#iconic. show stopping. mesmerising. he is the moment

[racingliners]

F1 Re-Watch 2013: Round 16 - India

This race man... I was stupidly lucky that the BBC showed this race live that season and I just remember waking up before 6am to watch it and being so anxious the whole time even though I'm 90% sure that Seb lead the race from start-to-finish 😅

Anyway, I don't need to talk about how historic this race was bc we've all seen the gifs and picture of the now infamous post-race donuts (and Seb bowing to his car 😭😭😭), so let's just jump in (and at some point have a category 5 sebfucker meltdown)

ngl I have been saving this one and I had a mildly shit day today, so I'm finally ticking this off the list

(I'm still holding myself to have this season watch through finished by the time pre-season testing for this year is finished 😅)

also also shoutout to the Buddh International Circuit she was a real one

Okay starting grid overview: Seb pole (fork found in the kitchen), Rosberg P2, Lewis P3, Webber P4, Alonso P8, Jenson P10 and Jev P14

(iirc, Grosjean and Alonso were the other two podium finishers, but I know it wasn't the Mercs)

Helmet watch: the all black helmet is one of my faves. An iconic look for what turned out to be a very iconic race

"I will be absolutely stunned if that [Seb leading every lap] happens today" heh.

Formation Lap!

I do actually remember how smoggy it was during the race.

And the tyre compounds for this race were the softs and mediums

Now fun fact I learned somewhat recently is that the who reason why we see the TPs in the garage right before the race start and then suddenly cut to them being on the pitwall mid race is that no one is allowed to be on the pitwall during the race start for safety reasons (ie in case there's a crash and a car goes into the barrier between the pitwall and the circuit)

(you can tell that F1 is my autistic special interest can't you?)

[Start/Lap 1]: Oh Lewis had a super start and is into P2!!

and Massa gets past both Mercs????

and Kimi complaining he got hit by Webber

there's a yellow flag for what I assume is debris

[Lap 2]: jesus christ Seb already has a 2.4 second lead

THAT'S MY GOAT!!!

meanwhile Di Resta and Jev both pitted, not because of damage but to get the softs off asap

And Seb also pits, Softs for Mediums

Alonso has also pitted but he needed a new front wing too

I remember absolutely none of this happening

[Lap 3]: Anyway Jenson is running in P9!!!!!

(Jenson points were a rare treasure in 2013 and I appreciated every single one of them)

Start replay - there was a bit of concertina at turn 1 and Webber bounced off Raikkonen into Alonso. Lewis' start was so fast though 🏃💨

[Lap 6]: Webber moves past Raikkonen and up to P4!

Seb is up to P14, not that many cars stopped as early

[Lap 7]: Jenson pits for softs, idk what compound he started on

[Lap 8]: Rosberg pits, another softs for mediums

argh, Jenson started on the mediums and had to stop of tyre damage 😭

p a i n

[Lap 9]: Massa and Lewis both pit, Webber is now race leader and Seb is up to P6

there is a lot going on at the moment

[Lap 10]: Speaking of, back-to-back Webber fastest laps

meanwhile Seb take P5

[Lap 11]: The emotional whiplash I've been getting from seeing Stefano Domenicali on the Ferrari pitwall, sir please start doing a better job at running F1 this year

ANYWAY Seb up into P4 🙏

[Lap 12]: 🚨SEB FASTEST LAP🚨

and cut to Rocky looking icy cool

Gutierrez under investigation for a jump start, whoops

[Lap 13]: Seb into P3!!!!!!!!

Meanwhile Jenson has pitted again and is back on the mediums

[Lap 14]: and Lewis is in... P10. F1 giveth and F1 taketh away

aaaaaand drive through pen for Gutierrez and his jump start

[Lap 17]: and just like that the race has calmed down and I'm a little bit mesmerised by the cars just going round

with another Seb fastest lap for good measure

Webber and Perez are still in P1 and P2 as they're yet to stop

[Lap 18]: Pros: Jenson is racing Fernando. Cons: Fernando is P14 and Jenson in P18 😭

Another Seb fastest lap 🥰

[Lap 20]: So Webber has a pit stop gap ahead of everyone from P4 downwards. Maybe I did mis-remember the podium finishers

[Lap 21]: SEB INTO P2!!!

[Lap 22]: Fernando saying fuck them kids and literally barging past Gutierrez for P13

[Lap 23]: Unrelated but the more they play Perez's team radio's the more I think that his race engineer at McLaren is also his current race engineer at RBR

(after a quick google search they are not the same person they just sound very similar)

Anyway Jenson is still in P18 what did he do to deserve this????

[Lap 24]: At least Lewis is up to... P8 🥲

and right on cue a cut to Paddy Lowe on the Merc pit wall

[Lap 25]: Another Seb fastest lap 👌

The racing gods said to me at the time in 2013 that in order for Seb to goat Jenson had to suffer

[Lap 26]: The way Webber still hasn't stopped yet. How have his tyres not fallen off yet?????

[Lap 27]: and back to part 43 of the Mercs vs Massa

(Nico and Lewis are still behind Massa)

[Lap 28]: and as I say that Nico pits

meanwhile Jenson is up to P16. I'll take it quite frankly.

[Lap 29]: And Webber finally pits!

I'm starting to think he may have started on the mediums at this point since he now has the softs on

so *deep inhale* SEB TAKES THE LEEEEEEEAD!!!!!!!

wait Lewis is up to P6 THE RACING GODS ARE COOKING

I've never said anything bad about them ever

[Lap 30]: aaaand 🚨Half-distance klaxon🚨

Meanwhile Gutierrez is under investigation again, this time for moving under breaking

[Lap 31]: Lewis stops again and comes out in P12

[Lap 32]: and Seb makes what I assume is his final stop, he's on another set of mediums

And now Webber makes his second stop, he's also on the mediums

[Lap 33]: And I've just realised I haven't done a top 5 overview all race yet. as it stands it's Seb, Ricciardo (yet to stop), Webber, Perez and Sutil.

Jenson has pitted again... stop making him suffer

Just going to have to accept no Jenson points it's kinder to me that way 😭

[Lap 34]: And another something starting with S and ending in 'eb fastest lap'

immediately followed by Rocky telling Seb to manage his tyres dfjvhfdujhfubhfg

This isn't even peak brat Seb this is just regular brat Seb

[Lap 35]: aw cut to Nicholas in the Merc garage

The way India is one of a small handful of tracks that Lewis never got a podium at in his career so far. Proper GOAT shit.

(racing gods if you're reading this we need more Lewis podiums this season please and thanks!)

Crofty talking about Seb having the potential to match Schumi's then record of winning 13 races in one season, which he did go on to match. 🥹😭

That's my boyyyyyy

(racing gods please take notes I need that for Lewis this year as well please x)

[Lap 38]: Hearing that Ricciardo has gone over Pirelli's recommended max distance on his tyres fills me with a considerable amount of dread

[Lap 39]: thank god he's finally pitted

so a top 5 overview now that everyone's made a pit stop: Seb. Webber, Raikkonen, Sutil and Rosberg

[Lap 40]: Not gearbox problems for Webber AGAIN

aaaand he's pulled his car off to the side of the track

Pouring one out for Simon Rennie who is Going Through It™️ on the global TV feed

[Lap 41]: Ahhhh Sutil hasn't stopped yet, which explains why he's now P3

and thanks to Ferrari fully clowning and Merc being painfully average RBR would have enough points to win the WCC regardless

[Lap 43]: Ah Mark's issue with the alternator, not his gearbox

still pouring one out for the Mark girlies (gn) none the less

[Lap 44]: Somehow, after starting at the back of the grid, Grosjean is up to P4

hello?????? Lotus explain

ohhhh he's one stopping apparently

WILD

Listen as someone who Was There™️ during the great tyre failures of Silverstone 2013 one stops still make me nervous

dfvhfuvhddufvh the journalists going "Mark! Mark! Mark!" in the paddock sounding like the seagulls from Finding Nemo

thank you TV director for putting that on the global feed

[Lap 47]: Sutil stopped at some point, so the top 5 is now: Seb, Raikkonen, Rosberg, Grosjean and Massa

I'd ask for a Bono radio, but this race was circa 2013 BH (Before Hammertime)

Meanwhile, there is a five (5) car train scrapping for 10th place.

🍿

[Lap 49]: Now down to 4 cards after Gutierrez pitted but besties I am enthralled

(I genuinely am, I love watching the cars just go round)

[Lap 50]: A lesser spotted for 2013 Rosberg fastest lap!

also ahhhhhhhhhh ten laps left 😭

also also Rosberg really is catching up to Raikkonen

quite rude of me to completely forget him finishing on the podium considering my best mate at the time was a Nico fan

[Lap 52]: And Rosberg takes P2!

right after Seb is told to stop using his drinks bottle. I know it's been over 10 years but RBR I am in your walls

[Lap 53]: Grosjean just over 7 seconds behind Raikkonen 👀

[Lap 54]: Now 5.4 seconds holy shit dude

[Lap 55]: Not Seb immediately being told off for setting the fastest lap fvhdfhgsfd

The implication that there's potential gremlins of Seb's car, I'm sorry 16yo me you had every right to be worried

Not Seb being 14 seconds behind lapping Fernando dfvhfduvjhb

[Lap 56]: 🚨FIVE LAPS REMAINING KLAXON🚨

Lewis is up to P6!!!

"My rear tyres are gone" Thanks Lewis that's very reassuring

[Lap 57]: Grosjean, after starting in P17, is now in 3rd place

let's hear it for the one-stop strategy folks 👏

[Lap 58]: Meanwhile Lewis and Checo are still fighting over 6th, but the way Raikkonen's tyres are falling off it might become 5th

aaaand cue 3 car squabble

yoooooo Perez with the double overtake for P5!!!!

[Lap 59]: Seb on board 🥹

I swear I'm not getting weepy rn (I am)

Grosjean being told to short shift after one stopping jeez louise.

[Lap 60]: LAST LAP

can the camera please stay with Seb I need to take it all in again

It's too late for me to say anything cohesive but, go on Seb 🏆🏆🏆🏆

[Finish]: SEB WINS THE INDIAN GP!!!!

and is a 4 time world champion 😭

aaaaand cue floodgates

that! is! my! goat!!!!!!!!!!

Not Rocky saying Kimi was about to steal Seb's fastest lap fbhfjbhfjhfdb

I love him your honour

Okay before I start properly crying, the rest of the top 10 was: Rosberg P2, Grosjean P3, Massa P4, Perez P5, Lewis P6, Raikkonen P7, Di Resta P8, Sutil P9 and Ricciardo P10

okay now show me the donuts global feed

aaaand there they are 🥹

"I wonder how much that will cost him in fines but it's probably worth it" For once Brundle said something smart

I forgot about him climbing the fence and throwing his gloves into the crowd, if he'd done that now he probably would have been DSQd dfvjdfibjdfjb

Anyway, I'm gonna cry watching the podium but that was 11/10 would watch again. I will forever love Seb a stupid amount.

Best race - Abu Dhabi!

[thecreepiestcarrie]

🌠 ᴀ ᴘᴇᴛᴇ ʙᴜʀɴꜱ ᴍᴏᴍᴇɴᴛ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ* ᴇᴘɪꜱᴏᴅᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴄʙʙ06 📺

*almost

[space-blue]

One thing that I noticed but haven't seen really anyone discussing (tho I might just not be looking in the right place), but I am 100% sure Fortiche set up every single shot of Silco being very aware of his eyes. There are only a few shots where we see him straight on, each eye getting equal prominence. Every other shot, one eye is closer or more prominent.

Look at the scene where he meets Jinx. He crouches down menacingly and we see him in profile, only seeing his 'evil' eye. Then she hugs him and we see his full face. The evil eye is closer to the camera, but the shot is so close that we're drawn to looking at his 'human' eye as he processes what Jinx is saying. Then it's back to profile, just the evil eye as he says "We'll show them all".

Seriously you can rewatch every scene with him and it adds a whole new level to the cinematography

I agree. In general Fortiche seems extremely aware of their character design. Silco feels like he was created by someone with a keen understanding of compelling antagonists. You could have him be just a ratty faced man, we love those too, and Silco has an intensity to him as a character that makes him mesmerising (besides having insane agency throughout the show), but they knew the eye would make him that much more compelling.

Not only is it sort of gross, it's impossible for us to look away... There's a sort of double meaning to it. Half the mark that reveals the true colours of a monster, half the scar of a victim of violence. I love the fact this was inflicted by our token starter pack good guy. I love the fact it deteriorates over the duration of the show.

It seems to say that trauma doesn't go away, that the curse of past pains and struggles is something that grows, that can't be concealed.

It matches Silco, a character who never rests on his achievements and keeps looking forward, despite his lack of sight (there's no way he doesn't have piss poor vision in that eye).

I'd like to think Jinx designed the eye logo for him... It has a "big brother is watching" flavour, but is very iconic for Silco. If someone in Zaun can have an eye for a logo it's him.

You're right that the black eye is often coded with darker moments. We zoom on it only when he asks Jinx to complete the weapon... But we often see both in intense close ups, because Silco is both sides, the monster and the well meaning zealot.

It's such a cleaver piece of character design! It tells us so much about him in so few words! And the way he applies make up, now that he has to "play" as the industrialist, is a whole other piece of silent world building that the fans latched on to like rabbid dogs... I want to know who designed him, and I want to see the early character design sketches soooo badly.

Fortiche please, stop blue-balling us!

[dominikadecember]

Love Letter to Leverage

I discovered Leverage on accident. I was rewatching Angel and it was the episode where Lindsey sings and I decided to stalk Christian Kane because his voice is like hot damn hottness.

The bank shot job aired when I decided to give it a go simply cus Kane was in it and he was looking cute and adorable whilst beating up bad guys.

I sort of knew Timothy and Gina from some of their previous stuff but had no idea who Beth and Aldis were but it was still primarily because of Kane.

Then I watched the first episode and JESUS CHRIST! In every person's life there are shows/books/games/movies that they consider as iconic and as a part of their life, nearly like the characters are a part of their family. Leverage is one of those for me.

The dynamic from the very first episode is absolutely EXCELLENT!!! The characters are so well written (especially the female characters which is very high praise for male writers), the storylines are interesting and the comedy is excellent for a sarcastic little shit like me. The 'implied' OT3. The representation for everyone (it's not a coincidence that majority of the rich villains are old white men). The brilliant guest stars (@wilwheaton if you don't make a cameo in the revival we shall be devastated). Everything about Leverage is truly magnificent.

We got Parker who is an excellent little thief, looking cute as hell all the time with inept social skills. Brilliant! Not only that but I connect with her want for money on a very special level.

We got Hardison who comes off as this player but changes that stereotype the moment he smiles like the precious baby angel he is and utters the most beautiful words; "Age of the geek, baby."

We got Nate. A dysfunctional alcoholic who lost his son and brings the team together. What's to say about Nate? He's an asshole, pure and simple. His behaviour is never excused though, the team don't ignore it, acknowledge he has a problem and get on with the job. The thing that makes Nate special though? He can see the good in people. He can see the injustice in the world and very reluctantly wants to do something about it. He's not my favourite but when he has those good moments, they are incredible.

We got Eliot who I adore already because of the Kane factor. Eliot Spencer is a man destroyed by the brutality and realities of the world and still manages to keep his heart. He is so complex and there's so much we don't know about him still and we probably never will because his past his so painful and horrible but he doesn't stop fighting to rectify the wrongs of his past. He protects those he loves and flips his gorgeous hair whilst doing it.

