#i know. another queen lyric title. shocking

[the-strange-world]

Rating June Kpop Releases

Masterpiece (10) / Amazing (9) / Good (7-8) / Ok (6) / Meh (5) / Didn’t like (0-4)

Die For Love - B.I feat Jessi - 5/10 (2 title tracks for this album) ➕

Dare To Love - B.I feat. BIG Naughty - 8/10 ~ fav bside - Beautiful Life and Cloud Thought

Mañana (Our Drama) - ZHOUMI feat. EUNHYUK - 9/10

TIME DIFFERENCE - AaRON - 2/10

S-Class - Stray Kids - 8/10 ~ fav bsides - DLC, FNF, and ITEM. I liked Youtiful too (the “iiiii made it mine” and the other parts after that in ITEM really reminds me of another song so if anyone else knows what I’m song in thinking about please tell me)

Crush on you - Kassy - 5/10

SHALALA - TAEYONG (NCT) - ♾/10 - obsessed with this silly song ~ fav bside - Virtual Insanity

#menow - fromis_9 - ♾/10 - they are incapable of having a bad song! This song has been on REPEAT the most!!! The “yeah that’s me yeah that’s me” part and all the parts are EVERYTHING! The choreography is amazing. They never miss. I’m obsessed with this song ~ fav bsides - Attitude. I liked Don’t Care too

Wasteland - KANG DANIEL [Prerelease] - 10/10

Kick It 4 Now - THE NEW SIX (TNX) - ♾/10 - LOVE THIS SONG! The choreography is amazing. I’m obsessed with the “nostalgia deja vu” part so much!!! I’ve noticed a lot of the title tracks recently have felt very 90s or 2000s to me ~ fav bsides - 1000 Miles

Diaryy - YongYong - 5/10 ~ fav bside - Cheetos feat. ZENE THE ZILLA

Jump - P1Harmony - ♾/10 - INCREDIBLE ALBUM! WOW THEY NEVER MISS!!! The choreography is amazing too. Idk how they can do all that without passing out ~ fav bsides - More Than Words, Heartbeat Drum, and Love Me For Me. I liked New Classic too. The only one I wouldn’t listen to again is I Am You

Juliet - AleXa - 6/10

Can’t Go Yet - Amber Liu feat. Scott Hoying - 10/10 - if Scott’s involved, it’ll be good

Blooming Today - CHEEZE - 6/10

Let Me In - EXO - 3/10 - I really didn’t like this

C.C - Q6IX - 7/10

Designer - VAV - 4/10 ~ fav bside - Call U Mine

Ready to Move - REN - 6/10

Blank - OYEON - 7/10 - it’s pretty and of course nas are always good

Delicious - THE BOYZ [JP] - 10/10 - this song was already released last month ~ fav bsides - Lip Sync. I liked EYES ON ME and Take Me Back too

I Need Love - DKB - 8/10 - it was the best song off the album to me

FIREWORK - &Team - 9/10

Contrail - Baek yebin - 7/10

To Me - Jung Seung Hwan - 7/10 - not something I’d listen to often but it’s pretty ~ fav bside - Epilogue

Marshmallow - MISAMO - 3/10 - didn’t like it

BOUNCY (K-HOT CHILI PEPPERS) - ATEEZ - 8/10 - I liked it but it’s no halazia. It grew on me because I didn’t like it that much at first. I think DJANGO should’ve been the title ~ fav bsides - DJANGO and Outlaw. I liked This World too. Wake Up is guerrilas twin

Walk & Shine - QI.X - 6/10

Can’t Leave - Park Jeup - 5/10

LUV LUV LUV - GreatGuys - 8/10 - it’s fun

Broken Melodies - NCT DREAM [Prerelease] - ♾/10 - they popped off with this pop song of the summer. One direction vibes. Peak boy band energy. I love this song!

WE GO HIGH - ROY KIM - 9/10 - it’s a chill summery song

SOS - KANG DANIEL - 8/10 ~ fav bside - Liar

Queen - We;Na - 10/10 - they are soooo underrated! They only have 2 songs but both are so fun!!!

Orange, You’re Not a Joke to Me - Stella Jang - 10/10 - the lyrics are so silly

Lucky! - KIM JAE HWAN feat. BOBBY - 7/10

Pony - JANNABI - 8/10 - I love his voice

Unlock it - BABYS - 5/10

Voyager - LUN8 - ♾/10 - I think they have the same comeback as weki meki. GIVE WEKI MEKI A COMEBACK RN COWARDS!!! Anyway this song and album are really AMAZING! It shocked me how much I liked this album ~ fav bsides - Wild Heart, We Like It, Live In The Moment

BODY SHAKE - Bunny.T - 9/10

OVERDRIVE - I.M - 6/10 - not something I’d listen to a lot ~ fav bside - Not Sorry

The Feeling - SHINee [Prerelease] - 10/10

HARD - SHINee - 8.5/10 - of course shinee never disappoints me! The lyrics are so dumb which is fun. I wish the chorus was catchier tho. I love the choreography. Not really something I’d listen to too too much but a great song!!! ~ fav bsides - Like It (this really reminds me of another song but I can’t think of what it is. I think it’s a kpop song but I’m not sure) and Sweet Misery. I liked most of the bsides

Over the Rainbow - Hi-Fi Un!corn - 10/10

WICKED LOVE - YENA [Prerelease] - 5/10

Hate Rodrigo - YENA feat. YUQI - 10/10 - a yena and yuqi collab? That’s everything

Dive Into - Han Seungwoo - 6/10 - I would’ve picked runnin high as the title track ~ fav bsides - Burn and Runnin’ High

4:ever - 24 o’clock - 9/10

Summer Love - Kim Areum - 5/10

odd eye - YU YEON WOO - 9/10

EXCEL - 8TURN - 6/10 ~ fav bside - ING

2017 - Park So Eun - 10/10 - idk this artist but these songs were so good! I like the vibe of her songs ~ fav bside - 2:13 and I liked all of the songs

Party Tonight - U-KISS - 9/10 ➕

The Wonderful Escape - U-KISS - 8/10

House on a Hill - Eric Nam - 10/10

Small Talk - Kim Sung Kyu - 6/10 ~ fav bside - It Will Be. I liked Sometimes too

Signal - Rocking doll Roa - 5/10

OVERDRIVE - WEi - 9/10

GRL GVNG - XG - 4/10

Hear Me Out - EXO [Prerelease] - 5/10

[specialability]

2022 listening

I don't usually do this, but I'm going to make a music of 2022 list. It's funny, my spotify top 100 and my actual music app (musicolet for android, highly recommend) are very different so there's no point in posting either of them. There were a lot of individual songs, but I am still the kind of person who listens to albums from back to front. Going roughly from most recent to least...

spotify playlist (I tried to make a bandcamp playlist but it wouldn't work. :( if the album is available on bandcamp there is a link in the text)

Redcar les adorables etoiles by Christine and the Queens

I found Christine through the COLORS music channel on youtube. She is apparently a mega-star in France but I don't know how many people have heard of her over here. She sings in both English and French with a David Bowie / Annie Lennox electropop + funk style that I adore. Her previous album "La vita nuova" was full of quite sad raw lyrics, but the theme of this album is more romance. "My birdman" gets stuck in my head regularly.

Andor Original Soundtrack (Vol.1-3) by Nicholas Britell

I could gush all day about this show, but the soundtrack alone is very very good. Deep orchestral stuff with lots of hidden motifs and themes. Sometimes soundtracks for very good shows, which fit the show perfectly, are meh on their own, but this one really holds up. It's worth saying: none of the usual star wars themes or references appear in this album at all. If you listen to the main title theme in Vol. 1 and like it you will probably like the whole thing.

Awakening:Sleeping by MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS

A Japanese band that I believe had one or two anime songs at least a decade ago and has since became more indie. I was super happy to buy all their albums on bandcamp after having pirated them a decade or more ago. They started out with shoegaze / heavy alt rock instrumental, balls to the wall fast guitar and drums, added more vocals and went a bit more pop with their 2018 album No New World and have come back to a happy balance of both. "No need ft. Keita Ebina" is a great sample of the raw feeling that I love from them that feels like they're just on the edge of going out of control.

Profound Mysteries I-III by Royksopp

Royksopp said they were going to retire and I was sad I'd never see them in concert. Then they came back and released a ton of songs and went on tour but it's covid. Infuriating! But seriously it's kind of scary how some of these tracks are so Royksopp they could have been tracks from an album that came out years ago. There's definitely some more pop-y tracks and less of the hard electronica I really like, but there is a range of styles throughout. If I had to pick one it might be "Impossible" with old collaborator Alison Goldfrapp on lyrics.

Palaces by Flume

I discovered Flume only relatively recently despite him being completely in my taste (dance / house). His 2016 album Skin is almost wall to wall bangers and this 2022 album is similarly packed with tracks that can totally stand on their own. I was listening to "Say Nothing (ft. MAY-A)" on repeat for a while.

Be Here Soon by iamamiwhoami

Another artist I'm kinda shocked I haven't run into before. This is a video concept album so it's worth watching the videos on youtube to get the full experience. Her 2014 album Blue, which was also a video album, got indie-famous and Be Here Soon feels very much like a natural maturing from that. In the genre of "female singer-songwriters with idiosyncratic voices and not scared to get weird" an obvious comparison being Kate Bush or Bjork. "Zeven" is catchy while also (seemingly) being about OCD.

Pang by Caroline Polachek

I think she is pretty famous by now, but I first came across her via her cover of Breathless by the Corrs. She has a strong pop voice with a bit of that "weird girl" edge that keeps it interesting. And, of course since this is me, quite a bit of synth/electronica. This came out in 2019 but I only listened to it this year so it counts. She has a new album coming out in 2023 which a bunch of singles have already come out for. She also did a song with Flume up there in Palaces called "Siren". "Hit me where it hurts" is the one I was listening to on repeat.

The Green Knight Original Soundtrack by Daniel Hart

The movie was kinda eh, but back in January I got a lot of mileage out of this album. I feel like I don't know enough about medieval music to say whether it's truly historically accurate, but choral Christmas hymns sound different when sung in middle English with a slightly ominous tone and sparse strings in the background. There are some tracks that seem Jóhann Jóhannsson inspired like "Rest them Bones".

YESTERDAYS PAIN / CUT THE ANCHOR by LORN

Man I love LORN. Every single track he puts out is an instant classic for me. This mini-album is only three tracks but I could listen to it over and over. Music for when out walking on a cold dark night. Atmospheric dark electronica. Random snatches of lyrics. Depression music. "YESTERDAY'S PAIN" is so dense it will suck you in.

Dawn FM by The Weeknd

I don't think listing this is going to get me any hipster points, but I just really like his music. It is very clear where his influences lie and since I love electronic music and synth-pop too it's all good. I also appreciate that the album has a theme of decay and death that runs through all the music videos as well. The "Take My Breath" extended remix on Youtube is my favourite track.

Shin Megami Tensei V Original Soundtrack by Tsukasa Masuko, Shoji Meguro, Ryota Kozuka, Toshiki Konishi

Have I gushed about this game enough? No? Well here's something interesting I didn't notice until after I played Shin Megami Tensei 1, but the first CD in the album is string orchestra remakes of the original game's also amazingly excellent soundtrack. An old school synth sensibility, a mix of electronic and orchestral, atmospheric, dark and the occasional fast rock piece like the Da'at Battle theme, which you listen to a zillion times in the game and yet it still gets me pumped up. If you know me you know I love Etrian Odyssey's soundtracks by Yuzo Koshiro and I think this album is up there with those for me. "Spiral" by Ryota Kozuka is the track for the last area of the game and it is appropriately overwhelming and lofty. When I got into the area I seriously stopped and listened to it for a while because it blew me away.

Some bonus:

Nova/Moth by Burial + Four Tet

Looking at your pager by KH

Cybercism by OGRE

[qnewsau]

Henny Spaghetti's response to being slapped by a fan

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/henny-spaghettis-response-to-being-slapped-by-a-fan/

Henny Spaghetti's response to being slapped by a fan

Each month, we ask local entertainers to spill the tea about themselves, their craft and the local scene. This month it’s Brisbane queen Henny Spaghetti. 

She chats with us about going viral, being an AFAB queen and what she did when slapped by a fan.

The first time I did drag was…

in 2017! It was in a now long-gone gay bar right on the main street of Surfers Paradise in the Gold Coast! 

I would describe my drag as…

Glamour clown who loves comfortable footwear.

My best skill in being a drag performer is…

I think it’s my lip-syncing and my musicality. I love performing to a song as a whole, not just basing my movement off of the lyrics or the music but the little flourishes and extra details that artists put into their songs!

Something people don’t know about doing drag is…

It’s harder than it looks and it feels better than anything in the world. 

The Brisbane drag scene is…

Overflowing with genuine talent, the level of quality here is unbelievable. We have to love doing drag up here, it’s too hot to do it and not love it.

RuPauls’ Drag Race is...

An excellent tool that has exposed drag to the world. But something that needs to catch up with the times.

My family’s reaction to me doing drag was…

Definitely a few questions. I started when I was living at home and it was just the make up side of things that was probably the most startling, especially with how I used to look. The performance side of things seemed to make sense to them though, put the money they put into my after-school theatre classes to use.

On being an AFAB queen

Being referred to as an Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB) queen is….

More interesting now than when I started. I find that its use can come across really clinical and I don’t think it really is needed as a term any more. 

I find you’re witnessing someone who is a drag queen, being a drag queen itself is a queer act and a parody of societal expectations of “womanhood”. 

Why do people need to know what’s on my birth certificate to enjoy me wearing a wig, 20000kg of makeup, and lip-syncing to an INXS saxophone solo at 9:30 pm on a Thursday.

What people don’t realise about being an AFAB queen is… 

There still is a huge bias and stigma against it. It extends deeply to the drag king community too.

Other queens

My drag heroes are…

The pinnacle of course is Roxxxy Andrews, drag perfection. Other huge influences are my good-hosting sisters Mandy Moobs and Shanny T-Bone. Then there are other legends like Landon Cider, Tenderoni, Aunty Chan, Meatball, Tony Soto, Bailey J Mills, Sasha Velour, Sasha Colby (duh), Shea Couleé. I could truly go on forever.

