you, my prince,” he said.

With that, Loki turned and guided Sophia back down the rainbow bridge.

1 note · View note

dnkaus · 6 years

Text

Fateful Visions | Ch. 19: Decay & Revival

Namjoon x Reader (OC)

Summary: Idol Namjoon meets a grad student, Maya, but he experiences strange visions each time their eyes meet and they touch one another. Fate plays a magnetic role, & keeps bringing them together. Are these visions a sign that they should stay away or stay together?

Genre: Angst, Fluff

Previous Part: Chapter Eighteen Next Part: Chapter Twenty

9 Months Later - September 2019

It may have only been about 9 months since the break-up, but it felt at least a decade had passed since Maya and Namjoon last saw each other. Within these 9 months many things had drastically changed.

Within these last several months, BTS’s career skyrocketed as they achieved their #1 on Billboard Hot 100 with single that was released after Fake Love. As if it was even possible, BTS was even more busier than before. The East and the West both wanted BTS. Collaborations, advertisement deals, album promotions, award shows, all took up BTS’s little left over time they had to themselves. Each step they took, they were showered with success. Amongst this success BTS started their new tour and tried to find peace between the mayhem. For some members this wasn’t so hard, as they continued to find little things to feel happy about. For others, this success was starting to feel like a prison.

Meanwhile, Maya’s career had a major lift off as well, as the small blog she had started back in Korea was becoming the new internet phenomenon. Alongside poetry, Maya had also started uploading short stories, which were gaining traction from all age groups. Maya had managed to create her own little universe within that blog which readers had started to consider their own safe haven. Her words were powerful, and somehow the words healed, guided, and inspired people. The blog was spreading like a wildfire, not only in Korea, but also around the world. In fact, her blog was now getting small funds from ads and sponsors. Most people didn’t know who was behind the famous Korean writing blog and so American and Korean media became interested in the writer once they found out that the writer’s name was not Korean. One of the major news and media source, The Daily Primer invited her on their show. She was hesitant to reveal her identity, but after much consideration she agreed to go on the show.

Maya flew out to New York for this interview, and when she walked on to the set, she was suddenly overwhelmed by the camera and lights, and people. There were just so many people. A feeling of nervousness took over her as the staff guided Maya to her dressing room. Everyone on the set was surprised that the writer of the famous blog was a woman of color. Maya’s decision to reveal her identity was a big risk. Would her readers still read her work if they found out she was not Korean?

Her original plan with the blog was to hide her identity forever. But it almost felt like the sweetest revenge to reveal her identity after everyone was already hooked to her writing. Because she knew that all her readers expected a petite, Korean woman to walk out onto the set, but to see her, they would be astonished.

Maya began to pace in the dressing room as outside the staff prepared for her segment with the interviewer, Lauren Pearce. Lauren was known to ask very direct and no nonsense questions ,which was both good and bad. Maya was excited to get the promo for her site, but also was worried as to what type of questions she would be asked. For the most part she had prepared some answers, to questions she was expecting to be asked. But she also knew she would have to wing it for the other questions. While Maya paced in her dressing room, a staff member suddenly came in to tell her that the interview was about to start.

Maya hesitatingly walked outside her dressing room and followed the staff member to the set. A strange feeling of overwhelming nervousness took over her as she saw the set and Lauren sit on her famous navy blue chair. Ironically, Maya knew this show because of BTS. About a year ago, Lauren had BTS over for an interview while they were in town for their last tour. Maya was in Korea back then, but she remembered staying up to watch it. Maya gulped as she remembered the couch where Namjoon had sat. Somehow fate had brought her to the same couch, but in a completely unexpected way. He had looked so graceful and so put together. She wished she also had that charm and the poise. She shook her head trying to get rid of the thoughts. She knew she needed to focus today. Today was not the day to think about him. Today was her day.

In the past several months, Maya had almost completely avoided thinking about what happened with Namjoon. Every time a thought about Namjoon appeared in her mind, she pushed it away and started thinking about something else. She wasn’t trying to erase her past, but she also didn’t want to dwell on it either. There was no point in crying over spilled milk, especially when the milk had spilled because of her.

As Maya arrived on the set, she felt like an outsider. She had never imagined being on a TV interview in a million years. This was not what she was used to. She was used to hiding behind her computer screen, hiding behind her words. Maya felt her body and mind slightly dissociate as Lauren began the introduction and the recording of the interview started, while Maya waited for her cue to go onto the set and sit next to Lauren.

“Hi everyone, my name is Lauren Pearce and welcome to another episode of The Daily Primer with Lauren, and today I will be priming you with the new pop culture topic: Blogs. While many experts in the past had predicted that the blogging would soon become a thing of the past, one blog has somehow went against the tide in bringing back the blogging trend. Not only that, this blog is almost entirely written in Korean, yet it is the most viewed blog in the United States at the current moment. Today, we are talking with the face behind this blog, which may come to a surprise for many of you. We have here in the studio today, Maya Shroff, the writer of Wan Blue Thoughts. Please welcome her with a round of applause.”

Maya walks on to the stage and Lauren shakes hands with her and gestures her to take a seat on the couch that Maya had thought about earlier. Maya hesitantly takes a seat and waits for the cheers to die down in the audience. Maya was genuinely surprised at how many people had came with posters that had Maya’s poem titles on them. She suddenly felt a surge of emotions as she looked into the crowd. Had she become some type of celebrity?

The crowd in the studio finally calmed down and Lauren began the interview.

“So, Maya, you are the author of the evidently popular blog Wan Blue Thoughts…” Lauren gestured at the audience when she said ‘evidently’.

Maya nodded. “Yes, yes I am”

“Alright, and this is your first time revealing your identity? Correct?” Lauren asked.

“Yes, this is my first time showing my face to my readers.” Maya confirmed with a small smile. Her palms were getting sweaty as the questions continued.

“Oh wow, and I know that you are a graduate student from Arkansas, correct? And I believe you were born here in America as well?

“Yes, I was born in California.”

“Alright, so what inspired you to learn Korean and write in Korean?”

“Umm...that’s a good question, Lauren. Actually, I am currently working on my Ph.D. and my dissertation is based on the impact of Korean culture on Korean fiction. So, in order to do my thesis and dissertation, I learned how to speak Korean and write in Hangul.”

“Oh wow, and what got you interested in pursuing your Ph.D. on this topic?”

“Well, I have always been interested in different cultures, but during my undergraduate I became interested in Korean culture and decided to combine my love for literature and writing with my love for the Korean culture.” Maya responded.

Throughout this whole time, Lauren was intrigued and she nodded along with Maya’s responses. So far, Maya had predicted all the questions and she was answering all of them with the best of her abilities. Lauren continued her questions with enthusiasm. “That’s very fascinating Maya, now, before we found out your name, we had all assumed the person behind this blog was someone who was a native Korean speaker. Critics have greatly praised your vocabulary and writing ability. Now, have you ever lived in Korea?”

Maya hesitated to answer the question. Her breath hitched a little, but she quickly tried to regain control over herself. She knew this question would be asked, so it wasn’t a complete surprise, but still, she was not fully ready to open this can of worms.

“...Uh...yes, I have lived there for a year.”

“And, this was when you started the blog, correct?” Lauren asked. She apparently had done much more research on Maya, then Maya had anticipated.

“...Yeah, I did.” Maya softly responded.

“So, how did you come up with this idea?” Lauren asked.

Maya became overwhelmed. She knew what Lauren was asking but she didn’t know how to answer it without mentioning the truth. She looked at the camera and then back at Lauren and then back at the camera. What should she say? She didn’t want to mention him, but then should she lie? No, she should not lie about something like this. She just needed to be vague. She suddenly remembered the night when Namjoon had convinced her to start the blog. He knew her potential, even before she herself did.It was such a beautiful night. He had promised to be her spool of thread. But that promise was broken along with every other thing he said. Maya couldn’t breath all of the sudden. Her heart started pounding.

“Maya?” Lauren asked. “Maya, did you hear my question?” Lauren’s second attempt at getting Maya’s attention finally brought Maya back into reality.

“Hmm?” Maya responded. “Oh, I mean...yes, I heard your question….Sorry, I mean...yeah it was just a friend that gave me the idea to start the blog. It...it...started as a hobby, but now I am really passionate about my work…” Maya quickly brushed off her thoughts and gave her vague response.

