#i will definitely post a recording here once I get the piano and singing down together

[voiceshearingyouloud]

Sometimes I feel crushing loneliness but then I play piano and it makes my soul go :-)

[phoenixyfriend]

Came up with a Miss Congeniality AU today, with a bunch of input from @whymylifewrites, who actually did suggest the main ship to be Quintress, which I just lost my mind about, because yes.

(I'll integrate most of her comments into the post naturally, but a few took the form of a Q&A that I left as separately indicated.)

It would be so easy for Dooku to be the Pageant Coach.

Dooku: Of any girl I've ever taught, you are truly unique. If I ever had a daughter, I imagine she would be a lot like you. Ventress: [smiles] Dooku: Which is perhaps why I've never reproduced.

Just imagine him doing a Judgmental Pose when he looks Ventress up and down. He can do a lot but they are going to need quite some foundation to cover the facial tattoos.

"They're cultural! Those are allowed!" "They're identifying marks that would have been a scandal in the state pageant; people will wonder they hadn't heard about them already."

As far as 'why is Ventress in the FBI' goes... I think she was a recruit from like. People they arrested. Like she was such a good criminal that they offered to pay her to stop crimes with them instead, and now she's the only person that can pass for young enough to do this undercover work. Quinlan almost definitely recruited her.

The pageant director needs to be Evil and Woman and Femme so I guess Miraj Scintel. The host isn't in on the crime, so... I would have said Obi-Wan but he's already got a role. Other options are Mace or Bail, so I'm going with Bail.

Ventress goes in expecting airheads and instead gets blindsided by shit like "Oh hey, we just looked up New York's arrest record" and "Massachusetts graduated Summa Cum Laude and is expected to be a Senator less than ten years after she finishes her law degree; also she put off her wedding for this since contestants can't be married.

(Listen. Padme's from Martha's Vineyard. I declare it so.)

Ventress befriends: New York - Bo-Katan - they spar at least once, and it's flirty until Bo mentions her girlfriend back in the city Mass. - Padme - they get into really long arguments about government overreach and law enforcement; put off her wedding for this Nevada - Ahsoka - baby of the event (just barely scraped by as old enough), jokes about biting people. Her pageant coach is her adoptive brother, Obi-Wan; her talent is acrobatics or aerial silks Louisiana - Aayla - baton twirler Texas - Fennec - Ventress's roommate, and also very much emblematic of the movie quote about how "This is Texas, everyone has a gun." Illinois - Bly - first trans contestant, flirty with Aayla

Other contestants: North Dakota - Barriss - her talent is piano Alabama - Steela - violin Montana - Riyo - talent is opera singing

Bo would also be a decent Main if not Ventress. She's the New York Lesbian, I've decided. She is doing it purely for the scholarship money. Satine didn't pressure her but I think she trained Bo and was the one who suggested it as an option for College Things.

I think Ventress deserves to make creepy comments about how to Do Crime that all the other girls look at her like ??? for, except Bo. Bo thinks the comments are Entirely Reasonable And Normal.

Bo adds her own comments and Padme looks on in mild disappointment. Ahsoka asks clarifying questions. She wants to be one of the big kids and Fit In.

Ventress: Nah, that wouldn't work, you need a higher quality wiring if you want to short-circuit that alarm to break in without alerting the cops. Padme: ...I mean I know why I know that. Why do you know that?

Barriss does not at all know or understand what kind of company she's fallen into

Ventress and Bo have extensive criminal records. Padme's fiance is an electrical genius who likes to watch youtube videos about how to Do Crime Things because he fantasizes about being a Leverage character. Ahsoka's ready for anything. Steela's done a lot of Macgyvering nonsense, she gives me A/V club vibes. Aayla's a kickboxing teacher.

Barriss is just. Here.

Ventress is getting a very skewed idea of what beauty pageant contestants are like.

Whymylife said "ok all of this is perfect but anakin fantasizing about being a leverage character when ventress is as close to a real life leverage character one can get is so so funny to me"

Padme decides she has to introduce them. I think Ventress want to noogie him.

Dooku introduces Ventress to Ahsoka because he knows Obi-Wan through the pageant circuit.

whymylife said "i was wondering how like, the anakin and obi-wan and ahsoka situation is. like did anakin move to mass for college or something and meet padme there? was padme's involvement with the pageant what inspired ahsoka to do it?"

Which yes, I'm a-okay with that.

Initially I said that, honestly, the only part too complicated to keep is Aayla and Quinlan, because they could have theoretically just asked if he could get his little sister to wear a wire.

HOWEVER there is room for PLOT

Aayla doesn't have any kind of security clearance, so they still need an actual field agent to send in. Quinlan spends the entire op dodging Aayla and trying not to let her see he's here and supporting her competition.

Aayla wants nothing to do with this FBI nonsense, and so Quin is like "No, my little sis is 100% not an option. We have to stick my rival/crush/work buddy in the heels instead."

Bly and Aayla almost kiss during the girl's night out, but then one of them vomits or faints like Rhode Island in the movie. They share some hot chocolate after the climax when post-bomb cleanup is happening (they're just sitting on the steps, a little torn up, hair in disarray) and Their Shoulders Are Touching.

[blush-and-books]

The End of Julie and the Phantoms - A [very long] Theory

The core of this theory was inspired by many posts that I have seen saying that Julie’s “everything was a dream” shirt may have insinuated that nothing happening on the show is actually reality. I brought my series finale pitch to my dear friend @willexx who then helped me develop this headcanon into something I cried about during lunch. 

It starts out pretty heavy, but there are some little light things here and there because it’s what the himbos would have wanted.

We start here:

In the last episode, the boys are ready too cross over. It’s an emotional moment for everyone, they’re crying, Julie is sobbing, and we as an audience have definitely seen better days. With one last “we love you, Julie,” a flash of light overtakes the garage space, blinding our screens. 

The scene flashes to Julie lying in bed, waking up from her ringing alarm. 

She is visibly confused, clearly wondering how she got to bed when the last thing that she remembers is the boys’ painful departure. When she reaches for her phone to turn off her alarm -- it’s a school day -- she quickly notices the date:

It’s the same day in 2020 that she met the boys, that she was going to clean out her mom’s garage, and that she had to perform to keep her spot in the music program. 

So, none of it was real?

Not exactly. 

The experience was a sort of dream-like saga that was designed for her to be able to grieve on her own, and rediscover her voice in her own way. But just as the panic sets in that it was a complete figment of her imagination, the feeling of cold metal on her left hand becomes too hard to ignore: One of Luke’s rings. 

Reggie’s leather jacket is hanging in her closet.

Alex’s fanny pack is slung across the back of a chair. 

But when she runs downstairs, clad in her dinosaur slippers, rushing to the garage to see if the guys were there -- they aren’t. They have crossed over. 

As she moves through the day, she’s a new Julie, but everything else is the same. Instead of a baseball cap and low ponytail, Julie throws on her black jeans and Reggie’s leather and lets her hair run wild. She’s displaying a confidence that Flynn hasn’t seen in a long time, that seemed to have hit Julie overnight. 

Julie sings Wake Up in music, and keeps her spot in the program. She doesn’t oogle Nick in the halls and she tells Carrie off when there’s an attempt at an insult made. 

Real or not, the boys helped her. They did their job. 

When she gets home, and Ray irks her about cleaning the garage or selling the house, she is quick to insist that she doesn’t want to move and that if he needs her for the rest of the night, she’ll be in her mother’s studio.

There aren’t any instruments except for the piano, and the space has the original layer of dust that it had before her and the guys started using the space again. Julie feels empty. But she reminds herself that the ring on her finger is real, extremely real, so she retraces her steps that she had taken in the first episode and tracks down the Sunset Curve demo CD, puts it in the stereo, and plays it. 

Nothing happens. Or, at least -- nothing that she could see.

The camera pans up as Julie is hard at work to organize the garage, and we see the boys in the chairs on the ceiling, watching over her fondly. 

~This is where @willexx started to throw in some epic ideas~

The boys are real, and they have crossed over, which renders Julie unable to see them. However, in her reset reality without them, no one remembers Julie and the Phantoms or the fact that the boys existed in the first place. The boys, while she can’t see them, visit her and try to make contact with her as much as they can, even though their times with her are limited since they are supposed to be on the other side.

She’ll feel a ghost of a touch on her hand or her hair, and know that Luke is there. When she’s in the car and the radio is on a country station, she knows that it’s Reggie. In a journal for school, a small “okay” will be written in the corner of a page, and it is Alex. These little notes keep her going, and she’ll just sigh and say “my boys,” and leave everyone around her confused. 

Sometimes, when she wakes up in the morning, the demo tape can be heard playing in the garage. Somehow she’ll get filled with hope that if she runs into the garage, the boys will be there rocking out without her like she used to scold them for left and right -- but no one is there. Ray comments that the stereo is broken and Julie has no choice but to nod along. 

One day she finds Luke’s songbook that had been buried in the plastic garbage bags of the boys’ belongings. She still brings Unsaid Emily to his parents, and she cries herself to sleep that night. 

When Julie blows up as a solo artist, she actually records Unsaid Emily, and she records Bright, and all of the other songs that her and Luke wrote together. Luke Patterson is in the writing credits for many of the songs, where Trevor never bothered to list him, and a part of Luke is at piece. 

On the two year anniversary of Rose’s passing, Julie finds Luke’s “angst flannel.” Ray asks where she got it; she tells him a thrift store. But it feels warm, like all of the guys are there, hugging her. 

Another morning, she could swear that Luke and Reggie are strumming out Flying Solo on level one volume, and once again finds herself darting to the garage with no good excuse except to keep her hopes up. They, unsurprisingly, aren’t there -- but a note is, that says “you’re a star, Jules. We love you.”

The handwriting is messy. She knows it’s from Luke, who probably fought the boys to even write the note because he just wanted to talk to her even though they need to move on and his handwriting is awful. The note gets tucked into the pocket of the flannel, and when she needs to be reminded that she’ll be okay, she pulls it out of the pocket and holds it tight. 

Before every show, she reads the note, and mumbles a little prayer to them wherever they are -- even if no one else believes they are real. 

When Luke’s flannel starts to lose it’s original sweet scent of Emily and Mitch’s house, Julie spends an hour crying on the floor of her bathroom. A faded orange beanie appears in her room the next day. 

Little notes from Luke appear here and there, but never from any of the guys. In the shadows where she can’t see them, Alex tells Luke that in order for both themselves and Julie to move on, Luke needs to stop leaving her notes -- so most of the ones that Julie finds are even more messy than usual, like Luke was trying to write them without the guys noticing. 

During one of their forbidden conversations, Julie says to Luke: “hey, I never told you this before... But I’m so glad you’re here. I don’t know what I would do without knowing that you guys were still around. I think I would have lost my mind, and would have been convinced that I went crazy.”

Luke could have ran to Alex, repeated Julie’s tearful words, and given the drummer a fat “I told you so.” But he doesn’t. Julie’s validation is the only validation that he needs. 

Whenever her and Carlos and Ray make an extra seat at their dinner table for Rose, Julie imagines, deep in her mind, that it is for Reggie too. Reggie deserved a seat at their table; deserved to be a part of their family. A family that would have loved him.  And when a fork falls off of the table, Julie knows he’s there. One day, Julie asks Ray how he would have felt about having another son. He responds confused, and Julie gets tears in her eyes, and neither of them bring it up again.

When Julie and Flynn go to Pride together, Julie wears Alex’s fanny pack even though she hadn’t gotten any signs from him since they had all moved on. He still doesn’t reach out afterwards, too overwhelmed by her gesture to think of a way to properly extend his gratitude and love for the girl who is keeping his spirit alive -- but Luke lets her know that he was grateful. 

Luke still visits Julie like he visits Emily and Mitch. And on Luke’s birthday every year, Julie goes to a little bakery after school and buys herself a cupcake; sneaking downstairs in the middle of the night to light a candle and sing happy birthday. When she lights the candle, the candle gets blown out. Every year after that first year, she gets candles that you have to turn on and off so that Luke can’t ruin the moment. 

(He ends up throwing the fake candle on the ground out of retaliation.)

Julie is so emotionally stable for the most part that the complete change is a shock to Ray. He tries to ask her what happened, but she always acts like nothing happened and then hides in her room for hours. Sometimes, she makes random little comments out of the blew and Ray has many conversations with Victoria on whether or not he should have Julie seeing Dr. Turner again. 

At her first solo concert, Julie walks into the dressing room to find “Stand Tall” written three times, in three different handwriting styles, in red, pink, and blue. The message in blue is the messiest by far, and is followed up with a heart. 

The name of Julie’s first album is Phantoms. 

[softsebnbuckystan]

Soul ties - Part 9 (Bucky Barnes au)

"If I lay here

If I just lay here

Would you lie with me and just forget the world ?"

"Can I come in?"

It was Bucky's voice – of course it was. You tried wiping your tears away before speaking. A part of you didn't care if he saw you crying, but you still hated when you couldn't hold back the tears.

"Yes." Your voice was husky from the crying and you weren't sure he'd heard you until he opened the door. You were still on your knee, unable to even look at him.  Bucky seemed to understand talking wasn't really what you wanted at the moment. Instead, he kneeled next to you and unexpectedly wrapped his arms around your shaking body. You'd noticed how rare it was for him to touch people ; even tapping Steve's shoulder seemed to hardly ever occur to him. Your shaking stopped instantly as you gave into his embrace, leaning against his chest.

"He was about to call me a whore, wasn't he?"

Had it been Steve, he would've told you no in an effort to comfort you. But Bucky radiated blatant honesty when he talked to you, which you appreciated more than you would say.

"It doesn't mean he's right," he said.

"Maybe not. But that's still the word he wanted to call his wife. How did I even- fuck." You shook your head. "How did I ever fell for his tricks? I knew his friends were trash but...I thought he was the exception. I never thought he'd act like this with me."

"Act how? Rude?" Bucky asked, unsure about what you exactly meant.

"Yeah. The neglect has been going on for years, you know." You looked up at him and got out of his arms to sit properly. It didn't take him long to take a seat next to you, leaning his back against your bed. "I just put it all on his job." You grabbed Bucky's hand : you'd never needed to touch him as much as you did now. Something in the controlled way he breathed and the warmth of his skin helped you think straight and prevented you from spiralling.

"Is it the first time he insults you?"

"Openly? Yeah." You sighed. "He's been petty before but calling me names...never."

"I'm afraid to ask this, but I have to." He looked you in the eyes, searching for...what, exactly? "He was pretty violent when he grabbed your shirt. Was that the first time as well?"

The question made you look away once more. Inexplicable guilt flooded your body as you tried to think of some lie. You leaned your head back on the mattress and closed your eyes, opting for honesty.

"No."

You could almost hear Bucky's jaw clenching ;  his other hand formed a fist, whereas the one holding yours remained gentle.

"He's never been violent intentionally," you quickly explained. "It's just... We've had our fights, alright? And when we start yelling at each other, I always tell him we both need to calm down but that doesn't suit me so he tries to stop me from leaving the apartment and...well. It goes from grabbing my arm a little too hard or just locking the door and hiding the keys. He even threw them out the window once."

Recalling those fights didn't help your tears stop rolling on your cheeks but damn, it felt good to actually say it to someone. Wanda never needed you tell her things : she could just read them when she felt like you were lying. With Bucky, it was different. You actually wanted to tell him what had happened.

"What did you do when he did those things to you?"

"Not much. It only made me angrier so I would sit on the couch or even in my room and stop talking to him until he opened the door."

"You do realise how that's...far from right, yeah?"

"I'm starting to." You shrugged. "This might be stupid but, seeing how everyone here treats me, how you treat me, it's making me realise Darren is not this perfect husband I imagined him to be. He was the easy way, you know? We met, we liked each other and he had a good situation and I could already see the white-fence family every American movie depicts. I just didn't know it would turn into a soap opera." You laughed bitterly at your own not-so-funny joke.

Bucky suddenly got up, keeping your hand in his to help you stand as well.

"What are you doing?" you asked.

"It's still your birthday and I don't want it to be ruined by that guy," he let out in one breath. "C'mon."

He took a right turn after your bedroom door, walking you further away from where the party was supposed to be. You didn't walk for long before he opened an other door, walking you into his own room.

"What's the plan, exactly?" you asked again, more than confused. "I thought you meant we'd go back to the others, and..."

"Damn, I didn't realise how this looks." He let out a nervous laugh and you mentally slapped yourself for going blank over how cute it was. "Nobody even asked you to a proper dance on your own birthday and I want to fix that, if you'll allow me."

He looked back at you through his eyelashes, looking all anxious about your answer.

"What music choice do we have?"

His face lit up and he went through a box of vinyls on the floor. "I only have old stuff, I'm sorry. I believe this should do it, though," he said as he picked out one of the pockets. "It's from 1956, but it actually came out first in the 30's. Most people know the most recent, so..."

"I didn't know you were a music nerd," you said with a smile.  "How very cute of you."

He shrugged as he placed the disk on the record player. Piano notes started rising through the air and you recognised Louis Armstrong's voice.

"May I?" Bucky held out his hand and he waited for you to nod before grabbing yours, placing his left hand on your hip. Your instinct was to inch closer to him as you both started swinging slowly in the middle of his room. His blue eyes were sounding  you out.

"This was indeed a wonderful idea," you whispered, not wanting to break the moment as Ella Fitzgerald started singing her own chorus of Cheek to cheek. Bucky beamed and you enjoyed the view, returning  his smile before resting your head on his chest. His heartbeat became another rhythm to follow and be lulled to. "I can't explain how you make me feel and that scares me, Buck. And yet, it's the best feeling I've ever experienced."  The use of his nickname did something to him : you felt his heart skip, causing you to smile discreetly. "Talking to you is ridiculously easy," you continued, "and I'm not that muck of a talker. Just ask Wanda."

He laughed softly and you tilted  your head up as his chest shook from the movement.

"I know what you mean," he confided. "I don't feel all of the guilt I carry when I'm with you. It's refreshing. I don't feel like I'm being judged at every second."

"I couldn't possibly do that," you explained. "I know a little more about the things they made you do, now, and I'm more impressed at how you came out of this. You're still there whenever someone needs help, like when that fire alarm rang for no reason the other day. And when that thing went off in the lab, you took time to help me. How could anyone judge you negatively?" Your frowned. "Sorry, I interrupted you."

"It's fine," he assured you as the next song on the vinyl started playing (not that you were paying much attention to the music, even though Dream a little dream of me was an all time favourite of yours).

Your eyes scanned his face and when you noticed his own gaze lingering on your lips, you moved  your hand from his shoulder to his neck. You were still slow dancing effortlessly, and you could feel his breath slightly picking up.

"I want to do something," you muttered. "But if you don't want me to, I won't feel bad if you stop me." The last thing you wanted was him to let you do anything out of pity ; you didn't think that was the type of thing he'd do, but there was no harm in making sure. Your fingers fiddled with the short hair on the back of his head and you extended your neck a bit. You felt Bucky's breath on your nose and lips as you got even closer to him, closer than you'd ever been until now.

"Are you sure this is what you want?" he asked in a whisper. "Trust me, I do, but last thing I want-"

Those were the only words you needed. You pressed your lips against his and a whole firework show started in your belly. His hand on your hip pulled you into an even closer embrace as you kept playing  with his air. When you broke the kiss and rested your forehead against his, you couldn't get rid  of your smile. So it was true, what books said about butterflies.

--- I'm so happy to finally post this part!! This was definitely my favourite to write so far, even though it's a tie with the stars scene. :) I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I did writing it.

P.S. : the tag list is still growing and damn that makes me so happy!! Your support means everything.

P.S. 2 : I feel like this story will be wrapped soon. If you have any request/idea you'd like to see for a next one (short one shots or series), I will gladly hear it!

Tag list :

@ginger-swag-rapunzel @joscelyn02 @writehistorynotthegrocerylist @bluemoon-icecream @lady-loki-ren @simplybombshell @lizajane3

[watching-pictures-move]

Put On Your Raincoats #21 | Double Chinn Double (Double) Feature (with Hyapatia Lee)

By the time the '80s rolled around, Bob Chinn, best known for his collaborations with John Holmes (the inspiration for Boogie Nights), had been directing movies for over a decade. For much of that time, he'd been making them for peanuts (in an interview with the Rialto Report, he recounts being once asked to make a movie for five thousand dollars, which was handed to him in fifties on the spot), but in the early '80s, he was directing for Harry Mohney's Caribbean Films, working with respectable budgets (by porn standards). Some of these films starred Hyapatia Lee, one of the most popular porn stars of the era and one of the first contract girls. Now, I suspect these aren't necessarily the defining works of Chinn's career, and I do intend to get to some of his movies with Holmes. But Vinegar Syndrome had a sale and there were two double features of their collaborations going for dirt cheap, and because I am weak and foolish with money, they ended up in my cart and a few weeks later in my grubby little paws. How did this happen? Through the magic of Canada Post, of course! Anyway, what I found was that these didn't represents any extremes of artistic ambition. They were neither seeking to elevate the genre, nor were they hackwork. Rather, they represent a happy medium, movies that seek to deliver the genre's goods in a polished, diverting package. Slick cinematography, courtesy of Jack Remy. Catchy theme songs that wouldn't sound out of place if you caught them on the radio. Flashy titles. Lee recounted the atmosphere on set as one of professionalism and engagement, where everyone present wanted to do as good a job as possible. Chinn claims to have been losing interest in his work at this point, but the results onscreen are the result of confident execution by somebody who had been doing this kind of thing for years and knew how to put the production's resources to good use.

