#i'm glad there's backup vocals

[bulgariansumo]

Original by Masahiko Kondo.

(Backstage Pass, 1986)

[hellfirecvnt]

Hallelujah, What a Payday

Baby Billy Freeman x Fem!Reader

Summary: Baby Billy's on the search for his next co-star.

Warnings: Sex with that weird, old man (at the very end.) Religious trauma but with zero detail at all. If I refer to anything as "nonsense" or whatever, that's not about any religion and is only about the silly Gemstone activities.

Notes: Tiffany just doesn't exist here. I love her too much to write that she got left or something. This should've been two parts, but I promised we were gonna fuck him, so. We're also gonna ignore the Baby Billy body-double pp they show in the first episode. Don't even fucking act like that dastardly old man isn't packing.

"Five minutes, Y/N!" The angry stage manager screams backstage. You perfect your lipstick in the mirror and stand to straighten up your ensemble. You sing a few nights a week at a local lounge/venue for extra money. You're a local hit and it pays the bills.

Across the entire building, a man pays his way inside, tired after days of wasted effort. He sighs as he takes a seat, alone in a VIP booth. They're not cheap, but even if he hadn't sat there, anyone can tell he has money just from the way he dresses.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, tonight's entertainment." A smooth voice vibrates over the intercom. You gracefully file out onto the small stage, illuminated well by a single spotlight amongst the mood lighting throughout the lounge. The tired man taps a finger on his table, watching with boredom as he waits for his drink to arrive.

"I'm all out of hope. One more bad dream could bring a fall..." Your voice rings through the air like honey sweetens tea. The lone man at the VIP booth nearly gives himself whiplash with the rate at which he turns to face the source of the illustrious talent. You continue to sing your cover, and slowly he begins to recognize the song.

Your eyes meet his, as you do at every show to engage with the audience.

"It's easy to deceive. It's easy to tease," you slide your hands down your sides, swaying back and forth sensually for this verse. "But hard to get release."

The pianist serves as backup vocals, delivering the iconic lyrics: "Les yeux sans visage."

"Eyes without a face; got no human grace. You're eyes without a face." Your vocals swell and the man stares at you, inspired. His mouth hangs agape with a hopeful smile.

After you finish your set of five songs, you take a small bow and excuse yourself to the bar. The well-dressed man all but trips over himself as he scrambles to meet you over there.

"Double vodka cran, please, Henry." You tell the bartender and he nods, starting your order.

"That's some voice you got there, darlin'." The man appears next to you, smiling a large, white, evangelical grin.

"Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed the show."

"Well, I more than enjoyed it. You got yourself a gift, now." The man extends his hand. "I'm Baby Billy."

"Baby?" You look at him, perplexed. He explains his backstory a little, insisting you should at least know who his sister is.

"You ain't never heard of Aimee-Leigh Gemstone?"

"Of course I have, I just don't listen to a lot of gospel." You shrug, truthfully hoping the conversation could end there.

"Well, darlin', do you ever sing gospel?" His eyes twinkle in the dimly lit bar area.

"I don't think that'd fare well for me here. This place looks fancy, it's costly to get in, but it's just a bar at the end of the day. No one wants to be preached to." You take a sip of your drink and he watches you closely, noting the pout of your lips as you press them to the glass.

"No, not here. Here." He lies a pamphlet out in front of you, sliding it closer along the bar. "I'm the head preacher at the new church in Locust Grove. Opens in a month."

"A man of God, huh?" You mumble as you skim over the pamphlet. "Does this gig pay?"

"God never asked us to exploit our talents for free." Baby Billy grins. You look him up and down. He's a walking red flag, but it's clear he's got money and as a broke woman on your own, you can never have enough.

"I'm free on weekends. I'll adjust my availability when I know you're serious." You say, stone-faced. Baby Billy hands you his card, passing it smoothly between his index and middle finger. You take it and stand from the bar, walking away, and disappearing into the green room to prepare for another set in an hour. He watches you, still sporting a wide smile as you stand. His eyebrows twitch in short-lived confusion. He pushes all that aside, only one thing matters now. He has his co-star.

Friday afternoon rolls around and Baby Billy attends your show, beaming at you from his expensive, empty VIP booth. He's practically got dollar signs for pupils.

"Friday is a weekday, Billy." You call over your shoulder as you excuse yourself to the bar.

"Baby Billy," he corrects, clinging to his childhood fame with all he has. "It's a brand, now. And who said I'm here for work? Can't a man just enjoy the show?" He follows you to the bar, taking a seat next to you.

"Well, did you enjoy it?" You turn to him with an amused smile. "The show?"

"It was even better the second time around."

"Thank you, Baby Billy," you say, with a knowing emphasis on 'baby.' "I guess I'll be calling you tomorrow, then."

"I'll be ready when you are, darlin'." He smiles warmly and you begin to wonder if you'll ever see him without that goofy, toothy grin stretched across his face.

Saturday morning, you're up, bright and early. You think nothing of the process of getting ready, throwing on a T-shirt and jeans along with various accessories you only get to wear on your days off, so you take every chance.

"This ain't a repeat of that... Lost soul you brought in last time, is it?" Eli settles back in his seat. He's sitting in one of the thousands of seats in the Gemstone Auditorium along with his three children, Judy, Jesse, and Kelvin. Baby Billy stands before them.

"No, damn, Eli. She's perfect for the job. She's got the face, she's got the voice, and most importantly, she's got stage presence." Baby Billy makes a grand case, convincing the Gemstone family that he's found an angel on Earth. Which is why it's all the more shocking when you walk in looking like an entirely different person than the woman he met at the lounge.

Everyone falls silent, they turn to face you as you walk through the door. The second you come into clear view, Judy Gemstone does a poor job of stifling a hateful chortle. Baby Billy meets you halfway, keeping you off to the side before you're front and center in front of everyone.

"The fuck you look like that for?" He asks with a peculiar sense of genuine confusion/ curiosity.

"I'm sorry, I didn't think it'd be a dress rehearsal." You narrow your eyes, placing a hand on your hip.

"When you called me this morning I thought I made it clear what kind of... Environment you might find yourself in." He waves his hands around as he says this.

"Is this an audition or did you scout me out?" You ask with a smirk, looking him up and down.

"Well, hear me out, now. Because if it were up to me, you're hired. But you need to hop up on there and prove to these assholes that I know what I'm doing."

"Playing dress up costs extra," You whisper. Without leaving time for him to respond, you walk ahead of him and confidently offer a handshake to Eli. The two of you become acquainted and he welcomes you to the stage.

As you step out onto the grand platform, it's awkwardly empty. You find yourself almost nervous, which is out of character for you. You've been performing since you were young.

"What am I singing for you today, Dr. Gemstone?" You ask, sensing a little bit of decorum could go a long way here.

"Looks like she's about to start blasting Rob fuckin' Zombie," Jesse, the oldest Gemstone son, quips under his breath. You narrow your eyes at him, clocking his appearance on the spot.

"I think I know what you wanna hear," you smile politely, pointing directly at Jesse. After a quick speed walk to the sound tech, you queue up the track for the song you've chosen. The music starts, and the two youngest Gemstone siblings burst into laughter. Even Eli chuckles.

"Hello, Darlin'. Nice to see you," you start. "It's been a long time, you're just as lovely as you used to be." The joke about Jesse's appearance quickly fizzles away as the Gemstones take in your voice. Baby Billy stands off to the side, gauging their reaction, absolutely elated.

"I told you he was trying to be Conway fuckin' Twitty," Judy whispers to Kelvin.

"Come back Darlin'. I'll be waiting for you..." You finish your song and take an unserious bow. You secure the job, and Eli even commends Baby Billy for finding you. After researching the Gemstones a little bit the night before, you quickly begin to realize how much money you could potentially make here.

"That was fantastic! That old fucker didn't think I could do it," Baby Billy gushes.

"And what did you do, just now?" You side-eye him.

"I found a star." He emphasizes his words with his hands. He's a charismatic and handsome man even given his older age.

"What's next? I'm sure this next month will be pretty busy with rehearsals." You laugh, already contemplating quitting your recurring lounge gig.

"Well, sure. We'll put in the work and all, but," he looks at you expectantly.

"What?" You ask, but he only gestures with his hand as if you should've caught on by now. "Oh, Baby Billy. I don't know if I'll be attending church tomorrow. I'm um, not a Christian."

"Huh," he says, dryly. You scrunch your nose, awaiting an uncomfortable lecture. "You work in this industry for so long, you forget some people aren't religious." He shrugs and you feel a sense of relief.

"I'm not busy today. Care to show me around the Locust Grove church? It's nice to know what I'm going into." He holds the door for you as you step out into the bright parking lot.

"I'd love nothing more." He grins.

At the Locust Grove location, you're wowed by the remodeled mall-turned-megachurch. He gives you the grand tour, specifying that you'd have your own area to get ready before each service.

"This is... A lot," you laugh.

"You're about to make it much more, darlin'." He ushers you up to the stage with him. "Let's give it a go, see how we sound together."

"What song are you thinking?"

"You don't know any gospel?" He peeks over his glasses at you.

"Not really," you shrug. "Well, I know Angel Band and I know Down to The River to Pray from that movie I like."

"Good fuckin' God." He sighs. "Down to The River." He counts off and starts the first verse. His voice is southern, crisp, and clear. You quickly decide in your head what fashion of singing would best compliment his. The chorus approaches and you ready your breath.

"Oh, sisters, let's go down. Let's go down, come on down," your voices melt together pleasingly. You can tell by the look on his face that he likes what he hears. The song ends for the two of you after that first chorus, that's all he needed to hear.

"It's about time something worked out for ol' Baby Billy," he shakes his head. "Now, the next matter to discuss is... Wardrobe."

"Yeah, I figured 'sunday best' would cut it, right?"

