#i just got my hair cut and my hair stylist is indian and we got to talking

[theghostofashton]

.

[zwiezraczek]

The Perks of being Roger's Girl... [Chapter 3]

SUMMARY:  Anna is Brian’s friend, his childhood best friend. They were separated for a long time, but when Smile performs at the Royal Albert Hall, Anna is here, invited by Brian. There, she meets Roger, the dentist drummer, a loverboy.

CHAPTER 1 - CHAPTER 2 - CHAPTER 3: Paying Off - CHAPTER 4

Freddie's birthday, a lucky day leading to February in 1974...

WORDS: 5.1k

Holding a package against her side, Anna walked on the pavement, looking for the house Freddie lived in with his parents. This neighborhood seemed pretty nice, the detached-houses painted with pastel colors made everything look warmer, cozier, friendlier and safer. The leaves slowly burnt into an orange color, falling slowly on the ground: autumn came in pretty quickly this year, just a few days after August. Anna looked up, the address she had matched with the number she found: she hoped that somebody would already be there, at least Mary, because, she had to admit it, she never felt at ease with new people. Especially parents, her friend's parents. Anna felt at ease with Brian's parents, only because they became her parent's friends, but otherwise Anna was the quiet friend when her friend's parents were around.

She rang the door, and a lovely woman with a warm smile opened, greeting her and inviting her to come in. As soon as Freddie saw her, he went to the lobby to embrace her, before she could even give him the gift she had for him – a shawl, she really had a thing for shawls lately – which she thought would fit Freddie perfectly. At the very end of the table, Freddie's father was sitting, majestic, and impressive, not a single emotion on his face, which seemed pretty scary at first, but Anna could work up with that. John already sat there, chatting with Freddie's sister, Kashemira, a cup of tea in his hand. Mary and her deaf dad were also there. “Presenting the step-family,” Anna joked when Freddie told her about inviting him. And Roger, sitting next to John, trying to talk with Kashemira and John, unsuccessfully. And when he saw her, he smiled, and waved, shyly, before showing her the place next to him. Anna couldn't refuse, and another place was empty, she could save it for Brian. Whom arrived late, scolded by Freddie himself, because of his parent's car being extremely moody lately.

After a lovely dinner, and the opening of the presents, Freddie's mother brought the birthday cake, as Anna chatted carelessly with Brian about the bloody car needing to be repaired but he still couldn't afford it, neither did his parents. He was thinking about buying a car for himself, to which information Roger replied with great enthusiasm, offering his help with the choice – with taste and budget, he said.

“I am so glad to see that Farrokh made such amazing friends, and has such a delightful girlfriend,” Freddie's mother said after putting the cake in front of the birthday boy, and looking fondly at him then at them.

“Farrokh,” Mary repeated, as everybody looked curiously at Freddie whose face expressed panic. He looked at his mother, reproaching her what she had just said.

“Did Farrokh not tell you he was born in Zanzibar,” his mother continued, without even paying attention to her son's eyes. Brian frowned, and shook his head before looking at Freddie, intensely.

“I used to know a girl who was Zanzibari,” Roger commented proudly, probably, as he looked at Anna and she smiled back at him.

“Such an international man,” she commented sarcastically.

“I thought Freddie was born in London,” John said, interrupting the two's little conversation, among others.

“Oh yes, he was... At the age of eighteen,” Kash commented, with a smirk on her face, looking directly at Freddie.

“Shut up,” he quickly snapped, a cue which nobody paid attention to.

“Our family is Indian Parsee,” their mother continued, as she went to look for their family album.

“Mom, please don't,” he almost begged her – he begged her.

“We want to see,” Mary insisted, encouraging their mother, with Anna's approval, nodding vigorously.

“Let's have a look at these then, the ladies want it,” she concluded, delighted, as she put the album in front of Mary.

“We need to see those,” Brian commented, before Freddie's father began to explain the Parsee history, absorbing Brian and John mostly.

“Look at this,” Mary said, showing Anna the picture of Freddie from across the table. She took a better look at it, a young and slender Freddie with boxing gloves on his hands. His teeth clearly prominent on his pretty face, and an unsure look. Nothing that Freddie was at that moment. Especially not unsure.

“He was quite a good boxer,” their mother proudly affirmed. Roger, when Freddie got up to the living room – seeking for sanctuary from the shame his mother was putting him in, sitting on the piano chair, and beginning to hit delicately the keys – took place next to Kashemira, leaving Anna alone, but not for long: John soon took place next to her.

“He had to be,” Kashemira jokingly said, “his opponents were trying to punch his teeth in!”

“Fair enough, good target,” Roger almost cooed into Kashmira's ear. Anna rolled her eyes, being apparently the only one to notice this little game of his in the middle of the whole agitation.

Agitation leading Freddie to sit by the piano, moving his fingers without any purpose on the keys, and humming something, “I come from London town”. Anna looked back, distracted from the chatter all around her to look at Freddie, singing a happy birthday to himself, catching her smile as she mouthed “beautiful” and he bowed. What an amazing human being, Anna thought before Brian's hand met her shoulder to catch her attention again. Even the ringing phone that Kashemira gave to Freddie right after didn't draw her attention to what was happening in the living room – almost silence, something unusual for Freddie being in presence of an instrument near him.

“So Freddie told me you're a sort of scientist,” their mother told Brian, with the album between his hands, handing it to Anna now as he looked her in the eyes, smiling. Anna grabbed what he gave her, and showed it to John, who quickly glanced over the pictures.

“Astrophysics actually,” Brian corrected.

“He is very good at it,” Anna added, and Brian just waved it off, shyly.

“And he's a dentist,” John intervened, pointing Roger, sitting next to Kashemira, his hand lazily resting on her backrest.

“I was never a dentist,” he emphasized. “Never.”

“He's a dentist,” John and Anna replied in unison, before laughing as they saw Roger's displeased face.

“I personally wouldn't let him touch my teeth,” Brian admitted, “did you know that on the last exam he told his teacher that he doesn't know the meaning of a word in Greek because 'we're not studying Greek here, we're dentists!',” Brian imitated Roger's offended and annoyed voice, and the real Roger could just roll his eyes before turning towards Kashemira.

“Kash, what are you doing later,” he carelessly asked, recovering pretty quickly from what was previously said about him.

“Homework,” she confusingly replied.

“No, she won't let you examine her teeth, Roger,” Anna said, before anybody could draw their attention to what Roger was actually doing. “Don't you see, her teeth are perfectly white and beautiful even from there?”

“I just wanted to check if,” Roger began before being interrupted by John.

“He needs to wear his glasses,” John's word snapped right in front of Roger, displeased at least.

“John, by the bloody gods....”

“I have an announcement,” Freddie solemnly said, cutting short the beginning of a heated discussion about Roger's sight. “One of the A&R men from EMI got our demo, and gave it to John Reid. You know, the one looking after Elton John,” Anna and Mary's eyes met, glistening in anticipation already. “Mr. Reid wants to meet us, Queen, and who knows, even manage us.”

“Oh shut up,” was the only reaction coming from John's lips as he leaned back on his chair, putting his face into his hands.

“You're joking,” Roger said, and immediately after looked at Anna who smiled at him, her head resting on Brian's shoulder.

“He said he wants to see us tomorrow, midday, in the pub next to the Thames,” Freddie added, putting his hand around Mary's neck, and smiling.

After the desert, the rain.

~~~~ 

Anna and Mary stood next to the props, arms crossed. The boys were looking absolutely marvelous, the makeup team and the stylist outdid themselves, truly. Brian looked like a majestic black butterfly as he held the unplugged Red Special in his hands, the sleeves of his shirt creating the most beautiful curtain under his arms as the collar was richly decorated with shiny pearls, Zandra Rhodes he said to her as they dressed him up. Freddie's look was truly outrageous, the sparkling glove added a magical touch to all of this as he held the microphone with his black painted nails, taping on it nervously now. The black leather jacket John wore made him look uncomfortable during the whole embarrassing moment, but he said nothing, nodding slightly as the atmosphere heated up quickly. But Anna's gaze was mostly drawn towards Roger and the silver choker he wore. His hair was nonchalantly falling on his shoulders, giving him an absolutely angelic look despite wearing only black. He looked almost too pretty to be a man, and Anna would lie if she wasn't jealous about the look he had right now. But, on the other hand, she didn't envy the situation the boys were put in, making this angelic face look like the face of a demon.

“This is shit,” Roger exclaimed, hitting the plastic drums with an energy he seemed to never have before, fueled by pure rage and anger.

And he was the first one to find the whole situation pretty hilarious as the staff members told them that they had to perform on tape, no real playing, It annoyed him but he knew that the drums had a sound when properly hit and hoped – God knows he hoped – that the drums he would be given would be decent ones. Everything was fun and entertaining until he saw the prop, the drum kit, this plastic toy and began to boil from the inside with the greatest rage anybody saw coming from Roger – which John found absolutely terrifying, as he told Anna.

“Are you joking,” Roger aggressively asked the poor staff member as his angelic eyes full of rage looked at him. “Put three pans and four plates and give me two chopsticks and it'll be less embarrassing, mate! A fucking children drum kit? Do you know how much I could screw your bloody teeth if I wanted to?” He was almost throwing hands with this poor staff member who followed the orders he was given.

“Roger,” Anna started before being interrupted by the director of the performance, coming near them.

“The blond man should calm down. Nobody will know the difference,” he stated.

“We will know the bloody difference,” Brian added, trying to step out a bit to not let Roger's anger explode.

“You want me to lip sync,” Freddie said with a threatening tone, as their manager stepped between the two of them.

“You'll do what I want: this is the BBC!” he concluded, turning back and going to settle everything.

“Sir, they'll be fine Sir,” their manager said, following him quickly before turning around to address the boys, “you'll be great guys!”

“This is the BBC,” Brian mocked when the two men were far enough. “Killjoy.”

“Even more than that,” Anna said. “So disappointed in Top Of The Pops...”

“Disgusted,” he even completed, scratching a few strings of the Red Special.

“I'm relieved,” John finally said, bringing the whole attention to him and especially Roger's. “Perfect performance.”

“Yeah, on your bass and not on some plastic shit they got second hand from a thrift shop, mate,” Roger complained, sour and dissatisfied.

“Darlings,” Freddie said just before Roger could burst into another wave of complaints, “we shouldn't be upset now. They want lip sync? Queen shall provide,” he explained as he bowed, his microphone in hand and all confused looks on him – but Mary's.

“Fred, I'm afraid,” Brian confessed.

“Me too,” John added as Anna just looked at him, nodding.

“Do as you please, darlings. I don't care anymore. We should have fun, play along, do whatever we want to because nobody will know the difference,” he added with a smirk before he took Mary by the hand to the center of the stage to show her something.

“Weird,” Anna commented, “but in a good kind of way.”

“I don't fucking care anymore,” Roger said, a strange feeling crossing his face, a perfect mix of anger and sarcasm, “no effort for my drum kit? Fine. No effort in this bloody last minute performance of Seven Seas of Rhye. Simple.”

And as Anna looked scared at Brian, a bell rang to notify the extras to leave the stage because the performance was soon to be started. Quickly, Anna found herself near Mary, in the crowd of young people ready to dance to the tune of Queen's song. As they heard the first notes of the piano blasting from the speakers, and Brian beginning to play, they looked at each one of the boys, faking the whole performance. From time to time they cast them a look, smiling eyes as they were playing with this ridiculous situation.

What Anna found extraordinary was Roger's attitude during the whole show. They gave him poor instruments? Fine, he would give a poor performance then. His drumsticks were barely brushing against the drum kit, as he put no effort into his movements making him look sluggish, even distant. His face seemed much more relaxed than usual, and his half-closed eyes showed his annoyance to anybody who knew him a bit. His lips were hardly pressed against the microphone as he had “to hit” some of his falsettos, his eyes avoiding the cameras around him. The only smile he gave was to Freddie, when the lead singer turned back to face him during a short moment. And another one, when he caught Anna's gaze on him. And then, a girl elbowed Anna, interrupting this strange moment between the two of them, telling her that she had a very talented brother; Anna could only chuckle and thank her warmly before looking at Mary, as if the girl had told her the greatest joke on Earth.

As they finished the first recording, they got a small pause. Anna and Mary went up the stage, thrilled about what had just happened in front of their eyes, everything looking so fake to all who knew Queen, even if Freddie was putting on a great show.

“So,” Roger said, his drumsticks in his hands as he stood next to Brian when the girls arrived.

“Compliments or truth,” Anna asked, and Brian could only sigh as he listened to the two of them.

“How was my faking it?”

“Absolutely terrible, I loved it,” she admitted with a wide grin, and then she looked up at Brian. “He was so terrible, if I were the leader I would fire him.”

“Already tried,” Brian admitted with a small smile, “even if there is no leader here. But he told me that if he's out and becomes a dentist he will hunt me until he gets all my teeth.”

“Scary Tooth Fairy.”

“Effective,” Roger corrected. “Next take I should only brush the pans and plates, a new artistic choice, because I guess my beauty already radiates enough.”

“Big show off,” Freddie said coming their way with John. “You barely smiled during the whole performance, just when Brian mouthed “We look ridiculous”,” he pointed out. “John laughed at that one too!”

“John, you looked as if a demon sucked your soul out of your body at one point,” Anna said as Mary nodded enthusiastically before giggling a bit.

“A demon sucked my soul out of my body years ago, this is why I can stand these three here,” John admitted sarcastically, knowing perfectly that Anna would catch the joke.

“Always a pleasure to hear, John,” Roger remarked.

“My pleasure, don't worry Roger.”

“Boys,” a voice apostrophed them, “two more takes and you're free!” The director himself came near them, with a satisfied expression. “You were all fantastic, nobody saw that it was on tape. Nobody.”

“We are extremely happy then,” Freddie answered, making a happy gesture towards him. “Marvelous.”

“Yeah, marvelous,” Roger repeated, as he stopped himself from rolling his eyes.

“See young man? This drum kit isn't as bad at all,” the director commented as Roger boiled from the inside, putting on a fake smile before bursting, hoping he wouldn't burst.

“Exactly what my brother was telling him,” Anna interrupted as the director quickly looked at her. She put her hand on Brian's shoulder, confidently. “Roger really out stood himself during this performance!”

“You are Mrs. May,” the director happily remarked as Brian made big eyes towards Anna. Her only reply was a look, worth a million words – play along or somebody will punch the guy and I bet on Roger, ten bucks.

“Yes, of course, my little sister, a poetess to be,” Brian said, uncomfortable with the whole situation. “Smart, looks like me, intelligent and very... Imaginative.”

“A great gift in the family I guess,” the director complimented as Anna fluttered her eyelashes with a sheepish smile.

“Absolutely, it runs in the family,” Brian sighed and was saved by the bell announcing the next take and the man left the group. “You'll owe me one you two,” Brian said, looking at Anna and Roger.

“But don't you live and lie for your sister,” Freddie asked, a cheeky smile on his face as Brian just came back to his spot, defeated. Freddie winked and followed him.

“Thanks,” Roger whispered, looking at Anna who only smiled.

~~~~ 

She giggled a long moment after they left the BBC studios, along with Mary. The two of them couldn't get enough of their fake performance, imitating them, Anna mostly making Roger's annoyed face as the whole team had a laugh, except for Roger who thought that her acting skills were very, very poor actually, not capturing the essence of his carelessness. She pretended to held the drumsticks, with only her fingertips, just like a posh princess and drummed in the air, making kissy faces, the ones Roger always did while he was concentrated.

It was time for celebration. But the team had to be complete, and it wasn't without Chrissie, Brian's girlfriend, and Veronica, John's, and both of them had to take their instruments back home. The ones who had nothing to carry with them – unless their poor hurt ego by some cheap imitations – decided to go to a pub, to get a drink before eating something when the others would come. Mary, Freddie, Roger and Anna parted ways with Brian and John near a nice pub where they would stay until the others would join them. The same pub Anna and Brian had eaten the last time they went to the market to see Roger and Freddie in their little shop. The pub was actually pretty nicely decorated, plants were climbing everywhere and the lighting was reddish as the sun came slowly down; people were already laughing inside, a few pints already taken, having a great time it seemed. The small group seated at a large table, saving some space for the four others yet to come.

Anna was sitting next to Roger, facing Mary, they both smiled at each other every time the boys were talking about the performance, again and again. Anna ordered a pint for herself, and so did the others. Loudly speaking, they were somehow ecstatic about what had happened to them – forgetting about the fake playing part – because, bloody hell, they were on the BBC, fake playing or not. And that, after months of doubts, sleepless nights and arguments. Something incredible. And as the others slowly arrived, the memories of what happened were surfacing again, just like new adventures to be told to Chrissie and Veronica mostly but not only. The whole situation made the two girls who weren't there laugh immensely; at some point, Anna mentioned the fact that Brian has a sister now as she looked at Chrissie and Brian rolled his eyes.

“I did it for the greater good,” she explained herself, a hand on her chest. “Roger was ready to throw hands with the manager of the BBC, which, in my opinion, wasn't as good as planned.”

“They guy deserved it,” Roger loudly said, rising his pint as he looked at Anna. “I killed the performance nonetheless.”

“You were playing like a slag, Roger,” Anna told him, her boldness coming from the second pint she drank in the evening, after eating some chicken pie. “Sluggishly,” she added as Roger's mouth went agape. He absolutely wasn't expecting that comment coming from her. Absolutely not. Nor were the others whose expressions were priceless now.

“Anna killed Roger and maybe not only Roger I'm afraid,” Brian remarked, not impressed by his friend's attitude at all, as Freddie started to laugh and clapped his hands.

“You better watch out for your sister's mouth,” Roger threatened, as he looked at Brian, “you should teach her manners, for fuck's sake,” he added as Anna gave him the most innocent smile ever. “And also, she's a liar so, you know, education went wrong somewhere.”

“Don't you talk like this about my sister, Roger,” Brian answered as Freddie hummed the tune of Liar during the whole exchange as Anna tried hard to not burst into laughter with Mary. “And you,” he said while pointing at Anna, “young lady, are not allowed to drink anymore.”

“No fun, thought An and Bri would the best siblings on Earth” she complained, pouting like a child which made the whole group smile.

“You'll thank me tomorrow.”

As they finished their dinner, already tipsy, they were heading to the club, in need of space to dance.

 Anna was the first in line to leave her jacket in the cloakroom, all excited to be able to dance, freely. She loved dancing, it was absolutely her thing – obviously when she was bold enough to do it. Roger waited with her for a few minutes at the others were giving their coats away, her sparkling eyes were looking at him as she looked excited about what was about to come. He looked at this tall girl, getting as excited as a small child before Christmas just because she was having a great time with her friends. And once Mary and Freddie joined her, she became unstoppable.

She loved music, she loved how her body pulsed with it, she loved being free and careless. She shouted so many lyrics along with Freddie as they had their arms around each other's shoulder, lulling their heads. She danced with Mary, among other bodies, putting her arms on her shoulders, as if they were about to slow dance, moving in sync with the melodies; everything was so heated, it was so hot in here, people were looking at them under the flickering lights as a group of people, mostly the trio, was dancing, attracting all eyes on them. And Anna was radiating, her smile could give goosebumps, her laugh was so divine, and people – some of them especially – were noticing it.

She was able to see Brian, Chrissie, John – who after a few drinks started to tilt his head, and it was only a matter of time before he took his girlfriend to dance – and Veronica with the corner of her eye, but Roger was nowhere to be seen now. The last time she saw him, he was sitting next to a girl who played with the straw in her drink, giggling as Roger spoke to her. A typical Roger move, she saw him in action many times, classic. And she headed towards Brian, asking Chrissie if she could borrow her boyfriend, and her own brother, to dance a bit with him, a smiling Chrissie nodded as Brian dramatically bid her adieu. Anna had Brian's hands in hers, choppy movements were made, laughs exchanged and, as if they were in high school, they began to have great time together, dancing. And after a moment, Anna came closer to Brian's ear.

“Roger's rogering around, as always,” she commented, going through Brian's hair to say it into his ear.

“Typical Roger,” he admitted with a little smirk, “bonus points if he brings the girl back home. But won't happen tonight.”

“Ten bucks we don't see him and he's with the girl tonight,” Anna bet, looking confidently at Brian.

“Ten buck he gets back home alone, but maybe a bit relieved,” Brian told her as he offered her his hand to bet.

“I'm gonna be rich,” Anna chanted, teasing him as she danced away, joining Freddie and Mary, her arms carelessly moving in the air as Brian stood there, laughing before going back to sit next to his girlfriend.

Anna felt like suffocating after a few moments, it was so hot in here, and her being tipsy and thirsty wasn't helping it at all, she had to take another beer, screw Brian's lessons about not drinking too much, she was just happily tipsy, not blackout tipsy. Not yet. She had to grab a drink, right now. She looked at the bar, no Brian in sight, which was actually a very nice surprise – was he dancing? Making out with Chrissie? Who knew. – and this was Anna's opportunity to take another pint. Marvelous. She ordered a beer, drumming on the counter as the bartender was taking a pint and filling it, the drink foamed and almost fell out from the glass, but the bartender's talents were way too good to let it happen. He put the drink in front of her, and as she reached her pocket to pay the drink, a pale hand put the money in front of her. She fluttered her eyelashes, looking at the man next to her, paying her drink. She was ready to smile at him, thank him and tell him that that's not because he paid her a drink she would dance with him. Instead, she saw Roger's blue eyes looking at her, his smiling eyes.

“Drink's on me,” he said as the bartender took the money and slid away.

“Wow, Mr. Taylor's such a gentleman tonight,” she remarked, her hand on the glass. “Want some,” she offered before rising the pint to her lips.

“Enjoy your drink, I'll take a shot.”

“Oooh,” Anna gasped after drinking a sip of her beer, “didn't manage to catch that girl?”

“What?”

“I actually lost ten bucks because of you,” she admitted as she looked at him with a smile, “ was pretty sure you'd bring that girl home, but was wrong. My bad, respectable sir.”

