#But focusing only on Ella's performance

[sincerity--extreme]

Why isn't there more people talking about Sweetpea? The show is pretty entertaining, Ella did such an fantastic job with Rhiannon, she's really an amazing actress with many talents for different types of characters, she got to show a very different side with this one and I really believe she nailed it

[majorlysapphic]

It's brain splurge time once again...! What am I presenting today you may ask?

A glassheart, modern-day celebrity/performer AU!

TW: self-destructive habits.

(This AU is a continuation of my previous big brain splurge post, so I'll be making small references to it at the start, but I'll try my best to write this post in a way so it can be read as a standalone :)) )

Okay, here we go!

So I imagine that Red would have LOVED performing from the earliest moments of her life. Music, dance, acting, modelling; it flows through her veins and has always been her calling. And who can even be shocked by that fact? She's the only child of two of Auradon's most iconic stars in the 80s: her mother being 'The Queen of Hearts', a pop princess with a golden public imagine, and her father being the heart-throb bassist of a punk band ('Uliana's Crew'), James Hook.

It's only natural that the daughter of these two would follow in their footsteps, especially knowing her mother runs one of the most successful music labels in Auradon: 'Wonderland Records'. However, every time Red mentions she wants to start performing, she's told no (and on occasion actively discouraged from following her parents career path). Because 'she needs to prioritise growing up away from flashing cameras' and because 'the life of a performer can be demanding, it's best she focuses on school'. Frustrated, Red does end up getting a normal childhood (barring the pretty strict rules she's living under as even though she hasn't made a name for herself, yet, paparazzi still like to have a field day following her life because of who her parents are), and she's (im)patiently waiting for the day she turns 18 to finally start her career as a performer.

But we all know what Red is like, and when she thinks of an opportunity to get what she wants, she's going to take it. So, she starts anonymously posting her music on social media at the age of 14 under the username 'rebel riot', and she goes viral. People love what she's got, and Red is soaring, because this is proof enough that she can make it. So for the next 4 years, she carries on growing her platform, posting videos (whilst hiding her face with an iconic heart mask and talking with a slightly morphed accent/pitch) and interacting with her growing fanbase. Throughout this entire time, she has always had to reject invitations to perform, but on her 18th birthday she can finally take control. So when she's emailed an invite for 'Rebel Riot' to perform at a charity event, she takes it.

And that's how her official, big debut goes. She's the last to perform from all the artists at the charity concert (which include her own parents, who on occasion take a step out of retirement to perform for charitable causes), and after giving her performance her all, she takes a deep breath: flipping down the hood of her outfit and letting her hair fall down, talking in her normal voice (trying not to note down the shocked looks of Bridget and Hook as they realise who she is) as she properly introduces herself as Red Hearts, whilst theatrically throwing off her mask.

The crowd goes wild. And Red is signed up to a music label that same night, choosing to carry on performing under her stage name.

Now... Onto Chloe's path to stardom!

Chloe grew up not wanting to be in the spot light (to the relief of her mother, a popular 80s riot grrrl, 'Cinderella'). Instead, she dabbled in multiple interests, and whilst she did have fun in her music lessons, she ended up figuring out how much she loved academics. So, she grew up happy and safely tucked away in a countryside estate (meaning she is quite sheltered, but that's something Ella and Charming were willing to deal with so long as she got a normal childhood). Chloe eventually figured out she wanted to become a historian, and started her journey towards that goal - but things didn't quite go to plan. Because the world of academics can be tiring and toxic at times, so once graduating with her diploma at 21, she takes a year out before thinking of applying to masters programs. To deal with her burnout she starts making music.

And she loves it. There's a spark there that wasn't present in childhood, and soon enough Chloe's writing songs and strumming on her guitar. But it's only a small passion so far, so she enters her masters program still set on becoming an academic, but to keep her spirits high she starts posting song covers and some original works on social media.

The next thing she knows she's got a loyal following and finding that maybe, music is something she wants to take more seriously. So she starts playing at a few small indie festivals, and she loves it. So in spite of her parents worried protests, Chloe drops out of her masters program and signs up to a music label, and she finds a gradually growing success over the next few years.

Now, a key plot point: Chloe and Red are signed up to the same music label ('Atlantis City Music Group' - ACMG for short).

There's excitement surrounding the artists ACMG keep signing on, and whilst there's success with touring each of the artists separately, the label decides they want to do something big to appreciate all their stars. So, they announce a world tour with all their singers/bands participating: going from place to place over 3 months of summer in order to host music festivals.

This is how Chloe and Red will meet... And the meeting doesn't go well.

They've been assigned to share a stage for most of the up and coming festivals, and as ACMG is funding it all, they're in the same accomodation/transport/rehearsal spaces/dining areas/etc.

They're still in the starting leg of the tour, and so as stages and stands are being set up in the opening festival of the tour, Chloe and Red are at their shared stage. Chloe's heading on stage for her rehearsal time, and Red is going off. And it's an understatement to say Red is in a bad mood that day; she's dealing with a few overeager fans/borderline stalkers (which she refuses to tell anyone about because she doesn't want people fussing over her, especially her mother) and her trusted friend and backup musician (Maddox) has his flight delayed, meaning she'll start her first performance of the tour solo.

So when Chloe tries to greet her, she's brushed off passive-aggressively. And, ouch. That stings, because Chloe is a fan of Red's work - and has been following Rebel Riot since her early stages of being an anonymous singer online. But whilst it stings, they're both 23 years old and shouldn't be immature enough to hold petty grudges. Chloe can handle this (she's going to be thinking about that one interaction at 2am for at least a month), and decides to just keep pushing forward. First impressions can be deceiving after all.

But as time passes, travelling occurs, and performances go on. And Chloe gets a second impression of Red. And a third. And a fourth. And a fifth.

She doesn't need to wait to give a sixth chance to know she absolutely despises Red. Because Red is loud, impulsive, ignorant of others time, sarcastic, quick to frustrate, and a flirt.

And Chloe knows for a fact that Red doesn't like her one bit either.

In Red's point of view, Chloe is up tight, has an annoying need to placate others, sugar coats things way too much, and is a plain bore.

Because here Red is, forcing herself to stick to the trademark personality of Rebel Riot for the entire summer, whilst Chloe is getting huffy about when Red decides to extend her performance/rehearsal times by just a little bit so she can be perfect for her fans. She's here to sell a performance (something that will leave viewers reeling. Red's been one of the best in the game for years and she'd soon rather drive into a ditch than have the quality of her work decline) and live life to the wildest, and Red will be damned if she'll let some random girls judgement get in her way.

So, they carry on travelling and performing at festivals. They give off snippy remarks to each other, and try to one up each other in performance quality. Red will roll her eyes when Chloe comments about being tired at the end of the day (they all are, it's what they signed up for.), and Chloe will scoff whenever she hears about another person Red's left lovesick and 'heart broken'.

People stay clear of the bickering between the two. Because they have better things to do with their life. And also because there's a growing tension that everyone can feel building up (though Red and Chloe remain ignorant to it) and they don't want to be caught in the cross-fire.

...Then eventually, the worst happens: Red and Chloe are alone together.

It's a small, private jet with just the two of them as they travel to the European leg of the summer tour. There's stony silence. There's poorly hidden glances. There's teasing once said glances are called out. Then there's arguing.

They're in each others face, and it's like electricity is running through their veins with each spiteful word tumbling out. Red can feel Chloe's breath tickle her cheek with how close they are. Chloe's eyes are darting down to Red's lips (a habit she picked up weeks ago). And next thing you know both are silently praying that the flight deck is sound-proofed as they meet in the middle for a bruising kiss.

Once the flight lands, they're both just about presentable for cameras, murmuring excuses to go their separate ways as soon as possible.

They were a one time thing, a moment of weakness. They'll be able to go the next 2 months being perfectly professional. They don't care about what the other does. They don't think about each other at all.

All of the above doesn't hold true. Not in the slightest.

Soon enough, Chloe and Red find out the best way to maintain peace in their workplace and stop being a headache is to just carry on leaving each other breathless - It's a burning summer fling. Something superficial. Where Chloe has to painstakingly shrug on a denim jacket in the July heat to cover the scratch marks Red left behind on her back. Where Red has to aggressively rub away Chloe's tinted gloss off of her stomach before running onto stage. Where they both pull each other into hidden corners/rooms after getting jealous way too easily.

It's casual fun with a time limit.

But it feels a lot less casual the more things go on. Because when it's just the two of them, Red finally drops her trademark Rebel Riot personality and lets Chloe in to know her properly. And they start getting on (really really well). Red learns of Chloe's love for history and will listen to her rants for hours and hours. Chloe learns of Red's adoration for art, praising her sketchbooks contents.

And of course, when they learn the big things about each other, they're bound to start learning about the little things. Red's mind is a wealth of information about Chloe's little quirks and likes (and vice versa). Without knowing it, they're with each other more often than not on this tour (I'm thinking: late night drives on countryside roads singing along to the radio with the windows rolled down, stealing each others wardrobes, baking together, sneaking around in festivals when they're not on stage, having a constant back and forth dynamic on social media posts).

But the turning point for both of them, the moment when they realised that they were in danger, is when they start writing songs about each other. And, fucking hell. They write a lot of songs. There's piles of papers with lyrics about the other girl, which they keep private. Because in no way would they would ever want to share this.

So they carry on ignoring what is obviously going on. But cracks start showing in their friendship.

The jealousy gets worse (especially on Red's side, knowing Chloe tends to be oblivious of how charming she actually is). The need to be around each other is ever growing, deeming their clandestine meetings as insufficient to satiate their urge to be in each others presence (meaning they start hanging out publicly).

And then, there's a final thing that starts causing problems: Red's destructive habits. Because after all this time as Rebel Riot, Red is doing her damn best to keep up with the massive reputation she's created whilst she carries on improving her performance/impressing anyone. And this quest of hers is destroying her as she's taking it at a pace that is way too fast/idealistic to be healthy, but she can't help herself. She needs to be the best. She needs to prove to everyone that she's not weak. She needs to put on a front to show her parents that they were wrong for worrying about her starting her stardom young.

And at first it's 'small' things that Red is having issues with - she starts with skipping meals and sleep in order to practice/improve. But then that spirals and spirals.

Chloe doesn't realise Red's destructive habits until she's driving to a rehearsal studio, only to find out that Red had passed out when practicing a new dance formation earlier in the day. So obviously Chloe does the only logical thing: driving like a madwoman back to their hotel after she learns Red's been sent back to rest for the day. Chloe enters Red hotel room with her spare key (which somehow Red had acquired and decided to give to her) to find a startled Red.

Chloe goes on a miniature rant about how she'd like to know if something happened and how Red should really take care of herself. Because if she needs to start bringing Red breakfast everyday she goddamn will, and-

Chloe pauses at the sight of Red: sat on the hotel bed, straight out of a shower with a bathrobe on, a perplexed expression as if she wasn't expecting Chloe to be concerned for her well-being. But the thing that's stolen Chloe's attention? The mottled bruises all over Red's entire body. Bruises that Red had been hiding with mountains of expensive concealer.

After evading Red's typical responses to change the topic, it's revealed how badly Red's been pushing herself to perfect her performances. That her collapsing today was something mild in Red's mind.

With enough gentle questioning, Chloe gets enough of an idea of Red's state of mind and is the one to suggest that Red should pull out of the rest of the tour to take some time to heal/get help.

Red reacts very badly to this. Like very badly.

'Because she's perfectly fine and doesn't need fixing. Chloe just worries too much - and why should she care so much anyway? They're not that type of close to each other, its unnecessary and suffocating. Red's fine with committing to the the demands of being Rebel Riot as that's what makes her interesting enough for people to remain fans.'

Chloe is obviously furious Red is trying to push her away. And she's even more annoyed that Red can't see that she doesn't need to stick to the Rebel Riot persona, because Red Hearts is just as, if not more, likeable. There's no logical reason to why Red can't give up something that's causing her harm (and Chloe feels like she's being punched in the gut seeing the other girl like this).

They argue. And it's not like their previous conflicts. It's vicious and they're both saying things that they don't actually mean in the heat of the moment. And the next thing they know, what they have is over.

An hour after she entered, Chloe storms out of Red's hotel room. Both of the girls experiencing heartache. It's messy, and they're both back to how they were when they first met each other.

In fact, they're worse than they were before. Because, you guessed it! When there's anguish, more songs are being written. And this time, there's no lyrics about falling in love, instead there's quotes of what each other has said to the other, there's double meanings in the lyrics, there's rage.

And neither seem to quit it, because soon enough they decide to start playing some of these unreleased songs at the end of their set. And then there's glares being shot at each other from across the stage. There's arguing. And oh god, history repeats itself, because they're once again back together (in secret, of course). They can't seem to stay away from each other.

This time though, they are swearing to themselves that they're going to stay out of each others business. They'll only think about each other when they're with each other.

(They're the worst liars ever, because those self-imposed rules don't last more than 24 hours).

But still, Chloe and Red are in an odd place. More than friends, and less than partners. Red will have a reminder on her phone to remind Chloe to take her iron pills and she'll buy all of Chloe's expensive hair care to keep round hers. And Chloe will make sure to drag Red out to lunch everyday and will always be around to hold her at night (as Red seems to fall asleep a lot easier and earlier when she's in Chloe's arms).

