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easyrevenge · 4 years ago

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shinkami drabble

word count : 1.6k

ship: shinsou hitoshi / kaminari denki

rated: t

summary: denki has a crush on shinsou who works across the street at the second-hand music shop.

(ive never written shinkami before & i’ve been having writers block so i wrote this based on true events for warm-up.)

Kaminari is pretty sure he might die.

“You’re being so dramatic,” Mina tells him. And yeah, he is, but that hardly changes the fact that he’s starving. Not to death but it’s significant. He forgot to eat breakfast and wasn’t even on the schedule to work today. He’s just a good employee, and friend, or whatever. Denki thinks Mina could at least be a little more--”But, someone did leave their Café Luna bag behind about an hour ago. See what’s in it.”

Denki loves her. “Café Luna? That place is expensive!” And delicious, so he’s heard. The restaurant opened a few weeks ago down the block and since then the line has been wrapped around the corner.

He hurries to the back of their shop and rummages through the mini-refrigerator that definitely should have been cleaned out at least three weeks ago. Past some questionable yogurt cups, he finds what he’s looking for.

Denki only spends a solid five seconds debating the morality of the situation--is it rude to eat someone’s untouched food? What if they come back for it? But it’s a short-lived consideration, especially once he sees what’s inside; a small clear container with what a fancy as fuck sandwich—“It’s been an hour, surely they would have come back by now…” he reasons. Most importantly, as well as the deciding factor, “Oh hell yes!” A huge, insanely thick double chocolate chip cookie. “Sorry not sorry, loser.” Who the hell could leave any of this behind?

The sandwich is obliterated within minutes. Then Denki, because he is a good friend and model employee, brings the cookie back out to the front and offers some to Mina.

“You’re sweet, Denks,” she says, patting his shoulder. Then she laughs, “But it looks like you might cry if I say yes and you're forced to actually share.”

Denki really, really loves her.

He’s half-way through the cookie, propped up on the counter and munching away while Mina does all the clean up tasks that he’s excused from today for coming in. This is their usual slow hour anyway, not a customer in sight. Easy money.

“So, I forgot to tell you that your walking wet-dream came by earlier.”

Denki almost chokes on his cookie. “What! When? What was he wearing?”

Mina smiles as she wipes the counters down. “I was swamped so I didn’t get a good look. He was in and out pretty quick.”

Denki leans back against the wall, closing his eyes for a moment to revel in a quick day dream. One where he’s smooth and clever, manages to get his number, then maybe a date, a blow job, a boyfriend, a decent, regularly scheduled lay. He’d take that in any order, really.

Denki’s never actually talked to the guy but he does know his name is Shinsou thanks to a very tactful phone call by Mina. He works at the secondhand music store across the street and one morning while opening shop they made eye contact across the asphalt. Denki had been sweeping while the other was writing a music lesson schedule on a chalkboard menu. It was anticlimactic, lasting no more than three seconds, but Denki never stops thinking about it.

Shinsou is intimidating in the way that most pretty people are. He looks mean, disinterested. It pulls Denki in unquestionably, especially because he always smiles (full teeth) whenever he spots Shinsou through the window and rarely gets anything back except the highly coveted lifted eyebrow. Denki’s favorite thing about him is his eyes, dark and liquidy.

Denki also cares a lot about fashion and Shinsou’s clothes are the brand of cool that is obviously effortless, all black. His messy purple hair is usually pushed back with one of those cheap, zigzag plastic hair combs that were popular in the 90s.

Shinsou is aggressively hot, it’s almost offensive. Denki isn’t sure if he has a league but Shinsou is out of everyone’s.

“I can’t believe he actually came in. What did he order?”

Mina shrugs, “He just bought bottled water but he did spend a minute staring at your freaky art.”

“Oh my god,” Denki flushes pink with excitement and disbelief. He doesn’t exactly call himself an artist but he does fuck around a lot in his small studio and paint weird, neon colored, warped looking Pokémon-monster hybrids. Mina let’s him display them around her fruit shop because she’s a good friend.

A customer comes in and Denki continues to lounge on the counter, still daydreaming of purple hues and picking at the cookie while Mina makes a smoothie that has far too many vegetables.

“Hey Denks,” Mina says after the customer has left with their inevitable bowel movement in a cup. She sounds weird. He looks over and she’s smiling like the Cheshire Cat. He knows he’s fucked. “We’re best friends and I’m your boss, so you’re obligated to forgive me.”

Denki’s heart is squeezing tight and he stares wide eyed. “What did you do?”

Mina turns to look out through the front windows where Shinsou is currently looking left, then right, before doing a half-jog across the street. She hurriedly looks back at Denki, “I forgot to tell you the Café Luna bag was Shinsou’s and now it looks like he’s coming back for it and I’m going to go on my break now, bye.” She says the last part in one breath while the door opens and the little bell on top rings.

Shinsou walks in and all the air is pulled from Denki’s lungs.

Denki doesn’t have time to think, just react. He practically throws himself off the counter and—again, not thinking because who has time for that when someone that good-looking is walking your way—does the only thing he can think of to dispose of the evidence.

He shoves the rest of the cookie into his mouth. It’s a big fucking cookie, even with only half of it left.

He never should have come into work today.

The chime of the door tinkers again when it closes and Denki knows he has about 3.5 seconds before Shinsou reaches the front counter. He chews vigorously, practically suffocating on cookie crumbs and chocolate chips, but it’s all just turned to paste in his mouth and there’s no hope.

Then, he starts to choke.

“Should I call emergency services or just let you die.” It hardly sounds like a question and if it is, Shinsou is asking himself.

Denki sputters, standing up from his half-crouch in an attempt to hold on to an ounce of his dignity. But it’s all lost when they make eye contact and Denki knows there’s nothing he can do, so he just holds up a finger to say hold on before spinning around and grabbing the small trash bin under the sink.

He spits the cookie mush into the bin, eyes watering while he coughs the dust out of his lungs, and prays that death comes swiftly in the next few seconds.

Denki hates Mina. So, so much.

Catching his breath, Denki leans forward over the sink and runs the water. He wonders if he should fill it up and drown himself but opts for rinsing his face instead. The eyes boring holes into his back are unrelenting and vicious. He turns around and regrets being born.

Shinsou is way too goddamn pretty. His eyes drink Denki in, full of judgement and unabashed intensity before blinking back into nonchalance. “He lives.”

Denki can’t help it, he laughs. It’s loud and a bit wet because he hasn’t wiped off his face. What a mess. “Unfortunately.”

Shinsou doesn’t allow for any awkward silences though, just moves the conversation forward with ease. Denki barely has time to feel embarrassed but he knows he’s blushing deeper with every millisecond that ticks by.

“I left my lunch here earlier, I think. A bag from Café Luna.”

Denki considers lying because surely that would be the easiest route. He attempts to wipe his face off with the inner elbow of his sweater, nervous. “Oh—uh, I don’t…”

Shinsou holds up a long, slender finger. Denki wonders what instruments he plays. Maybe he should sign up for one of his lessons, give himself a second-chance to make a good impression. Erase this one from existence.

He shakes his head, explaining, “You have chocolate smeared on your chin.” An obvious accusation. Denki is so fucked.

He sighs. “The cookie looked way too good, dude.” It feels good to confess, at least. “I’m sorry,” Denki apologizes, eyes downcast as he pulls at the hem of his sweater.

“Are you,” Shinsou replies and Denki wants to run out the door but then something happens. Shinsou laughs. It’s a quiet sound, breathy and warm and deep. Denki looks up and smiles brightly because wow, that sounds like music. “I don’t think you are.”

Denki catches something like a smile on the corner of Shinsou’s mouth and it gives him some of his confidence back. Just enough. “Yeaaaah,” he breathes, grinning sheepishly. “It was really tasty so maybe not that sorry.”

“Sorry you got caught.”

“Definitely.”

“A true criminal.” Shinsou nods, something like approval. Then he pulls out his phone to check the time. Denki is already disappointed this interaction is ever going to end, despite his embarrassment.

“I’ll have the sandwich back at least, I only have ten minutes left of my lunch break. I’m starving.”

No, yeah, Denki is going to fucking murder Mina. He’ll be an actual criminal.

Denki knows his silence is telling but there’s no cool way to talk himself out of this. Instead he puts on his best pouty smile and apologetic eyes. Shinsou looks so unimpressed until he doesn’t, just annoyed.

He clicks his tongue, sucking air through his teeth like a disappointed parent. “I’m off in three hours.”

Denki pulls a face. “Oh-kay.”

Shinsou looks like he wants to roll his eyes. Denki feels hot all over, degraded even though he hasn’t been called any names or chastised.

The silence makes Denki itchy so he breaks it with a fountain of apologies and offers to pay him back. “Do you have Venmo? Just charge me the cost! My username is 69Pika—”

“Please, stop.”

“Okay.”

Shinsou knocks his knuckles on the counter, looking him over once more before taking a few steps back. Another customer comes in and the bell tinkers twice, open, then close.

They watch each other for a moment.

“If you’re off in time, you’re buying dinner after my shift. I’ll meet you outside the shop.” Then Shinsou turns and leaves and Denki just smiles because what the fuck else was he supposed to do.

God, he loves Mina.

#shinkami #kamishin #denki x shinsou #bnha

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mynameischalie · 3 years ago

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Rozwell Kid @ PhilaMoca 12/16/21

It’s been two years since Rozwell Kid last played Philadelphia but my love for them remains strong. If you’re asking yourself “Chal who the hell is Rozwell Kid?” I can tell you they are an indie punk band from West Virginia that consists of four dudes who loved Weezer so much they decided to form a band.This is my fourth time seeing this band. I started seeing them in 2016 and everytime they rolled into Philly (with the exception of the AJJ tour which I skipped) I was there. I am eagerly awaiting a new record from them and to be frank they are overdue but tonight we were treated to a solid hour set of tunes.

The night began with the opener Golden Apples. These up starts from Philly consisted of some young early 20 somethings that played lo-fi indie rock. Here’s the thing with Golden Apples, they all seem like nice people and they were very happy that people wore their masks so that made them feel safe and comfortable. The music didn’t really do anything for me but their bassist wanted audience feedback if they sounded ok and I gave them the biggest thumbs up and said you all sound clear do your thing! They got an opening slot for the Menzingers coming up which is nice to see. I will say though they defintely went over their time slot by 10 minutes as they ended up playing a 40 minute set. They were aware of this and played their two songs anyways. Why does this matter, well it pushes the other bands times back. That’s all I’m saying. So yeah not for me, as I stood aimlessly waiting for the long set to finish.

Next up was another Philadelphia band Gladie! Gladie is the new band of the recently broken up Philly unit Cayetana. When I heard the name Gladie though I immediately thought if this name was a hint for something LGBTQ related (GLAAD) but it could very well be the action of being glad so who knows, right? Insert are you trying to assume my band name!? Regardless, Gladie reminded me of some of the others bands that are coming through the scene recently like Queen Of Jeans, Worriers, and Swearin’. I enjoyed their set and found myself swaying to their music. Also if you’re still reading this they had to cancel tonight with Rozwell Kid in New York so hopefully if we’re putting our heads together they didn’t get sick last night with the show. That would be horrible.

Rozwell Kid came out at 9:30 and shredded our faces off with their music. This band sounds EXACTLY like they do on record if not better and it really is amazing. I feel like everytime I watched them play the set flies by and tonight was no exception. One of the cool things about tonight was I shouted out “Futon” and was met with “NEVER” by their singer Jordan and then two songs later they played Futon for us which was cool! This was such an enjoyable show and I really do love these guys.

I just have to say one thing. With Covid rising their singer Jordan went over to sell merch and before selling hand santized his hands. I was about the eight person in line and every person in front of me wanted to shake his hand which is not good in the pandemic especially for touring bands. He was so nice and had to explain to eight people that he can elbow bump them. When I went up to him I said “Hey man I’ll just take the vinyl of Good Graphics” which was 15. I gave him a 20 and said “Keep it and put it towards the gas! He said “Are you sure that’s very nice, which I assured him by saying yes you played Futon for us it’s all good.”

Please come back to Philly again

Setlist

Kangaroo Pocket

Weirdo

Armadillo

Michael Keaton

UHF On DVD

Halloween 3.5

Absolutely

Back To The Future IV

Dylan, Don't Do It

Total Mess

Sick Jackets

Futon

Birthday Sombrero

Wish Man

Wendy's Trash Can

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johannesviii · 4 years ago

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Top 10 Personal Favorite Hit Songs from 2020

You know, when I finished my latest list and realised every decade had the same pattern and that we were slowly going towards a series of great years for pop, I didn’t realise how good that year would be.

What’s at the top? Am I boringly predictable because I already said I loved that song all the way back in January 2020? Let’s find out.

Disclaimers:

Keep in mind I’m using both the year-end top 100 lists from the US and from France while making these top 10 things. There’s songs in English that charted in my country way higher than they did in their home countries, or even earlier or later, so that might get surprising at times.

Of course there will probably be stuff in French somewhere on this post. We suck. I know. It’s my list. Deal with it.

My musical tastes have always been terrible and I’m not a critic, just a listener and an idiot.

I have sound to color synesthesia which justifies nothing but might explain why I have trouble describing some songs in other terms than visual ones.

So. Uh. How was your 2020?

Mine was actually surprisingly good, considering. I’m lucky enough to have a job that I can partially do from home, and I was extremely paranoid from the get-go and nobody got sick under this roof so far. Turns out I’m even better at my job from home and I got permission to work from home one day per week even after the health crisis is over! My first name was also finally officially approved and I can’t tell you how happy I feel about that. I almost feel bad to have had such a good year considering the circumstances. I feel like an asshole just because I’m happy, haha.

The only frustrating part was that I was supposed to see Hatari in concert in Paris in early April which, as you can guess, was cancelled. I’m not too mad about it though, since their tour was called “Europe will crumble” and the message saying the tour was cancelled started with “since Europe is actually crumbling due to Covid-19″ and that’s hysterical.

Good or interesting albums that came out in 2020 now, let’s see.

Nightwish released Human/Nature, which was a huge letdown compared to their previous album, but I will relisten to it at some point to make sure I wasn’t just in a bad mood that day.

The Birthday Massacre released Diamonds, which might be their weakest album since their debut, but contained some real gems (I listened to The Last Goodbye on a loop, it floored me. Flashback and Enter are also very good).

The 1975 released Notes On A Conditional Form, and let’s be real, it’s a f█cking mess. You could cut half the tracks and end up with an excellent album, but as it is it’s like, yes, a collection of notes ; however there’s some truely excellent shit on it (see unelligible songs).

Thanks to a friend on a discord server I was exposed to Dorian Electra’s music and I haven’t been quite the same ever since. I’m so happy to be alive to see other enbies making such great music with an insanely good aesthetic surrounding it and asking so many interesting questions about gender. Also the arc the ‘gentleman’ character goes through over the course of the entire tracklist of the 2020 My Agenda album is absolutely hilarious, don’t @ me.

I also discovered 100 Gecs this year. Why are most of you guys saying it’s unlistenable garbage. It’s just as abrasive and over the top as industrial music is, but with none of the edginess or drama. I love it. What the hell. But yeah Tree of Clues was released this year. Good.

Speaking of industrial, in March 2020 Nine Inch Nails were like “hey remember when we released Ghosts I-IV a decade ago entirely for free and how amazing that was? Well we’re all in lockdown and bored as hell so here’s Ghosts V-VI and it’s also free. Enjoy” and I f█cking died instantly. And it’s even better than I-IV. What the hell was that year

Jonsi released Shiver. It’s strange and highly experimental. I’m pretty sure it’s a good thing I was into hyperpop this year, otherwise going from his previous material straight to this album would have been brutal.

Yadda yadda yadda After Hours by the Weeknd good yadda yadda.

I’ve joked about that already but if you had told me in 2019 that 2020 would have fires, a pandemic, riots, monoliths appearing and disappearing, and also a super good Machine Gun Kelly album, guess which part I would have found the most ridiculous. But yeah uh. Tickets to my Downfall good

So uh this year I tried to listen to some hyperpop and liked it a lot, and I also dipped my toes timidly into screamo and listened to Svalbard, who released When I Die this year, and the entire album was a very beautiful, very intricately decorated punch to the face. It sounds like God Is An Astronaut except with a shit ton of yelling. I love it. Open Wound is my favorite track on it.

But no, despite all of this, my album of the year was from a band I had never even heard about before that year, called Spanish Love Songs. The album is titled Brave Faces Everyone and it’s line after line after line of extremely relatable generational angst but yelled with complete sincerity and it’s so propulsive and energetic you can’t help but feel both exhausted and ready to fight the entire universe. I don’t know how it works, but it’s incredible. The entire album is wonderfully brutal, so it’s kind of difficult to pick my favorite songs on it, but Beachfront Property and the title track stand out.

Unelligible songs, now, and there’s, uh, quite a few of them too so I’m also gonna use bullet points. Good lord this post is gonna be long.

First, let me say I have literally no idea why Midnight Sky by Miley Cyrus wasn’t a bigger hit. It’s not on the year-end US top 100 and it feels extremely wrong. Would have made it to #4 on this list otherwise.

I still entertain the vague hope that stuff from Machine Gun Kelly will chart higher in 2021 but I doubt it will happen so I might as well tackle it now and say that Bloody Valentine and especially Forget Me Too are both excellent and that it’s a shame radios aren’t playing them more often.

Heaven by the late Avicii featuring Coldplay should have charted in 2019 and still didn’t chart in 2020 and that’s a real shame.

If the world was a bit less unfair, Lovesick Girls by Blackpink would have been a hit rather than the awful Ice Cream.

One day I will stop complaining about my bafflement concerning the lack of mainstream pop charts success of The 1975. Today is not that day. I just love how they keep making songs about extremely awkward relationships full of weird details, and I haven’t grown tired of that yet. So yeah If You’re Too Shy is about a guy who’s crush is asking him to get naked on Skype in his hotel room and he’s, uh, not too sure about that idea.

And Me & You Together is about a guy who never finds the right moment to tell his best friend he’s in love with her, and he manages to do so at the end and it’s cute as hell. My fave part is “I'm sorry that I'm kinda queer / It's not as weird as it appears / It's 'cause my body doesn't stop me (Stop me) / Oh, it's okay, lots of people think I'm gay / But we're friends, so it's cool, why would it not be?”. Relatable as f█ck.

And now for an international hit that should have been bigger in the US and/or in my country but wasn’t: Head & Heart by Joel Corry and MNEK.

I’ve heard Nos Célébrations by Indochine extremely often on French radio for months now so I was very surprised to see that it didn’t crack the local year-end list. What happened.

I can finally hear the appeal of Bring Me The Horizon. It took me ages. And also Death Stranding. The song Ludens isn’t in the game per say, but it’s among the ones you can pick to broadcast briefly when people drive by your constructions, and long story short it's been living rent-free in my head for months now.

Phew.

It’s time for a round of Honorable Mentions for elligible songs, containing a couple of guilty pleasures, which is saying something considering the kind of shit I put on some of my previous lists.

Ne Reviens Pas (Gradur et Heuss l’Enfoiré) - Heuss is a French artist that kept baffling me while making my lists for the previous years, and I was like “??? ok, that’s it then, I guess I’m getting too old to get what teenagers find funny”. This one worked for me, though. And the music video doesn’t hurt. Really dumb and really fun.

Adore You (Harry Styles) - Perfectly good little pop song, very pleasant to listen to, never outstayed its welcome for me.

Mood (24kGoldn) - This doesn’t sound like a very good relationship, my dude, but that’s still a super pleasant song.

WAP (Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion) - This song is absolutely hilarious and I will hear no argument from any of you.

Control (Zoe Wees) - Was clearly a hit here. Should have been even bigger though. What a powerful but comfy voice. If I had better taste it would be on the list.

Hot Girl Bummer (Blackbear) - I. Uh. Listen. I keep saying I have bad taste and nobody believes me. Do you believe me now. But yeah. “F█ck you, and you, and you~, I hate your friends and they hate me too” is gonna pop in my head every single time someone is being a jerk anywhere near me now. It’s been happening all year already. Someone trashed my documents at work? Someone isn’t wearing a mask in public? That guy has filled his car with rolls of toilet paper? Brain goes “F█ck you, and you, and you~”. Every. Single. Time.

Come & Go (Juice WRLD & Marshmello ) - Damn, that’s a pretty good little song. I’ve seen plenty of people saying it’s ruined by the drop, but may I remind you I’m the person who loves Blue by Eiffel 65 with all my heart. If the song was ramping up consistently until the end instead of ending like that, it would have made the list, definitely.

And now, the actual list. This one actually feels pretty solid, I genuinely like everything on it, there’s no filler here for once.

10 - The Box (Roddy Rich)

US: #3 / FR: #23

Now this is a weird case, because for the longest time I couldn’t figure out why this song was so popular and I was completely neutral about it. Then, one morning in September, my mental jukebox (which always, always puts a song on a loop in my head when I wake up) decided to play it. And I was like oh wow?? I never noticed the atmosphere in that song before? It’s so great. And that hook too. Let’s listen to it.

So yeah, I don’t know what happened. It just clicked one day and everything fell into place, I guess.

9 - Alane (Wes & Robin Shulz)

US: Not on the list / FR: #93

Come on. You can’t do a remake of one of my previous #1 songs and let it chart in 2020. That’s cheating. Even with this subpar drop, I have to put it on the list, now.

I’ve already said my piece about the original, so I’m just going to send you back to my 1997 list.

8 - Kings and Queens (Ava Max)

US: Not on the list / FR: #76

[BBC documentary voice] After Lady Gaga decided to make piano balads and left her musical niche vacant, Ava Max quickly took her place as the top predator pop diva. Even after Lady Gaga was re-introduced to her natural habitat in 2020, she still hasn’t fully recovered in Europe, where Ava Max still reigns supreme on the charts -

(tldr I think it’s hilarious that this isn’t on the US Billboard while Lady Gaga isn’t on the French year-end top 100)

7 - Roses (Saint Jhn & Imanbek)

US: #19 / FR: #3

What an earworm. It doesn’t even bother trying to have an intro or an outro, so it loops almost perfectly. It’s like entering a party that started long before you arrived, and it will go on long after you leave it to go back home. Kind of hypnotic in a way.

