#i'm travelling for a gig again and i'm feeling alive

[thisismyobsessionnow]

London? London!

If you see me at some gig?? With some finnish guy?? In some gay club?? I don't know, say hi?

[box-dwelling]

So I saw this post talking about how grace is the most tied to Nibbly which makes sense. She hungers for power, sex, food metaphors with dirty girl soup, which said post already discussed. But also Nibbly is kind of the most prominent one in the summoning scene other than wiggly which would make sense if this is Nibblys ending. Especially because grace is consuming the souls of the horny, those who desire sex, those who are hungry for it. Which aligns with Nibblys modus operandi in Honey queen. Those who hunger taste sweeter. Also makes sense as to why Nibbly's apocalypse is basically a happen ending. He has a pretty sweet gig already. Cult of followers, regularly getting fed, he even gets to walk the earth annually. I make sense that he wouldn't want to change hatchetfield that much and he needs to keep some people alive so he keeps getting fed.

So if TGWDLM, BF, and NPMD show Pokey, Wiggly and Nibbly's respective apocalypses then maybe we'll get 2 more musicals for blinky and Tinky.

From what it looks like, the next show in Hatchetfield (which might not be the next Starkid show, I heard they wanted a break) is going to be about Miss Holloway. And who did she explicitly make a deal with? Tinky! So my guess is he's going to be our next apocalypse. Miss Holloway talks explicitly about him in Killer track and also we know there's a ton of time shenanigans going on with her. I'm like 99% certain if they do the Holloway show he's our main villain. They could do a time loop story, that could be fun, or a million other time travel concepts. I think it would be cool if Frank was involved. We know he was friends with Miss Holloway from Daddy and having a toy store owner and collector would be fun as hell to face off against Tinky. I think a Tinky show is also the perfect time to properly address the lore around the split timelines. We have some stuff but we could get more and now would be a great time as presumably the penultimate show.

As for the 5th show, this is understandably more amorphous. But if I'm right we're talking Blinky. I have a few vauge ideas of places it could head. So one is that they could focus on Rose from Killer track. She's a musician so performance is kind of her thing, maybe the band gets big and that deal with celebrity voyerism and spectacle. And hey I'd like to see her more developed. My other theory is linked with his reference in TTTO. So Jack Bauer mentioning "the watcher with a thousand eyes" in that show is an explicit forth wall break. Said watcher is the audience. And that makes me wonder if a Blinky show could lean into that more. Have the audience be Blinky in some way. And of this would presumably be the finale, a forth wall breaking ending could be a good way to bring closure to the fact that this is a split timeline. Or maybe go full TTTO hand have multiple endings the audience gets to choose. Like which ending they want. Maybe one apocalypse does have to happen so the audience gets to choose who's. This is way more speculative though.

As for setting for these two it's complicated. They like to set the shows at a black altar. But there's 5 and all 5 have already been settings. I think either it's completely new or Tinky is CCRP and Blinky is the starlight theatre. It kinda feels like it's stepping on Pokeys toes a bit but they're both more backdrops. I can't see either at the Wayland's (maaaaaybe Tinky because it's where the black book is in NPMD and Miss Holloway obviously uses it but eh) and Hatchetfield high is so clearly the setting for NPMD where as TGWDLM dots about places so much that there doesn't seem to be as definitively a setting. That being said I do think the high school is Blinkys alter and all the others have come through at their alter (Nibbly's being the Wayland's where grace gets the book) so maybe we get another teen show for blinky. But then again Miss Holloway is working at Hatchetfield high too now so maybe her show will be there as well. At the very least I think the finales will be at their set altars. Blinky comes through at the high school and Tinky at the CCRP

[pierog]

SORRY THAT LAST ASK WAS EVIL here's a nice one what are some of your favourite memories from this year!!

LOL thank you

this got long so here's a read more

-goes w/out saying but spending 5 months travelling and cycling around europe was so cool. my fav bit was a month in italy -- particularly a workaway involving staying in a beautiful umbrian farmstead with a gaggle of gay men, so much cooking and cocktails and basking beneath the wisteria, walks thru medieval hilltop villages surrounded by golden meadows.. travelling solo is nice but i'm very much an extrovert and i felt so touched by the love and friendship i experienced here. i still talk to my boys most days. -i visited one of my best mates in cyprus and it was so fun i accidentally stayed for a whole month. loads of nature hikes, festivals, gigs, exploring abandoned cities, snorkelling in oceans so deep and blue and ancient. -later we flew to england to do brighton pride (hooked up with a lovely irish lass 😳) & visit some more expat uni pals. we went on a road trip afterwards in devon/cornwall and it was so beautiful but again the company was the main thing; i spend the whole time laughing til it hurt

-actually that reminds me of a random cute "small world" moment. on the bus from venice to rome, i saw a girl next to me reading the same book. we got chatting and it turned out she was going to brighton pride as well. we decided to meet up there, but everyone's phone service was jammed and we couldn't find each other!! so i gave up. a couple days later, i was boarding the train to london when i heard... "ASIA!!???" and it was her!!!!!!

-i cut my intercontinental cycle trip short cos i got into the final selection for an antarctica job and needed to be in the uk for the interview. as such i explored the scottish isles. my fav part was staying at a victorian manor in inverness owned by a witch who looked like stevie nicks and was hosting the scottish opera for the week. they invited me for wine and ghost stories by the fireplace and ending up giving me a ticket to the opera which was sooo silly but sweet!! so i saw carmen for free and gifted them some nice tesco roses and wine in return -i lost my phone in corfu but i couldnt be mad cos it was so fun. i went to a BEAUTIFUL grotto to snorkel which ended up being like a mamma mia beach bar. i was drinking a pina colada the size of my head when two aussie girls came over and said "do you mind if we smoke here" and i said "no go ahead" envisioning a cigarette but it ended up being an ENORMOUS doobie. they shared it with me and all the other girlies, we got crossfaded and went swimming, and i dropped my phone when trying to sensibly cross a road (it got handed into the consulate but shipping is so expensive so i'm working on that!)

-as such i've spent most of this year without a functioning phone & it's been grand. just so much more present and alive, got really into foraging, birdwatching, beachcombing, swimming in the ocean every day in the summer..

-coming back home was actually more tender than anything though. everyone goes on about post-travel blues but i've so enjoyed slipping back into mundanity; floor time with my best friend (you), parties, concerts, weekly life drawing and art club, finally feeling at home in this city. i got to illustrate a novel, animate a tv show opening, get my first poem published in a journal, work on a video game, and also win an nz game award for mine! i'm so grateful for my girlfriend and family and friends and lovely flat on the seaside. also i quit my shitty job for reals and am studying animal management next year so YAY

[blogofloathing]

Another fitful dream. They stared within the mirror, not at it, but at what was inside, beneath the glass.

several faces looked back at them expectantly.

"hello, I'm terribly sorry to bother, could you tell me which face is mine?" Each face spoke at once.

They didn't recognize any of them, many of them looked less like faces, more like a redaction of reality where one should be.

One stared back with a fish for a head, another had none to speak of. One cried.

"I don't.." every face bore daggers into them, "I..."

Fenler Durk awoke with a start, their head nearly sending them back to bed, with its contacting the top of their thick wooden bunk.

Nursing their sore forehead, they looked around, blinking a few times, to be sure they were really awake. They couldn't always tell..

Well nothin else to it but to do it, they like to say.

