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jjuzoir · 4 years ago

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Dating Suna Rintarou HCS

Word Count: 1388

A/N: i’m sick of the suna slander 😔 i wanted some soft sunrin hc’s because it’s always drug lord rin this or toxic suna that :’) i’m too soft for that i need me some 17 y/o meme nerd who’s socially awkward and still asks himself how he got a s/o. if no one else will i will 👺

- He may be good at reading volleyball moves but he’s definitely a little dense when it comes to emotions.

- He doesn’t really talk much about them with you, it’s not that he doesn’t feel anything - he just struggles expressing himself properly with words, so in turn he tends to express himself with actions.

- He’ll struggle a lot at the beginning, afraid to upset you or overstep some boundaries that haven’t been explained, but with time he’ll grow comfortable telling you things as they are.

- The type to walk over to you when he sees you’re not feeling too good and wrap his arms around you, he doesn’t say much as you slowly return the hug and sob. He won’t say anything, he’d let you pour it out now and later have a talk with you.

- He’d have a few snacks you like on his bag too just in case you get hungry or whatever, he says they’re for him but you know he doesn’t like that brand of chips but you do.

- Once you’re done, he takes your hand and leads you to a more private area and encourages you to talk. He may not be able to solve the issue but sometimes talking about how you feel… makes things better, even if it’s just slightly.

- He’s the type to remember anything you tell him even in passing, mention something like your parent’s birthday or an appointment and he’ll just store the information in his brain and spit it out at random times.

- That includes things such as food orders and allergies, what you like and don’t, the things that make you uncomfortable or that make you feel icky; he could write a book on you. Just text him over for some food and he’ll know what to order you even if it’s a place you’ve never been to together.

- He really likes having pictures and videos of you on his camera roll, he'll have super cute pictures of you on a date one moment and then a video of you falling on your ass after you went to pick up a pencil.

- Once you start being more serious about your relationship, he’ll dedicate every game and point he scores to you. If you’re there he’ll look over to your seat and nod, his eyes naturally gravitate towards yours, he’ll always smile at you whenever he scores a point.

- Won’t say it at first but he loves it when you wear his jacket, seeing you in the stands cheering for him with the rest of his classmates pumps him up. After he notices he does better when you do, he’d probably get an extra one for you with his number on it (when Atsumu heard him asking Kita for it he broke lung laughing).

- He hesitated a lot before asking you out, he’s the type of guy to watch over his crush for a while. Not in the creepy way more in the “wow this person is so cool I want to approach them but I’m too embarrassed”-way.

- He loves it when you wear his clothes, especially his hoodies. He isn’t subtle about it at all either, Suna will straight up throw you the hoodie and be like “wow it’s so cute you’re so cute too imagine you wearing that how cute that’d be lmao” while his ears are blushing red.

- Finds everything you do cute, you could be walking towards him in the corridor and he’d be blushing and smiling to himself. Atsumu and Osamu tease the fuck out of him once you’re gone.

- Will send you random posts that remind him of you, they can go from cute pictures of cats snuggling to a deep fried image of a chicken nugget.

- “Heh, look… it’s you.” He showed you a picture, he was lying down on your lap - his hair messy from deep sleep - with his cheeks squished in your thighs.

- “Babe that’s Patrick star.” You look at the screen in confusion and continue playing with your boyfriend’s hair, slightly concerned for his well being.

- “Same energy though.” He mumbles after saving the post, he’d make it your contact picture later.

- He loves falling asleep on your lap, it’s annoying. You know once he lays his head on your thighs he’s not moving until the next hour or so. Kind of like a cat in that regard because Suna will find the worst time to cuddle you like that and he’d refuse to leave unless you move, which you normally don’t because when you do he looks extremely betrayed much to your dismay.

- He’s so soft for you, you wouldn’t realize it unless you heard him ramble about how cute you are in the dressing room but oh my god is he ready to move the world around for you.

- When he messes around during practice, Aran will threaten to call you and it’s so embarrassing. Rintarou was so sure he wouldn’t, like that’s so petty you’re actually going to call my S/O? And then Aran did it and he had not only Aran and Kita scolding him (and the Miya twins) but you were there too looking so disappointed in him. He rarely gets out of line afterwards, the face you gave him haunts him in his dreams sometimes.

- You’re his home screen! It’s not even a cute picture of you, it’s probably one he took of you while you slept in class - you’re drooling and your uniform is all messed up - and he’s just standing there holding a peace sign up and white-boy-smiling.

- He has you saved under “Suna [Name]” and he got made fun of, he swears it was a joke but when he goes to call you his cheeks get all pretty and pink.

- He doesn’t say much, his love language is more of a “whenever you need me I’ll be there”. If there’s someone who you can count on to listen to your problems and help you it’s probably Rin. He jokes around and all but when it comes to you he’s surprisingly serious.

- He’ll also let you play with his hair. His favorite is when you put butterfly clips on them and make two uneven ponytails on the side of his head, he said he was Shrek and you were his Lord Farquaad (you asked him if you saw the same movie afterwards).

- When he’s really bored, he’ll edit pictures of you into memes and send them to you at 4AM.

- Sometimes when you cuddle, you can hear him mumble about how much he loves you and whenever you bring it up he gets so mad and shy and says he was probably thinking about chicken wings or Dolly Parton.

- He sees you as his best friend and s/o, he really values the input you have but that doesn’t mean he won’t tease the fuck out of you. He’s soft but he will absolutely obliterate you, he loves joking around with you and saying the dumbest shit for fun and seeing you go blank as you hear him talk about fucking Mort from Madagascar being a evil universe colonizer.

- His favorite dates with you would be the ones where you go somewhere very pretty and try taking the ugliest pictures of each other, it always ends up with you two laughing loudly as you show each other what you took.

- Rin can play the piano and he sometimes will serenade you, it can either be a very emotional song or Megalovania.

- Sometimes, Atsumu and Osamu will ruin your dates by bumping into you guys and not leaving either of you alone. It’s embarrassing because they will not stop teasing the two of you for being in love and shit, you always end up blushing when they start talking about how much Rin loves you and how he talks about you during practice.

- Overall, Sunrin is surprisingly a soft, caring boyfriend who’s way too whipped for his well-being and is absolutely getting bullied by the team because of it.

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artificialqueens · 4 years ago

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Please Don’t Take My Crown Just Because You Can (Olivia Lux x Trixie Mattel) - Plastiquedoll

read on ao3 👑

Summary: It was a bad idea. Trixie knew it from the second she signed up for it. Her stomach hadn’t been quiet from that moment on, she could barely get any sleep the previous night and her hands were constantly sweaty. How could she let her mother convince her of entering a beauty pageant? …Another beauty pageant. That was what she thought until she met Olivia and maybe -just maybe- her day got much better.

A/N: hi there! this is my entry for the rare pair fic challenge! I hope you like it <3

my train of thought for this story was the following one: rare pair challenge > 21 Jolene by Dolly Parton > Dolly Parton Trixie Mattel music > Dolly Parton movie Dumplin > Dumplin movie with beauty pageants > (break to remember that one roast joke about Ginger working with Jennifer Anniston) > pageant queens > line of the song about the Jolene’s > Olivia has a beautiful smile > Trixie was kind of obsessed with her on the pit stop > Trixie x Olivia > rare pair > Trixie x Olivia pageant queens au with Jolene somewhere

It was a bad idea.

Trixie knew it from the second she signed up for it. Her stomach hadn’t been quiet from that moment on, she could barely get any sleep the previous night and her hands were constantly sweaty.

How could she let her mother convince her of entering a beauty pageant?

…Another beauty pageant.

Only because her older sister was a pageant queen it didn’t mean she was cut from the same mold.

Even during the prior weeks when she tried that beautiful nightgown covered in sequins that fit her so well, she didn’t feel fully comfortable in it. Even in the talent category –one she was supposed to excel in since she had chosen singing- she wasn’t completely sure of the song she had picked and don’t get her start on the swimsuit category.

It was a nightmare.

Now she had paid the fee it was too late to regret it. She was already in the building, she had signed the damn application form and she had a number assigned –twelve- there was no way out even when all her senses were tingling and her body kept telling her to run away.

She took a deep breath and walked into the dressing room where her fellow competitors were already dolling up. She saw a mother stretching a corset so much the boobs of the girl were in a different color than her face and also a girl with a professional makeup team of three people doing her face, hair, and nails. This was no joke for some of them.

Of course, Trixie had been looked down on the moment she showed up and it was intimidating to walk among those trained pageant girls who whispered and tittered when she passed by their stations. Some of them might have identified her, some of them might be guessing what she was doing there.

Luckily, she found her mirror and hangers to be located in an isolated area near one of the back doors. At least she could get ready in peace.

Her mother walked into the room and it got as quiet as a church. The heads turned and immediately recognized the former Miss USA even after all those years, they also knew Trixie’s sister, Pearl, the current Miss Teen America; with both proud achievements under her arm, her mother solemnly crossed the place to her station with a couple of makeup bags on her hands. She greeted everyone with her fakest smile and then she looked at her daughter.

“Ronan will get your stuff in a moment.” She caressed Trixie’s hair. “Brush your hair, it’s dry.” She said with disdain. “And pinch your cheeks, you look ill.”

Forget that part of getting ready in peace.

Trixie instinctively grabbed a brush while her mother went mingle –and collected information about the other girls.

Suddenly, a voice surprised her.

“Hi!”

Trixie turned around and froze for a moment.

In the contiguous mirror labeled number thirteen, there was a girl with a bathrobe, rollers on her dark brown hair and by far the most beautiful smile Trixie had ever seen, the kind that made people go weak on their knees, with her not being the exception.

She’s beauty and she’s grace, she takes my breath away.

She looked like she had just arrived as well. Her makeup bags were closed and her dresses were in bags.

“It seems we’re going to be neighbors today.” She kept flashing her dazzling smile.

“Yeah… I mean… Hi, I’m Trixie.”

“Olivia, Liv…” She shook her hand. “Nice to meet you, Trixie. If you don’t mind, may I ask you a question?”

Trixie would later find out that was Olivia’s catchphrase.

“Sure, go ahead.”

“Where can I find a plug for my phone?”

“Behind the mirror.”

“Oh, thank you… by the way I love your hair.”

Trixie touched her messy blonde hair she hadn’t even styled yet and wondered if that was a tactic but Olivia seemed genuinely nice. The girl sat on her chair and started doing her makeup, -Trixie needed to do the same but she also wanted to keep talking to her.

But before she could say something else, her mother came back with the bags with her outfits.

“Bad news is that Violet is here but maybe you can beat her in the talent portion, good news is that there was a blizzard and Naomi couldn’t take the flight.” She sounded way too excited about that.

“Jeez, mom…”

“What? Know your competitors.” She stared at Olivia. “And who do we have here? I’m afraid I don’t remember your name, darling.”

“I’m Olivia Lux, Mrs. Mattel. We haven’t met but it’s such an honor.”

Her mother smiled and shook her hand. “Lovely.” She looked at Trixie again. “We have a lot of work to do.”

“I’ll do my makeup.” She began taking her brushes out of the bag.

“Good idea, don’t apply too much the judges didn’t like it last time.”

At that point, Trixie just wanted her mother to be gone for a hot second since that was the only moment she could get to relax while doing something she enjoyed and she couldn’t fully do that under her eagle eye. She was already stressed by the rehearsals and the competition, she didn’t need any more pressure over her shoulders.

As if her thoughts were heard, one of the other mothers called Trixie’s mother’s name and she made a fuss to say hi to her and gossip some more.

“Whoa, your mother is a legend.” Olivia whispered, still a bit thunderstruck.

“I guess…” Trixie sighed. “Sorry you had to hear what she said earlier, she gets a little… in the pageant mood.”

What Trixie wanted to say was «she’s like a shark and pageants are bloodbaths».

Olivia just gestured with her hands downplaying it. “Most mothers here are like that… don’t worry.”

“By the way, where are you from? I don’t think I have seen you here before.”

Way to go, Trixie, what brings you to San Antonio, Texas to this room full of nasty people and ugly hot weather?

“I’m from New Jersey but I think the reason we hadn’t met it’s because… being completely honest, this is my third pageant.”

Trixie almost had a seizure. “What?”

She looked so calm and collected she couldn’t have guessed it was only her third time participating.

Olivia giggled. “The first beauty pageant I participated was as a dare from one of my friends back in New Jersey and I won Miss Polaris… then I tried my luck in the Miss Natural Beauty in New York and also won.” She fidgeted with her rings. “I hadn’t gone this far until now and I’m actually considering going full-time… but I don’t have many references to ask advice from.”

And she wanted to ask Trixie? Out of all girls in that room?

“I have to admit that’s pretty impressive.”

“Thank you.”

“Pageant world is… wow… exhausting? It requires a lot of effort and dedication. My mother put my sister and me in pageants since we were little so we grew up in this environment so we’re used to the viciousness of it.”

Just to think they could’ve made it into Toddlers and Tiaras if it wasn’t canceled a year before their pageant debut.

Olivia looked at her with wide eyes, expectant.

“It is also a nice place to share and form sincere bonds with other girls, like a sisterhood.”

The girl grinned. “That’s wonderful!”

“Yeah…”

“I must admit that the scholarship program of Miss Teen America is also what dragged me here today. I need to gather some more experience before even considering giving it a try and having a good score here could help me to qualify for the nationals.”

“That’s the dream…” Trixie knew about it, she had been prepared all her life to be the following to reign after her sister.

Trixie did her makeup in almost record time, she knew they had counted minutes inside the dressing room and they hadn’t rehearsed the walk or the places on the stage –they barely had some time to try the acoustic and do something similar to a soundcheck before lunch.

She needed a minute away from that place or she was going to have a breakdown. When her mother wasn’t looking, she sneaked out to the emergency stairs that had a «DO NOT CROSS» yellow sign… perfect.

To her surprise, she wasn’t the only person who had had the same idea.

“Hey, Violet.”

The girl with black hair in a purple robe with her name embroidered –she probably had her famous corset underneath- lifted her gaze. She was sitting on the stairs with a cigarette in one hand and her phone in the other.

“Needed a break?”

Trixie nodded. “I swear there’s something inside there that sucks the air of the room.”

“It’s not the air, it’s the former pageant queens sucking the youth out of your body.”

The blonde cackled. “Most likely.”

“Where’s your sister? She won Miss Teen and now she’s too good for an open call pageant?”

“Didn’t you hear? She sprained her ankle skiing a couple of weeks ago…”

“I heard that.” Violet rolled her eyes. “Now tell me what really happened.”

“She sprained her ankle trying to climb the window of her room after she sneaked to go to a college party.”

Ladies, gentlemen, and folks… Miss Teen America!

Violet snickered. “Dumb whore.”

She offered Trixie a smoke but the blonde shook her head.

“It’d fuck my throat for the talent section.”

“Maybe that’s the strategy.” A cloud of smoke came from her lips.

Trixie laughed. Violet had never needed to use a dirty tactic to win. She simply didn’t give a fuck and that was the reason Trixie liked her and the reason they had developed a certain level of camaraderie… it could be even called a friendship. Maybe what she had said to Olivia wasn’t as far from reality as she thought, maybe there was room to bond over the trauma of lost childhood and terrible mothers.

“Are you doing your baton routine?”

The raven-haired girl nodded. “This time, with a spark…” She did jazz hands, ironically.

