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alleiradayne · 5 years

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Have a Drink On Me

Summary: Dean and Sam close up Rocky’s Bar after an amazing opening night. Square Filled: Business AU Warnings/Tags: BROTHERLY PLATONIC FLUFF. NO WINCEST. Little bits of angst. Characters/Pairings: Sam Winchester, Dean Winchester, rando named Frank. Word Count: 1,367 A/N: For @spnfluffbingo2019, this fills the square Business AU. Thank you, as always, to @atc74 for beta’ing. Song: Have a Drink On Me by AC/DC

“You have to go, Frank, we’re closing.”

Frank ambled to the door, drunker than a sailor on shore leave. “But it’s only twelve o’clock!”

Sam pointed to the large digital clock behind the bar. “It’s two o’clock, Frank. That’s a zero, not a one. Gimme your keys, you can come back in the morning.”

“Fine! See ya, Sammy,” Frank blurted as he slapped his keys into Sam’s palm. “Thanks again, Dean!” He waved over his shoulder towards the bar.

When the door shut, Sam sighed, relieved that the last of the stragglers had finally gone into the night.

“That was great!” Glasses clinked as Dean dried them and placed them on the racks behind the bar. “Good crowd, good music, good beer. Couldn’t ask for a better opener.”

Sam shuffled to a nearby stool and slumped onto it. “Yeah, it was.” A long sigh eased the weight on his shoulders. “I’m just glad it's over.”

He stared into the middle distance, unseeing. If he were to be honest with Dean, the lead up to the opening night of Rocky's Bar had been complete chaos. Their much-needed kegs from the local brewery had arrived late that morning, and the shipment of hard liquor had arrived a mere two hours before the doors were scheduled to open. And true to their nature, Sam had done all the worrying while Dean had waved off his concerns while simultaneously piling shit on their plates. Between booking a last-minute band and decorations, Sam damn near lost his damn mind.

But Dean had been right. Once the doors had opened, everything had come together and gone off without a hitch. It seemed all of Lawrence had come out to celebrate with the Winchesters; the bar had filled far quicker than either of them had anticipated, and spilled into the street. When the cops showed up, Sam thought the night doomed only to be met with offers to help control the crowd and direct traffic.

A heavy glass clunked onto the freshly polished oak bar. Warm amber liquored bubbled into the crystal as Dean upended a hidden bottle of Pappy. He grabbed a second glass and poured an equally generous amount into it, then pushed the glass to Sam.

Dean hefted his drink as he said, “Thanks, Sammy. You made it all happen.”

His focus narrowed on the glass as he wrapped his fingers around the cold crystal. “It was your idea, man.”

He could hear the crestfallen look on Dean's face. “Yeah, but without you, I wouldn't have even known where to start. You were the brains of this whole thing.”

Sure. He had kept Dean organized the last eight months. “Still, it was your idea. You named the place, designed it, picked out everything from floor to ceiling. It's your bar.”

“It's our bar,” Dean insisted. “Look at me. Please.”

Sam peeled his eyes from his glass to find Dean holding not only his drink but a small bag. “It's only called Rocky’s Bar because of copyright issues.” He set the bag on the bar and gave it a push towards him.

“What is this?” Sam asked.

“Opening night gift for my business partner.”

Sam didn't trust Dean's shit-eating grin as far as he could throw him. “I'm… scared.”

“Oh, c’mon, of what?” Dean scoffed.

Sam stopped and glared at him over the top of the bag. “Last present you got me was a practical joke. An exploding snake can.”

Dean looked off to the right as though reliving the moment. “Hah. Yeah. I did. You screamed like—”

“It was my fortieth birthday, dude!” he interrupted.

Chastised, Dean looked nothing short of a scolded puppy. “I know. I… didn't have any money to get you anything. I’d put everything I had into the bar.”

Great. Just great. “Look, Dean, I’m sorry, that was uncalled for. I’m just… stressed out. Been a rough couple of months, and a rougher week.”

“It’s fine, I get it.” Dean waved him on to open the bag when Sam stared at him, unconvinced. “Seriously, though, I’m beat and need to get to bed. Open it.”

With a resigned sigh, Sam dug into the bag and grasped a massively awkward and heavy object. Wrapped in at least a pound of tissue paper, he spent the better part of a minute unburying it to reveal a carved wooden statue of a moose standing nearly a foot tall. Golden lamplight gleamed on its polished surface, highlighting the deep red grain to a rich brown finish.

“Like I said,” Dean started, “it’s only Rocky's Bar because of copyright issues.”

There was no use hiding the unbidden tears that rushed down his cheeks. “God dammit, Dean. You didn't have to buy me anything, this must have cost—”

“Forty bucks.”

Sam gaped as he looked between Dean and the statue. “How?”

“The block cost twenty dollars,” Dean said. “I fucked up on the first one. Burned it. Smelled nice.”

“You? You… carved this?” he stuttered.

Dean nodded. “Took me all year. Consider it your birthday present. Christmas present, too, since I didn't get you anything for either last year.”

Beside himself, Sam could hardly think of anything to say. And maybe there were no words, none that could sufficiently encapsulate the way he felt. So instead of babbling an inadequate sentiment of gratitude, he reached to the floor beside his stool and grabbed the bag that sat there.

“Not that I’m surprised,” he started as he set the bag on the bar. “We had the same idea. Except I don't whittle wood.”

“That's what she said,” Dean said with a wink.

“Just open the bag, dude.”

Dean might as well have stuck his tongue out for the flippant look he shot back at him as he dug into the bag and withdrew a similarly wrapped, oddly shaped item. As Dean tore away the tissue paper and revealed the giant stuffed squirrel, complete with bomber jacket and aviator cap, Sam elated in the rapturous joy that widened Dean's smile.

“Dammit, Sammy, you did enough for me over the last year,” Dean said as he cleared his throat.

“You always complained about the copyright issue,” he said as he slid from his stool and rounded the end of the bar. He grabbed his moose statue and placed it on an empty shelf in the middle of the back wall below the large sign emblazoned with the bar's name. “Now everyone will understand.”

Dean hefted the squirrel and placed it beside the moose. “Perfection.”

Sam cocked his head as he regarded the display. If you had asked him fifteen years ago where he’d be today, owning a bar with Dean wouldn’t have even been on his list. But there he stood behind the bar that he and Dean had built from nothing. What a miraculous change of fate. And how lucky, too. If Sam didn't know any better, he’d argue that they had a guardian angel looking down on them.

A loud yawn drew his attention to Dean who stretched as his mouth gaped. “Okay, I’m done.” He shuffled around the end of the bar and grabbed his coat. When he turned back, he asked, “You coming?”

Sam followed, grabbing his jacket and the keys from the rack behind the bar. “Yeah. Let’s go get some sleep.”

Shrugged into his coat, Dean headed for the door and pulled it aside. Sam took the first step into the night as he looked back over his shoulder and Dean hit the lights. The electric blue, yellow, and red glow of the FB Beer Company sign filled the bar, and before the door slammed shut, he regarded the shelf behind the rail one more time.

Bathed in that eerie neon glow, moose and squirrel stood watch like gargoyles over the bar, sentinels on their vigil. The slam of the door punctuated Sam and Dean's departure, plunging the bar into silence but for the electric buzz of the neon sign. The roar of a monstrous motor burst to life only to fade away as it sped into the distance, it's decrescendo receding to nothing.

Alone they sat, two friends, brothers, a moose and a squirrel on their shelf.

Feedback is appreciated! Feel free to reblog, too!

If you want in on any of my tags (Sam/Jared, Dean/Jensen), send me a DM or an ask!

ALLEIRADAYNE’S SPN FLUFF BINGO MASTERLIST

ALLEIRADAYNE’S SPN MASTER LIST

The Whole Thang:

@atc74 @hannahindie @bevans87 @meganwinchester1999 @plaided-ani-on-hiatus @oneshoeshort @jonogueira @andkatiethings @elfinmox @wonderfulworldofwinchester @princessofthefandomrealm @just-another-busyfangirl @jmekitchens @81mysteriouslyme @dolphincliffs @seenashwrite @canadianspnhunter @meowmeow-motherfucker @depressed-moose-78 @staycejo1 @hobby27 @pretty-fortune @mypopculturediva @fanfictionjunkie1112 @sandlee44 @4llmywr1tings @claitynroberts @maddiepants @scarletluvscas @donnaintx @blackeyedangel9805 @rainflowermoon @winchesterprincessbride @lazinessisalliknow @the-is13 @waywardafgrandma @keymology @sister-winchesters99

Dean’s Dames (Jensen):

@supernatural-jackles @jerkbitchidjitassbutt @akshi8278

Sam’s Sasstresses (Jared):

@morganas-pendragons @karouwinchester

#alleiradayne writes #spn fanfic #spnfluffbingo #spnfluffbingo2019 #dean winchester #sam winchester

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violetandstarlightgirl · 6 years

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My Favorite Songs I Discovered in 2018

With the year wrapping up, I thought I’d do what I did last year and make a list of my favorite songs that I discovered this year. I have found more favorite songs both from new artists and old favorites (you will see some repeats of artists this year!) Click here to see the 2017 list!

I will do what I did last year and explain how I found these songs and the reasons for these songs resonating with me the way they do.

