#These Wishing Stars... | Mid-game Verse (Rose)

[lieblxng]

@cherishedchallenger​

"Chairman you deserve love please don't be so sad. = (" - Madison

“Thank you for the concern, Madison. I’m not sad though, but I do appreciate you looking after me!” [ Time to hide his feelings with a smile like he does every weekday! ] “Make sure you do the same for yourself though, alright?”

[clever-beets]

Tag Dump!

[i-write-fanfics-to-procrastinate]

Laxui Week Day 1: Water Fight

It’s Laxui week bless. D’: Here’s day one from me, set in canon-verse. ;)

Laxui: Water Fight

              It was mid-morning when Laxus finally got rid of Bickslow, Freed, and Ever—who for some reason had insisted they come with him. If he had been honest with them, he would have told them there was no job. He was in Crocus for another reason. But he couldn’t tell them the truth… the person he was meeting had insisted that this had to remain between the two of them for now.

              “There you are,” she was waiting by the palace gates, her hair tied back in braids, hat firm on her head. His heart skipped a beat upon seeing her again. The last time he had seen her was nearly a month ago at the Grand Magic Games Ball. She had enticed him to dance, and since that moment, looking into her beautiful jade eyes, he hadn’t been able to get her out of his head.

              “Sorry I’m late, Princess,” he said, “Had to duck away from some friends. But now I’m all yours.”

              The flush that rose in her cheeks at those words made him feel warm. She was beautiful, even in the gray light of a cloudy day. He remembered he dress at the Ball, the way her hair had been pulled back into a neat bun. She had been so happy then. But even more than that, he remembered her face the night they faced the jade dragon. Her ponytail tossing on the wind, her jade eyes full of fire and reflecting the stars above.

              “Where are we going today?” Hisui asked, as he offered her his arm.

              “Wherever you’d like,” he smiled.

              “I heard of this place in the center of Crocus,” she said, “Where there’s a water fountain that’s bigger than any of the fountains at the palace.”

              “Oh yes,” Laxus nodded. “Central Fountain. I know a café there. Is that where you’d like to go?”

              “I’d love to see it with you.” Hisui nodded. And so they were off, moving through the streets. Hisui talked about the changes they had made since the games, the preparations for her to become queen… the planning for the ceremony. Laxus told her how everyone in the guild was doing since the games. He found his arm dropping and soon enough she clasped his hand, fingers entwined with his. And for a moment, at the warmth of her hand in his he hesitated. But if felt right, like it belonged there.

              They arrived at the square just as the sun was coming out through the clouds. The fountain was enormous, huge, white marble statues of mages spilling water from their hands. They reminded Laxus of Juvia’s magic. He turned to look at his companion to see her eyes wide in awe.

              “It’s huge,” she breathed, “and beautiful.” The basin that the water spilled into was wide and deep, perhaps a couple feet, the edge of the fountain decorated with shimmering gold and white mosaic tiles.

              “You’ve really never seen it before?” Laxus smiled, squeezing her hand.

              “No!” She gasped. “It’s amazing! I’ve not seen much of the city, you know. Come on, lets sit by it, I want to feel the water!”

              She pulled him closer to the fountain. He could feel the mist from the cascading water as they sat on the tiles. Hisui dunked her hand in the water, “Ah it’s cold,” she breathed, quickly pulling her hand out and accidentally splashing water up onto Laxus’s pants. “Sorry!” She said.

              “It’s alright,” Laxus laughed.

              “There are lots of coins,” Hisui frowned.

              “People make wishes,” Laxus said, “And toss a coin in so their wishes come true.”

              “Oh…” her face fell.

              “Here….” Laxus pulled out his wallet and slipped a coin into her hand. “You have to stand up and toss it over your shoulder.”

              “What?” Hisui laughed.

              “If you don’t, your wish won’t come true.” Laxus shrugged.

              Hisui clutched the coin in her hand and then nodded, taking in a deep breath and standing with her back to the fountain. Laxus grinned. She was open. He ducked his hand into the water, and cupped water in his hand and tossed it up towards her back, splashing her with the cold fountain water.

              She froze, her shoulders rigid, and turned slowly, green eyes wide. “You didn’t…” she blinked.

              He laughed, “I got you.”

              “You!” She grinned diving towards the water and splashing him as hard as she could.

              “Tch,” Laxus splashed her again, this time drenching her completely. She gasped, shuddering under the cold water, and then dove towards him. Before he knew it they were both falling backwards into the water behind them with an enormous splash. Laxus sat up, water dripping from his hair, Hisui soaking wet on top of him in the water. She was laughing, her smile contagious.

