#“This next song if for my big brother Dion!”

[doodle17]

I just wanted an excuse to draw older Morris... look at him...

Also bonus Raz I decided not to finish because the sketch was funnier

[because-its-eurovision]

Congrats on 10 000 posts! 🎊 To celebrate, I have a question for you (sorry if you've already answered this): I was just wondering earlier today (while reading the Viisukuppila bulletin board out of boredom), based on the "clues" we have been given of next year's UMK contestants so far, do you happen to have any theories, hopes or sophisticated guesses on who might be participating? 👀

Thank you darling! ❤ My weak spot is that I don't really follow Finnish music scene and only have a vague idea which artists are popular 😅 But let's see what others have to say!

1. A talented artist’s first 90s-style dance song

The Finnish clue specifies that this is the debute song of the artist in question. Reminds me of Keira last year (success in The Voice of Finland and now releasing their first single). Timmy Tattari reached 3rd place in this year's TVoF and has a record deal with Capitol Finland (same as Keira) but hasn't released anything yet. He follows UMK, Cornelia Jakobs and Monika Linkyté on IG but that doesn't prove anything other that he watches Esc. Another candidate is Olga Heikkala, a singer and an actress who announced this month that she's leaving the soap opera Salatut Elämät after five years. No apparent UMK connections or label afaik, but is friends with KUUMAA boys and has performed on their music video.

2. A power song by a true vocal talent

Finnish fans are speculating about Diandra every year, but I have my doubts. Someone suggested Neea River, who rose to Tiktok fame covering Celine Dion. She is Warner’s artist, co-wrote a song for Blanka (Poland 2023), is friends with Benjamin and IG mutuals with Käärijä & Jesse.

3. Perhaps the best song of an indie favourite’s career

Stoned Statues just released their second album. Music magazine Soundi called them “the most promising young rock band of the moment” and Helsingin Sanomat “the new hope of Finnish heavy metal”. They had three Emma nominations and were awarded “upcoming artist of the year” in Indie Awards 2023. I also saw suggestions for Maustetytöt, but are they still considered indie?

4. Two big name performers doing a surprising duo with a serious refrain

The Finnish version of this hint suggests the refrain being “hard”, meaning catchy. Now we only have to find out which artists are considered “big names” 🙃 Abreu & Pihlaja did release a single together in August, although it must be mentioned that Abreu has previously stated that she’s not interested in Eurovision (although people can change their mind like Robin did). Fans are suggesting Sexmane, Isac Elliot and Costee to be the other half of the duo. I just hope we’re not getting the senior department who have no actual chance or desire to compete in Eurovision, like Danny/Tommi Läntinen 💀 Perhaps this is another Pandora & Teflon Brothers situation.

5. A thunderous rock anthem by a world-touring band

I saw rumours considering The 69 Eyes, but-- god please no. Their heydays are over. My own suggestion was Lost Society who could be the Blind Channel of this year. Shiraz Lane is also a possibility and they are from Ranka Kustannus as BC and Cyan Kicks were.

6. A seriously intense song from one of the most listened-to artists in Finland

The streets (X/Twitter) are saying that BESS is back and I wouldn’t mind it at all! Other suggestions are Gettomasa & Sexmane, the latter of which already had his brother Isaac Sene competing in UMK 2022. “Intense” can mean anything though. One possibility could be Bee who just released her first album and was selected as “breakthrough of the year” by YleX. Jodel rumours suggested Evelina, but I have no idea how reliable that is.

7. A hard-hitting club banger by a well-known artist making a comeback

Jenni Vartiainen just returned from a five-year hiatus, moved back to Finland and published a new single. I doubt she’d participate in UMK as a contestant though since she is one of the most successful Finnish female artists of all time and could easily sell out an arena. Perhaps she’ll be the host this year and in return gets to perform the interval number like Antti Tuisku, Paula Vesala & Samu Haber? I'm leaning more towards Tuuli, who was kind of a teen pop star and is now making a comeback with new label and new style of music. One of the nominees for YleX's breakthrough of the year, released her newest album in August.

Bubbling under: At Tapiola Festivaali Käärijä asked the audience how many of us voted for him in UMK, and said “the rest of you voted for Kuumaa and Portion Boys, right?? next year you’ll get Arttu Wiskari and that’s exactly what you deserve” 😌

[shallowseeker]

Jack time travel fic idea

Mirroring Dean's speech to Mary in 12x01

DEAN (breathing heavily) Mom. Listen to me. Your name – your name is Mary Sandra Campbell, okay? You were born December 5, 1954, to Samuel and Deanna Campbell. Your father, he bounced around a lot for, uh, work, and you bounced right along with him, and you ended up in Lawrence, Kansas. MARY: How do you know all that? DEAN: Dad told me. March 23, 1972, you walked out of a movie theater – Slaughterhouse-Five. You loved it, and you bumped into a big Marine and you knocked him flat on his ass. You were embarrassed, and he laughed it off, said you could make it up to him with a cup of coffee. So, you went to, uh, Mulroney's and you talked and he was cute and he knew the words to every Zeppelin song, so when he asked you for your number, you gave it to him, even though you knew your dad would be pissed. That was the night that – that you met – MARY: John Winchester. DEAN: August 19, 1975, you were married... in Reno. Your idea. A few years later, I came along, then Sammy.

///

Jack to Dean:

I know you don't trust me, but listen. You were born on January 24, 1979 to John and Mary Winchester. You say you're an Aquarius who likes long walks on the beach, but the truth is you really hate sand.

Your dad raised you in The Life, on the road with Sam. When you were 16, you got arrested for stealing and spent time in a boys' home. You loved it there.

You've had a gun in your hands for as long as you can remember, but what you really wanted to be was a fireman, a mechanic, maybe a rock star. Your favorite song is a tie between "Ramble On" and "Traveling Riverside Blues," and you always say that all music made after 1979 sucks. You've seen the "Untouchables" over fifty times and probably "The Lost Boys" even more than that.

You know 101 ways to make mac and cheese, and you don't know it yet, but you make the best Mexican Rotel casserole.

///

Jack to Cas:

I'm Jack Kline. I'm your...your...well. It doesn't matter who I am. Just know that I...I care about you. A lot.

Your name's Castiel. You're old. At least 4.543 billion years old, but you always say being an angel is like being old and young at the same time.

You’ve been a soldier as long as you can remember. Whenever you disagreed with your mission, Heaven tortured you. Gruesomely. You told me once that it felt like how the fish looked when it got blendered in Deuce Bigalow, Male Gigolo.

You know you caused the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and defeated the Romans at The Battle of Cannae. Sometimes, you were summoned to slaughter entire armies. Other times, it was to carry out genocide against all the children of the land.

You were there during the Great Flood, and when Gabriel led the slaughter of the Nephilim and their families. You told me once that you're terrified you've had human allies before. You're scared that you'll forget us, and your life will go back to how it was before, an endless cycle of war and death.

You raised Dean Winchester to Earth on September 18, 2008. That's why you decided to rebel again, maybe even for the last time.

///

Jack to Sam:

Your name's Sam Winchester. You were born cursed. May 2, 1983. Six months later, on November 2, Azazel infected you.

You felt that burden your whole life.

Your dad trained you to be a soldier, but your brother Dean was the one to raise and protect you. You spent most of your life hopping from one hotel to the next. It was crusty and horrible and you never felt like you belonged anywhere.

But you studied hard and got a scholarship to become a lawyer at the Harvard. There, you fell in love with the most beautiful girl, Jessica Moore...but then, Azazel came after her, too.

You'd never admit it to Dean, but after that, "My Heart Will Go On" by Celene Dion got you through some of the worst moments of your life.

You--you were the first one who told me that I could be good.

///

To Bobby:

"You dressed me like you! I like how you-you dresses better than the you that I knew. Not that I knew you. You were dead before I was born."

///

Bobby's face: 🤨

How Bobby dresses Jack:

[mysticalnightenthusiast]

S.N.A.F.U 77 ‘Showtime!’

As soon as Daniel left the room Eadaoin followed and met her fellow band members Oisin, Pat and Niall in the hallway by the door that led to the function room from which emanated a low buzz of excitement.

“Fucking hell does Danny ever leave you alone?” Niall asked with a snort of amusement “the hickey on your neck looks like a fecking tumour.  Jesus Christ get married already!”

“Póg mo thóin,” (kiss my arse) Eadaoin shot back as Oisin and Pat roared with laughter “you’re one to talk.  You’ve turned up to rehearsals looking like a leper from the Bubonic Plague era.  No wonder you have eight kids, you probably spend all your time when you’re not at work or rehearsals shagging.”

“Ohhhhhh oooooooffff, she got you there mate,” Oisin told his colleague with a snigger.

“Yeah yeah whatevrrrrrr,” Niall huffed the hint of a smile upon his lips “so shall we get this gig happening then?”

“Let’s do it”

“AH HERE THEY ARE!  LADIES AND GENTLEMEN PLEASE GIVE IT UP FOR THE WHELAN’S HOUSE BAND ‘DEFINITELY NOT THE CORRS’ NIALL, OISIN, PAT AND EADAOIIIIN!” Sean the owner of the pub announced into the microphone.

The audience in the packed function room roared their approval as Niall, Oisin, Pat and Eadaoin made their way to the stage and took up their positions.  Eadaoin caught Daniel’s eye and flashed him a wink before picking up her electric violin and tucking it under her chin.

“Ladies and Gentlemen it’s Christmas time a time for fun and games and joy if you want to get up and dance get up and dance!” she told the audience as Oisin started plucking away on the electric guitar “don’t be afraid to look silly okay let’s do this....”

*******************************************************************************************

“So we’ve got one more song before intermission,” Eadaoin told the audience a little under an hour later “and now’s the perfect time for a little story....my family is a pretty musical one; every one of us either sings or plays a musical instrument.  We played in church, school bands, uni ensembles and took part in karaoke competitions wherever we were in the world.  Personally I’ve sung with my parents, grandparents, cousins and my brother and music in whatever form has always been something we’ve bonded over so right now I’d like to welcome my best friend and cousin Niamh to the stage who is going to accompany me in this next song....”

The audience applauded as Niamh rose form her seat next to Lando and made her way up to the stage where she grabbed her acoustic cello and sat down on a stool next to Eadaoin giving the audience a little wave.

“Now this next song is a favourite and one all of you will be familiar with,” Eadaoin went on “it was released in two thousand eight and the most famous version was the original sung by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion...”

There was an Ooooooooh of recognition from the audience and Eadaoin grinned. “It can be sung solo or as a duet and my favourite way to perform it in a duet,” she said “I have a favourite person to sing this with and he’s here in the audience tonight....”

“Oh no way are you for real?” Cahir groaned his voice carrying.

“Cally will you join me?” Eadaoin asked her mortified brother who was sitting between Daniel and Roisin “pretty please?  I know you didn’t know I was going to do this....”

“You didn’t know?” Daniel asked with an enormous snort of laughter “Haha!”

“C’mon ladies and Gentlemen let’s encourage Cahir up to the stage!” Niall urged the audience.

Encouraged by Eadaoin, Niamh and the rest of the band Cahir reluctantly got to his feet and made his way up to the stage.

“You owe me BIG time,” he hissed as Niall gave him a microphone.

“Yeah yeah c’mon you love me,” Eadaoin teased giving her brother a brief hug “you ready to do this?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Oh don’t be a gobshite you’ll be fine,” Niamh said with a grin as she tuned her cello.

“Yeah yeah alright let’s get this over and done with,” Cahir groused the faintest of smile gracing his lips.

“He’s agreed to help us into the intermission ladies and gents please give it up for my big brother Cahir!” Eadaoin announced to the audience.

The audience responded loudly and enthusiastically.  Daniel and Lando stuck their fingers in their mouth and whistled loudly.  The audience noise softened then Niamh began playing.  Eadaoin counted in then opened her mouth and began singing.

“I pray you'll be our eyes And watch us where we go And help us to be wise In times when we don't know Let this be our prayer When we lose our way

Lead us to a place Guide us with your grace To a place where we'll be safe

La luce che tu dai (I pray we'll find your light) Nel cuore resterà (And hold it in our hearts) A ricordarci che (When stars go out each night) L'eterna stella sei (Whoa) Nella mia preghiera (Let this be our prayer) Quanta fede c'è (When shadows fill our day)

Lead us to a place (Guide us with your grace) Give us faith so we'll be safe

Sogniamo un mondo senza più violenza Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza Ognuno dia la mano al suo vicino Simbolo di pace, di fraternità

La forza che ci dà (We ask that life be kind) È il desiderio che (And watch us from above) Ognuno trovi amor (We hope each soul will find) Intorno e dentro sé (Another soul to love)

Let this be our prayer Let this be our prayer Just like every child Just like every child

Need to find a place Guide us with your grace Give us faith so we'll be safe

È la fede che Hai acceso in noi Sento che ci salverààààààà ”

As soon as the final note faded out every single person in the function room leapt to their feet and applauded loudly.  Both Cahir and Eadaoin bowed then Eadaoin engulfed her brother in a crushing hug.

“You owe me kid,” Cahir said in amusement.

“Next pint’s on me,” Eadaoin promised

*******************************************************************************************

The band broke for intermission and after a quick trip to the toilet Eadaoin returned to the long table her and Daniel’s family was sitting at.

“You could make a living with that voice,” Grace commented “that was beautiful.”

“Thankyou,” Eadaoin replied sitting on Daniel’s lap “I’ll just keep doing it for fun though; it’s my favourite way to disconnect from life and work.  I particularly got into it in uni.”

“And after that karaoke nights at our local pub was a regular thing,” Roisin commented “and whenever Cahir came home from Uni he and Eadie would team up and more than once won the competition.”

“Aye you didn’t tell us that!” Daniel piped up “slipped your mind did it?”

“Yes it did,” Eadaoin said with a giggle.

Cahir rolled his eyes. “We’ve had a bit of fun in karaoke competitions over the years,” he said “personally I haven’t entered one in years.  I prefer being the spectator not participator if I’m being totally honest”

“So you’re not likely to join me in the Stubbs karaoke competition next year in Austin?” Eadaoin asked with a grin.

“Aw I dunno....”

“If she can convince me to get up and humiliate myself in public she can convince you to do the same,” Lando piped up.

“Lando’s got a point Cally....”

“Austin next year is ten months away, let me think about it and I’ll let you know,” Cally replied dryly “I’ll make sure I’ll book in extra shifts at the clinic.”

“I know where you work I’ll pay your boss to give you the time off,” Eadaoin told her brother in amusement.

“We’ll all chip in,” Daniel said “I’ve got some loose change in the glove box of the Artura.”

“I’ll do a fundraising stream on Twitch!” Lando chimed in “raised twelve grand last time I did that.”

“You two can fu-sod off!” Cahir exclaimed dryly “is Christmas time why are you hanging crap on me?”

“Its gotta be someone at the table mate,” Daniel said with a grin “may as well be you.”

“Oh shuddup.”

Half an hour later Eadaoin spied Niall, Pat and Oisin heading back to the stage and reluctantly slid off Daniel’s lap.

“I’ve gotta go, the show must go on,” she said giving the curly haired driver a lingering on the lips.

“Have fun,” he replied flashing her a wink and giving her a furtive pat on the backside.

Eadaoin walked away to the stage and Grace scooted her chair closer to her son’s.

“She’s the one sweetheart,” she said low enough that only Daniel could hear her.

“Y’think?” Daniel responded.

“Uhhuh, never been so sure of something in all my life,” Grace replied “call it a Mother’s intuition.  I know you might not be ready to go any further right now but when you are your Dad and I will support you.”

Daniel smiled and slung an arm around his mother’s shoulders. “It’s not the right time,” he said with a relaxed sigh “I know I definitely want to marry her one day but not just yet.”

“I get it I really do,” Grace replied “marriage is a big commitment and a good one is for long term you need to be ready for that.  You’ll know when it’s right.  I trust your judgement.”

“Thanks Mum.”

*******************************************************************************************

Forty five minutes later the Christmas concert wrapped up.

“Alright ladies and gents and boys and girls that’s just about it for tonight I hope you’ve all had a good time....” Eadaoin began.

“YEAAAAH!” Isaac shouted excitedly clapping his hands.

Eadaoin laughed as Michelle leaned in to scold her excited son.

“Good to know kiddo,” she said as Oisin, Pat and Niall pulled their stools to the very front of the stage “before we all get you go to continue on Christmas in your own way we have one more song for you all, one that is a regular in our repertoire.  Its not a Christmas Song or even a winter song it’s a love song....”

Cahir and Daniel stuck their fingers in their mouths and wolf whistled.

“Yeah yeah guys veeery funny,” Eadaoin continued on dryly rolling her eyes at the two men “and being the final song of the night I’d like to call my cousin Nevie up here one more time to inject a little class into the finale.  We’re going simple with this one just a guitar and a cello and of course our dulcet tones....”

Niamh rose from her seat next to Lando and made her way back up to the stage where she positioned herself with her electric cello in front of her.

“This is a little song called Runaway,” Eadaoin informed the audience as she fixed her eyes on Daniel “we hope you like it....let’s do this.”

Niamh dragged her bow across the strings of her cello and Eadaoin opened her mouth and began singing.

“Say it's true, there's nothing like me and you I'm not alone, tell me you feel it too

And I would run away I would run away, yeah...yeah I would run away I would run away with you

Cause I am falling in love with you No never I'm never gonna stop Falling in love with you

Close the door, lay down upon the floor And by candlelight, make love to me through the night

Cause I have run away I have run away, yeah..., yeah I have run away, run away I have run away with you

Cause I am falling in love (falling in love) with you No never I'm never gonna stop Falling in love with you... With you...

And I would runaway I would runaway, yeah..., yeah I would runaway I would runaway with you

Cause I am falling in love with you No never I'm never gonna stop Falling in love with you...

Falling in love with you No never I'm never gonna stop falling in love with you

With you, my love, with you... na ni na ni na na... With you, with you, with you, with you”

As soon as the last note faded out the entire audience in the function room leapt to their feet and cheered.  Eadaoin pulled a hanky from her bra and wiped her eyes dry; she then looked over at Daniel who was wiping his eyes on his hoodie sleeve his brown eyes red from being rubbed so hard.  She blew him a kiss then stood to bow with the rest of the band acknowledging their praise and adulation.  The group then left the stage and made their way out to the back of the pub.

“Cac naofa a bhí uamhnach!” (Holy shit that was AWESOME!) Niall exclaimed giddily “great show you lot!”

Eadaoin laughed and allowed the older man to engulf her in a hug and swing her in a circle. “Same time, same place next year?” She suggested.

“You got it Aussie!”

After celebrating the success of the show with her fellow band members Eadaoin made her way back to her dressing room and was changing back into more casual clothes when there was a knock at the door.

“Babe?  It’s Dan.” Daniel called.

“Come in!”

The door opened and Daniel entered just as Eadaoin pulled a hoodie over her head. “Hey you,” he said happily “great show.”

“You liked it?” Eadaoin asked happily returning the peck he bestowed upon her.

“Loved it,” Daniel replied earnestly “especially the last song....”

Eadaoin blushed. “That one was for you,” she admitted.

