#so when are we getting an official overflow video?

[searchingjedi]

EMILY ARMSTRONG performing Overflow (Mexico City, Mexico - January 31, 2025)

[ilikekidsshows]

Am I putting miraculous on a higher standart than I should when I say "I expect this show to have the same interesting and complex story like cardcaptor sakua or shugo chara"? Two of magical girl anime I know that has their love interest having active role than just a support like tuxedo Kamen from sailor moon who rarely join the fight. Especially shugo chara because miraculous is more similar in the aspect of abused cat boy as love interest and also has massive supporting cast. Neither of the anime I mentioned use tagline like girl power or anything though.

---

The thing about Miraculous is that it was also not sold as a “girl power” show. Astruc just started to claim the people criticizing his show hate when girls win and lead. It seems to be a bad case of the creator and publisher not agreeing on what this story is. Because, apparently he doesn't want to use the secondary lead he was told to put in to appeal to a wider audience. Only, he also claims it was the suits who didn't think Adrien could carry an episode so ‘Lies’ was really difficult to get, despite Adrien carrying episodes in the early seasons, like ‘Copy Cat’ and the Christmas Special the suits wanted so badly Astruc had to give them two. Like, is Adrien seen as an appealing character by the people paying for this show or not? Is Astruc suffering from having to write a character he didn’t want or being denied the freedom to write him? We'll never know the truth when Astruc is telling us because he’ll say whatever he thinks will make him look better on each day. “Oh, I never wanted him in a major role. The marketing did that against my wishes!” or “Oh, I really had to push to have a single episode focus on him because the suits didn't think he'd appeal to the audience (because Marinette is so much more appealing, you see).”

The “girlpower” approach is something Astruc himself is only kind of pandering to when he talks about how cool and awesome Marinette is while for other kid characters his usual comments are “I didn't even write that/that wasn't my idea”, and the show’s defenders love to use “girlpower” and “girlboss” as buzzwords, until it became too obvious that Marinette kinda sucks, so now the word of the hour is “girlfailure”. The fandom are the ones using the buzzwords. I don't think Astruc would straight-up promise the audience a girlboss protagonist, but, like, he would totally take credit for it if someone tweeted something like “Marinette is such a cool girlboss!” at him. 

At this point I'm convinced Miraculous is making its money off branded shit like shampoos and bedsheets with the cast slapped on them because I still don't see any variety in the not-Kwami Miraculous toys sold in my country. It's still the crappy action figures where the Marinette one doesn't have eyebrows and the Adrien one doesn't have Plagg that came out years and years ago. There's no way this garbage is selling that well, it reeks of overflow product they're too cheap to put on sale to get rid of. But the store I get milk from frequently has different Miraculous coloring books and bedsheets. And it makes sense that the toys aren't selling, since the show constantly fails to showcase any of the non-Marinette characters the toys are made out of.

I know the Digimon anime had the toy company gave them a list of which Digimon they wanted featured in the show, and the Tamers season went even further by them demanding video game characters and the official card game be featured in the show, but, generally, the writers were able to work with it, and Tamers' approach to their limitations created one of the most fondly-remembered Digimon seasons. I'm saying maybe the writers have too much freedom when it comes to Miraculous and they should be given a list of characters to feature so that we can get better toys than "Marinette with the other characters' Miraculouses".

[brunchbitch]

Hi! I was wondering, if you feel comfortable, if you could give an update as to how the wedding went and what your honeymoon was like? Only if you'd like to and it's not too private to share. It's more that I (and I'm sure others) were excited for you in the lead up to your wedding, and you mentioned it was a lovely day so would be keen to hear more :)

hi!! i would love to! it means a lot that people would be interested :)

overall, the wedding was amazing. the weather was perfect on the island. the ceremony garden overlooked the salish sea:

at the ceremony, we chose to do quiet vows so the crowd couldn't hear. at one point, i had put a silly pun in mine and it made A throw his head back and laugh, which made everyone laugh, and that was a really special moment. my niece read wild geese, which G had given me a copy of when i was at 3E so it was really sweet to have her there for that. A's dad officiated the ceremony (he's a unitarian minister) so that was really special. he did such an amazing job - i can't wait for the video!

the two of us went back to the room after the ceremony to just be with each other for a few minutes. we were both laughing and crying at the same time - it was an overflow of emotions!

after the ceremony, we had cocktail hour in the garden with oysters, apps, and special drinks based on our cats:

(the goats loved getting fed by the kids!)

then we headed over to the barn where we had our very cool seating chart, designed to look like a bookshelf with people's names and table numbers on the spine:

we ate dinner outside in the shadow of the barn:

my best friend (the MOH) and A's brother (best man) gave hilarious toasts. then we went inside and had our first dance! i was sooooooo nervous (it was choreographed) but one of the sweet memories i'll have from the wedding is practicing in our bathroom the night before the wedding at like midnight. did not get much sleep that whole weekend!

it was an amazingly special day, one that i will never forget.

the honeymoon was also wonderful, but VERY hot. i do not do well in the heat lol so i was kind of crabby (also going through weed withdrawal which didn't help), but it cooled down a bit the second week so we did some more exploring.

(this was our view from the hotel)

we visited an old castle, an art museum in palma, a hammam (arab baths), took a sailboat for a sunset cruise (i got sick off the back of the boat lol but it was a beautiful sight while i was retching hahahaha), and went out for dinner pretty much every night. there have been a lot of anti-tourism protests in mallorca (many people come on cruise ships and/or stay at all inclusive resorts so they're not really contributing to the local economy) so we did our best to spend money at smaller restaurants and stores. we went out for a nice dinner the final night. it was a fun trip but we were both very ready to get back home, see the girls, and enjoy as much ice water as we wanted!!!

[iamaghost-fearme]

Found Footage

DannyMay 2022 Day 4: Videotape

Word Count: 882

AO3 Link

“Jack, where did you put the camcorder?” Maddie yelled down to her husband who was still packing weapons in the lab. She had the rest of their bags packed and ready to go for their weekend trip with the exception of the camcorder. Hopefully the older technology would help them pick up ghostly interference on their trip. They still struggled to collect evidence outside of Amity Park.

With no answer from Jack, she decided to continue her search upstairs. She’d already checked the lab and the living room. Maybe one of the kids borrowed it.

The door to Jazz’s door opened onto a tidy and organized room. Her bed was made and her desktop was neat and Maddie could quickly see that she didn’t have the camcorder. Danny’s room, on the other hand, was a mess. Piles of clothes littered the floor and bed covers trailed off the bed and across the room. The top of the desk and everything on it was obscured by loose papers and random writing utensils. A vaguely camcorder shaped lumped on the desk caught her attention. Maddie hesitated in the doorway. As a rule, she didn’t dig through her kids’ things, trust was important. If he’d left it out and easy to find, she wouldn’t feel quite so bad. Decision made, she carefully shifted the papers out of the way to reveal the camcorder and returned to the living room with it.

“Hey, you found it!” Jack exclaimed, emerging from the basement stairs with an overflowing bag of weapons.

“Yes, it was in Danny’s room.” She turned the camcorder over in her hands, searching for the cassette eject. The compartment popped open with a click and she pulled the tape out. “This tape is half-used. I can’t remember the last time we used this. What do you think it is?”

“Let’s watch it!” Sometimes her husband’s enthusiasm was more than she wanted to deal with when they were on a schedule.

“We really should get going. It’s a long drive and we -” she was cut off by Jack bounding over to the TV and firing up the old VCR.

The screen lit up, showing what looked like their lab floor. The image was shaky, like whoever was operating the camera was still getting it adjusted.

“What are you doing with that old piece of crap,” a voice asked from offscreen. “If you want to record this, we could just use my phone.”

“This is more official, it’s a video camera. Plus, haven’t you ever heard those stories about how ghosts show up on film?” a female voice argued. It almost sounded like Danny’s friends, but what would they be doing with their camcorder?

“Guys, can we just get to the training session? I still have math homework to finish.” That was Danny so the other voices must be Sam and Tucker. Those three were rarely apart, but what sort of training session could Danny be talking about?

The picture bounced around some more and finally came up to eye level. Danny was fixed in the center of the frame with their lab equipment pushed back against the walls. Behind him, the portal stood open, the swirling green abyss contrasting starkly with the shiny metal of the rest of the room. They never left the blast doors open so why would the kids be messing with the portal? It was a dangerous piece of equipment. Both Danny and Jazz had never been banned from the lab, but they’d always taken every opportunity to talk about lab safety with them, including how to safely handle their weapons and equipment.

“Ok, I’m good to go,” Sam said from behind the camera. The TV screen whited out as though a bright light was shone directly into the camera lens. “Yikes. The camera did not like that.”

“What happened?” The picture started to clear and a silhouette slowly solidified out of the white light. Where Maddie expected to see her son standing in their lab, she saw a sight that chilled her to her bones. Danny Phantom was standing in their house where only a moment before her Danny had been. None of the kids seemed concerned despite the obvious danger and the recording kept going.

“You kinda broke the picture for a minute. It’s clearing up though,” Sam reassured, no hint of fear in her voice. “Tucker, are you ready with the targets?”

“Why am I always the one that gets shot at?” Tucker whined.

“You aren’t getting shot at, you’re setting up the targets that get shot at. If you’re still in the way when we get started, that’s on you,” Sam shot back.

“Come on guys, we don’t have all day. My parents will be back before too long. They can’t chase the Box Ghost all day.”

Maddie could only stare at the screen, unable to process what exactly was happening. Phantom was obviously talking about them, it was their lab after all. But why call them his parents? And where was Danny? She hadn’t seen or heard him since the camera malfunction. She glanced at Jack to see him sitting in stunned silence, mouth agape. Before she could ask him what was wrong, the squeak of their unoiled front door broke their trance.

“Mom, Dad, I’m home.”

[lemoncheesecakecoffeecrumble]

A Poem of Woe: A Literary Analysis on the Anthology, ”Lockdown Litanies: Countless Untold Stories” a Paper by Alessandra Micaella Diaz

While reading the poems, It is evidence that, despite the fact that everything in the world is beautiful, we sometimes find beauty to be heartbreaking. This is similar to how this poem is a masterpiece, but it still saddens me. I'm reminded of a few things after reading it. A flawless sand structure will be swept away by the currents in a minute or two, regardless of how long I observe it. A sunset that is so flawless it overflows into the sky. Or a classical picture, languishing in a museum like a lonely prisoner, can never be finished no matter how long you stare at it. But maybe being fragile is part of being beautiful. Perhaps there is always room for improvement in the arts, whether through erasure or transformation.

I realized as I was reading Dear Diary that nothing, not even you, is ever genuinely eternal. It makes me sad to think that it will always remain a part of us despite our best efforts. The only option left to us is to try our best to cope. Because of this line in the poem, "Meeting strangers for warmth and solace, wanting for more but all was left in me, I ended up alone," the first song that came to mind was I'm With You - Avril Lavigne (Lyrics) 🎵. Her song is about trying to distract herself from loneliness by meeting strangers and figuring out her life. It shows that everything will change, so prepare for it.

One of my favorite poems was the second one. It makes me think of the 2022 election, especially with regard to Leni Robredo, our former vice president. I'll never forget how she raised our hopes for a better presidency, but, as in the poem, she lost. Furthermore, we see how she gets up and continues to think of ways to help us, exactly like in the poem. When you read the poem and the song ROSAS (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO) simultaneously, the music hits differently.

This poem makes me feel as though I could write someone using the most complex adjectives from my vocabulary, write them on aromatic paper, and send them white roses as a gesture of appreciation. However, despite the years passing, I have yet to come up with a different way to quit writing for you. It is as if I wrote everything for the men who crossed my path while still thinking of you. It has some connection to Joji - Glimpse of Us Like Yayi felt between her husband and Dante, the lyrics that truly got to me were "Why then, if she is so perfect, do I still wish that it was you?"

Two Red Lace on the Wonderwall is comparable to meeting someone who then introduces you to an entirely new realm that you had no idea existed. A setting where you can be who you are, even when you're with that person. A world where you can finally hold someone in reality—someone who tells you what you want to hear and listens to what you want to say—and where you can stop visualizing yourself in a make-believe setting. Someone who gives meaning to love songs once more. A person who seems too good to be true but is in fact true. Because of how she describes the man, and if you read the poem again, it states there that she already tried it with several men, it's similar to the line from the song "If Life Is a Movie Then You're the Best Part" Daniel Caesar & H.E.R - Best Part (Lyrics)

It is about a child who values his mother as well as the mother who represents how wonderful ladies can be. Tragically, life keeps us from living in a way that is empty of pain. The poem makes me think of a line from Ariana Grande - God is a woman (Lyric Video): "You, you love it how I move you. You love it how I touch you." The line may not make sense to other people, but it makes me think of a child appreciating and adoring his mother for taking wonderful care of him.

Callousness is shown in the poem RE: Paper (I'm Red, IMRaD)*. There is absolutely nothing wrong with aiming for a greater state of education, but a lack of capabilities can crush the dreams of young people who had high hopes of finishing their studies early to enable them to bring food for their family, to help the parents who has to carry out two jobs to pay for tuition. I am sure that those decisions were carefully considered, but there were numerous students and families who had hardships concerning that statement.The song "Shawn Desman - Difference (Philippine Poverty)" comes to mind when I read this.

It's difficult to forget that everything has an end because of the cruelty of this world, but it must be remembered. Our daily burdens might be small or so heavy that we are no longer able to shoulder them. If we don't correctly employ our thoughts, it will poison us. It creates scenes and motion pictures that could exist inside of us. Just terrible that some people allowed it to enter their minds. The poem gave me a glimpse into the mind of a self-murderer. $uicideBoy$ – ...And To Those I Love, Thanks For Sticking Around (Lyric Video) is the poem that goes with it.

Our wellbeing is impacted by certain people's viewpoints, which can make us feel alone, unheard, and kept in the dark. The poem My Frail Lady struck me for how inviting and soothing it is to read while still invoking powerful emotion. It shows a young woman who committed suicide after searching for serenity and discovering it. The way they made her dying lovely was so well done.Taylor Swift – peace (Official Lyric Video) comes to mind since all she ever wanted was for there to be peace.

