#broadway fake texts

[disgruntledkittenface]

When Harry Met Louis (45.6k, M) | Girl Direction, When Harry Met Sally AU, New York City, Friends to Lovers, Documentarian Harry

A Haunting in Doncaster (666 words, NR) | Girl Direction, Ghost Harry, Mentions of Murder, True Crime, Open Ending

i'm going out tonight (3.8k, M) | Established Relationship, Karaoke, Dancing, Semi-Public Sex

call me any, anytime (2.2k, E) | Canon Compliant, Exes to Lovers, Masturbation, FaceTime, Hopeful Ending

pretty please? (3.4k, E) | Girl Direction, Established Relationship, BDSM, Daddy Kink, Paddling

Red (4.3k, E) | Exes to Lovers, Angst with a Happy Ending, Swiftie Louis, Explicit Sexual Content

Suddenly Last Summer (44k, E) | Rich Louis, Strangers to Lovers, Mystery Elements, Open/Ambiguous Ending

routine surveillance (2.6k, E) | Dark Harry, Voyeurism, Masturbation, Open/Ambiguous Ending

when we're finished saying nothing (3.3k, M) | Girl Direction, Alpha/Alpha, Established Relationship, Nesting, Knotting

I Choose You (3.6k, NR) | Accountant Louis, Established Relationship, Domestic Fluff, No Smut

something to dream about (100 words, M) | Girl Direction, Drabble, Established Relationship, Implied Sexual Content

baby, you're the end of june (13.6k, E) | Alpha Harry, Omega Louis, Advertising AU, Accidental Courting, Friends to Lovers

Darling, so it goes (195k, E) | Royal AU, Famous/Famous, Falling in Love, Developing Relationship

subverting expectations (2.7k, M) | Girl Direction, Met Gala, Strangers to Lovers, Daddy Kink

comfort (666 words, NR) | Established Relationship, Grief/Mourning, Pick Someone Supportive, Halloween

this is my jam (4.5k, M) | Bathhouse AU, 90s AU, Strangers to Lovers, Exhibitionism, Hopeful Ending

making my way downtown (2k, M) | Dramatic Harry, Texting, Masturbation

pink like the paradise found (18.4k, M) | Girl Direction, Bartender Louis, Flirting, First Time

dream lover (5k, M) | Girl Direction, Real Housewives of New York AU, Flirting, Dirty Talk

face to face at the kitchen table (2k, NR) | Exes to Lovers, Hopeful Ending, No Smut

i must admit i thought i'd like to make you mine (50k, M) | Girl Direction, Fake Relationship, Strangers to Friends to Lovers, Wedding Planning

come to me wild and wired (5.4k, E) | Girl Direction, Established Relationship, Fluff and Smut

we should open up (before it's all too much) (43k, M) | Depressed Harry, Vampire Louis, Grief/Mourning, Emotional Hurt/Comfort

just one look (and i fell so hard) (15k, M) | Meet-Cute, Fluff, Flirting, Strangers to Lovers, Broadway

black coffee in bed (3.4k, M) | Girl Direction, Established Relationship, Fluff and Smut

an honest mistake (2k, NR) | Baker Harry, Meet-Cute, Misunderstandings, Fluff, Flirting

please forgive me if my lips quake (1.6k, GA) | Girl Direction, Meet-Cute, Flirting, Fluff

mix it up and down my body (2.5k, M) | Girl Direction, Established Relationship, Smut, Kink Discovery

bambi legs (11.5k, NR) | Girl Direction, Asexual Harry, Coming Out, Fluff, Flirting, First Date, No Smut

you came into my life (57k, M) | Queer Eye AU, Firefighters AU, Coming Out, Pining, Flirting, Fluff and Angst

tell me what you need (2.4k, GA) | Coffeeshop AU, Barista Louis, Fluff, Flirting, No Smut

caught up in your love affair (8k, NR) | Royal AU, Famous/Non-Famous, Established Relationship, Engagement, No Smut

[droughtofapathy]

"Welcome to the Theatre": Diary of a Broadway Baby

Romeo + Juliet

November 4, 2024 | Broadway | Circle in the Square | Evening | Play | Adaptation | 2H 10M

I don't even have it in me to be a Grade A Hater today. But damned if I'm not going to try. I saw this on Monday, and I was miserable for over two hours. The pre-show bass beat seems designed to cultivate the most hostile environment humanly possible. After about ten minutes of intense and oppressive noise, I felt genuinely ill. I don't do loud music. I don't go to screaming concerts. Forty minutes of this pre-show bass had me feeling nauseous, short-of-breath, and incredibly pissed the fuck off. I wore earplugs and still the physical vibrations set my teeth on edge.

The entire show is a quizzical muddling of the text includes nonsensical double-casting choices, aimless and misguided direction, and contrived original music that slots awkwardly into place. This production aims to attract a young audience and succeeds only in showcasing the absolute dregs of theatrical artistry. This tiktok-modeled production is a cesspool of insufferable clip-length moments stuck together with scotch tape and paperclips. Actors do little to embody the characters beyond superficial posturing, instead spending all their energy on humping and grinding on each other (and a big stuffed bear?) at any opportunity. There is little visual distinction between the families because everyone is dressed like sixteen-year-olds going to a club with their fake IDs.

The adaptation goes out of its way to emphasize that Juliet is "not yet fourteen," on multiple occasions, and (presumably) fills the theatre lobby and sparse scenery with arcade-style stuffed bears to symbolize their youth. And yet, the direction is hypersexualized to the extreme. That boy never puts on a proper shirt and the girl spends most of the show in boyshorts and tanktops. Their relationship has been directed to be as sexy and titillating as possible, instead of a sweet and awkward affair between two young teens. Everyone else is groping each other non-stop, but also kind of incel-like. They binge drink, they vape, they sexually assault one another for fun. So like...everyone's horny but no one's fucking. Great. Vulgar for shock-value and little exploration of the tragedies of young love. And of the affair itself, it's largely one-sided. Kit Conner is giving a respectable performance and seems mostly at-ease with Shakespearan text, while Rachel Zegler is truly out-of-her-depth with the language and character. Which is surprising given that she basically did Juliet already once before. The original music she's given is contrived and ill-suited to the plot, but who cares when it fulfills its sole purpose. She gets a song. Woo-hoo. It's not great.

