#Beats of Zion

[chrimsone]

I'm SICK and TIRED of this song being used in a creepy context!!

because instesd of being taken in its melancholic state, a trend Silver Mt. Zion follow in general, people are gonna take it as oopie spookie and it's so unfair ;=; I refuse to acknowledge that people's first taste of the band is cause of some 'creepy' tiktok they deserve so much better

[curryvillain]

.@Protoje Shares "The Jamaican Situation" In New EP

The word is out, Recording Artist Protoje is gearing up to release a Short Film! The new venture will add to his ever-growing creativity, and give the world a new way to experience Jamaica. While he hasn’t shared much details as yet including the release date, he’s giving us new music that will give us an idea of what to expect. “King Digg” steps in with a project called, “The Jamaican…

[da-ill-spot]

Thursday, December 21st | Neighborhood Watch Presents x The Unity Project Annual Toy Drive feat. MC Supernatural

The Temple Bar | West Covina, CA | 21+ | $10

[tinalbion]

'𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤' ||

𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Baby Billy Freeman x afab!Reader

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄! Minors, do NOT interact! Baby Billy is alone at the Zion Resort. Playful flirting, cat-and-mouse teasing, smut with plot, drinking, unprotected p in v, cowgirl, fast developing feelings

𝐋𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡: 11.1k

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: You're on a mini vacation before you attend your best friend's wedding -alone. You think you'd have an uneventful weekend until you make the move of buying a guy a drink, mostly out of pity, but that only causes him to pursue you relentlessly. Will you even consider entertaining the idea, or kick this washed-up 80s star to the curb?

© 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐃𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲, 𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫.

                                                                                       ��                  

Every thirty goddamn minutes was excruciating considering the Florida heat was getting to the man, the sun beating down on him as he sang his heart out, and no one seemed to give a shit as they waded in the pool.

Baby Billy Freeman was a force to be reckoned with, he knew it, but no one else seemed to understand it, so after finishing a rather beautiful rendition of ‘There’ll Come A Payday’, he looked around and sighed heavily out of frustration. The outfit he wore began clinging to his sweaty form and he angrily tore it off, the humidity starting to affect him as he walked back toward the shaded bar, groaning and cursing under his breath. 

Baby Billy threw the part of the costume down onto the stool next to him as he grumbled and ordered one of the drinks from the bar. Of course, it was all free for him since he lived in the beachfront penthouse at this resort. 

But he was struggling and he wasn’t sure where to go next. He was bored, this was ridiculous. “Thinkin’ they can stash me away in some fancy-ass penthouse sippin’ on pina coladas all damn day, this ain't what I want…” 

The bartender slid the drink toward him and Baby Billy grabbed it, sipping at it as he stared off, trying to think of another way to get his life straight and get the fame he so well deserved. The Gemstones pushed him here, making him think fame and money would come rolling in, but the reality of coming into fame at a place like this was nonexistent. He was tired. It wasn't supposed to be like this, he wanted to enjoy performing, to make others happy with his performances. Instead, he was met with nothing while people swam and splashed about. 

Of all the resorts you happened to look into while traveling, you didn't think you'd stay at a Christian-themed resort, but your grandparents had a penthouse here and allowed you to use it while they vacationed elsewhere in Europe. All you needed was their ID card and you were set. All expenses paid, free food, free drinks, you were living it up. The religious aspect didn't bother you so much, even the people seemed to be pleasant, and who wouldn't be while on vacation? It was just temporary anyway, considering you'd been invited to a friend's wedding while you were down here. You had taken a few extra days to stay at the resort and get some ‘you’ time in before having to go to your friend's place.

You'd caught the tail end of the performance as you sat down at the shaded bar, facing toward the pool as you ordered one of the more expensive fruity drinks you could get your hands on. You happily sipped on it as you were lost in thought, scrolling on your phone as you mindlessly searched for something to do in the area. 

Grumbling and cursing caught your attention as Baby Billy, the performer, put his costume on the stool beside him. He looked disheveled, exhausted, and very irate. You looked at him as he removed his large tinted glasses, taking in his face as he wiped the sweat from his brow, and you caught a glimpse of his eyes. They were gorgeous, you couldn't help but stare as he looked down at the bar and allowed himself to decompress. 

When the bartender walked by, you caught his attention and spoke low, hoping that Baby Billy wouldn't overhear. The bartender nodded and walked away, doing as you instructed, which led you to watch the entire scene unfold. 

The young man walked over toward Baby Billy with a very fruity and very alcoholic drink, sliding it to him with a smile. 

“I didn't order this,” he said as he looked up in confusion. 

“Compliments from the young woman over there,” he said as he leaned over to point toward you. 

You gave a little wave and smiled softly, looking almost embarrassed that you were called out. You hoped he would enjoy the drink at least, considering how tired he looked. He needed to take the edge off. 

Baby Billy eyed you up and gave a flirtatious smirk as he grabbed the drink and made his way over to your seat. He leaned against the bar and stared down at you in your bathing suit. “Well, I just had to come over and thank you,” he greeted with that Southern charm, and then he looked you over, his eyes gazing over your body. “Oh my Lord in heaven, I must be lookin’ at an angel. ‘Cause ain't no way God put somethin’ this fine on Earth without leavin’ a warning label. The name is Baby Billy. Baby Billy Freeman.”

You grabbed his hand and shook it with a large smile across your face as you gave him your name in return. “I bought you the drink because you looked like you were having a rough day, I wanted to be nice and help you take the edge off.” You looked over at the pool and then back at him. “You're a great singer.”

He chuckled and found you absolutely amusing. “Well, ain't that about the sweetest thing I've heard. Thank you, sweetheart, how very kind.” He slipped into the seat beside you and smiled wide. “Hope you don't mind me sittin’ here, wanted to thank you properly for the drink an’ all.” He tilted his sunglasses down just enough to make meaningful eye contact with you and gave you one of those blinding smiles he’d give to poor, unsuspecting women. “You know, there’s somethin’ about destiny, the good Lord led me to this resort, on this day, at this very moment, just so I could meet you. I feel it deep in here,” he said as he dramatically patted his chest.

“Of course, have a seat,” you said with a smile, “the more the merrier. I'm just killing time on my own before I go to a friend's wedding in a few days.” You brushed off his charm, trying not to let him sweet talk you into whatever it is he wanted, but you had to admit, he was charming.

“Oh, you ain't from here, huh?” He asked as he leaned against the counter, his eyes glued to your face. 

You shook your head with a smile. “Nope, I live about a thousand miles away,” you hummed and sipped at your drink. 

“A thousand? Damn, that's far for a weddin’, ain't it?” 

“Yeah well, when you barely get out like I do, you jump at the opportunity to get out as much as possible.” You played with the straw that hung from your glass, feeling a bit nervous being around such a strong presence, but he also made you feel at ease the more you spoke. You mentioned where you were from and his eyes just about lit up. 

“Well, I welcome you to Zion's Landing, sweetheart. You need anything, you let me know, yeah?” He shot you a wink behind his glasses and smiled wide. “You know, I was a big deal in the 80s, you ever hear of Amiee-Lee and Baby Billy? We had a tour and everythin’,” he explained, talking about his past stardom. “I did a show there back in the day where you’re from—biggest crowd you ever saw,” he said as he gestured a wave before him, talking about how the crowd back in those days were true believers of entertainers. 

You couldn't help but be charmed by this man, and as much as you told yourself you didn't want to get too friendly with anyone on your trip, there was something about this man that pulled at you no matter how hard you tried to pull away.

After a while of sitting and chatting about his past fame, where he is now, and all about you, you looked at your phone as your stomach began to gurgle. “Ooh, I need to go and eat, but it was lovely speaking with you, Baby Billy. You stay here, right? I’d love to see you around while I’m in town.” 

“Sugar, you let Baby Billy take care of you. You ain't gotta lift a finger while I'm around,” he said with that sweet accent and deep tone, looking at you like you were a Godsend. “Anythin’ you need, remember that,” he said as he pointed a finger at you. 

With a small wave and a flirtatious smile, you slid from the seat and walked off, going to get your hands on some food. Baby Billy watched as you walked off, hoping he'd get to see you before you left the resort. He let out a sigh and decided to call it a day from performing the rest of his shows, it wasn't like anyone could fire him for skipping a few today, so he remained at the bar to finish his drink, and then he headed up to his room for a cool shower.

Dinnertime rolled around and you had taken the opportunity to walk around the large dining area, looking around the large group of people, hoping you'd see your new friend before you sat down and became engrossed in your phone. You could even invite him to dine with you if he wanted to, but you hadn't seen him around as you walked through the dining hall. As you gathered your food, you sat down near the edge of the room, looking down at your plate as you felt content with your day, the window giving you a sight of the far-off palm trees. You sat at a dimly lit table, sipping your drink, watching the waves roll in. The place was classy for a resort like this—white tablecloths, soft music, and waiters in all color-coordinated outfits.

You suddenly heard your name being called as Baby Billy walked by your table, a plate of food in his hands as he wore a crisp outfit; a white getup with gold accents that looked like he was about to perform on the Vegas strip. “Well, well, well… If it ain’t my favorite vacation angel sittin’ here lookin’ like a whole meal. Surprised you sat out here with the rest of the tourists.” His tone was light and teasing as he sat across from you, smiling wide as he stared at you through his tinted glasses. “Now, sugar, I gotta ask… Did you really think you were gonna sit here all by yourself and not have me come over? ’Cause I gotta tell ya—I ain’t one for lettin’ a good thing slip by.”

Your smile grew as you looked up at him and gestured for him to sit across from you. “Well, hey! I was hoping to see you again,” you mused with a slight blush across your cheeks. “How were the rest of your shows? I wanted to catch more, but I'm not used to all the sun and I ended up taking a nap,” you laughed.

“I ended up takin’ a well-deserved break, actually.” 

“Oh, well, good, I didn't miss anything,” you said with a warm smile. “Though after seeing you like that today, I think you deserved a well-earned break.”

He looked across at you with a gaze that was undeniable; you were causing him to feel absolutely smitten with you. “Well, that's mighty sweet of you, darlin’,” he laughed in reply. “Now I ain't one to typically let loose like this, but I was thinkin’ about it earlier and I said to hell with it, you know? Besides, I gotta keep my time open for you an’ all. Lord, look at you sittin’ there all pretty. You tryin’ to make me fall in love?” 

Your smile grew as you tried to brush off the relentless flirting, you’d never been bombarded with such sweet talk by a man before, not to this degree. You cleared your throat and took a sip of your drink, trying to remain composed. “Ahh well, you’re way too sweet, now,” you said with a slight chuckle that followed. “You really know how to make a woman blush. Almost seems like you want something,” you said playfully.

“Gotta make sure I let the real pretty ones know I mean business.” Baby Billy nodded and took a bite of the food in front of him, eyeing you over the rims of his glasses once again. “And of course, I want somethin’,  I was thinkin’, maybe you'd like to join me in my penthouse this evenin’? Or there's a hot tub outside, we could sit and chat, get to know each other.” 

