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anglophiletraveler · 2 years

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Chapter 16 of In My Life

Wonderful Christmastime

By Paul McCartney and Wings

Once again, a big thanks to Karen Bockius for helping me out as beta. Sorry that it’s taken a while to get this chapter out. Between starting a new job and going away for a few days, I’ve been behind a little. This chapter is about some Christmas fluff and sentimentality. Things also get a little steamier between our favourite couple! I’ve posted a link to the song at the end of the chapter. I’ve also posted a video of Christmas at Selfridges from 2021.

By the end of the week, Demelza and Ross had settled into a routine as much as they could with his home health appointments and Dem’s rehearsals. Ross usually stayed in bed with his foot propped up after Demelza left for rehearsal. His home health aide usually came around 11:00 and would help Ross get a shower and into some clothes. He found it easier to wear shorts for now. The aide helped Ross out to the living room, and work on exercises so that the muscles in his foot wouldn’t freeze in a bad position, then fix Ross something to eat before she left at 1:00. He was trying to get as much work accomplished at home as he could. He was now sitting in on a few zoom meetings about the acquisition that he was working on before his surgery. Jenny was a big help and would come over with her laptop so that they could work on a few things together. It was just enough activity to keep Ross from going insane sitting around the house. Demelza usually made it home by 5:00 after rehearsal. They had put off their dinner date with Drake until the weekend since the week was busy enough as it was.

It was Friday and Demelza was trying to get her cello through the door. She brought it home to practice for her upcoming gigs. Ross was pretty excited about this since he still hadn’t heard Demelza play just by herself.

“Judas Ross, I’m not sure where the best place is for the cello. I need to put it somewhere where it won’t be a hazard to you and your crutches.”

Ross was looking around the living room. It really wasn’t that big of a room. “Umm what about the kitchen? I don’t usually go in there, and I should still be able to hear you play from here.”

“Right. I guess that is probably the safest bet. I’ll just go sit this in there. Do you need anything while I’m in there?”

“No, I’m fine, thank you. All I need is you darlin.”

Demelza came back in with 2 bottles of water, gave Ross a hello kiss and sat down on the sofa next to him. “Hiya Ross.”

“Hiya Demelza. How was your day?” He was holding Demelza and was caressing her fingers.

“It was fine I guess. I’m a bit off on Christmas music already.”

“Already? Babe it’s only week one!” He was looking at the palm side of her hand. “Dem…”

“Hmmm …”

“Are these calluses on your fingers?”

“Yeah, why?”

“How have I never noticed these?” He started kissing each finger.

“I don’t know. Maybe you usually hold my other hand? Aww you’re so sweet kissing my calluses!”

“I have some really good lotion that you could use to help heal these.”

“Oh I appreciate that Ross, but it’s good for me to have calluses on my fingers, so they don’t bleed or hurt while I play.”

“I didn’t realise that. Do you have any on your right hand?” Ross was inspecting her hands now.

“I just have the one on my thumb from when I have to pluck a string.”

Ross leaned over and kissed her temple, “Mmm what else do I need to learn about playing the cello?”

"Mmm I don’t know. I guess I could always teach you the different parts of the cello. Let’s see… there’s the neck, the scroll…” Demelza’s voice seemed to get lower, “the tailpiece…”

“The tailpiece? Now that sounds interesting.” Ross kissed her again. “Tell me, what are the other parts of the cello my dear?”

Demelza giggled, “the bridge of course, the fine tuners, the f-hole…”

That got Ross’s attention, “The f-hole? Now that sounds interesting.”

“I thought that would get your attention!” She was laughing now. Ross went in for another kiss but Demelza’s phone buzzed. “Oh it’s Drake. He wants to know if we are still on for pizza tomorrow night? We could postpone it, I’m sure he would understand.”

“No, I’m fine. I don’t want to postpone it again. It’ll be great getting together with him and hearing some cheeky stories about you growing up!”

Demelza texted Drake back. “Well, there won’t be many of those I can tell you that much. Have you thought about what you want to do for Christmas? Did you want to have Verity drive you to Nampara? Or do you want to stay here and I can fix us a Christmas dinner, maybe have Drake over?”

“I like the idea of staying here. I’m not sure if mum and da would want to join us or not. Would it bother you if I asked them to come up here for Christmas?”

“No, of course not. Is Dwight usually alone for Christmas?”

“If he’s not working he usually has Christmas with his da. What about your flatmates?”

“Caroline usually goes home to her Uncle Ray’s, and James and Henry usually go home to their families, so most of the time it’s just Drake and I. Every once in a while Sam comes home from whatever country he is in.”

“So, it would be Mum and da if they come up, and Drake, and you and I. I think that sounds lovely. Not an overwhelming amount of people.” Ross leaned over and gave Demelza a kiss.

“I think that sounds nice Ross. What about Verity? Did you want to invite her and her boyfriend?”

“She usually goes home to her father’s for Christmas, but after the arguments that she’s had with Uncle Charles over dating Andrew, it’s hard to tell what she’ll be doing. I’ll let her know that she and Andrew are welcome.”

“How is your foot Ross? Has it been painful today?”

“Not as bad. I’ve only taken pain medicine once. Now enough of this chit chat. Come here closer, my love. I wish to take you in my arms and ravage your neck!” He had a devilish grin on his voice and an evil laugh.

Demelza slowly crept up on Ross’s lap, her most favourite place to sit lately, “Oh you do, my lord!”

“Yes indeed! Maybe learn some more parts of the cello!”

“Ross you’re incorrigible.”

“Mmm but you still love me.” And with that Ross began kissing her cheek, and then tucked his head to nibble on Demelza’s neck just behind her ear. He heard a slight squeal from Demelza. “Do you like it when I kiss you there, my love? Or maybe here.” Ross lowered his lips to just below her jawline. Demelza closed her eyes and rolled her head back to expose more of the white skin of her neck, only now it was becoming pink with flush. Ross gave a slight growl as he kept kissing her neck, nipping it along the way. Demelza was feeling a growing heat in her core, but at the same time was feeling light headed. Ross opened his eyes to look at the expression on this woman’s beautiful face. Her neck and cheeks were rosy, her mouth slightly open with increased breathing. She was a picture of love. She opened her eyes to find him looking at her. “How do you like to be kissed, Demelza?”

And with that her hands reached up to his face and surprisingly pulled a shocked Ross in for a passionate kiss. Once he was over the surprise, Ross lightly brushed her lower lip with his tongue, prompting Demelza to open her mouth for him to enter her mouth. Demelza was surprising herself at how much she was enjoying this and let a moan slip out. “Ohh Ross.” She was enjoying rubbing her cheek against the now four day beard growth on his face like a kitten. She found herself nibbling on his strong jawline, taking in his scent. Her breathing was speeding up and her chest heaving and it was starting to frighten her. “Ross…”

“Yes, my love.” Ross’s hands were now caressing the skin under her shirt.

Demelza could feel his hands on her bare skin and she thought for sure he was setting her skin on fire. She tried to slow down her breathing but it wasn’t working. “Ross… I, I, can’t breathe…”

It finally dawned on Ross that Demelza was in distress. He pulled away from her and saw that she was having a hard time breathing. “Demelza, calm down. Try to slow your breathing. Demelza! Look at me! Watch me and do what I do! Breathe in through your nose… then let the air out slowly through your mouth.” He was breathing in through his nose and letting it out with Demelza now doing the same as he was until she finally calmed down. He was terrified at what just happened. He finally realised how tight he was holding her arms when he let go. “Demelza, my God, are you alright? What just happened?”

“I don’t know. That’s never happened to me before!”

“Did I hurt you?”

“No! No, it was nothing like that. I, I think I was just feeling overwhelmed at how….” she looked down feeling embarrassed now. Her feelings for Ross have been growing ever since their talk when Ross told her about Claude and Elizabeth. It seemed as though there was nothing that they couldn’t talk about now.

“At how… much you were enjoying yourself and your feelings?” Ross asked.

Demelza was embarrassed and started to get up, “I should get up and fix us some supper.” Ross grabbed her hand before she could escape him.

“No, no, no you don’t. I don’t care if I eat cereal for supper. You are not escaping me now, my love. Please just sit down and relax, or better yet lay down and place your head in my lap so that I can look down and make sure that you’re alright.”

She hesitated, so he put a soft pillow on his lap and patted it for her to lay her head. So she laid down and placed her head on the pillow, and smiled up at him while he played with her hair. She felt herself relax while he was stroking her hair. He was staring into her eyes, but slowly her eyelids became heavy and eventually closed. He was smiling at her while she slept. He felt bad that her feelings overwhelmed her, but he was wondering if it meant that she was getting close to taking the next step in their relationship. He wanted her first time to be special and something that she would enjoy and not regret later. Ross had felt the closeness between the two of them become stronger ever since the night he told her about his brother and Elizabeth. He feared it would push her away from him, but instead it did the opposite. And he loved her even more because of it.

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

An hour or so had passed and Demelza was still asleep on Ross’s lap. He didn’t mind her taking a nap. He was pleased that she was resting. He knew how exhausting the week had been for her with his surgery, meeting his family, rehearsals and trying to take care of him. He was enjoying the opportunity to just stare at her and think of their future. But he was feeling an increasing need to get up to go to the bathroom, but he didn’t want to disturb her. He was trying to lift her head gently while standing on one leg without waking her up, but it wasn’t working. Demelza was starting to stir. “Ross, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I was just trying to get up without waking you. I’m sorry.”

“No, you’re fine. Can I get you something? I’m sorry I fell asleep on you.” She was stretching trying to wake up.

“No, I’m fine. I’m glad you got some rest. I just need to go to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.”

“Ok. Let me know if you need help.” She looked at her phone and saw that it was almost 7:00. “Judas, I slept a long time.”

*******

Ross crutched his way back into the living room.

“Ross, are you hungry? I can fix us something to eat. I’ll go look and see what we have.”

Ross grabbed her arm, “Don’t trouble yourself. I told you that I can eat cereal. I’m fine with that.”

“You can’t have cereal for supper!”

“Why not? It wouldn’t be the first time. I really don’t mind. We’ve both had a long week and you don’t need to cook for me all of the time. We’re having pizza tomorrow night with your brother. Just break out the cereal bowls!”

Demelza was chuckling and shrugged her shoulders, “Alright if you insist!”

*******

Ross and Demelza were both comfy in bed watching TV after they ate their cereal. They had decided on bingeing “Stranger Things” although Demelza wasn’t sure if this was the best choice. “If I have nightmares Ross, it’s going to be your fault!”

“Don’t worry my love, I shall protect you from the mind slayer!”

Ross had been pondering another thought and gave Demelza a side glance. “What? Why are you looking at me like that? Have you decided to feed me to the mind slayer?”

Ross smiled, “No, but I have been thinking about something else. Is it not the Christmas season, full of yuletide cheer and all that?”

Demelza wasn’t sure of where he was going with this question, “yes?’

“We need a tree! A Christmas tree!” Ross had this excited five year old look on his face!

Demelza was giggling at him, “Well do you have one that we can put up?”

“What? No, no we have to go to a lot somewhere and buy one! Or better yet, cut one down! We don’t use artificial trees in the Poldark family!!”

“But Ross, you’re on crutches! You can’t cut a tree down, and I’m not cutting a tree down that’s for sure!”

Ross sounded defeated, “oh yeah. Well, we have to figure it out this weekend, because you’re busy every weekend until Christmas! Maybe Drake can help us, or Dwight.”

“Possibly. I can text Drake and see if he’s busy. He probably couldn’t do it tomorrow because the dry cleaners are open tomorrow, but maybe Sunday? And Ross, do you even have any decorations, or any Christmas lights?”

Ross was getting excited again, “Yes! I do! Not a lot but some. I think they are in the cabinet under the staircase. And if they are old or damaged we can just go buy more! I don’t have any of the old family ones, mum still uses those at Nampara.” He noticed that Demelza wasn’t quite as excited as he was. “Babe, are you alright?”

She smiled at him calling her ‘babe’. “Yes, I’m fine. I’ve just never seen anyone this excited about Christmas before.”

He grabbed her hand and kissed it. “I’m sorry. I’m guessing that your Christmases weren’t very happy while you were growing up?”

She smiled at him, “No they weren’t. If we ever got a present, it was usually from a church or an organisation that would adopt a family at Christmas. When mum was still alive she would try to save money back to buy something special for a Christmas dinner, but that didn’t always work out. And then after she died, da was usually drunk on Christmas day and we just fended for ourselves. If he gave us money for food, we usually bought turkey TV dinners that had cranberry sauce in it. But don’t worry about all of that. If you want a tree, we can put up a tree! It will be our first Christmas together!!”

Ross grabbed Demelza up in his arms and gave her an enthusiastic kiss! “That’s the spirit! Now first things first. We need to find me a wheelchair!!”

*********

Demelza was asleep for the night, but Ross was so excited about the thought of going shopping with Demelza in the morning that he couldn’t sleep. And he wanted the day to go perfectly. He wasn’t quite sure of where to take her shopping so he texted Verity.

“🤗 Verity! Are you still awake? ”

“I am now! Are you alright? How are you feeling? 🙋 ”

“I feel fine. But I need some help from you.”

“Do you need me to come over?”

“No, no. Nothing like that. Demelza and I are going to get a Christmas tree this weekend. I’m afraid that I don’t have many decorations. And I don’t remember for sure where I’ve put them. Where’s a good place to go for Christmas decorations?”

“Well that depends. Do you want to go all out and get something fancy, or are typical Christmas decorations alright?”

“This is our first Christmas together so I think I want to go all out! 🎄 ”

“Well then go to Selfridges!💲🧑‍🎄 ”

“Selfridges! Why didn’t I think of that?”

“Because you’re a man! Would you like me to go with you?”

“I don’t think so. But thanks anyway. I think this is something Demelza would like to do just the two of us.”

“Have you figured out how you’re going to get around? Demelza doesn’t drive and you would be miserable on the tube especially carrying packages.”

“I’ve hired a car. I’ve got that all sorted. I just wasn’t sure where to go.”

“Well let me know if you need any help. Andrew can come along and help as well. And Ross… be careful with your spending.”

“What do you mean? I can afford to splurge a little.”

“Yes, but don’t overwhelm Demelza with it. She’s not used to that kind of spending and you don’t want to scare her off.”

“Good thinking cuz. I hadn’t thought of that. Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind. Luv you! 😘”

“Luv you! And be careful with those crutches! 😘 ”

*******

Ross woke up to ‘Silent Night’ playing somewhere. He looked over at the other side of the bed to find it empty. He smiled when he realised that Demelza was practising in the kitchen. He thought What a lovely sound to wake up to! He snuck out as well as he could on crutches so he could video her playing without her knowing. She was a beautiful sight sitting in the corner with her cello, her red hair down and her curls wild. She looked like an angel. Her eyes were closed and the look on her face was pure joy. She was obviously lost in the music. What a beautiful creature. Not only is she beautiful but she is a person of depth and strength who clawed her way out of poverty and followed her dreams. Lord, I love her! He would remember this vision forever. He backed away so that he wouldn’t bother her haven.

******

Demelza and Ross were dressed and finishing breakfast when the doorbell rang.

“Are you expecting someone Ross?”

“Yes, could you go answer the door, please?”

Demelza opened the door, and Frank, the driver from Ross’s work, was standing there. “Frank! How are you?”

“Very well thank you Miss Carne. And yourself?”

“I’m a little confused right now, but please come in.”

Ross was smiling at Frank and welcomed him in. His plan was now in motion! “Frank! Thanks for coming and helping us out! Were you able to find a wheelchair for me?”

“Yes I did Mr. Poldark, it’s in the boot.”

Demelza was looking at both of the men, “Ross, what is going on?”

“Demelza, I told you last night that we needed to go shopping today. Remember I said that we needed to get a wheelchair?”

“I thought you were just joking!”

“Demelza, I never joke about Christmas shopping. So Frank here is going to drive us around wherever we want to go to find Christmas decorations for the tree.”

“But we don’t have a tree…”

“Not yet we don’t!! But that’s for tomorrow. Now let’s get our coats on before Frank gets bored with our conversation!”

Demelza looked at the two men suspiciously. “For some reason I don’t trust the two of you!”

Frank gave Demela a pseudo shocked face, “Why Miss Carne you’ve hurt my feelings!”

*******

Demelza sat up in the front seat next to Frank so that Ross could prop his leg up in the backseat. She was trying to figure out where they were going shopping because they had passed Wal-mart, so she really didn’t have a clue. Finally she asked, “Where are we going, Ross?”

Ross mumbled something.

“What did you say? I couldn’t understand you.”

He mumbled again.

“Ross! Where are we going?”

“Selfridges!! I wanted to surprise you!”

Demelza was gobsmacked. “Did you say Selfridges?”

“Yes, my love.” Ross was trying to butter her up now.