Riches and Wonders by The Mountain Goats (All Hail West Texas, 2002)

At the start of the year, I started listening to a podcast called “I Only Listen To The Mountain Goats”, which was made by Joseph Fink (creator of Welcome To Night Vale) and John Darnielle (the singer and creator of the band), where they talked about the songs from the album “All Hail West Texas”, discussing the themes and inspirations for the songs and how they tied to both of their lives. They even had guest artists such as Dessa and Eliza Rickman perform covers of the songs!

The album is now one of my favorites, and Riches and Wonders is probably my favorite song overall. Around February, I began a relationship for the first time in a few years, and this song reminded me of how it felt to be in love. Even listening to the song today (after the relationship ended in June) I still have that feeling. The memories of just spending time with someone you’re in love with still bring me joy, even when I’m no longer romantically involved with that person.

Disrobed by Griffin McElroy (The Eleventh Hour, 2016)

The Adventure Zone more or less took over my fandom interests by the time I concluded Petals to the Metal in January. This arc, coincidentally, happens to be where Griffin began to incorporate sound effects and his own music. My favorite song from Griffin, though, is from my favorite Balance arc; The Eleventh Hour.

It was a tough choice, but I feel this song has the most meaning for me (with the exception of the Voidfish Duet). It appears in different varieties throughout the Balance campaign after The Eleventh Hour, it’s a major piece from that point on that’s used in so many vital moments (the conclusion of The Suffering Game and the “She Rises” sequence from Story and Song stand out to me in particular). To think that Griffin only started playing with Garage-band a year prior to releasing this album blows me away. Since then nearly every single one of his songs (at least the ones that aren’t a goof) have been masterpieces, and even the goofy ones still have some merit and charm!

Late Night by Typical (Late Night, 2018)

I actually found this as a copyright-free song used in a speed-edit. I enjoy a lot of these kind of songs; most of the copyright-free ones available are of the electronic variety and most of the time I love them a lot. Late Night was no exception.

I mostly wanted to use it for my own speedpaint (which I eventually did) but I loved listening to it throughout my day since it was such a bright and upbeat song. I associated it with going out to be with friends during the summer, or just having fun in general. I feel like that in itself is the vibe this song emits; spending a “late night” out doing things that make you happy.

Signs by Sangam & Bruised Skies (Signs, 2012)

Sometimes I listen to mixes of a bunch of songs through together, and one of my favorite YouTube channels that releases these mixes is MrSuicideSheep, also known as Sheepy. This song in particular was part of their second “Dawn” ambient mix, and it’s one of my favorites from the mix.

It’s a very quiet piece, but it takes me to a still morning relaxing in the middle of a storm. You can even hear the rain and thunder as though it’s taking place outside of where you sit. It’s a nice song to listen to during a quiet time, and I feel very peaceful when I listen to it. I’ll often have it on repeat for long stretches of time when I’m working on something or waking up in the morning.

Jenny by Erin McKeown (Jenny, 2017)

As mentioned earlier, thanks to the podcast from John Darnielle and Joseph Fink, I have fallen head-over-heels for the All Hail West Texas album. What I didn’t mention was how amazing almost all of the covers were; in most cases they all added something new and fun to the originals, and Erin McKeown’s cover of Jenny is an example.

The use of cello and electric bass gives me the actual imagery of speeding down a desert road at sunset. This is not to say the original version is bad, but I get the imagery of that adventure better with this version of the song. I can almost feel the hot desert air whip through my hair, and enjoy listening to this while I drive!

Dark Solstice by God Is An Astronaut (A Moment of Stillness, 2006)

I discovered God Is An Astronaut through Welcome To Night Vale; Endless Dream was the “weather” for one of the episodes, and it is my favorite song from the group overall, but I also really love Dark Solstice which I discovered this year when I finally sat down and listened to the whole album.

When I listen to this song, I think of a long drive through a snow-covered field and seeking refuge in a small but cozy winter cabin. The sky gets darker as the day concludes, there are only a few trees and the landscape is still. It’s that strange serenity that comes from the stillness of winter, and I feel like this song captures that perfectly. While the song isn’t necessarily quiet all the way through (none of the group’s songs are, in my experience), the rhythm is still soothing and has that “coming home” feel.

Boy & Bear by Pogo (Ascend, 2018)

I remember stumbling on one of Pogo’s videos in 2010, and being pleasantly surprised by the music he made by remixing the sounds from movies. I didn’t listen to a lot of it, but I enjoyed the things that I found. Boy & Bear is a mix of my favorite Winnie the Pooh movie from my childhood; The Search for Christopher Robin.

The song reminds me of how much that movie meant to me as a kid, and I listening to all the songs from the movie mixed into the song gave me the nostalgic feel as though I was re-experiencing the entire movie experience again for the first time in years.

Journey by Michael Salvatori and The Kronos Quartet (Destiny 2 Original Soundtrack, 2018)

In 2014, my dad played a lot of the first Destiny game after buying a PS4, and bought and played the sequel that came out this year. I played a little bit of the first game, and only got the second game after receiving a free download from Blizzard.

This song plays for the first time after reuniting with your Ghost after being disconnected from the Light that gives your character their powers. For the first two minutes of the song, it captures that melancholy feeling of loss and grief beautifully. Then the drums and choir kick in and you’re filled with determination and hope for the future. It was this part of the game that made me fall for it so hard, and actually enjoy it more than the first, and all thanks to this song!

#fun moosic #my random life #i talk about music for a long time #also a video game #and d&d #long post sorry

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ceoblog867 · 3 years

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42 3fgc20 Manual

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foxholistic77 · 3 years

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No Copyright Sounds

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Advertisements fund this website. Please disable your adblocking software or whitelist our website. This playlist has no tracks yet. Like Repost Share Add to Next up Add to Next up Add to Next up Added. View all likes 20.6K; View all reposts 4,021; NCS Verified. 1,344,516 followers 1.34M; 880 tracks 880; Follow. Follow NCS and others on SoundCloud. Create a SoundCloud.

NoCoyrightSounds is one of the best-known channels offering non-copyrighted music. You can download all the music for free and use it under your own YouTube videos or Twitch live streams as an example. You must indicate who the artist is and place a link to the video of that song.*

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projectalbum · 7 years

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Art is Resistance. 149. “With Teeth” (Halo 19), 150. “Year Zero” (Halo 24), 151. “Y34RZ3R0R3M1X3D” (Halo 25), 152. “Ghosts I-IV” (Halo 26), 153. “The Slip” (Halo 27) by Nine Inch Nails

The 6-year gap between Nine Inch Nails studio albums saw the Internet become truly ascendant in popular culture, for better and worse.

Napster took a bite from the music industry and was put down like a mad dog. The Pirate Bay first unfurled its flag. Radio play and music videos were still the main avenue for displaying the wares of major label musicians to the general public, and success was still measured in units of CDs sold, but more and more people were becoming hip to the underground access provided by a DSL modem.

But the power of the Web to empower artists and connect them to their fans still evaded most of the recording industry; honchos and artists alike were largely clueless. Trent Reznor, the big ol’ nerd, was a notable exception. Posting on early message boards on Prodigy, embracing torrents, creating an online gateway for the band’s fans, leaking material from the archives, experimenting with an optional-pay release, even being an early adopter of Twitter— it was a white-hot fiber optic cable running through the life of the band. While this technological engagement didn’t always translate into sales (The Fragile was considered a financial disappointment), it was a 21st century incarnation of the connection between what the artist creates and how the audience consumes it, internalizes it, and hopefully finds some emotional release in it.

This uneasy alliance between organic emotion and technological chilliness is reflected in this era of Nine Inch Nails’ aesthetic, both musically and through the packaging. Where Downward Spiral and Fragile dealt in decaying earth tones, the releases starting with 2005’s reemergent With Teeth (#149) are shades of blue, black, ghost white, and slate gray, dirtied up by belching factory smoke, or distorted by broken pixels and lines of computer code. The songs are likewise colored by pulsating synth accents, digital distortion, hums and drones and beats. The instrumental stems for Reznor’s compositions were offered up to remixers both professional and amateur, so that even the boundary of artist and audience member became liminal. He had his carefully constructed versions of “The Hand That Feeds” and “Only,” but suggested that there were infinite alternate permutations to be created at the click of a button. For the once angry, brooding Prince of Industrial Rock, it was downright egalitarian.

“All The Love In The World,” a title that might suggest a big-hearted power ballad on a cornier band’s track list, is in Reznor’s hands an electronica-inflected paranoid dirge. Where crunchy guitars would have provided the backbone in the past, here woozy piano figures are the main melodic backup to the vocal, before shifting into driving major chords to signal minute 3’s complete tonal transformation. With its layers of harmonizing Trents, it’s completely unlike anything else in the band’s repertoire, but it was the perfect next course to stimulate my appetite. And then Dave Grohl’s superhuman drumming on “You Know What You Are?” kicked me through the door. The wailing chorus presented an aggressive musical release for me that I’d never had access to before.

“Right Where It Belongs,” the keyboard-driven closing track, is spooky and introspective, and one of the best songs in NiN’s catalogue. A stripped-down, electric piano and vocal version, originally exclusive to the Japanese release but eventually uploaded by Reznor to his website, captures that dark night of the soul uncertainty even better. This recording made its way into the end credits of my senior thesis film, at the point where it was obvious it wasn’t going to go anywhere and that I should at least put copyrighted stuff I liked into it. I also set a live version against grainy deleted footage from Pink Floyd - The Wall, a mashup I figure ol’ Trent would appreciate (the idea was to then do the reverse, matching “Hey You” to the visuals cut together for NiN’s stage show, but the result wasn’t as compelling).

