#the instrumental... embracing the point of no return... explodes just like he does

[fruitwoodmac]

marble hornets mutuals (and fans who perchance see this), can we agree this is a brian song

( CONTENT WARNING: flashing lights/rapid motion )

[emperor-palpaminty]

Heart Song (2)

In which Tech grows closer to his soulmate and his training deepens his understanding if who he is.

Tech was in a good mood. He had narrowed it down to two reasons:

1. He was doing more specialized lessons and training, meaning less time getting dirty looks from the other boys.

2. He had all the words to his soulmate's lullaby figured out. She had sung him the one about whiskey several times, and would be overjoyed that he had learned it.

Tech was humming it over breakfast today, stirring the unnamable food on his tray with his spoon, pushing his glasses up his nose. "Someone's in a good mood." His blonde brother remarked. He'd said he would go in for special combat and sniping training later today, so he was less snide and sarcastic than usual.

Tech nodded, shoving the spoonful in his mouth. "Excited for training, that's all."

"You're telling me!" Wrecker cheered. "I get to throw things all day."

The most average looking out of the four of them nodded. He didn't say anything- he didn't have much to say, typically. He hadn't said much about what he was apparently specialized in- but he'd started sleeping with eye and ear coverage since he'd met with Nalaa Se.

"Apparently, I'm going to be running through programming and artificial anatomy today." Tech's leg bounced and he wondered if he should tell them about the lullaby. Not yet, at least, he decided. "Then we get to do training together later."

Wrecker laughed, smacking the table. "I hope you guys are prepared! I'm thinking I can throw one of you at a droid."

"Please don't." The blonde one mumbled, lowering his spoon.

Tech grinned, pushing up his glasses, chuckling. "Let's see what they give us. I wouldn't mind being thrown."

Wrecker cheered, leading the oldest of them, the most normal looking, to chuckle and pick up his tray. "I've got to run. I'll see you later."

"Bye." Wrecker waved, and Tech and the blonde one repeated after him. Wrecker shoved the last bits of the gelatenous pile of nutrition in front of him into his mouth, swallowing mightily and jumping up. “I’ve gotta run too.” he waved at his brothers and practically sprinted out, giggling gleefully about throwing heavy things.

Tech stirred his food, standing after a moment, walking in a haze to the appointed training room. What did his soulmate look like? He sighed, happily, thinking of her voice. Maybe her hair was long! Or curly! Did she have glasses too? 

There was an obvious pep in his step as he entered the training room, mechanical mind engineering all the faces she could possibly have. No matter how she looked, his little heart was already pledged so deeply to her that he was scared if he took it away he would simply die.

Tech sat down at the screen, fingers flying over the keys, embracing each click as a musician does his instrument. He found his leg bouncing under the pristine table to the song he had memorized.

What will make the dumb talk, what will make the lame walk, what's the elixer of life-

Tech blinked as the screen flashed, them went blank. He looked up at the Sargent standing behind him. "What happened?"

"You finished." The Sargent offered him a half smile, taking the headset Tech removed from his ears. "Good job, kid."

Tech stood, quiet, nodding softly. He paused and looked back. "Sargent, sir?' A grunt acknowledged him, and Tech inhaled. "Is there any way I can... find music?"

The Sargent hummed in thought, glancing at the boy, brow piqued in... concern? Question? Tech felt his face flush. "If it's no trouble-"

"No, no. Cadets don't usually ask. That's all." The Sargent rubbed a finger along the headset, pushing his lips together in thought. "There's a few spare radios in the hangar bay. Gonna be shipped out and thrown. If you can fix one, it's yours."

Tech perked up. "I can?"

"Yes." The Sargent smiled, shaking his head softly, but the curious glint had been replaced with amusement. "Go on, now. You're due for combat in an hour."

Tech thanked him before marching away as quickly as he could, doing all in the world he could to not skip. He paused, looking around, and then whispered, "Song bird?"

There was a pause, and then a gleeful giggle responded. "Smarty pants! Calling so early?"

Bobbing his head in a nod, Tech smiled. "Yeah. I wanted to ask you something. The Sargent said if I could fix one of the radios, I could have it. I want to listen to music. Maybe I'll know lullabies too."

"Please!" She gasped. "You would learn songs for me?'

The joy in her voice alone was enough to send the boy spiraling again, imagining the smile on every face he could imagine. "I would learn all the songs for you," Tech sighed, narrowly avoiding bumping into a rather stern-looking trainee, smiling apologetically, the rose haze of infatuation lifting briefly.

"You're so sweet!" The girl gushed, squealing. "Who knew my soul mate would be such a sweet heart?"

"I thought I was smarty pants."

"A sweet-smarty-heart-pants."

The words didn't make much sense, but Tech conceded, making his way into the darkened hanger. "I did lots of training today."

"What kind?"

"It's pretty boring," Tech admitted, sheepishly, as he tugged at a cable.

"You want to listen to my songs! I want to know what you know."

His heart was near exploding, it was beating so quickly. "You... do?" Other clones steered clear of the nerd, and his brothers could get easily frustrated with Tech talking about things they just wouldn't understand. Mechanics and physics were beyond them, though fascinating to him. "No one ever wants to know."

"Well," She reasoned, and Tech imagined her puckering her lips in thought. "If we're going to spend the rest of our lives together, I want to know more about what you like."

The rest of our lives.

His face went red again, and Tech made an involuntary noise, joy washing over him as he finally heaved up a smaller, clunky radio from the pile. "That sounds incredible." He clutched that device to his little chest, heart racing, and almost slumped over.

He stood and walked, a sense of purpose in his heart. "Can I talk to you more tonight?"

"You can talk to me any time." She sighed in response, sounding almost as smitten as Tech felt. "What are you going to do now?"

"My brothers and I are going to the arena. We're practicing combat today." He picked up his pace, dispensing the radio at the foot of his bed. "We're trying to be soldiers. Training is important."

"Do your brothers know about me?"

"No." Tech inhaled. "I'm technically not supposed to be talking to you."

She sounded horrified, appalled. "Will you get in trouble? Why?"

He shrugged, adding "I'm not sure, I just shouldn't," a little lamely. "But I really want to keep talking to you. We can have a secret together! Just one you and I know about."

She laughed, in affirmation, stating it sounded so romantic and thrilling, like some story her fathers read to her. Tech could only smile as he hurried down the hall to join his brothers for their combat training.

___

It wasn't that Tech hadn't believed Nalaa Se when she stated they were an experimental batch of specialized troopers. As far as he knew, the Kaminoans wanted the best for him and his brothers. It just shocked him as he watched the four of them, himself included, in action.

The blonde one was deadly accurate with a shot, taking only a second to scale upwards, aim, and take down a series of AI. Wrecker abandoned his gun for throwing droids at each other, practically invincible in his cadet-regulated armor, and the oldest one, the normal looking one, wove away from his brothers quickly and between the barriers, making his way quickly towards the droids.

Tech was stunned. For all the engineering, for all his brains, he lacked skill and brawn. He stationed himself behind the barrier, shooting at the droids that stalked up. He grimaced, looking around. His batch was too far, and he was alone.

He exhaled, hands shaking on the training pistol. He thought that the mechanics, the autonomy, were all he needed-

Tech paused. He lowered his gun, glancing around. "Wrecker! I need that commander droid!" He saw Wrecker give a brief grunt of agreement, and then he ran towards Wrecker, who was currently yanking down the commander droid.

Tech yanked the droid down and pried open its head, tugging around at cords and wires. "Wrecker, cover me!" He grimaced, fingers working at the cords, small brain working to try and remember what did what.

The droids shut down, and Wrecker cheered. "This is the end of your training session. Please return to the point of entry."

Tech felt his shoulders slump, abandoning the droid's cranium. His plan- it hadn't worked. He just wasted his time. The room was littered with remnants of practice deoids his brothers had easily taken down, and here he was, struggling with one. Tech stood, slowly, and followed his brothers, shuffling in behind them, shame covering his face, and he reluctantly moved his helmet from his head, eyes downcast. His glasses slid down his nose as he tried to not sniffle.

Stupid glasses. Useless clone.

___

He tinkered with the radio, quiet, waiting for his soul mate's voice. It seemed to be the only thing that would bring him comfort.

Even his oldest brother's encouragement wasn't enough. "It was a good plan, Tech! You'll get the hang of it." Tech had only mumbled in response and let the blonde dissuade Wrecker (who was dramatically reenacting the training), leading the others out to go watch a spar between some older cadets.

The door opened, and only a muffled step responded. "Tech?'

The boy grunted a soft hello to 99. He didn't bother glancing back, frustrated tears still pricking his eyes. Good soldiers don't cry.

Tech heard 99 approach, and felt the weight of his bed shift. The older clone was kind, caring- especially towards this batch. Perhaps he was some of himself in them. "What's wrong, Tech?"

"Nothing," Tech whimpered, trying to inject venom in his words. It was a pitiful attempt. His grip on the radio slipped and it collapsed on the bed. Tech sniffled, reaching up to rub his eyes, still not looking at 99. "I'm useless."

"Now, Tech, don't go saying that." 99 reached down with a knotted hand and gently patted Tech's shoulder, letting the boy sniffle as he hugged his pillow. "What makes you believe that?"