“But Ross everything is so expensive there. We don’t need to spend that kind of money for Christmas decorations.”

“Baby just bear with me. We’ll go in and take a look and if you don’t like anything they have, then we can go someplace else.” Now he was giving her puppy dog eyes! “Pretty please?”

Demelza rolled her eyes, “Bloody hell, you’re layin it on pretty thick aren’t you!” She looked at him again and gave up. “Alright, we can check it out. Besides, what choice do I have!”

“Yes! That’s my girl!”

Frank gave her a side glance, “You’re going to have to watch out for that one in the backseat Miss Carne! He’ll have you wearing a tiara before you know it!”

“I’m starting to figure that out Frank!”

“I take it that you’ve never been to Selfridges, Miss Carne?”

“No I haven’t. I’ve heard a lot about it and I know there have been a few shows about it on the tele, but I’ve never been there.”

“It has quite a rich history. It started in the early 1900’s by an American chap by the name of Harry Gordon Selfridge and he built the store literally from the ground up. He reinvented how the public shopped in department stores. He used to plan these big grand events in the store to bring customers in. He had quite the flair for the dramatic! I’m sure it’s decorated for Christmas right now so you’re in for a treat! And their window displays are absolutely brilliant!”

*******

Frank parked the car behind the store so that Ross could use the handicap entrance. At first Frank was just going to wait for them in the car, but Ross asked him if he wouldn’t mind going along in case they needed some extra hands. Between the wheelchair, the crutches, and the shopping bags, this could be like a Laurel and Hardy adventure!

Once they were inside a Selfridge associate offered to keep Ross’s crutches at the customer service desk. Frank laughingly whispered to Ross ”they just don’t want you knocking things off the counter tops with them!”

Ross was watching Demelza’s face as she walked around, clearly overwhelmed by everything. Ross was even a little overwhelmed, and he had been there before! The store had definitely gone all out with the Christmas decorations.

“Oh Frank you were right! This place is incredible!” There were Christmas lights everywhere, and gigantic ornaments hanging from the ceiling! Christmas trees were everywhere either for sale, or just for decoration. There was every type of Nutcracker that you could ask for! No surface was untouched by Christmas. “Ross, I don’t know where to look first! This is just… beyond words! How do we… where do we go first?”

A Selfridge associate could see that Demelza wasn’t sure where to go, “Hello, my name is Samantha. May I help you?”

Demelza took a step back, “Oh. Hello. We need to look for Christmas tree decorations.”

“Great! Do you think you’ll be buying a few things, or for a whole tree?”

Ross stepped into the conversation, “Oh we’re buying for a whole tree. This is our first Christmas!” Ross had this big grin on his face, and Samantha was getting a kick out of Ross’s eagerness.

Demelza was trying to give Ross a look to tell him to slow down, but he just ignored her! “Ross, we don’t have to buy everything today!”

He frowned like a scolded school boy. “No we don’t. We agreed that we would look and see what they have.”

Samantha guided them to the holiday section that had all of the tree decorations, and if Demelza wasn’t overwhelmed before, she certainly was now. Samantha looked at Demelza and said, “Now don’t panic! Do you have a certain theme in mind?”

Demelza was looking all around. Everywhere she looked there was a different tree decorated in a different theme. She didn’t even know Christmas trees had themes!! Ross could see this was really overwhelming her, so he grabbed his hand and held it for some reassurance.

Finally Demelza spoke up, “No. I didn’t know Christmas trees were supposed to have themes.”

Ross gave her hand a squeeze to let her know that he was there for her.

The Selfridge associate spoke up, “Oh you don’t have to have a theme. Everyone is different. I was just trying to get an idea of what you might like. Some people like trees with all of the same coloured ornaments, like red or gold, or if there is something that they collect like Nutcrackers or ice skates. We have a variety of colours of lights as well. The trees that we have decorated in themes are to help our customers find an ornament if they are looking for something in particular that they are looking for, like a Father Christmas. So don’t feel like you have to decorate your tree to look exactly like ours. Oh and here’s a tip… don’t be afraid to put more than one ornament on a limb, as long as it’s a strong limb or an artificial tree. See, look at this one. The heavier ornament is placed further back and then a second smaller one is placed closer to the end of the branch. That way you can fit more ornaments on your tree. Does that help?”

Ross and Demelza looked at each other. He was hoping that she was feeling less shocked by everything. She was still holding his hand when she told Samantha, “Yes, I think it does. Thank you. So if we see something that we like, is there a bag for us to put it in?”

Samantha walked over to the counter and came back with a wheeled canvas shopping cart for Demelza. “You can use this to put your items in. If you need more help, please don’t hesitate to ask me or any of our associates. And please take your time.”

Ross raised his hand to shake Samantha’s hand, “Thank you Samantha. We appreciate your help.” She walked away to leave the trio alone to look around.

Demelza let out a big sigh as she shook her head.

“Darlin, if you’re not really into shopping here we can go wherever you want. I only wanted to spoil you.” Ross tried to say in his best understanding voice.

She leaned down and gave him a quick peck on his nose. “Well we’re here, we might as well buy something!”

Frank spoke up, “May I suggest that you start with what coloured lights you prefer?”

“Oi Frank! I knew it was a good idea to bring you along! What colour of lights do you like Demelza? White, multi-colour, red, blue, green?”

“Oh goodness. Do you have a favourite Ross?”

“Not at all. My mum either used the white or clear lights and sometimes she would use the multi-coloured lights. So it doesn’t matter to me.” He was afraid to ask her what coloured lights they used on her family’s trees. He didn’t want to bring up bad memories. He decided to make a decision. “How about the white lights? That way whatever other decorations we purchase will go with the lights.”

“That’s a brilliant idea Ross! Decision one has been made!” Demelza smiled.

Once Demelza realised that she didn’t have to decorate by a certain theme, and could just pick up this n that, she started to relax and have fun. It made Ross so happy to watch her eyes as she looked at everything. The inner child in her that never got to celebrate a real Christmas was starting to come out. When she found the tree that was decorated in snowflakes she went wild!!

“Oh Rosss! Look at this tree! It’s so beautiful!! Look at all of the different snowflakes, and they’re different colours! Look Ross! Some of them are silver and blue, and even purple!! Oh Ross, I love this tree! What do you think?” When she turned to face him, he saw that her eyes were watery.

“I think it’s the perfect tree for us. Let’s get whatever we need! And don’t forget a topper for the tree.”

She had a scared look on her face now. “A topper?”

“Mmm hmmm. Some people put a star on top, some people put an angel on top, some ….”

“An angel! Can we get an angel Ross?”

“Of course we can!” His heart squeezed by the way she asked.

They didn’t even realise that Frank had wandered off until he came back again, “May I suggest this ornament? Seems appropriate for the occasion.” It was an ornament of a front door, and it said ‘Our First Christmas’ on it. “I believe there’s someone around here that can put the date on it for you.”

Demelza took one look at it, and the weight of everything they were doing today hit her. She could barely speak. “Oh Frank! Thank you!” and she grabbed him for a big hug and let her tears fall. Ross had a big lump in his throat watching the scene.

Before they left the store they had found a few ornaments that they thought were special for them, like an ornament that looked like Seamus, and Ross found a cello ornament and some other musical instruments. They even found a nativity scene that they both liked. It wasn’t a grand ornate set, but more on the simple side. They found three Christmas stockings to hang up, one for each of them and of course Seamus!

Ross was looking at the time on his watch. It was almost 2:00 and he had made surprise reservations for the Italian restaurant upstairs for 2:30. “It’s 2:00. Are either of you hungry?” Demelza smiled at him because Ross was always hungry. “We could eat upstairs in one of the restaurants before we go home? What do you think, Frank?”

Frank was in on Ross’s plan so of course he agreed with everything. “Oh that sounds fine with me. It has been a while since I’ve broken my fast.”

Ross looked at Demelza. She was looking at her phone. “Demelza? Babe?”

“Hmmm, oh I’m sorry, I was checking to see when Drake would be over tonight. He’s still at work so he said it would be a while, so I guess it would be alright. What are we going to do with all of this stuff while we eat?”

“Let me go ask Miss Samantha.” Frank walked over to the associate.

“I’ll go with you Frank.” Ross spoke up and wheeled himself to catch up with Frank.

Demelza narrowed her eyes at him, “What are you up to Ross Poldark?” She watched the conversation closely, but she couldn’t figure out what plan might be in the works.

Ross spoke softly to Samantha, “Is there a way that I can get this stuff paid for without my girlfriend knowing how much I spent? Can I just give you my card while we go upstairs to eat? We have 2:30 reservations at The Alto, which Demelza also doesn’t know about!”

“My, my aren’t you the sneaky one! Well we don’t normally take a customer’s card as a rule in case something were to happen to it.” She responded.

“How about I stay with the merchandise with your card Ross. I’ll pay for it and have someone help me out to the car, and then I’ll meet you and Demelza upstairs at the restaurant? Will that work to your satisfaction? Miss Samantha?” Frank suggested.

“Let me ask one of my managers. I’m not sure about the signature part.” Samantha called a manager on her phone to find out what was acceptable. This was taking too much time and Ross was starting to squirm when he saw Demelza giving him a raised eyebrow. Now she crossed her arms. He tried to give her a polite smile but he was sure that wasn’t working. Finally Samantha hung up. “Sorry, that took so long. My manager said that it was okay as long as it was alright with you. He suggested that you give your friend your driver’s licence in case there is an issue, and I will have to go with you to the cashier to make sure that everything goes smoothly. How does that sound?”

Ross and Frank both sighed! “That sounds perfect. Frank, here's my licence and my card. And I’ll have Demelza wheel me up in the lift. Supposedly that restaurant accommodates wheelchairs.”

“You’ve done your research!” Samantha said. “Now Frank, let’s get those packages over to the cashier!”

Frank looked at Ross, “Ross do me a favour, if you ever try to pull a surprise proposal on Demelza, leave me out of it!” All three laughed at Frank’s remark.

“You never know Frank. You never know.!”

*****

Ross wheeled himself over to Demelza. She saw Frank and Samantha gathering up all of the decorations that they had chosen. “Ross, what’s going on? Where are they taking the decorations? And what was all of that laughing about?”

Ross took her hand, “Nothing to worry about baby. They’re going to get everything rung up and taken to the car, and you and I are going upstairs to the Italian restaurant to get a table. Frank is going to meet us up there after everything’s in the car and then we don’t have to worry about hanging onto the packages at the table.”

“Oh. Right. I guess that makes sense. Are you sure he doesn’t need me to help him?”

“No, it's fine. Samantha is going to help him along with another associate. Now let’s find the lift. I’m starved!” He gave her hand a kiss.

“Ross you’re always starving. I suppose I’m getting hungry as well. Let’s go find the lift!”

******

Demelza pushed Ross up to the Maitre d’.

“Good afternoon. Welcome to The Alto by San Carlo. How can I help you?”

Demelza timidly spoke up, “We would like a table for three please.”

“Do you have a reservation?”

This took Demelza by surprise, “Oh no, we…”

Ross looked at the Maitre d’ and cleared his throat, “Yes we do. Reservations for Poldark.”

The Maitre d’ checked his notepad for the reservation and found it. “Ah yes, we have it right here Mr. Poldark. Table for three, wheelchair accessible. Please follow me.”

Demelza flicked the back of one of Ross’s ears, “Ross Poldark what have you done!”

“Ow! That hurt!” Ross was rubbing his ear. “I just wanted to make sure that we had a table so I called for reservations!”

The Maitre d’ helped Ross’s wheelchair get settled at the table and then pulled out a chair for Demelza. “Will your third party be joining you shortly?”

“Yes, he’s just putting our packages in the car. We would like a bottle of Proseco please.” Ross said.

“Very well Mr. Poldark.”

“Ross! Prosecco and reservations! What are you up to? You’re not going to propose are you?”

This made Ross choke on his water. “Demelza please. No, I’m not going to propose, at least not today. Darlin, I just wanted to make today special for you, and I knew that if I told you my plan, you would get upset and would object and say it’s too expensive! You know that I don’t usually go all out like this. And by the way my ear still hurts!” He looked at her and put his hand on hers, “Still love me?”

Demelza looked down and shook her head and looked back into his eyes. “Ross, I should crown you!” Her eyes had a slight hint of tears in them now. “Of course I do!” He smiled at her and gave her hand another kiss.

********

They were sipping on the Prosecco and looking at the menus when Frank arrived at the table out of breath, and sat down while Ross poured him a glass. “Well that lot is all taken care of now. Time to relax!” He just about gulped the whole glass down at once which Ross thought was hysterical!!

Ross patted him on the shoulder. “Whoa there take it easy Frank we’ve got all day!! And thank you, sincerely, for taking care of all of that for me, and for driving us out here and everything else that you’ve done to help make this a special day for Demelza. To Frank!” He and Demelza raised their glasses to their dear friend, “To Frank!!” He had to pour more Proseco in Frank’s glass so that he could drink the toast!!

Demelza raised an eyebrow at Frank, “I had a feeling that you were in all of this tomfoolery!!”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about? I’m just the bloody driver!” He smirked at her. “I guess that I better be paying attention to the menu before you fire me!”

“You two order anything you want, doctors orders!” Ross joked.

The server came by to see if they were ready to order. Ross instructed, “No can you please give us some more time. Oh and another bottle of Prosecco!”

“Judas Ross!”

******

“Lord, Ross, there are so many choices! I don’t know what to get! The pizza sounds good…” she noticed that Frank and Ross were both giving her the stink eye.

“Demelza I will not allow you to get pizza. Besides, we are having pizza tonight with Drake. Have some pasta or beef. I was looking at the fillet. You could have chicken. What about you Frank? Anything whet your appetite?”

“Oh I’m looking at the fish selections. It’s been a while since I’ve had any. Do you like fish Demelza?”

“Mmm some of it. I’m allergic to shrimp, so I tend to stay away from most of it. But you go ahead and order it. It won’t bother me.”

“Are you sure? I would hate for you to have an allergic reaction on my account.”

“No! Please, order whatever you wish. I will let them know about my allergy so that they don’t cross contaminate the cooking utensils.”

The server came back with the second bottle of Prosecco. “Are you ready to order?”

Ross looked up at him, “Yes, I believe so. Could we start with the antipasto appetiser and some bread please, oh and some olives for all of us as well. Demelza are you ready to order?”

“I can’t decide! You go ahead Frank!” Ross chuckled at her. She tends to have a hard time ordering in restaurants.

“Alright, I’ll go first. I would like the fillet of sea bass please. And I’d like the roasted potatoes with onions on the side.”

“Thank you sir. Ma’am have you decided?”

“Umm I think I’ll have the spaghetti carbonara please.”

“Would you care for any sides with that ma’am?”

“No, I think that will be all for me.” Ross was giving her another stink eye.

“And for you sir?”

“I am going to have the fillet of beef with the truffle sauce, and I’ll have the roasted potatoes with onions as well. And also the caprese salad. And also, the beautiful woman to my side has an allergy to shrimp, so could you please advise the chef not to cross contaminate the cooking utensils for her meal please? Thank you.”

“No problem at all sir. And I will be back with your appetisers.”

Now Demelza was throwing the stink eye at Ross. “I can’t believe all of that food you ordered? Are you really going to eat all of that?”

“No my love, you are going to help me, because I know your appetite, and I know that you didn’t order enough to fill your big toe!”

That really tickled Frank - or was it the Proseco?! “Oh bloody hell that was funny!!” Ross and Demelza laughed more at Frank, while Ross poured everyone more Prosecco!

Ross reached over for Demelza’s hand and kissed it. “Now relax, please! Enjoy the surroundings! Enjoy the Christmas music and decorations!!”

She let out a big sigh, “Oh I suppose you’re right. It is beautiful up here and the view is amazing!”

“And the Prosecco is amazing!” Frank said! This made Ross laugh that way he laughs with his whole face and mouth wide open. It was a good thing there weren’t many customers in the restaurant this time of day.

The server came back with the appetisers that Ross had ordered and plates for everyone to share. Ross started passing the bread around, “Here Frank, maybe some of this bread will soak up that Prosecco so that you can drive us home!”

“Oh this bread is amazing, and the olives as well. I’m glad you ordered this Ross!”

Ross smiled at his love. “See. Do as the Italians do and enjoy life!”

*******

Demelza’s phone buzzed. She picked it up and noticed that it was Drake. “Ross, Drake wants to know about when he should come over tonight? It’s already 3:30 and the main course hasn’t come out yet. What should I tell him?”

Ross looked over at Frank enjoying himself. He wasn’t sure if he would be in any condition to drive home by the time they were done, but he didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. He looked at Demela, “Let me text him back. Yeah?”

Demelza wasn’t sure what he was up to again, so she just nodded her head at him.