“They are letting you do the fire thing?”

“God bless Texas or something like that.”

“I thought it was unsafe.”

“Nonsense… I could do it blindfolded… actually…”

“Pyro psychopath.”

“What about you? I saw your guitar in the dressing room. Are you finally going to sing one of your SoundCloud songs?”

Trixie sighed. “I wish… Mrs. Barbara Mattel won’t let me. She says it isn’t appealing to the public like going for a well-known classic.”

“Let me guess, Dolly Parton?”

“Yeah…”

“It’s always «yes» not «yeah», Miss Mattel.” She mocked.

“Fuck off, you skinny bitch.”

“You say it as if it’s something wrong with that.”

“I’m always hoping for you to faint during the run on the stage.”

“Because that’s the only way you could win.”

They laughed at each other. Everything was so ridiculous they needed the laughter to make things lighter.

“Well, you have competition with the singing thing…” Violet commented.

Trixie raised an eyebrow. “Who?”

“That new girl from Jersey… the one that looks like she came out from a toothpaste commercial.”

“Olivia?” She asked with disbelief… well, it shouldn’t have been any surprise since she seemed like the type of girl who could do anything anyway.

“And she plays piano too.” Violet dumped the ashes of her cigarette over the stairs but she was also adding fuel to the fire.

Fuck.

Maybe Trixie was very good at singing but the judges always looked with good eyes when someone played a more classical instrument like violin or piano, it made the girls look more sophisticated than an acoustic guitar.

She was truly underestimating Olivia for being the rookie in the room but if she was as good as Violet had said, she might have reasons to be worried.

Back in the dressing room, her mother nagged her for disappearing before getting the curlers on. She had her hair pulled and entangled in the plastic tubes under a pink cap. Some girls had left in rounds to the rehearsal of the talents that couldn’t make it in the morning, Olivia among them.

With her not being there to bright the room a little, Trixie felt alone. She knew she had just met Olivia but there was something so radiant and charming about her that she couldn’t shake off her mind. That… and the fact that Trixie was just being gay as fuck while yearning for a competitor.

To relieve her anxiety, she lulled herself with her autoharp and one of her songs that wouldn’t make it into the program.

“Whoa… that was beautiful.” The voice of the girl woke her from her reverie.

She hadn’t noticed Olivia had returned since she was so mesmerized with the music, closing her eyes and feeling it with her heart.

Olivia clapped and smiled, even brighter than before.

“Is what you’re going to play on today’s talent show?”

Trixie shook her head. “It’s mine, actually. I don’t think the public would respond as you just did.”

“What are you saying? It sounds terrific… I wish I could write songs too, what a great talent.”

“You’re just being polite… pageant polite.”

“I’m not…” Olivia reached for her hand and Trixie felt butterflies flapping on her stomach, no stage fright related. “Your music is wonderful, I mean it.”

She didn’t want to let go of Olivia’s hand but at that moment, there was a commotion in the dressing room that attracted all stares.

It was Alyssa Edwards, the hostess of the pageant and mother of the current Miss Teen Venus. Trixie had overheard her mother calling her things before but the second she walked in, everyone shut up. She didn’t look content at all.

“Miss Atlanta…” She called. “The color one.”

Violet.

“Violet has been disqualified from today’s competition.” She announced, as serious as she could be about it.

“What?!” Trixie looked around, she was nowhere to be seen.

“There has been an accident during the rehearsal of her talent and since the board and the judges consider it to be too dangerous and the lil’ miss refuses to change it… there’s no other choice but to continue without her.” She explained, reading a piece of paper she had in her hands. “Also, Miss Violet argues there had been some type of sabotage involved…”

The word sabotage made the room explode into an uproar. Alyssa was only the messenger but the women assembled in front of her demanding explanations and repeating how nonsensical the accusation was.

“Ladies, ladies…” She tried to get their attention but finally the only way she could do it was whistling loud enough to leave everyone deaf. “Ladies! I know this is a severe accusation but I promise you we’ll be taking action into the matter and proceeding with the corresponding investigation. This is not the image of any Miss Teen Venus and if the allegations turn to be true there will be a prosecution and punishment of such acts.” She shushed a pageant mom that was about to protest. “Margaret, sit your ass down no one wants to hear it.”

Trixie’s mother looked ecstatic. “Yes!” She celebrated in a lower voice.

Trixie just shook her head.

Violet returned to the dressing room wearing what to Violet was pedestrian clothing to pick her things about half an hour later, she looked done with everything and everyone there. She didn’t even mind the stares and whispers –even during rough times she shone for her confidence-, her mother behind her, however, kept ranting about the level of unprofessionalism showed and how they were going to regret it.

Trixie approached her station when things were cooling down a little.

“Hey, what the fuck happened?”

Violet sighed. “I don’t know, there was something wrong with the baton or the kerosene, this has never happened before.” She crossed her arms on her chest. “My mother thinks there’s a conspiracy going on and I just want to sleep on the plane and cuddle my cat back at home.”

“But like… do you really think someone deliberately tried to mess up with your act?”

“I have no clue but… I never make mistakes and that’s not an exaggeration.” She gathered her things. “If someone’s really sabotaging people you should watch your back.” She put a pair of designer sunglasses on.

“…we don’t need this trashy fifth category contest; Violet has a modeling contract…”

“I have to get my mom out of that argument. See you at the nationals I guess.”

“No «break a leg» or something?”

“You don’t need my help with that.” She waved her hair on her way out.

“Bitch…”

Alyssa called them for the runway rehearsal a couple of minutes after.

“Tracy,” She pointed at Trixie. “you go before Peronka.”

Trixie and Priyanka exchanged a look. To be fair, Priyanka was a newbie but still, it was funny that Alyssa confused their names so badly.

“Olivia, you go next.”

Of course, she remembered her name.

They paraded in their robes with curlers and clips on their hair pretending it was the real thing. They had to smile, wave, stuck their stomachs, stretch their shoulders, elongate their necks and look absolutely fabulous while wearing heels.

Olivia, just like the pageant she had won before, was a natural. She gracefully walked upstairs, sashayed all over the stage, and posed like a professional.

Trixie couldn’t keep her eyes off her to the point Priyanka had to elbow her to move.

“It got you hard this time…” She murmured.

“Shut up, Peronka.”

The first round they all had to wear the same simple v-neckline blue dress –not Trixie’s favorite color to wear- with a sad matching pump but it was just one lap to show their charms while playing a corny song about being Miss Teen Venus and all the qualities that came with it –did anyone else notice that it sounded oddly similar to Dancing Queen? Because Trixie did.

They also had a short presentation and because of that reason, Trixie didn’t let her mother rub vaseline on her teeth before stepping out the stage.

“Good evening, everyone. My name is Trixie Mattel, I’m from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I enjoy playing the acoustic guitar and composing my own songs. The people who inspire me the most are Michelle Obama, Dolly Parton, and my mom whom I love very much.” She smiled widely.

The judges nodded and wrote something down.

Alyssa in her all glitter, all glam golden gown and perfect huge blonde hair read the card, and after Trixie was done she commented. “Isn’t she lovely, folks?”

Claps from the audience and then her cue to leave the center of the stage and get in line next to Priyanka –always keeping the poise and the smile.

Olivia was next.

“Miss Olivia Lux.” Alyssa presented.

“Good evening, everyone. My name is Olivia, I’m from Buena, New Jersey. The activities I like the most are performing on a stage, playing the piano, and cooking with my mom and my grandmother. The people who inspire me the most are Malala Yousafzai, Kamala Harris, and Beyoncé Knowles.” She giggled.

“Adorable!” Alyssa said into the microphone.

Oh, she was good-good.

It reminded Trixie of the time Pearl went against Valentina, her smile also charmed the judges effortlessly making her sister lost that pageant.

Okay, the first round was done. The talent portion was next and Trixie hadn’t been that nervous before.

There were twenty –well, nineteen- girls competing that night, and some of them were really good. The swimsuit portion was something Trixie just preferred to ignore it happened; she was embarrassingly looking at one particular lady but she did her best pretending she wasn’t –even when her face was probably as red as her swimsuit-. Next were the talents and they went from juggling, opera singing, gymnastics to some awful singing, uncoordinated tap dancing, and some slips and falls -those that fail were often the most entertaining.

After Priyanka’s interpretative dance, it was Trixie’s turn.

She was on her country pink leather bodysuit with her Texan boots and big brushed hair. She held her pink glittery guitar near to her.

Alyssa was about to announce it when she felt a hand over her shoulder.

It was Olivia.

“Hey, I just wanted to wish you good luck. I’m sure you’re going to kill it.”

Trixie squeezed her hand. “Thank you.”

She took a deep breath before walking onto the stage.

“…here she is, Trixie Mattel!”

“Good night, everyone, how are you doing?” She displayed her white teeth. If something, Trixie felt comfortable in front of an audience when she had her guitar with her. “I hope you all know this one… because if you don’t… ”

She knew the chords by heart, as soon as she plucked the strings she got into character, moving her body and dancing around. The audience recognized the first couple of notes of Jolene right away. They could say she foreshadowed it on her presentation so no one should’ve been surprised at all.

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene

I’m begging of you please don’t take my man

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene

Please don’t take him just because you can

People started clapping along and mouthed the words.

Your beauty is beyond compare

With flaming locks of auburn hair

With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green

She was having a great time and then, the lyrics came out of her mouth and her eyes directed to the girl behind the curtains who was still looking at her performance even when she was next.

Your smile is like a breath of spring

Your voice is soft like summer rain

And I cannot compete with you… Jolene

«Your smile is like a breath of spring» that single sentence could be used to describe Olivia perfectly and Trixie didn’t stop staring at her while pronouncing every word.

The rest of the song went even better, she really engaged with the audience. Trixie was very good at impersonating Dolly but she also liked giving it a little twist here and there, letting her personality shine through the music.

She had done a better job than that other girl that attempted to do These Boots Are Made For Walkin’. People gave her a full standing ovation, that was the best feeling in the world.

She was still shaking with adrenaline post-show when she crossed paths with –probably- her biggest competition of the night.

Olivia, who looked polished and gorgeous on a halter aqua short dress, her hair perfectly tight in an up-do and that blinding smile…

“Trixie you were fantastic! I knew you were going to do a great job but you really gave a show out there.”

“Thank you… break a leg… uh…”

“I’m so nervous.” She peeped over the blonde’s shoulder. A member of the staff was setting Olivia’s keyboard in the meantime Alyssa thanked the pageant sponsors.

“Look, the judges already love you so you just have to do your best out there and… have fun.”

Olivia nodded and hugged Trixie tightly before heading to the main stage.

Trixie was out of breath.

She knew her mother was going to go crazy if she was late back in the dressing room to change to her nightgown but it didn’t matter. She wanted to be there, supporting Olivia just like she did.

“Without further delay, Miss Olivia Lux.” Alyssa announced.

Olivia started playing the notes of For Elise on the keyboard and the audience was already fascinated by it but then, she pressed a couple of buttons that added rhythm to the classical symphony and the song became For Albert by Sarah Jackson-Holman. Olivia’s voice was also lovely and it complimented the song very well. She had an amazing stage presence and that was what made her performance stand up.

She guessed that the line «Your voice is soft like summer rain» also applied to Olivia.

Trixie was bewitched watching her leaving it all on the stage and so were the judges. She was surely scoring high with that interpretation. The audience gave her the second standing ovation of the night, well-earned.

Trixie herself was clapping like her biggest fan.

“That was amazing!” She celebrated the other girl.

“Oh my God… you watched it?”

“Yes, I wouldn’t miss it.”

Olivia was about to cry. “Thank you…”

“Hey, hey… save those tears for the end or you’re going to ruin your makeup.”

“Okay…” She sobbed but her face remained dry and her makeup flawless.

Back in the dressing room, Trixie’s mother wasn’t around which was strange since she was the first to boss Trixie around as soon as she put a step in.

She didn’t pay much attention since something else happened in the contiguous station, number thirteen.

“This cannot be happening…” Olivia was on the verge of a panic attack. “It has to be here somewhere.” She sounded so afflicted it made Trixie feel about whatever was going on before even knowing the details.

“What is it?” She asked.

“Oh, Trixie…” She fell into her arms. “It’s terrible, just terrible…” She was trying her best not to cry, Trixie could tell. “My nightgown has disappeared!”

“What?! No, that can’t be. Where was it last time you saw it?”

“In the hanger with my other dresses… It was here before the talent show I just saw it… My mom went to check on the car just in case but… I swear it was here. You have to believe me.”

Trixie stroked Olivia’s back trying to comfort her, even when she wasn’t the most affectionate person and having this type of contact was difficult to her, with that girl it was innate… she felt in need of protecting her.

“I believe you. We’re going to find it, okay? I promise it. We still thirty minutes before our turn.”

“Thank you… you’re a great friend.”

She smiled at Olivia.

Something shady was going on and Trixie was going to find out what it was.

She went out the hallway; neither of the other girls had seen something so if someone really stole Olivia’s dress it had to be while the girls were performing on the stage. Olivia’s mother did what she could to make time but finally decided to tell Alyssa was for the best, the hostess had cursed in her southern accent but assured the lady that they were also going to look for the emerald green nightgown.

Trixie finally found her mother next to the coffee machine with a cigarette in her hand.

“Mom, Olivia’s dress was stolen from the dressing room, where you around it before the talent show?”

She frowned and shook her head, the cigarette hung on her mouth unlighted. “No clue. Kids should be careful with their things.” She looked at Trixie from head to toe. “Why aren’t you dressing up already?”

“I’ll do it in a second. We’re trying to find her dress or she’s not going to make it to the next round.”

“Why do you care? You should be responsible for yourself and yourself only, Patricia. Otherwise, you’re not going to make it far in life…” She rummaged her purse trying to find a box of matches when it fell from her hands. “Shit…” She cursed.

Trixie kneeled on the floor to pick up the purse when she spotted a bottle of kerosene.

She picked the item and looked at it carefully and then she looked at her mother.

“Isn’t this the thing Violet uses for her baton routine?”

“I don’t know, I use it to clean…”

“Mom… What are you doing with this in your purse?”

“Oh, c’mon, Trixie. Give it to me.” She snatched the bottle from her hands and lighted up her cigarette with the matches. “You didn’t see anything.”

It suddenly made sense.

“You were the one who sabotaged Violet’s act, didn’t you?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh my God… you did.” Trixie was speechless. “Did you steal Olivia’s dress too?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, why would I do any of that?”

“Because you don’t think I can win on my own… You’ve been obstructing the competition all day long.”

“Fine, whatever… yes. I don’t think you can win on your own and these little amateurs cannot beat you… you’re a Mattel, do you have an idea what that name represents? The legacy that’s over your shoulders?”

“You got no shame at all, do you? What’s next? Are you going to throw marbles all over the stage?” Trixie felt like she was about to throw up. “Where’s Olivia’s dress?”

Her mother jeered. “Do you really believe I’m going to tell you? Please… Now go back to the dressing room and put some fucking vaseline on your teeth, I didn’t pay for your braces all those years for you to look like a bitter hag.”

“You’re going to regret this.”

Trixie really wanted to yell something at her but a plan was already forming on her mind and if it worked, her mother was going to get what she deserved.

“Any news?” Olivia asked with a spark of hope in her voice.