“Oh really, well that’s great. Seems like your friend must have seen the potential in your work. Anyways, last question: now, it seems that the fascination with Korean culture in general is spreading in America recently. You might already know, but Korean music is also doing really well in America and artists such as BTS have really built a strong fanbase in America, despite singing in almost all Korean. Do you think that the popularity of Korean acts like BTS might have also influenced the popularity of your blog in America?” Lauren asked with a calm smile on her face, as she was completely oblivious of Maya’s history. Lauren had no idea who was sitting in front of her. Poor Lauren.

Maya clenched her fist, trying to keep calm. She knew her attempts were failing, but she couldn’t break down right now. She needed to stay professional. She needed to stay calm. It was just a question. There was no way Lauren knew about her history with Namjoon. But why was she asking this question? This was the worst question. Maya grabbed the glass of water that was in front of her on the coffee table. She hesitantly took a sip, as she tried to catch her breath. Her hands were shaking and she was worried she would drop the glass. She knew Lauren was waiting for her response, but what could Maya say? The camera was zooming in on recording her every little action. Maya tried to calmly put her glass of water back on the table. She finally managed to catch her breath, and began her response.

Lauren gave a smile and nodded. “That’s very true. Well, that was our segment with Ms. Maya Shroff and her amazing blog, Wan Blue Thoughts. If you haven’t already, definitely check out her work. We’ll see everyone next time on the Daily Primer.”

Two days later - Korea

Namjoon was sitting in his studio before a concert practice, trying to produce the melody that had been almost haunting him for the past several days. But unfortunately the melody that sounded so amazing in his head, just didn’t seem to come across correctly when he tried making it. This had been the constant struggle for Namjoon in these past months.

Namjoon decided to take a break from work, and decided to go on Twitter. He often regretted going on Twitter because it was rare that he came out of the site feeling better. Most of the time it just left him with either a sour or bitter feeling. But nonetheless, this site was just such a great distraction, he usually did find himself on there anyways. Today was no different, as Namjoon began scrolling through his millions of notifications. He started briefly reading through the tweets, while drinking a cup of coffee. He giggled a few times, cringed a few times, and then suddenly his heart came to a complete stop. Namjoon almost choked on his last sip of coffee when he saw a familiar face appear in a picture in one of the tweets sitting next to Lauren Pearce. BTS had met Lauren Pearce last time they went for an interview on The Daily Primer, and now he was seeing the person he had not seen in the past nine months sitting next to Lauren, almost in the exact same place he was sitting in when he visited. Namjoon gulped as he read the caption for the picture. The post was captioned: “A candid conversation with the mystery author of Wan Blue Thoughts.” A tear escaped his tired and exhausted eyes as he saw that smiling face of his soulmate in the picture.

But then he suddenly started coughing as he couldn’t swallow the sip of coffee he had taken earlier. Namjoon quickly closed his laptop and collapsed onto his small studio couch after chugging a glass of water. He debated whether what he was seeing was real or not. He was aware that Wan Blue Thoughts had become widely popular. He also knew that the author of the blog was a mystery to almost everyone in the world. What surprised Namjoon was that Maya finally revealed herself on national television. He just couldn’t believe it. Namjoon tried to close his eyes and pretend it wasn’t real. He tried to pretend he didn’t see the tweet so he would resist the urge to watch the interview.

But of course, he couldn’t resist anyways as he went back to his desk and quickly opened the laptop to find the link to the interview. Are you kidding? He had been dying to see her face all this time! He had not once contacted her in this past nine months. He wanted to just get a glimpse of her.

Seeing her brought back all the misery and joy all at once. He couldn’t be more proud then he was in that moment. He had never felt so happy and sad at the same time. She made it. She was famous. Her hard work. Her perseverance all added up to this. Her kite was flying, even though no one was there to hold the spool for her. Not even him.

He hesitatingly clicked on the link, while holding his breath, afraid of what he would see.

He saw Lauren introduce the author of Wan Blue Thoughts. Maya Shroff. Her entrance. Namjoon saw the audience holding boards with phrases from her poems. It warmed his heart. It felt just like when ARMYs would hold up boards with BTS’s names and lyrics. He couldn’t be more excited. And of course, as expected, she still looked beautiful. It did look like she lost some weight though. Her cheeks were more hollow, and her skin looked less vibrant, but still she looked beyond beautiful. Maya looked beautiful and it hurt so much to see her. Namjoon’s vision was getting blurry as his eyes were filled with tears. He quickly paused the video to wipe his tears with his sleeves. No, this was not the time to cry. This moment was not supposed to be about his stupid emotions, this moment belonged to her. This was Maya’s moment.

He continued to watch as Lauren began the questions. Lauren’s questions started out quite simple. Namjoon still often forgot that Maya’s first language was not Korean. It was English. Seeing her speak in English felt strange, but also felt great. He then also remembered that she also spoke Portuguese because she had spent some time in Brazil. Wow, she was truly global.

Maya answered Lauren’s questions with poise, but Namjoon could see the nervousness that was hidden beneath the calm facade. With each passing question, the facade was fading. Because the questions were getting harder.

Lauren suddenly asked a question that visibly changed Maya’s expression.

“And, this was when you started the blog, correct?” Lauren asked so easily, but she had already set off a fire inside Namjoon’s heart, as he heard the question through his headphones and saw Maya’s expressions change entirely.

“Yes I did” she answered.

So, how did you come up with this idea?” Lauren followed up with again, a question that felt like a thousand pound rock had just been thrown at Namjoon. He immediately paused the video and put his hand on his chest. He was afraid his heart would explode.

How could they ask her this question? She must be in so much pain. He couldn’t believe she really went through this. Namjoon was a wreck by this point. He was drowning in guilt and surrendering to his pain. He didn’t think he could watch it. There was no way he was prepared to hear Maya’s answer. The pain of hearing the answer would kill Namjoon, but curiosity would kill him first. Curiosity won the battle and Namjoon continued the video while biting his bottom lip, trying to hold back the sobs.

Maya didn’t answer the question immediately, and the silence was deafening. It felt like a loud hammer was going on in the background of Namjoon’s mind each millisecond Maya was quiet. Lauren called out Maya’s name, trying to get her to talk. But Maya was falling apart. She was trying to keep herself together, but Namjoon knew she was falling apart. This was happening all because of him. He was the reason that Maya had to go through this. What a terrible person he was? He deserved nothing but pain for the rest of his life, he thought to himself.

As per Namjoon’s wish, Maya’s answer brought exactly what Namjoon wished upon himself. It brought him more pain than he was already feeling. “....My friend gave me the idea” Maya had answered. Friends. Namjoon suddenly remembered the day he and Maya had just found out about the reason behind their visions. He had convinced Maya they could at least be friends. Yes, friends. Ah, that’s what Maya and Namjoon would have been if he hadn’t been stupid and confessed. He could have had her in his life, if he hadn’t confessed. They could have been friends.

But she called him her friend. Is that what she considered him? Did she still believe he was worthy of their friendship? He didn’t deserve this kindness. He truly didn’t.

Namjoon continued watching the video, like he was granting himself his own death sentence. He knew the next question would probably be even worse than the last, yet he still continued. Perhaps he was a masochist.

Namjoon again paused the video. He had started coughing again. He was choking on his own saliva. He was hyperventilating. He was sweating. He was sobbing. It felt like he had just drank a glass of acid. Was this freaking real? Did that woman just ask Maya about him? About BTS? The name that Maya probably hates more than she hates anything in the world? This is the harshest thing anyone could ask. Not sure how it was possible, but somehow he felt more pain than Maya felt when she was asked this question.

“Uh, yes...the popularity of Korean music and artists like...like them have definitely helped. The world is getting smaller due to the internet, and language is becoming less of a barrier.” Maya’s face had lost all the color at this point and Namjoon could physically feel the pain through the computer screen. Like them. She couldn’t even say their name.

The interview ended, but Namjoon didn’t move. He just sat there staring at his computer screen as he couldn’t really process what he had just witness.

Maya Shroff, his ex-girlfriend, the author of Wan Blue Thoughts was just asked about BTS, the group he was a part of. He couldn’t believe she was even able to answer that question. Her courage was jaw-dropping. If it was him in her place, he would have fallen apart right then and there. But no, Maya answered the question with such honesty. Namjoon didn’t know whether he should stand up and clap for her or whether he should cry and hide under a rock.

The extent of his admiration for Maya in that moment was almost intolerable. All he wanted to do was to go run up to her and take her in his arms, forgetting every decision and tell her just how proud he was. But he couldn’t. So he just sat there, half-breathing. Half-alive.