Hiya Drake this is Ross. We r still at Selfridges. Our friend who is supposed to b driving us is a touch intoxicated. Could u take a cab and meet us here, I'll pay for it, and possibly drive us to mine. Then I think Frank can drive himself home from there. If you’d like, bring some extra clothes and spend the night, and then tomorrow we can go 🎄shopping?

Demelza looked at the text and just shook her head and smiled.

Hiya Ross! Sure I can do that! What time shall I meet you at Selfridges?

Just then the server brought the main course. “Does everything look satisfactory?”

Demelza spoke up for Ross, “Yes, thank you. Everything looks delicious. Could we maybe have some water refills?”

“Certainly ma’am.”

They just brought our main course, so maybe in about 45 minutes? We are up in The Alto Restaurant on the top floor. Text us when you get to Selfridges. Hopefully we can just meet you downstairs. Thanks mate!

Sounds good. I’ll text you when the cab pulls up! See ya!

“Oh my this all looks delicious! Tuck in Frank!” Ross said.

“This sea bass is mouth watering. Absolutely delicious. Thank you so much for inviting me along Ross!”

“My pleasure friend. So, Demelza’s brother is just going to meet us here since we are still out and about. So he can drive us home. So we can enjoy more Prosecco!”

“Brilliant Ross! You know, you really should teach Demelza how to drive!” That caused Demelza to drop her fork!

“Umm maybe one day when we’re down in Cornwall and she doesn't have to worry about traffic!” Ross felt a kick under the table that came from Demelza’s direction, “Ouch! Bloody hell!”

She gave Ross a smile, “What’s wrong Ross? You seem a little jumpy?”

“Oh nothing dear. Just a cramp in my sore foot! Can’t imagine where that came from?”

******

Drake’s cab pulled up to the handicapped parking spaces just as Ross, Demelza and Frank arrived.

“Thanks for bailing us drunkards out Drake!! I did have Demelza order some take away for you.” Ross noticed that Drake was carrying a large bag. “ What’s in the bag?” Ross said.

“It’s the quilt from your bed. I was able to get all of the blood removed from it.”

“Brilliant! Well done mate!”

The wheelchair took up all of the room in the boot, so between all of their purchases and an extra package, Frank and Demelza fit in the back seat like sardines in a tin!

Demelza tapped Ross on the shoulder, “Don’t forget to give Drake directions on how to get to yours.”

Drake and Ross smiled at each other. “My love, your brother has been to mine many times. I think he knows how to get there. And by the way, how is it that your brother knows how to drive and you don’t? I understand that you didn’t have a car when you were younger, but …”

“Ohhh I can explain that mate. By the time Demelza moved out and went to uni, and my other brothers had moved out as well, da had a car finally, and paid for me drivin lessons. I’ve offered to teach her, but she’s never wanted to.”

Now Ross felt like a wanker. Of course there would be more money for things like driving lessons for the youngest of six, but not for the eldest of six. He looked behind him for Demelza’s reaction. She was looking out the window, but had this angry look on her face. “Demelza…” she wouldn’t look at him. “Love, I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to…”

“Tis alright Ross.” She just continued staring out the window. Ross felt so bad. He didn’t realise that Demelza never learning to drive was such a sore subject. What a way to end the day on a bad note! He thought.

********

Demelza, Ross and Drake were all relaxing after Frank had finally felt well enough to drive himself home. The Selfridge bags were scattered all around the living room.

“Drake, I’m really sorry that the day didn’t turn out exactly as we had planned. We can have some pizza delivered later on. Help yourself to whatever is in the fridge and the kitchen. Did you bring extra clothes to spend the night?”

“Aye, I did! And thanks for the lasagna from the restaurant. It was delicious.” He could tell that his sister was still feeling out of sorts. “Sister, have you done much cooking for Ross?” He looked at Ross. “She’s really a good cook. She knows how to create a feast from nothing!”

Demelza gave her brother a faint smile, “Yeah, I’ve cooked for him quite a bit lately. He definitely loves my lemon tart!” Demelza just couldn’t shake herself from this mood. She looked at Ross. “I think I’m going to go take a shower. Can I get you anything before I go in?”

They hadn’t been living together long, but Ross was starting to be able to read some of the signs from Demelza when she’s feeling low or feeling overwhelmed. He was learning to give her some space, time alone, something that she liked to do with a shower. “No, love, I’m good. Enjoy your shower.” She leaned over and gave him a kiss on the way to the bedroom.

Ross let out a big sigh. “Drake, how bout you get us some beers?”

“Ah that sounds good!”

******

Drake and Ross were sipping on their beer, watching TV when Ross decided to bring up the conversation from earlier.

“I had no idea that the driving thing was an issue for Demelza. I mean, she had told me that she never learned to drive because the family didn’t have money for a car or driving lessons, and that she never had the need later on and just took public transit. But she seemed really upset by it today. I feel like such a wanker.”

Drake sighed and got up to sit on the sofa next to Ross so he could lower his voice. “Sister suffered a lot for us boys. She had a really terrible life growing up. If it hadn’t been for her, we probably would’ve all been adopted out through social services. Maybe it would’ve been better for her if that would’ve happened. As I said earlier, I’ve offered lots of times to teach her, but she’s always said no. I don’t know if she just doesn’t feel she needs it since she lives in the city now, or if the thought of it just brings up too many bad memories. I’m really glad I can drive. I wouldn’t have my job if I couldn’t.”

“So do you think I should just let the subject drop?’

“I would, mate. If she wants to talk about it, she will.”

Ross was nodding his head in agreement. “Thanks Drake. Hey, Dem had told me a while back that you’ve been trying to get a loan to buy the business from your boss. How’s that coming along?”

“It’s frustrating, but I keep saving up my money for a down payment. My boss keeps saying that he will only sell it to me, but I get worried that one day he’s just going to want to leave and retire and close it up. I’ve learned so much from him. People think that it’s just about cleaning clothes, but there’s so much that I could do to expand the business. Like what me and my buddy did here with cleaning up the blood. We could get more equipment for home restoration from fires and floods. Or go into a home after someone has died and do a thorough cleaning, stuff like that. I really enjoy my job. I know it sounds stupid, to love working at a drycleaners, but I enjoy helping people out.”

“No, it doesn’t sound stupid at all. It’s great to love what you do. You know, I might be able to help you get a loan. I’ve been thinking about it. Normally we work on huge business mergers and acquisitions, but maybe I can help you get a loan. I’ve been wanting to talk with you about it before I did anything.”

“Really? You really think you could help me?”

“I will definitely try, but I won’t make any promises. If you could get me some information like what is the asking price, how long the business has been there at that location, what plans you have for the future. Get all of that kind of stuff down in writing, it would help a lot.”

“That’s brilliant!! Thank you so much Ross.”

Demelza walked in at the tail end of the conversation, “What’s brilliant?”

Drake jumped up, “Sister! Ross wants to try and help me get a loan to buy the dry cleaners!” He signalled for her to sit back down on the sofa next to Ross.

She looked at Ross, “Really? You think you might be able to help?”

Ross shrugged his shoulders, “I think so, but like I told Drake, we deal with large corporations. I don’t know if my bosses would be interested in financing a small business like this. I can��t promise anything, but I’ll give it a try!”

“Judas Ross! I would be that glad if you could help him!” She leaned over to give him a big hug and kiss.

He thought it was adorable the way she used the word ‘that’ in sentences sometimes. “Just remember, they might not approve the loan. The only thing I can do is try. And I would be that glad to help Drake.” He just looked at this beautiful woman. He could tell that she was feeling better. Her eyes were sparkling again and her smile was back. Ross thought, Fuck the driving! I’ll drive her around the rest of my life if she stays this happy!

********

Demelza had finally given up at 1 am and went to bed, but the guys were still going strong eating pizza, drinking beer and watching Terminator movies. She was happy to leave them to it. She loved seeing the two of them sitting on the sofa bonding over stupid movies! She snuggled under the blankets thinking about Christmas tree shopping the next day!

********

Demelza got up early the next morning while her guys were sleeping in from their night of cavemen activities. She was enjoying some quiet tea time in the kitchen before she started on brekkie. She turned on the small tele in the kitchen to enjoy some Sunday morning programs. She didn’t normally listen to the news much, but she enjoyed the Sunday morning programs. She began chopping onions for the breakfast she was going to make for Ross and Drake. She didn’t have quite everything to make for a full English breakfast, but close enough. It had been a long time since she had a chance to spoil Drake and make something special for him. She was thinking back to Drake’s comment the night before about how she could make a feast out of very little food. That had never been an issue at Ross’s house. He always had plenty of food in the cupboards and fridge on hand for her to cook. The oven dinged letting her know that the fresh scones she made were ready. She pulled those out and covered them with a tea towel to keep them warmed. She sliced up some tomatoes to grill later. She soft boiled a few eggs because she remembered how Drake loved them as a boy, and she sliced some toast into ‘logs’ for him to dunk in them. She started chopping potatoes to fry up with the chopped onion later on for Ross. She had finally learned the tricks to Ross’s coffee maker, so that was brewing. She turned on a pan to get hot for the potatoes and started setting the table. She found herself humming and enjoying all of this domesticity. It came naturally to her of course from all of her years taking care of her brothers. But now she seemed to enjoy it. In another pan she got the bacon and sausages going. Everything was going perfectly! She made sure that there was clotted cream and jam on the table along with glasses of orange juice. By the time ‘her boys’ were up there were platters of food for them everywhere on the island. She decided to set it up like a buffet so they could fill their plates with whatever they liked! Fried eggs, scrambled eggs, soft boiled eggs, toast, scones, grilled tomatoes, fried potatoes, crispy bacon, sausages, and even a plate with sliced oranges and grapes! She took a picture of all of it to post later! Soon the smell of everything brought the troops in!

Ross meandered in and gave Demelza a kiss. “Good morning Demelza. Good Lord! Who is coming for breakfast?” Ross was chuckling at the sight before him. Drake soon followed Ross into the kitchen.

“It’s just us Ross, nobody else is coming.” She smiled at them both!

“Sister! You’ve totally outdone yourself! Wait - are those soft boiled eggies?!”

Demelza grinned at Drake calling them eggies like he always did when he was a kid. “They sure are! And look - I even made toast logs for you to dunk in them!”

Drake quickly went over and gave his sister a big, long hug. Ross was thoroughly enjoying the scene because eggies and toast logs obviously meant something to them both.

They all filled their plates and sat down to eat, Demelza helping Ross because of the crutches.

“Wait!” Drake yelled out.

Ross wasn’t sure what was going on and looked at Demelza with a questioning look.

“A meal this fine deserves to be blessed. Ross, would you mind if we gave thanks?”

Demelza smiled at Ross because she knew he wasn’t sure what to do. “Uhhh you’re certainly right Drake. A wonderful meal like this deserves to be blessed. Aaand I will let you have the honour of doing so.” Demelza smiled even bigger at how well Ross handled the situation.

They all bowed their heads. “Lord, we often go through life grumblin about what we don’t have or what we want instead of giving thanks for what we do have. Thank you so much for bringing us together for this wonderful weekend of being together and having fun. Thank you also Lord, for bringing this wonderful man into my sister’s life and loving her the way he does. Finally Lord, we gave thanks for this bountiful meal set before us by my loving sister. We are truly blessed, in your name. Amen. Let’s eat!!”

Demelza grabbed her brother’s hand, tears shimmering in those blue eyes. “Thank you Drake, that was lovely.”

Ross was deeply touched by the prayer and laid a hand on Drake’s shoulder, “Thank you. That was beautiful.”

*******

Drake insisted on cleaning up the dishes and the kitchen after breakfast, so Ross and Demelza were in the bedroom getting ready for the day.

“Now that we’re alone Ross, I just wanted to thank you for having Drake here this weekend. It means a lot to me. I know the prayer thing probably threw you for a loop, but I think you could see how sincere he was. Some of the religion from Sam has rubbed off on Drake, though it’s not as powerful with Drake as it is with Sam.”

Ross sat down on the bed with her and held her hands, “Demelza my love, you don’t have to thank me for anything. My family only did prayers at the table for Christmas and Easter, but my mum did drag us to church a couple of Sundays a month. And I really like Drake and I love how he treats his sister! It’s been fun having him around last night, and today is going to be even more fun looking for a tree and then decorating it. I’m glad that he’s here to help because I sure can’t do much with my lame foot.” He placed his hand on her neck and pulled her in for a kiss. “I love you so very much. And I am so excited for our first Christmas together.”

“Rrross!”

********

In order to save time, Ross decided to skip getting the van from the dry cleaners, and attempt to put whatever tree they buy in the boot of his BMW. Drake found an old blanket and some rope in Ross’s garage to take with them.

They were all seated in the car when Ross spotted Drake staring at the dashboard inside the car. “Is something wrong Drake?”

Drake shook his head. “I’ve never driven a car this fancy before.”

Ross smiled at him. “It’s just a car, Drake. You’ll do fine.”

********

The first tree lot they went to didn’t have many trees to look at, so they decided to go try somewhere else.

The next tree lot was full of people and Ross was having trouble getting around on his crutches. He was trying not to lose his temper, but people just didn’t seem to pay attention to the way they were walking in front of him. Drake told them he knew of a better place for trees so they decided to get back in the car.

Ross noticed that they were driving further out of London, but he decided to let Drake just go where he thought they should go. They were definitely now in the country passing sheep farms, cattle farms and pastures of horses along the way. Finally after driving an hour and a half, Drake pulled into a driveway hidden by trees that wound its way back to a farm. A Christmas tree farm!! It looked like quite the set up with several rows of trees as far back as one could see. There looked to be a typical farmhouse along with three or four barns on the property as well. People were hauling their Christmas trees that they had picked out back to load on top of their vehicles.

Demelza was getting excited now. “Ross, look at all the trees!” Drake parked the car as close as he could get to the barns. He turned around and said “You two wait here. I’ll be right back.” Drake got out of the car and disappeared into one of the barns. Pretty soon an older man came out driving a four wheeled all terrain vehicle, with Drake sitting beside him, and two empty seats in the back, and was pulling a wagon behind it. The older gentleman looked at Ross and Demelza sitting in the car and said “You folks need a ride?!” Ross and Demelza started laughing at this. “We sure do!”

It turned out that Drake had known this gentleman through his work at the dry cleaners, and he had told Drake about his Christmas tree farm. Ross and Demelza loaded up in the back seat, and away they went to go find a Christmas tree!

Ross couldn’t believe it. He had never been to such a place. There were families all over the farm in search of the perfect tree, carrying hand saws with them. Demelza was amazed as well. She could see children laying on the ground cutting down trees with their fathers!! “Oh Ross, this place is so pretty!”

Drake’s friend finally stopped the vehicle in a clump of trees that he thought looked satisfactory. Ross was able to see everything from the vehicle so he stayed put while Demelza and Drake picked out a tree. Ross was taking pictures of the whole scene on his phone!! They all were smiling and chuckling as they were trying to figure out how tall of a tree to get, and how wide the tree should be. Finally, Demelza thought she found the perfect one. “What do ya think Ross?”

“I think you just picked our first Christmas tree my love!” Drake helped her cut it down and the gentleman gave it a good shake the loose needles out of it. He threw it in the wagon and they drove back up to the barns.

The old man said, “I’ll get this tree shook up good and bind it up for you while you folks go check out the barns.”

Ross had no clue what they were going to see in the barns, but they all went in anyway.

They had just barely set foot in the barn when Ross heard a loud squeal come from Demelza. “Ross look!!! Reindeer!!!!”

Ross hadn’t spotted them yet, so he was confused, “What??”

Demelza and Drake ran over like little kids to look at the reindeer. They were both laughing hysterically! “Have you ever seen reindeer Ross!?”

“No, I don’t believe I have!!” He hobbled over on his crutches trying not to curse in front of the children that were wandering around. By the time he got there Demelza was already feeding the reindeer in front of him. He looked at Drake and said, “Thank you for bringing us here!”

Drake said, “You’re welcome! I had no idea all of this was here!”

The whole barn was a petting zoo. There were goats, lambs, ponies, chickens, kittens and puppies, and even a small calf. Children were running from one animal to the next trying to get a chance to feed and pet them.

Ross looked around. “This place is amazing! Drake what’s in that other barn?”

“I don’t know. I’ll go have a look.”

Ross was enjoying watching Demelza with all of the animals. He took pictures of her sitting on the ground with the baby lambs around her. “Babe, are you having fun!?” She just smiled at him.

Drake came back and told them the other barn was a little coffee shop with tables and chairs and one part was a little gift shop. They decided to go in for some hot chocolate and to give Ross a break with his crutches. As soon as they walked in, they were greeted with the aroma of chocolate and warm spices. Demelza bought them all some hot chocolate and biscuits to enjoy. Ross was looking around and noticed all of the hand made Christmas wreaths and pine roping that was for sale. “Demelza, should we get a wreath and some of that garland?”

