#her hand was like right where the middle of the stage was from my angle so wioeghfnwod

[p0orbaby]

It’s Called Free Fall

summary: therapy makes you realise a lot of things

warnings: none

a/n: there’s not actually any alexia in this, but she is mentioned

word count: 2.7k

part 1

-

The therapist’s office feels like it’s been curated for someone far more refined than you—someone who actually takes their therapy seriously, rather than as an ironic lifestyle choice. The walls are a pale, flat grey that veers perilously close to lifeless, and there’s this overwhelming sense of emptiness, like everything here exists for display rather than use. The chairs, two narrow-backed leather things angled just slightly towards each other, appear less like furniture and more like sculptures. You imagine some recent graduate from a New York art school positioned them just so, meticulously arranging each one to make sure it induced the precise mix of discomfort and luxury.

The table between you and Dr. Vargas is another matter entirely—a sleek slab of polished mahogany, thick enough that you could lean your entire weight on it without even a squeak of protest. Its surface is bare except for a single leather-bound notebook, a fountain pen and a ceramic dish, all aligned to a degree that feels almost militaristic. There’s not a single loose thread in the rug, not a fingerprint on the glass of the one window facing out onto a garden view that’s suspiciously verdant for the middle of winter.

Even the fern, perched in the corner like it’s waiting for its close-up, seems too green, too lush. It’s ridiculous, but it’s all part of the aesthetic, this carefully curated minimalism, the kind of cultivated restraint that says, “We don’t need embellishments. We’re here for the truth.” You’re here, supposedly, for honesty and revelation. But to you, it all feels a bit too staged, like a hotel that boasts a “homely charm” but is actually cold and sterile beneath the surface. You suspect Dr. Vargas might even mist the plant herself in some sacred ritual of maintenance, a sort of last-minute grounding exercise to fill the silence between clients.

You settle back in the chair, draping one leg over the other, and make a mental note to mention it next time you’re in some magazine interview. “Austere,” you’d say, “but in a chic way. I once caught my therapist hand-polishing the leaves of a houseplant.” You let yourself savour the image for a moment, glancing at the fern, which seems to return your gaze with silent judgement.

Dr. Vargas has her pen poised in that infuriatingly neutral way, a half-smile that somehow manages to be both welcoming and utterly unreadable. She’s mastered this look; the expression that says, I’m here for you while also suggesting she’s already a step ahead, already written your entire profile out in her head, neatly categorised into sub-headings like “Avoidant Tendencies” and “Control Issues.”

You begin with a sigh, throwing a glance at the ceiling in mock contemplation. “I’ve been thinking about another place. A chalet, maybe. Something in the mountains this time.” You pause, letting the idea sit, feigning like it’s just occurred to you. “Somewhere remote, where people can’t just… get to me”

You’re fully aware that she sees right through it. This isn’t her first rodeo; you’re sure she’s dealt with hundreds like you before, masters of diversion who fill sessions with banalities rather than facing anything real. But Dr. Vargas, in all her maddening professionalism, gives nothing away. She just tilts her head, the soft scratch of her pen against her notebook barely there as she writes something down.

“A place to escape,” she offers back to you in that maddeningly placid tone.

“Yes. Escape,” you echo, knowing full well the word holds no weight here. Escape from what, exactly? You let your leg bounce a little, as if the rhythm might lend some gravity to your words. “And there’s this new project I’m in talks with—A24, actually. They want me to do something… serious. A proper rebrand. Gritty. Artistic.” You drawl out “artistic” with the faintest of smirks, like you’re amused at the thought of it all. A lifetime of playing these games, and you’re practically a pro by now.

Dr. Vargas’s face betrays not a flicker of interest or amusement. She simply nods, that little encouraging tilt of her head again, like she’s waiting for you to get to the real point, the heart of the matter. But you’re not giving in so easily.

“It could be big, you know,” you continue, lifting your chin a fraction. “And I’ve got Alexia, of course.” The name slips out, deliberately nonchalant, though you feel its weight instantly, like it’s left a mark on the air between you.

Dr. Vargas raises her eyebrows, ever so slightly. “Alexia,” she repeats, not quite a question, not quite a statement. Just… acknowledgment, and yet it still feels as if she’s plucked something out of you without you realising. You don’t like it, the way she turns your own words against you.

“Yeah,” you say, shrugging. “She’s… brilliant. On the field, off it. You know, she’s—” You trail off, allowing a smirk to play on your lips. “Not bad to look at, either”

She gives no reaction, doesn’t even break eye contact. You imagine her poker face would rival that of any seasoned card shark. But it’s her silence that presses at you, coaxing out more than you intend to reveal. It’s a trick she’s used before, and yet here you are, willingly falling into it.

“Honestly,” you continue, almost laughing as if sharing some private joke, “you should see her after a match. There’s this… intensity, this rawness. Shirt off, sweat-drenched, eyes still blazing from the game. It’s… invigorating.” You roll the word around like a fine wine, savouring it as you go. “It’s like the universe threw me a bone, just when I was getting bored”

Dr. Vargas finally moves, a slight shift of her head, her mouth curving up in a near-smile. “And yet, you’re here”

Her words drop between you like a carefully placed stone. You scoff, rolling your eyes, but there’s something in her expression—an almost imperceptible softness that somehow feels like an accusation. “Therapy’s a hobby,” you shrug, leaning back, as if the very idea of anything deeper is laughable. “I’m always in therapy, Doc. News flash”

“Yes,” she agrees smoothly, not missing a beat, “but you don’t usually bring her up”

“Come on,” you counter, with a smirk that’s designed to look careless, “I bring her up all the time”

“Not like this”

Her voice is calm, almost gentle, but her gaze sharpens, pinning you in place. You feel a spike of irritation, or maybe it’s something else. You cast a look towards the fern, now faintly silhouetted by the afternoon sun, its shadow long and narrow across the wall, an unasked-for third party in this strange little dance. The absurdity of the whole scene hits you, but before you can fully detach, she’s speaking again.

“You’re talking about her differently. More… openly.” There’s no edge to her tone, no overt judgment, yet it feels like she’s peeled back a layer, glimpsed a part of you you hadn’t meant to reveal.

In the moments that follow, you stub out your cigarette on the pristine ceramic dish Vargas keeps on the table, the one she’s claimed is “not for smoking” but never actually moved after that one session. You’ve taken it as tacit permission, though you know damn well it irritates her—just another way to test the boundaries in a room that prides itself on having none. That’s half the point of these sessions: see how far you can stretch them. How much she’ll let you say, or not say. And you’ve mastered the art of saying absolutely nothing, all while filling the space with empty words.

Dr. Vargas doesn’t speak, doesn’t press, which is almost worse than if she did. There’s just the persistent softness in her eyes, the quiet implication that she understands more than you’d prefer. You remember Alexia’s eyes looking at you like that once, right after you’d tried to make some grand point about the nature of relationships—one of those pseudo-philosophical tangents you like to go on. She’d just looked at you, with a kind of bemused patience that felt a little too genuine, a little too close to knowing you.

You roll your shoulders, shake off the memory. But it clings.

“Alright,” you say, letting the smoke spill out as you form the words. “Maybe I don’t do ‘love’ like everyone else. I’m not here for a candlelit dinner and a mortgage. I’m not,” you add with a quick laugh, “one of those people who turn into some sap over a nice couple’s holiday in Santorini”

Dr. Vargas gives a small nod, an acknowledgement rather than agreement, her expression neutral but open, giving you room to continue.

“But, yes. Fine.” You take another drag, a deliberate pause. “Maybe I… care about her. I care about her. She’s different, alright?”

“Different how?” she asks gently, with an infuriatingly patient tone.

You groan, shifting in your seat. “Come on, don’t make me quantify it. That’s your thing, not mine.” You know you’re stalling, using your usual deflections, but there’s an itch underneath it, a part of you that feels raw just acknowledging that Alexia is, in fact, ‘different.’

You can feel her eyes on you, waiting for you to take the bait you’ve laid out for yourself.

“Fine, you want specifics?” you sigh, feigning annoyance, though you know you’re the one who’s led the conversation here. “She… laughs at my worst jokes. Like, really laughs. Not in a polite way, but genuinely, like she thinks I’m the funniest person alive, even when I’m barely trying. It’s stupid, really, but it gets me”

“And how does that make you feel?” Vargas leans forward, like she’s zeroing in on something significant.

You chuckle, low and dismissive, waving the question off with your cigarette. “How do you think it makes me feel? It’s… fine. Nice. A bit strange, maybe. I’m not used to being seen like that.” You pause, the weight of that admission lingering in the air between you.

She doesn’t react, doesn’t push; she just lets the moment settle, knowing there’s more.

You sigh, smoke curling up around you, as your mind goes back to other little things—the way she has this weird ritual of picking all the green M&Ms out of the bag and tossing them to you, claiming they’re “bad luck.” How she insists on reading the morning news out loud, in that silly, exaggerated announcer voice, just to make you laugh while you pretend to read emails. Or how she makes you tea at exactly the right temperature, handing you the mug with a grin like she’s just given you a priceless gift. These are things that, on the surface, should be forgettable, the kind of mundane moments that fade. But they don’t, do they? Not with her.

Dr. Vargas’s voice interrupts your reverie, soft but insistent. “You’re smiling”

You realise she’s right; you’re smiling without even meaning to, and it’s a small, stupid smile, the kind that feels too open. You try to erase it, but it’s too late. The vulnerability’s already there, a quiet confession written across your face.

You roll your eyes, more at yourself than at her. “Alright, so what? So she’s… alright, she’s fun. She’s got that energy, you know, that lightness. It’s kind of… refreshing”

The words slip out unbidden, and you feel a pang of something resembling regret. Refreshing. A word that implies something else by omission—that most of your life, most people you’ve known, have been exhausting. The irony isn’t lost on you: someone so completely different from your own brand of detached sarcasm, from your carefully cultivated ennui, has managed to slip under the radar and wedge herself into your carefully controlled life.

Dr. Vargas watches, her silence pressing you forward.

“Look, I don’t think about it too much,” you say, trying to inject a casual note into your tone. “I don’t need to psychoanalyse every smile, every inside joke. I’m not here to have my relationship broken down into neat little psych terms”

“Maybe you should think about it,” Vargas says gently. “Maybe that’s why you’re here”

You scoff, but there’s a softness in the sound, a hint of resignation. Because she’s right, isn’t she? You came here because, as much as you don’t want to admit it, this thing with Alexia has started to matter, in a way that’s both terrifying and strangely compelling. You’ve always prided yourself on staying a step removed, on being a spectator in your own life, observing rather than fully engaging. But with her, you’re finding it harder to keep that distance.

“Fine,” you mutter, leaning back, letting your head rest against the chair, staring up at the ceiling as though the answers might be written there. “Maybe she’s… special”

The words feel strange in your mouth, too vulnerable, too open. You don’t say “special” often, especially not in this context. But there it is, a reluctant admission.

“I mean, it’s not like I’m in love with her,” you continue, the words tumbling out before you can stop them. “She’s great—don’t get me wrong. She’s amazing in bed. I can’t remember the last time someone made me cum so much. And she’s got this thing about her, you know? Like this fire, this intensity. It’s like when she looks at me, she’s looking right through me. And yeah, I guess that’s… intoxicating. But that’s all it is. Right?”

Dr. Vargas nods, a small, subtle gesture. “Why does that scare you?”

You don’t answer right away. Instead, you watch the smoke dancing away from your cigarette, dissipating into the air, leaving nothing behind but a faint, lingering scent. You think about what it is you’re so afraid of—because there’s something there, something you can’t quite name, a sense that if you let this thing with Alexia continue, it might change you in ways you’re not ready for.

“Because I don’t do… attachment,” you say finally, the words coming out sharper than intended. “I’ve built a life that doesn’t depend on anyone else. And she’s… she’s a complication”

You can feel Vargas watching you, sensing the weight of what you’re not saying, the unspoken truth that this isn’t just about Alexia, that it’s about something deeper, a fear of vulnerability, of losing control. She doesn’t push, though; she just waits, letting the silence do the work for her.

After a long pause, you take a breath, letting your gaze drift to the fern by the window, its leaves glossy and perfect, so meticulously maintained it almost looks fake. You wonder if it’s ever felt the strain of trying to keep everything together, to present a flawless exterior while something more fragile lurks beneath the surface.

“You know,” you say, almost to yourself, “it’s funny. For the longest time, I thought love was just a distraction, a temporary fix for people who couldn’t handle being alone.” You take another drag from your cigarette, exhaling slowly. “But with her, it’s… it’s different. It’s like she makes everything brighter, sharper, like she’s tuned into some frequency I didn’t know existed”

Dr. Vargas doesn’t respond, just nods, letting you continue.

“And the worst part?” You chuckle, a self-deprecating sound. “The worst part is that she’s getting to me. She’s in my head, even when she’s not there. I find myself thinking about her in the middle of the day, wondering what she’s up to, if she’s thinking about me too”

There’s a fragility in the admission, a crack in the armour you’ve built around yourself. And it terrifies you, this sense of letting someone in, of letting them get close enough to matter.

You stub out your cigarette, watching the last curl of smoke dissipate into the air. It feels like a metaphor for something, though you’re not sure what.

Dr. Vargas gives you a small, knowing smile. “Maybe falling in love isn’t as bad as you think it will be,” she says gently.

You shrug, trying to play it off, but there’s a part of you that knows she’s right. Because for all your detachment, all your carefully cultivated distance, there’s something about Alexia that feels like home, like she’s a part of you you didn’t realise was missing.

“Maybe,” you say, the words soft, barely audible.

Love. The word lingers like an uninvited guest. You try to dismiss it, try to laugh it off, but it keeps creeping back in.

[starkwlkr]

can u make an imagine where Noah is graduating pre-k or something and the whole family would be there like imagine proud dad max 😍😍😍

and a little family interaction between reader max and Noah 🥲❤️

oh, the places you’ll go | max verstappen

You, Max, his mother and sister were in the assembly hall of Noah’s school. It was his graduation from pre-kindergarten and you were holding back tears. Your baby was growing up. The ceremony was going to start soon and Max was getting his phone ready to film and take pictures.

“Do you think he will see us? Maybe we should change seats, there’s some empty ones up there.” Max wondered since they were seated right in the middle.

“It’s fine, Max. I let him know where we are sitting. I’m sure when Noah is on stage you’ll stand up and yell his name so yeah i am positive he will see us.” You chuckled. Then Noah’s teacher came out with a microphone to let everyone know the ceremony was starting.

“Please welcome our graduates!” The teacher announced as music started to play while the line of kids started coming in to the assembly hall.

The kids were lined up by their last name so Noah was near the end, but that didn’t bother him. He was happy since he was next to a friend of his. As he walked towards the stage, Noah kept looking for his family. He then spotted his father waving his hand so Noah could spot him.

“Look! That’s my dad!” Noah told his friend. Noah then waved back to Max.

“He saw me!” Max smiled brightly.

Finally, all the kids were on stage in their little plastic chairs facing the audience. After everyone was seated, Noah’s teacher, Ms. Dutton, have a speech about how proud she was of the kids. She then announced that each kids would come up to the microphone and say what they wanted to be when they were older.

Many of Noah’s classmates said the common careers like astronaut, teacher etc. When it was Noah’s turn, you got ready with your phone to take a video. Noah had told you what he wanted to be and you knew that you needed to record Max’s reaction to your son’s answer.

“Noah, what do you want to be when you grow up?”

“When I grow up I want to be the team principal of Red Bull so my dad can win more races and be world champion a lot of times.”

Laughter erupted from the audience, many parents knew who Noah’s dad was so they thought it was funny. Max laughed as well loving the answer. He didn’t even notice you were recording his reaction.

“He’s going place.” Max said while clapping for his son.

“Another Verstappen in Formula 1!” Sophie laughed.