I don’t have any supporting evidence, but Year Zero (#150) may well have been the first time I ever plunked down money for a physical copy of a NiN CD. Also lacking sufficient empirical backup: I’m convinced this speculative fiction about an increasingly plausible American dystopia represents some of Reznor’s strongest songwriting. Inhabiting characters like a brainwashed foot soldier, an underground Resistance fighter, a religiously-inflamed demagogue, even a judgmental alien intelligence, he moves away from the diary page introspection that could occasionally curdle into lyrics of questionable taste (Sorry, please don’t slip on all the tears I’ve made you cry).

The release of the album was notably attached to a labyrinthine “Alternate Reality Game” campaign, with in-character websites, USB drives hidden at concerts, and music videos with secret messages, adding plot strands and world building to the lyrics. (I missed the boat on all that, but the work that the same marketing company did for The Dark Knight was sure something to experience.) All of which would be near-impenetrable, if the actual music wasn’t so compelling. You don’t have to read the wiki pages to feel the apocalyptic beats and glitchy cacophony of “HYPERPOWER!,” “The Good Soldier,” and to pump your fist to the chorus of “Survivalism.” “I got my propaganda / I got revisionism” hits harder in a time, 10 years on from the album’s release, in which the most powerful voices in the U.S. government disregard reality on the reg, occasionally try to downplay the Holocaust. “Capital G,” a gleefully sociopathic near-rap by the forces of greed, could soundtrack one of Paul Ryan’s dead-eyed workout photoshoots.

“In This Twilight” and “Zero Sum” are the shattering two-part coda, in which the squabbling remnants of humanity face the end, whether by divine intervention or nuclear fire. The first juxtaposes crunchy, distorted percussion and fuzzed-out bass with perhaps the most perversely light and melodic vocal performance Reznor has ever delivered. He’s singing about encroaching extinction, but in a blissed-out religious reverie, optimistic for the afterlife. The character at the center of the closing track is not so sure: this is the End of this ridiculous human experiment, and we’ve brought oblivion on ourselves. “Shame on us / For all we have done / And all we ever were.” There’s the Nine Inch Nails nihilism we know and love!

Y34RZ3R0R3M1X3D (#151) filters the previous album through Hip-Hop and EDM, to uneven effect. The collection of remixes never quite sustains the highs established by the first two tracks: Saul Williams’ fiery rap verses turn the instrumental “HYPERPOWER!” into a polemic against a legacy of American violence, “Gunshots by Computer,” while modwheelmood frees the vocals of “The Great Destroyer” from the squealing synth breakdown and creates a whole new paranoid anthem. While it’s also interesting to hear the Kronos Quartet reinterpret “Another Version of the Truth,” the rest is largely skippable. The physical set includes a DVD with the multitracks for the original Year Zero recordings, so you too can fuck with the raw materials! (I’ve been trying to remix things for years, and I’m awful at it, but it’s fun to hear the individual instrumentation.)

After freeing himself lyrically from his old methodology, the next release from Reznor eschewed words and melody completely. Ghosts I-IV (#152) is nearly 2 hours of ambient experimentation, a precursor to the Oscar-winning film scores with Atticus Ross (a few tracks were literally reworked for The Social Network, and several others continue to be licensed for film and documentaries). The buzzsaw distortions, dark piano chords, oddly organic synthesizers, and industrial beats identify it as a NiN record even in the absence of vocals. Though good luck recommending your favorite tracks, with titles like “26 Ghosts III” and “09 Ghosts I” not exactly sticking in the memory.

The Slip (#153), originally released free of charge, is more of a return-to-form. Arguably too familiar— it’s essentially With Teeth Part 2, but leaner and meaner. It’s not held in especially high regard, but it was there right at the outset of my fandom, and as such I continue to have a soft spot for it. I even bought the physical copy after years of listening to the decent quality MP3’s. “Discipline,” with its uncommonly funky bass line and high hat-favoring drum beat, is my number 1 “trying to sneak it onto a party playlist but not very successfully” NiN song. Along with the following track, “Echoplex,” the dark dance floor vibe is a preview of the sound Reznor and co would explore with How To Destroy Angels. “Lights in the Sky,” “Corona Radiata,” and “The Four of Us are Dying” create a kind of suite, insinuating and ethereal. I can understand if you bow out of that middle, 7-minute-and-33-second, ambient track before the library sample of fighting cats kicks in. But “LITS” is Reznor’s sparsest, prettiest piano lament, announcing the eminent “retirement” of Nine Inch Nails as a touring/recording entity.

Wave goodbye. They’ll be back.

#Nine Inch Nails #Trent Reznor #rock #hard rock #industrial #electronica #CDs #cd cover #album art #alternative rock #With Teeth #Year Zero

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emunenen · 5 years

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Makao Bora

New Post has been published on https://wp.me/paK8na-392

How to be a successful entrepreneur doing artistic activities(creatives) @KenyanTraffic

While making a living from artistic endeavors isn’t new, the concept and growth of the creative entrepreneur definitely is. The Internet, in particular, has created the resources and opportunities for people to tap into their knowledge and innate abilities to make a living. If you’d like to build a business around your talent and join the ranks of the growing number of creative entrepreneurs, here’s what you need to know and do.

What is a Creative Entrepreneur?

At first, you might think a creative entrepreneur is someone makes a living from their creative endeavors, such as artists or photographers. While these types of entrepreneurs certainly fall into the category, artists are not the only creative entrepreneurs.

A creative entrepreneur is someone who uses their creative or intellectual knowledge and skills to earn a living, usually in a business or as a freelancer. This differs from traditional entrepreneurship that has mainly focused on manufacturing and industrial products.

Who are Some Famous Creative Entrepreneurs?

History, especially in the twentieth century, is littered with people who turned their knowledge and creativity into a thriving business. Many of them started their businesses from home.

Walt Disney

Walt has many great quotes, but one that sums up creative entrepreneurship is, “I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing — that it was all started by a mouse.” From the movies to the theme parks to the Mickey Mouse and Disney products, all of it came from Walt’s creation of Mickey Mouse on a train trip home from New York after he’d lost rights to his most profitable cartoon. Walt used his imagination and artistry to build an empire that started with a cartoon mouse.

Inventors Including Thomas Edison

All inventors who are able to capitalize on their inventions and ideas can be considered creative entrepreneurs. This includes Nikola Tesla, Alexander Graham Bell, and even more modern day inventors such as Joy Mangano, who started her empire with a self-wringing mop. While these inventors may have created products that were mass produced, their business was built on ideas.

One of the most famous and prolific of these inventors is Thomas Edison, who invented moving pictures, the electric light and more. He had 1,093 patents for his ideas and inventions in the United States alone.

Steve Jobs

Most people don’t equate artistry and computer programming, but most people aren’t Steve Jobs. Along with Steve Wozniak, Job developed technology that was accessible to everyday people, but he also considered the aesthetics of the devices he created. His creativity was truly unique in his ability to develop products and services people didn’t know they needed, such as the ability to carry thousands of songs on a tiny device or turn a portable phone into a computer and entertainment center.

Ree Drummond

While Ree many not be as famous to the general public as the creative entrepreneurs listed above, anyone who watches The Food Network, shops at Wal-Mart, or loves reading lifestyle blogs will likely know of her, at least by her more famous moniker; The Pioneer Woman. As a wife and mother living on a cattle ranch in Oklahoma, Drummond started a blog sharing her photographs and recipes in May 2006. By 2009, her blog was receiving 13 million page views a month. Along with income earned from her blog, Drummond has been able to parlay her creative success into writing a memoir and cookbooks, a cooking show on the Food Network, and line of cookware sold at Wal-Mart.

Less Famous Creative Entrepreneurs

While you may have heard of the creative entrepreneurs listed above, today there are millions of people that haven’t heard of who are turning their talents into thriving businesses. These people are bloggers, Etsy sellers, YouTubers, freelancers and more.

Creative Entrepreneur Home Business Ideas

The hallmark of a creative entrepreneur business is that you tap into your intellectual or creative assets to make money. There are hundreds of different ways to do this depending on your skills, knowledge, and creativity. Here are some ways other entrepreneurs have done it:

Art and Photography

Artisan Crafts

Blogging

Coaching

Digital Products (apps, printables, etc)

Graphic Design

Information Products

Podcast

Teaching (i.e. Online Courses)

Video/Vlog/YouTube

Writing/Authorship

The list goes on and on. If you have the knowledge or a skill others will pay you for, you can become a creative entrepreneur. In fact, Fiverr has many people selling skills such as writing or singing a jingle.

How to Become a Creative Entrepreneur

Today, it’s easier and more affordable than ever to turn your knowledge and talents into income. There are many great reasons to become a creative entrepreneur including:

Get paid to do something you love

Control over your work

Flexibility

Designing a career that fits your lifestyle goals

With that said, there can be some downsides to becoming a creative entrepreneur, including:

Business tasks can feel boring and uncreative

Inconsistent income

Difficulty in finding a paying market

Turning your creative passion into a “job” could ruin the fun of it

Get Started as a Creative Entrepreneur

If you’ve decided you’d like to turn your intellectual and creative assets into income, here’s how to get started:

Figure out what you can offer. Make a list of things you know, love, and do, such as doodling, singing, playing an instrument, etc. Remember, your idea doesn’t need to be artistic to be considered creative. It just needs to tap into your knowledge base or skill set.