You couldn't hide the blush in your cheeks as he asked. “Oh, all you want from me is my attention, huh? I'd love that, yeah. A nice hot tub get-together.” You wouldn't pass that up, especially since you'd been thinking about him all afternoon and couldn’t get him out of your head. You didn't have a specific type of person that you found attractive, and older men weren't out of the question for you, so who knew where you'd end up by the end of this trip? A little vacation fling wouldn't kill you, maybe he was thinking the same. 

“Good, that's wonderful!” He replied with excitement. “How about after dinner, you get changed into your little bathing suit and meet me in the main lobby?” He offered. “My penthouse is on the top floor, so I wouldn't make you go all the way up there.”

“Mine is also on the top floor,” you replied with a hum. “Room 613.”

“Well I’ll be damned, I'm 619! Practically neighbors. I could meet you at your door, then,” he offered.

You noticed he barely touched his food because he was too busy watching you. Every time you took a bite, he just smirked and continued to watch you, you tried not to pay too much attention to it, but you finally managed to stop him from talking long enough to ask him if he was going to eat.

“Mmm, now see, I like a woman who enjoys her food. You just keep on eatin’, sugar. I’ll just sit here and admire the view.”

That made you scoff and you just shook your head. His flirting was so over the top, and he laid it on thick no matter what he said to you. You couldn’t help but roll your eyes at a couple of his comments, but that smile on your face only made him keep pushing it, he wanted to keep seeing that smile. 

He sat back in his chair and looked at you for a moment as he mulled things over in his mind. “Goin’ to sit in a hot tub with a pretty little thing like you, I'd be a damn fool to pass this up,” Baby Billy laughed. “Anytime you wanna cozy up to ol’ Baby Billy, you name the time and place,” he said with a smirk  

“Well, I suppose we’ll see how cozy we can get tonight,” you said, your tone now bordering flirtatious. “How about half an hour after we finish eating, gives me time to prep.” 

“What'chu preppin’ for?” He teased. "Doesn't look like you'd need to get ready for much, already lookin’ as beautiful as ever.” 

You scoffed and shook your head. “Oh, you're sweet, but you know you don't have to butter me up further,” you said with a wide smirk. 

You just laughed and shook your head at how ridiculous he sounded, the drinks in your system making you feel warm, fuzzy, and just very relaxed. You know how to hold your liquor, mama didn’t raise no punk bitch, as you said plenty of times before, but sitting here with this strangely charming Southern man made you feel good. 

At some point in your conversation with Baby Billy, you took notice that his button-up had become less buttoned and it hung open, revealing a gold chain hanging around his neck and just enough to reveal the hairs he had on his chest. You couldn’t help but stare at him as your eyes drifted, but they always flickered back up to his, and you swore you could see something shift in his expression whenever you met his gaze. 

Baby Billy leaned forward as he rested an elbow on the table. "Now, sugar, I gotta ask—were you sittin’ here all by your lonesome, hopin’ I’d find you, or were you tryna avoid me?"

You just smiled wider and took a sip of your drink, giving a nonchalant shrug. “What if I said both?” You asked playfully. 

The man let out a small bark of laughter and leaned slightly closer as he rested on the table, his eyes glued to yours, he couldn’t break the gaze even if he wanted to. "Oh, now see, that ain't fair. You're tellin’ me you wanted me and didn’t want me at the same time? Now, what kinda mixed signals is that?"

You raised an eyebrow at his statement, wanting to tease him further. "The kind that keeps you guessing."

Baby Billy placed a hand over his heart, grinning ear to ear as he mocked dramatically. "Lord have mercy, you tryna put me in an early grave? Woman like you, keepin’ a man on his toes like this? My heart can’t take it!” Baby Billy took a sip of his fruity and very alcoholic drink as he eyed you. “You know, a young thing like you flirtin' with an old man like me, it's making me think that you might actually want to be around me,” he hummed with a gleaming smile. 

You leaned forward slightly, looking at him across the table as you threaded your fingers beneath your chin. “Well, I accepted your hot tub invitation, didn't I?” you asked with a gentle tone. “I mean, if you were here with a wife, I would've seen a ring on your finger, but there's a slight tan line, so that means you're freshly divorced OR you're cheating on your spouse and hiding the ring, which means she isn’t here.”

He stared at you, completely taken aback by what you said, and his eyes flickered down to his bare ring finger, the obvious tan line now looking as if it were brighter and fresher the more he stared down at it. It was true, he'd run away from his previous relationship, but he didn’t think anyone would clock that little tidbit, he’d put it behind him and had forgotten all about it. He seemed embarrassed that you saw right through him that he looked down at the food in front of him, stunned in silence. 

Your eyes widened and you reached your hand out, grabbing his gently. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be a jerk about it, I was just making an observation. I do want to be around you, I just don't want to come between a marriage,” you assured. 

Your hand resting on his made that familiar feeling stir within him, the one he got when he'd see a pretty thing that distracted him from everything around him, the only thing that mattered was that pretty distraction. He looked up at you and swore he could feel something different stirring within him. No woman had ever been so brash with him, so real. 

“Well, now… ain’t you observant…” He smirked over at you, trying to get a read on you, but he couldn’t. If you weren’t so sweet to him, he would find it infuriating. "Ain’t no scandal, if that’s what you’re askin’. Just means I’m freshly out of a bad investment."

You leaned in a little closer, listening intently. “A bad investment?”

Baby Billy sat there, half-smirking, but there was a flicker of something real underneath it all as he flexed his fingers, as the obvious line would just disappear if he willed it to. "Yeah, sugar. Cost me a lot, too—money, time, energy… piece of my pride, if I’m bein’ honest." He tapped his ring finger against the table, let out a sigh, and then looked at you directly with that smile now faded. "But that chapter’s closed now. That’s why I’m here, sorta,  livin’ a little, tryin’ to… I don’t know. Remember what it feels like to be Baby Billy again."

You nodded along to his explanation, yet still weary of the fact that he seemed to be thinking about the past, and you didn’t realize just how fresh it was. "And what exactly does ‘being Baby Billy’ mean?"

"Oh, you know… talkin’ a big game, makin’ beautiful women laugh, sittin’ at fancy dinners, pretendin’ the past don’t got no hold on me." He lifted his glass, but he didn’t take a sip, he just stared at the liquid for a second. "Ain’t workin’ too well, though, is it?"

You laughed at that, wishing you could lie and pretend this never came up, but that wasn’t who you were, no, you were always the honest type. So you leaned back in your chair as you watched him with a measured gaze. "So tell me, Billy—are you sitting here with me because you actually want to be here? Or are you just trying to forget her?"

Baby Billy paused, his usual bravado flickering, just for a second as he studied you, the playful smirk gone, replaced with something unreadable. Then, slow and deliberate, he reached across the table and took your hand. "Now, sugar… I ain’t gonna lie to you. I came here for a few reasons, and one of them was to try and forget somethin’.” His thumb brushed over your knuckles, thoughtfully, like he’d been working something out in his head. "But then I sat down, started talkin’ to you… and, well… turns out I don’t wanna forget a damn thing about tonight.” The skin around his eyes crinkled as he watched you carefully. “Damn, you’re somethin’ else, you know that?”

You let out a small, breathy laugh. “It's not the worst thing I've been called, so I'll take it.”

Baby Billy looked at you, his stare softer. “No, I mean it. You're nothin’ like the people around here, all these damn tourists who don’t have another thought or an idea in their head. Don't know nothin’ about me, just chattin’ me up all sweet and bein’ so honest. It’s refreshing.”

“Whoever didn't like you for you were fools,” you said with a soft smile. “I like you already and we just met today.” What harm would it be to put on a little flirting of your own? A vacation fling wasn’t exactly in the cards, but who were you to say no to a little fun?

“Now hold on just a minute. You mean to tell me… you actually like me? Like, for real? Baby, don’t play with me, my heart can’t take that kinda trickery.” 

“Oh, what’s not to like?” you asked playfully. “A talented man, a relentless flirt, charming as all hell– pardon my French,” you said with a short giggle.

He was smiling, laughing it up as he took one of the napkins from beneath his plate and began to scribble on it with a pen he produced from his pocket, still talking with you as his attention flickered from you to whatever he was doing. 

You peeked over at him and smiled wide. “What are you up to?” 

He slid his hand over the napkin and smirked up at you, clicking his tongue. “It ain’t polite to peek just yet, angel baby,” he teased and finished up a few more strokes and then slid it to you as he folded it. “Open it when you get to your room.”

“Ominous but I like it,” you replied, slipping it into your pocket. “But I’ll meet you in a half hour, okay?”

“Yeah, can’t wait,” Baby Billy said with a gleaming smile. “I’ll be countin’ down the minutes.”

You stood in the bathroom, staring at yourself in the mirror as if something would look out of place, then you’d cancel. Your mind was racing with so many things, so many thoughts, you weren’t sure why you were suddenly feeling so self-conscious, but you looked over yourself once more before you took a deep breath and packed your beach bag, hoping that you were making the right choice here. 

Your eyes looked down at the napkin he handed you earlier, the quickly scrawled words on them were still so neat despite the pen working against the napkin paper, and it brought a smile to your face. It was a scramble of lyrics written for you that seemed so cheesy and over the top, but you couldn’t stop smiling. 

‘I was chasin’ sunsets, toes in the sand—a man with a Bible and no real plan.

Then you walked by with a smile so bright, and I thought, “Lord, You work in a mysterious light”

Heaven sent on holiday, a blessing wrapped in sun and waves. Didn’t plan to find love today, But God works in the strangest ways’

The smile on your face grew wider as you folded up the napkin and placed it back into your bag, wanting to keep it close to you, even if this night came to nothing, you still had the memory of Baby Billy. You met your gaze back in the mirror and you chewed on your lip softly, mulling the idea back and forth in your head. You wondered if this was the right typing to do, leading this man on, but the thrill of him was too much to give up. Maybe that spoke volumes of just how picky you’d been in the past of the people you surrounded yourself with, but with a deep breath, you steeled yourself and made your way to the door.  

Baby Billy was in his penthouse suite thinking the same thing, already having to deal with his past marriages, now skirting around with other women, maybe he didn’t have the same bite that matched with his bark. He bit the inside of his cheek as he pondered over the idea. Maybe he should just let you enjoy your vacation without him mucking it up, making things more complicated for you both. But he’d be lying if he didn’t want to say damn it all and ignore the little voices, shut them out completely. But after several minutes of wrestling with those thoughts, he figured to hell with it, he couldn’t stop thinking about you, and maybe it was just a fluke, maybe you’d leave after your vacation was up and he wouldn’t think twice about you.

He straightened himself up and ran his fingers through his hair, making sure he looked as presentable as possible for you. If he had limited time with you, then he’d make the most of it and he wouldn’t look back. 

Patting down his pockets to check over the contents, he walked out of his penthouse and closed the door behind him, greeted with the sight of you wrapped in a long kimono wrap worn over your swimsuit, your bag slung over your shoulder as you looked almost hesitant as you turned toward his door. 