“Thought so, so did everyone else at the table,” Daniel replied blushing hard “so of course Lando and your brother gave me shit about it.”

“Fuck those two,” Eadaoin replied “you should see my brother when he’s in love, it’s gross.  And Lando?  He and Nevie are so sweet everyone in the pub tonight will have developed diabetes.  Jesus they’re worse than we are!”

Daniel sniggered. “D'you need a hang packing up your stuff and getting it to your car?” he asked.

“I do, thanks,” Eadaoin replied hurriedly masking a yawn “ugh I always get so tired after a big gig, I’m totally going to have a hot bath when we get home.”

“Can I join you?” Daniel asked wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

Eadaoin rolled her eyes. “Perve,” she said in amusement “of course you can you horn dog.”

Daniel laughed heartily. “I’ll admit subtlety isn’t my area of expertise,” he confessed picking up her electric violin case “c’mon let’s get your stuff in the bus, d'you want to say goodbye to the guys?”

“Nah I’ve already done that,” Eadaoin replied tiredly “Now I just want to get home have a hot bath and maybe a nightcap I’ve absolutely had it.”

[sewersewersewercouch]

next song is "INEXPLICABLE" by The Correspondents. I just.

"when I was four / i raised my finger to a moving car / it crashed / so i assumed i had a super power / i didn't raise that finger until i was nine / when a school boy attacked me for the 25th time. / down i went, my index still up / so convinced that he would just drop / powerless to make it stop / powerless to make it stop" and like. Dion not believing in the curse until he sees it in action.

The second verse "at 19 / i still just about believed in god / i guess / that i was pretty late to shake it off" if we change the age then like. Dion still holding onto his psychophobia and ignoring the damage it's doing to his family. Having trouble shaking off his belief in the curse even after the events of the game, because that's not a belief that's easily shaken. And then "faulty magic whispered to the man who can mend / i tricked myself in thinking he could cure my best friend / two weeks in his insides gave up / if drugs can't help why would words bring him luck / powerless to make it stop / powerless to make it stop" being a reference to the astrolaithe and the events of the games. Like if this song were an animatic that is the imagery that comes to mind. "two weeks in" raz runs away and a week later everything falls apart.

And then the third verse being Dion having to figure out what the fuck he needs to do now. Having to pick up the pieces and reconcile. "now / my hands are pulling at the donkey's reigns / i feel / i've gone the wrong route down a dusty lane / the grass could have been greener down the first road i took / i'd give up my happiness just for one look" and Dion having to reconcile everything, how he hurt his siblings and how the curse hurt the family. "My lust to win is eating me up / a game i can't win up against my own clock" Dion having to unlearn his own bad habits and work through his issues if he wants to be a better brother.

And throughout all of this we've got the refrain which is just. Vibes. "Inexplicably high / inexplicably low" The curse isn't real (high)! They lost so many opportunities to it (low)! Raz is okay, the whole family is still here (high)! But his grandmother is his great aunt, his father's dealing with a sudden onslaught of new memories, the whole family is having to unlearn their prejudices, and Dion ran his big mean mouth at Raz (low). "I think i know what i want / but i don't know where to go" there's a clear goal to adapt to everything and keep going, show must go on and all that, but also not really knowing how to start picking up the pieces. Dion knows he needs to apologize but he isn't sure how.

"And all the while it seems / that i'm living in my dreams / not in the now / no, not in the now." Dion having his whole world turned upside down kinda feels.

Like. This song could be linked to the Aquatos as a whole but those first two verses got me to connect it to Dion and his feelings on the curse and psychics and the events of the games. And so the rest of the song got connected to Dion from there.

ooo yeah! I had this in my playlist as a raz song but it works for him too

[sirthisisa-wendys]

So here we go again! ٩(◕‿◕｡)۶ What about a Demon!Hanma x Angel!Fem reader (the typical cliché haha), where they meet again after a thousand years or after a big battle. This time I need it to be sinful with a touch fluff/comfort

MY WIIIIFEE! You sent this in and my brain was like "okay write it or die. I know what you're going to write, just sit DOWN AND WRITE IT"

And just warning you, this is going to be two parts. I can't write 3k words in this one omg

Slick Mouth Part 1: Demon!Shuji Hanma x Angel!Fem!Reader

wc: 2.1k

tw: NSFW (in part 2), angst

1K Follower Event Masterlist

song recommendation:

You see him all the way across the street, his black and yellow hair greased and his leather black jacket stitched with the letters of his biker gang. You clench your jaw as your friends stare at the group of men, cigarettes dangling from their mouths as they cross the street using the crosswalk.

"We should go," you mutter, tugging on Emma's letter sweater as she stands on the lawn of the school, observing the men like every other girl: open-mouthed and in awe.

"But... do you see them, y/n?"

"I do," you reply, trying for her hand this time. "And they look like trouble. Let's go." Emma shakes you off, her delicate hand falling back at her side.

"You're always such a stickler, y/n. I'll catch up with you later." You barely escape the approaching demons with your life, taking the steps up to the building two at a time and not daring to look back. If Shuji found you here... all hell would break loose. Literally. As you stuff your bookbag into your locker, you remember the awful war that sent the two of you to opposite sides of existence, and how you lost a third of your brothers and sisters to the cavernous Earth.

It hadn't been a fair fight, but it was a well-fought one on both sides, and you take the memory of his face - laced with betrayal - everywhere you go. You hadn't seen him since then, but in all of your adventures as a guardian angel on Earth, you held out hope that maybe - just maybe - you'd get to see him again.

But in passing, not like this in your "senior year" of high school where all you want to do is guard Emma Sano before you pass the torch to the next guardian angel. You're so lost in thought that you don't recognize the sounds of the greasers walking down the hallway, and you don't notice the one that stops, departs from his friends, and slams your locker closed as he leans over you.

"Thought you'd got away, huh?" You turn to face Shuji Hanma, his orange eyes staring into your soul. "I could smell your powdery ass all the way outside."

"No smoking in the building, Shuji," you cough, waving away the smoke from his almost finished cigarette.

"Yeah?" He wonders, raising a brow. "What'cha gonna do about it, twinkle toes? Gonna send an army to help put it out?" You frown, then he laughs wryly, sneering at you. "No wait, you already did that once."

"Shuji, what's done is done," you breathe. "You made your choice," you add, eyes darting to the staring students and whispering girls. "Now let me go." Shuji takes the cigarette out of his mouth and inches it close to your face before putting it out on the locker behind your head.

"I'll see you in home ec, traitor."

_____________________________________________________________

"Okay, so you know him," one of the girls mentions at lunch, pointing an apple slice at Shuji, who's watching one of his friends tell a tale about some girl he met during the summer.

"A long time ago, yeah."

"Looks like he has a thing for you," Emma pipes up. "He leaned over you and everything this morning. Did you see that?" she asks one of the girls and they nod eagerly. "Maybe it's that poodle skirt I got you to buy..."

"Maybe he's just an asshole," you retort, and the girls gasp.

"Y/n? Cursing? Must be a big deal."

And it is. Home ec comes at the end of the day, which isn't how you want to end your weekdays. Shuji struts into class and plops down next to you, shoving his hands in his pockets as he exhales.

"You gonna sew the new patches onto my jacket or do I need to consult a professional?" He thumbs over to Mitsuya, who is hard at work on a new uniform.

"Why do you want me to sew it on your jacket?" you gripe, darning a sock. "Don't you have someone else to torment?"

"Nah, I was sent here specifically for you."

"No you weren't," you hiss, looking at him in the eyes. "Demons can't torment angels."

"Seems like I'm doing a fine job of it right now," Shuji laughs, his earring dangling back and forth. "So I wouldn't say can't."

You huff out a breath, dropping the sock into your lap. "What do you want?"

"I want us," he breathes, leaning in close enough that his lips touch your ear. "I want what we had before the Fall."

"I can't give that to you," you reply, closing your eyes and letting the memories of the endless time spent in Shuji's embrace, copulating in the secret spaces of Heaven and discussing forever. "You know that."

"I wouldn't say can't," he repeats. "It's against all common sense and rules, but you and I had something. We had something that not even a trip to this terrifying Earth can shatter." Your insides scream at you to get up and excuse yourself, to say no, but your mouth won't work. "Tell me you never loved me and I will let you go."

You look over at Shuji and your mouth dries up as his hand creeps up your arm.

"I cannot lie," you croak out, and he smiles gently, squeezing your upper arm.

"I know." He looks up at the clock, then murmurs, "Meet me at the back of the football field. My bike is there."

"But Emma--"

"Will be fine," Shuji shrugs. "Do us both a favor and meet me there after school. Alright?"

"O-okay."

"Mr. Inui? I have to go to the bathroom. It's urgent." Shuji calls out.

"How urgent?" Mr. Inui asks, looking over his crossword puzzle book.

"Number three urgent."

_____________________________________________________________

You rush out to the football field after school, skirt flying in the wind after making some excuse about meeting a friend to exchange a textbook.

"Don't be too long!" Emma called out and you saluted her, watching her fade into the distance with the others. When they were gone, you ran at breakneck speed, praying Shuji would be waiting.

You see him leaning over his motorcycle, cigarette in between his lips. "How was your number three?" you wonder, and he laughs.

"Fucking amazing, thanks." He revs the bike twice before peeling off, making you clutch onto his body and tuck your head for safety. "Hold on, love," he shouts, turning a corner. You squeeze your eyes shut and hold onto him even tighter, squeaking when he does dips and turns and speeds down the street.

Shuji just laughs at you, shouting: "Little angel can fly, no issue, but when she's on a motorbike, she goes stiff!" You want to smack him for his comment, but you don't, instead choosing to ignore it as he slows down and arrives at a field full of tulips. He places his kickstand down, and you unravel yourself from him slowly.

"Easy, easy," he urges you, and you sigh, leaning on his shoulder in the bright autumn sun, feeling the breeze on your face and watching the flowers bend and bow in the wind. "This is my favorite place to come to when I'm feeling uncertain." Shuji unravels his full vocabulary, the accent in his voice feeling more like home than anything else. "I'm glad I found you." He presses a kiss to the top of your head, adding a small thanks to the heavenly creator that stepped back and let the world devolve into chaos after the Fall. "He can do something right, after all."

"Don't speak of him like that," you whisper, but deep down, you're thankful, too. Shuji falls silent, watching the flowers for a moment before he pulls you closer, your legs dangling off the side of the bike.

"I haven't made love to a single soul since we parted. Can you believe that?" he wonders, and you look up at him.

"Why?"

"I wanted to wait to see if I would ever cross paths with you again. I promised myself if I did, I'd never let you go a second time. I'd drag you down with me if I had to."

"So this is your great plan? Get me to sin with you and make me one of the Fallen?" Shuji looks over at you sadly as he strokes your arm thoughtfully.

"No, because you'd never do it. I just want to spend the time I have left with you doing what I couldn't do for a thousand years." A tear unwillingly falls from your eye, and Shuji leans his head on the top of yours, sighing. "So let me hold you while I still can."

As night draws its blanket of stars across the sky, you rest your chin on Shuji's shoulder while he drives you back to your home. When you hop off of his motorcycle, you pause, thinking of something to say, something that might ease both of your heartaches. But instead, Shuji reaches a hand out to brush his thumb across your bottom lip. And the touch is enough to satisfy your yearning for the night, so you pull away and walk into the house, leaning against the door once it's closed.

You rush up to your window and flick the light on and off twice, then watch Shuji rev up his bike and drive away into the night.

_____________________________________________________________

"Come on, little girl, you can reach it!"

"Give it back!" You gripe, reaching for the notebook that'd been snatched out of your hands by the football captain moments before. Your Keds leave the floor once more before a long arm snatches the notebook. Once you turn around, the notebook is handed back to you, and Shuji pulls you behind him, staring at the captain silently.

"S-sorry, Hanma," he stutters, but Shuji grabs him by the front of his letterman and growls,

"Hands. Off." Shuji lets him go after muttering, "That includes her friends, too." Shuji stalks off, leaving you before you can address him, and the eyes of various onlookers turn back to you, wide and curious. But your feet are carrying you away in haste, tears leaking from your eyes as you rush to your class.

At lunch, it's all anyone can talk about. During class, you're questioned in whispers and with notes passed from Emma to you. Even as you walk down the hallway, people give you a wide berth.

You finally break when Shuji walks into home ec and sits beside you again, leaning back and tucking his hands into his pockets.

"You didn't have to do that," you finally mutter, and he frowns.

"You have all of the powers in the world and you let some punk bully you? Not on my watch." Your eyes snap to his orange ones, and he raises a brow.

"Just because--"

"Lower your voice," he warns.

"Just because we used to be lovers doesn't mean that you have to fight my battles for me," you hiss.

"I'm just doing what I wished you did for me," he scoffs, chewing on his fingernail.

"Stop holding what happened against me!" you shout, tears rushing down your face for the second time as you stand up.

"Please, Ms. y/n and Mr. Hanma, take your lover's quarrel out into the hallway," Mr. Inui groans.

"Happily," you both say at the same time, and you storm out of the room, Shuji following you closely.

"You need to let me do my job," you gripe as you walk to your locker, grabbing your bookbag and slinging it over your shoulder. "I've been doing just fine without you--" The locker slams closed.

"You need to rein it in, babe," Shuji growls.

"Don't call me babe!" You shove him away, walking out of the building in a hurry. "I'm not your babe anymore."

"Hey, don't you walk away from me," Shuji calls out behind you, jogging down the stairs. "Where do you think you're going? You're leaving without Emma, you know!"

"Mitsuya is watching her now," you reply. "He's her guardian angel. I'm getting as far away as I can from this place."

"So you're going to walk home? Pack up and leave?" Shuji scoffs, crossing his arms and blocking your path. "Not without me."

"Without you," you bite out. "I have a job to do."

"Get on the bike," Shuji points at the motorcycle behind him, stepping in front of you as you try to go around him.

"No."

"You're not walking home alone. Get on the bike or I'll make you."

"You would never--" Shuji grabs your arm in response, dragging you to the seat and pulling you on with an iron grip. You try to move from the bike, but you can't, your limbs stuck on the leather seat.

"Hold on. I'm taking you home."

[shirtlesssammy]

6x17: My Heart Will Go On

And this is all folks...

Then:

You never really die on Supernatural

Now:

Chester, Pennsylvania

In a Rube Goldberg-esque bit of murder mastery, a man fumbles his way around his garage, nearly dying several times, only to finally get taken out by his falling garage door. What a ride. 

Meanwhile, in Bobby’s neater than normal home, Sam and Dean watch him open another bottle of booze. They silently egg each other on to talk and finally decide on Rock-Paper-Scissors. Oop, it looks like you’re going to have to do the talking, Dean. 

Only, wait, Dean won! They think he should take some time and sleep, and process losing Rufus. Bobby’s DOING FINE. He just needs some Irish coffee. Sam suggests taking him on a hunt. Seems like different family members are dying in Chester, Pennsylvania. Bobby kicks them out of the house, so they decide to head out alone. 

They get in their trusty Mustang, and hit the road. 

...

Bobby keeps drinking until Ellen (!) shows up. 

…

She consoles him about Rufus and tells him to get ready for dinner. 

And she’s his wife. 

…

At the garage of horror, Sam finds a thread of gold. 

They split up. Dean interviews next of kin. He first meets with a Saul Goodman wannabe Shawn Russo. The guy isn’t too upset by his family members dying --he wasn’t too close with them. He also doesn’t have a lot of time for Dean’s genealogy questions. 

Dean tries sussing out any past family curse --poorly.  Shawn wants Dean to go, so Dean just comes out and tells him, “Your life is in danger.” Shawn thinks Dean’s threatening him. 

He connects with Sam who can’t find a single thing wrong with the family. 

At a travel agency, we watch Anne Witting chat on the phone, and time suddenly stops. Another woman, looking like Sam’s kind of librarian, takes Anne’s keys from her purse and throws them on the floor next to the copier. She leaves and time starts again. 

The woman gets off the phone and notices her keys are on the floor. Grabbing for them knocks a vase of flowers onto the copiers, which creates an electrical nightmare, which causes her to start slapping at it and finally reaching behind it to turn it off, which then causes her scarf to get stuck in the autofeeder, which the copier then tries to make a copy of, which strangles her. (Note to self: BE NICER TO THE COPY MACHINE.) 

The blonde woman comes back and marks a name off in a book, and drops a gold thread. 

The brothers check out the travel agency that night. It turns out that Anne isn’t part of the Russo family --so they’re not dealing with a family curse. Dean wonders what then. He then finds another gold thread. 

He calls Ellen, who reports there’s been about 75 deaths associated with this across the nation. The only thing Ellen has that connects the people is that their ancestors all immigrated to the US in the same year, on the same boat: The Titanic. Neither Dean nor Ellen had ever heard of it. 

Sam either. (And that’s when I call bull --unless this Sam isn’t a history nerd-- because the Titanic was a BIG deal before it became a BIGGER deal. It was the largest ship of its time. But as I typed this out, I feel like I should eat my words because there was another sister boat built with the Titanic, and I can’t for the life of me remember its name, so, yeah, chances are good it would have been lost to history for most people.) 

During their research, Sam notes that the ship almost hit an iceberg, but the First Mate, I.P. Freely saw it in time. 

Balthazar!

They summon Balthazar for answers about the boat. “It was meant to sink, and I saved it.” He hated the movie. (Boris is still one of the few and proud that’s never seen it --I cheered SO hard for Balthazar here.) (Natasha: I saw it six times in the theater! Two kinds of people.) He hated the Celine Dion song. Sam doesn’t even know who that is (HIS FAVORITE SINGER!) Sam points out that he thought that history can’t be changed. Balthazar points out that there’s no more rules. Anyway, only minor details have been changed --like no Impala. 

More importantly, Ellen and Jo are alive. They are supposed to be dead.

Dean and Sam focus on the here and now and point out that something is killing the descendants of the Titanic travelers. They need to find out who. Balthazar drops a truth bomb out of nowhere --pointing out that Cas is in love with Dean. Sigh. Also, he doesn’t care, and flaps away. 

They talk with Bobby on the phone and he thinks they’re dealing with Fate. How do they stop fate? Bobby suggests that they get Balthazar to re-sink the boat, but Dean nixes that idea instantly. Bobby wants to know what set him off --Dean tells him that if the boat sinks, Ellen and Jo die. Yeah, no way is that boat sinking. 

The boys lurk in their iconic, uh, Mustang to follow Russo. 

They follow Russo in an attempt to keep him safe from Fate’s machinations. They manage to save him from one deadly accident, only for the guy to die under the wheels of a bus seconds later. 

Sam notices a woman watching over the accident. She looked kind of like a librarian. “Your kind of librarian or my kind of librarian?” Dean asks. Oh, Dean, why does it have to be a binary choice? Eyebrow waggle. Dean decides to head over and confront Fate in a shadowy building. 

Inside the vacant restaurant the clock ticks menacingly, and then stops - even MORE menacingly. While the clock is stopped, Fate smugly turns on all the gas burners in the kitchen. When Dean’s flashlight starts to crap out on him, he asks Sam for a lighter. The lighter similarly fails until the very moment they open the doors to the kitchen. The flame kisses the cloud of gas and erupts into a massive fireball which--

Cas flaps in and saves the Winchesters. (I will never not be able to watch this scene without thinking of the gag reel and Misha stag leaping around the woods.) 