Determine how your knowledge or skill can make money. Can you create something to sell? Can you freelance your talent? Can you teach or inform people about it (i.e. blogging, info products, online course, etc)? You may have an idea that has several ways to make money, and down the road, it might be a good idea to develop several incomes around your idea. But starting out, choose one, and focus on that until it’s up and running.

Research your idea to make sure there is a market that will want (and will pay) for what you have to offer. Underwater basket weaving may be your passion, but if there’s no one who wants to buy underwater baskets or learn about underwater basket weaving, it’s not going to be a viable business. In market research, you want to discover if there are people who are ready, willing, and able to buy, as well as determine who these people are (demographics, wants, needs, interests, etc). Note, that even if you’re starting a blog and offering your ideas for free, to make money, people will need to click on ads or affiliate offers, which means they need to want and be able to buy stuff.

Write a business plan. If your idea is viable, it’s time to start planning and implementing your business. That starts with a business plan that outlines what your business will offer, what is unique about your business, how your business will benefit clients/customers, what you’ll charge, your current and forecasted financial situation, your target market and more.

Decide on a business name. Depending on your business, you might use your given name or you can create a business name that describes what you offer.

Create your business structure. Many beginning creative entrepreneurs start out as a sole proprietorship, which is fast and easy. However, if you stick with your business, you should consider forming an LLC, which isn’t that hard or expensive and offers some protection if you get sued.

Get a business license. Check with your city or county government office about required licenses or permits. You should also check the zoning department to make sure it’s okay that you work from home.

Protect your creative assets. If you’re creating something, consider protecting your intellectual property from thieves. There are three types of protection depending on what you create: 1) Patent for inventions, designs or formulas, 2) Copyright for created works such as writing and art, and 3) Trademark usually for a name, logo or tagline.

Set up your distribution system. In your business plan, you should have outlined how you’re going to deliver your products or services. If you make digital planners, will you sell them on Etsy or on your own website? If you’re freelancing your services, will you market them through freelance sites, or through your own website? Whatever you decide, now is the time to set it up.

Market your business. Once you’ve got everything in place, it’s time to let your market know about it. Marketing is one place many creative entrepreneurs struggle, and yet, your creativity and ingenuity can be an asset. The key things to remember in marketing are 1) Who is your target market? 2 )Where can they be found (what do they read online, what sites do the visit, where do they congregate online and off, etc)? and 3) How can you put your information in front of them so that they’ll want to know more about you (articles, ads, videos, social media, etc)?

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mybctexperience · 5 years

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Creative Audio Research 5, Music Dump

Create Audio “Research?” Not sure if I’m meant to document anymore, though I feel it is effecting what I’m creating.

A huge list of music that I have been listening to recently, everything from my boyfriend’s pretty cool music taste, to recommended things on YouTube as I’ve been just passing by, or autoplay, to some of my older music I haven’t touched in years. It’ll mostly be in order of first listened to, then most recently listened to. A little bit sectioned as to who’s music or what I was thinking about the music.

Undertale Full OST Xenoblade Chronicles OST DeoxysPrime • I Made A Song Using Only Deltarune Sounds

A taste of the Boyfriend’s music taste:

Little Dragon - Wanderer Shiki(TMNS) - Senpai [MajorLeagueWobs Remix] SIAMÉS "Mr. FEAR" [Official Animated Music Video] Ark Patrol – Curious (ft. Victoria Zaro) (Lyrics) [CC] K.Flay - Giver Feint - Vagrant (ft. Veela)

Music from my childhood, Dad would listen to them often:

Madness - Baggy Trousers (Official Video) GBH No Survivors Greg Kihn Band - Jeopardy (extended version) Generation X - King Rocker NEW MODEL ARMY - 51St State - 1986

NEFFEX - Backstage🤘💋 [Copyright Free] [Underverse Remix] SharaX - Vive La Verse

Fascinating science, not exactly a song:

How I broke a wine glass with my voice (using science!)

Discrepancies - Not Alone (Official Video)

A little of my old stuff, more soon:

Daleri - Electro Wobble [Tasty Release] Define Light & Miles Dominic - Elsewhere [Tasty Release]

Marshmello follows a very strong narrative storyline both with it’s audio and visuals:

Marshmello - Alone [Monstercat Official Music Video] Marshmello - Together (Official Music Video) Marshmello - Blocks (Official Music Video) Marshmello - Take It Back (Official Music Video) Marshmello - Tell Me (Official Music Video) Marshmello - Power (Official Music Video) Marshmello - Paralyzed (Official Music Video) Marshmello - Rooftops (Official Music Video) Marshmello - Flashbacks (Official Music Video)

Everything Is New OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO Jaimie Wilson Madeon - Pop Culture (live mashup)

Lots of my old music:

Electric Joy Ride - 365 [Free Download] MINECRAFT CREEPER RAP | Dan Bull | ENDING A Revolvr - Feel Good Spooky Scary Skeletons (Remix) - Extended Mix ♪ "In Love with a Villager" - An Original Minecraft Song Animation - Official Music Video Disney's Frozen "Let It Go" Sequence Animated Performed by NateWantsToBattle (Male Version) BIOSHOCK INFINITE RAP | Dan Bull [Electro] - Insan3Lik3 - The Other Day [Monstercat Release] Undertale - Dummy! - Remix Waters of Megalovania (ORIGINAL) Dancetale All Themes (Undertale AU) Vicetone - I Hear You [Monstercat Release] Direct - Too Far Away [Monstercat Release] P-Holla- Do It For Love Vicetone feat. Kat Nestel - Angels [Premiere] Lady Gaga - Applause (Official) DaLaBengBa (Undertale)(Animatic) “HARD DRIVE” Determined Cover by Shadrow | UNDERTALE SONG

More of the Boyfriend’s music:

[MV] REOL - Hibikase RΞOL · Σ コノヨ Konoyo Loading...【English subs,中日歌词】 [MV] REOL - 宵々古今 / YoiYoi Kokon

Then mainly mine with a few of his mixed in:

"FISHY LOVE" - UNDERTALE ALPHYS SONG | by Griffinilla (ft. Eile Monty) Scanty & Kneesocks Theme - I Want You (With Lyrics) UNDERTALE SANS SONG "Judgement" by TryHardNinja Momotaro Caro Emerald, Tangled Up (Lokee Remix) Caravan Palace - Lone Digger Emigrate - Eat You Alive (Feat. Frank Dellé) Undertale OST - Megalovania (Launchpad cover) FAKE TYPE Nightmare Parade RIME EPIC RAP | Dan Bull ProleteR - April Showers Undertale - Spear of Justice [Electro Swing Remix] Cuphead - Die House [Electro Swing Remix (ft. OR3O)] King Dice Live • CUPHEAD Cuphead OST - Die House (Mr. King Dice Main Theme) [EXTENDED] + Lyrics Say My Name - Odesza / Joseph Tsosh Choreography ft. Dylan Mayoral / URBAN DANCE CAMP Kenshi Main Theme

[Underverse Remix] SharaX - Inking Mistake (Ink vs Error Battle Theme) Here Comes The Sun (Remastered 2009) Lil Nas X - Old Town Road (Official Movie) ft. Billy Ray Cyrus You Can't Pray The Gay Away | Skitso Music | Skitsofrenic Undertale - Battle Against A True Hero [Electro Jazz/Swing] Undertale - Gaster's Theme [Electro Swing Remix] 20,000 subs | Undertale - The Swing Brothers [Electro Swing Remix] 10,000 subs | Undertale - Death by Glamour [Electro Swing Remix] Emigrate - Rainbow

I found out that I’m not a fan of Low-fi HipHop:

Hazy Year - quit asking me for sandwiches

The Boyfriend’s music then through to letting YouTubes autoplay do it’s magic, and still ending up on some more if his music:

She's My Collar (feat. Kali Uchis) SIAMÉS "The Wolf" [Official Animated Music Video] Caravan Palace - Lone Digger (album version) Electro - Swing || Jamie Berry Ft. Octavia Rose - Delight Charlie Puth - Betty Boop (but with a more fitting drop) Ken Ashcorp - Absolute Territory

YouTube autoplay from one of the BF’s songs:

Ark Patrol – At All (ft. Veronika Redd) (Lyrics) [CC] Ark Patrol ft. Veronika Redd - At All Annella - Perfume Inova - Disowned Jynjo - How do you Like it (feat. Spritely) AViVA - HUSHH Felix Cartal - Runaway (feat. REGN) Two Feet - I Feel Like I'm Drowning Skott - Porcelain (AWAY Remix) AViVA - GRRRLS AViVA - BRN Papa Ya - Sunny Sickick - Mind Games Swingrowers - Butterfly (Official Music Video) - ELECTRO SWING 【Electro】OVERWERK - Toccata The Glitch Mob - Take Me With You (feat. Arama) DROELOE - Kintsugi CloZee - Secret Place CloZee X VOLO - Soul Search CloZee - Harmony (VAGO Remix) 【Chill Trap】CloZee - Get Up Now Of The Trees - Dream Atlas (CloZee Remix) Egzod ft. Sinego - Marianne Alex Skrindo - Ease Mickey Valen ft. Noé - Meet Me BLOOM - Just Lay Down FusionNFire - What We Were 【Chillstep】Soulfy - Skyfall [Free Download] SizzleBird - Imagine Vexento - Eyes Closed Vexento - Never Letting Go Unlike Pluto - Everything Black (ft. Mike Taylor) Inova - Immortal Odd Chap - Midnight Sway 【Chill Trap】CloZee - Koto 【Tropical House】Diviners ft. Contacreast - Tropic Love 【Chill】Ark Patrol - Tokyo (Subranger Remix) Xan Griffin - Capricorn (feat. WOLFE) Danrell - White Noise (feat. Ryder)

Gosh people can chomp their way though music. I didn’t realise how much I had consumed since I last tried document to taking a deeper look at what I was listening too.