His eyes met yours and that wide smile spread across his face. “Well, I’ll be DAMNED. Somebody pinch me ‘cause I think I just laid eyes on the finest thing to ever grace this resort,” he greeted, walking up to you with his arms spread a little wide, gesturing toward you. “You know, I’ve seen a lotta beauty in my lifetime—been to Vegas, even seen Dolly Parton up close—but LORD HAVE MERCY, you put ‘em all to shame.”

You couldn’t help but laugh and wave your hand dismissively as you felt your face heat up at his over-the-top charm, his way of slinging compliments at you was almost sickening, but in a very sweet way. “Thanks, Baby Billy,” you replied with a hint of shyness. “You’re not so bad looking yourself.”

“‘Course, and don’t inflate my ego too much, sweetheart” he said as he held out his arm for you to take, which you slipped through and walked alongside him. “You know, you mentioned you was goin’ to a wedding, right?”

You nodded and looked over at him. “Yeah, I did. Why?”

“Just been wrackin’ my brain as to why you don’t have a plus one is all,” he said with a curious tone. “Very surprisin’ to me, little number like you.”

This comment made you scoff, thinking that he was just laying it on thick because he was a natural flirt, yet it felt good to hear. “What, you think I can’t enjoy a vacation solo? Gotta take a plus one to enjoy it?” you asked with a light tone. 

Baby Billy shook his head and clicked his tongue, acting as if you’d just said the most ridiculous thing to him. “Oh, no, sugar. I think you can. I just think you shouldn’t have to.” He took a small step away from you and gestured to you like you were the defining evidence in his argument. “I mean, look at you– gorgeous, sharp as a damn tack, got a little fire in you… Ain’t no way in hell some poor fool out there didn’t lock you down already.”

“Maybe there’s a person out there for me, but I’m not really out there searching for that, you know? Maybe I’m just picky, you ever thought about that?” you suggested with a nonchalant shrug. 

He raised an eyebrow at your words, clearly interested in your story, so he continued to walk with you until he got to the elevator and pressed the button. “Oh, now see, that makes sense. You got standards, don’t ya? I bet you don’t suffer no fools, neither. Mhm. Lord help the poor man who tried to waste your time.”

“Including you?” You asked innocently, throwing a casual look over at him, attempting to hide your smile. 

With a gasp, Baby Billy placed a hand over his chest and stared at you in surprise. “Sugar, now that hurts me. You wound me deeply.” He then squinted his eyes behind the lenses and stared at you suspiciously, that hint of a smile still there on his face. “…Or are you just tryin’ to see if I can keep up?”

“Guess you’ll have to find out,” you teased playfully, nudging his arm with your own as you stepped on the elevator. “But I bet you’ve had a few run-ins with the tourists here, maybe caught a widowed woman, eyeing you up in your little bedazzled outfit, couldn’t keep her hands off you.” 

Baby Billy chuckled and shook his head, amused by your playful banter, though hearing you tease him relentlessly only made him want to change the subject. “Ah, well now, I have my eye on this little number I met here, actually. Can’t be lettin’ just any woman steal my time and attention, now can I?” 

You couldn’t hold back the laugh you let out at how bold this man was. “No, I suppose not,” you mused.

“Well, what about you, though? Findin’ any men worth your time here at this lovely resort?”

“Not just anyone passes the vibe check,” you teased. 

He chuckled at your comment, amused by your confidence. He then smirked, his gaze still roaming over your body. "I'm assuming I pass the vibe check, though, right?”

“Well, we still haven't had a full night together, the date isn't even close to being finished, but you're cute. So, we'll see.” You gave him a playful smile and stepped out of the elevator, turning around as you waited for him to follow. 

He took a moment to compose himself and walked along to catch up, his hand grabbing your wrist and pulling you back toward him in a playful manner. “You tryin’ to run off so soon?” He asked with a wide smirk. 

You whipped around to look up at him and smiled softly. “Nah, I just wanted you to catch me,” you teased. “Come on, let's get in that hot tub.” You walked ahead of him and placed your beach bag beside the hot tub, making sure you had your effects close by while you slid out of the swim wrap you had around your body, tossing it into your bag as the silence between you both became heavy, filled with tension.

You sank into the warmth of the bubbling water, letting it relax your muscles as Baby Billy slid in across from you, a slow smirk curling at his lips. His hair is untouched and combed back perfectly, his gold chain caught in the light, and his eyes? They’re locked on you like you’re the only thing worth looking at. He let out a sigh, leaning back against the wall of the tub as his eyes closed momentarily. “Good Lord, that feels like Heaven,” he groaned softly. “You always forget how good a hot tub feels until you get back in one,” he laughed and looked over at you. 

The resort was quiet, and the warm glow of tiki torches flickered against the bubbling water of the outdoor hot tub, most guests had gone to bed or made their way to their rooms. You figured it was because this resort consisted of a more elder base of guests, and you didn’t mind that in the slightest. You sat across from the older man and looked at him, seeing his shirtless form for the first time as he slipped out of the button-up he’d been wearing moments prior. Your face lit up at the sight, you didn’t think that outfit he wore earlier was hiding all that underneath the fabrics, yet here you were stunned into a moment of silence. 

He stretched out, arms on the rim, chest puffed up—he was peacocking HARD, but as soon as you leaned back a bit to relax, his eyes were on you. "Mmm. Now this is nice. Just me, you, and the warm water. Almost feels like we’re the only two people left in the whole damn world. Like fate or somethin’."

You raised an eyebrow and smirked wide as you looked across at him. "You always this dramatic, or is this a special occasion?"

Baby Billy looked mock-offended at your question, yet his smile remained. "Dramatic? Dramatic? Sugar, now that’s just hurtful. I prefer the term expressive." He tilted his head, studying you, amusement flickered in his gaze. "But you do gotta feel it, right—doesn’t it feel a little… I don’t know. Like it’s meant to be?"

You tilted your head, playing coy with the man across from you. "So let me get this straight, you think us winding up in this hot tub together is fate?"

Baby Billy grinned wider across at you, wondering just what was going through your mind. "Mmm, somethin’ like that,” he hummed nonchalantly, his eyes still lingering on you. But soon, the boldness began to creep in, and he straightened his posture. “Now why you sittin’ all the way over there? Get on over here, darlin’.” He looked over at you, those tinted glasses still on despite the sun being set for a while now, and you couldn’t help but entertain the idea. His arm draped around your shoulders immediately, a little lazy, a little possessive, but he knew what he had and he was flaunting it. 

What you both felt as you suddenly had his arm draped around you wasn’t something you’d expected here at a Christian resort, but the way he looked at you, the way his arm was much more muscular than you anticipated, it was overwhelming to have him so close to you. There were no words that could describe what you were feeling, but it was a wonderful thrill, the flips of your stomach sending you into a high.

He’d been staring at you a lot with that look—half smirk, half pure admiration. You managed to get him wrapped around your little finger. “Ain’t fair how good you look glistening in this water. Got me feelin’ lightheaded, sugar, and it ain’t from the heat.”

Your mind was being pulled in several different directions all at once, and you couldn’t hello but try and pry some more information out of him as you rested your head on his shoulder. "So, tell me, Billy—what exactly are you looking for?"

"Now, sugar, you ask that like I’m on some kinda spiritual quest. I ain’t searchin’ for the meanin’ of life, I’m just…" He sighed, rolling his shoulders, suddenly looking a little too thoughtful as his hand slowly and absentmindedly rubbed along your arm. "I don’t know. I guess I just wanna feel good again."

You looked over at him, your gaze filled with curiosity and gentleness. “And does that mean running from something? Like you were talking about earlier?”

Baby Billy looked over at you with his eyes widened slightly, but he recovered quickly and offered you a smile that felt more real than most. "Damn. You cut right through the nonsense, don’t ya? Alright, I’ll be honest—maybe I am runnin’. Maybe I got some regrets, some mistakes I’d rather not think about." He smirked again like he tried to shake it off. "But I sure as hell don’t regret endin’ up here with you.”

With a small, knowing hum, you nodded and looked up at him, taking in the closeness you both shared while you allowed the jets of the hot tub to relax you as you mulled over your thoughts. “You know, for all that smooth talk, you might actually be a little bit of a mess, Billy."

Baby Billy laughed at your observation, nodding as if he couldn’t even argue it. "Oh, darlin’, I been a mess since birth. The real question is—can you handle it?"

The air between you shifts—it’s still playful, but now there’s something else underneath it. You leaned back in his arms and smiled softly. "You act like that’s supposed to scare me."

The man grinned wide, his eyes flickered to your lips, then back up to your eyes. "Mmm. Maybe I was hopin’ it might excite you instead.”

You couldn't help but roll your eyes at his banter, but it rolled so effortlessly between you both that you couldn't deny it even if you wanted to. “You're impossible.”

"And yet, here you are. Sittin’ with me, talkin’ to me, enjoyin’ my company. Ain’t that somethin’?”

You scoffed and replied with a playfully sarcastic tone. "Yeah, a real miracle."

Baby Billy grinned wider, sliding his hand gently down your arm as he pulled you closer. "Well, sugar, if we’re dealin’ in miracles… maybe you oughta make a wish. See what happens."

Your eyebrow raised as your voice was low and teasing. "And what exactly are you offering?”

"That, darlin’, depends entirely on what you want,” he mused as his hands began to wander, his touch gentle, but definitely not innocent. 

The strength of the jets caused the water to bubble around you both, and the steam rose into the night air, but it wasn’t just from the hot tub anymore– it was in the air between you and Baby Billy, thick with tension and something else, something unspoken. His eyes were on you as you both sat in the water, his hand still running up and down your arm as his cocky smirk was still in place, but there was a sudden sharpness in his eyes like he was waiting, watching, trying to figure you out. 

While you remained in his grasp, you couldn’t help but lean away slightly from him to get a better look at his face, trying to read his expression as your arm shifted somewhat, thinking about slipping it around him beneath the water’s surface. “So, let’s see if I get this straight– you do all this and perform at this resort to forget about the past,  but now you’re talking about sticking around with a woman you just met?” You tilted your head as you tried to read his eyes. “Billy, that almost sounds like you’re committing to something. You sure you can handle that?”

Baby Billy just laughed, one of those empty, hollow laughs that attempt to hide the truth. “Damn, sugar, you don’t miss a beat, do you?” He slid his hand from your arm and pulled it around your waist now, pulling you a little closer as he sat beside you. “Ain’t sayin’ I’m makin’ long-term plans just yet, but I know an interestin’ opportunity when I see one.”

“And that’s what I am? An opportunity?” you asked with a curious gaze. 

The man scoffed and shook his head. “Hardly, you’re more than that. Ain’t no denyin’ that. But what about you, sugar? You runnin’ from somethin’ too, or is this just the vacation you longed for before attendin’ your friends’ wedding?”

You sighed softly and shook your head, a soft smile on your lips as you thought of your words carefully. “Not running from something, just… needed a break. I needed to shake things up, get out, do something that wasn’t so… predictable.”

Baby Billy is so close that you could smell the chlorine mixing with his cologne, something warm and sharp like cedar and whiskey. His outstretched arm that was draped over the edge of the tub had twitched, and he was deciding whether or not to wrap it around you as he drummed his fingers along the edge. “I can make sure your life ain’t even close to predictable…” he offered softly. 

