#I hid this at the end of every cd I burned for my friends
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burningchandelier · 2 years ago
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In the spirit of the holiday of overeating, I just played this for my husband for the first time.
I am proud to announce that I am still fat, but no longer alone.
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what-the-waterbear · 4 years ago
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Too Many
Hi friends, I wanted to write about love potions and first dates this week, but with the world the way it is, the words I was hoping for couldn’t make it. Instead, these are the thoughts that I had to get out of my brain.
So here’s a LONG story for the biography I will never publish.
I was six years old when the Iraq War began. My mother would drive me to school, and in the years before spotify and bluetooth, we would listen to CDs or cassette tapes, yes, cassette tapes that have faded into obscurity like 8-tracks and VHS. But many days while I was drinking juice in my car seat or babbling about my friends, we would listen to the radio until we reached the parking lot where I would race to the four square line with all the other giggly children.
We would listen to the radio and my mother would never change channels during the news segments. We existed in the world, and my mother never hid the world from me.
I remember a lot from first grade. I remember reading the little green book with the fraying spine that had stories of dime stores and soda parlors, children going places by themselves, of being a “sore-winner”. A book written in a long ago time that I would never know when America did not know how to lose. I remember sitting in the hall with the teacher’s aide writing letters in chalk until my penmanship began to match the example and my papers looked like my classmates. I remember Mrs Overgaard asking us what we learned over the weekend, and I can still see the horror on her face when I began describing the news that the US was torturing prisoners of war in Iraq. My mother probably received a concerned phone call that evening. Regardless, we existed in the world and my mother never hid the world from me.
Of all my memories from first grade, I recall more of the drives to school than any moments in the classroom or on the playground. I remember reaching my hand on the passenger seat in front of me, so my mom could paint my tiny nails at the stop lights because we were running late, but she promised. I remember singing along to Amy Grant at the top of my lungs and mimicking my mom as she played an imaginary piano during the medley’s opening riff. I remember looking at the pond next to the road when the radio reported on the war. I remember trying to read the sign on the Walgreens across the street when the radio told us the death toll for the week. I remember when they said only 98 civilians and 1 soldier died yesterday compared to the 257 that had died the day before. I remember being an optimistic child who said “That’s good! ONLY 98 people died. That’s less than 100!” 
I remember my mom taking her eyes off the red light. I remember her face when she turned around to look at me. I remember the color and the smell and the feel of the moment all meticulously cataloged in my brain 20 years later. I remember when she told me, “One person dead is too many”. 
My mother never hid the world from me, so she taught me how to exist in that world.  
I still listen to the radio. My destination is no longer the little elementary school with the red awning and the carpeted gym, but the drive is still filled with intersections from my childhood.
It’s January, and the morning snow is more messy than peaceful as I shift into neutral and skid to a halt in front of the empty storefront that used to hold a pizza shop with nice owners that let me sit on the counter when I would practice my abc’s with them. “...Italy has reported 167 deaths over the weekend…” One person dead is too many.
It’s February, and I sit impatiently at a redlight next to the park district where my 4th grade crush and I went sledding. “...Washington state has reported the first death due to COVID in the US…””One person dead is too many.
It’s March, and I am putting on a new set of gloves in front of my grandmother’s house. I used to sit with her and knit after dinner, telling her about all the new developments in my life. Now, I have left my cross stitch at home. I have to remember to keep my distance, just wipe down the  groceries and leave as soon as I can. It’s been over a month since I’ve hugged her. “...At this rate experts are estimating that 200,000 Americans will die from COVID-19 by the end of the year…”One person dead is too many.
It’s June, and my mom finds a spot on the corner next to the park where my friends and I entered an ice cream eating contest so many years ago. I won against the boy that was 5 years older and twice my size. I savour the air conditioning for another minute while gathering masks and signs. “...thousands continue to protest in response to the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of police…” One person dead is too many.
It’s December, and I pass the warehouse where my mom and I helped a kind old man sort donated toys. That’s a memory so buried I’m shocked to recall it some 10 years later. I wonder how he’s doing.“... deaths are on the rise as the US reported more that 3,000 died from the novel Corona Virus yesterday. To put that in perspective, that is more people than died in 9/11 or about 2 people dying every minute…” One person dead is too many.
It’s January again, and the snow is thick as I hit the red light for the entrance to the park my friends and I would flock to every fourth of July, scampering around with fair food in coordinating outfits looking for a clear spot with a good view to set down our blankets. “...five people have died following the storming of the capital..” One person dead is too many.
It’s still January again, and I am so tired while waiting in front of the drugstore that I have only been to once before, after a school event to get a change of clothes so I could play cherry bomb at a park with the gaggle laughing teenagers in my car after curfew. I would love to still be in my bed right now, or at the very least not have to drive an hour back home, but it’s my dad’s birthday, and somehow a year later, rapid tests are still not easy to come by. “...the US COVID-19 death toll has surpassed 400,000…” One person dead is too many.
It’s February again, and I pass the triangle church where I met my best friend. The hill seems so much smaller than it did when I was two and there was nothing better than rolling through the grass. “...Two people including a child have now died due to the Texas power crisis. They suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning while using their car to keep warm…”One person dead is too many.
They are cold and sick and thirsty, but you blame the windmills?
They are huddling for warmth and boiling their water, but you say “don’t be weak”?
They are driving hours to bring blankets to dying parents in hospitals where there is oxygen but not water, but you believe that a virulent disease is a hoax?
What did you blame when New Orleans was below sea level?
What did you say when Flint couldn’t boil their water for five years?
What did you believe when California was burning?
In case you have never quite stopped hiding the world,
In case you have become numb to the numbers, 
In case your parents never told you,
I am here. 
Reminding you. 
ONE PERSON DEAD IS TOO FUCKING MANY.
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mrs-berry · 5 years ago
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Concert
By mrs_berry
Read on AO3!
Part 1 of ML Love Square Fluff Week 2020
@lovesquarefluffweek
Summary: Marinette is given two concert tickets for Jagged Stone’s concert, but who will she end up taking with her?
Word Count: 1598
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Jagged Stone was the best. Not only had he commissioned Marinette again, but on top of paying her for her creative services, he gave her two free VIP tickets to his concert!
So, of course, the first thing she did was squeal and freak out about it to Tikki.
The next thing she did was invite Alya to go with her.
The third thing she did was demote Alya from best friend, because Alya had turned down her invitation (how dare she!) due to “prior engagements.”
Which Marinette knew was a load of bologna.
The truth was Alya was being Alya. She was being her devious, cunning, sneaky self and plotting something.
It became even more obvious when literally everyone she asked had given her some bullshit excuse about being unable to make it. Seriously, who would turn down a free VIP Jagged Stone concert ticket?!
No one, that’s who!
After asking everyone she was good friends with and receiving more excuses than the ones she constantly gave out as Ladybug, she was down to her last resort.
Well, maybe not her last resort. Because that would be Lila. With Chloé being a close second last, of course.
Finally, after much persuasion and reassurance (and downright peer pressure), Marinette asked her crush to attend the concert with her.
To absolutely no one’s surprise, he gave a resounding yes and proceeded to smother her with gratitude and excitement. (Though how he happened to have a free schedule and gain permission to attend was a real mystery—one that will never be revealed.)
