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maxsevenbetterplaylist · 7 years

Text

fire jewels theft – jake peralta x reader;

author’s note: I TOLD YALL THIS WAS COMING I’M NOT EVEN SORRY btw this is part one because i figured out i’d split it into at least two so. also if you don’t know a thing about avatar: the last airbender, just think about it like this: there were four nations, each of them represented one element and some citizens (benders) of those nations had the ability to bend (manipulate, or, in case of fire, even create) that element. in the original avatar universe, after a 100 year war, initiated and lost by the fire nation, all of them are now mixed up and live in harmony, although they have different cultures and all that jazz, but this is a little different. it’s as if something happened and made the four nations live together and evolve into the world we have today, except with the cultural differences and bENDING. enjoy!;

pairing: firebender!jake peralta x earthbender!reader;

request: uh no one because no one caresss but i did take the idea from this post right here, it’s an avatar: the last airbender!brooklyn 99 au;

word count: 2174;

tags: @linslovelylocks (reply or send me an ask if you want to be tagged on imagines!);

TW: probably swearing. mention of guns;

You sighed as you let your bag fall on your desk and sat down. The precinct slowly began to fill up with cops, chatter and phones ringing, and you turned on your computer and grabbed the case file from the case you were currently working. On the other side of your desk, Charles' chair made a puff noise when he settled down.

"Hey, Y/N, have you solved the Fire Jewels Theft yet?" He asked in a friendly tone, but you still sighed and frowned slightly.

You had been working thaut case for over a month now. Some relic jewelry from the Fire people, that belonged to a well-known firebender and supposedly dated from when the Sun Warriors were the main firebenders, had been stolen, and you were the officer assigned to figure out who did it. Whenever you got a new lead and thought you found a pattern, however, a new theft happened to another fire family, and you were back to the drawing board.

"No, not yet." You admitted, and he pursed his lips in sympathy. "I have a lead though. There will be an exclusive fire-culture event tonight and there’s chatter on the streets that says that the thief will be there.”

"Except you can't go in, Y/N." A third voice said, and both of you looked right to see Jake Peralta had just arrived. As per usual, he had a cocky smirk on his face. "Like you said, it's a fire-culture exclusive event. An earthbender like you won't get in without blowing your cover, it's like you have earth written all over your skin."

You rolled your eyes. Jake had been pressing you to let him help with the case since he found out about it. You knew that he was a firebender, but he never seemed to care too much about the fire culture. You'd overheard him and Gina talking about his family a couple of times, and you actually thought they were all airbenders except for him. You just didn't know why he cared so much about this case, and you wouldn't let him help unless he told you.

"Jake does have a point, Y/N." Charles reinforced, to what Jake raised his eyebrows. He gestured at your green and brown clothing (ref). "Not that that's bad, but anyone in the precinct could tell you were raised by earth people."

"As if you were any better, Boyle." You shot back, referring to his beige and green outfit and complete lack of shoes. He threw his hands up.

"I plead guilty, but I'm not the one who needs to sneak into a fire culture party."

Jake smirked when you rolled your eyes again, turning around and walking back to his chair. "Face it, Y/N. You need me on the case. I can teach you how to dress and behave like a fire person, and, if they doubt anything, I can pull some fire or lightningbending. I'm your best option."

"I think you meant last option." You told him, smiling mockingly. "I can behave and dress like a fire person on my own, and, if I can't, Holt will help me. Not all fire people are firebenders, so I won't need that, and weren't you raised in an airbending family anyways?"

Jake's smile faltered for a millisecond, but, before you could even think about it, he opened his mouth for a witty comeback. As the words began to leave his mouth, however, Captain Holt entered the bullpen and called the two of you. "Peralta, L/N! My office, immediately."

Jake mouthed 'I told you so' to you, but you chose to ignore him and follow Holt instead. Once you were both inside his office and the door was closed, he asked both of you to have a seat. You did, analyzing the small LGBT flag by his desk before he started talking. "So, you might remember that I agreed with you, L/N, about how Peralta was not professional enough to deal with the Fire Jewels Theft, right?"

"Most definitely do, Captain." You answered shortly.

"And you, Peralta, must remember how I reinforced that all of the times you came to ask me to be included in the case, right?"

"Clear as day." Jake said with his usual humorous undertone.

"And, as it turns out, there is a fire culture exclusive event tonight." Holt said, and you cringed, predicting his next words. "Now, Y/N, I do not doubt your capacity to do this by yourself. I am actually pretty sure you could pass as a fire raised woman if it was what you wished. However, Peralta is a firebender, which would make your cover stronger, and with all his recent research into the fire culture, I think he could be a real asset to the operation."

Despite being pissed by having to include Peralta, that was not what drew the most attention on what Holt had just said. Jake had been learning more about the fire culture? But why? And how didn't you know about it? You looked at him and realized he wasn't celebrating being included, but rather pressing his nose bridge and sighing – you weren't supposed to know. Probably no one was.

