#i have to put on music to be near this guy or genuinely the sound of him breathing will stress me out so bad

[luneariann]

People who whine about everything while also doing absolutely fuck shit in group projects not only do i hate you but im also praying on your downfall everyday amen 🙏

[izels-writing]

j. potter — tell me about the first time you saw me!

Pairing: james potter x fem!reader

Summary: you ask james to recall what it was like when you first met. and when you first had a conversation.

Warnings: a bit rushed bc i had the idea and couldn’t stop writing, not edited, ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIP, TIME JUMPING (whenever the italics start the scene, it’s present time), james being an angel boy, FLUFFFFF

(a/n: currently still writing pt 2 to my remus one, so enjoy this one for now :P)

tell me about the first time

you saw me.

"what?" james asked, looking up at you from across the bed. he stopped writing with his quill and gave an you an amused look. truthfully, dating james was rather strange. the fact that you were together in the first place was a shock to many.

you smiled softly. "you heard me..."

"why...—why does that matter?" he chuckled, looking rather nervous and sheepish.

"it doesn't," you shrugged. "just curious i suppose,"

james chuckled and fixed his glasses, looking at you with that adoring gaze you loved to see. you were sure if you could see yourself, you'd have that same look on your face.

"i mean, you and i ran in such different crowds, and we weren't exactly in the same league," you added.

"i know, you were so far out of my league it was scary to talk to you," james sighed, looking rather genuine. you blinked at him, wondering if he was joking.

"are you yanking my wand?" you laughed.

he looked completely serious.

"james, you were out of my league!"

james laughed. "in what world?!"

——

the party in the common room was in full swing, drinks being poured and music louder than anything else in the room. you watched from the sidelines, taking small sips of the firewhiskey in your hand—laughing whenever you made eye contact with your best friend, who was dancing with some guy.

parties were normally semi-enjoyable but today you weren't feeling that up to it. nonetheless, like the good friend you were—you still went with your best friend, hoping everyone else's moods would be contagious.

the game had been fun, with slytherin and gryffindor competing against each other—and gryffindor prevailing as usual. you, unlike your best friend, weren't much of a quidditch fan or any sport for that matter. you much preferred a quiet night in at the library over a party, not that you'd ever voice it aloud.

noticing you'd finished your cup, after a few more sips, you ambled over to the drink table as you knew you'd need just a bit more to actually enjoy the party—which coincidentally was near some of your other friends by the couch and loveseats.

"hey, could you hand me that when you're done?" you asked the tall, raven-headed boy who held the bottle of half drunken firewhiskey. he turned to look at you, and unbeknownst to you, his eyes widened a bit.

his whole world paused. for a moment, as cliche as it sounded, it felt like you and him were the only people in the world. you were beautiful and something about you was comforting in a way he didn't understand. but he wanted to. he wanted to understand everything about you, every intricate detail and quirk you wanted to share with him.

"uh, sure, i don't need it," he said softly, handing the bottle to you. you smiled, not noticing the way his eyes softened at you smile, and took the bottle—pouring some into your cup.

"i don't think i've seen you around before, what's your name?" the tall boy asked, turning his full attention to you.

"hm? oh, y/n l/n," you smiled. "what's your name?"

"uh...james, james potter," he replied. and if you knew him any better, you'd have definitely known he was being shy.

"oh right! you helped win the game, it's nice to meet you," you smiled. you stuck out your hand and he fumbled to put his cup in his other hand, so he could take your hand. you smiled in amusement, unsure why he was so uncoordinated for a quidditch player.

"well, i'll see you around," you smiled kindly before wandering off.

——

"hello," a quiet voice said. you looked up, your eyes meeting the hazel eyes you'd met once before.

"james, hi," you smiled.

"hello," he smiled again. "uhm, you come here often?"

you looked down at your sprawled out textbooks and parchment and ink, wondering if he was joking. you looked up again and nodded.

"just when i need to study or read really," you replied with a smile.

"oh, right," he chuckled nervously. "this is a library, duh..."

"are you doing some studying too?" you asked, noticing his bag on his shoulder.

his eyes widened and he looked around for a second before nodding. "uh, yeah! yeah, i am. just trying to find some textbooks for my DADA essay," he replied as smoothly as possible.

"oh! i have some," you commented.

he sort of stared, not in a creepy way, but an awkward way. you smiled softly.

"did you want to join me? we can share the textbooks," you suggested.

"oh, yeah. yeah i'd love to," james replied with a nervous smile. he pulled out the chair across from you and sat in it, struggling not to spare glances at you as he pulled out his materials.

from afar, sirius and peter watched the two of you. both had begun to feel secondhand embarrassment for their friend, as he seemed to lose his quick wit around you—becoming a shell of a person. a shell of a person who was head over heels for you.

"this is painful, pads—oh, he just dropped his quill," peter sighed, smacking his head on the side of the bookshelf in defeat,

"hey, it'll be fine. he'll win her over, if he can just figure out how to talk to her..." sirius mumbled, starting to doubt his own words as he watched james scrambled for an ink well that you seemingly had asked to borrow.

"thanks, i forgot my spare one in my room, i suppose," you chuckled, taking the inkwell and placing it within dipping distance.

"no problem, you can use my inkwell whenever your heart desires," he chuckled, attempting a joke that he realized wasn't funny as soon as the words slipped out of his mouth.

"thanks..." you smiled, chuckling quietly to yourself.

what the hell is wrong with me? james thought to himself.

——

no one's ever had me...

not like you.

"i knew i'd win you over eventually though," james boasted.

you scoffed, knowing this to be untrue. "you couldn't even look at me without stuttering..."

"what're you guys talking about?" remus asked, as he and sirius took their seats beside you and james in the library. two seconds later, peter joined you four.

"what james thought when he first saw me, his first impression," you informed the three boys.

sirius barked a laugh, earning a warning from madam pince. "the day you agreed to go out with him, was the day we all finally knew peace,"

you smirked, watching as james flushed with embarrassment. "oh really?"

"uh, yeah! all he could talk about was you! how pretty you were, how smart you were, how funny you were, how good your hair smelled—" peter droned on and on.

"you smelled my hair?" you asked james teasingly.

"every chance he got," sirius teased. james flushed an even darker pink.

"to be fair, your hair does smell good," remus pointed out, trying to save james subtly.

"thank you! it's coconut scented," you remarked.

as the boys began their own conversations, you turned to james. he could hardly look at you.

"hey," you whispered.

he looked up at you with a shy smile.

"if it's any consolation—" you said.

"you make me really nervous too,"

he smiled at your words and stretched over the table, planting a quick kiss on your lips. before he could fully pull away, you kissed his cheek—before the two of you immersed yourself in the conversation with the other three.

bonus;

despite years and years of being together, you had always made james nervous. but now, more than ever, he could hardly contain his nerves. it was like they were jumping around his body with no way out.

“james, are you alright?” you asked, smiling that beautiful smile of yours. you knew james to be a slightly nervous person, he was just that type of person.

and when you smiled that smile, he felt the nerves settle. no matter how nerve wracking and scary this was, the smile you had reserved for him was more than enough of a reward.

so, as you turned to him on the bridge where you both had stopped on your stroll, studying him—he finally mustered the courage. he kneeled down on one knee, shakily opening the small velvet box in his hand.

“y/n l/n, will you do me the honor of marrying me?” he grinned.

[stuck-writing-sickos]

In Poor Taste [P4]

[Series Link]

(Yandere × F! Reader)

[Warning: misogyny, explicit language, violence, harrassment, bodily harm]

(A/N: i see some of yall find Lukas so offputting 🎯yall not rocking with him? Why❤️What for✨️ is it his personality 💕is he vile and disgusting 🥹? do u hate him💋? Do u wanna beat his ass 🫶? )

You were never crazy about spoiled rich men. They were nothing but troubles.

He didn't expect to see a familiar face in the tight, dim, sweaty corner of Tokyo. He regretted going to this silly punk rock concert in the first place, but he did say this morning that he would go to one so he could talk to you about it. Mostly he was set on going because he wanted to try out something new, something to talk about - his peers wouldn't set foot near this underground coffee. It was unfortunate that he had no genuine interest in the music - it was loud and complicated. Unpredictable. The guitar might sound cool, but there wasn't a groove to which he could chill and bob his head or trip balls on mushroom while making out with a stranger. No trippy backdrops here - just the dim, anxiety-inducing colored stage light.

So he was there at a standing table way back, watching the crowd dance and scream. He found it strange - the hair, the makeup, the eccentric clothes. The only thing he would safely get behind was the fishnet and leather skirts that some girl really rocked. Sometimes, the girls over at the States would wear that to bars or theme nights. He liked that. He didn't like the way he feel here - half aroused, half judgemental. He would rather the tight sportwears on tanned blond surfers or yoga instructors. The ones who earned nods and hums and vile comments from his frat brothers were he to kiss and tell. Being attracted to them made him feel normal. Accepted. Approved. He wouldn't be caught dead eyeing these women.

But his friends weren't here, so he got to look. Never tell, though. Or if he did, he would say "oh, they dressed crazy", or "their eyeliner were scary", or "their piercings freak me out".

Deciding that it was time for another beer, Lukas begrudgingly went to the bar again. He felt anxious and alone, sticking out like a sore thumb. He earned quite some looks from women, but he couldn't be so sure if they liked what they see or if they could tell he was a poser who only came just to say he did it. He couldn't read their expressions, partly since he was drunk, partly because he was now considering the cultural differences, even if only for a morcel. He was made aware of it most pointedly this morning: the couple faux-pas he made with Sakamoto might have been intentional, but the guy's lack of reaction made him question how big of an insult he had put out there.

Sakamoto made him feel defensive, though Lukas decided not to dwell on it. He wasn't one to feel insecure, especially with guys like that - soft faced and soft-spoken. His big round eyes and sickly skin made him look like a woman, too. At least, Lukas would acknowledge that he was tall. But that was his only saving grace.

He wasn't explicitly aware that he was feeling more territorial over you. It wasn't about you anyway, it was by default. Even in the past, he had done these things - putting down other men to get to women. They were his wingmen, he would justify, they weren't supposed to outshine him. When it was his turn to wingman, he definitely let his brothers dog on him for days. It was common and understandable. If anything, Sakamoto should make ways for him. A girl like you wouldn't suit that guy - he was too uptight and serious. What would two high-strung people do together? You should be with someone who know what a good time is. Also, he saw something Sakamoto didn't - a glimpse of your tattoo. Those family-man wouldn't know how to deal with that. How would he take bring that up to his family? They would freak. Even his sister's "31:25" tattoo freaked his parents out, and they were already the most liberal rich family in his neighborhood.

Yeah, Sakamoto should leave you to him.

Settling in on a barstool, he ordered another beer, then repeat himself when the bartender couldn't quite make out what he was trying to say.

Lukas let his eyes scan the people sitting near him. Only a few, he noticed. It wasn't a crazy crowd to begin with.

After this beer, he'd go home.

As the bartender come back with his bottle, Lukas noticed something he didn't expect. From the crowd, you emerged, making your way toward the bar. He blinked, trying to see if he was mistaken.

No... that was definitely you.

All black from head to toes, you treaded silently like a death omen, your sleek heels clicking. Your short sleeved turtle neck and your tight pants started a heat within his chest. Your face wasn't any different, though - just the usual look. No crazy eyeliner, no bold dark lipstick. Seemed like you did not come here to impress the crowd.

You didn't notice him. Hopping onto a stool at the other end with your back facing him, you ordered something.  You knew Japanese, or just enough to get by. A lot of expats got to that point eventually.

Lukas debated on confronting you about your lies - you said you would be at dinner with a friend. Or maybe he could do that tomorrow.

He didn't peg you for such a casual liar.

Lukas hatched another plan: he could observe you, and see how deep your lies could go. Sipping on his beer, he followed your movement. You adjusted in your chair, still with that calm manner you carried yourself. Then, his eyes rested on your skin left bare by the bold backless top. You looked good, but clueless. Would you know the implications of such a shirt? The way your body moved in it... men would think you were asking for troubles. Bad men. Asshole men who didn't know they were pigs. At least he had the decency to admit that he was a pig, but he was an honest pig who respected women. He was a pig who knew to ask once, then if rejected a couple more time just to make sure, then he would leave it alone. Most pigs wouldn't know to even ask.

You sipped on your pink cocktail. That was cute. Your right now style reminded him of those ravebabes he met during spring break, but you were more subtle and quiet. Your movement were less urgent, and your clothes were less exposing. It was a nice feminine touch.

Your moment of rest didn't seem to last long. A man had chosen to sit down right next to you. This man was lanky, dressed in a very unbuttoned black button-down. He started to chatter, first in Japanese, then in English. Another sleazeball trying to test out his games. Lukas wondered when would be appropriate to interfere.

Your body language made it clear you weren't interested, but not afraid. Immediately covering your drink, you tried to turn your body away. The man seemed not to mind. If anything, his speech seemed more excited, his hands moving around like a stupid puppet. Desperate, Lukas thought, that was not a good look.

Deciding your half-finished drink wasn't safe anymore, you laid it on the bar and stepped down, trying to leave. Upon this, the man caught your wrist, forcing you to turn his way. Lukas' stomach twisted - here it was, the moment where he step it and scare off this asshole.

A loud, off-tune note shred through the music. Lukas looked at the stage. The band played on, but it seemed there was a technical issues with the guitarist.

The momentary distraction cost him his chance to intervene. When he turned his eyes back to you, he was hit with a strange scene - in a swift movement you twisted your arms around the man's and grabbed onto his forearm, forcing it down so hard he stumbled. Your face, now turned sideway during the commotion, was eerily calm when you talked. Lukas heard "Sir... I said no."

The man said something in Japanese, something that sounded bitter. Probably a curse word. Lukas jumped off his seat just as the stranger swung with his free arm to slap you across the face. The bartender seemed to have decided that whatever was going on was enough, and she rushed to you. Before she could, you clenched your idle fist and landed an uppercut so hard the harrasser let out a cartoonish "oof", his limp fingers releasing you as he stumbled backward, hitting right against the bouncer who appeared as if from the shadow.

Something in Lukas awakened in that moment. Your stone cold feature and your bruised knuckle left him slack-jawed. He stepped closer, intending to ask if you were okay. Once again, he was interrupted.