The drag performer who deserves more attention is…

I’m gonna list some Australian superstars who are simply superstars: Gogo Bumhole, Lynduhh, Dolly Kicks, Ladybird, Space Horse, The Birthday Girl, Donna Kebab, Missy Matrix. Again another list, and again I could go on forever!

The drag performer I’d hate to live with would be...

I’ve only ever lived out of home with other drag queens, it’s not too bad! I’d hate to live with LuLu Lemans, all of her drag is so nice and organised! I felt like I was in a museum when I saw her drag room.

Her performances

Going viral for performing The White Lotus theme was…

Really unexpected and really funny! I came up with it that day and posted on the app formerly known as Twitter whether or not I should perform it as a joke and I did! The biggest shock was the angry Americans in the comments saying I deserved to be tipped for it. When I told them that my PayPal was in my Instagram bio and they could tip me there, the only people that did were Aussies!

@hennyspaghetti The gays just know how to do stuff! #whitelotus #whitelotusseason2 #fyp #drag #dragqueen #jennifercoolidge ♬ Renaissance (Main Title Theme) [from “The White Lotus: Season 2”] – Cristobal Tapia De Veer

My favourite performance ever was...

This year at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival! For the last four years I have played Donkey in Swamplesque which is a parody burlesque show based on a beloved film about an Ogre finding out he has layers. We’ve been lucky enough to tour the show post covid and this year we performed in Melbourne Town Hall for the comedy festival. It was truly a dream come true and the audience was over 900 people strong and you could feel the energy in the room even from backstage! 

My favourite song to perform is…

Total Eclipse of the Heart but it has to be the Glee Version.

The worst thing someone in the audience has done was…

After a show I was taking photos with audience members and this one group were taking their sweet time getting everyone sorted, so I jokingly pretended to be asleep. One of the women in the group came up and slapped me! I’ve never moved faster than to grab her hand and say “What makes you think you can do that to someone, yet alone a drag queen in a donkey costume!”. She was rather shaken, as was I. I still took the photo though.

One message I have for our community is… 

GO OUT! HAVE FUN! COME SEE THE DRAG SHOWS! There is no show with no audience! Brisbane has such incredible, diverse and TALENTED drag performers! It is a disservice to yourself to not go and see what it’s all about.

You can follow @hennyspaghetti on Instagram.

Read next

Archie Arsenic calls for more accessible queer spaces

Get to know First Nations queen Chocolate Boxx

Spill the tea with Brisbane drag star Maxi-Bon

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[enhas-bestie]

Omg I remember i reblogged your post about waiting for IVES album AND I WANTED TO KNOW IF YOU’VE LISTENED TO IT🤭🤭

OMG I HAVE (PARTIALLY!!😭)

I actually listened to most of the b-sides yesterday while I was doing my hair and yeah yeah they DEVOURED.

But wait lemme start on kitsch since it was the pre-release so obviously the first song I heard. I saw a lot of ppl on twt and tt didn't like her😠 BUT I GOT HER IMMEDIATELY OKAY!! The sound itself is good but honestly the element that really made the song stand out were the lyrics. Especially wonyoung's parts?? "you have hidden intentions but I won't fall for it bc I'm a smart one"??? Left me speechless bc she's damn well aware of how the internet goes after her. That lyric was literally perfect for her to sing.

And also they have sm fun performing it🥺!! I was kinda scared cause Liz got like 5 seconds but performance wise?? especially during mubank paris!! she didn't come to play at ALL her energy was so immaculate YOU CAN NEVER KNOCK A QUEEN DOWN!!!

Also!! Why does niece leeseo also know how to rap like?? when she covered rei's part I had to do a little double take like OKAYYY!! she's so criminally underrated. I saw she appeared on lee mujins service and the snippets I've seen of her singing was too good. like we don't even know HOW good ive's singing abilities are bc I honestly feel like they hardly get showcased to us in a live setting but yeah I think they're getting more opportunities to showcase their vocals now which is so great.

And then I AM!! Honestly I love love the title track sm. It genuinely showcases their vocals which is why I was so shocked listening to it. Like okay high notes!! AND ADLIBS!!! (in my opinion, they normally only have liz and yujin show off their adlibs in the b-sides like royal or my satisfaction but FINALLY we get a little something something in the title track😭) I really like the song lyrically too. It's so girl power💗

Blue blood is so good too though😩😩😩 Idk definitely top 3 for me even though I didn't read the lyrics yet. I didn't read the lyrics to hypnosis either HOWEVER rei and gaeul at the end?? that song is theirs like why were they going in like thattttt?? it may be my favourite rap of them so far ngl.

there was another song that I really liked bc it was giving summer vibes but I was focusing on my hair and didnt get to see what it was called😭

overall I really liked the album. definitely enough to want to go back and re-listen to the other b-sides. ive seem to be having fun in their performances too, so I'm really glad for them too.

I think the songs in this album definitely opens up a wider variety of performance elements for them to explore during award show performances so I hope their performance directors and choreographers use that to their full advantage. like a blue blood dance break or intro would be so fucking amazing if they got the chance to execute it properly😫

I also hope rei gets better soon though. It's an unfortunate situation that she can't participate in promotions, but she should take all the rest she needs bc her symptoms sound really scary to me. I hope whatever it is isn't too serious. wishing her a speedy recovery🙏❤️

[sinkingtime]

Do you want a Frozen seeequeel?♫

Sequel to the first movie, that is. I was dissatisfied by the second. It's not even that bad, really, it just didn't work for me as a sequel to the older one. And then, as Voldemort once said, I had a clever idea.

We start by sidelining Anna.

According to standard musical theatrical analysis, by which I mean Sideways on youtube, a good musical starts with an important song and dance. From the first scene, from the first frame if the mandatory logos allow. This serves two purposes.

The first is to tell the audience that this will be a musical, and they need to adjust their disbelief accordingly. That's basically served automatically, by its very existance.

The second is to introduce the setting. The status quo that our hero must defend, or try to change, or otherwise exist in.

So my movie would start with both sisters singing as they walk out of the castle, through the city, carrying picknic basquets. The song is about how great things are and how happy they are. No actual reference to the first movie, except maybe a single line by Elsa saying things are good "now".

As they go by, various random townspeople join in, for just a line, mostly about how prosperous the city is and how much they all love their queen. Also, the city is covered in snow, but a charming winter day, nothing catastrophic. Everybody but Elsa is wearing winter clothes; this is normal for this land.

Also through the town are various ice sculptures, of animals and people. Only noble beasts, so falcons, guard dogs, majestic horses, etc. The ladies are in elegant dresses, the men are in either armor or uniform. At some point, but not necessarily during this song, we should see Elsa manifest a new one out of nowhere, in a space that seemed empty enough to take some decoration.

The sisters reach Kristoff and he joins them, at first minorly like another random townsperson, but he starts singing more, and Anna is the one that falls back into just accompanying them. At some point he takes her basket to carry.

I also want something I don't have the musical background to describe: Elsa and Kristoff don't sound well together. They're out of tune, or harmony, or something. Not enough for the song not to be good, Anna sounds well with both and she always gets at least a single line between each of their transitions, but if you took her out and let them sing together the song would not be good.

And furthermore, this without Anna's performance changing in any way between them; if you edited it to swap her lines around, the lyrics may become nonsense, but the music still works. Because she's not intentionally mediating between them, she happens to legitimately be what they have in common.

So the three reach their picknic spot, the song comes to an end, and the last line is Kristoff's. "Anna, will you marry me?". Camera closes in on Elsa's face, frozen in shock. We hear Anna agreeing enthusiastically, generic celebratory noises from both of them, and Elsa's eye twitches once. Title card.

The first half-to-two-thirds of the movie will be taken up by wedding preparations. It is to be the event of the century. Lots of logistical difficulties, and also small bits of some supernatural emergency. I don't know exactly what that should be, it doesn't really matter, except for three things.

As it escalates, it needs to be able to create the kind of chaos that leads to the final act.

It is not Elsa's fault. It's ok if she briefly thinks it is, but that should be quickly disproven.

There isn't anything nefarious. Nature itself, some mystical creature(s), something like that.

Elsa is distressed by the wedding, but still determined to make it be good. Anytime someone asks if she's ok, she just tells them that "everything needs to be PERFECT!". Lots of other people are also stressed by their part in the event, so this is plausible.

At some point she needs to almost panic, take a moment to control herself, whispering "don't let them see", before going to talk to someone about something.

Kristoff helpfully offers to just not do that, have a normal people wedding, but Anna tells him they can't. They already announced it to all the neighbouring kingdoms. They can be married in secret before, if he wants, but they'll still need to do the big party afterwards; it's part of her princess-y duties. And now his. So they both get back to organizing whatever has been asigned to them.

Also, this may be a little dark, but I like it. At some point someone, possibly Anna but it could be a random townsperson, needs to deliver a message to the queen. So they turn towards the coldest-looking part of the immediate environment and say it, possibly prefacing with a "please tell her majesty-". After all is said, we follow a little gust of wind, which flies through town until it reaches Elsa. She pauses to listen to nothing, for the correct amount of time that the message took, then she nods and starts walking that way.

There should be more music, of course. Anna's is directly about the organizing of the event, probably with a large chorus of townspeople and outside contractors. Some early visitor could get another telling us how beautiful this kingdom is. Kristoff goes to deliver the invitation to the trolls, who have something along the lines of "I knew it!". Olaf probably has something naive and charmingly misinformed about married life.

Elsa gets the important one (this is her movie). It's about how she just reconnected with her sister, and now she's going to lose her and be alone again. She's resigned, not complaining; she's done it before and she can do it again. Naturally I have no music to give you, but I do know the title: "Ever after was so short".

Kristoff is the only one who actually understands how the queen feels. I kinda want him to accidentally eavesdrop on her song, but also not; it would be the simplest way to convey that he gets it, but it may also imply the music is more diegetic than it should be. I don't know.

Anyways, he tries to arrange to speak with both sisters at once, to clear things up on that. But by this point everybody has already noticed the supernatural complication, they're all determined to not let it interrupt the ceremony, so everybody is busy dealing with their respective part. More visitors come in.

That's when the disaster escalates. The city is actually torn asunder, most buildings collapsed, trapping the people. Elsa and Kristoff are knocked far away, into the forest; she was trying to figure out that menace, he was following her to try and have that conversation.

In town, all the ice statues come to life and rush to the people's defense. Everybody is surprised, but not much; this is part of why Elsa is a great queen. Or a great patron goddess, at least. A captain of the city watch starts giving them orders, not quite sure if he can, but they obey; they recognize him as a legitimate agent of their creator. So he coordinates the search-and-rescue. Maybe we see some artisan patching up a "wounded" statue, with ice and snow.

At this point she learns or figures out how to deal with the magic. Maybe he relays a cryptic clue the trolls gave him. However the solution works, she needs his help; or at least she needs some help, and he's the only one around. So they head off to do it, with a song about how they will save the day.

Except he says "we" and she only says "I". This is the one song that it's ok if it doesn't sound good, specifically because those two don't match properly. They also don't coordinate for the actual solution, and fail. She crumbles down to cry and blame herself.

This is the part I said may be a bit too dark. He screams that she always does this. That they know, because of her creepy government surveillance powers, that she knew Hans was coming, but she just let him kill her. Always looking for a cause for which to sacrifice herself.

(He's wrong, she's been developing that trick in response to having been ambushed that one time, but she shouldn't have the composture to correct him, or at least not now.)

He further tells her that he's not surprised Anna never told her, they're both very alike in that regard, but she still sometimes wakes up crying, having nightmares about that day. She starts to blame herself, but he interrupts again. He told her precisely so she would stop trying to put all blame on herself, and accept some help.

He finally tells her what he had wanted to talk about, though he hoped Anna would be here. Should they cancel the wedding? She's outraged, asking how dare he hurt her sister like that. But he says he doesn't want to hurt either of them. They were all happy before, they can just go back to that. No doubt she would agree, if Elsa had ever deigned to just explain how she feels.

She still tries to refuse; Anna's happiness is more important. He naysays that. They will be family. All of them are important. That's basically the whole core of the movie, Elsa must learn she's not losing a sister, she's gaining a brother. After she's finally convinced they get up, gather themselves, and go save the day again. They have one more chance, which presumably will be a little harder now for some reason.

This would also be a reprise of the "save the day" song, but sung right this time. That's why it was okay if the first time wasn't so pleasant, the eventual soundrack collection can just have this version.

They do indeed fix the whatever-needed-fixing. Over in the city, all the ice statues resume being just statues. After a moment of confusion, the people understand that this means the crisis is over, and start cheering. And carrying them back to their places.

Elsa and Kristoff enter the ruins of the city, triumphantly, welcomed by the entire people, Anna at the front. She rushes to hug her sister, they both thank each other for being okay. Then she goes to kiss her fiancé.

Before they finish, Elsa raises on an ice plathform that wasn't there before, to announce that she now declares these two wed, before all these witnesses. They both try to convince her not to, this ceremony was ruined, but she shushes them. Too late, royal decree. The people are already cheering. The end.

Over the credits we see images, in a different art style of course, alternately of Elsa directing the reconstruction efforts, and of Anna and Kristoff visiting various places during their honeymoon. The final still image is of both of them returning, being welcomed by the queen and the crowd behind her. Probably all set to an instrumental cover of the opening song.

And one more thing. I don't particularly care about "gay Elsa" either way, but for the message of this movie to work it's important to make absolutely clear that her newfound bond with Kristoff is as siblings, and specifically nonincestuous siblings, thank-you-very-much. So for that reason, I would go ahead and make that canon.

Sometime in the wedding preparations, a messager is relaying to her answers by various neighbouring kingdoms. The kings of <some place> ask to politely inquire if she has given any thought to marrying herself. "...do they have a daughter?" "A son, your majesty." "Then, no".

[lazarusemma]

some things that glitter

Read on AO3

“Crowley. There’s people staring.”

“And?” Crowley kisses him again. “M’not doing anything wrong, am I? Can’t a bloke kiss his fella in the park?”

“His fella?” Aziraphale repeats, delighted.

Crowley hums. “Thought you’d like that. Suits you, y’know. Old-fashioned and--” But he cuts off without finishing the sentence, blushing and ducking his head to kiss at Aziraphale’s neck.

Aziraphale leans into the kiss, but he’s not going to let Crowley get away with this. “And what, my dear?”

