It’s been a long weekend. AJ head a lot of work cut out for her and none of it is writing related. Life if busy.
How about a poem
To get you through the morning
And through the long night.
a haiku for you.
-
-
AJ is tired. They demoed a room and prepped a room for painting today. Tomorrow is more prep work and paint party on Monday.
The image is ajs view on a break. It was chilly in the morning but turned out real nice.
-
I forgot to get something in today. But I’m not messing up my almost 2 year steak.
This weekend you might get more of these. AJ isn’t feeling great but she was the week of next week. To work on the house.
-
The full moon brings on all new therians. Doesn’t matter the breed it’s always the full moon. But like vampires there are several variations of therians.
My mother was the rarest of them being a carrier. A human who carries the therian virus in her. It manipulates the basic DNA but it is not affected by the turn of the moon. A carrier can pass on the DNA. A child born of a carrier and a human can become a carrier or be ‘born’ a therian. But if a carrier mates with a therian of the same breed the children are guaranteed to be therian as are all therian/therian children.
A human who is bitten by a therian and changes becomes therian. All their children will be like them, except the children are born, and not turned. The biggest and only difference between a born therian and a turned one is the when they change.
A bitten human that turns does so on the next full moon regardless of age. A child of ten can become a therian.
But a born therian, turns in their mid-twenties on a random full moon. There is no real predictability to it which is why the best course of action for all children of therians is to educate them early of what they need to do around the full moon. Especially once they turn 20.
Funny thing – I’m going to have to do this with my brothers soon rather than later. I don’t know that in story yet, but I’m pretty sure I dropped that at one point. It is very possible one or both of my brothers could turn furry once a month.
-
I enjoy spending time outside. I usually see the sunrise. I see the sunset too. I like sharing them. I bet everyone knows with who. I don’t think Alex much likes sunrises though. Sunsets yes.
This is a new editor. Not sure I like it. But it’s nice and clean.
Anyway AJ’s not feeling well massive migraines for a while now, stress and anxiety – new house and all. Hopefully writing will commense easier right now it’s time to think about food.
-
Those of you that know AJ well enough from my rambling know she’s a programmer too. Specifically a web developer. She made us all a gift – a new wiki. We’ll populated it with the current information on the old wiki and then I’ll transfer the link to this new one and she’ll trash the old one.
This one is so much easier to update and there is no remembering login names and stuff. The links are automatic, so the original document is easy to read. She says performance might become an issue but she’ll deal with that as time goes on and the information gets more and more. But first we have to get that kinda use case data.
If anyone is interested in the code you can find it at github. If you have your own server and want to install it, AJ can give you instructions just shoot me an email (nox.durante@gmail.com)
And if you are interested in seeing the wiki underlying structure for what articles are available you can go here
-
I see dead people.
Such an iconic line. I see patterns every day. I can turn it off but it’s not that simple, doing so hurts as is against my natural abilities. and yet I do limit it just like I limit my other senses. it really is like a sixth sense.
If you’ve seen the last matrix movie when neo see the machine Curry and those yellow lights. that’s kinda how i see things on an underlay and in the fine colors of the elements.
At first they thought i was crazy seeing things like that. said i was hallucinating. thankfully dorian believed me and confused that he saw them too if he concentrated really hard.
This is the start of my theory that any magnus can touch all the elements. but that’s hard to do since no one believes me. Dorian does but he already believes he is too old to learn new tricks. So I wait…
-
AJ is almost done with the shed project that was only supposed to be a few hour job. Well rather he love is almost done.
So I got nothing for you.
-
Today head been a not so productive day for AJ and her love. But it has also been a decent day in terms of progress. The shed in back of ajs new house is in progress. And the outlets in the house are covered kitchen and bathroom need to be registered with gfi compliant outlets. Smoke detectors are still needed then they can officially turn on water and gas.
So there had been no chasing of bunnies unless you count the cats and dogs in the neighborhood. We are thinking plots tho. That’s a Bunny chases I can get into.
I’ll let y’all go for now cause it’s chilly outside where AJ is sitting and it’s time to get up and move around.
-
The tooth fairy. Santa Claus. The Easter Bunny. All sound familiar.
For the venatori we don’t really believe in these things. But we do have our own fairy tales more like the that may or may not be true. Thinks like ascendants, aeternus, kitsune, Il cane. These are all things that are legends. Now knowing il cane personally most of these are there to some degree and if you know any of the like you know they all are. Just the venatori doing necessary believe so. Me I do. All of it.
So does that make Santa and the Easter Bunny real? The tooth fairy? Maybe steeped in legend and some half truth maybe. But I know I’ve never seen a jolly fat guy in a red suit going down a chimney at Christmas time. Have you?