The feeling between you both was becoming a little too much, but you wanted to see where this could go, you were curious, but you wanted to see how far this would go. You tilted your chin up slightly as you stared up at him. “Do you always hover like this or are you waiting on me to make a move?”

He turned to look at you, staring at your lips for a long moment before he answered. “Oh, sugar, I never rush a good moment. I let things unfold… nice and slow.”

You looked at him and never thought that ‘nice and slow’ were in this man’s vocabulary, but you couldn’t stifle the smile that grew across your face. “And if I just got up and left right now?” You asked with a teasing tone.

Baby Billy just shrugged as he looked over at you, his eyes glued to you. “Guess I’d have to find a way to keep your attention.” There was a pause. The air was thick, filled with an electric current, you both edging each other, waiting for the other to make a move. 

You wanted to test those waters, pushing the limit to see what would happen, and you wanted to know if he’d give in to the chase. You suddenly stood up from the tub, the water cascading down your curves as you looked down at him. “Well, Baby Billy, this has been fun,” you said with a flashy smile as you stepped from the hot tub and reached for your towel. “Try not to miss me too much, yeah?”

Baby Billy just laughed, his expression amused and almost surprised, but he did his best to remain unaffected as he watched you stand up. “Damn, now that just ain’t fair,” he replied with his eyes glued to you. 

Your towel wrapped around you as you peeked at him over your shoulder, still smiling. “Life’s not fair, sweetheart,” you replied and walked away, your bag slung over your shoulder as you gave a wave. Your heart was pounding as you wondered if your little cat-and-mouse game would work.

You left the hot tub with a smirk on your face, towel wrapped tightly around you, your skin still warm from the water, and Baby Billy’s gaze still lingered on you as your form slowly disappeared from view. You didn’t rush, you let him watch, you let him wonder. He leaned back in the tub and groaned as he stared up at the sky, shaking his head with an amused laugh. 

“Damn, that woman is gonna be the death of me.” He let out a heavy sigh and grunted as he stood up, then reached for his towel as he dried himself off. “Ain’t lettin’ her go that easy,” he grumbled to himself. The water dripped onto the asphalt as he made quick work of drying himself off the best he could, but he had the towel wrapped around his shoulders as he began his trek through the resort. He took his time, allowing you the head start as he turned his head this way and that. He had the confident strut of a man who knew exactly what he was doing, but there was a little edge of urgency like he needed to find you to understand what happens next. 

He strolled through the resort, his confidence through the roof as he poked around the lounge area– he lingered, tapping his fingers against the counter as his eyes scanned the small crowd of people. He didn’t see you, yet his smile grew.

“Oh, sugar, really makin’ me work for it, ain’t you?” He thought as he shook his head, then made his way toward the elevator. 

A slow, deliberate knock came from your door as you stood in the bathroom, brushing out your hair from the shower you took, and your heart did flips as you set the brush down, your hand slightly trembling as you hoped it was him. As much as you wanted to believe you weren’t into games, you couldn’t help but test him to see if he really would follow through with his charm. You reached the door and placed your hand on the handle, pulling it open almost too slowly. 

His face greeted you with a slightly predatory gaze, but there was something underneath it all as you leaned against the doorframe, staring over at him with a soft grin. “You really tracked me down, huh?” You asked him as you crossed your arms against your chest.

Baby Billy grinned wide, his voice as smooth as honey. “Now, sugar, I told you– I love a challenge. But you just gonna leave me standin’ out here like a fool, or you gonna let me in?”

“Oh, want to come in? What is it you want, Billy?” You asked him, your eyes on his as you felt the thrill and excitement pumping through your veins. 

“Ain’t it obvious?” He asked as he leaned in further, his arm propped against the doorway. “I just came to see if you meant it– walkin’ off like that, leavin’ me high and dry.” He leaned in a little closer, his eyes catching yours from over the rim of his glasses. “Or if you were waitin’ on me to come and find you.”

Your heart rate picked up and it felt as if it would burst from your chest, but you tried your best to keep it cool as you offered a simple smile. “And what if I said I was only teasing you?”

Of course, you’d give him a run-around, he liked whatever game you two were playing, and he was curious about the outcome. “Then I’d have to say you’re doin’ a hell of a fine job of it,” he replied with a short laugh. “But I’d also say… you wouldn’t have let me get this far if you didn’t wanna see what happens next…”

There was a challenge in his voice, the air thick with the tension that you could cut it, and silence hung in the air. As the tension built, you couldn’t help but smirk as you opened the door wider and then stepped aside to let him in. 

“Guess we’re about to find out.”

Baby Billy grinned wider and stepped past you, his voice low and teasing. “Mhm, now that’s what I like to hear.”

The click of the door shutting was louder than it should be in the quiet of your suite, but the lock clicking was even more jarring as you turned toward him. Baby Billy stepped inside, slow and deliberate as he looked around for a split second, but then, his eyes were locked on you once he turned. 

That smile never left his face, but there was something else underneath it all, something less playful and more… uncertain. For once, Baby Billy Freeman didn’t know what would happen next, and you weren’t sure either. The air is still as you both look at one another, all his talk about this big game now being put to the test as the air is thick with the weight of everything unspoken. 

Baby Billy sighed as he ran a hand through his white hair, his eyes flickered away from you for a brief moment. “Alright, I’ll bite. Let’s be honest for a second, sugar. I came here thinkin’ maybe you’d slam the door in my face. Or maybe you’d think of lettin’ me in just to mess with me a little more, stringin’ me along.” His eyes met yours now, his voice softer, quiet, unsure. “But now that I’m here?” He paused and let out a small huff. “I gotta ask– what exactly do you want?”

You blinked and stared at him, not exactly expecting him to ask that outright. “What do you mean?” You questioned. 

He chuckled and shook his head, his eyes not leaving yours. “C’mon now, don’t play dumb. You pulled me in, kept me on my toes all night, and now we’re here. So tell me… was it all just for your entertainment? Or is there somethin’ more behind that look in your eyes?”

The tension didn’t break, it just shifted, turning into something slower, heavier. Baby Billy didn’t push forward, he didn’t move closer. He just waits there. His usual cocky charm is still there, but his eyes tell a different story, and they’re watching you. You took a step forward, just close enough to test the heat between you, and Baby Billy is just watching with that lazy, knowing grin. This isn’t about the chase anymore, not about the games or making him work for it, it’s just the moment. You let the air hang between you both for a moment, just to really feel if you were fully committed to this, and then you close the last bit of space between you.

You placed a hand on his chest– his skin still warm from the hot tub and possibly the nerves, his heartbeat steady beneath your fingertips. His breath caught just slightly as you tilted your head up to meet his gaze. Baby Billy moved his hand to settle on your waist, the other hand lifted to brush his thumb along your jaw– slow and deliberate, like he’s savoring it. And when he finally leaned in, there was no hesitation, no second-guessing, just warmth, just want, and just the undeniable truth that this was going to happen.

His lips met yours, slow and unhurried, like he was taking his time to figure you out, but there was something deeper beneath it, a hint of desperation like he’d been waiting for this a little longer than he realized. You allow yourself to sink into the warmth of his touch, the way his fingers tightened slightly against your waist, how he made a low, satisfied noise against your lips– he���d just won the jackpot. 

He pulled away first, wanting to gauge your reaction, curious if you’d push him away, or kick him out, but before you could even deny his advances, you didn’t give him the chance to consider a rejection. Your mouth pressed against his harder this time, less patient and more confident. His hands found their way slightly higher on your waist, pulling you flush against him as you could feel the heat radiating off of him, the way his muscles tensed like he was trying to hold himself back just enough to make this last. He let out a low, satisfied hum against your lips as you fisted your hands around the fabric of his damp shirt, pulling him closer if that were possible. 

He smiled as he pulled his lips against your jaw, his voice low and smug as hell. “Knew you were trouble the moment I saw you,” he hummed. 

You laughed breathlessly as you tilted your head back and his lips brushed against your neck. “And yet here you are,” you said with a satisfied tone. 

“Damn right,” he replied as the back of your knees suddenly hit the bed. 

You don’t remember exactly when the flirting stopped when it shifted into something hungrier, something undeniable. He groaned when you pulled him down with you as you fell back against the bed, the heat of his skin against yours, and his hands mapped you out like he was memorizing you. His lips were warm against the skin of your neck, trailing a path that made you arch beneath him. The way he grinned while you reacted to his touch– cocky but genuine like he’s still marveling at the fact that you’re here at all.

His hands are skilled and practiced, but there’s also a roughness, a need, that makes it clear that he’s attempting to hold back as he tests the boundaries. You smiled up at him as he pulled away slightly.

“What’s the matter, Billy? Having second thoughts?” you teased as you looked at him with a gentle gaze. 

Baby Billy took this as a playful gesture but couldn’t help finding it almost endearing. “Oh, sugar, I’m just makin’ sure you can handle me.” He slid his hand along your thigh, his fingers skated upward as his touch felt firm but teasing. “Wouldn’t want you bitin’ off more than you can chew.”

This made you laugh as your hands undid the buttons of his damp shirt, the way your touch against his chest ignited something within him while each gentle touch made it feel electric. His shirt is discarded, your top is gone, and here you both are, struggling to move faster as the barriers between you both disappear. His body pressed against yours from above, feeling the firmness of his erection pressing against your inner thigh as your hand slid up to his cheek, pulling him into a heated kiss.

Your hand slid down to his chest as you felt just how defined he was, your fingertips skated across his skin while he let out a soft moan from the feeling. All the attention you were giving him was only causing him to want you more, yet he was hesitant to finally take that leap. But his hands grabbed you, pulling you over as he switched the dynamic to have you hover above him. 

“C’mere darlin’, I need you in my lap,” he said, his Southern drawl low and desperate.

You couldn’t hide the smile you wore as you did as he asked and crawled over him, swinging your leg over him to settle against his thighs. His hands slid around you, gripping each side of your thighs as he scooted you further against him, wanting to pull you closer as he kissed you hungrily. His mouth trailed from your lips down to your jaw, Then he placed soft, reverent kisses along your neck as your sounds filled his ears. He needed to hear those sweet sounds, the ones that he caused. His breath caught in his throat as he felt your hips suddenly grind against him, pressing your aching cunt against him, already stimulating yourself against his hardening cock. 

Baby Billy’s hand gripped one side of your hip firmly as the other gripped your hair, pulling your head back to expose your neck, leaning forward to lavish your skin with his mouth. He worked his way further down your chest, and Baby Billy released a small groan as his mouth covered your peak, his tongue now swirling around your nipple before he moved to the other breast. While his mouth was on you, his hands slid down to grip your ass firmly, then pressed you down harder against his growing erection. 

“C’mon sugar, you gonna ride this old man’s dick?” he asked playfully, positioning you over him. He was throbbing, God, he hadn’t needed something more than he needed you in this moment. 

You smiled down at him as you dropped your hips against him, sinking onto him as the stretch caused you to lean your head back and your eyes roll. “Oh, damn,” you moaned softly, hands placed against his chest as you propped yourself up. 

