#the unstoppable ultra-lady | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

bat-eclecticwolfbouquet-love · 4 years

Text

TARGET ACQUIRED

PART 1 PART 2

Shigaraki has achieved his goals, now there's just one more thing he needs to acquire, you.

Warnings this takes place during the current manga chapters although I've changed things cause it's my story.

WARNING-CHARACTER DEATHS (just heroes alot)-SPOILERS-SMUT

WORDS--3200-3300

Color Panel By HEXAMENDLE on Twitter

Shigaraki stood on the raised pillar of rock, where the hospital once was, surveying the decayed landscape laid out before him. A chuckle leaving his lips, he was on top of the world. He had almost everything he wanted. Power, complete control over his decay, increase in strength and stamina, super regen, a stockpile of powerful quirks, AFO, and extended life. He was on his way to his goal of ruling over Japan, there were just a few things obstructing his path.

He needed to take down the remaining blight to society that acted high and mighty known as heroes. He also needed to obtain one for all. These things were standing in his way, yet he knew he could accomplish his goal. The massive power he obtained was more than enough to guarantee his victory. After that there would just be one thing missing, one thing he had to have, his Queen, and he intended to remedy that asap, so he was determined to take care of business as fast as possible. So he could get to you.

The last four months had changed everything. His procedure had been a success. Although it was almost thwarted by that rabbit bitch and loud mouth but luckily for Shigaraki after Mirko had kicked his tank the doctor was able to put up a force field so when Mic opened his big mouth it had no effect. The Doc was able to stall the heroes so that Shigaraki's countdown quickly reached 100 percent. Unbeknownst to the heroes who thought they still had time. So when the force field died and Mic tried once again to shatter his tank it had busted sending glass and water everywhere, thus releasing an overpowered, plus ultra, transcendent being Shigaraki Tomura onto the world.

The stupid heroes had thought Shigaraki was dead since he was not breathing although to their misfortune he was actually slowly waking up.

First thing Shigaraki had done was take out the closest hero, X-less, stealing his cape in the process. Having been clinically dead just to wake up in water, he was cold. And why not take a cape after all he was a hero to the villains and the oppressed. He then proceeded to slam his hand on the ground starting a huge unstoppable wave of decay taking out lots of heroes in the process. Smiling maniacally the whole time as the hospital quickly falls, decay spreading at an alarming rate.

Standing up he admired his work, as well as calling Machia and telling him to come and bring the others. Turning around to see a hero coming straight for him. His first battle was with that of the number 1 hero and hot head Endeavor. He was nothing but an annoyance, burning Shig right off the start. Sadly for Endeavor, Shigaraki quickly regenerated and went for an attack, knocking the fire user to the ground. But this wasn't his goal; he wanted one for all. So leaving Endeavor behind he quickly headed to his objective. Endeavor, not knowing when he was way outmatched followed. Big mistake.

Having searched and found Deku he attempted to take One for all just for the old midget Gran Torino to impede his acquiring the powerful quirk. Gran Torino grabbed Deku getting him and Bakugo away from Shigaraki knowing full well he could not begin to handle the villain. Shigaraki had power like they had never seen.

Right as Deku was being saved another stupid hero tried to stop Shiggy, Ryuko, the dragon lady, who promptly made a swipe at him, he laughed to himself as he went to decay her big ass scaly arm, only to find his quirk had stopped. Eraserhead, he knew without even looking. Tomura couldn't help but grin.

Aizawa was able to stop his decay but he would not be able to stop his quirks from his procedure. The doctor really was a genius.

Tomura closed the distance between him and Eraserhead in an instant, grabbing him and taking his quirk much to Aizawa surprise and dismay. Although the teacher was able to get away since Shigaraki had not used his decay, Aizawa was still alive, but he was useless now, not worth Tomura's time.

Shigaraki let him live knowing that living without his quirk, having to watch as he killed his precious student Deku, and took his rightful place on the throne as King, would be worse than death for the instructor. Other heroes were trying to get in the fight thinking they stood a chance against Shigaraki, they were quickly eliminated. He could now chase after Deku once again and take one for all. Closer and closer he got.

Unfortunately Endeavor had caught back up by this time and was fighting, or trying to fight Shigaraki, sadly he was beaten down again, Ryuko had tried her best to help but ended up getting trapped underneath a beaten up Endeavor as Tomura knocked him out of the sky, landing on top of the so called Number 1 hero. Shigaraki smiled down at him, a cocky smile plastered across his face as he raised his fist into the air, his other hand on his hip, in a victory pose.

“Its like this right” he mocked the badly defeated Endeavor. Tomura let out a laugh before adding insult to injury, “by the way hero, I didn't even use a quirk to beat your sorry ass, that was just my strength, my speed, no quirk necessary” he smirked, “but this is a quirk” his tone darkens as he reaches down and lays a lone finger on Endeavors forehead, decaying him and Ryuko in an instance.

Now where is that green haired brat, I have other things I’d rather be attending to, he thought as his mind drifted to images of you, his lips forming into a smirk as he imagined what he had planned for you. His member twitched to life and was starting to harden just picturing it. He gave a groan thinking to himself that it would be just a little longer and he would be buried to the hilt inside you, making you his, hearing your lovely moans and cries as he took you in every way imagineable.

Shaking his head to rid himself of such thoughts, this wasn’t the time he had a mission to finish before he could take his reward. As soon as he was done he would make a beeline to you, you were his target, and he would acquire you. He just had one little thing to do first.

Back to his pursuit he jumped up and headed towards Deku in the distance once again. Taking no time at all to catch up. Deku, Bakugo and Gran Torino came into his line of sight. First he had taken out that old cut Gran Torino before closing the distance till Deku was in his grasp. Then it happened his hand closed over the green haired students face, stealing the coveted, powerful quirk for himself while decaying him in the process, finally acquiring One for all. Looking behind him as Bakugo jumped into action, tears streaming down the explosive quirk users face as he screamed at Shigaraki calling him a monster, Shig just laughed and raised his leg kicking the blonde student away and into a fallen building. Bakugo landed hard on his back and head, cracking his skull and spine, killing him instantly. Stupid loudmouth, Tomura spoke to no one. There was no one left, just him. He was now free to head to you.

He finally did it. He evolved his decay quirk, obtained God-like power, received the original All for one, had countless quirks at his disposal as well as super regeneration, defeated the heroes including that green haired brat and stole one for all. No one would ever stop him now. Finally he can acquire his prize that he wanted desperately to possess and that was you. Now he could concentrate on that very thing. He would make you his. You were to be his Queen. With that thought he headed to your current location back at the mansion.

He had met you after the fight with Re-Destro and getting command over the MLA. He had instantly taken a liking to you. He had had many talks with you finding you had a lot in common, even playing games together. To say Tomura had enjoyed your company greatly was an understatement. He had grown attached to you fast. As well as a huge attraction to you from the second he saw you. Which became an obsession. You were so amazingly beautiful, the most gorgeous thing he had ever seen.

That body of yours was beyond perfect, large breasts he wanted to slid his cock between, thick supple thighs he intended to leave hand shaped bruises on as he parted them to get to the treasure that waited between them, full hips he would use to hold you in place as he fucked you raw, and an ass that won't quit. Oh how he wanted to bend you over and take you from behind. To bury himself so deep inside you. To have those full lips wrapped around his dick. To hear you cry his name as he slammed into you with his thickness. To feel your tightness surround him as he stretched you out.

You were like a goddess and you had taken his breath away. Now he would have you. He would make you his whether you wanted it or not. He hoped you would want him as well, while the thought of hearing you cry out as he plunged into you was bliss, he wanted to be wanted by you, to have you be attracted to him. He didn't want you to reject him. Just the thought that you might made his heart clench, and brought a lump to his throat. He was insanely powerful but you could bring him to his knees, you were his weakness. Please let her want me he thought as he sped off in your direction. Or where he thought you were.

Thoughts of you plaguing his mind the whole time. You had proven that you were loyal to him over Re-Destro, you had never liked the pointy nosed leader and had told Shigaraki so.

As everyone regrouped from having won their own battles Tomura's eyes anxiously scanned the field for your beautiful curvy figure. He needed assurance that you were OK. But you weren't there. Where is she, he worried.

Using search he had found your location, speeding there at once. Upon arriving he saw that you were fighting three heroes. I don't fucking think so he thought to himself. I will slaughter them for hurting her. In a heartbeat two of them had attacked you sending you high into the air. In the blink of an eye Tomura jumped towards you catching you in his arms with ease and preventing you serious injuries.

Landing next to one of the offending heroes, he laid you down before quickly reaching out, decaying them. Mt. Lady, one of the other heroes, he sent an aoe attack at taking care of her which left just the one. The remaining one must have realized he was way out of his league and tried to run but didn't make it far.

Looking down at you Shigaraki saw you had a few cuts and bruises but were otherwise fine. You were trying to stand up but your legs were a bit wobbly luckily Tomura caught you before you tipped over. His arm snaking around your waist holding you close to his chest. "Long time no see Tomura" your voice weak as you greeted him with a smile before promptly passing out, falling into him. Gathering you up in his arms he headed to a predetermined meeting place that was set up before his procedure.

Once there he laid you on the bed, eyes scanning over you for injuries. You had several cuts and bruises littering your arms and face but otherwise were good, just knocked around. The thought of those pieces of shit heroes hurting you made a growl rise in Tomura's throat as he clenched his fist, how dare they hurt you, you were his, no one would ever touch you again, in the end they got what they deserved.

Your wounds needed cleaning though so finding some medical supplies he proceeded to clean the wounds on your arms and face. Needing to make sure he got all your wounds he undressed you, letting his hands glide over your soft tender skin as he did so. His hungry eyes took in every inch of your small curvy form. Fuck, you were beyond perfect. He couldn't wait to make you his, but he needed a shower, he was covered in blood, dirt and sweat. As bad as he wanted to crawl on top of you and have his way he felt filthy and you weren't going anywhere.

Throwing his clothes off he climbed into the steamy shower, the feeling of the water soothing his tense muscles helping him relax as he thought of you. His thoughts become dirtier making his cock stand tall. Reaching down he gripped himself trying to find relief.

He wanted to be able to take his time with you and if he returned to you already hard he didn't think he'd be able to do that. He had wanted you so badly just the thought of you made him horny and so painfully erect. So he ran his hand up and down his shaft, imaging it was your delicate one. His grip becomes tighter while picturing your pretty face taking his length in your mouth.

Longing to shove himself down your throat, to have you lick every inch of him, he would make you worship his cock. How wonderful it would be to sink into your waiting body. To hear you whimper his name as he wrecked your sopping pussy. Picturing your body beneath him. Hearing you declare that you were his. Thinking how warm and tight you would be around his shaft. With that thought he painted the shower walls with his seed. Taking a minute to catch his breath and compose himself before finishing his shower and throwing on a pair of boxers so he could get back to his target, you.

Returning to the bedroom where your naked body lay like an offering to him. You were his prize and he couldn't wait to claim you. Getting a warm wash cloth he decided to clean you, running the cloth over your large breast, flat stomach, supple thighs, then finally the valley between your legs. Fuck, he thought, you were there spread out before him so perfectly, like a last meal that he fully intended to devour, it was a dream come true. Yet you were still unconscious, he stood there staring at you, getting harder by the second, heart beating faster, pulse quickening. Fuck it he couldn't help it. His control snapped, he wouldn't hold back anymore. Ridding himself of his boxers he climbed on top of you.

He looked down at your innocent form, your eyes closed, unaware of what was fixing to transpire. His plan was not to take advantage of your unconscious state but he needed this, he had to have you now. Reaching out he cupped your supple breasts feeling the weight of them in his hands as his thumb ran over your perk nipples. Leaning in to lay a kiss on the side of your mound before taking your now stiff bud into his mouth sucking gently on it earning a moan from you. His eyes glanced up to see that you were still asleep.

Hmm she may be unconscious but her body likes me he thought, taste her, his mind, or rather his manhood screamed as he made his descent lower, coming to your most private area, nose pressed against your nether lips, tongue eagerly darting out to taste your essence running up your slit than circling around your sensitive nub drawing another beautiful sound from you as your were becoming wet from his ministration. He grinned at this knowledge. Tongue lapping at your entrance before dipping inside, you tasted so mouthwatering he thought he would never get enough. Slipping a finger inside your slick folds he felt how warm and tight you were, holy fuck shes so damn tight, this made him throb in excitement so he let his other hand reach down to fist his member pumping it in time with the finger inside of you.

Just then he heard the others arrive downstairs and hurried footsteps rush up the stairs coming to a halt in front of your room. Fist banging on the door. Y/N or you there, are you OK, the knocking didn't stop as Tomura hurried into his pants throwing covers back over your exposed form before yanking the door open, pissed expression on his face.

"Are you trying to wake the dead what the fuck Toga" he growled at the blonde girl for interrupting him pushing past her in a huff, anger radiating off him.

"What the hell" she thought looking back at you as you began waking up.

"Hey Y\N are you OK" Toga questioned.

“Hey girl, yeah I feel fine just a little sore" you said groggily. As you went to sit up you realized you were naked, what the hell. "Where are my clothes" you asked confused. Toga shrugged.

"Ask Tomura he brought you back, he was in here when I came up, but seemed veeerrryy pissed when he left " the blonde informed you with a wink.