The first one I watched was The Young Like it Hot, where the operators at a phone company worry about being replaced by computers. To keep their jobs, they scheme to go the extra mile in helping their callers. As this is a porno, most of this help is sexual in nature, as when Rosa Lee Kimball stays on the line while an obscene phone caller played by Bill Margold finishes. (In an interview on the DVD, Margold says after shooting his scene, he was invited to record additional dialogue. Being the method actor that he was, he insisted on whipping it out during the recording session despite the lack of cameras.) Sometimes they are informative, as when Bud Lee (real life husband of Hyapatia at the time) explains why the perineum is referred to as taint ("cuz it taint cunt and it taint ass"). But the highlight of their efforts are Shauna Grant's increasingly life threatening home improvement advice to one poor sap played by Joey Silvera. Hyapatia Lee is ostensibly the star, and has a certain charisma, playing the supervisor, but this is really an ensemble piece, and she's joined by more experienced actors like Kay Parker and Eric Edwards. The latter I've occasionally found bland elsewhere, but he has a nice obnoxious quality that serves him well as the villainous manager whose idea it is the automate the operators' jobs. The movie reflects a very real concern (that's very much still an issue in the modern workplace), but overall this is a breezy, affable comedy.

A bit more serious in tone is Sweet Young Foxes, a coming of age story whose dramatic parts are more sensitively realized than I expected. The screenplay was written by Deborah Sullivan, Bob Chinn's wife at the time, and this is a case where a movie definitely benefited from having been written by a woman, and it seems like an earnest effort to capture the anxieties and yearnings of its young women protagonists. Lee moves closer to a real starring role, and is joined by Cara Lott and Cindy Carver as her friends, who aren't quite as strong actors as her but do have decent chemistry. I can believe they're friends even if their line delivery can be stilted. (That the movie has a good ear for genuine sounding dialogue also helps.) Kay Parker is especially good as Lee's mother, hitting some of the same notes as Taboo, and has a credibly emotional masturbation scene in front of a mirror that did not leave me unmoved. (In what way? That's none of your damn business.) This was shot by Jack Remy, the same cinematographer who worked on The Young Like it Hot. That movie looked nice and slick, but this one is a little more stylish, with the solo sex scenes in particular resembling magazine centerfolds. There's also some nice new-wave-ish music that shows up on the soundtrack, which I certainly didn't mind. I do wish some of the sex scenes didn't run quite as long (the previous movie kept them refreshingly concise) as I'd prefer more of the runtime was dedicated to the dramatic elements, but what's there is still good.

Body Girls goes back firmly to comedy territory, where Hyapatia Lee and the members of her gym are trying to win a bodybuilding contest despite a rival gym's attempts to undermine them. This comes in the form of a pair of schlubs in yellow tank tops who break into the gym after hours to sabotage their equipment, only to be foiled by Hyapatia and her girls who just happened to be having sex in the locker room as people do. Of course, despite Lee's attempts to teach them a lesson (which depending on your proclivities, may have the opposite effect), they don't give up, and during the contest threaten the judge at gunpoint. Not one to take things lying down (okay, poor choice of words here), Lee finds a way to influence the judge back in her favour. (The judge is played by Francois Papillon, bringing a dopey charm to the character as he fumbles through his lines in his French accent.) Her method is pretty ridiculous and certainly in service of genre requirements, but I did laugh.

Now, there's probably a dilemma in audience sympathy here as both Lee and her rivals are cheating, but Lee's methods are more agreeable and directed at the judge instead of her rivals so I guess we ought to root for her. She's also buoyant, charismatic and has a real star quality, and is joined by such fan favourites as Shanna McCullough and Erica Boyer, all of whom sport wildly different hairstyles. As can be expected given the exercise theme, most of the ladies have toned, athletic bodies (and given the decade, voluminous coiffures), with the exception of Tigr, who brings a wiry punkish energy that stood out to me despite her limited screentime, and she also performs the miraculous feat of making a mullet look cute. (I'd previously been moved by her work in Kamikaze Hearts, the great mockumentary about a porn production and her relationship with Sharon Mitchell. She didn't stay in the industry for too long, but I'd be interested in seeing more of her work.) The screenplay was written by Lee with her husband Bud (who plays the judge's assistant with an agreeable presence that's neither too alpha nor too schlubby) and is full of exercise-related dialogue. Most of this is pretty clunky and calling it wordplay might be a bit generous ("sexercise" features at one point), but I did appreciate the effort. Also as is requisite for the premise, the longest set piece in the movie is an orgy in Lee's gym with the various participants snaked around different pieces of equipment. I must note that one of the male actors resembles Barry Gibb and that Francois Papillon is shown to wear a tiger-striped speedo. Did I enjoy the movie? Yes, but not for reasons cited in that sentence.

At the end of Body Girls, Bud Lee suggests to Hyapatia, "Let's get physical", which is the title of the next movie. (Body Girls also features a character looking at dirty magazine with stills from Sweet Young Foxes and ends with a plug for some of these other movies, anticipating the MCU's narrative and marketing strategies by a few decades.) Now, all of these movies have had decent theme songs, but the one in Let's Get Physical has lyrics that are plagiaristically close to those of Olivia Newton-John's 1983 hit. (The delivery however is more shrill but not unpleasing.) This movie is a drama where Lee plays a dance instructor trying to put together a ballet performance despite her strained relationship with her impotent husband played by Paul Thomas. (In the interview I listened to, Lee speaks well of almost everyone she worked with on these films, with the pointed exception of Paul Thomas. If there was bitterness behind the scenes, it arguably helps their performances.)

Lee wrote the screenplay for this one, and unlike Body Girls with its surface level references to bodybuilding and exercise, the dialogue here feels packed with knowledge of the real thing, which is understandable given Lee's real life interest in dance going back to her childhood. (I looked up "Luigi jazz dancing" after finishing the movie and was pleasantly surprised to learn it was a real thing.) This movie goes all in on her star power, and features a number of dance numbers that seem genuinely interested in the form rather than just leering at the performers. (There is one scene where the song Lee dances to sounds suspiciously like "Beat It".) I did appreciate that the sex scenes were kept relatively concise and tied into the dramatic aspects, although in some cases, the choices made could be goofy, like the scene where Lee makes love to her student Shanna McCullough while Thomas, in a dramatically justified but still awkward gesture, watches from another room and jacks off. (I assume he's playing the audience in this scene. Also, McCullough's character remarks "I've never done this before" when going down on Lee, and yeah, okay Shanna.) Other highlights include a car stunt that may or may not have been lifted from elsewhere but still looks decently executed, as well as a dream sequence where Thomas (or his character at least) plays the piano and sings a song. This is held back a bit by the genre's demands, like when it places a completely superfluous sex scene at the end after Lee's reconciliation with Thomas, but on the whole this is probably the best one of the lot.

[soundsof71]

So, considering you are a passionate fan of music released in 1971, I feel justifiably obligated to ask you what you think of Buffy Sainte-Marie's 'She Used to Wanna Be a Ballerina' album. 😂 (Also, it would make me beyond happy if you could post more about Buffy, my friend! Thank you! ❣)

Buffy Sainte-Marie + Crazy Horse - what’s not to love? LOL I confess that it was the Crazy Horse connection that caught my attention first. I had a general idea who Buffy was, had seen her on TV a few times, but I was a big Crazy Horse fan. News that they were her backing band for this album was easily enough for me to scoop it up.

They weren’t doing anything much with Neil Young in 1971 (other than this album, on which Neil also appeared!), but they had released a tasty solo album in February 71, produced by Jack Nitzsche (who also produced this, and would later marry Buffy), and featuring Ry Cooder (also featured here, although did not marry Buffy). 

(btw, the first place that Buffy, Ry, and Jack worked together was on the Nic Roeg film Performance, starring Mick Jagger. People obviously remember Mick in that, but musically, Buffy was the best part!) 

She Used To Wanna... also features Jesse Ed Davis, a Native American guitarist and singer who was a frequent “usual suspect” at these sort of “sure, invite everyone!” jam albums of the era, and played a prominent role at 1971′s biggest concert (at least in the US), The Concert for Bangladesh on August 1.

(I know you know  RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked The World, the documentary about indigenous music’s influence on rock and roll, which has chapters on both Buffy and Jesse Ed. I just watched it again recently, and love it! A reminder of Buffy’s pivotal role in classic rock history. Not mentioned in the film: she relentlessly championed the work of her fellow Canadians Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen, helping them get their first record deals.)

I haven’t listened to She Used To Wanna Be A Ballerina for a while, so I definitely need to do that, along with posting more pictures of Buffy.  (I can’t believe I’ve only posted two!) 

But I’ll tell you what still stands out to me about that record years later. “Smack Water Jack” is an underrated track from Carole King’s Tapestry that got a ton of airplay at the time. Quincy Jones did an instrumental cover as the title track for his terrific 1971 album, too, but it has somehow faded to obscurity since then. Buffy takes a playful trifle, and turns it into a powerful fable of men of color who explode into violence in response to the violence visited upon them, and self-satisfaction of whites in authority who answer their demands for better living conditions by killing them on the spot. 

No need for a trial when you can murder them in the streets, right? “You can't talk to a man when he don't wanna understand / And he don't wanna understand” hits different when Buffy sings it, and in 2020 for that matter. 

It’s also just a terrific performance whose combination of soul and rock and roll and driving piano in a sort of Old West-sounding context would have made this sound right at home on a record like Elton John’s Tumbleweed Connection  or something by The Band. I’m limited to five video embeds per post so I can’t embed it here, so I'm linking instead: anyone who hasn’t heard this definitely needs to.

Her cover of Neil’s CSNY track “Helpless” has things I like even better than Neil’s original, including Merry Clayton standing in for CSN. Buffy’s version is more muscular (thanks again to Crazy Horse), and taps even more deeply into the isolation of the song that the star power of CSNY somewhat obscured. 

Buffy’s version also made a brief but memorable appearance in the 2018 film Hotel Artemis, starring Jodie Foster. A weird little movie that I loved maybe more than it deserved LOL but I recommend nonetheless:

I know that this album gets attention because of the unusual number of covers, including one by Leonard Cohen, and a cover of a cover that Leonard had made famous on top of that, called "Song of the French Partisan” (hers is the far superior version imo, a song of French resistance to Nazi occupation from the perspective of a woman hiding a resister), but there are a couple of standout originals too. 

I love the title of this record, and the title track is a delightful little stomper that playfully cautions against equating the intentions of grown women with the childhood fantasies they’ve grown out of. More Merry Clayton goodness here on backing vocals too. 

“Soldier Blue” is a powerful song first written for the 1970 film of the same name, billed at the time as “The most savage film in history” -- and maybe it was. It used the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre as a metaphor for Vietnam, and it's still shockingly brutal. It was the third-highest grossing movie in the UK in 1971, though, and the single became a top-10 hit for Buffy there. 

It didn’t do as well here, either the song or the movie. Perhaps not shockingly in retrospect, Soldier Blue was pulled from American theaters after a few days, the Vietnam metaphor not at all lost on the Nixon administration. 

As horrifying as it was, this is about when I was reading Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee (first published in 1970), and Soldier Blue resonated with me in a whole lot of ways. Here’s the song in the opening credits of the movie.

I was also really struck by “Moratorium”, which is the story of “Universal Soldier” (from her 1963 debut, but a bigger hit for Donovan in 1965), coming from the opposite direction. In the earlier song, she blamed war on the soldiers who think that fighting is honorable, but here, she has empathizes with the young men, boys really in many cases, who’ve been lied to by their countries, their parents, and even their friends. They’re not vainglorious. They’ve been duped by people they trusted. 

(I don't think she takes enough into account how many men sign up to fight because they want to embrace and celebrate their worst, most violent impulses, which was of course an undercurrent of “Universal Soldier”, but I appreciate her empathy here. More than one thing is true at a time.)

Buffy goes even farther, though, calling on soldiers to support and validate demands for peace as explicitly supporting them, summed up in the unforgettable cry, "Fuck the war and bring our brothers home!" 

1971 was the peak of antiwar demonstrations in the US, with the biggest crowds ever seen in this country until the 2017 Women’s March. The May 1971 demonstrations pretty much shut down Washington, culminating with Vietnam Veterans Against The War throwing back their medals on the steps of the US Capitol, incredibly powerful stuff to see on TV in my formative years, and Buffy was right there in it. Anti-war songs were a cottage industry for sure, but nobody was writing with the nuance and empathy that Buffy was.

Here’s a 1972 performance of “Moratorium”, Buffy and a piano, and more emotionally bare than that:

There’s obviously lots more to say about Buffy, far outside the realm of protest music that was actually just a small part of her musical palette -- her pioneering experiments with electronic music, her educational philanthropy starting in her 20s, Sesame Street, you name it. Her commercial peak was still in front of her, and while I can’t say that this is my favorite of her records, it does have some of my favorite songs of hers, and 1971 and She Used to Wanna Be A Ballerina is definitely where I went from knowing who Buffy Sainte-Marie was to being a fan. 

I'll also note as I do now and again that while this blog started as an offshoot of a book on 1971 that I’d started but abandoned, I mostly listen to music released now. That’s always been my policy, including in 1971. When 1972 rolled up, I was mostly listening to music from 1972, music from ‘80 in ‘80, ‘91 in ‘91, 2018 in 2018, etc., to name just a few other favorites. (Plus The Beatles, okay? LOL I still listen to The Beatles every day. No apologies.) Honestly? It took me until 2011, in my fifties, when a whole bunch of 40th anniversary editions of 1971 albums got released all at once that made me think, “Wait a minute, this was maybe THE pivotal year in classic rock history!” 

So yeah, the historian in me dug into 1971, but even though I happened to be alive and enthralled by music in that year, what I’m doing here has nothing to do with nostalgia, or any idea that that was the *best* year in music, even if for the narrow slice of music that is classic rock, yeah, it absolutely is. For soul/R&B too, and for the explosion of women artists outside the even narrower confines of pop as well. This is not subject to debate. No year like it, before or since. It's just that classic rock is a such a narrow slice, and I like my slices wide. LOL Which is also why my blog has less and less 1971 content as I go along. 

While my general policy is that my favorite year for music is THIS year, this particular year hasn’t left me as much energy as usual for listening to music. Some of it is These Trying Times™, some of it is my bipolarity and schizophrenia getting the better of me in waves, as is the way with these, uhm, things. (Keep taking those meds, kids!) I listen to music and post about the people making it as a creative act, not a passive or reflexive one, and I just haven’t felt as creative as usual.

(This is also has everything to do with why so many Asks have been piling up unanswered. I apologize if you’re one of the many kind and indulgent souls who’s gotten in touch, but I swear I’m gonna get to ‘em all!)

To get an idea of what I’m ACTUALLY passionate about right now, my “to be edited later” running list of 2020 favorites randomly added to a playlist as I encounter them, to be properly curated later, is at Spotify, cleverly entitled “2020″ -- 94% women, which is about right. LOL 

But since I do in fact listen to old stuff (by which I mean 2019 LOL), I made a list of mostly 2020 bangers from women rockers with some tasty treats from 2019 that I haven’t been able to let go of just yet, inspired by a post I saw at tumblr saying that punk music by women is just plain better (also beyond debate), called “Women Bangers: A Tumblr New Classics Jam”. I’ll be posting an essay with a YouTube playlist soon, because god forbid that I only talk briefly about anything LOL and most of these women need to be heard AND seen.

Like Buffy Sainte-Marie, whom you'll both see and hear more often on my blog soon. Thanks for the reminder! Always a pleasure to hear from you and be challenged by you. :-)

Peace, Tim 

[ushiwakaout]

Lead Singer! Tamaki Amajiki with tattoo artist & lead guitarist S/O || MHA

Genre: Rock Star AU || Fluff || Self-Indulgent angst ||

⚠️ Warnings: Drug Use || Nsfw || Orgy || Mommy kink? ||

Words: 2k+

A/N: very self indulgent bc i love rockstar aus i’ve never seen one of tamaki so here it is! 

Gender Neutral Reader

Dude, don’t even get me started

HE SINGS LIKE JESSE THE GUY WHO SING SWEATHER WEATHER AND DADDY ISSUES

Can you imagine his singing devils advocate, holy shit he’d look so good MA’AM PLEASE

YOU CANNOT TELL ME THAT HE WOULDN’T DRESS LIKE HARRY STYLES 

He’s still shy and still has stage fright the first few times but your his lead guitar player (dated before the band was together)

Mirio is on the drums while Nejire is the bass player

It’s so hard not to pounce on him once he gets into his music like wow 

ESPECIALLY IF HE SUNG DEVILS ADVOCATE

You guys wear a matching matte black rings and people assume you’re married, y’all never say no so you’re gonna let people assume bc you’re fine with it.

You used to be a tattoo artist so many tattoos Tamaki has or will have, it’s done by you, he won’t want 

After every set he’ll either kiss you or your hand, it just depends if you go straight into the next set or not

He sings pretty boy dedicated to you bc if it where all to end, he’d be okay if it was by your side

The fans either ship you or they don’t 

It’s a little hard thinking that people don’t think you’re a good match but Tamaki always says that you’re his angel and he’d never fall in love with anyone else bc you’re his soulmate 

Some fans ship him with mirio and they both think its funny bc they’ve been best friends since they where kids so they don’t have a problem

But Tamaki does not, DOES NOT like it when they ship him with Nejire. Not that he doesn’t like her bc she, along with mirio, got him out of his comfort zone a lot (in a good way). 

He sees the way you’re smile fades when you see a post about their ship, people saying that they look good and all. It’s gotten to a point of wanting to break up with Tamaki just to make a handfull of fans happy

You’d do anything for his music to rise up the ranks, even if it meant losing your relationship

You’ve gone to mirio sobbing about this, it kinda hurt Tamaki that you didn’t go to him but you just couldn’t face him without the reminder of those stupid post

There was one day where a post said “look at the way he looks at her, he looks at her like he’s in love with her.” You looked at the picture for a long time and didn’t even realize the water works

You didn’t really mention it to anybody but when tamaki sang pretty boy, everyone could tell that it had a different feel to it

the set was over and before tamaki could look at you, you had already gone off the stage and ran towards the back locking yourself into the bathroom and kinda just letting it all out

god you hated this feeling, the ache in your chest 

Tamaki basically broke into the bathroom and froze when he saw you crying. He was so worry and so angry at the same time.

You both ended up crying on the bathroom floor together proclaiming your love for each other in such a snotty mess that it ended in laughter.

After that incident there was a long thread tweet of Tamaki explaining politely why he doesn’t like when people ship him with someone else other than his s/o or mirio (bc you don’t mind it either) people could tell that he was angry through the tweet and it was a lil scary bc tamaki DOES NOT GET ANGRY 

anygays- angst is over, sorry very self-indulgent. 

YOU CANNOT TELL ME THIS MAN DOESN’T SMOKE DUE TO ANXIETY 

You guys have 21+ concerts bc it’s those type of concerts where u can smoke weed legally and drink

SHOT GUN SMOKE WITH TAMAKI HOT HOT HOT

Tamaki’s a lil high so he does it with mirio too and u end up doing it with nejire (your relationship def gets a lot better after the whole shipping situation bc yall talk about it and nejire ends up outing herself to you guys as a lesbian)

so if you’re a girl, Tamaki will def. tell her to watch herself when it comes to his girl but if you’re a dude- you guys are like oh... cool, good for you.

MMM  tourbus sex

YOU CANNOT TELL ME THAT AS A BAND YALL DIDN’T DO SOMETHING TOGETHER

you don’t Nejire anywhere near Tamaki tho, def a small cat fight while it happens 

TAMAKI GOT REALLY JELOUS WHEN MIRIO KISSED YOU OH MAN

Tamaki def fucked you several times while Mirio was listening bc TAMAKI WANTS HIM TOO KNOW WHO YOU BELONG TOO (cannon amajiki is a bottom and probably a pillow prince but fannon tamaki is a switch but in my head in this au TAMAKI IS A HARDCORE TOP)

Several occasions where you have to sit down during concerts bc tamaki ruined you minutes beforehand

FOR A FUCKING FACT yall do it in the dressing room and he just cums inside you and slips you’re underwear back on minutes before set AND U HAVE NO TIME TO CLEAN YOURSELF SO YOU’RE LIKE FUCK

mmm i love me some dom tamaki

Okay lets get to award shows

B E S T D R E S S E D C O U P L E A W A R D 

its something like this:  female / male

if y’all win something tamaki will NOT speak, way too many people are looking at him at the moment and he almost died during the pictures. 