              “Alright, you got me good, Princess,” Laxus laughed. She reached up to cup his cheek, her hand shaking. She was cold, her lips already turning blue, but she leaned in and kissed him softly. He blinked and then pulled her closer in the water by her waist, kissing her again as she pulled away.

              She was shivering. “I should take you home,” he whispered, “So you can get dry.”

              “Yeah,” she laughed, “I’m sorry, I ruined our date.”

              Date… “No, you didn’t,” he smiled, “You made it perfect. And… would you like to go out again… tomorrow?”

              She blinked, and then dove forward to kiss him again. He cupped her cheek and let out a sigh against her lips, pulling away once to press a kiss to the corner of her mouth. “I don’t want you to get sick.”

              She nodded, climbing to her feet, dripping, and helped him up. “Thank you for today, even if it was short.”

              “We’ll resume tomorrow,” he smiled, taking her hand.

              The excitement in her eyes, despite being cold and wet, made him feel warm. She squeezed his hand, “Yes! I’m looking forward to it!”

[youngboy-oldmind]

DISCOGRAPHY REVIEW: 1) THE INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY ft. My Girlfriend

“Tell me what I wouldn't wanna give for a life like this, arm and a leg quite like this/ Fuck around wanna fight like this, take a hike like this/ I might just, might just, I don't know/ Reinvention, that's my intention/ Want so much more than this third-dimension/ That's not to mention my true ascension is a bigger picture/ No metaphor, I’m being real with ya”

Overall Thoughts

After the success and impressive display Under Pressure, Logic follows up with his sophomore album The Incredible True Story: A perfect embodiment of Logic as a person, rapper, and artist. Here, he is at his most creative, telling an entire story through the lens of a futuristic fictional sci-fi story. Filled with narratives, skits that give insight to the crew’s personalities, and an overall message that resonates even after the album concludes, The Incredible True Story is the perfect reflection of Logic as an artist.

If someone asked me to introduce them to Logic, I’d start with this album. If you start with a deeper, more experimental album like Everybody or a project not quite as unique like Under Pressure, they may be left unsatisfied or unimpressed. But it’s near impossible to dislike his most rounded and well-constructed project.

I’ve said this with every project of his, but the production was excellent. The techy, spacey instrumentals perfectly parallel the theme and tone of the project. The vocal inflections on “Fade Away”, “Young Jesus”, “Run It” and the choir in the first half of “City of Stars” were all brilliantly executed. Also, Logic allowed collaborations on some tracks and they were some of the highlights on the album: Big Lenbo on “Young Jesus”, Lucy Rose on “Innermission”, and Jesse Boykins III on “Paradise”. Overall, the construction of each song on this album was near perfect. It can’t be overstated.

Logic branched out stylistically on this project. On Under Pressure, each song had a relatively similar tone, which made that project very consistent yet unspectacular. The fixed tone was good for the purpose of that project but restricted him from reaching a high peak. Here, his delivery, instrumentals, and lyrical style varied and was less consistent, allowing him to reach highs like “Fade Away” and “City of Stars” while also allowing him to reach lows like “I Am The Greatest”. Despite that flaw, the unique style of the album improves its overall ranking and separates him from the issue of his last project; the issue of being indistinct and being a carbon copy of his influences. 

That’s one of the biggest strengths of this album. While I can think of other artists that could do Under Pressure or No Pressure, I don’t think anyone can do The Incredible True Story. Logic has a niche combination of lyrical talent, production skills, and geekiness that shines profusely. 

The main theme of this project is doing what you love and finding life. This theme paired the fictional nature of the album’s structure loosens the restraint on Logic. Before, he was limited by discussing his experiences and thoughts in an autobiographical way, whereas now he’s allowed to discuss things from an outside perspective and speak more prophetically.

Album Breakdown

Side Note: I will be adding comments and thoughts from my girlfriend who also loves this album. Her comments will be bolded.

1. Contact

This was extremely creative. I was instantly drawn into the music. Sounded like a soundtrack I'd hear in a movie. And the introductory conversation between the two men established a very interesting and compelling start to the album and makes it feel like I'm getting ready to start a story book. Solid start, can't wait to see what happens.

2. Fade Away

Off the rip, this track had me excited. As I mentioned earlier, the composition and instrumental is excellent. He also comes through with an intense flex of delivery and rhyming and syllable scheme construction. This is the first song I’ve ever heard from Logic and it still gets my hype every time I hear it.

The flow in this song just hit me like a truck. The lyrics were pretty good and not necessarily a brag, but more of a showcase of pride. The music was also very catchy and had my bobbing my head before he started rapping. But the flow! Absolutely loved it. Def a hype song for me.