"Sir and ma'am, please explain what happened", the burly bouncer commanded. The pathetic guy excitedly tried to speak, but you only crossed your arms and watched. Your eyes was set on the sad attempt at vidication, but you were patient to let him finish his spiel.

"Is it true that you attacked this gentleman unprovoked, ma'am?"

"I apologize for the commotion, sir", your bowed, hands now hanging right atop your knees. Pulling yourself back up, you continued, "this young man seemed to have taken my rejection poorly, and he had slapped me across my face. I understand that my punch was unseemly, but I did that in an attempt to protect myself. He had gotten ahold of my arms and hit me, so I was fearing for the worst."

The bouncer's scowled, but he decided that he had heard it all. His big hand grabbed onto the stranger's wrist, and together they exited out the backdoor.

The fight definitely grabbed some attention. Lukas stood watching you look around, soaking in the side eyes. Taking in a breath, you dusted yourself off and hopped back onto a barstool. The thick, moist, cigarette-dense air fell heavy in Lukas' lungs. He felt his heart drumming, his body hot from an excitement he couldn't surpress. Something about the way you fought hit him like ecstasy.

He wondered if your punch hurts.

Lost in the unprecedented euphoria, he could only gaze at you as some women came up and asked if you were okay. You reassurred them with a familiar smile, one he had seen you wore at work. Your voice was soft again as you thanked the chirpy crowd for their concerns.

Lukas didn't say anything to you that night. He went home and let the image of you and your victorious knuckle bruises lull him to sleep.

___

"Do you need me to find out who he is?"

Yuki wasn't happy when he asked that. The sight of your bandaged hand and the medical patch on your face stirred his stomach with guilt.

"No, of course not", you shook your head, "I'm fine! Really, it was nothing."

Yuki pursed his lips. The lunch he packed himself suddenly tasted like cardboard.

He tried to make it easier by reminding himself that at least Lukas didn't push to have lunch with you today. In fact, the guy had been stoic for the entire morning. Even though you weren't around, Lukas had somehow been working on his computer silently instead of sprawling on his chair like a slacker. Perhaps you had reminded him about his attitudes at work?

If you did, Yuki was impressed that the newbie knew to listen. He didn't think that kid would be the type to do so.

"Sakamoto, please don't worry. I had fun, and your set was great."

He looked down. He knew he wasn't directly to blame, though the guilt never went away- he was well-acquainted with this sort of harrassment. Right in his childhood home he had witnessed worse. What grated him the most was the silence afterward. The way his mother's frail form would hunch, casting a bent shadow on the shoji, her hands cupping her face. He was too young and small to do anything but stand in the hallway and watch as she eventually moved, mute and rigid. He heard the folds of her clothes creasing against one another and the floorboard barely creaking under her feet.

She couldn't have fought back. She was sickly. When he grew into his middle school uniform, Yuki tried to fight on her behalf but his teenage body bounced off his father's sturdy chest. His father was a merciless man, strong like the grey stone wall surrounding their mansion. Yuki remembered the disappointment in the old man's voice as he lamented "my only son is emotional like a woman, and weak like one, too."

"I see...", he said to you, his voice weary. He didn't know what else to say. He didn't want to bring up the fact that when he saw your tug of war, he let his hand slip across the strings, messing up the song. He had planned to jump off the stage, but his lead singer had tugged on his sleeve and eyed the bouncer who was already coming your way. What was there to tell you? He couldn't say that he had almost done something. Either he did something or he did nothing. In this case, he did nothing. Yuki tried to find solace in the fact that you held your own, but he couldn't. You shouldn't have to, not right in front of a friend.

Another wave of bitterness hit him when he remembered Lukas standing there watching, hesitant to interfere, tall and awkward like an useless telephone pole. Yuki wondered if he should bring Lukas up, but he decides against it. He didn't want you to feel worse - a friend and a junior watching you getting hit, that would not brighten anyone's day. He felt sorry for you to have to deal with two cowards.

Well, if he couldn't feel better, the least he could do was to keep you from feeling worse. He had been of no help with his stupid sad face. After all, this should not be about him. Yuki shamefully put his feelings in the corner as he tried to think of something that would cheer your up.

"Hey, would you like to check out a cat cafe this weekend with me?"

Your eyes lit up.

"Really?"

"Yeah. It's right down the street from where I live. I have been meaning to visit, but it would be awkward to go alone."

Yuki already visited. He liked their cakes and tea. Still, he saw no harm in a little white lie to make his invitation seem more natural. He would hate for you to get the idea that he felt obliged to make up for what happened. That would be a transactional spin on what was supposed to be a gesture of friendship.

"That would be so nice! I also was hoping to relax a little lately..."

The knot in his chest unraveled at that.

___

You were intimidated by Lukas' switch-up. Since morning, he was quiet. Upon seeing your bruises, he asked what happened, to which you gave a vague respond about tripping on the sidewalk. No more inappropriate attempts of flirting nor small talks - he appeared to be engrossed in the tasks you handed to him. You found it simultaneously nice and unnerving, so a part of you were glad that you were scheduled to teach until lunch. You were worried that if you were near him for too long, you wouldn't be able to resist asking him what triggered this change.

You thought of asking him to join you and Sakamoto for lunch, remembering the agreement you had made the day prior. Though, by the time you reached the lounge, he was getting ready to leave. "Please don't mind me", he said with an oddly soft smile, "I need to pick up something at the convenient store nearby. I hope you and Mr. Sakamoto have a good meal". His out of character veneered grin hit you like a brick.

By the time afternoon rolled by, Lukas occupied only a corner of your mind. You were mowing through the last days of school, teaching, writing, planning the end of year school festival. When you landed from the whirlwind and came back to the lounge for your last hour, you barely noticed the junior colleague who was still hunched over his laptop. Brushing past him, you got settled. Your tense body completely dropped its guards as you melted in your chair.

Your gaze met with a bottle of cold green tea in your cubicle. From the thin condensation, you figured it hadn't been around for long.

"Afternoon", Lukas' voice echoed from the other side of your corner, "you seemed tired. It's not much, but I hope you feel a little more refreshed drinking that."

"Mr. Lukas... it's so nice of you. I'm embarrassed to not have anything in return."

He didn't move to look at you.

"Don't mind it! You had a long day."

His tone was cool and distant, a long shot from the flirtatiousness you had to suffer so far.

"Really, thank you, Mr. Lukas. I do like this brand a lot, so this definitely made me feel better."

There was a quick pause before he spoke again: "I'm glad."

He moved at last, turning to you. You missed his gaze as you twisted open the cap and took a sip.

"If you don't mind, I would love your opinion on the powerpoints I made so far."

"Of course", you nodded, rolling your chair his way. He arched back, giving you the space to take a look

Your attention was on the mistakes he had made. You had a flaw: you were a perfectionist. Despite your lack of vocal reaction, you knew you could be critical when you saw someone take over your work incorrectly. It comes with expertise. Still, you had trained yourself to manage the uneasiness and maintain an encouraging attitude - something your close friends called "softening the blow".

You often forget, though, that your face could betray you.

"Okay, you did great so far", you said, neglecting to meet his eyes, "but I want to make some notes here. Would you mind?"

"Not at all."

For someone so surprisingly tough, you lacked an eye for details. You didn't see the look on him as he watched your hardening face and bandaged knuckle as if he was starving.

[estapa-edwards]

Rempe with singer reader??

SINGER - M. REMPE

paring: Matt Rempe x reader

word count: 1.3

requested? yes

warnings: use of y/n.

*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨*

It all started on a brisk autumn evening in New York City. Matt Rempe had just finished a grueling game against the Boston Bruins, where his team had secured a hard-fought victory. As he made his way out of Madison Square Garden, a close friend invited him to an exclusive after-party in Manhattan. Reluctantly, Matt agreed, hoping to unwind and celebrate the win.

Meanwhile, Y/N was performing at a high-profile charity event across town. Known for her soulful voice and poignant lyrics, Y/N had taken the music world by storm, earning numerous accolades and a massive following. Her performance that night was nothing short of magical, leaving the audience in awe.

Fate, however, had something special in store. As the night wore on, the after-party and the charity event merged into one grand celebration at an upscale rooftop bar. The stars aligned, and amidst the throngs of people, Matt and Y/N's paths crossed.

The rooftop bar was buzzing with energy, filled with celebrities, athletes, and influencers. Matt, feeling slightly out of his element, found solace near the bar, nursing a drink. As he scanned the crowd, his eyes landed on Y/N, who was engaged in conversation with a group of friends. Her laughter was infectious, and her presence seemed to light up the room.

“She’s something, isn’t she?” Chris nudged Matt, noticing his gaze.

“Yeah, she really is,” Matt replied, unable to take his eyes off her.

Encouraged by Chris, Matt mustered the courage to approach her. As he neared, Y/N turned, and their eyes met.

“Hey, aren’t you that guy who scored the game-winning goal tonight?” Y/N teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“And you’re the voice behind my favorite song,” Matt retorted, flashing a grin.

Y/N laughed, a melodic sound that immediately put Matt at ease. They struck up a conversation, discovering a mutual love for classic rock, an affinity for late-night diner runs, and a shared disdain for the paparazzi. As the night unfolded, they found themselves drawn to each other in a way that neither had anticipated.

--- --- --- 

The initial encounter left a lasting impression on both of them. Over the next few days, Matt couldn’t stop thinking about Y/N. Her energy, wit, and genuine personality had captivated him. Determined to see her again, he decided to take a chance.

With some help from Chris, who managed to get Y/N’s number through a mutual friend, Matt sent her a text.

“Hey Y/N, it’s Matt from the other night. I was wondering if you’d like to grab coffee sometime?”

Y/N, who had been equally intrigued by Matt, responded almost immediately.

“Hi Matt! I’d love to. How about this Saturday?”

They arranged to meet at a cozy café in Greenwich Village, away from the prying eyes of the media. Nervous but excited, Matt arrived early, dressed in a casual sweater and jeans. Y/N walked in a few minutes later, her smile lighting up the room.

“Hey there,” she greeted, sliding into the seat across from him.

“Hey yourself,” Matt replied, grinning.

The conversation flowed effortlessly. They talked about their careers, dreams, and the pressures of living in the public eye. Matt was fascinated by Y/N’s passion for music and her dedication to using her platform for good. Y/N, in turn, admired Matt’s humility and determination.

As the hours passed, the café buzzed around them, but they were in their own world. When it was time to leave, neither wanted the date to end.

“Do you have plans for the rest of the day?” Matt asked, hoping to extend their time together.

“Not really. Why, do you?” Y/N responded with a playful smile.

“I was thinking, if you’re up for it, we could take a walk through Central Park?”

Y/N’s eyes lit up. “I’d love that.”

--- --- --- 

Central Park was alive with the colors of autumn, the leaves creating a picturesque backdrop for their impromptu date. They strolled through the park, talking and laughing, occasionally stopping to watch street performers or admire the scenery.

At one point, they found themselves at Bethesda Terrace, a serene spot overlooking the lake. They sat on the steps, enjoying the tranquility.

“You know, this is nice,” Y/N said, leaning slightly against Matt.

“Yeah, it really is,” Matt agreed, feeling a warmth spread through him.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the park, Matt felt a sense of contentment he hadn’t experienced in a long time. He turned to Y/N, his heart pounding.

“I’m really glad we did this,” he said softly.

“Me too,” Y/N replied, meeting his gaze. There was a moment of silence, the world around them fading away.

Then, without thinking, Matt leaned in and gently kissed Y/N. It was a tender, sweet kiss that took them both by surprise, but felt undeniably right.

When they pulled away, Y/N smiled, her cheeks flushed. “I think this is the start of something really special,” she whispered.

“I think so too,” Matt agreed, his heart soaring.

--- --- --- 

As Matt and Y/N continued to see each other, their relationship blossomed. They shared countless dates, exploring the city, attending concerts, and even sneaking into Rangers games where Y/N cheered him on from a private box.

However, their romance didn’t stay private for long. The media quickly caught wind of their budding relationship, and soon, the headlines were filled with speculation and scrutiny. Paparazzi followed their every move, eager to capture the latest scoop on the new power couple.

Matt and Y/N were strolling hand in hand through Central Park on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The autumn leaves crunched under their feet, and the crisp air was filled with the scent of hot dog stands and roasted chestnuts. They had just come from a cozy brunch at their favorite café and were now enjoying a rare, leisurely day together.

As they approached Bethesda Fountain, Matt noticed a small group of paparazzi lurking near the edge of the park. His grip on Y/N's hand tightened slightly.

“Looks like we’ve been spotted,” he murmured.

Y/N glanced over and sighed. “I guess it was bound to happen. Let’s just keep walking.”

The couple continued their walk, attempting to ignore the growing cluster of photographers. However, the paparazzi were relentless, quickly closing in on them and bombarding them with questions.

“Matt! Y/N! Are you two officially a couple?”

“How do you handle the long-distance with your busy schedules?”

“Y/N, how does it feel to date a hockey star?”

The questions kept coming, each one more intrusive than the last. Matt could see Y/N tensing up beside him. She had always been a private person, preferring to let her music speak for itself.

Deciding it was time to address the crowd and hopefully get them to back off, Matt raised his hand for silence. The paparazzi quieted down, eager for his response.

“Listen, we appreciate the interest, but we’re just trying to enjoy a day out together,” Matt began, his voice calm but firm. “We’re happy and we’re doing great. That’s all there is to it.”

He paused, then added with a grin, “And if you really want to know how Y/N is feeling, I’d recommend you stream her new song, ‘Delicate’. It’s out now and it’s incredible.”

The paparazzi exchanged glances, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected plug. Y/N couldn’t help but chuckle, squeezing Matt’s hand in appreciation. She loved how he could diffuse tension with his easy going nature.

“Thanks for your support,” Matt continued. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’d like to get back to our day.”

With that, he and Y/N resumed their walk, leaving the paparazzi to chatter excitedly among themselves. As they strolled away, Y/N looked up at Matt, her eyes filled with gratitude.

“You handled that perfectly,” she said, smiling. “And thanks for the shout-out.”

“Anything for you,” Matt replied, leaning down to kiss her on the forehead. “Now, let’s find a quiet spot and enjoy the rest of our day.”

They found a bench near the lake, far from the prying eyes of photographers and fans. Sitting close together, they talked about everything and nothing, savoring the rare moments of peace in their otherwise hectic lives.

