#but Moshe takes these last moments to share his love

[matan4il]

Hi friend! I was wondering if you had any favorite Israeli/Hebrew children's books! Also any fave Israeli musicians??

Hello, my lovely! :D How are you?

Ooooh, do I! Man, you're gonna regret asking me this. XD Sorry, not sorry... So shall we start with Israeli/Hebrew kids' books?

Anything by Yehuda Atlas (יהודה אטלס), but especially And That Kid is Me (והילד הזה הוא אני). Short humorous stories, written in rhymes, perfectly capturing how baffling the world can be for a kid, and how silly adults can seem, or just what things can sometimes feel like for a child. It's one of those books that work, funny and essential, 'coz it's so true. He just gets kids.

Another one that I love, and am probably one of the few Israeli kids who even know this book, is Siamina and the Cats of Yemin Moshe (סיאמינה והחתולים של ימין משה) by Holocaust survivor Uri Orlev (אורי אורלב. He's more well known for his books about that period of time, which are also highly recommended, but I only dared read them when I was older). Jerusalem is known for its many stray cats, and the book is a love fest for cats and Jerusalem, with some historical sites becoming in the book the "homes" of the cats.

David Gershtein, who crafted the engravings for the book, is a pretty popular Israeli artist, and you can find some of his creations all over the country, and even entire shops dedicated to his works.

Last one ('coz I don't wanna burden you too much, but lemme know if you want more recs!) that I really loved as a kid, was Yael's House (הבית של יעל) by Miriam Rot (מרים רות). It was about a girl who has a home, but she wants a house that would be all her own. She tries all sorts of solutions, including taking over the space under the kitchen table... Not gonna lie, as a kid I was inspired to follow in her footsteps, but my parents were not impressed.

Now, as for Israeli musicians! You have stumbled onto dangerous ground, my friend, since I'm a music addict, and in love with the Hebrew language, so songs in Hebrew are something I can go on about for freaking years...

I'll share with you the link to two unlisted playlists that I made on YouTube. One is of some of my fave Israeli songs (though I started it years ago, so sadly, I see some vids have been deleted or made private, and there are literally hundreds of songs on the list, meaning I'm not sure which ones are missing), but also with a few thrown in 'coz I think they're good for people who wanna know Israeli culture and popular Israeli songs, and the other is one that I started making with songs connected in different ways to the current war we're in. They're not all faves, but I thought they capture a moment in time, so I wanted to have them grouped together. I'm actually not done with either list, the latter I really just started not that long ago, so you can expect them to grow.

If we're talking specific Israeli musicians, I find it hard to answer, I think almost every singer or songwriter has at least one good song to offer, and likewise whenever I wanna name one, I feel like adding, "Except for this song... and that one..." No musician is great all the time. But I guess some of my faves (where I like more songs than I don't) include Ivri Lider, Berry Sakharof, Yehuda Poliker, Ran Danker, Harel Ska'at, Chanan ben Ari, Narkis, Eliad, Amir Dadon, Avraham Tal, Marina Maximilian, Achinoam Nini (Noa), Sheila Ferber, Gilad Segev, Ofra Chaza, Meni Berger, Yardena Arazi, Natan Goshen, Keren Peles, Izhar Ashdot, Nurit Galron, and the bands Beit Ha'bubot, Ha'Yehudim, Metropolin, Ethnix, Mashina and Synergia.

I was thinking I should add at least one of these vids to my reply, and for whatever reason, the one that started playing itself in my head (where there is always music) was a song first released in 1993, אדמה חמה (Hot Earth) by Shlomo Gronich and the Shva Choir (Sheba is the English pronunciation of Shva). I love this song, I think the vid was very cool for its time, and I'm still never gonna forgive the MTV viewers who gave it last place in a video music awards. The song incorporates Hebrew and Amharic, both Semitic languages, the latter being the language spoken by Ethiopian Jews. You can actually listen to the whole special album (inspired by the story of the Ethiopian Jewish community's journey to Israel) here.

But just for the fun of throwing in a gay themed song as well, here's התשמע קולי (Will You Hear My Voice), a love poem for a man, originally written by an Israeli poet called Rachel (full name: Rachel Bluwstein Sela), but it's performed here by only men, and no one changed the pronouns, which makes it a mlm song to me. It's so pretty and sad (Rachel is believed to have written the poem to a former lover, a man she even thought at one point she would marry, but WWI tears them apart and they never meet again. She wrote this poem, after getting the news that she's terminally ill), it fills my soul at the same time as it tugs on my heart.

I hope this helps! Sending so much love! xoxox

[oopshisaygoodnight]

Hi Louis- my name's Anna, and I'm what some might consider a new fan. I fell down a One Direction rabbit hole this past February and haven't looked back. It's a funny feeling to embark on that sort of journey knowing there's over a decade's worth of material to go over. But the real treat has been getting to stay on top of all the news as it comes out, especially for you, in this past year. I missed you when you came to Denver this past winter, but with Faith in the Future and the upcoming tour, I cannot begin to express how excited I am at the prospect of seeing you live, and at MOTHERFUCKING RED ROCKS! I still can't get over it! And on the summer solstice??? My god. My only regret is that the stadium seating is not conducive to moshing, but I am happy to report I recently attended a concert there (Marc Rebillet), and he did successfully crowdsurf about halfway up the bleachers. Me and my friends may be petite women, but we would carry you to the very top of Red Rocks on sheer adrenaline if you asked.

Thank you for scheduling your tour so conveniently around my departure from Denver- you will be my last hurrah here and then I move back to New York City. I snagged those Stone Pony and Forest Hills pit tickets, so I will delight in alternating trying to get to the barricade for the show and opening up the pit in the back.

The main motive of this message is a bit besides all that- besides sharing my excitement, I wanted to share my story, which I hope doesn't feel like an exercise in trauma-dumping or extracting emotional labor but is just one of those I-wanted-you-to-know because there's so much of your life thats been shared with the public (and fictions created) and what else can I do to rectify what I feel might be a rather unfair trend? 

In any case, there's this apocryphal story that I read that could be entirely fiction about a fan coming up to you and talking about how your music helped her come to terms with her queerness and you were surprised and even incredulous. & even if this never happened it is true that your music has helped me come to terms with my queerness and gender identity in a way I never expected. It seems antithetical that at the ripe age of 26, after a decade of thinking that I was better than/cooler than/above all that boy-band stuff, I decided to dive in deep. And there's something wonderfully campy about looking back on the days of One Direction ruling the world (to be clear, One Direction could still rule the world. There is an army of sleeper agents just waiting for the right moment to be awakened. Please for the love of god let me live long enough to see One Direction in person) and the way it was marketed and the evolution of the lyricism and musicality. I love listening to Up All Night, I think Take Me Home is a masterpiece, and yes, I sometimes do silly voices, but when its me and my closest friends from college singing about half an arrow in my heart, its transcendent- it's healing. I think in the early stages of acquainting myself with One Direction I felt like I was forgiving my inner child/teenager who was repulsed by what I saw as blatant heteronormativey- it felt like I kept being asked which one do you like the most, and not so secretly, which one do you want to be your boyfriend? This was the gauge of womanhood, and I felt anger if not sadness about being sold this narrative. Instead I watched obscure queer French cinema and dug my heels in. I read Jean Genet and James Baldwin and listened to Grimes and SOPHIE and insisted this was the path towards understanding my queer history, myself as a queer person, and situating myself in a greater queer community. Well, as it tends to happen when you think so highly of yourself and your own intelligence, things get very devoid of meaning and superficial very quickly. 

I had a rough go of it these past few years, especially with Covid, because I recognized I had no real coping mechanisms. I had no escape. 

In diving into the 1D discography, I found myself simply delighted. So many of these songs are just pure serotonin to my brain.

Along my journey, I found myself on Twitter, enjoyng what a vibrant community of fans still exists to  celebrate One Direction even seven years after theres been any meaningful One Direction to speak of. But these people introduced me into one of the queerest, most inclusive and kind spaces I've ever found. How is this possible, after watching all my queer cinema and joining queer book clubs, that this was the place I would meet this group of people?

Listening to other people talk about their journey's of self-discovery, especially in regards to their evolving senses of gender identitiy, I had a real oh-shit moment. My lifelong apathy towards my own gender wasn't just some normal consequence of living but an actual indiciation of unhappinesss. I finally asked myself the question- what does gender euphoria look like? I finally heard that this was something that others have experienced, and might be something I could pursue. And I have- and though it hasn't come with radical change (nothing in my life has ever changed quickly), I have started to say it to the people I love- that the idea of the people I care about using they/them pronouns, that the people I love seeing me as non-binary, as not-cis, gives me a sense of true gender euphoria for the first time in my life, is a direct consequence of One Direction, of becoming a One Direction fan in 2022, of watching livestreams of your concerts on Instagram, of the anticiaption of a new album, of listening to Faith in the Future.

And now, a note more specifically about Faith in the Future and what is has meant to me- I'm not the first to note what a difference these past few months have made to you as a performer and an artist. Your comittment to using your platform to promote other up-and-coming artists who I, and many others, then get to fall in love, is so admirable and beyond that- its indicative of you being a truly thoughtful and generous person. And then you give us the gift of this album, and its like an electric current of confidence and honesty that runs straight from your mind to the hearts of everyone listening. I had the good fortune of being in LA when the album released, and in escaping the cold of Denver I was able to speed down the PCH with the windows down playing Faith in the Future on full blast. And its just so stuck in my brain- I can't even help it. I know Spotify flags what it thinks might be bot-behavior when it comes to streaming but is it my fault that I want to listen to All This Time ten times in a row? Holding Onto Heartache has been in my top three from the first listen, but a few nights ago, now very familiar with the lyrics, I was minding my own business, singing along, when I felt a surge of emotion. The lyrics I already knew suddenly clicked into place and I started to cry. Listening to Holding Onto Heartache, to me, I suddenly saw all these months and all these years where it felt like my sadness, my heartaches, were a necessary part of my life. I didn't know who I was without them, and I couldn't let them go, even when I recognized that there might be a better version of myself that wasn't buried under sadness. God, in hindsight, what a waste of time and energy. Its like I wanted to cultivate my sadness in some sort of masochistic creativity, like my pain was useful, like I couldn't let go of it, like I might be nothing with out. I have never heard a song like yours, one that made me reflect on this impulse in this way. Its a song that, in recognizing this kind of soft-self-destruction, made me realize exactly how much I have grown and healed in this past year.

I am so grateful for your music. I am so grateful for you, as a person, deciding to share this music with us, the fans. I'm at a point of parasocial relationships where when you win, it feels like I win. It also means when you're in pain, I'm in pain. I recognize that it's probably best to extricate myself a bit from being so personally impacted by someone I've never met breaking an arm, but in this minute, at this moment, I hope that this artist/fan relationship that compells me to write a personal essay full of confessions I am barely able to share with my family and loved ones is a small source of comfort and pride to you. When you take care of yourself, it's not just for you, but for us, for those who adore you from afar and want to see you succeed in every way, who would carry you to the top of Red Rocks if you asked, who, in gratitude, feel indebted to you, and therefore, want to make a small repayment towards that debt, in sharing my story, and writing down my love and best wishes.

[torahgalus]

Ve’zot HaBerakha

after forty years of shouting myself hoarse I’ll use my last breaths to bless you. oh Israel, I wrestled the angel to win your berakha. you can’t see my face but I can see yours, all upturned and regretful. know that I  can give you all this; know this is all I can give you. I see your whole future and am frightened for you. I see your whole future and I love every ugly bit of you. I look God in the eyes and see all you can be  in Their cool, measured stare. I wish you goodbye with a kiss.

[dourpeep]

i have even more ideas now...

what about like the moment you open up about your relationship with kazuxiao the fans who were already seeing that happen were celebrating and on both of y'alls insta or something is where you announce and it's like a picture of all 3 of you chilling together or something

and then when they finally appear on a variety show they're just questioned throughly and they talk about how you guys meet and what they like about you

ok but the moments where you just feel sort of insecure since being an idol is hard and you're technically dating your seniors and you're just hit by the antis who are against yourself relationship so you lock yourself in your room in your dorm by yourself to cope. your roommate (can be whoever) contacts them both and they immediately come over and come in and offer soft kisses and soft murmurs of reassurance that they'll never leave you and that everything's gonna be ok.

side note i can see xiao just being a whole meme without realizing?? for like variety shows he's just known for his dead pan expression and then i can see him being so competitive on shows like running man..mans ripping tags left and right, while kazuhas just hiding in a weird spot or something

kazuha on the other hand i can see him being a troll, he likes to mess around with the hosts of the show and manages to mess up some of their plans, he also likes messing with his group members, where xiao likes to say that kazuha looks innocent but is a part of the devil line with venti

onto albedo i can see him like answering questions in his vlive and fans realize that a lot of his songs are more romantic and sort of pining?? and they're asking where the motivation is from. he answers that it's just something that he saw recently so he felt motivated (it wasn't the fact that he had realized that he was 100% in love with you)

but like all of this mans inspiration comes from you, he's had multiple songs dedicated to you before your relationship was even open to the public, and when your relationship finally does, it just clicks for fans and it suddenly makes sense, your ship name trends worldwide for the day

but how you and albedo met, i can see both of you guys being in the industry already and you guys are sort of know each other but it was for a one time off collab with other artists involved so you didn't really talk with each other. like i said before albedos a solo artist while i can see you being a part of a popular group already. but then both of your companies decided to do another collab and especially picked you two since you guys already worked on a collab before.

at first it was like awkward since albedos really socially awkward but then things click when you guys start writing the song together. everything just matches so well?? and you guys just compliment each other?? and that's when you learn of albedo just staying at the studio so late so you often bring food. this leads to you guys getting closer and albedo even stops his work just to talk to you more. when your song comes out and everyone is waiting for the stage, there's just so much tension?? but the good kinda and everyone is awed by the song and the vocals coming from you and albedo.

i can also see the both of you guys appearing on variety shows together too, like appearing on a show where you two travel to another place and experience the culture there, with albedo being your tour guide and showing you all the famous places (one of the many times where fans were awed by his research and knowledge) and then if you guys were to appear together again after you guys reveal your relationship, a lot of the times they show idols as they wake up, they'll see you and albedo being clingy af to each other.

on another side note, albedos totally a troll on variety shows, he likes messing around with the hosts and other contestants since a lot of the time he's not really interested in the show itself, it's more for publicity. however, when he first appeared on a show with you fans noticed that he actually seemed interested for once and that's where your ship name started.

albedos totally a golden child tho, he's like basically perfect in everything so a lot of the times variety shows don't catch him slipping, however the one time that he did was when you were mentioned, the clip of with his ears bright red was trending for a couple of days :)

GIVING ME SO MUCH GOOD FOOD THANK YOU ANON

I think that this covers everything hehehe so I won't add to-

wait wait I put it all under the cut b/c it's a lot again-

Okay okay but like for the 'announcement' picture, what if it's like those photo booth pics (but like each picture you need to scroll through like on Insta) where it's cute and wholesome! The three of you are having fun wearing some silly glasses or hats, doing peace signs or finger hearts....and the very last photo is the three of you sharing a kiss- or, at least trying to.

It's sweet, a little silly, and most of your fans take it really well! After all, they can see the chemistry that you share and can't deny that the three of you would have a good relationship.

As for the insecurities of dating your seniors, Kazuha and Xiao are quick to knock back any of those worries. They love you so, so much and hate the fact that something like that makes you doubt for a single second. If anyone ever tries to bring it up, you know that they're going to immediately quip back.

Naturally, you're roomed with Venven :D He's technically an up-and-coming after he stopped doing idol stuff for a few years, so not only does he know the ropes, but he's also one of your biggest fans and biggest supports (outside of Kazuha and Xiao).

Though he's silly and light-hearted, he's quick to recognize when things are serious and need handling.

So as soon as he sees that you're not doing so great or if he notices the comments on your posts are going in a bad direction, he speed dials Xiao and the two of your boyfriends are right at the door in under 15.

Not only are they fast about it, but they have all your favorite snacks, a movie or two, some popcorn, and a ton of love and affection because they'll be damned if their love is going to be affected by some asshole's comments about their love life! What do they know anyway??

Actually this all could work too if Kazuha and Xiao are part of 4NEMO-

Hmmm

That'd cause so much more ruckus- not only is half of one of the most popular idol groups are taken, but by the same person??? And each other??? Man, that's wack.

BUT THE GAMESHOWS

Xiao would most certainly be super intense with those. He just can't help it--competition drives his blood and makes something snap in him. He's dead serious about doing well, regardless of the game. I actually have never watched said game shows, but--

Like...he's out for blood. No one is safe. Not even you or Kazuha if you're on opposing teams, though he'll be a bit more gentle. Maybe even with the hint of a smile while you have an expression of utter shock at the fact that he's just so fast-

Or if it's not a game show and instead you're doing some sort of idol group activity with a few others to get to know each other?

Someone suggests ping pong and, knowing how competitive Xiao gets, he's pitted up against Tartaglia and man. That's scary. There's no doubt that someone would clip the video and make it into an overly-dramatic retelling complete with music.

Hilarious.

As for Kazuha! He'd be a bit of a mish mosh! He enjoys poking fun at others, and he's so sly! Those poor hosts don't realize that he's goading them on, but sure enough--he is. Who knew that his charming smile and mild-mannered attitude could be so devastating?

But even then, he's mostly wholesome! There's a lot of little clips, mostly of your doing, of him in a 'kiss the chef' apron getting caught off guard while cooking something up. The videos aren't great because you're giggling while recording and he ends up placing the ladle down calmly before wrapping you up in his arms. Half the video ends up being the two of you laughing and joking while it's pointed at a weird angle towards the counter.