3. Upgrade

This track transitions well from the previous song discussing kai upgrading his system. Logic discusses “upgrading” from his old life and mindset. The space background with a simple drum pattern is satisfying.

Loved how the intro music played off of the space theme established by the intro. The music was already banging, and the countdown had me anticipating what's to come. Liked how the lyrics also incorporated space elements. Somewhat simple song with somewhat basic lyrics, but overall still quite enjoyable.

4. White People (Scene)

This was super fun to listen to and I was laughing when the black guy made fun of the white-man-horror-movie stereotype. I was almost wishing for them to investigate. I am really liking this album so far. Who knew Logic was such a innovative storyteller.

5. Like Woah

Although this song doesn’t say much content wise, the vocals were pretty slick and the instrumental was constructed well. Verses were average and I found the chorus a little iffy. But overall, it’s one of the more mid tracks.

The others definitely fit the theme of the space, but this song felt more of a Top 100 hits song. The flow was not as stellar as the songs so far, definitely no Fade Away, but still steady and impressive nonetheless. Nerdy comment, but the music reminded me of something I'd hear in a video game with the female singing--maybe Zelda or Fire Emblem.

6. Young Jesus

Although this song isn’t in my top 3, it’s still one of my favorite on the album. The boom bap 90s throwback mixes well with the modern, techy sound of the album. Logic and Big Lenbo both flow perfectly; this some of the best chemistry Logic has had with another rapper, the only other contender being Big Sean. Instrumentally this song stands out the most because its composition derives so much from the rest of the track list.

This throwback to the 90s flow with a slight modern twist was fresh as hell and a very fun listen. I actually very much enjoyed Logic's flow in this song. "See I'm a self diagnosed hypochrondria/ Either at the crib, or on the tour bus, is where you'll find me at" was a fun, funky flow that had me smiling as I listened to it. Would have definitely enjoyed if he did this flow and slight drawl in words a bit more. Big Lenbo was perfect for this song. His voice has that 90s feel and his lyrics fit the bragging feel seen in old hip hop songs.

7. Innermission

Another top track on this project, “Innermission” features Logic discussing his life’s purpose and “inner mission”. Lucy Rose on the chorus is beautiful. The mellow beat allows Logic to truly dive into his thoughts without being overwhelmed by the instrumental. And I loved the skit at the end.

Not gonna lie, the music initially reminds me of elevator music, but the lyrics hit hard. Hearing his story of his home life and his friend in prison was...heartfelt? It made me introspective of my role in my friend's lives and my own background. This song has a nostalgia to it as Logic retrospects his life before reaching fame, yet an almost hopeful undertone as he contemplates why he wanted this lifestyle and how he managed to actually accomplish it. And, of course, ending the song with a child continuing the space them fully establishes the air of wistfulness as I hear the kid's innocent tone reminiscing about his home. Genius move.

8. I Am The Greatest

There are few songs that make me rush to the skip button. “I Am The Greatest” is one of them. I hate this song. The different voice clips have no rhythm or syncopation, seemingly haphazardly tossed together. The beat is underwhelming and the yelling is obnoxious. And logics lyrics and delivery are really bad. I strongly believe this should’ve been cut or put on a project like Bobby Tarantino.

9. The Cube (Scene)

As someone who can rap and solve a Rubiks cube, I found this very funny. But also ironic, since I pulled exactly 0 girls from solving it. But, Logic is a nerd and this skit fits his personality well.

So this didn't make much sense until I looked up "logic the cube" and saw some videos of him solving a Rubik’s cube. Cute that he inserted a past time into this.

10. Lord Willin’

Logic has a very distinct flow throughout this album. It's very similar in each song with similar rhythm--I find myself bobbing my head at the same speed as his other songs. Not a bad thing, but just an interesting note. I actually quite like it, though. It makes the songs in this album more harmonious and makes it feel like one long story, rather than several songs thrown together onto one album. The lyrics themselves were actually quite inspirational. I felt a sense of pride in myself swell as I listened to him overcoming and living a full life and encouraging me to do the same. 

11. City of Stars

Arguably one of the best on the album, “City of Stars” features Logic discusses his negative/toxic relationship with the hip hop industry. The spacey beat and echoey chorus vocals area AWESOME. The echo on the snare paints a visual of singing in a wide open space. Logic’s singing is above average, his use of auto-tune isn’t bad either. The beat switch to an intense boom bap and going in sent shivers down my spine. Although this has been done before, its definitely an excellently put together concept.

Also, only hip hop fans will notice but Logic incorporates patterns and lyrics from other songs: Drake’s “Forever”, Kanye West’s “Last Call” & “Two Words” of The College Dropout, and Talib Kewli’s “Get By”. Logic isn’t one to shy away from nodding to his influences, but here it feels like paying homage instead of stealing. Top 3 track.