"Is this really necessary, Captain?" You inquired. "I really can handle it. I also think Detective Peralta has other reasons to be interested in this case and he refuses to tell me, and that might compromise the operation."

Holt, however, nodded firmly. "Jacob will be... Fine, Y/N. The two of you can take the day to work on the case, figure out your strategy and covers and preferably solve your personal problems like grown ups before going to the event tonight. Gina has your tickets. Don't ruin it. Dismissed.”

As soon as the Captain stopped speaking, Jake got up from his chair and left the room in silence. You followed him back to his desk, where he sat down and sighed. You landed on his spare chair, observing him carefully. After a couple moments of silence, you cleared your throat. “Jake, why have you been studying fire culture?”

Jake struggled for a few seconds before answering. “If I tell you it’s no biggie, will you be convinced?”

“Absolutely not.” You replied quickly, and he sighed again, bending over the table so his face was closer to yours.

“Alright, fine.” He said, and you realized he was measuring his words carefully. “You were right about my family. My mom, Nana and everyone else in it are air people, airbenders actually. My dad is a firebender, and that’s why I am one. But he left us when I was seven, and I never knew nothing about the fire culture. Or firebending. Actually, I was pretty suckish at it until Holt became our Captain. He showed me how to use my gift and how firebending isn’t only chaos and destruction as I thought.”

“So you wanted to learn more about the fire culture.” You completed him, starting to catch up. Jake reclined against his chair, shrugging. You felt your conscience weighing on you. “Jake, that’s actually really sweet.”

“Yeah, whatever.” He replied and you realized his little moment of emotional vulnerability was over. Great. “Please don’t start telling people about it. I don’t want the squad to think – ”

“To think that you actually have emotions?” You questioned rather ironically, but Jake smirked slightly.

“Emotions? I don’t know what that is. Can I eat it for lunch?” He inquired playfully, and you smiled.

“And he’s back.”

"Duty calls." He smiled knowingly at you and you chuckled at him.

"Damn right it does."

"No, seriously, we have to work. We need all information on this case and on this nights event as soon as possible."

"Oh. Right." You said, blinking. "It's all on my desk. Come on, lets do this."

Hours later, you found yourself late to the party you and Jake were supposed to go undercover. He was supposed to pick you up at your apartment, and, surprisingly, he seemed to be on time, but you spent longer than you predicted trying to get the little golden hairpin right. God, how did fire people do it? Why couldn't everyone just use normal hairpieces that attached properly to one's head, like earth people did? Fire people were just insane.

That said, when the bell rung, you were still in your PJs, the dress being the only thing missing to your cover. You heard Amy, who you lived with since the Academy, rushing to the door, and, then, back into your room. She put her head into your bathroom to see you. "Y/N, Jake's already here."

You cursed under your breath. "I'm a little late... Tell him to come in and wait in my room?"

"He's also dressed ridiculously."

"It's for the operation. Just let him in?"

"Are we really letting Jacob Peralta into our apartment?"

"Amy!"

"Fine! Just be quick."

"I owe you!" You said as she closed your bathroom door and left. You grabbed the fire culture-looking dress (ref) you'd rented from a shop, under the excuse of being a cop, and put it on. Although you thought it was too much, it was actually a pretty dress. The red and golden details looked good, and it fit you really well. You took one last look in the mirror before walking out.

"So?" You said, drawing Jake's attention from your bedside portraits. He was wearing what looked like sort of a burgundy blazer with golden details (ref), black pants and his old good fire culture pointy shoes; and you had to admit he was one of the few people that could pull that outfit off and still look ridiculously good in it. "Fire culture enough?"

Jake held back laughter. "Ok, don't get me wrong." He said defensively. "You look good. You really do. It's just... That is a fire culture wedding dress."

You blushed. So your research wasn't thorough enough. "Why the heck do you guys wed in red? White is the best color for wedding dresses!"

"White is the color for grief in the – “ Jake started, but stopped when he saw your cold glare. “Hey, don't look at me! Air people don't even have a fancy ceremony like you all do!" He defended himself, but then smiled, grabbing a bag he seemed to have left on your bed and handing it to you. "But not to worry – I brought a backup plan."

You opened the bag to see shiny red fabric in it. "How...?"

"Captain's sister, Debby. He knew you'd mess up." Jake said, and you rolled your eyes. "Now go put that on! We don't exactly have all night!"

You rushed back into the bathroom, untying all the knots and taking the bridal dress off. Without paying too much attention to it – you were late to a very important operation, after all –, you grabbed the new dress (ref) from inside the bag and put it on, zipping it up on your lower back and regulating the knot upper. There was also a necklace, red jewels with golden details, and you tried to put it on, fumbling a little before giving up. You shot the door open. “Hey, Jake, can you come in here and help me with the necklace?”