Tech inhaled, shakily, removing his glasses and rubbing his face. "W-well," he gulped in air. "I was tr-tr-training with my brothers," His voice warbled, and he swallowed to contain it.

Good soldiers don't cry.

The older clone offered a gentle smile, nodding and humming in encouragement.

Tech gave a sob. I'm not a good soldier. "I tried to do something during training. I saw Wrecker and- well, they don't have names yet, but they were all doing these amazing new combat skills." Tech's face went red and he rubbed at the tears, now breaking past their barrier. "And I just... sat there. I thought, maybe I could re-program the commander- but- I- I-"

Tech broke. He buried his face in his little hands and began sobbing. His fingers felt soft, and he drew his head away in disgust. Wrecker already had blisters from lifting weights, and the other two were forming callouses from their specialized combatative training, with knives and rifles. "My hands are wimpy, even." Tech whined, pulling his knees to his chest.

99 kept his hand firm but easy on Tech's arm. He patted the boy's back, listening to him gulp in air and try to control his breathing, and waiting patiently. "Breathe deep. You'll want to, because I have something to say."

Tech sniffled, picking his head up and inhaling through his snotty nose, then exhaling from his lips, thick from crying. His face was still warm, and his eyes felt dry, but his chest felt lighter. He glanced at 99, who was smiling softly, the comforting weight of his hand still on Tech's shoulder. When he finished, 99 scooted closer, hands moving to shakily pick up the radio. "You aren't useless. Would you call me useless?"

"Never!" Tech drew away, fingers gripping the glasses in his hands. "You're not!"

99 chuckled gingerly, adjusting the radio to sit in his lap. "My point exactly. None of us are useless, Tech." His knobbled fingers traced the old radio, thoughtfully, as if trying to draw words from the stations not playing on it. "One way or another, we live to serve each other. We all have a purpose. It can be hard to find. You seem to know yours, Tech, and you should value it. You're smart and I don't know any other clones who would think of running out into battle to try and hack a commander droid." He reached to his chest pocket, tugging out a small and thin cylindrical object. "Sometimes, though, you need tools to get you there."

Tech's sniffles had subsided. He was down to taking a few occasional shaky breaths, watching the clone work gingerly on the radio. "So, I need tools?"

"Everyone does." 99 stated simply. "You're all good kids- gonna be good troopers, too." 99 tapped the know, smiling slightly in victory when it crackled to life. "You're just gonna need to have to right tools to make your purpose happen."

Shoving his glasses on, Tech scrambled to the radio. "You fixed it!" He bounced on his knees, turning the dials with a loving unfamiliarity. "Thank you."

"Any time," 99 stood with a grunt, hobbling towards the door.

Tech rotated towards him. "99?"

"Hm?"

"Can I tell you a secret? It has to be between us, okay?"

Chuckling, 99 slid the door shut again, sitting down on the bench. Standing for a long time was hard on his body, and Tech scooted his legs under him. "Sure, Tech. I'll keep it between us."

"I met someone." He grinned, fiddling with the radio. "She's wonderful."

"She?" 99 blinked. "General Tii?"

Tech shook his head, excitement bubbling in him. "My soulmate." He grinned widely. "I have a soulmate! She's wonderful," he repeated, knees bouncing. "She likes to sing and she listens to me."

99 grinned, crow's feet by his eyes wrinkling. "Tell me about her."

"Well, she sings to me.' Tech's chest tingled, and he felt like a fog, a good fog, was closing in on him. "I don't know her name, though. She doesn't know mine." He paused, setting down the radio. "I really want to meet her some day, 99." Tech adjusted his glasses, pausing. "I'm not going to be useless to her, I hope."

"You won't be." 99 smiled, standing. "Not a lot of cadets are familiar with soulmates, here." He paused. "And I'm not good with girls myself, but if you need anything, let me know." He grinned and stood, grunting with effort. "We all deserve a soulmate. I'm glad you have one."

Tech exhaled in relief, assured that the soulmate would be kept between the two of them, and he turned on the radio, listening for songs to learn just for his soul mate.

Tech quietly curled up in bed, awaiting for her voice to fill him.

But it didn't. Not that night.

___

Tag list:

Thank you all for your comments! Im trying to figure out how to change this to my primary blog so I can respond without posting my personal blog a ton! I see and love all your comments, they don't go ignored. I'm just trying to figure out dumb technology, haha!

@m-o-o-n-s-g-o-o-n-s @lafy-taffy @photowizard17 @nick-djarin @fanfic-cave @shytastemakerthing @phoenixhalliwell

[mirkwoodshewolf]

Supernatural LSB: Jared Padalecki x Platonic reader ft. Jensen and Misha pt.2

And here we go with pt. 2 and boy did I enjoy writing Round 2 because I’ve got some special surprises for ya’ll in store and trust me when I say.....I wish this would actually happen should someone of the cast compete on the show against J2, this could get u a win *wink wink hint hint*. Okay now in this there is just a fight scene that Jared does with a FAKE gun that can make the actual popping sounds but you’ll see what I’m talking about but I thought I might put a warning up for gun use (AGAIN FAKE BE-BE PISTOL GUN BUT THAT’S IT!!!) Enjoy my lovelies :)

____________________________________________________________

Soon it was time for Round 2.

“Welcome back to Lip Sync Battle, the War between Winchesters have gone through the roof but now it’s time for Round 2. Let’s see what Jared Padalecki did to prepare for his second piece”.  The crowd applauded and the camera came up on me and Jared and he gave a salute and soon the cameras began to show what he did to prepare for his second act.

He was in the costume department speaking to his costume designer and he said to her.

“We actually did this song on the show and I’ve seen this song on the show thanks to (n/n) but I want to try and go a different route”.

“Okay so we do have these and I can have them in a different color or is this good?”

“No, no that’s perfect now what about the hat?”

“Right here for you Jared”.

“Excellent”.  Soon Jared’s voice came over and it showed him back in his dressing room. “This might give me the win cause this is one of (y/n)’s favorite songs and when we did this on an episode, so the expression on her face in the episode is her true reaction. (Y/n) baby girl you’re good but,” he placed the cowboy hat on his head and said in with his Texan accent coming out, “There’s a new sheriff in town, and I’m takin that there belt back home”.

(Play up till 1:34 then skip to the next instrumental tune at 2:37 and basically kinda go from there)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py6U3XMy-AM

The stage was dark and I was getting a little scared of what song he chose for his next choice but soon the familiar guitar solo came up on the speakers and I collapsed to my chair holding my hands to my mouth.  

The spotlight came on Jared in a full black cowboy attire with a six string guitar in his hand sitting in front of a fake fireplace, and he was actually strumming it as I could actually hear it playing.  There was also a fake tree with a Wanted poster with Jared’s picture on it and his reward was for $1000.

“Yes Jared!” I heard Jensen cry out. Like a true Texas cowboy getting ready for a showdown, he slowly raised his head up then raises his head, allowing the hat to only show his eyes first as he began to sync out the words.

He put the guitar down and he walked up towards his Wanted poster and ripped it off the tree before crumbling it up and tossing it towards the audience.  He then turned towards me and pointed right at me as he synced out “I’m Wanted, Dead or alive”.  He then walked across the stage and soon it jumped right to the part where the song really begins to pick up.

Soon the lights came on and dancers dressed as sheriffs came right at Jared and for the first time that I or anyone else had ever seen on LSB instead of dancing, the stage turned into an all-out stage combat.  

Jared fake-punched one guy then as another one came with a fake-punch towards Jared, he placed his hand on his chin like he had actually gotten punched before acting like he was reconnecting his jaw and then taking the man by the arm and literally flipping him over his shoulder.

I was in shock as was LL, Chrissy and Misha while Jensen was having a ball with this. It was then Jared took out his ‘gun’ and began firing one shot which made actually popping sounds and one by one each sheriff dropped to the ground.  He blew on the gun getting rid of the ‘smoke’ before syncing out as he walked towards his “steel horse” and mounted it as he kept syncing.

It soon came to the part where Jensen, Jared and I once got to actually sing this song and I couldn’t help myself but actually sing along and I even turned to see Jensen doing the same thing and then once the verse was done, Jared synced out the last few words until the song finished and the lights exploded off.

The crowd went nuts as Jared breathed heavily and the stage combaters all got up and Jared got off the horse statue and LL came up on stage and proclaimed.

“Wow!” He now stood beside Jared and said, “Chrissy, Chrissy tell me what did you think of Jared’s second performance?”

“I think we just witnessed our first Lip Sync stage combat?” The crowd applauded and Jared tipped his hat to the crowd.

“Okay let’s go to the Supernatural guest judges, Jensen, Misha your thoughts?”

“You truly embraced our Texan culture there partner, and like Dean said Bon Jovi rocks on occasion and Jared—that occasion was now!” The crowd cheered and screamed as Jared saluted to his brother.

“I have to agree with what Jensen said, I mean that was probably the best way and probably the only way to do that song and only you could’ve done that Jared, hats off to you partner” Misha tipped his fake hat to Jared and he returned the gesture.

“Alright so (y/n) what did you think did Jared do you proud?” I was speechless at this point.  Everyone laughed included Jared and I finally brought the mic up to my lips and I said.

“I want to say some kind of come-back but I can’t. Not with this song. Like seriously this is my all-time favorite Bon Jovi song and J2 know that, I first heard that song in Scooby Doo 2 and was obsessed with that song and then when we got to actually sing it in an episode that was—Jared well done, amazing job”. I then got off the VIP section and embraced him and he did the same for me.