Sometimes it'll point just right and you'll get a half-blurred view of Xiao sitting at the kitchen island with his reading glasses perched on his nose and book forgotten. He tends to get up and join in for a few smooches before reminding Kazuha of the food that's still cooking.

--

Albedo!! He absolutely is the golden child. He's fantastic handling things under pressure in a cool, calm manner. Handsome, charismatic, incredibly smart--man's hit all the stops and just keeps going.

It's not until it comes out that the two of you are together that his cool façade (hardly one, though) falters and at the mere mention of you, he'll go soft. There's a tenderness in his eyes, a small smile on his lips, and his blush? Absolutely adorable. How can anyone object when he's obviously so in love with you?

And the idea you mentioned with the two of you traveling and experiencing stuff together sounds so cute (':

He particularly enjoys exploring new cuisine, so expect him to feed you some food from his plate-

There's also a few times where you two have gotten lost in the new places, more because you're both so busy taking in the sights to realize you've taken five wrong turns- But then you make it into a whole adventure, foregoing the map and deciding to wander around. What better way to discover and learn about somewhere than getting lost and wandering?

You find quite a few hidden gems this way since otherwise you'd be hitting more popular areas!

Wait- do they really show idols waking up???

Ahh regardless, Albedo's definitely a cuddler. He loves it, can't get enough of it. It's not often that he gets a good night's rest, but with you it seems like he's fully recharged and ready for the day! It's cute too because it doesn't matter--big spoon or little spoon, you on his chest or him resting on yours. Even a few times with you facing each other with your hands intertwined.

I also agree that Albedo would mess with the game show's hosts and contestants. Not only would he, but he'd be entirely smug about it (after all, we need to have that #smugbedo going on).

No doubt, there's been times where the cameras even focus/zoom in on him where he's sitting because he's got that smirk on his face.

[katsukikitten]

WARNING 18+ BIRB NOT BIRB SMUT! Band AU, harem collab. In which reader meets her favorite faceless singer. Little over 3k

Sweat trickles down your spine as your favorite song is blasted from the large speakers. Fog from the stage lingers just above your head as you feel as if you were in a dream. The setting is surreal especially since you actually managed to WIN those rare radio tickets to see a band in concert. And not just any band, your favorite fucking bad.  

TOKYO MOB

The band consisted of four people, Bakugou Katsuki, the drummer who was angrier than any person you'd ever seen wearing nothing but skinny black jeans and a perpetual frown. Jiro, so cool and sleek in anything she wore as she tore up her guitar as side vocals. Then there was Denki, funny, cute even, on the bass with his electric blonde hair and killer smile. Lastly there was "Dark Shadow", the lead vocalist. 

No one knew his real name or what he looked like, he chose to wear a headpiece in the shape of a raven or crow. You loved him, even without knowing his face. 

He was so fit, strong arms and deadly abs that could be seen from beneath his cut off band tee crop top, much like you were wearing now. His voice was soothing as a bird's song, whether he was screaming or singing. The sound so uniquely beautiful it brought tears to your eyes the first time you heard it. And standing here with nothing but a small barricade and stage separating the two of you was a dream made in heaven. 

He sings your favorite song, looking out into the crowd, body drenched in sweat from the high energy show as he jumps to the beat. He pauses to hit a long note and while the guitar riffs he looks into the VIP section. You swear you feel as if he is looking dead at you. The next few lyrics are packed full with emotion as he gets onto his knee, one hand holding the microphone while the other gently floats towards outstretched hands. 

"I've been looking for youuuu, I just need to find youuuuu and when I do, when I do I'll dress you in my band teee and make youuuu~"

But it's yours that his fingers brush, intertwining his fingers with yours as tears prick your eyes. 

"Mine. Forever miiinee~" 

The world stops, his silky voice smoothing over your skin before it erupts in goose flesh, he holds on to your hand as he sings the chorus again. The screaming people around you fade away as you hear nothing but his sultry voice. 

As if he were serenading you in the kitchen of your home. 

"I've been looking for youuuu, I just need to find youuuuu and when I do, when I do I'll dress you in my band teee and make youuuu~"

"Mine. Forever miiinee~"

He squeezes your hand as he finishes the note, releasing your hand slowly before starting to stand. The music begins to fade as he huffs, trying to catch his breath before looking over the band. He sees that ever might need just a second more to take in some water so he brings the mic close to his face as he shouts. 

"Are we having a good time tonight?!" 

The crowd erupts into a scream, so loud you can barely hear the one tearing up your throat. 

"I can't fucking hear you, extras!" Bakugou shouts into his own mic. The sold out stadium shakes rivaling the bass of the sound system as they all play off random notes and beats. When the deafening roar becomes a hushed, dull roar Bakugou sets the beat, Jiro and Denki join in as their most popular song begins to bump through the speakers. The song sets a heavy, hype beat that can get anyone to bang their head to. You start along with them, booze lighting up your system and causing you to ignore the charged air around you  

Some of the bystanders, some of the women especially were jealous of the fact that you were holding hands with none other than the DARK SHADOW. 

"Stupid bitch." They murmur amongst themselves, "Let's really fuck her up." 

One says before shoving her unsuspecting and overly excitable boyfriend into another guy while shouting. 

"MOSH PIT!" The crowd follows suit, putting you in the thick of it. Normally you could handle a little mosh, staying on the fringes to avoid too much damage but being in the center was beginning to spell trouble. The world spun as body after body began to slam into you, turning you this way and that before someone begins to take advantage of the situation. A sleazy guy you had hoped to avoid "falls" into you, rough palms grabbing a handful of your ass, beneath your skirt. A yelp lost to the crowd leaves your lips, tears burning in your eyes as this man set out to ruin what was possibly the highlight of your life. 

He was going to ruin it with his disgusting cigarette breath, lips sloppily kissing at your throat as he moved the two of you closer to the barricade. His fingers dig into your ass, spreading your cheeks as he shouts into your ear. 

"These fishnets for me slut?" He slurs, chuckling as he presses your back into the cool biting metal, "Love the crop top baby, do you got a bra on underneath?" 

A sob threatens to rack through your body as your elated high quickly turns into stomach churning nausea. Desperately you look up to the stage, anything to distract you from the fingers that try to venture between your thighs, while the other rips at your favorite top.

Tokoyami jumps, stopping to adjust his feet for steady ground to do the screaming part of the song, he glances down into the crowd, silently looking for you. The woman who made his heart flutter for the first time in years and when he sees your face tilted up towards him with fear and pain twisting your features he loses his cool. 

"Fucking stop!" He shouts, the lyrics gone for now as the music abruptly stops, the man holding you startles as the light follows Dark Shadow's accusing finger. He is illuminated by the stage light as bystanders rip him from you, he punches one guy and makes a run for it. 

 "Aye yo security. Get this asshole!" Dark Shadow shouts, leaning down for your now outstretched arms. Pulling you on stage with ease as his fingers flutter over your shoulders and sides for injuries.

"You okay my sparrow?" He coos softly and you nod, and he guides you towards the back of the stage, leaving the two front members to appease the excited crowd. He presses a cold water bottle to your hand before pulling up a chair a few feet from the drum kit. 

"Stay by Bakugou okay? He'll take care of you." He wipes some sweat from your face before squeezing the nape of your neck. Bakugou glares your way with mixed emotions before doing his show starting beat to get the crowd jumping. 

"Anyone else wanna act like a fucking douche?" Denki asks, walking up and down the front of the stage waiting for Tokoyami to return to the forefront. 

"NOOOOO!" The crowd shouts, Denki offers a cheeky smile before adding. 

"That's my good fans!" He blows a kiss to the crowd and the screams fly up an octave. 

"Alright let's start this shit from the top!" Jiro shouts, letting out some hypnotic notes before looking towards Tokoyami. 

"Actually, let's give them a sample of the new album. Let's give them a tease. Do you wanna be teased?" He asks the crowd aiming the mic towards them as if he needed to. 

"SHOW US! TEASE US!" The crowd chants before Tokoyami looks towards his band members. 

"I dunno do they deserve it?" Bakugou prodes and the audience lets out a dejected whine. 

"Promise to behave?" Jiro teases and the crowd collectively screams out desperately "YES!"

"Well keep your hands to yourself and listen up cause you're only gonna hear it this once til it drops!" Tokoyami shouts before Jiro starts playing that hypnotic sound, shortly after Denki joins in. Bakugou twisting his drumstick as he waits for his cue impatiently. Dark Shadow takes in a deep breath before singing the haunting first lines of their new song. 

"What do you do, when it's stalking after yoouuu? What do you say when it's just a breath awaaay~? Coming closer and you can't seem to get awaaaaay?" 

"Always watching, always loooomming-" 

Bakugou slams his sticks down hard onto the kit, foot tapping the bass drum at an alarming speed as everything seems to be hitting a climax. 

"WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN ITS COMING FROM INSIDE OF YOU? WHAT DO YOU SAY WHEN IT SHARES YOUR NAAAAME? 

WHEN YOU CAN'T HIDE THE DEMON THAT'S LURKING INSIDE!" 

The last line he screams and the crowd is overcome with emotion. The height of the music and the new song that the band pours their hearts into, sends the crowd into a frenzy. Sweat dripping from everyone as their black shirts dampen around their collars. 

The song the crowd wanted to last forever comes to an end and you find yourself standing to scream, tears in your eyes.

"That was amazing!" Curling your fingers into a fist, Dark Shadow turns back to see you, out of the millions of people there tonight, in that moment he could only hear you.  

"Well I think we gave them a good show huh?" Denki asks into the mic, Bakugou drums a heavy beat as he shouts. 

"FUCK YEA WE DID!" 

"HAVE A GOOD NIGHT!!" The band members shout in unison before waving and slowly backing off stage. Tokoyami rushes towards you, hand slipping around your natural waist as he guides you into the darkened stage towards his dressing room. Your heart is racing in your ears as the silence becomes deafening. Being this close to Dark Shadow you couldn't help but notice the little cushion that keeps his helmet from damaging his throat and the intoxicating smell that rolls off of him like a cool breeze. He smells like cedar and pine at twilight while the wind brings with it the threat of snow. 

You shiver despite the warmth of his touch. Swallowing the lump in your throat you force your tongue to cooperate as he steps in front of his door politely opening it for you. His small silver chains clink from the motion.

"You must be tired, are you sure you want...company?" If you could see his face you imagined he'd be smiling. Pressing his hand at the small of your back to urge you inside. 

"I'm sure." He walks in, waiting for you to follow before he slumps onto a worn leather arm chair. Your platform converse move on their own as you cross the threshold of the room, closing the door behind you. 

"Lock it, would you sparrow?" All you can do is nod as you turn the lock until you hear a soft click. He gestures for you to sit on the couch beside him before his broad hands go towards his helmet. 

The blood rushes from your face as a moment of honor and horror wage war in your gut, pulling your heart down towards your feet. 

"Wait!" You shout, startling both of you and you feel heat rise into your cheeks and throat, "I don't want you to feel obligated to take it off. We can just...talk." 

Nervously you fidget with the hem of your skirt, thinking he was going to kick you out for being so lame. 

Boring. 

He stands and you flinch before he sits beside you on the love seat. If you could see his eyes you wondered if they were sparkling. His winter woods smell tickles your nose and you smile. 

"I'd love to just talk. But first." He must notice your ripped shirt as he stands again. Rummaging through his suitcase to find the first edition band tee ever made for TOKYO MOB.

"I couldn't!" You half shout and then squeak, "I shouldn't" 

"I insist." He says softly placing it on your lap before giving you his toned back. The cropped tee he wears shows off the dimples in his lower back that has you thinking of what it would look like while those hips piston into you. Quickly you toss your ripped shirt aside and slip his over your head, relishing the present smell, heart stirring.

"It's safe." You say softly and he turns around taking the seat beside you again. 

After a small awkward silence the two of you begin to talk, the conversation coming easy as you gushed over his voice and where you went to college when he asked. Him wanting to know more about your life and the night ended up being about you instead of him for once and it was nice. 

Nice to not have someone prying or clawing at his neck to find out just who he was and what he looked like, suddenly heat rushes to his pants. His hand comes to rest on your knee just below the hem of your skirt, ringed fingers sliding beneath the black fabric. You swallow, looking into the face of the bird mask and softly speak. 

"How- how would we kiss?" It feels stupid, embarrassing that you would even think that. He kills the light by the love seat flooding the room in total darkness before he takes off his helmet with a clatter. 

"Like this." His lips are by your ear now sending ecstacy through your body in the form of a spine tingling shudder. He kisses at your lobe working his way down your throat and then up to your jaw, avoiding your lips as he tastes every inch of you he can. His damp hair tickles your nose as he moves you to him, hovering over you as he kisses the plane of your stomach beneath his lifted shirt. 

"You look damn good in my shirt baby." He trails his tongue up your sternum causing you to moan, he smirks against the bone before sucking at the supple skin of your breast. Choosing them for his canvas to paint in blacks and blues that you would soon come to wish would last a life time. His free hand twists your nipple, pulling it as he scrapes his teeth against your other. Tongue flicking against the sensitive nub another moan escapes your lips as he plays with you for what feels like hours. He doesn't even go to touch your aching cunt until you're covered in a sheen of sweat. Begging for his hands to move lower as your vision spots in the dark from his sensual touch alone. Your own hands explore up his defined abs and torso occasionally catching the cool metal of his chains, this time you decide to pull him into a kiss. Your lips touching his for the first time all night and you feel like a live wire. Hungrily and aggressively trying to devour him as you feel music dancing through your blood, humming in your bones, he groans amplifying the feeling as his clothed hard on presses into your core. His tongue swipes over yours and the thought of not even knowing what he looks like arches your back into his touch. 

Finally he flips your skirt up, his fingers venturing between your thighs and when he finds no fabric and the satisfying sound of your slick he bucks his hips, biting at your breasts. 

"So wet sparrow…." His voice is soft breath and a little desperate causing your cunt to clench. He circles your clit until you're crying, his fingers occasionally checking for a stream of tears. When he feels the droplets on your face he chuckles shoving his fingers knuckle deep going agonizingly slow until you're fluttering around his thick curled digits. You cum hard and he whispers praises in your ear, several times as your body shakes and you think you won't be able to make it through the night. 

"Ready for my cock babe?" He asks gently swiping his thumb over your swollen and heavily abused clit. You perk right up, ready for the finale silently thanking the gods for a band members stamina. You notice him shaking as he leans down for a kiss, his stomach sweaty and sticking to yours. You fist his hair, pulling him back just a bit. 

"You'll be okay?" You can just make out the gleam of his teeth from his smirk before his voice comes out as pure sinful husk. 

"The question is, will you sweet sparrow?" 

Too stunned to answer he swallows your silence with a kiss before he sheaths himself inside you. Relishing the moan in his mouth and the fluttering of your velvet walls as they adjust to him. You were so wet, so ready for him as he slowly rocked his hips. Your half wish from earlier coming true as your hands fly to the dimples of his lower back, trying to urge him to quicken his pace but he keeps it languid, deadly. Each stroke hitting with purpose. The head of his cock hitting that cushy spot as his pelvis snapped against your clit. The sensation sends you into a never ending moan. Each gasp his stage name as he marks you as his, nails raking down your arms as he praises. 

"Such a nice pussy you have. Taking me so fucking well." He lingers by your ear, his tone the opposite of his lustful words. Your own nails claw down his back in viscous lines as he keeps you on the edge. The coil, steady and tight as you feel the pressure in your stomach growing. He can feel how tightly you're squeezing him and how your thighs are locked around his waist. He press his fingers into your stomach as his thumb swipes over your clit, his hips snapping faster and faster as he waits for what he hopes is coming. The pressure becomes too much he overstimulates your body, shaking as you cry out. 

"I can't, I can't…" 

"You can, just for me. Don't be shy, cum for me baby." His deep voice sends a chill through your body, you go rigid, quiet before your body jerks and releases a clear liquid onto his pelvis and cock. Shaking as he fucks your through it before his voice comes out strained as you milk him. 

"Imma cum baby, where do you want it?" 

"In me, I promise I have an IUD just fucking cum Dark Shadow!" You gasp and he obeys, adding to your pleasant after shocks, filling you to the brim with his hot seed with a husky grunt. He collapses onto you fixing your shirt before he gently withdraws, keeping his face to your chest as your fingers find his hair. You try not to let your thoughts wander and as if he could read your mind. 

"I promise you, you're the only one who's made me do that." He kisses your throat gently before his hand searches for your free one, interlacing his fingers with yours before he hums. Slowly singing you to sleep. You welcome the feeling as exhaustion blankets you in darkness.

"Uh miss." The voice comes as a shock as a large man tries to wake you from a distance. You startle, grabbing at blankets to cover yourself although you're fully clothed.  

"Hate to wake you miss but we're locking up. The venue is closed and the band is…" Although he looks a brute he clearly has some sort of heart. Unable to say what you know.  

"Gone." Tears burn your eyes as you think of how stupid you were. To ever think you were special enough to be anything more than a groupie. A note sits on the bedside table. 

"Should we cross paths again, Sparrow. I'll make you forever mine" 

The note blurs as you recognize the lyrics to the song. You look down at his band tee and wonder if your favorite song was more of a gimmick to pick up fans than some fated promise. 

And so life moves on.