12. Stainless

This song is 100% dope. From the vocals on the chorus, complex background in the instrumental, Logic’s intense flow and delivery, along with the content. Another top 3 on the album.

Bruuuh, this song slapped from the moment it started. The music had a flow different from the other songs, and his energy from the first few lyrics was solid as hell. I was hype and smiling not even 20 seconds in. This is a riding-with-the-windows-down-with-the-volume-blarring-on-the-highway-as-you-flaunt-your-youth-and-just-jam-hard kind of song. I would have def played this before a basketball game to get myself hype.

13. Babel (Scene)

“Babel” was the best skit by far. I think this plays well into the theme of the album: The concept of doing what you love and finding life. This skit mentions how “paradise” may not be something you find, but something you make and maintain. And on the flip side, you can also turn paradise into “purgatory”. So this journey is about creating the best and making your own incredible life instead of trying to find it. It also transitions well into the next song both musically and thematically.

14. Paradise

This was an interesting song. When he described Paradise initially, he spoke of it as a land of racial equality. I had not expected race to play a major role in this story, but it makes sense, given his background, why he would consider this Paradise. As a fellow biracial person born without a silver spoon, I can relate to his struggle. So hearing him describe this planet called Paradise, I can see why it earned that name. But the beat change. I find it interesting that he switched the message behind his lyrics up. It changed to perseverance and strength to overcome haters and obstacles and doubt. It gives me this feeling of self-worth as I push through the negativity to achieve Paradise. Interesting that he decided to include this message after describing what Paradise looks like. Did he do this to highlight the struggle it would take to get there? The challenge? Saying how "Of those around me that down and pray on my demise/But it only makes it that much better when I rise" definitely encapsulates his ability to attain Paradise. I'm not sure, maybe he did so as proof that he finally reached the top.

15. Never Been

Years ago, I used to be a hater of Logic. I used to despise when people complimented or praised him. So this song about remaining positive and persevering while blocking out negative hits even harder. He battles with fears of being inadequate while projecting a message of not letting those fears control your life and potential success. Amazing message. Musically, the track is very solid. The sped up, high pitched vocals on the chorus and outro remind me of Kanye’s style, and the simple beat isn’t distracting emphasizes the introspective nature of the song.

"Talk all you want about me homie, I'mma let it live/Hater this, hater that, say I sound repetitive/ Hatin' in your blood, you was born to be negative" now THAT is how you diss someone. If someone said this to me, I'd just walk away because what do you say to that? I appreciate that he is able to both dis and praise in a song, yet not come off as cocky and arrogant and braggy. Listening to him, it truly sounds like he worked his ass off to achieve his fame, so hearing him brush off haters and telling me I can do it too actually makes me feel like he's right. This songs has an introspective vibe as he recounts his insecurities of failing, yet how he can't afford to "let the devil in."

16. Run It

“Run It” is another very good track on the album. The flow and beat were dope and simple yet effective and pleasing. I think this song’s placement was strange. After hard hitters like “Stainless”, “Paradise”, and “Never Been”, “Run it” feels underwhelming by comparison. I could see this after between “Like Woah” and the White People Skit. But this late into the album, this song’s tone sit right. Ultimately a great song though.

17. Lucidity

“Lucidity” gives good insight on the theme of the album. Thomas describes taking for granted people on Earth having dreams and wants instead of living to find paradise. I like the concept of one’s life and story being defined by pursuing what you want. Mostly a set up for the final song, it’s still a solid scene.

18. The Incredible True Story

This track can be defined by one word: epic. From the first half with Logic’s vocals and singing, encapsulating the whole question in this album “Who Am I?”. The instrumentation is beautiful. Then the second half with the crew landing on Paradise is so powerful and well constructed. As a listener, I feel like I’m there with the crew. You can feel everyone’s fear, nervousness, excitement, anticipation, and hope.

What. An. Ending. I had no idea how Logic was going to end this and he did not disappoint. His lyrics in the beginning. The sub-sequential inspirational message of following your desires. The 2 men as they get ready to land on Paradise. All of that was flawless. My favorite part was the music change as the female finished her countdown of the landing and it changed to this soft, exploring sound full of hope. Hearing the 2 men talk in wonder as the sounds of nature slowly encompassed the music before hearing the woman say "Life" literally made me so fucking emotional, I'm tearing up thinking about it.

Final Thoughts

The Incredible True Story is the embodiment of Logic as an artist. It is strengthened by being unsafe. Under Pressure felt like bowling with the rails up. You’re definitely gonna score, and you may hit a strike on your own, but it’s just not as good as bowling without safety rails. And yes, you may hit gutters (”I Am The Greatest”), but putting everything on the table and living/creating unrestrictedly allows you to reach highs in life/art you wouldn’t otherwise reach. And I think by allowing himself to create riskily and unhindered, he fulfilled his own theme.