Everyone awed at us as Jared picked me up and spun me around a few times before removing his black cowboy hat and placing it on top of my head.

“Well Jared Padalecki took us straight to the Wild West as the World’s Most Wanted cowboy, when we come back will (y/n) prove herself worthy of the belt? Followed by the decision of which Winchester wins the LSB belt, we’ll be right back”. “Wanted” came back on over the speakers as the camera came onto both Jared and I and we were both Lip syncing to the song.

After the commercial break, LL stated.

“We’re back with the final performance of the night. It’s been a Supernatural rollercoaster but now it’s time for the youngest Winchester to see what she brought with us to the table to beat her older brother”. The camera came on me and I waved and got my hands into fighting position before it went straight to my other performance.

I was in my dressing room getting ready in the same style of clothes that I have been wearing for almost 12 years of my life.  

I was now in the dance studio practicing the dancing and the choreographer was proclaiming at how well I was doing and when it was over, my entire crew applauded and I high-fived every single one of them.

It now showed me practicing on stage and I was eating a doughnut as I sat beside LL Cool J and I told him.

“Jared’s definitely gonna tap out as soon as he sees my next performance”.

“Oh is he?”

“Yep, in fact I bet he’ll probably leave the room” he then bursted out laughing as I smirked and drank up my water.  As the show would show my dancing my voice came over before filming me in my dressing room, “I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve, it ain’t over till I say it’s over. Jared you might as well give up honey, because this next performance will rock your world”.

(Now I just want u guys to play Jessie J’s part, then skip straight to Ariana’s part, play the first half of the chorus after Ariana’s part, then skip again to Nicki’s part and then just kinda let it play out up until the verse before the last part of the song hopefully you guys got this if not then I’ll try to put up the numbers so that ya’ll can follow along)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxTdKnW-03Y

The lights soon went on and my song “Bang Bang” by Jessie J ft. Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj came over the speaker.  But the stage was now decked up almost exactly like the Bunker set we have back at the Vancouver set and my outfit was exactly like Natasha’s.  

For the past few seasons since about 8-9, Natasha went for a red jacket kinda similar to Emma Swan’s on Once Upon a time, jeans, black combat boots, and a simple black short sleeved t-shirt.  She also wore a silver necklace with a single ruby red gem at the center and of course the shirt allowed my anti-possession tattoo to show that stood a bit over my chest.

As I synced to the song, I went a bit crazy and shook my booty sexually trying to mock Jared then I even pulled out a replica prop of Lucille that we teased during the 200th episode.  I walked up towards a desk and I slammed the bat down twice and soon popping out dressed in a female version of Sam was a special guest star to help with the song for Ariana’s part.

Genevieve Padalecki.

Gen came around and the two of us stared Jared down and coyly wagged our finger at him in a ‘come hither’ motion.  And I swear I have never seen Jared’s face look more shocked than seeing his wife help me with my LSB.  

We continued to act like two proud sexy ladies letting the music take us, facing each other and placing a finger to our lips as we synced the shhh then we faced back towards Jared as we both gestured the bad girl line right towards Gen since she did play a demon.

Soon the chorus came and Gen and I danced together as soon coming onto the stage once again was a replica of Baby that Jensen and Misha came in on and as half the chorus was played and Nicki’s part came on, another special guest came on stage all dressed as Female Dean.

Danneel Ackles.

The crowd went insane at seeing both J2 wives up on stage with me dressed head to toe just like their husbands on the show just minus the hair since I wanted this to be a Winchester-Sister parody.  Dani, Gen and I were bouncing around, doing the fist-bump as we jumped backwards just going crazy with Nicki’s rap.

When the rap slowed, like true super models I lead followed by Gen then finally Dani down the catwalk as the three of us strutted the catwalk with our hands at our waists just strutting slowly yet powerful.  When we got down the catwalk we went crazy once again by pop-in-locking our shoulders from side to side before spinning our bodies like a clock at the spelling of Bang.

When Jessie’s solo came on, Dani and Gen went down to the ground as I took center stage and we then raced back and soon my backup dancers who were all dressed up as either demons, angels, werewolves, vampires, or any other monster that was on the show.  

So we did what we Winchesters did best, hunted them down and killed or exorcised them. Once they were take care of, we returned to Baby.

Dani and Gen up on the hood while I literally got right on top of the car and then stood up proudly as the three of us synced the song, I then slide down from the roof right between Gen and Dani on the Hood and we all turned in sync and flipped off Jared and that’s when my song ended.

The room went crazy as I slide off the rest of the Impala and Gen and Dani wrapped their arms around me and we all group hugged.

“Ladies and Gents give a round of applause to DANNEEL ACKLES AND GENEVIEVE PADALECKI!!!!” I cried into the mic.  The girls bowed as I clapped with the audience and LL came up to us and was beyond words.

“The Wayward sisters have made a comeback!” The crowd cheered as I now stood between Gen and Dani and we all turned towards Jared who was now down on the ground completely dead. We were now laughing hysterically as LL said, “Jared? Jared are you alive?”

“This is why you wouldn’t be a part of my Livin La Vida Loca act!?” proclaimed Jared. Gen smiled widely and she said.

“(Y/n) asked me first, and what can I say? I can’t say no to this face” She cupped my chin and I did my puppy dog eyes and she kissed my cheek and wrapped her arms around me.

When she came on the show at season 4 when I was 12, even though my character absolutely hated her guts to no end, I ended up personally falling in love with Gen. I thought she and Jared would make a cute couple someday if they ever got married, and even when I shipped it, Jared even tried to get me to be his wing woman to try and win over Gen. Of course she rejected him till finally she agreed to go out on a date with him, then on that beautiful February day of 2010, I was invited to be one of Gen’s bridesmaids for their wedding.

Around that same time, Jensen also married Dani and the three of us girls became like sisters and soon the rest was history.  I became an aunt to each of their kids and they all called me Auntie (y/n) and pretty soon little Odette will be on her way to calling me that once she gets a little older.

“Jared I am so glad to not be in your spot right now” mentioned Jensen.

“You dodged a bullet baby, I’ll get you when we get home” proclaimed Dani.  The crowd all oohed at Dani’s burn and I fist-bumped her on a job well done.

“Alright ladies please step on up to the VIP or join your husband Mrs. Ackles whichever one you prefer”. Said LL.  I then went up to the VIP with Jared as Gen followed behind me while Dani went up to where Jensen was and we went to a final commercial break.  

I sat beside Jared and he hugged me on a job well done while he brought Gen on his lap and wrapped his arms around her and placed his head on top of her rocking her side to side.

Soon Jared and I were asked to join LL as the belt was now about to be given out and the audience would decide who was the Supernatural LSB Champion.  We were finally back and LL said.

“Welcome back to Lip Sync Battle. The night has been fierce and each of these Winchesters have fought their hardest but now it’s time for the audience to decide, Chrissy are you ready?”

“I am overly ready” she said as she held the one and only LSB belt.  She stood beside Jared first as LL said.

“Is the Lip Sync Battle Supernatural champion Jared Padalecki?” The crowd cheered and he tried to get them to scream louder.  I stood there in place feeling above all nervous of how the outcome would be, I mean don’t get me wrong I had a hell of a time, I’ve always wanted to be on this show and I love Jared to pieces but I really wanted to win this.

“Or is the Lip Sync Battle Supernatural champion (y/n) (l/n)?” For me the audience screamed even louder than Jared’s and I barely did anything.  I raised my arms up in exult as the crowd even began cheering my name.  “And the winner is….. (Y/n) (L/n)!!!” I screamed loudly and covered my mouth overcome with joy as Chrissy strapped the belt around me.

I felt tears coming down my face as I was overwhelmed with emotion right now.

“Talk to us, talk to us (y/n) how’s it feel to be the Champ?” I sniffled and tried to stop myself from crying as the audience awed at me.

“It feels….Oh my god it feel amazing but I thought I wouldn’t win this!” The audience awed again. “But first I would like to thank Jared for being quite the competitor, I had a lot of fun and thank you guys so much this means a lot to me”. I wiped my tears away as I felt Chrissy rub my shoulders and even hug me.

“Jared, even though you lost did you have a good time? How has this experience been for you?”

“It was wonderful I see now why this is (y/n)’s favorite show. I had a hell of a blast and if there was anyone I could lose to, I’m glad it was (y/n) and not Jensen”. Jensen cried out offensively as Jared came up and embraced me and even picked me up and rocked me back and forth.

Soon Jensen, Misha, Gen and Dani came down and joined us as LL took us out and my backup dancers all came out.

“(Y/n) (l/n) proved herself to be the Supernatural Champion, a big thanks to the cast of Supernatural and remember, whatever you do in life….Knock em out the box cell. Knock em out L!” “Bang, Bang” came up on the speakers again and we all were dancing along to the song until we were told that we were off air.

Later that night, Jared, Jensen, Misha, their wives and I were celebrating my victory and Jared soon called out.

“Hears to (y/n) the LSB champion”.

“To (y/n)!” They all proclaimed as their raised their glasses in the air for me and we spent the rest of the night celebrating before the guys and I were to head back to continue filming the rest of Supernatural since our Hiatus break was almost over by this time.

