#i am no stranger to being off tune in a musical way

[eriong]

taichi mukai does this thing. where he hits notes w such confidence and surety but they sometimes sound sliiiightly off. a bit sharp here and bit flat there. but he never wavers from a note once he hits it? and makes the off tune-ness sound good?? and he is perfectly capable of attacking the correct notes as soooo many of his songs show. someone break it down for me, do i have brainworms for him or does it actually work

[wavypotatochips]

Elevator Mishap || Central Cee

𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 : CentralCee x Female reader

𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚 : You find yourself trapped in an elevator with a mysterious stranger who turns out to be the famous rapper Central Cee in disguise. [FLUFF/ LIGHT TENSION]

𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵  

𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: HIIIII GUYS omg so much stuff has happened personally in my life but I am back and better!! Central Cee is so fine and I just always wanted to write something with him lol. Its been a while since I have wrote something, so bare with me c': I have no requests, so feel free to send some in! 

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ REQUESTS ARE OPEN ♥

"I find it hard to believe I'm actually here," you murmur under your breath, a mix of disbelief and disinterest coloring your tone as you wait for the elevator to reach your floor. While most girls would gush with excitement at the prospect of attending a Central Cee concert in the UK alongside their best friends, Stacey and Rosalina, you find yourself unable to share in their fervor. The trio, inseparable since middle school, practically dragged you along when they scored free tickets to the concert, complete with all expenses paid. Despite their infectious enthusiasm for Central Cee, you couldn't summon the same level of excitement, feeling rather indifferent towards his music. Meanwhile, your best friends are back in the hotel room, immersed in making TikToks while belting out Central Cee's tunes. You made an excuse about needing to run down to the convenience store on the ground floor to grab a snack, eager to escape the impending festivities. As the elevator doors finally slide open, you step inside, your mind already elsewhere, contemplating the potentially underwhelming night ahead, especially given your lack of interest in the artist.

Absentmindedly humming to yourself, you press the button for the ground floor before casually leaning against the elevator wall. A brief moment of panic strikes as you pat your pockets, realizing your phone must have been left behind in the hotel room. Before you can fully process this inconvenience, the elevator lurches upward, and a figure clad entirely in black, sporting a ski mask, shades, and a hat, enters. You brush off the peculiar attire, attributing it to the chilly weather outside, but a faint sense of unease begins to gnaw at you as the elevator door closes.

The person does not press any buttons, signaling they were also going to the bottom floor like you were. You tried not to stare at the person beside you, but the clothes they were wearing screamed wealth. You look at their shoes as the elevator begins to go down. Suddenly, the elevator comes to a stop with a shake. You widen your eyes as anxiety kicks in, confused on what is going on. You look over at the stranger, not being able to see their expression before walking over and pressing the first-floor button again. This time, the elevator doesn't seem to budge nor is it telling you what floor you two are currently on.

“There's no way,” noticing the elevator may be stuck, your heart sinks down. The stranger walks closer to you, giving them a try themselves to press the buttons. You step back to give them room. Noticing the buttons will not budge for them either, you sigh and press the red button that signals a representative. A few minutes pass before someone speaks, “Hello? Is everything alright?,” the statically voice states.

“Yeah, ummm I think the elevator is stuck. We also can’t see what floor we are on,” you respond.

“Okay, please remain calm we are sen-,” the voice cuts off.

“Hello?,” you question, “HELLLOOOOOO?,” spamming the button again.

“Lady we can't hear YOUUU!,” You state pressing the button.

“You should stop before you break it.” The voice of the person speaks with a deep British accent, you now know they are a male. You turn to look at him, continuing to press the button a few more times before stopping. You sigh, sitting down on the floor.

“Just great,” you mumble while lowering your head in defeat. You are not someone with claustrophobia, plus the elevator was a decent size so it's not as if you were scared you were trapped. Only annoyed. While your head is low, you hear clothes shuffling causing you to look back up. The man begins to take off his coat and hat, probably also realizing we are not going to be getting out anytime soon. You shift your legs so you are now sitting criss-cross on the floor, your back against the wall as you look up at the elevator's ceiling.

“Don't worry, I bet they will come soon,” the man speaks once again with a reassuring voice. You keep your head up, “I know, it just sucks. This is my first time in the UK and I'm spending my first night trapped in an elevator with a stranger, no offense.” You hear a chuckle, ”None taken. What are you in the UK for if you don't mind me asking?” You can tell he just wanted small talk, and you didn't mind. I mean after all, you are stuck here for who knows how long.

 “My Best friends and I are here for the Central Cee concert,” you respond, continuing to study the French painting that is plastered on the ceiling of the elevator.

“Are you excited to go?,” he questions, resulting in you shrugging,” I don't care too much about him. Nothing against him, but you know, not really my taste.”

Silence settles between you for a moment, punctuated only by the occasional crackle of the intercom and the faint hum of the elevator's mechanisms.

"So, what brings you to the concert if you're not a fan?" he asks, curiosity evident in his voice.

You offer a half-smile, considering your response. "Honestly, I'm just here for my friends. Stacey and Rosalina are huge fans, and they practically begged me to come along. Figured it would be a fun night out, even if the music isn't really my thing."

He nods in understanding, a thoughtful expression crossing his features. "Ah, the sacrifices we make for friendship," he muses, a hint of amusement coloring his tone. “Maybe after the concert you will be my fan.”

His unexpected comment catches you off guard, and you find yourself momentarily taken aback. With a furrowed brow, you glance down, your eyes widening and eyebrows raising in confusion. And there he stands, Central Cee himself, his presence suddenly filling the confined space of the elevator. His pearly white teeth glint in the dim light, a charming smile gracing his lips.

If your best friends were in your position, they probably would have passed out by now. But you? You simply let out a small laugh, shaking your head slightly. “Mmmmm I don't think so. Your music just isn't my type,” you reply, your tone casual yet resolute. You glance back up at the ceiling, your interest clearly elsewhere.

Central Cee seems momentarily taken aback by your nonchalant response. He had perhaps expected screams of excitement or frenzied fangirling – or perhaps even both. But your composed demeanor only serves to intrigue him further. He closes his lips, the smile still lingering on his face, his gaze lingering on you with newfound curiosity.

"Really now?" he questions, a playful glint in his eyes. "What exactly is your type, hmm?"

“Not you, so it doesn't matter,” you respond with a casual flick of your gaze, focusing on your nail as if it holds the answers to the universe. Impatience begins to creep into your movements, prompting you to rise from your seat and stride over to the control panel, where you futilely press the buttons at random.

"Well, I would like to know," he persists, closing the distance between you with a deliberate step.

"It doesn't matter," you retort, your tone edged with determination.

"Yes, it does," he insists.

"No, it doesn't," you counter.

"Yes, it does."

"No, it do—" You cut yourself off mid-sentence, the absurdity of the situation dawning on you. "Wait, why am I even going back and forth with you?" The question is more to yourself, but Central Cee decides to respond.

"Because you do like me."

"No, I don't."

"Yes, you do."

"No, I don't."

"Yes, you do."

"No, I—" You catch yourself falling into the same cycle, causing him to chuckle.

"You know, you're cute when you get mad," he remarks, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. His words elicit a soft blush from you, prompting you to turn away and face the wall. "Leave me alone," you mumble.

"Awww, I'm sorry, love. Let me make it up to you," he responds cheekily.

"Make it up to me by getting this damn elevator to work," you grumble under your breath.

"If you can admit that I am your favorite artist, then I will make that happen," he confesses, catching you off guard.

You raise an eyebrow, turning to face him. "How?"

He tilts his head to the side, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Say it, and I will make it happen."

You exhale heavily, skepticism evident in your expression. "Why does it matter to you so much?" you question.

He shrugs, smiling. "Simply because."

You glare at him, his grin only widening in response. You decide to humor him, considering his celebrity status and the possibility of connections. "Fine. You are my favorite artist."

He raises his eyebrows, amused by your half-hearted admission. "I don't think that was sincere enough for me."

You let out another small breath.  Stepping closer to him, you meet his gaze head-on. "Oakley, you are my favorite artist. I love your music so much; you are so talented."

His demeanor softens, his eyes meeting yours with sincerity. Something about saying his real name seems to have an effect on him. Whether it's your beauty or simply the use of his name, it stirs something within him, making him feel... nice.

You find yourself studying his features, admiring the way his light tan skin complements the arch of his eyebrows and the depth of his chocolate eyes. His small smile draws your attention, and you instinctively take a step back, coughing lightly to dispel the tension.

"Uhm... okay, I said it. Now, do your magic."

"You're right," he responds, retrieving his phone from his pocket.

"YOU HAD A PHONE THIS ENTIRE TIME??" you exclaim, incredulous.

"Yes," he simply responds, unlocking his phone.

You sigh. "Why didn't you say something?"

He shrugs nonchalantly. "Who wouldn't want to be trapped in an elevator with a beautiful girl like you?"

You open your mouth to reply, but the fluttering sensation in your stomach leaves you speechless. Despite your indifference towards his music, you can't deny his charm.

For a few moments, you find yourself lost in thought, your gaze dropping to your shoes. His voice interrupts your reverie, causing you to lift your head.

"Damn. I don't have any service," he says, raising his arm in a futile attempt to get a signal.

You watch as Central Cee furrows his brow in frustration, tapping futilely at his phone screen in a desperate attempt to find a signal. Despite the annoyance of being stuck in an elevator, you can't help but feel a strange sense of camaraderie with him, a shared bond forged in the confines of this metal box.

As the seconds tick by, the silence between you grows heavier, the tension palpable in the air. You glance at Central Cee, taking in the way the dim light of the elevator accentuates the contours of his face, casting shadows that dance across his features. Despite your best efforts to ignore it, you can't deny the flutter of excitement that flits through your stomach at the sight of him.

"Anything yet?" you ask, breaking the silence with a voice that comes out softer than intended.

Central Cee shakes his head, his expression a mixture of frustration and resignation. "Nothing. It's like this elevator is in its own little world, cut off from the rest of the universe."

Central Cee chuckles softly, the sound echoing in the confined space. "and here I thought being a famous rapper would exempt me from getting stuck in elevators," he remarks, a hint of amusement in his voice.

You smile, appreciating his attempt to inject a bit of humor into the situation. "Guess even celebrities aren't immune to elevator mishaps," you reply, your lips quivering in a half-smile.

He returns the smile, his gaze lingering on you for a moment longer than necessary. "At least I'm stuck in here with someone interesting," he says, his tone laced with sincerity.

A blush rises to your cheeks at his compliment, and you quickly avert your gaze, suddenly feeling self-conscious under his scrutiny. "Thanks," you mumble, "I guess you aren't so bad yourself.."

Central Cee's smile widens at your response, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, I'll take that as a compliment," he says, his tone teasing yet genuine.

You chuckle softly, feeling a sense of ease settle over you as the tension between you dissipates. "Consider it one," you reply, meeting his gaze with a shy smile.

As the moments pass, you find yourself drawn into conversation with Central Cee, the topics ranging from trivial matters to deeper discussions about life, dreams, and everything in between. Despite the unusual circumstances that brought you together, you can't help but feel a sense of connection with him, a feeling of understanding that goes beyond mere words.

Eventually, after what feels like an eternity but is likely only a few hours, the elevator lurches back to life with a groan of protest, the sudden movement catching you off guard. Central Cee reaches out a hand to steady you, his touch warm and reassuring against your skin.

"We're moving again," he says, a note of relief in his voice.