[starryylies]

maybe this sounds a lil weird but could you pls write abt how all of the cod boys (including graves and köing) dating a female!reader WHO SUPER famous like taylor swift level famous.

thank youuuuu💝💝💝

TF141 + graves and könig with a super famous s/o

Hii ong thank u for the ask and sorry for responding late, i was busy :((

I hope it’s to your liking and your ask is awesome not weird dw I love it!

PRICE-

he definitely did not know you were famous when you both met.

Plans dates at home since it’s pretty much impossible for you both to go out

But when you do go out He is crazy protective of you and doesn’t let anyone approach you.

He once told gaz to take care of you when you had to go to the airport for your tour since he wasn’t around.

Proudly boasts about you to tf141.

Gets jealous when he sees younger actors and singers get close to you :(

Asked you to sign papers for the rest of tf141 esp soap.

Takes pictures of you when you’re at your concerts.

He’s definitely the type who puts away your phone when your mood gets sad after looking at some hurtful comment.

Rents an empty restaurant to have a date with you.

He bought all of your albums.

GAZ-

Okay so he’s a total fanboy, he totally knew about you before you guys met.

He fell in love with you the minute he saw you up close

You both met through price when you needed someone to escort you to a stadium safely since there were high risks of you getting hurt

Asked you to sign his album the day you met.

Totally knows all the lyrics to all your songs

Tells everyone his girlfriend is THE BEST SINGER in the entire world

Biggest cheerleader in your concerts.

Defends you on the internet whenever anyone says shit about you.

when you’re in an interview or meeting a fan he’d make sure they don’t make you uncomfortable.

Makes sure you’re safe whenever you guys go out.

He’s a very proud boyfriend :)

SIMON-

Knew who you were when you guys met because of soap but didn’t give a shit. :(

He had to be your bodyguard during your interview and whenever you went out.

Initially thought you’d be a brat but was proven wrong.

Slowly fell for you as he noticed you’re a very warm and genuine person

Is very protective of you

He takes his role of being a bodyguard very seriously and won’t let anyone near you

avoids paparazzi with his huge frame guarding you.

Asked you to sign 4 albums that soap had given him to make you sign.

Doesn’t like other men flirting with you.

Whenever he sees a man flirting with you he’d come behind you to scare them off. :3

Hates it when your back-dancers get too touchy with you.

He is very cautious with you and is lowkey hyper vigilant.

Would never let anything happen to you.

SOAP-

Okay just like gaz he’s a totallll fanboy

He used to have posters of you in his room

Had many pre existing fan pages of you and even blogs where he would post his thoughts on your songs.

Knows all of your tracks and has his own interpretations on your songs.

Will come with you to the backstage and give you a kiss before you go.

Is the type who will fight strangers on the internet if they dare say anything wrong about you.

Would have an Instagram dedicated to you and post your pics together

Will show you off whenever he gets a chance.

Would have candlelit dates with you at an empty park so you nobody can find you.

I s the type who gets jealous of other fanboys.

Takes you out to amusement park dates while you both wear ridiculous disguises. :D

KÖNIG-

This Hulk of a man is so bbg, he loves your songs and sings to them when he’s showering.

He loves hearing you sing for him

Had been a fan of yours since you had started out with your musical journey.

Doesn’t let any fanboy get near you

Gets insecure when he sees you with all your celebrity friends :(

Thinks he’s inadequate for you :((

Definitely walks behind you to scare everyone away.

Will not let any fan even get a picture with you.

Is your make believe bodyguard

He is surprised by why you chose him but he won’t want it any other way.

GRAVES-

Okay this man is so cocky when it comes to you

Definitely boasts about you to the shadow company

Takes you out to expensive restaurants and places just so others can see him with you

Purposely goes through the paparazzi with you so everyone knows you’re his.

Takes you with him to the shadow company just to show you off.

Has allotted men from the company to guard you.

Because of him you have an army of bodyguard’s surrounding you.

Comes with you backstage to see your perform.

Clicks candid pictures of you whenever you’re performing.

Makes you his profile picture everywhere.

[musicforastylesrestaurant]

Shattered.

adjective ‘very upset’

in which, your trying to live a normal life as much as you can, but when you bump into the handsome doctor again, and realise he’s got questions, questions that you can’t answer and thats when you realise just how much your longing for that perfect fairy tale ending.

word count - 5.6k

authors note - ahhh!! i’m so sorry that the wait for this chapter has been so long, but i’ve got over my writers block now and am so excited to get back to writing for your guys, before we start i would just like to thank the beautiful @missbearforfun for helping me with this story, i honestly would not have been able to do this without them, so mwah!!

warnings - mentions of domestic abuse, hospitals, some mild swearing, corey, and nightmares. (if i’ve missed anything please don’t refrain from letting me know!!)

August 30th, 2022.

As you jogged around the local park, the rhythmic thud of your footsteps echoed against the pavement, accompanied by the familiar melodies of Fleetwood Mac streaming through your headphones. With your water bottle in hand, you embraced the solitude of the early morning, relishing in the peaceful ambiance of the park.

Lost in the music and the rhythm of your steps, you rounded a bend in the path and nearly collided with someone coming from the opposite direction. Startled, you stumbled backward, the sudden interruption jolting you out of your reverie. As your headphones slipped slightly, the sound of the stranger's voice broke through the silence.

"I'm so sorry! Are you okay?" The voice was accompanied by a concerned expression, and as you looked up, you found yourself gazing into the eyes of a man, who looked just that little bit older to you.

His concern was genuine, and there was a warmth in his gaze that immediately put you at ease.

Brushing off the near collision with a sheepish grin, you assured him that you were fine. He lingered for a moment, his easy smile infectious, and before you knew it, you were engaged in conversation.

"Sorry about that, I should've been paying more attention," The man spoke with a chuckle, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.

"It's okay, no harm done," you replied, returning his smile.

"I'm Corey."

"Nice to meet you, I'm (Y/N)," you replied, returning his smile.

As the conversation continued, Corey's easygoing charm put you at ease.

"So, do you come here often?" he asked, his tone playful.

"Yeah, I try to jog here a few times a week. It's a great way to clear my head," you explained, feeling a sense of comfort in his presence.

Corey nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I totally get that. There's something about being outdoors that's really refreshing."

Before parting ways, Corey hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "Hey, I know this is perhaps a bit forward, but would you be interested in going for a jog together sometime?"

A smile spread across your face at the invitation.

"I'd like that."

February 4th, 2024.

Standing behind the counter at the cafe where you work, you felt a dull ache resonate through your body with every breath you took in. Corey's words from a few days ago echoed in your mind, urging you to discharge yourself from the hospital, convinced that you were wasting the doctors' time.

Now, as you struggled through the pain, you couldn't help but wonder if he was right.

He usually was.

Your hair was tied up in a high ponytail, a practical choice to keep it out of the way as you worked. The familiar routine of wiping down the coffee machine provided a small distraction from the discomfort that gnawed at you.

Despite the bustling atmosphere of the cafe, you felt isolated in your pain. Corey's presence loomed large in your mind, his words echoing like a relentless refrain. The memory of what he had done last night weighed heavily on your heart, casting a shadow over even the simplest of tasks.

"There’s no reason for you to be here," Corey insisted, his voice dripping with irritation. "The doctors have better things to do than waste their time on someone who doesn't need to be here."

You winced as his fingers dug into your shoulders, his nails leaving angry red marks that threatened to break the skin. The pain in your ribs intensified with each shallow breath, a relentless reminder of the trauma you endured.

But Corey's words cut deeper than any physical wound, adding a layer of guilt and self-doubt to your already overwhelming emotions.

"B-but I'm in pain," you protested weakly, your voice barely above a whisper, your stutter more pronounced in the face of his anger.

Corey's impatience only seemed to grow as he dismissed your concerns with a wave of his hand. "You're fine. It's probably just a bruise or something. You don't need to be taking up a hospital bed for that."

As he spoke, you felt a familiar sense of unease settle over you. It wasn't the first time Corey had minimized your pain and dismissed your need for medical attention. With each passing moment, the weight of his words bore down on you, chipping away at your already fragile sense of self-worth.

Despite the doubts that gnawed at you, a part of you couldn't help but wonder if Corey was right. Maybe you were overreacting. Maybe you were wasting the doctors' time. But deep down, beneath the layers of doubt and fear, you knew that your pain was real, and that you deserved to be heard.

"Please, Corey," you pleaded, your voice shaking with emotion. "I-I need to stay here. I-I need help."

But Corey's patience had worn thin, his frustration boiling over into anger.

"You're being ridiculous," he snapped, his grip on your shoulders tightening. "Get up and leave. Now."

As tears welled up in your eyes, you felt a sense of helplessness wash over you. Trapped between the pain in your body and the cruelty of Corey's words, you struggled to find the strength to stand up for yourself.

Just over a year ago, you were looking for a way to get some money into your bank account, and there was this little cafe on a road called Canal Street, that you had noticed was hiring.

Your heart fluttered with nervous excitement as you hesitated at the threshold, unsure if you had the courage to step inside. Pushing your glasses up the bridge of your nose, you took a deep breath and entered, the chime of the bell announcing your arrival.

Inside, you were greeted by the sight of a cozy interior, filled with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the soft murmur of conversation. Your nerves danced beneath the surface as you approached the counter, where a kind, elderly couple stood, their faces etched with warmth and hospitality.

With hesitant steps, you inquired about the vacant position, your voice barely above a whisper. The woman behind the counter noticed your trembling hands and the uncertainty in your eyes. With a gentle smile, she ushered you to sit down at one of the empty tables, her soft touch calming the jitters that threatened to consume you.

As she reached across to still your shaking hands, her touch was like a soothing balm to your frayed nerves.

February 6th, 2024.

On this rare sunny day in Manchester, Dr. Styles, known as Harry to his family, strolled leisurely around the duck pond with his six-year-old nephew, Noah.

It was a tradition for Harry to spend Tuesday afternoonswith Noah, (he always picked him up after school and they always did something to tire the young boy out) his designated day off during the week, cherishing these moments of familial connection amidst his demanding schedule.

Thursdays marked his other day of respite, but it was Tuesdays that held a special place in their hearts.

As they ambled along the winding path, Harry watched with fondness as Noah skipped ahead, his youthful exuberance a stark contrast to the calm demeanor of his uncle. The vibrant hues of the surrounding greenery were accentuated by the gentle rays of sunlight filtering through the branches, casting dappled patterns on the ground below.

The tranquil atmosphere of the duck pond enveloped them, the rhythmic quacking of the ducks providing a soothing backdrop to their conversation. Noah's animated chatter filled the air as he regaled Harry with tales of his adventures at school, his innocent enthusiasm infectious.

Harry listened attentively, his heart swelling with pride at the boundless imagination and curiosity of his nephew. Despite the demands of his profession, moments like these served as a reminder of the simple joys in life, grounding him in the present and offering solace amidst the chaos of the world.

As they strolled around the duck pond, Noah's eyes sparkled with excitement as he spotted the ducks gliding gracefully across the water.

"Uncle H, can we feed the ducks?" he asked eagerly, his voice filled with anticipation.

Harry's heart sank as he realized he had forgotten to bring bread for the ducks. With a sigh, he crouched down to Noah's eye level and explained, "M’sorry, buddy, but I forgot to bring bread today. We can't feed the ducks without any bread."

Noah's face fell, disappointment evident in his expression.

"But I really wanted to feed the ducks," he lamented, his lower lip trembling slightly.

Just as Harry was about to offer consolation, Noah's gaze shifted to an elderly couple sitting on a nearby bench, feeding the ducks slices of bread from a small bag.

"Look, Uncle H, they have bread! Can we ask them for a slice?" Noah exclaimed, his excitement returning at the prospect of feeding the ducks.

Harry hesitated, his brow furrowing in uncertainty.

"Noah, buddy, we can't just ask people f’their bread," he began, but before he could finish, Noah was already darting towards the elderly couple, his enthusiasm undeterred.

"Excuse me, can we have some bread to feed the ducks, please? My uncle H forgot!" Noah asked earnestly, his eyes wide with hope as he approached the couple.

The elderly woman smiled kindly at Noah, her eyes twinkling with warmth.

"Of course, dear. Here, take a slice," she said, offering him a piece of bread from the bag.

And just like that Noah was running off towards the water, as Harry kept a watchful eye on the young boy he cared so deeply for.

As Noah happily fed the ducks with the bread he had received from the kind elderly couple, Harry approached them with a grateful smile.

"Thank y’so much f’letting him have some bread. M’sorry about him, he's not shy to ask for anything from anyone," Harry apologized, his tone apologetic yet amused.

The women smiled warmly at Harry's words.

"Oh, it's no trouble at all. We're happy to share," she replied kindly, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she watched Noah's delight.

The man who was accompanying her chuckled, his deep voice carrying a sense of camaraderie.

"That's the spirit. Kids have a way of reminding us to embrace life's simple pleasures," he remarked, nodding towards Noah.

Harry found himself drawn into conversation with the couple, their easygoing demeanor putting him at ease.

"M’name's Harry, by the way," he introduced himself, extending a hand in greeting.

"Nice to meet you, Harry. I'm Mary, and this is my husband, Barney," Mary replied, shaking Harry's hand with a firm grip. "We've been coming to this duck pond every Tuesday for as long as I can remember."

Barney nodded in agreement.

"It's become a bit of a tradition for us. We find it's the perfect way to spend our day off together," he explained, a fond smile playing on his lips.

As they chatted, Harry learned more about Mary and Barney's life together – their love of nature, their shared interests, and the joy they found in the simple pleasures of everyday life. He found himself opening up to them, sharing stories of his own experiences and adventures with Noah.

"There's something special about being out in nature, isn't there? It's good for the soul," Mary remarked, her gaze wandering across the tranquil expanse of the duck pond.

Harry nodded in agreement, a sense of peace settling over him.

"Absolutely. S’moments like these that make life truly meaningful," he agreed, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Talking to the two of them seemed to stop time, and before he knew it, the sun was already starting to set in the background.

As Harry glanced down at the Apple Watch on his wrist, he realized the time had flown by faster than he had anticipated.

He clapped his hands together, a smile tugging at his lips, and said, "Well, I best get going. Noah's got to have his dinner soon."

Mary and Barney nodded understandingly, their faces reflecting the warmth of their earlier conversation.

