#dorothy dandridge eyes

[darth-maya]

The song of the day is

Janelle Monáe - Dorothy Dandridge Eyes (feat. Esperanza Spalding)

[hazellvsq]

piper's brown eyes

hazel's brown eyes

nico's brown eyes

frank's brown eyes

(piper's quote is from "dorothy dandridge eyes" by janelle monae, hazel's is from crooked kingdom by leigh bardugo, nico's is a marlon brando quote found on the wikipedia article about actress katy jurado, and frank's is a youtube comment)

[vintage-tigre]

Harry Belafonte & Dorothy Dandridge, 1954

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

Miriam Hopkins (Design For Living, Trouble in Paradise)—miriam hopkins had great range as an actresses, truly a woman who could play a passionate outburst for either dramatic or comedic effect and sell the ever-loving hell out of it. she's wonderful in the witty and sophisticated comedies she made with ernst lubitsch, great examples of movies that could never have been made after the hays code; the frothy musical comedy the smiling lieutenant where she plays a naive princess who accidentally gets betrothed to maurice chevalier, the polyamory classic design for living where she gary cooper and hot vintage shadow king fredric march are a throuple, and the ineffably exquisite comedic masterpiece trouble in paradise in which she and hubert marshall are sexy jewel thieves trying to con sexy rich lady kay francis, but will emotional complications ensue???? watch to find out!!

Dorothy Dandridge (Carmen Jones, Porgy and Bess, Island in the Sun)— The first Black actress to ever be nominated for best actress, Dorothy Dandridge was a groundbreaking actress who deserved better. She started her career as a singer, being put in a song-and-dance duo with her sister by their stage mother, and singing in soundies (I highly recommend cow cow boogie, it's adorable), proto-music videos. She started appearing as a featured singer in films. Her star was on the rise and she soon became a star solo performer. She continued acting, but had limited options because she refused to do stereotypical roles. She finally landed a starring role in Bright Road in 1953, but it was the movie Carmen Jones that truly cemented her as a star and sex symbol. Not to sound cheesy, but she literally sizzles on screen. You can't help but understand how poor Harry Belafonte gets caught in her trap, just look at her. This is the role that got her that Oscar nom. She didn't win cause I mean #OscarsSoWhite, but she was a sensation and continued starring in films, despite troubles in her life (including a shitty director bf who fucked with her career and a traumatizing pregnancy/delivery). Outside of her filmwork, she was also an activist, fighting against racism. She left behind an amazing legacy, and continues to inspire many actresses to this day (including also very hot first (and only) black woman to win best actress, Halle Berry).

This is round 3 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

Miriam Hopkins:

64.media.tumblr.com

She is an incredibly charismatic and versatile actress who brings a certain captivating je ne sais quois to each and every one of her roles that makes her impossible to ignore. Her pre-code films were considered quite risqué, with her part in a thrupple in Design For Living, and some saucy scenes they had to cut from Jekyll and Hyde. She also had a strong career in early television, so good that this queen literally has TWO Hollywood Stars, TWO!! One for TV and one for Film

Also she is Gorgeous, capable of being the girl nextdoor and also a stunning blonde bombshell. She's not as well known as some golden-age Hollywood stars but she's really incredible and I recommend everyone watch her films

In Trouble in Paradise she plays a pickpocket who flirts by stealing from her criminal boyfriend and I fell in love

Linked gifset

She's got this sly slouchy confidence that just draws you in. Almost no one wore 30s fashion as well as her

queen of the pre-code era. often her roles were of carefree, flirty and lighthearted but intelligent women. famously in the movie where she was part of a fredrich march/gary cooper throuple.

We all know that Design for Living is THE pre-code movie and she is so iconic in it. Her eyes are everythingggg. Also everyone look at her in a suit in She Loves Me Not please

A Frequent collaborator of Ernst Lubistch, Miriam Hopkins like up the screen in her comic roles, as is especially sexy in her pre-code performance in Design for Living; probably one of the first movies to showcase a coded polyamorous relationship. She toes the line between adorable and sexy, and had the acting chops to back it all up.

Dorothy Dandridge propaganda:

Beautiful actress and hand-working and talented singer, she's especially notable for the number of firsts she accomplished such as the first African-American woman to receive a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress and the first African-American woman to appear on the cover of Life magazine.

Dorothy Dandridge was a classic Hollywood triple threat, singing, dancing, and acting with the best of them. She was the first African American nominated for an academy award for Best Actress for her role in Carmen Jones and she was just jaw-droppingly beautiful.

this og of black film needs no introduction (star on the hollywood walk of fame anyone?), voice of an angel, heavenly features, just an overall stunning lady :)

Look at her!!! She is so unbelievably charismatic in Carmen, it’s insane. Her chemistry with Harry Belafonte is off the charts, and every time she puts another outdoor [sic] on it’s like ‘oh god this is a whole new level of stunning’ 🥵. She was so so talented, when she’s on screen I genuinely dare you to tear your eyes away from her. Deserves to be known so much better but due to Hollywood racism and a tough personal life she didn’t make it as big as she should have done. She’s incredible.

First Black actress to be nominated for the Oscar for Best Actress! Was the first choice for the role of Cleopatra that went to Elizabeth Taylor (we were ROBBED).

[cleolinda]

Weekend links, April 21, 2024

My posts

Initially I wrote, “I ran my mouth about the Watcher streaming/paywall situation because I make bad decisions,” but I think the post has actually gone over well? In short, I want to see them succeed but I am also deeply fuckin’ baffled. I so desperately want the tea about what was really going on behind all this, and how the guys are reacting to it now, and I really hope they can turn this around somehow. 

Side note, Friday was CHAOTIC. 

Reblogs of interest

The Hot Vintage Lady Polls are escalating in round four. We got to a point where I posted propaganda for Ava Gardner AND Dorothy Dandridge in their matchup. Probably the biggest scandal of round three was Vivien Leigh getting knocked out, but she’s now High Chancellor of the Shadow Realm. The most contentious matchup this time seems to be Judy Garland vs Natalie Wood, which is nearly 50/50 as of this writing. But keep your eye on Hedy Lamarr, who may have Mifune Sweep energy. 

(I think I love these brackets for the same reason I love Dracula Daily: it’s delightful that thousands of people on Tumblr actually have deeply-held opinions about things from many decades ago, and if they didn’t before, they do now.)

(“I’m Katharine Hepburn, and this is Jackass!”)

--

Happy Bread Day (Observed)!

Hozier Watch 2024: “Why Would You Be Loved” has arrived on the Wasteland, Baby! special edition. I like this post about how that song is in conversation with “No Plan,” one of my favorites. (I wrote about “Movement” a while ago, but I could have fully inflicted an essay on you about how “No Plan” pulled me out of my six years of hiding from the internet. Anyway, it’s a great album from a few years ago, check it out if you haven’t.) 

Generally I keep my mouth shut about Taylor Swift, but the new songs sure have some lyrics. I love Florence Welch, but I’m scared.

You’ve heard of spoon theory, now check out spell slot theory

“You’re either frolicking in this field with me, or...” is funny, but then you get to the reblog.

What if we lay in this field together and held feet

A deep breach of etiquette with a little dog named Gucio

A story about statue vandalism with a delightful twist

You gotta fight mint with mint (like I can bring in my lemon balm, but at what cost?) 