You nod, a sense of anticipation building within you as the elevator ascends towards the surface. “Finally,” you say, though a pang of reluctance tugs at your heart. Deep down, you wish the elevator would stay broken, prolonging the fleeting moments you've shared with him. In the brief interlude of confinement, you've come to appreciate not just Central Cee, but the person behind the persona, Oakley. As the elevator hums back to life, you resign yourself to the inevitable parting that awaits you both, returning to the separate paths your lives had veered from.

Central Cee begins to adjust his attire, meticulously covering his features with the ski mask and glasses, returning to his "disguise". “Don't worry," you assure him, offering a small smile, "I won't breathe a word of this to anyone. It'll be our little secret.” Before he can respond, the elevator doors glide open, ushering in a flood of light and fresh air. Eager to break free from the confines of the elevator, you step out quickly, wary of being trapped again.

“Hey,” Central Cee calls out to you, his voice laced with a hint of concern, “I’ll see you tomorrow,yeah?” A flicker of something indefinable passes between you, a silent understanding that transcends words. Though you yearn for a deeper connection, you suppress the urge, unsure of what you truly desire. With a small smile, you nod in acknowledgement, “Yeah.”

As you both walk away, your steps leading you in opposite directions, you can't help but feel a sense of resonance, a shared moment that binds you together in thought. Despite the divergence of your paths and the separation of your lives, in that fleeting instant, your minds are aligned, fixated on each other, entwined in a momentary bond that defies explanation.

[longlivedelusion]

In The Heat of the Moment

A little drabble cause my friends had a small home rave today and there was a hottie there and let's just say it gave me inspo for a Bucky smut? Not really smut. Spice? lmao.

So here we are. Not proofread, wrote this in my phone and am just posting it as is. Will maybe review later idk.

Summary: club time with the Avengers and you're a horny bih who wants Bucky, but Bucky doesn't give you the time of day. Or so you think. No use of Y/N.

Warnings: minors DNI, mentions of oral and general sexual encounters, enter at your discretion cause this is just me and my little horny ass wanting a club moment😭 No use of Y/N

Enjoy!