Just as Harry began to turn away, Mary's voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Before you go, young man, I wanted to mention something," Mary said, her tone gentle yet earnest. "Barney and I actually own a café on the corner of Canal Street called Timeless Brews. If you ever find yourself in the area, you're more than welcome to pop by. We'd love to see you."

Harry's eyes widened in surprise, a genuine smile spreading across his face.

"Thank you, Mary. That's incredibly kind of you," he replied gratefully. "I'll definitely make sure to stop by sometime."

Barney chimed in with a hearty chuckle.

"Consider it an open invitation, Harry. We'd be delighted to have you as our guest," he said warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

As Harry bid farewell to Mary and Barney, a sense of gratitude filled his heart.

In just a short time, he had forged a connection with this kindhearted couple, and he couldn't help but feel touched by their generosity. With a final wave, he turned to Noah, who was already bounding ahead, eager to continue their adventure.

As they walked away from the duck pond, Harry couldn't shake the feeling of warmth and camaraderie that lingered in the air. He knew that he had made two new friends today, and he looked forward to the possibility of visiting Timeless Brews and sharing more conversations with Mary and Barney in the future.

From a young age, Harry's fascination with the world of medicine was sparked by a pivotal moment in his childhood. At the tender age of ten, he found himself in the confines of a hospital room, his ankle throbbing with pain after a clumsy fall. As he lay in the hospital bed, surrounded by the reassuring presence of doctors and nurses,

Harry knew with unwavering certainty that he wanted to dedicate his life to helping others in the same way they had helped him.

Driven by this newfound sense of purpose, Harry immersed himself in his studies, excelling academically and setting his sights on a future in medicine. At the age of eighteen, his hard work and dedication paid off when he received the news of his acceptance into Oxford University's prestigious Doctor of Medicine program.

With a heart full of ambition and determination, Harry embarked on this new chapter of his life with unwavering resolve.

Over the course of six intense years, Harry immersed himself in the rigors of medical education, delving deep into the intricacies of the human body and honing his skills as a healer.

With each passing year, he grew more confident in his abilities and more passionate about his chosen field, fueled by a relentless desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Upon graduating from Oxford at the age of twenty-four, Harry's journey had only just begun. Armed with knowledge, experience, and an unyielding commitment to his calling, he eagerly embraced the opportunity to put his skills to the test in the real world.

Eight months later, he found himself walking the halls of The Manchester Royal Infirmary, a newly minted doctor ready to embark on the next phase of his career.

Now, at the age of twenty-six, Harry finds himself living his dream. He's found fulfillment and purpose in his work, relishing the challenges and rewards that come with each day in the hospital.

Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of his professional life, there lingers a quiet longing for something more – the perfect partner to share his journey with.

And then, you walked into the hospital – an ethereal presence that captivated Harry from the moment he laid eyes on you. Though he knows he must maintain a professional demeanor, there's an undeniable pull, a spark of connection that ignites within him at the sight of you.

As he goes about his duties, his thoughts drift to you, everything about you, wondering if fate will bring them together once more.

10th February, 2024.

As Harry's shift at the hospital came to an end, he felt a sense of relief wash over him. The late shift, starting at 10:45 pm and ending at 9 am, had been a challenging one.

He had encountered a variety of cases, from a patient with a shard of glass lodged near a femoral artery to a young man suffering from alcohol intoxication who had vomited uncontrollably.

Despite the intensity of these emergencies, Harry had remained calm and composed, providing expert care and ensuring the safety of his patients.

Now, as he made his way out of the hospital, Harry couldn't help but feel a twinge of exhaustion creeping in. The long hours had taken their toll, but he knew that his dedication to his profession was unwavering. He looked forward to the weekend ahead, eager to recharge and spend time with loved ones.

As he walked through the hospital corridors, Harry's thoughts turned to his aspirations for advancement within the medical field. He had been diligently working towards a promotion to become the Clinical Lead, a position currently held by Marcus, who was set to retire soon.

Harry knew that achieving this goal would require dedication and perseverance, but he was determined to rise to the challenge.

As Harry made his way towards the exit, he detoured towards the doctor's desk where his colleague Miranda was stationed.

"Hey, M," he greeted her with a tired but friendly smile. "Just wanted t’give y’a heads up about the patient in cubicle five. They're allergic to morphine, but it wasn't in their notes, so be sure to double-check before administering any medication. Oh, and they're booked in for a CT scan at eleven o'clock."

Miranda nodded, her expression attentive as she took note of Harry's instructions.

"Got it, thanks for letting me know, Haz. I'll make sure to handle it," she assured him, her voice calm and confident.

Just as Harry was about to head out, another colleague approached him. It was Mitch, with his signature man bun and glasses perched on the edge of his nose.

Mitch was most definitely one of his best friends, they shared a dorm at Oxford and were lucky enough to both get a job at the same hospital. Mitch was specialised in paediatrics so they hardly saw each other when working but when they did they always had a good time.

They sometimes ate together on there lunch breaks.

"Hey, bud," Mitch greeted him with a grin. "What shifts are you doing tomorrow?"

Harry glanced at his watch before replying,

"I'm on an early. I'll be in f’seven," he answered, his tone weary but determined.

Mitch nodded in understanding, his expression sympathetic.

"Early shift, huh? Well, try to get some rest, mate. You've earned it," he said, patting Harry on the back in a gesture of camaraderie.

"Thanks, man. I'll do m’best," Harry replied with a grateful smile, appreciating the support from his colleague.

As Harry stepped out of the hospital's exit, the cool morning breeze greeted him, stirring a newfound hunger in his stomach. It had been nearly five hours since his last meal, and the thought of a hearty breakfast was tantalizing. Toast sounded particularly appealing at the moment, simple yet satisfying.

Recalling the conversation he had with the couple at the park the other day, Harry remembered their mention of a cafe they owned nearby. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he considered the possibility of finding a cozy spot to enjoy a meal. The idea of supporting a local business while indulging in some much-needed nourishment appealed to him greatly.

With determination in his stride, Harry made his way to his black Range Rover parked nearby. Slipping behind the wheel, he navigated the bustling streets of Canal Street, the anticipation of discovering a new culinary gem fueling his excitement. Despite the morning rush, he remained focused on his mission, determined to satisfy his hunger with a delicious meal.

After a brief ten-minute drive, Harry finally found a parking space outside the cafe. With a sense of satisfaction, he turned off the engine and stepped out of his car, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. With each step towards the entrance, Harry's anticipation grew, eager to experience what the cafe had to offer.

As Harry entered the cafe, a small bell above the door tinkled lightly, announcing his arrival. He scanned the cozy interior, his eyes immediately landing on an inviting empty table by the window. Making his way over, he settled into the chair, already relishing the prospect of a hot cup of coffee and some toast.

Before he could even glance at the menu, the elderly woman from the park approached his table with a warm smile.

"Well, look who it is! I'm so glad you decided to stop by," she greeted him cheerfully.

Harry returned her smile, feeling a sense of familiarity and warmth in her presence.

"I couldn't resist," he admitted.

The woman beamed with delight.

"Oh, I'm thrilled to hear that! Someone will be with you shortly to take your order. In the meantime, make yourself at home," she said warmly before bustling off to attend to another customer.

Harry leaned back in his chair, feeling a sense of comfort settle over him in the quaint surroundings of the cafe.

As you stand behind the counter, wiping down the coffee machine, Mary, approaches you with a gentle smile.

"Table nine needs to have his order taken," she informs you kindly.

You nod in acknowledgment, trying to ignore the pain throbbing in your ribs and your lower leg.

Retrieving your notepad and pen from under the counter, you attempt to conceal your limp as you make your way over to table nine.

Approaching the table, you and Harry seem to recognize each other simultaneously.

Both of your eyes widen.

Both your mouths go dry.

You blink a few times, getting yourself out of the daze you seem to be captured in as you muster up a fake smile and ask him what he'd like to order.

Before you can finish your question, Harry interrupts you, his voice filled with concern.

"I wondered what had happened t’you," he admits, his gaze searching yours.

You tilt your head to the side, feigning innocence, though you know exactly what he's referring to.

"Oh, it was nothing serious," you reply casually, hoping to brush off the topic.

But it was.

Harry sighs, his expression filled with sincerity.

"Y’discharged yourself before your X-ray," he points out, his tone gentle yet firm. "You wouldn't have done that. You know doctors are there to help people."

You let out a resigned sigh, knowing he's right but unwilling to admit it.

"I didn't want to waste the doctor's time," you murmur, avoiding his gaze as you fiddle with your pen.

Harry's brow furrows in concern.

"Every patient is important, Y/N," he says softly, his voice filled with compassion.

He remembers your name?

"Y’shouldn't have discharged yourself. What happened to you?"

You muster up a fake laugh, hoping to deflect his concern.

"Oh, it was nothing much," you reply nonchalantly, though the memories of the past week weigh heavily on your mind. "Just a few bumps and bruises. I'm fine now."

Harry sighs, his expression troubled.

"I was there to help you," he says earnestly, his eyes searching yours. "And I'll always be here to help you. Y’don’t have to go through these things alone.”

Harry's gaze remains fixed on you, his concern evident as he waits for your response.

You shift uncomfortably under his scrutiny, the weight of his words weighing heavily on your shoulders.

"I appreciate your concern, Harry," you say, your voice tinged with reluctance. "But really, there's nothing to worry about. I'm fine."

Harry's brow furrows further, his concern deepening.

"Y/N, I can see that you're in pain," he observes, his tone gentle yet insistent.

You bite your lip, torn between the urge to confide in him and the instinct to keep your struggles hidden.

"It's just... life, you know?" you reply evasively, hoping to deflect his questions. "Nothing I can't handle."

Harry's gaze softens, his empathy shining through as he reaches out a hand towards yours.

"You don't have to handle everything on y’own, Y/N," he says softly. "Sometimes s’okay to lean on others for support."

You pull away slightly, the walls around your heart growing stronger as you push him away.

"I appreciate your concern, Harry," you repeat, your voice firmer this time. "But I'm fine. Really."

Harry's expression falls, a flicker of hurt passing through his eyes before he nods in reluctant acceptance.

"Okay," he says quietly, though the disappointment lingers in his voice. "If y’ever need someone to talk to, m’here."

But where would you ever find him?

You shift your focus to the menu in front of you, grateful for the temporary distraction it provides.

"And what can I get for you today?" you ask, forcing a polite smile as you glance up at Harry.

His gaze flickers down to the menu briefly before returning to meet yours.

"Just a black coffee with a tuna panini, please," he replies, his voice calm and composed.

You nod, scribbling down his order on your notepad as you fight to maintain your composure.

"Sure thing," you say, your voice steady despite the ache in your ribs.

With a tight smile, you turn away, doing your best to conceal the slight limp in your step as you make your way back to the counter.

You walk over to the coffee machine, the familiar hum of its machinery offering a momentary reprieve from the turmoil swirling within you. With practiced efficiency, you begin the process of brewing Harry's black coffee, the rich aroma filling the air as the dark liquid flows into the waiting cup.

As the coffee finishes brewing, you carefully pour it into a ceramic cup, the warmth seeping through the porcelain and into your hands. Despite the ache in your ribs and the lingering pain in your leg, you focus on the task at hand, determined to see it through with unwavering precision.

You carefully balance the tray in one hand, holding Harry's black coffee securely as you navigate your way back to his table.

Despite your best efforts to conceal it, the persistent ache in your ribs and the throbbing pain in your leg threaten to betray you with every step.

As you approach Harry's table, your foot catches on an uneven tile, sending you stumbling forward. Your heart races as you fight to regain your balance, but it's too late.

With a sharp crack, the glass mug slips from your grasp, shattering into pieces on the floor in front of you.

A gasp escapes your lips as you watch the coffee spill across the tiles, the warm liquid mingling with the shards of broken glass. Heat rises to your cheeks as embarrassment floods through you, your pulse pounding in your ears as you struggle to compose yourself.

Harry's concerned voice cuts through the chaos, his words a blur as he rushes to your side.

"Are you okay?" he asks, his brow furrowed with worry as he rushes to your side.

You freeze at the sound of his voice, your heart pounding in your chest as a surge of panic threatens to overwhelm you.

Memories of Corey's anger and violence flood your mind, leaving you trembling in fear.

Harry's hand reaches out to touch your shoulder, but you flinch away instinctively, your body tensing with apprehension.

"Easy, easy," he murmurs softly, his voice gentle as he takes a step closer. "I just want to make sure y’alright."

The sincerity in Harry's words sends a jolt of conflicting emotions coursing through you. Part of you longs to believe him, to surrender to the warmth of his concern and let him chase away the shadows that haunt you.

But another part, hardened by years of trauma, recoils from his touch, wary of the vulnerability that comes with trust.

Struggling to find your voice amidst the turmoil raging within you, you take a shaky step back, your gaze darting nervously around the room.

"I'm... I'm fine," you manage to choke out, though the words taste like ash on your tongue.

Harry's expression softens, his eyes filled with genuine concern as he takes in your trembling form.

"Y’don't look fine," he says gently, his voice barely above a whisper. "Please, let me help you."

The sincerity in Harry's voice is like a lifeline in the darkness, offering you a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. But the walls you've built around your heart remain steadfast, the fear of vulnerability too great to overcome.

With a heavy heart, Harry watches as you push yourself to your feet and bolt towards the back of the cafe, disappearing from sight before he can reach out to stop you.

Left standing amidst the wreckage, he can't help but feel a pang of regret, knowing that he's let you slip through his fingers once again. But deep down, he knows that he won't give up on you, not when there's still a chance to break through the walls that surround your wounded heart.

He flickers his eyes up, and catches the eyes of Barney, but the elderly man just casts his eyes back down to the floor.

As you reach the relative safety of the back room, you lean against the wall, gasping for breath as tears prick at the corners of your eyes.

The sound of your own heartbeat echoes in your ears, a relentless reminder of the darkness that lurks within you, threatening to swallow you whole.

LATER THAT NIGHT….

Corey storms into the room, his footsteps heavy with anger.

Your heart pounds in your chest as you shrink back against the headboard, clutching your book tightly to your chest.

"Why isn't there any food on the table?" Corey's voice cuts through the silence like a knife, his tone sharp with frustration.

You stutter out a feeble excuse, explaining that you only just got home from work and haven't had time to cook anything.

"But... I was thinking... maybe we could order takeout?" you offer tentatively, your voice trembling with apprehension.

The suggestion only seems to fuel his rage further.

"You know I don't like eating fast food," he snaps, his voice laced with contempt as he strides towards you.