You can only tell that time has passed from the fading color of your bruises. Slowly they melt from a cold bluish black into cool greens and warm dotted yellows. You sigh, looking in the mirror before you head towards your room for clothes.  Finally mustering up the courage to wear that stupid band tee he gave you again. It still smells faintly of him, of the winter woods suspended in forever twilight. Of musk from your sweat and his. You fight back the tears as you remind yourself you just put on mascara, finally choosing to participate in a social life after having your heart broken for being a fool. You decided to get ready sooner rather than later, otherwise you would have backed out from the plans and mopped around the house. You figured some coffee would help kill the time as you lace up your converse thinking of your favorite shop. You head out and walk leisurely to the cafe off the beaten path of downtown.  The street is full but not overly so as people browse the shopping district of the huge city you call home. Everyone fades into the background until your eye catches against a handsome man, dressed in tastefully torn black jeans, and an onyx turtleneck. You would be concerned for his attire in this weather if he wasn't so damn handsome. You must catch his eye as well as his face instantly lights up when he makes eye contact. He beats you to the cafe door, holding it open for you with ringed fingers like a gentleman waiting for you to enter. The gesture feels familiar causing your heart to squeeze in your chest, feeling trapped beneath your too small rib cage. As you walk past him you think you smell something familiar. 

Like cedar and pine, dancing on a snowy wind as the sun sets the world on fire. 

Your world on fire as you grip at the front of Dark Shadow's shirt trying not to cry. You just wanted your fucking macchiato and to move on with your life. You had lived every fan's dream of sleeping with your favorite band member. Tasting Dark Shadow's blackberry mouth. Shouldn't that be enough? 

Your aching heart said otherwise. 

Suddenly warmth is behind you, radiating off of a thick body as the handsome man bends over to put his profile to your ear. Goose flesh prickles your skin in late August as he says with a voice that drapes you in sinful black silk.

"You look damn good in my shirt, sparrow." 

[schatlabsunlimited]

Piers Headcanons | Music

Because I’ve been thinking about him a lot lately, lemme just lay some stuff down to share:

he’s a vocalist, first and foremost

he composes all his music, so of course he plays instruments too

he plays a whole range of instruments and he’s not gonna stop trying to learn how to play more

he probably collects instruments, but i honestly don’t know if he has the money and space for that since Spikemuth looks poor af and i think he doesn’t charge entry for his concerts there

but i’ll assume that he does anyways as long as he and Marnie are decently fed lol

recording equipment too

he definitely plays guitar, bass, keyboard. probably even a keytar

for drums, i think he also knows how to play, but i think he’s more likely to use drum pads or an electric set since he goes straight to recording his stuff when he’s on it

he records lotsa random ideas and gets a few really good ones polished enough

he’s always in his head with ideas and feelings so literally anything in the moment could end up becoming a song

seriously, dude’s just a one-man music machine and nothing can stop him

i swear, even artist blocks can become music

he’s just that musically expressive even though he looks like a tired grump who just wants to sleep and never wake up

speaking of sleep, he probably gets a lot of wild ideas from his dreams

so he just starts recording or writing down lyrics the moment he wakes up

i personally don’t think he’s formally trained, but he takes music so seriously that he figured everything out well enough on his own

he’s a pretty disciplined guy, ngl

things have to be perfect when it comes to his music

he has standards he has to uphold as a self-made artist

but he definitely isn’t a stickler or killjoy

for one, he does not discriminate any genres

obviously, he’s all about punk and hardcore genres

he’s all down for starting mosh pits and screaming his lungs out onstage

but he doesn’t think any less of “softer” genres

pop? cool. jazz? alright. opera? nice. rap? not his forte, but why not. country? sure, especially if it’s something he can do for acoustic nights. edm? sucks that he can’t sing here, but it gets the crowd going so he’s okay with that.

he loves and respects all genres equally, and will definitely participate in an intelligent conversation about any type of music, despite his clear preferences

just don’t be a rude genre-elitist jerk, and you’ll be good with this guy

dude’s actually pretty chill and is open to changing preferences and opinions

he makes his own music most of the time, but he occasionally covers other artists too, if the mood’s right for it

he values expression as the art itself

he loves music because of all the feelings, emotion, and passion it can convey and evoke

he loves expression because he’s a shy boy otherwise

he knows his own flaws, and that’s what makes him so strong

that’s why he pursued music as his passion because it’s life-changing to him

and it never ceases to fill him with awe every time he experiences something new with music

he loves the fact that his musical journey would be an endless one that’s full of surprises and knows no limits

music is his best friend

music is his life

he will always have some form of music with him, always, til his very last breath

he will not hesitate to put it aside for his responsibilities, though

for example, he took on becoming the Gym Leader and didn’t really pressure Marnie too much about taking the role from him, since he loves her and he also wants her to pursue her own ambitions first

he is a good brother and a good Gym Leader because of this, and it’s kinda sad that he fails to see this sometimes

but hey things got sorted out by the end of the game’s story, so yay!

I really wish he charges better for his concerts ugh he deserves the money

also he’s definitely gonna be using the money and exposure to breathe life back into Spikemuth so he really really deserves the money lol

once that’s done, do free gigs and benefit concerts as much as you want, bruv!

I’d love to hear your opinion on Piers, dear reader! Agree? Disagree? Tell me why 😁

[frenziedslashers]

OKAY- I finally have time to fanboy about the concert that I just got back from LMAO so keep reading for a ride

So last Saturday my friend took me to the Freaks on Parade tour in Iowa for my birthday (which is on the 14th for anyone wondering :) ) BUT IT WAS SO GOOD??? Mudvayne, Powerman 5000, Rob Zombie, and Static-X were all there and I have to rate + share some of the photos I got from the concert :) it was so much fun.

The first band that played was call The Tale Untold, that band was AWESOME. They're a small band that formed in Omaha, Nebraska but oh my fucking god. The lead vocalist is a female and they sound so fucking metal?? Like ong my friends mom thought that she was a guy with how deep her voice got. It was hot as fuck and I loved them. They definitely give off Jinjer and Otep vibes, so if you like either of those bands. I definitely suggest them!

I cannot remember the next band that played, I was too busy socializing with my stepmom, friend, and their mom. Along with showing off my awesome vest that my cousin designed for me 😌💙💚

Once Powerman 5000 started up though, I drug my stepmom into the pit so we could watch them. Plus so we could find my dad since he was down there the whole time. I probably would have been as well, but it was 104 degrees Fahrenheit so I was melting in denim jeans and a denim vest.

(This was our view)

We didn't get clear up to the stage because we couldn't find my dad, but we were right in behind the mosh pit which was honestly amazing! I would have joined but 1) I didn't know if my stepmom would have let me. 2) this dude in the pit was mean mugging me and I 100% believe they would have fought me the moment I step foot in the mosh.

Powerman 5000 was tbh a stellar band to see. Not as lively as they used to be, but they're still one of my favorite bands and I honestly love Spider so <3 That's okay.

Static-x... Oh my GOD GUYS THEY WERE SO GOOD??? It may not have been Wayne, but jesus christ xer0 does such a good job! It's uncanny how much he sounds like Wayne! The songs that they played were awesome and just seeing them in concert was phenomenal. They are definitely a band you have to hear live. The vocals are beautiful and the guitar is just unbelievable when listening to them live. I was so thrown back by there music I kind of forgot to record and take more than two pictures. Which I greatly regret now. After they were done performing the drummer tossed his drum stick out into the crowd and my dad and I nearly caught it but this tall ass mf in front of us barely even reached up and grabbed it. Like sir??? That was coming straight at me. That was obviously mine.

I am definitely gonna try and see them again next year if they're back in the area!

Mudvayne isn't really a band favorite of mine, but they were such a fun band to see in person :) Chad was very lively and SUPER hilarious. He even got in the crowd to sing some of the songs. He wasn't entirely in the crowd, but he was on a platform off the stage sitting on the fence and like giving people high fives and shit. I was aggressively headbanging when he did this and was mad confused when people started pushing me to the side. Like why was everyone running to the left?? Then I raised my phone because I couldn't see of the crowd and I saw that Chad was in the crowd lmao. What a Chad.

Now Rob Zombie... My beloved... This concert was AMAZING. The colors, the set, the vocals, JOHN 5??? Amazing. My favorite part was when they did a tribute for Joey Jordison. Rob told the crowd how he used to play with them and how Joey's favorite song to play was Scum of The Earth so they played that for him. I got a little emotional when they did ngl.

ALSO JOHN 5??? DID I MENTION JOHN??? Oh my god, so I got up to the front of the stage because the crowd was trying to get to the front and instead pushed me into the barricade. John leaned agaisnt part of the stage and like looked at me and nodded his head??? Like sir??? I have a photo of him leaning, but he looked away when I got the photo.

Then he went to toss me a pick towards the end of the concert and I nearly caught it BUT this dick bag beside me shoved me out of the way and stole it from me. John GLARED at this mf and like ran his finger over his throat while looking at them. Then John looked back at me and gave me a thumbs up as if to ask if I was okay and I just nodded and smiled like a dumbass because HOLY FUCK JOHN 5 NOT ONLY ACKNOLEDGED ME AND TRIED TO GIVE ME A PICK, BUT ALSO THREATENED A MAN IN MY HONOR??? I am fr living the dream.

My other favorite part was when they played House of 1000 corpses. It was just so pretty and the fake snow was so cool. Plus they put on cowboy hats so that was hot. The song started and I just SCREAMED and then I screamed "I LOVE YOU SHERI" At a photo of sheri on the big screen and like 8 people screamed "WE LOVE YOU TOO" LMAOOO It was so silly. It was so fun to dance to and headbang ugh I am excited to see him again in September hopefully. Plus, Otis showed up on screen and I was all >:o the whole time and nearly screamed "I LOVE YOU OTIS" but restrained the monster fucker in me 💪💀

Overall a good beginner festival to go to! It was so fun seeing all the metalhead there and just people who like the same music as me! I saw a bunch of people with Knotfest shirts as well so I didn't feel as bad since I had my cousin make my vest Slipknot-themed lmao. Hope you enjoyed my rambling. I'll post some of the other photos and videos later!

[ohmyasmodeus]

𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 + 𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘰 ✩

i miss concerts bro... i’ve been watching the 1975′s and bring me the horizon’s 😭 you know the demon brothers would be so fun to attend concerts with. it’s been so long since my last non-request post, so enjoy ! ♡

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

♡ 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘻𝘦𝘣𝘶𝘣

✧   Beel in a comfortable tank top with his muscles on display, carrying you on his shoulders during a music festival? What more could you want?

✧   It isn’t the festival food that gets to Beel; it’s the overwhelming amount of drinks offered by the vendors. The alcoholic slushies, the sweet drinks that taste like candy but will knock you on your ass as soon as you drink them, the bitter jelly shots that make him cringe and look at you with the biggest puppy eyes— he wants them all! The two of you are absolutely wasted before the day is half over, and he ends up just making out with you in the middle of the crowd as you dance to a set, mumbling about how good your lips taste.

✧   Beel protects you during the different sets, muscling away anyone who gets too close to you. He’s just a sweetheart who always asks you if you’re okay, and carries you on his shoulders if being in the pit gets too much for you. He can easily hold you like that for the rest of the sets, and you’ll feel him jumping about here and there and cheering loudly when the music really gets to him.

✧   Without hesitation, he squares the fuck up with anyone that comes onto you or tries to touch you. Your comfort is Beel’s biggest priority, but when it comes to dealing with girls that flirt with him or try to grind on him in crowds, he ends up running back to you to hide! He can’t deal with the attention at all, nobody can ever hear him above the music and you make him feel safe.

♡ 𝘢𝘴𝘮𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘶𝘴

✧   Before you even get a chance to leave the house, he’s taking a million photos of the both of you in your concert outfits because by god, do you look absolutely delicious. He’s going to be all over you in the car, pressing sweet kisses to your face on the way to the venue because he’s so damn proud to call you his baby. Rest assured, the night will be well documented. Asmo’s Devilgram followers need to know what they’re missing out on!

✧   Asmodeus is the absolute master of throwing it back. He’ll be throwing it back before the band gets halfway through the introductory song, glancing back at you to wink teasingly as he starts grinding. You have to make sure everyone else keeps their hands off him, because you’re just as proud to have him all over you. It’s the best when the both of you dance together, shrieking the lyrics at the top of your lungs.

✧   When he gets into the music, he’s squealing for the artists, clutching your hand as the both of you jump along with the crowd. Asmodeus looks absolutely radiant as the lights filter through the fog, even when he’s holding his phone up to record the concert. It makes you grab his phone to stash it away in your bag, and before he starts to whine, you pull him into a kiss and tell him to focus on being in the moment with you!

✧   The afterparty is an absolute must. Asmo knows everyone important, and he’ll sneak you into the exclusive afterparties to give you a taste of what stardom is like. Even if he usually flits around like the social butterfly that he is, tonight is all about making you feel like a star with the way he kisses you and makes everyone know that you’re his, the way he brings you drinks and makes sure you’re right beside him when everyone starts doing shots because he loves tasting the alcohol off your lips more than drinking it.

♡ 𝘮𝘢𝘮𝘮𝘰𝘯

✧   Mammon is hyped. There’s nothing better than doing one of his favourite things with his favourite human, and the entire time he’ll be clinging to you, screaming to the lyrics of his favourite songs. He shields you in the crowd, putting his jacket over you to make sure you’re comfortable (and because he wants to show off how he looks in his tank top).

✧   The music and atmosphere completely gets rid of his shyness. Mammon isn’t afraid to press himself up against your front even if the pair of you are up at the barricade, grinning like he’s won the lottery before he pulls you in to kiss you hard. It’s dizzying, the combination of Mammon’s cologne, and the feeling of the crowd pulsing around you, pressing the both of you closer against each other.

✧   Drinking. So much drinking, because Mammon definitely knows how to sneak alcohol into a venue. He’s taking swigs before pulling you into a kiss to share. The way he tries to avoid getting in trouble with security makes you clutch at the front of his shirt as the both of you laugh in exhilaration.

✧   During the slow songs, he surprises you with just how romantic he can be. It’s as if a switch got flipped— the way he holds you is so tender, and he runs his hands up and down your sides slowly while singing along, pressing his forehead against yours with a smile. Mammon loves sharing moments like these with you, he absolutely adores having you by his side, and he can’t help but lean in and laugh about how this feels so fucking perfect. God, does he love you.

♡ 𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯

✧   Levi is the best brother to go for concerts with. Being experienced with his idol’s concerts, the date and preparation for it would be a breeze, although he gets adorably shaky when he remembers that he’s going on a date with you. You’re way more important than any idol of his.

✧   His excitement makes him so adorable. He can’t stop himself from chattering on while you’re waiting in line, and brings plenty of snacks and drinks for you two to gorge yourselves on while cuddling. Levi has a perpetual faint blush when he’s around you, especially when you geek out with him, or sit in his lap while in the queue.

✧   To get you the best spots, he’ll sacrifice himself to help you squeeze into tight spots, though you never let him. Tugging on his hand, you pull him along too. The both of you end up pressed up against each each other in the middle of the crowd, giggling while the lights flash and the beat of the drums makes you bounce together. You two might as well be the only ones in the crowd, nuzzling your faces together before you kiss one of his blushing cheeks with a grin.

✧   Music speaks to Leviathan. It gives him that rush of adrenaline, the chills that go down your arms and make you laugh, and experiencing music like this with you is like nothing he’s ever experienced before. Fuelled by the adrenaline, he gains enough confidence to pull you into a clumsy kiss that has the both of you clutching at each other as your giggles turn into full-chested laughter. It’ll be over before you know it, but the both of you want to stay in this moment forever.

♡ 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘩𝘦𝘨𝘰𝘳

✧   Oh, boy, concerts are just not the environment for him. The sounds, the lights, the way everyone clings to each other in a sweaty, loud mess. But all it takes is one puppy-eyed look from you and his defences are breaking down. Belphie can’t help but agree, as long as he approves of your band of choice and it takes place somewhere lowkey.

✧   You’re disappointed at first— but you definitely can’t feel that way anymore when you end up cuddled into his side in a comfortable loveseat at a dive bar. The music stays mellow but the crowd is as upbeat as ever, and you can’t care less about not being able to see the band through the crowd. Not when Belphegor pulls you close and guides you to rest your head on his chest.

✧   As mellow as the music is, it’s intoxicating, and so is Belphie. You spend your time making out slowly while the night passes, tasting the alcohol on his tongue as he combs a hand through your hair. You don’t know if it’s the smoke in the air or Belphie’s hands in your hair that make your mind hazy, but either way, you want the moment to last forever. You’re basically putty in his hands, and it makes him smirk lazily as he boops your nose and teases you about being so needy, and out in front of everyone, no less. Are you trying to stake your claim?

✧   Though it’s in his nature to be lazy, you can’t help but pull Belphie up to dance at least once. He gives in without much of a fight, the corners of his lips slightly upturned as he watches you dance along to the music. He’s joining in easily, resting his hands on your hips to grind against you slowly. He can’t help but eventually spin you around to kiss your forehead and mumble that he thinks he’s found his new favourite thing.

♡ 𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘯

✧   You’d think that he’s the kind to be hesitant about attending concerts since he’s such a bookish guy, with the packed venue and the blinding lights and the sweaty crowd— but Satan fucking loves concerts. He loves screaming the lyrics and being able to shove his way through the mosh pit. Although, he has to admit that it’s a double edged sword. The aspects of concerts that he loves can irritate him as well, he abhors having people shriek in his ear or push him around.

✧   Music is another form of poetry for him, heaven in the form of passionate lyrics and the pure energy of the people around him. He never tells anyone though. He never thought he would, until you came along.

✧   The first time you attend a concert with him, he tries to tone himself down. That is, until you notice his energy and tug at his hand to encourage him to scream along to the lyrics with you. He’s losing himself in the music, tugging you close, heart racing because you just get him. You encourage him, you see him for who he truly is, and he couldn’t be more in love with you or this moment.