“Sure thing, Y/N!” He said, and you checked your hair, putting a couple of pins back in place as his footsteps approached. When Jake entered the small bathroom and looked at your reflection, his jaw dropped. He had never seen you in red before, as you were raised by earth people, but, damn, that was a waste. The color looked great on you, and the fabric seemed to hug all of your features perfectly. It was as if the dress had been made especially for you. The burgundy lipstick you were wearing and how your hair gracefully adorned your face didn’t help either – Jake had never felt so attracted to you, and he had to admit he did feel attracted to you most of the time. Eventually, you felt his stare, and he cleared his throat. “Wow. You look just like my – just like a fire person. The dress fits you really well.”

You blushed a little. “Thanks. I didn’t think it’d fit, me and Debby have different shapes.”

Jake looked away, seeming eager to change subjects. “So you can take down bad guys but not put a necklace back on?”

You rolled your eyes. “Just help me already, you asshole.”

He stood right behind you, fumbling for a second with the strings before successfully attaching them to one another. You were surprised by how warm his hands were – but then, he was a firebender. “There.” Jake said, taking a step back when he was done.

“Thanks again.” You smiled, touching it as though you doubted it was really done for a second. Then, you reached for your gun, which you left over the sink – it had been hidden in the bridal desk – and put it in your hand purse. “Now, lets catch some bad guys.”

“That was badass.” He admitted, nodded. “But it would have been way better if you had said it anywhere but inside your bathroom.”

“Shut up, Peralta.”

#my writing #WRITING THIS WAS SO MUCH FUN #the next part has such a johnny and dora undertone but like to the next level #jake peralta #jake peralta imagine #jake peralta x reader #jacob peralta #not that the next part is already written #brooklyn 99 #brooklyn nine nine #b99 #b99 x atla #avatar the last airbender #andy samberg #amy santiago #charles boyle #captain holt #raymond holt #ray holt

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coldplay-kid · 7 years

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My adventure of a lifetime 💕

Hey, guys, it is only me Alycia. I thought I would write up my Coldplay Cardiff experience. Please be warned that I am fairly exhausted and it would be impossible to write every little thing that happened. My mind is racing, with so many happy vibes shooting off here, there, and everywhere. I’ve tried to write as much as I could about things that happened to me so I can look back on it. However, it is kind of brief, and I will probably write more about this subject later!

So, ladies and gentlemen, here I write about the happiest days of my life. Though words are insufficient to express my happiness, please find some sort musings below.

Most of you may know this already but my life has been defined by Coldplay. Ever since I can remember they have been by my side, through the good times and the bad. Bigger Stronger is one of the first things I can ever remember listening to, and I even waltzed into nursery during the AROBTTH era with a book of Coldplay things and a Jonny hat. I would scream “DON’T TAKE MY JONNY HAT” if anyone touched it or told me to take it off inside. I’ve loved this band my whole life and they honestly mean everything to me. I fondly remember racing back from Primary School to catch the Viva updates and live interviews and Roadie 42/Matt’s blog posts. For my entire life I have adored this band with my every being, however being lucky enough to do what most hardcore Coldplayers do has not been a smooth ride.

You see, I was born with a pretty complex physical disability. Though I often seem fine, with no visible or obvious signs of being disabled, my legs easily collapse and I can barely walk or climb hills. I have malformed muscle, splitting spinal disks, malformed kneecaps, abnormally short hamstrings, and many more physical ailments. In response to having this condition, I’ve faced many challenges. I have faced them bravely with Coldplay by my side even in my loneliest hours, but nevertheless, it took a lifetime to get where I am today.

It kind-of sucks because had I have been able-bodied, I would have probably had more success persuading my parents to let me see Coldplay at a much younger age. I am not complaining, as I was lucky enough to see them on the MX tour, but to have missed the earlier tours will always be a bit devastating.

A dream of mine, since the Live 2003 DVD was in my small child hands, was to be close enough to the band, to my boys, and to be at the barrier of a gig. Much of my life has been spent feeling envious of those who got to do it, I hope understandably so, and to overcome this I have spent my whole life up to this point in intensive physiotherapy. I may never meet my heroes, but I had to see them up close, and I would not let my disabilities stop me!

A lifetime of hard work, however, has recently paid off MASSIVELY. If you had told child Alycia in the X&Y era that any of this would have happened, she would probably furrow her brows and ignore you, quickly returning to watch Live 2005/How we saw the world, or Austin City Limits, for the tenth time that day.

Armed with a crutch and a friend, I managed to see my favourite people in the whole world up close TWICE. Cardiff has been everything I could have ever have wished for, and gone above and beyond my wildest dreams.