I saw this post about feeding wild skeletons on Pinterest and I loved it so much that I tracked down the original. 

Once again, Holy Shit, Two Cakes theory

Remember the haunted house I grew up in? Yeah, it had a carpeted bathroom like this.

“gonna start formatting my posts like fics on ff.net circa 2008” will do you exactly the psychic damage you’re imagining 

The Round Table attempts to use Zoom

Video

Lil Nas X covers “Jolene,” Dolly Parton loves it, and @oscar-wet-and-wilde has further Black Country recs

A big loud steppy

“He’s retrieving”

Crispy meows

Watching this angel of a Doberman get a full spa treatment is also self care

AND YOU DARE SAY NO MORE TREATS??!?

The sacred texts

I don’t like thing, now with artist credit 

Personal tags of the week

I love when I can use a really niche, specific tag, and this week, it’s mouth perfect size for meme, with a little shaped on the side.

[hollywoodlady]

Classic movie stars + music

01 - 'Clara Bow', by Taylor Swift;

02 - 'Bette Davis Eyes', by Kim Carnes;

03 - 'John Wayne', by Lady Gaga;

04 - 'Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge On Seattle', by Nirvana;

05 - 'Steve McQueen', by Sheryl Crow;

06 - 'Dorothy Dandridge Eyes', by Janelle Monáe feat. Esperanza Spalding;

07 - 'James Dean', by Eagles;

08 - 'Mabel Normand', by Stevie Nicks;

09 - 'Rock Hudson, by Kelly Clarkson;

10 - 'Vincent Price', by Deep Purple

[shewhoworshipscarlin]

Dudley Dickerson

Dudley Henry Dickerson Jr. (November 27, 1906 – September 23, 1968) was an American film actor. Born in Chickasha, Oklahoma, he appeared in nearly 160 films between 1932 and 1952, and is best remembered for his roles in several Three Stooges films.

Given the era in which Dickerson performed, he was usually cast in stereotypical roles that were common in films of the time. His boundless energy can be seen in what are rather restrictive roles, and was a master at what has become known as "scared reaction" comedy. One of his early screen credits was the Our Gang comedy Spooky Hooky (1936), as a bemused caretaker. Dickerson also appeared in Soundies musical films with Dorothy Dandridge and Meade Lux Lewis; Big Joe Turner had recorded three numbers for Soundies but was not present for the filming, so Dickerson stood in for him and lip-synced his vocals.

Modern viewers will remember Dudley Dickerson for his portrayals of startled cooks, quizzical orderlies, frightened porters, and apprehensive watchmen in such Three Stooges films as They Stooge to Conga, A Gem of a Jam, and Hold That Lion! In Hold that Lion, he played a lovable train conductor who memorably bugged out his eyes and shrieked, "He'p, he'p, ah'm losin' mah mahnd!" when a lion attacked him and ripped the seat of his pants while he was shining a pair of shoes. This gag had been used by Moe in a previous short, but Dickerson's portrayal of the scene was so funny that the crew (and Dickerson himself) could hardly contain their laughter, as one can hear in the final release.

Probably Dickerson's most memorable role was that of the hapless chef in the Stooges' A Plumbing We Will Go, in which he uttered in bewilderment, "This house has sho' gone crazy!" He was also able to show the range of his acting talent in this role, able to raise a laugh from the audience by just giving a suspicious, sideways look to a kitchen appliance that had previously acted up. The footage would be recycled twice more in future Stooge comedies: 1949's Vagabond Loafers and 1956's Scheming Schemers. Both films included a newly filmed scene of a raincoat-clad Dickerson informing guests that "dinner's postponed on account of rain" (a turn of phrase usually used to describe the cancellation of a baseball game due to inclement weather).

Dickerson received featured billing in several Hugh Herbert comedies produced by Columbia Pictures, in which, as Herbert's valet, he is always in scary situations and reacts with comic terror.

In the early 1950s, Dickerson appeared in several episodes of TV's The Amos 'n' Andy Show, usually as a lodge member or Joe the Barber.

Dickerson had also appeared opposite Columbia comic Andy Clyde. When Columbia concluded its long-running Clyde series, producer Jules White called Dickerson back to appear opposite Clyde in a remake of the 1948 short Go Chase Yourself. To White's surprise, Dickerson had lost considerable weight and would no longer match the scenes filmed in 1948. White regarded Dickerson so highly that he filmed the new scenes anyway. Columbia released the film in 1956 as Pardon My Nightshirt.

Dickerson retired from acting in 1959. He died of a brain tumor in 1968 at age 61, and is buried at Lincoln Memorial Park in Los Angeles, California.

[thechanelmuse]

My Book Review

I finished this book a week ago. I’m still struggling to put my thoughts into words because this book jam packs a load of history in 430 pages. Where does one start? 

Bright Boulevards, Bold Dreams travels back in time to the founding of what would be Los Angeles in 1781 by a group of eleven families—forty four Black Spaniards— before building upon the land and establishing what would be the home of the film industry. This book spans six decades within the history of Black actors in Hollywood beginning with Madame Sul-Te-Wan, the first. It even includes those surrounding the Hollywood scene like dancer Carmen de Lavallade and Paul Williams, the foremost trailblazing Black architect who created the blueprint for the eye-catching structures and homes of the stars still standing firm today. 

Bright Boulevards, Bold Dreams is a lot to take in from the bad to the good. It’s partly because the wealth of info would be more digestible had it been fleshed out further without creating a sweeping effect (like snippets) through moments in time to build the larger framework. After all, we’re talking sixty years. 

I’m a cinephile so I would’ve enjoyed more focus into the actual creation of a number of films, particularly the all-Black productions in those days. As for the gossip scene and the 👀 happenings in their world, here’s a snippet: Duke Ellington had an affair with Freida Washington, whom she felt was the love of her life. Duke wouldn't leave his wife so Freida did work in Paris to keep busy and get over him. When she returned, she ended up marrying a member of Duke’s band 🙃. Also, Lena Horne had an on and off-again affair with heavyweight boxer, Joe Louis. Might be hella messy and pearl-clutching in our world, but you gotta remember Hollywood is its own world. Small. They operate differently and nothing is swept under the rug in their society. Though discreet, everyone knew everyone’s biz.

I can’t even imagine the amount of research that went into making this book. It’s def worth the read. Just know that it may feel a little dense because it’s so many actors, gigs ands so forth spanning decades.

PHOTOSET: Madame Sul-Te-Wan, Ernest “Sunshine Sammy” Morrison, Ethel Waters with Freida Washington, Daniel L. Haynes with Nina Mae McKinney, Mildred Washington, The Nicolas Brothers, Eartha Kitt with Sammy Davis Jr, Joe Louis with Lena Horne, and the Dandridge sisters: Dorothy and Vivian.

SN: Off-topic. The author’s surname, Bogle, caught my attention when I first got this book, which had to be about about 10 years ago now. (Yes, this book has been sitting on my shelf for that long...among the other 600+.) The only Black Americans I’m familiar with with that surname are from Philly dating back to chef Robert Bogle, the creator of catering: 

Whad'ya know? The author too is from Philly. I’m curious if they’re related. That’s a book in and of itself.