I think that I’ve traversed quite a few music genres and lots of different styles. I personally have a very open music taste and have enjoyed listening to almost every piece. This list will be very helpful for me in future wanting to look back on what I’ve listened to, and what I will like then. I feel there is a strange mixed influence over the audio I am trying to create. I don’t have a lot of knowledge and skill in the craft, but feel minor undertones form the music that I’ve been opening myself to. I still don’t particularly lean to music with or without lyrics. There are songs that fit lyrics just fine, and there are others that are just wonderful without them. I like it when the audio has a balance and doesn’t need the lyrics to convey the whole message; blending the instruments and effects of choice with the lyrics themselves.

#ctec605 #bct #CTEC605CreativeAudio #creativeaudio #assignment #selfinitiatedsoundproject #semester3 #secondyear

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pathfinder-bestiary · 5 years

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Oma (CR 16)

This amorphous, whale-like creature floats ponderously, arcs of brilliant energy filling its mouth and rolling down its body.

XP 76,800 N Colossal magical beast Init –2; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Perception +24

DEFENSE

AC 30, touch 0, flat-footed 30 (–2 Dex, +30 natural, –8 size) hp 290 (20d10+180) Fort +23, Ref +10, Will +7 Immune cold, electricity, fire

OFFENSE

Speed fly 200 ft. (average) Melee bite +33 (4d6+21 plus 2d6 electricity and grab), tail slap +28 (4d6+10) Space 30 ft.; Reach 30 ft. Special Attacks capsize, swallow whole (6d6 acid damage, AC 25, 29 hp)

STATISTICS

Str 52, Dex 7, Con 29, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 5 Base Atk +20; CMB +49 (+51 bull rush, +53 grapple); CMD 57 (59 vs. bull rush, can’t be tripped) Feats Awesome Blow, Critical Focus, Diehard, Endurance, Flyby Attack, Great Fortitude, Improved Bull Rush, Power Attack, Staggering Critical, Vital Strike Skills Fly –10, Perception +24 SQ carrier, no breath, starflight

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Capsize (Ex) An oma can attempt to capsize a ship or other vehicle by ramming it as a charge attack and attempting a combat maneuver check. The DC of this check is 25, or the result of the captain’s Profession (sailor) check, whichever is higher. For each size category the ship is larger than the oma, the oma takes a cumulative –10 penalty on this combat maneuver check.

Carrier (Ex) A creature swallowed whole by an oma can forgo attempts to cut itself out and instead attempt a DC 20 Reflex save on its turn. Success allows the creature to move into the creature’s larger second stomach, where it can ride safely for an indefinite period without taking damage. When a passenger wishes to leave, it can cut its way free using the normal rules, or attempt an additional DC 20 Reflex save to be safely excreted in a square adjacent to the oma. An oma’s carrier stomach can hold up to one Gargantuan creature (or twice as many creatures of the next smallest size: two Huge creatures, four Large, and so on). At its option, an oma can choose to forgo the normal bite damage of swallowing whole, but not the acid damage of the first stomach.

Starflight (Ex) An oma can survive in the void of outer space, and soars through vacuum at incredible speed. Although exact travel times vary, a trip between two planets within a solar system should take 3d20 days, while one to another system should take 3d20 weeks (or more, at the GM’s discretion), provided the oma knows the way to its destination.

ECOLOGY

Environment vacuum and gas giants Organization solitary, pair, or pod (3–6) Treasure incidental

The titanic oma, sometimes referred to as “space whales,” are some of the largest creatures spawned by the gas giant worlds. Capable of soaring through both dense gas and the vast gulfs between planets by means of magically projected electromagnetic fields, these docile beasts skim planetary atmospheres or trawl the rings of dust and ice surrounding some worlds, singing their crooning telepathic songs across great distances.

Despite their size, oma are capable of feeding on even the smallest of prey, straining out life-sustaining molecules such as hydrogen with the electromagnetic fields in their energy baleen. When larger creatures or objects get in their way, however, oma are perfectly happy to swallow them as well. Anything ingested by the creatures in this fashion is blasted by electrical energy, dissolved by acid, and then sequestered in a surprisingly habitable second stomach before being eventually excreted.

A typical oma is 150 feet long and weighs 250 tons.

#Pathfinder #Whale #Alien #CR16

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angelinasway · 3 years

Text

Regaining Hope

Chapter Four

Pairing: Clark Kent/Buffy Summers Warnings/Triggers:Torture, Violence, Mention's of Major Character Death, Bad Language, Sexual Tension, Eventual Smut Summary: Takes place during Man of Steel. When Buffy discovers the U.S Military trying to keep quiet about an object buried in a twenty thousand year old glacier, she immediately thinks the worst. However, when a surprise visit to the Canadian Arctic puts her in the path of a mysterious stranger her whole world is changed forever.

Previous Chapters: [Chapter One] [Chapter Two] [Chapter Three]

[TTH] [AO3] [FFN]

Authors Notes: All right for the lyrics in this chapter belong to both MSMR and Audioslave. I really enjoyed writing this chapter, especially the beginning and end scenes. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Once again you all are getting this a bit early because I will be out of town on Saturday again. Trying to find the music choices for this chapter was a pain but I think I picked the perfect songs. Please let me know what you all think. I'm really excited for the feedback on this one. Also thank you to my wonderful beta Hipkarma for giving this chapter a look for me. Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter Four

Buffy screamed in surprise, quickly wrapping her legs around his waist and throwing her arms around his neck. Her heart galloped in her chest and her stomach dropped at the sudden sensation of quickly shooting into the air. Her eyes slammed shut and she buried her face into the crook of his neck, breathing him in. He smelled like a summer storm and recently mowed grass, the scent the only thing keeping her from panicking completely. She had to keep reminding herself that he was strong, that he wouldn’t drop her.

“Oh my god,” She whispered. “Oh. My. God!” She said again, this time louder. “You…you can fly?”

She felt his chest rumble in amusement. “You’re not scared, are you?”

“W–who me?” She said shakily, “N–no, just w–wasn’t expecting it is all.”

“Buffy, look at me,” he said softly, his free arm running soothingly along her back.

She cautiously pulled her face away from where she had buried it, slowly opening her eyes and meeting his amused ones. In the night sky they almost looked black and if she hadn’t been so frightened, she might have been able to admire them this close.

“Now,” He said calmly, giving her a crooked smile “I promise not to let you fall. Do you trust me?”

She nodded, swallowing her fear. It wasn’t so much the height that was scaring her, it was the loss of control. She was putting her safety in someone else’s hands and that was something she rarely did.

She nodded again. “Yes,” she breathed.

His smile softened. “Now, look down.” She opened her mouth to argue, but he shook his head, “You’re safe, I promise.”

Buffy slowly turned her head and lowered her eyes, realizing that they were almost hovering in midair above the city. She gasped, her fear melting away into awe. “It’s…it’s beautiful.”

The view was spectacular, the twinkling lights from above the city looked almost like the Disneyland electric parade. Colors of purple, blue, yellows, and whites illuminating the night sky.

“Yes, it is,” He agreed quietly.

Something in his tone made her look up and when she met his eyes, he wasn’t looking at the view. He was looking at her. She gulped, her cheeks heating up as she realized the position they were in. Her legs locked firmly around his waist in a caricature of a lovers embrace.

The mood shifted, she felt it the moment it happened but she didn’t dare move. She knew he felt it too, from this close she could feel his breathing pick up the same way hers was. She watched him swallow nervously and even though it was dark, she could see fear shining in his eyes. She felt them begin a slow decent but she couldn’t tear her eyes away from his. She didn’t understand what he was afraid of. She knew where her fears stemmed from. She could write a book on the abandonment issues she had, but he never said anything about…and that’s when it occurred to her. He’d never let anyone in before because of who and what he was.

Her eyes softened in understanding. He was a virgin, probably never even been kissed before. She leaned forward and pressed her lips against his cheek, giving him an awkward hug as she laid her head on his shoulder. Letting him know that she understood.

He must have gotten the message because he sighed, both arms tightening around her as he laid his head on top of hers. “Thank you,” he whispered reaching his free hand up to stroke her hair.

Buffy only nodded closing her eyes as they made the rest of the trip back to earth in silence. When they landed, they were in the training yard of the school and Clark gently helped her back on her feet. He looked at her sadly as if he wanted to apologize and she shook her head reaching up to cup his cheek. Her thumb stroking along the sharp edge.