11th July 2017

After a fairly long (but worthwhile) journey, myself and two friends (@jonathanbuckland and @blindbankers ) met up and queued for a few hours in the pouring welsh rain. Though the weather conditions for the first gig were not ideal, they were soon forgotten about when we finally went to the stadium. I remember the awe and wonder when I realised I was on the floor (previously I was always in the gods) and Coldplay would be stood right there. Instantly, I was ecstatic, and honestly I still am. We managed to snatch the most perfect position at the C-Stage, and passed the time with party rings and chatting to a very kind steward. The first gig was, as always, phenomenal. The confetti, the xylobands, and the joy akin to electrical charges. We even serenaded Hoppy (Chris’ guitar tech) with Fix You! Though we got hit with beer bottles (some drunk guys were aiming at the stewart, who had told them to not sit on each others shoulders for security reasons) it was still one of the BEST days of my life (joint only with night two).

It got pretty crazy when the band got to where we were stood. I distinctly remember, holding up my sign with crazy joy, and seeing Hoppy and Jonny discussing something. Though I didn’t hear it word by word, I do recall Jonny pulling something out of his trouser pocket after speaking to his technician, and the next thing I knew Hoppy (with a wink and a huge smile) placed a scuffed plectrum into my hand. It was just crazy! I wasn’t the only one to receive a plectrum, with @jonathanbuckland also being lucky.

The C-Stage was filled with laughter (we had awesome signs, especially @blindbankers having a “There’s nothing wrong with jazz” sign backed onto cardboard) and tears of joy. Honestly, it was just incredible, and our group of friends (five in total) was even invited to the A-Stage barrier by Hoppy after the gig to get even more plectrums (sadly there weren’t enough to go around during the C-Stage).

Surely, I couldn’t get any luckier could I? I had waited my whole life to be so close to a band that has meant everything to me since I can remember. I was one of two people be chosen to get an actual Jonny plectrum. I had met up with some of the greatest friends ever.

I was sure it couldn’t get any better, and I couldn’t get any more lucky.

Boy... I was wrong!

12th July 2017

For the second night, it was only myself and @jonathanbuckland . We both had VIP, and after a hearty Pizza Express, we stood in a queue chatting to some really nice Coldplay fans. I even met one of my oldest and dearest fandom friends, @nathanr38 , which was just fantastic.

After a very rough descent into the stadium, we managed to snatch the A-Stage and had the most perfect view. Again, there was a very nice steward opposite us, who even admitted he was a huge Coldplay fan and he wished he could turn around, clap, and cheer! It was very kind of him, but he somehow snagged me Embrace’s drumstick and plectrum, realising how much these gigs meant to me.

Once Coldplay came on stage a series of insane things happened. First of all, and straight away, Jonny smiled at @jonathanbuckland and I, and that was only the start. We appeared soon (during Yellow) on the big screen, screaming and just being ecstatic as hell. Jonny repeatedly smiled towards us throughout the gig, and I melted inside whenever he did. During Charlie Brown, Chris read my sign, smiled at me, and gave me crazy eyes (this was also a fabulous moment I will discuss in a moment). I couldn’t believe, and still struggle to, the interactions I had with my absolute favourite people in the whole wide world! Within moments of Chris noticing me, I was handed a third plectrum, meaning I somehow now have four plectrums from the best days of my life.

So already I had Jonny’s plectrum from (I am certain) the A-Stage, another plectrum from Hoppy, Embrace’s plectrum, and their smashed drumstick. Surely my luck ended there right? If it had, I would be absolutely content with life. All I wanted was to see my heroes live again at any cost.

Nope. I still had four more crazy moments left. During the latter half of the show, I was given a folded up setlist. I didn’t even ask for one, knowing they give them out sparingly. Apparently, there had been some commotion at the runway barrier with so many people ‘bothering’ the roadies with their requests for a setlist. To be chosen to receive one was just... breathtaking, and two days later I am still beaming.

As the show was coming to the end, Coldplay did their usual wave, claps, and thank-yous. Amongst all of the screaming and flashing phones, I mouthed “thank-you” to Will Champion. We locked eyes, and he mouthed “and you too” back to me. He beamed at me and clapped me and I just cannot believe this actually happened. I also thanked a roadie, who said it was “fans like me who make their jobs worthwhile”.

Do you want to know what else happened to me? Well, I’m going to tell you anyway, because it is another thing I cannot stop freaking out about. So earlier, if you have stuck with this giant textpost, I mentioned that Charlie Brown was a key moment I am to return to later on. Well, you see, Roadie 42 was around when Chris smiled at me. He snapped this photo:

Which can be found on their Twitter and their Instagram (Photo credit: @coldplay crew legend Roadie 42/Matt Miller). Now, I had no idea of this until I saw my groupchat blowing up asking for us to fill them in. I finished the gig with a bundle of supportive and lovely messages. When I was termed “their Aly” by several fellow Coldplay superfans, I just felt so amazed, and even an update account said “congratulations” to me. I am just still freaking out. THEY CHOSE A PICTURE OF ME TO REPRESENT THE WHOLE GG! THEY COULD HAVE CHOSEN SO MANY OTHER PHOTOS! Honestly, I just can’t believe my luck. I was called the “luckiest girl in the world”, and though that is quite true (I certainly feel like the luckiest girl in the world), I think I am also the happiest girl in the world right now.