After every kid said their answers, it was time for them to receive their diplomas. Now it was Max’s turn to be the photographer. He made sure to get the right angle when it was Noah’s turn.

“Noah Verstappen.” Ms. Dutton said as the Verstappen family clapped and cheered for Noah.

“Hi dad!” Noah waved to Max from the stage. Max waved back then continued to take several pictures of Noah being handed his diploma. His phone was pretty much pictures of Noah anyway.

After the ceremony, you all went to pick up Noah at his classroom. When you arrived, you found him sitting at his regular seat with his friend playing with toy cars. It took him a second to realize his family had arrived, but when he spotted you, he ran towards you and Max.

“My beautiful boy just graduated! I’m so proud of you, Noah.” You picked him up and showered him with kisses then set him down.

“Congratulations Noah!” Sophie hugged her grandson. “Are you going to help your dad win more championships?”

“Yes! And he’s going to win a lot!”

“Watch out, everyone, another Verstappen is coming to the paddock.” Victoria teased.

“Dad did you see me?” Noah asked as Max picked him up.

“I did! Did you see me?”

“Yeah, I heard you so many times and I told my friend that you were my dad and he said that he likes your car because it goes so fast.” Noah explained.

Noah then decided to show his dad around the classroom and show him some of his work that was stapled to the cork board while you chatted with Sophie and Victoria. Max payed close attention to everything Noah was telling him even if half of it didn’t make sense, he still listened. Noah then showed him a drawing that he made of Max, you and him with his car.

“This is you and mommy and me and your car.” Noah pointed out. “You don’t have your trophy because you didn’t win it yet.” Max assumed it was a drawing of them from Abu Dhabi 2021 before the race started.

“It’s beautiful, Noah. I’m going to take a picture of it so I can show everyone in the paddock.” Max them took his phone out and took several pictures.

From where you stood, you watched your boys. It was too adorable seeing Max with Noah. You knew that Noah would be loved and protected by Max everyday. You thank your lucky stars everyday that Max came into your life.

[brightlight-dazzlingeyes]

so close to perfect | kylian mbappe

🎯 synopsis: You move to Madrid, fresh out of college, to chase your dreams of making it in fashion – and to live with your glamorous, impossibly connected aunt in her chic apartment. But life in the big city doesn’t go as planned: job interviews turn into disasters and high-society parties leave you feeling out of place. When you meet Kylian Mbappé, his charm and shared sense of failure make him impossible to resist. tags: chick lit, coming of age, suggestive content. (written in 2nd person but no mention of yn) (around 4.7k words)

They say you can tell everything about a person by the way they unpack. A frantic ripper of packing tape? They’re the type to run a yellow light. Meticulous folder? Closet control freak. As for you, standing in the middle of your aunt’s jaw-droppingly luxurious apartment in Madrid, you’re somewhere between “organized chaos” and “how did I manage to bring a suitcase full of mismatched socks?”

“Darling, that better not be polyester,” your aunt’s voice floats in, walking in from the kitchen, where she was making you both espresso martinis. You don’t even have time to point out that it’s a hand-me-down from your mom before she’s marching off. Anna doesn’t look back. She never does – partly because she’s too busy making an entrance and partly because she knows you’ll follow.

Her apartment is a sprawling, minimalist masterpiece with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Gran Vía – is a testament to her belief that life should be lived in style. It’s all marble, with furniture that looks more expensive than your college tuition. There’s a stack of Vogue magazines on the coffee table, organized by color because "chaos is bad for the aura." Anna’s the type of woman who’d wear Manolos to the grocery store, not for the attention, but because she genuinely believes they’re more comfortable than sneakers.

And your aunt is not wrong to be concerned. Your wardrobe is more sale rack than runway, unfortunately.

She’s holding the two martinis in delicate coupe glasses, her eyebrow arching in a way that makes you feel like you’re already failing at life. “Madrid is an attitude,” she declares, handing you a glass. “And you, my dear, are about to learn that everyone worth knowing” – she pauses for effect, like a director on a stage, – “lives by that attitude.”

Anna flops onto her pristine white couch, patting the space next to her. "Come, sit. Tell me everything. Boys, grades, did you finally learn how to walk in heels?"

You plop down, suddenly aware of your scuffed ballet flats and the cheap jeans you swore would look designer if you paired them with the right top (they don’t!). "There’s not much to tell. I graduated, I packed, and here I am."

She gasps, clutching her chest like you just told her Chanel is discontinuing handbags. "No scandal? No heartbreak? What have you been doing with your life?!"

You laugh nervously. "Studying. Isn’t that the point of college?"

Anna narrows her eyes. "Studying is the point of a library. College is for finding yourself, making bad decisions, and wearing things your mother would disown you for. But don’t worry," she adds with a wink, "I’ll make up for lost time."

part 2

You’ve done your best to pull yourself together, you’re in a Zara little black dress that looks cute enough, your mom’s scarpins, which you secretly love but can barely walk in. They add a few extra inches to your height that make you feel like a very tall awkward giraffe trying to fit in with swans. Your earrings, however, are the only thing you can be proud of – borrowed from Anna, who has a collection that could make even an English duchess jealous.

You end up looking like a walking exhibit of ingenuity – or desperation, depending on the angle. Still, you square your shoulders and try to behave like someone who wasn’t just Googling “how to hold a champagne glass correctly” in the cab. 

You’ve got this. This is your moment. 

You walk into the venue, your heels clicking on the marble floors, and you tell yourself: This is it. This is what I’ve always dreamed of. A high-society event in Madrid, staying at your aunt’s chic apartment, a job (hopefully) just around the corner, thanks to her connections. The whole “nepo baby” thing doesn’t sound that bad when you think of it like that.

But this isn’t just a party. It’s a launch for some high-end luxury brand. Everyone here looks like they just stepped out of a glossy magazine page. This is the party – so exclusive it feels like a VIP section of a VIP section.

You hold your head high, because if you’ve learned anything from Anna, it’s that confidence is 90% of looking expensive. The other 10%? Not letting anyone see the inside of your purse, which contains a loose tampon and a granola bar you definitely shouldn’t have brought.

Anna disappears almost instantly, after murmuring something about needing to “say hello to Peter.” Peter who? She doesn’t elaborate, and you don’t ask. 

You’re left alone standing by the bar, trying not to touch anything expensive-looking, when she walks in: A very chic woman, cheekbones carved by the gods. You feel yourself drawn to her like a moth to a flame, or a Zara girl to someone who’s definitely wearing custom Valentino. Compliment her. Be friendly. This is networking, you think, downing a gulp of champagne for courage. Just don’t be weird.

Your eyes land on her ears. Safe territory, right? Accessories. Everyone loves to talk about their accessories. “Your earrings are stunning!” you say, your voice a touch too enthusiastic.

Except, she’s not wearing earrings. Her ears are completely, unapologetically naked.

Panic sets in. You’re spiraling. “I mean – um – your earlobes! Beautiful earlobes!” The words tumble out before you can stop them. “So symmetrical!”

Her expression freezes between confusion and mild horror, and she walks away, as if you’ve just told her that you collect toenail clippings for fun. You want to rewind time, to dissolve into the nearest potted plant, to –

But then there’s laughter. Loud, boyish, and completely out of place in a room this polished. You whip around to see him: a guy in an impeccably tailored suit, holding a glass of champagne. He’s leaning slightly against the bar.

“Symmetrical earlobes,” he says, shaking his head as his laughter subsides. 

You gape at him, caught between humiliation and the tiniest spark of relief. “I panicked,” you admit, feeling the heat creep up your neck. “I thought she was wearing earrings, and then she wasn’t, and then –” You wave a hand, as if that explains everything.

“Well, you committed,” he says, still smiling. “And you made her think about her earlobes. That’s something.”

You laugh, despite the fact that you’re fairly certain this will haunt you forever. “I’m glad someone found it funny.”

“Oh, I did,” he says, “And don’t worry – I’ll keep it to myself. For now.”

“That’s very nice of you,” you say, your voice dripping with mock seriousness. “Do I get to know your name”

He chuckles, offering his hand. “Kylian.”

You shake it, trying not to let your grip betray how sweaty your palms have suddenly become. “Nice to meet you, Kylian. I’m...a disaster.”

“And I’m charmed,” he says, grinning.

Out of nowhere, Anna appears looking like she’s just stumbled upon the discovery of a lifetime. “Kylian! You’ve met my niece!” she exclaims, “She’s also new in town, you see.”

You feel her eyes flick between the two of you, scanning for even the faintest possibility of romantic potential. 

“You two know each other?” you ask, your curiosity piqued.

“I worked with him on a Dior campaign once,” Anna says breezily.

You blink, confused. Dior campaign? You look back at him, studying his face in a way that you immediately realize is way too obvious. Is he a model? He has the looks for it, for sure.

He catches you staring, of course, and the corner of his mouth twitches into a grin. “You don’t know who I am, do you?”

You freeze, every ounce of confidence you’d mustered evaporating. You look at Anna, who looks vaguely horrified.

“I... don’t,” you admit, your voice smaller than you’d like.

Kylian raises an eyebrow, clearly amused, but not unkind. Anna, on the other hand, stares at you like you’ve just confessed to not knowing who Karl Lagerfeld was. “You’re serious?” she says. “Kylian Mbappé?”

The name triggers...nothing. A blank slate. You try to hide your growing shame as if you’re a kid in school who’s just been called on and doesn’t know the answer.

“I’m sorry,” you say, shyly, shrinking under their mutual gaze.

But Kylian steps in, his voice warm. “No, don’t be. Honestly, it’s refreshing.”

Before you can process his words, a man in a suit, who looks like he’s coordinating the event, approaches with a photographer in tow. “Kylian, we’re ready for you.”

Kylian gives you an apologetic smile. “I need to go. But it was nice meeting you.”

He turns to leave, and in a flustered panic, you give him an awkward wave. A real, full-hand, overenthusiastic wave.

Anna, with the precision of a ninja, gently lowers your arm mid-wave. “Darling,” she says softly, “we don’t wave.”

You sink into yourself, muttering, “Good to know.”

Kylian looks back, catching the exchange, and smiles again.

part 3

The interview starts fine. You’re wearing your best attempt at “fashion professional,” which is to say, a blazer you borrowed from Anna and a blouse you swear looked more expensive online. The sales associate job at the maison is your dream gateway into the industry, but by the end of the interview, you’re sure the manager is trying not to laugh.

“Well,” she says, “we think you’re very enthusiastic, which is wonderful. And you’re so...so close to perfect. Just not exactly what we’re looking for.” Her tone is syrupy, like she’s comforting a toddler who lost a spelling bee.

You mutter a thank-you, clutching your purse as you make your exit.

By the time you step out onto the street, you’re desolate. Dream crushed, spirit mangled. You trudge to the nearest bakery, where the display of gleaming pastries feels like an emotional support group.

“I’ll take that one,” you say, pointing to the biggest sweet bun in the case. “And a coffee. Large. As large as legally possible.”

You leave the bakery with your sugary consolation prize, aimlessly walking the streets of Madrid. You take a bite, powdered sugar exploding everywhere, and it feels amazing!

But the coffee? Not so much. The lid doesn’t fit properly, and half the cup spills into your purse and over your shoes. Your purse now smells like caffeine and despair.

Eventually, you stop in front of a designer store – Gucci, of course – staring through the glass like a Dickensian orphan. It's not even the clothes you’re looking at. It’s your reflection in the glass, messy and defeated, clutching your bun.

You wonder what you’ll tell Anna when you get home. She’ll ask, of course, ‘How did it go, darling? Are you Madrid’s newest It Girl yet?’ How are you supposed to admit that you bombed the interview for a sales associate job?

You take another bite of your bun, frosting sticking to your lip, when you see him.

Inside the store, browsing like he’s picking apples at a farmer’s market, is Kylian. He’s flipping through racks of clothes, completely at ease in this world of luxury.

You stop mid-bite, frozen. Half-chewed pastry in your mouth, you’re sure you must look like a raccoon that’s just been caught raiding a trash can. He looks up, and for one heart-stopping second, his eyes meet yours.

You swear he’s about to smile when a crumb from your bun decides this is the perfect time to lodge itself in your throat. You choke.

Not a subtle, dainty cough. A full-on wheeze, the kind that makes a stranger step back and ask if you’re okay. Kylian’s eyes widen, and before you can flee in shame, he’s walking toward the door, looking concerned.

Kylian reaches you just as your coughing subsides, and you wave him off, muttering, “I’m fine, I’m fine.”

He stops, close enough that you can see he doesn’t look as polished as he did at the party. There’s a faint smudge under his eye, like he’s been rubbing at it, and – oh, wow – there’s an actual stain on his crisp white shirt. A coffee stain, judging by the brown splatter.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” 

“I am. But are you?” you blurt out. You nod at his shirt, raising an eyebrow. “You look like you’re having a day too.”

He looks down at the stain and lets out a soft laugh. “Yeah, dropped my coffee this morning. I’m here trying to grab something quick before work.”

At the word ‘work’, something clicks. You remember the frantic late-night Google session after the party. Kylian Mbappé: footballer, mega-talented, apparently going through a “bad phase” that every sports blog on the internet had dissected with brutal glee. Something about missed opportunities and pressure – you don’t know enough about football to make sense of it all, but the tone was universally grim.

And now, here he is, casually discussing his coffee-stained shirt while the world picks apart his career.

“I, uh...” You hesitate, not sure if this will make things better or worse. “I knew who you were. I just didn’t know who you were.”

His brow furrows slightly, but you keep going.

“Everybody’s talking shit about you, you know.”

His eyes widen. Why can’t you ever shut up?

You fumble for something, anything, to soften the blow. “If it helps, my life also sucks right now,” you add, trying for self-deprecating humor.

But instead of laughing, Kylian looks genuinely perplexed. “My life doesn’t suck,” he says, his voice even but firm.

You squint at him, skeptical. “Are you sure?”

He tilts his head, like he’s actually considering it. “Yes,” he says finally. “I’m sure. The weather’s nice, my job pays well, and I’m talking to the prettiest woman in Spain right now.”

It takes a second for his words to land, and when they do, your cheeks flush hot. “You’re smooth. Dangerously smooth,” you say, giggling despite yourself. “I should go.”

But you don’t move. Neither does he. His smile softens, like he’s in no rush for you to leave. It’s just the two of you, standing there in the middle of the bustling street, staring at each other.

Then, out of nowhere, you remember yourself. “Wait – you said you had to buy a shirt for work?”

“Merde!” He puts a hand over his face, suddenly looking panicked. His eyes darts between the store, his stained shirt, and you. “I – uh – can I have your number? I want to meet again.”

Your brain short-circuits. Did Kylian Mbappé just ask for your number? You nod, almost robotically, your voice apparently on strike because nothing comes out.

You scramble to write it down but realize, with mounting horror, that you’re holding both the half-eaten bun and the coffee cup. Your purse is still a sticky, caffeinated mess, and you can’t put anything down because the ground is, well, gross.

So you just blurt it out. Slowly, carefully, like you’re dictating coordinates for a secret mission. He types it into his phone quickly, looking up at you every so often to make sure he’s got it right.

“Got it,” he says, flashing a grin. “Merci.”

He turns to head back inside but stops, throwing a hand up in a wave – one that’s oddly familiar. It takes you a second to place it: it’s exactly the same awkward, overly enthusiastic wave you’d given him at the party.

Without thinking, you wave back – only to jostle your coffee, sending a small but significant splash onto your shoe. You freeze, mid-wave, cheeks burning, but he just laughs, shaking his head as he disappears into the store.

You look down at your shoe and sigh. It’s not that bad. Just enough to embarrass you and remind you of the kind of day you’ve been having.

With the bun finished and the coffee running low, you start making your way back to your aunt’s apartment. The streets of Madrid are glowing under the sun, but your mind’s still buzzing with what just happened.

He asked for your number.

He asked for your number.