[kirishii-gay]

Kiribaku Week- Day 7

EVERYTHING WAS RED 

(Poem)

Written by: Kiara

Word Count: 1.4k (It’s long, I know lmao)

Prompt: Cooking / Jealousy / Music

@kiribakuweek2k18

READ ON AO3 HERE -> https://archiveofourown.org/works/14325495

His hand lifts, and collides with a crash, As the music moves him forward. Bar by bar, Song by song, He plays, and plays. He plays like he fights, Anger, Passion, Fury. He plays like he cries, Regret, Frustration, Worry. The instrument transforms him, With new light, and sound. It lets him hit it, It lets him cry, It holds him until all the tears are gone. Vanished with the play of a song.

He plays for himself, As the days wear on. The drum still calls him. As he returns to his safe haven, he’s brought back to life. And the notes come to life with him. They scream, they cry, they dance, they sing, They let him lead the way. E# notes not yet made, Chords that do not match, Each fade away under the hand of the drummer. The prison of the set sound is set free, The pressure of the melody is no longer. For there is no sound at the heart of a drum. There is just the pounding anger.

Again and again, he returns to the drum. And it welcomes him with open arms. Why? Why does it keep doing this to him? He wants to hate it. Push it away. Leave the drum. Leave the steady beat that kept his song going. But his song without the drum is like the boy without his heart. His heart pounds, The drum echoes. His heart races, The beat speeds up under the control of his hands. The boy introduces the drum to a new emotion.

Red.

Vibrant, too-spiked hair, A flash of a shark-tooth grin. The anger that drove him is not there, And the drum sings a happy beat. He’s frustrated, and the notes sigh. The red is too bright, It blinds his vision, His heart beats, pounds, races. Under the mercy of the red, red, grin, The drum is fighting, Between two sides of a protected heart.

One that craves the red, That sees the shark tooth grin and craves more. That soars with a new drive, a new beat, a new genre. The heavy metal replaced with ballad, The anger replaced with love. The red of the shark-toothed man.

The other pushes the red away roughly, Setting off an explosion that stains it with black. It wants it to leave. To leave and never return. For he does not need red, Something so pitiful, so stupid, so useless, as red. He’s stronger than this. He’s better than this. This worthless, stupid thing that grasps him by his shoulders. That coaxes his comfort of the screaming drum to a soft beat. That turns ventful notes into ones of hope, Black and white monotone music turns colourful. The notes on the staff turn red.

The drum is there for him during it all. He plays when he fights, Confused, Furious, Longing. He fights when he cries, The emotions can’t be described. Again and again, the song changes, No tune yet richer than a violin. Emotion rivaling a piano. Tempo changing, Genre changing, Everything’s changing to the point where it’s not even his song anymore.

What’s happening to him?

His hands fall limp. The cymbal crashes. The snare drum sighs, Dragged along by a torn, simple beat. He thinks. And thinks. And the drum follows. His mind wanders, the tempo rises, And his mind falls onto red.

Immediately the tempo changes again, Red, excited notes take over his song, Becoming for him to follow. The piece his heart played, Controlled by his hand, his mind, his choices, Now being led on by red. Against his will, red’s taking over.

The song held in the prison of his set mind, Free but following the rules of his hand. Free from the prison of one, Led into the prison of another. The notes were never truly free, As freedom comes at a price, A price he was not willing to take. He wanted this song to be his. Each change, each rise in tempo, Each crescendo, each decrescendo, each his. The drummer and the conductor. With the flick of his hand, he changes it. He writes the notes as if he was writing a story, Movement of his wrist panting his one masterpiece. That was the way he wanted it. But that’s not the way he kept it.

Red held his hand and smiled, Like it was asking for permission. Idiot.

His song was painted in a new sound, New notes were introduced, The snare singed, The symbol danced. His body moved along the drum kit without a thought. A new song was painted. Exploded in red, Crimson, deep red, Blush-like, gentle red. Red that was so vibrantly bright you had to turn away, Red that embraced you in a soft warmth. Everything, all emerged in a new colour.

His song led by a new conductor. The red that moved along and waited for him to follow, That grasped his hand and pulled him along. For once in his life, For the first time in all the notes he’d ever played, He wasn’t the one deciding the music. But rather, the one lead along.

He was overwhelmed by the red. By the red taking over his heart, His mind, The song he always controlled. The life he always knew.

The red was patient. It waited for him with a gentle smile. It pushed him, but not too much. Guided him to a gentler beat, A softer pace. A new found light, A new found love, A new found sound.

The cause of the red was him.

The too-red hair, The too-red, twinkling eyes. The skin that could take a bullet like it’s nothing. The smile he held through it all. The praise he sent Katsuki that made the blond go blind from the red in his vision, His too-loud laugh that was the sweetest music to his ears. His red-hot fighting, intense and determined. His fire-like passion, His bright red attitude. The crimson he wanted to be, The rich red he was.

It was all Eijirou.

He savored the red from a distance, and the pace slowed. The climax of the piece reached, But yet again, the beat craved. The notes longed for something more. Another change in tempo, Another lift in notes, Another rise to the red that once blinded his senses. But the beat stayed the same.

The next page to turn was unthinkable. To express the red overflowing through his veins. To have Eijirou show him a smile no one else could see, A smile only for him. To whisper words no one else could hear, The words reserved for him. Again he longed, And again he craved, But the dream simply stayed a dream.

Until Eijirou did the unexpected.

Eijirou took hold of the song with a smile. And in his heart, in his song was a matching colour that stained all corners of the sheet music, A brilliant, shining gold. Challenging the sun’s beams, rich, bright, metallic gold,

Eijirou felt it too.

His piece was softer. His melody was sweeter. The notes were smooth, each guided by a tune, But making a new, beautiful rhythm. Opposite to the crash of the drum, His notes sang. And when the gold revealed itself, They sang louder.

Katsuki gaped wide-eyed at the gold, The gold that overtook everything in Eijirou’s music It was like his red- no, it surpassed his red. Eijirou felt it too. He felt it stronger.

With the grasp of the hand he longed to touch, The two pieces joined. Katsuki taking control over Eijirou’s, over the beautiful, priceless gold. And Eijirou over Katsuki’s, soothing the racing, ever-growing red. And slowly, the heart of the piece came alive again.

The beat returned, louder than ever, Lead by the guide of two hearts. Music combined and grew, The notes free of any prison, escaping into the high clouds of the never-ending sky. The tuneless notes introduced to a melody, The reckless melody calmed with a steady metronome. Each individual song of the two people came together to create the most beautiful song, The most beautiful sound, Lead by the two lovestruck hearts.

His hand lifts, and collides with a crash, As the redhead moves him forward with a smile. Bar by bar, Song by song, He plays, and Eijirou plays. They play like they fight Determination, Passion, Heroic. They play like they long, Desperate, Vibrant, Reaching. The red transforms him, The gold immerses him. With new light, and sound. He lets Katsuki fight, He lets Katsuki cry, He holds him until all the tears are gone. Vanished with the play of a song.

[iwriteficsnottragediesladies]

Girl can SING (Part 2 )

A/N: Here is the second installment! Please stroke my ego if you’d like because I’m not feeling confident about this one. Shout out to @jared-padaloveme and @multifandom-slytherin!

The next day when you all woke up, the first thing you did after breakfast was get dragged into a jam session. You all talked music, explaining what your vocal range was like and things you’ve worked on before. Brendon had you do vocal warm ups with him while Kenny warmed up and Dallon tuned.

You felt so incredibly awkward and sang them quietly. Vocal warm ups were silly on their own, with lots of “me meh mah moe moo” and “oooo” runs. Doing them with Brendon, and in front of Ken and Dallon, was weird. You nervous-giggled through the whole thing. Brendon finds it very endearing.

You weren’t confident about your singing around them at first because you didn’t think you were the same caliber. Brendon’s singing seemed way out of your league. Brendon seemed way out of your league. Plus, you didn’t want them to think that you’re using them for their connections. 

Brendon points out where you can add harmonies to their songs and has you try Girls/Girls/Boys out. The boys start to play along. You look both terrified and awkward, your voice barely audible. Brendon locks eyes with you while he sings and smiles. He suddenly takes your hands and makes you shimmy-dance with him, never missing a note. You giggle through the lyrics and he spins you around.

Before you realize it, you’re singing at a normal volume, no longer feeling shy, with a smile on your face. The fact that he knew just how to get you to open up warms your cheeks.

Things only got better from there. Truth is, you had been playing out quite a bit and posted on YouTube all the time before you met them. Once you were comfortable around them, music came to you as easily as it did alone. It was pretty easy to feel confident when the best singer you’ve ever met was impressed by you. The way Brendon looked at you as you sang… it made you feel invincible.

Actually, the way Brendon looked at you in general made you feel invincible. Over the course of a month, the butterflies in your stomach had not gone away. He makes you feel brave.

Singing with Brendon was like living in a dream. The band was so excited to have you around, saying that you brought something special that they had been looking for.

One day when you’re rehearsing, you step out to get some water. You return and stop at the door, hearing hushed voices. You can’t help but listen in.

“What?! You still haven’t made any moves on her?” It’s Dallon, whispering incredulously.

“No,” you hear Brendon reply sheepishly. Oh my god. Are they talking about you?

“Dude, what are you waiting for?” Kenny asks.