Rubbing the sleep out of their eyes, throwing on their apron, chef hat, and hastily grabbing their briefcase on the way out.

Off for another day of sales, Fenler waved a cheery farewell to the smiling Ms Brewster, as they exited onto the streets of Ocean City.

Fenler Durk is a käse brezel salesman, the finest cheeses one can conjure, and the highest quality dough one can afford on commission based salary.

Sales had been a bit sparse lately, but Ms Brewster was lenient with them.

And thank goodness too, she didn't know just how in the red Fenler was, they're gonna need a good sale soon. Or risk homelessness.. again. Fenler weighed the two options.

And ultimately decided just to try today, and see what tommorow brought.

The time would pass wether they fretted on it or not. So why dwell on it.

At least that's what Fenler would like to believe.

As Fenler crossed the street, they caught their reflection in the windows of a nearby apartment.

But, as they realized their shirt had a nasty stain on it, they noticed.. something else was different, before they could take a second glance. There simply wasn't any reflection in the glass anymore.

As if the man behind the glass had simply run off.

Freaky.. even so, they didn't have time to ponder this, a frightening oddity for sure, but this was life.

They attempted to sell to what appeared to be a newsman, but he was seemingly in a hurry,

They tried selling to this camera crew, hoping they were hungry after a long film sesh, but again..

They brushed him off, their only successful sale of the day had been to an admittedly weird looking hobo lady, coughing up coins without a word.

The hours passed by like it'd never been morning at all, the sun was setting, they'd made a few good sales. But today would have to count as once again, a failure, Fenler considered if they were cut out for the traveling salesman gig, they wondered.

They sighed, sidling down the street back home.

A total bust, but Fenler was alive, and isn't that the greatest treasure? They needed that to be true.

Realizing what street they're on, they glanced over to the window of that same place. Hah! Reflection!

And, weirdly enough no splotch upon their shirt.

Must've just been a trick of the light earlier, they gave themselves a moment to chuckle at how silly they'd been, before their reflection sneered back.

That.. that isn't the expression that they're making.

It looked more like a mocking impression of what they had actually looked like, what the heck?

But once more, before Fenler could even look around to see if anyone else caught that.

Their reflected image turned jet black, though keeping their jeering eyes white as milk.

The glass of the building splintered, cascading down every window that light threw Fenler's appearance onto. Sending them into momentary shock, as if fearing they themself would shatter.

Until the entire apartment had shattered windows, they stood there stunned, unsure of what to do,

this was impossible. This couldn't be happening, it must be another dream, a dream within a dream?

But no, there's.. no way.. Fenler didn't feel asleep?

Finally snapping back into his body, they realized that dream or not, they can't pay for all this. So running home it is. Fenlers shadow keeping pace.

It followed them all the way back home, as it had followed them every day of their life. Unnoticed and unseen, as their #1 second pair of footprints.

Though lately, it'd seemed much more energetic than before, sticking around like a lost but feral dog at their heels. Waiting for food by their feet.

Until the suns departure, and Fenler's arrival to Ms Brewsters, noticeably more shaky than when they left. their shadow fading into all the other shadows.

But their dreams held no more refuge than the day.

[juliehamill]

Grief is essential, but it doesn’t have to be the end

I'm doing some author events, but before I tell you about them, let me tell you the insight that my books rest upon, which I call little visits.

I confess, I have a very active mind.  It’s crazy at times, with many cars in many lanes going in different directions, their boots bulging with stupendous ideas. In the past I’ve been described as quirky.  I’ve been asked what planet I’m on.  I’ve seen expressions of exasperation when words have spilled out of my mouth that were meant to be kept on the tongue.  Oops.  The truth is, I let my imagination travel where it wants to, sometimes too far and over the edges of the earth, but I consider this freedom of mind as a sort of gift.  It leaves me open to let other ‘outside’ thoughts in, and one big outside belief is that I’m sure that two people, who are both no longer alive, send me signs to let me know they’re still around.

The first is Gillian.  

Gillian and I were lifelong friends from school, sharing passions and daftness. We were always giggling, listening to music, going out and talking about boys.  For forty years we laughed, cried and loved, and then, aged forty-seven, she was diagnosed as having a brutally painful cancer, and died six months later. The last few days I spent with her were precious. She passed away five years ago, but Gillian has many ways of telling me she’s okay.

Recently, as I was catching up with Gillian’s sister, Fiona, on the phone, I entered a cafe to buy a coffee.  Right then, Lloyd Cole came on in the background.  Gillian and I were mad about Lloyd Cole, and managed to climb on stage beside him at a Glasgow Pavilion gig in the 80s.

‘Can you hear that?’  I said as I held out the phone for Fiona to hear Lost Weekend.  

‘Oh my God it’s Lloyd Cole’, she replied.  

‘She’s listening to our call’, I said.  

‘She knows we’re talking about her!’

‘She’s saying she’s here too!’

We smiled for a few seconds.  A tiny moment of comfort, momentous in its power to connect.

The second is Bridget.  

My late mother-in-law was the most generous, soft, kind and rapturously funny woman I have ever met. We were very close when the children were babies.  She lived around the corner and was round in a flash when I needed her.  She loved her grandchildren, and I know she loved me, because she’d insist I take a nap when the children took theirs, and I’d wake up to see all the dishes done and washing folded.  Long after she died, my husband, her beloved son, had to refurbish her house.  On a walk around her empty bedroom upstairs, I said, ‘So what do you think?’  And her voice entered my mind, ‘Well this is absolutely beautiful’, she said, ‘I can’t believe what you’ve done with the place!’  Again, I smiled, feeling her close.  I told her I couldn’t take the credit, it was all Gerard’s work.  ‘Well that’s a first!’ she said.

I see Gillian and Bridget in my dreams.  The dreams are always vivid.  I see them clearly and they’re telling me they’re okay.  Sometimes when I’m dropping off to sleep I ask them to visit me and they do.

I suppose, you could say, that I don’t have to believe they’re present or talking to me. You could say I’m bringing all this nonsense on myself.  You could say it’s the strength of my imagination, or my grief, or just a strong memory.  I could choose to think I am just quirky, like they say.  However, if believing helps me feel a little less sore in myself, then where’s the harm in it?

Ever seen a robin land in your garden?  It could be a little hello.  When a white feather floats down, they could be thinking of you.  When a dream feels so real and vivid, maybe you had a visit.  If you hear the voice in your head and it joins in the conversation; clearly answering.  You can visualise them, sitting in their chairs, walking in the park, standing by the kettle, having forty winks.  Hear their favourite songs and know they are still connected to you.  Love and search their photos, and wish you had more.  Feel the sun after the rain, enjoy rainbows and washing drying quickly.  Treasure the foot prints they left on this earth.  Let the outside thoughts in.

Of course you don’t have to believe any of it, but doesn’t it help a little bit when you do?

Next time you see that Robin, say hello.

‘June’, the concluding part of the Life and Soul trilogy by Julie Hamill will be published on October 31st, 2023. The theme of the trilogy is grief, love and loss within a Scottish family.  The stories are set during the 1980s and 1990s and have won high praise from critics.  Pre order June from Amazon on Kindle or paperback here 

Order Frank (part I) here

Order Jackie (part II) here

Talking events

Julie Hamill will be hosted by North Lanarkshire Libraries on 30th October 2023 at 12pm as part of a special online presentation with readings and audience Q&A.  Register for a free place here

Julie Hamill will be appearing at The Dublin Castle, Camden November 2nd, 7.30pm for Q&A, book signing and music from the 80s era, free entry, all welcome.