Did he undress you, and why, you wondered, you also noticed your wounds had been cleaned and dressed, maybe he was making sure he got them all but even my underwear, wait why am I wet down there you pondered, did he .... Toga’s voice broke you out of your thoughts

“Well I just wanted to check on you. I imagine you probably want a shower so see you later, come talk to me when you can” the blood user exclaimed before waving bye.

Deciding you really did want a shower you got up and started your water. Why did Tomura take my clothes off? The question stayed in your mind as you stepped into the shower.

Meanwhile Tomura was throwing a tantrum in his room, items crash into the wall as every cuss word imaginable left his mouth. The rest of his group are left curious why he was so mad. By all accounts he should be happy. Toga had a good idea what may be making the new King act in such a manner, but she just giggled keeping it to herself.

I will have her, she is mine, he told himself. Breathing heavily he heard Toga downstairs, a grin returning to his face, she's alone. His grin widens as he heads back to your room. He will not be interrupt this time.

PART 2

@nereida19 @koemi-kimo @tomurasprincess @nomuyesmu @dragongamegirl

#shigaraki tomura x reader #tomura shigaraki x reader #Shigaraki #shigaraki x y/n #shigaraki x reader

459 notes · View notes

cerastes · 4 years

Text

Imagine how Doctor felt when they finally got to Rhodes Island after Evil Time, and Amiya and Kal’tsit immediately warn them about the ‘special’ cases.

Don’t overestimulate Ifrit this, watch out for suddenly bursting on flames around Skyfire that, Skadi can accidentally turn you into a bloodstain on the carpet with a flick of her finger so keep your distance this, Lappland will possibly eat your carotid artery like she eats Kit Kats wrong if you delve too deep into her world that, yeah, yeah, a lot of stuff that is either obvious or makes sense after spending an aggregate seven seconds in the same room with the person in question, nothing terribly hard to understand or believe.

And then, you have Specter.

“We have to keep her in the medical ward in a reinforced room whenever she’s not in an operation,” explains Kal’tsit. “She is highly unstable and dangerous if left unsupervised. Only make contact with her if it is completely necessary.”

So you have all of these dangerous people running amok freely in the base, but this one, this one Specter person in particular needs to be locked behind reinforced walls? Sounds dangerous.

Doctor then takes one look at this supposed rabid animal and sees this:

Bam, Doctor is immediately emotionally supported. Doctor cannot comprehend how this pleasant, sweet, soft-spoken lady could possibly be as dangerously violent as advertised. Ifrit has a mean streak, Skadi IS legitimately that strong and lacks any sort of social skills so she always ends up resorting on it, Lappland has all the makings of a sociopath, and Skyfire is unfortunately Skyfire, so Doc can understand these perfectly, but Specter? This somewhat short nun that, to be fair, occasionally blurts out how some people were always meant to be pieces, but otherwise just hangs out at the dorm and breaks out a cute little prayer for others now and then? How could she possibly need nigh permanent containment?

Then Doctor sees her in action for the first time in an Operation and everything makes sense.

Just as a reminder:

Strength? Top class. Endurance? Top class. Tactical planning? None whatsoever. Combat skill despite no tactical planning abilities at all? Rated excellent. Specter dissociates harder than a child with ADHD taking three ritalins instead of the prescribed one and has a body ravaged by a lethal, incurable illness, and despite all of this, there she is, catching machetes, arrows and Arts blasts to the chin and shrugging them off while swinging a buzzsaw duct taped to the end of a pipe she found laying around on a Costco parking lot to immensely devastating effect. Nothing can take her down, no one can take her strong swings, all the while she’s completely out of her mind, relying entirely on muscle memory from back when she was actually sane, only muttering some nonsense to herself in a low voice now and then. Sometimes, one of her eyes just starts intensely glowing for some reason. Kal’tsit has no freaking clue how she does that. Hordes of Reunion nobodies wondering if they should even bother swinging at this blank-faced small nun because even if they get lucky and don’t lose an arm in the process, it’s not even going to hurt her. It’s quite literally and realistically meaningless to attack her. She’s a walking horror movie.

And it’s not even due to powerful Arts or a powerful mutation given to her by Oripathy, no one knows how or why Specter can do any of this, less of all herself. It’s go time? She just says “ok, tell me how it went when I wake up, see you later, have a pleasant noon”, turns off her brain and activates her Ultra Deepsea Instinct to Gokupunch Elite Casters and Defense Crushers through buildings.

It’d only take one particularly bad manic day to really ruin some lives at Rhodes Island if she ever lost control. They’d no doubt be able to contain her one way or another -- she’s not the only freak of nature in Rhodes Island, after all -- but it’d be a Herculean task to stop her nonetheless, and practically impossible to stop her with no loses. Specter is the unstoppable force and the immovable object simultaneously thanks to her deadly mix of physical strength and endurance. It makes all the sense in the world that Kal’tsit would prefer her in a nice, tidy, reinforced hospital room where all she’ll damage if she ever flies off the handle is some medical equipment instead of very realistically ripping someone in half with her bare hands or punting Skyfire out of the stratosphere or something. Sure, she’s a nice, soft-spoken lady, but you also never know when sudden (or even full) onset insanity will kick in, especially since Specter’s nervous system is already a wreck. As dangerous as Ifrit or Lappland can be, there’s a sort of ‘guarantee’ that they won’t harm others if they can help it; Ifrit is temperamental and rebellious, but not at all malicious, and Lappland is kind of a sociopath, but aside from making people uncomfortable, she doesn’t hurt others. Specter, on the other hand, can simply go fully insane one day and there’s no way to tell when it’ll happen, and given her clinical condition, it’s indeed less an “if” and more a “when”.

Specter having the dubious honor of being the only Operator we know of that has to be kept in a special room for the safety of others suddenly makes a lot of sense when you consider her medical condition and what she’s capable of.

#arknights #specter #who is this nun? why can she do these things?#emotional support shark

234 notes · View notes

itsnothingofinterest · 4 years

Text

Hawks’ performance review

So now that a certain super long arc or Hero Academia’s is finally done, I wanted to give 1 final review to the actions of easily it’s most controversial actor (which is an accomplishment to say the least); Hawks. Go over everything, get it all out, & use this as a way of resolving my thoughts on his influence on the arc.

A warning going in; while I consider myself a Hawks fan, I have no intention of going easy on him in the slightest for when he messes up. And spoilers: he didn’t do so hot. So if you’re the kind of fan who doesn’t like a fav getting smack talked, no judgement but this may not be the meta post for you.

Pre-planning:

Now despite my known opinions of his conduct, there is good to talk about; fittingly enough at the very start of the arc with his pre-planning. Hawks did do objectively excellent in gaining the needed information from the PLF and passing it along to his allies. This not only included locations & important dates, but base layouts and enemies of interest. Additionally: his recruitment of Jeanist, while using questionable methods (I still don’t know why he drew a weapon on him), did end up being quite a smart move. I honestly want to give him full marks...however, it was his idea to bolster the invading hero army’s numbers; an idea which became using child soldiers. His roll in that war crime, as well as another point of pre-planning we’ll discuss later, well be held against him; but hey, almost full marks in this category is still kinda good.

But we must also talk about his actual field work; which means we must discuss, one last time...the incident. The bad incident. The society damaging incident. The incident from which his carrier, his dignity, and his respect as a hero can never recover. That incident. This is where the good stops.

Field work/The incident:

See, for all that Hawks did his dirty deeds for the ‘greater good’ no good has yet come from it. The heroes he saved from Twice immediately had to go up against Gigantomachia (just as unstoppable, far more murderous), his actions inspired Toga to kill an old lady, and Dabi used him as evidence that all heroes suck actually. And on a personal level for him (which I do care about, as his fan, make no mistake); he killed one of his only actual friends, burned all his bridges out of the HC’s grasp, and paid for the fuel with his wings. Like, unless the HC drop him for being quirkless, he might be trapped now that he’s shown complete loyalty to their interests. In other words, the direct results of his course of actions were 100% devastating consequences.

Though to be honest; that’s probably how it should be, narratively. The murder of Twice was a failing on Hawks’ part on every level. 1) He broke one of the rules a hero must never break by committing murder. 2) He did this because he failed to non-fatally apprehend a villain, despite that being his job which he is the 2nd best at in the country. 3) Evidence suggests Hawks went in planning to kill Twice if he didn’t take his offer, and in during so let opportunities to apprehend him slip by (for example, by letting him get his last words in instead of retraining or knocking him out. This was before Dabi’s arrival). 4) As a result of his actions, his friend in need of saving died right in front of him.

A failure to save, a failure to apprehend, a failure as a moral guardian, and actions that are the complete antithesis of “Plus Ultra”. (Though I suppose is his defense, he never did go to UA.) While his fans like to portray Hawks’ actions as a “tough call” he made, the fact is that moral & professional failures like that narratively shouldn’t see results. Any of these would warrant serious reprimands for heroes with 4-digit ranks or 1st year hero students; so for the no.2 hero to perform all 4 failures is unforgivable.

Risk Assessment Review/Was it actually worth anything?:

And see, I’ve been trying my best to keep track of what things would be like if Twice were alive, so I can tell you they haven’t seen results. Nothing major changes if Twice were alive. Despite Caleb’s “points,” Jin couldn’t clone super Shiggy without a chance to get his data, and it’s unlike he was able to clone Machia either given that he didn’t, so he wouldn’t have had a huge effect on proceedings. Likely, he would’ve chilled with Spinner & Compress ‘till capture. He wouldn’t have been able to escape Jeanist either if he was retrained properly (which he would’ve been, as Jeanist is actually good at apprehending villains), since his clones would break before putting any real strain on steel cables.

It’s only after Compress rescued everyone cold a case be made for how Twice might’ve changed things. But that case could not be made easily, as the events following Compress’ escape act were shaped largely by the whims of AFO. So...*shrug*. We have no idea if Twice would’ve been taken or left behind, or if he’d have been in shape to do anything if he was free to act. Though it is worth restating that Jeanist, like Hawks, had the skill and the quirk to counter Sad Man’s parade.

(And of course, all of these assumptions are made going along with the belief that Twice would be free if Hawks hadn’t killed him; which I believe to be a false dichotomy. The reality is that Hawks’ favorable quirk match-up against Twice should have allowed him to apprehend him had Hawks conducted himself as a proper hero. Oh and did I mention he keeps his wings in that scenario? Because he does.)

Conclusion:

Well I think my most surprising finding is that Hawks might actually have a good future in some kind of hero-adjacent desk job since he seems better at that kind of stuff than field work. His main strengths seem to be in long term planning, and secret communication. (Although he did also encourage a war crime, so let’s not give him too much credit here.)

But reviewing his hero work plainly shows that did not go well, to put it lightly. To reiterate his main 4 mistakes that would result in serious reprimands for 1st years; he demonstrated a complete lack of faith in his own abilities to carry out his duty as a hero, he resorted to immoral methods to make up for this, resulting in him not only failing to apprehend a villain, but save a friend in need of help. This resulted not only unnecessary deaths and societal damage they’ll be feeling for a while, but Hawks also might’ve ruined his life in all kinds of different ways.

Overall; yeah he didn’t do so hot, and it’s really changed my opinion of the character from before this arc (back before I was even posting, God this arc was long). I mean, I still enjoy him; but I do now think less of his moral character, and also now enjoy ripping into how bad he is at his job. Regardless, this is all my thoughts on the matter, so hopefully this is the last time I write meta about Hawks for a while...well except for the post I’ve been meaning to make predicting what the future & the HC has in store for him. (Although if that interests you...get comfy waiting; I’m pretty slow at these things.)

#bnha #anti hawks #jin bubaigawara #twice #dabi #hero public safety commission #best jeanist

25 notes · View notes

jcmorrigan · 3 years

Note

Seen your post so a few more asks from me

Fandom: Danganronpa

Top 5 episodes

5. Chapter 6, DR1. Because of Junko being Junko.

4. Chapter 6, SDR2. Junko has returned and has a pretty legit evil plan to re-take over the world. Monomi defeats her with THE POWER OF RAINBOWS.

3. Chapter 2, DR1. Look, the way they treated Chihiro's gender was kinda fucked, but the fact that Mondo moved his murder victim's body to preserve their honor and secret, the stuff that came out about him and Daiya, Taka's breakdown as Mondo is hauled off in the end...so many heartstrings were pulled on that day.

2. Chapter 3, NDRV3. Look. It's fucked up and I like horror things. The entire atmosphere of that floor is just a chef's kiss from me, and the way it panned out that Kiyo was not at ALL what he presented himself to be was just the kind of cold shock I love in the murder mystery genre.

1. Chapter 4, SDR2. The Grape/Strawberry House scene change was super cool and horrific, and Monokuma picked maybe the best ever motive to get them to kill or else. But mostly I'm here for Gundham pulling the sacrifice move. He may be a murderer, but he's the GOOD kind of murderer.

Favorite character: Kazuichi Soda! Good bean.

Least favorite character: Pretty much every villain who debuted in Ultra Despair Girls

OTP: Crossover - Kazuichi Soda x Weiss Schnee (RWBY). Non-crossover - Sondam!

Favorite non-romantic relationship: Canon goes to Shuichi and Kaito, but let's be real. I want Kazuichi and Gundham to be actual friends and bury the hatchet. I'm not really that into the ship (no shade to those who are), but please make them friends and my heart will melt.