But they don't talk about the elephant in the room. But it's getting harder for Chloe to ignore as she sees the tell-tale signs of Red withering away as the festival tour goes on.

And out of all the people Red keeps contact with, it's Maddox who has to point out the two of them are practically dating and to sort it out before everyone on set has to deal with another awkward week of them blowing up.

So... They talk. They have to.

And they don't get together.

Because Chloe highlights the fact that she won't be a bystander AND a girlfriend if Red keeps destroying herself. And Red doesn't want to say goodbye to her Rebel Riot persona. She doesn't want to admit it's time to let go and/or make a change.

They make it to the final week of the summer festival tour with ACMG, and they're pretty much acting like kicked puppies around each other. The cherry on top? Both their mothers are here to support them for their final show of the summer, and they can tell something has happened.

And have you ever told your mother about your summer fling/sort-of-nearly girlfriend/one that may have gotten away/the bane of your existence and the reason you get up in the morning? No? Well neither have Red and Chloe before, and they both feel like digging a small grave when they both end up doing so.

Both get information on why their mothers were so against them becoming celebrities when they first started off. And for Red, this incudes Bridget tearfully telling her daughter that she is so much more than what she can give to people. That she should live for herself and for the people she loves that love her back. And whilst she can't dictate what Red does, she really hopes that she won't make the same mistake she did decades ago.

A lot is going on in Red's mind when she goes up to be the closing act for the final show.

She goes through with her set, hears the cheers of her fans. And once playing her final song, she starts making her way off stage only to meet Chloe's eyes. Chloe who had been watching from the VIP section by the stage, in hopes to find some kind of closure or at least say goodbye. And Red knows what she needs to do.

She goes back, calling attention for one last song. The song she covers? One of Chloe's unreleased songs she had shared a few festivals ago. A song that was about the good in life and the joy she's found with Red.

Red's heard it only a handful of times, but she committed it to memory. And after performing the song, she's looking at only Chloe when she makes a large announcement.

She'll be abandoning her act as Rebel Riot for good. That she'll be taking a hiatus to have some time for herself and others that she loves before releasing new music under her own name, not a stage name.

There's mixed reactions in the crowd. But for the first time, Red doesn't care if she's disappointed her fans. Because Chloe is quickly making her way onto the stage, and she practically runs to Red. And before Red can whisper any apologies for the past, Chloe is bringing her into a kiss for all the world to see.

In that moment, they're only caring about each other. In that moment, they know they'll be okay and they're going to be able to work through this together.

[deltaboogie]

Listening Repertoire

I have developed this concept of listening repertoire, similar to practice repertoire or performance repertoire, but for listening.

Back in the olden days (also known as the sixties) when I got my paycheck I would head to the record store and buy an album. On a good week two but anything more than that would cut into my groceries and rent.

When I got home that record would hit the turntable and if I liked it as much as I thought I would it lived there for a while, at least several days before I would swap in the album I bought last week or one I had listened to for years.

But for that week and much of the next I'd listen to it a lot. When guests came over I would play it for them. If we had a party it would be playing in the background.

Now, jump to the present day, where I can listen to anything I want to, anytime. I rarely listen to an album more than once. I love live performances and I watch them on Youtube or listen to them on the Live Music Archive, usually once.

I think we can all relate to this experience. There's so much music and so little time it's hard to give any song or album the time it deserves. The in depth active listen, that only comes with repeated listening, sometimes in the background, sometimes sitting in your sweet spot, focusing only on the songs.

This is where listening repertoire comes in to save the day.

When I find a new (to me) album that I really like, I load it into my player and set it to loop. I pause it when I want and I start it again when I want, from the pause point or from track 1. But I let it live there, in my player, for a while, to get that deep understanding that only comes with repeated listening.

After a few days I'll swap it out for another album in my listening repertoire, for an old favorite, or for something new. But it remains at the top of my listening repertoire and I still put it on loop occasionally and just let it play.

When, after a week (or two) I find another album that I really like, it replaces the old with the new at the top of my listening repertoire.

Occasionally, I will scan through my listening repertoire and remove albums I'm no longer listening to frequently. Since they have been through my listening repertoire I know them well and I will certainly return to them in the future.

Some albums remain in my listening repertoire for a long time. I continue listening to them once or twice a month. They're just that good.

And yes, I keep a list of my listening repertoire. I add new albums at the top of the list. This formalization keeps me from forgetting an album too soon. Everybody's busy. Everybody forgets stuff. Removing an album from my listening repertoire is a decision I make, not something that accidentally happens.

You may have noticed that I am focusing on albums, not songs or playlists. I believe that the album is the musician's long form statement just like the song is their short form statement. An album has variety and depth so I can listen to it for several days. You do what works for you. I'm old. I like albums.

Here's my current listening repertoire. So it's newest (to the list) at the top. Not best at the top. The fact that Nubya's 5ive remains on the list after several years shows just how much I like it.

Nigel Harpur - Carnival For Little Creatures https://nigelharpur.bandcamp.com/album/carnival-for-little-creatures

Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong - Ella and Louis

John Coltrane - Crescent

ADHD Quartet - ADHD 6 https://adhdiceland.com/

Paul Bley - Fragments

Steve Khan - The Green Field http://www.stevekhan.com/discog18.htm

Nubya Garcia - Nubya's 5ive https://nubyagarcia.bandcamp.com/album/nubyas-5ive

[goldenmusicmoments]

New Artists:

We have so many new artists out that are releasing great music and visuals to accompany them. They are giving us some standout performances and fashion. They are creating a lot of conversations, pulling in more and more people. However we are still stuck on the past and many seem to only find a new artist palatable if they remind them of an artist of the past. You constantly see across social media people hailing a new artists as ‘The next so and so’. Which is frustrating as they are their own artists and we should allow them to be just that. Of course they’ll draw inspiration from those that came before them, however that doesn’t take away from them being original artists.

We should focus on celebrating the new artists for them being them. Olivia Rodrigo has made quite the mark as a new artist, with her songwriting being the draw factor for fans that have come to love her. Tate McRae who keeps being compared to Britney Spears, and though the comparison is of course an honour. It prevents her from being seen for being herself. Tate’s a great overall performer and she continues to showcase her artistic growth. However what truly stands out about her is that she is an overall pop star. She’s well rounded, her performances in particular have drawn the most attention. As she puts her all in giving a performance and is very choreography focused due to her dance background. She is also delivering music videos that keep you coming back to them, she released two of the best visuals this year for her singles ‘It’s Ok, I’m Ok’ and ‘2 Hands’. Her music videos are ones to look forward to and she deserves her place in music. 

Sabrina Carpenter who though has been at it for a moment, has only just had her breakout moment this year. However she has proven to be an artist that is made for stardom and has all it takes to be one. Tyla another stellar young artist that broke out with her viral song ‘Water’. She is such an effortless star, she was made for the spotlight. She’s carried herself so well in all that she has done and the work she puts in is outstanding. Chappell Roan another new artist that has made quite the mark on the general public, after a live performance drew positive attention her debut album then ended up climbing the charts. She’s since had quite the year this past year. A unique artist who has so much character.

There are many new artists such as Griff, Holly Humberstone, Hazlett, Gracie Abrams, Flo, Victoria Monet, Alina Baraz, Kiana Ledé, Omar Apollo, Raye, Tinashe, Normani, Camila Cabello, Chloe, Halle Bailey, Mimi Webb, Megan Moroney, Ella Langley and Benson Boone to name a few. All of which are delivering great music that deserves to be heard. We should really support all of the up and coming artists, as our support will mean that they’ll in turn be able to keep pushing themselves to deliver. Every artist deserves a spot and it isn’t a competition. There is definitely room for all. We could talk about each and everyone, I just selected a few to briefly discuss. Each of the artists mentioned and even those that aren't, have something different to offer. You have so much to choose from depending on what you are feeling for in that moment.

I have been pretty busy so there are a few posts I have been meaning to do that haven’t yet been posted. I am on it and hopefully will 

[freakshowtwopointoh]

Watch What Happens - Cross The Line Part 3

Picture a handsome, heroically charismatic, plainspoken, know-nothing skirt-chasing cocky little son of a -

Lie down with dogs and you wake up with a raise and a promotion

< prev | next >

As Ella makes her way to the dance room for auditions, she recites the steps in her head, trying to keep Jordan’s advice in mind. It was actually quite helpful, which was frankly infuriating. It’s so much easier to make sense of Jordan when they aren’t ... nice. Easier to ignore their piercing stare, the way they move with such confidence. 

By the time she’s warming up, she still hasn’t seen Jordan come in the door. She was embarrassed to say she was checking for them. It’s not like she wanted them to be Romeo with her , it’s just that they’re clearly a better dancer than Luke and they should have been given the lead years ago. But they aren’t going to get it if they’re fucking late. Two minutes before auditions start, they’re pushing through the doors, looking flustered. Ella ducks her head, trying to hide her relief that they had shown up.

She’d never admit it, but she wants to show Jordan that she took what they said to heart. Because despite it being confusing, it was a nice thing to do. But they barely look at her the entire warm-up or during the other Juliet performances. They were watching each girl with a judgmental gaze, keeping an eye out for every mistake. She noticed, however, most of the other girls were, as Jordan had put it, dancing like bored robots. If she can pull off what she’s been practicing, she might actually get this part. Holy shit.

“Miss Jackson, you’re up.”

As I get up to perform, I spare one look for Jordan, but they keep their eyes ahead. Ok, El. Deep breath. 

The version of Juliet’s Variation that they were auditioning with was such a beautiful dance. Ella could feel herself slide into Juliet’s mind as she danced - a benefit of having practiced it so much. A young girl, excited and naive, flits between masked men and women, entirely unfazed by any of it. All she cares about is dance. Everything is fun, everyone is kindhearted, and nothing bad happens in her little world. Like a young Ella. Before the competitiveness, the cruelty, the... nonsense that kept her from what she loves. Feeling the music in every sinew of her body. And she let her love for dancing show on her face - trying to embody Juliet. That openhearted joy, that naive enthusiasm that only comes from a sheltered life. When she does the final move, she’s out of breath but so proud of herself. She can’t help but look again for approval to Jordan, but they’re laser focused on their own audition prep.

The Romeo audition was a version of one of the Prince Variations in Sleeping Beauty, and Jordan went last. Ella couldn’t help but stick around to watch with some of the other girls, despite the fact that she totally did not have to, and in fact, could be getting some extra hours in at the cafe. As much as she hates to admit it, she loves watching Jordan dance. They make every move look easy, flowing with the music as if each move was the most natural thing in the world. For the audition, they’re wearing this white tee-shirt with a slight v-neck, and it hugs their muscles in a delightful way. And the way their legs look as they gracefully jete? God, what she’d do to just...

Knock it off, Ella, before you start drooling. Jordan finishes their audition, and everyone begins to pack up to go. There’s the usual self-deprecating chit-chat, but the girls who were left were also appreciating Jordan’s performance. She ignored the spike of jealousy in her core - too confusing to unpack now - and dragged herself to the rehearsal room. Was it cocky to start practicing the callback dance now? Probably, but she was doing it anyway. To be fair and balanced, it is an incredible pas de deux that she would honestly kill to do on stage, even just once. She pulled up the walk through and began lightly blocking her way through it.

“Starting on the callback already, freshie? That’s presumptuous.” Jordan quips.

“And you’re here for tea?” She snips back.

“Touche, Jackson. But ya know, it’s kind of a hard dance to practice alone.”

“Are you offering, Li?”

“God, no. I need to dance with someone who doesn’t exude... ‘over confident snobby freshman’ vibes.” Ella rolled her eyes at this, and went back to the dance. Nothing she says in this room will prove anything to anyone, least of all, fucking Jordan Li.

Jordan’s POV

A small voice in the back of their head would point out that they are only delaying the inevitable. It was obvious to them that she was the best out of the Juliets, as much as they did not want to admit it. They did give her the advice that put her above the rest, the traitorous voice in their head would remind them. It’s their own fault.

But there was something... more. I mean, first off, the fact that she’s here now says something. They’d never actually seen anyone else stay after auditions to practice - what’s the point, the other dancers would say. We just auditioned! Jordan always refrained from pointing out that the better your audition went, the more work that was coming your way. It felt like accepting defeat to not practice for the callbacks.

They watched casually as she worked through the general formations of the dance, trying not to imagine themself as her Romeo, lifting her and dancing so closely to her. Looking up at her when she’s at her most beautiful - dancing.

They snap their gum. Fucking freshmen. She’s lucky Juliet is as much of a sheltered virgin as she is. They think to themself before packing up to leave. Like most duets, the male part of this dance is boring as hell. They wished that just once they could actually show off. Doesn’t matter which form (though others may disagree) they just want to be free from all the nonsense and pressures and fucking dance.

As a kid, they begged their parents to take dance classes. Of course, this was before Jordan even conceived of gender, or Compound V, or anything else. All they wanted was to dance, to feel the music. But early on, their parents and other adults were making comments on why they might be interested in dance. A four year old, and these grown ass adults are talking about it as if Jordan was thirsting over girls or whatever it is that they decided their motivation was. Because why would a boy-looking person want to dance? 

