#also I got to sing a whole bunch. My current best song to sing while cleaning is Baby I Love You by Aretha Franklin

[tj-crochets]

Bad news: the coworker I was covering for was supposed to be back today and wasn’t, so I was once again dealing with three times my usual workload*. He’s supposed to be back tomorrow but then I am covering for a different coworker being gone until like mid-next week Good news: I finally figured out what activity my brain has been craving for the last several days! I got stuck in one of those like “cannot start new task until The Task is completed but I do not know what The Task is” loops. It was cleaning! I cleaned a whole bunch and feel a lot better, so I should be able to actually finish something tomorrow Side note, do y’all ever have your brain assign a task Utmost Priority without being able to figure out what task it is? It’s like craving a food but not knowing which food you’re craving.  *it’s difficult to describe why his work is twice as hard for me to do without saying what industry I work in. He’s not doing twice as much work as I am, it’s just transitioning from one person to another makes everyone he works with extra antsy in a way that makes my job harder?

[arqueete]

Here's my attempt to explain what the Illinoise musical (currently playing at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, based on Sufjan Stevens' album Illinois though he is not directly involved in this project) is about (full spoilers) for those who aren't able to see it yet or ever. This is just based on my memory, no guarantees of accuracy here.

As warned in the program: "Illinoise explores themes of mental health, including depictions of suicide."

It's mostly a dance piece. The actors on stage only ever dance and act out things, while the band sings the songs from the album on behalf of the characters. There isn't a 1-to-1 of "this singer is the voice of this character," there are three soloists in the band and they wear wings a la Illinoise-era Sufjan tours. There is no dialogue. Sometimes a little bit of context is provided via a changing billboard that more or less refers to the song name.

The lack of dialogue means that character names (other than Carl, who is made to be the one referenced by name in part 2 of "Come On Feel the Illinoise" (etc. etc.)) are only available in the program. The program also has some brief character descriptions along with some bits of original writing by Jackie Sibblies Drury meant to be excerpts from Henry's journal. I didn't read any of these before the show started. (One thing the additional text does clear up for me, is that while the show did seem to suggest that Henry had feelings for Carl, the program makes it clearer to me that Carl probably reciprocated those feelings but the two didn't really talk about it or act on it in a significant way.)

Prologue

We start with a prologue with the main character, Henry, waking in bed next to Douglas, and he quietly gets dressed and seems to be trying to sneak out, but Douglas wakes and they say goodbye. This is over a bit of "Seer's Tower" and "A Conjunction of Drones..." Later we will see this exact moment play out again with context.

Act 1

Through "Concerning the UFO Sighting" we're shown that Henry is haunted by three characters, including Douglas. He then shows up with a bunch of ensemble characters at a campground. The friends gather around the fire. The early songs off the album (like "Come On Feel the Illinois" and "Black Hawk War") are used to establish this scene. The framing device of the whole piece is that these characters are sharing personal things they've written. Several songs from the album ("Jacksonville," "Night Zombies," "John Wayne Gacy, Jr." "Man of Metropolis") are presented as individual ensemble members' stories. When I saw it, "Jacksonville" (with some tap dancing sections in contrast to the style of the rest of the dance in the show) and "Man of Metropolis" (presenting a sweet narrative of the character gaining self-confidence) were crowd-pleasers.

Between each story, the characters try and encourage Henry to tell his story, but he keeps refusing.

Act 2

It's finally time for Henry to tell his story and first we get what I believe are a series of flashbacks (as in, not literally what he tells at the campfire) to explain how we got here. Over "Decatur" we're introduced to Henry's best friends Carl and Shelby and we see that Carl and Shelby are romantically involved (and Henry is maybe a bit jealous.) Then Carl and Henry decide to go on this road trip/move that Shelby declines to join, and obviously that's "Chicago." In New York, we see Henry run into Douglas (there's like a meet-cute where they bump into each other Douglas drops a bunch of artwork) and Douglas gives him his number. Meanwhile, Carl gets a call (presumably saying that Shelby is sick) and he decides to go back to Illinois, but Henry refuses to go back with him.

We see Carl and Shelby back in Illinois and "Casimir Pulaski Day" is, you know, probably the most straightforward bit of the entire show.

Shelby dies and we see Carl's mental health deteriorate over a few songs. We get to "The Seer's Tower" and he takes his own life by jumping off a building.

Back in New York, romance is developing between Henry and Douglas. The arrangement of "The Predatory Wasp" seemed to be based on the one Sufjan performed on Austin City Limits, with the extended ending section that gets very chaotic, where we see that Henry can't stop thinking about Carl's death, and then it transitions into the calmer section at the end which has Douglas comforting Henry. This, in my opinion, is the strongest bit of the entire show (and the crowd seemed to agree.)

Act 3

Back at the campfire, Henry tells his story, which he does via what the program just calls "Chicago (reprise)" but is really one of the Chicago arrangements off The Avalanche--I'm almost certain it was the adult contemporary easy listening version. Afterward the friends all embrace Henry. At some point in here Douglas appears at the campfire.

"Tallest Man..." through the end of the album are just like, typical epilogue type stuff of the friends all together and Henry reflecting on the people he's lost and the new love he's found.

[kasienda]

11 and 12 for the ask game!

11. Do you have specific playlists for writing fics?

I used to! And then I had children and I'm often writing on my phone while trying to get kids to sleep, which usually means I have white noise playing - like the sound of ocean waves or the rain. Which actually does help in that it blocks out external sounds.

The other challenge I have is that I can't listen to songs with lyrics while writing. I love to sing and I will just sing the whole time, and I can't process singing lyrics and writing down different words than what I'm singing. My favorite genres of instrumentals is anything on stringed instruments and metal. You get a full on orchestra playing WITH someone on an electric guitar and I am SO HAPPY!!!

What ends up working really well for this - video game music!! Some of my favorite game soundtracks: Assassin's Creed (the second one is the best) Final Fantasy (love love love Umaro XP's remixes) Chrono Trigger (amazing game with amazing music) FZero MegaMan3 Metal Gear Legend of Zelda Some of my favorite artists/musicians: Lindsey Stirling (Specifically Artemis album) David Garrett Taylor Davis District 78 Escala Overclocked Remix (is not an artist. The music equivalent of a fanfiction archive but fanmade remixes of video game tracks). Favorite artists/musicians when not writing: Lindsey Stirling (specifically the Brave Enough album) Avril Lavigne Black Veil Brides The Cab Evanescence Fall Out Boy Five Finger Death Punch KT Tunstall Also pretty happy with just a straight up Disney playlist, especially with kids around. The nursery rhymes she wants to sing or listen to are not always engaging for me. I also have a bunch of choral music (Carmina Burana, Verdi's Requiem, etc), but I think I like these pieces because I actually performed them. I try to listen to the genre without it being something I performed and I can't get into it! 12. Do you have a playlist for your current WIP(s)? Share it

No, but the bank was playing Lost in Love by Air Supply today and it's been stuck in my head all day and I was thinking it was actually a pretty good love square song. ^_^

...

So I got this ask and I was like, I don't listen to music very often anymore and that's sad for reasons stated above, but I still have writing playlists on my phone! So this was me exploring that and rediscovering a lot of these. So this was a lot of fun!! I probably went overboard after thinking I didn't have much to say. Haha! Hope you enjoy!!

[victorluvsalice]

Valicer Not-Incorrect Quotes, Christmas Edition

Victor: [knocking on Smiler's door with Alice] Smiler? Are you ready to go?

Smiler: [flings opens the door, sporting a bright yellow Santa hat, sparkly red and green eye makeup, a yellow sweater with purple snowflakes, and black pants featuring embroidered red and green light strings with real flashing lights in them] Hello, my lovelies! I bring the spirit of the season with me!

Alice: ...the spirit of the season is making my eyes bleed.

Smiler: That's an important Christmas tradition, let's go.

--

Victor: [enters Smiler's living room area to find them setting up a bright yellow Christmas tree] ...

Smiler: [looks over] What's up?

Victor: ...you really -- of course you do, why would I assume you'd have a green Christmas tree.

Smiler: Yeah, do I look like Thirteen? Now help me get this thing into the stand, it's being difficult.

--

Smiler: [arriving back at the trio's house post-everyone moving in together] Hey! I'm back!

Alice: [emerging from the kitchen to greet them] Welcome home -- Victor's currently making sure the gingerbread doesn't burn, but he'll be --

Alice: [pause, sniffs the air]

Alice: [knowingly] Ah. Peppermint latte season then?

Smiler: We had a special promotion so I'm probably going to smell like this until Easter, yeah.

--

Smiler: [noodling around on their drum set] Hey, you guys want to hear me play my special version of "Little Drummer Boy?"

Victor: Sure. [sits down on the couch]

Alice: [joining him] If you'd be so kind.

Smiler: My pleasure! [starts playing the familiar rhythm as they sing the song]

Victor & Alice: [listening attentively, smiling]

Smiler: [singing in time with their drum beats] ~I played my drum for Him pa-rum-pum-pum-pum; I played my best for Him, pa-rum-pum-pum~

Smiler: [segues into a solo that -- sounds rather different from the traditional pa-rum-pum-pum-pum beat]

Alice: [raises an eyebrow]

Victor: [looks confused -- and then something clicks, and he groans into his hands] Oh, you didn't...

Alice: ?

Victor: [singing along to the beat] ~Never gonna run around, and desert you~

Alice: [immediately whipping around to glare at Smiler]

Smiler: [big shit-eating grin] If Victor can make a classical piano version --

--

Emily: [coming into Galactica's living room, with Victoria, Victor, Alice, and Smiler in her wake] Hello all! We're here! We brought snacks!

Galactica: [getting up from the couch where she was sitting with Oblivion, Rita, and Thirteen] Hi! Thanks for coming!

Thirteen: [also getting up] Whatcha got?

Victoria: [proudly showing off a bunch of marshmallow snowmen with things like pretzel arms and licorice scarves] I found how to make them online -- aren't they cute?

Galactica: Awww, they're adorable.

Oblivion: Perfect -- we're doing Hallmark tonight.

Thirteen: [beaming] Yeah, I can't wait to get out the hot chocolate and drown Frosty.

Victoria: [stares at her with wide eyes]

Thirteen: What?

Victoria: [sternly, holding the tray protectively against herself] No.

Victor: [puzzled] Victoria, that was literally a serving suggestion on the site you found them on.

Victoria: No.

Alice: We brought them to be eaten. That was the whole point.

Victoria: I will fight you all to protect these snowmen.

Smiler: I love how you think that is a deterrent with my friends.

Rita: [cracking her knuckles with a grin] Yeah, bring it on.

--

[the trio are listening to "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" on the radio]

Smiler: Would you like to know a fun fact about this song?

Alice: Hit us.

Smiler: Okay, so, while the short itself is narrated by Boris Karloff, this song isn't sung by him -- instead it's sung by a guy named Thurl Ravenscroft.

Victor: ...Well, I don't think I can ever complain about my middle name again. Who names their child Thurl?

Smiler: That bit I don't know, but do you know what Thurl's most famous voice acting role is?

Alice: I do not, but I suspect it's something gothic.

Smiler: Nope -- Tony the Tiger. As in Frosted Flakes's Tony.

Alice: What.

Victor: Really??

Smiler: Yup! And, thanks to one of the most popular tumblr blogs commenting that it sounds like Tony's breakup song to The Grinch, and someone else then drawing that -- well, there's now a Tony/Grinch fandom.

Alice: [laughing] Oh my God.

Victor: [also laughing] This is why tumblr is the most bizarre place on the internet. How do you get a weirder ship than that?

Smiler: [beaming] Well, there's Batman -- as Bruce Wayne -- being the side piece of Miss Piggy and Kermit. Also found on tumblr!

Victor: [shaking his head] I shouldn't have asked.

Alice: At this point, to get stranger, someone's going to have to throw together some random video game character, a stop-motion puppet, and a roller coaster.

Smiler: Trust me, I'm sure somebody's done that.

--

[absentcaryatid]

San's Drama

An ATEEZ fanfic by AbsentCaryatid

Part 3 in the ATEEZ Dreams Series

More important than obtaining his dream role, San finds love on set thanks to some help from his members.

1.5K words, Content note: all ages, gender neutral reader, no pronouns for reader, food mention

~

You were Yunho's co-star playing his love interest on the latest Spider-Man film. Even as careful as you had been about visiting his dorm, the press still got wind and had captured pictures of your arrival and exit, thankfully during daylight hours. While it was true you had developed a crush on a member of ATEEZ, it was not your current colleague. Truly you viewed Yunho in a sweet, brotherly role, and it was a good thing his partner knew that as well given the rumors. Instead, the whole team saw the way your eyes always found San, and the accompanying smile that would break out in his presence.

San was another actor you had worked with in the past. There had been a few scenes together in a drama early in your career when San was fresh off his work as Min Su in Imitation. You had come to like a lot of what you saw in the man who had made singing and dancing his primary career. Dating another actor then, you had soon broken it off after realizing they were not the best person for you. By the time you were disentangled, the drama filming was wrapped up and San out of your life. Not knowing if the interest was mutual, you had never worked up the courage to contact the kind and gentle man afterward. Life went on, but San remained on your mind, and to be truthful, in your heart as well.

It was with great excitement that you had snagged the plum role of MJ to Yunho's Spider-Man making the leap from television drama to cinema. ATEEZ provided a song for the soundtrack and made a cameo appearance in the movie. Although you adored their music, the delightful day shooting that scene was remembered more for your reunion with San than meeting the rest of the members for the first time.

On the lunch break Yunho had invited you to sit with his friends and you were given a warm welcome from the bunch. San's encouragement to take the place at his side made your heart skip a beat but being a good actor, you felt it was covered successfully. Once you knew the guys better, they admitted to observing from that very first day how into each other you two were as you laughed and shared bites from the catering spread.

Fortunately for your developing friendship, San had been the one to give you his number thanks to some encouragement from Wooyoung. When conversation over lunch had turned to upcoming projects you had mentioned wanting to get back to drama roles when the movie concluded.

San disclosed he was newly booked on a love story set in the Joseon era. “I am the second male lead, and they are still looking for my love interest. I can easily see you in the role.” The way his face flushed as he realized how forward that sounded only made him all the more adorable in your eyes. Moving on quickly San added, “IU will be in it as the female lead and you could play her friend. P.O said she was lovely to work with on Hotel Del Luna and Zico said the same of their collaboration on his 'SoulMate' video.”

Impressing the group with your own music knowledge, you dropped some trivia they were unaware of despite sharing a label with Zico in the past. “They worked together before too. Zico has known IU since they were young, and he even rapped on her song 'Marshmallow' before he debuted with Block B.”

Hongjoong looked thoughtful then asked, “So, you have an interest in the music industry?”

“Just a good memory. I watch a lot of Knowing Bros in my down time on set and learn a lot about idols that way.” Nodding to Yunho, you mentioned he had also become a great source of information about your favorite group. Looking directly at San you then commented, “He even answered my intrusive question about who among you was single.” Now it was your turn to feel your face heat as you heard Wooyoung cackle from down the table.  

“He told you I'm free, right?” Wooyoung then put up his hands after Seonghwa shook his head at him with a meaningful look. Chastened, Wooyoung updated, “Nope, I'm not available after all.”

Gathering courage, you mentioned you had been interested in the Joseon project until seeing horseback riding was expected of the leads. “That is not something I have experience in so unless they heavily wanted to swap in a stunt person, the role is not for me, as much as I would love to play your paramour, San.” Your regret was genuine. While filming a movie with Yunho had been fun, television dramas were where you felt at home and you wanted nothing more than to return to that medium playing San's lover.

Yeosang, the quietest of the men so far, helpfully reminded the group San had taught them the basics of riding for one of their music videos.