Without warning, he grabs your hair, wrenching your head back to meet his furious gaze.

Panic courses through you as you struggle to find your voice, your mind racing with fear and confusion.

"There's... there's not much food in the house," you stammer, your words barely audible above the pounding of your heart.

You hadn’t had time to go shopping today.

Corey's grip tightens, his fingers digging into your scalp as he leans in close, his breath hot against your skin.

"You're so useless," he sneers, his words dripping with venom.

"Fat, lazy, good-for-nothing..."

The room spins as Corey's tirade continues, his insults cutting deeper with each passing moment.

Desperate to escape, you try to push him away, but his grip only tightens, trapping you in a nightmare from which there seems to be no escape.

Suddenly, with a violent outburst, Corey grabs the lamp from the bedside table and hurls it against the wall, the sound of shattering glass echoing through the room.

Tears blur your vision as you shrink back against the bed, utterly petrified by the display of his rage.

As Corey advances towards you with a fiery rage burning in his eyes, you scramble to your feet, desperately trying to evade his grasp.

With a surge of adrenaline, you manage to slip past him, your heart pounding in your chest as you bolt towards the stairs.

But just as you reach the top step, Corey's hand snags your arm, wrenching you around with a brutal force that sends you reeling.

"How dare you run away from me?" he hisses, his breath hot against your face as flecks of spit land on your skin. "You should never turn your back on your boyfriend."

Terror courses through you as you try to reason with him, your voice trembling with fear.

"Corey, please... You're hurting me," you manage to stammer, but your words fall on deaf ears.

Corey's laughter cuts through the air like a knife, his eyes gleaming with a sadistic amusement.

"Hurting you?" he mocks, his voice dripping with disdain.

"This isn't hurting you, sweetheart. This is."

And with a sudden shove, he sends you tumbling down the stairs, your body crashing against the unforgiving steps with a sickening thud.

Agony radiates through every fiber of your being as you lie at the bottom of the staircase, your ribs screaming in protest with each labored breath.

Tears blur your vision as you curl into a ball, the weight of Corey's betrayal crushing down upon you like a suffocating weight.

With a gasp, you jolt awake from the nightmare, your heart pounding in your chest as if trying to escape the confines of your ribcage.

The events that caused you to head to the hospital in the first place continuously running through your head leading to sleepless night after sleepless night.

Beads of sweat cling to your forehead, your hair damp and tangled against your skin, as the remnants of the horrifying dream linger in your mind like a haunting specter.

As you turn to your left, the empty space beside you serves as a stark reminder of Corey's absence. The sinking realization settles in that he's likely out drinking again, his drunken antics and volatile behavior a constant source of fear and uncertainty in your life.

Gazing out of the window, you're met with the sight of a full moon casting an eerie glow over the world below. Its ethereal light illuminates the darkness, casting long shadows that seem to dance with malevolent intent.

A heavy sigh escapes your lips as you ponder the endless cycle of fear and despair that has become your reality.

How much longer will you have to endure this nightmare?

tag list: @fictionalmensblog @hermionelove @angel32112233 @moneybaby07 @hannah9921 @definegirlfriendsx

[shrimplymoray]

After a while of trying, I ended up uninstalling Twitter again. That app is not for me lmao.

On the other hand, though, I am feeling quirky and want to make a new HCs post of creepypasta. So...

Creepypasta characters soft spots*

Featuring: Jeff the Killer, Jane Everlasting, Nina the Killer, Homicidal Liu, Sully, BEN, Eyeless Jack, Laughing Jack, Laughing Jill, Candy Pop, Jason the Toymaker

* bear in mind I make them a tad bit fucked up in the head, so beware (though it IS Creepypasta)

Tw: slightly graphic canibalism description, mentions of abandonment trauma, canon like control freakiness on Jason's part

Jeff The Killer - expressiveness and not being easily intimidated

Jeff is a pretty... Expressive guy, to not say a huge asshole with a big ego. And even though he might not say it, he does admire someone being expressive. It took him a long time (and a mental breakdown) to start expressing himself how he wanted to. If he meets someone that is expressive be it verbally or physically, he will end up circling around them more often than others.

Hand in hand with that, if the person is not easily intimidated and has the courage to talk him out of his mean comments, he might as well ask to be friends with them. As much as he denies it, he enjoys not scaring someone by being himself from time to time.

Jane Everlasting - housekeeping skills and good music taste

Jane is not the easiest person to get along with. However, if you know how to work a stove, and knows that x product is better at cleaning windows than y, she finds than entertaining. She misses Mary so much, and having someone that reminds her of Mary, it warms her on the inside.

This is more of her being a bit of a nitpick, but she despises having to deal with screamo or those techno songs. She deals with it too much from the others, so having the chance to listen to classic romantic ballads, or some soft Jazz while reading a book, by her fave person's side, and not having a complaint at all? That's a dream. One that seems so far away to her reality, being near so many emos

Nina the Killer - foot on earth and alternative fashion

If you stayed even 5 minutes with Nina, you would understand why she appreciates someone hard on reality. Nina is easily enthusiastic and also impulsive as fuck. So having someone to keep her from breaking the whole house down, or to make sure she doesn't throw someone out of the second floor window, it really helps her out in the end, and she knows it.

Nina, although she is slowly getting better at keeping this down, is still a bit obsessed with Jeff, so alternative styles like emo and her beloved Scene style, it makes her feel like she is right up her alley. She would pick matching fits for you two, and also make a whole blog just for pictures of you two with very 2000s core stuff. Plus: hot topic dates.

Homicidal Liu - respectfulness and good cooking skills

Liu has gone through a lot of traumatic events, all his life. Some he holds the memories, after alter fusion, and others... Not so much. But what he does know is that disrespect towards his person, and what he has gone through, is something he doesn't want to go through never again. So being respectful, in the sense of not narrowing him to DID guy, or to murderer, it makes him genuinely happy.

Liu misses his family, even though it wasn't the best family. It's been 11 years since he lost all his family, so sometimes he will try cooking food that his parents used to make. However he... Is not the best cook. He tries, he really does, but it's not his thing. So having someone put the time and effort to do this small act, of cooking him the food that he misses since a teen, it makes him have butterflies. Plus, seeing his lover in an apron sounds cute in his mind.

Sully - strong morals and dark humor

Sully may share a body with Liu, but he is still his own person, as an alter. And most importantly he is the system protector. It is his role to make sure no more trauma is suffered. So, having a lover that understand that and agrees with him, it is a sight to behold to him. And most importantly, having someone that understands and respects the boundaries he puts, which are many, is important for him.

Now... The system is rather small, and so Sully is a trauma holder alter. But... His method of coping with that trauma is mostly through dark humor. Jokes about his trauma done by him or the body, is the way he knows how to cope and, in his eyes, not turn into a monster like Jeff, which he despises. Having someone letting him indulge in his not healthy but necessary coping mechanism, and even joking around with their own problems, it ends up in a great pair for him.

B.E.N._drowned - Sass, nerdiness and night owl

BEN is not really a human, and although he sometimes can be very human like due to the Moonchildren Souls, the one in control is still the Behavioral Environment Network. So he has the power to be as mean as he wants and not feel remorse. Though as a behavioral AI, he can react in many ways depending what his code finds most fitting. He didn't start liking sass, but after being around Jeff and collecting data to act based on that, besides the souls, he ended up sassy, and enjoys now having sass thrown back at him. It is a familiar environment, which is something he sometimes need.

He is based around on TLOZ, and his souls had that common interest besides other games, so of course he wants a gamer to fit with him. He doesn't sleep, so having someone also be a night owl and stay the whole night spending time with him, letting him learn their functions and behavior, it makes him enthusiastic, as much as malevolent code can be.

Eyeless Jack - Patience and a hard stomach

Jack, different than a lot of the others, didn't want to be here at first. And as such he isn't the easiest to approach, sometimes being plainly reclusive, and others being aggressive. Having patience but still perseverance to approach him at his own time, and let things go in his time, it makes him trust you even more.

Jack, as we all know, is a human eating being. Not sure cannibal is the right term since he isn't a human anymore, but I'll use it for now. As a cannibal, it is not easy to be around him sometimes. He is not afraid to eat in front of others if needed, or to harvest organs out of a human carcass. If you can endure at least the putrid smell of organs and blood, than you will find EJ to not be he worst to be around.

Laughing Jack - playfulness and clingyness

LJ is, as we all know I assume, a clown! So what would I clown like to be around? People who know how to have fun, of course! Playful battering, joking around, a good sense for a performance, this are all things that, summed by playfulness, make Jack feel alive. The feeling of succeeding at making his lover laugh till their cheeks turn red, it is a sight to behold to him, so having a good sense of playfulness makes things a lot easier.

On the other hand, Jack was once abandoned for years in his toy box. He grew to feel lonely, sometimes even around others. Having someone being close to him, even when not the best option to do so, and the feeling of being wanted all times. It does magic to the clown.

Laughing Jill - good sense of humor and optimism

Jill, like Jack, is a big clown lady and as such, she loves to make people laugh and have fun! She isn't the fondest of the more mean plays, but she does love striking jokes around, so having a good sense of humor is the best option of a pair for her!

Although she was made to be happy and make others happy, she can have negative emotions too. But having someone that will make sure to let her know that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and give her the care she gives to others, it is truly special for her.

Candy Pop - chaotic nature and being laid back

Candy is to an extent a genie like entity. And as such, they love to bring chaos, and distort stuff to their amusement. And as such, having someone that matches their personality is what they want. C'mon, who doesn't want to see what can happen if they inflate their head like a balloon? I do.

As such, someone strict to the rules, and someone that wants them to be in line at all times bore them if not anger them. They need some semblance of freedom. Being laid back, doing your stuff when they do theirs, and uniting forces to end get out of trouble, that's love to them.

Jason the Toymaker - size difference and art appreciation

Jason is someone that likes to feel in control of any and all situation. He is a manipulators, so making sure he is the one up top, it's what he wants ever and ever. Having someone smaller than him, it gives him a semblance of control, even if only illusory. It plays in his control freakiness.

As a toymaker, he is an artisan. He loves to create intricate toys, which are pieces of art in itself. Having someone that appreciates it and praises him for it, it boosts his already inflated ego. He might plainly squeeze you for your praises, as a thank you.

That's all I got for now, might do some others plus the proxies on another post.

Reminder that it is cool if you don't agree or like these, y'all can have your own opinions and it is very valid! This is how I like the characters (aka sick in the head).

[doublelp]

ayo why do you like dropdead so much?

A few reasons.

I think they really pushed powerviolence in a great new direction. A lot of stuff at the time was mostly guys doing thrashcore stuff while experimenting with sludgy parts, which is great, don't get me wrong. I like Eric Wood's stuff like Crossed Out and Neanderthal, but with Man is the Bastard i kinda got the vibe he was mostly fucking around trying different things to see what would stick. Plus when you have a genre that's primarily a single scene (stuff out of the Bay Area like 625 Thrashcore and Slap-a-Ham), you tend to get a lot of bands that sounds similar. Meanwhile, Dropdead was on the east coast doing their own thing and making powerviolence with a crusty edge. Bob Otis was into bands like Crass and Swans too so he ended up picking up the best parts of his influences and incorporating them into Dropdead's incredible, unyielding aggression. It's so raw but honed at the same time, and I'm a sucker for good thrashcore anyway so it really resonated with me.

There's also the production on the 1993 and 1998 LPs. Those albums sound so fucking crisp, literally the ideal tone for every instrument. Bass is just muddy enough, drums pack an incredible punch, and the guitar cuts through nicely while synthesizing with the rest of the band. Meanwhile Bob Otis, in my genuine opinion, has the best vocals out of any hardcore band I've heard. It's a shame he can't quite shout like he used to because otherwise I would totally fuck with their 2020 album. If you listen to his vocals on Chosen Path, he's really giving it 110% and it makes all the difference imo. His passion comes through and it resonates with me, even though I'm not vegan lol.

On a different note, I try to get push Dropdead at every chance I can in the punk sharing community because there's an unfortunate trend where a lot of people are eager to claim punk subculture without substantially engaging with it. I think the issue is two-pronged, though I'd reckon they're connected: 1. Most of the people in the community like the aesthetics and political values of punk subculture (which are flimsy imo but that's another issue) without liking a lot of the noise, so they end up either listening to more "pleasant" punk music (pop punk, folk punk, riot grrrl) or simply don't listen to the music at all. This creates a weird trend where a lot of people who post their crust pants don't have any band patches on them (let alone crust punk bands). So, you know, listen to Dropdead. At least say someone put you on to them and that you tried it. 2. These people are not engaging with their local scenes, which is likely because they don't like the music to begin with. Some people have an excuse because they live in buttfuck nowhere and there is no scene in their town, but I would encourage people to expand their search to the nearest city and do some research about what punk or hardcore bands are playing shows there. If you're really About this shit then you'll put in the legwork to seek out local punk bands. Y'know, that's the thing that the subculture revolves around. The scene is so important man you get to meet cool people and be a part of something fun, but it's not on your computer screen or in the way you dress, it's at dive bars and church basements or wherever they could book an all-ages show.

So listen to Dropdead, figure out what's going on near you, and go to a show for once.

[kayla-kloudz]

Imperfectly Perfect

Chapter Four: The bonfire

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The bonfire crackled and popped, sending embers drifting into the night sky like dangerous fireflies. The laughter and chatter of the so-called Kooks echoed across the beach, blending with the rhythmic crash of the waves and light murmur of music. Emma stood near the fire, her arms crossed as she took in her surroundings, already starting to feel out of place as she observed the other teens. Rafe and Topper had immediately melted into the crowd, easily slipping into conversation with their friends. Meanwhile, Emma stands there watching the people mingle together. Some were talking, others were drinking, even some that were doing questionable things to be doing at a beach party. Emma quickly looks away and stres back into the bonfire. The flames cast a warm glow on the group of people sitting around it, making the polished perfection of the Kooks even more obvious. They looked like they belonged to this scene, like they’d been born into it.Emma starts to pick at her nails subconsciously, the anxious feeling coming back.

Emma found herself near the edge of the gathering, her toes digging into the cool sand as she tried to appear more at ease than she felt. She glanced toward the ocean, where the moonlight shimmered off the waves, the sound of the crashing surf offering a strange kind of comfort. Part of her wished she could slip away and disappear into the night, but she knew better.

