#it could be a casual Q and A style tour maybe?

[zackstriker]

hot take i think the june phannouncement is gonna be a podcast

[nicoscheer]

X

He’s gonna be the fucking death of me first killing the joke and now silverscreen 😭😭😭

Indie rock icon, last shadow Puppets star and one of Merseyside’s most notable musical exports, Miles Kane, returned this year with his fifth album ‘One man Band’. Following on from his last two records which are packed with Glam stompers, the new album saw him dive back into the punchy Indie sound that first earned him waves of fans. We spoke with Miles about how his songwriting, style and sound have evolved over the years…

Q. You’ve had a productive spell recently releasing two albums in two years, have you enjoyed focusing on you solo work?

A. “Yeah, I think especially on this record. I just love making tunes, you know? I think on this one, it was great working with our James, my cousin from the Coral and Alfie Skelly too. Also, not having that pressure of a major label and just being fully in control of what I want to do. There’s always a plan and an expectation but I think I’ve really taken control of the ship on this album. I think I just got in a zone. It wasn’t a/masked but the quality of songs came quite quick, which doesn’t always happen.”

Q. How important to you is your visual identity as an artist?

A. “It’s always been massively important with me, whether it’s super stylized suits or glam rock makeup. There’s many sides to my sort of style, but on the new album I’ve just been feeling the more casual side both in life and in music. I just wanted it to be not super posed and sexy, I wanted it to feel more natural.”

Q. What drove you to write the track ‘Baggio’

A. “Im obsessed with Italian shirts and always have been as a kid. So I think it was a story about that childhood and my intriguement/ obsession with Italian football. It’s more of a song about childhood, reminiscing and remembering these specific little things. For me, it was World Cup 94, watching Italy and seeing Baggio. You could have said Oasis or something like that but Baggio’s a bit cooler and I think people around me like James and Alfie were like ‘Oh, this is so you’ because obviously they know me and I think that’s why it connected. I think at first some people were like, ‘ what are you on about there?’ but it’s these kinds of songs that I’m glad I stuck to my guts on.”

Q. Was it fun to explore the retro football style too with the single ‘Baggio’?

A. “Yeah, I love all that. I love all the old footy shirts because I think it sort of takes me back to a weird comfort memory of being a kid and I think a lot of those old footy shirts are super chic. The photo of me in the Baggio shirt wasn’t like a set up photo shoot. Chaz who plays bass was bringing his camera in and took that. I guess it was more candid and summed up the album better for me than trying to look cool or giving it the big one.”

Q. Are there any other celebrity icons or physical anchors you use to inspire your songwriting?

A. “Yeah, loads man. Rocky… fucking Al Pacino. There’s loads of wrestlers that I’ve taken inspiration from. I get very inspired by stuff like that, whether it be a jacket or it’s a bit of makeup or whatever, I’m quite obsessed. I get the mood of something I’m into and it’ll inspire me to do my version of that feeling. It sounds quite mad to explain it, but for me, that just works”.

Q. You’ve written songs on Merseyside, in London, America, at home or on tour… does your environment impact the kind of songs you’re writing?

A. “I’d say it’s more about where you’re at in your head you know. A lot of the songs on the new album were written up north and a lot was written on my couch in London where I am now. If I wanted to go and make a reggae album in Jamaica maybe that would have a big effect on it haha but, for me, I think it’s more about where I’m at in my mind.”

Q. How has Merseyside impacted you as a musician and as a person?

A. “Where you’re from is who you are, isn’t it, it’s everything. I’ve learned from all those Merseyside bands, The Coral, The Zutons, The Bunnymen, Teardrops, The Beatles. I saw them and wanted to be like them guys, you know? It was just engraved in me. I probably wouldn’t be sat here talking to you without them.”

Q. Which is your favorite track to play live off the new record?

A. “I could play this whole album live to be honest! I think ‘Never taking me alive’ is my favorite track ever to play to be honest. It’s kind of my new ‘Inhaler’ or ‘Come closer’, it’s got that big old riff and the big energy. I love that side of my tunes. Making this album I really fell in love with playing guitar again. I really want the guitar to be at the front just as much as the words are. I’ve really embraced that side of myself. Again, it’s simpler and I think that suits me. I like those other sides of me, don’t get me wrong but give me a riff and some lyrics and that’ll do me mate.”

-

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Part of the interview above

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Miles reposted with 👌🏽

-09/01/2024-

X

Oh do I love him (the lipstick paired with him so openly talking bout using glam makeup in the above interview 🫶🏽🫶🏽🥰)

Please i can’t he’s so dog dad; good to know he loves Maxie just as much as we do (the audio says “you talking to me?!”(from taxi driver)

[neo-nymph]

NCT NSFW A-Z: Jaehyun

I went to the NeoCity concert in Miami a month ago and now I can't get NCT out of my head. So I present you with this :’)

A - Aftercare

He’d probably just lay next to you for like 5 minutes to catch his breath. He’d wrap his arms under you and pull you into his side watching you with heart eyes and a subtle grin as you pant little breaths. Once he’s mellowed out he’d go all soft boy again, doing small cute things like tying your hair back so you can cool off, wiping you off with a cool towel if things got messy, getting you some water if you want. Then it’s tiny kisses on your forehead and temple, probably cringy small talk about how cute you are when you moan for him and some cuddles.

