#i told myself i wasn't gonna fall for him outside the makeup and yet here i am BACK IN THE FUCKING BUILDING

[ghoulbrain]

walton goggins being all surprised and bashful at how hot we all find the ghoul is the best thing ever tbh

i agree! he's so sweet. he broke my heart where he said in that one interview, "There's not much I like about myself." sir!!!!!!

i still can't get over how red he turned when asked if ghouls can reproduce in this interview

there was another interview where they brought up how the intention was to make the Ghoul "oddly hot" and when the interviewer said, "Accomplished!" he tucked his hair behind his ear and got all bashful.

[death-selfie]

Put Your Head On My Shoulder

Chapter 2: Maybe You And I Will Fall In Love

When I woke up, my first thought was of Gerard, the hippie I met last night. Immediately, I felt regret. I know I shouldn't be thinking of someone else when I'm perfectly happy in my current relationship, especially a man. I can't help myself though. What I felt in that one conversation was almost everything I was missing in my daily interactions with other people. He seemed genuinely interested, and no one has been that interested in me since Jamia and Bennie.

Gerard was the main thing running around in my mind while I did my usual morning routine. The thing was though was that it didn't bother me one bit. I was perfectly happy thinking of him all morning. The smallest things that reminded me of him, like my pomade, made me smile. There was something about Gerard that put me at ease. I knew that I needed to see him today, even if it's only for a minute or less. I even dressed nicer than I usually do. The main reason is because of the dance Jamia and I are going to later this evening. The other reason is because of Gerard. I want to look nice for him, and I'm hoping that he will dress as nicely as I imagined last night. My mind can only wonder.

I headed down the street in the same direction as Gerard went last night. Anxiously, I looked down both sides of the street as if he could pop out at any moment now. I don't know why I was so anxious. Gerard could just see me as a friend after all, and I would be the fool rushing into this. I walked into town, but still no sign of Gerard. Where would a New Jersey hippie go at 10 am?

That's when I came upon a roadside flower shop. Gerard was slightly leaning over a section of pansies with a judgemental look on his face. At this moment, I could've sworn my heart went off on a highspeed chase then. I smiled softly to myself and with a skip in my step, I approached him. "The fact that I find the likes of you by a flower shop," I smirked.

Gerard looked up now. I could tell he was a little surprised by the greeting. Now he smiled at me. "What can I say? Flowers are beautiful specimens!" He chirped, plucking a flower out to inspect it. "Like this one! Pretty little petals, hm?" He held it out to me now. The pansy he picked had dark violet petals with a bold black center. I smiled. "Pretty."

Gerard smiled softly at my response, which set my heart on another chase. Now he tucked the pansy back with the rest. "What flowers would work for uh...what're those things called? Corsages?" He sniffed as he swept his gaze over the variety of flower breeds presented in front of him.

"Why do you need a corsage?" I asked, genuinely curious. This provoked Gerard to look at me with a serious look in his hazel eyes.

"Isn't there a dance tonight?"

Now I stared at Gerard. How did he know about the dance? Did I say something about it last night? "There is--"

"Aha! Do you think you could take me to the dance? I dropped out of high school before I could attend those silly things," Gerard interrupted. He bit his lip and tucked some of his long hair behind his ears. "Y'see, I never had anyone to go with, but now that I've...met you, I thought you'd take me."

I looked at Gerard blankly. Oh, he's not going to like the news I'm going to tell him. "I'm already going with someone, Gerard." His face told me everything he was feeling. That was enough to make me feel terrible. "But if you'd like to catch up after the dance, we can."

Gerard shook his head. "It's fine," He muttered. "You can spend the night with them."

"It's not 'fine,'" I protested. I took a step closer to him and spoke in a quieter tone before anyone could catch on to our conversation. "I would like to take you to the dance, but I don't think they'd let you in. The school, I mean."

Gerard waved me off. "Yeah, yeah, I know that. As I said, it's fine." He let out a sigh now and took a step back. "Look, I'm gonna go. See ya around, Frankie."

I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs and stop Gerard from walking further away from me, but he was already a half-block away. My heart sunk. There is nothing else I could do. I wasn't sure if I'd see him again. Was this the end? This can't be...