Cas reports that they’ve arrived safely in Belarus. He tells them that Fate has a beef with the Winchesters. Why? Well, he conveys this sarcastically - “Nothing of import – just the tiny matter of averting the Apocalypse and rendering her obsolete. I think maybe she's a little irritated about that.”

Fate won’t stop pursuing them until they’re dead (lol, like that’ll stick) so they’re better off killing her now. Cas comes up with a plan. They’re going to tempt fate.

Ellen tries to talk through the case with Bobby after Jo reports more and more dead on the West coast. Ellen suggests that the best solution would be to re-sink the Titanic, a suggestion towards which Bobby reacts...poorly. Bobby’s horrified at her casual suggestion. Ellen senses something is off with Bobby. Over drinks, Bobby spills everything to Ellen. He tells her that he needs her. 

After that solemn, emotional scene, we cut to Dean and Sam experiencing wacky near-misses. Cue the comic near-death montage! This montage has everything! Rogue teens! Angry dogs! (Extreme close of up Dean for extra sad jokes.) 

People juggling knives and hatchets! And fire! “Can’t avoid Fate,” Sam says before walking DIRECTLY THROUGH the jugglers with Dean. Lol, that sure is tempting fate!

They successfully make it through the flaming weapons and past a construction worker with a malfunctioning nail gun, only for a huge appliance to fall on them, Looney Tunes style. Or rather, it ALMOST fridges them. The world freezes and Castiel approaches like a character gently walking onstage to address the audience in a Shakespeare play. Fate - Atropos - confronts him.

For the Looney Tunes / Shakespeare Mashup That Lives in My Head Science

She’s angry with him and his two human buds for dismantling millennia of work. “God gave me a job,” she spits. “We all had a script.” But once the apocalypse was averted she was left purposeless.

“Freedom is more preferable,” Cas insists. Atropos hates it and nobody in Heaven has a plan anymore. She tells him the last straw for her was unsinking the Titanic. When Cas tries to fob it off on Balthazar being…Balthazar, she refutes it. Balthazar is operating under CAS’S ORDERS. 

She’ll make Cas a bargain: if the boat stays un-sunk, then she’ll kill his “two favorite pets.” She may not be strong enough to escape Cas’s retribution, but her sisters will take the Winchesters down after she dies. Cas contemplates Sam and Dean.

Balthazar shows up, ready to kill Atropos, when Cas stops him. 

Cas gives a nod to Balthazar and it’s all he needs to do - Balthazar understands his new orders and announces resignedly that he’s heading back in time to sink the Titanic. 

Sam and Dean wake to Celine Dion belting out “My heart will go on” - crucially, they’re again in the Impala. They were sleeping in the car at Bobby’s garage and realize they were dreaming the same thing.

Cas flaps in to greet them. He confirms that their dream was actually real - the Titanic DID cause some titanic problems for the Winchesters. Crucially, Cas tells them that he insisted Balthazar go back and fix it as though he was simply correcting a foolish prank. We don’t care about any of this right now, because Cas plainly tells them that sinking the Titanic was the ONLY WAY to be sure that the Winchesters were safe. 

Sam and Dean try to process the balancing equation Cas dealt with, where their lives were more important than 50,000 people (who were never born, Cas hastily points out). Dean asks about Ellen and Jo, and the answer is NOT GOOD. What could have been!

Dean asks if that whole alternate timeline was erased when the boat sank again. Cas indicates that the alternate timeline gets erased “more or less.” Lol, okay Season 15 Supernatural. Cas wanted Sam and Dean to remember what happened, so that they remember that fate is cruel and capricious. (As are television executives.) “You can make your own destiny. You don’t have to be ruled by fate. I still believe that’s something worth fighting for,” Cas tells them. Can I get a HELL YEAH? 

While it seems for a short while like Cas is edging towards telling them the truth of his war, he ultimately plays off the Titanic as only stemming from Balthazar’s hatred of the movie. “Titanic didn’t suck THAT bad,” Dean says. There’s my soft boy. Cas flaps out, and the Winchesters head inside to check on Bobby. His house is back to cluttered, gloomy chaos. Bobby’s asleep on the couch. Sam and Dean vow never to tell Bobby what he could have had.

Natasha: This episode has everything! Alternate timelines! Fate! Jensen Ackles’ most ridiculous expressions! Free will! Castiel! As soon as we got the season 15 news, we realized that the show would end before we could finish up our older recaps. This episode seemed like the perfect way to cap off the show from the remaining episodes, since it deals with themes of loss, what Castiel would sacrifice to save the Winchesters, alternate timelines, and the overarching exploration of fate/narrative versus free will.

Nice Quotestache:

Accidents don't just happen accidentally

No, no. I'm not threatening you. I'm just simply saying that if you don't watch your back, you're gonna die

"What's an Impala?" Trust me, it's not important

You have me confused with the other angel. You know, the one in the dirty trenchcoat who's in love with you

Can’t avoid fate

Who do we gotta kill to get killed around here?

 Want to read more? Check out our Recap Archive!

[randomvarious]

Céline Dion - “Unison (Mainstream/Extended mix)” This Beat Is Hot...The Compilation Song released in 1990. Compilation released in 1991. Dance-Pop / House / Freestyle

You probably know Céline Dion for her years of 90s chartbusting balladry: "My Heart Will Go On," "It's All Coming Back to Me," "Because You Loved Me," "All By Myself," her "Beauty and the Beast" duet with Peabo Bryson, and the like. She's managed to sell hundreds of millions of records worldwide, she's singlehandedly redefined what it means to have a Las Vegas residency, and she's racked up award after award after award as well. And she probably deserves it all since she really is one of the most gifted vocalists of all time, but her songs tend to be so rote and formulaic and impersonal and just plain boring to me.

However, Dion wasn't always on that big, over-produced, and overly sentimental adult contemporary tip. But in order to give you a sense of what she was before she found that cash cow of a calling card, it's probably best to go all the way back to her beginning. So here goes:

Céline Dion is the fourteenth of fourteen children in her family. She grew up in Quebec and she never characterized her childhood as one of poverty, but food wasn't always easy to come by either. However, it was a childhood filled with both love for one another and of course, music.

Dion was first discovered by the man who'd go on to become both her manager and husband, René Angélil. When she was just twelve years old she recorded a demo song for him, and while it took a little light prodding from one of her brothers to get Angélil to finally listen, he was immediately sold on her talent once he did. Angélil decided to meet with Dion so he could witness her voice in person, just to be sure she was the real deal, and was moved to literal tears by her performance. She wasn't even a teenager yet, but Angélil knew he'd just discovered a pure vocal diamond and he even mortgaged his own home to help finance her debut album, 1981's La Voix du bon Dieu.

Now, I don't want to bore you with all of the awards and adulation that Dion earned over the ensuing nine years or so following that debut album, but let's just say she became Canada's best kept secret—at least to Americans—until her eventual crossover to the States. She won a Yamaha music contest in Japan in 1982, she won Eurovision in 1988 for Switzerland, and she also recorded thirteen more albums.

But when Dion was 18, she saw a Michael Jackson performance and decided she wanted to become an international superstar just like him. She more than had the vocal agility for it, but almost none of the presentation to actually pull it off. She also didn't know much of any English either. So she had to remedy those two things to become marketable to a global audience. She got a full-on makeover, which changed her looks from those of an adolescent teen to those of a young woman, had some dental work done (Canadian tabloids had been known to cruelly refer to her as "Canine Dion"), and also took English classes.

She changed the style of her music, too. There was simply no market in America for her Francophone-branded pop, so she needed to make music that had much broader appeal. Dion signed to CBS Records, but they were lukewarm on her at first, originally only offering her a pittance of $25,000 to record new vocals over the original music from her prior studio album, her biggest to date at the time, Incognito. But at a 1987 CBS Canada convention, she performed a duet with national pop star Dan Hill, which impressed CBS' president so much that the budget for her next album was raised to $100,000 and allowed for new songs to be recorded for it. Dion then sang at the 1987 Juno Awards (Canada's equivalent of The Grammys) and that performance got CBS to up the budget to $300,000. Then, David Foster, a producer at CBS who'd go on to co-produce Dion's English debut, Unison, saw tape of that Juno performance and got the budget to be upgraded to an unlimited amount.

A total of about $600,000 ended up being spent on Unison, and its title track, a cover of a song that originally appeared on the soundtrack for the 1983 Tom Cruise vehicle, All the Right Moves, was released as one of its singles in Canada and Japan, but curiously was only released as a B-side elsewhere. Kinda weird for your title track to not be its own single, right? Especially your American debut? Didn't really end up mattering in the end; the album went platinum in the US anyway, despite only peaking at 74 on the Billboard 200, which are numbers that honestly don't make sense anymore.

Anyway, here's what I'm talking about when I say that Céline Dion's sound was different before she really blew up and became the undisputed queen of adult contemporary belters. She's actually doing a disco-funky dance-pop thing on the original mix of "Unison," which is not remotely close to what she'd soon end up becoming world-renowned for.

And the song came with a freestyled-up house remix, too, which wasn't just one of those dance remixes that ended up sitting on the B-side of the single only to be ignored by the popular masses. No, it was actually the version they used for the song's music video. And it even featured one of those very early 90s darlingly rudimentary rap verse interlude things, too, which came courtesy of a total nobody who has no other credits to his name beyond this song named Frankie Fudge (and for those keeping track, Frankie Fudge doesn't appear in the video; that's just some other nobody lip synching his small verse). Céline Dion and rapping? On the same song? Now that's not something you hear every day!

Known as the "Mainstream/Extended Mix," and produced by an established Toronto club DJ by the name of Kevin Unger, this version got nominated for a Juno Award for Dance Recording of the Year in 1991, but lost to "Don't Wanna Fall In Love (Knife Feel Good Mix)" by Jane Child. However, it was also voted the song of 1990 in Quebec, beating out Madonna's "Vogue," on Quebecois radio network NRJ.

All this is to say that Céline Dion very well maybe could have gone in a completely different direction had she not done "Beauty and the Beast" with Peabo Bryson. That song really ended up skyrocketing her career into total superstardom, which led to her complete dominance of the adult contemporary market, but had she not been enlisted for "Beauty and the Beast," one can't help but wonder what she could have maybe done with the dance-poppier side of pop instead. The history of music could actually be completely different right now given the impact that Dion left with the groan-inducing banality that she ended up choosing. It more than worked financially for her, of course, but it would've been nice to hear her pipes applied to something more interesting, like "Unison," and the pop trends that were soon to follow. But in the end, it seems that's not what Angélil saw was best for her, and well, I guess he was proven right.

[kingstylesdaily]

Stevie Nicks Answers All Our Questions About Harry Styles

Of all the disciples to worship at the altar of Stevie Nicks, none have managed to capture the attention of rock’s reigning priestess quite like Harry Styles.

The 26-year-old rocker (who this week received three Grammy nominations) is the Gucci-clad poster boy carrying the torch for a bygone era of music history that the Fleetwood Mac frontwoman helped crystallize. Styles recently cited the group’s 1977 (and still charting) classic “Dreams” as one of the first songs he learned the words to growing up. Their friendship began in 2015 after the former One Direction member presented his idol with a hand-piped birthday cake after a Fleetwood Mac gig in London. (“Glad she liked carrot cake,” he later said.) The years since have seen the duo’s mutual affection blossom into one of pop culture’s most cherished bondings.

Last year, when Styles inducted Nicks into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, he proclaimed the 72-year-old “everything you’ve ever wanted in a lady, a lover, in a friend.” Nicks has gushed about him in interviews as everything from “the son she never had” to her “love child” with bandmate Mick Fleetwood. Styles earned her official seal of approval after covering “The Chain” every night of his first solo tour in support of a record that sounds closer to Crosby, Stills & Nash than anything he released under his prior band.

“Harry could’ve lost a lot of fans, but he didn’t,” Nicks recently told Vogue over the phone. “I’m so proud of him because he took a risk and didn’t go the One Direction route. He loves One Direction, I love One Direction, and a gazillion other people do too, but Harry didn’t wanna go the pop route. He wanted straight-up rock and roll circa 1975.”  

Nicks has been embracing some of the busiest years of her dual careers as both Fleetwood Mac frontwoman and solo sorceress—and doing so amid a global pandemic. Since she last performed with Styles at the Forum for his Fine Line release show in December, she’s released a 24 Karat Gold concert film and “Show Them the Way,” her politically minded single and first piece of original music in six years. After Miley Cyrus asked for Nicks’s blessing before releasing her “Edge of Seventeen”–tinged “Midnight Sky,” the two joined forces for an exhilarating new mash-up titled “Edge of Midnight.”

In honor of Styles making history as the magazine’s first solo cover boy, Nicks caught up with Vogue to answer all our questions about their cosmic connection. Currently beachside with her quarantine bubble in Hawaii, she’s been doing what one would expect Stevie Nicks to be up to during a pandemic: writing new music, dancing around her house to “Watermelon Sugar,” and “casting little spells.” As befitting rock’s foremost storyteller, our intended 30-minute chat turned into a two-hour confessional about her love of Styles, working with Cyrus for the first time, joining Fleetwood Mac, the president-elect Joe Biden, the Met Gala, betta fish funerals, and much more.

ksd note: edited to only include Q&A about Stevie and Harry!

Did you get a chance to look through Harry’s cover story yet?  

Right before I called you, I sat here and looked at all the pictures on my new iPad. What can I say? That’s my Harry. I think the thing that’s most wonderful about him—and I’ve told him this, and sometimes I think he takes it the wrong way—is that he’s such a kooky guy. He’s the type of person you’d wanna live next door to. He’d look out the window, see you having a hard time planting flowers, and rush out asking, “Can I help you with those roses?” “Sure, but you are Harry Styles, right?” That’s who he is.

I really only know him to a certain extent, but I have gotten to experience some big moments in his life, like when he released his first solo record at the Troubadour. I always think of Tom Petty saying, “So, you wanna be a rock star or you wanna be a pop star?” It’s two completely different things, and he really could have gone pop like his friend Zayn [Malik]. I was sorry that Zayn didn’t keep going more because I thought he was really good. But he took the pop route, which I think was right for him. Harry could’ve lost a lot of fans doing rock and roll, but he didn’t. Harry did a long tour with that first record and said, “I’m a different person now. I have a full-on rock band, and this is what I’m gonna do.” With many of my records, I’ll stuff down peoples’ throats until they like it, and that’s exactly what he did. Then he went away and wrote Fine Line, one of my favorite records.

What were your immediate thoughts listening to Fine Line for the first time?

Me and four of my friends sat with Harry in his living room  in London and listened to it a few times before it came out. But it wasn’t really Fine Line yet. The first time we listened to it, nobody really said anything. The second time everyone started to go, “I think this song is great, but it should be second in the sequence.” By the third listen, it was five girls screaming, “Well, Harry really now, I think you need to take these four that are called Harry Songs and do this and that—” while he’s sinking in his reclining chair thinking, Are these women ever gonna leave? Thanks for your opinions, but oh, my God, stop already.  

What changed when you heard the record in it’s finished form?

This record means a lot to me. When it was all put together, I listened and said, “Oh, my god, the Beatles live.” A whole lot of people live in these songs. Fleetwood Mac lives there. I live there. When I listen to “Fine Line,” I hear melodies that would’ve worked on “A Day in the Life. “It has that same kind of complexity. I think the Beatles would’ve thought, Here we’ve influenced a young man who took some incredible things from us and made them his own years and years later.

Earlier this year you posted a message saying that Fine Line is Harry’s Rumours. Can you elaborate on what you meant by that?

When Harry asked me to do “Landslide” with him at the Forum, I asked why, and he said, “Because I want you to be there. You were there for my first night at the Troubadour for the first record.” That night I wrote him a letter that said, “This is your Rumours so you have to really respect it and adore it because these kinds of records sometimes don’t ever come again.” Fleetwood Mac went on to make many great records, but people would bet their life on the fact that Rumours was the one. And this might just be the one for Harry. We were all kind of the same age when we made Rumours. I was 28, and Lindsey [Buckingham] was 27. I actually don’t even know how old Harry is—he’s that timeless to me.

Do you have a personal favorite of his songs?

Every one represents a different thing to me. “Sunflower” is such a great little song. He loves to do crazy videos, and one time I called him and said, “I have an idea. You’re gonna be a bee, and the sunflower would be your girlfriend, and you guys would get married and live in a beehive with your little bee children. You’d sing the lyrics ‘kiss in the kitchen like it’s a dance floor duh duh duh’ and show this entire bee relationship.” 

What did he think of that pitch?

When I finished, the other end of the phone was silent. I said, “No, really, think about it. It’ll be fantastical like a Francis Ford Coppola movie.” He’s like, “Yeah, okay...” [laughs]. I also love the “Adore You” video with the little fish because I have my own special relationships with fish.

In what sense?

I always have two beta fish, but they have to be separated otherwise they’ll kill each other. I stick my finger into their aquarium, and the blue one will swim around my hand like a little dolphin. When my fish get old and suddenly die, I have funerals for them in my backyard where I play Celine Dion. I have them filmed, and everything [laughs]. It’s too much, but I thankfully haven’t had any recent fish deaths. I haven’t even been able to sit down and show Harry the videos of my little fish, so when I saw the “Adore You” video, I couldn’t believe it.

Why is it important for you to foster these relationships with younger artists like Harry who’ve been so openly influenced by you?

I’m inspired by them. I’m inspired that Miley wants to make music with me. I’m inspired that the Haim girls are my biggest fans—and I theirs. A lot of these kids are making the amazing records I’ve been waiting for them to make. I’m not like other 72-year-olds. I listen to current music because I want to be current. When people find out how old I am versus the music I’m listening to, they think it doesn’t gel at all. I’ve been collecting musical knowledge since I was in the fourth grade listening to the singles my grandfather used to bring home. I listened to Buddy Holly and the Everly Brothers until the sixth grade when R&B radio became Top 40. I said goodbye country and hello R&B, so it’s not like I’m ever stuck on one thing. What I love about Harry is that he’s very old school but still modern. And that’s kinda like me.

You both also transitioned from massive groups to equally massive solo careers rather seamlessly.

When I decided I wanted to be a solo artist, I’d only been in Fleetwood Mac for a few years. I tried to figure out a way to do it gracefully because I didn’t wanna break up the band. I just wanted to sit at my piano and write poetry. After we did a record and a really long tour, the band scurried off to different parts of the world while I’d just be home writing songs for a year and a half. What did they care what I did while they were all on vacation? I’ve always said all the way through these two careers I’ve had: If you’re in a band first, never break it up.

Do you think One Direction would ever reunite?

I think it’s a good idea. For all we know, One Direction is completely broken up forever. But I think those guys are friends, and five or ten years down the road, they could all go, “You know what, wouldn’t it be really fun to do a One Direction tour?” Because that’s what people do. I wouldn’t be surprised if they did reunite at some point just because they can. And because it would just be fun. Harry is the kind of person who would never stomp on that idea. He would never say, [imitates posh English accent] “Never! I would never do that again!” Because why not just keep the door open?