Suddenly, Marinette couldn’t remember why she had been reluctant to ask him in the first place. He was as big a fan of Jagged Stone as she was, for goodness sake!
“Okay, so my bodyguard will pick you up at 6 o'clock?”
Oh yeah. She was going to spend several hours of her evening with him. Alone. With only her foot to shove in her mouth if she became an awkward stuttering hot mess around him.
Great.
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Hours later, after school, Marinette tried to count her blessings and good luck as Alya did her hair and makeup while Marinette tried to re-teach herself the French language. 
“Sit still, girl, or I might burn you with the curling iron,” Alya scolded, as Marinette was currently fidgeting in attempt to soothe her nerves. Smirking, she added, “We wouldn’t want Adrien to think you got a hickey from someone other than him, hm?”
“Ack-Alya!” Marinette choked in exasperation at her friend’s teasing. It was certainly not helping with her already fried nerves.
Alya proceeded to give her a pep talk��� pointing out why Marinette was amazing, reminding her to be her friendly self, and reassuring her that Adrien was as scary as a cute golden retriever puppy.
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While Marinette appreciated her best friend’s words, it turned out whatever advice and encouragement she had received had conveniently drained out of her mind. Only panicked and anxious thoughts remained as Adrien greeted her before leading her to the car and opening the door for her.
“T-thanks,” she managed to squeak out as she practically tripped and fell onto the car seat.
Mercifully, Adrien either didn’t notice her disastrous clumsiness or respectfully decided to ignore it in order to spare her feelings or dignity (if she even had any left—at this point it was up for debate).
In the car, they sat in semi-awkward silence for about three seconds before Adrien requested that his bodyguard put the music back on.
To her surprise (though maybe she should not have been surprised, considering their destination), Jagged Stone’s music flowed through the speakers.
Almost inexplicably, Marinette felt her body relax. The tenseness in her shoulder dissipated. A smile spread across her lips. And before she could consciously stop herself, she was humming along to one of her favourite songs.
Adrien took notice of this, of course, and felt greatly relieved. He always worried over Marinette, especially when she became all stiff and weird around him—as if she was afraid of him or perhaps disliked his company. He always bottled up those anxious thoughts and chalked it up to being paranoid, but maybe one day he would broach the subject. Today was not the day, though, as he was determined to keep a happy and fun mood.
With an adoring smile on his lips, he began humming along with her.
Marinette sputtered, looking at him as if she just realized he was there.
Biting her lip, she gave a shy smile, before starting to hum again.
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The concert was the best; deafening rock music boomed through their chests and rattled their hearts as they stood near the stage. Lights flashed, glow sticks waved, fists pumped, and the audience screamed and danced to powerful guitar chords and lyrics.
Marinette and Adrien were in close proximity to each other, often finding themselves pressed up against one another as bustling bodies moved to the music.
Marinette could feel the heat radiating from Adrien (and other people, but they did not matter) and felt like fainting from happiness and utter bliss.
Adrien experienced similar feelings, though perhaps not from the same reasons as his short friend.
Marinette and Adrien sang to their heart’s content at the top of their lungs as they enjoyed every vibration, every chord, every lyric, and every moment of this concert.
(Marinette also enjoyed every second of contact with Adrien.)
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After the concert had ended, the duo made their way over to the VIP section of the concert, where they would be able to meet their idol.
Voices raspy and ears ringing, Marinette and Adrien found themselves gushing excitedly over the best concert of their lives, while they waited in line to meet Jagged.
The moment Jagged Stone spotted Marinette, he excitedly waved his arms at her.
Marinette beamed and greeted him enthusiastically.
“Marinette! It’s mighty rock ‘n’ roll that you could make it out here t'night!” he exclaimed enthusiastically.
Marinette went to give him a handshake, but he opted for a bone-crushing hug instead.
Flushed, but happy, she continued beaming as he released her from his vice grip.
“And who’s this, hmm? Oh, wait, you look familiar,” he observed, scratching his beard. “Is this yer boyfriend? Well, I definitely approve, seems like a nice lad for ya!”
Marinette went from beaming to red lobster in milliseconds.
“Agrestien—Adrigeste—ugh—Adrien Agreste is not—he is my friend!” she vehemently denied, struggling to make sensical words form from her lips. “And fan! A huge fan! Of yours, I mean! Not me. Not my fan.”
Marinette facepalmed at her own inability to be an articulate human being around her friend.
Adrien smiled sheepishly, possibly too star struck to have noticed the spazzy mess that stood beside him.
“Riiiight then,” Jagged drawled in a tone that clearly didn’t believe her denial for a second. “Would you like a hug as well? Or perhaps a handshake? Maybe a signed CD?”
Adrien wordlessly nodded rapidly. It seems Marinette was not the only inarticulate one at the moment.
Jagged beamed and swept the tall blond model into a bone-crushing hug identical to the one he had given Marinette.
Afterwards, Jagged took the CD that had mysteriously appeared in Adrien’s hand and signed it—signing it right next to Marinette’s signature.
He also signed Marinette’s Jagged Stone concert shirt, since she had not brought a CD along with her and said she didn’t need a free CD since she already owned all his albums.
By the end of their meeting, Adrien was pretty sure he would melt into a happy and fulfilled puddle at any moment.
Marinette felt the same way, but for slightly different reasons.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Gorilla drove the two teenagers home.
Both of them switched between speaking animatedly about their night and daydreaming about how surreal the whole event had been.
Once they reached the bakery, Adrien walked Marinette to the door, while his bodyguard waited for him in the car.
“Thank you so much for inviting me tonight,” he spoke quietly with complete sincerity. “It was the most fun I’ve ever had. I don’t know how, but I’ll definitely make it up to you, I promise.”
Marinette’s heart lurched at him feeling like he owed her. He was too sweet and he certainly didn’t owe her a thing.
“Oh, no, you don't—please don’t feel like you owe me anything! The tickets were free and I am so glad you were able to come!” Somehow, her strong feelings on the subject made her more coherent than she had been all night. Perhaps knowing he had so much fun had also dashed away some of her insecurities. “Honestly, I am really glad it was you who came with me and not anyone else. I had a blast. So, really, it should be me thanking you.”
Adrien was touched by her kindness and she could see it in his expression.
Looking into his soft eyes, she mustered what courage she had and tip-toed to give him a peck on the cheek.
He smiled brilliantly in response, a tinge of red seeping into his cheeks, but the darkness of the night and shadows hid it well.
“Goodnight, Marinette,” he said softly.
Turning around, he went back to his car, opened the door and got in. Closing the door, he gave her one last tender look (which she couldn’t see in the darkness) before his car took off into the night.
Marinette was confident no concert would ever top that one.
(Unless a certain blond boy came along with her again.)
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meadow-dusk · 6 years ago
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LONG LONG LONG
a music survey from livejournal days…
- TO TAKE THIS SURVEY, SIMPLY PUT YOUR MUSIC PLAYER ON SHUFFLE AND ANSWER THE QUESTIONS WITH THE TITLE OF THE SONG THAT COMES ON - [it’s better if you don’t cheat and don’t skip any songs.]
