#and NOW?? she sang that song to HIM. and THEN in the preview she lies and says she doesn't like him

[beachboysnatural]

Every episode makes Sudden Shower ten times more devastating

[suburbantimewaster]

Desert Rose Chapter 5 Preview

I wanted to take a break from Desert Rose until I’m caught up on my commissions, but it’s hard for me to resist this story’s siren’s song.  Here’s a preview of what to expect in the next chapter.

Amana took a seat on the fountain's edge, gazing at her reflection and moving her hand lightly in the water.

"I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream," she sang, remembering the song taught to her by a faraway prince.  "I know you, that look in your eyes is so familiar a gleam."  He told her that it was about a young princess who dreamed every night of the prince she would fall in love with.  "And I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem."  Then tried to seduce her by saying that he remembered her, claiming that they met in a dream.  "But if I know you, I know what you'll do."  Amana had scoffed inwardly at this claim but, outwardly, pretended to be slightly skeptical yet flattered.  "You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream."  It wouldn't be long until Princess Jasmine would have to put up with such ridiculous claims from suitors and, unlike Amana, she wasn't trained in how to spin them to her advantage.

"What's a beautiful desert bloom like yourself doing all alone?" an unwelcoming voice said.

Amana turned around to see that it belonged to Abbas.  "Iago, get Jafar," she whispered to the parrot who quickly flew away and then stood up, facing Abbas.  "What do you want?"

"Just your company," Abbas said, getting a little too close for Amana's comfort.

"Something you have been deemed unworthy of," Amana responded, taking a step away from the man.

"Yet Jafar is?" Abbas said with an angry glare.

"Jafar treats me with respect," Amana said, becoming more aware of the knife resting on her thigh. "Unlike you, who compared me to a common whore."

"Is this the same Jafar who left you with no protection?" Abbas asked, scooting closer to Amana.

"Jafar left for official business with the Sultan," Amana explained, her hand itching to pull her knife out.  "He should return any moment."  She scooted away from him with a glare.  "And he will not be pleased to find you harassing me."

"Then he shouldn't have left you here without protection," Abbas said with a lustful grin.  "If you were on my arms, I would never let you out of my sight."

"All the more reason I will never be on your arms," Amana said, not even bothering to hide the defiance in her voice.

"Then why do you willingly allow yourself to be on the arms of a street rat?" Abbas demanded to know.  "Yet you refuse to be in the same room as me."

Amana laughed. "I believe your old age has made you senile," she mocked.  "A street rat could not afford to be seen with me."

It was Abbas's turn to laugh.  "Tell me, my dear," he asked in a condescending tone. "What has Jafar told you about his past?"

"That he comes from a noble family," Amana answered, not wanting to tell Abbas anything personal.  "And he worked his way up to Grand Vizier."

This only made Abbas laugh harder, confusing Amana.  "You poor naive girl, being mislead by Jafar's lies," he mocked.  "Allow me to enlighten you, my sweet."

Amana felt something rise up in her throat but managed to keep it down. "And what could you possibly have to say that would interest me?"

"Only that your precious vizier spent his childhood stealing food and running from palace guards," Abbas explained with an air of superiority, catching Amana off guard.

"You mean to tell me that Jafar began life as a..." she said in disbelief.

"A street rat," Abbas finished for her.  "Hardly worthy of a woman like you."

"And how could a street rat become the Grand Vizier of Agrabah?" Amana challenged.

"The Sultan took pity on the worthless boy and offered him a spot on Agrabah's court," Abbas said, as if such an act should be a crime. "The title of Grand Vizier is wasted on that street rat."  Abbas moved closer to Amana, backing her up against a wall.  "And so is a woman like you."

Amana felt even more tempted to pull her dagger out and slit this man's throat.

If the guards find you standing next to his corpse, you'll be in serious trouble with the Sultan, Amana reminded herself.  Not even Jafar will be able to save you.

Looks like Amana’s in quite the predicament.  Will Jafar arrive in time, will Amana find a way out of this that doesn’t involve violence, or will she become another one of Abbas’s victims?  For that matter, what will Amana think of Jafar now that she knows the truth about him?  Find out in the next chapter of Desert Rose, same bat time, same bat channel!  Sorry, I couldn’t resist.  Anyway, Abbas belongs to @hello-mintblooms

[broadwayitbitch]

The Talent Show

For @andi-simstoons!!! I’m glad I was chosen to give your gift!

You can also find this on AO3 at The Talent Show!

“Here it is. The night of their talent show. Their night to finally promote that they had something to present. The whole thing was TJ’s idea, wanting to show what he had for the drama department.

And their act? Singing La Vie Boheme from RENT. “

Here it is. The night of their talent show. Their night to finally promote that they had something to present. The whole thing was TJ’s idea, wanting to show what he had for the drama department.

And their act? Singing La Vie Boheme from RENT.

Alongside TJ was Cyrus, Buffy, Andi, Jonah, Marty, Walker, Iris, and Amber. It was all part of Metcalf’s new tradition that on the first day of June, kids would be allowed to do talent shows with no restrictions, minus anything sexual, which meant that some of the lyrics of La Vie Boheme had to be censored.

They were the grand finale. Metcalf said their act was perfect for the finale.

The GHC and Co. were backstage, running the number last-minute in case they forgot their choreography,

“Ready?” Cyrus asked TJ. He and Cyrus were Angel Dumott Schunard and Tom Collins, respectively.

“I’m nervous,” He replied, adjusting his mic a bit.

“We’ve been working on this for months, Teej. We’ve got this.”

TJ nodded.

“Lastly on the stage, we have the GHC and Co. performing La Vie Boheme from Jonathan Larson’s RENT,” Metcalf said into the microphone, gaining a huge round of applause.

The stage hands brought the tables out from backstage, along with the chairs the GHC and Co. had asked for the week beforehand. Once the props were set, the GHC and Co. walked on stage, taking their places (minus Andi, who stayed backstage until her cue).

Everyone started reciting their lines.

“Hey, hey, no,” Iris said her line. “You can’t be here, we have an important customer,” She pointed to Marty, playing Benny Coffin. “And besides, you never buy.”

Walker, who’s playing Mark Cohen, scoffed. “Liar, I had a tea on Wednesday.”

“You couldn’t pay,” She countered.

“Oh, yeah…”

On cue, the others and him sit at the table, some of them crossing their legs.

“Benjamin Coffin the third. What brings you to the Life Cafe?” Cyrus asked in a teasing manner.

“I’d like to propose a toast to Maureen’s protest. It went well, but how many tickets did you sell?” Amber stuck her middle finger up at Marty in response.

Jonah stood up from his chair. He was playing Roger Davis. “Why did Muffy-”

“Allison,” Marty corrected.

“Miss the show?”

Marty straightened the lapels on his jacket. “If you must know, there was a death in the family.”

TJ gasped. “Who died?”

Marty cleared his throat. “Our akita.”

Walker and Jonah looked at each other with wide eyes. “Evita,” They said at the same time.

The music started with a piano riff.