Trixie’s heart broke in the spot. She shook her head.

“I’m sorry, Liv. I couldn’t find it.”

“Oh no… Alyssa said if I don’t go out in fifteen minutes they’ll have to continue without me and I’ll be disqualified from the category meaning I won’t win in points…” She buried her face in her hands.

“Not necessarily.” Trixie squeezed her shoulder. “Fortunately for you… and because I come from a great tradition of pageant winners, I’ve learned to always go to a competition with a back-up.” She pulled a bag that was previously hanging next to her.

Olivia’s face lit up. “What is it…? Are you serious?”

Trixie nodded. “You can wear this one… now, obviously we’re not the same size but I think it can fit you just well with a couple of quick adjustments.”

“Oh my goodness… Trixie…” She was trying to find the right words. “You’re the best.” She embraced the girl into a hug.

Trixie beamed. “Don’t worry, it’s going to be alright. Text your mom you have a dress and get ready… I need to get a bottle of hairspray I left in the hallway, okay? I’ll see you behind the stage.”

“Okay…” She nodded. “Right. I’ll do that. Thank you, thank you… I cannot express it enough.”

“Hey, that’s what friends are for.”

Olivia held her hands. “You’re a wonderful person, Trixie Mattel.”

She felt a sting of guilt on her stomach. “I am…”

Trixie’s mother was about to enter into cardiac arrest when she found her daughter who was next in line, not ready.

“Trixie, where the hell were you? It’s almost your turn… where’s your dress?”

“I’m not going to walk on that stage, mom. I don’t want to win, not like this at least. It’s not fair.”

Her mother rolled her eyes. “Don’t start with me, Patricia. Do you have an idea of everything I had to do for you to be here tonight?”

“I do… that’s why I’m out of this competition. I already informed Alyssa I’m out.”

“You did what? Spoiled brat… Where is she? I’m going to find her and tell her you’re completely out of your mind… you’re being irrational and complicated and… you’ll see when we get home.”

Trixie’s mother tried in vain to convince Alyssa but she kept repeating “Barbara, please…”

The girls were starting to get in line and Trixie saw that Olivia was looking around trying to find her, when she did, she was highly surprised.

Olivia looked stunning in that shimmering pink-peach dress, the sequins fell over and sparked whenever she moved, she had added some orange accents to her makeup and an orange lily flower on her hair –Trixie was sure she had seen that flower on a vase at the reception but she wasn’t going to discredit her resourcefulness.

“You look so beautiful…” Trixie admired.

“Thank you… But… where’s your dress? Why aren’t you ready?”

“I dropped out.” She confessed. “This competition wasn’t for me so go ahead and kill it as you did before.”

“Wait- Is this?” Alyssa announced the category. “This is the dress you were supposed to wear, isn’t it?”

“It’s okay… It looks amazing on you anyway.”

“Trixie, no… I can’t do it. I can’t accept it…” The girls started walking.

“Listen, Olivia. I have a very good reason to resign but you don’t. This is a gorgeous gown and one of us should wear it tonight… and I’m glad is you.”

Olivia pouted. “Trixie…”

“No tears… no tears… make me proud, okay?”

Olivia held Trixie’s hand until it was her turn and even then, she didn’t let go until her fingers slid from her hand.

To no one’s shock, Olivia nailed the interview round and she truly wore that gown as if it had been made specifically for her. Trixie’s mother kept grumbling on the back and tried to light up another cigarette in the close environment, finally, a guard escorted her out of the venue while she kept repeating do you know who I am? I’m Miss USA!

But Trixie only had eyes for Olivia and that flashing smile of hers…

When she walked out of the stage, she almost overthrew the blonde.

“Trixie! I think there’s a chance I might win this…”

“You’re going to win this.” She assured.

Trixie knew one or two things about pageants and the way the judges reacted to her was more than just good.

After Alyssa announced the top five and Olivia’s name was among them, she knew she was going to win.

“Ladies, gentlemen, folks… it’s time to announce the results of our pageant of Miss Teen Venus 2021… Could the finalists please step forward?”

Trixie had her fingers crossed.

“For the title of second runner-up we have… Miss Priyanka!”

Everyone cheered when the girl in the red gown waved at them, Priyanka was probably just happy that Alyssa caught her name… finally.

“Our first runner-up is… Miss Crystal!”

The red-haired girl that had won the audience over with her personality waved enthusiastically.

“And now… for the title of Miss Teen Venus… let’s welcome my daughter Tiara, the past winner of this pageant who’s ending her reign tonight.”

Trixie sometimes wondered if no one founded it weird that Alyssa’s daughter was named after an object that was so common across the pageant world when she was also… a pageant queen… maybe it was just her.

The soon-to-be-former Miss Teen Venus looked exquisite in a white gown with her big tiara and flower bouquet.

“And now… the moment we all been waiting for… the judges have made their decision… Our new Miss Teen Venus is…”

Drum roll…

“Miss Olivia Lux!”

Trixie cheered as loud as she could, the pageant theme song started playing –really? No one? It was basically a Dancing Queen rip-off…- and there were glitter and confetti canons… Olivia got her sash, her crown, and her flowers. She was now shedding tears of pure joy and the cameras were flashing almost as much as her smile.

She looked jubilant and Trixie was just happy to witness it.

She had to take pictures with her family, with the judges, with the former winner, with Alyssa… it took a good fifteen minutes before she could leave the stage with the hostess wrapping up the event and saying goodnight to everyone.

Trixie was still shaking behind the curtains when Olivia walked down the stage, she opened her hands to hug the winner but instead, Olivia cupped her face and planted a kiss on her lips. Trixie suddenly felt dizzy and that ninety percent of her body was turned into jelly.

“Sorry… I’ve been wanting to do that for a while… maybe it was rushed and without permission I-”

But before she knew it, Trixie was kissing her back.

“Congratulations… Miss Teen Venus.” She said, breathless.

Olivia grinned and looked at her with pure devotion in her eyes.

“I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“You deserve it.”

“This means I can go to the nationals now!” She wiggled with excitement.

“That’s right.”

“And do you know what it means?” She wrapped her arms around Trixie and pulled her closer again.

“That we’re going to meet again?”

She nodded, her crown almost fell out.

“And that next time… we’re going to compete for real.”

“I’d like that.”

“But until then… may I kiss you again?”

She didn’t need to hear the words to get the response to that question.

read on ao3 ✨

#rpdr fanfiction #olivia lux #trixie mattel #olivia x trixie #rare pair #fic challenge #song fic #beauty pageant #lesbian au #jolene by dolly parton #don’t take my crown just because you can #plastiquedoll #concrit welcome

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popculture-etc · 4 years ago

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Kenny Rogers, Adam Schlesinger,...coping with 2020

Worst year ever although there were some good.

It’s too early yet for me to do a quick look back on what 2020 is like here as we’re only going to be in the first of December tomorrow (it’s Nov 30 here) but I just have to as two losses this year broke me. Kind of, well, especially the second one.

You see, before East Asian pop, Jpop and Kpop, Western pop culture was my thing. It still is and this pandemic has made me go back to that recently starting with...the Beach Boys (their westcoast sound caught me, hook, line, and sinker and I wasn’t very fond of the Beatles to begin with...to be completely honest) I’m currently chillin’ to right now, as I write this post. I’m really weak to the westcoast sound. Beach sound/s in general, rather. I’m a big fan of the beach where nature goes, for one. Since some time, a few years ago, deep chill and tropical house music has been my go-to when I want to chill or calm myself down after an outburst of sorts and I put them on when I just feel meh, especially on Fridays. When I dream of being by the sea, the beach or in some island on my own. I live in a country with a lot of beaches and the Visayas here is basically island region Philippines, lol. Like most people, I listen to music according to mood just like the way I dress according to mood. And...it’s no wonder, really that I’m so into the Beach Boys now. RIP the Beatles. My dad played some songs of theirs on the guitar or so but the hold they have on me waned later on and I just think now how overrated they were back then. They did have good songs but when talking of good music, as in really good that it retains the same sound style or so, it’s the Beach Boys for me. Brian Wilson is the man despite his issues and personal struggles.

Anyway, we’re going quickly off tangent. I’ll save the Beach Boys fangirling for another day. lol.

I grew up with western pop culture rife all around me thanks to my American, cowboy country and folk music listening dad, my Carpenters-loving mom and then, college-aged aunts who’d made me see the Titanic film more than my fingers could count---the third is clearly an exaggeration but well...some of it is true and they were why I got into American films like Pretty Woman (we have this in good ol’ VHS in our family home, my grandparents’ in Jasaan), Mannequin, Ghost etc. in the late 80s, coming into the early 90s. So, tired of all the kdrama and uninteresting kvariety shows on tvn and the rebranded local channel, Kapamilya (long story for what we formerly know as ABS-CBN, the nation’s a mess right now and our gov’t’s just...ick!), I’d retreated to my cave and got into old tv shows I’d watched as a kid instead like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charmed and it’s been, well, moving on from there. I’m checking out Twin Peaks later. I’ve been watching old Hollywood films too. Some revisits on this include: Casablanca, Gone With The Wind, and especially A Streetcar Named Desire will always and forever be my favorite. Very young and cute and good looking Marlon Brando, ugh. I have some others in the stash which include Bonnie and Clyde I’ll be getting into much, much later, maybe over the weekends and holidays. In sum, I have a long history with western pop culture, especially America’s, more than I have with Japan’s and South Korea’s. The latter being very, very recent so it doesn’t really compare as much.

Let’s get right down to it...

So 2020 had us lose Kenny Rogers to natural causes on March 20 in a hospice and after, Adam Schlesinger to COVID 19 complications on April 1. I know the latter as the songwriter of The Wonders’ That Thing You Do from the film sharing the same song title. I know Kenny Rogers well because my dad listens to him over and over in the car. In pretty much the same way, I know the words to Islands in the Stream by heart and I accept and revere it as one of the best, if not THE BEST country-pop duet songs of all time between Kenny and Dolly Parton...as far as country and pop music in the US of A’re concerned, of course. Miley and Shawn Mendez’s cover of it I’d seen recently was alright but nothing still beats the OG one, as always. With music, it’s just, really always the case.

Kenny departing from us March this year was alright. He was well cared for in a hospice and at the right age too, to leave us and this mess of a world behind for the afterlife. Sounds grim but not really. Heh. He died of natural causes so we know he was at peace and accepted then that his time has come. Fans and long-time listeners of his should also be at peace with this knowledge. I don’t consider myself a fan but since he’s been around so much because my dad plays his songs in the car often, I’m the same. I’ve accepted his passing away early this year. He’s lived his life well and given us good music to listen to should we like to remember him and his works and celebrate his life and legacy doing so.

Schlesinger’s case was way worse because, well, COVID 19. And it’s well...I guess we all saw it coming, me included, that I’d just learned, watching the one of many national English news on ANC that ‘pandemic’ is the word of the year according to Merriam-Webster. Timely, huh? Yep. Predictable, really. Sarcasm noted here.

So if someone ever asks what 2020 was about, we only have to say that according to Merriam-Webster, it’s the global (COVID 19) pandemic. Short, not-so-sweet, succinct, and grim. Yep.

This one, Schlesinger’s case, is something I still find difficult to accept. He was only 52 years old! He was at the prime of his life and had some projects still he was working on at the time of his passing so WHY?! I suppose that’s all of us who followed him and his extensive work on tv, film, the stage and his own band, Fountains of Wayne when we heard news he’s passed away due to COVID 19 complications. It’s definitely me now though I learned of it late. Heh.

To cope with the sadness of losing Schlesinger, gone too soon at 52 years old and with an impressive Hollywood tv, stage, film resume to his name since and his own band’s, Fountains of Wayne (FoW) really good discography, by the way, I’ve been listening to FoW’s Welcome Interstate Managers---all of the contents of said album/record---and That Thing You Do’s OST with the Beach Boys’ Sounds of Summer Best of in between. My favorite song on Welcome Interstate Managers is the sarcastic take on real life as an everyday worker in sales, Bright Future in Sales. As much as I like chill sounds where music goes, I like me some music with lyrics jolting us back to grim reality in much the same way I like films (indies, mostly, or lesser known short and full-length ones) that tackle social issues not frequently discussed in public or so but we are aware are there, still plaguing much of today’s society. I live for cynical, satirical, ironic, and even hyperbolic stuff about real life actually. It may be why I’m so entrenched and attached to the era where we all hated ourselves---the 90s. Although one would say much of that sentiment or feeling did carry itself to the 2000s, though. I don’t know about you, but until now, I still hate or have heavy dislike for myself and everything else around me, especially our gov’t or current admin here in the Philippines, and people in general so I don’t think it ever really goes away. And going off tangent again for the nth time today.

Anyway, my 1996 was That Thing You Do on HBO in our household...on and off along with other 90s films like The Craft, Clueless, Jawbreakers (I think this still plays in Cinemax from time to time) so of course losing Schlesinger also was...rather, is hard. He’s done so much and he was supposed to be working on more and he’s left such a deep mark here for us, avid fans of American pop culture...I suppose, even the casual ones. Aside from his That Thing You Do, I’d also seen Josie and the Pussycats at some point. I don’t remember when, where...though I did watch some episodes of the cartoon on Cartoon Network (CN) so of course, I’m pretty sure I’ve seen the film of it as well. He worked on a track or some tracks there, too.

2020 sucks. COVID 19 sucks. This global pandemic sucks. But at least there’re films, tv shows, music, stage musical plays turned movies (Jonathan Larson’s Tick, Tick...Boom! is coming to us soon with Andrew Garfield in the lead---I’m wary of Garfield being a forgettable actor since The Amazing Spider Man because Dane Dehaan was what made that for me, to be quite honest so I’m not so sure of him being Jon here and as a self-respecting Larson fan since Rent, I’d rather they casted Neil Patrick Harris/NPH since he was in the London stage for this way back anyway...) to keep us entertained and fine until then. What would it take for ‘rona, and I’m not talking about the American Corona beer here that’s really popular in the west coast, to go away? I, like the rest of you in self isolation or quarantine, tend to think so but I don’t think we’ll have any answer to that until the vaccines are well underway by spring next year. Or at least, that’s what health authorities and scientists tell us anyway. I get reminded of it often in the news and I only tune in to that once in a while now because even that, following that daily, breaks my mental faculties down due to stress and pressure and all and I can’t have that when I still have so much, at the back of my mind, to do.

But anyway, time to conclude this one with one of my favorite The Wonders songs, All My Only Dreams just to end on a good note, better than the last paragraph’s ending at least and to remember Schlesinger as well that we’d lost this year along with plenty others we’d met in passing who’ve also left this world especially due to COVID 19 complications. I know we know a lot of those. For me, it’s a distant relative or family member I’d known since young but don’t have particular fluffy bunny feelings for because of some things that happened between the guy and me growing up in the NCR/Caloocan City to be exact. There’s also my good friend and former co-worker’s only remaining parent, her dad and a few more, I’m sure. So I hope 2021 would be better but I doubt it...very much. It’s still looking pretty dim, grim and bleak from here, where I’m currently standing in 2020.