What is your name?: Moby Dick • Led Zep
How is your life going?: Get on the Right Thing • Paul McCartney
What is your nickname?: The Day the World Gets ‘Round • George Harrison
What is your theme song?: Little Games • The Yardbirds
What is your best friend’s theme song?: Wait • The Beatles
How is your life going to turn out?: Communication Breakdown • Led Zeppelin
Will you get married?: Four Sticks • Led Zeppelin
Will you have kids?: For What It’s Worth • Haley Reinhart
What will your job be?: Rattled • Traveling Wilburys
Did you/will you finish school?: Good Times, Bad Times • Led Zeppelin
Who is your best friend?: Behind that Locked Door • George Harrison
Who is or will be your significant other?: Think Pink! • Beyond Pink
Who do you like?: We’re All in This Together • High School Musical Cast
How will you die?: Stairway to Heaven • Led Zeppelin (YAAAAAS)
How do you feel right now?: Sentimental Journey • Ringo Starr
What is your favorite song?: Matilda Mother • Pink Floyd
How could you describe your parents?: Pilate and Christ • Jesus Christ Superstar (you can’t make this stuff up yall)
Your best friend[s]?: Postcards from Paradise • Ringo Starr
Your teachers?: She’s Not There • The Zombies
Your significant other [or crush…]?: Riding on a Bus • The Beatles (an interview)
Yourself?: Brian Bathtubes • The Beatles (taking requests)
What is your best feature?: The Riddle • Five for Fighting
What will you be/should you be, profession-wise?: Desire • U2
How could you describe this survey?: I Told You So • Randy Travis
What makes you angry?: Moanin’ • Chris Farlowe ft. Jimmy Page and a random sitarist (this song is so interesting)
What makes you sad?: Everything I Know • Mandy Gonzalez 
What makes you happy?: One • Bee Gees
What makes you dance?: I Still • Backstreet Boys
What is your favorite color?: Sundown • Gordon Lightfoot
How would you describe yourself?: Heart Attack • One Direction
Who is your worst enemy?: Little Soldier Boy • The Yardbirds
Who do you hate?: No Me Diga • In the Heights
Who do you love?: I Started a Joke • Bee Gees
Who do you lust after?: What Do You Want? • The Yardbirds Finish the Sentence I wish: Rainy Day Women #12 and 35 • Bob Dylan I want to: We’re on the Road Again • Ringo Starr I want to kill:. Money • The Beatles I want to eat: Spring Musical Medley • HSM3 yall with Kryan duet to open My head: Sometimes I’ll Be There • Naked Brothers Band (accurate) I am: Movin On • Rascal Flatts My best feature is: The Sad Bells of Rhymney • Fifth Avenue My eyes are: Safest Place to Hide • Backstreet Boys My hair is: Who Can See It • George Harrison My face is: Baby Come on Home • Led Zeppelin You should: Not This Time • 3Lw
Random Words of advice: And Here We Are Again • The Beatles  How do others see me?: Rhythm of Love • Plain White T’s How do I see myself?: Knowing Me, Knowing You • ABBA *** For this first section, put down the first ten songs that play, and then rate them on a scale of 1 - 5 (5 being the best) in the next column. 1. I Have a Dream •  Abba 2/5 2. Sounds of Silence • Simon and Garfunkel 5/5 3. In The Flesh • Pink Floyd 4/5  4. Ya-Ya •  John Lennon (ft. Julian on drums) 4/5  5. Magic Bus • The Who Live at the Isle of Wright 4/5 6. Stomp • Steps 2/5 7. KICK DA DUST UP • Luke Bryan 4/5 8. Your Mother Should Know • The Beatles 5/5 9. Photograph • Ringo (2017) 3/5 he sounds great but it isn’t exciting also who’s the chick I didnt sign up for this 10. Piggies • The Beatles 5/5 good one George Now for a little fortune telling… 1. Who am I?: Tug of War • Paul McCartney 2. Why am I here?: Bet On It • Zac Efron (skittles and steak) 3. What’s my theme song?: American Beauty/American Psycho • Fall Out Boy 4. How’s tomorrow gonna be?: Behind Blue Eyes • The Who 5. What does ______ really think of me?: Let’s Go to Vegas • Faith Hill 6. What’s this school year going to be about?: Man on Fire • Andy Gibb 7. Is something bad going to happen in the near future?: Little Bitty • Alan Jackson 8. What’s the government going to do next?: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band/The End • Paul McCartney Live at Citi Field 9. What’s my best friend doing right now?: Inutil • Carlos Gomez 10. What does my iPod/MP3 think about me?: American Girl • Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Last section! These next questions are all about music 1. I absolutely LOVE this song!: The Look of Love • ABC Comments: This was in Start the Commotion and there was a clip art of eyes as the O’s in look 2. I have no clue why this song is still on my music player: Steppin’ Out • John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers Comments: It’s saved because I occasionally really try to get into Clapton 3. This song has AMAZING lyrics: Love Will Find a Way • Pablo Cruise Comments: I remembered his initials but not his name
4. The band that does this song is one of my favorites: Most Peculiar Man • Simon and Garfunkel Comments: I would not say favorites but I give them their due 5. My dad loves this song: Songs About Rain • Gary Allan Comments: he bought the CD and took it on road trips so probs 6. My mom can’t stand this song: The Hook (All My Love) • Led Zeppelin Comments: she probably can stand it more than me 7. I have a sibling who enjoys listening to songs by this band: When You See a Chance • Steve Winwood Comments: fair to say that cause once she asked me what the name of Valerie was 8. One of my best friends hates the band that does this song: Like Nobody’s Around • Big Time Rush Comments: NO FRIEND OF MINE! 9. I got this song off a mix CD: Got My Mind Set On You • George Harrison Comments: I learned how to do the mashed potato to this song 10. This song is on a movie soundtrack: The Freedom Song • Jason Mraz Comments: could definitely be but don’t hold this one down
11. Share a memory involving this song in comments: Friday On My Mind • The Easybeats Comments: running to it - how was there this much good music at one time 12. I’ve played this song on repeat before: You’re My Number One • S Club 7 Comments: Try this ALBUM back when we used to play S Club and have choreography 13. This song is on the band’s Greatest Hit’s CD: Ramblin’ Man • Allman Brothers Band Comments: if it isn’t they screwed up 14. I love dancing to this song!: If You Wanna Do a Dance • The Spinners Comments: seems like that was the idea 15. This song gets me every time I hear it: Bathroom Sound (Out on the Tiles early take) • Led Zeppelin Comments: I prefer the final version with vocals and silly quips but this version does just as well for Bonzo Appreciation Time 16. This song is great to listen to when you’re angry: Farmer Refuted (Instrumental) • Hamilton  Comments: OH MY GOD tear this dude apart 17. I love the music video for this song: I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band) • Moody Blues Comments: if there is one it’s probably psychedelic so I’d dig it I bet 18. I’ve seen the band that performs this song live: The Boxer • Simon and Garfunkel Comments: I have not.  This song is beautiful.  19. Is this song better to listen to at night, in the morning, or in the afternoon?: Let’s Get Rocked • Def Leppard Comments: morning, running. 20. I haven’t listened to this song in so long!: That’s the Way (Live Paris 1971) • Led Zeppelin Comments: not true it came on on the way to the gym barely a few weeks ago *** What were the first words to Abe Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address?: What ya gonna do when it’s cold outside? (Keep It Hid • Robert Plant) What did Martin Luther King have a dream about, anyways?: You’ve got a cute way of talking, you got the better of me! (You Make Me Feel Like Dancin’ • Leo Sayer)  Tomorrow’s newspapers will all have the major headline of: Out in the Rain Looking for Sunshine (Permanent Stain • Backstreet Boys) If someone offered you some free drugs, how would you respond?: Lord almighty, feel my temperature risin’...