After a few minutes Namjoon was finally able to take a deep breath. He looked at the time on his watch, suddenly wondering what Maya would be doing right now. It wasn’t the first time he had wondered this, but this was definitely the first time he was truly embracing the agony that came with the thoughts about Maya. He figured at this point he might as well wallow in his pain and truly accept his misery.

It was 11:30 am in Korea, that meant it was probably 9:30pm in Arkansas. Maya was probably awake, Namjoon thought. She was probably reading, or maybe listening to music. Nah, she was probably still working on her thesis. She was probably still looking up some references to cite, or maybe she had just received feedback from her advisor and was trying to keep calm, even though she was probably freaking out inside. He knew Maya lived alone in Arkansas, just like in Korea. He knew Maya liked being independent, so he never told her how he worried about her living alone. Maya never took care of herself. She overworked herself and always made risky decisions.

Then a sudden thought appeared in his head as he remembered one of the scenes from his visions. It was the scene with the abandoned room where Maya was tied to the chair. He remembered the American flag. He suddenly remembered there was an American flag in that room. This means the place must be in America. Hold on, What if his vision came true? What if she was in danger in America? What if something was going to happen to her because she was in America? He knew she was okay in the interview, but was she okay now? When was this even recorded? How would he even know if she wasn’t okay? She wasn’t even in touch with Taehyung anymore, because Taehyung felt uncomfortable with the idea of them being friends. Besides, Taehyung was still somewhat upset that Namjoon didn’t tell Maya face to face. Everyone was disappointed. Even he was. Namjoon knew he also couldn’t call Junmyeon and Han Bi because both of them hated his guts.

Perhaps he should just let it go. Nothing had happened so far, so then nothing will happen in the future either. Maybe that vision wouldn’t come true anymore. She was probably fine. She needed to be fine, right?

Namjoon still remained seated at his desk staring at the computer screen. An urge consumed Namjoon to play the interview again...and so he did. Seriously, this guy was losing it!

Of course, another flood of tears and a meltdown later he was right back where he started. This time he suddenly found himself scrolling through his contact list on his phone. What was he doing? He suddenly found himself almost pressing the call button next to Maya’s number. Is he crazy? He needed to hear her voice. He need to know she was okay. What if she wasn't okay? Just one call. He had changed his number, so she wouldn’t even know it’s him. She wouldn’t right? He just needed to make one call to make sure she was safe. He was so proud of her. He was so worried about her. He really needed to hear her voice. He wouldn’t talk. He wouldn’t even say a word. Just need to hear her voice. Just one call.

Namjoon pressed the button. He could hear the phone ringing and he held his breath. What was he doing? This was a terrible idea. Why would he call her? He had resisted the urge for so long and now just when things were slowly getting back to the way they were before, he was failing. This is a bad idea. Namjoon started reconsidering his decision, and thought about disconnecting. He was about to press the red “call end” button, but he suddenly heard a voice on the other end.

“Hello...Hello?” Maya spoke softly. She was sitting at her desk. Staring at her computer screen as she spoke. No one answered from the other end and Maya could suddenly feel her heartbeat begin to rise. She looked at the number. It was unknown, but she could tell the number was from Korea. Korea? It couldn’t be Han Bi or Junmyeon because she had their numbers saved. Strange.

She whispered again, “Hello...who is this?”

Again, no one answered. Maya gulped. She didn’t want to jump to conclusions. She knew better. This was probably just some random number. But still, she couldn’t help but think...what if...No. No, it couldn’t be him.

“Hello?” Maya said once more. No answer. Her heart was thumping heavily at this point. She felt like she couldn’t breathe. Where had the oxygen disappeared? Why was her heart beating so quickly? Namjoon on the other end felt like he could breathe again. She was okay. Maya was fine. It felt like these past 9 months he hadn’t been living, and Maya’s small “hello” had brought life back into his soul.

Maya gulped trying to find energy to speak. “It’s you, isn’t it?” She responded softly again. Namjoon’s heart suddenly sank as he heard Maya’s words. She knew. Darn it. He needed to immediately end this call. Namjoon needed to press the red ‘end call’ button. Why wasn’t he ending the call? He took his phone away from his ear slowly. His hands were shaking. He was about to end the call...

“Don’t...Don’t hang up” he suddenly heard from the other end. “Please…” Maya was flustered. All the emotions just pouring out of her as she held onto her phone tightly against her ear. She was trying to hear him. She knew he wouldn’t speak, but she felt that if nothing else, maybe she could hear him breathing. Hear him sighing. Something. Words began to come out of Maya’s mouth without her permission. She found herself saying things all of the sudden. No she wasn’t just speaking. She was shouting. She was crying and shouting.

“I hate you. I hate you so much, Kim Namjoon. You are the biggest jerk. I never want to hear from you again. Do you hear me? Never. You could’ve just told me. Why didn’t you tell me? Jerk. I hate you. You couldn’t have just told me face to face like a grown man? Is this really how little you think of me? I waited so long...I hate you. And seriously, you sent Jimin? How could you do this? I knew this would happen. I told you this wouldn’t end well. You didn’t listen. I hate you. Do you hear me?” Maya was just repeating herself at this point. She just kept saying things, she didn’t even know what she was saying.

Namjoon tried to hold in his breath. He tried to not make a sound. He kept listening to her bitter words. Her painful complaint. He swallowed her words like a bitter medicine as he kept the phone close to his ear, with tears streaming down his face. Because even though her words were bitter, he could at least hear her voice. The voice that was like music to ears. Besides, she hated him. That’s exactly what he wanted, right? He wanted her to hate him.

Maya knew she was just rambling at this point and so she hung up the phone. Her entire body was shaking. She couldn’t believe he had finally called. Maya knew it was him. She had a feeling he would call eventually as this was in one of her visions. She also knew how he was reacting in that moment. She could visualize his face. The tears. She knew he was holding his breath. Trying not to make a sound. She also knew every bitter word she said would hurt him later, but she couldn’t help it. Namjoon had hurt her far more, by not facing her. Sure, her words will hurt, but his actions had hurt Maya more.

Maya sat there with the phone in her hands, weeping as she stared at the screen. Namjoon did the same. For a moment it felt like the world had stopped moving, as they both sat at their desks on two different parts of the world feeling the same pain. Perhaps, it was in the moment that the universe finally saw their despair, and fate decided to take a turn, once again.

7 notes · View notes

joysmercer · 6 years

Text

Grey’s Anatomy 14x14 Final Thoughts

My brain is split into two right now: “I hate Grey’s and how DARE they do this I’m never watching again” and “that episode!”

Let’s ignore the first half for now, and we’ll get back to it later. I have a LOT to say, don’t worry.

The episode opens with Amelia feeling really horny. Kind of random and out-of-the-blue, but unlike other unexpected decisions from this show recently, I didn’t mind this one. I loved seeing this cute, spunky side of Amelia, one we really haven’t seen since…Derek died, really. Aside from this new side of her, Amelia was also really dishing out the sass today, from telling Bello to get her head out of her ass (and hopefully leaving Deluca/Sam out of the picture for a while) to putting Koracick in her place, and I liked it :) Overall, it was a much-needed upward trend for this girl, and I really hope it continues.

Over to Owen, this dude was also dishing out sass. Thank goodness he put those boys in their places before they took out someone’s nose or something. It’s been a while since we saw “Major Hunt” being all commandeering and such, and it’s nice to see that side of him again.

Apparently, being sassy together translates to being sexy together as well (sorry, that was bad phrasing, but idc).I just knew something would happen from the opening elevator scene, and was almost certain it would be in this episode from the ER conversation (“I like a man with authority”/“me too”). And her blurting out her feelings as soon as she saw Owen is classic Amelia. Her “sex speech” followed by Owen’s ““I want you to use me in any way you can think of” will forever have a place in my heart <3 <3 <3 Omelia Will Rise Again! Maybe a double wedding with Jolex at the end of the season?

Aside from the Bello situation, Deluca was not really as intolerable as he was the last episode. This was the first time since Carina’s introduction that we really saw the two of them act like siblings, and I really want more of them interacting!!

But Koracick. Oh my god. This guy got even more sleazy, if that’s even possible. I’m not going to say much more on that subject, except that he’s apparently going to help April next episode and I really hope he doesn’t screw up. April’s leaving, but it better be on terms true to her character, not because some ass screwed her up for good.

