#but looking at jim pov its pretty fucked up and telling

[get-back-homeward]

Editing to add this passage because it’s even worse in context of a complicated birth:

“The ensuing months were quieter, however, and in the middle of the pause, in September, Mary McCartney became pregnant. As maternity ward sister at Walton Hospital she was accorded the luxury of a private room there when giving birth to a boy on Thursday, June 18, 1942. It was just as well, because there was a complication. Interpreting signs that the delivery would be difficult, the midwife (who’d trained Mary) summoned the urgent assistance of a doctor. In the terminology of the time, the baby was born in a state of White Asphyxia, a condition that typically required direct cardiac massage and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. It was an emergency, but a brief one: the infant suddenly began screaming and all was well.”

—Mark Lewisohn, Tune In (Ch. 2)

From ICD-10 (2019 version)

[x] History of “birth asphyxia” in malpractice suits

remember when jim mccartney cried when paul was born because he looked so ugly

[julessworldd]

 reigns420 asked:

Sorry to be a pain but can you do #99 "Why are there tears staining your pretty face?" with Nikki Sixx please?🖤🙏

You’re not a pain at all, love! And yes,I can. I’ve been wanting to do something with Nikki for awhile. Hope you enjoy as always 

Today had been an awful shit show since I left Nikki and I’s apartment this morning. My car wouldn’t start and Nikki wasn’t there to boost me off or give a ride. My nametag broke, and my boss had yelled at me for coming in wet from the surprise rainstorm that LA hardly gets. Rude and snotty people have been coming in left and right. Demanding things that they didn’t need or want, it was just funny to them to see running back and forth to the kitchen, other tables,and my side work. I couldn’t go on my scheduled break, didn’t get to call Nikki on his lunch break. 

I was cleaning a table when my boss approached, “Y/n, we need to talk.”

“What is it, Jim?” I sighed and turned around. “Uh, I’m really sorry, but I have to fire you on the spot.” Jim said with no empathy or emotion. “What why? I’ve been here five years, I’m the best waitress you got!” I yelled. “My wife thinks we’re having an affair, she threatening to leave me and taking Lacy with her. I like you, really do, but it’s my family or you. You’re young and pretty, you’ll find something.” Jim said rubbing his hands together. “I can’t believe you’re firing because you’re too big of a pussy to stick up from your wife. Jim, I was the first girl you hired, after you opened this joint. I’ve trained every waitress and busboy who has came through, worked months without a day off. I’ve missed important events with Nikki and my family because you need me so bad here. I quote “You’re the best one and the others are bimbos”, just fuck you Jim! She’s been cheating on you with your best friend for two years now. Goodbye fucking bye, Jim Haggin” I yelled and pushed by him to get my bag. “And fuck your shitty diner” I slammed the door open and stormed out.  I ran down the sidewalk going to our apartment. Nikki wasn’t home yet, it was only 4:20, he wouldn’t be home until 6. I swung the door open and fell to the couch. “Fucking hell, how did he just fire me like that?” I groaned. The phone rang, it was Sherise, “Hey buttercup, what’s up?” She said in her bubbly voice. I broke down, “I got- fireddd” “Aw, I’m sorry, babe. What happened?”She asked. I had told her, she told me to take a nap to calm down before Nikki left the studio. She was right, it was a good thing. Nikki would kill Jim for this.

Nikki’s pov-

I parked my car and noticed Y/n was home. “Why are you home so early? You had a double” I asked myself. Lights were off, I could see the darkness through the window by the door. Unlocked the door and found Y/n on the couch. Looked like she had been crying, face still red, puffy, dry stained cheeks. My poor baby, I brushed her cheek. “Y/n, wake up. I’m home” 

She jerked up ready to hit me, “Hey its me” I said as it registered in her mind, who I was. “Nikki” She pouted. “Yeah, I’m home now. You okay?” I held her as she fell in my chest. “Everything, Niks” She whined. “Well tell me, I hate seeing you like this” I brushed her hair back. “Well- my car didn’t start this morning, you had already left so I walked. It poured down, my uniform was soaking, Jim fussed at me for that and my nametag somehow broke between the house and work. Oh god, customers were rude as hell today, making run back and forth for shit that they didn’t need. Then, Jim wants to talk to me fine. He didn’t take me to his office, oh no, he fired me right on the floor. Told me why also, apparently his wife thinks we were having an affair.  Even Though, she has been fucking his best friend for two years now. If he didn’t fire me, she was gonna leave him and take their daughter away from him. I fucking hate today, baby” She said trying to hold back tears again.  “Why is there tears staining your pretty face?” I asked, staring up at her. “What the fuck? Did you not listen to me, Nikki?” She hit my chest. “I did, but there’s no point of having stained cheeks over it. Your face is too pretty to have that. Come here” I said, pulling me on his lap. “Nikki, what’s your point?” Y/N asked quietly. “You didn’t need that shitty diner job anymore. Hell, you’ve not needed it since we got famous off of ‘Too fast for love’ album. You’re independent, which is fine, but I’ve hated seeing you stressed over it. Jim has always been an ass to you, he’s gross, a perv. I’m glad you got fired, baby, I can finally take care of you.” I said rubbing her thigh. She was crying again, “Hey hey, no more crying,beautiful” I said to her. “I love you Nikki” She smiled with snot coming down her face. She never looked so cute at that moment, “I love you too, pretty baby. Now, let's go upstairs. I’m gonna show how much better, me taking care of you will be now” I pulled her into my arms bridal style.

[jeromesxreader16]

Such A Joker (47)

Part 46 Here!!!

~o0o~

"Okay. It's okay. All you have to do is go to the store and pick up a test. Maybe some ice cream if they have it." I speak to myself in the mirror as I apply my makeup.

I pull my hair up and huff as I look at myself. "I think you look pretty hot," Jerome says coming up behind me and placing his hands on my belly. He rests his chin on my shoulder and smiles at me. "I want a little girl, (y/n)." I roll my eyes moving out of the grip of his ghostly fingers.

"Stop this." I shake my head wanting to bang it against something to help make him leave. "You have to give in one way or another." I shake my head groaning.

I move to my closet grabbing a T-shirt and jeans. Jerome starts to sing loudly in my ear clogging my brain.

"Oh, I know what you really missed!" Jerome cackles and hides behind the bathroom door. Seconds later a younger redhead emerged. I shake my head and turn my back to him. He laughs climbing onto the bed and jumping up and down. "If you can't stand me I can't wait to see how that little baby makes you feel!" I scream, picking up my pillow and attacking the child vision.

"(Y/n)! What are you doing?"

Jeremiah tangles himself with my arms and holds me steady as I catch my breath.

"Darling what is it?" Jeremiah slightly laughs at my frustration. "Was there a spider?"

I look at him and point to the little child cackling on the bed. "This little shit won't leave me alone!" Jeremiah looks over to the bed and back to me. "Jerome?"

Jerome starts to kick his brother trying to tackle him. "Yeah... kinda... he is 9 right now."

Jeremiah gives me a look of sorrow pulling me towards him into his arms. "Focus on me, love." He sways us calmly running his fingers through my hair.

"What has got you so worked up? Ecco has told me you've been rather stressed and you'll zone out when she's trying to talk to you." I sigh laughing into his chest.

I can't tell him Jeremiah about the possible pregnancy now. He would go fully insane if I opened that can of worms. Just the thought of it trying makes me sick with worry. What would my father say?

"(Y/n), is everything okay?"

Quick. Think of something to say!

I look up meeting Jeremiah's green eyes smiling. "It's dumb." "What is it? Have I done something? Ecco told me it might be because of me."

Ecco...

"No, Jeremiah. I did something.... and it has me stressed." "Well you know you can tell me anything, love."

I nod huffing. "I'm stressed because... um...." don't tell him, (y/n)." I shrug laughing. "Ecco kissed me when we were drunk!"

BINGO!

Jeremiah stares at me only to smile and start to laugh. "What?" He holds his chest laughing even harder now. "I-I knew it! Oh my god! I knew she liked you from the moment I asked her to look after you!"

I smile laughing with him. "You're not mad?" He reaches for my hands again bringing me close. "Now why would I be angry? You're still my girlfriend. Ecco knows her place now and is here to assist me in my business and to protect you when needed. You're one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen. How could I blame her for a slip of lust, huh?" Jeremiah's voice deepens and his words slip out like honey.

His grip moves down my waist and grips me tightly pulling myself to him. He smirks darkly turning to the small Jerome. "Are you going to leave? Or watch me fuck your ex-girlfriend, brother?"

Jerome smirks patting his brother's shoulder. "Nah, I'll leave you two insane love birds to do the dirty work."

I look at Jeremiah seeing a new shade of confidence washed over him. He does this often now. He will switch from a timid man who works too hard to this confident individual who takes what he wants.

"You saw him?" Jeremiah smiles at me cocking an eyebrow. "Moment of weakness into the spray. It feels... good. Don't you think?" Jeremiah quickly retreats his confidence and shelters into sanity again.

He adjusts his glasses laughing lightly. "I'm sorry, (y/n). I'm not giving into him. Into that person Jerome poisoned me with. Anyways! Are you going out?"

I nod smiling at him with worry. I can see how hard Jeremiah is trying to hold himself together. "Do you need anything, Jer?" "Would you mind getting some more of the foundation? I've already run low on the first bottle."

Jeremiah refuses to show any part of his new porcelain skin. Last time I had seen it his cheeks were while leaving half of his face peach. That was 3 weeks ago.

I kiss him quickly, giggling as he tries to hold me back again. "Oh! I forgot! Bruce is coming to work with me." "Do the best friends need snacks?" Jeremiah shrugs laughing, "it's never a bad idea, love!" I peck his cheek shaking my head. "I'll be back!"

"I love you!"

~

I scan over the different tests frustrated. "7 days earlier? How can they know that?" I pick up the box looking on the back.

I place it in my cart and walk away quickly bumping into someone falling down. I look up seeing someone I've missed dearly. "Barbara!"

She grins down at me helping me stand. "Well, well, well, Ms. Gordon in the flesh!" Her eyes scan the floor and pick up the one thing that had fallen out.

She waves the test in front of my face with wide eyes. "You want to tell me something?" "No."

She smirks, "Smart. How about an exchange. I buy you lunch and you tell me why you're buying this." I stare at her biting my lip. "I feel like I don't have an option." She hums, locking arms with me. "You don't."

~

"With Jeremiah? His twin?" I chew my slide of pizza nodding. "I mean it could be his." Barbara tilts her head, tapping her nails on the table. "I didn't know you were that type of girl, (y/n)." "I'm not! I could be his... or Jerome's." Barbara slams her hand on the table laughing. "Should I play Mama Mia and sing to you?" "This isn't funny!"

She laughs grabbing my hand. "Come to my place and let's take it. Then we go from there."

~

I close the bathroom door looking at myself in the mirror. "Okay." I take the test and set a timer waiting for it to pass. "Ugh, could this take any longer?"

"I could help pass the-" "Don't." I point my finger at Jerome.

After what felt like hours my phone beeps sounding the end of the timer. "Aren't you going to look?" I look at Jerome shaking my head. He rolls his eyes.

He pushes me over forcing me to look at the small stick. The small white stick holding two solid blue lines proved my fate.

I picked it up in shock. I sigh feeling a smile making its way to my lips. I stare in the mirror with unplanned happiness taking over. "Okay, momma. You've got some work to do." I place my hand on my stomach smiling.

~

~5 Weeks Ago~

Jeremiah POV:

It was all a scary dream. I was working too hard and slept on the floor. That's what happened.

I shake my leg as I try and focus on the words of this book. "Come on, brother. We need to have a little chat." I flick my ear shaking my head. "It's not real."

Jerome's laugh fills the room making me jump. There he stands in front of me smirking with his scars. "Ah! There he is!" He laughs sitting on my desk. "Alright, Jeremiah. There are a few rules you'll take in when this kicks in!" "What are you-" "HUSH! Number one... You never get (y/n) hurt. Number two... Jim Gordon will end up hating you blah blah blah. Kill him. And number three... Burn it all down, and make it suitable for our queen. What do you say, Jeremiah? Do it for (y/n)? For love?" Jerome places his hand out for me to shake it and in a moment of weakness, I reach for it.

"You're not real."

Jerome huffs tailing towards the door. "Whatever. You'll find out soon enough."

~

I twist the cup of coffee just so a few words of the book title would show. After finding out about the baby I planned a way to tell Jeremiah in a day. I bought him a new book about parenting.

"A book? You're telling him by a book? No streamers or fireworks?" "He's not you Jerome." He rolls his eyes vanishing.

The door unlocks and Jeremiah and Ecco walk in. "(Y/n)! How are you?" Ecco waltzed over hugging me. "I'm good! Great actually." I smile not being able to contain my giggles.

"Darling? What's got you so excited?" Jeremiah places his notebook on the table and sits in the seat at the island. "I got you a new book."

I slide the book and coffee over with a growing grin glued to my face. Jeremiah lifts the drink looking at the book and laughing. "Very funny, love. Yes, my work is my baby. So clever." Ecco stares at the book and then back at me.

"You're not." I smile at her nodding. She yells hugging me happily. Jeremiah looks at us confused. "What's going on?"

"I thought you were smarter than this, Jer. Think about it."

I watch as Jeremiah's mind turns and his thoughts roll over each idea. He drops the book on the counter staring at me with wide eyes. "Oh."

"OH!" Jeremiah runs around the counter and picks me up in his arms. "You're pregnant?" He says into my shoulder.

He looks at me with tears streaming. "Yeah. I'm pregnant!" He hugs me again tightly crying into my form.

"Oh my! I-I have to go do something! Don't move- well you can move... just.... I'LL BE BACK!"

Jeremiah runs out the door leaving Ecco and I alone. She smiles at me resting her hand on my shoulder. "I am so happy for you." I smile hugging her. "You know you'll have to help me." She nods laughing. "Of course I will!"

~

Jeremiah POV:

I knock on Jim's door, quickly stumbling with the ring in my pocket. The door swings open revealing Jim Gordon. "Jeremiah? Is everything okay? You look pale. Is (y/n) okay?" I laugh putting my hand on the back of my neck. "Yes, Jim. We're fantastic. I just... wanted to talk to you about something." He narrows his eyes but opens the door allowing me in.

"What can I help you with?" I turn to Jim smiling like an idiot. "I love (y/n), Jim. I want to make her happy for the rest of my life." Jim nods smiling. "I'm glad you feel that way, Jeremiah. Where is this headed?"

I sigh, grabbing the ring box from my pocket. "I'd like your blessing to ask (y/n) to marry me." I open the box revealing a lovely ring holding a diamond rock in the center.

Jim stares at the ring in shock. He clears his throat nodding. "Wow. It's not been... long has it? It's been what? 7, 8 months? Don't you think it's a little fast?" My hopes die and my blood runs cold. "I love her."

Jim nods patting my shoulder. "I do too. I just want to make sure this is the best thing for her, Jeremiah."

"But I love her, Jim."

He sighs nodding. "Let's sit on it for a few days. Alright? Then come talk to me. Over dinner!" I stir the ring in my pocket shielding my disappointment. "Of course. Goodnight, Jim."

I run down to the car sulking in my sadness.

"Are you really going to listen to that bozo?" I look in the mirror seeing Jerome in the back seat. "He is her father." "That she doesn't listen to. It's not his choice. One thing I learned from dealing with Jimbo is he never will make the right choice for (y/n)'s happiness. In short, words, fuck Jim Gordon." I laugh, shaking my head at his comment. I open the ring box staring at it.

"You really spoil her." "I do what you couldn't." He hits my shoulder laughing. "Good one. Now, what do you say we go ask for a wife?"

~

I wander into the house and see (y/n) sitting on the couch. She looks up smiling at me. "Hey, where'd you go?" I bite my lip pushing her down and connecting our lips. "I love you so much." I kiss down her neck feeling a wash of control take over.

"Jeremiah." she gasps against my hold, making me growl and crave her even further.

I look up at her face, but a slight patch of makeup is wiped on her shirt. She places her hand on my cheek running her fingers over the newly revealed skin. I panic removing myself from her.

"No Jeremiah." She crawls on me straddling me. "Show me." "(Y/n), it's horrible." She shakes her head kissing the pale skin along my neck. "I want to see you, Jeremiah."