[rjmartin11]

Just One Kiss

Chapter One

Pairing: Elvis & female!reader

Summary: Once upon a Memphis time, you and Elvis were very close friends who turned lovers. After he went into the Army, you both drifted apart, leaving you heartbroken. Time passes, and you go on a Vegas business trip with your long-term boyfriend, Edward, and find out that your old lover is performing at The International Hotel. Old feelings surface once again, and you plan on making this a trip neither of you will soon forget.

Word Count: 4.5K

Warnings: A bit of introduction. Maybe some manipulation. When broken hearts don't mend correctly, they become cold and often deadly.

Author's Notes: Welcome to Chapter One! After all the reactions to the sneak peek, I thought I'd give you the full story. I've never seen Elvis with a manipulative type of woman, which is partially why this story interests me. I just had this thought of this woman like Carman Jones (Dorothy Dandridge) or Gilda (Rita Hayworth). This femme fatal that seduces Elvis, but he knows how to put her in her place. Don't want to give too much away. Please dive in! If you love this chapter, send me a like, follow, and repost!

✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ💋✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ

Las Vegas. The last place you wanted to be. Your long-time boyfriend, Edward, who you affectionately called Eddie, had a business trip and didn't want to leave you to your devices in California. You assured him that you'd be a good girl and be on your best behavior, but no, you were coming to Nevada with him.

You didn't like being away from him too long. You were quite fond of him. Eddie had a way about him. He had that leader quality, and you knew others would follow. He was handsome, strong, and sweet, although at times, he could be distant. You were overjoyed when he invited you to come, although you wished it was some place better than Sin City.

"Y/N, Las Vegas is a playground with plenty to do." Eddie assured you. "There's more than gambling. There are dinner shows and concerts and food. A few wedding chapels, too." He says this rubbing your thigh.

You look at him wide-eyed. Is he proposing to you?

"Eddie, dear. Are you asking me to marry you? Is this why you asked me to Vegas?" You express your surprise and excitement. Scooting closer to Eddie, you wrap your arms around him.

"What I am saying is if this business venture goes as planned or better, you will be getting a diamond ring before this trip is over." He whispers in your ear, plans for the future that lead to expectations.

You circle your arms around his neck and kiss him deeply. You want him to know you are his and his alone. You slowly pull away from Eddie, looking into his warm caramel eyes.

"I love you, Y/N." He whispers to you.

"Do you, Eddie?" You ask, stroking his cheek. "You know my policy on that word."

"Yes, I do. Don't say it if you don't mean it. I can't understand how someone could tell you they love you and not mean? You're a gem, Y/N." Eddie reminded you time and time again how precious you are to him.

"Is it not enough to be happy with me, Eddie? To have and live life to the fullest everyday with me?" You beseech him.

"I want your love, Y/N."

"You have my body. I do care for you. Deeply. You must give me time."

"Y/N, I've given you two years." Eddie speaks impatiently. He wasn't angry but bothered.

You look him in his eyes and say, "I'm not trying to spoil your plans, but if it's too much, I can head back to California."

Eddie grabs you up in his lap. He starts to tickle you and plants kisses on your neck.

"Oh no, you don't, baby. You're not going back to California. You are staying in Las Vegas with me, and don't you dare try to weasel your way out of it."

You found comfort in his arms. You guess you can stay. Las Vegas could be fun. You could indulge in a bit of trouble.

"Well, Eddie, if you insist. What hotel are we invading?" You ask.

"We are staying at the grand, International Hotel! Straight ahead!" Eddie announced.

You look out the window and notice the big sign that reads in large letters: Elvis in Concert.

You close your eyes. You haven't had to think about that man in years. You ignored his movies, his music, and any magazine issues with him were off limits. You closed your heart and mind from... him. Lest your heart may break once again.

"Y/N. Y/N, dear, here we are. The International Hotel! Home for the next few days." Eddie is excited he opens the door for you.

Before you step out of the limo, you put your sunglasses on. As you walk into the International Hotel, you scan the area and spot signs and a few pictures of... him. He's practically all over the place. You remain silent as you and Eddie approach the front desk.

"Welcome to the International Hotel, Mr. Edward Malcolm." The receptionist speaks to you both, inviting you in. "Your room is ready for you and your wife."

You look at her over the rim of your glasses and snicker under your breath.

"Mr. Malcolm, are you and your wife interested in tickets for one of tonight's shows featuring Elvis Presley?"

Eddie gives me a look to see your interests. You look back at him and roll your eyes, turning away from him. "The future Mrs. Malcolm doesn't seem too interested. But thank you, Ms... Jean." He read off the concierge's badge.

"It's not a problem, sir. If either of you change your mind, the first show starts at seven o'clock and the last show is at ten."

"Thank you, Ms. Jean. We'll keep it in mind."

All the while, you were listening very closely with your back turned away from the counter. Eddie places his hand on your back and leads you toward the elevator. You make it to your room, and your bags are there waiting for you. Eddie never spares the expense. The room is top quality and lavish. There's a large living room section when the television is located. On the other side of the room, there's a large king-size bed for the two of you.

"Well, Y/N. What do you think?" Eddie asks you, eager to hear your answer.

You turn to him and say, "It'll do." You take off your highs and sunglasses, making yourself more comfortable. Eddie is freshening up for his first of several business meetings. As he emerges from the bathroom, all clean in a new black suit with a blue tie, models for you a little bit.

"What do you think? How do I look?" He asks.

You rise from your seat and walk over to him slowly, placing your hands on his shoulders.

"Tasty." You say as you kiss him with vigor. You slow bit surely push him back toward the bed. You maneuver him to sit down on the bed. You straddle his lap as you continue to kiss him.

"Eddie, how much time do we have?" You ask him.

"Y/N, baby, I gotta go now." He says, but you don't stop kissing him. You work your way down to his neck.

"Eddie, give me five minutes, and I promise you won't regret it. The partners can wait."

"Oh, Y/N. You know I want you, but I have to go."

You give him one last kiss and remove yourself from him. You pout a bit, but don't fuss. His business is important.

"Okay. I'll see you when you come back." You say a bit saddened.

Eddie straightens up his suit and tie. "Boy, you make it difficult for a man to say no, baby. What are you going to do while I'm gone?"

You look at him and pondered. Should you tell him your plans or keep it to yourself?

"I think I'll stay in. Watch the tube, take a shower, and maybe read a book. Nothing to wild."

He gives you this serious look. "No, Y/N, you're in Vegas. Get into some trouble." He takes out his wallet, pulls out $500.00, and hands it to you. "Go make a bet or go see the Presley guy. He's actually really good."

"You think so, huh?"

"Yes. Please don't stay in this room all night. I love you. I'll see you later and please have fun." Eddie shuts the door, and you are left to your devices.

You walk over to the phone and dial the front desk. It rings for a moment, but then you hear a familiar voice.

"Front desk, Jean speaking."

"Hello, Jean. It's Y/N Malcolm in room 519. I was wondering if there are still some available seats for the Elvis concert at ten the evening?"

"Yes, Mrs. Malcolm, there are."

"Great, I'd love a ticket. Please charge it to my room, and do you have a single room available? I have some friends coming into town they're going to stay for a while. I'll pay you when I get downstairs and check in for them as well.

"Yes, we have one single left on the second floor, room 202. It's $350.00 a night."

"I'll pay you as soon as I get dressed for the concert. Promise. I need to pick the keys too. The name for the check-in is Lewis."

"Yes, Mrs. Malcolm. Everything is all set."

"Thank you so much."