"Well, not quite." He leads you to a room past the storage area full of broken, useless mannequins. He walks up to a large armoire and pulls it open. Inside is one dress. It's wrapped in a layer of protective plastic that's done wonders to preserve it. It's campy and dated, though you can tell it was high dollar fashion for its time.

"Baby Billy, I'm not wearing this." You look at him, as if hoping he'll tell you he's joking.

"What? Why not? Now that was Aimee-Leigh's favorite dress," he glances back and forth from you and the dress.

"Okay and it's beautiful, but it looks like it's a hundred years old." You look at the striking piece of clothing again. "This is helpful, though. If this is the kind of look you wanna go for, I think I can make it work."

The two of you spend the rest of your time in the unopened church getting acquainted. You find him charming and entertaining. He finds you beautiful and unintentionally hilarious. You make him laugh often. It's like his own personal ray of sunshine on his shoulder.

It's late when you head to leave. You hardly noticed how long you'd been there. As you open the door to the dark parking lot, you turn to bid Baby Billy goodbye.

"Well, hold on, now, darlin'. Let me walk you to your car." He follows you out the door and to your vehicle. You roll the window down to thank him for the job, pulling your seatbelt over your head.

"I'll see you...?" You wait for him to tell you what day he plans to start practice.

"Monday afternoon, if you can make it." He places a hand on the roof of your car. "Now, listen. I know you ain't the religious type-"

"I will see you Monday, Baby Billy." You interrupt before he has the chance to invite you to church tomorrow. He shrugs, waving to you as you drive off.

That night, as you shower, you wonder if you were too rude with your rejection of his invitation. After all, you grew up going to church. Certainly not a mega church, but a church regardless. It's not a chapter of your youth and adolescence that you hold dear, hence your inclination to stay away from it all.

You set an alarm and wake up early Sunday morning... To get ready for church. You take this outing as a chance to demonstrate to Baby Billy and all the Gemstones that while your personal style may not mesh with their vibe, you've always had a way of blending in.

You put on a white dress with statement sleeves. Something to play off of the whole "voice of an angel" shtick. After perfecting the rest of the look, you leave with a satisfied smile.

You walk through the large double doors to the "Gemstone Worship Center" and look around. It's needlessly gigantic and overwhelming to take in.

"Y/N, is that you, darlin'?" Baby Billy's voice grounds you back on Earth. You turn to face him and he raises his eyebrows, shocked by your range of appearances. "Don't you look pretty this morning?" He grins, admiring your pearly glow in the white garment. He's elated to see you there. Not because he thinks you need church, but because he wanted to see you.

He introduces you to a few colleagues, and even Eli Gemstone reintroduces himself, shocked to learn you're the same woman from yesterday.

"Who is this with you today?" A tall, bald man with a thick African accent asks with a warm smile.

"Now, this is my girl, Y/N," Baby Billy gestures to you like a grand prize. Something about the title "his girl" makes your stomach flip, and you're not sure how you feel about that. "She'll be performing with me at Locust Grove."

The theatrical, pretentious service is long, loud, and feels uncomfortable the entire time, so it's hard to keep your mind and eye from wandering to anything else. Often, you glance at Baby Billy. He's brought you to his seats in the front area, so it's hard to drown the music out entirely, but everything does seem to muffle when you're staring down the white-haired enigma of a man before you.

After service, Baby Billy invites you to join the family at a restaurant called Jason's. You're hesitant at first, but Eli insists. When you arrive, the Gemstones are escorted to a level above the restaurant to a private section for their own VIP dining experience. It's frivolous to you, but it's nice to do something different for once.

After church lunch, the entire group congregates in the parking lot, saying their goodbyes and making promises to see each other next week. You smile politely, though a bit awkward, as you don't really know anyone besides Baby Billy.

"Nice get up, Rob Zombie." Judy Gemstone appears beside you, seemingly complimenting you, but she's just as confused as you are.

"Thank you, Judy. I just wanted to show that I know how to fit into a crowd."

"Yeah, well. You're not so bad, up there, on stage." Her tone sounds like she's accosting you, but her words sound genuine. As if she's not sure how to... Just be nice without intimidation tactics. "Singer to singer, don't let Uncle Baby Billy ride your coattails too hard." She struts off, linking arms with her husband and loading up into their lavish vehicles.

You feel a sense of comfort now, knowing Judy is just like that. It's nice to know you have another woman in the mix that you can look to as an acquaintance. Slowly, but surely, you find yourself melding into the atmosphere that follows people like Baby Billy around. You begin to feel more comfortable around the rest of the church leaders, though you realize rather quickly that there isn't much talk about God. It's nice.

As the weeks go by, you meet up with Baby Billy for practice every day. It's not the schedule you meant to give him, you just find yourself wanting to see him more and more. You delight in the strange way he talks and his charming mannerisms. You also think it's really funny when something goes wrong and he's suddenly not grandpa sunshine anymore, and he's kicking a speaker calling it a dick.

As the rehearsal window comes to a close, you and your co-star are inseparably close. On more than one occasion, one of you has slipped up and gotten a little too comfortable.

"Baby Billy, why does the mirror say something about washing my hands keeping me safe from Satan?" You ask, returning from the restrooms.

"That was song lyrics from back in mine and Aimee-Leigh's day," he laughs.

"Well, how do clean hands keep me safe in the eyes of the Lord?" You furrow your brow, in disbelief that anyone could believe this. Baby Billy is tinkering with the stage lights as they two of you converse.

"Well," he says, still messing with the light. "Just like those hands can commit sins, they can be washed clean by his mercy." He chuckles as if he already knows he's going to overstep. "Those look like sinner hands to me, darlin'." He winks.

"Sinner hands?"

"Ain't you ever done anything with those hands? Something the Lord might not smile upon?" He continues with his back to you, finally flicking on the light after his adjustments. Your face is hot and red with the realization of what he meant.

"Oh, yeah. I guess so." You shrug. Baby Billy turns to face you, taking a few steps closer. He's a good deal taller than you, so his lanky frame looms over you in a way that makes your stomach flip. He's barely a foot away, smiling down at you.

"You guess so," he repeats, tilting his head and grinning, letting the silence thicken for a moment. You give up on trying to fight back the blush in your cheeks, there is no way around it.

"Well, I guess let's get back to it," you clap your hands once in front of you as if to break up this moment and you take your position. Baby Billy just laughs and leaves you with a lingering confusion. The rest of the day, you can't seem to keep your head clear. A flip has switched and you find yourself lusting after this televangelist old man.

The two of you wrap up rehearsals for the day, but instead of leaving, you linger behind a little longer. You're unsure if it's nerves telling you to practice more, or if it's just you wanting to be around him.

"Next week is opening day," Baby Billy grins. The excitement is clear on his face with that brilliant, big smile. He takes a seat next to you and you both face the large, beautifully lit and decorated stage.

"That fast, huh?" You chuckle, trying to laugh away the knot in your throat so you don't have to swallow it.

"You're gonna be great up there," he says, catching you off guard. He seems to have mistaken your unexpected attraction as pre-show nerves. "Right next to ol' Baby Billy Freeman. This is a big break for you."

"Oh, it is?" You laugh.

"Look, I'm serious, now. The right ears hear us and we're signed and touring," he snaps his fingers. "Like that!"

"You sure you could handle being on the road with me? I'm kind of a diva," you joke. "If I don't get my beauty sleep, I look like a dead bug and I'll hit someone." Baby Billy bursts into laughter.

"I don't think a lack of sleep or even a semi-truck could deter what you've got goin', sweetheart."

"What do you mean?" You ask through a laugh.

"You're a looker, darlin'. You walk into a room and draw everybody's eye." His hands are animated as he speaks.

"Oh, yes. Flattery will get you everywhere," you laugh, lightly shoving his arm playfully.

"I mean it, now. You the prettiest girl I know." He shrugs.

"You're not so bad yourself." You smirk, leaning closer to him than you realized. He notices the closing gap and can't help himself, he leans toward you as well. Time seems to slow down just for a moment as you two share this closeness.

He glances at your lips, and then back up to your eyes. Your heart begins to race before the sudden, loud crash of the stage light Baby Billy messed with hitting the stage with great weight. You both sit up, startled by the sound, jumping away from the close quarters you'd just been in.

"Oh, uh," you regain your grip, realizing what poor business practice has just nearly taken place. You've fucked your boss before. You know it doesn't end well... "I should get going."

You stand and readjust your skirt, smiling nervously as you start toward the door. Baby Billy stands too, hopelessly searching for his next sentence, but for the first time in his life, he seems unable to find the words.

"Same time tomorrow, darlin'," he calls out to you as you step out the door. He takes a step over to the stage, sitting down and exhaling a big breath. What an old fool he'd have to be to think you'd want anything to do with him when you're so young-spirited and beautiful? Will that stop him? No. It won't.

The last few days leading up to the grand opening are full of those small, close encounters. One day, you tripped during dance practice and practically landed in his arms. You two locked eyes and it would've been done for right then if a janitor hadn't walked through the stage door. Another time, you were high up on a ladder, making Baby Billy hold it steady out of fear. The entire time you're above him in your dress rehearsal skirt, he can't seem to fight the perverted urge to glance up. When he does, he nearly loses his bearings. His face ignites red and he can't help but smile ear to ear.

It's no secret to either of you that some kind of tension has been brewing. Even the Gemstone siblings share a look of confusion when they see you two forget anyone else is in the room. Neither of you seems to notice how long your eye will linger on the other.

The Sunday of the Church's debut sneaks up on you after the last few days of having nothing but Baby Billy on the brain. You're less nervous about performing and more nervous about seeing him again. It's as if every time you two come together, the palpable tension in the air becomes thicker. You're certain you'll lose the ability to breathe the air around you if it gets any worse.

"You ready to make some magic, darlin'?" An excited Baby Billy startles you as he intrusively enters your dressing room.

"My God, don't you knock? I could've been naked," you laugh, perfecting your makeup in the mirror.

