#here's to hoping for a good band show in the near future

[kingofpopmj]

Can’t Go On Without You By My Side

Summary: You visit your boyfriend of two years on his BAD world tour. The excitement of witnessing him perform live is quickly tainted the moment she walks in.

Pairing: Michael Jackson x Reader

Warnings: SMUT

Requested: no

*Y/N's POV*

Michael and I were finally able to plan for me to visit him on tour. I was lucky enough to get a week and a half off of work and we were determined to make the most of it. Michael had insisted on picking me up from the airport even though he was technically supposed to be at the venue. We arrived about ten minutes after the show was scheduled to begin, but thankfully, no one called us out on it.

I stood off to the side, watching Michael completely own the stage. The way he mastered his onstage persona was breathtaking. His smile was so bright. I took a moment to discreetly admire his outfit, clinging to his body tighter with each passing song.

“He’s sexy, isn’t he?” A breathy voice sounded from beside me, interrupting my silent gawking. I guess I wasn't being as discreet as I thought.

“Um—” I looked to my left, making eye contact with a very tall woman. She was beautiful. A tight black dress clung to her body so tight it almost looked painted on. I know exactly who this is.

“The correct answer is yes. He can do it all, if you know what I mean.” My hands clenched into fists with such force I could feel my rings digging into my skin. “He’s absolutely the sexiest man alive. I’m so exhausted, he kept me up all night this past week. That's not a complaint by the way. He is so worth it.”

I couldn’t put together enough words to form a complete sentence. Quite frankly, all my focus was on holding myself back. I couldn’t catch a case right now. Michael might be cheating on me and this woman is certainly a whore. That was that. I couldn’t change fact. If I went off and beat the living shit out of some groupie it would ruin the rest of my life. I couldn’t let the anger control my behavior. He betrayed me, but I refuse to let him see how much it really broke me.

“I’m so sorry, I get all misty watching him. Don’t we all?” She laughed, squeezing my shoulder, little did she know she was dangerously close to losing those boney little fingers. “My name is Tatiana, and you are?” She held out her hand, batting her eyelashes so hard I thought she’d fly away. At least I hoped she would. Maybe over a large body of water, perhaps shark infested waters.

“Hi, I’m Y/N.” She let out an exaggerated gasp, slapping her palm against her mouth.

“You’re the girlfriend! Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry.” She quickly ran off leaving me standing there alone with this feeling in my stomach that I couldn’t describe.

I glanced around the immediate area, seeing no one else near me felt worse somehow. I don't know many people here other than Michael. I became distracted as he sang Rock With You, little did he know he was moments away from getting rocked. Y/N, no, stop. I release the tension in my hands, shaking it off, trying to let go of the violent thoughts swirling in my mind. Besides how therapeutic it was right now, it wasn’t productive. I need some air, a drink, a hitman? No. Air, I need air.

The clicks of my heels echoed through the halls as I headed towards an unknown destination. I'm probably lost, but that’s a problem for future Y/N.

*Michael's POV*

As Rock With You came to an end, I noticed Y/N disappear behind the curtain. Exactly, two songs have gone by since then and still no sign of her. During the brief outfit change after Thriller, before intermission, I notice Greg, my music director mouthing something to me.

"What?" I mouthed back, scratching my forehead. He's terrible at this.

"Your girl." Okay, I got that. I nodded, shrugging slightly as if to say and what about her.

"Mad."

I couldn’t play charades any longer, as the lights dimmed and the band took over the stage I snuck behind the large equipment to get closer to him.

"What happened?"

"I saw Tatiana talking to her. She did not look too happy after that brother."

I nodded slowly, processing his words before walking off. I should be taking advantage of my break, but I couldn’t relax not knowing where my girlfriend was.

“There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you. What are you doing all the way back here?”

"Nothing I just needed some air." She said lowly, avoiding my eyes.

"Are you okay?" I moved towards her, cupping her face in my hands. The look in her eyes answering my question, but I wanted to hear it from her.

"Yeah, well, no, but it can wait until after the show."

"Are you sure?" I asked and she nodded in response. "Now, can you please come back with me? I perform better knowing my beautiful woman is watching me."

She accompanied me as I changed into my next outfit. She helped me slip into my coat, but my excitement was short lived, because I could sense her sadness. What is going on?

"I love you, baby." I watched closely as she struggled with her response, she began biting on her bottom lip, her eyes growing glossy. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Her voice cracked and she quickly turned away from me.

"I know you Y/N. You're hurting and I'd like to know what's going on so I can help."

"S—She—" Y/N broke down right, her body was shivering as she tried to compose herself. I felt less than helpless.

"Who?" I tried comforting her, but she brushed me off, moving away from me all together.

A quick knock on the door, signaling that intermission was coming to a close and I needed to get back out there.

"I'll let them know I need more time. I'll be right back."

"No!"

"You're crying. Y/N, baby, I'm not leaving you."

"I'm alright. Please, can we just talk about this later?"

I didn't want to agree, but she wasn't asking, she was practically begging. I intertwined our fingers, keeping her close as I weaved my way through the backstage area.

"Please, stand here and watch the rest of the show. It would mean the world to me." I smiled at her and kissed her temple as I hugged her.

"I'll be right here." She reaffirmed my confidence. Then, she grabbed my collar, pulling me into her lips. Her tongue was pure magic. Normally, I'd be embarrassed about public affection, but with the way I'm feeling, I'd love to feel every inch of her right here, right now. I didn't care who was watching.

She pulled away and I desperately chased her lips as she giggled at my neediness.

"You have to go."

"There is no way I'm leaving your side after that."

"You don't have a choice."

"I will be back. Very, very soon."

*Y/N's POV*

I watched the second half of Michael's concert the way I should've watched the first half. I enjoyed myself dancing and singing along to my man's voice. What Tatiana said hurt me, but I felt so foolish when I thought logically again. Michael isn't that type of person. I didn't need to talk to him about this, because once the anger and hurt wore off I was able to come to a conclusion on my own. She's lying. She has to be.

"You're still here?" This damn witch. "I'd be halfway home by now if I found out my boyfriend stepped out on me."

There was so much I wanted to say, but I chose to let her words go in one ear and out the other. The last thing I want to do is let her know she ever got to me.

"Well, that's my cue. Enjoy the show." She winked, walking pass me and flipping her hair.

I was forced to watch as Tatiana strutted across the stage with my boyfriend chasing after her. This was one of my favorite songs and now I couldn’t even enjoy it. I felt my blood begin to boil as she shamelessly flirted with him in front of the crowd of thousands.

She was getting closer and closer to him. She was doing this on purpose and I couldn’t do a damn thing about it.

Why is this song so long all of the sudden?

"What the hell is she doing?" I heard Frank DiLeo grumble from behind me. I jumped a bit at his tone, but tried to play it off.

"Everything okay?" I asked softy.

"Hey darling, yeah she was supposed— what the hell! Get her off the damn stage! Now!"

I turned my attention back to the stage and I wished more than anything I wouldn’t have done that. I tried to blink as if that would change the view, but it didn’t.

I was stuck in that horrible moment as the worst thing I could imagine was confirmed. I had a front row seat to my own humiliation and I had no idea how to escape.

Before I knew it, she was walking towards me. "So happy you could be here to see what a real power couple looks like." She stopped in front of me, crossing her arms. "Sorry honey, he's moved on to bigger and better things."

I felt my cheeks heat up as I became uncomfortably aware of how many eyes were on us.

"Tatiana, that's enough. Get away from her." Frank shouted, shooing her away like a toddler.

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it."

We stood in silence as Man in the Mirror blasted through the speakers. It wasn't until Michael's long passionate goodbye to his fans, wrapping up the concert that Frank slung his arm around my shoulder.

"Darling, you know she's full of it right?"

"I'm not sure."

"Michael and I have to take care of some business. I won't keep him too long and I'll send him your way after."

I knew that was his way of telling me it was private business that I couldn’t be around for. I hugged him before heading off, I wasn't really sure where I was going, but walking felt better than sitting with my thoughts.

"Baby! I'm so sorry. Frank told me what happened after—"

“I need to get out of here before I do something I regret.” Michael reached out, taking a firm hold of my hand, he pulled me down a short hallway and into his dressing room.

“I’m sorry you had to see that.” He finally spoke, shutting the door behind him.

“You’re sorry I had to see it?”

“Yes.”

“What does that even mean?”

“Y/N—”

“Does that mean you do it often?”

“No, that’s not—”

“You go around kissing other people when I’m not around?”

“Y/N, I’ve never—”

“I know they’re everywhere, throwing themselves at you, but I never thought you let them get to you.”

“Stop!”

“What!”

“I’ve never cheated on you!” He shouted in a tone I had never heard before, the look of pain present in his eyes. Shit.

“That’s not what people are saying.” I muttered, suddenly I felt so guilty.

“People? What people?”

“Who do you think! She said you two—”

“That’s a lie! I only see her during performances. That’s it. Y/N, I would never do that to you.”

“How am I supposed to believe you after that? She kissed you and you let her.”

“No, no, no! I didn’t let her! I wasn’t even paying attention to her. When I’m on stage, I’m there to perform. Why would I spend weeks planning for your visit just to betray you?”

“She was so awful to me, the things she said, then, she went out there and—”

“Got herself fired.”

“Michael, I’m pissed, but I’ll get over it. I don’t want this to affect business. You don’t have to fire her.”

“I already did.”

“Michael—”

“I only want to work with people who respect me and my loved ones. She won’t be missed. I don’t care to have people around me that I can’t trust.”

“I’m sorry I yelled. I’m so sorry I accused you of—” Michael shut me up, gripping my hips, pressing my body against his and kissing me sloppily. His hand claiming a possessive hold of the back of my neck, deepening his touch.

"I love you." he spoke into my mouth, his hot breath sent shivers down my spine. I felt myself tremble as his fingers explored my inner thigh, pushing up my skirt to give himself more access.

"I love you." I said, slipping my fingers around his belt buckle. He smiled knowingly, pushing me back, my ass collided with the counter and I felt myself crumble at his roughness. The cold countertop causing me to let out a moan. He pulled away for a moment, reaching behind me and clearing off the counter in one swift movement. "Such a gentleman." I purred in his ear as he picked me up.

"Only for you." A smirk on his face as the sound of nylon tearing filled my ears. "I love how sexy these look on you. I'll have to replace them." His long fingers slipping pass the freshly shredded fabric of my panties and teasing me one finger at a time. He watched as my head leaned back onto the mirrored wall, he chuckled as I struggled to find something to grab onto.

"Michael!" I was fighting to breath feeling him knuckle deep inside of me, hitting the right spot. "Fuck! Deeper!" I begged for more. Contrary to my needy cries, he pulled back, leaving me feeling empty as he unbuckled his belt, letting his pants fall to the ground. I took this opportunity to tear his shirt off, throwing it across the room.

Michael pushed my legs apart, admiring how much I yearned for him, he slowly pulled me towards him with a strong grip on my legs. My bare ass slide across the counter painfully slow until I finally felt his hard tip press against my entrance.

