#(( I will add Lawrence to the crew as well ))

[cocogrrrl]

Can I please request a Kyle x Reader fic where the reader is playing Juliet to Kenny's Romeo in the school play and Kyle gets jealous?

"virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied,"

when the cast list for school's rendition of romeo and juliet is revealed, you find that kyle is not your romeo—but kenny is.

kyle broflovski x fem!reader no cws wc: 1635

an: i took some liberty with this and added A LOT MORE LOL more than i expected . if kyle is not a basketball player he is a theatre kid first and foremost!!

“Kenny?!”

“Hm? What about Kenny?” You raise a brow, confused.

“He’s playing as Romeo,” he huffs out, crossing his arms as he dejectedly rests his weight against the wall. “I didn’t even know that he auditioned too.”

“I thought that you're supposed to be happy for your friend,” you say, clicking your tongue.

“I am,” he sighs, shaking his head. “I just…” He points over to the top of the cast list taped to the wall.

Frankly, you’re more than a little lost, but your eyes scan over a few details before reading the second line of the actual list. You, of all people, play Juliet. Over however many other people. As honored as you are, two and two quickly come together, and you understand what he means.

“Kyle,” you sigh.

“I know, I know. I should be happy.”

“No, yeah, but I get where you’re coming from. I think it is a little funny, though.” You giggle. “You’re lucky there isn’t anyone else here. You’re really loud.”

“Sorry,” he mumbles out.

“It’s fine,” you grin, pinching his cheek. You pull his hand and tug him to your left. “Come on. I have biology in, like, five minutes.” 

✎⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

Needless to say, as happy as Kyle could be for his friend, he heeds his jealousy better than the rest of the emotions in his head. In all honesty, you find it funny how obvious it is as well.

What’s even funnier is that Kyle plays Friar Lawrence.

“Alright! Can we go over Act Two, Scene Three again?” Wendy yells from the distance. “No need to change the set, just one more run-through.”

You hear some of the people onstage moving the set pieces from the party aside just to prepare for better movement for the blockings in this next scene. Kenny shuffles to the back and sends you a finger bang. You return the gesture.

From behind the stage, you catch Kyle’s eye twitch. You play it off, though, pretending you were looking elsewhere. You’re certain, though, that he saw you. The daggers he sends your way even pierces through you.

You wave at Kyle encouragingly as he gets ready to start. He smiles at you and waves back. 

“Is everyone ready?” You hear Wendy call from the other side. A half-hearted yes is returned from the crew. “Okay, act two, scene three: Romeo asks Friar Lawrence to wed him and Juliet in secret. Three, two, one!”

“The gray-eyed morn smiles on the frowning night,” On the beat, Kyle emerges from the left of the stage with his basket. He holds his temperament so well, though, it’s as if he isn’t fuming right now.

“Honestly, I don’t know how Kyle does it,” Kenny muses, watching from the side.

“Hmm?” You cocked your head to the side, a little confused.

“His part is really boring, but, like,” he pauses, trying to find the right words. “I think he’s really good at executing it. Like, he captures the role so well it’s captivating.”

You stand there and nod. 

“Not that I’m saying he’s really boring!” He quickly adds on. “I’m just saying that he knows how to hold an audience, you know?”

“Virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied,” Kyle breathes, looking over to the other side of the stage—your side. “And vice sometime by action dignified.”

Not even giving you time to reply to what he last said, Kenny waves before going in. “Ah, that’s my cue.”

You shoot him a ‘good luck!’ as he enters. You’re not close with the guy, but it’s interesting seeing Kenny hold such adoration for him. You wonder if Kyle is aware of it.

✎⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ You notice how long this goes on, and you feel that this jealousy isn’t as shallow as he lets on.

“Kyle?” You spoke, looking at him with his head low.

He’s still in his costume, and he seems exhausted but uncharacteristically upset after a long day of tech rehearsals. He can be, but everyone else is more than excited. You know just why.

“Yeah?” He mumbles in reply.

You find a seat right next to him behind the stage. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, just a little tired.”

“Totally,” you mindlessly snapped, clicking your tongue.

“Hey…” He pouts.

“Sorry, I…” You shook your head, taking back what you said. ”You know, I thought it was a little funny at first that you were so worked up over the fact that Kenny’s Romeo and you’re not,” you huffed. “But, you’re actually, like, worrying me now.”

Kyle’s quiet, and you don’t like that. He knows you don’t.

“Kyle.” You repeat his name, hoping it will call his attention back. You’re certain he has more than just a few things on his mind right now.

“Sorry.”

“What are you saying sorry for?”

“For upsetting you.”

“Kyle, I’m sure there’s more to this than just you being jealous.” You said more softly than what your previous tone would suggest. You find your head resting on his shoulder.  ”What’s wrong?”

“It’s… It’s just,” he pauses, scratching his head. “Like, after all these practices with you and Kenny together, I just can’t help but feel like you guys are really good. He’s really a good fit for you and for the role.”

You’re confused. Never have you ever felt like Kyle’s hinted at infidelity. If that were the case, you’d be more than offended, but you only nod, urging him to go along.

“I don’t know,” he sighs. “I guess it means a lot more outside than just the role in the grand scheme of things. Like, I’m not good enough for the role of Romeo.”

You’re quiet, brows scrunched as you worriedly find the words to tell him. So it’s otherwise.

“That on top of, like, yeah, Kenny kissing you every other day onstage.” He says in a poor attempt to lighten the mood. In a panic, though, thinking you’re judging, he mumbles out, “Sorry, it’s really selfish.”

“No, no, don’t be sorry for that,” you cooed, lifting your head above and tilting him to look at you. “You’re really so much more than you think you are. I mean that with my whole chest.”

He’s quiet. You’re not sure if he doesn’t know what to say or if he doesn’t have anything to say. You take it as a sign to continue, though.

“You know, Kenny holds a lot of respect for you. He thinks you’re an excellent actor.” He hums in return. “He told me once that while you were doing your monologue in that scene where Romeo asks Friar Lawrence to wed him and Juliet, you really have this commanding presence that pulls the audience in.

“He said that it wasn’t a flashy role, a boring one actually, and he thinks you’re more than noble having charm and making the role more interesting than it actually looks. It’s a talent.” You laughed, recalling the memory.

He’s quiet, and you only stare into his eyes as lovingly as you can, patiently waiting for his reply. “Really?”

“Yeah, and he’s right. You really do know how to turn a rather mundane role into something really bigger than that. There is a good reason why you’re Friar Lawrence in the first place.”

“Thank you…” He’s coy about it, really coy, but you think it’s so honest that it’s sweet. “Really, thank you. I did not know that.”

“Well, now you do,” you hum. “It’s the truth. I hope you see yourself the way everyone does.”

“I don’t, but I thank you for helping me see myself in a different light.”

“Of course.” You smile, pulling his face close to yours and pressing a kiss to his temple.

✎⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ “Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much, which mannerly devotion shows in this; for saints have hands that pilgrims’ hands do touch,” your pinky holding Kenny’s brings it closer, bringing your palms together, holding. “And palm to palm is holy palmers’ kiss.”

“Have not saints lips and holy palmers too?”

Yet, in all honesty, you find that Kenny holds up too. He has that flashy charm and wide-eyed naivety to a T needed for Romeo’s character executed so well. You can’t help but applaud his skill. 

“Ay, pilgrim, lips that they must use in prayer.” You shake your head with a smile, taking a few steps back, yet hands still connecting one another.

He only brings you closer, a hand now finding your waist. “O then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do. They pray: grant thou, lest faith turn to despair.”

“Saints do not move, though grant for prayers’ sake.” You hum.

“Then move not while my prayer’s effect I take,” he pressed against your lips, bringing you closer with the hand on your waist. It lasts for longer than Kyle would like (Then again, he’d hate for this scene to happen in the first place.). “Thus from my lips, by thine, my sin is purged.”

“Then have my lips the sin that they have took.” You put a bewildered look on, more than gleeful.

He speaks gravity and haste, rushing out of excitement. “Sin from my lips? O trespass sweetly urged! Give me my sin again.” Once more, he kisses you again.

“You kiss by the book.” You hum.

“Madam, your mother craves a word with you.” You’re swiftly cut off by the nurse who walks into the scene. 

You find yourself walking up to Lady Capulet. The scene runs on for a few more minutes, but you find yourself backstage with Kyle waiting for you at the exit.

Neither of you can’t say anything, your mics are still on, but he hugs you and pinches your cheeks, making your smile wider.

“You were amazing,” you vaguely make out from his lips. 

You only nod, pulling him close and hugging him tight.

[veryvictorian]

Gay Victorian Book List

Hey there! I'm making this collaborative list of novels set in Victorian Age that have some sort of gay, m/m representation. Edwardian Age is fine as well. Please, do leave your recommendations in the comments below, I'd be happy to add them!

I'll mark with an asterisk (*) the books I have read myself.

Written in 19th century

The Sins of the Cities of the Plain, by Jack Saul (1881)*

The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde (1890)*

The Green Carnation, by Robert Smythe Hichens (1894)

A Marriage Below Zero, by Alan Dale (1889)

Fridolins heimliche Ehe (Fridolin's Mystical Marriage), by Adolf Wilbrandt (1875)

Written in 20th century

Maurice, by E.M. Forster (1914)*

Imre: A Memorandum, by Edward Prime-Stevenson (1906)

Desire and Pursuit of the Whole, by Frederick Rolfe (1904)

The Prussian Officer, by D. H. Lawrence (1914)

The Garden God: A Tale of Two Boys, by Forrest Reid (1905)

The Immoralist, by André Gide (1902)

Tonio Kröger, by Thomas Mann (1903)

Death in Venice, by Thomas Mann (1912)*

Contemporary

The New Life, by Tom Crewe (2023)

The Invention of Love, by Tom Stoppard (1997)*

An Unseen Attraction, by K.J. Charles (2017). Trilogy.

The Prince of Mirrors, by Alan Robert Clark (2018)

[spacetrails]

Final Prep

Organizing my room more, I gave one last look around; my bed now looked like a bed, the sheets were fixed, posters set up, knickknacks placed, window to infinite starry abyss cleaned, and table organized. A search around made a wall panel open, revealing a bathroom “Oh, well that’s one question answered.” Closing the panel I looked to the door as my stomach rumbled “I probably should eat.” Words grumbled just as loud as my stomach made my decision.

The door slid open, as I poked my head out; A look down left showed the path leading towards the divide, while the right headed to the middle of the ship, yet it was empty both ways. Muffled sounds silenced as I stepped out, the hum of the ship deafening anything else as another quick scan was made, still no one.

The door closed as I stepped away, walking ahead to what I hoped was a kitchen, the area expanded into a cubed shape; the wide table surrounded with ten chairs sat in the middle of the room, left showed the ship's entrance and right held a circular window. Properly walking into the room my eyes marked the two panels, my translator gave a small blip as muffled sounds picked up behind me, and my hand briefly held the back of a chair turning me as I continued straight towards them.

The first panel itself hung from the wall at waist height, scaling up to chest height, it was blank and seemed to be off; the second was more a window than panel, it was the same height as the first but sunk into the wall by a few inches, split into four compartments, and had a white background.

Unsure what to do I placed my hand on the dark panel, it was cold to the touch and lit up after a few seconds, a small hum sounded as I moved my hand back, the words ‘HELLO USER Lawrence PLEASE SELECT PREFERENCES’ sounded lightly on my translator, as they were typed up on the screen accompanied with various food types.

Glossing through all option I scanned the different species types, each with their own food groups, substitutes, allergies, necessities, and vitamin options to add or remove “Huh, neat.” I quietly called, choosing the human option for now, searching through the many meat choices first “I don’t know whether to be happy or afraid that fast food options are a choice. I’ll just try some lamb, see how it compares.”

Words mumbled out as I clicked on veggies “Get that broc, that pot, that rot, that arti, that coli, that g-been, that fungi, that sweet p, tha-” My hand halted “-Hmmm, that is a lot of food. Is it too much? I should probably cut back. Or, I can keep it, and just get seconds later? Am I allowed seconds?” Questions rambled as I looked about, concerned over my choices, a sigh and grumble as eyes relocked back on the panel “It’s food, on the ship I’m in, for the crew I’m in. I can eat it, the panel told me so.” My hand clicked the parsnip selecting the end of my choice

‘DO YOU CONFIRM?’ Thinking I looked at the second panel, clicking yes as the first panel beeped ‘PLEASE CHOOSE FINAL PREFERENCES.’ Looking at the options I choose thigh cut, seared style, and steamed for all veggies. Stepping over I listened to the second panel hum louder, a few seconds passed before the top compartment rotated, my lamb laid perfectly cooked and steaming as a plate raised, it slid open as I took the plate setting it on the table. Turning back in time for the second compartment to spin, all the veggies laid encircling the other in various cut slices and steaming, a larger plate rose as it opened, once I took it the third compartment spun, showing two sets of forks and knives that I also took.

Placing everything on the table I looked around at the empty room, eyes staring back down to the table “What am I missing? I have the food, and I- Oh right, a no drink.” Words cut off as I turned, tapping the screen as it reopened to a drinks sections “Ah, it’s been human tested. That’s good.” Joking as I thumbed through, glancing at the options from water to fizzy drinks, with various hot and cold weather drinks in between, uncaring I choose water watching the fourth panel turn just a second after. Finally sitting down I took a bite, it tasted generally bland, but still held the fresh meaty texture; the vegetables seemed the same, all bland but still fresh and nice to eat. Sitting around I waited, unsure what to do ‘We are close to landing, so we probably have a protocol? Right?���

Glancing about no sound were made, only the hum of the ship filling the silence between bites; looking out the window stars continued to scatter by, splattered through the voidful oasis ‘Someone’s going to explain something eventually, just have to wait until they step out and give a debriefing? Right?’ drinking my water I waited, half done with most of the food, thinking about where everyone went, and what to do ‘They were out and about just a second ago, well Alto them went to the Activity room? So Kleef and the others went back to the front? So just wait until we land? And then wait until someone says something? And do, the thing, right?’

Poking my food around my thoughts wandered more ‘What even are we going to do there, it has a million-year-old record, and it’s a planet that’s supposed to be weird, with no real terrain knowledge. I know I’m going to leave the ship, but shouldn’t I be doing something to help?’ “Hmm? What would I even help with? I don’t know anything about this place anyways?” Words spoke aloud answering my own questions, deciding to take another bite, going back to my thoughts ‘Well, it’s a planet. So just, walk about, collect things, don’t get lost? I can do that, but so can everyone else. Hmmm?’

Grumbling I poked down, hearing a small tick as my fork hit plate, looking down it seemed I had finished eating “And, there goes that distraction. But at least I’m full, I think?” Looking outside to space a sigh left as I thought about home ‘I just have to not get in the way, just gotta keep alert, and stay foc-' “Hello Lavrence. Enjoying zpace?” Words blipped in my translator startling my thoughts, fighting back a jolt I slowly turned, seeing it was just Lopasis “Oh. Uh? Yea, just thinking about home.” Their leaves shook as they nodded “Reminizcing about home iz quite normal. Had a nice meal?”

Remembering my plates existence was a small surprise “Oh right, I did eat. It was nice, how does it work exactly?” I asked pointing at the panels, not wanting to make it awkward “Oh. Vell, the machine itzelf haz variouz microbez that fuze together zmall particlez of food groupz. From there it reconztructz the dezired output uzing your choicez, and replicatez the matter on hov you zpecify. The utenzilz, and platez are juzt zetz bought vith the machine.” They quickly explained the process, most of it flying over my head “So… it’s a food maker?” “Exactly.” “Oh, Ok. So, what brings you out. And about. In the ship.” The last words fumbled out, still wanting but now making it awkward.

“Vell, I had vanted to check up on equipment. Make zure everything iz tezted before ve land. Vould you vant to come vith? You vould have to do a trial before ve fully land anyvay.” They asked shifting light blue petals, turning as they tapped the screen, and selecting a drink for themselves. ‘Well, good to know that was planned’ “Yea, but where do I put my plates?” I raised both, which they offered to take. “You zimply tap the zcreen, input plate and cup amount, and place. Quick and zimple.” Words beamed in a small blue green glow, as they demonstrated, placing my items inside, all rotating away.

“It’s quite a nice machine. Did you build it?” I asked fully expecting a yes at this point, they only laughed, shaking some petals with a wave “Oh no, thiz vaz bought by Kleef. Though, they did do mozt maintenance on it, so it’z vell kept by our Captain.” Giving a quick hum I rose to my feet “That’s interesting, are these normal on ships, we didn’t have a briefing of it on earth.” Lopasis poured the glass of water on their deep blue face, vibrating as it darkened slightly, before tapping the screen. “Vell, not normal. Vhen Kleef bought it, it vaz a tezter prototype, during that time lezz than 0.1% of zhipz had them. Nov about 3% of zhipz houze theze unitz.”

They placed their cup, giving a turn and walking at the end, quickly following I hummed with a nod, watching the petals shift with each step. “That’s good, it does seem to be quite in depth.” “That vaz vhat Kleef vorked on the hardezt, they zcoured for many modulez CPPZ, the company, made. Zurprizingly humanz vere the hardezt to tune.” “Humans were? Makes sense, we do eat about anything.” “Indeed. Zo many optionz interlinked vith other zpeciez, the amount of timez our Captain had to recheck everything after changing one human item. It vaz quite a fev ztardayz before ve left ztation.” They laughed as I joined in, as we walked past a door. “Yea, that would cause problems, also what is a starday?” “Day relative to clozezt ztar, ve change our clockz vhenever ve land. Zo, ve vill have to come the nev planet.” We stopped at a door one down from the activity room, Lopasis typing in a five-digit passcode, before it slid open.

Entering as the lights turned on, I looked at all the items scattered against the wall, on the floor, shelves or hanging on the wall “Speaking of the new planet, are you worried?” They tapped container against the nearest wall with a key card, as it opened up before quickly taking out two tablets “Vell, of course I am vorried. All planetz and travelz bring vith them potential dizazterz. Mind you, any activity bringz a chance of dizazter, az zuch I keep myself occupied to alvayz check for zuch thingz.” Answer stated as a tablet was handed my way “Thank you? What is this for?” Tapping their blank screen twice Lopasis gave a wave around the room, petals shaking from the motion “Eaziest vay of recording everything, juzt tap tvice and chooze the crate icon. From there enter pazzcode 5173 and you’ll zee my zcreen.” Explanation demonstrated as I executed, being brought to a spreadsheet filled with items.