Speaking of April. Grey’s anatomy told the entire Domestic Abuse storyline in 2 episodes, but they’re taking their own sweet time solving this Crisis of hers. I was initially glad Hunt sent her home early, because even though the Ear thing was not her fault, this girl really needs to get her act together. But, I said initially happy because apparently, she decided to go home and get drunk instead. Which, y’know, wouldn’t have happened if Arizona (or literally anyone) was paying the slightest attention to her.

Instead, her best friend was off trying to solve the issue of maternal mortality rates (granted, a super important study) but not really making any headway except to accuse her friend of being a bad doctor. great move. On a side note, did anyone else catch that chemistry between Arizona and the OB? Or am I just making it up?

And onto the second (and “ugh”-est) huge development of this episode. Jaggie. WHY SHONDA WHY? Both of them were sooo awkward at Game Night that I wanted to throw my phone at the TV. Okay, I admit Jackson being protective of Maggie was cute, but in a more brotherly way (like Meredith and Alex, except obviously not as deep). But even when they kissed, I just couldn’t see it. No chemistry whatsoever. They’re better as friends. BUT I was super surprised that “perfect” Clive turned out to be married (”you must be the woman who’s been screwing my husband” flashbacks, anyone?). Maggie doesn’t need Jackson, but she certainly deserves much better than a pathological liar. But anyway, apparently these two are canon now, so I’ll be fast-forwarding a lot of scenes in the future :/

And finally, Meredith and Jo’s story. I’m going to ignore the fact that these two have been getting wayy more screen time for their project than any other doctor so far, and just talk about their current positions. It turned out that the old guy died, and the polymer now belongs to - surprise! - Meredith’s family friend! Who, unfortunately, refuses to sell Mer the patent until she saw proof that it worked, which was a risky move on the doctor’s parts, especially with later developments: Marie was not Ellis’s best friend, and they apparently had a huge feud over something. So Meredith just admitted to stealing, to the person she stole from, and gave away her ground-breaking surgical plans, and I just feel really bad for her and Jo. The one good thing about this, though, is that she interrupted Jaggie in her quest for her mother’s journals. I really, really hope that whatever caused Ellis’s and Marie’s fight won’t impact the project, although knowing Grey’s, it probably will.

Okay, onto some smaller plot points.

First of all, how stupid can interns be? They were never formally invited to anything and they still showed up? I’m glad Casey had nothing to do with it, and it was just the two most idiotic, Glasses and Hellmouth. But still. Instead of firing April and Arizona, get rid of these two instead. Also, uh, what the heck is going on with Jolex? I mean, Paul died and all of a sudden there’s a standstill. They didn’t even talk this episode, all we got was Jo smiling in a doorframe. Alex and Kimmy, on the other hand, were adorable and I’m so glad Alex advocated for her while addressing her Grandmother’s fears. Medical Marijuana can do so much good, and it’s a pity most states don’t allow it. Also, addressing what was, I’m assuming, supposed to be the “central theme” of this episode, what is going on with the lawsuit and everything? It just seemed really random and interjected in there just to get Kepner drunk. Which honestly, served no purpose except to make me fast-forward everytime April spoke. And speaking of “central themes,” that might have been the lamest Game Night ever. And Maggie’s sisters didn’t even show! wth grey’s, wth.

In all, this episode was so good at some points (Omelia! Ellis Grey Plot-Twist!) and so bad at others (Jaggie & the entire Game Night tbh). The promo for next week does confirm two things, one of which makes me (kinda) happy, and the other which makes me want to throw up: 1, Koracick and April (probably) didn’t sleep together; 2, we’re in for a lot more Jaggie, and Maggie is apparently spending more time with her boyfriend’s kid instead of her 2 nieces and nephew (seriously, did Zola, Bailey, and Ellis just…dissappear? Brief glimpses of them are not enough, people).

Alright. To today’s news.

I was talking it over with some friends before tonight’s episode, and we realized that both April and AZ have no real storylines, but both are in a position where there is real potential for some amazing plots. However, the writers needed to fire someone apparently, and since these two haven’t really had any development in forever, they were the first to go. Now, I love Maggie (like, a lot more than most people), but if they needed to shorten the main cast, she would be my first pick. Or, just promote Casey to attending (I mean, Jo’s residency is apparently 7 years long, so this won’t be that bad) and fire the rest of the interns. But don’t get rid of two phenomenal actresses who have been on the show, dedicated their lives to it, for more than a decade. And if they did it to get back at Pompeo for her pay rise, that’s just cruel. What’s even more cruel, though, is going after Ellen for somehow playing a part in this. Leave her alone! If ABC had said “Sorry, we can’t afford this, otherwise we’ll have to cut the main cast,” she probably would have reduced her price. I mean, she and JCap are super close. Just saying.

As I was watching the episode, I just kept thinking how absolutely central these two are to the rest of Grey’s. regardless of their lack of stories, nothing would function on the show without them -- we wouldn’t have a Fetal Surgeon, nor a main-character OB anymore, and God knows what will happen to the ER without April around.

I’m really going to miss these two. This was not fair to us, but it definitely wasn’t fair to Drew or JCap.