Other nonsensical decisions include having one character goading audiences into a chorus of "We Are Young" immediately after Juliet feigns suicide and her parents (played by the same actor with little distinction beyond stereotyped gender performance that seems more than a little misogynistic) weep over her corpse. Because god forbid young audiences be allowed to sit with a poignant moment. The first half is punctuated every few minutes by that deafening bass and more gyrating choreography for whatever reason. I kept the earplugs in the whole time and it was still too loud.

If we are to assume the only theatrical productions that can attract a young audiences must also be bereft of nuance, drama, and depth, then yeah, okay, sure. The show is right: the youth are fucked.

Verdict: Someone Put This Dumpster Fire Out

A Note on Ratings

[moveslikeanape]

oh no worries at all! i post a lot and nobody can catch every single post on their dash anyway haha. i'm sorry you were having internet issues, i hope things are working better now.

aww, that's adorable how oliver basically named himself. reminds me that my dad used to have a cat named iam (pronounced the same way as "i'm"), who was named that because when he first got him he asked the cat what his name was, and his meow sounded to my dad like he was saying "iam".

oh yeah, i guess it's true that playing the events and leveling up your cards definitely can get time-consuming, and you need to level them up a lot to win the battles! there are people who post videos of the story on youtube as well as wiki pages that have transcriptions of the text, so that would be another option if you were really interested in the story but couldn't keep up with the game. were there any particular character designs you liked best? i love riddle's, of course, but i also really like idia's design.

yeah, unfortunately my first reaction to moana 2's announcement was confusion because i saw it on twitter, thought "uhh, that's weird, what about the show that's supposed to come out this year? they usually announce movies so much further in advance too", and actually wondered if it was a fake tweet for a second... i was excited about the show but i agree that this has the same vibes as those old direct-to-video sequels, which were very hit or miss. also agree about toy story 4 lol, i basically just remember that they went to a carnival and that's only because woody's dreamlight valley house is a carousel. and i remember the ending, but that's because i wasn't a fan of the ending. in my opion toy story 1-3 were a perfect trilogy.

raya is one of those movies that i feel very mixed on, honestly. i really like raya's personality and character arc, but i always thought the movie had a lot of writing flaws that made the story and its message feel rushed and confusing. i think a big reason why some people like it is because raya and namaari are... very shippable lol, so much that i believe raya's voice actress once said she'd like for them to get together in a sequel. but i agree about the animation being gorgeous!

exactly LOL, and i'm glad for those who did genuinely enjoy wish, but i think even they should be able to admit that it's a flawed movie and that others aren't "anti-disney morons" for criticizing it. a lot of the criticism is coming from people like me who love disney movies and expected better from them, and that's why people are so passionate about creating fanfiction and art based on the ideas shown in the concept art as well. somehow the concept art did a better job of reminding people of the classic disney movies we all love than the actual film did.

i think what i like about the trolls movies is that even though they are a bit cheesy and childish, they just feel very self-aware and fun. they also have some really nice stylized animation where they try to make everything look like it's made from felt/fabric/craft materials in general.

i would absolutely love if disney filmed their musicals and put them on disney+! in general, i've always thought that more broadway musicals should do that for people who can't travel or afford the tickets. also, with princess and the frog i feel like sometimes people forget that a live action remake would have us watching a bunch of CGI animals almost the whole time... i mean, tiana and naveen are frogs for 90% of it and then there's ray and louis too. i'd much rather see how disney could bring it, and the emperor's new groove as well, to the stage.

it's too bad your book didn't seem to mention why they changed terk! do you happen to know if they gave a reason for removing tantor? i imagine it was because they thought having an elephant character was too difficult to pull off, but i agree with you that it would've been really cool to see how they did it.

Internet seems to be all better now, thank you!

Awwww, that's such an adorable story! I love fun cat names like that, especially when they're so unique that no one else could possibly some up with it. Also love cats that have such distinctive meows/sounds.

Ooo, I'll have to look into those videos and wiki pages, thanks for the heads up! As for the designs, I think my favourite is a toss up between Leona and Kalim, although leaning a bit more towards Kalim. I definitely would have an easier feeling about Moana 2 if it weren't coming so fast. I could see how they could maybe do a decent job and make whatever the series would be a decent movie if they dedicated the time to it, but the time between the announcement of the series to it becoming a movie is just way too short, no way this is getting the proper treatment it needs.

Totally agree about the rushed feeling of Raya. The story should be the number 1 focus. You can add fun stuff (jokes, cute characters, etc...) once they story is tied down and if there's room for it, but if you rush the story to fit anything else in, you've just ruined the movie. No matter how visually stunning, it's not going to connect with the audience if the story is struggling.

That's so neat about Trolls, I love animation styles that go for a certain look, and making it look like the world is made of crafting materials is genius! I'm going to have to watch them someday!

Completely agree with you about PATF and ENG... one of the many things that annoyed me with the Lion King remake was calling it live action... it was made to look realistic, but it was still all animated! They really need to stay away from live actioning any mostly animal cast movies. making the animals so photo realistic takes away so much of the heart, its so hard to emotionally connect with the characters story when their facial expression permanently bland/bored.

I didn't see anything about Tantor in it, but then again I only just quickly browsed through it. Someday I'll find time to read it, lol. I'm assuming it was to avoid making an elephant. Would have been neat to see if they had, or maybe they could have made him a different non-gorilla animal (kind of like how the baboons became a giant spider). I'm thinking their focus was too much on the main "wow factor" of the show... the vine swinging/gymnastic elements.

[hedwig-and-th3-angry-1nch]

chapter one, day one.