And then we got Sophie Devereaux who makes the team a complete set. She is sexy, she is beautiful, she wears so many different masks that when she wants to reveal her true self, that is one of the most difficult things she can do. Sophie strives to find true happiness outside of being a grifter and her journey searching for herself is absolutely mesmerising.

God this show is so brilliant and it taught me so much about loving myself, flaws and all. It taught me that for every oddball there is someone who will appreciate them and most importantly, it taught me that family does not need to mean blood.

I never expected this show to make it past season 1 because it was just too damn good!!! But not only did it get renewed for 4 more seasons, it got a revival. With brilliant additions who fit into the team seamlessly. I knew Noah would cus his work on the Librarians was a big hit but Aleyse is such a cutie!!!! I am so happy she's on here and I hope her career will become such a big success like her 'Leverage big bros'. (Seriously proud of Aldis and how far he's come)

We're only 8 episodes back into this world but it feels like a hug enveloping me coming back to these wonderful characters. It's a show that deals with how the world is specially designed for the rich and the unfairness of it all. It deals with real emotional issues, it deals with regret over our pasts and it has brilliant one-liners whilst doing it!

I'm just so fucking grateful for this show.

[oftenderweapons]

Cold Nights — Taehyung

Pairing: Taehyung x reader (nicknamed Lace)

Wordcount: 4.7k words

Genre: (mild) smut, fluff, romance

Rating: suggested 18+

Hi babes! I’m back with the Cold Nights drabbles, and after what happened in Girls’ Night, I think Taehyung’s was the story I wanted to explore the most, since the chemistry between him and Lace felt so natural and the conclusion naturally called for me to pick up the story from there. Although reading Girls’ Night is not necessary (even though I had lots of fun writing it and I selfishly took the liberty to write that before continuing with next prompt), I would highly recommend to read at least the second part, just to get the vibe of these two (you can find it here, btw.).

While Girls’ Night was written with the girls as OCs, in this case we have a classic readerxTaehyung fic.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: this is not explicitly smutty, though there are a few steamy passages (making out, teasing) and heavy flirting (mentions of masturbation). Also, Lace is a domme, as said in Girls’ Night, and the topic is discussed in this drabble too. Reader has pretty much a lot of experience in BDSM (mentions of lessons and club), and has had only one relationship, with a girl. Sexual orientation is discussed. Also, Taehyung shifts from cool kid to cute kid a lot. There’s a sprinkle of sexy driver Taehyung but also soft cuddlebug fluffy Taehyung. You can’t have one without the other, yk.

Wordcount is around 4,7k (I know, a bit long for a drabble BUT I GOT CARRIED AWAY).

Also, here is my masterlist

Enjoy!!!✨

——————————————————

Watching Taehyung drive was something incredible. He looked like a demigod from Hollywood movies from the Sixties. He was so careless, so undoubtedly timeless, so iconic and unbothered. You wanted a picture.

And his driving was excellent. He was attentive, with a soft driving style, cruising down the half empty streets like a ghost, floating, decelerating with care before coming to a stop. He seemed to stop at yellow traffic lights a lot. He took the pauses to observe you, the way light seemed to shimmer on the silver details of your leather jacket. Rummaging in your handbag, you found your lipstick and mirror, deciding to reapply the cherry tint just because you could.

He stared, mesmerised.

You were so charming.

A diva.

A muse.

He was surprised at how such a small gesture unsettled him so much, making his insides flutter with nerves and arousal. He wondered how many of your ordinary actions could turn him on. He was eager to find out. Write a list. Submit it to your scrutiny. Show you how incredibly sexy you were in his eyes even when simply checking your nails or furrowing your brow in disapproval.

“Do you wanna stay in the car or do you want to take a walk?” He asked as he took a turn.

“Oh, I don’t mind. Your choice.” You said tentatively.

“I think it would sound extremely bad if I told you I know a spot.” He chuckled and you followed.

Looking down, you bit your lip. “I think it would sound extremely bad if I told you I’d like to see your spot.” You looked at him as both your faces tinged with a shy blush and two matching mischievous grins.

“Then we’re heading out, darling.” He said, focusing again on the road.

Apparently his spot was somewhere a bit out of the city, a ten minutes drive away. The winding street led you to a small clearing with a parking lot. You had never visited there, but you noticed an octagonal pavilion. Bukak Skyway, a sign read.

“The sky is a bit clearer here,” He said. “I swear I’m not going to kill you.” He laughed. “Namjoon likes to bike all the way here. It’s a famous spot among cyclists. I have a throw in the backseat. Do you wanna go out, sit on the bonnet?” He asked, trying to break the tension.

You thought about it. Staying in the car meant less chances of being seen. And staying warm. But going out meant Taehyung being way less dangerous; the public situation keeping both of you from doing potentially inappropriate things. “Will people see?”

“Does it bother you, being seen with me?” He asked, frowning, his expression dead serious.

“I don’t want you to get in trouble or people seeing you with a girl, starting rumors.” You shrugged and furrowed your brow.

“There’s maybe six or seven people. It’s dark. I’ll be covered. No one will see, sweetie.” Taehyung reassured you. “But we can stay in the car, if you prefer.”

“Let’s go out.” You said, smiling.

“Great choice.” He pulled out his phone and exited the car, grabbing the blanket he kept in the backseat.

You also exited the car, shivering and hugging yourself at the cold bite of the night air. “Wait.” He called, wrapping the blanket around your shoulders. “We can stay in the car if you prefer.”

“Let’s watch the city lights.” You replied, a bit uncomfortable since you felt your hands reaching out for him, but changing your mind at the last minute.

“Let’s do that.” He walked to the front of his car, propping his hip against the hood. As you walked closer, he held out his hands. “May I help you?” He asked, gesturing at your waist.

You blushed and nodded. “I’m sorry, I’m a bit heavy.”

Still he placed his hands on your waist, over the blanket. “Irrelevant. You’re a lady. Let me treat you like one.” He replied, unfazed before helping you jump and sit on his car. It was low enough that a small jump was all you needed. You fixed the blanket around you before he pushed himself up and sat beside you. The front of the car was right before a short wall, delimiting the parking lot from the street winding a few metres down. The quite steep hill allowed a clear view of the skyline, stretching out in front of you without any obstacle to your sight, Seoul and its towers glimmering in a humanly mirror of the night sky above. “How has it been?” He asked.

“Good. I’ve received a commission for a wedding so I’ve been busy.” You explained. “Plus spring-summer collection has arrived at the store. We’re studying arrangements.”

“Great.” He replied. “I’ve been working a lot too.”

“The girls mentioned your schedules.” You threw in.

“Yes.” He said simply, scrolling on his phone until a soft acoustic song came on. He placed his phone down. He had a playlist for moments like this. He didn’t have one for moments like this with you, but he aspired to build one together. He simply let his favourites play.

“You’ll be leaving for Japan tomorrow.” You said, half a question.

“Yes.” He replied again, looking at the lights of the city below. “The flight is at ten am. We’re leaving the city at eight.”

“And then the tour.” You commented.

He half saw it coming. “Yes.”

You looked at the sky. It felt like an old blanket thrown over your head, so old that bugs had eaten small holes through which light came in. It felt cosy. Domestic. Confidential.

“Is that why you have been running from me?” He asked, raising an eyebrow, placing his palms together and shoving them between his knees to warm his hands.

The blanket was big enough. You scooted closer to him and tucked him in too.

He looked at you, at your small gesture of affection, your eyes meeting. You simply smiled as your arm pressed against his, shoulder to elbow. “I’ll be very honest, Taehyung.”

One more thing about you that turned him on: the way your lips curled around the second syllable of his name.

“I like you.” He said, direct and shameless, spelling the words with such certainty and determination that your heart lost a beat. Seeing it written on screen was nothing similar to hearing him actually say it.

“I like you too.” You replied.

He smiled and looked down, acting like a coy schoolboy. 

“However, I think there is stuff you need to know.” You took a small pause to gather and organise your thoughts. “This tour thing scares me. I want to build something strong, something long term. I can’t do flings, Taehyung.”

“It’s okay. We can get to know each other and see if it works.” He replied, already trying to convince you to give him just one chance.

“We don’t have the luxury of time, though. You’ll be gone for how long? Two months?”

“Seven weeks.” He replied composedly and efficiently.

“And we have what? Four weeks between Japan and the Asian tour?”

“I’ll be in Korea until mid-May, then we actually start travelling.” He said, like a scolded puppy.

“That’s five weeks. And I doubt you’ll have time when you’re working for the concerts.” You objected. “You see how awful the timing is?”

“We can take it slow, see each other and hang out. No need for fancy, big things. We can do this.” He said, gesturing at your current location and activity. “No dating, no stuff. Simply getting to know each other.”

You bit your lip, frowning. “I’ll grow fond of you.” You said.

“Isn’t that the final goal?” He asked cheekily.

Your voice shook a little. “I don’t want to get used to you and see you leave.”

His eyes were wide and sweet when he met your gaze. “Well, I can promise you I’ll text, and call, and I know it’s not like being there, but we can use the distance to see how we handle stuff when we’re apart.”

“Isn’t it too early to be apart, a few weeks into a… an acquaintance?” You said, searching for the word.

“We’ll see if we miss each other like friends or more.” He said, trying to make everything sound sane and reasonable.

You looked at the city. How many people were out there, alone? How many girls were dreaming of being right here, right now, with him? “You’re dangerous for me, Taehyung.” You said, already feeling how easily he could manipulate you. “I would let you do wrong things to me. Because I like you that much.” You murmured.

“I promise I would never do anything to hurt you.” He said, turning to fully look at you. “I’ll make sure we don’t cross the line.” He said, and in that moment all the passion and the excitement and the arousal suffocated, tamed in his chest and stomach. It felt like turning an inferno into a candlelight. He would keep hormones at bay to grant himself a chance. He knew how fast the tour could go by. “We’ll go out. On walks. We could do this again, or we could go out early, watch the sunrise from Bukhansan. Whatever. I just wanna spend time with you. Give you a chance to know me.” He nuzzled into the blanket, but he was secretly looking for your perfume, trying to take in all the small details that made you you.

You let the conversation slip before trying to direct it on the topic that was worrying you the most. Gathering your courage, you spoke. “You aren’t curious about my bag, in the apartment?” You asked.

“If you were comfortable with it, you would tell. No need to ask you about it.” He shrugged. “I have nothing against it. I think everyone has their reasons. And there’s nothing strange or shameful about it. You like it? Good for you.” He smiled, not a pinch of malice in his voice or expression.

“I took lessons of several techniques of domming in a BDSM club here in Seoul.”

“So you’re a dominatrix?” Taehyung asked, his expression warm, as if he were asking about your hobby or the weather.

“Yes, but I’m not active anymore. If I wanted, I could be one.” You tried to explain yourself,

“What do you mean?”

“It means I have the technical and practical preparation but I haven’t participated in a scene in a while.”

“How long.” He asked, still chatting about it neutrally. 

“About… four months.” You counted them. “Yeah.”

“How did you decide to take lessons?”

You laughed at the memory. “A woman recommended I tried after my yoga classes were disappointing. I started learning and I found out I liked that. Back then I was in a very vulnerable moment. I wanted to enter university and study business, so that I could build a firm out of the atelier, you know. Unfortunately, I didn’t pass. I grew desperate, started eating a lot out of stress and gained a lot of weight. Not only I felt like I was losing my dream but also my reality. I was literally one of those skeletrical models before, and then with all the weight I gained…” You gestured at your body.

“But it helped you, the course I mean.” Taehyung ignored your reference to your body.

“Yes. After a year I was even more confident than when I was skinny and full of dreams. I got healthy again. And with the confidence boost and the new attitude I managed to enter an online university, which was more suitable since I was already working both at the shop and at the club.” You smiled. “Plus I liked the sense of control and peace you need when you’re involved in a scene.”

He nodded. “I’m happy it all worked out.” He nodded some more before his mind produced one more question. “Is domination a non-negotiable aspect of your relationships?” He asked.

“No, I think. My first partner was a girl I had met at the club, but after that I didn’t ever mix the two.”

He didn’t even react to the fact, he simply took it in. He would never judge and he himself was not the type to consider gender a determining factor in terms of sexual attraction. Although he was a bit worried you were attracted to women exclusively. What if you would never like him like that?

You continued. “I had a few dates, never anything serious. And of course, I taught and I took part in scenes at the club, but it never led to sex.” You explained. “Sexual attraction is a tricky concept to me, I think.”

“So you’ve had just one relationship?” He asked, his expression neutral, however his slightly raised eyebrows gave away a bit of surprise.

“Yes.” You replied.

“With a girl?” He asked again.

“Yup.” You confirmed, nodding.

“But you’ve slept with men too, right?” He said.

You grinned. “Are you trying to make sure you’re the first?” You teased.

“I’m just asking. I don’t want to—” He shook his head. “I just need to know that you like me. Sexually speaking.”

You shook your head in disbelief. Little do you know. “I do. I think gender has little to do with actual attraction. I don’t think labels are important.”

“I agree on that.” He said, nodding, biting his lip.

“And I’m really attracted to you.” You took a big breath. “I might say something inappropriate, but—” You laughed embarrassedly. “I don’t mind domming. I like it. I’ve been doing it for a while, I’m familiar and it feels comfortable, but I’ve never felt the kind of attraction that makes me want to bend over backward for someone.” You paused. Took a deep breath. Continued. “Having this thing, with you… It’s something I’m not comfortable with. Because I feel you’re so much stronger than me that I don’t even want to put up a fight.”

He looked at the city. 

He looked at you. You were rubbing your hands together out of embarrassment and the night chill. You placed one around the base of your neck, rubbing your wrist with the other in an attempt to warm yourself. You were so unbelievably beautiful. 

He tsked and smiled. “Stop beating around the bush, sweetheart. It doesn’t suit you. What do you really want to say?”

You frowned. “I’m not comfortable saying it.” You murmured.

A chill piano piece started playing from his phone, a warm, tender voice of a woman mixing up with it.

“Okay. I can’t make you do it.” He pouted and nodded, looking away in the distance. “You know I’ve liked you since I first saw you. And there’s little you can say or do to push me away.”

You exhaled and tried to explain yourself. This was exactly the reason why Taehyung was dangerous. He asked, you delivered. “I have rarely felt attraction for someone because I’ve rarely found someone stronger, bolder, smarter than me. But then I started talking to you.” You shook your head in disbelief at your own confession. “You make me want to do things I’ve never craved before. And you being more powerful than me makes me want to let you take control.” You took a pause. “It makes me want to submit to you.”

He turned. “Is that why you need time? You want to get used to this?”

He is so smart. So attuned to people’s feelings and thoughts. He might as well be a mentalist.

“Yes.” You confirmed.

“And you want to get to know me to see if you can trust me?” He asked.

“Yes.” You confirmed again.

“I get it.” He nodded. “It must be something new, to see things from a new perspective. You said you feel uncomfortable. Does it make you feel bad, this thing with me?” He asked gently.

“I’m afraid of people finding out of the club, bringing it up, using it against you.” You admitted.

He shook his head. “What are the chances?”

“I used a nickname, and we have strict non-disclosure agreements. The place is often dark and sometimes we use masks, but I couldn’t use those when teaching. Anyway, there are pretty famous and powerful people in the club. I think it’s in everyone’s interest to keep mouths shut. Still.” You shrugged. “I want to protect you, Tae.”