Was there any particular detail or passage in Harry’s cover story that stuck out to you?

According to this article, he can get in a car with his friend to drive all over Europe then drive back by himself. I stopped driving in 1978 because my driver’s license expired and I’d already made a lot of money. I very smartly thought, “You know what, if someone even hits you and it’s not even your fault but you’re a little drunk, you are done. You’re finished, and the fortune that you’ve made is gone, so why should you drive anyway?” By then me and Christine were very cloistered, but Harry’s able to live a freer life because he’s a guy. He’s like Mick. He has a free life.

Would you say that you don’t?

I’m only comparing us in the way that Harry goes off to the Bahamas to work on songs, then flies back to L.A., then London, then Italy—I can’t do that. I can’t do that by myself. He’s able to do whatever he wants by himself, and it’s a whole different way of life. Being that Harry is a guy, he’s able to be a loner more than I am. As a woman, I’m not free to do all that. Even when I was his age, I couldn’t just get off anywhere I wanted. When we were on the road, Christine and I didn’t have a clue in the world what the boys did. We went to our rooms with security guys standing outside. It’s not like we ever escaped to go club-hopping in downtown Manhattan. We never got to live that life, so freedom as Harry knows it is very different than it’s been for me.

Did you ever have any figure in your life who provided some sense of mentorship the way you have to artists like Harry?

I didn’t really have anyone. If I had any guiding force at all, it probably would’ve been Christine McVie because she was five years older than me. And five years is five years, you know? Chris was friends with Eric Clapton and knew all the famous musicians in London. She’d married John [McVie] and done a bunch of records with Fleetwood Mac before I came along, so she’d been in the music business for a long time. I was breaking up with Lindsey when she was breaking up with John. She was my therapist and my go-to person for just about everything. We had each other to get through that really difficult situation where no one was gonna quit the band. Christine and I kept the whole thing together by telling the three men, “You quit because we’re not stopping” Thank God I had her, but on the other side of that, thank God she had me. We really were a force of nature.

** I’m curious to what extent fashion plays a role in your and Harry’s relationship. Have you** gifted him any accessories that were significant to you?

I actually gave him a ring at the Forum thing. It’s very masculine and has a pink stone in it. I told him it was a pink diamond, but it really isn’t. It would’ve cost $5 million. It was mine, and I really loved it, but I thought, This should be for Harry. You can see it on his hands in the “Falling” video where he’s playing the piano. If Harry and I were in a band together, we’d be trading all kinds of crazy stuff.

What are your thoughts on him being the first solo male cover in Vogue’s history?

It makes me feel so inspired. I’m extremely jealous he’s on the cover of Vogue because I’m 72 years old and have wanted to be on the cover my whole life. I’m such a magazine hag, so I’m incredibly jealous of Harry, but I’ll get over it. As far as all the crazy things he’s wearing, you do whatever you have to do to be on the cover of Vogue. I’m very proud of him, and I think it’s great that there’s a man on the cover…but I should’ve been in the corner off in the distance [laughs]. Did you know I’ve never been to the Met Gala?

We would be honored to have you at the next gala and every one after that. I’m putting this in the article to make sure it’s in the public record.

As Mick Jagger says, “We still have our freedom, but we don’t have much time.” I would like to be not much older than I am now so I can wear a fantastic outfit and entertain everybody. It’s a dream of mine, and most of my dreams have come true, but I need to not be 90 when it happens.

Harry and you could perform together.

We wouldn’t even have to rehearse. We’ve got a couple of duets that are really great. We do “Landslide” and “Two Ghosts” together really well. We actually have five or six terrific acoustic numbers that we could do at the drop of a hat.

You hinted earlier this year that there might be a role for Harry in the miniseries based on the stories of Rhiannon. Is there any update there?

This is probably the third-biggest thing I’ve ever done in my life after Fleetwood Mac and my solo career. There’s a lot to be done in the movie business before I can start riding my horses across the mountains of Wales. I’ve signed with a movie company—I’m not gonna tell you who—and we just signed a writer. I’m not gonna tell you who that is either, but there’s an amazing part for Harry. My favorite character in the series is the only man who goes through all four books. He’s a magician who doesn’t wanna be king, and I think Harry would just be so perfect.

Have you and Harry discussed collaborating on any future music together?

We’re open to making music together because we’ve been very successful when we go onstage just to do one song. I would love to be in a band with Harry, but even if I never saw him in person again, he’s made a record that breaks my heart in a million places like Fine Line. As far as music goes, there’s plenty of fun things that he and I could do. We can just reach out to each other and do it. I’m always ready to slip back into those high-heel black suede boots and become my alter ego.

via Vogue.com

[hlupdate]

Of all the disciples to worship at the altar of Stevie Nicks, none have managed to capture the attention of rock's reigning priestess quite like Harry Styles.

The 26-year old rocker (who this week received three Grammy nominations) is the Gucci-clad poster-boy carrying the torch for a bygone era of music history that the Fleetwood Mac front-woman helped crystallize. Styles recently cited the group's 1977 (and still charting) classic “Dreams” as one of the first songs he learned the words to growing up. Their friendship began in 2015 after the former One Direction member presented his idol with a hand-piped birthday cake after a Fleetwood Mac gig in London. (“Glad she liked carrot cake,” he later said.) The years since have seen the duo's mutual affection blossom into one of pop culture‘s most cherished bondings.

Last year, when Styles inducted Nicks into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he proclaimed the 72-year old “everything you’ve ever wanted in a lady, a lover, in a friend.” Nicks has gushed about him in interviews as everything from “the son she never had” to the “love child” of her and bandmate Mick Fleetwood. Styles earned her official seal of approval after covering “The Chain” every night of his first solo tour in support of a record that sounds closer to Crosby, Stills & Nash than anything he released under his prior band.

“Harry could've lost a lot of fans but he didn't. I’m so proud of him because he took a risk and didn’t go the One Direction route," Nicks recently told Vogue over the phone. "He loves One Direction, I love One Direction, and a gazillion other people do too, but Harry didn't wanna go the pop route. He wanted straight-up rock-and-roll circa 1975.”

Nicks has been embracing some of the busiest years of her dual careers as both Fleetwood Mac front-woman and solo sorceress—and doing so in the midst of a global pandemic. Since she last performed with Styles at the Forum for his Fine Line release show in December, she’s released a 24 Karat Gold concert film and “Show Them the Way,” her politically-minded single and first piece of original music in six years. After Miley Cyrus asked for Nicks's blessing before releasing her “Edge of Seventeen”-tinged “Midnight Sky,” the two joined forces for an exhilarating new mash-up titled “Edge of Midnight."

In honor of Styles making history as the magazine’s first solo cover-boy, Nicks caught up with Vogue to answer all our questions about their cosmic connection. Currently beachside with her quarantine bubble in Hawaii, she’s been doing what one would expect Stevie Nicks to be up to during a pandemic: writing new music, dancing around her house to “Watermelon Sugar“ and “casting little spells.” As befitting rock’s foremost storyteller, our intended 30-minute chat turned into a two-hour confessional about her love of Styles, working with Cyrus for the first time, joining Fleetwood Mac, the president-elect Joe Biden, the Met Gala, betta fish funerals, and much more.

Did you get a chance to look through Harry's cover story yet?  

Right before I called you I sat here and looked at all the pictures on my new iPad. What can I say? That's my Harry. I think the thing that’s most wonderful about him—and I've told him this and sometimes I think he takes it the wrong way—is that he’s such a kooky guy. He’s the type of person you'd wanna live next door to. He’d look out the window, see you having a hard time planting flowers and rush out asking "Can I help you with those roses?" "Sure but you are Harry Styles, right?" That's who he is.

I really only know him to a certain extent but I have gotten to experience some big moments in his life like when he released his first solo record at the Troubadour. I always think of Tom Petty saying "So you wanna be a rock star or you wanna be a pop star?" It's two completely different things and he really could have gone pop like his friend Zayn [Malik]. I was sorry that Zayn didn't keep going more because I thought he was really good. But he took the pop route, which I think was right for him. Harry could've lost a lot of fans doing rock-and-roll but he didn't. Harry did a long tour with that first record and said “I'm a different person now. I have a full-on rock band and this is what I'm gonna do.” With many of my records I’ll stuff down peoples' throats until they like it and that's exactly what he did. Then he went away and wrote Fine Line, one of my favorite records.

What were your immediate thoughts listening to Fine Line for the first time?

Me and four of my friends sat with Harry in his living room  in London and listened to it a few times before it came out. But it wasn't really Fine Line yet. The first time we listened to it nobody really said anything. The second time everyone started to go "I think this song is great but it should be second in the sequence." By the third listen it was five girls screaming "Well Harry really now, I think you need to take these four that are called "Harry Songs" and do this and that—” while he’s sinking in his reclining chair thinking "Are these women ever gonna leave? Thanks for your opinions but oh my god stop already."

What changed when you heard the record in it’s finished form?

This record means a lot to me. When it was all put together I listened and said "Oh my god, The Beatles live." A whole lot of people live in these songs. Fleetwood Mac lives there. I live there. When I listen to "Fine Line” I hear melodies that would've worked on “A Day in the Life.“ It has that same kind of complexity. I think the Beatles would've thought “Here we’ve influenced a young man who took some incredible things from us and made them his own years and years later.”

Earlier this year you posted a message saying that Fine Line is Harry’s Rumours. Can you elaborate on what you meant by that?

When Harry asked me to do "Landslide" with him at the Forum I asked why and he said "Because I want you to be there. You were there for my first night at the Troubadour for the first record.” That night I wrote him a letter that said “This is your Rumours so you have to really respect it and adore it because these kinds of records sometimes don't ever come again.” Fleetwood Mac went on to make many great records but people would bet their life on the fact that Rumours was the one. And this might just be the one for Harry. We were all kind of the same age when we made Rumours. I was 28 and Lindsey was 27. I actually don't even know how old Harry is—he's that timeless to me.

Do you have a personal favorite of his songs?

Every one represents a different thing to me. “Sunflower” is such a great little song. He loves to do crazy videos and one time I called him and said “I have an idea. You're gonna be a bee and the sunflower would be your girlfriend, and you guys would get married and live in a beehive with your little bee children. You’d sing the lyrics “kiss in the kitchen like it's a dance floor duh duh duh” and show this entire bee relationship.”

What did he think of that pitch?

When I finished the other end of the phone was silent. I said "No really, think about it. It’ll be fantastical like a Francis Ford Coppola movie.” He’s like “Yeah, okay...” (laughs). I also love the "Adore You” video with the little fish because I have my own special relationships with fish.

In what sense?

I always have two betta fish but they have to be separated otherwise they'll kill each other. I stick my finger into their aquarium and the blue one will swim around my hand like a little dolphin. When my fish get old and suddenly die I have funerals for them in my backyard where I play Celine Dion. I have them filmed and everything (laughs). It’s too much but I thankfully haven’t had any recent fish deaths. I haven't even been able to sit down and show Harry the videos of my little fish so when I saw the “Adore You” video I couldn’t believe it.

Why is it important for you to foster these relationships with younger artists like Harry who’ve been so openly influenced by you?

I'm inspired by them. I'm inspired that Miley wants to make music with me. I’m inspired that the Haim girls are my biggest fans—and I theirs. A lot of these kids are making the amazing records I’ve been waiting for them to make. I’m not like other 72-year olds. I listen to current music because I want to be current. When people find out how old I am versus the music I'm listening to they think it doesn't gel at all. I’ve been collecting musical knowledge since I was in the fourth grade listening to the singles my grandfather used to bring home. I listened to Buddy Holly and the Everly Brothers until the sixth grade when R&B radio became Top 40. I said goodbye country and hello R&B, so it’s not like I'm ever stuck on one thing. What I love about Harry is that he's very old-school but still modern. And that's kinda like me.

You both also transitioned from massive groups to equally massive solo careers rather seamlessly.

When I decided I wanted to be a solo artist I'd only been in Fleetwood Mac for a few years. I tried to figure out a way to do it gracefully because I didn’t wanna break up the band. I just wanted to sit at my piano and write poetry. After we did a record and a really long tour the band scurried off to different parts of the world while I’d just be home writing songs for a year and a half. What did they care what I did while they were all on vacation? I’ve always said all the way through these two careers I've had: if you're in a band first, never break it up.

I know Beyoncé because I spent a day with Destiny’s Child making the “Bootylicious” video. I owe them a debt of gratitude because that’s the one time I ever got to pretend I played rock-and-roll guitar! But when Beyoncé made the decision to be a solo artist she did not see herself going back to Destiny's Child every couple of years. And that's a perfectly acceptable decision because sometimes that's what people wanna do. I, on the other hand, said why not have the ability to go back to Fleetwood Mac whenever I want? Being a Gemini I get bored really easily, so being able to have those two careers was great.

Do you think One Direction would ever reunite?

I think it's a good idea. For all we know, One Direction is completely broken up forever. But I think those guys are friends and five or ten years down the road they could all go "You know what, wouldn't it be really fun to do a One Direction tour?" Because that's what people do. I wouldn't be surprised if they did reunite at some point just because they can. And because it would just be fun. Harry is the kind of person who would never stomp on that idea. He would never say (imitates posh English accent) "Never! I would never do that again!" Because why not just keep the door open?

Was there any particular detail or passage in Harry’s cover story that stuck out to you?

According to this article he can get in a car with his friend to drive all over Europe then drive back by himself. I stopped driving in 1978 because my driver's license expired and I'd already made a lot of money. I very smartly thought "You know what, if someone even hits you and it's not even your fault but you're a little drunk, you are done. You're finished and the fortune that you've made is gone, so why should you drive anyway?” By then me and Christine were very cloistered, but Harry's able to live a freer life because he's a guy. He's like Mick. He has a free life.

Would you say that you don’t?

I'm only comparing us in the way that Harry goes off to the Bahamas to work on songs then flies back to LA then London then Italy—I can't do that. I can't do that by myself. He's able to do whatever he wants by himself and it's a whole different way of life. Being that Harry is a guy, he's able to be a loner more than I am. As a woman I'm not free to do all that. Even when I was his age I couldn't just get off anywhere I wanted. When we were on the road Christine and I didn't have a clue in the world what the boys did. We went to our rooms with security guys standing outside. It's not like we ever escaped to go club-hopping in downtown Manhattan. We never got to live that life so freedom as Harry knows it is very different than it’s been for me.

Did you ever have any figure in your life who provided some sense of mentorship the way you have to artists like Harry?

I didn't really have anyone. If I had any guiding force at all it probably would've been Christine McVie because she was five years older than me. And five years is five years, you know? Chris was friends with Eric Clapton and knew all the famous musicians in London. She’d married John [McVie] and done a bunch of records with Fleetwood Mac before I came along so she'd been in the music business for a long time. I was breaking up with Lindsey when she was breaking up with John. She was my therapist and my go-to person for just about everything. We had each other to get through that really difficult situation where no one was gonna quit the band. Christine and I kept the whole thing together by telling the three men "You quit because we're not stopping” Thank god I had her, but I think on the other side of that thank god she had me. We really were a force of nature.

I’m curious to what extent fashion plays a role in your and Harry’s relationship. Have you gifted him any accessories that were significant to you?

I actually gave him a ring at the Forum thing. It’s very masculine and has a pink stone in it. I told him it was a pink diamond but it really isn't, it would've cost $5 million. It was mine and I really loved it but I thought "This should be for Harry.” You can see it on his hands in the "Falling" video where he’s playing the piano. If Harry and I were in a band together we’d be trading all kinds of crazy stuff.

How did you come to decide on your all-black stage uniform?

I started getting paid when I joined Fleetwood Mac but up until then I didn't have any money to buy food. All of a sudden we were going on tour so I just packed up my normal clothes. We started eating because there was room service and there I was gaining ten pounds in the middle of the tour. I didn't fit in any of the clothes and I didn't have time to shop so when I got home I said “I can never do this again.” I knew a friend who knew a designer and I told her I needed a uniform because I can't be thinking about what I wanna wear every night. It makes it so much easier since everybody that's in Pittsburgh isn't necessarily gonna be in Philadelphia. Harry's done the same thing with his white pants and pink shirt.

What are your thoughts on him being the first solo male cover in Vogue’s history?

It makes me feel so inspired. I'm extremely jealous he's on the cover of Vogue because I'm seventy-two years old and have wanted to be on the cover my whole life. I’m such a magazine hag, so I’m incredibly jealous of Harry but I'll get over it. As far as all the crazy things he's wearing, you do whatever you have to do to be on the cover of Vogue. I'm very proud of him and I think it's great that there's a man on the cover… but I should've been in the corner off in the distance (laughs). Did you know I've never been to the Met Gala?

We would be honored to have you at the next gala and every one after that. I’m putting this in the article to make sure it’s in the public record.

As Mick Jagger says, "We still have our freedom, but we don't have much time." I would like to be not much older than I am now so I can wear a fantastic outfit and entertain everybody. It's a dream of mine and most of my dreams have come true, but I need to not be ninety when it happens.

Harry and you could perform together.

We wouldn't even have to rehearse. We've got a couple of duets that are really great. We do "Landslide" and “Two Ghosts” together really well. We actually have five or six terrific acoustic numbers that we could do at the drop of a hat.

You hinted earlier this year that there might be a role for Harry in the miniseries based on the stories of Rhiannon. Is there any update there?

This is probably the third-biggest thing I've ever done in my life after Fleetwood Mac and my solo career. There’s a lot to be done in the movie business before I can start riding my horses across the mountains of Wales. I've signed with a movie company—I'm not gonna tell you who—and we just signed a writer. I'm not gonna tell you who that is either but there’s an amazing part for Harry. My favorite character in the series is the only man who goes through all four books. He's a magician who doesn't wanna be king and I think Harry would just be so perfect.

Have you and Harry discussed collaborating on any future music together?

We're open to making music together because we've been very successful when we go onstage just to do one song. I would love to be in a band with Harry but even if I never saw him in person again he’s made a record that breaks my heart in a million places like Fine Line. As far as music goes there's plenty of fun things that he and I could do. We can just reach out to each other and do it. I’m always ready to slip back into those high-heel black suede boots and become my alter ego.

This interview has been edited for clarity and space.