Before we really end though, COVID 19 is definitely not a hoax. It hasn’t been since the first cases started in Wuhan, China. It’s just, only been getting worse and still continue to claim lives and spread to more people even those at home. So as someone who comes from a household of mostly medical workers or health care workers here, we should really be very careful about and around it. Let’s take the necessary health protocols seriously like wearing a mask out and maybe the face shield too and always keeping the sanitizers, alcohols in our bags among others---hygiene and sanitation, disinfection. It may come off really anal of me and I am not anal (I don’t like people with Type A personalities in the first place, lol...I’m just a very cautious Virgo, really, and a Type X---mix of Type C and D personalities) but seriously, SERIOUSLY, I can’t stress this enough, COVID 19, the virus SARS-COV2, that causes it is real. Very real and once it’s in your system, it can go the fatal, deadly way or just the mild and you’ll recover later anyway way. It’s not picking which people should die next and which should not, really. It’s really just there making a mess of things that are already messy since the beginning. My point being, it’s just better if we don’t spread it or are careful enough not to contract it with following health protocols set by health experts, scientists to help us get by this...pandemic.

Well here’s to 2020 being over soon and 2021 creeping in on us soon enough.

P.S.

Billie Armstrong of Greenday upped a cover of That Thing You Do as a tribute to Adam and the youtube live of the Wonders coming together again to pay tribute to and celebrate Adam’s life may still be up on the ‘tube. I have yet to see the latter but enjoyed the former. They are just so...sweet and precious. Ugh. Adam Schlesinger, gone too soon indeed. :(

PPS

Another songwriter/contributor in the TTYD OST passed away last year, too. Rick Elias. Cause of death is brain cancer. I had a friend from college, young and so full of life and dreams, who passed away due to the same thing so I’m kind of aware how this goes. Ugh. Cancer sucks. All of these are just so...sad. Depressing, actually.

youtube

#Adam Schlesinger #Kenny Rogers #american pop culture #USA #United States of America #That Thing You Do #Fountains of Wayne #music #entertainment #Hollywood #loss #COVID 19 #2020 #2020 is the worst year ever #what's next 2021?#A year in music #a year in american pop culture #a year in american rock and roll and pop music

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lordsister · 5 years ago

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Here You Come Again (Levi Ackerman x Reader) College!/Modern!AU

A/N: Because I love Dolly Parton so much, I wrote a Levi fic based off of one of her songs (link below). Enjoy!^^

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jel1HB3j2N0

I do not own Attack on Titan, any of its characters, or the song “Here You Come Again” by the lovely Dolly Parton.

My ko-fi: ko-fi.com/lordsister

Stepping off the train and into the sunlight, you took a moment to simply breath in the clean, sea air, letting a smile grace your face. Closing your eyes, you tipped your head back and felt the sun on your skin. It'd only been a few months since the last time you'd been home, but it felt like too long. Whatever sunlight you felt in the city was weak and sparse compared to this.

Opening your eyes, you continued walking with a new spring in your step, excitement coursing through your veins. Finally, you had the whole summer to spend time with your family, revisit your old stomping grounds, and, most importantly, not have to worry about due dates and mountains of essays. You could barely wait to see your old high school friends and catch up! Social media didn't compare to actual face-to-face at all.

A familiar face appeared in your mind at the thought of the people you loved and missed before you could think better of it and you pushed it away just as quickly.

You'd gotten over him. He and you had gone your separate ways. He didn't matter anymore...

"(Y/N)!!!" You barely had time to turn around before a brown streak slammed into you, knocking you off your feet and sending your suitcase and backpack flying. "(Y/n)!!!" Hanji whined, pressing her face into your chest as you groaned. "I missed you so much!!! What took you so long to get here?!" Taking note of your winded state, the brunette woman gasped. "(Y/n)?! Are you okay?!"

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm all right." Moving to sit up, you returned Hanji's choking embrace. Despite the lingering pain in your back and neck, you really were happy to see your old partner in crime. "I missed you so much, Hanji!" It'd been too long since the two of you had schemed together, having gone to separate universities. Separating, you let her grab your suitcase as you picked up your backpack, following her to an old jeep parked on the side of the road. "How've you been? Zoology treating you well?"

"Are you kidding? Zoology's the love of my life!" A teasing smile stretched her cheeks and she nudged your shoulder with her own. "Just like a certain shorty we both know is yours."

"Hanjiiii!" Sighing, you murmured, "You and I both know that's never going to happen." Trying to give her a bright smile, you said, "Besides! I'm over him now. I've gotten myself together."

She gave you a skeptical look. "That so?"

"Yep!"

"Hmm..." She puffed her cheeks out in a childish pout. "Don't get me wrong, Petra's a nice girl and all, but you were always the better choice for Levi."

You rolled your eyes. "Whatever you say." 'In the end it didn't matter, did it? He still went out with her.' A small sigh of relief passed your lips as she dropped the subject, popping open the trunk and loading your stuff inside. Now that the topic had come up though, you didn't seem to be able to force your mind off of him. Levi Ackerman was still there in your subconscious, in all his cool beauty, as statuesque as the last day you saw him, only one thing was different as you thought of him. Your heart was yours now. Not his.

Slipping your feet out of your sandals, you carried them as you walked, flexing your toes in the wet sand. Brushing your hair behind one ear, you took a moment to admire the ocean at night. The moon always looked so beautiful over the waves, highlighting the churning water and subtle shift of the horizon.

It'd been wonderful to see your family and friends again but you wanted to get away from the excitement for a little while, deciding to take a stroll on the beach not far from your house. The place held so many memories from your childhood and teenage years, both good and bad...

The moon shone high in the sky, nearing its zenith, but you and Levi still sat on the sand, staring across the water in uncomfortable silence.

Hanji had been with the two of you earlier, but had since gone home, saying something about getting up early that was quite obviously an excuse to give the two of you time alone together. At this point, you weren't sure if being alone with Levi was a good thing or a bad thing. Your heart said it was a good thing, seeing as you were in love with him and all, but your head wasn't quite as agreeable, drawing attention to every little thing and making you too anxious to say more than a few words and sneak glances at him out of the corner of your eye.

When had it become so hard for you to hold a normal conversation with him? One day, you were friends, doing normal "just friends" things, and the next, bam! Instant blush whenever you saw him and uncontrollable heart palpitations.

Of course, Hanji knew before you even realized it that you were in love with Levi. When you'd confided your newfound feelings for your mutual friend, she'd jumped right in, asking what your game plan was to win "shorty's heart." You hadn't had one, and still didn't really have one, but any chance she got, Hanji managed to get you and him alone together, urging you to spill your heart to him.

"(Y/n)." You jolted at the sound of your name, head snapping up to look at him even as he kept his gaze on the horizon.

"Y-Yes!" you managed to say a little too enthusiastically.

"I think I'm going to go out with Petra."

Your first reaction was to look away, act like those few words didn't shatter your heart and knock the air from your lungs. "O-Oh."

"What do you think?"

Could he be any more cruel? "I-If that's what you want, go for it!" You smiled at him so widely it masked the tears gathering in your eyes, but you rose before he could see through your facade as Levi undoubtedly would. "Well, it's getting late. I should get going."

"(Y/-"

"I'll see you later, Levi, okay?" Your voice trembled, but you continued to smile through the tears as you walked away, abandoning your plans to confess. Part of you hoped he would call your name, tell you it was a lie, grab you up in his arms and hold you close, anything that would keep you from leaving and having to tear your heart away from that which it longed for so badly.

But he didn't and you resolved yourself against wasting any more time loving him.

That was the last time you saw him before leaving for college, deliberately avoiding him as you tried to piece together the shards of your heart and pick yourself back up again.

Just this once, you allowed yourself the luxury to imagine what it would've been like if you and Levi actually had worked out in high school, if you'd actually gotten together on that summer night so long ago instead of had your heart torn to bits. Such a world was almost too wonderful to imagine.

"(Y/n)?"

Your gaze snapped from the ocean to the man standing only a few feet away, and your heart just about stopped. How fitting, to meet him here again. Levi hadn't changed a bit in the year you hadn't seen him, the same sculpted face, pale skin, dark undercut. He still looked better than a body had a right too. His storm-grey eyes were wide as he looked at you, faint surprise crossing his features.

Deep down, you felt your traitorous heart throb in response to him and you clenched your teeth, trying to calm yourself. Here he came again, just when you were about to get yourself together after his rejection, and just like that ever defense you had built against him began to crumble.

It wasn't fair at all.

Unwilling to let him see what effect he had on you, you pasted a friendly, if a little chilly, smile on your face. "Hi, Levi. It's been a while, hasn't..." The words died on your lips when you saw him smile at you. In all the years you had known Levi, you'd only seen him smile a handful of times but here he was, actually smiling, just by looking at you.

He wasn't fair at all.

The ravenette moved towards you, pale skin seeming to glow in the moonlight, and you panicked as the rest of your defenses fell, completely disarmed by that loving smile he was giving you. "(Y/-"

"NO!" Levi reeled back at your outburst, eyes wide. "You don't get to just waltz right in and wrap my heart around your finger just like you did before!" God, what were you saying? He was messing up your mind.

"(Y/n), what are you-"

"NO!" you shouted again, turning away from him and wrapping your arms around yourself as all the old wounds you'd thought had healed reopened. "I am NOT doing this again!"

Strong hands grasped your shoulders and forcefully spun you back to face him. "Listen to me, brat!"Grasping your chin, he forced you to meet his eyes. "What are you talking about? Does this have to do with how you avoided me before leaving without a word?"

"Just leave me alone, Levi," you ground out, trying to keep the whimper from your voice as you looked at him.

"Like hell. Now tell me what's going on." His tone softened almost imperceptibly with his next words. "Life's been dull without you."

Your anger flared. "What about Petra?"

He blinked and you could have smacked him for the confusion on his face. "What about her?"

"You two are together, aren't you? Why would your life be dull if she's with you?"

"Didn't Hanji tell you?"

You quirked an eyebrow. "Tell me what?"

"Petra and I went on all of one date before going our separate ways. We were never really official."

'Goddamnit Hanji!' You sighed and said, "No. She didn't tell me that." Still, you didn't know why he was looking at you so intensely, his hold on your shoulders so tight yet tender. "What do you want from me, Levi?"

He didn't respond for a few seconds, continuing to stare at you, and you wondered if he'd heard you. "(Y/n)...do you love me?"

He said it so quietly, so lovingly, it took your breath away and the truth passed your lips before you could think better of it. "Yes." You'd always known it was the truth, deep down, you just hadn't wanted to accept it for the past year, too raw and vulnerable whenever the thought of still loving him came to mind. "But you don't love me."

Levi snorted at that and you glared at him. "Who the hell told you that?" He sounded amused, but you having known him for so long could detect the serious undertone in his voice.

"You did!"

"I never said that."

"Oh, so when you said 'I think I'm going to go out with Petra' that wasn't you saying you don't love me?"

"No. That was me being a dumbass." You blinked at him as he leaned closer, the heat of his body so close to your own. "That was me not realizing what it was that I felt for you until you left me alone on that beach and never spoke another word to me." Levi's arms wrapped around your waist and pulled you against him. "I love you, (y/n), and I'm sorry I hurt you so badly."

You bit your lip as tears welled and streamed down your cheeks, refusing to sob. "H-How can I believe you? How can I believe what your saying isn't just pretty lies?"

"Because I don't think I can handle another year without you talking to me," he chuckled wryly. "I'm strong, but not that strong."

"Levi..." You leaned your head against his shoulder, debating whether you should take this leap of faith or not and give this romance another chance. "I love you," you tried the words, carefully observing his reaction.

He smiled softly, reaching to twine the fingers of one hand with yours. "I love you, too."

"I love you," you repeated.

"And I love you," he said again, and when you raised your head he was suddenly much closer. Half-lidded grey eyes gazed into yours, steadily closing as you and he leaned closer and closer to one another, drawn by some strange magnetism. You teetered between falling again and stepping back, away from him...

"Hey! You two should kiss!"

You froze, Levi froze, and you screamed internally as you spun around to face Hanji, leaning over the metal barrier separating the beach from the road, a wide, foolish smile on her face. Your face felt like it was on fire as you glared at her, a wide, teasing smile stretching her cheeks.

"Hanj-!" You were cut off by hands gripping the collar of your shirt, pulling you back around, and Levi's lips smashed into yours, stealing your breath and making your head spin as your senses filled with him and him alone. You were faintly aware of Hanji screaming behind you, but all you could think of was how hot his lips were, coaxing you to return the kiss as they moved against yours. Throwing your arms around his neck you pulled him closer and closed your eyes, giving in to him, this man that you would never be able to get over no matter how much time you spent away from him. How had you ever doubted how he felt about you?

You had time to think, 'Here we go,' before you fell for him all over again.

#attack on titan #attack on titan x reader #attack on titan fanfiction #shingeki no kyojin #shingeki no kyojin x reader #shingeki no kyojin fanfiction #anime #fanfiction #anime x reader #romance #angst with a happy ending #songfic #modern au #college au #levi ackerman x reader #levi ackerman #x reader #x reader fanfiction #xreader

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harryandmolly · 6 years ago

Text

A Sunday in February

summary: a little pre-Grammys snacc for you, my friends. Shawn and Emma return. and because it’s me, it doesn’t come easy.

warnings: language, Georgie Being Georgie (TM)

WC: 1845

On a Sunday in February, Emma wakes up with a start. She awakes out of a dream, the kind you don’t remember as soon as your eyes open but you want to chase after it, pick it apart, separate it into little piles to analyze. It was an important dream.

She sits up slowly, careful of her aching muscles. She went a little too hard at Pilaticardio yesterday the same way she’s been doing everything at 150% lately, like putting even more effort into her daily life will somehow secure her the Grammys she’s nominated for.

Best Country Song. Best Country Album. Album of the Year.

She hasn’t even let herself think those phrases since she first heard them associated with her name. She’s not even superstitious. Or… she wasn’t.

There’s a creaking sound. Emma squints at the door. She beams.

“... and sometimes the rain has gotta fall.”

Emma felt that one. She doesn’t even look up at her producer Erin, just grips the music stand and leans back, taking a deep breath away from the mic.

“Perfect, Em. That was perfect,” says the voice in her headphones. She nods shakily. She knows.

Running her tongue along her lower lip, she slides her enormous phone out of her too-small pocket. No texts. With a cool bobbing of her head, she slides her phone back in her pocket.

“Should I go again?” she asks.

Georgie steps inside with a breakfast tray. She wastes no time clambering up onto Emma’s bed. The plate she bears is dotted with silver dollar pancakes surrounding a misshapen blob in the center. Emma lifts her eyebrows and before she can begin to speak, Georgie rolls her eyes and huffs.

“Ok, listen, so I bought this pancake form online, right? I ordered it from Etsy from this chick who can make, like, whatever your heart desires. So, obviously, I ordered the Grammys trophy, ya know, the little gold record player thingy? But when you try to make a pancake of that it comes out all… fucking weird.”

By the end of her sentence, Emma is cackling. She’s forgotten all about her dream. She slings an arm around her sister’s shoulders and picks the pancake up with her fingers, biting into what should be the base of the record player, wiggling her eyebrows.

“You’re the most beautiful moron I’ve ever seen,” Emma assures her through a bite of an otherwise very well made pancake. Georgie burrows into Emma’s side with a blushing chuckle.

“At least I have that going for me.”

Shawn’s hand slips off the cool metallic window frame. The heel of his hand butts into the window and he steps forward to right himself with a gasp. His already heaving chest feels like it’s cracking in half, so, Shawn supposes, this might as well happen.