Giving a nod Lopasis checked over the first crate, pressing everything as they flashed on and off “Everything zhould be regiztered, main thingz are checking if they are ztill here, vhich givez one tick. And checking if they are fully functional, vhich givez tvo tickz. If not here or vorking then give the zame amount of X’z.” More explanations shown as they gave two final ticks, closing the crate; looking down I saw the double ticked tablets, wireless pens, gps scanners, droids, AR and VR goggles, body camera and lights.

Nodding, we looked into the second crate seeing “Polarized gogglez one through five, unpolarized gogglez one through four, zelf trackerz one through ten, wirelezz communicatorz one through six.” All I ticked as they counted off, giving a check over and nod before closing the crate. Lopasis pointed to the shelf above, as I pulled down three different ropes “Zcaling rope, check for kinkz or tearz. Nilon rope, check for vater or veaknezz. Aramid rope, check for cutz or tearz.” Giving a general check of everything I saw nothing wrong, each got two ticks and placed back.

Right beside were two shelves filled with books “Thiz iz more a general item, ve lable them az guidez. They have information on mozt organic and inorganic life, medical aid per zpeciez, terrain landmarkz, galactic diplomatic hiztoriez and changez, galactic languagez and culturez, planetary ecoztudiez.” Leaf green hands pointed to the sectioned areas of both “Huh, that’s a lot of books, do we have to memorize them?” They laughed, waving a hand as their petals shook “Oh no. Mozt itemz vere brought vhen Bett and Lezz joined, after that ve all got in the habit of getting one nev book every rezt ztop.” “Oh? Wait, who’s Lezz?” “Nottalizh, just a small nick name.”

Walking to another area, Lopasis handed me the key card taking out a second for themselves “You have the bazic understanding, so ve vill divide. If you have queztionz I’ll try to have anzverz.” They reassured beaming a light blue green “Alright, I’ll make sure it’s checked over.” Words said as I tapped the crate, we watched it open as they left; looking within I checked over bolts, harnesses, helmets, hexes, nuts, picks, pitons, pullies and slings. Giving both a look and feel before all received two ticks, closing the crate looking over to the one beside it. Tapping I checked over the carbon-fiber plating, first aid kit, medical bags, respiratory masks, resuscitator, pulse oximeter, thermal blanket, trauma blanket, and slings; all were checked and ticked as I looked to Lopasis “Lopa?” “Yez?” “Does it get confusing having two items labelled sling?” Tapping their tablet they walked to the furthest wall “Not really, one zling is by itzelf, the other iz attached to pulliez. Though, Kleef did offer the zame queztion vhen ve firzt made the lizt. Changing might good, if you find any other overlapz do tell.” Checking over items while speaking.

Dark brown chests stacked along the wall, rowing three racks of two. “What are these?” Lopasis looked across to me “Ah, thoze are our perzernal ztorage. Apologize.” They blipped unlabelled on my, as Lopasis tapped their screen “I, per rule, cannot discloze vho iz vhoze. Forgot they vere on that zide.” “Ah. That makes sense. Which is mine?” Lopasis tapped their screen a few times, before a blip of my name appeared by a chest. “Middle right rov. Kindly do not dizcloze thiz information unlezz needed in emergency, thiz iz an agreement of general zafety and security.” “Sir yes sir.” I saluted, getting a head tilt “Oh, humanz actually zay that?” “Well, yea. Half serious half joke, like a real fake.” “A vhat?”

“Human joke, don’t worry.” Chuckling I opened the chest, with all my knickknacks still there. “Hmm, might change up the room when we get back from the planet.” Quickly taking out a framed picture and chain. “Zpeaking of, hov are you enjoying the room?” “It’s spacious, I can pace, lay down, or watch the stars stream by. So, quite lovely actually, I’ve always wanted to do this.” Lopasis shimmered, moving to another section. “I’m ecztatic hearing that, you’ve alzo bonded vith the crev zo zvell in just four and half hourz.” “Huh? It’s been that long? Or is that short, hmmm. Time didn’t flow for me, especially since there’s no sun. No wait, suns are stars. Wow this a lot.”

Lopasis put down their tablet stepping close “Are you alright?” “Yea? Just, been thinking a lot. And a lot happened, and there’s a lot of people, or aliens? Species? Look, I’m alright.” I tried to finalize, as Lopasis’ eyes sprouted. “Have you had a rezt today?” “Well, kinda? Every now and then nothing would happen, then something. But, it wasn’t a lot or anything, so it’s fine.” “Had zomething happened today?” “What? No. Well, nothing but just me thinking and I guess overthinking. I don’t know situations are awkward sometimes.” “Zituationz? Lopasis echoed.

“Well, I make things awkward, and I don’t know I think about it, and try not to make it more awkward and then I think it works out, but then I think about that. And I don’t know, I’m worried if I offended them.” “Offended vho?” Rolling my hands I tried to think specifically “Someone, anyone. You say I bonded well, but I just tried to follow what they were doing, and even at first with Nottalish I thought he hated me, but he’s super nice.” “That iz a fair primary and zecondary interaction with Lezz.” Lopasis added. “And Rousptera…” Lopasis squinted “Did zomething happen vith you tvo?” “Well. No, but I think I thought something might? And made them worried they did something. And maybe caused Kleef to say something to them. And maybe I won’t be able to be friends with them.” I rambled as my hands whirled, only slowing down at the end.

“O…Oh?” Lopasis glowed with the word “I zee nov, vell, vhile I don’t knov vhat happened that doez explain Kleef zeeming different after a zhip zcan.” My face paled “So he did see us? Oh no, do you know what he said. Was he angry?” My panic rising “Angry? No, maybe upzet. But-” They added stopping my reply “-Kleef had talked vith, and underztood Rouzptera’z zide. The manner I do not knov, but haz calmed him.” “O…Oh, alright. Thank you.” I calmed down, still rushing from panic “Um, did Rousptera say anything to you?” Lopasis closed their eyes. “Well, Rouzptera did vant me to check on you. But, mainly mentioned you valking into a panel, and an apology. I think I underztand the latter part nov.” “Yea, I did walk into a panel. I was trying to make the situation unawkward, it. Yea.”

“Do you need medical aide?” “Nah, it wasn’t that serious. Just the old noggin taking a hit. I’ve been through worse.” I laughed but Lopasis didn’t join in. “Lavrence, I do not underztand theze human jokez. Are they all thiz oddly roundabout?” “Not all, a lot of mine are. But then I just mash different joke genres together, see how they get lost from my brain to my mouth, and let it play.” Lopasis tried to laugh. “That vaz a good one.” “That wasn’t a joke, that was a genuine explanation.” “Ah, I can zee vhy you bonded so vell vith everyone.” Lopasis lightly glowed “Why?” “You’re quite eazy to talk to, I enjoy vhen you let yourzelf talk. It addz to any conversation.” I didn’t reply.

After a few second of staring Lopasis’ glow began to fade “Are you alright Lavrence?” “Yea. You just gave such a genuine complement I needed a few seconds to factory reset and process it. But thank you, that means a lot.” Lopasis spot lighted the room, receeding back to a dim oceanic blur. “Of courze. I vill alvayz be genuine and honest, it iz proven to be mozt helpful in many cazez.” “Wow a complement dispenser, and fusion cell collector. What can’t you do.” Lopasis hummed, turning to grab their tablet “I cannot vorry about my crev, and the zhip at the zame time. You are alvayz firzt priority.” They blipped a few more items “Alzo, az ve don’t have much itemz left, juzt to confirm. You are alright.” “Correct.” “Nothing iz ailing you?” “Nope.” “Iz there anything you vant to talk about, even vith Rouzptera.”

Focusing on the day, I tried to find more questions “Nothing really? Um, did you suspect Rousptera did something, or think it was more serious?” “Oh, no. No, no no. Rouzptera is the gentlezt of crevmatez you could find. He lovez to learn and inveztigate, but iz quite avare of boundariez and limitz. Hiz speciez, zimilar to mine, can feel the zhift in chemicalz and changez in frequenciez through the air around uz.” “Oh, that makes sense for you guys. Wait you can tell when I’m anxious?” I focused at the end “In a zenze, yez. Though, you’ve been anxiouz all day, zo it’z been quite muddled. I perzonally haven’t been focuzed on it, just noted itz prezence and zhiftz. Rouzptera is zlightly lezz zensitive with zcentz, but better in temperature and frequency fluctuationz.” Sighing I slumped against a shelf “How nice to know my anxiety was known all day.” Lopasis checked more items off “Vell, did you expect to be calm? You vere put vith a nev zhip, crev, outfit, tazkz and responzibilitiez. Did you expect to be relaxed in your firzt hourz?”

“Yea? Well, no. But, I didn’t want to make anyone worried, so I tried to just keep at it?” Lopasis rounded closer to my side “Vell, everyone iz going to be vorried about you. Ve vorry about each other all the time, that’z vhat being a crev iz. Making zure everyone iz alright, zo they don’t have to be vorried alone.” “Yea. But, like. I don’t know, I was overthinking a lot.” “You did indeed zay that. Then may I remove a vorry?” “Sure?” Lopasis clicked through the last items, waving for me to follow to the front “You didn’t make anything avkvard, everyone’s been talking about your achievementz and hov much they enjoyed interacting vith you.” “But, I didn’t do anything yet, I just got here.” “Exactly, you’ve just gotten here. Imagine vhat ztoriez you’ll create vhen you do zomething.”

Lopasis glimmered, tapping the container and placing their tablet inside. I stood there, letting the words sink in ‘I’ve done nothing, everyone has been here so long. And now I get to be here with them, I get to go on adventures and do whatever I want.’ The excitement whelmed within “Alright, thank you. That did help a lot.” “I can tell. Quite poverful joy you’ve got there.” Lopasis joked, taking my tablet. “What, this old thing? Nah, I bet you say that to all the serotonin you meet.” I fanned my cheeks, faking embarrassment as Lopasis laughed louder. “Vho knovs, thiz type iz quite zoothing, I rather enjoy it.” “O…Oh?” True embarrassment flushed up, Lopasis leaves tilting in response “Oh, zomething nev?” “Uhhhhhhhhhh, hey when do we land by the way?” I desperately tried to change the subject.

“Hmmm? I think three more hourz until landing. You really zhould rezt before though Lavrence.” “Yea, maybe. I just keep learning so much from everyone, so it’s hard to keep still.” “What did you learn from me?” Petals pointed up “You are way more observant than you let on. I am rethinking so much situations right now.” Lopasis bloomed, pressing a panel to open the door “Of courze, I am the navigator and field medic. Vell, Zecond field medic Notalizh iz primary.” We stepped out, into the still empty corridor “So there are sectioned roles?” “More zpecialized, a preference. You can learn all, but mainly a captian needz to. For crev it’z zimpler zticking to tvo or three. Alto iz zpecialized in all five.” “I am not surprised by that.”

“They are quite good at mozt anything. Eazily picking up and adapting to mozt zituationz.” “Yea, they did win the Rock-Paper-Scissors game.” “Indeed, their ability to overcome limitationz iz their mozt valuable trait.” Lopasis turned, making way to the kitchen, as I followed “Huh, interesting. So what are all the specialization?” Mumbling words Lopasis tapped their leaves a few times “I think the order iz field medic, explorer, engineer, navigator, and armz zpecializt. In terms of what iz trained firzt.” We stopped by the table “Oh, so field medic training is also storage training?” “In a zenze, the bezt vay of learning hov to aide. Iz knoving vhat iz available, and keeping important itemz ztocked. But, thiz izn’t a training zezzion, juzt debriefing.” Lopasis stepped over, dispensing another cup of water from the panels.

Placing my chain and picture on the table, then looking out the window to spacy abyss I thought on everything “So. Would I be trained for explorer when we land?” “Potentially. Or any of the otherz, I zimply lizted the recommended order ve zet, if you feel ready to learn one primarily, that iz alzo up to you.” “Huh, you know it’s a lot less imposing now that I know what to expect.” Lopasis paused their water pour, tilting to look at me “Did your planet not inform you of the zpecializationz for thiz zhip?” I gave a shrug and head shake “So far, everyone knows more than me about what I should know. I didn’t even get a translator until I stepped on board.” “Your zpeciez becomez increazingly alarming vith each added information.” Lopasis poured their drink, tapping for another.

“Yea. That’s humans, the more you learn about us. The more you wish you didn’t know. Like our oceans.” “Vhat about your oceanz?” “Do you really want to test your hubris again? Have you not learned from actions passed?” “…Vaz that a human joke?” Laughing I walked beside Lopasis to the panel, tapping for my own drink “I’ll let you decide that yourself.” Grabbing my cup, I sat back in my original spot.

Lopasis hummed for a second “Vell, thiz haz been quite an informative interaction. I can zee vhat you mean by learning a lot from everyone.” “Oh yea, what did you learn about me?” I excitedly pointed to myself. “You're unique. I cannot quite explain it, but. I am alvayz learning zomething about you, and I never knov vhat vill come next. Maybe interezting might be a better vord?” Slightly dejected I settled back in my seat “Ah, so still just unique and interesting. Yippie.” I twirled a finger with the word.

“Apologiez, did I offend you?” Lopasis worried. “No. I just always got told I was unique, interesting and special all my life. It never really meant anything growing up, and I never understood why it was all I got. It’s not offensive, just thought I was something more than, the different kid.” Honest words pushed past, as I looked to the framed picture. “I didn’t knov. I’m zorry, I can think of better vordz.” Waving the matter off I sat properly in the seat again. “Nah. You literally couldn’t have known. And besides, what I learned about you wasn’t much of anything. So just even assessments of first few talks.”

Lopasis gave another long hum “You alvayz find the vordz to zettle a matter. Then I zhall vorry no longer, but vhen I do find proper vordz I vill tell you vhat I learned.” They pressed the screen, making a panel turn, depositing their cup. “I’ll take that offer. And when I can, I’ll do the same. Watch, I’ll out observe you.” Lopasis gave a wave and laugh “I don’t knov, I might have an advantage with my eyez and senzez. You might be learned firzt.” Their five eyes grew at the mention. “Oh yea? I’ll hyper analyze you until you get stuck in my mind. Then, I’ll have the advantage of only thinking about you.” I pointed to them feeling triumphant, taking a sip of my drink.

Lopasis froze for a moment, eyes glued to me “I didn’t expect you to go that far for me. Zurely there are other thingz that dezerve your full attention.” Confused I replayed the conversation, trying to understand the reaction ‘It’s just hyper fixating? Little brain rot on Lopasis only…’ “Ohhhhh. I didn’t think my words through.” I admitted out loud, getting more laughter from Lopasis “Even though it’s not the best vord. I ztill think interezting fitz for right nov, talking vith you is alvayz great fun.” My mind stuttered at the complement “Why are your words so genuine and nice. I can’t handle such positivity so close, I might barf out sunshine soon.” I tried to hide by taking another drink.

“Alright, I zhall contain my honezty for nov. I must return to the helm, and make zure everything there iz recorded. Do try to rezt before ve land, a lot haz happened today, giving your body a moment of break vould help.” Lopasis nudged out, closing their eyes. “I will. I mainly came out here to eat earlier, so resting should be easy. Oh-" I called out as they turned away “-Thank you again. For everything today, it was also nice talking about my worries.” Lopasis gave a curtsy, beaming bright “I am happy to have aided you. And never feel like you can’t come to me. I’ll alvayz be here to talk and lizten.” With a final wave they turned, walking into the next corridor.

Staring at the wall, I waited until the door sounded open then close, before slumping back into my chair ‘That was so nerve wracking. How are they so easy to talk to, yet intimidating at the same time. And their reactions, even when they were concerned. Like, man… But, at least a lot of my stress is gone. And I got answers.’ I gave a long, slow sigh “I’m so tired. Maybe I should sleep, they did keep reminding me.”

With another sigh I arose, finishing my water and sending the cup away. Grabbing the framed photo and chain I returned back, the hallway was still clear with muffled mummers barely picked out behind walls. My room door appearing as I tapped in the code, the sanitized smell unaffecting my nose as I stepped in. Placing the picture and chain on the table, I flopped onto the bed, fixing the sheet atop me. “Alright. I’m tired. So I can’t keep thinking, just gotta drift off to slumber town. Easy, just try to relax, and don’t even think ab-" my words cut out as I fell asleep, thoughts drifting away as my body settled into bed.

[fearsmagazine]

DREAMS OF DRACULA - Review

DATES: Opens Oct. 4th thru Nov. 11th, 2023 COMPANY: Bucketlisters, Never More, & Musica THEATER: Musica NYC, 637 W 50th St, NYC ACTORS: Scotty Jacobson, Francesco La Macchia, Isa Segall, Lucas Rodriguez, Emma Ivy, Savannah Gaillard, Paul Pecorino, Grant Lowenstein, John Trindl, Kelsey Rondeau, Amina Theis, Levi Kempf, and many more CREW: Written & Directed by Jonathan Albert & Nicole Coady; Original Music by Dian Shuai; Choreographer Arianne Meneses; Production and Scenic Design by Iron Bloom Creative Production; Costume Design by Taylor Lombardino; Lighting Design by Phillip W. Powers – LUNA LUX; Sound Design by Lawrence Schober; Makeup Design by Cali Cuneo. Official Site: dreamsofdracula.com

SYNOPSIS: DREAMS OF DRACULA: AN IMMERSIVE MASQUERADE EXPERIENCE transpires on two floors, in six rooms that allows guests to choose their own journey through history’s most famous vampire, Dracula, based on the Bram Stoker classic. The experience offers guests a mix of immersive theater, dance, and indulgent masquerade. Woven throughout the show are elements of dreams that can allow guests to encounter having their own dreams analyzed, lend their hand in co-writing a gothic ghost story, or have a poem composed in tribute to their beauty. Guests of legal drinking age can begin their experience in the Oscar Wilde Salon to imbibe in a variety of decadent themed cocktails where they will be entertained by Oscar and his very wild friends! A custom Dreams of Dracula app built by Shivoo Studios also allows guests to further interact with their dreams as an augmented reality post experience after the show. The VIP program begins at 5:45 pm and concludes at 9:00 pm in the Oscar Wilde Salon.