“You make fun, yet I’m the one attempting to do some good. Or do you really want a neighborhood where people piss on your stoop every night?” Marty sang. “Bohemia, bohemia is a fallacy in your head. This is Calcutta, bohemia is… dead.”

Walker stood up from his seat, slamming his hands on the table. “Dearly beloved, we gather here to say our goodbyes,” All of the girls cried dramatically. “Here she lies, no one knew her worth. The late great daughter of Mother Earth, on this night where we celebrate the birth.” Buffy, who was playing Mimi Marquez, imitated a baby cry. “In that little town of Bethlehem, we raise our glass. You bet your ass too… La vie boheme!”

Walker jumped off the table, and the ensemble began to sing.

“La vie boheme… La vie boheme… La vie boheme… La vie boheme!”

“To days of inspiration, playing hooky, making something outta nothing, the need to express- to communicate!” Walker sang out. “To going against the grain, going insane, going mad. To loving tension, no pension, to more than one dimension, to starving for attention, hating convention, hating pretension. Not to mention of course, hating dear old mom and dad!”

The ensemble began hitting their hands on the table to the beat of the music.

“To riding your bike midday past the three piece suits, to fruits, to no absolutes! To choice, to the village voice, to any passing fad. To being an us for once instead of a them!”

“La vie boheme!”

Andi walked onstage, going to Amber, who stood from her seat.

“Is the equipment in a pyramid?” Amber asked.

“It is, Maureen,” Andi replied with a sigh.

“The mixer doesn’t have a case. Don’t give me that face!” Amber said, kissing Andi’s cheek. Marty cleared his throat in protest. “Hey, mister, she’s my sister.” She said as Andi walked off stage.

Iris walked to stage left, a notepad in her hand. “So that’s five miso soup, four seaweed salad, three soy burger dinner, two tofu dog platter, and one pasta with meatless balls.”

Jonah cringed. “Ew.”

“It tastes the same,” Cyrus argued.

“If you close your eyes!” Buffy added, gaining laughs from the audience.

“And thirteen orders of fries, is that it here?” Iris asked.

“Wine and beer!” Everyone yelled.

Buffy and TJ got up on the table, starting to dance.

“To hand-crafted beers in local breweries, to yoga, to yogurt, to rice and beans and cheese! To leather, to latex to curry vindaloo!” They sang together. TJ thought that Buffy was the perfect choice for Mimi, she had the best voice out of all of the GHC and Co. “To Huevos Rancheros and Maya Angelou.”

Buffy and TJ got back in their seats as Amber and Cyrus get on the table.

“Emotion, devotion, to causing a commotion. Creation vacation-”

“Mucho masturbation,” Walker interrupted, gaining even more laughs.

Everyone in the audience seemed to be having fun, including the GHC and Co.

“Compassion, to fashion, to passion when it’s new,” Cyrus and Amber continued their portion of the song. “To Sontag, to Sondheim, to anything taboo.”

“Ginsburg, Dylan, Cunningham and Cage,” Jonah and Cyrus sang together as well. “Lenny Bruce, Langston Hughes!”

“To the stage!” Amber yelled.

“To Uta, to Buddha, Pablo Neruda, too!” Everyone sang out.

Buffy got back on the table and Walker got on all fours on the stage floor. “Why Dorothy and Toto went over the rainbow? To blow off Auntie Em!” They high-five, and Buffy laughed.

“La vie boheme!” They all sang again.

Andi walked back on stage to Amber. Amber wrapped her arms around Andi’s neck with a sultry smile.

“And wipe the speakers off before you pack,” Amber instructed.

“Yes, Maureen,” Andi relented, about to walk away.

“Well, hurry back!” Amber called, and she began to kiss Andi passionately.

“Sisters?” Marty questioned.

“We’re close,” Andi and Amber said in unison.

Andi walked off stage once again. The entire ensemble began breaking out into their own dance.

“Bisexuals, trisexuals, homo sapiens, carcinogens, hallucinogens, men, Pee-Wee Herman!” They sang out. “German wine, turpentine, Gertrude Stein, Antonioni, Bertolucci, Kurosawa, Carmina Burana! To apathy, to entropy, to empathy, ecstasy! Vaclav Havel, the Sex Pistols, 8BC! To no shame never playing the Fame Game!”

Cyrus pretended to smoke a joint. “To marijuana!”

“To sodomy, it’s between God and me! To S & M!”

Marty stood up from his table, angrily walking off stage.

“In honor of the death of Bohemia an impromptu salon will commence immediately following dinner,” Cyrus spoke to the beat of the music. “Mimi Marquez, clad only in bubble wrap will perform her famous lawn chair handcuff dance to the sounds of iced tea being stirred!”

Jonah stood next, pointing to Walker. “And Mark Cohen will preview his new documentary about his inability to hold an erection on the high holy days.”

More laughing from the audience.

“And Maureen Johnson, back from her spectacular one-night engagement at the eleventh street lot, will sing Native American tribal chants backwards through her vocoder, while accompanying herself on the electric cello, which she has never studied,” Walker pointed out.

Marty appearing stage right with Buffy with him, and he put his hand on her shoulder. “Your new boyfriend doesn’t know about us.”

Buffy repulsed, smacking his hand away. “There’s nothing to know.”

“Don’t you think that we should discuss?” He asked.

“It was three months ago,” She countered.

“He doesn’t act like he’s with you,” Marty began to argue.

“We’re taking it slow.”

Marty huffed, not believing her. “Where is he now?”

She turned around, trying to find Jonah. “He’s right… where’d he go?”

Focusing back on the rest of the ensemble, Jonah had an electric guitar in his hands.

“And Roger will attempt to write a bittersweet evocative song,” Walker sang. Jonah began playing a tune, for about two measures before Walker stopped him. “That… doesn’t remind us of Musetta’s Waltz.” Jonah flipped Walker off as a joke, setting his guitar down.

“Angel Dumott Schunard will model the latest fall fashions from Paris while accompanying herself on the 10 gallon plastic pickle tub.”

TJ strutted on the table, acting like a model. “And Collins will recount his exploits as anarchist, including the tale of the successful reprogramming of the M.I.T. virtual reality equipment to self-destruct, as it broadcasts the words-”

“Actual reality, ACT UP, fight AIDS!” Everyone finished TJ’s lyric.

Marty ran off stage, yelling “Check!”

Focusing on Buffy and Jonah, they’re alone on stage as the rest of the ensemble is on the other side of the stage.

“Excuse me, did I do something wrong?” Buffy angrily sang to Jonah. “I get invited, then ignored all night long!”

Jonah, with a sad face, looks to Buffy. “I’ve been trying, I’m not lying. No one’s perfect. I got baggage-”

“Life’s too short, babe, time is flying. I’m looking for baggage that goes with mine,” Buffy sang with confidence.

“I should tell you…” Jonah sang sweetly.

“I got baggage, too-” She interrupted his verse.

“Wine and beer!” The ensemble said before the music slowed. Then a light beeping sound began to ring.

“AZT break…” Buffy said, taking out a pill bottle.