I nod removing myself and going into the bathroom. I wipe all the foundation off allowing the porcelain skin to shine through. I take off my glasses and take out the green colored contacts.

The icy shade pierced into my soul as I stare at my new appearance. "Jeremiah?"

"I'm coming, love."

I grab the ring box and stuff it back into my pocket. As I enter the living room her eyes rake my figure. Her eyes widen as she takes in the new me.

I sit down across from her and look away. "I told you it was horrible." (Y/n) crawls into my lap again grabbing my face. "No. Just like I said. Still handsome." She leans down connecting our lips.

I pull away smiling at her. "Before we get too busy I need to ask you something, doll." She nods removing herself from my lap.

"You've brought me so much joy and happiness into my life, (y/n), and I never want it to end. You're going to give me a child who we can watch grow, but I want to do it right." I get down on one knee in front of her and pull the ring box out opening it.

"(Y/n) Gordon, will you marry me?" She covers her mouth as she gazes down at the ring. She nods her head speechless. "Yes?" "Yes, Jeremiah!" She cries and kisses me passionately.

I slide the ring on her finger and admire the band. "Mrs. Valeska. I love it."

[feelthepainofdodick]

Love For Hire - Ch. 2 - (D.D. x Reader)

Summary: David hires you to be his fake girlfriend for a month to get the diza stans off his back. This experience is the craziest thing that has ever happened to you and the emotional consequences that ensue are something you never expected.

Notes: Hey yall! Thank you all so so much for the support on my first chapter on the new series. It definitely makes me more nervous now but also incredibly excited. I hope all of yall enjoy. Also this series is definitely a slow burn kind of romance so just bare with me. Much love, Julie.

Word Count: 1392 

CHAPTER ONE - CHAPTER THREE

David walks out of his bedroom into the kitchen to find Natalie making breakfast.

“Hey” He grunts sleepily as he walks over to the refrigerator to get water.

Natalie turns away from the stove to face him. “Hey. So… Did you sleep on it?”

“Yes, I slept on it and I’m still not sure.” He says groggily, still half asleep.

“Not sure? I can’t think of any cons to this idea.”

“I know I know. You’re right. I think I’m just iffy because hiring someone to be my fake girlfriend just seems weird, ya know?” Natalie nodded in agreement.

“I know its weird but it’s your best chance at finally putting yourself first in your career.” She says sympathetically. 

David nodded. “Okay fine. I’ll do it.” He sighs in defeat.

“Great! Because she’s landing in a few hours.”

David snaps his head up at Natalie suddenly wide awake. “What!? She’s already coming? Nat! What the fuck! I know nothing about this girl. I need to make the house look decent. We need to set up the guest bedroom! I don’t even know what I’m going to say. Are we picking her up?” He questions frantically.

Natalie chuckles. “David. Calm down. I talked to (Y/N) last night. She’s super chill and nice. The house looks fine. I already made the guest bedroom. You just have to act like a normal human, dumbass. She’s a person, so treat her like you would treat any one of our friends because for the next month that is basically what she is. And, yes, we are going to the airport to pick her up.”

David does a long, exasperated sigh. “You are annoying.” He stalks off to his room to get ready to go pick you up.

(Y/N)’s POV:

When Natalie told you she booked the flight you immediately started packing. You were going to LA which meant you needed little to no sweaters or anything warm for that matter. You didn’t have much in your tiny boston apartment so it didn’t take long to pack. Natalie booked the flight for a few hours from now so you had to be quick.

On your way to the airport, you leave a quick message for your boss at the shitty deli shop you worked for. 

Hey Jim. It’s (Y/N). I’m going to California for a month. Sorry I didn’t give you longer notice. I assume you’re going to fire me so thanks for paying me like shit. Hope I never see you again.

You hung up laughing, a quiet relief resting over you; you decided to dial your best friend. She answered within a few rings.

Emma: “Hey hun. What’s up?”

(Y/N): “I’ve got something to tell you...” You say nervously.

Emma: “Oh god. Don’t tell me your pregnant. I don’t need no baby cramping our style.” She says jokingly but also partially serious.

(Y/N): You chuckle softly. “No dumbass. I’m going to LA for a month.” You blurt out.

Emma: “What the fuck. That’s worse! Why are you going to LA? I know you can’t afford it because I can’t afford that.”

(Y/N): “You know how I’ve been escorting to pay my rent?”

Emma: “Yes…?”

(Y/N): “Well I got offered to do a month long job in LA for this guy named David Dobrik to be his pretend girlfriend.”

Emma: “Wait. What? David Dobrik hired you to be his pretend girlfriend?!?”

(Y/N): “Yeah. Who is this guy anyway? Is he like super famous or something?”

Emma: “Ugh I swear to god (Y/N). You live under a rock. Do you remember that video I sent you, like, a few days ago where this girl, Natalie, was scared that there were ghosts in her house so they brought ghost whisperer people. Those videos are called vlogs and David makes them twice a week and he has like over 13 million subscribers.”

(Y/N): “That sounds intense. And yeah! I do remember that video, it was super funny. Wait did you say Natalie? I talked to some girl named Natalie about the job last night.”

Emma: “You got to talk to Natalie!?! I fucking hate you. I swear to god hoe if you don’t do your research on him and the whole vlog squad before you land in LA, I’m gonna strangle you.”

(Y/N): You laugh. “What’s a vlog squad?”

Emma: She loudly sighs. “You’ll find out.”

(Y/N): “Okay. Okay. I’ll do my research, I promise.”

Emma: “You better. I’m gonna miss you hoe. Send me updates and sneak in some photos of David for me.”

(Y/N): Chuckling, “I’ll try, weirdo. I’m going to miss you too. Just pulled over at the airport. I’ll text you when I land. Love you.”

Emma: “Have fun! Love you.”

You hung up the phone and walked into the airport towards your gate. Based on the details Natalie gave you, it was a six hour flight, making it plenty of time to do your research. You board your plane, wait for take off, and open your laptop going to David Dobrik’s youtube channel. Over the next six hours you are watching vlog after vlog, scouring over his and the vlog squad’s social medias, and watch interviews he has done. By the time the plane started descending into LAX you were stunned. This 22 year old man has made a huge career for himself over social media and it was intimidating, to say the least. You started to think about the job you had to do. After watching a few old vlogs, some interviews, and the breakup vlog; you understood why he needed you to distract the world from his ex. You were meant to be a shiny new object for his fans and the media to eat up so they wouldn’t talk about his ex so much.

After doing all your research, you had a lot more mixed emotions. On the one hand, you were excited because of the social media experience, it was a new paying job in a new city, and a new group of seemingly fun people to hang out with. On the other hand, your entire job there is to scam 13 million people into thinking you are this guy’s girlfriend, you will be heavily looked at under a microscope by the fans and the press, and you were just plain scared. You didn’t have time to process your emotions because you were already being boarded out of the plain. 

You turn on your phone to a message from Natalie saying she were waiting outside. You walk out of the airport into the California heat to find Natalie leaning on the side of a white Tesla. You walk towards her, waving awkwardly. She spots you and meets you halfway giving you a hug.

She pulls away,smiling, and says. “Oh my god hi! Wow you are just as pretty in person. Thought you might be a catfish or something.” You chuckle.

“Nope. No catfish. So where are we heading?” You question walking over to the trunk to put your bags in. You instantly felt comfortable around her.

“We are heading to David’s house so you can get you settled in and then we can explain to you what we are hoping to get out of hiring you.” 

As you open the back seat you say. “I’m supposed to be the pretend girlfriend of your boss right?” Now inside the Tesla.

“Yup.” A male voice says from the front, startling you. “That would be me.” David saying turning around, extending his hand out for you to shake.

You grab his hand to shake. “Hi sorry. I didn’t know you were here too. I’m (Y/N).” Letting go of his hand.

“I’m David.” He says facing forward, putting the car into drive, and driving out. You stare out the window as he drives out of the airport traffic when you hear Dancing Queen by ABBA playing softly in the speakers. You snap your head up, “Hey can you raise the volume, I love that song.” 

David and Natalie grin, “we are going to get along great,” he mutters as he raises the volume. You smile, laying your head back on the window staring out into the new city you were going to call home for the next month.

----

Tags: If you want to be tagged let me know... @live-awkward @roxyedobrik @pakibaddie  @duhdobrik

[nosferatyou]

New Tune: Part 1 (Jake Kiszka x Reader)

Summary: Two guitarists meet at a Rock Festival, only having a week with each other before they have to return to their own lives. The bond they create is unfeigned and resolute. 

 WC: 1.7k

Warnings: Cursing and drinking

Hello! This is the first series i’ve done in years! And i’m honestly really excited about it. The title is cheesy and probably wont make sense till the last chapter, but its a heartfelt story. I know its a short first chapter but we are just getting started. I really hope you guys like it! 

The rush of performing is worryingly amazing. Just playing for hundreds of people who all share the love of music harmoniously together in one room is even something magical in itself. But playing the music that joins us together? Its indescribable, and its why I fucking love my job. I get to do that almost every night for hundreds of different people. The thing I love most is just being able to jam onstage with my best friends, and creating music with them. Most of our songs are created through our live shows, and it’s all 100% us in every performance. Not what our managers think will make the most money or sell out the most shows, but it’s exactly what we want to create. Fucking Rock and Roll.

Which is what we are doing now, at some random festival in California just trying to play some fucking music. We were lucky enough to get on the roster at all, first of all our name isn't too well known yet and we play a bit heavier than the people on the setlist as is. It's  all of course Rock, but there is a fair share of indie and folk thrown in for good measure. 

We more play psychedelic rock? I guess that’s the way you could describe it, lots of fuzz, delay effects, and weird ass lyrics that could make Jim Morrison say “What the fuck?” Luckily our manager was friends with the event coordinator and squeezed our name in last minute. I honestly don’t think we are even on the Lineup. 

“Hey fuckface! Come help me with this keg!” Screamed the Lead Vocalist to our band, but also my best friend, Matt. 

I looked up from my phone to see the exasperated boy doing his best to get it up the stairs of the tour bus, but failing miserably. I get up from my spot to attempt to help move the heavy keg from the base of the stairs. 

“A keg? What are we in high school? I mean yes, we could very easily drink our way through this, but wouldn’t cases of beer just be easier?” I asked, also struggling to get it up the stairs” 

“I mean… Where's the fun… In that?” He said, pausing in between his words to lift the heavy thing. 

We finally got it to the top, both letting out a whoosh of air before going to fall back on the couches in exhaustion. We sat in silence, settling with the fact that we were both extremely out of shape despite doing countless shows. WHich honestly in itself is a huge work out. 

“Alright! Up we go, it’s up here so let’s get this party started before we die of exhaustion.”

Matt hopped up quicker than expected and grabbed the valve for the keg off the counter.

“Now that. Is a fantastic idea.” He pushed a filled cup and then filled his own. We clinked our drinks and threw them back, both easily swallowing it all. 

“Let's get absolutely fucked.” Matt said, emphasizing the word fucked. "Wait..." I half questioned. "If our thing is drinking outside, then why are we putting the keg in here?" 

He gave me a blank stare and then dropped his head in shame. 

"Fuck." 

Jakes POV

“Jake I swear to god if you don’t walk faster I'm going to steal that guitar of yours and add my own special touch to it.” 

“Well calm down and slow your pace, and then I'll catch up. And Honestly josh, I don't even want to think of what you'd do to my girl.” 

Josh suddenly slowed down and got right into my space, and then very animatedly started to explain how he would decorate her. 

“I'm sure you remember that one very fun tambourine I had at that one show. You know, the one with all the tassels.”

“Mhm, That one tambourine from that one show.” I absentmindedly replied, not really paying attention to his whole show.

 More taking in all the surroundings of all the buses around us, housing all the artists playing throughout the week. Josh and I have a habit of doing this at every festival we’ve been too, which wasn't much, but it was enough to create the tradition. These were always fun to go to, meet different musicians and wind down for a week. Festivals were always fun simply because we could take a real break. We tend to get a bit overrun with tour dates because of management, but here we play once or twice, and spent the rest of the week doing press or enjoying ourselves. We all honestly looked forward to it. 

Josh suddenly stopped talking about his favorite tambourines and said, “What was that?” 

We wandered around with a bit more direction lightly following the voices that bounced off of all the buses.

I stopped to listen and heard two people very aggressively discussing what seemed to be Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn. As we kept walking, we started to hear them more clearly. 

The girl yelling “Honestly Matt, If you tell me right now, that your prefer Stevie over Jimi I’m fucking leaving this band.” 

“Y/N, I prefer Stevie.”

After that the man, presumably Matt, said that all hell had broken loose and swears and counter arguments were thrown left and right. 

Josh seemed very interested in the whole scene and did his best to follow the voices so he could find the source. I was honestly pretty interested myself. 

We finally rounded a corner to find two, seemingly, very drunk people intensely arguing while still half laying down in the lawn chairs they had set out in front of their bus. A keg sat between them, and a stack of red solo cups on top. Nothing but a lantern and the moon keeping them alight.

“Sure, we all love Stevie, he’s a chill dude. But Jimi? He ascended. He fucking made music. He created most of what Stevie played. I honest to god, Matt, will physically fight you.” 

The girl caught my eye when we rounded the corner, and very aggressively pointed at me. 

“You, long haired pretty boy in the Chelsea boots. Come here.” 

I looked over at josh and we seemed more than happy to see what this random stranger had up her sleeve. He kind of pushed my shoulder forward so we could make our way over to them. I had no idea what to expect. 

She sat up in her chair and Matt stayed unmoving, still half laying in his chair. 

“Which is better? And there is a right and wrong answer. Stevie Ray Vaughn or Jimi Hendrix.” She glared at the Matt when she said Jimi's name, he seemed unbothered. 

“I mean Jimi is the obvious here, any guitarist would agree.”

“Ha! Fuck you Matt Im right, its just factually true. Suck. My. Dick.”

“Well he’s one random guy that doesn't answer the whole mystery.” Matt slurred.

Josh quickly butted into the conversation, which isn't new. 

“Well if my opinion has any weight than I vote for Jimi, but speaking of strangers. Im Josh, and this here is my twin, Jakey”

“Its Jake.” 

The mood quickly changed and a smile appeared on the girls face. She held out her hand and gave a quick but firm handshake, introducing herself.

“The name is Y/N, and this Ignorant bastard is named Matt.”

She reached over to the keg in between them and refilled her cup, then poured two more for Josh and I. 

“For my two new friends.” She smiled, handing the cups to us. We happily accepted, and Josh made his way to sit on the ground in front of them, I quickly followed.

“Alright boys, Name your band and then instruments, seeing as were here and all.” She said gesturing to the place.

 Josh quickly spoke first “Well we are two halves of Greta Van Fleet, and I sometimes play vocals, occasional screams, but mostly tambourines.” He joked.

Y/N snorted at Josh's introduction. 

“And you?” she asked directing her attention to me. 

“As Josh said, two halves of our band Greta Van Fleet, And I play Lead Guitar.”

Her eyes seemed to light up at that comment and quickly responded with a smile.

“ Isn't that a coincidence, so do I,” 

As the night went on the booze flowed more, and so did the conversation. We all quickly learned we had a lot in common, and got along pretty damn well. Matt wasn't very present, because, well, he passed out moments after we got there. But as the night went on, the more we all truly felt comfortable with each other. It was simply one of those times in your life when you meet someone you truly feel akin too. Maybe it was because we were all drunk, or maybe it was a fluke. Her love for music dripped off of every word she spoke, she just gave off positivity and confidence, and her passion for life and work truly shined through. She consistently listened to us throughout the night, less worried about discussing her personal life. She seemed genuinely interested in every little thing Josh and I had to say.

It felt like we were there for all of five minutes, but before we knew it, it was 4 am. By that point so much random shit was coming out of our mouths that it wasn't coherent. Eventually Josh and I helped her round Matt onto the bus and said our quick goodbyes before we left. 

As we walked back, Josh's already never ending smile seemed brighter, seeming touched the domestic events of the night. 

“I really like her, Jakey.” 

A smile was growing on my face as well, though ever so slightly more subtle.

“I did too, Josh.” 