Favorite villain/arc: Junko Enoshima, SDR2. I love her, I love her, I love her, she's so fucked up, she's so FUN, I love her.

Least favorite villain/arc: The Warriors of Hope and/or Haiji Towa, UDG. The Warriors were all just a bunch of cool designs with incredibly wasted potential, and the FUCK was up with that throwaway line they gave Haiji about you-know-what and then that's not even addressed as part of his villainy? Aside from that, he was frickin BORING.

5 songs I associate with it and why:

1. "Unstoppable" by Sia - had discovered this song in general, and I was unofficially using it as a theme for the survivors.

2. "Dressed in Black" by Sia - was listening to this while playing DR1 and just randomly imagined the dead gathering on a celestial stage to sing this song together. (Note: this was, uh, before Sia had her little...meltdown. I DO still like the songs but to clear the air, I do not think she acted appropriately or chose a good way to go about that project.)

3. "All Things Must Die" from RWBY - made a joke vid that I left unlisted where I sped up the trilogy openings to fit to the runtime of this song and see how well it all fit together, and it...was pretty spot-on and fun.

4. "The Devil" by Blue Stahli - the line about how "you're the architect of your despair" IMMEDIATELY made me think of Junko and then the whole song became about her, I don't make the rules

5. "Candy Store" from Heathers - Had a small AU going for fun where it was DR Heathers, starring "The Junkos" - Junko herself, Mukuro, and Tsumugi. And they sang this to recruit Celeste, who would then team up with Korekiyo to raise hell...never really went anywhere but it's still really fun to picture those fabulous ladies in song and dance!

#danganronpa #ask to tag #i know i briefly touched upon some sensitive stuff here but not sure how much needs tagging

6 notes · View notes

crazy-little-cool-cat · 5 years

Text

Hand in Glove - Chapter 30 | Ben Hardy x OFC

A/N: Wow, y’all! We did it! We’re at the last Hand in Glove chapter! What a ride it’s been, am I right? Enjoy this one. I tried to tie off most of the loose ends, buuuuuuut you know how I am. Expect the unexpected. There might be a sequel after Gold Digger’s done.

Warnings: fluff that’ll rot your teeth and the usual stuff.

Word count: who gives a duck?!

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14 , Chapter 15 , Chapter 16 , Chapter 17 , Chapter 18 , Chapter 19 , Chapter 20 , Chapter 21 , Chapter 22 , Chapter 23 , Chapter 24, Chapter 25 , Chapter 26, Chapter 27 , Chapter 28 , Chapter 29

Annie drove home on auto-pilot. Her mind felt like it’s sinking in quicksand. She's pregnant, again. She didn't plan to be pregnant, again. She needed to figure out how to tell Ben about it, again. This time was different, though. It wasn’t quite as scary as the last one. It wasn’t quite as upsetting. Deep down, it was actually exciting.

When she got home, she walked about in a daze, going from room to room. Trying to locate her partner in crime and his superhuman sperm cells. Passing by the glass doors to the back garden, she found him tossing a ball for Frankie to fetch and having a smoke.

She opened the glass doors and caught his attention. He beamed at her, looking over his shoulder.

"I'm pregnant."

"That's nice," Ben said, almost robotically, tossing the ball and watching Frankie chase after it. "Wait, what?"

"I'm pregnant," Annie repeated, "my eggo is preggo, Ben."

"As in, pregnant? Pregnant?" Ben stared at her. The cigarette fell from between his fingers. “Is it mine?”

"Of course it's yours, you wanker!"

"But you -" Ben started and stopped. " - and the -"

"Yeah, it turns out I'm one of the 0.8% it doesn't work for."

"Is it... it is still up there?"

"No. Dr. McCarthy took it out."

"How far along -"

"8 weeks."

"You're not pulling my leg?" Ben felt dizzy. Weak. "You're not taking a sick piss?"

"I'm pregnant, Ben." Annie started to smile and took his hand. She placed it right under her bellybutton. "Your almighty, ultra-strong, wicked swimmers are unstoppable."

###

"You're wearing jewelry now?" Joe snickered and pointed at Ben's hand. "Did Hollywood affect you that much?"

Ben looked down at his hand and smiled. With Annie at work and Rory at daycare, he told the boys to come over to his house. It was time for him to break the news, now that they were back, well-slept and no longer jet-lagged.

"Oh, this ring has nothing to do with Hollywood," Ben smirked, "could one of you text Rami and see where he is? Anyone fancy a beer?"

Gwilym and Joe exchanged confused looks at Ben's fussiness and nodded. Ben was visibly nervous or excited about something and they could tell. Right from the moment he greeted them at the door.

"Help yourselves, gentlemen," Ben placed two six-packs on the living room coffee table and opened his own beer bottle. He bounced his knee as the three waited for Rami to join them. They busied themselves with idle chit-chat. They tried holding press-tour stories off for when all four will be present. When the doorbell finally rang, Ben sprung to his feet and almost ran for the door.

"Right, so of course I want to hear all about the press tour," Ben started as Rami sat down with his own beer bottle. "I have to break some serious news first."

"Oh... kay..." Rami glanced sideways at Joe as he took a sip from his beer.

"Annie and I got married."

The silence was deafening. You could hear a pin drop. Rami, Gwilym, and Joe stared at Ben, frowning and blinking.

"Did you lace this beer with something?" Gwilym finally asked.

"Nope." Ben tried to keep a serious expression on his face as he raised his hand and wiggled his fingers. He pointed at his ring finger with the other hand. "See? Wedding ring."

"When you say 'Annie and I got married'," Gwil scratched at his bearded chin, "what do you mean, exactly?"

"We're legally married." Ben rephrased his previous statement. "Went through the whole process, jumped through all the hoops. Brian, Roger and Jamie were our witnesses."

"When?" Gwil cocked his head.

"Three weeks ago."

"Was it on a whim?" Joe looked hurt. "Did you just decide to elope, just like that?"

"No. We planned it, very carefully."

"And you told no one because...?" Rami's beer-holding hand hovered halfway to his mouth.

"Annie insisted on it."

"Huh." Gwilym leaned back and rubbed his thighs. "That's..."

"A lot." Rami mused.

"We're also pregnant again." Ben blurted out and busied his mouth with his beer bottle again.

"He totally laced this with something," Joe announced and leaned forward. Anger etched on his features. "What the actual fuck did you just say?!"

"Calm down, Joe." Gwilym said and put a hand on Joe's shoulder.

"We're pregnant. Well, Annie is."

"What do you mean, she's pregnant?" Rami laughed nervously.

"Well, Rami," Ben smirked, "when a mummy and a daddy love each other very much -"

"Are you fucking kidding me?!" Joe's hands flailed.

###

"And cut! We got it!!!"

Annie slumped her shoulders and stopped weeping, relieved that she didn’t have to run through the whole scene again.

Anne, her character, apprehended and jailed in the Tower of London, listened to the accusations against her. Upon hearing the long list of men who testified against her - one of which was her own brother - she broke down. The scene drained Annie and took 12 takes to get right. She felt dehydrated, puffy and very, very tired.

"You're pregnant?"

The entire set fell silent, all looking from Clara to Annie in utter shock. A lighting fixture creaked as it swung back and forth. An intern dropped a script to the floor. The thud reverberated around the large space.

Annie stared at her best friend, gobsmacked.

"Annie, you're pregnant and you didn't tell me?" Clara stomped over to her, eyes shooting daggers. Her costume rustling as she skipped over carefully camouflaged cords. "The secret wedding - fine, it's whatever. But this?!"

"Clara, this isn't the time nor the place to -" Annie stammered out, feeling her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

"Fuck that!" Clara snapped. "Annie, what the hell?"

###

"So there will be an actual wedding?" Gwilym verified for the fifth time.

"Yes!" Ben groaned. "God!"

"And baby number two is due in...?"

"30 weeks."

"Wow." Rami fiddled with the label on his beer bottle. "Wow."

"Yeah." Joe huffed. "Big wow."

Ben's cheeks flushed crimson red. He felt like his parents were cross with him for being naughty. He didn't know if this was just shock or actual outrage at that point. He raked his fingers through his blond mop of hair, feeling quite ashamed.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you guys sooner." Ben almost mumbled. "It's been really hard to keep everything secret. I almost spilled the beans three times. I wanted you guys to be in on it but -"

"But the Supreme Leader had other plans." Joe shook his head. "I get it. I'm fucking pissed, man, but I get it."

"We are happy for you, you know." Rami pursed his lips. "Just... overwhelmed with all the news."

"How did your parents take it?" Gwilym wondered.

"We told them the next day." Ben recounted. "They were confused at first, not sure if we're kidding or not. Then, they were angry with me for hiding it and doing it like... that. The pregnancy reconciled them. They're over the moon."

###

"10 weeks?" Clara barked, pacing back and forth in Annie's trailer. "Ten whole bloody weeks?!"

"Yep." Annie pursed her lips and nodded sheepishly. "Ten whole weeks."

"Annie, why?" Clara stopped, planting her hands on her hips. "Why aren't you telling me anything anymore? And let me guess-” Clara’s upper lip curled in a menacing snarl, “ -Jamie knew all along!"

"Actually he didn't," Annie interjected. "You kind of announced it to the world with your little outburst on the set."

"Why would you keep secrets from me?" Clara's voice sounded almost whiney. "We're best friends since... forever!"

"Because these are the things I needed to not jinx, okay?" Annie explained, subconsciously resting a hand on her belly. "I know it's just superstition but ill-wishers are -"

"God, Annie!" Clara groaned. "Fuck the ill-wishers! Fuck you as well!

Pounding on Annie's trailer door interrupted the two. Clara marched over and opened it, quickly pushed aside by Mike and Jamie.

"You've got some explaining to do." Mike pointed at her.

###

Anne Boleyn prepared herself for this - her execution - multiple times. The Hangman of Calais's arrival was pushed back due to weather and travel conditions. She joked with her ladies in waiting, earlier on in the day, talking about her little neck. Keeping up appearances. The show must go on!

She stepped onto the scaffold on the morning of May 19th, 1536. Escorted by Sir William Kingston, her jailer, Anne left the Tower's royal palace for the last time. The same place she slept in right before her coronation. Her crimson outfit trimmed with ermine, she made sure everyone present knew her status. Her reason for dying. She clasped her hands and took a step forward.

“Good Christian people,” Anne started shakily, “I have not come here to preach a sermon. I have come here to die." Anne took a shaky breath and squared her shoulders. "For, according to the law and by the law, I am judged to die," her voice carried as the crowd listened silently."And, therefore, I will speak nothing against it."

The crowd was mute as they solemnly listened to their Queen speaking her final words.

"I am come hither to accuse no man, nor to speak of that whereof I am accused and condemned to die," Anne looked at the peoples' faces. "But I pray: God save the King and send him long to reign over you!"

A small smile tugging at Anne’s lips as she watched the memories play out in her mind’s eye. "For a gentler, nor a more merciful prince was there never, and to me he was ever a good, a gentle, and sovereign lord." Pausing, she looked up at the sky, for one last time. "And if any person will meddle of my cause, I require them to judge the best." A tear rolled down her cheek, quickly brushed away. "And thus, I take my leave of the world and of you all, and I heartily desire you all to pray for me.”

Anne kneeled at the scaffold. Distracting her and making her look away from him and his sword, the executioner beheaded the queen with one stroke.

"And cut! That's a wrap!"

Annie heaved a sigh of relief and felt her hands shaking as she clutched at her little baby bump, almost showing. Her last scene is over. Greensleeves is finally finished.

Ben clapped furiously, hooting and hollering for his wife as she got up off the wooden scaffold. Her speech - Anne’s speech - although he had heard it more than a hundred times at that point had still managed to wring his heart and guts. It never ceased to amaze him how Annie and Anne sort of merged together. One mixing in with the other. Annie’s vows echoed in his ears. ‘I will kill for you and die for you.’

‘Oi, Jones!” Annie snapped her fingers in front of his face. “Earth to Jonesy!”

“You were amazing up there.” Ben smiled and wrapped his arms around her. “Breathtaking.”

“Let’s go celebrate!” Annie beamed up at him. “There’s cake!”

“Shall we, then,” Ben bend his arm and waited for Annie to hook hers with his, “my lady Greensleeves?”

###

Other than the odd work-related trip and appearance, Ben and Annie were honeymooning at home. They watched Annie’s baby bump, Pookie, grow. They watched Rory learn how to walk, talk. Turn into a tiny little human.

Annie laid back on the sofa, her head in Ben’s lap. His fingers idly twirled locks of her hair as they watched whatever was on the telly. Grateful to have the house for themselves. Learning every curve and edge of each other’s body after dropping Rory off at daycare. Nesting and preparing a bedroom for Rory and remodelling the nursery for the new baby.

“D’you think it’s a boy this time?” Annie wondered and looked up at her husband.

“Dunno.” He shrugged. “Do you want it to be?”

“I think so, yeah.” Annie looked down at her little bump. “Pookie, give us a hint.”

“Maybe there’s two -”

“Ben Jones, I will kill you.”

“I’m joking!” He laughed and tugged on her hair gently. “However many there are in there, I’ll love them.”

“What about names?” Annie started to sit up so she could turn around and face Ben. “Thought of any?”

“Well, Henry for a boy.” Ben shrugged.

“Really?” Annie snorted. “Henry?”