REVIEW: As we begin the Halloween season, there are a variety of haunted attractions and horror theme plays to spice up your fall haunts. There are limited more adult experiences, and if you’ve already experience “Sleep No More” or “Speakeasy Magic,” then DREAMS OF DRACULA: AN IMMERSIVE MASQUERADE EXPERIENCE is an exciting evening of immersive theater on the westside of New York City.

I am not usually a fan of dance, but the main program, “M Cycle One – Castle Dracula” & “Cycle 2 – The Virgin & The Vampire,” are an engaging mix of theater, dance, and pantomime. It transpires on the second floor that features a larger dance space. The story transitions through several rooms as it interprets the tale of Dracula. There is limited dialogue, however Renfield gets to rant. Added into the tale are two angels who witness the tragic events and on occasion whisper into guests’ ears to guide them through the tale. Even if you are not well immersed in Stoker’s novel, the story here is easy to follow. The costumes and musician choices add to the hypnotic and sensual feel to the experience. The masks provided to the guests and the requested black attire add to the voyeuristic experience, evoking the spirit of Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut.”

The Dracula cycles are performed for the duration of the time blocks. However, there are other experiences going on in the salon and a couple of other rooms. I was enchanted by the Dracula production so I only stole a few moments away to see what was going on elsewhere. Lord Byron, Mary Shelly, Oscar Wilde, Freud, a fortune teller, and a few possessed characters haunted the other spaces offering guests other tales and experiences.

Tickets will be available exclusively through Bucket Listers. Full ticket and show run details available here. I would recommend purchasing a tier that provides access for all Dreams of Dracula cycles performed that evening and a few other perks that add to the evening’s experience. Likewise, that tier provides early access to The Oscar Wilde Salon, designed with a lot of atmosphere and sets the tone for the evening. There are four signature cocktails, I enjoyed the Voodoo Punch and the Whisky Smash is tasty.

There is an app, created by Shivoo Studios, that adds another element to the evening’s experience. It permits guests to interact with their dreams as an augmented reality post experience after the show in the salon area. I played with it a bit and found it a novel idea to give those who are unable to put down their phones something to do.

For those not familiar with an immersive experience, other than “The Un-Dead” (General Admission) tier and unlike a haunted attraction, you are not rushed through and allowed to become fully immersed in this experience. The show is all about creating a complex ambience and does not rely on twists and turns to hide jump scares. The dancers and performers are excellent, hypnotic and compelling. They announce that they want you to explore, and the angels offer some limited guidance. I would have liked to have known something more about the other experiences offered and where they might be located within the space. If I had known in advance, I would have arrived for the earlier start and spent the night fully experiencing all the production has to offer. Considering the price of a Broadway ticket, DRACULA: AN IMMERSIVE MASQUERADE EXPERIENCE provides a more compelling, participatory experience. Would definitely recommend it as a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season with a group of friends or your significant other.

Review By: Joseph B Mauceri

[world-cinema-research]

Reservoir Dogs (1992) by Michael Bump

Reservoir Dogs (1992) 

Reservoir Dogs is a crime film that was written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The film follows a gang of criminals as they plan and execute a jewelry heist. Although things go awry when the police arrive, and a member of their gang is suspected of being an informant. The film has a quintessential Tarantino feel with his non-linear narrative structure and sharp and long scenes of dialogue. The violence is graphic. Uncanny compared to the film Pleasantville from 1998. An interesting fact about this film is that it was Tarantino’s debut feature film. This film is considered by many to be a “cult classic.” The film’s cast is star studded with Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, Michael Madsen, Chris Penn, Lawrence Tierney, and a cameo from Tarantino himself. Each actor gives an outstanding performance, and each has a unique role. The film opens with a group of men sitting in a diner. They all have nicknames of certain colors. For example, Steve Buscemi’s character is Mr. Pink. The opening scene is featured below. After the film cuts back and forth in time. Showing the planning and the execution of the heist. Then it goes into the aftermath. The back and forth adds to the suspense of the film and keeps the audience engaged. It causes one to try and get all the puzzle pieces together and figure out the plot. This is a great skill with Tarantino’s films because he pays close attention to every detail. One of the standout performances in the film is Tim Roth’s portrayal of Mr. Orange, a rookie criminal who is tasked with going undercover and infiltrating the gang. Roth brings vulnerability to the character, making him sympathetic even though he is a criminal. His performance during the climax of the film is when he reveals his identity and the reasons why he decided to go undercover. The psychopath of the crew Mr. Blonde who is played by Michael Madsen gave my favorite performance. One of the most brutal scenes is when he is torturing the police officer. Madsen’s performance is chilling, and his scenes are some of the most disturbing in the film. The film’s dialogue is sharp and witty. There are many references to pop culture. Tarantino’s use of pop culture and how he configures the dialogue in the films will become his trademarks for future films. The film's violence is graphic and brutal with scenes of torture and plenty of bloodshed. The violence though is not overbearing and has significant purposes. Tarantino makes it so the violence occurs off-screen leaving the audience to imagine what could have happened adding to the suspense of the film. The soundtrack is also notable, featuring a mix from the 1970s. The music adds to the cool stylish vibe.  

Reservoir Dogs was not a commercial success when it was first released. It gained a cult following through word of mouth. I remember my dad watching it when I was younger. This film helped Tarantino earn enough acclaim to fund his future films such as Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill. The film has a cool 90s feel but also is gritty and epitomizes the crime genre. I would say that this film is not a conventional Hollywood film. Although there are well-known actors, the film is different than other crime films and has many more details. Reservoir Dogs is a classic crime film that highlights Tarantino’s unique style and storytelling. The film's structure and dialogue and graphic violence have made this film a cult favorite and now one of my favorites. Compared to Pleasantville of 1992 the film is vastly different. There is much more violence in this film as well as graphic language. Another is the way it is shot. Pleasantville is a much more conventional movie style and plot wise. The two films differ in terms of the star-studded cast and the year they were released. A historical event in 1992 was the LA riots. This was a pivotal moment for race relations in America and things erupted costing lives and billions of dollars.  

The first clip is an interaction between the actors who are all a gang of thieves. I thought that Steve Buscemi was great in this scene. You also get an idea of who everyone is as well. I like that Quentin Tarantino has part because he is always an obtuse role because he is a little strange. The second textual evidence is an image from a scene with Buscemi in the warehouse. Most of the movie occurs within the warehouse and the entertainment is completely from the actors. There are few special effects at all in this film.  

Reservoir Dogs | Mr. Pink Doesn't Tip 

[sparkletastic-cookiedough]

Okay, so I've read every Snake Oil post and the fic chapter and...

Well... my brain ended up crafting an Idea.

Quick disclaimer that I'm not here suggesting "hey why don't you rewrite your entire work because you suck"- in fact I think your ideas are wonderful and I absolutely adore your work, which is why I'm writing stuff. More along the lines of "wow this is a neat idea- what if I smack my own spin on it". (feel free to take these ideas and bounce off them again, flavoring them however you want. If you look at my ideas and say "ooh, that's good, I want; then you may feel free to take.)

Okay so, I kind of wanted to change Lydia's demonic development in a way that makes the story really long, but also feels emotionally satisfying to me.

After she dies, there's a brief waiting period before she re-emerges as a demon. Beetlejuice sees her dead body, and knows he is in for it when her demon form emerges. He has a solid moment of "oh no" before just dumping her corpse on the other side of the netherworld.

Adam and Barbara want to stay with Lydia, but Beetlejuice kind of owns their souls now, so they really can't do that. So when Lydia's Demon Form emerges, she's all alone, with her day-or-so old corpse in a ditch. And being left alone, she's left to ruminate, to run through the Netherworld on a mission of revenge. She comes across people that disrespected her back when she was human. She mauls them. Rumors spread of a very angry- and very powerful demon.

Lydia's demon slowly becomes consumed by revenge, by her anger, and she loses all traces of her humanity. She gets claws and horns, probably big wings because wings are cool. By the time she actually manages to encounter Beetlejuice again, she's almost completely taken over by her need to enact justice.

I like the idea of having a mini-plot in here where Lydia traverses the area, going on little missions and quests. Maybe we go with the whole "cowboy sandworm hunter" concept and stretch it a lot: Miss Argentina is more like a sharpshooter (Annie, from the beginning of Annie Get Your Gun, but with the flair and elegance that comes with Miss Argentina). Hell, stretch it even more, and we can add Lawrence to the mix- sort of the softer side of Beetlejuice's character that isn't expressed in this fic (so we make it a different person entirely for fun). Technically, you could put whatever characters you want in this segment. It's a crew of Sandworm Hunters that can consist of whatever cameo characters you choose to use. Over the course of the missions, Lydia makes some choices (revenge, refusing to give up on her anger, probably mauling people) that result in her becoming less and less human. Eventually, one of three things happen: Lydia choses to abandon her life with the sandworm hunters because she's able to see herself becoming too dangerous- maybe she ends up hurting one of them by accident/ the sandworm hunters abandon Lydia for being too dangerous (they can see the creature she's becoming)/ Lydia chooses to leave the hunters when she gets news of Beetlejuice's whereabouts (thus making her reject her chance at a different life and pursuing revenge, making her transformation get worse quite faster)

Anyway, rumors end up spreading about a really dangerous demon (Lydia) that keeps destroying stuff and probably mauling ghosts. Well, while the rumors spread and whatnot, Beetlejuice kind of went into hiding. He realizes that justice is coming for him, and he does not want to end up skewered by Lydia's big claws. He ends up ditching Adam and Barbara at one point because he just can't keep hiding them- especially since they keep leaving traces behind for Lydia. They manage to find her before she meets with Beetlejuice, and Lydia's transformation has gotten to the point that she's nearly completely unrecognizable. She can hardly speak (or maybe even can't speak at all- for this I kept visualizing her as like a giant wolf-like creature, purple and shadowy, six eyes, big bat wings, horns, claws). In fact, the only way they recognize her is because of the blood draining contraption. It's a complicated situation when they meet. Lydia is no longer in the same mental state, and her feelings over Adam and Barbara are complicated: they kind of abandoned her after she died (they didn't have much of a choice, but it's not like Lydia knows that), they helped Beetlejuice (again, not much of a choice, but in her anger Lydia isn't thinking very straight), and Lydia can't help but feel that they should've done more to protect her (not that they could've but hey she's a feral monster now, logic and reason aren't 100% there anymore). So they end up keeping their distance, but trying to protect the feral demon.

Meanwhile, Beetlejuice has been busy. His money supply is getting lower, and running away from Lydia has put him into financial trouble Maybe his customers find his warehouse and steal stuff as retribution for being such a scam artist, and dealing with the whole Lydia situation meant he couldn't be there to protect his stuff. Or perhaps he needs to fulfil a contract he made, assuming that he'd have human blood, only for Lydia to die on him. Anyway, Beetlejuice ends up kidnapping Skye while Adam and Barbara aren't there to stop him.

Adam and Barbara get wind that there's a certain demon selling blood again, and they end up investigating. Feral Lydia ends up finding Beetlejuice again. She instantly gets excited- this is her chance for revenge, it's what she's wanted for so long, but...

there's a living human there.

Suddenly, Lydia's needs shift. Rather than simply wanting revenge, she now feels the need to protect the girl she found, the human that's in a similar position to the one she was in. Running away from the demon, Feral Lydia ends up taking Skye.

Of course, Skye is initially horrified with the fact that a big scary monster kidnapped her from her kidnapper (Skye has been double kidnapped), but Skye figures out that the monster is actually quite gentle and caring towards her. The weird creature ends up bringing her human food (yogurt drops and strawberries especially, for some reason). Basil acts kind of like a guard dog towards Skye at first: very protective, very scary, but also soft towards Skye. It takes a little while for Barbara and Adam to get Basil to trust them again- (they don't use Lydia's real name because even she's forgotten it at this point). That, or something has to separate the Maitland's from Basil and Skye once again. Maybe Beetlejuice gets in the way, maybe their goal becomes preventing him from stealing yet another child.

As Basil and Skye interact more and more, Basil slowly becomes less and less scary-demon mode. Very slowly, Basil becomes more and more human. Through interacting with Skye, Lydia regains her humanity. She isn't brought back to the weak little girl she once was- no- she's changed forever. But she's turned from the mindless revenge monster she once was. Lydia takes on the role of Skye's protector.

Perhaps the ending has Skye going home, only to summon her demon best friend up to the human world too. Lydia reunites with her dad, we get some good fluff and a happy ending.

(This has been my au of your au)

ok the snakeoil au kinda freaks me out but i had a thought and needed to know, isnt it possible that continually taking blood to the point of exhaustion, even if giving time to get blood back, could kill someone because of the strain put on basically all organs but especially the heart? her life expectancy is rapidly going down dangerously from the torture unintentionally to her body by a dumbass, i feel like beej one day will come in the room to see a body and a pissed off new ghost prepared to attack him. i hope this sends and tumblr isnt messing with me because im on the phone, because this is genuinely a consequence that i think would be interesting that hed have to deal with.

i wonder what kind of ghost you'd get if someone reached their absolute limit both physically and mentally, both at the same time - realised they were dying, that everything had been taken from them but couldnt act on the cold fury of it before their heart gave out. i think that would make an interesting ghost.

(this is not me saying im going to kill lydia in this au, btw. but also im not saying im not going to. spitballing here.)

but yeah, to think in terms slightly more medically accurate than i would usually, shes repeatedly bled until shes hyperventilating and her blood pressure drops and her heart is beating far too fast, and never given the time to fully recover. that isnt sustainable. as much as beetlejuice claims to want to keep her alive hes slowly killing her. and then, if the poor kid does die, their dynamic instantly changes. she isnt useful to him anymore. hed probably try to shoo her off so he can go find a replacement. but hes a goddamn idot if he thinks this new ghost is going to leave him alone, or let him put anyone else through what he did to her.

[be-with-me-so-happily]

Summary: Y/N (stylist!yn) applies to be a styling intern for the One Direction crew during the Where We Are tour. As she gets better at her job and closer to the band and crew (especially Harry Styles), some of her dreams seem to be coming true, but so are some of her fears.

A/N: Here is chapter 2 for you! I loved writing and posting the first one, that I just had to get the second chapter out! This has started as a slow burn journey, but there is more interaction in this one. Hopefully you enjoy the growth of the story.

Warnings: None

~~~~~

CHAPTER 2 -

THERE'S SOMETHING HAPPENING HERE

August 2nd, 2014

You're already a morning person, but it is even easier for you to get up today. There's just an extra excitement. You figure it's probably because you feel way more prepared.

Even Natalie gets up with you. That's new. But you both feel a rush from last night that makes you want to just get going.

This time you pack up completely. Your next stop will be NYC! Today is just an exciting day all around.

~~~~~

Since a lot of things were already set up, Amelia gives the interns the morning off. You and Natalie meet up with Sarah and Jade to stroll the streets of Toronto. You want to see the Art Gallery of Ontario but are outnumbered and visit the St. Lawrence Market.

It is actually pretty fun! Sarah shares about time at college, her boyfriend back home, and her family trips to Paris. You can see why she gets along well with Natalie.

Jade is a bit more down-to-earth. She shares about being on her high school track team, her broad taste of music, and her mother's boutique clothing store. That's where she acquired her love for fashion and why she jumped at the chance to apply for this internship.

You buy a delicious treat for later and a fun pair of tube socks with the word 'TORONTO' running up the sides.

"Y/N," Natalie laughs, "when are you ever going to wear those?"

You roll your eyes. "Nat, some people like to have a few days of leisure… in sweatpants." You grin.

Jade chimes in with, "if sweatpants were on trend, you'd never see me wear anything else!" And you all laugh.

~~~~~

You head back to the hotel and indulge in the brownie you purchased at the market. You usually don't eat too many sweets but it looked too good to pass up. It is definitely worth it. You change into another comfortable outfit, but this time, you pick a pair of acid wash jeans and the 'Where We Are' t-shirt you scored yesterday. You have your hair up in a loose ponytail and add just a little bit more makeup than before. It's been a good day, and you're in a good mood, so why not wear a good outfit to match?

It's now 12pm and Natalie is napping on the bed. Even though you don't need to be at Rogers Centre until 1pm today, you head over there to see you can be of any help somehow.

As you enter the dressing room, Amelia is taking some photos of the outfit options for the night. The pieces are pretty much the same as last night, with one or two new items added to each rack. She looks over as you walk through the doorway and looks at her watch.

"Y/N, you're an hour early! Or is my watch wrong?"

"No, no, I wanted to get here early to see if I could be of any use," you say with a reassuring smile.

She gives you an approving nod. "Well, if you want, you can help me organize the racks a little more."

"Sounds great!" You make your way over the Louis' rack where she is pairing a simple black sleeveless shirt and black skinny jeans.

"Did you see the hysteria on Twitter over that shirt Harry wore last night?"

You shake your head and check your phone. Amelia can see your eyes widen. [Good lord, they are drooling over it!]

"Well… He certainly is a rockstar!" You say as you continue to flip through the posts. "I knew it would be a hit but I didn't think it would cause a Twitter meltdown!"

"There is a video of him grabbing his crotch during 'Better Than Words'..." she shakes her head and adds, "that kid… he is something else."

[It's not hard to see why he's so adored]

As Natalie, Sarah, and Jade arrive, Amelia reminds you all that you'll be staying after the concert to help get everything packed up.

The rest of the afternoon is a bit more calm for your team. You walk through the halls to see where you can be of any assistance, and you end up helping the catering crew lay out some food. They ask you if you like smoothies and whip one up with some fruit and spinach for you.

"Y/N!" You hear as you see Niall running up behind you.

"Oh, um, hi. What's up?" You fumble, with a bit of surprise.

He catches up to you and smiles. "You help out the style team, right?"

You shrug. "As an intern, yeah."

"Cool, could you tell Amelia I want to wear that same outfit, with that black vest too? Just figured I'd make it easy and tell ya now."

"Of course. It's a good outfit." You agree.

"Are ya liking all this?"

"Yeah! I'm an intern, so I'm basically just observing and learning, but it's been good so far."

"Well you all help make us look good, so thank ya."

"I guess you could say we are 'what makes you beautiful'…" you joke, not really thinking about how cheesy you're being in front of this mega popstar. As soon as you realize it, you bring your palm up and smack your forehead.

Niall lets out a huge laugh. "Oh my god! That was so good!"

You shake your head, "that was so ridiculous."

"It was really funny." He reassures you. "I think Twitter would agree that you guys made Harry beautiful yesterday!"

You don't know why, but you catch yourself blushing a little.

"Yeah I guess so!" You laugh. "I didn't know the power it truly held when I placed it in the front of the rack! I better be careful."

An inquisitive look forms on his face. "Wait, you organized the outfits?"

You get a little nervous. [Will you get in trouble? That's not really your job yet, you're just an intern]

"Umm… yeah" you stutter. "I just placed pieces in front for you and Harry that I thought would look good."

"You did?"

"Yeah. I'm sorry. We were hanging up the clothes on the racks, and I couldn't help myself."

"Don't be sorry! I obviously liked mine, and the entire fanbase loved Harry's. You did a great job. I should tell him to thank you!" He laughed again.

"You definitely don't need to do that, you both still chose what you wanted to wear. I just love styling, and it's what I'm here to hopefully get to do." You smile.

"I should probably get back to the dressing room so I can let Amelia know about your outfit." You try to hide your embarrassment.

"Okay. Thanks Y/N, and feel free to make us beautiful again tonight."