"Always so wet and ready for me." He slammed into me, giving me no time to adjust which threw me further over the edge.

"Harder!" I yelled as he pounded into me with such intensity I swear I could feel him rearranging my guts.

"Baby, I want to cum inside of you." His voice smooth, making me even more wet.

"Please!" The walls were shaking as we continued to devour one another.

"You're fucking perfect." He whispered against the bare skin of my chest, I felt him everywhere. My eyes rolled back as his dick massaged all the right places.

Suddenly, the door swung open violently, causing me to panic and try to cover my exposed chest, but Michael stopped me. He grabbed my wrists trapping them behind my back in on of his hands as he increased his speed again. My moans escaped my throat against my will as tears of pleasure rolled down my cheeks. At this point, my entire body was shaking, Michael's tongue rolling against mine elongating my high further.

"What the fuck are you doing!" A voice shouted, causing my head to snap in the direction of its origin. Tatiana.

"You feel so good wrapped around my dick." He declared as he sucked on my neck. It was impossible to concentrate on anything else but his lips. "I'll never get tired of fucking this perfect pussy." Michael didn’t stop. He spoke clearly and confidently as he fucked me with purpose.

"Get the fuck out of here!" Tatiana yelled.

"Y/N!" Michael whimpered, his seed spreading within me, causing my legs to tingle. He gazed deep into my eyes, beads of sweat trailing down his face. "I fucking love you." His hand gently curled around the side of my neck, pulling me back into his sweet mouth.

"What the fuck!" Another shout from the demon herself. I paid it no mind. Looking back at Michael, his long dick still twitching inside of me.

"I love you baby." I smiled, wrapping my arms around his neck, leaning into his neck to leave my mark. Tatiana stood there staring at us in shock, so naturally I challenged her stare. I waited to see if Michael would break focus, but he didn’t.

“We are busy in here. Close the door on your way out.” Michael said sternly between breaths, not even sparing her a glance.

The door slammed shut seconds later and it was only then that I took the time to look around the dimly lit room. Make-up and personal belongings littered the floor. Various unfamiliar items surrounded us, leading me to believe that I was made apart of one very well thought out, very devious plan and it turned me on.

"Michael?"

"Yes, my love?"

“This isn’t your dressing room, is it?”

“Nope.” He smiled triumphantly, planting tender kisses all over my face.

“You’re so sneaky.”

“You’re my girl. That’s never changing.”

“You quite literally marked your territory.” I giggled as he caressed my collarbone, watching as goosebumps formed.

“Oh, Y/N, baby, I’m just getting started. We’re gonna be here all night.”

“Let’s see what you got rockstar.”

“Baby, don’t make me carry you out on that stage and give those lovely people an encore they’ll never forget.”

“A girl can dream can’t she?”

I winked teasingly as I positioned myself onto my knees, looking up at the man I love, confident I was about to give him the best head of his life.

[madtobeme]

Damian Wayne facing a phone camera on a tripod. The shot shows the outside of a small barn with attached paddock and outside stable doors lining the seen side of the building. "Hello my viewers. Many of my siblings have come to be seen sharing information and experiences that I have been informed are unique to our family, or in some cases unique to those with our finical backing. I have decided to do my due diligence to the public and share my own unique experiences at the hand of my family, though admittedly unlike most my fathers other children I have been very fortunate as to have spent my whole life with access to wealth and the lifestyle it has afforded myself and my family. In wanting to participate in the same showing as my siblings, though admittedly not knowing what exactly I should share with my audience, I requested the aid of my friends Collin, and Jonathan."

The camera flips around to show Colin Wilkes and Jonathan Kent sticking their tongues out and making raspberry noises before the camera flips back to Damian. The sound of giggling can be heard as Damian is seen with one eye twitching and a sour look on face.

A harsh blink was seen on damiana end before he released a breath only seen by the puff of his nostrils. "As I was saying, I requested their aid for this venture. It was recommended to me by them that displaying my animals could be a worth while feat. I do hope you enjoy this videoed experience as much I enjoy my animals."

The camera cuts to Damian sitting on a pile of straw seemingly within the barn. His nice polo seemingly a little out of place, yet his relaxed expression as he looked down at a short haired tuxedo cat who stood on the bale behind him, front paws standing on his shoulder as the butted their head against the boys cheeks.

With a smile and eyes not leaving the cat Damian introduced the animal, " This is Alfred the cat, she is an indoor outdoor cat. Though when she's outside must wear her tags." He lists the little fish shaped tag attached to the black collar that blended with the animals fur. "Despite her masculine name, she is in fact a female. A fact we admittedly only learned recently." The camera moves to behind the bale of straw that Alfred sits on to show a cat sized nest filled with 4 squirming kittens with eyes not yet opened. "Admittedly we had assumed she was a neutered male, obviously we were wrong. As soon as she has finished nursing them we shall have her spayed."

The camera cuts again, this time to a wash bay where a bay horse stands in its cross ties. Damian stands next to the large animal, detangling the horses main with a large comb. "This is my arabian stud colt, عاصي (Asi). He is two years old, and was a gift from my mother. His dam, mother, was a favorite of mine growing up. My mother had her bred with me in mind. I intend to back him, and have him trained in endurance. His temperment is good, and I do aprove of his cobfirmation so dependingon how his training and endurancecareer go I may have him remain intact or choose to geld him in the future."

"We have a pair of quarter horses mixes back at ma and pa's, but there more pasture ornaments than anything else " A voice from behind the camera pipes.

"Horses are herd animals. Admittedly, Asi's stay here is currently only accompanied by Batcow, whom we shall visit shortly. I do, however, have plans to rectify this for both of them in the near future."

"Does your dad know about your plans for more animals?" A different voice than before adding to the moment.

Damian gave a sharp smile, face only just looking towards the camera away from the horse, "You're assuming father even knows about Asi."

A camera cuts again.

The camera zooms in as Damian's face a few small pink rubber bands held between as his teeth, a slight shift of the camera shows him braiding the horses main.

The camera cut again.

Seemingly in the pasture now, Damian stands in front of a large brown and white cow.

The very Gotham accent from just before could be heard, "Who's this?"

"This lady is Batcow. She is a Hereford, she was saved from a slaughter house, and it was shortly after she was brought here that I choose to pursue vegetari-" A rush of barks was heard before a series of barks came running behind Batcow.

The camera zoomed in to a horse of a dog with a stick somehow longer than the dog in his mouth, quickly fallowed by a German Shepard, the source of the barking. "Aaaaand there goes Titus and Ace." The very not Gotham voice added, though there did seem to be a laugh also from behind the camera.

The camera cut to what appeared to be behind the barn, camera tilted up to focus on the roof of the barn where a turkey could be seen. The camera zoomed out to show Damian standing arms crossed. He turned back to the camera, "My turkey Jerry." A zoom in on the turckey in question.

"Why is he on the roof?"

"He's a turkey." The statement of non Gothamite, with a tone of absolute certainty.

"He is a turkey." Damian nodded.

The camera cut.

Damian looked down at the camera as whoever was carrying it seemed to be making their way up a later to join him. "We must be quiet. He is sleeping."

The camera peaked up over the second story of the building they were in, a layer of straw covered the floor and a flash of red before the camera seemed to tumble down a smidge.

"DAMIAN WHAT THE HELL IS THAT THING?"

"You didn't warn Colin about Goliath?"

"Shhhh. He is a demon bat. He sleeps during the day. Now come, get up here. Besides you have nothing to fear, he is only a threat if I command him to be." The camera seemed to shake as it made its way over the edge of the flooring.

"That is not reassuring Damian."

There the camera gave a clear view of what the camera only barely captured before. There Damian was seen squatting in front of a blur of red, back turned toward the camera as he seemed to be slowly petting massive pointed fluffy ears. Beyond the sight of Damian on either side were stretched out red leathery wings, entire cushioned by a bed of straw. Adjusting his position, Damian moved to sit fully on the floor, legs crossed, and he moved the beasts, snoring head to rest on his legs. He had the face of a massive bat, with a shortened snout that had a bull ring through its nose. He looked toward the camera, rolling his eyes and making a come closer motion with his hand. With a shaking hold, the camera seemed to come just a small bit closer.

"As many of you may or may not be aware of, my father funds a large portion of the justice league, providing accesses to the necessary tools and information that the superhero's of our world often need. It is because of this connection that I was graciously asked to take part in the care of Goliath."

"Robin found him during one of his adventures and he entrusted his care onto myself and my family, knowing we had the funds and resources necessary and specific to care for him. " Staring down at the beast resting on his lap, with a soft smile that seemed to only be for his animals he spoke softly. "I am quite blessed to have him, and my other animals in my life. Thank you for joining me and my friends for my take on sharing what my life has blessedly provided me with."

The camera cut.

This post is inspired by a similar one that i can't find but it specifically talks about Damian with a horse lol. If someone finds it please link in comments :)

[tacoma-narrows]

Let's Get Back! presents the Shockwaves Tour!

[Disclaimer, this is not a real tour, this is just for fun lol]

AAA I have wanted to make a mockup of what a Let's Get Back! tour poster would look like for months now and I finally got enough an idea nailed down to make something!!

This was a super fun project to make!! I'd wanted to do some drawovers of some still shots from the music video for Beat Crusaders and Tropical Gorilla's song Droog In A Slum (the original pics will be below the cut) because I thought they really conveyed the sort of "action shots" I guess that would come from a band being on tour lol. With the originals being black and white as well, I wanted to see how that looked on my guys and I think they look pretty cool hehe

As you can also see, Let's Get Back! is not the only act on this tour! They're joined by Deadmeat as the opening act! Deadmeat is a band made up of @macaronichewtoyz's OCs and drawing my OC band collabing with a friend's OC band is something I've also wanted to do forever :3 If anyone else has an OC band (I know at least one or two more hehe) they will have a LGB! collab at some point !!

In terms of the tour locations, I didn't wanna assign dates to it bc that would have been WAY to complicated for the scope of this project, but in terms of locations, I tried to hit up areas relatively close to where my friends and mutuals live so they'd be able to see the show if it were an actual thing :3

Lots more goodies below the cut! Closeups on all the pieces in the poster, the logo, the original images that I drew over for the LGB! pics, etc.!

Hope you guys like this one!! Is LGB! coming to a city near you? Would you go and see them if they were? :3c

Closeups on all the LGB! pieces here! I rlly had a good time with these! Very much enjoyed the posing on PB and Rye's especially :]

Headshots of the members of Deadmeat! Requiem [she/it], Priscilla [she/her] and Brae [he/him]! Again, owned by @/macaronichewtoyz :3 Lots of things I've never (or only once or twice) drawn before with these three that was fun to work with! I am sure u will see a more dedicated Deadmeat piece from me in the future hehe

Here's the logo for the tour! I chose the name the Shockwaves Tour bc A) LGB! is out there making waves in their music scene, shaking things up, B) it ties in with their BLAST! album from earlier this year, C) it just sounds rlly cool as a name, and D) yes it also connects to the show Shockwave which is a subset of a special interest of mine lol. I was rlly happy with this logo tho! The perspective on it especially hehe

And then lastly, here are the pics from the Droog In A Slum music video that I based the pieces for the LGB! guys on :]

[ssweeterthanfiction]

teenage dream.

content warning: ANGST billy dunne/the six x fem “traitor” pop-star reader

The lights were dimmed. You could hear the excited cheers come from the crowd.