“Yes.” Ben nodded proudly. “Name fit for a king!”

“Right.”

“Why, do you have better ideas?” Ben scoffed.

“Richard.” Annie suggested. “Also a king.”

“Meh.”

“John.”

“John?” Ben looked at her as if she went mad. “John Jones?”

“Yes. Our little Jay Jay.” Annie cooed jokingly and nuzzled Ben’s nose with hers.

“Alexander.” Ben offered and rolled his eyes when Annie frowned. “What?!”

“We already have two A’s, Ben!” Annie pouted. “Annie. Aurora.”

“William.” Ben shrugged.

“Sounds to much like Gwilym.” Annie retorted. “What!”

“How?”

“Just - ugh! Not William.”

“Fine. Christopher?”

“Sounds like a Winnie the Pooh character. Christopher Jones.” Annie grimaced. “Peter?”

“No. Not Roger, either. Or Warren!”

“Mark?” Annie suggested.

“Might as well name it Galileo.” Ben scoffed. “Man, this better be a baby girl.”

###

Annie brushed her teeth before bed, happy to know that the baby’s heart is beating and there is only one of those beating hearts in her womb. She just finished rinsing when Ben entered the bathroom. He stood behind her as she bent over for the sink and held onto her hips.

“Seriously?” Annie looked up at him through the mirror, water dripping down her chin.

Ben bit his bottom lip and nodded slowly, cocking his head to the side as he examined her bum. Annie watched his reflection curiously. He gave her bum a light squeeze and rubbed it as if it were a crystal ball. Annie stood up straight and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

“I don’t know what it is, exactly,” Ben murmured and wrapped his arms around her waist, “but there is something about you that I just... “

“Oh?”

“Mhm.” Ben purred and leaned forward.

###

“Is he out?” Annie sobbed. “Is he okay? Is everything out?”

Whoever said that giving birth to the second baby is easy clearly lied. It all went down so fast. She didn’t have time for an epidural. She didn’t have time to even digest what was going on. One minute her water breaks, then wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am, a human baby is introduced to the world.

“He’s out!” Ben beamed at his wife. “He’s out. Everything’s out. You did so well.”

“Ben, he tore me to pieces!” Annie violently wiped her tears away. “I’m hurting. I’m tired. I’m pissed the hell off. Stop smiling like that!”

“Annie, he’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.” Ben ignored his wife’s rant and brushed stray locks of hair away from her forehead. “And you are my hero, Annabelle Lee-Jones. You are an absolute rockstar.”

Annie sobbed incoherently in response.

“There he is, mummy!” the nurse said as she brought over the bundle of wailing joy. “Your beautiful baby boy!”

Annie took the bundle in her arms and looked down, tears still pouring down. Ben chuckled and wiped her tears away from the baby’s cheeks.

“What’s your name?” Annie whispered at the baby. “Galileo?”

“Annabelle…” Ben had an impatient edge to his voice.

“Well, what are we naming him, then?” She asked, stroking the baby’s little head gently.

“Oliver?” Ben suggested. Annie mulled it over in her head. “Alfred.”

“Alfred?” Annie looked up at her husband.

“Yes. Alfred.”

“Where did that come from?”

“A great English king.” Ben raised one finger in the air. “Classic name.” Another finger. “He’s clearly an Alfie -”

“Alfie.” Annie repeated, a smile lighting up her face. “Our baby Alfie.”

###

Ben and Annie stepped onto the dance floor, holding hands. Their guests clapped, hooted and hollered - all cheering for them as they made their “official” debut as a married couple. The music started blaring through the speakers as Annie and Ben took their place in the middle of the floor and wrapped their arms around one another.

Me and Mrs. Jones; We got a thing goin'on...

They gazed into each other’s eyes, oblivious to the world around them. Joe held Rory in his lap, pointing at her parents and talking animatedly to keep her awake and happy. Gwilym cradled baby Alfie as he slept, gobsmacked by the baby’s ability to fall asleep anywhere, anytime.

We both know that it's wrong; But it's much too strong To let it go now…

Annie chose to wear the same dress she did on her original wedding day, flower crown in her hair. Ben opted for the tux he wore at the Oscars. He pulled her closer and dipped her back. Annie threw her head back and laughed heartily, gracefully kicking one leg up in the air. He picked her up and kissed her as they swayed to the music.

We meet every day at the same cafe Six-thirty and no one knows she'll be there; Holding hands, making all kinds of plans While the jukebox plays our favorite songs…

Annie looked over to the side and saw Rory and Joe having a very heated discussion. She beckoned them over with her hands, smiling brightly. Joe asked Rory a question, making her eyes light up. They stood up and he put her down on the floor. She held onto one of his fingers as they walked on the dancefloor. He bowed deeply and made Rory burst in a fit of giggles before he picked her up again and swayed alongside her parents as he sang along to the song.

Me and Mrs. Jones We got a thing goin'on; We both know that it's wrong; But it's much too strong To let it go now...

Ben smiled at the rest of the guests and nodded his head, signaling it was okay to join them in their dance. Couples started flooding the dancefloor within minutes, all swaying and rocking to the smooth R’n’B song Annie and Ben chose for their first dance.

We gotta be extra careful That we don't build our hopes up too high; Because she's got her own obligations And so, and so, do I...

When they discussed their first dance song options, they got into such a fight that they almost called the whole thing off. Annie wanted Best of My Love, Ben wanted Love of My Life. It was actually Rami who suggested the most appropriate song for them -

Me and Mrs. Jones We got a thing goin'on We both know that it's wrong But it's much too strong To let it go now…

His logic behind it was flawless. The song practically described Annie and Ben’s journey through the relationship. How they tried to hide it at first, insisting there’s nothing serious happening. How they came to terms with their relationship status and were so very careful at first. How Rory had happened when caution was thrown to the wind.

Well, it's time for us to be leaving It hurts so much, it hurts so much inside Now she'll go her way and I'll go mine Tomorrow we'll meet The same place, the same time...

How heart wrenching their time apart from one another was. How hopeful they were. Counting down the days until Ben comes back to visit. How, even at their busiest, they always made time for themselves.

Me and Mrs. Jones We got a thing goin'on We both know that it's wrong But it's much too strong To let it go now...

###

“Mummy!” Rory ran over to the sofa with her favorite stuffed animal, followed by a yapping Frankie. “Mummy, Frankie did bad!”

Hand in glove The sun shines out of our behinds; No, it's not like any other love This one is different, because it's us...

Annie groaned internally and closed her eyes. Alfie was attached to her breast while she fed him, the house was a total chaotic mess, Ben was away at some Cognac launch and all she wanted to do was just scream and run away. She played her favorite album to keep herself happy and sane. There was something about The Smiths that made her feel… normal.

Hand in glove We can go wherever we please; And everything depends upon How near you stand to me...

“Rors, baby, Alfie’s -”

“Frankie did baaaad!” Rory’s voice rose in volume and octave.

“What did she bloody do?!” Annie asked, her patience all but lost.

“Took my Pupper!”

“You’re holding your Pupper and he looks fine.” Annie raised an eyebrow.

“Frankie bad!”

And if the people stare Then the people stare; Oh, I really don't know and I really don't care; Kiss my shades...

“No, Frankie good.” Annie patted the empty cushion next to her, inviting Rory in for a cuddle. “Rory, are you jealous of Alfie and mummy?”

“No.” Rory skulked.

“Rors…”

“Mummy…”

Hand in glove The good people laugh; Yes, we may be hidden by rags But we've something they'll never have...

“Tell you what.” Annie whispered. “When daddy gets home, we’ll have a whole day, just for ourselves. No boys allowed.”

“No boys?”

“None.”

Hand in glove The sun shines out of our behinds; Yes, we may be hidden by rags But we've something they'll never have...

The front door opened, making Rory stand up on the sofa expectantly.

“Uncle Joey?” Rory looked at Annie with sparkling eyes. “Uncle Gwilly?”

“Annie?” Ben’s voice boomed from the hall.

And if the people stare Then the people stare; Oh, I really don't know and I really don't care; Kiss my shades...

“Daddy!” Rory shrieked and scrambled off the sofa, doing a bee line for the hallway. “Daddy! Daddy!”

“There’s my girl!” Ben crouched down and let Rory crash into him. He picked her up and tossed her in the air, eliciting overjoyed squeals and shrieks. Her soft blonde curls bounced as she flew up in the hair and landed safely back in his arms. “Where’s Mum?”

So, hand in glove I stake my claim I'll fight to the last breath; If they dare touch a hair on your head I'll fight to the last breath; For the good life is out there somewhere, So stay on my arm, you little charmer...

“In here!” Annie called and winced when Alfie dug his nails into her boob. “Alfie’s eating!”

Ben stood at the doorway to the living room and blinked, gobsmacked. It looked like a tornado had run through, destroying and overturning everything in its’ path.

“Are you okay, Annie?” He asked.

“What? Yes, I’m fine.” Annie frowned. “Why?”

“Because it seems like we had a burglary going on while I was off.” Ben smirked.

“Oh, shove it!” Annie stuck her tongue out at him. “You try taking care of these two little ducks and see how far it gets you with housekeeping.”

“I know.” Ben put Rory down and sauntered over to the sofa, plopping down next to his wife. “I ducking love you. I don’t care about the mess.”

“Mess?” Rory chimed in. “I clean!”

“Oh, now you’ll clean?” Annie scoffed.

“I clean for daddy.” Rory huffed and went about tidying up and putting all her toys away.

“Don’t you never, ever leave me home alone again.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

But I know my luck too well; Yes, I know my luck too well; And I'll probably never see you again; I'll probably never see you again...

##########

TAGLIST: @ramibaby @xgoingdownx @qweenly @violetpond @sweeterthancheese @drummerqueenrmt @westansstuff @justgivemethekeys @blondecarfucker @cheeseedreams47 @deacy-dearest @pinkmarvel @onceuponadetectivedemigod

40 notes · View notes

cute-peter-parker · 6 years

Text

Lady in Redddd

Peter woke up to light kisses peppering his face. “Tonyyyyyy” he grumbled, “what time is it?”

“Nearly 10, sweetheart. Now get up so we can eat breakfast.”

“10 is too early to wake up, it’s sundayyyy.” Peter whined while rolling away from Tony to try and go back to sleep.

“Nope. No more sleeping. Saturday’s are the only time I can hangout all day with you. We’re getting up and getting the day started.” Tony said, hopping out of bed and tugging Peter’s arm to get his lazy ass up.

“Fine fine.” Peter relented, and let himself be yanked up by his boyfriend only to be let go and dropped back onto the bed.

“Oh my god!” Tony yelled, his face turning white.

“What? What?!” Peter questioned frantically with wide eyes.

“Pete you and the bed are covered in blood. What the hell happened?!”

Peter rushed to jump out of bed and looked down at the sheets in shock. The once pristinely white sheets were a deep shade of red, it wasn’t an insane amount of blood but it was enough to Peter feel woozy.

“Jesus christ peter, it’s all over the back of your pants... I’m calling Dr. Cho.” Tony said already taking his phone out to call Hellen.

“Wh-what’s wrong with me?” Peter asked, voice shaking.

“I.. I don’t kno- Hello? Cho, are you here at the compound? Alright, I’m taking Peter to see you now.” Tony said quickly before hanging up. “Come on baby.” Tony said softly, and picked Peter up bridal style, holding him closely.

“You- you’re gonna get blood on you.” Peter said timidly, incredibly afraid because he had no idea what was happening to him.

“Do I look like I give a fuck about that Pete? Now do you feel any pain.” Tony asked softly, clearly worried about his younger boyfriend. He quickly started walking towards Hellen Cho’s clinic.

“Um no.. well my stomachs hurts really bad.” Peter admitted.

This seemed to stress out Tony even more and he picked up his speed to get Peter some help.

—————

“So the blood seems to be coming out of his anus. Is it possible you went a little rough on him last night?” Dr. Cho asked while examining Peter who was sat on the examine table.

“Wha- no! We haven’t even- we’ve never.” Tony stumbled in embarrassment, cheeks flames red.

Dr. Cho raised her eyebrows. “So you and Peter have not had intercourse.”

“No! We’re waiting until he’s ready.” Tony said exasperatedly.”

“Well I’ve been ready, Mr. Stark just wants to make sure I’m super duper ultra ready to give him my virginity.” Peter pointed out.

“Until you can stop calling me Mr. Stark you’re not ready.” Tony rolled his eyes.

“As cute as this is, I need to examine Peter. Peter can you pull down your pants and bend over the table.” Dr. Cho interrupted, sliding on some latex free gloves.

“Geez Dr. Cho, at least buy me dinner first.” Peter joked, already doing what the doctor asked.

“Peter this is serious.” Tony reprimanded.

“It’s fine. He’s nervous.” Dr. Cho said. “Now let’s see what going on down there.”

She prodded her fingers around and in Peter’s entrance. Her face becoming more confused as seconds went by. “That’s... odd. There doesn’t seem to be any tearing, I think we ‘re going to need to run some tests.” Cho decided, taking her fingers out and rolling off the bloody glove. “Mr. Stark can you please wait outside while I run some tests on Peter?”

“Why can’t I stay here? It’s my lab.” Tony said, crossing his arms in defiance.

“It’s okay Tony, it’ll probably be better if you’re not here. You seeing Dr. Cho with her fingers up my ass was embarrassing enough.” Peter admitted blushing.