“I don’t know,” Brendon says quietly, “She’s just so… so perfect.”

Your heart is racing.

“Brendon Urie,” Dallon teased in his mock-dad voice, “Are you afraid of falling in love?”

“Y/n is perfect for you, Brendon,” Kenny says simply. Your stomach does somersaults and a grin overtakes your lips.

“I know, I know,” Brendon is chuckling nervously, “Soon.”

You replay the word in your head. Soon. Soon couldn’t come soon enough. You’re certain your heart is about to explode. You take a moment to bring your face to a neutral state. You look as though you heard nothing at all and pushed the door open.

As you enter the room, everyone suddenly looks away or down at their instruments. Brendon fiddles with the microphone in his hands, turning it upside down and toggling the on/off switch as if it was broken. Brendon has you in some sort of state, and you do something that was really unlike you: you decided to mess with him.

You walk right up to him with a bit of concern.

“Is something wrong with the mic?” You ask, sliding your hand around it, gripping the cylinder tightly just above his hand. It was very suggestive, yet you looked up at him with an innocent expression. He is bright red. You liked having such an effect on him.

“Uh,” he stuttered, “no I- um yeah it was off for a second.”

“Oh good,” you smile and walk over to where you had set down your mic. You pick it up and turn around, acting like you are completely oblivious. “Ready?” You ask Brendon and look back to the boys. You are met with a few nods and continued on with practice.

It had been another couple weeks and Brendon had not made any moves. You started to second guess yourself. What if you had just been a flash in the pan for Brendon, or the boys were pushing him when he wasn’t actually interested? You knew it was too good to be true.

You had been on Brendon and Dallon’s Snapchat stories quite a few times. You’ve also been in a couple of Brendon’s instagram photos too. The fans were beginning to recognize you, and there were lots of comments questioning your relationship to the band– specifically your relationship to Brendon. He always replies that you’re friends. You do the same.

His behavior confuses you. Sometimes he seems flirtatious, other times it’s just business.

They had booked a gig and they wanted you to come, just to experience it. You got to go to the soundcheck and meet and greet, which was really interesting. Listening to Brendon interact with fans warmed your heart. They adored him so much, and he gave them his genuine love in return.

You were all prettied up. They’re not officially on tour or anything, so it was a medium sized venue, packed full of people. The atmosphere was electric. The guys were preparing to go out and you stood off to the side of the stage, watching from the wings.

“Break a leg, Bren,” You say to him before he goes on. Damn, you used that nickname again.

Their set was incredible. You watched in awe, not being able to believe that one day, you might be out there with them. And dear god--Brendon in those pants...

They played their final song, Victorious. Instead of making their immediate exit, they all remained on stage. Brendon began to pace with the gold mic in his hands.

“You know, I’ve met a lot of talented people,” He started, “And I’ve met a lot of beautiful people, kind people, caring people… Two months ago, I met someone who was all of those things.”

Wait. You met two months ago. A distinct waves of tingles passed over your body.

“And when you meet someone like that, they instantly become someone special to you.”

The crowd began to awwww and became excited.

“Obviously, I love music, and I could talk about it all day and all night,” he stated, “But when I heard this person’s voice for the first time, I was speechless.”

He was speechless the first time her heard you sing.

“Her voice,” he said, “Is something I need to share with you all. In fact, She is someone I need to share with you all.”

Your throat was closing shut. You think it all sounds very romantic. Was he  talking about you… Romantically?

“So I’d like to bring out this very special someone,” He looked off at you, “Y/n.”

You shake your head vehemently, but he wasn’t about to take no for an answer. He saunters over in your direction and reaches his hand out to you. The crowd was cheering. You take a moment and hesitantly walk forward, taking his hand. He leads you out and you are blinded by the stage lights shining on you. The crowd is going nuts.

You stood next to Brendon and you can’t contain a huge smile at such a warm reception. You cover your face in embarrassment.

“Now, I know we played Hallelujah for you tonight,” He said, “But we’re going to do some old school Hallelujah for you. This is the first song I ever heard Y/N sing. And I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.”

The crowd was awwing like crazy, eating up the cuteness. This is how Brendon feels about you. Your heart is melting. 

“So here it is,” Brendon announced.

Dallon appears next to you and is handing you his back up mic. You’re staring at Brendon, barely able to comprehend what he was saying. You’re in shock. You take the mic.

You continued to stare at him frozen. He points his mic down so the audience can’t hear him speak. He leaned in and spoke softly in your ear.

“Just like in the shower, Y/n,” He said slowly. “Keep looking at me. I’m right here. You can do this.”

You felt like a deer in the head lights, but you hold his gaze, gripping onto it for dear life. You repeated the words to yourself as the boys played the intro. Just like in the shower. Just like in the shower. Just like in the shower.

You begin to sing. Your voice is a bit shaky. Brendon is softly singing the harmony over you. Your eyes start to wander and dart around, but Brendon gets your attention and points to his eyes.

When Brendon looks at you, you feel invincible.

His eyes are your sanctuary. Your voice evens out and the crowd is quiet, listening intently. While you sang, your thoughts raced over how you felt about Brendon. You could fall in love with him. Truth be told, you already were.

You felt yourself singing the runs spot on. Brendon was smiling so hard. He was so proud.

As you came up on the final verse, Brendon moved closer to you. He lowered the hand holding his microphone down to his side, and stepped up to you. Your bodies were just inches apart and he began to sing into your mic with you. You sing the final word, letting in ring in the air.

Hallelujah

You were so close you could feel the heat of his breath on your cheeks. Everything disappears–the lights, the roaring crowd. He rested his forehead, damp with sweat, against yours and looked into your eyes. His gaze was full of a mixture of love, pride, and even a bit of “I told you so”. He gave you that adorable smirk that you couldn’t resist. You giggle to yourself and lower the mic.

All the noise and light around you disappear. It is just you and Brendon and nothing else. He closes the space between you and gently pushes his lips to yours, wrapping his arms around your waist. He holds you close and you feel like you dissolve into his embrace. It is when he releases you that you come back to reality and are hit with the wall of sound the crowd is producing.

The crowd is going absolutely wild. You’ve never heard such a frenzied sound. Brendon remains just looking at you, taking you all in. You’re about to cry or laugh, maybe both, you’re just not sure.

He pried his eyes away from you and said thank you to the audience. He said something to them about driving home safe, but you can’t understand the words coming from his mouth. You’re too busy attempting to process the pure joy rushing through you.

Brendon takes your hand and leads you off stage. You find the nearest corner and do something a bit out of character for you. You spin him around and gently shove his back against the wall, pushing your body against his. He looks at you a bit shocked but clearly pleased.

“Brendon. Boyd. Urie,” you state with a devious grin. “I’m going to fucking kill you! But first,”  Your face relaxed. “I’m going to fucking kiss you.”

Before he can respond, you kiss him, open mouthed and borderline obscenely. You can tell he is smiling, his teeth brushing yours. He runs his fingers through your hair. You break the kiss and look at him.

“Why were you holding out on me?” You ask softly.

“I felt like I liked you…” he struggled to find the words, “too much.”

“Too much?” You clarify.

“I think I’m falling in love with you,” he blurted.

A smile beamed from your face and your eyes welled up a bit. You had been imagining this moment since the day you met him.

“Me too Bren,” you whispered, “me too.”

This was the start of something amazing.

A/N: Hope you liked it! Be on the look out for the 3rd installment. Like/reblog if you’re feelin’ it!

[themusicenthusiast]

Wednesday, March 27th, 2019 – Thoroughly Engaging and Entertaining, The Revivalists Take Good Care of Their Dallas Fans

Photos by Jordan Buford Photography A Wednesday night definitely isn’t the prime night for a concert, and for a time in the early evening it looked as if South Side Ballroom wouldn’t be too crowded, the vastness of the venue being obvious. That was early on though, about the time the lone opening act, Rayland Baxter, set things in motion around eight o’clock. As he and his band performed, droves of concertgoers continued to pack in, ready for something fun to break up the monotony of the work week, and everyone seemed to know that The Revivalists would be the cure for that. The eight-piece ensemble had returned to the road earlier in the month, continuing to tour in support of their recently released fourth studio album, Take Good Care (out via Loma Vista Recordings/Concord Music Group). With each new album The Revivalists have experienced more substantial success, this latest one being no different, spawning some of their biggest singles to date. In turn, the Take Good Care Tour had them gracing some of the largest stages they have headlined in their career, and for it they had prepared an absolutely vigorous performance. The audience reflected the diverse reach that The Revivalists’ music has, patrons ranging from their twenties to many who were middle-aged and up, all packing in as tightly as they could, consumed by excitement as they awaited their showtime. Andrew Campanelli and Paulet "PJ" Howard  took the stage as the house lights dimmed at 9:16, taking a spot behind their respective drum kits where they proceeded to knock out a heavy, steady set of beats. In a way they were almost dueling drums; and as bold a step as that is for a band to incorporate two percussionists into their sound, it never sounded like excess this night. Quite the contrary, actually, jointly further fleshing out the music and providing a richer depth to it. Howard has been a part of the group for a little more than a year now though he’s still the newest piece to the band, his addition having emboldened their already distinct sound that draws on elements of rock, soul and funk to name a few. A sound that could only be born out of the style and flare that is found in their hometown of New Orleans.