Whatever Crowley mumbles against his skin cannot be made out. Aziraphale takes gentle hold of Crowley’s jaw and tips his head up. He lifts an eyebrow and waits.

“And cute,” Crowley says, as though exasperated, like he isn’t bright pink in the cheeks.

Aziraphale beams. “You think I’m cute?”

“Fuck off, you know that.” Crowley pauses. “Did you not know that? Have I not said? Shit. Uh. Yeah, you’re bloody cute, angel.”

“No, I know,” says Aziraphale. Bastard. Oh, Crowley’s so horribly in love. “I simply enjoy hearing you say it. You give compliments so sweetly, darling.”

Crowley hisses. Aziraphale laughs.

Crowley thinks for an instant that he would give anything to bottle this precise moment: his arms around Aziraphale’s waist, joy in Aziraphale’s expression, the crispness of coming winter in the air, the trees tipped with orange and red and slowly depositing leaves to the earth and the pond, everything fiery and golden and perfect. But he doesn’t have to remember to cling to this moment, because there will be more, thousands of instances of holding one another in the world that didn’t end, beautiful and delicate. A moment may be fleeting but if they never stop -- if they just keep living these moments, this could last forever, this feeling in his chest.

Still. “Selfie?” he suggests, pulling his phone from his pocket, and Aziraphale pulls a face indicating his disdain for the sleekness of the device but obligingly poses with his chin resting on Crowley’s shoulder from behind. The shutter clicks and yes, there they are: Aziraphale’s wind-ruffled curls like a halo, ugh, he does this on purpose, Crowley just knows it; Crowley’s grin, louder than the wind in the branches above them; the sun, already starting to slide downwards, catching in the pond and sending sparkles across its surface.

Altogether, Crowley decides, it’s a very nice picture.

[dirtycccat]

the demon bros+ undateables showing their love

thought about this for 5 min then had to write it out so enjoy

lucifer

first off you notice he treats you differently

and by differently i mean like you’re his favorite child  sibling

you get away with anything??? and he’s softer with you than with the others (which is canon)

then you see that?? he keeps buying you stuff you said you wanted when he was present

and you’re ofc impressed

but you’re more impressed by how open he’s around you

he’ll leave most of his walls down around  you

which means you’ll get to experience unfiltered lucifer

he’ll laugh around you more, make dumb dad jokes, nap with his head in your lap, complain drunkenly about his work and bros, give you sloppy cheeks and forehead kisses

you find it rly cute though

if you’re in the human world he’ll 100% take this chance to send you beautifully written letters asking you how you are and leaving some verses that reminded him of you on the back like a 19th century vampire

“dear mc, how is your life? mine is filled with woe and unease since i do not  have the light of my life around anymore...anyway here’s a poem about being horny and alone by a 18th century romantic author hope to see you soon, xoxo lucifer”

you try to respond in the same way and send him memes on the back instead of  poetry (or real poetry depends on your mood)

mammon

protective of you 100% will throw hands with anyone that even glances weirdly your way

but also wants to show you off? like look at this human!!! this is MY human!!!

gives you random thoughtful gifts that reminded him of you

wants to be around you 24/7 so he invites you to all the events that he thinks you’ll like

you wanna party? perfect. you wanna go on a weird ghost stories tour around the city? cool. you wanna waltz in one of those old people parties? he’s already reserved two tickets. you just wanna lay around and nap? he’s already on your lap.

it doesn’t matter if you’re in a romantic relationship or not this man WILL serenade you outside your window

rapunzel style with an acoustic guitar or with a boombox like a rebel 80s kid

anyway here’s toxic by britney spears babe this is for YOU

levi

considers you his bff ofc

but also at first he’s still really awkward around you and doesn’t really know what to do for you and feels bad thinking only you do things for him

until you reassure him you enjoy just being around him so it’s fine

he blushes and starts inviting you more to his room to game/ watch stuff

at some point he starts buying two tickets to all concerts he goes to and invites you along

but also? he asks you what you’re into and starts marathoning your favorite animes/ movies/ series so he can talk with you abt them

you feel really moved that he’d do that for you???  like??? bruh...

your relationship is basically friends respecting each other and wanting to know each other the best through their passions even if it means getting into some weird shit

it’s rly wholesome tho

if you’re romantically involved he’ll totally do roleplay as your favourite character and you do the same for him and it’s really cute

also imagine: artistic collabs. you make fanart together??? you can program games together???? you do cosplay together??? the possibilities...

satan

he’ll hate to be compared to his dad brother but he does show how much he trusts you by showing his unguarded side too

when he first talked about lucifer without the filter of his nice guy persona you were pretty shocked

like he was really going at it

but then you realize? he’s just like that when he’s comfortable

and it’s not all mean spirited, he just has,,, a strong personality and a lot of opinions about stuff (which you sometimes share with him)

but you also found out it’s really fun to gossip with satan

since he knows all the juicy gossip from his multitude of ties (he’s sharing the title of gossip queen with asmo that’s why they get along so well tbh)

also if you even find a teacher you hate he’ll tell you all their embarrassing moments to make you feel better

he also recommends you books and poems and sends you quotes that made him think about you

so you sure as heck don’t need to buy books while you’re in the devildom bc he’ll buy you an entire library 

asmo

compliments you without comparing you to himself which is the highest compliment he can give

like mammon he’s more into the showing everyone his favorite human around while also protecting them

he’ll take you to his parties and gatherings as a guest of honor, he’ll make you meet all kinds of people and open up opportunities for you

he’ll be the one that pampers you

you’d think lucifer is the sugar daddy of the family but nope it’s asmo

he’ll buy you cute clothes, shoes, beauty products everything that he saw and imagined would look bomb on you

if you’re not into clothes he’ll buy you art supplies, books, anything you want but he’ll still probably  buy you at least some clothes he thinks are cute

if you’re romantically involved,,,, he’ll buy other toys for you as well which you can try together wink wink

beel

cooks for you

no questions asked when it’s his turn to cook he’ll think about what YOU would like to eat first before making something

which is??? really touching coming from beel

and also means sometimes he’ll make the same dish three weeks in a row and annoy the others while you just get excited bc ??? you get to eat your favourite dish??? again and again???? 

thank you beel you truly know how to touch someone’s insides

also opens up to you and talks to you about his fears and thoughts

expect to get 4 am msgs from beel if he had a nightmare

which would end up in you coming to cuddle him (and belphie also joins sometimes)

which tbh is that even a thing you can complain about?

belphie

is more baby less murder when you’re around

naps on your lap, naps on your shoulder, naps with you anywhere

but also let’s you nap on HIM

besides being soft around you he actually opens up to you too

and talks to you about his traumas and issues

which he has in common with his twin what can you do

so you have weekly cuddle parties with him and beel where you talk about shit and actually make them resolve their issues instead of just,,, ignoring them

also if you’re into each other you probably tease each other and flirt really shamelessly in public while the others cringe and or blush at your language

are you a cowboy? because i want you to ride me all night 

simeon

writes you fancy letters with poetry like lucifer, but his ink is scented and  his envelopes contain pressed flowers more often than not

if you’re together you even do letter sexting if you’re into it

creates characters based on you in his stories (which you don’t believe even if levi points out you that the two of you are kinda similar)

asks you to spend more and more time with him and luke

invites you to picnics, reads to you while your head is in his lap, cooks you snacks

if you’re a theatre kid too,,, you do musical love confessions too,,, sometimes by just reciting the lyrics of really popular musical theatre songs in a death panned voice

cough a heart full of love from les mis but read like poetry through the fence of the house of lamentation cough

asks you cryptic shit hannibal style like “tell me mc what does it mean to want to be consumed whole by another? is it a desire to become something bigger than yourself or is it related to our need to become one with our loved one like some cultures pointed out before?”

you’re either really into his cryptid talk or just roll your eyes and smooch him

diavolo

invites you around to his castle all the time

sometimes he even pulls some weird shenanigans just to make you spend more time with him

expect tea parties with him luci and barbatos in no particular combination

gives you compliments 24/7  even in public

remember how he treats lucifer? he’s that for you too but he’s learned from the lucifer experience to focus on complimenting you as a person more than how you look

if you’re into pda he’ll touch you all the time

if you ever wanted a gomez - morticia romance, here’s your goth big titty himbo that’s way too full of love

if you’re lovers expect to be pampered, i feel like? he doesn’t buy a lot of gifts and such because he’s probably tired of material things but he will make time in his busy schedule for you and spend a lot of time with you

which means more to him than gifts

(we will buy you anything you ask though)

barbatos

actually talks with you about stuff outside rad, the demon bros and diavolo

also invites you to alone time tea or wine time

where you drink and gossip

if satan and asmo are the crowned queens of gossip barbatos is the king of gossip but he doesn’t share his knowledge to most people so nobody knows what he knows

but he knows,,,, a lot

and not only that he knows a lot about people nowadays,,, but imagine the things he knows about like historical figures and such,,, 

so prepare for story time with barbatos where he  talks about how oscar wilde was almost summoned by drunk inccubi during a party once, or how  diavolo cried when he was a kid because he sent a letter to caravaggio asking him to paint his portrait and he said no

also if you get drunk together expect really energetic talkative barbatos destroying DESTROYING everyone (except diavolo ofc)

“lucifer please i once saw you crying because you thought diavolo was ignoring you when you actually forgot to press the send button to your messages ”

if you’re romantically involved diavolo will always be first in his hear but that just means you’ll have to invite diavolo along on your dates which  just means you’ve got a new lover and a new bff

solomon 

he invites you on all kinds of wacky adventures

you  visit witches, go to weird magical forest parties or orgies if you want, you go travelling the mountains for rare herbs

it’s like you’re faust and he’s mephisto  haha the irony and he’s showing you another side of the world you never knew 

ofc the others know about all this but??? they thought it’s normal and didn’t even consider you know nothing about it

but solomon knows what it was like to be just a human

and since he likes you he empathizes with your situation

he also make you meet all kinds of people

since he has 72 contracts and hundreds of years of doing wack stuff he must know some interesting people

and now his friends are your friends 

i feel like romantic solomon would be just him?? but less shady with you especially since now you understand him better 

but also he’ll probably bring you weird shit from his alone expeditions

did you ever want the tears of a mermaid? a carnivorous plant that feeds on emotions? a crying portrait? no? well too bad because now you have a room full of weird items

...that you love and treasure thank you very much

[yumgrapejuice]

An analysis on Ranboo’s lore playlist

okay y’all first of all, ranboo has a killer taste, i love him, and second, i couldn’t resist. i’m an analyst by nature. am i looking too deep into some things? did ranboo maybe choose some songs purely for the vibe? perhaps. do i care? no. let me have my fun.

I’m gonna drop my own analysis/interpretation based on these songs but feel free do use this yourself if you want!! And also feel free to disagree/correct me on anything!! I’m not a professional musical analyst lol and I did take some inspiration from already existing interpretations for the more lyrical songs.

here’s the playlist btw

“Introduction to the Snow”—introduction to the album. Fitting for the playlist’s beginning, seeing the tone. It’s mostly referencing (self-imposed) isolation.

“Dream Sweet in Sea Major”—this Miracle Music’s whole album is about dreams and reality, how they clash, loneliness and the wish to be close to someone, yet still remaining isolated. Very whimsical, metaphorical, melodic, and it has this vibe as if on the edge of consciousness. I’d say it fits quite well with c!Ranboo’s general vibe. This song in particular deals with sleepwalking(ha)/being in a dreamlike state, the line between what’s real and what’s not blurred.

“The Mind Electric”—oh this one fits Ranboo extremely well. First part is in reverse, the second in normal (mirroring), and it can get quite unsettling. Like you’re not sure what’s happening with the instrumentals, many different voices. Again, very metaphorical, but to put it shortly, the protagonist is being judged for a crime they’ve committed and, in their defence, they say: “Father, your honor, may I explain, my brain has claimed its glory over me; I’ve a good heart albeit insane”. They get “condemned to the infirmary” for that, where electric shock is used on them as a form of “therapy”. As a result, the protagonist loses grip on reality and themselves and truly does go insane. They beg for mercy and sympathy, but there’s no one to help them. “Someone help me; Understand what's going on inside my mind; Doctor I can't tell if I'm not me”—need I say more, really?

“Live and Let Die”—the phrase “live and let die” means to live your life how you wish and let others live how they wish without interfering. At first, you live by the phrase “live and let live”, meaning you have your ideals and you try to change the lives of others according to them, but as life progresses, you stop caring as much/try to distance yourself from others’ business.

“Turn the Lights Off”—dreams and nightmares. Mildly foreboding yet energetic. The actual meaning is about growing up (transition from childhood to adulthood), but we can take some other interpretations that’d fit with Ranboo’s character better. This Tally Hall’s album deals with differences, black and white, and how there shouldn’t be a divide between them. In this song, there are some noteworthy lines that I’d like to mention:

- “Bend the nightmare, you control it; Artful dodger, easy does it”—lucid dreaming, you have to be careful with it so as to not lose control.

- “Shut the closet, get under the covers”—you’re afraid of something and instead of facing it and seeing whether there even is something to be afraid of, you hide.

- “Turn the lights off”—confront your fears. It can also mean that in the dark, there’s no differences between people, going back to the album’s meaning.

- “And everybody wants to get evil tonight; But all good devils masquerade under the light”—this could mean that everyone has a darker part of themselves but those who actually indulge in their dark tendencies do so in plain sight by pretending to be someone else.

“Ruler of Everything”—the main theme here is time and how it’s the “ruler of everything”; time doesn’t matter about where it goes, and it will never stop. The second verse is most interesting to me—there are two singers, man and time, but for the sake of interpretation let’s just see it as two voices. One is obsessed about being liked, fitting in, constantly asking for reaffirmation (“Do you like how I walk? Do you like how I talk?”), while the second criticizes the first (“You practice your mannerisms into the wall”). They argue—”I’ve been you, I know you, your facade is scam; You know you’re making me cry, this is the way that I am”. The second is calling out the first for not being honest to himself. Tone is lighthearted but with an edge of unease.

“Merry-Go-Round of Life”—from Howl’s Moving Castle soundtrack. The title’s self-explanatory, I’d say.

“Killer Queen”—this one’s a harder one to interpret in regards to Ranboo lol. The song is about, based on an interview with Mercury, a high class woman that likes to indulge in her various desires (mostly sexual). I would doubt that’s what Ranboo was going for, so! Perhaps about a person that has no regards for their reputation and instead does whatever they feel like it? They have a certain image but still act however they like. Yeah, not too sure about this one :’) But that’s what I’ll go with for my later analysis.

“Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked”—quite straightforward. A person that performs bad deeds has reasons for them. Not excuses, but explanations, and you can sympathize with it. We all do “bad” things for one reason or the other, and, in the end, we’re all just trying to get by. Once again, plays into the theme of there not being a clear distinction between good and bad.

“The Bidding”—another harder one to interpret. On the surface, it’s about an auction where men are trying to sell themselves to women. They all present themselves in different images, and it’s remarked that the women care less about the date and more about the prospect of it, the pretty words. The date, actually, ends up being disappointing. Could be about expectations. Some men outright admit they’re assholes so whoever chooses them should know that. People can tell you what their intentions are from the start so if you end up hurt, you have no one else to blame but yourself.

“A Mask of My Own Face”—another interesting one! Unusual instruments, strong beat. They’re singing about how they have a desire to pretend to be someone else while secretly still being themselves. “I’d rob my own apartment and I wouldn’t give a damn; I’d blame it on the person that nobody knows I am”—implying they have no regard for their own livelihood and are just out to have some fun. Plus, that no one would be aware it’s all an act. “I'd wear it on Thanksgiving and I'd laugh in the parade; At all the people hissing, knowing I'm the one they hate”—they take delight in the idea of upsetting others and them not knowing it’s actually the singer that they should be hissing. “And at the big finale I would tear my face away; And smile as they grip their own and try to do the same”—everyone wears masks, and this person implies that their mask and their true self is not different from each other while others’ are.

“Stardust Crusaders”—soundtrack from Jojo. Action-packed? idk never seen it sorry lol

“I Can’t Decide”—oh, this one’s a doozy! One of the ones that do not fit c!Ranboo at all, but that’s what makes it interesting. A classic, the singer is out to have fun, very lighthearted and yet they’re singing about murder. The protagonist here is clearly mentally unwell and they’re indecisive whether they should let their enemy/toy/(up to interpretation) live or not. Some curious lines:

- “It’s not easy having yourself a good time”—in the context of the song, that “good time” implies something wicked.

- “I’m not a gangster tonight, don’t wanna be the bad guy, I’m just a loner, baby, and now you’ve got in my way”—they don’t view themselves as “bad”, however, the next two lines are paradoxal—the singer says they’re alone and yet decide to “mess around” with whoever comes up in their life.

- “No wonder why my heart feels dead inside, it’s hard and cold and petrified”—signifying lack of empathy.

- “It’s a bitch convincing people to like you”—they don’t actually want to do that and see it as a bother.

“Stranded Lullaby”—back to Miracle Musical, back to the theme of isolation. Super lyrical, super musical. They talk about how their memories float around aimlessly in their head, a sea, and may sometimes get lost. The protagonist, a sailor, is losing touch with reality and can’t tell apart what’s a dream anymore and what’s not. They question what they’re going through and why.

“Hidden In The Sand”—a song about longing, in my eyes. The protagonist sings about how “you” love things and how he wishes to love the same things, in the end admitting that “all I’ve wanted was you”. They don’t wish to be separated, they wish to have someone in their life that they could love.

“Now I’m Here”—euphoric. They sing about how they’re alive again, thanks to one specific person. I’m not gonna go too much into this one (partly because it’s a more difficult one for me again, partly because it’s Queen and I don’t wanna uhh talk nonsense on accident lol), but what I got from it is that when one one else saw them, someone did, and they made them “live again”, and now as a result the protagonist is devoted to them.

“&”—really highlights Tally Hall’s album’s theme of black and white and that there shouldn’t be a divide. The repetition of comparing opposites is present throughout the entire song (Weak & Strong & Wet & Dry…) and it’s heavily implied we should “say goodnight” to this mindset. But people love to choose sides, put things into good or bad categories. By the line “They took a lesson from their fathers” it’s implied that people don’t develop this mindset by themselves and are rather influenced by others around them. The whole album is titled “Good & Evil” and Tally Hall examines and criticizes this idea. If we keep dividing people into good and bad, eventually, we’ll all destroy ourselves.

“I’m Gonna Win”—a song about someone who’s struggling to get by. “Sometimes it can seem like a merciless dream”—life can get really hard and the protagonist wonders “what’s really worthwhile”. In the chorus, whoever, they declare that they’re “gonna win” no matter what. They might get “bloody and bruised” but they won’t give up until they “won’t be abused” and until they’re “laughing alone”. No matter how hard life/others kick them down, they’ll keep going. By the lines “It’s hard to be charming and smart and disarming; It’s hard to pretend you’re the best; It’s hard to fulfill everyone’s expectations; It’s hard to keep up with the rest” it’s implied that they find it tiresome to keep up appearances and be liked. It’s challenging to always fit everyone’s expectations, but they’ll continue doing whatever they have to to “win”.

if ranboo ever adds more songs to his playlist, i may add them here too :) 

[high-functioning-lokipath]

Song of the Heart - Loki x Non-Powered!Reader - Words: 1,518 (including song lyrics from: Rise by Katy Perry, Dancing Queen by Abba, & Perfect by Ed Sheeran)

"Ugh, why did I have to wake up today," you groaned, turning off your alarm clock. You rolled out of bed and begrudgingly put on your clothes for the day. "I hate working early." You schlepped down to the kitchen to make some breakfast but found someone was already there.

Cause when, when the fire's at my feet again

And the vultures all start circling

They're whispering, you're out of time

But still, I rise

This is no mistake, no accident

When you think the final nail is in, think again

Don't be surprised, I will still rise

"Oh my goodness," You whispered to yourself. The music was blasting in the kitchen and there, in the middle of the room, dancing and singing as he cooked, was none other than Loki.

Don't doubt it, don't doubt

Oh, oh, oh, oh

You know it, you know it

Still rise

Just fight it, just fight it

Don't be surprised, I will still rise.

"You made me breakfast?" You interrupted, attempting to keep a straight face. Loki whipped around, shocked. That's when you noticed what he was using as his 'microphone'. "Is that a spoon?" You laughed. 

"Laugh at me again and I'll cut you," He threatened, suddenly brandishing a knife as well. "Now leave, mortal," He growled. 

"Fine," You grumbled, only mildly scared by his outburst. You'd really been looking forward to a nice breakfast but now it seemed like you'd have to wait or stick with granola bars. On your way back to your room, you bumped into Thor in the hallway. "Oh! Sorry!"

"It's quite alright, Lady Y/N," He grinned. "Is Loki in the kitchen?"

"Quite. He threatened me with a knife before ordering me to get out. Should I be concerned?" Thor looked away embarrassed.

"He’s my brother, don’t worry. That's just his style. He," Thor sighed. "He truly wants to be accepted but I think he's afraid of being betrayed again by those he chooses to trust."

"I see," You said. "Well, sorry again. See you at dinner?"

"Of course, m'lady!" You nodded and headed to your office on one of the other floors. Stark had hired you to do graphic design for his fundraiser events and Avengers merch and, after finding out you had to commute all the way across town, offered you an apartment in the tower.

Later on in the morning, a delivery boy knocked at your door. "Miss L/N?" You nodded and he handed you a long, thin box. When you opened it, you found a single long-stem red rose with a note. 

Lady Y/N,

These past months since you've taken residence here have been considerably more enjoyable due to your presence. If you would allow me to be so forward, I would like to invite you to join me for dinner on the rooftop at 8.

Respectfully Yours

You flipped the note over to see if there was any signature and checked the box twice over but to no avail. There was simply no clue as to the sender. You reread the note, however, and smirked. "Lady Y/N," You murmured. "Well there are only two people I know who speak that way. And I'm meeting one of them at 8." You decided to text Thor and tell him you likely wouldn't see him tonight at dinner as you had other dinner plans come up. He never replied though so you couldn't get any clues from him.

That evening, when you walked out onto the roof, you were surprised once again. There were beautiful fairy lights and flowers strung up everywhere, candles flickering on the table, and you could faintly hear classical music playing. "Wow," You said under your breath as you stepped out further and looked around. "It's beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as you, my dear," a deep voice said from behind you. Turning around, you saw the mischievous grin of your favorite Tower resident. 

"Good evening, Loki," You smiled. "Pray tell, what is the purpose of your invitation this fine night?"

"My my! So formal!" He smirked. You blushed brightly and looked away. 

"Sorry. I-I tend to get a little dramatic when I-well, just sorry."

"I quite liked it," He assured you quickly. "It suits you." 

"Thanks," You grinned. "Really though, what's all this for?"

"I wanted to make up for the inconvenience I caused you this morning."

"Is it just my imagination or did you just apologise?" You teased. He chuckled and nodded. "You know, you really don't have anything to apologise for," You said slowly. "I know it's just kinda who you are and," You shrugged slightly. "I really don't mind."

"While it is true that I threaten my brother and his teammates quite often, I never do so without proper cause. This morning was unjustified." He leaned on the edge of the room and looked out over the glittering skyline.

"You were embarrassed. I think that's due reason," You smiled, stepping closer to him. "I caught you acting mortal." He laughed once again, shaking his head. 

"You are more than kind."

"Why shouldn't I be? You deserve it just as much as everyone else." You reached out and inched your hand closer to his. "Maybe more," You added. He glanced down at your hand next to his and a light blush rose to his cheeks.

"You think so?"

"I know so," You replied. He took your hand in his and kissed it. 

"Thank you," He said. You giggled lightly and glanced at the table. 

"So, can we eat now? Because as much as I love being all mushy and emotional and stuff. I'm starving!" He laughed heartily and he led you to the table, holding the chair out for you and all.

After you'd both finished eating, you were sipping on the glass of wine he'd served you when you noticed he was staring. You raised an eyebrow curiously and he looked away. "Sorry," He said quickly. 

"It's fine," You replied. "So, what does all this mean? Like was this just your way of apologizing to me? Or-" you trailed off, unsure of how to finish that question. 

"I was hoping it could be more than that," He said nervously. "I've been watching you for quite some time now. As I said in the note, I've very much enjoyed your presence. You bring a different kind of happiness to the tower. Or to any room you walk into really," He added. "If you would be amenable, I wish very much to court you."

"I think I would be ok with that," You mused. "On one condition."

"What's that?" He asked worriedly. 

"That you dance with me tonight," You replied, standing and holding out your hand. He grinned and took your hand, leading you out to an open area. You let him lead for a few minutes, of course. An elegant waltz that matched perfectly the music playing. "Where's the music playing from?" You asked. He held out a smartphone and you grabbed it. "May I play one of my favorites to dance to?"

"Of course!" He replied. 

"Even if it's a little," you paused. "Different than what you're used to?" He hesitated only for a moment before nodding once again. You smirked and quickly brought up youtube. "Now here on midgard this is somewhat a cliche dancing song but," You chuckled, "I like it." 

Ooh

You can dance

You can jive

"What exactly is jiving?" He asked. You laughed and took his hands.

"It's slang for dancing and it goes something like this."

Ooh, see that girl

Watch that scene

Digging the dancing queen

You danced to the music, trying to pull Loki along with you. He eventually sorta got the rhythm and started to follow your moves. "This is quite different than what I've learned." You laughed and smiled at him. "If I did this back on Asgard they would say I wasn't actually dancing."

"Oh really?" You replied. "So this isn't dancing?" You bopped and twirled to the music, making Loki laugh loudly. 

"When you do it, how could anyone say it was not?" 

"Oh stop it!" You exclaimed. "I'm sure some version of you in another universe would be simply wonderful at this!"

"Meaning?" 

"You just have to practice a little more! You were doing wonderfully this morning!" He shook his head and smiled affectionately at you. "In the meantime," You scrolled again through YouTube and brought up another song. "Perhaps we can dance a little slower for now."

I found a love for me

Oh darling, just dive right in and follow my lead

"That would be perfect," He replied, completely innocent to the song title. The two of you swayed to the music and you sighed happily. 

"I still want you to make me breakfast one day."

"Alright, how about breakfast in bed tomorrow?"

"Glorious," You smirked. He gave you a light kiss on the forehead before twirling you around and pulling you close once again. 

Now I know I have met an angel in person

And she looks perfect

I don't deserve this

You look perfect tonight

[innerspeaker]

tag 9 people to learn more about their interests

Tagged by red  @jackharkness, thank you so much!!! ♥️♥️♥️

MUSIC

fave genre? post-punk and indie/alternative rock

fave artist? too many to name, to be honest; as for bands, the first that come to mind are definitely muse, interpol, radiohead and queens of the stone age but like, the list could go on forever; then last year i crossed paths with miss phoebe bridgers’ work and she became one of my favourite artists of all time, too.  also i have an entire sideblog dedicated to arctic monkeys and another one for linkin park, so...yeah

fave song? “i appear missing” by queens of the stone age

most listened song recently? “trouble’s coming” by royal blood (in the wise words of a wise man i recommend it to everyone instead of drugs)

song currently stuck in your head?  “all eyes on me” by bo burnham cause i’ve just read red’s 8 songs tag game

5 fave lyrics? 