“That is right,” Mingi confirmed. “I was afraid of horses until San gently introduced us to the most docile horses at the stable where he had learned for one of his dramas.”  

With a softer heart than he tended to show outside ballad singing, even the sometimes stoic Jongho joined in the sales pitch for San's teaching skill to bring you two together. “We have a break coming up and I bet San could be persuaded to become a horseback riding instructor again.”

Before San could demur due to modesty, you immediately agreed lessons were worth a try to snag such a desirable role. “I'm not expecting you to do it, I can always hire....”

Interrupting your sentence, San eagerly offered his services. The joyful look on both your faces sealed the deal and within the week you had a morning date for your first introduction to the sport. Riding practice and a private lunch to follow on days you were not needed on the Spider-Man set became a habit fit in around San's time off. After multiple pleasant days together, he pronounced you ready to present yourself as a competent rider fit for the role in his drama.  

San claimed it was your high profile due to movie work that landed you the role, but you gave far more weight to San's lessons and the good word he apparently put in with the producers. If he felt he could convincingly play your boyfriend it would undoubtedly show on screen and time proved him right. By the time you and San had won the couple of the year award for your drama characters, you took the opportunity to make the public announcement of being partners in real life by that point. ATINY and your own fans took it well, with many being openly supportive of the pairing and your future together.

The reveal was not a complete surprise. For some time San had been hinting about a successful romantic relationship after reading so many comments about how happy he had looked recently. The observation was true. He had more energy these days, seemed calmer, and even had a glow about him, and San attributed these things to your doting presence in his life. There was also one more thing he had going for him. Using your contacts made through Spider-Man, you had returned the casting favor to San to make one more of his dreams come true.

You stepped out of the limousine after Yunho and his partner who were looking glamorous in evening wear for the world premiere of Yunho's Spider-Man. San emerged next and took your waist to escort you inside the theater. As good as Yunho looked dressed up, you only had eyes for San who looked like a movie star in his own right thanks to the wardrobe department and stylists at KQ Entertainment.  

While the credits rolled you heard appreciative murmurs for your acting and Yunho's while you both basked in a standing ovation. This was not the highlight of your night, however. That came next as the theater hushed once more for the final scene. In your role as MJ you were seen to answer the door and talk to a caped man with dark hair. “Peter isn't available right now, but you can come in and wait, Mister...?”

The camera cut to your back and the face of the actor appeared as San delivered the line. “It is Doctor, and I will come in, thank you.”

The words, “Coming next, the return of Doctor Strange” scrolled across the screen as a cheer went up in the audience. San's role in the upcoming movie had been kept a secret from all but the few people who filmed the teaser. In no time at all ATINY would be buzzing with the news of another member of ATEEZ taking on a popular movie character.

You looked at your boyfriend and he looked at you adoringly in return. Holding his hand, you included San in the final bows you and Yunho took. Tonight, San was your date and partner, but there was another secret still held by you two. By the time of his Doctor Strange premiere in the coming year, you would be attending as his beloved spouse, and you looked forward to that most of all.

~

On to part 4 in the ATEEZ Dreams series: Yeosang’s Crush

Masterlist

[asshlyyyy]

Elvis (Austin!Elvis x Reader)

Chapter 4

I switched through a lot of songs for this chapter. I wanted to make sure that the song I choose... I can imagine Elvis singing it. So, that’s why I picked I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That), the twelve minutes version. I can envision Elvis just being a fool and talking during those moments when there is no singing. So, I figured it was the best pick! It was between that and a few other songs, but ultimately, this was the winner! I don’t go through all of the lyrics, just because it is a long song... You're welcome.

Masterlist

Pairing: Austin!Elvis x fem!reader

Warnings: Swearing, parental abuse, sexual assault mentions

Word Count: 3k

Song: I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)

You were currently sitting in the armchair, that was situated in your room. You were supposed to be at the recording studio. You and Elvis had just finished writing the song, and the two of you were going to put everything together. Originally you were going to walk there, but Elvis being the nice guy he is... he offered to drive you.

You were a bit nervous if you were being honest. While you were still embarrassed about the 'date' you two had, you were more nervous about your step-father. For once in his life, he was home. He's already exchanged a few harsh words with you, but you couldn't imagine what he would do once Elvis pulled up. Your hand was nervously shaking in fear.

When you got back from your 'date'... William had a strong word with you. Thankfully your momma stepped in and broke it up. Of course, she did it mostly to ask you a bunch of questions and be protective. You were her daughter at the end of the day.

You two were sitting on your bed. She was brushing your hair free of the curls she had put in earlier. You answered her question, and you started to cry. When asked what was wrong... well... uh... it's quite embarrassing... Remember when you and Elvis were about to kiss? Uh... well... um... you kind of sneezed and it ruined the whole mood. You remembered Elvis's laugh and your own very embarrassed laugh.

Your mom ended up laughing as well. You were majorly embarrassed, and part of you still is. You knew at some point that you would laugh at this eventually, but that moment wasn't any time soon.

When your eyes focused back out the window you saw a car pull up. Elvis's car in fact. You got up and quickly grabbed your bag. You slipped on your shoes and walked down the stairs as quickly and quietly as possible.

"Who the hell is that, in my driveway?!" William spoke loudly.

"Probably just a friend of Haylo's, dear." Your momma replied. You peered over the wall that was, thankfully, covering the stairs. You saw your momma sitting on the couch reading the newspaper. William, on the other hand, stood by the window. You could only imagine that he was giving Elvis the stink eye.

Now you could go out the back door... but William kept the gates locked at all times. Sure you could climb the fence... but you rather not be bruised and in pain. So... you had to somehow get out the front door without being spotted. Which was impossible so~ plan B is to get out the front door fast enough so William wouldn't have time to react.

"She's not allowed to have friends. Let alone guy friends."

"You're not her father, William." Your mother sighed and put the newspaper down. She knew how William acted towards you... well for the most part. She also knew that you weren't going to accept him as a father, and she was fine with that.

"She lives under my roof, she will follow my rules." He turned to look at your mother.

You knew you had to go now. You didn't want to keep Elvis waiting. You needed as much time in the recording studio as you could get. Yet... you were scared. Part of you wanted to go back up to your room, crawl under your bed covers, and cry.

"She would if they weren't controlling of her," your mother spoke truthfully.

"They are not controlling." William tried to fight for himself, but it was long gone. The guy had no respect.

"You don't allow her to leave the house! Why do you think she leaves every chance she gets?" She pointed out.

"It's to protect her,"

"You're keeping her from her life!" Your mother got angry. She was a hard person to get angry... once you did... well it was over for everyone.

As your mother fought with her husband, you figured now would be the best time. You held your bag close and booked it. But at last.. just as you got the door opened William caught you by the arm. His grip was tight as all hell. There would definitely be a bruise.

"Where do you think you're going?" William spoke harshly as he squeezed your arm more, trying to pull you away from the door.

"Let me go," you sucked in a breath. You trying not to cry in front of him, knowing he would point it out quickly.

"I want you to go back up to your room, right this second." He tried to reprimand you.

"Let her go, William!" Your mother swore.

"Ruby-"

"Let her go!" She yelled once more. William let out a huff and let your arm go. You pushed past out the door and headed to Elvis's car, where he was already standing outside the car. He looked as if he was about to walk up to the door.

As he went to reach for you, you just shook your head. You knew if you spoke, you would end up crying. All the emotion and pain you were feeling. You didn't want Elvis to see. You wanted him to think that you were still a badass.

As you got into the car, Elvis stood outside a bit longer. He felt anger in himself. He should've noticed sooner what was happening to you. He could've put an end to it sooner. He was too slow though and now you were hurting. He could have prevented that. He knew that he would have to somehow make it up to you... he just didn't know how.

As soon as Elvis got into the car you two were quickly down the road. Sun Records was the destination and you couldn't be happier. You wanted to be away from William. So, as you drove by all the buildings you kept your chin pointed high. You were trying everything to stop the tears.

"Does he always do that?" Elvis asked after a few minutes. You didn't want to reply, so all you did was nod. You heard a sigh escape his lips, as a hand was being hit down onto the wheel.

"Does your mother at least know?" Once again, you shook your head no. Unable to verbally answer his question. You must have looked so pathetic. You couldn't even look Elvis in the eyes! It wasn't even his fault, you were just being... emotional.

Elvis decided not to ask any more questions the rest of the way there. You two sat in the car, and neither one of you moved or spoke a sound. You knew you couldn't practice being in a mood like this. Elvis knew that also. Hell, everyone would know you can't be in a bad mood practicing.

"Um..." Elvis was the first to break the silence. "Eve was wondering in The Garden of Eden and she told God; I'm lonely, I'm tired of eating apples by myself. Okay, God said, I'll create a man for you. Eve said, A man! What's that?" You looked over at Elvis confused. What was he trying to say?

"He's a creature with aggressive tendencies and an enormous ego. He won' listen very well, he'll get lost easily, but never stop to ask for directions. However, he is big and strong, he can open jars and hunt animals. And he'll be fun in bed... Sounds great! said, Eve. Oh, and one more thing, God said, He will want to believe that I made him first." You let out a smile and a short laugh.

"Is that how it really went?" You asked. Your voice was soft as ever.

"Some say so, others say... it was the man first." He said in a spooky voice. You let out a giggle and shook your head. You were starting to feel better already.

"Let's go in," you said and got out of the car. You fixed your hair from the wind and soon the two of you walked into Sun Records.

Once you guys were let into a recording studio you placed your things down. You pulled out your songbook and grabbed the pen from inside your bag. Elvis sat down at the piano and tried out a few different notes. Your main goal was to... well hopefully get the song altogether. Get the right instruments, practice with the band... the whole thing really. You knew with the song being so long... there were going to be many issues. This wasn't a song that you were going to knock out on the first try.

You didn't pay much attention to what Elvis was doing. You were more or less trying to figure out where to start. Sure, the start of the song would be ideal, but if you could get the main chorus done-

"Hey, how 'bout this?" Elvis spoke as he started to play a tune. You walked over to him and joined him on the piano bench. You watched his fingers play the keys ever so delicately. It was the same three keys but it worked perfectly for what you wanted. You nodded your head and played a few deeper keys to match up with his.

"All right, and then we'll add guitar and drums..." you mumbled mostly to yourself. You nodded along to the tune and stood up. You picked up the guitar and threw the strap around yourself, you then started to play.

Your vision got dark and you rubbed your eyes awake. You let out a yawn from the chair you sat in. Elvis looked over at you and smiled softly. You guys have been in the studio all day. Only leaving when you guys were hungry. You had the song completely done for. You had the instruments planned, the vocals planned... Everything was fine. Now you just had to practice it.

"I should get ya home," Elvis spoke up. The two of you were very tired. While Elvis didn't want to show it... you saw his under eyes getting darker, and the faint yawns he covered up with coughs.

"No no," you waved your hand down, letting out another yawn. "We can continue going."

"Come on, let's get ya home," he chuckled and stood up. You whined gently and held your hand out. Elvis took it and pulled you up onto your feet.

"Alright," you softly spoke and picked up your belongings. The two of you closed out of the studio and walked over to Elvis's car, where he opened the door for you. He generally was a gentleman, a very sweet one at that.

"Thank you," you smiled and got in. You got yourself comfortable and leaned your head against the window. You've been overworking yourself a lot this week and you just wanted a break.

It could've been worse though... Without Elvis by your side, you didn't know if you would have made it to where you are now. Let along create a song with such length. You knew you guys were doing something ambitious with making such a long song... but you both agreed you would make shorter versions as well.

The drive was quick... too quick in fact. The whole drive might've been silent, but you were enjoying the moment you two had. You were definitely starting to feel things for Elvis. That scared you... your last relationship wasn't exactly the best and it scared you away from any new potential lovers...

As Elvis pulled into the familiar driveway your eyes were quick to notice the light in the window. It was roughly near midnight when you guys left the studio. You knew your momma was fast asleep... William on the other hand. Well... that's a whole different story.

"Hey... if he does anythin', tell me. I'll give ya a call when I get home." He said, quick to notice your sudden change in emotion. You nodded slowly and got out of the car.

"Thank you, Elvis... For everything," Elvis smiled at you and nodded.

"'Course darlin', I'm here for ya." You blushed lightly and pulled away from the car. You walked over to the front door and took a deep breath. Elvis was waiting until you got into the house before he left. You looked back at Elvis and gave him one last smile before pressing on in.

As you closed the door behind you, you could already spot the old guy by the fireplace. Maybe he wouldn't bother you... maybe you were going to be able to sneak up to your room without him stopping you. Just like earlier this morning... your chances were close to zero. Either way, you started your journey. Just as your hand reached the handrail, his voice entered your ears.

"Haylo." You sucked in a breath and turned to face him.

"Yes?" You asked, trying to be careful and gentle with your words. He closed up his book and looked at you.

"I never want you to see that *n-word* singing boy ever again." You made a confused look at him. You already knew that William was a racist... but- Something just wasn't adding up.

"Elvis is white," you pointed out.

"Not by the way he sings. That boy is bad news. I don't want you around him." He stated and got up. Moving ever so slightly closer to you. You sucked in another breath and held it in.

"And start dressing like a real woman. What the hell even is this?" He pointed out your outfit. "You look disgusting and ugly."

"Apparently not ugly enough for you," you said under your breath, but he heard it.

"What was that?" He was quick to slap your face before he grabbed hold of your neck. You closed your eyes tightly. "What the fuck did you say?" He tightened his grip.

"Let me go, pervert." You said.

"You're lucky your mother is here or I would've whopped your ass." He let out a huff and let go. You didn't even respond you just turned on your heel and ran up the stairs.

You went over to your bedroom and closed the door. You dropped your things to the ground and collapsed on your bed. You kicked off your shoes and buried your face into the pillow. You let the tears fall as the pain you felt earlier came back. It wasn't until you heard the phone going off that you were brought back out of your thoughts. You reached over and picked up the phone and answered it.

"H-hello?"

"Hey, darlin'... you okay?" Elvis's sweet voice replied.

"Yeah..." You answered back. You held the phone up to your ear as you started to get undressed.

"Ya don' sound too sure,"

"I'm okay, Elvis." You replied and got back into your bed after you had on your pajamas.

"What'd he do?" You let out a sigh... Elvis wasn't going to let this go.

"It doesn't matter. Not like there's anything you can do about it..." you said softly.

"Hey, after we record the song, I'm going on the Lousiana Hayride. It's... obviously in Louisiana. Come with me," He asked weirdly. You let out a breath. Go with Elvis? Out of state? For a couple of days? While it sounded amazing... you were... well... scared.

"I don't know, Elvis... William would never let me go."

"Then don't tell him. Ask ya, momma." Elvis pointed out. You let out a sigh and rubbed your face. It was a good idea you had to give him that. You were just nervous is all. When you came back... what would William do.

"I don't know...."

"Do you trust me, sweetheart?"

"Yes,"

"Then come with me,"

"Okay," you nodded, "Okay, Elvis... I'll come."

"Fuck ya! There ya go. Hey, I'll come pick ya up 'round same time tomorrow,"

"Okay, Elvis." You chuckled lightly at his goofiness.

"Great, sleep tight, sweetheart."

"You too, Elvis." You spoke softly and hung up. You let out a satisfied smile and fell back against your pillow. That boy really sent your heart flying. You pulled your covers up over yourself and closed your eyes. You dreamed of the happiest of thoughts... well... you dreamed of Elvis.

You and Elvis both stood in the recording studio. You looked towards Raymond and Sam. You were nervous for their reactions. It had been a couple of days since you two started practicing. Since then, Elvis had gotten a manager, and Raymond was able to work out a deal. So, today was the day you recorded the song. You guys had already recorded two different versions. The original twelve-minute song you guys had in mind. Then the five-minute version.