~~~~~

You are gathered back in the dressing room with the other girls, off to the side once again to observe the process.

"It'll be interesting to see what they choose for the second concert in the same city," mutters Jade.

The other three are not as giggly this time as Zayn, Liam, and Louis enter the room. Just like last night, they are quick to pick what they want to wear.

They leave and as Niall walks in he takes a second to nod up at you when he reaches his clothes. His choice has already been made, so it goes quickly with him too.

Now, of course, it's time for Harry. Once again, he waves to everyone and asks, "how's it going tonight?" It's more of a rhetorical question but Sarah and Natalie respond, "it's going so good!"

He notices you standing next to them. He looks back to his rack, back to you, and then focuses back on his outfit options.

[Geez, thanks Niall]

Harry grabs a gray button up with white pattern. You look down and smile. You really do like his style. It's not crazy, but it's fun and bold. You don't feel you are that way, but you like to dress that way too. But he just owns every part of it.

You look up and see that he has the shirt on and is ever so slightly looking at you through the mirror. At least… you think he is.

[Nah, he's not looking at you, there's literally no reason why he would be]

He smiles, grabs an army green head scarf, and is out the door.

~~~~~

Just like the night before, the crowd is wild and the show is amazing. Even as you watch it through the TV, everyone in the common room feels the energy.

Since you will be staying back afterwards, you remain in the common room and watch the concert all the way through. Everyone is standing around chatting and all of a sudden the boys run in. All five of them quickly say a big, collective thank you to everyone, expressing how they couldn't have done it without everyone's help behind-the-scenes.

You are pleasantly taken back by the gratitude and humility they just showed.

They disappear and you make your way back to the dressing room. You walk in and are surprised to find all five guys grabbing sweaters and hats and chatting with Amelia.

"Y/N! Come meet the guys!" She states.

You're not necessarily starstruck, but you're just so awkward and you don't really know how to react. Every encounter you've had with Niall and Harry so far has felt weird. Or maybe it's just that you make it weird.

"Oh Y/N? We're best friends already," Niall jokes.

Amelia laughs and looks over at you. "So, do I even need to ask about the others?"

You shake Louis, Liam, and Zayn's hands. They each say hello and ask how you're doing.

You shake Harry's hand last and he smiles as he opens his mouth to say, "hey, warn me next time you pull a hysteria-inducing outfit, m'kay?"

Your eyes widen and you can feel your cheeks becoming bright red. You snap your head over to Niall and he jokingly avoids your gaze. Harry's smile gets bigger and he looks at Amelia, raising his eyebrows.

Amelia looks puzzled.

"She put the black sheer shirt at the front of my rack yesterday. So she basically caused that Twitter meltdown!" Harry states as he jokingly points at you.

Your mouth is wide open. You don't know whether to laugh or run. [What the hell is happening right now?]

Amelia laughs so hard she has to bend over, holding her stomach. "I should've warned you that this job comes with certain powers, you need to know when you use them." She pauses, looks at Harry, then looks back at you. "And you used them wisely, my young apprentice."

Everyone laughs, including you. [Okay, this isn't so weird now]

Harry nudges your arm and mumbles, "thank you, Sunshine."

You feel your cheeks start to heat up again and try to hold back from instinctively biting your bottom lip, managing to respond, "anytime."

Natalie, Sarah, and Jade suddenly walk in, big smiles taking over their faces instantly.

They introduce themselves to the boys, expressing how much they loved the show, and gushing over them. The guys grab their things, give quick goodbyes, and head out. Niall turns around in the doorway and exclaims, "you beautiful people make us beautiful people!", winking at you and walking away.

Harry comes up and nudges your arm once more, leaving you with, "thanks again, Sunshine. See ya later."

You spend the rest of the night organizing and packing everything away. The other three girls keep asking if the guys talked to you, what they said, and why Niall winked at you.

As soon as you get to your hotel room, you use a makeup wipe on your face and then plop straight down onto the bed. Tomorrow you are leaving for New York City. [Yay… more flying…]

~~~~~

August 3rd, 2014

The flight from Toronto to NYC was early and quick, which you are absolutely grateful for.

Since you arrived at your hotel early enough, you throw down your bags and head out to see the sights! Jade comes with you. All four of you styling interns are rooming together now, and it's nice to have her joining your little adventure.

You both decide to visit the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum. It is such a beautiful place- filled with textiles, paintings, pottery, artwork, etc. It's mesmerizing. You are enjoying the experience and the company when you see that you've been there long enough and need to get back to the hotel to change.

The two of you change, leaving Natalie and Sarah while they eat some lunch in the room, and make your way over to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Today's setup for the guys is a little different this time. Niall, Louis, and Liam will be in one dressing room, while Harry and Zayn will be together in another. They are right across the hall from each other though, so there won't be too much running in between them.

Amelia hears from Caroline Watson that the guys will be casual this round, basically t-shirts and jeans. Makes your job easier, but also a little less fun. All the options are black and white, so you are just making sure that they don't match too much.

Amelia already appreciates the help that the four of you have provided already. Even though you are interns and are primarily there to observe, she recognizes the skills you all have. So you coordinate with the other girls to pull outfits that will compliment each other despite the neutral color palette.

Zayn and Harry basically match in all black, besides the signature head scarf of course. Louis, Liam, and Niall are adorned in white tops- Liam with white shorts, and Niall wearing a black cut-off to separate the looks. [He seems to like those]

Once again, the energy in the arena is unmatched (for now) and everything goes smoothly similar to the last concerts.

The concert the next day is the same. Louis' girlfriend is in town, and she joins him in the dressing room, which is the only difference.

It is only the second round of concerts you've participated in, but you are delighted in the experiences you've already had. You enjoy the routine you are promptly becoming familiar with. You don't feel like much can shake you.

~~~~~

August 10th, 2014

The past week has been quite an experience. There were shows in New York City, New Jersey, and Boston. You had a few days off in between and got to go sightseeing with the girls. Dana even joined you all, which you really liked.

You, Natalie, Sarah, and Jade are getting into the One Direction touring routine a bit more. Sarah and Jade have been helping Amelia with the station set-up, while you and Natalie focus on hanging up the outfits.

Amelia still finds humor in what the guys said about their outfits in Toronto, so she has put you 'in charge' of Niall's and Harry's racks. She occasionally mutters to you to, "pull any pieces that inspire some mild mayhem" while walking away chuckling.

At least this internship is not lacking in the fun department.

You are now in Washington D.C. There is only one show here, tomorrow, so you head to the venue a little early this morning.

Amelia is not surprised as you arrive before the others. She doesn't mind that they come on time, but she appreciates your motivation to get started.

As you are getting Niall's rack set up, you hear a knock on the door. It is none other than Harry Styles. You are more comfortable seeing and being around the guys now. They give high fives in passing, Liam always asking "how's it going darling?", and Niall constantly making some silly comments. He's probably the one you are closest to at the moment. He's so friendly and easy-going. So seeing Harry standing there doesn't phase you too much. but he is the one who has been the least interactive, besides a smile and quick wave.

Amelia waves him in but he walks right up to you. He smiles, "hey... umm... Y/N, is it okay if I check out my outfit options for tomorrow?"

"Sure!" You reply. "Is there something different you want?"

"I just want to wear something now… that's not a plain t-shirt."

"Craving some color are you?" You joke.

"He smiles. You got it. You know me well."

You instantly start to blush. "Let's see what we can do."

Both walking to his rack of clothes, you realize you haven't set it up yet. "Damn it, can you give me a few? It's not ready yet."

He shrugs. "I can help you with it."

You turn to look at Amelia, but she is nowhere to be seen.

Without hesitation, he starts to put the rack together, as you grab some articles of clothing.

"So…" he starts to utter, "umm... are you liking this whole thing?"

"Oh yeah! It's already been so enjoyable." You reply.

"Good." He answers, then falls silent.

You break it up. "It's a distinct experience, that's for sure. I didn't think I'd be doing something quite like this."

"Why's that?"

"I mean, I went to school for fashion. I want to be a stylist. But working as an intern for the world's biggest boy band never even crossed my mind until Heather suggested we apply." You explain.

"Makes sense. I didn't think I'd be here either" he chuckles.

You can't help but giggle, and you feel the blushing exposing itself again.

"It's awesome what you get to do though. Travelling around the world and singing to packed stadiums… that's pretty spectacular!" You point out.

"Definitely. Definitely. I'm grateful for what I have now." He pauses. "The only thing I would change would be to see a bit more of the cities we perform in."

"You don't get to see anything?" You question.

"We do. We get to see some places. It's more so quick sightseeing trips to, like, monuments and stuff. Not really free to walk around and take our time wandering around. Like in a museum or something." He explains.

"I got to see an awesome museum in NYC." You proclaim, not considering you may be gloating a bit. You look away and continue to hang clothes.

You can ever so slightly notice that his eyes, which have been focused on you the entire conversation, somehow become more intense. "Oh yeah? Tell me about it."

"It was the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum. It contains all forms of art and design. It's really intriguing." You smile as you answer.

"Wow, that does sound interesting." For the first time, he looks down. "I want to see it sometime."

"You have a glamorous life Harry. Revel in those moments. But I hope you can sneak out sometime to find some additional beauty in the normal world."

His eyebrows are now raised in a slightly stunned expression, and then displays a wide grin. "Find what makes the world beautiful, right?" You nod and then his face turns mischievous.

"Speaking of making things beautiful… what shirt would you pull for me tomorrow?"

You look down, pressing your thumb and index at the bridge of your nose. "Oh geez."

You look up at all the clothes you added to the rack. You only take a few seconds to glance at the options, when you choose a black button up shirt that adorns a white pattern. You can't decide if it looks like some type of flower, or a man walking under a tree, but either way it looks good.

"This definitely radiates some 'rockstar' vibes." You say as you stick out your tongue a little, holding it up to his chest.

"Twitter-melting rockstar vibes?" He grins.

"Not as much as that black sheer beauty, but it'll definitely stand out." You confidently state, placing it to the front of the rack.

"That's good enough." He chuckles. "You're good at this."

"Thank you. I'm trying. It's what I love to do, and why I'm here, so I guess that's the goal, right?"

He nods. "Seems like you've got it down already."

He checks his phone. "Damn, I've gotta go, but I'm glad you usually come in early, so I could do this today instead of tomorrow."

"Anytime. Have a good one." You smile.

He sort of awkwardly reaches out for a hug, which you instinctively step into.

He smiles and stands there for just a second longer than normal. He lets out a quick puff of a sigh and utters, "thanks again, Sunshine."

Just as he heads towards the door, Amelia walks in with the other girls.

"Bye ladies. Looking forward to tomorrow."

Natalie, Sarah, and Jade return his statement with the biggest smiles on their faces and once he is gone, all four of them snap their heads to you.

You shrug. "What?"

"You're hanging out with Harry freaking Styles and just have a 'what' to say?" Natalie exclaims.

"He just stopped by to pick out a shirt early. He just happened to catch me at the right time."

Amelia gives an uncomfortable expression.

You abruptly change the subject. "What else needs to be done today?"

~~~~~

Amelia has you all set up the rest of the racks, the accessories, and the other extra details. You excuse yourself to go and grab some water, when Amelia comes up behind you.

"Y/N, sweetie, I don't want to make things awkward, but I just need to point something out."

You look confused, and maybe just a little worried that you're doing something wrong.

She continues. "Umm… it's just that Harry didn't need to come in that early today. He's not scheduled to come in until later in the afternoon. I'm speculating here, but it sort of seems like he may have come in so that he could pick out the shirt with you. Everyone knows you get here early. I brag about it." She winks.

You only manage to muster up, "oh?"

"It's fine. It's good to have a good relationship with the boys. Just… be careful."

"What do you mean?"

"He is very charming, and kind." She explains. "He's not a womanizer like they say, but he is a famous superstar, and this is your job." She pauses then adds, "I just wouldn't get involved with anything."

You really try not to blush or think about 'being involved' with Harry Styles. [It's not like that's even a possibility anyway]

"Oh, no! I'm sorry! That's not what it is. I was just helping him with an outfit, and we chatted while we worked. That's all."

"It's all good sweetie. Just be careful."

You blush again, but this time out of complete embarrassment.

She is walking away when she stops and looks back over her shoulder to say, "I probably shouldn't say this at all, but for what it's worth, and from the little I know about you, it would be a good match."

[That's just… no… that's crazy. Like she said, he's a famous superstar and you are just an intern. You're just Y/N]

~~~~~

August 11th, 2014 - Concert Day

Throughout the rest of the previous day, that night, and the next morning, you are the most distracted you've ever been. You're still performing your job as well as usual, but your mind keeps wandering back to that interaction.

[Why did he come early? Was he really trying to chat with you? No, Amelia was mistaken and you're making things up in your head. You're a nobody. You'll just embarrass yourself and you do not want to jeopardize your internship]

You finish your tasks in the dressing room and ask Amelia if you can go help with merch or something. You meet up with the merch manager Jacob, who is more than happy to accept your assistance and puts you with Dana.

She tries to chat about the little adventures she's had on her days off, and this cute sound intern who bought her a coffee in NYC. You listen intently and it seems to set your mind back to its proper, focused state.

It's getting closer to dressing time so you finish up helping Dana and make your way back. You squeeze in right next to Natalie. She looks at you, concerned.

"Y/N/N, are you okay sweetie?"

"What? Yeah! Of course!" You exclaim, trying to look as normal as possible.

She doesn't believe you. She knows you too well, but she doesn't push it either. Not now.

When Harry comes in, you straighten up to look as professional as possible. That's not too hard since the others still get a bit giggly over him. But you are not about to embarrass yourself by blushing at anything he says or does.

He changes into his outfit and everyone is agreeing it is a good choice. His gaze shifts slightly over to you and he gives you a little wink. You quickly avert your eyes downward but can just barely make out the expression on his face. He has a faint, embarrassed expression.

He grabs his head scarf and Chelsea boots, and makes a rapid exit, trying one last time to covertly meet your gaze before he heads out the door.

Natalie picks up on it. But you don't acknowledge her prying eyes.

You don't like this. You don't like feeling uneasy, especially in a professional setting. You're good at what you do and you can't afford to let a purely professional interac cause you to have any ludicrous assumptions.

[You are an intern, this is your job]

So you stay behind in the dressing room while the concert is playing. You organize and pack up as much as you can, since it's off to Philadelphia next. But you escape to the bathroom as soon as the concert ends. You don't want any more run-ins. Not tonight, not until your head is straight again.

After the commotion in the hallways dies down, you head back, slowly, to the dressing rooms. All clear. Amelia is impressed with how much you accomplished and sends you back to the hotel. You don't want to leave everything else for the other three, but she insists, and you are grateful for the time you'll have to yourself.

You just need a shower and a good night's sleep. But just as you start to fall asleep, your thoughts betray you and you remember what Amelia said.

["For what it's worth… it would be a good match"]

~~~~~

Series Masterlist || Chapter 1 || Chapter 3

[blametheeditor]

Hi! I really enjoy your Bendy fics. Will you add Boris or Alice any time soon?

Hello! I've been lacking in the Boris and Alice department, haven't I? ;) They're definitely characters I never personally latched onto, so it's definitely a large amount of the human crew and Bendy.

They deserve love, though! Not to mention I haven't really made any new BATIM content, so I'll start working my way back toward Bendy and the gang.

While I work on those, I did find an older piece centered around the wonderful angel herself. I hope you enjoy!

Angel's Don't Cry

Warnings: Based upon ranidaphobia, the fear of frogs and toads.

Run Down: This was a challenge piece to write a prompt based upon a random phobia given. Meet Alice Angel's phobia, ranidaphobia, the fear of frogs and toads.

Imma be late for worrrrk

______________________

”And they lived happily ever after. 

”Alright now run off! All of you! I have work I need to get done!” 

”What!” Wally exclaims, glaring at the animator and earning a simple eyebrow raised to state he was listening. “That’s it! One story!” 

”I have to agree. One story doesn’t seem enough, Ross,” Sammy smirks. It turns into a yell however when his legs are suddenly shoved off the desk he propped them up on. “Watch it. I’m on break so you can’t tell me what to do.” 

”Find a better break when it doesn’t involve my damn desk where I need to work. You might have a break, but I don’t,” Henry states. Even with the glare aimed toward his coworker, it was clear he had enjoyed telling the story to everyone. Enjoyed seeing those who joined to listen faces light up instead of frown when Joey’s voice echoes through the hallways for them to- 

”GET BACK TO WORK!” 

Bendy can’t help but flinch at the sudden yell. And without a second thought the darling devil was racing out of his creator’s office, Wally Franks smirking before straightening when he realized that while the darling devil didn’t have a reason for their boss to yell at him, the young adult sure did. 

”I’ll be expecting another one before bed!” 

”Sure thing, Franks.” A smirk toward the music director until his form finally stands up from Henry’s rightful chair. 

”I'm only leaving because you gave me inspiration for a new song. Not because Drew is being a complete-” 

”What, Lawrence?” 

Boris quickly follows after Sammy after he gave the man what looked to be a ‘You’re #1’ sign with his finger, wanting to assist as much as he possibly can after Joey cut his break short. 

The animator smiles after them, waving as Norman peers inside to wave and state he enjoyed the random story telling as well. Of course no one would know the protectionist had listened, too much of a habit staying in the shadows and way too quiet for his own good. 

Henry didn’t mind it. He enjoyed his friend’s presence and the conversations they had. The only person who didn’t prank him and didn’t earn a prank back. 