“some many flashing cameras”

holds your hand tighter and y’all ask to get escorted out 

If y’all live together like only you and him, you’re house def is the definition of dark decor

if you guys every do get married, you aren’t getting a live band, everyone thought you did but it turns out it’s you guys in wedding attire- they love it.

Also very small wedding, somehow able to hide it from the pap and its like 50 people or so, mostly friends and like 1/3 family

100% LIKE PEWDIEPIES WEDDING. very very private but very nature/dark decor 

do y’all get wedding tattoos. yes. but not matching, not really.

do y’all tattoo each-other at the wedding... yes.

on your ring finger you have a sun and he has the moon.

you are the light that guides his threw the darkness  and he is your sun, always lighting up your life you know bc the sun lights up the moon

y’all just love eachother sorry

you don’t break up and y’all don’t expect to

BABIES Fem version

do you still play while pregnant yes

are people surprised, yell yeah

you gotta sit down tho bc your feet are killing you 

around the 6 to 9 month mark, the band goes on a break tamaki ends up going solo for a bit during the break and he makes you sing with him AND WOW do you get a larger fanbase bc of it. yes

angelic voice of a pregnant mother

it made tamaki horny, like how the fuck are are you so fucking great at fucking everything please let me fuck you god please

will whine, WILL CALL YOU MOMMY god yes

BABIES Male version.

Yall really wanted to adopt w one baby but the baby you liked had a twin so youre like HOW CAN U TAKE ONE AND NOT THE OTHER

they are twins but ones a boy and one is a girl

god you love them with all your heart

BABIES IN GENERAL (fem version yall have twins too, boy and girl)

they grow up to be band geeks, yall love it but your boy learns piano and the girl ends up playing the guitar (def not the outcome you guys thought it would be but you really dont care)

Let set names Mizuki for a girl, Haru for a boy. (legit beautiful moon and the sun)

Mizuki is very alternative meets fairy academia/ loves plants. probably a baby witch: has the same attitude as Tamaki

Haru is Dark Academia meets city pop / loves record, old gadgets and reading books: very much more like their other parent 

If y’all ever retire to just making music at home the kids are def. gonna take the band name and just put “The new gen” after it. You guys make fun of them for being unoriginal and they get pouty 

but they had you guys crying the first time they got a gig. they both sing, make music like billie and finneas and y’all just so proud. 

when you guys start getting older they will take you to award shows as their date to flex the fact that they are gen celebs who actually made something off of their parent success unlike some people

y’all just flex you’re kid bc they doing so well

just for shits and giggles (kids are like 22 at this point, you guys are like 46) :

Haru would probably get a girl pregnant during a one night stand and end up in a baby daddy situation

Mizuki probably steals Tamakis weeb and smokes it w lavander, you catch her and you’re like.... is it good? mother/father daughter smoke sesh

Haru is like “where’s mom, i need her to run by some notes- are you guys smoking? I’m telling dad.”

“It’s not like you’re dad doesn’t smoke either.” 

Haru and Mizuki are like “WHAT?! SINCE WHEN?!” 

“Since always... how’d you think he got over his stage fright? It’s not like i could go down on you’re dad every time before a concert to lift his nerves.”

Fake gagging from the two kids. 

You guys a def the parents who kinda don’t care about your image but you don’t let your kids go off easy

They are good kids who kept good grades and never got caught while doing trouble- so they are well respected and have liberty to do what they like.

There ends up being an article about your family and the cover is you guys- all of you with your nails painted and eyemakeup

very very controversial interview with strict and non liberals calling you guys bad parents and such

and you guys also talked about the topic about how you cared for your children. explaining that you guys stopped smoking, stopped drinking, kept a healty diet until they where 15. once they became 18 it was a very open enviroment, letting your kids grow the way they want and not suffocating them. not shoving down their beliefs and likes- they grew up the way they wanted to with the care of their parents.

parents kinda hate you ngl, yall too great sksksksk

yall also play the game where they ask you questions and if you don’t answer you have to take a shot

Mizuki: “Oh ew, please don’t answer this question... Have you ever had- *clears throat* have you guys ever had sex while we where in the house

Tamaki gets all red and shoves a shot down your throat and now you don’t get to answer “But I wanted to answer!” Haru is cringing hard and he takes a shot himself “You guys are gross”

Haru asks a question and just HATES IT “Oh god... Okay- Only because I wanna know I’m asking parent number 2 (you’re parent #2) Is the rumor of you guys doing the dirty with your band true. Did you guys have an orgy.”

You start to laugh your ass off but Mizuki and Tamaki are looking at eachother bc they cant believe they’ve done this Haru def is out of his shy bubble and now Mizuki has it

“You want a shot papa?” She asked tamaki, he just nodds and she fills it to the brim, “I think thats enough.” But before he’s able to reach for it, She shoots it down and put another one full for him

“Oh yeah, that’s true. Kinda i guess, it wasn’t really an orgy- It was more like two couples doing it in the same room while doing it but you’re uncle mirio did kiss me.”

Kids: Forever gagging

Tamaki: Forever blushing

You: Ah sweet memories :)

Request are open! You can request anyone from My Hero Academia (low key wont write for tsu or uraraka. Will not write for mineta), Haikyuu, Attack on Titan or Balance Unlimited!

[ironmandeficiency]

random thought of mine, which clone do you think would have the best singing voice? Ik they’re clones so they all sound the same fmdndn but still. i think jesse or echo maybe?

jesse would be such a beautiful singer, not a doubt in my mind. his voice is velvety, a bit husky with a hard punch of power. i’ve entertained this thought on multiple occasions and will one day write smth with singing jesse.

echo though? akhdkshkakdj i never thought abt him singing before now but i can totally see it, his voice being a bit less gritty than jesse’s but with a smidge more range and a clearness that rivals the scarif oceans.

gonna send thank-you’s to @obiorbenkenobi and @hxldmxdxwn for letting me ramble abt this post on discord at ungodly hours.

i made a playlist for this almost-au as well!!! find it here, and i’ll soon add it to my spotify shenanigans.

now enjoy me going into more detail abt these two boys than anyone asked for:

genre-wise i think jesse would be a bit more cocky and playful with his go-to songs, and he will dominate the stage with his godlike dancing every time he’s given the chance;

radar love by the golden earring - this is the song he first gets the confidence to dance to. once the crowd goes wild for it and he realizes how much he enjoys moving around, he keeps on doing it. there’s this one thing he does that’s like, um, jolting/bouncing (not sure how else to describe it) but the crowd thinks it’s great when he does it.

sexbomb by tom jones - his dancing here is utterly erotic and he knows how attractive it is, holy kriff. it’ll bring the entire bar staff to a standstill bc damn look at his hips go, sex god much??? most definitely grinds against the mic stand and gfgalkdfjghlkf it never fails to fluster quite a few patrons (this will soon be a full-fledged fic so keep your eyes open)

no mr. nice guy by alice cooper - he jokes sometimes that he was actually quite peaceful as a cadet before joining the five-oh-first. it isn’t a joke tho and you can blame fives and hardcase for making him go wild. but this song makes him think of when he stopped caring abt trying to impress the longnecks and he enjoys hitting the higher notes.

rock the casbah by the clash - this is where he learns to snap his hips to every “rock” with a bit extra force. the crowd has a blast clapping along, some of the more drunk people screeching “the shareef don’t like it!” at the top of their lungs. it’s upbeat 

rock this town by the stray cats - he’s having a damn good time with this song, a lot of elvis presley vibes. if he had enough hair he’d flip it. he does a bit of air guitar and will sway his mic stand around and bounce his knee to the beat.

strutter by kiss - he loves this one, it’s a personal favorite. he;ll be running his hands down his body when he’s still, but the times he’s walking around the stage he’s got a hand on his swinging hips, literally strutting. it’s so fun to watch him embrace the music

bad to the bone by george thorogood & the destroyers - a joking request from fives that turned into a crowd favorite. fives didn’t think his vod could do it but jesse rose to the occasion as he charmed his way through the song with his fun swagger and playful air sax. he drank quite a bit of water after this one bc he was unused to using as much gravel in his voice as this song took, but he enjoys it nonetheless.

echo would be softer with his choices, leaning more towards soulful and sweet in comparison to jesse’s wild side. he also plays both guitar and piano, i take no criticism on these points;

the night they drove old dixie down by the band - he plays this one after a rough mission and it’s deeply resonating with everyone there, everyone either putting down their drinks to let the song flow thru them, or grab something stronger to let it lull them into inebriation.

no plan by hozier - he sounds so beautiful with literally any hozier song tbh, but this one is his favorite. this was the closest he got to smth soulful before the times he duetted with jesse and he really enjoyed it. it was smooth yet passionate and is one he sang for the first time when dejected and unsure abt his future.

piano man by billy joel - he plays the piano for this song & kriff did it take him a while to both master it and find someone that played the harmonica well enough to join him. this is rex’s favorite song to hear echo play and will hum it quite often. echo enjoys throwing himself into playing this one in a way he doesn’t often do & he’s called “the piano arc” the first time he plays it. the nickname sticks but he likes it, so no harm done.

amie by pure prarie league - this was a fun song for echo to learn and he really enjoys how gentle it is. he’ll tap his foot with the music and just let himself go. sometimes he’ll catch himself moving his shoulders slightly as he plays but he doesn’t stop. when he plays this one, he prepares to hear his brothers hum it for at least a week afterward, it’s just that good.

house of the rising sun by the animals - this one isn’t heard until some time after he and jesse duet & echo exhibits his capacity to have a bit of gravel, which is absolutely heavenly when heard. there’s a lot of held-out notes here and a special kind of twang he’s able to finesse, it’s stunning.

skinny love by bon iver - he learned to play guitar to this song right here, it’s one of his faves and loves how tender & raw it can be. he’s heard covers of it that added too much to it & detracted from the intensity of the emotions, so he sticks with the original. it’s an extremely vulnerable song and it’s somber, but he enjoys baring himself without the risk of being shamed for it. several people cry the first time they hear him sing this song. (this one will turn into a fic as well, time tbd)

bad moon rising by creedence clearwater revival - echo sang this one for the first time tne night before the five-oh-first got their orders, which ended up being to felucia. there are always strange occurences when this song is sung & a few ppl will do anything to keep echo from singing it bc they think it’s an omen. everyone enjoys hearing the song, no doubt, but the moment it ends, some battalion or another is doomed to a bad assignment.

now if these two were to ever team up???? no one would be able to talk about anything else for weeks afterwards

you don’t mess around with jim by jim croce - they’re sitting on barstools in front of their mics, echo strumming on his guitar while jesse pats his thigh as a substitution to the drums. v playful vibes with this song and they can’t stop grinning as they sing. it’s fun and they’ll sometimes lightly tap each other with their feet throughout the performance to tease. lighthearted and always enjoyed.

all this and heaven too by florence + the machine - it’s got enough power for jesse but is also delicate enough for echo, achieving a great balance of their strengths as well as a tambourine. you’d probably think that jesse and a tambourine can cause as much trouble as hardcase with explosives, but he’s insanely focused on getting the hits right. no one expects to hear echo belt out such strong notes in contrast to his normal choices but damn they love it. and jesse?? softly breathing the verses with a delicateness no one thought he possessed?? they’re weak for them both.

soul shop by prophets and outlaws - they harmonize SO!!! DAMN!!! GOOD!!! echo playing the piano and jesse sitting on top of it just straight up VIBING. the entire bar is swaying with the music and letting themselves melt into the floor. none of them were prepared for echo to harness a little bit of gravel in his voice or for jesse to capture the melodic tone that echo doesn’t have to put effort into. this song, having a lot of soul and grit to it but is smoother than corellian whiskey, is a performance for the record books.

if y’all wanna hear more about these two darlings singing, or if you have any other headcanons you want to share/ask me abt, please don’t hesitate to pop into my asks!! i would love to hear from you!!

[rhyewritersstudio]

Beta Challenge: What It Means To Me (part 1)

Our first beta challenge is offered by the lovely @plainxte​, in three parts, which we will be posting on Saturdays over the coming weeks.  @quirkysubject​ gave her the prompt (and some guidance).

You, our readers, are invited to be her betas: grammar, Britpicking, suggestions, thoughts, and anything you just want to tell her is delightful, please do!   Beta comments should go to our ask box. We'll make sure @plainxte​ sees them!

What It Means to Me (part 1)

**

Ridge Farm / Sarm Studios, 1975

**

"Brian?"

"Freddie?"

It was a pleasant summer's day. Warm air was wafting through the windows, and dust motes were swirling in the studio air. Brian didn't mind; it was almost hot enough to consider changing to shorter sleeves for once.

"Oh, Brian?" Now that Brian hadn't risen to the bait, there was a different kind of note in Freddie's voice. It was definitely a familiar one to Brian, and it could mean a number of things. Sometimes it meant that Brian was going to be treated to a fabulous new piece of music that would take his breath away. Sometimes it was trouble, pure and simple. There was something on Freddie's mind, and Brian was going to be involved, whether he liked or not.

"Yes?" Brian said, cautiously.

"Would you listen to something of mine? Only it's not complete yet."

"Of course, Fred," Brian said, drawn in despite himself.

Freddie turned back to the keys of the piano. Brian put his notes aside and sat back to listen. He cocked his head. The beginning was intriguing. It sounded more like a classical piano piece than anything he had been expecting. Although with Freddie, you should probably just expect to be surprised, more than anything else.

Freddie began to hum a melody, singing a word here and there, just a guide vocal, if that. And the chords – it began easily enough, C major to A minor, D minor and G major seventh, and how did Freddie manage to make it all sound so smooth? And then there was one of those chords that was so uniquely Freddie, something that fit in seamlessly and made it clear that this couldn't be anything but one of Freddie's songs.

"I like the sound of that," Brian said, deciding to save caution for another day. This was brilliant.

"Mmm," Freddie murmured, distractedly. "Listen to this, darling."

And then Freddie came to an abrupt halt in the middle of a phrase, lifting his hands suddenly from the keys. "And then there's a bit missing there," he said. "I haven't got it yet. But, Brian?"

Now that sounded familiar. And rather ominous.

"Fred?"

"Could you – I mean I think I'd need – can I ask you?"

"I think you just did," Brian smiled. "But I don't know. What is it? It sounded good, what you were playing." He was getting himself deep into trouble, he knew it.

"I'd need a guitar track for this, of course. But I think it should be mostly driven by the piano."

"Hmm, yes, I can hear that," Brian said. "It could work."

Freddie raised an incredulous eyebrow at that. "Work? It's going to be fabulous. But listen – I think it needs something special. For this – wait, let me just go through it once more."

There was a sudden clatter at the door; it seemed that Roger and John had returned from their foray into town, or wherever it was that they had disappeared to. Distracted, Brian turned in their direction, raising a hand in greeting.

"Oh, never mind them, Bri," Freddie said from the piano. "I'll just play it for you quickly."

It warmed Brian's heart that it was him that Freddie was turning to. That he had Freddie's attention all to himself for the moment. It wasn't that he had anything to complain about, or that he thought Queen should have been anything except the four-part harmony, the intertwined melody, that it was. Together, all four of them were something that was greater than the sum of its parts. But sometimes, it was equal parts exciting and comforting to be the one that Freddie focused on. Be the one he sang to, and that his dark eyes focused on.

Brian brushed a stray curl away from his face. There it was, falling in his eyes again. Nothing he did helped. How irritating. He entertained a brief fantasy of cutting his hair short, but shuddered the next minute, remembering just how impossible that had been.

"So, if the beginning's going to sound like this," Freddie said, playing the passage again: it was both simple and complex, made up of familiar elements and yet becoming something special, ending on a long major seventh chord.

"That's just too much for just one instrument," Freddie said, looking down at his hands, deep in concentration. "It needs something, some kind of a different sound."

"Could I do something with the old lady?"

Freddie's reaction was instantaneous: a decisive, swift shake of his head. "Oh, no, not here."

Brian shifted, and Freddie lifted his eyes, looking earnestly at him. "I don't mean – Brian, I definitely want her in this – and there will be a solo – but here, this part, it needs something to lift it up."

Brian sighed. "What did you have in mind?"

"That's what I wanted to ask you," Freddie said. Now his eyes were intent. "I was thinking about a harp."

"Harp?"

"Yes. Would you consider playing one?" Freddie was looking up at him, through his eyelashes.

Brian's laughter was incredulous. "No, don't be absurd, Freddie. I can't do that."

Freddie's face fell. "Oh," he said, nothing more, a small dejected sound. He turned away, looking away.

Brian felt bad. Usually, if they argued, he had no trouble defending his own point of view. But here and now, it was just him and Freddie. It wasn't about the whole band. And Freddie had asked him for a favour.

He couldn't leave it there.

"Freddie – I didn't mean it like that. But I have no idea about how to play a harp. There's technique and –"

"Oh, Brian, as brilliant as you are. I mean, I'm sure you'll pick it up in no time."

"I'll just make a fool out of myself –"

"Of course you won't. Or else we're all fools to even be doing this record in the first place. Royal fools. Sort of fitting, don't you think?" Freddie had perked up. Brian knew it was impossible: he was going to cave in and do whatever Freddie wanted. He had already resigned to his fate.

"So you'll agree, then? I'll arrange it," Freddie said, getting up from the piano bench.

"Don't you think the song will need an acoustic, too?" Maybe he could salvage some of his dignity,

"Yes, yes. I like the sound of that one – you know – the distinct voice –"

"The Hummingbird?"

"I suppose – you know the one, I'm sure. I'll leave it to you. But I don't want the guitar to be too dominant, though, if you see what I mean."

"Hmm, yeah. The piano should be on top of the mix. But maybe the guitar will get to take control in a couple of places?"

"I think that could be arranged," Freddie hummed.

**

Thanks to @plainxte for writing and thank you for reading!  Please send beta comments, suggestions and sheer happiness here.  Part 2 coming next Saturday!

[jimlingss]

The Colour of Our Voices [10]

Chapter 9 - Chapter 10 - Chapter 10.5 OR Chapter 11

➜ Words: 4.8k

➜ Genres: 98% Fluff, 2% Angst, Slice of Life, Broadway!AU

➜ Summary: He wasn’t supposed to hear. He wasn't supposed to know. But the instant Jimin came into your life and pulled the curtains back, you couldn't hide backstage anymore. You were no longer merely a phantom of the opera.

➜ Warning: Spoilers to the musical Les Mis.

cr.