[baekhvuns]

Thoughts on ManU vs Barca 🎤 see that's what you get for taking the piss! M🍙pe saved PSG again 😅 Ramos wtf, French and Spanish NTs in shambles 🤡 The Spurs defeating Chelsea oops

Sigh I blocked so many weirdos over the past few weeks. Also found out I met one of them at some point 🔫 I don't mind when someone travels for one or two gigs, but attending almost every stop on multiple continents and always getting barricade? And fan signs are even worse

Yeah I heard the atmosphere amongst SM's staff is not the best, even though they have so much work to do with the way SM's calendar for 2023 is FILLED. Apparently some people at Hybe aren't happy either. I'm laughing cause some stans (ekhm Armchairs) kept insisting that there's not Big 4 cause Hybe USED TO BE A SMALL LABEL. And now they're trying to buy everything?!

You're right, Hybe hops on every trend, they're not pioneers in anything except shitty unnecessary vocal processing

Noooo exams stopping you from having fun once again. Doesn't your avocado uni know kpop acts barely come to Vancouver??? But I hope Baekhyun's world tour isn't just Korea, Japan, USA, maybe SEA and perhaps London, Berlin, Paris if SM is feeling more adventurous

Please do not dance to Single Ladies in front of me, it triggers my fight or flight response 😭

No rice wine in my blood system, but lots of coffee, tea, bubble tea especially, and hot chocolate! Btw Baek the vegan spots in Seoul are banging!!! ❤

Most Brits find posh accents silly and tbh sometimes they do sound ridiculous, but what can you do lmao. Posh people are on sight 🔪 since the class system is still very alive and present in the UK

Mou vs Mbappe would be quite funny, I think both of them might lose their shit every 10 minutes 😭😭😭😭

Have you won the lottery yet? Instead of dreaming about being rich I had another Hwa dream...... well that dream won't to come true and I think it's for the best aksjaushwjajjsjaja

They're baby girling without knowing it lmao

Also they're doing dirty blonde SO DIRTY WHYYYYY. I voted black to piss people off, grey deserves better as well

Ok London isn't that cold rn and Seonghwa probably warmed up while jogging, but goddd wtf. We've been blessed by the calves tho. And here.... the slippers lol

I'm ready for more Kai serves! The wings huhu, I almost didn't notice he was half naked

Btw model, miss Tenelka has posted a new fic, I haven't read it yet, but my friend said it's model Hwa. AND I also had lavender oat milk latte and the same drink was mentioned in the fic, idk what to do with this info

Baek, what Wooyoung fencer AU, you need to focus on Yunho bestie 🤧😭

Snake Hwa agenda. Stop I was about to go to sleep at a respectable hour for a change, but HIM I'm devastated. How am I supposed to sleep

😭

And now some whiplash 🧍🏼‍♀️ - DV 💖

hello!!

Thoughts on ManU vs Barca 🎤 see that's what you get for taking the piss! M🍙pe saved PSG again 😅 Ramos wtf, French and Spanish NTs in shambles 🤡 The Spurs defeating Chelsea oops

barca played better, bodied man utd’s defenders the only good player was casmiro and thats cause starboy pedri was injured 🔫 BUT man utd was good! did u get the storm? MBAPPE ??? it was that small 5’7 boy from rosario actually, yeah but their duo is def >>> every team in shambles atp what even is going on

and waking up to this, YOU HAVE A BEAUTIFUL WIFE AND TWO KIDS HOW HARD IS IT TO BE A GOOD MAN 😭😭😭😭 another one for prison fc i guess and did u hear about the m***n g***n***d’s news 😭😭

Sigh I blocked so many weirdos over the past few weeks. Also found out I met one of them at some point 🔫 I don't mind when someone travels for one or two gigs, but attending almost every stop on multiple continents and always getting barricade? And fan signs are even worse

YOU MET THEM??? DBSJDHSJDHKS did u get the vibes from them,, YEAHH travelling to every stop, tiring and the $$$$??? i just want their wealth tbh <3

Yeah I heard the atmosphere amongst SM's staff is not the best, even though they have so much work to do with the way SM's calendar for 2023 is FILLED. Apparently some people at Hybe aren't happy either. I'm laughing cause some stans (ekhm Armchairs) kept insisting that there's not Big 4 cause Hybe USED TO BE A SMALL LABEL. And now they're trying to buy everything?!

iM sorry did they say there’s no big 4??? but weren’t they the ones…who made a big statement in your face type repeatedly that hybe was now big4… yEAAAHH i wonder how the sm staff’s are being held bc maybe their salary would be cut? it just seems like it’ll be a very hostile environment between two companies…no more interactions at award shows 🤚🏻 SM ARTISTS BOOKED AND BUSY GOOD FOR US 😭😭😭 AND WHAT IS THIS WHO’S SM FANS??? THIS IS NOT WE, ONLY A FEW 😭😭 anon u gotta go see this in irl

this would be ideal but i don’t think it’ll work out very easily tbh maybe like how super junior have their own label then it may!

now we using paper companies???? jail party omg prison fc is in talks for some MAJOR transfers!! this is a reborn rich episode

SHUT UP THIS IS SO FUNNY RVWKHDWKHDKW LEE SOO MAN ALWAYS GEYS THE LAST LAUGH ONCE A SCAMMER ALWAYS A SCAMMER 😭😭😭😭

You're right, Hybe hops on every trend, they're not pioneers in anything except shitty unnecessary vocal processing

YEAHH the whole sm doing the 90’s theme with snsd, shinee, exo and implementing it in their groups and no one said anything until it was hybe time and suddenly it’s a trend <3 they started the auto tune trend i guess then 😭😭

Noooo exams stopping you from having fun once again. Doesn't your avocado uni know kpop acts barely come to Vancouver??? But I hope Baekhyun's world tour isn't just Korea, Japan, USA, maybe SEA and perhaps London, Berlin, Paris if SM is feeling more adventurous

exams always stop me form having fun but canada is currently freezing in snow so there never is fun 😭😭 NO BC THEY GOTTA KNOW ATP! ANOTHER UNI HERE HAS AN ARENA WHERE EXO CAME AND THEY KNOW! THEIR EXAMS ALWAYS HAVE A SUS DATE but they also had a cheating scandal so maybe avo uni is better <3 YEAAAH i think since baek is very outspoken he’ll def have a lot of places to tour in,, remembering the exodus era he’ll def go to europe! he’s got a fascination with london <3 idk about kai tho i rmr he got threatened w knives in london apparently

Please do not dance to Single Ladies in front of me, it triggers my fight or flight response 😭 /// No rice wine in my blood system, but lots of coffee, tea, bubble tea especially, and hot chocolate! Btw Baek the vegan spots in Seoul are banging!!! ❤

LMFAOOOO 😭😭😭

WATER !!!!! WATER !!!!! ASI ASI ASI HALA WATER !!!! are they??? omg anon start a food blog im about to drop a follow!!