Sitting back at home, I don’t think life can get any better. I think, or at least I hope, that I impressed them because I was stood at the barrier on a crutch having the absolute time of my life. It must be known that this is only the start. I proved to myself and to my family that I can be barrier even with a collapsing musculoskeletal system. I am immensely grateful for all that happened, but I have really fought to be where I am now. Honestly, I have had the best week of my life. I am so thankful for all of the lovely people I met, an amazing crew and band who made all my dreams come true. 3/4 Coldplay interactions, a ton of random gifts, and featuring on their Instagram and twitter pages? What did I ever do to deserve this!?

PHOTOGRAPHS

I hope you all enjoy my small gallery, most photo credit to @jonathanbuckland:

NIGHT ONE --

NIGHT TWO --

My Coldplay stuff (not including merch/VIP package but I can post that later if anyone wants to see it):

Embrace’s plectrum and the second Coldplay embellished guitar plectrum that was given to me on the 12th June 2017 (second gig).

Two plectrums. The top one was given to me indirectly by Jonny Buckland, and placed into my hand by Hoppy. The second was given to me after the gig at the A-Stage barrier by Hoppy again. Both were given on the 11th June 2017 (first gig).

This was the drumstick used by Embrace at the second gig.

This is my set list given to me by a roadie during the second gig.

Excuse the grammar and stuff. I am still so hyper and everything I am absolutely freaking out!! Though I do wish I was going to Paris, I am so lucky for all that has happened to me and I will definitely try to follow them around the continent next time they tour. Thank-you Coldplay. Words don’t do justice what you mean to me, and what the last few days have meant. I will do whatever it takes to be back at a Coldplay concert, and I am immensely proud to be a lifelong fan.

💛💙💜💚❤️ Thank-you Coldplay, thank-you for everything. 💛💙💜💚❤️

#Coldplay #Coldplayer #Coldplay experience #Cardiff 2017 #Coldplaying #gigs #gifts #amazing day #my coldplay experience #really important #important #alycia talks #a lot

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myselfinserts · 5 years

Note

“You ought to be more careful. People may think you’re… up to something.”

A week until the sports festival. Ena stood in the commons of the teacher’s dorm in her favorite day dress, bouncing on her toes as she waited for their guests. The Gladstone-Adaire family had managed to get two weeks off just for this and would be staying in the cabin Regi had commissioned so many years ago.

And Ena was taking her cousins to the theme park while the parents were chatting.

“LESLIE!!!” Ena ran forward and threw her arms around Les tightly, nearly sending him falling backwards as he came through the door.

“H-hey Ena!” he chuckled, glancing at the sofa. “Hey Atsuko.”

Atsuko didn’t look up from her book, simply shooting him a peace sign in response.

“Where’s Eira?” Ena asked.

Luci stepped in, smiling brightly as they held up a new cat plush. “She had princess lessons. She’ll be here by the time the sports festival approaches. She sends her love and this new toy for you though.”

Ena’s smile widened. “Thank you!”

Regi popped up, tossing a golden crab plush over to Atsuko. “And she sends this for you.”

Atsuko caught it without looking, smiling and hugging it tightly.

“We also got a teddy for Clem,” Les added. “Is he here?”

“It’s Friday,” Atsuko said.

“Right. Sorry.”

Aizawa poked his head out of the kitchen. “Marianne and L should be back in a bit. There was a bit of an accident with the support class so they’re taking care of it.”

Ena did a quick headcount. “So it’s just me, Les, and Atsuko then?”

Aizawa nodded. “Just be back before the trains stop.”

Les raised an eyebrow. “Be back?”

Atsuko set down her book and plush, skipping over to her coat on the rack. “Ena has passes to the theme park so we’re going together.”

“Really?”

“Go,” Luci chuckled. “Have fun.”

Leslie nodded. “Okay.”

Regi paused, pouting slightly. “Is it really okay? I mean-”

“Deku is at the park today,” Atsuko said. “If we’re going to be in danger, might as well be near the number one hero, right?”

“I suppose.”

Ena let go of Les, walking up and taking Regi’s hand tightly in hers. “Please, Uncle Regi. I promise, we’ll be very careful. And we’ll text you every time we switch locations. We’ll let you know when we’re at the park and when we’re coming home. Promise.”

Regi stared at her in silence before finally breaking into a grin. “Okay. Just be careful, alright?”

“We will!”