His eyes turned into sweet, dark pools. “I don’t care.” He stated. “For now it’s not an issue. I’ll talk to our lawyer, see if there are any potential troubles with this. We both have the duty to protect each other.” He stated with certainty. “And once we’re sure and if this becomes more, then we’ll find a way.”

You felt warm in your chest. It felt good to be protected. “Thank you.”

“Thank you for opening up, darling.” He caressed your cheek tenderly, smiling at you.

You smiled back and looked down, away from his intense gaze.

He moved his hand away. “So you want to sleep with me?”

You laughed. “Sleeping is not the word I would use, no.”

“Which one?” He said.

“Which one would I use?” You asked, trying to clear up his request. Sometimes he spoke so cryptically.

He hummed in confirmation.

“I would say…” You thought about it. “I would say ‘spend the night’.”

“We could spend the night here. Talking until we have no secrets left to say. The night is amazing for secrets.” He mused.

“What about your flight tomorrow?” You asked, suddenly serious.

“Let’s go back to secrets and spending the night.” He said, trying to make his incumbent dark thoughts evaporate.

“What about them?” You were both staring at the city lights. Seoul felt so far away. Like a hologram. Or maybe like for a moment you had been subtracted from that world. Like you were stuck into a mirror, where nothing really, truly happens. Where people could see possibilities and daydreams, an alternative reality in which everyone could have a fragment of fictitious life. You felt like a mirage, ready to turn into dust, sand and smoke, a bizarre refraction of light.

Taehyung turned and stared at you. “I’m dreaming you won’t disappear, once morning comes. That this won’t be just a fantasy.”

It all turned even less real when his phone started playing a ballad about lights and stars.

“I won’t disappear.” You whispered back.

He looked at the city. “I need to tell you a secret.”

You turned with an arched eyebrow and an upturned pout.

Adorable, he thought. He leaned in towards your ear. “I’ve been asking myself if you had a fling with Namjoon and Vixen for the whole night. It feels good to hear that you like me.”

You were so close. Apparently being out in the open air, in a very public space had done little to keep things appropriate.

“I have a secret too.” You whispered, so close to his face. To his lips. You leaned in closer to his ear. “I have no fling with them. I’ve had no one for months. Years, if you exclude the scenes at the club — and I never had sex during those — and I’ve never had a man. I can’t wait to feel ready to give in to you. I promise I just need some time. Be patient and I’ll make it worthy. I swear.” You confessed, so raw with emotion.

He looked at you, inscrutable at first; then his face melted with wonder and joy. “All the time you need, darling.”

You smiled.

You both turned to look at the city. And then you turned to look at him. He was so beautiful. Glowing. Happy. Meditative and cool, like an indifferent god. Like Seoul could suddenly switch off with a general black out, and he wouldn’t even notice. He would just smile and cheer for the stars glowing brighter.

“I have another secret, Taehyung.” You murmured. He simply brought his ear to his lips, his gaze still focused away. You licked your lip and whispered, “I feel like if you kissed me now, I would literally glow in happiness.”

He turned to look at you. “Isn’t it going too fast?” He asked before shaking his head. “I mean, I don’t want you to regret this.”

“I’m sure.”

He looked in the distance again. You frowned and took it as a ‘no’.

And then he turned, cupping your cheek, rubbing his thumb against your cheekbone. His hand could cover half of your face. It was enormous. You didn’t let your brain go that way. “I’m going to be sweet. Stop me whenever.” He murmured, before pecking your lips with his.

It was so short and light you almost didn’t feel it. Still, the tingling on your lips was a living trace of it, like stardust had inadvertently brushed over your skin. His body turned into a furnace beside you, or maybe you had suddenly warmed up when he pressed his lips to yours more insistently. “I’m gonna go harder at this.” He spoke on your lips.

Fuck, it was so sweet of him to tell you. He felt so gentle. Even when he started nibbling on your lower lip, encasing it between his lips, sucking it gently before pecking your mouth with his. The moment you held his upper lip between yours, tugging at it gently with your teeth, he lost control and moaned, letting your tongue tease the tip of his. His hand disappeared into your hair, pulling you close. His mouth forced yours to open as your lips crushed together, your tongues intertwining in a sensual and suasive dance made of twirls and small licks. Your hand flew to his hair, caressing his nape, the other one meeting his waist, turning him towards you.

Your whole body was on fire. The night felt so alight, so filled with possibilities now that even this was happening, too. It felt like the most appropriate time to begin something in the quiet and secrecy that the loving, protecting darkness allowed you.

His right hand appeared on your thigh, placed there gently, not gripping, not exploring. Simply staying, existing in that strange, assertive way Taehyung exists, like he is a totem standing in the middle of time and space, piercing them together, one to the other.

Your breath was laboured once you parted. His hand moved up, to your waist. He couldn’t resist from feeling the fleshy, material reality of this late night daydream, its real consistency. He let you breathe, nudging his lips against yours. “Another.” He whispered, diving in again.

And you let him. If this was the way he intended to do things with you, hell yes, you would let him.

His lips were soft, wet and warm, perfect around yours. He started alternating between your lower and upper lip, his hand finally grabbing the flesh of your waist, tugging you into him.

You pulled at the hair on his nape delicately, trying to part from him. It felt atrocious but it was necessary. Your judgement was beginning to get clouded. You should stop. “Tae, baby. Let’s take a moment.”

He nodded, pressing his forehead to yours and parting from you with a small peck on the corner of your mouth. “Sorry.” He murmured.

“Nothing to be sorry about. It feels amazing.” You smiled, caressing him on his neck. “I’m just cold. And I think it’s better if I head home before I do stuff I could regret.”

He looked a bit lost. “Would you regret getting carried away with me?” He asked, worried.

“No.” You replied without hesitation. “And that’s the problem.” You kissed his lips chastely. “But getting carried away is different from trusting you and willingly, consciously giving you everything I have.” You kissed him again, caressing his hair off his forehead, fixing his beanie. “And that’s the way I want it with you.” You bent to his ear. “I want to say ‘yes, sir’ to your every request. I want you to do to me everything you want. I want you to own me so fully that I’ll beg you to use me for your pleasure.” You whispered in his ear, slowly, the words getting tangled up in a net that you hoped would capture him and convince him.

His deep moan made you chuckle lightly, brushing your mouth against his. At this, his tongue lashed out, the tip curling around your lower lip. “I’m so drunk on you.” He growled. “I want you so much.”

You shook your head faintly, touching his face, the light stubble giving you the strange certainty that he was real, there, in front of you. “I know. I promise I’ll repay your patience in kind.” You looked at him intensely, trying to show him just how much you wanted him too. “I’ll repay generously, too.”

His eyes closed, his face nuzzling into your neck. “I don’t want to let you go just yet. I’m afraid this will turn out to be a one time thing.”

As your earring got caught in his beanie, you had a sudden eureka. “Sit up, Tae.” You said gently.

He got wide eyed and pouty for a second before wearing his poker face and obeying your command. Cupping his face, you smiled at him. “Let me.” You caressed his cheeks as you moved your hands away, bringing them to your earlobe and unlatching one of your earrings. It was a simple pearl surrounded by small rhinestones. Carefully you moved it to his naked ear, delicately pushing the needle through the tiny hole, securing it in the back with the clasp.

Looking at him, you smiled, biting your lip. “You’ll give it back on our next date.” You said, blushing softly, looking at him through your lashes.

Slowly his lips curled up, forming the cutest shy smile you had ever seen.

“My pretty boy.” You said, fixing the small lock of hair coming out of his beanie and framing his face. He wrapped his arms around your middle and hid his face in your neck.

“Thank you.” He said, simply.

“It’s okay, tiger cub.” You quipped back playfully.

Still blushing, he parted from you. “We should go, you’re shivering.” He said, jumping off the bonnet. “Come on.” He grinned at you.

God, you had a crush.

You followed him, still wrapped in his blanket, quickly opening the car and sitting, rubbing your hands together to muster some warmth to them.

He entered next to you and started the car, turning the AC on. He reached across the seats, grabbing your hands and rubbing them in his. “We should have stayed in.” He whispered.

“But the view...” You objected.

He smiled, bringing your joined hands to his lips, placing small kisses all over them. His lips were so hot.

“You’re right.” He smiled, placing your hands on his knee as he looked around, backing the car out of the parking lot and starting your drive back home. “You should insert your address on the GPS.” He murmured, his eyes glued on the road ahead.

“You sure? I can take pub—”

“Don’t you even dare. I’ll be sleeping on the plane. I can drive you.” He rumbled.

You raised your eyebrows and did as he told you.

“It’s just ten minutes from the dorms. Fifteen from my apartment.” He commented, noticing your address.

You shrugged and hid into your shoulders. “Thank you for driving me.”

“I’m being selfish.” He grinned, his eyes still on the road. “This way I’ll have you close for longer.”

Grinning, your sank into the seat. The drive was uneventful. Your left hand moved back onto his knee, his hand joining yours every now and then. 

Seeing your building appear brought a bit of disappointment. You had grown used to the warmth of the car, the low background music, the comfort of the fabric of his jeans under your palm.

“This is yours?” He asked, looking at the small five-floor building with a restaurant down below.

You hummed in approval.

“Any parking spot close?” He asked. “I only want to accompany you to your door. No fancy business.” He promised.

“There’s the alley — wait left now!” You announced hurriedly.

He did so quickly. The neighbourhood was quiet and thankfully the sudden turn didn’t cause any inconvenience.

Still, he managed to drive smoothly, finding a row of parked cars and following the order. “Here we go.”

You grabbed your bag and moved the blanket on the seat as you exited the car.

He quickly moved around the car, grabbing your hand. “I don’t think anyone will see us. Or recognise me.” He said, following your lead.

“Here we are.” You said, awkwardly standing in front of the entrance to your building in a slight penumbra which eased your nerves a little.

“When will I see you again?” He asked eagerly.

“After Japan.” You said, smiling.

“We’ll be back Thursday next week, around midday.” He said. “Would you be free in the afternoon? I have a friend in a gallery who could book us a late private tour.” He explained.

You laughed and tried to recall your shift. You could find an agreement with your colleagues anyway. “Then I’ll see you on Thursday.”

“Good.” He said, with his signature serious look.

Just to give him a sweet goodbye, you leaned forward, pressing your lips to his, without allowing him to deepen the kiss.

“Oh, come on.” He whispered, chasing your mouth with his, eyes closed. “More.” He whined.

You let him. His mouth met yours again, both his and your lips immediately parting to melt in that same scorching desire. Your arms were already wrapping around his frame.

“Let me go.” You murmured.

“You let me go, miss octopus.” He teased. You stayed in each others arms for a few seconds, your bag abandoned at your feet. You stared in silence before he spoke. “I’ll be thinking about this all night.” He said, cupping your nape and pressing a bunch of small kisses on your mouth.

“Me too.” You moved your lips closer to his ear. “My hands will probably be between my legs while I do so.”

He snarled and groaned against your ear. “You’re a tease.” His hand palmed your hip heavily. His voice was husky when he spoke again. “Am I allowed to think of you when I touch myself?” He asked.

You chuckled and exhaled seducingly along the crook of his neck. “As long as you tell me what you were thinking about when you cum.”

He exhaled a breathy laugh. “We’re taking this slow, I see.”

“I can’t go any slower with you.” You looked into his eyes, releasing your arms from around him. “Sweet dreams, tiger.” You said, saluting him and picking up your bag before entering your building.

“Goodnight, nymph.” He replied, shaking his head in disappointment and at the same time smiling at your teasing nature.

You both stayed up all night, thinking about the night you’ll be finally staying up together.

[birdwonder]

Hey, can you please write another young Joseph and Caesar's sister but this time where Joseph is messing with his metal clackers and tries to show off in front of her but ends up looking like an idiot? Thank you again so much for writing these amazing scenarios.

Joseph Joestar | Idiot

Just another day was passing by. You were seated upon a railing that stopped you from falling back into the sea surrounding Lisa Lisa’s island with a flavoured lollipop in your mouth, legs swinging idly as you watch with half interest the sparring session before you. 

Your forever doting older brother, Caesar, had possibly one of the most cockiest looks you had ever seen him wear before and no doubt was filled with triumph thanks to the current state he and his sparring partner was in. From the fact a particular Brit had a heaving chest as he struggled to breath and his posture was far more slumped than Caesar’s, it was easy to say Joseph was for sure losing this battle. What a shame, here you was rooting for him and he goes ahead and loses. Though you had to give credit to the fact he wasn’t nearly as experienced as your big brother was, after all he had been taken under Lisa Lisa’s wing a few odd weeks ago. 

Not that it stopped him from trying to make any moves on you. 

The lollipop was pulled from your mouth and you twirled the small candy with the stick between your thumb and index finger. It would be nice to see him win but with that mask stuck on his face and his lack of training, you didn’t expect him to recover from this - or so you thought. 

“This isn’t quite over yet Caesarino !” His overconfident voice rang, muffled by the covering over his face, bringing your gaze to look over at him and surprise you by realising he was also looking your way. Did he really think he had a chance in Hell of winning ? No way. Not with how things were going now. Though with that wink he just sent your way perhaps you were wrong. . . 

Wait, did he just wink at you ? That idiot ! Huffing, you turned your head to the side and stuck up your nose. If that brute thought you were going to fall for his suave tricks so easily, he had another thing coming. Unlike other women, you weren’t so easy to sway. You too have trained beside your brother so you’ve been hardened to not become soft easily over trivial things like a man trying to get with you. Not to mention your brother was very insistent to warn you about Joseph and his childish ways, claiming he was no good for his princess of a sister. While you perhaps you didn’t regard him as that much of a lower being compared to you, it was probably wise to listen to the blond for the sake he didn’t try kill Joseph just for thinking of wanting to date you.

Still, you were drawn to him even if you didn’t want to admit it and so you eventually looked back to the men and their fight. Joseph had straightened up once again and you could hear Caesar say something that warned him to step down now or regret it later. Naturally, the idiot didn’t listen.

His hands disappeared into his pockets and out came his most iconic weapon - his clackers. How you wanted to laugh when you first saw them but even you were impressed with how well he handled them, it was almost mesmerising the way they spun and were able to be adapted into a pretty deadly force when used correctly. The small balls began to move in large circular motions yet for some reason Joseph wasn’t taking any steps to actually attack Caesar. If anything he was a good few steps away from even hitting him so just what was he doing ? 

“Hope you’re prepared for my ultimate attack, I’ve been practicing this one all night,” he boasted jovially like he was sure this would be the move to end this session. You had to admit, it was impressive the way the clackers began to spin in intricate patterns and even flung behind Joseph just to reappear in front of him once more thanks to the long strings that connected them to his fingers. To cheer him on, you placed the lollipop on your tongue and clapped a few times, a smile bright on your face that didn’t go unnoticed. You were rooting for him ! Smiling even ! While there was no way for you to know it, the sight of you supporting him had made his heart flutter. It even urged him on to do better. Perhaps too better.

The high he got from seeing you smile made him completely ignore what was going on around him and so he failed to noticed the strings of his clackers not only getting tangled with each other but also wrapped around his arms to tied them to his sides and get him stuck.

Then came the panic, his mistake was realised and he yelped and he struggled to free himself. “Gah, hey w-wait, no--!” Somehow he had managed to slip up literally and fall on his back, making you gasp in surprise and Caesar almost fall forwards with laughter. He really was an idiot. With a sigh you shook your head, not able to contain a small giggle however as you jumped off the banister and made your way over to the fallen fighter.