"I really like this. You guys did a great job. I'm going to get this worked on, and you'll be hearing it on the radio soon." Sam smiled. You nodded and watched as he and Raymond both left. You looked over at Elvis with a smile.

"We did it... It's over," you spoke in disbelief. You were extremely happy to be over with this. Writing this song and then practicing it was a lot of stress.

"And now... ya get to join me on the road," Elvis smiled.

"Don't remind me," you chuckled lightly and started to pack up. "I still need to ask my mom,"

"Ya mum likes me, shouln' worry 'bout it too much," Elvis reassured you. He was right. Your mother liked Elvis a lot... You knew your mother would let you go... you were still just nervous about... well... William.

"I know... I'm just scared..." You sighed.

"Why are ya scared?" He asked.

"Because of William... this whole thing is behind his back, and once I come back... I-" Elvis noticed your distress and pulled you into his arms. You relaxed against his and closed your eyes.

"He's not your father, Haylo... He has no right to control you."

"I know... I know... I'm just so worried." Elvis lifted his thumb underneath your chin and lifted your head upwards to face him.

"Tis okay to be worried. But I won' let him hurt you." You knew he was just trying to ease you... but you knew there was no way Elvis could protect you against William... You just let out a sigh and nodded. "Let's go get some milkshakes, ya? We can share," he winked. You rolled your eyes and pulled away from him.

"I want fries,"

"We can get some fries as well,"

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[jennyboom21]

“William Bowery” is credited as a co-writer on several songs across Taylor Swift’s upstate New York-themed albums folklore and evermore. The nom de Swift was the subject of immediate speculation from the singer’s fanbase, which theorized the person behind it was Swift’s boyfriend, actor Joe Alwyn. During her Disney+ special Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions, Swift confirmed it: William Bowery was indeed Joe Alwyn, and he allegedly wrote major chunks of a bunch of songs, most notably folklore’s “exile” and “betty.” He even nabbed a Grammy for folklore’s Best Album win last year.

Now, listen. I’m happy for Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn. I really am. It brings me peace to think of them relaxing in Taylor Swift’s Rhode Island estate, not a financial worry in their minds, their staff quietly tending to a roaring fire, their privately owned waves crashing just outside. I hope to one day house-sit there, for a stretch of several months. But I do not like being lied to.

Joe Alwyn did not write those goddamn songs.

(In my opinion.)

“It was really the most accidental thing to happen in lockdown,” Alwyn recently told GQ. He’s currently on a press tour for his role in Hulu’s upcoming Sally Rooney adaptation Conversations With Friends, and is being asked often, usually with a least a hint of incredulity, about his experience co-writing with Taylor Swift. “It wasn’t like, ‘It’s three o’clock, it’s time to write a song!,’” Alwyn said. “It was just messing around on a piano and singing badly and being overheard and then thinking, you know, what if we tried to get to the end of it together?”

Uh-huh.

As the story goes, Alwyn was sitting at the piano, playing and singing the fully-formed first verse of the song “exile,” when Taylor Swift overheard. She tells the story in the Disney+ special, and her co-writer Jack Antonoff, with a tinge of condescension, asks “Lyrics too?” “Yeah,” Swift says, “he was just singing it the way the whole first verse is.” “Wow,” replies Antonoff. Now, I am loath to agree with Jack Antonoff (he has bad energy) but here I am also saying, in a way that indicates I do not believe that story: “Wow.”

The story behind the creation of “betty” is similar. As Taylor Swift tells it, she overheard Alwyn singing the fully-formed chorus in another room while they were just hanging out. He discussed the song’s creation in a recent interview with Vulture. “I’d probably had a drink and was just stumbling around the house. We couldn’t decide on a film to watch that night, and she was like, ‘Do you want to try and finish writing that song you were singing earlier?’ And so we got a guitar and did that.”

Uh-huh.

These stories are unbelievable to me primarily because songs don’t often tend to spring fully-formed from even seasoned songwriters, let alone actors who just happen to have seasoned songwriters within earshot, but also because, particularly concerning the song “betty,” the song’s lyrics fit into an album-spanning narrative about a love triangle between three teenagers. We’re supposed to believe he was just singing from James’s perspective (“betty” is from the perspective of James) (James is one of the teenagers), over there in that other room? Come on …

Now, do I think Joe Alwyn thinks he co-wrote these songs with Taylor Swift? I am willing to believe he might. Like a child “making cookies” with mother, it is possible Joe Alwyn threw in a handful of chocolate chips, so to speak, and, when mother told the family “Joey made these!,” he beamed with genuine pride. Bully for him, but we all know if Joey were left to his own devices in the future, “making cookies” would likely end in either injury or house fire.

The bigger question is: Why does Taylor Swift want us to think Joe Alwyn co-wrote these songs? I have to imagine it’s because she loves him and wants her fans to like him, too. It’s even possible she, with her rosy gaze, believes Joe Alwyn’s piano-tinkering other-room singing actually, eventually, did lead to the creation of these songs, and she is giving him more credit than necessary out of gratitude and warmth. It’s also possible she wanted to launder his allowance through songwriting credits, or just give him a little fame boost. But it’s nicer to believe the other options. All are understandable.

Again, I am of course happy for Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn. I love the album folklore so much that I cannot listen to it without crying, and I look forward to the moment Alwyn becomes well-known enough that they can announce their engagement. I am once again also available to house-sit in Rhode Island beginning immediately. But I do not believe Joe Alwyn wrote these songs.

“exile” me if you must.

[mercy-burning]

Hangover Duty

Pairing: Spencer Reid x fem!Reader Summary: Reader’s birthday party leads to some rather endearing drunk antics. Category: Fluff Warnings: Mild language, alcohol consumption, mentions of the prison arc (is that a proper content warning? idk lol) (As always, if there’s anything I missed, please let me know what I should include in content warnings! I always want to be as mindful as I can about what I post. Thank you!) Word Count: 4.4k

MASTERLIST

NOTE: Funny story, I woke up at like 3 in the morning last night and just sat up and cranked this out in one go, unprompted. I’m not sure why inspiration struck that late (early?) but I’m rather proud of this one considering I just woke up to edit it a few hours ago 😂, I hope you like it!

***

Watching her gradually get more drunk as the night went on had to be the most amusing and incredibly endearing way to get back into the groove of things. It was nice, actually, being able to have a good time with his friends without constantly being reminded of what's happened in the past year.

Especially considering this year Spencer was determined not to miss Y/N's birthday. Last year he'd been in prison, and rather than being able to celebrate with her and their friends, rather than getting her a card or writing her a letter, she'd written him a letter that detailed in depth how she refused to celebrate until her best friend was there to celebrate with them. Of course he felt awful about the whole thing, and when JJ had dropped off the letters that week, he made her tell Y/N how sorry he was and how he wished more than anything that he could have been there.

And naturally, after dealing with Cat another time and settling his mom down, the first chance he got, he told Y/N himself.

She was in the hospital after that incident with Mr. Scratch. She was the first person he saw in the hospital, and she was fine, arguing with the doctors about leaving to help her team. But once he showed up, telling the doctors he could get her to sit down, they left, and he pulled her in for the biggest hug they'd ever shared.

And the first thing he told her was, "I'm sorry I missed your birthday."

She'd only laughed and squeezed him tighter, replying with a short, yet simple, "Shut up."

He promised to himself then that no matter what happened, he would never miss another one of her birthdays again.

Since it was the first one since all that had happened, Spencer planned something a little extra special. Weeks ahead of time, he talked to Rossi about being able to rent out a bar for the night, Y/N's favorite bar to be exact. Just for themselves. As to be expected, it took a bit of convincing, but eventually they'd been able to successfully rent out the bar for one night, and though Rossi was insistent on paying everything, Spencer wanted to offer as much as he could.

Penelope, of course, insisted on putting up decorations. She roped Luke into helping her, and though he played off like it would be torture, for one thing he was happy to help celebrate his friend's birthday in any way he could, but he also was terrible at hiding the fact that he was more than happy to help Penelope with anything she needed, whether it actually pertained to the party or not.

Everyone told her they were all just going to meet up for drinks after work that day. Y/N was more than okay with it, explaining to them how she was just happy to be able to spend her birthday with her friends no matter where they were. They told her to meet at 7pm when in reality they would all be at the bar an hour and a half early to set up and make sure everything was perfect.

When Y/N actually showed up, Spencer had never seen her so radiant. Even as she was swarmed by Garcia putting on a pink party hat for her that promptly read "Birthday Girl", her hair slightly out of place because of its placement on her head, she was the perfect example of human perfection. She greeted everyone with a huge, beautiful smile accompanied by lots of 'thank you's and 'I love you's, and when she finally got to Spencer, he tried not t hold her to him for too long.

One of the reasons Y/N loved this specific bar was because of the karaoke machine. In fact, drunken karaoke was a decent weekly occurrence with the BAU, and while they'd been no strangers to the act, it only became more frequent when Y/N joined the team. For years now they'd spent many hours singing just as many songs as anyone could think of. And even while drunk, Y/N was a natural. She slipped up on words and slurred them together once in a while, sure, but her voice was easily the most impressive of the bunch, not to mention she never failed to get anyone and everyone to join in.

All that to say Spencer made sure they would be able to use the karaoke machine before they rented out the place. He even attempted to teach himself how to work it, but try as he might, he ended up calling on JJ to help him do it.

Throughout the night they all took turns singing songs, and at one point Y/N finished a song and made a speech, standing up on the bar. (Deep down Spencer was a little nervous that she would hurt herself, or that somehow the owner of the bar would find out that she'd broken one of many rules he had about renting the place out. But that was neither here nor there when he saw the glowing smile she had on her face, looking at all her friends with the most love and admiration he'd seen anyone carry in a while.)

"I'm jussali'l tipsy at the moment, so m'sorry if I don't make any sense," Y/N slurred together, obviously very drunk. Everyone laughed and she continued, clutching the microphone in one hand and placing the other over her heart like she was going to say the Pledge of Allegiance. "I jusneed to say how much I love y'guys. Thank you for celebratin' with me and makin' my birthday real special. I'mean, you fricken rented out a whole-ass bar! That's so nice!"

As she squealed out the last sentence, Spencer couldn't help the wide smile that broke out on his face. She was just so radiant, glowing with warmth and love and happiness and everything good in the world.

She was also struggling to get off the bar. He rushed forward to help her, and she fell forward, into his arms with a giggle.

"You okay?" he asked, his concern blowing away in the wind when she looked into his eyes with another winning smile.

"No thanks t'you," she answered, promptly 'boop'-ing him on the nose before she reached over to the bar and grabbed a full shot glass. After downing the drink, she brushed passed him with a slap on the butt and another giggle, right before she loudly asked Penelope to cut her another slice of cake.

Spencer knew she wouldn't have been so bold had she been sober, but the whole situation still made him feel all warm inside, like he'd taken a shot of whiskey himself.

Luke came up to him, clapping him on the back and snapping him out of it. "This mean you and the birthday girl are finally a thing now?"

"W—what? I don't know what you mean..."

He was obviously lying, and Luke could tell. He laughed a little, nodding towards Y/N, who was currently laughing with Emily and Penelope, a bright blue smudge of frosting on her nose. "She really missed you when you were gone, man. Even put her birthday on hold until she could celebrate with you."

"Well, we've been best friends for years, and she loves her birthday. It was... A hard year. It makes sense."

"Okay, that's fair, but do you know how bad it was? No presents, no birthday wishes, nothing. She demanded we act like it was any other day. And when I brought her a cupcake, she just set it on your desk and left it there. It sat there for about a week before she finally threw it out."

Spencer looked at where she was standing, eating more cake and swaying lightly to the music that was now playing over the speakers. "Really," he mused, not even thinking about it.

Luke sighed beside him. "Look, you can... believe what you want, but we've all noticed it. You two are practically inseparable, and the way I'm seeing you look at her right now tells me everything I need to know."

Even being called out like that, Spencer couldn't make himself look away. And even if he did, he wouldn't have really known what to say. Because all that was running through his mind at the moment was how right Luke was. How much he couldn't help but feel warm and safe when he was in Y/N's presence, and how she made him feel like the only person in the world sometimes.

He wondered then if maybe in the next day or two he should tell her how he felt.

One by one each member of the team eventually left the bar to go home. Each time one of them did, Y/N gave them the biggest hug and mumbled an abundance of 'thank you's and 'I love you's, much like at the start of the night, only this time her words were slurred and higher-pitched and very much laced with alcohol.

The only three people left at the end of the night were her, Spencer, and Emily.

Y/N came up between them and wrapped both her arms around their shoulders, pulling them in for a messy group-hug. "How'r we gonna clean this place up?" she asked dramatically, looking around once they all pulled away.

"I'm going to clean this place up," Emily said, giving Spencer a knowing look. "Since it's your birthday, your best friend here is going to make sure you get home safe and sound."

He definitely didn't see that coming, but somehow he felt like he should have. Regardless, he was more than happy to take the job. Especially when Y/N jumped up and down and threw her arms around him, giving a big old, "Yaaayyyy!" into his neck. She pulled away and gripped his shirt, bouncing on her feet with a large grin. "We can take my car and we can listen t'that CD I was tellin' you about and when we get t'my house we can have a sleepover!"

"Anything you want," he told her with a smile. "Go get your stuff together and we'll go."

As she wandered around the bar to find her shoes that she'd taken off somewhere along the line, Emily nudged Spencer with a smile. "She loves you, you know."

"She's drunk," he countered.

And as if on cue, right then she held one of her shoes up in the air with a triumphant gleam in her eye. "One down!"

"Okay, well, even when she's not drunk, she still loves you."

Though his heart swelled at the thought, he changed the subject. "You don't have to clean everything up. I was going to come back tomorrow morning and do it myself anyway."

"Eh, don't worry, I'm happy to do it." Emily nodded towards Y/N, who was walking around with one shoe on and picking up the other on the floor next to the cake table. "Besides, something tells me you're gonna be a bit preoccupied with hangover duty."

I wouldn't want any other job, he thought to himself.

And even though the nearly-impossible task of getting her into the car should have stressed him out (she kept getting out of the car as Spencer walked around to the driver's side, until finally he promised her a cheeseburger if she would stay), he still wouldn't have had it any other way.

They stopped at McDonald's on the way home, like he promised, and she was practically buzzing with happiness with the food in her lap. She made him sit in the parking lot and wait until she was done eating so she wouldn't spill anything. And in the dim light of the car, parked under a streetlight and watching her eat her food while she rambled on about the most random things, Spencer didn't think he'd ever felt more content.

He tried to keep her quiet as they made their way up the steps to the third floor of her apartment building. They were going to take the elevator but Y/N insisted it would eat her alive, and he quickly agreed to take the stairs as not to make a scene and wake everyone up with her crying. Her shoes came off again on the second flight of stairs, because she kept tripping and then laughing, pretending to fall back and almost scaring him to death.

Now he was unlocking her apartment door with her shoes in his other hand as she clung to his side. As soon as the door was open, she pushed past him and called out for her cat, Murphy. It didn't take long before the white cat jumped up on the counter to meet her, and she squealed and enveloped him in a crushing hug, picking him up and spinning around to meet Spencer, who was closing the door behind him and setting her shoes on the ground.

"Say hi to Murphy! He loves when you come to visit!"

It was true. Though he never really found himself fond of cats, as soon as he visited Y/N's apartment for the first time Murphy clung to him immediately. It didn't take long for the two of them to become as well acquainted as Y/N had been to either of them. Whenever he came over, Spencer liked to think of them as a small little family.

"Hey, Murph," he said, reaching out to pet the cat's head as he wriggled a little under Y/N's strong clutch.

She dropped him after shoving her face in his fur, and wasted no time taking Spencer's hand. "C'mon, I've got some vodka in the cupboard."