And then, the gift that kept on giving was taken away. When they shifted for the first time, they thought finally , I can dance however I want! No one will look at me weird when I go to the ballet class, I can try pointe shoes, be lifted into the air and spun - the center of attention for once. However, their parents were enjoying the reputation of having their “mini-Superman” taking ballet classes and being a ladies man (the term made them feel sick any time anyone said it). They joined the board of the dance college, and that was that. No one could ever see Jordan’s female form. No one could know that they were anything other than a perfect, straight, cis male ballerina.

Of course, their parents couldn’t keep them from using the correct pronouns. Not everyone in the school got them right, but at least they could have one thing that was theirs. One thing that their parents couldn’t use or criticize. Everything else about their life felt like a product being sold. Constantly playing a part that didn’t fit them, carving away pieces of themself to fit into the box their parents picked for them when they were born. As much as they loved dance, and dedicated everything to it, it was still a prison. Their pointe shoes never leave their apartment. Neither do their painted nails, or their fem form. 

Maybe when they’re gone, I can finally be myself

They hated themself for thinking it, but they couldn’t help it. They loved their parents, but they were the ones constructing the prison that was suffocating Jordan. And they didn’t know how much longer they can hold on.

< prev | next >

au by @poppy-metal

edits by @barbieprincesshilton

[standupcomedyhistorian]

Today (12/16/23) is the 10th anniversary of one of my favorite comedy specials—

what.

Yes, it's been a whole decade since Bo Burnham graced the world with his YouTube special (and now major comics are following his model lol). While people think of what. as a Netflix special, Bo's plan was to distribute it freely via the internet on 12/17/13 (and he took a pay cut to make it happen!).

Here are some other fun facts about Bo's second comedy special:

1. The trailer is filmed in the Ruhm, Bo's guesthouse and studio that makes an appearance again in Make Happy and in a little special called INSIDE 😉

2. This comedy special was Bo's first professional collaboration with Chris Storer (creator of The Bear) after they met on Adventures in the Sin Bin and it marks Bo's first time directing. They would go on to co-direct Make Happy together and Bo's obviously directed MANY items since, including his incredible story about a teenage girl called Eighth Grade!

3. Bo begins the special wearing three pairs of pants—two red ones and one black pair—a white tee, a dark gray hoodie, confetti in one pocket, a pack of playing cards in his OTHER pocket, and his mouth is full of water. Damn, that's a lot of stuff! 🤯

4. But he doesn't have the water IN his mouth for the stool scene! That was spliced together with the live performance footage (and pretty seamlessly, clearly, since folks asked him about it online).

5. The song Repeat Stuff has a brilliant music video that accompanies it. And the girl that Bo murders at the end is none other than the Vice President's stepdaughter! That's right, Ella Emhoff is Kamala Harris's daughter through marriage, and she is a famous model and artist.

6. Speaking of that music video, the exterior of the house Bo breaks into at the beginning is Bo and Lorene's own home at the time. And that house was used in The Nightmare Before Elm Street franchise (a fact the realtors emphasized when selling the place in 2021—I would have focused on Bo's studio personally haha).

7. The music video also has a cameo from one of Bo's friends, Paul Scheer, as the manager! I actually met Paul at a Human Giant event back in the day, and he was very nice (along with Aziz Ansari and Rob Huebel).

8. While Bo released his special entirely for free, he did have two other items that were for sale at the time—the what. CD (recorded in Madison, WI, thus he says "Get on my level, Madison" in Sad) and his book of poems Egghead. I own the poetry book, obviously, but I cannot find the CD for sale anywhere.

If you or someone you know is willing to sell their copy, PLEASE DM me! It's the only item he put out that I don't own in some capacity—and I would love to complete the collection! 🥰

9. Egghead is amazing in both its print and audiobook versions. In fact, the latter is like a whole separate comedy special and well worth the price to hear Bo reading so enthusiastically and with different hilarious voices. Highly recommended...and I have a kid-friendly list of poems here if you're interested.

10. Finally, what. features two of my favorite subversive bits: Andy the Frog and the Fishing song.

I was thinking a fun video idea would be to create a Bo Burnham "Kids Show" with all of his darkest routines that seem like they came out of a demented Sesame Street (so like Wonder Showzen haha).

Here's the potential order:

-Disney Lessons (Words Words Words)

-what. Intro (starting with "melted into childlike wonder" to Lizard)

-How to Make the Perfect PB Sandwich

-A Slow Joke

-Andy the Frog

-The Squares poem

-Fishing in the Park

-How the World Works (can include Outtakes Bo and Socko as well)

-YouTuber Thank You

Anyway, I just think that would be hysterical if any editor wants to take a crack at it. Please give me credit tho! ✌🏼🐔

[ali-annals]

there was one prize I'd cheat to win

Pairing: Daminette (background Adrijon)

Rating: G

WC: 1.2k

A/N: Many thanks to the wonderful @sarcasticbambi for betaing this!

Inspired by Say My Name on Ao3 (Drarry), for Ella

Summary:

Marinette can only be roused from her daydreams by one word: Damian.

Damian will only respond to one word: Marinette.

They're so cute, right? Well, there's one problem… They secretly think the other dislikes them, being rivals and all.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Mari, could you pass me those cookies?”

No answer.

Alya huffed. “Marinette, are you even listening?”

Mari hummed vaguely in acknowledgement.

“...so anyways, Adrien was covered in purple goo and then he turned into a cat, can you believe it? I had to chase him all the way to the moon to hold him still so Merlin could dunk him in a vat of dye and reverse it,” Alya rattled off gibberish, testing her friend.

“Oh, really?”

Marinette’s chin stayed propped on her hand as she gazed across the lunch room.

Alya followed her gaze, already knowing what she’d see.

Sure enough, Damian Wayne was scowling at his ball-of-sunshine best friend, who was laughing loudly at some joke– likely at Damian’s expense.

“What do you even see in him, girl?”

“Hm?”

“Damian!”

Marinette looked at Alya, suddenly focused. “What about him?”

Groaning, Alya rolled her eyes. “You are so obsessed with him.”

“Am not!”

“Oh, really? Then why were you staring at him all lunch?”

“I was trying to figure out what is going on in his spiky little head that makes him think he can lord it over me that he got two more points on our assignments,” Marinette sniffed.

“Sure you were.”

~~~

“Mari, you have to get up now,” Tikki squeaked, glancing between the clock and her still slumbering wielder.

“Marinette Dupain-Cheng, what is the meaning of this?!” she cried.

A soft snore escaped Marinette’s mouth.

“Is that Damian Wayne jogging?”

At Tikki’s last-ditch effort, Marinette sprung up and faceplanted into the windowsill, barely catching herself. “Where?”

Tikki snickered to herself. “Guess he’s a fast runner.”

Marinette glared suspiciously at her kwami.

~~~

“Marinette, look out!”

With a grunt, Mari stepped back, rubbing her head from the impact of walking into the locker door.

Adrien sighed and hurried up to his friend. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah-”

“Do you need glasses, Dupain-Cheng?” Damian Wayne asked snootily. “Maybe they’d help you see better in class and you could actually be a challenger for top spot–which I’d still win, of course.”

Marinette glared up at him. “You’re unabashedly rude. Even the most half-decent person would ask if someone was okay instead of belittling them.”

Damian’s lip curled and he took a step back before performing an elegant bow. “My most humble apologies, Lady. Are you grievously injured? Perhaps I should escort you to seek medical aid?”

Marinette’s cheeks burned. “If you’re just going to mock me, you can take your faux courtesy and stick it up-”

“Okay, Mari, maybe we should head to class before we’re late,” Adrien gently laid his hands on her shoulders and steered her towards the classroom.

Damian frowned at them and headed off in the opposite direction with a sniff.

~~~

“Damian.” Jon poked his friend’s shoulder.

Damian batted his hand away half-heartedly, staring ahead at…Jon squinted. From Damian’s point of view all he could see was the board, the teacher, and…ah. Marinette Dupain-Cheng.

“Damian, you have to leave early for that interview, right?”

“Yes.”

“Sad to leave Mari behind?”

Damian turned to him. “Since when do you call her ‘Mari’?”

Jon stifled a smile. “Since I befriended her best friend and became her friend by association. Alya is really quite helpful– I even got Mari’s number!”

Damian’s glare could have rivalled Jon’s laservision. 

“Mr. Wayne!”

Damian frowned at Jon not getting called out but turned back to the teacher. “I have to leave early. I believe my father has already cleared it with the school.”

“Yes, yes, go on.” The teacher waved him away wearily and he grabbed his bag and headed down the aisle of desks.

His steps stuttered at the front, by Marinette’s desk, then resumed his usual long stride.

Heh. Stage 1 completed. Jon subtly air-fistbumped Alya.

~~~

“Dames, you’re staring again.”

“Stop calling me Dames,” Damian mumbled, not taking his eyes off the cheerful table across the cafeteria.

Marinette was in the centre, telling a story that made everyone around her laugh.

Jon heard a quiet growl escape his friend when he saw Adrien laugh so hard he collapsed into Mari.

“Bro, they’re just friends.”

Damian glared at him, then turned back to his Marinette-watching.

“Tt. I don’t care if they’re friends or not.”

“Suuure,” Jon rolled his eyes and pulled out his phone to text his new other bestie.

Jon: We should consider playing more on the jealousy angle

Alya: ?

Jon: Damian is fuming at Mari and A’s closeness

Alya added Adrien Agreste to the chat

Adrien: Hiiiii

Adrien: What’s this for

Alya: We’re setting up Mari and Damian

Adrien: :0

Alya changed the chat name to Daminette Matchmakers

Jon changed the chat name to DM

Alya: ? Jon: Damian is a snoop, he might see the name sometime

Adrien: Good point, so is Mari

Adrien: Love the shipname btw

Alya: Thanks😌

“Who are you texting?” Damian asked, still not taking his eyes off Mari.

“My new friend, of course.”

Jon: @ Adrien we’re thinking the jealousy angle is a good start. Damian does NOT like you touching Mari lol

Adrien: Oh I can do this no problem😈

Jon watched in fascination as Adrien shuffled closer to Mari, holding out his phone to either show her a meme or take a selfie, he couldn’t tell which.

Their cheeks squished together, both smiling brightly, and Jon observed Damian’s knuckles tightening around the seat, smirking to himself.

Jon: D’s getting pretty mad.

Jon: I bet two days max before he makes a move

Alya: I bet thirty-six hours

Jon: Bet?

Alya: Bet. Tell me one of your mom’s news ‘secrets’

Jon: Help me with another project like this sometime

Alya: Deal.