(Burning Love • Elvis) What kind of higher power do you believe in?: You need coolin, baby I’ ain’t foolin (Whole Lotta Love • Led Zeppelin) What do people really notice about you?: There’s a girl I know who makes me feel so good (Valleri • The Monkees) What do you notice first in the preferred sex of your choice?: Hey fellas, have ya heard the news you know that Annie’s back in town (Heartbreaker • Led Zeppelin) What do you look for in reading books?: They say that Richard Cory owns one half of this whole town, with political connections to spread his wealth around (Richard Cory • Wings) What’s a must-have quality in a friend for you?: Meeting people along my way, seemingly I’ve known one day (Happenings Ten Years Time Ago • The Yardbirds) What scares the shit out of you?: Gat Kirwani • George Harrison (this has no words it’s just a sitar jam) How do you laugh?: Anna, you come and ask me, girl, to set you free girl? (Anna (Go To Him) • The Beatles)  Why do you do these surveys?: When the night returns just like a friend, when the evening comes to set me free  (If You Know What I Mean • Neil Diamond) Do you have anything you’d like to confess?: I can see you in the window waiting for my call (Untouchable • Big Time Rush) How do you feel about the person you cannot stand the most?: If ever you’ve got rain in your heart, someone has hurt you and torn you apart, am I unwise to open up your eyes to love me (Run To Me • Bee Gees)  The best date ever, in your book, would consist of…: Dear Theodosia, what to say to you?(Dear Theodosia • Leslie Odom Jr. & Lin-Manuel Miranda) If you sent a random Hallmark card to a friend, you would write to them: Are we growing up or just going down? It's just a matter of time until we're all found out. (Sophomore Slump or Comeback of the Year • Fallout Boy) If you had the chance to speak to (a) God, what would you say?: Every time I see her, she don’t even look my way (Just My Style • Gary Lewis and the Playboys) Finish the sentence: “When the going gets tough…”: My friend came to me with sadness in his eyes and told me that he wanted help before his country dies (Bangla Desh • George Harrison)  How do you deal with your stress?: I can almost remember their funny faces (Jet • Paul McCartney) What is your biggest burden in life?: Somebody’s knocking at the door, somebody’s ringing the bell (Let Em In • Wings) What’s the coolest thing about your best friend?: Hands, put your empty hands in mine (Stand By You • Rachel Platten) Why do you love the one you do?: Sweet, wonderful you.  You make me happy with the things you do (You Make Loving Fun • Fleetwood Mac) If a friend broke their arm and got a cast, what would you write on it?: Gonna build myself a castle high up in the clouds (Dance the Night Away • Cream)  You see a stick and wet cement. What do you write?:  It feels so right now hold me tight (Hold Me Tight • The Beatles) A guy just stole your (purse, car, etc)! What do you yell at him?: Welcome to the camp, I guess you all know why you’re here (We’re Not Gonna Take It • The Who) You pass a crack addict on the corner one day. Solemnly he tells you: Well now we’re respected in society, we don’t worry bout the things that we used to be, we’re talkin heroin with the president (Respectable • The Rolling Stones) What will your baby’s first words be?:  He knows about you in every way, he's memorized every part of your face (Does He Know • One Direction) You are at your wit’s end, and decide to write a suicide note. It begins: The pound is sinking, the peso’s falling, the lira’s reeling and feeling quite appalling (The Pound is Sinking • Paul McCartney) Why can’t there be peace in the world?: Let’s talk about one, bay-bay, ya gotta hear me out (Get Another Boyfriend • Backstreet Boys)
How do you think people see you?: I walked in the band just started, the singer couldn't carry a tune in a bucket (Ten Rounds with Jose Cuervo • Tracy Byrd) Inside, though, what kind of person are you really?: well the rain was a-fallin’ and the ground turned to mud, I was watchin’ all the people running from the flood (Deliver Your Children • Wings) If you wanted to comfort a friend, you’d say: Anytime, any day you can hear the people say that love is blind, well I don’t know but I say love is kind (Listen to What the Man Said • Wings) When you want to cheer someone up, you say: *I just make series of nonsense sounds* (Pow R. Toc H. • Pink Floyd) You’re unbelievably depressed because your friend just told you…: people say we’ve got it made, don’t they know we’re so afraid? (Isolation • John Lennon)
When you are incredibly bored, you start thinking about…?: I drive all alone, at night, I drive all alone, don’t know what I’m headed for. (Dead End Friends • Them Crooked Vultures) You’re a classy person, so instead of cursing when you’re mad, you yell…?: I met a gin-soaked, bar-room queen in Memphis (Honky Tonk Women • The Rolling Stones)   you’re writing a love letter, but what are you going to begin it with?: The theater’s so obsessed with drama so depressed, it’s hard to sell a ticket on broadway! (Keep It Gay • The Producers)  If you were to write a letter to the President of the USA, it would say…?: It’s a boy, Mrs. Walker, it’s a boy (It’s a Boy • The Who) What would someone have to tell you to make you really angry?: No no no no, don’t phunk with mah haaahrt (Don’t Phunk with My Heart • Black-Eyed Peas) …To make you really depressed?:  Cars and girls are easy to come by in this day and age, laughing joking drinking smoking til I spend my wage (Over Under Sideways Down • The Yardbirds) ...To make you sexually aroused?: Catch a star if you can, wish for something special (Are You Ready for Love • The Spinners) Your first thoughts waking up were…: Life is just a bowl of All-Bran, you wake up every morning and it’s there (Happydaystoytown • The Small Faces)  Your last words before falling asleep will be…: the sun is shining in the sky, there ain’t a cloud in sight (Mr. Blue Sky • Electric Light Orchestra)
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ashaphros · 8 years ago
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Mythology Asks answered for @tombsofthevoid
Anubis: How do you feel about death? Death used to terrify me. I couldn’t even go past a graveyard without wigging out. Now I hang out in them, and I feel like death really is just another part of life. I feel like our physical time is limited, so truly we should just live in the moment, because we never know when it’ll end.
Atum: What are your greatest imperfections? Feeling too much and my chubby cheeks.
Bastet: Do you have any cats? I have a cat named Critter who is beautiful and mouthy and weird and she is the love of my life.
Hathor: What brings you joy? Music, singing, roadtrips, traveling, writing stuff I’m proud of, the wind, the grass on my feet, the ocean, the stars, being intertwined with someone (but also how the slightest touch can hold so much power), feeling completely comfortable with someone, making mix CDs/playlists, when the Orioles win …………
Horus: What is one thing you’ve had to fight for in your life? My self-worth. I used to only feel good about myself when someone wanted to have sex with me, but finding value in myself without any outside influence has been a serious struggle and I feel like I’ll be fighting for it my whole life.