✧   Throw it back. Just throw it back, it doesn’t matter what music you two are dancing to because it has Satan going crazy for you. He presses himself up against your back as you straighten up, hands firm on your hips as he whispers in your ear about how irresistible you are. If you’re not careful, he might end up sneaking you out of the concert venue, eager to use his pent up energy elsewhere with you.

♡ 𝘭𝘶𝘤𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘳

✧   Like Belphie, Lucifer isn’t a fan of concerts or the environment it creates. Being an appreciator of the arts, he mostly attends orchestral performances and operas, so you take it as a great opportunity to open his mind to a side of music that he hasn’t experienced before! Like with most things, it takes a few kisses to coax him into agreement.

✧   He can’t complain when he ends up settled into luxurious seats with you in The Fall. He chuckles to himself as the band starts to play, shaking his head before kissing you and saying that it’s like you know him better than he does himself. The comfortable atmosphere makes Lucifer relax much more than usual, and as cordial as he is with affection in public, he can’t help but put an arm around the back of your seat and lean into you.

✧   Throughout the night, you catch Lucifer gazing at you from time to time. As much as he enjoys the music and the way the set’s lighting makes you look almost ethereal… he’s much more focused on admiring the way your wine-stained lips look as you smile. Full of dark desire, Lucifer’s crimson gaze makes your breath hitch in your throat as you lean into him. Whether you decide to tease him about it is up to you.

✧   When you finally manage to drag him out to dance with the crowd, instead of carrying you on his shoulders, he makes you wrap your legs around his waist while he carries you up, laughing as he looks up at you and marvels at how gorgeous you look. Without hesitation, you lean down to capture his lips in a kiss. Even Lucifer can’t escape the high spirits of the people around you, and the electrifying rush of adrenaline of being here, making memories with the person his heart belongs to.

♡ 𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙤

✧   Diavolo honestly doesn’t have much free time to have fun, so he’s absolutely delighted at the idea of a concert. He’s immediately struck by thoughts of how romantic he could make it, and spends his time daydreaming about hoisting you on his shoulders and spinning you around when he’s meant to be doing work. He looks forward to it so much, seeing you again is always the thing he’s looking forward to the most at any given time. He’s totally the kind of person to try and predict the setlist and listen to all the songs to make sure he can sing along during the performance.

✧   Even if he has the money for seated tickets, Diavolo wants to be in the pit. He wants to be able to dance with you, hoisting you onto his shoulders as the both of you sway to the music. Diavolo is one first starting different cheers, and everyone seems to follow along naturally. It makes you laugh and kiss his head, because even in a concert, the prince of hell itself is still so natural at leading.

✧   Being at a concert with you is the most free he’s felt in thousands of years. It makes him completely forget about his title, laughing with you as he drags you to the front barricade to get the best view and scream to the band, carrying you no matter if it’s against the venue rules. If Diavolo is going to let his hair down, he might as well go big or go home. He wonders just how many stupid stunts he can get away with helping you pull. He helps you stand on the barricade, letting you scream your heart out, because he adores you with his whole heart.

✧   By the end of the night, the both of you are running from security with your ten solo cups stacked into one another, buzzing from the mix of adrenaline and alcohol. The stupid grin Diavolo has on his face as he scoops you up while you run makes you shriek with laughter, and he’ll hide you away in a quiet alley, silencing you with a kiss.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

[onestowatch]

The Top 21 Artists to Watch in 2021

In a world where the only universal certainty seems to be opening every email with “hope you’re doing well,” the only other surefire guarantee is that there will continue to be new music worth discovering. And, we figured with the start of a new year, what better way to say to spend the waking hours of 2021 than introduce you to a few of the artists we currently have a close eye on. Often genreless and belonging to Gen Z, these are the 21 artists we are watching in 2021. 

spill tab

Where to Start: “Calvaire” 

In her breakout single “Calvaire,” spill tab sings in French over an intoxicating backbeat. The effect is akin to a spell, ushering into existence something inherently danceable and transfixing, like an Angèle B-side finding new life as a Billie Eilish cut. It is a standout moment that would be followed by similar standout moments in the form of a series of varied singles, culminating in spill tab’s debut EP, Oatmilk. Short and sweet, the four-song collection holds all the promise of a 2021 artist to watch.

Joesef

Where to Start: “The Sun Is Up Forever”

Emerging from the fog of Glasgow, Scotland, Joesef’s marriage of heartbreak, desire, regret, hope, and sublime joy is nothing short of intoxicating. Immediately making an impression with his tender, heartfelt croon, the Glasgow artist’s songs soon give way to emotionally rife personal recollections–some beautiful in their understated minimalism, some breathtaking in their expansive scope. Whatever the setting, the result is always the same–a passionate, shared moment you will not be forgetting anytime soon.

brakence

Where to Start: “dropout”

Self-described as “self-care punk,” brakence effortlessly pairs the unmatched energy of punk with an impressive showing of vulnerability. While the past few years saw the Ohio native experiment over a range of singles and on his debut album, 2020 was without a doubt the year he found his sound in the noteworthy punk2. Blending Midwest emo, trap production, hip-hop, and alternative, brakence’s sophomore effort is a masterclass in infectious emotional catharsis.

Mustafa

Where to Start: “Stay Alive”

Few artists embody the sentiment of music as poetry as emphatically as Mustafa. First leaving a mark with 2020’s “Stay Alive,” Mustafa introduced himself to the world with a breathtaking, earth-shattering ballad rife with impassioned emotional imagery. Soft-spoken but never lacking for impact, the poet, activist, filmmaker, and songwriter brings to life the lived realities of Toronto’s Regent Park, a public housing project that shaped Mustafa into the once in a lifetime artist he is today.

Holly Humberstone

Where to Start: “Falling Asleep At The Wheel”

In her 2020 debut EP, Falling Asleep at the Wheel, Holly Humberstone proves herself a master at crafting a palpable atmosphere. Rife with emotional highs and cathartic lows, all backed by Humberstone’s magnetic and graceful songwriting, the British artist lays her heart on her sleeve and in turn lays the groundwork for a debut offering poised to stand the test of time. It is no mere hyperbole to say that Humberstone is an artist to watch out for not only in 2021 but in the years to come.

AG Club

Where to Start: “Memphis”

The initial comparison of AG Club to collectives like BROCKHAMPTON and A$AP may be an easy one to draw, but a single listen tells another story. While the genreless Bay Area collective may radiate the same rapturous energy of the aforementioned groups, AG Club is clearly riding high on their own wavelength. Aiming to make hip-hop but not as you know it, the idiosyncratic collective made their vision clear with the release of 2020’s Halfway Off the Porch, an electrifying amalgamation of disparate genres, sights, sounds, and moods.

347aidan

Where to Start: “Dancing in My Room”

Euphoric, difficult to perfectly define, and haphazardly brilliant, aidan347 embodies the adventurousness and inventiveness of Gen Z. The project of 17-year-old Aidan Fuller, the Cambridge, Ontario native has spent the past five years making music. Yet at the beginning of 2020, the Cambridge artist had less than three thousand monthly listeners; now, that number sits well above five million. A testament to 347aidan’s tenacity, his devoted fanbase, and the power of a TikTok-fueled viral hit–arriving in the form of “Dancing in My Room”–it really feels we are only witnessing the prologue of what’s to come.

Frances Forever

Where to Start: “Space Girl”

When thinking of music’s future stars, what better place to look than to the galactic, lovelorn musings of Frances Forever. Making less of a splash and more of a tidal wave with the release of “Space Girl” late last year, the Boston bedroom artist’s ode to intergalactic love has been rapidly climbing the TikTok and indie charts. Now signed to Mom+Pop records, Frances Forever is more than ready to shoot for the stars and beyond in 2021.

Hope Tala

Where to Start: “Lovestained”

Hope Tala is impossible to ignore. A West Londoner to her core, the UK singer-songwriter finds inspiration in everything from ‘90s movies, classic literature, to the constantly changing world around her. Transforming what feels like a lifetime, and some, of inspiration into an undeniably spellbinding fusion of R&B and bossa nova, Hope Tala’s musings of daydreams, heartache, and fear are the sort ready to define a generation’s ails, joys, and mundane triumphs and anxieties. Universal in scope yet deeply personal, Hope Tala is without doubt an artist to keep your eye on in 2021. 

Q

Where to Start: “Take Me Your Heart Is”

Q, much like his name, is an anomaly. Releasing one album a year since 2018, the ineffable soul and R&B artist has somehow coasted under the radar in spite of releasing some of the most breathtaking music out there. And with the release of 2020’s The Shave Experiment, Q feels like he’s finally stepping into the much-deserved limelight. Leading with the striking “Take Me Your Heart Is,” Q brought to life a nostalgic, hyper-emotive track sure to stop you in your tracks. Hopefully, it’s one of many to come. 

Claire Rosinkranz

Where to Start: “Backyard Boy”

16-year-old Claire Rosinkranz has been making music for the better part of her life, and 2020 was the year that scribbling down lyrics and helping her father compose music for TV shows and ad jingles paid off in a major way. The California native’s single, “Backyard Boy,” taken from her debut EP, BeVerly Hills BoYfRiEnd, soon became a TikTok hit, racking up over 80 million streams to date, on Spotify alone. If there are two things to look out for in 2021, make sure it’s your mental wellbeing and Claire’s euphoric self-dubbed “alternative-blues-pop.”

KennyHoopla

Where to Start: “how will i rest in peace if i'm buried by a highway?//”

KennyHoopla is nothing if not electrifying. The alternative, punk, and ‘80s new wave-evoking artist moves through each track with a sense of world-ending hunger, jumping from one ensuing mosh pit to the next. It is a balancing act of new wave nostalgia and genuine inventive alternative that results in a maelstrom of palpable excitement. To best experience this cathartic form of self-expression firsthand, look no further than his debut EP, last year’s how will i rest in peace if i'm buried by a highway?//. No one is quite making music like KennyHoopla, in 2021 or beyond.

MICHELLE

Where to Start: “THE BOTTOM”

New York collective MICHELLE deftly imbues the sincerity of soul and R&B into a uniquely tender pop outlook, and the result is nothing short of infectious. The project of six predominantly queer POC individuals, the group originally earned widespread critical acclaim for their 2018 album HEATWAVE, but it was arguably their subsequent signing with Atlantic Records last year that has them set to be one of 2021’s most promising acts. Quickly making the most of their newfound major label status, MICHELLE released “Sunrise,” the sonic equivalent of the first rays of light breaking through the clouds, signaling the end of a rainy day. It’s safe to say the future is looking bright for MICHELLE.

glaive

Where to Start: “eyesore”

Few artists define and defy the label of hyperpop as readily as glaive. Falling somewhere between 100 gecs and the second coming of mid-2000s pop punk, the newly-signed Interscope artist released his major debut label EP, cypress grove, earlier this year. Yet before finding a home at Interscope, glaive’s official discography only stretched back as far as 2020. Making the most of a year we all would rather soon forget, the 15-year-old wunderkind showcased to the world a continual musical evolution that is looking to only further pick up steam in the coming year.

Claud

Where to Start: “Wish You Were Gay”

From opening for Clairo to releasing a steady stream of resonant singles, Claud has spent the last couple of years making a name for themselves in the indie music world, but 2020 saw arguably their biggest breakthrough moment yet. With the release of “Gold,” Claud became the first artist signed to Phoebe Bridgers’ Saddest Factory Records. Arriving as the first taste of their upcoming debut album, Super Monster, 2021 is looking absolutely golden for Claud. And not to mention the fact they recently started a band with Clairo and friends.

María Isabel

Where to Start: “The 1”

Where has María Isabel been all our lives? First making herself known with the release of “The 1,” an ode to long-distance relationships, which soon became more prophetic than we ever could have imagined, the debut single served as lovely an introduction as they come. Thankfully, we would not have to wait too long to hear more dreamlike R&B from María, who graced us with her debut EP, Stuck in the Sky shortly thereafter. Uniquely heartfelt and velvety smooth, María’s voice is just the thing to carry you through 2021.

Remi Wolf

Where to Start: “Photo ID”

The past couple of years have seen avant-garde pop wunderkind Remi Wolf test the waters with one out of this world single after another, and 2020 felt like the year everything finally fell into place. Arriving on the Bay Area native’s sophomore album, I’m Allergic To Dogs!, “Photo ID,” and its unafraid, in your face anti pop mentality cemented itself as a surefire hit, and TikTok soon took notice. Serving as a testament to Remi Wolf’s mainstream appeal in spite of her outsider approach, “Photo ID” merely set the stage for what is to come.  

PawPaw Rod

Where to Start: “HIT EM WHERE IT HURTS”

PawPaw Rod may be the only artist on this list with only one single to their name, but in no way does that disqualify him from being an artist to watch in 2021. Releasing his debut single, “HIT EM WHERE IT HURTS,” out into the ether, the Los Angeles artist immediately landed on something special. Blending elements of hip-hop, funk, and alternative under a mellow, syrupy flow, PawPaw Rod wasted no time in setting himself apart from the pack. And with godmode–the same development company that brought us Yaeji, Channel Tres, LoveLeo, and more–it is safe to say that this is only the beginning.

Evann Mcintosh

Where to Start: “WIYULD”

In her dreamlike take on alternative R&B, Evann Mcintosh attempts to capture the turbulent act of coming-of-age. At times delicate to the touch and at times emanating a self-assured confidence well beyond her 16 years of age, Evann Mcintosh’s 2019 debut album, MOJO, laid the groundwork for an act whose promise knows no bounds. It was a promise she made good on during the tail end of 2020, with the release of singles “WIYULD” and “BULL$HIT.” Showing off two different sides of her continued musical growth, 2021 has us all the more excited for what Evann has in store.

Serena Isioma

Where to Start: “Sensitive”

In her breakout single, “Sensitive,” Serena Isioma fuses modern-day R&B and woozy indie pop with reckless abandon. The outcome is a song that not only sounds quite unlike anything else out there, but one whose own vibe seems to shift and evolve from one moment to the next. It is an electrifying opening moment that begins to define the Isioma’s artistry and her debut EP, Sensitive. The first of two EPs the Chicago-based artist would release in 2020, it is hard not to feel like Isioma is already in the process of creating a one-of-a-kind discography.

Blu DeTiger

Where to Start: “Figure It Out”

Whether you know her as the touring bassist for acts like FLETCHER and Caroline Polachek or as the TikTok famous bassist, the fact of the matter is that Blu DeTiger is an artist you need to know. A bassist since age seven and crowned the “coolest DJ around” by Vogue, the New York native’s music skirts the realms of funk, indie, and dance. Unmistakable, nonchalantly cool, and unsurprisingly bass-heavy, you deserve doing yourself the favor of diving headfirst into Blu DeTiger’s music. Just be sure to come up for air, when you’re ready.

[mosh-4]

cherry

harry styles imagine

cherry – harry talks about camille, and it makes band!y/n insecure (requested)

 .

.

.

it was well known to everyone who was working on the album that Harry was dealing with a breakup. it was apparent in his writing. you had joined the writing process fairly late in the game although you made your fair share of contributions with the album. you considered Fine Line your baby. you had spent countless nights sitting at a piano writing with Harry. it’s how you two fell in love, yet deep down you knew he was still coping with his breakup with Camille.

you weren’t jealous. you knew it wasn’t jealousy. you just couldn’t shake this feeling. you didn’t know what it was, but it made your heart hurt for some reason.

you currently sat on one of the sofas outside of the recording studio as you watched Harry sing some of the vocals for Cherry. you could see the sadness in his eyes as you listened to the lyrics.

he felt loss. he was hurting because of this. he missed her.

but, he was with you now. your relationship was new. it had just begun, and it was nothing compared to the relationship he had with her. it wasn’t a rebound. he made sure that you knew that. he claimed to have dealt with the breakup, and this song was a way of coping. you believed him. he wrote Adore You about you. he wouldn’t have done that if he still had feelings for her. yet, you were hurt by it.

in the mirror, you are nothing compared to Camille. she’s a model for crying out loud. you’re some girl that plays the piano professionally. you aren’t commended for your beauty. you’re a nobody.

now, you aren’t shallow. you would never obsess over your appearance and constantly compare yourself to others, but this thing with Camille had caused you to second guess everything.

would your relationship with Harry last as long as theirs? would he ever love you as much as he loved her? would he pick you over her? or, would he drop you for her whenever he was given the chance?

you know that Harry loves you, but you couldn’t help by feel insecure.

--

             “i think i want to add a voicemail to the end of the song.”

your head perked up from your notebook that you were currently brainstorming in. you raised an eyebrow at him.

             “interesting. what do you have in mind?” one of the sound engineers asked.  

             “i think it could add some depth to the song. like an artistic effect,” Harry said.

he played some voicemails of a woman speaking french. it was clearly Camille. they listened to a few before deciding on one.

--

when you listened to the finalized album, you were so impressed. it sounded amazing, and you got to watch the majority of it being put together.

you had to admit. Cherry was beautiful, and the voicemail was a great addition. when you had found out that Camille had given him permission to use it, you were honestly shocked.

now, with the song out to the public, it was a hot topic of conversation. people loved to gossip about other’s heartbreak.

it had been an interview that made you the most insecure. you had finally gotten over your insecurity over the song, but it had been reignited by a single interview.

you sat backstage waiting to perform while Harry was being interviewed. you watched your boyfriend on the monitor as you waited.

             “tell us about your breakup,” the interviewer started. “is that an okay topic for us to discuss?”

you could almost roll your eyes. you knew people loved to pry into his personal life, and it frustrated you sometimes.

             “it’s okay for us to discuss,” Harry laughed lightheartedly. “it wasn’t horrible. it just didn’t work out.”

             “so no screaming and fighting? you don’t despise each other now?”