Hmm, pranks... 

”That was a stupid story by the way.” 

Alice Angle refuses to look toward the animator's questioning gaze, simply leaning against the wall that could only be considered a ‘doorway’. Really the man’s space had been a closet torn down, including the door. 

Honestly, the human should grow a back bone and demand Joey give him a real space to work. Can’t even be considered an equal business partner the way he’s treated. 

”Nice to see you too, Alice,” Henry greets. He quickly looks away from the cartoon angle, feeling her gaze trace his outline to try and see why he was acting so pleasant toward her. She just insulted his story, didn’t she! 

”Frogs shouldn’t be kissed, Henry.” 

”Well good thing my wife thinks so, or else we never would’ve married.” 

The angle glares at that. Her arms cross, her head turns away, and it becomes clear she didn’t want to speak with the human again. The reason was unclear other than he didn’t react how she thought he would. 

...she should’ve been expecting that, actually. He was always so weird. Sammy got angered too easily. Wally was just immature. Thomas held civilized conversations. Joey was all business talk. Susie just wanted to hear juicy stories. 

But Henry? The man who had been the main, if not sole creator of her? If being ‘related’ to someone was supposed to help in understand how they thought then the human was doing everything wrong. 

If only she knew she was just as confusing. 

”Would you please remind me the prank Bendy pulled on Boris two days ago, angel?” 

Henry smirks when those high heels immediately tap against the wooden floor boards. Instead of leaving his ‘office’ though, they grow louder until the short cartoon stops beside his desk. 

”You want to do another reel like that?” A look over the drawing being made with interest until a smile appears. “Didn’t you do one in ‘Tombstone Picnic’?” 

”I do one in every reel, kiddo,” the human grins, winking at the eye roll. “Last time Boris actually got to prank darling, so I need to mix it up a little bit. Not to mention bring a little more life to it.” 

”...life?” 

Those warm brown eyes finally focus on Alice as she stands back to properly listen. “Well, I designed him. Boris and you. But even so you have different personalities. Little perks I never would’ve thought to ask. That includes all of your interactions. Boris more of a quiet character rather than aggressive. Bendy a lot more brave than we draw him. 

”Not to mention any fears you guys have.” 

Alice mentally curses herself when Henry quickly catches her wrist, sighing with her head hung when it becomes clear the animator knew a lot more than he let on. Three years and he still manages to get what he wants with little to no effort. 

”You can’t lie to me, angel.” A smirk as those pie-cut eyes scowl him. “You absolutely adore the stories I read.” 

”...you’re a good story teller.” 

”Well thank you. But I don’t write them. And we all know I’d mess it up if Sammy and Wally didn’t add voice acting to it.” 

Alice allows a laugh to slip at that. The scene of Wally, a hand extended toward Sammy as he speaks in a high-pitched voice. The music director acting like the charming prince and throwing his voice an octave too deep for him. 

”It’s about the frog, isn’t it?” 

“CROACK!” 

Alice Angel almost screams. Almost alerts her presence. Almost allowed the, the- 

“CROACK!” 

A tear suddenly falls down the cartoon’s face. A black and inky tear a stark contrast against the white ink what allowed you to tell the difference from her skin to her hair, dress, gloves. 

This time however there’s no one to wipe it away. To make her glow again like the angel she is should be. A stunning young woman who could sing like heaven truly was on earth. She was alone...still. 

“Why? Why did you have to leave?” 

Why did Henry abandon them? Why did Henry allow Joey to go unchecked and experiment on everyone? Experiment on the workers to try and make more cartoons who looked exactly like her? Her, and Bendy, and Boris, and the butcher gang? Why did he tell the madman about their feelings and desires? 

Revealed they were afraid of the monsters that lurked around every corner? 

“CROACK!” 

The angel holds herself tighter as the sound begins to get louder, grow closer. The sound she had only ever been told was attached to the thing she feared most. The thing Joey had wanted to experiment with her on... 

“CROACK!” 

...how long she’d last being in a locked space with a frog. 

Tears then begin to flow down her face in rivers, quietly gasping for air. Her face felt hot. Her breath was shallow. And she truly did fear for her life. 

She knows what frogs are. She knows they can only grow up to a foot if even. They were naturally small creatures, and even in the toon world one would never be big enough to actually harm her. And even if they could, no one can die in the toon world. She could defend herself. 

But here, made out of ink- 

“CROACK!” 

Alice can’t help a shriek when the sound is suddenly right outside her space. Her small little crook behind an open door as the creature hops down the hallway. 

It will die. Nothing that isn’t made out of ink will survive for long here. Drown, starve, this place that used to be full of laughter and dreams could only make those from the outside world suffer until death comes finally. 

But until it does, she hears the thump! every time it hits the ground ungracefully. The croaking as it announces its presence throughout the entire studio. 

A trail of slime will be left where it roamed. She will not forget its existence. And here she will plead for it to stay away from her. 

Bendy was his own demon. Boris was completely alone. And she was being hunted down. Now with her worst fear, its presence right outside- 

“CROACK!” 

No! No! She’s not here! She’s not! Please! Go away! She’s not here! She’s NOT! 

“CROACK!” 

Please. Further. Further. Go away. Never again. Not without Henry. 

“CROACK!” 

...not without Henry. 

Alice finally breathes in when the sound fades away. Finally allows herself to lean against the wall in relief and sob. 

She didn’t know why she feared them. She didn’t. Maybe it was the reason Susie held toward being beautiful, toward the ink pulling her back in. Maybe it was the reason Bendy now raged like a child without his father, toward the people who completely abandoned him. 

”There’s nothing to be afraid of, Alice. Your fear is what you make it. As long as you remember that, this world is yours. And no one will ever tell you otherwise. 

”I want more for you. For Bendy. For Boris. Sammy. Wally. Even Joey. But I can’t give them the world. I can’t give you the world. 

”You have to take it, angel. It’s right there. And until then, look fear in the eye. And kiss it." 

Maybe when you were here Henry. Maybe when you read me ’The Princess And The Frog’. But right now? With you gone? With everyone gone... 

...I’m going to hide. One day I’ll control my fear. But now- 

“CROACK” 

It rules me. 

[earthstellar]

TFP Megatronus x Orion Pax Experimental Concept Playlist: The Timescale of Cybertronian Lives + Music from 1890 - 2021

I know there are tons of playlists for these characters out there, but I’m trying to do something a little less conventional with this one; Please hear me out! 

Two Playlists in One: Love Throughout The Ages 

The first half of this playlist is almost all new music mixed in with some hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s, etc. to give variety, plus tracks from different genres so that hopefully everyone has a song they can enjoy in there somewhere.

For the second half of the playlist, I wanted to emphasise the idea of how long the war on Cybertron has been going on for, and just how old this conflict and the people involved actually are. 

Cybertronian Timescale: Long Lives and The Perception of Time 

We think of the Orion Pax / Megatronus stage of their relationship as being relatively brief, which it was in comparison to how long the war has been going on for as of TFP, but these are people who live for centuries. The scope of that is staggering. 

Optimus Prime and Megatron have known each other personally (either positively or negatively) for longer than modern human civilisation has existed. 

So to me, the best way to touch on that idea of time, musically, is to have the first half of the playlist be modern music, remixes, etc. and then the second half is well known and lesser known hits throughout early radio/TV (with many tracks on this playlist pre-dating those forms of media as well). 

What’s on the Playlist, Then?

My grandmother was born in 1914, and her music collection spans nearly 100 years. It’s all good stuff.

I have included some of her favourites, which she always called her “sweetheart jingles”, on this soundtrack. I think many of them work surprisingly well for the Megatronus/Orion Pax relationship.

Many of these songs will probably be unknown by the vast majority of people who might want to listen to this playlist, which is also appealing to me. (I hope if this is your first time hearing some of these, that you enjoy a few of them!)

My parents were born in 1944, and I remember all of the classics they would play; Some of those tracks will be more recognisable as this was the era when radio and TV became far more common and accessible, but I picked the tracks that I think best apply to the pairing and the relationship between the two characters at that point in their lives. 

The link to the playlist is below after some notes on Cybertronian language evolution! 

Quick Thought: Cybertronian Language Over Time and Era Specific Speech Patterns 

While thinking about my grandmother’s music collection as I assembled this playlist, I thought about some of the words and phrases she used commonly that are now totally non-existent in modern conversational English. 

She had what would probably sound to most people like “1930s radio voice” or a more Trans-Atlantic Accent way of speaking; She grew up in the Northeast USA and so she had a very distinctive way of stressing the vowels in words. It’s not just the words themselves, or how they were pronounced, but the tone and pace of speech was also very different. 

This got me thinking about Cybertronians, age, and speech:

Bots as old as Ratchet may have grown up with a totally different spoken language version of Cybertronian, and we already know that there are regional dialects, multiple written forms (glyphs), and era-specific types of Cybertronian language. 

But the way they speak, as I mentioned above with the stressing of vowels and the tone and pace of speech, might still be different due to the different eras, even after language packs/programs are downloaded and updated periodically as needed. We already know Cybertronians have regional accents, so it stands that generational accents would also possibly exist as well. 

Such a difference in speech patterns could possibly be used as a primary indicator of relative age on Cybertron, as physically they don’t age in the sense human beings do. 

Back to the Playlist: Link + Track List + Notes on Audio Prior to 1930

The playlist is here on YouTube. 

Scroll down to get to the second half (oldies section) if that’s what you’re here for! 

Please note that the songs are not arranged in any particular order aside from the first half being newer music and the second half being far older music.

Also note, where original recordings are available on YouTube for some of the older songs, I have used those original recording versions. 

However, keep in mind that there may be a couple seconds of “fuzz” at the top (start) of those older tracks, because they have been recorded from records or wax cylinders, which are formats of music that typically had a “pause” on the track to allow for needle and speed calibration when playing them manually. Modern records don’t do this in quite the same way and nobody uses wax cylinders anymore, but older records typically did. If this bothers you, skip ahead about two seconds or so, and it will resolve. 

Tempo may seem slightly “fast” on two of the tracks due to difficulties with the medium and modern recording tech/methods, and one track has some persistent “fuzz” throughout due to the original recording being rare and therefore it is a “best copy available” type archival recording, but otherwise I’ve managed to find the clearest audio possible for the vast majority of the older songs! 

(Fun music note, the “click track” in modern digital music was partially inspired by the clicking of the needle hitting the “countdown grooves” on old cylinders and records, which creates an audible mild clicking sound as the needle finds the groove and provides time for usually a half rotation or full rotation of the record before the track actually begins to allow for adjustment before the music starts! If the clicking is too fast, dial down the rotation speed, for example. 

This itself was inspired by classical metronomes as well as the actual physical method of playing the music in this way, but it’s cool to see how this persists throughout musical history even now when we don’t need the click for digital production for quite the same reasons/applications. It’s all about timing, no matter the medium or era!)

Due to the method of how some player piano rolls were credited, often by roll company and not by individuals, the actual artist name is often not available for those tracks. Where possible and where known, I have included credits to the artists/musicians. I have done my best to research and find the artists in these recordings. 

I have also included orchestrions and other “automated” music in addition to a player piano track as I think it’s interesting; These are often very old compositions being played on these machines, and as such are designed to reflect the earliest days of their relationship. 

Songs range from the years 1890 to 2021, and I will add more as I manage to find YouTube videos with some of the older songs I’m still looking for. 

By the way, if you need a love song for like an actual partner or crush that you have, I’m just going to say it now and point out that a lot of these classics are great to use in real life for cute purposes. My partner of ten years agrees, and my grandparents were married for over 60 years and sang many of these daily, so obviously something here works well. You’re welcome. ;) 

Below the cut is a track list of the second half of the playlist, as it’s 7 AM and I’d like to emphasise the “classics” section here as it’s the central theme of the concept.

I will add to this list as more tracks are added:

You’re the Top - Cole Porter

What is this Thing Called Love - Leslie Hutchinson 

I Get a Kick Outta You - Cole Porter 

Puttin on the Ritz - Phil Spitalny Orchestra

What a Day - Carl Fenton

Come Fly With Me - Frank Sinatra

Earth Angel - The Penguins

Ring a Ding Ding - Frank Sinatra 

In my Merry Oldsmobile - Billy Murray

Singin in the Rain - Gene Kelly

Dream a Little Dream of Me - Doris Day

Unforgettable - Nat King Cole 

Can’t Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley 

Good Golly Miss Molly - Little Richard

Bei Mir Bist du Schoen - The Andews Sisters

Shine on Harvest Moon - Ruth Etting 

1920s Dance Sequence from Don’t Knock the Rock

In the Mood -Glen Miller Orchestra

Dream Lover - Bobby Darin 

When the Ragtime Army Goes Away to War (Artist Unknown) 

After You’ve Gone - J. Lawrence Cook 

My Sin (Artist Unknown) 

Flick Flack by Albert Vossen (Unsure; Song + Artist Unknown; Orchestrion) 

Lotosblumen Walzer by E. Ohlsen (Hupfeld Violina) 

Waltz no.2 - Dmitri Shostakovich 

Jupiter - Gustav Holst 

Love Potion no. 9 - The Clovers (Please note, this song mentions the word “g*psy” once in the beginning of the track. Skip this song if you would prefer not to hear it; I have done my best to only include songs that are friendly to the modern listener, but where needed I will make annotations such as this one to ensure nobody has to hear anything potentially offensive, as is unfortunately often the case with older music/lyrics.)

Come a Little Bit Closer - Jay and the Americans 

Sh-Boom - The Crew Cuts

Oh Boy - Buddy Holly

[thekillerssluts]

My Relationship to Performance Has Changed

A great rock-and-roll show means openness, confrontation, and a kind of danger, and those ideas right now feel too heavy to lift.

Last October, before the second pandemic wave took off in New York City, I had one last band practice in my backyard in South Brooklyn. Five of us were working on songs from my new solo record. Normally we’d play in the basement, but it’s pretty low-ceilinged, and we’d read Zeynep Tufekci’s recent Atlantic article on viral spread, so we were all hyper-focused on air circulation. My bandmate Sara had contracted COVID-19—and recovered—in March, but the rest of us had no immunity. Besides, we suspected that we were in for a long winter and might as well hang out outdoors.

It was warm in the sun. After hauling the drums, keyboards, keyboard stands, guitars, and amps outside and plugging everything in, I hadn’t wanted to bother setting up microphones, so we had to play softly to hear ourselves harmonize. When we paused for lunch, someone leaned out of a fourth-story window in the apartment building next door and yelled: “Are you done or are you just taking a break? I have things to do, but I really miss live music!” “Me too, man!” I called back. “Should be just a break.”

Six months and a difficult winter later, the break is ending. I’m seeing more and more Instagram posts for shows that aren’t just wishful thinking. Low-capacity indoor shows are popping up in New York. Outdoor—maybe even full-capacity indoor—concerts are coming this summer. Am I ready to play? Ask me every other day and the answer changes. I’m torn. I’m desperate for sound engineers to get back behind the board and bartenders to start earning tips. I want venues to thrive again, both as places for art in neighborhoods and for the sake of the network that keeps music culture alive in America. I want my booking agent to feel excited again; he loves music so much. And I want musicians to make a living. So many people have been so screwed by the past year. I guess I just want everyone to get paid.

But the actual performance; the rebuilding of the sonic cathedral, as Dave Grohl wrote last spring; communally reaching for rock-and-roll transcendance? I’m not there yet. I’m not concerned that I’ll get sick. I received my second vaccine shot at the end of March and am ready to high-five strangers on the subway. My hesitance has an element of crowd-shyness, which we’ll all get over. But in my own performance, I don’t know how to meet this moment. A great rock-and-roll show means openness, confrontation, and a kind of danger, and those ideas right now feel too heavy to lift.

I used to think of performance in purely aesthetic terms. In the movie La Strada, a clown wearing angel wings does a high-wire act across a crowded piazza. For his finale, he brings out a table on the wire and, while balancing, tries to sit and eat a full plate of spaghetti. The heroine of the movie watches him with an almost religious ecstasy. When I first started performing, I strove for transcendence and stupidity, high concept and low art. My focus was on keeping myself in the air.

When my band Arcade Fire was playing mostly to people who hadn’t heard us before, we felt that the best way to get them to open up was to blow the windows and doors out. At an early show in Lawrence, Kansas, my brother, Win, bashed Styrofoam tiles out of the venue’s ceiling with his mic stand. We pushed as hard for an audience of six people (two of them my parents) upstairs at AS220 in Providence, Rhode Island, as we did in front of tens of thousands in the desert at our first Coachella show (during which I accidentally cut Win’s guitar cable in half by repeatedly smashing a cymbal into the ground).

At a certain point, as people got to know our music, my relationship to performance changed. The energy from the crowd was greater than anything coming from the giant speaker stacks. The audience wasn’t a challenge to overcome, or an opponent to conquer. We became a team. Not in an abstract, lovey way but how a sports team operates—pushing one another to do better, sometimes failing, sometimes frustrating one another, sometimes just joking around.The high-wire act of live performance—Will the music come together?—was still there. I’ve even sometimes tried to make the metaphor real, climbing arena scaffolding with a drumstick in my teeth and a drum strapped over my shoulder to play 30 feet in the air. Some of our crew members hate it—“Will! You have children now!”—but climbing up there doesn’t actually feel that dangerous, and a little nervousness is good. I’m reaching for primate simplicity and catharsis: The crowd needs tension to experience release.But now I have no desire to make tension. I want people to feel safe and comfortable, and I wonder whether creating a feeling of danger and openness is antithetical to that. I know that cultivating a perception of safety and actually making people safe are different. On tour, in a big venue, every night our management and local security have a briefing. It’s partly to set a vibe—People are here for music. Everybody be chill. If some teenager sneaks into a closer section, please let them. But the briefing is also serious—where the medics are located, what the escape routes are. Most of the time, these safety measures are invisible. I worry that post-pandemic precautions, as welcome and necessary as they are, will be depressingly visible. Some elements, such as temperature checks, will be inane. Some, such as requiring vaccination, will be important. Regardless, they will also set a tone—not You are entering a place for music, but You are entering a secure location. Dancing is hard when you’re looking at your feet; singing is hard when you’re thinking about everybody else’s breath. I bet the crowd could get over this. I’m not confident I could. With limited capacities and tight procedures, I worry that the stage will feel like the VIP section of the VIP room at a members-only club. Sterile, lonely, all of us chillingly aware that we are part of a ticketed event.