Osiris: Do you believe in the underworld? I want to believe, but no. I definitely believe in the spirit world and other realms besides the physical, but I don’t think there’s one specific underworld. I think it’s all around us and happening at the same time. I do carry a penny in my pocket or bra at all times though, so if you’re with me when I die, please make sure to put it in my mouth to pay Charon to help me shift out of the physical world as this current incarnation.
Ra: Do you have any major responsibilities or importance? We all important b. But, I feel like coming out to my family as bisexual is important. I have no problem telling people I’ve just met that I’m bi, but my sisters are super baptist and I hold a lot of fear that they’ll either never want to see me again, or have me around my nieces and nephew, or look at me the same. But I think being totally honest with them, to have them know they are bloodlinked with someone they believe is “wrong�� will give them a different perspective on humans in general. We’re all in this together, and my heart goes out to all closeted people who choose to be out of fear.
Thoth: Do you like to read/write? Yessssssssss. I work at a library and I dunno how many stacks of books I have around the house. I’m a major defender against censorship. My favorite books are Siddhartha, 1984, and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. I also love fiction that takes place in the 60s and 70s (like The Girls and Crooked) and futuristic stuff that feels like it takes place in the past (like The Giver, Fahrenheit 451, and Cat’s Cradle). I loveeeeeee Greek mythology, so I’ve read a bunch of the individual myths and Myths of the Ancient Greeks by Richard P. Martin is really groovy, and I’ve been trying to make it through The Odyssey for about a year now, but I’m not giving up! I’ve been writing since I was in first grade. I’ve always kept a journal. I write poems and I’ve tried short stories but never had much luck sticking with them. I would love to travel though and gain experiences and incorporate them in my writing and it’s a goal of mine to get published one day.
Arawn: What is the most terrifying thing you’ve ever done? Probably any time I was the first person to tell someone I liked them, and especially when I loved them.
Bran: How is your health? Hahahaha, fucking shitty. I was diagnosed with colitis on Halloween a few years back, and I’m not keeping it in check, so physically, my joints (especially my knees) kill and there are times I use energy work to help my digestion when I can feel my intestines burning and yelling at me. My doctor thinks it was psychosomatic, I wanted to be skinny and I was feeding off other people’s reactions like “Oh you look so good!” when I was shitting blood 20+ times a day, that I waited so long to get looked at and my body is/was attacking itself. I was also diagnosed with major depression a couple summers ago and it was like “so THIS is what’s wrong with me”– sleeping 10 hours and still feeling tired, not wanting to plan my life or even seeing a point in it, cutting, no self-worth. I’m a hell of a lot better than I was, but I recognize that this is something that is never going to go away, and to try and focus on what brings me joy instead of what brings me down. I’ve been feeling super suicidal these past couple weeks though, to the point where I can’t even hold a knife without wanting to shove it into my stomach, but I’m still here and I’m still fighting.
Brighid: Tell us about your relationship with your father. My dad left us when I was five and it was kind of like “oh, dad’s not living with us anymore”, I didn’t really understand what was going on. I’d see him Wednesday nights and every other weekend, and I absolutely loved driving around and listening to the classic rock station in his truck. It wasn’t until I was a teenager, dealing with his alcoholism and finding out about his affair with one of my sister’s friends, that everything hit me. The day he went into rehab was the first time I cut. I don’t think he’s ever loved himself and I don’t think he ever wanted kids (he got my mom pregnant when she was 19 and I think married her because it was “the right thing to do”, instead of being honest with himself and letting his marriage go on for 17 years and three children later), and when I realized that, I was so angry, but it also brought some clarity to the situation. He’s with a woman now he’s known since he was a kid, and she’s super quirky and outgoing and cool, but at the same time, controlling and demeaning and will cut you off if you’re on her bad side, and he never sticks up for himself or me and my sisters, he just goes along with whatever she says. He lives six hours away and I haven’t seen him since January and it’s been over a month since we’ve spoken on the phone, but I believe we have this unspoken understanding that we love each other and think about each other. I just wish he loved himself more, and I’m sure he feels the same about me.
Cernunnos: What is your favorite animal? Llamas, cats, seahorses, octopi, capybaras, crows …………
Danu: What is your relationship with your mother? I held a lot of resentment toward my mom as a teenager because of our conflicting beliefs on religion and lifestyle and my drug use. But since I was 9, it’s been me and her because my sisters are so much older than me and my dad was out of the house, so I’ve been her therapist and confidant my whole life. But I’ve hidden so much from her. It’s still very hard to be completely honest with her, even though we are living under the same roof (which I’m very grateful she let me move back in). But once I start seeing that it’s okay to live the life I want and take steps to move out, I hope our relationship can flourish. We’re similar in that we’re both giving and hardworking and we look so much alike that there’s no denying we’re mother and daughter. She’s going through some health problems with her heart rn, and I’m truly scared, but she knows I’m here for her just like she has been my whole life.
Morrigan: What do you think happens when we die? I believe we are a collection of mental, spiritual, and emotional energy inhabiting a physical body, and when we die, our soul(s) search for another body to continue what we need to learn or let go of and this continues until the physical work is done. I think once that happens, we’ll be able to travel through all realms freely.
Olwen: What is your favorite flower? Honeysuckle. I love summer and it’s the sweetest tasting thing on earth and it represents intertwined lovers, which I think is so beautiful.
Rhiannon: Have you ever been betrayed? A friend in high school dated two guys I liked, one she knew I was especially into. But they both turned out to be assholes, so hey.
Bragi: What kind of music do you listen to? Mainly 60s and 70s rock (Black Sabbath, The Rolling Stones, Kiss, Rod Stewart, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin) but I dig Otis Redding, Sublime, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Van Halen, Pearl Jam, Eric Burdon, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Nicks ………….. I love the sitar and harpsichord and accordion and violin, so I listen to some “world music” too.
Freya: Have you ever been in love? Once, and I currently am. It’s with a guy I want so bad, I’ve built up in my head that he’s my soulmate/twin flame, but he is so hypocritical (he doesn’t want anything with anyone, but wants everything with someone at the same time) and feeds off hate, that I feel like I’m just running my heart over back and forth with my truck thinking about us being forever. It sucks and it hurts dude, and I can’t keep killing myself over him, but I continue to do so every second of every day.
Freyr: Do you have any children? I am a proud and cool aunt of two nieces and a nephew, and I just recently found out one of my sisters is pregnant. Biologically I’m built to have children, but mentally, I don’t think I’m meant to have children in this lifetime.
Hœnir: Are you a silent or talkative person? Silent for the most part, but with the right person, I can talk and talk about music and movies and books and mythology and philosophy forever.
Iounn: How old are you? 25
Loki: What is the best trick you’ve ever pulled on someone? Probably that I’ve been straight since I was 11. Uhmmmmmm when I was like 5, I hid in a cabinet in the kitchen to scare my sisters when they got home from school, and my mom and her friends were playing cards at the table and I was in there so long they forgot I was there until my sisters came in for food and I slowly opened the cabinet door and scared the shit out of alllllllll of them.