We eventually stumbled our way back onto our own bus, not bothering to change before hopping into our bunks.  It would've been pitch black if it weren't for the dim blue lights under the seats. In the bunks next to ours were Danny and Sam, sleeping pretty soundly in their own. Lucky for us they can sleep through anything. Especially Sam.

I heard a loud thump, looking over to see josh sitting on his ass and looking more grumpy.

“Fuckin bunks are so high up. I swear to god…”

He eventually got up, mumbling to himself angrily before eventually climbing up and falling asleep.

I laid restless in my own, sleep seeming unlikely for the night. My mind could only focus on the enigma that was the girl we had the pleasure of meeting. So I just laid in my bunk, staring at the low ceiling, mind unfocused on anything except what just happened.

Chapter 2

[mirkwoodshewolf]

Aladdin Queen fic John Deacon x reader Chap. 8; Love is formed

*Author’s note*

Okay everyone here it is, my most FAVORITE SONG OF ALADDIN AND MY FAV. PART TO WRITE. And since I love both versions of this song SOOOO much I leave it up to you all on what you want to listen to. Whether its the OG or the LA version I’ll have both links up for you all to enjoy. So I’ll shut up now and let you all get to it and OHHH CHALLENGE ESP. TO US GIRLS!!! DON’T. SING. JASMINE’S PART!!!!! Since you the reader are basically Aladdin’s part you’re gonna have to sing the male part while Deacy takes over the female vocals hehehe. So hope you all enjoy that challenge :)

OG version

LA version

Taglist:

@plethora-of-things​

@psychosupernatural​

@waddles03​

@ixchel-9275​

@georgesgentlyweepingguitar​

@queendeakyy​

@simonedk​

@kairosfreddie​

@geek-and-proud​

_________________________________________________________

After the party Freddie and I were in my guest room with my pacing around and Freddie brushing out his hair with his disguise now dropped.

“He just—walked out.”

“Perhaps I might’ve gone too far with the splits, but darling let’s be honest here. That dance was probably the best thing you will ever do in your entire life.”

“I was pretty good wasn’t I?” I bragged still remembering the look on that bitch Priyanka’s face as she tucked and run. But then I thought back to John, I mean nothing seems to impress him and I thought all royals loved treasures or women fighting over them. “But nothing seems to impress him.”

“I know. Not gems or jams or jewels. I mean if I can’t impress him, I wonder who can?” I looked out of my balcony to see just across from my balcony was the Princes’ balcony.  I saw John with Roger and Jim and the three of them went back into the room.

“What are you saying Freddie?” I asked as I turned towards him.

“I’m just saying maybe just try being yourself.”

“I already told you, he has to marry a Princess.” I sighed as I turned back towards the Princes’ balcony. “If I only just had a few minutes alone with him.” Then an idea came into my mind. “You have to get me over there?”

“That an official wish?” he asked me as he shook out his hair and turned towards me.

“No it’s more of a—favor. For a friend.”

“Sorry dear, genies really don’t do favors.” He said as he turned back towards the mirror and observed himself. “Plus we don’t really do friends.”

“But I thought you said you never had a friend like me.”

“See that’s where you’re wrong (y/n). I said you never had a friend like me. See when you’re a genie, people always want things from you it’s just—awkward.” He placed a turban on top of his head and modeled it wondering if it looked good on him.  That’s when I got a clever idea.

“Yeah, you’re right. Besides it would’ve involved distracting a—certain animal keeper to the Princes.”

“Oh-ho I see where this is going you clever minx, I hook you up, you hook me up, right?” Freddie said as came up in front of me with a wide smile while I just grinned back at him.

*3rd Person POV*

Now back in his disguise Freddie appeared at the Princes’ door and extended his hand outwards to the door, then using his magic he made three knocks sound off before they opened to reveal Jim.  He was surprised to see the advisor to the Princess and Freddie greeted him with a smile.

“Good evening.”

“How did you get past the guards?” questioned Jim.

“Oh I uhh—I snuck past them.”

“All 48 of them? Even the ones that spit fire? Impressive.” Jim said in a blunt tone.

“Well—that’s what people say about me.” Freddie chuckled nervously. Jim however just gave him an unimpressed look. “Oh that—that came out arrogant didn’t it? I mean I’m not overly arrogant or a prick I just I don’t know why I said that. Uhh….” He then saved himself by bring out from his back, a small bouquet of roses.

“They’re lovely.” Jim awed. “He’ll hate them.” Jim then suddenly spoke with a blunt matter-of-fact tone. “Tell the Princess that the way to Prince John’s heart is through his mind.”

“Actually these are from me��to you.” Freddie said. Jim’s face softened and he said softly.

“Could you excuse me for one moment?” Jim said as he reached for the doors and slowly closed them.

“No, wait I just….” Freddie tried to save himself but the doors closed in on him before he could say another word.

Jim remained calm as he slowly turned towards the Princes before finally letting go and silently pumping his arms up and down in victory.  John, Brian and Roger also mouthed out a cheer for him.

Meanwhile from the hallway Freddie turned his head angrily muttering to himself.

“‘Not that I’m overly arrogant’ really Freddie? That made you sound like a right up arsehole basically.” The doors opened up and Freddie turned back and smiled at Jim.  Jim took the roses and said.

“My favorite, I plant these all the time back home for the Princes garden. You may continue.”

“I was noticing of how—pleasant the evening is. At the party I noticed you noticing…me how—pleasant I am. Right, how is this going?” Freddie stammered awkwardly before asking cautiously.

“It’s clumsy. But in a…..charming sort of way.” Jim answered him honestly.

“A stroll.” Freddie blurted out. “Would you like to take an evening stroll with me?”

“Just the two of us? On purpose?”

“Yes, as people.” Jim was silent once again before whispering softly.

“Just one more minute.”

“Okay.” As Jim closed the doors once more, Freddie muttered, “Why the fuck would I say that?” as the doors fully closed he turned aside and softly growled “That woman is contagious!”

Inside the room, Jim tossed the bouquet over to John who caught it and he gestured and mouthed out ‘go’ to Jim.  Jim opened the doors once again and he said to Freddie.

“I’ve never really been on a stroll, how does it work?”

“Follow me my dear and I’ll show you.” The two men then walked side by side of each other, their hands briefly rubbing off against one another.

*My POV*

“I’m happy Jim finally found someone while we were here.” I heard Prince Brian say from the balcony.

“Yeah, he seems to be happy with Ali’s advisor. He looks like he’s a lot of fun, maybe I’ll ask if he’d like to go for a ride in the gardens.” Prince Roger spoke.

“You know you just wanna interrogate the poor guy in case he hurts Jim.” John’s voice spoke up.

“I just care about Jim’s wellbeing. I mean remember that one arsehole that used him to get to us, mainly you Brian.”

“I’d—rather not talk about that thank you Rog.” I then decided to make my presence known so I knocked on the corner of the wall and I heard John say.

“Come in.”

“Actually I’m already in.” I said cautiously as I came around the column pillar.

“Don’t move!” John warned me.  That’s when I saw both the lion and lioness stand up and growl at me, but the lioness seemed more protective as she looked like she was ready to attack me.

“I just came back because you left so…..”

“How did you—get there?” he asked curiously. I closed me mouth and said the first two words that came to my mind.

“Magic carpet?” he just scoffed at me.

“I, for one, am glad you’re here though Princess Ali.” Spoke Prince Brian as he stood up holding some sort of creature in his hand.  It looked kinda like a mongoose of sorts but it wasn’t like anything I’ve ever seen before. It was big, probably the size of a domestic cat, it had grey fur for the back but black on its underbelly, around it’s face was white with black lines along the eyes.

“You are?”

“Yes. For hours I’ve been trying to find Ababwa but it doesn’t seem to be on any of my maps. Care to show me?”

“Well I…..”

“Yes. I would also like to know just why your kingdom isn’t on any map.” John spoke up as he crossed his arms.  As I took a step forward, the lioness took a step forward while the male lion softly roared. “Now Nala. You and your brother can’t eat the princess tonight she needs her legs for dancing.”

“Did I go too far with the split?” I asked as I finally began walking forward while the two big cats were distracted.

“A little. Ababwa?”

“Yes.” I spoke loudly before finally muttering to myself, “Freddie I need to find Ababwa, they have maps, lots of maps.” I cleared my throat as I finally stood by the two princes and picked up the map and held it over my face in between me and John’s face specifically. “Ababwa, of course.” I remained silent for a bit before finally saying again, “Ababwa.”

Finally I saw a cartoon drawing of Freddie on the map in his genie formed and he waved at me.  He then began flying about and I followed his frantic movements as his genie tail began drawing random kingdoms at the center.  Along a banner it read ‘WEMBLEY KINGDOM.’

‘Not funny Freddie!’ I mouthed at him.  He then waved another banner in big bold letters that read JUST BE YOURSELF, his drawing scowling at me with his arms crossed. ‘Fred enough of…..’ John’s hand came on top of the map and he bent it over as he told me.

“Have you lost your country?” oh Allah say something you idiot.

“What no? No! No not at all its……” I set the map down trying to stand between the map and John. “It’s right here.” I pointed in a random spot. His brow rose skeptically as he said.

“I don’t think so, see I was with Brian when he was—” he looked down and low and behold Freddie had drawn the fake kingdom of Ababwa and gotten rid of the other drawings he had done, even his drawing was gone.

“There it is!” I exclaimed cheerfully.  John and Brian hovered over the map and Brian said.

“How did I miss that?”

“Well I mean who needs maps anyways? They’re old, and useless and add no practical value.” I said as I took the map away from the desk.

“Maps are how we see the world.” Brian said as he set down his pet.

“But I thought a prince could go anywhere?” I asked. All three of them had solemn faces as Roger finally spoke up.

“Not these princes unfortunately.” John especially seemed to look the most solemn and heartbroken.

“Well, if you’d—Prince John I’d gladly oh!” I felt a brush up against my leg and a soft bite on my shoe.  I know it wasn’t intentionally at my foot per-say, but I did feel small teeth nibble into my skin.

“Ahh Lulu naughty girl!” Prince Brian scolded as he came up and picked the creature up.  “Sorry, she’s always been a curious little badger but I’ve never seen her act like this before.” Then just before Brian could catch her, she went between my legs, her medium sized body knocking into my heels sending me towards the ground.

“Oh dear Princess Ali are you…..” just before Brian could help me up, the male lion stood between him and I.

“Simba! Nala!” Roger proclaimed as I was now surrounded by two massive big cats.  The female lioness standing right over me growling right into my face for a bit till it suddenly softened.

The male’s face also softened and soon the female slowly licked my face from my forehead down to my chin.  The two of them softly bellowed a soft roar as I said.

“Thank you…..Nala.” I scratched the side of her face and she leaned into my hand and accepted my scratches while Simba came up and plopped right down beside me and raised his paw up and wrapped it around my neck which ended up bringing me down and forcing my face to be buried into his dark mane.

“Incredible.” I heard Brian mutter.  Once I had my fill of lion snuggles and managed to break free of their loving grips, I adjusted myself and said as I walked out towards the balcony.

“I was saying you should really see these places. I mean there’s a whole world beyond books and maps. Do you want to?”

“How? There are guards at every door.” John stated bluntly as he looked at me.

“Who said anything about using a door?” I said as I walked towards the railing.

“What are you doing?” John’s tone turned into an alarmed tone as he came down the steps.

“Sometimes my English Princes, you just—have to take a risk.” I said as I swung over to the other side of the railing before finally letting go.

*John’s POV*

We all let out a gasp as Princess Ali just fell to her death.  All was quiet as I looked from side to side.

“Please tell me we didn’t just witness a suicide.” Spoke Roger.  Suddenly slowly rising up sitting perfectly fine and alive was Princess Ali on top of a—no way they really do exist? I thought these things were just stories.

“Is this…..” I asked as I walked up to her.

“A magic carpet? Yeah.” She scooted closer to the edge of the carpet and said to me, “Do you trust me?” wait a second. Did—did she just say what I thought she said?

“What?”

“Do you trust me?” she said again as she extended her hand out to mine.  I turned towards Brian and Roger and they nodded and gestured for me to go on.  I turned back towards Ali and gave her my hand as I said.

“Yes.” She then helped me onto the magic carpet. The two of us sat down on top of the magic carpet and as Nala came up towards the balcony bellowing out a whine, the carpet took off flying over the entire city.

It was then I heard Ali beginning to sing, and my god she—had the voice of an angel.  The only other voice to sing so sweetly like that was my mother.  We flew through the tight alleyways of the Agrabah city and I couldn’t help but be in awe of the city at night.  When I turned back towards Ali, she had a small plum petunia in her hand and she held it out to me.

I took it and sniffed it as it’s delicate scent tickled my nose as we continued to fly through the rooftops of the city now before flying high into the sky.  Going up and over the clouds before slowly diving back down through them, like whales breaching in the ocean.  Even going as far to fly across the moon.

*Ali*

I can show you the world Shining, shimmering, splendid Tell me, my prince, now when did You last let your heart decide?

I can open your eyes Take you wonder by wonder Over, sideways and under On a magic carpet ride

A whole new world A new fantastic point of view No one to tell us no Or where to go Or say we're only dreaming

        I then began to feel the song in my heart as we continued to fly high over the clouds.  Soon the magic carpet even handed us some armful of clouds for Ali and I to hold.  

Never did I dream that I would actually get to hold a cloud it was more—fluffier than I imagined.  Kinda like feeling stuffing.

        As Ali’s cloud broke apart, I released my cloud go as we spun around a cloud making it into the shape of whipped cream topping before doing a loop-de-loop.  We now flew alongside a flock of cranes and I couldn’t help but extend my arms out, it was then we were briefly tossed off the carpet before being caught again, doing somersaults as we went higher and higher into the diamond lit sky.

*Me*

A whole new world A dazzling place I never knew But when I'm way up here It's crystal clear That now I'm in a whole new world with you *Ali*

Now I'm in a whole new world with you

*Me*

Unbelievable sights Indescribable feeling Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling Through an endless diamond sky

A whole new world

We flew straight down from the sky and through the clouds to see a river coming up.  I closed my eyes but she took my wrists and gently took them away from my eyes as we flew right over the water before going back up towards the sky to see the city of Agra.  The Taj Mahal standing so proudly just ahead as we flew over it.

We then flew far out of the city towards the open desert to see a herd of wild horses running freely.  As we got closer to them, I stroked the youngest stallion underneath his chin and he whinnied while we flew on ahead of the herd. *Ali*

Don't you dare close your eyes *Me*

A hundred thousand things to see *Ali*

Hold your breath - it gets better *Me*

I'm like a shooting star I've come so far I can't go back to where I used to be

*Ali*

A whole new world *Me*

Every turn a surprise *Ali*

With new horizons to pursue *Me*

Every moment red-letter

Now flying over the Indian ocean we both looked down to see the dolphins swimming up to the surface doing their breaching technique, the moon bouncing off the water gave it a beautiful glow and as I looked towards Ali, the moon also gave her an ethereal beauty, especially from her raven hair to her bright (e/c) eyes.

We turned to face each other as our song came to a close and I could feel my heart beat just a little bit faster at seeing her eyes shine like the stars under the moonlight. *Both*

I'll chase them anywhere There's time to spare Let me share this whole new world with you

*Ali (Me)*

A whole new world (A whole new world)

That's where we'll be (that’s where we’ll be) *Ali*

A thrilling chase *Me*

A wondrous place *Both*

For you and me

We leaned up against each other, my head on top of hers and her head resting against my shoulder as my hand gently took hers and they intertwined with each other’s.

After seeing the world we stopped right back into the city of Agrabah to see the people having a celebration of their own in the middle of their city.  A large bonfire was at the center, drummers banging on the drums in rhythm while the people danced in a circle and cheered.  I looked over to Ali and took off my white vest and draped it over her shoulders to keep her warm.  She turned to me and smiled in gratitude.

“Of all the places you’ve shown me tonight this is by far the most beautiful.”

“Sometimes you just have to look at it from a new perspective.” She answered.

“It’s them. The people. No matter what skin color they are, they make it beautiful. And they deserve to have an ally who knows that. I don’t see how that ever could be me.”

“Because it should be you.” She answered.

“Do you really think so?” I asked as I turned to face her.

“Does it really matter what I think?” she said as she tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear, much like how (y/n) did a couple nights ago.  