“You're fucking shitfaced Anna,” he whispered as the bartender gave him a shot.

“Not yet,” she replied rising her finger before taking another sip, “but soon to be if I drink too much.” Her eyes were gleaming under the club's lights, reflecting purples, blues and reds as she looked at him for a longer moment.

“What?”

“Wanna dance with me, Mr. Taylor, pretty please,” she almost begged like a little child, as she was finishing her pint before standing next to him, waiting for an answer. She stretched her hand towards him. “Pretty please?”

“Yup, wanna dance with you,” he finally said and drank the shot before taking her hand.

With Roger's hand in hers, she managed to get through the dancing bodies to find a nice spot to dance with him, somewhere where they would have a little more space. She began to move, between the dancing bodies, locking her eyes on him as she mouthed the lyrics of the songs she heard. She was absolutely feeling it, she close her eyes as Roger was drawn to her. They began to dance together, slowly, her back against his chest now; she felt every breath he took, every movement he made. He had his hands around her waist, as he put his chin on her shoulder, slowly moving with her, in sync. None of them cared about how this looked, the music was good and the moment so perfect, nothing could ruin it. After a few beats, she decided to face him, putting her hands around his neck as he still had his hands on her waist, and she looked deeply into his blue eyes. Maybe for too long, she didn't know, but everything seemed to fade around them, the bodies blurred and only him. She was tipsy, slightly drunk, it was all because of the drinks she had, the last pint was maybe too much, she had to admit it.

And then, her eyes lighted up, Roger saw it before he could hear anything. She heard the first notes of Seven Seas of Rhye. She almost screamed, as Roger smiled fondly looking at her. She looked for the band, and she found them, standing next to the bar, all looking at them dancing and she caught Freddie's gaze with a large smile. And before Roger could tell anything, she grabbed his hand off her waist and took him through the crowd again, to join the dancing band.

And as their arrived, Freddie's voice blasted in the club. Anna took Chrissie by her hand, and began to dance with her, amused by the whole situation, as the girl shyly moved along with her. Freddie's arm around Mary's shoulder, he was singing the lyrics, trying to out-voice the speakers as Brian faked playing guitar, standing next to Roger who drummed in the air, with his fingers. John took a shy Veronica by the hand, and began to dance with her, as she giggled during the whole dance.

“I belong to you forever,” Roger sang, looking at Anna, she was stunning and careless as she danced with Chrissie, smiling.

“Forever, forever,” Brian continued as he elbowed Roger with a little smile.

Their first success, their first successful night, a great celebration. Maybe one of the greatest moment in their lives, especially for some of them.

[jenni42085]

Made in the AM <Three>

Ch. 3

Niall's POV

Wow! I quite impressed by Alex, she only left the group for thirty maybe forty-five minutes and was able to get a chorus and a verse written. At the rate she is going she will have an entire album written with in a  few days. Not really sure as to why Harry was treating her so poorly she seems like a sweet girl just really quiet.As we are walking to the dressing room I have a better chance to examine her. She isn't that fit but she is still pretty. I think if she toned up she would be the whole package.

"Thanks Niall. You didn't have to". She mumbles as we are about to enter the dressing room.

"I know I didn't have to but I wanted to. You didn't deserve that comment." I reply as I set the guitar she borrowed down on the couch. "Come here you need to meet Lou and Lux."

"Ok, I guess who are they?" She asks with a curious expression.

"Lou is our hair stylist and Lux is her daughter. They are quite awesome."

"Oi! Niall is this our little songwriter?" Lou says as she walks over to us.

"Yes, that would be me. Hi! I'm Alex. Nice to meet you." She extends her hand and Lou pulls her in for a hug.

"No need to be formal if we will be traveling together for a few weeks my dear. And that little angel passed out on the couch is Lux."

"Well ladies, I'll let you two get better acquainted I've got a show to do." I give them both a quick hug and sprint to the stage and take my mic. I know leaving her with Lou is a good idea, she'll be a great girl friend for her on tour, maybe someone who will help her open up to us.

*****************************************************************************************************

Alex's POV

Niall leaves me with Lou who seems like a pretty awesome lady. Little Lux is adorable, can't wait until she is awake and actually playing. I'm a great baby sitter.  "So what do you think of the guys so far?" Lou asks nonchalantly.

"They seem really nice minus one small glitch. But I can ignore it for this job."

"I assume you mean our young Harold?" I nod at her question. She pulls me into the make up chair and starts pulling out brushes. "Relax, I usually only do makeup and hair to do for the boys. Let me do a smoky eye and some other fun things."

"Ummm ok. Sure. I'll be your Barbie to play with for a bit." I state with giggle then relax myself into the chair. Never had anyone to do my makeup so this should be fun.

"Great! So anyways, Harry is just young and quite dumb at times. He is a great guy who gets a bad rap from the media but, he is a nice boy. Granted what he said was a douche bag move, he is really great with Lux."

"I understand but my greatest fear was coming here and someone saying that to me. Yes, Tori brought me on with her as a package deal to help but that was because my song writing skills are actually good sometimes stronger than hers." I state as she applies eyeliner to my eyes.

"You have flawless skin I swear. I'm so use to applying concealer to the boys and for you I'm just getting to dive into eyeliner and the fun stuff.  You were picked for a reason.....Talent don't let anyone take that away from you."

"Thanks. Atleast something is flawless about me. Still working at getting everything else together." I reply sighing.

Lou's finishes adding eye liner and steps back. "You don't give yourself much credit do you? You are beautiful."

I cut her off with out thinking "I'm just struggling with my weight. I want to be beautiful inside and out."

"I understand but honestly it just looks like you need to tone and lift weights. What have you been doing?"

"Zumba and yoga."

She goes back to applying lipstick to me, "That is your problem you need to tone. I can help out if you want me to." Already I like her, she reminds me of Tori with always being positive.

"That would be great. Thanks."

"Now, let's have a look at you. What do you think?"

I focus my attention to the large mirror. "Wow." Was all I managed to get out. She really did an amazing job. My eyes are really popping and the bronzer she put on me gave me a J.Lo glow making my skin looks like brown silk, she did this all with out putting a truck load of make up on.

"You like?" She asks.

"I love!" I jump out of the chair and give her a hug feeling more confident. "Thanks. Let's see how they rock this out."

As much as I hate to admit it their show was pretty awesome. They don't sound half bad live. But they are slightly corny granted they are trying to appeal to teenie boppers so I guess I understand. When I heard their version of "Teenage Dirtbag", I couldn't help but sing along to it. Periodically all the guys except Harry would either wink, smile, or flash me thumbs up while performing.

After the show the guys were busy with the meet and greet while I gathered my stuff and headed towards the van. I've had enough screaming/crying girls for the day. One of arenas security guards open the door and a cold breeze comes in. I walk back into the dressing room while the guys were changing.

"What's wrong love?" Liam asks with a worried expression.

"Nothing is wrong, just kind of chilly outside. Can I borrow a thicker hoodie or a blanket?" I ask shyly.

Liam looks around and pulls a hoodie off the rack. "Here you go, this should keep you warmer than that thin one you have on."

"Thanks". I start back out the door.

"Hey are you not going to wait for us?" Louis asks while putting his shoes on.

"Ummm I guess I can."

He walks back over to me putting his arm around my shoulder. "That's a good girl." I shoot him a dirty look as he chuckles at me.

"Real funny. Bossy." I shoot back him rolling my eyes.

"Nah, not bossy just trying to be helpful, plus you did steal my hoodie."

"How so?"

"Well, we don't anyone kidnapping our songwriter." Niall says with a smile.

Again I roll my eyes then sit Indian style in the large plush chair. I'm feeling ready for a nap I just want to go back to the room. I pull out my notepad and look over my lyrics and keep thinking about what else I'm missing this will eat at me until it is done.

"Alexandria, we are about to leave. Come on." Liam holds his hand to me and pulls me up effortlessly.  How strong is he?

"I'm coming. And again it is just Alex." He nods his head in understanding.

We start to head down the hallway to the outside and I can already hear the fans screaming. I feel anxiety wash over me, I've already had one person be mean to me I don't need their fans going nuts on me either. I've seen how their fans act.  "You ok?" Liam asks me again. He is definitely a caring person.

"I don't know, I'll let you know once we make it through the crowd."

Without further conversation he grabs my hand tightly then looks at me with an intense stare, "Don't let go because you might get lost."

I can feel my eyes getting larger with concern. "Ok." I say so low that is comes out as a whisper.

As the door opens the cool night air hits us. The girls and the paparazzi are screaming and asking questions. "Liam are you dating her?" "Who is she?" And so forth and so on. I was expecting the grip Liam had on my hand to weaken but he held on tight to it.

We finally get into the van and I breathing calms down a bit. "That was intense. Your fans are just wow."

"Aye! It happens but that wasn't too bad. By the way did Lou get ahold of you? I don't remember you wearing any makeup when you got here. You look beautiful either way."  Niall says.

I blush at his comment "Yeah, Lou got to me. She did a great job."

Niall places his head on my shoulder. "I knew you would love her!  She is great with makeup and hair, plus she is an awesome person to hang out with."

"Agreed" we state in unison. The rest of the ride was pretty quiet until. "So Alex has already come up with a song." Three sets of eyes are focused on me even though the car is dark.

"Seriously?" Louis asks as he turns around in his seat.

"Yeah, but I only have a chorus and a verse nothing really special."

"Nothing special? Mates, she sounds great!" Niall says. I honestly wished he would shut up.

"When can we hear it?" Harry states so low that you almost didn't hear it.

"Not tonight maybe tomorrow, after I have more or it is atleast finished." I state in a flat tone.

We pile out of the van with out any issue. I really want to finish this song and maybe work out. I need to get rid of this gut. I decide to change into my work out clothes then listen to more music to get some more inspiration.  I know it is kind of late but listening to more music might help me finish this song.  

"Are you going to bed already?  The night is still young love."  Niall states when he sees me almost sprinting to my room.

"Not exactly, I just have some work I'd like to finish up."  I really want to finish this song on my own and without anymore distractions.  

"Ohhh, well if you change your mind you can come to my room and hang out."  Niall replies as he pulls my phone from my hands, "Here's my number."

"Thanks.  I'll keep that in mind dear."  I take my phone back then go into my room.  It takes no time for me to change into my work out gear.  I grab my phone, headphones, and room key then head to the hotel's gym.  I figure since it was so late at night no one would be in there.  After thirty minutes of being on the elliptical I have more to the song.....almost.  I take a break so I start stretching.  

I have an odd feeling that someone is in here with me, so I turn around towards the door and see Liam only a few feet from me.  He walks closer to me with a towel over his shoulder dressed in a  plain white tank top and black basketball shorts.  "Hey what are you doing down here?" he asks casually as he walks over to the bench press.  

"Sorry Liam, I didn't hear you come in.  I guess my music is a little too loud."  I reply pulling the earbuds from my ears then pause the music. "I'm trying to work out and such."

"Ohhh ok.  But why?"  

Was this guy serious?  I cock my head to the side and give him a confused look.  "Liam, have you even looked at me?  I'm fat.  I'm . . ."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa.  You aren't fat.  I'd say you are thick which isn't a bad thing.  What are you trying to achieve?"

"I want to be sexy.  I want to feel completely beautiful.  Nothing fancy."

"You do realize beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  I think you are beautiful, I mean if you want to do anything and please don't take offense but, you can always tone up."  Liam starts his stretching.  "How about I work out with you.  I always need an outlet so I work out sometimes after a shower then before we leave I usually box with my trainer."

"Are you sure I won't hold you back?  I'm not really in advanced in any work out routine."  

"That's ok we can modify it to where you are comfortable."  he puts his hand up for a high five, "Plus what is the worst that can happen?"

"Well ok then, you have a work out buddy."  I meet his hand for a high five.  This might actually be good for me.  We start by doing some stretches with some music playing.  The conversations is at a minimal aside from him showing me what work out we are doing next until he gets to the bench press.  He is piling on atleast 200lbs.  "Umm dear heart, I know you know your limits but, are you sure you can lift that?  That is more than what I weigh."

He stops putting the weights on then looks at me with his hand on his hip. Without saying a word he picks me up like he is going to carry me over the threshold, "Alex, I've got this.  You aren't heavy at all".  My body is slightly tense in his arms because I have a HUGE fear he is going to drop me. "Quit tensing, I won't drop you.  If I do I'll buy you what ever you want."  He chuckles as he moves around the gym with me in his arms to prove he is more than capable of handling my weight and the bench press.

"Ok.  You have proved a point.  You can put me down now."  I say giggling at him even though I didn't want to put me down.  His arms feel like a safe space.  <sigh> Don't fall for him, you know he is a celebrity and will only hurt you. Oh well, a girl can dream.

*****************************************************************************************************

Liam's POV

I didn't plan on working out tonight, but really glad I did.  Having this time alone with Alex is really nice, I knew when we first met she was a person with low self esteem, but I didn't think it was this bad.  I wonder who told her she was fat.  She isn't skinny by any means, but who wants a bean pole?  Her body type is just thick, I wouldn't kick her out of bed by any means.  My goal is to build her up so that she knows she is beautiful.  

It has been a while since I've seen a girl who is comfortable enough to walk around in public without any make up on.  I think that is she lost too much weight she wouldn't look right.  Her ass in the yoga pants is mind blowing since they hug her ass like a glove.  The tank top she has on has a low scoop neck and shows off a great amount of cleavage.  I already know what I'll be doing after working out with her.  Rosy Palmer and her five friends have been my best friend lately, and frankly Alex is adding images to my mind.  

"Liam are you listening to me?"  Alex snaps her fingers in my face.  Right now, I need to focus on her emotions not on little Liam.

"Yeah, sorry.  I was zoned out.  What were you saying?"  

"I asked if you play any instruments."  she looks at me with a funny expression then shakes her head.

"I play the piano and have been learning the guitar but nothing crazy yet.  Speaking of music....  when can I hear the song you wrote today?"  I haven't forgotten that Niall said she wrote something so quick but, I think she is still nervous about displaying her talents even though that is what she is here for.  Hesitation washing over her face. "Don't be shy love, it's just me."  I flash her a bright sweaty smile.

She nibbles on her lip ring as she is thinking things through, she inhales a deep breath, "I guess after we work out I can play it for you.  It isn't finished yet though."

"Maybe I can help you finish it.  Ok?  Three more and we are done for the night."  After we finished working out, I walk her to her room and agree to meet back in thirty minutes giving her plenty of time to shower and work her nerves out.  I'm really excited to hear what she has so far I feel like her songs might help make this album be great since Zayn has left. I really do miss my best mate.  <sigh>  Ohh well.

I knock on her door and wait for her to let me in.  Her freshly washed face is glowing with red cheeks, guessing she didn't have to take a cold shower like yours truly.  She is in oversized sweatpants that are rolled down with a cami.  I have a feeling that all her clothes make her look sexy even though she doesn't realize it.  "Are you sure you want to listen to it?"  

"Yes Alex, let's hear what you have so far."  I sit on the edge of the bed while she has her back against the headboard with a fascinating acoustic guitar in her lap.  I can tell she is a focused song writer because she has papers scattered across the bed along with her MacBook and various other pieces of  recording equipment.  She takes a deep breathe and starts singing, her voice is really quite beautiful, I wonder why she didn't ask for a recording contract.  "Wow!  Niall said the lyrics were great but wow.  You are quite talented.  What prompted the song?"

"Harry hurting my feelings then calling Tori to remind me to never let anyone drag me down."  She states simple with a half smile on her face.  "Plus listening to Maroon 5 gave me inspiration regarding the melody and etc.  My mind is a musical playground at times."

"Well what all do you have in mind for instruments?" Her mind is a musical playground that I want to play on.  I wonder what else we can do.  "So you need a hook to build up to the chorus?"  

"Yeah, I've been working on it but I'm not sure how it should go.  So far I've been thinking about if I didn't have them I wouldn't be something."

I inhale deeply and think on her ideas, then it hits, "How about:

If I didn't have you there would be nothing left

The shell of a man who could never be his best

If I didn't have you, I'd never see the sun

You taught me how to be someone, yeah"

"I like it!  It would be great after the first part of the verse.  I was thinking instead of a different verse make it repeat itself to reenforce the feelings of the song.  Saying you are strong and never leaving."  She looks so passionate about this, I can look at her and see all the wheels turning.  This union of her working with us might be great.  "I'm thinking that after the chorus it should be:

Nobody, nobody

Nobody can drag me down

Nobody, nobody

Nobody can drag me.

I want it to feel like a slight rock anthem, you know?"  she simply states.

"I think we already have a song, you are a genius!  Simon was right about you."

"Thanks, so do you want to help me figure out some instruments while you sing the demo version?"  

"Since it is your song, how about a duet."  I want the guys to not only see her talent in the lyrics, but I want them to hear her voice.  She bites her lip ring again, indicating she is nervous.  "Come on don't be shy, it'll be ok."

"Fine, I'll do it.  I swear you and Niall keep suckering me into doing things that are totally out of my element."

"Is it such a bad thing?"

"No, it just gives me slight anxiety.  I've been working on breaking out of my shell and just being more happy but most importantly, not worrying about what everyone else thinks."

"Anytime you feel like you are going to freak out just tell me, I'm a great listener."  I rub her leg in a comforting manner she returns a small smile, "Now that we are done with the sappy moment lets see if we can figure this out."

We start putting the instruments together in a crude band set up, it would be better if we had all the actual instruments here but, it works for now.  Maybe we can get time with a proper recording studio or at the very least get the band to play it.  Last time I look at the clock is 2 am and even though her eyes are getting heavy she is still trying to arrange the music like she hears it. This is what I call a true musician/songwriter/producer.  I'm impressed.  

[shooter-nobunagun]

Quarantine UST 6

//Suggestive content

“Um, s-sorry about this...”

“Nah, it’s fine. Though, maybe I should be askin’ if you’re alright with this...yer quakin’ like a leaf.”

“A-Ah, uh...”

“...”

The girl shook her head. No, this was her idea in the first place; it would be rude to back out now...especially after all the trouble they went through to acquire the supplies. “No, I’m...sure. So, please do your best, Adam-san...I’m in your hands, literally...”

Adam was not sure if the sniper was aware of her word choice and the innuendo it carried, but nodded solemnly anyway. Armed with a comb, hairdryer and specifically, a pair of sharp salon scissors, he tied a sheet around her neck and spritzed the girl’s unruly bob down, prepping it for a trim.

After two weeks of trying and failing to clip her hair back, the sniper had given up and then sheepishly asked him to help her trim it. At first he was confused as to why she didn’t ask Jess, considering the woman was a model, but one look at those round maroons and he agreed before he knew it. Though Adam didn’t have much experience with hair styling in general, he had trimmed his own hair before on occasion, and reasoned if she just wanted it shorter, then he’d probably do all right.

Probably.

“Eeek! Th-That was a bit too close of a shave,” the sniper squeaked as the scissors chopped off a good chunk of her bangs. “...You didn’t cut too much off, did you? My forehead feels more bare than normal...”

“Uuuuhh...n, no, you look...fine.” Adam tried to make his voice sound neutral, but one look at the sniper’s face and he instantly knew he’d fucked up. ‘God fucking dammit...real smooth, Adam.’

“...Well, worst case I guess it’ll eventually grow back.” Sio muttered, now seriously wondering if it had been a good idea to ask the guy who housed the soul of a throat-slasher to help cut her hair. ‘But you’d think a guy who’s so skilled with a blade on the field would be dexterous enough for hair cutting...’

“Hey now, you’re the one who asked, squirt; I’m doin’ you a favor here...cut me some slack,” Adam muttered, still smarting over his mishap. “I ain’t a hair stylist or anything, surprised you asked me instead of someone like Jess...”

“W, Well, th-that just shows how much I trust you!” Sio blurted out, before realizing what exactly she’d just said. ‘Oh crap! I hope he doesn’t read too much into that...’

Of course, Adam read exactly as much as Sio feared he would. “...I’ll try. Just...don’t expect anythin’ fancy.” He had to pretend to busy himself with sweeping away the hair to stop himself from shaking. Did she really say she trusted him? ‘What the hell does that mean...well, I guess it means at least she doesn’t think I’m a total arse anymore...’ Thankfully, the rest of her hair was easier to contend with, though it was hard not to get distracted as he hovered in front of her face, doing his best to make sure the ends were even and not ragged.

‘Oh boy, he’s standing so close...! I can feel his breath on my face...and that nice scent...’ The sniper gulped nervously as Adam pulled her ends and squinted, trying to determine if it was level or not. ‘I wonder if that scent is from his shampoo, or laundry or...maybe he wears cologne?’ 

He didn’t seem like the type though, upon further thought. Or maybe that’s his natural scent, a naughty voice in her head joked, and it took everything fiber of her being to not just jump out of the chair (lest she get another too-close shave). She prayed her face wouldn’t turn red as Adam moved to the back, now cutting off another inch or so.

“Hmm, is this good? You said you like it just below your ears, yeh?”

“H-Huh? Oh yeah, that’s good. I just want it away from my neck...it gets so itchy otherwise.”

“Right. Got it.” Brushing away the loose hair, he switched to the scissors. “Gonna see if I can give you some more layers back here...otherwise, it’ll look bad within a week...”

Sio sat nervously as she watched bits and pieces of brown hair litter the yard. The sun was shining; not too high yet, but she hoped they would finish before it got overhead. The days were definitely warming up, and more than once Adam came downstairs complaining of how stuffy the attic was, to which Mahesh could only reply that he’d made the choice to take it.

“I did give you a choice when we first arrived, and you were the one who said you’d take it, so...”

Something soft brushed against the nape of her neck and she squealed. “Th-That tickles...!”

“Sorry; anyway, think I’m almost done. Just need to blow off the stray hair and comb it back out...” Adam blew off the rest of the hair, before combing everything neatly back into place and then gave a final nod of approval. “Alright, I think that’s good. Hm, not too shabby, if I do say so myself.” He handed the girl a small mirror. “So, verdict?”