Jon: Jondrien

Alya: Adrijon

Alya: Let me make the shipnames loverboi

Jon deleted a message

Alya deleted a message

Adrien: Secrets?🥺

Alya: You’ll find out soon enough Sunshine

~~~

The next day, Damian and Jon were back in their usual spot, watching Marinette and her friend group as usual, who were seated at their usual table.

Unusually, Adrien was nowhere to be seen.

Jon’s super hearing picked up Adrien’s footsteps before he entered the caf, and he immediately looked at his friend to get a front-row seat to his reaction.

Damian’s features loosened in shock as Adrien walked in carrying a large bouquet of flowers, then tightened in anger as he made a beeline for Marinette.

She looked up from her conversation in surprise, a smile lighting up her face when Adrien handed them to her.

With a snarl, Damian stormed over to the table.

“Dupain-Cheng.”

She turned to him, raising an eyebrow at his appearance.

“You can’t go out with Agreste.”

“Why not?” she tilted her chin challengingly.

“Because Kent wants to go out with him. Go out with me instead.”

Jon rushed over as fast as he dared. “What are you doing?” he hissed at Damian.

Marinette sniffed. “You’re lucky I like Jon. Fine, I’ll date you instead of Adrien.” She turned to Adrien. “Good luck!”

Adrien gaped at her in betrayal, turning to Alya in bewilderment. 

She smirked. “Mari ships Adrijon, what can I say?”

[meraki-yao]

Omg I don’t like the live adaptions for Disney movies across the board so I just didn’t want to watch the little mermaid and I was so worried people would think it was because of racism! I’m sure she was great in the role and I absolutely did not care that they cast a black woman in the role but I wasn’t going to watch the movie for a million other reasons! None of them having to do with Halle! (Sorry Halle!)

I... I can freaking write an essay on my opinions on live-action Disney remakes. The only one I see of any actual value, which ended up becoming one of my all-time favourite movies, is 2015 Cinderella. It wasn't a one-to-one remake of the original, the costume and cinematography actually looked like a fairy tale book. It also improved upon the flaws of the original, namely giving the Prince a clear personality and backstory, giving Ella and Kit a chance to connect before the ball, cutting down the animal bits, giving Lady Tremaine an understandable yet logical reason for her behaviour, and give Ella a stronger, clearer character as well. It might as well be a new Cinderella movie, separate from the 1950 animated one.

The rest have a lot of flaws and do not add much to the original story while actively diminishing certain messages in the original.

(Spoilers for live-action remakes of Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid, also I went on a rant again lmao)

In Beauty and the Beast 2017, Gaston is painted more sympathetically as he actually helped Maurice, and Belle comes off as arrogant and impolite. Instead of the library being a gift from the Beast to Belle which was a monumental change in their relationship, the library was just Beast judging Belle's taste in books and showing off how well-read he is. It isn't endearing.

In Lion King 2019 (holy shit I'm mad at this one, I mentioned this before but I was such a Lion King fangirl when I was younger) they removed Be Prepared, one of the best Disney Villain songs ever, and took away the menacing factor of Scar. Scar bitch slaps Mufasa and “Long Live the King” was more or less shouted, which just takes away the horror of the sudden, quiet betrayal of the original whispered "Long Live the King" and killing Mufasa by letting go and having him fall to his death. Daylight was present throughout the entire "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" scene. Mufasa didn't appear as this almost religious, God-like figure in the clouds, it was just the clouds because of realism, and that makes the scene so much weaker because there's not a figure to visualize. The CGI was so focused on getting the anatomy right that they completely forgot how animals emote (animals can be extremely expressive) so all of them appear expressionless

In The Little Mermaid 2023, the musical numbers were arranged and filmed/edited in a way that takes away the charm of the original. For example, in "Under the Sea", during the bridge where Sebastian ticks off a list of different sea creatures performing, instead of showing said sea creatures during each line like the lyrics intend, it just shows random stuff randomly. They added an instrumental break that slowed down the song's momentum and didn't rebuild it. And why is Ariel singing Under the Sea when she's trying to leave the sea??? Also, I usually love Lin Manuel Miranda's songs, big fan of In the Heights, Hamilton, and the music of both Moana and Encanto, but the new songs he wrote for the movie didn't add anything, and actually dragged the movie in places that should have been quicker, like Scuttle butt. The reason Triton came to terms with Ariel's longing for the land and gave her legs in the end is because he saw Eric kill Ursala for Ariel, which disproved his original opinions of humans being selfish, dangerous creatures. In the remake, 1, Triton straight up died when Ursala took his trident, so he didn't see the final battle at all 2, Ariel, a mermaid who has never been on a ship's deck before, heck from the movie I don't she even saw a functioning steering wheel, somehow managed to accurately steer a ship, in the middle of a storm and a giant whirlpool, while having no legs, that's not reasonable 3, even if Triton was there to watch, Eric didn't do shit in the final battle and was basically useless, so why would Triton change his mind? The whole point of Triton's trajectory in the original was him getting over his prejudice towards humans and learning to understand Ariel's perspective. That entire arc was rushed and more or less gone in the remake. And see how none of the issues I mentioned above have to do with casting Halle? It's entirely about the storytelling and the musical arrangements

Ok I did not mean to make this so long, I got carried away lol can you tell I'm passionate about the subject

Someday I think I'll write proper Disney essays

Tagging two of my Disney friends/mutual cuz I kinda wanna hear your opinions: @pippin-katz @lfg1986-2

[pynkhues]

I dont think you're giving the younger cast of Yellowjackets enough credit here, they've all been excellent ( the only weak one is Travis really) Last season, the adult cast reunited in epsiode 6, it seems like that's gonna be the case this season as well..Episode 6 in general has been very hyped, it's the one in all the predicted nominations so we'll see

(x)

Ah, sorry, yeah, I'll pay that, anon. I just focused on the adult actors because the question was specifically about Emmy nominations, and the adult actresses (with the exception of Ella for Guest Actress) are the ones currently being predicted by Variety, IndieWire and Gold Derby.

I do think the young cast is in general really solid, particularly Jasmin Savoy Brown, Liv Hewson and Sophie Thatcher, with Sophie Nelisse being the standout (although I do get distracted by her very terrible pregnant belly prosthetic, haha). When the show's focusing on the grief and trauma arcs, I really think the actors rise to meet the story, and I think Sophie Nelisse has been given the most to work with in that sense. Other characters though are I think being given Plot as opposed to authentic character moments that drive plot forwards, and I think that does trickle down to what the actors are able to do with their performances.

And I hope you're right about ep 6! Like I said, I do still enjoy the show, and would love to feel about it again how I did in s1.

[musicindustry123]

Does Age Define Talent? A Deep Dive into Music Industry Perceptions

In an industry where image and perception are often as important as sound, does age matter in the music industry? The question arises frequently as young, fresh faces rise quickly in the charts, while experienced musicians with years of dedication find their own loyal followings. There’s a longstanding belief that youth is synonymous with marketability and innovation, but many legendary musicians have proven otherwise, showing that talent knows no age limits. This article delves into how talent transcends age in the music industry, exploring stories of artists who have found success at different stages of life, the evolving perceptions of audiences and executives, and the role of technology in allowing talent to shine regardless of age.

Debunking the Myth: Age-Bound Talent in Music

For years, a common myth has existed in the music industry that true talent is often discovered only in the early stages of life. This belief has been reinforced by the rise of pop icons and teen idols who reach stardom at a young age, such as Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, and Billie Eilish. Young artists are typically seen as trendsetters who understand the current cultural climate and can relate directly to younger fans. Many record labels and executives capitalize on this assumption, investing heavily in young performers with the belief that youth equals novelty, relevance, and popularity.

However, this myth has often been challenged by artists who have gained recognition later in life, proving that age does not determine musical potential or talent. Artists like Leonard Cohen, who released his first album in his 30s, and Susan Boyle, who shot to fame in her late 40s, are examples of individuals who reached widespread recognition after defying the age stereotype. These stories remind us that musical talent is not inherently tied to youth but rather to passion, dedication, and creativity.

The Role of Social Media in Defining Talent Across Ages

One of the most significant changes in the music industry over the past decade has been the rise of social media, which has made it easier for artists of all ages to showcase their talent without needing traditional industry backing. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok allow artists to build their followings and connect with fans directly. This democratization of exposure has empowered talented individuals of all ages to share their work, engage with audiences, and build loyal fanbases.

TikTok, for instance, has given young musicians the opportunity to go viral and has also opened the door for older musicians and late bloomers to connect with audiences they might not have been able to reach otherwise. By eliminating age-related barriers and focusing on talent and creativity, social media platforms enable artists to succeed based on skill rather than appearance or age. Fans on these platforms care about authenticity, relatability, and originality—qualities that can shine through at any age.

Legendary Musicians Who Defied Age-Based Stereotypes

Some of the music industry’s most beloved legends have defied stereotypes about age, achieving some of their greatest successes well into their careers. Artists like David Bowie, Aretha Franklin, and Tina Turner were able to continually reinvent themselves over decades, proving that age did not hinder their creativity or ability to connect with fans. Bowie, for example, produced influential work at every stage of his career, from his early days as Ziggy Stardust to his final album, Blackstar, which was released just days before his passing. His career demonstrated that reinvention, exploration, and innovation are not age-dependent.

Similarly, blues and jazz greats like B.B. King and Ella Fitzgerald continued to draw audiences and gain new fans, their music resonating with listeners across generations. Artists like them prove that talent grows, changes, and matures over time. Their work illustrates the idea that with experience comes depth, and with age comes a unique artistic voice that resonates powerfully with fans of all ages. The success of these artists sends a strong message: talent is timeless and can continue to inspire regardless of age.

How Generational Fans Respond to Age and Talent

Audience perception of age has a significant impact on an artist’s success. Traditionally, younger fans are drawn to artists closer to their own age, finding relatable themes and experiences. However, older fans tend to be more appreciative of mature artists who bring depth, authenticity, and a lifetime of experience to their music. These generational preferences mean that both young and older musicians have substantial opportunities to find their own niche and connect with fans who value their unique voices.

Recently, we’ve seen a shift in these dynamics as fans become more open-minded and willing to support artists of all ages. Younger fans now appreciate the depth that older musicians bring, and older audiences have started embracing the fresh perspectives of younger talents. This cross-generational support has allowed for a greater range of artists to thrive, from young newcomers to seasoned performers. The music industry benefits from this diversity, as fans are exposed to a broader array of voices and experiences, enhancing their appreciation for music as a universal art form.

How the Music Industry is Adapting to Changing Perceptions of Age

With the increase in age diversity among successful artists, the music industry itself is slowly adapting to shifting perceptions of age. Many record labels and streaming platforms are investing in talents across age groups, moving away from age-restrictive marketing strategies and embracing a more inclusive approach. Platforms like Spotify and Apple Music highlight artists across genres and ages, letting audiences discover music based on their interests rather than an artist’s age.

Additionally, the rise of independent music production has played a major role in supporting artists of all ages. Artists can now self-produce, distribute, and market their music without traditional industry support, allowing them to shape their careers at any age. The success of independent artists of all ages has encouraged industry leaders to reconsider traditional marketing approaches, focusing more on an artist’s unique talent and connection with audiences rather than their age.

Talent, Authenticity, and Audience Connection: Age is Just a Number

At the core of every successful music career is the ability to connect with an audience, and age rarely impacts this ability. Fans resonate with authenticity, passion, and originality, qualities that transcend age. Music icons like Fleetwood Mac, Paul McCartney, and Joni Mitchell continue to captivate fans not because of their youth but because of the honesty and artistry that define their work. Conversely, younger artists like Lorde and Billie Eilish have found success by conveying a vulnerability and relatability that audiences of all ages appreciate.

This balance between youth and maturity ultimately enriches the music industry. Young and older artists alike contribute unique perspectives, each bringing their own voice, experiences, and insights to their music. By embracing artists of all ages, the music industry benefits from a richer diversity of voices, leading to a broader and more inclusive music culture.

Conclusion

So, does age matter in the music industry? The answer depends on perspective, but as the industry evolves, it’s clear that age should no longer be a primary measure of talent or success. From young pop icons to seasoned jazz legends, artists of all ages bring valuable contributions to music, proving that talent and creativity are ageless. With the rise of social media, independent music production, and evolving audience perspectives, artists today are proving that age is just a number when it comes to passion and connection.

In the end, the magic of music lies in its ability to resonate with people, regardless of the performer’s age. Age should not limit anyone from pursuing a career in music or exploring their potential. What do you think? Does age truly define talent in the music industry, or is it simply one of many factors? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation!

[moonfortunetheatre]

Do you ever perform with your theater troupe or do you just run things? I'd love to hear more about what you do and how your rehearsals are going :3

I do both!! I perform and direct on almost all plays-- the only one I was not directing was Tamamizu. Currently our troupe is very small-- me, Fen, Scorpion Princess, Ella (one of my daughters), Ying and Yenna. So there isn't much wiggle room in terms of separate director and character roles, both me and Fen usually end up filling roles and also being directors or producers depending on whether Rumble and Savage can run lights and music or if I have to use clones!! The theatre got attack a while ago which is why we focused on repairs for the better part of this year, but we're starting off strong with Hyacinthus next week on Saturday and Sunday, and Eros and Psyche the week after, Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Rehearsals are in full swing, and of course, auditions are always open!

[dreamerdixon]

Perfectly said! And I didn’t even realize they were focusing on only one unsub… a whole season? Really? I’m still gonna watch an episode because I got a fat crush on JJ and Emily but I’m already predicting I won’t get very attached to the reboot seasons.

Oh! Any particular comics, authors or artists for DC that you’d recommend I check out? I vaguely know of the batfamily because my older sister would talk to me about it, is there like an animated series about them too by chance? The earliest memory that I have of anything DC related is Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy, I absolutely adored them. My dad ended up letting me get this Batman belt that I’d wear all the time, my mom hated it so much because she liked dressing me in girly outfits and she’d have to let me wear the belt as a compromise or I refused to go outside.

The Batman belt stays on 😎

So for your top 3 tv shows, Yellowjackets is first pick? (What about the other two??) I started the series when I went to Mexico for vacation with some friends, my best friend and I were hooked immediately! It was on my watchlist because I absolutely adored Ella Purnell’s performance in Fallout plus since the series was inspired by the Uruguayan rugby team that crashed in the Andes mountain back in the 70’s and I watched La Sociedad de la Nieve at the start of this year so all the more reason to watch it.