“I wanted to thank you too.” She whispered.

“For,” He asked gruffly, emotion clogging his voice even if he was good at hiding it outwardly.

“For showing me something beautiful.” And this time it was she who was not speaking of the view.

His eyes closed and he placed his hand over hers, squeezing it. “You’re an incredible woman Buffy Summers. I hope you know that.”

She swallowed and shook her head, not really knowing how to respond. She certainly didn’t feel incredible, but she wasn’t about to ruin the moment by voicing that. He opened his eyes watching her as he brought her hand down to place a reverent kiss on her palm, before letting her hand go and stepping back.

“We should probably–” He started to say.

“Yeah,” She nodded breathily. “Yeah, we should.”

****<S>**<S>****

After a bit of awkwardness and some stolen looks full of longing Buffy and Clark finally made it out the door and back into the night. He was finding it harder and harder to keep his eyes off of her. What she had given him...the understanding and compassion she had shown. It was almost too much to believe. She seemed to know without even trying exactly what he needed in that moment and he didn't think he could ever feel more grateful to anyone than he did with her right then.

He reached out and grasped her hand without thinking. Their fingers entwined, and she looked at him a blush rising to her cheeks and a smile lighting her eyes. He could get used to that look.

She led him down a dark alley and together they stepped through the doors of what looked to be an unassuming bar. Clark blinked in surprise as he entered the place. It was decorated as a lounge club with low lighting that set a comfortable ambience.

A flamboyantly dressed, bright green demon, with red eyes and horns spotted them almost immediately.

"Sunshine!" He said in greeting, walking over to where they stood and kissing Buffy on the cheek.

She returned the greeting giving him a hug. "It’s good to see you Lorne, how have you been?"

He shrugged, "What can I say, never any rest for a man of showbiz." He waved her off, "But enough about me. Look at you! The sparkle in those eyes, the smile. It couldn't have anything to do with this strapping young buck you've yet to introduce me to, could it?"

Buffy blushed, giving Clark an apologetic smile. "Lorne this is Clark.” She waved her hand, “Clark, Lorne.”

He reached out and shook the demon’s hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“Oh, and polite too!” Lorne gushed. “I’ll tell you what, out of all the beings that have ever walked into my life with the giant flashing destiny sign above their head. I think you’re my favorite.”

Clark and Buffy looked at each other in confusion and Lorne chuckled. “Wes called,” he explained. “Though, I would have known you were important just from the aura you’re giving off my friend. I’ve seen it on far too many Champions before.” He sighed. “So, this is how it works. I need you to sing for me.”

“Lorne,” Buffy warned.

He held up a finger and waved it at her, “Ah, ah, ah, princess. Let me say my peace and then he can decide.” Lorne turned back to Clark, putting his arm around his shoulder like they were old friends. “Now, normally I wouldn’t be so insistent. In fact, if I never heard the words prophecy or Champion in the same sentence again, I would be a happy demon.” He sighed, looking sadly at Buffy, “But the prophecy’s not just about you. It’s also about her, our little immortal Slayer here who’s been through way too much pain and heartache to watch another Champion go off the rails. So, for my peace of mind, please let those pipes rip. Good, bad, it doesn't matter. If only she sings, I won't be able to get the full picture."

As much as Clark absolutely despised the idea of making a fool out of himself up on that stage; where, at the moment some weird demon with slimy antlers was doing a horrible rendition of We Are the World, he could see that Lorne was just looking out for Buffy like an older brother would. And if it would help Buffy, he would do it.

He sighed, "I'm gonna need more than a few drinks before I can do that."

Lorne smiled, "Good man." He said patting Clark on the back and then calling to the bartender. "Charlie, drinks are on the house for these two tonight."

As he and Buffy moved to find a table, he noticed her smirking. “Told you.” She said, reminding him of her parting words the other day.

He rolled his eyes and shook his head, not giving her the satisfaction of a response.

****<S>**<S>****

"Wait, wait, wait. So, your mom and Watcher got turned into their teenage selves?" Clark said laughing. "And you caught them making out on a cop car?"

They had been doing this for an hour now. Trading stories about their lives. Clark had told her about the school bus, and she had told him about some of her funnier moments as a Slayer. Like her friend almost being eaten by a giant praying mantis substitute teacher in her sophomore year, and now they were discussing an incident that happened in her senior year.

She giggled and nodded, "And apparently I just interrupted what was about to be a third performance." She shook her head, "Didn't find out about that until later though, when I was infected with demon blood and started hearing everyone's thoughts."

Clark chuckled, "That must have been traumatizing."

"She called him a stevedore in her head. You can bet your sweet ass it was traumatizing." She said seriously, and then broke down in giggles when he started cackling. “To be honest, to this day I still don’t know what that means. I was always too afraid to look it up.”

Clark shook his head. “I think it’s just a dockworker.” He said in between chuckles. “But I think she was referring to his,” Clark cleared his throat, “staying power.”

Buffy’s face scrunched up adorably. “Oh, gross.”

"What we miss?" Gunn said, arriving with Faith in tow. He pulled out a chair for her and then took the one next to it.

Buffy grinned, "Just telling Clark about the time all the adults in Sunnydale got turned into their teenage selves."

"Ah," Faith acknowledged. "The famous band candy incident. Didn't your mom boink Giles when that happened?"

Buffy chuckled, "As I was just saying."

Gunn snorted, “You know that happened to us once.” All three of the other occupants at the table raised their eyebrows. Gunn chuckled. “I mean reverting back to our teenage selves, not the boinking part.”

“I didn’t know about that.” Buffy said.

“Yeah,” Gun said a smile gracing his lips before it quickly faded. His eyes suddenly getting haunted. He shook his head and sighed sadly.

“Babe, what’s wrong?” Faith asked, immediately noticing the change in Gunn.

Gunn sighed. “Just bad memories.” He stood, “I’m gonna go get myself a drink. You want your usual?”

Faith looked at him sadly, “I’ll come with you.” She said, sliding out of her seat and following.

Buffy watched them go a sad look in her eyes. She sighed, looking back at Clark and taking a sip of vodka and cranberry before saying, “Sorry, about that. We’ve all been through a lot over the years, any reminders will easily cause a reaction like that.” Her eyes followed them over to the bar and a soft smile came over her. “Though gotta say, never thought I’d see the day when that girl would settle down. It’s weird seeing her be sweet sometimes.”

“Yeah,” Clark agreed his eyes following hers over to the bar. Faith was looking up at Gunn lovingly a hand running down his cheek. “She didn’t really strike me as the settling down type on first impression.”

“Oh, trust me,” Buffy said, chuckling. “If she and Gunn didn’t have their thing, you’d have had to beat her off with a stick. She’s always been a very want-take-have type of girl.” She shrugged, finishing off her drink before saying, “But being with Gunn’s calmed a lot of that. They just kinda get each other, you know?”

“Yeah,” He sighed, giving her a meaningful look. “I get it.” Clark finished off his beer, “You want another, I’m dry.”

She smiled and nodded. “Normally I would say no, but since I’ll be singing tonight, I’ll need about two more.

Clark chuckled, standing. “Yeah,” he said. “I’ll probably need about the same.”

He walked over to the bar and place his order, frowning when he overheard one of the demons say to Buffy, “Hey, Slayer. Who’s the boytoy, smells powerful?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” She answered, her voice condescending.

“Aw come on Slayer.” Another demon said. “He definitely ain’t human, but he ain’t a demon either.”

He could practically hear her roll her eyes at the demons from here. Her voice huffing in annoyance. “Drop it boys, you’ll find out soon enough.”

The bartender passed him his drinks and as Clark returned to their table, he finally paid attention to the demons around him. Only to realize most of them were watching him, some with curiosity others with the undeniable look of hunger.

“Everything all right?” He asked sitting down and sliding her drink over to her.

“Yeah,” She nodded, “Just some of the demons can smell that you’re not human.”

“Who’s not human?” Gunn said, sliding back in his seat.

“Clark’s not.” Faith answered, flipping her chair around and straddling it. “Isn’t that, right?” At Clark’s surprised look, she chuckled. “My first clue was the fact that you’re already head over for our little princess here. Only an O.W. could fall that quickly for little Miss Muffet.”

Clark frowned, “What’s a–”

“An otherworldly,” Gunn cut in. “Hold up,” he said, studying Clark more closely. “You’re not?”

Buffy and Clark exchanged a look, before he sighed. “No,” He admitted. “I’m not.”

“You a demon?” Gunn asked.

“I’d actually say he’s more like a god,” Faith cut in. “But without the high and mighty arrogance we normally see.” She snorted, when his eyes widened. “Second clue was you brushing by when we left. Damn boy, you got some real juice in you.”

“I’m not a–” Clark started, but Buffy put her hand on his.

“We have ears all around this room. Be careful what you say.” She whispered lowly. “If you want to tell them when we get back, that’s okay. You can trust them. I wouldn’t recommend doing it here though.”

He smiled at her protectiveness but he was well aware that they were being listened too. A few of the demons were even leaning towards them trying to eavesdrop.

“I know,” he said just as softly, meeting her eyes.

Faith had heard both of them and raised an eyebrow. Gunn hadn’t though, and he was looking at Clark warily.