You show up in sweats.   If you could, you’d take a swig of the rosette right about now. But you’ve long run out and decided not to buy more after the other day’s embarrassing stunt at Jimin’s doorstep.   You still cringe when you think about it.   So instead, you eat chocolate. You gnaw on the king sized bar like it’s Halloween and you’re indulging in the post-trick-or-treat spirit.    Your hair is also unwashed, a spectacular three day record now. It’s itchy at some parts and when you scratch, white fluff comes dusting from your scalp. You haven’t showered in general for a while. There’s no point, really. Not when you don’t have any arrangements, responsibilities, no job to go to.   The unemployed life isn’t actually a bad one — as long as you don’t think about the inevitable doom of your bank account and having to go into debt to pay off bills.   Your life sort of feels like that picture of that dog that’s sipping on coffee while thinking ‘this is fine’ and the room is on fire. But what can you do?   “Is she…”   “...yeah…”   “....it’s true then?”   There are whispers that you’re not unaccustomed to, stares behind your back that you can feel and sense in your peripheral vision. “...the ghost singer…”   You turn around to look and the girls immediately seal their lips, looking away. They pretend to be discussing other things, but still, you hear it all around you.   “So is she really the Phantom? How is that possible?”   “Don’t ask me.”   “Do you think she can really sing?”   “Probably not. She’s only here because it would bring in publicity. We all know that.”   Your efforts are fruitless. They’re right. You’re not going to get a role. You’re only here to satisfy people’s curiosity.    “L/N Y/N?” The girl reads off her list. “Is there a L/N Y/N here?”   Fuck it.   What do you have to lose? You’ve lost it all anyways.   “Here!”   You raise your hand, voice loud and clear. The murmuring of the girls cease once they confirm that it is you. But you pay them any mind, finishing the chocolate bar in the awkward silence. You chew your mouthful and smear your stained hand on your grey sweatpants, leaving a streak of brown on your thigh.   You toss the wrapper in the garbage.   “Uh...right this way,” the girl says as she gestures past the curtain.   Many auditions take place in closed off rooms, but it’s an open stage this time. A modest size with the pianist tucked in the corner. There are five people sitting before the front row, a panel of them — some producers, directors, writers — you don’t know and you don’t care much for their titles either.   It feels like you’re on some TV show, ready for their judgment.    Your nose runs with snot and you wipe it away with the back of your hand. “Hi.”   “You’re L/N Y/N?” There’s a shuffle of papers, people peering up at you past their glasses.   “Yes.” You swallow the last bit of chocolate in your mouth, clearing your throat. You hope your teeth aren’t stained. Well….if they are, it wouldn’t be the biggest deal.   “You worked at the Phantom of the Opera production?”   You should probably head to the supermarket after this and get some ice-cream. You’d definitely feel better with it, curled on your couch with a warm blanket and some television to drown out the silence of your apartment.   “Y/N?”   The call of your name has you focusing again. “Pardon?”   The woman is dressed cleanly in a blazer with her hair pulled back into a bun like yours. But hers is undoubtedly neater, probably holding a bunch of pins, maybe even hair-sprayed. Yours was bunched up carelessly with a stretched elastic you found on the floor of your closet.   “You worked at the Phantom production?” she repeats.   You give her a bland answer, but one that’s unfortunately the entire truth. “As an intern.”   One of them pipes up, “Can you tell us any details about your previous work at the Phantom production?”   “I did coffee runs.”   “Umm….” The younger female in the middle gestures with her hand. “Did you do anything else?”   “I swept the floor. I did a lot of paperwork and printed things out for the director there,” you list out and shrug. “I don’t know. Things like that.”   They exchange looks with one another, probably not expecting such a boring response. “Did you...contribute to the performance in any way?”   Your eyes dim. Of course — this is what they wanted to know all along. It’s the reason you’re here in the first place. But they shouldn’t have beaten around the bush. If they asked over the phone, you would’ve told them. They didn’t need to waste their time like this.   But unfortunately, the honest truth isn’t as glamorous as they think it is. “The actor couldn’t sing, so I did. Behind the curtain.”   “And how did that come about?” someone asks with a frown, and you can see the girls peeking out from the curtain to your left, listening in.   “They needed someone,” you deadpan. “I volunteered.”   “Well...alright then.” He clears his throat and the others shift uncomfortably in their seats. You wonder what it is that they wanted to hear from you, what kind of gossip they were anticipating. “What are you singing for us today?”   “Do you have a preference?”   “Uh…” They look at one another and some shake their heads. “No, not really.”   You approach the pianist with a sigh. You didn’t prepare, but after countless auditions, you know all the basic audition pieces inside out. Every lyric is embedded into your mind. Pathetically enough. But they’re all the same — they gave you the same outcome of failure.    “Do you have any sheet music?”   The pianist blinks at you and timidly points to the top of the upright piano. “You can look in the binder.”   You flip it open and grab for the first paper-clipped set, passing it to him. “Here.” Then you step up to the middle of the stage again, cueing the pianist with a lifeless hand and the notes start, light and optimistic much to your displeasure.    Usually, you’d begin to feel your palms become clammy. But instead, your fingertips are sticky from melted chocolate. “There’s been a change in me.” Your voice draws from your chest hastily without much care. “A kind of moving on.”   Typically, your heart would be pumping fast to the point where you could feel it all the way in your throat. Your mouth would go dry. A cold sweat would wash down your body. But you don’t feel any of these things.    “Though what I used to be, I still depend upon.”   Your knees don’t quake. You don’t need to hide any tremors in your hands.    It’s not a real audition after all. This is a joke.   And if anything, you feel pissed. No matter where you go, you’re strung along by people for their own entertainment.   “For now I realize. That good can come from bad.”   It’s supposed to be a touching song sung by Belle in Beauty and the Beast. It’s supposed to be gentle. Hopeful. But every word is filled with your aggression. It’s hostile and indignant. You’re exhausted at being humiliated and you wail out the lyrics in grief. It tears from your throat.    If they wanted to hear you sing, they were going to hear alright.   “That may not make me wise. But fuck,” you ad lib, “it makes me glad.”   “And I—” you belt the note in a kind of bitterness reserved for a resentful villain, and a kind of sadness bleeds into it. It’s not at all like a kind protagonist that’s meant to be a delicate princess. Your voice even warbles against your will, cracks at the top, but you don’t care. You embrace it. “I never thought I’d leave behind my childhood dreams. But I don’t mind.”   You look off to the top of the stairs in the small auditorium. You’re reminded of how you once sang on a stage like this, how a brunette boy appeared from thin air and began clapping for you.   “For now I love the world I see.” You shut your eyes to savour the memory. “No change of heart, a change in me.”   You stop. The piano slows and ends. It goes completely silent.   One of the men open their mouth and then closes it. “Um….”   You spare them from having to sugar coat it and tell you how awful you are. “Thanks for the opportunity.”   You step off the stage, grab your bag, and brush past the crowd of males and females preparing to audition. They all stare at you — but for reasons you’re wrong about. Though you don’t dwell long enough to find that their expressions aren’t of detest. You hop down the stairs and take the emergency exit out.   //   You don’t know where to begin with your belongings.   For one, you’re going to need cardboard boxes bigger than those containing your instant noodles. If you’re going to go home, you need to pack up your furniture somehow. But in the meantime, you haul out your dusty luggage from the back of your closet. You kick the busted wheel to roll it a few meters before hurling it on your bed with a sigh.   You’re not sure what clothes to leave behind and which to take with you.   The mattress dips underneath your added weight and you look over to the hanging dresses that you never go to wear, blazers and pencil skirts that are unwrinkled and were only pulled out for the occasional audition….   You stand on your feet after a prolonged moment, not yet feeling the urge to dump all the hangers onto your bed and fold up the clothes into neat squares. Instead, you put it off by heading to the kitchen for more ice-cream.   But as you grab for a spoon, you pass by that counter. The one with the abandoned ticket pushed to the side. It catches your eye and you’re suspended in your spot, feet rooted to the ground. You almost forgot — it’s tonight.   You hold the ticket up to the light. It’s a dark blue with a streak of red, a young girl on it facing the horizon. Les Misérables, a front mezzanine middle row seat.   It wouldn’t hurt to do one more thing before you begin packing to go home…   Right?   //   You’re startled when the bell at the top of the door jingles to signal your entrance.   “Welcome to the Bloom Room!” A female in a green apron turns around with a bouquet of flowers and shears in the other hand. All around her are fancy floral arrangements, from wreaths to overflowing vases. The fresh scent overwhelms your senses, vibrant hues that render you even more uncertain. “How may I help you?”   “Umm..”   She smiles softly at you. “What kind of flowers are you looking for? Anything specific at all?”   You glance at the surroundings, still unsure. Maybe you should get something that’ll convey how sorry you are, for showing up drunk at his doorstep, for saying all those mean things to him. Something that’ll make amends, to tell him you really miss him, his presence, friendship.   You should get something that’ll communicate how thankful you are for him — for always being there even when you pushed him away, for always supporting you, for being your backbone when you needed it.   “Just….something nice, please,” you end up telling her with a modest smile.   “Certainly.” She leads the way, through the shelves and cases of flowers and bouquets. The florist glances at you, sincere in her gaze. “What’s the special occasion?”   “Oh no, there’s not a special occasion.” You shake your head and your hands, and the volume of your voice quiets as you try to explain. “Well, not really. I’m just bringing it with me to a show tonight. Someone I know is performing for the first time on stage.”   “How exciting! What’s your relationship with this person?” She stops at a station that has jars filled with single flowers, an array of brown paper and ribbons on the side. “Friends? Family member? Boyfriend or girlfriend?”   “Umm…..” You don’t know why it’s taking you so long to think about it. “Friends…?”   And you certainly don’t know why there’s a hint of doubt in your voice either.   The florist’s pupils flicker up to you, a hint of a knowing smile gracing her features. “How about peonies? They’re very delicate and I think it’ll be perfect to bring with you to a show. Seven of them and some baby’s breath and lilacs.”   “That sounds nice.” You nod and she begins to choose them. But you wonder if it’s strange to bring flowers to him. You clear your throat. “Is it…” The woman turns to look at you. “Is it weird to give flowers to a guy?”   “Not at all,” she assures you. “Trust me, everyone loves to get flowers.”   “Do you…..think I should deliver it or give it to him?” You’re unsure of what protocol is. You’ve never bought flowers for anyone before.   “Oh, you should give it to him,” she tells you without a trace of doubt. “That’s just me, but I think it’s much more personal to hand-deliver.”   You nod and there’s a moment of quiet before you remember something. It flickers into your mind, a memory hitting you in the face. And your eyes light up.   “C-Can I get them in purple?”   //   The show starts at seven thirty, so you arrive twenty minutes beforehand.    Your ticket gets scanned and you shuffle into the auditorium. There are lots of people, a sea of glamour, couples going on dates to musical fanatics eager to watch their favourite theater performance to critics ready to analyze the show. You tug on your little black number that ends at your knees — it’s modest and simple, but one of the many dresses that you never got to wear. But there's not a lot of time to be self-conscious or to second guess yourself. The people are a tide that rushes in, and you’re overwhelmed, pushed forward by their force and unable to escape.   The theater is grand, brightly lit with the red curtains pulled down. You find your seat and hug the small bouquet of flowers in your lap.   When the show finally begins, the lights dim down completely and it’s glorious. Music begins to play, thundering through the auditorium, and men march onto the stage holding sledgehammers. “Look down, look down. Don't look 'em in the eye.”   Your eyes search for Jimin, but he’s not here.   If you remember the details of his role correctly, you have a feeling he won’t show up for a while. So you sit back and try to relax and watch. But the anticipation and excitement of seeing him keeps you on alert. Any time there are characters entering the stage, your eyes always scan across.   It’s not until an hour later that you finally see the familiar boy at the very corner of the scene, catching the edges of the spotlight. Immediately, a smile tugs into your cheeks.    Jimin’s singing with the others, wearing a long brown coat with disoriented hair. He plays the part of a young man from a rich family well. You can practically see the fire in his eyes.   “Look down and show some mercy if you can! Look down, look down, upon your fellow man!”    The song is similar to an anthem, riling up the crowd for a revolution. “It'll come, it'll come, it'll come... It'll come, it'll come, it'll come…”   Jimin doesn’t have a main role, but he’s still on the stage of Broadway, singing with many others. You’re happy to see him, elated that you know the boy that’s actually performing, and you have to hold back from giving a sudden standing ovation.    “Before the barricades arise?”   The crowd breaks up as the police enter the stage and just like that he disappears again. But ten minutes later, it’s his time to shine again. Jimin’s one of the nine men — the main character, Marius, and the supporting character, Enjolras, taking the limelight, but he’s one of the many students sitting around a table, at a supposed bar.   “Red!” one of them sings.   The male playing Marius faces the audience. “I feel my soul on fire!”    “Black!”   “My world if she's not there!” the main actor responds with vigor.   “Red!” Jimin belts with others.    “The colour of desire!”   “Black!” he sings again, and you can pick up his voice between the timbre of others.    “The colour of despair!”   Jimin sings with the actors and it echoes throughout the theater. While he never sings a line by himself, you can still hear his tone ever so slightly before it melts away. “The dark of ages past! Red — a world about to dawn! Black — the night that ends at last!”   His appearance is sweet albeit short. You see him one more time right before the intermission when the cast comes onto the stage and sings for the hope of the future in ‘One Day More’.    Afterwards, it’s a fifteen minute break. It’s an hour and a half through the show, but the intermission allows people to relieve themselves at the restrooms or grab a drink at the bar. In your case, you stick around, grasping the bouquet. The brown paper crinkles under your grip and you peer at the curtain as if hoping he’ll run out.   Instead, you catch Jimin coming out from the left door as the other people are spilling out of the auditorium.   But it’s bad timing.   He doesn’t come to where you are, but towards the orchestra section, right by one of the closest rows to the stage. An older woman and man stand, clapping and jumping. He runs into the woman’s arms and squeezes him.   It’s his parents, and you smile before turning around to walk away, not wanting to interrupt the intimate moment with your presence. His parents must be proud.   You’re happy for him.   //   The show continues afterwards. Jimin makes a few more cameos here and there without singing any lyrics, simply in the crowd at the barricades. Although, he does say a few lines.   “See! The people unite!” — “So what are we going to do with this snake in the grass?” — “You wear an army uniform.” And when Éponine dies, he comforts Marius. “She will not die in vain…”   But Jimin does sing one line by himself in the song ‘Drink With Me’. His eyes sweep across the audience floor as he steps forward, pretending to take a swig of the empty beer bottle. “Here’s to pretty girls who went to our heads!”    And you swear he looks right at you.   As if he had memorized where you would be seated.   But Jimin looks away right after, his eyes passing your spot. You release your held breath, realizing it was your imagination. There was no way he could actually see you.   The show lasts another forty minutes, filled with the spectacular performances of the leads, their beautiful voices that captivate your attention and everyone else’s. During the finale when the storyline has wrapped up, everyone comes onto the stage again. You see him one last time there.   Jimin is singing, smiling wide, looking out at the audience.    It could not be a better Broadway debut.   You muse that he truly belongs on the stage — there’s no place else he should be. Along with the rest of the audience, you give a standing ovation. The applause roars throughout the auditorium, actors and actresses bowing and waving goodbye.    When it dies down, the bright lights come on again. People begin trickling out and you’d leave as well, if not for the bouquet of flowers you’re still holding onto.   You look around. “U...Um excuse me…”   You stop someone who looks like a worker and they blink at you, confused. You swallow hard and hand over the flowers. “C-Can you give this to Park Jimin? He was an actor in the production.”   “Sorry.” The teenager awkwardly points to a family that’s gathering their belongings to show he’s with them and he offers a kind smile. “I don’t work here.”   “O-Oh. Sorry.” You bow your head and they say it’s no problem. But you’re still cringing from embarrassment, and now you don’t know what to do, how to give it to him without having to face him. You should’ve thought about this better.   But before you can contemplate any solution, you hear a sudden—   “Y/N?!”   Jimin’s sweaty. Like he sprinted here as fast as he could the second the curtains fell. His parents are nowhere in sight, probably in the lobby, but he's here with you. Still in costume. The nineteenth century french clothing — blue trench coat, puffy white shirt underneath, brown slacks.   His hair is riled up with what looks like soot pressed to his cheeks, makeup of some sort that makes him appear even more disoriented and soiled. But he doesn’t care. You don’t either.   His chest rises and falls as he tries to catch his breath. The two of you stare at each other, pupils locked into one another’s, holding the other’s attention. Captivated. Then after a beat, the biggest and goofiest grin spreads into his face. It’s enormous, causing his eyes to crinkle into half-moons.    “You came! You...actually came!”   “Y-Yeah…” You’re stunned and you tear your eyes away, the intensity becoming too much for you to handle. Your arm extends. “These are for you.”   “Flowers?!” He breathlessly giggles and takes them. Jimin doesn’t fail to notice that they’re all shades of purple, from lilac to violet. Because of you, purple has become his new favourite colour. “I love them. Thank you!”   “C-Congratulations on your debut, Jimin.”   He grins, so much that his rosy cheeks look like they’re about to burst. His teeth peek out, eyes crescent moons. “Thank you. I’m glad you could make it.”   “S-Same here…..” You don’t know why he’s gazing at you so intently at you. It makes it hard to keep eye contact. “You were really amazing.”   “I didn’t have that many lines,” the boy giggles, still giddy and hyperactive. It makes you smile.   “But you were still good.” There’s a lot of things you’ve been wanting to tell him, a million versions of an apology that you’ve practiced in the mirror. And now that he’s here and you’re no longer staring at a reflection of yourself, you gather your courage to face your regrets. “You deserve it, Jimin. I’m...sorry for everything that I said. I’m sorry for being resentful towards you. I’m sorry for being jealous. It wasn’t your fault. And all those things I said to you, I didn’t mean it. A-at the time I did, but now I don’t...I don’t know if that makes it any better but...yeah….I just…..you were great, you worked hard, so…”   It’s the shittiest apology. Worse than the first one you practiced. But you can’t get it out right.    You feel nervous for the first time in Jimin’s presence. A kind of anxiousness that doesn’t make you feel sick. Rather, you feel something else in your stomach — it’s fluttery. Something uncertain brewing there, stirring at its pits.   It feels similar in your chest. It isn’t a foreign sensation, but one you had ignored for a long time now.    Jimin suddenly laughs, noisy and hearty. It squeaks, a higher pitched giggle. It makes you look at him, eyes hesitantly lifting off the floor. And then you yelp.   Jimin picks you up right off the ground, arms locked around your waist. He spins you in a circle, squeezing ticklish laughter out of you. Your hands immediately come to grab his shoulders. The boy is unable to contain the adrenaline pumping through his veins and the overwhelming joy of you being here.   “Jimin!” you squeal.   He laughs. “God, I’m so happy that you’re here!”   “Did you think I’d miss it?” you quip and it feels like forever since you’ve been able to joke around like this. “Not for the world, Park!”   He sets you down to your feet again. His swelling smile might just break his face. He nuzzles into you, hair tickling your forehead. Jimin hugs you tight. He’s so happy, you can practically feel it radiate off of his skin. And your chest blooms with pride instead of envy. “Your Broadway debut was amazing. It only gets better from—”   “Can I please kiss you?”   Your heart stutters.   Jimin pulls himself apart from you. The sudden question has you blinking twice. But the temptation for Jimin has gotten too much. If there’s one thing that could make tonight even more perfect, it would be him kissing you…   You glance at his plush lips before your pupils flicker back to his eyes.   “You don’t need to ask.”   Just like that, he roughly tugs you in by the small of your back. The flowers lose a few petals from the harsh motion. But Jimin doesn’t care. He kisses you like he’s been waiting to do it for months now. He kisses you like he wants you. He’s hungry for it and savours your whimper that’s muffled between his soft lips. He’s been wanting to hear your voice like this.   Jimin’s half-lidded eyes soak up your pleasured expression before he gives in, shutting them to succumb to your scent. He breathes you in and you become helpless in his arms, the pad of your fingers pressing against the nape of his neck. You’re unsure if you want to part just to gasp for air, or if you want to push him even closer.   But your thoughts turn to mush as his hot tongue licks inside your mouth, eager. The pair of you don’t care that other people might be watching, that you’re placed in the middle of the auditorium, that you’ve stolen the spotlight.   When the both of you break apart, you stumble back from each other, mouths swollen. You wipe away his saliva that’s made your lips shiny with the back of your hand. The both of you are dazed and embarrassed, catching your breaths, his own cheeks reddened.    You divert your eyes from one another. But then infectious giggles spill over.    God, you might’ve been in love with Park Jimin for a long time now.

Director Lee sits at his desk with a sigh.   He shuffles his papers before sitting back in his swivel chair, unsure. Right at that moment, a blonde, lean man enters with a hot brewing cup of coffee. The assistant sets it on his desk.   “Are you sure you should be taking in caffeine this late at night?”   “Not like I’ll be able to sleep anyway.” He brings the cup up for a small sip. “I’m still deciding on the main cast.”   “Who do you have?”   “The casting director narrowed it down to these people.” He lays out the applicants of possible options and sighs. “Now I just have to decide who’s going to be part of this and who’s who. You should’ve been there today, Kim. If you weren’t late, you might be able to help me right now.”   “Sorry.” Taehyung sheepishly grins. “My alarm clock didn’t ring.”   The director is disgruntled, but still playful. “Same excuse every time, Kim.”   Taehyung laughs, but still tries his best to assist. He scans over the applications haphazardly, but then his breath hitches. He turns his body to get a better look and his eyes grow wide, recognizing you. “Oh. What about her?”   The director follows to where his assistant is pointing and hums a low note. “Oh. Her. We called her since we heard she was the ghost singer of Phantom.”   “Oh yeah.” The blonde nods. “I heard about that.”   “I was thinking about tossing her papers.”   “Why?” Taehyung looks at his mentor, genuinely curious.   “Well, her audition was….” He struggles to find the right words. “Impactful. It was really something. She stood out, that’s for sure.”   “Then….?”   “I just don’t know if we could find the right place for her.” He shrugs and taps his finger against the armrest of his chair. “She might outperform the other actors and actresses.”   Taehyung makes a noncommittal sound at the back of his throat. “I don’t know. But I think she should be considered for a role. That’s just me, but I have a good feeling about her. You said it was impactful, right? Isn’t that what we should be going for?”   Director Lee glances at his assistant, but Taehyung simply smiles and waltzes out the room.

[moonlightserenadeeznutz]

Warlocks Are Attacking: Full muggle timeline.

(Hello internet, welllllcome to film theory!)

This is a detailed timeline of the headcanon I made about James Sirius Potter being in a band, specifically the tl during which the band pretended to be a lost 80s band in the muggle world, explained in this post (which I recommend reading first otherwise you may be quite confused).

This is honestly a super random thing I wrote when I was bored, but I ended up getting super invested in it so guess what, you guys are subjected to it as well now!

Written in the style of a YouTube video, I’ve heavily based the discography of Warlocks are Attacking on the band I Don’t Know How But They Found Me.