“Hey, you okay?” A soft voice pulled her out of her thoughts.

Emma turned to see a girl with long, wavy brown hair and warm hazel eyes. Her tan was flawless, her smile kind but cautious, almost like she wasn’t quite sure if Emma could be trusted just yet. “Yeah,” Emma replied, offering a polite smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’m Kelsey,” the girl said, her tone more genuine than any of the others Emma had met tonight. “You’re the new girl, right? Emma?” “Yeah, that’s me,” Emma light out a small airy laugh.Kelsey’s smile widened a little. “Figured. New faces are rare around here.” She glanced around the bonfire, her expression turning a little more guarded. “Especially ones that aren’t already tangled up in all this drama.” Emma raised an eyebrow. “Drama?” Kelsey gave a small laugh, but there was an edge to it. “Trust me, you’ll figure it out soon enough.” She tilted her head slightly, similar to that of a confused dog. “So, how’s it been so far? Surviving the Kook life alright?” Emma let out a quiet laugh, her posture relaxing just a little. “Barely.”

“Good answer,” Kelsey said with a grin. “At least you’re honest.” Emma’s lips twitched into a small, genuine smile for the first time in the last five days, “Thanks…” she mumbles lightly. “Look,” Kelsey said after a beat, her expression softening. “If you need someone who doesn’t always speak in ‘trust fund lingo’”,Kelsey raises her fingers putting air quotes around those words as to accentuate her words, “I’m usually around.” Kelsey gives Emma a wide smile. Emma smiles back, “I might take you up on that.” “Good,” Kelsey replied, her smile warmer as she nudges emma with her shoulder lightly. “Because you’re gonna need someone who can help you navigate this mess,” Kelsey laughs.

Before Emma could respond, the girl's attention shifts over to a group of Kooks nearby who have started talking louder. Emma hadn’t been paying attention before, but now their voices carried over the crackle of the fire. “Did you hear about what happened last week?” One of the guys asked, his tone hushed but still audible.

“Yeah, freakin’ Maybank,” another one muttered, his voice dripping with disgust. Emma perked up, her curiosity betraying her.

“Him and the rest of the pogues are allways stirring up trouble,” the first guy continued, shaking his head. “My dad said he’s a lost cause. Told me to stay away from him.” “Mine too,” a blonde girl chimed in. “Jj is nothing but bad news. Just like his dad.”

“Surprised he’s not in juvie yet,” another voice added with a laugh.

Emma’s brow furrowed slightly as she listened, her mind trying to piece together who they were talking about. Maybank? She hadn’t heard that name before, but the way they spoke about him… whoever he was, he clearly had a reputation amongst the town.

“Honestly,” the blonde girl scoffed, “if he’s not getting into fights, he’s getting himself into trouble with the cops. It’s pathetic.” “Total Pogue behavior,” another guy added, his tone dripping with smugness and irritability.

Pogue. Emma had heard the term a couple of times before. Just like the “rich people” where called “kooks”, it was how the Kooks referred to the kids from the Cut; the working-class side of the Outer Banks. The ones who didn’t have trust funds or family connections. The ones the Kooks seemed to look down on like they were better than them. Emma cringed inwardly. It has taken her five days and only a matter of a few hours to realize that almost every kook was the same; spoiled and full of seemingly unbreakable ego. Gross, Emma shudders thinking about it.

“Maybank’s always been reckless,” Topper’s voice cut in, loud enough for Emma to hear. He was standing just behind her now, his tone casual but carrying that same Kook arrogance. “He’s a ticking time bomb. It’s only a matter of time before he screws up for good.” Emma tried to keep her expression neutral, but it felt like her head was spinning. She didn’t know who this J.J. Maybank was, but from what she was hearing, he was exactly the kind of person her mom and stepdad would warn her to stay away from. However, something about the way they talked about him didn’t sit right with her. They were being rude, and she bit her cheek to keep quiet. Jim's words echoing in her head reminding her that she needs to keep quiet. As if Rafe was able to read her mind, he came up behind her. “Don’t worry about Maybank,” Rafe murmured suddenly, his voice low as he leaned in close to her ear. Emma tensed slightly at the sudden closeness. “He’s a nobody, not someone you need to bother yourself with.” Emma forced herself to smile and nod in response.

[katyspersonal]

To be honest, I've had a very difficult day

Something that happened in the morning, that at first seemed minor, was a fatal crack in a metaphorical dam that has been containing a lot behind it, and it flushed all in. So much repressed pain, that has just began to subdue and heal. All while I had to work with customers for 10 hours, when I really really really just needed to crawl under blanket to listen to the sad music and process all this.... Neglected, held back pain just made me uncharacteristically snappy with customers, like, every second one. I didn't mean to, but I swear, paranoia reduces me to something primal. Something animalistic. I almost forgot what it was like, to lose autonomy over my words and actions, because I feel like a wounded and bleeding stray animal and I just. Want. To be left ALONE. And I CAN'T be. Bleeding? No, it is venom. But a kind that doesn't leave me the more it spills through the open wound. On the contrary, the more it spills, the worse it festers.. or so I thought, until I've finally got to talk about it and cry in a VC with my bestie.

I was really disgusted with myself today. You guys DON'T want to know what it's like, to be puppeteed by something primal, something animalistic, while you can still feel guilt for it. After a particularly selfish and snappy exchange, when that customer left and I did get my couple of minutes alone, I cried. Because I am an awful human being and can't get a grip. I sound like I've been completely lucid all day about my mental state, but, no. I didn't even realize what was hurting me, why rage of wounded animal was burning so. Until I cried in a VC, and finally understood that one small insight put too much into perspective by effect. And I just.. really don't want to go to work tomorrow. I should not be near people when I can't calm down. But it is three more days of work, and I just want to be alone.. just a little while.

I've started to heal, I've started to genuinely like BB again in the way it used to be rather than like my wound, it started to get to me how much time has passed. As if the five that have harmed and traumatized me were never there, and should be buried as bad memories that they are. Even if justice fell only on one of them, even if the other four will simply get away with everything and walk their merry way without as much as questioning the abhorrence and inhumanity of their actions. The day of justice will never come.. but it is okay, if I am allowed to forget and do my stuff. If I just scream and cry for as much as I need, but I've noticed no one has been listening anymore...? The reactions to my vents stopped, and that meant stalking stopped. Therefore, I was safe. The venom stream has been thinning, sure, it is slowly becoming a blood once more? And had no choice but to.. heal and move on? Or so I thought.

It is a recent. Those cultish witch hunting freaks, and the mindless sheep that flocks around them, still have intent to harm me, after all. At least one of them does, but I suspect more. Only, they've found more discreet ways to do it, but not acknowledging me as a human being with my own feelings and history remains. Very ironically that they forced the narrative of me being the one not treating them as human beings, just because I disagreed with their politics of throwing the one whose "humanity ran wild" away. One who was one just like them but betrayed and turned to agree with hateful narrative that his identity was sin, but they could never see past the exterior. All they took out of him was a waste product to cleanse off the humanity, and I was a waste by association, and so were my friends by association. Only, today's one was a recent, and I know exactly what it is. The same treatment made me abandon K1rby (precious special, no, defining interest). I remember the nightmare I've had when I decided it. I was gifted a sword by a character from my intermediate hyperfixation between K1rby and before Soulsb0rne, and then went into the tiniest space ship to drift in the open space aimlessly. I saw small colorful planets getting swallowed by ice and darkness one by one, until nothing was left - the stories I never got to tell, the art project unfinished, the bonds broken. I woke up with a sense of new hope, yet I promised that I'll never let the same end of things happen by anyone else's hand. Be they justified like there, be they malicious like here. And that promise to self ensured I am still here, with regular From lore posts and discussions despite everything. I promised to not make the same mistake twice, and I didn't, and I won't.

But I know I'll never find peace and healing either, because the consequences of witch hunt yet persist, even subtle and even not so frequent. I must never forget my hatred for the fandom, and it was foolish to start to lower my guard. I'll never escape, but I can be safe in a different way yet. Hold onto this dread and anger. Let it burn brighter, let the venom sprout stronger, whatever form the feeling takes but pain is the only thing to never betray me so it might as well become my power. Carve the four remaining names in the inner side of my skull and never forget what happened, because it sure can't forget me. If there is a true reason to fear me, not fabricated one, then may they fear to pass my name around like some sort of superstition... so, please, can my pain finally sprout in it's true form and swallow me... already...? I want to make something dark, something bad within my own at last, I just don't know how. So it always only gnaws at me, and I can never make the curse my own nature. I say that I can and will, but I never learn, and the wounded animal is gnawing on me, and I can't become this animal. Can the venom become my very blood? I'll sure become safe for multiple reasons. I am tired and the day when the part of me that can yet be healthy and hopeful is eaten by the beast, can't come soon enough

[digo3d]

I am going to spit out some random ass headcanons cos it's been a minute and you have no choice but to watch (a long list as a treat)

T.C. definitely goes to the spa and gets a mani pedi and gets acrylic claw caps sometimes to make his claws look bigger cos that's a status symbol in alley cat culture and also because he likes the clicky clacky sounds (this is based off a dream I had)

T.C.'s ashcan is like Snoopy's doghouse where it's small on the outside but it's impossibly roomy on the inside he's got a whole king sized bed in there complete with a mini fridge, sink, and wardrobe

Benny was falsely accused of murder at one point and T.C. and Dibble had to tag team to convince everyone that Benny is as harmless as a teddy bear (because he is)

If you're aware of the theory of Cadwallader being Benny's brother and since Benny's Ma is Benjamin B. Ball Senior I'm saying that Benny's father is Cadwallader Ball Senior

Chooch's kidneys really like to beef with him so the last time he went to the vet they sent him home with a prescription for urinary kibble that he has to eat at least once a day. Spook made a little kibble bowl for him and Fancy painted it as sort of an inside joke but Chooch eats his kibble out of that bowl religiously

Related to the last one, the gang keeps score of Chooch vs. His Kidneys. His kidneys are winning currently (this is based of my Sims game of the lads and also because Siamese cats are more prone to kidney problems also he looks like he has kidney problems)

Spook can breakdance like a fucking boss and tbh this should be canon he will fuck you up in a dance battle and he will do it with ease

Spook has %100 slept for at least two days straight and when he woke up he was the most confused man alive for a solid 15 minutes. The gang kinda thought he was dead tbh

If you dare put ANYTHING near Spook's face his first instinct is always to bite. ALWAYS. This includes food, sticks, hands, etc. Dibble nearly lost a finger once by pointing at him accusingly after having caught him for vandalism

Spook is a graffiti artist and usually paints on buildings where he knows the owner is a dickhead to piss them off. A few store owners have actually offered him money to paint murals on their stores

Addon to that last one, Chooch paints as well. He's more of a canvas guy but has also been offered money to paint murals, although his are a lot more intricate and time consuming than Spook's

I like to imagine that Fancy is actually a huge fucking dork when he's not being a suave playboy, he especially dances like one (he does the sprinkler unironically in The Movie) he actually loves country music, and he's just a little goofy in general

Fancy's always fiending for chocolate despite him having a food sensitivity to it. He's also a huge foodie and has a hard time holding himself back when presented with good quality food. When he was younger he had to really think about it to contain himself but he's gained a lot more self-control since then

He's also one of those people that gets hangry so usually when he's moody one of the gang will ask him if he's had anything to eat and the answer is usually no because Fancy's usually well-tempered unless someone insults the gang, his grandmother, or himself

Fancy has absolutely opened a can of whoop-ass on a few people for mocking Brain's mental disabilities and he'd gladly do it again at the drop of a hat

Brain absolutely loves learning even if it takes him longer to do so. He loves doing little science experiments and T.C. has occasionally distracted him with books about various scientific topics like outer space, biology, geology, and chemistry. He's actually better at reading than the rest of the gang contrary to what one would believe, but has to stop and process what he's read occasionally

Brain is very difficult to get genuinely angry. Most of the time you'd irk him at most and he'd just give you the silent treatment but he has snapped at T.C. a few times and really yelled at him for a few reasons, mostly for underestimating him

God forbid you ever get him mad enough to attack you, because then almost nothing can get him off. When he was younger he finally got fed up with his worst bully and mauled him so bad to the point of disfigurement. And he didn't even bite him then, if he bites you he's definitely taking a chunk of you with him as a souvenir (because of those canines I've talked about before)

Brain is a fiend for muffins, his favorite being almond poppyseed muffins. He gets so excited to eat them he sniffs them aggressively before running off to a secluded spot to eat them. He sniffed one so hard he got an almond slice up his nose one time and didn't even notice until he blew his nose later

Bagels too. Loves bagels. Sesame bagels are his favorite. Hates the cinnamon raisin ones though.

And here we're gunna have some HC specifically based around laughter

Spook and Fancy have THE LOUDEST laughs when they're together. Spook usually wheezes loudly for an extended period of time before absolutely SCREAMING and cackling like a dying seagull and Fancy has this very hearty belly laugh and he also snorts when he laughs, which only makes the both of them laugh louder. They have in fact been kicked out of restaurants for laughing way too loud.

Brain's definitely one of those people who usually doesn't laugh very loud but will absolutely HONK if he laughs loudly enough. He also giggles something similar to the Scooby laugh.

T.C. will either freeze when he laughs or he falls over. No in between. He does not laugh like a normal person. He giggles and chuckles just fine though

In addition to Chooch's goofy little 'muhuhuhuhuh' he does sort of an oddly maniacal 'MUAHAHAHAHA'. As you can see, all of his funny hahas start with an 'M' sound.

Benny sounds like squeaky toy when he laughs and he really puts his whole body into it so it also looks like he's being squeezed like a squeaky toy

Dibble sounds like a duck when he laughs. Y'know the WAUGHKAUGHKAUGHKAUGHKAUGHKAUGH

Anyways yeah I bet you all are sick of me well too bad go take some antibiotics and call me when you feel better 💃

[reflections-in-a-critical-eye]

I reblogged this Anthony Bourdain image set and somehow I just remembered that I first heard of Korea (or ever seen anything from that place) through him and this travel show he used to have.

It was probably in the first half of the 2000s. I was really too young to know anything, no older than 10-11 years old. But I used to watch his show with my mom. Bourdain would visit a different country each episode and there were things that I had seen or he'd say that stuck with me. Like never thinking that Abba was not a cool band up until he went on a rant about how awful that music is and should be used as torture. To me, Abba at that time meant playful, nice music that for some reason, my dad used to listen to from time to time. Bourdain might have been the first actual hater to witness (before me turning into one once the years passed).