“You?” Jonah asked.

“Me,” She nodded. “You?”

Jonah’s lip trembled. “Mimi…”

While this was acting, Jonah always said that he would act the same way Roger did; astonished. Astonished that a friend would keep this sort of thing a secret from him. But remember, this is all acting.

“Are we packed?” Amber asked Andi, who looked to have an exhausted look on her face.

“Yes,” She replied. “And by next week, I want you to be.”

Amber gasped. “Pookie!”

Andi ignored her, going to her own line. “And you should see, they’ve padlocked your building and they’re rioting on Avenue B!” She exclaimed. “Benny called the cops!”

“That jerk!” Someone in the ensemble yelled.

“They don’t know what they’re doing. The cops are sweeping the lots,” Andi’s solemn face turns into an amused one. “But no one’s leaving, they’re just sitting there mooing!”

The ensemble cheered. “To dance!”

“No way to make a living, masochism, pain, perfection, muscle spasms, chiropractors, short careers, eating disorders!” Andi sang, beginning to dance on the table herself.

“Film!”

Walker stepped up to the table as well. “Adventure, tedium, no family, boring locations, dark rooms, perfect faces, egos, money, Hollywood and sleaze!”

“Music!”

TJ, along with Cyrus and Amber, get up on the table. “Food of love, emotion, mathematics, isolation, rhythm, feeling, power, harmony, and heavy competition!” TJ’s dress gets snagged, but he keeps dancing.

“Anarchy!”

Cyrus and Amber start pumping their fists up in the air. “Revolution, justice, screaming for solutions, forcing changes, risk, and danger, making noise and making pleas!”

They jump off of the table, landing on their feet.

“To homos, lesbians, cross-dressers, too!” They sang out. “To people living with, living with, living with, not dying from disease! Let he among us without sin, be the first to condemn!” They all took a breath, preparing for the next verse. “La vie boheme! La vie boheme! La vie boheme!”

Walker ran to center stage. “Anyone out of the mainstream? Is anyone in the mainstream? Anyone alive with a sex drive? Tear down the wall! Aren’t we all? The opposite of war isn’t peace! It’s creation!” He exclaimed, spit flying out of his mouth.

“La vie boheme!”

The music stopped, and the spotlight was on Walker.

“The riot continues. The Christmas tree goes up in flames. The snow dances,” He recited. “Oblivious, Mimi and Roger share a small, lovely kiss.”

Buffy and Jonah, who are still on the other side of the stage, kiss gently. Buffy looked like she was disgusted, but she continued.

The music started once more for the last time.

“Viva la vie boheme!”

The audience applauded loudly, some standing up (which were their parents).

And the GHC and Co. did what they do best.

They took a bow.

[themargaretgrace]

I’M SO IN LOVE || MARTER

What: Carter finally opens up to Margaret about how he feels through a new song he wrote called, Tenerife Sea.

Where: Cleveland, Ohio Concert Venue 

When: April 1st

Warnings: None

Word Count: 3,584

@cordellacarter

Margaret has no idea how she has been functioning these last couple days. She had barely gotten any sleep and she has been avoiding people as much as she could. Because she knew that someone could bring up Carter and if they did she couldn’t promise that she could stay calm and collected. Just the thought of him made her want to break down and cry, and now that she had to photograph him for the tour? God, it would take all of her strength to keep it together. Of course she couldn’t help but steal glances at him but each time she did she felt her heart break a little more. She even caught herself wiping a few tears that rolled down. But finally after what felt like years in was the last song, she glanced down at her camera and just fiddled with the buttons. Something she always did while nervous, and anything at this moment was better than the chance of catching his glance. But at the same time she almost wanted to. Like maybe if she did something could change... but that might be too great of a thing to wish for.

Carter had spend the last few days practically with his head in the sand, trying desperately to avoid anyone and everything. He knew he had to make things right, and he just hoped that it wasn't too late. Never having been one for admitting his feelings, the boy chose to put pen to paper in an attempt to let Margaret know exactly how he was feeling. After almost finishing up their normal set, it was time for their final song and after talking it over with Ripley and Reyna, they'd made the decision just for one night to sub out 'You need me, I don't need you' for the new song he'd written. Taking a few sips from his water bottle, the boy approached the mic, his guitar comfortably resting across his body. "This is something new - hope you like it." His eyes darted immediately for the blonde face in the crowd, he knew exactly where she was after spending most of the night avoiding making eye contact with her, who knew what would've happened if he'd locked eyes with her earlier.

Margaret’s eyes moved up when she heard him say this is something new. When their eyes met she felt the overwhelming wave of emotions wash over her. But instead of falling apart she gave him a small encouraging smile. It hurt to do, especially when he broke her heart a few days before. Although when push comes to shove they were best friends and she wanted to support him. Especially if it was a new song, but she could only wonder what it was because typically she would get to hear previews of songs. So she brought her camera up to start capturing shots. Finally composing herself enough so her camera could focus and steal shots of him.

Taking a deep breath, Carter let his eyes wander back out into the crowd in an attempt to make himself feel a little less nervous about what was to come. Letting the breath out quick, the boy looked back towards Rey and Rip, giving them a quick nod before he began to strum on his guitar, eyes falling closed as he began to sing.

‘You look so wonderful in your dress 

I love your hair like that 

The way it falls on the side of your neck 

Down your shoulders and back We are surrounded by all of these lies 

And people who talk too much 

You've got that kind of look in your eyes As if no one knows anything but us 

And should this be the last thing I see I want you to know it's enough for me '

Cause all that you are is all that I'll ever need I'm so in love, so in love So in love, so in love’

His eyes fluttered open, searching for her in front of the crowd as he continued.

‘You look so beautiful in this light 

Your silhouette over me 

The way it brings out the blue in your eyes Is the Tenerife sea 

And all of the voices surrounding us here 

They just fade out when you take a breath 

Just say the word and I will disappear Into the wilderness’

Carter's gaze hadn't left her, a look of sorrow in his eyes as he took the song back to the bridge, his eyes falling closed once again as he sang the chorus one last time.

Margaret tried to take in all of the words, and slowly the words....the details sounded all too familiar. Her heart was slowly lifting up, even if she tried to push it back down, the last time she tried that it did not work in her favor. But the moment his eyes searched for his, she moved her camera down and met his eyes. A shaky breath left her lips, she could see the sorrow in his eyes...she had to blink to make sure this was all real and happening. He was telling her he loved her in a song and was perfectly explaining the other day. Finally a small smile grew on her lips. Taking a moment to snap back to reality to bring back her camera was he focused back on the song again.

Carter couldn't help but let a small smile grow on his lips, though he was absolutely terrified about everything he was doing, he also was incredibly happy that he was finally able to convey exactly how he was feeling. As the song wrapped up the red head thanked the crowd, throwing out his guitar pick and jogging to the side of the stage as Rey and Ripley wowed the crowd with a killer instrumental solo before closing the set. Everyone seemed to be rushing around as Lia was set to take the stage but Carter's eyes were only searching for one person as he made his way down an alley way in hopes the girl had been making her way to him too.