You were being touched up by your hair and makeup team, they made sure that not a single hair was out of place. When they were done, you adjusted your ear piece, smoothed out your skirt, and nervously played with your hands as you waited for your cue. You were having a good show, but for some reason, you felt….nervous. You always felt a little nervous performing, but tonight you felt it even more.

Something felt different. You felt like something— or someone was in the crowd for you, waiting, watching.

You shook your head, brushing the feeling aside.

“You’re on” you hear a stagehand say.

Smoothing out your skirt one last time, you step out onto the stage. A soft purple glow fills the arena as you walked out. You smile and wave to the crowd, blowing a few kisses out as you sit at your piano.

“Are we having fun yet?” you say into the microphone. You’re met with a loud roar of cheers and applause which makes you smile. “Good…good” you say, idly playing a few notes on the piano.

“So…this next song, I wrote with my younger self in mind…” you say softly into the microphone, “Now she…was full of hope and energy…but she was also…had insecurities, she was afraid she wasn’t good enough and that she was just good for her age. She was afraid to grow up, because she thought that nobody would want her around anymore.”

You pause for a moment, “For a long time, she couldn’t picture a future. But…she’s come a long way from then. I think she’d be proud of how far we’ve come.” you say, smiling as the crowd cheers. “So to anyone who’s afraid…this is for you.”

As you started playing, the empty screen behind you flickered to life, pulling the audience’s attention as a series of home videos started playing.

You fought back tears as you sang. Memories of the past flooded your mind.

"Will I spend all the rest of my years wishing I could go back?"

Messing around with Warren and Graham during rehearsals in the garage.

Talking with Karen about life during late night studio sessions.

Eddie teaching you how to play the bass.

And Billy....

Having every first with him. Your first crush, your date, your first kiss. All with the boy that you grew up next door neighbors with, with the boy that introduced you to music, with the boy that you've liked since you were 12.

"Got your whole life ahead of you, you're only 19...But I fear that they already got all the best parts of me... And I'm sorry that I couldn't always be your teenage dream.."

You wondered what they were doing right now. You wondered if they were messing around in the studio. You wondered if they were having pizza and beers. "Of course they are," you thought, it was a Friday night afterall, that was their time to unwind.

You wondered if Karen and Graham were still denying their feelings for eachother. You wondered if Warren still told those ridiculous stories that made everyone laugh so hard they cried, You wondered if Eddie still tried to hide the fact that he loves the chaos of the band.

You wondered if Billy was taking care of himself.

You wondered if they wondered about you.

"They all say that it gets better, it gets better the more you grow. Yeah, they all say that it gets better, it gets better, but what if I don't? Oh, they all say that it gets better, it gets better the more you grow"

Unbeknownst to you, the band wasn’t in the studio tonight. They weren't eating pizza and drinking beers.

They were here.

Sitting quietly near the back of the arena, watching as you poured your heart out on stage.

Karen had bought the tickets last minute. When she told the band, they weren't keen on going, but they changed their minds fairly quickly.

None of them wanted to admit that they wanted to desperately see you perform on stage again. Even if it wasn't with them.

Their eyes were glued to the stage and the screen. Watching as old clips from your old camcorder played.

"I can't believe she has all these old tapes.." Karen says in a quiet tone.

"I didn't even know she filmed this much stuff" Graham murmurs.

"I can...that camera was practically glued to her hand" Eddie says, crossing his arms across his chest.

They all kept watching the screen, clips of their rehearsals, their hangouts, of them backstage, of them preparing for photoshoots and interviews.

"She’s still her, you know," Warren says softly, his gaze fixed on you. "No matter what, that’s still our girl up there."

Everyone nodded and let out a soft hum of agreement. Everyone, except Billy.

He had been quiet the whole time, his jaw clenched, his nails digging into the palms of his hands. He was trying not to breakdown. But the way you sang, the way that your emotions could be heard through your voice, it made it so hard for him.

Your voice got more powerful, more emotional. You played your piano with more urgency, as if you were letting your anger and sadness out.

"Yeah, they all say that it gets better, it gets better, but what if I don't?"

Your playing went back to a softer sound, and then everything went dark. Everything but the screen.

When the band saw what was playing, it felt like a stab to the heart.

It was a clip of you all seeing your names up on the marquee of Whiskey a Go Go.

It showed as you all excitedly walked down the street, Warren and Graham bolting the moment they could make out what the sign said.

"Guys slow down!" you say as you and the others run towards them.

"Look at that! That's us!" Warren shouts happily, pointing at the sign.

You all laugh and talk over each other. Suddenly, Billy grabs the camera from your hand.

"Billy- Billy! What are you doing?" you say as you laugh.

"You're always filming us...now it's your turn to be in front of it!" he says as he points the camera towards you.

You laugh and playfully swat the camera away as you cover your face.

"So, come on. Tell the camera what's next for us" he says laughing behind the camera.

You smile widely and laugh, "First...Whiskey a Go Go. Next a world tour and then...a grammy!"

The tape then faded, your laughter still ringing through the speakers.

The crowd erupted into applause.

You were now crying, not full out, but tears did fall from your eyes. You took out your ear pieces and stood in shock as you heard the volume of how loudly the crowd was cheering for you.

You wiped at your tears, laughing softly into the microphone. "Wow," you say, your voice breaking a little "You guys are amazing..." You stood back for a moment, just to take everything in.

As the lights shifted, your eyes instinctively scanned the seats, smiling as you saw all your fans cheering. For a brief moment, you thought you saw familiar faces near the back.

The lights shifted again, and the faces became indistinct shadows, leaving you wondering if your imagination had gotten the better of you.

But deep down, you had a feeling that those familiar faces were in fact real.

A/N: "traitor" popstar reader, you will always be my favorite.

[xiaosonlybeloved]

Forever Together~ Kaeya

featuring:- Kaeya tags:-fluff, a teeny bit of angst if you squint, semi-modern au(?), soulmate au where you get a golden band on your 18th birthday which changes into a silver bracelet like thingy when you properly meet your soulmate, kaeya calls you princess once a/n:- this is my entry for the summer santa event by @solarisfortuneia , thanks for letting me take part and sorry for being so late! this one is dedicated to @satoruxx i hope both you and mika like this :)

word count:- 1.3k

masterlist

You grow more excited as the clock nears midnight. “Only five more minutes, Kaeya!” You exclaim, tugging his hand and pointing at the clock. Your childhood best friend shakes his head, amused at your unusual excitement. “You’re really that excited just for your soulmate band? How funny. I mean, you’ve always been a soft romantic, so I’m not really surprised.” He chuckled, the sound filling your room. Both of you glance towards the golden band already present on Kaeya’s wrist, showing that he hadn’t met his soulmate yet. It had appeared, as it always does for everyone, on his 18th birthday. 

None of you said it, none of you knew the other was thinking the same thing. But both of you wondered, if… If you two could possibly be each other’s soulmates.

Both of you had harboured feelings for each other since you were children. It was cute at first. But then as time passed, as you two started to notice each other more, grow up side by side, saw all sides of each other, that harmless puppy love started growing into ‘small’ crushes, even as you two were content to remain best friends. Best friends who were practically attached at the hip, frequently did sleepovers and study sessions, hung out a lot, and always took advantage of the couples discount system. Deep down, both of you wondered if you could ever be more.

The chance of Kaeya being your soulmate was a one in a thousand. So, what harm did it do to imagine the what-ifs of a nearly impossible situation, you both thought, allowing your minds to wander.

The thought of being Kaeya’s soulmate excited you. But it scared Kaeya. 

It wouldn’t be easy to love you officially. It’s not because he couldn’t or didn’t want to. He had no idea what the future would bring, but for now, he really did love you, the way you did. But he was terrified what a relationship would bring, not just to you, but to any possible partner of his, which is why he wanted to avoid meeting his soulmate. He wasn’t sure if he’d be able to maintain a relationship with his ways. And he was scared of his past.

Kaeya and his dad had fled from their home nation, Khaenriah, when it was on the brink of utter ruin because of the wars that had ravaged the world. Fled to Mondstadt, a stable country with abundant beauty, one that had already risen up after the war. There, his father had disappeared, leaving him with a caring adoptive family. 

It had been hard for him to adjust and adapt to this new life, especially since he had just been a mere child when all this happened. And he wouldn’t have been able to, if not for you.

You were his neighbour- still are, in fact. He remembered when he’d timidly ventured out into the gardens of his new house a few days after his life had been uprooted. You had noticed him wandering alone very quickly from your own garden, tugging at your mom’s hand to point at him. He’d been scared then, but then you ran ever to him, eyes sparkling, asking him if he was new here, and if he wanted to play with them, adding that their family were very good friends with his new family.

That was the beginning of their friendship, the one that had led them here, staring at the clock at night, waiting for it to strike twelve. And Kaeya was scared, scared because he’d heard many rumours of whatever remained of the Khaenri’ans searching. Searching for what, he didn’t know. Maybe it wasn’t even real. 

But he was still afraid of the possibilities.

And yet, a part of him wished to love you freely, without fear, be with you, be your soulmate. 

The internal conflict was tearing him apart.

The clock struck twelve, signifying the start of your birthday.

You grinned excitedly, holding up your hand, on which a golden band had materialised. But then both your eyes widened, as it turned silver, before reshaping into a swirling silver pattern, almost like a bracelet, with a half heart in the middle. 

The same happened to Kaeya’s band, the formerly gold band having changed into a silver bracelet, same as yours, with the other half of the heart.

It was confirmed- you two were soulmates.

You two stared at each other, eyes wide and confused. It was silent in the room for a while, as you two let the fact sink in.

I suppose it was to be expected, after all, you two had stuck with each other from the moment you met.

A part of you was incredibly happy, now that you didn’t have to hide your feelings any more. However, another part of you was worried for Kaeya and how he’d take this. I mean, what sort of best friends- soulmates- would you two be, if you didn’t know each others’ deepest fears? You knew what he was afraid of. And you didn’t blame him for it in any way whatsoever.

You were the first to speak up, gently taking both his hands in yours. Something you had done a thousand times before, and yet, it felt different this time. “You alright, Kaeya?”

He slowly nodded, eyes staring off. You understood his internal turmoil and the fact that he’d need time, and didn’t press him. “Do you need space?” you asked softly. “To process this? I don’t mind if you do.” Finally he looked at you. There were a multitude of emotions swirling in those beautiful periwinkle eyes of his- confusion, surprise, shock, fear, and more, as they met yours. “You won’t be upset?” He asked quietly. You shook your head almost immediately. “No, Kae, I won’t. I understand why.” You said reassuringly, squeezing his hands with yours to reaffirm your statement. 