“Language.” Tony reprimanded. “But alright I’ll wait outside, come get me if either of your need anything.”

—————

About an hour had passed before Dr. Cho let Tony back into the room. He looked at Peter who was sitting on the examining table, looking white as a sheet. Tony went straight to him and pressed a kiss to his head.

“Did you find out what’s wrong with him, doc?”

“I wouldn’t say that’s there’s something ‘wrong’ with him.” Dr. Cho said, using air quotes. “Although you may want to sit down for this.”

“Cut the cliches and just tell me why my boy was bleeding so much.” Tony said, frustration evident in his voice.

“Alright well... it appears that Peter has developed a female reproductive system. And the blood you saw is his period.” Dr. Cho explained.

Tony laughed nervously. “Dr. Cho please be serious.” He said, his eyes darting back and forth between her and Peter. When discovering the serious looks on their faces, his own face paled. “How- how did this happen? You said he developed it? So he wasn’t born with this? And what’re you saying? Peter can get pregnant? He doesn’t have a fucking vagina, where does the baby come out of? His ass??” Tony rambled, walking back and forth across the room.

“Tony, calm down. We think maybe this is a side effect of the spider bite. It may have been female so maybe it causes me to develop the uh... female equipment. It’s just all connected to my...” Peter trailed off, blushing.

“It’s all connected to his rectum. So if he were to get pregnant the baby would be born through there.” Dr. Cho explained. “It’s honestly a miracle, I mean Peter was already a miracle but this just brings it over the top. I would love to examine is anatomy further”

“No. Nope, you’re not turning my boyfriend into a lab rat.” Tony interjected. “Come on Pete, lets go get you back in bed.” He said, already bending to pick Peter up bridal style again.

“I’m on my period Tony, I’m not dying.” Peter joked.

“Fine, he can leave. But don’t expect me not to follow up on this. Also I recommend you buying Peter some sanitary napkins. I already gave him one of mine but he’ll need more. Especially considering how heavy his flow is.” Dr. Cho said, reluctant to let Peter leave. She had so much more to study about him, he’s the first male ever to grow a female reproductive system!

“Thanks Cho, but i’ll take it from here.” Tony said, leaving the room with Peter held tightly in his arms.

—————

Tony set Peter down on the bathroom counter as he ran a bath. He threw in a huge amount of bubble bath and one of those brightly colored bath bombs Peter always keeps at Tony’s. When the entire bathroom was steamy and smelled like lavender, Tony helped undress the younger male despite his protests of being fine. They both eased into the hot, floral smelling water, with Peter’s back up against Tony’s chest.

The older man started to wash Peter and the latter began to relax with a sigh.

“Do you think I’m a freak?” Peter questioned, breaking the silence.

“Of course not, sweetheart. I didn’t think you were a freak when I saw what spider-man could do. And I sure as hell don’t think you’re a freak now.” Tony said reassuringly.

“But... I can probably get pregnant now. Does this change anything?” Peter asks unsure.

“Baby, this is honestly great news. Now we don’t have to adopt kids, we can have kids of our own. With your looks and my genius genes, our kids will be unstoppable!” Tony smiles widely at the thought. He always had the thought of kids in the back of his mind. But he had never gave it too much thought about it until now. Just imagining a future with Peter and few cute, little geniuses running around sounded amazing.

“You... you wanna have kids together?” Peter turned around to face Tony, a surprised look on his adorable face.

Fuck. Tony thought. Was this too fast? He and Peter hadn’t even had sex yet! What if the boy decides this was moving too fast and he broke up with Tony? Did he just royally fuck this up? Oh fuck-

“Of course I do.” Tony replies before letting his thoughts go even crazier.

Peter smiled widely and threw is arms around Tony. “I love you so much Tony. Like you don’t even know how much love i’ve got for you in my superhuman heart.”

Tony smiled back before giving Peter a deep kiss on the lips.

“Wanna go make a baby now? Well I mean after this weird period is over and I start ovaltining?” Peter said, seeming very very excited.

“Ovaltine... baby do you mean ovulating?” Tony began to chuckle.

Peter lightly slapped Tony’s chest. “Give me a break, i’ve only been partly a woman for a couple of hours.

___________

So this idea was submitted to me by someone and I am very sorry that it is not good, I tried, I swear.

#starker #starker fic #starker au #starker fluff

82 notes · View notes

thekpopwiki · 7 years

Photo

Happy birthday to SNSD’s Sooyoung!

Choi Sooyoung 최수영 was born on Saturday, February 10, 1990, in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do. Her name, Sooyoung, literally means “swimming.”

Like fellow member Yoona, she was born in the Chinese Year of the Horse. She’s an Aquarius. Sooyoung, Taeyeon, and Tiffany’s blood type is O. At a height of 170 cm or 5'7", she’s the tallest member of SNSD. She’s taller than the shortest member, Sunny, by 15 cm.

She and Yuri both attended Chung-Ang University. She and Yoona both speak Japanese. Her older sister, Choo Soojin, is a musical actress.

She joined SM after an open audition in 2000. She participated in the 2002 Korea-Japan Ultra Idol Duo Audition as part of a Korean-Japanese duo group called Route θ with Marina Takahashi. The duo disbanded in 2003.

She’s been in various dramas, like “Unstoppable Marriage” (2007), “Oh! My Lady” (2010), “Gentleman’s Dignity” (2012, episode 5), “The 3rd Hospital” (2012), “Dating Agency: Cyrano” (2013), “The Spring Day of My Life” (2014), “38 Task Force” (2016), “Polyclinic Doctor” (2016).

She plays the piano. She likes spicy cabbage. She’s a huge fan of baseball. She’s the member of SNSD who cries the most easily.

#sooyoung #snsd #taeyeon #yoona #yuri

14 notes · View notes

hananeouddoud · 5 years

Text

17 Insanely Cool New Luxury Bicycles for Spring

Every the guy is aware of that sport is on associate degree unstoppable rise here within the U.S. Right now, the amount of simple machine commuters is up a walloping sixty p.c over the last decade, and, in several bike-happy locales, long rides ar with success displacement golf outings because of the new diversion of preference among dealmakers. however, if you are looking to affix the sporting elite, you are going to want a way cooler set of wheels than that recent 1980s-era Huffy lying in your garage.

From ultra-flashy designer models to ultra-high-end, superior ones which will get you a ticket, here are the most effective new luxury rides for spring. And yes, they are high-ticket. however, consider them just like the Jaegar-LeCoultres of cycling: you are not simply shopping for them for yourself—you're conjointly holding onto them for a successive generation. And if you are within the marketplace for alternative wildly cool luxury items—such as a classic automobile, an Equus caballus, even a non-public island—here's our complete guide to purchasing something.

Meet the enduring Yankee bikemaker's starship of a "superbike," associate degree ultra-light beauty you'll be able to purchase (for a restricted time) in head-turning, Dodge serpent red. Put simply, this beast is all aeromechanics, speed, and potency. If you are biking with your boss, strive to not leave him within the dirt.

As sleek as a panther and light-weight as a Felis domesticus, this bike from Bastion on the face of it defies physics. Considering that complete models weigh in as low as fourteen pounds, 2 queries come back to mind. (How? And: once am I able to ride one?) If you are patient, though, we propose waiting till June, once their updated model, the CX, comes out.

Inspired by the motorcycles of the first twentieth century, Lord Bike's creation is each a beauty and a beast. Despite spirited curves and spirited color choices, a rear-mounted motor ensures this factor will high forty mph. Zoom, zoom.

You can't get it wrong with a classic. Back in 1962, Moulton came out with the first-ever "small wheel" bicycle. Ever since they have been purification. And purification. Until now, finally, perfection: the sturdiest, most snug commuter bike the corporate has ever designed.

Meet the most effective damn cycle bike on the market. better of all: its battery-powered, therefore you associate degreed your lady pal will have an extra-breezy ride.

For the speed demons and road racers out there, this one's for you. By treating wind and flow as assets rather than obstacles, the engineers at Cicli Matteo have created associate degree mechanics bike that's nearly proof against turbulence. simply do not expect to prevent on a dime.

Montante has been creating bicycles for nearly a century. And this model, above all, looks raised straight from the fundamental quantity once the corporate was supported. Complete with a stand and twin Pineider baggage, it is the good ride for selling from restaurant to restaurant during an active European metropolis—like, say, Milan.

When you are going on a picnic, tick off everything on your searching list: cheese, crackers, caviar, wine, and a motorcycle (equipped with a picnic basket) that prices the maximum amount as a BMW. Moynat's basket is sure in luxurious animal skin and comes with a group of tableware, napkins, and homemade bicycles from the masters at Abici Italy.

The tiny bike trend was presupposed to be a trend. however, Lios has breathed new life into the trend, by making associate degree esthetically pleasing iteration, while not sacrificing any strength or practicality. As a bonus, it will be doubled in seconds and carried around, sort of a case. Or, given the worth tag, a baby.

Every bike created by Cicli Art workplace is hand made and –decorated. each could be a distinctive piece of art. This style with great care happens to be supported by a manuscript from the sixteenth century, a few men you will have detected of engineer da Vinci.

This wonderful monstrosity sacrifices everything—elegance, whimsy, precision, meticulous style—associated with trendy bicycle design within the name of 1 thing: pure, raw power. B2G Bikes put in a five,000-watt the engine on the Red RSR and once pushed to the goop, the bike will hit speeds of nearly fifty mph. Wear a helmet, please.

Stromer has created the maybe most digitally integrated bicycle on the market. The ST2 syncs up along with your smartphone to supply GPS trailing, remote standardization capabilities, and even thievery protection: if somebody tries to require your bike, it'll power down, and become nearly not possible to pedal. Then the GPS trailing kicks in, and points you right to the felon.

You can 3D-print something of late, even a bullet. Or one thing as quick as a bullet. It takes 3 months for associate degree order from Métier Vélo to be completed—because it's high-ticket and long to 3D-print atomic number 22. however once the ready-to-race beast lands on your step, you may cowl a lot of ground in 3 weeks than you probably could've within the intervening months.

Lorenzo Petrini has dedicated forty years to dreaming of and conceptualizing his good bike. The result, Stella, is spectacularly straightforward and complex, elegant wherever it might be unpolished, delicate wherever it might be loud, and wonderfully creative wherever it might be something, however.

The designers at Keim treat bikes just like the Samurai treated their swords—as associate degree extension of the flesh. So, whereas the Arvak may well be the strangest wanting bike on the earth, every bike is custom-designed to naturally suit your body. And speaking of nature, the frame is created entirely of white ash. Rub that in your biker hippy friends' faces.

A company should not build bicycles, right? This group between bike manufacturer American state rosid dicot genus and Pininfarina, the legendary Italian automobile style firm, proves otherwise. The mash-up—to use the word du jour—looks am passionate about it belongs within the MOMA, however, it is tried-and-true as the other road bike out there.

The BestiaNera is proof that "fixies"—or fixed-gear bikes—are not solely still alive however thriving. investigate this factor. it's the head of the art movement style. If a fictional character makes it to 2117, this can be the bike he'll be riding. additionally, to wanting cool as hell, it is also chock packed with accessories and amenities: crystal rectifier kits, a proprietary anti-vibration system, and a bar that adjusts to the millimeter. If that is not spy-approved, we do not apprehend what's.

For a lot of wonderful recommendations for living smarter, wanting higher, feeling younger, and enjoying tougher, sign in for our newsletter—delivered each day!

0 notes

ohmypreciousgirl · 8 years

Text

My Very Gay To Read List

Six of Crows (Six of Crows #1) by Leigh Bardugo

Criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker has been offered wealth beyond his wildest dreams. But to claim it, he'll have to pull off a seemingly impossible heist:

Break into the notorious Ice Court (a military stronghold that has never been breached)

Retrieve a hostage (who could unleash magical havoc on the world)

Survive long enough to collect his reward (and spend it)

Kaz needs a crew desperate enough to take on this suicide mission and dangerous enough to get the job done - and he knows exactly who: six of the deadliest outcasts the city has to offer. Together, they just might be unstoppable - if they don't kill each other first.

The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1) by Maggie Stiefvater

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

Loved this book so much: Know Not Why (Know Not Why) by Hannah Johnson

Howie gets a job at Artie Kraft's Arts 'N Crafts hoping to score with his lady coworkers. After all, girls love a sensitive guy, and what's more sensitive than dedicating your life to selling yarn and ... stuff? (Okay, so maybe it'd be a good idea to actually learn what one sells at an arts 'n crafts store.) But things don't go exactly according to plan. Coworker #1 is Cora: tiny, much-pierced, and way too fierce to screw with in any sense. Coworker #2 is Kristy: blonde, bubbly, unattainable perfection. And Coworker #3 is, well, Arthur. It goes without saying that he’s not an option. Right?

… Right?

Yeah, Howie’s life just got straight up confusing.

Pun intended.

How They Met, and Other Stories by David Levithan

Just in time for Valentine’s Day comes a confection from David Levithan that is sure to appeal to fans of Boy Meets Boy. Here are 18 stories, all about love, and about all kinds of love. From the aching for the one you pine for, to standing up and speaking up for the one you love, to pure joy and happiness, these love stories run the gamut of that emotion that at some point has turned every one of us inside out and upside down. What is love? With this original story collection David Levithan proves that love is a many splendored thing, a varied, complicated, addictive, wonderful thing.