--

At seven sharp, I was at Jamia's front door as I had promised her. Behind my back was a bouquet of flowers that I picked out at the flower shop earlier in the day. I also bought a corsage, or two. I was still hopeful to see Gerard tonight, and I hope that I could make it up to him by giving him the corsage he wanted. I waited for about a half minute until the door finally opened to reveal Jamia. The sight of her in the dress she wore nearly took my breath away. The dress hugged her slim torso and at the waistline, it flared out slightly. It was made of the prettiest pastel pinks. The skirt of the dress donned a lacey pattern. The dress wasn't the only thing making Jamia stunning, it was also her makeup. It was as if the best artist in the world did her makeup. It appeared natural and minimal, and she was wearing a lipstick shade that complimented her dress.

"Well, say something!" Jamia giggled softly. She performed a little twirl for me, and I smiled. "You look amazing, Jamia," I whispered. I held a hand out to her now, and once she took my hand I revealed the flowers I held behind my back. Jamia let out a slight gasp. "Oh, Frankie, they're stunning!" She placed a delicate kiss on my cheek before gently taking the flowers. She handled them with such great care I almost believed she thought that she'd break them. 

The rest of the night went as I imagined. Jamia and I met up with our cliques and our friends alike at the dance, and we both had the night of our lives dancing on the open floor in the school gymnasium. The live band that played for the dance was absolutely amazing. They played all of the greatest and popular songs that matched the mood of the evening. Everything from the dance to the food made our special night spectacular, but all night I couldn't stop thinking of Gerard. I was constantly wondering if he was alright, and where I might find him tonight...

--

As the night grew older, the students slowly began to leave the dance. My group also lowered in numbers. Soon, it was about me and Jamia's time to leave, so I hooked arms with her and lead her outside to the parking lot. However, when we neared my car, I could see someone off in the grass dancing alone. From where I was, I could barely hear music from the gymnasium so I don't know what that person was dancing to.

During the whole drive to Jamia's home, my mind slowly made the connection that the person swaying alone to no music was most likely Gerard. Was he waiting for me? Did he still want to see me tonight? These questions encouraged my heart to beat fast from excitement. I know it isn't wise to hope so much but I couldn't help myself because just the thought that Gerard could be into me in some way excited me. So shortly after I had kissed Jamia goodnight and watched her walk inside, I sped back to the school as fast as I could. It seems as if luck was on my side tonight because the lonely person was still there. Smiling, I exited my vehicle and approached the dancing figure.

As I guessed, it was Gerard. Before I approached him, he was caught up in his own little world. His own beautiful world. His expression was one of pure carelessness and freedom. He had the softest smile and his eyes were closed in a pleasant way. His movements were intricate and calculated, yet delicate and slow. He wasn't wearing any pants this time. Instead, it was a simple patched skirt. Who knows where he found that old thing. The odd thing about it, though, was that he pulled the raggedy look off well.

"Gerard?"

My words shattered the undisturbed silence. Gerard whirled around to face me, his face full of shock.

"Frank!" He exclaimed, his eyes wide in horror. "You-- You're-- I--"

I could tell he was embarrassed to be caught. I gave him a calm smile. "Relax, you're fine," I said. "You looked beautiful."

Gerard gaped at me for a few seconds before blushing madly. He smiled bashfully now and dipped his head. I took this opportunity to step closer and take his hand. "What do you wanna do tonight? Take me anywhere. I'm all yours." His hazel eyes traveled up to meet mine, and I swear I've never seen them so bright. I went to lean in, but...Gerard seemed to have other ideas. He gripped onto my hand tighter and suddenly began to drag me towards the direction of the football field. Somehow the lights still stayed on, even this late at night. Maybe there were other couples here for obvious reasons.

Gerard let my hand go now and sprinted to the middle of the field. He stretched his arms out to the dark sky and let out a deep breath. "Although I've never been a big sports guy, I do miss the games, the atmosphere," He said. He seemed to be speaking more to himself. After a moment, he turned to face me. "Sucks we don't have any music."

I nodded. Too bad I wasn't much of a musician myself. I took a few steps closer to Gerard. "You really wanna dance, huh?" Well, where could we dance? The school parking lot? No, we'd be caught and that wouldn't be pleasant.

Gerard sighed. "Hm, well, maybe we can just...imagine the music." Now he was the one to take my hand. I observed how he thought through how we would dance. His lips were slightly puckered and his eyes glanced over me about ten times. When he had analyzed everything, he finally took my other hand and closed the remaining space between us. His eyes met mine. "Do you know that song by Paul Anka? It was kinda popular back in my high school days."