!YELLOWJACKETS SPOILERS BELOW BE CAREFUL!!

My favorite characters were Jackie Taylor and Natalie Scatorccio! I already know Natalie dies in the season 2 finale and I’m not ready for it. I came across that information accidentally and I wanted to commit arson after the fact because what! That woman has been through hell even before the crash, give her a break y’all😭. Then the way Jackie died in the first season finale broke my freaking heart, out in the cold all by herself after that fight she had with Shauna. I got 2 of my friends to start watching the show and they both also got the gayest of vibes off of Jackie and Shauna in the beginning. I figure it largely has to do with Karyn Kusama but damn it they should have made it cannon.

I Dare You - Tara Carpenter

Summary: When Amber Freeman, Tara's best friend (and secret crush) dares her to win a random person over, she thinks it's gonna be an easy task. What she wasn't expecting, however, was that y/n y/l was far more interesting than she thought.

Warnings: Painter!Fem!Reader, very small mentions of sex and alcohol, non-canon/high school!AU, angst? ish?

W.C: 6.0k

a/n: She's back! This is probably not my best one but i was desperate to write something again and end my awful writers block. Anyways, i do think this will be a small series so stay tuned for that!

Tara’s head was pounding.

The school day had barely started and she couldn't stand being there any longer. Contrary to what many might think, her discomfort didn't come from the noise of lockers banging or the loud chatter and laughter of the students in the hallways. In fact, the reason had a first and last name: Amber Freeman, her best friend and secret crush, who seemed very intent on recounting every detail of her hookup with a girl last night.

“And then she asked me to...”

“That's enough! I definitely don't need to hear about what sex position you used, or anything like that.” Tara held up one hand, grimacing in disgust as Amber laughed beside her, opening her locker without the slightest shame at what she had said.

“Come on, Tara! Don't be so grumpy.” The dark-haired girl gave her a fake pout, purposely trying to annoy her friend. “I needed that! Do you know how long it's been since I've been with anyone? Too long!” 

And not only did Tara know how long it had been since Amber had kissed anyone, she also knew exactly why it had happened. Tara had a certain advantage at school for hanging out with Amber, who carried the title of most popular and desired girl for her unattainable energy, memorable parties and, of course, singular beauty.

Hanging out with Amber and basically being her right-hand woman meant that Tara was also popular by proxy. The students knew exactly who she was and, what's more, they knew that if they messed with Tara, they would have to deal with the wrath of the implacable Amber Freeman, which came in handy when Tara needed to “gently” convince multiple people in the school that Amber would never be interested in them behind her back. 

Apparently, someone had slipped through her fingers. 

Tara didn't bother to offer an answer to her friend, just rolling her eyes and closing her locker without much strength, so as not to make her growing migraine even worse. Unfortunately, Amber had never been the kind of person to wait for an opening to speak her mind. “You know, I bet that bad mood of yours would be cured if you loosened up a little bit. When was the last time you kissed anyone?” 

“Who kissed who?” 

Tara leaned her shoulder on the locker behind her to watch the arrival of Wes, closely followed by Liv and Chad, who walked hand in hand, followed by the stares of the crowd of teenagers who either wanted to be them or wanted them to be gone. The trio, along with Tara and Amber, were considered the “popular crew” at Woodsboro High School, even though the Carpenter girl hated the term because she considered it extremely cliché and tacky.

Liv and Chad were the typical American high school couple made up of a cheerleader and a soccer player. Tara had known Chad the longest, having him as a childhood friend, and she watched first-hand as he became more and more enamored of his influence through his status as a star quarterback, especially as he gained the attention of his current girlfriend and the entire school. Liv was the typical mean girl cheerleader who was extremely empty and desperate to stay relevant in the social hierarchy. Tara didn't understand what Chad saw in her, but she put up with the girl because Amber wanted her around for some reason. 

Wes, on the other hand, was an exception. He used to be a loner until Amber took him under her wing after she discovered his status as the sheriff's son, which the girl used as a pass to get out of trouble more easily. Wes knew that his position in the group was fragile and so he constantly tried to compensate by bringing up gossip that he found out about the whole school.

He was still waiting for an answer when Amber slipped an arm around Tara's shoulders, ruffling her hair. “Tara here is in a bad mood today. I was trying to tell her that the way to solve it is with a good makeout sesh.”

You could help me with that, Tara thought, but other words came out of her mouth, “Shut up. I'm just not in the mood for anything right now, that's all.”

Tara knew that hooking up with Amber, if it ever happened, would be both her blessing and her curse. Amber was the type of girl who would rather die than get into a serious relationship and, if Tara was going to be honest, she knew the girl would be a terrible girlfriend. Too bad her little crush couldn’t think rationally.

Liv smirked in her usual evil little laugh. “Yeah. I bet you're only saying that because you've been left on the shelf.”

Amber and Wes hissed and whistled teasingly, trying to get an even bigger reaction out of Tara. Chad raised his eyebrows in shock, glancing briefly at the shorter girl before focusing down on his phone. Tara felt a wave of pride and piled up anger rise up inside her. She crossed her arms defensively, scoffing as she glared at Liv. “Oh, please. You know very well that I could get with whoever I wanted at this school.”

Okay, maybe the words were a bit exaggerated and presumptuous, but it's not like she was wrong. Popularity aside, Tara knew damn well that she was a pretty girl and she wasn't afraid or ashamed to use her charms to get what she wanted sometimes.

“Whoever you wanted, huh?” Amber smiled mischievously as she heard the phrase and the evil glint in her dark eyes, which usually appeared when she was coming up with her crazy plans, began to show. “Interesting. We should prove that somehow, Carpenter.”

“Whatever.” Tara rolled her eyes, internally wishing that the matter would be closed soon. The more Amber stared at her like that, the redder Tara’s cheeks became and that was going to be impossible to hide in a few minutes.

“Ah, ah! Don't chicken out now, Carpenter.” The raven haired girl raised her index finger, shaking it in a negative. “I've got a great idea! Why don't I just pick a random person and you have to hookup with them, hm? Come on, Tara. I dare you.”

The three other teens let out more roars of approval, patting Amber on the shoulder for her brilliant idea and trying to convince Tara to go through with the challenge, offering half encouraging words and half biased questions along with “Are you scared?” and “Can you handle it?”.

The Carpenter girl felt at a crossroads. On the one hand, she definitely didn't want to do it. Her small (and growing) crush on Amber was already too much sentimental work for her, not to mention the fact that she wasn't at all keen on the idea of kissing some random stranger, especially knowing that Amber would choose the most embarrassing option possible.

On the other hand, a part of her was always tempted to indulge Amber Freeman's desires, eagerly searching for a hint of approval or recognition in those umber eyes that usually carried nothing but sarcasm and boredom.

So Tara didn't even have to consider long before she groaned in displeasure, closing her eyes and leaning her head back until it rested on the locket’s door. “Fine, whatever. But if you pick some weirdo who eats his own snot, I swear...”

Tara's thoughts were interrupted by the loud noise of something hitting the floor, followed by some snickering and murmuring from everyone in the hallways. She lifted her head to see through the crowd, searching for the reason for the commotion while already hearing her friends laughing beside her.

When the crowd finally cleared enough for Tara to be able to see, she was faced with the scene of a girl slowly picking herself up off the ground, peeling off a canvas that still looked wet from her T-shirt, now completely stained with paint. Another football player seemed to be trying to apologize for something, to which the girl only responded with a nod of her still lowered head.

"Holy shit." Amber laughed, holding her stomach as if she were at a comedy show. "What a dumbass. Hey, isn't that one of Mindy's little friends?"

Chad looked up, looking away from his phone when he heard his twin sister's name being mentioned. He let out a sound of confusion at first, but following the gaze of the others, the boy finally nodded in agreement. "Yeah. Y/n Y/l."

Tara watches with furrowed brows as the girl walks further into the corridor, clearly unhappy with her ruined painting and clothes. When she focuses back on her friends, Amber's mischievous gaze is already on her. "I think we've met your challenge, Tara."

The shorter girl's eyes widened comically and she noticed out of the corner of her eye that Chad had a similar reaction

Mindy used to be part of the group made up of the childhood friends: Tara, Chad, Mindy and Amber, at least until the beginning of high school, when everything related to her became a forbidden topic and the group underwent a change of members. What happened was that the girl had called Amber a bitch for cheating on Mindy with her girlfriend at the time, causing a rift that was never repaired. Chad had to beg Amber not to do anything drastic against his sister, which she begrudgingly accepted, but also didn't allow any of the others to have contact with her.

"Amber, are you sure?" Tara subtly tried to change Freeman's mind, already anticipating the huge mess that could arise between the former friends. "I mean, she's Mindy's friend and she's kind of quiet. Maybe she hasn't even kissed anyone yet."

A bit harsh, but that's the impression Tara got from the little she knew about you. She had never heard you speak in any of the classes you had together, she always saw you either with Mindy's group or on your own and the most she knew was that you were good enough at painting to paint a mural behind the bleachers at the school's request.

Unfortunately, Amber couldn't care less about any of these set of reasons. In fact, they even seemed to encourage the dark-eyed girl, who just shrugged. "Even better. You'd be doing her a favor and we wouldn't be attacking Mindy directly. Sounds like a win-win to me."

Tara looked at the others, analyzing their reactions to the plan. Wes and Liv had already agreed to it a long time ago and were now trying to pressure the shorter girl into accepting. Chad met Tara's gaze and shrugged, although his wrinkled forehead gave away his distaste for the whole idea.

The Carpenter girl sighed, suddenly feeling crowded despite only having four people around her and an entire hallway available for her to run down if she wanted to.

The problem was that she didn't. Not when Amber's beautiful manic eyes were staring at her with such expectation, making Tara's stomach do somersaults. So Tara just nodded her head in a yes, receiving happy shouting and pats on the shoulder as a reward.

"Y/n Y/l is the target, then."

_

To say that your day sucked would be an understatement.

First of all, you'd spent the whole week racking your brains, trying to somehow find inspiration to do a painting for art class, but your creativity had gone out the window. The best you could do to produce your teacher's homework request: “Represent a personal happy moment”, was an adaptation of a Polaroid you had taken with your friends a few months ago.

Being a perfectionist who already thought your artwork wasn't good enough, you decided to add a few touches on it a few minutes before arriving at school, trying to convince your inner art critic that the painting wasn't so bad.

Unfortunately, the second problem came at the exact same minute you set foot in the school, or rather, the minute one of the football idiots stepped in your way, causing you to trip and fall right on top of the canvas that wasn't yet dry.

You barely heard the boy's apology, just nodding and struggling to get out of the hall as quickly as possible, wishing the ground would swallow you up soon so you couldn't hear the loud snickering of the other people in the hallways.

Luckily for you (because something in your day had to go right), you had a spare T-shirt in your locker, near the art room. It wasn't the prettiest thing in the world, having a big Jason vs Michael Myers fan art printed on it, but at least it was better than spending the rest of the day in a shirt that looked like it had been vomited on by a unicorn.

You sighed, placing the canvas, now destroyed, on one of the empty easels in the art room. The once uniform colors now blended into a mess of paint that, until earlier today, had represented your face next to those of your friends, enjoying a summer's day in Woodsboro. The green of Anika's blouse had mixed with the chocolate of Mindy's skin, the white of the sun had stained the brown of Ethan's hair and the faces of the four of you had become a single blur, exactly where you had crashed into earlier.

“I thought you didn't do abstracts.” A familiar voice echoed into the room and you turned just in time to see your favorite teacher, Ms. Crane, entering the room with her typical warm smile. As always, the art teacher was wearing a light dress and her blonde hair was perfectly tied up in a bun, which by this point was her trademark.

“I don't.” You replied simply, pointing disappointingly at the disaster on canvas you had made. “I couldn't think of anything during all week so I tried to finish it this morning, but then the paint wouldn't dry and I ended up falling on it.”

The teacher grimaced, her big blue eyes looking at you with some concern as she left her bag on her desk. “Creativity block? You've never had a problem with that before. Should I be worried that it's happened just when the theme was having a happy moment?”

You quickly nodded, trying to relieve the woman’s nerves. You weren't a sad person at all, although many people thought so because of your withdrawn behavior. You had a good life, you were a good student with a clear talent for the arts, and you had a sincere friendship in Mindy, Anika and Ethan, who had already met all the social needs you might have had.

The real issue with this project was that none of your attempts seemed right, always seeming to be missing some element or another between the memories in your brain and the movements of the brush in your hand. And yes, Ms. Crane was right about this never happening before, which was what made you the most frustrated.

The woman seemed to understand your internal dilemma and her gaze softened. “Why don't I give you another week to finish, hm? You're one of our best artists, y/n. I know you can make masterpieces when you have your head on the right place.”

And that was the reason why the woman was your favorite teacher, far beyond just being the one responsible for the art subject. Laura Crane was extremely human and compassionate towards all of her students, even those who weren't good artists or those who went to class just to admire the young teacher's beauty.

“Thank you, Ms. Crane.” You nod, feeling some of the weight on your chest being lifted. The woman waved her hand dismissively, acting as if she hadn't done anything much, even though you knew she had just done way more than any of the other old vultures who worked at the school.

You spent the rest of the day with that in your head. Your mind twisted and turned trying to find a glimmer of inspiration for your work, desperately trying to think of something that could represent your best moment of personal happiness on a 60 x 100cm canvas. The extra deadline Ms. Crane had given you made your perfectionist side feel even more intense, wanting to make a piece impressive enough to justify your lost time.

Your thoughts clouded your mind so intensely that you mechanically made your way to the history room, sitting down in your usual chair without really paying attention to your surroundings. The room, little by little, was filled up with students and, along with them, came the loud noise of chatter and chairs being dragged around. But even so, your eyes remained focused on a blank sheet of paper in front of you, while the pencil in your hand almost had to cry out for help because of the strength with which you were holding it.

You couldn’t even draw a sketch. Goddammit, what was wrong with you?!

“Can I borrow a pen?”

You snapped out of your stupor when you heard a soft voice close to your ear. Raising your head a little too quickly, you found yourself facing beautiful brown eyes and dimples on either side of a smile. Honestly, that sight scared you even more because why was Tara Carpenter, resident popular girl, talking to you at that moment?

It's not like you cared about the whole “social pyramid” and “popularity ranking” thing that mattered so much to some people at your school, but you knew that Tara and her friends didn't have the best track record with your best friend, Mindy. You didn't know the full story, but the fact that Mindy always cursed them every time the group passed by you gave you an idea that maybe they weren't such good people.

Tara noticed the confusion on your face, thinking it was due to the sudden question and not due to her presence in general, and decided to humorously complement the question. “I left all of mine at home, can you believe it?”