But it—it couldn’t be her. Could it? So I decided to test something out.

“You know,” I slowly moved my arm around her waist. “It’s a shame that Abu had to miss this.”

“Nah, he hates parties, besides he’s……” she stopped talking and I saw her face fall. So it was her. It was (y/n)!

“I knew it, you are (y/n)! Why did you lie to me!?” I said as I backed away from her.

“John I’m sorry.” She pleaded.  No she doesn’t get any mercy from me.

“Did you really think I was stupid? That I wouldn’t figure it out?!”

“No, no you’re not stupid I was just….”

“Tell me the truth. Is your name (Y/n) or Ali?!”

“I’m Princess Ali.”

“So (y/n) wasn’t real?”

“No she is! Because I’m also (y/n). I—just use the name (y/n) for when I need to disguise myself amongst the commoners. To—escape the pressures of palace life.” I just looked at her with a skeptical glare and I asked her.

“Why didn’t you just tell me the day we met?”

“Well I mean you know—royalty going out into the city in disguise it sounds kinda strange don’t it?” well she’s got me there. I mean after it was my idea that Roger and I dress as commoners to escape the palace just shortly after we had arrived.

“Not that strange.” I said as I gently nudged her shoulder with mine.  “I’m sorry I snapped at you. Is just I can’t believe I didn’t recognize you.”

“It’s okay. People just don’t see the real you when you’re royalty.” Don’t I know that much.  We looked at each other and that’s when I returned the favor and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“We should—” she started off.  I looked down at her and she continued, “We should head back.”

“Already?” I sighed and that’s when Ali had the magic carpet take us back to the palace.

We arrived back at my balcony and I could see the lights were off, so I’m hoping Brian and Roger are asleep by now.  Ali helped me off the magic carpet and handed me back my vest and that’s when the magic carpet lowered itself down.

“Goodnight, Princess Ali.”

“Sweet dreams, Prince John.” She said softly with a soft smile.  Slowly the two of us began leaning forward when suddenly she was pushed right up into my face.  Well I guess I’ll have the thank that magic carpet tomorrow.  I then leaned the rest of the way and softly kissed her lips.

She kissed me back and it felt like an eternity before the desperate need for air became necessary.  I pulled away before giving her a warm smile and turning my back on her to walk into our room.

*3rd Person POV*

After the kiss and John turned back into his room, (y/n) extended her arms outward as she whispered.

“Yes.” Before falling back onto Carpet who flew away from the balcony and (y/n) let out a giggly, whooping cheer.  However she was unaware of Iago who had witnessed the entire thing.

“Fascinating.” He crooned darkly.

Back in her room, Carpet stopped right at her balcony where Freddie now in full genie mode was drinking a cup of vodka and he said as he saw (y/n)’s face.

“Ohh I love that face. Good date?”

“The best.” She answered with a reply.

Meanwhile in the Princes room Roger and Brian who were still awake while Jim was preparing John for bed, John said to them.

“But it was better than the best.”

“Wow Deacy, who would’ve thought you had it in you.” Roger praised.

“However the thing was Roger we’ve actually met her.”

“Wait what do you mean?”

“He even figured out that I was (y/n). You said that wouldn’t happen.” (y/n) told Freddie.

“Well genie magic is really just a façade. Eventually real characters are always gonna show up. But that’s a good thing, right? Now he knows.”

“Well…..” she dragged out.

“Wai—hold-hold up now. What?”

“She told me that she was only pretending to be a thief to escape the stress of palace life, but she’s really a Princess.” John explained to Roger just after Jim finished brushing his hair. “Thank you Jim, you can retire for the night.”

“Thank you Prince John. Good night boys.”

“Night Jim.” Said Brian.

“G’night Jimmy boy” Roger called out as Jim left their bedrooms to go to his sleeping quarters.

“And you believed that?” asked Roger.

“I think so.” John said as he got into his bed.

“(Y/n) darling, eventually you are going to have to tell him the truth.”

“Eventually I will tell him Freddie. But anyway, how was your stroll with Jim?”

“Oh no, no, no you are not turning the conversation around dear.”

“I’m not I’m genuinely curious. How did it go?” Freddie looked at me skeptically but when he saw that I wasn’t lying to him, he proceeded to tell me everything.  He seemed to really like Jim, and heck maybe by the end of it all, maybe they could end up together.  Sure it’s frowned upon but love is love and that’s how everyone should live their lives, right?

Brian turned to his side to face John and asked him.

“You don’t think that maybe you want believe her because you have to marry a Princess, but can’t marry a thief?”

“No Brian. I believe her. I do.” John said affirmatively.  He looked up at the ceiling before sighing softly and shutting his eyes to rest for a new day.

[kinetic-elaboration]

August 6: Star Trek 1x09 The Dagger of the Mind

Today’s episode: The Dagger of the Mind

Lol Kirk is the MOST competent person on the Enterprise, and that’s why he’s the Captain. This is like The Naked Time all over again. Must he does everyone’s job??

Mr. Berkeley, go to your room and do your homework.

But first secure the box!! I swear, no one listens to Kirk. He doesn’t even look like he’s getting a vault number, he looks like he’s just fucking around.

Hey dude, don’t open the box you’re in. Can’t you see it says don’t open on it?

Ah another episode with Jim and his heroes. I love how naive and good he is.

“Dr. Adams? There’s an emergency, but before we get to that, might I fanboy a little, discreetly?”

“When there’s no emotion, there is no motive for violence.” Well you got me there.

Excellent non-violent take-down maneuver by Kirk and Spock.

The Enterprise makes a u-turn.

Kirk just obviously making excuses to stand really close to Spock, and lean over him. “What’s so fascinating?”

“Enlighten me again.”

Spock’s expression this ep omg. Perfect. He doesn’t have a ton to do so he just takes advantage of all of his moments.

TRUST BONES’S GUT.

I love how they use their respective ship’s logs against each other, these regulation loving nerds. “I’ll write it in MY log and then YOU’LL have to answer in YOUR log, so THERE.”

Like honestly who thought ST was an action franchise that needed new actions movies??

Kirk’s man crush is insane.

Bones on Skype!

Spock just really throwing out the “Jim” for no reason today. He was much sluttier about the first name early on. Either that or fandom just misremembers this. Either that or I just misremember this.

Science lab Christmas party lol.

I am 100% certain that Kirk reacts the way he does to Noel (with a really quite extreme aversion and even rudeness that is not like him) because she made a move on him at the party that he didn’t like or thought was inappropriate. Because they aren’t exes, and she made it clear he didn’t cross any lines with her (so no reason to feel guilty) and yet he is ANGRY at her.

Another 1950s sci fi locale. (Correction: ... the same 1950s sci fi locale. Hello Delta Vega.)

Elevator, not turbo lift, I guess.

Oh no, Kirk’s cell doesn’t have service!

Any particular reason they’re drinking lol? Did people in the 60s just literally drink all the time?

They’re not very nice to Dr. Noel. She’s not really.... appearing very smart though... not the best female character on ST lol. Still, stop talking over her, you men!

This device is so hella suspicious on its face. At least Kirk kinda gets that.

This is a pretty good Spock and Bones ep.

We’re already at the introduction of the mind meld! I forgot it was this ep. I did remember how it was introduced as a very special, rare, private, dangerous Vulcan thing that definitely shouldn’t just be used wantonly and at a whim Mr. Spock.

“It’s a hidden, personal thing to the Vulcan people. Part of our private lives.”

...First that makes it sound like a sex thing. And second... I’m intrigued.

(I’ve actually always preferred general touch telepathy to mind melds specifically but.... when you put it like that.)

I think I like this original mind meld hand gesture more than the one they settle on later. It makes it look more like a physical manipulation of the body, which is what Spock describes here. I kind of forgot about that aspect of it (and perhaps everyone else did too lol).

I think this is also the first time they mention touch telepathy or any kind of Vulcan telepathy, in general.

McCoy is so disturbed watching this meld.

“I have no desire to damage my brain.” That’s good lol.

This is absolutely also the sort of thing AOS Kirk would do.

Kirk wanting to raid a kitchen is ADORABLE.

“Now pick some unusual suggestion.” What’s more unusual than the idea he picked her up and carried her off to his quarters, then ravished her like a bad boy?? People remember that scene but not that it was a woman’s fantasy lol. And a fantasy she knew was super fake and that he would recognize as super fake! Because it was!! Super fake!! No one talks like this and certainly not a captain to one of his crew and certainly not literal-opposite-of-a-bad-boy Jim Kirk.

Kirk’s so strong.

Lol she thinks he’s looking at her and he’s looking at the wall.

“Any training in high power voltage?” he asks, as if this were just a thing everyone had.

No? Well up in the air duct you go anyway. Touch the wrong thing and die! Good luck.

And in her defense... she does it and succeeds, so good on her.

Well it’s no Vulcan nerve pinch but Kirk knocks down those guys pretty well.

Spock’s expression when he sees Jim and Noel is just on a New Level omg.. Like “this is too bizarre to cause even me jealousy.”

Spock standing there over Adams’s dead body like “Hmmm, I wonder who turned the power back on? Who would do such a thing?”

So I guess Van Gelder’s okay now and Spock just fixed him lol. Very effective mind meld.

I wonder if Kirk already had a fear of dying alone or if this is what caused it--the “I always knew I would die alone” of ST V.

But then he looks at Spock to make him feel better, and Spock does. And Kirk has emotional security, the end.

Overall... I feel like I didn’t enjoy this ep as much as I remembered? I don’t know, I feel bad saying that. I thought the mind meld stuff was really great, and the story overall was pretty good. I guess a part of me wanted to go in more to this idea of a penal colony and why Adams was doing these experiments and using this machine. Like, obviously he’s making people docile, and then just experimenting like all power hungry people do--but there are two creepy things going on here, the memory erasure, and the memory replacement, and I feel like they got a bit conflated. Idk. I know Star Trek often presents questions rather than answers, but I felt like this one maybe could have gone farther.

Noel was one of those awkward ST female characters, where you can, like, tell they’re trying to be feminist but they just have their inherent limits lol. I didn’t want to find her annoying bu I often did. Also, I am quite convinced she made an inappropriate move, because I can’t imagine any other reason Kirk would be so upset with and about her. But since we never get the holiday party from his pov, it’s all left ambiguous. Her memory is of a pretty standard office party--they dance a little and he’s charming. But he acts as if it were something WAY more awkward. Like she did something that she didn’t think crossed a line, but he did. But tbh I’d be surprised if the intention was to imply a young woman sexually harassed the male captain, which makes me wonder what they were actually going for. That HE thought he crossed a line? Then it’s pretty obnoxious of him to be mad at HER. Plus, they make it canonically crystal clear later that he didn’t do anything inappropriate so.... puzzling.

OMG THE NEXT EP IS THE CORBOMITE MANEUVER ONE OF MY FAVORITES AAAAAAH.

[ghost-nabbers-imagines]

A Family: Part 2.

So this story is set in the past but not in the 80s. I think phones could send videos over message in 2003? So let's say that

Larry and I made our way back into the apartment finding Lisa starting dinner. Hearing us come in she turned around a warm sympathetic smile on her face. "So what's the verdict?" She asked. The two of us walked up to her Larry's arm still around my shoulders. "I think were gonna have and raise the baby." I breathed out feeling Larry squeeze my shoulder in support. "I'm sorry mom we were always careful I promise." Larry said letting go of my shoulder. Lisa wrapped her arms around both of us. "Its ok. What matters now Is that the baby is taken care of and has a family that loves them." She smiled.

When we pulled away from the hug Lisa light smacked Larry on the back of the head. "However that's for not talking to me about any of this." She Said jokingly making both Larry and I laugh. "Oh and (y/n) dear I called your parents and convinced them to come over tonight so we can all talk." She continued before turning around to return to cooking. I sighed taking a deep breath. Larry gave me a reassuring smile and the two of us helped Lisa cook.

Soon enough Ash, Todd, Neil, Chug, Maple, Sal, Henry, and my parents had all joined us. The whole group sat around the coffee table eating the spagheti and meatballs that Lisa had prepared. Everyone was laughing and talking genuinely having a good time. Everyone except my parents who were just kind of listening to something Henry was saying. "I'm gonna go grab some more water." My mother said excusingherself. "I guess I should grab dessert. Larry dear you want to clean up the plates?" Lisa asked getting up from the table and following my mom who had an annoyed look on her face. "I'll help." I smiled getting up.

Larry and I started collecting dishes before entering the kitchen with our moms. Lisa was putting the finishing touch on a pie. Larry started to wash off the dishes as I scraped the food into the trash. "(Y/n) do you have your keys with you? I left something back in the apartment." My mother asked. "Yeah they're in my bag in the living room." I explained beginning to dry the dishes Larry was washing.

My mom walked into the living room and a few minutes I heard her yell my name. Larry, Lisa, and I turned around with the same expression on our faces. "(Y/n) where'd you leave the test?" Larry asked. I frowned pushing the door open to see my parents arguing the pregnancy test in her hand.

"You're pregnant?" My mom asked angrily. "Y-yes I am." I said timidly. "How could you be so stupid? How many times have we had this conversation?" She yelled her face practically as red as a tomato. "This isn't her fault. We didnt mean for it to happen." Larry spoke up wrapping his arm around my shoulders again. "He's the father?! I knew we shouldn't have let you come over here so much!" My mother yelled.

"Now Mrs. (Y/l/n) there's no reason to yell. Lets sit down and talk about rationally." Lisa said calmly. "Dont tell me to be rational! Because of your negligence my daughter is pregnant!" She yelled back. "Mom this isn't Lisa's fault just please calm down." I responded making my mom glare towards me."You're dead punk!" My dad yelled running towards Larry. Larry dodged running out of the way. Henry got up trying to hold my father back.

"We're getting this taken care of tomorrow!" My mother insisted. "Mom we're keeping the baby. I know it's probably not the smartest choice but we're not comfortable giving it away and I dont want to abort it." I explained standing in front of Larry. Both of my parents were fuming. "You don't get to make that call you're only sixteen!" My father shouted. "Let's go (Y/n) now. We need to go home talk about this just the three of us." My mom insisted. I shook my head now noticing the tears that were falling down my cheeks. "Mom Larry is just as much a part of this!" I tried to insist. "I don't care our family needs to talk this over now. " my father insisted. I knew it was no use arguing so I turned and hugged Larry. He hugged me tightly in return before pulling away a couple inches."Its ok just talk to them and explain things. Text me after." He said kissing my forehead while pressing a hand on my belly. I smiled and was dragged out of the apartment by my parents.

When we got back to ours they practically threw me onto to couch. My father went into the kitchen where I couldn't see him and my mother stayed to lecture me.

"Are you crazy what were you thinking?"

"I didn't do it on purpose mom. And I got lucky that its Larry's I mean he wants to be there for both of us."

"You are not having that punk stoner's baby. He'll run out and leave you both behind just like Jim did to him and Lisa!"

"He wouldn't do that!"

"Really? Because it sounds like you two aren't even together as it is. You think that's suddenly gonna change now that you have his spawn growing inside you? And if it does do you really want him to love you out of obligation?"

"Larry isn't like that mom!"

She let out a bitter laugh shaking her head. Although I knew she was just trying to get to me the word obligation spun around my head. She had a point Larry and I weren't even dating. My father reentered the room handing me a cup of tea. "Drink that its Addison tea. It sounds like we all need to take a deep breath." He explained. I took a deep breath and sipped the warm comforting liquid. My parents continued to talk to me about how abortion would be the best option for me. "We have a very powerful friend that could pay for the doctor to come to his house and take for it. The whole thing would take less than 2 hours." My father explained. I continued sipping my tea not really listening to what they were saying. I knew what I wanted.

As i listened to their speech I felt my eyes getting heavier like I was suddenly really tired. I tried to speak but couldn't. My vision was going dark and I could feel my body slipping onto the couch. "We're going to fix this." I heard my father say before I lost consciousness.

-Larry's pov-

I paced around my room for what felt like the millionth time once again checking the time. "She'll message you dear give it time. They have a lot to discuss." My mom said trying to comfort me. I sighed sitting on the couch running my hands through my hair. "But they were so mad when they left what if they do something to her or try to send her somewhere. I have a bad feeling about this." I ranted biting my lip anxiously. My mom smiled at me sympathetically as she went into the kitchen to make something to drink.