"I don't think you'd hear any protest from me, sweetheart." He winks and makes a quick getaway. To be honest, he wasn't quite meaning to say that part out loud. You're left red-faced and pleasantly shocked. The comments between the two of you have been growing more bold by the day, but that one takes the cake... So far.

You get dressed in your opening night outfit. It's a bit different than the one you wore to rehearsals. It's nicer, fancier, flashier, without all the dated glitz of Aimee-Leigh's 80's-esque dress that Baby Billy attempted to lend you.

It hadn't occurred to you that Baby Billy hadn't seen this outfit of yours. But his beaming, smiling face when the two of you step out in front of the crowd from opposite ends of the stage gives you a needed stroke of your ego. He holds an arm out to you, inviting you to his side as he introduces you and himself. It was established early in the arrangement that he'd do most of the talking, so you put on your best "quiet and pretty" act. You clap when the crowd claps, and you throw your hands up in "praise" when it seems appropriate.

Anyone who'd met you before this performance is genuinely confused by who they're watching right now. They expected you to give a hell of a singing show, they didn't expect you to play the full part so well. As you told them, you know how to blend in. The surge of energy that comes with any performance this in-depth carries you throughout the whole service.

With each song you sing, with or without Baby Billy, you cannot stop yourself from looking at him, over and over. Fuck the tension, something is building up inside of you and the adrenaline of the stage is only making it worse, for both of you.

Baby Billy bids the crowd farewell and you give a gentle wave as the two of you exit the stage, arm in pining arm. The very second the stage exit door closes behind you, muffling the sounds of the cheering and dispersing crowd, you and Baby Billy fall still, silent, and stare at each other for barely one breathless second and then your lips are on his. You both stumble for a moment before he steadies you, pressing you up against the nearest wall.

"God damn, Y/N," he whispers between hungry kisses. You pull away for just a second, just enough time to ask a question.

"My dressing room or yours?" Baby Billy answers that inquiry by reconnecting his lips to yours and guiding your intertwined bodies to his dressing room. It's the closest. The two of you stumble through the door and straight to the lengthy couch meant to make the room look more glamorous. He lies you back on the cushions and his two careful hands begin to wander.

"Darlin, you look incredible in this get-up," he huffs. "But I can't wait till I get it off of you." He quickly unfastens the buttons of your blouse and groans roughly just at the sight of your lacey bra-clad breasts. Soft, breathy moans escape your lips over and over as he gropes at you and grinds against you. "Now, you don't mind where this is goin', do ya?"

"No, shut up," you chuckle, pulling his mouth back to yours. Your hands rake through his hair and find their way down to his expensive, flashy belt buckle. He sits back on the couch, legs hanging off with his Italian leather shoes resting on the floor. He spreads his knees and you take your position between them. You're breathless with excitement as you free his erection from his slacks. The moment you wrap a hand around his shaft, you feel him still growing harder in your hand.

"God damn it," he sighs, tossing his head back against the couch. He wraps one hand in your hair, guiding your lips toward the head of his cock. "Come on, now. Don't make me beg for it." You chuckle at his eagerness, but you do as he says, wrapping your lips around his tip. Baby Billy sighs with relief as you slowly welcome him into your mouth. He gasps as you press your nose to his waist, taking his full length in your throat.

You bob your head up and down, still riding an adrenaline high that's enough to power through even the worst of neck cramps. He calls out small exclamations and whispers sensual praise, all of which makes the heat between your thighs burn hotter.

His moans become more and more vocal until he roughly pulls your head away, jerking you by the hair. You gasp at the pain, but it only fuels your fire.

"Get on up here, now. Let an ol' man get his kicks," he quips, helping you out of the floor before you take your place, lying before him on the couch. He buries his face in your neck, kissing away up and down your flesh as he continues undressing you. He unfastens the rest of the buttons on your blouse, slipping a hand under your bra and squeezing your breast eagerly.

"Come on, don't make me beg for it," you mimic his words, sliding your skirt up your legs, and exposing your panties. They're wet with arousal and he grins at the sight.

"I might just like to hear a pretty young thing like you beg to get fucked by the pastor." He grins deviously, pressing a gentle hand to your clit over the panties. "All this for me?" He chuckles, basking in the effect he has on you. After what feels like ages of teasing and edging, he slips the drenched underwear from your legs. The white-haired man stares in awe at your throbbing core, extending a hand to play with you.

He slips one digit inside you, earning a filthy, needy moan from your chest. Your mouth hangs agape with a gasp as he pumps his finger in and out of you, staring deeply into your shining eyes. He shakes his head, amused by his power over you and also in disbelief at the position he's in at this moment. Just a month ago you were a stranger with a beautiful voice on a stage he'd never taken a second look at. Since then, you've been the object of all his desires. How could he ever imagine you'd feel the same?

"Oh, my God! Please," you whine, arching your back as he fingers you. He chuckles, unsure how he's holding himself back. It must be how much he's enjoying the show.

"Shhh," he whispers, adding another finger. Guttural moans of heated pleasure pour from your lips like a waterfall. He eats up every second of it.

"You're doin' real good, now, darlin'." He positions his twitching erection at your aching entrance, playing with your arousal with the head of his cock. "Keep being good for me," he says as he slips himself inside. A long, needy cry escapes you as he slowly sinks to his hilt.

You stare up at him, locking eyes as his mouth hangs slightly open. He's breathless as your tightness squeezes him just right.

"Aw, damn, sweetheart," he groans, pulling back only to quickly slide back in. "You're somethin' else." He grunts and moans as he thrusts in and out of you, hastily picking up his pace. For an older man, he's incredibly virile. He fucks you for what feels like hours but is surely only a handful of steamy minutes. You squirm and whine beneath him as he steadily guides you to your climax.

"I- I'm-" you try to speak, but it's too late, he's fucking you into oblivion, riding out your high with a bright white, goofy smile on his face. He loves watching your face contort as you soak him with your orgasm.

"I hope you ain't done yet, sweetheart," he chuckles, sliding out of you. "Flip on over, now, darlin'. Let me get a look at that perfect ass you got." His praise ignites a wave of goosebumps across your skin. You do as he says, turning over and assuming a position on all fours, presenting yourself to him perfectly. He releases a breathy laugh, slapping both hands down on each ass cheek.

Baby Billy tightens his grip on your glutes and fervently tugs at you until you're lined up with his swollen cock. He slips inside you again, thrusting away at maximum pace. Your ass jiggles as he slams into you and he's hypnotized by the sight. His goofy grin has fallen to a serious expression as he chases his climax. He mumbles curse words and praise under his breath while pressing your back downward to amplify your arch.

"God damn, just look at you," he huffs, coming closer and closer to completion. "Whatever you want, Y/N, just say the word," he grunts between heavy breaths. "And it's yours, darlin'." You laugh at the way he offers you the world just from how good he feels inside you. It's a high compliment.

"B- Ba-!" You attempt to beg for mercy, but he's quick to cut you off.

"Shh, shh, now, sweetheart. Just... A little more," he groans, quickening his thrusts as he ends his sentence. He slams into you impossibly hard, incredibly fast, with both hands hooked around your waist. You release sensual cries of pleasure as he chases and finally catches his climax.

He withdraws from you, breathless and sweating. A string of lusty moans drips from his lips as he strokes himself until he finishes all over your ass. He stutters out a grunt before collapsing back on the couch. You're breathless, fucked out with your face buried in the cushion. The two of you fall silent for a moment as you catch your breath.

"Baby Billy?" You break the silence.

"Yeah, darlin'?"

"Could you pass me, um, a towel?"

"Oh!" He scrambles to his feet, tucking away his softening length. His unfastened belt jingles as he makes his way across his dressing room and grabs a towel from the neat, little stack of hand towels. "Allow me," he whispers, still catching his breath, as he wipes your skin clean, allowing you to comfortably collapse as well. He joins you on the couch, buckling his belt and straightening up his suit.

"That was... Amazing..." You sigh, somehow a little shocked at how well he just fucked you.

"It certainly was, Y/N. It certainly was." He lies back on the couch, allowing his eyes to fall shut. A hand reaches up to fix his disheveled hair. "Let's get them drawers back on you, now. We're late for Church Lunch."

You regain your composure and fix your clothes, sliding your panties back up under your skirt. After fixing your hair and your smudged makeup, you're ready to head to Jason's. You and Baby Billy arrive a few minutes after everyone else, and you take your seats next to each other. The table seems to grow quiet when you two join.

"Don't everybody start talkin' at once, now." Baby Billy looks up and down to both ends of the table. "What'd we miss?"

"From the sound of it, you didn't miss anything, Uncle Baby Billy," Judy scoffs. Baby Billy gives you a knowing look, grinning at you sweetly.

"No, Judy, I did not." He beams, proudly, placing an arm around your shoulder and planting a kiss on the side of your forehead.

•••••

Taglist: @justme12200 //

[iguessthisisanewobsession]

It was quite a shock when Damian had asked his brothers for assistance in a project for his advance music theory class.

It was a unspoken knowledge that music was a part of the Wayne family.

If they didn’t have an affinity for an instrument then it was singing and if not singing dancing.

Almost everyone who came into the family had some sort or knack and those who hadn’t picked it up along the way.

Damian was the most uninterested members when he had joined the family so it was quite a shock when he demanded help this morning.

Testing out the drums Jason shared a look with the others before asking,

“So why did you need all of us to begin with? You’re not recording or anything right?”

Damian let out a tch as for himself ready,

“Not right now, but I felt it imperative to go over my composition at least once altogether, in case I felt the need to add.”

The kid continued to tune the ukulele in his hands.

It was a strange choice for the ex assassin but when questioned he merely claimed it was due to it’s size being easier to travel with.

“Well I think it’s an interesting choice in lead instrument baby bird!”

Dick claimed as he played with his maraca while glancing over his sheet music.

“I think it will go nicely with the your lyrics! But I do have to ask-“

“I made the lyrics very clear.”

“And you did! But-“

Damian gave a glare as Dick took a seat.

“I will cut out the maracas, do not test me Richard.”