Not really, you were tempted to answer, but you kept your thoughts to yourself. You spent a few more seconds analyzing the girl, trying to understand why she had asked you for the pen and not the other people in the room she usually sat nearby. Tara was still patiently standing next to you, leaning slightly towards your direction, and she didn't seem to be in any rush, nor did she seem to have any bad intentions.

Overall, the only mean ones in her group of popular people were Amber and Liv, but they usually liked to be offensive directly to the faces of the students they chose as victims. The fact that Tara hung out with them was no green flag, of course, but from what little you knew of her, the girl didn't seem to be the teaser or prankster type.

With that in mind, you pulled one of the pens you used the least out of your bag and raised it towards the girl, offering it without muttering a word, wishing that the awkward (at least for you) conversation would end soon.

Unfortunately, Tara didn't seem to share the same opinion, because she pulled out the chair right next to you to sit down, dropping her black bag carelessly on the side of the table and pointing at your clothes. “Nice shirt. Team Jason or team Michael?”

The question mark in your head seemed to get even bigger with the casualness with which Tara was talking to you. You knew that the girl didn't talk to many people apart from her friends and you knew even better that they generally tried to ignore your existence along with Ethan, Anika and Mindy.

Still, horror movies were your passion and you couldn't pass up the chance to talk about one of your favorite topics with a new person.

“Well, it depends on which parameter we're using. Overall, I like the Halloween franchise better and I prefer Michael Myers’ aesthetic, but I think Jason has a better lore and he would definitely win in a fight.” You tried to keep your yapping contained, not knowing exactly how interested Tara really was in your opinion, but you were surprised to see a twinkle in the girl's eye and a mischievous smile bloom on her face.

“Michael is much faster and smarter than Jason, there's no chance of him losing in a fight.”

“Zombie Jason was literally immortal, Michael and his kitchen knife wouldn't stand a chance against him.”

The two of you continued to talk and go back and forth with each other's comments as if it was something you did every day. Being so intrigued and immersed in the topic of the conversation almost made you forget that you were talking to Tara Carpenter, with whom you had never exchanged more than three words in your life before, but both of you only stopped talking when the teacher called your attention, asking for you to be quiet so that he could start the lesson.

Tara didn't seem as shocked by the interaction as you were and, in fact, she continued to sit next to you even though her usual chair on the other side of the room was empty. She gave you a complicit wink before turning to face forward, a satisfied smile still playing on her face, as if she had been the winner from that debate.

And you? You did your best to pay attention in the rest of the class and not keep reliving the interaction in your head, trying to convince yourself that that conversation had been a glitch in the matrix and would probably never happen again, but it was hard now that you knew how nice Tara could be and after you had noticed the way her freckles seemed to dance across her face when she smiled.

_

“Earth to y/n?”

The voice of your best friend, Mindy, snapped you back to reality, making your cheeks feel warm. It was lunchtime and you, Mindy, Anika and Ethan were sitting at your usual table, which was a wooden picnic table, conveniently placed under the shade of a huge tree. A few meters away, closer to the cafeteria doors, was the circular table that was always occupied by the popular kids, surrounded by people who intruded on the group's chatter to pretend they were close to them at some level.

Usually you would never look in that direction and would instead be in a conversation with your friends about anything, but you couldn't stop thinking about the randomness of the moment you had with Tara earlier.

Your eyes turned to Mindy on the other side of the table, who frowned as she realized that you were intently watching the table of the people she hated most at school. Anika, next to her, followed your gaze and the edges of her lips fell in concern. “What? Did they do something?”

“Did they do something to you?!” Ethan asked alarmed, his body leaning towards you enough to make you uncomfortable at the invasion of your personal space. It was no secret to anyone that the boy was in love with you, especially because he had confessed it multiple times. However, no matter how many times you said you only saw him as a friend, Ethan didn't seem to move on.

“No. It's not a big deal.” You shook your head, easing your friends' concern. Still, thoughts of your conversation with Tara seemed to beg to be externalized. “Tara spoke to me in class today, out of nowhere. She saw my shirt and started asking me about which of the two was my favorite.”

“Out of the blue?” Mindy asked, still frowning, and you nodded. “Well, I know Tara has always loved horror movies. We all did.”

The meaning was left implicit, but you knew she was referring to her old group of friends before things blew up between her and Amber. Anika ran her hand over her girlfriend's arms, trying to make her feel a little better about the topic through physical contact.

The table sat quietly for a few torturous seconds until you spoke up again, breaking the silence while watching Mindy's reaction cautiously. “It was nice. I mean, she was nice to me and the conversation was interesting.”

“Careful, y/n. Talking like that, it almost sounds like someone's got a little crush.” Anika teased you, wiggling her eyebrows in a way that made you feel even more embarrassed. You looked away to the crowded table on your far right, watching the way Tara seemed to be engrossed in whatever conversation she was having.

It was confusing. You didn't think you had a crush on Tara just because you had a nice moment with her, as much as you admitted that the girl was very pretty, but it was undeniable that something about this situation had intrigued you a lot.

Next to you, Ethan scoffed aggressively, looking irritated by Anika's little joke. “Come on! Y/n would never be interested in a person like her! What does she have to offer? Stupid parties and a basic knowledge of horror movies?”

“I don't think Tara's that bad...” Anika mentioned, looking up at Mindy for some confirmation. Of all of you, Anika was the most positive and social. Sure, she didn't like Amber for obvious reasons and neither did she like Liv because “her vibes were horrible”, but she constantly tried to mediate for the twins when she visited the Meeks-Martin house and you knew she'd spoken to Tara and Wes at least once before.

Mindy, on the other hand, definitely preferred to nurture her rivalry with all of them, but she sighed, knowing that she could never be completely against her own girlfriend. “I'd rather make no comment. Just keep in mind that if Tara is Amber's right-hand woman, it's for a reason.”

As Ethan protested against the small positive words Mindy and Anika had spoken about the popular group, your attention turned back to the table, your mind still processing what had happened earlier. Had it been a one-off thing? Did Tara like the topic so much that she just had to talk to you? Would she have talked to anyone wearing the shirt or would you have been special for some reason?

Your eyes were fixed on the opposite table, but your thoughts were racing, creating a thousand and one possibilities with a creativity you wished you'd had to complete your painting. You were so lost in your own mind that you hardly noticed the rest of the world around you.

Or, at least, that was until Tara caught you staring at her.

_

“The poor girl is so into you.”

Tara looked away from you to focus on Amber, who was sitting right in front of her with her legs propped up on the table. She had her back turned to where you were at, but somehow her fox-like senses knew exactly that you were looking in that direction.

As time passed, fewer admirers surrounded the table, picking up on the implicit hint that Amber would only give them crumbs of attention for a few seconds until she started to get annoyed by the presence of the crowd of opportunistic losers. The place was now only occupied by their inner circle, but Tara still felt like there were too many people.

“I bet she almost cried when you paid attention to her.” Liv laughed evilly, sitting on Chad's lap in a position that definitely didn't look comfortable for the boy.

Tara shrugged, feeling the gaze of the whole table on her, waiting for updates on her challenge. “It was no big deal, we just talked about movies.”

The truth was that Tara had enjoyed the conversation far more than she could have anticipated. Her initial plan had been to borrow a pen and “forget” to give it back so that she would have a reason to look at your Instagram and send a message after class (which she had actually half done, as your pen was still in her bag), but your t-shirt offered an opening that fit Tara's plans like a glove.

She had missed being able to discuss horror movies outside of the internet. Amber couldn't have a full debate because her patience ran out as soon as people disagreed with her and that made her aggressive. The others in the group didn't care that much about the genre and the most Tara could talk to them about was the basics of “which of these movies is scarier.”

The last time she had actually talked about the topic in a pleasant way had been with Mindy and that had been a long time ago. Tara hadn't even realized how much she had missed it.

“Well, I don't think it'll be long before she falls for you, anyway.” Amber shrugged, looking as bored as she usually was. “Maybe I made it a little too easy for you.”

“I've asked around and I'm pretty sure that y/n has never been with anyone. That makes things more interesting, doesn't it?” Wes said, once again trying to make himself valuable to the group with his information. The platinum-haired boy looked at Amber expectantly, like a puppy eagerly waiting for a treat.

Tara couldn't help but wonder if also looked at Amber like that, even though she didn't realize it.

“Eh. It depends on how she reacts afterwards.” The dark-eyed girl threw her head back, making her chair stand on just two feet. “Can you imagine if she just chooses to ignore Tara? Bo-ring.”

The conversation kept going on that topic but Tara was suddenly distracted by the sound of her phone’s notification ring vibrating in the back pocket of her jeans. She took the device in hand, seeing on the lock screen a new message from Sam, her sister.

Sam: Hey, I'm stuck at work until later. Can’t give you a ride, sorry.

Tara huffed with annoyance, not even bothering to reply and just placing her phone back. “Amber? Can you give me a ride home after class?”

The raven-haired girl hissed and grimaced, almost managing to sound apologetic even though Tara knew she didn't actually give a damn. “Sorry, T. I'm going to buy some stuff for the party on Saturday, so I can't.”

Maybe it was for the best. Tara always felt more attracted to Amber when they drove alone in her car, either because the conversations seemed more sincere or because the Freeman girl could be extremely attractive when she drove with only one hand on the wheel. If Tara was trying to get rid of this little crush on Amber, spending hours in a car alone with her might not be the best idea.

“It’s alright. I need to walk more anyway.” Tara shrugged, pretending not to be annoyed by the situation. Taking the school bus wasn't an option, because it would take twice the time as walking, and hitching a ride with any of her other friends would be either awkward or stressful.

So, after class was over, the younger Carpenter made her way home with her bag on her back and her headphones in her ears. It had been a while since she'd had to walk home, at least since Sam had come back from rehab, but at least it gave her time to catch up on her thoughts.

It took less than 20 minutes for her to get home, throwing her bag on the sofa carelessly and turning on the TV to fill the uncomfortable silence in her house. A rerun of an SNL episode was on and Tara hoped that the sound of the audience's laughter would make her feel a little better about the shitty day she'd had.

But then again, Tara couldn't remember having a completely good day ever since Sam had come back from rehab and had forced their mother into one as well, trying to help the woman with her drinking problem.

The girl went to the kitchen and got herself a glass of water, while in the living room, the audience laughed at some of Bowen Yang's skits. She had hoped that the cold water would relieve her negative feelings but it didn't do any good, because all Tara could feel was irritation.

Yes, she was annoyed that Sam couldn't pick her up. Yes, she was angry that her life had turned upside down ever since her sister had returned. Yes, she was pissed that she wanted to vent to someone, but she knew that her best friend wouldn't give a damn about being a good listener. Yes, she was enraged about having feelings for someone she knew would only break her heart

And GOD, how angry she was with herself for going along with this idiotic plan just to get one iota of Amber's approval. Tara felt ridiculous, even more so now that she knew that you were a nice and kind person, even if you were a bit closed off.

But the girl was wracked by conflicting feelings and she just wanted them to stop. She urgently needed a distraction, be it drinks, or a movie, or...

Or Amber was right and maybe Tara really did need to have a fling with someone to relieve her tension.

She wasn't thinking straight when she reached for her phone in her back pocket again, opening it straight to the Instagram app and finding her feed full of photos of people she followed, but she didn’t waste time on them as she was a woman on a mission. Tara leaned on the kitchen worktop, both elbows propped up as she searched for your name in the search bar.

The girl huffed when she found nothing on her first search and then decided to appeal to Mindy's profile, digging through the accounts she followed to try and find any that might refer to you.

Two minutes later, Tara came across an account called “pinceaudey/n”, which had a painting portrait as the profile picture. That's got to be it, she thought, wasting no time in opening the profile which, fortunately for her, was public. More laughter was heard from the TV, but this time Tara finally felt her mood change to something more positive.

The profile didn't seem to have any photos of you, but it was full of photos of paintings and other things related to art. Tara didn't linger on any of them. The less she connected with you, the easier it would be to have a hookup and leave, which was exactly what she needed. No more complications.

Still holding her phone, Tara crossed the kitchen to walk right back to the living room, looking in her bag for the item she had “accidentally” forgotten to return. She took the opportunity to look through the curtained windows, seeing that night was beginning to fall, darkening the streets and making Tara's heart race. She hated being alone at home and hoped that Sam's shift at the antique store wouldn't take much longer.

Finally she found the pen, just as Megan Thee Stallion began her performance as the show's musical guest. Tara held the object between her fingers and took a quick photo, sending it to your DM with a text. “Hey so i accidentally stole your pen lmao.” and then, ”I promise to give it back tomorrow.”

A few seconds had passed and you still hadn't seen it. It was alright, maybe you just had some better things to do other than stare at your phone, but for some reason, Tara couldn't stop herself from biting her nails in anxiety.

Maybe it was because it was late at night and she felt lonely, or maybe it was because she was in a particularly chatty mood that day, but without a second thought, her fingers typed out another message to keep the conversation flowing.

btw who do you think would win between Freddy and Leatherface?

As she waited for a reply with a small smile on her face and music playing from her TV, Tara finally felt less alone at home.

Maybe Amber was right. Maybe she needed a distraction.

[arickaandherfictionalothers]

Harry is MY boyfriend; you can’t tell me who to love-! (Part One)

(Aricka x Harry Hook; Aricka and Cinderella, Aricka and Kit Charming, Aricka and Chad Charming, the royal Auradonian cousins.)

(Warning: Ella slaps her daughter, mentions of abuse; yelling, use of a sleeping potion against a princess, if I missed anything let me know and I’ll add it-!)

@astralshipper @rosieshipper @hyperionshipping @sappy-secrets @rosepetalcharm @yeehawselfshipping @letsgofoletsgo @tsundere-selfship @friendlyneighborhoodidiot

It had started out so well. Aricka and Chad had woke up early, earlier than for a usual school day, and had met up to get ready for Parent Day together. Chad was wearing a Snow White Original light blue three piece suit, gold cuff links with the Charming royal crest engraved on them, and brown dress shoes to match.

Aricka herself had selected a similar light blue sundress patterned after Little London styles, made and designed by her new dear friend; Evie. It was tulle with a low back with a matching scarf, and she was wearing a low pair of golden heels. She also wore a necklace Harry had found and given her- white gold with a compass charm. “You’ve been guiding me my entire stay here,” he’d explained. “It just makes sense.”

“Do you think Harry will like my outfit?” She asks her twin, as she fixed her makeup for the final time.

“I think Harry likes the princess behind the outfit more than anything,” her twin responds. “And if he doesn’t; well, that’s why you have me.” She smiles and reaches for her twin’s hands.

“You’ve always had my back.”

“Just like you have mine.” And with that, Chad offered her his arm; and they walked out to the party together.