As they carried on their band mates filed out one by one, George Gekas grabbing his bass and taking his spot over on stage left where he was soon joined by pedal steel guitarist Ed Williams. To the right of the massive risers that housed the drum kits was another riser with the keyboards, Michael Girardot climbing up behind them. Each received thunderous applause as they found their way out underneath the stage lights, guitarist Zack Feinberg garnering some of the loudest yet when he appeared; while Rob Ingraham waved his saxophone in the air after grabbing it before proceeding to twirl it around in his hands. The most applause seemed to have been reserved for David Shaw, the frontman bounding out on stage with vim, raring to go; and with everyone in place they were off. The attention would largely be on Take Good Care this night, and while it has become customary for bands to open with something from their current release, The Revivalists opted for some older material. Songs they knew would instantly click with the spectators and deliver that euphoric rush that a concert is about, while also being songs they were most comfortable with and made the most of their showmanship.

Not every band can come out and completely captivate an audience from the first note, though this octet succeeded at it as Feinberg launched into the opening riff of “Criminal”. It played to the strengths of these finely tuned musicians who were in peak form from all of the touring they’ve currently been doing, allowing them to quickly find their groove both as individuals and as a unit. Performing that cut from City of Sound seemed like second nature to them. It was noticeable in the way they handled themselves; the finesse that Shaw exhibited when it came to interacting with the onlookers and building a rapport with them being inspiring. The relationship he and his band mates worked to achieve transcended the general performer/fan or creator/consumer relationship (however you wish to view it), bridging that gap by striving to make every last soul in the building feel as if they were an integral part of the show. A large runway type structure extended from the center stage, jutting out slightly into the crowd and that was where the vocalist spent a great deal of his time, making sure they were feeling it as he got out amongst them in a sense, frequently pointing the microphone towards everybody as he sprinted around.

Just in that opening number there was enough going on that it was almost overwhelming to the senses, just being so much to try to observe and take in and The Revivalists had barely begun to scratch the surface. Attention went back to Feinberg as he began to delicately pick at his axe, soon revealing the next song to be "It Was a Sin", which was met with roaring fanfare. There’s a cinematic quality to that tale of regret and remorse, the way it builds to something grand before tapering back, ultimately springing to life. Shaw continued to command the audience, giving them opportunities to sing along at various moments; while Ingraham suddenly disappeared from sight, jumping down into the pit and standing on the barricade in front of fans that had scored a spot up front. Upon finishing his part on the saxophone, he proceeded to shake as many hands as he could, further delighting the already enthralled onlookers before racing back up to the stage.

Shaw followed his lead during the smooth and infectious "You and I", the vocalist leaving the stage and interacting even more directly with the patrons. During the other times he was constantly covering the length of the stage, he and his band mates pushing one another to go bigger and bolder; and at one moment he was he even seen sneaking over behind a member of the security team, quickly tapping him on the shoulder before running off, playfully smiling once the guy looked at him. The point is for the entire band this was about having fun, and they were fully embracing that concept. One song that exemplified that the best was “Oh No”. The sax and trumpet – performed by Girardot – were featured prominently and infused the groovy number with an undeniable party vibe that made it feel like an anthem whose intent was to get everyone moving. Indeed, it did, most every soul doing whatever their version of dancing was, just cutting loose and enjoying themselves and the superb music that was so conducive of an excellent time.

They meshed it with the lead single from Take Good Care, "All My Friends" already feeling like a long-standing favorite of The Revivalists’, who tore through the funky tune with searing passion. They even embellished it some, tacking a striking instrumental outro on to it, allowing the musicians to commit themselves to their craft in a different way than had been observed up to that point, spectators staring in awe of their abilities. "All in the Family" came as a pleasant surprise, that gem from Men Amongst Mountains demonstrating the more aggressive rock style that The Revivalists’ possess; the all-out assault Feinberg unleashed in the form of his wicked guitar solo hammering home just how wonderfully chaotic they can be when they so choose. Back on the other end of the spectrum was the rich and warm "Got Love", which was easily the most accurate song of the night, the love between performers and audience being mutual.

Their 75-minute long set just flew by. That was so clearly their aspiration: to get people lost in the music and performance and they achieved it, the final song of the night coming rather abruptly. It at least felt that way, being a bit shocking to think the night was already over with. The Revivalists went out with a bang thanks to their final couple of tracks, "Wish I Knew You" wrapping it all up in a soothing yet mighty fashion. “We’ll see you again. Somewhere, somehow…” Shaw remarked as they bid everyone farewell. An encore was imminent. However, what came as a surprise was the extent of it once the band members reemerged from the wings of the stage a couple of minutes later. That encore was something of a marathon, four songs stretching on for thirty additional minutes of pure bliss, climatic moments coming at every turn.

Some of the more reserved cuts had been saved for last, Shaw taking up an acoustic guitar as he spoke of a song he had written more than a decade before. One where the idea for it just struck him and the entire thing came together within the day. “It’s about catching fireflies,” he finished, the elated crowd reacting strongly to that. "Catching Fireflies" alone took up nearly a third of the time of their encore thanks to the remarkable crescendo they added to it, steadily building it up before letting it explode for a phenomenal finish. The robustly delicate originals followed one after another before The Revivalists switched gears for the finale. The lone cover of the night, they turned to Pink Floyd’s catalog for something a bit different by their standards. There are two perspectives that can be had concerning their rendition of “Have a Cigar”. One is that it was a rather straightforward cover. The song wasn’t altered in any significant way or anything, keeping it true to form; and usually it is better when an act does something to make their version stand apart from any other, leaving their mark on it so that it’s theirs. On the other hand, all of that was mostly irrelevant, because they did such a stellar job with that classic rock tune. It brilliantly highlighted the raw musical prowess of Girardot, Feinberg, Williams, Gekas, Campanelli, Ingraham and Howard, all of whom were able to showcase a different side of themselves. Even without attempting to redefine the track they still owned it, it being topnotch in every respect, capping the evening off in a memorable fashion.

There was no question about it, The Revivalists gave everything they had in them during the upwards of two hours that they had the stage, leaving it all out there underneath those lights. While the terms “show” and “performance” are often used interchangeably (and I, too, am guilty of that at times), it’s important to remember there is a distinction between the two. What The Revivalists unleashed on South Side Ballroom this night was a performance through and through, and one that could serve as a burning example to other acts as to what they should be like as a live act.

The showmanship that they exhibited – as both individuals and a group – was absolutely amazing. There was so much charisma about them that it was impossible to not be utterly transfixed by what they doing, keeping the onlookers’ eyes on a constant move, the leading role frequently shifting amongst the eight of them. To even call The Revivalists a well-oiled machine doesn’t seem to fully justify what they are capable of. As a group they have perfected the chemistry with one another, working off one another’s energy, yet each member and their brilliant talent also stood on their own, the imperative role they played always noticeable. That impeccable musicianship did rule the performance, but not so much so that it out did the fun atmosphere they worked tirelessly to cultivate. Like all performances this one was for the fans, and that was a fact The Revivalists were keenly aware of. As was stated earlier on, they took every step necessary to make the audience feel as if they were part of what was going on while simultaneously keeping them entertained. No easy feat, though they made it look effortless.

A carefully curated set list aided them on that endeavor, each song being strategically placed so that it could further enliven patrons, kicking things up a notch from where the previous number had just left it. And even with that aspect of the show being planned out, there was still a sense of spontaneity about it that allowed the performance to feel unpredictable. Just like the dynamics that went into it. Once it was all said and done The Revivalists had succeeded in delivering just what everyone in attendance had desired. More than just an entertaining way to break up the work week, they had given their fans an experience. An experience they got lost in, all the cares of the outside world melting away as they got lost in the music, allowing themselves to enjoy every last second of it. That’s primarily what music is about, providing an escape from reality, no matter how temporary. For an act to bring that into the live setting is something, especially in the scope that was seen this night. It’s a hallmark of a legitimate group of performers.

If you haven’t seen The Revivalists, you owe it to yourself to catch a show. At the very worst these guys exemplify every great quality of what a concert experience is supposed to be. At best, they elevate it. After witnessing them, I’m quite inclined to go with the latter. 2019 will continue to be a busy year for the band, who has dates scheduled through the fall at the moment. Those include an April 6th show at Key West Amphitheater in Key West, FL; a performance at The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in New Orleans, LA on April 26th; and a gig at The Fillmore in New Orleans on May 2nd. The eastern portion of the Unite States will be their focus during the summer; and on September 21st they can be seen at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO. A complete list of their upcoming events can be found HERE; and do give Take Good Care a listen via either iTUNES or GOOGLE PLAY. Set List: 1) “Criminal” 2) "It Was a Sin" 3) "You and I" 4) "When I'm with You" 5) “Oh No” 6) "All My Friends" 7) "Change" 8) "All in the Family" 9) "You Said it All" 10) "Got Love" 11) "Fade Away" 12) "Celebration" 13) "Wish I Knew You" Encore 14) "Catching Fireflies" 15) "Some People Say" 16) "Soulfight" 17) “Have a Cigar” (Pink Floyd cover)

[embracetheapocalypsewithme]

Embracing the Apocalypse 25: Bird on a Wire

Before I post the final installment of Embracing the Apocalypse, I want to say a huge and very sincere thank you to all of you who have read, liked, commented and otherwise supported this fic over the past few months. I seriously have loved hearing your feedback and ideas about the story, and I know that the experience of writing it wouldn’t have been nearly as fun without it so thank you all so much!