Your brother continued to laugh hysterically in the background while you sat down on your knees beside Joseph, hooking your finger under some of the strings and began to help untangle him from his awkward predicament. Sure he hated the mask he wore yet in this moment he wasn’t more thankful for it as it saved you from seeing the embarrassed blush coating his cheeks and nose. He messed up and in front of you and Caesar of all people ! “H- haha, would you believe me if I told you that was planned ?” He laughed nervously and you shook your head once more, laughing yourself softly which made things a little better. You sounded like an angel and with the sun shining right behind you, creating a gorgeous glow around you, he was convinced you were one.

“Forget it, there’s no way.” Most of the strings had be unwinded when he sat up, making it easier for you to pull them away. Joseph groaned, slapping a hand over his face when his arms were finally free. 

“I’m such an idiot ! That was meant to be a cool trick and I just made myself look stupid,” he complained. You had pity for that. Sure you told yourself to stay away from the Joestar but if he was going to put that much effort into winning you over then ok. It was a little endearing and you may as well indulge him a little.

A hand rested upon his covered cheek and you guided his face to look directly at you, surprising him. An audible ‘huh’ sound was made before you started to speak, the lollipop once in your mouth now held in another hand, “oh you were stupid alright, in a cute way that is. Not bad Joestar, maybe next time you practice I’ll be there to help.” And if that wasn’t enough to make his mood entirely better, you shot him a quick wink before standing up, making your way back to relax against the railing. During the time you couldn’t see him, a fist had been thrown into the air and Joseph whooped loudly, considering this a success despite having sorely lost the spar. If that was going to earn him a cute look then he was for sure going to train harder to win you over !

For now though, he better deal with the very confused and bordering on angry Caesar who had to witness the whole thing.

[prettywordsyouleft]

Band Sessions: Young K

Pairing: Brian Kang x reader

Genre: band au / university au / fluff

Warnings: none

Word count: 2575

Index: Jae | Sungjin | Young K | Wonpil | Dowoon

Looking over at you, Brian’s smile grew unchecked, tilting his head to the side as he watched you. “What did you just say?”

“Why are you asking me to repeat it when I know you heard me?” you wondered with a sigh, your lips failing to hold back your amusement. Even if he was annoying with his teasing, you couldn’t help but react and he knew this. You began to collect your laptop and lecture supplies, finally shooting him a quick look in the process. “Can I come to the studio today?”

Brian had started dating you just as the new semester began. All of last semester, you had been in several of his classes and flirty banter was easily established between you both. He knew you liked him and the feeling was mutual, but with his concentration on the band and getting into a routine with his studies, Brian had held off from asking you out until recently.

And since you had answered easily and fell into a routine with him that made for optimal band time, studying and dating life, he wondered why it had taken him so long to make you officially his girlfriend.

Just thinking about how you were now his made him smile all too happily.

“Brian,” you called and he blinked away from his thoughts, finding you standing beside him with your thumb hiked in the direction of the lecture hall’s exit. “Are you ready to go?”

Nodding, he collected his things hastily and slung his bag over his shoulder, following you out into the atrium of the small lecture block. Reaching for your hand, he grinned and recovered from his bout of thought.

“So, the studio huh?”

“Well, you’ve never taken me there before,” you pointed out and Brian hummed in acknowledgement.

It was the one place he had yet to show you. Although you had seen him perform a few times and met all the band members before, you hadn’t actually joined him for a session. Admittedly, that had been intentional. Band sessions were kind of messy, with a lot of stopping and starting and conversations over how things should be improved or changed. When he was performing, it was the end product and you would see him at his best. And since you had gushed more than once about how attractive he was when doing just that, Brian didn’t exactly want to remove that image from your mind.

He didn’t want to seem any less impressive when the stage lights weren’t shining brightly on him.

Still, he was equally ready. The band was a big part of his life, and he spent several evenings a week practising hard at his skills. You had been his girlfriend long enough now that it seemed foolish to separate the two worlds. Swinging your hand in his, Brian nodded softly. “Do you want to come?”

“Of course.”

“Really? I might look silly.”

“You couldn’t possibly look any less handsome than you do right now and you’re literally doing nothing,” you assured and his lips twitched with the compliment. Nudging him playfully, you looked at him with a bright expression. “Plus, I want to see you play just for me.”

“Oh, we’re hoping for a serenade?” Brian concluded as your expression turned bashful. Kissing your temples, he laughed lightly. “There was an ulterior motive all along huh?”

“Hey! My boyfriend is a talented singer and musician. Can you blame me for wanting to have a special moment to myself?”

“We better get a move on then. The rest of the guys will turn up in just a little over an hour. I’ll let you see what you want to before it gets more chaotic, how does that sound?”

Clinging onto his arm with your other hand, you nodded eagerly as you bit your bottom lip. “Today’s going to be the best!”

Once at the studio, Brian felt shy. He had directed you to the couch against the wall, discarding his bag down beside you. And then he walked over to his bass setup, slinging the guitar strap over his head and plucked mindlessly at the strings on the instrument. Brian glanced at your expression, chuckling awkwardly a moment later.

“What should I do?”

“Pretend I’m not here and just warm up like usual,” you suggested and Brian rolled his eyes.

“How can I with you staring that intently at me?”

“Should I look away?”

He shook his head. “No, no, I can do it.”

“Of course you can, Mr. Musician,” you breathed and Brian grinned, nodding at your nickname. He looked down at his instrument and then took a seat in the chair in his area, running through some easy exercises to warm up his fingers. Boldness came forth with your encouragement and he started to play one of the songs that he had penned whilst thinking of you when you weren’t dating yet. You leaned forward when he started to sing, hanging off the edge of the seat by the end of his performance.

You clapped gleefully. “I knew I was missing out when I never came here.”

“Do you think so?” he mused and then took off his bass and stood up, coming over to your side. You reached for his lips softly and then looked back over at the other instruments. Brian caught your gaze and fuelled on by your positive reaction, he pointed to Wonpil’s keyboard. “I can play every instrument in here.”

“Can you?” you asked in amazement, your eyes round with your building anticipation. “Could you show me?”

“Sure!” Brian enthused, kissing your cheek before moving to the keyboard and turning it on. You got up from your seat to approach the area, watching on and ready for the next performance. Brian successfully played the bridge to one of their earlier songs on the keyboard. Then he moved to Jae’s guitar and attempted to pull off some of the most iconic sounds his friend had made whilst on stage lately, making you grin excitedly. He played a round of acoustic guitar and sung your favourite Day6 song and then sat down on the stool behind the drums.

“No way!” you cried, watching as Brian spun the drumsticks around his fingers. “Don’t tell me you can play the drums too.”

Shooting you a smug look, he then began to play, focusing on keeping the right rhythm before winking at you. You giggled and Brian felt content with his attempt to show off in front of you.

Once again, he was surprised with the regret he felt from not bringing you here earlier. Today had gone all too smoothly.

“Wahey, what’s this now?” a voice called and Jae came in through the studio’s front door, followed by the rest of Day6. Brian stopped banging on the drums and stood up. His older friend looked at you and grinned. “A private showing?”

“Brian was just showing me how he can play everything in here.”

“Ahhh,” Sungjin hummed before smirking. “He was being a show off.”

“I was just doing a little,” Brian piped up, chuckling sheepishly.

Wonpil moved towards his keyboard and flicked it back on, his fingers effortlessly playing a melody. You gasped and the man grinned. “I guess we should put on a show for Y/N since she’s here.”

Before Brian could object, you had dashed forward with Wonpil’s suggestion, nodding eagerly. “Would you?! I love how you play piano, Wonpil.”

His friend blushed and looked shyly at you before launching into one of their ballads. By this time, Jae had grabbed his guitar and starting to play an intricate piece overtop of Wonpil’s music. It fitted with the melody still and your jaw dropped, mesmerised when he started to hum incoherent lyrics along with the music. Sungjin picked up next, actually singing out a chorus to one of their songs and that prompted Dowoon to launch into playing the drums, the four members all performing with ease. Brian glanced between his friends and the evident adoration now upon your face, unable to stop the annoyance rising within him.

Had they purposely just upstaged him after all his efforts? He could hear their slight mistakes as a trained musician but looking in your direction showed you were none the wiser, just enjoying the performance. What was worse was he just stood there, not joining in and it sounded fine without him and his bass.

All his satisfaction from before had evaporated, and he began to feel foolish for showing off when the true masters of their instruments were here doing their thing. He had always felt like an equal partner in creating music with his friends. But right now, he was immature in his reaction.

Jae seemed to notice first, ceasing his guitar with a screech and looked in his direction. “Bro, where is your head at? We need you!”

“No, it sounds good without me,” he called over the top of Dowoon’s drumming and Sungjin held his hands up in sign to stop the music. The leader then turned to Brian and gave him a pointed look. Glancing back at you again watching on curiously, Brian sighed, picking up his bass and smiled forcibly. “Well, if you insist.”

“Should we practice now?” Sungjin asked and everyone nodded. You smiled and quietly slipped back over to the couch, picking up your phone and dropping your focus to it. Brian closed his eyes momentarily to clear his mind and then on Dowoon’s count, waited for his turn to play.

This practice session had not been his best in a long time. Brian had moments where he had captured a good sound and looked to see if you were watching, only to turn dejected at finding you staring at your phone. And then, when he was making mistakes, you were attentive, shooting him commiserating smiles whenever he caught your eye. After two hours, Jae announced he had a date and Sungjin followed along quickly to see if his girlfriend was finished with work. You said your goodbyes to the remaining two members of Day6 as they stepped out of the studio and waited for Brian to pack up his equipment.

When he was ready to go, you held out your hand towards him. He sighed and took it, though he couldn’t stop brooding over how everything had gone today.

“Brian,” you said and he flicked his gaze towards yours as you walked down the hallway of the building together. “You’re really cute, you know?”

“What?”

Chewing on your lip as you suppressed a grin, you stopped, tugging your boyfriend to face you. “You’re ridiculously adorable when frustrated.”

“You… you picked up on it?”

“I’ve been dating you for some time now and was your friend longer than that. I’m pretty sure I can tell when you’re bothered by now.”

Pouting softly, Brian nodded. “I wanted today to go better.”

“Better? But it was amazing!”

“I know it was for you,” he pointed out a little bitterly, picking back up his step and walking with you towards the elevator. “But it wasn’t for me.”

“Why?”

“It sounds childish,” he pre-warned and you grinned, as if you expected it. Brian whined and you giggled at his annoyance. “Y/N, don’t!”

“I knew it! You felt upstaged.”

Brian gaped at your suspicions and then pouted again, scrunching up his face in the process. “Was I that obvious?”

“Just a little,” you mused with another giggle. Once inside the elevator, you immediately wrapped your arms around his waist and snuggled in. Brian sighed, holding you close even if he felt his frustrations still bubbling over. The doors sprung open to the ground floor but you moved just in time to hit the top floor, sending you both back upstairs.

“What are you doing?”

“Healing you,” you mumbled from back within the embrace and Brian frowned. Looking up at him, you grinned. “Your feelings are hurt and I don’t want you to leave here tonight feeling like that.”

“I just wanted to show my good side to you,” he muttered and you reached a hand up for his face, shaking your head at his statement.

“Do you know how many girls would swoon at having someone as amazing as you in their lives? You’re dedicated to all that you do, you’re ridiculously handsome, sing like the Gods blessed you themselves and can do so much as a musician. Not to mention all the times you’ve come to my aide to help me with any issue I have. You can even look good changing a light bulb, Brian. I’ve seen it firsthand. Must you be good at everything?”

“You know that’s not true,” he replied with a look in your direction but you tapped his nose and grumbled at him.

“It is too. The problem isn’t that they showed how good they were, Brian. It was that you don’t want to show me anything to make me like you any less. However, that’s bound to happen. We all have flaws and we all have bad days. I’m certain I’m not always enticing you to love me.”

“Love?” he echoed and you laughed.

“Is that all you heard from me right now?!”

“Well, no, I heard all the rest but-”

“Yes, Brian. I’m falling in love with you. So you need to relax. I’m going to be at your side, even if you have a bad day. And I’m not going to love your friends more just because Jae sings really-”

“Babe, I get it,” he intervened as the elevator door sprung open and Brian smiled. “I think I’m good to go back down to the ground level now.”

“Had enough of your heart soaring as the floors went up?” you teased and he laughed, leaning over to hit the button to go down before pulling you in close again. Staring at your lips, he shook his head.

“I’m pretty sure by the time we get back down there my heart rate will have skyrocketed.”

And as he kissed you passionately to prove his point, Brian relaxed. He hadn’t realised how high his expectations had become in trying to make everything between you both always good. Your reassurance did more than enough to remind him that he was only human. Knowing you would embrace him, even with all his flaws was enough for him to forget all about how he was feeling in the studio just before.

Well, almost.

When you stepped out of the building, Brian looked at you and swallowed. “So, you’re not saying Jae sings better than me right?”

“Well, I wonder if when Jae’s girlfriend says she loves him that he tells he loves her back immediately or not?” you responded with a shrug of your shoulders and Brian groaned.

“Couldn’t you tell from all those kisses just now?! I’m falling in love you too, Y/N!”

You laughed heartily and wrapped your arms around his waist as you walked along the sidewalk. “You can’t hold the number one spot in every situation, Brian.”

“Wait, so you’re saying his voice-”

“Sungjin’s is my favourite,” you announced proudly and then darted away from his side, squealing when he chased after you.

Brian caught you easily and reeled you back to his chest, panting to catch his breath. And then he nodded. “Okay, you’re right I can’t top the list in everything. As long as I have you though, I know that’s enough for me.”

_________________

Next: Wonpil

All rights reserved © prettywordsyouleft

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[bunny-banana]

For the director's cut thing, the story where Fabri asks Ermal out on a date but Ermal doesn't realize that? 👀

YO SO WE GONNA DO THAT OR WHAT

Its this fic btw if anyones curious.  

Chap 1

Even with closed eyes, he sensed the man lying next to him turn towards him but Fabrizio did not spoke immediately. No, he just stayed silent for a bit, Ermal wasn’t quite sure what he was observing but before Ermal could ask, Fabrizio broke the silence.

its u. he’s gazing at u, u idiot.

*

*

’You didn’t exactly give off the vibe that you’d say yes’

“What the fuck does that even mean? I don’t give off the vibe?!”

mr no-homo meta has NO right to be surprised at that. boy went into a panic attack every time someone as much as breathed the suggestion ofc fab was Anxious

*

*

A certain Roman showing up at his doorstep looking like he’d belong to the Milan Fashion Week.A tight grey shirt whose top three buttons almost begged to be opened (yet remained miraculously, in Fabris case, closed!) clung nicely to the body underneath it. A very fine silver chain hung around his neck that perfectly fit with the rings and the watch on his hand.Instead of ripped denim, now tight & shiny dark jeans were worn and to round this look up, an impeccably tailored black, suit jacket was thrown over him.

so not to be Hoe on main but we all just love Sexy Fab.  but more so, i really thought Fabrizio would have put a lot of effort into dressing nicely this time around. Probably called a few friends, crying to help him. He just wanted Ermal to like his look. Which he did.   A lot.  again, outstanding heterosexual of the year, ermal meta is completely mesmerised by that look.

*

*

“Well, well, Fab. Gotta say, this place is on a whole different level“ The curly haired man commented as he flipped through the menu.“You like it?”“How could I not?”

again, Fabrizio intentionally looking up a fancy place for their Date, something he actually felt a little bit uncomfortable about himself and wouldnt normally chose for himself. But then again, he was greatly relieved when Ermal actually did say he liked it.