Ghost was sitting on his bed, watching youtube, and checking instagram. Ghost leads a very boring life, He doesn't do anything special. He's just some dude that works at starbucks. But his friend Kenji texts him. Although he doesn't see it. He's texting his friends on insta. Kenji keeps texting, Some of his texts read:Dude, I see your online on insta. - 2:17 PMMf reply to my texts, I have something important to tell you! - 2:18 PMGhostie! - 2:22 PMUgh did you die? - 2:39 PMIm coming over. - 2:40 PMAnd that's when Ghost hears the knock at his door. He goes to answer it, he's in a baggy beetlejuice shirt, his room is filled with CDs, Vinyl records, beetlejuice merch, Mainly musical merch. His roof is covered in Playbills. He actually met Kholby Wardell, Alex Brightman, Emily Rhom and Tiffany Tatreau. Ghost has been to over one hundred Broadway and off broadway musicals. His favorite musical is beetlejuice. So he painted his Nails black and green, And his hair is black and white/ platinum blonde. He’s actually been in a few musicals. In his School's production of Beetlejuice he was Beetlejuice himself. So, when Ghost answers the door Kenji looks at him, his bright blue hair covering his green eyes, he's wearing a white shirt and a beige sweater and green cargo pants.“Dude, did you not get my texts?!” Kenji shouts, moving his face closer to Ghost’s. This causes ghost to blush. He quickly responds with;“I was doing something, what are you? Obsessed with me?” That question causes Kenji to blush and pull his face away from Ghost’s“Well, no I’m no I just have something really important to tell you! Can I come in?” Kenji asks. Letting himself inside.“Kenji, what are you doing?!” Ghost shouts, but Kenji lays on Ghost's black bedspread, with black pillows and a black bed frame. “Dude, get out!” Ghost shouts. But Kenji sits up on the bed, Kenji's Green eyes meet Ghost’s gray eyes.“Ghostie! I got a boyfriend!” Kenji smiles, he's beaming, but Ghost's heart sinks, like a dagger was stabbed through this heart. Like his heart was being clawed at. Ghost puts on a fake smile so he can please Kenji.“Oh- cool- cool..” Ghost says, voice cracking. But Kenji doesn't hear it.“His name is James, he's 5 '11, gray eyes, black and white hair. He Loves beetlejuice, and musicals, he dresses like an e-boy!” As Kenji describes James, ghost releases, James is exactly like him, they dress the same way, like the same things, have the same hair and eye color.

[alsjeblieft-zeg]

289 of 2023

Created by joybucket

I hate having my photo taken. I'm afraid of water. 💦 I'm in a relationship. I'm good with words. ✍️ I love classic movies. I need to start over. I'm easily frustrated. I'm full of ideas that I never execute. I dream of Broadway. 🎭 I love long hair. I don't want to get married. I'm consumed by wanderlust. ✈️ 🌍 I long to move to another country. I'm religious. Self-harm is a part of my past. I've barely seen the world. I just want to survive high school. Everyone underestimates me. I'm always screwing things up. I'm a wallflower. I still have imaginary friends. I blurt out things that only sound good in my head. I'm obsessed with bubble wrap. I get the worst cramps. Jesus saved my life. I try to hard to fit in. I long to live on the edge. I'm unsure about everything. I long for real, long-lasting friendship. I'm loyal. I have trouble putting my thoughts into words. I'm argumentative. I hate my natural hair. I'm outspoken. I love snuggling with my cat. 🐈 I live for everyone else. I don't want to be just another face in the crowd anymore. I'm sick of faking smiles. I love video games. 🎮 I want a pet dragon. 🐉 I prefer books to movies. 📚 I don't give up. I have a sister. I can't wait to get married. I can't wait to start my own family. I'm staying strong. I'm an open book. I'm mentally dating a celebrity. I don't have real friends. I drink. 🍺 I'm rebellious. I'm a flirt. I do what I want. I have freckles. I live on a farm. 🌾 I love little kids. I don't fit in. I'm not good at expressing my feelings. I miss the life I used to have. I love elephants. 🐘 I'm afraid of love. I push people away. I've had a near-death experience. I'm depressed. I'm not sure what I want. I'm a good friend. I act like a child. I hate my name. I have allergies. 🤧 I get motion sickness. I think of my pets as my children. I love being surrounded by nature. I love turtles. 🐢 I love anime. I tend to ramble. My dog is my best friend. 🐩 I'm pretty sure that there's something wrong with me. I love long car rides. 🚘 I'm the kind of person who uses good grammar, even while texting. 💬 I'm obsessed with Disney. I reach beyond limits. I love our imperfect planet. 🌍 I'm always there for people, even when no one is there for me. I like trying new things. I have trouble putting a book down. 📖 I'm incredibly blessed. I want to make a huge difference in the world. I love musicals. I love snow. ❄️ I love hugging people. I love to paint. 🎨 I love autumn. 🍁 I'm socially awkward. I wish I could play an instrument. I wish animals could talk. I want to forget the past. I've had my heart broken. 💔 I fall for the wrong people. I love mac and cheese.

[virtueofsanityx]

"well, if you ever take an interest and want to experience one first hand, i would be happy to drag you to one with me. i've never got a date and it's always fun to watch someone experience one for the first time." and she was cute and tate was interested, but that was really only part of the equations, he could have asked her out to dinner or maybe to see a movie or a play in town, hell, he could have flown her to new york to see whatever was on broadway this month, but he knew better, he knew to ease in, at least a little. "usually the food it pretty good, rich people don't skimp on the food."

he was definitely going to have to see her in a shakespeare play, it sounded like, if her passion in speaking about it was anything to go on, she would steal the show no matter what role she was in. "well, i am a pretty good driver, but i promise to be very careful on my death trap on wheels. maybe one day i'll convince you to get on one, see that they aren't as scary as you're making it out to be." his grin was mischevious as he said it, leaning back against the counter and watching her with interest. "you don't have to run off, i kind of think that the concern is cute, not embarrassing, but if you absolutely must..." he reached into his pocket and pulled his wallet free, managing to get his card, his fake card with his real number, perfect for events like this one, out. "text me, or call me, when you head to the gallery, i'll give you the private show round. i am very well acquainted with the pieces, after all."

"I wouldn't know, I've never really been to one. But I'll take your word for it, the movies certainly make them seem like either the stuffiest snoozefest in the world or a bacchanal, no in between." She laughed, enjoying the warmth of the coffee through her hands. That, combined with the conversation, was doing wonders for her low mood. "I'm not much of a whiskey drinker myself. I prefer wines, or gin cocktails when the mood strikes."

"Probably not my favorite, I don't know if I have a favorite playwright. Maybe Sarah Ruhl if I had to pick. But I adore Shakespeare. I got to be in a production of Macbeth and it changed my life. I got to die onstage which is always fun. I love the rhythm of a well done Shakespeare play." She gushed for a moment, before pulling back politely. "Aww, no chocolate? That's so sad! But I suppose the acclaim of the art world makes up to it. A motorcycle? Oh please be careful, and tell him that too! Those are death on wheels and the damage in an accident can- I'm so sorry, you do not need to hear me go on about that. I didn't mean to insult you or your judgement!" An awkward silence, her fault obviously. "The show dates are on a flyer in the front lobby. I'll come by during our lunch hour to see the gallery. Now I'm going to leave before I melt to the floor in embarrassment."

[hey-op-just-kill-me]

Waiter: I heard we have a birthday in the house tonight!

Albert: why are you like this?