You hang up the phone and decide to take a shower and get ready. You put your hair up in a bun and do your makeup. Nothing to fancy. You wingtip your eyeliner, apply a bit of blush to your cheeks, and put a light rose lipstick on your lips. Your outfit for this evening, you choose the off the shoulder light blush with a slits on the sides.

You take one last look in the mirror and examine yourself from top to bottom. You are dressed to kill. You turn to the clock it reads: 9:45pm. You glance at your reflection one last time and undo your bun, allowing your hair to fall on your shoulders. You smirk at yourself, knowing well what you expect out of tonight.

You put on your highs and head for the door.

✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ💋✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ

The elevator opens to the lobby, and you head for the check-in desk. You don't wait in line long. As you approach the counter, Jean the Conceige had your ticket for the show and key to the Lewis room ready. You paid her the amount owed on the room and took the key plus a spear, placing it in your clutch. Jean hands you your ticket for the ten o'clock show, and you glance at it with a smirk.

"Have fun, Mrs. Malcolm!"

"I fully intend to." You say, walking towards the concert hall. There was another line to get in and be seated, but you were patient.

Fifteen minutes later, you are finally escorted to your seat. It was perfect. A small table for one in the corner away from the stage. It's a wonderful spot to view the stage, but not to be seen. Everyone is getting comfortable in their spots. As the stage curtains rise, everyone gets quiet. The first act is the Sweet Inspirations quartet. Four gorgeous ladies with a gospel vibe. They are quite lively and entertaining, but of course not the reason you came here. You've waited nine years for Elvis Presley. What's another thirty minutes?

The Sweet Inspirations finish up their set and take a bow for a job well done. There's a round of applause for them, but you wonder if it's more anticipation for Elvis.

The room buzzes with excitement and eagerness for his arrival. As you wait for the show to begin, you stop a waitress and ask for a glass of white wine. She doesn't leave you waiting long. The waitress brings your drink with a smile.

The house lights dim, and the orchestra begins their set. The curtains rise once more. Women all over the room start to jump around and scream their heads off. The wait is over.

The band plays a familiar tune and who emerges on stage, but the man himself. Elvis Presley in all his splendor. He looks incredible. Sporting a black jumpsuit that fits him perfectly. He's changed his hair to fit the times. No more of the coiffed quiff of the fifties. It's amazing how he just lets it fall, and his sideburns look great. He's grown into a very handsome man.

Elvis starts singing his first hit, That's Alright Mama. You see shaking his leg a bit nervously but he was always a bit shy and nervous in front of a crowd. The fact that he overcame his fears and performed was something you always admired about him.

His voice has gotten stronger and damn if he did look gorgeous while dancing. He knew how to captivate an audience. He had each and every girl in the audience is eating it up. This makes you roll your eyes. You sit back and sip on your glass of wine.

He starts talking about how he started out in the business. Joking about how certain television stations would shoot him from the waist up and you remember exactly why. So much gyration downstairs to drive every woman in the room crazy. Sexual thoughts filling your mind as well as every woman in the room. His jokes brings laughter to the crowd, but the jokes don't phase you.

He starts singing again some of his oldies. This time, he sings the song of his first feature-length film, Love Me Tender. The women in the room can't contain themselves anymore. They need a piece of Elvis. He starts giving them kisses. Somewhere in his mind, Elvis believe it's safe to started traveling around the room to give a kiss to each woman in the room. Something stirs inside you. You bury the thoughts deep within you to safe them for later.

He starts singing Can't Help Falling in Love with You, and you sense this is the end of the concert. You glance around, and you notice that a small group of women are being escorted out of the hall. You believe you recognize one of the guys escorting the ladies out. It looks like Red West but you aren't entirely sure.

As the curtain closes on Elvis, he thanks the crowd in his famous "Thank you. Thank you very much." It's nice to know that he still has some humility.

Now, you need to figure out how to get backstage or to his room. You thought you may see someone from way back when. Billy Smith or Sonny West. Maybe even Vernon. Elvis never left his family to far behind.

You walk around the crowded room to see if you could make it backstage, somehow. There's a small group of women huddled around a short guy. You make you way over and listen in.

"So ladies, you want to get backstage and meet Elvis?" He said. "Sadly, I can only select a few of you. You ladies play your cards right, you could be picked."

The ladies coon over the thought of meeting The Elvis Presley. You get close in hopes you could be picked, but you don't hold your breath.

The guy glances at you briefly but overlooks and picks four other girls. You tap his shoulder.

"Excuse, buddy." You say as he turns to look at you. "What's your name?"

"Miss, I don't have time..."

"I didn't ask you that. I asked you for your name."

He was hesitant but he answers your question. "I'm Joe."

"Well, Joe, you wouldn't know me, but I'm an old friend of your boss's. I'm Y/N. Is Red or Jerry around? They'll vouch for me. Pretty please?" You ask in hopes he'll hear you out.

Joe looks you up and down again. A smirk crosses his face. "Wait here, Ms. Y/N. I'll talk to one of the guys."

You cross your arms and reply, "I'll be waiting, Joe."

Joe walks away with the chosen ladies. The unselected ladies walk away brokenhearted, and you make yourself comfortable at the bar. Joe doesn't keep you waiting long. You hear a familiar voice call out to you.

"Y/N?!? Y/N, is that really you?!"

You turn your head and spot Jerry. Not much of a kid anymore. He always hung around Elvis and the guy doing little tasks. Just wanted to be a part of the group. Elvis was always a big brother to Jerry. Look how handsome Jerry has become, but he's not who you're here for. Jerry may be your ticket for getting backstage to Elvis, though.

Once Jerry realizes it's you, he walks faster and gives you a hug.

"Joe said that you were here and I just had to see for myself." He releases you, and you smile at one another. "Wow, you're more gorgeous than I remember."

You giggle at the observation. Jerry has become quite the charmer. He used to be more shy, not quite just shy. Being around Elvis has rubbed off on him. "Thanks, Jer. You've grown gorgeous yourself." You return the compliment, and he blushes.

"It's great seeing you, Y/N. How long has it been?"

"Nine years. *pause* I guess that is a while."

Jerry nods his head and continues. "What can I do for? Whatcha need?"

You smirk at his questions. "I'd love to go backstage and see Elvis if you'd escort me."

You don't sound demanding, but you're not asking. You keep your voice endearing. Jerry raises his eyebrow and offers you his arm, directing you backstage to the party. You don't hesitate for a moment. You knew once you took his arm, there was no going back on your plans. You were in.

"I can't believe that Joe didn't pick you." Jerry says as we enter in the room.

"I can. He doesn't know me, Jer."

"Y/N, he didn't know those other girls either."

You shrug and don't bother with Joe's selection choice. There's a chance he just knows you're up to something but can't say what it is. You don't care. You got backstage. Any moment now, you'll see him face to face.

"Hey, Red! Sonny! Look who came to visit!" Jerry announces. The boys look around and see you on Jerry's arm. The shout with surprise and awe. Both of them running over to give you a hug. You find it funny how they've aged. They are handsome but still as silly as ever. You all catch on times well passed. You don't chat long because you have bigger fish to fry.

You have a seat on the nearby sofa, making yourself comfortable. Sonny got you a drink while you waited. The room was quite crowded with people. More people fill the room than the concert hall, it seemed.