I have another concern that’s hard to shake. After this pandemic year, I’m more aware of the responsibility I have not only to the people who buy tickets, but to the driver making deliveries to the show and to the family of the woman working arena concessions, people who really don’t care about what I’m doing onstage. Vaccination numbers will grow, and the pandemic will end, God willing. I’m not worried about the spread of the coronavirus in particular. But these links of responsibility remain. The analytical part of my brain turns off when touring starts. Before scrambling back to normalcy, I want to make sure that this sense of connection becomes embedded in how I think. I would really love to just be a musician—but I’m also an employer and a player in an industry that has chewed up and spit out plenty of people, especially in this past year.

My hesitations are all about shows, though, not music. Over the past year, I’ve rarely played music with others—a few practices and filmed performances; work on the new Arcade Fire record in November; a handful of Zooms with bandmates to help a school’s PTA fundraiser or support a candidate in the city-comptroller race. But in all of those instances, I’ve experienced an ease, a rightness to the communication—not through the screen with whoever was listening, necessarily, but the people I was playing with. That connection felt restorative, like having a night of deep sleep that repairs parts of yourself you don’t know how to access.

I know people are ready for live music, ready to forget themselves in a wash of sound, ready to loudly talk with their friends over the song they don’t like that much. And so, for heaven’s sake, go to Neumos in Seattle when shows come back. Go to the Hideout in Chicago. See your favorite band, or somebody new. Plenty of artists don’t share my nervousness. I don’t want to add worry to the world; I’m just figuring out my new relationship to performance.

The magnolias are out in New York, and some of the apple trees are blossoming. Temperatures are creeping past 60. The vaccines keep rolling out. The future seems more possible. If I miss an emotion from live shows, it’s not any moment of transcendence. I miss the time just after, when, dazed and excited, you still feel the reach of some universal gesture, but the only thing concrete is the people around you.

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/04/world-changed-what-makes-live-show-successful-didnt-arcade-fire/618625/

[phroggy-trades]

I’ve been lurking in the Starlight Express fandom for awhile, and its one of the most fun fandoms I’ve been a part of in awhile. So I’ve decided to gift some of my StEx bootlegs so I can give back to the community!

I created a google doc that contains the date, tour, cast, and the link for each bootleg, along with some additional info about file types and other things.

Here are the boots that are listed: (This isn’t my whole collection of StEx boots, but these are just the ones I think people should see. I intend to add more as my collection grows!)

Videos-

September 13, 2003 | 2nd US Tour |

Franklyn Warfield (Rusty), Clarissa Grace (Pearl), Drue Williams (Greaseball), Dustin Dubreuil (Electra), Jaremy Kocal (Caboose) Katie O’Toole (Dinah), Dennis Legree (Papa), Joanna Loughran-Richert (Buffy), Kait Holbrook (Ashley)

January 28, 2015 | Bochum |

Kevin Köhler, Trina Hill, David Moore, Matthew Goodgame, Emma Prosser, Paul Shipp, Ben Draper, Sian Velazquez, Carla Pullen, Toby Poole, Paul Treacy, Jason Gray, Brett Shields, Brad Corben, Cary Chennell, Dean Coach, Kelly Downing, Dawn Leigh Woods, Melanie Brown, Graham Harvey, Elliot Collins, Adam Bailey, Jeffrey Socia, Craig Tyler, Manuel Reckow, Etienne Vogel                                                    Notes: Excellent shoot, taper clearly knows the show. A couple particularly blocky bits couldn’t be smoothed out.

May 31, 2015 | Bochum |

Kevin Köhler (Rusty), Trina Hill (Pearl), Matthew Goodgame (Greaseball), Paul Shipp (Electra), Amy Di Bartolomeo (u/s Dinah), David Moore (Papa), Carla Pullen (Buffy), Victoria Anderson (Ashley), Mike Eborall (u/s Caboose), Dewayne Adams (Hip Hopper 1), Brett Shiels (Hip Hopper 2), Ciaran Rees (Hip Hopper 3), Duncan Leighton (Dustin), Paul Treacy (Flattop), Dean Coach (Krupp), Toby Poole (Purse), Kelly Downing (Joule), Melanie Brown (Wrench), Cate Gunner (u/s Volta), Graham Harvey (Ruhrgold), Jason Gray (u/s Turnov), Adam Bailey (Espresso), Jeffrey Socia (Bobo), Luke Zammit (u/s Hashimoto)                                    Notes: Goodbye show for the 2014/15 cast. This is also the bootleg where that infamous gif of Greaseball and Electra kissing comes from. 

August 27, 2019 | Bochum |

Markus Fetter (Rusty), Hollie Aires (Pearl), Ben Carruthers (Greaseball), Adam Lake (Elektra), Sian Jones (u/s Dinah), Reva Rice (Momma)              Notes: Filmed in portrait mode. You can't make out any faces but you can follow the action and the choreography quite well. Very good audio. Nice to see the changes for the 30th Anniversary of Starlight Express.

Audios-

1984 | West End |

Ray Shell (Rusty), Stephanie Lawrence (Pearl), Jeff Shankley (Greaseball), Jeffry Daniel (Electra),  Frances Ruffelle (Dinah), Lon Satton (Papa), Michael Stanifourth (CB)                                                                      Notes (not Masters notes): This is the only known capture of the original West End cast on stage. It’s not the full OC, as some characters, like Buffy and Dustin have different voices from the cast album, but I can’t verify which understudies they are. The sound is washed out, and there's a slight static sound, but it’s still understandable. I’d recommend this to any fan of the show!

Proshots-

1988 | West End |

Gary Cordice (Rusty), Kim Leeson (Pearl), Drue Williams (Greaseball), Maynard Williams (Electra), Beverley Braybon (Dinah), Shezwae Powell (Belle), Peter Reeves (Caboose)                                                                        Notes: Proshot, Quality is just alright, but there are separate cameras for the race scenes, which look great.

1988 | Bochum |

Steven M Skeels (Rusty), Maria J Hyde (Pearl), Trevor M Georges (Greaseball), Eric Clausell (Electra), Natalie Howard (Dinah), Trevor M Georges (Papa), Carol Hoffman (Buffy), Roslyn Howell (Ashley), Hans Johansson (Caboose), Garry Noakes (Dustin), Michael Rivera (Flattop), Wilton Anderson (Krupp), Christopher Todd (Purse), Janina Baucke (Joule), Louise Conte (Wrench), Leesa Osborn (Volta), Jens Klarskov (Ruhrgold), Hansgeorg Gantert (Turnov), Frido Ruth (Espresso), Allan Edwards (Bobo), Ric Mount (Hashamoto)                                                Notes: Pro-shot press rehearsal

September 8, 1996 | Las Vegas |

Greg Ellis (Rusty), Dawn Marie Church (Pearl), Ron DeVito (Greaseball)  Notes: Last show of the 1995-1996 cast. Pro-shot, filmed with one camera for the cast and crew. Repaired audio.

Now I don’t want this post to get taken down, so I can’t link it here. If you want the list, DM me and I’ll send it to you as soon as I can! I’ll keep the gifting open until Nov 10, and I don’t intend to open it again, so ask me while you can!

[rovewritesit]

Angel Of My Dreams (Chapter 1) John Deacon x Reader Series

I’ve read so many fan fics in the past four months and I thought it was high time to try my hand at it. I’ve created this side blog so that I can 1) Express my love for Queen and 2) Not annoy the randos from high school and college who still follow my main. This’ll be a slow burn folks, so hold on to your hats.

Series summary: After reluctantly joining a band with your childhood best friends, you are thrust into oncoming stardom with no sea legs and an overwhelming sense of anxiety. But you just might find your way, thanks to some seasoned pros by your side. And the interest of one particular bassist.

This series is a work of fiction, and is loosely inspired by real people and events. Absolutely no offense is meant to actual Queen or their families.

PART 2 - PART 3 - PART 4

Pairing: John Deacon x Reader (eventually)

Chapter Warnings: Lots o’ curses

Chapter Summary: This is basically just some set up for the series. No Deacy yet, but a meet-cute to happen very soon! I got the band name with the help of some random band name generator so be kind. I’m hoping to introduce in some songs readers may not have heard - I was thinking of “Heart of the Night” by Juice Newton while writing this, hence the single name and album.

Song/Title Inspiration: Angel - Fleetwood Mac

- - - - - - -

Days of Our Lives Documentary Shoot - 2010

(Brian May and Roger Taylor Joint Interview)

“The early 80s were huge for us, for sure. I believe we were at our biggest then, internationally speaking.” Brian states, glancing over to Roger.

“Yes, Another One Bites the Dust really set things a-flame I think. The traveling and playing were constant. The crowds getting bigger by the venue. Parties, hotels, girls, more parties. We were meeting just so many people.” Roger adds.

“And one of those being a certain American female rock singer.” The interviewer adds quietly from off-camera.

Roger glances over to him with a questioning look, but Brian catches on quick, like always.

“Ah yes, that particular rock goddess. We did meet her around then, I believe, yes. Maybe a few years after.” Brian says knowingly, still playing along.

Roger stares into space with a confused look on his face until the realization hits him. “Are we talking about Y/N?” Roger mutters to Brian. “Yes” Brian chuckles, patting his friend on the shoulder.

“Oh, what a spit-fire she is! Not back then though. Fred really worked some magic with that one. Almost inseparable those two were.” Roger laughs out, a wave of nostalgia washing over his face.

Brian raises his large eyebrows, “Deacy would beg to differ I think.”

Roger smirks, “Oh, well that’s a whole different story.”

- - - - - - -

1982 - MTV Studios, New York City

You run your hands up and down your thighs, trying to will your left knee to stop repeatedly bouncing up and down. The satin of your pants does nothing for the layer of sweat on your clammy hands. You fold them together in your lap and gaze around the studio instead, taking in the bustling of crew members as they ready for the pre-taped interview. The god-like VJ, Alan Hunter, sits in a chair off to the side as someone artfully pieces his blonde locks into place. He grins over at you with a small wave. You limply lift your hand in a greeting, pasting on a small smile that doesn’t reach your eyes.

You catch your pained expression as you glimpse a monitor off-camera. A friendly woman backstage had painted your face to the point of being almost unrecognizable. Gone was the evidence under your eyes of the restless sleep you’d fought the previous night. They were wide and doed, rather than their normal crescent shape. Your lips full and vibrant, your hair bounced and fanned out around your face. And your skin seemed to be glowing, masking the spots that had popped up overnight from stress. You looked every bit the rock goddess the label hoped to paint you as, and the exact opposite of the nerves currently threatening to overtake your body.

“Y/N, I can feel you vibrating from here. Take a deep breath. It’s gonna be fine.” Rich commented from beside you. His legs were splayed out, his arms bent behind his head. Looking as relaxed as can be, as if he were on his couch at home catching a movie marathon, about to doze off.

“How can you be so calm right now?” You rush out. “Who knows how many people are going to see this interview. Do you know how many times a day I accidentally let the F word fly out of my mouth?”

Rich lets out a snort. “I happen to know exactly how much you curse, thank you. Yesterday you said fuck 3 times in one sentence. It was charming, my mom loved it.” He moves his right arm to squeeze around your shoulders. Usually, it would be a comforting display of friendship, but you shake it off.

“And look at those three. Already so at home, I see.” You nod to the three other members of the band. Steve is exuding energy like yourself, but it’s excitement that bubbles from him. His eyes flit around the room quickly as he taps out some unknown rhythm on his bent legs. A wide grin permanently fixed on his boyish features.

At the far end of the couch, Eddie and Lawrence are wrapped up in a not-so-silent game of knuckles.

“Son of a-- Will you take off those damn rings? It’s my turn and I’m still getting bruised.” Lawrence huffs. Eddie wiggles his long, skilled, silver-clad fingers in front of his face and raises his eyebrows. “It’s all about the look, baby. Gotta play the part of the guitar god.”

“Will you both knock it off.” You call over to them. “We need both those sets of hands in playing shape for tomorrow night.”

Eddie turns, probably to counter with some playful comment about how you mother them too much, but Alan approaches.

“Alright, guys. And girl.” He flashes his perfectly white teeth your way again. “We’re about 5 minutes out from going up. Anybody need anything? Water, vodka, beer…” He turns his gaze to Steve, who is still tapping lightly on his legs. “A Xanax, perhaps?”

“Waters all around would be great, thanks.” You offer. Alan nods to a twitchy PA waiting to his side and they hurry off.

“Oh wait up, a Bud Light too, if you have any!” Eddie calls after them. The other three boys echo the same as well.

“You can take the boys out of Long Island…” you mutter to yourself. Rich teasingly pokes your side. “And something stiff for the lady!” He shouts out.

“In all manner of ways” Steve giggles. You feign a shocked expression and reach over to place a gentle slap to the side of his head. He looks over with big apologetic eyes and you stifle a laugh.

In record time, the lanky PA rushes back over with a myriad of drinks, all threatening to topple over on the tray they were precariously balanced on. Another PA trails behind, handing you all water, which you’re in desperate need of. They hand the drinks out one by one and stop before you. “Your water, Miss. And I didn’t know what you liked so I have a jack and coke, a whiskey sour, and a gin and tonic.”

“The gin and tonic is great, thanks.” They hurriedly hand you the drink and go to turn away. “Love your hair by the way.” You tell them. “I’m absolute shit at styling mine. Guess I’ll have to learn now.” They smile back at you and run a hand through their short locks before disappearing amongst the rest of the crew.

“Okay, we’re ready to rock n’ roll!” Alan exclaims, getting the band’s attention as he sits down in a chair next to your side of the couch. “We’re going to start off with a few basics on the band. Your lower thirds will have your instruments labeled but feel free to explain how you guys started out, your influences, your process. I’ll prompt you in between and then we'll talk about the album and promote your upcoming tour towards the end. Should take 15 minutes tops, so keep your answers brief. But I won’t say no to any rowdy stories you want to throw in.” He finishes with a wink.

The band nods along as you gulp down a breath, your palms becoming even slicker. The stage manager’s high voice rings out around the studio. “Playback ready! Live to tape in 5.. 4...” Rich places a hand over your knee and gives a squeeze. “Light em’ up, Bun” he mutters in your ear.

“3.. 2..” She holds up a finger and then points it at Alan, a wide smile already set on his face. The camera light flicks red as the MTV open plays from speakers around the room. Alan beings as the song fades out.

“We’re here in the studio and boy, am I excited to get to know this next band. Over at MTV we’ve been watching the steady rise of their single “Heart of the Night” on the charts. And as an added surprise, they’re here to introduce their very first music video. I’m very pleased to welcome to the studio, Lo & The Limbs!”

You try to relax your face as a camera pans across the band and settles on a two-shot of you and Alan. You know your eyes are gleaming with anxiety so you glance down the couch, silently praying for one of the boys to take the lead.

“Thanks for having us Alan, it’s such a trip to be here.” Eddie says with ease, resting his forearms on his knees.

“So, I have to ask. Who is Lo? Is it you Lawerence?” Alan questions the piano player.

“Oh god, no.” Lawrence chuckles. “Our high school was affectionately called Lo High, for Long Island HighSchool of the Arts. So we sort of tacked that on while playing during those years to let people know where we were from. That and well, as you can see we’re all above 6 foot except for Y/N, so a lot of limbs going on here.”

Alan gives a short laugh. “You released your debut album, Quiet Lies, earlier this year to growing success. Why don’t you tell me how you all started out.”

“Well, the boys and I have been together for a few years. We’ve been friends since grade school and we always just used to jam about. As we got older we started playing local bars back on Long Island to mostly middle-aged crowds, trying to break in, but it wasn’t working. Then Rich had the idea to invite Y/N to join up and it’s all kind of all taken off from there.” Eddie explains.

“We needed a pretty face to balance out all these ugly mugs” Steve pipes up.

“It took a while for her to finally concede though. She was off being too studious for the likes of us.” Rich adds on with a smile and nudge to your side. Your eyes grow wide as you feel a question directed at you coming on.

“Is that true, Y/N?”

“I- I guess, I was at NYU studying documentary filmmaking.” You choke out, but continue on. “Love this lighting set up, by the way, it really hides all sins.” That gets a light chuckle out of the crew surrounding you.

“And these sins you’re hiding are…” Alan grins but quickly bounces to the next topic. “Certainly a good call, Rich. Heart of the Night is the only song off the album that Y/N is singing lead on and look how well it’s doing. How did that happen?”

“Most of our songs were already written from before when we finally got the money to record. We wanted Y/N to feel a part of it, so she went on and wrote Heart of the Night and we were all very pleasantly surprised that it’s become such a hit.” Steve explains. “She also directed the music video we’ll be debuting today. I can’t believe she let us do all the things we did in that… well, you’ll just have to see for yourselves. We can be a bit of a handful.” The boys all chuckle.

“That and she plays the weirdest collection of instruments. Rhythm guitar, any type of strings, the saxophone… She's a boss on the harmonica.” Eddie turns to you as he speaks. “You just need to get over those pesky little nerves about your singing, Bun!” He points in your direction.

You feel the heat rise behind your perfectly painted cheeks at the slip of your nickname. You cast your gaze down at your lap. Not liking how the conversation has turned directly onto you.

Alan quirks an eyebrow at you. “Bun?” He teases.

You have yet to lift your eyes when Rich answers for you. “Bunny, an affectionate nickname. It’s stuck around since grade school when she wandered into Lawrence's backyard in search of a rabbit she was chasing.”

“A rockstar called Bunny. There’s a first for everything.” Alan quips, but quickly notices your displeasure in the current topic. Sensing your growing panic, he addresses the rest of the group. “This has been quite the debut album, with more hits sure to come from it. Any bands you’ve taken inspiration from while writing and producing?”

Rich jumps at the question. “Fleetwood Mac would be a big one. The way they layer their sounds is just unmatchable. You catch something new with every listen of an album of theirs.”

“I can’t be a pianist from Long Island and not mention the granddaddy, Billy Joel.” Lawrence adds. “His songs take you on such a ride. They’re full stories, each one of them.”

“And you, Y/N?” Alan directs the next question. “Who will you be drawing inspiration from when you write your next hit single?”