But I could still sense that he was not only a cool guy, but also someone genuinely interested in what he was discovering, without ever feeling any sense of superiority coming from him.

Like I said, I first became aware of Korea through one of his episodes. I still have this image in my head where he is somewhere in the countryside, making kimchi with a group of women. I saw how they added spices and then they would put the cabbage in big jars for fermentation. At that time, I used to hate a lot of vegetables, particularly fermented cabbage and it was a nightmare each time my mom would use it to prepare food. So in my head, kimchi sounded even worse because it was spicy on top of that. I now love kimchi. I have a stash of jars in my fridge always on hand, whenever I need.

In that same episode I found that Korea was split into two. There was North and South and Bourdain was perhaps filming his episode in a village near the border. He was talking to an old man who was telling him that part of his family remained in the North and that even though they are so close geographically, they haven't seen each other in decades. My mind at that age couldn't comprehend that. How could it ever be possible and why did it sound like the most awful thing that could ever happen? It would be years later when I would become more knowledgeable of the world that I was living in. But at that time, I felt like crying. I was looking at that man telling his story and thinking how unimaginable it would be to be separated from my own family.

That was an Anthony Bourdain show for me back then and I guess an essence of his tv work. I knew nothing about food, culture, politics, but it still had an effect on me simply by watching other worlds being presented to me where food was not just something to be used as "fuel" for bodies, but food as a way to tell stories.

[autumn-foxfire]

Movie 12! Time for the middle finger at Gosho's decision to try and make Shinichi tone deaf movie! Although he recently realized doing so would mean Shinichi couldn't understand the sound of the phone call so he once again changed his mind. We love a consistent writer.

And it starts off with a bang! Literally!

Shinichi and Ai showing us they have the superior relationship in the series in the introduction, as always.

And of course its followed by the lackluster relationship between him and Ran.

Ran: Do you want to come?

Shinichi: Sorry Ran, I can't go.

Ran: But maybe you can! (and keeps asking when Shinichi informs her again that he genuinely can't)

Shinichi finally: I just told you I can't so please stop meddling in my affairs.

Ran: Oh I'm just a meddling karate idiot am I (he didn't say that), well I'll insult you in turn and then hang up on you.

Such a great and romantic relationship guys! It's not even playful teasing, it's Ran pulling a hissy fit because Shinichi isn't doing what she wants him to do and got upset when he got a bit annoyed she wouldn't take no for an answer.

This is one of my favourite movies just because of the music.

Reiko has no chill. Poor Agasa, he puts effort into those quiz. Though Shinichi also finds them stupid so he can't win anywhere.

I love the Detective Boys, they went to a celebrity singer and asked for her help and somehow got it XD

LMAO Shinichi quickly trying to get in Ai's good books after he told her she was a bit stuck-up like Reiko by telling her he meant she was a pretty as her.

Oh my god Ran, he just told you he couldn't join you and to stop asking him when the answer wouldn't change, there's no reason to take your anger out on Sonoko for it.

Why are they calling it a fight?! It wasn't a fight, Ran was behaving like a brat because she didn't get her way. Don't blame Shinichi for this. He usually is the ass to Ran but this time the fault is all on her. God they really can't resist making their relationship god fucking awful even in movies.

I need them to understand what tone deaf means. You can't have perfect pitch and be tone deaf because being tone deaf means you can't tell the differences in pitch and Shinichi can. He just can't sing, there is a difference.

Genta deserved to be poisoned, really. He's lucky that it wasn't deadly in nature.

Reiko, if you're planning to talk to Genta's parents about how they raised him, she should do the same for all the DCMK parents. Give them the verbal whiplashing they deserve.

I love murder happening as classical music plays. So fancy.

Awww poor Takagi, he got intimidated by Reiko.

Once again I repeat myself, the people don't have to have a link to Shinichi (or Ran) in order for him to want to protect them. This is a boy who will save murderers and serial killers because he views life as precious and I hate when the act like he would need a reason beyond that to protect them (I know they're implying that he only wants to help her because she's the reason he and Ran stopped arguing when in middle school which makes me want to gag).

Shinichi kept the shooting secret too because Reiko wants him too (and also because he's probably interested in knowing why the culprit didn't shoot when he had a great shot).

I love they just let Kogoro accuse a man of serial murder and the police did not ask him for his reasoining and evidence before they took him to the man's home.

Shinichi bonds more with Reiko than he does with Ran. It makes sense, considering how much alike she is to Ai who is a much better friend to Shinichi and him to her than either he or Ran will be with one another (at least how they're written in canon).

Detective Conan is so insane. In no other anime will you have a shrunken teen knock a phone off its reciever and then imitate the sounds of the phone buttons in order to call the police for help. Oh they were stranded in the middle of a lake near a dam I should add. Also for once Shinichi wasn't off tune XD

Shinichi and Reiko are cut from the same cloth, lying to the police to get their own way. And both of them know each other did. Shinichi isn't wrong, Reiko is so much like Ai.

Oh fuck off Shinichi, you don't give as much of a shit about Ran as you like to believe you do and we all know it.

I mentioned in a poll earlier the oldest song I know is Amazing Grace. I am not ashamed to admit it was because of this movie.

I appreciate the movie naming the music that is being played.

And fuck off Ran as well. Don't make this movie about you and your shitty behaviour.

Another great part of this movie, Reiko helping Shinichi stall for time, Ai telling Shinichi about Satou's plan and Satou getting to be the one who stops the criminal from blowing the hall up. For a change, the female characters have their moment to shine in very important ways. Even Sonoko gets a moment. Ran... someone get her better writers.

And it's quite sad that this case was caused by a misunderstanding between two people.

YES. SHE AND SHINICHI ARE PARTNERS IN CRIME.

Shinichi, why are you rewarding Ran's bratty behaviour from the start of this movie. She does not deserve it and needs to learn to accept that Shinichi told her no.

Anyway, a great movie. Remove the forced relationship between Ran and Shinichi, especially Ran's shitty behaviour, and it would be an almost perfect movie for me.

[popculturebuffet]

Supermay!: It's A Bird... It's a Plane.. It's Superman! Review (Comission for Emma Fici)

Hello all you happy people and welcome back to Supermay! A celebration of all things man of steel. And today boy oh boy do I have a treat for you. It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a goddamn musical. We're taking look at the 1975 tv adaptation of the 1966 Stage Musical It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's superman! Baby.

This is something i've wanted to watch since seeing a clip of what turned out to be the final number years ago: It looked cheesy as hell and I was here for it. And when I pitched it to Emma her response was a resounding

So here we are.

So thanks to wikipedia I got some background on this one. Usually not the best source but I didn't have a lot. It did give me stage actor and superman in the broadway version Bob Holiday's 2000's as hell website

it's funly nostalgic and the guy seemed genuinely nice and i'ts mostly to tribute the man. Ther'es the odd bit like "sounding every bit as masculine as superman must" but it's mostly a nice little tribute. It didn't tell me much but it did impress that Bob HAD to maintain the superman posture live on stage and that the musical had flying effects, which is neat.

Otherwise the musical did well with critics.. but Audiences didn't catch on. They may of just not been in the mood for this level of camp, it may of been that old attitude that "comic books ares for childrens", which is true but their also for everybodys at the same time. At any rate it didn't do well.

The weird thing is.. it was a case of DC accidnetly undercutting itself. Around the same time the camptastic glory that was Adam West Batman started airing so an intended Time article for the musical was reduced to a blurb to promote batman instead.

So a decade later DC tried to recoup some losses, lisenscing the musical to ABC in the hopes of getting some of that sweet high school and regional theater money. And instead.. ABC just shoved it on their schedule and didn't really give a shit. So yeah this musical is mildly cursed and I feel bad fo rit. It's a wonderfully campy little piece of superman history, a truly odd, truly unique thing that deserves it's flowers, so today i'm giving them to them. So come fly with me under the cut as we experince bargin bin sweden hating lex luthor, jealous journalists, wacky mobsters, depression, an iconic musical number, gay supervillians in love, and all the camp that's fit to print. It's A Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superman! .. and some ads!

Commericals!:

As a brucey bonus, the person who put this specail on youtube also added a cluster of superman themed commericals at the end. I'm going to tackle them because my good friend @jess-the-vampire recommended them. We watched the musical together but she stuck around for these commericals.

We open with one from Bob Holiday, who promotes Aqua Velva.. and honestly I wish more than just the soundtrack for the stage musical existed because he seems like an excellent superman.

The next is just superman using an at and t card to call the office as they try to get back to .. contact london. And Lois brings up he always disappears? I don't get you commerical

Now we get into the real nonsense. Lex Luthor has kidnapped superman.. to ask why superman peanut butter tastes so great. The funniest part of this is I could buy lex being THAT petty that he can't just ASK superman, he has to kidnap him, put him near a giant chunk of kryptonite and demand he tells him. Some kids save superman, they enjoy some peanutbutter and luthor finds out he'll find out someday, SOMEDAY SUPERMAN YOU'LL TELL ME THE SECRET OF YOUR RICH CREAMERY PEANUT BUTTER!

Anyways, now for superman to say no to smoking! Some man dressed like a wizard is teaching children to smoke. Man big tabacco is really having to get clever. I remember the old days when they didn't have to be as subtle

Superman then fights Nick O Teen again.. yes that's really his name.

Yes he really looked like that. And the sad part is this special proves this isn't even the dumbest guy he's fought. he fights nick as he tries to corrupt youth at baaseball and then claims you can quit any time only to disprove it when superman takes his sigs. He also coughs up a big black cloud when superman does this? Superman.. I I think you might be killing this guy. Give him his smokes superman, let him live!

Superman then calls a kid who smoked to be cool a looser. This is somehow only the second most dickish thing he's ever done.

We then get a few less takable adds: Superman picks up a kid who was abndoned by his friends for being intrested in drugs and relaizing drugs ar efor loosers, then promotes a kit for asmatic kids.. which is actually really nice. Good job superman.

We then get an add for underoos which is a bunch of children dancing around in their underwear. I feel like i'm going on some sort of watchlist just for watching this. There's Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Spider-man! And another add which adds batman and the hulk.. and the dukes of hazzard? Also this add made me realize the venture bros were wearing underoos for some time

Though the actual aquaman underoos are way more half assed

That's just..sad.

Anyways enough about children's underwear, for the love of god enough about children's underwear, let's have some airforce propoganda by some weirdo in a mustache and some weirdo in a superman outfit who gets recurited for the airforce.

Now Taco Bell is offering SUPERMAN GLASSES. Super fuckin shooter.. I actually want one of those now. I miss when restruants did this. I wasn't really around for it but I miss it.

Now superman on viewmaster! God I loved how these things looked as a kid.. on the outside. could never really see them well.

Next superman rescue two kids from the evils of WEEEEEEDDDD and just fly them to the boys and girl club. I mean that last part's nice and children shoudln't smoke weed but like... do they have a ride home? Are you just going to fly them to my house.

Now for a create a super villian contest. Everyone gets puffy stickers! EVERYONE EVEN YOU. EVEN IF YOU DON'T WATCH THEM. Also Casey Kasem robin. That's dope.

Now for a living french fry from superman french fries

And now our feature presentation

So we open with some .. weird as hell introductions to most of our cast. And it's right away we get one of this special's weirder quirks: out of Superman's suprisingly large supporting cast and main rogue's gallery only THREE characters from the comics are in this musical: Superman himself, played by David Wilson, Lois Lane played by Lesley Ann Warren and Perry White played by Al Ludden. I couldn't find anything really on wilson, but Warren's been in a ton of stage and tv while Ludden was the host of pass word. Yes weirdly Jimmy Olson is left out.. I wonder why

Fair enough then. So rather than say get Lex Luthor or Jimmy in the plot we instead get Max Mencken, an egotistical reporter who hates superman for stealing all the attention played by Kenneth Mars, mars assitant who has a thing for him Syndey Carlton played by MASH star Loretta Swit, the only actor I recognized in this, and David Wayne as Dr. Abner Sedwick, a mad scientest working for the Metropolis INsittue of Technology who wants to kill superman to conquer the world. There's also a mafia boss played by Malachi Throne, thankfully replacing the racial sterotypes with hired goons

Yeah while I get not using some of supes Rogues, Braniac would hard to be get right on stage back then for instance, it's very weird to me that they don't use Luthor for sedwick's role. Ther'es nor eason it CAN'T be him: while Luthor didn't have sedwick's veil of legitmacy back then (A weird thing to think about) it's not that big a change nad as seen by the 80's onward, it actually improves the character. I get Max, they wanted more characters at the planet and there didn't seem to be a deep bench and Jimmy never would've fit the roll. It's honestly hilarious to me as Steve Lombard, Morgan Edge and Jack Rider would all fill similar rolls over the years to this one, while Sydney would likely be Cat Grant, the planet's gossip columnist, these days.

At any rate we get a quick recap of superman's origins that also belies that this musical is goofy as shit, using comic panels and leaving subtly at the door as this is superman's rocket in this version

I'm all for it though: the musical's clearly meant to be tounge and cheek and is trying to be funny.. but is that rare work that's both genuinely funny once in a while and so bad it's glorious. Someone wrote a joke this corny, thought it was funnya nd put it on tv. Someone had to assemble this prop and I salute them.

So we get clarks teen years, him becoming superman all in miniture before we get our first number. We Need Him. And I have enough praise for later numbers I can comfortably say this is dogshit and not feel too bad about it. Like it is just bad. 80% of it is just them saying WE NEED HIM, WE NEED HIM, WE NEED HIM, WE NEED HIM, WE NEED HIM, WE NEED HIM

Listening to the original version, it was more of an operatic crowd number originally.. why they dumbed it down to the point of being grating I have no clue. While this does update the arangments, the arangments aren't really BAD for the most part but this is just.. awful.

Thankfully we soon get our first planet scene and our general characterizations for our bullpen: Clark is going with the old "he's really a mask for superman" routine, with Clark having a very whiny voice i'd swear was doing a rick moranis if rick was acting at that point. God there was a time when rick moranis wasn't a thing. Such dark days. It's fine... like I said in the clash of the superheroes review, i'm not a fan of "clark is just a costume superman puts on", but this musical is going for camp. Having everyone forget Clark's even there and exagerating this dynamic to all hell works just fine.