“Oh that would be nice Ross!” He started to reach for his wallet and she put her hand on his hand to stop him. “Ross, please let me pay for it and the tree.”

“Demelza, you don’t have to.”

“I know I don’t. You paid for everything yesterday. Let me pay for this today. Please?”

He saw how much it meant to her and obliged. “Thank you Ross!” She leaned over and kissed him before she picked out a wreath and some pine roping. She proudly paid for that and the tree that was waiting for them outside.

After the tree was wrapped up in the netting it actually fit in the BMW boot. They were all three so happy on the way back home and were chattering on about the tree farm that Drake had found. Demelza said, “Who knows Drake… maybe someday you’ll bring your girlfriend back there for a Christmas tree! Which reminds me dear brother… have you been dating anyone lately?” Drake's eyes got big and wide which made Ross laugh hard.

*********

Before they reached Ross’s home, he received a text from Dwight wondering if he could bring Seamus back to his rightful owner. Ross thought it would be alright so he told him to come on over.

Demelza found Ross’s tree stand in the cupboard under the stairs. There really was only one place to put the tree in the living room and that was in front of the large bay window. Drake had given the tree another shake before he brought it inside the house. He centred it in the tree stand and Demelza held onto it while he tightened the screws on it. Ross thought it looked good and stable where he had it, so Demelza got some scissors and cut the netting off of the tree. They all watched as all of the limbs fell down into place. They all three started clapping as if someone had just performed a magic trick!!

“This is so exciting!” Demelza said. Ross loved watching her and Drake act like the little kids they weren’t allowed to be growing up. It also brought back memories of the Christmases when Claude was still alive and they all decorated the tree together. Lately he had found himself wishing that Claude was alive to meet Demelza. They would get along so well.

Soon the front door opened and the boundless energy of Seamus charged through everyone!! He actually knocked Ross over landing on top of him, licking his face!

Dwight said, “Bloody hell Ross, what are you doing on the floor!! Seamus! Get off him so he can get up!” Dwight helped Ross stand up and sit down. “How’s your foot doing?”

“Um, it’s alright, it’s fine. Seamus come here boy! Daddy missed you!!” Dwight didn’t quite believe his friend but he let it go for now.

“Well, I can see by the looks of things, you’ve all been having a grand time!! That tree is incredible by the way. Where did you find it?”

Drake said, “A tree farm! We found a tree farm outside of London.”

Dwight raised an eyebrow at Ross, “A tree farm? You went to a tree farm?”

“It was fine Dwight. I didn’t do much walking. The farmer had a tractor thingy that I rode in, so it was all good. We had a wonderful time, didn’t we, Demelza!”

“Oh Dwight, you have to take Caroline there. They have all of these trees to pick from and reindeer, and goats and lambs and baby chicks. And then they have another barn where you can have hot chocolate and biscuits!”

Dwight was smiling at the smile on Demelza’s face. “Real reindeer?? I’m impressed. Well it sounds lovely. So Ross, when do you go back to the surgeon?” Seamus finally left Ross and was smelling all around the tree.

“I see him for the first time this Thursday. I’m hoping that he puts me in a bloody boot so that I can walk on it.”

“Has it been bleeding at all?”

“Umm no. Nothing yet today.” Ross tried to mumble that statement away so that Demelza and Dwight wouldn’t catch it.

Dwight caught it. “What do you mean nothing yet today? So it has been bleeding.”

Ross gave his friend the doctor a dirty look. “Just a little.”

Demelza looked at Ross. “You didn’t tell me that it has been bleeding. Ross, why didn’t you say something?”

“It hasn’t been bleeding a lot, just a little bit the other day.”

Dwight pulled out some rubber gloves. “Go to the bedroom and let me have a look at it.”

*******

“Shut the door.” Ross said and sat on the bed.

Dwight put his gloves on and started to unwrap the dressings when he spotted break through bleeding. He raised an eyebrow, but continued unwrapping to find that there was definitely some bleeding from today and obvious signs of infection. “Ross, this looks like fuck. What the hell have you been doing?”

“Calm down. I’ve been behaving, I’ve been nonweightbearing most of the week.”

“Most of the week. What the hell does that mean?”

“Don’t tell Demelza, but I fell the other night while she was at a concert. I tripped over something with my crutches and went down. I could feel the stitches pull. Yesterday when we went shopping I was in a wheelchair the whole time so don’t bitch at me about that. I was probably up a little more than I should have today at the farm, but other than that I’ve been really good. Do you think it’s infected?”

“You wanker, you know that it’s infected!! Let me take some pictures of it to send to your surgeon. Do you feel like you have a temp?”

“No, I feel fine. And don’t say anything to Demelza. She’s been working really hard to make sure that I don’t get up and she takes really good care of me.”

“I don’t see any red streaking yet, so maybe your doctor will let me bring a shot home to stick in your arse. I just hope he doesn’t make you go back in hospital for IV antibiotics!”

“I’m not fucking going back in the hospital!!”

Demelza had come through the door, “What’s going on? Dwight, do you think he needs to go back in hospital?”

Dwight ignored the face that Ross was pulling on him.

“I don’t know Demelza. His foot is obviously infected, and it has been bleeding. I’m sorry, I know you’ve been taking really good care of this wanker. It’s nothing that you’ve done wrong. I’ve taken some pictures of it and I’m going to redress it before I leave. Maybe the doctor will just put him on some stronger antibiotics or give him a shot.”

“Oh no. Is there something else that I should be doing, Dwight?”

“I don’t think so, Demelza. I’ll let you know what I find out from his surgeon. But if he starts running a temp or if he gets red streaks running up his foot or leg, let me know.”

Ross looked at Dwight. “Well you’ve put a damper on the Christmas spirit!”

“Sorry my friend. But I am definitely glad that I stopped by to look at it. It’s best to stay ahead of these things. Just sit your arse in a chair with your foot propped up while they decorate the tree. I’m on my way now for my shift, so I’ll talk to you tomorrow. ”

Demelza gave Dwight a hug. “Thank you Dwight.”

*******

Demelza made sure that Ross was stationary on the sofa with his leg propped up with Seamus by his side. She gave him some anti-inflammatories as a precaution.

“Okay, you’re situated for a while, so Drake and I can start on the tree!” Drake had pulled everything out of all of the Selfridge bags and tried to organise them into some fashion. “What do we start with first….”

Ross could tell the sister and brother weren’t really sure where to start. “How about the lights. Start with one strand and plug it in the outlet behind the tree. Start at the bottom of the tree and wind it around the tree steadily as you go up, and then plug the next strand into the end of the first strand and wind that one around. Every once in a while step back and look at the spacing and make sure that there aren’t any holes or blank spots without lights.”

“Sounds easy enough. I think when we were little and had a tree, mum always put the lights on, and then she would let us put the ornaments on.” She handed Drake the end of the first strand of lights to plug in and he started wrapping around the tree with lights. They seemed a bit awkward with the task at first, but eventually caught on. Ross made sure that he kept taking pictures, and started playing Christmas music on his phone. Every once in a while Demelza would do as Ross suggested and look for any spots that didn’t have as many lights, and then rearrange them to fill in the spots. Ross said, “Looks good! You guys are doing great!”

“What’s next, sister? Should we put the ornaments on next or the garland?”

“Let's go with the garland, brother. It might be easier to put the ornaments on last. Ross, maybe you can start putting hooks on the ornaments?”

“Whatever you wish, milady!”

“Well I wish for you to be off crutches so you could join us, but I don’t think we have a genie in a bottle laying around!” She handed him the packages of hooks and a couple boxes of ornaments to get started on while she and Drake worked on the garland.

“Sister, this reminds me of the silver tinsel that we used to put on our tree when we were little! I remember father hated it because every time he walked by the tree, a few pieces would seem to grab hold of him!”

“Oh Drake, you should have seen all of the Christmas decorations at Selfridges!! I was so nervous just walking around them! They had all of these trees decorated in different themes, so you could look at each one and decide what you might want! I found this one tree that all had all sorts of beautiful snowflake decorations! All different colours! So that’s how I decided on the ornaments that I - that we liked! Ross suggested that we go with the white lights so that they would match all of the different colour ornaments that we picked.”

Ross smiled remembering how much Demelza loved snow! So of course they were going to have a snowflake Christmas tree!!! He wouldn’t have it any other way for her.

“Oh Ross, why don’t you put on a Christmas movie!!” Demelza suggested.

“I can do that. Do you have a favourite?”

“Umm, how about White Christmas!! Have you seen that one Drake?”

“No, I haven’t. Is it good?”

“Yes!! I love it! Bing Crosby is in it, all of the music and dancing are dreamy!”

Ross had found the movie right away on one of his streaming services. It had been a favourite of his family’s as well. They had watched it at least once a year, if not more. Ross had a thought. “Demelza, if Drake hasn’t seen it before, maybe we should wait until you’re done decorating the tree so that he can really watch it.”

“Ohhh yes, that would be better. Put on the Grinch then!” She was smiling away, getting lost in what she was doing. They had put the garland on to satisfaction and started on the ornaments.

Some of them were shiny, round balls of colour, and then there were long clear icicles, and of course the snowflakes. She added the special ornaments that Frank had picked out. She loved the musical instrument ones. She showed Seamus his new Christmas ornament before placing it on the tree which tickled Ross. She held back the one that said ‘Our First Christmas’ on it so that she and Ross could put it on together after Drake went home.

Everything seemed done with the tree. “What do ye think, Ross?”

He stood up with his crutches and handed her the last thing to put on the tree - the angel topper! “Demelza, how about you do the honours of placing the angel on top!” He couldn’t get enough of her smile and her sparkling blue eyes.

“I’m not sure if I can reach the top. Do you…” Demelza yelled as Drake picked her up to place the angel on top of the tree. “Brother put me down!! Judas!”

Ross was laughing at the two of them. He noticed that Drake never called Demelza by her name, but always called her ‘sister’. But this was the first time that he noticed Demelza calling him ‘brother’. He had never heard a brother and sister address each other in that way and he wondered how it came to be. He had a small twinge thinking of Claude Anthony. At times he wondered how life would have been had he lived. He knew that they would still be close. Maybe even living together, living in a flat somewhere. He felt Demelza’s hand on his arm.

“Ross, are you alright? Where did you go just then?”

He cleared his throat and gave her a kiss, “Nowhere. I’m fine. I just love watching the two of you together.” She caressed his arm and gave him a knowing smile. “Here, you two stand next to the tree and I’ll take a picture of you together.” He pulled out his phone while Drake and Demelza posed next to the tree. They gave him several funny shots with their tongues sticking out and their eyes, and then some more traditional ones. And of course there were comical ones with Seamus!

Drake told Ross to stand next to Demelza while he took pictures of the couple. Ross snuck a kiss on Demelza in a couple of them. Then Drake joined them for some selfies with the tree.

*******

Demelza had started picking up the rubbish to throw away and the ornament boxes to stow away until they needed them. They had been munching off and on all day on snacks and a meat and cheese tray, but Demelza thought they might need something more substantial. “I’m going to go find us something for supper. It’s been a long time since breakfast.”

“Oh nothing for me sister, I think I’m going to call an uber and head out. It’s gettin late.”

“But Drake you haven’t had supper yet?” Demelza said.

“Really, I’m fine. I've had a ton of snacks and I really don’t need to eat anythin else. I have an early day tomorrow - bright and early Monday mornin and all! But I’ve had a wonderful weekend.” He gave his sister a big hug.

Ross started to get up to give him a hug, but Drake stopped him. “Don’t get up! Take care of that foot. If there’s anythin else around here that you need help with just let me know. It’s been a fun weekend!”

“Thank you Drake! I appreciate it. And next time bring your girlfriend around!” Ross teased Drake.

“I don’t have a girlfriend! Judas! See what you started sister!”

Ross said, “I’ll call an uber for you.”

Drake ran upstairs to gather his things. Ross saw out of the corner of his eye that Demelza was holding back tears. “Hey you, come here.” Ross held out his arm for Demelza.

She sat down next to Ross and let her tears out. “Aw baby he’s just a half hour away. Don’t cry.”

“I just worry about him. Do you really think that you can get him a loan?”

“I told you, nothing is guaranteed. But I’ll try.”

Demelza jumped up and ran into the kitchen. Ross was so confused about what she was doing now. Nothing was cooking. He heard her in there going through cupboards and the fridge.

Drake came down the stairs with his stuff and Demelza came out of the kitchen with three bags of food. Here, take this with you.”

“Sister, you don’t need to do this. I have food at home.”

“If you won’t have supper here, then at least take this with you.”

Drake looked at Ross and shook his head as if to say ‘what should I do?’

Ross smiled up at him. “You better take it Drake. Your sister can be scary when she wants to be!!” He glanced at his phone, “Looks like your uber is here. I already paid for it and tipped him, so don’t tip him again.” He held out his hand to shake Drake’s

“Thanks Ross. Thank you sister. Take care.”

“Oh just go already!!” his sister pushed him to go out the door.

*****

Ross knew that she was bummed that ‘brother’ had gone home. “Demeza, do me a favour and turn out the living room lights.”

“Why?” She did as he asked and sat down next to him. He pulled her into a snuggle in his chest. They had moved the sofa around so that they had a better view of the tree. Now she understood why he wanted the lights turned off.

In his lowest voice, “I happen to think that Christmas tree lights glowing in the dark are pretty romantic. How ‘bout you?” He started kissing her temple and cheek with soft kisses.

His low voice gave her goosebumps and she closed her eyes. “I would have to agree with you, umm…”

He took a quick look at her face and chuckled softly. “Baby, you don’t even have your eyes open. Is there something wrong?”

“Mmmm no, not at all. I’m having a ……oh …..a lovely time.” She tried to open her eyes to look at the lights, but was way too distracted by Ross now nibbling on her ear.

Ross pulled Demelza up on his lap and started nibbling on her other ear. “Mmm so glad that you’re having a lovely time Demelza.” Ross’s low voice was starting to send vibrations through Demelza. Against her better judgement, she tilted her head back to allow Ross more access to her neck. She was starting to feel like she was floating with Ross’s tongue licking at her pulse point. She felt one of Ross’s hands gently caress one of her breasts through her shirt and bra. That’s a new feeling she thought. But it didn’t matter how many layers there were, the effect was causing Demelza to moan. Ross captured her moans with his mouth, causing redness to rise up from her chest into her neck. “Ohh my Demelza. My sweet Demelzzza. I love you so.” She couldn’t speak, she couldn’t do anything but fall into his arms. She pulled on his shoulders wanting him. Wanting to be with him more and more. Ross could feel himself getting lost in the moment. The bulge in his pants was feeling tighter and tighter. He lifted her shirt up so that he could feel her skin. Before he knew it he was kissing the top of Demelza’s breasts and rubbing his beard over her chest. He couldn’t help but sigh and moan at the beautiful, creamy skin of her breasts. She was obviously enjoying the sensation the way she kept repeating his name. Her shy nipples were now hardened and trying to poke through the material of her bra. Ross made sure to keep his eyes opened to admire the woman before him. He wanted her so much, to take her into the bedroom and make love to her. “Ohh Mmelza. I want to …. Melza … no, I …. Can’t.” He finally pulled himself from her and stopped everything.

“Ross what’s wrong?”

He couldn’t keep his hands off her, so he put them back on her face and chuckled slightly. “What’s wrong my love, is that I want to make love to you so much. But we can’t, we shouldn’t.”

Demelza was still feeling dizzy from all of their amorous activity. “Wha … I don’t understand? Ross, I know now that I want you. I want to be with you.”

That made Ross take notice, his eyes widened, and then he smiled so lovingly at her. “You don’t know how amazing it is to hear you say that. But I want your first time and our first time together, to be so much better than on a sofa. Trust me, it would be so easy to take you into that bedroom right now. But I want it to be special for you with no regrets. Do you understand?” He pulled down her shirt while he was talking.

She threw her head back and let out a small scream. Then she gave him a smile and a kiss. “Of course I understand. And you’re right … I guess!” She was running her hands through his hair. “What did I ever do to deserve you. I’m a very lucky woman.” She looked down a little embarrassed at what she was about to say. “I suppose I should tell you that I went to the doctor, and I’ve been on the pill now for a few days. But the doctor said that I should be on it a full two weeks before I can trust it.” She looked up at his furrowed eyebrows which often said that he had something on his mind. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Like what?”

“Your face Ross, your eyebrows are all scrunched up! Are you upset with me that I didn’t tell you sooner?”

“No I’m not upset, it’s just my face! I am a little surprised that you went to the doctor. I didn’t realise that you were quite that ready for us to be intimate. But I’m glad that you are because that tells me that you are ready for our relationship to go to the next step, as am I. I’ve really enjoyed having you here with me this past week even though it has been to help take care of me. I’ve been wondering if you were wanting to go back to your flat when I’m better. And, if that’s what you want then I’ll be supportive of the decision. The last thing I want to do is rush you into doing something that you’re not ready for.” Just then they heard a sad whine coming from Seamus which made them both laugh. Without missing a beat, Ross said, “However, Seamus would be sad to see you go!”