[betweenthetimeandsound]

Three Minutes to Eternity: My ESC 250 (#140-131)

#140: Lordi -- Hard Rock Hallelujah (Finland 2006)

“You will see the jokers soon'll be the new kings!” I'm semi-convinced that if I heard this song when I was a child, I would've been so scared I would just hide (I also panicked at the cover of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, though that maybe because I didn't want to read such a long book). Watching it for the first time in 2020, I didn't mind it, though the monsters still puts me off. As much as I like to jam to this one, I can’t see myself listening to it over and over again. That said, one can’t take away from the sheer catharsis of this song, from the opening notes to how Lordi gleefully announces their arrival and thunders down Athens with the arockalypse. Whether it’s the first hard rock winner or the last schlager one, Lordi came, saw, and grabbed a first win for Finland after so many attempts, and made rock more popular in Eurovision for a few years. i You can’t resist yourself from headbanging to this one! Personal ranking: 3rd/37 Actual ranking: 1st/24 GF in Athens

#139: Natasha St-Pier -- Je n'ai que mon âme (France 2001)

“Mais je n'ai que mon âme pour te parler de moi, Oh, juste mon âme, mon âme et ma voix,” “But I only have my soul to talk to you about me. Oh, just my soul, my soul and my voice.” By the turn of the millenium, France switched back to contemporary ballads to represent them. While 1999 and 2000's entries didn't do well, their next two would be really strong songs amongst the weakest years ever, and that's why I appreciate France so much in the contest. Initially, I didn’t get it, because it sounded a bit derivative (not unlike what Celine Dion would sing). However, one thing which won me over was with the intro, which provided the base of a really great build. A soft intro leading to a lush instrumental, it shone above the crowd, and it turned from being "derivative" to being "gentle and sincere. Natasha delivers this with equal parts softness and grace, though the English parts did feel a bit out of place in the end. That might have cost it a (deserved) place on the podium, and France would have wait twenty more years for the next medal-placing. Personal ranking: 2nd/23 Actual ranking: 4th/23 in Copenhagen

#138: Lena -- Satellite (Germany 2010)

“I even painted my toenails for you I did it just the other day!"

Whenever you check the comments of any video on this song, you will note a bunch of angry Turkish people who insist MaNga should’ve won 2010. While I really love their song (and will end up later on the list), Satellite was a worthy winner. Along with its commercial success, Satellite is adorable because it is uptempo, sweet, and infectious. Lena acts like she’s having fun on stage and doesn’t even try to pretend. Her accent, which emerged as a result of her English teacher, adds to the charm and her overall innocence. It’s cute, which can turn off some people, but not me--I really embrace it. Also, Arilena Ara made a cover last year for Eurovision Home Concerts, which you should check out! It keeps the poppy vibe, but adds a funky edge to it. Personal ranking: 4th/39 Actual ranking: 1st/25 GF in Oslo

#137: Lazy Bums -- Shir Habatlanim (Israel 1987)

“עושה לי כוס קפה ומדליק לי הסיגריה יוצא אל המרפסת לפצח גרעינים הציפורים יורדות העציצים של המרפסת ומפזמות איתי את שיר הבטלנים” “I make myself a cup of coffee and light a cigarette I go out to the balcony to crack open some seeds The birds come down to the plants of the balcony And sing with me the bums’ song” The Culture Minister threatened to resign when Shir Habatlanim was chosen for the Israeli entry in 1987, but it adds to the charming element to this performance. After a decade in which the Israeli entries pranced around, this was something different, and the two actors really take on the role. The lyrics were a bit silly, but relatable with the bums not seeing the sun because of the buildings and doing random tasks while hanging out with the birds. The Lazy Song before the Lazy Song, I'm starting to think this is the "reality" on playing hooky, whereas "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is the "expectations" part (and they are really high in the movie). The Blues Brothers-inspired performance ("We're coming to ya--"), combined with Kobi Oshrat's orchestration, makes this otherwise troll song into a comedic masterpiece. It's three minutes of fun and endearment, and I can't help but smile. Personal ranking: 4th/22 Actual ranking: 8th/22 in Brussels

#136: Antique -- (I Would) Die for You (Greece 2001)

"Κάθησα και σκέφτηκα Κι είδα ότι μ’ αγαπάς Μόνο εσύ, μόνο εσύ" "I sat down and thought Realised that you love me Only you, only you" Greece's first top-three placing in Eurovision is thanks to Helena Paparizou and guy whose name we do not know Nikos Panagiotidis, both who were based in Sweden at the time. They were well known for combining Greek instruments and dance beat; Opa Opa (written by Giorgios Alkaios, see #207 for his entry) is a really good example of this! (Thanks again, Nikos Terzis for composing this too) From the opening bouzouki, Die for You establishes a sense of cool; the pop production following it adds a sense of modernity that the 2001 class lacked for the most part. And compared to Je n'ai que mon ame (#139), the switch from Greek to English is absolutely natural. It feels like being in an exclusive club, filled with dim lighting and a very spacy ambience of it all--though the orange in Parken works as well. And despite being nineteen, Helena oozes cool in all the ways. From her sleek hair to her jumpsuit to how she moves, she makes the song her own, for what it's worth. I frequently find myself copying her handography, though sometimes my desk lamp blocks my left hand, making it feel a bit clumsy. Though I don't say this often, either Antique or Natasha should've won in 2001. Personal ranking: 1st/23 Actual ranking: 3rd/23 in Copenhagen Final impressions on 2001: DR tried to go big with 35,000, but everyone went to drink, and it felt like one hundred. The songs at hand tried hard to be cool, though in some places, we were better off in school. On their own, the strings in our hearts remain broke, though when the trophy did, our minds awoke. Despite the ambitions, the contest would make people leave the room. Thankfully, it was better than that of 2002! :) (On another note, of all the years Italy didn't participate in the contest, 1999 and 2001 were the most irritating. Here, Elisa's Luce (tramonti a nord-est) won Sanremo, and it's a surrealistically beautiful indie song with cool lyrics (especially it was originally written in English, and had to be changed to Italian for the contest). Had they competed, I could see a top-five finish for them, and I could see this as an all-time favorite for me.)

#135: Katerine Duska -- Better Love (Greece 2019)

“Won’t you lean on me You can lean on me Let them look, don’t know, don’t care Go deep with me...” She's not Amy Winehouse, she's Katerine Duska! I had a love/hate relationship with this song during the 2019 season. On the one hand, it’s a really good song, with a lush production and sultry vocals from Katerine Duska. The lyrics, while simple, deals with the theme of love in an interesting way--no matter who you are, you deserve a love that suits you.

On the other hand, considering my grudge towards the 2018 contest, I was worried that this may do well and restart the Greek golden age. That feeling amplified when the rehearsals started, when Katerine and co. had this faerie queene aesthetic. It looked absolutely beautiful, with flowers and fantasy and whimsy. And most important, swords (the MV had sabres whereas the live performance had epees.)!

Of course it qualified, but it collapsed in the final and placed 21st in the end. Some people attributed to how "messy" the staging was, along with Katerine's vocals. In hindsight, I could see it with the former, but the latter remained firm, and she aced that high note.

But it was a good change for Greece, showing that they can do indie music as well as pop and ethno. And Katerine's non-Eurovision songs are fantastic; especially check out Autumn Again and Athenian Skies! Personal ranking: 4th/41 Actual ranking: 21st/26 GF in Tel Aviv

#134: Netta -- Toy (Israel 2018)

“Wonder Woman don’t you ever forget You’re divine and he’s about to regret...”

This has been a total phenomenon ever since its release. However, it’s also quite polarizing, with some people really bopping to this one whether it's on the radio or Tik-tok, and others getting repulsed by the chicken noises or the strong message it provided.

For me, it's Toy's "in-your-face' nature which makes it really special. From the first listen, there's the element of surprise with Netta's looping (the MV intro on Spotify >>> regular studio intro). It then builds until Netta announces herself as a "beautiful creature" and that she wasn't going to be bullied by others. While the songwriters definitely used the "Me Too" movement as a vehicle for the song, it's Netta's influence, along with the Mizrahi instrumentation in the chorus, which packs a punch. Without those chicken noises, Toy would fall flat.

The staging had to be worked on several times, but the final result captured the song's kookiness in every way. From the fake looper to the backing dancer's choreography, the following three minutes is an explosion of fun (though some of the energy died on stage on first viewing).

In short, Netta deserved to win, and those who suggest otherwise is just mean.

Personal ranking: 5th/43 Actual ranking: 1st/26 GF in Lisbon

#133: Mariza Koch -- Panagia Mou, Panagia Mou (Greece 1976)

“Κι αν δείτε ερείπια γκρεμισμένα, όι-όι μάνα μ', Δεν θα 'ναι απ' άλλες, απ' άλλες εποχές, Από ναπάλμ θα 'ναι καμένα, όι-όι μάνα μ'…"

“And if you see shattered ruins, oh oh my Mother, It's not from other, from other eras It is burnt by napalm, oh oh my Mother...”

In their second appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest, Greece sends this politically-charged song to criticize the invasion of Cyprus two years before. The Greek military junta at the time wanted to unite the island with mainland Greece, which led to a coup. As a result, the Turkish government invaded Cyprus, and declared the non-recognized Republic of Northern Cyprus. This status remains to this day, which has hindered Turkey's admission to the European Union.

(Interestingly enough, Turkey broadcast this contest despite not participating, and censored the Greek song to replace it with a patriotic song. Haha)

Dark context aside, it ties into the folk tradition during that time, but adds a Greek touch to it with the bouzouki. Combined with thoughtful yet tragic lyrics, it stands out as a darker yet deeper tone from the 1976 contest. Mariza also conveys this with her clear, yet harsh vocals pinpoint the horrors of what was going on. Also, the orchestration adds to the grandeur of this with its lush strings.

Personal ranking: 3rd/18 Actual ranking: 11th/18 in Den Haag

#132: Chocolate, Menta, Mastik -- Emor Shalom (Israel 1976)

בוא, בוא, בוא עוד היום”, אני עוד כאן אז בוא אמור שלום, אמור שלום

“Come, come, come today, I'm still here so come say hello Say hello..”

From one heavily politically charged song to a slightly less so, haha! Emor Shalom is s very playful and cute song, the three girls charm their potential lover (or diplomatic) with their voices and dance moves.

The hidden political context comes from "shalom"--is it hello, or is it peace? When the song was performed, Israel had been independent for thirty years, but their geopolitical relationships were not good with their neighbors. So the three girls, who sung for the military, were not only hoping for a lover, but also for peace.

The song itself incorporates some elements disco with trumpets, which got me into it in the first place. I'm not entirely sure about how the latter works--they are fine, but it does feel a bit cartoonish. While the lyrics are a bit simple, they still add to it.

Personal ranking: 2nd/18 Actual ranking: 6th/18 in Den Haag

#131: Sonja Lumme -- Eläköön elämä (Finland 1985)

“Kaupungissa on yö, puistoon kanssasi jäin Sä seisot edessäin täynnä toivoa” “It’s night in the city, I stayed in the park with you You’re standing in front me full of hope” Top ten anime opening themes, part two!

From the intro until the end, I love how Eläköön elämä progresses. It not only has a sound which matches with music trends (along with those mullets, but it's the 1980s so we can move on about this...), but also has a joie-de-vivre in terms of the lyrics. I've heard about it being connected to the Cold War; considering it was before glasnost, I'd imagine one of the themes here was to enjoy every moment before the world ends.

Ossi Runne's orchestration mixes the punchy pop-rock with some really good strings and brass. An awesome instrumentation and hopeful lyrics, when put together, you’ve got one of Finland’s best ever entries.

Personal ranking: 1st/19 Actual ranking: 9th/19 in Gothenburg

Final impressions on 1985: While Sweden first hosted in 1975, the production ten years later shows their capabilities in putting on a good show. From the graphics to the stage to Lilli's hosting, it's a totally fun experience. The songs were a bit weaker than it, though there were enough gems to keep the mood buzzing. Plus, there were several good orchestral moments there (especially #193) which made it all the better!

[chill-that-ur-inmyhead]

Are you currently wearing anything red?

my red nail polish

Have you had a deep conversation with anyone today?

nope

What would you say is the most disgusting thing you’ve ever tasted?

not a fan of christmas pudding but would I say its the most disgusting thing ever? hmmm probs not maybe I need to try more foods and get back to you

What was the last food you got a random craving for?

toast, but that is a daily occurrence

Has anyone/anything made you angry recently?

yes.... I arranged to stay with my friend for a weekend to which she announces that she has also arranged for another one of her friends to stay. So instead of telling her friend that she’s busy, this friend is gonna crash and it made me angry because I wanted to spend the weekend with her, I don’t mind meeting her friends but now they’re gonna be there 24/7. I made my peace with it now

Who did you last go to the cinema with?

probs the same friend mentioned above haha

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Little Big Town - Better Man

When was the last time you listened to it?

the other day

Who was the last person to say something thought-provoking?

my friend questioned our group if we think we’re fat phobic so we had an open discussion about it and it got us thinking

On your Facebook friends list, who was the last person to have their b-day?

who knows

How old were they?

probs 22 or 23

What did you/are you having for dinner tonight?

I had steak, yum

Is your best friend in a relationship?

I have a few close friends, some are dating and some aren’t, tis a mixture

How old were you 5 years ago?

17

What is something you enjoy doing, but aren’t good at?

dancing, hehe

Who was the last person you talked to, whose name started with ‘C’?

probs Cara :)

What colour are that person’s eyes?

brown

Name some healthy foods that you enjoy eating.

CUCUMBER FOREVER

What is your favourite Studio Ghibli film?

hmm haven’t seen many Studio Ghibli films but Howl’s Moving Castle was a rollercoaster, note to self: watch more Studio Ghibli creations

Do you have a favourite hair accessory? What does it look like?

yes and no, I love using sunglasses or normal glasses to push my hair back so its both a hair accessory and isn’t

What’s your favourite type of insect?

one that leaves me alone

What’s your LEAST favourite type of insect?

slugs

Who was the last person you Facebook messaged?

Laura!

What’s his/her favourite food?

I do not know haha

Did you have a good day yesterday? What did you do?

hmmm it was a stressful day, my dad and brother were driving up to join us for my grandad’s 90th over the weekend but they broke down on the M1 and took the car back to home in a lorry. mum was stressed and I was sad that we wouldn’t have use of our car to travel back in 

When was the last time you went to a fancy dress party?

have I ever? maybe when I was like 10

Who/what did you dress as?

witch?

What genre was the last film you watched? Did you like it?

FANTASY - I re watched Narnia Prince Caspian and oh wow 

Have you made a sandwich today? What did you put on it?

nope I had a salad

Do you remember the last time you overheard part of a random conversation?

nope, I do like to eavesdrop but can never remember what I hear

Did it make you feel awkward?

nah, I doubt it

What were you doing at 10 o'clock this morning?

showering

How many vowels are there in your first name?

3

What was the last song you listened to? Does it mean anything to you?

Taylor Swift - right where you left me. It reminds me of my last relationship and it’s literally just ONE moment it reminds me of because the song is about the narrator being left at the restaurant and I can just vividly see the moment when my partner and I went for korean bbq. He didn’t leave me at the restaurant and I don’t know why the song would remind me of that moment besides it being at a restaurant. Crazy how taylor works her magic

What flavour was the last cupcake you ate?

tomorrow evening I’ll be able to tell you because we have cupcakes for my Grandad’s 90th :)

When was the last time you complimented a stranger?

in a pandemic? pfffttt hardly spoken to anyone let alone a stranger

What’s your favourite milkshake flavour?

nutella and oreo

Have you had an interesting or amusing dream recently?

nope they’re all stressful and weird

Do you know how old your favourite actor is?

27

Is there anything worrying you right now?

yes

If so, have you talked to anyone about it?

I want to but I just can’t bring myself to

Is there anything you desperately want, that you can’t have?

bread

When will you next see your best friend?

a couple weeks time but we keep in touch every day

Apart from sleeping, what do you plan to do tonight?

read

What’s the age difference between your parents?

5 years

You can only have one flavour of ice-cream for the rest of your life. Which do you choose?

chocolate always

Are there any foods you’ve been craving, or eating a lot of, just recently?

I always crave yoghurt so situation normal there

When was the last time you wanted to do something, but didn’t do it?

I wanted to drive my dad and brother back from the station

Why did you choose not to do it?

I knew it would cause a fight with my mum so I let it go

When was the last time you ate an apple?

within the last week for sure

What’s the nicest thing your best friend has ever said to you?

it’s not something they say once it’s more that they keep coming back to say more nice things :)

Have you ever experienced a hangover?

yep

What was the last food or drink that you tried for the first time?

blood orange gin

Did you like it?

yes

What do your friends think of the person you’re currently interested in?

I’m not interested in anyone rn

Name one of your favourite foods, that starts with the letter ’S’

sausage!!!!

The last time you hung out with your sibling(s), what did you do?

waited for my parents in the car whilst our parents went food shopping

Who was the last blue-eyed person you spoke to?

padre

Is there a person you’d like to speak to right now?

I hope to get a response from Rena soon but I can wait

Why that person, specifically?

She has organised a party and I need more details haha

When you woke up this morning, what was on your mind?

It is spider season :/

At this moment, what are you most looking forward to?

CAKE (for my grandad’s 90th bday) and ofc seeing the extended family

Do you have any scented candles in your home? What scent(s)?

I do, sea salt, bergamot & another one from & other stories

Are you planning any special outings with family or friends?

YES my grandad’s bday dinner is tomorrow

Who were the last 3 males you talked to?

my padra, mon frere and Yao

Do you ever wear lipstick? What colour(s) do you prefer?

either nudes or deep reds, difficult to not look like a clown in the latter, that is always the fear

If you have a pet, when did you last pet him/her?

I don’t :(

Do you have a favourite Celine Dion song?

nope

Name one of your favourite foods, that starts with the letter ‘C’

chicken!

Does the person you love/like have a car? What colour is it?

I’m sure Timothee Chalamet does not sure what colour

Have you ever received a compliment on anything you’re wearing?

yes

Have you had any caffeinated beverages today?

nope

What was the last alcoholic drink you tried for the first time?

blood orange gin 

Did you like it?

yes

Have you eaten any chocolate today? What kind?

so much

The last person you kissed - are they older or younger than you?

older

When was the last time someone wanted you to do something, and you refused?

mum wanted me to not have so much smoothie but I wanted the smoothie haha

What’s your favourite feature of the person you’re currently interested in?

nobody right now but I always notice a nice smile and kind eyes

How many people have you hugged today?

loads! twas my grandad’s 90th bday - we had the whole family come to celebrate

Do you have a favourite hair colour or eye colour on your preferred sex?

I don’t

Do you remember the first CD you ever bought?

it was probably taylor swift’s 1989 album. If it was the first CD I ever bought I dont know but I sure remember buying multiple copies of 1989 to get the polaroid collection

Is there anyone on your mind atm?

not in particular

The last song you listened to - does it remind you of anyone?

nope

Is your birth year an odd or even number?

odd

Have you eaten any of your favourite foods today?

CAKE!

What did you have for lunch yesterday?

fish finger salad!! I hope I’m never too old for fish fingers

Who was the last person you Facebook messaged?

Laura

How many different towns/cities have you lived in?

4

What are your parents’ middle names?

Steven & Anne

Are your eyes the same colour as your sibling’s?

nope

How many pets do you have? Would you like any more?

I don’t have any! we used to have bunnies and I would love some more again

Do you prefer still or sparkling drinks?

depends on the mood

Is there a song you can’t stop listening to atm?

Little Big Town’s Better Man is on repeat rn

Did you have a strange or interesting dream last night?

nope

Which friend do you confide in most?

I kinda tell the world my problems hehe

Who was the first male you talked to today? What colour are his eyes?

either my dad or brother, dad has blue eyes, brother has brown

Are you wearing any accessories in your hair? Describe them.

nope

When was the last time you felt ill? What was wrong?