             “no,” Harry said. “Camille is a great person. she’s amazing. sometimes things don’t work out like we hope they do. you just got to push past it and move on, you know?”

             “yeah, yeah. i get it,” the interviewer responds back. “what do you mean by ‘things don’t work out like we hope they do’? did you see a future with her?”

you listened closely. did he? did he want to a future with her?, you thought.

             “i think i might have imagined a future with her at the time.”

             “so you don’t anymore?”

he looked down for a moment before raising his head back up to the interviewer.

             “i don’t. like i said, i’ve moved on.”

he thought about a future with her. he wanted a future with her, but it didn’t work out. your stomach tightened. you gulped at the thought. did he see a future with you? did he want a future with you?

you continued to think to yourself before your thoughts were interrupted by Sarah placing a hand on your shoulder.

             “it’s time for us to go on,” she said pushing you to the stage.

Harry bid you a smile as you took at seat at your keyboard. you were playing Adore You. throughout the song, he would sneak glances at you like he normally did, yet this time you didn’t meet his gaze like you normally did.

he found it weird and made a mental note to check on you when you both got back to your hotel room.

--

             “i think ‘m gonna grab a shower,” you said going through your bag to grab a change of clothes.

             “okay,” Harry said taking off his dress shoes. “are you okay?”

you look from your bag.

             “’m fine-”

             “okay, but you say you’re fine, and i know you’re not,” he interrupted.

you sighed picking up your change of clothes. you made your way to the bathroom.

             “Harry, i don’t want to get into this now,” you murmur. “i’m exhausted, and i want to shower.”

he followed you to the bathroom. just as you were about to shut the door, he stopped it with his hand.

             “please talk to me, love.”

he opened the door to reveal you with red-rimmed eyes. tears were welling up in your eyes. you looked up stubbornly willing them away. you weren’t going to cry over this. you swallowed.

             “it’s not a big deal, haz.”

he reached out to pull you into his arms.

             “it’s obviously a big deal,” he said softly. “you’re upset about something.”

you took a deep breath.

             “it really is pointless. it’s stupid,” you said reaching up to rub your eyes.

             “tell me,” he said brushing your hair away from your face. “you can tell me, love.”

             “i’m a little insecure. i guess.”

             “about what?”

             “you and Camille. you had this great relationship. she’s literally perfect, and you told the whole world you wanted a future with her tonight, and i’m practically a nobody-”

             “hey,” he calmed you down. “you’re not a nobody.” he held your face gently as he looked into your eyes. “i love you. i may have wanted a future with her a year ago, but i don’t want that anymore. my relationship with her wasn’t great. i was gone all the time, and we never saw each other. and, she was not perfect. no one is perfect.”

             “haz, i know that.” you tried to pull out of his arms, but he wouldn’t let you. “i don’t want to be compared to her. i’m not her. i will never be as amazing as her, and it makes me insecure.”

             “are you kidding?” he said letting you go. “i know that you aren’t her. that’s why i love you. i don’t want her. i want you. i love you. i will never compare you to her, or anyone else for that matter.”

tears welled in your eyes again. you were too tired for this.

             “haz, i know.” you pinched the bridge of your nose. “i know its irrational, but i keep getting these thoughts. i’m comparing myself to her, and-” you choke on your tears.

he pulled you back into his arms.

             “hey, it’s okay.”

he kissed the top of your head. you curl into his chest.

             “i love you,” you whisper. “i don’t want to lose you.”

             “you’re not going to lose me,” he murmured into your hair.

you both stayed like that for a moment.

             “will you shower with me?” you say quietly.

he pulls away from you slightly to look you in the eyes. you turn you head to look at him with a small smile. he gave you a goofy smirk.

             “you want me to shower with you?”

             “yeah,” you laugh.

             “m’kay.”

you both undressed before hopping into the fancy hotel shower. you giggled as he jokingly pushed you out of the spray of hot water before you pushed him back. you fought each other for the spot under the water until he grabbed you by the hips and pulled you under the water with him. he placed a hand on your cheek before pulling you into a kiss.

             “i love you.”

             “i love you too.”

.

.

hope you enjoyed! - mosh

[eccentricpony]

Hello!! I really enjoy your writing~~! May I request a cafe date h/c with Taichi? Tysm!!💕

Hi dearie! Aww, thank you so much! And YES I love Taichi, he’s such a cutie boy. Here you go, hope you enjoy!

Taichi tapped his fingers on the quaint café table along to the rhythm of a Guilty Summer song that was stuck in his head. Maybe you weren't going to show up? His big, teal eyes light up at the sound of the squeaking front door, but it’s just a pair of old ladies. Sigh.

He ran a reel in his head over and over again of all the romance advice Kazunari had given him.  Although he had his doubts that any of Kazu’s advice had actually been tried-and-true. And then there was the advice he got from Banri. And Omi. And Sakyo. Wait, why did he ask Sakyo?  The door opened once more, and he watched forlornly as a woman and her baby entered the establishment.

Well, he should have anticipated this. I mean, you were just so funny and smart and SO so super cute that it was just a matter of time until you realized how amazing you were and how incredibly average he was and then left him to find someone equally as amazing as yourself. You were probably at another café right now, giggling at the awesome guy’s super funny jokes, and swooning over-

“Hey, Tai-tai!”

Taichi bolted upright at the sound of your voice. He looked up at you like you were The Creation of Adam on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel; with awe and baited breath. Cue the butterflies in his stomach.

“Ah, uh… h- hey!” The red-haired boy snapped out of his self-pitying reverie and stood to face you. You looked so sweet in your outfit, and was that the cardigan he helped you pick out last week? It looked so good on you – peach was definitely your color. Your rose colored sneakers looked so cute, too. They matched the cute af rosy tint that colored your cheeks at the moment. Damn, every color was totally your color.

“See that, hon? I knew they’d show up!” The kindly middle-aged waitress beamed at you as she spoke. You looked over at Taichi, shuffling his feet awkwardly adorably. “Go ahead and place your order at the register whenever you’re ready.” With another thoughtful glance, she hurried off to check on another table.

“Were you waiting long, Tai?” You took a seat across from his at the table, placing your bag on the seat next to you.

Ugh, that’s right, you damn fool, he berated himself inwardly as he followed your lead and took his seat. He had arrived there 45 minutes early to make sure he was there before you so you wouldn’t think he stood you up.  He opened his mouth to respond, but the next words spoken were yours.

“You look super cute today,” you gushed, to the response of pink-tinted cheeks on Taichi’s face. He did though; dressed in all monochrome colors, his shock of crimson hair and big, bright viridian eyes took center stage. You adored your pseudo-punk cinnamon roll, and you never believed it when he told you that this was his first relationship. He was such a thoughtful, sweet, supportive boyfriend; how could you possibly have been the first to notice how wonderful he is?

“S- so do you, you always do,” he responded sincerely, though it came out mumbled and he spoke it into the laminated daily specials menu that lay before him. The butterflies in his stomach are now throwing a rave, and his cheeks match his brightly dyed locks below the smattering of fading freckles.  His fingers fumbled with a tightly rolled bundle of silverware as he braved another look at your face. He hadn’t been on a boat since he was little but man, your pretty eyes made him feel like he was seasick in the best possible way.

“Should we go order then?” There was no need to look at a menu; you both always ordered the same things every time. Taichi jumped to his feet and ran his fingers through his wild mane of hair.

“I can go order it,” he asserted, patting the wallet in his seat pocket to make sure it was still there.

“You sure, Tai? I don’t mind waiting with you.” As much as he’d love your company while waiting out the queue, he wanted to be all gentlemanly and show that he listened to you. And he really did; in fact, he had been reciting your order through his head since this morning. He could say it in his sleep at this point, he was sure of it.

“Nah, you just wait here and chill, I got this.” Taichi flashed you a winning smile, a smile that always carried a hint of unintended mischief. Your heart did a flip as you nodded in consent. With a pep in his step, the skater boy hurried off to the cash register.

A few minutes pass and still no sign of Taichi. Maybe he decided to wait at the counter for the drinks?  You return your phone to your bag and consider seeking him out when he at long last returns to the table, empty handed. His face is ruddy as he rubs the back of his neck, meeting your eye sheepishly.

“S- sorry… was it… extra extra foam, or was the extra extra for the cinnamon? Or is it no cinnamon?” This poor puppy.  

“Taichi, I don’t mind coming with you, I know my order is a huge pain…” You want to give him a tight hug but this confused cutie is near passing out from all the blood rushing to his face today, you don’t want to add to it.

“No, no…” He shook his head resolutely. “Please, I got this, for real. Can you just say it for me one time?” You smile at his determination and detail your usual drink for him, leaving out an ingredient or two for simplicity’s sake.

“Got it!” he declares and swiftly heads back to the front counter, eyebrows screwed up in concentration as he mouths the ingredients to himself. Pulling out your cell once more, you launch the Gallery and scroll through all the pictures you’ve taken of you and your beau. You especially love the selfie you took of the two of you sharing an ice cream at the beach. He had wanted you to delete it because he had a chocolate chip on his upper lip, but you insisted that it was one of the cutest pictures of him ever and he gave in.

You recall wiping it off his lip with your pointer finger after you had both noticed it in the pic, and he bit his lip shyly in response to your touch You wish you had a pic of that in your phone, the thought of his coy expression gave you goosebumps. With a few speedy taps, you made the ice cream pic your new home screen.

“I’m back!” Taichi announced upon his return. As promised, he delivered a tray of your two drinks upon the table, along with seven pastries.  “They, uhh… they had a bunch of your favorites so I just got ‘em all.” He plopped down across from you, stealing a worried glance at your expression, hoping you didn’t think that was a totally stupid thing to do.

“You are the sweetest!” you praise, leaning over a lemon cake and mini éclair to touch his face. Taichi jerks his arm in surprise at your approach, nearly tipping his drink across your sweets buffet, but mercifully it merely wobbles and remains upright.

You ran your fingers across the black plastic points protruding from his right ear and Taichi swallowed the meager amount of saliva in his now parched mouth. Leaning further still with a mischievous grin, you mercilessly stroked the skin behind his ear with your finger, knowing full well he would become a flustered mess. His entire body responded to your touch, nerves head to toe fizzing from the smell of your shampoo further rendering him senseless.

“Next time, it’s my turn to buy our drinks, okay babe?” His body tensed up as it did anytime you used a term of endearment. Your head felt swimmy looking into his lovely ocean-colored eyes. Before you had a chance to chicken out, you closed the distance between you two and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips. Taichi exhaled an inaudible gasp upon contact, his mouth impossibly soft as it cushioned your own, though it took him a few frazzled seconds to lean into your affection. The kiss seemed to last forever, yet it ended far too soon.

Meanwhile, the butterflies in Taichi’s stomach had started a mosh pit. Re-opening his eyes, he watched as you returned to your chair, and he couldn’t do much more than simper at you like the lovesick puppy that he was. Suddenly, all of his pre-planned formalities seemed a lot less important than the adoration in your eyes that you held for him just now.

“How ‘bout next time we do it together, babe?” he suggested with a playful wink, lifting a cherry Danish and holding it out for you to take a taste.

[starkatana]

The Meet Cute

Jason Todd x Female Reader

Summary: Jason meets you for the first time and is smitten by you. It’s your first day of school at Gotham Academy and when Jason sees you at school for the first time everything that can go wrong in front of your crush does.

Author’s note: So, here begins my various one-shots of Jason Todd/Red Hood x Reader//y/n AKA my current obsession. I may compile all of them into chronological order once everything is done. I just really wanted to write and post something. I just have too many WIP’s right now that I need to focus on.

Before Reading: You and Jason meet as seniors in high school.

They aren’t exact ages. This is just a world that I made using these characters because I can. Meaning Jason hasn’t died yet, in this AU (not that it matters for this story – he won’t die and become Red Hood until age 22/23)

Selina is your godmother. You are the child of Selina’s childhood friends. There is no family relationship between you and Jason even though you will be living in Wayne Manor and occasionally call Selina, Auntie.

Sorry if its a little out of character, this is just based on my knowledge that tumblr has given me.

“Are we allowed to be here?” Dick asked as he pulled up the car to the music venue.

“Yeah!” Jason said giddily with excitement. “The venue said, shows are open to those 18+ and I just turned 18!”

“I guess. I feel like we fought crime here before.” Dick looked around the area.

“Where haven’t we fought crime in Gotham.” Jason shrugged, “Let’s go!”

Jason and Dick wait in line for the rock show. The venue marks Jason’s hands with a big stamp that showed he was underage to drink and without Dick, he ran into the venue. Letting the sound of the music envelope him, he moved his way through the crowd when he got caught in a mosh pit and someone much bigger than him grabbed him in and threw him down.

“C‘mon dude!” You effortlessly help Jason up off the floor.

Jason, even though he was 18 and still in high school, he was not a small dude he was Robin at night, and during the day between homework and theatre, he was fighting with the Titans. He was not small. Compared to you, he was a giant, even though, when he stood up he was only a head taller than you. The way you swooped in from the mosh pit to help him up, took his breath away.

“You okay?” you yell over the sound of the music.

Your y/h/c was in a high ponytail and you had the perfect cat-eye eyeliner wing. You looked breathtaking. Sweaty and beautiful you were wearing a black t-shirt that was tied in the front, with ripped black skinny jeans, a red flannel, and black converse high tops. He never loved the color red so much than this moment.

“Hey!” you snap him back to reality as he nods still speechless looking into your y/e/c eyes with the lights and moving in the background.

“Good!” you give him a half-smile, followed by a wink, before going back into the mosh pit.

“There you are!” Dick grabbed Jason’s arm and pulled himself towards Jason “I thought I lost you back there.”

Jason doesn’t move and doesn’t pay attention to Dick as he’s watching your petite form in the crowd. How well you handle yourself as you throw down with the other people in the mosh pit.

“Dick, I think I’m in love.”

“What?” Dick yells over the music “I! Can’t! Hear!”

Jason grabs this brother’s shirt collar and points him over to you “Girl. High pony! Headbanging!” Jason couldn’t take his eyes off you as you headbang to the music. “I. Love. Her.”

Dick looks back and forth between her and him. 

“WHAT?!”

He wanted to hang out with you all night, there was one time during the show where you were crowd surfing and you got on stage with the band and jammed out with them. He ran into you often that night and you two shared some laughs and some dance sessions. It was a night he would remember.

Then his alarm went off. It was the next morning and Jason couldn’t get you out of his head. He got up and got ready for the first day of his senior year. In the kitchen he made himself a bowl of cereal but walking to put the milk back he almost trips on the cat, spilling the milk.

“Do be careful Master Todd.”

“It was the cat!”

Alfred gave him a nod and continued cooking breakfast when Jason sat at the island and when he put his hand down the spoon went flying out of the bowl. “Ah! I’ll clean it.”

“Seems like today just isn’t your day.”

“I’m not superstitious and black cats aren’t bad luck.” Jason shrugged.

“You might not be superstitious but it might just be some bad luck.” and Alfred slid him a salt shaker and pointed over his left shoulder, “don’t forget the family dinner tonight. Now, please excuse me, I have to go wake up Master Drake so you two aren’t late to your first day.”

“Yeah.” Jason sighs and takes the salt and throws some over his left shoulder. Not for him, but for Alfred.

At school, you’re walking through the halls with your coffee, class schedule, and other paperwork in your arms. You’re on your phone when Jason is walking towards you and does a double-take unsure if you were the girl from last night. He jogs over to you and doing so he slips on a banana peel like in the cartoons and crashes into you. Causing you to spill coffee all over yourself.

“I’m so sorry! Are you okay?” Jason says quickly getting up and offering a hand to help you up. You take his hand and when he saw your face, he couldn’t believe his eyes. You were the girl from the show last night.

“I’m good it was just iced.” You wipe off your uniform best you can, but your white blouse was now stained. You looked up at Jason who was quietly staring at you. A cat had run away with his tongue.

“Excuse me.” You use your jacket to cover up your chest, begining to walk away.

“No!”

You stop and furrow your brows at him.

“Fuck, I mean, I’m sorry about your uniform.”

You still have your chest covered. “It’s whatever.” 

“I’ll buy you a replacement coffee later.”

“It’s fine.” Then the warning bell for class rang. “I have to go.” You walk past him and throw away the cup and continue with your day. Jason watched you walk away and slapped himself in the forehead. How did he fuck something up as easy as that?!

Ironically enough, for the rest of the day, you keep running into each other. Literally. After the first incident and before lunch he waves to you. As he walks over to you he trips and falls into you. Knocking all your stuff out of your arms.

“Hi.” Jason sheepishly greets from on top of you.

“Hi.” You shove him off of you and start picking up your things.

“I’m so sorry, I’m usually not this clumsy.” He responds helping you pick things up.

“I’m sure.” You respond with a slightly annoyed tone.

“I’m going to make this all up to you.”

“It’s fine.” You go to reach for your pencil and he does the same and you two bang heads.

“Shit.”

“Fuck.”

You two swore, grabbing your foreheads. You quickly snatch your pencil and get as far away from him as possible.

“I’m sorry!”

At lunch, he sees you at a table outside, and a little bit over behind you he sees a coffee cart. A lightbulb goes off in his head and he buys you a coffee and one for himself. He’s minding his own business and at the same time keeping an eye on you to make sure you haven’t disappeared. Once he gets the coffee, he begins walking over to you. He’s rehearsing what he’s going to say to you once he gets to your table.

Hey, I’m Jason. Sorry about today. No. Hey, were you at the Favorite Places show last night?

But getting caught up in his thoughts he trips over his own feet and spills the iced coffees all over you from behind.