Masterlist

~~~~~

The music was loud where we were, I couldn't hear anything but the beat pounding as a sea of strangers swirled around me.

The team had all decided on a night out, something to take the edge off after a particularly hard mission. But being the Avengers, well... There's always someone somewhere taking photos or gawking. We couldn't just, be.

That's until a certain God of Mischief had the great idea of using his magic to disguise us. We could still see eachother as we were, but everyone else saw just a bunch of random strangers. No Captain America, no Thor, no Bucky Barnes.

So we came to one of Nat's favourite spots, an underground techno club on the industrial side of the city that was exactly what we all needed.

Dark. Loud music. Drinks. No thoughts, just our bodies, the sound and everything else in between. Whatever we needed to let off some steam.

But as much as dancing was doing wonders, my body slick with sweat as ran my hands up past my waist, body bouncing in tune with the sound, I wanted more. Needed more.

And there was only one man who I wanted to give it to me. Bucky fucking Barnes. But unfortunately, said man sat by the bar and had never really given me the time of day outside of normal mission stuff. We were great colleagues, but fuck if I didn't want him to use all that focus, all that drive he had when it came to pounding his enemies to focus it on pounding into me.

So I just danced, eyes trying and failing to not meet the corner of the bar where I knew he was. Sipping his drink as he slowly bounced to the music, Steve right beside him as they talked about something. I didn't let my eyes linger long enough to make out what they were even looking at.

So I kept dancing, closing my eyes and feeling the way the music traveled over me. Imagining it was Bucky's hands instead. Letting my breath get a little bit heavier as I did.

I suddenly felt hands at my waist, unfamiliar ones that made me turn suddenly. Some random guy had come up, a small grin on his face as he bounced along with me. I raised my brow a second, definitely not in the mood for some random guy's attention no matter how horny I . might've been. I was ready to move him aside before I felt a large presence behind me.

"Get the fuck off her." I heard Bucky say, his voice somehow just clear enough over the loudness of the club.

I saw the man retreat with his hands up, eyes wide as he saw the predatory glance towards him. While he backed up, I turned towards Bucky, already frowning. "I could've handled that you know."

He crossed his arms, his body close.

Closer than usual.

"Yeah, I'm sure. But just wanted to make sure you were alright. S'all. " He watched me, an anger in his eyes usually reserved for special moments in battle - moments with HYDRA agents.

Before he could step away, I grabbed his arm. "Wait," I said. "Stay. Dance."

He tries to protest, but I got closer to his body now, slowly bouncing to the beat as he stilled, eyes wide. "Please." I breathed out, eyes gazing up at him. I don't know if was the darkness, the aninimoty of the night, the way my body tingled at his nearness, but I was gonna try to go for it. Needed to. I couldn't just sit around pining and feeling the way I did and not do shit about it. I was an Avenger for gods sake -- I could flirt.

"Alright." I heard him say, taking me out of my trance as his hand snaked around my waist slowly, hesitantly. His touch was featherlight, like he was afraid of going too far as he matched the rhythm with me.

I started to run my fingers up his arms, curious, exploratory. To see if he was just being polite with this or if there could be something more. I felt his grip tighten just a hint before he pulled me in closer, his head against mine as his mouth grazed past my ear, his breath hot against me.

We moved like that a while, bodies shifting to the music, my hands growing bolder across his shoulders, his back, his hair. I let my head fall back as he held me, closing my eyes as I let the feeling overwhelm me. The feeling of him, the sound, the lights. All overwhelming me in the most delicious way.

I felt his movements stutter, opening my eyes again to see his own reflected back at me -- pupils blown and mouth partially opened as I watched him take me in. A hunger and desperation in his eyes that I knew well, because I knew it was reflected right back at him.

I tentatively reached for his jaw, thumbs grazing over his lips as he sucked in a breath. My logical brain decided to show up for a split second then -- I was being careless, our team was close by and his was my coworker, this was so public and stupid and-

He was leaning in. His mouth so close to mine as his eyes took me in, "Tell me to stop." He said, lips just hovering mine. Waiting. Teasing.

My mind stilled. "Please," was all I could breathe out.

The next moment I was on fire, his lips quenching a thirst I'd been settling in for the months since I'd known him. A thirst I thought would never be satiated. I'd craved, so desperately, this man for so long and in this moment, his lips on mine, I knew. I'd never want them to leave again.

I moved my body to his, pressed so deeply into him that I felt each crevice and movement of his against mine. I felt him shift, his clear arousal now pressed against my thigh. I moaned into his mouth, his tongue slipping past and grazing over mine.

I was in hell, in the most blissful, heavenly pits of hell there was because god this man could fucking kiss. And I don't think I would ever want to kiss anyone again after this. I couldn't.

His hands started to grow more confident, his touch hungry as if he could feel the fire too, like we were two torches dancing together desperate for more oxygen.

I pulled away, hands trailing down his body as I took him in. "Bucky, I need you." I practically whined. I'd never whined in my life, but right now I could care less. I needed this man, religiously.

"Fuck," his grip tightened on my body, pressing me even harder into him. "Where, how?" He started looking around, assessing the situation like this was one of our missions.

I grabbed his jaw and pulled his gaze back to me, leaning up and over to his ear. "Bathroom on the right. Follow behind me but don't make it too obvious. I'll be inside waiting for you." I pulled back just enough so I could see his face, "I'll be the one on my knees."

I heard the intake of breath before I could register what happened next. His lips crashing into mine as he groaned into my mouth, taking me rougher than before. He pulled back panting, his body looking like it was fighting a war to do so, and he gave me a long look that had me nearly buckle my knees.

"You've got 5 minutes. And you better be ready for me 'cause that mouth isn't the only thing getting worshipped tonight doll."

He pulled off, pushing me forward towards the bathroom. He stood there, arms crossed as he assessed me from behind.

God was I in for it.

Part Two

[lowkeyhollland]

bed chem

peter parker x reader you & peter are roommates, but the absolute complete opposite of each other. or are you? chapter one <- chapter 2

It had been a week and a half since your encounter with New York’s friendly neighborhood hero. Spider-Man wasn’t really on your mind as much as classes had started and you already felt like there was so much to start on. You had also convinced yourself it was just a dream and decided not to tell the rest of your friends. 

Knowing you wouldn’t get anything done at home, you ended up at a coffee shop on campus to start on some assignments due this weekend. Though it was never like this before college, the idea of going out on the weekend is what made you stay on top of everything. It might not be the healthiest motivation, but hey, it was something. Music was blaring in your ears as you tuned out the sounds of the rest of the world, allowing the chaos of others around you to create pressure to stay on task, as anyone could see if you were off track. 

There was a shadow looming over you that made you pause your music, only to be met face-to-face with your roommate. 

“When did you get here?” It came out more rude than you intended, but you were locked in. 

“I said hi to you like ten minutes ago, got my drink, and came back. If you want to be alone that’s fine! Sorry, I tried to ask but—“Peter rambled on and on but you put a hand up to stop him. 

“No! No, it’s chill,” you reassured him. “Sorry, I get pretty passionate about color-coding my calendar.” Peter softly chuckled at the rainbow of pens scattered around the table as you gestured to your planner. 

“Surprised you’re already working so hard this early into the semester.”

“Appreciate it while it lasts. this is how I am for maybe the first month and then burnout happens before Thanksgiving break and then I lock back in by finals.” Peter couldn’t help himself but laugh again. You smiled, admiring the crinkles by his eyes when he laughed and how his brown eyes lit up— in a friendly manner, admiring him, that is. 

“So, you going home soon?” It was strange to hear Peter ask if you were going home, knowing he was referring to your shared apartment. You loved having him as a roommate, but it was still so fresh & sometimes he still felt like a stranger. 

“Yeah, probably. It’s Friday and knowing my friends, we’re gonna hit up the frats or something.” 

“Seems fun. Wanna walk back together?” You nodded and started to pack up your things before exiting the cafè. 

“You should come out with us one night,” you suggested. The brunette boy shook his head with a smile. 

“I don’t think the frats would like me showing up. Plus I’m not really the ‘going out’ type.” You didn’t respond, instead nodded along. 

Within the first few weeks of living with you, Peter had noticed you’re more of the quiet type. Despite having opposite lifestyles, the two of you were similar in other ways; very reserved when speaking about life or allowing the comfortability of silence to take over. It was never awkward between you two, well maybe the first week, but it was just how he liked it later on— comfortable. Though, that never stops him from questioning what your life was really like. 

-

You knew it was wrong but, hell, it felt so right. Your hands found their way up to the mop of curly blonde hair as you kissed him. The lights were flashing and music was blaring as your bodies moved together in sync, but it didn’t stop you from being in this moment with him. 

“Wanna take this upstairs?” He whispered into your ear sending chills down your spine. You nodded as he took your hand and led you through the crowd up to his room. 

This wasn’t the first time you’ve seen him, more like seven months with him, but not truly with him. It was almost like a routine between the two of you on nights like these; you show up at his frat, he saves the best drinks for you and your friends, and you always somehow end up tangled in him. It’s not your proudest moment every time his hands are roaming your body, making it seem like he wants you, but sometimes, it just feels so good. 

“Fuck, you’re so hot,” he groaned as he threw you onto his bed, not taking another minute to reconnect his lips with yours. All you did was hum in agreement. “Look so good in that skirt,” he mumbled against your collarbone. Just as his hand was inching up your inner thigh, a phone started ringing. 

“Shit— Nate, I’m so sorry. Just give me one sec,” you pulled away from him and he rolled onto the bed and laid down next to you as you answered the call. He left wet kisses on your inner thigh and you played with his hair while talking to your friend. After the call, you threw your phone onto the bed and laid back, allowing the pillows to engulf you. 

“Everything alright?” He asked, his voice tender. 

“I gotta go— Madi’s fucked up.” Nate pouted and tried to kiss you to stay, but you shook your head and pushed him away. “I’m so drunk that if you do that I might actually stay.”

“Maybe that’s the plan,” he nuzzled his head into your neck & wrapped his arms around your waist. It was moments like this that made you want to stay around, that made every memory between the two of you worth it despite the loneliness you felt around him. “Hey, take one more shot with me? Before you go?” He took out a bottle of soju. you playfully rolled your eyes before taking the bottle from him. 

“You know I can’t say no to this shit,” you giggled as you took a swig from it. 

“We still on for Monday?” Nate asked. butterflies erupted in your stomach as they always do when you get to see him outside of a party setting. 

“Yeah! Wait, what’s Monday again?” Your words slurred together as you stared into his green eyes. 

“I need help on a paper.” Those butterflies died in your stomach.

“Right… yeah. Just text me,” You gathered your things and tied your converse. He slipped off the bed and grabbed your face, kissing you one last time. 

“I’ll see ya.” That was all Nate said. 

Those three words haunted you on the way back to everyone’s apartments. There was no sympathy for your friends or concern if you would get home safe. You felt that last shot of soju really hit as you stumbled into your apartment. Mumbling a few curse words, you hoped & prayed you didn’t wake up Peter. 

Not having the energy, you kicked off your sneakers and fell onto your bed, telling yourself you’ll get ready to sleep soon. The world was still spinning even when you closed your eyes to let the darkness take over. You started to think about everything between you and Nate, if there would ever be you and him. 

Tap, tap, tap

Your eyebrows furrowed together, but you brushed off the sound, assuming it was just your drunken state of mind. The tapping got louder and it was starting to give you a headache. Giving in to the noises, you slowly got up and turned towards the window.

“Spider-man?!” You almost yelled in shock.

“Hey…”

chapter one <-

[vinestaffery]

Hello!!!! Since I'm pretty sure Requests are open at the time I'm writing this, Could I request Subspace with An Idol Reader??

subspace x idol! reader

content: slight stalking themes; obsessiveness; general fluff?; confessions; a bit wattpad-like y/n; y/n is song-inspired; dont know what else to really say, it's subspace!!!

authors note: subspace i love you uuhmmm who said thatttt???? uuummmmmmmmmmm

[Y/N] sat in the cozy corner of the studio, tuning their hair and their outfit for the stage, humming a new melody they had been working on. They were going to be playing with Boombox, a well-known individual within Playground. [Y/N] smiled, staring at themselves in the reflection, as their guitarist tuned their guitar. They strummed absentmindedly on their instrument, looking up to [Y/N].

“Hey [Y/N], did you hear about that weird guy who’s been hanging around the playground lately? Stated that they were going insane, they nearly stole some random guy's ticket to this concert,” they spoke in a shattered voice, as if they were afraid of the person. [Y/N] glanced up, intrigued. 

“Weird guy? You’ll have to be more specific. This place attracts all sorts of interesting characters, whether you like it or not,” they replied. [Y/N]’s friend shook their heads, a serious expression on their face. “No, I mean really weird. He’s been making quite a scene. Loud, obnoxious, strange type of person gave me the creeps just hearin’ ‘bout it.”

[Y/N] chuckled, brushing off the concern their friend had expressed. They turned, hands on their hips, comically. “You know, being in a band brings out the strangest of people. It’s all part of the experience, right?” Their friend looked at them with a slight discomfort. They sighed.