I caught this WEIRD bug that would just make me feel awful all of a sudden and then drained my energy. It was unlike anything I’ve ever felt it made me miss the normal cold

If given the chance, would you change anything that’s happened today?

the food came later than expected so I would change how much breakfast I had

Who was your first best friend? Do you still speak to that person?

nope

Do you like your middle name, or does it embarrass you?

It fits my name

Are you wearing anything that was given to you as a gift?

nope

Have you received any compliments about your appearance today?

yes! my auntie said I looked like a doll and how much I’ve grown since we last saw each other!

Have you ever written a song or poem for someone special?

nope

Have you ever had an argument with the last person you text messaged?

probably

What colour is your shampoo bottle?

pink

Are you attracted to the last person you Facebook messaged?

she is wonderful but I am not attracted to her in that way haha

Do you have any ice-cream in your freezer? What flavour is it?

chocolate & raspberry 

Have you spoken to any of your neighbours today?

nope

[dontthrowsticksatme]

I accidentally wrote 1600 words of Pansy Parkinson and her family as the Kardashians. I'm sorry.

Pansy succeeded in dragging Draco along to the party at the Parkinson Property. Her brother Penstemon and sister Primrose had come over, and the Parkinsons were at its chaotic peak with all five siblings present. It was Draco’s firm belief that the entire family shared one single brain cell when they got together. The biggest survivor move on a day in their household was to figure out whose turn it was on the brain cell, and to stick with that person at all times.

Primrose and Penstemon had brought along their respective partners, heightening the chaos even further. Primrose was dating a giant American Quidditch-player named Nathan B. Daniels. He was Beater for the Sweetwater-All Stars and twice Draco’s size, and for some reason – perhaps sheer respect – everyone kept calling him Nathan-B-Daniels as if it was just one name.

Mr. Parkinson had been utterly against the guy at first. ‘Nobody knows him, we have no idea who his family is! I refuse to tolerate any common American marrying my daughter! It is simply not happening, Primrose!’

Primrose had kept yelling over him, ‘Who said anything about marrying? Who said marrying, dad?! Seriously, I never said anything about marrying, did I?!’

It had split the family apart for days, until Mrs. Parkinson arranged a dinner to meet the new boyfriend. She’d seated Mr. Parkinson next to Nathan B. Daniels at the dinner table... and they'd instantly hit it off, talking about sports and model racing brooms like they'd known each other for years. Ever since, they got along like a house on fire; sometimes it seemed like Mr. Parkinson loved Nathan B. Daniels even more than Primrose did.

The night of the reunion party was no different than any other. The house elves had served them all – including the children – big glasses of wine on the porch. Sipping their Superior Red, they overlooked the sunset over Parkinson Property, while their mother related stories about disastrous mistakes she prevented her friends from making and Penstemon raved about his job. Pansy kept slapping Primrose’s butt or poking her boobs – for no particular reason – along with the occasional insult, while Primrose was sitting on Nathan B. Daniels’ lap.

Ordinary night.

After one or two glasses, Primrose started asking her little sisters Poppy and Periwinkle invasive questions about their “secondary sexual development” that Draco would not be comfortable to repeat, at which Pansy and her mother shrieked with laughter while the little ones slouched in their seats with flushed faces.

‘Leave them alone, Primrose,’ said Penstemon, at which Nathan B. Daniels shot up with a face as if he wanted to fight. Draco only just met him, but he could already tell the man fitted into the family just fine.

‘Relax, honey,’ simpered Primrose, petting her boyfriend. ‘He’s joking.’

‘I’m not joking, actually,’ said Penstemon, clearly keen to fight too.

‘He’s always telling you what to do,’ Nathan B. Daniels hotly told Primrose. ‘I hate how your family tries to keep you down all the time.’

Primrose hushed him, but Penstemon shot to the edge of his seat. ‘No, Primula Vulgaris, by all means! Let the man speak!’ he shouted, not allowing the man to speak at all. ‘Tell me, how am I trying to keep my sister down? How long have you even been in this family? You don’t know us!’

Draco sipped his wine, relishing in the warm glow of another Parkinson feud.

‘Settle down, Penstemon,’ said Mr. Parkinson, and Draco braced himself, knowing it was like throwing oil at Penstemon’s fire to tell him to settle down.

‘The only thing I said was that I don’t think it’s appropriate to ask the girls – who are minors! – about their private affairs! In front of everyone! How is that keeping anyone down? Tell me! Do you think it was appropriate to ask the girls those things in front of everyone, dad? Do you?’

Primrose winked at Nathan B. Daniels, and proceeded to give her youngest sisters some advice on the best ways to please a man.

‘Primrose!’ roared Penstemon, while Pansy almost peed her pants, she was laughing so hard. ‘You are being so inappropriate right now!’

‘Penstemon,’ Mrs. Parkinson intoned, ‘please.’

‘You are honestly being so inappropriate right now! My wife is here! Do you people ever think about anything other than yourself for even one second?’

Mrs. Parkinson – leaning back in her chair, wine in hand – loudly put in her two cents: ‘These are perfectly normal topics to discuss – I don’t see why you’re making a fuss, darling. You know, maybe you should think about surgically removing that stick up your ass.’

‘Mum!’ yelled Pansy, while Draco burst out laughing, almost spitting out his wine, and Penstemon jumped up.

‘What did you just say? What did you say to me, mum?! You are supposed to be the adult here! My wife is here. You are all being so rude right now. Honestly, you are being so childish. I can’t be with this family anymore!’

‘Oh come on,’ Mrs. Parkinson drawled, but Penstemon stormed off, dragging his wife along.

The family watched in silence. The crickets in the fields surrounding the Parkinson Property chirped their song.

‘You shouldn’t have said that,’ Mr. Parkinson weakly told his wife.

Mrs. Parkinson’s eyebrows were up in her hair. ‘Why, what did I say? Honestly, I don’t understand what I did.’

That was Pansy’s cue to slam down her glass. ‘You can’t tell your son he has a stick up his ass, mum! He was right, you were being so rude!’

‘I was joking!’

Pansy jumped up. ‘Shut up, mum! I’m telling you, you can be so rude!’

Her mother made to get up, but didn’t actually bother. ‘I was joking!’ she called after Pansy, who was storming off now too. Draco wondered if he should follow her, seeing as he was her friend.

‘Penstemon should learn to take a joke!’ Mrs. Parkinson lazily shouted after Pansy. Then she leaned back in her chair again, allowing the house elf to top up her glass. ‘It was just a joke, you know.’

Primrose was looking around in confusion. ‘Is Penstemon angry with me?’

‘Don’t worry about your prissy brother,’ said Mrs. Parkinson. ‘He should learn to loosen up. Those topics we discussed are perfectly ordinary topics. It’s important the girls learn these things.’

Mr. Parkinson facepalmed. ‘Dion…’

Meanwhile, Poppy and Periwinkle were dancing in the yard, unbothered by it all. Nathan B. Daniels was kissing Primrose everywhere and touching her under her clothes as if they were alone. Draco tried not to stare, but stared. He shook his head, forcing himself to look away, and went to find Pansy.

She was in the kitchen with her brother and his wife, who only ever talked to agree with Penstemon. The three of them seemed to be rehashing the fight till eternity, and it became clear to Draco that neither of them owned the brain cell that night. After a few minutes, he had enough, and when he returned to the patio, the entire mood had shifted.

Primrose was crying, flanked by her little sisters, who were petting her shoulders and her hair. Her mother was crouching in front of her, unsteadily because of the wine and the stilettos, while Nathan B. Daniels kissed Primrose's neck, arms and hands.

‘He’s my only brother,’ Primrose wailed with big, woeful doe-eyes. ‘I only just got back from France. I hardly see him anymore, and I was so excited to be here and now we get into this huge fight. He is so important to me. You know how important my family is to me. I’d die for you guys!’

The girls simpered and ‘aaw’-ed and told her they, too, would die for their family.

Draco sat down next to Mr. Parkinson. They shared a look.

‘Penstemon is my only brother, you know,’ Primrose wailed on. ‘I used to be so close to him, remember? Wasn’t I always so close to him, mum?’

‘Yes,’ Mrs. Parkinson solemnly swore. ‘You two have always been the closest of all my children. Right, Al? Didn’t I always say how close Penstemon and Primrose were, growing up?’

‘Yes, my dear,’ said Mr. Parkinson obligingly. ‘Two peas in a pod, our two eldest.’

‘Oh, I can’t stand this tension,’ said Mrs. Parkinson, getting up to put her hands on her hips. ‘This fight is tearing our family apart.’ She was looking expectantly at her husband.

So, groaning, Mr. Parkinson took his cue to get up. Draco followed him to the kitchen, where the man beckoned Penstemon to come outside. ‘Your sister wants to tell you something.’

Penstemon crossed his arms and cantankerously looked away. ‘She’s not my sister anymore.’

‘She will always be your sister,’ said Mr. Parkinson. ‘You should give her a chance.’

Penstemon huffed, but after a second he gave in. ‘Fine…’

‘If she doesn’t apologize, we’ll slap her,’ grumbled Pansy.

‘Fair enough.’ Mr. Parkinson walked out, fully expecting his children to follow – which they did. Draco trailed after them like he was their house ghost.

As soon as they reached the patio, Primrose dried her tears and ran up to Penstemon, telling him how sorry she was and how important he was to her. Penstemon teared up too and hugged her, telling her how sorry he was and how important she was to him.

‘Thank Merlin!’ said Mrs. Parkinson emphatically.

‘I am honestly so relieved,’ Pansy told Draco in a deadpan. ‘They were always so close, you know.’

Draco nodded, having a hard time not to laugh. ‘It was tearing the family apart.’

The house elves quietly refilled everyone’s glasses. The girls turned up the music, which led to ugly dancing, dirty jokes and lots of loud laughter, and to Primrose giving Nathan B. Daniels a lap dance.

Draco loved the Parkinsons with all his heart.

[photolover82]

The Masked Singer Season 4 Episode 4: Group B Playoff Time! A Reveal That Had Me Shook AF... Commentary and Guesses

Hi fellow Masked Singer lovers! Welcome (once again) to Ana's Masked Singer recap, where I, Ana, recap every single episode of the Masked Singer. If you are new, welcome! So what I do is pretty much start with the eliminated contestant, give my thoughts (this one's juicy based on the title, I promise you that), and then go into my guesses of the remaining contestants/my thoughts on their performances. Alright, so explination out of the way, let's get started

(Warning: The below info contains spoilers for the episode, read at your own risk... don't comment that I spoiled it for you because this girl warned you.)

Alright, so first and foremost, let’s talk about the shocker of the night, the eliminated contestant who was...

*DRUMROLL PLEASE*

The Baby Alien 👽

Performance: You know his performance of It’s Time by Imagine Dragons was actually pretty good, I am kind of sad that he left so soon. I knew it was either him or Whatchamacallit who was going to leave, but my money was on Whatchamacallit so I was kinda bummed to see Baby Alien go. However, it made for a great reveal, like damn I am still shocked and it’s been days (apologies for the delay in this btw, it’s been a busy couple of weeks).

So Baby Alien was revealed to be to my surprise...

Mark Sanchez

Ok so if you don't know who he is, neither did I. The shocking part for me was that he is a freaking NFL QUARTERBACK and I was totally expecting an actor or a comedian under that mask. That Russian accent really got me, oh my God! Having said that, I am really impressed by him since he had to carry a 40 pound thing & learn how to maneuver a puppet. It's super cool to see an athlete really into acting, Broadway, and musie gives me low key Troy Bolton from HSM vibes and I love it!

Here are some clues that you (and me too) probably have missed:

Hot dog, Friends clues, NY clues in general- I mean he was the NY Jet quarterback so there’s that

Parade with the roses- his college team was USC and he played in the Rose Bowl helping them win in 2009

Horseshoe, horse clue- other teams he played for like Denver Broncos or USC Trojans

Alright so yup, now that that’s cleared up (omg still surprised), let’s go into the 4 remaining Group B contestants:

1. The Serpent 🐍

Performance: His performance of The Bones by Maren Morris was amazing and omg I am in between 2 people when I listen to this, but nevertheless he is one of my favorites on the show so we stan.

As for my guess, I still gotta believe that it is Broadway sensation...

Leslie Odom Jr.

Ok so when I said I was stuck between 2 people, I meant him or Chris Jackson (who is also in Hamilton and played George Washington), but I feel pretty strong about Leslie because of the clues:

Rent reference= he began his Broadway career in the show Rent at the age of 17

Crossaint= could be either a reference to a Smash episode he was in called “Coffee and Crossiants, anyone?” or that he was involved in the 2018 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

Childhood (Physical on-stage) Clue: the baby bottle and “Got Clues?” = He did a commercial called Got Hamilton for the Got Milk campaign

2. The Crocodile

Performance: So he sang Toxic by Britney Spears which was an interesting song choice ngl, but I really enjoyed it more than the first one for sure. His falsetto was insane in this song and I really enjoyed it, you can tell he’s a pro singer, and I can recognize that voice anywhere...

I am still gonna go with for my guess as one of the Backstreet Boys...

Nick Carter

The clues really sealed the deal for me to think it’s Nick:

Orange Tree- he grew up in FL

The whole father story with the $100 paycheck= he wrote this in his book

“Toxic” parts of his past= he does have a very toxic relationship with his family (his parents were unhappy and him/his siblings didn’t really get along, i.e. his public feud with his famous brother Aaron Carter)

The 5 on the door= 5 Carter siblings including Nick

3. The Whatchamacallit

Performance: This time he performed “Money Maker” by Ludacris and Pharrell Williams and honestly he got moves but he is the weakest vocal wise, he reminds me of Frog from last season but not as strong of a rapper. For sure, he isn’t a pro rapper, but I do still think he is an athlete

As for my guess, I changed my answer and this time I am gonna go with another athlete...

Lonzo Ball

Ok so I changed my guess due to a YouTube comment telling me to watch his rap battle with T-Pain, and guys if you hear that, they sound very very similar.... but I am also convinced due to the clues:

3 Bees 🐝 = BBB aka the Big Baller Brand, his family’s brand

His mom being in bad shape= she suffered a stroke in 2017 which is right when he was drafted for the Lakers which explains the whole I was at the height of my career until I got the call thing

Childhood clue: book “hairy tales of the whatcha dam by Doodad doohickey” = idk this tbh, there are no books by him or his family maybe it’s because his family and him own a business together and are super close?

4. The Seahorse

Performance: OMG her performance of “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion was the best performance of the night! I was shook, she is amazing! I mean I knew she was amazing, but I didn’t expect that level of amazingness wow she’s so good. Bet anything that a woman is going to win The Masked Singer again this season because the females are the strongest, and the only people leaving so far have been male.

I am certainly positive that she is former American Idol contestant:

Tori Kelly

Ok so the clues are very telling:

9pm clocks and the fail stamp= she lost the 9th season of American Idol during the Hollywood round and Simon ripped her a new one like damn he was super harsh on her I remember that

I posted up in my room= probably a reference to her YouTube covers

Smile with slash= her song unbreakable smile

Well guys, we are done here! Thank you for reading and I’ll see you all next week (hopefully because this week is World Series and if that doesn’t get extended, we will be back next week... if not, in 2 more weeks we’ll be back) when we introduce the remaining 5 masks that I (and hopefully all of you as well) have been waiting for, Group C! Don’t forget to comment if you agree/disagree with my guesses, what your guesses are if they are different from mine, who your favorites are, and if you guessed the Baby Alien (if you did, damn you’re good!). Bye everybody!

[happyweddingblogs]

200+ Best Wedding Exit Songs

If you’re looking for some fantastic music to make your exit grandiose, then here is the list of wedding exit songs for you. Of course, just like your entry, your exit should be power-packed and gorgeous. This is the time when you are entering your new life as a couple. Make your wedding exit super exciting with these 200+ wedding exit songs.

Here we go…..

“We Are Man And Wife,” by Michelle Featherstone

“Countdown,” by Beyoncé

“Best Day of My Life,” by American Authors

“Happy,” by Pharrell Williams

“You Are The Best,” by Ray LaMontagne

“Paper Rings,” by Taylor Swift

“We Found Love,” by Rihanna and Calvin Harris

“No One,” by Alicia Keys

“Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah),” Andy Grammer

“Livin’ on a Prayer,” by Bon Jovi

“Love Me Like You Do,” by Ellie Goulding

“All You Need Is Love,” by Beatles

“Sugar,” by Maroon 5

“Grow As We Go,” by Ben Platt

“Closing Time,” by Semisonic

“I Am Yours,” by Andy Grammer

“The Edge of Glory,” by Lady Gaga

“First Day of My Life,” by Bright Eyes

“Paradise,” by George Ezra

“Love on Top,” by Beyoncé

“Hollow Coves,” by Taylor Swift

“I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do,” by ABBA

“Here Comes The Sun,” by The Beatles

“Living on a Prayer,” by Bon Jovi

“Brand New,” by Ben Rector

“Forever And Ever, Amen,” by Randy Travis

“We Are Young,” by Fun

“Love is a Wild Thing,” by Kacey Musgraves

“Lost In This Moment,” by Big & Rich

“Save the Last Dance for Me,” by Michael Bublé

“I Got You Babe,” by Sonny & Cher

“Lovely Day,” by Bill Withers

“Sucker,” by The Jonas Brothers

“Come Fly with Me,” by Frank Sinatra

“We Are Family,” by Sister Sledge

“A Thousand Years,” by Christina Perri

“I Gotta Feeling,” by Westlife

“God Gave Me You,” by Blake Shelton

“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles),” by The Proclaimers

“Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” by Queen

“Canon in D,” by Brooklyn Duo

“Faith,” by Galantis and Dolly Parton

“Marry You,” by Bruno Mars

“Forever,” by Chris Brown

“Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye,” by Steam

“You Shook Me All Night Long,” by AC/DC

“Millionaire,” by Chris Stapleton

“I Do,” by Colbie Caillat

“Hand in Hand,” by David Arkenstone

“10,000 Hours,” by Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber

“On Top Of The World,” by Imagine Dragons

“All My Loving,” by The Beatles

“Beautiful Day,” by U2

“A Sky Full Of Stars,” by Coldplay

“Gone, Gone, Gone,” by Phillip Phillips

“Love Changes Everything,” by Ruelle

“Good as You,” by Kane Brown

“Somewhere Only We Know,” by Keane

“Just Like Heaven,” by The Cure

“What a Wonderful World,” by Louis Armstrong

“Amazed,” by Lonestar

“Evacuate the Dancefloor,” by Cascada

“Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours),” by Stevie Wonder

“Made for You,” by Jake Owen

“Marry Me,” by Jason Derulo

“How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You),” by James Taylor

“Fall Girl,” by Jason Maxwell

“Young Forever,” by Jay-Z

“I’m Yours,” by Jason Mraz

“Higher Love,” by James Vincent McMorrow

“All My Life,” by Sailor

“Can’t Help Falling in Love,” by Kina Grannis.