17 notes · View notes

mrhotmaster · 4 years

Quote

Dark Season 3 Review: A End Of Polarisation In a touching and poetic final season, the German Netflix show takes some unusual and unexpected choices. Dark- the Netflix science fiction spine chiller unique arrangement from Germany — is fixated on time travel. Be that as it may, for its initial two seasons, even as Dark investigated the numerous aspects of time travel in frustrating yet hypnotizing ways, it wouldn't engage the conversation of equal universes. That changed toward the finish of season 2 with Martha Nielsen's (Lisa Vicari) demise, when a Martha with blasts — we should call her alt-Martha — appeared all of a sudden, and revealed to her confused and lamenting adoration Jonas Kahnwald (Louis Hofmann) that she was from a different universe. It exploded Dark's focal arrogance, for one potential time travel hypothesis — utilized in a great deal of present-day fiction, including Avengers: Endgame — states that numerous truths are the aftereffect of playing with the past. SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't seen Dark season 3, you may wish to stop now. Topical spoilers and hidden references to storylines ahead. Continue at your hazard, in the event that you would prefer not to have a few pieces of Dark season 3 ruined for you. But Dark has over and over disproved the possibility that the past can be changed. During the initial two seasons, a considerable lot of now is the ideal time voyaging characters guaranteed they would fix everything later on by changing something before. Be that as it may, each and every time they attempted to modify their world, they just achieved what they had embarked to change. To put it plainly, Dark trusts in determinism. Or on the other hand rather, so do its significant other spouse maker pair Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese, who fill in as the executive and author, individually, on each Dark scene. That would mean there is no through and through freedom, in essence. Rather, Dark's universe — presently, a multiverse — is represented by the laws of predetermination and destiny, as oft embraced by the more established, more astute variants of its time travelers. ALSO SEE Dark Season 3 Promo Trailer Tips, Said To Release On June 27: Check Trailer & More That remains constant on quite a bit of Dark season 3 — additionally, the last season — as you would expect, however, it's peculiarly overturned with the assistance of a late-game turn. Expecting you've followed Dark's initial ideas well, you'll see the curve coming throughout the entire season. Yet, not the outcome. Deconstructing Dark's takeaway towards the end is an inquisitive decision, not least since it refutes what Dark has been attempting to state since the start, yet additionally on the grounds that it achieves' will undoubtedly be a polarizing end. Possibly it's an instance of the Dark makers attempting to outmaneuver the crowd and the fans with their unlimited speculations, however, in doing as such, Dark season 3 organizes shock over interior rationale. Where the Netflix arrangement has consistently felt ground-breaking is with its characters, mainly in light of the fact that its time travel mechanics — any hop you make takes you 33 years into the past or future — have permitted us to watch them over the course of their lives. Dim season 3 develops our comprehension of them to a great extent fulfilling ways, exhibiting how they wound up as who they may be, through a blend of honest goals and unspeakable things. Simultaneously, the complexities of its time travel-driven confusions — there is currently more than one form of the characters at a similar age — do to some degree decrease the importance of pivotal turning points on Dark season 3. Getting right where it left off toward the finish of season 2, Dark season 3 takes Jonas to alt-Martha's equal world. But it's November 4, 2019 — where the show started — in this variant of the anecdotal German town of Winden. That is deliberate, as it permits Dark season 3 to attract equals to season 1. Martha is the one with Jonas' yellow coat, and she and her family live in the Kahnwald home. Rather than Jonas' mom Hannah (Maja Schöne) and Martha's dad Ulrich (Oliver Masucci), it's Ulrich's child Magnus (Moritz Jahn) and Franziska Doppler (Gina Alice Stiebitz) covertly having intercourse. Franziska's mom Charlotte (Karoline Eichhorn) isn't the head of police, it's Ulrich. While a few things are extraordinary, some are the equivalent, inferable from the person's tendency. As a rule, similar discoursed and occasions from season 1 are rehashed in the equal world on Dark season 3; normally, they take on another significance. The re-investigation of season 1 illuminates Dark's convictions, in that we are bound to our destiny, not on the grounds that it's foreordained, however because of who we intrinsically seem to be. It's impactful. In any case, now and again, Dark season 3 is so up to speed in drawing those equals that it winds up re-stepping season 1 ground. Also, since this is the last season and a great part of the riddle is now set up, it decreases the job of most exchange forms of characters, contrasted with their "unique" partners. Discussing, the couple of overcomers of the end times are dispersed across time in Dark season 3, with some of them in an up 'til now concealed timeframe. ALSO SEE Dark Season 3 Trailer Is The End, And Is Also The Beginning: Check Here That leaves Adam (Dietrich Hollinderbäumer) — the pioneer of the mystery society of time travelers, Sic Mundus — who keeps on pursuing the "starting point, all things considered, with expectations of obliterating it and settling everything. (A discourse from The Matrix keeps on filling in as unmistakable motivation, and it's joined by Avengers: Infinity War in one significant second.) In the end, Dark season 3 finishes on Adam's case, even with all past proof, with the Netflix arrangement deciding on an answer that greatly improves its multiverse. For an arrangement that flourishes in its unpredictability, it's frustrating. Its endgame decision likewise to some degree diminishes away from the determination of its characters and the lives they drove; there's something excellent about the human soul of enduring, particularly despite horrible chances. With respect to the specialized side of things, Dark season 3 is first-rate generally. The foreboding and frightful foundation score from Ben Frost carries out its responsibility to the teeth, and Udo Kramer's creation configuration magnificently fills life into each timeframe and setting. Odar the chief takes as much time as is needed, conveying six-hour-long scenes and completion with two 70-minute scenes. Nothing ever surges, however Dark season 3 loses a touch of energy halfway through, and in the penultimate part, which feels like a table-setting scene. Be that as it may, with two universes now in the blend in with a few timeframes, and this being the last season, the moderate and purposeful pace may help a few watchers not feel overpowered and relish what remains. Then again, those with a sharp eye will peruse some Dark season 3 occasions not long before they occur. There's still a ton of mental estimation required somewhere else, with the Netflix arrangement transforming into a labyrinth much the same as Westworld. That is not by any means the only HBO arrangement Dark season 3 adversaries; having just outperformed Game of Thrones as far as interbreeding, it presently pushes past with matricide and filicide, however, the characters aren't generally mindful of the relationship. A portion of that fits in with the scriptural suggestions that proceed in the last season. That has been vital to Dark from the earliest starting point, as has its enthusiasm for investigating mortality, human instinct, agony and misfortune, and determinism. How you feel about the translations of the remainder of those on Dark season 3 will rely upon your confidence in a higher force. That is interlaced with Dark's conviction that time is a circle, and that what occurred before will undoubtedly happen once more. Which makes it very like the Battlestar Galactica reboot from the 2000s, with the two shows drawing fundamentally the same as exercises as well. Round narrating is consistently beautiful, and on Dark, it's incorporated with the idea itself. The end is the start, the start is the end. Dark season 3 is out Saturday, June 27 at 12:30 pm in India. For Regular & Fastest Tech News and Reviews, Follow TECHNOXMART on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google News and Subscribe Here Now. By Subscribing You Will Get Our Daily Digest Headlines Every Morning Directly In Your Email Inbox. 【Join Our Whatsapp Group Here】

http://www.technoxmart.com/2020/06/dark-season-3-review-check-out.html

#mrhotmaster #technoxmart #news #today news

0 notes

avaliveradio · 4 years

Text

Female Rapper Cara-Mel Releases New Single Maybelline

Artist: Cara-Mel

New Release: Maybelline

Genre: Hip Hop/Rap

Sounds like: : J Cole, Joyner Lucas, Chance The Rapper, Joey BadA$$

Located in: Baltimore, Maryland

The majority of my music has a Hip Hop/Rap appeal with a social justice aspect. My lyrical content ranges from discussing relatable topics, world events, to women empowerment, and life lessons taught along the way (love, relationships, etc.). Many of my supporters appreciate hearing a poetic flow that touches on such real-life topics that highlight truth while giving a message that paints a picture through song in a form of storytelling. Lyrically, Maybelline talks about how we as a society tend to focus on striving for the materialistic or temporary gains in life at any cost; as well as the social imbalance that has been created behind this mindset. While the hook describes how the artist chooses not to be conformed to this world and has awakened with a renewing of the mind. With Maybelline’s powerful message and catchy hook, this mesmerizing hard-hitting track is guaranteed to get stuck in the heads of its listeners.

The music we are creating is...

’Maybelline’ is an important musical release because I feel like this is my celebration song where I am re-introducing the artist Cara-Mel to the world as a much stronger, wiser, and focused woman determined to make her mark as an entertainer. During my breast cancer recovery in 2019, I came to realize that what we as people may see as setbacks are setups designed to help grow and develop us into the best version of ourselves. And I think I had to go through this chapter in my life to stand here today with even more determination and drive to succeed. I believe that everyone has their battles and races to run. With this in mind, the message I want music lovers to take from the lyrics of this song is that regardless each person is the author of their own story so don’t settle for the hand dealt.

Right now we are...

Right now, I am currently preparing for the “Maybelline” Virtual Tour that will kick off starting around late June. With everything going on during these trying times I felt this would be a great way to stay connected with my fans and continue to introduce my music to the world. Also, I am very happy to announce that the Maybelline music video will be hitting my YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/CaraMelDMV) in the upcoming weeks so everyone should be on the lookout for its debut around late May/early June.

Artists Bio..

Cara-Mel, whose real name is Dana Lawrence is a female Hip Hop/Rap artist representing the Baltimore/Washington D.C. Metropolitan area is known as the DMV. Her style can be best described as a blend of R&B, Hip Hop, Down South, and Dance meets Trap with a Social Justice aspect. Mel likes to sum it up as Conscious Trill. She began her musical journey at the tender age of seven listening to inspirational Oldies But Goodies; where her interest in R&B artists such as Stevie Wonder and Al Green lead to writing full R&B/Soul ballads and playful up-tempo tunes by the age of eleven. Deeply into jazz artists such as Kenny G and Najee, she started playing the saxophone in the sixth grade and was invited during her first year of playing to the All-City Band; where she was ranked the third chair overall in her hometown of Chesapeake, Virginia. By the age of fourteen, Cara-Mel became intrigued with Miami Bass, Down South and Hip Hop music with influences such as Luke, Salt-N-Pepa, Tupac, Lauryn Hill, Slick Rick, A Tribe Called Quest, and 69 Boyz; this is where her style of rhythmical writing took off into her creation during the early part of this artist’s indie career.

However, after years of struggling to get on with a major label, she made the mistake of giving up the pursuit of her musical dreams and stopped creating and producing music. Once hanging up her microphone, this musical talent spent several years working as a special education teacher and in fitness. In 2008, she started a health and wellness business, which became very successful throughout Washington D.C. Metropolitan area for five years. However, during the mid-2013 economic slowdown and the federal government’s sequestration; cutbacks forced her to close the family business. The sudden loss of income led to the foreclosure of her home and subsequent bankruptcy.

Attempting to get back on her feet, this young artist was hit with another blow; as she was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS), which is considered the earliest form of breast cancer. Once given this devastating news her reflection about life came to the forefront with some regrets. It was during this time she vowed to go back to one of her greatest past loves; which was music. This motivated Cara-Mel to record “Broke,” her first hip hop song in years. The street promo song, “Broke” placed her on the map when it caught the attention of DJ SIDEREAL from Minnesota and landed a spot on the “Stamp of Approval” mixtape song bangers of the year in 2015. This song was written and recorded to reflect the frustrations of living check to check; which everyone can relate to at some point in their lives. Following her return to the music scene, she released “Back To The Grind;” a sneak peek of what was to come from the highly anticipated debut mixtape “Racial Profile,” which was released in September of 2016. Since then, Mel’s music has been placed on several mixtapes such as “Never Falling Off,” hosted by the On By Society Movement and DMV vs EVERYBODY 3, a popular DMV Music Plug local artist’s series. In addition, this beautiful lady has landed magazine spreads from Mr. Dreamz to Poze Magazine, and was the winner in the category for "Best Hip Hop Album Of The Year" at the X-Poze-ing Music Awards in September 2018 for “Racial Profile.”