It's wonderful to have loved ones that help, support, believe in, and try to comprehend us during times when we don't know what we're all about. In the poem, the fortune teller is the one who makes an effort to comprehend the speaker, acting as though they were giving a friend who needed some guidance, I may connect this poem to Umbrella - Rihanna (Lyrics) 🎵, whose line "You can stand under my umbrella" is equivalent to the phrase "I got your back, dude!"

Last but not least, it is not our fault that we are simply frail, prone to error. Our shortcomings are not our fault. It has been easier for me to grasp how our experiences have influenced both our lives and those around us since this anthology has made me aware of people's diverse personalities and aspects. It gave me a fresh viewpoint on how someone might maintain hope in the midst of tragedy. It shows that even if everything in the world is beautiful, we typically find beauty to be painful.

[fluffy-lee-boa]

[starts shaking like a wet chihuahua] FOR THE FICLETS … eddie playing w his rats on stream bc he’s a loser and U Know Exactly What Happens (yes this is inspired by the art u reblogged) . stupid idiot has to cut the stream off early bc it’s very hard to keep up with the evil voice when you’re giggling and wiggling around like a little worm

AAAAAAA this idea is so cute 😭 Edward’s Rats My Beloveds…..

hope you like what a whipped up real quick! small warning for mentions of his past/present/pretty much the usual edward nashton deal but also very fluffy because i’m woobifying him 24/7 365 <3

“Yeah, I know a lot of you were pretty gung-ho about the wireless detonators, but I think in this case it’s best to stick with the usual electronic. Considering the plan as it stands now, they might have my computers by the time the clock strikes, so we need do it the old fashioned way. Not that the GCPD has any technical knowledge, I’m just being precautious. They’re also… incredibly expensive.”

Edward was currently standing in his usual filming corner, his burner phone propped up against his overflowing bookcase as he spoke to his invisible audience. He leaned in to read off the live chat, making comments here and there as he waited for more people to join so they could officially get started. He’d usually have a small audience in the moment, at most 100 people, though the views of past streams would rise over the course of the day while he was out working.

He was in full Riddler garb, of course, though the voice changer wasn’t necessary for a community stream like this. He felt a little safer with these anonymous commenters, despite all of them being strangers to him. He knew they had to be smart if they could riddle their way through his scattered clues across social media, and they most likely supported him or else these videos would have leaked long ago.

“Thank you for the donation, KingOfTheJokerz, uh- Yes, I actually did get that enclosure for the rats since they chewed through the old box. It was a little expensive, but they need to be ready to play their part when the time comes, right? Their minds will have to be sharp, and that requires space to move around.” Ed disappeared off screen for a moment, before coming back into frame with a cage in his arms.

The small rodents inside seemed intrigued by the attention, a few moving to sniff at the glove of the hand that carried them back to the table in front of the camera. They squeaked softly, nosing at each other once Edward moved back to the center. Even under the mask, he looked proud of himself.

“You know,” he intoned, “When I was young, I hated these guys. Living in the slums of this dark, desolate city, sleeping in tattered beds, they used to bite at me. All night. There wasn’t a year that went by that I didn’t need to have at least one rabies shot, and even then there were many times In lucky to have survived without any medical attention. But… The Batman, he showed me that I could use that fear. Control it. I’ve learned that these rats, they’re not so different from you and I. They’re desperate.”

With that, he turned and set the cage on a nearby table, gently unlatching the gate and reaching in to bring out his favorite of the bunch. It was a small, gray specimen. Probably the youngest. It crawled into his palm and gladly allowed the killer to remove him from the huddle and shut the gate closed once more.

“This is Hush.” He once again turned to the camera, showing off the rat in his hands, “He’s incredibly intelligent. He’s the fastest at finishing the prototype mazes, he’s going to do great things.”

‘Hush’ looked up at him, his nose twitching as he observed the masked man.

A small ding signaled that there had been another donation, this time the comment read ‘Will you be keeping them after they’ve done their job?’

Edward furrowed his brow, suddenly feeling a little bit sad about it all, “Thanks, GCitySiren, but you’re probably not going to like the answer. Even if the plan goes off without a hitch, which it will, I’ll be behind bars for what very well may be the rest of my life for cleansing this place of the filth like Colson. I suppose I could have a talk, with the Batman, once we meet in person. He could probably have their living accommodations arranged. Maybe if I’m lucky Batman will break me out himseLF-! HUSH-!”

His last exclamation had come out as more of a yelp, as while he was busy dreaming of the future, the rat had rather comically disappeared into his sleeve. He huffed, at first merely annoyed by it all, “Hm. He must think my jacket is another maze to solve. Maybe I’ve been overworking him- Whoahahaoa-“

He slapped a hand over his mouth when he realized that he was in a lot more trouble than he’d originally thought. Because honest to god, that little rodent crawling up his arm and pushing around in the dark with its snout tickled. A lot.

The embarrassing reactions only vamped up as Hush made his way all the way up to where Ed’s sleeve met his torso, the whiskers like tiny feathers all along his skin. The first hiccups giggled slipped through, and he was honestly grateful his face was entirely hidden as he tried to cover it up with a cough.

“U-Uh… one second. I think he’s in my SWEATER,” Edward’s voice lurched when the swipe of a tail was felt in his underarm, though he did his best not to struggle or move as he was terrified of hurting the poor thing. He whispered a curse before quietly admonishing, “Hush, get OUHOUT! Ah-! Out of theHERE RIHIGHT NOW!”

The Riddler himself stumbled back into the wall behind him, slowly sliding down as he fell into a pile of childish giggles. It hadn’t exactly been fair- Even if his death spot was thankfully not anywhere on his torso, the scurrying over his ribs and between the dips overloaded his senses pretty quickly on account of his unused he was to such things. Plus he felt so utterly helpless, with all those eyes on him yet no one around to help.

He reached up to make sure his mask and glasses were secure, his boots scuffling on the floor as he continued to fall apart. His laughter was pretty much the opposite of what one might assume from the get up and the murderous intentions. He sounded like a fairy, or the jingle of a tiny bell. The opposite of threatening.

When Hush stopped for a moment to sniff around, it gave The Riddler a brief moment of clarity to fully comprehend how embarrassing this was. He scrambled to his feet, stammering out something about technical difficulties as he rushed to grab his phone and end the stream. Though he only made it a few steps before he curled in on himself, trying to shield his stubbornly sensitive belly despite the threat being under the fabric, gently nibbling at him now that he was up and moving again. His cutesy laugh returned almost immediately, and he shook himself out like a doll trying to get the rat to stop.

This time though, he managed to stay on his feet, and after quite a bit of frantic worm-like movements and titters, he staggered over and quickly pressed the exit button, not even glancing at the comments in fear of getting anymore red in the face. Once he was sure he would no longer be heard, his laughter bubbled forward like a dam had been broken, and he quickly fell back to the ground and lay there like a starfish to avoid injuring Hush.

“EEHE- HuhuHUHUSH please-! You’re embarrassing meeeeEEE!” he wheezed out between chirping laughter, pounding his fists on the floor.

After what felt like hours of fumbling and ticklish squirming, his managed to unbutton his jacket and wiggle out of his sweater, the rat simply settling down in the dip of his collar once he was aware he was caught. Even then, Ed had to regain his breath before he could remove Hush from his persons, and for a minute more he felt intermittent licks at his cheek.

“Ok, ok I love you too,” he huffed as he finally sat up, taking Hush back into his hands to cradle him.

He looked over and noticed his phone had fallen nearby, and after a bit, curiosity got the better of him. He quickly got Hush back into his cage before opening his phone again to read the chat he’d left behind.

And yes, somehow he did get even more red.

[watchmegetobsessed]

The best present - Harry Styles

Sequel to UPDATE

on demand, this is a fluffy little sequel to update, hope you’ll like it! tagging the people who asked for said sequel: @urdadbtch​ @f-vasquezp​ 

word count: 3k

masterlist

Harry has a soft spot for surprises. Especially if he is the one planning them for a loved one. The overflowing joy he sees in one’s eyes upon receiving a carefully planned surprise just gives him a different type of satisfaction in life, one he couldn’t live without.

His life has taken a pleasant turn ever since Y/N entered it, virtually and in a real dimension. It hasn’t been the easiest with his hectic schedule and her anchored life in Spokane, but with some time paid to adjusting to the situation they managed to make it work. He wouldn’t have settled for anything else, because he just simply couldn’t imagine his life without her anymore and luckily she felt the same way.

Harry fell in love with her quicker than what it took for the weather to turn cold in the fall. It felt like the most natural thing that has ever happened to him, to fall for her whole being, everything that’s her on the inside and outside. Harry often caught himself thinking what he did in life to earn such a beautiful person in his life. He hasn’t figured that one out yet.

Y/N was like a warm summer breeze on a hot august evening, easily charmed anyone and everyone Harry introduced her to. She slowly but surely met some of the most important people in Harry’s life and he just couldn’t wrap his head around the fact that it felt like she’s been part of his life since forever even on the first meetings.

“She is wonderful, I love her,” his mother told him when they finally had the chance to meet upon a weekend they spent in New York. It was a lucky time when both his mother and Y/N were free and he took the chance to cook up a mini vacation in the city right away. Anne was thrilled to meet the woman that had her son wrapped around her fingers even before meeting.

Harry felt like he was on the top of the world when he saw the two women get along like they’ve been friends for years, it filled his heart even more.

The situation was quite the same with Gemma, in just a blink of an eye they were making plans on their own not including Harry, which hit him a little hard in the chest, but he was happy knowing they found the common ground.

“You amaze me so much,” he once told Y/N when they were spending the night at her place, one of those weekends when Harry flew all the way to Spokane just to spend less than 48 hours with her. Even with the long flights and hustle that came with the traveling he wouldn’t have done it any other way. If he could see her smile for just ten minutes he would have travelled days.

“I do?” she asked smirking up at him, putting her book aside as she rested her chin on his tattooed chest.

“Mhm,” he hummed with a quirky smile. “In so many ways.”

“Write a song about them so I can listen to it,” she told him as a joke. Little did she know that not even a week later that’s exactly what Harry did. It was another addition to the endless list of songs she inspired.

December creeped its way around the corner faster than they were expecting and in a blink of an eye every store was filled with Christmas ornaments and wrapping papers, the most iconic Christmas songs were played everywhere, making those who work at retail want to throw Michael Bublé and Mariah Carey right out the window for every having the thought of recording Christmas music.

Harry and Y/N had plans for the holidays. They agreed on spending three days from 22nd to 24th with his family and then fly to Portland to be with her family from the 25th to 27th before they head to New York City to spend the last few days left from the year together and celebrate the new year at a party Harry was invited to.

These plans were set in stone right until Harry decided to surprise his lover with the best gift he could think about. It was a tough call and took him weeks to arrange but Harry was able to get Y/N’s brother to leave for the holidays earlier, on the 21st instead of just the 26th.

“Why are we changing it again?” Y/N asks curiously as she sits on Harry’s lap when they are changing their plane tickets so they could start the holidays at her family instead of his.

“Mom is not going to be home until the 24th,” he lies and then adds: “Gemma is also gonna only arrive on the 23rd. Figured it would work better. We would be at your parents’ from the 21st to the 23rd, go to the UK from 24th to 26th and there is an early flight so we would be in Portland by the time your brother arrives.”

He had spent a long time figuring out how to manage the dates so she wouldn’t be suspicious. Seemingly, it worked, because Y/N nods as she stands up and walks over to the kitchen.

“Alright. But isn’t that too much of a hustle to go back and forth two times?”

“Not that horrible,” Harry smiles in her way, his fingers moving fast on the keyboard to make the right changes for their trips before she returns and sees that the dates are not exactly the same as he told her. Luckily, she hops onto the kitchen counter as he finishes up and closes his laptop feeling ecstatic about the surprise he has planned for her.

“It’s gonna be busy,” she points out as Harry walks over to her, placing his hands on each side of her on the counter.

“But we will be busy together,” he grins leaning closer to steal a kiss.

As the days pass by Harry is growing more and more excited about the surprise. He almost slipped a few times upon talking about the holidays, but managed to save the situation just in time. Y/N had no idea what he had in store for her.

“That’s all your stuff for our trip?” Y/N asks when Harry arrives to her place with his decent, normal sized suitcase that has his essentials for the next about seven days while they will be on the road. He glances down at his bag before walking inside and setting it down in the hallway.

“Love, I’ve learned how to pack in a smart way,” he tells her teasingly before pecking her on the lips while he takes his coat off and hangs it in the hallway.

“Yeah, but it’s an entire week. I’m going with twice this much.”

“’Cuz you are packing for New York as well. We’ll be staying in my place, remember? I don’t need stuff for that time,” he reminds her and he is right, but she is still amazed at how he managed to fit everything he needs into just one suitcase.

That night Harry lies awake with her sleeping form next to him. Looking around the room he thinks about how this is the same place he fell in love with her, but it was through just a screen. All the plants, the furniture, the bed he saw behind her in the videos are now his reality as well and in just a few short months they have grown so close to each other, he couldn’t imagine his life in a different way.

“What’s the matter?” he hears her groggy voice coming from next to him and looking to the side he sees that she is blinking at him in the dark.

“Nothing,” he shakes his head, turning to his side to face her, noses almost touching on the pillow.

“Then why aren’t you sleeping?” she asks, sneaking a hand to his back under the covers and she starts to gently stroke his skin with his fingertips, sending a shiver down his spine.

“Just… excited about the holidays,” he whispers with a shrug. He can’t tell her that he is excited to meet your family, especially your brother since he is kind of the reason you ever got the chance to meet. He feels like he is too worked up about meeting her parents and cousins, but he can’t wait to feel like he is part of her family. What he doesn’t know is that she already sees him as part of it, has been since she realized how deeply in love she is with him.

“Mmm, excited about your gifts?” she teases him with closed eyes, but her fingers are still moving on his back. Harry lets out a soft chuckle.

“Especially about those.”

He brings his arm around her frame and pulls her to his chest as they make themselves comfortable under the covers, legs tangled, her face resting on his chest as he gently strokes her arms, soothing her back into sleep.