Tim gave a snort from his place slumped over the piano,

“Just be glad you got to see the vocal sheet music, he just annotated the places he wanted me to harmonize with you.”

“Yeah we’ll you kind of have to be more focused my your hands than anything else.”

Silence fell as they finished their warm ups and Damian began to strum his cords.

The eldest watched as the others raised their eyebrows at the tempo and of the tune but came just the the same.

“I lost my cool, I’m not sure how to act, not even sure how I can keep my pride intact.”

Jason felt his eyebrows raise at the lyrics as Dick and Tim started their backup harmonies.

“No, I'm not falling for you, so please have mercy on me

'Cause it's not romantic, I swear I'm not gasping for air

I want you to be here, but please don't come near

'Cause even though I'm pretty sure my head's exploding

I'm not ready for hand holding

It's not love, I swear It might be closer to despair.”

The first interlude began and Jason shot an incredulous look at Dick. Was this the demon brat? Were they sure he hadn’t been replaced in the night with some sappy clone?

Dick for his part tried to convey to younger brother to just keep playing.

“No, I don't want want you to teach me how to dance Get your heart away from me, you'll put me into a trance

And even though I think about you day and night

I'm not sure if this whole love thing sounds quite right”

Tim craned his neck as the chorus started again, to look at Damian and nearly fell off his stool when he realized that there was blush on the younger’s face.

‘Who in god’s name has somehow wiggled their way past the kid’s defenses?!’

Damian, for his part was refusing to look in the other’s direction as he powered through to the last verse.

“Cause even though I'm pretty sure my head's exploding

I'm not ready for hand holding

It's not love, I swear

It might be closer to despair”

Crooning the last notes to the song, Damian seemed to take a moment to gather himself before quickly striking last note and letting the room fill with silence.

No one seemed to know how to react after such a performance for a second.

Then Dick tried to clear the frog in his throat and the moment was over.

“Baby bird-“

“Cease your prodding, this was for a school project and nothing more.”

Damian gritted out as he stood from his seat,

“Now if you excuse me I am going to return to my room, I feel that if I were to add a bass to the background it would help with the mixing of sounds.”

And left as quickly as he could without raising suspicions.

“Holy fuck,”

Jason breathed out,

“When did the brat gain his first crush?”

“It has to be new.”

Tim rubbed his temple with his thumb,

“He’s still clearly in denial so he hasn’t really gotten used to the idea.”

“You say that like he doesn’t share his dna with the most emotionally constipated man in the known universe.”

“Guys.”

Dick raised his hands in exasperation,

“We can argue on whether or not he’s conscious about his crush later. Right now I want to do some background checks on this person.”

Before exiting the music room,

Tim gave him a disbelieving look,

“Background checks? Dick we don’t even have a name here.”

“Yeah dickhead, even if we’re assuming that he wrote this song about someone in his school we’re still looking a number in the hundreds.”

“That would be true,”

Dick’s eyes took a mischievous look as the other’s followed him into the office.

“If it wasn’t for the fact that Damian had complained about this assignment beforehand, so I know for a fact that it’s about someone in his Advanced music theory class.”

Jason and Tim shared a similar expression as they joined him in the cave.

“That does narrow it down a bit, what’s an average class size replacement?”

“Oh about 20 students, but with the fact that this is an non essential elective course, I would bet it to be smaller.”

With a shared nod and grin they started up the bat computer.

Not like they had any other big plans today anyways.

————

The song if you want

[fromtenthousandfeet]

How about a change of topic, @fromtenthousandfeet?

Last night I watched the JK Golden mini-concert on YouTube. Hold on, I am going to relate this to Jimin, promise. Here are some things I noticed:

He only sang 12 songs. 10 from his album, and two from his BTS days: Still with You and Magic Shop (singing his part with the recording.)

There was a fair amount of talking. Also two brief videos. So that took up some time.

I wondered how he would work the collabs. As far as I could tell, he just sang Seven and 3D without including the others.

He used the backtrack for his BG vocals. Why don't they ever use real background singers? This seems so inexplicable to me.

The production values were, I would say, modest. As in, sparse.

This was definitely an event for Army and JK solos. RM was there and did speak briefly from the audience on how much he admired JK. He said the others couldn't attend because they had schedules or words to that effect.

OK, here's how this relates to Jimin. I keep hearing that Jimin doesn't have enough songs to do a concert, but he certainly has more than 12! He wouldn't even have to include his collabs (except SGMB?)

Does he have enough time to rest between the intense choreo ones and the no-choreo ones? I think so? And please include his Black Swan solo. And maybe a cover or two. Keeping hope alive for something in Spanish, como siempre, but there are other possibilities. Recently I read a recommendation for Human Nature by MJ. What a brilliant idea. I could totally see (hear) that.

Everybody seems to agree that the 1st song has to be SetMeFree, pt2. Hell, yeah! But could they bring in the actual choir, please? And I wonder if Suga would do the rap part--I'm glad he isn't on the album, but it would be cool to have a truly live performance... and something that ISN'T just like the recording. That's why you go to a concert, isn't it?

I mean, I get why they have to have a backtrack, but how about some live background vocals from background singers, too? I found it disconcerting when Jimin sang WHO on Jimmy Fallon and there were those moments when his recorded voice came in. Isn't there a way to use BG singers in those moments?

But...bottom line: Jimin has enough material to do his own concert. Perhaps not a full two hours, unless he had an opening act, but his own concert is entirely feasible and very desirable. I believe he has the fan base to support him, or am I being delusional?

Should we start making a set list?

Anon,

Thank you for this wonderful ask. I'm sorry I'm a bit late in responding.

All of your points are so on point (lol)! I'm now obsessing over the idea of Jimin covering the best song from MJ's Thriller (IMHO). JM was born to sing Human Nature!

While it wouldn't allow him a chance to rest, I would love an award show-style dance performance or two. Marionette Fake Love? Blindfolded Lie? OMG. And yes, let's get Black Swan in there, too. He doesn't have to repeat these performances, of course. Something new would be amazing. Do people understand just how one of a kind Jimin is? His dancing is on another level.

Backup singers? Yes, please! I beg. Rearrange his songs so that he doesn't need to rely on backtrack vocals and use real, human backup singers since add such warmth and depth to songs. Why is BH so violently opposed to them? And that choir from LA? They are breathtakingly talented. Please add them to the tour, too.

Finally, a song in Spanish? Claro que si! We know he has it in him - it's only a matter of time.

Anon, let's get the set list started, vet some possible opening acts, and start crowd funding for the tour because I don't trust BH to do anything.

[aanoia]

Would you be interested in doing “Broken one” by raelyn with James? Just like a readers who’s home life isn’t awful she has her mom and her mom is amazing. But when it comes to love she just doesn’t have a good foundational understanding unlike James potter who grew up amazing

obviously I loved this request so much and I hope I did it justice. It actually really hit close to home with me, so I'm really glad I got to write about it.

Broken One

James Potter x reader words; 1,626 song; Broken One by RaeLynn warnings; divorce (if you need to talk, reach out. this is something I know personally so I'd love to be someone you can trust about it.) the disrespect this world has for never letting me know about this song until now smh if you have a song request, or a normal request (bc i definitely get those out in a timely manner) just use my inbox. I love doing requests :) this one might be a little confusing to read, lmk if it is haha

We grew up so differently

You had one house, one backyard, one Christmas tree

The difference was obvious between the two of us. Maybe only I saw it, maybe the entire world did. All I knew was I came from a broken home of divorce, my dad was a cheating drunk and my mom, although amazing, was mostly emotionally unavailable. James on the other hand, had parents who loved each other unconditionally, they rarely fought and acted like teenagers in love. 

You didn't split your time, didn't wonder why, like me

“This came from your mother.” My dad said, walking into the kitchen and handing a letter to me.

“Thanks, dad.” He nodded briefly, giving me a tight lipped smile.

“Do you want anything to eat?” He asked. “I can make eggs.”

I smiled teasingly, “You gonna burn them again?” Dad took a swig of his beer and laughed.

“I’ll try not to.”

I smiled and carefully opened the letter. It was from James, so I assumed he forgot it was my dads week and sent his owl to my moms. I smiled as I read the letter, he’s such a sweetheart.

When I met your mom and I met your dad

Damn, it's cool to see that love can last

I watched with a smile as James’ parents danced together in the kitchen, completely forgetting the dinner they were making for us. 

“Are you alright, love?” James asked quietly, not wanting to bother his parents.

I nodded, “I’ve just never seen something like that before.”

James pressed a soft kiss to my lips, “Soon that will be you and I, yeah?”

I smiled against his lips, “Yes.”

'Cause I never knew 'til I was loved like that by you

“Ohhh, Y/n! I’m in love with youUuUUuuUUUuuuuuUU!” James sang loudly in the common as I died with laughter.

Sirius joined as his backup vocals and air guitar and Remus rolled his eyes.

“Will you dimwits shut up, please? I’m getting a migraine.” He asked and James just sang louder, his vocal chords straining.

You could've seen too much work

All the missing pieces

Someone who's gonna leave

'Cause I come from leaving

“I’m sorry, I just-”

“No.” James said, crossing his arms.

I furrowed my brows, “No?”

He nodded and shrugged, “No. You don’t get to finish your sentence because I don’t think I’m gonna like the ending.”

“But Jame-”

He booped my nose and I pulled my face back in surprise, “No. And it’s Jamie to you, missy.”

Could've seen my past

Took a look at my baggage

And packed yours up and run

“You can cry, you know?” James said softly, sitting beside me on the porch of my moms house.

Tears filled my eyes at his words, “I should’ve had you meet them separately. I’m such an idiot.” I whispered, my voice cracking.

James pulled me into his side, “You’re not an idiot. They're the only idiots here. This was important for you, they should’ve been able to put aside their differences for you.”

But you saw a home in a girl from a broken one

“I want this one.” James said and I side eyed him.

“James, I love you. But this one sucks.”