With 2018 ending on a great note; she was looking forward to collaborations with various artists as her career began expanding into 2019. However, excited about new opportunities ahead and while recording new works; this queen was hit with unexpected news. After a routine exam, Mel discovered she would have to lace up those combat boots once again with the diagnosis of breast cancer (DCIS) in April of 2019. But, with discipline and perseverance, this two-time pink survivor has worked hard to get back to her music career and living cancer-free in just six months.

Not only can Cara-Mel flow; but she is a singer-songwriter and saxophonist on a mission to bring change through song. Having a sound like no other, this quadruple talent is creating her lane; as she continues to astonish the industry with cross-genre music that demonstrates her versatility. And though this emerging artist strives to empower others globally; her unique style demands attention as she positions herself as a lyrical storyteller of our time.

LINKS: Spotify Artist Page: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6uN625U76XBCBhQKmpw5Mp Twitter: https://twitter.com/caramel_DMV FaceBook Fam Page: https://www.facebook.com/caramelfampage FaceBook Artist Page: https://www.facebook.com/CaraMelDMV Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caramel_dmv

#Cara-Mel #Hip Hop music #Maryland

0 notes

emarawork2015 · 5 years

Text

Propane Services And Some Useful Tips On Searching For One

By Margaret Kennedy

No matter how you make use of propane, for commercial or residential use, finding the right supplier is invariably an important responsibility. As hundreds of propane services North East Kansas are located everywhere, searching for a reliable and competent service can be challenging. This is why learning sound tips and advice can somehow make a difference as you compare the possible choices today. Essentially, its significant to find a supplier which could address your every need and know how to present the good value without the unreasonable rate and compromised quality. Hence, by carefully evaluating and comparing candidates, its much easier to find a service which helps. This article presents key points and reminders which could prove to be handy as you get to search some candidates along the way. Make a comparison on suppliers, specifically those which show an incredible service and result. Certain elements to carefully study involve the client satisfaction, plan, cost, delivery options and installation, to name but a few. Other than doing research, compare several candidates to locate and coordinate with those which can actually render a good service. Evaluate the services and the products of some local suppliers. Familiarizing yourself with the offers and promos which local candidates feature is the key to make a smart choice. Although most candidates generally present what the clients are searching for, others could either provide a lower or advanced option. Make sure you know exactly what you search for. Identify the delivery options, regardless of how near or far your place is. Deliveries can take in many forms but only two are recognized. The one is called as the automatic type as its describe as sending tank to your place on a routine basis. Furthermore, the need type is when you must have a phone call from suppliers but there are restrictions to this thing. How much would be the monthly cost. The takeaway here is that you know the estimated price to pay. Apart from the maintenance and the installation fees, is there a possibility to spend on monthly purchase. What are minimal things required to apply for plans and package. Does your payment include the delivery. It is paramount to stay aware and well informed on a lot of things before you commit and make the final choice. Evaluate safety record and customer satisfaction. Always check the safety record of some services by visiting some organizations which handle client complaints. Read some customer testimonials and feedback, not only the company website. You can also give regard to the suggestions of some friends and family members should you believe can offer tips. Pick services which have lengthy years of expert experience and can guarantee a helping hand at all times, especially during sudden and unexpected situations. At the very least, carefully examine whether they could feature some credentials and certificates. Pick those which are able to offer a service for years. On a final and important note, determine the period of operation. How long have they been helping people in the industry. Choose those suppliers which are keen to offer a hand round the clock. Make sure you assess their limitation, especially during a sudden or emergency scenario.

About the Author:

If you wish to heat your home this winter without paying too much for fuel consider using the most efficient propane services North East Kansas has to offer. Get a price quote now from http://bit.ly/2EKSa9k.

Propane Services And Some Useful Tips On Searching For One from 10 first best of http://bit.ly/2EJQ0rr via IFTTT

0 notes

infactforgetthepark · 7 years

Text

[Free Audiobook] The Beach House by Jane Green [Contemporary Literary Novel]

The Beach House by English author Jane Green is her standalone contemporary/literary fiction novel, free for a limited time courtesy of publisher Penguin Random House Audio.

This is a heartwarming journey of self-discovery staycation novel with a touch of dramatic suspense, starring an older woman who has decided to open up her beach front home for summer rentals, to supplement her retirement income, and finds herself having unexpected experiences and potentially upsetting encounters with past acquaintances, as a result.

Offered worldwide until 12 PM Eastern Time on June 30th, available as a DRM-free MP4 download directly from the publisher and in their app.

Free for a limited time, available worldwide until 12 PM Eastern Time on June 30th directly @ the publisher's dedicated promo page (DRM-free MP4 format approx ~163 mb, in exchange for newsletter signup with your valid email address; right click to Save As the download, which may otherwise try loading directly in your browser)

You can also read more about the book on its regular catalogue page, or download via the PRH's Volumes app for iDevices and Android (Canada & US-only)

Description From the author of Jemima J and Falling comes the New York Times bestseller about finding your place in the place you call home.

Ever since her life took an unexpected turn, Nan Powell has enjoyed living alone on the sun-drenched shores of Nantucket. At sixty-five, she’s just as likely to be found at Windermere, her beach front home, as she is skinny dipping in her neighbor’s pool. But when the money she thought would last forever starts to dwindle, Nan decides to do something drastic to keep hold of her free-spirited life: open up Windermere to strangers.

After placing an ad for summer rentals touting water views, direct access to the beach, and a sexagenarian roommate, Nan’s once quiet house is soon full of noise, laughter, and the occasional bout of tears. Between her eclectic new tenants and the sudden return of her son, Nan gets a taste of what life is like when you have someone to care for besides yourself. But just as she starts to happily settle in to her new existence, the arrival of a visitor from her past threatens to turn everyone’s lives upside down...

#free audiobook #jane green #the beach house #contemporary fiction #literary fiction #women's fiction #penguin random house audio

0 notes

lifebooksloves · 7 years

Text

Passion Series by J.A. Melville

Life, Books, & Loves Presents: Passion Series by J.A. Melville

Series Promo Tour

February 6th – 18th

Passion Series

by J.A. Melville

Add to Goodreads

http://ift.tt/2lbYxZC

Passion After Dark: Book One

Add to Goodreads:

http://ift.tt/2kCJBAz

Universal Buy Link:

http://ift.tt/2lbQ4Wm

Synopsis

When Dominick Cavallo first saw Allegra Anderson, he knew instantly that she was the one for him. Unfortunately Allegra Anderson, best-selling author of erotica and self-confessed clutz, didn’t even know he existed. That is about to change.

The night Allegra’s house mate Cassie insists she come out clubbing with her is the night that fate intervenes.

From the moment Allegra sees Dominick at the club when he rescues her from the unwanted attentions of another man, she’s spellbound by his stunning good looks. His black hair, startlingly blue eyes and the way he speaks to her, has her totally captivated by him. He is the sexiest thing she’s ever seen and the attraction is instant and intense.

Dominick disappears not long after Allegra meets him and she’s devastated that she may never see him again. A week later, he reappears, when she least expects it and she learns something about him that could change the way she feels about him. He is not human, he is vampire.

Dominick is different to the other vampires. He has no desire to live their lifestyle but they are a part of his life whether he wants them or not. Allegra doesn’t want to be part of that lifestyle either. When she meets Dominick’s sire, the brooding but sexy Fabian, she feels both unwanted attraction and fear for him. Fabian makes it clear he wants Allegra for himself and he will do anything to get her, even if it means destroying Dominick and Allegra’s relationship.

Will he end up driving them apart? Will Allegra be able to come to terms with what Dominick is?

When something unexpected happens, that will change who she is forever, can their love survive?

With Allegra’s discovery of her newly acquired ‘abilities,’ suddenly everything changes. Will it all be too much? Will Fabian succeed and ruin everything? Can Dominick and Allegra survive all that is determined to tear them apart or will love truly conquer all?