B – Body Part

On you it’s probably your legs. It might sound weird but he just finds them absolutely gorgeous. Doesn’t matter if you’re tall or short or what you’re doing. Laying on the couch with some shorts, running around in one of his shirts with your legs bare, jumping out of the pool. Anything would drive him insane. He loves pressing kisses to them when things get intimate and running his fingers across them when cuddling.

C – Cum

Not his favorite thing in the world just because of how messy and annoying to clean it is, but kinda loves putting it on you. He might even have a thing for watching you play with it. Jaehyun seems like the type to be really into facials and swallowing. Painting your cute little face with thick, white streams, watching you rub it around between your fingers or seeing the white pool disappear between your lips after fucking your mouth is like the cherry on top of his sundae.

I wouldn’t be surprised if he was into creampies too. He’d push himself inside you as deep as he could when he cums and pulls back to see it slowly seeping out and down your shaking thigh, drawing out a long sigh of satisfaction as he threw his head back and closed his eyes.  

D – Dirty Secret

Probably something like panty sniffing. Idky but I see that happening. He probably takes a pair of yours on tour to wrap around himself when he gets off.

E – Experience

I know Jae has a player attitude about him but I don’t buy it for a second. I don’t think he’s been with a ton of women, but enough that he knows what he’s doing, plus one or two extra tricks. Probably learned a thing or two from porn.

F – Favorite Position

Doggy style with your hands tied behind your back.  

He can be rough and fuck you into the bed, have his hand on your hips to keep you in place, but can still tug you up by your hair when he wants to hear your little noises.  

Hands behind your back for that little power trip.

G – Goofy

On a few occasions, like when he’s drunk. He probably can’t stop himself from cracking a goofy smile. All the way from the door to the bedroom, while making out, taking off clothes, even during the actual sex he’s making stupid jokes, giving you cringy compliments, and can’t seem to take anything either of you says or do seriously.

Also, the first time you guys are intimate together. He wouldn’t want you to be nervous, especially if you were younger/less experienced than him, so he would do his best to make the mood lighter by making jokes or being overly cute. By that I mean lots of small kisses, light taunting, etc. Anything to get you to smile, ignore your nerves and focus on having a good time.

H – Hair

Probably trims so it’s not a full on bush, but doesn’t bother with shaving totally bare. Doesn’t care what you do with yours.

I – Intimacy

Jaehyun’s a total Casanova. He knows how to read your body language and expressions extremely well, so he knows exactly what you want when you want it and how to deliver. He can be romantic and suave, cute and gentle, rough and dominating, whatever you want he’s got it.

I definitely see him being someone that shows his affection often in a lot of tiny ways, but I think his favorite way to show how much he feels for you is by getting intimate. That being said he makes the whole thing about you; your enjoyment and pleasure always come first.  

J – Jack-Off

Probably does a lot on tour. There’s a lot of time between tour stops for him to alone with his thoughts that he can’t seem to control. You’re already on his mind all the time, which didn’t help his struggle to control his desires. He prides himself on his ability to control his sexual urges, but between the lack of physical contact, the sexual dances, and you’re unforgiving voice messages, I see him jacking off pretty often. Like at least every other night, probably late after concerts.

Probably calls you for phone sex if the time zones line-up well enough. If not he probably gets off to some videos he filmed of you guys before you left or videos and voice messages you sent him a while back.

K - Kink

Maybe a power kink.  

Nothing huge, but he loves the dominating feeling that runs through him when he looks down and see’s you laying there under him, shaking vaguely, mind completely clouded in a fucked out daze as you fully submit to him. It sends him on this weird power trip and fills him with a sense of pride.

Maybe an innocence kink too.  

I only really see this happening if he’s with an inexperienced partner who’s still kinda hesitant and moves with uncertainty. He’d like guiding them and find it hot that he’d get to “train” them to do things exactly as he wanted. Looking at you move to please him with glossy baby doll eyes, a little bend in your brow as you questioned if you were doing it right would drive him mad.

L - Limits

He’s open to trying most things, but nothing super wild or extreme. He’s just past the line of Vanilla tbh.

M – Motivation (Turn-On)

When you walk around with nothing but his shirt on. It makes you look so cute to him. He likes knowing your completely him, and this is the perfect way to remind him and rile him up at the same time. Bonus points if you bend over and put everything on display for him.

N – NO (Turn-Off)

Feet.  

Don’t see much appeal past you pressing your feet against him through his pants as a tease

O – Oral

Giving: G  E  N  E  R  O  U  S. He could eat you out for hours if you let him. A classic lay on his stomach wraps his arms around your thighs kinda guy. You can try squirming all you want but he’s not letting you go anywhere. Likes when you pull on his hair. Finds it cute when you try to pull him or push yourself closer to his mouth. Lots of sucking and rolling your clit with his tongue. If he thinks you’re especially deserving he’ll use his fingers too, rough and fast just as you like it.  He’s not stopping until you cum at least twice.

Receiving: Has a decent amount of self-control, so unless he’s tied down or frustrated he won’t be very fidgety or vocal, probably just a lot of harsh breaths and low grunts. He’s naturally a dom, so you can expect one hand holding your hair into a ponytail controlling your movements. He’ll probably slump back casually in whatever seat he’s in, mouth parted lightly with small breaths escaping as he stares at you with eyes blown wide from desire. Likes fast and messy blowjobs when he’s angry or frustrated. Loves the feeling of your tight throat swallowing around his cock. Other times you can move whatever pace you want, just don’t be surprised if he starts fucking your throat by the end. He likes to hear you gag.