You sip the last of your coffee, accidentally spill another drop on your purse, and smile to yourself. Maybe today wasn’t so bad after all.

part 4

“She said what?” Anna’s voice ricochets through the apartment, echoing off the marble floors.

“Umm…” you start, fidgeting with the damp strap of your coffee-stained purse. “That I was close to perfect. I think those were the words.”

Anna halts mid-stride. “Close to perfect? Close?”

You nod, shrinking under her incredulous stare.

Her shoulders sag as she exhales dramatically. “And what did you say?”

You blink, like the thought hadn’t occurred to you until now. “I don’t remember,” you admit, wincing. “I think I just… walked out?”

“Walked out?!” She throws her hands in the air like you’ve just admitted to committing a crime. “Why didn’t you at least try to change their minds? Show them your charm, your wit, anything!”

“Anna…” you start, but she’s already gesturing wildly again.

“And why the hell on earth do you reek of coffee?” she demands, finally zeroing in on the aroma.

You sigh, dropping onto her pristine white couch and immediately regretting it because – oh no – what if the stain transfers? “I spilled an entire large cup all over myself.”

Anna freezes, eyeing you like you’ve just announced you’re joining a cult.

“And my shoes,” you add, because why not dig the hole deeper?

She closes her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose like she’s warding off a headache.

The sigh that escapes your lips is heavier than you intended, like the weight of the day is finally catching up to you. “I think I’m starting to understand the situation I’m in now that I’ve said it all out loud,” you mumble, slumping back against the couch.

Anna’s eyes snap open, her expression softening. She perches next to you, smoothing the fabric of her impeccable trousers as she sits. “Darling,” she says, her tone gentler now, “you’re not a failure just because you had a bad day. Everyone who’s anyone has been told they’re ‘not what we’re looking for.’”

You look over at her, hopeful. “Even you?”

She lets out a laugh, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “Especially me. The nerve of some people! But you know what? Their loss.”

You smile despite yourself. “So, what should I do now?”

Anna leans in, her signature mischievous glint returning to her eyes. “First, you’re taking a shower because the coffee smell is starting to give me a migraine. Then, we’ll strategize. A minor setback like this is nothing for a woman of your potential. Trust me, darling, you’re just getting started.”

part 5

Failure, as it turns out, isn’t as poetic as the philosophers make it sound. In practice, it’s a series of small humiliations that you trip over one after another, like stumbling up a very public staircase in heels that don’t quite fit. 

Life in Madrid, so far, feels like one big staircase.

For starters, the job hunt isn’t glamorous. You thought Anna’s connections would unlock doors faster than a skeleton key, but so far, they’ve only led to polite rejections. Your days are a jumble of half-answered emails, overpriced coffee, and wandering through Madrid trying not to look as lost as you feel. Even the language trips you up – your Spanish is serviceable, but apparently not serviceable enough to order a sandwich without accidentally asking for something wildly inappropriate (you don’t even want to talk about it).

Then there’s Anna, breezing in and out of the apartment, her life a whirlwind of parties, meetings, and fabulous people who don’t have time for your existential crises. She assures you that this is just a phase, but you can tell even she’s starting to doubt her promise that Madrid will be your kingdom.

But tonight, for once, you’re not thinking about job applications. Tonight, you’re meeting Kylian.

You’re not entirely sure how this happened. The last time you saw him, you were covered in crumbs and coffee, yet somehow, he still asked for your number. Maybe it was pity. Maybe it was something else. Either way, he texted, suggesting dinner.

You’re nervous about seeing Kylian again, but not nervous in a romantic way – at least, that’s what you keep telling yourself as you fix your eyeliner for the third time. It’s more the kind of nervousness you get before a final exam: like you’re being tested on something you didn’t prepare for, and failing might be funny later but it’s not going to feel funny now.

The restaurant he picked is on a quiet street. It’s charming, the kind of spot that feels intimate without trying too hard.

You arrive first, nervously adjusting your dress, which you borrowed from Anna. It’s beautiful, but it feels like wearing someone else’s life. You’re just beginning to overthink the menu when he walks in, a little late, looking surprisingly frazzled.

Then he spots you, and his expression shifts – like he’s flipping a switch from “bad day” to “nice guy.”

“Hey,” he says, and you stand to greet him.

“Hi.” You stand awkwardly, almost forgetting whether to shake his hand, hug him, or just… wave. You settle for smiling as he slides into the seat across from you.

“Sorry,” he says, leaning in his chair. “It’s been a long day. Training ran late, and then I got stuck in traffic, and now here we are.”

Right. Work. Football. You remember!

“It’s fine,” you say quickly, hoping your smile seems genuine. “I wasn’t waiting long.”

“And now,” he says, shrugging. “I get to eat dinner with someone who isn’t going to analyze my performance for 90 minutes. So, I’ll take the win.”

You only half understand the reference but decide to roll with it. “Oh, but I will be judging you!” you say, attempting a flirty tone as you give him what you hope is a flirty look. “Your every move tonight.”

His eyebrows lift, amused, and you panic for half a second, wondering if you’ve misread the situation. 

“I’ll be kind in my judgment, though,” you add quickly, trying to soften the joke.

“Thank you,” he says, laughing now, his grin widening. “I need that.”

“I’m also tired of being judged and over analysed. I get it,” you say instinctively, nodding along.

“You do?” he asks, leaning forward slightly, curious.

“Well… not on the same level,” you admit, immediately feeling silly for even comparing your situations. Here he was, a world-famous athlete (you Googled enough to know that much), and here you were, a girl who spilled coffee in her purse and couldn’t order a sandwich correctly. “But yeah, I guess I sort of get it.”

His eyes lock onto yours, “But you get it,” he says again, his tone more serious. Like he’s genuinely searching for understanding, not just making conversation.

“Yeah… so,” you begin, and suddenly, the words just pour out of you. All the little humiliations you’ve been dragging around – the awkward interviews, the rejections, the coffee incident, the feeling of being wildly out of place in a city that’s supposed to be your fresh start. You ramble, throwing in jokes to lighten the mood.

He listens, leaning back in his chair with a small smile that makes you feel heard, really heard. When you get to the part about asking for the wrong sandwich, he laughs, loud and unguarded – not at you, but with you.

There’s something about the way he’s looking at you, like he genuinely thinks you’re funny, like he isn’t judging you for any of it. 

“Thanks for listening,” you say, quieter now.

“Anytime,” he replies, his voice just as soft. 

part 6

Anna’s apartment is dark when you get there. You know she’s not home, she’d mentioned it before. You stop at the door for a moment, your hand on the key, wondering if this is reckless. But when you look back at Kylian, his eyes are steady on yours, waiting. You push the door open.

The apartment feels larger without Anna’s presence. It’s still and quiet. You slip off your shoes by the door, leaving them neatly in their place. Kylian does the same, and something about it feels oddly intimate – like he belongs here, even though he doesn’t.

When you close the door to Anna’s apartment, it’s game on. His hands are on your waist, your arms are around his neck, your lips crash together like you’re both starved for something only the other can give. You’re panting already, and you don’t even know why – it’s not like you ran here, but it feels like you’ve been running for days, weeks, months, and now, finally, you can stop.

You let out a little sigh between kisses, and he chuckles, looking at you. His face is lit up, a real, wide smile that transforms him. He looks happy, like actually happy, and maybe it’s just the dim light, but he looks… rested. Like your kisses have somehow worked magic on him.

“What?” you ask breathlessly, smiling back, though you’re not sure why.

“Nothing,” he says, his voice low and soft. “You just… you feel good. This feels good.”

Before you can respond, his lips are on yours again, and this time it’s messier, hungrier. Teeth, tongues, laughter.

You guide him to the couch – Anna’s pristine, white couch that practically screams, Don’t even think about it. But you’re not thinking about it. Not about Anna, not about tomorrow, not about anything except how he feels and how you feel.

His hands explore your waist, your back, your hips, sliding over fabric like he’s memorizing every curve. You pull him closer, like any distance between you is unbearable.

It’s intense and frantic, but there’s something funny about it, too. At one point, your knee bumps into the coffee table, sending a stack of Anna’s fashion magazines sliding to the floor. You both freeze for a second, then burst out laughing, your foreheads pressing together as you try to catch your breath, as if Anna might somehow materialize and scold you both.

The feverish urgency between you grows and the clothes you’re wearing are suddenly the most inconvenient things in the world. You fumble with buttons, zippers, and sleeves, tugging fabric away from skin as if it’s burning you. He helps you, and you help him, until you’re both free of every layer and embracing again, bare and vulnerable, just as you came into the world.

It’s clumsy at first – too fast here, too slow there. The rhythm is off, the touch not quite right, but instead of frustration, there’s laughter. Soft, breathy chuckles as you guide each other with whispered words, gentle hands, and quiet reassurances. His lips trace a path along your collarbone as you giggle at something neither of you will remember later. Your fingers skim his back, tracing lines like you’re trying to map him, as he murmurs something low and sweet against your skin.

There’s patience in the way he holds you, the way you adjust to each other, learning and unlearning with every move. You find your rhythm eventually – together, in sync.

When the climax finally comes, it’s like exhaling after holding your breath for far too long. 

You cling to each other, a rush of relief and release, and then… stillness. He presses a lazy kiss to your temple, his chest rising and falling in time with yours.

"That was..." he says, his voice low and breathless. "Exactly what I needed."

You can’t help the giggle that escapes you as you nod, cheeks warm. "Yeah, for me too."

He flops onto his back beside you, as he tries to catch his breath. You should probably lie still too, bask in the afterglow or whatever it is you’re supposed to do. But you can’t stop the words bubbling up, slipping out before you can think better of it.

"Do you want to do it again?"

His laughter bursts out, loud and unrestrained, filling the room in a way that feels like sunlight breaking through clouds. He turns his head, his grin so wide it makes your heart stumble.

"Yeah," he says, reaching out to pull you back into his arms. "Come here. Just... give me a second."

He presses a soft kiss to your temple, his arms wrap around you, warm and solid, and you let yourself melt into him, smiling against his shoulder.

"Take your time," you mumble, though you’re already leaning closer, like neither of you can get enough.

[rustingcat]

Midnight

"Kara, can you come over to look at something?" Lena asked with clear worry in her voice. 

They’d spent the past 6 weeks since the decision having their lunch breaks in the lab, checking daily on the pods. So it was unusual for Lena to call her in the middle of the night, Lena's concerned voice woke her up in a second. 

Kara made it to the lab just as the clock struck midnight. She hurried to Lena's side, feeling a shot of anxiety run through her body. In those few milliseconds she already had the worst scenarios run through her mind; did their baby have a terrible mutation? Did they develop a terminal disease? Were they already dead?

Kara swallowed hard as the air around her felt thicker and harder to breathe. "What's wrong?"

"It could be a problem with the machine, I'm just not sure I'm reading it right. Look at this." Lena pointed out to the live ultrasound view on the terminal. They only got it working recently, prioritising it last in favour of more important tests. "It could be the angle, or I don't know, I might be reading it wrong." Lena continued.

Kara studied the screen closely, following Lena's finger as she pointed the anomaly out. The image on the screen was clear, as Kara's eyes grew bigger with the realisation and her smile spread bigger on her lips. "Oh, Rao." Her hand went to cover her mouth in shock as she took a slight step back. Joy and anxiety spread freely in her body.

"So it's-"

"Twins!" Kara exclaimed loudly. "Oh Rao, we're having twins!"

"Dear lord." Lena slammed down on the nearest chair, clearly not as excited as Kara was. "I really hoped I was reading it wrong."

"What? Why? It's great news Lena! Double the excitement!" Kara always wanted a sibling growing up on Krypton, specially she wanted a twin like her mother.

"It's double the trouble. Kara, do you know how hard it is to handle twins? It's two human-Kryptonian hybrids running around causing trouble and refusing to sleep."

"I know, I know, but it's still exciting! They'll have the perfect playmate to play with, someone to always understand them at every stage of their life, someone to confide with when things are tough and the world doesn't make sense."

"I… it's still going to be super difficult."

"Being super is kind of my speciality." Kara said with a smirk.

"Don't play cute with me Supergirl, you know what I mean." Despite the jab she seemed to have calmed down a bit. "I didn't even know that twins were possible to get in the machine to be honest." She added.

"Oh yeah, it is. Twins actually run in my family, I probably should've mentioned that." Kara bit her lip. 

"Yes," Lena muttered. "Speaking of sharing important information, I think this is probably a good time to have that talk." Lena said reluctantly as she got up from the chair and gestured for Kara to follow her to the couch.

Kara did and took the seat next to her. She wasn't sure she was ready to confront it yet, to make it real, but then again the image on the screen was very real, and Kara promised to do everything in the world to keep those two little beans safe and sound.

"What should we start with?" Kara cleared her throat, preparing herself mentally and physically for it.

"God, we have so much to talk about. We're going to raise half Kryptonian children together in a few months, there's a lot to cover. We'll probably not get to everything today, but we can start with what we can for today. Like where are we going to live? Are we even going to live together?" 

"Of course we'll live together!" Kara quickly responded. "If you want to of course, I wouldn't force you to do anything, I just think that it would be better. For the babies and stuff." Kara cleared her throat again.

"Yes, I think that would be for the best." Lena agreed, her cheeks slightly flashed. "Now, the question is which house. Considering your house doesn't even have one bedroom, I would say it's out of the question. My penthouse has only two and a half extra rooms, which in the long run might be a problem if we wanted to include a home office and a room for each child."

"Right, well, getting a new place is expensive. And I know you have money but this is a responsibility we share, so I want to be able to contribute equally. We're gonna need a really big house with lots of rooms, preferably in the downtown area. That's gonna be really expensive. I am making much better money in my new position, so I can start saving up and might be able to afford something in a year or so if I get a good mortgage."  And cut off some of her food supplies and any fun purchases and so on. It wouldn't be ideal, but it was doable.

"Hmm." Lena's eyebrows furrowed as she pondered their options. "Well, the apartment below me is actually empty for security reasons, we could possibly take over it and connect it to my place. The renovation should be much cheaper and give us more time to save up for if and when we want to get something bigger." Lena was obviously a genius. She never doubted that, but she still felt herself filled up with pride and joy every time Lena made it apparent.

"What about the security measures?"

"We can figure out new ones. Plus we can probably open up a convenient roof entrance for when you need to leave quickly." 

"Right. Well, how big are the renovations? Do you know how long they'd be and how much it's going to cost?"

"I'll have to get back to you on both once I settle on a construction company, but I would imagine it would probably take a couple of months." Lena shrugged.

"Okay, so if you need a place to stay, you can stay with me and once it's done we can move in together, as a family." Kara smiled at her excitingly, reaching out to take her hands. Lena's eyes darted immediately to their joined hands, but made no move to take them away. "I assume the place is yours so you don't pay rent."

"Haha no." Lena chuckled.

"Mortgage?" Kara tried.

Lena raised an eyebrow "Kara, need I remind you that I'm an actual billionaire?"

"Yeah, okay. I just feel bad because this is your place, like you paid for all of this."

"And you're gonna help me pay for the renovation to make it ours. Plus, don't worry, we'll have plenty of expenses. We still have a whole lot of shoppings to get done."

Kara's eyes lit up with excitement.

"Not before the three month mark. We want to make sure before we buy." She had a point.

"Yes I know," Kara nodded in disappointment. "I should probably talk to Kal at some point, maybe he and Lois can give us some advice on raising half Kryptonian twins." She suggested.

"Good idea. Although, it's best to talk to them after we tell everyone else, meaning after three months."

"Why does it feel like forever?" 

"Eager to become a parent?" Lena teased.

"A bit." Kara answered honestly.

Lena only squeezed her hands in response. They sat together in silence for a moment before Kara made a realisation.

"Oh!" She got up from her seat, startling Lena as she rose.

"What? Kara is everything alright?" Lena asked, concerned.