Passion By Control: Book Two

Add to Goodreads:

http://ift.tt/2kD37wT

Universal Buy Link:

http://ift.tt/2lc4nuf

Synopsis

Sirene Devereaux came to town, looking for a man; but not just any man, she was looking for a vampire.

This wasn’t about finding love. She was in town to do a job. It was business, not pleasure. She had to hunt down one particular vampire and make his very existence a living hell. To hide her true identity, she got a job as a waitress and eventually some gigs singing, since that was her real passion. Of course there was more to her than met the eye. Sirene was a witch.

It didn’t take her long to find a place to stay, make friends and find her vampire. In fact, he found her.

Fabian Sorensen wants Sirene the moment he lays eyes on her, but unfortunately his natural charm doesn’t seem to work on her. He’s used to getting any woman he wants, yet she seems immune.

When he finally gets the chance to spend a night with her, he discovers she’s no ordinary woman, she’s a witch and he hates witches. It has never ended well for him when he encounters them.

Sirene is no different. She hurts him, humiliates him and attacks the one thing precious to him, his manhood and for that, he wants revenge. He learns she’s been sent to torture him and she’s a serious threat to his normally controlled world. He has survived over 600 years and suddenly everything is threatened by one tiny raven haired witch.

She thwarts his attempts to make her pay for what she did to him. Any time he’s around her, she completely unmans him. He hates that he is attracted to her. He uses women for blood and sex, he doesn’t do relationships, so why is this one messing with his head so much?

Sirene too, is drawn to him which goes against everything she is in town to do. She’s supposed to loathe him, not like him. The attraction between them is powerful but will it ultimately destroy them?

When a series of challenges arises and their very lives are threatened, can they survive? With so much against them, is it possible for a witch and a vampire to truly find love?

Passion Follows Pain: Book Three

Add to Goodreads:

http://ift.tt/2kCQtOq

Universal Buy Link:

http://ift.tt/2lc85UA

Synopsis

For most of her life, the only thing Arissa Petros has known is abuse. She is just 19 years old when, with the help of a friend, she runs away from her abuser. Wanting as much distance between the man who has hurt her and herself, she travels to another state working as a housekeeper for an elderly lady with a broken leg. Arissa’s never been away from home or another state so everything is frightening to her. She is torn between fear of the unknown and relief at being away from the man who abused her for so long.

Mrs Appleby is kind and caring and it doesn’t take Arissa long to settle in to her new life. For the first time ever, she feels happy and safe, that is, until she meets one of the neighbours from over the road.

Lucian Andreas is the classic tall, dark and handsome man. He wants her and pursues her despite the fact she is terrified and wants nothing to do with him. As far as Arissa is concerned, men represent pain and aren’t to be trusted. She has no desire to have anything to do with them ever!

Lucian won’t give up on her though and slowly but surely he breaks down her defences. He is the first man she has ever wanted to spend time with. He makes her feel things she’s never felt before and she finds herself longing for the touch of his lips, the strong safe haven of his arms.

When Lucian finds out about Arissa’s past, it only makes him want her more, determined to prove to her that not all men are bad and that sex doesn’t have to represent pain and humiliation. But first he has to come clean; reveal his true identity to her. He has to tell her he’s a vampire. Despite his initial fears, his revelation doesn’t frighten her off and in fact brings them closer together. Lucian opens up a whole new world to her filled with passion and excitement. That is, until tragedy strikes and suddenly everything changes when Arissa’s past catches up with her and her life is in danger.

Will Lucian be able to save her in time? Can they survive? Will their relationship handle the stresses placed on it? Everything seems lost, that all hope is gone until that chance discovery one night. That one thing that changes everything…

***NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR***

As a survivor of abuse myself, please be aware that this book touches on the subject of abuse and may be a trigger for some. It is not a story about abuse, but rather the damage that abuse causes on a person, both emotionally and physically.

Passion And Fire: Book Four

Add to Goodreads:

http://ift.tt/2kCT4bm

Universal Buy Link:

http://ift.tt/2lbUUD1

Synopsis

Flame is a pole dancer. She’s beautiful and a redhead with the temper to match. She doesn’t do relationships since they often end badly for her, especially her last one, which had been a disaster. She also has a secret. She can move things with her mind.

Damien is tall, dark, handsome and a notorious womaniser. He is also a vampire. He loves all women, but only for a good time, not a long time. A different woman every night is his philosophy, and he uses his stunning good looks and other talents to get what he wants, blood and sex.

When Damien sees Flame one night at the strip club, he instantly wants her and is frustrated when she fails to fall for his charms. In fact she calls him a loser and leaves him aching for her.

Unforeseen events soon find them in a position where their secrets are revealed to one another and they decide to give in to the attraction they can no longer fight to ignore. One night of hot and sweaty sex should be enough to satisfy their desires and then they can go their separate ways.

The sex between them is passionate, intense and explosive and it quickly becomes obvious, one night will never be enough. Will two commitment phobics ever be able to have a relationship or will they walk away?

Damien is the first to give in to the feelings he can no longer ignore and persuades Flame to come home with him. She finally opens up to him and it looks like they are both ready to try being a couple until tragedy strikes.

Can Flame and Damien survive what happened or will their tentative commitment to one another be torn apart?

Passion For Hire: Book Five

Add to Goodreads:

http://ift.tt/2kCAnog

Universal Buy Link:

http://ift.tt/2lc9nPd

Synopsis

If you could have the man of your dreams would you go after him?

That was the question Faith asked herself when a tall dark haired, sexy as sin vampire started coming to her in her dreams. Most would dismiss it as nothing more than that, just dreams; but not her. Faith was no ordinary young woman, she was a visionary.

She could see peoples’ futures in her dreams and by touching them. When she started seeing the beautiful vampire as she slept, she knew she had to go after him. Discovering he lived in the same house as the sister she never knew she had, just made it easier.

For Adrian the sudden appearance of the stunningly beautiful but innocent Faith meant trouble for him. For two years he’d been living a lie, and keeping a secret about what he got up to each night. His family had no idea, and that was how it had to be until Faith’s arrival threatened it all.

With her sheer determination to prove that they were destined for one another, suddenly Adrian’s life was thrown into chaos. For Faith who had ‘seen’ his future and knew his secrets it was simple, come clean and accept that he was hers.

Of course in her mind it was that simple, but not to Adrian. He still fought her at every turn, appearing to want her and then pushing her away again. Finally when things got too much, he ran, abandoning her and leaving her broken hearted.

Then something happened, something that threatened their lives and had the potential to change everything. Was this going to be Faith’s chance for happily ever after or would everything be lost?

Would her visions become her nightmares, or was she finally going to get Adrian, who had literally been the man of her dreams?

Passion Becomes Her: Book Six

Add to Goodreads:

http://ift.tt/2kCAmkc

Universal Buy Link:

http://ift.tt/2lbWW68

Synopsis

It’s been almost a century since everything changed.

Nearly a century since Francesca lost everyone and everything that night.

Only one person knows, one man saw it all; her sire, her saviour. He pulled her back from death and the brink of insanity.

Only one man truly knows her and Fabian promised he would never reveal the horrors of her past to anyone else.

She’s gone decades hiding her true self behind a mask of indifference; her clothes, her makeup like a costume so no one will see the real her.

It’s worked all these years until him…….

Lucas is the young man turned vampire by accident two years ago. He is the vampire with a heart and soul. He’s also an empath. He can feel what others are feeling……..

Something about him triggers flashbacks to Francesca’s past and her sleep is plagued by horrific nightmares.

Her screams wake Lucas and he comes to her, soothing and comforting her. The trouble is Francesca doesn’t want his comfort, she doesn’t want anyone. Anyone she’s ever cared about has been lost to her.

She uses Lucas to help her forget. Sex has always been her coping mechanism. Use them for sex and move on, but something about Lucas keeps drawing her back to him.

The sex is explosive, passionate and intense. The sex helps her forget her past, until afterwards when her resentment towards him makes her turn on him; punishing him physically and with cruel words. He makes her feel and she doesn’t want to feel. She doesn’t want to remember. She doesn’t want to feel anything for this man who has been the catalyst for those painful memories to resurface.

It’s unhealthy and dangerous, until one night something happens that changes everything.

Francesca’s past collides with her present and her already fragile state of mind is tested further.

Will it destroy them now everything has changed?

About the Author

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved to write, poetry, short stories just about anything. My English teachers in school kept telling me I should write and it took me a lot of years to finally get around to it.

I spent too long worrying about failing as a writer before I realized that living with the regret of never trying was worse.