James scoffed as our real estate agent (do they even have those?) laughed.

“That’s all right. I have one more for you two.”

“It’s perfect.” James and I said in sync.

She has my eyes and has your nose

I let out a wet laugh as my baby girl was handed to me. I gently pet her head, a few tears falling down my face.

“I think that was more painful for James than it was for you.” James’ mom said and I laughed as he grabbed my hand, ignoring the teasing.

“I’m at a loss for words.” James whispered honestly and I smiled at him as he stared at our daughter.

“Hold her.” I whispered back and he shook his head.

“I’ll hurt her.” He worried.

“You won’t, my love. Hold our little girl.” I said, carefully lifting her into his arms. He held her carefully, as if she was a fragile flower.

But thank God she never has to know

What it's like to grow up picking sides

“This is a recipe for disaster.” I muttered as James bundled up our daughter in her snow coat. 

“No, it’s not. Relax a bit, Y/n/n.” Sirius responded and I glared at him.

“Don’t kill my kid or I’ll do worse than kill you.”

He grinned, “Don’t threaten me with a good time.”

“She’s ready!” James proclaimed proudly and the two ran out the door. 

I hesitantly followed behind them and watched as they swung her over a large pile of untouched snow. A small smile graced my lips as her laughter filled the air, before it was silenced as she fell into the snow. Instead of it catching her she just went right through. She began laughing again under all the snow and James hurried to get her out while Sirius was howling with laughter. Even a few laughs left my lips.

You could've seen too much work

All the missing pieces

Someone who's gonna leave

'Cause I come from leaving

“Shh, you’re okay, my love.” James whispered into my hair as I cried softly, clutching tightly onto his shirt. “Hey, beautiful, look at me.” He lifted my chin and I struggled not to bury my face in the crook of his neck again. “Hey, we are not your parents, all right? Not your parents.”

Could've seen my past

Took a look at my baggage

And packed yours up and run

I held tightly onto my son's hand as we weaved through the train station, trying to get to platform 9 ¾.

“Are you ready for this, Jean?” James asked our daughter who nodded nervously.

“I think.”

“Well, I know.” I chimed in and she smiled.

“Yeah. I am ready.” She corrected herself.

“First year of Hogwarts, and then in two years it’ll be you Harry.” I said, squeezing my sons hand as he smiled up at me.

“Ah, here we are.”

“Uh, dad, this is a wall.” Jean deadpanned and I laughed.

“Not just any wall, smartas-” I glared at James and he cleared his throat. “Alec. You walk through it to get to platform 9 ¾.”

“Huh?”

“Come on. Together.” I said and grabbed onto Jean’s free hand. The four of us as a group walked through the wall and were greeted with the familiar horn of the train. Jean went rigid and I looked down worriedly. “What’s wrong, my love?”

“I’m scared, mama.”

“No need to be scared!” A voice said from behind us and we turned around.

“Yeah! We can be best friends!” Two identical ginger boys said with large smiles.

Jean smiled, “Okay! I’m Jean Potter.”

“I’m Fred.”

“And I’m George. Or am I Fred?”

“Am I George?”

“What?” James said and I laughed.

But you saw a home in a girl from a broken one

“Ugh, Sirius is a dick.” James said as he walked into our room.

“Then why are you forcing me to let him live with us?” I asked with a teasing smile, setting my book down.

“Because I love him.” James laid his head in my lap. “But I love you more.”

Yeah, my raising wasn't perfect

But the girl you saw was worth it

“I feel so old.” I said, sitting down at the kitchen counter after dropping off Jean and Harry, Jean entering her fourth year of Hogwarts and Harry his second.

“You are, my love.” James said, kissing my cheek and grabbing some milk.

“I hate you.”

“No you don’t.”

You could've seen too much work

All the missing pieces

Someone who's gonna leave

'Cause I come from leaving

“Just go, goddamnit! Leave!” I yelled at my parents who were arguing over who got to see this kids for Christmas. “I mean, for fucks sake, get out of my house!”

“Y/n, that is no way to speak to you pa-”

“I think it’s time for you two to leave.” James said calmly after taking the kids to their rooms, walking over to the door and opening. I breathed heavily, my bottom lip trembling as they walked out angrily. 

Once the door closed my shoulders deflated and I sighed in defeat. James silently brought me into a tight hug, quietly telling me he was there and everything was going to be okay.

Could've seen my past

Took a look at my baggage

And packed yours up and run

But you saw a home in a girl from a broken one

“Oh, you old bag. Shut your face.” I croaked from beside James’ hospital bed.

“You be quiet, you wrinkly tomato.” He retorted.

“Kick the bucket all ready.”

“Mom!” Jean scolded, holding her toddler in her arms.

“What? It’s gonna happen soon for both of us.” I reasoned and James laughed.

“You age like fine wine.” He complimented.

“You age like a banana.” I gently kissed his cheek. “I’m gonna miss you, but if I have to spend another minute in this hospital because you’re too stubborn to die I will kill you.”

He smiled and motioned me closer. I obliged and he kissed me like we were young. Passionate and loving. His monitor flatlined mid kiss and his grip on my hand lessened. I smiled sadly as a single tear fell from my eyes and landed on his cheek.

“It was his time.” I whispered. Two days later I laid in the same bed and took my last breath, the only thing on my mind was seeing James again.

Yeah, you saw home sweet home

In a girl from a broken one

taglist (if you want to be added ask in the comments);

@loving-and-dreaming (your request but still) @1lellykins @poetrypirate

[imsparky2002]

Barbie as the Island Princess: First Thoughts

The intro gives me Little Mermaid vibes for some reason.

Man I know this is only five years from Rapunzel, but they really improved in the cgi! The designs look really pleasant!

Ok, the dolphins look a bit plasticy but still!

I’m glad they also have enough confidence to let the tale stand on it’s own without having to establish this is Barbie telling a story to her little sister.

Is it wrong that I’m shipping the peacock and panda? They feel like a middle aged/eldery gay couple and I love it.

Aww! Weeby was right! They totally are Barbie’s gay dads!

Yeesh… I do NOT like the elephant’s design. Why can I see her realistic human teeth? And those eyes!

Overall a very pleasant opening musical number that shows off the island.

Pleasant scene of Ro comforting Tikka during a nightmare.

This goodnight song is making my brain feel weepy.

I love how this is a male love interest who is full of life and isn’t afraid to be in touch with his feminine side. Love the bow on his ponytail.

I love how Antonio’s first instinct when approached by a crocodile is to risk reaching for a branch to put in its mouth.

OMIGOD SHE KNOWS THE ALLIGATORS NAMES!

I love how they go "aww" because they're sad they can't munch on him.

Wait a minute... one of the crocodiles is called Fang. Holy crap, this is the origin story of Jagged Stone’s pet!

I love how Azul found out he’s a prince and is immediately like “fuck this island, come on Sagi, let’s take Tikka and live it up!”

I'm loving the lyrics in this song about Ro being befuddled by Antonio's tech and clothes.

Gerard is a zaddy, not gonna lie.

I’m giggling like a fool at hearing Azul ranting and raving in peacockese.

I wonder if Barbie will try speaking to any of the land’s animals.

WTF is that thing the queen is holding? Is that a monkey or a very unfortunate looking baby?

The king looks pretty young, more like his late 20s instead of 40s. Honestly though, he’s really hot.

Aww, the royal monkey has a posh accent!

Queen Ariana is honestly not that bad looking at all. If I wasn’t gay, I’d find her kinda cute.

It’s nice that the rival love interest is actually a sweet girl. A good subversion of expectations.

The vocals of the villain song reminds me of ABBA. Which is always a good sign.

Great contrast between Ariana’s powerful belting and Luciana’s quiet tone.

Omigod I am loving Ariana’s lyrics in this song, diabolical and hilarious.

LOL AND HER RATS ARE DOING BACKUP CHOREOGRAPHY

Aww, the girls dressed Tikka up!

They really captured the awkward yet respectful dialogue between enforced couples with Antonio and Luciana.

The backing score for the ballroom dance is divine.

Get yourself a man who would abdicate from the throne just to be with you.

Ah, I see Tikka hid the letter, I assume due to attachment issues.

I feel like the Cheese song is kinda unneccessary. A few lines of dialogue would have got the message across.

I do find it kinda ridiculous that nobody can pick up on Ariana’s evil vibe.

Seems that traumatic events are the key to regaining Ro’s memories.

Dolphin ex Machina has arrived.

So this new queen is obviously Ro’s mom, right?

I feel like Ariana would’ve been smarter to not attempt poisoning Antonio and his family so that she can remain in her daughter’s good graces.

Luiciana saving Ro and proving her mother’s the criminal warms my heart.

Ok, I’m happy Ro and Antonio are together, but isn’t marriage rather quick?

Huh… the sudden reveal of Rosella being a princess all along kinda ruins the message of “Love doesn’t care about status”.

Overall, a massive step up from the previous films. The first two were decent flicks, but this one takes time to flesh out each and every character. Also the score was wonderful and I found the animation to be a pleasant upgrade. The ending was a bit of an ass-pull but a enjoyable film nonetheless. @artzychic27 @msweebyness @nerd-chocolate

[mysteryshoptls]

SSR Idia Shroud Masquerade Dress Personal Story: Part 1

"Even if you say you believe in me..."

Part 1 (Part 2) (Part 3)

[Ignihyde Dorm – Idia's Room]

Ortho: Nii-san, isn't it about time for you to head towards the Lecture Hall?

Idia: Yeah… I got a message from Malleus-shi and Azul-shi just a bit ago, something about a meeting?

Idia: Why're they suddenly wanting to gather everyone heading to the cultural exchange…?

Idia: Meh, they're probably just gonna adjust the groupings 'cause Malleus-shi was randomly added to the group.

Idia: There's no point in me going all the way there in person. I'll just remote in, easy-peasy!

[Lecture Hall]

Malleus: I shall begin the meeting now. I have gathered you all here today in order to impart some important news.