“I love you,” he whispers thinking she has already fallen back asleep. It wasn’t the first time he has said the words to her, but tonight just feels a little different.

“Love you too,” she mumbles back pressing a kiss to his naked chest before she sighs and lets herself fall back into sleep.

 Her family knew about the change in Sammy’s arrival, but Harry made them promise they won’t say a word to Y/N, keeping it as a surprise.

Her mother welcomes the two of them with warm excitement, the house already smelling amazing from all the different cookies she’s been baking, the dinner is also in the making on the stove.

“Finally here!” she hugs both of them, even though she hasn’t officially met Harry, only talked to him on the phone about Sammy’s early arrival. “Come on in!”

The two of them get rid of their winter attire before Harry turns to her mother holding out a hand to make their first meeting official.

“So nice to meet ya, I’m Harry.”

Instead of taking his hand her mother pulls him into another tight hug that he returns with a soft chuckle.

“I’m so happy you are finally here! I’ve heard so much good about you,” she tells him with a sly, knowing smile while Y/N is not looking. “I can tell you are a blessing to the family already.”

“Thank you,” he nods smiling.

Harry meets Y/N’s dad and two of her cousins who have arrived earlier and they all gather in the living room just talking at first, then soon enough they start playing board games. They get stuck on Activity, the pairs are Y/N and Harry, her mom and dad, and her two cousins. The competition is burning up the house, Harry can tell they all take the game very seriously.

Through the game Harry keeps glancing out the window, waiting for a car to park at the driveway. He has sent a car to pick Sammy up, but since he didn’t have his phone on him just yet he couldn’t let Harry know when he would be arriving exactly.

Just after he is done drawing in one of the rounds he sees the black car pull up at the house. Harry pretends to get a call and he can see the excitement grow in her parents’ eyes as they already know what this means, while Y/N is oblivious to anything that’s about to happen. Harry quietly makes his way out of the house hoping he didn’t draw her attention, and that’s when Sammy gets out of the car thanking the driver for the ride. As he turns around Harry is stunned to see how much the two of them resemble. He sees her eyes in his, their ears curl the same way and he has the exactly same hair color as her. There was no doubt the two of them were related.

“Harry, right?” he asks holding his hand out firmly that Harry takes smiling.

“Yeah. Sammy, I supposed.”

“The one and only,” he chuckles holding his bag’s strap over his shoulder.

“I would love to chat more, but I think we should move inside first,” Harry suggests and Sammy follows him up the few stairs that leads to the front door.

“Harry! Come on, we are up next!” Y/N calls out from the living room as the two guys walk inside.

She is seated on the floor, her back to the hallway so she doesn’t see when the two men walk in, grinning from ear to ear. She only notices something is happening when she sees her mother gasp happily at the sight of her son.

“What—“ she starts but turning around her words disappear as she stares up at her brother who she hasn’t seen in what feels like ages.

Harry overflows with joy when he sees how shocked she is, in the best way possible. He watches her leap to her feet and jolt right at Sammy, throwing herself into his arms as he lifts her up, twirling her around in excitement.

“Hi there, little sis,” he chuckles still holding her close as she is fighting with her tears upon the surprise she just had.

“How… What are you doing here early?” she asks in total awe as she tries to comprehend that he is truly here, in her arms.

“Ask you boyfriend,” Sammy chuckles looking in Harry’s direction. “He arranged an early leaving for me, I don’t know how, but he did,” Sammy adds letting go of his sister.

As her parents make their way to their son Y/N moves over to Harry, still in complete disbelief that he did this.

“How?” she asks, arms snaking up around his neck while his hands get a hold of her waist.

“I have… connections,” he shrugs shyly and she just shakes her head laughing before she pulls him down for the sweetest thank you kiss.

“I can’t believe you,” she sighs pecking his lips once again.

“What I can’t believe is that he could keep it a secret this long,” Sammy speaks up.

“Wait, how long have you known this?”

“A couple weeks. Got it finalized early December,” Harry admits, feeling proud that he could make this happen.

“So this is why we had to change the tickets!” she gasps in realization. “When do we have to leave for real then?”

“We are staying until the 25th, our plane leaves in the afternoon,” he smiles warmly as he sees her eyes light up. According to the original plans they would have had only two days with Sammy at home, but this way it’s almost four entire days. “This was the most I could get, Love,” Harry adds, feeling a bit guilty that they are leaving to see his family, but Y/N shakes her head.

“This is absolutely perfect. You gave me the best present,” she smiles cupping his face in her hands as she pulls him down for another kiss.

This Christmas goes down as the best one she has ever had. The time they spend with her family holds a special place in her heart, especially because she loves seeing her family and Harry get along so well. She now knows what he felt when she met his mother and sister. Seeing him be so kind to her mom and have loads of things to talk about with her dad and brother warms her in a way only Harry can make her feel.

The feeling doesn’t change when they arrive to his home. She feels like she is part of the family just as much as he is. They spend some splendid days with his extended family, enjoying the spirit of the holidays and she is almost sad when it’s time for them to leave.

“Come back soon, Sweetheart,” Anne tells her when they are saying goodbye at the airport.

“I will, if he is okay with bringing me next time,” she chuckles glancing at Harry by her side.

“Oh I sure am, Love,” he smiles kissing the top of her head.

Those couple of days they spend together in the city holds memories they will surely never forget. They finally get to spend time together without anything interrupting them, just enjoying the little moments, falling deeper in love with each passing day.

The last day arrives in a fast pace and neither of them can believe the year is ending so soon. They spend the day in bed mostly before it’s time to get ready for the party one of Harry’s friends is hosting in Manhattan.

It’s a nice way to end such a wonderful year, they mix and mingle with the guests but keep each other close, especially when they reach the last minutes of the year left. Harry takes her hand and pulls her out to the balcony to have some privacy before the countdown.

“Crazy how we are here,” he sighs as his arms are wrapped around her figure, warming her body as much as he can in the New York City winter time.

“Who would have thought?” she chuckles placing a sweet kiss to his jawline.

“Not me,” he admits laughing. “But I’m glad it’s my reality now.”

Y/N smiles up at him with gratitude in her eyes, just when the countdown starts inside.

“Have you ever had a New Year’s Eve kiss?” Harry asks as he pulls her closer, if that’s even possible.

“Sadly, I have not.”

“Then can I have the pleasure to be your first?” he smirks down at her and she just nods biting into her bottom lip.

“Three! Two! One!” the guests call out inside as the whole city erupts at the same time, fireworks go off and cheering echoes through the building, but it all fades into nothing as Harry leans down and kisses her sweetly. They spend the first couple of moments of the new year melted together until they pull back for air. The crispy winter air has turned his nose red quickly and she is lost in how adorable but handsome he still manages to look.

“Harry Styles,” she sighs feeling defeated by her own feelings. “You are one wonderful creature, you know that?” she wonders, as if she was saying her inner thoughts out loud. Harry chuckles as he presses a kiss to her forehead.

“That makes the two of us, Love.”

I’m opening a Harry taglist, let me know if you are interested in being on it!

[avinaccia]

A Completely Objective and Logical Ranking of Every Hetalia Character Song

New character songs are dropping,  I have too much time on my hands, let’s go. 

Also here’s a Youtube playlist for the ~✨nostalgia✨~

Bring it on in the tags 

71. Ah Legendary Class⭐The Awesome Me Highway [Prussia]: Absolutely tearing it up on the drums and on the vocal cords alike (I pray for Atsushi Kousaka). Great for the memes. 

70.  Happy Thoughts Museum [???]: This is listed as an official song but I had literally never heard of the title. Then I listened to it and BAM! Smack back to 2013 watching the teasers for the show on Funimation. Not sure I’d count it as a character song though...

69. (Nice)  My Song that is written by me for me [Prussia]: Deafened me but I can appreciate the industrial grind.

68.  My House is...Quiet. ~With the Trolls~ [Norway]: I have never heard this song, nor can I find any version of it online. By default it goes here and I am so sorry Norge.

67.  Make a Wish to Santa♪ [Sealand]: The discordant notes and childish exuberance only serve to make this sound like a demonic plea to Santa to eliminate the singer’s enemies.

66.  Heaven and Hell on Earth [Rome]: Rome sounds like he’s been in the corner of a restroom. Extra points for the metal version, minus points for the fact that the beach scene was replayed like 1764 times.

65. Canada Complete Introduction [Canada]: Quiet af until Kumacheerio shows up and blows out your speakers. they did you dirty my darling 😔

64.  It’s Easy!!! [America]: I don't think any video of this has ever stayed up for more than 20 seconds. Sounds cool, but like I was listening to 20 different genres at once, someone make him calm down.

63.  Bù Zàiyì the Small Stuff ☆ [China]: I cannot for the life of me find the complete song anywhere, clips have a cool beat though

62.  Let's Boil Hot Water♪ [Italy]: Exactly what it says on the tin..though a bit too close to elevator music for my tastes.

61.  The Fragrance of Early Summer [Japan]: Very ‘from the books’ Japan-esque song

60.  Peace Sounds Nice…[Baltic Trio]: All well and good until the radio demon shows up

59.  W●D●C ~World Dancing~ [America]: How a song can sound like it’s from 4 different decades at once is beyond me

58.  Overflowing Passion [BFT]: This is just drunken karaoke and I have 0 clue what’s going on #iconicforallthewrongreasons

57. Ren●Ren●Renaissance♪ [Rome+Chibitalia]: Wholesome Grandpa with Grandson content - barring the fact that Italy sounds on the verge of a nervous breakdown and Rome has had too much wine.

56.  Roma Antiqua [Rome]: Similar energy to any one of China’s songs - there’s a part of the song where it sounds like he’s singing in the shower, and I will never not laugh at [CENSORED]

55.  Country From Where the Sun Rises, Zipangu [Japan]: Very chill, very Japan, but just meh for me.

54.  Moon Over Emei Shan [China]: Good message, okay song.

53.  My Friend [England]: What a mind palace you must have Mr. Kirkland

52.  With Love, from Iceland [Iceland]: Three words: Heavy. Metal. Puffin.

51.  Having Friends is Nice...♫ [Russia]: Russia is the cutest thing ever

50.  Mm. [Sweden]: Smooth transition from WWE Smackdown to shopping at IKEA.

49.  Why don’t you come over? ~Beyond the Northern Lights~ [Iceland]: I don’t want to be mean but...this does sound like the second closing theme to an anime whose first closing was much more popular (à la Soul Eater)

48. Gakuen☆Festa [Germany, Italy, Japan]: Sounds like a 60s song of the summer but oh dear their voices do not go together. Hella cute though.

47.  Wa! Wa!! World Ondo [Main Cast]: One time I travelled 10 hours in a coach bus with a bunch of teenagers to a city of note in my country, and the only souvenir I bought was the fucking PAINT IT WHITE DVD. Perfectly chaotic, UN ĐĕùX~~

46.  In the Bluebell Woods [England]: In the album cover for this song he’s holding a guitar but this is not a rock song. Still has ‘running through the hills’ levels of dramatism though.

45.  Poi Poi Poi♪ [Taiwan]: You’re telling me that Taiwan, someone whose has *ONE LINE* in Beautiful World (which is criminal tbh what kind of representation-) managed to get an eNTIRE CHARACTER SONG???????

44.  White Flame [Russia]: There’s something to be said for a song that is 3x the length of any Hetalia episode

43.  Ich liebe… [Germany]: Baking cakes for your friends has never been so wholesome.

42.  We Wish you a Merry Christmas [America, China, England, France, Russia]: Nice to see they’ve gotten their shit together since United Nations Sta-hmm.

41.  Ah, Worldwide à la mode [France]: Sounds like a Disney Princess song, hard not to picture France frolicking in a field of flowers.

40.  Che Bello! ~My House is the Greatest!⭐~ [Italy]: Would not be out of place in an advertisement for Sea World.

39.  May You Smile Today [Japan]: THE feel good song of the summer

38.  Let’s Look Behind the Rainbow [Italy]: I will protect you.

37.  I'm your HERO☆ [America]: “Anyone who’s sad or sullen will be arrested” did NOT age well.

36.  Mein Gott! [Prussia]: Alternating headphone effect at the beginning is cool, so is the confidence...the actual singing on the other hand...

35. Nihao⭐China [China]: Listen, all of China’s character songs are great, I just can’t vibe with this one like some of the others.

34.  Pechka ~Light My Heart~ [Russia]: I’m still having difficulty wrapping my head around the fact that this and Winter were released at the same time.

33.  Pukapuka⭐Vacation [Germany, Italy, Japan]: Seems just a bit too much like they’re running on a treadmill that’s picking up speed and trying to sing at the same time. Peppy.

32.  Santa Claus is Coming to Town [Germany, Italy, Japan]: This is unironically the best song sung by this trio; can only vibe with for two months out of the year though.

31.  Excuse Me, I Am Sorry [Japan]: Japan’s character traits speedrun. Gives me barbershop quartet vibes for some reason but is catchy as hell.

30.  The Story of Snow and Dreams [Russia]: A superhero anime opening in the making

29. England’s Evil Demon Summoning Song [England]: Sir that is not how you roast a marshmallow, don’t cut yourself on that edge.

28.  Moi Moi Sauna♪ [Finland]: Exactly the type of song you’d expect and it’s wonderful

27.  United Nations Star⭐ [America, China, England, France, Russia]: This isn’t as much of a song as it is a four minute struggle for everyone to sing without America yelling every 5 seconds...Like a particularly musical episode of Hetalia.

26.  Paris is Indeed Splendid [France]: Paris-pa-pa-pa-paris

25.  Absolutely Invincible British Gentleman [England]: Poppy, rocky, polka-dotty

24.  Vorwärts Marsch! [Germany]: To quote the comment section: “This sounds like a German version of I’ll Make a Man out of you.” There’s some truth to that.

23.  Hamburger Street [America]: The product of America’s rapper phase. 8/10 because he’s trying so hard and because I can unironically sing along to all of this.

22.  Hoi Sam☆Nice Guy [Hong Kong]: A song that would absolutely destroy the ankles of anyone in DDR.

21.  I Am German-Made [Germany]: There was once a version that had Germany and Prussia singing at the same time and it sounded positively demonic and Broadway could never

20.  La pasión no se detiene ~Unstoppable Passion~ [Spain]: Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show-stopping...