Enjoy!

~ On April 17th 2025, a piano cover of The Scientist by Coldplay was released on the YouTube channel JSHarkness04. A completely ordinary- if not low quality- video where the person behind the camera is neither seen nor heard.

More covers are uploaded over the coming months in the same style, and really the channel gains no special interest or notoriety. A few edit videos are uploaded, the usual crack stuff, and a few more covers.

On January 23rd 2026, a vlog is released showing the YouTuber moving into his new house. We finally hear and see the person behind the camera, a British dude around early twenties whose name is revealed to be Alex, and his girlfriend. Again, there’s nothing out of the ordinary in this video, and it’s only a few minutes long.

A few more piano covers are uploaded, as well as another edit video, and then...

This is where it starts.

On May 3rd 2026, a video is uploaded entitled “Warlocks are Attacking”. In it, Alex talks about how he was clearing out the attic of his new home when he came across some old cassette tapes. All the tapes had writing on them, all different, except for the phrase “Warlocks are Attacking”. Judging by the labels, it appeared to be the name of a band, while the rest of the writing could be taken as song titles: Bleed Magic, Do It All The Time, Nobody Likes the Opening Band, etc. Alex said he had listened to some of the tapes, and confirmed that they were songs correlating with the titles. Alex said he’d never heard of the songs before, nor could he find any trace of the band’s existence online, but that some of the tapes had been dated 1986.

This video didn’t really have a conclusion, but only two days after it was uploaded, another video- only a minute long- was uploaded entitled “New Channel”, where Alex explains that he would be setting up a new YouTube channel to showcase the songs he’d found on the tapes, and hopefully be able to find out who the band was.

On May 25th, two videos on Alex’s new channel, given the name “Warlocks are Attacking” were uploaded. The first one was 30 seconds long entitled “Introduction”, which was nothing more than a man’s voice introducing the band. It didn’t cause much suspicion, especially since the record label that the band was apparently signed to was called “None You Jerk”, obviously a fake label. So the introduction could most likely just be a joke made by the band and recorded.

The second video was a simple lyric video for the song “Nobody Likes the Opening Band”. And in the description he explained the story again of how he found the tapes, and asked if anyone knew the song, or the band.

More songs were uploaded, Choke, Bleed Magic, Absinthe etc. And soon the channel started to grow, both from people who genuinely enjoyed the music, and people who were intrigued as to whether or not this really was a lost 80s band, or whether the entire thing was fake.

Theories started circulating, and people started to try and find hidden messages. They started with the username of the original channel JSHarkness04 but search J Harkness, or even JS Harkness, and the only real result you get is Captain Jack Harkness from Doctor Who. So it seemed that the only thing that the username implied was that the YouTuber was perhaps a Doctor Who fan.

People searched for hidden meanings in the piano covers, the moving house vlog, even the random edits. But no one came up with anything. So eventually people started to give up and accepted the fact that the whole thing was real, and the songs really were from old cassette tapes found in some guy’s attic.

That being said, there were a select few people who just weren’t convinced. Mainly because of the fact that the songs were good. They weren’t experimental pieces from a band trying to find its sound. They had their sound. They knew what they were doing. So how come no one had ever heard of them? Did they really never play these songs to anyone? Not even for an underground gig?

Well, that’s the thing. There’s no saying they didn’t. If you heard a song forty years ago at some random gig, would you remember? And even so, a number of things could have happened that would have stopped the band from ever having their songs released. Maybe they broke up, maybe they couldn’t find anyone who wanted to pick up their songs, maybe they died was one theory someone had.

Point is, the quality and consistency of the songs was really the only evidence that this whole thing was fake, and even that evidence was sketchy.

But then, on November 7th 2026, an altogether different video was uploaded titled “Comfortably Numb- Pink Floyd (cover by Warlocks are Attacking) (found footage!)”

In the description of this video, Alex claims that he found some video tapes in the attic that had been hidden away. A few had been recorded over, but he was able to find a few complete videos of the band.

In this video, we see three band members in what looks like a garage jamming out a cover of Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb. And people went crazy. Not only did we finally see what the band members looked like, but we also found out their names. The video, which was dated 1983, had credits edited to the beginning, easily done in the 80s so there was no implication that it wasn’t legit.

Anyway, the credits show that the singer in the video is called Noah Mori, the keyboardist is called Lyra Thomas, and the drummer is called James Potter.

People took apart this video piece by piece, trying to find evidence of either the band being new, or some connection to the YouTuber. Maybe something in the garage was from a time after 1983, maybe the 70s Doctor Who poster in the corner had something to do with JSHarkness04. But all in all, once again, there really was nothing to suggest that it wasn’t real.

However, one thing that was noticed was that, when comparing the singing voice of Noah to the singing voice in the other songs released, they sound completely different.

So despite everything, no one could say for sure who the band members were. We didn’t know if the drummer and the keyboardist were the same, nor did we know who the new singer was. We didn’t even know if they had more than three band members by the time 1986 rolled around, or even if some of the original members had left. All we knew was that the singer had been switched, either with a new singer who wasn’t in the video, or with James Potter, since he was the only other guy in the video.

After the video was released, not much else happened, except the occasional release of another song, which were combed by theorisers looking for evidence that the songs couldn’t have been written and recorded in the 80s but once again came up short.

By this point, the band had grown a real cult following, increased even further when the songs were put on Spotify by Alex.

On March 18th 2027, another video was released, titled “Choke- Live Performance” and showed footage of an actual gig where the band was playing their song, filmed on an old camcorder by someone in the audience, completely unprofessionally as the camera would bob down every so often. Once again no evidence was found of it being faked. However, it did open new possibilities: the band had played gigs. Which means that someone must have seen them play. Not only that but it confirmed that the singer had been switched to James Potter, while the drummer was now Noah, and Lyra was still the keyboardist.

People went onto various sites trying to find anyone who may have been present at a gig in the 80s to see the band live, but no one came forward.

Well, a few people did. But the only evidence they could give was their word, so no one knew whether or not to believe them, which means no one could for definite write off the gig as being fake.

The next stir in the band’s fanbase came with a video simply entitled “???”, a one minute video, with the same voice as the introduction, talking about indoctrination:

Indoctrination program, designation "CVM51-D". Congratulations, you have been selected. You are special. Only the very best and brightest are considered for placement in our patented Temporal Arts program. We invite you to follow along, as we work together to decode and exploit the secrets of time and space for our benefit. Each volunteer pairing will be assigned a chaperone. Our white shadows will oversee your progress. Be sure that our company's interests maintain the highest priority throughout your journey. Please enjoy your experience, and remember: Time is on our side.

Predictably, people were very excited to analyse the text, and while it could still be taken as just a joke by the band, and therefore still no evidence of the band being new, it was an odd thing for the band to do if their songs were never released. A waste of time in a way, especially after already doing it once with the introduction. The voice also wasn’t familiar, though some say that it sounded a little like Noah when compared with the Pink Floyd cover, but putting on an American accent and edited to sound like something out of a PSA.

Another song was released entitled “Need You Here” and then came an actual music video. Or at least, an attempt at a music video.

It was for the song: “Nobody Likes the Opening Band” and in the video we see James singing on a stage, with Lyra playing the piano in a corner and Noah entering onto the stage to play the accompanying tambourine. It’s clearly a music video rather than footage from a show, considering the rather humorous moments that it involves, but executed with complete seriousness.

It also cuts out at the end and shows footage from some kids show which, according to Alex in the description, was called Bagpuss, and was aired in the UK from February 12th 1974 to May 7th of the same year, indicating that the music video had perhaps accidentally been taped over.

(Badly edited example I made of the end of the mv).

While the music video itself didn’t cause too much of a stir, the kids show at the end did, as people claimed that if the show had aired in 1974, and the band hadn’t established itself until at least 1983, how had they managed to accidentally tape over the video with the tv show? People thought it was deliberate, and therefore a sign that the band wasn’t real. Others claimed Alex had done it himself as a joke.

Looking back in the coming months, people saw this video as the start of the band slowly revealing itself to be not what it first seemed. But more evidence didn’t come for a while.

After the release of the song “Mad IQs”, another music video was released, and this one seemed much more professional, as if the band was really trying to make a proper video. It was still filmed in the 80s camcorder style, and it was still very simplistic, and possibly low-budget, again implying that this was a band doing everything themselves.

Released on the 23rd December 2027, the video was a cover of “Merry Christmas Everybody” and once again had the rather quirky vibe of the Opening Band video, where James is unsmilingly singing the song while Noah sits next to him... playing dead? And Lyra comes in halfway through and begins decorating the lifeless Noah with Christmas lights. So at least, if nothing, we know the band has a sense of humour.

An acoustic cover was released of Choke, then a few more songs. And then another music video which so far was the most professional out of all of the ones released. The song was called “Social Climb” and for the video, they actually had a set: a very fancy mansion. We don’t know whether they rented the mansion out, if they borrowed it from a friend, or if one of them even lived there, but by this point they had seemingly become determined to be a real band, which is why the whole idea of them having no recognition whatsoever was odd.

But it was the next video that caused much more of stir, and was the real proper beginning of the band revealing their true identity.

On the 12th September 2027, another cover video was released of David Bowie’s “Heroes”, though was much more in the same style as the Comfortably Numb cover, suggesting that this video was made quite soon after. It was still filmed in the same garage, though with a little more editing, and James was now the singer, and Noah the drummer.

Once again it had credits, but this time they were a little different:

Songwriter/drummer: N. H. Mori Keyboardist: L. A. Thomas  Singer/guitarist: J. S. Potter

Doesn’t seem like anything out of the ordinary, right? Well, that’s what most people thought too, but others were adamant that the initials were a sign, because if you notice, James Potter: J S Potter.

People were convinced that the initials JS were linked to the username JSHarkness04, and even brought up the 70s poster of Doctor Who seen in the first footage video as evidence that the username was something to do with James, and therefore showing that the entire thing was contrived.

Some people accepted this, but a lot of people were still sceptical. After all, it could easily just be a coincidence.

Another song was released, and then one more music video on November 16th.

This one was the most different- and the most professional of all the music videos on the channel, for the song “Do It All The Time”.

According to the description, it was sent to Alex by “an anonymous donor” saying that it had once been aired as an educational video in their school, around the year 1987/88.

And while the video could have been created in the 80s, it’s format is much more satirical than anything. The description could easily have said that it was another- and much better- attempt from the band at creating a music video, but instead the description gave an explanation that seemed... off. Not because the uploader had grown cocky, but because the band was finally making its transition from being surrounded in theory to being simply aesthetically satirical.

That being said, it still wasn’t concrete evidence.

There wasn’t another video until December 23rd. Another Christmas one, this time for a song called “Oh Noel” with James sitting alone in front of a decorated fireplace and singing.

Another subtle reference to the band’s identity was revealed with the lyric “I met you in December ’93”, obviously quite a few years after the band was supposedly around.

The next music video was for “Modern Day Cain”, and this is where the band’s identity properly moved away from the convincing 80s set up. The music video had a similar vibe to “Do It All The Time”, though the content was different. In this case, the video was mock footage from a TV show, which, according to the description was called ‘Superstar Showcase’, aired in 1989.

No such TV show ever existed, which was rather obvious by the footage, as once again it was very satirical.

So by now, only the most stubborn of fans were still convinced that the band was really from the 80s.

But no one was really disappointed. The band had executed their persona well. They had maintained the belief that they were a lost band for over two years, and revealed themselves so subtly that people hardly noticed.

The entire act was wrapped up on April 17th 2028, exactly three years after the first video was uploaded on JSHarkness04′s channel, with the release of a cover of “Debra” by Beck. A song released in 1999.

I should mention by this point that the channel JSHarkness04 had been uploading relatively consistently the entire time, most likely for the extra realism to the act. But once the act had been dropped, the channel went dormant.

Since then, the band has been releasing new songs here and there, and they still keep up the 80s persona, but now that they don’t have to be so careful, they’ve been able to have more freedom over what they post. An official music video for “Choke” was released, with the description:

“Pop Time Live was a short-lived music television program that aired briefly in Eastern Europe in the early 1980s. The show, and its producers, had hoped to capitalize on the then popular ‘Italo Disco’ movement, but audiences found its lack of authenticity objectionable. Labeled ‘NOT FOR BROADCAST,’ it is believed that this particular Warlocks performance never made it to air due to the band’s refusal to properly pantomime to their own song.”

Again, no such show existed. So now it was clear that the band was now a fully satirical 80s persona, and eventually they made live appearances, and even interviews, where people were finally able to find out exactly who they were, and that the band had actually been formed in 2021, and their plan to pretend to be an 80s band had first been made up by Noah who filmed one of their performances when they were first starting out (and James was still the drummer, Noah the lead singer) with the idea already in mind. And Alex was a friend of the group who had agreed to play along, but that the Warlocks’ YouTube channel wasn’t run by him, but by all three members of the group.

And as of now, that really covers the entire timeline of Warlocks are Attacking.

~ But heeey. That’s juust a theory. A film theory. Aaand cut.

[talatomaz]

headcanon: dating dinah drake pre/post crisis would include:

a/n: i was originally writing a fic but i had the biggest mental block with it so i did it as a headcanon instead (i’m still no good at writing these)

requested by @kittytigerwood: “hopefully this makes sense, but maybe something with the reader dating dinah before crisis, and then finding her in 2040, 20 years later, and how it affects them/their relationship. while i like headcanons, you can make it into a longer fic if it’s easier to write. thank you!”

warnings: mentions of death/loss

masterlist | request list | request rules

i do not give you permission to repost or translate my fics on any platform - likes/reblogs are okay and are much appreciated

Being Laurel and Sara’s sister meant that you had grown up with Ollie, Thea and Tommy. That also meant that you had been a part of OTA since the beginning.

When Sara died, you were broken but when Laurel died...you were lost. She was everything to you and you knew that she wanted her legacy to continue so you had made it your personal mission to find someone to carry that mantle.

You and Curtis ended up learning about a woman in Hub City.

Though there were a few teething problems, specifically her killing a person, Dinah finally came around and decided to join the team.

You became very close with Dinah.

She was so wary not to do or say the wrong thing about being the Black Canary because she didn’t want to hurt you.

After the explosion on Lian Yu, you both confessed your feelings to each other. Hunkering down in a flightless plane with debris falling all around you has a habit of bringing up last words and hidden feelings.

You were both good together. You rarely fought, leaving that to the bad people you sought after instead.

The only time your relationship had been tested was when after Laurel had killed Vince.

Though E2 Laurel was not your Laurel, she was still Laurel Lance nonetheless. An idea not shared by your girlfriend.

When she had tried to kill Laurel, you had both decided to end the relationship. You were both on opposite sides so there’d have been no way it would have worked.

You guys became closer again when Laurel and your father had been kidnapped by Diaz. You were frantically running around, trying to do something to help find them but every lead you had was a dead end.

Dinah finally took you aside and placed her hands on your shoulders.

“We will find them. I promise you. You have to believe in your heart that they will come back to you.”

“Heart. Oh my god, Dad has a pacemaker. We can track him. You’re the best, Dee.”

You had kissed her then pulled back and began to apologise.

She had smiled, placed a soft kiss on your cheek and brought you in for quick hug.

“Don’t apologise. I’ve missed you.”

Though you’d found Quentin and Laurel, your father had been shot and later died in hospital.

You had broken down in Dinah’s arms who tried to do her best to comfort you. She had removed herself from you when Sara came over to hug you as you both mourned the loss of your father.

When Dinah had her throat slashed and ended up in the hospital, you spent every waking moment by her bedside, refusing to leave in fear that you’d lose another person you loved.

After Dinah found out she had lost her Canary Cry, she went into a downward spiral but you reassured her of her worth and told her how strong she was without her Cry.

When Crisis happened, you had both been running around trying to find a way to save Oliver but to no avail.

After the world was restarted, Jonn had restored your memories alongside everyone else’s and you all mourned Oliver together.

After the funeral, you remembered waking up to find Dinah no longer beside you.

You immediately went to Laurel but the two of you could find no record of her. Scared that something terrible had happened, you hailed the waverider and asked for Sara’s help.

After a month or two, Sara finally found a trace of Dinah in 2040 and immediately told you and Laurel.

You had both gone to the future and found Dinah in a bar. You had never seen her this happy before. Of course when she was with you, she was happy, but aside from you, she was entirely surrounded by darkness.

She was singing as she played the piano. And as usual, you were enchanted by her voice.

Dinah had only sang to you a couple of times. Once when you started dating and a few more times when you were mourning your father. She had realised that her voice soothed you and allowed you to focus on something other than the pain.

When she had finished, you had clapped alongside everyone else and then you both reunited with a tight hug and a passionate kiss.

She had explained how she had gotten to the future and you both decided to help Laurel with her side mission of recruiting Mia.

After successfully saving Bianca Bertinelli, Laurel decided to give you some alone time so you could talk to Dinah.

You sat with her in her apartment and had a few drinks that led to a drunken kiss and then more...

You were both laying in her bed, your head against her chest, playing with her curly hair.

“What are we going to do, Dinah?”

“I don’t know, baby. But I like my life here. It’s a fresh start for me. No one here knows who I am and I like that. I can finally be rid of all the mistakes I made.”

“Am I one of them?” You had whispered.

“No, definitely not. You’re one of the few good things in my life. Being here has been good but something was missing. And that something was you, Y/N Lance. I want to ask you something...”

You had never seen Dinah so scared as she was in this moment so you began to worry as your mind wandered to all possibilities.

“Dinah, what is it?”

“I know you’ve got everyone back home again, like Quentin and Tommy but I was wondering if you would stay here with me?”

“Dinah Drake, I love you and I can’t believe you thought otherwise.”

“Is that a yes?”

“Of course, it’s a yes, you doofus!”

You both kissed and laughed. It was the first night, in a long time, where you had both slept soundly. Dangers no longer lurking in the background.

After you both decided to stay in 2040, you found yourself living a much brighter life. Whilst Dinah regularly sang at her bar (and you being heads over heels for her every time she did), you worked as a bartender at her bar.

The both of you also built up the Canary network (with some help from E2 Laurel) and you couldn’t help but feel you were making your sister proud.

You stared at the newest recruits in the bunker, looked over at Dinah who gave you a nod of approval.

“Let’s get to work, Canaries.”

[madiiko12]

new york’s very own madison ‘madi’ ko was spotted on broadway street in chanel sneakers . your resemblance to kim chungha is unreal . according to tmz , you just had your twenty-first birthday bash . while living in nyc , you’ve been labeled as being obsessive , but also ambitious . i guess being a virgo explains that . 3 things that would paint a better picture of you would be glittery eyes, dangling earrings, & chanel draped in pearls.  ( cisfemale & she/her) + ( kale, 20 , she/her , est. )

hi honeybuns !! im back and with child. there is a brief mention of an ed under the cut but i block it off with a tw start & end.    if you’d like to plot pls leave a like and i can dm you or hit you up on discord !! my discord is kale#3079  

BACKSTORY

haneul madison ko was born september 18, 1999 to two immigrant parents from S.K. her birth name is haneul, but she went by the name madison since it was easier to pronounce + madi began to almost detest her culture??

it was just that growing up she would sometimes get bullied for looking different at her school, for the way her packed lunches smelled/looked, the way people would stare if she spoke korean to her parents, how other kids would make fun of her english since she didn’t pick up on vocab/grammar as quickly since she didn’t practice at home with her parents. she just became SO insecure about it that she rejected her culture. she wouldn’t bring her mom’s food to school, if her mom ever forced her to take it she’d throw it away  and choose to starve instead. she wouldn’t speak korean back to her parents in public, barely even in private (which reeaaallly upset her parents). this also REALLY destroyed her korean language skills. she can understand still, but she can barely hold a basic conversation anymore.

as she grew up, and continued this sense of distancing herself from her culture, she ultimately distanced herself from her family. which left her feeling -  - alone often, even though it was all due to her own choices. in this loneliness, she found her escape in music. she would wear headphones constantly through the halls, in car rides, in her room when her parents yelled at her to turn the music down. she just loved music. she saved up the money her parents gave her whenever she worked at the nail salon (her parents owned it!!) to thrift an old keyboard. she became self-taught by trying to copy melodies of songs she’d listen to, thrifting piano lesson books, staying after school with the music teacher learning to play. sometimes she’d even skip lunch to sit in the chorus room with her choir director and play.

it’s not that she had a LACK of friends growing up, maybe just that she lacked a best friend. she had a lot of friends, but no one that she felt so connected to in the way she felt connected to music. perhaps, she was addicted to her loneliness.

she spent a lot of time playing the piano and dabbling in writing music that her grades started to fall (not that she was ever the BEST student) and her parents literally took away her piano. they said it was a waste of time because they wanted her to focus on doing well, so she could get into a good university, and then live a good life. music was just a distraction

but that didnt work

she would sneak out into the city to go to concerts and poetry readings. she’d sneak out and go to indie songwriters scenes while her parents thought she was at the library with one of her school friends

This underground scene had her full heart!! she was surrounded by likeminded people who just lived for music. she was hearing all of these incredible people who were all looking for their start. maybe not looking for anything at than just to sing their songs. tbh i think this was the point she was happiest. she was completely enveloped in music, just for the sake of music. There wasn’t any pressure, just music. Just the songs. she was wide eyed looking at this whole underground scene of artists. So maybe some plots from these underground charas?!

she’d perform some songs at karaoke nights and the indie sessions, and a producer took a keen interest in one of her songs. basically im kind of stealing halsey’s career start, but she posted a song Came in Close on SoundCloud and just blew up overnight. in the morning, she woke up to a record label asking her to fly to LA for a meeting.

and thus, Madison Ko began a career as Madi Ko where she’d release her debut album, Honey, a few months later. (DISCOGRAPHY HERE). her music is very 80s synth inspired!

new album that is most definitely CRJ’S EMOTION is coming soon...