Baby Billy groaned at the feeling of how wet you were, slicking his cock as you sank down onto him and ground against his hips. He tried his best to maintain some composure, but he was a very vocal man, and he groaned loudly whenever you made any sort of movement against him. His hands gripped your ass as he moved you up and down against him, fucking you at his pace while his hips bucked up into you. 

“Oh, angel, you feel like Heaven,” he groaned, leaning his face forward to kiss and nip at the skin of your collarbone. 

You felt the same, not believing that you were going to these lengths with a man you just met today, but you had nothing alarming in your head about this, you only focused on how good he made you feel despite how much older than you he was. And boy, he still knew how to fuck.

He groaned softly into your mouth, your slow rolls of your hips made his eyes roll back. He cupped the back of your neck, pulling you deeper into the kiss while he spread his legs wider, allowing you to grind against him slowly. Baby Billy felt himself getting closer to losing himself, his hips bucked upward to try and get you to move faster. 

You continued to go slow, giving him a show as you teased him while your mouth pulled away, making your way to his jaw and down his neck, breathing hot against his skin. 

He groaned loudly again, his head tilted to the side to give you better access to his neck. He felt himself getting closer and closer to the edge, his hands gripping your hips tightly. "Fuck, I'm gonna come," he admitted, his voice strained. “Can't hold on when you're teasin’ me like this.”

Upon his confession, you picked up the pace and rode him a little faster, his thrusts too slow and erratic to keep up as his breathing quickened. “Baby,” you moaned loudly, your arms wrapped around his neck. “Feel so good…”

He let out a deep, guttural moan at your sudden change in pace, his fingers digging into your hips. "Holy shit... fuck..." His eyes closed briefly as you rode him harder and faster, hitting that perfect spot inside you each time while he attempted to catch his breath. "Just like that... Jesus Christ… God gave you a gift, girl.”

His body tensed beneath yours while you moaned his name over and over again, the warmth of his skin against yours while his hands grabbed at you, pawed at you. He was so overcome with desire that he felt as if he were losing himself, the lines blurring between everything he believed in and what he felt was right. His large hands grabbed you, placed on either side of your hips, helping you keep that pace as his orgasm built swiftly despite wanting to make this last. 

“You close, ain’t you? Can feel it,” he groaned as your hands slid through his hair, smiling as he pulled you down, capturing his lips with yours. He pulled away but barely, mumbling against your mouth. “You gonna come with me, angel?” He asked softly, his voice breaking slightly. 

You nodded and kissed him again, sloppy and rushed as you could feel that familiar tightness coiling inside of you, the tingle at the base of your spine growing undeniable while you attempted to keep the tempo going. “Ba-Baby,” you groaned, “not gonna last like this,” you warned him. 

His breathing became heavier, more ragged as he watched your face contort with pleasure as he felt such pride that it was him bringing it to you. His smile widened at your words, but he had to ensure you felt satisfied. His hand slipped between you both, his fingers deftly circling your clit, bringing that extra stimulation that made your eyes roll back and your skin fill with goosebumps. 

The way your moans and soft sighs tumbled from your mouth was almost like an angel’s choir singing to him, he was weak for you, you were his salvation, much like the others were to him in the past, yet there was a hint of difference compared to you. Baby Billy let out a low groan as he thrust himself deep and hard several times into you while your muscles tightened around him, pulling him in as he finally came, his body shuddered with his release as his strong arms tightened around you. 

“Fuck, oh fuck–” He moaned, clenching his teeth as he kept going, wanting to feel you come with him.

With several more quick thrusts of your own, you felt yourself let go, shuddering much like he did as your movements slowed, your chest heaving as your heart pounded hard against your chest. Your bodies were covered with a light sheen of sweat, but you didn’t care, you melted against him as his arms wrapped tighter around you, holding onto you as he buried his face against your hair. 

“Sugar, you alright?” he asked softly, his voice muffled against your hair as his hand stroked your tresses. 

You could barely lift your gaze to meet his, the exhaustion in your eyes imminent while you relaxed against him. “Never better,” you replied with a small smile. “You?”

“Never better,” he repeated, his own smile widened into that usual Baby Billy fashion, but there was a certain softness to it. 

You catch a glimpse of him—the real Baby Billy behind the showman’s grin—eyes bright and wild, a hint of neediness in his touch when you pull him close.

When the world finally settled, hours later, with you tangled in sheets and the cool air settling over your skin—it’s quiet. The aftermath is all slow breaths and peaceful contentment. He stayed close, arm slung possessively around you, fingers idly tracing shapes on your skin. For a moment, you’re both quiet—letting the silence stretch.

And the two of you drift off, tangled together in the dim light of the resort suite, with the sound of the gentle waves from the ocean and the muffled sounds of distant talking just outside. Whatever comes next, it’s a problem for the morning. For now, you let yourself sink into the warmth of his touch and the thrill of the chase finally caught.

The first thing you noticed is the soft glow of morning light that crept through the resort curtains—warm, golden, and far too early. The distant sound of waves rolling against the shore and the faint hum of resort life waking up filtered in. The second thing you noticed was the weight draped over your waist—heavy, warm, and distinctly Baby Billy Freeman. Your eyes opened slowly, adjusting to the light. The room smelled faintly of saltwater, cologne, and something musky and familiar. The sheets are tangled, evidence of a very eventful night.

And there he is—Baby Billy, lying beside you.

He’s on his stomach, head turned toward you, one arm slung over your waist in a way that felt more protective than possessive. His hair is a mess of silver and sweat-tousled strands, and his breathing is slow and even, lips slightly parted. He looks softer in sleep—less showman, more man. For a moment, you just watched him. Then, as if he knew your eyes were on him, he stirred.

Baby Billy’s voice was gravelly from sleep, and it sounded almost normal, not filled with that typical cockiness. "Mm, sugar… you always up this damn early?" he mumbled. One eye cracked open, hazel and bleary, but sharpened when he saw you watching him. "Well, good mornin’. I see I’m graced with the face of an angel first thing."

You just smirked as you looked over at him, your hair splayed around you as you watched him from the comfort of your pillow. "Didn’t peg you for a cuddler, Freeman."

 He just grinned lazily, unashamed of the current situation. How could he feel shame with a woman like you naked next to him? "What can I say? You’re good company. And you feel really nice next to me." He stretched, his arm tightening around you, a smug, sleepy satisfaction lingered in his expression. “I know you weren’t complainin’ last night.” He remained comfortable against the pillows as he moved slightly, then folded an arm behind his head as he watched you with that familiar cocky grin—but there was a softness there now, something genuine.

You raised a brow and wore a snarky grin. "You always this full of yourself in the morning?"

Baby Billy chuckled and gave a half-hearted shrug. "Darlin’, it ain’t braggin’ if it’s true." He paused, his eyes flicking over you, lazy but appreciative as he took in your facial features illuminated in the light of the sun. "Though I gotta say, you look damn good in the daylight, too."

The banter is easy and natural, the same push and pull, but with the edge no longer there. But then, as the quiet settled back in, his eyes shifted. Something flickered behind them as he watched you. He ran a hand over his face, scratching his jaw, and you can almost see the wheels turning. There’s a hint of uncertainty like he’s trying to figure out how to ask something. "So, uh… you got plans today, sugar? Or was last night a one-time thing?" He asked casually, maybe a little too casually. 

You met his gaze, weighing your words carefully, but you decided to tease him further to see how he’d react. "You fishing for compliments, Baby Billy?"

Baby Billy just laughed, but you noticed it sounded more strained than usual. "Just wonderin’ if I should expect a door slammed in my face if I show up at your suite again tonight."

You just smirked, giving a little shrug as you let the tension linger. "Guess you’ll have to see if you can charm me twice."

He grinned wide, but he’s more relaxed now., you can see relief flash across his face before he hid it with another cocky smile, there’s an unspoken agreement that the night before wasn’t just a fling, that you’d gladly open the door and allow him to come back. Whatever it was, you weren’t exactly sure, but whatever it was, you knew it wouldn’t be boring.

[pinkscaped]

EXPERIENCE  …  THE  DEBUT  MINI  ALBUM  BY  BLISS .

POPSOUND  RATING:  5.3/10

EXPERIENCE  is  the  debut  mini  album  by  the  soloist  and  former  VENUS  member  Bliss.  With  a  total  of  SIX  tracks,  the  album  is  described  as  "sonic  whiplash  with  seemingly  no  direction"  and  "unsure  of  what  it  wants  to  be."  though  not  loved  by  critics,  fans  were  happy  to  see  the  idol  back  on  stage  performing.

Bliss  left  the  internationally  acclaimed  girl  group  VENUS  in  2023  when  their  contracts  were  moved  from  Angelico  Entertainment  to  Mydol  Label,  refusing  to  sign  under  Mydol.  Though  the  circumstances  of  her  departure  are  still  hazy,  fans  were  united  on  one  thing:  They  wanted  Bliss  back  on  stage.

On  January  5th,  2025,  they  would  get  their  wish.

The  album  would  feature  two  collabs  one  with  Zion  of  Arm  Candy  on  GUESS?  And  Kijung  on  Best  Mistake.  The  collabs,  especially  GUESS?  Would  be  positively  received  by  critics  and  fans.

INDIVIDUAL  SONG  RATINGS  BY  POPSOUND.

LOOP:  6/10

"Though  a  good  song  on  its  own,  promoting  LOOP  as  the  title  track  was  either  a  mistake  or  an  intentional  choice  to  make  this  release  look  dull.  The  performances  lacked  star  power  as  the  choreography  was  boring  and  not  complimentary  to  what  we  have  seen  from  Bliss  in  the  past,  which  was  a  more  early  Christina  and  Britney-type  vibe.  Inauthentic  and  misguided,  though  sonically  pleasing  to  the  ear."

SUPERSCAR:  8/10

"Gaining  more  popularity  than  the  original  title  track,  Angelico  seemingly  had  no  choice  but  to  promote  SUPERSCAR  on  music  shows  alongside  LOOP,  which  only  hindered  the  Ladder's  position  as  the  title  track.  SUPERSCAR  is  more  of  what  we  expected  to  see  from  Bliss's  choreography  and  sound.  We  have  to  raise  the  question  of  if  they  tried  to  go  the  pop-house  underground  sound  with  LOOP  to  not  have  her  in  competition  with  Baebi.  Either  way,  SUPERSCAR  stole  the  show  in  the  best  possible  way."

GUESS?  FT.  ZION:  8/10

"The  first  of  two  collaborations  on  this  mini  album,  featuring  none  other  than  Zion  of  Armcandy.  The  track,  earth  shakingly  loud  to  the  point  you  can  feel  the  beat  in  your  bones,  is  just  fun.  The  lyrics  are  bold  and  unashamed  of  the  topic  of  sexuality,  with  lyrics  like  "You  wanna  guess  the  color  of  my  underwear"  and  "You  wanna  turn  this  shit  out,  that's  what  I'm  talking  about,"  the  pair  offer  not  only  a  phenomenal  vocal  harmony  but  visuals  Donatella  Versace  would  foam  at  the  mouth  for."