Strong Signal by Megan Erickson

I was counting down the months until the end of my deployment. My days were spent working on military vehicles, and I spent my nights playing video games that would distract me until I could leave Staff Sergeant Garrett Reid behind.

That was when I met him: Kai Bannon, a fellow gamer with a famous stream channel.

I never expected to become fixated on someone who'd initially been a rival. And I'd never expected someone who oozed charm to notice me—a guy known for his brutal honesty and scowl. I hadn't planned for our online friendship to turn into something that kept me up at night—hours of chatting evolving into filthy webcam sessions.

But it did. And now I can't stop thinking about him. In my mind, our real life meeting is perfect. We kiss, we fall into bed, and it's love at first sight.

Except, like most things in my life, it doesn't go as planned.

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now Simon is actually being blackmailed: if he doesn’t play wingman for class clown Martin, his sexual identity will become everyone’s business. Worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he’s been emailing, will be compromised.

With some messy dynamics emerging in his once tight-knit group of friends, and his email correspondence with Blue growing more flirtatious every day, Simon’s junior year has suddenly gotten all kinds of complicated. Now, change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he’s pushed out—without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he’s never met.

Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan

New York Times bestselling author David Levithan tells the based-on-true-events story of Harry and Craig, two 17-year-olds who are about to take part in a 32-hour marathon of kissing to set a new Guinness World Record—all of which is narrated by a Greek Chorus of the generation of gay men lost to AIDS.

While the two increasingly dehydrated and sleep-deprived boys are locking lips, they become a focal point in the lives of other teen boys dealing with languishing long-term relationships, coming out, navigating gender identity, and falling deeper into the digital rabbit hole of gay hookup sites—all while the kissing former couple tries to figure out their own feelings for each other.

Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan

This is the story of Paul, a sophomore at a high school like no other: The cheerleaders ride Harleys, the homecoming queen used to be a guy named Daryl (she now prefers Infinite Darlene and is also the star quarterback), and the gay-straight alliance was formed to help the straight kids learn how to dance.

When Paul meets Noah, he thinks he’s found the one his heart is made for. Until he blows it. The school bookie says the odds are 12-to-1 against him getting Noah back, but Paul’s not giving up without playing his love really loud. His best friend Joni might be drifting away, his other best friend Tony might be dealing with ultra-religious parents, and his ex-boyfriend Kyle might not be going away anytime soon, but sometimes everything needs to fall apart before it can really fit together right.

Liked this book: Peter Darling by Austin Chant

Ten years ago, Peter Pan left Neverland to grow up, leaving behind his adolescent dreams of boyhood and resigning himself to life as Wendy Darling. Growing up, however, has only made him realize how inescapable his identity as a man is.

But when he returns to Neverland, everything has changed: the Lost Boys have become men, and the war games they once played are now real and deadly. Even more shocking is the attraction Peter never knew he could feel for his old rival, Captain Hook—and the realization that he no longer knows which of them is the real villain.

Lucas e Nicolas by Gabriel Spits

Lucas é um adolescente como qualquer outro: seu corpo cheio de hormônios o enche de desejos e sua cabeça de dúvidas. Na escola, Lucas é considerado um ‘loser’: tímido, péssimo nos esportes e muito inteligente, alvo constante de chacota dos alunos mais ‘populares’ e completamente inábil na arte da conquista amorosa. Mas, no caso de Lucas, algo mais o deixa vulnerável ao assédio dos colegas: ele é gay. E isso faz toda a diferença, principalmente em um ambiente conservador como na pequena cidade do interior paulista onde vive.

A tanto sofrimento, soma-se uma novidade: recém-chegado da capital São Paulo, Nicolas é tudo o que ele não é: bonito, forte e popular. E é, talvez, justamente por isso, ou por algum outro motivo que ele não consegue identificar, que Lucas se apaixona pelo seu oposto – ou pelo seu complemento? Como lidar com isso? Pode-se considerar “Lucas e Nicolas”, lançamento do Fábrica231, um livro necessário. Com habilidade, o autor traça um perfil honesto de Lucas, um menino desprotegido e solitário em suas dúvidas e questionamentos acerca de sua orientação sexual. Sem interlocutores que possam ouvi-lo e orientá-lo, resta-lhe o sentimento de vergonha, deslocamento e medo. Afinal, o mundo parece não perdoar quem é diferente. Por conta disso, sofre toda sorte de agressões, verbais e físicas, numa homofobia que é negada conscientemente por seus perpetradores, mas muito presente na vida diária.

Na impossibilidade de poder expressar seu afeto, Lucas corre para o abrigo da internet, onde faz um amigo, Matheus, gay assumido, mas que nunca viu ao vivo. Matheus é seu confidente e representa aquele jovem homossexual que tem orgulho de ser quem é. Assume seu caráter único e vive com intensidade toda uma cultura gay que se reflete em músicas, filmes e num linguajar muito peculiar. Ao desabafar sobre Nicolas, ele descobre com Matheus uma informação crucial sobre seu objeto de desejo. Nicolas é o típico aluno popular, forte, bonito e atlético. Mas, por trás de tanta fortaleza, esconde-se uma personalidade frágil, um menino com uma família desajustada, que o obriga a amadurecer cedo. Ele vem da capital para o interior, mas tem dificuldade de se adaptar. Sente saudades dos amigos de São Paulo, e de um em especial. Péssimo nos estudos, ele é obrigado a ter aulas particulares com o CDF do colégio: Lucas. E agora?

How to Repair a Mechanical Heart by J.C. Lillis

Eighteen-year-old Castaway Planet fans Brandon and Abel hate bad fan fiction—especially when it pairs their number-one TV crushes of all time, dashing space captain Cadmus and dapper android Sim. As co-runners of the Internet’s third most popular Castaway Planet vlog, they love to spar with the “Cadsim” fangirls who think Cadmus will melt Sim’s mechanical heart by the Season 5 finale. This summer, Brandon and Abel have a mission: hit the road in an RV to follow the traveling Castaway Planet convention, interview the actors and showrunner, and uncover proof that a legit Cadsim romance will NEVER, EVER HAPPEN.

A Brandon and Abel romance: also not happening. Brandon’s sick of his struggle to make “gay and Catholic” compute, so it’s safer to love a TV android. Plus Abel’s got a hot new boyfriend with a phoenix tattoo, and how can Brandon compete with that? But when mysterious messages about them start popping up in the fan community, they make a shocking discovery that slowly forces their real feelings to the surface. Before they get to the last Castaway Planet convention, Brandon’s going to find out the truth: can a mechanical heart be reprogrammed, or will his first shot at love be a full system failure?

The Dark Wife by Sarah Diemer

Three thousand years ago, a god told a lie. Now, only a goddess can tell the truth. Persephone has everything a daughter of Zeus could want--except for freedom. She lives on the green earth with her mother, Demeter, growing up beneath the ever-watchful eyes of the gods and goddesses on Mount Olympus. But when Persephone meets the enigmatic Hades, she experiences something new: choice. Zeus calls Hades "lord" of the dead as a joke. In truth, Hades is the goddess of the underworld, and no friend of Zeus. She offers Persephone sanctuary in her land of the dead, so the young goddess may escape her Olympian destiny. But Persephone finds more than freedom in the underworld. She finds love, and herself.

Keeping You a Secret by Julie Anne Peters

With a steady boyfriend, the position of Student Council President, and a chance to go to an Ivy League college, high school life is just fine for Holland Jaeger. At least it seems to be. But when Cece Goddard comes to school, everything changes. Cece and Holland have undeniable feelings for each other, but how will others react to their developing relationship? This moving love story between two girls is a worthy successor to Nancy Garden's classic young adult coming out novel, Annie on My Mind. With her characteristic humor and breezy style, Peters has captured the compelling emotions of young love.

Annie on My Mind by Nancy Garden

This groundbreaking book is the story of two teenage girls whose friendship blossoms into love and who, despite pressures from family and school that threaten their relationship, promise to be true to each other and their feelings. This book is so truthful and honest, it has been banned from many school libraries and even publicly burned in Kansas City.

Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour

Emi is a film buff and a true romantic, but her real-life relationships are a mess. She has desperately gone back to the same girl too many times to mention. But then a mysterious letter from a silver screen legend leads Emi to Ava. Ava is unlike anyone Emi has ever met. She has a tumultuous, not-so-glamorous past, and lives an unconventional life. She’s enigmatic…. She’s beautiful. And she is about to expand Emi’s understanding of family, acceptance, and true romance.

Him (Him #1) by Sarina Bowen

Jamie Canning has never been able to figure out how he lost his closest friend. Four years ago, his tattooed, wise-cracking, rule-breaking roommate cut him off without an explanation. So what if things got a little weird on the last night of hockey camp the summer they were eighteen? It was just a little drunken foolishness. Nobody died.

Ryan Wesley’s biggest regret is coaxing his very straight friend into a bet that pushed the boundaries of their relationship. Now, with their college teams set to face off at the national championship, he’ll finally get a chance to apologize. But all it takes is one look at his longtime crush, and the ache is stronger than ever.

Jamie has waited a long time for answers, but walks away with only more questions—can one night of sex ruin a friendship? If not, how about six more weeks of it? When Wesley turns up to coach alongside Jamie for one more hot summer at camp, Jamie has a few things to discover about his old friend... and a big one to learn about himself.

Truth in the Dark by Amy Lane

"I am not beautiful..."

Knife's entire existence has been as twisted as his flesh and his face. The only thing beautiful in his life is his sister. When Gwennie is obliged to turn a suitor down because she fears to leave her brother to the brutality of their village, Knife is desperate for anything to ensure her happiness.

Her suitor's cousin offers him a way out, but it won't be easy. Aerie-Smith has been cursed to walk upright in the form of a beast, and his beloved village suffers from the same spell. Aerie-Smith offers Gwen a trousseau and some hope, if only Knife will keep him company on his island for the span of a year and perform one "regrettable task" at year's end.

Knife is unprepared for the form the island's curse takes on his own misshapen body. In one moment of magic, he is given the body of his dreams—and he discovers that where flesh meets spirit and appearance meet reality, sometimes the only place to find truth is in the darkness of a lover's arms.

Luck in the Shadows (Nightrunner #1) by Lynn Flewelling

When young Alec of Kerry is taken prisoner for a crime he didn’t commit, he is certain that his life is at an end. But one thing he never expected was his cellmate. Spy, rogue, thief, and noble, Seregil of Rhiminee is many things–none of them predictable. And when he offers to take on Alec as his apprentice, things may never be the same for either of them. Soon Alec is traveling roads he never knew existed, toward a war he never suspected was brewing. Before long he and Seregil are embroiled in a sinister plot that runs deeper than either can imagine, and that may cost them far more than their lives if they fail. But fortune is as unpredictable as Alec’s new mentor, and this time there just might be…Luck in the Shadows.

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

Jude and her twin brother, Noah, are incredibly close. At thirteen, isolated Noah draws constantly and is falling in love with the charismatic boy next door, while daredevil Jude cliff-dives and wears red-red lipstick and does the talking for both of them. But three years later, Jude and Noah are barely speaking. Something has happened to wreck the twins in different and dramatic ways . . until Jude meets a cocky, broken, beautiful boy, as well as someone else—an even more unpredictable new force in her life. The early years are Noah's story to tell. The later years are Jude's. What the twins don't realize is that they each have only half the story, and if they could just find their way back to one another, they’d have a chance to remake their world.

Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley

In 1959 Virginia, the lives of two girls on opposite sides of the battle for civil rights will be changed forever.

Sarah Dunbar is one of the first black students to attend the previously all-white Jefferson High School. An honors student at her old school, she is put into remedial classes, spit on and tormented daily.

Linda Hairston is the daughter of one of the town's most vocal opponents of school integration. She has been taught all her life that the races should be kept separate but equal.

Forced to work together on a school project, Sarah and Linda must confront harsh truths about race, power and how they really feel about one another.

The Diviners (The Diviners #1) by Libba Bray

Evie O’Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City—and she is pos-i-tute-ly ecstatic. It’s 1926, and New York is filled with speakeasies, Ziegfeld girls, and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is that she has to live with her uncle Will and his unhealthy obsession with the occult.

Evie worries he’ll discover her darkest secret: a supernatural power that has only brought her trouble so far. But when the police find a murdered girl branded with a cryptic symbol and Will is called to the scene, Evie realizes her gift could help catch a serial killer.

As Evie jumps headlong into a dance with a murderer, other stories unfold in the city that never sleeps. A young man named Memphis is caught between two worlds. A chorus girl named Theta is running from her past. A student named Jericho hides a shocking secret. And unknown to all, something dark and evil has awakened.

The Magicians (The Magicians, #1) by Lev Grossman

Like everyone else, precocious high school senior Quentin Coldwater assumes that magic isn't real, until he finds himself admitted to a very secretive and exclusive college of magic in upstate New York. There he indulges in joys of college-friendship, love, sex, and booze- and receives a rigorous education in modern sorcery. But magic doesn't bring the happiness and adventure Quentin thought it would. After graduation, he and his friends stumble upon a secret that sets them on a remarkable journey that may just fulfill Quentin's yearning. But their journey turns out to be darker and more dangerous than they'd imagined.

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

Children can have a cruel, absolute sense of justice. Children can kill a monster and feel quite proud of themselves. A girl can look at her brother and believe they’re destined to be a knight and a bard who battle evil. She can believe she’s found the thing she’s been made for.