Odin: What is your family like? My mom likes watching movies and playing cards (I want to take her to Vegas, like she’s THAT good, but all she thinks that town is is drugs and hookers smh) and gardening. My dad is a really good cook, he’s sensitive and artsy. My oldest sister Lauren loves being outdoors, she has a wonderful laugh, and she is really good with a sewing machine, but her husband doesn’t appreciate her and it pisses me off. My sister Stacy is hilarious, she took me to my first concert (Def Leppard, which I’ve now seen three times), a really great photographer, but I feel like marriage and motherhood has made her a shell and it makes me sad, like she’s forgotten who she is. My niece Emery is 10 and headstrong, a painter and drawer and wrestler, and demands to be heard, she’s my snuggle buddy. My nephew Landon is 7 and sweet as can be, likes building things, and sees through the bullshit. I hope to one day feel completely comfortable in my skin with all of them and I’m striving toward it.
Thor: Would you consider yourself pretty powerful? I didn’t think so for a long time, but now I’m beginning to see that I am. Wicca and meditation and energy work and being able to see and feel the spirit world around us have tremendously helped with that. I recognize that being hypersensitive and empathetic and peace loving are not bad qualities, but strong ones.
Tree: What have you done with your life? What are you going to do with it? I feel like I’ve done nothing with my life besides give it away to other people, most of whom didn’t even ask me to. What I am going to do though is travel and sing and write and shed my light on this world.
Aphrodite: What do you think of yourself? Depends on the day or hour you ask, but I think I am compassionate and open minded, a sensualist, an old soul, musical, self-destructive, passionate, an observer ………….
Ares: Are you an easy person to anger? When it comes to judging or hating someone because they’re “different” than you, then yes, I will get pissed, but I’m pretty easy going for the most part.
Athena: Would you consider yourself an artist? Yes, I’m a singer and writer and appreciater of all art.
Apollo: Do you play any instruments? I’ve been dabbling with the piano and some percussion, but nah, I’m much more of a singer.
Dionysus: Do you drink? Yes, I love Long Island Iced Teas and piña coladas and I recently started drinking beer, I just need to learn to be patient and not drink so much at the beginning of planning on getting drunk because lately I’ve been throwing up because of it.
Hades: Do you have a bad reputation? I don’t give a damn bout my bad reputation.
Hekate: Have you ever tried to communicate with the dead? I had a dream once that I was in a house where all the relatives on my dad’s side of the family were. My grandma died when I was 2, and I heard she was a very kind lady who listened to Creedence Clearwater Revival on her tractor, and I want nothing more than to be able to meet up with her, so ever since, when I meditate, I try to go back to that house and find her. There’s also a little boy ghost I saw when I was thirteen with big brown eyes and a bowl cut that, when I told the guy I’m in love with about him, he said he’s seen him too, so I’ve been trying for the past year to contact him too.
Hermes: Have you ever stolen anything? Lipgloss from Target and a pack of Marlboro Gold 100s from my friend’s grandparents when I was fifteen. Stealing the cigarettes still haunts me ten years later.
Poseidon: Are you a moody person? Yeah, I’ve been known to be emotionally unstable and I’m trying to get a grasp on it.
Zeus: Are you a confidant person? Sometimes, but not usually. If it has to do with music or dates or actors’ names and what they’ve been in and when, I’m always like “I got this” though.
Pluto: Where do you think we go when we die? I think we go wherever our next incarnation needs to grow.
Apollo & Dianna: Do you prefer to be up during the day or at night? Night
Mars: Have you ever gotten into a fight? I never liked confrontation, but I’m seeing that it’s important to stand up for what you believe. Most fights I’ve been in have been over trying to explain something that doesn’t come out right. And I honestly would love to get into a fist fight some day, just to feel what it’s like. I really want to punch one of my exes in the mouth, like if I ever see him again, I’m gonna punch him in the mouth and then walk away.
Minerva: Do you generally give good advice? I do, and I never take my own advice.
Proserpine: Have you ever felt trapped? I feel trapped rn. I’ve never felt like myself, always trying to be what I think other people want me to be, and it’s left me lost and trapped.
Plutus: Do you have a job? Library represent. My dream job though would be to have my own radio station.
Venus: Have you ever had your heart broken? It’s breaking as I speak.
Vesta: Do you like being home or do you try to get out whenever you can? I do like staying home and reading, meditating, taking a bath, sleeping, watching the Orioles play and That 70s Show on tv, but I do love going out and hanging out in graveyards, at Waffle House, walking around getting drunk or stoned, singing in the car, and rollerblading. I feel a calling to get up and leave asap.
Morpheus: Do you daydream often? Of what? I live in a daydream. I daydream about singing onstage, of sitting in a coffee shop in a new city writing, of being with the guy I love forever, of meeting up with a shaman to help me navigate through the spirit world better, of living at a Buddhist temple and working for the monks and cleansing my negative energy, of hitchhiking, of being 100% and completely me.
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everbrilliantheartbreaker · 7 years ago
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I realize it's been approximately 400 years since I've posted a fic (ok only like, 10 months, but still) but I'm back in Haikyuu hell and have a lot of things planned, so we'll see how far I get. Also this is the most self indulgent garbage I've ever written in my entire life, and is based off of this comic which is a bonus to this comic and also came about because I recently found out that one of my friends from high school became a massage therapist. I did as much research and made everything as accurate as I could, so hopefully everything is ok ^^u Also under a read more cause this trash is 9 pages long sheesh.
When Sugawara's regular massage therapist calls out sick, he finds himself instead in the care of a man named Daichi Sawamura. The two bond over a shared love of volleyball, but can their fledgling friendship survive the drama that happens off the court?
Touch Me 
|chapter 1| In the palm of yours hands
Sugawara pushed open the door to the Karasuno Day Spa and inhaled deeply. The spa always smelled faintly of perfume and there were small fountains running on either side of the reception desk. Simply walking into the lobby was enough to relax him. His weekly sports massage definitely helped as well.
He approached the front desk to check in, making idle chatter with the young girl who had just started as the receptionist a few days ago.
“I’m here to see Shimizu-san again.”
The girl thumbed through a planner, but before she could confirm whether or not Suga’s regular therapist was done with her previous appointment someone else spoke up.
“You’re Sugawara Koshi-san?”
He jumped at the sound of his name, startled by the sudden appearance of a young man from the hallway to the right of the reception desk. At first glance he was rather plain and unassuming; but the more Suga looked at him the more he thought that he was handsome in a rugged sort of way. Then they made eye contact and Suga felt a jolt go down his spine.
The other man was smiling at him politely, but his eyes gave Suga the feeling that he could see right through him, that he was reading his mind and knew all his secrets. It was an unsettling feeling.
Suga realized abruptly that the man was still waiting for an answer to his question and felt his face flush. “Um, yes, that’s me.”
The man flashed him an apologetic smile. “Shimizu called out this morning. I guess she came down with a bad case of food poisoning last night.”
“That’s awful.”
The man glanced at the girl behind the desk. “Yachi-chan called as many of Shimizu’s appointments as she could to let them know so they could reschedule, but I don’t think she was able to find your number. Sorry about that.”
“Oh, no, it’s fine-“ Suga began, but was cut off by Yachi slamming her head down on the desk.