PERSONALITY

right off the bat, madi is an absolute firecracker!! she’s loud, bursting with personality, has a lack of inhibitions that CHAOTICALLY mixes with her spontaneity

part of this is projecting her insecurities. she felt lonely as a child but doesn’t want to be seen as that to the world. it’s not so much a persona but an exaggeration of who she was. 

she likes to show off her glam bc it, once again, hides her insecurities. 

she just kind of is dramatic anymore

like everything about her

her persona as Madi Ko, upcoming popstar underdog, is like DUNKED in glitter, over the top stages and sets, draped in couture. basically her stages/outfits/dances/mvs are like Chungha’s but with Pale Waves and Carly Rae Jepsen VC. ex: 1, 2, 3, 4

also bc im obsessed with chungha’s famous diamond wink, IT’S GONNA BE MADI’S THING TOO. so basically madi has trended on twt a few times bc of her signature diamond wink bc she effing glues rhinestones and glitter under her eyes for performances !! she said fuck corneas !! ex: 1, 2, 3      ....god chungha is magical

so while madi is like a brand hypebeast n never shuts up, she can also get,,, easily annoyed. and heavily perceives ppl on first impressions despite that being the reason she felt misunderstood a lot growing up. 

definitely argumentative!!! will blow up arguments for no reason n then later questions why she made it such a big deal but cant own up to her mistakes

when she decides she doesnt like you, SHE DOESNT LIKE YOU. it’s done. bridge is burned, she’s not keen on second chances

fame has definitely given her a bit of an ego problem --- she’s a bit more aggressive, self-obsessed while intrinsically insecure, is too busy flaunting her material possessions and trendy life that she can...lose touch of reality. basically most of her high school friends cant stand her. HC that her high school bf broke up with her bc she was no longer was the madison ko he knew!!! so if anyone wants to be that ex lmk !!! she’s written songs about them!!!

definitely the type of girl who is so hype at a party, dancing in fallen confetti, standing on the fireplace mantle, but then midway realizes she’s lonely. sad at a party. 

ED TW STARTS!!!!!

....

she kind of always had body image issues growing up, but it was very off and on, but once she got signed and being by surrounded by cameras became normal she formed a full fledged ED. she’s passed out at concerts a few times bc of her ED, but they always brush it off as “not enough rest” or “she wasnt feeling well that day but pushed to perform anyway as to not disappoint the fans”

so feel free for ur muses to point it out !! she’ll get really defensive like “i eat i just work out a lot” and yeah it’s true she works out a lot but she...doesn’t really eat

it’s also one of the causes of her irritability ...

.....

END ED TW!!!!

idk why this is so long

always up for mischief! 

does love a good prank. asks weird hypotheticals 

is not scared of an ouija board

will get wasted off a few shots and drunk madi is UNSTOPPABLE 

one time drunk madi cried bc her siamese cat (MOCHI !!!) wouldn’t ever get to go to school and would never know chemistry..... the dramatics.....

she is sensitive and despises it. she does everything she can to not come across as sensitive

however, she’s so obsessive. so deep in feeling. when she feels something she FEELS it. when she is mad it boils through her. when she is in love it is all she knows. when she is sad it covers her like sweaters and blankets on rainy days. she doesn’t know how to half-feel. everything she feels stops her in her tracks.

HOWEVER she’s the most obsessive with her own insecurities — so in relationships she’s kind of known for tapping out early. she just gets scared and the fleetingness of her career and that she’s at her very core, lonely and disappointed in herself, makes her want to run away thinking that letting down her walls and being vulnerable could only be disappointing for her SO. so maybe she ghosted ur chara or gave some lame excuse

Kind of obsessed with how she’s perceived

terrified that at any moment her career could be thrown away, her deemed irrelevant, and she goes back to being Madison Ko, daughter of nail techs in Koreatown. and then her parents would have been right all along, music was a waste of time.

she’s just my little fallen angel who flew to the sun (fame) and it constantly eats away at her girlhood, at her heart.

anyways this is all i got rn <3 come love me sorry i kind of didn’t shut up this is long

WANTED CONNECTIONS

an ex from before she was famous who broke up with her because of how she changed!! PLEASE i have ideas for this. plus,,, you get a lot of songs about ur chara!!! could be from high school, maybe someone in the music scene she frequented before she was signed, anything!!

anothr ex/fwb/undefined relationship i’d love is one when she was first famous who just introduced her to everything. something like a whirlwind that was exciting and magical. she’s written songs about this person.

exes in general. 

hookups/fwb

romantic plots. pls i have songs who need meaning. friends to lovers, one sided (either way), slowburn, ANYTHING. love cruel summer plots, anything lover by tswift

PR relationships -- would LOVE one where she falls in love with the other despite how clearly defined they made their relationship

love triangles in general just get me going

best friend!!!! the one’s who know how the other feels just by looking at each other. they have countless sleepovers. tell each other everything. cry together on bathroom floors. pregame together. 

ex friends. for whatever reason -- maybe madi did smth shitty, maybe they did. maybe there was backstabbing, maybe madi sacrificed friendship for a career, maybe she made moves on their romantic partner/interest despite being fully aware. idk. gimme

People she knew from the underground/indie scene before they were famous!! they’d have bonded over their love for music, little indie dreams kind of vibe. just imagine a group of dreamers !! Would love if they made some kind of pact!!!

party friends

collabs !!

pranks. mischief. gimme

enemies. gotta cook up some drama, yknow

GIRL GANG. god i just want this so bad like make a girls dream come true

[hana-bean]

Ayumi Hamasaki Picks:  A Song for ×× era (1998-1999)

I’ll admit, I avoided A Song for ×× like COVID for way, way too long. Her vocals were hard to adapt to if you had only heard her I am... material and beyond. I personally found her voice high and squeaky; seemingly years and miles away from the Ayu I was introduced to at 14 years of age in 2002. There were a few tracks in their remix form I was able to stomach but otherwise, this album was an Ayumi I didn’t care to know. In fact, you’ll notice on most of these tracks I note that I prefer remixes over originals.

Within the last couple of years, I listened to this album in its entirety and ultimately fell in love. I realized now how important this debut is in considering and appreciating where Ayu started. Yes her sound is relatively high-pitched and un-Western, but it’s endearing AF. This album is able to span both sides of various spectrums: fun and sad, innocent and experienced, light-hearted and heartfelt. It exudes such a compelling, youthful perspective of love and heartbreak that I can’t help but empathize with it. Honestly, I don’t think I would feel the same emotions if this album was recorded with a more mature, older voice.

---

Rating system:

☆☆☆☆ Love - play this at my funeral ☆☆☆ Like - skippable, but still good ☆☆ Meh - this does nothing for me ☆ Hate - I’ve only listened to this once just to confirm I hated it (⭒ you might see these little guys pop up from time to time, which represent a half star because I can’t make up my damned mind)

For a couple of tracks I give two different ratings because sometimes a remixed version is better than the original.

---

A Song for ×× album tracks

Track 1: “Prologue” Rating: ☆☆☆ Like It’s a prelude. Not the best or worst, but a good one.

Track 2: “A Song for ××” Rating: ☆☆☆☆ Love Are you really even an Ayu fan if you don’t like this song? Kidding! But seriously, I think it’s safe to say that this is a very, very important song to Ayumi; if the number of its live performances aren’t an indicator, the drama from even watching one is enough to move you. One of my favorite live performances ever is from her A Museum tour—the a cappella beginning of the first verse and bridge lures you in and forces you to listen, for her only to then blow you away with the booming orchestral intensity of the chorus. GAH! Fuck me up, Ayu!

Her “030213 Session #2 Take” re-recording of it on the A BALLADS compilation album provides a more organic, and arguably more powerful listening experience. Though she is older, you still can hear the strength of her despair. Her loneliness and strong façade hasn’t left, but has only changed and grew up with her.

The “Ferry Corsten Chilled Mix” from her first ayu trance album is also a total vibe. Great remix.

Track 3: “Hana” Rating: ☆☆☆ Like I’d file this one under: “the remixes are better than the original.” I mean the original is still a good listen, but the “dub’s trance remix” and acoustic orchestra version give it more oomph and dimension respectively (both are found on the first ayu-mi-x compilation). The lyrics reflect a fear of the relative unknown, or rather, a fear of growing, only to wilt or get stepped on. And I love how her considerably sad and pensive lyrics are backed with lively arrangements; it’s one of the many things I love about her music.

Track 4: “FRIEND” Rating: ☆☆☆☆ Love This 👏🏼 song 👏🏼 is 👏🏼 underrated 👏🏼 OMG do I love this song, it’s so fucking wholesome. This track was the one which truly solidified my love for ASf××. Like if this had a music video, I can totally see it popping up on the Disney channel back in the late ‘90s with Ayu dancing at a beach carnival in a pair of Keds or something. Though this song is not devoid of sadness, there is a bit of hope to it, and it’s just simply, super pure. It’s definitely a personal fave. 

Track 5: “FRIEND II” Rating: ☆☆ Meh It’s forgettable... I’m having a hard time trying to remember how it goes. I’m sure if I heard it, I’d be like “Ohhhh yeah!” but my mind is only broken picture links rn.

Okay I’ve listened to it and for some reason I get “Song 4 u” vibes like the very beginning guitar riff sounds like the “S4u” chorus, and even the build to the “FII” chorus is similar, I almost expect “S4u” sung over this. At least she copied herself LOL I mean it’s not a terrible song, but the first FRIEND is the better FRIEND.

Track 6: “poker face” Rating: ☆☆ Meh Yes it’s her first single ev4r so like, it’s all important and shit. But I feel there are better tracks on this album which easily eclipse the song. Though it fits in well with the album as a whole. Perhaps as a single compared to only “FRIEND” it holds its own but honestly, just it being Ayu’s debut song is really the only reason why I even remember it.

Track 7: “Wishing” Rating: ☆☆☆ Like I believe this is the first (and only) slow ballad that pops up on the album, and also believe this was a good foundation laid for the rest of the slow ballads of her career. This song showcases the youth and yearn of her voice very well. Does anyone know if she has even performed this song live?

Track 8: “YOU” Rating: ☆☆ Meh (original); ☆☆☆☆ Love (”Aggressive Mix”) I’ll be real: this original track is boring. Though the “Aggressive Mix” on the first ayu-ro mix album slaps for years and I don’t even really care for Eurobeat. The “FINE MIX” on the ayu-mi-x album is also pretty groovy with that—albeit slow—reggae vibe. I’d argue any remix of this song gives it way more personality and likability. 

Confession time: back when cosplay shows at cons were just like a mishmash of skits planned the day of and walk-ons, I thought about actually doing some kind of one-woman interpretive dance to the “Aggressive Mix.” It never happened so you’re welcome. 

Track 9: “As if...” Rating: ☆☆☆ Like This is just a good bop. I love the fake-out beginning of the slow piano and then: !!!TATOEBA!!!

Also I really appreciate the bass during the verses, like it goes ~BUM BUM~ every four counts and it’s just something nice and subtle which contributes positively to the song.

Track 10: “POWDER SNOW” Rating: ☆☆☆ Like (original); ☆☆☆☆ Love (acoustic orchestra) Three words: acoustic orchestra version. Are y’all seeing the pattern here? But seriously, this song supported by the simplicity of a haunting piano completely changes the mood of this song for the better. I will agree that the original arrangement has a great buildup, but it doesn’t compare to the emotion of the acoustic version.

Also, do any of you fellow old people remember Kazaa? When I was Ayu-curious, I was looking for random songs to download and the acoustic orchestra version of “POWDER SNOW” was one of the first songs I ever downloaded (maybe that plays into my bias). 

Honestly, now that I think about it, it might have been Morpheus at the time...

Track 11: “Trust” Rating: ☆☆☆ Like Also one of the first songs I ever heard from Ayu, so I like it for nostalgic reasons. Otherwise I would have relegated this to the ‘meh’ pile. 

This is one of the first Japanese songs I ever learned to sing, so I gotta give credit to my 14-year-old self.

Track 12: “Depend on you” Rating: ☆⭒ M— (I don’t hate it, but don’t not hate it enough to warrant the full ‘Meh’) This song is overrated :D The only good thing to come from this single is “Two of us.” Next! 

Track 13: SIGNAL Rating: ☆☆⭒ Meh-eh? Well...? It’s a good track, I respect it. Not as memorable as the other songs but it fits well in the album. A good filler song.

Track 14: “from your letter” Rating: ☆☆☆ Like The very beginning with the snaps and twinkly sounds are pretty cool. The song is enjoyable and calls for some shoulder moving at least. There was a remix on AHS a long time ago by sleeperspaceborn which was pretty damned good, and in fact made me like this song. 

Track 15: “For My Dear...” Rating: ☆☆☆⭒ Like Like  Here for the drama and the high notes, shoot it straight into my bloodstream and do not resuscitate. The Acoustic Version is also a great remix, I love how she sounds like she’s screaming over the piano and guitar.

Track 16: “Present” Rating: ☆☆ Meh Like “FRIEND II” I can’t remember this song...

Ah there it is! *proceeds to forget again*

Non-album tracks:

“Two of us” Rating: ☆☆☆☆ Love I absolutely l-o-v-e this song right down to the cheesy, slow dance prom-y feel to it. Hell, even the “touch of mahogany mix” is one of the best remixes; I dare you not to at least bob your head when you hear it. This song can only be found on the Depend on You single and it’s a damn shame it didn’t make it to the ASf×× album. However maybe this can be considered her first slow ballad... but again, solid foundation. The lyrics are once again so pain-ridden and sorrowful, but then when you hear it against that funky rhythm on the “touch of mahogany mix,” you can’t help but submit to the dissonance of snapping along while in tears.

Also Xelakad provided an ah-mazing remix of this song on AHS a while back too. It seriously turns this song into a spiritual experience.

---

Average era rating: ☆☆☆ Like

If I could describe this album in two words, they would be: cohesive and precious. Yes her lyrics reflect hurt, rejection, and cynicism, but against the pop rock beats and her high voice, the album maintains an element of innocence. I believe it was a strong and consistent debut relative to her discography, as we are introduced to a young and weary Ayu who’s uncertain about the future, of love, of herself... *le sigh*

But let’s tie everything up in a nice pretty bow. For the list of Ayu’s creative bests, the common denominator is how much I really loved the drama and uniqueness of the tracks. Given that Ayu’s music style quickly evolved after this album, we conceivably don’t and won’t hear any songs like these ever again, and that’s why they’re just special.

The ‘Loves’ (only in order of track listing): A Song for ×× FRIEND POWDER SNOW (Acoustic Orchestra) YOU “Aggressive Mix” Two of us

Ayu’s creative bests: A Song for ×× POWDER SNOW (Acoustic Orchestra) For My Dear... Two of us

***

Credits: -Album art from Wikipedia -Concert screenshots from eneabba.net/ayu

Disclaimer: this post is solely my personal view and opinion. I am a Westerner with no fluency in Japanese, and so my viewpoint is shaped from English translations provided by ahsforum.com and all the feels from years of daily listening.

[axelsagewrites]

Puck*Purple Piano Project

Ship(s): Noah Puckerman x reader

Request: Negative

Warnings: Not really. Anxiety maybe

Masterlist HERE

Wattpad HERE

I walked through the school, camera in hand and a pass around my neck. When I chose journalism as one of my subjects, I knew I'd have to take photos and interview people but that didn't stop my skin crawling when my teacher decided I and Aaron would be the ones covering the glee clubs 'purple piano' project.

Aaron was beyond uninterested. He was clearly just taking the class to fill a column and shoved the camera and notebook into my hands as soon as the bell rang. "So how do you wanna manage to workload?" I stuttered out.

"You do the photos, interviews, writing, and formatting. I'll put my name on it. Got it?" he said. I nodded quickly. He grunted in response and walked away to his hockey friends. I'm not scared of him...I just don't like confrontation...?

"Kill me," I muttered under my breath as I walked through the corridors. My teacher had given me a 'journalism pass' while glee was on so I could try to get some photos and interviews. He made the mistake of assuming I'd have help.

Biting my lip, I fidgeted with the camera from next to the door to glee. I could hear music and I didn't want to interrupt. When I heard the song finish, I took a breath before knocking. A few seconds passed when the door opened.

Mr. Shue looked a little confused, "(Y/N) if this is about Spanish I can't talk- "

"It's not about that," I cut him off. He looked surprised, "Oh sorry um," I grabbed my pass and held it up, "I'm supposed to do a story on the um purple piano thingy?" it sounded like a question.

It must've worked because he smiled, "Yeah of course," he let go of the door handle, letting the door open more. I glanced over to the room of confused teenager's id never spoken too before. "What do you need to know?" snapped my attention back.

My hands began flicking through the notebook, frantically trying to find the page, "I have a few questions about it if that's okay. And possibly an interview,"

"Perfect," he said before walking into the middle of the room, "Right guys looks like we're going to hit the papers. This is (Y/N) from journalism and they are going to do a story on the purple piano project. Told you this project would be exciting," I loved his enthusiasm, but the groans and eye rolls told me I was the only one, "They've got some questions and they need an interview. I'm assuming (Y/N) while want to interview a couple of you," He glanced at me and I nodded, my eyes darted back down to my notebook, "Maybe some photos as well?"

"If that's alright with everyone," I said, checks tinging pink.

"So," Mr. Shue clapped his hands, "Who volunteers to do an interview?"

You could hear a pin drop. Unfortunately, it only lasted a moment before Rachel stood up. "I'll do it. I'm sure you'll all be supportive since we all know that I have a way with words Afterall," Oh my god I'm going to die.

"Uh uh. I don't want Berry representing us," A cheerleader from the back yelled.

"So, are volunteering Santana?" Mr. Shue asked.

She folded her arms and sat down, "I never said that. Do you really want Berry speaking for us? We get slushied enough,"

"Hey!" Rachel spun on her heels to glare at Santana, "I'll have you know I have practised for interviews for years. I know what I'm doing," when she turned to look at me, I could feel hope drain from me. "I'll have to have a copy of your questions first and I've got some of my own if you need anyway,"

Santana scoffed, "At least Rachels enthusiastic," Mr. Shue said, "You need to be proud of glee or people won't listen to us,"

"They look terrified," someone chuckled. Okay, maybe I was but still, rude. My cheeks flushed and I glanced over to where it had come from. Puck. I knew who he was. He'd never spoken to me, I'd always walked the other way, but I heard stories.

Suddenly bickering started. Within seconds it was full-on yelling. Mr. Shue turned to give me a sorry glance. It didn't end till some boy stood up and almost shouted, "Fine, I'll do it!" the room went quiet. he turned to Santana, "Happy?"

She glanced between the boy and Rachel, "I don't like it but its better,"

Rachel pouted. The boy sighed and turned to her, "You do so much for us that you deserve a break Rachel,"

She pursed her lips before rolling her eyes, "True," she sat back down, "Finn can do the interview,"

Mr. Shue sighed and turned to me, "Sorry about that," I just nodded, "You guys all take a break and calm down I'll go into the hallway and answer some of (Y/N)'s questions. Okay?" A few grumbles were heard before they all grabbed their phones. He rolled his eyes and led me into the hallway.

He shut the door and turned to me, "Sorry about that. Finn's a good guy. I'm sure your interview will go fine. So, what do you need to know?"

"Just a few basic questions," my hands were clutching my notebook. I began scribbling down his answers so I could write up the background information. "That was the last question," I said, celebrating in my head.

"Alright. If you need to know anything else just come ask," He said. I nodded as I stuffed my notebook into my bag, "Are you going to be okay (Y/N)?" Mr. Shue looked genuinely concerned.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit nervous, I guess. They can be...intimidating,"

"I'm sure your interview will go fine. I'll ask Finn about time and tell you in Spanish. That way you can go calm down." Mr. Shue said. I nodded along, "Finn's nice, I promise,"

Finn might be nice but that didn't help. When Mr. Shue told me the only time Finn could meet was Thursday lunchtime in the library I almost jumped out a window. I had to do an interview and I had to lose some lunchtime? Uh.