I don’t know exactly where I will go from here, but I know that I want to keep writing Negan fics, so hopefully you guys will keep reading ‘em! I may return to Negan and Rebecca (#Nebecca!) at some point, but I think I will be taking a little break from this paring for a bit, as much as I love them.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading as much as I’ve enjoyed writing this weird pile of words and attempts at jokes. ;)

Summary: Will Rebecca and Negan be able to convince the Sanctuary’s inhabitants that killing Julie and Ted is ok? Can Rebecca convince herself that it’s the right thing to do?

Word Count: 2,798

Content Warnings (or selling points?): Smut, Negan, Negan being Negan, language, death, and violence.

Part 1: The Tale of Thelma Facefuck

Part 2: What’s Up, Doc?

Part 3: A Successful Job Interview Begins with a Firm Handshake and Ends with a Salty Surprise

Part 4: A Crack in Everything

Part 5: Sorting Duty Sucks

Part 6: A Faint Whiff of Bullshit in the Air

Part 7: Turn and Face the Strange

Part 8: Poor Life Choices

Part 9: In Which Negan is a Total Jerk

Part 10: No Plan

Part 11: Negan Settles Rebecca’s Hash

Part 12: I know Where That Hand Has Been, Negan

Part 13: Gimme Danger

Part 14: The Loneliest Hours of the Morning

Part 15: Well, Fuck You Too, Kitty!

Part 16: That Escalated Quickly

Part 17: Well Fuck Me Gently with a Chainsaw

Part 18: Shards of Glass

Part 19: Donkey Heaven

Part 20: Morphine Dream

Part 21: Promises to Keep

Part 22: Are You a Killer?

Part 23: That the Hill You Wanna Die On?

Part 24: Keeping Up Appearances

Part 25: Bird on a Wire

Read on AO3: http://archiveofourown.org/works/8807527/chapters/23270409

Part 25: Bird on a Wire

The Sanctuary’s cafeteria echoed with the din of voices bouncing off of the concrete walls and rebounding over the heads of the building’s inhabitants as they waited anxiously for the announcement to begin. As Negan had promised, attendance was made mandatory for the town hall meeting he had called to announce the fates of Julie and Ted to his citizens.

“What was that about not being dramatic or making a show of this?” Rebecca whispered to him out of the corner of her mouth.

The couple stood in the shadows, on the far left of the large, metal catwalk that overlooked the cafeteria. The narrow metal grating, which hung several feet above the floor, served as a stage for announcements, as well as the occasional performance on Saturday nights from those who could play an instrument, even shittily. From their hiding place, Rebecca could see that the room was completely filled, and her stomach flipped at the thought of standing before all of these people to tell them that they had decided to condemn two of their own to death.

“It has to be done, Fuckface,” Negan murmured back, taking her hand in his to squeeze it, “I’ll be right here with you, doing all of the talking. You’re just here as Exhibit A. And because you’re fucking cute as shit, and it’ll help the news go down better than if I did it alone.”

It had been less than a week since Stephen had attacked Rebecca. She had healed somewhat, and no longer needed painkillers to get through her day, but she was still visibly scarred from her encounters with the less savory element of the Sanctuary.

Julie and Ted had been kept in the basement of the building, under 24 hour supervision by only Negan’s most trusted men and women, since that time. But the waiting was over now. Today was the day that they would atone for their crimes at the end of a gun.

“Fair enough,” she sighed, “Let’s just get this over with, shall we?”

“Whatever you say, Fuckface” Negan replied, leading her out of the shadows by the hand and into the centre of the catwalk.

As the crowd grew quiet at the sight of their leader, Rebecca felt her knees go weak, and she feared that she might faint in front of the sea of faces peering up at them. Taking a shaky breath, she closed her eyes for a moment to compose herself, as Negan began his speech:

“A lot of you probably people know me from the bad, old days,” he began, “The first time I ran this place, I was wrong about a lot of stuff. I used fear to control you because I thought that it would keep you safe. I didn’t respect your intelligence. I didn’t think that you, the collective ‘you’, had the brains to keep yourselves alive without some kind of negative reinforcement keeping you in line. I apologize for that. You’ve all proved me wrong.”

His voice was atypically calm and you could hear a pin drop as those assembled below looked on. Rebecca let her hands rest against the cold metal of the railing in front on her, the sensation drawing her back into reality and rooting her to the moment.

“When I was put back into power by Rick, I promised myself that I would find another way to lead you. I don’t want to punish anyone who doesn’t deserve it. I don’t ever want to go back to the old ways again. But, sometimes violence cannot be avoided. That is one of the sad realities of this new world that we’re building. Sometimes there are exceptional circumstances that call for punishment. And that is what I am here to talk to you about today.”

Placing a hand on Rebecca’s back, Negan motioned toward her with his head as he continued to speak:

“This is Rebecca. She came here not long ago from the forest. She had lived there since the outbreak, and believe me when I say that this lady has been through more than most of us could ever dream of out there. When she came here and joined us, she hoped for a better life and for a fair chance to make her way in the world. And she has. Since coming here, she’s joined the ranks of our Scavenger team and has proven herself to be a great asset to us. She’s helped us to find valuable medical supplies that will help some of you live better lives.”

He paused, Rebecca supposed for dramatic effect.

“But someone didn’t like the fact that she and I spent some time together and got close to one another. Julie, one of our commissary workers, took it upon herself to ask two men, Ted from the sorting team and one of my own Saviors, Stephen, to beat the holy fucking shit out of Rebecca one night. Her only alleged crime was associating with me. And she nearly died because of it. Twice. Because after they had beaten her nearly to death, Stephen decided that it would be a good idea to attack her with a knife while she was bedridden. I’m proud to say that Stephen is no longer a threat to any of us thanks to Rebecca’s bravery. She took the fucker out with her bare hands, even while recovering from her injuries stemming from the first attack.”

A murmur arose from the crowd, as a chorus of curious voices began. Rebecca felt as if every eye was on her, scrutinizing her, inspecting her body to see if her injuries were bad enough to justify the murder of a Savior. Had he really meant to kill her? How did they know she hadn’t instigated the attack? What did Negan mean by “spending time” and “getting close with one another” anyway?

“And that is why,” Negan continued, raising his voice above the crowd to quiet them, “We have decided to execute Julie and Ted for their crimes. Not simply because they attempted to take the life of an innocent woman, but also because they have shown no remorse for their actions, and I believe that they would attempt to carry out something similar again if they are allowed to live.”

The crowd roared up at them like an ocean wave crashing upon the rocks. Angry questions and abuse was hurled at them. Their words hit Rebecca like a thousand tiny knives, none of them doing much damage alone, but the cumulative effect causing her stomach to turn and bile to rise in her throat. She took a step forward and bellowed above the noise:

“Hey! Hey! Everyone shut the fuck up for a minute! I have something to say!”

The crowd grudgingly quieted, their voices descending to a dull murmur once again.

“Most of you don’t know me, but everything Negan said is the truth. I did come here from the forest looking for a better life. I came here after my fiancé died because I didn’t know what else to do. I love it here, and all I’ve ever wanted to do is to make this place better for all of us by helping us to get the things we need to survive. That’s why I wanted to become a Scavenger. And I know that Negan feels the same way that I do. He made some really bad mistakes in the past. You know it and so does he. But can any of us truthfully say that we would have led the Sanctuary perfectly, given the circumstances? Bottom line: He kept you alive. He paid for his mistakes and he changed because he wanted to change. Julie and Ted though? They don’t want to change. So fuck them.”

The voices grew restless and angry again, causing Rebecca’s heart thump in her chest until she thought that it would explode. But she persisted and continued.

“See this?” she gestured to the side of her face, which was still marred with healing cuts and bruises, “That’s where Ted kicked me in the head while I was already on the ground after he punched me and Stephen knocked me down, all because Julie told them to do it,” she lifted the side of her shirt to show the large swaths of bruising that still covered her ribs, “This is where Stephen and Ted both kicked me while I was on the ground crying for help. And this?” she lifted her leg over the railing and pulled up the leg of her shorts to reveal the healing knife wound, “This is where Stephen stabbed me the second time he attacked me while I was still fucked up from the first attack.”

The voices diminished and the room fell silent, and Rebecca lowered her leg back to its original position.

“We didn’t come to this decision lightly. Neither Negan nor I want to kill Ted and Julie. I didn’t want to kill Stephen, but I was backed into a corner. I had to save myself. And now we need to save the rest of you from the people who only want to disrupt what we are trying to build. If you want to go back to living in a world where power is taken by the one with the pointiest stick, and no fucking empathy for anyone else, then that’s your choice. But I’m choosing to help make this a place where the strong protect the weak. Where people who try to victimize and terrorize are put in their place, or put down if they can’t be reformed. I’ve said my piece, and I hope you believe me when I tell you that this decision is not coming from a place of hate for those we plan to execute today, but from a place of love for this community.”

As she stepped back from the railing, Rebecca noted that the room had gone silent once again. She looked over a Negan to find him staring at her in a way she had never seen before, eyes wide with an expression she couldn’t quite place. Looking out at the crowd, she caught the eye of Ryan, her old friend from the sorting room, just in time to see his face break into a smile as he began to clap. Eventually others joined him in applauding her speech, much to her surprise.