"I first thought it was some new parts in the machine, but it isn't." Kara felt her eyes getting blurry with tears. "I can hear them." She turned her head to Lena once she reached the pod. "I can hear their little hearts."

Lena walked up to her and interlocked her fingers with Kara once more. "They'll be here soon." Lena promised. Kara put her forehead to Lena's, closing her eyes and focused on the tiny beating sound. "I can't wait to meet them."

Read in order in AO3

[lemoncrushh]

The Entertainer - Track 01 - You Have a Great Collection

Summary: Set in the 70s, Sky Jones, a young woman from L.A., meets Harry Styles, an up-and-coming musician and frontman for the band Wildfire. Told in first person from Sky’s point of view, she shares her journey and what it’s like to fall for a rockstar.

STORY PAGE

Track 01 Word Count: 2k+

1976

My best friend Halo once told me that people come into your life for a reason. They may not stay forever, but your life is forever changed because they touched it. I didn’t know if that was true, and I suspected she was quoting one of her many poetry books, but I thought it was a nice idea.

Halo and I had a tiny apartment in Los Angeles, not exactly the best part of town, but it was ours and we were proud. We’d been friends since we were kids, bonding more in our teens over our mutual love for music. One night we went to a club and saw a couple of bands. One of them particularly stood out to me, some up and coming band that had just gotten signed. I’d thought they were great, true musicians with tons of potential, the singer obviously already a well-established front man who resembled Mick Jagger. I’d been excited to meet them after the show, but it wasn’t meant to be. Halo had started to feel ill and we had to leave early. I’d since forgotten the name of the band, but I remembered the singer’s name. Harry Styles. How perfect is that for a name? Nobody could forget you if your name was Harry Styles. It almost sounds made up, yet no one in their right mind would choose that as a stage name.

Two weeks later, I sat cross-legged on my rug flipping through my record albums when Halo walked in, suggesting we have some friends over. By “friends” I knew that was her way of saying she’d met a guy, but so as not to leave me out, she would invite some other people over too. I shrugged and told her that was fine. Our get togethers usually ended up growing anyway, as long as someone was providing the liquor and someone else provided the pot.

I heard the doorbell ring, but I didn’t bother to get up since I knew Halo would answer the door. A few minutes later, I heard her call my name.

“Sky! Our guests are here!”

I stood up, stopping in the doorway. My eyes widened when I saw who stood in the middle of my living room. The band. That band. That Harry Styles guy and the rest of his band.

“Hey,” I nervously waved my hand until they all looked at me.

“Hi there, love!” said one of the guys. Drummer I think. Oh great, he’s British, I thought. I had a soft spot for British accents.

“Sky, this is Lee, Mitch, Harry and Deacon. Wildfire.” Oh yeah. “Everyone, this is Sky.”

“Hello, Sky!” they all said in unison. Harry, however, stepped forward and held out his hand.

“Hi, I’m Harry,” he greeted. Great, he’s British too. And really fucking attractive.

“Nice to meet you,” I said casually, shaking his hand.

“Sorry to crash your little soiree, but Mitch here said we could come with.”

“Oh, right on,” I replied, having no clue what he just said.

Mitch I learned later, the lead guitarist of the band, had somehow run into Halo at some music festival in the park where she’d recognized him from the club. Leave it to Halo.

The evening was filled with drinks, smokes and laughs. I liked all of the guys almost immediately, and eventually some of our other friends and neighbors joined us as well.

A little before midnight, I went to my room to fetch something, probably some more rolling papers, when I heard a knock behind me. Harry stood leaning against my doorway, an easy grin on his face. I’d decided I liked his face. It was kind, yet masculine with a nice combination of angles and curves. And I really liked his smile.

“Hey,” I said. “C’mon in.”

Harry sauntered in, one long bootleg after the other, stopping next to me at my dresser.

“This is your room?” he inquired.

“Yeah,” I nodded.

Harry looked around, seeming to inspect it all - the Led Zeppelin poster above my bed, the white comforter and lace pillow shams, the stuffed animals on the shelf, the tambourine on my nightstand, the beaded curtain that separated my closet, the collection of trinkets and frames on my bureau.

“Nice,” he nodded.

Then he noticed my guitar in the corner.

“You play?”

“A little.”

Harry grabbed it and sat on the bed.

“It might need tuning,” I said just as I noticed he was doing just that. When he seemed satisfied, he plucked some strings and went into a chord progression. It sounded familiar. But when he started singing low, I recognized it as one of his band’s songs that they performed at the club.

“Meet me in the hallway Meet me in the hallway I just left your bedroom Give me some morphine Is there any more to do”

I leaned against my dresser, fiddling absentmindedly with the locket around my neck, watching Harry give a private performance to me, even if he barely even knew I was in the room. When he finished, he laid the guitar on the bed and looked up at me. I smiled.

“I like that song.”

“Yeah? Thanks.”

“Did you write it?”

Harry nodded. “I wrote all our songs.”

“Far out.”

A dimple dipped in his cheek when he smiled at me, and I felt myself blush. Harry rose from the bed then and bent down in front of my stack of albums.

“May I?”

“Of course,” I gestured.

Harry sat down, crossing his long legs, and went through each and every one of my records. The Beatles. The Rolling Stones. Elvis Presley. The Who. Led Zeppelin. Queen. Joni Mitchell. Eagles. Elton John. Billy Joel. Gladys Knight & The Pips. Stevie Wonder. Jimi Hendrix. Bob Dylan. Linda Ronstadt, Fleetwood Mac, The Temptations. Jim Croce, The Carpenters and Bread. Rod Stewart, Al Green, Kiss and The Doors. Simon & Garfunkel, Van Morrison, James Taylor, The Jackson 5. All of it. When he’d completed the stack, he looked up at me with child-like eyes.

“You have a great collection.”

“Thanks.”

Running a hand through his hair, he hesitated before asking his next question.

“Can I play something?”

“Please do.”

Pinching his bottom lip between his thumb and forefinger, Harry flipped through a few more albums before settling on one. Rising from the floor, he slid the vinyl out of the sleeve and gently set it on the turntable. Then with great precision, he let the needle fall.

I recognized the low sound, the slow build in the gloomy track. He’d chosen Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.

“Good choice,” I remarked.

“You’re a big music fan.” It wasn’t a question, but an acknowledgement, a statement of fact.

“Very much.”

“Me too.”

I sat on the bed then as I watched Harry walk around the room. He picked up the frames on my dresser, inspecting each one before setting them back down. I wasn’t sure what it was about my bedroom, but Harry seemed to be very comfortable in it. Picking up the last photo, he held it out to me.

“Is that your dog?” he asked.

“No, that was Halo’s dog. A long time ago. I think I took that photo in junior high. His name was Comet,” I giggled.

Harry furrowed his brows and glared at me.

“I don’t get it.”

“You know…Haley’s comet. Halo’s real name is Haley.”

“Oh.”

I giggled harder, maybe due to nerves, or maybe due to the weed. I had to admit Harry looked really cute when he was confused, like he’d just realized he’d been left out of some inside joke.

“Why do they call her Halo, anyway?”

“That’s kind of my fault,” I replied. “It’s supposed to be a reference to T. Rex.”

“What?”

“You know. ‘Bang A Gong’. The ‘hubcap diamond star halo’ line.”

“Oh. Yeah, I know the song.”

I shrugged. “Halo’s a big Marc Bolan fan. So a few years ago I just kind of started calling her that and she liked it, so it stuck.”

Harry nodded, a smirk twitching at the corner of his mouth.

“I’m gonna take a wild stab at it that Sky is not your real name either.”

I shifted my gaze as I sucked in my lips. Harry chuckled, but asked no further questions. Instead, he made his way around my entire room, picking up things and setting them down while singing along to Elton John.

“Love lies bleeding in my hands…”

That was the first time Harry Styles was at my apartment. But it wasn’t the last.

Halo and Mitch had sort of become a thing…though what thing exactly I couldn’t tell you. Halo had always been a little more on the wild side than I was, although I liked to think I could hold my own. But…to put it nicely…Halo was kind of a groupie.

So because Mitch was at our place a lot, so was Harry. Lee and Deacon tagged along sometimes, and a few of those times they had a girl with them, but most of the time it was just Harry and Mitch. They seemed to be a package deal. Like Mick and Keith. I was okay with it. I liked them both, even if they did drink all our beer and smoke all our weed. They were good company.

One night after Halo and I went to watch the band’s rehearsal, they all joined us back at our place. We sat around the table playing cards until the chicks Lee and Deacon had brought, Sylvia and Jennifer I think, got bored and asked to be taken home. Shortly thereafter, Mitch and Halo snuck off to her room.

“Are you bored?” I asked from across the empty bottle-cluttered table.

“No. Are you?”

“No.”

“Good. Then I’ll stay.”

Harry rose from his chair and crossed the carpet to the living room where he turned on the television. I smiled, even if it was just to the back of his head.

“Midnight Special’s on,” he said.

“Cool.”

I joined him on the sofa where we watched Helen Reddy and Fleetwood Mac. During a commercial I got up to use the restroom and when I returned, I noticed Harry made it a point to scoot closer to me. He laid his head on my shoulder while Christine McVie sang “I’m over my head…but it sure feels nice,” and once again, I found myself smiling.

I thought he might be asleep when the show was ending, but Harry surprised me by nuzzling my neck. I felt no lips, but he was definitely trying to get my attention, like a little lapdog.

“Sky?” I heard him murmur.

“Yes?”

“Can I stay here tonight?”

“Um…” Did he…mean…with me? Or…?

“I’ll just crash on your couch,” he answered my nonverbal question. “I’m just beat, and I don’t feel like driving home.”

“Oh. Yeah. Sure. No problem. I’ll…get you a pillow and a blanket.”

“Thanks.”

I fetched the items from the linen closet while Harry went to the bathroom. While I was tucking the sheet into the cushions, he returned.

“Aw babe, you didn’t have to do all that.”

“Couch is kinda itchy,” I shrugged.

“You’re lovely. Thank you.”

“No problem.”

Harry sat on the makeshift bed and kicked off his shoes. When he laid down, I covered him with a blanket, laughing at his socked feet sticking out over the arm of the sofa. He smirked at me and wiggled his toes.

“You sure it’s okay?” I asked him.

“Of course. I’m eternally grateful.”

“Okay then. Goodnight.”

“Night.”

I turned towards my room, stopping to turn off the light.

“Harry?” I whispered in the darkness.

“Yeah?”

“You’re welcome to crash on my couch anytime.”

“Thank you, sweetheart,” he said with a yawn. “Goodnight.”

No telling how long I lied awake in bed that night. A couple times I could hear a few squeaks and moans coming from the other side of the wall, but that’s not what kept me awake. I wondered if Harry was sleeping. And if he wasn’t, what he might be thinking about. And if he was, what he might be dreaming about. And if either of those things included me.

This was a short little chapter, but it gets better lol. Hope you liked it.

Songs mentioned here:

Harry Styles - Meet Me In The Hallway (obviously)

T. Rex - Bang a Gong (Get It On)

Elton John - Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding

Fleetwood Mac - Over My Head

FEEDBACK IS LOVE xo

[labselkie]

first skyliv post after a while,, still in a purple mood but these two r so so sweet and strange and they always have my heart

btw once they got back to liv’s room they kissed YURI BLAST💥

Top floor of Fisk Tower, September 15th, 2018.

The late evening sky’s deep indigo was sharply contrasted by the floor’s golden lights. It was all for Alchemax’s annual fundraising gala, one Fisk insisted on holding for him to embezzle as much extra money as possible. So, just as usual, the head scientist was dragged along. Thank goodness she could bring a plus one.

Lucielle watched herself in the silvery doors of the elevator, her back against the wall as she gently fidgeted with a row of lace on her long dress. The few rows ruffled around her waist, just under a thick ribbon bow, a detailed addition to her flowing powder blue gown. Olivia stood right in the middle, fingers tapping rhythmically on the opposite forearm. Her own dress was striking, deep pine green silk that draped over her frame like curtains, but hugged just perfectly around her hips and back. A few pieces of silver jewelry accented both their outfits: Lucielle with her favorite octopus ring and some pearls, and Olivia with a simple bracelet and familiar locket.

“And you’re sure you’re alright with me hanging around you?” The selkie asked, yearning for reassurance. Her right hand rose to her shoulder, gentle fingers brushing through the short fur there.

Olivia turned her head slightly, a faint smile visible as small curl fell out of her tighter updo. She had on smallest bit of makeup that Lucy had insisted on helping with, even if the glint of her glasses from that angle hid it.

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

The elevator slowed, and the chatter of people outside became more apparent.

“I’m not sure,” Lucy shrugged, stepping forward to the doctor’s side. “You’ve been to a dozen of these, haven’t you?”

When the doors slide open, Olivia gently takes Lucy’s left arm in her hand, looking out to the crowded ballroom before letting a

smile slip into her face. “Only half of a dozen,” She whispers, “Just enough to know when to come fashionably late.”

A deep voice booms from the furthest wall where a short stage and podium are sat. It was Fisk himself, a hulking man that Lucielle wanted nothing more than to ignore. He was announcing their arrival, the crowd turning in tandem before slowly clapping, somehow in the most stuck-up and rich way possible. Lucielle’s arm, hooked around Olivia’s elbow, pulls hers a little closer. She’s been to fancy gatherings before, attended parties and balls, but this felt like a lot. She figured out why Olivia liked to hold her hand or arm so often, it was grounding, it was nice being able to hold on.

Olivia steps in, wearing that stupid smug smile better than her own fancy dress. She gives a few waves with her free hand and gently tugged Lucy along like a dog on a leash.

This was going to be a long night.

•

Most of that night consisted of science talk. Lucielle scurried off for a good bit to eat and explore, but she came right back to chime into Olivia’s conversation, a conversation she had no clue was with an investor. She should’ve figured that out easily, but she just got excited.

“Your Mutant detector… Is that little thing still for sale?” A strange man asked as he adjusted his grip on a glass of wine. He wore a green pinstripe suit, and his hair was slightly ruffled, more outwardly villainous than even the Kingpin.

“It is, actually,” Olivia answered with a smile, “I’d be thrilled to work with you regarding its progress.”

That’s when Lucy poked in, her nose twitching as she approached Olivia’s side from the crowd. “The detector..?” She chimes in, peeking around Liv’s shoulder. The doctor perks up, quickly turning her head with her brows furrowed as she tries to hold back a small laugh. Osborn looked more disgusted than anything, just confused at Lucy’s presence.

“Mr. Osborn,” Olivia looked back, bringing her hand to Lucy’s shoulder. ���This is my assistant, Lucielle, she helped very closely with the device.”

His eyes narrowed, like a contest’s judge scrutinizing an entry. Lucy gives a small smile and wave, the motion causing Olivia’s composure to slip as she snickers.

“I’m… Glad you could find some help,” Norman adds, looking back to the doctor. It just seemed like he was frustrated with Lucielle’s behavior. Thankfully, he gives a courteous smile before continuing, “The young lady aside, Oscorp has an upcoming meeting for our technology department, we’d be very grateful if you could attend.”

Lucielle could pinpoint the moment Olivia lit up. It wasn’t just the money she looked forward to, if that were the case she’d just be focused on Fisk. Rather, she yearned for the development of her work, to build off of a bit of advice and compile all the knowledge she could. The doctor grinned, who knew if she planned to claim the upgrades from Oscorp as her own, too.

“That’d be wonderful!” She adds, her hand on Lucy’s shoulder tightening. “Mr. Osborn your input would be invaluable.”

“Perfect,” He replied, before turning to the elevator that just reopened. Someone he was waiting for must’ve arrived, as he steps to the side. “I look forward to working with you.”

Just like that, the man disappeared into the crowd, leaving Olivia and her little lady standing at an empty tall table. The doctor’s gaze flits around a bit, a common motion that comes with her excitement, as if she wants to take everything in at once.