“I’ll see you later then..?Once I’ve sorted everything out?” “Sure, take as much time as you want, don’t rush, I’m always here for you, ‘kay? Now let me drop you off home.” You smiled at him.

The next evening, Kaeya texts you to meet him in your regular meeting spot- the swings in the park next to your houses. On text, he sounded like he’d made up his mind, causing you to be a bit nervous as you headed over, albeit a bit early.

You were just swinging gently, lost in your thoughts, when Kaeya walks up to you. He seems to be holding something behind his back, as you look at him curiously. “You alright now?” You question. “Yup.” he grinned back, that easygoing, charming smile that was reserved specifically for you back on his pretty face. “Got everything figured out now, and I have something for you too.” He smiles, bringing out the gift-wrapped package he had been holding behind his back. You chuckle, relieved, as you quickly open it. You stop short when you see what it is that he has given you.

“Forgot to say this, but happy birthday, [Y/N].” He said softly, bending down a bit to take the beautiful silver necklace that had your engraved to put it around your neck. “There.” he said, leaning back to admire you. “Now it matched with our bracelets.” He added, his words meaningful.

This was his way of giving you confirmation. “Let’s give this thing a try, huh? After all, if anything ever happens, I’ll be here to protect my beloved princess, won’t I?” He smirked at his successful attempt to make you flustered as he pulled you up from the swing, holding one of your hands gently in his.

[flyingwargle]

flufftober day 4: market day

amagasaki is home to several indoor and outdoor markets that appeal to different audiences. the indoor market attracts artisans and small businesses that produce household items, jewelry, and crafts. the outdoor market is where independent grocers, farmers, and most food trucks congregate, occupying parks wreathed in autumn colors, accompanied by music from local artists and bands.

osamu borrowed everything for his booth. the tent is from inarizaki’s volleyball club. the metal trays are on loan from his old home economics teacher. the folding tables are from aran, the cash box and chalk sandwich board from omimi. the disposable plastic gloves, napkins, and takeout bags are from kita. the truck that he used to transport everything is from his uncle.

it’s only his onigiri that belong to him.

he opens the tent, sets up the tables. he slides the trays of onigiri into the transparent food displays, stickers already in place with the price and filling. he places the cashbox beside it, along with a stack of business cards, which only has his name, phone number, email, and ig. the storefront will come in the near future.

atsumu joins him after he’s set everything up and takes a piece of chalk to draw on the sandwich board. in uneven letters, he scrawls onigiri miya and doodles onigiri in the corners. he takes a handful of flyers that osamu printed with the available flavors, and atsumu starts walking around to distribute them. the morning is still young; business will pick up, hopefully.

“hey, osamu! nice booth ya got here.”

his smile widens at the pair of familiar faces. “aran! kita-san! good morning!”

aran waves, and kita nods. “how’s business so far?” aran asks.

“the market just opened, so i haven’t sold anythin’.” he gestures at the empty park. “’tsumu is walkin’ ‘round ta advertise.”

kita picks up several flyers. “i can take a handful ta bring back ta the farm an’ distribute ta the neighbors.”

“oh, same here. my team is nowhere nearby, but it helps ta spread the word, yeah?” aran does the same, tucking them under his arm. “well, i should show some patronage. i’ll take a tuna mayo, please.”

“konbu fer me, please,” kita adds.

osamu packs their orders, deposits their change into the cashbox. “thank ya both. will y’all check out the rest o’ the market?”

“of course. we’ll come back ta say bye when we leave.” aran steps away, giving him a final nod of encouragement. "good luck!”

he sells a few onigiri, and atsumu returns to deposit the remaining flyers in hand. “didja see aran an’ kita-san?” osamu asks him.

“yeah, i saw ‘em walkin’ round. i saw akagi an’ omimi-san too, they said they’ll come by.”

as if he summoned them, their upperclassmen arrive. “look at ya, osamu,” akagi says, slightly teary-eyed. “workin’ on the other side o’ the counter fer once.”

omimi rolls his eyes, although his expression is soft. “shinsuke gave us a glowin’ review. can we get one o’ everythin’?”

“thank ya both, akagi-san, omimi-san,” osamu says, beaming as he packs their orders. “i hope ya’ll enjoy ‘em.”

“ya better,” atsumu adds. “that’s yer kouhai’s cookin’ yer ‘bout ta eat.”

“i’mma enjoy the hell outta ‘em,” akagi reassures him. “if ya aren’t sold out by the end o’ the day, i’ll come back an’ buy the rest.”

the height of the afternoon approaches, and the crowd thickens. atsumu, after a brief phone break, goes back out to advertise, and osamu continues to sell a few more. a small line forms but quickly dissipates, and he’s left with another pair of familiar faces. “gin! kosaku! yer back in town?”

“we came ta support ya!” ginjima knocks his fist against his. “it’s yer first gig at the market, yeah? it better not be yer last.”

osamu shakes his head. “i’m gonna be at two others after this. gotta balance it with work.”

“which restaurant are ya at?” kosaku asks. “are ya still at the teppanyaki place?”

“nah, the owner recommended me ta his colleague’s kaiseki restaurant. it’s been hard, but i finally got on his good side. good thing, or i woulda had ta work today.”

“hey, guys!” atsumu returns, empty-handed, knocking fists with their friends. “ya’ll came back just ta support ‘samu?”

“obviously. we gotta support, ya know?” ginjima’s eyes gleam as he takes his wallet out. “i’ll take a negitoro onigiri.”

“i’ll take bonito flakes,” kosaku adds.

the onigiri steadily decrease from the trays. business is steady, with many eager to support him online or await his physical shop. for now, they’ll have to contend with his appearances at various markets in town, until he’s able to expand further out.

“tsum-tsum! so this is where you’ve been!”

atsumu straightens from behind, stepping next to his twin at the owl-haired young man and his dark-haired companion with glasses. “bokkun, keiji-kun! nice of ya’ll ta come by.” to his brother, he introduces them. “bokuto koutarou, my teammate, and akaashi keiji, his friend.”

“it’s nice to meet you, mya-saam!” bokuto says cheerfully. “your onigiri look amazing! i could buy all of them!”

“please don’t, bokuto-san. you don’t have enough luggage space for all of that.”

“oh, that’s true! okay, i’ll take your last mentaiko and one salmon!”

“i’ll get salmon, please,” akaashi adds. “i wish your business the best of luck, miya-san.”

osamu hands them over. “thank ya. yer support means a lot ta me.”

meian, atsumu’s captain, also stops by, along with inunaki, barnes, and adriah. atsumu converses with them while osamu bags their orders, dwindling his stock further. there’s still an hour until the market ends, with three onigiri left. he wonders who’ll take the last of them.

his answer comes as soon as his brother’s teammates leave, replaced with another trio, this time led by a familiar face. “hey.” suna has his hands in his pockets, a smile on his face. “hope we’re not too late?”

“so this is the humble beginning of an empire, huh?” his companion asks. “i’m lucky to be part of it.” there’s another person lurking behind him, and atsumu immediately singles him out.

“ya lied ta me, omi! ya said ya wouldn’t come by!” atsumu shouts.

sakusa glowers at him, the lower half of his face hidden behind his face. “it wasn’t a lie. i was brought here against my will because of motoya.”

“we have to show our support! it isn’t every day that a new onigiri restaurant is in the works,” his cousin insists. “we came just in time to snag the last three!”

it’s easy for them to decide who gets what: sakusa gets umeboshi, komori with kombu, and suna with tuna mayo. osamu slides his gloves off, satisfied that he’s sold out.

they stay to help him dismantle the stall, and promise to meet with the twins for dinner after. atsumu loads everything into the truck and climbs into the passenger seat beside osamu, clicking his seatbelt on. “that was a pretty good first day, yeah?” he says. “just wait ‘till ya get yer storefront. the line will go fer blocks.”

osamu smiles, inserting the key into the ignition. it’s so easy to imagine it, to envision the happy customers with his onigiri in hand, to visualize a full house. “i can’t wait, either. thanks fer yer help, ‘tsumu.”

“any time, ‘samu.” they knock against each other’s fists.

[the-samsquantch]

The Garden in Which we Lie

Pairing - Astarion x Tav (Juniper Callendula)

Summary - In the aftermath of the fall of the Netherbrain, Astarion abandons June out of a mixture of fear and shame.

Three years later, he finally summons the courage to see her again to fix what was broken.

However, in confronting their old feelings, they must face an old enemy who they once thought were long dead.

Warnings: Topics of abandonment, angst, Astarion is going into his second flop era.

Part 1: The Choices We Make

Read here on Ao3

The sun felt so intense, painful.

To think that there was semblance of hope that Astarion could ever permanently walk in the sun again was now nothing more than a distasteful joke. The spawn scrambled to find a temporary safe haven, any semblance of shade or shadow would be enough.

Their merry band had all agreed that the Netherbrain had to be destroyed, to be rid of their tadpoles and stop the plot of the absolute from coming to fruition.

They'd done it, but not without some bittersweet consequences. Astarion could feel the painful sting of the sun's burn biting at his skin like ants. Finally, he spotted a place with enough shade to keep him protected from the sun's rays.

Fear coursed through Astarion in waves, he was trying so hard not to feel like some vulnerable lamb, ripe for slaughter.

The elf had hoped that he'd never have to experience this sensation ever again after they killed Cazador, but with the sun beating down on him once more, that familiar sense of unwelcome vulnerability wracked his body.

He tried to think of things that calmed him, his mind immediately going to his lover. The image of Juniper appeared in his mind, with her kind smile, her bell-like laughter and her sweet nature.

What should have given him comfort only twisted at his heart. It seemed like their time together while they searched for a cure for their tadpoles seemed like a dream now.

Why would he ever think that a relationship with her would ever work? Why the hell did he have to fall for her?! What had originally been a plan to seduce her into helping him destroy his master had clearly spiraled out of control.

Astarion rested his head against a ship crate, doubt and self hate taking over his mind.

Juniper deserved better than him, she deserved a good life where she could continue to nurture through her hands and her kind words. He'd only hold her back if he stayed.

What was that stupid saying people often brought up? "If you love something let it go?".

He would wait until nightfall, though the notion of stepping away from this relationship filled him with a painful melancholy. He wanted to be with her, to hold her. To show her the same tenderness and patience that she had shown him.

The memory of their talk on his grave, the promise that they'd face everything together, that their future was theirs to create. What a hopeful notion, a naive one too.

Astarion couldn't believe that he had become so blind from his feelings. He was a monster, it was in his nature to take until there was nothing left. Juniper created, nurtured. Surely two opposites were not meant to be together.

Night eventually came, and Astarion was finally able to move from the confines of the shadows. If he wagered a guess, the allies that stayed in the aftermath of the brain were holding up in the Elfsong, either recovering, maybe celebrating...If he went back now, they'd think that he was there to stay. So, he waited until the night drew on, long enough that most would be in their beds.