And yes, my mental jukebox was very fond of using it to wake me up this year, so this is another song that’s here almost solely because of that.

6 - Physical (Dua Lipa)

US: Not on the list / FR: #69 (hehehe)

“Hey I’m not that old” says the guy who’s definitely a sucker for this kind of retro throwback that was so popular this year. Oh well.

I don’t have anything interesting to say about this one, though. Apart from the fact that everyone seems to have a different fave song on that album. Guess that’s quality for you.

5 - Rain on Me (Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande)

US: #48 / FR: Not on the list

That is far from being Lady Gaga’s best song, but it was a joy to listen to everytime it was on the radio anyway. Also Ariana Grande has surprisingly good chemistry with Gaga! This year was full of strange duets mostly made for commercial reasons, and this one isn’t an exception, but unlike a lot of them, it really, really works.

4 - Dynamite (BTS)

US: #38 / FR: Not on the list

I’m still not 100% sold on k-pop even if a ton of it sounds super good, but come on. Even if some bits of this song (especially the beginning of the second chorus) sound a bit like they were made on autopilot, it still sounds just as happy and fun several months after I first heard it and I never got tired of it. That’s quality. You hear it and you can’t help but tap your feet and smile.

Actually, I’m sure there’s people somewhere that don’t smile when they hear this song. And they must be avoided at all costs.

3 - Godzilla (Eminem ft Juice WRLD)

US: #62 / FR: Not on the list

What are you doing so high on this list, old man. Why are you still here in the year 2020. I thought we left you in the previous decade. Who gave you the right.

I’m gonna tell you who did, and it’s actually Juice WRLD. Because that chorus is incredible, and like a lot of people I’m pissed off because the guy died super young and this shit shouldn’t happen to anybody. No, his early material wasn’t great, but I’m sorry I’m gonna say it again: have you heard this damn chorus? It’s suspenseful and dark, it’s got this lowkey menacing quality, it’s an earworm and a half, and it’s more convincing in like six lines than Eminem’s own flexing is in the entire song.

The beat is extremely good as well, and the flow, obviously, impressive. The weakest link is Eminem’s writing, which is as usual full of puns and weird wordplay, except here a lot of it isn’t great, and that last ultra fast part at the end is technically impressive but it also drives the song up a cliff and stops it dead in its tracks once it’s over. But frankly the lines fly by so fast it’s difficult to be too annoyed by them.

Can I sincerely put this extremely flawed song so high on my list? A better question would be “did I spend hours trying to learn how to sing this shit without choking on my own spit?”. The answer is yes. To both.

2 - Heartless (The Weeknd)

US: #28 / FR: Not on the list

I’ve said it on my 2015 and 2016 lists already, but just for the record I’ll say it again: it took me ages to like The Weeknd, mostly because I found most of his songs fairly boring, or disliked the lyrics, or both. Also I never really liked the general vibe of his “sexy” songs like The Hills, they felt dark but in an unpleasant creepy way. Felt like miserable hedonism, if that makes sense.

So, because I’m a person with extremely consistent and logical tastes, here’s the exact same shit he was making before, except that this time I absolutely adore it.

What is he doing differently that makes the whole After Hours album click for me whereas almost all of his previous material failed to do so? Is it the energy? Is it the reverb? Is it the fact that the narrator sounds properly unhinged and, frankly, scared to be spiralling out of control? Why are the colors so beautiful yet full of anxiety? Why is that bridge so fantastic? How can you make your voice look like a glowstick in the dark?

I give up. I have no clue. At least I’m done talking about-

Oh.

1 - Blinding Lights (The Weeknd)

US: #1 / FR: #1 (listen sometimes something’s just that good, ok)

Surprise. Or not.

Wow, look at that, Johannes has put this year’s number one pop song at number one on their personal playlist. The audacity. The edge. What a hot take.

I discovered that song when it first came out at the end of 2019 and I adored it instantly. And I was so scared it wouldn’t be a hit. Which means I’m a f█cking dumbass considering it ended up breaking all sorts of records in 2020. But what can I say, overplay can be a blessing when you love a song that much.

Like every single song I put at number one on one of my lists, I will draw this one at some point and you will understand how incredibly satisfying it is to listen to a song called Blinding Lights, talking about city lights looking blurry when you’re driving at night, while looking itself like a bunch of blurry city lights passing by super fast. Perfect in every way.

Also it sounds exactly like A-ha, and that never hurts.

See you next year! Pretty sure it will be even better music-wise.

#Johannes’ bad not good pretty terrible music lists #music #long post #eye contact tw

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soft--dragon · 4 years ago

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Home Again

Five is still figuring out how to adjust to his new body and new life, surrounded by real people who cared

In which the Umbrella fam is worried about Five, and Five gets the damn hug he needs

Cursing (I wish I could say it was minor, but this is Five and his chaotic siblings were talking about here)

Don’t really know where this is set, sometime during season 1, I had an idea so I just wrote it (Vanya isn’t in this though she’s every bit deserving to be in the Umbrella Family as the rest of them)

Enjoy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Five knew it wasn’t going to be a good day.

It was a feeling that settled in his gut the longer the day dragged on. He jumped from his room to the kitchen, startling Klaus, and probably Ben who Five assumed was close by.

Klaus quickly got over his momentary shock, blinking a few times, taking in the bags under Five’s eyes and slump in his posture.

“You look like shit dude.”

It was a blunt statement from Klaus, one that deserved an equally blunt retort from Five. “Fuck off.”

The smallest of the Umbrella Academy dumped the contents of the coffee pot into a mug, taking a large gulp of the dark, rich liquid. He sighed at the familiar taste, swirling the half of the remainder before downing that too. Klaus visibly recoiled, eyebrows shooting to his hairline.

“Five, you might want to take it easy on the coffee, you’re in a body that isn’t built to hold that much caffeine.”

“That’s rich coming from the guy that’s killing himself with drugs and alcohol” Five bit back, eyes narrowing at his brother.

Klaus quickly raised his hands in surrender, hoping it might relax the riled boy in front of him. “Calm down Five, I was just-”

Five jumped before he could finish the sentence, taking what remained in the coffee pot with him.

“....That...could’ve gone better” Ben said from where he was sitting on the dining table, a contemplative look on his face.

“Yeah no shit genius” Klaus grumbled, crossing his arms firmly. “But at least he didn’t stab me.”

“Diego’s more likely to do that than Five, Klaus.”

“Fair point.”

Ben turned to look at where Five had disappeared, anxiety prickled at his skin. Something wasn’t right with his baby brother.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Allison wasn’t phased when she heard a loud thump close to her room. In this household, random noises were entirely normal. This was a mansion with six supernatural people, plus a mom robot and a advanced chimpanzee.

But what sounded like glass breaking and a hissed curse made Allison stand and move to the door. What she found, wasn’t what she expected.

Five was kneeling on the floor, rubbing his head and glaring daggers at the shards of glass surrounding him. The carpet was stained with what smelled like coffee.

“Five?”

The boy’s glare snapped up to Allison who had the sense to not react lest she agitate him further. Five was like a feral cat sometimes, had to be slow and unthreatening for him to give you the slightest sign of trust.

She leaned against the doorway, trying to appear casual. “You alright?”

“Fine.” The reply was curt and rough, like Five was trying not to let too much emotion slip out.

“Need a hand cleaning that up?”

“No, I’m more than capable Allison.”

“I know you are, I was just offering to help-”

Five hissed another curse and with a blink of light, he was gone again. Leaving Allison confused and a little hurt in his wake.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It wasn’t a smooth jump.

Five stumbled over his feet, similar to outside Allison’s room where he dropped the coffee pot. He almost face planted, but managed to catch himself on a nearby desk.

“Jesus Christ Five!”

The shout made him start, leaping into a defensive stance, almost snarling like an animal. His gaze fell on Diego lying on his bed. He was clutching his chest and a knife tightly, breathing rapidly. Probably coming down from the momentary adrenaline rush of fright.

“Why the hell are you in my room!?” Diego asked, but there was no real heat behind his words, mostly confusion.

Five didn’t pick up on the lack of venom, instead challenging the question with his own spiteful words.. “I didn’t do it on purpose asshole!” He snapped, gripping the desk tighter when he felt himself tether on his feet.

Diego must’ve seen it cause he sat up, putting the knife down. His usual glare being replaced by raised eyebrows and worried eyes. “Five, you feeling alright?”

“I’m fine! Why does everyone keep asking me that?!”

Diego’s worry disappeared in a split second at the sharp retort. He glared back in response, feeling his anger rise like a wild fire. “Because we care? Don’t know why we bother though, seeing as you piss on every attempt of basic emotion we give you.”

Five flinched back, gritting his teeth to ignore the pain that sentence gave him, but good god did it sting. He blinked away before Diego saw how much that statement hurt. He refused to show weakness.

But Deigo had seen it. Guilt and regret pooled into his stomach, staring at the spot where Five has just been. “Damn it” he hissed to himself, pinching the skin between his eyes.

Five hadn’t had proper company throughout his years in the apocalypse. He was relearning the ropes of socialising with his family. And adjusting to life in general.

Deigo sagged onto his bed, gripping his knife like a life line.

Why did he never think before speaking?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Luther was probably the very last person Five wanted to see right now. And to make matters worse, he was accompanied by Pogo and Grace.

The universe seemed to love kicking him when he was down.

The trio looked over when Five blinked into existence, close to falling down again due to his exhaustion of late nights and constant jumping.

“Oh hello sweetie” Grace smiled pleasantly, though concern shone through her robotic features at Five’s state. “Are you al-?”

“I’m fine, I’m fine” Five cut her off, waving a hand in their general direction. He needed to jump again. Away from people for awhile.

“Master Five” Pogo spoke up. “You seem exhausted?”

“Late night Pogo” Five replied shortly, hoping he’d be satisfied with the answer and leave him alone. He went to leave the room when a strong, yet gentle grip caught his upper arm.

It didn’t matter to Five that it was gentle. The fact was, it was still a grip.

He swung round in barely contained panic, throwing a fist. It slammed against Luther’s jaw. Though it barely making the bulkier man shift, the look on his face said everything Five knew Luther was feeling.

Shock, concern, anger, maybe even fear.

He jumped for a fourth time, leaving Luther, Pogo and Grace behind in varying levels of distress.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Five hit the ground again, almost screaming every foul word he knew right then and there in frustration. He wasn’t trying to be a dick. Honest to god he wasn’t. But his siblings were just so- so....caring. He wasn’t used to it, he wasn’t used to having others around, except Dolores.

They all wanted to help him. He suspected it was because of his form, he looked so vulnerable that they felt a need to protect and help him any way they could. It was kinda sweet really, but so incredibly forgein to him. He reacted the only way he knew how. With anger.

It was the only emotion he had been feeling these days. Anger at himself for screwing up the equation that got him stuck like this. Anger that he wasn’t able to save his family from the apocalypse. Anger because he wasn’t damn smart enough to figure out how to save the world.

Horror swirled in Five’s gut when his vision became blurred, the tears slipping from his eyes and onto the carpet. He swiped a furious arm across his eyes but it did nothing to stem the flow. He scrambled to his feet, running down the hall. He had to get to his room. If he got there, he could hide, and the others would never know he was crying.

Why couldn’t he jump? His mind was muddled. He couldn’t see. He could barely breathe.

He slammed into something solid. He would’ve fallen to the ground if a tender hold to his arms didn’t stop him. He could hear someone talking, but he couldn’t place them. It was all too much right now. All he could see was ash, taste it on his tongue, feel it on his skin.

He screamed, not knowing what else to do, tears streaming down his face. His heartbeat pounded in his ears, everyhing was too damn loud.

But then he felt...warm? It was like a heavy blanket had been put around his shoulders. He clung into the source of the warmth, desperately to not let it go. To not back to the freak show he’d been forced to live with for 45 years.

“...ive! Five you’re okay, please just breathe for me, breathe you can do it.”

He knew that voice, he knew it. It wasn’t Dolores, it couldn’t have been Reginald he was dead-

“Five please, please just breathe.”

Five complied, trying to draw in air but coughing when he couldn’t get in a full breath.

“That’s it buddy, you’re doing so good, come on, in and out.”

Five tried again, fingers digging into a soft material.

“You’ve got it, you’re doing great Five.”

Five drew in another breath, feeling his head clear. He pitched forward heavily, being caught by a sturdy figure.

“Good job Five” a soft voice murmured praisingly. “I’m proud of you.”

Five blinked a few times, the tears in his eyes not fully receding. Above him was black hair, kind eyes and a soft smile.

“B-Ben?”

The ghost smiled wider, gently squeezing Five’s arms in confirmation. “Yeah, feel better now bud? Got it out of your system?”

Five’s hesitated then his head fell against his brother’s collarbone, sniffing. “Yeah...”

“You wanna tell me what triggered it?”

Five’s fist clenched Ben’s jacket tighter. “Memories” he mumbled.

Ben nodded his understanding. They stayed like that for awhile, Ben holding his little brother tightly to his chest, rubbing his back comfortingly. It felt nice, but Five’s anxiety wouldn’t stop spiking.

“I’m scared Ben...”

The small, unsure voice that spoke broke Ben’s heart. He squeezed Five tighter to him. Wishing he could take away all the pain and fear Five had to deal with during his time in the apocalypse. Take that away and give him his childhood back. See the boy laugh with a sparkle in his eye like he used to when they were all young. He dropped a kiss into Five’s hair, resting his head atop his smaller brother’s.

“I know” he murmured, “and I’m sorry you had to be alone for so long. I’m so sorry Five.”

The pair stood, arms wrapped around each other for a long time. Ben lost track of the minutes that went by. Though he did notice Five was getting steadily heavier in his arms. When he looked down, the boy was out.

Ben shook his head fondly, lifting Five into his arms. He paused for a moment. Had he always been this light? Ben couldn’t remember Five ever feeling so...small.

He shook off the surprise, carrying his sibling to Five’s room, gently easing him onto the bed. He sat on the edge, watching Five sleep, taking in how young he looked, but aware of how old he was. Having seen death and destruction at every turn. Years spent in solitude, forced to survive in a barren wasteland for years. It was horrid of think about.

Ben’s hand phased out of reality for a moment as he brushed it through his brother’s hair. Five nuzzled into the touch, eyebrows finally relaxing and giving him a look of peace.

“Sleep well Five” Ben murmured. “Your family will be here when you wake up, I promise.”

#ben #klaus #allison #five #ptsd #fanfic #the umbrella academy #tua #luther #diego #pogo #grace #i am so sorry five #angst #hoo boy is angst a thing in this #ben is best bro #my fanfic

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albapuella · 4 years ago

Text

How to Lose a Lover in 10 Days or Less: A Comprehensive Guide to Becoming a Future Romantic Failure (Chapter One)

AO3

Fandom: Homestuck

Summary: How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days AU Dave needs to win a bet; Karkat needs to write an article. Shenanigans ensue.

Tags: Humanstuck, alternate universe - no sburb session, POV switches galore, implied/referenced child abuse Author’s note: This story is the result of a jam session I did with aceAdoxography on the davekat thirst federation discord server. This one's a little out of my usual wheelhouse, but I hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I've enjoyed writing it. New chapters every Saturday/Sunday.

I also tried to be fancy with the html, but it didn't come out right (you will see what I mean). However, I'm leaving it as is for now.

Chapter 1: Inciting Incidents

Day 0:

“I'm smooth as peanut butter,” Dave protested, his coffee sloshing in its cup as he swung his arm out. “Choosy moms might choose Jiff, but I ain't in the market for an older woman at the moment. Just call me Skippy, because that's how smooth I am.”

Rose looked both unimpressed and unconvinced. “Really?” She took a small, dignified sip of her tea.

“Yes!” Dave frowned. “I'm like super suave. Fucking James Bond over here.”

She squinted at him for a moment. “You do realize that James Bond is characterized by his inability to keep any woman with him longer than the length of one of his movies.”

“That's only because he's too much man to be tied down,” Dave said. “And that's not even the point: the point is that the fucker's suave. He can have any girl he wants.”

“And I suppose you can get any boy you want?” It sounded dismissive. “It would be wonderful if you managed that feat before my wedding. You know how mother worries about you, and I would rather not spend the first day wedded to my wife listening to mother wailing about how her poor little Davey's going to be all alone in the world.”

Dave felt the flush creeping up his cheeks, and he wasn't sure if he was experiencing his future humiliation already or if he was getting mad. Just because he couldn't keep a relationship going for long, that didn't mean he wasn't smooth. It wasn't his fault that up until very recently he'd only pursued girls because he hadn't wanted to admit he was gay... Okay, yes, that actually was his fault. The point was of course those relationships had failed. His relationship prowess had never been given a fighting chance. “Yeah, I could. In fact, I could make any of the guys here fall for me.”

“Very well, brother of mine,” Rose said, smiling that particular smile which tended to portend bad things for the person it was directed at, “how about that one?” She pointed to a man sitting alone at a table on the other end of the cafe.

Dave looked over at him without making it obvious he was doing so. Damn, Rose. The guy was a snack, obviously, but his expression indicated that the whole world had pissed in his cornflakes one at a time and had made him miss the bus to his job at the blow job factory. Still, it was too late to back out now. “Fine,” he said, setting down his cup just a little too hard. “I'll see you in two weeks, Rose, and I'll have him on my arm in a matching tux. We're going to be the hottest, gayest penguins you've ever fucking seen.”

She laughed at him. Which was fine: he was going to have the last laugh here. And there was no time like the present. He stood and strode over to the other table, curving his mouth in his smoothest, suavest fucking smile.

The man had noticed Dave's approach and looked up from his coffee, the ire on his face now joined by confusion. “Can I help you?” His voice was rough but not unpleasant. His tone was less pleasant, but Dave had expected that from his expression.

“I sure hope so,” Dave said. He put one hand on his hip and held the other out to the man. “I've just lost my name: can I have yours?”

The man blinked. Then he laughed—less amused and more disbelieving. “Seriously? You're seriously going to open up with that? That has to be the cheesiest fucking pick up line I've heard in my life. And I've heard a lot of them.”

Dave only grinned. Breaking the ice was just one of Dave's many talents. “What can I say, dude, I'm a connoisseur of fine cheese. Premium, aged in wooden crocks or whatever.” He waggled his hand. “Don't leave me hanging.”

The man looked from Dave's hand to his face and back again before heaving a sigh. He shook Dave's hand, his grip solid but not crushing. “Karkat.” Then he frowned. “What do you want?”

“Thought that was obvious, Karkat,” Dave said, trying the name out. He liked it. “I want to ask you out. On a date. I'm Dave, by the way,” he added quickly. It probably would have been smarter to open up with that. It also occurred to Dave that there were a lot of other variables he hadn't considered until this moment. “If you're single. God, I hope you're single. And into guys. Otherwise, I'm going to feel pretty stupid.”

Karkat opened his mouth but didn't speak as something too quick for Dave to pick up flashed across his face. Then he grinned, perhaps a little too widely. “You're in luck,” he said. “I am in the market for a date.”

Oh. “Cool. Cool, that's—” Dave broke off with a fake cough into his fist. “Yeah, uh. So, are you free tomorrow? Night?”

A slow nod. “Yeah. Sure. Sounds great.” He dug through his bag and took out a small notepad. “Do you use Pesterchum?” he asked as he scribbled something down.

“I think everyone and their grandmother uses Pesterchum,” Dave said, still kind of surprised that this was going as well as it was. “Not my grandmother, I don't have one, but you know, grandmothers. Or the tech savvy ones anyway. I think your average grandmother might have some trouble—the text is kind of tiny, isn't it?”

Karkat looked up from his writing. “Right.” He ripped the page out and held it out to Dave. “Message me, and we can set up that date.”

Dave took the paper. “Thanks, I'll, uh, message you soon!” Without waiting for a response, he turned on his heel and made his way back to Rose. He knew his face was burning, but he decided to believe it was the flush of victory rather than anything else. She was still smiling at him, and he held the paper out in front of her face. “See? I've already got his chumhandle. You're going to eat your words, Rose. I hope you like the taste of humble pie.”

Rose laughed behind her hand. “Nice work, Dave,” she said once she'd recovered. “Try not to break his heart, won’t you?”

“What?” Dave shook his head. “His heart is going to be wrapped in three layers of bubble wrap and under ten pounds of packing peanuts.” He shoved the paper into his pocket. “I got this thing on lock.”

---

Karkat tore his eyes away from the retreating Dave to jot down some notes on his notepad. Looked like he'd be able to write this article sooner rather than later. Unless Dave had been dared to come over and get his phone number. That had happened before. He scowled into his coffee. Well, if Dave never got in touch with him, then he'd just use his last disaster of a relationship to base his article on. That was what he'd planned to do originally anyway.

It wasn't a secret around the office that Karkat Vantas, despite being a font of romance wisdom, was dead in the water when it came to dating and keeping a boyfriend. He attributed this mostly to his abhorrent personality and lack of self-control. Whenever the opportunity came up for him to stick his foot in his mouth, you could find him there, furiously chewing on his toes. He'd lost count of how many times a date had ended because he'd said something he shouldn't have. Or rather, screamed something he shouldn't have at the top of his lungs with more profanity than was warranted in retrospect.

So, of course, the boss knew about Karkat's lackluster love life, too. The assignment had been one of her little jokes. One of her little mind games. “Oh, Mr. Vantas, please write an article about how to fuck up a relationship in less than two weeks—it should be easy for you seeing as you're such an expert at being so noxious that no one but your handful of friends can even stand to be anywhere around you, never mind a stranger who doesn't know your history or has any reason to want to stick around and deal with your bullshit.” Paraphrased, of course. Her version had been much less honest.

He re-read his notes.