“Maybe, but this guy is different. There was something off about him. Like, he was looking for something or someone, and he’s got this intense energy,” they continued. [Y/N] turned around and focused back on their small accessories and additions to their outfit.

“I felt like he was only thriving off of chaos and pure... something.” [Y/N] zipped their jacket up, letting the sound resonate for a moment. “That sounds like half of the fans we meet. People are drawn to the music for different reasons," [Y/N] turned, “and sometimes those reasons are a little unconventional, but it’s what makes this experience so interesting!”

[Y/N]’s friend placed their guitar on their lap. They shook their heads, not fully assured. “I get that... But what if this guy is even worse than usual? I don’t know; I just... am scared; I have a bad feeling about him.”

[Y/N] smiled warmly, appreciating the concern but not feeling particularly worried. “Thanks for looking out for me, but I can assure you, I’ll be okay! Sometimes the most intense fans are the ones who connect with the music on a deeper level,” [Y/N] walked over, placing a hand on their friend's shoulder, “and it’s kind of flattering in a way.”

They gave a reluctant nod, still uneasy. “Yeah, maybe you’re right; just promise me you’ll be careful, okay?” 

“Promise,” [Y/N] said with a reassuring smile. “Now, let’s get back to checking off the list; we’ve got to go up soon.”

[Y/N] raised their microphone in the air, the sound of the crowd going insane as the song entered the final strum of the guitar. Panting, their chests rising as they smiled, only to soon skip off the stage and grab a quick drink. Rushing away, [Y/N] took a cup and poured themselves a drink. 

[Y/N] took a deep breath, feeling the familiar thrum of excitement as they prepared to meet one of their biggest fans. They had heard rumors about strangers' fascination with their music, and it was surreal to think that someone they admired was also a fan.

The back of the stage was a small area. It was a space where musicians and others could speak freely, away from prying eyes and ears. But it seemed somebody was already there, pacing back and forth with a restless energy that seemed to crackle in the air around him. His usual maniacal grin was firmly in place, and his eyes lit up as soon as he spotted [Y/N].

“Ah, there you are!!” Subspace exclaimed, his voice dripping with excitement. “The idols of the playground themselves, gracing me with their presence??”

[Y/N] nearly spat out their drink, soon panicking as they dropped their cup and hid it with their foot. It was subspace! The Subspace! [Y/N] had been a long-lived fan of his works, especially the release of Biografts. [Y/N] felt sweat pour down their forehead. “Oh! Hello! I’ve been such a big fan of your work!”

Subspace’s eyes widened slightly, a look of genuine surprise crossing his face before he quickly masked it with his usual bravado. “You? A fan of mine?? Well, that’s a twist I didn’t see coming!!” He let out a loud, almost manic laugh, the sound echoing around them.

[Y/N] nodded, their hearts pounding. “Yes, I love the intensity and raw emotion in your performances. They’re...inspirational.” Subspace’s grin widened, and he stepped closer, his gaze intense. “Inspirational, huh?? Funny, I was going to say the same about you. Your music... it’s like nothing I’ve ever heard before. It’s... intoxicating.” 

You could feel yourself falling for this man faster than ever.

[Y/N] felt their cheeks heat up, their heads spinning with the unexpected praise. “I don’t know what to say. Hearing that from you means a lot.”

Subspace’s expression softened for a brief moment, a flicker of something almost genuine crossing his face. “I guess we both have our obsessions then. But tell me, What is it about my work that you admire so much??”

[Y/N] took a deep breath, trying to gather their thoughts. “It’s the way you throw yourself into your performances—the sheer passion and intensity. It’s like you’re not afraid to be completely yourself, no matter what anyone thinks. That’s something I really admire.”

Subspace’s grin returned, but there was a hint of something more behind it now. “Well, well, it seems we have more in common than I thought. You’re not so bad yourself, you know??”

Before [Y/N] could respond, Subspace took another step closer, his voice dropping to a softer tone. “You know, I’ve always wanted to meet you, to see if you were as captivating in person as you are on stage. And I have to say, you haven’t disappointed.”

[Y/N] felt their knees go weak, the overwhelming mix of excitement and nerves threatening to overtake them. “I’ve always wanted to meet you too, Subspace. Your work has been such a huge inspiration for me.”

As they stood there, face to face with their idol, [Y/N] could only nod, their hearts racing and their minds a whirlwind of emotions. Meeting Subspace had been everything they had hoped for and more. The reality of the moment was sinking in, and they felt a rush of pure exhilaration.

Subspace's grin widened as he watched [Y/N] struggle to contain their excitement. “You know, you’re even more charming in person than I imagined. It’s no wonder you have such a following.”

[Y/N] laughed nervously, feeling a warmth spread through them at his words. “Thank you, Subspace. That means a lot coming from you. I’ve always admired your fearlessness and the way you put everything into your work without holding back. It’s something I aspire to do.”

Subspace’s gaze softened slightly, a rare moment of sincerity breaking through his usual manic demeanor. “It’s not always easy, but I find that the only way to truly live is to embrace every moment, no matter how chaotic. And you, [Y/N], you have that spark. That same fire.”

[Y/N] felt a surge of pride and joy at his words. “That’s one of the things I love about your work. It’s raw and unfiltered. It’s...real.” Subspace’s grin returned, wider and more genuine than before. “I knew there was a reason I felt drawn to your music. We’re kindred spirits, you and I. Both are chasing that same high, that same passion.”

[Y/N] could feel their hearts beating faster, their excitement growing with every word. “I never thought I’d meet someone who understands that so well. It’s...it’s incredible.”

Subspace took a step closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Tell me, [Y/N], what drives you? What keeps that fire burning inside you?”

[Y/N] took a moment to think, their minds racing. “It’s the connection with my fans, the feeling of creating something that resonates with others. And the thrill of pushing boundaries and exploring new territories. It’s addictive.”

Subspace nodded, his eyes gleaming with understanding. “I get that. It’s the same for me. The rush of a performance, the thrill of the unknown. It’s what keeps me going.”

They stood there, sharing a moment of silent understanding, a bond forming between them. [Y/N] felt a sense of exhilaration, knowing that they had found someone who truly understood their passion.

Subspace broke the silence, and his voice filled with excitement. “You know, we should collaborate sometime. Imagine what we could create together. The world wouldn’t know what hit them!!”

[Y/N] felt a thrill of excitement at the idea. “I’d love that. I think we could create something truly amazing.”

Subspace’s grin widened, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. “Then it’s a plan. We’ll make something that will blow everyone away. Just wait.”

[Y/N] felt a surge of joy, their hearts soaring with the possibilities. Meeting Subspace had been everything they had hoped for and more. As they stood there, face to face with their idol, they knew that this was the beginning of something incredible.

Subspace’s gaze softened once more, a rare moment of vulnerability breaking through his usual bravado. “You know, I never expected to find someone who understands me like you do. It’s...refreshing.”

[Y/N] smiled, feeling a warmth spread through them. “I feel the same way. It’s amazing to meet someone who shares the same passion and drive.”

Subspace nodded, his eyes filled with a mixture of excitement and gratitude. “Here’s to new beginnings, then. And to create something that will leave a mark on the world.”

[Y/N] raised an imaginary glass, their hearts swelling with joy. “To new beginnings.”

As Subspace walked away from the meeting spot, [Y/N] felt a sense of exhilaration and excitement. They had met their idol, someone who understood their passion and drive, and they knew that this was just the beginning of an incredible journey.

[hamilando]

★彡[ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴀɴʏ]彡★

Pairing : Kim Mingyu x Male reader 

Words : 1.2K

Genre : Fluff, Idol au, strangers to lovers, fate au

TW : little friendly insults given by friends to each other

Music: Company by Justin Bieber

A/N : This was requested . I did change the plot given in the request little bit to suit the writing. Hope the person who requested this likes it!

“Learn how to walk, stranger.” 

Y/N was definitely annoyed after bumping into a random stranger in the streets of Milan, his day was going amazingly well; getting up to hang out with his friends, then getting lost in the streets of Milan, being absolutely lost for the whole day beforebumping into a brick wall, which also happened to be the stranger’s chest he just bumped into. 

“I am so sorry, I really wasn’t seeing where I was going and I don’t know where I am-”

“You lost too?” Y/N cut off the stranger’s rant.

“Yeah” The stranger sheepishly replied.

“That make the two of us then.”

“Y/N”

“Nice to meet you, the stranger who clearly is not blind.” The stranger replied, holding out his hand.

Y/N shook the hand offered and let out a pained chuckle, taking a moment to look at the stranger in front of him, extremely tall, long hair, dark eyes and wearing a mask despite Covid not being there.

“You an idol or something?”

The guy seemed to tense up before replying, “Nah, just a college student.”

“What’s ur major?”

“Major?”

“The subject you are pursuing dumbass.”

“Oh, um, Music.”

“Cool, I am a physics major.”

“I could never.”

“You never know, you are pursuing your passion, I am not.”

“The life is yours, when you dream, it’s up to you to follow it. You can’t please everyone in this so called world.”

“Your inner musician is calming and gives good advice. What’s your name? I had a full fledged conversation with you despite knowing your name.”

“Your eyes are pretty.”

 “I wear lense, you idiot.”

“You just called me blind, a brick wall, a dumbass and an idiot in less than 5 mins of meeting.”

“And if we stay in touch, that’s just the starting.”

“What makes you say I would stay in touch with you?”

“You have been conversing with for the past 6 mins.” Y/N casually said, giving a side eye look to the guy before actually checking the time on his watch.

“Makes sense”

“I always do.”

“You have too much self confident.”

“Says the person who is afraid of showing his face.”

“Says the person who is studying a subject taken from a Apple falling.”

“You did not just- says the person who is studying tune which machines make.”

“Says the person who is on verge of performing law of gravity.”

Y/N just stood there, shocked at the audacity of the person in front of him. 

“That was a good comeback. I will give it to you.”

“I have millions of people saying I have good comebacks.”

“You be a social bee bro.”

“I can be little shy sometimes.”

“I am super shy~ super shy~ but wait a minute till I make you mine~”

The stranger just stood there, watching the guy in front of him break into super shy without a reason.

“I am sorry, whenever I hear someone say they are shy, I can’t help but-” Y/N showed the hook step “ and break into this.”

“I get it, it’s addictive.”

“Wait, you are into Kpop?”

“Yeah, it’s nice music.”

“Damn.”

“I have met newjeans.”

Y/N mustered all his strength to hit the stranger on the bicep but instead hurted himself, letting out a moan of pain. 

“Why are you so muscular ?”

“That’s what you get for hitting me.”

“You have met-”

“Newjeans”

“I am jealous.”

“Don’t be”

“I will be”

“Have it your way.”

“I have seen seventeen in a award show.”

“I have too.”

“Who is your bias?”

“Wonwoo.” The stranger replied, giving him the dead eyes.

“Mine too.”

“Your favourite song?”

“Shadow”

Y/N just started at the stranger, “Mine too.”

“You are copying me.”

“Excuse me, I just met you!”

“Well Y/N, you certainly seem to be stalking me.”

“Again, I just met you.”

“This could be act, for all I know you could be serial killer Y/N.”

“I was in Korea before this.”

“I belong to Korea.”

“You are here for the concert right?”

“Seventeen is in Milan, how can I not go to their concert?”

“You rich”

“Not much, just a few million dollars.”

Y/N proceeded to faint, die and reincarnate in his brain, trying to process how can a guy just casually drop the bomb that his a millionaire and say it’s not much money.

“Give me your address.”

The stranger eyed Y/N suspiciously, “Why…”

“To steal your money of course, since you don’t appreciate it.”

“I very much appreciate my money, thank you.”

“Lend me some then.

“I don’t even know you stranger.”

“You know my name, it’s Y/N, I am a physics major at Yonsei, my family has four members, my parents and my younger brother. I have two dogs. My favourite food is chicken sandwich with barbecue sauce with pickles and chips on side-”

“That’s too much information you are giving to me.”

“You still didn’t tell me your name.”

“Are you here with your friends?”

“Yeah, got separated from them while looking for the food stand, didn’t find the food or the people of them though.”

“I hope you win this war against the streets of Milan.”

“Haha funny”

“I get that.”

That minute of silence that followed allowed both of them to be aware of their surroundings. They were still standing on the corner of the streets, in the soft, warm glow of the setting sun, they had shared stories, laughter, and a connection that seemed to defy the busy world around them, that buzz of connection which could not be ignored.

 They didn’t know each other’s background, yet they felt they have known each other for long. They didn’t know each other’s favourite colour, yet they would want it to be colour of each other’s eyes. They didn’t know each other’s movie yet they wanted it to be the first one they watch together. They didn’t know each other’s favourite food, yet they hoped it would be the one they make for each other.

“Your name. You always avoid the question.”

The stranger locked eyes with Y/N before replying that Y/N would not like he exposed himself.

“It’s not like you are my enemy, he is still in Korea, busy sucking up to his girlfriend.”

The stranger fiddled with his mask, thinking of the consequences, but mustering up the courage and removing it. 

Y/N let out an audible gasp, 

“You are-”

“Kim Mingyu, from seventeen.”

“It kind of makes sense now.”

“I hope it doesn’t change the way you see me.”

“Don’t worry, I still see you as a dumbass and idiot.”

“I have Wonwoo unlike you.”

“You can’t just use the bias card on me”

“Yet here you met your bias’s soulmate”

“Yet here I am arguing with a brick wall.”

“Yet here you are talking to a brick wall made in the gym by hard work.”

“Yet here you are talking to a brain who studies way more than you.”

“Yet here we are starting a summer that no one was ready for.”

“Yet here I am Mingyu, asking if you would like to be my company?”

[brnesblogposts]

Listen, please.

Pairing Matty Healy x Reader

words: 1k

warnings angst lol

a/n i decided to switch it up because “you” was starting to piss me off so i switched to third person for this one