Most Brits find posh accents silly and tbh sometimes they do sound ridiculous, but what can you do lmao. Posh people are on sight 🔪 since the class system is still very alive and present in the UK /// Mou vs Mbappe would be quite funny, I think both of them might lose their shit every 10 minutes 😭😭😭😭

AHHHHH what a fascinating place the UK is truly, do u guys mock them when u spot them,,, what about those girlies with concealer lips and the if you don’t know me i’m m to the b 😭😭 THEY DEF WOULD FBDNDB their strategy get their clash would need a desperate documentary

Have you won the lottery yet? Instead of dreaming about being rich I had another Hwa dream...... well that dream won't to come true and I think it's for the best aksjaushwjajjsjaja

see,, now,, a 5$ lottery is quite big for me ok! SO YES I HAD THE 5$ ONE! WAITING FOR A 48 MILLION ONE ACTUALLY!! WHAT DREAM PPPT PPTT RIGHT NOW ANON 🔫🔫

They're baby girling without knowing it lmao //// Also they're doing dirty blonde SO DIRTY WHYYYYY. I voted black to piss people off, grey deserves better as well

these all baby girls are dressed like manic pixie girls in romcoms 😭😭😭 WHAT THE FUCK THEY MEAN DIRTY BLOND IS HIS WORST?????? DO THEY NOT RMR WAVE ERA?????? WHAAAAT ATINYS HAVE NO MF TASTE ALL THE 1,432 OF THEM grey deserved the angst award tbh,, peak angst

also does this not look like they’re about to drive for mercedes in f1 😭😭

Ok London isn't that cold rn and Seonghwa probably warmed up while jogging, but goddd wtf. We've been blessed by the calves tho. And here.... the slippers lol /// I'm ready for more Kai serves! The wings huhu, I almost didn't notice he was half naked

when he posted those photos, my eyes went to his feet bc why is he barefoot in that nasty ass city come on 😭😭😭 they’re all peak london boys now 🤚🏻u think if hwa was from england he’d have a posh accent and live in the buckinghamshire area

Btw model, miss Tenelka has posted a new fic, I haven't read it yet, but my friend said it's model Hwa. AND I also had lavender oat milk latte and the same drink was mentioned in the fic, idk what to do with this info

MISS TENELKADJOWRITES DIDDDDD I READ ITTT IT WAS MODEL HWA DJWKDHWKDHSK U NEED TO READ IT!!!!!!! atp, are u miss tenelka in disguise 🤨 some psychic stuff sussy 🤨

Baek, what Wooyoung fencer AU, you need to focus on Yunho bestie 🤧😭 /// Snake Hwa agenda. Stop I was about to go to sleep at a respectable hour for a change, but HIM I'm devastated. How am I supposed to sleep

nO BC HEAR ME OUT ITS A FAMILY RIVALS TO LOVERS WHERE THEYRE BOTH SO MAD AND HE CHALLENGES THE YN ON A FENCING MATCH IN A ALL WHITE ROOM IN THEIR MEGA BIG ACADEMY AND THEYRE JUST ON THEIR WAY TO KILL EACH OTHER but guess who’s been in love this entire time <3

STOP I RMR THAT VIDEO 😭😭😭😭 A SNAKE AND A DRAGON DO U RMR THE SAN ANALYSIS 😭😭😭 THE GANGSTER

😭 //// And now some whiplash 🧍🏼‍♀️ - DV 💖

anon that was not a whiplash,, that was a whole crash what the hell 😭😭😭

PLEASE FHWKFHEK

WHAT 😭😭😭

i saw this and thought that matthew mcconaughey would be the perfect schumacher if they ever did a biopic on him

i think atz would go kinda crazy if this happened AND SO IT SHOULD NOT THANK U <3

[natromanxoff]

Queen live at Birmingham National Arena in Birmingham, UK - August 31, 1984 (Part-1)

(x)

This is the first of three nights in Birmingham, perhaps the best all-around show of the European tour.

A fan who attended one of the three Birmingham concerts recalls the announcer during the final minutes leading up to the show:

"The show will begin in 5 minutes"

"The show will begin in 4 minutes"

"The show will begin in 3 minutes"

"The show will begin in 2 minutes"

"The show will begin in 1 minute"

Then right at zero, the lights went out and the Machines intro started to play. What a way to build the intensity.

Freddie, clearly happy to be back on the road, after the opening numbers, says, "It's nice to be needed all these years!"

Brian plays a nice little progression before Now I'm Here, but Freddie, impatient as always, tells his guitarist, "Give me a fucking D," just so they can get the song going.

The keyboard and guitar solos are now played separately, which is how they will remain for the rest of the European tour. Spike Edney would usually reference Machines during his solo spot using a vocoder.

The lights go out during Hammer To Fall at one of these three shows. The song is now played earlier in the set (where it would remain for the rest of the Works tour), as the band feel that three new songs in a row is a bit much.

At the end of the show, Freddie says, "Good night, you wonderful people. You can come again any time!"

According to the July '89 issue of Record Collector, all 7 UK shows were properly recorded by the band. However, sources close to the band have since stated that this is not true.

This is amusing:

(x)

Fan Stories

“I was lucky to see Queen for three nights back to back on what were three awesome concerts. I travelled up from Carmarthen, West Wales with a friend to stay with my Auntie in Worcester on Friday night. Caught the train into Birmingham station and chilled out until the doors opened. I had a ticket two rows from the front and couldn't wait for Queen to hit the stage. While I was queing up to enter the arena some guy was asking for "any spare tickets". I was not going to give my ticket away to anybody as I had waited 5 years to see my idols!! The atmosphere in the arena was electric as the crowd waited for Queen to hit the stage. The support act were General Public fronted by the guy who use to be in The Beat. They were pretty awful and went off around 8.30pm. I WAS NOW READY FOR THE REAL THING. 30 minutes went by and realised that it would not be a 2 hour show as they had to be off stage by 11. At last the lights went out at 9.10 and on they came. What a sight! Machines roared over the speakers and then they tore the place apart with Tear It Up. I was totally blown away by the sheer sound and presence of four rock gods doing their thing and was totally spellbound for the next 110 minutes. Let me say that this was rock and roll at its brilliant best. The set list was truly awesome and they played a lot of their early stuff - Liar, Keep Yourself Alive, Somebody To Love, Killer Queen - too many to mention and when they played Stone Cold Crazy / Great Kings Rat / Brigton Rock I just went crazy and could'nt wait for the encores. Hammer To Fall was totally brilliant and I remember Freddie grabbing a hat from a crazed fan as he had a hammer on it and playing around with it when Spike did his guitar entry for the final part. CLTCL went on forever with Spike and Freddie enjoying themselves at the piano and to cap it off, Freddie posturing around in an outrageous wig for Break Free and WWRY. By the time Champions came and went it was the end of a truly memorable and epic night. A night which I'll never forget and this was only the first night! On night 2 & 3 the set was the same except for Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting and Sheer Heart Attack as an encore on Saturday and Jailhouse Rock on Sunday. After the first show on Friday I was on such a high that we missed the final train back to Worcester and went back by taxi. I drove to the gigs on Saturday & Sunday. This has to be my favourite Queen tour in terms of satisfying the die hard fans. All their early songs from their early albums and a totally awesome stage act. A fantastic way to spend a weekend. Without doubt the greatest live act you're ever likely to see. I was only 21 at the time - I'm now forty and still have fond memories of these truly sensational shows. Please read my story about the Magic Tour '86.” - Steve

Part-2

[sofreddie]

Fricking Free

Summary: After a close call, Dean decides it's time to settle down into a normal life.

Characters: Dean x Reader, Sam x Eileen, Miracle (the beautiful floofy pupperz)

Warnings: 15x20 AU, Injury to Dean (but no death), Angst, Fluff, Pregnancy

Word Count: 2,239

A/N: A part 3 or epilogue of sorts to the Dog-Gone Witches and Pesky Portals mini-series. I combined them into one list since it's all connected.