Margaret caught one of the other photographers and asked if they could cover her spot for her, once she did she thanked them and quickly made her way backstage. Slipping her camera back in her bag as she walked. Picking her head up in hopes to find Carter, not sure how much time he had if he had another song or something to go to, so she wanted to take advantage of every moment she could get with him. When she saw him her smile grew, "Carter." She called out to him, not even realizing how the feeling of relief the song gave her caused tears to well up in her eyes. All she could focus on was reaching out to him and just getting to feel his touch again after a few very long days.

As the alleyway began to empty, Carter felt a wave of disappointment wash over him. Maybe it was too late, maybe the damage he'd done was irreversible and he wouldn't blame her if that was the case but it would still kill him. The moment he heard his name called he jerked his head in the direction it came from, his eyes lighting up the second they spotted her. Moving as fast as he could, the boy closed the gap between them, his hands lacing with hers the second they were close enough to. The grin on his face beginning to fade as he noticed the tears in Margaret's eyes - had he made things worse? Lifting one of his hand, Carter gently brushed his thumb against her cheekbone.

When he took her hands she squeezed his almost immediately, her thumb running along his knuckles. She could see the worry in his eyes and his smile fade and knew she had to answer but she could hardly make words.  Margaret's head tilted into his touch, her eyes closing for a moment. "They're happy tears...." she mumbled softly to him, "I was so scared that I lost you, that I couldn't feel your touch again...see your smile." Once she noticed her rambling she took a breath before opening her eyes to meet his. "The song was it for...?  Being in love..." She knew she wasn't making complete sentences but after these last few days she couldn't barely handle all of these emotions.

The feeling of her reassuring touches worked wonders on his overactive mind, soothing it almost immediately. A content sigh falling from his lips as his hand gently cupped at her face, an overbearing grin appearing on his lips as she explained that they were indeed happy tears. He had hoped that the song would do exactly what it had done, explain exactly how he felt. An almost blush rising to his cheeks when she referenced the song, he'd never been so vulnerable and he was about to open himself up even more. "They all are," He said breathlessly.

Seeing that grin on his face only made her smile grow, her hand moving to rest on top of his. Her fingers lightly running along his skin. After not feeling his touch for days, it is like she longed for it. It was like going without air. But when she saw his blush she bit on her bottom lip as she reached out and let her hand cup his cheek. Her thumb brushing along the pink tint on his cheeks. "They...all are?" She almost asked in disbelief, "CC..." She whispered out before moving towards him, leaning in so her nose brush against his, their lips centimeters apart. "God, I love you so much." Margaret finally said, almost feeling a weight lift of her shoulders. Of course they have told each other that before but this? This was a new kind of love for them and she just couldn't hold it back anymore.

Even though he'd just poured his heart out in front of a crowd of thousands upon thousands of people, Carter had never felt as vulnerable as he did right now - in this moment, telling Margaret that all of his songs were about her. Though it had always been widely speculated by the public, he'd always played it off as it not being the case so verbalising it was terrifying to him. Simply nodding in reply, a bashful smile appearing on his features as their noses brushed. He was feeling cornier than ever but for the first time in his life, he didn't absolutely hate it. "I love you, Margaret." He whispered, the tension he had felt in his chest for the past few days suddenly disappearing. Leaning in just the smallest bit to close the space in between their lips, catching hers in a soft peck.

Hearing those three words come from him made her heart skip a beat. Yes, she heard the song when he said it but right now? Something just felt different. “That sounds amazing coming from you.” She whispered in return to him. When he leaned in she let her eyes flutter closed, returning the kiss. Not being able to help but steal another soft peck as well. Her open hand moving to rest on the back of his neck, holding him close to her. She parted slightly from him, “I can’t imagine this is easy for you to say all of this and opening yourself up...but I am so thankful that you are. I almost feel like all of this is a dream.”

As their lips parted, Carter swallowed harshly before a small smile began to grow on his lips. Hearing reassurance from her at this point in time was exactly what he needed, so of course she delivered. She always did, without fault he could rely on her to make him feel better. Nodding a little softly, the boy nodded - she was definitely right when she said it wasn't easy for him but he could already tell that it was worth it. "It's not.. But I needed you to know - I needed you to know how I feel about you," He admitted, his arms wrapping around her waist and pulling her closer. "I for one really hope it's not a dream."

“I wish there was some way I could thank you for finally taking that step out of your comfort zone.”  When his arms wrapped around her a smile quickly grew on her lips. She could stay in his arms all night and never want to part from him. “Even though it would be an amazing one.” She added on as she let her fingers move through his hair, “It is an even better reality...being able to kiss you and tell you how much I adore you is just the best thing. After going through years of trying to figure out what to do with these feelings.”

A soft chuckle fell from Carter's lips with a gentle shake of his head. "You don't need to thank me - I should've done it sooner, I'm so sorry for hurting you.." His gaze fell for a moment, thinking about how horrible he felt just a few nights prior, how much it killed him to walk away from her. "Walking away from you was one of the worst things I've ever done, you deserved so much more than that." His eyes locked with hers once again, a look of regret filling his eyes. "But I promise to never, ever leave you like that again." He vowed, tilting his head up to plant a soft kiss against her forehead.

When he brought up the other night she took in a breath and glanced down, just the thought of that night brought up that same feeling at the pit of her stomach. Even though she was in his arms now, with both of their feelings on the table it still stung. After letting out the breath she glanced back up at him just in time to meet his eyes. "We got lost in the moment and it was understandably overwhelming....it wasn't the best decision, no and it still hurts to think about but we are happy now and that is the most important thing." She listened to him speak again, nibbling on her bottom lip when he pressed a kiss to her forehead, a look of sadness but happiness in her eyes. "Please, I don't think my heart could handle it again. Now that...I have you I won't ever allow either of us to leave like that." She whispered to him.

Leaning in and pressing his head against the girl's forehead, Carter took a deep breath. There is was, the smell of her shampoo. The one scent that felt as if it made all of his worries melt away into nothing. "Believe me when I say that it killed me, I was just.. Terrified." He sighed softly, he'd regret walking away from her forever. "And as corny as this is about to sound," He chuckled a little. "I'll be here to annoy you for as long as you'll have me"

Margaret let her eyes flutter closed when his head rested against hers. A small relaxed smile resting on her lips, just being in his arms always did that for her. "Well we are here...together now and that is all that matters." She comforted, knowing that this will lurk in their memories for awhile, even moreso that this all went down with cameras surrounding them. So she'd imagine their fans would be bringing it up as well. Her eyes slowly fluttered open at what he said and felt her smile grow. "You know I will never complain about your corny side coming out, it always make my heart skip a beat." Her hands moved so her thumbs could brush along his skin. "As long as I'll have you, hm? You sure you want to give me that much power? Because if you do I think you will be stuck with me forever."