“Yes!” She exclaims under her breath, her stance loosening when Lucy turns to nab two glasses of champagne from a passing waitress. Her forearms fall to the white tablecloth and she leans her head forward, still chuckling. She only looks back up when Lucy hands over a glass. “That- That was the one thing I hoped for tonight.”

Lucielle smiles back when Olivia takes a sip, holding her own glass in both hands to keep them occupied. They mirror each other’s movements; first Lucy puts her arms on the table as well, then she leans a bit closer, and Olivia follows.

The doctor takes another drink as her friend continues, “I used to think you hated Oscorp.”

“Hate them? Maybe if they were competent competitors I would,” She chuckled, putting her now empty glass down. “But they’ve got something helpful: money, sweetie.”

Lucielle straightens and holds her hand over her mouth as she laughs.

•

“Thank goodness we live here, huh?” Olivia kept her voice down as she gently took Lucy’s arm back in her own. They stayed late, far later than either expected. Many of the guests were still there, but everything had wound down. Other than Olivia’s few collaborators and colleagues and Lucielle’s short chat with a friend and Dr. Ohnn, they did everything they needed. So, they did the only thing they knew to: slip out unnoticed.

“Mhm,” Lucy nods, sticking close to the doctor. She was quiet for a majority of the gala, but she was more than happy just sticking around Olivia like arm candy. She takes a quick step ahead, weaving through people and trying to help Olivia slip through as well.

“Hey, I’ve got some wine at my place,” Olivia adds suddenly, “You didn’t look like you cared for the champagne here.”

Lucielle snickers when they reach the hall to the elevators, and she looks back. “Mmh, no I’m alright.” She shrugs and clicks the button to go down. “Save that for a bigger occasion!”

Olivia took a moment to adjust the collar of her dress, but she didn’t seem disengaged for even a moment. “This is a big occasion,” The elevator door slides open in the middle of the sentence, and she ushers Lucy in as she finishes. She lets the elevator begin its descent before continuing, surprising Lucielle in the process, “I don’t usually get to share my successes.. If the deal goes through, I’d want to celebrate that with you.”

[fadinglandtragedy]

POTO Korea Review

August 9, 2023 Seoul

Cast : Jeon dong-seok, Sohn ji-soo, Song won-geun

[first review]

This one was my favorite.

JDS is insane. His voice is in the best shape these days, and his performance is very engaging. He seems to be gradually stepping out of the shadow of the Y&K Phantom and steadily building his own phantom. He still can't quite touch Christine and doesn't know how to treat her, but his attitude and mood captures the sassiness of the ALW phantom.

It's been a few days since I saw his previous performance, but I was surprised to see that his movements were more organized. This time I was able to see him more closely from a different angle, he really organized his hair nicely and walked like this :

Now I know why Christine actresses said he was so cool in that moment. Really seductive.

And he kept trying to whisper in Christine's ear at MOTN. It was like... it was the one scene that summed up why Christine couldn't resist the Phantom.

At the Red death scene, I was told it’s an recording, but he broke through the recording and sang it really loudly live. (I think the people in the front row could hear it.) His voice and the recording resonated, which seemed like another Phantom’s trick. and reminded me of the LEROUX Phantom playing with his voice... It was quite fascinating.

PONR… I like that he matches his movements with her in the Christine part.

My favorite scene was the one in Final lair where he was arguing with Raoul behind the bars. The original line, ‘I love her, does that mean nothing?’ was changed to ‘I love her, Why don't you believe in love?’ in the Korean. JDS, who had been bit relaxed, was momentarily unable to hold back his tears. I realized that his Phantom was the one who believed in the miracle of love more than anyone else in this musical…

With that, he started crying a lot... again, and I think it was more than the last performance. He kept showing signs of pulling himself together to hit his lines (especially when he heard ‘I gave my mind blindly’), and I could keep hear him sobbing in the silences. really don't know how he sings steadily in the middle of that… When Christine came to return the ring, he looked like wanted to tell her not to, but all I could hear was a sob.

He's crying like the world is ending, and behind him, Raoul kisses Christine's hand… yes it’s sad but also too beautiful. Can’t deny it.

I know it’s weird, but I like the moment right before he lassoed Raoul the best. His impressive use of elongated limbs reminds me of Leroux's Phantom. Sexy

I'd love to see his phantom on west end stage, if that's possible.. he'd look better in west end makeup

The chemistry between JDS & SJS is really 🤌 They're both settling into their acting, and when JDS shows his charms, SJS responds well to it.

I think Sohn ji-soo is going to be my new favorite Christine… Her dialog is a little awkward, but she's a former opera singer, so she's very good at conveying emotion through song, and also (of course) a good singer.

Overall, she is more passive, serene, and calm than SEH Christine. This time I saw in her a Christine from the 90s and 00s. A very early, almost archetypal Christine. She plays Christine as fragile and vulnerable, but that's what makes her shine in the graveyard scene. While SEH showed us a beautifully radiant prima donna making her debut in TOM, SJS brings a lush sadness to the Wishing.

She seems overwhelmed with how to get through this, but in the end, she moves forward unbroken. So her first step, Wishing, is even more impressive.

Her feelings toward the Phantom are similar to those of a mortal facing the Absolute. In The mirror scene, she fearfully soothes the Phantom, but when his anger is unabated and he tries to reveal himself, she willingly tries to open the dressing room door, despite her fears.(She must have thought he would be at the door. Love this detail!)

She was afraid to face the Phantom in STYDI (on the other hand, SEH didn't avoid his gaze.), but when he turned away in pain, she reached out her hand as if she wanted to hug him.

In the Final lair, she's upset to see herself in a wedding dress, but when the Phantom starts singing (this face, which earned~), she turns toward him as if mesmerized. (This reminds me of Claire Lyon in PONR)

She was clearly afraid of him, but also attracted to him. It's such a natural and obvious Christine’s trait, but it was great to see it again with the chemistry between JDS and SJS. I still remember her reaching for him as he painfully yelled at her to leave…

I saw her respond to being told that she had the biggest role in Don Juan by saying, "me…?". Funnily enough, JDS once interviewed that when phantom said, 'I've written you an opera,' the 'you' was referring to Christine.

I thought that Christine would have instinctively sensed the Phantom's obsession and affection and already known that she would be the one to play Aminta, but her Christine seems to think that his anger is simply a hate of her.

She was a relatively innocent and naive Christine, which seemed to work well with JDS's romantic side.

She and SEH Christine both sing along Carlotta's TOM in small voice, which is a detail I love because it's so cute and shows their desire to sing🥹

Oh and Korean fans call her a hamster… i can understand. She’s so lovely Christine!

I’m not sure about SWG Raoul… his presence was barely felt. I'm not sure if it was tiredness or what, but his performance had very little impact, and I felt like I was watching a character from another musical he was in.

But he was definitely milder than HGH, and I love the detail of him hugging Christine in the final lair, even though he's in a lasso.

I really like LJY Carlotta! Her performance was appropriate and impressive as a prideful prima donna. At the same time, her mean and demanding personality was well portrayed, making her an appealing character. Like the scene in Il Muto where she throws Christine into bed (Andre's panicked reaction is hilarious) or in Don Juan rehearsal where she gently teaches Piangi and gets annoyed with Monsieur Reyer in an instant are good examples.

When she says "she’s crazy," it's no longer sarcastic, but more like she's looking at a mentally ill person with disdain, which, coupled with PHR Piangi's reaction afterward, further emphasizes the relationship between the Phantom and Christine. (It shows how strange their relationship is and that it can't be shared with anyone.)

There were a lot of little funny scenes. The most interesting was the conductor's panicked performance with Andre in the Il Muto ballet scene. It was quite funny to see her panicking, searching for the score, and ruffling her hair.

why do the ballet girls' screams seem to get louder and louder...? 😂

The supporting cast is also working well together, and the performance is gradually becoming more complete. I was actually thinking that this production might not be for me, but um now I just wish I could follow this show and witness every moment..

If you sit in the first row, your neck can get sore, and you can barely see the Phantom on the angel. On this day, JDS was very emotional and the angel was swaying SO much that I wondered what was going on overhead.

There are no tickets left for me right now, but I hope this isn't the last time I see his phantom. I'd love to see it again as a JDS/SJS/HGH/LJY pair if I get the chance🙏

[deityofdeception]

Ayo, I'm back with a new crush from a new show (the last one I yelled about ended up not being the fit I thought it would) and If I don't scream about it somewhere I think I might actually explode.

And I can't do it on other socials because said person follows me there. And I will never be #hornyonmain especially when it comes to keeping a professional front since we are working together.

ANYWAy

Let's start at the beginning.

So first of all, this person is one of the most intentionally kind people I've ever met. He will go out of his way to help anyone, but not in a way that is eating him alive. He wants to create joy. It brings him joy. He wants to be present in life.

His eyes are the kind of brown that look like they go on forever and somehow that forever is home...

His voice feels like a hug. Deep and warm. He does that on purpose. I know this because he is very good at manipulating his voice for the show. And when he shifts from business to personal, he uses the hug voice.

He takes care of his body. Strong. Does carpentry strong. Holds up a woman by her thighs and waist in the show kind of strong. But still very gentle. Intentionally gentle. Prepared to help, not to harm.

Bear all of this in mind when I tell you the following (small) events

1.) Tech Sunday. 12 hour rehearsal with a food break. Lots of new faces the actors haven't met. He is helping to gather food orders for our meal break and he realizes he doesn't know the names of two (2) crew members. So he comes to ask the stage manager (me) their names. He's trying to be subtle about it. So he's standing MAYBe six inches (genuinely more like 3 or 4) away from me. He's taller than I am (not hard to do, but still). Whispering in that hug voice. I stare pointedly at his chest, also trying to be subtle. He smells good. I shift my focus to the floor. If I look him in the eye I will jump him. He doesn't hear one of the names. I repeat it. He leans closer. I can feel the heat of him on my cheek. He repeats. I repeat. Nod. I finally make eye contact and smile when he gets the names right. He goes and takes their orders. I continue a different conversation with the director who witnessed all of this. Am I flushed? I feel flushed.

2.) Blood effects. We were working through how to do a blood effect for the show. SPOILER we settled on taping a small bag of blood on the underside of the table that he can palm. We mark where on the outside of the table with a piece of orange spike tape. I am showing him all of this. Making sure it works for him. I'm crouched. He's standing, leaned over to get the feel for the angle. He trails his hand over the tape marking the spot. He uses his middle finger to do this. His fingers are splayed. He has big hands. He looks at me, "feels good." I smile, somehow managing not to black out, "Good."

3.) Opening Night. Just the two of us in the space. Both early. Hug Voice, "You look beautiful tonight."

I'm a mess. And it's hard because there is A Lot of stage intimacy in this show. It is my job to be an objective observer and make sure they maintain the choreography for the run of the show. I'm good at switching hats and setting aside feelings, but he is NOT MAKING IT EASY.

[more-mitaori]

Chapter 18

Once more, the sky threatened the prospect of rain over Mitakihara’s nightlife. Yet aside the low rumble of thunder, the threat was, as always, completely empty. Just a dull gray blanket, littered by neon advertisements. Signs leading to places where none would admit visiting, yet often did, to alleviate the stress of nonstop office work for Mitakihara’s innumerable technology corporations.

Yet in the middle of this luminescent jungle, a single oddity stood out. At the dead center of Mitakihara City, an Opera House stood. No lights shone upon it, not anymore, and any windows that could be seen from the street had long since been boarded up. Caution tape and warning signs usually did the job of keeping people away from the abandoned building, and the police raids were enough to keep squatters from lingering for more than a night or two.

The sign over the front doors was covered in dust, worn by weather and the elements, and most importantly, by time. Yet the letters were still clear as day, despite it all. “Il Teatro.” None remained who knew the meaning behind the name, yet somehow, the city hadn’t yet seen fit to either rebuild it into a more active club, or demolish it completely.

Tonight, however, there were no police raids, no homeless people seeking shelter, and no one to disrupt the lone figure making a beeline to the remains of this building.

Two dilapidated doors swung open, revealing an empty, decayed foyer. Tattered carpet, peeling wallpaper and a hole in the ceiling right over what remained of a front desk. What wood remained of the desk had rotted, and several insects scattered at the squeaking of rusted hinges swinging open. The path to the auditorium wasn’t any better. The carpet had been torn in places, and what few lights remained on flickered and sparked from years of neglect.

Another set of double doors pushed open, leading to a once-carpeted concrete aisle, angled down along sunken rows of seats coated in dust and cobwebs, and at the end, a raised stage, somehow appearing in immaculate condition. On the stage, staring at the open door, Esther Rinju stood, holding her glowing Soul Gem up towards the ceiling. “…Somehow, I knew you would find me here.”

“It wasn’t hard, once I knew what questions to ask.” Yui, hands in her pockets, began walking down the concrete ramp towards the stage. “I’d tell ya to cut out these theatrics, but that’d be too ironic for even me to say in a place like this. But uh, you can drop this one-woman army shit any time you like, Esther.”

Esther merely shook her head, lowering her arm. “It’s too late for that. It was too late when you robbed me of my one chance to get out of this cleanly.”

“C’mon, man… use your head here for once. You abandoned this plan before ‘cause it was stupid and reckless, right? That’s what that bird told me, anyway.”

“You want to apply logic to a situation like this, Yui?” Esther gripped her Soul Gem tightly, a white glow forming in her palm. “Our world does not abide by logic or meaning. You knew that when you made your wish, Yui. Or, at least, I hope you did.”

Yui maintained a simple, expressionless gaze, a violet glow in her pocket. “So nothin’ I say’s gonna get through to you now, then?”

“…I will do -anything- to keep my baby sister safe. Even if it means I must burn the rest of the goddamn world to ash in order to do it.” The light enveloped Esther’s body, and once it faded, she stood before Yui in her Magical Girl attire.

With a sigh, Yui transformed in a flash of violet light, a golden staff appearing in her right hand, held upward. “Run that by Alice sometime, Esther. See what she says about livin’ in a world of ash, because her older sister would do -anything- to help her. Anything aside openin’ her ears, anyway.”

Esther sputtered, struggling for a retort. When none came, she simply launched herself off the stage. Yui anticipated this, rolling off to the side to avoid the punch, and kicked backwards, both knocking Esther off balance and pushing herself away. As she rolled to her feet, Yui bounded up to the stage, looking down at Esther as she corrected herself.

Once back on her own feet, Esther ran at Yui, jumping onto the stage and beginning her attack in earnest. A flurry of fists, sweeping kicks and shoulder tackles came at Yui, who blocked and dodged what she could. As always, however, Esther had the overwhelming advantage in terms of power and experience. Yui felt herself knocked off balance, falling onto her back.

A fist came down towards Yui’s head, but Yui had enough sense to roll away, causing Esther to punch straight through the wooden stage, cracking through the wood as if it were made of paper. Yui knew she couldn’t waste any time, and kicked up to her feet. She swung her staff down towards Esther’s back, and this attack connected. Esther groaned out in pain from the strike, but swung her legs to knock Yui off balance once more.

This time, Esther brought her fist down against Yui’s stomach, and her eyes widened as she felt the familiar burning sensation on her skin. Yui rolled away again, eventually spinning up to a vertical base, though she fell to a knee, clutching her stomach.

Esther didn’t pursue, simply staring with a calm, cold satisfaction this time. Confident, even. “You know why Kyubey pursues Alice. That damned curse. But let me tell you something, Yui. I’m Tomozaku Rinju’s firstborn child. Did you think I escaped the curse unscathed?” White flames engulfed her fists completely now, and she assumed a fighter’s stance. “This, Yui, is why my flames linger, and why those burns don’t fade.”