He doubles over, planting his hands on his knees as he pants. He hangs his head, slams his eyes shut and tries to imagine her and what she’s doing right now.

It’s 4am in Los Angeles. Emma is sleeping for at least another two hours. She’s in that big bed all alone, probably curled up on her side like she does in the summer when she keeps her bedroom too cold. In the winter, she cranks up the heat, splays out like a starfish, sweating into the sheets. And she never learns.

Thinking of her calms him through this, this… whatever it is. Calling her, hearing her voice would end it completely.

But he can’t.

Emma sits up so the woman putting makeup on her neck can sweep down into her decolletage. The stereo is blasting “Kerosene” by Miranda Lambert so loud the makeup artists have given up on trying to yell over it -- they’ve developed their own sign language. Emma’s distracted, chewing on the inside of her lip while her butter blonde hair is blown out into big, fat curls -- less Dolly Parton, more Victoria’s Secret Angel. Her instructions this time, not Sandra’s.

Georgie and Angelique stand behind her, both on their phones, both bobbing their heads to the music at exactly the same time. Neither of them has noticed yet. Emma watches in her vanity mirror with a shimmering grin.

Emma heaves a sigh before the voicemail beeps. “Hi. I guess you’re asleep. That’s ok. I mean, it’s fine. I should really be asleep too. Just… wanted to hear your voice. You know how I get. I’m fine, though. Don’t freak out and feel like you have to call the second you wake up. Because I know how you can get too.

“It’s just… a lot. The Grammy thing. You’ve lived through this. And it’s fine, clearly you recovered. I’m sure I’m overthinking it. That’s what we do, though, right? We’re musicians. We… feel things. God, I’m not even making sense. Ok. Listen. I love you. You’re the best. Hopefully I’ll talk to you tomorrow.

“Bye, Taylor.”

As they wait for the limo to arrive, Emma’s focusing on remembering not to chew on her bottom lip because it’s painted with red lacquer more carefully than Michelangelo painted the Sistine fuckin’ Chapel. Her phone buzzes.

Hey little girl! Got your voicemail. So sorry I can’t call. I know where you are. I’ve been where you are. You think you’re on top of a mountain. After all, how could you not be at the top? Three Grammy noms on your first studio album as a solo country artist. How much higher can you climb? I got news for you, kid. You’re not on top of the mountain. You just found the first place with a kickass view. So what do you do? Stop and look around for a minute. The rest of the mountain isn’t going anywhere, it never has. It’s waiting for you. So take a look. It’s beautiful up there.

P.S. check the surrounding rocks for the initials T.A.S. carved in. We all gotta leave our mark somehow.

Love you back.

Shawn’s head buzzes against the window with the vibration of the moving car. Anna elbows him, reminds him he’s wearing foundation on his forehead because he’s been breaking out. Nerves, and all.

He nods and pulls his head back but continues staring out the window. His knee has been bouncing for at least a half hour as they wait in the line of cars crawling toward the red carpet.

He’s been on who knows how many red carpets by now. He’s never been more anxious than he is right now.

And he knows exactly why.

Georgie hums in Emma’s ear about holding her phone in her bag. Emma hands it off, nodding. All she’d be doing is scrolling through early red carpet arrivals, anyway. She’s not expecting to hear from anyone else.

She’s in a custom blood red Christian Siriano. It looks like someone poured liquid satin down her body and let it drop into a train of shimmering fabric with a slit up to her thigh. Sandra would’ve said it’s too old for her. Margaret would’ve said red’s not her color.

Emma pats a curl back into place and smirks down at her strappy red sandals and red clutch.

Emma chooses what is and isn’t her color now. Tonight, red’s her color.

Maybe gold too.

Shawn lifts a hand out of his pocket and draws his fingers up into a peace sign. His smirk lifts into a full smile, but it’s a little dull, half-hearted. He feels like he can’t walk two steps down the red carpet without glancing back down toward the arrivals area.

His heart beats a pounding rhythm in his ears, so loud it mercifully drowns out the crew of paps screaming “SHAWN! SHAWN!” for just a bite of his attention. He keeps one fidgeting hand in the pocket of his midnight black slacks and turns on the heel of his patent leather shoes.

If Emma saw them, she’d say they “shiiiiiiine like the top of the Chrysler building.” She quoted “Annie” whenever she could.

There’s a flurry of energy at arrivals. Shawn glances back.

Yasmin takes one more puff of powder to Emma’s face and another swipe of gloss across her lips. Georgie is talking Emma’s ear off, but she can barely hear it over the roar of camera snaps, fan cheers and event organizers barking at each other.

Angelique is talking, too. Emma just stares at her with her “I’m listening” face.

But she’s not. She’s not listening to Georgie, not listening to the pinging of her phone in her clutch, not listening to Yasmin as she reminds her what angles to hit and what jewelry she’s wearing.

The door to the limo opens. The sound gets louder. It doesn’t matter.

Everyone is looking inside. That, Emma’s used to. She’s even used to the noise. But she’s not used to this feeling, the one that’s got her hair standing on end and her shoulders tensed like she’s the slut in a horror movie and she’s first on the kill list.

She scoots to the end of the seat closest to the door and ignores that maybe it’s her Sandra-enforced training that’s getting her out of the limo and not instead ralphing into a plastic bag a block away outside an In-n-Out.

She puts a leg out first, then extends her hand to the greeter as she ducks her head to save her flossy curls.

Somehow, like rom-com queen Nora Ephron herself designed it this way, she knows it’s him as soon as she feels his hand take hers. She freezes and turns her head, eyes wide, lips parted.

Shawn, looking wild eyed and sweaty with a grin plastered on his beautiful, miraculous face, helps her out of the car amidst crazed, unrelenting fan shrieks, shutter snapping and paparazzi calls.

“SHAWN! SHAWN! EMMA! LOOK THIS WAY!”

Emma can’t feel her legs, but she’s standing on them with her hand in his, dumbfounded for all the world to see.

“How…?” she gasps, ribs shuddering with her aching lungs.

Shawn smirks in that warm, mischievous way he does. “C’mon, Em, you didn’t really think I’d miss this.”

Emma swallows a sob. She lifts her shaking free hand to her face as her lips quiver. Georgie smiles from inside the limo, swiping through the silenced notifications on her sister’s phone --

Shawn Mendes makes surprise appearance at 2020 Grammys! -- The Hollywood Reporter

*Le GASP!* Shawn Mendes Shocks the Grammy Red Carpet! -- Perez Hilton

Sometimes the rain’s gotta fall down, but not today! Shawn Mendes makes a surprise appearance on the red carpet to support his ladylove, 3x Grammy nominated country singer Emma Kingston! -- E! News

With a devious shake of her head (and a wink out the door at Shawn, her co-conspirator), Georgie slips out the other door and offers Angelique a sly high five.

Shawn cups his big hands around Emma’s face and doesn’t even bother to look her up and down before he says, “You look incredible.”

Emma sinks her fingers into Shawn’s forearms and whimpers into his lips before she can even finish getting out the words, “I love you.”

The cameras flash. The girls shriek. The heads turn.

The whole world watches, but they can’t see inside. That’s just for them.

Support me unending habit of writing one shots for series I’ve already finished and buy me a Ko-fi (link on my home page)!

Taglist: @smallerinfinities @the-claire-bitch-project @achinglyshawn @infiniteshawn @stillinskislydia @singanddreamanyway @alone-in-madness @abigfatmess @shawnitsmutual @awkwardfangirl2014 @september-lace @accioarmenian @sinplisticshawn @rollingxstone @yslsaint

#shawn mendes #shawn mendes fanfic #shawn mendes fan fic #shawn mendes fanfiction #shawn mendes fan fiction #shawn peter raul mendes #shawn mendes fic #shawn mendes blurb #shawn mendes one shot #shawn mendes imagine #shawn mendes drabble #shawn mendes grammys #grammys #shawn mendes fluff

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kplr-radio · 5 years ago

Text

Broadcast: Angelo Divine, 01/09/19

[Live a Little Kenny Chesney]

Angelo: Good morning Kepler, that was Kenny Chesney’s “Live A Little,” and what a mood to start the morning on! This is 103.5 KPLR radio, and we’ll get to the news after this word from our sponsor.

[Audio advertisement transcript: [haunting orchestral music] Have you ever heard a true story that couldn’t possibly be real? Or maybe seen something you couldn’t believe with your own two eyes? No? [music cuts off] Then you’re not living, my friend! Come on down to the Cryptonomica, we have centuries of hidden knowledge of the arcane and the mystical! Stories beyond suspicion, creatures beyond compare! We’re just off State Route 16055. The Cryptonomica: a museum for the mysterious.]

Angelo: Big thanks to the Cryptonomica for sponsoring us this week! And don’t forget to check out the Lamplighter, this week’s issue talks about Krampus and the history of goat creatures in horror. It’s a really good read even if you’re not into the supernatural side of it. Now let’s get to the news. Traffic is as uneventful as ever, and weather reports say we’re looking at clear skies for the rest of the week. Do be sure to watch out for ice on the roads, though. It’s still pretty chilly, so be sure to grab a coat before you head to work. There’s not a long going on this week, that cold weather is kinda pushing everyone inside, but the Kepler Cup is running down the last of their Christmas stock so be sure to get all that before it’s gone. I myself have a peppermint mocha right here, actually, it’s keeping me warm while I wait for the heater to get going. Let’s get back to the tunes! This is “I Want A Cowboy” by Reba McEntire.

[I Want A Cowboy Reba McEntire] [Take Me Home, Country Roads John Denver] [Personal Jesus Johnny Cash] [Islands in the Stream Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton]

Alright, since there isn’t so much official news today, why don’t we look into some of the more extraordinary stuff? If any of you saw something noteworthy, why don’t you call in and tell me about it? Oh! Here we go. You’re on the air!

Caller: You know, I thought I saw Bigfoot but I got a bit closer and it turned out it was just Barclay from the lodge. He’s so ******* big . I asked him what he was doing in the woods and he said he likes night walks, and honestly yeah same I was doing a night walk too. And I said “Hey Barclay! Holy ****! I thought you were Bigfoot!” And then he choked on his own spit or something. I think he found it pretty funny. He was laughing a lot? I think? Anyway like holy ****! It’s so weird, he’s so tall and hairy, how many times have people seen Barclay and thought he was Bigfoot? How many sightings are just Barclay?

Angelo: Oh yeah, I wonder. Seems like half the sightings around here turn out to just be someone from town! What a strange place Kepler is. We’re still taking callers, if anyone else has any noteworthy sightings to report. Oh, looks like we got one! Hey!

Caller: Hello! It's great to be on the show, big fan! I ran into one a' those... Whaddya call it, hoke-mons? Okie-bombs? Somethin' like that. Saw a big monstrous lookin' one down in the park. Crazy what y'all can do with all them new-fangled technologies these days. Also Richard, if you're listenin', I love you!

Angelo: It’s great to have you! You might have seen a Pokémon, maybe? Strange that you would see one, uh, out and about. Maybe I’ll have to go down to the park sometime and check it out. Thanks for the info! Anyone else?

Caller: Angelo! Hey, Bonnie here, and I’m in the mood to be scared! You got any ghost stories?

Angelo: Well, uh, usually it’s y’all giving me the ghost stories, but I’ll do my best. [papers rustling] Here we go. This isn’t so much a story as a sort of summary, but I’ll read off my notes on the Nachtkrapp, an old Germanic bird monster. Shoutout to my coworker for helping me translate the information on this, not sure how he knows Old High German but we all have our hobbies, right? Anyways, the Nachtkrapp or “Night Raven” is described as a large raven, roughly the same size as an adult man, who acts as a boogeyman-type figure to scare children into going to sleep. In some versions of the legend, it imitates a human scream to either terrify them or lure them outside. In others, it has holes in its wings and no eyes, and just looking at the creature could make you sick or even kill you. There aren’t any recorded sightings of the creature as far as I can tell, but who knows? There’s a lot of area in northwestern Europe, it could be out there somewhere. Thanks so much to everyone who called in, but my producer says we gotta wrap this segment up. Hold onto those stories though, ‘cause I’m here every weekday and I love hearing them. This song up next is “Thank God I’m A Country Boy” by John Denver.

[Thank God I’m A Country Boy John Denver] [High Note Mavis Staples] [God’s Gonna Cut You Down Johnny Cash] [A Working Man Can’t Get Nowhere Today Merle Haggard]

Angelo: Some excellent songs on the rotation this week, though I might be biased. Anyways, it’s time for what I’m sure is everyone’s favorite, Angelo’s Advice Hour. As usual, if you’re in need of some advice, call in! As a certified expert I can and will solve your problems for you.

[Disclaimer: Angelo Divine is not qualified to answer most questions definitively. All answers are purely conjecture and Angelo Divine is not liable for any negative results that may come from following his advice.]

Angelo: We got our first caller! Hello, listener!

Caller: What should I do if I have a crush on one of my sisters friends?

Angelo: Aw, I’ve been there. I mean, it really depends on how well you know that person. If you’re friends or you think they might like you back, definitely go the “secret relationship” route. Not because you should lie to your sister, but because it is very fun. If you don’t know them too well or they don’t know you enough, get your sister to introduce you! Unless your sister is a jerk, in which case you should definitely be obnoxious about it. Hope that answers your conundrum! Who’s next?

Caller: I think I might have joined a gang? How do I say I don’t want to join but I like the jacket?

Angelo: The classic “accidentally joined a gang” problem. Those Hornets are wily, huh? Here’s what I’ll say: stick with it for a little bit, and you might have fun, I dunno, I have no idea what kids are doing these days. If you don’t like it still, stop wearing the jacket and hide it away so they can’t steal it back, and then just kinda ghost on ‘em. They’ll definitely find you, but it should buy you some time to come up with a good excuse. It’s a great plan.

Caller: I’m stuck on the roof, can you help me?

Angelo: I know who this is and the answer is: you know I can’t. Also you aren’t stuck. Get down before station management goes looking for you. Consider that my official advice.

Caller: So, uh, listen, I know this isn’t really your thing, but your coworker, uh, Rob was his name? Whoever does the overnight. He mentioned that he was looking for someone, and I think I can help him.

Angelo: Oh, uh, alright, I’ll— listen, come by the station when you can, if I’m not here then Rob definitely will be. Does anyone out there have actual advice questions?

Caller: Yeah, so, uh, I got a lotta people coming through my store, and I try to be real friendly, but I’m gettin’ old and I can’t remember everyone’s names. Do you have any tips for remembering names?

Angelo: Yeah, for sure! I’m still getting the hang of everyone’s names here at the station, haha. The trick is associating that person with something, so when you see that thing you remember their name. Like my coworker J— Rob, he’s got this cool jacket so when I see his jacket I think “that’s Rob!” It doesn’t always work, sometimes you end up calling him “jacket guy” but it’s better than not addressing them at all! I do think that’s it for today, folks, my airtime’s almost up, so let me leave you with “Jolene” by Dolly Parton.