The kids smiled and said their goodbyes, hurrying off the grounds before they could be stopped. Ena took their hands, her smile weakening slightly. She looked between the two of them apologetically.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I’m afraid I have an ulterior motive for hanging out today.”

Atsuko pouted. “Seriously? I thought we were gonna have fun.”

“Oh, we are. But we’re making a friend along the way.” She reached into her pocket and showing them a photo.

“Tomiko Fujisaki, age sixteen. Heiress to Fujisaki Tavel Inc. Born from a quirk marriage and trapped in a similar arrangement with the heir to a dark-horse retail mogul in the U.S.A. Currently a student at Izanami Girl’s Academy, she is known in the elite circles as the Queen of Spades and runs an underground gambling ring.”

Atsuko’s eyes went wide. “She’s what?!”

“That’s sad,” Les said softly. “Quirk Marriages are terrible.”

Ena nodded. “Her quirk lets her increase her luck on any high stakes gamble from a simple game of black jack to stock markets. Her mother had an analytics quirk and her father a luck based one. She’s engaged to a boy with the power to persuade others into doing minor tasks, such as signing papers or drinking water.”

“Not impressive compared to Heroes but in the business world-”

“They’d be unstoppable.”

Les looked at Ena, a tight knot forming in his stomach. “What are you planning?”

“You’ll see when we get to the park.”

It took no time at all to find the gambling ring at the amusement park. Hidden in an abandoned haunted hotel attraction that was due for a remodel at the start of next year, the basement was a well lit, beautifully decorated bar with various tables of ongoing games. Roulette, poker, mahjong, chess. Various games from different countries and cultures across the world over were in motion. Everyone was dressed nicely, in various shades of black and red on their suits. Ena, Les, and Atsuko stood out with their pastel casual attire.

Stood out enough that one of the bouncers wasn’t having it.

“You need to leave,” he said. “This place is for serious gamblers only.”

Ena smirked, holding up her purse and opening it for everyone to see. “We are serious gamblers. And I’m here to challenge the Queen of Spades.”

Les and Atsuko couldn’t believe their eyes. There had to be nearly a million yen in there. How did Ena get so much money?

The bouncer narrowed his gaze. “I don’t think so.”

“If you won’t let us gamble,” Ena said, “I suppose I could just go find Deku and tell him you’re all down here. He’s in the park today, you know.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

The three looked past the bouncer, and Les nearly fell back in awe. The girl from the photo was more radiant in person. Clad in navy blue, she held her sheer shawl close, smiling as she slowly approached. Her visible eye was a delightful jewel. And in her hand was the card that gave her her moniker.

“You’re Tomiko Fujisaki,” Atsuko said. “The Queen of Spades?”

“I am.” Tomiko tilted her head slightly. “And you are?”

“We are no one,” Ena assured. “Just some kids wanting to have a bit of fun…though…” She brushed her hair back. “I was hoping to take you on with my friends in a personal match? With stakes that aren’t usual?”

This seemed to catch Tomiko’s attention. The heiress looked to the bouncer and then motioned for the kids to follow her. Ena skipped ahead, with Atsuko giving Les a little shove to get him moving. They were lead to the back, behind a curtain to a small room with beverages and snacks. Tomiko took a seat in the dealer’s chair, nodding to the places across from her. Ena took the left, Les center, and Atsuko the right.

“So,” Tomiko sighed. “What could a child such as yourself want want with a gambling queen?”

“A deal.”

Tomiko raised a brow. “A deal?”

Ena nodded, her face melting into the same expression as her mother when she had the upper hand. “I want full control over your future.”

Les stared at her. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. What the hell was Ena thinking?!

Tomiko seemed genuinely surprised. “My future? What do you know about that?”

“I know it’s not of your choosing and is based in archaic practices that should have been done away with decades ago. And I know you’d love the chance to start over. So I’m going to make this deal. We play a game of your choosing. If we win, you give us full control over your assets and let us fly freely whenever, wherever. “

“Interesting.” Tomiko smiled. “And if I win?”

“Name your price.”

Tomiko leveled her gaze on Les, a glimmer of hunger in her eyes. “A little young for my tastes, but I recognize you from a few news articles. A prince?”

“Adopted,” Les said. “But technically yes.”

“If I win, you and I become engaged. That way I can break off my engagement to the Fredrick boy.”

Ena narrowed her eyes. “Out of the question.”

Tomiko shrugged. “Then no deal. Either you accept my terms or we’re done here.”

“That’s insane,” Atsuko muttered. “You can’t just-”

“I accept the terms.”

This caught Atsuko and Ena by surprised. Ena looked at Les, concern present but perfectly masked. “Are you sure, Les?”

“The engagement only happens if we lose, right?” He looked at the girls, smiling confidently. “I trust you. I know you’ll win.”