You smile to yourself. “It’s gotta be Queen for me. I’ve loved every one of their albums. I mean, the way they’ve changed their sound just in the past few years alone. They’re always transcending. Never afraid to try out something new or weave a different genre into one of their songs. But you always know it’s a Queen song. I saw them 2 years ago when they played the Garden, and fu--” You catch yourself as you get more animated. “And they were all just so on. Perfectly in sync. There’s something so distinct about their sound, so practiced. I’d love to get to their level, to be able to experiment like that. To give joy in the way they’ve given it to me.” You finish. Realizing you’ve rambled for a bit, you turn your eyes downwards yet again.

“I think that’s the most I’ve heard you talk since you came into the studio!” Alan laughs. “Well, you heard it here first folks, Y/N L/N is a Queen fan, just like the rest of us. I’m sure you’re just as excited about their new album as well.” You nod quickly as Rich hides a smile. Knowing full well you’ll be first in line to purchase their new album, Hot Space when it drops.

“But before you get off to writing more hits, I believe you have a tour coming up!” Alan states, signaling that the interview is wrapping up.

“Yeah, we have a small American tour starting in February. But until then we’ll be opening up for Hall and Oates during their tour of the NorthEast next month.” Steve says excitedly, bouncing slightly in his seat.

“And with that, I think we’ll roll into the long-anticipated music video and directorial debut for the lovely Y/N L/N. Thank you all so much for coming in today and I can’t wait to see what’s next on the horizon for you. Here’s Lo & The Limbs with Heart of the Night!” Alan keeps his painted smile till the red light vanishes from above the lens on the large pedestal camera in front of him.

You breathe out the breath you’d been choking on as Rich puts an arm around your shoulders. He leans in and whispers lightly, “And only one hint of a fuck, ladies and gentlemen. She might just make it in this business after all.”

- - - - - - -

One Month Later - Veterans Memorial Coliseum - New Haven, Connecticut

The Limbs bound off the stage in full force, glistening with sweat and excitement. It was the largest crowd they’d played for by far. 10,000 people cheered from the audience as roadies and crew moved around them to set up for the main act, Hall and Oates. Rich spreads his long arms and huddles the rest of the group into a family hug, your skin sticking to one another, the smell of sweat filling your noses.

“I just want us to all remember this moment.” He speaks to the group, foreheads touching. “Even if nothing happens past this album. That was insane.”

“Absolutely bonkers, dude!” Steve says and he bounces up and down beside you. You all take a deep collective breath and squeeze.

“Alright, get off of me you fucks.” You laugh, untangling yourself from their vast expanse of limbs. “We all stink and I have to get out of all... this” You gesture to the skin-tight bodysuit your best friend, Dawn, had insisted you wear. Eddie presses a light kiss to your temple as he lets you into the dressing room first to change out of their view.

You close the door and sigh, glancing at yourself in the mirrors that line one wall of the room. Your eyes are bright, your hair is two times the size of when you went out on stage an hour before, and your makeup looks like you’d been in a fight. Grinning to yourself, you start to unlatch the halter top of the bodysuit, excited for the air to cool your skin.

Just as you are about to shimmy out of the rest of the ensemble, the door bursts open.

“Shit! Lawrence, what the hell?!” Scrambling to cover your top half.

Lawrence trains his eyes to the ceiling as he speaks. “Bunny, you gotta… just cover up and get your ass out here. You just... You gotta see, c’mon.”

Flustered, you hurry to redress your sticky body. After making sure everything is properly covered, you step out into the hallway backstage, already glaring at the boys. They’re all tight-lipped, staring at one another. “Okay, someone want to tell me what the hell is going on?” You say loudly. “Shhhhh” Rich hisses as he gestures behind him with a shake of his head. You glance over his shoulder to see the backs of two men. John Hall and Daryl Oates.

“Yeah, okay... I don’t get it. We’ve hung out with them like 5 times. Why are we fangirling?”

Rich widens his eyes at you and you glance back at them again. This time they part and you can catch a glimpse of who they’ve been talking to.

The flash of a tight leather jacket, a mustache, and two front teeth shining while laughter erupts from behind them.

You gasp.

“Fucking, fuck. That’s Freddie fucking Mercury.” You say, a bit too loud.

The bold man in question locks eyes with you. Something mischievous dances behind them as he narrows his gaze. Daryl and John move to their roadies to get fixed up before heading out on stage and Freddie lets out a sharp burst of laughter as he makes his way over. Your stomach churns with embarrassment but you can’t tear your eyes from his.

“Quite the redundancy of expletives, my dear. All you had to do was say hello.” he grins at you, all teeth. You’re not one to get too clammy in front of other musicians, but your voice gets trapped in your throat. You pray to whatever gods are out there that your eyes don’t get any wider.

Eddie’s easy charm luckily saves you. “This beautiful songstress right here is Y/N L/N.” You barely lift your arms as Freddie pulls you in for a light hug and kiss on the cheek. “But you can call her Bunny.” Eddie grins. So much for easy charm you think as you stare daggers into the profile of his face.

“Ha! Bunny? Oh my, that is wonderful.” Freddie chuckles. “It sounds as if you’re a socialite... Or a stripper. I can’t tell.” He beams at you. You can’t help but beam right back.

“Come along. Let us watch the show and you can tell me which one it is.” He says with a wink. “And introduce me to these giants you call your band.” He grabs your arm and leads you off, the boys in tow. Bouncing with excitement for what’s to come.

[doopcafe]

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (01x01)

All right, I take back everything I said about this show; I should know better than to judge something by its trailer.

TCW did, and I am sorry.

Summary: We’re shown how Kanaan survived Order 66, we’re introduced to the character of Omega, and Crosshair abandons the group.

Comments: It’s unfortunate that the opening sequence is just more childish, TCW-style action because the rest of the episode is so competently executed. I mean, Tech literally just walks between droids placing grenade things on them as they forget to shoot him. Wouldn’t it be easier, cheaper, safer, and faster for him to just shoot the droids? We’re even treated to the cliché “perfectly round boulder rolls down hill” trick. Wasn’t that also in On the Wings of Keeradaks?

Aside from the opening sequence, this pilot was generally enjoyable and well-executed. We’re shown the young Kanaan surviving Order 66, fleshing out a bit of the backstory to Rebels. This was nice to see and working it into the “introduction” of TBB was a smart choice, since this is a story most of the audience can be expected to care about (by virtue of Rebels being competent television). It also serves as a spark to initiate the TBB plotline since it establishes the initial point of contention between Hunter and Crosshair that’ll drive the story moving forward.

Can I just say that Young Kanaan’s voice is f—ing creepy though? The character is played by the 45-year-old Freddie Prinze Jr... i.e., a child character has the voice of a fully grown adult male and it’s super distracting and weird as hell. Look, I loved Kanaan’s character in Rebels and Prinze Jr. did a great job with that material, but maybe cast someone else for this role so that your critical opening sequence isn’t polluted by weirdness?

Anyways, for the bulk of the episode, the pacing, execution, and Kiner’s music are all well done and I really have no major complaints (what!). There’s even long establishing shots! Which, oMG y'all they’re my absolute favorite. I could probably watch an entire movie of just establishing shots (looking at you, Lawrence of Arabia).

There’s subtle things happening in the background as well, which shows a lot of dedication and attention to detail on the part of the animators (and really comes down to the director doing their job). For example, Omega mimics Hunter in the prison cell (and again later while escaping), Echo gives Wrecker a “bruh, WTF” look after an inappropriate comment, and so on. These details are welcome, add some dimensionality to the otherwise pretty straightforward characters, and really help set this show apart from its schlock predecessor of cardboard cutouts.

That said, Wrecker gets pretty annoying simply because he has no character depth. He, quote, “likes to blow things up,” which itself is an over-simplification. Okay. Next time we see him he’s worried he won’t have a chance to “blow things up.” Okay, I get it. Later, he’s excited because he “gets to blow things up.” OKAY I F—ING GET IT.

Some other Disney-esque “Star Wars small universe syndrome” seeps into this as well, like... why doesn’t Admiral Tarkin have more important things to be doing in the galaxy during the formation of the Galactic Empire than supervising a crew of misfit clones? Is Saw Gerrera really the only Rebel we can show? Is inventing new, interesting characters to fulfil the same role still going to be a big “no no” on this show? Just gotta keep recycling old ones I guess? As I've said before, these types of things are important because they make the Star Wars universe feel like a really, really small place.

Anyways, the episode ends on two open threads: TBB is on their way to visit a friend and they’re helped in their escape from Kamino by the Kaminoan lady for unclear reasons. Neither one of these is a particularly strong hook, but I’m about to press the “watch next” button, so at least one of them did its job.

My enjoyment: 4/5

[siremasterlawrence]

Ripping The Legends One.

Time Bureau Authorities should have made better choices then hiring me for this job.

I play the dutiful employee three months in to this until I plugged my hyperdrive sd card.

The computer goes in over drive a spiral appears on the screen taking down the entire system.

The entire system shuts down as the lap tops go off line, and the lights flicker off.

The Bureau Agents go off on their own to track the problem in the system rebooting it.

I hid in the back of the shadows freaking out with excitement, but then I took a deep breath.

“Here is Sire, Rip Hunter.” Bureau Agents drops him at my side.

“You have evaded me long enough freak.” I state staring in to his eyes.

“Yes Master Lawrence.” Is all he can say as the entire Bureau falls under my control.

——————————————————————

In less then a day history changes causing a rippling effect throughout time.

The legends are bit with a thunderous like eruption hauling the ship away.

Hyperdrive transferring as a white gate is opening up transcending time.

As the ships stops in the middle of this oasis of nowhere where ship is hulled

The spiraling rings surrounding him is holding him down.

I transport Rip on to the ship shocking the crew as only four crew members are left.

“My Master Lawrence, is ready to claim you.” Rip Hunter tells him.

“You will surrender to him or be erased from time.” He adds.

Rip smiles removing his gun from his mega holster pointing towards them.

——————————————————————

“Fuck You Bitch.” Heatwave shouts having enough he lifts his heat ray gun.

He clicks holding the trigger as the heat is on.

The fire rages from the gun at Rip who just laughs it up.

Rio holds his palm towards him as the light blares out.

“Oh sucks to be you.” Heatwave smiles at he turns his hands.

He rewinds time with a simple twist of his hand.

Rip skinny hands send a punch through the time line.

A portal opens sending him flying through it, and changes him.

When Heatwave wakes up he is trapped on a billboard in New York City.

——————————————————————

John Constantine spreads his feet and his hands.

Magical spell casting pentagrams appear on his hands.

They begin to spin in a singular circular motion making him bind Rip.

“Listen to me hear muppet.” Constantine says.

“Rip Hunter is my name.” He slips out of the binds.

He points his finger at him sending his powers out of control.

“How about you take a chill pill.” Rip Hunter adds.

His world is literally smashing before him as everything begins to pop.

Constantine is stuck in a Jackson Pollack imitation painting.

——————————————————————

Nate Haywood comes after me turning in to strong silver Steel.

He jumps after me leaning hard punching me.

Right, and left punches and kicks at Rip harder as well as harder.

Rip grabs his foot holding him in place with a tight grip.

He spins his foot kicking him in the face Nate goes flying.

Rip can’t can’t contain his tears as he fits in rip of laughter.

Falling to the floor he grips his stomach at the sheer excitement.

The floor opens under him swallowing Nate in to a odd world.

Nate Haywood is awoken stuck inside two road sides.

——————————————————————

The Atom thinks I can’t seem him shrunk down to the floor.

I begin to stomp the floor watching him run in freight.

Finally, I I give him one swift kick as he goes flying in mid air.

“Did you honestly think I would not see you ?” Rip questions him.

“Fuck You!” Ray exclaims launching in the air punching me hard.

“What’s wrong with you? What’s the matter Rip?” Ray questions his motives.

Rios grabs him by the neck burning up his hands.

Nate’s body begins to lose color, physical form, and becomes transparent.

Hmm, Rip thinks than snaps him out of existence.

The end.

[queerchoicesblog]

New York, At Last (SC Titanic, Zetta x Adele Series)

So, folks, here’s the new chapter of the series. Thank you so much for your support, hope you enjoy it!

Little disclaimer-favor: especially since the tags don’t seem to be working anymore, if you do enjoy it, please consider supporting the author & sharing this. A little gesture that means a lot!

Word Count: 3000+

Zetta x Adele Tag: @storyscaped​ ​ @storyscapefanficarchive​ @marmolady​ @animus-and-anima​ @hayley-carter19 @escako​  @everlastingchoices​ @indescribablechoices​ @ahrielstuff​ @bornonawdnsday​ @nazario-sayeed​  @h-doodles​ @adele-serda​ @marlcasters​ @brightpinkpeppercorn​  @michelleconnoly​ @charliejane-blog​ @ghost-of-yuri​  @choicesgremlin​  @lanzhansguqin​ @orange-elephants​

Zetta x Adele Series Tag: @eternal-langdon​ @nydeiri​

➡️ Ch. 1, Ch. 2/1, Ch. 2/2, Ch. 3, Ch. 4, Ch. 5, Ch. 6, Ch. 7, Ch. 8/1, Ch. 8/2, Ch. 9, Ch. 10/1, Ch. 10/2, Ch. 11/1, Ch. 11/2, Ch. 12, Ch. 13

____________________________________

A thick fog rises and surrenders our ship as we sail towards New York. It lingers there, night and day, as if it's escorting us to our destination. We can hardly see the ocean anymore, we acknowledge its presence by the murmur of the waves, the breathing of the cold water beneath us. The captain must have given order to be careful because we proceed at low speed, "like in a funeral march" I find myself noting one day. I refrain myself from saying that out loud though. We are asked to stay below deck as much as possible as storms are announced. We sail through troubled waters: some of us get sick, others are too shattered to even register the rolling of the ship. The morale on board has crashed since our first day here. Both the crew and the passengers of the Carpathia have offered us help, sympathy and support. Some gave us their coats or whatever clothing item could keep us warm after we lost everything. They didn't ask for anything in return. Others helped searching for missing people: now a list of names is pinned in one of the halls. People check it regularly with a mix of hope and dread: hope to see their friend or loved one again, dread to spot a black cross by the name so dear to them. If someone cannot be found here on the ship is declared perished in the sinking. Unofficially, obviously, the mourning ones can still try and search them when we reach shore but most surrender under the weight of those tiny scribbles. Those black crosses are not just a quick sign on paper, they pierce through their aching hearts.