"Tch, you make that sound like ages ago, Gerard," I smiled. "Of course I know that song. Put Your Head On My Shoulder, right?" To that, Gerard smiled rather coyly. He didn't say anything in response though. He simply began to hum the familiar tune and soon we were slowly swaying along to it. The two of us were completely absorbed into the dancing, we didn't care to look for anyone watching. To us, we were the only ones on Earth. We were the last remaining people dancing slowly on a football field under bright lights.

As the end of the song neared, we had stopped dancing. I wanted to attempt a kiss again, but I wasn't sure how Gerard would feel about that, and honestly, I wasn't sure how I would feel about it either. Any such homosexual acts are considered taboos... So I ignored the urge for now.

"C'mon, let's go for a stroll," Gerard said suddenly. He let my hands go and began to walk down the football field. He had a cute little skip in his skip, and my heart did not fail to flutter at his actions.

[punkscowardschampions]

Ali & Ro

Ali: Soooooo Ali: How'd your date go? Ro: I'm not sure who you meant to send this too, but perhaps try again? Ro: You can't mean me Ali: Coy, that's how you're playing it, I see Ali: Solid choice 😉 Ali: You and Drew musta been agonising over coffee options then Ro: What are you talking about, Ali? Ro: It was just a coffee stop for everyone, rehearsal fuel Ro: You know full well I've never been on a date Ali: I know full well that was just a ploy for some alone time with you Ali: and not yet but it is so clearly on the cards! Ali: I'd start dropping hints now, otherwise who knows where you'll end up Ro: Don't be ridiculous? Drew isn't remotely interested in me like that Ro: Why would he be? He has his pick of girls at school, and beyond the gates, too I'm sure Ali: Because you're you and he should be so lucky Ali: A bombshell with brains to boot Ali: Yeah, he's got a rep but he's being uncharacteristically sweet with you so, taking him at face value Ali: Anyway Ali: What do YOU think of him? More importantly Ro: Oh no no, this isn't a transformation story whereby I take off my glasses or get my braces taken off finally and am suddenly considered good enough for the protagonist Ro: Besides, I'm not even smart, just a hard worker Ro: Most importantly, he's always sweet with Meena so it's hardly uncharacteristic Ro: Other than knowing him as her kind older brother and Caleb's friend I really don't, know him that is Ali: Oh hush ignoring the fact that art is always a poor imitation of life and not the other way 'round Ali: He's love interest #1 at best, potential to be more if he sticks to his lines Ali: You're the loveable protagonist, silly Ali: Hmpf, fine. Would you like to know him better then? Ro: Of course, like I said, he's kind and sweet and Caleb's proven himself to be a good judge of character Ro: I just fail to see why he'd be interested in getting to know me, beyond being civil to me for the aforementioned reasons of mutual connections with important people Ro: He's Drew Goldsmith and I'm me Ro: We're incompatible given even the little we are both aware of concerning each other Ali: Well, I dunno about that, I think he's a fool and my evil plan is working 😏😂 Ali: Because he fancies you Ali: Potentially Ali: This stuff can defy usual logic, for better or worse, opposites CAN attract or repel in the case of humans Ali: But he wants to find out, I know this practically for a fact (of course, I haven't asked, don't worry) so its up to you to decide if you do too Ro: I have no idea what you believe you possess in terms of knowledge about his attractions or intentions but I highly doubt you're right in so far as him fancying me Ro: Sorry to say Ro: He may look like Connla of the Golden Hair but I am by no means a fairy maiden Ro: If only I could be noble born, never grow old or indeed never die Ali: Have you forgotten what happened to the last person to question my omniscience, sister? 🤔🍄💀😉 Ali: And have you also forgotten who and what you are, 'just because they told us too Ali: Cannot believe what I'm hearing here, I refuse to! Ro: of course I haven't Ro: but perhaps I should try and grow up, or at least be more realistic, when it comes to this Ali: Never! We do live in those green and pleasant hills after-all Ali: Won't stroke his ego as hard as to say UNLIMITED pleasures await but Ali: Everyone is positively like a silly child when it comes to love Ro: It isn't love though and therein lies the issue Ro: Simply a silly crush on my part and polite interest on his Ali: It rarely is at first sight Ali: and there's nothing polite about how keen he is Ali: See where it takes you, that's all Ali: he's clearly going to be hanging 'round jam