“I’m honestly surprised Wes didn’t tell you; he certainly wasn’t that tight lipped with Lorne.” Buffy said.

Faith frowned. “Tell us what? He just said you were meeting with a new recruit you met on a mission.”

Buffy sighed looking at Clark for permission to tell them about the prophecy. He shrugged in response. Considering they didn’t even know what it said, he saw no harm in her telling them.

“There’s a prophecy about a new Champion.” She answered

Gunn shot to his feet, “Aw hell naw!” He held up his hands looking at Clark, “No offence bro, but the last one tried to eat me.”

Okay so maybe there was a little harm. He was now eyeing Gunn warily. He certainly didn’t mean to frighten the guy.

Buffy just rolled her eyes, “Sit down Gunn.”

“But–” He started.

“He’s not a demon or a vamp,” She ground out. “Now sit down, before I put you in your seat.”

He grumbled a little bit but sat down nonetheless, crossing his arms and glaring at the table. Now Clark just felt like a jerk. He didn’t want Buffy’s friends to dislike him, but he couldn’t help feel bad for the way Buffy just spoke to the guy.

"Buffy, it’s okay." He said quietly.

She shook her head, meeting his eyes. "No its not. You're gonna be facing enough judgment if it got out what you are. I won't have my friends being a part of that crowd too."

Faith frowned, "Hell, now I really am curious."

"Let just say he's nothing we've ever seen before." Buffy said. "And," she added, looking at Gunn. "He grew up with human parents. He has a soul, and I'm pretty sure he was born with it. So, there's a lot less a chance of him losing it."

Clark blinked in surprise, frowning. "How do you know?"

"That you have a soul?" she asked, smiling at him softly. At his nod she explained. "Because I've been around enough soulless creatures in my life to tell the difference." She reached out her hand again and placed it on his. "If this was a charade you wouldn't have been able to keep it up this long. Not even Angelus could pull off something like that for this long, and he was a hell of an actor when he wanted to be."

"She's right, you know?" Faith said nodding at Buffy, while looking at Clark. "There's an innocence, a sweetness about you that demons really don't have."

Gunn sighed, "Yeah," he agreed, finishing off his beer. "It’s why I assumed you were human."

Clark sighed, he’d never really thought about things like that before. "It never occurred to me that's why I care so much."

Buffy smiled at him, "It’s not. That's all you. A soul is simply your consience It’s what prevents us from mass murder and mayhem. It’s that little voice that says "No" when were tempted to do something we shouldn't. Some people can ignore it and others take drugs or alcohol to dull it but it’s always there."

Clark smirked, taking a drink off his beer. "I always assumed the voice was just my dad drilling into me that I needed to hide. That no one could find out."

Buffy sighed, "Well our parents definitely help shape us into who we're going to be, but at the end of the day it’s the choices we make that really dictates that." She nodded, "For instance, had you not saved your classmates. Had you made the choice to let all of them die you wouldn't be who you are today."

"No," He agreed. " I would be a hell of a lot more screwed up."

"And you would have been following what your father wanted." She added. "But you didn't. You risked your secret because you couldn't live with idea of them dying. That's your conscience. That's your soul."

"So, what you're saying is, it’s not about caring it’s about what I can live with?" He clarified.

Gunn sighed, "Yeah," He agreed. "That pretty much sums it up."

"And what happens if you do something you can't live with?" Clark asked curiously.

All three of them looked at each other knowingly and Buffy sighed. "You have to live with it anyway.” She whispered, before adding. “And a lot of the time it makes it easier for us to fall."

Faith finished off her Jack and coke before saying, "They don't call it hitting rock bottom for nothing."

"Yeah," Gunn agreed. He looked at Clark. "How is it that you are supposed to be the next Champion and you don't know any of this."

Clark sighed, looking at Buffy. She smiled encouragingly and he shrugged. "I didn't exactly grow up around this kind of stuff."

"Where'd you grow up?" Faith asked.

"In Kansas, on a farm." He answered.

Both Faith and Gunn snorted. "That explains it." Gunn said.

Clark chuckled, "Where'd you guys grow up?"

Faith smiled, "I’m from Boston and Gunn grew up in L.A.”

“Both of those cities are a hell of a lot bigger than Smallville. I imagine you guys learned about this stuff pretty young.” Clark said.

Gunn nodded, “Yeah, learned about vamps when I was a kid. Me and my sis were in and out of foster care a lot and we would run away sometimes. Found out real quick not to trust anyone, no matter how nice they seemed.”

Clark frowned his heart going out to him, “How old were you?”

“I was thirteen and my sis was ten. Two years later we ran away permanently from a pretty bad home and joined a crew. Started hunting vamps on the daily, and by the time I met Angel I had been the leader for going on almost five years.” He sighed, “After I lost Alonna though... I was kinda on a self-destructive path.” He smiled and looked at Buffy. “It was Cordy who set me straight, offered to help me.”

Buffy looked at the table sadly, running her finger through the condensation from her glass. “I would have liked to of known that version of Cordy. I think we would have gotten along a lot better than we did in high school.”

Gunn sighed and looked down at his bottle, “Yeah, she would have liked you too.” He shook his head. “She was the real deal and she didn’t take shit from no one, not even Angel.”

“What happened?” Clark asked. He remembered Buffy saying something about her dying and Angel possibly being corrupted after that.

“What’s with all the long faces?” Lorne said coming up to the table. “Come on you guys, you’re scaring away the clientele.”

Buffy sighed, “Sorry Lorne, just got caught up reminiscing about Cordy.”

Lorne’s eyes immediately clouded over at the mention of the woman. He sighed sadly shaking his head. “The glue that held our little family together back in L.A. Oh, how I wish I could have seen what was coming sooner.”

Gunn gestured at Clark, “Our new Champion here was just asking what happened to her. Unfortunately, that’s not a question I can answer without drinking at least half the bar.” He looked back at Lorne. “You tell him, I’m gonna go get us another round.” He completely surprised Clark then by saying, “You having the same?”

Clark nodded, smiling gratefully at the man for seeming to already be over whatever misgivings he had. “Yeah, thanks.”

As Gunn walked away Lorne garnered Clark’s full attention by grabbing a free chair from a nearby table and sitting down, “You really did have to ask a loaded question like that, didn’t you?”

****<S>**<S>****

He was well into his fifth beer when Buffy made her way onto the stage. He finally understood the whole story now. That Angel had fallen in love with a woman named Cordelia Chase, who'd been tricked by a Powers minion, who was secretly working for a Higher Being named Jasmine. He also learned that Cordelia had given Angel a final message before her death. One that they all assumed was to help him take out Wolfram and Hart. They suspected that he decided to go at it alone rather than trust his team. None of them knew how he lost his soul, but Lorne suspected they locked him in a hell dimension until he broke making it easier to extract.

Willow apparently tried to re-ensoul him even after Angelus had killed Buffy's Watcher Giles, but whatever wards had been placed around the containment were unbreakable. After they had found one of the younger missing Slayers brutally raped, murdered, and strung up like a religious effigy outside of one of their safehouses, no one cared to try any longer. Not even Faith who had loved Angel like a brother before everything went down. Both Buffy and Faith had volunteered to get refills when that particular topic came up. The guilt in both their eyes unmistakable.

They were now on to much lighter topics. Lorne and Gunn reminiscing about Pylea, Lorne’s home world, and how the demons there had made Cordelia queen because of her visions.

However, when Buffy stepped up to the microphone both men quieted. Gunn smirked at Clark, “Watch this man. She always picks a song that makes the demons lose their minds.”

Lorne smirked, “Don’t tell her this, but I always try to get her to sing when she’s in town. She brings in the clientele.”

Faith snorted, “As if she doesn’t already know.”

The music came up and Clark noticed the utter silence in the bar, every demon in the place eyes were focused on the stage. He frowned not recognizing the song as he watched her eyes roam around the room, landing on his for a second before she closed them and started singing.

‘Didn't know what this would be But I knew I didn't see What you thought You saw in me’

Her voice rang out hauntingly and Clark was absolutely mesmerized. Her eyes opened and a small smile played on her lips as she scanned the room and sang.

‘I jumped the gun So sure you'd split and run Ready for the worst Before the damage was done’

‘Oho oho oho oh’

She hummed into the mic as one of the demons made the mistake of asking a question and half the demons in the room growled for him to shut up. One even suggesting something Clark was pretty sure was anatomically impossible. They were demons however, so he wasn’t actually positive on that note.

‘The storm never came Or it never was Didn't know getting lost in the blue It meant I wound up losing you’

“I swear she gets better every time she comes here.” Gunn murmured lowly.

Faith snorted, “I think she practices.”

Clark’s eyes however were firmly set on Buffy, he couldn’t look away if he tried. When the chorus came up her small smile widened knowingly, her hips swaying to the beat.

‘Welcome to the inner workings of my mind So dark and foul I can't disguise Can't disguise Nights like this I become afraid Of the darkness in my heart Hurricane’

Half the demons started clapping and whistling. A few even calling out things like, “Sing it Slayer,” or “Hell yeah.” It was almost comical, these creatures supposed to be her enemy showing her respect as she sang a song about being too jaded a lover too many times. Her eyes landed on him next and he swallowed as she sang.