[Jolene Dolly Parton]

#broadcast #1/9/19 #angelo divine

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lovingxreader · 6 years ago

Text

Tamaki x reader

A/N: hello everyone! Long time no see! It’s been a hot minute since I wrote something along these lines. XD to be honest I had hoped you guys had forgotten about be so I would feel so bad about not posting for such a long period of time. Anyway I wanted to come out with a simple one shot. I hope you guys like it and feel free to like and comment. Like normal with the rest of these fanfictions I always include a song that inspires me so feel free to listen along while you read. This fanfiction is also inspired by the movie dumplin. Enjoy!~

Jolene by Dolly Parton

Him… Why did it have to be him, of all people. Why did the one person I let into my heart have to be one of the biggest flirts in our school. Tamaki Suoh, which I would like to say was my boyfriend, but we’ll get to that in a moment. Let’s go back to

“Good afternoon princess!” I smirked before turning away from my desk meeting a pair of royal purple orbs. Scrunching up the bridge of nose I felt his plush lips against the tip.

“Good afternoon Tamaki.” I chuckled before standing up and collecting my things from my desk. Hearing snickering I turned towards the source of the noise.

“Good afternoon Tamaki.” the twins said in a mocking tone. Turning towards them I stick out my tongue before turning back towards Tamaki as he was grabbing my bag for me. Grasping my hand he leads us out of the classroom. The hallways had begun to fill with students getting ready to leave for the day. The soft murmur of chatting slowly escalating to a loud chatter as the hallways filled.

“So are you going to be coming to the host club today? We have a new concept for today.” Tamaki asked as he continued to lead. Shrugging my shoulders, I used my free hand to reach into my bag retrieving my phone. Unlocking it, I look at a photo before sighing.

“I would if I didn’t have to work today. Maybe next time Tamaki.” I sighed. I could feel his hand gently squeeze mine at my refusal. I could hear him sigh in disappointment.

“You know you don’t have to work I could pay for your things, you know that right?” he stated for a matter of a fact. Nodding my head I gave his hand a little squeeze in acknowledgment.

“I know Tamaki, but you know how I am. I enjoy working.” I comment, wanting to be gentle despite the fact we have had this same conversation on multiple occasions. The thing was...I was avoiding the host club. It was nothing against Tamaki or the rest of the boys but… It was against Haruhi. I was apart of the very few individuals that knew her secret but she didn’t know something about Tamaki...It was that I knew he was in love with her. Whether if he was just with me now out of pity or for some other reason, I knew he wasn’t in love with me anymore. Since I heard Tamaki talking about her in his sleep the few times he had spent the night at my house I knew from then on he wasn’t mine anymore.

“Well alright, just know if you need anything [y/n].” Tamaki smiled before coming to a stop in front of music room #3. Leaning down he gave me a quick peck on the lips before letting go of my hand, giving me my bag and pushing open the doors. Waiting for the door to close I took a deep breath before searching through it attempting to find my keys.

“Are you looking for something?” I heard a familiar voice ask. Looking up I confirmed the voice. There stood the one person I was attempting to avoid.