Not everyone clapped for them. Some people simply walked away shaking their heads in dismay. But the wave of searing hatred seemed to have abated, dissolved by her words and her story. At least for the time being.

Turning to leave, Rebecca felt Negan’s hand wrap around hers again as they walked from the catwalk’s centre, and back into the shadows.

“Jesus Christ, Fuckface. Why didn’t you tell me you knew how to do that?” he asked, eyes still wide.

“Do what?” she said with naked confusion.

“Make speeches. Calm people the fuck down like that. That was fucking amazing. You sure you weren’t a hostage negotiator before?”

“Pretty sure. And I’ve never done that before. It just…came out. It was what was in my heart, I guess, as fucking silly as that sounds.”

“Not fucking silly at all. Not ever a little bit,” he bent down and kissed her forehead before pulling her into an embrace, “Are you ready for the really shitty part now?”

“Are you sure you want me there?”

“Yeah. I think you need to be there.”

“Then I’m ready,” she said, as they descended the metal structure and made their way to Julie and Ted.

***

The walk to the field where the execution was to be held hadn’t taken very long, but it felt like an eternity to Rebecca. The still-warm sunlight of early autumn painted her shoulders and face pink as the delegation comprised of herself, Negan, Julie, Ted, and Chris walked in silence, finally coming to a stop in the open area of over-grown grass and wildflowers.

Looking into a sky so perfectly blue that it seemed hard to believe that today was the day that she would help to end the lives of two people, Rebecca noted a flock of birds passing overhead. In that moment, she wanted nothing more than to take flight with the birds, and to leave her obligations to her adopted community. But, alas, her feet stayed firmly on the ground.

(like a bird on the wire, like a drunk in a midnight choir, i have tried in my way to be free)

She lowered her gaze to look directly at Ted and Julie as Chris led them a few feet away from where she and Negan stood, making them kneel in the grass with their backs to their three captors. When the gun came out of Negan’s jacket, shining with a sick, dull lustre, she found it hard to breathe and her pulse began to thump in her ears. She could only imagine the anxiety that Ted and Julie must be feeling at this moment.

(if i…if i have been unkind, i hope that you can just let it go by)

Neither Julie nor Ted showed any emotion in their body language as they continued to kneel, even as Negan approached them, his legs rustling the tall grass. They must have known that it was coming, and yet they never wavered or wept. They only stared straight ahead in quiet defiance in their final moments.

(but i swear by this song, and by all that i have done wrong: i will make it all up to thee)

Rebecca stared on in wonder as Ted reached over to take Julie’s hand to comfort her as they waited for the end. Negan readied the gun behind Julie as Chris did the same behind Ted. Rebecca remained rooted in place, unable to look away from the scene or even blink. Chris turned his head to look at Negan and a slight nod passed between the two men as they coordinated their shots. The deafening blast of gunpowder ripped through the serenity of the day, propelling both targets forward in the grass.

Rebecca felt her knees give out and tumbled to the ground, tears falling from her eyes. She had needed to be here, that much was true. But she took no pleasure in what had been done. A sob broke the quiet that had fallen over the field, and it took her a moment to realize that it was her own voice making the noise. Everything felt so far away, the colours draining from the sky and grass, boiling it all down to chromatic grey nothingness.

(oh like a bird on the wire, like a drunk in a midnight choir, i have tried in my way to be free)

And then he was beside her, a hand on her shoulder shaking her, bringing her back to herself again. Warm brown eyes peering into her and filling up the broken places, helping to hold her together.

“Rebecca? Wake up.”

His voice was like velvet in the darkness. Rebecca awoke to Negan looking down at her. They were safe and warm in bed. Though the night pressed against them, it was ultimately staved off by his arms snaking around her and pulling her close to him.

“You ok? You were making fucking terrible noises in your sleep,” he murmured sleepily in her ear.

It had been two days since they had executed Julie and Ted, and while the memories were easily overcome in the light of day, her dreams offered her a nightly replay of the horrid experience.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just a nightmare,” she rotated to face him and wrapped her arms around him, trailing her fingers lightly against the small of his back, “Thank you for waking me up. They fucking suck.”

“I know,” he kissed her lightly, the freshly shaven skin of his chin brushing against her, “Go back to sleep. You need all the rest you can get for tomorrow. We’re off at the fucking ass crack of dawn again.”

“Good thing you’re a fucking morning person,” she mumbled, letting her eyes drift closed again.

The next morning they would leave with the Scavengers on a week-long trek into the surrounding area, looking for items they could use to make preserves for the fall and to build greenhouses for the colder months. Rebecca was tentatively optimistic that a Wal-Mart their scouts had spied a week prior might provide them with the supplies they needed.

“I’ll convert you yet,” he said, his voice fading down into a weak drone, “You just have to give yourself over to the change and you’ll adjust to it.”

“Turn and face the strange,” she sighed. They both drifted into the nothingness of a peaceful and dreamless sleep.

[romeyramshey]

IT’S BUSINESS TIME FOR ROCKET LAB, LAUNCHER OF SMALL SATELLITES

“Dear everyone,” wrote Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck during a reddit AMA in April, “I’m not building a bigger rocket any time soon.”

Beck seems to get asked about expansion a lot. He and his Kiwi-US space company don’t build craft whose names end in “heavy.” Their rockets don’t land after launch. They’re only about as tall as a five-story building and as wide as a bookshelf, and they heft just 500 pounds max into orbit.//// post free classified ads in USA ////

But that’s exactly the point. Rocket Lab manufactures its Electron rocket—which will launch its first non-test flight sometime in the next two weeks, with a launch window opening at 8:30 pm Eastern Time—because it matches the size of its payload satellites. Rocket Lab sells rides on space vehicles that are dedicated to smallsats, which usually have to piggyback on heavy rockets that don’t always fly to the right orbits for smallsats, and don’t launch often enough for companies planning big constellations. It’s like for years there has only been a Big ‘N’ Tall store, and finally someone has launched a petite boutique.

Earlier this year, on one Electron, Rocket Lab launched birds from Earth-imaging company Planet and ship-tracking and weather-data company Spire. But, though it had real payloads, that was technically a test flight. This time, Rocket Lab is doubling down with paying customers: Spire will return to the launchpad, joined by climate- and environment-monitoring company GeoOptics. The Electron will also heft an educational instrument from the Irvine CubeSat STEM program and a demo for NABEO, a drag-sail meant to deorbit smallsats so they don’t add to the growing heaps of space junk.

Sometime while the launch window is open, the Electron will lift off from New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula, carrying these legit paying customers. The name of the mission? “It’s Business Time.” (The two test flights were named “It’s a Test” and “Still Testing.”—you get the bit.)/// free internet advertising sites ////

Rocket Lab moved from testing to operations faster than many rocket companies do—in around a year. And it didn’t even really break things along the way. While its first test launch didn’t quite reach orbit, it also didn’t explode. The second launch was held and then called off so many times that there are now official T-shirts screenprinted with a frustrated quote from the mission-control specialist: “I never want to hold again.” But the payloads did reach their intended orbits, and a previously undisclosed “kick stage” sent the Spire satellites into circular orbits.

It’s Business Time was originally slated to launch two months ago, with Spire and GeoOptics aboard, but when a motor controller behaved badly, the company called a halt to correct the problem. In the unexpected intermission, Rocket Lab added the educational and deorbiter missions to its manifest. (It’s business time, you know?)

Assuming that this newly rescheduled launch goes nominally, Rocket Lab plans to accelerate both manufacturing and liftoffs. Which is “easy,” because the company 3-D prints its engines. “If we need more engines,” Beck explains, “we buy more printers.” Which they might need to budget for: Rocket Lab wants to launch about one rocket per month by the end of this year, supporting a growing group of potential clients—scientists, kiddos, internet providers, the Defense Department—that want to launch smallsats. Consulting firm Northern Sky Research estimates that 5,000 will launch in the next decade, generating $25 billion of revenue./// free classifieds ads online ///

The private and academic sectors have been quick to crowd onto this diminutive bandwagon, embracing data that smallsats send back down. And while federal agencies, historically tethered to giant and swanky satellites, are still a little hesitant, NOAA has a beta program specifically to buy such smallsat data. So does NASA. That’s federal interest in data, but such interest also lubricates hardware and launch. Rocket Lab’s next takeoff will involve NASA’s Elana program—in which students make nanosatellites and send them to space. The company has garnered nearly $7 million in NASA money through its Venture Class Launch Services program.

The military and intelligence communities are interested in smallsat stuff, too. Those other N-acronyms—NRO, the National Reconnaissance Office, and NGA, the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency—also want in on this shrunken-satellite data. And Rocket Lab got a (smallsat-sized) $100,000 small-business innovation research grant from Darpa in 2015. In October 2017, the DoD signed a $5.7 million contract with the company. In the part of the past that’s disappeared from its website, Rocket Lab did more work for Darpa and for the Army’s Operationally Responsive Space Office, now called the Space Rapid Capabilities Office.

All of this interest from so many parties about so many aspects of the smallsat sector perhaps explains why Rocket Lab was able to snag $75 million of private capital in its last funding round. And however you do the math, and provided this launch doesn’t include any fireworks, it’s definitely business time.