Hazel lives with her brother, Ben, in the strange town of Fairfold where humans and fae exist side by side. The faeries’ seemingly harmless magic attracts tourists, but Hazel knows how dangerous they can be, and she knows how to stop them. Or she did, once.

At the center of it all, there is a glass coffin in the woods. It rests right on the ground and in it sleeps a boy with horns on his head and ears as pointed as knives. Hazel and Ben were both in love with him as children. The boy has slept there for generations, never waking.

Until one day, he does…

As the world turns upside down, Hazel tries to remember her years pretending to be a knight. But swept up in new love, shifting loyalties, and the fresh sting of betrayal, will it be enough?

Deathless (Leningrad Diptych #1) by Catherynne M. Valente

Koschei the Deathless is to Russian folklore what devils or wicked witches are to European culture: a menacing, evil figure; the villain of countless stories which have been passed on through story and text for generations. But Koschei has never before been seen through the eyes of Catherynne Valente, whose modernized and transformed take on the legend brings the action to modern times, spanning many of the great developments of Russian history in the twentieth century. Deathless, however, is no dry, historical tome: it lights up like fire as the young Marya Morevna transforms from a clever child of the revolution, to Koschei’s beautiful bride, to his eventual undoing. Along the way there are Stalinist house elves, magical quests, secrecy and bureaucracy, and games of lust and power. All told, Deathless is a collision of magical history and actual history, of revolution and mythology, of love and death, which will bring Russian myth back to life in a stunning new incarnation.

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn, David Levithan

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn, David Levithan

It all starts when Nick asks Norah to be his girlfriend for five minutes. He only needs five minutes to avoid his ex-girlfriend, whoâ€™s just walked in to his bandâ€™s show. With a new guy. And then, with one kiss, Nick and Norah are off on an adventure set against the backdrop of New York Cityâ€”and smack in the middle of all the joy, anxiety, confusion, and excitement of a first date.

Every Day (Every Day #1) by David Levithan

Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl. There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.

It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

A laugh-out-loud, heartfelt YA romantic comedy, told in alternating perspectives, about two Indian-American teens whose parents have arranged for them to be married.

Dimple Shah has it all figured out. With graduation behind her, she’s more than ready for a break from her family, from Mamma’s inexplicable obsession with her finding the “Ideal Indian Husband.” Ugh. Dimple knows they must respect her principles on some level, though. If they truly believed she needed a husband right now, they wouldn’t have paid for her to attend a summer program for aspiring web developers…right?

Rishi Patel is a hopeless romantic. So when his parents tell him that his future wife will be attending the same summer program as him—wherein he’ll have to woo her—he’s totally on board. Because as silly as it sounds to most people in his life, Rishi wants to be arranged, believes in the power of tradition, stability, and being a part of something much bigger than himself.

The Shahs and Patels didn’t mean to start turning the wheels on this “suggested arrangement” so early in their children’s lives, but when they noticed them both gravitate toward the same summer program, they figured, Why not?

Dimple and Rishi may think they have each other figured out. But when opposites clash, love works hard to prove itself in the most unexpected ways.

A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic #1) by V.E. Schwab

Kell is one of the last travelers--magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel universes connected by one magical city.

There's Grey London, dirty and boring, without any magic, and with one mad King--George III. Red London, where life and magic are revered--and where Kell was raised alongside Rhy Maresh, the roguish heir to a flourishing empire. White London--a place where people fight to control magic and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. And once upon a time, there was Black London. But no one speaks of that now.

Officially, Kell is the Red traveler, ambassador of the Maresh empire, carrying the monthly correspondences between the royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they'll never see. It's a defiant hobby with dangerous consequences, which Kell is now seeing firsthand.

Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs into Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs him, saves him from a deadly enemy, and finally forces Kell to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure.

Now perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, they'll first need to stay alive.

#to read #books

22 notes · View notes

outfittrends · 6 years

Text

How To Wear Puffer Jacket? 31 Chic Outfits With Puffer Jackets Outfit Trends - Ideas How to Wear & What to Wear

New Post has been published on https://www.outfittrends.com/how-to-wear-puffer-jacket/

How To Wear Puffer Jacket? 31 Chic Outfits With Puffer Jackets

How to Wear Puffer Jackets For Women? Oh the weather outside is frightful, but that doesn’t mean we can’t continue to look delightful (ly fashionable). Even when its bone-chilling cold with temperatures in the teens (bbbrrrr), many ladies really don’t want to skip fashion for warmth.

But we have very good news – it is possible to wear a puffer jacket and not look frumpy and out of style. Believe it or not, you can look and feel unstoppable in a puffer jacket. According to a recent Boston Globe piece, “Any woman who has shopped for a puffer understands there are tiny style distinctions that take on outsized importance, which sometimes allow a woman to think her coat is — however marginally — cute: The slightest shaping at the waist. A faux fur ruff around the hood. A sophisticated silhouette.“

What To Wear With Puffer Jackets

Here are more than two dozen ways to brave the elements this winter and remain super stylish while wearing a puffer jacket.

↓ 31. Go for the gold!

The Skyler down filled bomber jacket by Sam-NYC is crafted from a densely woven nylon. The surface has been treated to obtain a lacquered look. It is lightweight, yet protective of wind and water, and filled with goose down to achieve warmth and an ultra-soft feel. The jacket features a raccoon fur trimmed hood, center front zip closure with snap placket, 2 lower pockets, a knit waistband, and spandex thumbhole cuffs. This pretty little number will cost you a suggested retail price of $695.00.

↓ 30. Champagne Tastes on a Beer Budget

You can never go wrong in a neutral monochromatic coat, especially one that comes from H&M for as little as $124. Pair with asos high waist jeans, Nike air max thea sneakers, a.p.c geneve bag, and who what wear collection top. You’ll look like a million bucks while barely even trying. And have money left over to splurge on guilty little pleasures, like lattes, all month long.

↓ 29. Living in a Material World

How cool were the 1980’s?! Channelling Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Boy George & Culture Club. Life would be so much better if neon pink could reappear in every decade! This jacket brights up your complexion and turns you into a ray of sunshine. The best part is, it’ll be super easy to identify which coat is yours at the end of the night.

↓ 28. Jewel Tones

Sometimes we just need a break from basic black. Michael Kors understands this and offers this winter coat in rich jewelled hues which can easily be matched to your amethyst and emeralds. Treat yourself to a matching mani too! You’ll sparkle like the precious gem you are.

↓ 27. Go big or go home!

Stay toasty warm from head to toe. This belted “puffy compilation” from Imgur lets you flaunt your tiny waist and not look like a big shapeless blimb. Dress it up with pumps, boots with a kitten heel or keep your feet planted firmly on the ground in a pair of Uggs or fashionable kicks.

↓ 26. Show The World You Have the Winter Blues

The colour blue is having a moment in home décor. Pinterest boards full of cobalt blue kitchens. Fashion follows the interior design. Step out looking boho chic in this warm 90% duck down warm parka quilted coat. Best part if the removable scarf. On sale for only $125.55 at Boho Gipsy Store.

↓ 25. Sorry, I Wanted to Stay in Bed

For those cold, raw days when you really wish you could stay under your duvet covers, throw on this stunning coat from Add. Changing out of your oh so comfy pyjamas is optional.

↓ 24. Pinkies Up, Dutchess

Let them question if you’re part of the royal family in this majestic purple hooded winter white duck down jacket with natural fox fur collar. It’s even available in plus sizes. They will be shocked if you tell them it’s only $217.27 at AliExpress.

↓ 23. Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

Wish your closet could be filled with Balenciaga, but worried if you can even afford this month’s rent payment? The Orolay is the thickened $100 down jacket that looks a little bit Balenciaga, a little bit Sacai, and is selling like hotcakes. I spotted three women checking into spin class on the upper east side of Manhattan, New York City this morning. Snag it for only $99 (was $250, now 60% off) at Amazon.

↓ 22. Keep Your Hands in Your Pockets

C’mon, admit it, what girl doesn’t go crazy when they realize their dress has actual pockets?!? The H-line Casual Pockets Hoodie Coat offers front pockets. What a score! Gloves optional. Did we mention this jacket has front pockets?!?

↓ 21. Eye See You

Ward away fromthe evil eye and make sure everyone is watching you closely while prancing through the streets in this very noticeable puffer from Rivaynyc.com | Rivay® Official. Pairs nicely with a classic Chanel bag. The girl who wears this is certainly an “It Girl” wanting to be viewed, admired, appreciated and remembered.

↓ 20. Headed to the Gym

Puffer jackets are the perfect way to winterize athleisure, which continues to be so in style right now. This Aritzia super puff jacket comes in so many different colors options. The key to styling the perfect puffer jacket is to get one that is slightly cropped, because it emphasizes your waistline and creates a feminine silhouette.

↓ 19. Wine Time

Easily a perfect jacket to throw on before a girl’s wine night out or meeting friends at the pub. Pairs well with black pants and heels. It’s practical and unfussy, even if you’re not.

↓ 18. Grading on a Bell Curve

This trusty quilted Alice + Olivia is by far my absolute favorite. The jacket means serious business both in terms of warmth and sensational style. The bell curve on the hips adds just the perfect amount of flounce and flair. A great pair of shoes is all that’s needed. What’s she’s wearing underneath is meaningless because this detailed jacket screams, “Here comes a fashion plate.”

↓ 17. Green with Envy

Strut yourself in a big bold emerald green jacket and skinny black stirrups. It’s almost possible to feel the heat radiating off of this classy lady. This seriously could be Meaghan Markle in her pre-Dutchess days. Do you see the resemblance?

↓ 16. It’s a Long Shot

The long puffer is a must-have staple in every female’s closet. It protects you all around, exposing only a tiny portion of your legs. Keep that part of your legs covered in heavy tights or thick wool pants. There’s no better option for those living in a city with lots of precipitation and/or low temperatures. Feel free to take a bold chance on your shoes and accessories since the majority of your body will be covered up the coat. Puffer coat + cropped jeans + ankle boots equals a winning equation every time. Now you do the math.

↓ 15. If You See a Shiny Penny, Pick it Up…All Day Long You’ll Have Good Luck

Glossy magazines will never be completely out of Vogue. There’s something so rich, luxurious, eye-catching and worthy of shine and that definitely includes shiny nylon down jackets. This is a bespoke shiny/PVC/vinyl down winter coat which is made of high-quality 4-way stretch vinyl. It has an oil slick look with really smooth touch (latex imitation). In a class by itself and not your usual nylon puffer. You may think it looks familiar because it mimics the Moncler style, but is much more glossy.

↓ 14. Even Runway Models Walk on Paved Streets

An eccentric design could really polish a plain, boring coat. Gigi Hadid provides us with some awesome tips with this bold, sassy and comfy puffer coat. Remember that you don’t have to put too much effort with your other clothing because the coat itself can do the magic. Just like that, you can look effortlessly chic.

↓ 13. Walk as if You are a Painting in a Museum

Patterns can be risky, but there’s just something so beautiful and unique about this White Floral Turtleneck Long Sleeve Coat. Definitely meant for the condifent fashionista who wants to stand out from the crowd and differ from the masses all huddled togethjer in their basic, boring, black winter gear.

↓ 12. Make Love, Not War

This camo puffer jacket from Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren Down Snorkel Jacket is guaranteed to keep you toasty warm. It’s also available in a men’s version, if you want to twin with your mate. Requires nothing more than a chic pair of jeans and rugged combat boots. Spend less time getting ready and much more fun having fun.

↓ 11. You’re Making Me Blush

Puffer jackets with a slim silhouette like this blush pink renew lightweight puffer jacket prove endlessly versatile. Simply toss it on over workout gear on your way to or from the gym, or style it with a sweater and your favorite jeans for the perfect, low-key weekend look. The mock neck collar complements so many different layers, from turtlenecks, to crewneck shirts, to button downs, to hooded sweatshirts. Add a little extra warmth on cooler days by wearing it over a simple cashmere sweater. Pure perfection.

↓ 10. Two Tone

This two tone puffer is so attractive and easy on the eye. Roll up the sleeves for an extra pop of color. I can’t help but wondering if it’s reversible. That would mean two fabulous coats for the price of one!

↓ 9. Mid-Length

Mid-length jackets can be worn by any type of individuals, whether you are a plus size or a petite woman. The length still keeps the whole ensemble more flattering because it provides a complimentary balance. She looks put together in a pair of black leggings, big handbag and eye-catchy boots.

↓ 8. It’s a Cinch

Puffer coats with belts are really attractive and convenient. You can manipulate the comfort and style level by adjusting the belt. This accessory promises that you will never have a hard time finding the perfect fit because the coat itself is adjustable. Zippers and belts are a fantastic combination to lay emphasis on your body.

↓ 7. If you got it, flaunt it!

From the upper to the bottom, you can certainly affirm that this girl knows how to style a puffer coat. The design of the top and the colors of the coat perfectly mesh together. And oh, the flare long jeans were ideal match to the mini short puffer jacket.

↓ 6. Don’t Skirt the Issue

One might wonder: can you pair a puffer jacket with a skirt? Apparently so! (All while keeping your legs warm too!)

↓ 5. Mad for Plaid

Plaid is always current. Bring it out for hayrides and bonfires in the crisp fall weather. Add a red or green scarf for a true festive holiday feel in December. Rest assured, you don’t look like a lumberjack. But you may just get picked up by one.