~~~~~~~~~~~

“Their Royal Highnesses, Prince Chadwick Charming of Sardinia and Princess Aricka of Charmington,” the official announcer declared. The twins smiled demurely and waved as they’d been trained, eyes set ahead of them, always focused on their future King of Auradon. Aricka saw a flash of red, blue; and purple; and internally relaxed. The VKs were here,and soon Harry would rescue her.

Everything would be okay after this performance.

Her and Chad took their places with their cousins, each taking a towel and posing just as they’d rehearsed time and again before this day. The boys began beatboxing and the girls softly sang over them,

“Ma chère Mademoiselle,

It is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure

That we welcome you tonight…” Ben begins, a proper kingly smile on his face; he reaches over and squeezes Aricka’s wrist as warmly as possible; the two of them sharing a brief smile as he made his way through the assemblage.

“And now, we invite you to relax,

Let us pull up a chair

As the dining room proudly presents -

Your dinner!” The teens present began bowing in perfect synchrony, the girls chorusing,

“Be our guest!

Be our guest!

Put our service to the test

Tie your napkin 'round your neck, cherie

And we'll provide the rest…” Ben smiles at two princesses and tosses them his own napkin, and the girl who caught it swooned, right into the arms of king Adam himself, and Aricka had to stifle a laugh.

“Soup du jour

Hot hors d'oeuvres

Why we only live to serve…” at that moment, Aricka saw Harry; and she waved covertly; and he smiled at her; not a smirk; not a grimace, her boyfriend smiled at her properly.

Yeah; she melted like a popsicle.

“Try the grey stuff

It's delicious!

Don't believe me?

Ask the dishes…” Chad, Aziz, Doug, Li’l Shang, Bashful Jr, SJ, Pin, and Artie rushed to join their “cousin” Ben and did a very impressive rap for the next verse,

They can sing sing sing

They can dance dance dance

After all, Miss, this is France!

And the dinner here is never ever second best! No!

Go on, unfold your menu-!” They all toss their napkins in the air; continuing,

“Go on, take a glance and then you'll

Be our guest

Oui, our guest

Be our guest guest guest… come on!” All the boys bow, smiling and adding a little,

“Yeah… yeah… yeah…” as the girls take over,

“We tell jokes,

I do tricks!

With my fellow candlesticks

And it's all in perfect taste

That you can bet-!” And to finish they came back together, waving the remaining napkins in the air, swaying side to side and proclaiming,

“Come on and lift your glass

You've won your own free pass

To be our guest-!” Ben reclaimed the spotlight for one final solo,

“If you're stressed

It's fine dining we suggest!” Smiling over at his parents, before rejoining his friends,

“Be our guest!

Be our guest!

Be our guest!” The girls add a soft,

“Oh-oh oh-oh-oh, oh oh oh-oh,” before they all exclaimed,

“BE OUR GUEST-!” Chad ended one one knee, on the cement, Aricka sitting on his leg, arms extended to the sky with perfect smiles on their faces.

~~~~~~

It tanked from there.

Aricka and Harry had been invited to a game of croquet by the King and Queen, Adam and Belle themselves. Harry had looked askance until Aricka graciously answered for both of them, slipping her arm through Harry’s and leading him over to the more private garden party, where the more famous Auradon parents were assembled. Two of them being her own.

Chad had Uma’s arm tucked into his, a seemingly permanent blush on his face. It warmed her heart seeing her twin so happy; and she knew he felt the same regarding her and Harry.

The game went smoothly until they encountered her mother. And by then; it was too late to recover any semblance of normalcy afterward.

~~~~~~~

“The Isle Reformation Proclamation will never take off. It poses too much of a risk to our safety, and what if the barrier doesn’t hold during the transfer of students? What if some villain were to break free?” Her mother ranted to queen Leah.

“Indeed.” The elderly royal mused, scanning the populace. Her eyes widened and she gasped rather dramatically and cried, “YOU-!”

Aricka whipped around at the sound and saw Leah staring at Mal and Ben heading that way. Gripping Harry’s hand she followed, seeing Chad hot on their heels, Evie, Jay, Gil and Carlos not far away. Aricka Page seemingly materialized out of nowhere, gripping her twin’s hand.

“Your majesty queen Leah,” the demigoddess Fae says, laying a gentle hand on the Queen’s arm. “Princess Aricka of Olympus, we’ve met before. May I present my sister Mal Page?”

“How are you so young-?!” The queen exclaims.

“Grammy, this isn’t Maleficent, this is her daughter, Mal. She’s one of the Isle children we brought over for our Reformation Proclamation,”’Audrey tried to explain.

“Audrey- you LET her over-?!” Leah gasped. “After what her mother did you to yours- did to my DAUGHTER-?!”

“Yes, Grammy, Maleficent did that to my mother. Mal has done nothing to me,” Audrey says, grabbing Mal’s hand. “She is my friend.”

Mal seemed thunderstruck by Audrey’s claim, but Aricka Page seemed to have taken over speaking for her twin. “Queen Leah, my twin is more our father’s daughter than she ever was our mother’s. Mal is innocent and has done nothing to deserve your prejudice or hatred.”

“Are you so sure of that? How can we trust you? Any of you?” Aricka Charming paled at the words that came from her own mother’s mouth. “How do we know you haven’t spelled our children to say whatever makes you look good?”

“MOTHER-?!” Aricka and Chad exclaimed.

“I mean look at them. The daughter of the mistress of all evil, who cursed a baby to die before she was even truly alive-,” here Mal’s eyes glowed a dangerous shade of green, only to calm when her sister gripped her hand. “The son of Jafar who tried to take over an entire kingdom because the sultan wouldn’t let him marry the Princess.” Aricka Page also gripped Jay’s hand soothingly so the boy wouldn’t do anything rash. “Not to mention the daughter of the evil queen who is surely nothing more than a gold digger and a cheat.” Aricka and Harry reached to soothe the now crying bluenette, anger burning Aricka’s skin. “The son of Cruella who is surely just as crazy as she was. The voice stealing daughter of Ursula and to make everything WORSE you invited Gaston’s spawn over-?! Belle and Adam’s worst ENEMY-?!”

“Hey that’s not very nice,”’Gil protested softly, only for Ella to speak over him,

“And don’t get me started on your so called boyfriend, daughter of mine. The son of Captain Hook-? Really-?! The man who tried to kill innocent children if they didn’t join his crew-? I bet he was just as evil as his father- he should’ve been left there just like the rest of them-!”

“ENOUGH MOTHER-!” Aricka yells, pushing Harry behind her and staring Cinderella down. “I am sick and tired of this. Ever since we started the Proclamation you’ve been against it. Saying the VKs are dangerous and evil and twisted. What about my cousins, huh? Do the names Diana and Anthony mean NOTHING to you-?! And don’t even THINK about hurting my friends- my chosen family. If you tried to get to know them you’d realize how very wrong your judgments of them are. Mal is so talented and creative and she just wanted to go to school and get more kids safe and off the Isle. Jay is strong and athletic and a great dancer and an even more loyal bodyguard and friend. Evie is beautiful and smart and kind and has a great fashion sense- she made my dress I’m wearing today.

Uma is not her mother- she is an amazing chef, navigator and storyteller. And don’t get me started on Gil LeGume- he’s so Good and he just keeps trying to do better, to learn everything he can, to enjoy all the little things in Auradon- Gil, I still wanna cry thinking about you experiencing grapes for the first time.” The blonde haired VK who looked too much like her and Chad smiled and said,

“Aw, thanks Aricka; I like you too-!” And she laughed because he was so easy to love.

“And finally, we come to Harry. And I could write a whole book on how he has changed me for the better. Harry showed me that I have worth simply because I am a good ally and friend to everyone I meet, that my beauty is from within; and that my power comes from the knowledge of those who have my back. Harry, I am forever grateful that we met and know each other. And Harry,” she takes a deep breath, “I know we’ve only known each other for a short time but I love you, plain and simple. I don’t care what anyone says or thinks, I’m yours. I’d give up being a princess if it meant I could be your girlfriend. Plain and simple.” And there; in front of everyone, she stood on tiptoes and kissed him, only to be jerked toward her mother who hissed,

“How DARE YOU-!” She wrenched away from her mother’s grip to retort,

“I dare because Harry is MY boyfriend; you can’t tell me who or how to love-!” A stinging sensation filled her cheek and Aricka recoiled from the feeling of being slapped.

Her mother hit her. Actually hit her. Her mother raised her hand to strike once more only for the queen of Cinderellasburg to fall down in a faint, Evie holding a blue bottle in her hand.

“Aricka come on-!” Harry retook her hand, and her other was claimed by Evie, and together they- hero and Isle child alike- ran to the safety of their dorms to regroup.

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

Let me know if you want to be added to or removed from my list-!

[musekicker]

Random Mason related drabble. (and yes, Mason has some slight himbo energy)

The final performance of their latest (or rather ex latest show) in the moon theater was a good send off to this particular show. Everyone was at their best as always. And as always there was a slight bittersweet feeling that came with the end of a shows run. It had after all been something they all have been working so hard on for awhile. From actor to stage hand, they all felt that feeling.

But with that bittersweet feeling came the curiosity of and excitement of the potential of a new show.

It had became a ritual of sorts for after the last performance of a show to have a small goodbye to the show party. A time full of friends and food.

Ella and Doris had both brought all the various drinks that a party of this size would need. Meena brought various baked goods both she and her mother had made. There were so many snacks for every animal.

There was just one animal that did not bring much at all. Mason had a paper bag on his person but still rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. 

"I um.. didn't really bring anything." Mason said.

"I thought you were bringing pie." Rosita said.

Mason looked away a bit, not able to face the group.

"There was some um... complications with the dessert plans." Mason said.

"He ate it." Ella said.

Mason frowned.

"I did not!" Mason snapped.

"Hey, not saying there's shame in it. Pie's good, I get it." Ella said, her hands up in a placating gesture. 

That did not help at all. The black wolf threw his arms up and snapped.

"I forgot to put the apples in the apple pie, okay?" Mason said.

Mason had expected the laughing, even had expected the various jokes about his mistake. The wall of quiet confusion was more unexpected.

"Okay, someone say something. This is getting creepy." Mason said.

Rosita was the one to break the silence.

"Mason, how did you even forget the apples for a apple pie?" Rosita asked, asking the question on everyone's minds.

Mason rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. 

"It happened because I was focusing on making the pie crust the best crust ever. And by time I realized that hey, I forgot the apples, it had been in the oven for a few minutes." Mason explained.

Now came the expected laughter. Mason frowned now.

"Never mind. Go back to the saying nothing part." Mason said.

More laughter. Mason by now had had enough of the laughing.

"You know what? Just for all this I'm going to keep all of that awesome pie crust all for myself." Mason said.

He turned away, nose pointed upwards in the air. The black wolf started to storm off.

"Mason, come back. We're sorry." Meena called out.

"We'll stop laughing, we promise." Johnny said.

"Yeah, even though it goes against my core values." Ella said.

"Ella!" Rosita cried.

That just made Mason storm out faster. Rosita turned to face Ella. A action that wiped the smirk off her face.

"Ella, that was unkind and I want you to go apologize to Mason right now." Rosita said in the tone that only mothers could summon.