* Dave, no last name given. Terrible pick up line. Rambles. Idiot or awkward. Or both. Dresses like a color-blind douche bag. Obnoxious sunglasses. Vision impaired? Hot. Attractive. Moderately attractive.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he set down his notepad to fish it out. He frowned down at the screen. A notification from Pesterchum? His heart rose a little despite himself until he saw the name. Kanaya. He sighed. While he was happy she was happy, he couldn't handle being gushed at right now. He put the phone on the table and finished his coffee.

---

Dave dithered for hours before he finally decided on the perfect message to open communications with.

TG: this is dave from the cafe TG: wanted to say hey TG: and ask what you want to do Saturday

Okay, so it wasn't the best rap ever, but he was stretched for material here. Also, it probably wasn't a good idea to blow up this guy's phone before Dave got some confirmation that this was even Karkat's chumhandle. It wouldn't be the first time someone had given him a dud. At least the messages were going through: that was a good sign.

CG: ARE YOU RHYMING ON PURPOSE? TG: hell yea dog TG: mc strider here by popular demand to lay down the jams TG: ive got all my adoring fans just waiting for me to shower them with stanz- TG: -as like youve never seen its a dream come true straight to you

That was enough; he had to give Karkat some time to respond. Assuming this was Karkat.

TG: this is karkat right? CG: OH I CAN TALK NOW? CG: YES THIS IS KARKAT. CG: AS CHARMING AS THIS IS (AND I AM SO UTTERLY CHARMED RIGHT NOW), DO YOU ACTUALLY WANT TO GO ON A DATE WITH ME? TG: totally i totally do i knew as soon as i saw you yea im taking this total snack on a date

Which was not a lie, technically. Yes, Dave liked how Karkat looked, but he probably wouldn't have gone over to his table without Rose egging him on.

TG: where do you want to go skys the limit TG: but not really TG: cause no offense but i just met you TG: and i dont think were at the stage where id be willing to sell one my kidneys TG: to make your dreams of jumping out of an airplane onto the back of a narwhal or some shit like that come true TG: thats like after at least date number 5 and id expect some kind of thanks TG: at least a tongue kiss or something TG: not that i think you need to pay for dates physically TG: thats all kinds of gross TG: forget i said any of that please CG: … CG: HOW ABOUT DINNER AND A MOVIE. LIKE NORMAL PEOPLE. CAN WE DO THAT?

Dave grinned with relief. He'd thought for sure he'd just blown this.

TG: sounds great nothing beats the classics

With that sorted out, the rest had been easy. Dave closed his phone, feeling accomplished. He was really doing this. He was really making this happen. But first, he had some clothes to throw in the shower!

---

Karkat slid his phone back into his pocket with a sigh. Well, now he had a date for tomorrow. He looked down at the new set of notes he'd written during that 'conversation'.

* Last name Strider? Raps without provocation. Definitely visually impaired. Goes off on wild tangents. I'm going to be murdered. What the hell am I doing?

It had been difficult not to react in his normal way to the frankly bizarre things Dave had said, and he knew that was only going to be more difficult to manage in person. Still, he had to 'hook' this man as best as he was able before he could fuck it up like always. After all, he couldn't 'lose' a guy he never 'had', right? He idly entertained the thought of what 'having' Dave might be like. He was clearly crazy, but there was something endearing in his total inability to communicate like a regular person. The way he'd been so obviously nervous and out of his depth when he'd come over to ask Karkat out. The way his cheeks had flushed when Karkat had accepted. The way his body had moved when he'd walked away.

Shaking his head, Karkat tucked the notepad into his bag. No point in even thinking about it. Even if he weren't getting into this just to ruin the relationship for his article, the end would have been the same anyway. Honestly, he was doing Dave a favor: at least this way, Dave would only be wasting ten days worth of his time rather than torturous months of dealing with Karkat's bullshit before finding an excuse to cut him loose.

#homestuck #fan fic #humanstuck #my fic #wip #the html looks fine on my end #don't know why it's messed up when it goes live #*shrugs*

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freddiesaysalright · 5 years ago

Text

Peace Like A River Part 5

A Gwilym Lee x Reader Story

Summary: Reader is a stand up comic with a pretty dark past. She has a three new lights in her life: her daughter, Violet; her anonymous correspondent, Dear Friend; and Gwilym Lee.

Word Count: 3.5K

Tag List: @psychosupernatural, @someone-get-a-medic, @bensrhapsody, @deakyclicks, @crazylittlethingcalledobsession, @minigranger, @simmisblog, @assembledherethevolunteers, @lookuptotheskiesandsee, @readinghorn, @riddikuluslypotter, @doingalrightt, @misslolasworld, @lemurian-starship, @ravenedges-lies, @painkiller80, @imgonnabeyourslave, @crazyweirdocalledfriday If you want to be added, let me know!

A/N: Okay, some good ol’ fashioned aftermath lol. Hope you guys enjoy this part where reader tests out a few things. More drama and miscommunications to come (of course)!

Part I Part II Part III Part IV

Part 5 here we go!!!

The next day, you woke to your phone ringing. It was nearly ten in the morning. You looked around wildly for your daughter and your assistant, but then heard them in the bathroom singing the toothbrush song, and you quickly relaxed. Then you answered your phone.

“Hello?”

You hadn’t bothered to check the caller ID.

“Hey, Y/N, it’s Joe,” said the voice of Joe Mazzello.

“Oh, hey Joe, how are you?” you asked, completely confused.

“I’m good, but you might need to come and see Gwilym,” he returned.

You frowned. “Why?”

“Apparently, he got stood up last night,” Joe explained. “He’s only just gotten back to the hotel and he’s shit faced.”

You sucked in a breath. Had it really been that bad for him?

“W-what do you expect me to do?” you wondered.

“I don’t know, but he’s asking for you,” he answered. “Please?”

“I dunno, Joe, it might not be a great idea…” you trailed off.

You really had no idea how you could be helpful. Also, drunk men frightened you.

“Please,” Joe repeated. “He’s in bad shape. He needs you, Y/N.”

That drove a sharp pain into your chest. Gwilym didn’t need you. You were the one who hurt him, even if he didn’t know it. It sounded like Joe and the guys needed your help more than Gwilym needed your presence. But you couldn’t know that unless you went over there.

You sighed. “Okay. Which hotel are you in?”

“You’re coming?!” he gasped.

“Yeah, just give me a few minutes to get dressed and I’ll be over there soon,” you assured him.

He thanked you a few times and then gave you the address. You hung up just as Stacy emerged from the bathroom with Violet clean and dressed, hair combed and everything.

“Well, aren’t you pretty?” you said.

“Morning, Mommy!” she greeted, flinging herself onto your bed and wrapping her arms around you.

“Morning, sweetie,” you returned, kissing her head. You looked at Stacy. “So, Joe called this morning.”

She looked at you, perplexed. You explained everything to her while Violet started picking out what she wanted you to wear. You put it on piece by piece before heading to the bathroom to brush your teeth and do something with your hair. You had no time for makeup.

“I dunno, am I doing something totally stupid?” you wondered.

“No,” Stacy replied, but she had an odd smile on her face. “I actually think this is perfect.”

“How in the world is this perfect?” you wondered.

“Maybe now you and Gwilym can start to feel things out normally, without the distraction of the letters,” she explained. “Let him fall in love with this side of you too.”

You blinked. It was an interesting theory, but you didn’t want to be a consolation prize for the loss of Dear Friend.

“Ugh, we’ll see,” you said. “I’m not getting anywhere near that topic while he’s drunk.”

“I know you think he won’t,” she said. “But I think it’s worth a shot. You guys have something.”

You checked your phone, ignoring her.

“Let’s go,” you said, stuffing it into your pocket along with your little wallet.

The three of you walked over to the other hotel and found the boys in the lobby. Gwilym was apparently unable to sit down as they were repeatedly having to grab his arm and bring him back over to the couches. They had to act fast because whenever he stood up, his steps were wobbly and careless. He nearly ran into a trolley that an employee was pushing, but Ben caught him, sparing everyone the disaster of the carefully packed luggage sprawling over the floor. You halted as you watched it all unfold. You’d never seen Gwilym out of control before, and it completely unnerved you.

Stacy looked over at you, worried. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine,” you said, releasing a shaky breath.

“Gwilym is safe,” she said assuredly, placing a warm hand on your shoulder. “He’s not gonna hurt you.”

You swallowed and nodded before walking as confidently as you could over to them.

“Y/N, hey!” Joe said once he spotted you.

“Y/N’s here?” Gwilym said, looking at Ben. “Oh, this is embarrassing.”

“You’re the one who demanded she come,” Ben reminded him irritably.

“What’s wrong with Mister Gwilym?” Violet asked Rami.

“Well, Mister Gwilym drank too much, um...chocolate milk, and now he’s feeling sort of funny,” he answered.

You walked around to the couch so you could see Gwil. He looked awful. He still wore the clothes he had on the previous night. His hair was disheveled and the skin beneath his eyes was dark with weariness. He saw you and his face lit up, but you couldn’t return the smile. You were absolutely on edge.

“What’s up, Gwil?” you asked, standing a solid foot away from where he sat.

“My, uh, Dear Friend, never showed up,” he slurred. “So I realized I’m gonna be alone forever.”

“Sweetie, that’s ridiculous,” you returned. “It’s just one time.”

“No, she was it,” he returned dramatically. “The love of my life. And I bet she walked in, took one look at me, and walked out.”

You rolled your eyes. “Come on, let’s get you to bed and you’ll feel better after some sleep.”

“Very well,” he agreed.

“So you do it when she tells you but not when your friends do?” Ben shot indignantly.

“Who cares, dude?” Joe returned, elbowing Ben. “As long as it gets him to his room.”

You took an uneasy step toward him and extended your hand. He reached out and took it, allowing you to help him off the couch. Only, once he was up, he stumbled right into you. You yelped in surprise as you both crashed to the floor, the other guys not fast enough to stop it. Gwilym fell on top of you. His body was heavy and he was slow to get up. Your heart began to beat wildly as panic overtook you.

“Gwilym, please!” you urged, pushing on his shoulders. “Get up!”

He started to lift himself, and Joe and Ben were quick to relieve you. You scrambled to your feet. You heard Violet giggle and almost laughed yourself, but you were too scared.

“Let’s just get him upstairs,” you said. You turned to Stacy. “You two stay down here, I shouldn’t be long.”

She nodded. You spotted the book and wilted flower on the end table and grabbed them quickly. Then you walked with Joe and Ben - Gwilym between them, arms across their shoulders - toward the elevator. Stacy’s phone rang and she looked at Rami.

“Oh, this is my boyfriend,” she said. “Do you mind watching Violet while I step outside?”

“No problem,” he agreed, and she left. He looked at Violet. “So...you wanna watch Baby Shark?”

“Yeah!” she cheered and crawled into his lap, while he pulled the video up on his phone.

Upstairs, Joe and Ben were now practically dragging Gwilym down the hall. You opened the door to his room and they deposited him face down on the bed.

“We’ve got to get to an interview,” Joe said. “Can you take it from here?”

“Uh, I guess so,” you said. “But isn’t Gwilym supposed to go with you?”

“He’s no good in that state,” Ben replied. “We’ll just tell them he’s sick.”

“O-okay,” you said.

They thanked you and told you to call Joe if there was an emergency. Then they were gone. You looked at Gwilym, who rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling.

“My love life is over,” he complained. “Nothing will ever happen to me anymore.”

You sighed. You weren’t sure you could dig him out of this hole. You placed his book and carnation on the nightstand. An idea came to you. Perhaps you could get things back the way they were and do what Stacy suggested - see if Gwil could fall for you as you and not Dear Friend.

“Wait, it was Pride and Prejudice with a carnation, right?” you said.

He nodded.

“When I left, I saw a woman outside holding those exact things,” you lied excitedly. “She stopped me as I came out the door and asked if that was what you had too.”

Gwilym’s eyes were trained on you as you spoke. “What did you say?”

“I said that it was and she looked sort of sad,” you went on. “She asked me if I was a friend of yours and I said yes.”

He sat up quickly, and you took a nervous step back.

“Then what happened?!” he demanded.

“She started to get upset,” you said, feigning a guilty look. “I think she saw you hold my hand. She said she wasn’t sure about this anymore and that she needed to reconsider. Before I could tell her that it isn’t like that between us, she ran off down the street! I couldn’t catch her.”

“Oh, no,” he muttered, and flopped back down on the bed. “It really is over.”

“You don’t know that for sure,” you said.

“I’ve ruined it,” he moaned.

“No, Gwil,” you said gently, sitting beside him at last.

He put his hand on your knee and you tensed. But you quickly just took it and held it between your own.

“You have not ruined it,” you encouraged. “You’ll think of some way to make it up to her. I know you will.”

He ran his freed hand down his face. He mumbled something you didn’t hear so you leaned closer.

“What was that?”

“Nothing,” he said.

“Tell me,” you pressed.

“I just thought…” he trailed off. “I just thought perhaps it would have been better if I had taken my shot with you two years ago.”

Your eyes went wide. You remembered that you had sort of had a flirtation, but it wasn’t serious feelings. At least, certainly not on your end. But you were still pretty fresh out of your marriage at that point. There was no way you would have accepted him, even though you were attracted to him.

“I know things were still complicated for you then,” he went on lazily. “But I have only ever wanted to...un-complicate your life.”

What a load that was. Things were simple when Dear Friend was anonymous and Gwilym was just an old friend. Now, the two were one in the same and you were indisputably in love with him. You had a feeling things were only going to be more complicated now.

“That’s sweet, Gwil,” you said, stroking his hand. “But it never would have worked. I would have turned you down flat.”

He giggled. “Really?”

“Yeah,” you said, shooting him a soft smile. “Look, don’t take this personally, but I was afraid of you. I was still afraid of every man. I didn’t trust that I liked you. I would have run from it if you tried to take that step.”

“I would have chased you,” he replied simply.

You shook your head. “Let’s get you some water.”

You rose from the bed and walked over to the fridge. You opened it and let it cool your warm face. His words had made your cheeks burn. You were glad he was drunk and the memory would be hazy. You grabbed a bottle of water and returned to him, holding it out. He took it and drank deeply.

“That’s good,” he said, placing it on the nightstand.

“Have some more,” you said.

He obeyed. A little bit dribbled out of the corner of his mouth and when he put the bottle down, you reached over to wipe it away with your thumb. He swallowed and held your gaze for a long moment as your palm rested against his cheek.

Suddenly, he wrapped his arms around your waist and pulled you close.

“Gwilym, what are you -”

He cut you off with a kiss. His mouth was cold from the water he’d just consumed, but you could still taste the whiskey on him from the previous night and following morning. Every instinct screamed at you to stop him. But you had never been kissed like this. His lips were soft and eager, but not forceful. The temptation to lose yourself in this was strong. It would be so easy to melt into him and pursue your pleasure. But he was drunk. You yanked yourself away.

“Gwilym, you’re drunk and you’re hurting,” you reminded him. “You don’t want this.”

“Yes, I do,” he argued, leaning in again.

“No, stop,” you said, pulling away and breaking the hold of his arms around you. “Get some sleep, okay?”

You put your hands on his chest and gently pushed him down on the bed. He settled into the squishy pillows and started to close his eyes.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

“It’s alright,” you assured him. “No big deal. Just sleep and call me when you wake up.”

“You might have to remind me,” he admitted.

“I’ll text you,” you said.

You pulled out your phone and did so, telling him to call you when he saw it. His phone dinged from the nightstand and he thankfully ignored it for now. You walked to the end of the bed and pulled his shoes off for him before covering him with a blanket.

“You sure you can’t stay?” he asked, opening one eye to look at you.

“No, I can’t,” you answered. “But I’ll come back when you wake up.”

“Alright then,” he mumbled and settled back in.

His breathing slowed and evened out. He was asleep. You looked at his face a moment longer. You lips still burned with the feeling of his against them. Your stomach churned with a fresh heat and desire. Then you switched off the light and hurried out the door, terrified that if you looked at him any longer, you would curl up beside him and stay forever.

You came to the lobby and Stacy stood up, looking confused and concerned.

“Let’s go,” you said sharply, without stopping to explain.

You took Violet’s hand and led them out the door.

Hours passed. Gwilym awoke with a pained groan and rolled over, grasping for his phone. He looked at it through his bleary eyes and moaned again. He turned the brightness down and then tried once more. He saw a text from you.

Call me, it said. I’ll come over and explain everything again.

His brow furrowed. Had you been to his room? He couldn’t remember. The last thing he could recall was that sixth shot of whiskey at the bar next to the hotel. He was a bit horrified to think you had seen him drunk. Even so, he dialed your number.

You were watching TV, but not taking in a thing that was happening on the screen, when your phone buzzed beside you. Knowing who it was, you answered.

“Hey,” you said quietly.

“Hey,” he replied, his voice gravelly. “What happened?”

“It’s kind of a lot,” you said. “Want me to come over?”

“Please,” he returned.

“Be right there,” you said.

“You’re the best.”

“I really am,” you teased.

You heard him chuckle before you hung up. Then you looked at Stacy next to you.

“Gwilym?” she asked.

You nodded. “I’m gonna go check on him. I’ll be back in time for the show, though.”

“I know you will,” she replied.

“Is Mister Gwilym okay now?” Violet wondered, looking up at you from where she lay on the bed.

“I think so,” you told her. “I’m just gonna make sure.”

“Okay, Mommy,” she said, and snuggled down again.

You kissed her on the cheek. You walked back over to the guys’ hotel and tried to think of how much you were going to explain. If he didn’t remember kissing you, you decided you weren’t going to tell him that. You didn’t want to make him feel bad about it or anything, or like he had been unfaithful to Dear Friend. You were only going to tell him the story from before, that you’d seen her as you left.

When you entered his room, you heard the shower running in the bathroom. Gwilym’s clothes were strewn about the floor. He probably did feel pretty gross after wearing them for so long. You made your way over to the bed and sat down. It was still a little warm from where he lay for those few hours.

Suddenly, you heard a small squeak and the water stopped. The bathroom door opened after a few seconds, letting some steam swirl out into the room. Then Gwilym emerged, a towel around his waist while he ran another through his hair. He started when he saw you.

“Jesus!” he gasped.

“Hiya,” you greeted with a smirk. “You could have told me you were gonna shower, I would have waited to come over.”

He chuckled. “It’s no big deal. I wouldn’t have wanted to wait.”

“Tell me what you remember,” you said.

He pondered a moment and you tried to focus on his face. Your eyes wanted to wander down his bare chest and tummy, but you couldn’t let yourself go there.

“It’s not much,” he admitted. “You were talking to me about Dear Friend. But I don’t remember what you said.”

“Anything else?” you pressed.

He shook his head. “No, it’s all blank.”

This was a lie. He was sure he remembered kissing you, but had convinced himself he dreamed it.

“Alright,” you began. “I’ll remind you of what I said.”

You gave him the story. Seeing Dear Friend outside the cafe, her hurt at seeing the two of you, and that she’d run off before you could explain. As you spoke he gathered some clothes and then disappeared into the bathroom to dress. He left the door open so he could hear you as you wrapped up. When he came out again, he had on joggers and a t-shirt.

“I see,” he said with a heavy sigh. “Well, I guess that’s done.”

Your heart skipped a distressed beat.

“What, just like that?” you challenged.

“What can I do?” he returned. “I can’t find her. I haven’t any idea what she looks like. I still don’t even know her name.”

“But still, she’s supposed to be the one,” you went on. “You can’t just give up.”

“Again, what would you have me do?”

“Write to her,” you said. “Explain that you and I are just friends. Old coworkers. You were just comforting me. Tell her the truth. She’ll get your letter, and if it’s meant to be, she’ll forgive you, and write back.”

“I dunno, Y/N,” he said, running a hand through his wet locks. “Maybe...maybe this was all a silly fantasy and this is a sign that I need to let it go.”

“Gwilym,” you said seriously. “You told me that you love this woman. If that’s true...how can you be so willing to throw in the towel? Go after her!”

He words from earlier suddenly rang in your ears.

I would have chased you.

You shook your head. Those were not words you could count on. He was drunk when he said them and did not recall them now. They meant nothing.

“Just send a letter,” you said. “What harm could it do?”

“You’re right,” he admitted. “I’m just afraid, I guess.”

“Of what?”

“That she won’t write back and then it really will be over.”

“You’ll never know unless you try,” you told him. “But you’ve got to take the chance.”

He looked at the floor. “Alright, Y/N. I’ll write to her and try to clear things up.”

“Good,” you sighed with relief.

“Thank you,” he said. “For everything.”

“I’ll always be here for you, Gwil.”

The following week, when you were in Charleston, you got a letter from Dear Friend. It felt much different now, knowing it was Gwilym and how you felt about him. Still, you opened it eagerly to see what he had said.

Dear Friend, it began. I am so sorry about last night. It was a serious lack of communication, I think. The woman you met was Y/N, a friend of mine. She had just broken up with someone and was in need of some comfort, which I provided. Please don’t misunderstand, the feelings between her and I are platonic. It was all rather silly, you see. I hope one day we can look back on it and laugh. I’m sorry if it caused you any pain. I do want to say, though, that Y/N is very important to me. I hope that will not be a point of contention going forward. Hoping to hear from you soon. Yours, Dear Friend.

This genuinely surprised you. It was reassuring to Dear Friend, while saying firmly that he would not sacrifice his relationship with you for her. That told you that perhaps there was something to what Stacy said. Perhaps Gwilym could see you as both Dear Friend and yourself. Perhaps you could meet him there and feel like you deserved his love and loyalty. All of it was up in the air. You just needed time to sort it all out.

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v-le · 5 years ago

Text

Kmusic: JTBC’s 슈퍼밴드(Superband) Review

Foreword: SUPERBAND WAS AMAZING AND IT WAS EVERYTHING I NEVER KNEW I NEEDED IN MY LIFE. yup

After binge-watching this entire program, I knew I had to write something about it. This show literally took my breath away, this show filled all my senses with overwhelming excitement, appreciation, and respect for every single participant, and the music, THE MUSIC, that came out of this show will forever be some of the most amazing songs I have ever heard in my life. But above all else, this show filled a void, an emptiness, a traumatizing, painful longing in my heart that has been needing some intense healing for a while now.