↓ 4. Got a Problem with the Paparazzi?

Hmmm, is it possible that the puffer coat has made its comeback courtesy of celebs being spotted in them right before stripping off for red carpet event to get photographed in their revealing dresses? Or, because it’s this jacket they choose to wear when running errands in cold temperatures and hiding from the paparazzi? Well… they’re obviously wearing them for style reasons.

↓ 3. Don’t Throw Shade at Me

What if I told you all you all need is a great pair of shades to compliment your puffer coat. So stick your chest out a bit more and stay incognito hidden behind a great pair of sunglasses that flatter your face.

↓ 2. Countdown to Spring

Better days are coming. They’re called spring and summer. Let winter know you are breaking up with him. Show him, it’s not you, but I’m gravitating towards warmer weather filled with lilacs and pretty flowers.

↓ 1. Invest in Your Future

If you can afford it, go above the budget and treat yourself to a timeless and classic beauty such as Moncler, Canada Goose, etc. Be vigilant about taking extra good care of it and plan to pass it along to your daughter once she’s grown into it. Because when your daughter covets your clothing, you know you’re a super cool mom! Now if only she could give you her perfect skin.

Bundle up, stay warm and have the best winter ever!

#Girls Winter Outfits Trends #Jackets #Women Fashion Accessories

0 notes

themusicenthusiast · 6 years

Text

Wednesday, December 12th, 2018 – Vicious and Unrelenting, Halestorm Unleashes an Arena Sized Rock Show on Dallas’ South Side Ballroom

Photos by Jordan Buford Photography There are a lot of incredible female-fronted bands in the world of rock ‘n’ roll, though a case could certainly be made that they don’t always get the kind of recognition that they truly deserve. Yes, many have a legion of die-hard fans and some may even frequently be a part of the festival circuit, but it still can feel as if credit isn’t always given where it’s due. And that makes the co-headline tour that Halestorm and In This Moment put together such an awesome thing. The initial run occurred back in the spring, those two heavyweights of the hard rock genre teaming up and bringing some other notable up and coming bands helmed by ladies along as the support acts. That run just hit a portion of the country, though, leaving some feeling as if they were missing out on what looked to be one of the best tours of the year. Fortunately, they decided to reconvene for a winter tour, bringing the show to plenty of other markets, and luckily Dallas made the cut. North Texas fans had long been awaiting this Wednesday night, a strong turnout arriving early to South Side Ballroom; the lone opening act, New Years Day, doing everything that they possibly could to excite the spectators and prepare them for the onslaught that was to follow. That began around eight that night with the visually entertaining show that In This Moment brought; both of the primary acts performing to a near capacity crowd. Perhaps best of all was the fact that their fan bases seemed to overlap, and even if individuals did have a preference, they were still enthused to be seeing both In This Moment and Halestorm. Nevertheless, Halestorm did have the final slot this night, and with it a slightly longer set time, a little more anticipation seeming to hang in the air as patrons anxiously waited for the quartet to take the stage and unleash the spectacle that they surely had prepared for everyone. At 9:52 they did just that, ripping right in to their 54-minute long set with “I Am the Fire”. In some respects, it was an odd choice. For Halestorm, this tour is in support of Vicious (out via Atlantic Records), which has been out for almost half a year. Because of that one would expect a new song to kick off the show, but instead the first handful wound up being hits from their past releases. And that worked to their benefit.

“I Am the Fire” was a stupendous opener that set the tone for everything that came after as it proved that they were there at South Side Ballroom for just one reason: to deliver a no holds barred rock show. The mood was electric as soon as they hit that first verse. “I am the fire. I am burning brighter; roaring like a storm…” Singer and rhythm guitarist Lzzy Hale’s voice was immediately pushed to the limits, reaffirming just what a powerhouse singer she is as she fiercely belted it out, the confidence and determination of the lyrics seeping its way into her delivery. There was no way anyone couldn’t feel invigorated by that, especially since all of the musicians were working to pump everyone up. Lead guitarist Joe Hottinger was seen surveying the crowd, working to establish a connection with them as he silently egged them on for a response, which fans were all too happy to provide in the form of fanfare.

They came barreling out of the gate and never really slowed down. Even the conversation Lzzy had with the audience a little later was done with urgency as she introduced herself to everyone as “a freaky chick named Lzzy.” “Dallas, I only have one night with you… so tell me, do you love me?” She asked, soon repeating the question. “Do you love me apocalyptic?!” she asked with a devilish grin, causing another round of elated cheers to fill the room. They busted out that gem from 2015’s Into The Wild Life, that track being sensuous and even explicit to an extent, yet the way it’s done it gets more to the core of a deteriorating relationship rather than being a mundane song about carnal desires. That’s something Halestorm excels at, having a song that is dripping with sex yet somehow transcends that basic perspective, “Apocalyptic” epitomizing that knack. Lzzy, Hottinger, drummer Arejay Hale and bassist Josh Smith were live wires for the entire night, though that seemed especially true of those first few songs. The frontwoman – who effortlessly trekked around the stage in a pair of heels – was seen stretching out one of her legs, balancing on the other for longer than most people could probably do in ordinary tennis shoe. They even took a momentary pause during that previously mentioned song, Lzzy placing her hand behind her ear, the spectators recognizing that cue and roaring at the band until they tore back in to it.

There was almost so much going on that it was hard to process it all, and they pulled that off with nothing other than a stellar light show and the commanding personas they’ve developed over all the years of touring. That would remain true for the duration of their set. Upon finishing it they finally got to some of new music from Vicious, the largest chunk of songs drawing from it. “Killing Ourselves To Live” was a surprise highlight of the night. Despite the overwhelming ferocity that’s packed into it there’s an underlying ethereal quality that pairs well with it; and perhaps better than any other song it illustrated the extent of what Lzzy is capable of as a singer. A fascinating blend of tenderness and intensity it seemed to epitomize what rock ‘n’ roll is – even sounding like an instant classic – the frontwoman alternating between the various styles with ease, the vehemence heard in her voice ensuring the track was utterly compelling. Her delivery was so impassioned that it was impossible not to get caught up in it as attendees looked on in awe.

Building on that was “Do Not Disturb” and the prelude piece that Lzzy sang completely a cappella. It set up the sultry number well; the swagger that the rhythm section contributes accenting those prominent sexual tones, generating an intoxicating vibe. Lzzy embraced the role, slightly lifting up the back of her jacket at the line “I wanna show you my hidden tattoo…”, though as suggestive as it may have been it was just that. Suggestive, and even playful, though the primary focus remained on their natural talents, never relying on any sort of sex appeal to attempt to carry things. “Can I get a…?!” the vocalist repeatedly asked as she roamed about the stage, the audience finishing the question by shouting “AMEN!” back at them. It was a prime example of finessing the crowd, further energizing them for “Amen”; and as many sweet licks as the previous song had to offer, things got pushed to a whole other level during that one. The brief instrumental segment was embellished significantly, a certain bluesy vibe injected into their hard-hitting rock sound as things culminated with a bit of a dueling guitar solo between Hottinger and Lzzy. By that point they had whipped the fans into a frenzy, everyone going crazy over the immaculate artistry being displayed.

“We love you, Dallas. Thank you so much for coming out to a live rock show…” Lzzy remarked afterwards, soon circling back to their latest record and the now Grammy nominated song from it, “Uncomfortable”. The set list seemed perfectly curated this night. The dynamics of the live performance certainly deserve a lot of the credit, but it seemed like each song pushed things beyond what the last one had done. Case in point, “Uncomfortable” was absolutely invigorating, eclipsing everything else that preceded it. And that’s saying a lot. Arejay bridged it into the next number, flashes of red light briefly illuminating him, seemingly a warm up for what was to come. After “Skulls” (which was another devastating track, the way it splices some subtle pop sensibilities with an ultra-aggressive tone being splendid), the stage belonged to the drummer. He let loose a crushing drum solo, though he built it up gradually, easing into it with some pronounced beats that were spaced apart before really tearing into it. He added something different to it by singing the first couple of lines of The Offspring’s “Why Don't You Get A Job”; the solo culminating with Arejay wielding some sticks that were more reminiscent of baseball bats, and even all the way at the back you could feel the vibrations.

Halestorm’s time on stage nearly over, they did have time left for a couple more. “…Make some noise, ‘cause rock ‘n’ roll never fucking dies!” Lzzy declared, earning the most deafening response yet from spectators. They left everyone with a message of resilience in the form of the authoritative “Black Vultures”, yet another track from Vicious that is enjoyable on the record but live was an unstoppable beast. That’s where they’re their most visceral, the quartet making certain that comes across. An encore seemed imminent, only a few people taking that chance to get a jump on the traffic getting out of there. Those who stayed were rewarded with a wide-ranging encore that had a little bit of everything to offer.

It was just Lzzy and Hottinger at first, the frontwoman taking a moment to stress how grateful they were to everyone for turning out, even acknowledging all of the little kids in attendance (and there were quite a few), saying how cool that was to see. With twenty plus years in the business she thought back to when Halestorm began, noting that she was barely a teenager at the time, her brother only being ten. “…Rock choose us…” she commented, and they embraced it. “We are so proud to be on this stage in Dallas. …As much as you needed to be here to experience this we needed to be here to perform,” she added, emphasis being on the fact that they needed this, as if it were no different than a person requiring air. The pair had something prepared from “the softer side” of Vicious, though that could extend to Halestorm in general. They may have made their mark with adrenaline pumping songs capable of dominating the alt rock radio stations, though there is a little more breadth to the band than just that. Even if it is seldom heard.

“The Silence” was a stunning example of that, Lzzy baring her soul on what was her most impassioned performance of the night. It was something special, that track not being able to be done justice except at a show. It was jaw dropping. Their 18-minute long encore allowed for a couple more songs, all from The Strange Case Of.... “I Miss the Misery” was clearly one everyone had been waiting all night for; the guttural, unwavering screams Lzzy unleashed beforehand further dazzling as she held each one for an impressive amount of time. That still just scratched the surface of what was to come as the four of them tacked on an extended instrumental outro that allowed the already massive song to be a wall of sound. It was blistering, Hottinger wailing on his axe, while Arejay continued to occasionally throw one of his drum sticks a few feet in the air, never failing to catch it. When it was all said and done Arejay, Hottinger and Smith all went to leave their posts, though Lzzy seemed to be struck by some spontaneity, launching into something that genuinely felt off-the-cuff. She proceeded to sing “Rock Show”, doing but a snippet of it, all a cappella, the few lines encapsulating how everyone had felt going into this night. It was all about the thrill of the rock show and that high live music can give, and Halestorm had served it up in spades.

To get right to the point, we live in an age where the rock star is bordering on being a mythical creature. The legends who have earned that title are dwindling, either retiring or passing on, and not too many modern bands have what it takes to ever achieve that iconic status of their predecessors. Halestorm is one of the exceptions, being able to take on that mantle, channeling everything that makes rock ‘n’ roll, rock ‘n’ roll. They made that clear this night, coming out as if they had something to prove and possessing the bravado to accomplish that, being unrelenting as they ripped through a well-balanced set list. There were enough of the old favorites to appease everyone, and they were just as taken by the newer songs they heard. Lzzy, Arejay, Hottinger and Smith strove to put on a legitimate performance for the patrons, constantly working to ensure they were fully enthralled by what they were witnessing. It never came across as being like a job to them either. You could tell that they were getting as much of a rush out of performing as the people were from hearing those songs, and that made them all the more endearing to the onlookers. They cultivated a perfect rapport with everyone, engaging with and exciting them, making them feel like they were a part of something and that this particular show was a special one, curated just for Dallas.

All hallmarks of an astounding group who, in this case, have fostered a remarkable camaraderie amongst themselves in order to be the best that they can possibly be. Getting to another point, Lzzy has one of the most stupendous voices of anyone currently in the industry. That shouldn’t be news, but the gusto she packs into her singing and the wide-ranging set of pipes she commands never ceases to amaze. All that said, it still doesn’t accurately depict what transpired at South Side Ballroom this night. I’ve seen Halestorm a few times, in both the festival setting and them providing main support for other groups and have always been blown away, but this night it was like seeing them for the first time. They were more dazzling than ever, having worked to transcend what they were in order to become something grander. They succeeded. This was an arena scale show in a fairly intimate environment, considering; and whenever Halestorm next visits a city near you, you owe it to yourself to check it out. They’ll make it worth your while and then some. And as long as Halestorm is still kicking it’s guaranteed that rock ‘n’ roll will survive for another generation. Their current tour is finished, their next dates being in March 2019 in Australia and New Zealand. They’re also slated to perform at the inaugural Sonic Temple Festival in Columbus, OH on May 17th. A complete list of their events can be found HERE; and check out Vicious in iTUNES or GOOGLE PLAY if you haven’t yet done so. Set List: 1) “I Am the Fire” 2) “Love Bites (So Do I)” 3) “Apocalyptic” 4) “Killing Ourselves To Live” 5) “Do Not Disturb” 6) “Amen” 7) “Uncomfortable” 8) “Skulls” Drum Solo 9) “Freak Like Me” 10) “Black Vultures” Encore 11) “The Silence” 12) “I Miss the Misery” 13) “Here's to Us” “Rock Show” (Partial, a cappella)

0 notes