To everyone's surprise, Ella didn't even argue.

"Yeah... maybe I did push it a tiny bit." Ella said. "I will go and talk to Mason.

Ella found Mason sitting on the steps of the theater. She stood on the step just above Mason.

"Hey.. I went a little further with the jokes then I needed to." Ella said before Mason could say anything. "So for that.. I'm really sorry."

"Thank you for that... though, I might had also been a bit too sensitive about the whole being laughed at thing too." Mason admitted.

He leaned back a bit, looking up in thought.

"My old job? A lot of people assumed I was dumb or something just because I danced on a pole and-" Mason said.

"Look like a total smoke show?" Ella said. "That is not me hitting on you by the way. Me and Doris are very happy and I would never cheat on her."

Mason grinned.

"Of course. It's like how most of your guys refer to my friends as my hot model friends." Mason said.

"To be fair they are all models and they are all hot." Ella said.

Mason laughed.

"You guys already have given them the biggest egos. Might as well give me a ego too." Mason said.

Elle grinned.

"Hey, you can put "Been called a smoke show by Ella Glass" on your resumé." Ella said.

Mason paused a moment, then reached for the brown paper bag he had brought with him before. He continued to speak.

"That's the first time I've heard your last name." Mason said.

"And that's all you're getting. I'm a enigma." Ella said.

Mason laughed again. Opening the paper bag he pulled out a chunk of pie crust.

"Want some?" Mason asked.

"You actually brought the pie crust?" Ella asked.

"Thought it be better then nothing." Mason said with a shrug.

Ella reached for the pie crust piece and popped it right into her mouth. 

"Damn... that is good crust." Ella said.

"Right!?" Mason cried.

"I bet it would be better with apples of course." Ella continued.

"Maybe next time." Mason said.

"That or make this a thing. Bring like one really good component of a dish." Ella said.

Mason grinned.

"Can I tell everyone that was your idea?" Mason asked.

"Of course." Ella said.

"Then I have some thoughts..." Mason said.

They planned over pie crust pieces.

[heavyhitterheaux]

Ghost in the Machine (collab with @harlowsbby 😘💕)

AN: Yall not ready for this lol 😘💕

Synopsis: Jack has been promising you to make you his girlfriend for several months. However, it all comes crashing down around you when you find out he wanted to have you and someone else instead

Pairing: Jack Harlow x Reader

Please Do Not Repost My Content Anywhere

Lately you felt like your mind was on autopilot and you just wanted any and every distraction that came your way, after everything that went down with Jack, you were throwing yourself in any and everything. You just needed something to get your mind off the fact that he was no good for you and what he did was his doing not your own. He made his bed and now it was time for him to lay in it.

Broken promises after broken promises and you had reached your breaking point.

He was a charmer

A smooth talker

He could be reading a grocery list, and it would make you intrigued

“Baby, just a little while longer. I promise.”

“You keep saying that, but it’s already been seven months. I’m starting to think that you don’t want to be with me at all.”

“Y/N, come on now. You know that you’re the only person that’s on my mind all the time.”

“I’m tired of going to events with you and we can’t even act like we’re together. I mean technically we aren’t, but…”

“I promise it will all be worth it. Everyone is going to know about us when the time is right. I just ask you to be patient with me.”

In the back of your mind you knew that you probably should not have agreed to this, but of course you did anyway.

Not realizing the shit storm that would be coming right around the corner.

“Okay.” You said as you smiled up at him and he leaned down to kiss you.

“There’s that smile that I love so much on my pretty girl.”

Urban being Jack’s best friend honestly thought that you were a rebound after Jack got out of his long term relationship. However, the way he talked about you made him think otherwise. When Jack wasn’t focusing on his music, at events, or performing, the entire conversation always circled back towards you.

Urban thought that you were perfect for him and would be a breath of fresh air from the toxic relationship that he had previously been in. You were sweet, kind, considerate, and honestly a fun person to be around. If Urban had met you first, he would have definitely made you his girlfriend and not be stringing you along like Jack was doing. 

Even though the conversation always circled back to you, it also circled back to his toxic ex-girlfriend Vanessa. They had been in a whirlwind of a relationship for three years and Urban had been so happy when they broke up. Time and time again he would tell Jack how she wasn’t good for him and needed to find someone that wanted to be with him because of who he was as a person and not because of his famous status. 

You still remember the first time you actually met Jack.

You were a huge fan and had been since Loose dropped and would finally be able to go to one of his club appearances.

From the moment he hit the stage, his eyes locked on you and it had been that way ever since. 

And since you didn’t want to go by yourself, of course you dragged Ella with you.

“He’s totally looking at you, there is no way he isn’t.” Ella has been your best friend since diapers and she tended to have this habit of being delusional.

“There is no way he was looking at me Ella like let’s be serious here.”

“Fine don’t believe me but all I’m saying is every time he looks over here he’s looking at you.”

Jack was in the middle of performing Sundown when he looked your way again and sent you a wink

“See! I’m not crazy, he just winked at you.”

“Oh hush” you told Ella playfully

After the show the two of you began to walk back towards your car when you noticed a black suv driving behind the two of you slowly.

“Is that car following us?” Ella asked

“I was just about to say the same thing, should we run?” She nodded her head yes quickly but before the two of you were able to run someone had yelled from the suv.

“I promise I’m not going to kidnap you, I just wanted to get your number.” Looking behind you your mouth almost flew open seeing it was Jack.

“You want my number? But why” he laughed “Because you’re beautiful”

You regretted that day you ever gave him your number if you knew the emotional rollercoaster you’d he on back then you wouldn’t have ever given him your number or have him a chance to ever play you.

You and Urban had gotten close from the time that you had met Jack and since he was doing a few interviews and had a full day ahead of him, Urban decided to take it upon himself to keep you company.

The two of you were currently sharing a large plate of nachos at one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in the city and you were sharing with Urban what classes that you wanted to take in the spring in order for you to be able to get your degree faster.

“Y/N, that sounds like a lot. When are you going to sleep?”

“I’ll be fine, Urb. It’s only one semester.”

“Only one semester my ass. You pulled the same shit last spring and you slept for like 2 hours in your car every day for almost 5 months because your schedule was so full. You CANNOT do that again. Jack flipped his shit when I told him about that.”

“Yeah, that definitely was not a pleasant conversation.” You said while adding more sour cream to the plate in front of you. Jack was concerned that you had barely been sleeping, but it had been worth it in the end when you had gotten straight A’s. 

“And of course he was like why didn’t you tell me?! And I was like I only found out when I went to get her to bring her to the video shoot that day otherwise I wouldn’t have known either.”

“Aww, Urby is worried about me!”

“Ehh, I guess I do worry sometimes. You’re good for Jack and I want to see my best friend happy. He couldn’t have dropped Vanessa fast enough.”

“That’s his ex?” You curiously asked and Urban nodded.

“It's weird that he never mentioned her to me.”

“Why should he mention his ex to a girl who is a million times better?”

“Stop, Urban!” You said while shying away from him. 

“I call it like I see it. They were…. not good for each other. But you two are.”

Just then Urban got a call from Jack on his phone and quickly answered it putting it on speaker.

“Jack, you good?” Urban asked as the two of you continued to eat your food.

“.... Y/N? Not a chance in hell. She’s a sweet girl and a good fuck and that’s about it. I keep promising her that I’ll make her my girlfriend but she hasn’t gotten a damn clue yet. It’s been seven months and she’s still here so I highly doubt that she’s going anywhere. And she’s so insecure like it’s insane. If she sees me glance at another girl, she’s all up on me. I’m like you not even my girl, so why are you getting so upset? I can never see myself being with her. Compared to Vanessa? She’s a 6 on a good day with Nessa is a 15. Oh and me and Nessa are back together anyway. Have been for three months.”

Urban immediately hung up the phone and looked over at you to see that your eyes were now watering.

“Y/N…. I….”

“Urban, I want to go home. Now.”

“But….”

“I’ll change my flight, whatever I have to do, but I need to go.”

“Maybe there’s an explanation, just hear him out… maybe?” Urban was pleading with you as you gathered your purse and threw money down on the table to pay for the nachos which Urban quickly shoved back towards you.

“There is no explanation, Urb. I heard all that I needed to hear. And let me pay for this!”

“No, I got it. Just… we’ll go back to the hotel and I’ll help you pack your stuff.”

You were a crying mess the entire time while packing and Urban was helping you. He told you that he would go to the airport with you to make sure you got there safely and to text him the moment you landed back home.

“I can’t believe I really fell for this. I’m so stupid.”

“You aren’t stupid!

“Yes I am! He strung me along for seven months just to go back to his ex!”

“Y/N, I’ll talk to him.”

“Forget it, Urban. Tell him to lose my number and to never call me again.”

You had hugged Urban once he had made sure that you had gotten to the airport safely and he watched you until he couldn’t see you anymore.

Your flight was leaving in thirty minutes when Jack had suddenly been blowing up your phone.

Jack- Baby, I can explain

Jack- Come on babe, I didn’t mean anything I said

Jack- You’re the only one for me. She doesn’t mean anything to me

Jack- Babe, please just answer me or call me back

Jack- I love you so much and I’m going to fix this

Taglist:

@harlowsbby

@babyharleezy

@hoodharlow

@stefansalvatoresgf

@jackiehollanderr

@primadxna-girl

@dessmxsworld

@cockslutslurper3000

@raelorns21

@variety-fangirl

@gbaabyyyy

@kamorsstuff

@harlowthot

@sinsandsuccubus

@curlyhairclub

@bootlegroach

@haylexo10

@thinkingaboutjharlow

@fluidsentiment

@charli123456789

@moody4world

@yourstrulymayah

@yana4life

@beanbagbitch

@alinaharlow

@carma-fanficaddict

@minaxcarter

@arination99

@xjup1t3r

@venusvinc

@jacksmoviestar

@jackharloww

@midnight-star47

@minkookie95

@inluvwithladybug

@exoticr0ses

@jharlowsangels

@jackierose902109

@jackmansbabymama

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@harlowcomehome

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@amethyst09

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@toocriticalharlow

@liv2sworld

@tattered-tales

@sisiking99

@dessxoxsworld

@gillybear17

@jacksdaycare

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@disaster-rose

@babyvinnie

@evansxchalamet

@chtkmyharlow​

@mortirolo​

[misscammiedawn]

is there a strictly auditive piece of media that has inspired you in some way ?

Audio only media, hmm?

I'll tackle this as a hypnosis question and a general question individually because I'm not 100% sure how to parse it.

For hypnosis Ella Enchanting is my big inspiration. Goddess' stuff is way too high production to even enter my mind as a possible avenue and it blows my mind that I sleep in the same area as some of the files that I listen to nightly were recorded. It kind of makes me feel I should be better at this because every single thing that the most highly produced files I know of (and the podcast episodes that she ran too) are theoretically in the same space as me.

I dunno. Maybe one day I will ask her how the hell she did what she did.

For Ella she has about the same production as I do and is focused on the same area of concept based fantasies. She's way more energetic, inventive, practiced and polished than I am, but I see Ella and have a feeling of boldness that says I can do better if I commit myself.

I really need to more often.

Also back to Goddess for a moment, but The Realm of Bliss Podcast was one of my earliest gateways into legitimizing my kink. Up until then it felt like a sex thing people in relationships did or a medical tool that was done with clients or a theatrical performance piece for stage magicians. There weren't many episodes, but Realm of Bliss really brought me in to the fold. It's why I call Goddess my oldest friend in the community-- ignoring the collar and such.

For Other Media...

I used to be big into podcasts, particularly Maximum Fun network. There were so many MBMBAM jokes in my circle and I felt Adventure Zone helped me be a better DM. I listened to some stuff like Tanis and Rabbits but Rabbits burned me real hard and kind of poisoned the well for me.

Never got in to Night Vale but tried really hard for a friend who enjoyed it. I wanted to have common language with them. Listened to well over 20 episodes. They would have benefited me trying Magnus Archives but I didn't have the drive for it.

To give respect where respect is due, radio plays in general make me very happy and have since I fell in love with the Welles version of H.G Wells classic War of the Worlds in my teens. If Radio 4 did a dramatization of any of Gaiman or Pratchett's work I was there eagerly. I consider radio adaptation of Neverwhere to be the definitive telling of the story (and the Marquis focused original side story too) and deeply enjoyed Mort when it was done. Good Omens was nice but the TV version is best.

When I was young I listened to radio a lot and focused in on those radio dramas. It was either that or listen to Caeser the Geezer prank people, which dad liked but... not my cup of tea.

So when I was heavy in to tabletop I used to do a LOT of audio files as rewards and cookies for players. One character I had hours of audio and hundreds of thousands of words of backstory because they played an amnesiac and I wanted to make their life feel lived in and make the people feel more real before they showed up in canon.

Then I just became addicted to it and did it for fun. The group's DM was always better than me at it. Every time I got audio from them it felt like a fully realized piece where mine was conceptual at best.

I guess auditive media is something of a focus of mine, even if I can't really define my preferences or the things I gravitate towards.

Thank you for. The question, anon. This was a good one that got me thinking about things that haven't crossed my mind in years.