Sam hissed as he pulled Dean's body off the pole of rebar that had impaled him, gently laying him on the floor of the barn. The wound was really bad. The rebar narrowly missed his spine and heart, but he was sure it broke through at least one rib and punctured his lung.

He knew he'd have to get his brother to a hospital immediately if he had any chance of saving him. With his last bit of strength, he hoisted Dean into his arms and hurried to the Impala.

Laying Dean across the backseat, Sam rummaged in his pocket for the keys before shutting the door on his brother and hopping in the driver's seat.

Dust kicked up as he sped off towards the nearest hospital. He kept glancing in the rearview mirror to keep an eye on Dean. He looked like he was passing out.

Other than subconsciously praying that his brother would be alright, only one other thought rang through his mind.

Y/N was going to kick both their asses.

Y/N parked the antique truck in the large parking lot of the hospital. Sam called her as soon as he got Dean to the hospital. She immediately took off to meet them, several hours away.

Sam shot up from the waiting seats in the hall outside Dean's room as soon as he saw her enter. He stood and waited for the yelling, but she rushed to him and crashed into his chest, wrapping her arms tightly around him. He was surprised, but grateful, as he understood her fear.

"He's in here," Sam said as he pulled from the hug and led her into the room. She walked through the door and her eyes landed on Dean in the bed. He was covered in bruises and bandages and so many things.

Her breath caught in her throat and she choked back a sob.

"Hey," Dean croaked with a small smile.

"You could've died," she blurted out in a whisper. She took several steps closer to him, speaking louder not but not quite yelling, "You almost died."

"I know," Dean rasped, "But I'm okay-"

She raised a hand to silence him, "I did not travel across the universe for you to turn around and die on a hunt Dean Winchester," she chastised, "You saved the world countless times. You've replaced God. You're frickin' free!" she huffed, "So be free Dean, with me. please," she begged, carefully taking one of his hands in her, tears streaming down her face.

"I can't handle seeing you like this. I can't handle not knowing if you're coming back. Please, please," she sobbed, dropping her head to his chest and holding him as carefully as she could.

Dean carefully draped an arm over her back, holding her to him as she cried. It broke his heart to see her like this. She didn't know, but Sam had had a similar conversation with him when he woke up.

He glanced at Sam then over Y/N's shoulder. His brother gave him an 'I told you so' look and Dean minutely nodded, looking back at Y/N.

"Okay," he said, brushing her hair back and looking into her eyes, "You're right."

He may never feel like he could completely quit hunting. But he trusted them and they both said he should. So he'd try. She was right. She was here, with him. After he had missed her so much.

It would be dumb to throw that all away. He almost died on that hunt. He swore to himself to never do that to her again.

Sam drove Dean and the Impala back to the Bunker, Y/N following behind in the truck. She was angry, hurt, scared. Sam hoped the drive back might give her time to calm down.

Dean was certain she didn't believe him and was gonna leave him. They all do eventually.

When they finally parked in the Bunker's garage, Dean was surprised to see Y/N there, helping him out of the car and offering to help him to their room.

Sam followed behind with their bags, ready to help if Dean seemed to falter. But he and Y/N seemed to make it to their room just fine. Sam set their things inside and helped Y/N get Dean settled onto the bed.

He still had a long way to go to heal. They were back to doing things old school. Just another reason not to take so many risks. This hunt made Sam realize that any day could be the last now. For real.

It was sobering. It made him want to seek out all the things he couldn't before because of the life, because of Chuck. He wanted that for Dean too.

Y/N sat on the bed next to Dean, taking his hand and Sam smiled.

"I'll just leave you two to it," Sam said, going for the door.

"Hey Sam," Y/N said, turning to look at him, "Thank you for your help, and for keeping him alive."

Sam grinned and nodded, "Always."

Y/N smiled then turned back to Dean once the door was closed, "You're gonna be laid up for a while," she sighed.

Dean swallowed hard, "Are you gonna leave?" he asked in such a small voice it surprised her, "Are you gonna go back home?"

She stared at him as if he'd grown a second head, "I am home," she responded, "I'm not going anywhere, Dean. But I am not above nagging and a little shoving and smacking if you put me through this again. I'd kick your ass now but looks like someone else did me the favor."

Dean laughed, taking in her playful smile. She called this home. She was staying.

"Now, do you want food or do you want to get comfy and watch some mind-numbing entertainment?"

"Pizza and Netflix in bed with you sounds fucking perfect," Dean groaned, letting his head drop back against the headboard with a lazy grin.

"On it, Babe," she responded, pecking his lips. Dean drew her back to him, reigniting the chaste kiss and deepening it. She pulled from the kiss and giggled, "Oh, no stud. You're out of commission for the time being," she patted his chest and he groaned once more, before taking off to set up for their relaxing evening.

Dean actually enjoyed the break he got while healing. Spending time with Y/N was just like back at her farmhouse. Except he was practically an invalid for weeks, Sam and Y/N having to help him with everything.

Now that he was healed, he was restless. He promised he wouldn't hunt, and he knew Y/N was still wary that he could or would even keep that promise. But he was determined.

Instead, he started picking up odd jobs around town: handyman, car repair, lawn maintenance. Whatever people needed, Dean offered a hand and started making a decent amount of money.

That's when the idea struck him.

If he could make and save enough money, maybe he could find a small home in the area. Maybe even a little farmhouse on the outskirts of town. Y/N would love that.

Suddenly, the apple pie life seemed attainable, tangible. So he turned to Sam for help with his plan. Sam was completely on board and started making all sorts of suggestions on how they could make the money: side jobs, part-time gigs, hustling, and selling a few non-dangerous artifacts from the Bunker.

Sam was certain they could make enough for Dean and Y/N, and for him and Eileen. Dean was over-the-moon when Sam told him he and Eileen wanted a home and to start a life.

Everything finally seemed to be falling into place.

Dean found Y/N in their room, folding and putting away laundry. He smiled at her, always loving the small moments of domesticity. They were new and refreshing and he didn't want to take any of it for granted.

"Hey, Babe," Dean caught her attention. coming up behind her and grabbing her by the waist as he placed a kiss on her cheek, "Can we talk for a minute?"

Y/N stopped what she was doing, turning to Dean with trepidation. She knew Dean wasn't a big talker. She nodded, giving him her full attention. He sat her on the edge of the bed and joined her.

"I've been doing a lot of thinking since that last hunt. You're right. It's time I left the life behind. It's time I focused on our future."

"Dean-" she interrupted, feeling incredibly guilty, "I'm sorry I said what I said. I know you hunt. I know that-"

He raised a hand silencing her, "I want to. I want a life with you."

She smiled brightly, leaning in and kissing him deeply with relief. Maybe they could have a simple, domestic, safe life.

"Rise and shine, Sweet Thing," Dean said as he swiftly pulled back the covers, revealing Y/N. She groaned as she wiped her mess of hair from her face to glare at him with barely open eyes.

Dean chuckled and pecked her lips before handing her a mug of coffee and sitting beside her on the bed.

"Why are you so chiper so early?" she groaned, "I thought that was Sam's thing."

He laughed again, "Well, I'm in a good mood and I'm really excited."

She raised a curious brow at him, taking a hefty gulp of her coffee to help her mind, "What's going on?"