‘What's wrong with me Why not understand and see I never saw What you saw in me Keep my eyes open My lips sealed My heart closed And my ears peeled’

He found himself grinning as he watched her close her eyes as the chorus came up. Her voice floating over the room as her foot tapped to the beat.

‘Welcome to the inner workings of my mind So dark and foul I can't disguise Can't disguise Nights like this I become afraid Of the darkness in my heart Hurricane’

When the next verse came up, even Faith and Gunn started clapping and cat calling along with most of the demons as she made a gesture as if she staked her heart. Her voice going up high for the first two lines.

‘Make ash and leave the dust behind Lady diamond in the sky Oh, Wild light Oh, Glowing bright To guide me When I fall I fall on tragedy’

She was grinning now and her cheeks were pink, most likely from the praise as she sang the chorus one more time.

‘Welcome to the inner workings of my mind So dark and foul I can't disguise Can't disguise Nights like this I become afraid Of the darkness in my heart Hurricane’

When the song ended the entire bar was on their feet, clapping and yelling. Clark chuckled at the modest bow she gave and as she came off the stage and towards their table, he swallowed realizing it was now his turn.

He stood up and pushed his fear aside and as he passed her, he whispered, “How am I supposed to top that.”

Buffy grinned and winked. “I have faith in you.”

****<S>**<S>****

Buffy sat down at the table still grinning from the praise she just received from Clark.

“Damn B,” Faith said, “If you didn’t want him to love you before. I’m pretty sure he does now.”

Gunn chuckled, “I’m pretty sure the boy was drooling at one point.”

And Lorne just looked at her giving nothing away, only saying. “Very interesting.”

Buffy blushed but didn’t respond, her eyes following Clark onto the stage. When the music came up her eyes widened in realization of what he was about to sing and she swallowed. If he could pull off a voice like Chris Cornell’s there was a very good chance, she would jump him by the end of the night. Even Faith froze in recognition of the song, her eyes riveted on the stage. When he started to sing however both their mouths fell open. He couldn’t just pull off the voice, he sounded just like him.

“Holy shit!” Buffy whispered as he sang the first verse, his eye meeting hers.

‘Someone falls to pieces Sleeping all alone Someone kills the pain Spinning in the silence She finally drifts away Someone gets excited In a chapel yard Catches a bouquet Another lays a dozen White roses on a grave’

Both Faith and Buffy jumped up and started clapping when his voice got harder and gravelly as he extended the last word of the verse before the chorus came up, closing his eyes.

"Damn!" Gunn exclaimed laughing. "Boy’s got some pipes on him.”

‘And to be yourself is all that you can do To be yourself is all that you can do’

A huge smile broke along her lips and she clapped again. "Sing it Clark!" She yelled as Faith put two fingers between her lips and blew. Some of the demons were even nodding their heads.

She watched his lips turn up in a happy smile and she giggled. Clapping again as he sang the next verse. She was so impressed with him right now. Their eyes locked and she felt her pulse race at the heated look he was giving her.

‘Someone finds salvation in everyone Another only pain Someone tries to hide themself Down inside himself he prays Someone swears their true love Until the end of time Another runs away separate or united Healthy or insane’

Buffy was jarred away from his stare by Faith, a delighted smile on the brunette’s face as she said, “Come on B, let’s dance. It’s not everyday someone sings something decent in here.”

They both heard Lorne mutter something, and started giggling as they bounced and swayed next to their table. Gunn just laughing and shaking his head at their antics.

“I think both you girls have had enough to drink tonight.” He said snickering.

‘And to be yourself is all that you can do, all that you can do To be yourself is all that you can do, all that you can do To be yourself is all that you can do, all that you can do Be yourself is all that you can do’

The guitar solo came on and Clark closed his eyes, his head going down and bobbing to the beat. Buffy spun, clapping and that’s when her eyes landed on Lorne. He had a sad smile on his face, his eyes were solemn as they watched Clark. Sympathy and maybe even pity shining through.

“Lorne what is it?” She asked.

He sighed, looking down. “He’s just genuinely a good guy. I feel sorry for what he’s about to go through.” He looked at her. “Normally, when I read someone there’s something you know, some skeleton or sin they’ve got locked up somewhere that they can’t hide from me. But him…he truly is a pure soul.”

Buffy looked back up at Clark watching him sing the final verse, a ball of guilt slowly growing in her stomach. She swallowed, maybe bringing him into her world wasn’t such a good idea after all.

Even when you've paid enough Been pulled apart Or been held up Every single memory of The good or bad, faces of love Don't lose any sleep tonight I'm sure everything will end up alright You may win or lose

“Do you…do you think we should back off?” Buffy whispered.

Lorne shook his head, “I think that would be the worst thing you could do.” He nodded at Clark as he sang began the final chorus. “He’s going to need you more than ever in the coming weeks. Anything you can teach him or train him, do it. It won’t be long before he can’t hide who he is any longer.”

Buffy’s eyes locked onto Clark’s and he frowned when he saw the look on her face, but she shook her head and smiled, clapping.

‘But to be yourself is all that you can do To be yourself is all that you can do To be yourself is all that you can do, all that you can do To be yourself is all that you can do, all that you can do To be yourself is all that you can Be yourself is all that you can Be yourself is all that you can do’

As he finished the song, they all clapped and cat called. A few of the demons even patting him on the back as he walked off stage.

Lorne stood, looking back at Buffy, “I’m going to talk to him first. I’ll have him send you in when I’m done.”

She nodded, watching Lorne go as he intercepted Clark before he reached their table. Her eyes following them as they disappeared into the back room. An arm suddenly wrapped around her shoulders, Faith smiling at her knowingly.

“He’ll be alright.” She said, shaking Buffy out of her stupor.

Buffy sighed, “I know, I just worry.”

Faith snorted, “Yeah, so much so the rest of us don’t have to.”

Buffy rolled her eyes, taking her seat. Maybe Faith was right and she was worrying for nothing, but then she remembered Lorne’s words and her worry only intensified.

****<S>**<S>****

Lorne pulled Clark into a sound proof room at the back of the bar. He sat behind a large oak desk, steepling his fingers under his chin and studied him for what felt like a long time, before he sighed.

"Well, it’s official," Lorne started. "You're definitely him."

Clark swallowed nervously, sitting down in the chair across from Lorne. "What did you see?"

"It’s going to get harder, before it gets easier." He answered seriously. "You're going to have to face the type of trials every Champion must, and you're going to have to make some decisions you would really prefer not to." He sighed, "But all in all kid, you're in pretty good hands. I saw two possible futures for you and I gotta say, out of both of them this one has much more of a chance of the happy ending everyone hopes for."

“What…what do you mean?” He asked.

“My guess is, this prophecy Wes is so eager to find out about has two possible outcomes. One where you fall in love with Buffy and one where you kill her.”

Clark’s eyes widened the color draining from his face, “No…no I couldn’t.” He whispered.

“And, that you feel that way already is exactly why you won’t.” Lorne responded, sitting back in his chair and crossing his arms. “You know, soul mates are a funny thing Clark, everyone has at least one and most people rarely meet them.” Lorne nodded, “You my friend, happen to have two. Buffy just happened to come along first. It’s why you’re so drawn to her.”

“So, what you’re saying is,” Clark cut in frowning in confusion. “Had I met this other woman I would have killed Buffy,” That was just about the stupidest thing he’d ever heard.

Lorne laughed, “It’s not quite as cut and dry as that.” He shook his head, “No, losing this other woman would have opened you up to something that you fear more than anything.”

He swallowed, his eyes moving to the floor in sudden understanding. “Something gets control of me.”

“Yes,” Lorne said simply.

“And I…I kill Buffy?” He shook his head. “What…what gets a hold of me?”

“I’m not sure.” Lorne answered honestly, “When it’s that far ahead I only get flashes. I can tell you though…what you could become…there would be no coming back from it.”

“And if I meet this woman now that I’ve already met Buffy?” He asked.

“I think you already know the answer to that question.” Lorne sighed. “You’re a one-woman man Clark. If you met her today you would most likely feel an attraction to her, but that would be all.”

Clark looked down, “How do I prevent it?”

Lorne smiled sadly. “Stick close to Buffy. You’re going to need her more than you know in the coming month.”

Clark frowned, “What do you mean?”

“Somethings coming, and its coming for you. Your time for hiding is almost over.” Lorne answered ominously.

Okay now he was starting to get annoyed, “You’re not going to tell me?”

“You’ll know when it happens.” Lorne said. “In the meantime, I recommend enjoying the time you have until then.”

Clark frowned, “If you know then why can’t you tell me?”

“Because sometimes people find their best selves under extreme circumstances.” Lorne answered. “Warning you would help you prepare, but it wouldn’t help you find the strength in yourself that you’re going to need.”

His frown deepened but he didn’t push anymore. He supposed he could understand Lorne’s reasoning. “Is that all?” He asked.

“No,” Lorne said smirking. “There’s one more thing. You’ve got a lot of fears about intimacy and with a normal girl I would absolutely recommend caution, but you’re dealing with a Slayer here. You could throw her through a brick wall and she’d get up like nothing happened and punch you in the face. Your fears are unfounded. She’s one of the few women you don’t need to hold back with.”

Clark felt his face heat up at the demon’s words, “Umm, okay.”

Lorne’s smirk turned into a grin waving Clark off, “Now go on, and tell Buffy to come here. I do have other clients to see tonight.”

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