—————-

He shut the front door behind him as quietly as he could, locking it, just getting home from the studio. It was two in the morning. The third time this week that he'd got home at a ridiculous hour, he had barely seen her the last couple of weeks.

Y/n lay in bed facing the wall so when he came in he wouldn't know she'd been crying, she felt ridiculous crying over barely seeing him, but it really was getting to her. She felt neglected and like a second choice, she knows how important the music is to him and the guys but she just wished he'd pay more attention to her.

Matty snuck into their room and used the light of his phone to navigate his way to the bathroom, so as not to disturb her. She listened to him as he turned the tap on to brush his teeth and heard him drop his clothes into the laundry basket. He came out of the bathroom and slid into bed, pressing a kiss to her shoulder where he could've sworn he felt her pull away from him, probably a coincidence he thought. She hid under the covers more as he started adjusting himself and getting comfortable, she wished she didn't have to share a bed with him because lately, he felt like a stranger.

She continued staring at the wall as her mind raced, thoughts running through her head at one hundred miles an hour. The overthinking caught up to her again and a few tears escaped her eyes, running down her cheeks. At the same time, completely unaware of what was happening next to him, Matty stared up at the ceiling. He knew he hadn't been paying enough attention to her but this record was so close to being done, he tended to fixate on his music because when it came to his art he was a perfectionist.

As he stared up at the ceiling he absentmindedly reached out to try to touch her, he wanted to feel connected to her. When she pulled away from his contact he felt his stomach drop. It was then he tuned into the sniffles escaping her lips, he reached over to his bedside lamp and turned it on, turning back to her "Baby?" He went to stroke her hair but she curled up into herself even more. He hated seeing her like this, he should have been here this week for he would've known what was bothering her, "Darlin'? What's wrong?" Still, he received no response. He wasn't going to push you but if he knew what was wrong then he could try to fix it.

A few minutes passed and he just sat there watching her, wondering if she'd say anything. He was about to give up and wait until the morning when "You don't love me anymore." She spoke in the most delicate voice "What?!" He all but yelled and then she sat up, "You don't love me anymore." She repeated. He snapped "Don't you ever fuckin' say that again" Why was he angry? She couldn't figure it out, "It's okay," Her voice was soft-spoken. He couldn't believe what he was hearing, "What are you on about? Where the fuck did you get that impression?!" He was trying to keep his voice calm but the accusation was pissing him off, he was more mad at himself than anything, how could he ever let her think such a thing, he felt like he failed as a boyfriend.

Tears started falling down her cheeks and wetting the bedsheets where she sat cross-legged "You-you're never home," she sputtered "Obviously you'd rather be at the studio than with me anymore, I'm sorry I wasn't good enough, I really did try" She choked. He looked at her, eyes wide. He watched as she broke down in front of him. His girl was crying because of him. She continued crying as he watched in disbelief, trying to find the words "I am so fucking sorry." He spoke with sincerity, analysing her face, once again trying to reach out to her but being rejected. He felt like shit.

"Y/n, please.." Matty went for her hand and kept talking "Please, listen to me, don't pull away," She let him take her hand in his and he ran his thumb over the back of it as he spoke "Baby... I love you. Do you hear me? I love you and nothing has changed or will change." Her tears increased his words and he squeezed her hand,

"I can not express how sorry I am for making you feel anything less than enough. You are more than enough, I don't deserve you, to be honest. You have stood by me through everything, all my shit, you've been there and let me speak to you in the most horrible manner when I was at my lowest. I'm so sorry I've been absent this week, I got caught up in the studio, but from now on that won't happen. I'll be here with you more, I'll make sure to tell you how much I love and appreciate you every day, please let me fix this because I can't lose you, my darling." He poured his heart out, kissing her hand when he finished.

They sat in silence as she processed his words, his thumb never halting in its comforting caress on her hand. He stared at her as he watched the tears come to a halt, holding his breath.

"I know your music is important to you," She breathed deeply "You're the most incredible, talented man I know. I guess it just sometimes feels like I get in your way?" He raised his brow at this "I feel like I hold you back, if we weren't together you'd have more time to work on your music." She confessed and he turned her chin to look him in the eyes as he said "You are my music, you're my muse in everything that I do," He squeezed her hand again "You are integrated into my lyrics, the guys get sick of me sometimes, but you're my whole world. He finished his ramble and a glimpse of a smile appeared on her face "God you're an idiot sometimes, Healy," Rolling her eyes "Maybe, but I'm your idiot," He grinned like a dork, she loved that grin.

"I love you, Matthew Healy" She smiled at him,

"I love you, my darling love, Y/n" He smiled as his lips met yours.

———-

thank you for reading! reblogs are appreciated! i feel like while writing this i thought it was my best work and then i got to the end and i hate it, this happens with everything i do though.. :D

[starythewriter]

A shift dinner date w Vinnie hacker imagine

I stepped into this amazing restaurant it reminded me a lot of the Cheesecake Factory except everything was plain black, and had dark tainted glass with lights everywhere it was so beyond beautiful.

I walked in feeling the air conditioning hit my face it wasn't too strong nor too weak just perfect. I saw Vinnie, I drove to the restaurant to meet Vinnie... I turned up some music and put on my lipstick then I got a call from Vinnie "I got a gift for you be ready"

"really? oh my gosh I can't wait"

"yes of course! that's all... but also be sitting at table 8"

"alright perfect thank you"

I stepped into this amazing restaurant it reminded me a lot of the Cheesecake Factory except everything was plain black, and had dark tainted glass with lights everywhere it was so beyond beautiful.

I walked in feeling the air conditioning hit my face it wasn't too strong nor too weak just perfect. I saw Vinnie, he looked so good wearing a light blue shirt tucked neatly into his jeans and he even wore some glasses that seemed to accentuate his already handsome features even more.

He looked up as I approached him I said "Hey" smiling shyly at the older man who smiled back at me, then looking over towards the bar I see a group of guys laughing... I tune out and say "let's order what do you want?" he looks around like he doesn't know which one I mean he says "can we get the same food we always eat?" which reminds me that I'm pretty much always there for him so I say "Yeah sure" then order our food while he orders mine he pays, and I say thanks before we head to our usual booth.

We talk about work a lot... he works at the school where I teach English and he teaches science... he is an artist too... he wants to make things when he grows up and wants to open a gallery somewhere where people can buy art. We talk about how we feel and what we are going through right now and what we think about the future... I noticed he was wearing a strong perfume I loved the smell... I smiled at him. He smiles back but suddenly starts blushing... well, I guess the conversation was going too long."Oh yeah uh sorry... I don't know why I started talking about my feelings... I have really bad insomnia... I try not to let my mind run away with me but sometimes..." he sighs "anyway, how are you doing babe?"

I smile sweetly at him "I'm good" he puts down his fork and leans across the table towards me "you are very sexy tonight..." he says softly... 'hmm he does look very handsome... ' I muse. I lean toward him slowly until I could kiss him. but out of no where the waiter seemed to intervene delivering the check.

I wasn't sure if it was on purpose or not but regardless it definitely broke a moment of passion... and made a couple of strangers turn their attention towards us.

We both start getting angry as he stands up. I am a little surprised because usually he doesn't lose control like that unless he's mad at me or something... but he calmed down after "well... here" I say giving him a small kiss.

"thank you"

"here wanna go to a local fun center?" I suggest trying to break the awkwardness

"yeah ok."

We headed off together... we sat down at an arcade and played some games and talked about random stuff. He kept glancing my way and I was starting to blush. I couldn't figure out why... maybe I was embarrassed at myself for being so forward... then randomly we were playing a racing game and I knocked his car off the screen I celebrated we both laughed having a great time . Then I asked where he lived. He told me his place was a few blocks away. We got out and headed off together. When we finally stopped walking he held my hand and looked into my eyes "we should go somewhere else sometime... " he said gently kissing me... I closed my eyes and kissed him back. As he pulled away he said "your so sexy"

"thank you" I said kissing his ear. I pulled back... how about a second date?

"really?"

"yeah of course Vinnie" I smiled at him

He smiled and took my hand leading me to his car. I felt like I could fly I was so excited. It didn't matter that he wasn't in love with me, he thought I was hot. He liked me. He wanted to hang out with me. And honestly I did like hanging out with him. "here I know you love to read so here's a book with 500 quotes"

"thank you Vinnie that's so thoughtful"

He blushed a bit saying "it's nothing... I'm happy to help"

I felt his gaze of lust...

"let me drive you to my house. I'll invite you for a sleepover"

"hmmm I don't know"

"please?"

"alright fine, but only because you seem so desperate to spend time with me"

His eyes lit up and he grinned at me. "oh god I am so whipped! come on!" he yelled as he started the car

the end!

[sofasoap]

Love at first sight - 3

Pairing: Rodolfo “Rudy” Parra x F!reader ( aka Mini MacTavish)

Summary: The realisation, the denial, realisation and heartache. Part I, Part 2, Part 4, Part 5,Part 6,Epilogue

Warning: M rating. not beta'ed and proof read

My usual thanking @saltofmercury, mother of Mini, for lending me the character :) Please go and check out her fics!

“masterlist” for Mini MacTavish expanded verse

“So, how was the date?”

“Seriously? You too? You are the last person that I expect to ask me that question. Didn’t take you as a gossiper.” you winced slightly as you slam down your coffee mug on the table harder than intended, rubbing your forehead and side eyed Ghost. 

“It’s hard when everyone is talking about it, including Soap.” he pointed out. 

“I thought you knew ways to shut my brother up better than me, Simon.”

You can see his slight smile as he brings his cup of tea to his mouth, ignoring your statement. 

It’s been a few weeks since your, so-called date with Rudy, somehow two of you became the hot topic of the gossip session amongst Los Vaqueros and SpecGru. 

No, it wasn't a date, Yes, I did go to his house and his sister dressed me up. I met his mum. yes she cried. Yes, We had a good time. NO WE DID NOT SHAG.  By the end you are pretty much rattling off the answers out even before the others open their mouths. 

You keep convincing yourself it was nothing but a fun night out, getting to know the local culture. New experiences. Getting to know your new friend more. Getting attracted to him. Falling in love with him. Mentally slap yourself to stop yourself furthering on that train of thought, you turn your attention as the screeching noise of the table and chairs being moved caught your attention, where a group of Los Vaqueros sitting around their Colonel, sharing a few drinks as they excitedly celebrating the latest success of their mission. And there’s Rudy, sitting quietly beside Alejandro as per usual, listening in to the conversation with a smile on his face. 

“Why are you staring at him then?” 

“What?” your head snaps back at Ghost, even behind his mask, you are sure his eyebrows are raised. This man is just too observant. 

“I am not staring at him. I am just… “ you sighed. Can’t even find a good excuse for your behaviour. “ Just leave me be Simon. I have had enough teasing and questions from people the last few days, I really don’t need it from my brothers.” 

Patting your head as a silent apology before standing up, in search of his other teammates. 

You really weren't seeking him out intentionally, but you just can’t help it. Searching for his presence when you enter the room, searching for his honey brown eyes. He always returns it with that little soft smile as he spots you watching him. That little bit of comfort amongst the strangers. A little reassurance. It warms your heart. 

Noticing a group of soldiers came behind Rudy, nudging him as they handed him a guitar, he shook his head at first, but after some encouragement from Alejandro, he shyly accepted. 

You see how demeanour changes as he holds onto the guitar. Plucking a few notes as he tunes it, getting a feel of the instrument, he launches into an intense, fast pace melody.  Another player joined in with a harmonica and improvised drumming on the table as the crowd started cheering and clapping to the beat of the music. 

Fingers moving, hands strumming and slapping. Totally mesmerised with his playing and skills, another surprise hits you as he joins the chorus of singing, his resonant voice, easily recognisable above all others. How beautiful he looks when he sings, the confidence he exudes. The agile fingers moving along the fretboard of the guitar. This is definitely an unexpected side of him you have never seen before. 

Suddenly, his eyes found yours, and followed you as some fellow medics pulled you in the middle of the room, where there were few people already dancing. Remembering what you have learnt from the ladies at the festival, and following others, you immerse yourself in the music, as you twirl and stomp your feet to the rhythm, flaring your imaginary skirt. Trying hard to ignore his gaze. Yet with every turn, you always see him, looking at you longingly, focusing all his attention on you, as if you are the only dancer in the room, putting on a private performance for him. 

As the song draws to a close, you feel like you are suffocating, the need to get out of the mess hall, get away from the crowd,

Away from him. 

Excusing yourself from your friends for needing to get some fresh air ,you half ran out the door, towards the back, into the shade of the building. 

A light crunching footstep approaches a few minutes later as you crouching in the shadow, hiding your face between your legs,trying to settle yourself from the confusing and flustering state. You tenses as you turn your head towards the owner of the foot step, you notice Rudy approaching, holding a bottle of water, with concern showing on his face. 