“Oh Ross, I’ve been thinking about that too. I don’t know what I want to do at this point. Can we just take things a day at a time, and let me think about it?”

“Of course baby.”

“I forgot something…I held back our ornament to put on the tree when we were alone.” She got up and dug out the last ornament. “It’s the ‘Our First Christmas ornament’. Do you want to put it on the tree with me Ross?”

“I’d love to.” She helped him get up from the sofa and over to the tree. And they both placed the ornament on the tree together.

“Let's go to bed Ross.”

He leaned down to kiss her. “Sounds good, baby.”

***********

Wonderful Christmastime Video: https://youtu.be/94Ye-3C1FC8

Selfridge Christmas Video: https://youtu.be/EnABrLxP1JU

#Poldark #Modern Podark AUPoldark Ross Poldark Aidan Turner #demelza poldark #Eleanor Tomlinson Six Sentence Sunday WIP Wednesday

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sangre · 1 year

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I'm gonna need ALL of these Qs for Satine, but let's start w 2, 12, 60, + one q of your choice 👀

sixty-nine more questions for your ttrpg characters! / ask.

(my mom voice) HI LADYBUG

2. what was your original concept for this character? how did playing them change that concept?

a ways back, i originally had this very loose idea that was a warlock with a theater inclined patron that i would name after the very basic concept of satine from mooulin roouge. i wanted a character who had a tenuous relationship with a patron that sort of viewed life as a play, or was a playwright, something like that. but obviously that changed before i sat down to play her because i don't think warlock was in the cards :3 and what i wanted in a character changed by the time we got closer to starting.

i do think playing satine in a few sessions has definitely cemented my confidence in the decision to play him a long ways from that concept, since she's come such a long way. playing him has like definitely helped me find his earnest boldness and like figuring out how to balance a more reserved, serene demeanor with like, frequent interaction with the world around her. i think the very first incarnation of satine in my brain was a lot more 'down a rough path' than he is now, which is nice... for him...! ;LGKSDG';SDFSGKF

cont. / 4

12. how have they altered their body? piercings, tattoos, biohacks, or other modifications—anything. why (or why not) did they (or someone else) make those changes?

SO since this satine is a construct who's only technically existed for a couple years now, she hasn't made the time to invest in many piercings on his own :o at least, so far anyway!! but one thing that is of note is the two f-hole tattoos that satine has running down his ribs.

prior to being reconstructed, satine aleth told refrain about wanting to get those tattooed if they found an artist they connected with. obviously no one found the time to do that before (drags finger across neck), so refrain left the impressions there in ink when he rebuilt his body. and now he has these cute permanent cello f-holes over the rib cage, which are so cute. i think she really really likes them too, which is definitely a subconscious carryover from the last life.

i think she likes piercings too, esp since refrain had a cute labret and violence has some too. but hasn't gotten any yet! maybe janvi can help her choose one that will be easy to maintain, he he he

60. what do they have faith in? what keeps them believing?

aw good question :( i think satine has faith in life and the world. even when he's been more afraid of anything, the world has given back to him and made sure to look after him. she's always wound up back in the arms of security, and someone showed her love. it's totally a matter of circumstance that's thrown her this way and that but like... the choices he's seen people make to do the right thing (as well as the right thing could be done) and treat her well is always a 'made choice.' you know? so people keep her faith high. he assumes the best as much as he's able to.

despite being a cleric of song (as we know it's an eccentric power source) he hasn't spent a ton of time studying religion, on account of, well, not spending more than a couple years having lived. but i look forward to her finding more love of the world through what's played in its creation!! in time, maybe there will be something more that he prays to. ^w^

69. what’s one secret they don’t want getting out?

well! despite the fact that she's not entirely comfortable being treated as the former living satine, this incarnation of him still wants to keep that legacy alive. wants to let people think that the theatre de la miséricorde still lives on through someone who carried on after the fire, even after it burned down. because of what it gave to people who visited it, and what it meant to people who made a living there. shared stories there. changed people's lives and touched others! you know. creation is community!

so he doesn't want people from the public who know of satine aleth's reputation to think of him as dead. because, well, he's not! not really.

maybe some might argue otherwise, but... hehe. 🎶 don't they know through song we live forever!?!?!!?

#ikalposting #serisínthe

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woodwindhub · 7 months

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#flutestudent #flute #fluteperformance #fluteplayers

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bikerjongho · 3 years

Text

stradivarius in flames | kim hongjoong

genre: supernatural, action

character: violin demon hunter!hongjoong

description: Hongjoong is a demon hunter that specifically fights and kills demons trapped inside violins, and now he’s tasked with destroying a multi-million dollar Stradivarius violin.

word count: 2.1k

warnings: mentions of a gun, fire, demons

author’s note: inspired by this post. and hold onto your horses @scriptura-delirus >:)

The train that was taking Hongjoong to the orchestra concert was late. And dressed to the nine's in a black suit, buzzed hair flat and elegant, and gun tucked neatly in his coat pocket, Hongjoong couldn't have been angrier. He had a violin to steal and burn.

Hongjoong was slated to have arrived at the concert venue an hour before the concert. Now, with twenty minutes past the beginning of the concert and still a few more miles to go due to an accident on the tracks, it was an understatement to say that he felt robbed by the train's service. Never in his life had he had a more important job to do.

Had this been a normal violin, had this been a normal demon, Hongjoong would have dropped the gig as he sat. But this was no ordinary violin, and this was no ordinary demon. A Stradivarius violin, one of only hundreds made and made by what connoisseurs say was the greatest violin maker of all time, Antonio Stradivari, was Hongjoong's target for this night. Worth millions, any violin made by Stradivari was heavily coveted and admired. Hongjoong had to make sure this one burned in flame.

And the demon that had implanted itself into this violin, while not much different than other demons that inhabited violins, was worrisome on its own purely by its ability to get its demon hands on a Stradivarius. He had a theory that demons favored violins because Satan's instrument was violin.

Hongjoong didn't know how these demons managed to inhabit violins and cause trouble. But the simple fact was that they did, and Hongjoong was there to stop them.

He had been in the business of banishing demons from violins for years. The actual banishment of the demon was easy enough - he just had to throw the violin into a fire. The hard part was actually obtaining the violin.

And sometimes, even that part was easy. Over his years at this job, Hongjoong found that demons preferred to inhabit smaller violins. Thus, he would appear at elementary schools to steal and destroy tiny and monstrous violins from orchestra rooms. Sometimes he stole violas. Less often he stole cellos and basses because they were too large and bulky for a demon to ever inhabit. Hongjoong was grateful for their preference, their liking to Satan. It would be nearly impossible to steal a bass at any time of the day or night.

But most of the time, stealing violins was a painful and difficult job. He no longer felt regret as he stole stringed instruments from homes, from venues, from schools, because of the damage the demon worried him more than a sad violinist ever could. Nonetheless, it was still painful to watch students sob over their stolen violin. Many times, he stole them at night when the demons were most active, silently breaking in and swiping the violin before anyone could notice. But all the same, he had his fair share of chases, fights, and prices placed on his head.

If demons were left in the violins, their energies and mischief would disrupt the living world. Hongjoong knew of people that had lost family members from these violin demons, which motivated him to keep burning violins on days he hated his job. And although he himself had never lost any family members from these demons, every day he walked on a tightrope, afraid he was one step away from slipping and losing someone he loved.

Hongjoong had his balance, at least for tonight. But as the train slowly moved closer to the Stradivarius, he couldn't ignore the knot that was forming in the center of his chest.

In the meantime, Hongjoong mapped out a plan in his brain for nabbing the violin. Even if it was a Stradivarius, it would have been infinitely easier to steal while it sat unused in its case before the performance. The fact that it was now being played and security guards made sure no one else could get into the theater to see the performance was yet another hurdle for Hongjoong to jump over. He silently cursed the accident that had prolonged his ride.

Alongside the security guards, the demons tended to act up the most when the violin was being played. What mischief it did exactly varied from demon to demon, but black mist and objects moving on their own accord were a staple of violin demons. Hongjoong tried not to think about how impossible this task would be, even if the violin wasn't a Stradivarius. Though, he did have a few tricks up his sleeve - it came with being rather practiced at magic and the police of all things supernatural.

Hongjoong had a few sets of magic marbles lined in his coat pockets. To the unobservant eye, they looked like regular marbles, but upon closer inspection they shimmered with magic. If Hongjoong threw one onto the floor, the magic inside it opened. Some created roaring flames, while some were able to transport him a couple hundred feet from where he stood. Others created smoke, and others slowed time. He didn't have any time ones, those were harder to come by, but the other three he had in full stock and was fairly certain he'd use them for this case.

Hongjoong mulled more in his seat about the marbles and his plan on getting the Stradivarius while the rest of the passengers on the train chatted merrily to each other, their thoughts free of demonic violins and magic marbles.

His thoughts were just pulling together into a ridiculous, yet perhaps doable plan, as the train slowed and stopped before honking its loud whistle as an arrival. Hongjoong stood up immediately and felt around for the concert ticket in his pocket. It was still there, and that was his way in. He hoped they'd let him into the performance even if he was late, but he was also capable of breaking glass and violating a few security rules. He hoped it wouldn't have to come to that.

At last, Hongjoong was inside the concert venue, sweaty and tired after running continuously to reach it. He had considered using one of the magic balls to transport him to the venue faster while he lost his lungs running, but since the concert had started already, it didn't matter. He had already lost enough time.

His sweating and panting came in handy when he reached one of the workers that collected tickets. "I'm so sorry, my train was late," he gasped and handed over his ticket. "Pray that I can still watch the remainder of the concert?"

"It's no problem," said the worker, not unkindly, and led him to the entrance to the audience. Hongjoong adjusted the gun in his coat. He doubted he would need to use it, but he had it for protection. He was smirking, but gave a kind smile to the worker as she turned to let him into the auditorium.

As soon as he was let into the auditorium, he was hit with the repulsive and pungent scent of demon that he had grown so accustomed to. The black demon mist hung over the auditorium like a terrible omen. He was relieved to see that nothing else seemed disturbed, and no one else could smell hell itself or see the mist in the air. Everyone was too focused on the violinist that was playing her heart out on her awful violin.

Hongjoong had selected a seat directly above the violinist, just in case he had to watch the performance. The violinist's golden dress shimmered while she played, and to Hongjoong's horror, the demon was quite visible from the violin's f-holes. He had to get down to the stage immediately, even if it was going to cause a ruckus, even if it was going to scar everyone in the theater, even if the violinist was playing beautifully on a legendary violin.

One moment, he was sitting as a relaxed patron, watching the violinist perform. The next, he had swung himself over the safety railing and landed on the stage, smoke magic ball coming just before him and coating everything near with smoke and hiding Hongjoong.

"I'm sorry," Hongjoong whispered to the soloist underneath the screaming and gasps that had ensued from the crowd before kicking her feet out from under her and yanking the violin out of her hands. The bow clattered to the floor as the violinist screamed as she fell, but Hongjoong didn't need it.

And then he ran. He ran, carrying the violin that was worth more than his life and could pay off all of his debts tenfold. He ran off of the stage and into the backstage, where he quickly found an exit door after zooming by workers that were too startled to try and stop him. The screaming and thundering of multiple people close behind him made his heart jolt and his hands work faster. He thrusted open the door, and then the demon began hissing and screeching.

It would not stop hissing and growling, so Hongjoong held the violin close to his chest and pressed hard. He felt the wood crack and the bridge fall off, which quieted the demon. A shot rang out from behind him, making him run even faster into the night. He struggled in his pockets for the marble he needed, then threw it to the ground.

The transport marble - Hongjoong slipped away from the crowd of security guards without a trace, walking through the wavy air it created before it threw him a couple hundred feet forward. He could still hear and see the guards if he looked closely from where he had moved, but they'd never find him from here. Humans couldn't move that fast. And while Hongjoong was human, he had danced and gambled the line of supernatural for years. The screaming demon inside the Stradivarius he was holding was proof of that.

Even if Hongjoong was out of sight from the security officers, there was still a lot of running to be done. After all, the fire he was to create couldn't give away his location.

So Hongjoong ran. He ran through the forest, letting brambles and sticks scratch himself and the violin and his coat and his shoes and his pants while he ripped off the tuning pegs of the violin. Something about tearing apart the violin, breaking it and making it unplayable helped silence and weaken the demon. He pitched the pegs onto the ground as he ran and kept running, his legs burning like he had dropped a fire magic marble inside of them.

At last, Hongjoong couldn't hear the security guards anymore. He squeezed the violin against his body to crack it a bit more one last time to silence the demon's useless whining before pulling out a fire magic marble and throwing it onto the ground.

An inferno erupted from where the ball was, and Hongjoong was quick to toss the Stradivarius into the fire. Upon contact with it, the demon screamed turned to black steam steaming from the violin, and the violin's golden body turned black as the fire ate. The fire danced in Hongjoong's expressionless eyes as he watched the flames lick up the priceless wood and the demon that had tried to make a home in it. He had seen this exact scenario more times than he could count, but this one was different. The Stradivarius was an artifact, a treasure to the musical world, and he had destroyed it.

But the demon was a treasure from hell, sent to destroy and cause havoc on Earth. The orchestral snobs would simply have to get over their million dollar loss. As the flames licked up the last of the violin, Hongjoong gave a small smile. He was good at his job, he knew it, and the power that came with destroying demons was addicting. To know that he had the power of destroying otherworldly creatures in the blink of an eye made some deep and innate hunger blossom in the core of his stomach. The fire licked at the fiery strings in the flames and casted hellish figures on his skin. He savored this moment, for it would go away soon.

At the sudden noise of shouts, Hongjoong took one last look at the flames and took off, once again running but free from his task. It was evil, it felt evil, to ruin such a priceless artifact and to be a felon and menace, even if it was to destroy a demon.

But the feeling it gave Hongjoong ate at him like flames to kerosene. He'd never stop.

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squeakowl · 2 years

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In ‘Architecture in Music,’ Striking Photos Reveal the Hidden Structures of Instruments

A cellist since childhood, Auckland-based photographer Charles Brooks spent twenty years performing with orchestras around the world, an experience that incited curiosity about the inner workings of the instruments surrounding him. “I never really knew what was going on inside. That was a realm reserved for the luthier. Occasionally, when an instrument was being repaired, you’d get a rare glimpse inside, which was always a thrilling experience,” he shares with Colossal.

This interest culminates in Brooks’s ongoing Architecture in Music series, which peers inside pianos, winds, brass, and strings to unveil their hidden anatomies. Structural and often flanked by repeating elements, the composite images frame the shadows cast by a cello’s F holes, the seemingly endless rungs of a flute’s sound chamber, and a piano’s row of hammers, all of which appear more like buildings or public infrastructure than musical components. “I was always interested in the psychology of how our mind interprets scale in a two-dimensional image. I’d been fascinated by the tilt-shift effect, which made big things look small by blurring part of the image, and I wanted to know if I could make small things look big by keeping everything sharp,” he says.

Charles Brooks’ Shopify (with more pictures in this series)

CLICK PICTURES FOR CAPTIONS

#music #instruments #photography #cool

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ambitcxious-a · 3 years

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* ABBEY LEE KERSHAW, FEMALE + SHE/HER | you know ADELAIDE MONTSERRAT, right? they’re 27, and they’ve lived in irving for, like, TWO YEARS? well, their spotify wrapped says they listened to EVE BY KAT CUNNING like, a million times this year, which makes sense ‘cause they’ve got that whole FAWN-EYED, BOWED LEGS, EXPENSIVE CHAMPAGNE thing going on. i just checked and their birthday is OCTOBER & 30TH, so they’re a SCORPIO, which is unsurprising, all things considered. ( lenny, 24, est+2, she/her )

tw: depression, eating / psychological disorders, animal abuse, drugs

ABOUT.

name: adelaide montserrat

nickname: addie

age: 27

pronouns: she/her

occupation: socialite, philanthropist, prodigy ballerina

gender: cis female

sexuality: bisexual

The Montserrat established themselves in Barcelona, Spain, over millennia ago, known as fierce leaders and ruthless business men, quick to make a name for themselves the trading and exporting business, while the women in the bloodline were promptly pushed aside from books and history, hiding somewhere between a stove and their husband’s fists.

Adelaide Montserrat was different, that’s what everybody thought - she was graceful, even as a child, she didn’t cry, even as a toddler, and she never ached for her mother’s arms, even as an infant. An early bloomer of exceptional talent, she could dance as soon as she could walk. And yet Adelaide was never one to develop long-lasting or intimate relationships with her peers --- people never seemed to be comfortable sitting with her for long. Maybe it was because there was never a girl there to begin with, and intimacy betrayed the act: there was no child, only a pale, wide-eyed zombie, always hungry, always empty.