“Oh no I’m good haruhi, thanks.” I respond flatly. Finally grasping my keys I move away from her and making a quick exit as my eyes began to water.

~~~~~~

The more the days gone by and the more I began to see haruhi and it began to make my stomach churn. I had to see her in class, I saw her at lunch and I saw her everywhere it felt like. Every time I would see her I would just hear Tamaki whispering her name in his sleep. Her name on his lips, her on his mind. He means so much to me which is why I probably stayed so long. Which leads me to standing here outside of the hosts club door. The club meeting had already begun but yet here I stood...standing outside the door. Taking a deep breath I opened the door revealing the spacious room. Tables we spaced out over the entire room. And the murmur of chatter echoing inside the room. Gulping I take a step forward, taking each step slow as I made my way further into the room.

“[y/n], what a surprise. We are not used to seeing you here.” I heard from beside me as I turned to meet Kyoya’s eyes. “If you are looking for Tamaki, he is a bit busy at the moment. I can take a message for him if you wish.” he states calmly before closing his black book.

“ Oh okay well um… could you tell him that I’m going to be in the library when he’s done.” nodding his head he walked off to attend to his guests. Turning on my heels I make my quick exit. Right as I reached the door I stopped turning off to the side to see a pastel yellow curtain. Against the curtain were two figures. Out of curiosity. Looking around the room I took note of everyone. I saw Kyoya, the twins, Mori and Honey. Yet I didn’t spot Haruhi in the room. Walking over closer to the curtain I began to feel the faint sound of whispers as I did my best to tiptoe closer.

“Tamaki we can’t. Your in a relationship with [y/n]. This isn’t fair to her. What is your deal this isn’t like you.” I heard Haruhi whisper. Hearing her say such things made my eyes widen in shock.

“I know I know but...Haruhi, I don’t love her. She blows me off for work all the time and I barely ever see her. She’s my girlfriend but I see you more than I do her and...I just don’t know how to break it off with her. I don’t want to hurt her feelings because I did care for her. I thought trying to spend more time with her would help me with keeping my feelings for her but… the more time I spend with you I realize your everything I want. I want you more than her.” he whimpers as he began to cry. Haruhi sighed deeply before stroking the top of his head trying to sooth Tamaki the best she could. I continued to stand outside of the curtain and listened into their conversation.

“Tamaki, it makes sense that she would ditch you for work. She is trying to pay for her schooling, I mean despite having a scholarship as well she is still having to pay for the rest out of pocket. She is doing the best she can. I know she loves you Tamaki. But you ju-” As I pulled back the curtain to see what happened I witness Tamaki grasping Haruhi’s face pulling her in and placing a kiss upon her lips. It felt as though I felt my heart slip before shattering at the bottom of the bottom of my stomach. Haruhi glances over, hearing the sound of the curtain move and sees me. Quickly she shoves Tamaki off of her, her eyes wide in shock as you could see Haruhi’s mind racing trying to figure out what to say. Following Haruhi gaze he finally spotted me.

“[y/n], I…” raising my hand showing as a sign for him to stop talking. Nodding my head I felt a tear slide down my cheek. Turning on my heels I began to walk back towards the door. Suddenly I was stopped when someone grabbed my arm right as I was about to reach the door.

“[y/n], please let me make this right.” Tamaki spoke in a whimper. I jerked my arm away from his grasp.

“Don’t touch me…” I mumbled. He grasped my arm again and once again I jerked it away from him before turning around and slapping him. At the sound of the smack the whole room went quiet. “I said don’t touch me Tamaki!” I screamed, my voice wavering as tears poured down my cheeks. “Don’t you dare touch me!” I whimpered loudly. Mori and Honey were the first to come over and console me. They quickly assisted me out of the door and away to a safe distance. Without speaking Mori wrapped me in an embrace holding me tight as I cried into his chest. All the while Honey hugged me from behind.

The next day the whole school knew what happened. The whispers and the sideway glances were everywhere. Sitting down at my desk I heard someone clear their throat behind me. “I don’t want to talk Tamaki...Please go away.” I state flatly.

“Actually it’s me, [y/n]. Can I talk to you for a moment?” Haruhi asked gently. Upon hearing her voice I turned around to face her. Slowly nodding I get up and follow her out into the hallway. “I don’t like Tamaki in that way [y/n]...I know you don’t like me but I just wanted to make that fact known… I would also like to apologize for what happened to you. I understand more that most of these people about having to pay for school with your own money...I just...I’m sorry.” Haruhi bows as she apologizes. My already swollen eyes teared up and I nodded. I mumbled a quick thank you before heading back to class.

Days, weeks and months passed by. I avoided Tamaki, and mainly the host club all together. The only time I had any contact with the members of the host club was when I gave the twins a box filled with Tamaki’s clothing that he had left at my house. The previous gifts he had given me were sold to pay for the rest of my school along with setting some money aside for university. Eventually the pain began to subside as I continued to focus on my school and work.

After the final class of the spring semester I was packing up my things getting ready to leave a fellow classmate called for me. “[y/n] Mori is asking for you.” she chuckled. Glancing towards the door I could see the gentle giant standing in the door looking at me. Taking my bag with me I walked over. Mori, honey, and myself had been friends since I started dating Tamaki but I assumed that none of the host club would want to hang out now that Tamaki and I had stopped seeing each other.

“Is everything okay Mori?” I asked once he lead us to a more secluded area. He nodded his head before meeting my gaze. We stood quietly for a moment just looking at each other and then he spoke.

“I like you.”

#ouran high school host club #anime x reader #ouran high school host club x reader #tamaki suoh #tamaki x reader #tamaki x reader smut

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independentartistbuzz · 3 years ago

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Indie 5-0: 5 Questions with Reggie Harris

A teaching artist in the Kennedy Center’s CETA program (Changing Education Through the Arts) and a fellow for the prestigious Council of Independent College lecture program, Reggie Harris also serves as Co-President and Director of Music Education for the Living Legacy Project—an advocacy group that sponsors Civil Rights pilgrimages throughout the South and online education seminars worldwide. His new album On Solid Ground is about all healing and inspiration in the face of injustice and dissension. From love songs (“Come What May”) to protest songs (“Standing in Freedom's Name”) to the album-closing tribute (“High Over the Hudson”) to his friend and mentor Pete Seeger, On Solid Ground has a little bit of something for everyone. Harris is the 2021 recipient of Folk Alliance International's Spirit of Folk Award and is a DJ on the new program Prisms: The Sound Of Color on SiriusXM’s The Village. He was recently featured on CNN’s Silence is Not An Option with Don Lemon and in The New York Times.

Listen to Reggie Harris via Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0HWFtZHIDLRaW9POYMsAtp

1. At what age did you realize that music was the career you wanted to pursue? What was your ‘ah-ha’ moment? Wow. It came late. I mean, I’ve been singing since I was three or four years old, but I never really had any reason to think of music as a possible career. No one in my family or for that matter, in my social circle, did anything of the sort. People asked that question “What do you wanna be?” all the time but I saw music as just something you did in church or at school or in family sings around the piano. I always loved music and I was always good at it. I learned to harmonize really early and I sang all through high school but never gave any thought to it as a profession. I thought I’d be a teacher. But the “aha moment” came when I heard James Taylors' "Fire and Rain" on the radio one night in 12th grade. Something about his guitar and his expressive voice lit a fire that burned inside until I got a guitar in my hands in 1974. That happened when a young woman I was dating dared me to learn 3 chord on the guitar. That event unleashed something inside of me that had gone untapped in all my years of singing in choirs and groups and at school. I now had the ability to accompany myself with music that I heard from within. I bought the album Sweet Baby James and played the grooves out. That opened the door to Gordon Lightfoot, Don McClean, Cat Stevens, Kenny Rankin and the singer songwriters. I started watching shows like The Midnight Special or Don Kirschner’s Rock Concert and I started going to concerts. And around that same time, I met another young woman named Kim who played guitar and loved the same artists I did. She and I started meeting up and practicing songs, then we began writing songs and quickly became singing partners. Eventually we got married and I’d say, we pushed each other out the door and onto the stage. We were both passionate about making music and helped each other learn and grow and we were both willing to struggle to make it work. We did that for forty years and then separated and I became a solo act in 2016. I love the way it feels to spend hours making music and I really love how it makes other people feel when they hear it. It also gives me a voice to express what I see in the world. My passion for creating music and connecting the dots is stronger than ever. 2. Who are your musical inspirations? What artists inspired you to start your career and find your musical passion? My musical inspiration started early and there have been so many streams. Hearing the “old folks” in my church sing spirituals and hymns was formative and Sunday afternoon church events where 6 or 7 or more church choirs would travel around and have a gospel song fest at another church was exciting and grounding. All those amazing singers covering those great songs. I remember hearing Harry Belafonte, Mahalia Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Sam Cooke and others on my mother's radio in the morning as she got ready for work. Their voices just made you feel emotions like nothing else in the world. Our teachers in elementary taught us the songs of Woody Guthrie, Paul Robeson, Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan and we sang “Blowing in the Wind” (The Peter, Paul, and Mary version) and "If I Had A Hammer" for 6th grade graduation. I remember standing on the steps of my house in Philly with three of my friends, in the summer of 1964, singing “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” at the top of our lungs. We all took different roles as The Beatles. I thought I was Paul of course! That strikes me funny now… four little black boys in inner-city Philadelphia thinking they were English rockers? Why not The Temps? Or Smokey and the Miracles? There was also Aretha Franklin and The Stones in 1965 with "Satisfaction." Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder fascinated me and all those great Motown artist’s voices came floating down the hall to my room as my sister came of age. I paid attention to the musicians and the arrangements too. Years later, after I discovered the guitar, I met Pete Seeger, Tom Paxton and Ritchie Havens and other folk musicians and started to find a groove that combined what they were doing with other music I loved. My inspiration stream crosses genres, race, decade and style. Stevie Wonder to Pete Seeger, to Bach to Dolly Parton to Joan Armatrading to the Yellow Jackets to Beyonce. Listening across genres gives me more information to process which I can incorporate in melodies, harmonies or language for lyrics. 3. What inspired you to write & record On Solid Ground? I got home on March 8, 2020 after my tour was abruptly ended by COVID-19 shutdowns. For 3 weeks, I sat watching the news, talking with friends, feeling the world come apart as concert dates disappeared from my calendar for months and months into the future. Since concerts, lectures and school programs are the major ways that I get to sow seeds of hope in the world, I felt at a great loss. Like everyone else, I saw tensions building and protests against the various issues of hate and division exploding in the streets and felt that I needed to make sense of it all.

Music is the place I go when I need the world to make sense. So I started doing online concerts and that helped me to see how hungry people were for music and connection. My answer to the desperation and fear that I saw rising all around was to write the song "On Solid Ground." It’s written in the style and frame of the spirituals which are songs I grew up singing and that I still sing now. They are songs composed by people who endured slavery…people who were suffering through devastatingly tough times and still found ways to persevere through music and community. So my message? We can get through this time of challenge and change if we pull together and face ourselves.

Then the floodgates opened. I watched people flood into the streets to protest the George Floyd and Breonna Taylor killings and the growing acts of election suppression and wrote “Standing in Freedom’s Name” and “Let’s Meet Up Early.” I also arranged Malvina Reynolds' “It Isn’t Nice" as a tribute. Inspired by articles about workers who were being put in danger by callous factory owners and government officials, I wrote “My Working Bones.”

In the isolation of missing my girlfriend, who lives 10 hours away, I wrote “Come What May.” Then, watching street scenes on TV in 2020 that mirrored C.T. Vivian’s classic stand-off with Sheriff Jim Clark in Selma in 1965, I was inspired to write “It’s Who We Are.” It’s my challenge to the avoidance of questions of race, inequality and disenfranchisement that we as a nation are still struggling to face. But the protests showed a possible willingness to change?

I wrote the song "High Over the Hudson" about Pete Seeger in 2014 but never put it on a CD. And "Maybe It’s Love" was a fun writing exercise about the nature of romance. Song after song was born as a timely reflection on what was on my mind every day and as I would finish one song, another would rise up.

Soon I had 9 originals and 4 songs that I was inspired to arrange as covers and I thought, ”Looks like a CD to me.” 4. What was the process like bringing the album to life, and who did you work with to create it?

Recording this CD was both supremely challenging, deeply therapeutic and also the most relaxed I’ve ever been in the studio. The project gave me an outlet for stress. We had to be very careful about COVID-19 protocols and close proximity at all times. Travel was weird and in a few impossible moments, we worked remotely. I was also wondering if I’d ever get to go out and perform the songs once they were done or if anyone would ever buy physical music again since that has been decreasing for years. But as I called on musicians who were not only good friends but who I knew would respond to my vision, the way to proceed got clearer. My core co-contributors, Greg Greenway and Dave Schonauer, have been critical collaborators on my last three CDs. Greg and I have known each other for over 30 years and were born three days apart. So we have a language that just flows. We met and did pre-production in August and then hit the studio in September. Dave, the engineer at Morningstar Studios, is just brilliant. He makes things possible that most people don’t think of. Pat Wictor is my improvisational exploration brother as is Tom Prasado-Rao. Pat got up from a bout with COVID-19 and a recovery from tearing a tendon in his arm and played his newly retrained fingers off. Tom came out of a major bout with cancer and simmered with vocal ideas. They were all amazing at helping me chase my vision and “letting me be me" while adding brilliance and calling me on things didn’t quite measure up. We work at a level of trust that transcends words. I met bassist Chico Huff and drummer Matt Scarano when I recorded the CD Ready to Go in 2017-18 and they both play my music like they were there when I wrote it! Eric Byrd is a friend who is an amazing musical force and funny as hell. And Colleen Kattau, Mark Murphy and Ken Ulansey are longtime friends who just find the right temperature and vibe all the time. Everyone did what I love: They came in the door with passion and flexibility, brought their “A” games and didn’t leave until we got it right. And now Kari Estrin, Sarah Bennett and my friend Joann Murdock are helping me get it out to the world. 5. What do you have in store for the rest of 2021? I’m looking forward to continuing to unveil these songs, first during online concerts and then, as things begin to open up, with the start of whatever the new in-person performing landscape will become. I’ll continue to provide education videos for schools and doing lectures and residency work with colleges and universities on my own and through the Council of independent Colleges. The pandemic also gave me the time to work on a memoir which I’m trying to finish with a friend who is co-writing. And I’ll continue my work in civil, voting and human rights with the Living Legacy Project organization as we work to extend awareness and social activism. In my spare time, I hope to go to a few baseball games, see fully vaccinated friends for visits and hugs, watch a few movies and hopefully see my 76ers win the NBA championship. And I think I also need to get some rest.

#reggie harris

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greyliliy · 7 years ago

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OH!. I got tagged by @splatterphoenixart for one of those answer question meme things. XD I couldn’t do it when I saw the tag and then forgot about it...but I remembered. o_o

So here it is! 

Rules: Answer 30 questions, tag 20 blogs 

Nicknames: Liliy or Grey; I’ll answer to either. (In video games I tend to use “Grey” when I’m playing male characters and “Liliy” when I play female ones. :D) 

Gender: Female 

Sign: Aries 

Height: 5'2" 

Time: EST 

Birthday: If you know, you know. :P 

Fav bands: Too many to list. I listen to just about everything. 

Fav solo artists: Same. How could I ever pick? (That’s a lie. Dolly Parton’s cover of “Stairway to Heaven” is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard, right after “Jolene.”. I’ve heard like three of her songs but I love them. XD) 

Song stuck in my head: At the moment: “Again” by Crusher-P 

Last movie I saw: Jumanji 2018 (It was so dumb, but I loved it.) 

Last show I watched: RWBY Vol. 5 

When did I create my blog: November 2012. I literally had not realized how long I’ve been on this site until just now. XD 

What do I post: Whatever I happen to be obsessing over at the moment, but I used to post my own art and writing more often. Ha ha. 

Last thing I Googled: How to change track titles in Windows Media Player. 

Do I have any other blogs: On Tumblr? Yeah. i’ve got a Flight Rising blog for my dragon shenanigans and a few Role Play blogs that are kinda inactive. 

Do I get asks: Every once in a while~ They’re always welcome. :D 

Why did I chose my URL: It’s my name. XD  

Following: Approx. 995 

Followed by: Approx. 1200 

Average hours of sleep: HA. Like 4 or 5? It’s not enough. 

Lucky number: Don’t really have one. 

Instruments: Violin, baby~ Also Alto Saxophone in High School (Marching band!) 

What I am wearing: Jeans, grey sweater. 

Dream job: Author that makes enough money to support myself. *gazes into the distance* 

Dream trip: I would love to visit Japan. 

Fav food: Raleigh Tavern GIngerbread - It’s not even a contest. I will eat these things a week old and stale. I will eat a dozen of them. They are the greatest cookie ever. 

Nationality: American. If you’re asking about heritage I have honestly no idea. It might be German or Welsh if we’re going by name nationality, but I don’t know. XD 

Fav song: “Fly Me To The Moon” by Frank Sinatra 

Last book I read: “The Paradise on the Hill” by Momoko Tenzen 

Top 3 fictional universes I wanna join: Pokémon. The world can be kinda terrifying if you believe the Pokédex entries, but the chance of having a best friend that’ll be with me to the end is too amazing to pass up. Second, the .hack// Universe so I can actually play The World (I don’t even keep up with the MMRPGs I have, but like it’s The World). And I don’t know. Maybe RWBY? The weapons are cool. XD 

I tag: If you actually read all of this, I tag you. You’re tagged. Tag me back in your post so I can read your answers. :P

#Liliy Stuff #Tag Meme

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the-record-columns · 5 years ago

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May 29, 2019: Columns

Amazing talent, missing tables...

By KEN WELBORN

Record Publisher

With our 14th Annual ChickenFest behind us I do want to take just a moment to mention two especially talented young people who were kind enough to play for us this past weekend.

First is 13-year-old Libby Harbour, a fiddle player who just gets better and better. At our opening ceremonies, after the VFW Post 1142 Honor Guard had placed the flag at half mast and played Taps, Libby stepped up and played the National Anthem on her fiddle. It still gives me goose bumps to think about it today. Later she played on the Tut Taylor Spotlight Stage to the delight of everyone.

Another of the many wonderful people who played was a young lady of 16 named Cali Johnson. I first heard Cali play guitar and sing during a couple of the Open Mic events at the 1915 Artisan Center in Wilkesboro. One evening she began with a CCR tune, played a couple of originals she had written, and ended by singing the Coat of Many Colors song by Dolly Parton - and nailed them all. She also performed at ChickenFest on the Spotlight stage and had folks mesmerized.

Speaking of ChickenFest, it is always something of a ritual to put our hands on all of our tables and chairs-what with them being periodically loaned out. This year it was easy, but it still reminded me about the "table" story for the ages.

It involved my dear friend Max Joines

Not too long after we built The Record Park, Max, and his wonderful wife Jane, were planning some kind of soiree for one of their sons who had graduated from college. Max called me to see about renting my tables for the event-note I said rent-he doesn't know how to accept a favor-yet he will do anything for anyone-anytime.

He finally agreed to borrow them and picked them up on the appointed day-12 of them which he securely strapped to a trailer and was on his way.

The event was a great success, and I can personally attest to the food being amazing. The next week Max called to set up a time to return the tables and I went to the park to meet him.

I waited. And waited. Then I got worried-Max is always early, not late. I was about to call Jane to check on him when he finally drove up-looking like his last friend had deserted him. It seems as though while loading up the tables, he only had 11, not 12. He drove the route he had taken with the tables hoping to find the one that had somehow blown off. He made that trip about three times before deciding to give up and come on.

Nothing would do but he wanted to buy me another table. I tried to assure him it wasn't that big of a deal, but he kept insisting. After a bit we unloaded the tables with Max apologizing all the way.

Then I saw it. The 12th table. It had never left the building because it was so covered up in junk that we both missed it. I thought about trying to get Max out of the building without telling him, but soon thought better of it. The simple fact that he never had 12 tables to begin with took a bit to sink in, but relief took over aggravation and he was soon smiling as only Max Joines can.

We decided to end the day by agreeing that "...sometimes you simply cannot see the forest for the trees."

Words to live by, eh Max?

Truth is on Israel's side

By EARL COX

Special to The Record

Israelis are very good at many things but public relations is not one of them. It seems they are always defending themselves rather than pointing out their positives and this is largely due to the way mainstream media reports any and all news about Israel.

One of the major charges of the anti-Israel media is that Israelis are hate-filled, evil people who live in a perpetual state of animosity and fear. Of course, if these critics were to visit Israel, they would see that the people of this special little nation go about their daily tasks with great freedom, purpose and enthusiasm. Public places are bustling with active and smiling people, none of whom seem intimidated or fearful. Ben Yehuda Street in downtown Jerusalem is alive with people from around the world visiting the many shops and restaurants, enjoying the music of street musicians and engaging in activities which underline Israel’s freedom and sense of safety and security.

The young nation of Israel enjoys great freedom of speech and movement which cannot be found in any Arab or Muslim nation in the Middle East. In Israel there is also less crime — whether robberies, rapes or killings — than in any other country of the world.

The international media consistently attempt to paint Israel as undemocratic, discriminatory and racist — even going so far as to accuse Israel of being an apartheid state. Of course, everyone in the country knows that they have a well functioning democratic government, quite different from all the surrounding, authoritarian Arab and Muslim governments of the Middle East. Every Israeli adult, including women, has the right to vote; and what many do not know is that there are more than a million Arabs who are Israeli citizens with the same rights and privileges as all other Israeli citizens — including representation in the Knesset.