“It’s all my fault! I was sorting papers yesterday and I must have lost it! And now I’ve totally inconvenienced you by not calling about your cancelled appointment and then I couldn’t even remember that Shimizu-senpai had called out. Please forgive meee.”
Suga was taken aback by her outburst, while her colleague just looked faintly amused.
“I-it’s not a big deal, Yachi-san.” Suga insisted. “I’ll just come back later this week.”
“Um, well actually,” the other man cut in. “I’ve been covering any clients of Shimizu’s that didn’t want to reschedule, so if you’d still rather do it today…just a sports massage, right?”
“Uhh, right.”
Suga readjusted the strap of his school bag and debated the pros and cons of trying to reschedule, when he didn’t even know how soon Shimizu would be back, versus getting a massage from a complete stranger; and a man at that. But he had really been looking forward to it this week…
“Sure, why not.” He shrugged, trying to sound casual and not like his anxiety was kicking into overdrive over something so silly.
“Great.” The other man turned to lead the way, smiling at him over his shoulder. “I’m Sawamura Daichi, by the way.”
Suga found himself faltering again under those piercing eyes.
“It’s nice to meet you.” he managed.
They passed a few closed doors, one of which Suga recognized as Shimizu’s room, and then Sawamura stopped.
“This is my room. Go ahead and get ready and I’ll be in in a few minutes.”
“Mm.”
Sawamura disappeared down the hall back towards the front desk.
Suga continued to the end of the hall and pushed open the very last door. A set of frosted glass half walls hid the interior of the room – the men’s dressing room – from anyone standing in the doorway. He ducked around the glass and went to the far end of the room, undressing quickly and putting on one of the soft white robes hanging on a rack in the middle of the room. He folded his clothes neatly and lay them on his bag in one of the lockers against the back wall.
He padded quickly back down the quiet hallway and halted in front of the door Sawamura had indicated earlier, taking a deep breath. ‘Too late to back out now.’ He ducked into the room and shut the door behind him, taking a moment to take in the room’s interior. He had complimented Shimizu once on her room’s tasteful décor, and she had mentioned in return that every therapist had their own set up. Suga found himself curious about Sawamura’s taste in décor.
The room was clean and understated, much like Shimizu’s; but in place of the long mirrors and simple paintings of birds and flowers were a few potted plants and some curious metal wall hangings that resembled vines. There was also a rather large watercolor painting hanging across from them; a huge splash of black that gradually turned into a flock of birds. A few small cabinets, a chair, and a sink made up the rest of it. All in all, Suga realized it pretty much matched his first impression of Sawamura: simple at first glance, but with a touch of mystery and the potential for drama.
A brief knock at the door startled him out of his thoughts. “Sugawara-san?”
A jolt of panic shot through him. “Um, one second!”
He scrambled to remove the robe and hang it semi-neatly on a hook beneath the watercolor before hastily laying down on the padded table in the middle of the room. He carefully positioned the large black towel that had been hanging off the end of the table over his waist and legs before burying his burning face in his arms.
“Um, ready.”
The door opened softly behind him and Suga did his best to rein in his quick breathing. ‘Good grief, could you maybe calm down just a little bit?’ he scolded himself. ‘It’s not like he’s the first guy to see you pretty much naked. You strip in front of the guys at practice all the time. And if you can get over a GIRL seeing you like this and putting her hands all over you, this should be a piece of cake.’ He risked peeking over his arms and watched Sawamura open one of the cabinets and take out a small bottle. Suga found himself idly wondering what kind of oil he used; Shimizu’s lightly smelled of flowers. ‘Just like her.’ he thought with a small smile. ‘Beautiful and serene in every respect.’
Sawamura’s voice made him jump again.
“So I usually just turn on some real quiet instrumental music in the background, but if you prefer I can also turn on the radio. Or we can talk, OR we can just enjoy the silence. Whichever you prefer.”
“Um.” Suga responded eloquently, and grimaced. ‘You’ve “um”’d like every other sentence since he first spoke to you. He must think you’re a complete idiot.’ “It doesn’t matter to me.” In an attempt to appear slightly more skilled at holding a conversation than he currently was, he added, “Shimizu turns on music, too, but we always just end up talking over it.”
“We’ll just do that then.” Sawamura turned a dial on a cd player sitting atop one of the cabinets and the soft sounds of a violin filled the room. He washed his hands quickly at the small sink and uncapped the bottle.
He turned back around, spreading the oil on his hands, and Suga quickly buried his face in his arms again before Sawamura noticed him staring. He stepped behind Suga out of sight, and his hands were so light at first that for a moment Suga didn’t register that he was touching him.
The hands moving confidently up his back were large and warm, and Suga started to finally relax a little. Then Sawamura moved his hands down his sides and Suga shuddered involuntarily. He heard Sawamura breathe a soft laugh and flushed. Shimizu had laughed as well, the first time she realized he was ticklish. The next time Sawamura adjusted his hands just enough to avoid tickling him and Suga sighed a little as the man worked out a knot in his back. His mind drifted just enough so that the other man finally spoke, for once it didn’t startle him.
“So what do you play?”
“Hm?”
“I looked over your records while you were getting ready earlier. You’ve gotten a sports massage once a week for the last four months. So I assume,” – and his voice held a trace of amusement – “that you play a sport.”
“That’s a logical assumption.” Suga said drolly, and was rewarded with another breathy laugh. “And I play volleyball.” He felt Sawamura’s fingers twitch against his skin in surprise.
“Really? What position?”
“Setter.”
The other man hm’d thoughtfully. “I can definitely see that.”
“Yeah, why’s that?”
Strong fingers pressed into his shoulder. “Have you ever noticed that setters are almost always the pretty ones?”
It took several seconds for Suga to process what he had said. He sputtered. “The what?”
“The pretty ones.” Sawamura answered matter-of-factly, as if he hadn’t just indirectly called Suga as such. “Like, for instance, I saw a junior high match a few years ago.” He moved to Suga’s other shoulder. “They had a crazy good setter. Kid had a scary face, but he was definitely what you’d call pretty.”
Suga’s heart started to settle back down a little. “What school?”
“Kitagawa Daiichi, I think.”
Suga sat up a little in excitement. “I saw one of his matches, too!” Sawamura pushed lightly on his back and Suga lay back down, embarrassed. “Sorry. But man, that kid was amazing. I was so jealous. I could never set that accurately.”
“Me neither. But then, that’s not my job, so I never have to worry about it.”
“Yeah.” Suga agreed automatically, and then he jerked. “Wait, do you play too?”
The same quick, soft laugh. Suga was starting to enjoy hearing it. “Yeah.”
“No way. What position?”
“Wing spiker.”
Suga peeked over his shoulder at him, then rested his head back on his arms. “I could see that.”
“And why is that?”
“Well, wing spikers usually seem really strong and dependable, right? Because they’re the offensive players. So obviously they usually look strong. All of ours do, I know that much.”
Sawamura coughed awkwardly. “What school do you play for?” He asked, in an only slightly obvious attempt to change the subject. Suga smirked, feeling bold for the first time since he walked into the building. Two could play the casual praise game.
“Sarukawa Tech.”
“Wow. What are you going for?”
“Computer sciences degree.”