As an avid bibliophile, I will tell you that most sequels are shit. But damn, this album was fucking amazing. I have been sleeping on Logic. Honestly, 12/10 ending. Logic wanted to leave a statement that he could still be one of the best even after his debut album and, trust me, he proved it. This ending alone proved that he knows how to do this shit. I feel like I just finished reading a great book. Who knew rap could be like this?

Top 3 Tracks:

1) City of Stars                      1) Stainless

2) Paradise                            2) Paradise

3) Innermission                      3) Incredible True Story

Overall Grade: A+

Album Link:

https://open.spotify.com/album/5dOpbgAmJeyoakKQ0QLWkR?si=bAQ0FEA4RMupkUEspycH1Q

[fleurdeneuf]

my all time top 10 favorite fics

I saw this going around as a meme for another fandom (h/t @justkeeponthegrass), and the OP encouraged others to jump in, so let’s do this thing!

Choosing only ten fics was nearly impossible, and some of them would change depending on the day, but for now - here they are.  Most of these are old, from when I first started reading fic on Teaspoon, years before I’d heard of tumblr, let alone joined it.  These are the fics that have settled deep into my bones and are what I think of when I think of “fic.”  They shaped fandom and fic for me from the very beginning.

These are not in any ranked sort of order, aside from the order in which I thought of them, so it’s fitting that lilli and amber are at the top. :’)  As always, please heed all authors’ ratings/warnings.

1. Wolf Moon (Teaspoon | LJ) by throughanamberfocus (Teaspoon | LJ), 119k words (Alt!Nine/Rose, NSFW, post-Doomsday), first story in the Better With You series (Teaspoon | LJ), second story is Hunger Moon (Teaspoon | LJ).  (Several more stories were planned, but as yet unwritten.) 

Rose changed direction and went to answer her front door. She pulled the door open and looked at the man standing there. She took a step back and the glass of wine tumbled out of her hand and onto the carpet. She looked down at it in dismay. “That’s going to leave a stain,” she said. She glanced back up at the familiar, yet unfamiliar face in front of her. “Club soda and salt,” said that voice in that accent. She had never expected to hear that harsh Northern accent spoken from that particular throat ever again in her life. --Wolf Moon, Chapter 2

@thedalektables has a great round up post for this fic, if you want to know more of what’s coming.

See also: Leap of Faith (Fobwatched!Alt!Nine/Rose, NSFW, post-Doomsday, WIP) (Teaspoon | LJ) and the one shot that inspired it, Third Time’s the Charm (Teaspoon | LJ), the Bodies in Motion series (Nine/Rose, NSFW) (Teaspoon | LJ), The Zeppelins Verse (Tentoo/Alt!Rose, NSFW, post-Journey’s End) (Teaspoon | LJ), and everything else she’s ever written.

2. Passions Unspoken (Teaspoon | LJ) and its sequel, Out of the Woods (Teaspoon | LJ) by @lillibetm3 (Teaspoon | LJ) , 6k words (Nine/Rose, NSFW)

Stepping away from the doors, Rose turned and cast a covert glance to the Doctor, only to find that he was busy checking one of the console screens as if nothing had happened between them. In fact if it wasn't for the Time Lord shaped ache between her legs, and that her knickers were still on Canthan, (the Doctor had been quite determined that he wanted them off,) Rose could almost believe that she'd imagined the whole thing. --Out of the Woods

See also: Heart Shaped (Nine/Rose, NSFW, sex pollen) (Teaspoon | LJ ) , Strange Magicks (Nine/Rose, NSFW), Teach Me to Sin (Nine/Rose, NSFW, teacher/student), and everything else she’s ever written.

3. In Human Hands by rallalon (Teaspoon | LJ), 160k words (Nine/Rose, Human Nature UA, Abandoned)

"What’s your name?" he asks without meaning to, straightening to look at her once more. She pauses in the doorway of the garage, this small girl framed in the large entrance. The sunlight doesn’t so much hit her hair as stroke it, doesn’t so much strike her as kiss her bare shoulders. Maybe it’s the tank top that’s familiar or maybe it’s the smile. It could be nothing more than a well-known accent. But it’s definitely something. "I’m Rose," she says, stresses the second word as if she thinks he might be slow or as if she thinks he needs reminding of a crucial fact. It does sound like a reminder. Maybe she said before and he forgot. He’s not very good with names. "John Smith," he replies. "See you," she says and leaves and, much to his frustration, the engine continues to be temperamental for the rest of the day.