"Get up and you'll see," Dean said, getting up from the bed and beginning to go through the closet and dresser, pulling out clothes for her. She decided arguing with this crazy person wouldn't get her anywhere, so she just went along with it.

Whatever it was, at least it made him smile so brightly. That tugged on her heart strings a bit.

She took turns getting dressed and gulping her coffee, trying to move as swiftly as her body would allow. Dean was practically vibrating in place, like a kid ready to go to Disneyland.

An hour later and she understood why.

Dean stopped the car at the end of the long driveway - practically a private road - to the charming yet dilapidated farmhouse in front of her. She climbed out of the car, her eyes taking in the property around her.

It reminded her of her own farmhouse in a way. Or it would if it wasn't so rundown and overgrown. That didn't deter her though. She wouldn't shy from a fixer-upper. Hell, her home was one too.

"I bought it," Dean said, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her middle. He rested his chin on her shoulder as they both looked over the house and property.

There was plenty of land. She could already pick out a few good spots for a garden. The property was surrounded by woods too, so there was a sense of privacy and quiet.

"I figured we could fix it up together," He said as he took her by the hand and led her inside, showing her around and telling her all the ideas he had for the place. Her face hurt she was smiling so hard so long, "Sam said he'd come by and help too."

"He's not coming with us?" she asked, wondering why Dean would leave his brother behind.

"He bought a house too," he grinned, "For him and Eileen. It's in town."

"Wow," she huffed a laugh, "So you really were serious. About leaving it behind? Building a life with me?"

"Yes. We can be happy here."

She looked around once more before settling on him again and smiling brightly, "I think we can," she agreed.

Y/N groaned as she placed the bowl on the floor, petting Miracle on the head with a smile. She stood up straight, a hand on her lower back for support, the other on her large belly.

She perked up, hearing a car pull up the drive outside. She opened the front door and went down on the porch, smiling in greeting at Sam and Eileen as they exited the car.

Sam reached her first, giving her a hug and kiss on the cheek. He rubbed a hand over her belly in greeting to the baby, before stepping aside for the women to hug and coo. They laughed, barely able to hug each other as their matching protruding bellies got in the way.

"Dean in the garage?" Sam asked and Y/N nodded with a roll of her eyes.

"Is he ever anywhere else?" she joked. She ushered Eileen inside, Miracle happily greeting them both.

Sam made his way to the garage. It was a large barn previously, but he and Dean had converted it. Sam smiled at the sign above the entrance: Family Business Auto Repair & Restorations.

With Baby and a few cars from the Men of Letters Bunker, Dean was able to showcase his skills locally - and eventually regionally - which allowed him to really take off with cars professionally. He always thought about it, but never thought it could be a reality.

After a quick hug and greeting, the brothers made their way back to the house. The four of them tried to have dinner together at least once a week.

The brothers stopped in the trek, spying the women sat on the porch chairs, sipping at lemonade. A pitcher and additional glasses sat waiting. Dean smiled at his brother.

"Living the dream."

Forevers:

@sis-tafics

@lyarr24

@calaofnoldor

@hobby27

@spnbaby-67

Dean Winchester:

@akshi8278

@jerkbitchidjitassbutt

[etlunainmorte]

"WHAT THE FFFUUUCCCKKK?!"

Christopher wailed helplessly for seemingly the sixtieth time that evening. He has been brought by an unknown force to many places he hasn't even seen, and in a space of only thirty minutes, it was safe to say that he has traveled all four or so corners, and nooks and crannies, of the planet Earth.

And now, he found himself standing at the edge of the cliff, staring down from a height where he could fall down, down, down into the deep, vast ocean where the waves crashed wildly, with no hope of coming back up alive.

"WHOA, WHOA, WHOA!" Christopher was truly about to stumble down when a strong hand grabbed his already wrinkled coat, saving him from his demise.

"I GIVE UP!" The doctor finally cried in defeat. "I GIVE UP!"

"Come again?" Came the threatening voice of the man behind him. The man who was responsible for all of these unwanted travels.

"I GIVE UP! I'M SORRY! I WILL NEVER INTERFERE AGAIN!"

"Ah, I can't quite hear you." Vergil simply answered. "The waves are too loud. But, where shall we go next? The Himalayas? The Amazon? Or perhaps the - ?"

"STOP! PLEASE! NOT THE HIMALAYAS AGAIN! I'M SORRY!" Christopher cried helplessly. "I'LL,... I'LL GIVE THE NECKLACE BACK. JUST,... PLEASE! BRING ME BACK HOME!"

"And you swear it?"

"YES! YES!"

"Very well." Vergil replied, and after another slash of the Yamato, Christopher and him were back to Swan Lane in mere seconds.

Christopher collapsed on the ground, almost worshipping the dirty asphalt for seeing and feeling it once more. Then, fishing the necklace from his pocket, he turned around to see the eldest son of Sparda looking down at him.

"Here, man, take it!" Christopher said as he handed the trinket back to Vergil.

"And I hope you learned your lesson." Vergil spoke as calmly as he could as he took the thing from Christopher's hand. He knew that the man would have no reason to lie now, and should he find him doing it again, he'll take it upon himself to make him face even greater consequences than ever before ( he was strongly debating whether to leave the doctor on an indigenous island tribe who still used poison darts to assault invaders but, he took mercy upon him and avoided the place altogether ).

"Yes! Yes! I swear I will be good!"

"Very well, then." Vergil nodded, then turned on his heel.

Christopher waited for Vergil to disappear and only then did he finally try to get up. Thinking with gusto on what to have for breakfast ( for it was, indeed, almost morning ), he simply walked back home without calling for a taxi ( luckily, he didn't drop his cellphone on the way to Nairobi ). Opening the door and going straight to his kitchen, he opened his fridge and found,... nothing.

Thinking that his eyes might only be tired from seeing too much within a single night, he closed the fridge and blinked several times. Then, he opened the fridge once more. Still nothing.

"What,... the hell?" Christopher muttered under his breath.

His hunger almost consuming him, he began ransacking the shelves for anything to eat, anything at all. But, it was useless.

Someone stole all of his food!

Collapsing on the chair, he tried to stifle his screams of frustration as he grabbed fistfuls of his hair when he saw a piece of paper on the table right in front of him.

Curious, he grabbed the paper and read the words written on it.

Kittee an I ate all yer foods

It was yummee

Bydawei (Y/N)'s pupels tot me da alfebet last kreesmas and I learnt how ta wraite

Thankz fer da meal!

Yum yum yum

- Griffin

Can we go bak next time? Da mufens r hella delishas! Will bring Nitemerr too! He sez he wants ta see ya!

And at the bottom of the letter was a drawing of a frazzled - looking bird, with fierce - looking red eyes, in different shades of blue. And beside it, an illustration of a black cat with red eyes with the words, haha! Kittee gos mrreow! written next to it.

That damned poet's pets,... ate all of his damned food!

"FFFUUUCCCKKK!"

***

🌸 Three Wishes 🌸

***

The start of the new year proved to be very fruitful for you. First of all, Christopher Lancaster has moved to a different city that was very far from Swan Lane ( you found it strange that Griffon and Shadow seemed to be saddened by this fact ). Avery and Roman finally shared the good news to everyone ( you were not that surprised, actually, but all of you were very happy for the couple, nonetheless ). Your grandmother and Fleminger started seeing each other more and more and they both looked very happy ( once, Fleminger even visited the kindergarten you were working at and gave a musical instrument to each child, not to mention the more than generous sum he donated a week prior ). Dante left alone for Gaoltown on a mysterious gig he didn't want to share with others ( he didn't divulge the full details of the commission but, Morrison did spill that the client this time needed more than an Exorcist, and because of that, you have a strong feeling of what the Devil Hunter would be facing there ). Lady and Trish took turns watching over Dante's shop at Morrison's behest ( said they have this ladies' night thing going on and that they were working so hard because of this ). Nero went on more Devil Hunting missions with Nico ( Kyrie started tagging along, cooking foods for them and assisting Nico with Breaker repairs ). And Vergil? Let's just say he was busy with something,...