*

*It felt.. nice. The whole evening was quite nice, Ermal had to admit, even with the unusual ambient.

Ermal is just honestly iconic in this fic. man enjoys fabrizios appearance, enjoys talking with him,  eating out with him, just spending time with him in general sooo much……and yet.

*

*

Fabrizio tilted his head and was it the candle light or something else, but a intriguing shine filled his eyes.“I’d know something sweeter than this.” In the next moment, everything turned upside down when Fabrizio suddenly took his hand and intertwined their fingers, his thumb gently brushing over the back of the younger man’s hand.

THE COURAGE THIS TOOK. THE NERVES WHICH WERE WRECKED.  Fab really just went “ok here we go balls to the wall now or never”

*

*

Chap2

“So, Fabrizio….Fabrizio likes me. Apparently.” It felt interesting to say it out loud. Ermal got a tingly feeling at the thought. So ..it was him who made Fabrizio blush earlier? Who made him nervous? And smiley?  Christ, he actually really wanted Ermal to like his outfit, didn’t he? A small smirk found its way on Ermal’s face. Who would have thought that he’d have Fabrizio Moro of all people wrapped around his finger.

erm: so im het

also erm: wow i really really like the fact that fabrizio is into me. its actually super exciting. kinda makes me happy in a way.

*

*

“Wait, what?! I should ask him out?!”“Yeah? Isn’t that something you want?”Is that something he- But that would imply that he’d want to pursue Fabrizio, his very male, masculine, manly friend Fabrizio who was definitely not by any chance a woman. To have a relationship with guy that was …..romantic… and oh sweet Mother of God, sexual?!“I- I- I don’t know.”

so yeah, to get to the bottom of this, when you’re in the process of realising your own …..non-heterosexuality, its just A Lot to take in.  I thought, realistically, that would just be a bit too much for Ermal to take in at that moment. He had to process the mere thought of “yes, you could have a romantic relationship with this guy, since he’s into you. Its absolutely a possibility”. When you’re conditioned to think “i can only ever date people of the opposite sex” all your life, it takes a bit of time to get accustomed to new possibilities.

And then theres the sexual aspect which is like, on Jupiter, for Ermal’s current state of mind.

*

*

Chap3

The video he currently was immersed in showed a slow-mo fight between a mongoose and a cobra that in all its intensity outdid any action movie in a heartbeat.

i remember watching that vid before writing that chapter and being mesmerised by it. u fucking go lil mongoose!

*

*

[Bizio]: sorry i cant this weekend

First, i just love the thought of him being saved as Bizio on Ermals phone. Second, the reason why he replied so late was because he was wrecking his mind about it. Should he go? should he not? god, the thought of seeing ermal excited him and yet scared him. nonononno. he’s trying to get Over Ermal. He needs space. he is not ready yet.

*

*

[Ermal]:Fabri!! Heard you’re coming up North! 😁 I have this excellent bottle of wine that a fan gave me the other day (don’t ask) so how about we open it at my place? I know you love a good wine 😉🍷

He couldn’t even slide the phone back into his pocket before it started buzzing. Surprisingly, the reply came almost instantly this time.[Bizio]:sorry no the schedule is pretty tight for me at the moment i dont think ill have much time in milan

i just image him getting the weirdest fucking fan gifts. also lmao the lightning speed with which fab replied. homeboy saw that wine would be involved and imemdiately thought “nononononono. worst case, my drunk ass might kiss him, god forbid. we are absolutely not gonna do that”

*

*

[Ermal]:So I’m flipping through the channels at home and there comes a baking show and I wouldn’t normally stop to watch but you know what they’re baking? Those creamy pastry things we had in Lisbon!

Now the idea about the Pasteis de Nata stemms from a real life event! During ESC 2018 i slept at a friends house and since the contest was held in Portugal we decided to cook something portuguese. Thats what we did. They fucking slap. Also, one of the best weekends ive ever had

*

*

However, this is how things continued as to all of Ermal’s messages, he’d receive rather uncharacteristically short replies. When he sent him photos he’d often not reply at all and even when he called Fabri didn’t pick.

Okay we have to image in WHAT kinda mental state Fabrizio is in that time. Boy is EMBARASSED to death. Then obviously, he is trying his hardest to get rid of this crush.  So he just isnt talking to Ermal at all. Which in turn makes him lonely and sad.  So then Ermal shoots him a message, sends him a picture and Fabrizio is immediately head over heels again. Which he shouldnt be. Bad Fabri. And the circle repeats itself.

*

*

Fabrizio who smiled sweetly at the host, who hugged her tightly, who joked with her and oh, whose eyes didn’t stick to her face but wandered more and more south.

Dude honestly, Fab was not flirting with anyone. He was just being nice as he usually is. And we all know he a lil bit sleazy so yeah, he might have looked down once or twice. but he really was not flirting. It was just Ermals affection-deprived mind going berserk.

Also that was the first time Ermal witnessed Fabrizio being affectionate with someone else. And the contrast to that cold shoulder he received was just the last straw for him.

*

*

“Why is he all smiley and lovey-dovey with her while he treats me as if I’m a war criminal?!” Ermal shouted the second the other line got picked up.“Uhm, hello? Maybe a ‘Good morning’ first of all? A simple ‘how are you doing, Sabina?’ would have been appreciated too.”

Damn bitch can ya greet ur sister first before going off smh

*

*

And would it have been really that bad if Ermal had just held on to his hand? Let Fabrizio gently stroke him with his thumb, maybe even squeeze back while Ermal’s finger draws circles over letters that covered the older man’s knuckles.It would have been nice and Ermal would have liked it.

I think he just needed to see what he was missing out to realise what he really has always wanted. If things were to go back to normal, he would have never made any realisations.

*

*

“Am I- Do I like Fabrizio?”

No, we dont ask what he is. Because thats for another time, a calmer time. Or maybe not at all. He doesnt know the answer to that question and its not important right now. All he knows is that despite it all, he likes Fabrizio.

*

*

The fact he was a guy was new, but those feelings involved weren’t.

I feel like this is just a very bisexual experience. At least to me it was. Its very confusing when u are genuinely attracted to the opposite sex, so you make the conclusion: you are obviously straight. Its not possibly that you are not-straight.  

Then u start feeling attraction to someone of ur own gender and its like “hmmm. Obviously this must be fake since we have established that Im genuinely attracted to the opposite sex ”

But the thing is..it aint going away. And then u think how you’d perhaps be down for sex, and perhaps be down for something more, and perhaps do all those nice things you would be doing with someone of the opposite sex.  

So yeah, its ..its really confusing and complicated to figure it out. And if you actually do have a feelings for someone it only makes matters more complicated ig

*

*

“Jesus, I really do like him. Me. Liking a guy.”

Again, once u made That Realisation, its just the WILDEST thing in the beginning. a complete NEW concept being applied to yourself.

*

*

“LISTEN CUT THE BULLSHIT I KNOW EXACTLY THAT YOU’RE HOME! OPEN UP OR I WILL STAND HERE ALL NIGHT I’M NOT FUCKING AROUND!” In addition to the knocking he now also started ringing the doorbell. He sure as hell wouldn’t move here until that door wasn’t opened.“I DONT GIVE A FUCK, I WON’T EVEN SLEEP AND NEITHER WILL YOU. I CAN GO ON FOREVER YOU HEAR ME, FABRIZIO MOBRICI?!”

Ermal is just unhinged in all my fics.

*

*

Epilogue

[Ermal💛]: You ready?

Fabrizio added that heart right immediately after Ermal left his house a week prior.

*

*

Ermal looked….cuddly.

So yeah we all know Fab isnt the keenest on fashion and shit. And i just though Ermal would want him to be as comfortable as possible on their date, so he was like “ay come casual” . and also, its sort of cute that Ermal lets Fabri see him so casual too, its sort of more private in that sense.

*

*

And those were still the mild surprises, let’s not start with the downright shock he felt when his brain started providing words like kissable, attractive, sexy and hot during lonelier nights.

i have a fic for those kinda nights too

*

*

“It’s not that far and God knows men your age need the exercise anyway.”

ermal just cant show affection like a normal person, he has to roast u even when he’s madly in love with u

*

*

What followed behind the colourful door was a small chaos. Literally. People constantly coming and going, with buzzing voices chatting in every corner. They made their way half through the rather crowded establishment, got greeted by a waiter who rushed past them, before they finally spotted a couple leaving, liberating two chairs for them.

SO YEAH. the restaurant. it is loosely based on a place here in Vienna. Its pakistani food too, its a buffet, its kinda chaotic like described in the fic. also u can pay as much as u want.

i just thought, yknow, its home made cooking and its kinda relaxed and chill and casual and has a certain liberal flair to it. and i thought yeah that has fabri energy we gonna use that. also their mango rice puddings fucking slap

*

*

Languages were not his forte, those belonged to Ermal, but Fabrizio ran through his options. It surely wasn’t French or Spanish, that he would at least recognise. German looked different too; they had those dots over their U’s and those curly B’s which allegedly weren’t B’s at all. Swedish? Danish? No. He’s been to Ikea often enough to know that his wardrobe wouldn’t be called Qershor. And Russian had different letters but maybe it was something similar to Russian?

Okay, so I’m a known Slut for Languages.  Fabrizio is not. I can pretty much recognise most European languages in written form at some point in a text. Fabrizio can not. Therefore writing this from the perspective of someone who really isnt into languages was kind of interesting and a bit challenging. I was just thinking ‘how would he recognise them when he isnt into them?’  And i think, in the end, i did it realistically.

*

*

“Is it like..Serbian? Croatian? Or something?” He mumbled while putting a piece of eggplant in his mouth but quickly realised the answer when Ermal almost spit out his water from laughing.“No, definitely not. I can guarantee you, it’s very much not Serbian or Croatian ‘or something’.” Ermal chuckled with a bright smile, obviously enjoying their little guessing game. “But you’re close. In a way.”

This is SO embarrassing but this whole language guessing game was just a setup to an inside joke I have with myself.  So, for those who don’t know, I speak Serbo-Croatian. And I study Slavic studies. The first things they tell you in the first lesson of the Slavic Linguistics course is “Please, for the love of God, PLEASE, dont say Albanian/Hungarian/Romanian is a slavic language”. Apparently many europeans assume these languages are because theyre surrounded by slavic countries. BUT TO AN ACTUAL SLAVIC NATIVE SPEAKER, the difference is immediately obvious and so its quite comical when people assume theyre related languages.   So i thought the reverse would be kinda funny to Ermal too.

*

*

“I can be anything the teacher wants me to be. A good student, a naughty student, whatever floats his boat…” He asked sultrily before winking at the man across of him whose higher brain functions seemed to have ceased at once and just gaped at him like a fish.

boys whole brain got fried when the sexiest man in italy started flirting with him. issokay, he was just shocked. fabrizio has never been flirty with him before, he’ll get used to it.

*

*

“I was just trying to give you the best date that I could.“At those words, the Roman frowned however."Wait, this was a date?!”

im just an asshole honestly

*

*

They giggled as they finally closed the gap between them going for a slow and deep kiss.

i just love them being all SOFT and in LOVE

*

*

“Erm, I- I have an instore tomorrow, I better be well rested.”His counterpart just huffed and raised an eyebrow.“So were you planning on staying up all night, huh?”

Fabs horn dog brain definitively went HmmmmMmm this is nice:) ..could get even nicer:)  but no fuck, i have work to do tomorrow

*

*

“Love how you immediately forget about a good night’s sleep once you have a tongue in your mouth.”“Fuck off.”

He just got carried away as if u were complaining ermal smh

*

*

"I bet on everything I have that your password is 'liberoanita1’ so yes, I actually can.”

Parents culture is just using ur children’s names as all your passwords and we all know Fabri is that kinda parent.

*

*

All in All, i also wanna talk about how the epilogue mirrors the first chapter, but in a more successful light.

Fabrizio dresses for Ermal - Ermal dresses for Fabrizio

fancy place - more casual place

They take the car - they walk

Fabrizio takes Ermals hand on the open for everyone to see - Ermal takes Fabrizios hand under the table, in private

They eat their dessert seperately - they eat theri dessert together

they fall out - they become closer, kiss

they dont talk - they plan the next date

anyway thanks for reading and thank uuuuuu for this ask julchen

[kitsune-translates]

SCI 谜案集 [English Translation] Case 1: Number Killer

Previous

Number Killer 26 Command

The moment Zhan Zhao’s words left his mouth, Bai Yutang feels his hairs standing up, “Cat… you mean, those researchers are going to commit murder or suicide? When? How…”

“Calm down, I will explain it in a short while.” Zhan Zhao says in a hurry, “The important thing now is to gather everyone here, this place need to to be locked-down.”

“Okay…” Bai Yutang rushes out, but stops in his track, “What about you, you alright?”

Zhan Zhao smiles, “I’m fine. I’m just a little tired from concentrating on those things for too long.”

“Hm! I can’t just leave you here like this.” Bai Yutang says, picking Zhan Zhao up in a bridal carry and dashes out.

“Ah!” Zhan Zhao doesn’t even know where to place his hands, “White mouse, what are you doing! Put me down!”

When Bai Yutang rushes out with Zhan Zhao in his arms, everyone seated in the hall are alarmed. They have been through a lot this couple of days, having just seen Gongsun being carried out from the incineration room, and now Zhan Zhao. They come up to Bai Yutang anxiously.

Zhan Zhao has gone completely red in the face, he would really like to find a hole in the ground to hide in. But in this situation, the more he struggles, the weirder it would seem to be, so he could only pretend to be an ostrich against Bai Yutang.

Bao Zheng has gotten a fright as well. Bai Yutang puts Zhan Zhao down and reports Zhan Zhao’s findings to Bao Zheng.

Everyone on scene are dumbfounded. Bao Zheng immediately calls the head of the research centre in to question him on the number of staffs in the centre, and about those who were in charge of Zhao Jue’s imprisonment and had close contact with Zhao Jue. Arrangements were made quickly to calm the involved parties and locking down the research center temporarily.

After the entire messy episode, everyone in S.C.I. can finally take a breather.

“Cat, explain to me, what exactly is this suggestion thing?” Bai Yutang lets out a long sigh and settles himself into one of the conference rooms in the research center. Bao Zheng, Wang Chao, Ma Han and the rest of the team fills the remaining seats and waits for Zhan Zhao’s explanations.

Zhan Zhao looks much better after resting, he is quiet for a while as if trying to think of how to organise his words, “Hmm…”

“If we were to talk about crimes committed using psychological suggestions, the most famous one is no doubt the millennium concert stampede that occurred in Ohio, 1999.”

Bai Yutang nods, “I have heard of this case, hundreds died in that incident, isn’t it?”

“Yes.” Zhan Zhao says, “While on a brief glance, it seems like an unfortunate accident that happened due to the fervent fans, but in fact, it is because the singer, Venelson had put a psychological suggestion on everyone.”

“How?” Ma Han and the rest look amazed.

Zhan Zhao explains patiently, “The steps to psychological suggestion can be demonstrated with a simple example. If you want to teach a dog to sit, first, you will speak the word ‘Sit’ to it, to get it used to this command. Then, when it sits down, you give it food as reward. Repeating this procedure for many times, and the dog will subconsciously link ‘the command to sit – the action of sitting – food’ these three things together. Which means that though the dog doesn’t understand the word ‘Sit’, it would still instinctively sit down when it hears the command, because he associate it with the reward of food.”

Everyone nods in understanding.