I checked my phone again, still no message. Something was wrong I knew it. A distant sound coming from my room made me jump, it sounded like my walkie. I ran into my room grabbing the device to hear Sal's voice on the other end.

"Larry! Pick up man hurry!"

"Sal what's wrong dude?"

"Its (y/n) I'm pretty sure I just saw her parents sneaking out her unconscious body. If we hurry we can still catch them!"

"Fuck ok hang on! Make sure they dont leave!"

I grabbed my red hoodie and barely stepped into my shoes rubbing out into the living room. "Mom I need to borrow the truck! (Y/n)'s in danger!" I yelled grabbing my moms keys. "What? What happened? She asked confused. "No time to explain have to save her!" I called out running out of the apartment. I met with Sal in the parking lot who was ducking behind the truck.

I could see (y/n)'s parents getting into his work van and it looked like she was in the backseat passed out. "What the fuck did they do to her?" I growled under my breath. Sal and I quietly climbed into the truck waiting for them to pull out of the lot before starting after them. There was only a car between us so hopefully they couldn't see us. My fingers were pale white as I gripped the steering wheel tightly. "I swear to god if they hurt her or my baby." I growled suddenly feeling immensely angry that they were taking her.

"It'll be ok Larry we'll save her." Sal tries to assure me putting his small cold hand on my shoulder. I nodded letting out a shaky angry breath. We weren't driving for very long in fact it was a really short drive which all though it isn't uncommon in Knockfell still surprised me. "They pulled into the church." Sal pointed out as the van pulled up behind the church. "Why would they bring her here? I mean you can't pray away being pregnant." I said confused pulling the truck into the front parking lot. Sal sent a text to Henry and my mom letting them know where we were and send help.

The two of us carefully climbed out of the vehicle sneaking into the building. The main hall and service room were both empty but we began to hear some noise from the basement. We crept closer to the top the of the stair case hidden behind the doors. We could see (y/n) laying on a metal table with a machine hooked to her and her arms secured to the table. Her mother was standing by her head soothing her hair back. A man dressed as a doctor was standing in the corner working on some tool while Mr. (Y/l/n) and a man I couldn't place were talking. Sal took out his phone from his pocket and began recording.

"Thank you for your help. We didnt know who else could fix this problem."

"You came to the right place. Many young sinners have been helped in this basement."

"So no one will know what took place here tonight?"

"No. I understand that this choice is just as much against the bible as premarital sex but this community does not need a teen mom walking around especially not carrying the spawn of that Johnson boy."

"Thank you father Phelps. We dont know where we went so wrong with her."

"Let us pray now before Doctor Victor performs the opperation."

Sal and I turned to look at each other shocked and horrified. "Father Phelps that's Travis's dad the preacher." Sal pointed out. I nodded in response. Sal sent the video clearly showing father Phelps with (y/n) in the background, to Ash briefly explaining what to do if we didnt call her in an hour. We were about to creep down when a hand touched my shoulder. I jumped spinning around to see my mom and Henry. The four of us walked down into the basement just in time for their prayer to finish.

"Let her go!" I shouted startling the group. "This isn't any of your business child. The world does not need another Johnson child in world. Especially not one parented by two children." Father Phelps explained motioning for the doctor. "Mrs. (Y/l/n) you know she doesn't want this why are you forcing her to do this?" My mom asked taken back by their cruelty. "Stay out of this Lisa. This wouldnt have happened if she hadn't been around your deliquant son." Her mother spat.

"We're going to solve this problem before it becomes a problem so if you don't mind I'm going to have the doctor begin." Mr. Phelps said snapping his fingers towards (y/n)'s unconscious body. The doctor grabbed a large needle moving towards (y/n). "Don't you fucking touch her!" I yelled running to her side. Her father grabbed a hold of my arms trying to pull me away. Henry tried to go to my aide but was stopped by father Phelps. "Wait! I have footage of you standing in front of (y/n). I've already sent it to some friends of mine and told them if they didnt hear from us in an hour to send it to everyone in town. I dont think it would be good for the community to see the preacher committing such an act." Sal threatened showing the clip on his phone.

Phelps glared at Sal staring into his eyes threateningly. "Are you threatening me boy?" The older man growled. Sal stood strong. I continued to struggle against (y/n)'s father and my mom tried to stand in between (y/n) and the doctor while arguing with her mother. "Do you really think they'll believe the town freak over me?" He scoffed.

"L-larry?" I heard (y/n)'s timid voice call from the table. I yanked myself from the man's arms ran to her side. "Its ok baby . I'm here. I'm not gonna let them hurt either of you, I promise." I assured her placing a kiss on her forehead. "Now that you're awake I'm sorry to say this will hurt a lot more than it would have." The doctor said filling the large needle with a weird looking dark red liquid. "Normally noone would believe me you're right, but the whole school already knows (y/n) is pregnant. If you do this the whole town will know that she got rid of it and that Father Phelps knew it happened. Let Larry and Lisa take her home and you can still get out of this." Sal said being the more logical friend. "That's right one of the girls heard me talking about it in the gym locker room with Ash the next thing we knew everyone was talking about it."( y/n) said weakly. "I'm sorry Mr. (Y/l/n) if it's already out theres nothing I can do. But this isn't over, you young sinners are going to get what's coming." Father Phelps said signaling to the doctor who cleaned up his bag of tools and followed the preacher out.

"I've had enough of this if he won't take care of it then I will! Her father yelled grabbing the needle which had left behind as well as a knife had. I stood in front of her glaring down at the cruel man in front of us. He lunged forward with the knife and I moved to tack him. The knife caught my arm but we both fell to the floor. He kicked me off him before grabbing for the knife again. "You hurt either of them and I swear to god!" I shouted.

"What's it gonna be parents of a pregnant girl who kicked her out or parents of someone who the whole town thinks is a murderer?" Sal asked looking between both parents. "Phelps will throw you under the bus to protect himself so dont think he can protect you." Henry added. "Let's just go (fathers name)." Mrs. (Y/l/n) said grabbing her husband's arm. "You're gonna regret this Johnson. I'll make sure of it." He spat before the two exited the church.

I turned to (y/n) and began helping my mom remove the restraints. The second her arms were free (y/n) hugged onto me still shaking. "Thank you." She kept repeating as she hid her face in shoulder. I could feel her soft tears hitting my skin. I held her tightly trying to soothe her. "Its ok you're safe now. I'm not gonna let them hurt either of you." I promised before pulling away from the hug. I slipped off my hoodie and helped her put it on.

"We should take her to the doctor make sure whatever they gave her didn't harm the baby." My mom pointed out. I nodded putting an arm around (y/n)'s back and the other under her legs. She smiled her beautiful smile wrapping her arms around my neck. I lifted her off the table following the others out. We decided that Henry was gonna take Sal home and mom and I would take (y/n) to the doctor. I thanked Sal and (y/n) gave him a weak hug thanking him well before they drove off. Mom drove the truck while I sat in the passenger seat (y/n) in between us but mostly on my lap. "Thank you guys so much. You literally saved me. But father Phelps is probably going to be after you all now." She said in a quiet almost guilty voice.

"Hey you're family there was no way in hell we were letting them hurt either of you." My mom assured her. "And fuck father Phelps. After what he tried to do to you hes lucky I'm not after him now." I said with an angry tone. (Y/n) cuddled more into my side making me wrap my arms around her. "I'm gonna protect both of you (y/n) I promise." I told her kissing her forehead. My mom smirked at me as we we pulled into the hospital parking lot.

With the exception of dirty looks from several nurses the checkup went fine, both my girl and my baby were ok. The minute the doctor said those words out loud I let out a breath I didnt even know I was holding. "Thank God." My mom breathed out. "Just take her home and let her sleep off the drug. And make sure she stays hydrated." The doctor told me before leaving the room. My mom walked out to ask a couple last questions while I helped (y/n) get dressed.

"Larry there's something I think we should talk about."

"Sure what's up?"

"I know were were just screwing for a bit of fun but now that there's a baby what do you want to do about us? I mean please don't feel obligated to be with me because I'm carrying your child. I really dont want that I just figured we should probably talk about it."

"Of course I want to be with you. And it has nothing to do with obligation. I've liked you for a long time. When we were really drunk and slept together the first time I thought I'd finally be brave enough to ask you out but then the next morning you offered to just be friends with benefits so I chickened out and agreed. I wanted you not just someone to fuck."

She smiled brightly at me hugging me tightly. "I take it you'll be my girlfriend then?" I joked laughing making her giggle and nod into my shoulder. "Well baby mama slash girlfriend." I teased making her lightly shove my shoulder. I helped her down from the table and kept my arm around her as she wobbly walked out into the waiting room where we found mom by the doors. "Let's get home and get some rest it's been a long day." She smiled warmly. We climbed back into the truck and we'd barely pulled out of the parking lot before (y/n) was dozing off on my shoulder.

"So have you guys talked about your relationship at all? I mean it's going to be effected by the baby."

"Yeah actually we just had that talk. I want her to be my girlfriend. I mean I've pretty much been in love with her since I met her."

"You love her?"

"Shit I mean yeah I guess I do. Yeah i love her. Although I should probably take her on a real date before I tell her that."

"Well I guess since shes already pregnant it would be ok if she moves into your room with you. Just please try to cool it Lar Bear."

"Ok mom I will and thanks for letting her stay."

"Even though I'm way too young to be a grandmother it will be nice to have a baby around the apartment again."

"I hope I can be the kind of father this baby deserves. Not like I have very much to go off of."

"You're not your father sweet heart. You're already doing a great job. But in speaking of fathers I do think you and Sal should go pick up her clothes and stuff tomorrow. She shouldn't go back there alone."

"Hell no shes not going back there alone. They arent going anywhere near her or our baby."

Pretty soon we were back at the apartments and I had gotten (y/n) inside and on my bed. I replaced her skinny jeans with a pair of my sweatpants that could be tightened on her waist. The legs hung loosely on her but at least she was comfortable. I laid next to her in bed holding her while tracing my fingers across her belly.

"I'm not gonna let anything happen to either of you kid I promise. And I'm gonna stick around and be there for you. You're not gonna grow up without a dad like I did."

~Lex💛

[stedes-black-bonnet]

My Baby Does Me: Chapter 5

POV: John Deacon x reader

Notes: Whelp, I got carried away by Freddie in this one, guys. We will rejoin our regularly scheduled program in Chapter 6 

Warnings: Swearing?

Abstract: You share a closet with a famous Queen.

You were in the closet with Freddie Mercury, holding a string. Could this night get any more bizarre? You immediately chastised yourself for jinxing it. You had the distinct feeling anything could happen in Freddie and Jim’s home. This had more to do with Freddie, you guessed, but you couldn’t deny the magic of this night and this place.

Freddie was as fascinated by the string as one of his cats might have been. To him it was more than a trinket from the party downstairs. He knew Deacy was sentimental to a fault, and somehow this balloon string meant something to him beyond its basic utility. But what? How best to find out?

Freddie looked from the string to you, deciding best how to phrase his words. His raw charisma was unmatched by anyone you had ever seen. Every gesture, every touch was laced with elegance, every word, every glance was intentional. Some might say he was affected and fraudulent even, but that wasn’t it, that didn’t touch it; he was stylized, particular, and commanding. There was absolutely nothing fake about Freddie Mercury.

“Y/N, dear?”

“Yes, Freddie?” Your voice sounded far away.

“Did something happen to you and Deacy with that string?” His eyebrows jumped scandalously.

You were sure he was implying something akin to being tied up. Admittedly, you felt a little tongue-tied, though that had nothing to do with this string. Going over the events of the past half hour, you felt somewhat surprised at yourself and unsure if you could trust your memory. It felt like those moments in the cupboard with John Deacon had happened to someone else, someone more interesting, someone more beautiful. Maybe this string was all the proof you needed to remind yourself of what had transpired. You kissed and kissed and kissed a man over and over and over. It had happened. And it wasn’t just any man, but John Deacon, bassist of Queen. And here you were standing next to Freddie Mercury talking about a string Deacy had given you only moments before. The absurdity of this made you burst into hysterical trills of laughter. Maybe it was the alcohol. Maybe it was the natural high from making out with someone you couldn’t take your eyes off of, someone you couldn’t stop thinking about, maybe it was the larger than life presence of Freddie Mercury. You weren’t sure.

Freddie laughed with you, “Are you trying to tell me he did tie you up?”

“No, not at all!”

“And you’re disappointed he didn't?” Freddie winked at you. “Really, men just need a little encouragement then they’re ready to play the game, darling.”

“I usually don’t do this.” You slumped against the wall. Deep in thought, you slid to the ground.

“What? Talk with queers in closets? Quick! Should we oust ourselves?”

You knew he was trying to make you laugh; he was performing for you. “I don’t typically carry on with men, or with rock-stars, and I definitely don’t just make out with them at the drop of a hat.”

“Really? I used to do it all the time!” Freddie joined you on the floor with a flourish.

“Which--men or rock-stars?” You asked cheekily.

“Both! I recommend it highly. All you beautiful people should be making out all the time, if you ask me.”

“You must mean everyone but me,” You adjusted your glasses, frowning slightly. Freddie studied you closely, looking confused. You shook your head, “I’m not. I mean, I know the ‘everyone is pretty in their own way kinda line.’ I’ve always been the smart one, or the ‘oh at least she has nice eyes’ one; the one with the good personality; I’m not the pretty one, trust me.”

Freddie rumbled, sighing deeply. He knew about insecurity. A stranger in a strange land, surrounded by adoring fans who expected him to act a certain way continually. It was tiring to always be someone else, to never have anyone to share your true self with. Ever since he could remember he had been teased about his overbite, his ethnicity, his flamboyance, his identity, his sexuality; what often gets overlooked is how adversity often makes the weak strong, and the enemy petty and to be pitied. Well, here he was, in white hot-pants, a full-length red cape, lined in regal white fur, and an honest to god crown; he wasn’t about to let anyone tell him who he had to be, or what he was, or that who he was wasn’t acceptable. Life means absolutely nothing until you can be who you are out loud. Hiding wasn’t ever anything he was interested in or good at.

“Y/N?”

“Yes, Freddie?” You were both sitting on the floor of the pantry, just two old friends sharing confidences.

“You know what you’re doing, don’t you?”

“What? Contemplating the course of my entire life?”

“You’re feeling sorry for yourself. And, dear, what really irritates me about it is you’re feeling sorry for yourself for having a good time. You’re beating yourself up because you don’t believe you deserve what happened in here, whatever that may have been.”

You wanted to fight him, you wanted to protest. But you couldn’t because you knew he was right. You weren’t a child; you were an adult, and old enough to know the difference between rationality and self-delusion. You weren’t being fair to yourself. Why were you deliberately trying to ruin what had happened between you and Deacy? What use was it to self-sabotage the moments you had shared? It was that beast in the back of your mind, the one that made you feel less than, the one that said you’re not good enough; it was awake in your mind, ready to pounce over every good thing that had happened tonight. Yet, here was this relative stranger, this rock-star front-man, this talented musician, sitting here telling you to knock it the fuck off. He didn’t need to do it; all Freddie saw was a person in need, and without even thinking of the consequences, here he was, beating away the darkness in your mind. He was too good to be true. And you couldn’t deny the accuracy of his words.

Since your teen years, however, you were suddenly in a world where everyone was compared to everyone else. Where standards were unreachable, unrealistic, and designed to separate people from each other instead of bringing them together. Instead of believing in yourself, in your own inherent worth, you belittle yourself, and destroyed your own happiness. What you and Deacy did happened to you and because you wanted it and he wanted you. You deserved it. Now if only you could really believe it.

Freddie took your hand in his, “Listen,” he said, “I don’t do that anymore. I used to, but not anymore. I don’t feel sorry for myself. And now that we’re friends, you don’t either. I don’t intend to let you. Deacy’s girlfriend won’t be down on herself unless she truly has reason for it.”

Looking into his brown eyes, you couldn’t help falling a little love with him. No one had ever put it that clearly to you before in such terms of finality. Feeling sorry for yourself for drama you create in your own head was pointless. Here we are again, our own worst enemies.