Race: you get embarrassed and I get free dessert

[ohsokey]

BJ MUA

[vivisona]

legend has it that if you say ‘dear evan hansen, be more chill, heathers and hamilton” three times in front of a mirror, a theatre fan will appear and call you ‘a fake theatre fan’

[all-pacas]

PLEASE tell me more about ratatouille the musical

i cannot even BEGIN to EXPLAIN

basically on tiktok people started joking about ratatouille the musical, a musical that does not exist, as kind of a way for theater people to mess around during covid? right? so they started writing fake songs for this musical, creating fake playbills, people started doing coreography for the songs, costume designers jumped in with pitches, sets were designed, all by users, for a musical that does not exist, so it’s just a really fun exercise in creativity and collaboration, right? it’s funny, but it’s also heartwarming and just exciting to see people coming  together like this, showing off their creativity, taking this seriously, making a broadway musical in minute long videos on the internet.

everyone is having fun, it’s really charming, it’s a bit tongue in cheek but also sincere, just a fun “let’s all make a fake musical” game.

anyway it’s being performed on january first, for real, to raise money for The Actor’s Fund. it exists now. it has been manifested. starring Wayne Brady, Adam Lambert, Ashley Park, Tituss Burgess as Remy, etc. various created-on-tiktok songs will be performed. disney is allowing this to happen. even the playbill is made from a tiktoker’s design. there is a playbill. 

[image described: a banner for ‘ratatouille the tiktok musical’, which is text on a purple background. to the right is a drawing of a fork holding up a bite of ratatouille, shaped to look like a rat. end descrip.]

tiktok has manifested a musical.

[jazziergin]

hello !! would you have any recs for klaine fics by any chance?

I've only just recently got back into reading fic but here's a few off the top of my head. Hopefully something for everyone here:

Drag Me Headfirst (Fearless) by @spookyklaine. Fake dating and the pining 👌

Head Versus Heart by dizzywhiz. Soft friends to lovers one shot involving a heart monitor.

The First of All Pleasures by @quizasvivamos. Pure filth (affectionate).

It Only Takes A Taste (When It's Something Special) by @hippohead . Fun Broadway!klaine told through texts, social media etc

The Hating Game by anon. Listen we all know this is my go to comfort read with bonus enemies to lovers. Defo check out if you haven't.

Spinning Out by RockItMan. Roommates, friends with benefits. Amazing smut, I'll just say it. New author so show them some love.

Turn Into a Pose by @little-escapist. More fake dating. Delicious slow burn angst. Very good.

Solid Gold by @heartsmadeofbooks. Check the tags for warnings. Very intense but god is it incredible.

[fuckyeah-dragrace]

You’re Everything and More

So here is the aforementioned Jankie! I didn’t expect so many of you guys to want this but I’m more than happy to provide.

Anyways I hope you all enjoy!

————

If people were to describe Jan, they would always say that she was the perfect girl for anything. She gave a hundred percent into everything she did, no matter what it was. Her peers and teachers could always rely on her. She could light up a room with her smile. She was the shining star that everyone could see.

It had started during her theatre class. They were just going over lines and Jan played her part flawlessly, even getting a thumbs up from her friend Trixie as she stepped off the tiny stage. As she walked to her seat, she noticed eye rolls and annoyed looks from her class mates. She shook them off and sat next to her pink clad friend. A couple of girls behind her giggled and Jan resisted the urge to crane her neck around and tell them off.

“God she’s too much.” One whispered. Their friend snickered.

“Totally. Like doesn’t she know when to stop?” The friends giggled together and Jan sat up straight with her eyes focusing forward. Whatever, who cares what they think.

Her professor started to assign roles for their next class and Jan was the first to volunteer for the lead, handing flying up. She heard the girls behind her groan and Jan lowered her hand slightly. Her professor, Mrs. Minj noticed as she was scribbling names into a list.

“Miss Sport? Would you like the role?” Professor Minj asked, her tiny glasses sitting perfectly on the edge of her nose.

“Uhh no-no I’m alright professor.” Jan said, shrinking back into her chair. The girls behind her faked shock and surprise, gasping loudly and giggling.

“Little miss Broadway Star Jan doesn’t want to be the lead? Who would’ve thought this day would come.” One said, loud enough for Jan to hear, her voice sickeningly sweet and mocking. The hair on the back of her neck stood up as the feeling of cold water dripped down her spine. Jan tightened her hand into a fist and pressed her knuckles hard enough to hear the popping of her bones.

Trixie placed her hand on top of Jans knee. Jan smiled a thankful smile and rose from her seat. The two girls from behind walked in front of Jan and gave her a sneer.

“Attention whore.” They said before disappearing into the crowd of students, leaving Jan stunned and feeling worse than before.

“Don’t listen to them.” Trixie said, standing beside Jan and rubbing their hand up and down her arm. Jan was obviously shaken from her classmates words but she inhaled and placed a shining smile in her lips. They walked out of class discussing random thoughts until Trixie screamed out a laugh and Jan couldn’t help but smile, the sinking feeling of self doubt falling I to the background.

————

The theatre was packed for callbacks and auditions as Jan eagerly waited in her seat. Her phone buzzed as she opened her messages to see a text from her girlfriend, Jackie, wishing her good luck at the audition with plenty of love. She smiled at the message, typing back a thank you with a small Purple Heart.

Trixie was off at her guitar lessons or most likely making out with her Russian studies girlfriend, Katya, so Jan was all alone in the dark theatre. But she still got good luck text from Trixie with a picture of her and Katya giving a thumbs up. Jan smiled and sent a pink heart before closing her phone.

Jan could feel a rush of electrify run through her. This was what Jan loved: the stage, the songs, the performance, everything. She was about to jump from her seat when they called for lead callbacks. This was her chance to get on stage and perform for an audience and not her judgmental classmates. She held her binder close to her chest as the girls were called one by one to a room. She picked out every piece for this audition and couldn’t wait to show them off. She cut, memorized, and practiced for weeks, she even performed for Trixie and Jackie, them both saying she was absolutely amazing and would kill this audition. Jan rocked slightly on her heels as they called more and more numbers, waiting for hers to be called.

Eventually, the group thinned out to just Jan and another girl. They chatted quietly together, having seen each other at previous auditions. They laughed and passed the time listening to peoples auditions through the door, giggling at the song selections. The girls name was called and she waved good bye, Jan waving back and smiling brightly, wishing her the best of luck as the door closed shut. She stood all alone in the theatre now, appreciating the solace of the dark room. Her purple nails traced the edges of her binder as she began to grow bored.

“Janice Mantione?”