“I sucked the moon / I spoke too soon / and how much did it cost? I was dropped from moonbeams and sailed on shooting stars” — sail to the moon, radiohead

“Driving out into the sun / let the ultraviolet cover me up / went looking for a creation myth / ended up with a pair of cracked lips / Windows down, scream along to some America first rap, country song / A slaughterhouse, an outlet mall / slot machines, fear of God / Windows down, heater on / big bolts of lightning hanging low / Over the coast  everyone's convinced it's a government drone or an alien spaceship /either way, we're not alone / I'll find a new place to be from, a haunted house with a picket fence to float around and ghost my friends” — i know the end, phoebe bridgers

“And I was on the island and you were there too / but somehow through the storm I couldn't get to you / oh St Jude, somehow she knew / and she came to give her blessing while causing devastation / and I couldn't keep my mouth shut, I just had to mention / grabbing your attention” — st. jude, florence + the machine

“Shock me awake / tear me apart / pinned like a note in a hospital gown / deeper I sleep / further down / the rabbit hole never to be found Don't cry / with my toes on the edge it's such a lovely view / Inside / I never loved anything until I loved you” — i appear missing, queens of the stone age

“I guess what I'm trying to say is I need the deep end / keep imagining meeting / wished away entire lifetimes / unfair we're not somewhere misbehaving for days / great escape, lost track of time and space” — r u mine?, arctic monkeys

radio or your own playlist | solo artists or bands | pop or indie | loud or silent volume (i try to keep an average volume actually but my phones always reminding me to turn it down so) I slow or fast songs | music video or lyrics video | speakers or headset | riding a bus in silence or while listening to music | driving in silence or with radio on  

BOOKS

fav book genre? i used to like fantasy/dystopian books the most but i just enjoy narrative books and novels in general

fav writer? george orwell my beloved, the greatest journalist ever and also the most misunderstood and misquoted author ever (not me going fully political on a tag game but everytime a r*ght p*rty politician mentions him i literally die inside)

fav book? “1984″ by george orwell (unfortunately, what i said about him right before applies for this absolute masterpiece of a book, too :(((( )

fav book series? the lord of the rings by j.r.r. tolkien

comfort book? i dont really know??? i dont want to repeat myself so i wont name the book with number in the title once again, so i’d say something i read during my childhood, probably, like “the secret garden” by frances hodgson burnett, the warmth and comfort that book irradiate are unparalleled tbh

perfect book to read on a rainy day? i’d say something introspective and not too long, like “identity” by milan kundera??? i usually don’t choose what i wanna read depending on the weather, so i dont know if that’s an actual nice fit

fave characters? scarlett o’hara from gone with the wind, frodo baggins and legolas from lotr, lady macbeth from the macbeth, clarisse mcclellan from fahrenheith 451

5 quotes from your fave books that you know by heart?

“Perhaps one didn’t want to be loved as much as to be understood”  — 1984, george orwell

“As God is my witness, as God is my witness, the Yankees aren’t going to lick me. I’m going to live through this, and when it’s over, I’m never going to be hungry again. No, nor any of my folks. If I have to steal or kill, as God is my witness, I’m never going to be hungry again.” — gone with the wind, margaret mitchell

“You said I killed you, haunt me, then! The murdered do haunt their murderers, I believe, I know that ghosts have wandered on earth. Be with me always, take any form, drive me mad! only do not leave me in this abyss, where I cannot find you! oh, God! it is unutterable! I cannot live without my life! I cannot live without my soul!” — wuthering heights, emily bronte

“These walls - are you going, gentlemen? - these walls are solidly put together”; and here, through the mere frenzy of bravado, I rapped heavily with a cane which I held in my hand, upon that very portion of the brickwork behind which stood the corpse of the wife of my bosom. But may God shield and deliver me from the fangs of the Arch-Fiend! No sooner had the reverberation of my blows sunk into silence, than I was answered by a voice from within the tomb!” — the black cat, edgar allan poe (i just want to add: i know this is supposed to be frightening and terrifying, but i think this is one of the funniest parts of a book ive ever read,it makes me crack up every.single.time, truly peak comedy tbh)

“There was another crash. Someone had picked up the glass paperweight from the table and smashed it to pieces on the hearth stone. The fragment of coral, a tiny crinkle of pink like a sugar rosebud from a cake, rolled across the mat. How small, thought Winston, how small it always was!” — 1984, george orwell (jdshkjhk ive got one braincell and it was wasted to read one (1) dystopian book only and it shows)

hardcover or paperback | buy or rent | standalone novels or book series | ebook or physical copy | reading at night or during the day | reading at home or in nature | listening to music while reading or reading in silence | reading in order or reading the ending (so, i had this bad habit i read the last line of a book before even knowing what it was about and it ended up spoiling me the whole book a couple of times (which is like. obvious and absolutely fair??? but im different :) ), so i decided maybe it wasnt a great idea and im not doing it anymore, i eventually read the last words just for fun but im trying to get rid of this habit, too) | reliable or unreliable narrator  | realism or fantasy | one or multiple POVS | judging by the covers or by the summary | rereading or reading just once 

TV AND MOVIES

fave tv/movie genre? drama/mystery/thriller/noir

fave movie? i know what my favourite animated movie is, surpirsingly: “sleeping beauty” (1942)! as for movies in general, again, i’m gonna name a handful of these cause i cant really choose just one: the three colous trilogy by krzysztof kieślowski (”three colours: red”, in particular), “the double life of veronique”,  “parasite” by bong joon-ho,  “jaws” by steven spielberg, “paris, texas” by wim wenders and “we all loved each other so much” by ettore scola, but, again, the list is potentially endless

comfort movie?  “the terminal” by steven spielberg!!! also “the postman” by michael radford, “my neighbor totoro” by studio ghibli and “cinema paradiso” by giuseppe tornatore

fave tv show? this is so difficult so ill pick my favourite 5 too: 1) twin peaks, 2) bojack horseman, 3) f.r.i.e.n.d.s., 4) better call saul, 5) this is us

most rewatched tv show? definitely bojack horseman

5 fave characters? dale cooper (twin peaks), leia organa (star wars), dr frank-n-furter (the rocky horror picture show),  cosmo brown (singin’ in the rain), walter white (breaking bad) 

tv shows or movies| short seasons (8-13 episodes) or full seasons (22 episodes or more) | one episode a week or binging | one season or multiple seasons | one part or saga | half hour or one hour long episodes | subtitles on or off | rewatching or watching just once

Tagging: @inejghafta, @jennifersbod, @drewbarrymoore, @alexcabotgf, @surrendertothesounds, @donniesdarko, @ruinism, @1918, @bronteskafka and whoever wants to do this!!

[reddeux]

Ghost Choir

OVERVIEW: A game of Dare or Dare had you confessing all of a sudden and the turnout is not what you expected at all.

PAIRING: Tokoyami Fumikage x Reader!

A/N: Song used is titled “Ghost Choir” made by Louie Zong and the lyrics are created by Sage. On another note, I also started posting my short stories on Wattpad. Check it out there. Wattpad name is on my Bio. Hope you enjoy! (Also, thank you for 15 followers! 🥰)

“No.“

“Come on, Y/N. It will be fun!“ Mina began tugging on your sleeves with big pleading eyes

“The last time you said that we were chased by Bakugou for pranking him in his very room. My ghosts are all traumatized because of that.“ You said with arms crossed while leaning at your door frame

“We won’t be doing any more pranks, I promise. We’re just gonna play a simple game. With all the girls.“ Mina said with her hands folded in front of her face

“Please, Y/N! Girls Game Time is not complete without you in it.“ She added

You raised an eyebrow at her and you can feel your 5 fluffy little ghosts landing on your shoulders and head. 

They patted you with their stubby little hands as if indicating that they want to play whatever it is. They floated in front of you and gave you their sweetest and cutest pleading stances.

“You guys, really wanna play?“

The floating marshmallows all nodded their heads and you just gave out a defeated sigh.

“Fine, we go play with Mina and the others.“ You said and the fluffies all made happy chirping noises and did a little happy dance

Mina also did a little happy dance and she gathered the ghosts in her arms.

“Yey, thank you Y/N! I’ll go on ahead and take the fluffies with me. Follow when you’re ready!“ She said and already ran towards the elevator even before you can something with your ghosts tucked in her arms

You sighed again and just shook your head before walking into your room. You cleaned the books and magazines scattered on your bed since you were busy studying before Mina knocked on your door. You also vacuumed a few cookie crumbs on the floor and threw their wrappers in the trash. Don’t want those ants crawling all over your room now, right?

When you deemed that your room is tidy enough, you went out and made your way towards the common room where you see the rest of the girls and your ghosts on their laps. You smiled at the sight and you sat down beside Momo on the floor and Mina stood up from where she sat.

"Welcome ladies to our weekly Girl’s Game Time!” Mina said like she’s some kind of game show host

“I am tonight’s hostess, Ashido Mina. And tonight, we will be playing a round of Dare or Dare!“ She added energetically that caused all of you to giggle

“I’m sure all of you know how to play this game since none of you live under a rock.“ She added and sat down on the floor with the rest of you

A collective yeses were heard but all of you kinda stopped when you heard a familiar yet very unwanted voice.

“What are you doing here, Trash Grape?” You asked with venom in your voice

“What? Is it bad to want to join in on the fun?“ Mineta cheekily said as he sat behind Asui and Ochacko

“You do realize this is an allgirls gathering, right?“ Jiro asked

But even before Mineta can answer, you took the ghost on Momo’s lap and whispered something in it.

“Ballerina Dentata.“

You then chucked the ghost towards Mineta as it transforms into the lamprey ballerina from one of your weirdly favorite movies, Cabin in the Woods. Mineta gave a very high pitched scream as he scrambled to get up and run away from the ghost that is chasing him around until he disappeared into the elevator.

The girls gave a sigh of relief as your ghost returned to you, now on its fluffy form, and landed right on your lap.

“Good Floof.“ You said and nuzzled the ghost

“Okay! Now that that’s done. Let the games begin!“ Mina said and your game did commence

It was a fun game that resulted in numerous laughs, embarrassments, and a near fight between you and Hagakure on what is the best Romantic Comedy movie of all time. 

When it was your turn to do the dare, it was Momo who will tell you what to do.

“Y/N-san, I dare you to sing to the first person who comes out of the elevator.“ Momo said and pointed at the elevator

A collection of ooohhs can be heard and giggles followed after. You shake your head a gave Momo a playful glare. She knows that you love singing. But the downside is, you hate singing in front of an audience. Even if it is just one person, you still hate it.

“I have no choice do I?“ You asked and stood up from the floor

“Well you can always do our all-time dare which is to confess to Tokoyami.“ Mina said and wiggled her eyebrows

They knowing that you have a serious infatuation with the Dark Lord of 1-A really has it’s downside. Especially with Mina and Hagakure. Boy, you having a crush will always be a topic during sleepovers.

“Yeah, like I will do that. I don’t wanna embarrass myself in front of my King.“ You said and stretched your body

“I bet he will appreciate it you calling him his King. Why don’t you just try it, don’t be a chicken.“ Jiro said while wearing a bunny ear headband as part of her dare

You just gave her an unsure look then all of your attention went towards the elevator when it dinged. Literally, all the girls piled behind you in anticipation to see who will be the victim of your dare. They were all excited, while you were dreading this moment and sweating bullets. It’s also not helping that your ghosts are hovering above your heads cheerfully.

The second the elevator door opened revealing the person, you just muttered an ‘Oh hell no’ while the other girls screamed in delight and were jumping up and down behind you like little kids.

“You all seem to be in high spirits.“ Tokoyami said as he stepped out of the elevator with Midoriya, Shoji, and Iida in tow

“Oh my fudging enamel pins.“ You said as you looked at the girls with a playful glare

“Holy macaroni, this is gold!“ Hagakure said and quickly ran towards the boys

“Perfect timing guys. Tokoyami, can you please join us for a few minutes. Only a few minutes.“ She said a little to eagerly and made him sit on the sofa

Tokoyami is somewhat confused abwhat is happening especially since he can see the girls pushing you in front of him but you struggling to be at the back.

“Do the dare now. It’s only natural.” Tsuyu said in a hushed voice

“But I don’t know what to sing.“ You whisper shouted while still being shoved by the girls

Your ghosts get to seem to be confused too as to why their master is being shoved by the other girls and also why your face is so red. But when they heard the word ‘song’, they got excited and floated in front of Tokoyami.

“Why hello, little ones.“ He said and the ghosts began to sing

Oooo oooo ooo love Oooo oooo love Oooo oooo love My darlin' baby I'm floating in wistful bliss Won't you come love on me darlin'?

You looked behind you to see your fluffy little ones singing the first verse of your original song to Tokoyami. You felt a push behind you and you just sang for the heck of it.

Y: Oh honey, won't you come around?

T:  I'll come around

Your eyes bulged in shock when Tokoyami answered. He knew your song? Later, you’ll have to ask him about it, for now, let’s sing.

Y: Do you play me for a fool? T: So into you. 

Tokoyami stood up from the sofa and approached you. He took your hand and kissed it. Y: Will you be there? T: I will be there Y: Will you need me? T: Like I need air. Y: ...Lovin' me? T: Lovin' you. Y: Still, I'm blue... T: Only blue skies 

Both of you began slow dancing with a few twirls that Tokoyami made you do and everyone watching you is either smiling wide, taking a video, or squealing in delight at the show. (Ghosts Ad Nauseum) When I'm with you My love is so true One look in your eyes Like stars in the sky Y: I lose my mind my mind my mind my mind Our love is so sweet Ghosts: Like the moon and the sea T: I'll see you in my dreams until we meet again, goodnight

At the end of the song, your foreheads are against each other and both of you are looking into each other’s eyes. Tokoyami has his hands on your waist while your hands are holding his shoulders.

You were the one who broke eye contact first by laughing genuinely and engulfing him in a hug. You heard him do his deep chuckle as he returned your hug and spun you around. The other spectators are clapping happily and some of them even continued taking pictures and sending them to your class group chat. 

Tokoyami then leaned towards you whispering something.

“My Queen.“

You felt your face burst hot and you snuggled your face in his chest.

“My King.“

[terrm9]

Cieli di Toscana

Words count: 1 600

Author’s note: I love Italy and Italian language, I miss hearing it, I miss eating gelato and the sea and I like Bocelli. That’s it, that’s all you need to know to understand this fluffy useless piece. Also, I tried to translate that one line the best I can, but my Italian is mediocre at best, so if someone from Italy sees it - please, feel free to correct my translation and don’t hate me if I got it absolutely wrong.

Takes place some weeks after the OHSY Finale.

It was raining heavily as Chiara stepped into Ethan’s car, making her sigh. 

“This is absolutely terrible weather for a road trip,” she rolled her eyes dramatically, earning an honest chuckle from Ethan.

They weren’t going on a road trip. They were invited to attend a conference in New York and as much as Ethan hated those, the vision of three whole days with Chiara, out of reach of the chaos that’s been erupting in Boston ever since Edenbrook’s closing and its subsequent grand re-opening, was enough for him to make a decision to go.

The excruciating rate of their lives in those past few months has also been reason why Ethan decided to drive for four hours to New York. Four hours on their way back and another four on their way back, eight full hours of the two of them being next to each other without anyone else’s presence, with nothing better to do than to simply be together. Hell, even if Chiara decided to just sleep the whole time, those eight hours of her peaceful sleep would be worth the time spent in a car.

“Okay, if you don’t want to start with my playlist,” Chiara waved indefinitely with her phone in the hand, “you better have something else than an audio book to listen to.”