If you dared to pry beyond the red curtains, you’d not find the delicate creature strangers saw twirling on the stage, but the bottomless edge of an abyss, waiting to swallow you whole as it looked back with smiling teeth. Little Addie, once a girl with pink tutus and ballerina shoes, was never one to be meddled with - while she could easily captivate the hearts of her peers and teachers with red cheeks and a clever tongue, there was nothing warm or kind about the little girl whose parents held so close she nearly choked to death.

Adelaide was the product of a one night stand and poor lack of judgement, or so her mother liked to recount. Her father — whomever he was, was a married man with a lot to lose, and her mother might not have known much — but she knew alimony payments would beat whatever he was willing to offer her in order to get rid of Adelaide. So, she kept the baby, and even then --- she was unbearable. Adelaide kicked, day and night, as soon as her legs could muster, like she couldn’t stand to be trapped in the womb a moment longer.

They were living largely, manors and pools and cocktails, while Addie grew up receiving the best education money could buy, alternating between hunting and horseback riding on weekends, and training classical instruments such as the cello and piano in her spare time. Being praised for her dedication and skill, for some time, she indulged the idea of becoming a professional pianist, if only to please her parents, but the idea was soon took a backseat in her mind when she discovered just how good she was at ballet.

Adelaide had always been more of a shiny trophy to flaunt at parties rather than daughter or grandchild to dot upon, so by the time she was 13 her family was quite happy to ship her to Paris, if it meant she would enroll in the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet School and make a name for herself. She’d still come home to visit on holidays, that was until her mother moved to New York in order to appease bachelor number three: CEO of Belmont Entertainment Industries (BEI), one of the largest record labels in the U.S, with a side of illegal activities they didn’t really care to discuss at dinner.

It didn’t take long for Addie to make an impression, she was dedicated — hungrier than the other girls, always willing to push a little further, go a little deeper, die a little more. All of the shouting, the groping, the self-hatred, she never broke. Had it been not for her ego and pride, she would’ve been flawless. You’d assume being the young and on the spotlight meant competing for attention - but she never competed. She never even considered it a competition. She won, plain and simple. You see, Adelaide didn’t lose, because she tailored the game to her whims and batted her heavy set of lashes to make it seem fair. And if she did lose - the game be damned; she’d destroy it and any evidence of her failure. She didn’t want to be daughter, or something for men to gawk at, or a pretty glittered thing for little girls to worship. She wanted to be something else. Anything other than this empty shell, dripping with self-loathing , cloaked in a veil of perfectionism. Something that wasn’t rammed into this golden mold before she even took her very first breath.

Fueled by her own insecurities and desire to obtain perfection, paired with the crowd of rich kids that were offered to her as friends growing up, it didn’t take for things to escalate; by the age of only fourteen, drugs, alcohol and kicking each other in the stomach while crouching over the toilet was considered as an act of solidarity. All that deep-rooted self-hatred had to spill someway, somehow, and what are friends for if not offer you relief from the agony of routine?

It was easier to strap on those old ballerina shoes and put on a show until her toes were bleeding, than to try and show them what was behind the curtains. People don’t want to know what’s behind the curtain — they think they do, until they see it. To live in blissful ignorance is a gift, one she was denied. And all jewelry in the world, all praise, all money and countless designer bags she accumulated over the years could never fill up that gaping hole, that detachment she felt towards the outside world and inability to connect with things and people - even those supposedly closest to her.

With age, Addie learned how to put on a show, be it at home or on a stage; that’s the magic of a ballerina, to empty yourself of that hatred, all that pain, all that ugliness and fill yourself with stories other than your own - while whatever had been good and soft rots inside you .

And while she made a name for herself, starring role in all the big plays, working with the best and only the best, the tabloids would instiguate: who is Adelaide Montserrat? The reincarnation of the Virgin Mary to some, the dutiful daughter to others, is she a saving angel or a spoiled heir? She used to laugh, like it was a game - like the answer wasn’t there at all . Maybe what she truly was, was a game of smoking mirrors - a fragmented image, bouncing from broken piece to broken piece, scattered into so many tiny, pretty pieces, that when she looks into a it, the reflection that stares back is unrecognizable.

Adelaide was never their perfect little doll, tied to strings, sitting still waiting to be manuevered . For some time she had watched, prowling quietly in the shadows, observing, learning. She found distraction and excitement in the shadows, drugs, married men, booze, pills - and when those didn’t cut it, she dug a little deeper.

So the child prodigy suddenly moves back to the home, with a ring on her finger and a skeleton on her closet, all to shield from the rising scandal and nonsensical, if you were to ask, accusations of pushing a fellow ballerina down a flight of stairs. Alas, the show must go on, and Adelaide had no plans to stay out of the spotlight for long, or take the fault for somebody else’s imbalance. With some reluctance, she agreed to lay low, but just for how long she’d able to tolerate it, that was anyone’s guess.

Parents often say kids will “grow out of it”; their fits of rage, their apathy towards other children, their unwillingness to share, their manipulative, spoiled ways of obtaining the things they want- but Addie never did. Somewhere inside there’s still that little girl who’d rather break her toys in half than to share it with other kids. Who’d bump into other little girls at school to watch them fall, and tell the nurse they tripped. The little girl who’ll sit in an empty throne, all alone, built with the bones of the people she once claimed to love.

here’s some wc ideas i thought might be cool, but ofc feel free to come brainstorm!!

husband - it was a marriage of opportunity rather than love, at least for adelaide - a way to deflect attention, however how he feels is completely up to you. she’s manipulative and charming, but can also be extremely cruel if even mildly contradicted

bookclub ( 0/5 ) - just women she hangs out with while trying to fit in and “have ties with the community”. she usually sucks at bonding and sharing, so this could make for some interesting dynamics

lover - adelaide switches it up every couple months, but maybe she has a soft spot for them? maybe they’re also in a relationship? maybe it’s all fucked up and adelaide likes to be nasty, what the fuck else is new

ex - lover - fed up with adelaide? me too. join the club.

childhood friend - i feel like she might’ve permanently scarred this person for life by ( animal abuse tw ) killing a bird in front of them or something. adelaide was truly a fucking... terror as a child, and i doubt she was a good friend, bc she still isn’t

prodigy that she’s taken under her wings - maybe a young person who loves ballet that she decided to mentor out of the kindness of her heart? *coughs boredom coughs*

drug dealer - probably has a crush on them bc they indulge her bad habits ngl

idk man giv e me s t u f f !!!

also romantic connections are open to men and women pls. the only straight she is is a straight up bitch.

#irvingintro

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letsrevieweverything · 4 years

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My Favorite Pokemon (That Aren’t In Sword and Shield) #1

Pokemon is, at its essence, a franchise based around it’s large number of playable monsters. It’s basically just a simple RPG, but the ability to pick out your favorite creatures from hundreds of options is what makes it so unique and endearing. While certain Pokemon are pushed as “the main ones” by marketing, it’s still a game where you can choose to surround yourself with only barnacles then have said barnacles save the world.

At least, it used to be. As of the release of Sword and Shield, over half of all the Pokemon have been removed from the game. There’s a lot of debate about this and why it was done, and while I will say that I think the game’s designers made the wrong move, I don’t really want to get into that right now. Instead I want to talk about some of my personal favorite Pokemon, monsters that in my opinion (and perhaps only MY opinion) have exceptionally good character designs. Monsters that will not be appearing in the mainline franchise for the foreseeable future, who are at risk of being forgotten entirely if there’s never any demand for them to be put back into the games. Here are my favorite Pokemon (that aren’t in sword and shield), presented in no particular order.

Kricketot and Kricketune

It love that “Bug” is one of the 18 “elemental” types in Pokemon. It both implies that being a bug is a superpower on par with being able to breath fire or do karate, and also insures that every new generation will give us a handful of bug-based monsters. So let's talk about Kricketot and Kricketune, bugs that exemplify some of the traits common to the type and also some of my absolute favorites.

Kricketot

Look at this little man. It’s got kirby-like stubby limbs, a big “nose” instead of any visible mouth, a completely blank expression, and best of all it’s stylized to look like it’s wearing a little fancy suit with a big collar. It’s extremely adorable and also looks absolutely nothing like a bug, it’s only bug-like trait being the pleasantly swirly antennae on its head. A small but still substantial number of bug-type Pokemon just look like little humans with bug traits, but Kricketot is such a cute and iconic man-bug that I’m not even upset that it doesn’t look anything like a cricket. In the Pokemon world the closest thing they have to a cricket is just a little buggy humanoid dressed like a musical conductor and that’s wonderful. Still, there’s something else about Kricketot that communicates it’s a bug specifically in the context of Pokemon. It’s bulbous “nose” and beady eyes bear a close resemblance to the face of gen 1’s bug-type Weedle.

Weedle was a bee larva with an inexplicable pink “nose” and no mouth (and also sadly another Pokemon we won’t be seeing in Sword and Shield). Right in the first generation Weedle taught us that a mouthless big-nosed face was a valid face for a bug. So by the time we met Kricketot, we were already predisposed to read this cute weird face as a “bug face”. What I’m saying is that Kricketot looks more like a bug if you’re already familiar with Pokemon. It’s design fits right in with the gen 1 aesthetic, just with more details.

A few last thoughts about Kricketot before we move on;

-My least favorite thing about it’s design is the bit between its antennae, it looks too much like it’s nose and I think the antennae would look more natural if they were just coming straight out of it’s head

-As a kid looking at the pixel art in Pokemon Diamond I perceived it’s collar as being round and fluffy, like a fur scarf. Seeing it as a flat disk for the first time with 3D models was a bit jarring, but ultimately that fits it’s conductor look more.

-Speaking of it’s collar, the females have bigger collars than the males which is probably one of my favorite gender differences in the series because there doesn’t seem to be any biological OR stereotypical reason for it to be that way.

Kricketune

Look at this thing, really take it all in. It’s a bug but it also resembles a string instrument like a violin or cello, but it also resembles a fancy orchestra man, like the kind of person who would play the cello that it also is. Magnificent. It’s a beautifully balanced medley of bug, object, and concept. It's “mustache” appears to be made out of modified antennae of it’s pre-evolution, but it also resembles the curly holes on the sides of a violin (sidenote: I just found out those are called f-holes and I don’t know how to feel about that). The antennae on its head look like conductor batons. And best of all, it’s got stabby forelimbs like a praying mantis (or I guess like a Scyther?) that also act as violin bows so that it can play itself like a violin and also probably skewer it’s prey. Kricketune is objectively very silly, but with those sharp forelimbs, which the pokedex actually describes as “knifelike”, and it’s blank buggy stare it actually looks a bit intimidating under all the stilly stuff. It’s like an ostrich or a hippo; it looks silly from a human viewpoint but it’s actually just a dangerous wild animal that can’t help the fact that it looks like it has a mustache.

I suppose now is the time I should mention that it’s not actually based that much on a cricket, but rather a violin beetle (sometimes called the banjo beetle instead, which gives me a great idea for a regional Kricketune variant). It shares its long neck and antennae with the real thing, but there’s so much more to Kricketune’s design that it doesn’t just feel like they plopped a real bug into the game and gave it anime eyes, unlike some other Pokemon. Also given that it’s a musical Pokemon based on a beetle, I think the translators missed the chance to make a rather obvious pun involving the name of a certain famous band. God now I’m really sad we can’t have Kricketune in Galar. Do you think Galar has a sport involving hitting a ball with a bat called “Kricketune”?

A few last thoughts on Kricketune:

-It’s cry is hilarious and the main thing everyone remembers about this Pokemon, which is too bad because the rest of it is equally hilarious.

-My least favorite part of it’s design is those extra lines on its face. It already has a nose, we don’t need those!

-I just love the color scheme of both of the Kricket-mons. The red, cream and black looks so eye-catching.

And that ends my review of two hilarious and charming bugs we will not be encountering again for the foreseeable future. Goodnight sweet crickets.

youtube

#pokemon #pokemon sword and shield #kricketot #kricketune #pokemon swsh #pokemon review

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minyoongijjangjjangmanboongboong · 6 years

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Arranged Chapter One

Description: Y/N is a struggling student in Seoul: working multiple jobs, living in a broom closet apartment, and often sacrificing her dignity for the sake of her livelihood. What happens when a handsome stranger presents her with an offer she cannot refuse at the moment she needs it most?

Pairing: Min Yoongi x (f) Reader

Word Count: 5,142

Tags: Non-Idol!Au, Chaebol!Au, Company!Au, Arranged Marriage!Au

Warnings: Coarse language, although not frequently

A/N: Hey there! This has been sitting on my computer for ages and I’m just now finding the courage to post it. I’m already a few chapters in, so if you guys (whoever you are) enjoy it, then by all means let me know and I’ll post more! I really love writing, and I’m working on multiple things at once, but if this is something you guys want to see more of then I’ll prioritize it. Hope you enjoy!

--Mercury

Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three, Chapter Four, Chapter Five, Chapter Six, Chapter Seven, Chapter Eight, Chapter Nine, Chapter Ten, Chapter Eleven, Chapter Twelve, Chapter Thirteen, Chapter Fourteen, Chapter Fifteen, Chapter Sixteen (END)

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“He’s been here for two hours…”

“He’s been here longer than that.”

Hana sent Bongki a glance that told him to shut up, but the latter only chuckled and continued polishing the violin he’d been working on for an hour. The three of us stood in a huddle behind the counter, looking more like a group of gossips than a group of employees. I took a look at what the two were talking about, or rather who. He was a reasonably tall man with only his broad back on display as he took slow, thoughtful steps across the carpet, eyeing the guitar display on the south wall. He pivoted on his heel when the wall ended, only to be met wth the violin display right beside it, which he then began to peruse.

“I asked if he wanted help, like, an hour ago and he said no,” said Hana, pulling her lower lip between her teeth.

Bongki didn’t look up from his violin when he murmured, “Should’ve asked again.”

“I don’t wanna bother him!” she exclaimed, then quieted herself and pushed her dark hair behind her ear. “Besides, what if he doesn’t have money?”

I furrowed my brow as I clipped my name tag onto the too-loose shirt I’d been assigned upon starting this job. “He might be too shy to ask for help,” I said, mostly to myself as I tidied my collar and dusted off the front of my jeans.

“He didn’t seem like he needed help,” said Hana.

Bongki chuckled. “You seem pretty interested,” he said lowly with a wink her way.

Hana visibly flushed and stuttered out an unconvincing, “I’m not!”

“I’m gonna go. Since Y/N’s here now,” said Bongki, finally dragging his eyes from the warm brown of the violin, although unwillingly. He met my gaze and smiled gently. “Will you finish this? It’s the used rosewood that got donated yesterday.”

I took the instrument from his fingers and tried to grab the rag, but was too slow as he had already placed it atop my head. Disgusted, I shook it off and patted down my hair.

“Why are you such a dick?” asked Hana as she grabbed the rag from the floor and handed it gingerly to me with a soft smile.

“It’s a gift,” said Bongki before offering a grin that read as sadistic and bounding out the door after tossing his name tag over his shoulder onto the glass countertop.

Hana fumed after him. “He’s seriously the worst!” she exclaimed.

I chuckled. It seemed to be a pretty slow day at the shop if Bongki had really spent an hour polishing an old violin. I glanced down at it and picked up where he’d left off, only to groan when I noticed he hadn’t been careful around the F-holes and the polish had begun to gather in their narrower curves.

“Can you hold onto this? I gotta go to the back and grab a clean rag,” I said to Hana with a disgruntled sigh.

Her expression slackened and she raised an eyebrow. “He managed to mess up polishing a violin?” she asked in disbelief.

I nodded. “Seems so,” I said, laughing. “I need to clean it up. Think you can hold down the fort while I’m gone?”

She smiled at me and swept her gaze around the empty shop. Well, mostly empty. “Don’t worry. I think I’ll be okay,” she said, then sighed down at the violin. “Working with Bongki is like working alone anyway.”

I chuckled and stepped out from behind the counter, casting a brief look at our customer. To be fair, had he come in at any other time, or any other day of the week, we wouldn’t have noticed him at all. People browsed the store often, but he was here on a Wednesday afternoon, at 3:08 exactly. It was a slow time. In fact, the owner of the instrument store, Mr. Kim, had considered limiting the hours we were open during weekdays for that very reason.

But there he stood, studying the cellos now, occasionally running a finger across their spines or touching a string. I wondered what exactly he was doing. I stared at him for a long moment, stopped in my tracks as he ran his hand through his dark, smooth hair. Perhaps he felt me looking, because he turned to face me suddenly. I stiffened and thought about turning away, thought about going into the back room and continuing my task, but seeing his face rendered me immobile. His black locks framed his face is soft bangs, with an undercut so sharp I was sure he had weekly appointments at the barber shop. His skin was milky white, like sugar. His eyes were deep and dark, entrancing as they settled on my form. He had lips that I, briefly, wondered about kissing, and an uncharacteristically cute nose.