seshs' and the like as long as you're about so whatever it will be, its inevitable Ro: I thought it would be, the whole charade of fireworks when our eyes collide and butterflies in my stomach. Everything clear and definite Ro: I'm afraid of whatever this is Ali: That's just horniness Ali: You just have better restraint than romance novel writers, is all Ali: Its aright to be afraid, its new and unknown Ali: Here be monsters Ro: Well that is comforting, especially if it ensures I won't fall as hard and fast as those heroines do Ro: particularly if I'm destined to do so alone Ro: Okay...but what if the monster is revealed to be me, in his eyes anyway, what if he gets to know me and doesn't like what he discovers Ali: Sure it was the corsets, poor girls could barely breathe, makes swooning all the more likely, those dastardly dandies! Ali: Then he's as bad, and ignorant (and MORE scared of the unknown than you feel right now), as every explorer who wrote natives off as savages Ali: You are far from a monster in every sensible definition Ali: Misunderstanding maketh monsters Ali: So that'd be on him, can't control other's perceptions but he isn't going to think you are, there's just no reason to Ro: I know you're right but Ro: I just suppose I wish I could control something Ali: I know Ali: Well, one thing you can control is your yay or nay to whatever he's offering up Ali: Not suggesting you have to make the first move, or put it all out on the line, 'cos he definitely will Ali: #gentleman Ro: That much is definite Ro: We should call another rehearsal, allow you to guide my vision to where yours currently reside so I'm not blindsided Ro: because I'm just not seeing what he wants with me Ali: Absolutely Ali: I'm really feeling the whole band thing too Ali: Are you enjoying it? Ro: Unexpectedly so, yes Ali: Right? I think everyone is Ali: Its something Ro: I've never played in front of that many people outside of a recital setting, I thought I'd mess up but it wasn't like that at all Ro: And everyone there seemed really into it Ro: Who knew there was so much respective talent surrounding us? Ali: Mess ups are more than welcome but you're flawless Ali: Me me me! 😊 Ali: Toying around with the idea of doing some local performances Ro: Flawless was you and Caleb Ro: I've never heard your voice so complimentary in a duet before, don't tell Marlene Ro: Oh? I think the others would be into that Ali: 💕 Ali: Might get her so raging she'd have to join us to prove you wrong Ali: I know it probably sounds a bit soon but like you said, performances are so different to practice and whatnot Ali: People would vibe Ali: There's all the places I've done solo, they'd be chill, and you know Suggs? Left School this year gone Ali: He's having a big Bday party for his gf and he's asked if I could do something Ro: Terrifying as it'd be to make a possible enemy of her, she's a very good bassist Ro: Very true, and too much practice can make it sound too rehearsed which clearly isn't what you're going for with this Ro: I heard Caleb talking to Drew about potentially performing at the restaurant so he'd be excited for sure Ro: Hm...I'm not certain I know who you mean but a gig's a gig Ro: Would he be alright with you bowing out as a soloist? Ali: She is Ali: She's gonna come around on her own tho, I know her Ali: She's just pouting Ali: Understandably, I'm not being as glib as I sound, just, we weren't right Ali: Exactly! That would be chill, you've gotta come thru with me just to get food, it's delicious and its beautiful Ali: Yeah, of course, one person can only rock out so hard solo Ali: Even if that one person is me Ali: Like, Bowie had a band, ya feel? Ro: I trust you and your intuition Ro: When's the party? Ro: I need to mentally prepare Ali: ✌ Ali: we've got 2 weeks to prep, assuming he doesn't get his arse dumped Ali: awkies, want us to play you out honey? 😂 Ro: Funeral march for his ego Ro: If the stars are good to me I'll make 2 weeks of wishes Ro: Should suffice Ali: Brilliant Ali: I'll check our charts Ali: Pull out some eyelashes if necessary Ali: The stars will fall and align for us Ro: I have faith Ro: Have you told the others yet? Ali: I haven't actually, I'll drop it in the group chat later Ali: Seeing Caleb tonight so I'll discuss the finer points with him then Ro: Good idea Ro: Oh yes, I'd forgotten it's your date night! Ali: As long as he hasn't we'll be fine 😋 Ro: Have you done his chart? If not he has perfect eyelashes to steal Ali: Not yet Ali: Been getting quizzed myself by his Ma Ali: Fair 'nuff but no time to sneak in so hey Ms Cavante, where was Caleb born and at what time exactly? #witchgirlproblems Ro: How very unfair Ro: Tonight could be the night Ro: I've already got the