You didn’t know how to express your gratitude for his words, so instead, you said, “I’m not Deacy’s girlfriend.”

“Not yet.” His smile was conspiratorial. There was a glint in his eyes that made you feel like he always knew a secret, always had a hidden truth in his pocket. “Now, do I have to bitch at you more, or are we on the same page?”

“Same page, definitely. Though, if you wanted to bitch at me more, I’d let you.” You both laughed, and he patted your hand affectionately before letting go of it.

“Believe me, I’ve already done enough bitching tonight. I’m going to need to be contrite the rest of the evening, I wager.”

“Would that have to do with the chandelier?” You ventured a guess worth guessing.

“Jim is going to be disappointed. I do hate letting him down.” His frown was extravagant.

“Like you let the chandelier down?”

Freddie’s eyes flashed mischievously at you, “Well, I was caught up in the moment! and it really was the flashiest distraction I could think of…” This was pure drama; he tilted his head up, and swung an imaginary sword in the air like Errol Flynn.

“You dropped a chandelier from the ceiling to win at sardines?”

Freddie straightened out the creases in his cape, “Well, it does seem a bit foolish now, doesn’t it?”

“A bit?”

“Well only a bit, darling, considering there’s no way we can possibly win now.”

“I didn’t know you were all so competitive.”

“Oh, honey, we fight over EVERYTHING. Lyrics, politics, pizza toppings, tempo, fashion, where to eat for breakfast, legal words in scrabble, what order tracks should be on our albums, whether Godfather Part II is superior to the first one, and on and on. Really, it’s our favorite hobby, arguing with each other. You’d think the music, but no. You know, it’s purely by habit at this point we haven’t gone our separate ways.”

“That and you all clearly love each other, and love what you create together.”

Freddie’s eyes softened considerably, “Well, yes, that too. I’m surprised they put up with me. Honestly, I’m a basket-case, relentless; I never give in, and I don’t care what anyone thinks about me.”

“I admire that; I wish I had that.”

“Oh, you will someday.” He delicately waved a hand at you,  “Either someone will push you hard enough and you’ll erupt out of that shell you’ve crafted for yourself, or you’ll get tired of always putting yourself second.”

“Deacy’s very mysterious.”

“Mysterious?” He was shaking his head, “He’s easy. He’s a walking contradiction in monochromatic outfits.”

“You think that’s easy?” You asked half-impressed half-disbelieving.

“After the people I’ve dated, yes.” He could tell you weren’t convinced. “Look at it like this: you’re famous, and it is like walking on a tightrope 24/7 darling, and maybe you’re in one of those spangly bodysuits hoping some small umbrella will keep you from falling flat on your arse.” He laughed, but his eyes were serious and dark. “Then! Suddenly, you fall.” He clapped his hands together loudly, making you jump. “And you don't fall onto some sensuous mattress, your lover waiting for you; no, you tumble into a crowd of people. The people who are always wanting a piece of you, needing to know what you're wearing tonight, who you’re fucking, who you want to fuck, what you’re next project is, if you really were out with Elton last night? Is it true what such and such tabloid printed about you last week?” He was speaking faster and faster and you knew the truth of his words ran deep into his heart. “Was it true what your ex said about you on that program? Were you seen doing cocaine at whatever club? Are the rumors true about trouble in the band?  

“And it’s endless questions and lies, and it never stops. Not until they have every piece of you on display. Nothing is yours anymore; it’s theirs. How do you be yourself in that kind of ruthless swarm, darling? What would you do? What do you hide away? What do you keep for yourself? How do you keep yourself alive? What do you lie about to protect yourself, to protect those you love? How does it work? Being in the public eye and being private? You start to develop this second-skin literally, a persona that takes care of you. Though, this protection makes it harder to be yourself when the time calls for it. Maybe you aren’t even sure who you are anymore? Or even what that means.

“We all cope in whatever way we can; Deacy and I cope the same exact way. Yes, he’s not as outlandish as I am, but that is what is expected of me. He’s the bassist, they’re supposed to be elusive, quiet, enigmatic, sharp; and yes, he is those things in the public eye, but in private, well, you’ve seen him; he’s got his own brand of outlandish, outrageous swagger, charm, and daring. Still sharp as a tack and as deadly as an asp. Out there, he’s the musician they expect, the silent partner who writes the most heartfelt songs for me to sing, but he’s more than that. We all are. Well, maybe except Roger.”

You laughed together.

“It’s easy to pick on, Rog. He’s the strongest of us all though. Him and Brian. Strong as the sun, those dazzling men.”

“I had never thought about fame in those terms before, Freddie.” You were overwhelmed with what these men went through just to be successful artists. As someone following, hopefully, down the same path, you wondered if you were up to the challenge. “I’m sorry it is so consuming.”

Freddie grinned, “They haven’t discovered the person capable of consuming me yet, dear. We like it, Y/N. We must or we wouldn’t do it. We’d retire and do something else. Something,” he shuddered, “normal. It’s not the kind of men we are, to shy away from what we want.”

“Does that include women?”

“Deacy won’t let you go without a fight. Nothing will get in his way of possessing you, of belonging to you.”

“We’ve only just met; it’s ridiculous.”

“There it is again, that negative voice. Just enjoy the ride and take it at your own speed. Just because it appears he’s settled with you doesn’t mean he’ll pluck up the courage to tell you that for months. He’s romantic, yes, but not insane. He’d just die of embarrassment if he scared you away.”

“So would I, I mean, if I did something to scare him away.”

Freddie shrugged like a 1940’s starlet, “You won’t. You also aren’t stupid; he’d never be interested in you if you were; he’s a man of taste. Too bad he’s not queer.” He sighed regretfully.

“I’d fight you for him, Mr. Mercury!”

“And you’d probably win. I’m a bit too nelly to fight you on my own.” He mimed boxing you.

“How long before they send out a search party?”

“Could be days!” He gasped, “Why don’t we rejoin what’s left of the game?”

Freddie stood, then offered his hand to help you up. “Before we part ways, can I let you in on a little secret?”

You nodded.

“I know where Lydia is hiding already.” Freddie whispered.

Tag List: @phantom-fangirl-stuff @triggeredpossum @obsessedwithrogertaylor @groupiie-love @richiethotzierz @partydulce @sophierobisonartfoundationblr @psychostarkid

[yourescapetofiction]

The Tides Have Turned-Part 11

A/N: This is my old work, The Tides Have Turned. It is a complete story that I am reposting on this blog so the work isn’t lost and can be found for those interested :)

Eleven

I awoke the next morning by my own body clock. Damn it felt good to sleep in. I reached for my phone to see what time it was: 11 AM. Half the morning was already wasting away. I looked over to see Nate furiously typing out a message on his phone.

“Mornin’” he said with a big grin.

“Hey” I said rubbing my eyes. “Why didn’t you wake me up? It’s already eleven o’clock.”

“You looked so peaceful, I couldn’t disturb you. Besides its good for you, we were pretty busy last night” he said with a smirk.

“Yeah well we should think about getting back before a search team is sent for us” I say sitting up in bed. Nate just nodded in agreement. I took a shower, brushed my teeth, and tried to pull myself together the best that I could. Nate was shuffling through the room, gathering his things. He stopped to give the room one last look.

“I gotta say, I’m gonna miss this. It was like our own little paradise” he said with a hint of sadness. My heart stung at his words.

“I know, me too” I say softly rubbing his arm. We proceeded out of the hotel room and dropped the keys off in the lobby before heading to the bus. We drove back to the beach house in a comfortable silence. Nate held onto my hand tightly, resting on the center console. It was like he was savoring our last moments together before we were once again in the company of the guys. We slowly pulled up the drive and walked to the front door. It was open this time.

“Holy shit! There you guys are! Where the fuck were you?!” Johnson said climbing over the back of the couch and running towards us.

“We got pretty worried” Kenny said with wide eyes.

“You assholes locked us out last night!” I said accusingly. They all looked at each other in confusion.

“No we didn’t! Did we?!” Swazz asked trying to remember last night.

“Uhh yeah, we went for a walk on the beach remember? Then it started to downpour so we came back and you idiots had all the doors locked” I say crossing my arms.

“And none of you would answer your phones” Nate chimed in. A look of guilt washed across each of their faces.

“Holy shit, we are so so so sorry” G said bringing his hands together in a prayer formation.

“Yeah, yeah. Just thank your lucky stars that we found enough cash in the bus to get a hotel for the night” I say.

“Wait, wait. You took my slim jim money?!” J said raising his voice. Nate just shot him a look that said “don’t say another word.”

“I mean yeah, glad you were able to figure something out” J mumbled under his breath.

“Can we talk about what you’re wearing right now?” Sam said tugging on the jersey I had on.

“It’s all we had Samuel” I answer. “I’m gonna head upstairs to get changed, I’ll be back down” I add.

“You should wear that more often babe! Your ass looks cute in those briefs” Sam hollered behind me. I just flipped him the bird behind my back.

I emerged from my room about twenty minutes later in a fresh outfit. It felt good to be back in the house again. Nate was catching up with the guys, so I decided this was a good opportunity to confront Sammy about what he said to me last night. I walked over to the white leather couch and plopped myself down next to him. He was vibing to Bryson Tiller’s “Set You Free.”

“Hey babe” he smiled at me.

“Hey Sammy. So I think we need to have a talk about what you said to me last night” I say faking an overly serious tone. He immediately furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

“Uh, should I be worried?” he said running his fingers through his hair.

“You tell me” I continue.

“Shit. What did I say?” he asked with baited breath.

“Oh just that someone in the house is in love with me” I let out a slight giggle now. To my surprise, he looked increasingly more nervous.

“Wh-what? I said that?” he said looking anywhere but at me.

“Yes Sam, you did. I want to know if you were talking out of your ass, or if you know something that I don’t” I say closing the gap between us. A few minutes of torture and Sam would spill his guts. He couldn’t bear to keep a secret, especially not from the squad.

“I was drunk, I didn’t know what I was saying. You know how I get” he nervously chuckled. This was really eating him, I could tell.

“Yeah I do know how you get, and I know that you often spill sober thoughts when you’re drunk” I say poking his arm. “It’s Gilinsky isn’t it?” I ask. His eyes shot wide open.

“Uh, yeah. Yes it is. You got me” he breathed a heavy sigh of relief.

“I knew it” I smirk victoriously. “Sammy boy, you’ve been a big help” I said while wrapping him in a hug, before getting up to go talk to the other boys.

Sam’s POV

Holy fucking shit, what did I just do? Oh my god, I think I just royally screwed things up. I need to stop drinking to oblivion, I end up getting myself into situations that I really regret later. Thank god I didn’t betray Nate, but now y/n’s convinced it is Jack and that could present an entirely new set of problems on its own. I don’t know why she got that in her head, but I unintentionally just threw Jack under the bus. I rubbed my eyes harshly, contemplating what to do.

I had to speak to Nate.

I found him in the kitchen, getting a bottle of water from the fridge.

“NATE!” I shout, barely containing my anxiety.

“Bro, what the fuck. You scared me” he said clutching his chest. “What’s up? Why do you look like you’re about to shit your pants?” he said placing his water on the counter.

“Because I am dude!” I say pacing in the kitchen.

“Sam, calm down. Spit it out” Nate said.

“Y/n came to talk to me about some shit I said when I was drunk, and she was staring into my soul, and I got nervous and-” I start rambling still pacing. My hands were running through my hair twenty to the dozen.

“I sort of told her that Gilinsky is in love with her” I spat.

“You did what?!” Nate half-shouted. His eyes were wide and his eyebrows shot up.

“I didn’t know what to do! I couldn’t very well tell her about our talk on the beach. She asked if it was G, and I panicked so I said yes” I shoot him a sorrowful look. Nate began pacing himself, his palms on his face.

“Fuck. She said some shit about that last night, but I didn’t think much of it. Now that you told her the same thing, she’s gonna go looking for answers” he said.

“Fuck, Sammy. What if G really does have feelings for her, and this ain’t made up at all?” Nate looked up with sheer terror. “We might have just pushed the two of them together” he said fraught with anxiety.

“Nate, calm down man. Don’t jump to conclusions” I say trying to calm him.

“What are we gonna do Sam?” he asked.

“We wait and see. Observe them together” I say. Nate looked uneasy, but agreed.

Nate’s POV

Sam and I walked back into the living room. We must have looked like we had seen a ghost because Johnson’s eyes widened at the sight of us.

“Woah, you guys okay?” he asked.

“Huh? Yeah man, all good” I reassure him.

“So what are the plans for tonight?” Sam said rubbing his hands together.

“Well there’s a party being thrown at one of the houses down the beach” Swazz said. “I got a text from one of the guys I used to shoot hoops with. We could go check that out” he continued.

“Hell yeah I’m down for a party” Cam said, with Nash nodding in agreement.

I wasn’t too sure if a party was really a good idea, but I wasn’t going to be the one guy that stopped the others. Besides, if y/n’s going, I am too.

Later that night…

I knocked softly on y/n’s door until I heard a faint “come in” on the other side. She was sitting at the vanity spritzing some perfume on her neck.

“Wow you look great” I said. She smiled widely at me.

“Thanks Skate.”

“You ready to go? The guys are all downstairs” I say.

“Yeah, let’s hit this” she said grabbing my arm.

We all made the walk down the beach towards the house Swazz said the party was at. He slid open the back door and we all entered, making our way around the people dancing.

“Hey man!” Swazz called out to a guy I vaguely recognized. They shook hands and exchanged a few words before he returned to us.

“Alright lady & gents, we’re good to go” he said. We all split up pretty much. Dillon, Cam, and Nash headed towards the bar, while Kenny, Johnson and Gilinsky chatted up some girls. The rest of us moved to the dance floor. I was never much of a dancer, but being with y/n changed that. She was so carefree, and a bit of that attitude has definitely rubbed off on me. We started twirling and moving to the music, with Sam dancing with a girl next to us. The song ended and the DJ was transitioning to another genre.

“I’m gonna get us some drinks!” y/n said before disappearing into the mixture of people. I was waiting for her to return, making small talk with some party goer next to me.

“Nate?! Nate Maloley! Is that you?” I heard a shrill voice call out. I spun around to see my ex-girlfriend Jessica sauntering towards me, her friends in close pursuit behind her. My eyes shot open, please not now. I was always sort of ashamed of dating Jessica, she wasn’t exactly a nice person. She was meant to be a rebound but it turned into a full blown relationship, and it was a tumultuous one at that.

She stalked closer, wearing five inch heels. I could smell vodka on her breath as she sloppily wrapped her arms around my neck, trying to hug me.

“What are you doing here?” I whisper harshly. It seemed like she had followed me everywhere I went since I broke things off with her. She could never fully accept the fact that I dumped her.

“Now, now. Is that the greeting that you give the love of your life?” she said before pressing her lips against mine. I heard the sound of glass shattering which caused my eyes to fly open. There stood y/n, staring us down. She looked angry. I could see her nostrils flare slightly, before she spun on her heel and stormed off.

“Get the fuck off me” I say peeling Jessica’s claws off of me. “Y/n! Wait up! Stop!” I shout weaving through people. “Get the fuck out of my way” I said pushing some drunk frat boys out of my path. She wasn’t stopping, even though I knew she heard my calls. I lost her in the crowd, due to the party becoming packed.

“FUCK!” I shout as loud as I can.

Y/n’s POV

I was fuming mad at what I had just seen. My emotions got the better of me, and instinctively took over. It didn’t take me long to figure out that the bleached-blonde girl clawing at Nate was his ex, Jessica. I knew who she was, but Nate was always guarded when it came to talking about her. None of us ever really pushed the subject. We moved on, figuring something deep must have happened between the two of them. To tell the truth, I didn’t even know why I was reacting this way. It’s not like Nate and I were a couple, and I caught him cheating. But it felt that way.

I knew this arrangement between him and I would come back and bite me in the ass. Friends are not meant to enter this territory, it completely complicates everything. These were the feelings that I wanted to avoid-hurt, jealousy. Nate called after me, probably wanting to explain himself, but he didn’t have to. I needed to take a breather, get away from him. My judgement was becoming clouded when I was around him, but I was beginning to see things crystal clear.

Nate and I weren’t an item. Probably never will be, so my time was best spent elsewhere. I made my way to where I saw a couple of the guys chilling in the corner. They were drinking, chatting up girls, and generally having a good time.