Zhan Zhao then pulls out a piece of paper, and jots down a few numbers in series and says, “In summary, psychological suggestion has four stages: Issuing the command; Completion of the command; Giving out reward; Familiarisation of the command.”

Bao Zheng rubs his chin, “Be more specific, how did the singer complete the suggestion process?”

“First, Venelson issued each audience with a ticket shaped like a foot. This insinuates the impression of ‘Foot’ into everyone’s mind. What separates people from dogs is that people can think associatively from shapes. So what action comes to your mind when speaking of foot?”

The listening crowd exchanges a look with each other, and says in unison, “Step!”

Zhan Zhao nods, “Indeed, which means, the first stage had already been complete. The audience had received the command, in the shape of a foot, and connected it to the action – step!”

“Then, Venelson started his concert. Because his band was a heavy metal hard rock band, so their music tends to be very influencing on the audience. Throughout the entire duration of the concert, Nelson keep making the ‘Steping’ action and repeatedly ask the excited crowd to follow his action. He even pushed his bassist onto the ground and stepped on him. In this way, he had completed his second stage, the completion of the command ‘Step’.”

Everyone listens attentively with a horrified expression.

“The third step, is to give reward. The reward here, is not in terms of material, but something more spiritual.”

“Spiritual?” Bai Yutang frowns.

“If you like somebody, what would you like to see him do at you?” Zhan Zhao asks Bai Yutang.

“…” Bai Yutang is speechless, his face burning a little, and thinks to himself ‘You are one ruthless stupid cat. The person I like is you, and what I want the most is you throwing yourself at me…’ But this really isn’t something that can be spoken aloud.

“Erm…Smile at me?” Wang Chao answers instead.

Zhan Zhao nods, “Indeed, or more accurately, for him to notice you, and show affection towards you, isn’t that right?”

“Yes!” The listeners nod in unison.

“Those who went to the concert are mostly Venelson’s fans. They already like him a lot, and Venelson took that to his advantage by using his smile as a reward.” Zhan Zhao continues.

“Smile?” The listening crowd looks confused.

Zhan Zhao suddenly smiles at Ma Han, Wang Chao and the neighbouring officers sweetly.

…!!...

They inhale sharply and eyes widens stupidly, but internally they are screaming, “Sinful! This is too sinful… He is too cute…”

Zhan Zhao asks immediately, “Who do you think I was smiling at just now?”

They look at each other, faces turning red in silence, thinking that they were too mesmerised by Zhan Zhao’s smile that they didn’t notice who Zhan Zhao was smiling at.

Zhan Zhao doesn’t seem to detect the strangeness in the air and continues, “I was just smiling at that general area, rather than a specific person. But, to those watching, it would feel like I am only smiling at you, isn’t that right?”

Everyone nods stupidly. In fact, no matter what Zhan Zhao says now, these people would just nod obediently. They have been charmed silly.

Bao Zheng holds back his laughter at the back, while Bai Yutang is grinding his teeth. This ignorant cat, has no idea of the effect he has on others. He glares at his subordinates and thinks to himself, “You morons, dare to look at Cat like this? When we get back, get ready for punishments!!”

Everyone is still too dazzled by Zhan Zhao’s smile to notice that Bai Yutang’s annoyed expression.

Zhan Zhao continues his explanation, “Venelson’s concert had huge LED screens, and he would smile frequently at the location where the stomping noise is the loudest. This results his fans to stomp more and more.”

Bao Zheng lights up a cigarette, “Which means, he got those people used to the command, and the suggestion is complete!”

“Yes!” Zhan Zhao nods, “The last stage to his plan was at the end of his concert. The area was already excessively crowded. The screens suddenly showed the foot icon from the concert ticket, and the music was also played at the same time. Some people started to stomp aggressively reflexively --- this is how the tragic accident came about.”

Everyone lets out a long breath, but the appal on their face still haven’t worn off.

“Then, Zhao Jue…” Bai Yutang seems to recover first.

Zhan Zhao turns his gaze down, and draws a huge bug on his paper. It looks like a beetle. He shows it to the rest, “What is this?”

Everyone examines it carefully. Each person had a different idea, some says it’s a beetle or a cockroach, while Bai Yutang claims outrageously that it looks like a mouse riding on a cat…

Zhan Zhao rolls his eyes at him, “This is the famous ‘Rorschach Test’. In general, because each person has a different way of looking at things, the same shape would look like different things to different person But, what the shape looks like to one person, is determined by their brain, rather than their subconsciousness.”

“What? Subconscious cognition…”

Zhan Zhao draws three circles on the beetle with a red pen. Taking a closer look, it is three English alphabets “D-A-D”

“Dad?” Everyone looks confused. “Father?”

“Exactly!” Zhan Zhao taps the table steadily with the pen in his hand, “When you are looking at this drawing, your subconsciousness has already accepted the message ‘Dad’. At the same time, you hear me tapping on the table. So when I hide this drawing away,” Zhan Zhao puts the piece of paper away, and taps the table again, “Do you see that image in your brain when you hear the tapping sound again?”

Everyone considers, and nods.

Zhan Zhao puts down his pen, “This means that, upon hearing the tapping, your subconsciousness has already associated it with the concept of “Dad”. Only that, I did not give you any specific action to complete, so… you guys only perceived it, but didn’t have anything to act on.”

Bao Zheng finishes his cigarette, and contemplates in silence for a while, “So what’s in Zhao Jue’s drawings?”

Zhan Zhao sighs and pulls out a sketch, “This is the drawing that was taken from Zhao Jue’s room just now.” He makes several circles on the sketch and shows it to the watching crowd. Four alphabets stand out, “K-I-L-L.”

“Kill…” Bai Yutang inhales, “Oh my God…”

Zhan Zhao frowns, “I checked all of the sketches. It’s on every single one of them, it goes way back, in years.”

“That guy is a real nutcase!” Ma Han says in disbelief, “He can still hurt people when he is already in that state?!”

“So… how can we help the research staff with treatment?” Bao Zheng rubs his forehead.

Zhan Zhao shakes his head in distress, “It will be very difficult. It is important to know what command Zhao Jue used! He wanted people to kill, but he didn’t give specific instruction on whether to kill other or kill yourself. And Zhao Jue is an expert in psychological suggestion, his work won’t be as simplistic as ordering a puppy to sit down.”

“How so?” Bai Yutang questions, puzzled.

“The timeline for his suggestion to take effect is too long,” Zhan Zhao considers, “Long enough, for those people to seek out the reward by themselves.”

“Seek out reward by themselves.” Everyone opens their mouth in bewilderment.

“Cat, this is so confusing~” Bai Yutang rubs his brows.

Zhan Zhao looks slightly upset and thinks to himself, “This is a very complicated matter~”

Bai Yutang changes his tone immediately and coaxes, “Continue, continue, it’s our fault. We are too dense to understand.” --- He is so cute!

Zhan Zhao continues, “To put it simply, everyone has something they want, right?”

Everyone nods.

“What a person thinks about most every day, is what the person wants the most. This means that the suggestion would seep deep into the way those people think, and become a part of the subconsciousness… Which means, in order to get what he wants the most, he will make use of this specific method to get it.” Zhan Zhao finishes his explanation, and takes a sip of his tea and blinks at those around him --- Did everyone understand??

Everyone nods obediently.

Bai Yutang stands up, “I get it, it means that once the person identifies something he wants, and when he or she received the command, then that person will kill to get what he or she wants.”

“Exactly!” Zhan Zhao gives Bai Yutang a praising look as if he is one of his exceptional brilliant students. Bai Yutang swears in his mind, ‘What breed is this cat? He is too cute~’

Bao Zheng taps his chin, “Which means, in order to treat everyone, we have to know what command Zhao Jue used first, is that right?”

“Yep!”

“But he can’t speak!” Ma Han looks confused, “How did he manage to give command without speaking?”

Zhan Zhao considers, “I have searched everything just now, there wasn’t much to go on, but…”

“But what?” Bai Yutang sees Zhan Zhao’s hesitation and asks.

“I think…” Zhan Zhao looks up at Bai Yutang, “Your brother might know…”

“What?” Bai Yutang says in surprise, “You mean that accident back then…”

Zhan Zhao nods, “Command, or rather… the intent… The only lead we have right now, is likely to be inside your brother’s memory.”

Translator’s Footnote:

The Ohio accident isn’t a real case.

[And yes season 2 is confirmed. I’m not crying there’s just something in my eyes]

Next

[goldenmusicmoments]

Ariana Grande - Sweetener (Review):

Raindrops - A beautiful acoustic opening to the album with this short cover of a track titled ‘An Angel Cried’. There is nothing more than her showcasing her stunning voice. It takes me back to the dreamy and magical intro of her second studio album ‘My Everything’.

Blazed (Ft. Pharrell Williams) - This groovy track is one that will surely get your body moving and would work really well in a dim lit club. The production on her vocals on this track is the standout moment on the track. On this track Pharrell’s production is actually tolerable.

The Light Is Coming (Ft. Nicki Minaj) - On the first listen this track was a huge disappointment. Seeing as ‘Side To Side’ & ‘Get On Your Knees’ were two great collaborations between Ariana and Nicki Minaj, so the expectations for this and ‘Bed’ were quite high and were not met at all. The beat in the beginning hurts your ears and the unbearable sample of the reporter that is used throughout the track makes listening to the track even more painful. Pharrell may have tried to aim for something way too high above his capability when trying to be innovative with the production on this track, as it is an intolerable moment on the album, even Nicki’s verse fails to do anything significant to save the track.

R.E.M. - This mellow track has quite the interesting production. It has a chilled vibe with her laid back vocals. The production isn’t overbearing and the odd breathing sounds in the background really make the production on this track standout. This maybe Pharrell’s most redeemable moment on the album so far. The final minute of this track is beautiful with the vocal layering and provides us with one of the most dreamiest moments on the album. One thing though the beat seems to be a different interpretation to that of Tinashe’s album cut ‘Ooh La La’. Up to this moment this track provides the album with its first strong moment after the intro.

God Is A Woman - I have done a post on this track before (do check it out for a thorough discussion on this track and what I feel in relation to it). The track is a stunning track and the showcase of her vocals here is magnificent. The choir like moment during the end really elevates the track to a different level.

Sweetener - This is a cute track that uses sweeteners being added to something bitter to make the taste change to something sweet as a metaphor for what the presence of the guy who she’s with does. It isn’t one of the strongest tracks on the album and it doesn’t bring much to the table. It feels like a filler track, on top of that the production does get a little annoying with the constant noises Pharrell is making in the background. The noises don’t add anything interesting to the track, if they were eliminated the track would be a little more bearable. Pharrell so far seems to have a similar pattern in which his two key bullet points are: one a groovy beat and secondly odd breathing noises in the background.

Successful - A quirky opening to the track that makes the track sound like an opening theme to a children’s TV show. In an odd way its dated sound feels like it could have fitted well on her debut album ‘Yours Truly’. It lyrically revolves around her boasting about how she is so successful. Certain instrumentation moments give you a tropical vibe. Another filler on the album in which it seems like Pharrell just wasn’t that bothered during the creative process. It is a track that you wouldn’t seek out, however if you are listening to the album as a whole then you’d sit through it. The breathing noises that both she and Pharrell are making in the background aren’t even in sync with each other giving the beat a very cluttered feel.

Everytime - The moment this track starts makes you scream ‘FINALLY’, as we finally get the moment we all wanted an iconic track from Ariana Grande and it seems that eliminating Pharrell Williams from the the equation is all it took to make that happen. This track draws you in from the get go. One of the standout moments on the track, God maybe drawing Ariana back to the guy of topic, however ‘Everytime’ is what keeps me coming back for more. The ‘Back to you, back to you’ moment on the track kind of reminds me of Mollie King’s track ‘Back To You’. The chilled vibe of the track and her vocals on this track are really captivating. The song is about always being drawn back to the same person. It also feels like a track that would sound perfect being played during a night drive. I kind of feel like the transition from the intro to the next track would have worked better if this was placed right after the intro rather than ‘Blazed’.

Breathin -  Again just like the previous track the opening immediately captivates you. Ariana stated that the song is about her having anxiety. The chorus lets you know that in a moment of anxiety, try not to forget to breathe. She is singing about feeling anxious, however the track has an upbeat vibe which is an unexpected combination that works really well here. The moment near the end where the beat stops and she sings ‘Just keep breathing and breathing…’ and then takes a breathe after which the beat kicks in again is a standout moment that depicts the meaning behind the lyrics in a literal way. Another one of the standout tracks on the album. This track and ‘Everytime’ being one after the other make for a great combination.

No Tears Left To Cry - The lead single which caught many of us by surprise. The opening gives you a totally different vibe and once we get into the first verse it takes a whole different vibe. The track is a decent track that grows on you more and more with every listen. Although for me the verses didn’t do much and it was the chorus that was the drawing moment on the track.

Boarderline (Ft. Missy Elliot) - An upbeat track that will surely be a hit in the clubs as it gets you in the mood to dance. Again Pharrell gives the production of the song his typical groovy feel. It kind of has a Justin Timberlake feel to it, through the production on the vocals and beat. Missy Elliot doesn’t really provide with a long enough verse for her moment on the track to be truly classified as a feature, however what she does offer works well with the feel of the track. Giving you that being in space and talking through the radios that you use to communicate with the team back at the space station feel.

Better Off - A mesmerising track in which her vocals are beautifully restrained, she lets the listeners know that she can still deliver a great track without doing all the runs and big vocal moments. Here she is singing about being better off without the guy of topic. This track is so dreamy that you seem to get lost in it. A highlight on the album.

Goodnight N Go - She keeps hold of the dreamy vibe continuing on from the previous track, and her vocals are so beautiful on this track. The structure of the track is on point with the slow build to the sudden beat drop. The track samples Imogen Heaps track of the same name. This track will surely provide with a magical moment on tour when performed live.

Pete Davidson - This short track serves as a dedication to her fiancé of the same name. She sings about what being with him feels like and he seems to have made her very happy. I feel like she could have this play during the final credits of her wedding video. The track does provide us with a beautiful moment.

Get Well Soon - Now this track is said to be about the tragic event that took place during her concert in Manchester. The track is a stunning one and this is where Pharrell finally gets it right (his approach to how he went about the production on this album is like a student who doesn’t bother revising for his exams until the day before the exam, and that is when they put in the most effort). Her restrained vocals work really well here and allow the full focus to be on the lyrics of the track. The track also is about her suffering with anxiety and how it got even worse after what happened during her concert and she even stated that getting her feelings out through her music has helped her healing process. The track timing of five minutes and twenty-two seconds serves to honour those that suffered during that dark moment as the date of the show was 22nd May. I kind of feel that this track could have worked better if it was track 14 and the track Pete Davidson was the closing moment of the album. As it would have provided the album with a full circle moment of feeling down and ending on a note at which she is now out of that dark place and finally happy.

Overall the album isn’t her strongest body of work, Pharrell’s production on the album for most part of it lets the album down. I do give Ariana props for experimenting with the production on this album even if it didn’t work out as well. However the album does have a bunch of standout moments that prove that she is capable of creating tracks that are phenomenal.

[thankyouorphanblack-blog]

@sashafiercexo

Thank you Orphan Black

Holy Fricken Christmas Cake, where do I begin?

I never in my wildest imaginations thought that a television show could become such a huge part of my life, and it still amazes me to this day when I think about it.