Malleus: Frankly… I am thinking I'd like to gift Noble Bell College a song at this upcoming masquerade.

Everybody: A song?

Idia: Huh? …A song!?

Malleus: Correct. I thought this would be a proper gift of thanks for being invited to this cultural exchange.

Azul: As Malleus-san and his cohorts were anguishing over what to present as a thank-you gift, I just happened to pass by, and recommended a song.

Azul: It is a traditional song in the City of Flowers, titled "Let My Wish Resound." I learned of it from Lilia-san, and it is quite lovely.

Sebek: This is Malleus-sama's wish to return the gift of thanks…

Sebek: And you all have the pleasure of assisting him!! There should be no higher honor for all you humans!!

Riddle: As always, there's that condescending manner of speech…

Riddle: But I do concur that a gift is a splendid idea. Bringing something when visiting others is considered good manners, after all.

Jamil: I can appreciate it being a song from the City of Flowers, too. I'm sure those from Noble Bell College will be pleased if we respect their hometown in this manner.

Ruggie: Yeah. I guess I can do this for free, 'specially since we'd be able to make connections with all the rich kids from those other schools!

Rook: It's a superb idea! I implore you to allow me to be of assistance.

Malleus: I'm glad to hear everyone's whole-hearted determination.

Malleus: I intend on selecting three people for the main vocals, and the rest will be the backup chorus.

Malleus: First, we'll begin with the selection of the main vocals…

Idia: WAIT A MO'!!!

Idia: You guys are all just carrying on all on your own, but you gotta be kidding.

Idia: You want to perform a song? At the masquerade? I already can't even deal with having to head to the cultural exchange, and you want to throw a song on top of that? No way, no way, no way.

Idia: How about just letting those who want to perform, perform!

Malleus: Hm… So, there are those against the idea, after all...

Silver: True, there may be some who may not be skilled at singing.

Silver: But if we take the time to practice together, then I'm sure we will be able to overcome this.

Silver: Everyone, I implore you to lend us your cooperation.

Deuce: Ah, please don't bow your head! C'mon, we're all part of the same team here.

Epel: That's right. I'll totally help out, yeah!

Ruggie: Whatever the reason, looks like we're all on the same page. Except… for one person.

Everybody: [staaaaaaaare]

Idia: Eeeh… What's with this pressure that I can feel even through the tablet…? Wait, am I the only one who objects to doing a song here?

Azul: Idia-san. If you do have any objections to my proposal of a song, then do you have an alternative?

Azul: Something less cumbersome, as moving, and above all, as inexpensive as a song!?!

Azul: …If you thought that far ahead, that is.

Idia: …Sigh.

Idia: The back chorus folks only need to stand behind the main vocals, right?

Idia: Then fine, I guess I'll do that… I'll just mouth along in the back and not stand out.

Malleus: Thank you for understanding, Shroud.

Idia: Yeah, yeah. Glad you guys are all happy. …Not that I get why anyone would want to put themselves on display, tho.

Idia: I'll just be watching from over here, so just volunteer or select the main vocalists already.

Malleus: I'll proceed. As for the selection method… I thought we would select the members impartially.

Idia: …Hm? Impartially?

Idia: Why do I feel like I've heard that same phrase recently…?

Malleus: I have here the magical lottery box that the Headmaster used to select those going to the cultural exchange.

Malleus: I aim to use this box once more to select the three main vocalists from the 11 people present here today.

Azul: What a splendid idea! This would make sure that this is a fair selection.

Azul: Whether one is a Dorm Leader or not, everyone will have an equal chance at being selected. Yes, an equal chance for all.

Malleus: Of course. I shall vow on my honor that I will draw these selections without any bias.

Idia: I got a bad feeling about this… I def got a bad feeling about this!

Malleus: Now, our randomly chosen participants are…

Idia: WAIT―――!!

Part 1 (Part 2) (Part 3)

Requested by Anonymous.

[candewlsy]

Sunghoon???? Jake????

Nah, I'm in my Yeongyu era. WE DON'T TALK ABOUT THEIR RECENT PERFORMANCE ENOUGH!!!!

I stan Chungha since 2020 and HELL GOTTA GO WAS HER FIRST SONG THAT I HEARD. THAT SEXY CHOREOGRAPHY AND HER VOICE GOT ME. I LOVE HER SO MUCH AND I MISSED HER SO BAD 😭😭😭😭 BUT HAPPY THAT SHE'S FINALLY FREE FROM THAT STUPID ASS COMPANY. I NEED HER TO COMEBACK

Okay back to yeongyu.. I REMEMBER I SCREAMED WHEN MOA SAID THEY'RE GONNA COVER GOTTA GO. I'M SO SO SO HAPPY 😭😭😭😭 CAUSE THEY PICKED THE RIGHT SONG.

The outfits??? CHOI FUCKING YEONJUN's WAIST KILLED ME. THAT WAIST AIN'T PLAYING. THE VELVET FABRIC ON YEONJUN IS SO FJJENFMDNFMRMNFMMFNRMFMEMFMMRMFMR AND SLEEVELESS??? THOSE BICEPS? CAN HE CHOKE ME WITH THOSE BICEPS 💪🏻💪💪🏻💪💪🏻💪💪🏻 THE CHOKER AND THE BELT ON HIS WAIST 😫😫😫😫😫😫😫🫡

And beomgyu?? THIS MAN CAN HE JUST STOP IT I'M SO FJEJJD I'M SO GLAD THEY DIDN'T MAKE HIM WEAR SLEEVELESS OR I'LL BE COMPLETELY GONE FROM THIS WORLD, HIS LONG HAIR FUCKK I'M GONNA GO FERAL RN

THE VOCALS.

Beomgyu's sexy and seductive voice and the way he danced his way out got me banging my head on the wall. He's seducing me like man I'm not going anywhere??? I'm yours. The fucking lyrics "What to do it's 12 am" how about we kiss 😍☝🏻 I'll never stop talking about this performance... I said invitation Beomgyu is my roman empire and now I can't pick between gotta go Beomgyu or invitation Beomgyu.

Yeonjun on the other hand, his voice is like a lullaby and poison. Whenever I hear it, I'll be under his spell. The way he danced with those biceps ended the hell out of me. And and and the way he sang "I'm really tryna make you see" I'M ADDICTED SO FUCKING ADDICTED. AND WHEN THEY MOVE THEIR BODY AROUND. THE BODY ROLL GOD JUST FJRMMFMR

For the dance break, they changed it but the backup dancer still danced to the original choreography. I was kinda expecting them to do the original choreography cause that'll be so babygirl and mommy-coded. But, I understand why they changed it..

They were too sexy for my liking 😠😠😠😠

[mymanyfandomramblings]

Gleecap 4x16--Feud

This feud is bringing out the worst in Schue, but...understandable

How did the students find out about the kiss?

Also, I love that Blartina are the leaders of the New Directions and are conducting the intervention. Blamtina might be the Harry, Ron and Hermione of McKinley, but Blartina are the new captains.

Also I love that O Fortuna (usually reserved for Sue's tantrums) is used for the feud

More supportive Santana! Yay! After watching Mash-Off yesterday it is so refreshing to see her being a great friend.

Rachel's not pregnant--not that I was seriously expecting her to be, but I am the weirdo who loves a good baby storyline, so I'm the teensiest bit disappointed

I don't like Brody--or where this is going--but the dance sequence in How To Be A Heartbreaker is funnn

Okay, wow, Rachel went off on those vocals! Stunnnninggg

Sue and her contracts--this woman is hilarious

The pan to Tina--and apparently even Sue didn't notice her. This is hilarious

I feel like Ryder is about to have a dangers-of-the-internet storyline. However, I am glad he's seeking someone else, and not hung up on Marley

Unique is a star!! I love how she has Marley's back

Bad move, Ryder. Bad move.

I feel like Finn is asking to get his feelings hurt here. He's sensitive.

Will's harsh--but somewhat right. Also I don't think he's being entirely honest about why he put Finn in charge--I think it's because he believes in what Finn can be capable of, but he's angry, so I get it.

The triumphant return of Santana's psychic Mexican Third Eye! It's official, I love S4 Santana

Whyyy is Sue so evil? I feel like her more batty schemes only make sense when she's feuding with Will specifically, and she's not supposed to be trying to destroy non-Will-entities lives. Then, it is S4, and they're probably running out of Sue ideas

Once more, Sue has invented a new minority to be

Once more Jake, Marley and Ryder--Most Reasonable Glee People Ever

Ryder drums?!? (now, I fail to see him as Finn 2.0--they're different characters, but the drumming is a very Finn thing to do)

Unique and her tiaras are so sweet! Especially how excited everyone else is about them

I do think Ryder can be a jerk, but I also think that he's just..struggling to wrap his head around Unique's gender--especially since so many people keep using he/him for Unique. Ryder just needs to be less pigheaded about it, and be willing to learn.

Becky's Nicki outfit is so cuuuute

I love whenever glee does those locker shots. They're such a fun framing device

"Don't apply logic to Lopez" SANTANA ily

Damn, Santana killed Coldhearted.

I love the guys being 'neutral backup dancers'

"Cool. Can we begin please." Kitty, I hate you, but that was excellent delivery

Sam is dressing exactly like Mike Chang--the vest + fedora combo is iconic

Wise words from Sam

Santana channeling Sue with her 'my breasts ache with rage' line

Sue's Super Bass is---I have no words whatsoever for it. Either that or many words, none of which I can articulate

"maybe you should go back to not speaking so freely' I am loving this Finn--Marley conversation so far.

Yesss! Teacher!Finn.

Once more, this batch of New Directions are so good at dealing with their dramas in a reasonable way.

Okay, Kitty is coming through for once.

Yes Blaine and Sam plotting!!

Santana is a criminal mastermind

It is beautifully unnerving how Finn smiles when he's mad

Sam's awkward dancing, my beloved!

Also I love Marley's dress in the final song

[theaceofskulls]

Legitimately, you need to play other games.