“Magical Girls can recover naturally, of course. But if I were to hit a normal human? They would never recover, Yui. That is what this curse can do, and Alice carries it far more strongly than I do. If Alice makes a contract with Kyubey, there won’t be a world of ash for her to reside in. And god forbid the Wi—”

Her words were cut off as a violet bolt of lightning struck through the unstable ceiling, causing broken pieces of wood to fall around where it hit. The bolt missed Esther by an inch, who had flinched back a second or two after the strike. Yui rose to shaky feet, staring into Esther’s eyes. “Shut the fuck up, you goddamn Saturday morning anime villain. I don’t need the fuckin’ monologue.”

Yui lunged forward again, ducking under a swinging punch from Esther and driving her fist upwards into Esther’s chin. The impact caused Esther to stagger back, but she remained on her feet. Seeing her chance, Yui followed up with another heavy punch, this time just below Esther’s collarbone. Esther fell back, though she used the momentum to gain distance from Yui.

A look of pure rage lit Esther’s face as she brought herself back to her feet. She punched the air in front of her, but Yui knew enough to tilt her head to the side, feeling the familiar, cursed burning air as a ball of white flame surged inches from her cheek. “That’s what we’re doin’ now, huh?” Yui pointed her staff in Esther’s direction, a violet bolt landing from the sky down through the open hole in the ceiling, this time striking the outstretched gold. From the tip, sparks would form, and a secondary bolt headed straight for Esther.

Esther rolled to the side, Yui’s attack grazing her side. She saw Yui step back from the recoil, dropping her staff onto the stage from the force of the attack. “A foolish gambit.” Esther jumped forward again with a primal yell, swinging flaming fists at Yui. Yui did the best she could to protect herself, ducking and weaving under some of Esther’s attack, blocking others with another summoned staff. Eventually, Yui was overwhelmed, and two strikes to her face knocked her onto her back. “You can’t beat me, Yui. You never could. What made you think you could beat me in a battle to the death? You knew what would happen, surely.”

Yui coughed, shimmying back a little before looking up at Esther, embers still blazing on her cheeks. “Heh… I sure know what’s gonna happen to Alice when she figures out ya killed me. But what’s another blow to her from her big sis, eh?” A smug grin spread like wildfire across Yui’s lips, despite the agony she felt.

Eyes widening once more, the color drained from Esther’s face. “Wh… what did you just say?!”

“Not my problem anyway.” Another coughing fit for a moment, and Yui slowly sat up. “You got no intention of lettin’ me walk out alive, right? Well, I can only hope you’re really one-woman army enough to handle Alice after she makes her contract with Kyubey. I tried, babe… I really did.”

An agonized, frenzied scream came from Esther as she jumped up, fist aimed right between Yui’s eyes. Yui, however, anticipated this. She threw herself from the stage, the sound of Esther’s attack not unlike a gunshot, echoing through the empty auditorium. Yui had bought herself just enough time to bring herself to her feet, but when she looked onto the stage, Esther was struggling to pull her fist free from the aged, decaying wood, and fire was beginning to spread from the impact site.

The embers would continue to spread, catching the frayed edges of the curtains on the far end of the stage, and soon crept upwards. The fire, Esther’s cursed flames threatened to bring down the whole Opera House if something wasn’t done, and fast. But before Esther could think of something to do, she was knocked forward and onto her face from a blow to the back of her head.

Yui’s staff clanged to the floor as she crawled back onto the now burning stage. Another in her hand, she made her way over to Esther. It was time to finally exploit Esther’s weakness, and Yui recalled the words Kotori had left for her in the envelope she obtained at their meeting.

“Esther Rinju has a twofold weakness. She is a calculating young woman. She schemes better than most do, especially among Magical Girls. She thinks several moves ahead, and looks far to the future to achieve her ends. However, this leaves her rather blind to the present. When confronted thus, she does not know what to do. If the foundation to her foresight crumbles, Esther cannot recover easily.”

“Furthermore, anything that involves her sister Alice causes her to act irrationally. She has a deep love for her sister, but she is often misguided in the defense of her family. Yui, I do not think I need to spell this out for you. Surely, upon seeing these words, you will already have devised a strategy to combat this weakness and come out on top, just this once.”

“I can give this assessment with absolute confidence, because you live in the moment. This is your biggest weakness, but in a situation like this, it is your greatest asset. If the time ever came where Yui Arashi and Esther Rinju could work as a team, there is nothing that could stop them. But to do so, you both must suffer wounds to your pride. Wounds that would scar. Can you do this, Yui? Can you endure such a wound, and see Esther survive her own? I will watch over this, as I do all things in my sphere of influence. Good luck, Yui. You will not have another opportunity to stop Esther, at least as she is right now.”

Yui had read the letter multiple times before coming here, and she knew that the only way to win against Esther would be to wound her pride. Using Alice’s pain as a weapon left a sour taste in her mouth, but since her life was on the line, she felt she had no choice.

Esther had shakily brought herself to her feet, turning and swinging at Yui once more, in pure desperation. These attacks were far more wild, nothing like the calculated strikes Esther had usually delivered in her fights. Yui was able to read these, dodging under and around each, jabbing in at Esther from time to time in the gaps between attacks.

Her voice was growing more and more desperate, as Esther realized nothing was working. The flames had engulfed the curtains completely now, and pieces of wood and cloth burned away from the structure, falling around the brawling girls. Either they were not aware of their predicament, or neither of them cared as the Opera House burned around them.

Sensing the end of the fight, feeling Esther’s attacks grow more frenzied, yet noticing them slowing down, Yui began to put her final plan into motion. She summoned another staff, this time swinging at Esther’s stomach, causing her to collapse onto a knee in a coughing fit.

Dashing around the fallen Magical Girl, Yui would summon more staves, leaving them upright around Esther before jumping back. More golden staves would fall from the sky, stacking on top of the previous, and eventually, they would collapse inward, forming a makeshift cage.

Esther regained her composure, only to notice Yui’s final attack. Instead of trying to break out, she merely turned to face her, still clutching her stomach. “Y-You…”

“Soul Cage!” Yui held our her right hand toward the sky, and one last bolt of violet lightning struck the makeshift structure, and sparks would connect the poles, forming the final ‘bars’ of the cage surrounding Esther. Yui then closed her hand into a fist, pulling it back toward herself, and the staves began to circle and close in around Esther.

Closing her eyes, Esther seemed resigned to her fate, waiting for the cage to close around her completely. When it didn’t after a full minute, she opened her eyes, staring at Yui, though she noticed that she could no longer safely move within Yui’s attack. “…What are you waiting for, Yui? You won. Finish this, already…”

“Heh… heheh! Hahaha! Oh man, this is rich!” Yui was practically out of breath as she fell to her knees, once more clutching her own stomach. “I won. I won, and you admitted it! I beat you! I WON!” Yui’s weary laughter echoed through the auditorium, only silenced as a large plank of wood fell between the two. “Now hurry up and drop your form and make these flames disappear already.”

“What…?” Esther coughed violently, shaking a bit as she stared over at Yui. “I don’t… didn’t you come here to kill me?”

Yui shook her head, though pointed a staff in Esther’s direction as she slowly rose to her feet. “I can’t handle Alice if she goes to the genie cat. I don’t wanna hurt her like that. Now drop your form, yeah? Neither of us wanna die in a burning theater.”

After a moment of hesitation, Esther sighed, reverting from her Magical Girl form. The flames on the stage and along the back wall of the auditorium faded, followed by the embers on Yui’s cheek and stomach.

Yui sighed, dropping her form as well, falling back onto her bottom. “God damn, that was close. If I didn’t get ya then, I’d be dead… whew! But fuck, man! That was the fight of my -life-! Hahaha… not a chance I can top this one. If I didn’t hurt so fuckin’ bad, I’d be baskin’ in this moment! Esther Rinju admitted defeat… hahahaha!”

“Could you try to enjoy this a little less, Yui?” Esther glared over at the manic girl across the stage from her. “If you didn’t come here to end me, why -did- you come here and fight me? It wasn’t to win.”

“Did I give ya a concussion or somethin’? I didn’t think we could get those anymore…” Yui slowly rose to her feet, stepping shakily over to her fallen opponent and offering her hand. “I didn’t come here to put you down. I came here to stop you from doin’ whatever it was you were about to do. Your dealer told me everything.”

“Everything…” Esther sighed, taking Yui’s hand and pulling herself to her feet. “…But what could I do, Yui? I have to end this curse. At any and all costs.”

“Would you knock that off already? Alice already told you what the right thing to do is. You were just deaf to reason ‘cause you gotta be in control all the time.” Yui kept hold of Esther’s hand, gripping it tightly. “-We- can figure out how to break your family’s curse. Together. You, me, -and- Alice. And together, we keep her out of this messed up world of ours.”

Esther sighed once more, averting her eyes from Yui’s powerful gaze. “…What a fool I’ve been, eh? But how are you able to forgive me so easily? How will Alice…?”

“We gotta teach ya how to listen. Look, for me? You gave me a hell of a fight. I’m satisfied. Neither of us’re dead, an’ I finally got some logic in that thick skull of yours. Alice’s gonna rip ya a new place to sit. Me too, probably. But she loves you, dumbass. She’s not a baby, you know. Now can ya do me a favor and trust her? Keep me at arm’s length, that’s fine. But let your sister actually become an adult, yeah? She’s far stronger than we are combined, y’know.”

“…For a punk, you sure have an optimistic outlook.” Esther looked up at the hole in the ceiling, then around to the burnt curtains and wood of the stage. “…Fine. Better to get this over with now, than later. While we’re walking home, you can tell me exactly how that lightning of yours works. It still hurts…”

Yui chuckled, throwing Esther’s arm over her shoulders, helping her down from the stage, starting to walk towards the exit. “I dunno, myself. I just figured it was powerful. Hey, while we’re trading trade secrets, what -were- you doing here, exactly? Followin’ that old lead, yeah, but like how does that even work?”

“Ah… well… it’s a long story.”

As the two left the auditorium, two red, beady eyes peered from behind the last bastion of hanging purple cloth. “Well now. This is hardly the outcome we wanted. Those two together will be quite the obstacle to overcome. Oh well. It’s hardly the first time we’ve had girls band together in the end. I have to wonder, however. Did -she- see this coming? Esther was so close to making contact with her, after all. If so, I suspect things are going to get very interesting in Mitakihara before long!” Kyubey turned, disappearing into the rubble, tail swishing behind it.

<= Chapter 17 ~ * ~ * ~ Chapter 19 =>

[eristic-kaleidoscope]

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back | Adrik Antonov | Trial 5.8 | RE: Sisters, END

Adrik frowns, but they back down for the time being. They're not sold that the sisters truly had no involvement here, but it makes just enough sense.

"Maybe it isn't rigged. We can look at it from that angle for now, and if we can't find a lead, we go back. I'm not fully convinced, but I'm not stubborn.

You have to understand why I'm not sold, though, when the sisters stole a letter from me awhile back that accused Akito of being Az-8. I... I originally suspected this, but I was too scared to speak out, so I drafted a letter with my suspicions and hid it. I told Jae-min where to find it in case I died. After I realized what was actually happening, I went to destroy the letter, but it was gone. I used my favor coupon from the event to get it back, and I was told it was in the sisters' room. I had a bad feeling back then, but I didn't know what the fuck to expect.

They never told me why they took the letter, and ignored me when I asked."

They were the one a bit ago at the end of the false accusations, so they know first hand how easy it is to get off track on the wrong person. They don't clear the sisters- but they turn their attention away, to try and look at the case with a new perspective.

The comment on Akito's lies strikes a chord, though, and they frown.

"Jesus Christ-

There's just one difference in what he said today that I overlooked. He never told me he worked specifically for HPGB. When he said that today, I was just as confused as the rest of you. I wasn't maliciously trying to hide anything from you all. Only reason I didn't speak out was because I thought he had to hide that too, for some reason. He really likes to hide things from me, what do you know?

What he did tell me was that he was looking into the recent mysterious disappearances of HPGB alumni along with Raymond, Kristina's boyfriend. It seemed like a more like a third party thing to me. I don't know how different the story is, or what's real and what's fake.

I really, really don't know anything."

They look exhausted. Their hands move out of their cape to hold their forehead as they take a deep breath.

"Guess we should move on and reevaluate, right? Just in case this shit really isn't rigged. So, Erisu is really dead, and one of us did it. Back to square one.

I guess we can go over what we saw at the scene a final time. Erisu was found with her left hand against the wall, and no injuries besides bruising and scratching on her neck. She had her tablet on her person, and An's tablet was found at the scene. The curtain from the fourth floor stage was found at the scene with scratch marks in the middle. Her fingernails had skin under them, but it's likely because she tried to scratch and get the curtain away from her neck."

They pause, thinking.

"We never talked about why Erisu was killed, did we? Because without a motive or any incentive to kill, there was no reason for any of us to do this unless it was personal. We found that weird note at the scene, but that's the only hint at a motivation we even had.

Who would kill someone right before we're about to leave, forcing a trial, and why?"

[curiositykilledtheradiostar]

I'm doing a longer essay now, it's one of those nights. For the record, I've only seen a handful of actual episodes but heard quite a bit second-hand.

So the base concept is essentially, "hey, what if heaven and angles.... actually sucked? what if they were Assholes." This is not a new or revolutionary phenomenon, and is explored to much greater effect in, for example, Pullman's His Dark Materials novels, and I gather that Good Omens deals in similar themes but have neither read nor seen it unfortunately. Pulling from the source I know, His Dark Materials uses the corruption of heaven as an extension of its larger running themes surrounding the intersection of religious authority and abuses of power, and his own takedown of religious institutions and conservative ideology on the whole. Hell, Diablo 3 uses heaven and angels in an antagonistic force, where they are bound to uphold their own laws even to the detriment of themselves, and they represent the order to hell's chaos, in which humanity is caught in the middle of the conflict between them, and even the cutscenes of this game form a more compelling narrative than hazbin hotel. My opening statement here is that a form of satire of heaven, generally used to critique religion/christianity, conservatives, government, or multiple of the above, is an established idea and one that hazbin sets up in a somewhat interesting, if not the most original, way.

The stage is set. The worldbuilding is decent. And yet story begins to rapidly deteriorate from its outset. Why so? Succinctly, because more or less every single character is deeply fucking irritating. Let me elaborate:

The crux of this story is that everyone deserves a chance at redemption, or depending on your read of it, recovery. However, this being compelling rests upon the fact that the audience must also want this. The audience needs to care about whether these people get "redeemed", and this is where it fails. This isn't about moral purity, I'm not even saying that the characters have to be likeable! Neither am I saying that redemption is a one and done journey. My point is that what would make the show compelling would be the audience's desire to see these people improve and get better, which they fail to invoke.

Almost every character is just plain hard to like. They're deeply caustic, and forced into grim or lewd quips at every turn to try and keep the audience engaged in this puppet show of a character play. They're comedy masks with nothing fucking underneath. This is the same trap a lot of modern mainstream "comedy" falls into, the devil that haunts the MCU, that characters make jokes in what's clearly the author's voice instead of their own. hazbin falls into this particularly hard because it leans so much on dark, edgy humour to get attention, and moreover fails to do any actual comedy beyond verbal jokes. You don't care about whether these people improve or not because you just straight up don't like them! In the far direction, Charlie is also irritating in her own right, but mostly she feels so cookie cutter in her character and motivations that she is equally uncompelling. They Get No Bitches Because They Are So Sucks.

I also have my own beef with the art style but that's not something I'm getting into now.

my "hot take" of the year I guess is that hazbin hotel is actually pretty solid in concept, but is just executed in a way that is so profoundly bad that any potential it had is buried so far underground it will never even experience the idea of light. mainly, that in theory the central idea from what I gather, and run by my friend who does enjoy this show, is that it's a challenge to morality and in favour of redemption, but it completely undermines its own message in its quest for "edginess" and teen relatability.