Ena smiled, pulling her hair up into a ponytail and setting her purse on the table. “Then I suppose this would be your dowry.”

Tomiko giggled. “A dowry and a new fiance if I win, and you get full control of my company if I lose. Sounds like more than a fair trade.” She snapped her fingers, and a nearby dealer brought a game-board over to the table, setting it up with a variety of shining gemstones. “Mancala Four is the game. I assume you all know how to play?” The trio nodded. “Good. And since I’m the one who was challenged, to make it more interesting, let’s allow for Quirks to be in use.”

Ena nodded in agreement, but the way her jaw clenched gave away her anger at the proposal. This was a game of luck and skill. Even if she canceled everyone’s quirks, there was no guarantee that she’d be able to win.

She just hoped her plan would work.

“We’ll go for ten rounds,” Tomiko said. “Whoever wins the most rounds claims the victory.”

“Wait.” Les looked between Ena and Atsuko. “This isn’t a fair fight. We have three on our side and she has only herself. I think we should allow her an extra. I’ll sit out for it.”

Atsuko’s expression nearly faltered. “But-”

“That’s fine,” Ena said. She winked at her. “Just play your best. I promise, we’ll win.”

Tomiko nodded to one of the other dealers and had him sit in. Once the players were set, the game began. It took no time at all for Tomiko to rack up the first win. Then Atsuko took the victory. Then Tomiko. Tomiko. Ena. The air filled with jazz, stress, and the gentle clacking of brightly colored stones. Round and round they went, until it came to a draw.

“One more round,” Ena said. “Winner take all.”

“You’re on.” Tomiko smiled. “To be honest, this is the most fun I’ve had in a while.”

“Glad we can make it enjoyable for you.”

“I hope this tension will last.”

Sadly, the game didn’t last long.

Tomiko’s Team | 5Ena’s Team | 6

The kids all let out a sigh of relief. It was a close call. Far too close. But they won. Ena stood up and walked over to Tomiko, holding out her hand. “I believe that’s match. It certainly was a nail biter.”

“It was.’ Tomiko accepted her hand. “So. What is it exactly you meant by ‘control over your future’. Assets and airlines surely aren’t what you’re truly after.”

Ena simply smiled. “Let’s just say that, if what I’m planning goes through, Quirk Marriages will no longer even be considered to be an option.”

A bit of life seemed to return to Tomiko’s eyes. “Whatever you’re planning…I hope it works.” She slipped a playing card into Ena’s hand. “My private contact info is on the card. Decode it and you can call me any time you need favors. I’m counting on you to make good on that little declaration. Although, you ought to be more careful. People may think you’re… up to something.”

“Thank you.” Ena walked back to the others, grabbign her purse and hugging them tightly. “Now let’s go enjoy the park before it gets dark.”

Icon made with this maker and with photoshop

#myselfinserts #mybnhaocs #friends ocs #Days of Future Class

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aggievoices · 7 years

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What are Aggies Up To? Sinead Santich on Documentaries and Davis

Emma Hoppough

Sinead Santich holds eclectic interests, and she combines them all with her love of film. Majoring in cinema and digital media and minoring in landscape restoration at UC Davis, Sinead pans her camera across topics like ecology, equality and sometimes quirky, but always compelling human pursuits.

As a third year at the university, the Chico native has immersed herself in countless film-related activities, from the 2016 Davis Feminist Film Festival to UC Davis’ Strategic Communications, where she currently works as a multimedia specialist. Now Sinead has set her sights on projects that extend far beyond campus: working on a new documentary, she will travel from Los Angeles to Atlanta to film a group called Sustainable Cycles as they move on a workshop-filled, fossil-fuel-free bike tour.

A filmmaker does not work alone, however--Sinead is quick to acknowledge the family and faculty members that encouraged her to pursue her passions and recognize her potential. And by focusing on social change in her own films, Sinead hopes to do the same for audiences all over.

photo by Sean Johnson

When did you decide you wanted to study film?

[Before college] I was kind of at a loss for what I wanted to do. I was interested in biology but I wasn’t really feeling inspired by anything. I mentioned to my mom that I liked film but had never told anyone, and she said, “Oh, they have a film studies department at UC Davis!” But I really didn’t know much about it; I wasn’t someone who watched movies all the time, who was really well spoken. Then I started thinking more about how I liked documentaries.

I remember there was a moment when I saw this band--I was at a music festival my senior year--and it looked like an old jazz band. It reminded me of a 1920s film, something related to Charlie Chaplin, and I remember thinking it was so interesting that they were conjuring that atmosphere and nostalgia. I thought, “It would be cool to do the same thing with movies.” It was such a weird train of thought, but I remember thinking that, and then I told my mom and she was like, “Let’s get you to college!”

What are film classes like at UC Davis?