Jan perked up instantly and scanned the room for the voice. A man was standing with a clipboard in hand right in front of the audition room doors. Jan made her way to him and stopped just a few feet away. Her looked at her expectantly and she nodded.

“Yes that’s me.” She said with a smile. The man looked towards her with pity and Jan tried her best not to let it break her smile, keeping her perfect girl mask on tight. He pulled a piece of blue paper out of his folder and handed it face down to Jan. She eyed the paper before grabbing it hesitantly, flipping it over. She had seen these audition critique sheets a thousand times, her name was written in the corner in blocky black print but instead her eyes focused on the red stamp next to it.

Callback- DENIED

Jan felt her heart drop as she looked up at the man. Her body grew cold again as a million questions jumped to the forefront of her mind. She gave an empty stare into her paper. The man pressed his lips together into a thin line before exhaling. “I’m sure you have many questions.”

Pulled from her daze, Jan opened her mouth. “I thought I was accepted for the callback?” She asked in disbelief, trying to make sense of the decision made.

“You were, but the judge decided to revoke the invitation after seeing the other girls. The critiques should explain his decision.” The man said curtly. His expression softened as Jan tried her best to remain calm. The tiny tremors in her hand shook the paper as she looked at the man, dumbfounded. “I know this must be heartbreaking but other opportunities will come, have a good night.” He said robotically before turning and leaving Jan to deal with the emotional fallout.

She stood in place, gripping the paper tightly as she brought her eyes back to the notes, hoping for some sort of mistake or something to justify the near tears she was in. One was boxed in red pen and Jan almost ripped the paper when she read it.

Too much energy, perhaps tone it down.

Jans ears rang as the air from her lungs was sucked out of her. She really was too much, so much so that a complete stranger could tell from just one audition. She shook her head, shoving the paper into her binder and ran out of the theatre.

She felt her mind race and fill with self doubts as she ran down the sidewalk. She thought back to all of the girls in the group, waiting for their names to be called. She felt all of their eyes on her as she pounded the pavement. Their pity soaking into Jan, almost drowning her. Her lungs burned and she had to keep on adjusting her grip on her binder ever few steps but she didn’t care. She just needed to run. She needed to scream, to cry or to shout and she just couldn’t do it.

She slowed down enough to get into her apartment building and ignored the elevator, choosing to run up the stairs instead. Reaching her floor, she leaped up the final stairs and paused briefly to redirect and turn down the carpeted hall. She fumbled with her key before hearing the familiar click and ripped open the door before throwing her binder onto the counter. She slammed the door shut and crumpled to the floor.

————

Jackie was busy all day, even though it was supposed to be her off day. Thankful it was all manageable; small errands and what not. She had texted Jan good luck on her audition earlier and received the response as she was grocery shopping. She smiled as her phone lit up, a picture of Jan in the school library stared back at Jackie as she thanked the store clerk. She sat in her car wondering if she should text Jan and ask if she wanted a ride home but decided against it, thinking she was probably in the middle of her audition. The small bouquet of lavender and roses sat next to her as she drove. She smiled lightly, imagining Jan leaping into her arms as they talk about whatever. She parked and got to their apartment quickly and slid her key into the door and waited for the soft click as she pushed open the door.

“Jan, baby, I’m home!” She called out into the dark apartment. She dropped her key into the purple dish on the counter. She removed her coat and placed the groceries on the table. Something caught her eye as she placed the bouquet down, the plastic crinkling and disturbing the eerie silence in the apartment. Jans audition binder was on the counter, albeit carelessly which was unlike Jan. She saw a wrinkled piece of blue paper sticking out of it and Jackie went to grab it as she heard sniffles from the hallway.

“Jan?” Jackie called out, moving swiftly into the hallway as a sob echoed through the apartment. Jackie felt the hairs on the back of her neck raise as her heart beat quickened. Her mind raced as she walked quickly, head ducking into every room until she stopped in front of their bedroom. Relief washed over her to see her girlfriend alright but worry furrowed her brow as she took in the sight.

Jan sat atop the bed, wrapped in a blanket. She turned to Jackie and wiped her eyes quickly. They were puffy and red from crying. Her cheeks were shining with tear tracks and Jackie could see bits of Jans favorite lilac nail polish picked away at.

“Hey.” She said weakly. Jackie stood in the doorway, hand lightly pressed on the doorframe as she crossed the threshold slowly, as to not startle her girlfriend. She padded gently to the bed and sat across from Jan. Jackie saw in full how wrecked Jan looked and her heart ached at the sight. Jan sniffed again before Jackie spoke.

“Baby are yo-“ Jackie could barely finish before Jan jumped into her arms. Jackie was taken aback but wrapped her arms around the blond girl and let the girl melt into her embrace. Jan sobbed into Jackie’s hair as her body shook.

“Shh, it’s okay baby, I’m here, I’m here.” Jackie said into Jan’s ear as she gently rocked the girl back and forth. Her hands rubbed small circles into the blonds back as she pressed tiny kisses to her brow. They sat their together for what felt like ages; Jan in Jackie’s warm embrace, nestled perfectly between her head and her shoulder, smelling her subtle rose perfume, her tan skin pressed against Jans tear soaked cheek as she whispered sweet words into Jans ear. Jackie tapped against Jans hip thrice before pulling away. Her tan hands traveled up from her back, rubbed her shoulders, and ended at her cheeks, thumbs swiping across the supple flesh every now and then. Jackie’s warm eyes met Jans as she smiled lightly.

“You alright?” She whispered, her face inches away from Jans. Jan nodded hesitantly as her eyes avoided Jackie’s. Jackie tilted her hands up to subtlety force Jan to meet her gaze and raised a brow.

“You know you can tell me anything, right Jannie?” She said before pressings gentle kiss to Jans forehead. Jackie could feel the worry melt against her lips. She pulled away and Jan inhaled before starting.

“Do you… do you think I’m too much?” Jan asked weakly, her eyes focusing on a point far away from her. Jackie shook her head.

“You know better than to ask me this Jannie.” She said with a light tone. She brought one hand down and laced her fingers with Jans and brought the pale hand to her lips before kissing it. “I think you’re the most perfect person in the world.”

Jan let’s a small tear roll down her cheek as she chuckles lightly. Jackie smiles presses another kiss to Jans hand. She dropped her hands and brought them around the blonds waist. She pulls Jan in again but falls against the mattress. Jan giggles lightly as she lands against the grey comforter. Jackie’s heart lifts hearing the soft giggles as they snuggle into the warm fabric. Jackie slots Jans head under her chin and pulls her body closer to Jans. They melt against each other and adjust so perfectly, clicking together like a destined puzzle.