Carter couldn't think of anything that would make him happier in this moment, her smile setting his heart on fire. "All that matters," He repeated, nodding softly in agreement. She had a point, though he would do everything in his power to make it up to her - there was no point in dwelling on the past, especially when their future was looking so bright. "Well, it's a side reserved especially for you - Corny Carter ain't got time for anybody else." He teased, letting out a soft chuckle. "You say forever like it's a bad thing," A smirk played on his lips before he leaned in and pressed another soft kiss to the girl's lips, lingering there for a little longer this time.

Margaret felt a grin grow on her lips, letting out her own chuckle as well. "Good, call me selfish but I want to keep that side all to myself." Her eyes were probably sparkling and felt like there were hearts in them. "Its an amazing thing, especially with you." She whispered to him before letting her eyes flutter closed and melted into the kiss. Her hands moving to cup his cheeks. His kiss, his touch, his voice, his smile...everything, it was unfair how amazing it all made her feel. And the fact they they confirmed that she could enjoy those things forever? It was even better. That thought alone causing her to smile into the kiss.

Carter bit down on his bottom lip, an attempt to stop himself grinning like an idiot but it failed completely. "It's all yours," He beamed, what was it about her that brought out this side in him? He couldn't help but wonder, but knew he wouldn't have it any other way. The boy's hands moved from around the girl's waist, shifting back toward him a little to rest on her hips as his face pulled back just enough to end the kiss, a soft smile lingering on his lips. "Go finish work, I don't want you to get in trouble - I'll see you after, come stay with me on my bus.. I got snacks." He said, playfully taking her hands and swinging them from side to side.

Margaret's hands moved down to rest on his chest as they parted, his soft smile causing her own to grow on her lips. Trying to give him a pout when he said she should go finish work, but it was near impossible since she felt like she could do nothing but smile. "Mhm...work, but what if I like being with you and kissing you more?" She teased raising one of her eyebrows. Glancing down at their hands and let her smile immediately  grow, "But you're right...and I guess it is worth being apart from you for a short time if there are snacks included after." Her hands squeezing his softly, not being able to get over the fact of how amazing if felt to be this close to him.

The moment he steadied their hands, Carter's thumb began to gently brush against the back of Margaret's hands. His smile only growing even bigger when he noticed the blonde looking down at their intertwined hands. "Well then I guess that means we're on the same wavelength because that's all I want to do for the foreseeable future," He teased, leaning in and planting a few soft pecks to the girl's lips, beaming as he did so. "I'll even shower for you so I'm not so gross," He joked, he was very energetic especially on stage so that usually had him covered in sweat by the end of their set. "I'll see you soon," He grinned, giving the girl's hands a gentle squeeze.

Margaret moved her eyes back up to his when his thumb brushed against her skin. "Oh?" She asked, feeling herself smiling against his lips as he kissed her. Their smiles did not falter, but that wouldn't get in their way. Now that she got a taste of him and this affectionate side, she knew for a fact she would never be able to get enough. She wanted nothing more than to spend every day with him, making as many memories as possible. Margaret gave him a dramatic gasp at his statement, "For me? Well aren't I lucky?" She laughed and shook her head.  "Love you," She mumbled before leaning in to press one more soft kiss to his lips, knowing she will never be able to get tired of those wonderful words. Once she parted she stepped back and let her fingers brush against his as her hands moved from his. Knowing that the rest of the concert would be spent patiently waiting to be back in his arms again.

Carter couldn't help but chuckle as the girl gasped. "Very lucky," The boy teased, knowing full well that the real reality being that he was the one who was lucky. In every sense of the word, especially when it came to being with Margaret. "Love you," A cheesy smile washing over his lips, he'd spent so long being terrified of letting that word slip in this context that it almost felt silly to him now. Planting one final kiss to the girl's lips before turning on his heels and heading for the dressing room, glancing back over his shoulder to watch the girl moving in the opposite direction, a content sigh falling from his lips as he did so.

[sinceileftyoublog]

Live Picks: 2/4-2/7

Michael Kiwanuka

BY JORDAN MAINZER

Three artists who released underrated 2019 records highlight our recs this week.

2/4: Michael Kiwanuka, House of Blues

On his previous record Love & Hate, Michael Kiwanuka sang, “I’m a black man in a white world,” echoing the statement further during his live performances. Independent from how he feels, it’s also externally undeniable: After all, the song he’s most famous for grew in popularity due to its use as the theme song for HBO’s extremely white Big Little Lies. Last November’s excellent Kiwanuka, his third studio album, continues these sentiments, as well as Kiwanuka’s Bill Withers-esque vocal delivery, retro production from Danger Mouse and Inflo, and the instrumentation. But its themes center more around Kiwanuka’s self-acceptance due to the love he feels. You can read it in the lyrics--“Shine your light all over me / All my fears are gone,” goes the chorus of closer “Light”--but it’s more apparent, and impressively so, in the aesthetic. Listen to how upfront his vocals are on the self-assured “Rolling” and on opening soul jam “You Ain’t The Problem”. “Another Human Being” juxtaposes a gorgeous harp instrumental with samples of dialog from a Civil Rights sit-in, celebrating the proclamation of black bodies existing next to white ones. Sure, there are still solemn parts on Kiwanuka, like the downtrodden “Hero (Intro)” and piano-soaked “Final Days”. And even when the lyrics express well-worn ideas lamenting the state of the world, like on “Hero”, the scratchy, weeping guitar and genuine nature of Kiwanuka’s voice is affecting. Ultimately, though, Kiwanuka’s presentation of world weariness makes others’ devotion even stronger and more important. “All I know is my, oh my, this kind of love has taken me from my enemies,” he sings on “Piano Joint (This Kind of Love)”, an ode to the most powerful weapon of all.

Utah singer-songwriter Sammy Brue opens.

2/5: King Princess, Riviera

With her debut album Cheap Queen, queer pop artist Mikaela Straus, known by her moniker King Princess, ditched the bombastic nature of her early singles for introspective balladry. Don’t get me wrong: Straus is certainly still singing about queer subject matter. “Hit the Back” is a self-described anthem for bottoms, while “You Destroyed My Heart”, in all its slur reclamation glory (“But I’m a better fag / And you’re an amateur”), is one of many songs about Straus’ ex, actress Amandla Stenberg. (She’s now dating Lizzo creative director Quinn Whitney Wilson.) And the heartbreaking, raw “Homegirl” illustrates the hiding of gay love with sheer simplicity. (“We’re friends at the party, I’ll give you my body at home.”) But the tone with which Straus explores her own stories is one of reflection just as much as one of pride, a mix that makes Cheap Queen so effective and universal. After all, it’s also an album about love in general, including accepting when it’s no longer there. On “Watching My Phone”, over crying strings and a pointed drum beat, Straus sings, “And I know I can’t be the million girls you’re gonna meet / And I think that’s alright.” Coming towards the end of the record, it’s a stunning conclusion rarely communicated in the forlorn annals of pop music, an inherent expression of self-love.

Irregular Girl and rapper, singer-songwriter, and visual artist Kilo Kish opens.