With all the things that have happened with my singer, Superband coming into my life and being the show it was, with all those amazing artists doing what they did, it was a literal blessing and I just……. I just cant believe they did THAT. They did it and it was AMAZING.

First off, whoever thought to make an audition program for MUSICIANS, SINGER-SONGWRITERS, ARTISTS, PRODUCERS, and just instrument-playing people AND VOCALISTS…….. you are a fucking genius and I am so glad that this idea never died in the shadows and was allowed to come to life on the screens.

What I found so poignant about this show from the get-go was how GOOD THESE AUDITIONS WERE… these people came in being REALLYYYYY good at (presumably) one thing like the guitar, or singing, or the violin. These people each had their specialty, they were exceptional music-making people. No one was quite mediocre or “rookie”, each person had some pretty credible expertise or experiences with music, and that in itself, the fact that we got to start off with these sorts of contestants, is something ive never seen before.

I don’t want to compare to other singing shows or the Produce series or whatever else countless audition programs Korea has been churning out over the past years, but since Superband began with this concept, it was already a show that I knew I would LOVE. For the 2 times ive watched Produce, I was always so perturbed by these prepubescent pretty boys frolicking around on stage, barely being able to even pull off a simple note. I just thought so many of them were so TALENTLESS…. But who am I to judge.

I think it really just comes down to preference, and even though I knew very well that idols and k-pop are not even things I enjoy anymore, I forced myself through programs like Produce. But now, with Superband, I felt so HAPPY and glad to be watching and discovering such talented musicians…THIS IS WHAT I WANTED ALL ALONG.

Even with the very first audition with Ha Hyunsang… OMFG UGHhHhh THAT BOI IS SO FLUFFY but so good at the same time… I feel like each time I see him, I ACTUALLY just want to give him a hug :’-(( the emotional depth in his singing is beyond describable and im SO PROUD TO HAVE WATCHED HIM GROW !!!!!!

That’s another thing I really really realllyyyyyyy loved from this show........ it was the process of watching these people develop, mature, change, grow with show. Some contestants went through some major growing pains, but it was so heartwarming to watch them improve, not that they were even bad to begin with. And the reversals!! Or the expansions?? The turnarounds?? The CONMEN!!!

AHHhhHHhhh okay im still very obsessed with the infinite amount of talent some dudes had, but before I get to that, let me continue on with those stellar auditions, aka the three genius guitarists, too ;_______; they. Are. So. Amazing. I love them a lot. I think I completely fell for them. And I hate myself. I hate to admit it a lot because I used to ALWAYS shit on dudes younger than me, I disliked basically every contestant on produce that was younger than ‘99, I thought they were all useless young children… but 김영소, 이강호, & 임형빈, were a completely different story. I LOVE THEM!!! I always had a bias toward a man that could play the guitar well… but these guys holy moly, they blew me away… they are so exceptional at what they do and the fact that theyre still so YOUNG… good lord…..my poor heart was so conflicted but ultimately so happy to have discovered them.

To watch these guys be thrown into that first 1:1 perf, and literally tearing up the stage and setting the bar VERY HIGH from the very beginning of the competition… phew… my goodness…. The talent with these kids… o my…. Okay yeah, nope im never gonna get over it. The ‘Adventure of a Lifetime’ stage will always be an iconic one from this program, and we all know it. Who knew a pure acoustic, musical performance, no vocals included stage would be so amazing…. I LOVE THEM!! Have I mentioned that yet?

Going back to the reversals/scamming thing... I guess this goes with watching some people grow……. I want to give a holy and blessed shoutout to probably my favorite contestant out of this entire show: 신광일….. he was such a dark horse. In fact, I don’t even remember his audition tbh because he was THAT not-memorable in the beginning LOL (or also.. I believe they never showed his audition to begin with)… but he quickly caught my eye as the eps went on because he came out of nowhere and whipped out all (or maybe not even all…) his skills like secret weapons, stage after stage.. he came in as a vocalist, picked up the bass for two the performances after that (all while still singing, too), although having never played the bass formally... and then once joining hands with Juhyeok and Yechan, he just miraculously becomes the drummer, because they ultimately decided that they needed percussion in their songs. So from thereon after, since ‘Hold Back The River’, Gwang-il, to me, was literally GOD(신) Gwang-il, as he played the drums and SANG TOO…..and may I add, hes not even that old?????? HES FRKING ONLY 2 YEARS OLDER THAN ME WTF;__; the boy got all these crazy blisters while perfecting the drums, but he didn’t let anything stop him and he was sucH A SOLID BAND MEMBER ALL THROUGHOUT, AHHHHHH MVP GOES TO SHIN GWANG-IL, YALL….(also I just found out that hes a trainee from Mystic Story, aka Yoon Jong shin’s agency aka the agency that I’ve been following for many many MANYYYY years now bc a lot of my favorite artists have come out of it…. Wow what is this fate)

And special recognition goes to Im Hyung-bin aka one of the 18 yr old genius guitarists bc he … oh my…. He frking became the pianist and singer by the end of the show…. Omfg… yall.. HE is also another infinitely talented soul. AND HES EXTRA FRKING YOUNG…

Besides these two though, there were many many many manyyyyy other people as well that took up multiple instruments throughout the show, or even began singing, or just did EVERYTHING….I was so mindblown by this, im still honestly not over it at all.

Because like, is this normal?? Isn’t that so unprofessional?? Its already so crazy that this show already starts us off with NON-amateur musicians and artists. But then some of these dudes have never done any other things formally before they got thrown into it; they came into this show “specializing” in something completely different, yet they jump onto the stage and do what they needed to, HELLA FRKING WELL…… so many of these dudes, you wouldn’t know that was his first time playing the bass, playing the drums, first time playing that piano, or first time being on the keyboard AND being a vocal, you wouldn’t know any of that unless they mentioned it, unless you watched the show and saw their story.

Because they all pulled it off THAT well.. these people that did these things for the first time ever while being on Superband, they executed their roles so well and showcased such wonderfully exhilarating talent…. IM SO BLESSED TO HAVE DISCOVERED SUCH AMAZING ARTISTS….

That was one of the biggest feats of Superband for me. The limitless talent that came out of it. I LOVE watching people like this. Their passion for music fuels such undeniable skill and fervor, and when they step onto that stage, they are literally unstoppable. They made music that stopped my time, stopped my heart, in the moment, but literally MOVED me...i applaud these people so much. I really do.

Thinking back to it now, the number of stages that came out of this show was like…. Countless…. Like… A LOT…. Since episode 1, each stage was very well-produced and I truly enjoyed watching each one from the start. This show was just so jampacked overall, although I admit that sometimes it was arduous due to the GRIND that these people were on, presenting stage after stage after stage, and then listening to LOTS of feedback from almost each judge over and over and over, but it was still nothing short of musical masterpieces out there. I really appreciate how STUFFED, how FILLED TO THE BRIM, this show was with dynamic, enjoyable, exceptional performances (and words of valuable opinions & evaluations, too)

I can re-watch many of them, every day, for days on end. I loved it. And can we just talk about how impressive these dudes are for pulling off something new, for taking on a brand-new challenge with a brand-new set of members, time and time again, stage after stage, week after week, until we came down to the 6 solid bands in the last 3 episodes? They constantly had to work with new people, match their music preferences, fill spaces in their music where they didn’t exactly have someone they may have needed. They had to compensate, compromise, and ultimately DELIVER, at the end of it all. Multiple times. I don’t even remember how many rounds they did… was it 4? I think they had 4 rounds of eliminations before they settled into their official bands. But still... its crazy impressive to think about how driven and flexible a lot of these artists were, to be creating, producing & then performing despite all the different teams they were getting put into week after week.

ANDDDDDD, despite all the odds up against them like the time crunch, the new collab of members each time, the potential lack of a missing instrument or sound, SO many of these teams still came out with self-written and self-produced songs!!!!!!! I mean, even for the cover songs alone, many were already re-arranging everything & basically turning them into new tracks. BUT WITH THOSE SELF COMPOSED SONGS??????????? Some teams literally started from scratch each time, but busted out some amazing tunes and lyrics and executed very very very impressive stages and IM JUST AKFJAKJFKJBSN how…. Are they….. so…. Talented…… I still ask myself each time.

By far, the combo that took my heart and kept it for good….. LUCY ;_______;. I never expected to like Juhyeok’s voice tbh, it was a little TOO weird for me in the beginning… but watching him perform with Yechan and Gwang-il and Wonsang really brought to life his vocal potential for me… that team is literally a combination made in heaven, they have all the right pieces to make ARTWORK… their signature sound was so prominent from the very beginning and i was SO HAPPY when I saw that they stuck to the same exact members once the finale came around.

Before the winner was announced, I told myself very honestly that I didn’t even care who won because the two teams left over, Hoppipolla & Lucy, were already my two all-time favorite combinations of artists from the entire show, and I was already MORE than satisfied with all the wonderful music and stages that everyone had delivered up until that point anyway. But even with that, I was still thoroughly shocked when they announced Hoppipolla as the winning band LOL I gasped aloud. I thought that Lucy at least had a chance. Or like I guess, in my heart, I assumed that Lucy actually won.. LOL but they didn’t.

And in terms of the finale in general, I really would also like to address how I purposely tried really hard to avoid any spoilers and rewatching of performances on youtube before actually finishing the entire series. I tried like reallyyyyy hard, because I wanted to watch the program as thoroughly as possible without spoilers. I HATE SPOILERS. But oh the irony. It was in all in vain anyway.

Once I finally DID finish all 14 episodes, when trying to look for more information/reactions/articles/videos (initially searching in English), I actually struggled SO HARD LMAOOOO bc there was like NOTHING OUT THERE……..i should have known better; this show was definitely NOT catered to the intl. audience (yet?), especially because its in its first season still. There were probably like 2 articles max in English about Superband & it was just about its upcoming premier. Nothing about winners nor results nor anything else i was wary of, anyway. LOLLL THE INTL COMMUNITY DOESN’T CARE; or at least the intl population that DOES care about Superband, is probably reallyyyyyy small……a reddit thread I found was the most substantial discussion I could find, comprised of a few comments max.

And so that brings me to how I always see a lot of comments begging for English subs and everything, but honestly…….. all I have to say to yall is: LEARN KOREAN IF YOU REALLY WANT TO WATCH THE SHOW THAT BADLY !!!

If after all these years, I could pick up Korean to an extent where I can watch things raw, im sure others can do the same as long as they put their mind to it. Ive been really appreciating how far my skills have taken me LOL not trying to be THAT person, but I just know that if I COULDN’T read or listen & comprehend or type in Korean like I can now, I would be missing out on a WORLD of amazing stuff. E.g. superband. And if anything, I would like to think that this show helped me practice my vocab skills a lot more. Listening to the judges’ evals after each stage was really enjoyable: I learned plenty of valuable words out of THEIR words.

This show was phenomenal in that all the contestants had total musical freedom. It was soOOOOO refreshing to watch. They got to choose all their music & their teammates in a fair manner (maybe not so much their competition), but seeing them take their passions & what THEY wanted to do with music and laying that all out onto the stage, was so compelling!!! This freedom allowed for countless, ICONIC AF transformations and growth journeys for soooo many of the artists too!!!! I really realllyyyyyyyy loved watching some of them stepping WAYYYY outside of their comfort zones / the image that they originally came in with (e.g. HONG ISAAC HAAAAHAHHA, Jisang, Hyunsang!!), and also watching alllllll those multitalented “scam characters”!!! HAHAHA, without this program being as open as it was, it would’ve been impossible to be able to see such a myriad of sides to so many different people. I appreciate, I really do.

And I really really realllyyyy enjoyed watching all the behind the scenes of each performance as well!! Of course, its normal to give viewers some background story before each stage, but in Superband, we got to see some very raw sides of music-making….. these dudes literally lived like hobos in the recording studios, all disheveled and sleep-deprived human beans, but ceaselessly making music because that’s what they love. I liked watching teams try out a lot of different songs & styles as they searched for THE right one. And then we got to see the final result on stage after the countless discussions and trials behind the scenes. And these processes repeated for months on end. All the contestants are so commendable in this right. The grind was real, and the show didn’t try to hide that. I enjoyed this very realistic approach !!

At this point, after drowning myself in this show for a few days straight… (those episodes are LONGGGGG, close to two hrs each) ive literally spent every night, and basically day, too, watching all the cuts that jtbc uploaded on youtube over and over and oVERRRRR….. ive also been watching some Superband concert clips, from when the entire final 6 bands went on a domestic tour and performed together for several concerts!!

THAT OPENING STAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BLESS THOSE PEOPLE THAT CAUGHT IT ON CAMERA BECAUSE IT IS LITERALLY SUCH A PIECE OF MUSICAL HEAVEN, omfg the energy on that stage IS SOMETHING ELSE… IF I WERE THERE IN PERSON I PROBABLY WOULDVE CRIED INSTANTLY……. lee juhyeok, kevin oh, chae bohoon, im hyeongbin, kim youngso, ha hyunsang, lee chansol, and kim woosung, all the guitarists/ vocalists lined up in the front… (hearing each vocalist sing a line each made my HEART HURT....I LOVE THEM SM) then the bassists, lee jonghoon, kim hyungwoo, kim hajin, jo wonsang, clustered up AND HAVIN A TIME all by themselves, and the three epic electric guitarists, yang jiwan, kim junhyeob, and Zairo, literally held SUCH stage presence… on the drums: kang kyungyoon all the way to the right, and red haired hwang minjae in the middle, and the super in-sync, traditional drum banging bois, choi youngjin, shin gwang-il, a-il, & jung gwanghyun, all 4 of them bouncing up and down in the back like intense oompa loompas LOL THEY LOOKED SO CUTE, and the string bois!!!!! Shin yechan & benji on the violin next to hong jinho on the cello; yechan and benji started off sitting down but as the song goes on they literally WENT AT IT HAHAHA as expected of two of the most high-energy musicians. On the piano, lee na-woo, the classic icon himself starting off the entire intro, and next to him hong isaac the transformation legend himself on the keyboard + his super distinctive voice!!!!!! And of course, d-pole with his much-expected little music break in the middle….. in fact many of them got ICONIC solo time: kang kyungyoon’s drumming part, kim hyungwoo’s super duper solid bass, minjae’s powerful beats, kim hajin’s LOUD ass bass, lee jonghoon’s legendary slap finger bass playing, jo wonsang’s super ting-y, classic bass section, and yang jiwan’s loud ASS ELEC GUITAR TOO, omg they were all so cute, pointing to each member & hyping them up as it was their few seconds to shine….AND THOSE COLLECTIVE VOICES???? HEARING ALL THE VOCALISTS SING TOGETHER ONE BY ONE… OH my gosh it was soooooo GOOOODDDDDDD.... just watching all those dudes literally have THE TIME OF THEIR LIFE on stage (literally an ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME), the energy was off the charts… I loveeeeee seeing them so happy, making eye contact with each other, jumping up & down, rocking out, laughing with each other, all while playing their instrument, so fervently, all 27 people on the stage, connected by one song…. Theres SO MUCH OVERFLOW of talent in one freaking place, that song sounded SO MASSIVE just thru the video I cant imagine….. if I were actually there omfg… that’s an actual BAND Like A HUGE FRKING BAND… AHHHHHHHHHH a really legendary stage.. the finest of finest……I can literally watch this opening on repeat without getting bored because I just loveeeee the concept of all of them being together like that :”)))

After watching member after member, team after team get eliminated, seeing them like this on one stage with such happy expressions and making a beautiful piece of music like that o MANNNNNN…. This show…… has really done something to me…

I appreciate every contestant SO MUCH and I wish I could watch everyone be together FOREVER….because knowing how artistically talented each person is on their own, to watch them join together is like the avengers times 72737446352 or something, its just talent & skill plus talent & skill stacked onto even more skill & talents and just an INFINITE amount of potential AND THAT…IS LITERALLY.. THE POWER…. OF A BAND………and of great ass music.

This show was GENIUS TO combine so many musicians from so many different backgrounds…but watching them work together to make pure art, that is so frking rewarding and heartwarming and I feel so blessed to have witnessed it all.

The genres and potential were literally limitless……I think this is what encompassed Superband for me, this is what made me enjoy it SO damn much…. I think ive finally run out of things to say… this piece of text is quite a mess, not very polished….. but I was hasty in recording my thoughts & emotions before they left me, so I tried my best.

My biggest regret with this show is that I didn’t watch it sooner. (what is really ironic is that it took me FOREVER to start the first ep, despite having tonssss of time on my hands... I had it open on one of my tabs for the longest time, but I lowkey grudgingly, eventually, forced myself to finally start it LOL..(thank god I rly did tho) I watched it 2 months after the finale, which is… kinda late? If I had watched it while it was airing, all while I was still in korea, I feel like I would’ve been EVEN MORE in love, even more fervent and passionate about everything. Digging thru old vids & watching things from contestants before they came out onto the show, seeing the artists they were, I could’ve easily gone and seen them myself probably… goddamnit I probably could’ve gone to the superband finale live show, if I had known.. I COULDVE VOTED IN REAL TIME... not that I could’ve brought myself to do it anyway, probably lol….. but basically, if I had known of this show WHILE I was there with them… I don’t know, I could’ve been a lot more active as a fan, I feel like..

Now im back to my original roots: crying in front of my laptop screen and tap-tapping away at my keyboard as a I rant to no one but myself. Being in korea made my appreciation for all kinds of artists, all my beloved ones, EVERYONE, a lot more tangible.. but being back in America… it all becomes hidden into the depths of my heart, once again…

PHEW……I think now is a good time to mention my favorite stages… as I mentioned before, the Lucy AND pre-Lucy lineup will always hold a really special place in my heart so basically all my faves include their stages LOL

‘Swim’ cover by LUCY(신예찬, 이주혁, 신광일, 조원상)

‘Hold Back The River’ cover by 신예찬, 이주혁, 신광일

‘Adventure of a Lifetime’ cover by 조원상, 김영소, 이강호, 임형빈

‘누구 없소’ cover by 케빈오, 박찬영, 신광일, 강경윤

‘선잠’ by LUCY

'Castle on the Hill’ cover by 아일, 하현상, 노마드, 홍진호

‘1000x’ cover by 아일, 하현상, 홍진호, 김형우

‘One More Light’ cover by HOPPIPOLLA(아일, 하현상, 홍진호, 김영소)

‘Cry Bird’ cover by LUCY

‘Viva La Vida’ cover by 하현상, 홍진호, 김영소

‘Flare’ by LUCY

‘Find You Again’ by People on the Bridge(이찬솔, 임형빈, 김준협, 강경윤, 김형우)

My favorite funny moments:

“이게 무슨 짓이야!!?” - mellow kitchen (the stealing of the 3 kiddo guitarists)

“okay let’s be honest, you can’t even hear the bass” - shin hyunbin 2k19

울보 팀

Hyunsang’s fam: 아일 the mom, 홍진호 the dad, 김형우 the hyung

“idk if im allowed to say this but it looked like zombie movie” - yoon jongshin, as they all gathered around the cello man

“I thought to myself, isn’t that cello expensive tho..” - yoon jongshin as youngso slapped & tapped jinho’s cello for percussion

Ah-il’s iconic castle on the hill pose

Zairo’s luck with member choosing lmao

HONG ISAK’S DANCING in ‘Time of My Life’ LOLLL IT GETS ME LAUGHING EACH TIMEEE (& all his nicknames, like eungalchi lmaooo)

Benji’s “YO-RO-BOON HAM-KAY HEY-YO” during ‘Woo-ing’

Gwanghyun’s “do-doom-tak”

Gwanghyun calling Gwang-il’s drum skills equivalent to that of a middle school band’s LOLLLL

**I watched Mone’s radio appearance on Arirang Radio where Benji is the host, and they were an absolute MESS LMAOOOOOO THEY WERE HONESTLY ALL REALLY FUNNY THOUGH.. they kept roasting the crap out of each other and laughing their asses off and man… it was gr8 time and it was really cute to discover that Hong Isaac is now a part of one of Benji’s radio shows too!

One important question I have for this show though: where tf did all the females go? Why was there no female presence at all in this show, I have no clue…… :/

At the end of the day, this show reminded me once again, how to feel happy and excited because of music. how to let great music fill my life with undeniable joy. Being able to look forward to listening to these songs every day, definitely had lifted a small part of me that has been down for all too long. I really appreciate, I am very grateful for, I just… im so thankful to have discovered this show & all its wonderful masterpieces & the beautifully, magically, PASSIONATE artists behind it all………. I needed this in my life at this point in time, I really did.

Thank you for coming to be, Superband.