There's a shift of the energy in the room. A few cheers and applause erupts, and you know that Elvis has made his special entrance. You don't rush up out of your seat. This game is all about patience. You let him come to you. The chosen women who were picked for his attention and admiration are on your side of the room. He'll be near you shortly.

A moment or so later, Elvis appears on your side of the room. The women engulf him like hungry wolves ready to sink their teeth into him. They don't do all the screaming you heard earlier in the showroom. This is more owes and awes. More admiration than anything.

As Elvis signs autographs and passes out kisses, you take a better look at him. He indeed is more gorgeous than you remember. You question if he got taller by an inch, maybe. His fashion is still similar. Nice, neat, and stylish is such his fortè.

You sit further back on the sofa, making yourself comfortable while sipping on your drink. You never take your eyes off Elvis. You want to see the look on his face when he realizes it's you. You don't draw attention to yourself at all. You remain patient.

When Elvis finally looks in your general direction and does a double look. He's staring right at you. The smile leaves his face, and you swear he stops breathing. He signs one last autograph and starts to walk towards you. "Thank you, darlin'. Excuse me."

You rise from your seat as he approaches you. He seems awestruck. You notice as he blinks his eyes like he wants to be sure you're in front of him. His not dreaming. You are really here.

Elvis stops in front of you, looking into your eyes. You look back into those majestic oceanic orbs you loved so much. It's almost as if truly no time has passed between you two. Visions of the past flash in your mind.

"Y/N? Y-Y-You're here? You're really here?" He stutters out.

"Elvis Aaron Presley. As I live and breathe." You look him up and down. "Well, E? Don't just stand there. Give me my hug."

Elvis does not hesitate. He wraps his arms around you and buries his face in your neck. You slowly put your arms around him. Taking him in inch by inch. Inhaling his intoxicating scent. He still feels the same. Strong and warm to the touch. He lets you go and looks you over again.

"Y/N, what are you doing here?" He questions you.

You place your hand over your heart. "Ouch. You're not happy to see me?"

"Answer the question, baby." He grills you a bit.

"So direct. I'm in town with my boyfriend, Eddie. Business trip. He asked me to tag along. I didn't know you were here performing, but I thought I'd stop by and see you. My old friend."

He looks at you, either dumbfounded or awestruck, but you haven't decided yet. Elvis is about to say something but is interrupted by a young girl.

"Oh, Elvis! Elvis, darling! You were wonderful tonight! I'm so proud of you!" She says, wrapping her arms around him in an embrace.

He hugs her back but doesn't break eye contact with you. At least not until she let's him go to look at his face. "Thank you, baby. I appreciate that."

You raise your eyebrows as he glances at you, waiting patiently to be introduced.

"Y/N, this is my girlfriend, Laura. Laura, this is Y/N. She's uhh... an old friend from Memphis. She came by to see and show." Elvis introduces you both to each other.

Laura is a pretty young thing with light brown hair about five feet three inches, and she has a smile that carries from ear to ear. A bit too child like for your liking.

"Oh, Y/N. It's nice to meet." She extends her hand out to you, and you shake it with a smirk on your face.

"Not as exciting as it is to meet you, Laura. Oh, E. She's absolutely adorable! Where on earth have you been keeping her?" You say, laying it on as thick as possible. You're unsincere about what you are saying, but you make yourself sound enthusiastic.

Laura smiles at your words. You see she a bit naive, so playing fickle and sarcastic with her will be a breeze. You take joy in this.

"Well, he keeps me in Memphis most of the time." Laura tells you.

"Come sit with me. I must get to know you better after all we're practically family now." You speak to Laura, bringing her to the sofa to have a seat.

"Family?" Laura says, echoing you. She's a bit curious about your words.

"Oh. E has always been like a big brother to me. I grew up in Downtown Memphis, not too far from Beale Street. I started hanging around Elvis and the guys when he had the house on Audubon Drive. I became close with Ms. Gladys." You pause.

You haven't thought of Gladys in years. You never would have intentionally forgotten about her. But you placed her in the background of your mind along with Elvis and anyone or anything that reminded you of him. More memories of the past flash before your eyes.

"So, you knew Gladys? I know Elvis treasured her. I wish I could have known her. I wish I knew the woman who created and raised the man I love so much." Laura says, breaking you out of your trance.

You look over her and place a small smile on your face. "Gladys was amazing."

You and Laura spend the next few minutes getting to know each other better. You discover that Laura is a naive of upstate New York. She met Elvis at Madison Square Garden at a concert he performed. She paid for backstage passes with a friend of hers. She and Elvis got very acquainted, and they started a relationship. She's been living with him at Graceland for the last year and a half. You didn't loom over the details as much. You personally know where conversations with Elvis lead.

You feel see on the side of your face and glance over to see Elvis staring at you. You take one last sip from your glass and finish playing your game with Laura.

"You are the luckiest girl in the world, Laura."

Laura's face lights up at your comment. "Why would you say that?"

You lean in close to her and say, "Elvis Presley is in love with you. He hasn't taken his eyes off you once since we started talking. That's nothing but love."

Laura slowly looks over at Elvis. He smiles at her, and she blows him a kiss across the room. He returns it. "Y/N, I love him so much. It's an adventure being with him. There's no one else in the world like him. Or no one with his bank account."

You look at her like she has a virus. She grins at you and starts laughing. "I'm kidding! Relax!"

You fake laugh and make it sound real as possible. "You're too precious for words! Plus, you're funny. There's never a dull moment between the two of you is there?" You ask her.

She shakes her head no. "Not one."

You take her hand for the last time for the evening and say your goodbyes.

"Laura, it was nice meeting you. I must be going. I have a man waiting for me upstairs, and I hate keeping him waiting."

"It was nice speaking with you, too, Y/N. If you're here any longer, you should call the Penthouse and can have lunch or dinner, or you can come to the pool with me and the TLC's."

"The TLC's?" You ponder.

"Yeah, the wives and girlfriends of the Memphis Mafia."

"Maybe I will. Goodnight, Laura."

"Goodnight." She says as you walk away.

You loose Elvis. He isn't where you last saw him. You're disappointed, but you walk out the door. You know you'll see him again. Eventually.

As you walk out the door, a hand grabs you by the arm and pulls you to the side. What do you know? It's Elvis.

"There you are. I was wondering where you went."

"Leaving so soon?" He asked you. "What did you talk to Laura about?"

"Nothing much. Just getting to know her a bit. Seeing if she's worthy of you or not, E."

"Wondering if she's right for your big brother?"

"Oh? You heard that, huh? I actually was wondering if my brother Elvis wanted to kiss me."

Elvis loosens his grip on you and steps back.

"Oh, not here, of course, E. Room 202." You take out the key to the room and place it on his chest. "We really must catch up, E. Nine years is too long." You whisper to him, sliding the key down his chest, past his stomach, past his upper thigh, and into his back pocket. As you slip the key in his back pocket, you lightly grab his ass.

"I'll be waiting for you." You whisper. You walk away towards the elevator, feeling quite accomplished. The doors open, and you enter, looking at Elvis staring you down. He has that look in his eyes. That look says, "I'll be there." A look full of lust, want, and longing. The elevator door closes, and you smile. He'll be yours again in a few hours.