-
I like music. But I’ll be honest I’ve never been to a concert. Barring the one that doesn’t happen now cause I’m not dating Dev. And Alex isn’t a rock star.
But my musical taste is also different, I actually listen to the same stuff Alex or Sage might. I’ve still got my dance, but I grew up with a human best friend who’s tastes grew on me. But even though Sage has been to concerts I’ve not. It’s hard to sneak out of the AU building for hours on end and not be able to rush home when I have to.
Maybe Alex will take me to a concert. See something he loves and I’ll just be happy to be with him and dancing – hopefully dancing too, at least not all jumping and bouncing in a mosh pit. I hope…
-
Who holds the keys to happiness?
I know I don’t. But I am happy. Even knowing I have shit coming I’m happy. Alex and I are good. So good :)
But how long will that really last. We will have our ups and downs. But hopefully no more running away or break ups. Though I can see AJ pulling a break up on us because of some unknown reason. But I can see it, so hopefully she doesn’t see that in my future.
-
So I have an evil creator! Last go through AJ gave me a twin sister who Margo killed. This time Margo didn’t kill her, but let someone else deal with her.
Her name is/was Aurora (a variation on dawn – today’s word by the way).
So I know out here what happened. I know what AJ has planned, so I’m gonna ask first. What do you think might happen since Aurora is ‘taken care’ of by some unknown entity? If anyone read any of AJ’s drafts for the writing contest you’d see some hints as to the plan. Very subtle hints but they were there.
-
Today’s word is Twilight! And while there are many things I could ramble about I wanted to relay my disgust at one of the worse vampire concepts in modern history – fucking sparkling vampires!
I’m all for thinking outside the box when it comes to answering the cliche’d questions like “Why don’t vampires like sunlight?” But because they have diamond skin and it sparkles in the daylight is the worst possible thing. I mean specially in the modern world with makeup being so easy. Even in victorian eras white powder was used in theater and things. So sparkling is the worst possible explanation…. so cover it the fuck up! Or tell them you are wearing some new make up. rolls eyes Really!
Let’s just go with the whole diamond skin thing. Let’s say that it’s a valid reason, their speed shouldn’t be faster, the idea of having a rock on your body all over your body should weigh you down a little more than humans.
AND yet another question how does your skin become diamond like since you still were once human? What magical reaction can you explain this phenomenon. Your skin becomes super pressed with all the carbon in our bodies? BUT if your skin becomes diamond in the transformation should the rest of the carbon in your body too? Thus the heavier you would be and the less likely you’d move quickly.
The whole thing is defies logic and the escapism isn’t very real. You lose your credibility.
-
Birthday’s had never really ever been my thing. To my mother it was just another day to pull some con or grift, or to make some money. It wasn’t about me, not ever. So I came to just ignore the day, treat it like any other. But it was also the time of year where my pretty boy had a hard time coping. Our dreams ended up with me fixing him more often than not.
It was funny how being here in the real world with him, that this October hadn’t been too bad on him. Maybe it was because his brothers were here. I know Nox would say it was because I was here. I doubted it, but he was doing better and I would take that. Nox happy meant everyone else was happy and if he was happy then I was happy. But Nox happy also meant he spent a lot more time with me.
He’d already gone all out – even before he brought me a pancake icecream cake in bed complete with bacon and perfect coffee. And of course him. It sounds sappy, I know I think it every time I think how domesticated I’ve become but this was a perfect start to my day to a new year.
Nox’s version of spoiling me wasn’t spending money or buying fancy gifts. I had a hard time dealing with his lack of materialistic things. He accepted things I gave him with a bright smile, even though I knew he was thinking ‘I don’t need that’. But he took it anyway, used it happily and I got the satisfaction of knowing my pretty boy was taken care of.
I was still in complete and utter shock at the things he’d given me for my birthday so far. The rock carving of Serenity was absolutely the greatest gift ever. She was perfect. He got everything perfect. He only shrugged when I told him it looked identical. I made a smart comment around Dorian when the older Venatori dropped Drake off from school. I don’t even remember the comment, but Dorian chuckled at my reaction to Nox’s non-reaction to the perfection. He said, “Does he ever do anything half-assed?” And it really made me think, because I couldn’t think of a time where Nox didn’t give it his all. His complete and utter attention had gone into the carving of my second favorite thing. I was hopelessly in love with my pretty boy and I had stopped trying to pretend otherwise. I could admit it to myself in my head, but I hadn’t told Nox how I felt. Though from his invite to move in I was pretty sure he knew I was all in for as long as he’d have me.