“Oh...” Sio studied her own reflection, turning this way and that. Aside from her bangs (they were definitely too short, she sighed), it wasn’t half bad. He’d actually managed to give her bob a bit of an angle, so it was slightly more stylish than the flat cut she usually had. “Hey, not bad. I like it...well, the bangs are too short, but...”

“I’m sorry, alright? It’s a bit hard to get it right when you’re squirming around so much...” Adam grumbled. “Next time, when I say don’t move, I mean it.”

“Well, it’s not my fault my neck got itchy,” Sio stuck her tongue out briefly, but Adam knew she was just joking. “But still, thanks...finally, I have short hair again! It feel so nice...” She brushed the back briefly, enjoying the puffy strands. “Heh, I think your hair is now longer than mine,” she teased, glancing at his silvery-white strands that now just touched his shoulders. “Sure you don’t want a trim as well?”

“No thanks; I’ve seen what you can do with a knife, I’d rather not risk it,” he replied flatly, cleaning up the supplies. 

“Hey! Jerk,” she muttered, but he had a point. If it’d been up to her, she’d probably just have gotten the kitchen scissors and chopped it all off in one go. When she announced her original plan to Adam, he stared at her for a few seconds with thinly concealed horror, before managing to convince the girl that it would be worth it to get a pair of scissors just for this.

As Adam returned everything inside and swept up the stray hairs, something brushed against the back of his neck .”What th—” he jumped in surprise, before realizing the sniper was combing his hair.

“Your hair sure is getting long, though. Maybe you should tie it back; after all, don’t you know your vision’s gonna go bad like that?” She scolded, fingers running through his bangs that were, admittedly, starting to become a nuisance.

“...That’s just an urban legend,” he murmured, trying not to blush. Her fingers were delicate and small as they touched his skin, then through his scalp as she smoothed everything out with a brush. He nearly moaned as they brushed down his neck, but he bit it back just in time. “If you’re so concerned, then why don’t you tie it up for me?”

“W, Well then, I might just do that!” With a steely glint in her eye, the sniper returned with a hair tie and comb, now determined to make this work. “Seriously, how do you even see half the time?” She raised an eyebrow as she pulled his bangs back. “Oh hey look, you do have two eyes! Who’d’ve thought.”

“Right. Sure.” He rolled his eyes, trying to maintain his cool. Her cute little face filled his vision as she squinted those maroons in concentration, pulling his hair back. It felt nice to have someone brushing his hair, and even moreso, when she ran her fingers through it...he shivered slightly as the sniper started to rub his head a little more...

“Uhn...wh-what are you—”

“Is it nice? I read that head massages are a great way to relax...and it’s super easy to do,” she cooed into his ear, and that definitely sent a shiver down his spine. Was it just him, or did she suddenly seem more...mature than usual? This couldn’t possibly be happening, could it? The Sio he knew was shy, awkward and bumbling; the only time she ever showed any dominance was during battle...

‘Wait a minute, don’t tell me she’s being influenced by her e-gene even when we’re not in battle?’ 

Adam didn’t have anymore time to ruminate on that, however, as Sio massaged his scalp in earnest. His eyes fluttered shut, but he still had enough control left to not just start moaning, though it did feel really good. Just before he passed out though, she pulled his strands back a final time, tying it into a low ponytail just around the nape of his neck.

“There, all done. Huh, you look kinda different with your hair all back like this...but, not bad. It’s...different, but I like it.” She smiled as she handed him the mirror this time. “You should grow it out really long!”

“Heh, well at the rate things are going, who knows...” He glanced at the reflection. It did make him look different, but at least he didn’t look like one of those hipster ‘bros’. Also, it was true that he could see a lot better now, as much as he didn’t want to admit it. “Thanks, Ogura.”

“Mmn hmm. Consider things between us even now.”

Both Jess and Mahesh commented on their new styles as they went back in, although Sio was still very self-conscious of her now-bare forehead.

“I don’t think it’s that bad, dear. Besides, you have a cute forehead! Just think of it as not needing a trim for a while.” Jess consoled.

“Trying for a new style, Adam? I think it suits you. Maybe you should try the ‘man bun’ next, I hear those are in,” the Indian teased, getting out of the way before their leader could throw something else at him.

“Do you two wanna get your hair trimmed?” Sio offered, but they shook their heads. Jess already had long braids, and Mahesh, well, he apparently couldn’t care less how disheveled he looked.

“It’s not like we’ll be going anywhere or seeing anyone, aside from just...well, us. I don’t see the point, frankly.” The group was lounging about the living room, most still in their sleepwear; Mahesh still didn’t wear a shirt, but at least he threw on a jacket, and Jess had graduated from knickers to short shorts. Sio was making herself some toast and jam while Adam was busy with his Final Fantasy VII file, everybody else watching in great amusement or else shouting at the screen.

“Dodge dodge! No wait, do a counterstance!”

“Whoa, that’s a lot of damage...”

“That’s a lot going on at once on the screen.”

“Oy, would you all shut yer traps?! You’re not helping,” Adam groused, narrowly avoiding a game over with a phoenix down. “If you’re not going to be giving me useful advice, then can it!”

Sio giggled slightly to herself, taking in the scene before her as she ate her bread. ‘Even though it’s not the best of circumstances, it is nice to be able to spend time with everybody, like this.’ Back aboard the Logan, or even the Forrester, everyone mostly kept to themselves, except for perfunctory meetings or battle. To live an everyday existence with her teammates, and get to know them beyond their e-genes... Sio felt a warm glow within her, glad she got to experience this. 

At last Adam stopped for food, lunch consisting mostly of leftovers from the night before and whatever they had lying around. Sio slowly finished a packet of instant ramen with spam, as Adam made a smorgasbord out of leftover breakfast items.

“Y’know, if it weren’t for the fact that we’re kinda forced to be here and the circumstances, it feels a bit like uni,” Jess commented as the group sat around the table. “Though I can’t say I experienced much of ‘traditional’ university life.”

“Hn; yer romanticizin’ it too much,” Adam retorted. “Trust me, actual dorm life with a bunch of other strangers wasn’t exactly something I enjoyed. There’s a big difference between living in a giant dormitory versus a single house...”

Sio perked up at the conversation. ‘That’s right, Jess said Adam was just beginning college when he left for DOGOO...I wonder what his school life was like?’ The sniper herself hadn’t even begun to think about university, even before everything happened, and now she wasn’t sure if college was in her future. Not that she had an inkling of what she might study, anyway.

“Um, so what is it like, anyway? College?”

“Thinkin’ of applying after this is all over, squirt? Well, let me tell you it’s not all fun and games,” Adam warned as he finished off the rest of his plate. “Especially if you’re not used to taking care of yourself...”

“Th, that’s—are you implying something...” She met Adam’s eyes with a stare, which was returned in equal fervor. “A-Anyway, I doubt I’ll have to think about that for a while...who knows if I’ll even go back after all this.” Most of her classmates were already talking about their final senior year trip abroad, which, from the sound of things, might actually include San Francisco—once the pandemic was over, of course. “I’m not even sure what I’d major in, or where to go...”

“Well, it never hurts to think about your future after all this. With any luck, we’ll still be able to get on with our lives...eventually.” Mahesh commented breezily. “Who knows, maybe you’ll come out of this whole EIO thing with a better idea of what you actually want.”

Sio pondered those words over in her mind as everybody picked up their empty plates. ‘What I actually want...’ Well, for the immediate time being, it would be to get through this pandemic without dying. And maybe (hopefully?) figure out how to navigate her increasingly-complicated relationship with Adam. ‘Urg...I know I really shouldn’t be entertaining those thoughts, but still...I can’t help it if I feel this way. Is it really so wrong to like him?’

She climbed the stairs up, debating if she wanted to relax a bit before she hit the gym, or play games, or go for a walk. It was interesting to realize that, despite not really being able to go anywhere, she still had a fair amount of choices and autonomy within her daily life here. Even small things, such as deciding what to do for meals, or how to spend her free time, were things she never really considered back when every other second was spent fighting.

“Oh baby, can’t live without you baby, I’d give it up for you... You know I love you—”

“Huh? Where’s that sound coming from...” She cocked her ear up, realizing the sound was drifting through the attic door. “Oh, I guess Adam’s listening to music.” It was some low-key, jazzy R&B in English; she never would’ve guess Adam was into anything other than rock, but curiosity got the better of her, and before Sio knew it she was knocking on his door.

“Eh? What’s up, Ogura?” Adam looked at the girl in surprise, not expecting her to come knocking. “Need something?”

“Ah, uh, not really...I was, um, just...” She squirmed, hoping she didn’t sound too forward. “Just, I heard music coming from your room...a-and, I...was curious to what it was...”

Oh. “Ah, sorry about that...guess I should turn down the volume,” but Sio shook her head.

“N-No, I like it...er, well, from what I’ve been able to hear, anyway...a-and it’s not like you’re disrupting me or anything, just...” She shyly looked down at her feet, wondering what was the best way to invite herself in, if possible.

“...You, wanna come in?” The sniper looked up in surprise, face blushing a pink before she could control herself. “Since you’re curious about my taste in music and all,” he teased, but she simply nodded, and Adam stepped aside. “I’ll admit, I kinda messed up in choosing this room, ‘cause it’s hot as fuck when the sun comes in...but eh, whatever. I don’t feel like movin’ everything all over again...plus I doubt Mirza’ll be interested in switching, anyway.”

“Oh! I’m sorry to hear that...I mean, if it really bothers you, I’d be willing to trade rooms?” The sniper looked up with those round maroons, but Adam merely smiled and shook his head. 

“Nah, I’m just grousing. It’s fine, don’t worry about it, squirt.” He picked up the a jacket and pair of pants off the bed. “Sorry for the mess; wasn’t expecting a visitor.”

“A-Ah, s, sorry...” Though, just a quick glance around and Sio thought Adam must have very high standards for cleanliness. The bed was made, no dirty laundry piled anywhere, and the desk was neatly set up with a couple documents and a laptop, which was playing the music. ‘Seriously, if he stepped inside my room, he’d probably pass out first...’

“Well, make yourself at home; I’m just taking care of some stuff from DOGOO...” Adam muttered as he scanned the latest email from Saint-Germain, which contained details about an all-hands to discuss the Objects’ next potential moves. “Seriously, what the hell? They want to meet 10pm our time...”

Sio stood around nervously, unsure if she should just leave if he was going to be busy, until Adam caught sight of her just standing to the side. “Oh, feel free to sit on the bed or whatever; it’s fine by me.”

“O-Oh, okay...” She resisted the urge to just flop into it, but the moment she sat on the coverlet she could smell the scent that was very familiar by now. ‘Oh no...of course his bed is gonna smell like him...!’

“Anyway, MONKEY MAJIK’s playin’ right now, but if you wanna change the tunes, let me know.” Adam turned the volume down slightly. “You heard of them before? They’re actually founded by two Canadian brothers who went to Japan to teach English, but ended up starting a band.” As if to emphasize it, Adam changed the track to a Japanese/English one.

“Nanoni kokoro mitasa rezu Nakushita kakera sagashite Mitsukedasenai Dubai Paris Shanghai”

“Eh? Whoa, they’re so good...” The music wasn’t bad, either; it was definitely a departure from the stereotypical J-pop that she heard so often, or even the J-rock songs she liked to listen to. “Heh, it’s actually kind of fun to listen to, if you can understand both languages...” Smiling, Sio closed her eyes, simply enjoying the music.

“Dokoni ite mo I need your love Umi wo koete I’m giving you love Donna toki mo, soba ni iru yo Kore kara mo share my life with you...”

Sio blushed as she listened to the lyrics. ‘I’ll always be with you, and share my life with you. I wonder if Adam knows what the words mean...’ Actually, he most likely did; she knew Adam could speak and understand Japanese at a near-native level, which was impressive considering he’d only ever studied it in school. ‘Although, I guess I’m not half-bad with English, considering I never used it until now...’

As much as she enjoyed MONKEY MAJIK’s romantic, R&B tracks however, she was starting to become just a bit too self-conscious, as each track seemed to be more passionate than the last. “Er, um, A-Adam-san? Sorry to bother you...but, I was wondering if...if we could listen to something else?”

“Oh yeh, sure.” Adam swiveled around on his chair. “What’re you in the mood for? Alt-rock? Top 40? Pop?”

“Uh, I was wondering...you know that song that you played when we were doing VR? Beat Saber?” Adam looked confused as he searched for his memory, until he finally his mouth made an ‘o’. 

“Ah, you’re talking about Camellia then. Japanese EDM? Didn’t know you were into that...”

“Well, I don’t know about that, but it sounded really good...also, you sure like Japanese music, don’t you Adam? Are you one of those people who got into Japanese culture ‘cause of anime and games?”

At that comment however, the white-haired main spun around, a rather annoyed look on his face. “Alright look, I can see why you’d say that—and yeh, I’ll admit I first got into it ‘cause I watched a bunch of anime on the telly after school and I did study Japanese. But I am definitely not one of those waifu-worshipping Japanophiles who think it’s a paradise and can do no wrong. It’s a country like any other, just like the U.K. It’s cool and all, but it’s not perfect.” 

Sio nodded timidly, not wanting to upset him. “Of course, Adam-san...I’m, actually glad you think that, ‘cause as somebody who is from Japan...yeah, it’s definitely got some serious problems...”

“Sorry; I didn’t mean to badmouth your homeland like that...” Adam sighed and mentally berated himself for letting his mouth run, again. “Anyway, there’s several songs in the game apparently, but my favorite album is the first one, Crystallized.” 

“Rain of Amethyst...” Sio muttered to herself as she peeked at the track listing. “It sounds really pretty...” As the music chimed in though, she decided not only was the title pretty, but the song itself was beautiful. The delicate chimes mixed with piano, before the synthetic notes burst in; all accompanied by a heady, thumping bass track. It was quite different than what she usually listened to, or even heard in Japan. Not being one to frequent nightclubs or similar places that would feature this type of music, Sio found herself falling into a trance almost, concentrating on the echoing chimes and sounds that she never knew could exist.

Even though the songs barely had any lyrics worth mentioning, they were just as layered and nuanced, if not more so. All the different layers of sound, music, notes and beats combined seamlessly, the music’s flow never stopping, it seemed. Certain tracks made her feel like she was flying through space, or time, the way it washed over her. Notes flowed like water, occasionally interspersed with delicate piano or other crystal-like tones; then all of a sudden the music’s beat would kick up, sending a rush of brilliance through her ears.

‘Oh, it’s this song...!’ Finally the track Adam had been playing started; she recognized the gradual piano build-up, before the song dove headfirst like a rollercoaster into a seemingly-impossible combination of beats and notes. Closing her eyes, the sniper didn’t even realize herself sinking onto the bed, too caught up in trying to absorb the music as rapidly as it slipped her by. ‘It’s amazing...I never knew music could make you feel like this...’

“Well, that’s the album. Did you like it squirt?” The album finally ended and Adam turned around, only to find the sniper curled on her side on his bed, seemingly fast asleep. “Uh...squirt?” He looked at her slumbering visage, eyes closed and a peaceful expression on her face, and smiled to himself. 

“Heh, you’re really somethin’ else, Ogura.” Gently, so as to not disturb her, he pulled a light blanket over her, then quietly went downstairs. ------- What th...where am I? She was floating in a nebulous space, darkness all around but it wasn’t frightening at all. Beyond the horizon, a faint glow stretched into forever, her view lit with the glow of countless stars.

She looked down. Her body was nude, but she wasn’t embarrassed or cold. No, it was natural after all. It was perfectly normal. Making a wave-like motion, she discovered just a simple movement could propel her at what felt like light speed, and she struggled to stop herself from flying off into infinity.

Whoa! Slow down, get a hold of yourself... But it was like moving through molasses; each movement greatly exaggerated no matter how careful she was. In the end, she decided it was easier to go with the flow instead of fighting it. She shot forward like a rocket, marveling at the blurs of light that flew past her vision.

Suddenly she could see the Earth; only this time, there was a web crawling around, like a sinister shadow. Hey...what’s going on? And before she knew it the planet was sucking her in like a black hole, no matter how hard she tried to stop it. It was like being sucked into a whirlpool, a vast, endless depth of blue-black water (?) and though she didn’t know how, it felt like she’d become the planet itself, integrated with the very life force of Earth.

Wait...stop, what’s going on? Why am I like this? Am I trapped...? When can I get out? There was no answer, only an unsettled feeling that somehow never grew into a full panic. This can’t be real...no, I don’t believe it, it’s not real...!

“...Ah. Uhn...huh?” A low rumble of voices combined with the occasional clink of silverware greeted her as Sio opened her eyes, still bleary with sleep. “What th...that was one whacked-out dream.” She didn’t forget it like last time, but even then it made little sense. Floating in space, and then becoming part of...the planet? Even though she knew it was just a dream, probably influenced by the ethereal tones of the music she was listening to, it was still slightly disturbing. “Nnn...remind me to maybe not listen to music that gives me an out-of-body experience before bed...”

Still yawning, the sniper descended the stairs, realizing it was already past dinnertime. The skyline was a barely visible twilight now, and the smell of food made her stomach rumble. 

“Oh...sorry guys, I somehow overslept...”

“Sio! Don’t fret, we figured you’d probably want food eventually, so there’s plenty.” Jess got up and pulled a chair for the sniper, along with a bowl. “It’s curry tonight; Mahesh made it less spicy so we wouldn’t die.” 

“That was some kip you took, Ogura. You feelin’ alright?” Adam cast her a curious look as she piled her bowl high with fragrant basmati rice and the thick, creamy-orange chicken curry. “Also, nice bedhead...” Sio’s hand flew to her hair at his comment, frantically trying to smooth out the stubborn strands.

“No, I’m pretty sure I’m okay...though I wasn’t expecting to just pass out like that... I guess your bed is just too comfortable, Adam-san,” Sio said innocently, unaware of the weight her words carried. Adam choked on his tea, and Jess and Mahesh raised an eyebrow at each other. 

“...What? Is there something on my face? Why’s everyone looking at me?”

“...Nevermind, squirt.” Adam sighed and prayed the other two wouldn’t say anything else, though it was too late to try and deny that anything happened, even if it was all completely innocent in nature. 

“I did have a really weird dream though...it wasn’t exactly scary, but...well, it was just weird.” The sniper frowned, trying not to get pulled too deep into it. “Meh, oh well. Oh man, Mirza-san, this is soo good...I could eat two bowls of this...”

“Well, help yourself, there’s plenty. I’m definitely taking that as a compliment. Sure you’ll still be able to sleep tonight?”

Sio laughed sheepishly. One thing she never said no to was more sleep. “I think I’ll...manage.” Besides, if she needed to release some pent-up energy, there were definitely ways to do that, her brain suggested naughtily.

As she helped clean up the table, Jess and Mahesh now finally pitching in regularly as well, she noticed Adam was still at the table, quietly sipping his tea and seemingly lost in thought. “Hey, you...okay?”

“Hmm? Oh, it’s nothing. Sometimes you just wanna ruminate a bit...” He shrugged, reaching for a biscotti to dip into his tea. “Although, this means you missed today’s training, squirt...” Sio groaned dramatically, but Adam only laughed. “I’m just kidding, Ogura. I know you didn’t do it on purpose.”

“Then why do you keep reminding me,” she grumbled, lips formed into a pout. “Do you enjoy making my life miserable?”

“Hn. Depends on what you mean by that...”

“Jerk,” she muttered under her breath, but there wasn’t any real anger behind it. Truth be told, he was a lot better than say, the beginning of this quarantine. Perhaps living as normal people for once had a mollifying effect on everybody’s personalities? Given how stressful their lives were most of the time, it made sense that everybody’s real natures would come out, when they could relax and be themselves.

“...Is it wrong if I wish this could go on longer?”

He raised a white eyebrow at her. “You mean you actually enjoy voluntarily being imprisoned in this house?” She was about to retort when he laughed. “I know I know, I’m just teasin’ ya; sorry, but you are just a bit too easy sometimes...”

“Baka.” Then, before he knew it, she stole the latter half of his biscotti, causing the man to let out a cry. 

“Oy! Get your own biscuit!” 

“Hmph, that’s what you get for being a meanie,” she stuck her tongue out at him, before chomping the treat up in two bites.

“If gettin’ outta here means I don’t have to worry about you stealin’ my food, then I’m all for it,” Adam muttered. “...But I know what you mean. It’s been a long time since I’ve lived like a ‘normal’ person.” He gave a rueful smile. “Sometimes, it seems like I’ve almost forgotten about my life before DOGOO...”

Certainly, his life before all this hadn’t exactly been exciting, and oftentimes a younger Adam secretly wished for something to happen, to have some guiding direction in his mundane life. Be careful what you wish for, huh? Who would have thought that all it would take was a spontaneous cruise trip, right after his freshman year of college, and everything was turned upside-down? Sometimes Adam wondered what life would’ve been like, if he hadn’t discovered his powers; would he still be wishing for something to break up the ordinary, everyday monotony?

“Well...that’s why, we should take advantage of it now. ‘Cause I’m sure, even though right now I’m complaining about being bored...once we go back to the Logan, I’ll be missing this, a little bit...” Those maroon eyes seemed a bit more melancholy, her face a bit more mature for once.

“Hn. Same Ogura, same.”  

[starrystarrybabe]

Oh, How the Mighty Fall [In Love] CHAPTER SEVEN (Ben Hardy x OC)

Lily Anne Mercury is brought in to help with Bohemian Rhapsody at the request of her Uncle Bri and Uncle Rog, and along the way, she might meet someone to share her life with. The only problem with this is that while their friends and the world can see that they’re perfect for each other, they’re going to be fully blind to this for a while.

CHAPTER ONE, CHAPTER TWO, CHAPTER THREE, CHAPTER FOUR, CHAPTER FIVE, CHAPTER SIX

DISCLAIMER: I’m fully aware that it would’ve been physically impossible for Jim and Freddie to have a child even with this method during the time they were alive, but the idea of Freddie as a dad and the idea of how his child would turn out to be was just too sweet for me to not write.