You jump at the sudden burst of cold liquid all over you. “Oh my god!” You get up and turn around you see the same boy from earlier.

“Are you fucking SORRY?!”

Your jaw drops even further than it had already. Jason’s face goes super red. You shake your head and start gathering up your things.

“That’s not,” he gets up from the ground, “What I wanted to say.” He squeaked.

You roll your eyes and continue to ignore him.  With your stuff barely packed away, you grab your jacket uniform, the only dry clothing item you now have on you, and walk away from him. 

“Fuck.” Jason grabbed his head. Today was going great.

On your way to the last period of the day, you two make eye contact across the courtyard. There was something about you that took Jason off guard. When you saw him, you turned around going back inside the building to avoid walking near him. He was devastated.

Later that evening in Wayne Manor:

“Hey Little Wing,“ Dick walked into Jason’s room “ooooo....” he leaned against the door frame. The room is dark and Jason is slumped over his bed, “is this a bad time?”

“Pretty sure the girl from last night was at school today and everything went WRONG.”

“Ouch.” Dick flicked on the light, “What happened?”

“What didn’t happen?!” Jason sat up in bed. “I spilled coffee on her twice, but not just two cups of coffee. Three. She was drenched in ice coffee by lunch.”

“Oh, that sounds like a bad day for her and you.”

“Young masters, please report to the main dining hall, dinner is ready,” Alfred announced over the intercoms.

“You can talk more along the way.”

Jason explained everything that happened at school today to Dick and when they got into the dining room Bruce and Selina were there along with Tim and Damien and the last person that Jason laid his eyes on was you.

Jason’s jaw dropped. 

Your eyes narrowed.

“Jason! Dick! Take a seat this is my goddaughter, y/n.” Selina introduced, “She’ll be staying with us and going to Gotham Academy with you and Tim.”

“Hi, I’m Dick.” he reached out his hand and shook hands with you, “Pleasure meeting you.”

You shakes his hand and gives him a smile in return and Dick takes a seat one away from you, leaving the only space at the table next to you for Jason.

You then turn your attention to Jason. “And you must be Jason.”

Hi.” Jason said sheepishly avoiding eye contact and quickly taking a seat at the table next to you.

“Wow, this is a first.” Selina said, “I have never seen Jason so quiet.”

Jason grows furiously red.

This was the worse karma.

---

My boyfriend said I need to stop sitting on all my stories and that I need to share them with the world. I’m embarrassed and I don’t like people knowing what I’m into.So, better share with all the strangers on the internet! 

Hope you enjoyed it! I’ll be back soon!

[missdreamsalot]

The Queen’s Guard-CH.4: Lost and Found

A/N: Thank you @lordofhorizons for helping me through this series with your amazing ideas and suggestions.

And Thank you everyone for your continuous love and support!

Happy reading~ *ヽ(◕ヮ◕ヽ)

Catch up here- Masterlist

Main Pairings: Liam x OC, Leo x OC

Future Pairings: Maxwell x OC, Bastien x OC, Drake x Olivia x OC

Series Summary: A rotten apple in the family threatens their lives and there is only one way to get rid of bad blood.

Series Warnings: Violence, Language, Sexual Content, Angst, Dark Situations, Character Death

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of The Royal Romance, or Rules of Engagement; they belong to Pixelberry. I only own my OC’s. 

Ch. 4: Lost and Found

Liam couldn’t believe his eyes. This woman standing before him- the very one he fell madly in love with- was pregnant. 

Elle backpedaled right into the man’s chest, bringing her hands to her belly. Liam couldn’t bring his eyes away from her, a million thoughts running through his head.

“Wow, Elle, is this why you were in such a rush to get home?” The man stated good-naturedly.

“Ren-” she warned.

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding.” Ren extended his arm and Liam mirrored him. “Name’s Ren.”

He swallowed the lump in his throat. “Liam.” They shared a handshake. “I’m actually looking for Valentina.” Liam spoke a bit too hastily, blurting out the first thing that came to mind. 

“Well, you’re in the right place.” Ren grinned and motioned to the apartment, shaking a pair of keys from his pocket. “Shall we?” Elle merely remained frozen where she stood, eyes fixated at the ground. Liam wished he could read her mind, but it seemed this whole situation left her just as speechless as he was.

Before Ren can get the key in, the door opened and a little girl, probably no older than 6, stood underneath. “Hey, Felic-!”

“Ah!” she gasped and screamed when she saw Liam. The door slammed shut. “It’s the King! The King!” Her voice squealed on the other side.

Liam only smiled kindly as Ren stared at him in question. “King?” A tiny smile crept across Elle’s face, failing to fight the amusement, however, it vanished just as quickly as it appeared.

There was another voice Liam didn’t recognize and the door rattled open again, this time revealing a woman with long black hair, an exasperated look upon her face. “I’m sorry. Felicity is acting crazy.” This, Felicity, clung tightly at her side, staring at Liam.

“But I’m not crazy, mama! That’s the king, I swear!” She pointed an accusing finger at him.

“It’s not polite to point. Come on in.” she said, ignoring her daughter’s pleas. Elle rushed inside, bolting past both men which earned her a look from the woman at the door.

Ren chuckled, “Thanks, Athena, and excuse Danielle, she’s a bit flustered. If I gotta bet, it’s probably because of the king here.”

Liam rubbed his neck rather bashfully as he entered. “My apologies for startling your daughter.”

Felicity hurried back to her mother with a magazine in her hand. “See, see!” She waved it in her mother’s face.

Athena’s eyes bulged at the front cover, “Oh my god.”

“He’s here for Val.” Ren stated delightfully, unpacking the groceries.

“Wait a second.” Athena’s head shook rapidly side to side as if doing so would unscramble the mess in it. “Are you the guy she wandered off to Europe to be with? I can’t believe this!” she laughed in disbelief. 

“No, we’re not-“ But Liam’s words fell in deaf ears. 

Athena climbed halfway up the spiral staircase to the left of the kitchen. She cupped her hands around her mouth, “Hey, Val! Your boyfriend is here!”

Oh, boy, Liam thought. This wasn’t how he pictured things would go. He certainly didn’t picture Elle pregnant either, yet here she was.

The ceiling creaked overhead as weight graced the second floor. Bare, slender legs stepped down, revealing a very sleepy Valentina in nothing but an oversized t-shirt. Her hair was disheveled and pointed out in different directions. She yawned animatedly, rubbing her eyes. “Why are you yelling so early in the morning?” It was noon.

Athena snickered, “Girl, it’s 12:45, and your king is here.”

Val straightened up. “King-?” Her eyes landed on Liam.

“Morning, Valentina.” Liam greeted, his cheeks slightly flushed at her state of being. She blushed brightly at the realization and cursed, spinning back up the stairs. 

“Oh, c’mon! It’s not like he hasn’t seen anything before!” Athena yelled out. Liam could feel the heat creeping up the back of his neck. He sensed movement beside him and found Felicity there, squinting suspiciously. She was holding another magazine; on the front, Madeleine and himself happily side by side on their wedding day.

“You’re married.” She stated matter-of-factly.

“What?!” Her mother gasped, ripping the publication from her hands. “I have so many questions…And where are you getting these magazines from?”

“Daddy buys them for me.”

Valentina stomped back down, taking two steps at a time. But in her haste, she stumbled over the last step, losing her balance. Liam instinctively rushed forward, catching her in his arms. In response, she tightly grabbed a hold of him to stay up right.

Elle stepped out from the washroom to find them entangled in each other’s arms. From her perspective, Liam realized it probably looked like they were embracing. She looked shocked, but quickly averted her gaze as if she intruding on a private moment. This wasn’t helping his case. 

“Are you all right?” Liam asked.

“Yeah, I think so-Ah.” She cringed in pain. He retracted his grip on her left arm to find blood on his palm.

“Let me see.” Athena came up, gently pushing Val’s sleeve away and observing the blood-stained gauze. “I need to change it again. ‘cuse us, your majesty.” She smiled nicely when he didn’t move. He took him a moment to realize he was still holding on to Val.

“Oh, right.” He recoiled like he’d been shocked. Definitely not helping his case. He looked over at Elle, who was ignoring the scene by helping Ren in the kitchen.

“You need to be more careful, Val. It’s not going to heal if you keep doing things that aggravate it.” Athena chastised as she sat Val down.

“Yes, mother-” Val yelped, “Ouch!” Her friend purposely applied pressure to her wound. Felicity throttled over with a black duffle bag. “Here you go, mama.”

“Thanks, sweetheart.” Athena removed medical equipment from it, laying it out neatly on the granite top.

“Are you a doctor?” Liam asked in curiosity.

She answered, “A nurse, actually.” He watched as she cleansed and wrapped Val’s arm with expert precision. “Now, I’m going to recommend to you, again, that you relax. No mosh pits or punching people’s faces in, got it?” 

“May I ravish Danielle with unrelenting love?” Val asked, feigning innocence as she glanced over at said woman stuffing cans in the cupboard. Liam’s eyebrows rose as the declaration. 

“She doesn’t want your love.” Elle hurled without looking back.

“Oh, how you wound me!” Val fell dramatically over the stool, a hand on her chest. Elle rolled her eyes as Ren and Felicity laughed. Liam fought back a grin.

“Knock it off.” Athena bumped her bag deliberately against Val’s head. “As much as I’d love to stick around, I have to head out,” she said, collecting her belongings. “Let’s go, Felicity.”

“No, I don’t wanna go!” Her daughter protested. “I want to stay with King Liam.” But her wails would not stir her mother who practically dragged her to the door.   

“Your majesty.” Athena bowed comically as she passed him by, although she meant no disrespect. Felicity curtsied, which Liam found absolutely adorable.

“It was pleasure meeting you, Lady Felicity.” He grinned, kneeling down and taking her hand. He planted a kiss on top, which resulted in her eyes bulging from their sockets. She suddenly threw her arms around him. “Oh!”

“Felicity!” Her mother scolded.

 Liam chuckled, returning the gesture. “It’s quite all right.”

“I don't want to go.” Felicity expressed sadly. 

“Something tells me this won’t be the last time we meet.” Liam responded. “But until then, you must listen to your mother. Understood?”

She nodded happily. Liam waved as they left and when the door closed, Ren spoke.

“You’re all set, sis.” He proclaimed, shutting the fridge.

“Thanks…” Val turned to Elle who was standing at the island, folding bags. “Hey, how are you? How’d the appointment go?”

Elle forced a smile. “I’m fine, and everything looked great.” She looked down at her growing belly. “We just came by to drop off some food since you’ve been gone. I’m going to head back to the estate.”

“I was hoping we could talk a little bit…”

She bit her lip. “I think you and King Liam have some catching up to do, so we’ll leave.”

“Elle.” She finally turned to him as her name fell from his lips and for the second time that day their eyes connected. He nearly lost himself in them, but he forced himself to push through. “I-I came here for you.”

Elle looked back and forth between Val and Liam, eyes beginning to water. “What are you two trying to accomplish here?”

“Elle, I think he deserves to know the truth.” Val stated.

“Why does that matter?” She cried, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Nothing is going to change. He’s married and the scandal will always be there!” Her fingers clung protectively around her belly.

In the back of Liam’s mind, he knew there was a possibility that the baby was his. The first, and last time, they were together was the night of the coronation, 7 months ago. 

“The baby, is it…?” He couldn’t even finish his sentence, but the silence alone answered his question.The anguish that numbed his body for months poured out. “Were you ever going to tell me?!” 

She whimpered. “I-I tried reaching out to you a couple of times, but every time I would hear your voice I just couldn’t go through with it!”

The phone calls from the unknown number, Liam recalled, unable to speak from the growing tightness in his throat.

“I would remember everything that happened…” Elle wiped her face, only for more tears to fall as the memories of that unforgettable night flooded back. “How you chose Madeleine and how I didn’t hear from you for days!”

“Elle, you have to understand. I did it to protect you. I couldn’t-”

She shook her head. “I don’t want to hear any of your excuses. Ren, c-can we go please?” She stuttered. Liam wanted nothing more than to hold her tightly in his arms, to make her understand, but she wouldn’t give him the chance. She sped to the door that Ren held open for her and walked out without sparing another glance. Liam could only watch, his eyes glazing over.

Ren peeked over his shoulder, catching his sister’s gaze. “Val, I knew you were up to something, but this isn’t how you fix things.”

“The truth would’ve came out eventually.” Val said softly.

“Did you not think about how much this would hurt her and him?”

“No, I didn’t,” she confessed. “I was only thinking about the baby, and how he or she deserves to have both parents in their life. Is that such a bad thing?”

Ren sighed, “Do you still believe the baby will have that after this?” He didn’t wait for an answer, and before he turned to leave, he threw her a white paper bag. She was quick to react, catching it with two hands. “Don’t forget to take those.” He turned his back to them, shutting the door as he left.

Liam, torn between feeling elated and distraught, took a seat beside Val. “I’m going to be a father...” He muttered, cradling his head in hands.

She leaned over, crossed arms resting on the cold, granite top. “This didn’t go quite as planned.” She sighed heavily. “I’m sorry. I was going to tell you, but I didn’t exactly organize things nor have I been the most reliable person as of late.” 

“You know I shouldn’t have been so impulsive and shown up here.” Liam admitted. “So, you don’t have to apologize for not telling me. I tried to take a tip from Leo’s book of recklessness, but I’m clearly not cut out for it.” He stood up.

Val stirred, looking troubled. “Are you leaving? Like back to Cortana?”

Liam couldn’t help but laugh through his sadness. “Cordonia. And no, I’m not. It’s like you said, ‘Family is important.’” He recited. “I’m not giving up.” 

She gave a slanted grin. “Glad to hear. Any luck on finding Tariq?”

“Unfortunately, no.” Liam ran a hand through his hair. “I had a couple friends of mine take a look at some places while I came here and…” He retrieved his phone from his pocket. “Nothing, yet.” He sighed, looking at the messages from Drake and Maxwell. 

“Mind if I join your search party?” she proposed.

“I don’t see why not. Are you hungry? We could stop by somewhere and meet up with the others.” He suggested. “However, I’m not familiar with L.A. Any recommendations?”

“I know a place, and it’s within walking distance, if you don’t mind it.”

“Not at all.” He smiled gently at her. Val studied him thoughtfully.  “Is something the matter?”

“No, sorry. You just…reminded me of someone.” She affirmed with downcast eyes. Before he could ask more about it, she turned away. “Anyway, let’s get going.”

Liam let out a steady breath as he stepped outside, taking a moment to bask under the warmth of the sun. He waited patiently for Val as she, in her terms, “got her shit together.” 

She eventually stumbled out, wiggling into her jacket. Liam noticed her quickly stuff an orange container inside. She caught his eye. “Just some vitamins,” she fed his curiosity and raced down the front steps. As far as Liam knew, vitamins didn’t require a prescription, but he said nothing.

“Elle mentioned an estate. Would it be too farfetched to say that it belongs to your family?” He asked as they began their walk to the diner down the street.

“Certainly not, and, unfortunately, yes.” Val pronounced dreadfully, earning a chuckle from the King. “That last thing I like to talk about is my family’s money. My father is a successful businessman and the only good thing about that is the fact that he is away most of the time - like now. He’s currently in London with my stepmother and little brother, Arden. From what I remember, he’s there formulating a partnership with Sloan Enterprises.”

Liam perked up in interest. “Really? I happen to know someone who works in the company. He’s the legal representative, Ras-”

“Rashad.” She finished for him, staring amusedly.

“I take it you know him.”

“Know him?” Val chuckled, “Another unfortunate matter is being the eldest daughter. My father tried to set us up. Suffice to say, it didn’t work out but it seems Rashad is willing to set differences aside for the sake of the company.”

“Yes, he’s always been work-oriented. He also recently proposed to a close friend of mine and he’s taken time off work in light of their engagement so they could make preparations for the wedding.”

“Well, that’s nice. I’m glad he found someone.” She paused momentarily.  “The reason things didn’t work with him was because I’d met Leo…Rashad noticed how ‘uninterested’ I was. Thankfully, he was kind about it. My father, however, wasn’t so happy. I’ve always had a complicated relationship with him, so the sentiment was nothing new.”

“Have you spoken to Leo?” Liam asked. “He’s been worried about you.” 

She snorted. “He didn’t seem worried when I saw him the other night.” Her attitude may of come off as uncaring, but Liam could tell by the look on her face she was very much bothered by it.

“Ah. I’ll admit the my brother could be an asshole, but he does care for you; probably more than he realizes. I also believe his feelings are understandable because, to be fair, you haven’t been completely honest with him either,” He reminded. 

She sighed. “I’m aware...” 

Within view of the diner, Liam spotted Drake and Maxwell waiting for them out front. Maxwell was the first to see them.

With contagious enthusiasm, he jumped forward and greeted them as they came up. “Hey! You must be Val. It’s nice to meet you.” He squeezed her tightly into a hug. “A friend of Elle’s is a great friend of mine!”

“Likewise.” She replied happily.

When Drake saw her, his eyes widened in recollection. “You!”

Val blinked for a moment before snapping her fingers energetically. “Oh! You were at Olivia’s place. Drake, right? You look different with a shirt on.” She smirked as his face reddened. “I’m also going to add that you may have some competition. I’m not going to say who though.”

Drake cleared his throat soundly. “We’re just friends.”

“Whaat? You never said anything about you and Olivia being a thing,” Maxwell pouted, clearly seeing through his friend’s facade.

“That’s because we’re not a thing. And Olivia’s a grown woman, she could date whoever she wants.” Despite his nonchalant demeanor, Liam could tell that the thought of Olivia with another man bothered him.

“I didn’t realize you knew Olivia.” Liam chimed in.