#kmusic #jtbc #superband #super band #슈퍼밴드 #rant #;________;#a real ass rant #SUPER LOVE FOR SUPER BAND #anyone else that has watched this plz share ur thoughts

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co27 · 5 years ago

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Dude!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sprx and Gibson!!!!!!!!! Season 1+2 vs 3+4

okay im finally in the Mood again. okay. okay

sparx and gibson. have literally one of my favorite relationships in the show, theyre SO fun every time theyre onscreen together. they love each other so much bro

i realized after my 3.7k gibotto meta that writing a huge analysis like that will literally fucking kill me, but this is probably still gonna be long anyways!

sparx and gibson are... honestly pretty similar to sparx and nova in how they tease each other a lot, but really do care for each other. however, where sparx and nova have... a LOT of trouble just TELLING EACH OTHER how they feel, sparx and gibson... dont actually have that kind of trouble? its more that they respect and trust each other but dont say it because their relationship consists so much of making fun of each other.

doing a seasons 1/2 vs 3/4 thing is kind of difficult, mostly because (sort of like gibotto) theres no real turning point in their relationship, more that they just. learn to openly trust each other more

trust is a big thing with these two, i think? i just. they have almost completely unwavering faith in each others skills! even when theyre arguing over who should lead in the savage lands, theyre not insulting each others abilities at all! theyre just arguing over whose abilities are more valuable at the moment.

like, early on you... REALLY cant see this. mostly season one. but. heh. hehe. swivels my gaze over to hidden fortress. “if gibson says itll work, then thats good enough for me.” “oh, why- thank you, sparx.” BRO!!!! “big brain. glad you could make it.” “yes, well, someone had to pull your fur out of the fire!” BRO!!!!!!!!!

like, even this early on you can see that. once sparx is done teasing gibson for being a smartass, he has SO MUCH RESPECT FOR HIM!! and likewise with gibson!! as soon as theyre finally able to go “hey, we dont need to be angry with each other for a god damn minute” theyre just. so fucking fond bro!!

not to talk abt dumb stuff like character arcs but. lol. their relationship transfers so smoothly from bickering to just- genuine affection and fondness as their characters grow! see that as sparx learns to be more open with his feelings and not always default to the teasing/nonchalant persona (especially with nova) he stops going for gibsons throat all the time, and- gasp!- actively appears to care about him and goes out of his way to ask gibson for help or to help him.

its been days and i literally cannot stop thinking abt this shot like.... novas finally back shes BACK and she just got shrunk by tv monster and sparx is going to help GIBSON up???? i cant believe this motherfucker

and yknow, over the course of the show their teasing goes from resentment (ie ape new world- “oh, that explains it doctor brain strain. wuh-huh.”) to more just. fun and friendly! brief moments of smugness rather than actual malice towards the other

like come on.. this is the cutest shit.

sparx tends to tease gibson because he just- straight up doesnt understand what hes sayin sometimes! gibson is. EXTREMELY fucking pretentious. and sparx hates it. i mean who wouldnt?? but! sparx knows that the reason gibson is so pretentious is because he DOES know what the fuck hes talking about. sparx knows gibsons The Smart One and even though he can be bratty about it he still acknowledges it just fine

and like, eventually that distaste/resentment on sparxs end morphs into just. plain old trust! sparx trusts gibson and he knows that gibson can think on his feet and give them a solid plan. like, theyre put in several life-threatening situations and sparx is immediately like, hey, yknow who would know what to do? gibson.

gibson, likewise, cares about sparx a LOT! like. ive said it a million times but gibson views pretty much everyone as inferior to him bc of his intellect. wspecially sparx and otto! and ESPECIALLY SPARX bc every time gibson says something smart sparx makes fun of him. and up until hidden fortress, small tender things like “‘course i can grab him. i hope i can grab him.” in thingy were Not Heard by gibson. so gibson was very pleasantly surprised when in hidden fortress sparx let his guard down for a moment to be like “yeah, gibsons the smartest, i trust his judgement.”

and eventually, theyre just. buds! theyre straight up buds. gibson teases sparx in return and theyre just. BRO THEY R FRIENDS!!!!

“as you would say, sparx- ive got your back!” HRHRHRNGNNFND!!!!!

like. i CANNOT emphasize enough how supportive nd empathetic they are towards each other by the end. or, well.... earlier, its more sparx showing that he trusts gibson, and then later, its more gibson giving sparx more reason to trust him! its gibson being fun and friendly (as shown above) in response to sparx showing him that “hey, i dont actually hate you that much.” like.... need i remind you that in fire of hate, gibson warns sparx to be careful before touching it. in soul of evil, during the final scene with sparx tearing up nova, gibsons the only one who still looks sympathetic to him!! thats love bitch!!

so like. gibson and sparx are EXTREMELY fond of each other and once the gate is open for them to realize they both trust and like each other they finally start acting like it! they go from genuine distaste for each other to unregulated fondness and well i just think thats very cute and epic of them :]

#asks #anonymous #meta #srmthfg #gibson #sparx #long post #its. three in the fucking morning #srmt meta #my srmt meta

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ringa-starr · 5 years ago

Text

Just Gotta Have Faith Ch4

All was quiet at San Dimas Memorial Hospital. Well, as quiet as a hospital could get with all the intercoms going off calling for doctors, phones ringing off the hook left and right, and patients coughing, sneezing, and some even moaning and crying in pain.

The noise didn’t matter to Wendy anyway. Even though she was deaf, she could still feel the different motions of everything going on around her. That would all change in the matter of a half-hour.

She was sitting on the edge of her hospital bed, looking out her private room window at the passing cars speeding by on the road below, looking like little bugs as they passed. She could see the other buildings connected to the hospital from either side of her, the building she was in being right in the middle of it all.

Wendy gently swung her legs up onto her hospital bed, resting her head against the mountain of pillows the nurses had given her hours before when she’d first arrived, her favorite pillow from home, a neon yellow rimmed outlined peace sign with hot pink on the inside, lying right beside her legs. Wendy took the small pillow into her arms and hugged it to her chest, closing her eyes as she inhaled its familiar sent of her bedroom.

Slowly opening her eyes, Wendy noticed something out of the corner of her eye. Slowly lifting her head from the pillows, she moved the thin hospital blanket aside slightly to reveal her favorite small, horse plushie lying on its side on the bed. Wendy set her pillow aside and slowly picked up the stuffed horse, gently stroking its long black mane as she looked into its solid, black, marble eyes.

She couldn’t help but smile as she remembered the night she got the little horse…

She and Ted had gone on a double date with Deidra and Bill to the San Dimas Carnival during summer of last year and Ted ended up talking them all into playing a game where they had to see who could knock all the glass bottles down with a couple tennis balls.

When it was her turn, Wendy took her time as she prepared for her throw. She wanted to knock all these bottles down in one hit, something her friends had been unable to do.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped back on her right foot and threw the ball as hard as she could. However, instead of knocking the bottles down, the tennis ball bounced back against them and hit Wendy square in the eye at full speed, knocking her to the ground.

“Wendy!” Ted cried in horror as he ran over and knelt down next to her. “Are you okay, Babe?!”

“Y-Yeah”, Wendy answered after a long moment. “My eye really hurts though.”

Bill nodded, pressing his lips into a thin line. “No wonder, Dudette”, he finally said. “You have a most heinous black eye.”

The carnival booth guy was lighting himself a cigarette, completely unfazed by the accident. After a moment, he took a long drag from his cigarette before quietly singing the opening to “the Beverly Hillbillies” theme song.

“Just as I thought”, Deidra spoke up after observing something for a few moments. She knocked on the bottles with her fist a few times as if to confirm her findings before turning back to her friends. “Super Glue.”

“Ah, she’ll be alright”, the carnival worker spoke up, his voice heavy with a thick southern accent. “You young people today make such a fuss over the smallest of things.” He smirked meanly. “A little hit in the face never hurt nobody no how.”

At this, Ted eased Wendy’s head onto his jacket, which he had folded and placed on the ground for her to use as a pillow before slowly getting to his feet and balling his hands into fists so tight his hands were turning white.

Wendy, Bill, and Deidra could only watch as Ted reached behind the booth and grabbed the carnival worker by his dirty blue jean overalls over his equally nasty white wife-beater.

“My dad’s a cop”, Ted informed the now trembling man in a low, angry voice, “and if my girlfriend gets more than a black eye, I’ll make your life a living hell.”

The carnival worker saw nothing but rage on Ted’s face, which told him the teen was telling the truth. The word ‘cop’ was enough to scare the crap out of him, causing him to gulp with fear. He had just gotten out of jail on parole a few weeks ago and was trying to ease his way back into society…for the tenth time…that year.

“L-L-L-Look kid”, the carnival worker stammered. “I’m just trying to make some money. I didn’t intend for your girl to get hurt.”

As this conversation was going on, Bill lent down as he handed Wendy a small bag of ice he bought from a food stand nearby moments earlier.

Ted gripped the man’s overalls tighter, having to use every bit of his willpower not to strangle him right there.

“Look”, the man tried again. “Just take whatever prizes you want ok?” He leaned down into his overall pockets and pulled out a handful of cash. “And take this too”, he added.

Ted gave the worker one last hard look before releasing his hold, grabbing the money and counting it before jamming it in his own pocket.

“Dee!” Wendy gasped with a wide smile, even though her eye felt like it had a pulse all its own. “Look!”

Deidra looked up in the direction Wendy was pointing and her own eyes widened. “Oh, my gosh!” she cried. “Yes!”

Bill and Ted looked in the direction their girlfriends were looking in to see a couple of small horse plushies, sitting together on a shelf in a cute way, their heads leaning on each other’s as their front legs slightly hung off the shelf. One was a soft chestnut brown color with a long black mane, the other was a soft off-white color with a just as long, and slightly wavy, golden blonde mane.

Bill chuckled a little as he nudged Ted in the side with his elbow. “Heh, those horses kinda look like us, Dude”, he said. Ted nodded and turned his attention to the carnival worker. “We’ll take those horses”, he said.

Without a word, the worker reached up and took the horses off of the shelf and handed them to Ted who then handed one to Deidra and the other to Wendy without even so much as a ‘thank you’ to the carnival worker.

Ted then gently scooped Wendy into his arms, holding her bridal style as the group walked away, silence filling the air around them. The only thing on Ted’s mind now was getting Wendy to a hospital. That and trying his best to prevent her from falling asleep.

Wendy lay the horse on the bed beside her, her thoughts being interrupted by the door of her hospital room opening, Dr. Simpson and a nurse, who Wendy guessed was just out of college, walking in the room.

Wendy knew just by looking at her doctor that she was going into surgery: he was dressed in teal green scrubs, complete with a matching hat. His face was covered by a surgical mask and he had his hands up as if he just finished cleansing them.

“Are you ready, Wendy?” Dr. Simpson asked through his mask. Wendy gave the kind doctor a small smile as she nodded her head. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this day, Dr. Simpson”, she told her doctor sincerely before lying back against the pillows, watching as the nurse wheeled a small tray beside the bed.

Wendy felt her heart rate increase slightly as the young nurse gently took her arm and started to wipe it clean, her big brown eyes focusing solely on the syringe that lay on the metal tray. Spotting the small horse out of the corner of her blue-green eyes, the nurse smiled at Wendy. “That’s a cute little horse”, she complimented, trying to direct the teen’s focus on something else. “Where did you get it?”

Wendy looked down at the horse and smiled, a faint blush coming to her cheeks. “My boyfriend got it for me”, she replied. “At a carnival last summer.” The nurse smirked as she narrowed her eyes, glad she was hitting on something. “Ahh!” she sighed as she got the syringe ready. “Sounds like fun.” She smiled down at Wendy, lowering her voice slightly. “So, this boyfriend of yours…”, she said before pausing slightly. “Is he cute?” the nurse finished in a whisper. “Just between us girls.” She gave Wendy a little wink.

Wendy’s blush grew deeper. “Very”, she admitted without missing a beat, feeling as if this nurse was like an older sister she could share everything with. “He’s like a cute little puppy dog with long jet-black hair and big, beautiful brown eyes…” the more she described Ted; the more Wendy couldn’t help but think about him, her nervousness going away as she did.

Seeing this as the perfect opportunity, the nurse gently held Wendy’s arm as she stuck an IV into the back of the younger girl’s hand, inserting the medication into the IV moments later.

After taping the IV down, the nurse gently eased Wendy back against the pillows once more, the teen having stopped talking a few moments ago. The effects of the medication were already starting to sink in. “You’ll have to tell me more about him when you wake up”, the nurse said, “but right now, just focus on resting.” She gave Wendy another caring smile. “You’ll be asleep before you know it.”

Wendy barely felt her hospital bed rolling out of the room and down the hallway. The rows of lights on the ceiling above her were getting more and more blurry by the minute and as they did, she could no longer feel the motions of all the hospital’s activity going on around her but instead she heard…music.

Beautiful music.

She could also hear a woman with the most stunning singing voice she had ever heard singing the most beautiful song, making Wendy feel as if she were floating on air or flying high in the gorgeous, clear blue sky without a care in the world.

Do you remember me? The woman sang. Once I called you my own. I’m sad as I can be. It’s no fun all alone.

Sad? Wendy questioned the song in her mind, her eyelids now beginning to feel heavy. How can anyone be sad singing a song as magnificent as this?

Why can’t a memory, the woman singing continued, roll away like a tear? Why do I go…to my window…hoping you will appear?

Wendy was now lying under a few large white, circular lights as she slightly fought to keep her eyes open. After a few tries, the teen knew it was useless and gave up the fight. She couldn’t help but smile as she felt her whole body relax, Ted’s handsome face appearing the moment she shut her eyes, his face and the last of the woman’s melody the last thing she remembered before she slipped into unconsciousness:

‘Cause I need you. ‘Cause I miss you. ‘Cause I wish…you…were…here.

taglist:

@tiddly-winx

#bill and ted's excellent adventure #my writing

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vampire-hubby · 6 years ago

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hi, would you mind doing a murdoc x reader? 💘💗💝💖💓💞💕

!Oh my a request!!!! (I’ve never gotten one thank you so much I feel needed ;w;)(Phase one)

I couldn’t help but stare at my email. My mother had just emailed me for the first time in 3 months, and this is what she tells me: “Get married, you’re fucking 29.”

Really, woman. I don’t see you getting romantic with dad anymore.

My new apartment in the Upper East Side, in Manhattan, wasn’t the biggest, the brightest, or the nicest, but they had internet and good rent. I had only moved in a few weeks prior, and I finally set up my big, clunky desktop, which had become most of my life. I emailed people I didn’t even know from around the world, talking about almost anything with them, from the crappy content on MTV to when we could afford cell phones. I had been chatting for hours on end, hardly getting up except to eat and pee.

I closed out of my mother’s rude email with a rough click of my mouse, and entered my favorite chat room with four different people and me. I had never seen their faces.

Sara: Yoooo, wut’s taking u so long?

Dylan: Yea, where ru?

Imani: *sonic voice* Im waaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiting

(y/n): I was emailing mom. srry.

Bobbi: Its chill. hey, i got a friend from england who just got email. want me 2 let him in the chat?

Ooh, a new friend, I thought sarcastically. Bobbi had this thing where he’d bring in new people and then kick them out a bit later because they’d swear too much. I hoped this wasn’t the case.

Sara: I think thats ok, just dont let them swear.

Sara: seriously

Dylan: I didnt like the last chick u let in

Bobbi: Yea, srry bout that. He wont swear. He only does when hes tired.

Imani: pls let that be tru :(

(y/n): yea let him in.

I leaned back and waited for a solid 30 seconds, before I heard a trademark blip from the speakers.

Murdoc has joined the chat!

Nice name, bucko. Nice name

Murdoc: Hey, people.

(y/n): Greetings, Lord of Hell

Murdoc: nice, I get some respect.

Imani: OOooooooOOOOOh.

Bobbi: Hey man, wasup?

Sara: Dude, is that ur real name

Murdoc: Well, my older brother was named Hannibal

Bobbi: thats scary

Sara: what does ur name mean?

Murdoc: I heard it was irish or celtic or something. Seafarer, Seaman? idk

Imani: cool. do u like the ocean?

Bobbi: OCEAN MAN TAKE ME BY THE HAND

Murdoc: It’s nice i guess. I am overseas right now in NY. I’m in a concert

Sara: cool! isn’t (y/n) from Manhattan?

(y/n): I just moved up there, but ive been here so much i know everything.

Bobbi: guys get like a codeword and find eachother

Murdoc: What kind?

(y/n): seriously NY is so big I doubt murdoc can find me

Murdoc: are you going to any concerts soon?

Sara: dude Manhattan is 1/5 of NY itself

(y/n): Yeah the Gorillaz one

Murdoc: I’m going there too! That band is my heart and soul!

(y/n): u’d better not be the bass player, as your name suggests.

Murdoc: I’ll surprise you. Go to the entrance and when its 5 say ‘seaman’ you’ll find me:)

Imani: Oooooooooooh Murdoc and (y/n) have a date!!!!!

(y/n): my mom says i need to get married, so i’ll take it as a date. anything to make mother happy ;(

Bobbi: aww, sorry. hope u guys have fun

Sara: I gtg, dinner ready. hubbies special

Imani: same, I gotta work on my finals

Bobbi: Ive spen enough time on here. u 2 can talk if u want! bye bye!

Sara has left the chat.

Bobbi has left the chat.

Imani has left the chat.

(y/n): if this date goes well, im moving to england with u.

Murdoc: Great! you can see my car. You might not like my house though, its so fuckin run down,

(y/n): man u swore

Murdoc: the others aren’t on here i can do what i want

(y/n): true.

And I kept chatting for another hour. ‘Murdoc’ was somewhat nice, although he talked shit about his dad and brother. In a way, he was charming. He told smooth jokes that made me laugh until my side hurt. He also seemed to be a little bitter about romance, as he had an unfortunate experience with his friend’s girlfriend a few years back. I left the chat room because my eyes hurt too hard and my bad felt like it would snap. I signed off and headed to bed, staring and the Gorillaz concert ticket on my bulletin board. The concert was next week, and a shiver ran up my spine. I couldn’t wait to see them onstage. They really were a band to behold.

I rolled over and plopped a pillow on my head as the heater kicked in, a loud, angsty cluncki-click noise and thrummed wildly like an out-of-tune instrument.

The day soon came, and I knew I couldn’t be late. I had awoken early, and eaten my fair (and disgusting) share of all-bran cereal.

I opened my window, to the smell of exhaust, perfume, and cigarettes, and the sound of cars honking and driving.

The smell of cigarettes seemed different today. Perhaps the drugstore ran out of Camels. I went back to my room and pulled on my clothes, hoping to get a fresh start to the day, despite the fact I had awoken at 6:30. Ugh.

I went back to my computer and booted up Half-Life and began to play.

*****let me timeskip I’m lazy*****

4:55. and I had spent the last hour in traffic.

Man, people surely like Gorillaz or something. I had barely gotten there in time. I left at four, totally certain I’d beat traffic. Oh how wrong I was.

I went near the gate, holding my ticket and trying not to look suspicious to security. I had to wait a painstaking five minutes just to see the guy I was having my mystery first date with. The Gorillaz murals, however, were nothing short of wonderful, so at least I could spend time looking at them.

I felt a chill up my spine as I gripped my jacket closer, and my ticket tighter.

At last, it was 5. I stared at my watch, unable to believe it. It only dawned on me later on that I was supposed to do something, but what? Say something? What did Murdoc tell me in the chat, Dammit?

“Uh...” I looked around, and hesitantly called out, “S-seaman?”

The security guard looked over at me, and raised a choppy eyebrow. “Say again?”

“Seaman. I’m supposed to say that and meet some-”

“Come with me,” He said shortly. “And I’ll take your ticket.”

“W-where am I going?” I asked.

“I was told about a special somebody here, and that she deserved a backstage pass with her new boyfriend,” He said simply. “Don’t worry, I’ll scan your ticket.” I fearfully handed the man the ticket, and he proceeded to lead me to a door that said ‘Backstage- security and band only.’

He opened the door. “Your friend is inside, but be careful. He may or may not be drunk.”

“He’s what-” but he slammed the door and and I was left in a dimly lit hallway.

I decided that there was nothing else to do besides walk down to the dressing rooms. And, like every idiot in every horror movie, I did.

My feet echoed louder than I wanted them to, and I shivered. I caught a whiff of that same cigarette smell from this morning, but I shook it away as I forced my feet to march to my inevitable fate. That hallway seemed to grow longer and longer, and I soon heard voices from a door I was approaching.

“-and I tell ya, the kiddo had blue hair like me! ‘e did!” a stuttery voice cheered

“D, he probably dyed it.” came a deeper one, probably from a black man.

“I know, but I fought it wazza’bit cool, eh?”

“Dents, get your sodding mind out of the gutter! I have a guest coming.” Ordered a gruff, angry voice.

“Watashi wa kireina josei ni aitaidesu!!” a Littler girl spoke, but I didn’t understand. Was she Asian or something?

“I know you do, babygirl, just wait.”

I knocked on the door, and the voices went silent.

It opened, and a little Japanese girl stood in the doorway, wearing a radio helmet and a jacket covered in patches that was too big for her.

“Anata wa kireina joseidesu ka?“ She asked

“Umm..” I stared at her.

“She jus; asked yew if yew were the pretty lady Mu’doc’s been talkin’ bout.” said a voice from inside.

“I don’t know if I’m pretty, but can I see Murdoc?” I hunched my shoulders.

“Ē! Kare wa koko ni iru -“

“Let her in, Noodle.” came the gruff voice, and I head a metal chair creak.

“Ā, daijōbu, Murdoc!” the little girl stepped aside and grinned at me. ‘Noodle’ looked too young to be with these men.

And then it hit me once I walked in.

I stood face to face with a man in his thirties. His nose was a lumpy mess, and his eyes lay just under his greasy black bangs, one red and one brown. He scratched a tanned cheek and grinned a crocodile, crooked-toothed grin. He wore a sweat-stained grey shirt, displaying his tattoo-covered arms. He had oddly trimmed white fingernails, which fiddled with a guitar pick. His ripped jeans seemed too small, and he had a pair of Cuban heels on his feet.

“You must be (y/n),” Murdoc seemed to play with my name on his snakey tongue. “It’s me, from the chat room.”

(sorry to end off on a cliffhanger)

#Gorillaz #Murdoc Niccals #Murdoc x Reader #reader insert #gorillaz reader insert #fanfic request

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jojotier · 6 years ago

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lil masterpost of some of my favorite golden trio interactions that ive written vfkjv

seriously if you’re a fic writer and you haven’t tried to write these three interacting, I suggest you try. at least once. Seriously, writing them always leaves a smile on my face...

Some more that were so long that I decided to like, at least put it under the cut to save everyone the space and breathing room:

“He’s a cute guy- always wondered what it’d have been like to meet him, you know, take him out somewhere fancy…” Shiraishi wiggled his eyebrows and Asirpa nigh instantaneously appeared to smack him over his bald head with a wooden spoon. “Hey-! What’d I say?!”

“Don’t be weird, Shiraishi!” Asirpa huffed, wagging the spoon in her hand. “Or else we’re going to have to crack your egg head over a pot and have you for breakfast!”

Shiraishi whined, “Mannnn why are you two always bullying me?! I’m the oldest! If anyone should be bullying anyone, it should be me bullying someone!!”