NA:  4/10

"Na  is  misplaced  in  every  sense  of  the  word.  From  the  cheesy  lyrics  to  the  empty  and  disappointing  chorus,  this  song  was  a  let  down.  Bliss'  vocals  show  in  Na,  but  it's  simply  not  enough  to  get  over  the  looming  thought  of  "Why  is  this  song  on  the  album?  Who  approved  this?"  with  it's  modern  house  beat  that  makes  it  stick  out  like  a  sore  thumb  in  this  already  discombobulated  tracklist."

BEST  MISTAKE  FT. KIJUNG:  9/10

"Best  Mistake  is  one  of  the  best  love  songs  to  be  released  by  an  Angelico  artist  in  the  recent  decade,  dare  I  say,  throughout  the  company's  entire  run.  A  piano-driven,  merry-go-round of  a  love  song  that  finally  offers  Bliss'  light  voice  an  opportunity  to  shine  without  the  production  overpowering  it.  Kijung  carries  themselves  well  alongside  Bliss  with  equally  good  lyricism,  offering�� a  smooth  and  pleasing  blend  with  Bliss'  voice.  Genuinely,  a  beautiful  gem  in  an  otherwise  confusing  rat  maze."

EXPERIENCE  (OUTRO):  5/10

"EXPERIENCE,  though,  is  an  experience  that  was  a  generic  and  bland  way  to  close  this  album.  Its  unique  blend  of  ethereal,  angelic  sounds  with  a  trap  beat  creates  a  captivating  and  dynamic  atmosphere  that  leads  you  nowhere.  The  song's  outro,  used  as  the  teaser  for  this  album,  had  fans  excited  and  emotional  for  her  debut,  ending  with  a  jungle  dance  break  that  gives  this  album's  ending  note  emptiness.  The  song  is  empty.  The  ending  is  empty.  EXPERIENCE  is  a  good  song  by  itself,  but  as  an  outro  for  this  album,  it  leaves  much  to  be  desired."

OVERALL  ALBUM  RATING  ...  53/100

EXPERIENCE   STYLE   GUIDE  !

"She looked a damn mess every time she stepped on stage. But maybe that was the point? I guess the girls who get it, get it, but I refuse to believe the men in charge of her wardrobe really got it and were just putting her in outfits that would get her teased on social media. Is this rage marketing or did she give something I just don't understand? 7.5 out of 10." — KMG USER @ ALLTHELEWKS 

BLOGS OF ARTISTS MENTIONED ... @daecheonsa + @hearthr0b 💙

[craetor]

Puts his hand to his ear, catching the firm beats of his own heart at his wrirst. It underlines the scrumptiously sown, hushedly recited literature

Maifest - Johann W. Goethe☘️🌻

How lovely nature Shines this morning! See the glowing sun! Hear the singing fields!

Fragrant buds burst forth From each green frond A thousand bushes Resound with song

And joy and bliss Streams from each breast. Oh Earth, oh Sun, Oh glee, oh passion,

Oh beloved, oh love, Fair and golden, Like the morning clouds In Zion.

[foolartqwq]

OK since my inazuma eleven brainrot came back, I’m gonna tell you my head canons for the characters

Im gonna start with my favs

Fudou Akio

I headcanon him as Japanese and Puerto Rican. Whenever he s mad he ll curse in Spanish cause no one knows it in the team. Kidou understands just a few words while Gouenji and Haruna understand very well the language. He listens to old school reggaeton on repeat. His favorite songs is probably “Caile” by Tito “El bambino”. He also listens to rock a lot!

Once in a while when he has time he will invite all his old team mates and start a party. They will listen to all kinds of music and dance and drink and have a lot of fun! He has a cool tattoo on his back! Ever since he started growing his hair he styles is in a mullet like wolf cut or something

Kidou Yuuto

I headcanon Kidou as blasian! Japanese and Jamaican to be exact. He really has that strong accent. He listens to pretty chill songs. Nothing to wild. He has a few reggaeton songs recommended by Fudou that he likes such as “Zun Da da” by Zion

He only knows a little Spanish but understands clearly whenever Fudou curses him

F: Hijo de puta

K: I’ve heard that idiot

He is a lady Gaga enjoyer and also enjoys French music such as Alor on Danse by Stromae and Positif by Mr. oizo

What he does in his free time? Visits his grandparents in Jamaica when he has time! He once brought Fudou there and they had a blast!

Endou Mamoru

He is Japanese! He usually listens to pop music! What he does in his free time except playing football? He skates! He once had a hyper fixation to learn how to skate on roller skates and once in a while he goes and skates for hours to clears his mind! He does enjoy Megan the stallion a lot! His fav songs is Mamushi

Gouenji Shuuya

Gouenji is half columbian! He also enjoys a bit if reggaeton but not us much as Fudou! He actually love mysterious music such as Lovers from the past by mareux

He actually enjoys all kinds of music as long as it sounds good. He hates when a song had a cringe beat, if he feels uncomfortable listening to it he’ll hate it. He loves cruising in his sports car. Oh yeah Gouenji would own a sports car. He love driving, it calms him down and helps clear his mind.

Haruna Otonashi

She s also blasian(Japanese and Jamaican). She loves songs that have in theme woman power. But she also likes songs with pretty explicit lyrics! When Fudou organizes a party Haruna and him will be the ones to dance like there is no tomorrow. They’ll both get drunk and dance together. One time Haruna put this song “so mi like it” by Spice. Fudou was shocked to see what Haruna listens to but imagine how kidou was when he saw Haruna dance in the song and sing it. SPEACHLESS!

She loves drawings in her free time. She s not good at it but she learns and loves seeing the progress she makes everytime she draw

That’s it for now

If y’all wanna know my headcanon for other characters let me know :3

[cherryelectricboogaloo]

The relationship between Bell and the DLCs in Fallout is genuinely one of the things I love the most about how I played them. OC rant ahead:

She went through Old World Blues first. She was confident and chipper and, even when faced with the worst the Big MT could throw her way, she was laughing the entire time. She explored every nook and cranny at the research facilities, she got every single upgrade, every seed bag possible, went through all the different tests with the Stealth Suit and at X-8, she found hints of Elijah and Christine and Ulysses (and it's part of why she decided to follow the broadcast to the Sierra Madre.) While she abhorred what the Think Tank did, and the many things they created, she didn't really get the extent of what they did—and she spared them. Mimicked Dr. Mobius and wouldn't stop parroting his voice back in the Mojave when she got back. She conquered Big MT, and it made her confidence go up in astronomical levels.

When she confronted Caesar in nothing more than Sexy Sleepwear, it was with the same smile she stared at Dr. Klein with.

The Sierra Madre Broadcast always intrigued her. She loved the voice on the radio, was so intrigued by it, and her time exploring the Big MT only pushed her further into seeking it out. She finds the bunker, sees all the signs of danger, and what she thinks is that it'll be fine. After all, what could beat being stuck in a small hallway with Cazadores, or being chased down into pipes by Nightstalkers, or dealing with Dr. Klein's demands to have her brain?

When she finds herself in the Villa, she tries to stay confident.

She doesn't manage.

The Sierra Madre breaks Bell. Eats away at so much of her that makes her vulnerable. Hits exactly where it shouldn't. She had been trying to kick her drinking habit, but when all she could taste was the coppery taste of the Cloud, what else could she do but down some whiskey? When she had to carry whatever food she could find, because she never knew when it would run out again, what else could she do but hope the alcohol helped her carry things just for a little while longer? The lack of sleep didn't help either, with the Cloud threatening to hack away at her lungs in her sleep. She was so used to listening to the radio 24/7, and now even the slightest noise from a radio was enough to set her off into a frenzy to shut it down or destroy it. She couldn't just rely on what she already had, the gear she carried with her, and instead had to fight in a completely different style just to survive. She had none of her friends there, and the people she met…

Well, Dean Domino used her. Talked her up and, knowing she was fawning over him, convinced her to help him rob the Madre independently from Elijah. Compared her to Vera, made her feel better than her, special, only for Bell to realize he used Vera just like he did with her. (Bell's relationship with Vera Keyes is so much, too—she reads about this woman, mocked for her addiction and forced to help with a heist she didn't want to do, trapped between a rock and a hard place and she can't help but identify with her. She can't help but sympathize. She takes Vera's woes on her own shoulders, makes them her own… in a less than healthy way.) Elijah drilled into her head that, at any moment, he could replace her, let her die and just go to the next group of people willing to come. The only people she trusted even halfway were Dog, God and Christine.

She locked Elijah in that vault, and when he cursed her, said he would be waiting when she died, it haunted her.

She went to Zion purely to try and forget what happened at the Sierra Madre. She heard that the way to New Canaan was beautiful, scenic, and she was a shell of herself. She just wanted to have a nice vacation. She just wanted to finally relax, and instead she was thrown into the middle of a conflict she didn't understand, with people she didn't know, and the people who came with her died no matter how hard she tried to protect them. She heard a radio play in any of the ranger stations and shot it on sight. She ate every single fruit she found, because she never knew when she'd find food next. She drank so much water she felt sick, because she wasn't sure she would find pure, rad-free water again (even when it was everywhere). She barely slept, waking up in a panic to check her neck every time. And yet…

She did everything she could to help. Making healing powder, bringing people supplies, running errands for the Sorrows and the Dead Horses, helping Daniel and Joshua. Even when Daniel was… less than pleasant, about her status as an outsider. Even when Joshua worried her, with his talk of dashing thy little ones and his history being in the Legion. She did all she could to help. She investigated every cave, searched through all terminals, trying to make sense of the decision she knew she would have to make eventually. People always put decisions on her shoulders, even when she's not qualified to handle them at all. (Just a leggy dame, a little too into the chems… the words weren't directed at her, and yet…)

And for the first time since the Sierra Madre, when she said they should stay and fight, and when she talked Joshua out of killing Salt-Upon-Wounds, she felt… not exactly confident, but she was sure of what she was doing. She knew exactly what to do, and she didn't regret her decisions even after leaving Zion. Not regretting things was starting to become rare, after Dead Money.

Up until then, Bell had been… less than thrilled about having to choose the fate of the Mojave herself. She knew she couldn't really hand it to the NCR in good conscience, and that she would DIE before letting the Legion ever get their filthy hands on Vegas, and she wouldn't trust House with a Bighorner, much less New Vegas—but who was she to make that choice? House was so much more experienced with leading, so much more used to the politicking of Vegas, so much more intelligent, and…

And when she goes through the Divide, when she's faced with the fact that just one individual can have such a monumental influence in the world, whether intentionally or not? When she's faced with the symbols of the Old World, when Ulysses speaks to her about her inclinations towards an Independent Vegas?

She realizes then that it's a responsibility she'll have to take.

And she does so gladly, when the time comes. She shoulders that decision, because if not her, then who? And if it will help others, if it will make things easier on the people she's met along the way, the friends she made, the lovers she met, then she just has to do it. She's doing the best damn job she could do, and that's already miles better than what House would've done.

anyway i love the fallout new vegas dlcs can you tell

[secular-jew]

Judeans made wine for both internal distribution and for export, from the Richon area of Israel "Richon Le Zion, Palestine" which was a Jewish area of course. The label also says "Raisin de Canaan" - French for "Grapes of Canaan."