“You’re enough and more Jan.” Jackie says before kissing her crown. Jan relaxes and feels at home. In Jackie’s arms, nothing matters. Not the stupid bitchy girls from class, not the crappy callback. All Jan can feel is Jackie holding her close, her heartbeat echo in her ear, her breath moving her baby hairs and tickling her ears. Jan feels Jackie’s breathing even out and inhales and exhales, releasing all the anger and stress from the day. She looks up at her girlfriend and press a small kiss to the base of her throat before closing her eyes.

“I love you Jacks.”

[allthefilmsiveseenforfree]

Dear Evan Hansen

You may have seen some ~online discourse~ about the film Dear Evan Hansen, an adaptation of the 2016 Broadway musical, and you might have wondered what all the hubbub is about. I mean, it’s a feel good story about a senior in high school, Evan Hansen (Ben Platt), who has some pretty severe anxiety and depression. While trying to fulfill an assignment from his therapist to write a letter to himself, his letter gets picked up by another student, Connor (Colton Ryan) - and later that day, Connor kills himself. Connor’s grieving parents and sister Zoe (Amy Adams, Danny Pino, and Kaitlyn Dever) are desperate to learn more from the boy they think was Connor’s best friend - after all, Connor’s suicide note was a letter addressed to “Dear Evan Hansen.” And, as you can imagine, Evan tells them about the unfortunate mistake and sits with them in their grief as they struggle to pick up the pieces of their lives. 

Just kidding! He lies to them, repeatedly, elaborately, expansively for months, constructing an entire false friendship with Connor that never happened, and ingratiating himself into the wealthy nuclear family he never had, in large part because he wants to get into Zoe’s pants! THIS IS THE PROTAGONIST OF THE STORY. Oh, and it’s a musical so there is a lot of singing and crying and singing WHILE crying and sometimes crying and not singing at all. But the #inspiration, you guys. 

Things I liked:

Pretty much everything but the story and Ben Platt’s performance. The supporting cast is stacked, and all of them do a great job at elevating material scraped directly out of a diaper worn by someone who just chewed their way through a copy of the DSM-5. 

A couple of the songs are damn catchy - “Waving Through a Window” and “You Will Be Found” are standouts for a reason - and here’s the thing, Platt sings them well. But as you’ll discover, there’s a lot more to a movie musical than just singing your part. 

Stephen Chbosky, the man behind every deep thought I and a lot of people in my generation had in 2006 after he wrote The Perks of Being a Wallflower, is a pretty good director. I particularly enjoyed the fanvid-type cuts in “Waving Through a Window” in conjunction with the lyrics, and his use of interstitial shots to flashbacks (and sometimes flashforwards!) is a neat little bit of shorthand that I thought was used sparingly enough to be effective. 

Amy Fucking Adams. She’s holding on so hard, so desperately to the idea of who her son could have been, rather than the reality of who he was, and she is full of such deep pain that is masked by an almost endless supply of patience with Evan and relentless positivity. All this made me want was Enchanted 2 even worse than I already did. 

Super into everything Zoe wears - the costuming department did a great job, and now all I want to do is live in mom jeans and baggy sweaters.

Did I Cry? I teared up a couple of times because I’m not a completely heartless bastard and when Amy Adams offered Evan Connor’s college money, my heart broke for the lie Evan had thrust upon her, and Julianne Moore’s song got me good, because she’s just a single mom to Evan who is doing her goddamn best. 

Things I hated more than the time I dropped a frozen gallon container of fruit cocktail on my pinkie toe in my parents’ garage and it turned black and I thought it was gonna fall off:

Ben Platt is 28 years old. He originated the role of Evan Hansen on Broadway, so in many respects it makes sense that he plays the role in the movie, except for the one kinda sorta important thing where he looks like a wizened old crone standing amongst a sea of children doing his best twitching, cringing Hunchback of Notre Dame impression. If you want someone to convincingly play 20 years their junior, hire Paul Rudd. Otherwise, please don’t ask me to believe that this supposed 18-year-old has crow’s feet. 

And that twitching nervous energy is a huge part of the black hole at the center of this film - he’s playing to the cheap seats and walking through the halls of his high school like a wet chihuahua. It’s an excruciating acting choice to watch - he doesn’t just have anxiety, he is on the verge of a nervous breakdown seemingly every second of every day. Like honestly, where is only-mentioned-never-seen Dr. Sherman, because this young man’s meds are NOT WORKING DR. SHERMAN. 

There’s such a lack of self-awareness on behalf of the writing, directing, and performance by Platt. There’s one song, “Sincerely, Me,” that offers the only glimpse of commentary about what Evan is doing, by pointing out the malicious ridiculousness of him writing a series of fake emails as proof of his and Connor’s friendship. 

Also what high schoolers email this much?? I know this was written in probably 2014 or so, but has a bitch never heard of a text? Even a DM? This whole plot is constructed around the premise that high schoolers are just constantly, constantly emailing each other. 

Everything - and I mean EV-ER-Y-THING - about Evan’s relationship with Zoe is so creepy and disturbing that with a soundtrack change, this could easily be a horror movie. He attempts to get her to like him by describing to her all the things her brother noticed about her - oh wait, I’m sorry, all the things HE noticed about her while he was skulking in the shadows following her around for years, watching every move she made, and it ends with him singing repeatedly “I LOVE YOU” because following a girl around and never having a conversation with her or knowing her at all is love, right? This was clearly written by the same people who chose “Every Breath You Take” as their wedding song because Sting is hot and they never actually listened to the damn words. 

And it gets about 10 billion times worse when Zoe goes to Evan’s house alone, takes him up to his room, and sings “I don’t need reasons to want you” and that was the moment I was that person I hate in a movie theater and I pulled out my phone to Google who wrote the music and lyrics to the musical (we were in the back row of the theater no one was behind me THIS WAS AN OUTRAGE EMERGENCY) and of motherfucking course it was written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, 2 men who heard about meeting an actual human woman from a friend one time but otherwise are unfamiliar with the concept. 

Lastly, enormous serial killer vibes from Evan sending unlabeled flash drives anonymously through the mail with no note in an attempt to right his wrongs. That’s not catharsis, that’s how the next installment in the Saw franchise starts, with Evan in a Billy the clown doll mask showing up on the screen and asking if you want to play a fucking game. 