“I Choose You,” by Sara Bareilles

“What A Wonderful World,” by Louis Armstrong

“The Rest of Our Life,” by Faith Hill and Tim McGraw

“Millionaire,” by Chris Stapleton

“Unforgettable” by Thomas Rhett

“Born To Love You,” by LANCO

“Parachute,” by Lexanna

“This Is It,” by Scotty McCreery

“You Look So Good in Love,” by George Strait

“Get Lucky,” by Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers

“Ho Hey,” by Lumineers

“I Will Always Love You,” by Dolly Parton

“Bless the Broken Road,” by Rascal Flatts

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

“Love Never Felt so Good,” by Michael Jackson & Justin Timberlake

“Everything,” by Michael Buble

“Greatest Love Story,” by LANCO

“Best Shot,” by Jimmie Allen

“Finally Mine,” by Juliet Roberts

“Brand New Day,” by Joshua Radin

“Forever,” Justin Bieber and Post Malone

“Can’t Stop The Feeling,” by Justin Timberlake.

“Carry Me Away,” by John Mayer

“Somebody to You,” by The Vamps and Demi Lovato

“Better,” by Khalid

“Lover,” by Taylor Swift

“We Can’t Stop,” by Miley Cyrus.

“Rest of Our Lives,” by Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

“Imagine,” by Ariana Grande

“Stand By Me,” by John Newman

“What a Time,” by Julia Michaels and Niall Horan

“Adore You,” by Harry Styles

“Falling,” by Trevor Daniel

“I Can’t Get Enough,” by Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez

“Love Story,” by Taylor Swift

“To Whatever Comes After,” by Jon Danforth

“Forever And For Always,” by Shania Twain

“Forever From Now,” by Sheffield

“Glad You Came,” by The Wanted

“End of the Day,” by One Direction

“For Once In My Life,” by Stevie Wonder

“Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours,” by Stevie Wonder

“All My Life,” by K-Ci & JoJo

“Beautiful Day,” by U2

“Happy Together,” by Turtles

“Walk With Me,” by Delta Rae

“Cowboy Take Me Away,” by Dixie Chicks

“Send Me On My Way,” by Rusted Root

“Look What God Gave Her,” by Thomas Rhett

“The Bones,” by Maren Morris

“September,” by Earth Wind & Fire

“How Would You Feel,” by Ed Sheeran

“Home,” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

“Legends,” by Kelsea Ballerini

“You Make it Easy,” by Jason Aldean

“No Matter Where You Are (Wedding Version),” by Us The Duo

“Home,” by Phillip Phillips

“Perfect,” by Ed Sheeran

“You Make My Dreams Come True,” by Hall & Oates

“A Sky Full of Stars,” by Coldplay

“Somewhere Only We Know,” by Keane

“Closing Time,” by Semisonic

“Higher Love,” by Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton

“Fly Me To The Moon,” by Frank Sinatra

“I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” by Whitney Houston

“Let’s Get Married-ReMarqable Remix,” by Jagged Edge, Run, and Lamarquis Jefferson

“Trumpet Tune,” by Henry Purcell

“Highland Cathedral,” by Royal Scots Dragoon Guards

“Pump It,” by The Black Eyed Peas

“(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher,” by Jackie Wilson

“Next to You,” by Michael Shynes

“Unconditionally,” by Katy Perry

“Daylight,” by Matt and Kim

“Young Blood,” by The Naked and Famous

“The Mother We Share,” by Chvrches

“All These Things That I’ve Done,” by The Killers

“Someday,” by The Strokes

“Love and Marriage,” by Frank Sinatra

“Take Me Out,” by Franz Ferdinand

“Anything Could Happen,” by Ellie Goulding

“1901,” by Phoenix

“Hey Ya!,” by OutKast

“Firework,” by Katy Perry

“I Gotta Feeling,” by The Black Eyed Peas

“Bang Bang,” by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj

“40 Day Dream,” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

“Happy,” by Pharrell Williams

“Everybody Talks,” by Neon Trees

“American Girl,” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

“ABC,” by The Jackson 5

“I Will Wait,” by Mumford & Sons

“Now That We Found Love,” by Heavy D. & the Boyz

“River Flows in You,” by Hauser

“This Kiss,” by Faith Hill

“Lucky,” by Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat

“Yours,” by Ella Henderson

“Everywhere,” by Fleetwood Mac

“At Last,”by Etta James

“Faster,” by Matt Nathanson

“Stuck Like Glue,” by Sugarland

“Grow Old,” by Florida Georgia Line

“For a Lifetime,” by Ryann Darling feat. Cory Ard

“Want to Want Me,” by Jason Derulo

“Shut Up and Dance,” by Walk the Moon

“I Get to Love You,” by Ruelle

“Don’t Do Me Like That,” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

“How Does a Moment Last Forever,” by Céline Dion

“Uptown Funk,” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars

“Crazy in Love,” by Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z

“Say Hey (I Love You),” by Michael Franti & Spearhead

“Born in the U.S.A.,” by Bruce Springsteen

“Hymn for the Weekend,” by Coldplay

“The Only One,” by Music Travel Love

“Tongue Tied,” by Grouplove

“Dog Days Are Over,” by Florence + the Machine

“Fader,” by The Temper Trap

“Little Talks,” by Of Monsters and Men

“(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes

“You Shook Me All Night Long,” by AC/DC

“All You Need Is Love,” by The Beatles

“You’re My Best Friend,” by Queen

“The Power of Love,” by Huey Lewis and The News

“Bittersweet Symphony,” by Verve

“Over The Rainbow,” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

“24K Magic,” by Bruno Mars

“What a Wonderful World,” by Louis Armstrong

“This Will Be (An Everlasting Love),” by Natalie Cole

“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life),” by Green Day

“We Are Family,” by Sister Sledge

“After Midnight,” by Eric Clapton

“Save the Last Dance for Me,” by Michael Bublé

“God Only Knows,” by Kina Grannis and Imaginary Future

“Halo,” by Beyoncé

“Dog Days Are Over,” by Florence + The Machine

“Yours,” by Russell Dickerson

“I Got You Babe,” by Sonny & Cher

“Friends in Low Places,” by Garth Brooks

“You Make My Dreams Come True,” by Hall & Oates

“Wake Up,” by Arcade Fire

“We Will Rock You,” by Queen

“Better Together,” by Jack Johnson

“Feel Again,” by OneRepublic

“Anywhere,” by Rita Ora

“Only Love,” by Mary J. Blige

“Good Life,” by Onerepublic

“The Way You Make Me Feel,” by Michael Jackson

“Home,” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

“Marry You,” by Bruno Mars

“Hold On, We’re Going Home,” by Drake featuring Majid Jordan

“Could I Love You Any More,” by Reneé Dominique feat. Jason Mraz

So, these are the 200+ wedding exit songs that you can use for making your exit grander!! Make it as you mean it!!

Enjoy….. Happy Wedding….

Source: Happy Wedding App

[lilacmoon83]

Finding You Always

Also on Fanfiction.net and A03

Chapter 221: A Long Awaited Wedding

Snow smiled up at him, as they danced together in the diner. The rehearsal dinner had gone off without a hitch and they enjoyed the evening with their family, as they celebrated the imminent nuptials between their son and soon to be daughter-in-law. Rose and Fandral had returned with the news that Jekyll might have dabbled in experimenting with taking hearts before, simply to see if he could replicate the process through science versus magic. It didn't yield many answers, but they were not surprised by the level of pure psychosis that the doctor was exhibiting. That aside, as usual, they had not allowed him to spoil their evening. And now, as dinner was winding down, they were dancing to one of their favorite cheesy ballads, to quote their children, courtesy of the jukebox. He twirled her around and then brought her back so that his chest was pressed against her back, as they continued to sway. Her smile widened, as he sung the whispered words of the song in her ear and she felt warm chills travel down her spine.

"You know what it does to me when you sing…" she purred.

"That's the idea," he whispered, as he spun her again and she ended up facing him again.

"Then I can't wait until you and I are home, because I feel like a dip in the hot tub with my husband," she said.

"That hot tub was a really good idea," he agreed, as he noticed Eva nodding to his wife, just as she and his sister came back from the Inn side.

"What's that about?" he asked.

"Well…I didn't want to tell you until I was sure, but your sister had some symptoms earlier and I had Eva check her out," Snow replied.

"What kind of symptoms?" he asked.

"The pregnancy kind," she replied, with a wince.

"What?" he asked, as his eyes widened.

"Yeah…I know and she's already scared, but it's going to be okay," she replied, as she gave Natalie a reassuring smile. He joined her in doing so and hugged Snow close.

"Of course...with someone like you in her corner, she'll be fine," he agreed.

"And with her big overly protective brother in her corner, she'll be doubly fine," she said.

"Well, at least Clayton's not here so we don't have to look at that stupid smug smirk," he replied, as she gently prodded him forward.

"Go," Snow said, as she watched him go over and talk to his sister, which was followed up with a hug, their first one ever.

"You were right...that didn't take long for him to take to her," Emma said, as she sided up to her mother and put an arm around her.

"Mmm…I know your father and he loves his family, even the one he is just discovering," Snow said, as she watched them with love in her eyes.

~*~

James and Aphrodite awakened at last and looked at each other, before practically leaping up and throwing their arms around each other, hugging fiercely.

"It was always you…" she cried, as a few tears slipped down her cheeks. He kissed her gently.

"Eros...he's truly mine," James realized, as he caught sight of the Collector.

"You…" he hissed, as he stalked toward Clayton, who backpedaled. He found a sword and held it up in defense of himself. A sword appeared in James' hand, thanks to Zeus, and he parried the Collector's blade.

"Give me one good reason I shouldn't flay you down to the bone?" James questioned, as their blades clashed.

"Well…I'm already dead and you've obviously won," Clayton retorted.

"You're right...let's just throw you in the river," James growled, as he grabbed him by the collar and prepared to toss him into the river.

"You can't let him do this, Goddess Nyx!" Clayton pleaded, as his usual arrogant façade was gone and replaced with real fear.

"As much as I would love to be rid of him...he's right, I cannot let you administer his justice," Nyx stated.

"Such is not allowed. Hades may have allowed others to do as they please, but I run a much tighter ship," she said. Clayton smirked, as James released him.

"Thank you, Goddess," he said, bowing deeply.

"Shut up or I will throw you in the river," she snapped, as he was wisely silent. James glared at his father next and faced him.

"You just couldn't let me be happy, could you?" he spat.

"I made many mistakes and you'll never believe this, but I do regret them," George said.

"You're right...I don't believe you. The only thing you regret is that you're dead and you didn't get your way," James hissed.

"And you…" he hissed at Hera.

"She never did anything to you...why do you hate her so much?" he asked. Hera glared at Dione and her daughter.

"Because she exists," Hera stated simply. Nyx raised her hand at that and Hera's soul burst into flames. She screamed briefly, as she was squelched from existence. She turned to George and Clayton next and approached.

"Being erased from existence is much too good for you, Collector and so is the river," Nyx said, as she looked at him.

"I could be useful to you, Goddess. My wealth of knowledge is unmatched...even he knows that," Clayton said, looking at Zeus.

"That's why I deserved to be a God...that's why I wanted her to bear my heir, but alas, that sadly wasn't meant to be and instead, she birthed his mongrels," he added, glaring at Clayton.

"I was very close to having the Chalice myself when I made Snow White crush Charming's heart. I would have stepped into his shoes and she would have made a nice surrogate to bear my heir," he claimed.

"The Charming bloodline is as good as a Divine bloodline now with the power of the chalice, but sadly, that wasn't meant to be either," he continued and then smirked.

"Until now…" he said.

"What are you talking about?" Aphrodite asked.

"Because my son has succeeded in doing what I could not. He has sired an heir with the coveted Charming bloodline," Clayton said.

"That's not possible!" James refuted.

"Are you saying that your son has raped one of our nieces? And how would you even know that?!" Aphrodite asked in outrage.

"I know, because Underbrooke has ways of letting the dead find out what's happening in the living world and you're right, it isn't one of Snow and David's precious daughters that is carrying my son's heir," Clayton said, as he looked at them smugly.

"It's your sister," he said, enjoying the look of shock and disbelief from them.

"I don't have a sister," James snapped, but Clayton continued to smirk smugly.

"Yes...you do. I knew your father well and he had more than a few dalliances. One of those encounters produced a child," Clayton said.

"Even if that's true...none of that means anything. Your son is never getting his hands on the Chalice. I remember everything now...and I made sure it has all the protections necessary to prevent it ever falling into the hands of evil," Aphrodite replied.

"Maybe. Maybe not...but regardless, my bloodline is secure and it is ensured that it will never die out. And one day, that child will know of the other half of its legacy," Clayton said.

"No...pretty sure Snow and David will make sure your son has no access to that child and no ability to poison him," James refuted.

"He's right...your family has been a scourge on humanity for centuries and my daughter will help make sure that doesn't continue," Dione assured him. Clayton smirked.

"We shall see…" he said.

"We will...but you will not, demon," Nyx declared, as she ceased his movements.

"You get to go to a very special place...a special eternal prison created for only the worst to ever exist," Nyx hissed and a chill of fear slithered through Clayton.

"You're going to Gehenna...a place in a dimension just beyond Tartarus. It is a horrid place of filth, stench, smoke, and fire," she said.

"You get no rest, Collector. This place will be your eternal torment and the demons already there will be your tormentors," she added, as a black portal opened before them and he saw the flames reflecting in his eyes, just before he was sucked through the portal into his eternal hell with a final scream.

"Now you…" Nyx said, as she turned to George.

"You have a well earned place in the river of lost souls...but I have decided to give you a chance to work out your unfinished business for perhaps a less harsh sentence," she said.

"You will return to Underbrooke...for now. Mind your steps and I may send you somewhere other than the river Styx or Tartarus, Your Majesty," she said, as she banished him back to the surface.

"You should have just thrown him in the river," James growled, as Aphrodite put a soothing hand on his shoulder.

"We are together again and the curse is broken, my love. He can no longer hurt us," she assured, as he put his arms around her.

"I remember everything now...all our past lives together," he said, as his brow suddenly furrowed.

"Wait...please tell me that this doesn't mean our son and Leo are actually blood related?" he asked.

"Well, if they were, that would be wildly awkward, but no...since Eros was conceived when you were Anchises, he is not related to any of his cousins by blood," Zeus replied. They let out a breath of relief.

"Yes...only you in your life as James is actually blood related to David," Dione added.

"Yeah...why do I sense that this wasn't random?" he asked.

"Because you're right...Athena was tired of seeing this curse wreck the two of you and stacked the deck, so to speak," Zeus replied.

"How?" Aphrodite asked.

"She suspected that if she entwined your destiny with David's, that Snow and David, as the truest loves, would indirectly help the two of you in breaking your curse," Dione replied.

"She's right...she somehow knew I would get tired of seeing your heart broken and refuse to allow James to be reincarnated after he was killed. She was right...I made a deal with Hades for that one to keep you in Underbrooke indefinitely," Zeus explained.

"So she knew David and I would somehow cross paths? And it would lead me to be revived?" James asked.

"Yes...she had Ruth tell you that she was giving you her second chance...but that was me. She came to me once David fell through that portal to the Underworld and clued me in on the fact that you'd cross paths with your brother," Zeus replied.

"You mean…" James started to say. Dione smiled.

"Yes...it was your second chance all along, so you could be reunited with our daughter," she said.

"But...how did you know things wouldn't go wrong again?" James asked.

"I didn't...Athena really had to strong arm me into agreeing to it. But as usual, she was right. Thanks to Snow and David, being the champions they are, Blue was finally exposed and it led you both to the truth you needed to break the curse," Zeus replied. James shook his head.

"Wow...so now we go home, I guess?" he asked. Aphrodite smiled and nodded, as she looked to her parents. Tears filled her eyes, as she hugged them tightly.

"I just got you back," she said tearfully. Nyx waved her hand and a looking glass appeared.

"This is my gift to you...and I will send it to your home in Storybrooke. This will allow you a coveted privilege of communicating with them from Elysian," Nyx offered. Aphrodite bowed respectfully to her.

"Thank you Goddess," she said, as she hugged her parents one last time, before joining hands with James. Hermes appeared and escorted them through the portal.

~*~

"Mmm...this was the best idea," Snow cooed, as she and David sat pressed together in the warm, bubbly water. He kissed her hair.

"Definitely," he agreed, as he held her against him.

"But I think I know a way for it to get even better," she purred, as she turned in the water and straddled his waist, watching his blue eyes glaze.

"Definitely better," he agreed, as she began to gently rock against him and their lips met in a passionate rhythm that was in concert of the fluid movement of their incredible lovemaking...

~*~

The next morning

"Elsa?" Anna called, as she entered her sister's chambers early that morning. Leo had slept over in their room in his parent's castle, following the usual tradition of spending the final night before their wedding apart, despite the fact they had already been living together for years.

"Out here," Elsa called from her balcony. Anna poked her head out and observed her sister already dressed in her wedding gown. It was beautiful and glittered in the early morning sunlight. It was similar in design to her favorite blue dress, with a glittering bodice, satin skirt, and a shimmering iridescent train. Her hair was braided and draped over one shoulder, as per usual, and she wore her tiara.

"Oh Elsa...you look beautiful…" Anna gushed, as she took her hand.

"Thanks…" she replied.

"Are you nervous?" Anna asked.

"Not like I thought I'd be. Leo and I have been living together for a few years now and we thought we were already married during the curse. This just feels right," Elsa replied.

"Because it is. I've never seen you at more peace, but then love will do that," Anna said, as they shared a hug.

"It's time…" Kristoff said, as they exited her chambers.

"Wow...you look beautiful, Elsa," he said. She smiled.

"Thanks…" she said, as Elsa waved her hand and they disappeared in a poof of light blue smoke.

~*~

David attempted to straighten his bowtie on his tux in the mirror, but it was not cooperating at all.

"Snow, can you help with this damn...wow," he said, as he came out of the bathroom and found her there in a sleeveless shimmering orchid dress. It wasn't too dissimilar to an orchid ball gown she had once worn long ago, but this was a modern design and a bit less formal than something she would have worn for a ball.

"I take it that you approve," she said, as she glided up to him and straightened his bowtie with minimal effort.

"How could I not...you are so beautiful," he said, as he slipped his arms around her waist and she smiled up at him.

"You're pretty handsome yourself...very handsome, in fact," she purred, as he kissed her tenderly.

"Are you ready?" he asked. She nodded.

"Yes...this is a long time coming. We already consider Elsa our daughter...this just makes it official," she said.

"I know...I'm so glad that our girls are happy in their marriages and that Leo is finally happy too. We've...worried about him," he replied. She hummed.

"He had some bad luck...bad luck that neither of us experienced. Sometimes I felt a little unqualified to give him advice," she admitted.

"Tell me about it...he once told me that he appreciated my insight, but that I didn't really get it and he was right, because I met you," he said.

"You were my first and my only...that's really rare these days," she replied.

"You were my first and only too...we were so blessed and now we know Leo is too," he said. She smiled and kissed him again.

"Come on...let's get our baby boy married off," she said. He chuckled.

"There was a time when you were horrified by the prospect of said baby boy being with anyone," he teased.

"I know...but thanks to his early bad luck, I had my reasons. But then Elsa came along and we love her. She's perfect for our son," Snow said.

"Yeah...and just think, we'll probably be doing this for Bobby in a few years," he mentioned.