“What’s wrong?” Johnson’s face fell as soon as he saw me.

“Nate and Jessica” I answer, not needing any further explanation.

“Woah, what?!” J said. He knew as well as I did that Jessica was a touchy subject for Nate.

“Y/n! There you are. Why did you run from me?” Nate said interrupting our conversation. I just rolled my eyes and turned back to Johnson.

“Not now Nate” I answer tersely.

“You need to let me explain, I-”

“You what Nate? You don’t owe me an explanation. In fact, you don’t owe me shit” I say, catching Nate off guard.

“I got the message loud and clear. You don’t want me. I was just a quick fuck” I spat out hatefully. His eyes flashed with pain. I was making a scene, our friends gathering closely around us. Their eyes were wide at my admission of Nate and I’s tryst.

“I know when I’m not wanted, so I’ll go where I am—with Gilinsky. He loves me” I say for all to hear.

Everyone gasped, shocked at my words. But none more so than Jack Gilinsky. I could see him spit out the beer he was sipping, slightly choking at the sound of my words. The girl next to him looked pissed that she had wasted her time coming on to him.

“I WHAT?” he exclaims.

[jamlocked]

For the identity ask thing: 2, 6, 15 :)

2. have you ever found a writer who thinks just like you? if so, who?

Uhhhh…hmm. I think there’s a reason I’ve lived on a steady diet of Terry Pratchett since I first read Reaper Man at age ten. But then, the very fact I start reading him young could mean that he influence the way I thought, rather than just resonating with how I thought already. Either way, a pretty bloody good worldview to identify with.

I also have to shout out to @summeringminor here; we might differ in the odd Jim Moriarty headcanon, but we’re both pretty much here for the beauty of pain and suffering. :D

6. are you religious/spiritual?

In a word…yeah. I guess. I would not call myself religious at all, though I grew up going to church most weeks. The older I’ve got, the more anti-organised religion I’ve become. Hard not to be, when you start seeing the things people do and say while using God as an excuse. But I also can’t deny that I’ve known many, many wonderful people who are religious and use that faith to do great, helpful, caring things. I will also never tell anyone they’re wrong to believe what they believe, as long as they’re not hurting anyone else with those beliefs. 

As for me, personally - well, I’m not an aetheist, lets put it that way. It’s  complicated, in that no one ever really knows, but really simple in that I have no trouble believing in a higher power. And it may just be humans and our collective power, but if so there’s no truer God than that. 

15. five most influential books over your lifetime.

…oh man. What a question. GAH. 

Okay, well, I’m just going to pick five that have stood out at different points in my life because otherwise I will have a shortlist of hundreds. 

Good Omens - Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. 

I must have read this a dozen times when I was a teenager. I used to get to the end of it, then go right back and start it over again. I think it was the first book that made me think about religion, and the way it is in the world. I think I was about eleven when I read it first, which was also the age I was both confirmed, and stopped going to church. Reading Good Omens made me think about religion outside the confines of organised religion, and massively expanded my horizons. 

 It - Stephen King.

I was also a teenager when I read this. I think books are usually the most influential when you’re that age, probably? Anyway, I think I was thirteen. There had been lots of books - every book, practically; I used to read one a day - that I just couldn��t stop until I’d finished. But this is the first one I clearly remember not wanting to finish. It scared the everloving shit out of me, but it sucked me into a world that was so fully realised, both on the page and in my head, that I just couldn’t get out of it. That was the first horror book I read, the first Stephen King, and it opened my eyes to a whole new kind of fiction. I’d read a multitude of kid’s books, and Enid Blyton, and I’ve mentioned my early love of Terry Pratchett. I’d also devoured a good chunk of the classics by that age (I counted Far From the Madding Crowd as my favourite book) - but this was something new. I read a ton of SK after that, but none quite held the magic of It. 

Unnamed kid’s story/author unknown

Okay, so, in primary school you get set reading books for your age, et cetera, and when you get through those you’re allowed to be a ‘free reader’ - or that’s how it was when I was that age, idk. So anyway, I blazed through all the set stuff, and once I had the freedom of the library, I picked up this random book of short stories one afternoon. They were age-appropriate, of course, and this one story was about a group of kids who built their own go-karts, and had a massive race with them. Maybe once a year, maybe more often, idk. So of course, there was one kid who was better than all of them, won every time, built his own kart and no one could beat him et cetera. I strapped in for the usual kid’s fare of a new pretender showing up, and either taking the crown, or this kid - who I think was called Billy - overcoming the odds to win again. It was told from the POV of another kid, who also raced but couldn’t touch Billy. And Billy seemed like a decent guy, he wasn’t a bully or anything. 

So anyway, blah blah, they built their karts, they had the race. All was as expected. And then…a car showed up. Billy and New Pretender were neck and neck at the finish line, everyone’s screaming and cheering, and…Billy crashes into the car. God, I can still remember my shock, and how I jumped from ‘this is exciting, but normal’ to ‘omg, wtf is happening.’ But I also remember thinking, ‘but he won, and he’ll be fine.’ And the reason I remember it all so clearly is because…well, here’s Billy’s final words. ‘No, I didn’t. I lost.’

Someone told him that he won the race. But he didn’t, and then he hit the car, and then he died. And he died knowing he’d been beaten.

Like…I was young when I read this, about eight. Maybe younger. The notion that the focus of a story could not win and then actually die…I was not prepared for that. It stuck with me as the first real idea that things don’t always turn out the way you think. Good guys don’t always win, you don’t always achieve the things you think you will. A pretty hard lesson for a primary schooler, but it made me think about things in a different way from then on. 

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance - Robert M. Pirsig

Moving on from childhood…this book. Fuck, man, this book. I was 21 or 22 when I read it, and I‘m not even going to talk too much about about it because I can’t remember the details. There’s too much in it to try and explain anyway. But I remember reading it because my best mate recced it, and it didn’t seem very promising at first. And then I got sucked in, and I just could not stop. It’s semi-autobiographical, it’s about a road trip a man is taking with his son, it’s all about philosophy and self, and then mental illness, and…God. There wasn’t a single page that didn’t make me think. It made me start a course in philosophy. It was just a wonderful experience from start to finish, and I’ve never read it since because I don’t want to break that magic. But I will read it again. I’m going to find free time, and indulge myself fully. It was just that good. 

sdlfkj I really can’t pick a fifth and I’m rambling on forever, so I’m going to go for a really simple and obvious choice. 

The Hobbit - J. R. R. Tolkein

My dad gave my sister a copy of this when I was ten, and she was thirteen. I remember thinking how grown up it looked because it was all black and had a dragon on the front. By the time I was twelve I had nicked it off her bookshelf, and I don’t think she ever got it back. It’s another one I read endlessly through my teen years, and it was influential because it my first introduction to that type of fantasy. I couldn’t tell you exactly why Tolkein’s fantasy feels different to Pratchett’s - maybe it’s just more Old Worlde, and of course the writing style is more old-fashioned. It just felt more highbrow, less ‘fun’, but just as enjoyable. It was like travelling back in time, as well as to a different world. I massively preferred the Discworld to Middle Earth - and still do - but I remember loving The Hobbit for its introduction to something I’d never come across before. And when I wrote my first fantasy story when I was about fifteen, it was a perfectly terrible mish-mash of pterry’s satirical style and Tolkien’s highbrow backdrop (and I am serious when I say it was terrible. It was terrible). But any time I think of books that have influenced me and what I like, what I use as a touchstone, what I think of fondly - The Hobbit is always among the first that springs to mind. 

(I re-read it a couple of years ago, and was struck by how simplistic and childlike it seemed. Inevitable, given I’m so much older and have read so much more now. But it doesn’t diminish the fond memories I have of that first love for it.)

I AM SORRY FOR RAMBLING ON FOREVER. Me and books, idk. But thanks for the ask. :)

[surrounded-by-superheroes]

The Soldier and the Assistant Ch. 6

Chapter Five.

Summary; You run into a mysterious stranger on the street while running late for work and spill coffee all over yourself in the process. Later, you find out the man was none other than James Buchanan Barnes and your company is about to write a story about him. The thing is, he’ll only talk to you. As you get to know one another, you both start realizing this relationship is a little more than work. Will both of you let the romance bloom? Or kill it before it starts?

A/N; Sorry for ending the last chapter on a sad note...but perhaps this one will renew your spirits? A bit anyways...

Warnings; Language

Tags; @farfromjustordinary @ria132love  @karlilarki

Words; 2,155

Chapter Six

Bad Decisions

*Bucky’s POV*

Steve’s been rubbing his temple for a couple minutes now and I’m impatiently waiting for the speech he’s going to make. “You did what, Buck?”

“I told her we could pretend it never happened. Look, I don’t know what else I was supposed to do. She wouldn’t be taken seriously as a journalist if she…dated her first big interview subject!” I defend my actions as Steve stares at me, deadpan.

“Did she say that? Verbatim?” He questions and finally releases his temple. I grind my teeth together and Steve sighs. “No, she didn’t. What the fuck, man?” Worry and irritation rise up in me at Steve’s words. “A gorgeous girl kisses you, manages to actually like your dumbass, and you send her away? Damn, you’ve lost your game in a hundred years.”

“I already feel like a prick, punk. Just tell me what to do about it.” I specify, shoving my hands in my sweatpants pockets dejectedly. After Steve got home from convincing Natasha not to just kill Jim, although I wouldn’t have minded, I told him what happened. He’d immediately sat down at the breakfast table where we both still sit as I wait for him to fix this.

“I think you screwed it up and now you need to fix it.” He advises unhelpfully and stands with a heavy sigh. When he passes by me he pats my shoulder. “You don’t want to lose this girl, Buck.” Steve says before walking into his room and collapsing onto his bed. I can clearly hear the thunk. Groaning, I put my head in my hands, shoving my fingers through my hair like you did hours ago.

“Ugh, shit.”

*Reader’s POV*

The ride home is quiet and uncomfortable. First, the cab I flagged down smells faintly like vomit from a crazy night past, but also because I feel slightly like a ditched prom date. Pulling my shirt up over my nose and mouth, I take a deep breath and drown in Bucky’s scent. Bar soap, spice, and something bitter swirls in my nose before I realize what I’m doing and drop the fabric. As soon as we reach my apartment I nearly throw the money at the driver before jumping out of the car. I head up to my place and shut the door with a sigh.

“No place like home, I guess.” I mutter and lock the door before heading to my couch, grabbing my laptop from under the cushions before sitting down. I do the only thing that really makes sense to me and that I’m good at; I write. Thankfully, I remembered to take the notes from talking with Bucky from his apartment and they’re more than enough to get me started. Words usually come relatively easy to me, but no words have ever flown into my mind and through my fingers as quickly as the words to describe Bucky Barnes. I work well into the evening until my fingers ache and I’m about to throw up from all the coffee I’ve been drinking. Like a drunk sloth, I move my shit out of the way and unfold my couch into my bed, then snuggle down into it. Falling asleep is easy with the smell of Bucky all around me from his clothes but sleeping through the night turns out is a bit harder. My brain keeps me awake, as well as burgeoning nightmares, so when Adrian calls and invites me out I go.

*          *          *          *          *          *          *          *

“You’re here!” Adrian shouts as soon as I enter the club, fighting through the throngs of swaying people to reach me and reel me to the bar.

“I’m not going to ditch the person who keeps me alive.” I tease and see realization appear on his face.

“Ah, yes. I took the liberty of ordering you a cocktail that tastes like your usual coffee. You’re welcome.” He says as he hands the glass to me. Eagerly I take it and drink a sip, groaning in ecstasy.

“God, I love you. When are you going to marry me?” I question and he laughs, wrapping an arm around my waist so we don’t lose each other.

“Grow a dick and we’ll discuss it. Anyways, where is that fine piece of ass you were meeting at the coffee shop? Tell me you’ve sunken your teeth into him already.” Adrian asks playfully, but the mention of Bucky sobers me all too quickly. He notices and his bright smile darkens. “Oh, honey. What happened?” I’m already shaking my head when he asks.

“Not a dish night. Get me drunk, Adrian.” I request. His gold eyes search mine, then he nods.

“Yes ma’am.” He agrees and smacks the bar, requesting shots for the both of us. The club is loud, dark, and hot, but once I have a couple shots and Adrian pulls me out onto the floor I forget all of it. When Adrian spins me out and a dark-headed man takes my hand, I exchange Adrian for him. Adrian doesn’t mind. Soon, he’s wrapped around a caramel haired guy with a tattoo peeping out from under the collar of his tank. The man I dance with has long, dark hair and is built like a truck, reminding me of another man I know. His eyes are a deep emerald green that are gorgeous, but I can’t help but wish for blue. Although, when he invites me to go out with him I follow. We end up in the alley beside the bar with our tongues down each other’s throats. He’s a good kisser, though I’m sure mine are sloppy and lack finesse. Strangely, I feel nothing. No spark, no heat, no anything. I press my hands against his shoulders and he stops, looking at me quizzically.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, but I can’t do this.” I tell the poor guy and it takes a minute for the words to sink in before he backs away.

“Right…okay. Do you need me to walk you anywhere? To your car, back into the club?” The stranger asks me kindly and it shocks me, so I just shake my head. He nods once and walks right back into the club, leaving me in the dark alley. Sighing, I head to the parking lot to find Adrian’s car is gone.

“Aw, damn.” I murmur and look at the street. This club is surprisingly out of the way and it took an extra ten bucks to get my taxi to drop me off here. There’s no way I’ll get another. “Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck.” I chant before diving into my bra and fishing out my phone. Scrolling through the contacts I get more and more nervous. There are only two names that I can call and there’s no way in hell I’m calling him. Pressing the number and tapping my foot on the gravel, I wait for an answer. I breathe a sigh of relief when he answers. “Steve?”

“Hey, what’s going on? Is something wrong?” He asks instantly.

“Not exactly, but I could I ask a favor?” I question in my sweetest voice. “I, uh, I’m kind of drunk in a parking lot with no cabs. Could you pick me up, please?” As I ask I wince, knowing it’s a big favor.

“Drunk?” He asks and his tone is comical.

“Yes, it happens after drinking a lot and not being a super soldier.” I sass, grinning when he laughs.

“Thanks. Tell me where you are and I’ll be there.” He tells me and it warms my heart. I think about it a moment before remembering the address. “Alright, see you soon.”

“Wait, wait, wait, Superboy.” Silence fills the line as he does exactly that. “Uh, don’t tell Bucky.” I murmur and once again the line is quiet.

“Too late for that, doll. I’m coming.” Bucky answers before the line goes dead. Frowning, I put the phone back into my bra and walk back to the bar doors. Twenty minutes later two motorcycles tear into the place, waking me up from my almost slumber. I squint as a blurry shape makes its way over to me, but don’t recognize him until he speaks.

“What the fucking hell were you thinking?” He hisses at me rudely while I continue trying to focus on his face.

“Buck, she’s obviously drunk. Take it easy.” Steve says as he walks up behind him. I point a shaky arm at him.

“Liar. You shouldn’t have brought Mr. High and Mighty here.”  I think I say, really, everything is fuzzy including my hearing.

“Sorry, you were on speaker when I picked up the phone.” He explains and I groan.

“Steeeeeeve. No. No, no, no. You tell people when they’re on speaker, Steve. It’s a rule, oldie.” I enlighten him while he smiles bewilderedly at me.

“God. Alright, you’re going home.” Bucky states and swoops down, picking me up bridal style out of sheer impatience. I stare up at his face, surrounded by the velvet navy of the night sky, and smile softly.

“I like you.” I comment and his stern face softens just a little when he looks down at me. “But you have no clue how to deal with women, do you?” Steve bursts into laughter a little ways behind us as Bucky’s eyes widen down at me.

“Steve, shut the fuck up. Head home and I’ll take her.” He speaks directly to Steve as we reach his motorcycle. He puts me on it and gets on behind me, encasing me in him. Giddy with his closeness, I happily lean back against him.

“You know, this bike makes you like…ten percent hotter.” I tell him helpfully and hear him sigh beside my ear.