To be absolutely honest, Ethan wouldn’t mind listening to her playlist if that would serve her best, however he gestured towards the dashboard on Chiara’s side of a car.

“There should be some old CD’s in there.”

Opening a storage space of the dashboard, Chiara raised her eyebrow at him and exclaimed: “Some old what? Have you ever heard of the possibility of connecting your phone to the radio?”

Ethan resisted his urge to pinch the bridge of his nose as he was in the middle of overtaking a truck. He knew what was coming and that he didn’t dispose of any power that could stop it.

“I remember the times when the only way to listen to something of your choice in a car was to use a CD. I said they were old.”

Chiara rolled her eyes, not even trying to hide the smirk that found its way onto her face. Of course he would remember that.

“Remind me again, which dinosaur was your favorite? You know, since you were lucky enough to live among them.”

“This joke is getting old.”

He regretted the words the moment they left his mouth, knowing that they would backfire terribly.

“Yes, and so are you,” Chiara replied without missing a beat, her triumphant grin so wide Ethan was sure her cheeks hurt.

She grabbed the first CD, disapprovingly muttering under her breath.

“Vivaldi, Sinatra, Schoenberg, another Sinatra, Bocelli? I know this one,” she turned to him with Italian tenor’s album in her hand.

Ethan glanced at her quickly and nodded, encouraging her to develop her statement.

“My mom loves Bocelli, like really loves, loves. I remember when this particular album came out, I was maybe eight or nine at the time and my mom would listen to it on repeat, all day for two solid weeks,” she chuckled to herself at the memory and decided to put the CD into the radio, letting herself get lost in the memories of her childhood. “My dad was going crazy, always shutting himself in his study to listen to Queen or David Bowie. I would usually follow him and when I asked him why he didn’t tell her to turn it off, he’d just smile, shrug and say something about the music making my mom happy.”

Chiara listened to the first track, the melody all too familiar despite not hearing it for at least fifteen years. It sounded like her parents and home and love. The unconditional love her father always held for her mother, the one that grossed her out when she was a kid and caused her to have unfulfillable expectations from boys when she was a teenager.

She always dreamt of meeting a man that would love her that way, the man that would listen to the music he hated and she loved just because it would make her happy.

Shaking her head slightly to get herself out of the dangerous waters of her mind, the waters of nostalgy, the waters of infinite sadness she felt when thinking about her dad and her brother and how they would never get to decide if Ethan deserved their precious Chia, their light, she cleared her throat and read the title written on the plastic cover of the CD.

“Cieli di Toscana. Do you know what that means?” she turned to Ethan, thankful that the traffic kept him from noticing how lost she’s been for the last few minutes.  

"Skies of Tuscany," Ethan replied, not tearing his gaze of the road.

Chiara smiled to herself, her mind taking her back to all those documentaries she's seen about that part of Italy.

"They must be bewitching. Skies of Tuscany, I mean," she leaned further into her seat, the soft melody of second song making it easier to just imagine being there, far away from struggles Boston had in store for her. "Have you ever been to Tuscany?"

Ethan nodded, his sharp gaze melting slightly as his focus has been divided between driving and reminiscing his time in Europe.

"Once. I've been attending a conference with Naveen in Florence. I hardly had any spare time for sightseeing and yet the city managed to render me speechless as I walked its narrow streets."

Despite his efforts to find a better word for the city, all he could think about, back then in Florence, was how romantic its streets were. He could still remember how his whole body both loved and hated the atmosphere and how, when he surly muttered that it was city made for couples, Naveen would laugh and say: „If you are clever enough not to repeat my mistakes, you will come back with a woman of your life one day and belong to those scandalous couples.“

Another memory flashed in his mind, too bright and fresh for his liking. The one where, laying on the thick fabric of hazmat suit that protected his chest, tears streaming down her cheeks slowly, Chiara admitted that she regretted not travelling more while she could.

„I’ll take you there, when this chaos settles down and we’re allowed to take some time off. I’ll take you to Tuscany then,“ he said softly, quietly, pretending to concentrate on the road, which must have looked absolutely ridiculous as the highway was currently deserted. He hoped Chiara didn’t notice how flushed the back of his neck suddenly became.

She didn’t.

Chiara was biting her cheek, staring back and forth at Ethan and the road. Her own cheeks were colored in a bright pink color, the sincerity of Ethan’s words making her weak.

It wasn’t only the fact that he remembered about her dream of visiting Italy. It wasn’t even about the way he told her, that he would take her. It was the fact that planning his future with her came so naturally to him at this point, he didn’t even need to think about it.

Lost in her thoughts once again, Chiara didn’t notice how Ethan’s eyes widened few seconds into fourth song when the recognition hit him.

It was the song he liked the most, the song that he would listen quite often to back in the days when this album kept him company on the roads.

It was the song that, just like the city of Florence, used to make that small, almost negligible part of him wish that he had someone to share it with.

With the rain falling heavily on the windshield, Chiara couldn’t hear Ethan’s almost unaudible singing. She could’ve easily miss it, if she didn’t notice his lips moving.

„Are you singing?“ she asked, absoltutely shocked. She caught him humming various melodies sometimes, but never in her whole life would she believe to see Ethan Ramsey sing.

‚Scusi se mi innamorai in un istante di lei per

l'aria serena che ha.‘

„Absolutely not,“ he shook his head, the wave of heat on his neck becoming almost unbearable. „I am reciting the lyrics, at best.“

How cute, Chiara thought.

However, she didn’t want to ruin the moment and so instead of teasing him mercilessly, she asked: „What does it say? The part that you absolutely weren‘t singing.“

„Excuse me if I, in an instant, fall in love with her for the air of serenity she has. Very freely translated.“

„How do you know the lyrics so well?“

„I like the song.“

„Sure, liking the song is one thing, but knowing – and singing – the lyrics is another. Especially when the lyrics is as soft as this one. Is the song special to you?“

She tried to ask it as casually as she could, as if she was simply curious, when really, there was a hint of jealousy blooming in her chest.

Was the song special to him? Did he use to recite it to his first girlfriend trying to impress her?

The car stopped at the red light, giving Ethan a chance to finally look at the woman next to him fully.

„It is now,“ he nodded, smiling softly as he caressed her cheek with his thumb.

The expecting and so vulnerable green eyes staring back at him made his heart flutter. At this point, it was useless to pretened that he wasn’t utterly and terribly sappy when it came to her. Taking a deep breath, just before the red light turned to green, he whispered.

„The name of the song is Chiara.“

[ilooklikeaburntchickenugget]

Only Mine Pt. 5

A/N: THANK YOU ALL FOR THE SWEET MESSAGES ABOUT THIS SERIES! It’s honestly so fun to write about so I’m glad all of you like it as much as I do. Pairing: Gerard Way x F!Pop Star!Reader Word count: 2,337 Warnings: Some swearing, mentions of anxiety and stress

You were humming an idea you had, your phone sitting out and playing one of the hundreds recordings you had for songs. Sweatpants and a large hoodie with fuzzy socks were the only appropriate attire for the recording studio, your hair carelessly held up by a scrunchie in a bun on the top of your head, glasses slightly crooked on your face.

“You get it, right?” You asked from the couch, where your legs were propped up against your chest.

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure I do.” Ray smiled, turning back to the computer and putting in a few various sounds.

“I’m thinking of putting in these ‘Oh’ sounds over and over, as background, pre-verse and then in the chorus.” You included.

“That would be cool.” Gerard laid back in the chair in between you and Ray, “Make them lower though, they’ll contrast your voice.” You nodded, agreeing.

“I want to make it sound frantic, almost anxious, right? That’s kind of the feeling of the song.” “Well, yeah, that makes sense with the meaning and lyrics.” Ray added on and you nodded. “I think it sounds sick.” “Thanks man.” You smiled lightly, “I have like 20 of these. Not the same song, but for the new album.” “Already?” He asked, shocked.

“Don’t underestimate her,” Gerard looked over at him, arms crossed and slouching back, “Give her five minutes and she’ll have an entire fucking song conducted.” You nodded.

“Maybe not five, but something along those lines.”

“Have you made a title for the record?” Ray asked next and you shook your head.

“I have most of it composed, I don’t have a title though.” You said, “It’s a concept album, so as you guys know, it’s written like a book. But there’s this whole plot and everything. So it’s not like I can name it after someone or something, like I did with the last one, I have to find something.” “What about a song name?” Gerard looked up at you, “Name it after a song, maybe. One that you feel embodies the record as a whole.” “I don’t know,” You sighed out of partial frustration, “I’m not good at naming albums. I almost named the last one Gerard, but Ray told me no.” You could hear Ray lightly snicker remembering that.

“Really?” Gerard asked, a look of slight shock on his face.

“What?” You asked, “You act like you don’t know that entire record is about you.” He shrugged.

“It still flatters me.” “Well this one is kinda about you,” You admitted, “More about the picture the media has painted us out to be.” “You mean bad boy makes innocent girl bad?” He asked and you nodded.

“It’s almost set out as a character v. self, character v. character, and character v. society album.” You explained, “She’s frustrated with herself because she knows he’s bad but she loves him, she’s mad at him because he’s that way but she also loves him for it, and she’s mad at everyone who’s telling her he’s bad, because she knows it, but she can’t help it.” “So like an addiction?” Ray asked and you nodded.

“That’s why Clean is on there. It’s the last track, it’s her almost cleansing herself from everything.” “That makes sense.” Gerard nodded.

“I mean, I think it’s brilliant.” Ray began playing with a few more sounds while talking, “I hope people take it as it is, AKA it’s very ironic, but addressing that by making an entire record is pretty bad ass.” You lightly laughed.

“Thanks,” You smiled, “Maybe Gerard is making me corrupt, making me a badass and all.” You winked playfully at him.

“Ah yes, I’m going to make you my emo queen.” The three of you began laughing.

“I am thinking about changing my look to take on this alter ego,” You began, “You cut off all your hair and bleached it to be a representation of The Patient.” You looked to Gerard, “I don’t think I would do anything to my hair, but I would change up my wardrobe and makeup look.” “Like start off as you are and gradually get more rebellious looking?” Ray asked and you nodded.

“The paparazzi will love that.” You lightly smiled sarcastically, a few moments of silence at the end. “Thank you guys, by the way, for taking time off to help me make this.” “No problem,” Ray smiled and nodded, “Besides, everyone loves you and we’ve been having some writing block lately.” “And I didn’t have a choice.” Gerard said. You eyed him, throwing a pen which hit his head and he very lightly flinched at the impact.

“Oh stop it.” You rolled your eyes.

“Ready to go in?” Ray asked, motioning to the recording booth. You nodded getting up and grabbing a pair of headphones. You put them on, beginning to do some short vocal warm ups. Ray was sitting right outside through the glass window at the panel, Gerard leaning over and playing with a few things on the sound board.

“Ready?” Ray asked into the mic and you nodded, pulling out notes on your phone to read lyrics.

“We’re just doing verse and chorus, right? No belts or high notes or anything?” He shook his head.

“That’ll be next.” He responded and you nodded. The music started up, giving you a few seconds to prepare before you began singing the lyrics, both Gerard and Ray actively adjusting various switches and such. Finally, when the song wrapped up, you took a few steps back from the mic as they stopped the recording.

“How was that?” You asked.

“Incredible as always.” Ray smiled and you smiled back, “Now we have to work on high notes and belting for the bridge and final chorus, then we can do background vocals.” You nodded, “Let me just edit a bit of the track.” It only took him a matter of minutes before replaying the track, a huge smile plastered on your face the entire time.

“It’s sick!” You smiled and clapped, jumping a bit.

“It’s honestly incredible.” Gerard smiled too.

“Thank you.” You smiled back.

“Ready for everything else?” Ray asked and you nodded.

It took you another hour of recording and getting everything before you could finally retire the recording and production process for the song, getting out of the booth and grabbing a water.

The finished product was incredible, it had the perfect amount of everything from base to drums with a little bit of synth and a light echo attached to your voice.

“Do you think this new record’s gonna be as big as the last?” Ray asked you, all three of you now on various pieces of furniture in the studio and eating burritos, which had been jointly decided upon pretty quickly when you all grew hungry. “Mmm,” You hummed, thinking for a minute, “I don’t know. Probably not considering winning 10 Grammys in one night is a record,” “On top of the, like 40 other awards you got.” Ray laughed.

“Yeah, true,” You agreed, “But I don’t make music to win awards or anything. I make music because I want to and because I love to and other people like it.” You explained, “You guys are the same.” They nodded. “The awards are just something nice.”

“I mean, you’re basically on top of the world.” Ray responded.

“Yeah, but that’s what makes it all the more scary,” You began, “You kind of look down from your stance at the top, having everything you’ve ever dreamed of in your career, and you have to ask what do you do next. And then it turns in to panic because there’s no where to go. And that’s why Gerard is up with me every other night while I’m having a panic attack about what the fuck I do next.”

“I don’t think I’m much help.” He added.

“You’re more help than if I was alone.” You responded, “But I’m kind of excited for this new era. There’s no limits anymore, I feel like, so I’ll just take on this good girl gone bad character. Not in real life, of course, but my alter ego.” “So you’re gonna reset everything?” Ray asked and you nodded.

“Yeah, hopefully. Starting with my closet.” You took a bite of your food, “Gee, take me to Hot Topic.” He rolled his eyes.

“If you want to do that, then just take all my leather jackets.” “You have too many anyways.” “Do not,” He warned, “I take pride in my jacket collection.” This time you rolled your eyes. “You have an entire rack in your closet for jackets.” “Uh huh, says Miss ‘I have to have an entire room for my purse and shoe collection’.” “Oh, please, it’s part of my personality.” “Well jackets are apart of mine.” He fired back.

“You two are literally an old couple.” Ray interrupted.

“Kinda.” You agreed.

“But for real,” Ray asked next, “What is going on in the world of Y/F/N Y/L/N?” You sighed.

“For once it feels like nothing,” You admitted, “No brand deals really, almost no interviews, no tour because that finished up, just this I guess.” You took another bite and continued, “I did recently get the opportunity for there to be a documentary on me and my life though. Like a camera crew and everyone follow me around for a few critical weeks of the year, put it into a whole movie type thing about how I live, my fame, all that.” “Wait, what?” Gerard asked, now a mixture of shock and concern on his face. “You-you never told me.” He said next.