Hello everyone! I apologize for the long ass wait time. Emotionally and mentally, I’m not doing the best rn, and it’s really kicking my ass. I tried my hardest on this chapter, and I hope y’all like it!

-- casey

TRIGGERS: mentions of alcoholism? Honestly nothing is really that spicy in this installment of the story

FACECLAIMS:

Kelly Gale as Lily Anne Mercury

Sira P. Kante as Ezichi Adebayo

Erika Linder as Bronwyn Ryan-Hughes

Bree Kish as Madigan Ryan-Hughes

“Can you believe this shit? I’m not invited to the Golden Globes because I wasn’t ‘close enough to the project!’” Lily Anne scoffs, pacing in the studio as she rants to Zichi. “That’s complete and utter horseshit and we all know it. I was there almost every day we weren’t on tour! Fuck the Golden Globes!”

Ezichi sips her tea, frowning in confusion. “You’re Freddie’s daughter. You helped in every step of the project. You’re dedicated to keeping his memory alive. Why wouldn’t you be invited to an event celebrating a movie that created a whole new generation of Queen fans to help in those efforts?”

Lily Anne nods furiously, flailing her arms in distress. “Exactly! I don’t get it.”

Zichi nods. “It makes no sense. I’m going as Gwil’s plus one, but if you really want to be there, I would give up my spot for you.”

Lily Anne shakes her head. “No, please don’t do that. You and Gwil deserve to have a nice night out and some rocking sex in a hotel bed. I won’t take that away from you.”

Ezichi blushes at Lily’s comment. “Really, Lily. My sex life is fine without hotel rooms. I don’t need to go.”

She raises a brow. “Just fine? That’s upsetting, I thought Gwil would do better than fine.”

Ezichi rolls her eyes before putting down her cup. “Lily, tell Ben and Joe that you’re not invited to the Globes.”

Lily frowns. “Why?”

Ezichi grins. “If Gwil got a plus one, I’m sure that the same invitation went out to Ben and Joe. Either of them could bring you.”

She perks up and kisses Zichi’s forehead, cupping her cheeks. “Ezichi Adebayo, you absolute genius of a woman. I love you to the moon and back.”

She takes out her phone as Ezichi grins.

Lily Anne: IM SENDING OUT AN SOS TO EVERYONE

Lily Anne: I HAVE NOT BEEN INVITED TO THE GOLDEN GLOBES

Lily Anne: I NEED TO BE SOMEONE’S PLUS ONE

Dinosaur Boy: why didn’t they invite you???

Lily Anne: i wasn’t “close enough to the project”

Benjamin Jones: that’s absolute bullshit!

Benjamin Jones: fuckin wankers

Lily Anne: i know, right? anyways, if one of you lovely men could take me as a plus one, i’d fucking love that.

---

“Hello?” Joe picks up his phone, leaning back on his couch.

“Hey. It’s Ben. I need a favor,” his friend frantically asks.

“Sure thing, Benny. What do you need?” Joe asks, perking up.

“Ask Lily to be your plus one,” he says.

“But-- but she loves you, not me! She’d like it more if you brought her,” Joe says, frowning.

Ben lets out a whine of distress. “Please, Joe. I’ll get too nervous, and fuck something up, and I can’t afford to lose this-- I can’t afford to lose her.”

Joe nods slowly, biting his lip. “Okay. I get what you’re saying--”

“--then do this one favor for me, please!” Ben interrupts, stressed out.

“I will! Just promise me one thing,” Joe says.

“What is it? I’ll do literally anything to repay you for this,” Ben asks.

“You ask her to the Oscars,” Joe responds.

Ben fumbles with his words for a minute before sighing heavily. “Sure. I’ll do that.”

Joe grins. “Good. I’ll ask her later today, okay?”

“Okay. Thank you so much, buddy,” Ben says, sounding much more relaxed.

“You’re welcome, Ben,” Joe says. “Remember, you’re asking her to the Oscars!”

“Don’t worry, I will!” Ben insists.

“Alright. I’ll see you soon, Ben.”

“Thanks, mate. Bye.”

When Ben hangs up, he sees Frankie looking at him with a distinctly unimpressed expression.

“You wouldn’t understand, Frankie.”

The dog huffs and walks out of the room.

---

Lily Anne is reclining in her oversized bathtub, enjoying a bath bomb and a face mask. Reykja sits on the bath mat, chewing on her bone, and Lily Anne has her eyes closed and is listening to royalty-free spa music she downloaded online onto her phone. She’s very zen at the moment. Suddenly her phone rings, and she frowns, opening one eye in annoyance. This is her free time. How dare someone interrupt it.

She looks at the phone and sees that Joe is calling, and picks up. “Lily Anne Mercury, speaking. You’ve interrupted my bath time, so this better be worth it, Dinosaur Boy.”

Joe gasps. “Oh, no! I’m so sorry, Lily. I can call later, but I think you’d want to hear this.”

She nods and leans back. “Alright. What’s going on?”

“Ben asked me to do something,” he says.

Lily Anne perks up, smiling. “Oh?”

“Don’t get too happy. He asked me to ask you to the Golden Globes.”

She sighs and leans back in the tub. “Oh… why isn’t he asking me?”

“He got scared, alright? I know I’m not him, and you’d rather be with him, but would you like to go to the Golden Globes with me? You don’t need to be by my side the entire time, just on the red carpet. Once that’s over, feel free to do whatever--” Joe begins ranting, and it’s the most considerate rant Lily Anne has ever heard.

“I’d love to go to the Golden Globes with you, Joe,” Lily says, smiling fondly.

“Great! It’s a date then,” Joe responds.

“What color is your bow tie? I can try to match it, if you’d like,” Lily asks, petting her pup lazily with one hand.

“I was thinking just doing a black one. Wear whatever you want. You’ll look good in anything.”

Lily laughs. “You’re too kind, darling. I’ll try not to overdress.”

Joe lets out a breath of laughter. “Alright. I’ll see you soon, Lily. Get back to your bath.”

“Have a nice night, Joe,” she responds before hanging up and letting out a deep sigh.

She looks down as Reykja blinks up at her curiously.

“I really thought Ben was going to ask me, didn’t you, girl?”

The dog lets out a yip of agreement.

“It’s alright, though. I’ll be fine, love. There’s always other events.”

1991

“Darling, must you do this?” Freddie asks from the tub filled with bubbles, looking over at Jim. “She’s still so young.”

Jim raises a brow and looks over at Freddie. “I found a knot in her hair yesterday that looked like it could be a bird’s nest, Freddie. It’s time.”

Freddie takes time to release a bone-shaking cough and leans back in the tub. “It’s such a shame, though. Her curls are immaculate!”

Jim sighs. “She’ll still have the curls afterward. If anything they’ll be more pronounced since her hair will be shorter.”

Lily Anne’s hair has gotten out of control, lately. It is past her butt, and the Indian genetics she has makes it very thick. Nobody in their right mind would be alright with spending over an hour detangling a two-year-old’s hair every day.

Freddie frowns. “Oh, alright. Just make sure she looks cute.”

Jim grins and kisses the little girl propped up on the bathroom counter. “She’s half you. Of course she’ll look cute. She’ll be beautiful no matter what haircut she has.”

Lily Anne coos, waving her little hands around. Her parents grin at her, and Freddie looks on with a happy gaze. He’s so lucky to be able to see her grow at least this much, though he knows that his time in this world is coming to its close.

“Ready for the cut, flower?” Jim asks. “It won’t hurt, sweetie.”

Lily blows a spit bubble and as Jim cuts her wet curls, she makes her mouth into an ‘o’ shape and watches in the mirror. She giggles and takes a handful of her hair, giving it a gentle tug. Jim pries her fingers away and quickly finishes the job, and Lily grins, looking at her shoulder-length curls.

Jim turns the girl towards Freddie and grins.

“You look amazing, darling girl!” Freddie coos hoarsely, smiling at his baby girl.

“You really should trust me more, love. I told you she’d look wonderful no matter what haircut she has,” Jim chuckles, kissing Lily’s cheek.

Preparing for the Golden Globes

Lily Anne smiles as her ends are trimmed, watching in the mirror. “My dad gave me my first haircut, you know. He was a barber before becoming the gardener at Garden Lodge,” she says, smiling wistfully.

The hair stylist smiles, trimming a little bit more off her ends. “That’s so sweet! Did he always cut your hair?”

She laughs. “Yes, until I began dying my hair in college and doing crazy punk hairstyles by myself. He seemed horrified but didn’t complain. He even bought me a hair straightener that wouldn’t fry it nearly as much as the cheap one I had.”

The stylist nods. “I remember when you would come out with crazy hair colors and choppy bangs and I really loved it.”

She grins. “Thank you, darling. That’s so sweet!”

The rest of the time passes and by the end of it, Lily’s hair is in a half bun, with the rest of it gently curled. Then, the makeup artist comes in and does a fairly natural look on her, but with an intense smokey eye. When she looks in the mirror, she smiles.

“Oh, it’s perfect, darling! Thank you so much!”

The artist smiles and shrugs. “You were a wonderful canvas. Thank you for the opportunity, Miss Mercury.”

She scoffs. “Call me Lily. I will be calling you the next time I’m in Los Angeles. Consider yourself booked for the Oscars, love.”

The makeup artist leaves and Lily changes into her dress, which is a stunning custom McQueen mermaid gown, emerald green with Swarovski crystals adorning the entire thing in place of embroidery. It dips low and creates a lot of cleavage, and the crystals are in the shape of Freddie’s face. Her assistant helps her put on her crystal choker and hoops, and she smiles as she looks in the mirror. Finally, her Louboutins are put on, and she hears a knock on the door.

“Who is it?” She asks.

“Your hot date,” Joe replies.

She picks up her matching clutch and opens the door, revealing Joe in a nicely tailored suit. He looks her over, in awe.

“Wow, Lily… I’m the one with the hot date,” he says, looking at the dress. “That’s Freddie’s face! Holy shit!”

She shakes her head. “The suit fits you perfectly, Mr. Mazzello. You look absolutely dashing. How are you still single?”

Joe shrugs. “I dunno. Must be my personality, I guess.”

Lily scoffs and shakes her head. “I’ll have none of that self-depricating nonsense tonight. Now, let’s get to the car, shall we?”

Joe holds out his arm for her and she takes it, smiling as they walk downstairs to the car, where Gwil and Ezichi are waiting. Allen, his daughter, Ben, Rami, and Lucy have already left for the event.

They enter the car and Gwil looks at Lily’s dress, nodding in approval. “You look very nice tonight, Lily. I love the dress.”

She grins. “Why thank you, Gwil! The suit is fabulous. Did Ezichi have the final say?”

Ezichi kisses Gwil’s cheek and nods. “Of course I did, and didn’t I do well?”

Joe nods. “Hell yeah, you did. You didn’t do too badly yourself, Zichi. That’s a wonderful pantsuit.”

Ezichi is wearing a white and black harlequin wide leg pantsuit with small diamonds on the edges of it, and she looks stunning.

Ezichi grins. “Thank you, Joe. It might be hard to piss in, but at least I look great.”

Gwil wraps an arm around his girlfriend. “You look magnificent, Zichi.”

Ezichi leans into her boyfriend and Lily lets out a fake vomit noise with Joe.

“Disgusting,” Lily says.

“Find a room,” Joe adds.

“If you wanted to fuck that badly, you shouldn’t have chosen a pantsuit,” Lily comments.

The pair blushes and Lily and Joe crack up, leaning back in their seats.

---

When they’re escorted to the red carpet, Ben is waiting for Joe to arrive, and when he sees Lily Anne--

Wow. She looks gorgeous.

Instant regret fills his head, and thoughts swirl as she approaches in her green gown.

‘Why didn’t you ask you, you bloody idiot? She’s stunning, and she could be on your arm right now if you had the fucking balls to ask her to the event. You’re an idiot, a right idiot, and you blew it.’

He’s forced out of his thoughts when she comes up to him, smiling. “No plus one, Ben?”

Ben refocuses on her. “A-ah, no. No plus one. My mum couldn’t come with me, and I didn’t want to ask anyone on Tinder.” He lets out a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his neck.

She shrugs. “Oh, well. It’s a shame.” She thinks for a moment before smiling. “You know what? I can be both yours and Joe’s plus one. I’m alright with being shared for the night.”

Joe comes up to Ben and gives him a hug. “Looking good, buddy.”

Ben grins at Joe. “Better than Cardy B?”

Joe laughs and nods. “Much better than Cardy B.”

Lily grins, taking both boys’ arms. “It’s showtime, boys. Let’s show them all how wonderful we are.”

The trio walks down the red carpet, and their names are screamed by the masses. Cameras flash, and Lily helps them navigate with practiced poise. She’s been doing this since she was a child, and the spotlight is where she belongs. They split up once it gets to the photos, and she puts on a smile, showing off her custom gown.

After some group photo ops, Lily goes off with Zichi and Lucy, and the girls enter the building.

Lucy smiles at Lily as they stop by the bar, and squeezes her hand. “What was your favorite cocktail when you drank?”

Lily looks at Lucy and smiles. “I loved Moscow mules.”

Lucy nods and looks to the bartender. “Can you make a vodka tonic and a virgin Moscow mule, please?” The bartender nods, and Lucy turns back to Lily. “You look upset. Is it because Ben didn’t ask you to the event?”

She lets out a deep sigh and Zichi rubs her back. “He loves you, Lily. It’s just because he’s nervous.”

Lily shakes her head. “Everyone is saying that, but… I need to hear it from him before I fully let myself believe it. I mean, him loving me would be a dream come true. I’ve never experienced my dreams going according to plan. Most times they backfire. I can’t risk losing this one. If I do… I’ll never find anyone I love as much as I love him.”

The bartender passes them their drinks, and Lily Anne tries hers. It tastes… delicious. Her face lights up.

“Excuse me, darling? I must have the recipe for this drink. It’s amazing, and to do it without alcohol is impressive.”

The bartender nods and writes down the recipe on a napkin, grinning. “I’m glad you like it! Here you go. Enjoy.”

She takes the napkin and places it in her clutch, grinning.

Lucy smiles. “Did that make tonight a little better?”

Lily nods, and Zichi hugs her friend. “You deserve nice things, Lily. One of those nice things can be Ben.”

Lily smiles and when she pulls away, she smirks. “One of your nice things can be rocking hotel sex. You don’t have to clean the sheets the next day, so go wild!”

Ezichi coughs, keeling over at Lily’s words. Lucy laughs, leaning against the bar. Lily sips her drink, pleased with herself.

When Brian and Roger enter and see the scene, immediately they tense up as they see a drink in Lily’s hand.

“That better be bloody virgin, Lily,” Roger says, raising a brow.

She nods and smiles, holding out her drink for him to try. “100% virgin, unlike us.”

He sips the drink and nods before handing it back to her. “Not bad. I like it. What’s got Zichi so red?”

She smirks. “I told her that she deserves good hotel sex.”

Roger scoffs and nods. “Hell yeah, she does! The best part is that you don’t have to wash the sheets afterward!”

Lily grins. “That’s what I said.”

Ezichi grimaces. “He’s corrupted you.”

Roger grins and kisses Lily’s forehead, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and jostling her. “Been doing that since day one.”

Brian speaks up, rubbing Ezichi’s back. “We’re going to take our seats with Rami, but we’ll see you later. Hopefully, we win something,” he says, crossing his fingers.

Lily nods and hugs her uncle. “Of course you will. Freddie’s energy was central in the movie, and he thrived despite the odds. This movie will too.”

Brian kisses the top of her head and smiles. “Send some good energy to us, alright?”

She nods. “Of course we will. You go sit down.”

Rami is walking by and comes over, kissing Lucy. She smiles and as he leaves, he yells, “Let's do this shit!”

Brian and Roger join the younger man and Lily laughs.

“He’s so strange and wonderful,” Lucy says, placing her hand on her cheek.

Lily nods. “I agree. Let’s go to our seats.”

The girls head off to get to their seats.

—-

Ben leans back on the couch, nursing a glass of sparkling water. Joe comes over to join him, holding a vodka tonic.

“Not drinking yet, Ben?” He asks, sitting next to his friend.

Ben shakes his head. “Nah. I don’t want Lily to be the only sober one and have to take care of us both. I’d feel bad if she had to do that.”

Joe presses his lips together. “You regret not asking her, don’t you?”

Ben nods, closing his eyes. “She looks… so beautiful. To think I could’ve had her on my arm but I chickened out makes me feel like an idiot.”

Joe nods. “She looks amazing. You know what? Don’t be sad.” He slaps Ben’s thigh. “She can sit in between us. You’ll get to have time with her alone later, alright?”

Ben rubs his thigh. “Sure. Thanks, mate. I really appreciate it.”

Lily walks in with Zichi and Lucy, and Gwil wraps an arm around his girlfriend, leading her over to the couch, where she promptly leans her head on his chest. Lucy sits next to Rami’s mother.

Joe and Ben part and pat the seat in between them, and Lily sits in between the pair, smiling.

Joe stands up and looks over the crowd. “I’m going to get a refill. Does anyone want anything?”

The group gives Joe their orders, and he walks over to the bar. Lily Anne leans back, squeezing Ben’s hand.

“How’d the red carpet stuff go?” she asks him, smiling.

“Good,” he says, smiling. “The interviews went well.”

She smiles and nods. “Great! That’s wonderful, Ben! Interviewers can be shitty and ask dumb questions, so I’m glad yours were good.”

He laughs and shakes his head. “One of them implied that Roger in the 70’s wasn’t beautiful, so I replied and said that he was wrong, and if I was around, I may have turned.”

She snorts, covering her mouth. “I’m sure he’ll appreciate that answer.”

Joe comes back and hands people their drinks. He takes his seat and sips his own, watching as the T.V. turns on the awards show starting. The crowd quiets, and Lily smiles. Her parents are watching fondly from above.

---

The anticipation in the room is palpable when the announcer opens the envelope containing the name of the winner. Lily squeezes Ben and Joe’s hands and prays a silent prayer that Rami wins.

When his name is announced, they stand and scream, hugging each other and laughing. There is no sweeter feeling than a well-earned victory. She launches herself into Ben’s arms, and the sound of his laughter fills her with joy. She looks up at him, and their noses touch, and she freezes up because if she just leaned in a few inches closer she’d be kissing him, and he’s looking down at her and panicking--

Joe comes up behind her and turns the affair into a group hug, and she’s snapped out of her thoughts, laughing once more. When they sit down, she takes a deep breath and looks at Ben, who’s staring straight ahead with a wide eyed look on his face.

Oh, God. That could’ve been fucked up so quickly.

When she turns back to the screen to watch Rami’s acceptance speech, she feels Ben’s eyes on her and blushes.

The second win garners a similar reaction, but this time, Lily hugs Joe, just to avoid making a mistake with Ben. Lord knows that this time, she might not have been able to restrain herself.

---

The afterparty is hosted in Roger’s suite, and after being so kind as to ask permission to drink from Lily, she tells Ben that he can drink however much he wants. He promptly downs four shots of vodka without blinking, and Lily is shocked. The alcohol will hit hard and she knows it. However, she’s curious to see what the alcohol does to Ben.

Apparently, he becomes a frat boy. He’s with Joe, who’s honestly just a sillier version of himself under the influence of alcohol, and they walk over to where she’s sitting.

“Are you from Tennessee?” Ben asks her, grinning.

“I’m from London, you know that, Ben,” she says, raising one unimpressed brow.

“‘Cause you’re the only ten I see,” he continues, laughing at his own joke.

She snorts and sips her sparkling water, shaking her head. “Those four shots hit you hard, didn’t they, Ben?”

“Okay, okay. Let’s try another one.” He laughs, running a hand through his hair, and Lily Anne is so confused as to why she isn’t completely turned off by this behavior. “I hope you know CPR.”

“I’m certified,” Lily Anne replies, nodding matter of factly.

“Because you’re taking my breath away!” Ben finishes, a grin only growing on his face.

Joe is leaning on Ben, laughing heartily. Lily purses her lips, sighing.

“Still not impressed?” Ben asks, pouting. “Fine. One more.” He holds out his arm to her. “Feel my shirt.”

“This is your jacket, Ben,” she states, looking up at him.

He shakes his arm, whining. “Just feel it, okay?”

She sighs and feels the jacket material before looking up to see a smirk on his face.

He leans down and grins, his breath smelling like alcohol. “It’s boyfriend material.”

She rolls her eyes, shaking her head. “That was great, Ben.”

Ben giggles and looks at Joe with excitement in his eyes. “Mate, she likes me! Your lines worked!”

Lily laughs. She likes Ben, but not because of some cheesy pick up lines. Joe grins and hugs Ben, and she watches them tackle each other happily.

“I think someone had pizza delivered. Why don’t you two get some?” Lily comments, smiling.

The two boys grin at each other and stumble through the crowd towards the kitchen for food.

When they leave, Lucy sits down next to her, and holds her free hand. “Are you having fun, Lily?”

She nods, smiling. “Of course I am! I love seeing all my friends happy.”

Lucy grins. “Oh, that’s wonderful!” She leans in, her smile widening. “I saw Ben and Joe coming over here. What happened?”

She rolls her eyes. “Ben tried to use some pick up lines Joe taught him on me. They were exceptionally bad.”

She laughs, and sips her champagne. “He really does like you, Lily.”

She nods, rubbing her temples. “I know. We nearly kissed earlier, but stopped before it happened.”

Lucy gasps. “Oh my god, when? How did I miss it? Why did you stop?”

Lily sighs. “When Rami won, we hugged, our noses touched, and I froze up, panicking. I don’t want to ruin anything between him and I, so we both didn’t go any closer.”

Lucy squeals. “But that would’ve been so cute!”

Lily raises a brow. “It wouldn’t have been cute once I found out that he doesn’t love me as deeply as I love him.”

Lucy nods, pursing her lips. “I understand why you’re scared. You don’t want to lose a good thing. I get it. But one of these days, you’ll need to confess.”

Lily nods. “I know. I’ll do it eventually.”