--In Human Hands, Chapter 1

Yes, I know it’s unfinished.  But it’s worth reading and getting your heart ripped out for, so read it anyway. 

See also: Non-Linear Love Story (Eight/Rose, Nine/Rose, Ten/Rose, NSFW) (Teaspoon | LJ)

4. Premium Quality Narcotics by Untempered Schism, 32k words (Nine/Rose, NSFW, post-Dalek), part of the Trajectory series.  The sequel is The Lift (set during The Long Game).

Rose blinked and nodded, her head swimming. She was having a difficult time getting a handle on which Doctor she was talking to at any given moment, the sensual tease who had centuries of sexual experience to draw upon for inspiration, the oh so lucid and serious goal-oriented physician trying to reassure her and heal himself, the sweetly innocent and giddy adoring man-child or the broken, reluctant and guilt-ridden ex-soldier with more PTSD than any being could reasonably hope to survive. They were all him, but he was cycling through personality fragments so fast it was hard to keep up. She inhaled deeply, pulling herself together and dashed the last trace her tears from her cheeks with trembling fingertips. --Premium Quality Narcotics, Chapter 2

See also: Designated Driver (Nine/Rose, NSFW, BDSM), One Street Away (Nine/Rose, Ten/Rose, NSFW) [If there were a story that could make me forgive and sympathize with Ten for what Rose goes through in School Reunion and GITF, this fic would be it.], Just One Universe Away (Nine/Rose, UA, NSFW, baby!fic), and all other Nine/Rose smut she’s ever written.

5. Tangled up in Blue (Teaspoon | LJ) by @jessalrynn (Teaspoon | LJ | FF) , 10k words (Nine/Rose, NSFW)

He looked like he'd been dipped in blue paint and then decorated and, while Rose could admire the results, she actually hated the artist with a passion. That this unknown person had gotten to trail a paint brush over her Doctor, picking out his details in gold and silver, trimming it all in fine black lines, and the occasional bright band of color, set her blood boiling. Rose deeply resented the unknown man or woman for having had both the audacity and the opportunity to do something she now dearly wished she'd thought of first. --Tangled up in Blue

See also: Handstands (Nine/Rose, NSFW) (LJ | FF), Never Quite Normal (Nine/Rose, UA, NSFW), co-written with Jabberwocky as Pairadox Timeline (Teaspoon | FF), Sunday, Domestic (Nine/Rose, NSFW) (Teaspoon | FF), Double Crossing (Ten/Rose, Seven, Ace McShane) (Teaspoon | LJ | FF)

6. An Education by @anne-hedonia​ (Teaspoon), 55k words (Nine/Rose, NSFW, Human Nature UA)

"Fine," she sighed tremulously.  "Take me h–"

He cut her off with a wordless cry–he couldn't even bear to hear the sentence finished.  He shoved the table out from between them and grabbed her, clasping her body to his with an arm around her waist and her mouth to his with a large hand on the back of her head.  She caught him and welcomed him and gave back in kind, and together they fought the cruel separation imposed by bones and flesh.  --An Education, Chapter 16

@thedalektables has a great round up post for this fic, if you want to know more of what’s coming.

See also: Time Out (Nine/Rose, NSFW, Father’s Day), Mamihlapinatapai (Nine/Rose, NSFW), and everything else she’s ever written.

7. Crimes of Passion by Scarlet Women (a collaboration between @lillibetm3 and sap1066), 22k words (Nine/Rose, NSFW)

Rose grinned wickedly at him. "So what you’re saying — is that this," she held out her smeared hand to him. "Is better than sex."

He bristled, unable to look away from the chocolate oozing out of the corner of her mouth. "Not better than sex with me," he replied without thinking, then, realising what he’d said, felt a surge of embarrassment. But with the way Rose was looking at him, it wasn't long before he felt a surge of something else... somewhere else.

She licked her palm thoughtfully, gazing up at him over the tips of her fingers, stroking her tongue around her hand until it was clean. His eyes followed every move she made. "Prove it," she said at last.

--Crimes of Passion, Chapter 3

See also: Modesty Forbids (Nine/Rose, NSFW) (Teaspoon | LJ)

8. Evolution of a Scandal (Teaspoon | AO3 | tumblr) by @rishidiams (Teaspoon | AO3) , 76k words (Nine/Rose, NSFW, AU, SDOACG crossover)

Without another word, John grabs the bottom of her shirt and drags it over her head. He steps away from her slightly as it passes between them, his eyes as dark as a storm when he returns. "I don't like that other men get to touch you. I don't like that they get to see you like this."

"No one sees me like this," she admits breathlessly. "No one has ever seen me like this."