19.  Fall in Love, Mademoiselle [France]: Sounds like it should be in Mozart Opera Rock, I have kiss kiss falled in love.

18. Embrace the Très Bien Moi [France]: This is the definition of SELF LOVE PEOPLE. 

17. Carrot and Stick [Belarus&Ukraine]: Absolutely DRIPPING in 2000s power ballad energy. The type of song that plays on repeat in the mind of the widow whose millionaire husband ‘mysteriously disappeared’ (and the only legit character song ever acknowledged by the anime)

16. C.B.C (Cowboyz Boot Camp) Vol. 1 [America]: AH MAH GAWWDDD

15. Winter [Russia]: Heavy metal fever dream and the perfect song for an angst-ridden teenager

14.  Seychelles Here ⭐ Vacation Island [Seychelles]: UN👏DER👏RA👏TED SONG👏OF 👏THE 👏SUM👏MER👏

13.  Nah, it will settle itself somehow [Romano]: One day I aspire to reach this level of chill

12.  Let’s Enjoy Today [England]: I will never not feel happy when listening to this.

11.  Einsamkeit [Germany]: Ludwig manages to air every single one of his worries about not being good enough compared to his friends and always being perceived as mean or uptight when he’s actually just a softie and now my heart hurts. 💔

10.  Aiyaa Four Thousand Years [China]: A very poignant and beautiful song about the passage of time and the inevitability of its passing; comparable to an ancient ballad complete with explosive crescendos and meaningful lyrics.

9.  Bon Bon Bon❤️C’est Bon C’est Bon! [France]: Peppy, cheerful, adorable, groundbreaking; has been my alarm tone for six years and I’ve yet to tire of it. 9/10 The moaning interspersed throughout has been an interesting wake-up call.

8.  Let’s Enjoy! Let’s Get Excited! Cheers! [Denmark]: This is on par with Everytime we Touch by Cascada in terms of rage potential unlocked (the good kind)

7.  Dream Journey [Japan]: Whoever’s playing the shakuhachi is absolutely KILLING IT. Dramatic, wonderful, great metaphors.

6.  Gourmet’s Heart Beginner Level [China]: Absolute banger, I’m a vegetarian but this would inspire me to eat shumai.

5.  Always with you...Nordic Five! [Nordic FIVVVVVEEEE]: Everyone harmonizes beautifully except for Denmark. Extremely catchy, number placement seemed appropriate. 

4.  Pub and GO! [England]: I love this trash man

3. Maji Kandou⭐Hong Kong Night [Hong Kong]: If you thought Denmark’s song was a banger JUST YOU WAIT. I WILL BLOW OUT MY SPEAKERS LISTENING TO LO-HA-SU.

2. Steady Rhythmus [Germany]: THIS SONG IS METAL AF. Seriously, if it can be classified as ‘hardcore’ by my father and his group of 50-somethings who have decided to single-handedly gatekeep the metal and hardrock genres, it can do anything.

1.  The Delicious Tomato Song 🍅 [Romano]: Beautiful, absolutely awe-inspiring, poignant, catchy lyrics with an extremely deep meaning that only years of meticulous research and analysis can unlock, Romano I love you.

BONUS: Closing Songs

5. Hatafutte Parade (World Series) 

4. Hetalian⭐Jet (The World Twinkle): The song is good, the dancing is cursed 

3. Chikyuu Marugoto Hug Shitainda (World⭐Stars)

2. Marukaite Chikyuu (Hetalia: Axis Powers): nE NE PaPA

1. Mawaru Chikyuu Rondo (The Beautiful World)

[defdaily]

GQ Korea Magazine June 2021 issue featuring JAY B: in transition

To prove himself, JAY B is constantly changing. Because he has so much to show.

Translated by defdaily

Your greeting from the video earlier was new. You said “This is GOT7’s JAY B and H1GHR MUSIC’s JAY B.” After GOT7 parted ways with JYP Entertainment, you told fans that you were a freelancer and I guess you’ve found your spot.

Yes. It has not been announced officially yet but I’m H1GHR MUSIC’s JAY B. I told fans I was a freelancer as a joke. I like communicating with fans as if we’re friends. But I was looking for a company at that time too.

How did you make your decision?

Of course I thought about it a lot. I talked with various companies, but when considering the freedom and synergy, I felt like H1GHR MUSIC fit me well. That seemed like the best decision.

What kind of synergy and effect are you looking forward to?

I don’t think “I’m definitely hip-hop!” just because I joined a hip-hop label. I think that through the label I can show R&B, dance and pop genres too. I want to attempt different things without any boundaries.

What did you talk about with H1GHR MUSIC’s CEO Jay Park?

From my point of view, it’s a new challenge so I was a little anxious. But Jay Bum hyung’s thoughts were similar to mine and said I could do music comfortably and didn’t wish for any certain colour, because if you keep focusing on one thing, you’ll slowly be locked in it, and said it’s good to try out different things. That’s what he told me.

Will this period of time divide JAY B of the past and future?

Of course it will. If previously it was a situation where I mainly received benefits from the company, now that I have the autonomy, I feel that I should do things myself and I grew a deeper sense of responsibility in that way. I think there’s a need to be more proactive. And I plan on prudently moving forward one step at a time with an appropriate amount of nervousness. Because this is the process of starting from the beginning, I am very careful about every decision.

What factors influenced your decision the most?

Feeling/intuition. I have a feeling of whether I think I should do something or not.

It feels like you have a pretty good sense of the direction you want to move forward in.

I asked Jay Bum hyung why he recruited me and he said that skills were of course a factor but that I seemed like I would work hard consistently. It’s a given to be working hard on your own things but the most important thing is consistency. I've been doing that for a long time, and I'll continue to do what I've been doing.

Do you have any values that you’ve held on for a long time?

I’ve always thought that it’s important to never forget the things that I’ve done and have been doing. I debuted as GOT7. I cannot just suddenly say “I’m not an idol,” and I do not want to disappoint the fans. I’m very thankful. While promoting as part of GOT7, I never forgot the fact that I started as a b-boy at first and that I’m a person who likes hip-hop.

People’s expectations are high because of GOT7’s achievements. On one hand, there must be people viewing you thinking ‘let's see how well it could go.’

I am mindful of that. But it’s just GOT7 JB that was that big, JAY B as an individual isn’t that great. To be honest, sometimes I think that I’m nothing. If you ask people my age which idols they know, even if many people know about GOT7, they might not know me very well. It’s important to be acknowledged for my music but I feel like I have to get my name out there first. There is someone called GOT7’s JAY B, H1GHR MUSIC’s JAY B. I feel like this is just the beginning for me.

It sounds like you are at a point where you feel the need to prove yourself. Do you not worry that fans might not be accepting if you do what you like and want to do?

Rather than being worried, I see it as something that could happen. For example, I could use profanity or harsh expressions if I feel that they’re needed for better musical completion. I can’t help it if some fans who used to like me as an idol hear that and turn their backs. I also don’t want to give up or lose my own standards because of such reactions.

I see you're very determined to make creations of your own. I heard that you're going to release a new song soon. How is it?

The title is Switch It Up. Should I say it’s close to Hip-Hop Dance? It’s a different style from what I have been making consistently under the name Def. You could say it is a little similar to the solo songs I’ve included in GOT7 albums before. I focused on the purpose of informing the public and the music scene that “I think I will do this sort of music in the future." I’m also sending a message to fans saying that I’ll be starting to promote actively again so look forward to it.

I'm curious. Is there any image that came to mind while working on it?

A sexy image. If I use Def. to freely express my personal stories in any genre, I made a distinction that JAY B does cool and sexy music. Regardless, they are both me, but JAY B is more like a fictional character who can show various sides of me.

What do you think are your strengths as an artist?

There is no such thing. I never thought that an artist should be a certain type of way. I think an artist is one who lives the same life as others, but feels differently, and knows how to express that well. As a matter of fact, anyone can do that. Even everyday office workers, when their stress piles and piles and they scribble down their emotions then toss the paper out, I think that can be a way of art too.

I like that. In any form, what do you want to talk about the most now?

That’s what I’m contemplating a lot right now. I think I’ve been pouring out too much. When writing songs, making the melody or arranging the music isn’t that hard but I don’t know what to write about. The same goes for coming up with titles too. No matter how hard I try to come up with an idea, I can’t think of one. I just think, “ I guess it'll just come out gradually.”

Not as JAY B but as Lim Jaebeom, what have you been thinking about or trying to do?

I try to think positively.

Ah not long ago, we saw you posted on your Instagram “Let’s try to think positively.”

I had quite a lot of worries and a negative mindset. A lot of people may live with unnecessary worries but I’m a little worse. I guess it’s my nature. So I try my best to relax my heart/mind and say “it’s good,” “everything will be okay.”

In introspection, what is something that you are most satisfied with?

That’s hard. No matter how hard I think about it, I feel like there's nothing I like about myself at the moment.

Why? Did something change?

No, it’s not that. Even with one thing, one day you could like it and another day you could dislike it. It’s natural to change your mind. So when I speak, I often use the terms “always” and “at the moment.” Anyways, it’s not that I think that my current self is completely bad, but I’m not satisfied to the point where I would go “wow.”

Then, among the various images that you embody, which do you feel is the piece of clothing that fits perfectly?

I think naturally, the clothing of the name Lim Jaebeom is the most natural and comfortable. Because I’ve got a good hold of the side that is most like me, there can exist Def., JAY B of GOT7 and JAY B of H1GHR MUSIC. Oh, I could explain it like this. If Lim Jaebeom is the earth, just as there exists oceans, mountains, and cities within it, there are various sides of myself that are making up my life.

What will happen to GOT7 in the future?

We probably will not be able to promote as actively as before, but the members and I are trying our best to do anything. I often look up and watch videos of when we were promoting and I miss the GOT7 from those days. The overflowing passion and energy as well. Looking back, it was really fun. It's similar to the feeling of reminiscing about school days.

What did you gain personally from the past 7 years promoting as GOT7?

Should I say, I think I’ve gained expertise? People around me say I’ve become much more relaxed now. But I still get nervous. I was nervous even before today’s shoot. But in turn, I’ve gained ways to overcome the nerves. I guess that comes to show that I’ve become experienced

What kind of person does Lim Jaebeom want to be?

I wish I could be endlessly kind and do only good things, but in reality, that’s impossible. As you live you could unintentionally make mistakes and cause disappointment. Nevertheless, I definitely do not want to become a shrewd person, I despise being scheming and fooling people. I don’t want to be that kind of person and neither do I want to be on the receiving end. But it’s still a bit of a mystery if it’s okay to say "I'm going to be this kind of person." Because as I mentioned before, my current feelings and thoughts change frequently just as trends do.

I guess those words right there can change too.

That’s right. That's why I'm cautious about doing interviews. If I talk about something, there will be articles pouring out that say JAY B said this and JAY B said that. Although we’re doing an interview today like this, if I was asked the same question tomorrow, I could have a different response.

How should we wrap up this interview for you to sleep soundly?

This was the story of Lim Jaebeom on May 4th, 2021. I think this will be okay.

Translated by defdaily.

[rinharu-purple]

Milestones

Having read almost all of Gavin dates in season one (and all in S2, that Cheri translated), I think I can pinpoint the certain milestones of MC and Gavin's relationship. In three specific dates, they confess their romantic feelings for each other and also tell each other directly that they want to spend the rest of their lives together...as always...spoilers ahead

MC’s Love confession

MC has been building up romantic emotions towards Gavin ever since they’ve met again at the Loveland police station and Gavin has swept her off her feet for the first time...figuratively AND literally.

This one is very easy to pick because during this date, MC is not only fangirling over Gavin but also shouting her feelings out loud in public as well as confessing them to him...loud and clear...I am talking about the “Slightly drunken date”.

As to her more instinctual urges...They have been growing since the moment she saw him like this for the very first time:

“...than reappeared at his exposed waist and abs...As I reached to touch those scars (around his abdomen)... a different feeling arose in me“. That different feeling arose in all of us MC ;)

So once the slightly drunken date came, MC was overflowing with an ocean of emotions for Gavin for a while so she confessed to him:

“No more talking! Just listen to me! When I said that, I meant it. Not about the bass playing, but you. I like the gift you gave me, I like the bracelet you gave me. I also like that love letter that I never read. I want to see more sides of you...When you’re eating, when you’re sleeping, when you’re happy, when you’re sad, when you’re wearing a tuxedo, or red in the face from drinking.

All of it! I want to see every side of you”.

(If you want to read a longer analysis on this date, let me take you here)

Gavin’s Love Confession

First things first...The question which should be ask before anything is...Has Gavin fallen in love with MC once his Evol awakened or was it an already ongoing process until that specific moment, on which Gavin realized he is in love with her? I think he has been observing MC for a while and was already enchanted by her kindness and beauty way before “the fall" into his Evol-awakening.  

As for Gav-babe’s instinctual urges...I would say, Gavin realizes them during the Shooting Date when he sees MC in a very revealing dress for the first time and she asks him to unzip her, in a very tight space, with the lights out...Our poor birdcop cant help but have naughty thoughts and wonders why MC asked him to do that for her :) I love this man to the moon and back

When he got verbal on his feelings however was during the “Spring Festival Date”. Not only he confessed to MC and her family that he used to have a crush on her during high school, but he also opened up about his honest feelings about her, which are extremely heartwarming.

“I have a very strict father and a brother I seldom see...I don’t even know when I turned into such a loner. Eating alone, sleeping alone, doing everything alone...until I met her. It was a beautiful autumn day. The gingko leaves were floating in the wind. I was also going through a pretty dark time. But she saved me before I hit bottom...It’s she who told me I could live a stronger life. And it’s also she who told me I could live a more tender life. I never felt lonely before, until I met her. I started to get used to star-gazing with her, having dinner with her, spending the New Year’s with her.”

and this part he tells twice...once in front of her family and once while they are alone afterwards to prove that those words were genuine:

“In the future, I will give it my all to stay with you, to take good care of you, and love you.”

Yep, he drops the big L word <3 

“I wanna make up for all the times I wasn’t there“

After all, he’s waited a long time for that day to come...And when that day was finally there, he would make sure to confess to her.