Astarion was more than familiar with the sight of near quiet city streets, the warm yellow shining out from homes slowly snuffed out as people settled down to rest, the only ones out now were too drunk to notice him.

By the time Astarion arrived at the Elfsong, he could see through the windows that while candles were still burning, the bar keep was nowhere to be found, and patrons had settled into their rooms.

A lump formed in his throat. Was he really doing this? He really going to step away from the one good thing he had?

As Astarion stepped into the building, his resolve began to waver, the idea of slipping into bed with June was becoming more and more appealing as he went up the steps and made his way to their shared room.

Seeing June at rest gave Astarion a sense of relief, she was alive and well. Though there was an ache in his chest too.

Despite how peaceful she looked, he noted the bags under her eyes, and for a moment, her expression twisted into worry. Was she thinking of him? He had run off in a hurry, and he knew that she probably went out to find him herself, despite her own injuries. Her face settled again, and for a small moment, a feeling of warmth filled the spawns body.

Juniper was a beautiful sight, with her long black locks pooling around her, the look of peace settling nicely into her features. She had a face that could make beasts kneel with just a simple smile and a kind word. Gods know, she managed to tame him with it.

There was a part of himself that was begging to stay, to undress and slip back into bed so that he could hold her close, whisper sweet nothings and praises into her ear while she slept until the sun came up.

But the sun was part of the problem, wasn't it? How long would she stay happy with him? How long until she realized that he held her back?

"It'll be better this way" he thought to himself. Astarion forced his eyes away from her sleeping figure, turning his attention to his pack. Everything had been packed already, they were constantly on the move after all.

Quietly, the rogue padded toward his bag, the floor not even uttering the smallest of creaks and groans as he grabbed it.

As Astarion turned to face the door again, his eyes wandered back to June. Hearing her breath and feeling the warmth of her skin had become a bit of a reassurance for him, a reminder that she was alive.

The pale elf began to walk toward the door, though he had gotten sloppy.

The groan of the floor boards caused Astarion to freeze in spot, panic racing down his spine as he whipped his head toward her. Juniper wouldn't forgive him for this, especially if she caught him, he held his breath.

Silence hung over the air, anticipation holding the vampire by the throat as he waited for any sign that his lover was awake. She simply turned onto her side, pulling the blanket higher up her chest.

Astarion felt his shoulders slouch in relief for a few moments, only for a fresh wave of shame came over him.

This was a terrible idea, he was going to break her heart and she deserved a better break up than this.

"Why in the hells are you still thinking about this?! Just go! You've made up your mind haven't you?!" This was the moment of no return, and if he had seen reason, he would have simply crawled back into bed.

"Goodbye my sweet" he whispered softly, his face falling into a melancholic longing. With that, the vampire forced himself to pivot back toward exit, slipping out without a sound.

Closing the door with care, Astarion began to pad softly down the stairs, only to be greeted by Shadowheart at the bottom of the stairs.

"In a hurry are we?" there was an edge to her tone, one that he hadn't heard since she deserted Shar.

Unfortunately for him, he froze, unable to make a comeback to the cleric's piercing words, her glare felt like that of a disapproving older sister.

"It's better this way," he whispered. Shadowheart raised an eyebrow, she was having a very hard time believing that. She'd witnessed how June had thawed his icy exterior. Their leader had an uncanny ability to see the good in others and bring it out, given what happened with her in the gauntlet of Shar.

Before meeting Juniper, Shadowheart had never dreamed that she'd give up her ambition of being a dark Justiciar, let alone turning her back on Shar.

"Are you sure about that Astarion? Because you and I both know what's going to happen if you leave her". Juniper was a kind soul, a caring soul, and for Astarion to leave out of nowhere? That kind of loss could break a person.

Shadowheart watched as he shifted, as if he was trying to summon that false confidence that he so often relied on.

"You don't understand! She can walk in the sun! She can make something out of nothing from the fucking dirt!" his whispers were angry, hushed as if he was trying to keep his voice down.

Shadowheart crossed her arms and stepped toward the pale elf, the fury on her face was palpable.

After everything they've just gone through, Shadowheart couldn't help but be angry on her friend's behalf. They were both so saccharine together that it almost made her gag of course, but she saw that they were happy. Shadowheart was even convinced that nothing like this would happen between the two of them. But she guessed, there were just some things that you couldn't take out of the rogue.

"Do you really want to cut things off with her? Are you prepared to experience this kind of loss and the pain that goes with it?". Shadowheart knew what it was like to deny herself things that made her happy, Shar and her dogma played a big part in that.

To see her friend slide back into behavior like this made her frustrated, and the venomous irritability that was written across his face meant that she had struck a nerve.

"Please, none of you know what I want," he spat. Shadowheart scoffed at that, she had a feeling that he didn't know either at this point. Her reaction only made the vampire more angry.

"I know that you love her, and I know that you know that if you leave, you're going to hurt her". 

And her, Gale, Halsin and Jaheira would be the ones to help her pick up the pieces.

Astarion couldn't keep this up for much longer.

"Are you done trying to stop me? Because, you're wasting my time" he was finally able to summon his false visage.

Shadowheart let out a disappointed sigh through her nose, it seemed like he had already made up his mind. She watched as he made his way to the front door, his back turned to her. He paused, almost as if he was lingering on a thought before forcing himself to push past the tavern's threshold.

She felt her eyes linger on the door for a few moments before slumping her shoulders. Tomorrow morning would bring a new chapter, as the story of the absolute had come to an end. And this new beginning would start with the crying of a young woman who'll suffer from a broken heart.

______________________________________________________________

Howdy! Its nice to meet ya'll, I hope you enjoyed this first chapter. This is actually the first time I've posted any of my written work on here soooooo please be nice. This is a project I've been working on since July and I decided to finally share this piece of work on here. So heres to taking the plunge.

On that note, its hilarious how many bg3 Tavs are named Juniper, theres like? Three of them?

My Tav is very near and dear to me because she was originally meant for a DND campaign that didn't come to pass, and I wound up recycling her into an Owl House OC until I played Baldurs Gate 3. Shes one of my most developed characters and I'm excited to show her to you guys.

I appreciate reblogs, hearts anc comments, I love hearing from you guys. And I'll probably be posting these chapters weekly until I'm caught up with what I've written on Ao3.

Thanks again to Minamishimadahime for beta reading!

Toodles!~

[spaceboid]

BANNER ART by (@/offbeat03).ᐟ

Hey-hey, I'm Cosmic/Boid And welcome to my little corner of the galaxy aka this Extra-Terrestrial Tumblr.ᐟ

I'm an Enby Avian (They/Them/Theirs) and a proud member of LGBTQ+ family. You'll find all sorts of stuff from all my interests alongside an assortment of art/animations from yours truly.ᐟ

If you want to find me across other parts of the Social Solar System, take a gander here.ᐟ — Please refrain from posting/sharing my work on other platforms, thank you.

Fancy having a chat or have a question.ᐣ — The askbox has its hailing frequencies on and is ready to receive whatever you have to ask yours truly.

Below the cut are some featured tags that may peak your interest.ᐟ

ART ONLY — Like it says on the tin, this is to take a look at all the art done by yours truly, if you fancy looking into all the avian's art.ᐟ

OC TAG — If you're a fan of Cosmic's Characters, this is the stop for you.ᐟ Here you can look at any/all posts that feature my characters from tidbits to art.ᐟ

TF:REIGNITON — TRANSFORM AND ROLL OUT.ᐟ this is for a little AU I've been working on called Transformers: Reigition and this is the tag to find all things relating to it.ᐟ

WELCOME TO WOODCREEK — Best Friends, Best Adventures; Here's a tag for my original series that I've developed for sometime that I'm so happy to share with you all called, 'Welcome To WoodCreek' a small series about a small town with some BIG mysterious/legends to be uncoverd by two best friends.ᐟ

TTTE: BACK ON TRACK.ᐟ — All aboard for a brand-new Thomas & Friends AU, this is a tag to see all things relating to a our own special reinvention of TTTE that's being developed by myself and my good friend @ronbrazy.ᐟ There's nothing quite like it.

TO THE STARS.ᐟ — It's a big galaxy that's awaiting to be explored, this is a tag for another small series I'm working on called TO THE STARS.ᐟ Which might just be a way for me to show my love for all things sci-fi and space.ᐟ

THE SPECTACULAR ARACHKID — Keeping the neighbourhood friendly is the one and only ARACHKID.ᐟ A Spider-Son AU for the one and only Amazing Spider-Man and way to show my love for a spider-themed superhero.ᐟ

RIVALS OF ROCK — Get ready to ROCK with an upcoming band known as CMYK that have to ROCK TO THE TOP and battle various bands from demons to ghouls all to show why they are the best of the best.ᐟ

—⋆★⋆—

QUASAR QUESTIONS — Have questions.ᐣ This is the tag for all the answers.ᐟ

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SHOP UPDATES — This is a special stop to get all the updates on for The Interstellar Art-store.ᐟ Maybe even with a sneak peak at what's coming to it too in the near future..

COSMIC RAMBLES — A little tag for all kinds of rambles from the bird themself, may contain; squacking, tweeting, various other bird-sounds.

—⋆★⋆—

All posts will be tagged accordingly too, from fandom to interest or anything of the sort, hope you enjoy your stay and have a great day.ᐟ

[that-annoying-ass-hellspaw]

Let's do it

Despite being on Tumblr for...well, quite a while...for reasons, I'm am completely lost in terms of actually posting anything. But here we go- motivation finally hit- and I'm truly hoping I might make something out of this. So not to make this longer than it should be:

Hello, whoever may be reading this! It's my first time posting, so I'm just gonna make a list of everything that interests me and about what I will probably post in the near future. Before I get to that I just want to apologize about my english which at times may not be the best since it isn't my first languange. Now, let's list it all down.

MOVIES/TV SHOWS

Marvel (MCU, FOX (I know they're technically the same now but yeah), some comics)

The Walking Dead (main show, comics, Dead City, Daryl Dixon, The Ones Who Live)

Transformers (Bayverse, Knightverse, Prime, Cyberverse, IDW comics)

Sherlock (BBC, Warner Bros., Granada, books)

Supernatural (until season 6)

Good Omens (tv show, book)

Twin Peaks

Pirates of the Caribbean

Horror movies (A Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream, Child's Play, Alien...)

Classics (Fight Club, Seven, anything Tarantino's, Back to the Future...)

Mad Max (all movies)

Tim Burton (pretty much all movies)

Twilight (that's just for laughs...not it isn't)

Malcolm in the Middle

Monty Python

Fawlty Towers

House MD

ANIMATED SHOWS/ANIME

Hellaverse (Helluva Boss, Hazbin Hotel)

Arcane

Haikyuu

The Seven Deadly Sins

Wolf's Rain

Cowboy Bebop

Attack on Titan

Redline

Hellsing (Gonzo, Ultimate, Ultimate Abridged)

Trigun (Trigun, Stampede)

Avatar: The Last Airbender (show, comics)

Lego Ninjago

BOOKS

Stephen King (It, The Shining, The Green Mile...)