[zealous-zelo-archive]

my experience of b.a.p’s concert in philly! (pardon the mini novel that is everything under the cut)

Okay so first off, I want to give the BIGGEST shout and and thank you to @bb-bambam!! Aditi! Thank you so sooooo soooo so much for responding to my post and driving me and bringing me with you to the concert! I’ll forever be so thankful that you did this for me )’: I had such a great time and that wouldn’t have happened without you <3

Alright so first off, wow things were a bit of a mess ahah. The guys apparently had an interview that ran late, so soundcheck got pushed back like half an hour. We were also supposed to have hi touch before the concert, but that ended up getting pushed back until after the concert, during the pictures (more on that later). So, personally I never had any issues with the staff, but lots of people around were having soooo many problems. Like they weren’t giving them their lanyards and stuff (shout out to hat lady for never knowing anything) and it was just so messy. Thankfully in the end everyone got all their things and everything was fine. We were also lined up outside around the corner (the end of the line where we were), so anytime staff tried to tell us anything we could not hear anything, and of course they rarely ever walked back to inform us of things. Like... it’s the busy sidewalks of Philadelphia... As I said, at least in the end everything was fine. 

So soundcheck! It was really fun! The Trocadero is a small venue and with all the platinum and baby package people in there, we were still super close to the front and it was great. The guys all came out in pajamas and they were so cute and having a blast! 

Then after soundcheck (which was late. it was supposed to be at 5:15 I think but we didn’t go in until closer to 5:45) they made us all go line back up outside again. Which was very confusing... They had barriers up and things and had the GA people lined up (somewhat) outside the doors and... we did not know where to go. Since we couldn’t be there and block the path so we just went to where we had been, but ended up getting moved to the other side of the Trocadero. The baby package line was the longest, and we were in the back so we ended up waiting quite some distance away from the place haha. Also the crew of us in the back ended up being part time staff members helping everyone find where they needed to be :P

Eventually we were let in, I’d say a little after 6:30? The concert itself ended up starting late: at around 7:15 ish. Beforehand, they were playing instrumental versions of songs and we were all just singing along and having a blast.

So the concert! It was absolutely amazing. Those boys are SO much fun to watch. Daehyun was so so so so smiley the whole time, and it was amazing. I’m just gonna drop a link here to Aditi’s highlight’s post because she hit a lot of great things!

The fan questions were fun haha. I loved when Junhong got asked if Mochi knows any tricks (you can watch my video on it here!). One of the other members said Mochi bites and Junhong told us a story and it was super cute )’: Another fan ‘question’ was that it was someone’s (Jenny? was it?) birthday! Junhong was the one who pulled that ‘question’ out and he started singing happy birthday all silly and cutely and it was so funny. When they were getting done with the fan questions, Youngjae (I think?) had said something in Korean. While the translator was translating, OF COURSE everyone started yelling, so nobody heard what the translator said. So when he was finished it was like... silent and we were all like ?? and the boys were like ?? and then after a while the translator resaid what he said, which was essentially ‘are you guys ready for the nest part?’ and then we all cheered and stuff and it was kind of funny. Honestly, like... be quiet while the translator is translating :/ People kept yelling while he was translating sometimes and it really made things difficult to hear. Just wait till he’s done! The boys give plenty of time for people to react and things. Just a psa to other people going!  Youngjae also tried to silence everyone at one point, which didn’t go so well haha. There’s always that one person that needs to make noise once it gets quiet.. haha. It was really cute though.  ALSO Daehyun was so happy with how loud and excited we all were, so at one point he ran backstage to grab a phone (his? i don’t know), and we all started cheering but he shushed us and made us wait until he was ready and then we all screamed and he was SO SMILEY and he recorded the boys a bit too and Junhong like completely ignored him hahaha (Daehyun upload that video challenge :/). Also! The backup dancers were so fun! The one kept being silly and he was definitely having such a blast one stage! It was awesome :) Hands Up was SO much fun! The boys started it off after their last chat with us and they were like put your hands up!!! And then we all started singing/chanting the lyrics and then the song started and it was so much fun! So much energy from everybody in there! We had been given signs/banners to hold up during With You and it was so so cute. They boys all looked so so happy. Himchan was in front of where we were basically the whole last two songs. He really looked so emotional during them ): Pretty sure I fell in love with him. The guys were so cute during With You and Goodbye. They kept waving to everyone and smiling and being adorable. 

Alright so then the concert ended and hat lady came out to explain how the rest of things were going to go. I feel like we got 84375023 different explanations of what we were going to do? But whatever everything worked out. So in the end what was going to happen was the platinum baby package was going to go and have their individual pics first, then the baby package was going to do their hi touch (which we couldn’t do earlier) and their group photo, and then the platinums were going to do their hi touch and group photo. Uhhh, this was a mess. They had us all ‘line up’ in the lobby Now, the Trocadero is a SMALL venue. the 150 ish of us definitely did not fit in the lobby and by no means could we form lines? But we kept getting yelled at to be in lines? 3 specifically. Platinum in one line and two lines for the baby package. It was soooo crowded. We were in the back right in front of the door to the little room where they sell tickets out of, so Aditi and I had to keep moving out of the way of people going in and out of that room, which I don’t blame anyone for hahah. They had stuff to do and we were in the way. It just would have been so much easier to just make us go line back up outside or something? I don’t know, I felt like this whole thing could have been handled differently but whatever.  So the platinum package people went in and did their individual shots, which went pretty quickly. And then the first line of the baby package people started going in. Aditi and I kind of hopped in that line. I mean we were in it? just shoved in the back haha. It was kind of weird inside, since they brought us in on the left and they had all the platinum people just standing over on the right side? Which was kind of awkward but at this point, who cares haha.  SO YEAH, I had made each of them a bracelet and like... I was SO damn nervous to actually give them to them ahah. I honestly was going to chicken out of it, but I saw some other baby give Junhong a flower, so I figured oh well just do it. It was kind of awkward since we were doing hi touch and then doing the group photo right away. So It was like high five! Here’s this bracelet! High five! Bracelet! ioewhgfowes. I was like so paranoid about taking too much time it was just woeitfs. I was so damn nervous the whole time haha. I could barely look at them haha. Jongup was super cute when I walked up to him )’: Daehyun was super super super super sweet though )’: He was so smiley and said thank you and it deadass took me like 5 seconds to comprehend and say you’re welcome like I was fiddling around trying to give Himchan his and I was like OH YOU’RE WELCOME haha. I made Daehyun smile and I just wueigbfwoes. Junhong!! woiehgbfouwe. He was so cute. He was last in line (it went Jongup, Youngjae, Daehyun, Himchan, Junhong) and since he saw me giving the others theirs, he was so cute he like bowed slightly and held his hands up all cutely for me to set it in his hands and I love him ): So then I went to stand between Jongup and Youngjae for the pic, and they started counting down for the pic before I was ready haha. I can’t remember any of it except I saw Youngjae hold his bracelet up as like a mustache for the pic and I panicked and did a peace sign I think cuz I didn’t know what to do haha. Can’t wait to see how that turned out woesthgfnwes. Also I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT MY SHY ASS FOUND THE COURAGE TO ASK JUNHONG FOR A HUG????? SO I HUGGED HIM AND I LOVE HIM )’: 

So uh yeah that was a lot of what all went down. I love them all so much they’re such sweethearts )’: The concert was so damn amazing. Those boys can perform! Daehyun and Youngjae’s solos were a m a z i n g!!!! Daehyun smiled during his from our cheering ): Youngjae was SO powerful and passionate it was amazing. Jongup and Daehyun’s duet!! That was also amazing! They’re so powerful oiwbefsd Jongup performing Try My Luck was such an experience. He did like the first half of the song without the backup dancers and just wow. JUNHONG ugh. That boy I swEAR. Howler was so so so much fun! I think it was a great way to end that section. Just a super fun dancey song with a very flirty, talented, amazing boy! That was honestly one of the best nights of my life tfgbwesd. Everyone was having such a blast. The boys were having so much fun! And they were so happy! And Youngjae said we were the most passionate stop so far which thw4nfoeisd (every band ever at every stop of their tours: ‘ you guys were the best show so far!!!’ haha).

[mouthfullofmunson]

Some perv!eddie thoughts because I’m too far gone

He’s been y/n’s best friend since the two were super young because her mom and his uncle dated for a little bit

And the bond never broke so they were always together

After years and years of friendship he has obviously seen y/n naked once or twice or a handful of times

He never really grew out of the way too horny during puberty stage so the second he sees a bit of side boob he makes up an excuse as to why he has to leave or something

“I’ve got to go to the bathroom, I think I’m going to throw up I ate too much candy”

“Can I shower? Im getting sleepy and you don’t want me all dirty while I sleep in your bed!”

“Oh fuck I forgot my old man wants me home soon…”

And when she wears a shirt with no bra he does everything in his power to get her to bend over at the right angle so he get to see at least see a little bit, hopefully nipples but that’s only if he’s lucky to be sitting at the perfect angle

And he “accidentally” grabs her tit while they are cuddling or somehow “accidentally” pinches her nipple he’s like “oh my god :( I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to do that 🥺”

And she just responds back with a smile and a “it’s okay, Eddie. I know you didn’t mean to!”

And if he sees her tits jiggle under her shirt while she walks… consider him dead (😔)

And when he gives her a kiss on the cheek it’s always a little closer to her mouth than expected but he needs to know how soft her lips are… for a friend he’s likes to call… his cock

He lets her have sips of his drinks when he gets a milkshake or a slushy when they are out together but he had to hold it for her and watch her open her mouth to wrap around the straw

And if it’s a thick smoothie and she has to suck hard lord help him

His mouth pops open and he watches her every move

And he gets out a little moan

“Oops, sorry. I’m probably taking forever.”

“No, no, it’s fine. Take your time.”

“It’s really good Eddie” she smiles at him with a little vanilla ice cream still on her lips. He just lets out a shaky breath and nods before he thumbs the ice cream from her lip

When she stays the night he waits for her to fall asleep so he can jerk off as quietly as humanly possible while sleeping next to her

And he would definitely steal a shirt or something to sniff while he jerks off because he wants to imagine that shes still with him

And if he’s staying the night at her house he absolutely refuses to leave her side so he won’t miss anything exciting, like when she showers. He makes sure to move her towel or let her forget to grab a towel if she doesn’t have any more stocked up

Just to see her peek out of the shower

And then when he gets a towel for her he just pulls back the shower curtain like “here!”

“I’m naked!”

“Oh yeah, I somehow forgot…”

And he tells her all his dirty fantasy just to see her face- making sure to leave out the fact that she’s in all of them

And sometimes he “accidentally” grids himself into her clit while they hug or cuddle and then he act oblivious to her frazzled state “I can’t get comfy:(“

And sometimes he just opts for laying his head in her lap and once the movie is halfway through he act like he’s asleep and turns toward her, rubbing his face into her lap, acting like he is stirring in his sleep when really he just wants his nose as close to her panties as he can get it

and when he sees her in a bikini… he’s done

He sits in the hot tub with her and rubs himself through his swim trunks until he cums

One hand over his cock, the other gripping a beer can

And if they are with some other people (maybe Steve, Robin?) he definitely pulls Y/n onto his lap and he’s like “sorry :/ they need some room so you’re stuck with me!!”

But she wouldn’t mind

And he would be freaking out over them only having the tiniest layer of fabric blocking them from touching where he wants to the most

and he so gets her to do the nasty stuff that middle school boys do

“Open youre mouth and pretend to shake salt, I heard after a second you start to taste it”

“I don’t taste anything?”

“Give it a second”

And he feels bad he’s such a perv toward his best friend but it feels so good to touch her, she hasn’t seem to mind or care when he does, so why should he stop if neither of them have a problem?

And he stops feeling bad the second she starts doing the same things back to him

Sitting on his lap and wiggling a little

Sitting next to him and going to rest her hand on his thigh but she accidentally touches his cock “oops, sorry, Eddie :/ didn’t mean to touch you there…”

Or when she gives him little compliments “you’ve got nice hands” and plays with his rings or compares hand sizes with him (when really she’s just trying to figure out how thick his fingers are so she knows how many to stuff inside of herself)

And when she changes in front of him and so conveniently has on her pretty panties, or she has to fix her bra straps and suddenly her tits are bouncing right in front of his eyes

And when she borrows a shirt it seems like she always returns them and exchanges them for another one the moment they don’t smell like him anymore

Let me know your thoughts!!

:)

[damnasstyles]

Hihi omg I just found your tumblr and I absolutely love your writing and I now am in desperate need of a blurb where a 37 weeks pregnant reader attends HSlot to support her boyfriend husband Harry and walks out from backstage to in the middle of the concert to watch him perform and all the fans stare in awe. At the end Harry acts a little sad because she stole all his attention and makes a little joke and speaks into the microphone about how amazing and strong she is. Pls xx

Hihii! Thank you so much bby! 🥺❤️ I'm so sorry this took forever but hopefully you like it! Also, I gave it a little twist from what you requested. I'll definitely be revisiting this and adding some stuff in the future ❤️

***

DILF at work

paring: husband!harry x reader

word count: 820

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“This isn’t the last show yet, love. If you’re feeling tired, you should stay back here and rest.” You were sprawled between Harry’s legs on the chaise lounge sofa backstage. His hands were softly caressing your 37-week-pregnant belly while his chin rested atop of your head. You’d been complaining all day about heartburn and back pain, and from this angle, he could clearly see how swollen your feet were.     “Plus, you’ll still be able to see the show from the TV” he gestured towards the flat TV screen on the wall in front of you.

“Yeah, I’ll save some energy for the last show. Wanna see my hubby smashing it” the smile plastered on your face showed how much pride and admiration you felt towards Harry. You pecked his lips sweetly right before Jeff came knocking on the door, giving Harry his five-minute warning. After a few more kisses, he got up and made his way to the soft goods box.

-----

The view from the TV wasn’t as exciting as being in pit, that’s for sure. Harry had been on stage for almost an hour now, and he was about to go onto his quick bathroom break. Your heartburn had calmed down some time ago and were feeling much better. Right before Harry ran off stage, the camera filmed a sign that quickly caught your eye: “Do not disturb: DILF at work” and below the letters, a picture of japanrry napping on a frayed brown leather sofa. It made you laugh so hard you had to hurry to the bathroom.

After the quick bathroom trip, you talked to a security guard that quickly located the girl with the sign and accompanied you to meet her. She recognized you immediately before you had reached her spot. Some other fans around noticed you as well and started to get excited.

“Oh my God! YN! Hi!” she squealed.

“Hi girls! Are you having fun? Enjoying the show?” You smiled widely at her and her little group of friends. 

“Yes, oh my god, it’s amazing! How are you?!” It was clear they were starstruck and, to be honest, it was quite cute and endearing. 

“Good, good! Listen, I saw your sign from backstage and it’s hilarious! Would you mind if I borrow it? I think Harry will love it!”

“What?! Yes, yes, for sure! Holy shit! Yeah, you can take it!” She did not hesitate for a second to hand you her sign, which made you giggle. 

“Thank you so much! What’s your name? Can I get your Instagram? I’ll DM you after the concert to give it back” The girl was quick to pull out her phone and show you her Instagram handle after telling you her name. You noted it down and, after exchanging a few more words, you bid your goodbyes.

The more time you spent with the girl, the more people noticed you there, creating a commotion around you, making Harry, who was about to start performing his next song, notice everything.

“Oi! What’s all that hassle over there? It’s supposed to be my show!” He joked lightly. In the meantime, the crowd had made a small pathway towards the stage, letting you pass through. You kept the sign down, wanting to surprise him when you got close enough.

“Well, well, well, it's my wife, coming to steal my spotlight!” He laughed. “Everyone, please, give it up for the beautiful, the talented, the wonderful, one of my personal favourites, the missus, YN Styles-Y/LN!”

The crowd went wild with screams as the camera crew focused on you and your face appeared on the stage screens. You waved shyly and smiled modestly, not used to being the centre of attention of over 50,000 people at once.