The carving had been more than enough for my birthday but the next day he surprised me with the notebook at lunch. I knew he could draw. I’d seen his sketchbooks. I even saw the ones he stored in a storage unit in a trunk. The only possessions he truly owned. He had so few things I still was amazed at it all. He lived like a pauper and I knew he had more money. Sage had even give me a heads up on his accounts. I knew exactly how much he made, where it all went – which was no where. He had a gym membership, paid for his cellphone bill and that was it. Everything else the Venatori took care of. He never even saw the money. That was such a shock to me. His bank account grew and his clothes had holes in them. His furniture had been purchased by someone else and while he took care of the boys, he himself didn’t use much.
I was picking up his bad habits the wandering thoughts, letting things drift in and drift out like it was it’s own entity. But those pictures were memories and I remembered them. I couldn’t believe the detail in them. And the drawings of Serenity of me. I hadn’t realized he’d stared so much at me. But even now I didn’t notice really. He said he saw patterns was this all part of it. I wished I could frame the whole notebook page by page, save it, endure forever. I couldn’t stop looking at them, and I got lost in the memories.
It was such a strange feeling knowing that Nox remembered me. It had taken years, and even though I did it to him I can’t help but wonder why he never dug deeper before. I was always going to feel slighted by it I think, but he remembered so many things from our childhood. He relived them easily. He’d locked them away after each night so his mentor couldn’t use me against him. So he couldn’t hurt me. So Nox would never be the cause of so much pain and anguish. He protected me. I didn’t need his protection, until I remembered the three marks on my back. If we hadn’t done that I might be dead… but we’ll never know now. At least I have Nox.
And now breakfast in bed. Lost in my head with my pretty boy curled up watching me. He was perfectly content just lying there watching me lift my fork to my mouth lost in though. Rude? maybe, but I had a lot on my mind.
-
Not getting anything today either.
AJ has been cleaning and packing and is tired. I’m lucky she’s thinking about our next post to share for Alex’s birthday. I don’t think you’ll get it today though.
AJ needs time to recharge. She is feeling better but now worn out. In bed with the laptop but it’s not even 4pm and she’s thinking about sleep… great for me, not for you though.
Tomorrow will be a better day.
-
Sorry. AJ is super busy and not feeling right today. There are no words today. Maybe s pictures later but for now nothing sorry.
Well will finish Alex’s birthday when ajs head is better.
-
I’m not exactly sure how to respond to today’s one word prompt. looks at AJ in question She isn’t going to be able to do much with a drawing in it either I don’t think. But we’ll see.
I’ve had a paper cut. But they heal almost instantaneously. Super healing is pretty awesome.
I’ve cut paper in school. That was always fun. making things. But I don’t really need to use paper to make things, got this whole element thing going on. I mean I made a statue when I was 10.
Really at a loss for words on this one. Yeah I know… me unable to talk whodathunk!
-
So I’ve been dying my locks and putting on eyeliner for as long as I can remember. However, it wasn’t always so. I was a normal guy who just liked guys. And before that I was just a normal straight guy. Somewhere I changed in AJ’s head. Or more rightly I showed myself to her.
I think I still manage to do that on occasion. Like being allergic to shellfish – that was new. AJ fell in love with Magnus Bane of the Immortal Instruments – specifically Harry Shum Jr.’s portrayal of him in Shadowhunters. It was then that AJ added the eyeliner and the colored tips to my hair. And it was perfect for me. I got to be normal and different at the same time.
I have steadily increased in my neurotic behavior. I went from being just a health nut to being a health nut to calm my impulses to obsess. I can’t obsess if it’s the same thing I do. My ways are two fold – they keep me in strong peak condition so I don’t fall behind in the Venatori, and they maintain my sanity. Both of which are highly important.
I love me, and I’ll keep showing AJ who I am the more we go through this. It’s a great journey if you ask me – you didn’t but I’ll still answer it.
BTW, today’s word was lock!
-
When I got back Alex was still looking through the sketches. I’d say he was about half way through. He closed the notebook and put it down on the coffee table when I walked in and greeted me with long languid kiss and we were immediately in our bedroom. I could get used to a greeting like that.
I was up early – no earlier than usual, 4am with my alarm. Alex groaned and rolled back over and stole my pillow so that he could go back to sleep. I as alright with that.
I shortened my workout, grabbed a shower in the kids bathroom so I didn’t disturb Alex, or ruin the surprise.
Cakes weren’t my thing. But I could do a pancake cake filled with icecream. I had layered out some icecream a few days before. Alex hadn’t been home, out with Benji doing something or another – birthday related I think. Cause I told Benji that he was mine all day. I had taken the day off completely and was going to spend it all on Alex.