“You can’t move, okay? Stay close to me.” He requests and takes my hands, putting them on the handles with his before starting his bike. Honestly, I have no clue why he said it. I have no desire to be anywhere else. Soon we’re flying through the streets and my fuzzy brain makes the city lights seem even more like I’m in a blender, but somehow it’s pretty. It doesn’t take too long before we’re back at my apartment and he’s carrying me into my apartment. He sets me on my already folded-out bed before looking in all my cabinets before finding meds and a glass. When he comes back over he has a glass of water and Advil in his hands. “Drink. It’ll stave off the hangover in the morning.” I drink when he tells me, then set the glass on the bedside table. I put my hands on his cheeks and rub affectionately while he crouches in front of me.

“You are such a pretty person.” I compliment sincerely before he catches my wrists and pulls them away.

“Pajama’s?” He asks and I point to his sweatshirt I had lain over my kitchen chair. Bucky walks over, grabs it, then comes back. Carefully, he slips off my hoochie heels and sets them aside. Then, he slips the hoodie on me. “Can you take your dress off?”

“It zips.” I tell him and pop up, swaying a little on my feet. His hands instantly steady me.

“Okay. Turn around and I’ll do it for you.” He offers and a nervous giggle slips out of my mouth.

“No, no, no. It zips down the front.” I lift the sweatshirt and point to the golden zipper all the way down the front. “I can’t do it. If I,” I hiccup, “bend over I’ll fall over.” My explanation seems to make sense because Bucky huffs and runs a hand through his hair, clenching his fist on the back of his neck.

“Okay. Stay as still as you can.” He tells me and holds my sweatshirt up to find the zipper, then once again lets it fall around his hand. Slowly, he unzips my skintight dress, his eyes never leaving mine as the sound of the zipper fills the room. His hand is a constant pressure down my body and leaves my skin feeling like it’s burning where he’s touched. Finally, it’s done and the dress falls to the floor. He gently sits me back on the bed before scooping it up and putting it on the kitchen chair, mumbling something about not even fitting it on his thigh.

“Tired, Bucky.” I tell him as drowsiness hits me like a truck. In an instant, he’s back at my side and pulling the covers down for me. After tucking me in, he pauses for a moment before brushing my hair back with a hand. My eyes flutter closed at the tender movement and claim his hand in mine.

“You’re such a fucking troublemaker. Christ.” He whispers before planting a kiss on my forehead. I hum quietly, too tired to really respond. I fall asleep with his hand still in mine.

[krokodile]

movies watched in 2018

santoalla - this really suffered from poor sound recording/editing and lack of subtitles.  i feel like i missed a lot of details.  it’s an interesting story, but the film itself wasn’t terribly engaging.

my friend dahmer - a little disappointed in this one.  i feel like they changed a bit too much from the graphic novel to make us feel sympathy for him.  i’m not opposed to the film trying to remind us that jeff dahmer was once a person with potential to be good, and my issue isn’t so much with whether or not this “humanizes” him; it’s more that the book was from the POV of the best friend and a lot of this stuff didn’t really fit that narrative, so they kind of switched to...is there a visual third person omniscient equivalent? when necessary, and it made the film feel choppy to me.  the book is amazing and everyone should read it.  it’s not about making you feel sorry for the guy; it simply tells the story from the POV of a friend who knew something wasn’t right but had no way of knowing who this guy really was or would become.  the movie seemed more interested in just telling the early jeffrey dahmer story, which honestly i found a lot less compelling.  the kid playing dahmer was great, though.

insidious...4?  whatever the fuck number this is -  i feel like this was a cast of perfectly good actors who were constantly told “make it bigger!” by the director.  that’s the only way these performances make sense to me.  and the story was pretty stupid, but, i mean...it’s the insidious franchise; that was a given.

mom and dad - i wanted to like this more than i did, but i still enjoyed it.  horror comedy that had a little trouble balancing the horror and humor, but it features nicolas cage at his most nicolas cage, so for that alone, give it a shot.

father figures - why the fuck did jk simmons agree to do this???  it actually wasn’t as horrible as it could have been; just garden variety bad, unfunny comedy.

saturday church - really gorgeous, well-acted (and sung!) and creative.  the screenplay maybe could’ve used a little tightening in some spots and additions in others in my opinion, but really i have no complaints; it’s excellent.

ex machina - i’m not super into science fiction, but given the sheer number of people saying this movie needs to be seen, i figured, why the hell not.  and i really enjoyed it.  the existential crises it triggered aside.  it’s thoughtful, imaginative and looks incredible.

a quiet place - i managed to not pee myself once, so i’d consider it a success.  of course i did spill sprite in my lap so everyone thought i did anyway.  really, as much as my irrational loathing of john krasinski makes me want to deny it...it’s really good.  about as good as i’ve seen pg-13 horror get.  it’s got so many clever blink and you’ll miss it moments that show how much attention was paid to world-building, and there’s some faith in the audience to catch on to things themselves without needing a narrator explaining it all.  the only thing i didn’t like?  the music.  the fact that it HAD music.  the sound editing with the natural sounds was stellar, the way everything was amplified.  but the loud music there just for the sake of accentuating scares detracted from the movie for me.  a big part of what makes this movie works is that it feels pretty goddamn real.  the music takes away from that.  

besides being scary, it works as a post-apocalyptic family drama.  and again, it’s really fucking good.  there’s a scene where john krasinski is telling his son he needs to go off and do something alone to save a family member.  the kid is absolutely frantic and you can see him straining not to speak as he “yells” that he can’t do it, his gestures getting bigger and “louder” as the conversation wears on.  i was in tears during that scene.  not because i felt sorry for the kid, but because i was feeling his terror as if it were my own.  i felt like i was in that fucking field with a paul bunyan-looking john krasinski being told “go run headlong into a nest of deadly ear monsters.”  i wasn’t scared because of the images onscreen or waiting for the next attack; i genuinely felt like i was in the moment with them.  

that...is incredibly rare for me with film.  i fucking hate that fucking jim halpert made me feel that, but i can’t pretend it didn’t happen.  and this wasn’t the only time i felt that way, just the most dramatic.  i felt reagan’s i-will-fucking-punch-your-stupid-face frustration during the hearing aid scene to the point where i was fuming in my seat.  (i mean john krasinski often makes me feel that way, but still.)  i knew emily blunt was in labor, but my heart absolutely pooped its pants when i saw that field light up red; I KNEW EXACTLY WHAT WAS GOING ON and i still reacted like i was there with them.  god help me, i felt the overwhelming love in the slow dance shot.  and that intro, holy fuck.  besides immediately feeling emily blunt’s exhaustion and the kids’ restlessness and generally shitty-feeling-ness in those first shots, i was 100% not expecting shit to get as real as it did so fast (even though part of it was used in the trailer).  

i hate that i loved it this much, truly :P  but i did.  it has its flaws for sure, namely the fucking music, and the creatures had a creative design (of course they’re basically giant sets of ears) but honestly they looked pretty silly.  some of the scenes dragged longer than they needed to.  but i did really appreciate it taking its time to let dread build rather than cramming in scares and action scenes on top of each other.  the waiting and dreading seems like it would be so awful in this situation.  again, put us there with them.  fucking hell.  pg-13 horror that’s good is so rare.  horror this good is so rare.  fucking jim.  

all the money in the world - i found the stuff with the family super-interesting; the stuff with the son and the kidnappers super-boring, so i guess i’m split on this one.

la fille inconnue - i loved how absolutely real this movie felt.  i loved how moments dragged awkwardly in real time; i loved the natural performances (i’ve forgotten the lead actress’s name but she’s absolutely brilliant).  i knew pretty quickly who’d killed the girl, but i’m not sure it was supposed to be difficult to figure out, either.  i do wish it had had more of an ending rather than just ending, but...i guess that fits in with its realism.

[ourheartscondemnus]

Hi Ninji, I kinda just thought of how Adam and Eve have practical, simple modern clothing in plain colors, whereas Eva has vintage/retro type of attire, with patterns. They blend in as she stands out, careless of being seeing, confident in her immortality and kinda ignorant, whereas they are more careful of their privacy and general safety. I like how their mentalities clash in every way, even just in attire, and if you have a few thoughts on this it's always nice to read what you think !

Sorry, I got to this late, I had some errands to do today!

 First I want to point out this great article:  Q&A: Costume Designer Bina Daigeler on Only Lovers Left AliveVampire Costumes, Dressing Tilda, & More

It has a lot of interesting facts from the costume designer himself and it’s a great read.  Th first part of this article has some great information on the characters clothing and I think it is important to observe each one: 

The film’s central characters, all vampires, have been there and done that —  and their clothes, which have been cobbled together over centuries —  reflect it. Adam (Tom Hiddleston) swoons around his home in Detroit in half-unbuttoned dark shirts and bare feet, slim jeans, and lanky black hair; he’s as unconcerned with the outside world as he is with updating his wardrobe. 

Half a world away, Swinton’s Eve stalks the streets of Tangier in white leather and a shockingly white mane, which is given extra volume with yak hair. At home, her casualwear consists of embroidered Chinese pajamas and a decadent yellow-and-black robe handmade by costume designer Bina Daigeler, who previously worked with both Swinton and Jarmusch on The Limits of Control. Eve delights in life, books, and technology; naturally, she’s got a gleaming-white iPhone that she uses to FaceTime with Adam. Together, they sip blood from elegant little glasses and lounge in centuries-old robes.

Ava, Eva’s troublesome little sister (played by Mia Wasikowska), is the most colorful of them all. A night owl who prefers clubs to cafés, Ava wears girly, vintage-style dresses, patterned tights, and silver Mary Janes to flounce around Adam’s house and cause chaos wherever she goes.

 The fourth vampire in their pack, the “real” Christopher Marlowe (Josh Hurt), appears a little disheveled at first glance. But a closer look reveals his three-piece suits are made from exquisite and very old fabrics, gathered over the centuries since the writer’s mysterious “death” in 1593.

 There’s also a part that mentions the gloves which is also important. 

I know that there are references to the age of their clothes themselves. How did that affect what kind of textiles you used for the designs?

I like to use for them this very basic, natural leather — all of them, there’s something with leather they are wearing, and that they protect themselves also with the gloves. [The leather] is somehow a little bit like a second skin. The only one who is different —  because she is lost — is the character [played by] Mia [Wasikowska].

So focusing on Ava now- 

 Ava is the youngest of the group, and she is a very unique personality in the film. She’s bouncy, ready to party at all times, bratty, stubborn, childish, and depending on how you see her-annoying as hell at times. Don’t get me wrong, she’s a fun character, but the way she easily manipulates and plays Eve, and Eve allows it, while Adam just stares like ‘Fucking really?’ is upsetting to me because Eve is so good natured and Ava loves taking advantage of that to get her way. She knows she can’t with Adam, so she likes to annoy him, piss him off, destroy his life. 

Remember, this is the second time she’s done something horrible to him, and considering she’s less than 400 years old,  How do we know that? When asked, John Hurt said Marlowe is YOUNGER than Adam- Adam is 500-600 depending on the interview, article, etc that you read. Tom always said 500 so I go with that. Eve is 3000 according to Tilda, and John said that Marlowe was  300-450 years old and was uncertain how he turned. I never finished it, but here is some interview notes I took from various interviews- this was only HALF of them.  And everyone agrees, including Jarmusch, that Ava is the youngest. So she’s likely only close to 100-200. We know that because she hurt Adam 87 years prior to the film- it was made in 2012/2013 so that means the incident that he’s still upset over took place in  1925/1926 or so.

So looking at her age, it makes sense that she is the way she is. Part of the film’s story is Adam’s turning point on humanity. He’s basically turned his back on it at the end of the film, returned to his vampire roots, etc. after Ian -his last connection a)betrayed his trust and b)was murdered by Ava-the reckless and blood thirsty child of the group. Seriously, in vampire terms, she’s probably still a baby which is possibly why Eve gives in to her manipulations. 

SO ON CLOTHING-The style of clothing isn’t modern, and yet it’s not ancient pieces thrown together across time. It’s recent enough that it still looks stylish, and still gives her a unique image compared to-well EVERYONE in the film. Even the background people at the club didn’t pop out. You had a few hipsters, a few basic outfits, but nothing POPS. And the one outfit that does pop had a cut scene- The girl from The White Hills outfit. (There was a deleted scene where they pass by and she sees that they have no reflections you can see it here ) BTW her name is Ego Sensation. Just fyi. 

SO anywho- Ava’s clothing is meant to have more personality, to stand out, because of the concept that she is ‘lost’ her being lost is entirely up for debate on the meaning, but I take it as because of her age, she’s still not ready to let go of the lifestyle she’s become accustomed to, to party and explore the world, to live among the living instead of hiding away.

 Another great thing about her is with Adam and Eve-their clothes can be completely androgynous. One of Tilda’s great qualities is she’s built where she can dress as either sex and it WORKS. If Eve and Adam traded outfits, other than awkward sizing it would make no difference in making them both look a certain gender. (Also-headcanon that Eve is genderfluid). Meanwhile, Ava is girly from head to toe. Even her gloves are supposed to look more ‘girly’ than the others. It’s one of the things that makes her character so adorable to look at.

Going back and looking at her age- Ava has no reason to fear people. She didn’t live in a time when vampires were hunted, most likely. I want to believe she was likely still a ‘newborn’ when she first pissed Adam off, but only Jim Jarmusch could tell -and I have no way to ask him or even Mia. Sad. If I could be connected to them to know more I totally would. (I STILL want a book on how all of them were turned/met one another etc. because I NEED IT and tbh I don’t like most of the fanfic for the movie :x ) - Let’s assume she was turned around 1900 (Edith Cushing is that you?) - By then everyone pretty much stopped believing vampires existed. You had books like Carmilla( (1872) and Dracula ( 1897) and in 1922 the movie Nosferatu. By then, it is safe to say Vampires were more myth and legend than a real fear. Going from there, who really believed in any kind of supernatural being existing anymore? And the few things people may have believed, aliens and ghosts, are all just superstitious to those who don’t believe.  

Ava literally was not raised as a vampire in a time where she needed to fear people, unlike Adam and Eve. She just doesn’t have a reason to hide- and if she drains people, it can easily be a murder covered as being someone who is severely mentally ill and thought they were a vampire. But the killer would never be found- unless there was some tie to her or others around her. That’s why Adam and Eve skipped town, Adam broke his rule of not being seen with Ian because Ava wanted to go out-meaning they were the first who’d be mentioned as suspects in his disappearance. 

Adam and Eve meanwhile have lived through a hell of a lot of shit where innocent people were MURDERED for any traits that tied them to witchcraft, being some supernatural creature like a vampire and have seen some shit. People would put stakes through the dead to keep them from rising, they’d bust their jaws, they even made cages over graves to keep the dead underground. There is a real fear of being found out embedded in them, and as Marlowe said, it would cause chaos-and likely lead to their deaths, if they were to tell the world they existed. Eve plays with the idea, but she’s a smart one, she wouldn’t do it knowing it could mean they’d be killed for it. If not used as lab rats. 

Each of their clothing has its own type of personality, Eve’s is very reminiscent of the places she’s been and the cultures she explores, Adams clothing, according to that one pamphlet thing (I can never remember where it is or how to find it) 

and Kit’s is your basic nice suit match but with pieces that are about 400 years old. (I want to know the secret of their clothing staying perfectly intact.) 

But even with all this, Ava’s stands out the most because she doesn’t see any fear or need to fear being out in the open unlike the others. If you look at it in her pov, it makes perfect sense to not have to hide, and lets be honest- the fact that Adam and Eve dress the way they do actually does make them stand out a bit in a crowd because NO ONE dressed like that now-or hardly anyone does anyways. 

Ava’s clothing and their significance is one of my favorite things about the film tbh. And, like you said, she is careless, overconfident, and slightly ignorant. But on another hand, isn’t it smarter to try and blend in with a crowd instead of standing out? I can’t quite remember, but I think 2012/2013 was the area when vintage was suddenly EVERYWHERE and everyone wanted to be vintage-so who stood out more, Adam and Eve, or Ava? 

For some other links you may enjoy: 

A wordpress users views and analysis of Ava’s costumes: https://superqueen.wordpress.com/2014/03/27/may-i-avas-wrist-length-gloves-in-jim-jarmushs-only-lovers-left-alive/

An interview with Jim Jarmusch: https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2014/04/jim-jarmusch-only-lovers-left-alive-interview