P – Place

He’ll fuck you anywhere in the house. On the couch, in the shower, the kitchen, on the patio. He’d be especially fond of eating you out while you sit on the island in the kitchen. Same goes for hotels and the tour bus. He’s not one for people watching, but the second you’re alone, he’ll take you on any surface he can.

Q – Quickie

I can only see these happening once in a blue moon because he likes to drag things out and take his time. Even if he randomly gets in the mood in public he’ll hold off until the event is done or find some excuse for you guys to get home. You can always expect him to be exceptionally rougher and faster than you’re used to. The pressure in his groin had him acting without logic, pulling apart your clothes, barely getting them off your body before raw dogging you against the door.  

R – Risk

Meh. Like I said before, he’s just past the line of vanilla. Risky antics aren’t typically apart of your sex life, so I wouldn’t expect anything crazy like fucking in public. Maybe he’ll whip out vibrating panties. He may decide to tease you under the table at a business dinner one night, shoving his hands down your panties. But only for a few minutes before he makes some lame excuse and takes you home.  

S – Stamina

Could probably last like 3 rounds

T – Toys

Probably uses handcuffs from time to time

U – Unfair

Like I said before, his main priority is making sure he can please you as much as possible. He probably wouldn’t go crazy with teasing. Likely just enough to make you beg him to fuck you, like rubbing you through your panties with his hand around your throat while he’s still fully clothed.

He hates being teased. The only way you’ll get away with teasing him is if he’s tied down to a chair. Good luck dealing with him after tho

V – Volume

Not super loud himself. Moans often but not loud enough for the neighbors to hear. Probably audible if someone passes by the room or the walls are thin. Grunts and groans loudest and deepest when he cums or when you deepthroat him. Throws in some dirty whisper into your ear here and there.  

Likes for you to be loud though. Especially when he’s gotten jealous; hearing you scream his name gives him a real ego boost, particularly when he walks out between rounds and sees the members in the living room pretending they didn’t hear anything

W - Wild Card [Author’s Choice] (this one ain't so nsfw sorry lol)

I cannot stress enough how much this man loves you. You’re like a little angel to him. It’s pretty obvious that he’s a confident guy, but sometimes he gets worried that he’s not deserving of you, for reasons other than looks. That’s why he always spoils you so much, sexually and not. He hopes if he showers you enough with his love and gives you everything he believes you deserve, you’ll constantly be reminded about how much you love him and you won’t want to leave.

X - X-Ray [Dick Size]

Longer than most but not huge. I’d say 7 inches long and generously thick. You’re gonna feel the stretch every time honey.

Y – Yearning [Sex Drive]

When he’s home, not exceedingly high. You probably have sex like 3 or 4 times a week. When he’s sex-deprived on tour tho, he’s calling you like every other night to help him out.

Z – Zzz [After Sex]

I mentioned this before at the beginning, he probably needs like 5 minutes to catch his breath and he’s good. After he tends to you and you guys get all cuddly, he’ll probably fall asleep in like 30 mins to a 1 hr

[melonbreadallthetime]

Ken-chan’s Fan Event 2019

I was lucky enough to score tickets for all 3 sessions on the 24th and although the general format is the same for every session, the things said in each session are actually pretty different because of how Ken-chan decided to do things.  Each session had me in stitches, I was laughing so hard my face hurt, and overall, I had a super wonderful time.  

Check out the Read More for a full write-up and more pictures!

Ken-chan's guests for the 24th were co-stars from his current show GEKIIKE Masquerade, and they were Isaka Tatsuya and Washio Shuuto.  Shuuto has been a guest for Ken-chan before (not when I went), and I’ve actually been a fan of Isaka Tatsuya for over 10 years (from when he was Ichigo in Burimyu) so there was a hilarious war inside me between my 18-year-old-self who loved Tatsuya best to my current self that loves Ken-chan (equally?  More?  A LOT even if it’s not as long).  Shouma was also there because Shouma’s ALWAYS there; I’m pretty sure Ken-chan has never had a fan event without Shouma.  Although he’s usually there in a helping capacity, maybe emceeing, this time he was more like one of the guests and was on-stage for the Q&A and Etudes (improv skits).  Kainuma Yutaka, an actor Ken-chan met working on Nintama was the emcee.  

So the format was: Ken-chan, Tatsuya, and Shuuto would appear as a debuting idol group, perform their 2 debut singles (not original), and then there was a Q&A session with questions from the audience (we had to email questions beforehand), and then there were the Etudes (they always did three), and then Ken-chan did a present raffle for the audience, giving away solo cheki (polaroids) and one of his handmade uchiwa, and then the show would end with him taking photos with any fans who paid for a cheki with him.  Surprisingly, they also offered cheki for Ken-chan's guests, Tatsuya and Shuuto and Shouma, which is rare.  I’ve never seen an actor event where that was an option.  