Taglist: @missmaywemeetagain @beeandheroddobsessions @headfullofpresley @everythingpresley @epforeverohyes @plasticfantasticl0ver @pianginferno @powerofelvis @ab4eva @foreverdolly @searchingforgravity @thatbanditqueen @daffieapple @18lkpeters @dkayfixates @epsgirl @richardslady121

[theimpossiblescheme]

peculiar and more dignified: a playlist for hathor

01. where dreams are born - john williams | 02. masquerade - sierra boggess, hadley fraser, barry james, gareth snook, wendy ferguson, wynne evans, liz robertson, and daisy maywood | 03. dorothy dandridge eyes - janelle monáe ft. esperanza spalding | 04. can’t be love - laura izibor | 05. trois gymnopédies (first movement) - gary numan | 06. tea, milk, and honey - oh pep! | 07. campus - bastille | 08. friends will be friends - faušdur | 09. nightflyer - allison russell | 10. future games - fleetwood mac | 11. her eyes the stars - luchs | 12. if i had words - joanna wang | 13. i have found - sara jean ford | 14. i get a kick out of you - dorothy dandridge | 15. all my stars aligned - st. vincent | 16. mon amour, ma chérie - amadou and mariam | 17. dear no one - tori kelly | 18. mere khwabon mein - lata mangeshkar | 19. under giant trees - agnes obel | 20. stars - aayla nereo | 21. outer space - bernard herrmann | 22. butterfly’s repose - zabawa | 23. mayoiga - hitsujibungaku | 24. has anyone written anything for you - stevie nicks | 25. fire/reunion/finale - frank churchill [x]

[attaboyluther]

Black Wall Street USA

Sheila Guyse was an actress, and singer during the 1940s and 1950s. She was born Etta Drucille Guyse, on July 14, 1925, in Forest, Mississippi. Her parents, Wilbert Vincent Guyse and Ethel Williams, separated and divorced shortly after she was born. Guyse was raised by her paternal grandparents, Charity and Fred Guyse, and attended the Scott County Vocational School in Mississippi where she developed an interest in singing. In 1945, Guyse moved to New York to pursue her dreams, and stayed with her father and stepmother in Manhattan.

Guyse got her first job at a dime store in 125th street, across the street from the Apollo Theater, She wanted a $25 dress, so she entered her first talent show, at the Apollo, and won first place, and $25. She then began performing in amateur shows, and was cast as the female lead in a Broadway production of “Memphis Bound” (1945), opposite Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. She made her nightclub debut at Club Zombie in Detroit, where she caught the eye of Shelby Irving Miller, a druggist clerk and tailor. The two married on March 18, 1946, in Hamilton, Indiana, and moved to Indianapolis.

After the marriage Guyse continued her acting career and had a role in Boy! What A Girl! (1947), Sepia Cinderella (1947), and Miracle in Harlem (1948) all independent all-black films. Miller and Guyse had a daughter, Sheila Crystal Miller but divorced after just two years. In 1949, she starred in the Broadway production “Lost in The Stars,” and in 1950, Guyse starred in the film, Harlem Follies of 1949, and was featured on the covers and pages of several publications including Ebony, Jet, Our World, and Hue magazines.

While working on the Broadway production of Finian’s Rainbow, Guyse met dancer Kenneth Davis, and the two married. The couple lived in the Bronx, New York, and were featured on the cover of the February 1952 Jet magazine, followed with an article entitled “Negro Women with White Husbands.” Throughout her career, Guyse was troubled with a series of medical issues that caused lapses of time of employment. In 1953, Guyse was diagnosed with stomach ulcers, and was once found by her daughter, collapsed on a bedroom floor, bleeding from the mouth. She had surgery in the mid 1950s, but continued to have health issues. She divorced Davis in 1954.

Guyse had a natural talent, and had been compared to stars like Dorothy Dandridge and Lena Horne, due to her sultry voice and slender figure. She starred in the 1957 television adaptation of the play, Green Pastures, and was nominated for an Emmy for her role. She released her only album, This Is Sheila, in 1958, and later that year she married sanitation worker Joseph Jackson.

After retiring from show business in 1959, Guyse had two children with Jackson, Deidre Jean and Michael, and the couple moved to Mississippi in the 1980s, and then to Hawaii in 2007. They remained married until Jackson’s death in 2012. Guyse died at the age of 88, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease on December 28, 2014, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and her ashes were scattered across Waikiki Beach.

Black Wall Street Book eStore [x]

Support the Black Wall Street Movement [x]

[hidekomoon]

Ten Songs, Ten People

Rules: list ten songs, then tag ten people to pass the game on to! (bonus points if it’s from a wip/character playlist!)  

Tagged by @itconsumesyou​ thank you <3 (you have amazing taste)

orion sun - coffee for dinner

florence + the machine - just a girl

janelle monae - dorothy dandridge eyes

yola - goodbye yellow brick road

björk - it’s not up to you

paramore - figure 8

pom pom squad - head cheerleader

nao - dywm

doechii - crazy

raye - mary jane.

tagging (no pressure): @micamicster @bijespers @i-miss-music-247 @thekillerandthefinalgirl @thick-skull89 @lunabenedicta @hihereami @taketwo-orthree @hitmewithlghtning @somewheremeantforme

[tensorate]

10 songs with names in the title tagged by @revddaughter <3 much thanks.

Fei - Sweet Sexy Fei

Florence + the Machine - Jenny of Oldstones

Janelle Monáe - Dorothy Dandridge Eyes

Hozier - Nina Cried Power

Mitski - Francis Forever

Bastille - Laura Palmer

Frankie Cosmos - Sappho

Song Ji Eun - Bobby Doll

Mika - Grace Kelly

Lexie Liu - Fortuna

i am late to the party, probably, but i am tagging @desertsdaughter, @hjarta, @nobodynobody & @witchplays

[hotvintagepoll]

I'm making a playlist of songs with titles that are/include names of the vintage hotties (e.g. Bette Davis Eyes), and I was hoping I could crowdsource suggestions I might have missed! Happy to link what I have so far, but I can't remember if tumblr asks block links these day.

This is an amazing idea! Please send me the playlist link. (Tumblr is weird about links but if you throw a couple spaces into the url Tumblr won't know it's a link and I'll be able to figure it out.)

Off the bat:

Dorothy Dandridge Eyes (Janelle Monae)

Grace Kelly (MIKA)

Bela Lugosi's Dead (Bauhaus)

Errol Flynn (Dogs D'Amour)

Ingrid Bergman (Billy Brag)

And if you expand past having hotties in the title to just old Hollywood mentions and references, you have:

Vogue (Madonna, name-drops several stars)

Puttin' on the Ritz (many versions, name-drops Gary Cooper)

Thriller (Michael Jackson, Vincent Price cameo)

Year of the Cat (Al Stevens, references Casablanca, Bogart and Lorre)

Bad Romance (Lady Gaga—I know I know but she mentions several Hitchcock movies on purpose)

[jonnyconstantine]

falling in love with steven grant

[listen on spotify]

can't take my eyes off you - craymer // from eden - hozier // falling in love at a coffee shop - landon pigg // call me lover - sam fender // adore - amy shark // i've grown accustomed to your face - dorothy dandridge // happy together - floor cry // the only exception - paramore // bloodstream - stateless // loving is easy - pomplamoose // bloom - the paper kites // kiss me - pomplamoose // video games - to kill a king // just the two of us - pomplamoose // nfwmb - hozier // missing piece - vance joy // come 2 me - johnny goth // trigger of love - jawny // if you lie down with me - ldr // slow dance - evil // someone else - rezz // you're somebody else - flora cash // spiracle - flower face // she knows - surface grey // everything is going to be alright - princess chelsea // kiss it off me - c.a.s // wake me- bleachers // hell n back - bakar // you belong to me - dean martin // hey lover! - wabie // sweat - alaskalaska // let me hold you - insowmya // billie holiday - warpaint // apple blossom -the white stripes // can't take my eyes off you - frankie valli