Naturally, the Arab Muslims can't drink and don't make wine.

Another well known wine began being produced in late 1800s. The Palestine Wine Company (PalWin for short), was founded in 1898, one of which the first brands sold in export markets by the Israeli wine industry.

In other news which proves that the Israelis are those who were called Palestinians, and which the Arabs will ignore, is that the Anglo-Palestine Bank was founded and later renamed Bank Leumi, the quality newspaper for English speakers was The Palestine Post (later renamed The Jerusalem Post), the pre-1948 soccer team was jewish, the pre-1948 symphony orchestra was jewish, as was the Palestine Airways (founded 1934), which was based in Haifa and commenced flights from Lydda (Ben Gurion airport), but due to Arab unrest, was moved to an airport in Tel Aviv, taking 6,800 passengers in 1938 to destinations like Haifa and Beirut.

The Palestine Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1936, well before the establishment of the modern state of Israel

Then of course, you had the Israeli soccer teams which played national & international matches in the 1930s and 1940s. The teams names were "Maccabi Tel Aviv", "Maccabi Petah Tikva" & "Maccabi Haifa." The Palestine team (all Jews) played throughout the world, including Australia. The team famously played Lebanon in April 1940, in Maccabiah Stadium (Tel Aviv), beating the Phoenicians 5 to 1, with 10,000 in attendance.

[hipersomniaaa]

various songs that remind me of solas/lavellan/solavellan 😇✌

version with polish songs here.

enjoy the silence by depeche mode ⸺ solavellan. well. angsty solavellan.

precious by depeche mode ⸺ woah, they would listen to depeche mode in the modern au! well, this can be both about solas and lavellan. especially since they are each other's narrative foils 😍

strangelove by depeche mode ⸺ ❝There'll be times/When my crimes/Will seem almost unforgivable/I give in to sin❞ + ❝I'm always willing to learn/When you've got something to teach/Oh, and I'll make it all worthwhile/I'll make your heart smile❞

13 angles standing guard 'round the side of your bed by silver mt. zion ⸺ how solas' long nap probably sounds like. and what his regret prison sounds like too.

drink before the war by sinéad o'connor ⸺ solas 🚬

i'm your man by mitski ⸺ solavellan trespasser solavellan I AM UNWELL

the host of the seraphin by dead can dance ⸺ mmmm. lavellan. the inquisitor vs corypheus battle soundtrack. it could also fit the moment when lavellan decides to drink from the well of the sorrows.

in the darkest night i will be on my own by mustafa avşaroğlu ⸺ lavellan's loneliness after solas disappeared + when they finally met.

oh ana by mother mother ⸺ lavellan's burden of being the herald of andraste, of being in love with their people's god of tricks etc. etc. etc.

the wolf by fever ray ⸺ chasing after solas arc. especially when lavellan is very angry at mr. Egg

like real people do by hozier ⸺ solavellan inquisition time yeah

the chain by fleetwood mac ⸺ :) lavellan @ solas after their breakup

lavender and heaven by iris caltwait ⸺ solavellan, lavellan @ solas. soft but sad.

things i should have said by idle ⸺ solas when crestwood scene.

running with the wolves by aurora ⸺ wolf solas and lavellan. lavellan goes in the snowstorm after the destruction of heaven and they hear wolves...

yellow flicker beat by lorde ⸺ lavellan!!! the inquisitor arc. rising in power etc etc.

the wolf by phildel ⸺ solas. or rather fen'harel.

where's my love by syml ⸺ very, very angsty solavellan. most of the songs here have an angst flavour. maybe bc of this, the angst tag is the most used tag for them on ao3. hm.

[rottenzombrainz]

Thinking Lawrence thoughts....

I saw in some wiki page once that it's assumed that Lawrence kills himself in all the other character endings but that just- that's not the kind of yandere he is. He's way too ambitious to give up. Not just like that, but ever.

MC escapes in the other character endings- surely he'd try and find her. Not without killing whoever she chose first, of course. I could see him dying in a confrontation like that; his lust overtaking his logical reasoning to approach things carefully. Afterall, as strong and tall as he is, there is no way he's beating someone like Ethan or Zion in a fair fight. But fair fights aren't his forté anyways. He's a schemer.

I could also see him getting delusional if MC got bit and turned or died in the zombie riot. Which, I need to mention, I fucking love when characters get delusional in zombie situations. If she was bit or turned, he'd keep her somewhere secure until he could find a cure. And no matter how decayed she'd get- He'd still keep trying. But of course, he'd still focus on his own survival. He only puts himself in danger if his darling is in immediate danger. If MC died however- I could see him trying to use the virus to resurrect her and then we go back to the "zombie MC" scenerio.

But there's no way he'd just let himself get eaten alive by zombies if his darling escaped. No, he'd hunt her down and get her back. That's what he does in the epilogue for his ending. Even if he were to give up on MC, he wouldn't give up on life. Especially not with all those supplies he has. He'd survive and he'd THRIVE until the world returned to "normal" and he'd have to face the consequences of his actions if the truth ever got out.

All in all, fuck you wiki page don't mischaracterize my husband and a quitter.

[gorimbaudandgojohnnygo]

I was tagged by @notsoterriblymisanthropic to post some of my favorite musical artists/favorite songs by them. The usual caveat: I have so much favorite music that this doesn’t begin to cover all of it, it was just what I came up with off the top of my head.

A Silver Mt. Zion - “More Action! Less Tears!”

Bikini Kill - “Rah! Rah! Replica”

Bruce Springsteen - “Atlantic City”

Buzzcocks - “What Do I Get?”

The Clash - “Rudie Can’t Fail”

The Cure - “Pictures of You”

Effigies - “Haunted Town”

The English Beat - “Save It For Later”

Firewater - “Dark Days Indeed”

Fontaines D.C. - “Too Real”

Fugazi - “Do You Like Me?”

The Gun Club - “The Fire of Love”

IDLES - “Colossus”

Jawbreaker - “Condition Oakland”

The Lawrence Arms - “The Ramblin’ Boys of Pleasure”

Leadbelly - “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?”

Leonard Cohen - “Everybody Knows”

Naked Raygun - “Hips Swingin’”

New Order - “Temptation”

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - “The Curse of Millhaven”

Patti Smith - “Dancing Barefoot”

The Pogues - “Sally MacLennane”

Prince - “Little Red Corvette”

The Replacements - “Left of the Dial”

The Slits - “Ping Pong Affair”

Team Dresch - “Musical Fanzine”

Tom Waits - “Hold On”

The Velvet Underground - “White Light/White Heat”

Violent Femmes - “Kiss Off”

World/Inferno Friendship Society - “Only Anarchists Are Pretty”

I’ll tag @spilladabalia @endreal and @junkmanserenade - but don’t feel obligated. If I didn’t tag you and you want to play, consider yourself tagged!

[the-garbanzo-annex-jr]

by Dion J. Pierre

“I’ll say this in no uncertain terms: I have no plans to leave Columbia. If ever I plan to leave Columbia, it will be on my own terms,” Davidai said. “Because, if they can do this to me, one of the most vocal faculty against antisemitism, then imagine what they’re already doing to faculty that are much less vocal.”

Davidai first made headlines in October after delivering a thunderous speech before a crowd of students and others gathered on campus in which he called the school’s president a “coward” for refusing to condemn Hamas apologists and anti-Zionist demonstrations on campus.

In many ways, becoming a public figure has been a detriment. Davidai’s email has been flooded daily with notes from antisemites accusing him of being an “Elder of Zion” and a “genocidal baby killer.” Last month, he discovered that an anonymous group of graduate students had accused him of anti-Palestinian racism and demanded that a professional association of which he is a member publicly censure him.

In Friday’s statement, Davidai said that he has retained counsel and pledged to “fully cooperate” with the university’s investigation.

“At the same time, I will call out Columbia’s bad faith in retaliating against me,” he explained. “An even cursory examination of my advocacy shows the absurdity of this investigation.”

The investigation against Davidai comes amid numerous allegations that since Hamas’ massacre across southern Israel on Oct. 7, the university has refused to address antisemitic rhetoric and violence on campus and allegedly coddled students engaging in antisemitic behavior.

Last month, a student group, Students Against Antisemitism (SAA), claimed in a lawsuit filed with the help of the StandWithUs Legal Center for Justice that pro-Hamas students beat up five Jewish students in Columbia’s Butler Library and that another attacked a Jewish student with a stick, lacerating his head and breaking his finger.

Following the incidents, pleas for help went unanswered and administrators told Jewish students they could not guarantee their safety while Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) held its demonstrations, according to the lawsuit. The school’s powerlessness to prevent anti-Jewish violence was cited as the reason why Students Supporting Israel, a recognized pro-Israel school club, was denied permission to hold an event on self-defense. Events with “buzzwords” such as “Israel” and “Palestine” were forbidden, administrators allegedly said, but SJP continued to host events while no one explained the inconsistency.

[belowzion]

Adam and Why I Felt His Character Disappointing

Sooo, I have watched the first two episodes of Hazbin Hotel! While I did really enjoy Status Quo (The song, the fact that Vox loses his first match against Alastor in the show is quite sad.) the rest of the show, I had a lot of problems. Especially the way they handled Adam.

(Look at this lil' shid.)

The dude-bro thing is just too much. It feels like his entire character is just Mammon but Angel.

Now, I've been working on rewrites for months now, slowly turning it into my own piece of fiction. Funnily enough, me and Vivzie had the same idea of taking from Paradise Falls. I feel like the book is great and can have many different ways of interpreting it. However, I am not here to talk about Lucifer, so lets instead get back to Adam.

So, let me tell you all about Adam in Below Zion and how he is in a bit of an odd spot considering Angels...:

Adam is in his luxury spire, pacing around, phone in hand, another hand flailing, disappointment, sadness and anger is felt in the presence of his holy living room.

"You hold the keys to the Well of Souls, you lead an army of an entirely new species of Angels! And you're letting these absolute nutjobs beat you!? Adam, come on! You're better than that! I mean for fuck sake man, you have the name of the first human! He got like... 100 percent of woman in his time!"

"Good on him, but i have 0 percent. I'm telling you, there's something wrong with women. They Never go for a nice guy like me, only for douchebags who probably don't even treat them right!"

"Well, Adam. Do tell me… how would YOU treat your woman?" "Well, i treat M'lady like a queen, of course! They don't know how good they would have it with me!"

"... M'lady...M'lady? Adam... you don't treat woman like... oh my... Mrghhh! Look, this is the third time this week. Why don't you just come over to me and... we'll talk bro to bro. How does that sound, hm?"

"...I don't know what you have, the Virtuosos (opposite of sinner, worships angels despite flaws) tell me it's Top gentemanly behavior of the century. And yes... I'd love that. I'm coming. And i'm bringing my emotional support Lute."

"... Just... just come over here and we'll fix you up... or attempt to at least..." Adam sighs, and hangs up. Lute comes out of Adams room with a suggestive smile, like she always does.