Lucy shrugs. “Who knows? It could lead to something beautiful.”

She smiles and squeezes Lucy’s hand. “You should probably find Rami. He’s a mess navigating a party without you.”

Lucy smiles. “I should. Take what I said into consideration though, alright?”

Lily nods. “Alright. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

Lucy leaves to find her man, and Lily sits back, watching as everyone enjoys themselves.

---

After frat boy Ben comes clingy Ben. Joe brings him over, and Lily raises a brow.

“I surely hope you’re not here for more bad pick up lines,” she says.

Joe shakes his head. “Nah. He just started whining and wanted to see you, so I brought him over before he could start crying.”

Ben whines into Joe’s shoulder, mumbling incoherently.

Lily nods. “I think we should take him back to his hotel room. He seems a little too far gone.”

Joe nods in agreement. “Yeah. I’m going to stay a little longer and make sure everyone gets back safely, but if you don’t mind taking him back, I’d appreciate it.”

She smiles and nods. “I’ll manage him.” She stands up and lets Joe drape Ben onto her.

Joe smiles and looks at Ben. “You’re with Lily now. Are you happy?”

Ben nuzzles into Lily and nods, mumbling, “Yay. Finally.”

Joe lets out a little laugh. “I’m going to go now. Get back safe, alright?”

She smiles and nods. “Of course. Come along, Ben. Let’s get you home.”

Ben looks up at her and blinks, confused. “Home is in London.” He gasps, eyes wide. “We’re not in London, are we?”

She shakes her head. “No, darling. We’re in Los Angeles. I meant home as in your hotel room.”

Ben blinks, pouting slightly. “I wanna go home.”

She nods, placing a hand on his cheek. “We’re going home tomorrow, lovie.”

He whines, shaking his head. “No, like-- like my room.”

She sighs and supports his waist as he follows her out of the suite and down the hallway. He begins to ramble, and she simply entertains his commentary.

“You look real pretty tonight, Lily.”

“Thank you, Ben. You looked very pretty as well.”

“My stylist chose the suit. I like it.”

“I like it too, Ben.”

“Who chose your outfit?”

“I helped design it with the head fashion stylist at Alexander McQueen.”

“Wow. You did good.”

“I know, love.”

“Can you design something for me?”

“I can do that, Ben.”

Ben squeals happily and buries his head in her shoulder, squeezing her waist tightly. “Yay!”

They get to the elevator and walk in, and Lily presses the button, keeping Ben’s hands away from the console as he reaches for it. He whines and shakes his head, and as the bell dings and they get to the lobby, a chauffer for the BoRhap cast sees them and helps them into the car, where Ben promptly lays his head down in Lily’s lap. He mumbles something as she straps him in and she looks down at him.

“What did you say, darling?”

“Touch my hair.”

She frowns. “Why?”

He looks up at her with pleading eyes. “It feels good.”

She sighs and obliges, running her hands through his hair, and within five minutes of the ride, he’s snoring into her lap. It feels comfortable and soft and she takes a picture of him, smiling. She’s saving that to her hidden files in her camera roll.

When they get to the hotel ten minutes later, she shakes Ben awake, and he lets out a confused noise, lifting his head.

“It’s time to get up, love.”

“We’re home?”

“Mhm. We’re home.”

The driver helps her get Ben out of the car, and he leans heavily on her as they walk inside and to the elevator. They get to Ben’s floor and she takes the key card from his pocket, helping him inside. He flops onto his bed, and she sighs heavily.

“Ben.”

A tired groan.

“Take off your jacket, at least.”

“You do it.”

“Turn over, and I will.”

Ben slowly obliges, and Lily walks over, unbuttoning the jacket. She heaves him up to take it off, and he looks at her, smiling. She looks down at him and raises a brow.

“What’s that look for, Ben?”

“Thanks, Lil.”

She smiles and helps him back down, squeezing his hand. “Of course. It’s no problem, darling. You’d do the same for me.”

She hangs up the jacket and looks back to see Ben failing to unlace his shoes. She leans down and helps him, and when he curls up on the bed, she covers him with a hotel blanket. Immediately, she hears snores, and leaves the room, heading back for her own.

---

Ben wakes up and blinks, confused. He has no idea how he got here, and no idea how he managed to take off and hang his suit jacket and untie his shoe laces. He drank far too much last night, and doesn’t remember much after eating pizza with Joe.

When he sits up, he groans from a pounding headache, and lays back down. He reaches for his phone on the bedside table and groggily tells Siri to call Joe. After putting the phone on speaker phone mode, and a few rings, Joe answers him.

“How much do you hurt?” he asks.

“More than I ever have in my life. Will you tell me what happened?” Ben asks, rubbing his eyes.

“You took some shots, drank some more, hit on Lily with bad pick up lines I gave you, and almost cried when I wouldn’t bring you immediately to her, but ultimately, she brought you back.”

He frowns and groans, burying his face in his hands. “Oh, God… First I almost kiss her, then I hit on her, then she drags my ass back?”

Joe chokes on the water he’s drinking. “You almost did what?!”

“When Rami won, she hugged me, our noses touched, and shit-- I almost leaned in, but I panicked, and then she panicked, and then you made it a group hug.”

Joe lets out a groan. “Why’d I third wheel that? Jesus, Ben, I’m so sorry.”

Ben frowns. “What? You want me to have kissed her?”

Joe scoffs. “Of fucking course I want you to kiss her! You two are soulmates! I want you to get married and have babies!”

Ben shakes his head. “Get the fuck out of here with that crap, mate. I can’t think about things like that.”

Someone opens the hotel room door, and the smell of breakfast wafts into the room. Ben groans and opens one eye, and when he sees Lily walking in with a tray of eggs, salsa, and buttered toast, he blinks, confused.

“Lily? What’s all this?” he asks, slowly sitting up in bed.

“Hangover food. I had a feeling you’d need it.” She holds out a water bottle and two advil. “Take these first.”

Joe greets Lily. “Hi, Lily! How did getting Ben home go?”

She shrugs. “It was fine. He was a bit heavy to carry, but I managed.”

Joe laughs. “Well, I’m gonna let you go now, buddy. Enjoy your meal.”

Joe hangs up, and Ben blushes, unable to meet Lily’s gaze once he’s taken the advil and downed some water. “How’d you get in?”

She holds up his keycard. “I took this from you, because I knew you’d need the meal and I’d need a way to get in.”

He nods, and looks at the meal. “Why salsa?”

She smiles. “Put it in with the eggs. The spice helps immensely. Don’t worry. I told them to give you mild.”

He nods, and does as she says. He bites his lip, leaning back in bed. “Lily, I am so sorry for what I did when I was drunk. How bad were the pick up lines?”

Lily winces. “Pretty bad, mate. I’ll spare you the details.”

He groans, and takes a bite of the food. In a moment, he feels… almost better? He looks up at Lily as if she’s God.

“That already helped. How do you know such good hangover food?”

She looks down at him, and with a straight face, says, “I was an alcoholic, Benjamin.”

Ben covers his mouth, his face flushing bright red. “Oh, shit. I’m so sorry. I absolutely forgot about that.”

Lily smiles gently and ruffles his hair fondly. “It’s alright, Ben. I take no offense.”

He continues eating, and looks absolutely miserable. She sits in a chair in the corner of the room and checks her emails. After a few minutes of silence, Ben speaks up.

“When do we leave the hotel?”

Lily looks at the itinerary and shrugs. “At six tonight. It’s currently eleven a.m., so you have plenty of time to recover and pack.”

Ben nods, slowly chewing his toast. “Okay. Good. If I were to get in a car right now, this meal would go to waste.”

She laughs and nods, rubbing the back of her neck. “I can’t say that’s never happened to me. Taking a bath always helped me with the nausea, so when you’re ready to get up, try that.”

Ben smiles at her and swallows. “Thanks, Lil.”

She smiles back at him. “Don’t mention it.” Her phone buzzes and she looks down at it. “Business call. I have to go, but if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask, alright?”

He nods, and watches as she leaves the room.

Maybe if after all he did to be a nuisance while drunk didn’t drive her away, she truly is his soulmate.

TAGLIST: @andtheytoldustotellyouhello @plethora-of-things @borhap-socials @everybodyplaythegame @i-the-fangirl @deakydeakydeaky @shisterfackisback @samanthadegaro @lv7867 @fatbottomedcurls @redspecialty @haisimsim @peterparkeroos @teenwolflover28 @ixchel-9275 @alessandra-elle @onexlittlespark @queenficarchive @leah-halliwell92 @rrrogah-tayluhh @maddistudiess @queen-fam @evrsncnewyork @reddiefreddieee @babebenhardy

[passanima]

watched Mirror Mirror (2012) and live commented it to my friend... and ended up having a lot to say!

that whole mess under the cut

WARNING for mentions of sexual assault, rape and suicide (... yeah i was not expecting that)

good things: 

it's funny, it's original, the clothes are fantastic, they get it's a fuckin fairy tale and aren't trying to make it gritty, i love the dwarves (except one who acts kinda creepy around snow), the introduction to the movie is told by the evil queen and is computer animated in a very stylistic way and that's cool

bad things:

1/ the director is indian i believe and he made the world very multi-cultured LOOKING. the castle looks indian, there's an african inspired location, some chinese decorations... but almost everyone is white. and while in movies that are very european looking you can "forget" about how everyone being white is weird... here you have a constant reminder that... this isn't normal

2/ snow white... isn't great. i don't get what they were trying to do with her character. she's very innocent like the disney one at first and almost act like a child (and do really stupid things)... then she's trained by the dwarves to fight and becomes more badass and self-assured... which, nice. but she just... feel off? like she's not a real person. also at time things she says/does looks manipulative... and if it's done on purpose, cool i guess, that would be an interesting take on the character. but the thing is. i'm not sure it's on purpose? all the writing on her character is so obvious otherwise i don't see why they would make this part subtle. she just makes no sense

3/ the prince is awful. literally the worst character. think about the most boring disney prince. he's worst! and on top of that; a creep. he has sexist lines and has a sword fight with snow at some point where he repeatedly slap her butt. and dismiss her and tries to flirt with her. completly ignoring what she has to say.

4/ so obviously the romance between them is awful. it's a classic love a first sight but PAINFULLY literally just on appearances. like all he has to say about her is "she's so pretty... her skin... her hair... she's perfect" but it's not better in her part either. they're both shallow as fuck. and we're supposed to pretend this is true love.

5/ there's a rape joke. completely weird and unnecessary. worst, the "haha" part what that it was a man that got raped...

6/ i don't fuckin know what this movie is trying to be. it start pretending the main character is the evil queen with her narrating and SAYING it's her story not snow's. then it put emphasis on snow's father giving her a dagger, foreshadowing she's going to be a fighter princess. and her whole character arc is to go from the abused naive girl who stays at all time in her room to realizing the queen is ruining the knigdom and going all robin hood on her ass to give the money back to the people. but then she's back to classic princess with the literal worst love story. like what! is the plot! and who! is this about!

7/ this scene i just paused on. prince got under a spell to fall for the queen. snow finds out and kidnapp him. then with her dwarves she tries many things (mostly violence) to snap him out of this. until they get to fairy tale logic of "oh wait it has to be a true love kiss" so they all look a her. and she's like "this will be my first kiss" and act all bashful... but not like real bashful? again she looks manipulative for some reason. she's smiling like she just told an obvious lie and is pleased they brought it. i'm so confused over her character! but anyway the dwarves kinda flip over it and one get closer to her and says "oh i can't let this be your first kiss" and i was cheering cause i thought he meant the kiss wouldn't happen but then another dwarf got mad cause he thought the first one meant to kiss her so i was panicked but he went "of course not!" so i relaxed for a bit but it's such a rollercoster and would you believe me this isn't the worst part yet? boy... 

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so the prince was attached the whole time and remember they've been quite violent to him to far. he was crying and in pain and not understanding the situation. so that's already fucked up

but anyway what the first dwarf meant with this not being right is that... she doesn't look pretty enough for her first kiss. like. she needs to be fixed up before it. and go put make up on her. but... you know the beat up prince who's been crying for at least half an hour? let's not touch him, he's good.

i get this is a dumb point when he's literally taken as hostage but who thought... him looking gross was fine but her not wearing lipstick? disgusting!

so anyway she goes to kiss him (and did not ask for consent)... he looks at her with the most deperate face and says "please don't do this" AND AT THIS POINT I’M NOT SURE I CAN KEEP WATCHING THIS

i liked the movie over the top tone... but in this case it's just disgusting because as the rape joke this isn't taken seriously

a kidnapped, tied up, beat up man, who's been crying, and who's BEGIN to not be... like... sexually assaulted... is supposed to be funny

i don't feel full sympathy because he didn't mind sexually harassing HER earlier but what the hell, you know? 

unpaused just to see if she's stop and had to pause again because as she come closer he's visibly SCARED and keeps repeating "no"

this is obviously wrong and scary as fuck but the tone is trying to pass it as funny and i can’t deal with this

HE'S! MAKING! SOUNDS OF DISGUST! AND DISTRESS! AS SHE LEANS IN TO KISS HIM! AND THEY FUCKIN PLAY! ROMANTIC MUSIC OVER IT!

i know he's under a spell and it's good to get him out of it but it's SO creepy also i have to add they go with the true love kiss logic... but she literally has no clue if he loves her or not. she's just as bad (on matter of love) as her step mom

(it's the step-mom who put a love spell on him cause she wanted to marry him and didn't care for his consent... and look! snow assuming he loves her (because that's what she want) and kissing him without his consent!)(what the heck! you can't! make your hero do the same thing as the villain??) 

she stopped for a second and i barely had the time to be relief... for the movie to disappoint me YET AGAIN with her not actually feeling wrong about the whole situation but simply asking the dwarves to leave because she “needs privacy”

like, is she a villain?

hope we get a reveal the subtle manipulative stuff was actually planned and she's evil cause that's the only way i can accept any of that crap

"come back to me" she says to the prince

as if he's... her fuckin fiancé and not a total stranger still? does she even know his name. i don't know his name. just that he's a prince 

in fact, weird thing... i know the name of the country he's from... but not his name

is it on purpose to say he doesn't matter, is just there to be used like a toy by both the queen and princess? i'm scared i'm giving the movie too much credit like with the "snow is manipualtive" thing 

looks at this... you can't make a more "no pls don't" face

he's even sucking his lips in to show he doesn't want to be kissed... but she did anyway!

and i guess his spell was lifted cause he then looked like he was fine with it (which i feel... wouldn't happen even if you took the fake love for the queen off? like he's still in a very creepy situation)

AND the dwarves that were still here... ask to each other "do you think she's enjoying herself" and another answer "yea seems like it"

so my question is...  to enjoy kissing someone without their consent... who were VERY vocal about not consenting... what the fuck are you other than a villain?

he, uh... just thanked her

"thank you for saving me" ... for the kidnapping. and being tied up to a chair. and beaten up many times. and sexual assault. thanks for all that! 

what’s happening now is that a monster? is attacking? and snow lock them (dwarves + prince) inside to fight the monster alone. so +10 manipulative points and +10 stupidity points cause she learned combat recently and still suck at it

she says to the prince, no joke "i've read a lot of stories about princes saving princesses... i think it's time to change that" which uh

very in the face "girl power" thing that would have been fine in a different movie...

but you can't call yourself a fuckin savior after what you did to him + you can't save someone if they're not in danger (she locked them in before anything happened they just hear the monster outside)

"it was the perfect first kiss" bitch

also she's certain the monster is after her for some reason? but at no point in the movie they showed or said anything to imply that... so it just sounds like she has a big ego and think everything is about her............ a bit like the queen!

(NOW they reveal the monster act under the queen. so YES he's after her... but literally she had no reason to believe that up to this point)

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the queen is enjoyable as fuck tho

it can happen that you love the villain more than the hero but here it feels so bad... liking ursula over ariel is fine cause ursula is just more fun and ariel is annoying. it's not like you cheer for ursula to win, or not fully at least. she's just more entertaining...

but here. i legitimately want the "hero" to fail, and while i know the vilain is a bad person and her winning would be awful... i would still prefer that? and that's just fucked up

ideally they would both die

what is this movie how do you fuck up your writting so bad you can't cheer for anyone

also, again, even ignoring all the sexual harassement (from fuckin both side) they have no reason to love each other... they just find the other hot and that's it. you can't pretend "true love" with that! i'm so tired of fairy tales and their retelling always fuckin that part.  if they don't have enough time to know each other and feel more than physical attraction... you have no right to use any of that true love shit!  literally WHERE is the love?!

visual cool stuff: the palace colors is white and yellow and it stays consistant in the costumes and i like when movies does fun stuff with the color coordination

we're at the last 20 minutes of the movie and the queen starts narrating again...  so we're back on this being HER story?

just choose one plot 

turns out the monster is snow’s dad under a spell (she thought he was dead for years now so that must be... fun to realize)

also the MIRROR doesn't make sense 

what the movie implies is that... instead of a witch, the queen is a regular woman who simply use the mirror's magic at her advantage 

but the mirror acts like a person and we were never told it was forced to obey the queen in any way? the mirror even seems to despise her in a very... god-like way? like someone so much more powerful that you just looking down being like "oh that's the choice you make? disappointed but not surprised" 

but if you're a person with free will and disagree on the way she use your magic... and you're not tied to her by a spell of sort... why obey her at all? 

ALSO already said snow sometimes acts weirdly suspicious/manipulative... but there's also times... the actress forgets to act? or something? where she has no reaction or the wrong one, to situations. like when she woke up in the dwarves house with all of them staring down at her... she acts really calm, barely asking questions. full situation is that it's the first time she sees them (or their house) so stranger danger, and the night before she was almost murdered and running around in the forest, panicked, until she fainted. but then she wakes up and has no reaction. completly blank. this time she discover her dad isn't dead and she she does react... but barely. like it’s not such big a deal

she's just weird and her character makes no sense

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they do the apple scene in the most BIZARRE way

i knew it was a snow white story but i didn't expect the apple to happen anymore cause the plot went so far off the original tale

so what happen is the pince and princess get married, as much as it pains me to say it, and THEN... the queen (which i just assumed died cause she was aging extremly fast after her spell got broken and the mirror looked happy about it so i understood it was watching her die live) comes to the wedding and just after the vows are done she gets to snow and goes "it's modest but if you could accept this apple as a gift for your wedding day"

the situation is so weird because it was part of snow character developpement to wise up and not being naive as anymore AND YET she’s ready to bite into it

and just who the fuck show up at a wedding with an apple... doing the apple scene here was a choice but not one i understand!

oh WOW she does actually realize something is up and stop herself before bitting into it... i’m so glad at least one thing in this movie makes sense

AND THEN she does something interesting that remind me of a detail i wanted to talk about!

in the beginning of the movie, when the queen was narrating, we learned that her dad last gift to her was a dagger. and now at like 5 minutes before the end i was wondering... when will it show up again? technically it did before. she used it in an early scene to cut an apple (another reason i thought they would keep the apple scene out: with this being an allusion to the original tale like "haha you get the ref?") and then the dwarves gave it back to her in a fight but she didnt end up using it so i was confused

but here she is using it to cut a slice of the apple...

then smiles at the queen... and says "age before beauty" (what does that even means)(guess it's to do with the queen express aging process) and "it's important to know when you've been beaten" in such... a cunning way

no way all the weird manipulating bits she has was just random, movie pls

+ 1000 manipulative points because now she’s giving the slice to the queen

who... accept it 

cut to the mirror who says "so it was snow's story after all" like YEA i know it's been for a while you only pretended otherwise for the first ten minutes

we're back on the marriage scene and the body of the queen disappear, her clothes falling on the ground implying she did eat the poison apple on her own volution, while snow look at this happens... while smiling... and everyone around scream in confusion and panic

but now they’re clapping? why? they don't even know who it was or what happened to her. they just saw a random old woman disappear magically... are they clapping thinking it was a magic trick? again, i’m confused

snow then moves to the center of the room... looks at everyone... and for an explanation she just smiles

indi music plays and she starts dancing

i'm not... joking

she made her step mom commit suicide and is dancing about it

AND THEN START SINGING

there has been no song until now, it wasn't a musical, and again the director is indian so he can do whatever he wants, but giving this a bollywood ending with indi music, dancind and singing... when everyone is white... is super weird and tone inconsistent I DON'T GET WHAT IS HAPPENING

"i believe in love" is the lyrics of her song

but how do you believe in love when... you have no love for your spouse? or how little you cared about your dad return? or how at the beginning of the movie you were chocked by the kingdom poverty and went all robin hood for them but then completely forgot about it? or the love/forgiveness you didn't have for your step mom (not that she deserved it but)

WHAT TYPE OF LOVE DO YOU BELIEVE IN

most of the song is just “i belive in love” over and over but there’s some other bits like “follow the colors of your dream” and that makes me wonder... what is snow’s dream?

she was given no goal except for her (very short) robin hood moment. she didn’t want a man, just happened to find one. she didn’t want to kill her step mom, just did a random experiment to see if she could force her to commit suicide... so just what are those lyrics about?

every part of her song make me believe even more in my theory that she’s the real villain because she’s way too happy about this

but also this whole song segment... feels fan made? like fans who had fun dressing up as the characters and just wanted to film themselves dancing to make some kind of parody video. this just clash this badly with the rest of the movie

everyone looks happy and is singing and dancing... and i'm just left wondering... why?

a woman died (and again they do not know who she was) in a weird way where her body simply disappeared, then the new queen smiled and started singing about love and they all went with it

it's not even... like a disney movie where the song serves a role. with people singing instead of talking to keep going thru the plot but in a fun way

it just feels out of place and weird

and that’s how the movie ends! on a sudden love song pretending it's an happy ending!

and technically... it kinda is? all spells are broken, the evil queen is dead, there was a wedding...

but i just feel bad and confused and upset

because they kept pretending snow is a good person... when she acted manipulative/evil TOO MANY TIMES to be ignored

like fuck last thing she did before singing was smile in a evil way looking at her step mom dying

also it gave no explanation on the mirror's deal. it looked happy at the queen's death... but why? and also why let her use you if you hate her and what she does

all i feel about her song at the end... is that she's the evil queen now. and is doing her first spell. forcing everyone around to dance and think everything is ok when a woman just died in front of them... she's manipulating them into beliving in her and that they're happy and have nothing to worry about

but the kingdom won't get better, because snow has stopped pretending she's nice and naive, clealy showing her excitment at someone's death... and not caring about her people well being anymore. they think they won with the last queen gone...  but the new one might be worse

i even think snow will find the mirror and they'll start this game all over again

last queen thought it was her story... the mirror just looked at her making her moves, knowing what would come out of it... knowing it was snow's story 

but it's not even snow's story

because this is a loop and there will be someone else after her that will think they're using the mirror... but really it's the mirror using them for it's own entertainment

and that's why it's called mirror mirror

the mirror is the main character

[wigwurq]

WIG REVIEW: BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

Yes, I saw the #1 movie in America the weekend it opened. YAYYYS I saw it for free using Moviepass (!) YES IT IS THE WORST BIOPIC I HAVE EVER SEEN. Yes, really. And I have seen Hysteria: The Def Leppard Story starring Anthony Michael Hall! This is worse! But what about the wigs? Buckle up - I HAVE A LOT TO DISCUSS.