1) Debut Idol Group

This portion is a gag, since these three are pretending to form an idol group together, but they basically styled themselves like one of those... color-coded, young-boys-breaking-into-the-industry, put-together-by-an-agency type idol group.  So they all had color-coded headbands (Ken-chan had red, Tatsuya had blue, and Shuuto had yellow), and they all had white T-shirts with their idol names SHARPIED on (Ken-chan's shirt read Akkun, Tatsuya’s shirt read Takkun, and Shuuto’s read Shukkun).  They also all wore these REALLY TIGHT skinny jeans with color-coded belts, and their makeup was A LOT OF BLUSH to make themselves look boyish.  Shuuto even had freckles drawn over his blush.  Ken-chan was also pitching his voice to sound much higher.  Tatsuya’s Takkun personality wasn’t all that different from himself, he was pretty silly and hammy.  Ken-chan as Akkun would stutter a lot, would not stop wiggling his hips across the stage and striking poses, and very excitable, very... manufactured idol.  Shuuto as Shukkun was SUPER SHY AND QUIET and wouldn’t really talk or move at all, he just stood on the far right towards the back of the stage with his shoulders all stiff and a terrified, deer-in-the-headlights look.  

Then they performed their two “singles” which were actually songs from like the 70’s or 80’s (I’d heard them before but couldn’t place them).  They’d play the original music video behind them and then sing (so really it was more like a karaoke session), and they actually didn’t know all the words to both songs, so they had uchiwa themselves on-stage.  One one side they had Sharpied their names (Akkun, Takkun, Shukkun), and on the other side, they’d printed THE LYRICS to the songs.  Ken-chan would sing and also DANCE by flailing like a maniac most of the time around the stage, shaking his hips constantly and striking dramatic Jojo poses, like someone drunk at karaoke who’s getting WAY too into the music but it’s great for spectators.  Tatsuya was honestly putting in a decent amount of effort too, singing nice and clearly and trying to dance along even though there was really no following Ken-chan.  Shuuto, because of his character, would stay stiff and still in the back right of the stage, quietly singing along and holding his uchiwa up to his face, very obviously reading the lyrics and not really ‘performing’ like the other two.  

Usually during the instrumental breaks in both songs, Ken-chan would try and get Tatsuya to do something ridiculous with him.  In the first session, he’d make Tatsuya bend forward so that he cold leapfrog over him sideways, and then he made Tatsuya leapfrog over him, and then they pulled Shuuto in for a 3-man pyramid and then they’d RUN back to grab their uchiwa off the table so they could start singing again in time lolololol.  Second session, they did lifts for Ken-chan; so Tatsuya and Shuuto would take either of Ken-chan's arms and lift him in an angel pose and carry him across the stage, In the third session, they kept trying to do these lifts that they didn’t really know how to do, so Tatsuya would lift Ken-chan onto his shoulders, but then he kept trying to get Ken-chan to sort of... stand? By bracing his feet on his thighs and it was not working because Ken-chan didn’t know what to do and then Tatsuya accidentally decked Ken-chan in the crotch with his head and Ken-chan dramatically rolled around the floor on-stage, clutching his crotch and the others sort of checked on him before hurrying to grab their lyrics because they were missing their cues lololololol.  

And then after the performance, Yutaka-san and Shouma would join them on stage.  They’d joke around about how Shukkun was new and that’s why he’s so nervous and not doing as well as the other two.  Yutaka-san would point out that they only formed their group recently, as in, TODAY, and Akkun said in one session, “Well he arrived last in the morning.  So he’s the new guy.  I’m his senpai by two minutes.”  

Oh and I forgot to mention that their idol group name was “Atashi,” which is (1) the most feminine way to say “I,” and (2) a reference to Arashi, the most famous Japanese boy band that’s existed since 1999.  

Then they would “transform” into themselves with an “illusion” which just meant Ken-chan would twirl around on-stage shouting, “ILLUSION!!!” and they’d flash the lights on the stage, and then the three would start acting like themselves to start the Q&A session.

2) Q&A Session

They always did about three pre-selected audience questions that had to be e-mailed in before the day, and it was fun because they would ask the question to all four of them in most cases, and usually they’d get a little de-railed and end up talking about one question for several minutes.  Most of the questions were summer-themed and resulted in a lot of really random information from all of them like how Tatsuya really likes to go riding on his motorcycle out into nature and go solo-camping, Shuuto refuses to turn on the air conditioning even in summer (to get stronger, whatever that means), and Ken-chan was actually scouted at age 15, but didn’t decide to seriously pursue work in the entertainment industry until he turned 18.  There was even some conversation about choosing to stay in entertainment, and Shuuto brought up the great point that most actors quit around the time that they’re 29 and move on to other things and/or start a family, “so the ones who stick around past thirty are the weirdos.”  And Ken-chan was like HEY and Tatsuya was like ‘yeah maybe...’  But Shuuto fixed it to say that the over-thirty actors are then some of the most wonderful senpai to learn from as a younger actor.  

One of the questions that I found really cute was one that asked how they did their summer homework back when they were in school.  Do it at the start of summer type, work on it gradually throughout the summer type, or the procrastinator.  Tatsuya said he always had a lot of anxiety about it so he was the type to do his homework little by little every day throughout the summer, and that he’s the same way now as actor.  He has nightmares about getting the script and then the tour of a play starting the next day when he hadn’t learned any of his lines yet, so he’s very diligent about memorization.  Ken-chan and Shouma were both procrastinators who put off their homework to the end, although Ken-chan also mentioned a friend he had in high school who would dedicate the first two weeks of summer entirely to vacation, and the last two weeks entirely to vacation, but would do his absolute best for three days right in the middle to finishing all of his homework then.  Shuuto said he was the type to never do his homework and run away from the teachers.  In the first session when this question was asked, there was actually a child in the audience (she looked maybe about 8?) and he noticed her and kind of immediately backtracked and said to her directly, “But that’s not good, okay?  I did a bad thing, you have to do your summer homework.”  