[sexysapphicshopowner]

🤎 Context/AU (Alternate Universe): Alaysia (pronounced Uh-lay-see-yuh) takes care of E’Laney while she’s on her period 🥺

🤎 Alaysia Montgomery: 23, owns a bakery with her mother

🤎 E’Laney Phillips: 22, 3rd grade teacher

🤎 CW/TW: fluff, comfort, established relationship, discussion of period, slight angst, Alaysia is intersex with male reproductive organs and genitalia but she has boobs and a more feminine build (need to find the art for her but she’d be perceived as female if you saw her walking by you basically and she uses she/her pronouns and while it’s not mentioned in this fic, I have more content for this ship), just a lil cute something really, mention of sue of side (briefly)

🤎 A/N: currently on my period and found some period care fluff pieces in my drive so I’m finishing and dropping them today. As usual hope my pookie enjoys @certainlynotasimp 🫶🏾 thank you for the support love bug. (Feel free to request getting added to my tag list)

🤎Word count: 2.6k

29th November 2018

“Someday, my love, you’re going to understand why I’m here. I’m not here to love you in the way that you were never loved by yourself or others. I’m here, on my own accord, to love you as myself. So that when you stare into the mirror of my eyes, you may be able to see just how extraordinary you are.”

Alaysia

It wasn’t my first rodeo caring for a sick Laney, nor for her while on her period, but it was the first time both happened at the same time. It was probably the worst period she’d had since we’d gotten together and I wanted nothing more than to make it better. I knew there was a lot I didn’t know about periods since I’d never had one, so I can only thank my mother for being so willing and open to talk to me about it so I could get everything just right for her.

I rubbed my face as I answered my phone groggily, “Mm. hello?”

“Hey, baby, could we maybe take a rain check on that brunch? I’m not feeling so well.”

I sat up, swinging my feet to the floor, “What’s wrong?”

She dismissed my concern, “It’s nothing big, I’m just on my period. You know how I usually get sick when I’m on and it hit me kind of hard this time around. My cramps are kicking my ass and I don’t wanna throw up or pass out or something while we’re out.”

I poked my lip out, “That sounds horrible, babe. I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright. Mm, did I wake you up? Your morning voice is still hitting really hard.”

“Yeah but it’s fine, love. Get some rest, okay? We’ll go out when you’re feeling up to it.”

“Thanks for understanding, Laysi.”

I shook my head, “Always. I’ll talk to you later, baby.”

She yawned, “Mm, okay. Goodnight, Alaysia.”

I smiled softly, “Sleep well.”

The call ended and I called my mother, alright planning a care day for Lane in my head, “Hey, sweetheart, what’s up?”

“Hey, Mommy. I need to pick your brain about something.”

“Yes?”

I hesitated for a moment before remembering I could ask her about anything, “What does it mean when you’re on your period? Like, what do you do to feel better when you get like...cramps and nausea and stuff?”

She chuckled softly, “Who’s the girl?”

“Remember E’Laney? The girl from my old job at the grocery store?”

I could hear the smile, “You finally told her about your feelings?”

“Yeah, we’re kind of together now, it’s a long story. She just canceled a brunch date we had planned today because she’s on her period and really sick.”

“How cute. You might want to grab some pencil and paper to write this stuff down, it’s going to be a lot.”

I opened the drawer on my end table, pulled out a notebook and pen, set my phone down and placed it on speaker, “Okay, I’m ready.”

For about the next hour and a half, my mother gave me a deep dive about how painful a woman’s menstrual cycle was and what different things could help alleviate symptoms and pain. I closed my notebook as she finished, “Thank you so much. I think I’m going to pay her a visit.”

“Just make sure you keep her comfortable, okay?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Now, tell me something.”

“Ma’am?”

“Does she know?”

“Actually...yeah, she does. I was extremely scared when it came to telling her, but she’s been the most understanding and compassionate person about it.”

“How long has it been?”

“It’s been about 8 months now. We’ve been together officially for 7 of them.”

“And when do I get to meet her?”

“Uhhhh...we’ll talk about it later.”

She clicked her tongue, “Tsk, tsk, tsk, alright. Go help your little girlfriend. Call me later, I could pass away, you never know.”

I turned my nose up, trying not to smile, “We’ve talked about that, Ma. It’s not funny.”

She giggled, “I love you to the moon and back, Laysi.”

“I love you there, back, and back around one more time.”

She blew a kiss into the phone, “I’ll talk to you later, baby. Mwah.”

“Mwah, talk to you later.”

I tossed my phone aside and headed to my bathroom to wash up quickly so I could go to the store. I picked up a lot of the things my mother told me would help with cramps and nausea and a couple of gifts I thought would cheer her up before heading to her place.

I knocked on the door as best I could with my hands full, waiting for her to open it. She pulled it open not too long after, gasping, “Lace, you didn’t.”

“Can I come in?”

She stepped to the side, shaking her head, “I can’t believe you. You didn’t have to do this.”

“It sounded really painful, so I called my mom and went to get a bunch of the things she told me might help you feel better,” I explained as she closed the door behind me.

“Really?”

I nodded, “I mean, well, yeah. I still wanted to come see you today and I figured I shouldn’t come empty handed.” She sniffled as I started setting all the bags down on her couch, wiping her face as I looked up, “Wait, no don’t cry. Did I get the wrong things? I should’ve called you, shouldn’t I?”

She waved her hand as she continued, wiping her tears with the other, “No, no, it’s fine, I just- I swear you’re too pure. I-” she cut off with a groan, holding her stomach, “Ugh, need to lay back down.”

Her comment reminded me that there was still more in the car and I snapped, rifling through the bags I had sat down, “Ah, I left the heating pad and little gifts I got you in the car. I’ll be right back, okay?”

She pouted, “Laysi, You got me gifts?”

I shrugged, “Just a few little things. I always go get you something when you’re on your period, you know this. Get comfortable, baby, I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll try.”

I kissed her forehead as she plopped onto the couch, “There’s some pain medicine in one of the Walmart bags,” I called, opening her front door as I went back to my car and grabbed the rest of the stuff. I made my way back inside, finding her curled up on the couch underneath one of the blankets I had bought, the package of blueberries open on her coffee table.

I sat everything down, beginning to go through it all and put away what I could in her meticulously put-together fridge before I left the pads and tampons on the floor next to the couch with the giant teddy bear I’d gotten her. I avoided waking her as I searched behind her couch for an outlet to plug in the heating pad.

Once it started to heat up, I crouched down and shook her lightly, “Hey, sit up for a moment.”

She stirred slightly, “Hm?”

“You want the heating pad?”

She held out her hand weakly, “Mhm.”

I shook my head, “Just sit up a bit so you can lay back down.”

She groaned as she woke up more, sitting up and holding onto my arm, “Urgh, wait. I don’t want you to go.”

I chuckled, kissing her temple, “I’m not going anywhere, Laney. What do you want from me right now?”