Grishaverse

Psychological/horror/gore books (The Silent Patient, Lapvona, The Discomfort of Evening, Tender is the Flesh...)

VIDEOGAMES

Resident Evil (games, animated shows, animated movies)

Silent Hill

Tomb Raider

Uncharted

Genshin Impact

Call of Duty (remakes)

Horizon (both games)

The Last of Us

Devil May Cry (animated shows for now)

Ghost of Tsushima

The Arcana

Five Nights at Freddy's

MUSIC

Classic rock bands (AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Queen, Gun's Roses...)

Punk rock bands (Green Day, The Misfits, Ramones, The Offspring...)

Metal bands (Metallica, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Slipknot, System of a Down...)

Other (Ghost (are they actually metal or not? no idea), Lady Gaga, Pink, Roxette...)

OVERALL INTERESTS AND HOBBIES

Anything to do with philosophy or psychology- like count me in please. Theories about the universe? Yes please. After-death-scenario debates? Of course. Questioning one's own existence? All the time.

There's a lot of black humor and cursing involved with me- hence the love for Monty Python and similar. Am I being serious? God fucking knows.

Writing. Serious writing? As in- gonna publish a New York Times best seller writing? Not really, I'm not that disciplined. Random 3am fanfiction ideas tho? Yeah, I can work with that. So I would be posting anything it would probably have to do with some of that.

Drawing. When a writing idea comes up, an oc is comes up and then you gotta draw it, right?

Architecture. As a suffering architecture student I am expected to know something about that, so anything architecture or construction or urbanism related- I will probably be interested in it.

Cooking. Not exactly a hobby but you know, I'd like to try some interesting recipes.

COMMENT

I didn't write down every single little thing I've seen, or still watch or am interested in cause there's so much stuff. This is just to get the idea about what I'd be very delighted to talk about, write about, or comment on.

If we're talking fanfiction, for many of the mentioned fandoms I've already got some stuff, or ideas at least, written down and might post it I'll see some interest. If I am to start then it would be with the band Ghost since they're pretty popular right now and I've got a nice amount of content for them.

Well- I guess that's it. Thanks again to any accidental readers, and now- let's get to posting.

[allfillernothriller]

Yard Act (+ Murkage Dave + Folly Group) @ Les Nuits Botaniques, Brussels, Dream Job Tour, 28.04.24

[CW eyestrain: flashing lights]

Land of the Blind

What. A. Night. The acoustics? Terrible. Did they play Grifter's Grief and Petroleum like I expected they would? Nope. Am I disappointed? Not in the least. There's no way for me to assert one gig was better than the other. They were unique experiences and I'm so happy I went to both.

My favourite spot at any given concert is near the singer's mic but a little to the side so that I can get a good view of the bassist. As you can tell on the video, that's precisely where I was 🥰

10mins before the start of Murkage Dave's set, there was still only 12 of us inside, and man. That was heartbreaking to me (at least at first). I saw him get on stage and start his set fully focused like everything was normal, but it certainly didn't feel normal to me. Back in Paris, the venue was full from the moment they opened the doors. (Maybe cause this time was a festival?) Thankfully, people started to come in bit by bit and by his 4th song the tent was filled. But in the meantime I turned into a self-appointed hype man and cheered + sang along anytime I remembered lyrics from his set in Paris. He flashed me the biggest smile and that was my job done. I'll say, he killed it! He acts out some of his lyrics while singing them and I love how theatrical his presence on stage is. In the end, he told us that while we were 12 at first, he felt very welcomed by the fact that his performance attracted the rest of the audience inside. I'm glad it turned out to be a positive experience for him bc I was quite worried during the first 3 songs.

Folly Group was the best kind of slap in the face. You know me, I went without listening to anything first. That strategy has never failed me and I'm going to keep doing that until I die. They are so good?? Ridiculously good. I'm defo seeing them again some day, in a nebulous future.

Yard Act... They were magnificent. Beautiful people, beautiful show. They gave their all for the last one, the energy was electric! Daisy and Lauren went all out with the dance moves and I was so here for it! Love them, love the vibe they bring, it's the icing on the cake. I hope they'll stick with the band next tour (fingers crossed).

Now here come the fun parts.

James, James, James.

Dunno if any of you recall the post I made for the Paris gig, but basically he caught me singing along to the newest songs and went through a hilarious mix of emotions bc most ppl in attendance didn't know the lyrics yet. (It was at the very beginning of the EU tour, by the end of it more and more goers had had the time to memorise the lyrics.)

Well, this time I was front row and in his line of sight more often than not. So of course he noticed I was pit choiring (dunno if that's a thing but you know what I mean) during the 2nd song (Dead Horse), came to the edge of the stage right in front of me, crouched a little, looked me straight in the eye and basically sang the last verse with me. Thing is, he did it again during the next song (When the Laughter Stops) for the remaining half of the 2nd verse and from that point on, it turned into a game, sort of?

Land of the Blind was next, he gave me a pointed look from the mic stand at the very beginning of the 1st verse (to see if I'd start singing straight away I assume?), he didn't sing directly with me this time BUT mimed the 'magic trick' in front of me. (🥰)

Now for the real shenanigans. The following song was Fizzy Fish and it is my absolute favourite. However, there is a tricky part at the beginning of the song — a tongue-twister (and rather long at that). You prolly know where this is going. So, when I cheered obnoxiously at the first notes, he got a twinkle in his eye and a grin that spelled trouble and before I knew it, he was squatting in front of me, initiating the most intense eye contact I've received in years (eyes wide and intent, as he does), daring me to follow. And you best believe that I always mess up this part when singing in the comfort of my own home, and given the smug look James was giving me, he was 100% trying to trip me up. But I wasn't going to turn down a challenge from one of my favourite musicians, was I? Bc the other thing is, that lil stunt of his channelled my focus and I was able to sing through the tongue-twister for the 1st time thanks to him. He feigned annoyance and moved to the other side of the stage, and that was fucking hilarious. He came back at the very end though, and addressed the “keep your silly grin plastered accross your stupid fucking face” line to me. Love that man.

Oh, but we're not done. Next up was We Make Hits, and I believe that's their most popular one from the latest album. The crowd was extra responsive, and James tried to interact with as many people as possible. He still sang the first chorus with me, but the band (not just James) went and tripped *everyone* up on the 2nd one (took a longer pause between 2 lines basically), everybody in the crowd fell for it, except me. (I'm not psychic, their body language was easier to read from my pov.) I'm not gonna lie, I felt a tinge of pride.

James 'left' me alone for the next few songs (for one he was too hyper to stay put, and that would've been unfair to the rest of the audience if he gave attention only to me). But! He sang the tiniest bits of A Vineyard for the North and 100% Endurance with me and that meant the world. James is a certified sweetheart and I wish he was my big brother.

Surely, I'm done now, right? Think again. Bc I have to tell you about Ryan. I'm autistic, right, it's no secret. I'm very sensitive to sounds, I do suffer from misophonia and that does include music sometimes (heavy autotunes, recorders...) but that also means I get the exact opposite of that. Sensitivity works both ways, and I've been obsessed with bass guitars and basslines for as long as I can remember, and even that is putting it lightly. (I could make a post about that to go into further details if you're interested but this one is never-ending enough as it is.) When filming a performance, I keep my eyes off my phone as much as possible, but I always try to make sure to get decent footage of the bass. Now Ryan was quite far off to the side, and the stage was rather wide, so that meant if I wanted him in the frame, I had to blatantly orient my phone towards him. I got caught, obvs. He didn't pay much mind at first (I like how he looks very focused and overly serious when he's playing, you wouldn't guess he's just as silly as James is), but after a while he realised I was filming him specifically a lot. He sort of kept and eye on me from then on, and so we made eye contact several times (esp when James was interacting with other members of the crowd). I was unapologetic bc I'd kill for his basslines, but at one point he raised an eyebrow at me, tilted his head towards Sam (who was at the opposite side of the stage) and nodded once. I chuckled, nodded back and filmed Sam bc I felt called out. 🥲 (Don't get me wrong, Sam is a tremendous guitarist but tHE BASS.) I basically got scolded by one of my favourite bassists of all time for not giving his bandmates enough attention, that was both sweet and really funny. Ryan caught me again a few more times (I couldn't help myself) and he'd give me a glare with no real heat or roll his eyes lmao.

I had such a blast! Towards the end of 100% Endurance, James thanked their crew and each band member, I yelled "LOVE YA" enough times to pass as the lunatic I am, so that was great too (/gen). James always thanks Ryan last (they're the co-founding members), and takes the time to hug him and give him lil kisses to his temple and cheek, and that's when Ryan melts. Lemme tell you, seeing a grown man drop his professional musician mask and turn into a puppy in anticipation at the sight of his co-founding bandmate walking over to him is the most adorable fucking thing ever. (The queerplatonic vibes they got going too 🥹) I'm a bit sad I didn't record that, but there'll be other opportunities.

This time it wasn't just Murkage Dave joining in on the Trench Coat Museum fun, but Folly Group too and the result was insane! Sadly all my footage is extremely saturated (again, the acoustics suuucked).

After the concert, a handful of us goers were waiting round to see if we could get a setlist but the security staff didn't know anything about that. Thankfully, Ryan walked back on stage to get something so I asked him directly. He was so surprised he didn't reply, he simply gave me an acknowledging glance and proceeded to peel off his setlist with the greatest care in the world. I immediately thanked him profusely (and loudly) and some guy waiting with me had the audacity to say Ryan wasn't going to give it to us. I got super defensive and told him that yes, he was, what do you think he's doing? Ryan gave me a fond lil lopsided smile, got up and went on to peel off (just as carefully) all of the remaining setlists. I just... Lost it, half yelled “AWW YOU'RE SUCH A SWEETHEART, YOU'RE THE BEST”, thus successfully embarrassing the both of us. He sent me a look that said “do you have to be so loud?” (tbf I didn't). He gathered the setlists in a pile and handed them to the staff so we could have them. I've never received one in such good condition, they always get at least a tad torn and/or crumpled. But look at that! 🥹

I love him so much, protect him at all costs. ❤️

Even though I remember everything vividly, I'm still having trouble realising everything I've told you here actually happened. I'm a lucky bastard.