“Well, yeah, I mean I told them I would at least have to think about it. I was planning on telling you but I needed to figure out if I wanted to go through with it first. I was very indecisive about it. Still am.” “So what are you thinking?” Ray asked, clearly trying to break some of the tension.

“I still don’t know,” You admitted, “I mean, a part of me really wants people to understand why I’m so under the radar, why I’ve disappeared from the world for a while. But the other part wants to protect that privacy. Plus if we were to theoretically go through with this, Gee, you would have to be okay with it too since they’ll be filming in our homes, and very possibly me and you.” He nodded, “And plus, I don’t know if it’s the right timing. I’m starting this new era of me being private and taking on this alter ego for everyone else, it may just be bad timing too.”

“I think it would be interesting for people to be able to see you, like the real you. And how you deal with the fame and all.” Ray added.

“Yeah, but,” You took a brief pause to find words, “How much of my privacy am I willing to forfeit for that?”

You and Gerard got back to your New York townhouse, kicking off your shoes and almost immediately crashing on the bed. You had to admit, at least to yourself, that your mind was beyond conflicted with what to do. Your next album release would have been perfect timing to plan starting a family with Gerard. Release the album, stay completely under the radar, and go on a small tour with a few big shows. But the opportunity for the documentary to be made would make a huge deal to your life. It would be nearly impossible to do both at the same time, though.

You laid down, your head on Gerard’s shoulder, as you both laid in bed reading your books trying to wind down. But Gerard, being your husband, best friend, and soulmate, knew you were stressed. Just from even looking at you, although no one else could tell, he could.

“Talk to me.” He said softly, barely above a whisper.

“I don’t want to disrupt your reading,” You sighed, “Or annoy you.” “I like listening to you talk.” He glanced to you, your eyes meeting. You didn’t know how a man could be that gorgeous, he just was. “It’s soothing, even when you rant.” You lightly laughed, snuggling further into him. He willingly took one of his arms, swinging it behind you and placing his book down on his nightstand, marking the page. 

“Fine,” You sighed, moving down so your head was on his chest, feeling it rise and fall with every delicate breath he absentmindedly took. Your hands found their way there too, drawing circles on the shirt he had on.

So there the two of you laid, you pouring our your anxiety and worries to your husband, who seemed to understand what you were saying, translating every jumble of emotion you had into a symphony of calmness. 

“This is all up to you babe, I’m just along for the ride.” He said, “But maybe this is a sign, ya know? Maybe you should take this opportunity to have a documentary be made about you, because maybe people will begin to actually understand the extent to which your life has been thrown into the spotlight, and why you need that privacy. And maybe that sympathy will get us to an even better place where we can start a family, worry free from any chance that our child or children will be in the spotlight.” “You’re so smart.” You lightly laughed, nuzzling into him. “I’ll think about it, Gee.” And like that a lightbulb went off in your head. You squeezed out of his embrace, groaning and getting up out of bed, his face filled with confusion. “Where’re you going? Did I say something wrong? I-” “No, it’s a song idea.” You palmed your face in your hand, “Like a really good one.” You grabbed your phone to go record it. “You get it, right?” “Not really because I don’t record as many songs as you, but kinda.” You groaned again, his face so innocent as you eyed him.

“You’re an ass.” 

[lazarusemma]

(Again written for @5ftjewishcactus’s wonderful Chanukah Omens prompts! Tonight’s prompt: dreidel.)

Read it on AO3!

“You’re cheating,” Aziraphale says, but he’s smiling.

“Why would I cheat?” Crowley protests. “Not like the stakes are high enough to be worth it.”

The stakes are not, in fact, very high: only a handful of chocolate coins already going soft in their shiny golden wrappings. Aziraphale lays a protective hand over his scant winnings. “Well. Perhaps it’s simply in your nature.”

Crowley crosses his arms as though he has been deeply offended. “You think I’m incapable of playing an honest game?”

Aziraphale touches his shoulder. “Of course not, my dear,” he says, and Crowley smiles until he adds, “I’m merely suggesting that you don’t want to play fair.”

“Pffft,” says Crowley, who has been miracling his spins to land on gimmel about half the time, “where’s the fun in a rigged game?”

Aziraphale attempts a frown. It goes poorly, and Crowley laughs until Aziraphale does too. “I suppose you would have to tell me that, really,” he says. “Is it really so enjoyable to deprive me of my chocolates?”

“Ohhh,” says Crowley, tipping his head. “I wouldn’t say I’m planning on depriving you of them, y’know. Never been much for sweets myself.”

“Then--” Aziraphale narrows his eyes. “What is your devious plan, serpent?”

Crowley grins, a sharp and wicked thing, and Aziraphale kisses his cheek. “I have been doing a fair bit of thinking,” Crowley says, and nods solemnly as Aziraphale pretends to be shocked at this news. “I know, I know, dangerous activity. But I was thinking what I’d do with all this chocolate I’ll have won, and it seems to me, y’see, there’s really just one thing for it.”

“And what’s that?”

Crowley takes Aziraphale’s hand and brings it to his lips. “It occurs to me,” he says, “that I may know someone who enjoys chocolates far more than I do.”

Aziraphale smiles, a soft thing, happiness bright in his eyes. “Is that so?”

“Mhm. So if you’ll take your turn, angel, I think it’ll only be a few more rounds before I’ve got all the coins and we can set this plan into motion.”

So Aziraphale picks up his dreidel, a lovely golden thing they bought together last year, and blows on it for luck. It’s a silly custom, and Crowley has never missed an opportunity to poke fun at it, but maybe it works, or maybe someone’s slipped in a sneaky miracle (and who could say which of them it was?) because when it wobbles and topples it’s gimmel side up. Aziraphale beams and scoops the pile towards himself, and he’s making some comment about how he might be harder to defeat than Crowley bargained for, and Crowley’s laughing and arguing in all the right places, and everything is exactly as it should be.

[radramblog]

Album Discussion: The Suburbs

Last week I felt like I didn’t have much time to pump an album review out. Was going to be in the lab all day, had work in the night, wanted to cover something quick. Then I finished really early, and had plenty of time in the afternoon to finish things off. This week I am in the same situation as far as scheduling, but someone’s bloody using equipment I need, so I’ve got a bit of extra time now. Time to talk about a >1hr 16 track record!

Also last week, I covered an album that I felt was more interesting from a meta level than it is musically. This week I’m talking about an album that I know nothing of the meta for.

The Suburbs I was reminded of recently. Mostly because I ran into the person who bought me the CD for the first time in like a year. I understand Arcade Fire have A Reputation as far as bands go, but the thing is: I have no idea what it is. I haven’t followed them at all, I don’t know whether they’re considered good or not, I haven’t even seen any of the music videos. I have never deliberately listened to an Arcade Fire song outside of this album.

But I do like this album. So.

Okay the one thing I do know is what the album is about. It’s about growing up in the suburbs of…I think Texas somewhere. I could look this up, but I refuse. The result of this is that the whole thing is intensely nostalgic, full of reminiscence and wistfulness, childhood innocence and what growing up is like. It’s one of those, you know? That does, however, make it fairly easy to like, because I think a lot of people are nostalgic for their childhoods.

(yeah so the only music videos for this one are at the very start and very end. this is going to be a bit of a wall of words.)

This is characterised by the opening track, which is also the album’s title track: The Suburbs. It’s opening with a very folksy acoustic guitar and piano, and longing for that childhood is its modus operandi. It is, however, tinged by the anxieties of that era- growing up in the shadow of the cold war is going to leave an impact on anyone, and that cultural climate is also going to be running through the album. I think the most poignant section of the song lyrically is the start of the third verse- wishing to become a parent, so they can live vicariously through their child, show them their childhood world before the reality and the memory are completely lost. Okay that’s kinda heavy moving on- the track is pretty much built around that piano/acoustic bit, sounding relatively upbeat but coloured by these lonesome strings running through the background. It’s very effective of conveying the feeling- which is something that comes up quite a bit over the course of the album. The Suburbs is one of my favourite tracks on this album, and having it come right at the front makes it a very solid stage-setter.

Track two is Ready to Start, a faster, rockier track with this grimy bassline running through the verses contrasting the relatively bright instrumentation of the chorus. Considering the themes of the song, about working for the man, dude, and trying to escape that sort of life, it’s fairly fitting, though it’s a very different sort of nostalgia than the previous track. The instrumentation gives the whole thing this sense urgency, which is enhanced by some of the lyrics- I mean the track is called Ready to Start, isn’t it. I feel like this song would be great to try and hype yourself up for something you don’t really want to do, and I’m not sure how many songs we have specifically for that feeling.

Our next song is called Modern Man, and it feels like tumbling through a confusing life. God, I’m really getting pensive today. I feel like this is a lot because this album resonates a lot more emotionally for me than musically. I’m someone with a very weird sense of nostalgia, seeing as my childhood is pretty effectively defined into three segments, and I tend to fixate on one of them because it’s The Weird One. I’m nostalgic for high school which is when I was nostalgic for living abroad which is when I was nostalgic for when I still lived in Perth, which I do now, but I don’t know anyone from back then, so there’s a whole sense of longing, and it’s something I’ve always had, and that’s funky. And I’m still young, this isn’t going to change, it’s going to get worse, and eghhhh I’m supposed to be talking about music. I don’t really have much to say about Modern Man, I guess. It’s aight, the previous two were better, but here I am 800 words into an album discussion, and I’ve gone through all of 3 songs on a 16 track album, so maybe expect this to be a slog.

Rococo at least makes an impact real quick, with fuckin psychotic strings right at the start that’s kind of a shock to the system, especially compared to the relatively mild instrumentation the rest of the song provides. I think that’s a fairly appropriate tone for a song about looking at #thecoolkids, bemusement tinged with utter stark bewilderment. I think I’m too young to really get this, I guess. The song’s title regards an art movement that sounds extremely pretentious and fake deep, frankly, but considering the point of the song is that you don’t bloody know what Rococo means, that’s probably also fitting. I kinda wish the strings were more present throughout the song than they were, they add this existential dread to the track that I do think the later sections are missing somewhat.

Speaking of strings, Empty Room is up next, and it’s one of my favourite tracks as well. It opens with the strings but they’re fast and energetic and they’re going to blow right past you. I thought this track was in like the second half of the album, but nope, here it is. This is also where the album’s second vocalist takes the lead for a bit (she only does for like 3 scattered tracks) and she’s genuinely great here. The songs chugs like an old train, in a way that reminds me a lot of other songs; in particular, the bit between the chorus and second verse (and chorus/outro) reminds me a lot of Teach me About Dying by Holy Holy- I can’t unhear “teach me about dying, teach me about dying-dying” over that instrumental. Despite its desolate lyricism, this song’s energy is genuinely excellent, and it carries really well through the whole thing. I can’t think of a lot of songs that start on this sort of tempo and have it run the whole way through- not to keep referencing other songs, but it’s very Go with the Flow by Queens of the Stone Age. And that’s like in the top 3 QotSA songs for me, so.

It’s only just struck me how much track 6, City With no Children, reminds me of There There by Radiohead. Its mostly the percussion, I think. That’s fucking high praise, but it’s also about as far as the comparison goes. The song is pretty okay outside of that, this theme of a town left lifeless by the commercialism and capitalism of the ultra-rich and what that does to people. Maybe that’s just my reading of it, I do have a bias for this sort of thing, but I challenge you to find another one. Looking on Genius is cheating. I do like the riff the track is built around, but it gets old eventually, since it doesn’t develop at all as the track progresses- lost potential, I suppose.

The next song is the first part of the album’s first of two two-parters, Half Light I, because apparently this one is trying to be a long-running drama show now. With that said, this ballad is kinda gorgeous, and yet also kinda extremely boring? Which is a frustrating place to be, frankly. I get the feeling this is an opinion that would get me crucified, but aside from those strings what fuck, the song just isn’t doing anything for me. Maybe it’s because it’s kinda almost the halfway point and I’m just getting tired, maybe it’s just a generational and cultural divide between America/Australia and 90s-00s/00s-10s and I don’t Get It. But I’m afraid to say this one doesn’t land.

Half Light II (No Celebration), for the record, is one I enjoy much more. The instrumentation is a lot more fun, the tone is a lot more pained (and y’all know I love me some angst), as the rose-tinted lenses of the previous half are replaced by the jade of someone growing up through the GFC (and just, in general). Despite being a two-part song, the halves are very different, a deliberate dichotomy representing two facets of that same look backwards. I feel like this isn’t like other two-part songs I’ve heard before, in that you can kinda appreciate the halves separately- or, in my case, one and not the other.

Track 9, and welcome more officially to the Second Half, with Suburban War. It’s very much about reminiscing about old friends, and I think I’m going to wax personal for a bit, because I have very little to say about the song musically. I mentioned earlier that I basically don’t know anyone from back when I was a kid, and that’s kind of a product of what my childhood looked like. It’s hard to have a “childhood friend” that you still keep up with when you spend 5 extremely crucial, defining years somewhere away from where all of them are. When you leave at 7 years old and don’t come back until you’re almost a teenager. People change so quickly at that age, and I’m no exception, and so I just didn’t have the ability to relate to those same people that long afterwards, even if I could find them. I don’t resent the experience of growing up in such a fractured manner, but it means I have a fundamentally different experience to that discussed in this album. At the same time, as I listen to the closing moments of this song, with the line repeated, “All my old friends, they don’t know me now”, I can’t help but notice the similarity. The writer’s friends don’t know them because they’ve grown up, changed fundamentally as people, whereas I don’t know my old friends in a much more literal sense.

Our next song is a bit more fun. Month of May is unequivocally a rock song, as opposed to the..indie? folk? of most of its surrounds. Much like Empty Room, it’s driven by its tempo and instrumentation, but it’s a bit less dour than that one, almost a bit oldie in its rock and roll swagger. The song isn’t so utterly different that it wouldn’t fit on the album, the traces of The Suburbs still roll through the whole thing, the same guitar and percussion tones driven up a couple notches on the ol’ Mohs scale. Quite solid, ultimately, in my opinion.

Track 11 is Wasted Hours. I think it’s a kind of appropriate title, not because it’s a waste of time, but because it just kinda feels like a nothing song as part of the album. Like, it is unquestionably Part Of The Album, sonically and thematically, but I deadass would not notice if it was missing from the record. Sorry if this one is your favourite, but this one isn’t for me.