cards out here, questioning myself Ro: The spread's favorable for the party to go well for us as performers Ro: [Sends her a picture of the tarot] Ali: Knew we'd ace it but with the fates on our side we CANNOT fail Ali: are you asking about the Drew sitch? Ro: Perhaps Ali: I got you Ali: Keep it between you and the universe 💖 Ro: OH what are we going to wear for our first performance? Ali: THE BEST BIT Ali: We need to plan! Ali: Maybe shop! Ali: I think the party is a masquerade ball (how sweet for a hapless stoner, right?) Ali: We could run with that Ro: Well now I'm enthused Ro: Pencil me into your diary please Ali: Absolutely Ali: I think we could make better masks than we could ever find Ali: or makeup looks Ali: we will workshop this Ro: Agreed, you could create something amazing overnight Ali: We could go out and forage fresh flowers for it Ali: that would look beautiful Ro: Yes! Oh my god, we have to Ali: Perfection Ali: I'll see what the others want too Ali: Maybe we could go a galaxy glitter/paint moment on the guys but I feel like Meena would fosho want in on this floral faerie moment Ro: If you need me to start pressing any of the flowers let me know Ro: I'll make time Ali: You're an 👼 Ali: We can do it over lunch Ali: in between practicing Ali: Such busy 🐝s Ro: I don't mind I like to stay busy Ro: Do you think Drew will come to the party? Ali: Same tbh Ali: I bet he will Ali: And not to show off his musical prowess, bless him Ro: Do we need a name to perform under if we don't just want to be called 'Ali's band' by the host? Ali: Fantastic point, I don't want to be THAT lead singer Ali: So much to think on, oosh! We'll have to put the feelers out in the group chat Ali: should be something we all vibe Ro: I bet the boys will have some interesting ideas Ro: You should speak to Tommy as well, he's learn so much stage stuff at school Ro: If we're going to do this might as well make it look professional I think Ali: Agreed Ali: As long as he doesn't want to choreograph a whole girl group dance routine for us Ro: Imagine! Ro: I'd have to hide behind the piano Ali: Shy yet sultry keyboard girl prerogative Ali: I'll crowd surf my way outta there Ro: How long of a set are we going to play? Ro: There's so many potential covers not to mention the originals you and Caleb both have written Ali: Oh man Ali: we could do 20 like an opener but we are the main act, as it were, but its not that hardcore Ali: I think we could put together a 60 Ro: I hope we can all agree between us Ali: we will Ali: oh, could you cover for me with Ma tonight? Ali: she's not my bestie rn Ro: Of course Ro: I have a rare night free of any babysitting duties so it'll be simple Ali: Good, you deserve a break from the little demons Ali: I hope a book and a bubble bath are on the cards after you calm down the dragon Ro: They are indeed Ro: Perhaps I can suggest the same for her Ali: Perhaps I'm just giving myself away as twisted but that is a hilarious mental image Ali: Her grumpy face peeking out of a bubble beard Ro: Ali don't that's going to stay with me when I do get in the tub Ro: Oh no Ali: 🙊🙈 Ali: I can only apologize Ro: Cleansing that from my thoughts immediately Ro: Are you coming home at all or just straight out to see Caleb? Ali: If I do, catch me creeping up the stairs Ali: She's not been this pissy since Lachlan Ali: She's so SURE Caleb is like that and its just Ali: hilarious Ali: imagine Ro: Once she gets to know him better she'll change her mind Ro: She has to Ali: She SHOULD but will she? Ali: Stubborn old goat 😂 Ali: He's not going anywhere any time soon so if she wants to pine for Marlene that's on her but Ali: 🤷 Ro: I'll start counting cars to wish on just for her (and you), hold my breath, dig out my baby teeth, everything Ro: She just doesn't want to be a grandmother yet is all, it's no slight on Caleb personally I don't believe Ali: My vagina my choice, Mama Ali: Bless her Ali: It'd be fine if she threw out the same level of concern at...oh, idk Ali: Bea and Fraze Ali: 🙄 Ro: If she could secure us all same sex relationships she would, undoubtedly Ro: Likewise, if there was any feasible way to show Bea concern that she'd allow it'd be done Ali: When your kids don't have the good grace to be gay #gutted Ali: Yeah Ali: I need lessons on how to be a bad bitch, clearly Ro: Please don't take any lessons from Bea Ali: Its okay, I don't think she'd be willing to teach me Ro: Very true Ali: Best kept secrets and all that Ro: Speaking of, I've just received a text and must go Ali: Say no more Ali: run baby run 💚 Ro: Have fun tonight Ro: Bluebeard and I will try not to miss you too much Ali: Aww, I'll be home for snuggles lads Ali: wouldn't wanna get pregnant Ali: Laterz Ro: See you soon xx