Tatsuya apparently really likes camping by himself, winter camping, and recently has started buying more and more camping gear.  He invited Ken-chan to go camping with him, and Ken-chan said he’d go, and Shuuto just flat out immediately refused, going, “Nope, it’s summer, there are too many bugs.”  And they were like, “Didn’t you want to be stronger?  Don’t you not turn on your air conditioning for that?” And he was just like, “This is different.”  Tatsuya mentioned recently buying an axe for camping purposes, and very casually said, “Between a knife and an axe, I prefer an axe, you know?” And everyone else was just like, “I have literally never thought about that.  Nobody thinks about that.”  

There was a question about favorite places they’ve visited when traveling, maybe for work, and it got sidetracked because they started talking about weird experiences in different places.  So Ken-chan went to this kind of foresty and mountainy area for a shoot and they were filming at night and in the distance they could see a weird red light.  They thought maybe it’s the SDF (Japanese Self Defense Force) or maybe a matsuri, except it was like 1am, so Ken-chan and several others went to go check it out.  And as they were getting closer, the light moved up, grew into a bright orb, and then suddenly vanished.  So they all thought they saw a UFO.  He also says half the people he tells this story to don’t believe him, but Tatsuya believed him because he then talked about a ghost encounter inside a theater he was performing in.  He was crawling in the space under the stage to get to the other side of the stage and there was someone in front of him that wasn’t supposed to be there because he was supposed to be first in line getting out, so he tried crawling faster to catch up, but when he turned this one corner, nobody was there.  And then they all agreed that there are definitely haunted theaters everywhere.  

When asked if there was anything recent that they started getting into, all of their answers were for super old franchises.  Ken-chan talked about getting into Pokemon cards for the first time, meeting up and playing games with Shouhei (1st Nishinoya from Engeki Haikyuu), and Tatsuya talked about how it was hard to collect Pokemon cards as a kid because you don’t have money, but as an adult you can go all in and really build the decks you want so it’s more satisfying as an adult to play the card game.  Shuuto for some reason listed Dragonball, and when asked what his favorite season or version he liked, he said, “All of it.”  And they were like, oh come on pick a favorite, and he was like, “It’s not about that.  It’s about the world.”  

There was another question that asked them to compliment the person on their right, but they were sitting in a line on stage and there was nobody to Shouma’s right, so then they all stood up in a 4-person circle, arms around each other other and touching foreheads and the emcee was like THE AUDIENCE CAN’T SEE YOU IF YOU DO THAT, SIT BACK DOWN.

So Ken-chan complimented Shuuto saying that he’s really kind and this is because he pays a lot of attention to the people around him and knows how to read people’s moods.  When Shuuto was complimenting Tatsuya, he started listing things going, “Well he’s an idiot...” And everyone else was like, “...in a good way, right?” And he was like yes yes, in a good way.  And then “He’s loud...” The emcee added, “In a good way.”  Followed by “He’s clumsy,” and the emcee went, “In a good way—I shouldn’t have to be adding these!!”  But since Tatsuya didn’t really know Shouma because they were meeting for the first time, Shouma said it was okay, they could skip him, but the others insisted that Tatsuya could pull it off.  So Tatsuya looked at Shouma very carefully and went, “His hair looks like Trunks.  A small, good-looking face... great smile!” And it was super cute and adorable honestly.   Then the emcee told Tatsuya and Shuuto to compliment Ken-chan, since it’s his event and all, so they both talked about how warm and inviting he is as a person, and they thought it was wonderful how much thought and effort he put into planning his events, even if he asks them to do ridiculous things, it’s with such genuine enthusiasm they’re happy to go along with his whims.  

3) Etude improv skits

And now for my favorite, the improv skits that Ken-chan always does at his events.  They did three every session, and these were probably some of the best I’ve ever seen because Tatsuya and Shuuto were so great and the dynamic between the three of them was so fun.  I’m not going to remember all of these and not in exact order, but the first one they did was in a bathhouse.  There was always one that was idol themed because of the whole Atashi thing lol.  

Bathhouse This one was a bit of a mess because the others took these little buckets and put them over their crotches like men do in public baths, Shouma was pretending to be a cleaner/staff going around mopping and cleaning, but then Ken-chan out of nowhere decided he was going to be an old woman so he was covering his chest and pinching his thighs together and shrieking any time any of the others got near him, “Iyaaahh!!  A man!! What are you doing here?!”  So then Tatsuya and Shuuto sort of... semi-switched to being women too, and Ken-chan walked through the audience to the back of the room, complaining like comical old ladies do, but there were staff members in the back of the room working the projector and the music, so he got annoyed that there were men even in the back lololol.  And then Tatsuya clutched his chest on-stage and fell over like he was in pain, so Shuuto shoved Shouma at him going, “HELP, do something!”  And Shouma bent down next to Tatsuya, checked his condition, and then screamed, “SHE’S GIVING BIRTH!!!!” Which then had all of them pulling open Tatsuya’s legs and getting up into his crotch while screaming the entire time and I just... I could not breathe.  But then it turned out Tatsuya was fine, but then Ken-chan fell over so they started spreading his legs to help deliver a baby and it was just... so much.  I don’t even remember how it ended, just that it was a mess lol.