Straight up: I love Queen and Freddie Mercury. And when this movie was announced, I feared that their/his story would be sullied AND I WAS RIGHT. As was Sacha Baron Cohen (THE ONLY PERSON WHO COULD HAVE PLAYED FREDDIE MERCURY) for walking away from this doomed project years ago. We were left with Rami Malek as Mercury instead. I do not watch I, Robot and as far as I can tell, Malek is a malnourished baby bird who is trying his hardest under bad script and directional circumstances. 

We first see him in this lewk which I can only describe as offbrand Laurie Metcalf. This is not the worst wig but gurl it ain’t good.

Before you can say “what year did Laurie Metcalf get that perm on Roseanne?” Mercury suddenly goes from bullied college student/airport baggage attendant to lead singer of of Queen aka “HIS FAMILY!!!!!!” because why waste time on character or story development?! BRING ON THE SILVER CATSUIT AND HOPE EVERYONE JUST LIKES HIS LIPSYNCING! To be fair, Malek can lip sync for his LIFE - even with those prosthetic chompers - and enduring a new wig with bangs that screams “80s mallrat turned single mother”

Also right before officially joining Queen, Mercury meets this bish named Mary who he likes because from what I can tell, she has a nice fur coat and can get him a discount at BIBA. Hey, sounds like true love to me! This movie tells you (for 2+) hours that Mary was Mercury’s AIN’ TRUE LOVE despite him being bi and also giving no examples as to why they like each other except for love of fashion and cats (though this is how I determined most of my gay friendships in college but I didn’t make an overlong movie about it). 

I will give this movie credit for showing Mercury to be the crazy cat lady that he was but honestly, I could have used more kitty content. This movie could have used at LEAST half an hour more on these cats. Seriously.

Instead, we got to see these bedraggled wigs screaming into microphones as they tried to finesse the finer points of the song Bohemian Rhapsody. All of these wigs are basically Halloween versions of Spinal Tap wigs as are the characterizations. 

UGH AND THEN MIKE MYERS TURNED UP. Look, I love So I Married An Axe Murderer as much as the next guy but OYYY. Myers plays an EMI executive who refuses to release Bohemian Rhapsody as a single because it’s too long and operatic and says something like, “no one will ever sing along to the radio to this in their car” because THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT HE DOES IN WAYNE’S WORLD, GET IT?!?!?!?!?! If that Easter Egg doesn’t make your eyes roll out into the Black Sea, his “Da Bears SNL Sketch” look certainly will. 

Of course, Bohemian Rhapsody goes on to be a huge hit and the movie trolls you by putting a bunch of negative reviews of the song on the screen to prove JUST HOW WRONG EVERYONE WAS and just as you’re getting to the singalong part of the song, the movie inexplicably moves into tour montage territory because ????? There are zero consistencies stylistically or otherwise in this movie and it is definitely NOT for anyone who actually likes Queen’s music as their songs are interspersed like a frenetic wedding DJ and their best album, Sheer Heart Attack, doesn’t even get a mention.

The movie is far more content making you wonder whether Mercury will marry Mary despite his bisexuality (spoiler alert: HE DOESN’T) and telling you about ever 5 minutes that QUEEN IS A FAMILY SO STOP TRYING TO BREAK US UP, IRISH CHAUFFEUR FROM DOWNTON ABBEY! 

The wigs get progressively scraggly throughout the late 70s until Mercury decides to cut off all his hair and get a stache which signals the end for the band for some reason (?) and leads to another Easter Egg in which the dude who plays Brian May (who really does look a lot like him) says that he’ll never get a haircut. GET IT, BECAUSE HE NEVER DID. 

Throughout the film, May (who may have been the reason Sacha Baron Cohen rightly walked from this mess) is shown as an angelic guitar god who gave the world (and mainly Queen’s fans) WE WILL ROCK YOU AND THEREFORE CANNOT DO ANY WRONG. Mercury, on the other hand, is led to hell and back via a leather bar and a shitty solo career in Munich by Littlefinger from Game of Thrones and that Downton chauffeur with a mustache. Nothing gets too scandalous or seedy because this movie is rated PG-13 for some reason so you will definitely see Mercury get diagnosed with AIDS but you won’t see how. I choose to blame parttime director and fulltime asshole Bryan Singer for most of the movie’s flaws. OF WHICH THERE ARE MANY. May he be electrocuted in a hot tub for his many crimes, of which this is #1. 

And then we come to the uncanny valley of an ending! This movie chooses to believe that the apex of Queen was their Live Aid performance which is recreated through ALL OF THE COMPUTERS. But first, Mercury goes and finds this random cater waiter who he met once and brings him directly to meet his Indian parents so that his dad can tell him he loves him all on the way to Wembley Stadium the course of about 2 minutes so that they could spend a full 20 minutes showing you THE ENTIRE LIVE AID SET. Because you’d definitely rather watch Malek be Mercury performing to a sea of computers than just, you know, watching the actual performance on YouTube. Meanwhile, some doofus playing Bob Geldof in a sad mullet wig sits in a silent room where no one is making ANY donations for Live Aid until Queen performs. “Based on a true story” has never been truer. IN CONCLUSION I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO MAD AT A MOVIE. Actual footage of Queen performing “Don’t Stop Me Now” plays over the credits and is the only watchable part of the film. 

VERDICT: DOESN’T WURQ

[nerissa98]

Famous - Zerkaahd Imagine

BANG. An overwhelming amount of sound follows. That is it. The tour is finally done. I give the crowd one final wave and walk backstage. The chanting of my name gets quieter the further I walk away from the stage. I get rid of all the accessories Alexis (my stylist) made me wear. Entering my changing room I put the accessories on the make-up table with vanity lighting.

As I sit down on the couch my manager enters the room. "You were absolutely splendid darling. I know you have time off, but don't forget to write. You need to bring out another album soon. The label has been breathing down my neck, lately. They are expecting something new. Go and hit up your little friend Eddie or whatever his name is and collab. Use all your contacts. Write with everyone and their brother. Go all out on this album. Your label and myself are expecting something even better than your last album. Also don't disappear like last time. You need to stay in the Media's eye. Stay relevant even if you're not performing or doing interviews. We cant have everyone forget about you."

Before she even opened her mouth I already knew exactly what she'd say. It's always the same. However I just sucked it up and listened to it for probably the hundred time. Kind of pissed of the fact that she continues to forget Ed's name. He's been one of my best years for years now. She doesn't care about that though. It's only the fact we can write together, that interests her. Sometimes I wonder why I still have her as my manager. My personal health is never a priority. I might drop her and try to find someone else. One that does see my health as a priority and is not consumed by money.

I'm greeted by fresh air as I step out of the building. There were a few people who had VIP passes. I met them after the concert. They were all incredibly nice and so supportive, it's unreal. My fans, they never fail to surprise me with their kindness. I'm so lucky to have their support, their love and their incredibly kind comments on social media. They never fail to brighten up my day.

Even though I love touring. It's the best thing I've had the pleasure of doing. I haven't had any time for myself. Especially these last couple of shows. Instead of meeting up with my manager I decide to go to a coffee shop nearby.

I order my usual and after getting it I go and sit in a booth. I try to take a sip, but I end up burning my lip. It might be smarter to wait for a bit, before I try it again. Opening my phone I see I have quite a bit notifications on different social media platforms. Opening Instagram up first thing I do is upload a picture I took of the crowd tonight. I thank everyone who came to see me not only tonight, but on my entire tour.

I haven't posted it for more than a minute and I already see so many replies rolling out. One catches my eye though. "I absolutely loved tonight's show!! You were incredible!!". This person goes by Zerkaahd. I quickly reply to him. Showing my gratitude for his kind words. Suddenly my phone is blowing up even more. People being so excited that I noticed 'daddy'? What even are they on about? Are the talking about that Zerkaa dude? I look up and go to his profile. He has a check mark, which means he has a lot of followers. Now I'm almost a 100% sure those daddy comments were about him. I log off Insta and go on Twitter.

I've been sitting in this coffee shop for quite a while. I even got another cup of coffee. This stuff is too good. "Hey would you mind taking a picture with me?" I look up to see a tall blond standing next to my table. I smile up at him "Of course not" I reply while standing up. After taking the picture we just talk for a few minutes. We sit down at the booth. He tells me his name is Callum and he went to my concert with a few of his friends. Eventually we both needed to leave. We exchange phone numbers and go our different ways.

There's a party going on, tonight. The people I'm the closest with on tour, are all going. I don't go to London that often, so I'm glad I can follow other people. If it were just me, I'd probably end up getting lost.

After getting ready, Derrick, the guitar player, picks my up from my hotel room. We get in a cab together with Chad, the drummer. The rest of the group is already at this party.

As we pull up to the club, we can already hear the music. Before getting out, we pay the cabdriver. The bouncer recognizes us three and let's us through.

We haven't been in the club for over a minute and both guys have left me. I walk towards the bar and order a drink. Not wanting to get drunk tonight, I stay clear from the alcohol.

30 minutes in and I'm not alone anymore. I've met up with a few of my friends. We are in the center of the dancing floor, dancing our hearts out. It's so much fun. However it does get tiring, so after a while I decide to go sit on the side somewhere.

It takes me a while to get trough the mass of people. Eventually I get to where I want to go. I'm shocked to see Callum standing there. Shaking that off I put a smile on my face and head in his direction. "Callum, hey how are you" I great him. As he turns my direction his smile gets brighter when he realises it's me. He hugs me and answers my question, followed by him asking the same thing to me.

We talk for a bit, but are eventually cut off by someone clearing their throat behind me. We both look at culprit. Callum realises he hasn't introduced his friends to me, so he does that. It's a lot of names to remember. The short Indian guy is Vik, the person who resembles Cal in a way is called Simon, there's another Callum, but the one that stuck by me the most is this Josh guy. He's taller than me, has dark hair, green eyes and a beard. I didn't know that I have a thing for beards, but looking at him made me realise that I do.

After getting introduced to Cal's friends, they all kind of dispersed. They all went their own way. I don't even know where Cal went. The only person that is still here is Josh. Let's make the most of this. I start up a conversation to get to know him a little better. We go back and forth asking and answering questions. Somewhere in the middle of it, we decided to sit down in a booth that is hid away from the rest.

I think I can say that I know Josh quite well. Even though we only met a few hours ago. We've been talking ever since. Talking about anything and everything. I even found out he was the Zerkaa dude who commented on my Instagram post.

I get a text from Chad asking me where I am and if I still want to go back to the hotel with him. After I tell him that I'll be outside in a few, I put my phone away and look back up to Josh. I tell him I have to go. "It was really nice to meet you" I say while I stand up. Walking around the table I stand in front of him and I go in for a hug. We already exchanged numbers earlier tonight. I tell him that we need to meet up in the near future and he agrees. We finally let each other go and I stare into his eyes. I realise I'm already falling for him. His eyes are so easy to get lost in, but somehow I shake myself out of it. I say another goodbye and with that I head outside.

Thank you for reading <3 I hope you enjoyed it :)

Have a nice day x

[jessicakehoe]

Canada’s Drag Race Winner Priyanka On Her Favourite Looks, Wardrobe Malfunctions and More

Shortly after Priyanka won the first season of Canada’s Drag Race, we got on the phone with the Toronto queen to discuss her historic win.

“It feels so cool that in the gay history books to come, it’s going to say “… and Priyanka won Season 1 of Canada’s Drag Race,” she says. “It’s just amazing to have normalized that people of colour can win. I’m getting all these messages from people in India and Guyana and Trinidad and all over the world being like ‘this means a lot, thank you.’ I’m so proud.”

And to honour her game-changing win, we asked her to break down the fabulous outfits and looks that helped bring her to victory—and provided people with so much joy.

“The reason why I do drag is to make people feel good about themselves, to give them an outlet to escape and live their best life, and be proud of who they are. And it also makes me feel good about myself.”

Click through the gallery to see images from a recent shoot exclusive to FASHION, and read on for our interview with Priyanka, Canada’s first Drag Race Superstar.

Photographer: Colin Gaudet. Stylist: Amber Watkins. Makeup: Caroline Levin for Fenty Beauty. Hair: Kirsten Klontz for Bellami Hair and Hot Tools Professional Canada. Producer: Lauren Wheeler. Fashion Assistant: Jenna Aranas.

Photographer: Colin Gaudet. Stylist: Amber Watkins. Makeup: Caroline Levin for Fenty Beauty. Hair: Kirsten Klontz for Bellami Hair and Hot Tools Professional Canada. Producer: Lauren Wheeler. Fashion Assistant: Jenna Aranas.

Photographer: Colin Gaudet. Stylist: Amber Watkins. Makeup: Caroline Levin for Fenty Beauty. Hair: Kirsten Klontz for Bellami Hair and Hot Tools Professional Canada. Producer: Lauren Wheeler. Fashion Assistant: Jenna Aranas.

Photographer: Colin Gaudet. Stylist: Amber Watkins. Makeup: Caroline Levin for Fenty Beauty. Hair: Kirsten Klontz for Bellami Hair and Hot Tools Professional Canada. Producer: Lauren Wheeler. Fashion Assistant: Jenna Aranas.

Photographer: Colin Gaudet. Stylist: Amber Watkins. Makeup: Caroline Levin for Fenty Beauty. Hair: Kirsten Klontz for Bellami Hair and Hot Tools Professional Canada. Producer: Lauren Wheeler. Fashion Assistant: Jenna Aranas.

Photographer: Colin Gaudet. Stylist: Amber Watkins. Makeup: Caroline Levin for Fenty Beauty. Hair: Kirsten Klontz for Bellami Hair and Hot Tools Professional Canada. Producer: Lauren Wheeler. Fashion Assistant: Jenna Aranas.

Photographer: Colin Gaudet. Stylist: Amber Watkins. Makeup: Caroline Levin for Fenty Beauty. Hair: Kirsten Klontz for Bellami Hair and Hot Tools Professional Canada. Producer: Lauren Wheeler. Fashion Assistant: Jenna Aranas.

1/7

Priyanka

Dress, vintage Saint Laurent from Nouveau Riche Vintage. Bow, RVNG. Gloves, Lucinda Miu. Hosiery, Threads. Earrings, Nouveau Riche Vintage. Shoes, Alexandre Vauthier.

2/7

Priyanka

Jacket and romper, Nouveau Riche Vintage. Earrings and nose ring, Red Dot Jewels.

3/7

Priyanka

Dress, Moschino. Eyewear, Silencia. Gloves, Lucinda Miu. Earrings, Red Dot Jewels. Ring, ARMED.

4/7

Priyanka

Jacket, Christopher Kane. Skirt, RVNG. Corset, Artifice. Earrings, Nouveau Riche Vintage. Headpiece, ARMED.

5/7

Priyanka

Dress, Dundas. Skirt, Mani Jassal. Hat, Lilliput Hats. Hood, GORM. Hand piece, Red Dot Jewels.

6/7

Priyanka

Corset, Artifice. Chainmail, ARMED. Rings, Red Dot Jewels.

7/7

Priyanka

Jacket, AREA. Bustier and belt, Nouveau Riche Vintage. Gloves and hand pieces, GORM. Hat, Ruslan Baginskiy. Ring and bracelet, ARMED. Shoes, Amina Muaddi.

Favourite look on the show: The gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous Canadiana-extravaganza-meets-Bollywood-film lehenga gown. This look was the best look of my entire life because it represented two things—my culture and how proud I am to have grown up Hindu and Indo-Caribbean, but also I got to show people how proud I am to be Canadian too. The red and white was an homage to Canada, and also red is a very classic, traditional bridal colour in India. I had to buy two bridal lehengas and cut them in half and Frankenstein them to fit my body, because I’m 6″. I got them from Chandan Fashion on Gerrard Street. It’s so cool, I walk into Chandan and they’re like ‘Priyanka’s here, clear everybody out.’ I would have been scared to walk into a very traditional Indian place that sells saris and all those kinds of things but they’re my Number 1 fans.

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hey people of colour, we can do it too 👑  photo by @shootblake outfit by @matthewjewson fabric from @chandanfashion  #canadasdragrace #worldofwonder #crave #cravecanada #teampriyanka #rpdr #dragrace #prayforpriyanka #bbcthree #logotv 

A post shared by priyanka (@thequeenpriyanka) on Sep 9, 2020 at 2:47pm PDT

Behind-the-scenes wardrobe malfunction: My orange and blue look was amazing. That was hand-braided by my drag mother and it truly was one of those things that on paper didn’t really make a lot of sense but when it was on me, I was like ‘oh this is the look that’s going to win a challenge,’ and it did. But when I was getting into the look on the show, I got into it the wrong way and thought it didn’t fit. I was like ‘omg I’m going to lose this week, I’m going to be in the bottom, I don’t know what’s going to happen.’ But we called Queens Care, they’re like the production assistants, and with their help it finally came together.

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“Last week I gave you slow motion and this week I’m on fast forward. RUN BITCH!” 💙🧡  I’m so honoured to win the episode 3 maxi challenge in a look made by my incredible friend and drag mother @xtacylove!  hair by @crcwigs photo by @_qweenton  I’m almost sold out of all the pre orders for the pins and brand new t shirts. head to thequeenpriyanka.com to get yours 👕  pin illustration by @allabouteve6000  👑 @canadasdragrace airs every Thursday! 🇨🇦 @cravecanada 9pm/et 6pm/pt 🇺🇸 @worldofwonder #wowpresentsplus + other select territories and on Fridays.. 🇬🇧 July 03 on @bbcthree & coming to @logotv Mondays starting July 27th  #canadasdragrace #worldofwonder #crave #cravecanada #teampriyanka #rpdr #dragrace #prayforpriyanka 

A post shared by priyanka (@thequeenpriyanka) on Jul 17, 2020 at 12:22pm PDT

Most daring or complicated look: For one of the design challenges, Lemon, BOA and I did metal looks. I had to duct tape an umbrella to my head and it made me so nauseous to the point where I had to ask to go earlier on the runway because I thought I was going to throw up. The pressure of a piece of metal duct taped to your head is not cute.

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wet. hungry. tired.  I honestly didn’t mean to serve these piece of scrap metal so hard. Drip, drip, bitch!  thank you @therealstaceymckenzie for the runway advice. I just wanted to make you proud cause you scare the shit out of me 👠  @canadasdragrace airs every Thursday at 9pm/et 6pm/pt! 🇨🇦 @cravecanada 🇺🇸 @worldofwonder #wowpresentsplus + other select territories and on Fridays.. 🇬🇧 July 03 on @bbcthree & coming to @logotv Mondays starting July 27th  #canadasdragrace #worldofwonder #crave #cravecanada #teampriyanka #rpdr #dragrace #prayforpriyanka  

A post shared by priyanka (@thequeenpriyanka) on Jul 24, 2020 at 9:15am PDT

An outfit you thought would look amazing but just didn’t: My denim look! Denim and denim. I wore boots and a jacket and a white denim bodysuit, it looked so cute but when I got to the runway they were like ‘meh, whatever.’ I was like ‘oh! okay!’ You can only compare yourself to the other girls, and so many of them had such amazing, incredible denim looks.

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fix your hair girl! Okay fine 🙄  photo by @shootblake outfit by @kittenkaboodleto hair by @wigzaddy inspiration by @salvadorlopezarriaga   #teampriyanka <3  @canadasdragrace airs every Thursday at 9pm/et 6pm/pt! 🇨🇦 @cravecanada 🇺🇸 @worldofwonder #wowpresentsplus + other select territories Fridays.. 🇬🇧 July 03 on @bbcthree and Mondays 🇺🇸 @logotv 8/7C  #canadasdragrace #worldofwonder #crave #cravecanada #teampriyanka #rpdr #dragrace #prayforpriyanka #bbcthree #logotv 

A post shared by priyanka (@thequeenpriyanka) on Aug 6, 2020 at 8:39pm PDT

Most challenging experience: Everyone’s expecting me to say this and they’re not wrong. I completely bombed the infamous Snatch Game. Oopsies! And the reason is not because of my character choice, not because of anything else, but I was just in my head. Right before, Brooke Lynn Hytes said ‘Welcome to Snatch Game.’ I looked over at Lemon and said ‘omg I’m in my head.’ I just gave up and I’m mad at myself for giving up but I made it up to myself with ‘I Drove All Night’ so it’s okay.