She moved to one end of the couch stretching and yawning, “Can you....mm, ‘scuse me, can you lay with me? Please?”

“Are you sure?”

She nodded, “Please? You don’t have to go to sleep with me, but I wanna cuddle.”

I got up, sitting back where she had just been laying, “Do you want the heating pad on your stomach or your back?”

She laid between my legs, nuzzling against my chest as she settled in, “My back, if you don’t mind.”

I obliged her wishes, placing the blanket back over her and wrapping my arms around her loosely, “I’m right here, okay?”

“Thank you.”

“You’re quite welcome, my love.”

She shook her head, “For all of this, I mean.”

“Again, you’re quite welcome, E’Laney. Get you some rest, I’m not going anywhere,” I assured, holding her a bit tighter.

“You promise,” she asked, holding her pinky up on the hand that rested on my chest.

I wrapped my pinky around it, pressing a kiss to her temple, followed by her nose, then her lips as I spoke, “I promise, baby.”

“What if I actually throw up on you?”

“I’ll clean you up and change into some of the clothes I have over here.”

“You won’t be mad?”

“Why would I be mad? Accidents happen, if you’re feeling a bit ill that’s a possibility but I’m never gonna make you feel bad for it. Shit happens sometimes.”

She relaxed against me, moaning softly as I massaged her scalp and rubbed her back, “Mm, I just thought about something.”

“What’s that?”

“You don’t give me butterflies.”

“And that’s a good thing?”

She nodded softly, “Mhm.”

“How come?”

She pulled my hand from her back, lacing her fingers with mine, “My mom always told me that butterflies are a sign of nervousness, or fear. I’m not nervous, nor scared about the idea or knowledge of you having feelings for me. Never have been and never will be. I feel safe when I’m with you.”

I kissed her knuckles, smiling softly, “I’m glad I can make you feel that way. You on the other hand, mm, man I tell you I wish I could just sit here and hold you forever. You make me feel human in the best way possible. I see myself in ways I never thought I would. And I thank you for it.”

“Yeah?”

“Absolutely.”

“I love you more than horses love hay.”

I chuckled softly, “And I love you more than flowers on a sunny day.”

She smiled, “I love you more than Van Gogh loved art.”

“And I love you more than the beating of my own heart. Now rest. We can have a stay-at home date when you wake up, okay?”

“M’kay. G’night, Laysi.”

“Goodnight, my Laney.”

two hours later...

The sound of groaning woke me up as E’Laney tossed and turned aimlessly in my arms and I frowned, not sure what was wrong, “Are you okay?”

She whined, “Hmm, it’s hot, it hurts.”

I pulled the blanket and heating pad off of her, feeling her forehead, “You’re not burning up, thankfully. Just a tad warm. Let’s get you some water and turn the air on, hm?”

She sat up, rubbing her eyes before widening them, whining again, “Oh I’m gonna kill myself.....”

“Don’t say that, love, what’s wrong?”

She pointed shakily to my lap, tears welling in her eyes, “I bled on you...”

I looked down to my lap, a bloodstain on my thigh and I waved a hand, “Clothes can be washed, Lane. Let’s get you a bath run, okay?”

She sniffled, still rubbing her face as she shook her head, “I’m really sorry, Laysi. I didn’t think about that before I asked you to cuddle with me. I’m sorry…”

I shook my head, holding my hands out for her, “It comes with the territory, love. As I said earlier, accidents happen. C’mon.”

I let her sit on the bathroom counter, reassuring her that things were alright as I drew her a bath. I stood between her legs, kissing the back of her hands, “You okay?”

She shook her head, “No, I feel terrible.”

“Well, how about this? You stay in here and take a bath and I’ll go make you something to eat and we can go back to cuddling. We can watch a movie or something, whatever you want.”

“Why are you doing all of this, Lace? I didn’t wanna be a bother today.”

I shook my head, running my thumbs over the back of her knuckles, “You’re not bothering me at all, baby. I told you I specifically called my mom so I could come take care of you. Everyone needs a caretaker when they’re sick and I still wanted to see you today, brunch date or not.”

She frowned, “But I’m all gross and whiny...and fucking, I bled on you and I just-,” her lip quivered as she held back more tears- “I literally do not deserve you...”

“You’re right, you deserve more than me. So, what do you say? We can have our own little day, just the two of us,” I offered, pressing more kisses to her knuckles and hands.

“I would love to,” she whispered, tears finally spilling over.

I wiped them from her cheeks, kissing her forehead, “I’m gonna get you some more water and pain meds to take when you get out of your bath, okay?”

She squeezed my hands, pulling me back in, “Wait.”

“Yes?” She held out her arms and I wrapped mine around her, rubbing her back slowly, “You’ll be okay, baby, I promise. I love you, alright? And I’m not going anywhere.”

“I know, it’s just I feel like shit, and I don’t wanna ask you for too much, this is already so-”

“Laney?”

She hiccupped softly, huffing as she squeezed me tighter, “Yes?”

I pulled away so she could look at me, holding her face in my hands, “I love you, okay? That’s all that matters. You can have whatever you want from me. If you ask me to wrangle the stars for you, I’m gonna do my damn best to make it happen. Now breathe for me, baby.”

She took a deep breath, leaning into my hands further, “I love you, Alaysia.”

I kissed her nose, “I love you more, now relax. Take your time, get in your bath and I’ll be in the kitchen, okay?”

“Okay,” she agreed, “But you have to kiss me first.”

I chuckled, kissing her lips softly, “There’s my girl. I’ll come check in on you in a bit, alright?”

“Kay.”

E’Laney

God am I thankful to have such an attentive girlfriend as Alaysia. I never had to worry about feeling shitty while on my period after that day. Before, I’d always asked her to just cuddle with me, maybe go get me some pain meds, but not only did she do research but stuck with me the whole week even when I pushed her away. I love her for putting up with me and my emotions all the time.

I woke up to her shaking my shoulder, the water lightly splashing around me as she did, whispering, “Hey, wake up for me, baby. You wanna get out of there?”

I shook my head, pulling my knees to my chest, “Mh-mh, I’m comfortable.”

She laughed softly, smiling, “While I’m glad you seem to be feeling a little better, we’ve gotta get some food into you. C’mon, I grabbed you something comfortable to put on and you’ve got a box of pads and tampons on the counter. I don’t know which you use so I got both.”

I poked my lip out, “You’re too incredibly thoughtful. Can you help me out of here?”

She stood back, holding her hands out for me to grab, pulling me to my feet. She grabbed the towel she’d pulled out as I unplugged the drain, holding it up for me to step into, “So I made a period snack friendly charcuterie board, you’ve got some tea, and I got a list of your favorite movies from Caira.”

I couldn’t help but smile up at her as she wrapped the towel around me, securing it at the front, “Have I told you that I love you today?”

“Why yes, you have, but it never hurts to say it again,” she joked.

I grabbed her hand as she finished, “Hey.”

“Yes?”

“I really do love you, Lace. Like, with all of me.”

“I know, and I love you more.”

“You’d really wrangle the stars for me,” I asked.

“Laney, if I could, I would gather entire galaxies for you.”

I ran my thumb over the back of her hand, “Get out before I ask you to marry me. Corny fucker.”

She chuckled, pulling me in to kiss me softly before she left, “Yet, you love me still. And trust me, I’ll be the one doing the asking when the time comes.”

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