“But you won’t! Because you know what’s good for you,” Sugimoto teased, pouring himself and Shiraishi a cup of coffee.

Asirpa said from her place beside Shiraishi, “Pour me a cup too! Black, please.”

Sugimoto felt a sudden, terrified shiver run down his spine. “... Are you sure about that, Asirpa? That’s… this is a really bitter brand, so-”

“Black,” Asirpa repeated, slowly raising her spoon. She tapped it on her other hand, eyes blazing. Sugimoto felt sweat drip down the back of his neck. “What is it, Sugimoto? Do you not think I can handle it, Sugimoto? Do you think I’m too much of a child? Sugimoto? Well? Are you saying little Asirpa is too much of a baby to handle coffee in its natural state? Sugimoto, are you saying-”

“Alright, alright! I’m pouring you some now…” Sugimoto said, pouring her some of the coffee while trying to bite back a laugh.

Shiraishi’s eyes widened in vague awe. “Man… black? I thought you’ve never had coffee before,”

“That’s because I never have.” Asirpa nodded, moving back to the little kitchenette to take the cup from Sugimoto. “ Huci never bought it much, and my aca used to say that it was too weak to even bother with. Watching you two load it down with sugar and cream, and knowing Sugimoto has a weak tongue-”

“Hey-!” Sugimoto said, slightly offended.

“- I’ve decided that it can’t be bitter at all. You’re both just weak.” Asirpa declared, before taking a giant, ill-advised gulp of her coffee. Shiraishi started to say something, but it caught in his throat, leaving him to just make a weird noise like a dying whale. Asirpa stood stock still for a second, black coffee dripping a little onto the corner of her mouth, as she took a shaky swallow. She looked up at Sugimoto, tears in her slightly squinted eyes as she tried to give a smile that didn’t look like she was in immense pain. “S. See. Not. Bitter at all,”

Sugimoto bust out laughing, trying to rein it in a bit because maybe it was a bit of an asshole thing, to laugh at a kid, but even still… it was pretty hilarious. “Really! Really now! I see that face you’re making- you think its as bitter as we do!”

“Do not!”

“Do too!” Shiraishi joined in, laughing a bit himself.

“Do not- look,” Then Asirpa, face flushing, tried to drink the rest in a few fell gulps. A little bit of the hot, bitter drink dribbled down her chin and onto her shirt as she finished, looking like she was regretting pretty much all of her life choices. Asirpa made a face and squinted, sticking out her tongue. “Ugh… I think I burned my tongue….”

“... So it’s an ugly thing that’s a pile of junk, is what you’re saying,” Shiraishi snickered a bit. “So antiquated that not even JAXA wants to knock this thing into the gravity and get it down out of this airspace!”

Asirpa’s cheeks puffed out slightly in disdain. “... I’m not giving that a response. This is still neat!!! You just have no taste.”

“Oh no, yeah, it’s pretty neat,” Shiraishi ceded, glancing back out at the station. He snickered under his breath some more. “Lots of historical significance, probably… looks like an old-timey soup can.”

Sugimoto snorted at that, a wide grin splitting over his face. “Come on, that’s mean. It looks like a tin bucket from one of those cowboy movies, at least- the ones that hold all the bullets.”

“Those buckets aren’t historically accurate- bullets weren’t really that big…” Asirpa corrected, tapping at her watch’s interface. Then, her head dipped down a bit, what stray hairs that remained free from her braid falling in her face as she bit her lip, looking absolutely goofy. “... Looks kind of like a big asinru, though…”

“Hey, look!!! Sugimoto look!!” Shiraishi leaned forward, hands gripping on the railing and feet braced against it as his face lit up. “She talks so big but she thinks that ship looks funny too!”

“It’s your fault!” Asirpa uselessly tossed one of the plastic maps at Shiraishi. It went like five centimeters, and then uselessly fwumped onto the ground with a weird sound, not unlike the sound one got when shaking out a laminated paper. Asirpa chose to ignore that. “You have me thinking of tin can shaped things-!!” Shiraishi started laughing, chest shaking a bit as his grip tightened on the railing.

Sugimoto snickered a bit, eyes crinkling at the corners, “Last I checked, only you can have yourself thinking things.”

Asirpa tried to toss a map at Sugimoto, throwing it like a frisbee to see if that would get any lift. No dice. It went an even closer distance and fluttered uselessly down, sliding away from Sugimoto entirely. Shiraishi guffawed, and before Asirpa could open her mouth, there was a solid thunk. Shiraishi yelped as he hit the ground, still slightly red-faced from laughing. He’d fallen off. Sugimoto gave a hearty laugh at that.

“See,” Asirpa said, looking at Shiraishi, “this is what you get. Karma.”

Shiraishi whined, rolling over onto his back with a pout. “Let’s just get this trespassing over with…” Both Sugimoto and Asirpa giggled a bit together.

“Well, we figured since it was New Years, it’d be nice to drop by-” Sugimoto started to say before being slightly tilted off balance, shoved vaguely to the side. A second face appeared, slightly lower than Sugimoto’s face and flushed lightly. The smell of sake on this stranger’s breath nearly made Tsukishima recoil, knuckles turning white as his free hand clenched into a fist.

“Heyyyyy, Tsukihime-san!” The bald stranger grinned, head seeming to bob from side to side. “It’s so good t’ see you- great to meetcha, I’m Shiraishi Yoshitake-”

“Where’s the dog.” came a third voice, and soon a third face, belonging to a girl much shorter and younger than the two above her, peered into the gap.

“Asirpa, please,” Sugimoto laughed a little, trying to hide the smile behind his hand, “don’t make it look like that’s the only reason-!”

“But you said yourself that you wanted to pet the dog, Sugimoto,” Asirpa’s eyebrows rose as she tipped her head back, staring at the scarred man in the door.

“Well-!” Sugimoto’s face flushed a bit as well, giving a bit of a sheepish look. “I also wanted to say hi to the owner, of the dog.”

Tsukishima glanced over the three of them. It was unlikely that Sugimoto had ill intent, bringing both a drunk and a pre-teen along with him. He kept his pocket knife in his pocket and opened the door just a bit wider, looking to his impromptu guests and remembering Nugget in the living room, whining underneath the table. “Sorry. My dog doesn’t like being around a lot of people- he’s easily spooked.”

“The dog or you?” Shiraishi snickered a bit, seemingly trying to peer over Tsukishima’s shoulder into the apartment. Tsukishima reconsidered not thinking about the merits of “accidental” greeting stabs in the future. Except there wouldn’t be a future, because Tsukishima didn’t want to deal with visitors. “Noah Fence, dude, but you’re like- this super hermit! I don’t think anyone’seen you outside this apartment... Tha’s what I heard from other people-”

The girl, Asirpa, turned around and kicked Shiraishi in the shins. Sugimoto followed suit, smacking Shiraishi upside the head while glaring at him. Tsukishima’s eyes narrowed as he went to close the door anyway. “Good night, Sugimoto. Asirpa.”

“Wait! Wait,” Sugimoto shoved his hand in the door hastily, trying to fold in on himself so he could hold up a package wrapped in paper the same shade of blue and white that the headband that Asirpa wore was. Of course, the designs were much different, looking more like silver leaves and boars. That’s right- it was the year of the boar soon, wasn’t it?

“We made too much mochi and yokan,” Asirpa explained, peering up at Tsukishima.

“Awww, but Asirpa~” Sugimoto gave a mock pitiful whine, pushing his lower lip out like a child. “How am I gonna give miso to Huci to go with the feast?”

“We don’t need any of your poop near our shit,” Asirpa said, turning up her nose. At that, Shiraishi lost it and rolled onto his side, chortling the entire while.

Sugimoto gave a delicate gasp. “Asirpa, language! Who taught you to say that? Did Shiraishi here rub off on you,”

“I taught myself to say it,” Asirpa stuck out her tongue, but she knew no one was being serious about it. Sugimoto wasn’t the type of person to become faint just because someone younger than him said something mildly uncouth, as she’d done many times before. Sugimoto chuckled himself, a wider grin breaking out over his face.

Soon, the laughter died down again, and Sugimoto rested his cheek harder against his hand. It wasn’t nearly as cold and oppressive as before- but there was still an odd undertone, to the quiet that surrounded them. Something left unsaid.

“Man.” Sugimoto sighed, looking wistfully at the fire, “I wish I still had my miso. We could’ve used it with dinner earlier.”

It was quiet for a few seconds more before Asirpa suddenly remembered- in her coat… She didn’t remember if she’d used the last of it before, in the meal they had outside this place, but she still reached into an innermost pocket and pulled out the small metal tin. Shuffling around to Sugimoto, she presented it to him and opened the lid, showing just the smallest trace of brown miso in a corner.

Sugimoto’s eyes widened, a happy smile coming onto his face. “Oh man-! You did keep it! I would’ve thought for sure you were gonna use it as anosoma box or something, for anything you find-”

“Oh come on, that’s so gross!” Asirpa felt her eyes burn at the mere thought of it. Or maybe they burned because she was squinting so hard it looked as if her eyes had receded back into her face flesh. Sugimoto snorted, trying to keep his giggles in as Asirpa silently worked through how to even respond to that. After a moment, her face loosened back into a more contemplative expression.

“... Besides. You liked it so much that you would try to make my poor old Huci try it- so we had to keep it for when you came back.”

#golden kamuy #asirpa #sugimoto saichi #shiraishi yoshitake #gk #crying in the club i just!!! love them!!!!!!

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purplesurveys · 6 years ago

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394

Do you use public transport regularly? I would if it were safer, more efficient, and less crowded. But it’s none of these things, so I resort to driving my own car. Who do you usually say hello or good morning first? My girlfriend. Do you usually have time for breakfast in the morning? What do you have? Not this sem, because my classes start at 8:30/9 so I usually go straight to the bathroom for a quick shower and off to the car. I never have time to pick up breakfast, unless my dad is home and packs me food. He usually makes me eggs and hotdogs. Have you ever had to work while there was a film crew at your work place? I’ve never had a job but yeah, they recently shot a movie in my school. Caused a lot of traffic that day but tbh I can’t be mad, the movie’s supposed to be really good (although I haven’t seen it so shame on me). Have you ever gotten an ailment just before you were going on holiday? Ugh I never get sick, my immune system doesn’t have a lot of stories to tell.

What’s your favourite colour of carnation? Light pink. When’s the last time you got to leave work earlier than scheduled? Not work, buuuut my communication research prof always dismisses us early for some reason. Last week he let us go 45 minutes before our scheduled dismissal. Do you play any “getting to know you” type of games with a friend on FB? No, that sounds very 2009. Are the roads basically rock solid frozen slush where you live right now? No snow where I’m from. Do you/have you worked a job where you could bring leftover food home from? Is there a winter break/half term coming along in your part of the world? No, we don’t get seasonal breaks like that except for summer and that doesn’t come around until May. Who or what greets you at the door every time you come home? My dog used to, but he’s gotten old and doesn’t really have the energy to go down the steps anymore haha. Still, he’s the first thing I see up the stairs when I get home. Have you had any assignments to finish lately? Yep, I did one before I drove home tonight. How about any long-running group assignments? I finished one last night but my groupmates were shit and I didn’t feel good about that homework at all. Do you have group chats with your friends that make you laugh? Yes, we have one for our friend group. Do you sing or whistle while you work? Sometimes, but it doesn’t last long because 1) I sing terribly, and 2) whistling is loud. Would you ever like a professional kitchen’s dishwasher at home? I’m fine with manually washing dishes tbh. Any exciting or fun plans for the weekend? Not this weekend. I do have to go to a volleyball game that’s required for my PR class, though. Not that I find it exciting. How about for this evening? I just got back home from a laidback date with Gab, so. We had cheap dinner and a study date at a coffee shop. Do you ever chat about your favourite video games with your friends? Hahaha, I don’t play video games. This is Gab’s question to answer. Have you ever supported anyone’s Kickstarter? If so, what was it? I don’t think so, no. What do you like in your omelet? We don’t usually make omelets at home, so when we’re staying at a place that makes omelets (usually a breakfast buffet at a hotel), I ask them to put everything that they have available–cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes, bell peppers, whatever else they offer. Do you do anything physically taxing that makes your limbs or back sore? Yeah, I have a shoulder bag that worsens my scoliosis when I have to wear it, cos it only puts a lot of pressure and weight on one side of my body. Does a cat ever randomly jump on your desk and blocks your screen? Does said cat like to climb on your shoulder and kneads your arm? Was today surprisingly sunny where you live, too? It was just sunny, it’s never a surprise. Did you encounter many happy people today? Did it make you happy? Surprisingly no. My org’s hangout space is empty on Tuesdays. I guess people’s schedules are packed on that day. The only people I saw were Laurice, Jane, Jo, Jum, and Kate, and they all were okay, but I wouldn’t call them happy. Has anyone put their freezing cold hands on your body today? Uhhhh nope haha. Has anyone tickled you mercilessly today? No, I would’ve kicked them in the face. Has anyone hugged or kissed you today? Yes, Gabie gave me both :) Aaahahhhhhhh I love her so so so much. When do you normally come on Bzoink? Mmm once a week, cos that’s the only amount of time I get to take surveys these days. Have you had to change clothes more than twice today? Nope, just one constant outfit for today. What’s something that makes you feel confident? Gab giving me boosts. I trust anything she says, so if she says I can do this or I can finish that, I usually will. Do you have any presentations you have to give in the near future? Nah, I don’t think so. Have you ever had a shrove bun? (Look it up, they’re really good!) NO BUT THEY LOOK REALLY GOOD I WANT ONE NOW??????? Do you have time for regular coffee/tea breaks throughout the day? I can’t take coffee anymore dude haaah. I recently ~resigned from coffee, cos I realized that whenever I drink coffee now, I feel more sick than energized to finish work, and I always end up having chest pains now unlike before. I denied it for a long time and kept drinking coffee (and getting sick after) until I finally sucked it up last week. Haven’t had any since. Do your lips or hands go really dry in cold weather? Not really. Do you have any wine or rum in your fridge? Yes. Do you ever look in the mirror and wonder when you got that old? Hahahaha yeah I look in the mirror but I don’t necessarily ask myself that. Are you currently studying a language? If so, which one? No. I get spurts of enthusiasm here and there, but they always die down quickly. Just three weeks ago I went back to studying Korean but I stopped after two days lol. Are you good at word games and anagrams? Yesssssss I love those. UBWHAECNI ^Give me the longest word you can make out of those letters Beach, china, whine, bench, bunch, cabin. Do you encounter eccentric looking people on a daily basis? In UP? Of course. I love it. Has a song been playing in your head today? What was it? imagine by Ariana Grande. Is there anything at the movie theaters right now that you’d like to see? Alone/Together, but I heard that the trailer is way better than the film itself. I’d see the movie but only if it were someone’s treat haha. Do you have free tickets for anything that need to be used soon? Nah. Do you have candy in your cupboards? We don’t keep candy in the cupboards, but yeah we have some lying around the house. Are you itching to do something else now? Eat, because I suddenly got hungry. Can you hear snoring from somewhere right now? Nope. Has the sun gone down by now? Yes, hours ago. It’s 11:36 in the evening.

#survey #surveys

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verritytorres · 6 years ago

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calron fake dating au - unfinished outline

THROUGHOUT ONE MONTH (OCTOBER 2017)

· still not fully clear on why they fake date but we getting there

o call announces it for shits n giggles at a party on Thursday night (drunk? to celia the gossip queen?) then morning after everyone’s like “oh congrats on finally dating aaron btw!” “what”

o aaron’s pissed at first cause that’s actually a shitty thing to do also he’s been pining for going on two years now do u have any idea what this does to his Heart

o that is, until something happens that convinces him

§ some bully fuckers in the locker room after soccer practice like “who we gonna get today, chad?” “well everyone in here is off limits so--” aaron chimes in “what do you mean… off limits” “look youre a respectable guy so we treat you right, always have. teammates honor and all that. so we get at other people instead” (cue Dark Aaron) “and who are these other people” “that scrawny guy hunt for example” “oh, you mean call hunt my boyfriend?” “your…what?” “you heard me. if you fuck with him, you and I might have a problem. and nobody wants that.”

§ later, aaron texts call “I’m in.”

§ “sweet. what changed ur mind?” “That’s not important.”

· the only person that knows is tamara bc helou its tamara they don’t keep secrets from each other

o STUDY SESSION AT THE GABLES FRIDAY AFTERNOON (they all in the same regular algebra class cause theyre gay and therefore not great at math):

§ t: yo btw have you guys dealt with the whole “youre dating” rumor? if anyones been giving you a hard time tell me so I can eliminate them off the face of the earth

§ c: actually, aaron and I are just gonna roll with it

§ t: wait. youre actually gonna date?

§ c: NO no no no we’re gonna fake date. scam the fuck outta the school also it’s a bit too awkward to go back on it now for me so

§ t: (turns and gives aaron a Look cause she knows this fuckers been pining forever) are YOU on board with this?

§ a: (busies himself with his hw to hide his blush) yeahsurewhynot

§ t: (looks up and shakes her head) this is gonna end badly, calling it now

o t: math is acephobic. im asexual and its inconveniencing me

· Saturday! aaron goes over to the hunt household to hang out like he usually does

o alastair loves him

o alastair: so when did this happen?

o call, who is sitting knee-to-knee w aaron on the couch like he always does: when did what happen

o alastair: (gives him a Look) the watsons came in this morning. Brenda told me the news, im just surprised you didn’t tell me

o call:…..what news…….

o alastair: you two are dating, right? which im totally fine with btw, i had a boyfriend back then too, and im really happy for you, youre both mature enough that I don’t have to give the whole speech—

o call and aaron are looking at each other in Horror

o call: OKAY THANKS DAD WE’RE GONNA WALK HAVOC NOW BYE (nyooms outta the house with aaron and havoc in tow)

o out in the park

§ c: so I guess we gotta find out how to sell this whole (gestures between himself and aaron) thing

§ a: (snorts) thing?

§ c: yeah thing. if my hermit dad knows, then we can assume just about everyone in town knows too. which is not the idealest

§ a: why’s that?

§ c: cause then we gotta act all coupley to everyone or else they’ll be like “wait a minute…are they really dating??”

§ a: well, not with everyone. tamara knows

§ c: yeah, that’s one person in a whole townful of people

§ a: we spend the majority of our time with tamara though

§ c:….point. we still gotta sell it to everyone else

§ a: it cant be that hard, just hold hands a little here, drop some compliments there

§ in reality aaron doesn’t wanna do Big Couple Things or else he might literally spontaneously combust. its possible, hes read abt it

§ c: oh come on, no one gonna buy that. we gotta pull out all the stops

§ a: (cursing silently) like?

§ c: hugs. general lack of personal space. kiss on the cheek, maybe. pet names.

§ a: (calming his crazy heart) oh. I see.

§ c: as long as youre alright with it, of course! I don’t wanna do some creeper shit and like accidentally assault you

§ a: nonono I get it im alright with it. (pause) we should uh..have some signal, though

§ c: signal?

§ a: in case one of us goes too far or something. nothing too obvious, but just obvious for us to notice

§ c: hm. ok, how bout asshole?

§ a: (bursts out laughing) asshole????

§ c: (grinning) yeah, asshole. I never call you an asshole, you never call me an asshole. so if you say “youre a bit clingy there, asshole” I know I should back off

§ a: that- that hardly sounds affectionate

§ c: well duh you gotta say it in an affectionate way. like this (sticky sweet voice, batting eyelashes) “asshole”

§ a: (still laughing) okay. asshole it is.

§ theyre both quiet ntil aaron speaks up. “I do have one request”

§ “which is?”

§ “this is gonna sound weird, please don’t ask but…don’t kiss me. not unless I tell you to.”

§ call looks at him like ??? then says “sure, man. nix on smooches. you wish you had a taste of these bad boys, though.”

§ aaron turns away bc hes a blushy boi. “youre making it weird.”

· Monday rolls in

o call is in Zombie Mode making himself coffee on his antique expensive coffee machine (the best Christmas gift ever thanks alastair)

o alastair, making pancakes: shouldn’t you bring an extra to school today?

o sleepy call, pouring himself a solid triple shot of espresso: whaddya mean

o alastair: if youre gonna be dating aaron, you gotta treat him right. bring out the big guns, you know

o call, suddenly wide awake: what????

o alastair: I will not have that boy deprived of real boyfriend privileges

o so call leaves his house with two coffee cups

o he walks over to where he knows aaron is at the time (music room, playing piano)

o before he heads in he looks inside and just. stares at aaron playing the piano. gay descriptions galore

o aaron hits a wrong key and swears

o c: well that’s a big word

o a: (practically jumps out of his seat, swearing again)

o c: and that’s an even bigger one

o a: oh, its you. good morning, call

o c: morning, snookums

o a: (smiling tentatively) snookums? is that really the best you can do

o c: that’s just scratching the surface, and also its Monday morning so im not at my peak. anyway i brought you coffee

o a: thanks. already “pulling out all the stops” I see

o c: I plan to be an especially doting boyfriend (glances at the door, sees a few people staring at them) I..gotta get to my locker (kisses his cheek, aaron goes rigid, call whispers at his ear) we got an audience. see you at lunch

o aaron sits there for a while after call leaves staring at the ceiling and asking himself why

· lunch in the magisterium high caf

o jasper: I JUST—I STILL DON’T GET IT

o aaron, biting calmly at his sandwich: what don’t you get

o jasper: there are at LEAST a dozen guys in this school ready and willing to go out with you and you go with CALL

o call, resting his head on Aarons shoulder, much to Aarons chagrin: its ok dude you can just say youre jealous

o jasper: YEAH A LITTLE. Aarons like…the best catch out here. the golden boyfriend. the guy that would tell your parents “yes sir ill have him back by nine thirty sharp :)”

o aaron: I wouldn’t say that to alastair

o call: yeah you would (turning back to jasper) who are these dozen guys? I gotta know whos planning to fight me so I can know their weaknesses beforehand

o jasper: kai hale, for one

o aaron: hmm. he is kinda cute

o call: HEY

o jasper: definitely cuter than hunt

o aaron: is there something particularly wrong with call?

o jasper: OPEN YOUR EYES HES A TRASH MAN

o call: takes one to know one

o aaron, shrugging and finishing his sandwich: maybe I like trash men

o call laughing his ass off, jasper groaning: youre killing me, stewart. youre literally causing my cells to stop functioning

· study hall w aaron and tamara

o t: (has been frowning at him for the past 10 mins)

o a: okay you clearly want to talk about something so out with it

o t: are you sure about this thing with call?

o a: what, the dating thing?

o t: the fake dating thing

o a: right. its fake. yeah im fine

o t: we both know that’s a lie, aaron. we don’t lie to each other

o a: (sardonically) yeah well. ive been lying to him since we were freshmen

o t: having a crush isn’t lying, per se, but that’s besides the point. im worried about you, man. I don’t want call to hurt you accidentally, and then consequently be hurt himself by not knowing how he hurt you, cause then ILL be hurt by best friend collateral drama

o a: I get it, tamara

o t: then I reiterate: are you sure about this?

o big internal monologue

o a: yeah. im sure.