Shaking your head to decline his extended hand, offering to pull you up, pushing yourself up to a standing position, you murmured words of thanks after he passed the bottle of cooling water to you instead. He looks at you, wrangling his hand, all the confidence from before has suddenly slid off into the background, his nervousness and shyness making its way back out. You can feel he wants to ask you something, yet holding back, not wanting to break the little moment you two are sharing right now. You have a fair feeling about what he wants to ask. 

That push and shove between the burning lust of pushing him into the wall, needing your body impossibly close to yours, his lips on yours, letting him know how much your body is desiring him, how you long for him as much he does to you.  Accepting him and be damned the consequences and thought of the long term future.

And the rational part of your brain warns you, to walk away from him, to cut off any tie off from him. He’s just another passerby in your life, working together towards the same goal, eliminating the threats, winning the war against the cartels. 

You unscrew the bottle of water, taking a few big gulps, cooling yourself down from the dancing session from before, and trying to distract you from the conflicting thought that is battling in your mind right now. 

Closing the cap, you suddenly blurted out. “It’s better we stay as friends.” That’s for the best. Cut off any hope before it starts. But why does it hurt so much?

Too many sacrifices will be made. The different priorities.  The distance. 

“But.. friends can still keep in touch right?” he asked in a quiet voice, looking into your eyes, searching for that last little hope. But the sadness laced in his voice and the eyes, he knows what you mean behind the words. Both of you know this is probably a love that will go nowhere. Impossible by many means. 

You try to smile, but it turns out to be more like a grimace as you try hard to hold back that ache. Breaking the eye contact, you look down, biting your lower lip between the teeth, tightening your grip on the bottle, trying to stop the tears that are currently welling up in your eyes from bursting from its dam. 

He took a step forward, you heard him suck in a deep breath before tentatively putting his strong arm around yours, drawing you into his embrace awkwardly, trying to comfort you. 

Instinctively burying your face into the crook of his neck, you finally let the tears flow freely. You only knew him for a few weeks, and even turning him down just now, you knew you would not fall in love with another person like how you fell in love with him, ever again. 

Tag list: @kaplerrr @captainpriceslover @homicidal-slvt @floral-force @deadbranch @a-small-writer-in-a-big-world @iwannabeinthesequalmrghostface

[logically-asexual]

okay hear me out.

after hawkmoth is defeated luka and his family can stay in one place again, so jagged and penny decide to go to london, and luka and juleka stay with them over the summer. jagged has a new album because his tour around the world inspired him a lot and he’s been doing a few concerts to promote it. there’s an after party for one of them and a bunch of cool celebrities are invited, including audrey bourgeois.

she was planning to just show up for a couple pictures, she had a new dress she wanted to show off or something, but chloe hadn’t stopped clinging to her all night complaining about her struggles with school*, and she followed her all the way to the party. once there, before the cameras are all on them, she finally gets fed up and tells chloe to get lost.

(*amongst the chaos of her dictatorship, the school year ended and she managed to use her power to get her middle school diploma, but now she had to get into high school and even with her money she still had to make it through admission paperwork and exams that her parents refused to help her with)

so chloe, once again heartbroken by her mom’s treatment, runs and finds somewhere to hide in the huge mansion where the party is happening. she is in a corner on some patio or terrace crying in silence when luka finds her. he sits next to her and asks her what’s wrong. at first chloe is defensive like “it’s none of your business, get away from me.” with her face still hidden. and luka being luka is like “chloe, right? i can feel your inner tune is overpowered by too much noise coming from every direction at once and not letting it find its way.”

“i told you to get away you little—“ she finally looks up and upon seeing his face she stops and finds herself unable to think of an insult, so she says “ugh, you might be cute even with those old rags but you still have no right speaking to me!”

so luka just smiles at her and asks if he can sit in silence then. which leaves chloe at a loss for words and in the end she just nods and turns back to face away from him. they stay like that for a while, with chloe sniffling and wiping away tears every once in a while. later she checks her phone and sighs because she has no calls or messages.

luka sees and says something like "you know, i'm glad that you're here. these events can get kind of lonely. it's weird to have all these strangers in the house all night, and my dad is always busy trying to keep them entertained ... don't get me wrong, it's really cool that he's a rockstar but. he's so famous and amazing that sometimes it's easy to feel lost under his shadow. and he was away for so long, it's hard to--"

he hesitates to continue so chloe, finally looking at him, says "it's okay. i know exactly what you mean."

luka smiles at her and it's like he's radiating calmness, enough for her to forget everything that had made her angry that day. he moves his guitar from his back to hold it in place and asks her what kind of music she likes. she's like "uh.. XY?"

"come on, you really like his music?"

"i mean his hair is SO cute, and the way he dances on stage and--"

"no, i didn't say the artist. what do you think about the music?"

she stops to think. "i don't know.. i don't pay that much attention to it, i guess. it's.. kind of boring. but who am i to judge, i was never able to play that utterly useless flute my daddy got for me once, it sounded like a caged bird with asthma. although, at least that would probably be more entertaining.."

luka laughs at that. "that's the spirit." and then "come on, let's find your sound."

..

and they spend the next hours there talking, and find that they're so different yet,, chloe feels so at peace with him in a way she hadn't in.. she can't even remember when she felt so calm. and luka can see that there's a hidden side of chloe that dares to peak out when she's feeling comfortable and that he likes and wants to see more of. and he doesnt immediately forget everything she's done to marinette and juleka and the rest of their class, but he sees hope in her, maybe he can be there for her now as she starts over.

[cal-daisies-and-briars]

Music Monday Tuesday

Thank you @your-catfish-friend for tagging me!

Rules: Choose a few fics you wrote that were inspired by a song - not just with song lyrics in title - and share the tune and the link to the fics. If anyone wants to guess which goes with which go for it in comments or tags!

---

This is hard because most of mine are directly using the titles... So INSTEAD what I am going to do is link some less popular songs that inspired fics to the fic (so NOT my Taylor Swift name fics).

---

Nothing Left But You 

In May of 2021, 25% of Earth's population suddenly disappears. Including Eddie.

In May of 2026, they all come back.

Eddie finds himself suddenly in the middle of a world he doesn't recognize, where the people he loves most have changed significantly.

Any Other Way (ongoing)

In a switcheroo alternate universe, Buck spends young adulthood in the military, while Eddie, who has no idea Christopher exists, spends his twenties messing around, finally enjoying freedom away from his family’s expectations. When they both end up in Los Angeles, at the 118, some things are different, and others will be the same in any universe.

Got Weird

Shortly after Buck and Natalia break up, Eddie gets tipsy and makes a rather forward move. Then immediately panics (not that Eddie panics, of course) and backpedals. Eddie spirals, Buck is confused. Lots of spontaneous kissing ensues.

Claim Your Ghost

After a near death experience on a call, Eddie starts having strange hallucinations of people who have died. There’s definitely no way he’s seeing ghosts, right? Because Eddie doesn’t believe in ghosts…

Winter Prayer 

When a work conflict prevents Athena from accompanying Bobby to Minnesota for the ten year anniversary of his family dying, Buck and May offer to go instead. Over the course of the trip, they all learn more about each other, and Bobby faces his grief.

Why Not Take All of Me?

When a small disaster strikes the morning of Maddie and Chimney's wedding, Buck, Hen, and Chim find themselves unwittingly caught up in an emergency across town, while Maddie and Eddie get stuck in an elevator.

Fuck Up the Friendship (my first ever fic)

Eddie and Buck respond to a call where one best friend confesses their love to another - leading to a pretty awkward argument between them, and maybe more?

Me and Lazarus

As Buck lays comatose after being struck by lightning, Maddie reflects on the life of the first brother she lost, how that impacted her life, and the ways grief has shaped them both.

Cowboy With a One Track Mind (ongoing)

Spin-off Sequel to Evan Buckley & the Coma-Verse of Madness - Chapter 7 (Land):

Grieving and tortured, Evan Buckley has been living alone in Montana in a remote cabin for nearly a decade. After an incident that leaves him missing six months of his life, and suddenly in connection with a group of strangers from Los Angeles, Evan must decide whether to remain in his self-imposed exile, or take a chance at life again.

a mouth full of teeth and nothing to sing 

Post 07x03, Hen struggles to process the cruise ship rescue and drunk driver call in the midst of ongoing tension with her friends.

---

Tagging @pantsaretherealheroes @jeeyuns @aroeddiediaz @exhuastedpigeon @theotherbuckley

@diazsdimples @steadfastsaturnsrings @alliaskisthepossibilityoflove @mangacat201 @daughterofscotland

@madneywedding @evanbegins @tizniz @wildlife4life @buckleybabyblues

@bidisasterevankinard @adarkermiserablecrow

[nightguide]

limiting artworks and credibility in the punk scene (2020's life is going to be loved in hell)

okay, Taylor Swift's penmanship is forced too highly based on her tantrum over social classes being levelled out too badly, there was no reason for her to be hated if there was no context on being loved like you were there if you were there as your inner kid with her and she would understand you for everything (purely no biased explanation)

and the kid dies there. now what

now LP is the stranger in the midst with no egocentric value whatsoever so she kept it down low and made sure she was happy only on her own terms

the first ever song i heard:

i found her when i was looking at MBTI types for a better understanding of myself when i got matched to what i thought i was an ISFP and 'swim by chase atlantic' and 'lost on you by LP' stood out from both the Fi dominant types and i listened to both of them (which i liked) and LP had a homely-like feeling about her since her voice sounded so much like old lady-like than not being old-lady like than being known to why she sang about a woman that was not repairing her heart than her own so i often like songs that have a tune that fleets you off than the lyrics, idgaf about whatever happens next that has a transgressing emotion to who i stand for which is why the artist stays with you than you never finding LP at all which is why i like her way of being than being a Buckley fan the first time knowing you're romantically linked to him than being song-made with him (a heartbreak is a thought away) than being there for yourself in the end (which everybody has) like you're being there for yourself being alone with your thoughts and knowing a heavy escape from depression is a shortcut away from living it, so LP has a notable link to people surfacing the LGBTQIA+ (which Buckley rooted strongly for if not for his death in 1997) making LP strongly favoured for if not for music to go on a psycho-evolution to public demographic for new artists nowadays to make sure MTV has it for everybody than just the LGBTQIA+ alone as a Muslim musician myself, i am fond with her being philosophy than theory thinking to nowhere, so Glee cast, choose your biases and leave me the hell alone

[matcha-green-bear]

✩pt.2: no night is sweet without its moon

✩ paring: celestial!Seonghwa x f!reader

✩ genre: Hwa moon au, fluff, romance, strangers to lovers

✩ summery: At the end of the day, all she has is books, music, and her letters to the moon. Someday someone will bring the moon down for her in the shape of their love. . . .who knew it would've been the moon himself.

✩ warnings: cheesy romance, suggestive, heavy mentions of loss, sad themes, Seonghwa flirting tis sweet!🥹💚

✩ wordcount: 1280

✩ taglist: @justaaveragereader ​, @marievllr-abg ​, @owlmylove ​, @hwaightme ​, @layzfeelit ​, @bae4choi , @jackinmyarea

✩ a/n: Taglist is open! Just shoot me an ask!💚 I feel like this chapter delves deeper into mc’s feelings!🥺 There are some advancements made!🤭 Did you know he so-called “blood” moon as a purely astronomical event when the earth casts a rust-colored shadow on the moon’s surface.

All day at work, you couldn't help but think of him. One single interaction has you beaming like the brightest star in the sky. One single short conversation had been replaying in your head non-stop. It was crazy how fast you clicked. It's almost as if he knew how to sing to the tune of your soul. Seonghwa said he'd see you again, and you can't wait. Looking outside, you see the sunsetting, motivating you to clean up faster so you can make it home.

"So, how was your first meeting with the human?" Hongjoong poked his head into where Seonghwa was working, star dust surrounding Hwa as he worked. "It was unbelievable, Joong! I was soaring but my feet were on the ground! I felt warm in the dead of night! I feel as though our souls were bound as one! Oh, and she has a name. Her name is y/n! Beautiful, right?!" Hongjoong could see Seonghwa’s face light up as he spoke about y/n. It set his worries at ease only a little. "I'm glad the night went well. There are 26 more nights till the next full moon. I hope the coming nights are all fruitful and giving." Seonghwa could see the worry behind Hongjoong's words. It warmed him that his friend cared so much. "Mmm, the nights are full of mystery and possibilities Joong who knows what they will bring! But I'll take it with my while being if it means I can see y/n again!"