--Evolution of a Scandal, Chapter 19

See also: Mine? (Nine/Rose, UA, post-Doomsday, baby!fic) (AO3 | tumblr) , Promises Unbroken (Nine/Rose, war AU, NSFW, underage warning, WIP) (AO3 | tumblr), Faith of the Heart (Nine/Rose, Star Trek/soulmate AU, NSFW, WIP) (AO3 | tumblr), Her Dragon (Nine/Rose, AU, dragon!Nine) (AO3 | tumblr)

9. Dumbstruck (Teaspoon | LJ | AO3) by sap1066 (Teaspoon | LJ | AO3), 5k words (Nine/Rose, NSFW)

The sudden rush of mellifluous sound into her ears stilled her random movements, her hand stretched in mid air. It was haunting, beautiful, the timbre rich and dark, reminding her of underground, soft and silent things. She raised her eyebrows, looked down curiously at the dials — she had clearly hit the right button somewhere. The noise came again, crawling down her spine, making her shiver. It was possibly the most sensual thing she had ever heard, she thought. She didn’t want it to stop. It did. Released from the spell, her hand fell back onto the panel. The silence was like a dash of iced water, but she jumped even more when she felt his strong fingers wrap themselves around her wrist, tugging her hand away from the controls.  --Dumbstruck, Chapter 1

See also: Five and a Half Hours (Nine/Rose, NSFW, GITF fix it) (Teaspoon | LJ | AO3), Always in the Kitchen at Parties (Nine/Rose, NSFW) (Teaspoon | LJ) , Bonfire Night (Teaspoon | LJ), Advent Calendar (Nine/Rose, NSFW) (Teaspoon | LJ), and all other Nine/Rose smut she’s ever written.

10. Seed Pearls (Teaspoon | LJ | FF) by HonorH (Teaspoon | LJ | FF) , 47k words (alt!Nine/Rose, NSFW, post-Doomsday)

--John. She stopped abruptly. It wasn’t possible that John was blocking her path, arms crossed, a thunderstorm in his face. Yet her eyes were telling her differently. “You know,” he said in a voice like iron, “it’s traditional among civilized society to at least say goodbye face-to-face when leaving a lover.”

--Seed Pearls, Chapter 15

See also: Brown Paper Bag Fics (Nine/Rose, NSFW) (Teaspoon | LJ) and Out of Joint (Nine/Rose, FIrefly crossover) (Teaspoon | LJ)

11. The Winter Season by teawithlemon/teawithlemon2/teawhovian/tealicity (Nine/Rose, Human Nature UA, NSFW)

I know it’s gone, but it needed a place on this list.

Tagging ten people whose ten favorite fics I’d really love to see (They can be from any fandom(s) you want; mine are all Nine/Rose because I’m boring, but any and all fandoms are fine!): @rishidiams, @kelkat9, @ruebella-b, @lillibetm3, @perfectlyrose, @anne-hedonia, @wholockgal, @chiaroscuroverse, @acreasy1, @goingtothetardis  

(I would have tagged @deathlyfandoms because I have her to thank/blame for the classic fic and GITF fix it rabbit holes I’ve fallen down, but she beat me and came up with two rec lists already - both of which are great and you should check them out.)

If anyone else wants to do it, please do, and mention/tag me so I can see your post!

[the-hindu-times]

Shed Seven: ‘Instant Pleasures’ (10/11/17)

26/10/17:         LONDON KINGS CROSS Scala 9/11/17:           KINGSTON New Slang (at The Hippodrome by Banquet Records) 15/11/17:         LONDON COVENT GARDEN Hospital Club (Oak Room)

Just as Shed Seven were demoing songs for what became ‘One Hand Clapping’, I suggested to them, back stage at Norwich UEA, that they should get ‘Youth’ (Martin Glover) in to produce their next record. By coincidence, maybe, they have done exactly that; with the man responsible for recording a great deal of the bands, which I will draw comparison to within this review, being behind the controls for the Sheds’ first new material in 16 years. After, original guitarist, Joe Johnson’s departure was replaced by Paul Banks in time for their debut LP 'Change Giver', follow up 'A Maximum High' saw all of Banks' own work before the switch was reversed after 'Let It Ride'; with Johnson returning for 'Truth Be Told' at the beginning of their decline. This is to be their first record with both guitarists in the band at once but where they've gained in 6 strings, they have lost in keys; with Fraser Smith not returning for the reunion after writing a couple of songs for their last official release sessions. 

After their demise, I filled the gap with other live music and clubs nights, all happening at The Scala in Kings Cross. Now, this joint will be the host for the first Shed Seven show, showcasing their new material, whilst the venue’s staircase, where I spent a great deal of my mid-20s, is the front cover of that forthcoming album ‘Instant Pleasures’!