Also, I know it’s not possible for the narrative to justify this in a way that could be satisfying based on Evan’s actions, but what is with this thing where single working-class mom Julianne Moore is turning down rich people’s money for Evan to go to college? Like, obviously we can’t have that happen in the movie but in real life, fuck your pride! Take those rich people’s money!

I also know how movies work but nothing annoys me more than a giant group of high schoolers all getting beeps and boops to indicate text notifications all at the same time because I don’t know a single person under the age of 55 who keeps their ringer on. That shit is on vibrate AT MOST, and I feel like that’s a millennial thing. 

The emotional climax of the film is obviously Evan’s WAY TOO LATE confession, but the idea that it’s prompted by Connor’s family suddenly getting a lot of internet hate is, frankly, laughable. If Sandy Hook taught me one thing, it is that no tragedy is immune from trolls who live only to cause other people devastating emotional pain on the internet. That shit starts day 1. Apparently no one involved in this production has ever been on Twitter?

Also it feels like there should have been a dog somewhere in this movie and there was no dog, so points off for that too. 

Perhaps Dear Evan Hansen isn’t nearly as deep as it aspires to be. Perhaps it’s a morality play, a simplistic message of “Don’t lie, kids, lying is bad!” Major studio movies wrap themselves up with a nice bow at the end so everyone can feel good about themselves and leave with a happy ending, but the moronic cruelty on display here makes that feat feel impossible. We’re left with Evan in an orchard, reading Connor’s favorite books and staring into the big blue sky with all the self-actualization he’s earned now as a lil treat. And if Evan Hansen looked like an actual 18-year-old, it would be a lot easier to extend more empathy to him and his not-fully-developed prefrontal cortex, but it’s a little harder with this fully-grown, weathered man who was old enough to remember seeing Liar Liar in theaters. 

Dear Evan Hansen, 

Get some actual help and a haircut and maybe you can grow up enough to have an actual healthy interaction with any other living person, ever.

Sincerely, 

Me

If you liked this review, please consider reblogging or subscribing to my Patreon! For as low as $1, you can access bonus content and movie reviews, or even request that I review any movie of your choice.

[violet--vance]

Some random Ricky head-canons bc I miss him:

Best subject is science & specifically chemistry

Worst subject is history

Pretty reserved & quiet in his own time, but is an introverted-extrovert who fakes it well

Was a lot closer with his mom than his dad pre-divorce - he’s a lot more similar to her than Mike

and that scares him

learned to play piano from his mom who always kept one in the house

but Self-taught on guitar

As children, He + Nini used to ‘put on concerts’ for their parents together. This was usually Nini’s idea but he was always happy to go along with it - she was usually the one singing while he would play accompaniment & occasionally harmonize

Pre-divorce was a straight B/B+ student who could do better (always had a few zeros on homework assignments which brought his grades down). Mid-divorce started getting Cs for a while

Usually does his homework for later classes in homeroom or during lunch. Will let you copy his homework if he actually has it done

Always doodling in margins of his notes & is pretty decent at it

Phone battery is perpetually 20% or lower

Has like 50 unread texts at all times

Insomniac & night owl; will stay up until 4am & sleep in until 2pm without an alarm

Good with kids (unrelated to anything but I also HC Nini is hilariously terrible with kids. Gina’s just as good with kids as Ricky is though)

Good at remembering important dates for his friends—birthdays, test dates coming up, special events, anniversaries, etc

Fav Broadway musical is Beetlejuice

Fav Disney channel musical (excluding the obvious hsm) is Lemonade Mouth

Has lyrics memorized for like every song conceived. Can listen to a song twice & just knows it after that

This only works for songs though, and doesn’t happen for, like, vocabulary or actual school required memorization

I am correct <3

[pipes-loves-writing]

second fic I’ve posted! I’m so sorry for being so inactive… with no new content I’m feeling very unmotivated. Thanks for everyone who stuck around and support me! I’m here if you ever need to talk. I love you all! :)

There is absolutely no problem with Seb and Carlos working together.

Nope.

No problem at all.

Oh, except for the fact that Seb has been in love with Carlos since before he even met him.

But that’s not important.

Not at all.

He didn’t mean to fall in love with Carlos, truly he didn’t. But, honestly, how couldn’t you?

Mr. Cilli clapped his hands together rhythmically. “Alright everyone, today we’ll be ending our civil war unit. We’re going to be doing a project, it being the end of the year and all. You will work with a partner to create a fake episode of a tv show based around the idea of the civil war. Any questions?”

`Natalie Bagley shot her hand into the air. “Will we get to pick our partners?”

“Unfortunately not. You’ll work with whoever is sitting next to you.”

Seb turned his head to the side and realized that no one was sitting next to him. How had he not noticed that earlier?

Carlos Rodriguez came running through the history door and dropped a few pieces of paper and pencils.

Every other group had started working on the project already. No one even noticed that Carlos was here.

Well, almost no one.

“Mr. Rodriguez, that’s the third time this week. Next time I have to write you a detention slip.”

“I’m sorry! It won’t happen again!”

Seb’s legs started moving before his mind did, and before he noticed, he had gotten up to help Carlos.

“Here. You dropped a few things.” Seb handed Carlos a pencil from the ground.

“Thank you,” Carlos paused for a second before saying, “Pencils, you know? They’re slippery.”

Seb smiled at Carlos. “Yeah, I guess.”

Carlos quickly nodded and went to sit down in the chair next to Seb’s.

Mr. Cilli scribbled something down in his notebook and said, “Carlos, I assume that means you and Seb are working together.”

Seb’s eyes widened. Carlos? Working with him? He had to stop himself from smiling too wide.

“I mean,” Carlos started, “is that okay? With you I mean?”

Seb allowed himself to smile. “Yeah that’d be great.”

Carlos took a notebook out of his backpack and set it in front of him. “I’m Carlos. By the way.”

Seb smiled a little wider. “Oh I know. I’m Seb!”

“You.. know?” Seb couldn’t entirely read Carlos’s expression.

Seb widened his eyes. “I meant,” he searched his mind for an excuse, “I know your name. Like the name Carlos. It’s a- it’s a pretty name.” Well played. That didn’t sound too creepy. Probably.

Carlos looked almost flattered? Seb still couldn’t entirely understand. He could definitely understand the blush running to his face right now though.

“Thank you.” Carlos hesitated for a moment. “You have a pretty name too.”

Seb finally broke free from eye contact. Wow. Carlos had really pretty eyes. They were almost… distracting?

“But also,” Seb started, “I’ve seen you on the color guard. You’re really good!”