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EP105: Snatch Game  Priyanka vs Kiara  @canadasdragrace airs every Thursday at 9pm/et 6pm/pt! 🇨🇦 @cravecanada 🇺🇸 @worldofwonder #wowpresentsplus + other select territories Fridays.. 🇬🇧 July 03 on @bbcthree Mondays… 🇺🇸 @logotv at 8/7C  #canadasdragrace #worldofwonder #crave #cravecanada #teampriyanka #rpdr #dragrace #prayforpriyanka #snatchgame #lipsyncforyourlife

A post shared by priyanka (@thequeenpriyanka) on Jul 30, 2020 at 8:49pm PDT

The post <em>Canada’s Drag Race</em> Winner Priyanka On Her Favourite Looks, Wardrobe Malfunctions and More appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Canada’s Drag Race Winner Priyanka On Her Favourite Looks, Wardrobe Malfunctions and More published first on https://borboletabags.tumblr.com/

[vdbstore-blog]

New Post has been published on Vintage Designer Handbags Online | Vintage Preowned Chanel Luxury Designer Brands Bags & Accessories

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Couples who dress alike: 'It looks like we’re from the same cult' | Fashion

Jimi Phgura, 38, performing artist, and Simran Dhiman-Phgura, 38, freelance stylist, Hertfordshire

Jimi I’ve always worn classic clothes – I love the fabrics and weight that old clothes have. Growing up, I was introduced to them by my older brother, whom I perform with as the Twilight Players – we dance to music from ska to Prince to Stevie Wonder, and we always wear original clothes: the two-tone brogues, the baggies. I’ve had my quiff since I was 13; Jimi the Quiff is what they call me.

When I was growing up, I used to get a lot of hassle for being into vintage stuff. As I’ve got older I’ve thought, no, it’s good to be different. And being with Simran has given me more confidence to dress that way. It makes it more exciting to have both of us wearing it, as opposed to her wearing tracksuit bottoms or something.

I’ve been aware of us dressing similarly since we got together in 2005. When we went out, people would say, “Oh, you guys look amazing.” But it wasn’t until last year, when we decided to start selling a lot of our stuff to fund a trip to Thailand and did Portobello market, only then did I think, oh, people really dig our style. People would see us together and take photos.

I don’t really see it as couples dressing; it’s not as if we sit together and think about what we’re going to wear. Nine times out of 10, we just end up wearing something that matches or complements each other. And now that we’ve got a baby on the way, we’ve started noticing baby vintage stuff; I didn’t know that existed before.

Simran I’m a secondhand queen, I like to shop on eBay and all the apps, from Depop to Vinted. The 50s and 60s are my favourite eras, but at the moment, because I’m pregnant, I’m doing flowy 70s style to accommodate my growing bump.

We influence each other. Jimi has a great eye and I’ve got a great eye, so we do ask each other for advice. If I’m going to a wedding or something, I’ll plan my outfit. We’re of Indian descent and if I’m wearing a vintage sari, he’ll try to complement it with a vintage suit in similar colours. But we never intentionally match. It’s cute sometimes. It just depends on the mood I’m in – sometimes you don’t want to look like your husband.

The baby won’t necessarily look matching; but if I’m dressed in a classic outfit, I might dress the baby in one, too.

Malcolm Mackenzie (in blue top), 43, editor of We Love Pop magazine, and Matthew Wilkinson, 35, architect, London

‘It looks like we’re from the same cult or boy band.’ Photograph: Harriet Turney for the Guardian

Malcolm Matt and I have been going out for 13 years, but we probably only started to dress more similarly when we moved in together eight years ago. I was more subtle before.

We’ve grown to like the same things. I like 80s-inspired stuff, from Duran Duran to Miami Vice, Buffalo. Harrison Ford as Deckard in Blade Runner is a key look, as is Kurt Russell in Overboard and Richard Gere in anything. I like clothes that evoke memories, of a holiday, for instance. We’ve got racks of amazing shirts that conjure up the Mediterranean or the Riviera, but through the prism of the 80s. It’s a fun wardrobe.

We’re not matchy-matchy – if I’m wearing a sweater with a cat and he’s wearing one with a dog, it’s a bit much

We’re not matchy-matchy – if I’m wearing a sweater with a cat on, and he’s wearing a sweater with a dog, then it’s a bit much. I don’t want us to go out looking like overgrown twins or a Little Britain sketch. Sometimes I say, “We can’t both go out wearing a denim shirt”, like Britney and Justin. And I don’t want people to think, because I’m a few years older than Matt, that it’s a Henry Higgins/Eliza Doolittle thing, or Liberace and his chauffeur. I think it looks like we’re from the same cult or boy band: we’re not dressed identically but we do make sure that we look OK together.

We can share clothes only from the waist up – I have legs like spaghetti, he comes from a family of rugby players. We don’t share underwear for the same reason.

Matthew In the 80s, Peter York wrote a book about different tribes: one of them was Babytime, or people who like childish things. We might like a sweatshirt with Bambi on it, or primary colours. To say that we both like cute things is a bit simplistic, but we are quite silly. We’re both happy to be slightly ridiculous.

Colour-blocking is the core thing that describes how I dress. In terms of what I wear, it’s actually pretty classic. I’m not stirring up fashion madness with culottes or anything like that – it’s more about the colours and the textures.

Malcolm is probably a bit wilder than I am, more daring. He has quite a lot of zeitgeisty culture statement T-shirts. He’s got a Golden Girls one that I would never wear – not that he would ever let me. When I was a kid, I would always get my mum to buy me things – orange trousers or stupid rainbow jumpers – and then I would be too scared to wear them. Malcolm has given me the confidence to wear what I want.

Ben Langlands, 62, and Nikki Bell, 58, both Turner-nominated artists, London and Kent

‘I wouldn’t go back and change if we were too matching.’ Photograph: Harriet Turney for the Guardian

Ben We have been collaborating for 40 years, so I do talk about what we wear as a “we”. We’re artists, so we’re free to choose whatever we want to wear; we don’t have to meet other people’s expectations.

Work is our main priority, so we dress to be practical and comfortable. We generally wear jeans and white shirts, occasionally suits, or a jacket with jeans. We’ll wear a single-coloured shirt, like pink or blue, with jeans. Neither of us ever wears dresses – it’s always shirts and trousers.

I don’t think there’s really anything I would wear that she wouldn’t, or vice versa

I remember once, when I first got to know Nikki, we visited the parents of a childhood friend of hers and they showed us a Super 8 film of their daughter’s 12th birthday party. There were about 30 little girls in frocks and one little girl in pink flared trousers. That was Nikki.

We never attempt to match, it just happens naturally. But we’re not terribly self-conscious about it. I don’t think there’s really anything I would wear that she wouldn’t, or vice versa. It’s all quite androgynous.

Nikki My clothes are very simple to wear, wash, pack, maintain. I’ve always been a trousers person.

We met at art school in 1977 and started collaborating in 1978. When we first got together, I don’t think I was conscious of the similarities in the way we dressed. We came together through our work – a piece called The Kitchen, in two halves. I made the old kitchen and Ben the new; they were mirror images of each other.

I wouldn’t try not to match – it’s an individual decision and I wouldn’t go back and change if we were too matching. If that’s what we both wanted to wear, then that’s what we’re wearing.

Langlands & Bell’s Internet Giants: Masters of the Universe opens at the Ikon Gallery in Birmingham in March 2018.

Brittany Bathgate, 27, blogger, and Dean Khalil, 32, builder/artist, Norwich

‘She’s a bit too small for us to share, but I have worn women’s clothes in the past.’ Photograph: Harriet Turney for the Guardian

Brittany We were really different when we first met. Dean was into DIY clothes – he’d dye his own T-shirts, cut them up, write on them. I was massively into Alexa Chung, so my style used to be quite indie It girl – lots of blazers, brogues, peacoats with miniskirts. It was a little bit 60s – sometimes I would wear my hair in a tiny beehive.

In 2013, we went travelling and spent a year in Australia. Before we went away, we didn’t dress similarly, but something switched: after a few months of living near the beach, you give up on wearing anything nice and just live in shorts and a vest out of necessity. So by the time we came home, we had a blank slate, clothes-wise, and got to start building our wardrobes back from scratch.

Dean’s a bit more rough around the edges. His skateboard style is too dirty for me. I iron everything

We’re quite aware of our couples dressing – we do often have to ask what the other is wearing so we’re not too similar. Sometimes if we’re going out, I’ll have got dressed and Dean will be like, “Oh, I was going to wear my blue jacket.”

My style is quite clean and classic. I find it fun to play around with pairings of classic pieces with, say, some crazy, wide-legged trousers. Dean’s a bit more rough around the edges. His skateboard style is too dirty for me. I iron everything and am quite particular.

We both have a lot of stripy tops, navy jackets, the same Levi’s. I’ve always been inspired by men’s clothes, but look for a women’s version – because I’m so small I can’t really wear them.

Dean I like a lot of classic British style – labels like Fred Perry and that sort of 60s look that’s fitted but not fitted. This Is England is a good style reference.

Nine years ago, when we first met, we were both at art school and I was a bit more flamboyant. In the early days of our relationship, I used to wear these black jeggings with bleach on them. I had some big builder’s boots. Our tastes have changed, but in the same direction – we’ve grown together. Sometimes we will literally have the same outfit on.

Brittany’s a bit too small for us to share clothes, but I have worn women’s clothes in the past. I used to wear girls’ jeans – when I was younger I couldn’t get jeans tight enough.

But I also have a lot of clothes that Brittany wouldn’t wear. I have Converse that are about eight years old; once white and now brown. I love them, but Brittany won’t wear shoes once they’ve got a mark on them. Every day when the shoes come off, they are stuffed and go back in the box on the shelf. Everything gets ironed.

Joel Bird, 42, carpenter/author of The Book Of Shed, and Sara Chew, 37, graphic designer/illustrator, London

‘We drifted together, but not consciously – I can’t remember ever thinking, I’d like to dress like Sara.’ Photograph: Harriet Turney for the Guardian

Joel I class my style as 30s/40s. My family thinks that I dress a bit like Indiana Jones. I didn’t set out to dress like this, but I wanted functional clothes for carpentry, and the high-waisted trousers with braces are comfortable. Plus I am interested in that era – I like jazz, and dance swing and balboa.

Even at school I dressed quite unusually – I’ve always been interested in craft. As a lad in Liverpool, I always had a sewing machine, and now I do make some of my clothes. I buy dungarees from eBay or secondhand sites like Rokit and cut the tops off to make them into high-waisted jeans. I often buy old army braces because they’re stronger than fashion braces.

Sara and I have been together for 11 years and living together for nine. I think until about five years ago, Sara dressed more vintage than I did, then we kind of drifted together, but not consciously. I almost don’t like the idea of dressing the same as my partner – it’s my paranoia at the lack of independence. But it’s inevitable – you take influences from each other.

We do sometimes share clothes. Sara steals my stuff, and if I’m desperate I can wear her trousers; but it’d have to be a bad wash day.

Sara I think Joel and I have come to dress the same because we both like things that are practical and well made.

I’m different from Joel in that I’m totally happy for us to dress the same; I’m a graphic designer and illustrator, and I like things to look right. If we go out and we look similar, to me that’s good, because we’re not clashing. I wouldn’t make us go out in matching shellsuits, though.

I’ve been wearing vintage stuff my whole life. For me it’s about the way they fit – because of the type of body I’ve got, I don’t suit a lot of modern clothes. It’s about the cut, the fabric – and the fact that they last better.

• Commenting on this piece? If you would like your comment to be considered for inclusion on Weekend magazine’s letters page in print, please email weekend@theguardian.com, including your name and address (not for publication).

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[jimdsmith34]

I’m Starting The Cameran Eubanks Is Over Party

Last week onwas the hunting trip and I hope the group has all recovered from their hangovers. I know I am still feeling yesterdays shenanigans, for one. #NeverDrinkingOnASundayAgain #UntilNextSunday

Kathryn calls Whitney to catch up or get coffee. I hope she doesnt hold her breath waiting for that call to get returned. Or did we watch different season threes?

I really did not need this gratuitous scene of Thomas driving around Charleston telling Kenzie about all the buildings his family owns. Like, we get it. Youre rich and powerful.

Naomie and Craig go to a couples therapist. The therapist looks like one of those cool dad types who wears Hawaiian shirts in his off time and says things like “I’m down. I’m hip. Right, guys?”

Craig: Im not saying that Naomie shouldnt question me ever because shes my girlfriend, Im saying she shouldnt be my girlfriend unless shes willing to have a blind and unwavering devotion to everything I say and do.

That’s not alarming at all…

Honestly, Im kind of with Craig on the whole being from the North is not yelling thing, though.

Craigs denying that he called Naomie a moron. This is truly some Donald Trump level of denial. WE HAVE YOU ON TAPE. Can we roll the playback, please? Craig, welcome to your tape.

Landon show sup to some bar and orders herself a shot and a beer. Respect, honestly.

Landons wearing a flannel because shes trying to attract more lumbersexuals. Where they at in Charleston, though? Also, girl, you have a boyfriend AND another older guy you’re trying to seduce. It’s enough.

Austen asks Landon about Drew who is apparently asking Landon if she loves him. Poor guy, he has no idea whats in store for him.

Landon says shes ready to settle down again because her dog is getting old, basically. Sure, thats as good a reason as any.

Shep walks in and says Where theres smoke theres fire, and Landon and Austen are looking very amorous. Cant you just say they look cozy like a normal fucking person? Also, no they do not look amorous. They look like two people having a normal conversation. Just because you use big words doesn’t mean you’re automatically right.

Drink again because Shep described Chelsea as laissez-faire. Just call her laid back, dude. Shes a person, not an economic theory of capitalism. He also thinks that he should be dating Chelsea because they both DGAF but you cant have two people in a relationship who DGAF; thats just a recipe for disaster. SOMEBODY has to give a fuck.

Thomas visits his dad whos approximately 800 years old. He seems to work for the Museum of the Confederacy

Me:

Thomas dad is like back in the good ol days you could get a hot dog for a nickel and a slave for a dime! Those were the days.

Im sorry but Thomass dad needs his own subtitles because I cannot understand this man for shit. He asks his dad for advice and his dads like Buy low, sell high. Thanks, dad, Why didn’t you just tell him plastics? That would have been just as helpful.

Austen and Chelsea are in some American Ninja Warrior wet dream/obstacle course situation. This looks like a bad date youd see in . NEXT!

Theyre betting each other for kisses like this is fucking middle school.

Oh wow, Austen had an older sister who passed away in an accident. Thats terrible. A moment of silence. This shit is sad.

Austens sisters name was Kyle and Chelsea is like OMG Kyle? Thats my brothers name! Bitch, this is not about you.

Patricias got some bougie-ass friend visiting her who literally specifies what type of glass she wants her vodka tonic in. Come on, this is a vodka tonic, not some expensive wine. Its gonna taste the same regardless of the type of stem on the glass.

Patricia is throwing an Indian themed party to celebrate her lily white friend.

Me:

Kathryn goes into Chelseas salon for a hair cut. I smell a set-up.

Kathryn: Shep told me you were a great stylist, aka the producers are making me come here.

Kathryn: Money doesnt grow on trees spoken by the lady whos trying out modeling instead of getting a real job to support her two infant children.

JD goes over to Thomas house (or office, I cant tell, fuck it) and Thomas is like I heard Kathryn and Elizabeth are hanging out. Like, no shit, they are friends? Thomas brings up Kathryns letter and this shit is long. Like 18 pages front and back long. I’m not recapping the contents of the letter because I fell asleep.

Kathryn: If I were to see Thomas Id just want to give him a big hug.

Ive never heard that synonym for punch to the face before.

Kathryn: Thats the thing with Thomas. Hes such an asshole but hes a good person.

Me trying to figure out how that makes any sense at all:

Patricia and her friend are wearing matching dog caftans. I have no comment. I mean, my grandma (may she rest in peace) used to wear 90s windbreaker tracksuit outfits well into the 2000s, so we all have our things.

Craig and Naomie are getting ready for the party and Craig is like Therapy was great, clearly the lesson we learned was please be nice to me tonight and dont treat me like shit. Real productive session.

Landon shows up to this party alone, so I guess Drew or whatever his name is is officially over.

Patricia is explaining how to eat curry, i.e. you take the rice and you put the curry on top of the rice. Cameron says Oh snap! What, putting shit on top of rice is too much for you to handle, Cam?

Cameran would be sucking up to this lady for not letting people curse at the dinner table. Bitch, please. You asked Shep last week of Chelsea gave him a hard-on. Just because you used the word “weiner” instead of “dick” doesn’t make you a saint. Please drop the Holier Than Thou act.

Patricia brings an Indian healer aka a lady whos gonna bring everyone up into the hot seat and make unfounded speculations about each of them. Can’t wait:

SHEP HAS NO CHILL. Craig goes up there and hes like Will Craig ever admit law isnt his true passion?

Healer lady: No, because law is his true passion.

Boom, roasted by the Indian healer!

Craig asks the healer about his connection with Naomie and the healer calls them soulmates. Naomies face is like fuck you, fuck you fuck you. This is her facial expression:

Kind of an odd reaction to hearing you and your current boyfriend are going to be together forever.

I wonder how much the producers paid this Indian healer to tell Landon that she has a soulmate in this room.

Whitney is bringing up Kathryns sobriety to the healer, aka a woman who doesn’t even know Kathryn, which seems highly inappropriate. What wont these producers do for ratings?

Craig: As a completely objective third party with no personal interest in the matter, I think what Kathryns doing is fine and she should be allowed to apologize.

Cam: Im sick of this, stay out of it!

^Says the woman whos constantly all up in everybodys business.

Honestly, this high society lady getting morally offended by the word fuck needs to fuck off. Come the fuck on, bitch, You were alive when abortions werent legal and youre gonna act like you cant stand hearing the word fuck? One more time because I’m petty: FUCK!!!!

Im truly over Cameran. Im starting the Cameran is over party. Tryna talk about We need to stay out of Thomas and Kathryns business when she stirs up everybodys business. Girl, bye. 

source http://allofbeer.com/2017/07/19/im-starting-the-cameran-eubanks-is-over-party/ from All of Beer http://allofbeer.blogspot.com/2017/07/im-starting-cameran-eubanks-is-over.html

[samanthasroberts]

I’m Starting The Cameran Eubanks Is Over Party

Last week onwas the hunting trip and I hope the group has all recovered from their hangovers. I know I am still feeling yesterdays shenanigans, for one. #NeverDrinkingOnASundayAgain #UntilNextSunday

Kathryn calls Whitney to catch up or get coffee. I hope she doesnt hold her breath waiting for that call to get returned. Or did we watch different season threes?

I really did not need this gratuitous scene of Thomas driving around Charleston telling Kenzie about all the buildings his family owns. Like, we get it. Youre rich and powerful.

Naomie and Craig go to a couples therapist. The therapist looks like one of those cool dad types who wears Hawaiian shirts in his off time and says things like “I’m down. I’m hip. Right, guys?”

Craig: Im not saying that Naomie shouldnt question me ever because shes my girlfriend, Im saying she shouldnt be my girlfriend unless shes willing to have a blind and unwavering devotion to everything I say and do.

That’s not alarming at all…

Honestly, Im kind of with Craig on the whole being from the North is not yelling thing, though.

Craigs denying that he called Naomie a moron. This is truly some Donald Trump level of denial. WE HAVE YOU ON TAPE. Can we roll the playback, please? Craig, welcome to your tape.

Landon show sup to some bar and orders herself a shot and a beer. Respect, honestly.

Landons wearing a flannel because shes trying to attract more lumbersexuals. Where they at in Charleston, though? Also, girl, you have a boyfriend AND another older guy you’re trying to seduce. It’s enough.

Austen asks Landon about Drew who is apparently asking Landon if she loves him. Poor guy, he has no idea whats in store for him.

Landon says shes ready to settle down again because her dog is getting old, basically. Sure, thats as good a reason as any.

Shep walks in and says Where theres smoke theres fire, and Landon and Austen are looking very amorous. Cant you just say they look cozy like a normal fucking person? Also, no they do not look amorous. They look like two people having a normal conversation. Just because you use big words doesn’t mean you’re automatically right.

Drink again because Shep described Chelsea as laissez-faire. Just call her laid back, dude. Shes a person, not an economic theory of capitalism. He also thinks that he should be dating Chelsea because they both DGAF but you cant have two people in a relationship who DGAF; thats just a recipe for disaster. SOMEBODY has to give a fuck.

Thomas visits his dad whos approximately 800 years old. He seems to work for the Museum of the Confederacy

Me:

Thomas dad is like back in the good ol days you could get a hot dog for a nickel and a slave for a dime! Those were the days.

Im sorry but Thomass dad needs his own subtitles because I cannot understand this man for shit. He asks his dad for advice and his dads like Buy low, sell high. Thanks, dad, Why didn’t you just tell him plastics? That would have been just as helpful.

Austen and Chelsea are in some American Ninja Warrior wet dream/obstacle course situation. This looks like a bad date youd see in . NEXT!

Theyre betting each other for kisses like this is fucking middle school.

Oh wow, Austen had an older sister who passed away in an accident. Thats terrible. A moment of silence. This shit is sad.

Austens sisters name was Kyle and Chelsea is like OMG Kyle? Thats my brothers name! Bitch, this is not about you.

Patricias got some bougie-ass friend visiting her who literally specifies what type of glass she wants her vodka tonic in. Come on, this is a vodka tonic, not some expensive wine. Its gonna taste the same regardless of the type of stem on the glass.

Patricia is throwing an Indian themed party to celebrate her lily white friend.

Me:

Kathryn goes into Chelseas salon for a hair cut. I smell a set-up.

Kathryn: Shep told me you were a great stylist, aka the producers are making me come here.

Kathryn: Money doesnt grow on trees spoken by the lady whos trying out modeling instead of getting a real job to support her two infant children.

JD goes over to Thomas house (or office, I cant tell, fuck it) and Thomas is like I heard Kathryn and Elizabeth are hanging out. Like, no shit, they are friends? Thomas brings up Kathryns letter and this shit is long. Like 18 pages front and back long. I’m not recapping the contents of the letter because I fell asleep.

Kathryn: If I were to see Thomas Id just want to give him a big hug.

Ive never heard that synonym for punch to the face before.

Kathryn: Thats the thing with Thomas. Hes such an asshole but hes a good person.