As she dragged him further into the kitchen, he squeezed her hand and tried to pull her to him, away from the cupboard. "Y/N, it's almost one in the morning, you need to go to bed."

She turned to face him and whined. "But it's my birthday, you can't make me."

"Well, technically it isn't your birthday anymore since it's past midnight. So, really, I can make you. Come on."

She whined again as he dragged her along to the bedroom. Once they got inside, he sat her down on the bed and reached out to pull off her party hat, which was lopsided and almost placed on her forehead like a unicorn horn. But when he touched the string, she grabbed his hand.

"I wanna leave it on," she said softly.

"It's not safe, you could choke yourself in your sleep," Spencer countered, brushing her hand away and taking the hat off. As his fingers brushed her cheek, she sighed and closed her eyes, a few seconds before letting out a little giggle.

"That tickled," she laughed as he set the hat on her bedside table.

She opened her eyes and smiled at him, and he started to feel all warm again. "Sorry," he whispered, taking the time to memorize the way she looked right then. The curls in her hair had fallen flat, and her makeup was a little smudged, but the lazy smile on her face and the way she blinked up at him with her big, beautiful eyes would always be worth remembering. He could have stayed in that moment forever, just sitting in that comforting silence.

But alas, she was drunk, and unable to be quiet for more than ten seconds.

Y/N lightly poked him in the chest and laughed. "Hey, d'y'think Murphy ever gets tired?"

"I'm sure he does," was all Spencer said, trying to get her to lay down. She did so as she spoke, rambling on about what she thought her cat might have done when she was away at work. But she stopped talking altogether when Spencer tried to put a blanket over her.

"No," was all she said, kicking her legs up.

"You don't want a blanket?"

"No, I want you to be in the blanket with me."

He thought about it for a second before motioning for her to scoot over. "I'll lay with you for a little while, but you have to promise me you'll go to sleep, okay?"

She giggled triumphantly as he laid down beside her and draped the blanket over their legs. "I told'ya a sleepover would be fun."

Spencer reached out and lightly rubbed her arm, knowing that always got her to fall asleep. "I know you did."

But she didn't close her eyes. She was unusually quiet though, just silently staring at his face before she sharply pulled her arm away. "You're tickling me again."

"I thought you liked when I rub your arm, it helps you sleep," is all he said.

Y/N grabbed his hand and pulled it up to lay between them on the pillow, separating their faces. She placed it palm up and rolled up his sleeves so she could rub his forearm, too. Her touches weren't as light, but she giggled all the same. "Am I tickling you?"

He wanted to tell her the truth, which was that she was not tickling him, and it actually felt really nice. But because it might make her feel better, he lied, and told her, "Yes."

"Good," she laughed, moving her hand faster. Now she was just tracing his forearm with her middle finger like she might rub out a stain on the carpet, and Spencer tried to wiggle his arm away.

"Y/N..."

He didn't say it to be mean or irritated, in fact his voice was level and soothing as not to alarm her at all, but all the same she gasped and immediately pulled her hand away. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Did I hurt you?"

"No," he reassured, moving a little closer to her. "You didn't hurt me, I'm ok—"

"Let me kiss it and make it feel better," she continued, ignoring him completely. Before he could stop her, she grabbed his arm and brought it to her mouth, pressing gentle lips to the crease of his elbow trough the fabric of his shirt, then moving the tiny kisses along up his arm until she made it to his wrist. She didn't stop there, continuing to kiss the palm of his hand and even along his fingers, right until she reached his fingertips.

He laid there, completely still and mesmerized as she flipped his arm over and worked her way down again, kissing the backside of his hand and keeping her lips pressed to his wrist for approximately four seconds. Then she flipped his arm over again and kissed the palm of his hand once more, repeating her many kisses until she got to his middle finger.

He should have seen it coming.

He was so caught up in the feeling of her lips pressed against his skin that it completely slipped his mind that she was still drunk. So when she wrapped her lips around his middle finger and sucked it into her mouth with a laugh, he pulled his arm away and sighed.

She actually cackled with laughter, slightly flailing her legs under the blanket. "Gotcha!"

"Ha-ha," Spencer deadpanned, wiping his finger on his shirt.

He wasn't really sure what to say once her laughter died down, but once he opened his mouth to suggest they try sleeping, she spoke first.

"Can I have a glass of water?"

He studied her for a moment. "You're not going to try anything funny, are you?"

She laughed, leaning forward and brushing her nose against his for the briefest of seconds before retreating and looking him in the eye. "I wouldn't dream of it."

There was no way he could say no. "Alright. I'll be back in a second."

Spencer got out of the bed and turned to leave, but she leaned forward and grabbed his hand. "Wait! I have to tell you a secret first."

If he stayed and listened to what she had to say, it was probably dangerous territory, because in the movies this was always the moment where there were drunken confessions of things you never wanted to say out loud, right? And he didn't want to do that to her, but realistically she was probably going to say something ridiculous about Murphy. Right?

Nonetheless, Spencer turned around and looked down at Y/N. "What is it?"

She pulled his hand, scooting closer to the edge of the bed. "Come closer. It's a secret."

He leaned down, but she pulled him again. "Closer!"

Finally, he made his way down to her face, turning his head so she could whisper in his ear.

But she didn't. Instead he felt her press a kiss to his cheek, emphasized with a loud smooch-ing sound when she pulled away. He looked down at her to see the biggest smile on her face.

"S'all I wanted to say. You can go now."

He smiled back at her before nodding and leaving the room, his cheek and arm practically burning from where she'd kissed them.

And when he came back with her water, she was fast asleep.

***

More than anything she just wanted the banging to stop. But once she realized it was in her head, and it was there because she'd been drinking all night, her irritability was even worse.

"Fuck," Y/N grumbled as she struggled to open her eyes. When she did open them she found Murphy curled into a ball at the foot of her bed, his white fur a stark contrast to the deep maroon color of her comforter.

The next thing she noticed was the smell of something... burning? But there wasn't any sound to be heard other than the beating of her head, so she had to wonder if maybe somewhere outside there had been some kind of fire. Or maybe she was just imagining it.

She wasn't going to investigate, but then she heard her front door open, and despite the pounding in her head, Y/N sat up straight, almost scared out of her mind. Instinctively she reached beside her, knocking over a pink party hat in the process, and grabbing the baseball bat she kept there in between her bed and the table.

As quietly as she could, Y/N crept through the bedroom until she reached the door, pressing her ear against it to hear anything more. She heard plastic bags rustling around, and though that was fairly innocent in terms of menacing sounds, it still didn't quell the feeling that punched her in the pit of her stomach. Though, to be fair, she was certain a lot of that had to do with the copious amounts of whiskey and other liquor she drank the night before.

She took a deep breath before slowly swinging the door open and taking a few quiet steps into the hallway, just before she had to turn the corner to get into the kitchen. The noise got louder as she approached, and after taking another slow, deep breath, Y/N jumped out and held her bat out in front of her.

"FBI! What Are you doing in my house?"

"Holy shit!"

Spencer was standing in her smoky kitchen, clutching his hand to his chest. "Y/N, it's just me! Put the bat down!"

It clattered to the ground as she sighed out and shook her head. "What the hell, man, you scared the shit out of me!"

"Right back at you! I was just bringing you some breakfast..."

Y/N surveyed the kitchen and found that, sure enough, there were what looked like wrapped sandwiches on the counter. "Why is it all... burn-y in here? What happened?"

Spencer looked around nervously, his hands fumbling at his sides. "I, uh... tried to make you French toast. I know it's your favorite, and I know that greasy food is supposed to help with hangovers, so I tried to make some bacon, too, but it turns out that I really suck at multi-tasking in the kitchen, and I burned it all... So, I went with gas-station breakfast, which I figured was the next best thing."

The way he spoke reminded Y/N of a little kid who got caught doing something they weren't supposed to. He was extremely apologetic, almost in a way that made her think he thought she'd yell at him.

Now she remembered just a little of what happened the night before. She remembered drinking a lot and then Spencer taking her home, but she was so tired and out of it that all the little details weren't clear. Or present at all, really. All she knew when she looked at him in her kitchen right then, was that she'd never been more happy to see anyone while hungover. Especially since that someone happened to be her best friend and brought her breakfast.

She smiled and walked over to him. "That was really sweet of you, thank you."

Spencer looked down at her and smiled. "Sorry about scaring you."

"Eh, don't be. It was a good wake-up call," she laughed. "What would I do without you?"

He reached his hand out and brushed some of the hair from her face, at which she almost melted. "I think I should be asking you that question."

Something came to her mind just then, and she wasn't sure why. But she took the risk anyway, turning her head and kissing the inside of his palm.

"W—what was that for?"

Y/N shrugged. "I don't know. Just felt right."

She didn't know how long they stood there, smiling at each other, but it felt different, like suddenly the air around them had shifted overnight into something palpably electric. And it's that energy that urged her to say something she'd been afraid to say for so long.

"Hey, I uh... I don't know if this is weird timing, and you can say no even though it was my birthday yesterday, don't feel pressured to say yes, but I—"

"Yes."

Y/N raised an eyebrow. "You don't even know what I was going to say."

"I don't care," Spencer said simply. "Whatever it is you want, it's yours."

"So, if... If I asked you to dinner tonight—"

"Yes."

Her stomach churned, but this time it had nothing to do with the hangover. The pounding in her head was more of a dull thrum now because the pounding in her heart overpowered it. And it grew even more intense when her best friend took a step closer, placing his hand to the side of her face.

"I wouldn't kiss me right now if I were you," she warned, tilting her head to the side. "Hangover breath is basically a bio-hazard, and you're going to completely rethink going out with me."

Spencer shook his head and leaned in even closer. "I don't care."

As he kissed her, she lost herself in him completely and came to the conclusion that he was the only hangover cure she would ever need.

***

PERMANENT TAGLIST: @elldell1204 @muffin-cup @calm-and-doctor @slutforthegubes

[demonlandline]

17 Questions, 17 people

thanks for the tags dear husband @teencopandthesourwolf and @fanfics-fix

Nicknames: Uhm I literally don't have any atm. I changed my name to Tylar for gender reasons this year so it's kinda important to me that people use it specifically and I still grin whenever I hear it. I did briefly earn the nickname Hummus Hands tho, because of this one time I had a tub of carrot sticks and a tub of hummus and got the two confused and stuck my whole hand just, right into the hummus, right in there.

Zodiac: Gemini

Height: 5'6"

Hogwarts house: Ravenclaw (absolutely fuck jkr just btw)

Last thing I googled: Drive-in theatre tickets. I went to see Venom 2 last week and my dumb ass dropped their wallet. But someone found it and handed it in so I have to go pick it up and MIGHT AS WELL SEE DUNE WHILE WE'RE THERE.

Followers: 969 (lol)

Song stuck in my head: Satellite Harmony by Tamara Valmar. It's great, go listen to it. (she's also one of my best and oldest friends but legitimately she's so talented go check out her music I love her so much)

How much sleep: like 11 hours, my mood has crashed really hard so all I want to do is be unconscious atm. (Also, I had multiple extremely vivid sex dreams last night, one about Derek fucking Stiles, the other about getting railed by Dylan so, uhm, thanks for that subconscious lmao what a treat)

Lucky number: I don't know how to choose one. What are numbers? What's luck? Who am I?

Dream job: tattoo artist and fashion designer I guess. Living the dream but also I'm broke so I'm not doing it well.

Wearing: Nothing but an 11 year old hoodie from high school and boxer briefs because I'm very depressed and also very sexy.

Favourite song: currently Only a Lifetime by Finneas. It owns my soul a little bit.

Favourite instrument: Piano. I have a very close relationship with my piano, I've played since I was about 5 years old and it's my comfort thing. I spent like 3 hours today just playing and singing and sweating and crying and it felt like an exorcism.

Aesthetic: high fashion art punk trash

Favourite Author: idk, Terry Pratchett or Neil Gaiman probably. I don't read enough anymore tho

Favourite animal noise: any sound a horse makes OR bird song, but not a specific bird, just the cacophony of different bird sounds you find when you're out in nature.

Something random: This one time I got chased at high speed by a kangaroo while riding my horse through the bush. But it turned out the kangaroo wasn't actually chasing us, it was running away from a small dog and we were in the way.

Tagging a bunch of people that have probably already been tagged or done this already, feel so so very free to ignore me: @eusuntgratie @jaskie @amatchinwater @halehathnofury @raisesomehale @sourwolf-skinnydefenseless @blue-eyedbeta @nutellarghh @greyhavenisback @halinski @ineffablybookish @ilovepeachystuff @luddlebubble @bartbarthelme @allabouttheeffort @iscarusholmes @voidstilesplease

[anasticep]

Why Julie and the Phantoms is a masterpiece of a show. Part 2. Heroes and Villains or Let that foil shine

NOTE: Thanks again for your kind response to Part 1. I never expected that. It being my first tumblr post and a first meta in quite a long time I was blown away. I read all the tags, some were really hilarious. About having more than one brain cell xDDD I laughed so hard. It means a lot.

NOTE2: Please remember that the gifs are made by me, so don't crop, edit or give as yours.

Part 1.

Before diving into meta, I have to mention that the Villain of the story is actually one of the best in the decade. He’s cool, evil from the start, we understand his motives and we certainly are not supposed to love and make excuses for him. The writers made sure of that. So back to the main topic.

A foil is a character who contrasts with another character; typically, a character who contrasts with the protagonist, in order to better highlight or differentiate certain qualities of the protagonist

Foils in literature are not necessarily antagonists. A friend can be a foil or sometimes even a thing, a song. Whatever can make a good and real contrast to the protagonist. But it’s not very simple to use this author’s device and not fall down a deep hole. Because you have to make sure you did just the right amount of work to make it understandable for a reader, the things you want to contrast are definitely there and still you don't waste a character. On TV it can be even harder given limited air time. And, well, I don’t come across this device being used in full very often nowadays. It’s usually good and evil fighting for the plot. That’s why I personally appreciate JaTP so much.

Caleb is clearly a foil to Luke. As much as I’d love to say that Julie also has one, that’s not entirely true, at least not this season. Carrie is not her foil though it may seem so, and I really think that’s cool as Julie’s journey is being presented through her own demons and I'm going to cover that next. That being said, of course Caleb doubles as an antagonist plotwise, but I personally consider him being written more as a contract to Luke so we could see and appreciate his character and journey better.

1. Origins

Caleb and Luke have extremely similar backgrounds. They are both natural performers. They know how to deliver, because c’mon, “Now or Never” is something and so is “The other side of Hollywood”. Stage is their natural habitat, their element, power. Although they channel this power from completely different places.

Let’s start with our little ball of energy. It’s emphasized TWICE that he doesn’t care about the money aka the physical side of art.

All Luke wants is to make music. Connect with people. He is so happy just to be heard despite him loving to perform. Making music is what makes him feel alive and basically that’s enough. I think if there was no “hologram” magic at all, Luke would have still been extremely happy to make music with and for Julie. Because that’s the way he is.

But Caleb doesn’t know that. He knows, and I’m standing by that, right away that Luke is the one to aim at. Because we always feel the similarity in people. If Luke said yes, Reggie and Alex would have followed. So Caleb recognizes the passion and shoots at them what he thinks is appealing. And, oh boy, he delivers.

“The Other Side of Hollywood” is a perfect song to emphasize Luke and Caleb being foils for each other. Follow me here:

But these lines come from very different places. For Caleb the only thing that matters is himself. He owns the show, he IS the show. It’s about being famous, drowning in applause, admiration. Look at how he performs. Confident, yes, but still very much in control. He must keep his perfect face. No flaws, no real emotions, no real connection (Did you miss ME? I did too // This band is back). Whereas Luke is simply living the best time of his life each time he performs. Is it just jamming? Bring it on. Doing fun riffs? He’s all for it. He doesn’t care how he looks (though who could deny gorgeous sweaty Luke), he owns the show just because he is a natural.