Pancakes were becoming easier and easier to make in the morning. I had a batch whipped out in no time and I even had time to frost it. It was in chocolate cream cheese icing. And I decorated it with a scoop of icecream and some fresh strawberries. I had his favorite coffee and some bacon on the side cause bacon…
It was about the time for me to actually get into my room to shower by the time I finished. Everything looked pretty on the plate. Breakfast wasn’t the newest thing on the planet, but I felt like a mess as I carried it through the living room and into our bedroom.
Alex groaned at the sound and covered his head with my pillow. It was a normal morning thing. I sat down next to him and set the food on the other side of him so he wouldn’t spill it.
He peaked out from under the pillow. I knew the bacon and coffee were too tempting. He pushed the pillow to the side and stared at the tray on the bed. “You made me breakfast in bed.”
“Happy Birthday.” I said in reply. He stared at me almost like he’d forgotten today he turned a year old. Alex’s stomach rumbled and he couldn’t ignore the food any longer. “Cake for breakfast?”
“Sorta.” I said as Alex cut into the sugary mess.
He took a bite and laughed. “Pancake cake. I like that.” He leaned over after he finished chewing and pressed a sugared kiss to my lips. All I tasted was Alex, even over all that sugar he’d just consumed. I couldn’t help the soft moan I let out. I fucking loved he could make me melt like that.
Alex pulled away and started to eat in earnest. Halfway through Alex stopped and smiled, “This isn’t going to become a regular thing huh?”
I laughed and shook my head, “No. Today is your day. I have plans as long as you are free.”
Alex chuckled, “Oh I’m free, Pretty boy. Specially if you treat me like this all day.”
I grinned at him, “That’s sorta the plan.”
Alex smirked and finished his breakfast in bed.
-
The boys were surprised by the late breakfast the prior morning. Alex and I probably should have waited until that evening to do what we did, but it was ‘his birthday’. I waited until our prescribed lunch alone time that I scheduled in everyday to give him the second present. Instead of meeting him out like we usually did I brought groceries to Alex’s apartment. We were insured complete privacy.
Alex kept smirking at me like I was trying to hide my motives. “You aren’t?” he asked.
I shook my head, “You can read my mind, I can’t hide shit from you.”
Alex only smirked. “So what’s in the bag?”
“Groceries.” I said.
He pointed to the gift bag. “That’s groceries?”
I laughed. “Can you at least wait until I put things down?”
Alex shook his head. “Nope.” He was almost giddy with anticipation. The day before, when I got home Alex had purchased a desk and had it set up in the corner. His laptop sat on top of the desk and the miniature Serenity sat on a pestle in the sunlight streaming through the window.
Alex took the bag from my hand and I started cooking us lunch while he rummaged through the tissue paper for the present inside. Alex looked at me strangely as he pulled out the spiral notebook. He’d seen me doodling in it for the past few months. It wasn’t a surprise in that sense. He opened it up to the first page.
Inside was a note, ‘To the best partner a man could ask for. This is our life, past, present and future’.
Alex started flipping through the book quickly looking to see how many drawings were in there. It was full. I’d been working on it for a while. He looked up at me, “This is what you’ve been drawing? You’ve been planning this?”
I shook my head. “At first it was just memories that I couldn’t get rid of. Then I had the idea of sketching Serenity and so I just started doing everything. I didn’t know if it’d be filled by your birthday though.”
“Holy fuck, Nox.” Alex sat down at the island in the kitchen and pulled the stool up and sat down and flipped back to the front of the notebook and started at page one.
I cooked our meal in silence. The only sound was my knife and Alex’s breathing. He was totally absorbed in each drawing until he turned the page to find the next one.
He said nothing and I was getting anxious as I put the chicken in the oven with the vegetables to roast. I made us some coffee and tried to quell my fears, my irrational fears. I knew they were irrational. No one would devour and stare at something they hated – unless maybe they were that bad. I’d never given anyone anything I’d ever drawn except Dorian, and those were all technical things – patterns I saw so I could explain it to him.
There was my dream journals but they weren’t meant to be seen by others. This was for Alex. I’d made it for him, as proof of what I saw. Things I remembered.
I was lost in my drowning thoughts when the timer went off and I jumped.
Alex looked up at me and frowned. But in that moment he jumped out of his seat and rush around the island to pin me against the counter behind me. “Fuck. I’m sorry. I love it Nox. Stop….” He pressed a kiss to my lips and I focused on him, his love, his attention. My mind had gotten carried away and Alex had been lost in the drawings. I didn’t blame him, I did too. But he wasn’t half way through them.
When we broke apart, Alex folded the notebook closed and pushed it to the side. “Food, then while you go back to work, I’ll look at them.”
I gave him a shy nod and finished our lunch. Alex was my everything and I don’t think he quite really understood it. How easy it was to lose myself when I didn’t have him to help pull me back. Even Margo had commented on how well I was doing since Vegas.
The Mind of Nox 