They actually do the bathhouse prompt twice, in the first session and then the third session because they wanted to try and see if they could do it better the second time around.  They couldn’t lolololol.  But that one had Shuuto, Shouma, and Ken-chan just constantly avoiding Tatsuya and leaving him behind while he kept trying to be part of the group and was whining that they kept leaving him.  At one point they get ready to leave without him, and this involved Shuuto going and grabbing Tatsuya’s actual backpack from off-stage and bringing back an earlier joke about Tatsuya’s solo camping.  Ken-chan commented on how cool the backpack was, and Shuuto went, “It’s great for camping!  And you know, between a knife and an axe, I much prefer an axe!”  

Mermaid princess This one started with Shouma on the chairs rowing like he was on a boat, and Tatsuya wiggled (swam) over and said hi to him, which resulted in Shouma just shrieking like a maniac and passing out.  Because that’s what anyone would do when confronted with a mermaid I guess.  So then Tatsuya got all grumpy and pouty because she just wants to become a human, but, “All these human men are useless!” which, I mean, mood.  Shuuto grabbed 4 of the uchiwa off the table and made makeshift crab claws out of them to hold in his hands and walked sideways across the stage singing “Under the Sea” and then Ken-chan showed up as some other unspecified undersea presence and tries to convince Tatsuya to stay in the sea.  And then Shouma revived himself and went, “I’m not a man, I’M A WITCH!!!”  And offered Tatsuya the chance to become human, but Ken-chan grabbed Tatsuya’s arm and dramatically spun him around and HELD him REAL CLOSE and was just like, “Don’t go, stay.”  And suddenly it got WEIRDLY romantic and the witch came around going, “Don’t be fooled by his--” and Tatsuya just went, “Shut up for a sec!” And just stared longingly into Ken-chan's eyes!??!?!  He put his hand on Ken-chan's arm to start, and then it moved to his chest, and he kept inching closer, and Ken-chan kept inching closer and it was kind of like gay chicken except that NEITHER WAS BACKING DOWN and eventually they got to touching foreheads and Tatsuya whispering throatily, “I’ll stay with you,” and it was just A LOT.  OKAY.  A LOT.  I basically watched my teenage-actor-crush and my adult-actor-crush nearly kiss and it was TOO. MUCH.   Shuuto and the emcee were just off to one side of the stage laughing and generally staying out of the way by that point and even Shouma just left them be once they got to touching foreheads because it was like ooookaaayyyy you two are clearly having a moment.  

Idol auditions For some reason, they decided that the idol auditions for this one would be done like a variety show and Shouma was the host of the program with Shuuto, Ken-chan, and Tatsuya auditioning.  Shuuto was nervous and shy and could barely talk or do anything and mostly all he could say was his random generated number 3289 or something and Ken-chan was then number 56 (because what’s consistency worth) and was enthusiastic but BAD.  So he kept stuttering and flailing around and shaking his hips nonstop but none of it was meant to look good.  Tatsuya admitted he was only doing this because he wants to break out as an actor, which the host frowned upon, but then Tatsuya was actually the most impressive one lololol.  Well, comparatively anyway.  Certainly he was the coolest.  But it ended with the host announcing that the three of them could be idols together and they were like yaaaaaay!

Pokemon In the second session, the first prompt was Pokemon and Ken-chan actually prepared a lot of things for it, so then they were like IT’S NOT IMPROV IF YOU PLANNED IT ALL OUT BEFOREHAND!!! But basically the 4 of them drew cards to see who would be trainers and who would be Pokemon, and then the ones that got to be Pokemon would draw cards to see which Pokemon they’d be.  But Tatsuya admitted he didn’t know any of the pokemon past the first 150, so they told him to do his best with the first one and then gave him a second card so he could play two.   Shouma and Ken-chan were trainers, and Shuuto and Tatsuya were Pokemon, with Shuuto being Pikachu.  Shouma introduced himself as “I’m Festival Boy!!” because he was wearing a happi and obviously you never fight any named trainers in the game outside of gym leaders.  But then Ken-chan went, “I’m RedYellowGreen!.”  By the way, I was seated in the first row for this session which was RIGHT UP against the little stage and that meant being absurdly close to all of this nonsense.  Shouma told Shuuto-Pikachu to tackle and he literally went and tackled Tatsuya, knocking both Tatsuya AND Ken-chan over lololololol.  Shuuto and Tatsuya were low on the ground on all fours or crouching to be the Pokemon, and making dumb little pokemon cries the entire time, and when Tatsuya got beat on a couple more times, Ken-chan switched him out.  I missed what Pokemon Tatsuya was supposed to be first because I was too busy wheezing but the second time, he was Venusaur.  It didn’t matter though because Shuuto-Pikachu went over and shocked them both so Shouma won the battle.   The emcee had no idea what was going on because he doesn’t know anything about Pokemon, but he figured it was good because everyone was laughing so much.  But at the end, Shuuto again said, “This seriously wasn’t a proper etude!  Don’t call it that if you—just tell us what you want to do and we’ll do it!  Don’t lie!”   I couldn’t help but remember one of the third-year videos Ken-chan did with Hiroki and Justin were Ken-chan was again a trainer and Hiroki and Justin were Pokemon and Hiroki had that really great Squirtle cry and then Hiroki and Justin attacked Ken-chan, RIP.  (x)