So back to the business. Caleb immediately puts the boys in his own shoes:

On the other side we live like kings // Your soulprint on the walk of fame on the boulevard of your wildest dreams // I got your glamour, got your gold, got all you’ll ever need

And, I mean, he is not that wrong. You can see the appeal on the boys’ faces. They are young, passionate, handsome, talented musicians. Of course they wouldn’t deny fame. Of course they would want all that to some extent. And Caleb is very sure he pulled the right strings.

Watch me make a move, I’m your number one choice

Also I have to mention, as we are talking about TOSOH (IKEA name again) and it being a foil for Luke, thy lyrics still don’t forget about what is important for Reggie and Alex (we’ll talk about that just a bit later):

Welcome to the brotherhood -> Reggie

Where you won’t be misunderstood -> Alex

Then again, lots of foreshadowing in the song, if you listen carefully the lyrics are stressing the true colors of the offer:

A tomb with a view

Man, what a metaphor. I would have run out of there the minute I heard this line. But our boys share one brain cell (I can’t get over how funny this is) and it’s currently taken by Julie, so I don’t blame them.

Disappointment is huge. Caleb read it all wrong. So we are moving to the next point in our Heroes and Villains essay.

2. Recruitment

It’s very cool that Caleb offers the boys to join his band right after Luke offers Julie to join Sunset Curve. They both are going out of their ways to get that (although have different budgets apparently. But look, they live in a garage). Luke made a hit with a bunch of Julie’s not very well structured lines (I love Flying Solo with all my heart as a song, but as a poem it just looks weird to me) to impress her, and we all saw the show Caleb had thrown to impress the boys. Plus food. And fancy dancing. But here is where contrast comes again.

Caleb offers to join the band, yes, but only as backup singers. It’s his show, remember? It’s only about him. He doesn’t care if they are even good. He wants their magic under control.

Share the spotlight with ME / How do you like MY new band?!

Luke offering Julie a spot in the band is a completely different story. He saw what she is capable of. He instantly knows she must be the key to a new sound, a new level. And he, a natural performer, frontman, lead guitarist, steps back and gives the spotlight to Julie. To think about it, he could have just got her magic under control by giving her simple lines, incorporating piano in the songs and that’s all. They would be visible, he would still be a center of attention, and Julie herself wouldn't mind that much. But that’s not who Luke is. Yes, there is a funny scene of “Hey, I’m your lead singer” and “you don’t have to be mean”, but it’s just messing around. Because right after that he finishes Flying Solo, writes several other songs with Julie, seeks her approval of Sunset Curve songs and basically follows her around like an adorable excited puppy.

Moving on and back to the rejection. Again the writers are mirroring them. Julie quits the band & the boys decline the offer. What does Luke do? Well, he tries the way he knows: books a gig, makes Reggie and Alex sing in perfect harmonies and does his puppy eyes thing. And it doesn’t work. And Luke goes to reflect and then probably try to come up with a plan. But something tells me he would not have haunted Julie until she joined them.

What does Caleb do after the initial rejection? Puts a cursed stamp that leaves them no choice but to join HGC. You don’t need to say more.

But in fact the more I think about it, the more I suspect Caleb also not possessing enough mental capacity for a human being. Like, if it wasn’t for Willie, how would they even know? Has Caleb planned to simply show up one day and casually explain? Look, foils in everything.

“You’re in a tough spot… So, you wanna join the band?” | “Looked like it hurt… you know where to find me”

But we sidestepped a bit.

3. Pulling the strings

After the song Caleb comes out to consolidate his success. What he does is clever and, btw, that’s the only time he becomes Julie’s foil. They are stating basically the same thing.

Again, Julie is concerned about the band and the boys, while Caleb is only concerned about having them under control. But they both are pulling basically the right strings.

What is interesting, Caleb actually impressed the wrong person (and that person is our sweet Reggie). Luke follows the string Julie pulled. Although the offer is tempting, he insists twice that they are in a band already directly to Caleb and then in Eats&Beats he says "It's like Julie said, we have a new band, a new sound». No matter what Caleb promised, Luke is not affected at all although Caleb’s offer is a very-very safe choice.

Speaking about using friends as foils, Alex and Reggie also serve as contrast characters for Luke at some points. Luke’s indifference to money is first stressed through Alex who is clearly the chief accountant for the band. His lines about not getting tips, living in a garage and «it’s a little bit about the money» are waved aside by Luke. Reggie is clearly the most affected by the whole Bobbie thing. His lines «I don’t care what Julie said, I’m glad we scared Bobbie», «So we’re gonna forget about getting back at Trevor?» are getting a clear contrast by Luke’s «It’s what Julie said, we have a new band, a new sound» and «He has to live with that guilt».

While editing the article I realised a very cool thing I haven't noticed before. How badly Luke wants to go on tour. And again that's another thing Caleb offers as if reading his mind. That's actually brilliant, to think about it.

Caleb is a VERY good reader. He tests the waters with a speech about disappearing from stage and going around the world and all dreams coming true. Still he doesn’t know the boys and especially Luke, so his phrase “no real connection” doesn’t register that much.

But he learns. Remember the lines I’ve marked before?

Reggie is afraid they will not be together after they cross over. He is in desperate need of a family. So wouldn’t it be nice to spend the rest of your afterlife with your brothers? (Reggie's main insecurity is loneliness, feel of a broken family. That's why he is the most concerned about crossing over. Will his family stay intact?)

Alex is insecure, and not being understood by the people closest to him will always hit hard. So welcome to a place where you won’t be misunderstood. And actually we know there is a guy you like and find comfort in. (Alex's insecurity is growing up in times when he could not truly be himself even with his family and for sure not believing he would ever be able to find someone meant just for him)

That mirrors the whole Luke’s beach speech perfectly. Only comparing them we can truly appreciate why Luke is the leader. He shuts down his own demons to make Alex and Reggie remember that they are not alone (“and I believe in you”. sorry. Olicity fan).

Caleb makes them suffer to get what he wants. But this time he is careful with the words aimed at Luke. Yes, he repeats his words about vanishing and applauses BUT he makes sure that his words about CONNECTION are the key words for Luke. Intense look, calming voice, touching - these are all elements of hypnosis. And Luke is in a daze. (Continuing the parents' thing, for Luke the main insecurity is not managing to connect with his mom. Maybe that's such a big thing for him: through all these people he wanted to find that connection with her)

4. The Hero’s journey

That’s the best part actually but I won’t be saying anything new or that you don’t know. Luke is made of lyrics and music. That’s his soul, heart, that’s the feeling running through his veins. He doesn’t need anything other than that in his life. Playing for eternity is “a gift no musician would ever turn down”. But he actually does turn it down. As well as his dream to go see the world with his band (is there covid in jatp universe?). He is the one who resists the hardest to the pull. Luke, who always has a guitar in his hands, doesn't want to play. Because it’s not only about the music now. He has this amazing girl in his afterlife who was willing to accept them for who they were, helped Luke battle his own demons, eased his pain and made him open up. And it doesn’t make sense any longer without her anymore. “And you’re a part of me now till eternity”.

Caleb, being Luke’s foil, completely misses the whole point of connection. It’s not in his nature. His house band are just recruits (Just so happens you’re in luck we’ve got a vacancy). For Luke his band is his family (We are the only family we ever gonna need). The Connection theme is one of the main in the show. And it’s so cool to show it focused through Luke whose best way of interaction is a touch. But not being able to touch Julie Luke has to find other ways, although it’s not that simple for him. And Julie backs that up: We connect in so many other ways. They literally touched each other's souls. Without knowing she put a stamp of her own on Luke, Alex and Reggie. They’ve never felt loved enough, appreciated enough, supported enough. They’ve only had each other. And Julie’s stamp is love. And for Luke (as well as Reggie and Alex) from now on this girl is worth dying for all over again.

_______

So yeah. I hope you enjoyed it, as I for sure enjoyed writing. There is gonna be a part 3 about Julie and a few honorable mentions of parallels of the Pilot and the Finale (I hope at least to do all that). I’ve also figured very very cool connections in the songs and I can’t wait to share.

Also as I was heavily speaking about The Other side of Hollywood, @catty-words has a wonderful meta on rain metaphors here (sorry for tagging, if you don't want to be tagged), check it out if you somehow missed it. It's super clever.

[ashintheairlikesnow]

Found Out

CW: Not much! Just some brief references to death and to pet whump

“Remind me why I’m watching fucking youtube videos of fucking gymnasts today?” Will asks, laid out on the couch with his legs over Mari’s lap as she fiddled with her phone. Brooke and Laken have half the carpet in the student lounge for their dorm covered in papers, markers, and pens, working on some kind of poster for a party Brooke is throwing. 

“Because,” Becka - she’s in a bunch of Will’s classes and is doing printmaking for her major, which makes her officially cooler than Will himself - says, sitting legs-crossed on the floor looking up at the lounge TV, then down at the laptop open in front of her. “Akio Nakamura literally grew up like two hours from here, he trains right near here!”

“I have no idea who that is,” Mari says without looking up, huffing a hint of soundless laughter. Will sits himself up a little on his elbows and turns to look as Becka finally gets the cast to work. Youtube pops up on the TV screen, the video frozen right at the start, with AKIO NAKAMURA, 20XX Musical Floor Routine  just underneath.

Paused and ready to begin is a screenshot from the video, of a short, heavily muscled teenage boy grinning over his shoulder at someone off screen. 

“He’s the favorite for the U.S. team for the Olympics this year! I always follow gymnastics and figure skating, basically that’s all I care about, but Akio is the best. He is definitely getting the gold this year.” 

“Oh, definitely,” Brooke says, with an exaggerated nod. “Definitely the gold, uh-huh.”

“Yes,” Mari cuts in. “I care very deeply about this and also agree that he will get the gold. Um. Whoever he is.”

“Fuck off, guys.” Becka flips them off over her shoulder without looking back and clicks, a narrator - presumably Nakamura himself - explaining the floor routine he’s about to do, that when he’s not competing he’s always liked to build himself a music-based routine, and this recording has been around for a long time and he’s just getting around to loading it up.

“For a long time I never touched these old recordings - you know, it just, you’ll see why later - but I think it’s probably time. And I really liked what we did.”

“We?” Mari asks.

“Sssshhhhh.”

The same teenager from the screenshot steps out onto a large mat in a gymnast’s leotard, taking position. His team is lounging in the background, talking to each other, to the coach, practicing their own moves. They’re a mix of blondes, brunettes, redheads, and people with black hair, a bunch of kids of varying ages, heights, weights, and looks. 

Will squints at a redhead in the corner of the screen, watching Nakamura take position from just in the corner, bouncing on his toes, rolling his shoulders, in a constant nonstop motion. Something about the redhead looks vaguely familiar, but the video is a little blurry from casting larger onto the TV and hasn’t settled into crispness yet. 

“Wait, I thought dudes didn’t get to use music,” Ben says from the table over in the corner, where he’s been steadfastly ignoring everyone else while reading a book and claiming it counts as hanging out if I’m physically here, okay, trust me, I’m an introvert. He looks up, now, with some vague hint of interest. 

Becka sighs and hits pause again. “They don’t,” She explains, patiently. “Male gymnast floor routines are all about strength, and rhythm isn’t really important. But Akio likes to use music and he does these videos where he does the same kind of floor routines the girls do? I think just for fun. But he has a whole youtube channel and there’s a bunch on here, and he’s been putting up old ones from way, way back. I guess some friend of his who died is in them, so he just got around to looking at them again.”

“Lovely. And you’re inflicting this on us because…”

“Mari, seriously, it’s so cool to watch. Just fucking deal with it, or keep scrolling.”

Mari grins, nudging Becka with her foot. “Kidding, Becks. I’m watching, I promise. Hey, where’s Chris?”

Laken shrugs without looking up from their current work very carefully gluing an intricate paper cutout down to the posterboard. “Dunno. Had something to do with his brother, I think.”

“I swear, I’m a twin and I don’t like my brother as much as he likes his,” Brooke says, rolling her eyes, and Laken snorts, eyes slightly crossed as they very carefully pull a small line of glue in a perfect spiral with the paper.

“Guys, for the love of fuck, just shut up and let me watch this.” Becka waves her hand backwards, and Laken and Brooke share a look and an eyeroll, but the room goes quiet. Becka hits play again, and the music kicks on, something bright and upbeat nobody in the room recognizes immediately. 

Akio rolls his neck, gets a grin on his face, and takes off across the mat, tensing at the last half-second before he seems to jump and fold forwards at once, backflipping once, twice, before he spins in the air and lands with his feet in perfect position, arms up - then he winks at the camera and rocks his hips, and Mari, Will, and Brooke all let out a sound somewhere between a gasp and laughter.

“Good God, that boy just had fun with his pelvis,” Mari says, mock-scandalized.

“Watch, just, just watch-” Becka waves her hand again and the group watches Nakamura dance across the mat, matching the rhythm of the song exactly, dropping into a split and then back up again like gravity is something he can simply turn off whenever he wants. He folds himself over backwards and walks on his hands before he’s back up on his feet, with a quick spin and another hip-rock, backing his way into the marked-off spot in the corner. There’s another running set of flips and jumps and Will is watching, and it’s crazy as hell, sure, but his eyes keep getting drawn to that boy in the corner.

Wearing the same leotard, the boy is dancing along with Nakamura, matching all his in-between-moves perfectly, a bright, shining smile on his face, clapping every time Nakamura nails a flip or a jump, edging his slow way up to just at the other corner on that side.

“Hey,” Ben says, but his voice is too quiet, and the drums are louder suddenly, like someone just turned the speakers up. Will hears him, though, and looks over to see Ben making the exact face as what Will is feeling.

Except…

Ben swallows so hard Will can see his Adam’s apple move.

“All right, so in this one, one of the kids I used to train with, Tristan Higgs, and I had kind of planned out a bit at the end - okay, watch Tristan right… about… now.”

Nakamura lands a jump, moves into a dance, and the redhead runs up onto the mat, takes his own position with his arms up, and shoots Nakamura a brilliant smile before he takes off himself. He’s short, and heavily muscled, but that smile is unmistakable.

While the redhead runs, Nakamura dances to the side, watching him with a grin.

“What the fuck?” Ben says from the corner, slamming his book shut and standing up, walking closer to watch the screen. “Do you guys-... do you see that?”

“They can’t do this in competition,” Becka says, misunderstanding the sudden silence to be awe, confusion at the routine itself. “It’s too dangerous. But nothing happens, they just have fun.”

The redhead does three backflips and then spins, hits his landing perfectly - the team throws up a deafening cheer - and he launches into the dance right as Nakamura is back in position for his next run. 

They move around each other fluidly, for a while dancing nearly together. The group watches them move back to back, the redhead’s hair flashing coppery in the gym’s lights as he briefly drops it back onto Nakamura’s shoulder before spinning away, the team cheering them on and singing along with the song.

Ben’s eyes meet Laken’s. “Do you-... do you see-”

Laken looks away, shifting around, staring back down at the poster they’re working on alone now. “Yeah,” They say, voice slightly husky. “I see it.”

“But-”

“Let it go, Ben.”

“Laken, that’s Chris.”

“Holy shitballs,” Will says, “You’re right. It is Chris. Becka, fucking-... fucking pause next time they get his face on screen.”

“No worries, they’re almost done.” Becka blinks, puzzled, and the group watches Nakamura and the other boy do simultaneous flips across opposite sides of the mat, finish with a spin, and salute each other, before collapsing into laughter. “Does Chris do gymnastics?”

“No,” Laken says, before Ben can answer. He glances over at them and they shake their head, minutely, barely a motion.