2/5: YBN Cordae, Avondale Music Hall

Raleigh rapper YBN Cordae isn’t the most skilled lyricist, but he sells you with his flow and his honesty. After a few years of releasing music under the name Entendre, Cordae Amari Dunston joined the YBN collective in 2018 and quickly became its star, releasing his Grammy-nominated debut The Lost Boy last summer. Listening to it, you quickly get a distillation of who he is: a thoughtful person who’s constantly thinking about where he came from more than where he’ll go. He’s immediately self-aware about his attitude towards legal and moral transgressions on the flute-laden “Have Mercy”: “I know I used up my three favors,” he quips, “Back to sinnin’ like a week later.” The Anderson .Paak-featuring “RNP” stands for “rich n***a problems,” a term coined by Cordae’s father after Cordae complained too much about his current lucrative career. His stories add up to become a self-deprecating biography, from the tale of bringing an unlikable girl home for the holidays on “Thanksgiving” to lamenting about social media not reflecting reality on the dreamy “Thousand Words”. (It’s through social media that he connected with the YBN collective in the first place.)

But as much as Cordae looks at his past with a critical eye, he takes the too-common trope of chronicling his rise to stardom and meshes it with a tremendous sense of perspective, thanking the people he met along the way. On “Been Around,” he raps, “Sometimes life’s about the people you know / Watchin’ a flower bloom as its features will grow.” Specific individuals are featured; he mentions his late grandmother on “Family Matters” and banger “Broke As Fuck” and actually sings Luther Barnes’ gospel track “Trouble In My Way” with her on the skit “Grandma’s House”. And the murder of his cousin serves as inspiration to live life to the fullest on “Broke As Fuck”. Ultimately, the title of his record is simply explained on closer “Lost & Found”: “I was a lost boy, but now I’m found.” Who or what found him matters, but not as much as the fact that he got there.

2/6: Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Elgin Community College

We previewed Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn’s show at SPACE two years ago:

“Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn are both prominent musicians in their own name, two of the most proficient banjo players ever, Washburn’s clawhammer composition skills unrivaled, just like Fleck’s technical prowess. Together, the two are more than just husband and wife–they’re natural musical collaborators, having released two albums and an EP of both traditional and original material.”

[cardcaptorcoconut]

Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card Arc Chapter 10 Translation  [PREVIEW]

Thanks as always to @chibiyuuto for posting the spoiler pics!  They can be found here.  [Link Removed by @cardcaptorcoconut​]

Also, it looks like the full chapter will be out on Thursday. :)

Disclaimer: These are just fan translations. Please support the official release.

Chapter 10

P1 Tomoyo:  Good morning! Kero:  Yo! Tomoyo:  Oh, Kero-chan! Sakura:  I promised Akiho-chan yesterday. Tomoyo:  You promised Akiho-chan? Tomoyo:  So you brought him with you? Sakura:  Kero-chan's a little bit big... If he was on the outside of my bag, he would really stand out. <Kero's wearing a cellphone strap accessory> Kero:  You say that, but what's this all about? Sakura:  I also worried how it would look having a mascot (charm) larger than the phone...

[Lit: I also thought about how it would look...]

Tomoyo:  It’s very cute. Kero:  REALLY? Sakura:  (It doesn't take much for you) Kero-chan.

[Lit:  Kero-chan, you're simple.]

P2 Tomoyo:  How about joining the chorus club? Sakura:  Yeah!  The song you sang at the flower viewing was really beautiful! Akiho:  I won't be a bother, will I? Tomoyo:  I'm sure everyone will be really happy! Akiho:  Then... I want to join the chorus club.

P3 Tomoyo:  You've grown taller. Syaoran:  Is that so? Tomoyo:  You've become very manly. Syaoran:  Eh?? N-no... Syaoran:  But why are you taking my measurements too? Tomoyo:  I want you to wear costumes too, Li-kun. Tomoyo:  I'll create lovely costumes for both Sakura-chan & Syaoran-kun!

[Note:  Tomoyo actually calls him Syaoran-kun here instead of just Li-kun. Perhaps from fangirling too much!]

Sakura:  Eh?? Tomoyo:  Just now... was there...? Syaoran:  Wind...?

P4 Sakura:  (The wind) just now! Syaoran:  That's not just any wind. Sakura:  I saw something.  It was like the edge of a cloth passing by... Sakura:  Ehh?! Kero:  When did you learn how to used that technique? Syaoran:  Thunder, come forth!

P5 Sakura:  I'm not catching you against your will. Sakura:  It's more like... yes... more like... Sakura:  Could we get along? Sakura:  ...Thank you. Sakura:  !?

P6 Kero:  Oh! You can fly! Sakura:  Oh wow!  I can move freely! <Sakura hears a buzzing sound> Tomoyo:  This is so lovely! Sakura:  "Secure!" Sakura:  It was the sound of this card. <To Be Continued in the May Issue>

P7 <Caption reads:  This took place before Sakura and Syaoran were reunited.  Even from far away, these two battle in perfect form(?)...!> Kero:  No, that's all wrong! Kero:  Ahhhh why are you casting magic on your own party?! Stop! AHHHH!!! Kero:  What the hell!! Suppi!! Suppi:  I didn't do it on purpose. My hand slipped. Kero:  {*It wasn't on purpose?!*} Kero:  What's up with you hitting my character with {*water magic*}?! Kero:  YOUUU!!! Well if that's how you feel about it... Kero:  ...I won't send you those Japanese sweets I was telling you about! Suppi:  NA-!! Suppi:  If that's how you feel about it, then I won't send you sweets from here either! Kero:  How rude!! Suppi:  You're the one who's being mean!

P8 Suppi:  Did (she?) come back from shopping? Kero:  Yeah.  She left her room, but she hadn't heard from the brat yet, so she was a little bit down... Suppi:  I see. Kero:  It seems like he's leaving some time in between replies lately.  It'll be nice if he can come here on his next break. Suppi:  Yes, it would be. Kero:  Okay! Talk to you later!  Next time don't cast magic on me. Suppi: I'll be very careful. <hangs up> Suppi:  Syaoran will be going there soon.  But... it won't just be to see (her) again...

[Lit:  It won't just be to meet again.]

[cherrywineandmagic]

Somehow // Spencer Reid

A/N: Every time I feel a certain way, these type of stories happen. I hope you enjoy.

Spencer Reid couldn’t deny one simple fact.

He wanted to be in love.

He dreamt of it constantly, his mind conjuring up images of himself with a faceless woman. He daydreamed about how they would walk hand in hand throughout the city, the two of them huddled close together as they braved the winter’s cold winds. He could picture them laying on a thin blanket in a park as the sun began to set, the two so caught up in each other to realize the day was saying its goodbyes. His dreams at night were more vivid, filled with passion as his mind gave him a preview of the romance that would come when he finally found the right person. And he would wake from these dreams and sigh in disappointment, the ghost of the passion he had dreamt floating away from him.

He tried his best to ignore the gnawing feeling inside. He always feared he would never find true love. Every time he looked at JJ and Will was like a stab in the stomach, a constant reminder of what he was missing. How desperately he wanted to look at someone the way lovers did, with stars in their eyes that shined brighter than the sun ever could.