As our rescue journey is coming to an end, we are all mourning. The lucky ones who were reunited with their families and friends keep a low profile in respect of all those who lost their loved ones. Their grief is overwhelming, you can sense it, even breathe it in the grim silence that fill the night. Poor souls... I feel almost guilty when on our last day on board I accidentally bump into two familiar faces. I was looking for a steward when I collided with...Lawrence. Felix is right behind him. My heart skips a beat as I call out their names. Lawrence smiles at me and I am so relieved that we met again. We hug each other and I inhale the faint perfume of his eau de cologne. They survived, they survived... I repeat those words in my head as I pull Felix in for an embrace too. They both survived: I don't even start imagining what sort of pain would have tortured one of them if the other didn't make it. They wouldn't have allowed it: if there had been no way to save both of them, they would have gone down with the ship together. I know it, I saw it in their eyes when we parted on the deck. They told me how they stayed until there was no time left. Many of those who are here now owe them their lives: they kept directing women and children and even some men to the boats before jumping on the very last lifeboat at the very last minute. I couldn't be more proud of these two unaware heroes I am honoured to call friends. They are going to visit the little boy they rescued and his brother: the woman they entrusted them to is still taking care of them. Others passengers are helping too. No one has understood what language they speak or where they're from, where their parents are but at least they're safe. "That's all that matters now", Felix notes and I agree. If only the world could see what shining beauty my friends hold... Before parting, they ask me about me: could I find a spot on a boat fast? Did I succeed in speaking some sense into the thick skull of that officer? Is James with me? I share my last moments on the ship with them and when I am still in the middle of my answer, Lawrence reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze. "Did you find Miss Carrem? Is...is she here?" he asks, concern written all over his face. Felix is grimacing too. Their expression relaxes only when I assure them that yes, we were reunited on the deck and she's now resting with her sister. Lawrence's face color up again as he lets out a deep sigh of relief. "We were so worried, Zetta! When we spotted her on the deck we immediately directed her to the lifeboats and to you...but we weren't sure if you two could find each other in the midst of all that chaos or get on a boat" he explains. "Yes, we pictured the worst...we're so relieved, Miss Zetta, so incredibly relived" Felix continues, smiling. I wonder what I did good in my life to have men like them on my side. Their affection and empathy soothe my troubled soul and make me wish to never part from them. I should invite them more often when we reach shore, yes we should see each other more often...things can change and will change now that we'll be all in New York. I ask them if they want to see Adele: I can wake her, I'm sure she will be more than happy to see them. They assure me it's fine and beg me not wake her. They will visit later maybe but for now they're just happy "she's here safe and sound". "And that you are together again" Lawrence adds with a tired smile. The soft warmth in his voice tells me what I already know: he knows, they know. How could they not? But my secret is safe with them and I am grateful to them for the genuine care they showed to Adele. And well, me. I hug them both one more time then we part ways. I hope to see them very soon. I must invite them over once our lives will slowly go back to a new normal. Maybe this tragedy will make us closer. When I finally find a steward, I am informed that we are approaching shore. "We'll be in New York tonight, ma'am" he announces with an encouraging smile as if to say that our troubles are over. I go back to my group and share the news. Adele and Hileni are still sleeping, only Teo, Jaime and Sabine greet my announcement with a nod but keeps quiet. I know what's going on in their heads, their thoughts are my thoughts: it feels so weird to hear these words after all we've been through. It almost doesn't feel right when so many of us are not here. Even when the news spread among the other survivors I hear no cheer, only sighs: could it be relief or grief, it's hard to tell. Maybe both. A silent question echo in the room: now what? Sabine shakes her head and gives a grim laugh. "I thought I would have been buried in work today, instead..." She looks down at her empty hands: my little Napoleon so efficient and fond of schedules must feel lost now. No scrupulous packing to do, no checking if our belongings are properly gathered or something is missing. She takes her job very seriously and - I realise it now- her job is her life. "Consider this a free day" It's Matteo speaking, he sounds absentminded but then he turns towards Sabine and meets her gaze. "Allow yourself to be the one being served, for once" he adds. He tries to smirk, one of his signature smirk I saw on his face so very often, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes. He looks tired and troubled just like us. As if on cue, a waitress approaches us and asks if we would like a cup of coffee. I see Sabine barely refraining herself from reaching out to help her: it feels almost unnatural to her being on the other side. The waitress is a young girl, I wonder if she's even twenty. She's chatty: she comments how nice coming home must feel after a journey like ours. She has relatives in New York but never visited the city properly although "it is truly gorgeous, isn't it?". She asks us if it's our final destination and wishes all the very best. She parts from us with an encouraging smile: she will come back later to bring coffee to Adele and Hileni when they wake up. It's evening when we enter the bay and proceed towards the pier, escorted by a scout cruiser. We move to one of the decks only to find it crammed with other survivors. We have to fight our way through the crowd once again to get a spot near the railing. We are all to see with our own eyes if our journey has truly come to an end. If we're truly safe. The lights of New York flicker in the distance despite the heavy rain. Now I know it's over, all the horrors and fears are finally over. A lump forms in my throat at the sight of my city, my home but I shake it off. I reach for Hileni's hand and guide her upwards, pointing her the sea of lights on the shore. "There, sweetheart, look! See those lights? It's America" Three long blasts of the ship horns frame my words. The young girl squeezes her eyes to see better; after a moment, a tiny smile crosses her lips and relief washes over me. "It's...shiny!" she notes. "Shiny is definitely one word for it" I agree, smiling at her naive awe. For a moment, I am reminded of myself, my young self when I first saw the city that eventually became my home. I wager I was around the same age of Hileni. And just like her, that sight filled me with a mix of wonder, adrenaline and vague hope. "Adal, come here, come see! It's New York!" she says, turning and calling for her sister. Adele is right behind. Hearing her name, she immediately approaches us. "So, this is it?" she asks, placing her hands on Hileni's shoulders and pressing a quick kiss on top of her head. "So unimpressed, huh, Adele?" I tease her but when our eyes meet a soft smile is on my lips. "I promise it gets better, give it time" Without thinking twice, I wrap my arm around her waist and move a bit closer. "Welcome to New York" I add and for some reason I feel my eyes welling with tears. My love keeps quiet but a weak smile draws on her face. She rests her head on my shoulder and we both look into the distance, towards our new lives to come. There is a grim irony in how bittersweet the end of our journey is. We were supposed to make a glorious arrival, a triumphant march towards America on the "Queen of the Sea" but there is nothing of that fantasy now. The Titanic sleeps at the bottom of the ocean with many poor souls, too many poor souls and we're proceeding towards our initial destination sombrely in a cold rainy New York night. The fog hasn't lifted completely so we must look like a ghost ship. A ghost ship approaching in the mist filled with us, ghosts among ghosts. The darkness around us is lit up only by the city lights at the horizon and the flashlights of cameras of a bunch of photographers on a tug boat following us to the pier. It goes without saying that the Titanic tragedy will be the talk of the town for weeks, months maybe...but I wish those vultures could have refrained themselves until we reach shore. We proceed in front of them in mournful silence, indifferent to the flashlights hitting our faces. When we finally dock and the vibration of the engines beneath our feet subsides, we all stand in disbelief. It's over, it's truly over now. We're in America. The Carpathia passengers are disembarked first: the Captain is afraid the scene will become tumultuous as we survivors, the main attraction for the press, will appear. His concerns are well founded judging by the loud buzz coming from beneath us. When it's our turn to go I take a deep breath and give one last grateful look to the crew waving us goodbye and whispering good wishes as we pass by. Heavy raindrops run down my face as I walk down the gangway but I hardly notice. As my feet touch land I shiver: I'm home yet...I feel like in a dream. I hold Adele's hand tight and we move cautiously forward into the crowd. I look around and all I see is a multitude of lost souls and flashlights. I don't hear what the men of the press are shouting, what the land officers are shouting back: all around their voices blend together and I can't distinguish who is saying what in this dissonant choir. "Let them pass, give them space for Christ's sake!" "What can you tell us about the sinking?" "A few words for the Tribune, please!" "Blankets, warm blankets, let me give you blanket, Sir" "How many people died?". I keep walking under the rain, following Sabine and Hileni proceeding arm in arm ahead of us. I think back at all those we left behind, like Charlie, my love's poor brave friend, and Mr. Andrews, defeated by his sense of guilt yet fighting till the end. All those desperate people screaming in the icy waters before surrendering to their grim fate. I think back of the upset young woman who was searching for her beloved Henry: I wonder where she is now and I pray a kind soul is taking care of her. We stop to let the medical personnel pass. They're holding a stretcher with a man buried under a pile of wool blankets. There are bandages around his head and his eyes don't seem to register what's happening around him. Another follows with a woman begging through tears the midwife holding her hand to call her husband. I shake away those thoughts before they can pierce my soul and I let my eyes wander through the crowd as we proceed. James is not far and so is Matteo. A few months ago I was standing on a pier just like this one, maybe this one waiting to start my journey. I was so relieved back then to get a break, to run away for a while...to see James again. So curious to see the "Ship of Dreams" everyone was talking about on my return trip. It all feels so hollow and distant now as if it happened in another life. Or maybe it's just me...I feel changed. I turn to Adele. My love looks like a stranded and forlorn Robin Crusoe setting foot on a foreign land: she keeps walking but she's lost, almost afraid of these new chaotic surroundings. She looks so fragile and different from the bold girl who stepped into my suite not so long ago. I feel like I could break her now if I hugged her too tight. I give her hand an encouraging squeeze and it seems to make her snap out of her misery. "Madam, the officers need to get the passengers names before letting everyone go, we asked around" Sabine's voice ground me. She and Hileni are looking at me, both getting soaked with rain. I'm grateful to my ever efficient little Napoleon for taking charge of the situation. "There are so many of us" Adele's sister notes grimly and she's right. No matter how few of us survived the sinking, the pier is packed and the press pushing in is of little help. "It will take hours to clear the pier" I sigh. That's when I notice Hileni trying and failing to hide a shiver. I am eternally thankful to the fan giving me one of her wintry coats on board as tonight New York is getting colder and colder and the rain keeps wetting our clothes, making it harder to fight the chill. I must reward my generous fan, I got her name and address I think... Adele's hand adjusts into mine and it's as cold as ice. She still has her blue jacket on and a thin blanket completely soaked around her shoulders. "You're cold" I wince. She tries to avoid my gaze, dismissing my concerns. She's just fine, she assures me but I know her well enough to detect a lie when I hear it. Even a white lie. "You too, poor thing" I add, addressing Hileni who wraps her blanket a bit tighter around her in full response. Maybe she wants to say she's fine too but I anticipate her. "No, no, we'll do something about it. We have to wait for a while here, huh? No sense in freezing us all in the meantime" I turn towards Sabine and add, with renewed resolution: "They're passing around warm blankets, right? You two stay here, Sabine and I will get some then we'll see what to do next" My little Napoleon gives me a firm nod and addresses some comforting words to Hileni, adjusting her blanket. "You don't have to, we're fine..." Adele voice is low and somber even if she's doing her best to conceal how shattered she feels inside. Her soft yet unconvincing smile makes my heart ache. She'll be good again when we'll be away from this chaos...it will take some time maybe, but she will be fine, truly fine again. I hate the idea of parting from her side but I'll be damned if I won't take care of her and her sister. Please allow me to, my sweet love. I cup her face and caress her damp cheek. She instinctively leans to the touch as if a little warmth was all she needed. "I won't hear it, love. Stay here, I'll be back before you know it" I whisper, a tender smile on my lips. Before taking my leave, I press a quick kiss on her forehead. Then I venture with Sabine through the messy crowd. With one last look above my shoulder I see the Carrem sisters holding hands and sharing a weak smile. Surprisingly, finding stewards with blankets is tougher thanI first thought. People are gathering and looking for other passengers and missing ones, indisciplined photographers pushing their way in to get a shot of the misery of the survivors. As we fight our way through and keep searching, I try to come up with a plan. "Once we sort all this bureaucracy out, we'll find a way to get out of here" I reason out loud with Sabine. I barely hear her answer. "I'm sure your fiancée Mr King is right here waiting for you, Madam-" "Adele and her sister can stay in the blue and green rooms...they should be comfortable there, what do you think?" My mind is racing as I scan the crowd. "The blue and the green rooms sound perfect, Madam. I'll have them ready in no time whe-" "Oh no need to, Sabine! I'm sure they're already in excellent state if I know you" We stop as an officer kindly asks if he could get our names. He smiles when I say mine. "Who wouldn't know your name, Miss Serda? It's good to see you here, safe and sound" A fan, obviously. After Sabine drops hers and he checks both on a list, we ask him where we can find blankets or coats for our friends. Apparently, we're not far from his colleague! We speed up following his directions and I think I can see a man handing out wool plaids to shivering passengers. "This way, Sabine, I see him!" I cheer. Then, out of the blue, a familiar voice calls my name. "Zetta!" I stop and turn towards the sound to see... "R-Richard?" I...completely forgot about him. I don't know how but I forgot about him. It only makes sense he would be here, I would have been to even if... I- I just erased such thought. He pushes his way through the crowd and runs towards me. He's crying, it's not just rain wetting his face. He pulls me into a tight embrace and bury his head in the crook of my neck. I feel awful for forgetting about him when he starts sobbing like a child, unafraid to show his feelings, his vulnerability. I hug him back and whispers words that I hope will make him stop crying and feel a bit better. No need to cry, I'm here. I'm here, Richard. It seems to work as he loosens up his arms and face me. It's the first time I see his face in months and vice versa he mine. I wonder what he sees. His hair are soaked, dark circles loom under his eyes and his lower lip still trembles a little as he cups my face and bring our forehead together. "I was so scared when I heard the news, Zetta, so scared..." his voice is shaky as he speaks. "I-I pictured the worst, I couldn't sleep, I-" "Oh Richard..." I wince. "I tried to get in touch with the Carpathia, to send Marconigrams, I only wanted to know if you survived but the communication lines were overcrowded-" I brush away a strand of wet hair from his face. "It's fine, darling, I'm here, I'm alive, we-" "You don't know how happy and relived I am that you are, Zetta! I don't know what I would have done if you weren't on this ship, if you died that night...I truly don't know-" He embraces me again just when flash powder ignites around us. Journalists. I don't even have to wait for their shoutings to know it's the greedy press. "Zetta, Zetta!" "A word for the press!" "Would you make a statement about the tragedy?" "How is it to be back?" "Is it true that the Titanic collided with an iceberg?" No, I can't do this. I don't want to. I hear Richard groaning like a wounded animal before turning towards them. "Please, leave her be, she's just arrived-" he says but his plea goes unanswered. Journalists are a famelic species and awfully stubborn. "Oh c'mon, you have no decency? Go away, I beg you" Richard rises a hand towards the cameras to protect us from the flashlights. His voice now betrays hints of anger but he's so broken that his words sound more like a prayer. I doubt this will work, knowing those vultures. He reaches for my hand and turns towards me, leaning close to be heard over the shoutings. "Come with me, lets get you out of here. James and his valet are with John, follow me" He pulls my hand gently but I freeze. I freeze as my mind race towards Adele. Adele waiting for me on the pier with Hileni. Adele to whom I promised to be back 'before she knows it'. "What?" It's all I can manage to say. My breath catches in my throat. Richard must think I couldn't hear what he says. He repeats his words and pulls my hand again. I don't move. "No, no I-I can't, I must go back, my...my friends are wait-" I mutter but I'm cut short by those vultures again. A flashlight blinds me: the vivid light hurt my tired eyes to the point I can't see for a moment, I cover my eyes and I'm momentarily surrounded by darkness only. I hear Richard shouting back at the journalist, he's angry and exasperated now. Then he wraps an arm around my waist and guides me away, shielding me with his body from the cameras. "This way, Zetta, Mademoiselle Sabine...." My feet move against my will. I don't wanna leave the pier yet I'm too exhausted to resist. I try though but my attempt is weak and can nothing against Richard's desperate determination to take us away from this mournful chaos. When I finally gets my vision back, I'm standing in front of two cars. John, Richard's right hand, is right there, holding an umbrella for Teo and James. He tips his hat respectfully and say words I don't listen but that I presume are some kind of welcome back, so glad to see you here or things like that. My eyes fall on my travel companions: Matteo displays a dignified yet somber demeanour -I wouldn't expect nothing less from him- and winces at me as I meet his gaze while Jaime...the expression on his face is completely numb. He's distant, somewhere far away from this pier and awfully quiet, the quietest I've ever seen him. Richard encourages us all to go before the journalists are back and guides me and Sabine towards a car, Teo and my nephew will ride in John's one. He opens the door and help my little Napoleon in then me. I throw one last look to the pier before taking my seat but I can't distinguish a single face. The sky is getting darker and the crowd is slow to disperse. I stretch my neck but it's useless...I can't see my love even if I know she's there somewhere out of view. Richard hurries in after me and hastily gestures at the driver to start the engine as the lights of the cameras approach fast. When the car cautiously moves towards the boulevard, he takes my hand into his and rises it to his lips. "It will all be alright, my love, I promise you. I'll take care of you..." I register the kiss on the back of my hand but I can barely hear him. I'm not here. I am sitting here in this car disappearing into the night but I'm not here, not truly. My mind is empty. All I can think of is Adele. My Adele waiting in vain for me in the rain. My Adele...

[artificialgrievand]

Places of Interest

Louisiana: 8irth place of the Shiragami Kaiju, as well as the loc8ion of a strange sect of Cy8ertronians that seemed to 8e performing experiments in the area with Doctor Mor8ius, who was a colleague of Shiragami. There are zom8ies here, 8ut unlike most are completely 8ased in nature.

Originally assisted here 8y: @madgodsmistress

Related Locales :

West Coast: For whatever reason, Doctor Mor8ius felt his 8est 8et was to head towards the west coast. I’ve no idea where at, so the leads are limited. I have no pending o8lig8ions here. An Extra Note: While I don’t have any o8lig8ions here currently, I have heard tale of an artifact in what was once California’s Los Angeles, which is now a massive rainforest!

Gulf of Mexico: Always with this place! The Cy8ertronians seemed intent on escaping somewhere in the general direction southward, 8ut I couldn’t figure where to. They seemed to 8e headed somewhere close however. The Gulf is significant only 8ecause it is where many Kaiju seem to gather, as well as a consistent string of 8iosyn rel8ted documents. @tacittherapist went to the 8each with me here, though that was 8efore Louisiana. 

St. Lawrence Island: This is where the massive colony of Soul 8ees are at. Another massively repopul8ing species like the Zilla and MUTO races, I think the only thing keeping this set of monsters at 8ay is quite simply that it is so cold and there isn’t much of a food source for them. They can eat most anything, 8ut in order to repopul8 they really need a good 8atch of souls, which just isn’t in a8undance after the apocalypse happened. I need to come here to find something from The Sanctum that fell here, and due to the size of the hive (compara8le to the entire st8 of Maine), anything going on here will require quite a series of events. The First Order of 8usiness would 8e to catch one of the Soul 8ees. We will not enter the Hive until a Soul 8ee is Captured. 

Related Locales:

Gotham City: After the rift, a massive city that seems to 8e none other than the infamous Gotham City of superhero fame seemed to just plop down here out of nowhere. I don’t really have any 8usiness here, 8ut it is still worth noting simply 8ecause of the types of folks a Gotham City might come with. This is easily the most populous place on the planet, and the proximity to the Soul 8ee hive, even if it is 8y several dozen miles, is worrisome. I have no pending o8lig8ions here.

Flying Pir8 Ship: There is a Flying Pir8 Ship. I don’t really know what to add a8out that. It just sort of appeared on my radar recently. It otherwise seems to 8e the same size and crew capacity as any expected pir8 ship. I 8elieve it may have 8een hovering around Russia prior to this sudden appearance, 8ut I could 8e entirely wrong. I really don’t even know what to say a8out this 8ut I have no o8lig8ions here either.

New York City: New York is the 8reeding ground for the Titanus Ziranise. It has 8een utterly overwhelmed to the point that I dou8t any human holdings still exist within the concrete jungle. Their presence is so strong that the surrounding st8 as well as neigh8oring ones have a fairly consistent popul8ion, and I don’t see that slowing. The only thing keeping them from 8ecoming a glo8al issue is simply that compared to most other larger kaiju, they are rather weak, and even a 8it small. 

I have no pending o8lig8ions here.

Related Locales:

The Gr8 Lakes: The Gr8 Lakes are a curious place. Nuclear Plants pepper the st8s surrounding them with somewhat nota8le frequency, which makes for an aggressive food source for MUTOs and Zilla species alike. This has caused a 8it of a territorial dispute 8etween two aggressively reproductive species. I find they are the only thing keeping one another in check. I have no pending o8lig8ions here.

Rain8ow Falls: Every Lalonde seems to want to come here at least once, to see what it is like. We’ve yet to actually make it there due to several issues, 8ut I am confident it will happen one day! My own research tells me that a rather large la8oratory is set over the waterfall, as opposed to a house. I have no pending o8lig8ions here.

London: I don’t actually have much data on this loc8ion, though stories of shadow creatures and a general concentr8ion of magic, similar to what is found in the Midwest United St8s. Stories of monsters from myth and legend seem to crop up around here quite a 8it, and a researcher 8ased in a Super Mall visited 8y me and @gallonsofvoid seemed to of come from here originally. Couldn’t tell you what that means otherwise! She does not appear to 8e a researcher associ8ed with 8ioSyn. I do 8elieve a piece of my 8oss may have once 8een here as well. I have a planned visit here with @ladiesofgrimdarkness!

Related Locales:

Cirrus Creature: The Cloud 8ased creature I first saw with a Rose seems to of made a home near London. I don’t really know much a8out it other than it is a dragon made of clouds, sort of. I think it is may8e holding something 8ut I could not tell you what. I have no pending o8ligations here.

Other Locations that have my interest, 8ut perhaps not my immedi8 attentions:

Germany - Bedburg: I’ve heard rumors of some peculiarities going on here. There’s also a Sauna! A piece of my 8oss should 8e here!

The Fucking Mariana Trench I guess???? - Might want to finish the 8usiness in Canada 8efore tackling this one 8ut here it is.

Canada - Canadian Rockies: I would like to revisit this place for research purposes. Specifically there is a massive resort area that I still need to look into. We could stay for a few days potentially!

Midwest United St8s: Remem8er the magic happenings in London? That stuff is going on here too! Though it is so weak and so sporadic that I would not 8e shocked if whatever is going on is fairly minor.