Carlos didn’t answer for a moment. “You really think so?”

Seb was surprised that Carlos would doubt his talent even for a second. “I know so. My older sister was the captain of the color guard before you, and she’s very impressed with their new leader.”

Carlos furrowed his eyebrows. Then he lightly gasped. “Your sister is Georgie Matthew-Smith?”

Seb thought Carlos looked like a lost puppy when he looked confused. It was so cute, that he almost forgot to answer the question. “The one and only! I’m not as talented in the dance department though.”

Carlos laughed, “Maybe you’ve just never had the right teacher.”

Seb just hummed in response. “So what are we thinking for this tv episode project?”

“Hmm.” Carlos thought for a moment. Then he gasped, “We should do something similar to a Glee episode! Like maybe they have to do a week where they have to sing songs that talk about the civil war? Or something similar to that?” He looked over at Seb, who was looking at him in a way he couldn’t exactly place. Carlos blushed and looked away. “Sorry. I was just being a gleek. Please ignore the last 30 seconds of your life.”

“I love glee. It’s my favorite show.”

Carlos smiled wider.

“That’s a great idea, Carlos. Let’s do it.”

..

The next day, Seb walked into the classroom with a smile on his face. He had spent his entire class time with Carlos yesterday, and he couldn’t be happier about it. Sure, they were both a little awkward, but Seb found it almost endearing.

Carlos ran into the classroom again and put his papers on the desk next to Seb. The bell rang and Carlos texted something to someone. Seb got a glimpse of his wallpaper before he closed his phone.

“Hey. I like your wallpaper on your phone!”

Carlos looked at him. “You like Broadway?”

Seb scoffed, “Are you kidding? Who doesn’t?”

Carlos rolled his eyes. “You’d be surprised to know how many people did ‘Brigadoon’ and didn’t actually care for theatre.”

Seb pretended to look surprised, “You were in ‘Brigadoon’?” Of course he knew that Carlos was in this year’s spring show. He had been dying for a chance to have just one scene with him so they could talk.

“Yeah! I was ensemble.”

Seb smiled and said, “I was ensemble too! And I totally agree. If you don’t like theatre, why do the shows?”

Carlos smiled. “I didn’t even want to be in the show either. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I love performing. But,” he trailed off for a second. “I actually wanted to be choreographer.” Carlos squeezed his eyes shut, fully prepared for Seb to start laughing.

“And they didn’t let you be one? That’s awful. You’re the best dancer in this school. In this city even! Anyone would be crazy not to make you a choreographer.”

Carlos looked at Seb for a second. He opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted.

“Okay everyone! You did some brainstorming yesterday. Today you’ll start the slideshow for the project. Then tomorrow we’ll present to the class.”

Carlos finally broke eye contact with Seb and looked down at his paper.

“So? What about you?” Carlos asked subtly.

Seb raised an eyebrow. “What about me?”

“Do you have a dream role?”

Seb hesitated. “Don’t laugh.”

“Seb. I’m not going to laugh at you.”

Seb looked up at Carlos. “Sharpay,” he says quietly.

“Sharpay? Like from High School Musical?”

Seb couldn’t look at Carlos. He was too scared to see his reaction. Would he change his mind and laugh at Seb?

“Wow. You’d be great as Sharpay!”

Seb listened for sarcasm, but he didn’t seem to hear any. He looked at Carlos.

Seb didn’t really know what to say, so he just blushed and hoped Carlos didn’t notice.

Carlos was too busy blushing to notice the other boy’s red face.

…

Today was the big presentation day. Seb was a little nervous, but he was a performer! He could do anything.

Mostly anything that is.

“Okay,” Mr. Cilli announced, “Today is presentation day! I’ll give you guys 10 minutes to review, and then we’ll start with Natalie and Kaden, Ashlyn and Steph, Seb and Carlos,” the teacher went on and on about the order of groups presenting, but Seb had been distracted. Carlos still wasn’t in class. He wouldn’t ditch on the day of presenting.

Right?

Seb took out his phone and texted Carlos.

‘Hey is everything okay?’ He sent the message and waited for a response. He checked his phone after two minutes. No response.

Seb shot up his hand and asked to go to the bathroom.

He ran out the door and speed-walked down the hall.

When he threw open the bathroom door, he saw Carlos pacing back and forth across the small space. He looked so panicked, it made Seb kind of want to cry.

Carlos heard Seb open the door and looked over at him. Seb’s eyes were filled with so much worry and another emotion Carlos couldn’t quite put his finger on.

Carlos stopped against the wall and slid down to sit. He could feel his breathing getting faster, and he tried to slow it down.

“Hey, hey, hey.” Seb said in a hushed voice. He walked over next to him. “What’s wrong ‘Los? Why are you pacing?”

Carlos threw his head back. He was so scared that he didn’t comment on the cute nickname. “I’m scared, Seb. The last thing I read in front of people was a report in February. And it was a group project with four people. I barely had to talk.”

Carlos’s hands were fidgeting so much that Seb reached over and grabbed both of them with his own.

Carlos was so nervous that he barely noticed.

Okay, that was a complete lie.

Seb’s hands holding Carlos’s and his pretty blue eyes made Carlos forget all his worries. Seb’s hands were warm and soft. You would think they’d be rough from all the farm work, but they weren’t for some reason. Carlos would have to ask him about them one day.

“That’s not true Carlos. You memorized all the songs in Brigadoon in under a week. You were the first one in the cast who was off book.” Seb thought for a moment. “Just imagine it being a performance. You’re really good at those.”

Carlos looks at Seb. But this time, he really looks at him.

Seb has a bit of acne. His eyes are a little darker blue than he’d noticed before. His hands are a little sweaty. And his hair is messed up a little.

And honestly?

Carlos thinks he’s so beautiful.

Before either of them notice, about 15 seconds has passed.

Carlos is about to say something, but Seb speaks up instead.

“We should probably get back to class. Our project isn’t going to present itself.”

When they get back in the classroom, they’ve been gone about 6 minutes. Mr. Cilli has always been lenient towards his students, so they only get a warning.

When it’s their turn to present, Carlos can’t stop looking at Seb. All he can think about is what he said earlier. And also, just him in general.

Seb isn’t looking at Carlos. He’s too worried that he’ll get lost in Carlos’s eyes, so he just avoids eye contact. Which pains him a little bit, but it’s alright.

In the end, their presentation gets a B.

They get points off for being distracted during the presentation.

And they’re both more than okay with that.

-pipes 🤍