I'm in love with this band. 🧡

🫶🏻

[Click on 'read more' for bonus vids & pics]

—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—

Murkage Dave keeping it real (World I Want to Live In)

He's got a sense of humour too (Gotta Go DJ)

Folly Group setting the tone (Awake and Hungry)

[CW eyestrain: flashing lights]

James making the most of the last gig (Pour Another)

[CW eyestrain: flashing lights]

Daisy & Lauren 🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 (Pour Another)

[CW eyestrain: flashing lights]

James decided to sing the 'clean' version of Land of the Blind, and I decided to ruin it

[CW eyestrain: flashing lights]

Yard Act tricking the crowd (We Make Hits)

[CW eyestrain: flashing lights]

Losing my entire mind over them (Dream Job)

[CW eyestrain: flashing lights]

I can't post the video itself bc my obnoxious cheering pollutes the audio, so have a gif instead (Dream Job)

[CW eyestrain: flashing lights]

The four words James sang with me (A Vineyard for the North)

[CW eyestrain: flashing lights]

A very blurry James singing with me (100% Endurance)

Better yet, the video

[CW eyestrain: flashing lights]

Ryan staring at me disapprovingly while I'm filming him (The Trench Coat Museum)

He looks absolutely done with me but don't let that fool you, he's a very endearing man 🧡

Bonus anecdote:

The woman who was next to me at the barrier (I'd say she was in her 50s) accosted me after the gig was over and told me she had fun watching James sing with me 🥹

Post-concert sap for everyone involved 🧡

[oh-no-another-idea]

Another Get to Know Me

Tagged ages ago by the brilliant @sleepy-night-child and the terrific @splashinkling -- thanks, guys!

a band you don't like that many others do: ...I don't listen to much modern music that you'd find on a radio, so one of those bands? Heavy metal isn't my thing, so perhaps a heavy metal band on the radio. least favorite animal and why: LEAST favorite! I've never been asked that before! I think I'll go with mosquitoes (insects I know, but really, the devil's own)

do you wear any jewelry, if so, what's your favorite piece: I wear assorted embroidery floss friendship bracelets depending on my mood, but my favorite would have to go to my necklace, which is just a simple chain holding a Magen David and a ring my family gifted me as a sweet inside joke :) a movie others liked but you didn't: Golly. ...Okay, I've never gotten the Princess Bride hype, and I know I may be speaking blasphemy to some people, but when my mom showed it to me I was kinda meh about it. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Sorry! three things you love about yourself: My leadership skills, my sense of humor, and my writing abilities! a place you hope to visit in the future and why: I would love to see Budapest--everything I've read about it/seen in films looks like such a beautiful place. Also would love to go back to Australia sometime! an actor that gets on your nerves and why: What a funny question :) That guy from the heist movie with Steve Martin kinda creeps me out I suppose, but there's no real reason other than my own random instincts. Michael Caine! I don't know why but something about him is just ERUGH to me 😤😂 things you're excited about in the near future: My dance friends in the area are restarting their free fall dance classes, and I'm really looking forward to the lovely mix of structure/laid back-ness I know they're going to bring! Super glad for the opportunity to stretch my body and hang with friends! least favorite ship in a fandom you're in: Gonna go with Marvel here since the other fandoms I'm in don't have the same kind of shipping strife...do NOT like Stony (Steve Rogers/Tony Stark). To everyone who does like that, good for you and do your own thing, but since I have read any of their comics I do not see it. And I can't ship Steve with anyone other than Bucky, it's both my greatest gift and worst curse, lmaoo 😭 what's the most toxic fandom you've been in: I don't know! I stay on the outskirts usually. There are some crazy people wherever you go, that's for sure. But it's also probably Marvel due to sheer size. list three things you find beautiful about life: Laughing with my sisters, cooking and eating good food, and standing somewhere outdoors and feeling the wind roar any dreams for the future: Honing my stories and sharing them with people who both appreciate and enjoy them! Also making more friends and being brave enough to push myself to find the right life for me. how are you feeling today? Packing up to leave the beach as my family vacation wraps up...enjoying my short haircut and gearing up to dive back into work and everyday life, and very ready for fall to arrive...I am feeling tired and hopeful and glad to be alive. :)

OPEN TAG! Come play <3

[rigginsstreet]

misc. tag game

tagged by @blood-mocha-latte

a band you don’t like that many others do:

maneskin... tried a couple songs, wanted to like them.... cant do it

a childhood memory that you remember vividly:

this costume contest i refused to enter because my costume was boring and i knew i was gonna lose by the adults were like "no just join come on itll be fun" and i was like... already consumed by the darkness at that point lmfao and i sat watching everyone crying. fun! lmfao

least favorite animal and why:

i hate a snake. i respect their role in the ecosystem but dont you ever put one near me. dont put one within 5 miles of me. no. i dont trust anything that slithers bitch aint got no legs! i dont like that. and the striking? dont like that either. i have to stop talking about them now im genuinely uncomfortable

hot fandom take:

steve harrington is not a good character. he is badly written. yall only like him cuz you think joe is hot. thats literally it. the man has literally zero positive qualities. apply this to every other loved st character as well theyre all bad the show sucks i hope everyone dies

do you were any jewelry, if so, what’s your favorite piece:

i wear a friendship bracelet and a rope bracelet i got on a cruise (i forgot what theyre called. sailor bracelets or something?) and thats about the extent of my jewelry wearing

a movie others liked but you didn’t:

i don't think i've ever cognitively watched a movie and thought that i loved it or hated it. i'm usually just like Well That Sure Was A Movie. <- im keeping prevs because thats what wildest thing ive ever read in my life i need to study you lmfao as for my answer, insidious movies are bad. youre next is bad. many movies this website loves i havent even seen but i know they are bad thats why i havent watched them.

three things you love about yourself:

my hair is getting real cute lately. i am a huge bitch. i stare at my butt a lot i think its fun

a place you hope to visit in the future and why:

italyyyy i want to trace my roots

an actor that gets on your nerves and why:

idk if theres actors i have beef with for their personality lmao several i dont like because they are overhyped and im sick of seeing them. ariana grande she counts as an actress i cant stand her lmfao the vibes are rancid also stop dating married (taken) men its gross its weird

things you’re excited for in the nearby future?:

for my dog to finally be healed from her surgery cuz god its a lot of working making sure she dont pop her stitches

least favorite ship in a fandom you’re in:

if stancy is endgame im setting fires to buildings i want you all to know this. also fuck a steddie and a ronance but that goes without saying

what’s the most toxic fandom you’ve been in?:

stranger things. riverdales a close second but stranger things... you are all genuinely mentally unwell i would like to speak to your therapists and tell them shit aint working

list three things you find beautiful about life:

the ocean my best friend the ocean. animals just be out here looking for pets... brings a tear to my eye. im really struggling for a third life is bad lmfao my best friend? thats it.

any dreams for the future?

i try not to think about the future it gives me panic attacks

how are you really feeling today?

sleepy

tagging (no pressure): @panickedpenguin @avalonlights @ihaveacorgi @imsodishy

[thecrazedpotato]

Bocchi The Rock Review!!!!!!!!!!

So overall, I really enjoyed this series. The entire time it has been entertaining and comedic, and the Kessoku Band are entertaining throughout the entire runtime. Especially Ryo, Ryo is awesome as heck. I do feel the ending could've been a bit better for reasons I'll explain in the spoiler segment, it didn't really feel all that climactic, but to be fair the climax of the season was at the beginning of episode 12 so the rest is falling action and setting up for a season 2, which I am very much hoping will get greenlit in the near future because it would be VERY disappointing if this anime ended here.

SPOILERY THOUGHTS BELOW YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!!!

So episode 12 started off REALLY strong with the concert, it was really fulfilling to see how far the Kessoku Band has come, and especially how far Hitori has come as a person, the girl who could barely make eye contact or speak when handing a drink to a customer is now playing in front of a huge live audiene, that part where one of her strings broke before her solo but then she improvised was really cool, it was awesome.

But then Kita made Hitori do a speech in the middle of the concert and it caused her to panic and do a stage dive because she had no idea what to say or do so she went unconscious and they had to call off the concert early. I feel like at this point Kita would know better than to put Hitori on the spot like that, and I really do think she should've apologized to Hitori since she pretty much caused that. To be fair Hitori had the courage to play in front of an audience so I guess Kita overestimated her confidence, and doing a stage dive was not really a good choice on Hitori's end, but still Kita should've apologized to Hitori after Hitori apologized to Kita for ruining the concert.

Anyway after that the rest of the finale is them getting a new guitar for Bocchi because the old one broke. It's definitely not bad, it's still entertaining Bocchi shenanigans, but I feel like there's way more of it than there should've been. Maybe have more concert time, like they play one more song before Kita pushes Hitori to do a speech (or better yet Bocchi gets so confident and excited that she does the stage dive thing herself and falls to the floor that would've been really funny), or maybe put the end of episode 11 where they get ready for the concert at the beginning of episode 12, though the drawback would be that 11 wouldn't have as much important stuff going on.

Speaking of, yeah episode 11 is definitely the weakest episode for me. I feel kinda bad because a large factor of it is that this episode shoves a bunch of fanservice animeisms in your face (everyone wears maid outfits, the swimsuit gag, etc) and that's not really my thing so it's kinda the weakest by default. The problem with this is that means there's less important stuff going on, which like yeah I know this is a slice of life show but the concert is about to happen I don't think we should be doing all this fanservice-y stuff in the middle of it. I don't hate this episode, it's still got that charm the rest of the show has and it's still very funny, that post-apocalyptic biker gang is probably one of the show's funniest bits. And I do like Ryo in a tux that was really cool. And fortunately there isn't a ton of this animeism/weird stuff in the entire series, like the only other major animeism is in episode 2 when Hitori is getting in the ice cube bathtub and it shows her in her swimsuit and that's literally just the opening of that episode that that's basically it.

So yeah, rad anime, it may have lost its balance a bit near the end but it still stood on the rope. Again I am SERIOUSLY hoping season 2 gets greenlit I will be very upset if it doesn't, I am currently debating on if I get a Hitori figure or a Ryo nendoroid or both from Good smile, you should totally watch it, "I think it's really good"/10

[a-tale-of-legends]

Guys I have a theory as to why Piers hates dynamaxing that isn't just "his parents died by some dynamax pokemon "

So. If I am having the timeline of events right, Oleana created the dynamax bands in recent history, correct? It was probably around the time Piers was young, possibly before then. So, before the dynamax bands were made and utilized, we can only assume that the Galar league didn't have a way to dynamax their pokemon. So like, opal and Mustard probably didn't have dynamax bands or pokemon ( note: I could be VERY wrong on this, the timeline of swsh is wonky so I might be missing some key details!). And all of that in relation to Spikemuth is that I think Spikemuth, before dynamax bands, was honestly fine. Like we know the place has a lot of shops, and is near a vast amount of water for fishing, so again, I feel like Spikemuth pre- dynamax bands were honestly fine as it was. But then Dynamaxing became part of the league circuit and everything just went down hill for Spikemuth. Their town was way too small to even place a power spot, let alone to have dynamax pokemon battle. So, if all of this holds true, dynamaxing being commercialized the way it is basically shot Spikemuth to the ground. That plus the fact that most people already don't have a good view of spikemuth - being a town of punks - and Spikemuth was pretty much doomed( note again: I don't remember if anyone in game has ever bad mouthed Spikemuth as a whole. Team yell certainly, so that's why I kinda made this assumption here), with its literal saving grace being it's gym.