Btw in both occasions out lovebirds were slightly drunk. And on a side note, my very first date with Gavin was the Spring festival date, so you could guess why I am so smitten by him and why there isn't any chance for the other LI’s to dethrone him.

Moving on to second phase...

MC’s future plans

The first time I read @cheri-translates​ English translation to the “Late Autumn Date”, I literally fell off from my chair by the intensity of this highly emotional and extremely spicy date. The date takes some time, but when Gavin and MC gets it going, holy cow it hits you hard!

I will intentionally not dive into the hot spicy details of this date and how they finally make out passionately at Loveland High. Sure both Gavin and MC are overwhelmed with nostalgia and oxytocin, but it’s once again MC’s time to gush out about her feelings for Gavin but this time, she tells him how he is her past, present and the future. MC promises her all to him and if that’s not a hand in marriage yakusoku then I don’t know what is. This again is a very long confession, so brace yourselves:

“ …we seem to have really missed out on a lot.  I’ve thought about a few things since a very long time ago. For example… cheering you on at the basketball court after school. And then proudly telling the entire class that the name of the tallest and most accurate shooter is ‘Gavin’!  Back then, there was a small stall outside the school gate selling red bean puffs. $3 for one, $5 for two. It was crispy on the outside and sweet on the inside, with a generous amount of filling. You’ve definitely not eaten it before… We used to have late night self-study sessions and were only dismissed after 9pm. The girls in the same class would find company to walk with. If you were there, you’d have been able to send me home.  Piano lessons were way too dull. Once I sit here, it would be for several hours, playing the same song over and over again. Sometimes, I’d think of going out to have fun - to go shopping, sing karaoke, eat all kinds of good food, or do my homework while having a drink in a small shop.  Also, the 800-metres physical test was literally my nightmare! If you were there to practice running with me, I wouldn’t have passed only after my third test.

If I could be with you back then… my deepest memories in high school wouldn’t have just been of exams.

– we missed out on a whole six years! Even if we want to make up for it every day, it wouldn’t be enough even if you spend a full twenty-four hours with me!

----(insert NSFW part here) ------

I cling to his waist tightly using my calves, wanting to brand every part of him into my heart.

“I want to bear his everything.”

Gavin: “Do you like it?”

“I like it…I like it very much…I like it so much that I don’t know how to prove how much I like it” “The rest of my life is yours, The years that we’ve missed out on are also yours” (whatever I have, I will give it to you. I will give everything to you, leaving nothing behind)

Gavin’s Future Plans

Here comes the tricky part, because there is not only one single date yet, where Gavin is seriously telling MC in length about his future plans. However there are soo many moments in various dates, events and Co. that implies to Gavin's proposal plans. Actually, I feel like the S2 Gavin dates revolve around the phase in their relationship, when things start to shift from a long term relationship to we're gonna get married soon.

Sure, Gavin told MC also in S1 many times, how he wants to spend the rest of his life with her.

Looking at all these moments in S2. I believe it will be more eminent to see, how his future plans get more concrete:

- Every time he says "We" specifically in Puppy love call "Yes, we"

- Every time he say "In the future"

- Third year anniversary (testing the waters)

- From Afar Date (already has the gem)

- Old Haunt Date (their future home)

- Beautiful Future call (their dream of living in a Shangri-la when they grow old)

Even though Gavin hasn't told MC his future plans in a Monologe like she did directly, I believe he is adamantly planning about a proposal and I expect in his birthday in 2021 something that hints to a concrete proposal.

AU Proposals

Aside from the main dates, there were two official proposals from the AU dates. Because we can only add one video for each post, here is MCs proposal.

Spoiler alert: He said "no"

Masterlist

Disclaimer: The video is taken from YouTube and is linked to the original!

For Gavin's proposal let me take you here.

[crackinwise]

If I could still draw, I'd make an art series showing Taka wearing or using all the Monomono Machine gifts you can give him. But I'll have to settle for uselessly pointing and talking about them, because some are like "ah yes," while others...

LOVES:

Mac's gloves: A pair of boxing gloves infused with a staggering amount of passion and effort. Wearing them makes you want to throw a thousand cross-counters.

We know the reference (Punch-Out) but is it just the passion and effort Taka likes? Taka only mentions kendo, I think, but maybe he also takes boxing for exercise and last-resort self defense. Middle school was rough on him for unknown reasons. Whether he picked up boxing for focus or just learning to dodge a punch, it's cute picturing Mondo holding the punching bag for him or them sparring in a ring with very different fighting styles.

Red scarf: A scarf belonging to a certain masked hero. It's tattered and worn due to the countless battles it's been through.

I... don't know the reference. I couldn't find it either. Does anyone know? Strider Hiryu could fit, but Taka thinks games are a waste of time when Makoto talks to him. Red is very much a hero color in Japan as well as associated with deities and protection. Does Taka like the certain hero? Does Taka want to be seen as a hero or protector as well as a good leader?

Ya know what? I've read like two fics where Mondo is a secret superhero--where are the superhero!Taka fics and pics?! (No official art of Taka in a red scarf either makes me boo.)

Adorable Reactions Collection: A DVD that contains footage of people reacting to various pieces of art.

Your guess is as good as mine. For the culture of it? Studying reactions/expressions of others? Maybe he likes seeing people learn of things for the first time? That'd be very wholesome of him.

Chin Drill A fashion accessory that allows you to equip a drill on your chin. It is said to represent the idea of "spiral energy".

Okay. Okay, what? Either we're doing a Gurren Lagann joke--spiral power gets stronger thru generations (Taka's stronger than his grandfather) and causes people to be blindly driven towards their goals--or we're referencing spiral energy in mysticism: all stages of life and rebirth going for infinity. For spiral symbolism, there's "spirals represent evolution and growth of the spirit." But this is... Dude, this attaches to your chin. And he LOVES it. Dafuq.

LIKES:

[sakura bouquet, math problems, & handheld console cut for image limit]

Overflowing Lunchbox: A lunch box stuffed with rice, ginger, carrots, peppers, mushrooms, and more. It's meat-free, so you vegetarians out there are covered, too.

"Give the poor kid a generous meal." Just punch me in my chest. This gift is why I made the post about Taka and Mondo gifting food to each other.

G-Sick Watch: Most people consider it a "throwaway watch" due to its poor quality. Still, it enjoys massive popularity thanks to its low price.

"Give the poor kid a watch he could afford." Ya know what's weird? This watch is in Hina's Love category. Does she break watches in the pool a lot because she forgets to take them off?

Leaf Covering: A loincloth meant to emphasize one's manliness. Its simple design features a single leaf overlaid on white cloth.

I mean, it's... it's self-explanatory.

Quality Chinchilla Cover: A dark red seat cover. Its refined design is intended for only the most elite clientele.

My dudes, this is a fur motorcycle/bike seat. It's on Mondo's Love list, obviously. Why is it in Taka's Likes? Does he like soft things? Is he envious of luxury items maybe he remembers his grandpa having? Does he just want a really plush seat as he rides with Mondo? (Idk, man, but chinchilla farms are cruel.)

Cherry Blossom Bouquet: A collection of branches from a sakura tree. In the language of flowers, cherry blossoms represent "a woman of superior beauty".

Every other character Likes or Loves this too, including Mondo. As for flower language, I can't find that definition at all. I do find it meaning love, general beauty, renewal/new beginnings, fleeting life/mortality (ouch) and imagery tied with samurais because of that short life.

Berserker Armor: Donning this armor bestows the wearer with immense power, but at the cost of their soul and senses.

Uh. Ishida? Actually, even for Ishida that's a bit intense. The cost of their soul? Taka's/Ishida's whole thing is preserving his soul & Mondo's together. Unless he silently wants his soul out completely because it's causing him so much pain, and only Mondo's should live on in him. Maybe this item is leftover from the early code where you could interact with Ishida in Free Time at least once.

The only other person that likes it is Jack/Jill/Syo, so I assume this is a joke about personality switches (for two different mental health reasons) to their less stable selves, who go berserk.

Millennium Prize Problems: These seven important mathematical problems were posted by the Clay Mathematics Institute, with a reward of one million dollars for each one solved.

"Give the poor nerd a way to pay off his family's debt!"

The Funplane: The newest popular portable game system. It has a hi-def touchscreen, and can also play music and videos, making for the perfect all-in-one media machine!

Now, this is another gift you can give to everyone and they'll at least Like it. I guess Taka could use it for educational videos, or "studying" pop culture with Professor Makoto.

And just because we're here, can I just...

MONDO LOVES: sonic cup-a-noodle, quality chinchilla cover, fresh bindings, and

Roller Slippers: Slippers with a small wheel installed in each heel. They were invented to move easily around the house, but there is absolutely no demand for them.

Mondo. Mondo, your taste, hun. No. I want to see Mondo rolling by on these in their house and Taka going apoplectic.

[myhockeyworld87]

Not So Dangerous Liaison - Sidney Crosby - Part 21

Word Count: 3,579

POV: Reader’s (sorry if I messed anyone up)

Warngings: Language, Smut, NSFW 

Notes: So it’s been a hot minute for this story. Sorry about that guys, but when we were last with these two they were in Spain and just had a very hot massage session. So let’s see what happened after that. As always love your feedback and Happy Reading!

Not So Dangerous Liaison Masterlist

Your two weeks in Europe were simply amazing, and while you dreaded leaving; you still looked forward to going back to Cole Harbour with Sidney as his day with the cup was coming up. Sid had timed the trip pretty well so that you had a week to get everything organized. Since he actually got two days with the cup, Sid wanted the first day to be more public and the second to just be about friends and family. The town of Cole Harbour planned a big parade in the morning. Sid again insisted that you ride with him as he showed off the legendary trophy, though you felt awkward being there as everyone cheered him on.

 You were definitely more in your element, as the afternoon had all of you headed off to the children's hospital. Seeing Sid with these kids just melted your heart. He took time with each of them, talking to them and signing whatever Penguins gear they had. You knew that he was good with kids; it was evident in the hockey program that he ran every year and how he handled all of them that came up to him when you were, well, literally anywhere. But this, this was different. He was gentle, kind, and caring with each one, and at one point you literally found yourself walking out of the room as there were just too many emotions swirling in your brain, not only about your boyfriend but everything going on in each room you went to.

 It was Trina that came out to check on you. "Everything ok dear?"

 You coughed discreetly, hoping to cover up the swell of emotions that seemed to want to burst out. "Yeah." Her arm came around your shoulders and she squeezed you close to her. "I don't know how he does it," you found yourself saying. "Some of these kids are so bad and yet…" A tear slid down your cheek at the thought of what these parents were going through but how they put on a brave face and found some bit of happiness in your boyfriend being there with their child.

 "I know, sweetheart," Trina said enveloping you in a hug now. "It's hard, but just look at the joy on their little faces." She turned so that you could see back into the room where Sid was playing a video game with a child undergoing chemotherapy. The smile on Sid's face was just as bright as the little boy's and you knew right then why bringing the cup here was so important to him. It was an opportunity to share the joy that he felt winning the cup or even stepping out on the ice, with each of the kids he saw, and god if he wasn't good at doing just that. If it was possible you fell in love with him even more.

 You brushed the tear away and gave over to the infectious happiness that was taking place in the room, now more determined to help Sid spread the joy around the hospital. By the time you left your heart was overflowing with love for the man by your side and you couldn't keep it contained as you jumped into the passenger's seat beside him and planted your lips on his. "What's that for?" Sid asked when you finally broke apart.

 "Nothing…everything…I don't know…for just being you." You shrugged as he started the car, then added. "Mostly because I love you."

 "Well, I wouldn't complain if you decided to do that again." Leaning over you, let your lips mold to his, this time letting the kiss get a little heated before he pulled back. "If we keep this up, we'll never get to the next stop." Sid was right, it would've been easy to just get carried away with him and end up heading home instead of to the party boat that was planned. Tons of people lined the dock as you headed down to the boat. All of them trying to grab Sid's attention for a pic or get him to stop so that they could touch the cup. Ever patient, Sidney stopped for each photo as you made your way onto the same boat, you'd taken on your official first date. The party took up the rest of the afternoon and some of the evening. Sid made a few stops that weren't scheduled, to random places like the grocery store he always uses and the coffee shop that always has his order ready and waiting. It was a very long day, and you were glad when you finally walked through the door of the lake house that night; Sid carrying the cup inside behind you.

 He set the cup on the kitchen counter where it looked extremely out of place. "Is that where you're keeping it for the night?"

 He shrugged. "I don't know. I hadn't really given it much thought, but seems as good a place as any."

 "Well, where did you keep it the first time you won."

 Sid turned a delightful shade of red you hadn't seen. He'd been embarrassed on numerous occasions, but never like this. "In bed with me," he finally choked out.

 It took everything in your power not to burst out laughing, though it was kind of cute to think of your boyfriend sleeping with this prized trophy. "Well, I can sleep in the guest room tonight, if you two want to be alone." He snatched you around the waist and pulled you into him.

 "Not a chance. You're definitely better and softer to hold onto in the middle of the night." He accentuated his words by dropping kisses to your forehead, then your nose, and finally your lips, while his hands grabbed hold of your ass. "God, it's been a long day, but I like that I'm ending it here with you." You couldn't help the smile that graced your face, for there wasn't anyplace else in the world you wanted to be than by his side.

 "Come on, let's go to bed." You wiggled out of his arms then headed towards the staircase as Sid trailed behind. "Aren't you forgetting something?" He looked at you a bit quizzical, then you nodded to the Stanley Cup. "It wouldn't be the first time it slept in the room with us." Referring to the night the Penguins had won the beloved trophy. He quickly trotted back over, then hoisted the cup upstairs where he placed it over in the corner of the room.

 "If I remember right, that was the first night I kissed you."

 "Hmm," you tapped your finger on your chin as if contemplating whether or not he was correct, which he was of course. "Was it? I can't remember," you teased.