You were getting close to your house when you saw him, his was sitting on the bench that was near your house. The bench you sat on countless nights looking up at the night sky. "Fancy meeting you here, Seonghwa!" As soon as he heard your voice, you saw his head turn to meet you, a wide grin plastered on his sweet face. "Y/n! Come sit and look at the stars with me! They are so bright tonight!" His smile only grew reaching to his eyes, only making it harder for you to not run over and sit next to him. Instead, you just simply walked over. "The moon looks brighter than usual; don't you think so?" As you looked over to Seonghwa, you saw he was already looking at you, bringing heat to your face and ears. "How can the moon not shine more brightly when his favorite person is looking up at him?" He looked into your eyes and then up at the moon. "I highly doubt I'm the moon's favorite, what about the stars, or even the sky!? He should favor them more than me. All I do is tell him my troubles. I'm sure he'd rather hear of happier things." You also look up at the moon. "No night is sweet without its moon, and no moon shines without its night, but no one talks to the moon like you do. I bet he appreciates it more than you know. Who knows, he might even find comfort in it as you find in the moon." His words took you by surprise. It's as if he knew all that you say and do for the moon. Looking at him losing yourself in the fuzzy comfort Seonghwa brings you. "The moon is my home when I am alone. You know the sky will not be alone if one-star falls, but I know that it would affect the moon and his brightness, as losing someone affected mine. So, in a way, I relate to him."

Seonghwa saw a tear fall from your face. He quickly whipped it off your face. "I will not say, don't cry, for not all tears and sadness are an evil. Somethings must be felt to understand them. Your heart is a star in itself, and I bet the moon would be in more pain to lose the only person who talks to him than a star that he created." His words filled you with immense comfort and compassion. "You seem to always know what to say to make me feel better, you know." He still had his hand on the side of your face cupping it softly as if any more pressure was added you'd fade with the nights breeze. "Just one lonely soul talking to another, under the moonlight, how can one not know what to say when all I know is what you feel. Oh, uh, as in, I relate as well." Heat rushes to Seonghwa’s face as he slips that he knows how she feels a little more than he should. His hand quickly makes its way, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment. Seeing him embarrassed and flustered makes you giggle. "No need to be so flustered! Your words made me feel secure and brought me solace. I know you said it is endearing that I find relief in talking to the moon, and that made me feel less embarrassed that I spend hours writing or talking to the moon. You know, when the night falls, I listen to the songs that the moon and stars sing just like my mother, and I used to every night. I sing with them now alone, but not alone because I know she’s one of the stars singing too, and the world feels complete and whole again."

"That's a beautiful way of putting it. Your heart truly does shine, y/n. I know your mom can see it from where she is shining as well." His voice was soft but strong with meaning and emotion. "It's getting colder, how about I walk you home before you catch a cold, I'd hate to be the reason that you got sick, and you don't shine as much as you can!" Seonghwa once again had you giggling. He was so kind to you. "Yes, that would be nice! Thank you, my good sir!" And he picks up on your goofiness almost instantaneously. "Anything for you, madam, Shall I lead the way!?" You both link arms and start walking. "Yes, you may!" You giggled out. Though the walk was relatively short, you still enjoyed the close proximity linking arms together brought. He was warm, and it brought butterflies to your stomach. You are now at the steps of your door. "You know it’s crazy how comfortable I feel around you seeing as though we met yesterday." You smiled as you both stared into each other's eyes. The nights breeze swept some loose strands of hair into your face. Seonghwa took that opportunity to get closer and tuck them behind your ear. Still looking into each other's eyes, blush rising to both of your faces. He speaks softly, "Now who says that I've just met you? You've been in my soul for centuries y/n." He kisses your forehead lightly and turns you around. "Now head inside y/n before you get colder!" You open your door and step into your house only to turn around and peek back out. "Goodnight Seonghwa! Get home safely! And sleep well!" He turns around from walking away and smiles. "Good night y/n! We'll meet again! Under the stars like tonight! Sleep well Y/n!" He waved and turned back around. You watched him walking in the moonlight till you turned around and shut your door.

You took off your shoes and coat and went to your room to get ready for bed. Snuggling deep into your blankets, you turn to look out your window. The moon still high in the sky, shining brightly. "Tonight, I fell a little bit more in love with the moon. It was so bright tonight! I think you would've loved it as well! Good night, I love you, Mom."

next >>>

✩ a/n: So sorry for the late posts on this series! College has been keeping me busy with my finals coming up!😭 But I do have other fics on the way!!🤭👀

[taeyamayang]

HOME / CHARACTER DETAILS

♡ click "HOME" to see details of this otome-style interactive fiction

♡ poll is located below the chapter

♡ additional information/details are indicated below

taglist: @thechaosoflonging @alienvarmint @phoenix666stuff

a/n: i'd like to take this opportunity to thank miri, @shut-up-you-guys-are-12 , for being my beta reader! you signed yourself up for hell (aka my messy drafts) but i'm very grateful for the help. as selfish as it may sound, i am glad you're with me on this ♡ sooo readers *wiggles eyebrows* before you begin everybody say THANK YOU MIRI!!

anddd without further ado, let's go.

NEW BEGINNINGS

Loading Version 1.0

It could be that you’re still half asleep that you’re seeing peculiar things, or perhaps drinking too much chocolate milk last night has caused you to derail your thoughts (does cocoa even affect cognitive thinking?) but whatever it may be, the relentless buzzing of your phone and friends tagging you on a video you’re all too familiar with is too hard to believe. Hence, with eyes wide akin to an owl and mouth gaping into an ‘o’ you declare to an empty room, 

“Holy shit! I'm famous!”

The effect of your newfound popularity has not worn off despite the long walk to the bus station. In fact, you feel elated as though the spotlight is on you, literally and figuratively. You can hear the compliments from strangers commending your talent, their eyes glimmering with astonishment, and rounds of claps as each user hit the like and share button. Holy fucking shit this must be what celebrities feel on a daily. It is such a huge boost to your frail ego and the more you think about it, the more it becomes surreal. 

And it doesn’t help when you see an old friend from a distance walking towards you and the bus station.

“Good morning.” He greets you first, and rather flatly. 

“Daichi,” you call, turning your head to him in the most dramatic way, fake flipping your hair in exaggerated swoop. “Do you want my autograph?” 

A light scowl plastered on his face and accompanied by a confused “Huh?” It is enough to make you snorts like an airhead, “Daichi, your dearest friend is a celebrity. I am internet famous.” As he stares at you his scowl deepens, eyes squinting as he reaches to the exposed skin on your arm to pinch.

“Ow! What d’ya do that for?!” you rub the sensitive skin as you shoot him a glare but he shrugs it off.

“To wake you up from the false reality you’re living in.”

“I am awake and I’m not making this up! I know what you’re thinking, Daichi Sawamura.” You pull out your phone as indignation takes over you. 

The bus arrives in the midst of you searching for the video on the social media platform. Consumed as you are by your phone, Dachi acts as the guide and eyes for the both of you. He places a hand on the small of your back and leads you inside the bus, scrolling through hundreds of notifications to fetch the said video. He guides you by saying “watch out for the stairs” when climbing up the entryway of the bus and “take the window seat” when he finds an empty booth for the both of you. Once settled in your seats, you shove the video at your friend’s face.

“Look. One hundred thousand likes for a video of me singing to a street musicians’ guitar ensemble. I wasn’t aware someone was taking a video until it found its way to me when my friends keep tagging me in it.” 

Daichi watches the video, taking your phone from your grasp as a grin gradually crept up his face. He listens to your voice intentlyㅡa sound he grew fond of over the years. In the video, when you reach the chorus of the song, Daichi could see you loosen up. It was evident that you were enjoying the music as your body unconsciously swayed to the soothing tune from the guitar ensemble. He sees the performer in you that you’re wary of showing. You belong to the stage and Daichi has always been your number one supporter. He felt the urge to tease you about the video, but the feeling of pride overrules it.

“You see, I was right all along. You do belong on stage. I’m very proud of you, (y/n).” It would've been much easier on your heart if Daichi teased you. You’re weak for him. You know that every compliment that comes out from him is laced with sincerity. Of all the people you know, Daichi is the only person who truly understands your struggles of being mute under the pressure of anxiety. The itch on your throat. The begging of your voice box to sing, but your mind telling you don't. You couldn’t perform under watchful gazes because you’re too afraid, too worried about mistakes. 

“Don’t look at me like that.” You turn to look at the window to blink away the tears beginning to pool on your lash line. Achievement is sweet but it tastes even better when you have someone close to you to celebrate it. You’re more than grateful to have your best friend with you. You sit in companionable silence for a couple of minutes until Daichi decides to break it. 

“Have you decided on an extracurricular?”

“I'm already a member of the Anthropological Society,” you murmur, holding your chin on your palm as you look through the window.

“You’re required to join your course’ club. (Y/n), you know what I mean.” Is we already back to sassy Daichi that makes you want to put him in a chokehold everytime he nags? God, it has only been a couple of minutes but you miss supportive Daichi.

When you turn to meet his eyes, you see exactly the face you had imagined; Eyelids are drawn downwards, lips pursed, and the tiny dent on his face, which you love to call a dimple forehead, appears between his eyebrows whenever he’s either in a deep thought or nagging you about something important (as he claims it to be) just like the situation at hand. 

It would have been easier if you excelled in a single field, and didn't end up mediocre in just about anything you tried. You aren’t like Daichi who, even in the early years of adolescence, showed great aptitude for swimming. He’s an athlete whom everyone expected to be part of the national team when he entered a University which he was able to pull off. Upon graduation from high school, coaches from different Universities across the country tried sweet-talking the oh-so-famous swimmer from Miyagi into a winning contract until he finally settled on Tokyo University.

“I don’t know, Dai. I haven’t given it much thought yet.” A heavy sigh rolls out from your parted lips. You rest your head on his shoulder as though the pressure has caught up to you. Daichi drops the topic and lets you off the hook. (Well, for now). 

Soon the bus comes to a halt and you’re tailing behind your best friend as you both make your way to the entrance of the University. Upon reaching the intersection which separates your college from his, you bid him a farewell.

“Hey! During lunch, let's eat together. Tell your fans I have you reserved.” He jokes as he waves at you. 

“All yours.” He chuckles when you shoot him with finger guns. 

Walking forward as you look over your shoulders and converse with someone backing away from you is not the best way to trudge through a crowded hallway. You’re reminded of that when you accidentally hit someone shoulder-to-shoulder. Well… not really. You aren’t sure if it's their shoulder because the next thing you see is a bowed head with dark strands falling at the side of his face making it difficult for you to see their face.

“Sorry, I wasn’t looking.” As an apology, you picked up a pen that had fallen from the books stacked in his arms. The boy is extremely jittery, shifting all books to one arm as his free hand pushes the black rim of his glasses back to the top of his nose. His shaky fingers rake his hair up clumsily whilst giving the fringe over his eye careful taps as if worried he’d ruin his hairstyleㅡquite an odd one if you would describe it.

“N-no, it’s, uh, fine. Yeah, it’s fine. No worries.” He stumbles in his words. He glances at you quickly, as if afraid that your eyes would burn holes through his skull and hurriedly shuffles his way in the opposite direction. He was quick on his feet and the next thing you know you’ve lost him in the sea of students in the morning rush. 

Meandering your way to your classroom with your mind clouded with endless possibilities of joining clubs or any extracurricular activity that will give color to your resume hinders you from noticing strangers, two of them to be exact, gawking at you. They’re leaning their back on the wall adjacent to the door of your room. 

The slightly taller boy nudged the other in an obvious (not to you) way when you walked past them, and said boy sadly does not know how to whisper. 

“Rintarou’s connections are on point! That’s them, right?” The other shushes him, warning him to tone down his voice. The loud one tilts his head to the side, confused. “But isn’t getting their attention the entire point of this?” 

He did have a point. 

“Why do I have to fucking do this-” The slightly shorter boy with style worth turning heads mutters under his breath. Not to mention the metal pierced through his right brow and the inked art behind and below the shell of his ear. He curses as he watches you place a bag down on one of the tables connected in an L-shape before helping yourself to a seat. 

“Because it’s your idea.” He buoyantly states matter of factly. His already-arched eyebrow shoots up at the same time drawing a corner of his lip. “It isn’t that hard when you come to think about it. You’ll just have to ask. Simple.”

“If it's that simple then why don’t you do it, Bo?” 

“We swore in front of the source of my musical prowess; the cymbal, the drumsticks, the empty mic stand, and the god of music. Whoever goes against their promise will be guaranteed bad luck on the next performances.” Bo paused to look at his friend in a rather dramatic and comical way. “Do you want that for yourself?” He speaks in a ominous tone as though it did the job.

“Whoever made that up is a total dumbass.” His spiteful remark earns a muttered “ouch” from Bo. 

After a moment or two, the taller finally drags out an impatient sigh. He declares, “Alright, I’ll help you out because it seems like a certain Miya has lost his edge.” 

Before the blonde could say anything else, he was already being pulled inside a classroom he has never set a foot in. His friend leads him to the person they have been eyeing since they arrived. 

As if your morning could get even weirder like the viral video from this morning, two dudes with a hand connected to the other’s wrist stand before you. They both didn't say anything when you turned to look at them but eventually, the boy holding the other in place clears his throat and flashes you a beam worth remembering. His intimidating auraㅡthe black streaks on his gelled up hair and the silver piercing adorning his lips coupled with a pair of bold brows and a pair of stunning round flaxen eyes exudes his amiableness. 