Sticking with the tradition of having 1 long song on each Shed 7 full length, opening track 'Room In My House' is something you would have heard by now; with its throwback video to their past successes currently racking up the hits on Youtube. This 'Around Your House' sequel is a Who-esque masterpiece which  Led Zeppelin frontman, Robert Plant, definitely would have familiarised himself with, had they performed it whilst in his presence at BBC radio 2 last week.  Featuring more quality sections here than the entire Britpop genre, you can take it as gospel that the female backing vocals will crop up again on this LP, and with Banks' best John Squire impression in full flow, it's something The Stone Roses can only wish they could have had a comeback with.

2nd song in, 'Nothing To Live Down' starts off with a guitar sound unexplored by the group until now; it's current but still delves into classic 'Maximum High' era album-track territory. Any new band would be proud of this, and the interesting guitar panning on the production here will continue throughout. Following on to 'It's Not Easy'  - that's also something you can stream right now. As you know, it has the vibes of one of their 'Let It Ride' era b-sides, but we're thankful that this one did end up on the LP. Track 4 'Said I'm Sorry' is tempted to go into another 'Disco Down' but instead it's crossed between 'This Day Was Ours' and a section similar to 'Return'.

Up next is 'Victoria'. This could easily be a single for The Libertines or The Courteeners, until we get to the middle 8, which nods towards their 'Truth Be Told' / 'One Hand Clapping' style before the coda ends with a similarity to the Chris Martin penned 'Gravity' by Embrace. It's not the first time I've thought of this band whilst listening to this record though, as Embrace’s new, Cooper Temple Clause inspired direction with their latest, self titled release is often felt present throughout 'Instant Pleasures'. This track isn’t quite over though, as in true Jam style ('Down In The Tube Station At Midnight'), the sound effect of trains at the finale make you think that this could have been as much about a train station of the same name as a faded flame. 

'Better Days' begins with us believing we’re on the verge of a really interesting piece before we are denied by an obvious chorus which could work well as a U2-styled, acoustic singalong during an interlude in one of their live sets. This is definitely something that Shed 7 fans will be expecting from a comeback - it's got those 'High Hopes' credentials, but with differing instrumentation, and ends like Oasis' 'Don't Look Back In Anger'.

Track 7 was known as the placement for the best song on an album when I was at school, and this number will mean more to this band than any other. 'Enemies and Friends' should be renamed 'Charlatans & Ride' after you get past the fact that it could have effortlessly swung into a Tinie Tempah triumph with that intro. Instead, you almost expect it to break into Taylor Swift's 'Wildest Dreams' by the time it hits the chorus. Whilst imagining Tim Burgess' vocals on this, it could have equally have been a hit for Keane or a long forgotten post-Verve effort from The Shining. Like The Charlatans though, with this, they have proved they can continue to release creditable material, with the back catalogue, now, potentially having to play second fiddle.

Razorlight could have been responsible for 'Star Crossed Lovers' as this 'She Left Me On Friday' / 'Making Waves' intro leads to a classic Shed 7 bridge, before hitting a Thin Lizzy-doing-Springsteen in a chorus that The Strypes have been going for on their third album. The addition of horns to their live show make this one a strong tour possibility. It continues with the 'High Hopes' vibes of 'Better Days' before completely changing mood for a chorus that Weller would have been proud of. As it begins to reach Joe Cocker's version of 'I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends', the gospel singers put the Primal Scream into the Dandy Warhols' mobile phone ad intro at the exact moment The Rolling Stones repeat the outro to 'Sympathy for the Devil', in an instrumental that could have had Little Barrie jamming all over George Michael... just before Lou Reed's 'Perfect Day' finds the end. 

'Butterfly On A Wheel' is this album's answer to 'Magic Streets', if Morrissey had penned the intro and verse, who's jumpy chorus is sure to find a live outing, whilst penultimate, disco track 'People Will Talk' has more of a Starsailor ('Good Souls') feel than anything by the Bee Gees. Album closer 'Invincible' is like Richard Ashcroft covering Oasis’ 'Champagne Supernova' or Ryan Adams’ ‘I See Monsters’ whilst being tempted to flirt with 'Halfway Home' and 'Cry For Help'.

It’s all familiar with Shed Seven’s past but is still sounding fresh – current songs, whilst writing like they were when they were at the top of their game. But maybe they are only just beginning their peak now? They say “youth is wasted on the young”, and, in this case, they could be right as this wonderfully produced record of a band from the ‘90s is more than relevant for today.

Nic Bennett

[lieblxng]

//Tag Dump Part 3!/