The redhead starts to jump up and down, his hands flapping in the air, spinning in circles, as Nakamura laughs and runs over to him, saying something. The two high-five and hug before the redhead starts bouncing up and down again, clearly proud of himself, proud of Nakamura, just fucking thrilled.

“Laken-”

“I said let it go,” Laken snaps, and Ben’s mouth snaps shut.

Mari says, hesitantly, “Chris never said he did gymnastics.”

“Chris’s name isn’t Tristan fucking Higgs, either,” Will points out.

On the video, Nakamura’s voice is back. “We used to do that all the time. I’ve got about three more I’ll probably post. For the longest time I couldn’t even look at them, but… I don’t know. He was so fun. Rest in peace, man. We still miss you.”

“That can’t be him,” Will says, pulling his legs off of Mari’s lap and leaning over. Becka pauses with the screen stuck on the jumping, happy teenager, his hands blurred mid-motion. “That can’t be. Chris isn’t named Tristan.”

“He’s also not fucking dead,” Mari says, breathless. “But-”

“But it looks just like him, he even does the, the thing with his…” Will hesitantly flaps his hands by example. “When he’s happy. Just like that.”

“His hair’s red at the roots, too,” Brooke says, a little thoughtfully, nervously. “Um. Chris is adopted, right? Maybe…”

“Nobody changes a fucking teenager’s first name,” Will says, shaking his head. “I’ve met his brother, he wouldn’t do that. He’s like a giant teddy bear person. If Chris wanted the fucking Ritz that guy’d try and buy it for im. But, like, what do we know about Chris?”

“Not much,” Ben says, staring at the screen, stomach flipping. Ben knows more than anyone but Laken, thanks to Dylan being a fucking piece of shit about the pet thing. And he knows, he thinks, what he’s looking at now. “But-”

“I’m done with this,” Laken says abruptly, pushing themself to their feet. “You guys keep playing fucking detectives all you want, but that’s not Chris. I’m out.”

The group stares after them as they leave, and there’s a long, long moment of silence that draws awkwardly out, everyone trying to see if someone else will be the first person to speak next. 

“Um, I’m-... I’m gonna go talk to them,” Ben says, grabbing his book on the way out, catching Laken just outside the elevators. “Hey, wait-”

“No,” Laken says, hands in their pockets, jammed in there like they’re trying not to choke someone. “Go back in there, Ben.”

“That is Chris,” Ben says, soft and insistent. “That’s him before they-... before he was-”

Laken doesn’t answer him. Their jaw sets, and the black eyeliner seems to make them look flintier, hardened. “We don’t know that.”

“Yeah, Laken, we absolutely do. You telling me that smile isn’t one hundred percent your boyfriend’s smile? You going to tell me there’s some other identical fucking redhead who stims like that when he’s happy who was at a gym literally across town, whose friends from then think he’s fucking dead, and it’s not your fucking boyfriend, who was oh just coincidentally a pet for some rich asshole-”

“Don’t say it,” Laken snaps. “Don’t you fucking dare say it.”

“We should show him the video, Laken.”

“No.”

“What if it-... what if it helps-”

“What if it doesn’t?” The elevator dings and the doors open. Laken pushes away from Ben and steps inside, turning to stare at him, their expression baleful and oddly vulnerable, both at once. “What if it just makes shit worse for him? He’s-... he already has these nightmares… Don’t you think Chris has had a hard enough fucking time without us throwing that shit in his face, Ben? His past doesn’t belong to us.”

“Show his brother, then,” Ben says, and Laken looks away from him as the doors start to roll closed. “Show his brother, okay? Please? Promise you will, it might help Chris to see-”

Laken doesn’t look back up. The doors cut them off from view and Ben watches the floor count tick down as it moves, before he turns and goes back to his room, flopping bonelessly on the bed.

“God damn it.” 

That was definitely Christopher fucking Stanton in that video.

Wasn’t it?

Ben pulls his phone up, lying on his back, and types into the search bar, Tristan Higgs gymnast. Some old scores and meets come up, but no pictures. Nothing he can use. Then he deletes that search and types instead, Tristan Higgs death.

What pops up first is an old news article from fucking years ago about some kind of double-homicide after a break-in. Ben reads it, staring at the words, but something like dread slowly closes its claws over his heart.

The sole survivor of the attack was the couple’s fifteen-year-old son, Tristan, who has been placed in the care of relatives while law enforcement follows a series of tips…

Ben finds a Facebook page for the gym that was in the Nakamura video. Now that he’s started, he can’t stop. They have an Instagram, and he scrolls and scrolls and scrolls and scrolls. He must sit there for a goddamn hour looking at fucking gymnastics bullshit he doesn’t care about. But then he finds it-

Throwback Thursday: the whole crew has pizza at Vanni’s Pizzeria after a great meet back in 20XX!

There he is, right there towards the front with Nakamura’s arm around his shoulders, shorter and significantly more muscular, with a bit of red hair flopping over one eye.

Christopher fucking Stanton, smiling at something just to the left of the camera, just like Chris always does.

He screenshots the photo and sends it to Laken. They send back, pretty sure I told you to go fuck yourself Benji.

Ben waits. Thirty-five seconds after that, Laken sends another text.

Okay. I’ll show Jake.

Ben tells himself to close the apps. That he has reading to do, and other things to care about. Then he spends the next five hours learning everything he can about Tristan Higgs, anyway.

---

Tagging: @burtlederp , @finder-of-rings , @endless-whump , @whumpfigure , @slaintetowhump , @astrobly @newandfiguringitout , @doveotions , @pretty-face-breaker , @boxboysandotherwhump , @oops-its-whump @moose-teeth , @cubeswhump , @cupcakes-and-pain @whump-tr0pes @whumpiary @orchidscript

[azems-familiar]

hello! are there any songs you associate with any of the kotor characters? (totally not asking bc my brain is hungry for animatic ideas haha,,)

OH BOY DO I HAVE SONGS

first things first, i will direct you to my twelve hour Revan playlist that i use for writing vibes, it's a mixture of vocal and instrumental and it has both a bunch of Revan songs for different eras of Revan, plus revalek songs, plus some revastila songs, plus some songs that just vibe.... it's good and most of the songs i'm about to highlight, if not all of them, are on there already.

NOW. HERE WE GO.

first things first, i need to introduce you to the title song for my mandalorian wars fic, oblivion by the aviators! god, this song doesn't fit all Revans perfectly, but it fits mine so well it was like it'd been written for her specifically, i swear. listening to the song was what inspired me to write the fic to begin with (and now i have a whole series oops). i mean, come on, look at the chorus:

Let the broken heroes rise Let the victors take their prize No one wins when justice dies War has let this age begin It's where we've gone and where they've been What a state that we're in Here in oblivion

can't look at that and tell me that isn't Jedi Knight Revan and the war that broke them.

next up!! liar by the arcadian wild, my beloved. this song is currently my top all time on spotify, closely followed by the song i'm going to rec after it and then achilles come down - and the fact that anything unseated achilles for the top spot should tell you something. (and if you don't know what achilles come down is look it up that one's on my playlist too.) this is a really good one for Revan's slow fall down, the corruption arc - again, all of the songs i'm mentioning really fit my own versions of the characters best, but they're just good in general. some of the lyrics i enjoy from this one:

hnext up, we have it all by pim stones. this particular one feels very revalek to me, early in the Sith years when they still maybe had good intentions, maybe after the war but before becoming Darth. there's this softer, almost desperate tone to the way the singer sings it that just hits me hard - this is the song i'm using as the title for my Sith years interlude fic! a lyric snippet:

All my life I've been heading for hell But never had I thought I'd drag you down as well I just couldn't resist what he was trying to sell

There's glory ahead but our love will be forgotten If my heart was still mine I would go to the bottom And apologise to you until the day it went rotten

next up we have the balancer's eye by lord huron, which is the song i named my series after (have you noticed a trend yet?). it's a very Revan vibe in general, and while i'm not as much of a fan of the style, the lyrics are really excellent!

Nothing's waiting for us in the great sky Life is equal to dust in the balancer's eye Now I know that I can't lift an old curse Tell me, how does a man change the universe?

Will I ever be forgiven for the crime of my life? Will it haunt me 'til I die?

mmm let's see what next. OH! go to war by nothing more. this is just straight up a Sith years song for revalek, whether you ship them or not - they were important to each other either way! ..... i am not going to tangent into yelling about revalek. that is not what this is for. anyway, the song itself is a) a banger and b) talking about love corrupting and falling apart and it just. it hits, man

Do we censor? Do we flow? Are we drunk on the chemicals? Every feeling in my bones Tells me to lash out and tell you to fuck off You've got my heart and I've got your soul But are we better off alone? With every battle we lose a little more Remember everything that we'd die for You are everything that I'd die for

oooh NEXT we have the song i was going to use for my Jaw Scene before i decided to write a full sith years fic. saints by echos is the song, and again, we've got Sith years Revan and Malak here (yes yes i have a type), the vibes of losing faith and anger and it blends really well with how Revan basically played off being a legendary figure to the Republic to fuel their war against it!

You were standing there like an angry god Counting out my sins just to cross them off Saying that my tongue was too loud to trust And that my blood couldn't keep you

My dear, you're not so innocent You're fooling Heaven's gates So you won't have to change You're no saint, you're no savior

mmmm okay the discord has informed me that ten (10) songs is the maximum i should do in one post so. i will only do four more. chrysalis - the last breath by delain is yet another Sith Revan and Malak song and honestly you can read it as a response to the song above, if you think of saints from Malak's pov and chrysalis from Revan's, they mesh really well together.

Hey, are you still mad? About the time We almost went too far I know your regrets In my defense; By now, it's just a scar That distracts you from Your broken heart Like you wanted it to do How do you feel? I don't... How do you know? You won't... To let go of you I will try Until my last breath How do you feel? I don't... How do you know? You won't... To let go I promise I will fight

next! for a complete change of pace, i have a revastila song for you - warrior by beth crowley. it somehow manages to capture exactly the dynamic i think of in my head when i think about Bastila, the uncertainty, the forbiddeness of it, but the way Revan ultimately strengthens her and she strengthens Revan

You fascinated me Cloaked in shadows and secrecy The beauty of a broken angel

I ventured carefully Afraid of what you thought I'd be But pretty soon, I was entangled

You take me by the hand I question who I am

uhhhhhh i am desperately trying to think of songs that aren't just about Revan but instead here i am with another Mandalorian Wars Revan song, what did we know by rachel rose mitchell! this song was introduced to me by the same friend who sent me oblivion, and it really captures the fall of the Mandalorian wars incredibly well imo - the way it started with righteousness but ended in pain (compassion leading to destruction and that's a ramble i'm not going on here either), and there's this line in there that i'm not including in my snippet that's what scares me more than anything / if we could choose the past / we'd probably choose the same and it's like. yes! that's it! i'm going to once again go insane over the scene in the Korriban tomb in kotor 2!!! knowing the price.... would you choose to do it all again........ aaaaaaaa

It's been so long since we began. It seems so long ago That in the name of loyalty We started on our own. Answering the call of a house we once called home, We knew that we were right. What did we know?

We swore that we understood this wasn't a game, But somehow we found ourselves fanning the flames. Those who cautioned and abandoned us, they were the same. I saw them turn away.

the final song i'm doing is the song i used when i wrote the Betrayal scene from Malak's pov, the little things give you away by linkin park. this one just. it vibes, it vibes hard, goes really into the actual grief of betrayal, and also has a super epic instrumental solo so there's that. as usual, lyric snippet:

Don't want to reach for me, do you? I mean nothing to you The little things give you away But now there will be no mistaking The levees are breaking

All you've ever wanted Was someone to truly look up to you And six feet under water, I do

All you've ever wanted Was someone to truly look up to you And six feet underground now I Now I do

god okay now that you're completely overwhelmed and never want to talk to me again....... i should've probably put this under a readmore but eh. thanks for the ask!

[passingthetime]

I was tagged by @slunecny-hrob, thank you!! 🌟

Who was your first favourite artist?

Emil.RuleZ! I would say. Especially their song Bölcsidal because the chorus was about hot cocoa with whipped cream.

Who are your current favourite artists?

Blue Öyster Cult, Judas Priest and Deep Purple are my top three

Are you into musicals? Which ones?/Why not?

Eh, I can appreciate a good musical, but I don't care much for the genre as a whole. I really love Hair, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog and Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Are there songs you consider so special you only listen to them very rarely?

The only songs I listen to deliberately rarely are songs I think are good but are overplayed, like Don't Fear the Reaper or Riders on the Storm - I hear them plenty anyways, why would I pick them whene choosing music to listen to?

What’s your preferred way of listening to music? (time of day, medium, situation)

Any time I'm not supposed to be talking to people or not watching something... Generally when I don't need my hearing ability. I listen to music at work, on public transport, to sleep, while drawing, while browsing the net... Constantly. At home I listen on my mini hi-fi system otherwise I recently got wireless earbuds and I'm very pleased with them. I usually listen on Spotify, unless it's not available there, in which case I use YouTube or music downloaded on my phone.

What would you say is the most niche music you listen to?

Edge of the World by Wolf, probably. If you search Wolf, some 90s band comes up on Google, you have to type something like "Wolf NWOBHM" to find them or just search for the album, so I suppose they aren't very well known.

What’s your favourite music related movie/TV show that’s not a musical?

Velvet Goldmine!!!

Albums or playlists?

Albums for sure. Most of my playlists are just albums placed after one another with occasionally songs I would skip removed haha

Favourite albums?

Fire of Unknown Origin by BÖC, Gun by The Gun, Killing Machine by Judas Priest, Point of Entry by Judas Priest, Edge of the World by Wolf aaand The Piper at the Gates of Dawn by Pink Floyd

Is there an artist you’re trying to get into?

Not really, unless like post-Fire of Unknown Origin Blue Öyster Cult counts. I'm slowly chewing through the albums I've dismissed before.

Whose music do you find overhyped?

I'm sorry, so many of you will hate me for this but oh well, I've said it before and I'll say it again: Maneskin. Their music might be nice if you are into like modern day pop-rock, but they aren't bringing rock 'n' roll back any more than idk, Imagine Dragons (which I was also told was supposed to be rock?)

What’s an underrated song?

Cheater by Judas Priest, it's hands down the best song on Rocka Rolla, and yet it barely gets listens on Spotify.

What’s a thing a bunch of songs do that you love every time?

I hope I'm explaining this right: when they switch around between being all melancholic and going hard such as in Babe I'm Gonna Leave You by Led Zeppelin or Beyond the Realms of Death by Judas Priest.

What song is better acoustic?

I dunno, I never really listen to acoustic covers...

What’s the worst song of all time?

I don't know, I don't go out of my way searching for songs I hate.

Do you put individual songs on repeat? If so, for how long and how often?

I have Spotify on repeat in general (god forbid the music ever stop, I'd rather listen to the same thing over and over), which is fine for albums/playlists, but I'll sometimes search for a song and listen to it, and it goes on repeat and I forget to switch songs...

Do you make your own playlists? If so, what’s your most entertaining playlist title?

Sometimes. But I don't really give entertaining titles... Maybe just "sex" is the most entertaining? xD

Headphones or earbuds?

Earbuds! They are small and easy to carry around.

Do you always sing the lead vocal or do you harmonize sometimes? If you harmonize, do you ever invent your own harmony?

I don't even know how to harmonize... I either sing lead vocal or just yell the guitar riff haha

A music confession

I used to listen to Vocaloid noise music, like Watashinokoko. I was really proud of how niche that was, and honestly I still look back at some songs fondly.

I tag @psihokracija, @jiangwanyin, @0mmadawn and @green-tinted-sixties-mind if you wanna! 🍄

[earthstellar]

The Most 80s Cartoon Theme Songs Ever: Guitars, Synth, Emotional Lead Singers, Robot Voices

Now, I know this is on my Transformers blog, and I already made a whole big post about the objectively best Transformers theme songs here. 