“Hardly. Ren and I helped her with a job a while back and I happened to run into to this one when I went to visit.” She wiggled her eyebrows.

Drake sighed exaggeratedly. “Can we eat now? I’m starving.” Liam clapped his best friend’s shoulder as they walked into the diner where they settled into a booth and ordered. 

While they ate, Liam caught them up on what happened at the apartment. 

Drake nearly choked on his drink. “Pregnant!?” he coughed.

Maxwell gasped, “This is great; a mini Liam and the heir Cordonia needs.”

The last part didn’t sit well with Val, Liam noticed as she grew quiet. “I would love to have Elle back, but if she chooses not to, I will not fight her on that matter.” He hoped he didn’t come to that.

“Of course. Whatever is best for her and the baby.” Drake agreed.

“That being said, finding Tariq is our main priority.”

Drake filled him in on the last places to look into. Once they finished their meals, they were back on the road and to the next destination where they eventually found themselves in front of the door to the next apartment.

“4B. This is it.” Drake confirmed. Liam knocked twice and waited for a response.

Nothing.

He knocked again and was only met with silence once more. His fingers carefully wrapped around the doorknob and he turned. When the door opened without any resistance, Liam immediately sensed something wasn’t right.

“I’ll head in first, Li.” Drake volunteered. He peered in cautiously before stepping in and the others followed one by one.

“Maxwell, do you recognize any of his belongings?”

The room was far too immaculate for someone to be living there and from what Maxwell explained, Tariq wasn’t the neatest person in the world. Liam wandered into the kitchen, finding nothing out of the ordinary except a teakettle on the stove. He noticed an empty cup on the countertop beside it, a teabag hanging on the side. He lifted the kettle. It was full.

“Hey.” Drake called out. “Take a look at this.” He pointed to a stain on the carpet in the living room. “If I’m not mistaken, it looks like blood.”

��There is shattered glass here, too.” Val proclaimed by a barren end-table. “It definitely looks like something happened here.”

Maxwell reappeared then. “Tariq was here. I checked the bedroom and recognized the designer clothes. What’s weird is that there is an outfit laid out on the bed like he was getting ready to go somewhere...”

A chill ran down Liam’s spine as despair settled into his bones.

“What happened to Tariq?”

><><><><><><><><><

Tags List: Please let me know if you’d like to be added or removed!

@riseandshinelittleblossom @sirbeepsalot @lordofhorizons @amandablink @kingliam2019 @gkittylove99 @hopefulmoonobject​ @cordonianroyalty @cordonianprincess @marshmallowsaremyfavorite @kimmiedoo5 @arcticrivers @mom2000aggie @yourmajesty09 @seriallover99​ @texaskitten30

[clefdefah]

Sing with Me

Hello my fellows DamiRae stans. I would like to share this fic totally inspired by NANA. It’s the first time I’m writing on tumblr, and also english it’s not my first language, so be patient to me lol. Hope you like this AU

-----------------------------------

“C’mon, it’s gonna be fun!”

Gar’s words were still fresh in her mind. Although they have been friends for a long time, she had never watched one of his band concerts before.  She doesn’t like crowds. She even barely knows the others band members, while always heard stories about them.

But tonight was special; being the first time they would open for another famous group. Gar had been bragging about for days about getting a bigger place to play, so she couldn’t simply ignore him.

When the gate opened, there’s already a big crowd waiting like crazy to enter, what pissed her off.

It’s okay; it’s only a few minutes. Just listen to Gar’s band and go away. She thought as the place was getting more and more crowded. She could feel a headache coming.

The audience got excited when they took the stage. Gar waved at them with the bass on his hands, showing his tongue like the good goof he was. The drummer, Jaime was his name if she remembered well, spun the drumsticks in preparation. So there was the singer, Damian, the problem guy. She heard stories about him, that he was even arrested once, and he had the profile of someone that would. How he was friends with Gar, was a mystery.

Damian got near the microphone with a very sharp gaze as he adjusted the guitar over his shoulders.

“We are the Urban Titans!” He shouted at the sound of cymbal beatings and guitar howls.

The audience went crazy with the chords and beats coming from the stage. The energy they emanate to the people was insane. Punk rock was didn’t exactly make her style, but she was unable to take her eyes from the stage. Damian singing gave a different impression of the rebel stories she heard about him, at the same time it only confirmed them.

He had a very peculiar voice, with a kind of strong accent. His fingers ran though his guitar’s strings like himself would like to run. She could see the tense muscles of his neck every time song got intense. The iron chain swayed over the bare chest as he’s dressing only a leather jacket.

She had the impression their eyes met for a brief moment, a moment it seemed to last several minutes, with none of them wanting to look away. But that could be. There’s no way he could look just at her in a dark and crowded space like that. That was a good thing. She wouldn’t be able to maintain eye contact if it was the case.

If she had a headache, she forgot about it.

-------------------------------

After the show, she was at the back alley, like some other fans, waiting for the group to leave. They talk a little with the fans, and when Gar saw her, jumped onto her completely electric.  

“Did you saw us? Did you saw us? I told you that would be cool!”

“Yeah, yeah…” She responded as she trying to get rid of him.

“That was awesome! We need to celebrate!” Jaime yelled.

“That’s right! Come with us, Rachel!” Gar pulled her arm toward his friends.

“It’s better not… I need to go…”

“Nooo it’s gonna be fun! And it’s not like I gonna just let you come back alone so late in the night!”

She tried to protest, but it was hard to her just say “no” to her friend, especially when he’s so cheerful. Her gaze fell onto Damian for a second time, still looking at her with those sharp eyes, and she turned her head away before she gets flushed.

When she realized, she was with the guys at a local pub, with snacks and drinks lifting the mood even more. Just a shot of brandy was enough to her at the moment, once she didn’t want to overdo the drink again. They stayed there for more a few hours until Gar needed to be dragged out for not being able to stand. He always was weak to alcohol.

Everyone walked to the little apartment where Gar lived and Rachel tried to say goodbye again, just to have her friend interrupt her.

“No way…” He said, barely understandable “You can come inside… There’s place for everyone…”

“I don’t want to bother…”

“Bother who…? I bet there’s no even a working bus at this time anyway…”

She sighed, once more unable to deny something to him.

Even though he invited her to stay, it was her who put him to sleep, like a babysitter. Jaime thanked her and said she could sleep on his bed as he dragged himself with a blanket to sleep on the couch.

Even with the silence and privacy she waited for so long after some very noisy hours, she couldn’t sleep. She opened the door, tip toeing through the room where Jaime snore deeply and opened the door to the balcony carefully so she doesn’t wake anyone.

The morning will come soon and she couldn’t bring herself to sleep. That was a mess. Looking at the buildings outside, the cigarette smell came before his voice.

“Can’t you sleep?”

She looked surprised beside her and saw Damian sitting at the balcony floor. A cigarette between his fingers, supported on his knees; looking at her with the same sharp eyes.

“Yeah… Kinda…” She responded shyly, looking away to gaze at the skyline full of buildings.

Damian arched one eyebrow, intrigued. Put his cigarette between his lips and got up, standing by her side with his back turned to the city.

Her heart jumped at his nearness. She could feel his gaze upon her.

“That must have been boring to you huh…” He said.

“What?”

“The show… I have never seen someone so stiff during one of ours concerts…”

So he was indeed staring at her at that moment. She was cursing herself internally for looking like a fool, standing still like a statue during a rock concert.

“It’s not like that… I was just surprised, and it was my first time at a concert. Also, moshing it’s not my style…”

“Surprised positively?”

“Yeah… I couldn’t imagine that Gar’s delinquent friend had so much talent…”

Why did she say that? It’s gonna make her sound condescending to him, or a weird flirt. None of these opinions are any good. At least, it didn’t look like he took as offense. Almost could see a trace of a smile.

“I guess talent comes with the anger…” He said, without elaborating. She wanted to know more, but didn’t want to sound too nosy.

“Anger…?” She asked.

He didn’t answer. Not immediately. With his back turned to the city, he looking at nowhere, enigmatic. She looked at his face with attention. The cigarette delicately between his lips, the smoking being blowing away by the breeze. It was like his eyes were searching for something, far away. His eyes were green? She didn’t even notice before.

“I’m the bastard of the Wayne Al’ Ghul” He said after a long silence.

“That’s not funny…” There’s no way the singer of a backyard rock band would be related to the two most powerful families in the world, she though.

“It’s true…” He turned, leaning on the balcony, looking at the immensity of buildings. She noticed how he got closer to her as doing this.

“I was conceived to unite the two companies, but disagreements between my father and grandfather led to a dispute over which business I will inherit… I refuse to be a tool”. He said as he throws the cigarette tip far away; little ashes dancing at the breeze until disappearing.

“Parents, am I right?” She said with a trace of sadness in her voice “You can’t live with them, can’t live without them…”

“Controlling?”

“Abusive” She responded. “My father was everything I had; so when he died, I had no place to go. I jumped to foster house to foster house until I was eighteen and get kicked out the orphanage. A friend welcomed me at her coffee shop. I have been living there ever since.”

They shared a respectful silence that last for several minutes while both just looked at the city.

“So… Do you sing…?”

That sudden question caught her off guard.

“W-what?”

“Gar talked about you before. You two went to a karaoke once, right? He said you have a lovely voice.”

“I’m gonna kill him…” She said under her breath. She could clearly feel the blush growing on her face.

“So…?”

“He was exaggerating! It was his birthday and I was drunk. Otherwise I would never do such a thing with so many people staring at me!”

“Oh, you’re shy?” He showed a faint smile at her reaction.

She was obviously too embarrassed to respond like she wanted, or even looking at his eyes. When she tried, he put his hand carefully over her face, covering her sight.

“Now you can’t see anyone looking at you. Sing to me.”

Her heart race inside her chest, willing to jump out her mouth. His hand was kind of cold and just imagining her flustered face warming his skin make her even more embarrassed. Would be better just end this already, but she couldn’t bring herself to think in something to sing. Just though the first song it came in her mind, one that her Friend Kori liked to listen over and over, so she began to sing Heart of Glass.

Her voice was particularly harsh and the nervousness didn’t help her. She avoided imagining what he was thinking of her singing, especially after knowing how he sounded like.

When she finished, Damian took his hand over her face but she was still had her eyes closed, waiting for his judgment or mockery. She didn’t get any of these. Opening her eyes again, he was looking at her, intensely. She didn’t even realize how close they were to each other. Those intense green eyes were just staring at her, oddly, not as sharp as before.

“It sounded like an angel…” He said in a deep and low voice, barely listenable.

“What?” She asked softly.

“That’s was what Gar had said…” He muffled a laugh.

She turned her head, bitter. He was mocking her, she could tell. She would respond something snarky when Damian touched her chin, making her look directly at him. They were so close that they could feel the warm of each other. She repressed the urge to touch his bare chest.

“I’m looking for a new singer, did you knew? How about you sing with us?”

She didn’t answer. She didn’t know how to respond while hypnotized by his green eyes and the absurd idea of joining his band. Why this all of sudden? What was he thinking?

He brushed his thumb over her lip so softly that she could barely feel it. He stroked her face as he walked away, giving her a final look before opening the balcony door again.

“Think about it” He said and he was gone.

She finally came out of what looked like a trance. She should accept? Why was he asking her that? She wanted to accept that. She felt like she wanted that more than anything.

She looked back at the skyline. Since when had it dawn?

[nosferatyou]

If I Can Be So Bold: Chapter 2 (Jack White x OC)

Summary: The Girls first detroit show continues on with their headliner, the white stripes. And Lee gets to know our handsome stranger.

WC: 2.1k

Warnings: Nicotine use and mentions of alcohol.

Notes: I know this is shorter but that felt like the best place to stop the chapter. Keep you on your toes you know. More notes at the end.

Chapter Three

If you’ve ever been to a house show or a show in a small venue, you know its standing room only, which means limited views of the artists. Which means most people are pushing to the front to get as close as possible. And it is our first Detroit show we had to get as close as possible. 

Sure, I might have pushed a little too hard and made a small enemy, but it is always worth it for music. 

You will feel it in your chest, and you’re probably going to have the most fun upfront. The only exception is the mosh pit, but the chances are good that you’ll be thrown in by accident at one point or another. 

The girls and I had fully pushed and fought our way to the front; the only thing separating us from it was a group of assholes who didn’t understand what the sharp elbow jab meant.

The moment our newfound friends entered the stage, people lost their shit, and understandably so. They were Detroit’s little secret, so to say. Everybody loved them and thought they were the only ones to love them. Still, all the cheering was enough for us to get kicked for a noise complaint.

They both were wearing red and white, which I'd noticed earlier but had thought nothing about. It now seems to be their “thing.”

 I first saw meg, all smiles and adorning a kick-ass pair of coca-cola pants. Now Jack, what appeared to be a simple white shirt and bright red pair pants, was so striking. Maybe it was the bright lights, or perhaps he was just strikingly handsome, and I was using the clothes as an excuse. Either way, his face read that he was ready to do anything. Very sharp, very focused, and all the while looked prepared for anything. 

Harriet elbowed me and quietly said, “Quite the blues band they are.”

“Oh, hush up Harry, let them have their fun.”

Then played his guitar, no introduction words, no hello. He’s straight to the point.

While their whole look was one of grandeur, which was impressive for such a small band, what truly caught me off guard was their cover of “Moonage daydream” by none other than David Bowie. 

An already hard enough to cover song by any professional band. They somehow did it, and well too. They were keeping that Detroit garage sound and Bowie’s twang still in it. 

Said assholes from before had a tape recorder in their hand, already recording their set. 

Ezra spoke up.

“Sounds like a weirdo.”

“Not everyone is gifted with vocal chords as good as mine, Z.” Harriet said, wiggling her eyebrows.

“You guys need to learn show etiquette, lordy.”

They all eventually shut up, though, and started to get into it, Including me.

Throughout the energetic set, we started to realize how close our music was. Full of blues and heavy sound. The way they played with each other was just like how we did. They even had an overexcited frontman who ran the show. 

Two things were for sure. He was incredibly talented, as much as he was attractive. Maybe Harriet was right with the whole rebound thing.

By the second song, we all were dancing with the music. Jumping along to the sparse chords of “Screwdriver,” every time he played the three magic chords, we all hopped in unison. 

By “Let’s shake hands,” we all had been dragged into the mosh. All laughing our asses off and picking up any fallen comrades in the process. Harriet got a pretty gnarly bruise from that one. 

Long story short is that we all were having way too much fun.

There was this slow song, though, gave the two of them more room to look around and see the crowd. They both were both so invested in their playing that they’d hardly looked past the stage. 

Everyone in the crowd was just as enamored with watching them. 

I caught a particular man’s eye. Just as he had mine earlier. Every time he'd sing he'd look up at me. Eyes filled with something completely different. They weren’t pissed off. They weren’t dark and brooding. He was just watching me, and he seemed so invested in it too. Maybe it was narcissism, but they almost seemed lustful? As dumb and cliche as it sounds, I saw it. The way he looked at me was with genuine interest. I, of course, returned it. 

While I also had his gaze, I felt two more eyes on me. Which was, of course, was Harriet, noticing what was happening. Giving me the same dumb eyebrow wiggle as before. 

I returned my gaze to the stage. Sadly our exchange of glances had ended, hed turned his back to the crowd to grab another guitar that was just laying on the ground. On the back of his shirt was a crudely written setlist with song names like “Bob Coffee” and “Sugar good.” Which I can only assume (And hope) are abbreviations.

For the last song of the set, they played an incredibly upbeat slide song. Which I much appreciated, no one used a slide anymore. 

He gave an incredible performance and an even better solo(s) with the small piece of brass on his finger. 

Once they finished, they quickly made their way off the stage, and we did the same, bouncing through the sea of people to grab another beer from our shared van. 

“All I’m saying, Z. Is that if Timbuktu were real. Why have I never met anyone who's been?” said Harriet nursing her billionth beer.

“I swear to god you’re losing brain cells, Harry. Go check a fucking map.” Argued back Jo

“Josephine. That does not convince me of anything. It’s in all the stories! Take me to god damn Timbuktu, and i'll believe you.”

Jo groaned and threw her head into her hands. “Okay, firstly, my name isn’t even Josephine, it's Jolene, You know this. Secondly, you’re a lost cause.”

I grabbed my cigs, done listening to their dumb argument, And made my way to the back alley behind the venue. 

As I came upon it, I saw tonight's man of the hour. Leaning against the broken wall of the venue, cigarette already in hand. 

I had half a mind to turn around out of spite for Harriet’s sake, but was too far gone,

“Well, hey there, stranger.” I said jokingly, breaking the silence of the night.

He looked up, not startled by the noise. He didn’t seem bothered by the company either. 

“Well, hey yourself.”

I took a spot next to him and grabbed a cig out of the pack, tapping the top of the box on my hand before. Almost instinctively, he was ready with his lighter. Id leaned in and breathed it in, 

locking eyes with him in such close contact. Both of us Making the same eyes as before. 

“Quite the show you played tonight.” I said after taking a long drag from my cig, he repeated the 

action.

“Likewise,” he took another drag. “I'd have half a mind to think  you’re copying us.” He said with a wink.

“Likewise.” I mimicked, wink included. 

We both couldn’t seem to look at each other, eyes locked on the dark horizon. You know, that awkward stage of knowing somebody, but prolonged eye contact was just a no go.

“I haven’t seen you around here, and you have a face I wouldn’t forget. You passing through?” He asked

I gave a small laugh, “No, actually just moved here. Just me and the girls now. Taking over the southwest side.”

“No shit, huh? It seems we share a postal code.” He looked over to me with a small smile on his face.

“No shit. What street?” I asked, my excitement way too present.