Me trying to figure out how that makes any sense at all:

Patricia and her friend are wearing matching dog caftans. I have no comment. I mean, my grandma (may she rest in peace) used to wear 90s windbreaker tracksuit outfits well into the 2000s, so we all have our things.

Craig and Naomie are getting ready for the party and Craig is like Therapy was great, clearly the lesson we learned was please be nice to me tonight and dont treat me like shit. Real productive session.

Landon shows up to this party alone, so I guess Drew or whatever his name is is officially over.

Patricia is explaining how to eat curry, i.e. you take the rice and you put the curry on top of the rice. Cameron says Oh snap! What, putting shit on top of rice is too much for you to handle, Cam?

Cameran would be sucking up to this lady for not letting people curse at the dinner table. Bitch, please. You asked Shep last week of Chelsea gave him a hard-on. Just because you used the word “weiner” instead of “dick” doesn’t make you a saint. Please drop the Holier Than Thou act.

Patricia brings an Indian healer aka a lady whos gonna bring everyone up into the hot seat and make unfounded speculations about each of them. Can’t wait:

SHEP HAS NO CHILL. Craig goes up there and hes like Will Craig ever admit law isnt his true passion?

Healer lady: No, because law is his true passion.

Boom, roasted by the Indian healer!

Craig asks the healer about his connection with Naomie and the healer calls them soulmates. Naomies face is like fuck you, fuck you fuck you. This is her facial expression:

Kind of an odd reaction to hearing you and your current boyfriend are going to be together forever.

I wonder how much the producers paid this Indian healer to tell Landon that she has a soulmate in this room.

Whitney is bringing up Kathryns sobriety to the healer, aka a woman who doesn’t even know Kathryn, which seems highly inappropriate. What wont these producers do for ratings?

Craig: As a completely objective third party with no personal interest in the matter, I think what Kathryns doing is fine and she should be allowed to apologize.

Cam: Im sick of this, stay out of it!

^Says the woman whos constantly all up in everybodys business.

Honestly, this high society lady getting morally offended by the word fuck needs to fuck off. Come the fuck on, bitch, You were alive when abortions werent legal and youre gonna act like you cant stand hearing the word fuck? One more time because I’m petty: FUCK!!!!

Im truly over Cameran. Im starting the Cameran is over party. Tryna talk about We need to stay out of Thomas and Kathryns business when she stirs up everybodys business. Girl, bye. 

Source: http://allofbeer.com/2017/07/19/im-starting-the-cameran-eubanks-is-over-party/

from All of Beer https://allofbeer.wordpress.com/2017/07/19/im-starting-the-cameran-eubanks-is-over-party/

[adambstingus]

I’m Starting The Cameran Eubanks Is Over Party

Last week onwas the hunting trip and I hope the group has all recovered from their hangovers. I know I am still feeling yesterdays shenanigans, for one. #NeverDrinkingOnASundayAgain #UntilNextSunday

Kathryn calls Whitney to catch up or get coffee. I hope she doesnt hold her breath waiting for that call to get returned. Or did we watch different season threes?

I really did not need this gratuitous scene of Thomas driving around Charleston telling Kenzie about all the buildings his family owns. Like, we get it. Youre rich and powerful.

Naomie and Craig go to a couples therapist. The therapist looks like one of those cool dad types who wears Hawaiian shirts in his off time and says things like “I’m down. I’m hip. Right, guys?”

Craig: Im not saying that Naomie shouldnt question me ever because shes my girlfriend, Im saying she shouldnt be my girlfriend unless shes willing to have a blind and unwavering devotion to everything I say and do.

That’s not alarming at all…

Honestly, Im kind of with Craig on the whole being from the North is not yelling thing, though.

Craigs denying that he called Naomie a moron. This is truly some Donald Trump level of denial. WE HAVE YOU ON TAPE. Can we roll the playback, please? Craig, welcome to your tape.

Landon show sup to some bar and orders herself a shot and a beer. Respect, honestly.

Landons wearing a flannel because shes trying to attract more lumbersexuals. Where they at in Charleston, though? Also, girl, you have a boyfriend AND another older guy you’re trying to seduce. It’s enough.

Austen asks Landon about Drew who is apparently asking Landon if she loves him. Poor guy, he has no idea whats in store for him.

Landon says shes ready to settle down again because her dog is getting old, basically. Sure, thats as good a reason as any.

Shep walks in and says Where theres smoke theres fire, and Landon and Austen are looking very amorous. Cant you just say they look cozy like a normal fucking person? Also, no they do not look amorous. They look like two people having a normal conversation. Just because you use big words doesn’t mean you’re automatically right.

Drink again because Shep described Chelsea as laissez-faire. Just call her laid back, dude. Shes a person, not an economic theory of capitalism. He also thinks that he should be dating Chelsea because they both DGAF but you cant have two people in a relationship who DGAF; thats just a recipe for disaster. SOMEBODY has to give a fuck.

Thomas visits his dad whos approximately 800 years old. He seems to work for the Museum of the Confederacy

Me:

Thomas dad is like back in the good ol days you could get a hot dog for a nickel and a slave for a dime! Those were the days.

Im sorry but Thomass dad needs his own subtitles because I cannot understand this man for shit. He asks his dad for advice and his dads like Buy low, sell high. Thanks, dad, Why didn’t you just tell him plastics? That would have been just as helpful.

Austen and Chelsea are in some American Ninja Warrior wet dream/obstacle course situation. This looks like a bad date youd see in . NEXT!

Theyre betting each other for kisses like this is fucking middle school.

Oh wow, Austen had an older sister who passed away in an accident. Thats terrible. A moment of silence. This shit is sad.

Austens sisters name was Kyle and Chelsea is like OMG Kyle? Thats my brothers name! Bitch, this is not about you.

Patricias got some bougie-ass friend visiting her who literally specifies what type of glass she wants her vodka tonic in. Come on, this is a vodka tonic, not some expensive wine. Its gonna taste the same regardless of the type of stem on the glass.

Patricia is throwing an Indian themed party to celebrate her lily white friend.

Me:

Kathryn goes into Chelseas salon for a hair cut. I smell a set-up.

Kathryn: Shep told me you were a great stylist, aka the producers are making me come here.

Kathryn: Money doesnt grow on trees spoken by the lady whos trying out modeling instead of getting a real job to support her two infant children.

JD goes over to Thomas house (or office, I cant tell, fuck it) and Thomas is like I heard Kathryn and Elizabeth are hanging out. Like, no shit, they are friends? Thomas brings up Kathryns letter and this shit is long. Like 18 pages front and back long. I’m not recapping the contents of the letter because I fell asleep.

Kathryn: If I were to see Thomas Id just want to give him a big hug.

Ive never heard that synonym for punch to the face before.

Kathryn: Thats the thing with Thomas. Hes such an asshole but hes a good person.

Me trying to figure out how that makes any sense at all:

Patricia and her friend are wearing matching dog caftans. I have no comment. I mean, my grandma (may she rest in peace) used to wear 90s windbreaker tracksuit outfits well into the 2000s, so we all have our things.

Craig and Naomie are getting ready for the party and Craig is like Therapy was great, clearly the lesson we learned was please be nice to me tonight and dont treat me like shit. Real productive session.

Landon shows up to this party alone, so I guess Drew or whatever his name is is officially over.

Patricia is explaining how to eat curry, i.e. you take the rice and you put the curry on top of the rice. Cameron says Oh snap! What, putting shit on top of rice is too much for you to handle, Cam?

Cameran would be sucking up to this lady for not letting people curse at the dinner table. Bitch, please. You asked Shep last week of Chelsea gave him a hard-on. Just because you used the word “weiner” instead of “dick” doesn’t make you a saint. Please drop the Holier Than Thou act.

Patricia brings an Indian healer aka a lady whos gonna bring everyone up into the hot seat and make unfounded speculations about each of them. Can’t wait:

SHEP HAS NO CHILL. Craig goes up there and hes like Will Craig ever admit law isnt his true passion?

Healer lady: No, because law is his true passion.

Boom, roasted by the Indian healer!

Craig asks the healer about his connection with Naomie and the healer calls them soulmates. Naomies face is like fuck you, fuck you fuck you. This is her facial expression:

Kind of an odd reaction to hearing you and your current boyfriend are going to be together forever.

I wonder how much the producers paid this Indian healer to tell Landon that she has a soulmate in this room.

Whitney is bringing up Kathryns sobriety to the healer, aka a woman who doesn’t even know Kathryn, which seems highly inappropriate. What wont these producers do for ratings?

Craig: As a completely objective third party with no personal interest in the matter, I think what Kathryns doing is fine and she should be allowed to apologize.

Cam: Im sick of this, stay out of it!

^Says the woman whos constantly all up in everybodys business.

Honestly, this high society lady getting morally offended by the word fuck needs to fuck off. Come the fuck on, bitch, You were alive when abortions werent legal and youre gonna act like you cant stand hearing the word fuck? One more time because I’m petty: FUCK!!!!

Im truly over Cameran. Im starting the Cameran is over party. Tryna talk about We need to stay out of Thomas and Kathryns business when she stirs up everybodys business. Girl, bye. 

from All Of Beer http://allofbeer.com/2017/07/19/im-starting-the-cameran-eubanks-is-over-party/ from All of Beer https://allofbeercom.tumblr.com/post/163164270437

[allofbeercom]

I’m Starting The Cameran Eubanks Is Over Party

Last week onwas the hunting trip and I hope the group has all recovered from their hangovers. I know I am still feeling yesterdays shenanigans, for one. #NeverDrinkingOnASundayAgain #UntilNextSunday

Kathryn calls Whitney to catch up or get coffee. I hope she doesnt hold her breath waiting for that call to get returned. Or did we watch different season threes?

I really did not need this gratuitous scene of Thomas driving around Charleston telling Kenzie about all the buildings his family owns. Like, we get it. Youre rich and powerful.

Naomie and Craig go to a couples therapist. The therapist looks like one of those cool dad types who wears Hawaiian shirts in his off time and says things like “I’m down. I’m hip. Right, guys?”

Craig: Im not saying that Naomie shouldnt question me ever because shes my girlfriend, Im saying she shouldnt be my girlfriend unless shes willing to have a blind and unwavering devotion to everything I say and do.

That’s not alarming at all…

Honestly, Im kind of with Craig on the whole being from the North is not yelling thing, though.

Craigs denying that he called Naomie a moron. This is truly some Donald Trump level of denial. WE HAVE YOU ON TAPE. Can we roll the playback, please? Craig, welcome to your tape.

Landon show sup to some bar and orders herself a shot and a beer. Respect, honestly.

Landons wearing a flannel because shes trying to attract more lumbersexuals. Where they at in Charleston, though? Also, girl, you have a boyfriend AND another older guy you’re trying to seduce. It’s enough.

Austen asks Landon about Drew who is apparently asking Landon if she loves him. Poor guy, he has no idea whats in store for him.

Landon says shes ready to settle down again because her dog is getting old, basically. Sure, thats as good a reason as any.

Shep walks in and says Where theres smoke theres fire, and Landon and Austen are looking very amorous. Cant you just say they look cozy like a normal fucking person? Also, no they do not look amorous. They look like two people having a normal conversation. Just because you use big words doesn’t mean you’re automatically right.

Drink again because Shep described Chelsea as laissez-faire. Just call her laid back, dude. Shes a person, not an economic theory of capitalism. He also thinks that he should be dating Chelsea because they both DGAF but you cant have two people in a relationship who DGAF; thats just a recipe for disaster. SOMEBODY has to give a fuck.

Thomas visits his dad whos approximately 800 years old. He seems to work for the Museum of the Confederacy

Me:

Thomas dad is like back in the good ol days you could get a hot dog for a nickel and a slave for a dime! Those were the days.

Im sorry but Thomass dad needs his own subtitles because I cannot understand this man for shit. He asks his dad for advice and his dads like Buy low, sell high. Thanks, dad, Why didn’t you just tell him plastics? That would have been just as helpful.

Austen and Chelsea are in some American Ninja Warrior wet dream/obstacle course situation. This looks like a bad date youd see in . NEXT!

Theyre betting each other for kisses like this is fucking middle school.

Oh wow, Austen had an older sister who passed away in an accident. Thats terrible. A moment of silence. This shit is sad.

Austens sisters name was Kyle and Chelsea is like OMG Kyle? Thats my brothers name! Bitch, this is not about you.

Patricias got some bougie-ass friend visiting her who literally specifies what type of glass she wants her vodka tonic in. Come on, this is a vodka tonic, not some expensive wine. Its gonna taste the same regardless of the type of stem on the glass.

Patricia is throwing an Indian themed party to celebrate her lily white friend.

Me:

Kathryn goes into Chelseas salon for a hair cut. I smell a set-up.

Kathryn: Shep told me you were a great stylist, aka the producers are making me come here.

Kathryn: Money doesnt grow on trees spoken by the lady whos trying out modeling instead of getting a real job to support her two infant children.

JD goes over to Thomas house (or office, I cant tell, fuck it) and Thomas is like I heard Kathryn and Elizabeth are hanging out. Like, no shit, they are friends? Thomas brings up Kathryns letter and this shit is long. Like 18 pages front and back long. I’m not recapping the contents of the letter because I fell asleep.

Kathryn: If I were to see Thomas Id just want to give him a big hug.

Ive never heard that synonym for punch to the face before.

Kathryn: Thats the thing with Thomas. Hes such an asshole but hes a good person.

Me trying to figure out how that makes any sense at all:

Patricia and her friend are wearing matching dog caftans. I have no comment. I mean, my grandma (may she rest in peace) used to wear 90s windbreaker tracksuit outfits well into the 2000s, so we all have our things.

Craig and Naomie are getting ready for the party and Craig is like Therapy was great, clearly the lesson we learned was please be nice to me tonight and dont treat me like shit. Real productive session.

Landon shows up to this party alone, so I guess Drew or whatever his name is is officially over.

Patricia is explaining how to eat curry, i.e. you take the rice and you put the curry on top of the rice. Cameron says Oh snap! What, putting shit on top of rice is too much for you to handle, Cam?

Cameran would be sucking up to this lady for not letting people curse at the dinner table. Bitch, please. You asked Shep last week of Chelsea gave him a hard-on. Just because you used the word “weiner” instead of “dick” doesn’t make you a saint. Please drop the Holier Than Thou act.

Patricia brings an Indian healer aka a lady whos gonna bring everyone up into the hot seat and make unfounded speculations about each of them. Can’t wait:

SHEP HAS NO CHILL. Craig goes up there and hes like Will Craig ever admit law isnt his true passion?

Healer lady: No, because law is his true passion.

Boom, roasted by the Indian healer!

Craig asks the healer about his connection with Naomie and the healer calls them soulmates. Naomies face is like fuck you, fuck you fuck you. This is her facial expression:

Kind of an odd reaction to hearing you and your current boyfriend are going to be together forever.

I wonder how much the producers paid this Indian healer to tell Landon that she has a soulmate in this room.

Whitney is bringing up Kathryns sobriety to the healer, aka a woman who doesn’t even know Kathryn, which seems highly inappropriate. What wont these producers do for ratings?

Craig: As a completely objective third party with no personal interest in the matter, I think what Kathryns doing is fine and she should be allowed to apologize.

Cam: Im sick of this, stay out of it!

^Says the woman whos constantly all up in everybodys business.

Honestly, this high society lady getting morally offended by the word fuck needs to fuck off. Come the fuck on, bitch, You were alive when abortions werent legal and youre gonna act like you cant stand hearing the word fuck? One more time because I’m petty: FUCK!!!!

Im truly over Cameran. Im starting the Cameran is over party. Tryna talk about We need to stay out of Thomas and Kathryns business when she stirs up everybodys business. Girl, bye. 

from All Of Beer http://allofbeer.com/2017/07/19/im-starting-the-cameran-eubanks-is-over-party/

[kohleyed7]

What did I do over the weekend?

Friday:

How about starting the weekend with pamper time? I did just that, prepping for it from the afternoon at work itself. I fall into the sponsored ads with the greed of getting more by paying less. I booked an appointment on the online beauty parlour.

Firstly, I waited and waited for an hour. 2 beauticians assigned for me but both in hurry to complete their respective task (neither of them done it perfectly). My previously well-cut styled hair got ruined (nothing ‘creative hair cut’). Facial and pedicure wrapped up in half hour with no relax feeling.

Lesson learned: Never book an appointment with the company again.

(It would have been much better I did it by myself as I do it often, but I would like to try UrbanClap once due to their good reviews)

Saturday:

H surprised me by telling ‘how about visiting to your moms’ place?’ I was over the moon but I did not reveal it ;)

We travelled via Mumbai local train (as usual). Needless to say they are overcrowded but still I like them. They are the part of my teen life and 20’s.

Mumbai local track

Ballerina from honey

I love these ballerinas from honey. A gift from H on our second wedding anniversary (2014), the only anniversary we celebrated which eventually did not turn out good (many reasons not to celebrate).

Moms place = No work = Relaxation = Ready Cooked Food

Sev Puri: My one of the favourite Indian chat from many

Sunday:

Lazy morning. Tasty breakfast by Mom. Non-veg food for lunch (Had pomfrey fish after many years).

I was pissed off due to late train and the afternoon heat.

We were on the way to visit a newborn baby. (I was hesitant considering my infertility status). I am not jealous with the pregnancy or baby birth news. Yes but it does hurt and hauls me inside the infertility void. Moreover when I surely know that H would have a reason again to put a finger on me.

I wiped away the image of the newborn from my mind otherwise it would have left me scarred again.

Though I couldn’t get it out while I was folding the laundry and it consumed me. I was numb. I cried to myself. I folded hands and prayed and questioned all over again.

I closed my eyes to hear the question, “When will we have?” and I drowned in sleep as the tear trickled down the corner of my eyes.

Weekend- Reminder of my Infertility What did I do over the weekend? Friday: How about starting the weekend with pamper time? I did just that, prepping for it from the afternoon at work itself.

[buttonstravels]

Abroad: My Solo Adventure

Covers: November 11th - 12th

In my post about cutting my own hair, I mentioned that I still wanted to get my Astrid Kirchherr cut, and on a blustery Friday noon in November, I went into a German stylist and in my broken German told her what I wanted.  Getting the cut removed all the red dye from my hair and suddenly I was completely blonde again and I felt like a new person.  With only a few minutes to run home and grab my backpack, though, I headed off to the Hauptbahnhof to catch my train to Frankfurt.  See, despite my haircut, it was by far not the most exciting thing happening that day: I had a ticket to see The Lumineers in Wiesbaden that night.  

I’ve loved The Lumineers and their music since my senior year of high school when I first heard “Flowers in Your Hair.”  Before leaving for my freshman year of college my parents and I just missed getting tickets to their show in Portland.  So when they came out with Cleopatra, there was no way I was going to miss seeing them.  I bought my ticket in April, only a few weeks after the album came out, and was thrilled then for my solo adventure.

Anyway.  In a flurry I got to return home to show Quinn my cut and grab my stuff, and then I was off.  The three hour train ride to Frankfurt consisted mostly of prepping for the show and knitting.  When I arrived it was 3:45, which gave me just enough time to check into the hostel (the same one Quinn and I had stayed at before going to the UK), set up my sheets, and grab some dinner.  Then I got my ticket for the 40 minute ride out to Wiesbaden, and arrived in town right as doors opened.  It was busy, the line stretched far back along the road.  It was so strange to be so alone amongst all these groups and couples all on my own, but thrilling nonetheless.

Indoors, as I marveled at the giant, mostly empty, warehouse with a stage that was the Schlachthof, I slipped myself forward so I ended up basically in the third row of people.  Before the opener came on, two women in front of me from Mannheim started chatting with me, then two Indian men working in Ann Arbor joined in the conversation.  The Bahamas were the openers, and they rocked the house, playing a “shoo be doo wop” song I have been unable to find since, as well as their hits.

During the Bahamas a joyfully drunk German woman and her friends came into the fray, getting very excited that I was from America.  Throughout The Lumineers, she would occasionally lean over to the Indian men and me and scream something about “international love” and give us all hugs.

“Big Parade” was this beautiful line of just all of them up there being beautiful humans.

The goddamn Lumineers came onstage and opened, naturally, with “Sleep on the Floor,” the first song on the album.  I almost cried.  So many years of listening and waiting, and here I was, listening to this song live about leaving home and having an adventure.  They played probably 90% of their songs, including all the important singles, and all the songs I had hoped to hear (except maybe “Flapper Girl,” but that’s just because I cut off all of my hair that day).  Wes didn’t tell too many stories, but the ones he did were always about his family.  “Charlie Boy” is about his uncle dying in Vietnam.  “Gun Song” is about him going through his dad’s stuff after his death and finding a gun, and that being the moment where he knew his dad was really dead because he couldn’t ask him why it was there.  “A Long Way from Home,” which was the first song of the encore, is about his father dying from the same rare throat cancer that his grandmother had.

It was a beautiful show.

But like a little Cinderella, I had to run off immediately thereafter to catch my last train back to Frankfurt.  And upon my arrival, I passed out in the hostel.

The next morning I realized I had forgotten to pack a towel, so I just washed my head in the sink and shook my hair out like a wet dog.  Now it was time to decide on my adventure for the rest of the day.  I ate breakfast and decided to see some Rheinland castles.  From Frankfurt I could go to Sankt Goarshausen in an hour and a half, then catch a boat across the river to Burg Rheinfels in Sankt Goar.

And do that I did.  The day was sunny, but cold, so once I was hiking up the hill to the Burg I had removed my coat, hat, and scarf.

The hills were alive with golden vineyards.

All around me was this Rhein valley, turning all kinds of autumnal colors.  And the castle was enchanting.  It was just a few families and me wandering around, allowing me to be alone for most of it.  And there are the ruins of the castle itself, but also a vast network of mine tunnels underneath that I could have explored all day.

The majority of the castle ruins from a turret (bathed in sunlight, no less).

But to get back to Saarbrücken before it got late, I had to hop on a train off.  As I approached town, the sky may have darkened again, but I was still bathing in warm sunlight.