"Oh, I am not looking forward to that. My youngest baby...but we'll probably be doing this for Summer first," she reminded him.

"Ugh...let's not talk about that," he complained and she smiled.

"I think it's safe to say that neither of us is looking forward to an empty nest. But we have our grandkids and we'll most certainly have more. Not to mention we'll soon have a new baby niece or nephew," she said.

"Yeah...that was definitely unexpected. I'm glad Clayton is gone so I don't have to see his stupid smug smirk over the fact of his bloodline mixing with ours," David said sourly.

"Mmm...he's gone forever, baby and his son is in prison where he belongs. This baby will be a Charming thru and thru," Snow assured him. He nodded in agreement, as he offered his arm to her. She hooked her hand on his elbow and they prepared to leave for the reserve.

~*~

Drizella looked around the creepy lab with a bit of disgust.

"This place is horrid...worse than that stupid Inn I'm forced to live at right now, because that prissy little bitch destroyed my family's mansion and took our wealth," she complained.

"Yes...but we are well protected from the strong arm of the law here on this island and we have little time for your whining," Jekyll replied. She huffed.

"Fine...what is our plan for today? Because I want nothing more than to see Snow White cry tears when we interrupt her precious baby boy's wedding day," she gushed.

"I think we should let the wedding commence and then crash the reception instead," Grimm suggested.

"Any particular reason?" Jekyll questioned.

"People will be more spread out, more relaxed, a bit of alcohol in the mix as well. It will catch them more off guard and create wider chaos," he said.

"I like it," Drizella said, as she turned to the doctor.

"But you promised me a solution to not having magic. If I am to declare myself as the new Evil Queen...then I must have the power to back up my claim," she replied. The doctor smirked and opened a case underneath one of his lab tables.

"This is an experimental drug that I have been working on to allow you to create the ability to conjure magic. It's temporary and has not been tested well yet. It's a risk...I don't know what side effects there might be," he warned.

"But it will give me powers?" she asked.

"Until the drug wears off...but it should be long enough for our purposes," he replied.

"It's untested...I will warn you again," Jekyll said.

"But it will work?" she questioned again.

"I guess we'll find out," Grimm said.

"You have to ask yourself...is getting what you want worth the risk?" Jekyll asked. She thought for a moment and then offered her arm. Jekyll smirked and administered the injection…

~*~

Leo chuckled, as several of the animals gathered around him. He got a nudge to his hand from Graham, a lick from Wilby, a head nudge from Pegasus, and a nuzzle from Firestorm.

"Thanks guys," he said, as his parents arrived and he could already see his mother tearing up.

"Oh sweetie...you look so handsome," she gushed, as she gently adjusted his bowtie.

"Thanks Mom," he replied, as they shared a hug.

"We are so proud of you and we love Elsa," David said, as he clapped him on the shoulder. He smiled, as his parents stepped off to his side, intending to stand at the altar with him. The audience was seated and the music began to play softly, as Eva, Emma, and Summer walked down the aisle arm in arm, both in gorgeous baby blue dresses and came to stand with their brother as his best women. Next, there were chuckles from the audience, as Lucy and Hope were next. Lucy carried the rings on a pillow, while Hope toddled along with her little basket and tossed flower petals. They arrived at the altar, where Hook scooped Hope up and sat back down next to Henry and Ella in the front row, while Lucy stood with their family at the altar. Also in the front row was Regina, Robin, Granny, Red, Xander, Natalie, Thalia, Rumple, Belle, Gideon, Rose, and Fandral.

The music intensified, as Elsa entered on the arms of Kristoff and Anna, as they accompanied her down the aisle. Leo smiled, as he looked at her in awe and they soon arrived at the altar. Anna hugged her tightly, as she and Kristoff took their places on her side, while Anna held her flowers. She joined hands with Leo and they turned to Archie, who stood there to officiate the ceremony.

"Friends...we gather here today to join Queen Elsa of Arendelle and Prince Leo of Misthaven in the bonds of matrimony and I must say, I am honored once again to officiate yet another Charming family wedding," Archie began.

"I have had the privilege of knowing Leo since he was born and have watched him grow every step of the way. An extraordinary little boy has become an extraordinary man, but then that did not surprise me, considering how extraordinary his parents are," he continued.

"From very early on, I knew Leo was a very special boy. Animals would seek him out, even before magic came here and I could see his deep compassion for them from very early. I knew then that he would be exceptional...but I also knew that it may come with challenges," he said.

"Being exceptional or different is not always easy, as I eventually learned when I met Elsa upon her first arrival in Storybrooke," he continued.

"I saw how extraordinary her magic was, but how incredibly lonely it made her," he said.

"Until she met Leo and realized she had a kindred spirit; someone that truly understood and that was not afraid of her power," he added, with a smile.

"To see these two find their way back to each other and fall in love brought me true joy and I am honored to bring them together in this union. I know you both have vows and we are eager to witness you speak of your love and devotion to each other," Archie said, as they faced each other.

"Archie summed it up pretty well...I've always had trouble relating to people outside my family. Even in a town of magic, I was the weird kid that animals followed everywhere," he said, eliciting a few chuckles.

"I had some trouble with relationships and when I met you, I think I knew that no one else would understand me the way you did. The problem was that we were separated by the walls between realms," he said.

"Even after we parted for those few years, I could never stop thinking about you and growing up with the greatest true love as my example, I knew what that meant. I knew that I loved you and that we'd find a way to be together. And we did," Leo said, as they shared a smile.

"We did," she agreed.

"I feel so lucky to be welcomed into such a warm family. I never even considered having a normal family, let alone finding someone to share my life with. I couldn't see the possibility of anyone not being fearful of my power," Elsa said.

"But then you came along and showed me that if I stopped fearing myself...then others would too. You understood the curse of having power and taught me the beauty of it as well," she added.

"I didn't believe in true love or soul mates until I met you and your family and I can't wait to continue this crazy journey together," she said, as they shared another smile.

"It is without a doubt that we are witnessing another shining example of true love," Archie said.

"The rings please," he said, as Lucy did her part and presented the pillow, allowing Leo and Elsa to take the wedding bands.

"Prince Leo Charming of Misthaven, do you take this woman, Queen Elsa of Arendelle as your wife?" he asked.

"I do," he said, with a smile, as he slid the ring on her finger.

"Queen Elsa of Arendelle, do you take this man, Prince Leo Charming of Misthaven as your husband?" Archie questioned.

"I do," she replied, with a smile, as she slid the ring on his finger.

"Then with the power invested in me by the royal council of Misthaven, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride," Archie declared. They smiled and their lips met in a passionate kiss to the applause of everyone present.

"And now...we celebrate this union at the reception following immediately!" Archie announced, as the newly wedded couple retreated together from the altar, with their family following. It would be a long afternoon and evening of celebration.

~*~

James and Aphrodite stepped through the portal and into their home atop Mount Olympus.

"It's good to be home," James said. She smiled.

"It's good to have all of my memories," she replied, as he pulled her close and kissed her tenderly.

"I guess we should go find everyone. I guess I have a sister to meet and questions for my father," James said.

"Well...you sort of missed the wedding, but you'll be in time for the reception," Hermes said.

"Wedding? Leo and Elsa?" Aphrodite asked. She nodded.

"Much has happened and I'm sure Snow and David will fill you in, but Leo and Elsa wanted to get married before the next mission," Hermes said.

"Just how much did we miss?" James asked.

"A lot...you know Snow and David, always on the move," Hermes joked.

"Well...looks like we have a reception to get ready for," Aphrodite said, as they proceeded to go clean up and change.

~*~

"Are you sure you want another? These are very strong," Aesop warned, as he manned the bar and kept the drinks flowing at the reception.

"These earthly concoctions have little effect on me, mate. While yours is an impeccable recipe, only real Asgardian ale can get me drunk," Fandral said, as Rose enjoyed her mixed drink.

"Saying that I can't get you drunk just takes all the fun out of the challenge," Aesop joked.

"Well...I would offer to give you a few tips with your brewing to make a strong Asgardian brew, but I'm afraid it would be a bit dangerous to humans," Fandral joked back.

"As an author...your culture fascinates me. I'd love to read more about Asgard," Aesop said.

"Oh we have many books and you're welcome to any of them," Rose replied.

"Yes...you were an author that ended up in the Land of Untold Stories, am I correct?" Fandral asked.

"Yes...if there is one story I have been reluctant to tell, it's my own, I'm afraid," Aesop replied.

"Well...if you ever do want to tell it, we'd love to listen," Rose assured.

"Thank you...perhaps someday," he said.

"Do you want another?" Snow asked, as they put their empty glasses on the bar.

"What, are you trying to get me tipsy?" David teased and she pecked him on the lips.

"Maybe I am…" she purred, as he pulled her close and they swayed together.

"It's good to see you two unwind a bit, especially with all that you told us is ahead," Fandral mentioned. Snow smiled.

"Yes...we need it. The easy thing to do would be to close off the United Realms and leave the Land Without Magic to its own problems. Some probably think we should," she said.

"That's not your style...nor ours. If there are innocents suffering, then helping is never wrong," Rose agreed.

"Yeah...and there is an upside. We've lived in this world for so long, but we've seen very little of it. Despite the danger, we'll also be traveling to places all over the globe from what the Major said," David said.

"There is much romance to be had in adventure," Fandral agreed with a toast of his glass. Snow smiled and bit her bottom lip, as she looked at David.

"You know us...slowing down never seems to be in the plan, but I wouldn't change it for anything," she said, as he pecked her on the lips.

"Me either…" he said, as he led her back onto the dance floor.

"Shall we as well, my angel?" Fandral asked, as he took her hand. She nodded and they joined everyone else for another dance.

Aesop smiled, as he observed the festivities and continued serving drinks.

"It would seem bartending is the occupation of washed up writers. Curious…" a voice said, as Aesop turned to see a man at the bar.

"I'm sorry...who are you?" Aesop asked.

"No one important...thanks to you," he replied.

"I don't even know you," Aesop said.

"No...but you knew my ancestors when you screwed them out of the authorship," the man replied, as Aesop took a sobering breath.

"You're a Grimm," he realized.

"Yes...and instead of being a world famous author, I own a bar, much like you," Elias said.

"I suspect that your bar is somewhere I've never visited then," Aesop replied.

"No...Pleasure Island isn't for the faint of heart, despite its deceiving name," Elias replied.

"Ah Pleasure Island...a den of villainy and scum," Aesop said.

"Better than being around a bunch of sanctimonious heroes and at least I didn't run from my duties as the original author," Elias challenged.

"I didn't run…" Aesop snapped.

"It doesn't matter...neither of us will ever live up to the glory that Henry Nolan Charming has found," he said.

"Henry is the most honorable author to ever hold the pen. Now, I think it's time you leave. Snow and David would not enjoy having scum like you at their son's wedding reception," Aesop replied. Elias smirked.

"Oh…I'm not going anywhere and thankfully, this party is about to liven up a bit," he replied. Aesop frowned and then heard a few screams.

~*~

"They look so happy…" Snow gushed, as they danced and she watched their son dance with his wife.

"That's the magic of true love," David said, as they swayed slowly. The moment was absolutely perfect, especially as he kissed her, so they should have known it would soon go wrong.

A few guests were startled when one of the ice sculptures exploded and melted, with water sloshing onto the dance floor.

"What the hell?" Leo muttered, as another one burst and became a puddle.

"That doesn't seem normal," JJ mentioned, as he danced with Summer.

"It's not," she said, as she felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.

"Rumple…" Belle asked, as she saw that he had gone rigid. He responded by ushering her off the dance floor. Regina looked around, as the ground beneath them started to rumble.

"Let me guess...that's not you doing that, kid?" Emma asked, as she and Killian looked around.

"I'll get the baby," he said, as he hurried to retrieve her from Granny, just in case.

"Yeah...not me, but I think I know who it is," Bobby replied.

"Oh he has got guts if he's even thinking about interrupting my grandson's wedding," Regina growled irritably, as she readied a fireball in hand. That's when three more ice sculptures exploded, creating more alarm. David held Snow close and glared fiercely at the phantom that was seemingly causing this.

"Stop cowering and show yourself, you snake," he growled, as the water from the exploded ice sculptures began to steam and evaporate into the air, creating a mist around them all.

"Enough with the theatrics, you demon! You are not going to destroy our son's wedding!" Snow shouted into the air, as she stepped forward. But that was exactly what he wanted, as the tendrils from the mist suddenly became alive and wrapped around her.

"Snow!" he cried, as she disappeared into the mist. There was a tapping sound, like shoes on the dance floor, as the mist suddenly lifted and they could see again. His heart pounded wildly, as he could feel Snow was still nearby, but couldn't see her. What he did see though was nothing short of nauseating. The tapping noise was revealed to be Drizella Tremaine, the original version and his long time stalker, arriving in a gaudy, cleavage bursting green dress. As usual, she was dripping in cheap costume jewelry, wore a tacky looking tiara, and her makeup was grossly overdone.

"You have to admit...that was one hell of an entrance. Fit for a Queen, if I do say so," she said.

"You are no Queen…" David refuted.

"Oh, but that's where you're wrong, handsome. I am a Queen now...the new Evil Queen," she claimed. Regina's chuckle started low and then grew into an outright mocking laugh, as she stepped forward.

"You? The Evil Queen? I'd say more like an evil wannabe, but you're not even that good," Regina sneered.

"Better than you...what Evil Queen gives up their conquest for revenge and becomes family with their enemy?" Drizella countered.

"A smart one...which leaves you out," Regina retorted.

"Where is my wife?" David snapped.

"Well, I'd love to say dead, since that would be my preference, but I'll take out of the way so I can make you mine," she said in a sultry tone.

"Listen ghoul girl, this is my brother's wedding and unless you'd like to go back to the rubber room, you better tell me where my mother is and leave or things might get even uglier for you and that's saying something with a clown face like yours," Emma growled.

"She's very rude, Charming...you should have raised her to respect a Queen," Drizella commented.

"She respects real Queens, like her mother, not trashy less than wannabes like you," David retorted. She pouted at that.

"So mean...but you're so dreamy, so I can't even be mad," she gushed and he rolled his eyes.

"Seriously bitch...where's our Mom?" Leo snapped hotly.

"Suffering…I hope," Drizella hissed and Emma blasted her with a burst of white magic. She cried out and found herself singed after it, seething at the blonde.

"That was a light tap...the next one is going to burn," Emma warned.

"Or maybe not," Drizella growled, surprising them all when she hit Emma with a sickly green blast of magic.

"Emma!" David cried, as he hurried to help his daughter up from the ground. She was mostly dazed, but had a minor burn on her chest from it.

"She...she has magic," Emma uttered, but he shook his head.

"How is that possible?" he wondered.

"How indeed," a voice said, as Jekyll emerged in a puff of mist, with Snow by the arm. She had her wrists in a pair of fiery cuffs, but they didn't seem to be burning her.

"Let. Her. Go," David growled, as he stepped forward and brandished the Chalice sword.

"I wouldn't come too close," Jekyll warned, but David ignored him until Snow grimaced in pain the closer he got. He noticed the cuffs had gotten redder.

"These are specifically designed to keep you away from her. Get too close and they will react to your body heat, causing your beloved great pain," Jekyll said.

"You sick, sadistic psychopath...let her go now," David growled. Jekyll chuckled.

"I finally found a way to keep you apart...but then I knew my genius would never let me down," he boasted.

"As for the subject of how she has magic...that would be my genius again. I have worked on a concoction for many years that alters the DNA of a person that is injected with it and allows them to use magic for a time," Jekyll explained.

"Your elixirs and serums will never truly be able to replace the power of real magic," Rumple refuted.

"Oh, I don't know...I think the Savior got a taste of what my elixir can do," he argued.

"She surprised me...that won't happen again," Emma assured them.

"Let her go...this is the last time I'll ask or I'll use the full power of the Chalice on you. I won't hold back…" David warned. He smirked.

"Too many innocents could get hurt if we battle...and you know it. You won't risk innocent lives," he challenged.

"Now...she'll be coming with me," Jekyll said.

"The hell she will…" David growled, as Bobby curiously reached out to feel what kind of energy was pulsing through the cuffs on his mother, as Jekyll continued to goad his father.

"But you cannot stop me," he said, as he gently caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. Snow shrugged away in disgust and turned her head away from him as much as possible.

"So beautiful...you feature in all my dreams, lovely Snow and now those dreams will come true," he promised, but his delusion was interrupted when Bobby slowly started approaching them.

"Stay back brat...you don't want to harm your lovely mother," Jekyll warned. But to his and everyone else's shock, the cuffs didn't seem to react to him at all and he had an aura of peridot green around him.

"How...how are you doing this!?" Jekyll growled and the teen smirked.

"I think the question should be why do you think that you can defeat my magic and the magic of my siblings? Magic that our parents gave us, born of true love and magic that the Dark One himself and the former Evil Queen taught us to use," Bobby replied.

"But to answer your stupid question...I just used my earth powers to cool my body temperature to almost nothing. I guess I'm kind of the walking answer to foiling all your psychotic science experiments," Bobby said, as he sent a small seismic vibration into the cuffs around Snow's wrists and they cracked, before shattering to pieces.

"You little…" Jekyll said, but he released another seismic charge directly at Jekyll, throwing him back almost twenty feet. David rushed up to his wife and swept her into his arms.

"This...is not over," Jekyll warned, as Drizella and Grimm backed away to join him.

"Not by a long shot," Drizella promised, as they disappeared in a puff of smoke. Snow breathed a sigh in relief, as David held her and kissed her passionately.

"I'm okay…" she promised, as they enveloped Bobby in a hug between them, while the rest of their children gathered around them.

"That was incredible, baby brother," Emma said. He shrugged.

"I have the powers...I'm going to use them," he said simply.

"We just got here and saw everything at the end!" Aphrodite called, as she rushed toward them.

"You're back!" Snow called, as they shared a hug.

"A device that can keep you away from Snow...he really went there?" James asked, as he and David shared a hug as well.

"Unfortunately, but he's no match for our son," David said, with pride, as he put his hands on Bobby's shoulders.

"Your memories? Did you find any answers?" Snow asked.

"Oh did we...it's quite a story, but I say that we don't let that stupid doctor and his loser sidekicks ruin this celebration," James suggested.

"Especially since it seems that I have a sister to meet," he added, as he looked in the direction of his father and the blonde woman next to him.

"So...are we doing the fireworks?" Leroy asked impatiently. David smiled.

"Yes we are...and then you can tell us everything," he replied, as the dwaves went to resume the festivities.

"Wait...you put Leroy and Happy in charge of fireworks?" Regina asked in concern.

"Don't worry...they're only allowed to set them up. Doc is in charge of the ignitor," David assured, as the fireworks commenced.

"My love...if you need me to take you home, the kids will understand," he whispered to her. But she shook her head.

"No…I won't let him do that to me. As long as I have your arms around me, I'll be fine," she promised, as they shared a tender kiss. But there was no doubt that Jekyll's latest stunt had shaken them both a bit. A device that prevented him from being near her made his blood run cold. He only hoped they could find another way than just their son to combat this threat and eventually find a way to destroy Jekyll, once and for all...