What about you and V?

For one, you have witnessed how V's demeanor changed for the better. As a matter of fact, he felt so different now compared to how he was the first time you've met him. Now, he smiled a lot, ate more than ever before, and most importantly, he finally allowed himself to loosen up a bit and have fun. 

Also, you're very happy to see how well he has gotten along with your students ( he insisted on visiting there every once in a while, either to play the violin or to read fairy tales ), that, over time, the children has gotten attached to him. So, he finally made the decision to apply there as a substitute teacher ( he can't focus on a full time teaching job because he was still active as a Devil Hunter ), and, honestly? You were beyond thrilled and excited. You even began looking forward to the days when it was his turn to teach because, every time he whips up fun tales for the children to listen to, he would always ask Griffon and Shadow to act out as the main characters ( the demonic bird was already asked to play as an astronaut who got lost in space, a pirate who can't swim, and a Genie who can't cook barbecue, and the demonic feline was already made to play a mermaid who turned into a hair brush, a warrior who came out of a durian, and a witch who turn swine into fish ). On some rare cases, the generous poet, along with his pet demons, would play tirelessly with the children for hours on end until the familiars got so tired, they turned into their stalemate states a few times.

And what about outside your work? Honestly, you couldn't ask for anything else, for you felt so content and satisfied with V by your side. He has even taken a vast interest with your full - time occupation as a pianist ( being a surprisingly talented musician, himself ). He never missed any of your concours and he has become your biggest fan ( he would always kindly ask to play something with you if you're not busy ). 

At times, you didn't know, or couldn't figure out, what you did to deserve such a very loving, thoughtful, and wonderful person. Your wounds of your past has now fully healed, thanks to V, and everyday, you look forward to seeing him and spending the rest of the day with him. You never stopped thanking the Heavens for granting you this wonderful opportunity of being together with the most loving, caring, and gentle man you have ever met.

Indeed, with V by your side, you have become the happiest woman on earth.

*

February 14, 2020

*

" ... and we can handle the rest. No worries!"

You still couldn't understand. Your partner's back! And what's more, she's with Vergil!

Vergil Sparda, of all people!

The two were graciously asking you to take a rest from teaching, taking over as teachers for the day to make up for the lost time ( your partner has been absent for quite a while ). And honestly? The two were doing a pretty good job ( you were a bit scared of what the students would think of Vergil, turned out he was fond of children deep beneath his stoic and intimidating shell, and they easily fell in love with him ) that you instantly felt confident of their skills.

But, work matters aside: Vergil was, indeed, the man who has been visiting your partner since last year! The man has been trying so hard to win her affections over the holidays, hence his absence from Devil hunting missions! And you saw that he has finally succeeded! The smile on his face said so!

And your partner? She looked positively radiant! And she should be! She's finally together with someone who deserved her love and kindness!

Finally, she would no longer feel heartbroken and lonely, and she could focus more on her violin now!

"It's alright, (Y/N)." Vergil reiterated as he handed a stuffed tiger to a little girl. "We can take it from here."

"Thank you, Vergil." You said, smiling at him and feeling so grateful for his initiative and generosity.

"No. Thank you. For taking care of my brother." The eldest son of Sparda answered. "I have never seen V so happy. And content. And full of life. He has changed, and for the better. I'm sure mother would be so proud of you, and she would feel honored to have you as a new member of the Sparda family,... little sister."

"Oh! I," you mumbled, suddenly feeling the heat creep up your cheeks and ears at the thought of marrying into the Sparda family. " ... thank you so much, Vergil."

"Come on, (Y/N), it's the fourteenth of February!" Your partner playfully told you as she held onto your arm. "You know what it means, don't you?"

"I don't know about that!" You lied with a shy smile, already feeling excited for this wonderful day.

"Go on! I'm sure he's waiting for you outside." Your partner let you go and practically pushed you out of the room with a mischievous look.

Giving the couple one last look before going out, you waved at them and said, "Thanks, guys!"

"You're welcome, (Y/N)."

"No problem, partner!"

Wearing a smile that could only be described as full of love and happiness, you went outside the colorful kindergarten building and, indeed, saw V waiting for you outside. And what's more, he was atop a jet black motorcycle that made your eyes widen in awe.

With a devilish smirk, V gestured for you to join him and said, "Nero persuaded me to get my own vehicle, since we would not be getting Nico's services for the next couple of months."

"That,... looks positively badass!" You admitted as you received your helmet from him. "Is this what you're trying to learn last month? How to ride a motorcycle?"

"Indeed." V answered as he felt your arms wrapping around his mid section. "Surprised?"

"Yeah!" You answered as you watched him wear his own helmet.

"Where to, my sweet lady?" V asked, his deep voice laced with mischief and excitement.

And with a little smirk of your own, you said, leaning onto him, "Wherever your heart desires, my dear poet."

***

🐦 Griffon's love letter is brought to you by my one and only little chicken, @lilttlechicken . Thank you so much for the help and support! 🐦

🌸 Thank you so much for the love and support, guys! By the way, there is a running joke / trend in every chapter of this fic. Let me know in the comments section if you noticed it, and I might give you a little gift. ;) 🌸

🌸 @la-vita , @dreaming-gamer , @birdgirl69 , and @v-vic . 🌸

***

...

...

...

"V,..." The poet heard Dante's voice from a distance. "V! Wake up!"

V opened his eyes and saw the worried look on Dante and Griffon's faces.

"V," Dante muttered as he grabbed the poet's shoulders, helping him sit and trying to wake him up by shaking him a bit. " ... are you okay? What happened?"

"I thought you're done for, V!" Griffon, who gently landed on his leg, sounded like he was crying in despair.

V felt his eyes getting heavy and hot with unshed tears, and there was a growing pain in his chest that was beginning to feel more and more like a massive inconvenience. His hand reached up and clutched it, feeling emptier and lonelier than ever before.

"I saw her." The poet began, his voice hoarse and raw with emotion after such a shocking and harrowing experience. "As a dancer, a musician, a teacher, a patient, a partner, a lover,... " Looking into Dante's eyes, he let out those words that nagged and gnawed on his conscience, begging to be freed after such a long time. "It has always been her, Dante."

"What do you mean by that, V?"

"It was (Y/N). We were always together. It has always been her. And her alone." Taking a deep breath, he finally set those tears of his free from their deep, jade prison and declared, with a clear voice, "(Y/N),... is, indeed, my soulmate."

Leaving the poet for a while, Dante stood and marched directly towards the one who caused V all this misery.

The one woman, dressed from head to toe in black, who mourned for the lost of her love.

For many centuries.

"Azalea," Dante began, looking down at her and trying to get through her intimidating shell one more time. But, he still couldn't. " ... what happened to V? What did you do to him?"

The woman named Azalea returned Dante's worried gazr, her pair of gold rose eyes that shed so many tears seemingly penetrating the depths of his own soul.