Tldr: Dynamaxing becoming the Thing™ of Galar pretty much ruined Spikemuth. If you're wondering why Piers rejected Rose's offer- I can think of many reasons but the main one was the fact that the new gym would be far away from Spikemuth. 1) that wouldn't really help Spikemuth at all I think. At that point Piers' would be "The Spikemuth gym leader" rather the gym leader of someplace else. The title is important for Spikemuth's future. If Piers isn't the gym leader of Spikemuth, then why go to Spikemuth at all? The decision would just hurt Spikemuth even more. And 2) going off of the previous point, what's the point of having a gym if you aren't around a community to support it. It's very clear that Piers loves his town and loves his people, hence why he's trying so hard to get a handle on things. I don't think he likes the idea of being away from his home, especially if it wouldn't really help them.

Soooo yeah. I think that's a good theory as to why Piers doesn't like Dynamaxing. Of course, it's just a theory lol. I hope this wasn't already stated before by others bc man I would feel like an idiot. And it just shows I was late to pick up on this lmao.

[this-bus-is-taking-me-back-again]

Raven's Music of 2024

I like the way Tumblr works... so I will try to move the contents I've written on other platforms here.

Since my music taste was largely gravitate around Ride in 2024 so the separate Ride post is here... And I hate the apple music annual wrap. I don't think it accurately represent my taste. But I'd admit that I listened to Future Love for 370+ times last year.

Live Shows

RIDE/The Charlatans - Between Nowhere [240119]

Friends: Song/Raccoon | Rating: 10/10 | Noise Level: Tinnitus w/o earplug Support: none | Venue: Union Transfer, Philly PA Comments: Absolutey amazing. Photos: (See RIDE post)

RIDE - Interplay [240511]

Friends: none | Rating: 10/10 | Noise Level: Good w/o earplug Support: Knifeplay | Venue: Big Night Live, Boston MA Comments: It will be part of my life review before I die. Photos: (See RIDE post)

Kim Gordon - The Collective [240614]

Friends: Song | Rating: 7/10 | Noise Level: Good w/ earplug Support: Bill Nace | Venue: Union Transfer, Philly PA Comments: Kim and her band smashed it - the bassist is amazing and I like Kim's boots. Though I prefer her songs back in the Sonic Youth period, she definitely still has that charming and cool style. Bill Nace's performance's kinda weird, I really tried to enjoy it but I prefer melodies over pure noise.

DIIV - Frog in Boiling Water [240717]

Friends: Vicky | Rating: 9/10 | Noise Level: Good w/ earplug Support: Horse Jumpers of Love/Dutch Interior | Venue: Howard Theater, Washington DC Comments: It's very strange yet perfect, I like the guitarist's dance moves! And the visuals for the new album looks a bit disgusting (in a good way - like cult websites back in early 2000s? They used a lot of AI in soul-net MV). The only thing is that I prefer their early albums than the new one, but it's up to the band to decide their way going forward. Hope the band will soon recover from the loss caused by LA fire.

Green Day - The Saviors [240809]

Friends: Song | Rating: 7/10 | Noise Level: Good w/ earplug Support: The Smashing Pumpkins/The Linda Lindas/Rancid | Venue: Citizen Bank Park, Philly PA Comments: I'm not a fan of the band (went for the Smashing Pumpkins actually) so, sorry, the songs sound kinda same to me... but the atmosphere is quite engaging to a point that Billie Joe Armstrong lost his voice after this gig. As for the Smashing Pumpkins, the sound was quite weird. I hope one day I can see them in a smaller venue instead of a big arena.

The Jesus and Mary Chain/The Psychedelic Furs [241006]

Friends: none | Rating: 8/10 | Noise Level: Good w/o earplug Support: Frankie Rose | Venue: The Anthem, Washington DC Comments: What can I say, it's good for my soul. Met a bunch of amazing Mary Chain fans and they told me that they never had a chance to see the band back in the 90s, so we danced happily to all the classics together... Frankie Rose from the support band sang Just Like Honey/Sometimes Always etc with Jim Reid, and her band was good too. Reverence and Far Gone and Out sound quite powerful and engaging live! However, it's a shame that I must catch the train back home before midnight, so I missed the Furs.

万能青年旅店 Omnipotent Youth Society - 冀西南林路行 Inside the Cable Temple [241029]

Friends: Song | Rating: 9/10 | Noise Level: Good w/o earplug Support: none | Venue: Terminal 5, New York NY Comments: This band has held a special place in my heart since 2020. Funny I didn't have a chance to see them back in China. If you haven't heard their two albums, please give a try. I love 秦皇岛 Qinhuang Island's trumpet… I always remember the winter of 2022, feeling stressed about the pandemic policies, campaigns around the country, and the uncertainty of the future; Song and I took a walk on the bridge near our dorms, and in the cold and dry air Song told me that she was thinking about its lyrics. ‘Standing at the bridge that divides the world / yet I still cannot figure out / what is blocking our dark hearts’… The show itself was great (despite Dong Ya Qian completely forgot the lyrics of 郊眠寺 Cable Temple). It was just too crowded and we couldn't catch our breath, but that's understandable. People all like them and they deserve it, the trumpet man was incredible as well as the bassist and the guitarist. Half of their set was from the 2010 album and half of it is from the (relatively) new album (check 山雀 Chickadee!!!!). In encore, they played a new one called 永嘉彗星, which is catchy and magical, at that time I was almost drowning in all the sounds and heat and sweats of the surroundings…

slowdive - everything is alive [241117]

Friends: Vicky and friends | Rating: 8/10 | Noise Level: Good w/o earplug Support: quannnic | Venue: The Anthem, Washington DC Comments: Their music is transcendental and airy, which is not like anything else... or should I say like Alan McGee that it's fucking ethereal...? Rachel is so beautiful with her tambourine. They played so many tracks off slowdive (2017) which made me happy since that's my favorite album.

RIDE - Interplay [241207]

Friends: Song | Rating: 8/10 | Noise Level: Good w/o earplug Support: Rocket | Venue: 9:30 Club, Washington DC Comments: Sadly not as perfect as the other two early this year but still good, Andy looks cute in that long sleeve t-shirt and Steve really rules. The support band is great live!! Photos: (See RIDE post)

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Best...

Best venue: 9:30 Club, the coolest place I've ever been to, and it has AC system which is a great advantage

Best performance: RIDE (Interplay tour) in Boston

Best support: Rocket

Best record shop: The Soundgarden at Fell's Point, Baltimore

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Albums

I love the whole Ride discography and listened to it over and over again... here are other albums that I love (from Jan to Dec):

[Jan] The Queen Is Dead (1986) - the Smiths | Fav track: I Know It's Over

[Feb] EVOL (1986) - Sonic Youth | Fav track: Shadow of a Doubt

[Mar] Heaven or Las Vegas (1991) - Cocteau Twins | Fav track: Heaven or Las Vegas

[Apr] Turns Into Stone (1989) - the Stone Roses | Fav track: Mersey Paradise

[May] Mrs. Dolphin (1990) - Pale Saints | Fav track: Sight of You

[June] Oshin (2012) - DIIV | Fav track: Human

[July] Random Access Memories (2013) - Daft Punk | Fav track: Get Lucky

[Aug] The Portable (1998) - Galaxie 500 | Fav track: Blue Thunder (w/Sax)

[Sep] Darklands (1987) - the Jesus and Mary Chain | Fav track: Cherry Came Too

[Oct] Brat (2024) - Charli XCX | Fav track: Everything is Romantic

[Nov] Peel Sessions (1979) - Joy Division | Fav track: Love Will Tear Us Apart

[Dec] She Hangs Brightly (1990) - Mazzy Star | Fav track: Blue Flower

[gracelaramusings]

Day 16-17: Vientiane Hard Rock, Temples and Pakse Hotpots

The day of our Veng Vieng departure we did a repeat shakshouka breakfast and topped it off with a nutella banana street food pancake that we always saw the long lines for but never ventured to get. We went, as all Israelis do, to the stall that shared the placard of menu offerings with stickers of fallen soldiers. This stickered sign, the singular thing that differentiated her's from the other near-identical stalls that lined the street, made all the difference in the world such that no other stall would do.

We boarded our waiting tuktuk that we had reserved the night before and headed to the fast train station, picking up a French traveler along the way who was holding a weathered Michelin guide. Any starred restaurants here, I asked. He laughed. Asking what he did, he mentioned that among his many activities, he took a balloon ride with a French-owned balloon agency where the operators lengthen the ride for French-speakers, he explained, so its "better for the price."

We reached the train station and headed in, now familiar with the procedure. We got on line for boarding, and the man in front of us turned around. "You!" he exclaimed, our hearts skydiving, waiting for the next words. "You are the dancer from the Club!" he joyfully exclaimed, as if he had the fortune of waiting on line with a famous person. Yuval and I looked at eachother in disbelief, then laughed.

The train earned its name and we quickly arrived at the capital. We followed the crowds to the transport area, and there I found someone who looked like he was a part of the routine, showed him the location of our hotel on google maps, and he ushered me to the right bus, threw our bags on board and we boarded. A family with two young boys were the last to enter. The mother encouraged her youngest to sit next to the driver and he refused, so his older brother did. Then the tears started, because the little boy now wanted that seat, so they squeezed in together, now happy. Recalling precisely such situations from when our kids were young travellers, I revisited the hope that once again sometime in the near or distant future I will again have the opportunity to do such travels with beloved young (grand?)children, and we set off.

We decided a capital justified a proper hotel, so we took a nice one, in a central part of town near many of the sights and right across from the Hard Rock Cafe Vientiane which, it seems has fantastic live bands, which we enjoyed later that night.

We literally had about 36 hours to enjoy the town until our flight the next day. We wandered the alleyways to people-watch, visited the most famous of temples, did our rounds of beautiful Buddhas, got our fill of the beauty and history of Laos. We visited a night market, and sang along with a damn-good version of Sweet Child of Mine at the Hard Rock, foregoing a t-shirt due to its astronomical price. There is more I would have done had we had more time, but really, that day and a half was all we needed to get a taste of the capital.

That second evening we took a tuktuk to the airport, boarded our flight to Pakse and before we knew it, we were in our final destination.

We took a guesthouse on the outskirts of town since the best hostels had only bunk beds in dorms, and we decided to skip that pleasure and maintain our minimum status of a private room, preferably with our own bathroom.

The place was nice enough. It was near a mall, and we finally settled on trying out a buffet-style hotpot (soup-based) place for dinner. My initial trepidation about such unfamiliar dining was swept away after the help of the wait staff and Mr. Google Translate. Vegetarian options galore, mine was a mushroom soup, and I had every green, shroom and curd under the sun, while Yuval's bone broth cooked jellyfish, squid and other adventuresome items. Spring rolls, kimche, wakame and more evened out the experience. Yum.

We walked back to our guesthouse in pitch dark with the help of flashlights, doing our best to avoid any dramatic potholes.

The guesthouse owner was helpful for all things dealing with planning, as the next day we were to begin our next adventure: the Bolaven Loop, including two overnights along the way. She assured us that we could finish the planning just after breakfast, so we went to sleep, excited for our next Lao adventure.