But if you like the Transformers 80s rock/synth music, I have some classic 80s cartoon series songs that younger people out there might not even know about-- And they are absolutely the most radical 80s songs you will ever hear. 

You will either love these, or you will laugh extremely hard. I don’t know how anyone under 30 years old might react to these, but I want Gen Z to experience some of the sick jams I grew up with, so here you go!  

1) MASK Theme Song: If GI Joe and Transformers Were The Same Show

If you follow me for Transformers: This show is what would happen if a bunch of bots used their holoforms to do a GI Joe adventure while driving around in a bunch of weird Combiner alt-mode vehicles. 

Check that out. It’s a 50s Cadillac painted like a flaming hot rod with triplicate tires and a rotating tank turret. Look at how much ass that kicks.  

MASK was about being rad, using cars and trucks that had a bunch of really goofy nonsense like laser beam headlights to fight the Bad Guys, who were mostly B-list GI Joe villains. This show is fondly remembered because it was fun and silly with some pretty cool design ideas and toys, and that’s all it needed to be. MASK was pretty great! 

Best Elements of the Song: The song opens with soft synth keyboard, then kicks off into guitar and a heavy synth robot voice accompanied by a super passionate dude absolutely invested in singing about “always riding hard on Venom’s trail” (you can decide if it’s gay or not, personally I remember fanfiction about this series that was actually pretty good), before an excellent guitar solo that melts into a synth duet and a last round of vocals to close out the track. 

Worst Elements of the Song: The lyrics are horrendous. You will either love how much of a jam this is anyway, or you’ll laugh at it because it’s so cheesy. Either way, it is still actually a great track, so give it a listen if you’ve never heard it before! 

2) Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors: You’ve Probably Never Heard of This Show Because it was Made by French Canadians 

If you follow me for Transformers: This show is what happens when Whirl spikes all the drinks in Swerve’s and 

There’s a space outlaws themed episode where the above character uses her bisexual mullet and shoulder pads made of steel to defend her title as the space pirate queen. Please watch this show.

This show has everything, from multiple characters with mullets, a character who is a cross between Han Solo and Bender from The Breakfast Club, a space wizard, a magical Captain Planet space magic ring, space pirates, space vehicles of all kinds, surprisingly solid animation, and overall a really fun vibe. The character designs are really interesting, and it’s a shame this show isn’t more widely known. The famous J M Straczynski (look up everything he’s worked on and have your mind blown) worked on this show as well! 

Best Elements of the Song: The track opens with the opening narration from the show, and immediately kicks off: “There’s a power that comes from deep inside of you, every day you’re reachin’ towards the light! And you know there’s a long long way ahead of you, but when your wheels get you there-- Things will turn out right! ” Absolutely great vocals accompanied by synth beats and hair metal guitar which goes into a vocal chorus, ending with an emphasis on the solid vocals for impact. 

Worst Elements of the Song: It’s hard to find a full length version of the track. The one I linked above is still the TV edit of the theme.

3) The Real Ghostbusters - Hometown Hero: I Really Miss Cartoons With Synth Music

Honestly, the whole album is worth a listen, this is 80s gold. 

This show was one of the biggest hits of the 80s. I had an Egon Spengler blue Ghostbusting jumpsuit, and this is the show I remember most fondly. 

You knew shit was real when you got the frontal proton-guns-out group pan shot.

Now, you might laugh, younger people, but The Real Ghostbusters actually had some of the best writing of any animated show at the time, and it still holds up today. (I recently re-watched it, and I was impressed at how good it still is.) It was unreal how great and how adult the first two seasons were, especially. Janine was the coolest, most stylish, fiercest lady in cartoons. (I had a crush on her for years as a kid.) 

It’s also probably one of the few 80s cartoons that is entirely watchable in the current day. The dialogue is genuinely funny, and the show gets deeply emotional at times, in very effective and real-feeling ways. You will cry when things get serious. You get entirely invested in what’s going on, no matter how wild or bizarre. The creature designs were amazing, and the animation was solid. This show was above and beyond in terms of overall quality, and the music matches.

Best Elements of the Song: I do recommend you listen to the whole album, because each song is very distinct and extremely 80s. The one I linked above, Hometown Hero, was made for a specific episode in which Ray returns to his hometown to bust a ghost that a family friend has requested the Ghostbusters help out with. However, Ray is afraid that people will think his career is silly or that people might be disappointed in him not having a more traditional job, so he’s nervous. However, when they get there (after lots of encouragement from the rest of the team), they successfully deal with the situation, and Ray’s courage is back! Cue the music! 

It’s a very uplifting song, and a pretty good episode, too. (There was lots of good episodes, but I recommend the first two seasons in their entirety. They’re all good episodes, no lie.) 

Worst Elements of the Song: Unfortunately this track ends eventually, but there is an entire album for this series, including one of the best Halloween themed bops I’ve ever heard, which you can enjoy here. 

This post is pretty long already, but if you want to hear more 80s cartoon jams, let me know and I’ll share the objectively best ones! 

[hamiltonimagines]

Red Handed

Pairing: Phillipa x Reader

Request: “Hey its me again! 😂 I know you're doing a bunch of other requests but when you have a time, can you do a Pippa one where theyre secretly dating and whenever they do ham4ham they always have these cute moments so the fans would catch on? Then at the end Pippa and Y/N would like come out to all the fans? Something like that, I hope that makes sense😭😂 Thank you for taking alot of your time writing a bunch of requests, its very appreciated!!☺” - @multifandomwriterx

Word Count: 1.4k

“Pippa I think they know” I said walking into our shared bedroom. Pippa was sitting on our bed, reading a book. I sat down next to her and showed her my phone. The top trending hashtag on Twitter was #Y/NandPippa.

She grabbed my phone and was looking through some of the tweets. “Well no one seems mad, they all seem really supportive” Pippa said. “Well that’s good” I said, smiling. I looked over at my phone and saw there was a video everyone was tweeting about. “What’s the video they’re all talking about?” I asked her.

She kept scrolling and found the video and pressed the link. It opened up on YouTube. It showed a compilation video of me and Pippa and it was entitled “Y/N and Pippa: proof they’re dating”.

I giggled at the title and Pippa pressed play. It started with the first Ham4Ham show Pippa and I did together.

Pippa and I walked out to do the Ham4Ham show and we were both so nervous since it was the first Ham4Ham we’d performed in. Lin walked up to both of us and whispered “You’re both going to do great” in our ears. Pippa gave my hand a quick squeeze to calm my nerves. If we had been in private, she would of wrapped her arms around my waist and pressed kisses to my temple.

But none of the fans knew about our secret relationship so she kept it to a quick squeeze of my hand.

Pippa started the song off and was belting like a goddess. She sounded so good, I couldn’t help, but stare with the biggest smile on my face. Then I took over and started singing my part and I could see that same smile on Pippa’s face.

Eventually, we got to the part where we were harmonizing and Pippa walked behind and on the next step of the stairs. She hugged me from behind as we sang the rest of the song in harmony.

Then the video went to a clip from an awards show.

They were about to announce who won the award, Pippa had been nominated. We had our fingers interlaced and on our other hands we had our fingers crossed. We were so nervous to hear the results.

Then Pippa’s name got called out, and we both looked at each other with shocked expressions. We both jumped out of our seats along with the rest of the Hamilton actors sitting around us.

I pulled Pippa into the biggest hug. “I am so proud of you, darling” I whispered in her ears. I wiped the tears off her face and then she turned to hug Renée and Jasmine.

Then, she walked up on stage to give her acceptance speech. “I want to thank everyone who helped this dream of mine come true. Also a shoutout to Y/N, my biggest fan and my best friend. I wouldn’t be here without your constant support” she said, emotionally.

I blew a kiss to her and wiped a few tears away from my own eyes. Then I saw Lin behind me, he leaned toward me and whispered “Your girl did it, you must be so proud” in my ear.

Then the video transitioned to a clip from Lin’s wedding. I was confused as to why this was in the compilation. The video showed Leslie singing a love, slow song while Lin and Vanessa danced. Then everyone joined them on the dance floor and the video zoomed past everyone and showed Pippa and I.

“You look really pretty today” I complimented Pippa as we danced. “I have nothing on you, you look absolutely stunning Y/N” she said, as she brushed my hair behind my ear.

We continued to dance and we leaned our foreheads together, just enjoying the moment. She grabbed one of my hands and kissed the back of it.

“One day, maybe Leslie will sing at our wedding” Pippa told me. My eyes lit up and I smiled. “That sounds magical” I replied and kissed her cheek.

Then the video transitioned to a different Ham4Ham show.

I was currently singing Defying Gravity for the Ham4Ham show today. Pippa had been away for a week, visiting her family. I had been really bummed since she had been away and the rest of the cast had really caught on.

They had told me to sing at the Ham4Ham to cheer me up, but I still missed her a lot. I was singing and was hyper-focused on the notes, trying not to mess up one of my favorite Broadway songs.

Then I happened to turn around for a second, hearing some commotion. I saw Pippa a few feet away and I completely stopped singing.

I ran over to her and pulled her into the biggest hug. “I’ve missed you so much” I whispered in her ear. I couldn’t believe she was home so early.

I pulled away from her and heard the crowd saying “aww”. “I’m sorry, I’ll start over, but Pippa is back early from seeing her family and I’ve missed her” I explained.

I finished the song, feeling much more confident because Pippa was there as my number one support system. “Everyone give it up for Y/N” Pippa said, pulling me into a hug. The whole crowd erupted into applause.

The next video that played was one I recognized as a video Lin took and later posted on social media.

I was sitting in Pippa’s lap and we were in Renée’s dressing room. Renée was telling us about some article that she had read about the link between your diet and how well you sleep. Pippa and I were only half-listening. I leaned closer to her and kissed her temple. She smiled back at me.

She had her hand resting on my knee and was drawing circles with her finger. I grabbed her other hand and interlaced our fingers. She leaned in close to me. “I love you” she whispered, quiet enough so no one heard it. I just looked back at her and smiled.

“Would you look at the lovebirds” Lin said. That was when we finally got distracted from each other and looked over at Lin. “Nooo, Lin put away your camera” I whined. Lin laughed and then put away his phone.

The video ended with a montage of a bunch of pictures of me and Pippa over the years. Then the screen faded to black.

I looked over at Pippa. “Woah, I guess they really noticed all the little details” I said, in awe. “Yeah, and now they know” she said, shocked. “Is it so bad? No one has said anything rude and they all seem so supportive” I told her. “No, I guess it’s not that bad. The only difference is now I can kiss you in public” Pippa said, smiling and leaning in to peck my lips.

“Oh wait, we should do an Instagram live. We can confirm the rumors” I said, smirking. I opened Instagram and went live, putting me and Pippa in the shot.

Quickly, the viewers started to pour in. All the comments were about the rumor. “Hey guys, so we are live today because of a little video that has been circling around Twitter and YouTube” I said, smirking. Just about every comment was asking if it was true.

I turned towards Pippa to let her to the honors. “We can both confirm that the rumors are true. We are madly in love” she said as she kissed my cheek. Pippa and I both had the biggest smiles on our faces.

Everyone in the comments was celebrating and congratulating us. “Lin said he is excited that he can finally post the pictures he has of us being cute” I said, reading out the comment.

“Thank you guys for all being so supportive” Pippa said. Then Pippa’s phone buzzed and we both looked over and saw texts from Jasmine and Renée. Once we read them, we both laughed out loud.

“Renée and Jasmine would like to a recreation of Satisfied and also Story of Tonight Reprise at our wedding, so we have that to look forward to” Pippa said and we both giggled. We wrapped up the livestream and thanked everyone for being so nice.

As I put down my phone, I looked towards Pippa with a smile. “What?” She asked, confused. “We’ve been caught red handed, but I’m just really happy they know” I said, kissing her cheek.

taglist: @someinsanefangirl @laurens-interlude @geekycatlover @fanfic-addict-98 @romanoffs-heart @multifandomwriterx @andreasworlsboring101 @criminallyhamilton @imatyoursurrvicesurr

Let me know if you want to be added to the taglist for all of my imagines!

[artificialqueens]

Tree House Kisses, Chapter 41 (Adorney) - Scorpio and Veronica

A/N: Hi everyone! Okay so, in this chapter, they begin working on a new musical, and I URGE you to check it out if you haven’t: The Scarlet Pimpernel. Also! I made a playlist with every song we’ve used as chapter titles, including the upcoming ones pretty much through the end of the story. Click here for previous chapters or here if you’d rather read on AO3. And thank you SO MUCH to wonderful betas: @saiphl, @sillylittlecandycane!!! XOXOXO

Chapter Summary: New semester, new school musical: and Courtney’s star is finally on the rise.

Chapter 41: You Are My Home

It was weird having Roy back home for the holidays, Adore thought, watching him tell a story to Bob, Jamin, and Thorgy, commanding all the attention as usual, sipping from a solo cup and gesturing wildly. It was even weirder to see him getting sloppy-drunk as the night wore on--Adore supposed that college was a bigger challenge than he’d planned for, and maybe he needed to blow off some steam. Still, seeing him grope Courtney as he bent her over Thorgy’s pool table was certainly...something different.

It was over a month since the night of her break-up with Tati, that near miss where she’d come so scarily close to a confession. Once in a while, late at night, she’d have a brief twinge of regret for not being honest. Most of the time though, she felt like she’d absolutely made the right call--their friendship was stronger than it had ever been. So Roy’s dumbass horndog behavior tonight was actually making her laugh.

Maybe it was Courtney’s eye rolls as he rubbed against her, but Adore didn’t find Roy nearly as annoying as she used to. He was no longer a looming, oppressive reminder of her hopeless crush. He was just a guy who came back from college to awkwardly hang out with his high school friends over winter break. A guy who was currently grinding pathetically against his girlfriend, trying (and failing) to get some affection.

“I thought you were gonna teach me Vanessa’s tricks,” Courtney said, pushing him away gently as she lined up her cue.

“I’m trying, but I need to get close,” Roy said, pulling her ass back against him. He leaned forward and murmured something into her hair, something which made her burst out laughing.

“Ummm...no offense, babe, but I don’t really feel like you’d be on your A game tonight,” Courtney said, still giggling.

“Rude,” he pouted.

Courtney looked up, catching Adore’s eye and sending her another exaggerated eye roll. Adore smiled back at her, shaking her head.

“Do you want to sleep over tonight?” Courtney asked.

“Yes,” Roy said, moving her hair aside to kiss her neck.

“Not you!” Courtney said, swatting him on the shoulder before giving Adore an exasperated look. “I meant Dory.”

Adore knew that it was petty, but she couldn’t help the slight thrill that Courtney was choosing her over Roy. It didn’t mean anything--they’d gotten back into their old habit of Adore staying with her every time Bonnie worked a night shift, and she knew that’s all it was. And anyway, it probably wasn’t going to happen, given the way Roy was now pouting and whining.

“Why her? She gets to see you all the time!” Roy argued, indignant. When Courtney didn’t immediately cave, he tried a softer tactic. “Please, baby, I miss you so much…”

“Fine. You can have the floor,” Courtney said, taking Adore by such surprise that she didn’t have time to cover her mouth before a loud cackle of laughter escaped.

“You are the meanest girlfriend in the entire world,” Roy said.

“I know.” Courtney leaned forward and kissed him gently on the cheek.

-

PEARL: How was your sleepover?

ADORE: So weird

PEARL: Did all three of you pile into Courtney’s bed?

ADORE: Ew, not that weird. No, Roy slept on the floor in a sleeping bag and Courtney and I slept in her bed. So like...just awkward as fuck.

PEARL: What’s wrong, you don’t like spooning her while her boyfriend is 2 feet away?