I figured things couldn't get much worse. I was wrong.

Coming to the library a little early, I began setting things up. I had my question sheet and had brought my phone to record. When I'd been questioning Mr. Shue I realised my hand definitely couldn't keep up.

As I was straightening everything up someone flung themselves down onto the chair next to me, "So this is what a library looks likes?" I felt like I was about to fall through my chair. That wasn't Finn. "Do you come here often?"

I looked up at Puck and froze for a second. He rose an eyebrow, "Um sometimes," I snapped out of my shock, "Wh-wheres Finn?"

"Sick," he rolled his eyes, "he called around to ask someone to fill in so here I am. Now let's hurry up. I don't want people thinking I want to be in this place,"

"Is it alright if I record this so I can take notes later?" I force out.

"Is my voice just that irresistible?" Puck leaned onto the table, eyes burrowing into me.

"No, it's just it helps get better notes and any quotes," my eyes fell to my notebook as I mentally kicked myself. "I won't post the recordings or anything,"

I looked up as he sat back "Sure I guess,"

"Okay so first question..." I only had a few questions for him, but Puck had a magical way of making everything take forever. Somehow, he found a dirty joke in everything or I had to try to pull an answer out of him. "Why is glee so important for you personally?"

"I get out of class,"

I hold back an eye-roll, "We all know you'd just skip so why glee?"

Puck sighed and leaned back in his chair, "I don't know. Chicks dig it?" I groan and just sit my notebook down. "Look I don't know," Puck said, "I just like it I guess,"

"Is it music? The performance?"

"Everything. I always liked the music. Music lets people be a lot more honest without being judged," Puck shifted in his seat a little.

"Do you think people are judging you?"

"Well yeah," he scoffed, "Look at me. Teachers think I'm a slacker, people here all think I'll shove them in a locker, my mum thinks I'll be in jail by 20. Everyone judges you. You could sing your heart out in a song and no one cares because they assume it's an act,"

His words shocked me into silence. Puck stared at the desk for a few seconds before looking up, "Wow um I- "

"Like I said, chicks dig guitar." Puck slumped back into his chair, "How many more questions?"

"That's it," I said, pausing my voice recording. "Actually, just wondering what name I should put down?" He rose an eyebrow, "Puck's surely not your real name. is it?"

"Kinda. Its Noah Puckerman," Puck stood up and grabbed his stuff, "Wait are you going to put all of that in?"

"Um, some of it. I'll quote some stuff and clean it up a bit. If that's alright?"

"Yeah, whatever. Later, loser," He stood up.

"For what it's worth," I start which causes Puck to wait, "I don't judge you,"

"Yeah right," Puck rolls his eyes.

Maybe it was a bit of a fib, "I mean you sat hear and answered all my questions. You can't be all bad,"

"You'd be surprised what I can be," Puck put his bag over his shoulder and rushed out the library. Every person he walked past jumped out the way.

All I had to do now was get some photos. I'd seen the purple pianos around the school, so I had some pics of empty pianos. I was trying to get a better shot of one of them sitting in the hall, but I was amongst a crowd of people. The crowd seemed to vanish all at once and I glanced over my shoulder and almost jumped out my skin, "Noah," I said, eyes wide. He'd been standing right behind me which convinced everyone to move.

His eyes scrunched for a second then something seemed to click, "Why'd you call me that?"

"It's your name?"

"Everyone just calls me Puck," he shoved his hands in his pockets.

I felt my skin starting to burn, "I'm just used to using first names. I'll use Puck if you prefer," Before the library Noah made me feel scared now it was more like a nervous feeling. I just really didn't want to mess up. Especially after his last answer that was way deeper than I expected I didn't want him to think I was judging him. I guess I kind of had...

"It's um fine I guess," He said, "Look um Rachel's organised some song thing for this piano thing. If you still need pictures you can come and um get them,"

"Yeah that'd be great," I smiled. Honestly, the way my teacher droned on and on about photography and journalism was beginning to worry me but if I got a shot of a performance I wouldn't have to worry.

"Cool um gives me your number and ill text you when and where," The way he grinned made me a bit nervous. He rolled his eyes "I'm not going to do anything with your number," My face went red as I pulled out my phone because does anyone actually know their own number. The looks people gave us didn't help. "I'll text you. Later (Y/N),"

Seemingly true to his word he didn't do anything to me. No prank calls, no extra telemarketers, no weird texts. Just a time and location.

I was a little late as I walked into the auditorium, but I quickly realised the song. They were performing 'You Can't Stop the Beat' in bright purple clothes. They were just going into the chorus when I grabbed my camera.

Since there was no one else there I was able to get a shot from almost every angle. As I was snapping pics, I realised I couldn't see Puck. I felt...disappointed? I'd decided to try to get a closer shot so climbed up onto the side of the stage, making sure to stand back. I was lining up a shot when I happened to glance at the band.

Puck was playing the guitar at the back of the stage. You could barely even see his face. I quickly snapped a couple shots. When I saw his head turn, I darted off the stage. The song just finished, and I got the last couple shots.

They all seemed to be out of breath, fair enough, and Rachel started clapping, "We did its guys," Santana rolled her eyes and everyone else ignored her.

Finn jumped off the stage and walked up to me as I was looking at the photos. "Sorry I couldn't make it to the library. Was Puck alright? Did you get all your questions?"

"Yeah, it went great. I was typing it up last night. I think it's gonna be good," I said truthfully. I wasn't too confident normally, but I was proud of my work. Now I had the photos. "I should probably thank Rachel,"

"What for?" Finn asked.

"Puck told me she said I could come to take photos of this," I said. Maybe she hadn't mentioned it?

"Uh, Rachel never said that," My face scrunched up, "Not that you're not allowed too," Finn said quickly "You are but Rachel never invited you,"

"Oh, I um just assumed," I said.

Before I could say anything, else someone ran over, "Oh photos. can I see?" It was a lanky pale boy I think is called Kyle or Karl or something.

"Yeah sure," I brought up some photos and a mini crowd formed as they all tried to spot themselves.

Luckily the crowd started to die down, "You know you got some really good shots," Rachel said, "I can't wait for the article. You've got so many good pictures I can't wait to see which one you chose,"

I didn't know what to say so just smiled awkwardly. Rachel wandered away with Finn and thankfully it was over. The room was basically empty apart from the band packing the stuff up.

Puck had his guitar in a case and walked over to me, "Your pictures work out?"

"Yeah um they did. Thanks for telling me," I said.

"Well, I figured Rachel and you know would um like them," Since when did Puck trip over his words? "Text me when your articles out,"

"Of course," I smiled. He gave a quick, but still awkward, smile, before walking away, muttering under his breath.

I was able to finish my article over the weekend and brought it in ready for Monday. Puck hadn't texted me. I didn't expect him too but as I went to text him that I was handing it in I couldn't help feeling a little bad. As I walked into the school, I passed him though. I wasn't a 'smile at people I kinda know to say hello' person but as I passed Puck, I mentally prepared myself and smiled. He smiled back quickly before going back to his friends who hadn't noticed.

There was a faint smile on my lips as I walked into journalism. It quickly vanished when Aaron walked up to me. "You finish?"

"Yeah um I- "

"Give it," He rolled his eyes. My hands quickly rummaged through my bag and every second felt like an eternity. As soon as I pulled it out, he grabbed it out of my hands. I cringed as I saw the paper crease. He grunted something before walking up to the teacher's desk and dumping it down like it was nothing. I took my seat and sulked for the rest of class.

The day didn't get better but at least it didn't get worse. My friends let me rant about Aaron during lunch so that was good. Towards the end of lunch, my friends all had to head off to a class early since their teacher was anal about timeliness.

I went to my locker to get some stuff to study for my next period which thankfully was a free. I'd just opened my locker door when it was slammed shut. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

"I-uh- "

"You didn't put my name on it!" He was holding a copy of the article id written. I was basically cornered against my locker as he held the paper up in my face "You had one job and you could even do that right,"

"It's not my fault," I said meekly, instantly regretting it.

"Oh yeah?" He said, moving back a bit, "Well this is mine," When I saw the slushie in his other hand I screwed my eyes shut. I hadn't been slushied before, more unnoticeable than unlikeable, and expected the cold to wash over me.

"Hey!" Was followed by a thud and feet scuffing the floor. I opened my eyes to see Puck pushing Aaron into the locker beside me, "Who the hell do you think you are?"

"Back off singer boy," Aaron spat.

Puck grabbed his collar and lifted him up against the locker, "What did you call me? Huh?" Aaron went white. Puck let him go and shoved him again, "I asked you a question!"

"Noah calm down!" I tried to keep my voice low as a crowd started to form.

"No, I wanna know what he called me," Puck glared daggers into him. Now I don't like Aaron, but I also enjoy not having a school record.

"I-I didn't say, anything, man," Aaron said.

"Noah please," I walked right up behind him, "Walk away,"

Puck glared at him before turning around to storm away. I didn't know whether to follow. Then Aaron turned to his friends, "Look at him walk away,"

"What did you just say?" Puck was back.

"Noah!" My voice was sharp. I grabbed his arm and tried to drag him away. There was no way I could force him to do anything, but he let me lead him away.

I kept walking, leading him, till there was no crowd. I pulled him into the empty glee room. "What the hell were you doing?!" I asked.

"He was going to slushy you," Puck said as if I asked why he didn't kick a puppy, "What did you want me to do?"

"Not start a fight and make this worse? Embarrass me?" I almost yelled. I steadied my breathing, "Why do you think people judge you when you always jump at people at any second?" I said before thinking.

His face fell but was replaced by anger, "That isn't fair. I was defending you,"

"You scare me!" My eyes were getting watering and my heart was beating, "Puck you used to terrify me. I would walk the other way encase you decided to throw me or my friends in a bin,"

"I'm not like that- "He tried to say.

"You did it to that boy in glee every day. He was known as bin boy for crying out loud. If you keep getting into fights out in the real world, you'll end up in jail- "

"That isn't fair!" He yelled. I wasn't frightened. My breathing was ragged, and I wanted to cry but I wasn't scared of him. "You don't get it," Puck's voice was almost a whisper. "It doesn't matter what I do people assume the worst. Everyone thinks I'll turn out like my dad. I want to make something of myself, but people won't let me,"

"Because you prove them right," I snap, "Every fight, every insult, every detention, you prove them right. People who make someone of themselves do it because they work despite the judgement not because of it. Think about what you want not what they think,"

"So, I was supposed to let him slushy you?"

"Why does it matter to you?"

"Because you didn't deserve it. Because I like you!" Pucks neck was going red and he began pacing, "Because your nice and you work hard and you don't get angry and you don't judge me and you-you," His breathing was getting faster.

"Noah!" I say. He pauses, "You need to calm down."

"How am I supposed to calm down? He was about to slushy you?"

"Noah every time you act out, they win," I walk up to him, he doesn't move, "It's your turn to win. Calm down, do your homework, make something of yourself. Where do you think he's gonna be in 5 years? Probably working a minimum wage job with three kids figuring out all the ways to avoid child support. If you don't want to turn out like your dad you need to work for it," I said, "You gotta start somewhere,"

"I don't know-how," He walks over to the nearest chair and drops onto it.

Sighing, I walk over and sit next to him, "Breath. Noah, you need to breathe," He doesn't look up. I place a hand on his shoulder, and he looks up, "Every time you get mad take a breather. Take a breather then decide. I know you were trying to do something good, but you need to take a second when this happens,"

"What if I make the wrong decision though? What then?"

"Try again," I said. "No one's perfect. Not every choice is a bad one,"

"Yeah well, I don't exactly have a great track record for doing the right thing,"

"And I don't have a great track record for doing the brave thing," I said, "I play everything safe. I'd never be able to stand up for myself let alone someone else. You wouldn't have stood up for me if you didn't care, you wouldn't have taken Finn's place if you weren't a good friend. Face its Puck, you have a heart,"

He rolls his eyes, "Prove it," I crack a smile at his words.

"Well I mean you did kinda say you like me," I mumbled, taking my hand off his shoulder.

"I did didn't I," He sighed, "I don't want you to feel uncomfortable. Defiantly not scared,"

"I'm not scared," I cut in. Noah rolls his eyes, "Maybe of Puck but not Noah. Noah's nice,"

Noah turns to face me, "I mean what I said. I don't typically ask it like this but (Y/N) will you go on a date with me?"

"With Noah? Definitely."

[mirkwoodshewolf]

One vision recording; Queen x reader

*Author’s note*

Hey all okay so since I’m completing my final semester at college, I thought that since I’ve got some time off until tomorrow I’ll give you guys a special treat. For I have in store and ready to go TWO chapters of the Rock Angel at the ready. I just completed this one today and I’ve had the next one I’ll post up done for awhile. 

Also I want to say that the song I have written for this specific chapter is just how I envisioned the song. I KNOW IT DOESN’T RHYME CAUSE I SUCK AT RHYMING THINGS. So please no hating on the song. And as inspiration for this chapter, for those who do know or may not know the One vision documentary, just have a watch of that and just imagine you reader-chan as being apart of the workings of One Vision. Happy reading my beauties :)

Taglist:

@psychosupernatural

@plethora-of-things

@ixchel-9275

@onebigfangirlworld

@waddles03

@platawnic

@geek-and-proud

@coolcxt

@queendeakyy

@mr-badguymercury

@naturalswifty89

@queens-rose-garden

@starswin

@dj-lowkey

@labessieisallama

@5sos-wdw

@isabella-bby

______________________________________________________

*Sept. 2nd, 1985. Munich, Germany*

Seven months pregnant and here I am in Germany. Now I know most of you are probably thinking ‘Woman why aren’t you at home?’ ‘Didn’t you ask for maternity leave?’ And to answer that, yes I did but I only had a few more songs to record on my newest album ‘Mother Love’.  I wanted to make sure my last album was perfect before my maternity leave in the next 2 months.

Right now my tummy looked like it was going to pop as Jack and I had taken the 9hr train ride from London to Munich since at this point I could no longer fly anymore without causing any harm to the baby.

I was told the Munich studio had better equipment and better sounding for what I was looking for in this album so here I am at the Musicland studios.

Currently I was in the process of recording my next song “Through and through (a Mother’s love is eternal)”.

“Alright Rock Angel, you said you wanted a full run of this song?” asked the sound engineer Mack.

“Yes. I wanna try to get this song done in one go. I’ve gotta meet with the Munich zoo by 6pm to do the filming shots Beck needs for the music video.”

“Alright, this is Rock Angel’s ‘Through and through’ take one. Full run through.” I heard Mike’s voice speak as I placed the headphones over my ears and I heard the vocalization of the soft choir before I heard the piano playing.

I counted the beats and began singing the song.

*First verse*

They say I am the mirror of the

Woman you once were.

But each day that passes, I forget day by day.

The feel of your arms, the smell of your hair,

And the presences of your warmth.

I’ve suffered the loss of you for oh too long.

For growing up,

Without a mother’s love and care.

I fear you’ve gone and left me,

At the moment of your untimely parture.

*Chorus*

A Mother’s love is eternal

Even as time passes by

Torn between life and the light of heaven’s gate

Even through all the grief

I somehow still felt your love.

For a Mother’s love is eternal

Through and through.

*Second verse*

I just wish you were still here by my side.

Cause I don’t know how to be the mother you were to me.

I wish I could hear your voice in my mind,

But all I hear is the sounds of the wind.

How were you when you were in my place?

Was there ever any spark of fear or doubt?

To be the greatest Mother

Your child had ever known.

         The piano took over for the brief break and I counted down in my head the beats till I came in once again.  This time I could feel my hormones acting up once again as this verse was the hardest for me to write.

*2nd Chorus*

Ooo but a Mother’s love is eternal

Even through all the struggles you face.

It’ll drain every ounce within you.

Make you bleed, and scream and cry.

But even through the pain,

The love is worth it in the end

For a Mother’s love is eternal

Through and through.

As the break happened once more with the lute guitar and piano I could feel the tears in my eyes.  Then I just let go as I gave this final verse my all, even allowing some tears to fall down my face by the end.

*Final verse*

Yeah!

A Mother’s love is eternal.

And I vow to do my best

Cause a Mother’s love is eternal

So never forget my child

I may stay, I may go

But no matter what the future brings

A Mother’s love is eternal

Through and through.

Through and through.

This song was very special to me.  Because it not only spoke for my fear and doubt of going into motherhood for the first time, but I also wrote this in honor of my mum who I wish could still be here to help me through raising my first child.

So singing this song was definitely emotional for me and with my pregnancy my hormones were kicked into overdrive as I could even feel tears fall down my face, especially once I got to the final chorus.

Shakily exhaling and wiping away the tearstains from my cheeks.  I looked up to the ceiling almost as if asking for my mum’s strength to just help me get over this.  It was then I heard an applause from the other side of the recording booth.  I looked up and saw my boys all standing there, all of them with tears brimming in their eyes.

“My lovely Rock Angel, you once again have broken my heart with your angelic voice.” Freddie said speaking into the mic. I took the headphones off of my head and walked out of the booth.  I opened the door and the moment they saw me, they were just in awe.

“Oh lovie. I swear every time we see you, it’s like you’re glowing more and more every day.” Roger praised as he came up to me and took my hands in his gently swaying them side to side.

“It’s like you’re brighter than the stars in the sky.” Brian said.

“What I feel like is a balloon about to pop.” I said irritated. They awed at me as Roger leaned his forehead against mine and he said.

“You do not, you’re carrying precious cargo in there. Dominque, Veronica and Chrissie all went through it. Mary’s going through it, and even if you did look like a balloon then you’re the cutest balloon out there.” I grinned mockingly at him and said.

“Thanks for trying dad.” He grinned and pecked my cheek.

“So I heard a little rumor that you all are involved with a movie?”

“Yeah we were asked by the director Russell Mulcahy to do some of the music for film. Originally we were asked to do one song but after viewing what they’ve got so far we had to do more.” Explained Brian.

“What’s the film called again?” I asked and that’s when Deacy answered.

“Highlander.”

“Ahh, well I can’t wait to see what you all have done. And now I leave you guys to record your songs now.”

“Ohh can’t you stay for a while and help us, like the old days (y/n) darling?” Freddie begged.

“I wish I could but I’ve got to get this song over to the Munich zoo so that I can get some footage for the music video for this song.”

“Getting some animal footage?”

“Yeah Bri. And no worries Rog I’m not going near any big cats or bears if that’s what you’re worried about.” I said already looked at the worry in his eyes.

“Care to give us an idea what the music video will be about?” asked Deacy like a kid trying to bride their parent getting a cookie before supper.

“Spoilers Brother mine.” I mocked as I playfully gripped him under the chin.  I then took notice of his new hairstyle, which was much shorter, kinda like how I first met him but slightly different. “You know I kinda miss the fluffy afro look on you.” I teased.

“Haha hilarious sister dear.” He playfully pinched my nose.  I pushed his hand away and continued to tease.

“But I guess there’s only room for one poodle man of Queen.” I looked towards Bri who gave me a playful glare which caused Freddie and Roger to laugh.

“Alright (y/n) it’s ready.” Mack said as he held a tape for me.  I took it from him and thanked him as I gave him a friendly peck on the cheek.

“But if you guys are still here tomorrow I could pop by and see how you all are getting along.”

“We’ll be here at 9am sharp when the studio opens, I could pick you up at your hotel.” Said Roger.

“Perfect, I’ll see you at around 8ish?” he nodded and I saluted the guys goodbye.  As I was just about to walk up the stairs that would lead me back up to the main floor of the studio, I felt someone come up behind me and ask.

“Need a hand?” I smiled softly and said.

“Always to the rescue, ehh papa lion?”

“Just need to make sure our future lioness cub will be okay. Her mum can be reckless sometimes.” I scoffed in playfully offense.

“And you’re not?”

“Well……”

“Uh-uh-uh-uh-uhh yeah that’s what I thought.” I said as the two of us walked up the stairs.  Then I had to address the elephant in the room, “And how do you know it’ll be a girl? Not even Jack and I know what our baby’s gender is.”

“I just have a feeling. Good sense of rhythm. Loves Queen music, especially Radio gaga, to which you said was the first time she had started becoming active. I have a feeling she’ll be just like her mother in every practically perfect way.”

“You’re just not wanting the baby to look like Jack are you?”

“Now that is not true.” I just rolled my eyes at him as we finally reached the top.  “In all seriousness though love, please be careful during the video shooting. Please.” He pressed his hand to my cheek and I nuzzled into his palm as I felt his calloused thumb stroke my cheek.

“Don’t worry Rog. I’ve signed all the agreements and I’ve got the best zookeepers to keep an eye on me while we get some of the interactions. There’s only one animal who will need to be watched over, other than that I’m holding a small ape in my arms most of the time.”