There are a lot of introductory classes; that’s where I learned most of my skills. I actually got one of my worst grades in my first film class (Film Studies 1). But I loved the films that we watched, and I learned a lot. I didn’t realize that there is so much to film--that class opened my eyes to how complicated it could be, and how film is reflective of a lot of different things in terms of history, culture or art movements.

I remember Technocultural Studies I absolutely loved--it was the study of culture and technology, and every day my mind was blown by how integrated we are with media, how it’s changing everything we do. Even terms we say--like, “I felt like I was in a movie”--even the way we think is mediated through what we see. I realized that, whether we know it or not, we’re affected by the media we consume; we become certain people and think certain things. I was very intrigued by all that.

What is the most rewarding aspect of filmmaking, and what have you found to be the most challenging?

It’s two things: being able to talk to people and hear their story, and allowing people to share their story in such a simple way. All you have to do is send a link, and then people have access to this other perspective. I think that’s my goal: spreading good, positive ideas--or things that need to be said--in a way that’s truthful. I think the hardest part is finding the right angle to a story-- thinking about things in a way that’s intriguing, knowing how to present ideas in a way where people want to engage with the material.

What was your first solo project?

I challenged myself and took a documentary class with only a quarter of skills and experience--and that was honestly so difficult! Because I had hardly done any editing [before], so that one really pushed me. But once I got the skills, I really wanted to start filming.

I was in the Arboretum one time, thinking about my documentary project, and I saw a man ride by with this huge penny farthing bike. I thought, “I’m gonna go talk to him.” His name was Martin Krieg, and he was a great resource because he had a phenomenal story. So I made this short documentary (“Life Cycles”) about different perspectives of biking and what it means to people as commuters, athletes--or someone like Martin. Specifically, he got into a car accident and was paraplegic; he had to relearn how to speak and eat, but he said when he was biking he felt like he had a clean slate. Biking was a way for him to be able to function again.

Making this documentary allowed me to get a job at UC Davis; it allowed me to have a portfolio.

And what are you working on currently?

I’m filming a documentary called Break the Cycle. In the fall quarter I was in a documentary proposal class, and I decided to make my proposal about an organization called Sustainable Cycles. I had Skyped with them and thought “Wow! I could make a documentary about them.” Honestly, I was talking to my brother about it, and he asked why I don’t just contact them. It was such a whim--that was a year and a half ago. There wasn’t actually a specific grant for my proposal for my class, but it allowed me to do research and be well-versed in the process.

I had found out about [the organization] at a sustainability conference: it’s a group of women who bike across the country and host workshops to talk about reusable menstrual products. This concept touches on a lot of different things, like accessibility, and the fact that many women can’t afford a disposable product each month. [Non-disposable products] also cause a lot of waste because every month you have to throw away that cotton and paper. Sustainable Cycles gives away free products at their workshops, and they’re trying not to use fossil fuels while they go on tour--and they’ve been successful; they’ve gone on three different tours, and they’re on another right now.

So I’m going to film them during their tour, and when they speak at the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research conference in Atlanta, Georgia. I want to film them as they’re riding their bikes, so I’m going to be riding alongside them in a car. I want to get them when they’re on the road, and talk to people at the workshops to get their perspective, and just get immersed in their world.

In my spring break I took the train to Los Angeles to start interviews, and they’ve been biking since then. I’m going to meet with them again in Birmingham, which is June 16, two days after my last final. It’s insane to me--I leave immediately, and then I’ll just be filming for a week and a half. The first time I travelled by myself was in spring [to meet with Sustainable Cycles], and now I’m flying in this big airport. It’s a big step for me.

I plan to use this project as my senior thesis, so in the fall I’ll begin editing footage [to make a 20 minute video], and maybe show it at the research conference next spring. I want it to be accessible to a lot of different audiences. I want to try my hardest to give it a holistic view where it’s addressing a lot of different subjects so it doesn’t dismiss other issues.

Do you know what sort of work you would like to do after you graduate?

There’s so much content out there. I think I want to do things related to science, because I’m interested in biology and environmental conservation. I think a big problem of scientific research is that it’s not communicated properly, so there’s a huge need for media that can portray scientific finds and allow people to engage with it at an easier level.

I also think I want to work with some sort of small-scale production company; I’m interested in science but also stories related to human rights. When I think about making a documentary, I want it to do something that could help make some sort of change. It’s cliche, but there is a lot of potential in it.

Any advice for other students?

Whenever you talk to people about anything they have done that’s successful, they say, “just do it.” Nike has it right--it’s such a simple phrase, but it’s true (as much as I hate to admit it). If you have an interest, for whatever reason, pursue it, because you never know where it will take you.

Emma Hoppough is a third-year transfer student attending UC Davis. She studies English and plans to double minor in studio art and professional writing.

#aggievoices #film #documentary #ucdavis #cinemaanddigitalmedia #sustainablecycles #ucdavisfilm

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