I've been in a lot of communities where I need to say this and it's always depressing to have to be the one to say it and to be hated for saying it.

It's true with WoW players, a large vocal part of the community is miserable and afraid of any changes because they believe they are impossible and refuse to try an other games because of how much time they've invested in that game.

Warhammer players, especially 40k players, will moan about the mechanics of editions or even outright hate whole central elements of the game but refuse to try anything else to understand what they want.

And the stereotype about 5e Dungeons and Dragons players is true that there's a visceral reaction to trying anything else, anything that isn't exactly 5e.

And every time I see these types of players, I see them struggle with coming up with the language as to why they're not having fun at times. They struggle to understand balance in their games and how it changes or what alternative mechanics could be used to make their games better.

And inevitably, the company behind those games will make a decision that outright causes the players misery. It could be as simple as a balance patch gone awry or a number of low quality releases in a row, to something as large as supporting unethical practices, be it AI or political causes.

And these players will find themselves facing either losing their comfort game, searching for some work around to play it, or will suffer through the misery because they don't feel they have alternatives.

I'm not even saying that you need a backup game for these circumstances even though I'll bang my drum continuously that you should always have a varied "diet" of media consumption for various reasons (media literacy, being able to handle escapism vs allegorical works, lowering the risk of predatory monetization, etc). And there might be nothing in the genre that actually brings you the same joy as your favorite game, but it's important that it never be your only game.

And there is something to be said about friends and their preferences. I know plenty of people who have friend groups only interested in sci-fi or in fantasy, or other reasons they won't follow you to another game. And sometimes this is a friend group, where 2/3's will be glad to move to something else but the others really want to stick with what they're comfortable with.

And this is even more reason to try other games, to try and find what can work, and sometimes to even play certain games with different people.

And throughout this you may have notices I've been using video games, miniature games, and TTRPGs interchangeably, and that's on purpose: sometimes your game group needs to take a break from one of these categories. Sometimes the way to get your weekly fix with your friends that you play D&D with is to play a video game instead. Sometimes it's worth getting the group to try a board game instead.

The point of all of this is that you can't let your fun with others be tied solely to a product that isn't in your control. Sure you can play a pirated version, or an older edition before changes were made, or use your own homebrew, but for living games that are receiving new content, it's hard to separate out the fact that the new stuff is there to draw you in.

Games are supposed to be enjoyable, and you shouldn't suffer through ones when they are being mismanaged just because it's a routine. There are so many things out there to play and you will be able to resonate with something.

It's a great day to consider the vast array of other RPGs out there other than D&D. If you want that style of game, Pathfinder is great. And if you feel like trying something new, there's so much to explore...

Amazing timing for this article to come out the day Critical Role opens the beta for their own RPG system...

[thrivinredpanda]

100 Albums

Original Post

Happy Halloweek! With the holiday weekend I have been caught up with the festivities but I made some time to listen to albums nonetheless. I was Moo Deng but it was kind of a flop, but my backup costume is Trinity from the Matrix for this weekend. Well, last week here are the albums from my list that I listened to and what I thought about them:

8. Daft Punk - Random Access Memories (2013)

Blast from my past! Strong blend of early groove, Euro disco tech, and pop-rock vibes. Like it's really soft than their earlier albums but influential nonetheless. It took me a couple of listens before I truly appreciated the album. I think it starts slow and I lost focus a lot which means my attention wasn't so strongly captured. Nostalgia about European disco in the 1970s and 80s was apparent but maybe it feels like it's stuck in time a little bit? One thing to note, this is a rarity in modern electronica with its use of live instruments and barely any samples. It is an homage to old "real" music and a fab sendoff for these music pioneers.

Favorite Tracks: Giorgio By Morodor, Instant Crush (ft. Julian Casablancas), Lose Yourself To Dance (ft. Pharrell Williams)

94. Sigur Rós - Ágætis byrjun (1999)

I just...could not with this album. My biggest takeaway is that the Icelandic definition of music is so different and involves a depth and vibration to it that is so trippy. Horns, vocals, keyboards, percussions and more - it was very complex. I was listening to this on the highway and it started to stress me out while I was driving! Ambient and mildly creepy music while I'm speeding? So, sorry, I could not enjoy you Sigur Rós. I know you guys are better off without me.

Favorite Tracks: Viðrar Vel Til Loftárása

30. Elton John - Honky Château (1972)

Young rascal EJ - you must’ve been so fun and depressed at the same time. We love that. The album goes between high energy + cheeky and sad + yearn. I was also surprised by how strong the American influence was on this little English man. His piano playing and tongue in cheek lyrics are playful and catchy. The guitar and mandolin were energetic and a nice touch. I’ve always had an influence on my music taste from the 70’s and 80’s because of my parents but I actually never listened to this album as a kid. The vibe of my parent’s music was more disco, reggae, and pop and not so much rock. Now this album isn’t heavy rock ‘n’ roll, it’s glam rock so it just slightly short of the usual CDs playing in my home in my memories. Though I’m glad I’ve been introduced to this album because I love the feeling of old school youth and passion throughout the whole project.

Favorite Tracks: Honky Cat, I Think I’m Going To Kill Myself, Amy

[nar-nia]

hi!!

im finally not that busy so i came here to scream about to so many things!!!!!!!!!!!

1. i read jay, jake and hoon posts for the comeback event u had going on!! they were lovely!!! a bit cheeky at times too!! but overall i loved them, and im sorry i didn't tell u earlier but again i went on tumblr to read them cuz i knew u will be posting them and had to close the app seconds after i finished cuz life is no so yay !! anyhow  yes!! they were great tho <33 

2.OMG OOGMERIOFDJFWNFDSVUHJBSN THE ALBUM WAS AMAZING??? i'm absolutely speechless,  it was astonishing !!!!! im pissed tho that fate is only like half a song :((( rip queen BUT bills and chaconne ???? WOW JUST WOW, the music video was fantastic too (i'm actually considering going to that castle (where they filmed it) myself cuz it looked beautiful and so did the boys!!!, the vocals on this album were amazing, !!!! album of the year , no skips!! they did so good!!!so which one is ur fav track? ^^

ALSO HEE LOOKED SOOOOOOOOOO GOOD??? and his dance with the backup dancer was soooooo hot!! which bring us to :

3. i saw so many kfans crying over the choreography like wtf!!!! i loved it!! it ATE, it suits the title track sooo well, its crazy!! and everybody put so much work into it, its not fair that people are reacting like that - instant annoyance :(((( i loved it tho its fun, its exciting, its SEXYYY (Sexhee!!!!) ………. literally get a life and a job, go outside, touch some grass, i hope the female dancers are okay too :(( and the boys :(( man i hope they know they are loved and we are proud of them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

4. i hope the stuff u had/have for uni is going well!!!! i love     uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!! 

5. look at him!!!

https://twitter.com/ihs_heeseung/status/1660965508341207043?s=20

          thats my sexy vamp boyfie <3 ← this how u should be delusional ^^ !!! its fun!! if u dont overdo it weirdos!!! wrr 

                              -beloved anonie, i hope ure doing okay and enjoying the album and life as u should <3 omg this is so long lmao

hello hellooo 🩷🩷

1. thank youuu 🥺 i'm glad you liked it, i hope it could give you some distraction and rest <33 are you okay? 🥺

2. THE ALBUM. i know i claimed bills at first but somehow it slipped to the last place now.. it's just all so good 🥹 bite me is constantly stuck in my head from all the streaming and stuff, but i don't mind 🤭 and sacrifice is giving me so many ideas for stories.. soon 🤞🏻so i'd say those are definitely my favorites. but it's so amazing and they really get better with every comeback, i love them so much. and the fact that they were included in the whole process of making the album and the mv?? wow.

but yes, fate deserves to be a full song 🥹 maybe someday.. and you should definitely visit the castle if you can!! and what are your favorites?

3. i have no words for k-engenes anymore. sometimes i feel delulu but this is a whole new level and i cannot grasp how they could do so much bs to people they supposedly love. enhypen deserves so much better and i hope the boys (and dancers too!) know how much we love the whole choreo and album. i hope in a few years we can all laugh about the truck war for example because for now i'm just sad that it was even necessary

4. i was about to say we're moving on to happier stuff but uni.. well 😶 my thesis is actually going well rn, i hope to finish it by the end of the week (the writing at least) and then i have two weeks left for making changes! wish me luck please, i'll need it. i'm getting too distracted with enha rn..

but how are things going for you? sounds like it's very stressful rn, i hope that will stop soon 🥺 i love you too and wish you all the best for it 🩷

5. i-

i-

beloved anonie somehow we have the same boyfriend i fear. (HOW DOES HE LOOK SO GOOD IT'S UNFAIR)

i love you tooo 🩷🩷 and i hope you're doing okay too, you deserve it so so much

[bulgariansumo]

“You don’t know what is love! Hey, groovy love!”