Orphan Black is something I will never forget and it really brings me to tears knowing that this trip is almost over, that saying goodbye is right around the corner. I bet in 20, 30, even 50 years I’ll still be raving about it, the weird little clone show that meant the world to me, reminiscing constantly, and eagerly saying to people “hey you should watch orphan black!” I truly feel as if it is the only show I will ever hold close to my heart, and I honestly can’t even begin to find the right words to say thank you. I can’t begin to find the right words to express my gratitude and love for this show, or to merely explain what an imprint it has left in my life over the years. But, hopefully these words will do.

July 9th 2014 (Yes, I remember the day, I’m a sentimental goofball!) is a day I’ll never forget. I remember seeing recommendations for a show called Orphan Black and thought ‘hey, why not’. I heard about the critical praise and the main actress playing multiple characters so I gave it a go. Man, was I hooked! You’d be crazy not to with that opening scene. Never has a show captivated me and gathered my attention as quickly as OB. Jaw dropping television at its finest. I was screaming at the damn screen!

But it wasn’t until the iconic “you’re damn right” moment, Sarah transforming into Beth that sealed the deal for me. This was just the beginning. From then on, the surprises, shocks and twists never stopped and I was in complete awe of everything. From the crazy storylines to the mind-bending brilliance of Tatiana, the genre bending madness, and everything else in between.

Shortly after binging S1 and 2, I became the ultimate fan girl.

Getting all my friends & family to watch, having Orphan black birthday cakes, collecting the pop funkos, having posters on my walls, buying the Dvd’s, calendars, writing essays (personal and for school purposes) being infatuated and mesmerised by the scores, having in depth conversations about it, re watching a zillion times and so much more!

But it was beyond that, past the fangirling, that I found a deeper connection with this show. Reasons why it meant so much to me & still does years later. A few reasons why I will always treasure it. -

Little bucket of happiness- There was a time period in my life where I was at my lowest and loneliest. The last year of high school, friends would come and go and most days it was extremely hard to get out of bed. It was one of the hardest times for me, trapped in this spiral of depression that seemed to never end. Ironically, that was around the time I started watching Orphan Black. Orphan black coincidentally entered my life at a time when I needed it the most. It was an outlet for me - my little bucket of happiness. It was my safe space I could go to, making me smile and laugh when I needed to be cheered up. I had it to keep me going in this difficult time, to motivate me to study, and many sleepless nights I found myself watching episodes/cast videos/interviews etc. Even when I was alone at school lunchtimes I found myself watching episodes in the library on my phone. It just brought me this sense of comfort and joy unlike any other TV show I had ever watched. There’s a message about the show representing outsiders & putting them front and centre and I truly feel that’s one of the reasons I resonated with it so much. The deep sense of inclusion at a time when I felt like an outsider in my life. It was a show that comforted me in a dark time – and it’s been exactly that. Ever since then, during the highs and lows of my life within the past 3 years, Orphan Black has always been there, not just as my favourite TV show, but as my dose of happiness whenever I needed. It has remained as this constant uplifting part of my life, this outlet to make me smile and laugh, to make me feel included, and at times when I felt like giving up it gave me hope and reason to keep me going. I will always cherish this show because of that. As my little bucket of happiness. Even nowadays, with everything that is happening in my life, it’s still there for me and I just couldn’t be more grateful and appreciative that this show is real and it exists. I can’t thank Orphan Black enough for giving me unexplainable joy and for making me so incredibly happy during the past years, but most importantly, for giving me a sense of comfort, as that is something I will always remember.

LGBT Representation /Sexuality – I’m filled with so much gratitude and I know other members of clone club can relate to this as well. But one of the major reasons this show connected with us on such a profound level, is because it helped us to find ourselves, it helped us to stand proud and live our truest lives. Just as Evelyne said “ The best thing a show can do is create empathy and freedom of identity, and if our show can have a little bit of impact on anybody’s life…that stuff happens when fiction inspires reality to be more of what it should be’ and I think that sums up perfectly this next part as to why I will never forget Orphan Black. In 2015 I had a chance to slow down and focus on myself. I had been questioning my sexuality, trying to come to terms with what I was feeling, and struggling to make sense of it all. Feeling confused and also scared to admit that part of myself. It was an extremely overwhelming time for me. I dealt with a lot of doubt and self-hate and I wasn’t certain of myself or how to interpret these feelings I had- and it wasn’t until OB S3 that I was sure. Seeing the love shared between Cosima and Delphine and the intimacy between Cosima and Shay, something clicked inside for me and it felt as if a door had been opened wide. Everything began to make sense. Seeing these two relationships on screen, made me all together, simultaneously, realise/confirm/accept/understand everything I had been questioning and doubting beforehand. Everything I had been trying to deny and push away. I found myself saying “This, this is what I want” and from then on so many things in my life have changed. All thanks to Orphan Black, I’m content, happy and proud of that part of me and I couldn’t be more grateful for that. How powerful is media and television when it can really change someone’s life? How powerful is it seeing yourselves on a screen or a relationship on screen and for it to allow you to accept yourself? It feels ethereal and unexplainable really, the way this show has impacted me in that sense. Even currently, watching Cophine in season 5. I feel so proud and warm within. Not just in terms of OB helping me come to terms with my sexuality, but how this show honours and respects its LGBT audience. These relationships we see don’t shed negativity on the fact that they’re two women and making that the main problem, but rather the situation they’re in. As well, we see characters standing individually, where Cosima isn’t defined by her sexuality, and neither is Delphine. Felix also, even though he is gay, that is the tiniest fraction of his life and personality, alongside being a brother, a talented artist and so much more.It’s something extraordinary really, the impact a television show can have on one’s life, and I will forever be indebted to Orphan Black because of this. For helping me, and countless others feel proud of who they are. I also just know this representation is something that will continue to live on forever and make its mark in TV history, and for this factor, I couldn’t be more proud to be a fan of this special little clone show.  

Feminism - I came to be passionate about feminism a few years ago and I always wondered why I felt so drawn to Orphan Black, despite the ability to constantly keep me hooked with the manic and insane storylines – it was because of this. These characters. These kickass female characters which I had never seen on TV before. We had these characters defying gender barriers and expectations, and we had all negative stereotypes smashed to pieces. Alison wasn’t just another soccer mom, but someone who can also fight to protect her family, Cosima wasn’t the expected hippie, but a warm sister, who’s intellectual, cheeky and full of spirit. We didn’t have the expected villains with Rachel and Helena, but rather a corporate clone with a damaging and lonely upbringing, and a psycho killer with a dark past who just wants love and a sense of belonging, and so on. These characters represent, remind us and show us on screen, the diversities and never ending layers of what it means to be a woman. The show represents who we are, and surprises us of who we can be. These characters we see, show real complexities of women, the strength they carry, the weakness, the pain, the courage, the heartache, just as women in real life. It felt like a lightbulb moment for me when my interest and love for this show interconnected with my passion for feminism. I found myself ripping apart and dissecting these characters, and really digging into the themes the show presented (e.g.; body autonomy, nature vs nurture, women’s rights etc). But ultimately, I started to understand the power and responsibility that television has in regards to positive portrayal of women on our screens. The art of storytelling through television is so important, and in that sense Orphan Black broke and pushed the boundaries on just how multifaceted women are. It’s raw, relatable, easy to connect with but most importantly realistic. - At times when my sexuality feels like a problem I know I’m not defined by it, just like Cosima. Or times when I feel lost or unloved like I used to, I can look at Helena’s journey and find strength and similarities to mine (excluding the murdering and being pregnant, ha) I can find reminders of how far I have come, just as she. I can find myself instantly relating to these characters and their stories, drawing from them for inspiration and hope. And when fiction can cause that ripple effect, it’s truly something special. Orphan black has prompted me to become more attentive and aware of feminism in modern day media and television, and due to that factor alone, it felt somewhat revolutionary for me. But not just myself, Orphan Black feels somewhat revolutionary in terms of women in TV, and I am almost certain it will be sure to leave its mark in history books because of this. “I hope that it opened people’s eyes and It helped open some doors” It truly did, and I am so thankful this show has opened my eyes in terms of feminism in television, but most of all it makes me feel proud to be a woman. To see a show where women are front and centre and they’re not boxed or defined by their gender. Orphan Black has truly shown me how impactful positive representation can have in one’s life, and as well as in entertainment itself, and for that I will be forever grateful.

Thank you Orphan Black! This show has meant more to me than I could have ever imagined and it’s something I will never forget. Thank you for being there in times of darkness, in times where I was struggling to accept myself and thank you for your portrayal of women and their complexities. And thank you for completely leaving me in awe and spoiling me in terms of top notch, exhilarating and smart television. You have set my expectations very high and I just know this show will always have a special place in my heart no matter what.

Thank you Tatiana, for sharing your talent with the world. You constantly leave me blown away in every single episode. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and kindness, for being so passionate with your love for acting, and giving your heart and soul in these characters, who showed strength, courage, and depth. Thank you for Sarah’s bravery, Rachel’s determination and will power, Cosima’s humanity, Alison’s humour, Helena’s protectiveness yet adorable and unpredictable nature, Krystal’s perseverance and Beth’s love. Thank you Kathryn! As the magic of the clones wouldn’t be possible without your generosity and humbled heart. Thank you Jordan for Felix, for his warmth, humour, humane spirit and his ability to not be defined by his gender or sexuality. Thank you Maria for the badass and iconic woman that is Mr S! A mother, fighter, and just the best foster mother on TV! Thank you Evelyne for your magical hair (ha, kidding). Thank you for the pride you take in playing Delphine. Thank you for her will to survive, her dedication and thank you for realising the importance of what it means to play a queer character on TV. Thank you Kristian for Donnie, for his hilarious and wacky journey and his humour that never fails to make me laugh uncontrollably. Thank you Kevin for Art’s humanity and his moral compass that has been something like the heart of the show since s1. Thank you to everyone involved who made this show possible. Thank you for the crazy science, the earth shattering ability to go against the norm on TV, and thank you for creating magic on our screens that constantly leaves me speechless. Most importantly thank you John and Graeme! As this show was all because of you two. Thank you for breaking boundaries, writing so boldly, for pushing the envelope constantly and thank you for creating this piece of art – this weird little clone show that I know will live on forever, in my life and everyone else’s in Clone Club. I am going to miss this show like nothing else, and I am filled with so much gratitude and love for it. I feel so incredibly lucky that I was able to be a part of this unforgettable trip, so I say thank you once again Orphan Black. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such a huge and beautiful part of my life these past 3 years. This truly is something I will cherish for the rest of my life! x

Sasha, a clone club member all the way from Australia.

Twitter – sashafiercexo

[oosteven-universe]

Sharkey the Bounty Hunter #2

Sharkey the Bounty Hunter #2 Image Comics 2019 Written by Mark Millar Illustrated by Simone Bianchi Lettered by Peter Doherty     Sharkey and his sidekick are racing through space, hunting for Edra Deering—the terrorist fugitive with a huge bounty on her head. But they’re not the only hunters with Edra in their sights, and the competition will stop at nothing to throw Sharkey’s mission off course.     Okay, so we all know that Extra-Billy is going to be Sharkey’s sidekick except for Sharkey himself. So the fact that we are seeing this process unfold before us is pretty darn nice. Mark is laying this one out in such a way that while it feels inevitable nothing is quite guaranteed. Still, it is nice to see Extra-Billy being able to extract different aspects of personality from Sharkey. Back to a point I wanted to make, the way that this is structured and the ebb & flow of the story feels normal to me like it has this great authentic natural feel to it, especially with Sharkey not wanting to miss out on this bounty and keeping the kid with him instead of dropping him off!     I find this a little ironic, for me totally, as usually when a kid enters a story it’s about time to end the run. Which is exactly what we’ve seen throughout television history, the old adage never work with kids or animals in full display. However, Sharkey seems to me to be some Smokey & the Bandit like character that blends Burt Reynolds and Elvis Presley so I highly doubt that there is no one or nothing that could make him falter or turn his adventures sour.     I was going to say the way characters were being introduced, but I can’t say that because we have seen them before in the first issue. However to see them pop up here and come face to face with Sharkey and trying to use Extra-Billy as some leverage well that was interesting, to say the least. It is like the kid has some sort of homing device on him so that every single bounty hunter out there is capable of walking right on up to them. I’m not saying that’s true but that locket he wants fixed...and here is where my mind goes beyond what we see presented on the page. So yeah I am thinking of possible scenarios and that means I am in and there’s no escape for me.     Oh my goodness I cannot believe the work that Simone is doing here. I mean seeing Extra-Billy’s face in the stars of space that Holy F moment if there was one. I am always in awe of his work, seeing the linework, the travelling space RV for example, to keep things interesting, identifiable and appropriately I mean come on now this bloody stupendous stuff. The creativity and imagination that is on display here and the pure mix of The Village People amped up to nearly unstoppable kink levels it’s freaking mesmerising. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show us on the best set of eyes for storytelling today. Even the colour work here keeps the reader guessing and with the light sources changing colours along the way we never know what to expect next and above all else what more do you want? ​     The story & plot development here is great and how the pacing helps it along while we get to see more and more personality emerge from the characters is like a dream come true. Mark has been responsible for some of the most iconic and classic series in my memorable history and while they’ve most been dark, gritty and ever so violent I do believe that this one is probably the best of the best. There is so much more than meets the eye here and I want to see and explore every dark corner, heck even the bright ones, in this galaxy alongside the Fuck Knuckle, whatever that is!

[aroundtheworldin18years]

For as long as I can care to remember I have wanted to see the spectacular Northern Lights in Finland.  The colourful dancing lights of the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights; is a natural phenomenon which occurs above God’s great earth.  Dramatic in appearance, the Northern Lights have been illuminating the clear night sky since time began.  And here’s the scientific bit: the mystical Northern Lights are caused when collisions, between electrically charged particles from the Sun; enter into the Earth’s atmosphere.  Northern Lights displays are never the same twice and vary in colour.  Pale green is the most common visual colour, followed by a pinkish-red, yellow, blue and vivid violet.  As well as colour, the Northern Lights form many complex shapes.  From scattered fluffy clouds of light to egg-shaped arcs, ruffles and rays that resemble a colourful graphic equaliser.  Eerie but completely mesmerising!

Northern lights dance across the sky in Finnish Lapland

FOXES AND FINNISH FOLKLORE

The Finnish word for Northern Lights is ‘revontulet’, which in turn is also associated with the cunning arctic fox.  According to Finnish folklore and tales told by the natives of Finland; when you see the Northern Lights dance in the sky, the colourful light display represents an arctic fox running far in the north and touching the mountains with its fur.  Each touch creating sparks that fly off into the clear night sky as the enigmatic Northern Lights.

Credit: Google – Arctic Fox dancing in the Finnish night sky

NOT ALL HUNTERS USE GUNS

Mummy and I first saw a faint glimpse of the Aurora Borealis whilst walking our lovely pup Angel (sadly passed away on 29 June 2016) when we lived in Edinburgh.  From that moment the colourful seed was planted within and we longed to see the Northern Lights in Finland.  In December 2016, whilst visiting Santa Claus Holiday Village in Finnish Lapland; the Northern Lights failed to put on a show and we returned home feeling slightly disappointed!  Thankfully though, we did meet the very charismatic Mikko Lantto whilst visiting Snowman World.  Mikko is an expert Aurora Hunter and as a Photographer, his weapon of choice is a lens.  Since our first visit we stayed in touch with Mikko and have become good friends…in spite of him supporting Man Utd!  As a family we were excited to return to Lapland this March to meet with Mikko and his wonderful family.