Idol Dressing Room Shouma played the manager in this skit, who’s trying to sell them on this idea of being in this play with this one director.  Mind you, their parts are things like “long-horned beetle,” and “rhino beetle.”  Tatsuya and Ken-chan are arguing about whether or not they should, with Tatsuya being interested because of who the director is, Ken-chan thinks it’s a pain, and when they ask Shuuto’s opinion, he just quietly and shyly replies, “Let’s do it,” and they were like, “Well if Shukkun says we should, then I guess we should.”  But as soon as Shouma leaves, Shuuto drops his shy act and comes over to the other two all casual going, “Man, I hate our manager, he’s so useless!” and they all start bitching about their manager which had the emcee CRACKING UP because that’s realism right there lol.  But then Shouma came back with his happi wrapped around his shoulders because he was the director now and with a deeper voice was like, “You guys are going to be my new actors, right?  Show me a demonstration!” and then he sits down and dramatically crosses his legs and Tatsuya starts off.  Since he’s a type of flying beetle he just kind of throws his arms behind him and runs in a wiggle to mimic flying, and Shouma went, “No no no, that’s not what I’m imagining.  I need you to be more... sexy.”  So Tatsuya does it again but sexily and then Ken-chan as a rhino beetle stomps in but Shouma tells him to be more manly so Ken-chan does it again but this time with his chest SUPER PUFFED OUT (like how Shouhei was doing it when mimicking Daichi in Winners and Losers).  And he just marches up to Tatsuya and goes, ”You’re a beautiful beetle.  Let’s mate.”  And Tatsuya just goes, “Okayy~” and turns around and Ken-chan hugs him from behind and they start swaying together and I just DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY KEEP— And then Shuuto came in as the long-horned beetle and just started pulling and plucking at their hair and that ended the scene which... you know.  Okay.  I don’t really know how the idol dressing room prompt ended this way but it sure did.

Evil Organization This one was so campy I was dying real bad.  Shouma put a chair on himself and called himself the chair monster and I think he was like, trying to hire Shuuto and Tatsuya from their ‘evil organization’ to help wreak havoc so he was telling them to demonstrate acts of eeeeevillll.  So Shuuto went first, pulled up one of the chairs, and put his foot on it.  And they were like, OH MY GOD THAT’S SO EEEVILLLLL.  PUTTING YOUR SHOES ON A CHAIR???!?  I can’t even remember what Tatsuay did anymore but it was just as campy basically, and then Ken-chan made this dramatic entrance from the back and the others on-stage went into defense mode because they thought that he was making a hero’s entrance, but then Ken-chan was like, “I’ll show you evil!  I’m going to use a chair not as intended!” and laid a chair on its back on the floor and awkwardly lay across it going, “How easy it is to sleep in this chair!!”   After the skit they were all asking him, “Were you one of the evil guys?”  Ken-chan replied that he was being their leader and they all went, “THEN WHY DID YOU DO A HERO’S ENTRANCE?  COMING UP FROM THE BACK LIKE THAT?!”  

Idol group break-up This one starts with Atashi at their final performance before breaking up basically, but also starts with Tatsuya bragging about his solo debut, which is super upsetting for Ken-chan, and Shuuto continues to just be quiet and off the corner, unbothered because he just cares SO LITTLE about being an idol lolololol.  Ken-chan kept going, “Shukkun!  Aren’t you upset?  Doesn’t this bother you?  We’re supposed to be a team!”  And he just kept going “...not really.”  By the end though, they look out at the venue from where they are on-stage, the magnificent Tokyo Dome, with all its bright lights... all the sponsor ads in the distance (cue raucous laughter from the emcee)... and they get overwhelmed with emotion and decide that they’ll do their best together for their final concert.  Shuuto just stands quietly next to them and they’re like, “Are you overwhelmed, Shukkun?  Are you moved?!”  And he just goes, “...not really.”  

High School girls I’m just gonna say that Shuuto and Ken-chan make the WORST high school girls.  They were getting the speech patterns down, deciding to go the Mean Girls route instead of just normal high school girls, and they kept teasing and sexually harassing the teacher, Shouma.  Shuuto just sat spread eagle in his chair, pretended to lift up his skirt and was just fanning his crotch, and Ken-chan commenting on the cute pattern of his underwear before just LIFTING BOTH LEGS UP INTO THE AIR WIDE APART like, “Look at mine!!” and then were like, “oh my gawwwdd, put your legs down, we can see everything!” and Shouma as the teacher was just like GIRLS PAY ATTENTION TO THE LESSION.  Ken-chan kept... lifting his legs up in a split... I just... SIR YOU NEED TO PUT YOUR CROTCH AWAY PLEASE.  But then the girls start gossiping about how it’s the teacher’s last day, and Shouma then does turn and says that because it’s his last day, he does have a confession he wants to make.  Tatsuya stands and shyly puts his hands together because he was playing the girl that had a crush on the teacher, but Shouma goes to Shuuto instead who was like, “Ehhh??? Gross!!!” and then Shouma went, “...then... Ken-chan!” and Ken-chan was like, “Why am I a second choice?!”   They eventually pull the emcee into the skit too, making him the principal who starts yelling at Shouma and the girls then start adding stories like, “And he touched us!  He’s a pervert, a pervert!”  When Tatsuya joins in, Shouma goes, ”Okay hang on, I definitely never touched Takkun!” and outs himself for the others.  Sadly the principal is a creep too because he’s mad, but he eventually yells, “You lucky bastard!” and the girls are like, “EHH!! EVEN THE PRINCIPAL!!!” and that’s how that one ended.  