“I thought you were resting backstage, love. Whatcha got there?” He spoke into the mic as he scrunched down by the edge of the stage to see you better. You gave him a mischievous smile and lifted up the sign. “Do not disturb, DILF at work” he gasped after realising what he had half-whispered into the mic. “YN, language! This is a family show!!” he walked away talking to the crowd. He then turned back around towards you again, a cheeky smile on his face, and joked: “… ooooooor is iiiitt?!”

The entire arena shook with screams due to his iconic one-liner, and you laughed along with the fans.

Later, that night, as Harry fell asleep on the hotel sofa, you propped up the sign on top of him, hiding the japanrry picture, and snapped a quick picture of him. His hair was dishevelled all over his face, a cute pout on his lips and he was hugging a pillow as if his life depended on it. You don’t usually post anything related to you and Harry’s relationship, your Instagram was mostly dedicated to your professional career and a few pictures of some trips, but this picture was worth posting.

Do not disturb: Future DILF at work. (PS: Thanks for the sign, @fansusername)

***

a/n: im so sorry this took forever! uni was kicking my ass big time but now i am slowly getting back on track here as well! i have a few things planned out that i cannot wait to put out! i hope you guys enjoyed this cute little blurb 🥰 there are more coming! 

in the meantime, you can check out my masterlist! 

***

taglist: @lollypopsx @mouthfulloftoothpasterry @thismaydestroyme @divergentpotterheadbookworm @pracstyles @academiaghosts @stylessupremacy (please let me know if you still want to be part of the taglist or not 💞)

——

If you liked this, please, like, reblog and consider donating to my ko-fi 🥰

[ofnoblebrisk]

Change of heart my ass. Caroline hated how cocky Chris Keller was. He was self-consumed he didn’t care who he hurt or destructed in his path. Caroline wasn’t sitting comfortably next to him on this tour bus because she had the desire to. It was an order from her father; who apparently sensed the tension in the air. Senses my dislike for Chris, not that I was coy on keeping it a secret. Cue the roll of my eyes at his first retort. “ You wish, I said it was decent, better than the cocky shit you play on stage.” The blonde grew up around music, she was in every music store in a mile radius, all thanks to her dad. When she was kid he’d let her sit in on the demos that played in the office. It’s what inspired her to look into a career in music. 

No one ruffles my feathers, Where Chris was concerned he wanted to get under my skin, it’s why he felt he could be cocky, and flirt his way into getting me to like him. I’m sure he may be a nice guy; but the cocky attitude wasn’t my cup of tea. Eyes landed on the carpeting under my feet. Does he always have to have an angle? The blonde thought to herself; he was capable of keeping a tune, I just preferred his slower tunes, especially the one I heard him stuming against his guitar in his own contentment, no pressure. Not trying to be a people pleaser, it was nice. And when he mentioned if I had a tune too, I had to laugh more at myself. I used to play base a little different than Guitar, but I suppose I could try to mend the tension in the air. Especially when i felt my dad’s eyes of pleading on me. Forcing a smile onto dry lips, the blonde had reached to the side enfolding her hands around the second guitar he happened to have on board. 

“ I’d ask why your pride guitar is named after Haley James, the musician but we know she’s the one girl that you couldn’t land isn’t that right?” Caroline did her research the second her father told her she’d be a helping hand on the Chris Keller tour, it’s no secret what Haley James meant to him, except she just wasn’t interested in him. A coy smile lingered against her lips in amusement. Adjusting the brown instrument in her hands laying on her lap, Tilting her head down to look at the keys. “ I might have a tune, but keep in mind I haven’t played in years.”  Insisting on it, middle fingers slowly found a footing of a soft tune, a melody that never quite left her mind. And she did the one thing she never wanted to do. “ The one song of yours I liked was with Haley.” And that’s why she slowly sang in a soft tone to When the stars go blue, a angel voice of hers; Caroline had talent to sing, just wasn’t what quipped her interest.

@OfNobleBrisk

[Chris Keller was taking it all in… The screams of sexy fangirls yelling out my name, girls pressed up against me for pictures, and the sheer volume of autographs my adoring fans wanted… Oh yes, Chris Keller was in his bliss currently! Or at least he was until blondie approached to bark out more orders] What’s the matter, Blondie? Jealous that Chris Keller isn’t giving you enough attention? [I said with a grin as I wiggled my brows in her direction; knowing it could result in a slap across Chris Keller’s perfect face, but the determination to make blondie warm up to me was real] Chris Keller will be sure to pay you plenty of attention on the tour bus… Just say the word. [I flashed her a wink as I took a few more pictures with fans, and then signed another few autographs before I felt blondie pulling me away from my fans, and onto the tour bus] Great show, everybody! Chris Keller brought down the house! [I called out with pride as I made my way onto the bus; venturing toward the back of the bus where I typically perched for the duration of the long drive to our next city. After dropping down into my seat, I set the guitar case carrying “Haley James” onto the seat beside me while I leaned my head back and expelled a yawn. Chris Keller was on a high, like no other, currently, and not even the snark from blondie would ruin that for him. I thought to myself as I brought my eyes to a close; figuring Chris Keller could use a bit of shut eye before the next leg of the booming tour]

[hermes-whistle]

LES MISERABLES 22/23 CAST REVIEW

Wednesday, November 30th, 2022

ACT 2

Cast:

Nick carnell-Jean Valjean

Hayden Tee-Javert (temporary replacement)

Haley dortch- Fantine

Matt Crowle-Thénardier

Christina Rose Hall-Madame Thénardier

Hazel Vogel- little Cosette

Cora Jane Messer- Little Eponine

Christine Heesun Hwang- Eponine

Addie Morales- Cosette

Gregory Lee Rodriguez-Marius

Devin Archer-Enjorlas

Kyle Adams- Grantaire

Gavroche- Harrison Fox

Well uh, unfortunately my theater decided that they weren't gonna flicker the lights to let us know to go back to our seats so I missed all of building the barricade and eponine giving the letter

On my own

-"Now I can make believe he's here" that tone she had was gorgeous

- I couldn't focus on most of the number because some kids behind me decided to get chips during Intermission because they were bored

- the blocking feels a bit stiff

-the lights where pretty tho

-again unfortunately I couldn't pay attention due to the kids behind me

-bUT oh my God when that barricade comes out with all the fog, one of the best scenes ever

At the barricade

-seeing the boys climb over the barricade was funny ngl

-the barricade bits are blurry in my head sorry yall

Javerts return/little people

-it looked like javert picked up a stick and started drawing

- this is a Gavroche Stan page

- gav tried jumping off the barricade like enj does

-gav flipping javert off might be my favorite thing

-marius in the back literally went like :0

-meanwhile after that grant picked gav up for "your the top of the class" after enj had his whole speaking bit he came over and ruffled gavs hair

A little fall of rain/ night of anguish

-during the small battle scene or whatever happened (I'm sorry I'm writing this In a car and can't remember so) ep moved marius and got shot perusal, she had a very small scream but it was at the same time the gunshot went off so it wasn't as noticeable

-she basically stumbled off the barricade with marius

-the way he said "oh god it's everywhere" was chilling tbh, he sounded scared almost

-miss girl basically falls onto him and then he carefully lays her down

-towards the end Gav ran over, taking a few moments to realize what happened

-Enj and grant then walked in (more like enj strutting) gav then clung to grants leg once ep actual died

-rip bad bitch, you will be missed

-IM SO SORRY THE WAY THEY CARRY HER OFF IS SO FUNNY

- FELT LIKE I WAS WATCHING THE QUEENS FUNERAL OR SMTH

-"her name was eponine,," lawd that was a kick to the gut huh

Valjeans revenge

-wake up babes daddy is climbing

-javert is back on stage (I don't know if he left)

-the hesitant 'he belongs to you'

-jean pushes javert down onto his knees facing the audience

-javert stayed looking forward while Jean approached him from behind (📸)

- he kept shaking his head as Jean was talking, he then grabbed the gun and forcibly put it in his hands then made Jean angle it at him

-Jean seemed clearly upset about this and the way he says "you are wrong,," sounds like he was trying to remind himself that

- he then continued to grab onto his jacket while saying "clear out of here"

- the gunshot scared me and my mom, we knew it was coming but it's so loUD

Drink with me

-once Grant starts singing and goes to the middle, Enj now looks over and starts getting off the barricade

-"marius, rest please" was very gently said

-the boys gave a small cheer when grant started singing

-grant lightly shoves one of the boys

-once he sees enj his mood changed

- during "can it be your death means nothing at all?" Enj clearly tried to hug him and grant pushed him away then walked away

-gav was standing right by enj and then held onto his leg

-grant goes over where the sewer is and puts his head against it, enj looking down and told gav somthing

-gav then ran over and hugged grant for behind (more like his legs since grant was tall) and he then put his hand over gavs arm

Bring him home

-chills the whole song

-nick gave it all ON A RANDOM WEDNESDAY NIGHT

-he really does sound like he's begging for marius to be alright

-enj is at the left top of the barricade, has his head slightly tilted down watching (I can't blame him)

-grant and gav are still sitting against the sewers, it was dark where they where but I think grant was holding him while he was sleeping

-the way my soul actually left my body at his last note

-breath support is all I gotta say

Second battle/Gavroches death /Final battle

-I don't remember much pre gav dying sorry

-everyone is dead silent the second gavroche starts singing

-Enj holds out his arms for gav then puts his fist up for "you better run for cover when the pup grows u-" and then he's shot

-gav falls onto enjs shoulder, enj took a second to hold onto him and slowly turned around clearly looking upset before giving him to grant

-everyone looked horrified at what they just saw

-grant held him close to his shoulder

-eventually when the shooting did happen Jean ran over and took gavs body and took it off stage then returned

-Randy Jeter was really slaying for the loud hailer

- the "until the earth is free" note gets faded into the music

-I don't know if it was on purpose or not but when enj is supposed to be kicking people down from the other side he nearly fell off, thankfully one of the fake boards was there and he pulled himself back up

-enj waving the flag has got to be the most beautiful thing I've ever seen omg, he was waving it very desperately

- the first one to go is Enj, before he starts falling grant starts trying to get up the barricade to grab him, only missing his hand by a little bit

-I'd like a moment to appreciate Jean basically t-posing while laying unconscious on the ground

-grant is the last one to die

-jean woke up then crawled over to marius whispering "shhh your okay please get up, get up" and then drags him off stage

-javert comes running over the barricade, the live fire torch looked so pretty for the scene

-when he got down he watched as the barricade opened

-Enj was vibing on the cart upside down per usual

-only one of his arms was hanging which is important in a second

-Javert walked over to Gavroche, prays over his body then lets the other dude pick him up

-gav gets thROWN in

-when the cart starts getting rolled off, enj was a little too far off the edge of the cart so it looked like he was gonna fall off, his other arm now fell off the cart

sewers/dog eat dog

-okay this scene deadass is my guiltly pleasure

-I got a tiny bit dizzy with the back screen visual

-the way Thénardier draggs one of the boys by the ankles💀

-I just love the song, it's so groovy

-valjean let go of marius and he just fell like the tower of terror

-when Thénardier goes over by marius he takes his hand like singing and puts it on his cheek acting as if it's his own hand

- "only the moon looks down" is still one of my favorite vocal moments, it scratches an itch in my brain

-"vALJEAN😧😧😧😧 AINT THE WORLD A REMARKABLE PLACE😧😃😧😃😧😃😧"

-marius seems to be like slightly awake

-I TRIED SO HARD NOT TO LAUGH WHEN IT CUTS 3 TIMES TO HIM CARRYING HIM DIFFERENT WAYS

- instrumental was such a bop

-javert is already waiting in the dark by the time Jean comes out

-once Jean looks over and sees him, javert points a gun at him (is this a new thing?? I don't remember seeing it before in boots)

-just gay old men arguing

-when Jean leaves with marius he looks back at him the same way javert did to him at the beginning, same places on the stage

Javerts suicide

-This is one of the scenes that is so so much better in person

-i personally think Hayden is one of the javerts that perform this scene best

-the stage is completely dark during the first Part

-but in the background you can see the bridge coming together on both sides which was so cool to see

-I definitely got more of a panic attack vibe from him instead of angry

-he kept on literally reaching out but his hands where extremely shakey

-javert was very slow about getting up on the bridge, he seemed hesitant

-"I am reaching but I fall" part was almost the exact same way nick as Jean performed it at the beginning with his hand reaching up

-once javert starts his final note I wasn't expecting the bridge to come out from Underhim and MANS WAS FLYING

-ofc he was up on wires but I never seen them and was shocked because I didn't know the scene is done like this (usually the bootlegs are taken from a weird angle for this scene)

-the visuals behind him are going down and eventually he gets pulled back into the darkness, the last thing you see is his hand reaching out

Turning

-interesting but sad scene transitions

-some of the women where dressed upperclass and half lower

-the little girl :((

-I'm not sure which actress is the one who says "what's the use of praying when nobody will hear??" But it was said very raw and emotional almost angry

-very beautiful song though

Empty chairs ar empty tables

-the tree is back

-yet another nice song transition

-love the performance but I don't have much to say???

-when le boys came in enj was the closest to him

-they pick up the candles, marius then waves his arm behind him like he was trying to make them go away during "don't ask me what your sacrifice was for"

-everyone blows their candles out except marius and enj

-enj is the last one to leave, marius looks over then enj blows his candle out then goes bye bye

-marius raises his candle at the end

Everyday/valjeans confession

-marius In his emo era then there's Cosette westing purple like hey lol

- cosette helps him walk over to the bench, once he sits down Cosette takes his cane and puts it behind the bench

- pretty vocals but everyday is kinda a basic song

-here comes the dilf, and he's got his limp again

-when he tells Cosette to go inside Cosette kinda looks between them like what's going onnnn and then leaves

-the change in tone when Jean talks to marius is interesting

-"who am i?" Idk man you tell me

-its 2:34 am when I'm writing this sorry I ain't remembering much

Wedding/beggers at a feast

-holy shit that is a very fast quick change for marius, I know he wears his coat over the wedding costume but sTILL

-again height difference between Cosette and him>>>

-Cosette's veil is gorgeous it's a shame it's only worn for like 5 minutes

- them dancing is the cutest thing ever and they kissed again before walking off the the side of the stage

- Marius introduces her to someone then goes over by the Thénardiers

-i was focusing on Cosette dancing

-the way the ensemble and cosette dance is interesting because they are clearly listening and moving to the tune

-Marius punching Thénardier was a slay per usual

-once they run off the plates drop ofc, overall the audience loved them

- the little hops during "among the elite"

- the line is back to "there goes a jew, this one's a queer but what can you do"

-the chaos that is the rest of the number>>>

Epilog

-Lmfao the change between songs

- he struggled for a sec to light the candles but got them eventually

-Nick made me appreciate jeans final solo part

-the chills I got when fantine comes out, I know she's an angel and she looked like one, she came out from stage right and had an orange haze casting over to her

-Jean looked relieved when he heard her, just ready to die

- Nick said a few times that his favorite line in the show is "she's the best of my life" and it shows 🥲🥲🥲

-Fantine got about 3 feet away, she was reaching out for him then Cosette comes running in

-this part is a bit of a blur since I was trying to get my phone out to get a small audio

- Marius comes in a few seconds after her, then he goes over behind the candles and looks at them until "you must forgive a thoughtless fool" then he sits by Cosette

- during the confession he slowly reached over and gave it to her, during "those who always loved you" He booped her nose again

- cosette is holding onto his hand until he gets up, more like he dies

-i wasn't paying attention to eponine I was trying to figure out why my camera didn't show the stage, turns out it was facing the wrong way

- "to love another person is to see the face of god" I'm not religious but that line always gets to me

-by the time Valjean gets up the chorus is starting, and the bishop comes out

-listen I know some people think it's stupid but I do like the Jean and bishop hug💔

-marius is holding Cosette and kissing her hair while rubbing her arm

-the ending just is so🤌🤌🤌 probably one of my favorite musical closers

Bonus if you made it this far