“Okay, just don’t go near any lions alright?”

“Don’t worry Rog, you’re the only lion I go near.” He hummed a chuckle before leaning his forehead against mine.

“You’re an even sassier woman when you’re pregnant did you know that?” I grinned cheekily and kissed his nose and said.

“I’ll see you tomorrow dad.”

“Till then my beautiful mama lioness.” He gave me one final kiss to the forehead before I went to sign myself out of the studio and hailed a cab over to take me to the Munich zoo.

A full afternoon into early evening shooting later, I was back at the hotel room with Jack and he said.

“I think the filming went well.”

“Yeah, that mama elephant really was tender towards me. Guess she knew the both of us were in the same boat together.”

“I can’t wait to see how it all comes together.”

“Me too, now we’ll just need to wait for the National Geographic to get back with some of those other footages I asked for.” I lay down on the bed and Jack lay down beside me.

“Now you said Roger will be here around 8ish?”

“Yeah, do you wanna stay here and see the boys record their new song?”

“As much as I love too I can’t. Someone’s gotta book our flight back to the states from London. When do you think you’ll be done?”

“I don’t know. You know how much of a perfectionist Freddie is. But I’m told they’ve already recorded some of the song and now they’re just trying to get all the clever bits into it.”

“So hopefully it won’t take too long.”

“Here’s hoping.” He flipped the lights off encasing our room into total darkness and I felt him wrap his arm around my lower abdomen almost like he was protecting our baby and I felt him kiss my neck lovingly.

“Goodnight my mama lioness.”

“G’night daddy lion.” And with that the two of us fell asleep together.

The next morning I woke up to see a note from Jack saying that he was already in bound for England. That he had gotten the first train ticket back to get all our stuff back home packed and call the airlines to get a special accommodations for us on our one way trip back to LA.

I got around, ate some breakfast and when I left the main lobby I saw Roger standing beside a cabby.  He waved to me and I waved back and he allowed me in first before he climbed in and told the driver to head for the studio.  

Once we got there it was time to go straight to work, just like the old days when I was still an intern with Miami.

As the minutes ticked by, Mack stepped out leaving Rog, Brian, Fred and I to discuss some lyrics for the middle part of their song “One Vision”.

“Well I mean ‘one goddamn something decision’ is good, I like that.” Suggested Roger.

“No, no well—” Brian began humming the tune trying to put the words to the rhythm of the song and continued, “No it doesn’t work.”

“It won’t fit.” Freddie argued.

“Yes it does.” Roger then sung out the rhythm of how he imagined the words.  Freddie closing his eyes trying to hear what Roger was saying as Brian and Rog continued to mutter the tune.

“What about real decision?” I suggested as I twirled a pencil between my fingers.

“No, no darling it won’t fit. See it goes….” he then began singing the tune and I nodded and said.

“I know. What I’m saying is what if you do, ‘one flesh, one bone one real decision’.” Freddie looked to me and he said.

“I like that.”

“I agree, it fits.”

“Alright fine, can’t argue with her.” I grinned at Roger.  As we continued to debate of lyrics, I talking with Brian and Freddie while Roger was quietly writing.

“And I mean it is awfully nice, but it’s—it’s sorta…..it’s risky.” Freddie warned.

“Well you have been known to take risks haven’t you Fred?” I came back at him.  He ruffled my hair making me chuckle and Brian said.

“So it’s ba-bum, ba-bum, ba-bum, ba-ba-bum.” Brian muttered out as Freddie joined him on the tune.  I looked at Brian’s lyric sheet to see what we’ve got as Roger piped in.

“How about this?”

“I mean it’d be cool if you could somehow mold this entire verse into like—one sentence.”

“Yes darling I completely agree, we need to try and get all these lyrics into one solid formation.” Freddie said as he leaned over between Brian and I.

“Like it’s an actual story.”

“What about that?” Roger suggested.  I took his lyric sheet and read over it as Freddie was going over the tune once again.

“Ohh Freddie, Freddie Freddie-o let’s go with Rog’s verse.” He then came over and spoke out Roger’s lyrics.

“Made one true religion. Yeah that’s good. That’s nice.”

“I think we should also but ‘true vision’ in there somewhere.” Suggested Roger.

“No, no I don’t think that fits. I mean ‘one true religion’ is one thing but ‘one true vision’ is another. And I don’t think it fits.” I said skeptically.

“It fits lovie.”

“Oh yeah sing it then.” I then clapped the rhythm as Roger began muttering the tune before finally softly singing out while looking at me with those baby blue eyes of his.

“One true vision.” At that point all of us laughed.

“Of course it fits like that!” exclaimed Freddie sarcastically.  All of us laughing as Roger continued to brag.  I ran my fingers through his hair as I leaned against his shoulder still laughing.

“I mean you stopped and—he was still looking for the next word.” Brian said through his laughter.

“Darling a complete idiot!” joked Freddie.

“Oh my god Rog you’re unbelievable.” I sighed as I tried to calm myself down.

“Ahh but you love me for it.” He teased as he leaned his head against my shoulder and I pressed my head on top of his.

The day continued to go on and now the boys were starting to record some more of the song.  I sat with Mack behind the sound mixer as all four of my boys proceeded to record the new bits or just improve some lyrics.  Of course I lost it as Freddie actually sang ‘one dump, one turd, two tits, John Deacon.’

As Freddie continued to improve the lyrics and pull words out of his arse I couldn’t help but think this song was going nowhere but yet it somehow did work cause Freddie just made it hilarious. Mack placed his head along the console and groaned.

“Is there no end to this?”

“Mack, you don’t know the half of it.” I dragged on as we watched the boys continue to record.

The next day we were now getting in just the bass parts and some of Freddie’s vocals.  I was outside along the consoles sitting next to Mack as Deacy was actually outside holding his bass wearing the headphones as he played his bass for part of the song where the bass could truly shine in the song.

Deacy was playing and bopping his head like a chicken, something I like to call the Deacy-chicken head-bop when his head gets into the rhythm but not his body. Mack leaned into my and whispered in my ear.

“And Fred said it was to be all that?”

“Yeah that’s what he told me.”  He nodded and made sure to note that down.  Once Deacy was done, he tucked one of the earmuffs of the headset and said.

“And then we just add the guitar bit?”

“No it’s….meant to be all that?” Mack responded as he pointed to Deacy’s bass.

“Oh it’s meant to be all that? No guitar vibrato at all?”

“Fred said that by the end of that the bass was gonna take over that part of verse.” I explained as I leaned against the chair and gently swayed it from side to side.  He nodded and that’s when I felt a kick to my stomach and I moaned softly as I stopped swaying and held my stomach.  “You okay?”

“Yeah she just kicked. Guess she still don’t like gentle swaying. Last week when Jack tried to slow dance with me back at the hotel after a stressful day, she wouldn’t stop kicking me. Guess she’s not gonna be much of a slow dancer.” He grinned and said.

“Michael was the same way, as was Joshua. So the baby’s been actively kicking?”

“Oh yeah, mostly when Queen songs are playing, I think they’re ready to meet you guys.”

“Well we can’t wait to see who the future munchkin’s gonna be. And you said you wanted it to be a surprise right?”

“Yeah, after Kelly’s story I’d rather not go through in having to either return or sell all the wrong gender stuff and waste my money buying new stuff when I already need to get the main supplies like food, diapers and all that baby proof stuff.”

“Well you know Veronica and I can donate some of the babyproof stuff to you guys to use.”

“You’d seriously do that?”

“Yeah, we’re gonna hold off having children for a bit. Now that Joshua is walking a bit more we don’t need most of his old baby proofing stuff, he’s not as curious as his brothers are so we’re good to go.”

“Thanks Deacy.”

“You’re welcome (n/n).”

Now it was Freddie’s turn to get behind the booth and do some vocal recording.  He wanted to do the voice split since he had already done the low vocalizations of the ‘whoa, whoa, whoa’s’, he wanted to now do a high range of those.

“Mack, Mr. Beach is on the phone he wants to discuss with you some business matters of the song.” One of the assistants said peeking in through the door.  He groaned because he knew he couldn’t leave since Fred was about to do the recording and he didn’t really trust anyone else to work his consoles.

“You go on ahead Mack, I’ve got this.” I told him.

“You sure you got this?” he asked me wearily.

“Absolutely, who do you think helped them edit ‘Don’t try suicide’.”

“Let her at it Mack dear. Like us, she knows how to work those keys. Work your magic darling and don’t make me sound like shit.”

“No promises Fred.” I teased as I spoke into the mic.  He playfully flipped me off and I told Mack to go on and talk to Miami.  He nodded and then left the booth and headed towards the lounge room to talk with Miami.  “Okay Fred so where do you want to go first?”

“Take me to the second part of the second track my lovely angel.” I pressed a couple buttons and heard Freddie’s voice play through the system and I watched him count the beats by squeezing his fingers into his palms, like he was operating a pump before finally going into the ‘whoa, whoa’s’.  However they both were in the high range so he immediately stopped and he said.  “No, no darling it’s the wrong part, take me back to the first track.”

“Yeah sorry about that.” I rewound the tape and pressed the play and I heard Fred’s voice sing out, ‘One religion. One man, one soul one god religion.’ He then proceeded to record the right now and as I heard both low and high ranges mold together, it sounded better.  When that was done he asked me.

“How was that?”

“Sounds great Fred.” I told him.

“You’re not just saying that because it’s me right?”

“No Mr. Perfectionist.” I drawled out.

“Don’t take that tone with my little missy.” He teased.  I playfully stuck my tongue out at him and fast forwards the tape. “Okay so the next track are we gonna do the second track or the first track?”

“Well according to Mack’s notes he wants to go to the first track.”

“Okay then darling fire away.” I then played the track and watched the master at work once more.

I bopped my head to the rhythm and couldn’t help but admire such talent.  I’ve always admired Freddie’s voice and I just can’t believe how lucky I was to be mentored by the best singer of my generation, I owe him everything and I hope we can continue this partnership till the end of our days.

The ‘One vision’ recording continued for another day till finally at almost 2 o’clock the song was complete.  All the editing and wiring of placing each sound in the right order was done and now Queen had their next hit single in the works.

I was just about to head back to my hotel to rest up since I had been working so hard and waking up so early to help the guys.

“And where do you think you’re going darling?” Freddie asked me.  I looked up to see all four of them looking at me.

“Uhh back to my hotel, why?”

“You’re not staying for the after party?” Fred continued to say.

“Well Fred, I—haven’t really been a party person since the pregnancy. People kept offering me drinks and I couldn’t cause of munchkin here.”

“I’ll ensure you get some water or juice. Please darling everyone whose involved with this song is invited, plus all of our crew on tour. And you’re still counted as apart of Team Queen.” Begged Freddie as he came up and kneeled before my groveling.  I turned to the other three for help but they just looked at me with that ‘might as well indulge him love’ look.

“I don’t know Freddie……” I sighed before he interrupted me.

“Even if it’s for a couple of hours. You don’t have to stay for the whole thing. You’ve helped us a lot with this song and it’d be wrong not to invite you when we know the truth.” I looked at him and cupped the side of his face.

“If you stop with those puppy dog eyes of yours I’ll go.” He cheered and immediately shot up before kissing my cheek and said as he proudly strutted out of the booth.

“Let’s go my darlings!” I shook my head.

“If it’s so hard to say no to that man, I can’t imagine how hard it’ll be to say no to my own kid.”

“You’ll learn love.” Deacy said as he wrapped an arm around me.

“Fred is just on a whole other degree of spoiled. He’s even worse than a toddler if he doesn’t get his way.” Said Brian.  We all then followed him and headed over to Queen’s hotel which surprisingly was just a couple blocks away from my hotel and proceeded with the after party.

There was food, press, drinks and hundreds upon hundreds of people gathered around to celebrate another hit record song made by Queen.  

I was sitting outside near the pool trying to get away from the crowds when I saw Brian come out from the pool.  And god had I not spent as much time around these boys as I have, I wouldn’t have recognized him because now his full on curly hair was all flat along his face from the chlorine.

“Have a nice dip, drip?” I said as I threw him a towel.

“It was refreshing.” He said as he began to dry his hair. “You doing okay?”

“Yeah I’m fine. Just trying to avoid getting my bump smashed or hit by someone in the crowd in there.”

“I get it. Especially when a few have had one to many drinks, they’d end up falling right over in total disregard to anyone’s safety.”

“Yeah which would cause Rog to turn full papa lion and kill the person who’d bump into me if the fall didn’t.” he chuckled knowing that that statement was true.  I placed a grape into my mouth and chewed on it as I said, “Plus I don’t want press finding me.”

“They’ve been giving you trouble?”

“Well not here here. But—insecurities and all that.” He sighed and said as he came over my pool chair and began to rub my shoulders.

“You remember what I’ve told you about your looks right?”

“Well Bri, some press are kind to me but one magazine sure wasn’t. It was….back in the early stages of my pregnancy. Some sexist arsehole took a photo of me and Jack shopping for groceries and printed out in bold print ‘ROCK ANGEL GAINING WEIGHT!? Young adult artist putting on several pounds as she struts with husband Jack Kline looking like she swallowed a beachball.’ Luckily thanks to Miami and with the release of my pregnancy announced, we sued the bastard and got him fired but—I can’t imagine what the press here would say seeing me now like this.” I felt Brian kiss the top of my head.

“They need to realize that you are creating something that none of those bastards can. You are in the final stage of giving life to a whole new person. That’s something that most press and paparazzi’s can’t do. And if we had heard of this incident months ago, you can be sure the lads and I would’ve found that publicist and gladly gave him a talking to.”

“Oh I know what your ‘talking to’ implies Bri. Especially if Rog is the ringleader.” He leaned his head against mine and said.

“Some men can be bastards, especially to female celebrities and singers. But just know that you’ve got five men who think you are an absolute vision.” I smiled and placed my hand on top of his right hand.

“How come you always know what to say to help me feel better Bri?”

“Could be my cleverness.” I looked up at him with my best Deacy funny look and he just smiled at me softly laughing.

“You are so full of shit you know that spaceman?”

“Sometimes, but at least I got you distracted from your body insecurity, right?”

“That you did.” He stroked down my cheeks much like how you would a dog before he pecked my nose and pressed his forehead against mine.

When party was over by nightfall, I grabbed my bag when Mack came in and he said.

“(Y/n), your husband’s on the phone for you.” I followed behind him and he handed me the phone and I said.

“Hey Jack, how did booking the flight go?”

‘Not good I’m afraid.’

“Why? What’s going on?”

‘Well I explained to the airfare about your pregnancy so they asked me how far you were along. And apparently they can’t fly us back since you’ve entered your third trimester.’

“What!? Why not!?”

‘They said it just poses as a greater risk for the health of the baby.’

“Well what are we gonna do? We can’t go back to the hotel because the press finally got whiff of where we were and almost made me go into premature labor with their constant hounding, Dr. Williams is in LA with all our medical records, and we can’t afford to stay in that small motel room with the baby!”

‘I know baby, we’ll figure it all out. Just calm down okay, you’re stressing again.’ I took a few deep breaths. ‘That’s my girl. Are you and the boys done yet?’

“Yeah. We just finished. We’re gonna head to the train station and get on the next train back to London.”

‘Okay, when you get back we’ll talk about our next plan okay. I promise everything’s gonna be fine.’

“Okay.” I muttered softly.

‘Have safe travels my beauty. I love you.’

“I love you too Jack.” I then hung up the phone and pinched the bridge of my nose as I muttered, “Fucking hell.”

“Everything okay poppet?” I turned to see the boys all looking at me concerned.

“Well if you count being stranded with no other place to go and no doctor knowing of your medical records just 2 months before you go into labor umm….I’d say I’m doing great.” I sighed.

“What are you talking about?” asked Freddie.

“I can’t go back to the states. I’ve gone over to my 3rd trimester and they won’t let me fly back.”

“Now correct me if I’m wrong but did I hear you say that the press almost made you go into premature labor?” questioned Roger. I nodded and said.

“Yeah, I don’t know how they found me but they came out of nowhere and just ambushed me while I was coming home from shopping. I nearly had a panic attack from all the hormones and anxiety of my pregnancy.”

“Those fucking leeches. It’s bad enough they stalk every famous face but to ambush a first time mother, it’s unforgivable.” Freddie sighed angrily.

“I just don’t know what to do guys. We’ve got nowhere to go now.”

“Not true, you can stay with Dominque and I. We can set up one of the spare bedrooms into a nursery, we still got Felix’s old crib that can be refurbished.” Roger said as he came up and took my hands in his. I smiled and said.

“Oh Rog, thank you for the offer but we can’t do that to you and your family.”

“It’s no trouble. No one knows where my house is, and it’ll be nice for Felix to have a little playmate for a while.”

“Actually there is another place you could stay at.” Suggested Brian.  I turned to him and he continued, “I’m still kinda in the works of moving some stuff around but, just recently I bought a house up in Surrey that acts as my home studio. It’s got 2 bedrooms, 2 loos, and plenty of space for a baby. At least until you can fly back to the states with her.”

“Ohh Brian I…..I couldn’t ask that of you.”

“It’s no trouble at all love, really. You need a private place to relax in your final days before your maternity leave, somewhere where the press cant cause you any stress.” I considered it and said.

“You sure it’s no trouble?”

“I wouldn’t have offered it to you if it was.”

“C’mon love what more do you have to lose?” said Roger. I thought about it some more till I finally said.

“Okay. I’ll call Jack and ask him if it’ll be okay with him.”

“Once we get back to London, I’ll take you both up there so you can see the place.” Brian said as he wrapped his arm over my shoulder.

I called Jack shortly after and told him the news and he agreed to come up to see the place with Brian and I.  We then all took a cab up to our hotels to check out before all heading back to the train station.

After arriving back in London early the next morning, we met Jack at the station and he, Brian and I headed on up to Surrey just a few miles outside of London.

Going through Surrey it felt like we had gone out to the country until finally we came upon a grand castle-like house.

“And here we are.” Brian said as he pulled the car up along the gravel driveway and shut the car off.

“Oh wow Bri, this is—amazing.” Praised Jack.

“Thank you Jack.” We all got out of the car and I just stared at this beautiful ‘private kingdom’.  It had a gorgeous front yard. “So will it do?” I heard Brian ask me as he came up to me.

“Oh it’s big enough for an entire classroom. You sure you don’t mind us staying here for a bit?”

“Of course not I don’t mind at all. C’mon let’s get you two inside.” The boys carried in the luggage and the inside looked even bigger than it did outside.

“Oh wow.” I awed.

“Right bedrooms are right down that hall, kitchen’s just down that way and the studios upstairs. And of course garden is just through those backdoors.” I walked towards the back and I was just in awe at the very large and peaceful garden.

There was nothing but greenery as far as the eye could see, trees surrounding the perimeter, and a beautiful fountain at the center.

“Brian this….this is beautiful.”

“Yeah quite romantic when it comes to getting out of the busyness of the city. The perfect place for you and Jack to relax, and a quaint little place for the future little Kline.” He said as he came up and pressed his hand to my stomach as he mentioned my baby.  I nodded and I said.

“You think we’ll do a good job?”

“I believe you will love. You’ve already had practice with the lads and I.” we both laughed and he continued, “I know first time parenting is frightening. Believe me love everyone’s been there. Anyone who says they weren’t afraid is lying. And if you or Jack need any help, never hesitate to call us for advice or to come over and help out.” I nodded and snuggled my head into his chest.

“Thank you Brian, for everything.”

“I’m always here for you love.” He said as he hugged me and kissed the top of my head.  After doing a bit of unpacking, Brian left Jack and I alone and right now the two of us were out in the garden.

“God this place is even more beautiful than our place. Maybe we should move here to London.” Said Jack.

“You sure?”

“I mean with our baby about to come, plus any other future child we have. Sure we may have a big backyard but American homes hardly have the beauty like England does.” I smiled and said to him.

“Kinda have to agree with that, but I didn’t want to say it at the time. Why must you Americans keep expanding your territory?”

“Greedy bastards wanting more malls and homes. They need to see that having a good countryside backyard is just as beautiful, especially if you use it right.”

“Well let’s just see how raising this child goes first, and if we have anymore then we’ll talk about moving back to England. I know the boys would be thrilled to have me back in England again.”

“Especially Roger.” We both chuckled and I said.

“Roger would probably move into the house with us to ensure that I wouldn’t leave England again.” He sat up from his chair and came over to me and wrapped his arms around my shoulders, his hands placed over my baby bump as he kissed my cheek lovingly.

“I can’t wait to meet our baby.”

“Just 2 more months and they’ll be here.”

“But that’s soo long, can’t they come out now?”

“If you want them premature and unhealthy than sure.”

“Noo!” he whined.

“Then you’ll have to wait. But I do have to ask cause I know the guys are gonna press me on this matter.” He looked to me and I looked up at him, “Whose gonna be the Godfather?”