"Mmm, we're visiting Master Lucifer, sir?"

"We are, my dear Lute."

He says, kissing her forehead.

"Just a trip for a talk between bros. Sounds lovely, doesn't it?"

"Indeed, sir... Would you like me to transform?"

"That would be preferable for the way... yes. Makes getting out of town easier."

She nods... and folds into a brilliant lute! And then... Adam is off... taking flight to meet with Lucy...

Adam is an agent of Lucifer whom is... okay, lets not beat around the bush here. He is an incel. The odd thing here is that, Exterminators are an unofficial branch of Heavens military. So unofficial that even Arch-Angels don't know about them. They are robotic angels, made by Lucifer and a dear friend of his, trained and maintained by Adam. Adam is also not the leader of the Angels. He works at a very high position, that being that he guards the Well of Souls that leads to the conjuration of all the souls on Earth. All Exterminators are made for Lucifer and Adam. The marks on their eyes are the Mark of Lucifer. They belong to him. They do whatever HE wants.

This makes Adams girlfriend a robot.

He has an AI girlfriend.

He objectifies women to no end.

He is also very good at his job as being Lucifers mole in Heaven. While Sinners do pacts with each other, Adam allows Lucifer to have a foothold in Heaven, years after he got kicked out...

Adam is in his luxury spire, sitting at his computer, with a plate of pretzels on the desk, phone in hand, screaming wildly to it!

"What you're suggesting is ABSOLUTELY ludicrous! I will have NONE of it! You will deal with the Brightwing family until next week or I'll make sure to put that pact to good use!"

From the phone, a rather paniced individual speaks!

"Hah, BITCH! You think you have any say in here!? Killing the guys children- what don't tell me YOU have any children!? You do?! Well, uh, thats the thing! Noooot anymore you don't! I'll see you again soooooon~

The other angel on the phone seems to speak in an extremely agitated and afraid tone! Pleading!

"Oh! Changed your mind have you!? Great, GREAT! NOW! I got the whole thing planned out for you, so YOU can't mess this up! Sending you the docs. DON'T. MESS. THIS. UP! BYE, ASSHOLE!"

He hangs up and grins triumphantly…

He continues to deal with the usual fluff. Lucifers extend into heavens business. Angels need a good amount of convincing to stay in line sometimes, but it's good work, and… dare he say it, fun~ With how he feels life is treating him, it feels Great to be able to make the lives of others even worse. It having such a positive impact on the work of his best bud is of course a wonderful bonus!

He is a lonely asshole that lives off of the misery of others and finds purpose in serving someone like Lucifer.

He is a villain, but he is a lot more complicated than just being a dude-bro.

[painfulrant]

Ethan x M/C - Comfort/Nightmares

It was a usual day at the school with the group. Everyone throwing suspicion my way for absolutely no reason. The sun rising casted beautiful orange rays that filled my chest with hope for the better.

Maybe hope is something you have to make for yourself?

His words were strong and clear in my mind, calming my racing heart. I haven't been sleeping much lately... The things lurking in the dark terrorize my dreams and drag me down so far, I sometimes fear I'll never make it back to the land of the living. If Judy wasn't acting so weird, I would ask her for her Judy special services.

She's hiding something from me. She avoids me during the days now, only returning to my room once I've fallen asleep, sometimes not at all. She'll talk to me but not like before... She has dark purple bags under her eyes making me wonder if she's also having nightmares or if it's from her sneaking around so much. If it was a boy, surely, she would tell me. Maybe she just suspects me like everyone else does. Scarlett hasn't exactly let up with all her bs.

The classroom doors slid open and one set of pitter-pattering footsteps fell still. I don't have the energy to look back, so I just rested my head against the window and watched the deserted city below get drowned in beautiful rays of color from the sky and water. There were very few, if any animals left but I know of at least four animals that have made it this far.

"Why're you awake so early?" Judy's cheerful voice didn't sound so cheerful but rather nervous. Is she truly scared of me? I haven't done anything to anyone here. Honestly, I could ask the same of her, but my head was pounding, and my vision was matching the beat of my heart. I just shrugged, knowing she'll drop it. The new version of her will anyways... The old her would be persistent and stubborn. She'd pull it out through my teeth. But Judy hasn't been the same in a couple of weeks.

The sound of the door sliding open once again made me clench my jaw in frustration. I was hoping for a few more hours of silence before others woke up and I was to be out casted from the peaceful classroom. Let Judy keep her secrets... I've tried enough already, and she's said some pretty hurtful things. Mostly everyone has.

That though brought tears to my eyes, but I refused to let them drop, listening for who the new person was. Between the nightmares and the bullying, I had no energy for anyone anymore. Zion and Ethan both seemed have to realized just that too which was strange. Ethan, the man who speaks little but speaks wisely and Zion the sarcastic cocky man who gets mad when I cry.

"Y/n, what're you doing up so early? You have night shift tonight." That was Lawrence who sounded kind and gentle as always but also like a mother scolded her child. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, biting my tongue to stop my attitude dripping out.

"Can't sleep." It was quiet for a second before Lawrence voice sounded.

"Oh. Well -" He was cut off by Judy, drawing my attention. She never does that... When I opened my eyes and turned to look at her, she had blood pouring from her eyes, nose, and mouth as well as her right arm missing. I gasped, standing up and stepping closer to the window and farther away from her. She just smiled, her teeth glistening red with blood that continued to drool from her mouth.

This is a nightmare. It has to be a nightmare. Tears were once again prickling my eyes, but it was clear enough to see Lawrence standing in the far corner, hidden by the shadows with glowing red eyes. He looked to be holding something in his hand and at a closer look, it was Judy's arm.

"No. No! This isn't real. You guys aren't real, I-" I gasped, pushing myself up against the window.

The door slid open once again and this time Ethan and Zion stepped through. Zion had blue, red, and purple bites littering his body while Ethan had foggy eyes and pale blue skin with his veins showing.

"Y/n... Step down from the window." Judy's sinister voice echoed around the room while the sky outside turned a deep scarlet shade of red.

I just stared at all of them, tears now freely streaming down my face.

"It's time to wake up." A voice behind me whispered, arms wrapping around my body. These arms were cold, and I couldn't help screaming when they drug me out the window.

I jerked forward, screaming with tears flowing like a stream off a mountain. Warm hands were gently grabbing my own and when I looked up, I saw a normal Eugene staring worriedly from the back of the classroom, Ethan in front of me with worried eyes but a blank face, and Zion behind Ethan with curious expression. Judy and Lawerence were nowhere to be found.

When I turned back to check if the sky was still red, I found the normal orange rays of the sunrise. The window where I stood, was open, my body literally an inch from dropping to my death. I gasped and stepped forward toward Ethan who quickly wrapped his arms around me. I almost died... My dream almost killed me. When did I even fall asleep.

I laid my head against Ethan's shoulder while he set his head on top of mine, his touch reassuring me that I wasn't dreaming, and he wasn't dead. None of them were. The shock stopped the tears from flowing, my heart rapidly beating.

"I'm sorry." I whispered, the pulsing vision and headache returning 10x worse than it had been before I fell asleep. He didn't say anything, but he didn't have to. I could fell his heart beating just as hard and fast as mine.

"We heard you scream while we were patrolling." Eugene spoke up, walking forward to close and lock the window behind us.

"You sounded like a zombie was tearing into you." There was no sarcasm or a hint of amusement in Zions voice. I must have really scared them.

"Come on." Ethan muttered, gently leading me from the classroom, the shock warrying off. My body trembled but there were still no tears. I'm too tired to cry.

When Ethan led me to his room, I looked to him with confusion.

"Sleep. You need it." He moved his blanket back, getting a spot ready for me. I felt bad and I think he knew because he looked up and shook his head.

"It's not your fault." With those final words, I walked forward to lay down. As soon as I did, he started to stand. I don't want him to leave... I need him here.

Quickly grabbing his hoodie sleeve, I looked up with scared eyes.

"Please don't leave me." I whispered, voice trembling with exhaustion but also fear. His eyes searched mine before he nodded and sat beside me. He let me lay my head against his shoulder and soon, everything grew dark. His heartbeat soothed my own heart and for once in a couple of weeks, I slept peacefully knowing he was beside me and with me to protect me.

"I promise to always protect you. I'm not leaving you."

[velvet-games]

1, 2, and 30 for the music asks?

ask game

1: A song you like with a color in the title

Pink Pony Club 😭 I'll never get over this song tbh, esp when it's live and you can hear the crowd singing

2: A song you like with a number in the title

13 Angels Standing Guard 'Round The Side Of Your Bed by Silver Mt. Zion <3 scared the shit out of me at first when I just heard a clip of it but it's actually really beautiful

30: A song that reminds you of yourself

ooh there's a lot lol

EP.4: Important by Ian McConnell: 'Cause humans aren't really gonna kill the planet We'll just make the planet unlivable for us But earth will keep right on spinning Way long after we ain't in it And life will keep right on living 'Til the sun explodes and oh I'm not important and neither are you So let's do whatever we wanna do Bask in our cosmic insignificance Soak up this blip we're living in 'Cause nothing matters anyway Isn't that great?

the reason I love space haha; there's nothing better than looking at the moon and realizing you really are a tiny blip on a tiny rock in a very, very big universe that doesn't care about you. just breathe and focus on enjoying the happiness you can make for yourself and others; your child hands were never strong enough to break the world.

Thank You and Goodnight by Black Gryph0n & Baasik:

We may be monsters, creeps, and killers But we'll miss you just the same And don't be sad, we're stuck for eternity In constant torture, fire, and pain 'Cause there is love, and joy, and laughter Who cares if it's wrong or right? We had so much fun, so thank you, and good night

I think this is the basic theme of the helluverse and the reason I love and connect to it so much; yes everything's terrible but people manage to find joy in each other anyway.

Apple by The Narcissist Cookbook: Like an apple You carry a seed around inside you And from it will sprout a brand new person A sapling A child in your image but entirely separate ... They will look up hoping to find heaven wedged Between the Earth and the sky Instead they will find the sky just keeps on going and going They'll crack open atoms hoping to find God's initials enscribed on the inside Instead they'll find neutrons and protons And inside them they'll find quarks And inside quarks they'll find fucking something else All its dark materials, Eve All its dark materials laid out neatly on the workshop table Waiting to be discovered!

fucking love this whole song. don't let god get in the way of your humanity.

Midwest's Best by Nik Salah:

I don't know how to deal with all this bullshit This nightmare that I'm living in What if you aren't impressed by the best I have? I'm a collection of the people and the places that Gave me a home, broke all my bones, told me I'm ready My mother's rage, my father's pain, hereditary When did we go from growing up to growing old? I'm a progression of all of the things that came before Live wire, head on fire, my heart beats out of my chest Answer me, will I ever be more than Midwest's best?

can't believe this is by nik salah of all people but I love this song lol. 'gave me a home, broke all my bones' is a perfect description of it.

honestly thanks so much for this ask haha; I've been feeling kind of cynical lately but these songs reminded me of why I want to stay <3