· INSERT SLOW BURN

· CARNIVAL

o it’s the fall festival since its October theres pumpkins everywhere and haunted houses and candied apples and hay bales and rides and its lit

o the iron trio+jasper go always

o theyre walking around, aaron looking at the decorations, tamara call and jasper arguing abt which haunted house to visit first

o c: the mansion is the obvious choice just sayin

o j: but theres a haunted hospital ffs

o c: ive been in enough hospitals to know for a fact that they are all haunted so that doesn’t excite me as much as a MANSION

o t: how bout…we happy medium at…the graveyard one

o a: how bout we don’t go to any of those and just go to the roller coasters instead

o t: aaron, I love you, but youre a weenie sometimes. you can wait outside if you don’t wanna go

o a: im not leaving you guys alone! (catches calls eye, glances at jasper, call nods a lil, aaron drapes his arm round calls shoulders) who am I to let my boyfriend into that scary place alone?

o c: (smiling and rolling his eyes) its not that scary, but I appreciate the offer, sugar

o aaron? oh yes he is dead

o j: (GAG) youre going to give me diabetes with all these sweets

o t: (mischievous smile) I dunno, jasper. ever since they started dating they’ve been acting kinda the same as always

o aaron Tenses, call raises an eyebrow at him then turns to tamara

o c: what were you expecting, rajavi? showers of pda everywhere?

o t: oh come on, if any one of us is going to be That Couple its you two.

o a: LOOK THERES CARAMEL APPLES OVER THERE (nyoom)

o turns out the haunted whatevers are not open yet, they open at nightfall, so they head to the roller coasters

o surprise surprise call hates roller coasters

o “if I die I want you all to know that you are not written into my will therefore I owe you nothing”

o hes clinging to aaron the whole ride and aaron is like if theres a god up above…….

o then they reach the hay bales and jaspers like “im gonna head over to the bumper boats w tamara you guys can wait here or do whatever I guess”

o “we’re just fine going with you guys??”

o jasper looks at call weirdly and says “um, no youre not. you lovebirds need some alone time. get your 10 things I hate about you on in these haystacks.”

o they get redder than the ripest tomatoes

o t: UHHH HES RIGHT BYE GUYS (N Y O O M)

o they just stand there awkwardly for a while when call says “wanna head over to the carnival games” “please”

o they walk over to the game area in a kinda uncomf silence until aaron breaks it

o “what did jasper mean by 10 things I hate about you?”

o call stares at him “are you serious right now”

o aaron looks at him meaningfully

o “oh my god. oh my god. have you never watched 10 things???”

o “no?”

o “oh my god. dude. its just like star wars all over again. we’re watching it, no excuses.”

o aaron smiles at him “okay. whats it about?”

o “well if I tell you that ruins the whole goddamn surprise, doesn’t it, pumpkin?”

o he laughs. “it does, doesn’t it.”

o they get to the carnival game: the hammer game. the biggest prize is a huge stuffed monkey

o aaron turns to call grinning and calls like “you do know this game’s rigged right. theres no way you can win.”

o but of course. aaron wins.

o call is just gaping at him and whispers “you fucking beefcake you.”

o aaron says “here’s your prize, boyfriend” and fucking winks

o is call dying? we don’t know this aint his pov

o c: it looks like you

o a: thanks

o call suddenly looks behind aaron with wide eyes and grabs Aarons hand so Aarons brain goes like WHAT…..

o “heads up,” call whispers, “group of classmates at eight o clock”

o AY ILL KEEP WRITING LATER GOTTA ACTUALLY START OR ELSE I NEVER WILL

· call and tamara have always attended every one of aaron’s soccer games, but for some reason this one felt different

o theyre cheering frm the side with their banners as always (banners say STEWART FOR SOCCER GOD and LUCKY NUMBER 8 and most recently THAT’S MY BOYFRIEND!!! maybe that last one makes this different)

o its also rainy as heck the banners had to be laminated this time (do not underestimate being friends w a rich kid)

o they both in they raincoats while Aarons in full soccer gear in the RAIN rifp

o but the team is falling behind so theyre like FUK OUR CHEERING ISNT WORKING WHAT WE DO

o at halftime

§ t: lets get the fuck down there we gotta give him a pep talk

§ c: what r we gonna say

§ t: HELL IF I KNOW LETS JUST DO IT

§ so they head down to where aaron is sitting, drinking from his water bottle

§ c: cant you just tilt your head back and stick your tongue out in this weather

§ t: shut up. aaron we are here to peptalk you. (INSERT PEPTALK IDK HOW TO PEP)

§ exit tamara

§ a: (wince) we’re that bad today, are we

§ c: yeah youre kinda sucking

§ a: well that’s not the supportive boyfriend comment I expected

§ c: doting. I said I was going to be doting, not supportive. and definitely not a liar

§ a: whatever. tamara’s pep talk helped, so I guess ill get my head in the game

§ coach rockmaple blows his whistle for the team huddle. aaron salutes call with two fingers before standing up to go and then call blurts “ice cream. on me. if you win the game, that is.”

§ aaron stares at him and then smiles. “you’re on.”

§ TEAM MAKES A HUGE COMEBACK AND WINS THE GAME!!!

§ everyones celebrating and grinning and cheering and call catches aarons eye and theyre smiling, smiling, smiling, and suddenly call finds himself right in front of aaron and aaron is cupping his face and its raining and it sounds like something out of a movie and his face is so close and aaron’s freckles are covered in droplets and so are his lashes and call never really thought about it but if he leaned in, tilted his head just a bit, they would be kissing, and call could pass it off as having an audience—

§ aaron pulls call’s face towards him and kisses his forehead, leaning his head to call’s ear to say “you owe me an ice cream.”

§ and call’s heart all but leaps from his body, he feels lightheaded, and aaron looks fucking beautiful like this, his eyes alight with triumph and joy and something else

§ he doesn’t think till he gets home that wanting to kiss aaron for real wasn’t part of the plan.

· they first kiss at a party cause everyones like KISS KISS KISS so call (lightly drunk) cups Aarons cheek and leans in. aaron.exe has crashed is not working holy fuck this is the best thing ever and all those gay ass descriptors. everyone cheers in the bg

o call is dronk, aaron is driving him home, call is being supper chattery and super flirty (think: drunk Laurent)

o alastair is sleeping so aaron has to make sure call is quiet when going to his room

o a: (a lil breathless cause hes basically carrying call) be quiet, your dad is sleeping right there

o c: (winking with both eyes) what do I get in returnnnnn

o a: oh my god

o aaron finally gets him to his bed, drapes him on it and tucks him in, hes about to lean away when call grabs his shirt collar to keep him there

o “aren’t you gonna give your fake boyfriend a proper goodnight?”

o AARON.EXE HAS CRASHED HE IS DEAD HE IS GONE GOODBYE

o “youre drunk. i—we can’t—youre not yourself right now. goodnight.”

o “mm. alright. you owe me a kiss, though.”

o aaron huffs. he cant breathe right. and just because its 3 am and hes feeling reckless after kissing him tonight and call’s just about asleep and he probably wont remember this in the morning, he whispers, “sure.”

· THE BREAK

o Aarons leaning on his kitchen counter, trying to look casual but ultimately failing. call has a sneaking suspicion as to why hes acting this weird but by god he will not say it. its too embarrassing on its own.

o “so.” aaron says. “you kissed me last night.”

o fuck. dammit. “did i?”

o “yeah, in the middle of the party. everyone was watching.”

o call spots himself a loophole and hell if he doesn’t take it. “sweet. looks like drunk me was up for a show.”

o “what do you mean?”

o “well, it was a full party. this whole thing is build on other people believing we’re together

o “’sides. it’s all just fake anyway.”

o aaron stops, his hands fists. “right,” he croaks. “its all fake.”

o “dude…you okay?”

o “yeah. yeah im fine.”

o “don’t lie to me aaron, i can see youre upset. spit it out.”

o aaron takes a deep breath and quickly says “is it really all fake?”

o call freezes. his mind replays last week’s game, and the subsequent breakdown he had because he likes aaron. and fuck. fuck. he swore he was being quiet about it.

o “yeah,” he says after a while, forcing the words out. “it was always fake, that’s the idea.”

o “lately, it hasn’t felt fake.”

o call’s stomach drops. “if you ever needed to stop you could’ve just said—“

o Aarons eyes are closed. “last night didn’t feel fake.”

o because it wasn’t, because im a shitty human who fell for you and since I did this has all been horrible self indulgence, because I like you and you don’t like me.

o “well it was, so I don’t know why youre making such a big deal out of it.”

o call hates the things that come out of his mouth.

o something in aaron seems to catch fire, his eyes fly open and he’s angry, call has barely ever seen him angry at him. “it’s a big deal for me, you kissed me”

o “I didn’t—I didn’t mean to!”

o “then if you didn’t mean to, why did you!”

o calls head is spinning, he doesn’t know what hes doing at this point. “I was drunk, aaron, people fuck up when theyre drunk”

o “I told you not to kiss me, but you went and did it anyway, do you have any idea how that felt—“

o “I don’t, aaron, because I don’t feel the things you feel!”

o aaron freezes completely, his eyes wide

o “right. I forgot. sorry. right.”

o theyre quiet, and call knows he fucked up. he doesn’t know exactly how, but he knows.

o “I…I gotta go. bye.”

o aaron slams the door behind him, call hears the car door slam and aaron driving away before he manages to whisper “wait”

o but its too late. hes alone.

o well, not alone. havoc noses his waist and looks up at him with huge, worried eyes.

o “come on, boy. lets go for a walk.”

o he ends up at the park—the same park he first discussed the thing with aaron. he sits down under a tree and rests his head on his knees, havoc cuddling up to him.

o he kind of drifts off, loses track of time. his mind is kinda blank right now. he knows that’s probably a shitty coping mechanism but what the fuck can you do.

o he doesn’t want to do anything right now. he doesn’t want to deal with anything or anyone right now.

o he doesn’t want to feel anything, because feeling is what got him into this mess in the first place.

o he’s so wrapped up in his personal void that he doesn’t hear the footsteps behind him until he hears jasper say “you look miserable.”

o call doesn’t look up. “fuck off, jasper.”

o he does not fuck off. instead call hears leaves crunching as jasper sits down next to him.

o “he’s at tamara’s. been there for the past hour.”

o “didn’t ask.”

o “but you wanted to know.” calls quiet at this.

#OCTOBER 2017.....WOW #verr's great fic purge #calron #callum hunt #Aaron Stewart #magisterium

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chuckling-chemist · 6 years ago

Text

A Pleasant Meet

((Don’t mind me, only reposting this piece since I made some adjustments to it before I put it on Writscrib, and with Writscrib unfortunately ending well...guess this is my only platform again. As such, the original version of this has been deleted since I honestly couldn’t tell you where the edits were made and it’s a solid ~6000 words. This was originally written about 2 years ago, so if it feels like it, that’s why. Also I do apologise that the read more doesn't work on mobile app. I added the long post tag but that's all I can do))

Pallia expected a lot of things today. It was the last day of the summer festivities - the three perigees that made the weather feel unbearable even at the dead of night - so there was sure to be more drinking and partying than she particularly enjoyed. She anticipated plenty of injuries and a few fights, but not many trolls would stop by unless something life threatening happened. If that was the case, it would likely be a low or midblood stopping in, barely putting pressure on whatever wound they had or with a friend carrying them in a panic. She was used to most of them being perturbed by her habits and reputation of outlaws coming in for a spin. For all she knew, they thought she was a former outlaw herself. Which she supposed she was.

Or it would be one of the outlaws or pirates to run in, as they were far more wont to do, a knife or a broken sword piece shoved somewhere where it shouldn't be. All the pirates already knew each other and were likely aware by this point that her hive was a neutral zone. Nor were they put off by all the rumors of her being a necrophiliac or witch doctor that inevitably float around when you use dead bodies for experimentation. Word travels fast. She wasn't even sure how so many of them found out about her.

So she wasn't terribly surprised when she got two sharp knocks on her lab door and Aisral entered, thankfully making plenty of noise so Pallia was actually aware of her presence. Nor was she surprised when Aisral said Mayola, a fuchsiablood, had been in the front room for a full five minutes and had been trying to get Pallia's attention before starting to pester Aisral on Trollian. And with Aisral in the middle of making a unitard that doubled as a cloaking device, she was not happy with the interruption. So with a quick apology to Aisral, she swiftly took off her prescription goggles and replaced them with half-moon glasses to run out and see what Mayola needed. That was where the unexpected thing happened.

Mayola herself seemed fine. She was currently leaning on the wall, arms crossed and fins flared out. A scowl was evident on her face. On the table in the front room laid some sort of seadweller body, dressed in a black overcoat, though they couldn't have been comfortable. She had to figure at least a foot of them hung off the table. "Couldn' take more time, could ya short stuff?" Mayola asked irritably.

"Sorry! I had an accident recently and --"

"Yeah, yeah. Don' care," Mayola said, waving a hand dismissively. As she spoke, her fins seemed to be retracting. "Didn' come for me, anyhow." She pointed to the table.

"FLARP? Again?" Pallia asked sharply. It wouldn't be after the first time after all and as much as she liked Mayola, the troll had a tendency to forget her own strength.

"Nah, found 'em at the festival. Nearly stepped on the fucker had it not been for Eeks!" Mayola said.

Pallia nodded, all other thoughts gone, and crouched next to the body, doing a quick observation. They - no, they seemed to be he - was a gaunt violetblood swimming in a black overcoat with violet trim. Underneath the overcoat was a full suit with a violet bow tie and a rather filled looking leather messenger bag crossed his torso. His fins were large and drooping, the tops even curling downwards. Dark purple circles surrounded his eyes. Pallia gingerly took an arm that was hanging off the side of the table, rolled up the sleeve just enough to reveal a bony wrist and checked for a pulse.

"So?" Mayola asked.

"He's alive," Pallia said. "Do you know him? I can't imagine there's many seadwellers in this area."

"There ain't. Me and the princess. Oh, and Niehea? No dudes though." She shrugged. "And 's the first time I've seen 'em. Doubt the fucker's from here, else he mighta not been in such a heavyass coat." Mayola pushed herself off the wall and headed towards the door.

Pallia frowned. "Heading out?"

"'Course. Gotta reputation to hold up for bein' an asshole...and I'm needed for some fineass drinkin'," she said. With a final wave, she added, "I'm out, short stuff."

And so that left Pallia with the mystery violetblood. If she had to take a guess, he was probably dehydrated. She could hook him up to an IV, but she would have to move him to one of the side rooms, and while he couldn't be heavy, she was still only five feet tall while he was...well, taller. Nor did she want to move the IV to a room where strangers could see it. Witch doctors no one wanted to mess with, but real scientists might draw unwanted attention of a purple variety. She could theoretically feed water by pouring it, but when the patient is passed out, that could be dangerous. So logically, the easiest step at this moment was to wake him up and just grab a bottled water from the mini fridge underneath her counter space. Something that thankfully, she could easily do without arousing suspicion.

Without another thought, Pallia slowly ran a finger down the gills along his neck.

The result was immediate. The violetblood's eyes shot open and she darted towards the fridge to grab a water. She had learned from more than a few times of waking up pirates that they never took kindly to being woken up, even if it was from fainting. He didn't. He didn't even move. Had it not been for the fact Pallia had just woken him up, she probably would've assumed he wasn't awake.

Finally, as she was heading back to the table to give him the water, he slowly sat and said something Pallia couldn't decipher.

"So…how're you feeling?" Pallia asked.

"You must not have heard me. I said I feel terrible," the violetblood said, turning his head towards her. His voice sounded posh, something she didn't surprise her, but far from unfriendly, at least in her mind. Then again, after Mayola's faux-lowblood accent, anything sounded posh yet outwardly friendly. "Sorry, I must not have adjusted to how sound is on air."

She shook her head. "No, I'm sure you were fine." She crouched back next to him and handed the water. "This should help make you feel better."

"Water? This is not because I am a seadweller, is it?" He shook his head. "No, no. That sounds bad. I merely wish to assure you are not just concerned that I should return to the ocean immediately."

"Hm?" Pallia cocked her head to the side, processing what he said. "Oh no! You're dehydrated."

The violetblood blinked several times. "No, no. I am feeling perfectly alright. It was probably just another fainting spell...possibly an anxiety attack." He stopped to hold up a shaky hand to his face and gently returned it to his side. "I just need sleep, I assure you."

"Your fins are drooping and you're wearing, like four layers on a hot night. You need water," Pallia said.

"Excuse me?"

She sighed. "You don't know? Have you ever been out of the water?"

"I just fail to see how a landdweller would know such a thing when you do not even have fins. Er...no offense. Was that offensive?" The seadweller was pointedly avoiding eye contact as he spoke, seeming to find more interest in his fingers.

"You're not the first seadweller that's had this problem."

"Fainting spells?"

"Dehydration. It's pretty common with seadwellers coming up to the area, expecting it to be cold when it's really hot and humid," she said matter-of-factly.

"...Oh."

Pallia reached up to touch one of the fins again, just to push the curl up. The violetblood let out a sharp gasp and his head suddenly turned towards her. A hand went to push her own away, but she had already pulled away, face flushed.

"Don't!" he exclaimed, eyes wide and a faint tint of violet on his face. "Oh dear. Apologies, I did not mean to snap. That is just…" his voice trailed off and he looked back away from her to his fingers instead, "sensitive, so to speak. For most, anyway. And I am not above the natural law of seadwellers to be an exception to that rule."

"It is? I didn't know that," Pallia said.

"You did not? I would have suspected you did, considering what you were talking about earlier," the violetblood said.

"Nope! No mentions in any readings I've done, any seadwellers I need to wake up I touch their gills not their fins, and the only seadweller I really ever have to service normally isn't in too much harm physically. She's the one who brought you here," Pallia said.

The violetblood was silent for a while, before finally looking back up at her quizzically. "You did what to my gills?"

"Well, if you ever need to wake a seadweller up, all you need to do is touch their gills. Natural instinct, I presume, even though you have two functioning respiration systems, that since they likely started in the water they want to preserve their breathing. Landdwellers have a similar function if you try to suffocate them in their sleep. Seadwellers might have that too, but I'd rather not wake someone up by actually trying to suffocate them when I can just tap on their gills and get the exact same reaction," Pallia said brightly. "Though, normally I have to do more than what I did to you. I barely touched them and your ocu...uh, glance...wait...eyes opened!"

The violetblood absently started touching his gills. "They...they do?" he asked.

"Yeah. Did they never teach you this stuff in schoolfeeding?"

"Ah...no. I suppose it just was not extremely important at the time," he admitted. "How do you know all of this?"

"Reading!" Pallia blurted out. It wasn't a total lie, as some of it she certainly had learned by reading the documents left in the building before it was her hive. The gross anatomy...not so much. "Lot of it."

"That is it? Just reading? Odd, one would have suspected we would have come across similar works," he said. He stood up and pulled the collar on his overcoat up, successfully hiding his gills and even his extravagant fins, to some degree at least, from the side. It matched the rest of his body: looking slightly too long and out of proportion with the rest of the coat. At least I know why he's wearing that thing.

"You should probably take that off," Pallia said. "It's crazy hot out there and daylight'll break soon. You're already dehydrated."

"I...are you sure? No one will attempt to rob me of any personal belongings I may have, or attack me simply because of my caste? Or something far worse. Not to mention I do not even know where to stay and...oh dear. What if--"

"You'll be fine," Pallia interrupted. "If anyone actually tries to rob you tell them you came from the clinic and they'll back off. Trust me. And there's a temporary hivestem you can stay at. It's in the richest part of the city, right up in the front where there's normally traffic. Tall building. Don't think you can miss it. It's a pretty nice place. And drink the water. Seriously, you'll feel better." She gave him the warmest smile she could muster for a stranger.

"And if I do not find it?" he asked worriedly.

Pallia paused for a while. She couldn't let him stay here, not right now at least. Then again...it would only be fair. She'd extend the offer to an innocuous lowblood to stay at her hive for a night, at least in the main room, so she should extend it out to a highblood or seadweller. But at the same time, she didn't have any actual sopor slime nor recuperacoon for him to rest in and if he did rest here in his condition, he wouldn't get any real sleep. She saw how irritable Aisral was when she initially stopped sleeping in it before levelling out. So the smarter decision would be to send him to the temporary hivestem, at least tonight. But if he couldn't find it, he may as well have some sort of contact for the place. "Do you have Trollian?" she asked.

"Erm, yes," the violetblood said cautiously. "Why?"

"I was just going to give you my account name, and if you had any problems you could message me," she said. "You don't have to give me yours. I don't really know any violetbloods personally who'd be messaging me, anyway."

He took a small sip of water before speaking. "Are you certain?"

"Of course! Why wouldn't I be?"

"I simply wish to be certain, is all," he said. "You do not have to do this if you do not want to."