And with a look that made the Legendary Devil Hunter realize how weak he really was before her, she spoke,...

"I opened,... his eyes."

***

V and Dante will return.

***

🌸🌸🌸

***

[wedreamerz]

I've had this AU Spiderfrost in my head so long I thought I'd throw the prologue out here... as a teaser...maybe the first chapter... and see if anyone wants me to continue... No underage stuff. But eventual relationship/explicit.

Post IW - After Loki saves Tony's life they become best friends. Before Tony leaves to save the world he asks Loki to keep an eye out for Peter if anything happens to him.

In the aftermath of Tony's death, Loki becomes Peter's unseen guardian, friend and eventual lover. Soonafter, a gift they receive the Ancient One makes Loki believe there's more to the relationship than Tony's machinations.

Thinking of calling it As The World Falls Down.

"It's the boy. Peter. You do this for him."

~~~~♡

"It's the boy. Peter. You do this for him."

Tony considered Loki’s question as he swirled the whiskey in his glass, questioning his motivation for the millionth time.

"And the friends we lost," Tony shrugged.  "But yeah. Peter was…" Tony sighed and smiled to himself.  "Peter was an amazing human being, Lokes. So fucking smart. He had so much potential. And it just blew away in the wind. I feel responsible for that."  

Tony closed his eyes to the sting of tears, breathed deep and let the song of the insects and nightbirds calm him.  It was so dark down by the lake. Nothing like the bright lights of New York City. But he'd found contentment here, happiness in the wake of such devastating loss.

Out of the ashes, he and Pepper had managed to build something so perfect.  Nothing he had ever created would live up to the perfect little life they were raising.  Morgan was brilliant and beautiful, everything he never thought he'd have. Everything he didn't deserve.  When his friends had come to him for help, he'd turned them away, sent them packing. How could he risk everything he'd found in the little slice of Heaven they'd carved out for themselves? 

But Peter's face, his smile, and the memories they'd conjured.  They had inspired him. Could he really raise his daughter in a world in which Peter Parker wasn't there to help with her homework or teach her about Star Wars?  And then he’d seen the photo of him and Peter holding that Stark Industries certificate, held upside down. They’d had such a good time at that photoshoot, done for the sole excuse of having an official picture for May.  Tony couldn’t remember who had flipped the certificate. But that had been the key to key to everything.

Tony looked at Loki over the rim of his glass.  Loki sat with his back to the house and the porchlight shone around his head like a halo.  He sipped his own drink, a wine that he’d found in town and prefered to Tony’s whiskey. Loki - his once upon a time enemy, turned saviour, turned friend.  Tony wouldn't be alive if Loki hadn't saved them from that ship. Now he needed help again and there wasn't anyone on the planet he trusted more to do this job.

"Ask it," Loki said softly, crossing his long legs at the ankles, one eyebrow raised in query.  "Ask me anything, Tony Stark."

Tony heaved a breath.  I need you here while I'm gone," he said, finally.  “I have no idea what sort of Pandora's box we'll open with time travel. I need you here with them in case a fight comes to this door."

Loki pressed his lips together and nodded.  "You know I will protect them with my life. But there's more. I can feel it."

Tony smiled and took a sip of his drink.  “You know me too well,” he said. “Alright, look, if this goes sideways, if I...if I don't come back...I need you to watch out for Peter. I need you to make sure he's okay.  Sometimes...sometimes he'll need you to kick him in the ass and remind him he's not responsible for all the evil in the world...that he can't save everyone. But…" Tony took a shuddering breath, eyes hot with unshed tears.  "Mainly just...be there. Pepper's gonna have her hands full with Morgan and Peter...he's gonna want answers. He’s gonna need someone to tell him that whatever happened...wasn’t his fault. Because that’s exactly what he’s gonna think. And he's gonna need someone to help him out with the super hero gig."

Loki didn't argue or try to tell Tony he was being silly - of course he would make it. Loki merely smiled and took Tony's hand.  

"It will be my privilege to know him," Loki said.

And that was why they’d become so close.  Because Loki was a realist. He saw things like they were and not how he wanted them to be.  Would he fight against it? Of course. But for being the God of Mischief, the God of Lies - Loki did not blow smoke.  He called Tony on his bullshit and if things were going to shit he didn’t waste time telling you everything was fine. He just found a way to help in the most unexpected, sometimes illegal and morally sketchy ways.     

Tony nodded, relieved.  The knot of anxiety in his gut unraveled just the slightest bit.  He sighed and stared across the lake, Loki's comforting presence beside him.

"Do TRY not to die though," Loki said dryly before taking a sip of his drink.

Tony chuckled.  "You know better than anyone how the best laid plans can get away from you."

"Daddy?"

Tony wiped his face and turned to find Morgan, feet bare and in her nightgown.  Pepper stood behind her, with that guarded smile. That smile Tony remembered from before.  She knew that Tony planned to leave in the morning and she was afraid.

"Morgan wanted to say goodnight to Uncle Lolo," Pepper said, holding Tony’s gaze.

Morgan climbed into Tony's lap and hugged him.  "Mom said if I go to bed now you'll make pancakes tomorrow for breakfast."

"Did she now? Well then I guess you better run off before that offer expires," Tony said.

Morgan's eyes widened.  She tried to hop down but Tony held her till she giggled, "Daddy! My pancakes are expiring!"

"Sorry, baby girl, my arms seem to be broken. You're gonna have to push a little harder," Tony teased until finally she wiggled free.

"I still gotta hug Uncle Lolo," she said to Pepper with her hand on her hip, pointer finger up.  “Daddy took up all my time."

Pepper pressed a smile between her lips and nodded.  "Make it quick."

Morgan flung herself into Loki's arms and squeezed him hard.

He groaned with feigned exertion, "Norns, child. You grow stronger daily. It will not be long before you can best even the mighty Thor in battle."

Morgan grinned and made a muscle which Loki felt at her insistence.

"Truly impressive," he said and then bent to whisper in her ear.  "Have you been drinking the magical elixir I hide for you in the back of the refrigerator?" 

Morgan nodded, eyeing Tony and Pepper, who pretended they couldn't hear them. Loki's magic elixir was a smoothie he blended for her that tasted amazing but was full of the vegetables she refused to eat at meals.

"Can't you tell? My muscles are bigger."

"Indeed. Continue as I said. One serving after every meal."

They nodded together, conspiring a few more moments before she hugged him again.

"Night, Lolo."

"Goodnight, Lady Morgan." 

Morgan turned back to Tony but stopped, that pointer finger out again, this time aimed at Tony.  "Are your arms okay?"

Tony moved his arms around.  "Yep. They're working just fine, baby girl. One more hug and off to bed. I'll be in in a minute for story time."

Morgan hugged him quick as though she were afraid his arms might break again and then ran back to Pepper.  He watched them walk up the path to the house, hand in hand. As they disappeared through the front door, he sighed.

“This is my only shot to make this right, Lo. Not just for Peter, but for everyone.”

“Just as we planned, my friend,” Loki said said softly.  “I will not leave Morgan's side. And if something should happen to you, I swear that I will be here for your family - including Peter. Let the past and the future take care of themselves for now, Tony. Spend some time in the present.”

Tony smiled and got to his feet.  “I think I’ll do that,” he said and then bent down to hug Loki.  Loki hugged him back, just a little too long and a little too tight.  But Tony pretended not to notice. Because although Loki didn’t blow smoke, Tony knew a goodbye hug when he felt it.