He was a hopeless romantic despite his logical mind. He would often read novels, pieces of literature written by some of the greatest minds, and realize that the one thing that mattered the most was love. It was something etched into ever fiber of life. It was in the way his mother read to him as a child. It was in the way his friends planned birthday parties for him. It was in the hugs of the small blonde child he was lucky enough to be the godfather too. Love was inescapable, and that fact gave him hope.

Nothing could have really prepared him for what happened. No amount of reading, of research, would have prepared him for the way his heart seemed to grow ten times in size and the way his breathing got caught in his throat.

Spencer Reid was an avid coffee drinker which meant he had a favorite coffee spot which he frequented religiously. He had noticed the sign once before, noticed the words “Coming Soon: In house performances” written in pink chalk, but he’d never given it much importance. Coffee places adding acoustic performances wasn’t uncommon.

It wasn’t until she accidentally bumped into him as he stood in line that he felt all the oxygen leave his body. The sheer beauty of her was enough to draw the life out of him. She’s hastily apologized as she straightened out her soft white dress and pulled her hair to the side. Her apologetic smile was so beautiful that all Spencer could do was merely nod before watching her walk away from him and towards the small chair and microphone set up for the hired performer.

Spencer ordered his drink and took a seat at one of the small tables that faced her. He decided to sit in the back and drink his coffee for a few minutes. He was meant to be heading to work but for some reason he felt compelled to stay.

It was when her delicate fingers strummed against the guitar that he felt the universe align. It was when her soft voice left her lips and filled the air with sweet melodies that he realized what was happening.

This was her. This was the girl he was meant to fall in love with. He was absolutely sure of it. The woman in his dreams was no longer without a face.

It took him a while to gather up the courage to approach her. She became a regular singer at the small coffee shop. She found herself with a new fan and Spencer found himself arriving later to work with each passing day.

He watched her from afar. He noticed the way she pushed her hair back behind her ears before every performance. Noticed the way she looked around the room as she sang, looking at you with eyes so full of emotion you would have sworn she wrote the song just for you. He even noticed the way children gravitated towards her after she was done, tugging on the hem of her dress and sheepishly offering her compliments. She would always respond with a kind smile and an occasional hug, the beauty she held inside seeming to radiate out towards them.

Surprisingly enough, he didn’t make the first move. No, the universe had decided otherwise. He had been startled when the chair across from him had been scraped back, his eyes widening when she sat down with a sort of grace even the Greek gods couldn’t imitate.

She’d noticed him. Spencer’s heart was beating rapidly as she smiled and formally introduced herself, stating that he must be a wonderful person. The statement took him by surprise and he was quick to ask what would make her think that.

It was in the eyes, she said. They never lied, and his were full of compassion and wonder. She laughed as she admitted she’d noticed him the very first day when he had sat towards the back after she had stumbled into him. Spencer smiled and offered up a compliment about her voice. She smiled brighter, her eyes glistening with something Spencer couldn’t place yet.

She was right about him. The two began to spend time together after each performance. She was kind, smart, and understanding. She would stare at him, absolutely enthralled with her head propped up in her hands as he told her stories of the dangers he had faced. She’d listen intently and ask for details, not once making him feel as if he was speaking too much.

This was how they communicated. He would listen to her sing and then she would listen to him talk. Both were completely mesmerized by the other.

There was only one time Spencer felt his heart drop to his stomach. She had just taken a seat across from him when a man walked up to her. He was a fan, a man who had also taken to becoming a regular customer during her performance hours. He made quick talk before abruptly asking if she would go on a date with him.

Spencer felt nauseous at the question. The man was handsome and of a better build than he was. He was dressed rather nicely, much better than his cardigans and converse. He could already hear her accepting the invitation.

But she didn’t. She had politely declined and after looking between the two, the man had accepted the fact. Instead he smiled, gave her another compliment and went on his way.

This was the moment in which Spencer decided he couldn’t wait anymore. The question had been blurted out as soon as her eyes met his.

“I was wondering when you would ask,” she replied playfully. He let out a sigh of relief as he realized that she too felt the same feelings he had harbored for weeks now. The two quickly became one.

Spencer Reid couldn’t deny one simple fact.

He was in love with her.

He was head over heels, insanely, irrevocably in love with her. Every single thing about her. From the way she walked with grace to the way she sang so effortlessly. From the way her hand fit in his, and the way she had easily pushed away the doubts he had experienced before when it came to love.

She loved in the way he had always dreamt of. There was passion in her kiss and he swore he’d never known true happiness until his lips melted with hers. There was a certain tenderness in her touch that assured him he would always be safe in her arms. There was wonder in her voice that drove him insane in a good way as he realized she genuinely cared about every single word that left his mouth, no matter how odd it could be. There was an adoration in her eyes that made his heart physically hurt and he found himself longing to gaze upon them the second she was away.

He had finally found it. He had found the love that his friends had so often spoken about. He had found the love that he spent years fantasizing of.

She had found the same love in him. There was pure devotion in the way he wrapped his arms around her, pushing away his infamous distaste for physical contact. There was a level of intimacy between them that compared to no other when the two laid in bed, shining with sweat and sleepy smiles and still attempting to hold conversations despite the exhaustion of their bodies. There was a gentleness in the way he touched her, as if she were the most precious gem in the world and he was lucky to even lay a hand on it.

They were made for each other. That could be seen by everyone in the way the two gravitated towards each other, their bodies always in perfect sync. Somehow he had found her and she had found him.

Spencer Reid couldn’t deny one simple fact.

He was happier than he had ever been.

[loyolahcmass]

Homily on Million Reasons by Lady Gaga

Here is the preview of Fr. Rossi’s homily on the song “Million Reasons” by Lady Gaga:

LADY GAGA “MILLION REASONS”

 In a video on Rolling Stone’s website about her album Joanne, Lady Gaga explained that her album is about growing personal connections with fans.

 “I wanted to write songs that would speak to a woman or a man who thought that they could never connect with me.” 

 To that end, “Million Reasons” is a solid success. 

 While the lyrics don’t seem deep at first, I think the topic they’re about is very deep.

 And I think the simplicity of the song allows the depth of that topic and feeling to speak for itself in a deep way.

__________

 Those feelings concern one very special “fan” or person in her life.

 It’s probably her fiancé, the actor Taylor Kinney.

__________

 In the first verse, Gaga sings, “You’re giving me a million reasons to let you go / . . . to quit the show.” 

 She’s talking about a relationship with a guy that isn’t going well. 

 The other person has messed up again and again, and she’s not sure she can take it anymore. 

 The reasons to leave keep building and building.

__________

 When she sings, “If I had a highway, I would run for the hills,” she’s saying that if she saw a way out of the relationship, she would leave quickly. 

 It’s not perfectly clear what she means when she sings, “If you could find a dry way, I’d forever be still.” 

 By “dry way,” she may mean “clear path.”