What dosen't is Lois. Lois feels like a prop in this: she loudly goes "scoop" in a shrill voice, never realizes Clark is there and genuinely kinda sucks. She's mostly there for Clark to pine over, the villians to kidnap later and that's it. I'm so relived Crisis on Infinite earths gave us the modern lois: no nonsense, hard nosed, but with a kind nature versus "SUPERMAN MUST MARRY MEEEEEEE". It's too Amy Rose for my taste.

We get our next umber it's superman next.. and this one is also not good and once again can be blamed on the rearrangment taking away the orchestra and replacing it with.. nothing.

Thankfully we're rescued from this by the oldest of superman's foes.. the mafia! The sad part is out of superman's three big bads in this film.. it's the closest to being true. It's still not entirely true as looking into the first 10 issues or so of action comics, it's mostly shady buisness douches, corrupt wardens and other conmen, putting the comic WAY ahead of it's time, it's still entirley plausable he fought some mobster in a sterotypical suit in his early career.

So the cartoon gangsters added to this version work for me. It helps their just so fun: their over the top, goofy and fit this over the top and goofy musical like the hats they all wear. They also get the first good number of the musical, It's a Swell Country, which was made for this special but I honestly coudln't tell as it's really good and like "Mean Green Mother From Outer Space" should be added to future stage versions. IT's a fun song about how it's a "Swell country" for criminals, and will be even more swell once they take care of superman

Back at the planet, Lois interviews Abner Sedwick. Sedwick tells lois MIT has death ray and Clark overhears, becomes superman and easily takes care of it. He seems to have foiled Sedwick's grand scheme.. but it turns out having him stop the death ray was part of it.

Later in Sedwick's office he gets a solo revenge, this weird shatner style number where he sing talks a lot. And also actually sings. Sedwick however.. is the best. He talks to the audience a lot and his motivations are hilariously petty: he just abrubtly reveals why he wants to rule the world: to destroy sweden. And why? Because he keeps coming in second place for the noble prize. Ten years in a row. I honestly think at this point their doing it just to fuck with him and are doing so at their peril.

Turns out Max was there the whole time and pieced it all together.. and it also turns out he dosen't care that Sedwick is evil as he also wants to kill superman. I've seen worse meet cutes, i'll take it.

Max comes back to the office and we get what Jess perfectly described as

The Woman for the Man is a good song and works well out of context, a lot of these songs do, but my god is it uncomfortable to watch two minutes of a guy hitting on a woman who just.. is not interested while he does not get it. Reminds me of what a younger me might of become had he been a bit more of a douche and ab it less awkward and I don't care for it. Lois tells max to fuck off and he vows revenge on superman because it's superman's fault his sexual harassment no jitsu didn't work for the 80th time.

So while the cartoon mobsters decide Sedwick might be worth kidnapping because superman is gun proof, Max blows off Sydney

To go talk to sedwick who reveals his plan which is honestly, especially for something like this... really clever. Superman's too powerful to beat normally.. so their going to break him mentally.

Clark has other problems though as we get

With You've got Possiblities. The song itself.. is utterly fantatsic. I'd actually heard this one around but never knew it was from a superman musical. it's an utter classic, being hilaroiusly dismissive and Swit's super 70's version works. And unlike other rearrangments while i'll admit the original is better.. this one's still good and there's more reason to do this "update": the original is such a big song, you kinda HAVE to make it your own and Swit does.

That said the gag for the first half is that Clark isn't intrested... and Sydney won't take no for an answer. Clark DOES come around eventually.. but it's still deeply uncomfortable, even more than the max stuff as it's clear they aren't on clark's side here like they were with lois.

Clark and Sydney hook up.. and then this never really comes up again because they presumibly cut that part of the plot out for time.

So we get Sedwick's plan: he's going to put a bomb under city hall

Again it's clever: the death ray was so he could plausably throw a celebration for superman at MIT , and then blow up city hall at the same time. now he has Max, Max can slander superman in the media for missing the attack and this will destroy him mentally.

The two then sing you got what I need aka

Yeah there's no way around this Max and Sedwick are gay as hell and this musical number is gay as hell and being bi as hell I love every minute of it. Suddenly the two villians just come off like their going to make out any second from now and given their both asepects of lex luthor it works. I honestly wish they had end up together: their both egotistical, petty and hate superman. It's a great foundtaion for a relationship.

They get interuptted by the mobsters, btu Sedwick decides he wants kids after he realizes their ALSO after superman. Well henchman.. same thing really. Either way their adopting these sterotypes.

We then get back to the planet as Lois falls in love with clark because he's always there.

Yeah once again they just.. step up a subplot for time's sake. She sings a song about it. Once again it's not great. I do not know why they kept this subplot, it impacts nothing. The syndey thing really impacted nothing. This musical is somehow a LOT happneing, max and sediwick's evil plan, falling in love and adopting a family of mobsters, sydney and clark, lois and clark, sexual harassment, more sexual harassment, blowing up sweden, and also nothing of consequence happening and i'm somehow here for it.

So with clark kent happy it's naturally time for the universe to shit on him.. wait no that's peter parker. The Universe is going to take a steamer on clark's life anyway as our power couple pull off their plan, with superman at his celebration and meeting Jerry and Joe, two hippies based on Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster, superman's creators. it's a sweet touch that only gets sweeter later, but for now the explosion happens and Sedwick's able to turn the crowd against him thorugh the power of "comic book unvierse characters can be real dicks"

Superman is now hated and clark's frustrated, while Sydney is fed up with max's crap and gies us a song. And for once.. it actually DOES feel necessary this scene is happening. Not only is max kidnapped during it but it gives payoff to sydney's crush on max

The song is the underrated "Oh Do You Love You" a REALLY fun song i'm shocked didn't blow up like you got possibilities. It's one long take that at max's ego and it is AWESOME. Loretta Swit can REALLY sing and while she got to show it off with possibiliteis she really gets to go all out here.

Max is abudcted during it as Sedwick thinks he's superman. Max asks "Husband are youf ucking high", pointing out the obvious: why would he do all this frame superman shit if he was. They figure out it's clark, they always forget about him, as did Sedwick's computer, so Sedwick heads to clarks to finish off their foe while Max has lois kidnapped.

We then get another song.. and sadly another weak one. Seriously this musical bounces between all time bangers and "please god make it stop" The Strongest Man in the World is about superman's vunerablility which SHOULD work and I like the staging of him changing into clark as he does it, but the awkward singing and

Suck the energy out of it.

Sedwick shows up and reveals he' knows who clark is. He then proceeds to psychologically break him, accusing him of pretending to be clark as a gag, being a hero to lord his power and of being a freak. This leaves superman in a super depression and thus he can't rescue lois when the mobsters kidnap her.

It's then the table turns as everybody betrays everybody. We also get another lois song and I genuinely feel terrible for Lesley Ann WarreN: Three numbers.. and all of them awful. Moving on Sediwck betrays max and then is betrayed by the mobsters who even give their king boss the award for best criminal just to make sedwick feel worse. Id ont' remember him teling them about the noble prize thing but he's also the kind of guy who strikes me like he'd bring it up every chance he got.

Superman then.. goes.. to drown himself...

Yeah just.. the fuck. I get it was the 60's/70's, these jokes were okay but it's just a weird turn. He also can't drown himelf because he has super lungs GET IT IT'S FUNNY BECAUSE HE CAN'T DIE BUT WANTS TO.

Thankfully this segues into the musicals best non musical scene: Joe and Jerry runn into supes again.. and upon seeing his crisis admit part of why they love him..is that he is a freak. He's not normal, he is diffrent. and that's okay. He gives hope to all the other "freaks", all the outcasts who need someone to cheer and to look out for them. He's the defender of the downtrodden

With his confidence back, superman arrives and we get the best number of the muiscal, Pow! Bam! Zonk! a gloriously cheesy number where Superman cleans house. It's a nicely silver age segment of superman giving plnety of one liners as he talks about how he's regained his sense of self and easily beats up the mobsters with some great funny bits like them shattering a blackboard over him or two using ONE MOBSTER AS A BATTERING RAM. I'ts one long fun sequence showing how awesome superman is and David WIlsons ings the hell out of it. It's cheesy, fun, and incredibly well coregraphed. A great climax.

In the end our hero triumphs, our villians have amnesia so their good now and max is good to syndey though maybe she'll consider a throuple with sediwick. DA END. Seriously it just kinda ends. Lois is back into superman, tha'ts it. Go home.

It's a Bird It's a Plane It's Superman is fun as hell. It's not super good: only a few jokes land... but it manages to be cheesy so bad it's super. It's got great numbers dotted with hilarously bad ones, goofily petty villians, wacky mafia mobsters, and a truly bonkers plot that while itnetionally so has aged to the point it's even more zany than intended. Add in a weird lack of superman, a truly awesome final number, and some goofy effects and title cards, and you have a good time. Well worth the 90 minutes. Check it out on youtube. Stick around for the commericals and thanks for reading.

[thebowerypresents]

The Strokes Get Nostalgic at Forest Hills Stadium on Saturday

The Strokes – Forest Hills Stadium – August 19, 2023

It’s hard to tell if it was a fake-out or not. Julian Casablancas, early into the Strokes’ set on Saturday night in Queens, was singing the praises of our “fair metropolis” (his words, sort of) and said it would be “a great place to end it all.” Granted I’d been (lovingly) duped one set earlier. Angel Olsen, the soulful North Carolina folk-rock goddess, had already pulled a typically goofy bait and switch: “I’ve been so inspired,” she said, adding that her travels drove her to write a new song just a night earlier. “You guys know it, right?” she asked her bandmates. They smiled and launched into “Shut Up Kiss Me” (My Woman, 2016), the torch-rock banger that largely put her on the mainstream map. 

So back to Casablancas: I nervously laughed, we moved on. How couldn’t we? The night was genuinely perfect, created-in-a-lab perfect for the Strokes’ much-anticipated hometown show — and their second of only two in the U.S. this year. “Sorry to talk about the weather,” he deadpanned at one point. (He bantered often and oddly, as is canon for him.)

The crowd was huge, every other fan sporting merch, new and old. They erupted from the first notes of “Is This It,” the set opener and title track off their first LP turned rock standard. But the crowd lost it from every first note of every song. Why wouldn’t we? The boys are near mascots to legions of elder millennials, having soundtracked a good portion of their impressionable alt-rock youths. The hits hit: “Someday,” “Reptilia,” “Meet Me in the Bathroom.” And the newer tracks landed, too, “Ode to the Mets” (The New Abnormal, 2020) in particular. Casablancas’s voice — that pitched-down and notable blend of New Wave crooner and Jim Morrison — and Albert Hammond Jr.’s singular rhythm guitar work are still, impressively, it to me. 

The return of “Modern Girls & Old Fashion Men” — the Strokes’ 2004 single with Regina Spektor — was among many special moments. “It only took 20 years but look who showed up,” said Casablancas as she took the stage to join him, the crowd roaring. Another incredible surprise: For the first time in 17 years, they played “15 Minutes,” off First Impressions of Earth (2006), a low-key favorite of mine with something of a too-long-at-the-pub vibe. By the encore’s end, and after a deeply fun, singable night of nostalgia to the face, we were back at the beginning, with the frontman’s original tease — although it sounded a bit different this time. “This might be our last show in New York,” he said. The crowd booed, the music began and “Last Nite” hypnotized everyone into briefly not caring whether he was bluffing. A dangler of an end but a blast nonetheless. —Rachel Brody | @RachelCBrody

Photos courtesy of Dana Distortion | distortionpix.com

[navysealt4t]

HI BLUE!!!! im here with some silly plotting thats been driving me up a wall but i love it and its so very soft to me. i love these guys. little world building things. zam making jam in his spare time because its a long process that can be relatively hands off but is also very rewarding...

- Vitalasy sits down in the chair beside where Zam had been, idly fiddling with his comm - "Do you know where Subz is?" Vi asks, and it confuses Zam for a moment, since he could've just messaged Subz, but he answers earnestly - "He said he had something he wanted to take care of, it might've been something to do with the villagers?" - Vitalasy just hums and turns off his comm, no longer focusing on whatever was going on in chat and instead just idly looking around the kitchen - "I guess it can wait until later then - What're you doing up this early?" - "Couldn't sleep, so I was out watching the sunrise, but now... I dunno. I need to find something to do until I crash, I guess?" Zam sighs, leaning on the counter near Vi, the smell of coffee isn't his favorite one, but he doesn't mind it as much these days - "Make yourself some tea, then? That should help, unless there's something weighing on you?" - That startles him out of the quiet calm as he denies anything being on his mind, though the raven he saw earlier is a figure that he isn't sure is going to leave his thoughts until he sees it again - he remembers hearing once that they're a bad omen - "No, no! Nothing on my mind, just -" He pauses, tapping on the brooch with his nail to indicate what he's talking about, "- a lot to get used to, you know? I mean, this is so... Different to Team Awesome." - He hates bringing up his old team, but its unavoidable if he's going to be honest - and he promised himself he'd be honest about how he felt and what he thinks, he isn't going to fall into that same spiral all over again - "You have all the time in the world to figure it out." Vitalasy says, and it really sounds like he means it, even if Zam isn't fully sure he believes that - But, the coffee is done by now, and he doesn't want it to get cold, so he pulls out two mugs from the cupboard and sets his mind to pouring out an even amount for the both of them, leaving enough headroom to stir in sugar and milk, handing Vitalasy his cup before going back and cutting a small piece of bread for himself, finding the single remaining jar of the sweetberry jam he made a while ago buried in the back of the cabinet and deciding to put some on the bread - He can hear Vitalasy gawk, and knows now who it was thats gone through the majority of it, and that puts a smile on his face

there's something so soft about it despite the slight tension between them... zam's so anxious but trying to find the right way to weasel his way out of talking about it while vitalasy isn't even trying to get that much info out of him.. ovufbnjmkd

ALSO i would send my usual "i listened to this while writing" but i genuinely just put on an animal crossing music thing that plays the songs hourly

soooo instead you get the initial spark song for this fic <3

^ criminally underrated... only like 1k monthly listeners on spotify!!

OGHH the like… hesitant affection… biting biting. even with tension between them they r still fucking soft i love this so much. u put so much detail into ur outlines i could never lmao i just wing it. i put in so much detail and headcanons and world building i love it

also this song is so good HELLO