 "Oh really?" Sid asked as he grabbed you around the waist like he did that night and so many nights after. "Maybe I should refresh your memory." His lips dropped to yours, all of the playfulness of moments ago now replaced with a heated passion as his tongue swept in and mingled with yours. It was just like that first night, only this time you didn't let your mind stop you from wanting more of Sid, as you gave yourself over to him. He slowly backed you up until your knees hit the back of the bed. It was then that you felt him sliding your clothes off, piece by piece until you were standing there nude in front of him. "God, you're beautiful." He breathed in, the words so reverent it felt like a prayer. "I remember how badly I wanted you that night, but I'd promised you that we would sleep and nothing more. I'm not making that promise now."

 His lips were back on yours then, as he devoured you with his mouth. Your hands roamed his body, this time ridding him of the clothing that was the barrier between the two of you. When you finally freed him from his boxer briefs the two of you tumbled down onto the bed. Your limbs tangled with each other, and though you'd been with each other hundreds of times since that night of your first kiss; it was as if all the pent-up frustration from that first night finally came bubbling up to the surface. Sid's hands seemed to be everywhere at once, roaming down your back to your ass where your hips flexed into his, on your breasts tweaking your nipples, and slipping between your folds to find you dripping wet with desire for him. "I need you," you moaned out as his digits curled inside you.

 He settled between your legs, cock in hand as he guided himself into you; a sigh leaving both of you as he entered. Your lips found his as your bodies moved as one. Every thrust of his hips into you was met by a flex of yours. Your hands threaded together pressing into the mattress as his body hovered over yours. "I love you," Sid panted out.

 "I love you too," you echoed as your souls meshed together into one, before you crested and reached that high your body was so craving. It was a few short thrusts and Sid followed you into that blissful state of euphoria. The two of you laid there trying to catch your breath, yet your hearts still beat in sync with one another. Your hands skated up and down his back before he twisted you both to your side. Eyes growing heavy, you let them drift shut as Sid nuzzled you into his side.

 "I don't think I've ever been happier than I am right now."

 "Really?" Your eyes popped back open in disbelief. "What about when you won that?" you said motioning to where the Stanley Cup was sitting off in the corner of the bedroom.

 "Mmm, don't get me wrong that was great, but sharing this with you is better." His arms tighten around you a little more. "And I know we celebrated the win that night, but not like this."

 You pulled back a bit so that you could look him in the eyes. "So…it's sex that makes tonight better," you teased knowing that it wasn't that but enjoying chirping Sid all the same.

 "You know it's not that." His hands now tickling your sides and making you squirm.

 "I know," you laughed trying to catch your breath, yet again.

 When you finally calmed down, Sid looked at you with all seriousness. "I never thought, that I'd get to share this with anyone, but then…well I'd like to say I found you, but that really wasn't the case was it. You'd been there all along. I just finally opened my eyes." His words made you melt and you could feel your eyes getting a bit misty. "And now everything in my life is just better. Especially getting to share this with you." It was Sid's turn to motion his head toward the multi-tiered trophy that already has his name engraved on it twice. He sighed and you felt it more than heard it.

 "I feel like there's a but coming."

 "No buts," he chuckled. "More like an I wish or I hope…" Well this was interesting and you propped your head up on your hand so that you could pay attention even more. His one hand never left your hip, drawing lazy circles there as he searched for the right words. "It's not easy to win that thing, but I hope we can do it again. Not because I want to see my name on it or anything, but well…" God you wish he would just spit it out because you really didn't know what he was talking about at the moment. "I want that moment with you…you know on the ice, legs wrapped around me, while you kiss me senseless type thing." He said as much before, just maybe not in those exact words and you had to giggle a bit at the image he conjured up because the world would be shocked to see the ever-reserved Sidney Crosby in that position.

 "You could kiss me senseless now if you wanted."

 "Mmm, and I will but there's more." More? You were already shocked by the public display of affection running through his mind; you couldn't imagine there being more. "So, like today when we were in the hospital, it made me think of something." It was pitch black in the bedroom, yet somehow you could see the blush staining his cheeks, and even though you wanted to tease him, you didn't for you could tell this was important. "I was posing for pictures with all these kids and then I looked over at you and well…it made me realize how much I want pictures with our kids and the cup." It was the word 'our' that stuck in your head the most. Kids weren't really something that you thought about often. Oh sure, you wanted them. You just weren't sure when and you hadn't really thought about them with Sidney, at least not yet; your relationship still just seemed so new. Your face must have given away where your thoughts were headed for the next thing you knew he was saying, "It's not like I want them tomorrow or anything." A sigh escaped your lips as you released the breath you didn't know you'd been holding. "Honestly, I didn't know it was something I even wanted until today. That's not what I meant…Shit…this is coming out wrong." He rolled onto his back, shifting his hands behind his head.

 You missed the warmth of his hands on you, and you found your hand immediately going to chest. "I think I know what you mean," and even though you hadn't thought it through fully in your head; you kind of got where he was coming from. You'd felt it today too, as you'd watch him with every child.

 "You do?"

 His right hand quickly moved to your bare back and you knew then, that his shift in position had been him distancing himself in case he'd said too much. "Yeah," you answered looking him directly in the eye in the dim light. "When I saw you in the hospital today it hit me, how great you are with those kids, and then I started thinking how great you'd be with your own….and wow Sid…you're going to make the best dad."

 "I've always wanted kids, but I just thought it couldn't happen until after hockey was over, ya know? But then I met you…and now well…I just can see it all." Somehow you could too and it was both frightening and thrilling at the same time. "I want to put our kid in the cup and teach him…" you coughed discreetly. "Or her," he added quickly. "To skate and take them to the rink or dance class or I don't know. I just know that it's possible now because I have you. I know what we have is still new (Y/N), and it's like we've hit the gas and never looked back, but I can see this future with you and it's something I really want."

 The look on his face was hesitant as he laid there waiting for you to say something. Part of you wanted to torture him and make him wait longer, but then the other part won over and you found yourself saying, "I want that too, Sid. I want our kid in the cup, and long walks around the lake, and you trying to teach our child how to shoot a slap shot into the net. I want it all." The smile on his face told you exactly how happy he was. He grabbed your hips, practically throwing you on top of him. "I thought you said you didn't want them by tomorrow?" You teased as you could feel his erection growing.

 "Practice, baby. You know you can never practice too much." And that's exactly what the two of you did the rest of the night.

 Thankfully, the celebration the next day wasn't until later in the afternoon, though caters were there early to get things set up. Sid introduced you to all of his family that were there, and they were ecstatic to see that Sidney had found happiness. During the course of the day, you were torn from each other's side, but you'd always feel his eyes on you no matter where you were. You'd exchange a knowing smile with him from across the room and the next thing you knew he was at your side; his hand on the small of your back or his arms completely wrapping around you. There were tons of pictures taken with the cup and more drinks flowing out of it that it could've been a water fountain at times. In all, it was a day filled with love, joy, and laughter as you all celebrated Sid's accomplishments.  

 Two days later, Sid started training for the upcoming season, not that he had ever really taken a full break. He was always in the gym working out or when you were in Cole Harbour, he'd spend time at the rink. Though his official training was much more intense. He'd be gone most of the morning and afternoon, which wasn't so bad as it left you time to do your work. Nights usually consisted of the two of you making dinner, except for when he had to do some endorsement work. Of course, he asked you to come with, and you did a few times. However, this particular night you chose not to. You heard him come into the house, as he yelled out a "Babe, I'm home," when he entered. You answered him, telling him that you were upstairs. "What are you doing?"

 "Packing." As if it wasn't obvious, considering that you had your suitcase out and were folding clothes.

 "Why?"

 "Because I have to fly back to Pittsburgh."

 "Since when?" You could tell by the tone of his voice he wasn't happy.

 "There's a problem with the transition house and they need me there to make some decisions." An inspection had gone wrong and they needed your authorization for some sort of technical things that needed to be done.

 "Well, I'll pack and go back with you."

 "Absolutely not," you weren't exactly yelling but you did raise your voice some. "You just started training and you're not interrupting that to go with me."

 He frowned, as you walked into the closet and grabbed the rest of your things. "Why are you taking all your stuff? How long are you going to be gone?"

 You knew he wouldn't like this next part but it still had to be said. "I think I'm just going to stay there."

 "That's almost a month early." His voice pitched up an octave.

 "It's not that bad, more like three weeks." This time he went into the closet and started to take his clothes off the hanger. "Sid, stop."

 "(Y/N), I told you before that if you went back, I was too."

 "And I told you, that you were staying here. This is where your trainer is, besides you're barely here and you have other commitments that you have to keep, that require you to stay here. It just doesn't make sense for you to fly back yet." You took the clothes out his hands and hung them back up, only to have him take them back out. "Seriously," you huffed out. "This is ridiculous."

 "Is it?"

 "Yes."

 "I'll stay here," he told you and you finally thought you were getting through to him. "If you fly back when you're done."

 "This could take a week and you know how some of the guys start coming back early, so I should be back there when they do. If I flew back here it would only be for a few days." It truly didn't make sense.

 "Well, I'll fly back with you then."

 "You'll literally be in the middle of training then." You wrapped your arms around his waist, hoping to compel him to see your side of this. "I don't want to be the reason you're not ready to play this year. It's just a couple weeks hun."

 His head dropped down to yours, and damn if he didn't give you those sad puppy dog eyes. "I don't want to be without for that long."

 "We can talk every day and facetime too."

 "It's not the same."

 "I know," you had to acknowledge that it wouldn't be the same as being there every night and being held in his arms, but three weeks wouldn't be bad. "But we can handle it."

 "What time does your flight leave?" It seemed as though he was finally conceding that you'd be going.

 "Tomorrow at eleven in the morning."

 "I'll have to move some things around, but I'm taking you to the airport."

 "I already have it figured out that Taylor will take me." He pushed you away then, clearly upset.

 "Jesus, can I not even take my girlfriend to the damn airport?"

 "I just didn't want you to miss anything."

 "You have it all planned out, don't you? Well, thanks for at least telling me." With that, he walked out of the bedroom and you heard him stomp down the stairs.

 "Sid," you called out, right as the door slammed shut. This was not going as planned.  

[anime-lover-forever-1127]

Cliche {Takeomi Akashi} - Intro

Intro

*****

Disclaimer - (Cause fanfiction is tricky ground and I hope not to offend the creator of the original story and get sued)

I do not own "Tokyo Revengers", it belongs to its original creator Ken Wakui. This is only a fanfiction that I was inspired to write by the original work. Please support the official release. Most of the media - such as the art and illustrations, gifs, video's, etc. used in this fanfiction - are from the web. Thus, most of them aren't mine (because I really, really can't draw) unless mentioned. To fit the story, images are also edited by various apps and websites. So they aren't mine, just edited.

Also if you own a picture or Video that I found online, and you either want your name added, or me to take it down. Please contact me and we can talk it out. P.s. I also ask that you do not copy my work and publish it onto any other website.

If you're gonna use my idea, please ask me (If you ask nicely, I for sure, will agree). If I don't contact you within a week, then just assume I'm giving you the all clear and go for it. Just remember to credit me.

I will be writing out scenes even if the Oc I created isn't in them. As long as they are mentioned, or influencing the characters in some way. Or maybe because it influences the story. This may seem a bit annoying. But that's just how I write. I like to embed the characters I created into the story line. Because of this, most of the dialogue/scenes will come from the original work. But this will be straying from the canon quite a bit, in the sense I'll be focusing more on the story, and it'll just merge into the canon. So maybe not as much as my other stories, will come from the original. We'll see where it goes. But yeah, credit for the dialogue and scenes from the original manga, goes to it's rightful creator.

Warnings: Age gap!, underage girl, Usage of the word Wh*ore (1x), Kissing though, Kind of angst

*****

He was my brothers best friend

He was my best friend older brother

He was bad, twice my age, but I wanted him anyway

Himari Imaushi was 9 when she first admitted to her best friend that she had a crush on the older brother of said best friend.

Embarrassed, she played it off as a joke, assuming her feelings would fade away eventually.

But now, 16, and becoming more and more aware of her growing feelings for the man with every rejection she gives, she continues to sink deeper and deeper into the sea of her ever growing feelings.

*****

Keep them bundled up. I told myself. Keep them locked away. Build a wall around them, and don't let them out. But the dam is overflowing! I can't hold them in anymore. If I do, the wall won't just crack, it'll fall, shattering me with it...

*****

Munchkin

'He's been calling me that since I had chubby cheeks.' She thought, looking out the window. 'I'm still nothing but a kid to him. I could be dressed like a whore. And he'd still only see the little girl in a ravenclaw onesie. It's like, for him... he can't see that I'm not the same little girl anymore.' The girl bit her bottom lip in frustration. Using it as an outlet to keep the emotions at bay. Anchoring her to reality, and what could never be.

What the turquoise eyed beauty failed to see with her head against the window, was the man's hands tightening around the steering wheel.

He had to force himself to focus on the road, because he knew, if he took another look at those blood red lips, he wouldn't be able to stop himself from kissing them senseless.

'Munchkin' He had to keep reminding himself that this was the girl he used to take trick or treating. His best friend's little sister, and almost half his age.

They both kept reminding themselves that she was just

Munchkin, Munchkin, Munchkin

*****

I know if I kiss you now, I'll die tomorrow. But at least I'll die a happy man with no regrets.

*****

I've been on kind of a dry spur with all my summaries lately. But I gotta admit, this one turned out pretty good if I do say so myself.

I actually liked this summary a lot. To the point I was going to consider just starting this off as a one shot in my one shot book to see how much I'd like this. But I just fell in love with the cheesy summary, and decided to give this it's own book.

Also, the age gap. I'm not really opposed to people with age gaps being together, if that's what makes them happy. As long as both parties are consenting and happy.

And I know a lot of people are gonna come at me because she's underage. But let me ask you this, you'd all have a problem if she was 16 and he's 27. But what if she was 19 and he was 29. And suddenly, a lot of people stop seeing a problem with that. I get that a lot can happen in two years. But the age difference is still the same.

So if you don't like the first, but are completely fine with the second. Don't come at me, just don't read the book.

(For the record - I completely get why people wouldn't be cool with this scenario. I'm just someone who believes that a 16 year old is smart and capable enough to know what they want, and how to say no. Like if you trust them on the road, then you should trust them with their love life. Like if it was a child who's like 12 with someone way older. Then you know you need to step. But again, I think 16 is that age where they can take care of themselves quite a bit) - Sorry, just went on a little rant, and for the record (again) this is just my opinion.