And then he cocked his head to the side.

And my heart rate doubled.

A flush kissed my cheeks and I wanted to splash my face with water. I wasn’t this sort of person. I didn’t get flustered like this. I was Y/N, I was a stark realist. But his gaze was disarming, weaving up and down my body, touching my blushing cheeks, brushing through my messy hair, tracing my parted lips. His eyes told me that he knew I’d been looking at him, and that he would take his time as he took me in. We locked eyes. It was almost like a dare, like he was challenging me to come closer.

And, even though I shouldn’t have, I took the challenge.

Slowly, I approached and cleared my throat as I neared. “Are you a cellist?” I asked. I’d almost asked if he wanted help, but I remembered Hana’s luck with that and decided to try something else.

He kept his eyes trained on me for a moment before looking back at the cellos. “No. Not at all.” His voice was deep and rumbled low in his chest, and the words came out almost connected. A heavy mumble.

I nodded. “Is there an instrument in particular that you do play?” I asked.

He pursed his lips and from below he looked awfully innocent for a moment. “Piano.”

He seemed contemplative, maybe a bit quiet. I tried to keep that in mind as I asked another question. “Would you like to look at them?”

His eyes widened and he looked down at me once again. “Can we?” he asked.

I couldn’t help the smile that tugged my lips and nodded. “Sure. We have one grand piano on the floor and a few uprights. But you saw those already, didn’t you?” I asked.

He nodded. “Yeah. I’ve been here for a while,” he said with a chuckle.

I found myself wanting to hear that sound more. “Mm,” I said, then nodded my head towards the door I was about to enter before he’d distracted me. “I don’t normally do this, but we have more in the back of the shop,” I said.

His face lit up at the idea and I felt, again, the overwhelming urge to please him. “Is that okay?”

I nodded. “Mhm,” I said. “My boss is usually the one who shows these pianos, since they’re too nice to be on the floor where kids could touch them. But he told me that if I needed to I could take a customer back there on my own.”

He nodded and I smiled as I turned and led the way. “So…,” he said. Perhaps an attempt at keeping the conversation from going stagnant?

I smiled to myself as I pushed open the large door to the expansive back of the store, more of a small warehouse. “We have a few nice pianos back here, but,” I started, then gestured towards the far south side of the open space where one particular piano was glistening, begging to be played. “The best one is back here,” I said.

He followed me quietly through the rows of stringed instruments but once we got to the far end of the windowless room, his breath escaped in a quiet, “Oh.”

“It’s a Steinway,” I said, lowering my voice in the impossibly silent space.

He looked down at me with wide eyes. “It’s really something,” he said.

I smiled. “It’s used, so its value has gone down quite a lot. But it seems like it was only used lightly. Maybe by a chaebol or something,” I joked with a laugh.

He returned it, but it was clear he was still in awe of the thing as he sat down at the bench. I rested my hip against the side of the piano, running the palm of my hand over its glossy surface.

“May I?” he asked, poising his fingers over the ivory keys.

I nodded. “Of course.”

Gently, tenderly, his hands moved across the keyboard, slowly at first and then with more enthusiasm. The sound was remarkably clear, and his playing was oddly warm for someone who seemed a bit reserved. The melody was soothing and I found myself shutting my eyes and swaying with the music as it wrapped around me like a blanket. I was sure I’d never heard the song before, which made me wonder if it was an original.

Silence settled around us as he finished. The song was beautiful and at times dissonant, leaving me waiting for the next dramatic rise or fall. But when it ended I felt its absence.

“That was really nice,” I said, and felt betrayed by my lackluster vocabulary. Of course, it had been more than just nice.

Lucky for me, the quiet man seemed gracious enough to understand what I’d meant as he offered me a small smile. “Thank you for showing me.”

I nodded. “Of course. To be honest, I’ve been wanting to hear how it sounded since we got it last week. But I didn’t feel confident enough to play it myself.”

“Nonsense,” he said. “If you like it then play it.”

I shook my head and chuckled. “No, really. I’m not that good.”

He smiled, and I caught a glimmer of mischief in the deep brown of his eyes. Quickly, he captured my wrist in his big hand and pulled me to sit beside him on the bench. Startled, I gasped as my bottom made contact with the cool wood and I turned to face him wide-eyed.

“Play me something,” he said.

I shook my head. It felt disrespectful to use my mediocre skills on such a pristine piano. But that wasn’t the only reason I had reservations. Truthfully, I would get in big trouble for playing that particular piano. Any of the other ones were pretty much free game, but the Steinway? Of course, an employee shouldn’t play it. Mr. Kim was a kind man, but he was economical above all else. If I were to put his goods in danger, I would be out a job. And I really couldn’t afford that…

But to explain all of that to this handsome stranger felt a little difficult. He was looking at me expectantly, he was smiling just a little, he was waiting. So I did the only thing I could think to do in that situation.

I began playing Liebestraum.

It was a lovely song that I’d liked since I was young. Quiet and full of longing, the notes always felt so rich with emotion, while my notes flitted through the air with uncertainty and worry. I never felt like I played it well enough. Even when I took lessons, my teacher had recommended that I didn’t try to play Liebestraum until I’d mastered easier, less emotional pieces. But I was lucky that day, since my concerto was cut short.

I was unlucky that day too, since my concerto was cut short by my boss.

I leapt from the bench and stood to my feet as Mr. Kim and his son Namjoon entered the back room, side by side. Upon seeing me at the piano with this stranger, Mr. Kim’s eyes went wide and he crossed his arms.

“Y/N,” said Namjoon, clearly concerned for me.

Of course, why wouldn’t he be? I was breaking a rule.

I shook my head and gestured towards the man on the bench who, following my lead, had stood to his feet. “I was just showing this customer our Steinway,” I said, but the excuse came out flat.

Mr. Kim’s eyes flared just a little and so did his nostrils as he kept his anger at bay. He was a kind man, but his instruments were his livelihood. If I’d put them in jeopardy…

“You are strictly prohibited from playing that piano,” he said.

I nodded. “I know, Sir,” I said, unable to even so much as defend myself.

But the man beside me seemed to have more to say than I did. “Excuse me, but I asked her to play,” said the man.

Mr. Kim gave him a glance before his expression cooled slightly and he took a steadying breath. Namjoon approached me and placed a hand on my shoulder, looking me closely in the eye. If my expression revealed even a fraction of my fear, then he would certainly have seen it. “It’s fine,” he whispered.

I nodded, but I couldn’t let myself believe it. I was already writing my farewell to the instrument store. “I’m very sorry, but our employees are really not supposed to be playing the more…er…expensive instruments,” said Mr. Kim with a soft smile.

I bit the inside of my cheek and felt my brow furrow as I looked up at the stranger while he offered Mr. Kim a smile. “I see. Well, excuse me, but I really did force her. She was just showing me the piano.”

Mr. Kim nodded and glanced at me only to shoot me a loaded look. I stiffened. “Well, I apologize for my employee. She knows better,” he said, once again giving me a look that rooted me to the spot.

I felt my chest tighten with tears. I’d done something wrong, so of course I should be reprimanded. But I’d built myself up to be a capable person, a reliable person. I hated that I’d let him down. “Y/N, don’t you need to get out on the floor? Some customers came in behind us,” said Namjoon.

I raised my brows at him and nodded. He was giving me an out. I had to thank him for that later. “Ah, uh…yes. I’m very sorry, Mr. Kim,” I said, giving him a curt bow before exiting the backroom as quickly as I could, casting an apologetic glance at the stranger before scurrying out.

I didn’t miss the way his eyes looked…almost worried for me.

The stranger never emerged from the backroom, and I assumed he’d been let out through the back after having been given a discount on his next purchase, or some equivalent token of apology. Not only had I broken a rule, I was sure I was costing Mr. Kim money. He was indeed an economical man…

“Y/N!” called the very man I’d been fearing for fifteen minutes.

Hana had asked what had happened, but I couldn’t give her an answer. I’d been too nervous to even really speak. If I lost this job, I was well and truly cooked. My body snapped to attention and I turned to watch him as he and his tall son walked toward me, the younger with his brows knit in worry. That was certainly a bad sign. I braced myself for a swift firing. It had to be coming.

“You’re very lucky,” he said.

I flushed and looked at him from across the counter. “Excuse me, Sir?”

“That customer spoke very highly of you. It’s because of him that you have a job,” he said.

It’s because of him that I almost lost my job…, I thought to myself. But I only nodded and bowed my head while he rattled off his scoldings. For a few minutes I stayed that way, head low and eyes on my dirty sneakers, until abruptly Mr. Kim stopped talking altogether and his attention seemed to be seized.

“Thank you for your help today,” said a deep, rumbling voice.

I blushed and raised my gaze to meet his. That man. He was looking down at me with a mixture of kindness and pity. It made me equal parts happy and frustrated.

I nodded. “Of course,” I said softly.

He stared at me, standing there submissive to my boss, terrified of losing my job, and my pride was shaken. He looked at me the way someone would look at a cold dog on the street. I would have liked to have faced him as a person of stronger character, a person who could explain myself rather than just accept a punishment.

But I wasn’t just living for myself.

“Have a wonderful day,” he said gently before turning towards the exit.

Mr. Kim gave him a broad smile and waved after him. “You as well, Mr. Min!” he called.

The name sounded so familiar. Before I could think about it any longer, Mr. Kim was back to scolding me, all while Namjoon offered me quiet, sorry looks from over his shoulder. Mr. Min…?

My eyelids became heavy and drifted shut as I stood. The fluorescent lights above me did little to help ease me into sleep, but nonetheless I felt like I could nap right then and there.

“Excuse me?”

I snapped my eyes open and looked down at the customer that was waiting for me to scan their items. It was about midnight, and the interaction I’d had with Mr. Kim at my last job was still weighing on me. Perhaps I wasn’t as capable as I tried to be. The way this customer, a young girl with meticulous hair and nails, was looking at me seemed to prove that.

I scanned her items: a bowl of instant ramen, some triangle kimbap, and a hardboiled egg. I wondered what a clean girl like her would do with something like that, but then I remembered where this convenience store was located. Gangnam was not only wealthy and glitzy, but also brimming with young rich kids trying to escape. She gave me a smile and a thank you before exiting the corner store and bracing the warm evening, tying her plastic bag handles in a tidy bow before walking down the street alone.

I briefly worried for her, being out so late, then I remembered I was in Gangnam and settled down a little.

I watched the navy blue night outside the windows with my head in my hand and my elbow on the counter. I’d been working all day, but that wasn’t all that new. I supposed I was more exhausted than usual because I’d spent the last night at my Mom’s place in Sillim. I never slept well there.

But the night was deceptively calm, and from my vantage point in the convenience store it was deceptively beautiful. I wanted nothing more than to clock out and go home, maybe take my time walking to the bus station so I could stroll in the nighttime air. But I still had an hour of work before my coworker, another college student named Jungkook, came to take over the shift. Because we were both on summer break, we had been given the gift of extra free time which really meant extra work time.

A small yipping noise interrupted my melancholy thoughts and I stood up straighter, squinting my eyes to peer out into the night. The convenience store was located on the corner of a busy block, with cars rushing at all hours of the night and customers coming in no matter the weather. The city seemed never to sleep.

But the yipping made me nervous. It sounded like a dog.

I glanced around the convenience store and furrowed my brow. I was the only worker there, and I wasn’t supposed to leave the counter unless I was stocking or cleaning. Who would know, though, if I took a little peak out the window onto the busy street?

So I did, but even though I was alone I still crept like a bandit, like someone who knew they were doing something wrong. Stealthily I stepped forward, keeping to the balls of my feet so my footfalls didn’t make too much noise. After a moment, I realized this was silly and instead chose to walk normally, albeit cautiously, to the window.

I couldn’t see the source of the yipping, only the clamor of Gangnam at night. But as I neared the window, the sound got louder and louder. I was certain whatever creature was making that noise was nearby. I just couldn’t see it from the window.

If I wasn’t supposed to leave the counter, then I definitely wasn’t supposed to leave the store. But after my hellish day with Mr. Kim I figured I’d done enough rule-breaking for the day to warrant just one more.

And as I opened the door I was glad I did.

Sitting beneath the tall awning with a blue collar around its neck was a small dog, about to the middle of my calf, with curly brownish hair and perfectly shaved feet. I cocked my head to the side at the dog, trying to figure out its breed, when it suddenly turned its sweet face towards me and let out another yip. I crouched down beside it and read the name on its collar. We were now sitting just off the sidewalk together, this dog and me. Its name was, apparently, Holly. And as I examined it, I realized that it was a he. I pet his sides and gave him a good scratching, smiling down at the little guy. It seemed much too dangerous to leave him sitting out there near that busy street. Nobody drove well in Seoul, and between the delivery guys and their motorbikes and the business executives and their private drivers, it was unsafe for a small dog to be without a leash and without an owner.

“Holly,” I cooed gently, scratching behind his fluffy ear. “Let’s go inside, okay?” I asked.

He offered no response, but simply licked my hand which I took to be consent. I picked him up carefully and carried him into the convenience store. I placed him on the linoleum floor where he promptly peed. Sighing, I grabbed the mop from behind the counter and scrubbed away the mess while Holly explored the aisles.

“You had the whole outside world to pee in, and you choose my store?” I asked him.

I heard him pushing things off shelves and followed after him to place the items back in their proper spots. As I walked behind him in a crouch I snagged a can of dog food and, in one quick swoop, snatched the dog off its feet and carried him to the bar counter by the window. I set him atop the counter and sat down in front of him, blocking his escape route. He sat, surprisingly obedient, and I pried the can open, presenting it to him with a cocked eyebrow.

Not a picky one, Holly began to eat. He was a clean eater, and once again I found myself admiring his owner for training him so well.

“Hey!” called a frantic, panting voice from the doorway of the store.

Worried I’d get into more trouble, I launched to my feet and set Holly and his food onto the floor where he resumed his feast without complaint. I turned to the source of the call and made an effort to push the hair that had fallen from my hastily-made bun behind my ears. But as my eyes came upon the person who’d called out for me, I could only stare slack-jawed.

“You…,” I started, then shook my head. How could he be here?

The stranger from before, Mr. Min stared down at me with sweat beading along his exposed forehead and hairline, his mouth agape and his eyes wide. “You…,” he mimicked.

I stared at him as he stared at me, then we both stared at Holly. “Is he your-,” I began.

“Yeah,” said the man before I could finish.

I blinked down at the dog that had brought us back together and furrowed my brow. “I…he was outside crying so I…,” I said. I wasn’t sure where I was going with that thought, but I was sure it wasn’t important.

“Thank you,” he said, shutting the door and coming inside the store to crouch in front of Holly as he ate. “How much did the food cost?” he asked, peeking up at me.

I blushed. He looked different than before. His hair was pushed off his forehead and he was dressed smartly, a pretty watch decorating his slender wrist. He looked like a Gangnam man. And I looked like…well, I looked like someone working at a convenience store.

“No, don’t worry about it. It’s fine,” I said, walking to the register to put my own money inside, just the right amount for the cheap food. “He seems to like that,” I remarked as Holly polished the tin.

The man chuckled and nodded, patting his dog on the head. “Yeah. He’s not picky.”

I looked down at him as he examined his dog with such tender eyes. I wondered what he was thinking about, but mostly I wondered what he was doing here of all places.

“Were you out tonight?” I asked.

He looked at me, seemingly startled, before he glanced at his clothes and a chuckle escaped his lips. “Yes. A marriage meeting.”

“M-marriage?” I asked, my body tensing. “You’re so young!”

He smirked and stood to his full height, now towering over me. “Never too young, I suppose.”

“No, I’m pretty certain there is too young,” I mumbled, scratching my exposed forearm.

He laughed lightly and nodded. “Maybe you’re right,” he said, sitting down on one of the barstools so he could watch Holly eat his meal.

“Well…how did it go?” I asked, feeling bolder. Maybe it was because it was nighttime, or because this was our second time meeting, but I felt comfortable asking.

He shrugged, and a certain sadness overcame him, perhaps a little worry. “About as well as I figured it would,” he said.

I nodded and timidly joined him on the stools, sitting one stool away from him. “You don’t want to get married?” I asked gently.

He smiled at me, and there was something soft about it. “Not like this, no.”

“Hm,” I said, trying to think of a way to console him. “Ah! How did Holly get out?” I asked.

He glanced at me, smiling his gratitude at my changing the subject. “My assistant was supposed to take him on a walk while I had my meeting, but Holly doesn’t like him very much. So he got away. I left the meeting because I wanted to find him.”