Deep Blue, on the other hand, is the song that got me into the album. There’s really something about this track, this sense of discomfort with the passage of time, that really wormed its way into me. It’s a shockingly cold song for this acoustic instrumentation that’s usually associated with quite the opposite. The piano feels desperate, the guitars grim, and there’s actual synths hiding in here- the song relates to technology, after all. It’s concern for the future of humanity, of the youth, and for, well, the Suburbs, through the lens of watching that match between chess Grandmaster Kasparov and the A.I. Deep Blue in 1996. Go watch the Down the Rabbit Hole on that if you haven’t already (and have a few hours), by the way, it’s utterly excellent.

I can’t really describe how Deep Blue makes me feel. There’s just something about it. I feel like if I hear this song again in 10 years, it would genuinely bring me to tears- it feels like loss in a way, and not the meme.

We Used to Wait has a fun instrumentation, glittery piano and that funky guitar noodling in the background, but unfortunately the chorus kinda lets it down for me. I just do not care for it, it’s really built on a vocal line that really doesn’t track for me personally. Like, I’m just young enough that a lot of the theme of the track is utterly unrelatable to me- I hail from an era that is post- the change the track is referring to. I’m focussing a lot this time around about how the songs make me feel personally, but I think that’s kind of the appropriate tack for this album in particular- like the idea of nostalgic reminiscence is so inexorably tied to your own personal experiences that there’s no way around those experiences clouding your perception of this album, and with that, how well you end up liking it. I bet this whole thing hits way harder for someone born in the same couple years as this band.

We’re up to the second two-parter, Sprawl I (Flatland), kind of the finale for the whole thing. I mean, in I’s case, it’s certainly that emotionally. The song is so utterly down, it’s lost in the urban sprawl the title and lyrics describe, and with that comes a very quiet track. Moody strings and guitar, that eventually build during the fourth verse (there is no chorus and they’re short). It does eventually resolve on a more positive note, at least, one that’s hopefully relatable to many of us- eventually, we find our emotional home is, and it’s often not where we grew up.

Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains) is quite the different perspective. It’s got that other lead vocalist (I could look up her name but I won’t), it’s got a pulsing beat, and it has much more energy to work with. There are synths on this track that are absent from almost the entire rest of the album, but their introduction here, right at the end, is extremely cool. They’re cool, they’re clear, and they’re thematically relevant! I just really like the vibe of this track, and the way it trails off is similarly very good. Would recommend.

But of course there is one final track. Kind of. The Suburbs (continued) is basically a dark reprise of the album’s opener, shaded with more regret than that track is, more strings-y and whispered. It’s very short, but it acts as an appropriate closer for the whole thing.

And of course, that’s The Suburbs. In retrospect, I have a bit more mixed thoughts about this than I thought. There’s some really high highs, and some things that are just kind of bleh, but any album of this length is bound to have some misses. While I was browsing Genius to make sure I had the lyrics right for some tracks, I saw this record described as a Masterpiece, but I’m not sure that shoe fits- at least, not for me. The personal nature of this album, and anyone’s theoretical relationship with it, are such that I don’t think it can be given such a broad, universal title. I like the album as a whole quite a bit, but I personally wouldn’t call it a masterpiece.

It also doesn’t inspire me to go after more Arcade Fire. I’m actually perfectly content having them in my mind as this solitary piece, complete in its own way. Oh, they have like four other albums, but to me, Arcade Fire is The Suburbs. I don’t know why I’ve decided this, but it just works for me. So I’m sorry to any massive AF fans, but I did just dedicated 2.7k words to this album, so I’m sure you’re all satisfied.

God, next time I am going to have to cover something shorter, for my own sanity if nothing else.

[virtueangel]

limitless.

chapter seventeen.

wc: 2,176. original publish date: november 9, 2020.

"Jack!" Van Gogh yells.

JFK rolls over in bed, rubbing his eyes. "Hm?"

"Come here and look at this!"

John sits up, pulling his red and white sweater over his head before standing and crossing over to the bay window.

"What are we looking at?"

Vincent points. "Look, we can see the sun!"

JFK smiles. "It's rather pretty, isn't it?"

The smaller boy turns around to face his boyfriend, an eager grin plastered across his face. "It's such a nice day. We have to do something."

"We do something every day."

"Is that a problem?"

JFK grins now. "No."

Van Gogh reaches up to kiss the taller boy on the cheek. "Let's go on a road trip."

"Darling, we are on a road trip."

"Well, I've already got a destination picked out for us. But I think it's a couple hours away."

Kennedy raises an eyebrow. "I thought we weren't using our phones to pick locations."

"Well, it isn't specific..." Van Gogh shrugs. "It's just... logical?"

JFK takes a minute to think this over. "Did you use your phone to find it?"

Vincent shakes his head. "No. I don't know how that would be useful, considering I don't even know which state we're in."

"I think we're in Utah."

Van Gogh scrunches up his nose. "We are not!"

JFK laughs. "No, we're not. We drove in the opposite direction."

"I thought we weren't looking at GPS," Vincent replies, but he's wearing a playful smile.

"No, I just know basic geography."

"Touché."

***

"So, what is the secret destination, exactly?" JFK asks, spreading some cream cheese onto his bagel.

"It's a secret."

"But I have to drive us there."

"I can drive," Van Gogh offers casually, looking down into his glass of orange juice.

JFK quirks an eyebrow. "Vincent, you don't know how to drive."

Gogh shrugs. "You could teach me."

"My car is a stick shift. Most people learn to drive automatic first."

Vincent swallows his orange juice and wipes his lip with his napkin. "I'm not most people."

Kennedy laughs nervously. "Minivan," he stops, waiting for Vincent's objection to the name. It doesn't come. "Of course you're not most people. But do you really think I could teach you how to drive? I mean, you remember the accident I got into from driving over a rock earlier this year, right?"

Vincent sips his orange juice. "Okay, but you're careful now. You hate getting scratches on your car."

"Darling," JFK waits for Van Gogh to pick his head up. He opens his mouth to add onto the sentence, but thinks better of it. He changes his thought at the last second. "Someday, okay? I'll drive today. I can't teach you to drive in a day and you can't get a license in a day, either, but I'll teach you. I promise."

Vinnie sighs. "Okay."

Kennedy flashes his model grin again. "Okay, perfect. Now, will this trip require packing?"

"It's only for the day, JFK," Van Gogh responds, smiling at the boy's enthusiasm. "But I guess there are a few things you need... Did you pack a swimsuit?"

JFK's jaw falls slack. "Vinnie, it's April."

"April isn't winter in every part of the world."

"But it isn't summer in any part of America."

Vincent gestures to the window over the kitchen sink. "If we can see the sun in Marshtown, you can bet your ass the skies will be cloudless everywhere else."

Kennedy laughs at the boy's subtle swearing. "Yeah, okay, I'm down. But you know you actually have to tell me where we're going since I'm driving, right?"

Van Gogh finishes off his orange juice and holds up a finger excitedly. "I'll be back in a second," he says before pushing his chair out from the table and running up the stairs. JFK leans back in his seat, giggling and shaking his head. How can a boy like Vincent exist? Someone so smart and talented, who also likes to have fun? Granted, Kennedy has never seen Van Gogh smile with anyone besides himself, but John is glad to play along with his "secret destination."

Vincent comes back into the kitchen two minutes later, holding a pad of Post-Its and a pen. He slides into his chair, one leg tucked beneath him and the other planting its foot on the floor. The boy begins to scribble something, but even his scribbling comes out in elegant loopy cursive. After thirty seconds or so, he peels the Post-It off from the rest of the pad and sticks it to JFK's forehead.

John reaches up to detach the Post-It from his skin. He reads the handwriting scrawled in the middle, perfectly centred across the hideously bright green paper. "What's this?"

"That's where we're going. I didn't want to say it out loud because that ruins the surprise, but you still have to know. So boom. A perfect middle."

Kennedy laughs. "I don't think this is a perfect middle, but I'll give you points for trying."

"Gotta get my approach grade up," Vincent replies.

JFK gazes at his boyfriend, his face soft. He smiles affectionately, and Van Gogh searches for a telling look in his eyes. He looks like he wants to say something, but no words come out of his mouth. Vincent smiles back.

"Well," he says. "If we want to get there at a reasonable hour and still get home before too late, we should go soon."

"I'll wash the dishes," JFK offers, but Van Gogh slaps his hand away when he tries to pick up the plates.

"No, silly! You made breakfast. Give and take, okay?"

John nods and retreats his hands. "Give and take," he agrees.

Van Gogh clears the table, humming to himself the whole time. JFK is gone from the kitchen, making the bed upstairs. When he's done, he walks over to the bay window and slides it open to step out onto the balcony. He holds the railing, gazing out over Marshtown and marvelling at what little sun manages to break through the heavy fog. Today is one in a  million.

Kennedy's thoughts are interrupted when he hears footsteps behind him. He turns around. Van Gogh is crossing the bedroom and stepping through the bay window to join his boyfriend.

"Ready to go?" He asks the taller boy.

JFK can't help but smile when he makes eye contact with Vincent. His brown eyes seem deeper today, fuller with... something. A secret, but the kind he wants to share with John, so they can have something just for the two of them.

Kennedy reaches out for the boy's hand and gives it a squeeze. "Yeah," he says. "I'm ready."

The boys walk through the house and out to the car side by side, never dropping hands until they have to split to climb into their separate sides of the vehicle.

"Are we allowed to use a map?" JFK asks after they're out of Marshtown.

Van Gogh thinks for a minute. "Well, I guess that's not a cell phone..."

"Just because I need to know which highway to take."

Vincent nods, opening the glove compartment to get the map that the girl way back in Blackbox had given them. "Yeah... Looks like we keep following the one we took to get here."

JFK activates his turn signal. "Rad."

"Can we listen to the radio?" Van Gogh asks after a while.

Kennedy glances at the boy. "Really? I thought you liked radio silence."

Vincent shrugs. "Maybe there'll be something good on."

John smiles. "All right. I think that would be okay."

Van Gogh flips through some channels, not satisfied with anything playing until he finds a song that he knows is by Queen. He hums along, knowing some of the lyrics, but not the title of the song. JFK hums along too, and for those five minutes, they are the only two people in the whole world.

"Can I ask you something?" JFK asks once the song is over.

"You may."

Kennedy hesitates, phrasing the question. "You've been old enough to drive for a while now, so how come you never learned before?"

Van Gogh scoffs. "You really think my parents would've taught me?"

Jack shrugs. "You could've asked me."

Vinnie shakes his head. "No, there's a reason I never tried to before."

The question lingers in the air, the silence charging it until the electric shock burns into JFK.

"Are you going to tell me?"

Vincent takes a deep breath, pondering. He'd never said it out loud before. He'd only ever written it down in journals. He has a rule when he writes about himself: he doesn't start on the first pages of the journal, because then anyone could flip the cover and learn his deepest secrets. He always opens to the middle of the book, a random page that nine times out of ten would go unnoticed. Sometimes it trips him up when he chooses another random page and the entry is so long that it bleeds into another one, but that's okay. He never rereads his journals. He doesn't need to be disturbed by thoughts that are already in his head.

This is the first time he'll ever speak one of those thoughts out loud.

"I can't drive a car because I'm afraid -- no, it's more than a fear, it's just knowing -- that I'll go right off the edge of a cliff and you'll never see me, or the car, again."

JFK goes silent. "I know a lot of people get into accidents, but cars are made to be safe. The only reason why crashes are so popularised is because no one talks about the safe drivers. That's not a story. 'Oh, look at this population of people who follow all the driving laws and never get themselves into dangerous situations!' That's not newsworthy. Accidents are something to report. Everything else is... mundane."

Van Gogh blinks, thinking. "That actually makes a lot of sense," he says.

Kennedy smiles. "Yeah, it does." After a second, he asks, "But what changed your mind?"

"Hm?"

"Why is driving suddenly okay now?"

Vincent shakes his head, laughing at himself. "It's stupid."

"Tell me," JFK smiles assuringly. "You can trust me."

Van Gogh blushes. "I feel bad that you're always the one... doing stuff. You're the one who cooks, the one who drives..."

"But you're the one who remembers to lock the house and put away the clean dishes."

Vincent giggles. "Our house doesn't lock, Jack."

JFK grins. "I know it doesn't. But you always go back to check. I hear you walking down the stairs at night, right after we've turned off the light to go to sleep. You go back through the house and make sure all the lights are off and the door is locked."

Van Gogh looks away, suddenly embarrassed. He pretends to be fascinated by the plastic bags and styrofoam take-out containers strewn about the highway shoulder. "You know that I do that?"

"Vinnie, it's nothing to be ashamed of. It's good practise."

"Yes, but it isn't normal practise."

JFK has no verbal response to that. Instead, he extends an arm and cups his hand around Vincent's shoulder. He rubs back and forth comfortingly, and Van Gogh reaches across his body to rest his hand on top of the boy's. He suddenly feels at ease, unashamed of the way he needs to go back through the house and make sure everything is the way it's supposed to be before he can fall asleep. He takes a deep breath and settles into his seat. This is exactly where he's supposed to be.

But then he remembers something.

He sits up and turns abruptly, throwing JFK's arm off of his shoulder.

"You okay, Minivan?"

Vincent glares. "One, don't call me that. Two, have you seen my sketchbook anywhere?"

Kennedy scrunches up his face and shakes his head. "No, I don't think so... You can't find it?"

Van Gogh frowns. "No. It's so funny. Everything else is sprawled out on the vanity -- my coloured pencils, my watercolours, the books I brought to read on this trip... but I can't find my sketchbook anywhere! I was drawing in it one day and now I have no idea where it is!"

JFK twists up his lips in thought. "That's so weird... maybe you put it down somewhere?"

"I was on the balcony. I don't remember anything after that."

"Hmm..."

Gogh sits back in his seat, plunging his fists into the pocket of his letterman jacket. "Keep an eye out for it though, okay? I was working on a drawing in there."

Kennedy grins at the boy's reflection in the rearview mirror. "Of course you were."

Van Gogh looks down at the map on his lap, changing subjects but not forgetting his sketchbook. "Ugh, still one hundred fifty more miles?"

"God, why'd you pick a location so far away?" JFK fake-whines.

Vincent shakes his head, but he's wearing a smile. "Because we have to tour the whole damn world."

John flashes his blindingly white grin. "I'm in."