But if you guys have a problem with the age difference, or anything else with the story in general, well I put the warnings up at the top of every chapter, just don't read the book. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[jentlemahae]

(Album Review) Sticker by NCT 127 – Did It Really Stick?

Just last week, South Korean group NCT 127 – numbers referring to the longitude coordinate of Seoul – released their long-awaited, third full-length album, Sticker, which immediately caused an uproar among their fans. Some really loved it, while some really hated it (and were not silent about it). It’s the so-called ‘third album syndrome’, where artists create a record that is so new even for them, that it ends up being polarizing for the fanbase. Sticker might have been just that for 127, as fans are either calling it a masterpiece or a huge disappointment – no in-between.

(Those who are already familiar with NCT 127 may skip the following section. Those who are not – buckle up!)

A beginner’s guide to NCT

For those who may not know, NCT (short for “Neo Culture Technology”) is a boy-group under SM Entertainment. The band has been able to stand out from the KPOP landscape since its very debut, and not only because of their music and talents, but also thanks to their distinctive concept. In a nutshell, the idea is that the group can have an unlimited (or infinite) number of members, as fresh new boys can be added to the lineup at any given time. So far, they have accumulated 23 members, divided into four different subunits – NCT 127, NCT DREAM, WayV (fixed units), and NCT U (rotational unit).

Each subgroup has its own characteristic sound and/or concept, but there is one thing they have in common – they are all known for going against the current, be it musically or style-wise. In fact, they are considered the pioneers of the takeover on KPOP by ‘noise music’. But what is noise music? Sometimes affectionately called ‘pots and pans’, it is a genre characterized by an expressive use of sound that is not bound to traditional music rules, and encapsulates different chords and types of notes within a song. Nowadays, it has become the main style of the 4th Generation, and NCT were the ones who truly popularized it to the current audience (despite being 3rd Gen).

NCT 127’s approach to noise music is particularly fascinating. Fans describe their sound as ‘NEO’, which is confusing and vague unless you are familiar with their discography – then it makes perfect sense! The group always takes noise music to the next level, yet manages to not make it sound completely nonsensical and (too) migraine-inducing.

Now that you are all up to speed, we can proceed with the actual review!

Sticker – peeling the songs off

After weeks of teasers and hints, NCT 127 finally unveiled to their eager, hungry fans their new single and album, Sticker. This record perfectly encapsulates the cornucopia of sounds that the band is known for, as the songs go from EDM to hip-hop to heart-warming ballads. And of course, the group’s signature sound – the pots and pans are here, louder and stronger than ever. But enough chit-chat for now – let’s go through the album together.

Sticker (8.5/10)

NCT 127 made the bold choice to open the record with the title track, Sticker. Why ‘bold choice’? Well, let’s just say the song is not exactly easily digestible… The melody is a plethora of sounds, yet feels almost empty and subdued to the vocals at the same time. It is a bacchanal of frenzied beats and a dirty bass line accompanied by a shrill flute and piano, with cut-throat raps and beautiful harmonies that are disjointed from the overall melody. Sticker is chaos, but an intentional one, thus its instability manages to captivate you whilst disarming you.

Truth be told, I was a bit taken aback by the song when I first listened to it. Nothing appeared to make sense to my ears, as they seem to be fighting with the beat (and losing) throughout the entire track. But that’s exactly the point. The disconnection between the instrumentals and the singing is clearly done on purpose, perhaps in order to further highlight the members’ impressive vocals, which overpower and outbalance the otherwise empty beat. Or maybe the purpose was just to render the song more impactful, which sure as hell worked – you may not like Sticker, but the song is likely to remain stuck in your head one way or another.

Lemonade (8.3/10)

The second track was teased by the group prior to the official release of the album with a track video, and was immediately loved by fans. This catchy B-side includes an addictive deep bass which makes the perfect beat for both powerful raps and hefty vocals, a signature cocktail in NCT music.

The song is so good that a puzzling question immediately erupted following the release of the record, and spread like wildfire within 127’s fanbase – why wasn’t ‘Lemonade’ the title track? After all, everyone likes it, both fans and non-fans, and it could easily be something you’d expect to find at the top of the charts. In contrast to Sticker, on which everybody seems to be divided. So, wouldn’t it make sense for it to be the title track, given its striking popular appeal?

The answer is no. What some fans don’t seem to understand is that when it comes down to KPOP title tracks (especially nowadays), the issue is not whether it is the best or the catchiest song on the record. The real question is, does it make an impact? Given how new KPOP groups are popping up left and right, managing to leave enough of an impression on the listeners can make or break a career. The title track needs to be instantly stuck in your mind, and for that Sticker fits the bill, as Lemonade sounds just like any other song you could hear in the first 30 minutes of Inkigayo. It’s good, but ordinary. It just doesn’t cut it, and NCT 127 clearly know that.

Breakfast (8/10)

Third song on the record, Breakfast feels reminiscent of past SM boy groups’ releases, namely SHINee’s song Prism from the album 1 and 1. The song encompasses bright melodies and retro beats with a modernized twist, which serve as a perfect mix with the members’ voices. The song’s main stars are the vocalists (particularly HAECHAN, whose tone works wonders with the genre), while the raps are tamer for the group’s standard.

Focus (9/10)

The fourth track is a mid-tempo R&B romantic song, a genre that is characteristic of 127’s B-sides and displays the group’s more soulful edge. Focus flawlessly showcases the members’ honeyed and warm vocals (especially JAEHYUN’s), and the slow lazy-like raps remind of early 2000’s sultry slow jams. This track was an immediate fan-favorite (as attested by yours truly).

The Rainy Night (9.5/10)

The Rainy Night is an R&B-tinged ballad reminiscent of boybands in the 90’s, and is the perfect follow-up to Focus, as vocals appear to be the true protagonists of both songs. In the track, TAEIL manages to stand out in particular by showing off his impressive range, with his beautiful adlibs on the suit-and-tie beat.

Far (6.2/10)

Next up is Far, characterized by a boom-clap drumline and a chanted chorus. Despite being rather forgettable, it is a good song after all – something straight out of a superhero movie soundtrack. It just sounds like something we’ve heard before at least a million times from about any KPOP boy group out there.

Bring The Noize (6.6/10)

Bring The Noize is about as NEO as it can get, with loud and thunderous beats, growling raps and sounds mimicking a car engine, which together make you feel as if your head were in a blender. Just like Sticker, this song is pure chaos, but of an overwhelming and impetuous kind because of its packed production. Yet, I think that’s where it all goes sideways – Bring The Noize is just too overwhelming, because it’s too crowded. On top of the production overflowing with sounds and effects, the vocal aspect of the song is simply too much. All members sing or rap on the track, but the variety of vocal colors is disarming and confusing to the ears in the worst way. Simply put, some members could have stayed silent in that recording booth…

Magic Carpet Ride (6.4/10)

Doing a full 180 from the previous track, Magic Carpet Ride is a ballad with pop elements, and a melodic beat that particularly shows off DOYOUNG and JAEHYUN’s vocals. Despite being a lovely song, it’s nothing particularly exceptional – it’s good for what it is, but it falls slightly flat and forgettable. Nevertheless, it does a wonderful job in proving that not every KPOP song needs a rap part…

Road Trip (7.3/10)

Road Trip shows off 127’s more boyish and bright side, with nice layers of guitar, drums and delicate vocals, proving once again how the band’s is not just a loud gimmick. The song is enjoyable – however, it’s not something we haven’t heard before from NCT. It’s sweet and lovely, but it’s definitely nothing to write home about.

Dreamer (7.4/10)

This upbeat song gives yet another sweet and poppy feel to the tracklist, with retro beats, trumpet riffs and a happy-go-lucky melody. Dreamer kinda sounds like something out of an Old Navy commercial, but I mean it in a good way – its funky, childlike charm combined with the uplifting lyrics is likely to put a smile on your face!

Promise You (7.2/10)

127 chose to end the album with a letter dedicated to their fanbase, NCTzens. Due to the ongoing pandemic, groups have not been able to meet fans in a long time as they normally would. In Promise You they sing about being separated from a loved one and then being reunited again, which is likely a nod towards their fans. Musically, the song intertwines retro-inspired beats with atmospheric synths, that give it a dreamy-like appeal. The track is sweet and serves as a great album closer, as wrapping up the record with DOYOUNG singing “So stay” in a longing yet reassuring tone, feels like the perfect goodbye.

So, did it stick?

Overall, Sticker is a very well-made album – it has ballads, upbeat tracks, addictive songs, and a decent dose of the good ol’ pots and pans. Does it sound like something we have never heard before in KPOP? No! Does it sound like something we’ve never heard before from NCT? Also… No… But whilst the record follows a similar algorithm to 127’s past albums, it is still incredibly enjoyable without sounding boring or too déjà vu. It has a good 50/50 mix of experimental songs to ballads and R&B-influenced tracks, and it leaves room for both rappers and vocalists to shine.

The album truly screams ‘NCT 127’ – it’s experimental, not sonically cohesive, confusing, and a little weird. Plus, just like all of the group’s music, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Or better yet, it’s not at first listen. Sticker might be odd and disarming, but it will get to you eventually – you just gotta let it stick.

8/10

[konpithepuppy]

[TRANSLATION: DUeT 08.2021]

7 MEN SAMURAI

Proofread by aji10647731 (Twitter)/ @janiappend

Scans not mineNeither an English nor a Japanese native speaker

Feel free to correct me, thanks

Shining smile , happy & fun every day x 6

PLEASE ACCEPT OUR SPARKLING SMILES.

7 MEN 侍 who charmed us with their passionate live in 「Johnny's Ginza 2021 Tokyo Experience」. For this month, we got their cheerful smiles ♪ We deliver to you in ample amount the diary of naturally overflowing smiles and happiness of these 6 people when gathered together!

MOTODAKA KATSUKI

[SMILE] I was happy when I heard that the official account of Japanese Fisheries Agency noticed me! They said, "There is someone from Johnny's Jr. who said he wants to join the Japanese Fisheries Agency?" and they mentioned my name. I made "うおうお TV", a series about fishes, in the ISLAND TV, and I wrote in my blog, "I want to join the Japanese Fisheries Agency in the future," and I think it is thanks to the fans for spreading my love for fishes to the world. That's why, I am really thankful!

[RECENT HAPPENING] I went to fishing alone in a long while and I had fun. I made measures to be not sunburned, I applied sunblock and wore long-sleeved top...But I got so absorbed in fishing and I rolled up the sleeve, so from my fingers to my elbows got sunburned (bitter laugh). It stings and it hurts~! But since I was able to caught 60 horse mackerel, so I was very satisfied♪ When I got home, I filleted the horse mackerel and rolled in shiso and fried those, I also did namerou (finely chopped fish with miso) and fish bone cracker. It was really delicious~!!

SASAKI TAIKO

[SMILE] (Takahashi) Yuuto conveyed his thoughts about 「Johnny's Ginza」, and he didn't only talk about 7 MEN 侍's  good points objectively, but he also talked about the parts where we have to do some more work. I am happy that he pointed out the things that are normally hard to say, so I am really relying on him. I was able to smile because I got an opinion that we can grow too! A relationship where we can discuss sharp reviews is valuable, I want to treasure everyone as close friends from now on too.

[RECENT HAPPENING] I went to watch IMPACTors' 「Johnny's Ginza」. Watching from the audience seat, I discovered things like, "if it is done this way, it will hype up the audience," and I also learned the hint on how to create a sense of unity during situations where audience can't clap their hands. I also learned that setlist is very important, and I also knew the importance of watching the lives of different groups. From now on, I will watch a lot of lives and DVD concerts, and I want to research on those and study them! 

SUGETA RINNE

[SMILE] I burst out laughing when I am watching variety shows. Recently, I like Chidori-san's variety show! I laugh everytime Chidori-san's accurate tsukkomi hits my humor. I always watch the recorded shows alone and burst into laughter (LOL). I get refreshed with laughing so it is great. Also, during filming or talking with the members...I smile when we are together. Since everyone is funny, so it is enjoyable to be with them! There are a lot of time when we are like, "this is funny, let's watch it again," and watch the videos we shot for Johnny's Jr. Channel and ISLAND TV.

[RECENT HAPPENING] I am happy that I got 2 rare cards that I like from the popular anime trading card arcade game ~♪ But, I got carried away and thought, "maybe a better card will come out" and I continued playing the game, but after that, I only lost! More than the joy of getting the rare cards, I regret wasting for game fee (bitter laugh). Whatever it is, it is important to know when to stop.

YABANA REI

[SMILE] I always smile at the members' foolishness (LOL). I really like the 7 MEN 侍 who passionately pursues to be funny than to be cool! When filming videos for ISLAND TV, we think of different things, but there are a lot of naughty ideas and plot twists, everyone's contents are like the contents of the boys in middle school (LOL). But, it can show our personalities so it's okay. Because of the videos, Taiko appeared in「Out x Deluxe」, and Katsuki also got a job from his videos about filleting a fish...I am happy that their contents landed them works! I also want to be in a variety show where I can talk about bass and musical instruments~! (praying)

[RECENT HAPPENING] In my "live setup" class in college, I've become the stage director. For the sake of earning some credits, I took the responsibility (/took the class), but I have to talk to a lot of my batchmates and juniors more than I did until now. I talked about the parts around the bass  to people who knows a lot about instruments, it's fun to be able to have a very maniac talk about those!

NAKAMURA REIA

[SMILE] I think The one that made me smile lately is when we started the 「Johnny's Ginza」!safely, we were unsure whether the shows could start as planned, but we believed the we can definitely have a live and we rehearsed with all our might. That's why, I was really happy when we were able to meet the fans! Moreover, I reconfirmed that being able to hold a live is not something to be taken granted for, and I was able to add more power to the performance. We tried to make it a live that would be engraved in the hearts of everyone so we rolled up our sleeves and determinedly performed. We were passionate in every performance, and it was so much fun!