 That makes sense, because she seems to be saying that if he could figure his life out, she wouldn’t complain anymore. 

 She’d be happy to be with him, but instead he’s giving her “a million reasons” to not “be still” and to leave.

__________

 In the chorus, she sings about trying to make sense of this relationship. 

 She says that she bows “down to pray” to ask God to “show me the way,” as she tries “to make the worst seem better.” 

 She’s stayed with this relationship as best she can, but it’s getting too difficult to “cut through all this worn out leather.” 

 This is a really interesting way of referencing the toughened emotional walls that keep him from being honest.

__________

 In the second verse, she sings, “Head stuck in a cycle. I look off, and I stare.” 

 Here, she’s highlighting her own emotional emptiness and hopelessness. 

 She says it’s like “I’ve stopped breathing.” 

 But she’s “completely aware,” as she watches her life descend into chaos seemingly beyond her control.

__________

 And while she’d love for a turn-around to happen, she’s not sure she’d even be able to recognize it. 

 She sings, “And if you say something that you might even mean / It’s hard to even fathom which parts I should believe.” 

 He’s lied so many times that she simply can’t trust anything that he says.

 This makes a revitalization of a healthy relationship nearly impossible due to these “million reasons.”

__________

 The song’s bridge is a final request for what the singer needs. 

 Gaga sings: 

“Baby, I’m bleedin’ 

Can’t you give me what I’m needin’?”

  Despite his many lies and offenses, she loves him and is still giving him the chance to fix things. 

 Finally, she sings, “Every heartbreak makes it hard to keep the faith.” 

 In other words, it’s hard for her to believe that they can fix things, because he keeps breaking trust by his actions.

 But, in spite of all experience to the contrary, she claims that she needs only “one good [reason]” to stay with him.

__________

 I love the simplicity of this song. 

 Loving someone, but being hurt by that person, is a common theme in music and in life.

 But I think what’s beautiful about Gaga’s approach is that she states very clearly what it’s like.

 She doesn’t embellish the sad truth or spend unnecessary time trying to make us cry.

 This isn’t a sob song.

__________

 The song’s musical style reflects this as well. 

 Gaga’s voice is very loud and clear in the mix.

 The accompanying instruments, mainly a simple guitar and a piano combination, do little to distract from what she’s saying.

__________

 Let’s face it, spousal abuse or neglect are terrible things, and I think the power of “Million Reasons” is that Lady Gaga lets those issues speak for themselves. 

 She empathizes with her audience by being vulnerable: you’ve face this and I’ve faced this.

 But, she’s not preachy. 

 Because of this, I’m a fan of “Million Reasons” and I respect her for saying what needs to be said.

__________

 And there’s something else.

 The Lady Gaga who sings this song is not the same person who sang  “Poker Face” or “Telephone.”

 That person was all about glitz and superficiality.

 That was the essence of “Gagaism."

 Even “Bad Romance,” which has basically the same theme, isn’t half as mature as “Million Reasons.”

 Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta is more “Lady” now than she is “Gaga.”

 I don’t know if this persona will sell more records, but it certainly makes for a better human being.

__________

 In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “Love your enemy.”

 Isn’t it interesting, in “Million Reasons,” the guy and the girl have become enemies.

 They’re adversaries in a relationship.

 But, Gaga won’t give up on him, or on them.

 She’s too caring, too understanding.

__________

 He’s done her a lot of damage, maybe psychological, maybe physical, but she is willing to try again, if he just gives her a little sign, even a hint, that he’s willing to change.

 That’s what I call hope.

 That’s what I’d call Christ-like love!

 And where did she get this?

 “Lord, show me the way,” she pleads.

 N.B.: She prayed for it! AMEN!

[antihero-writings]

The Simplest Gifts—Chapters 1 and 2—Pandora Hearts fic for Phmonth18 Prompts: Song and Wish

Fic Title: The Simplest Gifts

Fic Synopsis: Christmas may not be the happiest time for the Children of Misfortune, still, sometimes it's the simplest things that can bring joy

Chapter Titles: Tied by a Song, Bound by a Wish

Character Focus:  Oswald, Lacie, Lottie, and Vincent 

Chapter 1 Preview: 

Two children walked through the snow, their little boots sinking into the powder. The girl breathed out, watching her breath form frostbitten clouds in the air before them. The boy, her brother, shivered, putting his hands into his coat pockets.

Lacie stumbled forward to catch up with him, holding onto the crook of his arm.

The town square was quiet, the snow creating an atmosphere of dormancy—though the few people who were there in the little place wore smiles, red noses, and cheerful laughs. They saw some kids putting ornaments on the trees, or throwing snowballs at each other, and though there was longing in the sibling’s eyes, neither felt the urge to join them.

As they passed an old church, notes to a song fluttered out into the winter air, as they often do for lonely children on Christmas Eves.

It took a moment for Oswald to realize his sister wasn’t following him. He turned to see her staring up at the church’s big oak doors, as if tied there by the song.

“Lacie?” he asked, running up beside her.

She stared, her red eyes shimmering like the snow itself, a smile tickling her lips.

Without warning, she grabbed his hand, and dragged him up the steps. But when she reached out towards the doors to open them, Oswald pulled her back.

“Let’s go in!” Lacie smiled, joining his game of tug of war.

“We can’t!”

“Why not, silly?”

Oswald paused, looking up at the the stones and symbols, thinking hard.

“Well I’m going inside,” determination set in to her expression, “If you want to sit outside like a loser you can,” she stuck her tongue out, then grinned and waved, heaving open the doors with all her might.

Music spilled out of the cracks.

She was right; it was beautiful, tempting, almost intoxicating.

As long as he could remember, she had always been enchanting by music.

And in truth, when she herself sang her lullabies and songs, he found them, her voice, quite lovely.

“Wait!” he called as she left him out in the cold.

She didn’t wait.

Chapter 2 Preview:

“Close your eyes. Now...make a wish!”

“I just want you to have a good Christmas, Vince!” 

Gilbert, brushing off a place on the snowy cobblestones, sat down beside his brother, handing him a piece of the bread he had spent much of the evening trying to steal.

 He wore a smile, but his eyes were tired.

Do you really mean that, Gil?

There was a new cut on Gil’s leg since that morning, his raggedy cloak was even dirtier than before.

Vincent had learned to stop asking; Gil often lied and said the cuts and bruises meant nothing, or, if he told the truth, it just made Vincent feel bad.

He was so small, so young. They both were. To be this alone, this wanting. They didn’t deserve this.

Just because of his stupid red eye.

Vincent took the bread, brushing his hair over that curse.

He didn’t deserve this. 

His brother didn’t deserve this. 

It was clear he didn’t know it, but Gilbert’s words were like daggers to Vincent. Though he might have meant them to be encouraging, they dove straight for his heart.

I just want you to be happy.

I just want you to have a good Christmas.

Sharp pains straight for the beat.

You can read this fic here on Ao3 (chapter 1, chapter 2), here on tumblr (chapter 1, chapter 2), or here on FF.net (chapter 1, chapter 2)!