“Ferdinand. Small shitty house, porch painted white and red. You can’t miss it.” He finished his cig, quickly grabbing another.

“Oh, I remember that! It was the first thing we noticed when we got here. But you’re a block over neighbor.” I bumped his arm, returning his small smile.

We went silent for a moment, just looking over the Detroit skyline, still in the stages of not knowing how to start conversations.

“So tell me, stranger. I want to get to the bottom of this mystery of our shared music. Who are your influences?” I asked, taking another drag and entirely putting my attention on him.

He laughed and put out his cig, stomping it into the ground. 

“Well, it’s the blues. You know Son House and muddy waters. That and Iggy Pop.” 

“Well, there’s the correlation. The same goes for me. Though I am more privy towards Taj Mahal and Howlin wolf Myself.” I stomped out my cig as well.

“You’re dad listen to them all the time?” He asked

“Oh, all the time.” I moved a little closer, not enough that he’d notice, but enough. “But country rules my house. It's law in Tennessee, you know.” I said, a small smirk falling on my face. 

“More the reason to go then.” 

 I very dramatically rolled my eyes. “Eh, more the reason to leave you mean.” 

He fake scoffed, covering his heart with his hand. “Are you telling me you don’t like country? Judging by your dad’s taste, it’s probably the good country you don’t like too.” 

“Overplayed and over appreciated is what I always say.”

He moved closer, just as I did, and his goofy smirk grew. “You’re telling me you don’t like johnny cash?” He asked.

“Not a bit.” I crossed my arms matter of factly. 

While we were in an “Argument,” I couldn’t stop thinking about Harriet’s words. Rebound. Plus his whole damn family wasn’t here to watch me shamelessly flirt.

“But I’m open to a certain handsome stranger changing my mind.”

He was unphased. In fact, it only made his smile grow.

“Well, I’ll just have to do that, Rosie.” 

“Hm. Rosie. I like that.” I said, moving even closer to him. Were less than a foot away from each other’s face, and Though I exchanged so little words with this man, I was ready to kiss the hell out of him. 

“Though I’m only going to let you call me that because you’re acting so nice. You know, lighting my cigs and all. Very gentleman like of you.” 

“I aim to please, Rosie.” He said simply. He drifted even closer.

I could feel his hot breath on my face. My heart was beating out of my chest. I couldn’t stop my actions if I tried.

I pushed forwards and met my lips with his. My already booming heart felt like it was about to explode. Why Was I so nervous? Guess I half expected him to pull away.

He didn’t, though, in fact, his hand came up and cradled my face, and his other made its way to my hip. Pressing me against the brick. 

Our bodies pressed together heatedly against the wall, us breathing heavily as our lips pressed together, heat radiating off the both of us. I could taste our shared breath, prominently cigarettes; I could feel the thud of our combined heartbeat as we fumbled to put our hands wherever we could. Both us acting like it was the one thing keeping us alive. 

Everything about him was dizzying, the way his hands gripped me like his life depended on it, how passionately he was kissing me despite how soft lips were. It made my stomach dance; it made warmth consume me.

I so desperately held onto him, my hands finally settling around his neck, nustling into his long unruly hair. It scared me how much I felt that I needed that. How addictive he felt.

From the van and out of sight, I could hear the girls asking where I was. I slowly broke away from our kiss, not wanting to be found out by the others. Not yet. I wasn’t ready for their incessant grade school teasing. 

We stayed close, still in each other’s arms. I closed my eyes and let out a sigh. Not wanting to let go. Still hungry for his touch.

“I think I have to get the drunk children home.” I said with a sigh.

“It’s the responsible thing to do.” He said with a goofy smile.

I kissed him again, this time just being a small peck. It was still just as good. 

I moved out of his grasp and went to grab a cig. He was ready with the lighter.

“Well, Rosie, if you ever want to..” His face tinted pink. “Jam. We will say jam. You know where I live.”

“I might just have to take you up on that offer.” 

“Well, See you around, stranger.” I said with a wink.

“See ya around, Rosie.” He leaned against the wall and repeated my actions. 

Turning around, I made my exit, cooly of course, but my whole body was buzzing.

Quick End notes: 

Firstly, ooh that smooch. This series is not what you guys think this will be. This is only the beginning. And i mean it really is just the beginning, but chapter two.

Secondly, If you didnt catch it this is set in 1998. And unfortunately while in my planning, I didnt catch that he had the worst fucking haircut ive ever seen that year. So Im just gonna pretend he looks 2000 era jack white. (see below for a visual of what is and what should have been)

What is

What should have been

[bugaboobss]

Moshing

so i read this post by @lllluka and it totally gave me flashbacks to the one time I was at a concert and threw myself into a mosh pit, so I felt like I had to write something for it in like an hour lol, hope you guys enjoy!

This had to be the most painful looking experience Marinette had ever witnessed. 

She was sitting on a picnic blanket a bit away from the main crowd near the front of the stage, watching with horror-filled eyes as the crowd slammed into each other over and over again in time with the blasting music. People were jumping up and down, running into each other at full speed, and Marinette was pretty sure she could see some blood on the grass beneath the crowds feet. 

Beside her, Adrien was watching the crowd with an identical expression. Neither of them had ever been to a real metal concert before, and it was… an experience to say the least. 

The music was great, that was a fact. Marinette loved this kind of music, and hearing it loud enough to burst her eardrums just made the experience all that much more enjoyable. The only part she was iffy on was the mosh pit writhing in front of the stage. 

“Doesn’t that hurt?” Marinette asked after a moment, turning to where Luka was sitting on her other side with a worried frown. 

Luka shrugged. “It can, but it kind of just depends on how willing you are to shove people away from you. Plus, it’s a huge adrenaline rush, so you really don’t feel any pain because you’re so filled with energy.” 

“Huh,” Marinette turned to look back at the crowd, noticing how every person in the pit seemed to be having the time of their life. 

“It’s a lot of fun, Marinette!” A small voice quipped from in front of her. Glancing up, Marinette looked to Rose, who was giving her a sweet smile. 

“Rose? You’ve moshed before?” She asked, raising an eyebrow at the tiny girl. 

Someone snorted behind her. “Rose is literally the only person in Kitty Section who likes throwing herself in the pit,” Ivan explained, wrapping an arm around Mylene as he spoke.

Beside her, Adrien gasped. “Rose? You go in that thing?” He asked, staring at the girl with a mixture of admiration and terror. “Have you ever gotten hurt?” 

Rose giggled. “Yeah! It’s a lot of fun, honestly. I know it seems scary, but trust me once you’re in there you’re not thinking about anything else except how much you want to move. And yeah, I’ve gotten a few bruises here and there, but nothing terrible! It’s totally worth it in my opinion.” Rose then turned back to look at the crowd, and Marinette noticed it was slowing down as the song came to an end. “Speaking of, I think I’m gonna hop in there right now! Does anyone wanna join me?”

Marinette and Adrien shared wide-eyed looks before they both shook their heads. Luka laughed, and Marinette turned to give him a fake glare. 

“Why don’t you go in there, Luka?” Marinette asked, the challenge obvious in her voice. 

“Nah, not my thing,” Luka said with a shrug. 

“Juleka?” Marinette then questioned, turning back to glance at the dark-haired girl. 

“No way,” Juleka answered, her bangs swaying as she shook her head no. 

“So Rose is just going in there by herself?” Rose didn’t seem concerned about this, but Marinette was worried the small girl might get crushed by the crowd and no one would be able to find her. 

Suddenly, a booming voice shouted from behind. 

“OF COURSE NOT!” Whipping around, Marinette was met with the manic grin of Anarka Couffaine, who was making her way to the group with her hands on her hips. When she walked up to Rose, she threw an arm around the blonde’s shoulders. “I’ll be goin’ in there with Rose! She’s the only one of you kids who can keep up with me!” 

Okay, that wasn’t a surprise. 

“Marinette! Adrien! Do either of ya want to join us?” Anarka then asked, her eyes glittering behind her glasses. 

Both shook their heads no, and Anarka shrugged. “Your choice. If ya change yer mind, feel free to hop in!” With that, she and Rose headed to the crowd just as the next song began to pick up. 

“I hope they’re okay,” Adrien said quietly. “Father always said heavy metal concerts were dangerous.” 

“Wait then how are you here right now?” Mylene asked. 

Adrien smirked, and Marinette felt her cheeks heat up at the sight. “My father doesn’t know I’m at a heavy metal concert. He thinks I’m working on a school project with Alya.” It was true. Marinette knew Alya and Adrien had taken several pictures together at Alya’s house before the concert so that if Adrien’s father asked for evidence that he was there, Adrien would be alright. 

From their blanket on the grass, Marinette couldn’t make out a ton of detail in the mosh pit, but she could spot Rose’s short gold hair near the center of the pit. Every few seconds, she’d get a glimpse of Anarka as well, who was even further in the center than Rose was. Both seemed to be having the time of their lives, and as the minutes passed, Marinette’s fear waned. 

The music was back and louder than ever, and the beat was infectious. Marinette’s foot tapped in time with the beat, Luka patted out a rhythm on his thighs, and Adrien hummed along. It was a cold fall afternoon, and Marinette tilted her head back to take a deep breath of the crisp air. 

After a few minutes of just listening and enjoying, Marinette pulled out her phone to add this to her instagram story. She loaded up the app, and was about to click on the ‘add to story’ button, when she noticed the first post in her feed and frowned. 

It was Lila. The picture she posted was a selfie with Jagged Stone, who looked like he’d rather be anywhere but taking a picture with the brunette. Lila was smiling brightly and holding up Jagged’s latest album, and Marinette was going to just click away before she noticed the caption. 

Had a great time seeing the private Jagged Stone concert last night! It was great to catch up with him, and he even said I could design his next album cover! Love you, Jagged! 

Marinette blinked. That was in no way true. Lila had zero graphic design experience, and even if she did, Jagged would never have offered to let her design his album cover. He’d already talked about letting Marinette design it again, considering how well-received her first design was. 

Even though she knew it was a bad idea, Marinette grit her teeth as she clicked to the comments. There were choruses of you’re so cool, Lila! And omg I can’t believe I know someone who’s friends with Jagged Stone and You’re gonna do great, Lila! 

Marinette hated this. She hated how Lila could lie about anything and get away with it. She noticed how Lila didn’t tag Jagged Stone in her picture, probably to minimize any chance of him seeing her lie and calling her out on it. This was so unfair. 

It was a familiar anger that came over Marinette the longer she stared at the picture. She wanted to comment something to call her out, but she had no evidence to back up that she was lying. Her hands curled into fists, and she knew she needed to calm down soon. 

The song changed again, and Marinette looked up to see the pit still going crazy. Everyone was bouncing and shoving each other, and in that moment, nothing sounded more enjoyable to Marinette than getting to shove a few people around while listening to her favorite kind of music. 

“I’m gonna go in,” she said without thinking. 

“What?!” Adrien gasped beside her. She turned to meet his worried gaze, and while normally she would melt at a look like that from him, right now her sole focus was on getting in that pit. 

“I’ll be fine, don’t worry,” she reassured him. Next to her, she felt Luka rest a hand on her arm. 

“If you need anything, text me and I’ll run in there,” Luka said quietly. 

“Thanks Luka, but it’s just a mosh pit. I’ll be fine!” She said, even though she had no clue how this was going to go. 

Getting up before she could psych herself out of it, Marinette pocketed her phone and made her way over to the edge of the pit. The music was much louder closer to the stage, and Marinette could feel the bass reverberating in her bones. She saw a mix of teenagers and adults, most of them much taller than her, all shoving each other and bouncing around like it was the end of the world. Marinette craned her neck and was able to to spot Rose and Anarka still jumping up and down near the center. 

Taking a breath, Marinette reminded herself she’d jumped off the Eiffel Tower plenty of times before, and pushed her way into the fray. 

The minute she stepped inside the pit, Marinette was swept away. She was being shoved at all angles, and her vision was spinning as she tried to keep up. She jumped up and down, trying to look for where Rose and Anarka were, but she couldn’t stay in a single place for more than a second to look. The music was pounding in her ears, and she was being pushed from side to side so fast she could barely breathe. Her heart was pounding and she felt terrified, but… it wasn’t bad? 

Deciding to try and focus on the music, Marinette felt a hand shove her forward, and she stumbled before catching herself. Straightening back up, she barely had time to take a breath before she was being pushed to the left. Then the right. Then forward. Then backward. Every second she was being shoved by someone. It was dizzying. 

Marinette then remembered why she came into the pit, and when Lila’s smiling face came into her head, she felt her anger return. She got shoved again, and this time she shoved back. She wasn’t looking at who she was pushing, and it didn’t matter. The music was blasting and Marinette was dancing and holy shit Rose was right this was fun. 

The writhing mass of bodies was like one being as the crowd swelled and ebbed in time with the music. Marinette didn’t think, she just moved. Her heart was racing, she was covered in sweat, and she couldn’t stop smiling. 

The song slowly came to an end, and the crowd calmed down. Marinette was breathing heavily, and her entire body was already sore, but she felt better than she had in days. She waited for the music to pick up again so she could go back to her dancing, but there was only quiet. 

“Okay guys!” The singer suddenly announced from the front. The crowd perked to attention, and Marinette looked to the long-haired man with the microphone in his hands. “I want the pit to split down the middle. We’re doing a wall of death!” Suddenly a deafening roar of cheers erupted from all around, and Marinette glanced to the other people in confusion. What was a wall of death? 

Suddenly, the crowd split and Marinette felt herself being pushed backwards. Her half of the pit all lined up along one edge of the circle, and her eyes darted around as she tried to find where Rose and Anarka had went. 

Then, there was a hand on her arm, and Marinette turned to meet Rose’s sweet smile. 

“Marinette! You decided to join us!” Rose exclaimed excitedly. 

“Uh, yeah, I thought it looked fun,” Marinette said, laughing awkwardly. “But, um, what’s this ‘wall of death’?” 

From behind Rose, Anarka chuckled. “Oh dearie, yer gonna see in a minute. Just follow our lead, when we run, you run!” 

Marinette’s eyes widened as she turned to see the other half of the pit, and the music picked up once more. The energy in each side of the crowd seemed to grow with each passing second, the other concert-goers tapping their feet or bouncing a bit as the chorus drew closer. A part of Marinette wondered what the hell she was doing, but she’d been having fun so far, so hopefully this wall of death didn’t turn out too bad. 

Back at the picnic blanket, Tikki was sitting in Marinette’s purse, watching the wall of death form with wide eyes. Human music traditions certainly had gotten… stranger in the past few centuries. She just hoped that Marinette didn’t come back with a black eye. 

The beat drop got closer, and Marinette felt her heart rate pick up. She glanced to Rose, who gave her a thumbs up, and her breathing quickened. At the front of the crowd, the singer held a hand up as he sang the last note of the verse. 

And then, the hand dropped, and Rose grabbed Marinette’s arm before sprinting forward. 

Everything in the crowd was such a jumbled mess of pushing and shoving and dancing, and Marinette couldn’t tell which way was right and which way was left as the crowds slammed together. At one point she felt an elbow hit her face, but she was too hopped up on adrenaline to even mind it. 

By the time Marinette made her way out of the pit, all thoughts of Lila were erased from her head. All she could think of was how much fun she just had, and also how ready she was for a nap. Somehow, Rose and Anarka were still going. 

The girl approached the picnic blanket again, and Marinette gave a shy wave to her friends as they all stared at her in shock. As she got closer though, Adrien gasped and rushed forward.

“Marinette you’re bleeding!” He exclaimed. Marinette’s eyes widened as she tried to figure out where she’d gotten hurt, but she didn’t even get a chance to ask where before Luka was right by her side. 

“I’m bleeding?” She asked as both boys gaped at her. 

“Yeah, your nose,” Adrien said quietly, reaching forward a bit with his hand before pulling back. Reaching up with her hand, Marinette wiped at her nose, and was surprised when a bit of dried blood showed up on the back of her palm. 

Luka rested his hands on her shoulders and peered close to her face. “Did you get hit in the face?” 

“Yeah, someone did elbow me in the nose, but it didn’t hurt so I just figured it was fine,” Marinette said with a shrug. 

“Here, I have tissues,” Adrien said, rushing back to his messenger bag. He pulled out a small pack of kleenex and handed it to her, and Marinette blushed as she took it from him. 

“Thank you,” she muttered, bringing the tissues up to wipe at the dried blood on her upper lip. Beside her, Luka shifted and threaded an arm around her waist, and led her back to sit on the picnic blanket. 

She sat in between the two boys, ignoring their identical worried expressions as she finished cleaning the blood off. She was probably going to be covered in bruises tomorrow, but for now she felt fantastic. 

“How was it?” Adrien asked after Marinette had cleaned herself up. “I watched you in there and it seemed terrifying.” 

Marinette laughed. “No, Rose was right, it’s super fun.” 

“You enjoyed that?” Luka asked, the surprise obvious on his face. 

Marinette nodded. “Yup! And after I take a breather I’m gonna go back in there!” 

Both boys immediately shook their heads. “No way,” they said in unison. 

This made Marinette frown. “But-” 

“Please don’t go in there again, at least not today. You got hurt,” Adrien said softly, resting a hand on her shoulder. 

Marinette’s breath caught in her throat, and she felt a warm hand take hers. 

“It’s your first pit, Marinette. Don’t push yourself,” Luka said, squeezing her hand. 

With both boys looking so worried about her, Marinette’s face was practically on fire. 

“Well… alright then.” 

Marinette spent the rest of the concert squeezed in between Adrien and Luka, and she had to admit, she wasn’t that disappointed about not going in the pit again. Though the next time she went to a metal concert, she knew exactly where she was going to be.