[RECENT HAPPENING] I am concentrating in the rehearsal for the musical 「SUPERHEROISM 」which I am starring. (The interview was done on the first 10 days of June) During the break time, it was heavily raining, and when I went to buy a bento, I saw a boy, who is around at kindergarten age, wearing a raincoat and playing with a ride in the park. I remembered that when I was also a child, I didn't mind the rain and wanted to play in the park, and that scenery was heartwarming (LOL). I prayed for that boy to not catch a cold.

KONNO TAIKI

「Johnny's Ginza」live really made me smile! The online streaming is also fun, but the enthusiasm always rises more when performing in front of the audience! In addition, since the time we started playing the band, our bond really became stronger. In a band, it is important for everyone to produce one sound, so a practice is necessary. Before, each one's skills are in different levels and it was tough, but everyone became better recently, and we can now cover each one's weaknesses. Since I can now feel that, playing as a band became much more fun!

[RECENT HAPPENING] There is a studio where we can do band practice in the office. Our instructor teaches us a lot of things every time, but during break time, (Iwasaki) Taisho casually drops by to have fun, we sing together with my guitar accompaniment. That image is like during break time in school (LOL). I want to trying singing together with Taisho on stage someday.

[ramblinganthropologist]

Fictober 2021 (3) - “I’ve waited for this”

Fanfiction

Fandom: Mass Effect (Actor AU)

Summary: Macen Virius was supposed to be breaking things off with his costar. Instead, he’s pretty sure he might have just caught feelings. Damn it, it was just supposed to be a sex thing...

---

There was nothing like the end of a long day of filming to make Macen want to go to fucking sleep.

Every muscle in his body ached as he left the set to change out of his costume. Moments before, he had been in the blown out remains of a battlefield. Post would add the effects, but his hands still ached from holding his prop rifle and clicking the useless trigger button. Honestly, if he had been human, he would have expected an imprint there.

He was going to have to ask his costar about that later…

“Where is he anyway?” Macen’s mandibles twitched as he glanced around. Everyone was heading off, but there was no sign of Mass Effect’s leading man. Usually, he stuck around to talk to his costar – then again, he didn’t see the other ‘Commander Shepard’ either. They must have both taken off early…

He envied that about humans. They got out of costume and makeup way too quickly.

In the end, he too was back in his regular clothes. As he walked, he rubbed his right mandible, trying to get the feeling back. Part of playing Garrus meant that he needed fake implants to imply he’d had half his face blown off. With how numb that mandible got, it certainly felt that way. No doubt about it, he was looking forward to the final season where all he would need is scar tissue. At least he’d be able to move better in that.

A beeping drew his attention to his wrist as he left the set. His omnitool was letting him know he had a message from a certain fake redhead. As humans put it, curiosity killed the cat (don’t ask him, he didn’t even know what a cat was) so he opened it.

Alex Jones: Hey, rehearsal at my place tonight?

Alex Jones: I can get takeout from that levo-dextro place again. You liked their noodles.

He had liked their noodles. What he didn’t like was… well, this.

“You’re getting too attached, Virius. This is just supposed to be about sex.” He shook his head, half considering calling things off so he could have the night to himself. Problem was that his stomach had started to growl at the thought of those noodles. Besides, tomorrow’s shoot was supposed to involve a lot of emotional moments – he needed all the feedback he could get.

With any luck, he’d end the night in his own bed without fucking the human. After all… he was a turian of self-restraint and control. He could totally handle this.

…

Yeah, he was just going to keep telling himself that and hope for the best. Damn sexy human…

---

An hour later, Macen found himself standing in front of his costar’s door, frowning as he stared at the metal. As hard as he tried to talk himself into ending things, doubt still gnawed at his stomach.

He should end things. It never ended well when he got too into somebody.

“He should understand… it’s just sex… he’s my costar, and it’s just sex.” Macen shook his head again, frowning as he started to key in the human’s door code. Alex had given it to him a month prior, mostly so if he was going to be late he could get in.

That probably wasn’t a good sign, but he had elected to ignore it.

The door clicked opened, and he stepped in. Much to his surprise, the sound of upbeat music met him in the hallway. Not only that, but someone was singing to it if his translator was anything to go by. The damn thing was working overtime as he sidled closer to the entrance to the living room, holding his breath as he peaked in.

Lucky for him, Alex’s back was to him. The human had cleared a space in his living room in order to have room for what he was doing then. However, Macen was having a problem processing what “that” was. Well, he knew it was dancing – a somewhat odd version of it – but it was just so… old fashioned.

Also, since when did Alex dance?

“Let’s chase the dreaming light, and I’ll truly be myself…”

Dancing wasn’t the only thing on the menu. Macen’s jaw dropped as he realized the soft, sweet voice he had heard in the hallway was coming from Alex himself as he worked through the song with flowing, easy moves. Something about it was so painstakingly familiar, yet he couldn’t put his finger on it as he stood mutely in the hallway, watching the scene in front of him.

He had to wonder… what did it look like from the front?

“There’s a scene I want to show you. You have to wait for it… so let’s make a promise!”

Alex moved into a different position, holding out his hand to an imaginary audience that Macen couldn’t see as he took a step up. Every one of his moves were precise, even though he was doing nothing more than dancing around his apartment in his socks. Clearly, he had been practicing…

But for what?

“There’s a gentle wind wrapping around me… isn’t it warm?”

Macen knew a bridge when he heard one, and he felt himself holding his breath as he watched. Alex was getting closer to his imaginary audience now, probably for whatever was going to come in the final chorus. Maybe it was because he was so focused on the man that he hadn’t noticed his heart had begun to beat faster, but it thudded all the same.

“They’re overflowing, these endless hearts…” The man suddenly turned on his heel, facing the entry way. “Please carry them to tomorrow!”

And then no more singing happened as the precursor to the final chorus played behind him. He was fixed on the turian standing in his living room, looking rather shocked as if he hadn’t given him the door code. Macen wasn’t doing much better, mind you – he still hadn’t managed to shut his damn mouth.

And people thought they were cool. If only the blogs could see them now.

At least Alex shut the music off as he regained sense. He reached for a towel to dry off his apparently sweaty face, cheeks a slight pink from exercise. Maybe it was the sweat that had made him shine in that moment. For all Macen knew, it had caught the overhead light when he spun around like that.

Meanwhile, his heart wasn’t slowing down. Still…

“Uh… I guess my text didn’t make it.” At least his mandibles were starting to work. “I didn’t miss the noodles yet, did I?”

The human put his towel down as he started towards his phone propped up on a stand. “They’ll be here in 15 last I checked.”

The music started playing on his phone as he frowned. “Damn, I knew I spun the wrong way…”

This caused Macen to cock his head to the side. “Were you recording yourself for social media or something?”

Doubtful; this kind of thing definitely wasn’t in the human’s wheelhouse. After all, he was supposed to be playing Commander Shepard. While the man had some oddities, he probably didn’t dance around like that.

…

Then again, who fucking knew. Dude was weird.

Alex was still checking his phone as he spoke. “No, just recording my practice to see where I need to improve for filming next week.”

Surprisingly, he was grinning as he looked up. “I’ve waiteda for this for a long time, so I want to get it right.”

Something about the way he smiled did awful things to Macen’s stomach. However, the statement set his mind whirring. While he wasn’t a complete Reaper War freak like some of his coworkers, he at least knew enough to be sure something like that hadn’t happened. After all, there’d be videos, right?

Definitely videos, no way Joker would’ve let that slip by.

“Ok, you’re going to have to fill me in on this one… since when did Shepard do a little dance?”

Alex chuckled – again, there went his stomach. “2185, to be exact. The Normandy ran into a rogue AI that accidentally found its way into Shepard’s music collection. They needed to distract it, so he wound up putting on a little show. He disabled the cameras beforehand, but he wrote about it in his journal, so we know it happened. And now I get to do it on TV and make all the people who think he was just a military guy hate me. I’m thrilled.”

Clearly – he was sparkling again, and this time it wasn’t from the sweat. Macen felt his heart beat harder again, and he tried to distract himself by looking towards the door. If those noodles could save his ass, he’d marry them.

Besides, he was supposed to be calling things off with the guy.

Alex was still looking through his phone as he spoke. “It’s been such a long time since I’ve done a dance routine for TV, I was worried I forgot how. I’m definitely a little rough, but it’s better than I thought it would be. Good thing the director let me know early so I could practice a bit more.”

Macen started to open his mouth to ask, but then the memory came to the surface. He knew where he had heard the voice before, and honestly he was surprised he had forgotten about it. Back then, he had secretly loved to watch it.

Secretly, of course, because Citadel Idol Heart was really more of a girl’s show. The popular teen drama about idols competing in a Citadel-wide talent competition in hopes of seeing their dreams come to life had run for a few years, and he had seen every episode. More importantly, he had once crushed on the main character, a blonde idol with blue eyes and the sweetest voice he had ever heard. Whenever she took the stage, he had been unable to look away.

Just like he couldn’t look away now…

“You… I forgot you were on CIH.”

It was now Alex’s turn to blink back surprise as he looked up from his phone. “You watched that?”

“Kind of…” His eyes darted. “Your voice hasn’t changed much. I mean it’s gotten older sounding but I’m glad to know it wasn’t autotune or anything…”

Things had officially gotten awkward. There he was, with the crush from his teenage years… and he was fucking the guy without even knowing it. Life was weird, and it was getting worse by the second. If only teenage him could see him now…

The man’s cheeks turned a light pink at the compliment. “Well, it’s not like I’ve gone on T or anything, so no big surprise there…”

He got up, probably to check for the noodles. “I take it you were part of the Melody fan club then. Unless you were an edge lord and went with Black Rose. Her fan club was the absolute worst and insisted we hated each other, but I was the best man at her damn wedding last year…”

The rest of his statement was drowned out by the opening of a door and the ruffling of a paper bag. At last, the noodles had arrived. Unfortunately, Macen realized he didn’t have much of an appetite. His stomach refused to calm, and his heart still pounded as he sat there, processing everything.

At least the application of a warm box to his mandibles helped.

“Macen, your noodles are going to get cold.”

He blinked and realized Alex was nudging him in the face with his food. That shot him back to reality as he took the box and proffered plastic fork that went with it. The human then settled in next to him – not across! – and started to dig into his own box.

Right… food. And they were supposed to be rehearsing. And he was definitely supposed to be breaking up with his costar.

“I had the pin.”

His comment left silence in his wake. Alex had stopped eating and was giving him a rather incredulous look. This caused Macen to duck his head in lieu of eating noodles. After all, it was hard to do so politely when you had a face like his. Really, he should have sworn them off… but they were just so damn good he couldn’t resist.

Damn humans and their noodles, they were out to get him.

“You had the fan club pin?”

Yep – there went his mandibles, flapping in the breeze. “I was a big fan, ok? What can I say, everyone loves an underdog story… and you maybe… looked good in that one outfit. The orange one…”

Melody in the orange outfit had been taped to his bedroom wall until he left for basic. Hell, it might still be there…

“God, you’re such a nerd.”

Alex was chuckling though as he put his fork down. It was a nice sound, though it did horrible things to Macen’s stomach once more. Thoughts of noodles evaporated as he sat there, taking in the sound of the human’s mirth. He really needed to laugh more often… maybe he should work on making that happen.

“Well… I can’t exactly let a fan down, now can I?”

He stood and crossed the room to the open space he had created. The music was soon queued up to where he had last stopped, and Alex took position once more. The smile on his face made Macen’s heart want to stop as he sat there, a noodle still hanging from his mandible.

“I can take off into the dreaming sky… because I’m not alone.” Alex winked as he moved, following the song. “Wherever it is, I feel like I can go across the distant sky…”

Then the music swelled as it led into the final chorus. Macen forgot how to breathe in that moment as he watched his costar dance and sing along to the ancient song. All he could think of was how much better he had gotten since the days of CIH…

And how much he wanted to kiss him.

“It’s not enough to put into words, so I’m putting it into a song I’m wishing will reach you.” Another smile as Alex twirled, then began his final pose as the song began to wind down. “Beating my heart~”

The last pose, with his head cocked to the side and hands clasped together, held as the music faded. Then there was silence in the living room as Macen struggled to remember how to function. Right then, there was nothing there but Alex and the table in front of him that kept him in place.

Shit.

“It probably needs some work, but I think I’ve got the basics considering it’s only been a couple hours.” Alex landed back on the couch, picking his food back up. “What do you think, Macen? Got anything you noticed?”

Yeah… his heart was still beating like crazy.

“Macen?”

The turian shook his head – probably launching the noodle in the process. At least it didn’t hit the man next to him, so he could thank his lucky stars for that. However, it was hard to think then as so many feelings and thoughts crashed together.

He was supposed to be calling it off… that was why he came over. This was just supposed to be a sex thing… but every bone in his carapace was telling him to grab the other man and kiss the daylights out of him. They hadn’t even ever kissed outside of sex or prepping for scenes…

What the hell was wrong with him?

“I uh… I don’t know the song, but maybe hold the last pose a bit longer. They might be able to make your eyes light up a bit more.”

Alex nodded at this. “I’ll make a note. Also, don’t you hate cold noodles? Last time you wouldn’t stop complaining when the delivery guy was late…”

Right then, Macen wasn’t sure what he hated or liked as he shoveled the food into his mouth. He just needed something, anything to keep him away from the thoughts currently blooming in his mind.

He knew this path – he hated it. It never ended well. And long ago he had told himself he was never going to walk down it again if he had any sense in his head. This was nothing more than a rehash on an old teenage crush… he could overpower it.

“We need our energy to practice.” He slurped down the last noodle, glad that none were sticking to his face this time. “Tomorrow’s going to be hell if we’re not ready.”

At least his costar nodded as he worked to finish his dinner. “Tell me about it, I have a damn imprint on my trigger finger from that damn gun…”

Well, at least on the bright side that question got answered. It did nothing to quell the bubbling feelings Macen was trying so desperately to beat down, but at least his curiosity was sated for the moment. Maybe that would get him through filming.

One thing was for sure… he was fucked. No way about it – he was just plain fucked. The universe was laughing at him, and he only had himself to blame. All he could do was hope he could hold back and wait for the feelings to pass.

If they didn’t… see the previous statement for clarification. Fuck… he was supposed to be a turian sharpshooter, not a lovesick puppy. He didn’t sign up for this.