I live in a sleepy country town in Tasmania, Australia with my partner and our three children, who aren’t so little anymore, plus a whole assortment of animals.

Natasha’s Awakening is my first book but I have no intention of stopping now and will continue to live my dream of being a published author. I have just published Taming Eric which is his POV to Natasha’s Awakening.

My interests are writing of course, reading, watching movies and hanging out at home with my family, our six cats and one dog.

You can find me on Facebook under my author page J.A. Melville and my book’s page Natasha’s Awakening.

Follow J.A. Melville

Facebook | Goodreads | Google + | Twitter

Hosted by Spunky N Sassy

Disclosure: This information was provided by SNSBAH Promotions and J.A. Melville. This is NOT a compensated post.

The post Passion Series by J.A. Melville appeared first on Life Books & Loves.

from Life Books & Loves http://ift.tt/2kCZwPB via IFTTT

#IFTTT #Life Books & Loves Passion Series by J.A. Melville

0 notes

mrhotmaster · 4 years

Text

Dark Season 3 Review: Check Out Here

Dark Season 3 Review: A End Of Polarisation

In a touching and poetic final season, the German Netflix show takes some unusual and unexpected choices.

Dark- the Netflix science fiction spine chiller unique arrangement from Germany — is fixated on time travel. Be that as it may, for its initial two seasons, even as Dark investigated the numerous aspects of time travel in frustrating yet hypnotizing ways, it wouldn't engage the conversation of equal universes. That changed toward the finish of season 2 with Martha Nielsen's (Lisa Vicari) demise, when a Martha with blasts — we should call her alt-Martha — appeared all of a sudden, and revealed to her confused and lamenting adoration Jonas Kahnwald (Louis Hofmann) that she was from a different universe. It exploded Dark's focal arrogance, for one potential time travel hypothesis — utilized in a great deal of present-day fiction, including Avengers: Endgame — states that numerous truths are the aftereffect of playing with the past.

SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't seen Dark season 3, you may wish to stop now. Topical spoilers and hidden references to storylines ahead. Continue at your hazard, in the event that you would prefer not to have a few pieces of Dark season 3 ruined for you.

But Dark has over and over disproved the possibility that the past can be changed. During the initial two seasons, a considerable lot of now is the ideal time voyaging characters guaranteed they would fix everything later on by changing something before. Be that as it may, each and every time they attempted to modify their world, they just achieved what they had embarked to change. To put it plainly, Dark trusts in determinism. Or on the other hand rather, so do its significant other spouse maker pair Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese, who fill in as the executive and author, individually, on each Dark scene. That would mean there is no through and through freedom, in essence. Rather, Dark's universe — presently, a multiverse — is represented by the laws of predetermination and destiny, as oft embraced by the more established, more astute variants of its time travelers.

ALSO SEE

Dark Season 3 Promo Trailer Tips, Said To Release On June 27: Check Trailer & More

That remains constant on quite a bit of Dark season 3 — additionally, the last season — as you would expect, however, it's peculiarly overturned with the assistance of a late-game turn. Expecting you've followed Dark's initial ideas well, you'll see the curve coming throughout the entire season. Yet, not the outcome. Deconstructing Dark's takeaway towards the end is an inquisitive decision, not least since it refutes what Dark has been attempting to state since the start, yet additionally on the grounds that it achieves' will undoubtedly be a polarizing end. Possibly it's an instance of the Dark makers attempting to outmaneuver the crowd and the fans with their unlimited speculations, however, in doing as such, Dark season 3 organizes shock over interior rationale.

Where the Netflix arrangement has consistently felt ground-breaking is with its characters, mainly in light of the fact that its time travel mechanics — any hop you make takes you 33 years into the past or future — have permitted us to watch them over the course of their lives. Dim season 3 develops our comprehension of them to a great extent fulfilling ways, exhibiting how they wound up as who they may be, through a blend of honest goals and unspeakable things. Simultaneously, the complexities of its time travel-driven confusions — there is currently more than one form of the characters at a similar age — do to some degree decrease the importance of pivotal turning points on Dark season 3.

Getting right where it left off toward the finish of season 2, Dark season 3 takes Jonas to alt-Martha's equal world. But it's November 4, 2019 — where the show started — in this variant of the anecdotal German town of Winden. That is deliberate, as it permits Dark season 3 to attract equals to season 1. Martha is the one with Jonas' yellow coat, and she and her family live in the Kahnwald home. Rather than Jonas' mom Hannah (Maja Schöne) and Martha's dad Ulrich (Oliver Masucci), it's Ulrich's child Magnus (Moritz Jahn) and Franziska Doppler (Gina Alice Stiebitz) covertly having intercourse. Franziska's mom Charlotte (Karoline Eichhorn) isn't the head of police, it's Ulrich. While a few things are extraordinary, some are the equivalent, inferable from the person's tendency.

As a rule, similar discoursed and occasions from season 1 are rehashed in the equal world on Dark season 3; normally, they take on another significance. The re-investigation of season 1 illuminates Dark's convictions, in that we are bound to our destiny, not on the grounds that it's foreordained, however because of who we intrinsically seem to be. It's impactful. In any case, now and again, Dark season 3 is so up to speed in drawing those equals that it winds up re-stepping season 1 ground. Also, since this is the last season and a great part of the riddle is now set up, it decreases the job of most exchange forms of characters, contrasted with their "unique" partners. Discussing, the couple of overcomers of the end times are dispersed across time in Dark season 3, with some of them in an up 'til now concealed timeframe.

ALSO SEE

Dark Season 3 Trailer Is The End, And Is Also The Beginning: Check Here

That leaves Adam (Dietrich Hollinderbäumer) — the pioneer of the mystery society of time travelers, Sic Mundus — who keeps on pursuing the "starting point, all things considered, with expectations of obliterating it and settling everything. (A discourse from The Matrix keeps on filling in as unmistakable motivation, and it's joined by Avengers: Infinity War in one significant second.) In the end, Dark season 3 finishes on Adam's case, even with all past proof, with the Netflix arrangement deciding on an answer that greatly improves its multiverse. For an arrangement that flourishes in its unpredictability, it's frustrating. Its endgame decision likewise to some degree diminishes away from the determination of its characters and the lives they drove; there's something excellent about the human soul of enduring, particularly despite horrible chances.

youtube

With respect to the specialized side of things, Dark season 3 is first-rate generally. The foreboding and frightful foundation score from Ben Frost carries out its responsibility to the teeth, and Udo Kramer's creation configuration magnificently fills life into each timeframe and setting. Odar the chief takes as much time as is needed, conveying six-hour-long scenes and completion with two 70-minute scenes. Nothing ever surges, however Dark season 3 loses a touch of energy halfway through, and in the penultimate part, which feels like a table-setting scene. Be that as it may, with two universes now in the blend in with a few timeframes, and this being the last season, the moderate and purposeful pace may help a few watchers not feel overpowered and relish what remains.

Then again, those with a sharp eye will peruse some Dark season 3 occasions not long before they occur. There's still a ton of mental estimation required somewhere else, with the Netflix arrangement transforming into a labyrinth much the same as Westworld. That is not by any means the only HBO arrangement Dark season 3 adversaries; having just outperformed Game of Thrones as far as interbreeding, it presently pushes past with matricide and filicide, however, the characters aren't generally mindful of the relationship. A portion of that fits in with the scriptural suggestions that proceed in the last season. That has been vital to Dark from the earliest starting point, as has its enthusiasm for investigating mortality, human instinct, agony and misfortune, and determinism. How you feel about the translations of the remainder of those on Dark season 3 will rely upon your confidence in a higher force.

That is interlaced with Dark's conviction that time is a circle, and that what occurred before will undoubtedly happen once more. Which makes it very like the Battlestar Galactica reboot from the 2000s, with the two shows drawing fundamentally the same as exercises as well. Round narrating is consistently beautiful, and on Dark, it's incorporated with the idea itself. The end is the start, the start is the end.

Dark season 3 is out Saturday, June 27 at 12:30 pm in India.

For Regular & Fastest Tech News and Reviews, Follow TECHNOXMART on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google News and Subscribe Here Now. By Subscribing You Will Get Our Daily Digest Headlines Every Morning Directly In Your Email Inbox. 【Join Our Whatsapp Group Here】

from https://ift.tt/2Nz9em0

#dark #dark season 3 #dark season 3 expplained #dark season 3 netflix #dark season 3 review #dark se

0 notes