She shrugged and said, "It's only fair. I'd do it to anyone else." She ripped off a piece of paper that said calculatingAlchemist and handed it to the violetblood, who quickly shoved the paper into his pocket. "There you go. In case you have any trouble!" She glanced outside past the glass doors. "You should probably head out. It's getting late."

His head jerked away from her and he looked into a nearby window to see that dawn was just starting to break. "Yes, so it is. Thank you," he said with a small smile.

"No problem!" Pallia exclaimed. "And best of luck!"

***

Sure enough, Dontoc found the hotel - at least that's all he could fathom what she meant by temporary hivestem with his knowledge of landdweller slang limited to books - with almost no problem. It was an impossibly tall building with a smaller wooden edifice jutting out of the left side. Even without a sign, it had to be the hotel. It was the only building in the rich section, if not the entire city, that was nearly this tall. An impressive feat too, as he remembered several of the buildings appeared to have extra stories stacked on as an after thought. But here, it looked as if a strong wind would topple the whole building, yet it didn't so much as budge.

A hand absently went into his pocket as he walked and found the slip of paper. He felt bad for having her Trollian handle without using it, even though the more reasonable side of him gently reminded him he didn't have to use it if he didn't need to. Was she expecting a message? Even one to let her know he found it and got there safely? After all, if she said to message him if there was a problem, she would want to know if everything went smoothly. But then again, would she really care that much about some stranger dropped onto a table? He sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair, attempting to force the thoughts out. He would worry about that once he got past the necessary social interaction.

He walked up to the desk and gave a quiet cough. The receptionist, a male cobaltblooded troll with small horns, gave him a wide smile.

"Why hello, hello! What can I do for you?" he asked.

Dontoc froze. He looked down onto the countertop and took a long drink of water. It should buy him enough time to save face.

Finally, he choked out, "Ah...yes. I am...um...here for a room."

The troll gave him a quick onceover before nodding. "Really now? Don't get a lotta seadwellers comin' in. Where ya from?"

Dontoc opened his mouth and quickly closed it a few times, expecting a comment to looking like a useless fish that never came. He had to fight against the near automatic response of actually saying where he came from, which involved far too much explanation and socialization to a receptionist. It then dawned on him it had been at least a good seven seconds before he answered, and maybe just any answer would be good. "I uh...came from the tealblood's hive outside of this city," he said.

"The clinic?" the blueblood asked suspiciously. "You seem a little too clean cut to come from there."

"Cl...clean cut?"

"Well yeah," he said nonchalantly as he started to fill out some paperwork, "plenty of unsavories come outta there. Girl in there's weird, too. Don't trust her myself."

"Well I can assure you I am not an 'unsavory'. I just woke up there after a bit of a fall," Dontoc said.

"Ah! That's how. She probably thoughtcha were a dead body. She takes them in, ya know. Who knows what she does with 'em. Some talk about how she uses them for occult magicks or something. Did you know that's a common thing here? Fuckin' kooks." He flipped the paper over and pointed at the line at the bottom. Dontoc could only shift around slightly, thinking about the unusual book he found. "But you're alive and she don't want that so she letcha go. I'm sure. Anywho, here. Just sign at the bottom. Considering everything, I'll just give ya the room. Just make sure to tell your seadwellin' friends, alright? You're on the first floor, third door on the right. Room 133."

Dontoc nodded. Well now I have to talk to her, he thought as he signed the line. He didn't bother telling the receptionist he didn't really have any friends, let alone seadweller ones. He quietly muttered a small "thank you" as the receptionist handed him the keycard and pointed him in the right direction, and Dontoc found the room with little effort.

It was a standard room, as far as hotels go. The most impressive thing was a small bookshelf with a couple nonfiction books inside, and a laptop resting on the desk. He sat down at the desk, pulled out the slip of paper in his pocket and took another drink of water. Hopefully she was still awake, or else he might end up with another sleepless night.

He made a Trollian account back when he was still a kid in the vain hope that one of the other kids being schoolfed would at least talk to him outside of their classes. It never happened. Since then it had largely sat there, unused. Even though getting back on the website was like picking up a book even after not having read in sweeps, it still felt foreign to get on and see the red chatbox. With a quick search for "calculatingAlchemist", he managed to find her account and cautiously typed out "Hello?"

He'd never had a response so fast. Oh no, does this mean she was waiting for a response this whole time? And here I was not planning on messaging her until I needed some rather probing questions answered. Oh dear. His mouse hovered over the abscond button and he suddenly felt far too warm for the room.

No. You can do this. Deep breaths. You have already talked to her once. Perhaps too harshly, but you did. And you were hardly in a right state of mind either, but how much harder could online be? In fact, it should be easier.

algorithmicCollegiate [AC] began trolling calculatingAlchemist [CA]

AC: Hello?

CA: hey! CA: you've got to be the violetblood from earlier! CA: iss everything 0K?

Zero K? Wait no, "okay". It must be a quirk. Alongside the s. She did have a slight hiss accent, did she not?

AC: Yes, Σvery+hing Is "0K" AC: I Mαde It +o +he Ho+el Sαfely AC: Or +emporαry Hives+em As You Cαlled I+

CA: oh, awessome! :)~ CA: i antissipated a problem when i ssaw a messssage.

AC: No, No Problems +o βe Found AC: I Do Hαve Some Inquiries, However AC: +he Recep+ionis+ Seemed +o βelieve You Abuc+ed Me?

CA: he did? :o CA: wait no i think i know why. CA: what elsse did he ssay?

AC: You Were A Performer Of Mαgic, And I +ook +he Assump+ion I+ Wαs No+ Of +he Subjuggαlα+ion Vαrie+y AC: And You S+ole Deαd βodies AC: +hus Why He +hough+ I Wαs Abduc+ed

CA: yeah the lasst one'ss true CA: except for you being at my clinic becausse i thought you were dead, ssince ass I ssaid, another troll brought you in. CA: or maybe i didn't? CA: either way, i didn't drag you in becausse i thought you were dead CA: i couldn't even bring you into the proper room becausse i thought you were too tall for me to carry!

AC: Σxcuse Me?

CA: i have a valid reasson! CA: how long will you be in the area?

Dontoc stared at his screen blankly. He didn't know the answer to that question. The only reason he even left the comfortable island at all is that he realized he couldn't isolate himself forever, and from all his reading at home, Sandyhorn seemed a good place to start. So he responded the best way any absolutely confounded troll would.

AC: Whα+?

CA: i sswear i'll explain everything but i don't want to on the internet, even if trollian'ss ssuppossed to be pretty ssafe. CA: i know sseveral plassess where we can get ssomething to eat and you can meet me there or at my hive

AC: βut I Do No+ Σven Know Your Name

CA: you don't? CA: oopss! ^.^; CA: though to be fair i didn't actually antissipate talking to you again. CA: it'ss pallia. CA: sso lunch?

He hesitated. On one hand, he was genuinely curious what could possibly be going on, and he wasn't going to ever get over his anxiety unless he started socializing. But at the same time it was socializing, and in a public place no less. His curiosity won out.

AC: You Promise +o +ell Me Whα+ Is Going On?

CA: sswear on my life and my lussuss'ss life!

AC: +hen Yes, Pαlliα, I Shαll Mee+ You For Lunch +omorrow. AC: As I Am Afrαid My In+eres+s Were Piqued More +hαn I Σxpec+ed Upon A Forced Conversα+ion At A Ho+el.

CA: :D no issssues with that! CA: you know what? CA: that hivesstem you're at hass a resstaurant attached, we can jusst go there. CA: there sshould be sseating in the back and everyone'll be hungover from today sso we don't have to worry about any russh CA: ssound good?

AC: I Do Not See Why I+ Would No+

CA: fantasstic! :)~ CA: see you around twelve then violetblood!

AC: Erm, Actuαlly… AC: My Nαme Is Don+oc AC: +hough If You Wish +o Cαll Me "Viole+blood" I Will Not S+op You

CA: no no, dontoc'ss your name CA: calling you jusst violetblood would be rude CA: anyway, ssee you around twelve then, dontoc! :)~ CA: i'll be dressssed a little more fanssy than ussual out of sspite CA: may ass well pretend to be the creepy witch

calculatingAlchemist [CA] has ceased trolling algorithmicCollegiate [AC]

calculatingAlchemist [CA] would like to add you as a chump. Accept?

He clicked yes. Maybe out of hope, maybe out of desperation, or perhaps still out of the sheer wonder of who he managed to meet purely by accident. At least this would all be cleared up by tomorrow, and he could continue learning about land life.

He would just have to mentally prep for a possibly very long lunch.

***

Pallia arrived at the hotel five minutes early, wearing a black dress that touched the ground with a candy red cape, pointy hat snuggly in between her tall horns and a pair of shoes with just enough point to give the satisfied click on the tile floor.

"This is a place for honest folks," the receptionist, the usual cobaltblood she'd seen in here a few times, sneered. "And also, generally, trolls sitting higher than teal." She couldn't help but wonder if he ever actually slept or if he lived off of coffee.

"I am honest," Pallia said. "What, is this not honest to how trolls see me?"

"You know what I mean, tealblood."

"Not really. You said it was for honest folks. I don't think I've outright lied." She frowned. "Least as far as I can remember." Sure, leading other trolls on that she was a witch wasn't exactly honest and she could admit to that, but keeping the image up kept them from asking questions, especially when the image itself came out of a combination of calling what she did "alchemy" and her calling any medication she made for trolls "potions"....among other reasons. Only seemed fair she'd take the matter into her own hands and have control over it.

"You keep bringin' in all those pirates," he said. "I know you're working for them."

She rolled her eyes. "They were here before."

He muttered something - Pallia watched his mouth move - but she couldn't quite make out exactly what. All she could make out was something involving "keeping quiet".

There was a loud cough and she whipped her head over to the source, seeing the violetblood, Dontoc, from yesterday, walking up to her.

"Erm...hello," he said nervously. "I was afraid you would not completely remember."

"Nope!" She grinned, hoping it would calm him down somewhat. "And sorry about not seeing you there. I didn't hear you."

"You knew I was trying to call your name out?"

"I took a guess," she admitted with a shrug. "So shall we be off?"

He nodded. "That does sound like a good idea, yes. May I ask what you two were arguing about?"

"I'll explain when we sit down," she said as she started to walk towards the restaurant.

"Does it have to do with the outfit?"

"A little. Like it?" His mouth opened, but no sound came out. "You can be honest. No need to sugarcoat."

He did a once over of her, eyebrows raised in suspicion. "It is ridiculous."

She beamed at him. "Perfect."

They got seated almost immediately, all the way in the back corner as requested. And just as expected, they were the only customers present. Perfect. She just had to make sure the wait staff were tipped well and anything said here should stay here. That is, if it even got that far.

Dontoc looked relieved too. He sat down in the spot actually nestled in the corner. "Thank you for being willing to meet with me tonight," he said.

"Don't worry about it! You have questions, and depending on what they are, I'll have answers. Go ahead and ask whatever you need to," she said. With a smile, she added, "You look better, by the way. Your fins aren't curled in anymore. Still a little droopy, but they'll perk up. Try applying some water directly to them and your gills. I've heard that helps."

"You know a lot about seadwellers," Dontoc commented. "At least, for being unaware of the fin sensitivity."

Pallia laughed. "Comes with the job. That also wasn't a question."

He shifted in his seat. "Is that a problem?"

"Of course not. I'm just trying to be funny and not quite succeeding." Her eyes darted away from him as she did a quick scan for any server, but found none. "Though note, I'm not going to answer anything when the server's nearby."

He looked at her, puzzled for a second, then nodded. "Okay. Yes, that...that makes sense."

"Just to get that cleared up. So, what's your first question? I'm not counting your earlier one as part of this whole thing."

Dontoc cleared his throat. "Well I guess to start, ah, what exactly do you do? To know enough about seadwellers - which, ah, apologies for perhaps sounding harsh the night prior about everything, as you were correct, it seems - and yet only know a pair of them. It, well, does not quite add up is all I am saying."

Well, that was fast. Certainly, Pallia anticipated having to explain to him what she did eventually, but she wasn't ready for it to be the first question. He seemed trustworthy, at least. He had some of those standard seadweller catches: the proper speaking style, the formal state of attire for casual daywear and assumption a landdweller wouldn't know the basics of seadweller function, but he didn't sound pompous and arrogant about it like Careen, more doubtful, much like she'd anticipate from someone spending their whole life underwater and told one thing their whole lives. And now, he didn't sound doubtful of her, but rather of himself. Plus, she trusted Glacin, a purpleblood - self-admitted former subjuggalator by force, no less - obscuring his face (to everyone except her and his matesprit) actively using chucklevoodoos just to communicate. One curious seadweller with obvious socialization issues (even to her) looked far more trustworthy than him.

Hopefully she wouldn't regret this.

Pallia whipped her head around the room again to make sure everything was clear. "What did they schoolfeed you about science?" she finally asked.

Dontoc raised an eyebrow. "Science? You mean the technology and military advancement done directly under the Empress or...?" His voice trailed of, uncertain. "Well, we did talk briefly about the various mass murders of--"

"Yeah. Those." She shuddered. "I'd rather not think about that," she said flatly. With a brief shaking of her head, she added, "But did they tell you what it is exactly?"

"Erm...no. Well, yes, they did, but it did not sound correct. Were they supposed to?"

"I don't know. Lusus didn't want me to get schoolfed so I self taught myself most everything. Poor Monty would block the door just so I wouldn't go! And he might've eaten a truancy drone. Do those exist?" She shrugged. "Besides, I had enough stuff I found around my hive I managed to teach myself a lot, or had a couple others come in and help me. One of the pirates taught me a ton about plants that I didn't know, and I found out way more about computers when Aisral taught me and -- I'm getting on a tangent. Anyway, it is-"

"Hello there dears, can I get you two some drinks?" a new voice asked. Pallia jumped at the noise and turned towards the source. Hopefully she hadn't heard too much, she thought.

"Just water for me and…" she turned to Dontoc, who was currently hiding behind the menu, "him too."

The server nodded and walked off. Dontoc muttered something too quietly for Pallia to hear and she cocked her head.

"You're gonna have to speak louder. Your voice gets really quiet," she said.

"You did not have to do that. Um...thank you," he said. Pallia still had to struggle to make out the words, but thankfully it was at least quiet enough everywhere else she could do that much. Dontoc swallowed thickly and gave her a sheepish smile from overtop the menu. "So, what is it then?"

Pallia nodded. "It's studying the natural world - or unnatural world - and figuring out why stuff is the way it is, and how we can make use of that, through rigorous research, questioning and testing. And that's what I do. Several others that work with me too, but I'm really the only one who kind of works with the public. Well, me and Aisral but no one's going to try and slaughter her for "breaking the miracles" or whatever." She grimaced. "The only trolls who call us scienstiffs are those subjuggalators and anyone under them."

"So you being a witch then…?"

"I practice chemistry and biology and apply it to a lot of medical work. Two of the big three practices that is extremely regulated by the Empress. So I call what I do 'alchemy' which isn't that far off anyway, use the right jargon and suddenly word starts going around that I'm a witch. The body snatching thing probably didn't help with that," Pallia said with a shrug. "But that didn't scare you off."

Dontoc ran a hand through hair that looked like he had done that a thousand times already tonight. Maybe he had. "I have had my fair share of presumptuous judgements that I at least wanted to hear your side first. You seemed nice enough at least," he said. "Oh, and here come our drinks."

The server handed them their drinks and asked what they wanted for food. Pallia rattled off her regular - grubshrimp overtop rice in a spicy sauce with all the fixings - and Dontoc just ordered a piece of fish and a couple sides.

"They really are taking their time." Dontoc asked.

"Well, yeah. Normally with me they're longer because they normally serve cobalts and indigos coming to and fro. They're probably playing nice because you're a seadweller, while moving slow enough to try and...I dunno, either deter me from returning or deter us from eating together," she said. She scrunched her face in thought. "Maybe both?"

"Oh. Lovely," he muttered dryly, just loud enough for her to hear again. "I was hoping to escape all of that."

Pallia giggled. "You haven't been on land for very long, have you?"

"Is it that obvious?"

"If you thought being on land would make people care less about blood caste? Yeah, kind of. You'll see it for as long as you're on land, which I guess won't be long."

"Mm. Perhaps." He shifted in his seat again, moving so he was leaning forward on the table. "I have found seadwelling life may not be for myself and am, as such, attempting life on land. Mainland."

"Oh cool!" She beamed at him. "But that's off topic. I bet you wanna know about the uh...the body thing."

His fins fluttered lightly (leaving Pallia to make a mental note that they seemed to respond to different vocal stimuli than Mayola's or Careen's) as he answered, "Yes, if you could."

"Well, unlike some others in a similar line of work to myself, I like to hold myself to an ethical standard. So I don't practice anything on unwilling live participants. Thanks to a couple rumors I'm sure were started by subjuggalators after the last massacre, there's a fun idea out there that all doctors are amoral, torturing monsters," she said bitterly. "And lowbloods - well all trolls really, I shouldn't single one set out - just leave their dead there. Which is unsanitary. So I take the bodies and either use them for science or bury them. Sometimes they get fed to Monty. Keeps them off of the streets, at least."

"For science."

"Yeah. Normally for examining anatomy, but also for seeing what they died from. I'm trying to keep a record. It's especially good for seeing which diseases are more commonly culling and what should have vaccines made of them. Vaccines which are basically things you inject to let your immune system learn how to fight off diseases, either by giving you a muted form or -- oh look at me, I'm rambling. I should move on or we'll be here all night," she said.

Dontoc shook his head emphatically. His fins looked perkier than they were even a few minutes ago. Interest? That's all she could fathom. "No, no. I actually am quite interested. I feel like I have learned more these past few days than the whole time being schoolfed." His fins shuddered as his eyes widened. "Oh my, that came across not quite as intended."

"Well, it's not like I learned all of this myself. There's a lot of old books and diagrams back at my hive. I think they're from whoever was there beforehand."

If Dontoc wasn't sitting on the edge of his chair earlier, he was now, back straight and eyes focused wholly on her. "There are? Um, I mean, interesting. I could ah, keep them safe you know. Not like take them or anything! But transcribe them and keep transcribed copies at my hive. The old mansion is already a somewhat illegal library to begin with. Extra books are not going to hurt it in the slightest."

Pallia grinned. "I think I like the sound of that," she said. "Do you live close by?"

He slumped back down in his chair. "Not exactly," he admitted. "It would be quite the trip to come here daily."

Silence. Pallia knew what she wanted to do immediately, but she had to stop and think. Make sure this wasn't the worst idea she was about to proclaim. He already knew where she lived, so if he was some sort of inquisition, it was too late already. Aisral lived with her, and connections to everyone except Glacin and Sekier were easy enough to make, fuchsia protection from Mayola be damned. And if he wanted to transcribe her notes, that was always good. Even if he took them and ran off, so long as she snatched the originals and hid them back in the secret tunnel, they'd remain safe enough. Not like she had to tell him about that part of the hive.

With her mind made up, it was her turn now to sit on the edge of her seat, leaning forward with shining eyes and steepled fingers. "You don't have to if you don't want to, you know."

"But I want to!" Dontoc exclaimed. "What you are doing sounds fascinating and --"

"No not that! Goodness no! I have two whole floors of nearly empty rooms in my hive and already one other troll living with me. So long as your lusus can survive on their own I see no reason why I can't set up a room for you," Pallia said. "And if you want, we can get you a lab too. Plenty of those as well. You'll just have to meet all the others. Aisral does textile engineering. She lives in my hive on the fourth floor. There's a seadweller who's constantly commissioning pieces from her. Zanchi studies genetics and evolution. Volcor studies mechanical engineering. Those two live nearby and stop in periodically. And Glacin normally just throws himself up on videochat with his matesprit. He studies pathology and epidemiology and his matesprit studies…" Pallia paused for a while and tapped her chin a few times in thought, "necrobiology. Or something like that. It's unique. And like I said, I study biochemistry. I can show you what I'm working on when we get there. So how's that sound?"

The other troll was silent, but his fins were fluttering heavily. Happiness? Wait no, flustered, Pallia thought. It was all she could guess.

Dontoc then nodded. "You want...you want me to live with you?" he asked doubtfully.

She deflated slightly in her chair. "If that's okay with you, of course. If it's not--"

"No no. I ah...you caught me off guard." He let out his own laugh, though it sounded bittersweet to her ears. "Let us just say I am unused to such kindness and leave it at that."

"Then it's settled," Pallia said. "It'll be nice having someone else in there, even if it's just a warm body. Aisral doesn't count."

He grinned. It lit up his whole face, perking his fins further and lighting his eyes, and Pallia quietly hoped it could stay that way. "Your behavior is somewhat infectious, just so you know. Even if you are a tad strange."

"Is that a problem?"

He hummed. "I do not think so," he said. "Oh, and one last question. To ease my own anxieties."

"Hm?"

"He mentioned unsavory trolls coming to your hive for care. Is that true?"

She nodded. "There's a big pirate place pretty close and they know everything I do is safe and effective. But don't worry, they don't touch anything in that hive. One of them did and ended up getting eaten by a giant snake. He didn't initially, but giant snake is so much easier to explain than horrible acid burns....then giant snake. Word spreads fast."

"That is why you said if I had any problems with an attempted assault to let the troll know who sent me, is it not?"

"Exactly!" She saw him flinch at the sudden shrillness in her tone and added, quieter, "That doesn't change your opinion does it?"

"Pallia, I am afraid you got me far too interested in what I do not know and wish to know unless you said it was to end in my culling I do not think I could turn back. One one hand, they do tell us curiosity is what killed the meowbeast but…"

"But satisfaction is what brought it back," Pallia finished. She leaned back in her chair right as the server came over to give them their food. "And somehow I think living here will satisfy most of your curiosity for whatever you were looking for."

"Perhaps," Dontoc said. "It will if nothing else, be an interesting ride."

#Long post #my writing #on one hand i wanna rewrite it but like...#it's probably good enough for when it was made tbh #unless i somehow have to gut everything and restart it there's not too much reason to #and even then it'll be to fix voice and stuff #make the dialogue flow more naturally #the general layout is still canon

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