(愛は続けることに意味がある, 1993)

[evilkitten3]

#not but seriously if he was spying then. he was really fucking bad at it. like what info did he pass on. no one knew shit about fuck#maybe he really DID pass on info but his communication skills were so bad he accidentally made people know less about the akatsuki

#itachi: btw i was gonna brainwash u. kluvubaiiiiiii#sasuke: welp. not dealing with that anytime soon

#tobi tells them about itachi afterwards and sasuke is the only one who cares#naruto: holy shit#sasuke: my brother...#sakura: damn glad we killed him what a loser#sasuke: sakura. my brother#sakura: YOUR COMRADES COME BEFORE THE GOVERNMENT SASUKE WE KNOW THIS#sasuke: MY BROTHER SAKURA#naruto is too focused on keeping them from killing each other to really think about it#kisame and suigetsu are fighting with swords some more. karin and juugo are watching with popcorn#zetsu is wondering if anyone will notice if he nibbles on itachi's corpse while they argue#they still decide to avenge the uchiha clan tho. sakura is just very vocally doing it for everyone who isn't itachi#naruto thinks she should get over it. like sasuke loves him again so it's fine right#then itachi gets edo tensei'd and naruto immediately tries to kill him again#he stops after itachi brainwashes himself free but only bc it would make sasuke sad#sasuke: we're team taka now. also i love my brother again and miss him and we're killing the government#karin suigetsu and juugo: okie-dokie boss#naruto and sakura: *still firmly members of the itachi hate club*#itachi asks naruto to keep the truth of the massacre hidden and naruto punches him again#then supports sasuke making him a hero out of spite#itachi in the afterlife: this is not what i asked for#the entire uchiha clan: oh gosh we feel soooo bad for you tell us more#(for the record. i love itachi. this will not stop me from dangling him off a cliff by the ankle for dumbass bitch crimes)

#crispin freeman get out of my bedroom

#kinda nuts to me that people try to act like itachi was a good person when even itachi never tried to do that#at no point did itachi go ''and this is why i'm winning the world's best brother award. sasuke are you listening''

#i can tell what she's thinking here...#''man itachi is really bad at getting rid of people. i'm fine kabuto's fine sasuke-kun is doing wonderful...''#''maybe itachi peaked at sixteen''

#dammit itachi people had questions

#orochimaru: i'm in sasuke's body!#sasuke: gross#orochimaru: not sexually. don't worry i'm only sexually attracted to the amount of problems i can cause for other people#sasuke: oh that's fine then#itachi: no the fuck it isn't how dare you put something strange and horrible in my little brother's body#orochimaru: wow you're right it's really fucked up of me to completely ignore his autonomy and expect him to follow my personal agenda#itachi:#orochimaru:#itachi: NIGHTMARE JAIL FOR ONE THOUSAND YEARS!!!!!!!#sasuke: what just happened#itachi: don't worry about it. help me kill myself#sasuke: what#itachi: i said gimme ur eyeballs

#look i may not have been the best big brother. but i'm not itachi#that's something#i love him so much

#itachi: what do u mean sasuke went crazy. how could it have come to this#naruto: you murdered his whole family in front of him. and tortured him. more than once#itachi: oh yeah. but it's ok i have a backup plan. i secretly shoved a crow down your throat to brainwash him with#naruto: hey what the hell is wrong with you#itachi: i make excellent decisions

#i love itachi he's so fucking stupid#love how so many naruto characters are introduced as ''he's.... a GENIUS'' and then we find out they're dumb as shit

#he subjected himself to this. on purpose#itachi: the akatsuki is like my family#tobi: awwww#itachi: in that i one day hope to slaughter you all#tobi: hey bitch i did like 90% of ur job for u

#i mean. yeah#remember that moment when we learned the truth about the uchiha massacre and we were like idk twelve so we thought itachi was awesome#and then we grew up and went ''ohhhhh yeah no he's still a piece of shit he's just also sad''#itachi is so stupid i love him

#itachi has unlocked: self-awareness

i'm so mean to him. and for what

gonna make a compilation of all the times i've bullied itachi for no reason in the tags of my blog. see what i find

[awesomefringey]

right so, the expected post concert blues have descended upon me and a few POV while I still remember stuff:

Pros-

Little freak (my fav. Also his reaction to people singing it) I'm thankful to the harry house gods that it was added

WMYB- The crowd was crazy. Literarily insane. He might have as well not sung it. We knew the words, the beats, the backup vocals, the melody, his little 'choo choo' hand gesture when he repeats 'you light up my world like nobody else'. The entire arena was wild. And I love that this still gets a bigger reaction to WS

The band wearing all read with a canadian flag badge made my heart squeeze. Such a nice touch for Canada.

WS is like overplayed to death by this point, but there were some cool watermelon color projections on the crown going on.

No gender reveal/breakup/coming out signs. They've become so disingenuous after the 4th show that I was really happy not to have any...he also didn't have as many fan interaction as he did in Europe...so maybe the signs existed and he just didn't address them.

Rainbow project was beautiful love. People responsible pulled it off amazingly. My pictures were crap because the colors were subdued whereas they were so vibrant in the moment and it felt surreal to be surrounded by a rainbow belt.

—

Not necessarily cons, just 'but why?':

No LU-especially because there was a fan project to light up the canadian flag. They made little ribbons instead of just colored paper so you know they went that extra step (and paid extra money), only for it not to make the cut. Also how can you cut LU. It's not my fav tbh, but it's one of those that you don't just leave out.

I loved the idea of the horns, but I feel like they needed to rehearse them more with his vocals. For some songs they were interfering with him starting to sing. Does that make sense? They were great for the music breaks (sushi), but when he'd pick up the verse again you'd still hear them loud and it's just a tiny irky thing. I need that sudden dramatic stop. BUT, i still love the inclusion of them. Just hope they synchronize them better for future shows. God I'm being so nitpicky.

Although I was sitting at the very back I still enjoyed every bit of it. I wish I was going tomorrow too, but money and inflation said no.

Leave America was super loud. I’m glad that it carried over across the pond and that stupid “project” some people wanted to replace it with never worked.

But I mean we are Canada and mostly hate America and we only got two shows. It still makes me laugh that they call this the Canadian residency when it’s only two shows.

one last thing to add though, I have no idea how he's gonna keep this up for all these residencies. That was A LOT of stage to cover. Running back and forth and round and round. I soooo appreciate him giving every side equal opportunity too see the face/ass but goddamn...hope these muscles are gonna be useful.

That is all!

Adding your pics of those beautiful lights:

Thank you!!!!! This was a fantastic concert review!!!!

Now, I learned what Leave America means to Canadians, and the horns need a bit of smoothing out and yes it sucks that Lights Up didn’t end up on the set list, it’s such a lovely song for the LGBTQ+ and allies crowd.

And good to know (also for those who worry) that a seat in the back still allows you to fully enjoy the show! 💜

[loserboyfriendrjl]

note: james is making a fool out of himself, as usual

"ATTENTION EVERYONE!" james exclaimed. "i have a dedication to make. thank you to sirius, who has taught me how to play the guitar. kudos to you, mate." james smiled to sirius, who raised his hand in a sign of accepting his friend's gratefulness. james took a deep breath in and smiled to the people in the great hall, their eyes glued to him and the guitar he held in his arms.

"ok, here we go!" he declared.

"oh no." lily whispered to her girlfriends. "what if this is about me?"

"don't worry!" marlene laughed out, smacking lily's back. "i'll break his nose."

mary snorted and smiled to the girls. "come on, ladies, the show is starting." she announced theatrically. she took herself a piece of bread and glanced into sirius and remus' direction. "congrats to you sirius, let's see what you helped james with!" sirius struck his tongue out to mary but smiled nonetheless, then turned back to his friend.

on the other side of the hall, regulus covered his face as pandora gave him a sideways grin, while she was buttering her toast. "oh, please!" he whispered-yelled to his friend through his fingers. "stop giving me that look!"

pandora's grin widened, giving her a cheshire-cat look, but she shushed him. "i wanna hear this."

regulus looked into james' direction, who gave him a sweet smile and a shy smile. god, did regulus both hate and love this boy.

"those eyes i like to stare in, all of my worlds with them begin." james started, looking into regulus' direction, just like the rest of the great hall was.

"what the actual fuck!" sirius exclaimed, only loud enough that peter and remus could hear him.

remus was snickering next to him.

and he could hear peter whispering "my worlds with them begin."

sirius took his astronomy book and smacked peter with it right in the head. "are you doing the backup vocals, you absolute fuck?"

peter glared at him. "wow, someone hasn't gotten enough beauty sleep?" he asked ironically.

"actually there was enough beauty sleep-" remus said, clutching at his stomach, his face turning slightly red. "ohmygod-"

sirius glared at remus under furrowed brows and that stopped his laughing. sirius could be scary when he wanted to be.

"his hair is as dark as the blackboard, he's the one i love." james continued, strumming the guitar slowly.

regulus' face was still hidden behind his pale hands, but through the fingers the blush on his face was very noticeable. "oh merlin..."

"come on, regulus, you know you like it!" dorcas exclaimed, sliding their arm around their friend's shoulder.

"and he's probably composed it himself!" pandora smiled sweetly. "he cares a lot, see? he wants to show you he loves you!" she sighed, looking into james' direction.

"he's making a fool out of himself!" regulus whined. "everyone's gonna hate him because he's being a sap towards me because people don't like me."

"he's your fool though." dorcas reminded him with a cheeky smile.

regulus couldn't argue with his friend's logic, so he just nodded and looked back to his boyfriend with a smile.

"i'm glad he's mine, he's really divine." james ended and looked around the great hall, smiling to the people who were looking at him with wide eyes and agape mouths. "thank you everyone." he bowed down.

at the gryffindor table, lily smiled.

"i'm glad this wasn't about me!" she said and took a sip of her pumpkin juice.

"we could do one for you if you'd like." mary gave her a lopsided grin.

"i'll curse your hair off if you're doing that." lily said on a serious tone. "joking. but don't do that to me, we'd make a band of fools out of ourselves."

the girls turned their heads to the rest of the marauders. remus' face was a bright shade of red as he was trying not to laugh at the moment that had just ended. sirius looked deeply unamused and peter had just finished the backup vocals, on a very high pitched voice, exaggerating james' distasteful singing voice.

"this was pure gold!" remus exclaimed, rubbing the tears in his eyes away. "best thing i have ever witnessed, i swear on my mum!"

"this was horrible!" sirius muttered. "james and regulus? really? remus, did you know about this?"

remus bit his lips and looked away, a guilty expression on his face. "yeah... for a while now."

"please, everyone besides you knew." peter smiled. "you're a bit behind with james' love life, mate."

"am i the last one to know everything about james' love life?" sirius whined.

"your brother and your bestie..." marlene trailed off. "did you really wanna know that? how does it make you feel?"

"i mean i don't know." sirius shrugged. "what i know for sure is that i am never giving james another guitar lesson until i die"