“Wow again.” Sawamura’s hands moved to his neck and Suga sighed a little in pleasure. “So you’re into computers and stuff, huh?”
“Yeah. I like learning how that stuff works. How all the little pieces fit together.” He laughed a little. “Plus, depending on what field you go into, there’s a little less dealing with people. Easier on my anxiety.” The words slipped out before he could stop them; usually he didn’t think twice about making jokes about his anxiety, but for some reason he found himself worrying that Sawamura might think less of him for it. Suga was already positive that he thought him the most awkward person in existence. Sawamura didn’t say anything, though; simply hummed understandably. Nonetheless it was Suga’s turn to awkwardly change the subject.
“What school do you play for?”
“Shiraume.”
Suga started. “What? They’re supposed to be really good!”
Sawamura chuckled and ran his hands down Suga’s back again. “I like to think we are.” He stepped back and Suga stretched, sighing deeply.
“Much better. Thanks so much.”
Out of the corner of his eye he saw Sawamura smile. Even just a glimpse was blinding. “Happy to help.” He whisked out of the room, leaving Suga to carefully put his robe back on and hum along to the last few strains of violin music drifting from the cd player. He made his way slowly back to the dressing room, depositing the robe in a large hamper once he was redressed.
At the front desk Yachi ran his credit card and apologized once more about the scheduling mix-up. He held his hands up placatingly. “Seriously, Yachi-san, please don’t worry about it. Everything worked out fine.”
She handed back his card and receipt with teary eyes. “I’b so glab.” Suga smiled and turned away, putting his wallet back into his bag. Yachi was a sweet girl. She’d do a great job once she had a little more experience and her nerves settled a little. Of course, her panicky nature was what endeared her to Suga in the first place, as he could definitely relate.
He was almost to the front door when someone called his name.
“Sugawara-san.”
Sawamura seemed to almost appear out of nowhere only a few steps behind him and Suga jumped again. “Y-yes?”
“I got to thinking…our coach is looking to schedule some extra practice matches later this week. Do you think your team would be interested?”
“In playing you?” Suga asked dumbly. Sawamura nodded. “Um…” ‘Back to your eloquent self, I see.’ “I think they would be. I can ask our coach about it at practice tomorrow.”
“Great. I’ll have our coach call yours to talk times then, if he agrees.”
“Cool.” Suga agreed, before remembering abruptly that he didn’t know his coach’s number or the university’s by heart. “Uh, this is kind of embarrassing, but I don’t know his number off the top of my head.” He thought for a moment, then dug in his bag. “Um, why don’t I just give you mine for now, and then I can text you his tomorrow.” Sawamura made a strange face and it dawned on Suga that he might be being too forward.
“You don’t mind a complete stranger having your number?”
Suga meant to simply say no, but instead what came out was, “You’ve seen me almost completely naked, so I wouldn’t say we’re complete strangers.” The moment it was out of his mouth he regretted it. Behind the desk Yachi looked about as red as he felt. Sawamura was making a weird face again, but before Suga could apologize he started laughing. Not the quiet, controlled laugh from their session but a loud, shoulder-shaking laugh that echoed briefly off the high ceiling. When he finally could breathe again there were tears in the corners of his eyes.
“Fair enough. Let me grab my phone.”
Yachi watched him go, then turned to Suga with huge eyes. “I’ve never seen Sawamura-san laugh like that. He’s usually so serious.”
“How long has he been working here?” Suga asked curiously. “I know I’ve only been coming here a couple of months, but I don’t remember ever seeing him.”
“Only a few weeks. He’s only part-time so that might be why.” Yachi shuffled some papers together and brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear, smiling shyly. “I thought he was kind of scary at first, but he’s actually a very kind person.”
Before Suga could respond Sawamura reappeared, phone in hand, and Yachi quickly hunched over behind her computer and started clicking the mouse in earnest. Suga bit back a laugh. ‘If we really had been up to something bad we would’ve been busted in two seconds flat. Yachi-san has no poker face whatsoever.’
He dug a water bottle out of his bag, reciting his number to Sawamura between gulps. As he finished speaking his phone buzzed. Curious, he pressed the text icon and then yelped. “Shoot!” He shouldered his bag and dashed to the door. “Sorry.” He called over his shoulder at Sawamura’s confused expression. “I forgot I agreed to take my mom out to a movie tonight, and now we’re running late. Just, uh, shoot me a text later and I’ll send you our coach’s number tomorrow.”
“Uhh, right.”
“See you next week, Sugawara-san!” Yachi waved enthusiastically.
Suga waved back and ducked into the waiting car. “Sorry.” he said breathlessly. “We got busy.”
His mother raised an eyebrow. “I can see that.” She laughed. “Appointment run so long that you forgot about your dear mother?”
He rolled his eyes at her playfully. “Nooo. They got a new massage therapist. He plays for Shiraume’s volleyball team and their coach is looking to schedule some extra matches this week. I’m gonna talk to Coach Ukai about it tomorrow.”
They pulled out of the parking lot and his mother smiled tolerantly. After a bad wrist sprain in high school had put him out of commission for almost two weeks, his mother had become less enthusiastic about his passion for volleyball. But she hadn’t demanded that he stop playing, so he tried not to mind too much. “That sounds fun.”
Suga checked his texts again. There was nothing yet but he found himself grinning anyways. “Yep.”
He spent the rest of the night checking his phone on and off between homework assignments, but it wasn’t until nearly 10 o’clock that his phone finally buzzed with a text from an unknown number.
Received: Hey, it’s Sawamura. [10:00]
Suga nearly dropped his phone in his rush to pick it up.
Sent: Hey. It’s Sugawara. [10:01]
Sent: Um, but you already knew that. Since you’re the one texting me. [10:01]
Sent: Obviously. [10:01]
He buried his face in his hand, peeking through his fingers at his phone when it buzzed again.
Received: :D [10:02]
Suga snorted at the smiley face. Feeling a little bolder, he texted back.
Sent: Are you laughing at me [10:02]
The bottom of the text window said, “Unknown is typing”, but the message kept disappearing and reappearing, as if Sawamura kept changing his mind on what to say. Suga took the opportunity to enter his number into his contacts. He idly thumbed through his pictures, looking for a good icon, but in the end left it blank. Just as he backed out of his gallery his phone vibrated again.
Received: Maybe. [10:04]
Suga thought suddenly of the way Sawamura laughed softly whenever he did something embarrassing and felt his face burn.
Sent: So mean T.T [10:05]
Received: Sorry :D [10:05]
Sent: You don’t sound sorry at all [10:05]
Sent: Well, look sorry anyways [10:06]
Received: :D [10:06]
Sent: You really like that smiley don’t you [10:06]
Received: :D :D :D :D [10:06]
Suga choked on a laugh. He glanced at the clock above his bed, coughing a little. It was only a few minutes after ten, but unfortunately school mornings came fast.
Sent: Anyways, I’ll text you our coach’s number tomorrow. [10:08]
Received: Cool. I’ll be looking forward to it. [10:08]
Received: :D [10:08]
Suga snickered and plugged his phone in to charge, double checking that his alarm was set for the next day. He yanked the comforter over his head and went to sleep feeling stupidly happy.
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