ADORE: Ugh

PEARL: Wanna come over today? Trin’s gonna be here in like an hour

ADORE: I can’t. I told Court I’d go ice skating with her and Roy.

PEARL: Well well well, how cosy

ADORE: Shut up

PEARL: The three musketeers

ADORE: SHUT UP

Adore sighed. She supposed it was probably strange that she’d been spending her whole break hanging out with Courtney and Roy, but it wasn’t her fault. Courtney invited her everywhere and Roy was just...always there. Besides, when it really came down to it, she liked Roy. And she liked how happy Courtney was when all three of them were together. And to her relief, they’d chilled out a lot on the PDA, now more like an old married couple who teased each other constantly and bickered playfully, using Adore to settle every disagreement.

So, if they had to be the Three Musketeers for another week, Adore was actually fine with that.

-

The musical for their senior year was The Scarlet Pimpernel, and Courtney was absolutely beside herself with glee when she landed the lead. All weekend, she listened to the soundtrack on repeat, falling in love with the music and story and her character, a French actress named Marguerite who was embroiled in a complicated love triangle with her British aristocrat husband and her French revolutionary ex-lover. She sang the songs over and over until she knew them by heart, and drove everyone in the household bonkers with her attempt at a French accent.

They had their first cast reading on a Monday evening in mid-January, and as usual, Mrs. Maguire had them sing through their songs as best they could. Courtney was especially excited when it came time to sing her duet with Adore, who was cast as her brother. It was a gorgeous, sappy ballad and one of her favorites in the show, always making her tear up.

Adore began a bit tentatively, since she hadn’t spent nearly as much time listening to the soundtrack as Courtney, but after a few bars, she got into it too, the drama of clinging to her “sister” as they waited in jail, facing the guillotine together.

“You are my home You make me strong And in this world of strangers, I belong to someone You are all I have You’re all I have; I need you so…”

Courtney, of course, had already memorized every word, and she sang directly into Adore’s eyes, arms wrapped around her neck.

Later, in her office, Mrs. Maguire was sitting pensively, brow furrowed in concern when Thorgy came in to let her know that the crew was finished cleaning up.

“Thor...let me ask you a question. I need a...second opinion.”

“Sure.”

“Do you think it was a mistake casting Courtney and Adore as siblings?”

“How so?” he asked carefully.

She cleared her throat. “Well...do you think they have too much of a...how should I put this...romantic vibe?”

Thorgy burst out laughing.

“Mrs. Maguire...girl…you don’t know the half of it.”

“So, I didn’t imagine that?”

“No. They’ve always been like that,” he told her.

“I mean, I knew they were close friends, but...isn’t Courtney still dating Roy?”

“Yeah...yeah. But…well, you saw it.” Thorgy chuckled again.

“Oy.” Mrs. Maguire picked up a cast list. “I may need to change some things around.”

The next day, a solution fell into her lap when Willam came to see her during the fourth period, looking more distraught than she’d ever seen him. Apparently, he was committed to the show choir for the Spring, and there were a bunch of scheduling conflicts with rehearsals, making it damn near impossible for him to play the title role he’d gotten. It was unsettling to see a kid who was normally as cool as a cucumber so upset.

“I don’t want to quit, I love doing the plays so much,” he said tearfully, and she jumped up to give him a hug.

“Of course you don’t want to quit. Listen, honey, it’s your senior year. We can definitely figure out a way for you to do both, okay? I might have to shuffle some casting, but it’ll all work out. I promise.” She hugged him again, patting him on the back.

“If you tell anyone I cried, I’ll key your car,” came his muffled voice, and she laughed, promising to keep his shameful secret.

Once he left, she sat back down, a relieved sigh leaving her. This could work out perfectly.

She spoke to all the kids individually about their new casting. Bob was over the moon when he found out he’d be taking over Willam’s title role: the wealthy aristocratic Percy, Courtney’s new husband, who uses his foppish clothing obsession as a cover in order to go into France and rescue his friends from the guillotine. And Willam was thrilled that not only did he still have a part, but a good one--taking over Adore’s role as Courtney’s brother, Armand. Adore was also delighted--she now had Bob’s role, a radical and sexy French revolutionary and compelling villain. After reading the script closely a few times, she asked Mrs. Maguire if it was necessary to play her new character, Chauvelin, as a man.

“Can’t I be a radical leftist woman instead?” she asked, during that first week of rehearsals.

“I don’t see why not,” Mrs. Maguire answered, tossing out a casual, “Courtney, Chauvelin is now your ex-girlfriend, not your ex-boyfriend.”

Courtney looked up with wide eyes before smiling and nodding, giving Adore a sassy wink. This show was certainly going to be interesting.

-

As a gentle knock sounded, Courtney rolled over slightly, whimpering. She was achy and feverish and felt absolutely awful. And to make matters worse, she’d missed two whole days of rehearsal with no telling when she’d feel better. At this rate, Mrs. Maguire would probably be giving her part away to her understudy, a freshman who’d never even been in a play before.

“Come in,” she said weakly, tears collecting in her eyes as she thought about how unfair it all was. She’d worked so hard, taken ensemble roles and been an understudy herself and helped with ticket sales and sold ads for every program and never complained, and now she was probably going to lose her one chance to be the lead in a musical.

Adore pushed the door open, offering a sympathetic, “Hey, babe, how ya doin’?”

Courtney tried to lift her head, even that small movement making her wince in pain, hot tears trickling down her cheeks.

“Don’t get up!” Adore rushed to her side, placing a few books on her nightstand. “I just came by to bring your homework.”

“Thanks,” Courtney said, sniffling.

“What’s the matter?” Adore pressed a cool hand to her cheek, lips turned down in a frown as a tear slipped down Courtney’s face.

“I’m just worried that Mrs. Maguire’s gonna give my part away,” Courtney admitted.

“Don’t worry about that. It took all of today’s rehearsal to get through half of ‘The Creation of Man.’ We have plenty of shit to work on without you. Besides, no one but you could do that part justice, anyway.”

Courtney blinked back her tears, gazing up at Adore with a grateful expression.

“Really?”

“Yeah, I promise!” Adore laughed, climbing into her bed to sit beside her. “Stop worrying, okay?”

“Aren’t you afraid you’ll get sick too?” Courtney said, pulling her blankets tighter around her shoulders.

“Nahh. You know Bonnie makes me do that dumb FluMist vaccine every year. I’m invincible.”

“I don’t think that’s actually true,” Courtney said, covering her mouth with her elbow to cough.

“Well, whatever. It’s worth it to hang out with my best friend.” Adore smiled down at her, and Courtney felt like she might cry all over again.

“Thanks, baby,” she murmured softly.

“Omigod, also...the craziest shit happened today at lunch, I have to tell you about it.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, okay so first of all...did you know that Violet applied to Columbia early-decision and got in?”

“Wow.”

“Wow is right!” Adore exclaimed. “I mean, I know she’s smart, but she doesn’t give a shit about school. But apparently she got like, practically a perfect score on her SATs. And then everyone else started talking about what school they want to go to and they have all these plans and backup plans and I just...I had no idea our friends were like...so school motivated. It’s fucking weird.”

It surprised Courtney too...maybe not as much as Adore, because she’d figured that Trinity would have ambitious school plans, and Fame as well. And Pearl, well Pearl wasn’t very scholarly, but she assumed that she’d want to go to an art school or something.

“And I guess you’re probably planning to go to UCLA and move in with Roy or something,” Adore mumbled.

Courtney let out a rueful laugh, shaking her head. “I don’t have the grades for that.”

“What?” Adore looked confused. “Your grades are fine.”

“They’re okay. I could probably get into a Cal State. But Ms. Patterson told me in the fall that any UC is a pipe dream. So I’m probably gonna just do two years at a community college and then transfer.”

“Wait, seriously?”

“Yeah,” Courtney said, a deep sigh leaving her. “It’s for the best. We’ll save a bunch of money. My dad said he’d pay for my room and board, so I can still move out, thank god.”

“Move out where? Are you staying in the area?”

“No...but I dunno exactly. People say that Santa Barbara City College is good. Or Santa Monica college. It would be so great to be by the beach.”

“Ugh, I’d love to live near the beach. What I really want is to just move to LA, get some shitty retail job or whatever, and work on my music. I’m like, so close to convincing Bonnie what a good idea it is.”

“Adore! Omigod!” Suddenly, the aching in Courtney’s exhausted body didn’t matter, as she hoisted herself into a seated position to look directly into Adore’s hazel eyes. “We should be roommates!”

“Really?”

“Yeah! It would be perfect! Don’t you think?!” A smile lit up Courtney’s eyes, so big she thought it might split her face in two.

“Well...yeah, maybe...that could be cool.”

“I know, right?! Omigod, we’d have so much fun, and we could totally save money!” Courtney exclaimed, reaching forward to pull Adore in for a hug, her ecstatic joy pushing aside any thoughts of giving the flu to her friend.

Adore hugged her back, a light giggle slipping from her lips as she said, “I guess now we have a plan, too.”

-

Courtney was bone-tired. By the time she got over the flu, she’d missed a full week. Between catching up on her classes, the extra rehearsals, and struggling to memorize her lines, not to mention playing referee to Karen and Muriel’s latest argument over whether it was appropriate for Karen to have overnight guests, she felt like she could sleep for a week.

But she’d already agreed to this Saturday rehearsal, and she knew she needed it anyway, so she dragged herself out of bed and showed up at the theatre with an extra-large frappuccino that didn’t seem to help her exhaustion, but did make her jittery and off-balance.

That’s probably why she missed her cue, while working on her scene with Adore. At least, that’s what she would claim if anyone asked.

It was the scene in Act One where Adore’s character, Chauvelin, was trying to convince her to leave England and come back with her to Paris. She’d been zoning out a bit while Mrs. Maguire talked to Adore about the scene, explaining that her character needed to be angrier. Courtney really wasn’t paying attention like she should, but it was something about how Adore was supposed to be extra angry because not only did Marguerite abandon the French Revolution to marry a British aristocrat, but she’d also abandoned her.

Anyway, she wasn’t prepared when they started up the scene again, for the intensity with which Adore spoke her next line: “You do not belong in this cold land, with no one to understand you...to touch you.”

Adore let her fingers graze Courtney’s cheek before grabbing her waist and pulling her in roughly. A small gasp left Courtney’s lips, staring into Adore’s burning hazel eyes.

“The girl I knew could not bear this another moment,” Adore said, in a hoarse stage whisper.

As Adore inched closer, mouth softly parted, Courtney’s heart raced, fingers digging into Adore’s shoulders, eyes wide...

“Uh, Courtney?”

Courtney’s head snapped up, towards Mrs. Maguire’s voice. “Yes?”

“You’re supposed to push her away.”

“I know,” Courtney said, cheeks burning. “I was just trying to, um...act conflicted about it.”

“Wow, good work. We really believed you,” Mrs. Maguire said, and Courtney shoved Adore backwards, making her stumble slightly, nearly tripping over her feet.

“Oh god, are you okay?” Courtney reached for her hand to steady her.

“Yeah, sorry, I, uh…”

“Why don’t we take this section again, from Marguerite’s line ‘What do you know of it?’” Mrs. Maguire said, disguising her amused chuckle as a cough.

“Yeah, sure, okay.” Courtney brushed off her hands, hoping that the burning in her cheeks wasn’t obvious to everyone watching.

-

“So, Karen’s into Palm Reading now, huh?”

“Uh huh,” Courtney laughed. They were sitting around the tree in their usual lunch spot, Courtney sharing her mother’s latest passion by attempting to read Adore’s palm.

“So is that shitty broken one my lifeline?”

“No, this one is your lifeline…” Courtney said, finger trailing across Adore’s palm, making her giggle.

“And? What do you think?”

“You’re gonna live a long time.” Courtney grinned at her, eyes shining.

“Fuck,” Adore pouted. “You sure? Can I change that?”

Willam let out a braying laugh.

“Yeah, I know what you mean, lesbian. Personally I want to die young and beautiful.”

“One out of two isn’t bad,” Violet shrugged, earning a punch on the shoulder. “Ow!”

“Good one,” Trinity giggled.

“Watch it, cuz. I could punch you, too,” warned Willam.

“You just fucking try it. I dare you.”

“Guys, please calm down,” Fame interjected. As always, the voice of reason.

Still holding Adore’s hand, Courtney touched her palm again, shivers traveling up her arm.

“Stop it,” Adore said, biting her lip, but making no move to pull her hand away.

“A long, long life…” Courtney continued, flashing her winning smile.

Adore smiled back, but then off Violet’s intentionally loud scoff, she cleared her throat and finally snatched her hand back, just as Bob approached the group.

“Hey, uh...I need to speak to my wife,” Bob said, and Courtney laughed, getting up and following him a little ways away from the group.

“Is everything okay? Do you need-”

“What’s going on with you and Adore?” he asked quickly, head tilted down at her, brow slightly furrowed.

“What do you mean?” Courtney’s thoughts started racing, her heart beating quickly.

“Don’t play dumb with me, I’ve known you since we were 4.”

“I’m not playing!” Courtney said. “Maybe I’m just dumb?”

Bob put his hands on his hips, glaring at her. After a moment, he narrowed his eyes and said, “He really loves you--”

Courtney sighed. “I know, Bob. Okay? You don’t think I know that? And I love him-”

“--More than you deserve.”

Courtney looked at him for a long moment, a sarcastic comeback on the tip of her tongue, which she swallowed down, defeated, shifting her gaze to the ground.

“I know.” Her voice broke on the last word, a lump rising in her throat.

Bob’s voice seemed to soften a little, saying, “Look...I’m just trying to-”

“I know, you’re looking out for your friend,” Courtney said tiredly, still avoiding his knowing brown eyes. Tears stung in her own eyes. “I get it.”

“No. I’m looking out for my friends.”

At that, Courtney looked up at him, surprised.

“You’re my friend too,” he continued. “And Adore’s my friend. And I just don’t want anyone to get hurt.”

Courtney bit her lip, nodding. “Me neither,” she managed to whisper, before a single tear began to burn its way down her cheek. Bob pulled her in for a hug.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-”

“I know.” Courtney sniffled against his shoulder. “You’re a good husband.”

“Oh yeah? Then why aren’t you in the kitchen making me some pie?”

Courtney laughed, parting from him with a good-natured shove.

“You okay?”

She nodded. “I really do love him, you know.”

“Yeah. Okay.” He smiled ruefully. “Things can’t ever be easy, huh?”

“No, I guess not.”

He pressed one last fatherly kiss to her forehead before leaving to join his own lunch group. Courtney took a moment more to collect herself, then walked back to the tree.

“What was that all about?” Pearl asked. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just some stuff about the play.”

“I’m so excited to see this play, it’s all you guys talk about,” Tati said.

“Yeah, better live up to the hype,” Trinity warned.

“Oh, it will,” Adore promised her with a charming grin. “We’re fucking amazing.”

“Damn right it will. Although, let’s be honest, I would have been a much better Percy than Bob,” said Willam.

“Ehhh…” Courtney grimaced.

“Fuck you, cheerleader!” Willam exclaimed, chucking an orange slice at her face.

“No I mean, you’d have been great in the campy parts, but the sincere romantic stuff? Not so much.”

“Yeah, remember last year? You two were the least believable teen romance ever,” Adore laughed, and Courtney joined in, nodding.

“Exactly.”

“Are you saying I can’t play it straight?” Willam looked deeply offended.

“Yeah, that’s exactly what we’re saying,” Adore told him.

“Oh yeah? Well, watch this…Come here, Virginia.” He grabbed Tati, who immediately squirmed away.

“Don’t touch me,” she said, pushing him onto the grass.

“Sorry.”

“See? A straight guy wouldn’t have listened,” Violet commented drily, making all of them crack up.