READ ALL ABOUT OUR TRIP TO SANTA CLAUS HOLIDAY VILLAGE IN 2016

Aurora Hunter, Photographer and all-round nice guy

Northern Lights illuminate the Finnish night sky

LANGUAGE IS NOT A BARRIER

Now, as well travelled as we are becoming, regretfully we still don’t speak any languages other than (the odd word) English.  Thankfully Mikko, and his beautiful wife Miia; both speak fluent English.  Our children met the lovely Lantto children, Sara, Sofia and Panu; for the first time and language was certainly no barrier.  Watching 5 children play happily on an indoor swing and using Google Translate on ipads, tablets and phones to communicate was amazing.  The day was spent listening to children’s laughter, Mikko’s tales of hunting, photography, fishing and of course, chatting about the Northern Lights in Finland.  Aurora’s aren’t the only thing Mikko hunts as we dined on moose that Mikko had culled at some point.  Soft, succulent and tasty…the moose, not Mikko!

The Callaghan Posse and The Lantto Crew

A BIRTHDAY GIFT OUT OF THIS WORLD

Evening time had arrived and our Aurora Hunt was about to commence.  Today happened to be Mummy’s 40th birthday as well.  What a birthday gift seeing the Northern Lights in Finland would be!  Prior to leaving home MIkko had used his tech, gadgets and gizmo’s to work out the very best location for viewing the Aurora Borealis and we were off.  A 120km drive North was on the cards.  After a short drive Mikko contacted us to say we were diverting to Niesi, an area closer to home.  On a long dark snow-covered side road 80km north of Rovaniemi, the vehicles stopped and lights were switched off so as not to cause light pollution.  Let the hunt begin.  Distant flickering’s of light could be seen and Mikko assured us that the Northern Lights would move closer and closer as the night progressed.

Mesmerising Northern Lights in Finland above Rovaniemi

NORTHERN LIGHTS IN FINLAND

The lights can predominantly be seen above the magnetic poles of both the northern and southern hemisphere, normally at the same time and almost mirror image.  Outside temperature was -16°C but cold was overcome by excitement as the Northern Lights shuffled and shimmied towards our group.  The Aurora Borealis would appear as a faint flurry then become a prominent green glow dancing in the starlit sky; then they’d fade away.  Mikko had the camera on the tripod poised and ready to capture each moment the Northern Lights appeared.  On this particular hunt were tourists from Germany and Malaysia who had travelled specifically to see the Northern Lights in Finland.  One by one we jumped in and out of shot to get snapped with the Aurora Borealis swirling in the background.  The phrase ‘like a child in a sweet shop’ springs to mind!  Ecstatic!

What a dazzling display of Northern Lights

Daddy and Daughter moment under the Northern Lights

Mikko and I…Northern Lights buddies

The Callaghan Posse and Mikko, expert aurora hunter

COLOUR IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

Now, this paragraph may come as a surprise (or shock) to most of you…but here goes!  Aurora Borealis photographs always look unbelievable on the WWW, full of colour and splendour.  Unfortunately, in real time; the Northern Lights may actually look a tad different.  Try and imagine a vapour trail in the sky, that’s pretty much what my naked eye saw, whitish-grey but no colour.  Mummy on the other hand saw an abundance of colour!  Colour depends on your own vision, the night and other scientific circumstances.  Rarely do you see intense colour within the Aurora Borealis unless they appear as a ‘big show’, then the colours are vivid and intense.  Of course, that also depends on where in the world you’re viewing the Aurora Borealis from.  The further North or South you are, the more vibrant the colour.  And…well, let’s just leave it there and say it’s complex…very complex!

Enjoying the enchanting dancing Northern Lights

LIGHTS THAT ILLUMINATE THE SOUL

As the hunt progressed through the evening the Northern Lights became much stronger.  The cavorting lights put on a show worthy of an appearance at the West End.  As our group stood looking at the Aurora Borealis, a silence fell and we simply allowed the various colours to light up our souls.  Magical, peaceful, enigmatic!  In our opinion, there aren’t that many places better than Finish Lapland to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.  With crystal-white snow, the stark winters of the northern hemisphere provide the perfect backdrop for seeking out the Aurora Borealis.  Our Aurora Borealis hunt with Mikko is one of the most memorable experiences of our March 2019 holiday to Ruka and Rovaniemi.  Witnessing the Northern Lights in Finland often tops people’s bucket lists, but for now, we are ecstatic to cross this one off ours.

video link coming shortly – stay tuned.

WOULD WE GO BACK?

In the flurry of a snowflake, yes we would.  Finnish Lapland in winter is SO enchanting.  There’s something about the stark-white snow, the landscape and the people that makes you wonder how can snow possibly exist here….everyone is so warm and friendly.  Although we saw the Northern Lights three times on our trip, to see them in their full glory we needed a local, someone with experience, someone who knew the right spot and the right time.  Mikko was OUR ‘someone’ and you should book his services and make him YOURS….an absolute legend.

With a very special THANK YOU to:

Mikko Lantto – for your warmth, your kindness, your hospitality and for the hunt.  Forever grateful to you.

Miia, Sara, Sofia and Panu – for the fun, the laughter, for hide and seek and for ninja kicks.  Love to you all.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to you all for making our visit to your home enjoyable and for making the Aurora Borealis Hunt memorable.  See you all in 2020.

LILY-BELLE SAYS (10) I really enjoyed meeting Sara, Sofia and Panu and we had loads of fun on the big swing.  In all honesty I thought Daddy was joking when he said we ate moose, but it did taste delicious.  Seeing the Northern Lights was brilliant, but it was quite cold so I was glad to get home to a warm room.

MATILDA SAYS (4) I liked the lights in the sky and playing hide and seek with Sara, Sofia and the little boy (Panu).  The lights looked like gingerbread men floating in the sky.  I was feeling cold so Mikko let me sit in his big van.

Travel Itinerary

Aurora Borealis Excursion:  booked with Aurora Hunting – Rovaniemi / Levi. How to Book:  we recommend contacting Mikko via Facebook Messenger in advance of your trip. Contact Tel:  +(00)358 50 5570220 Pricing:  Adults €128 – Children (12 and under) €64 Date of visit:  7th March 2019

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              Information, currency and prices are correct at the time of publishing. Views, opinions and experiences are that of The Callaghan Posse and are correct at the time of publication. Photos, unless credited, are taken by The Callaghan Posse for use and distribution by Around The World In 18 Years. Images and content may not be used or copied (private or commercial) without obtaining prior permission. All post images taken and provided by Mikko Lantto of MiCi Arts and Aurora Hunting – Rovaniemi / Levi.

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FINNISH LAPLAND: NORTHERN LIGHTS For as long as I can care to remember I have wanted to see the spectacular Northern Lights in Finland. 

[viewfromthedrumstool]

View From The Drum Stool #54

USA and Canada ‘18

We pick up the tale in Port Huron, Michigan where our band of intrepid musicians find themselves on the I-69 headed west to a soundtrack of Glen Miller.

This is my third US tour. The first was with Man Without Country back in 2013 and the second being the Saint Etienne ‘Home Counties’ tour of 2017 (all documented in detail here on VFTDS!). Both were dominated by epic road journeys and it’s easy to forget how conveniently proximous major cities are back home in comparison to the spacious lay of the land out here. We’ll clock up a cool 400 miles today - the equivalent of driving from London to Glasgow - and that’s by no means a long one.

But it’s a beautiful country to travel in; the pastel tarmac, green fields, colourful outbuildings and blue sky...

In Kalamazoo, we check in at the Best Western (in true American fashion the rooms are obscenely huge and feature a kitchenette) and head straight out to the finest Italian this side of town: Erbellis!

We enjoy a round of radioactive Catalina Margaritas and contemplate the menu...

With easily hundreds of dishes to choose from there’s lots of contemplating to do and options include ‘Be Careful Not To Choke Pepperoni Shocker’, ‘Meat Monster Mania’ and ‘The Rhino’ which contains SEVEN different types of meat. (I can barely name seven different types of meat.)

I opt for the calmer sounding ‘The Greek’ (feta, tomatoes, olives etc.) on a Chicago style crust. What I’m presented with might be better described to an Englishman as a pie, only with pizza base instead of pastry and a topping of marinara sauce in place of the gravy. It’s as ambitious as it sounds and a more typically American experience than an authentic Italian one.

Nonetheless it’s an experience and in search of more of the same we head straight to the nearest bowling alley! Revel and Roll in Kalamazoo is a modern affair with half-price drinks and a scoring system that incorporates photographs of each players face into funny little animations between frames. It’s hilarious and a welcome palette cleanser after the gigs and travel so far.

Tour manager and bassist Joe opens the strongest taking victory in the first game with a decent score of 125. It’s only a shame he couldn’t stay for a second as I know he would have been proud to witness my impressive followup: a courageous score of 128! Three whole points more than his 125! Thus I win overall, and beat his best score.

(I’m not saying that I like to gloat but I’ll admit I posted a printout of the scoresheet under the door of his hotel room...)

The following morning and riding high on the sweet taste of my bowling victory by three points (“The real winner here is bowling” I lie), we reconvene in the hotel lobby and drive into Kalamazoo centre for a spot of brunch (at the Studio Grill - classic American diner fare albeit lacking a huevos rancheros).

Our next stop is the very reason we even chose Kalamazoo as a destination in the first place. (It’s not the longest train curve in America, although I hear it’s a big pull.)

As many musicians know, Kalamazoo is the birthplace and spiritual home of Gibson Guitars! We drive a few blocks over to the original factory, located beside a railroad on the northeast side of town.

Orville Gibson founded the company here in 1894 and originally specialised in building mandolins. The Les Paul, 335, Explorer, Flying-V and SG all followed and in the 80’s, having inevitably outgrown this original facility, they relocated to Tennessee. The few employees who didn’t fancy the move stayed put, founded Heritage Guitars, and still operate out of a modernised portion of the original factory to this day.

The majority of the building is now abandoned and boarded up however. But despite the dilapidated appearance it doesn’t feel like a sad place and it’s magical to think of the great impact on rock ‘n’ roll - nay popular culture as a whole - that the instruments which have emerged from this factory have had.

Alas one of Michigans lesser-celebrated fames is the poor quality of its roads and the journey to Chicago is at best bumpy, and at worse skull-shaking. Eventually, with a final rattle and jolt, we cross the state line - pick up Central Standard Time, gaining an hour - and moments later pass by Michigan City itself ... which strangely happens to be in Indiana.

Entertainment on-route is provided by the billboards of the I-94, my favourites including one for a strip club (’All the liquor, none of the clothes’) and another for a vasectomy clinic (’Buy one testis, get the other free’).

Eventually we roll into the beautiful Park End West venue just as Via Chicago by Wilco finishes in my headphones - what could be more appropriate.

We played here on the last tour, I loved the venue then and I love it still. The crew are friendly and professional, the gear is great and the comfortable backstage is packed with fresh rider and cool beers. It’s the perfect venue to catch a gig too with room at the front for those who wish to stand and dance, booths in the middle with waitress service and stools up by the cocktail bar. I could happily bed down here for a year, get a job on the bar and befriend all the locals.

(Pic by James)

A few weeks back while playing Victorious Festival in Portsmouth with Gaz Coombes, I got chatting to one Paul Von Mertens. Paul is Musical Director and wind player with Brian Wilson and mentioned that he was from Chicago. We chatted for a while, I told him I’d shortly be in town with Saint Etienne and he said he’d love to come. True to his word he came to check out the show and was kind enough to regale us with tales of life on the road and in the studio with Brian, Wilco and many others. (Appropriately the title of the Good Humor album that we’re touring was inspired by a picture of Brian Wilson...)

The following day we spend traveling and our party takes a plane down to San Francisco ahead of our penultimate show of the tour at The Chapel. The route takes us over the Rockies and the view through the window is another mesmerising one. I’ve said it before but America is one beautiful country from the air…

While the Northeast, Deep South and Midwest of America all have their charms, none quite compare to California for me and in particular the sparkling vibrant glorious dazzling sunlight which comes beaming through the cabin windows as soon as we descend below the clouds.

We check in at the La Quinta Inn & Suites in South San Francisco and dive across to Denny’s - it’s busy on a Friday night but they now serve beer so the wait is bearable. James and I fancy a nightcap and fortunately there are drinkeries just a couple of blocks north. Unfortunately - given the American tradition of driving everywhere - they’re totally un-walkable so we have to take a 90 second Uber instead…

The Armstrong Brewing Company are a friendly bunch but their output doesn’t amount to much and we found only one of their 10+ beers vaguely palatable. Most of their creations lack subtlety and are often far too strong to be enjoyable, although they more than make up for it in friendly hospitality and are eager for us to stay even after closing time.

Show day in San Francisco! I’m on the hunt for huevos rancheros once again and have high hopes for California based on reputation, past experience and proximity to Mexico. Once in the Mission District I head to San Jalisco on the recommendation of some Saint Etienne fans. It’s certainly an authentic experience - the food isn’t paired down for our taste and half the clientele is Mexican. There’s even a guitarist who provides an authentic soundtrack, though he’s not exactly Santana. Thanks for the suggestion folks.

I walk off the large lunch around the streets of the Mission District enjoying the glorious Californian light with my film camera. I’m not the only one and when I stumble come across our venue for tonight I find an elderly gent wandering down the street bearing a very old looking 16mm camera. His name is Nathaniel Dorsky - I later learn a much celebrated experimental filmmaker who has exhibited his unusual silent films around the world. We both have a love for film and share an inspiring conversation right there on the street that will stay with me.

The promoter at The Chapel is charming and not only does the epic rider contain some swanky desert pieces (and later cocktails), she’s even brought her dog along to help out! Some of us also receive a generous gift from a fan called ‘Adam’. Wherever you are, whoever you are, Adam I thank you for the four bottles of aftershave. I smell sensational.

San Francisco is always a great show for Saint Etienne and tonight is no different. The venue is packed out and the stage time is put back on numerous occasions because half the audience are still queueing up at the merch stand. When we eventually make it out, the crowd are rabid and one eager fan (is it Adam?) leans over to chat, shake hands and generally hang between every song. Which would be much more welcome if I weren’t in the middle of an indie dance show...

As per last year’s Home Counties US Tour, our final stop is Los Angeles and the Henry Fonda Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. It’s an easy journey down by air and we’re back at the 101 Coffee Shop on Franklin Ave in time for lunch.

Their huevos rancheros are probably my favourite on the tour too. The 101 was the diner that first turned me on to the dish and it’s fitting finale fare for the final day of the tour.

Chuck E Weiss is in the house too, favourite of Tom Waits and the muse to the classic Rickie Lee Jones song ‘Chucks E’s In Love’. Listen out for the iconic drum part from Steve Gadd...

Back to the Fonda Theater on Hollywood Boulevard. A familiar setting with a familiar crew, gear and backstage too. It’s a wonderful joyous gig and the crowd brings top energy to help us over the line.

As some may know, I periodically play drums with Gaz Coombes and as it happens a number of his band - including numerous VFTDS alumni - flew in this evening ahead of a TV appearance later in the week! The aftershow party was not just a celebration of the tour but also a reunion with familiar faces from both home and away. This Is Your Life!

Shout out also to Dan and Mike who not only attended the Chicago, San Fran and LA shows but did so in their homemade Home Counties suit jackets! Having seen them down the front every night it was great to finally meet them for a quiet and civilised chat...

While the rest of the gang head home (business class, naturally) I’m staying on in LA for a few days. Thanks for the good times USA! You’ve been great as ever. The gigs have rocked, the band has been great and the crowds buzzing with no exceptions.

I’m off to watch the Dodgers with some pals… see you soon!

Mike