Furthermore, most Israel bashers do not realize that more than a million Arabs live in the Jewish cities of Jaffa, Haifa, Nazareth and others without fear of being harmed or discriminated against. And they don’t realize that in the Galilee, dozens of Arab villages are mingled among Jewish villages, with the Arabs free to come and go and do as they please. Half of the Old City of Jerusalem is inhabited by Arabs, and all Arabs have free access to the Muslim shrines on the Temple Mount however the same is not true for Jews and Christians. The Temple Mount is controlled by the Jordan-based Waqf which is an Islamic trust that governs the Temple Mount compound. Jews and Christians are forbidden even to pray on the Temple Mount.

Now, like any other nation on earth, Israel is not perfect; but its critics will have to look long and hard to find discrimination or apartheid. Yet they report such untruths without blinking. Another charge on the list of the anti-Semitic media is that Israelis are hateful and violent people who react with disproportionate force to any small Arab or Muslim provocation. If these critics would honestly compare the actions of the Arabs to the reactions of the Israelis, they would see a great difference.

Palestinian Arab terrorist groups have regularly attacked innocent Israeli civilians ever since Israel was restored as a nation. They have fired explosive rockets into civilian villages, and they have sent suicide bombers on to Israeli buses and into Israeli gathering places. Their leaders have urged people in their mosques and children in their schools to hate and kill Jews.

In response, Israelis have refused to descend to the same level of depravity as their enemies. Only when their patience has been exhausted have they reluctantly retaliated in self defense; and even then, they have been extremely careful to avoid harming innocent civilians — especially women and children.

Through it all, the Jewish people have proved beyond any doubt that God has miraculously brought them back to their ancient homeland, He has justifiably restored their nation, and He has divinely preserved and prospered it. Israel has fulfilled the Torah promise that it would be a good land, “a land flowing with milk and honey.”

The God-given innovation of the Jewish people, along with their indomitable spirit and high ethical values, has made modern Israel a great wonder of the world … in spite of what the anti-Semitic international media think or say.

Stop. Just stop…

By HEATHER DEAN

Record Reporter

"Happy Memorial Day!"

Does anyone besides me want to rip down the signs with that phrase off of business windows, and give a good tongue lashing to anyone who says it?

Discussing plans to sit by the water and barbecue, because "you're so stressed out from of life in general and need a break" isn't showing respect for the Fallen. Let’s discuss their “day at the beach” on June 6, 1944, compared to your lovely long weekend, shall we?

Yes you have a first amendment right, but please don’t be thoughtless- no one says “HAPPY anniversary on the day your momma died” so why would you make the appellation to Memorial Day?

Let me put this into perspective:Just last year hundreds of us in several counties lined the highways, standing in silent respect for local State Trooper Samuel Bullard, who gave his life to fulfill his oath "protect and serve."

The summer before that, thousands of us lined the highways from Wilkes County Airport all the way to Ashe County for Dillon Baldridge, who gave his life trying to protect his friends and comrades, and the freedom we hold so dear.

Putting up American flag window clings, lining your yard/business with tiny flags (that are made in CHINA) that have gotten rained on and knocked over and are lying in the grass, is NOT showing respect for those that gave all. Not to mention against flag code, but that’s another column.

What this is, is a long weekend to reflect on those who are no longer with us. Our Veteran parents and grandparents who fought perhaps; and especially Chris Thompson, Larry Bauguess, Sam Bullard and Dillon Baldridge.I am never happy about the loss of life, but I am eternally grateful, and hold a space at my table on such days to the fallen, and the families left to grieve their absence.

The local VFW Post is holding a traditional ceremony, on actual Memorial Day, May 30, (this Thursday) starting at 10 a.m. I encourage you all to be there, to give thanks to the men and women who gave everything for you.

A Dipper Full for Everyone

By CARL WHITE

Life in the Carolinas

I’ve been spending more time in the garden lately.

It all started at Kindred Gallery at Rosemary House Bed and Breakfast in Pittsboro. It was during an interview with noted folk artist Cher Shaffer.

We were coming to the close of our second on camera visit when I asked her what she would recommend as a good thing for all of us to do in order to have greater peace and happiness in our lives. That’s easy she replied, “Play in the dirt and do it often. It will help you connect with the earth and life.”

I listened as she explained on her thoughts. It seemed reasonable but it would be on my drive home that my mind would give it a good thinking over.I had already done a bit of planting in the garden. However, I had not thought of it as playing in the dirt.

At the same time, I could tell that Cher was serious with her words. So, I committed to the idea. I knew it would be a challenge because it had been many years since I had done anything resembling playing in the dirt. So much so that I honestly could not remember ever playing in the dirt.

While it has been a busy time for the show, I decided that working time in for dirt play was now on my must do list, even though I had no idea how it was going to work out. We had already planted some tomato and cucumber plants; however, I knew we needed more plants.

I decided to visit some new greenhouses in hopes of inspiration for new plants and to question plant people on how they play in the dirt. I soon found out that I was not alone in how I thought about gardening. To some it’s a lot of work and not playful at all. That however was not the case with most of the people I spoke with. As it turns out the smell and feel of dirt brings happiness to many people.

With this idea in mind I purchased a wide variety of tomato, pepper, okra, and other plants. I like dill so I decide that an herb garden might also be a good idea. I may have gone a bit overboard.

As I drove home I though about all those plants and the task ahead and the more I thought about it the less playful I become.

Unloading the car, I realized that I had almost 150 new plants. The first day I planted and watered one flat, the next day I did the same and within a week I had them all planted.

It was on the third day of this process that as I was bending over planting pepper that I become a bit dizzy, so I took a knee in the dirt. For the first time during this process I was feeling the dirt. The smell was sweet, and the dirt was becoming playful.

At that very moment I was flooded with memories of childhood times in the garden with my grandmother. It was as if I was there again walking with her as she was giving each plant a dipper full of water.

I could hear her say, “A dipper full for everyone.” I could see my Dad picking green beans in the summer. I was flooded with warm comforting memories of family now gone but still in the garden. Every morning I get up early and go play in the dirt. I water the plants; everyone gets a hello and full dipper of water.

They are all doing well, and I have learned how to play in the dirt.

And I can tell you one thing for sure, it’s a good thing.

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larryfanfiction · 8 years ago

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Ao3?

objectlesson

Tumblr?

xabjectlessonsx

Name?

Phoenix

Age?

How long have you been a fan of One Direction?

Oh god, I only got into them in May, and even then I wouldn’t have felt comfortable calling myself a fan until around July or August. So only about five months! I’m a baby Directioner, probably why I’m not dead inside yet.

What is your favorite fic?

Wild and Unruly by 100percentsassy and Gloria Andrews. It’s seriously one of my favorite works of art in the entire universe, it’s the romance novel I wish I had when I was seventeen and longing for queer cowboys and drama and star crossed lovers and angst. It’s perfect. I feel like they looked into my soul and saw how much I needed ranch Harry singing Dolly Parton to a cow, and an almost kiss happening after he sucks amniotic fluid out of a calve’s nose. That is just so up my alley. I absolutely adore that story, everything about it. It probably helps that I have a cat named Jolene who I’m more than a little obsessed with.

When did you start writing?

I’ve been writing since I was a tiny child (my mom would hand bind my ‘books’ with ribbon!) but I’ve been writing fan fiction for like fifteen years. The first fic I ever wrote was when I was 12, and it was bandom slash so I apparently haven’t changed much.

What was your favorite fic to write and why?

My favorite 1D fic to write was probably A Little Love is Better than None because it was one of my very first ventures into the fandom so I was still figuring out their characters and voices, which was such a pleasure. It just sort of flooded out really easily and naturally too, like it was waiting to be written. I also LOVE to write pining and Harry pines HARD in that story.

How and where do you find inspiration?

Everywhere, honestly! I’m a people watcher and I really enjoy writing in chaotic environments like the food court at the mall, partially so I can constantly be observing the mess of humanity around me and draw energy from that. I’m also really inspired by the raw material of this fandom. You probably noticed I mostly write canon fic, and that’s largely because this canon is so incredibly rich with lore and evidence and text, it’s begging to be mined for the sake of storytelling. I watch interviews all the time (there are so many holy shit) and I take so much inspiration from them, just watching these boys interact and observing their power dynamics and their body language and their patterns and evolution and chemistry. I’m not sure I’ve ever stumbled into a fandom so inspiring, honestly.

Are any of your stories influenced by personal experience?

VERY MUCH SO. I draw enormous amounts of inspiration from my own experiences as a queer teenager navigating sexual exploration and heartbreak. I love writing queer coming of age stories in part because I wad so deeply and indelibly affected by the love and pain and longing and newness I felt as an adolescent, the first time I fell in love or has my heart broken. I love trying to capture the enormity and terror of teenage love in my writing.

How do you get over writer’s block?

I go read fanfiction!! Nothing helps be reframe my own writing than reading talented authors who are perhaps telling the same story (two guys meet and fall in love and are changed forevermore) but telling it in an entirely different way.

How often do you sit down to write? What does your ideal work setting look like?

I try and write every other day at least but it gets hard with life and work and whatnot. That being said, I usually write at least three times a week for several hours when I’m really in the middle of something. Ideally, I’m at a corner table with an outlet at a busy Peets Coffee, listening to a playlist I made specifically for whatever I’m writing, and sipping a latte! I love writing in chaotic, crowded places with lots of people and energy occupying the space. Unfortunately, I don’t always get first pick of coffee shop and end up writing a lot at the Starbucks by my work, which is not ideal but definitely my stomping grounds.

Pick 3 things that are absolutely necessary to make a good story!

TENSION, MUTUAL PINING, AND DRAMATIC RESOLUTION!!! I absolutely LIVE for slow build stories with lots and tension building over thousands of words. Live for it. I love those moments where the air is crackling and they’re both breathless and electric and terrified, wanting each other so bad without knowing for certain the other is truly interested?! My absolute favorite. Of course, there has to be a resolution though, and the ones that work best for me are dramatic and have a double reveal…like I totally enjoy the tension breaking over something physical like a kiss, but I really love when they actually talk about if afterwards. Like, “I had a crush on you the whole time!!” “No way, me too!!!” Only…better written, you get the idea.

A good character in literature is usually one that goes through a lot of changes and grows dynamically from beginning to end. What is/are your favorite character arcs, and could you give us an example of one from one of your stories?

My favorite character arc is when a teenager is starting to really explore and understand his or her sexuality. Navigating the terror of that desire, forging the storm even though it’s scary, and being rewarded ultimately with mutual love is something I never, ever get tired of reading in all its incarnations. For example, Louis figuring himself out in A Taste of Poison Paradise, realizing how his experiences with Hannah compared to what he was feeling with Harry, and attempting to shore up that part of himself and his history in the face of falling in love so suddenly. MY JAM.

What is your favorite genre/tag to write?

PINING!!! Also love Hurt/Comfort and a number of different kink tags I wont go into ;)

Are you currently working on something? Can we have a little preview?

I’m working on sooooo many different WIPs! Here’s a little teaser from one of my many X Factor stories in the works:

Louis scrolls through his music for the right song and Harry steals glances at his face, the sharp line of his cheekbone somehow existing alongside the soft curve of his cheek, his blue eyes scanning contemplatively across the screen, his pink tongue poking at pursed lips. Harry’s neck gets hot. Louis is the cutest boy he’s ever seen in his entire life, he’s thought so since the second he saw him, and frantically texted his friends THERES A BOY WHO LOOKS LIKE FRANKIE FROM THE SATURDAYS HERE!!!! shortly before actually meeting Louis and sending the follow up text: frankie boy is named louis like lou-ee and im in love. he seems gay but he has a gf apparently?? :(

That text seems like fate now because he was obviously joking about being in love then, but he did end up falling in love, fast and hard and sudden, the kind of love that he didn’t even have time to talk himself out or or get frightened by because it was just there, choking him like a vine, covering the whole of his heart so that he could not move without gouging himself on a thorn. It just was. He sighs to himself, thumbing over Louis’s earbud, imagining all the times he laid in his bed in Doncaster with it in his ear, listening to music while he was studying, or feeling sad, or wishing he wasn’t alone.

“Found it,” Louis announces, and Harry considers the fact that Louis might not ever feel alone, not like he does. He’s probably surrounded by friends all the time, loud raucous groups of theater kids and football blokes, the girlfriend Harry hasn’t heard anything about since meeting in his lap, holding his hand. Harry has loads of friends too but he still feels alone sometimes, still lies in his bed with his headphones in listening to love songs and wondering what it would feel like to want someone so badly. He winkles up his nose at himself and smiles, because now he knows. It feels like a vine, like thorns, like the whole night sky and all it’s stars. All that crazy, poetic stuff he used to be skeptical of, here in his own chest. It’s insane.

Anything you would like to say to your readers?

Thank you so, so, so much for reading and reviewing and accepting me so eagerly and wholeheartedly into this wonderful fandom. Big fandoms can be intimidating because there’s so much excellent work, and it’s a challenge be noticed amid such brilliance, so I’m endlessly grateful for and stunned by the reception I’ve gotten. Every time I end up on a rec list alongside my favorite authors, or every time one of those authors comments on one of my stories, I’m just so, so fucking blown away. Thank you.

Thank you, Phoenix!! We absolutely love your fics and are so happy to have you in this fandom!

#as #xabjectlessonsx #objectlessons

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it-was-not-the-cat · 7 years ago

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Questions 1-99.

1: 6 of the songs you listen to most?Heaven - PVRIS, What's Wrong - PVRIS, Walk Alone - PVRIS, Winter - PVRIS, I Like Me Better - Lauv, Now or Never - Halsey2: If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be?The lead singer of PVRIS, probably. I'll be seeing her in February, but not technically meeting her. 3: Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 23, give me line 17.I don't have a book near me at all, haha4: What do you think about most?"Where the hell is my cat?"5: What does your latest text message from someone else say?"I'm home" This was literally 2 days ago HHAHAHA6: Do you sleep with or without clothes on?With7: What’s your strangest talent?I honestly have no idea. I'm not that good at strange things haha8: Girls… (finish the sentence); Boys… (finish the sentence)Girls are pretty; Boys are icky.9: Ever had a poem or song written about you?Nope.10: When is the last time you played the air guitar?I honestly don't know haha.11: Do you have any strange phobias?GRASSHOPPERS 12: Ever stuck a foreign object up your nose?Hah, funny story, a rock once. Got a bloody nose because it was stuck and had to go to the doctor to get it removed.13: What’s your religion?I don't really follow any religion.14: If you are outside, what are you most likely doing?Coming inside.15: Do you prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it?Wayy behind it.16: Simple but extremely complex. Favorite band?PVRIS, hands down.17: What was the last lie you told?I'm going to vacuum today.18: Do you believe in karma?Sometimes, I guess.19: What does your URL mean?When I used to self harm, I would tell people that it was just a scratch from the cat, but that was a lie. It was not the cat.20: What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength?Greatest weakness is probably saying no to people. Greatest strength is being lazy. 21: Who is your celebrity crush?Demi Lovato and Lynn Gunn22: Have you ever gone skinny dipping?Nope. 23: How do you vent your anger?I just get in my own little bubble and just get angry at everything or shut everyone out. 24: Do you have a collection of anything?Rocks and shot glasses from my travels.25: Do you prefer talking on the phone or video chatting online?Chatting online. Not necessarily video chatting, just like messaging. 26: Are you happy with the person you’ve become?\I'm a lot happier with myself than I used to be. But I have a long way to go before I'm completely happy with myself. 27: What’s a sound you hate; sound you love?I hate hearing people chew and swallow. I love Jasper's purring. 28: What’s your biggest “what if”?"What if I never started cutting?" 29: Do you believe in ghosts? How about aliens?Ghosts- YES, Aliens - no.30: Stick your right arm out; what do you touch first? Do the same with your left arm.Right arm - coffee cup. Left arm - wall. 31: Smell the air. What do you smell?It just smells like the air? I kinda smell the coffee next to me. 32: What’s the worst place you have ever been to?South Side, St Joe.33: Choose: East Coast or West Coast?East Coast34: Most attractive singer of your opposite gender?Tim McGraw. 35: To you, what is the meaning of life?Just to be freaking happy.36: Define Art.I don't even know. 37: Do you believe in luck?Mmm, sometimes?38: What’s the weather like right now?It's fall, cold and windy, but like perfect. 39: What time is it?1:33 pm40: Do you drive? If so, have you ever crashed?Yes, I drive. I've never like gotten into a wreck, but I've hit 3 deer...41: What was the last book you read?My textbook for my Psych of Communications class. Hah, we read it cover to cover. 42: Do you like the smell of gasoline?I don't hate it, but it's not my favorite. 43: Do you have any nicknames?Mac.44: What was the last film you saw?How The Grinch Stole Christmas while I was babysitting.45: What’s the worst injury you’ve ever had?I have a lot of problems with my back and hips. I wouldn't really think of it as an injury because it wasn't caused by anything in particular, but it is definitely something that hurts like a mf.46: Have you ever caught a butterfly?Yeah.47: Do you have any obsessions right now?My cat. 48: What’s your sexual orientation?GAYYYY49: Ever had a rumour spread about you?Yeah that I was a lesbian back in middle school. I didn't know I was a lesbian then, but ayyy.50: Do you believe in magic?I really don't know for sure. 51: Do you tend to hold grudges against people who have done you wrong?Yeah, but like I'm not like absolutely horrible toward them. I just don't forget what they did to me. 52: What is your astrological sign?Libra53: Do you save money or spend it?Both.54: What’s the last thing you purchased?Blockus.55: Love or lust?Love!56: In a relationship?YES :)57: How many relationships have you had?Serious relationships? 2. Stupid middle school relationships? like 4.58: Can you touch your nose with your tongue?Yeah.59: Where were you yesterday?I just stayed at the apartment all day. 60: Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you?A headband, tweezers, and my backpack.61: Are you wearing socks right now?Nope.62: What’s your favourite animal?Currently, giraffe.63: What is your secret weapon to get someone to like you?HAHAHA my what to what64: Where is your best friend?Sitting right next to me :)65: Give me your top 5 favourite blogs on Tumblr.secrets-written-in-my-skin, h--e--r--o--i--n--a, lesbian-and-lesbian-, take-a-look-to-my-life, sheekeepsmewarm66: What is your heritage?Uhh, American?67: What were you doing last night at 12AM? Allie and I were playing games.We were probably playing Snakes and Ladders.68: What do you think is Satan’s last name?wut.69: Be honest. Ever gotten yourself off?Hell yeah.70: Are you the kind of friend you would want to have as a friend?Yeah, honestly I would like to have me as a friend. 71: You are walking down the street on your way to work. There is a dog drowning in the canal on the side of the street. Your boss has told you if you are late one more time you get fired. What do you do?I would try to help the dog, but also call someone to help and then explain to my boss what happened. If it was my boss I have right now, she'd be understanding. 72: You are at the doctor’s office and she has just informed you that you have approximately one month to live. a) Do you tell anyone/everyone you are going to die? b) What do you do with your remaining days? c) Would you be afraid?Oh yikes. I would probably tell people it was happening. I would definitely travel with whatever money I had left and I would be absolutely terrified. 73: You can only have one of these things; trust or love.Love. 74: What’s a song that always makes you happy when you hear it?Don't Be So Hard On Yourself - Jess Glynne75: What are the last four digits in your cell phone number?I would prefer not to put that out there. 76: In your opinion, what makes a great relationship?You should probably like, love the person. But also being able to be yourself around them. And being able to silently sit in the same room, doing separate things, and still enjoying it and not finding it awkward. 77: How can I win your heart?Bring me food.78: Can insanity bring on more creativity?It can, but for me it just brings anxiety. 79: What is the single best decision you have made in your life so far?To start talking to Allie off anon. 80: What size shoes do you wear?Anywhere from a 7.5-8.5. It depends on the brand/shoe. 81: What would you want to be written on your tombstone?Just the normal thing, birth date, death date, and like "daughter, wife, mother, etc"82: What is your favourite word?Probably fuck or shit?83: Give me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word; heart.Love.84: What is a saying you say a lot?"I love him" (I say "him" funny and I say it about my cat.) or "Listen, Linda".85: What’s the last song you listened to?Jolene - Dolly Parton.86: Basic question; what’s your favourite colour/colours?Currently, purple and turquoise/teal.87: What is your current desktop picture?A colorful space thing I designed on a website.88: If you could press a button and make anyone in the world instantaneously explode, who would it be?My old manager. He was such a dick. He made me hate my job so much that I would get insanely anxious before going in and then I'd call in. 89: What would be a question you’d be afraid to tell the truth on?Uhmm... I don't really know. 90: One night you wake up because you heard a noise. You turn on the light to find that you are surrounded by MUMMIES. The mummies aren’t really doing anything, they’re just standing around your bed. What do you do?Freak the fuck out, scream, wake up Allie, grab my cat, and leave. 91: You accidentally eat some radioactive vegetables. They were good, and what’s even cooler is that they endow you with the super-power of your choice! What is that power?Oooh, umm to see the future?92: You can re-live any point of time in your life. The time-span can only be a half-hour, though. What half-hour of your past would you like to experience again?The first time I met Allie in person.93: You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be?The part of my life that I never talk about.94: You have the opportunity to sleep with the music-celebrity of your choice. Who would it be?They are all way out of my league. 95: You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go?Ireland.96: Do you have any relatives in jail?Not that I know of.97: Have you ever thrown up in the car?Probably when I was little, but not that I know of. 98: Ever been on a plane?Yes! 99: If the whole world were listening to you right now, what would you say?"uhh..."

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