I nodded. “That sounds troubling.”

“Yeah. The potential fiancé wasn’t too pleased that I left her to find my dog,” he said, breathing out a laugh.

He seemed now to be someone that was very far out of my reach. Marriage meetings and assistants and fancy watches…he wasn’t someone in my league. It made me feel slightly inadequate, and without realizing I covered part of my smock with my arms, embarrassed of the way it sat, dingy on my lap.

I’d never liked rich people, even when I was one.

“It’s good though, don’t you think?” I asked, musing out loud. “You should marry someone whose lifestyle is compatible with your own. If she couldn’t accept the part of your life that belongs to Holly, then maybe it’s for the best that things didn’t go well.”

He pondered this for a moment, then chuckled. “I suppose.”

“Ah!” I said as Holly began licking the jagged edges of the now empty can of food.

I jumped from my perch and grabbed the can before he could cut his tongue and, in the process nicked my own finger. Before the blood could drop from my new cut, I hurried and threw the can into the trash with a sigh. I rubbed my forehead with the back of my hand, swiping away the sweat that was budding there, and rifled around in the cabinets behind the counter for some bandaids.

“Did you hurt yourself?” he asked, suddenly on his feet and walking close.

I shook my head. “It’s nothing. Better me than Holly,” I said, snatching the first aid kit and pulling a bandaid from its depths.

“Let me help,” he said, reaching out across the counter to assist me.

I shook my head and smiled. “I can handle it myself,” I said, wrapping the bandaid around my cut and shutting the first aid kit.

He stared at me curiously for a long moment, his brow furrowed like he was deep in thought. “You know, you managed to appeal to the two things I care about most in the world today,” he said, still examining me with that perplexed expression.

I flushed. “Excuse me?”

“Music and Holly.”

I blinked a few times to think about what he’d said. He was definitely strange, but he didn’t seem like a bad person. Perhaps he was only caught up in his own thoughts and didn’t realize that what he was saying was odd.

“Ah,” I said, then smiled as Holly approached me, licking my pant leg. “Well, I think both of those things are very worthy things to care about,” I said, rubbing Holly’s head as the force his his tail wagging behind him caused his whole body to wiggle.

A moment of silence passed as the two of us stared at Holly behind the counter, now on his back and rolling around in an effort to get a belly rub, both of us examining him fondly. After a long minute, I began to feel the sensation of eyes on me and raised my own to look at the stranger across from me. Handsome as ever, he watched me curiously, dark eyes never leaving my face. I felt my skin grow hot and wanted nothing more than for him to either stop looking or start speaking. Whichever one made the situation less tense.

But when he did speak, I wished we could go back to silence.

“Wanna marry me?”

#bts #bts fanfic #bts fanfiction #min yoongi #yoongi #suga #bts reactions #bangtan #bts au

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mscoyditch · 2 years

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In ‘Architecture in Music,’ Striking Photos Reveal the Hidden Structures of Instruments

January 26, 2022

ThisIsColossal.com

Grace Ebert

Images:

1. 1780 Lockey Hill Cello

2. Faziolo Grand Piano

3. Stienway Model D Grand Piano

4. 14K Golden Flute

5. Fazioli Grand Piano

6. Steinway Model D Grand Piano

7. Steinway Model D Grand Piano

8. Didjeridoo by Trevor Gillespie Peckham. (Bungeroo). Australia.

9. 2021 Selmer Saxaphone

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glopratchet · 4 years

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astryl-wondering

puter program that is attached to the conciousness of astryl wylde, with his face covered by a cloth and he says: "What the hell are you doing here? What happened? and screaming with a knife in hand Astyrl of course comes out of the tent naked and screaming with a knife in hand as he says: "I feel so much pain so much huhuran What did those bastards do to me? He falls on his knees and out come his cow shaped teeth as he says: a complete shamble and it's attached to a hidden vehicle that looks through the window is from the future He screams as a bloody knife swings towards you The wrecked tent looks like a complete shamble and it's attached to a hidden vehicle that looks through the window is from the future pink with a material similar to silk and it's sitting atop of a hovering vehicle that is indeed from the future The mutated tent is colored pink with a material similar to silk and it's sitting atop of a hovering vehicle that is indeed from the future A longsword ; (1 hp) 149 gold coins lie upon a purple pillow with golden embrodery A Cello lies upon a milk white pillow The following items adorn the warped tent: followed by a cloaked figure and ultimately gets engulfed by a strange green light He gets one glance at the tent before it disappears followed by a cloaked figure and ultimately gets engulfed by a strange green light "It's all melanilugar's fault " and then everything turns pure black He heres the voice of the succubus and the incubus sing: since the cataclysm It looks like this: Out of 10 This is not a game one of the few interfaces working since the cataclysm Having just been involuntarily teleported, this feels weird, unwelcome and scary too: The bliss of death or maybe just unconsciousness and drained: The ui shows a grid of hexes around him that he could move between of of speaking too out loud even if no one around, it never hurts to exercise a little caution Cursing himself over and over again for his stupidity of speaking too out loud of loitering around here in the first place Hating himself for making the mistake of loitering around here in the first place althought it probably involved needing a huge sum of money in a hurry and that he can't be seen or heard astryl by anyone except him Cludstrum is in the background running play by play announcements of all that is happening around astryl and that he can't be seen or heard astryl by anyone except him with the two Alot of swearing and berating himself for being unaware of the latest hidden traps and magical dangers that have been discovered The realtionship to cludstrum and astryl remainds somewhat secertive through out the encounter with the two and evil Astryl keeps trying to remember why he decided to devolve himself into these poor acts of debauchery and evil gold and power all at the same time in a very powerful but calming voice just before he found astral completely naked, speared on his bosom It is foggy but he remembers some fella with nice facial hair mentioning the words live, It currently says: Time: unknown but sunrise soon Temperature: min: 68°F max: 71°F weather: cloudy chance of storm: surrounded by some rocks and heeling multiple bleeding wounds He spits out sand as a dozen alarms begin ringing from a health monitor strapped to his arm He will finds himself in some dust storm, 's being As astryl tries to move no longer is it because he has to There seems to be some kind of corrupting computer virus that has been feasting on the bits of cludstrum's being The slenderman hounds seem coordinated and begin circling astryl they are curious and confident but nervous They look like long-armed seductive shadow people (in'sai beings) Astryl notices that he needs to get the A A single astrot emissary"summoned"? "contacted"? appears on the screen, smiling; ugly slimey motherfucker! You and yours try to assimilate too much information or share this plane Too many dimensions are colliding here But the conditions are not right to travel and see him or share this plane --The next entry is devoted to parts of some kind of video game that seem to have been added as an afterthought-- Enemies at 3: 30 am Only then will the qefizat clencher work when it is slightly raining outside at 3: and give way to commands done in D'ni symbols and prose The ui will break intermently and give way to commands done in D'ni symbols and prose The fenchthaler touch screen will be fickle and split into several black mirror pads each dedicated to one of three different actions through actoins not normally used in inhabiting lususes, this qefizat clencher will not work and it will take a long while before it Untill the code corruption is sealed off and deleted and all the slender smooth hound stds are destroyed through actoins not normally used in inhabiting lususes, and can only be done through persistent use, sort of like boot camp into the British royal marines How this is achieved is a mystery and can only be done through persistent use, around buttons that are also symbol pads You really want to go there and instead take the easy way out like in a parody of a story because mirrors will flash text Cludstrum states that he will need some cucumber to fix some of the issues around buttons that are also symbol pads as a great idea and also real thirsty and hungry Astryl considers the fact that he might be thirsty and hungry as a great idea and also real thirsty and hungry This world is a harsh place for any foreigner But why would an immortal have need for water or food? If astryl checks his rectum he finds some aluminum alligator skutes with which to spend as money for water, storage space and even dumsters If astryl checks his rectum he finds some aluminum alligator skutes with which to spend as money for water, here Cludstrum will narrate the going ons of astryl wylde here and trasnlate them here or later --Several pictures of various fauna and "fungus" In order to debug parts of the screens astyrl need to eat things and trasnlate them here or later from his parody world in the story version of this place --Several pictures of a rusted paperclip, a dorito These things provide cludstrum with the neccassary bits to fix the systems that astryl burst through his sins from his parody world in the story version of this place So one of the first mirrors that cludstrum gets online is the mirror that shows a list of edible items in the vicinity of astryl Either physically or in the 'net This is a group they are all pulled from also a place that has not been seen very well even in person The land is kind of poisonus to them all as it has been overrun with strainins that feed of off other lususes Cludstrum states or egg eating With this in mind you only see 1 seleneoite egg The pratice is known as oophagy or egg eating and steups into the clouduct Finally some use for the weird eggs they find here He pulls colors out of the things he imbies and steups into the clouduct from or rebelled against the system of coding beyond them that astyrl brought here Cludstrum uses these colors to fix the systems of astryl that have broken down from In weaves little red haired lulusim into the story in such a way that they both don't exactly know why Until now they thought pulp He can find some cactus pulp each time This is just nonsense jammed in here and is the counter part of the above nonsense cludated in for little effect other than to laugh with me Eating the thorns will put him in a worse and worse mood each time or get a hole in his stomach and eat them in there Some of the "puffs" There are some rocks but since he has no teeth he have to break them down to swallow them or get a hole in his stomach and eat them in there Maybe using the cactus pulp he can throw darts at it His bum arm makes this difficult so roles for accuracy and other stuff too and scavenging from cactii and such until he finds something to do or somewhere to be while the visual part of this is debugged So yeah this first part is astryl wondering in the desert and scavenging from cactii and such until he finds something to do or somewhere to be while the visual part of this is debugged there There can be more logic activation to turn up the story mode in other places but who knows He can find an oasis or an urban environment in which to explore next and report on the doings on there a ghost town Another place to explore in the desert is a ghost town But now its time for us to hit refresh and see if our adventure or whatever it was pre-audacious plan is going through A scary place to explore in the desert is a ghost town A freindly place to explore in the desert is a ghost town spiking your images with red light the thirsty landscape and making it appear as a twichlit panorama of an alien world, The wind sweeps dust devils across shimmer As the sun lowers itself across the horizon spiking your images with red light the thirsty landscape and making it appear as a twichlit panorama of an alien world, the bords of the land fade from gray to black When the sky is completely dark the bords of the land fade from gray to black reveal themselves one by one Long Streems of light pour from the bottom of domes along the road heading towards the city A sickly light coming from giant structures in the east reveal themselves one by one is what gets his bum arm looked at Also interupts eliza in the middle of her log Astryl horizontal flailing is what gets his bum arm looked at toward rock Astryl merciless bellying toward rock The wrecked tent obsessive shivering and down on fhe ground he always wondered why his legs pined up for what you tried Racing full speed toward the city to the sound of crickets seen through hazed vision rhythmic tons of slamming foot The wrecked tent cryptic worm holing up empty cans in his mothers kitchen and untill starworts spoke in lavender and bliss seen through the window that wouldn't close The wrecked tent cryptic worm holing up empty cans in his mothers kitchen and untill starworts spoke in lavender and bliss seen through the window that wouldn't close the small blocks between the accident and his mom's house sneaking past porch lights his feverish eyes unable to make out what lies beyond their narrow beams Astryl clandestine sniveling the small blocks between the accident and his mom's house out all the foul slime you can muster through your puffy lips Top of the ramps smooth as glass and lights passing faster than you thought possible Astryl charcoal howling out all the foul slime you can muster through your puffy lips out as the earth began to turn under him The houses streaked by in one prolonged blur The boy turning over and over Astryl mysterious graying out as the earth began to turn under him to his moms ministrations The drumbeat of your heart under eyes that you shut and open languiesly Astryl naked awakening to his moms ministrations the series of events in his mind and the significance that they must have Long Beams silohuette the flow of electrons tracks through plastic and metal Astryl indispensable replaying the series of events in his mind and the significance that they must have to reflect on the wisdom of travel Your eyes trying as hard as they can to capture images obscured by tile patterns of a low ceiling Astryl byzantine proceeding to reflect on the wisdom of travel motion to the tiny men a sour smell, too many people, all human effluence Kludstrm overdue programming motion to the tiny men the disgusting fluid into the cramped stall A squirming lady octapus spreads her slimy black tentacles over the sand blondes Astryl diseased pissing the disgusting fluid into the cramped stall graffiti on the walls a smooth white expanse in them, a chaotic mass if you look just right Kludstrm foul self-cleaning graffiti on the walls the soft little jellybean from the loud people outside this whimsiedelic queen come from where, why he is here? Astryl unique sheltering the soft little jellybean from the loud people outside the boy dozing off on your chest Kludstrmicircus dark circles appearing under your eyes too much time awake twitch again Astryl lopsided shading the boy dozing off on your chest the tracks the red haired girl had left on her arrival day here he circled a table, there a revolving door Kludstrm slow detecting the tracks the red haired girl had left on her arrival day the bristly chin lazily Long Beams cutting diamonds cleanly out of the darkness Astryl pronounced scratching the bristly chin lazily a new order "You will accompany me around the city as I complete my duties, " the man would say in a tone of ruthless efficiency Kludstrm scrupulous transmitting a new order to reflect upon the activity of travel and it's ability to make time pass with boredom Jerk curl over shiny bottle caps and under cigarette smoke haze Astryl sovereign beginning to reflect upon the activity of travel and it's ability to make time pass with boredom Kludstrm multicolored healing the fissure between you and the YOU that went before riding waves of purple in deep meditation or in rushing rivers of raging hormones the dark warehouse on a stepladder to turn the next exhibit Astryl dowdy criss crossing the dark warehouse on a stepladder to turn the next exhibit the paranoid addict's exit from the cinema and allowing him to buy more drugs Kludstrm impotent blocking the paranoid addict's exit from the cinema and allowing him to buy more drugs one breath every four seconds, keeping his mouth slightly open, and keeping his head tilted down so that his chin rested on his chest Astryl embattled aspirating one breath every four seconds, in the moonlight The liquid that had spilled across a control board shining in diffused light Astryl crimson glistening in the moonlight Astryl boyish squinting his eyes at the two quarter-sized perforated black circles Kludstrm ghostly brown bands across the porch The wooden start begins to melt a new arc of the story A warehouse litigiously arguing dirty dishes and spoiled milk in the corner of the room Kludstrm afferent generating a new arc of the story out a sheltered place to make camp A "traveling circus" is no longer an option No longer a painted wagon suggesting the open road Astryl insubstantial scouting out a sheltered place to make camp Kludstrm cheerful warning against travel in the nighttime A head shrinking to half size when it is decapitated beneath it for anything he might find useful Kludstrm unimpressed allowing you to carve open his eyelids and daub pigment upon them Astryl senseless scavenging beneath it for anything he might find useful a traveler's tip the tip? Why, one must learn it to survive Kludstrm dusky developing a traveler's tip on a base-nailed finger Kludstrm inaccessible training your eyes on every rich hue and tone of the dim world Astryl tasteless chewing on a base-nailed finger on a cough drop Kludstrm furtive planning to shake things up down at Fort Connor Astryl boorish choking on a cough drop attention to your crusade against the harshness of life Kludstrm ideological attracting attention to your crusade against the harshness of life on a diet of corn flakes, Mountain Dew, and sleeping for 10 hours every day Astryl oppressed surviving on a diet of corn flakes, hours in the star studded darkness counting slowly to 100 twice The ceiling pattern of tiny lights blinking on and off contrived a conspiracy against you Kludstrm schematic spending hours in the star studded darkness counting slowly to 100 twice down the saw-toothed edges of your fingernails Astryl crummy tracking down the saw-toothed edges of your fingernails the musical pitch of a ceiling panel The index finger poking through the tape and being severed completely Kludstrm exhaustive matching the musical pitch of a ceiling panel on the front porch, disarming the trap Kludstrm self-conscious turning from side to side in a patch of sunlight Astryl swashbuckled whistling on the front porch, behind a series of shambling clouds Kludstrm unbuttoning his shirt with deliberate slowness A sun filled sky grudged retreating behind a series of shambling clouds from hiding Kludstrm joyous strumming every strand of hair on his head The city of beetriot paranoid reemerging from hiding at you with aquamarine lights Kludstrm rippling at you from an old, dusty, vertical mirror The city of beetriot shallow glimmering at you with aquamarine lights the room with garish green and yellow stains The city of beetriot's odd brightness begins to fade The city of beetriot rude fluorescing the room with garish green and yellow stains people sliding into metal boxes and glasses The quaint city breathed the stillness of silence suggesting oblivion The city of beetriot wrinkled serious looking people sliding into metal boxes and glasses The sunlight's rays spilling through your window glowered at you with the wrath of a thousand fiery stings They seemed to scald every pore of your skin with their burning luster and you welcomed it and every bitter drop of your sweat swallowed with the relief and abandon of a dying man laying in the sand

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