“Hi.” He begins, never letting go of his companion’s arm. “I am Bokuto Koutarou and my friend over here, Miya Atsumu, has something to say.” He nudges his friend using his elbow and whisper-shouts “There I made my intro. Now, your turn!”

“Shut it, Bo.” Atsumu wriggles his arm from Bokuto’s grip. His Adam's apple bobs as he displays an expression between unfeeling and constipated. He purses his lips. “This might sound sudden but we want you to sing.”

Baffled with his request, you look around the room before gazing at the blonde with a concerned face. “Like, right now?!”

“No, not now. We, uhm…damn it.” Atsumu sucks in the air, closing his eyes briefly as though to keep himself calm. After which, he continues. “Bokuto and I and the other two members of our band, The Labyrinths, found your viral video and I think your voice range and style fit our band’s style. So, we’re thinking maybe you would like to consider joining our band as a vocalist.”

Seeing your attention hooked on their offer, the rest of Atsumu’s nerves finally wear off, and the blonde continues explaining. “Try a song or two with our band. You can back out anytime but to tell you the truth…,” he rounds his shoulder, anchoring a hand on his hips. “...we don't usually recruit members this way. Consider yourself special.” 

You stare at Atsumu, and your clouded thoughts turn hazy. You don’t know how to respond to him. Do you want to give it a try or do you want to play it safe? Atsumu is well aware that you’re interested, (it's written all over your face) and decides to take his game up a notch, classic Miya style. 

“So,” Atsumu utters in a low tone, mouth stretching into a brazen smile. “Would you like to join us?”

well, well, well, it's time to decide! butt before we do that allow me to explain a few things. below is the love meter. as you can see there are white hearts next to the characters' names. one after the other, the white hearts will turn into red hearts if you made a choice that lead to developing a closer romatic tie with the character. so if you want y/n to end up with a character let's say, Daichi, the goal is to have 5 red hearts and it should be consistent over time.

LOVE METER:

♡ Sawamura Daichi: 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍

♡ Atsumu Miya: 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍

♡ Kuroo Tetsurou: 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍

♡ Tsukishima Kei: 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍

♡ ?: 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍

now that's settled. here is the poll!

tumblr cannot handle a heavy post. it wouldnt let me include it here :(

[a300lbman]

Six Decibels of Separation: The Big Lebowski Soundtrack

I can toe-tally understand the cult mentality of The Big Lebowski, a movie that can be both adored and completely overlooked by so many people. “You want a toe? I can get you a toe. Believe me. There are ways, dude. You don’t want to know about it.  Believe me. Hell, I can get you a toe by 3 o’clock this afternoon.... with nail polish.”

Forget about the fucking toe. This movie is one of my favorites and I am slowly realizing that I have probably already written a fanboy piece about this movie. This is probably due to the fact that I drink when I watch this movie and I write when I drink. This is like a G-rated Burroughs scenario and I am down for a time. 

For the sake of argument, I would like to focus on the music in the movie. It is in this comfy space that I think we might all find some common ground. 

Lets start out with some Creedence Clearwater Revival, Lookin Out My Back Door, a classic song, but if you only have a minute and you want something to laugh at, the video above will check those boxes. 

Being a huge fan of Santana, I always enjoy the musical backdrop to the punch line of an amazing joke in the movie. If you haven’t seen it, the smashed out windshield and Jeff Bridges visual frustration aren’t nearly as comical, but this loop of the guys riding to Oye Como Va cracks me up every time!

Nobody fucks with tha jesus. You know this or you don’t, but if you’ve seen The Big Lebowski, you know that given his pedo backstory, tha jesus might not be someone you want to fuck with. In either case, I’d like the share an anecdote from my youth. To properly date myself, I had asked a friend to burn a CD for me and I asked that he put Hotel California on there for me. I ended up getting the cut by the Gypsy Kings and while I might have been pissed at first, I have come to love this version more than any other... 

https://youtu.be/61NJnUL7Fcs

Arguably the intro song would have been the poetic beginning, or even end, to this foray into Musical Lebowskianism, but do you see what happens? Do you see what happens when you fuck a stranger in the ass? The Man in Me is not an appropriate answer to this question, but it does make sweet ear candy for the lazy malaise of the film. Bob Dylan was a chameleon and this song is but one example.  

It is important to respect the classics. While I won’t pretend to have known the song made famous by the Sons of the Pioneers, Tumbling Tumbleweeds has a soothing nature about it and I’m here for it. Add to it Sam Elliot’s baritone twang and you’ve got the setup for an epic movie indeed.  

Impossible it would be to talk about classics and not mention Requiem in D Minor, a song you’ve heard a thousand times and might not know the name. After you rewatch this movie, or based on this musical journey decide to watch for the first time, do yourself a favor and grab a book off the shelf, loop this song and shock yourself at how much better you read with this music in the background. Say what you want, but you’ll feel like a genius. For those looking only for a tune and a laugh, click to watch the scene below and enjoy The Dude’s ability to say ‘fuck it’ better than anyone (sorry I can’t post the video directly, evidently you can only post five video’s per post... probably should have learned that by now). 

The Big Lebowski (clip 10) "What makes a man, Mr. Lebowski?"

Well I hope you enjoyed your journey through the musical folly and forte of the soundtrack to the cult classic Coen Brothers film, The Big Lebowski. I would highly recommend it, whether it stands the test of time or not, but at the very least I hope you come to appreciate the soundtrack.

“Look, I had a rough night and I hate the fuckin Eagles, Man.” 

[denimbex1986]

'We may be strangers, but we could still get to know each other?

dir: Andrew Haigh

2023

A boy loses his parents when he is too young. It arrests his emotional development in shocking ways, gives him a wound he never recovers from.

He may grow up eternally aching for their approval, which he can never get, because they’re dead, so he punishes himself (by keeping himself isolated), punishes others (by pushing them away) in order to somehow make up for that profound lack in his life. It’s a self-made, self-sustaining hook that he cannot let himself get off from.

But enough about every version of Batman that’s ever been made.

All of Us Strangers follows the story of a man called Adam (Andrew Scott) navigating (or not) his way through life, hoping for benediction or a blessing where none is forthcoming. He lives alone in an apartment in a sparsely occupied tower. It might be a new construction, because there’s only one other chap living there on a different floor, apparently.

That guy, Harry (Paul Mescal), tries to connect with Adam, but he’s drunk, and Adam’s not taking visitors. Adam is shy and retiring, and retreats at all times.

He retreats so much that he travels back to the place where he grew up, somewhere south of London. He wanders around old haunts, even to an area that kinda looks like a beat, have to say. And a certain distance away, he spies a smiling, mustachioed man, who seems to know him, or at least like him.

Adam follows him and ends up at his childhood home. It looks exactly the same as the photo he carries of the place. Even has the family car in the same spot, and his little bike.

Mum and Dad are home, looking younger than ever (Claire Foy and Jamie Bell), and welcome him in for a chat. He is astounded to see them, as one would expect, since his parents died in a car crash when Adam was 12, and he’s in his late forties now. He’s older than his parents, somehow.

Given a gift like this by the universe, why would you question it. He takes the opportunity to speak to his parents a little bit about the present, but mostly about the past, the long ago past, the past before he lost them.

Losing them at that age; he missed the opportunity to come out to them as gay, and that’s one of the many things which he feels the profound absence of in his life. And getting to see them now means he has the chance to do it. And he does so, but these people, these beings, they are not his parents of now, of today. They are who they were back in the 1980s, which, let’s not split hairs here, that was forty years ago. Calling it a tumultuous time does it a disservice. Calling it a complex time for LGBTIQ+ people in Britain probably doesn’t do it justice either.

My recollections of the era are particularly irrelevant, since I didn’t grow up there, and I am not a part of that community other than as an ally, I hope, but I do remember the music, as does Adam, as does director Andrew Haigh. I remember the growing understanding of more and more people coming out loud and proud at a time when attacks on them were increasing as well, even as the music many members of this community were making was top of the charts, the radio and the tv shows that played their film clips.

So, for me, there being a lot of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Bronski Beat, Erasure or Pet Shop Boys just means “oh okay those are a lot of 80s tunes I recognise”, but for the character of Adam, and the director, there’s that deeper connection that these tunes must have represented, the lifeline they provided for someone who was struggling.

It’s not a coincidence that the home Adam travels back to is not only the character’s childhood home, but the director’s, as well.

When he comes out to his mum, well, she’s still entrenched in the stereotypes and clichés that were around back in that day: she’s worried that he’ll grow up lonely and sad, or, worse yet, that he’ll succumb to that dreadful disease she’s started hearing about. She’s embarrassed, shocked, unable to make eye contact, evasive and not really the accepting mother that popular culture has led us to expect.

Dad seems to be more understanding, or at least accepting. He’s practical. Just have another smoke. I guess it’s not a coincidence that while Dad probably looks like a contemporary South London bloke from the era, he doesn’t look a million miles away from being a dapper gay gent himself.

And I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Harry, Adam’s potential love interest, and Dad look more alike than Adam and his dad.

No, the bigger conflict between Adam and his dad, who claims he always knew he was gay because Adam could never play sport for shit, is that his dear old Dad must have heard Adam crying in his room, after being bullied at school, but never went in to console him, never asked what had happened, never trying to make things better.

Dear old Dad asks something like “well, why didn’t you ever tell me?”

It’s a devastating admission that Adam makes saying he never explicitly told his father what happened, fearing that his father wouldn’t understand, only to have his dad admit “yeah, if you’d told me I’d probably have bullied you too.” It’s…a gut punch amidst all this catharsis.

We ask ourselves – are these just creations of his mind? Are they the spirits of his parents? Are they saying what he would have wanted them to say back then, or what he would need to hear from them now? Or has he somehow travelled to the past? Is this just another manifestation of his inability to make peace with losing his parents, or is it an attempt to finally grow with it, to let some catharsis take place, to allow himself to let go of some unanswerable questions he had, with answers that either shock him out of complacency, or comfort him in ways he’s needed for over 30 years? Or are they just his parents, in whatever form, wishing him well, slightly confused by what they’re doing here, held up from some eternal reward?

The only meaningful answer to such questions is, maybe?

There are elements of his relationship with his parents that he gets to explore that help with his relationship with Harry, and vice versa, but none of this is neat or formulaic. There are no pat answers for Adam, and nothing really transpires in a way that’s tidy. In outings or during moments with Harry, there is fear, terror, confusion, and it’s not just because of the drugs. Some moments spent within the safe space of a club give way to further confusion about who or what is real or meaningful, and I don’t think any of it is meant to be that simple a journey.

Andrew Scott is an accomplished actor of long standing, adored by those who know him, and “oh yeah, that guy who was Moriarty in Sherlock or the Hot Priest in Fleabag” occasionally recognised by others. One of his best roles, for my money, was in a wonderful flick set during the 80s about some chaps who wanted to support Welsh miners during the strikes (boo hiss Thatcher) called Pride. Just guess what else it was about.

Here he brings a deep woundedness to the character of Adam, and a lot of it comes through from what he doesn’t do more than what he does. I wouldn’t call it a restrained performance because it’s less about restraint than it is about embodying a character who in a lot of ways knows he hasn’t allowed himself to grow emotionally, and the very valid reasons for that, but one who wishes so deeply for a chance to feel again, without fear of rejection or loss.

So many great moments from the four performers here, but they’re not showy speeches. There are moments where someone says quietly something like always feeling like a stranger in one’s own family, or wanting to go out into the world together, now, finally. They feel natural and not overwritten, and are delivered as such. Tiny steps.

Some might argue that one relationship, the one with the parents, is more important or better realised than the other, being the complexities of Adam being with Harry, but I would argue both are balanced, and treated with as much sensitivity or importance as necessary. In some ways, being less fraught but still complicated, the burgeoning relationship with Harry allows Adam to be in some ways more honest with his parents, and in other ways less.

And yet. Sometimes there are no happy endings, just the chance to feel something, even if it’s just safe, or even if it’s just love, it’s not an insignificant thing; in fact it could be everything. I imagine the ending of this flick will divide audiences a lot, at least those lucky few that got to see it, hopefully in theatres.

There are plenty of levels upon which I can respect but not relate to some themes in the film, but as someone who’s lost both his parents, there are elements I can deeply relate to, almost against my will.

It’s a hard flick to recommend, though. I can imagine plenty of people I know being completely indifferent to it, and others being utterly wrecked by All of Us Strangers.

8 reasons there are no happy mediums out of 10

-- “I was thinking about watching crappy TV with you on a Friday night. Watching old episodes of Top of the Pops from before I was born. Eating takeaway on the sofa.” – sounds like heaven - All of Us Strangers

Rating: 8 stars'