4) Prizes For the raffle prizes, Ken-chan took solo polaroids there on the spot and also gave away one of his handmade uchiwa per session.  My friend actually won one of the polaroids in the first session!  The uchiwa went with the idol theme obviously, but he’d also asked us to make our own to bring to the event, because he would sign ours!  I didn’t know that when I made mine because the autograph announcement was like, only a couple days before the event, but yeah that’s really atypical of actor events too.  

Below is the one I made; the first uchiwa I’ve ever made actually!  It was a lot of fun.

5) Polaroids and autographs I actually got two cheki with Ken-chan and one with Tatsuya during the first two sessions because I just couldn’t let the opportunity pass.  When I showed Ken-chan my uchiwa, he was very happy and impressed and signed both sides of it “just in case” it would rub off on the plastic side.  Since he always allows a little more time for each person, I told him how happy I was to be able to make the trip from America to see him again, and he smiled wonderfully and thanked me for making the trip.  When I went back for another cheki in the second session, I asked him for a “fun pose” so he offered to do the big heart with both our arms and then told me to pull out my uchiwa again so he could sign it again “since you came back a second time all the way from Seattle.”  He’s soooo sweet!!!  

When I got my polaroid with Tatsuya, I told him that I’d been a fan of him since his Burimyu days and his eyes popped open like, “Oh wow!  That’s a really long time!”  And then he put his arm around me for a HUG basically, which is also SUPER RARE for fan events so I was very shook, but also my heart was soaring.  And then as I was leaving, he said, “Thank you for supporting me for so long, I hope I can keep meeting your expectations!”  

For all my younger followers who don’t yet have the income and means to travel and are afraid of missing out, don’t be!  It might take 10+ years before you can meet your favorite Japanese stage actor, and maybe it’s in entirely different circumstances than you could ever expect, but never say never!!!  It can still happen!

Overall, this is what I love about Ken-chan's events.  They’re never very big, which is on purpose, in small venues with close quarters, so that he can make them feel more intimate and personal and so that he can take more time for each person for cheki or for handing us the merch himself as we buy it beforehand.  He does so much that’s so atypical of other actor events, and a large part of that is because he’s independent and doesn’t belong to a major agency, hence fewer rules, and the other part is because that’s what Ken-chan loves to do.  He really wants to be really close to his fans, and other actors he has as guests comment on it all the time.  He’s not afraid to be embarrassing or ridiculous in front of us, and it’s always great in some ways to see the guests he brings and who will go along with his shenanigans.  With this group, Tatsuya and Shuuto are both over 30, in fact, they’re both older than Ken-chan (who’ll be turning 31 in September), and I think that also made for a much more off-the-cuff show because they’re all veterans and they’re so comfortable with themselves.  I don’t really know Tatsuya to do events, but he kept saying he had a great time and was real sad during the third session that they were now done.  Maybe he’ll be inspired to have his own fan events soon!  I’m sure Ken-chan can help him brainstorm.  

I feel like this day had about a dozen dreams come true, even dreams I never had prior to this day, so I had a wonderful, amazing time, and I really hope I get another opportunity in the future!

[spartanswiftie]

13 Years of Taylor event?

‪It’s 13 years of @taylorswift this year...if she decided to do a small tour of major cities and hand selected the Swifties to attend intimate shows...what would you want those shows to be like? Costuming, musically, aesthetically, etc.

I’d imagine it to be just Taylor, dressed casual sitting in a large room of Swifties (maybe a small intimate theater). No costumes...q&a kind of old school MTV Unplugged style with some music but based on the audience request. Maybe the audience could have one of those automated things at their seats to vote on songs lol. Everyone would get cookies, although I wouldn’t expect Taylor to personally bake for a semi large crowd. She would write lyrics on her arm and have a 13 on her hand and her hair would be curly. Each cities experience would be unique and it would be personal invite only. (Even though my chances of getting noticed and invited are probably 0). I think this would be such a cool experience. And at the end of course everyone would get a chance to meet her.

What do you imagine it could be like???✨🦋‬

@taylornation

[periodicreviews]

RWBY/RTX Austin 2018

Last weekend, I went to RTX Austin which is Rooster Teeth’s annual convention. Last time I went in 2016, it was about primarily to try it out, but I was also interested in seeing the RWBY panel for the plan the staff had for the forthcoming Volume 4, the first without Monty. I was pleasantly surprised when I heard Jeff Williams would be performing a concert and this turned out to be the highlight. 

I skipped 2017 because there was no Jeff Williams concert and partially due to being disappointed with Volume 4.

I bet this year on the fact that Jeff would be coming back and that turned out to be a good choice because the show did not disappoint. I don’t think the 2016/first time experience can ever be topped, but this 2018 show was equally worth the money.

After the disappointment that was Volume 4 and the mediocre Volume 5, I wasn’t as hyped about RWBY, but I figured I should still go to RTX and see it since I’d be there anyway. But admittedly I was going more for the concert than anything else.

The following is a summary of the RWBY panel #1 on Friday, the JWFO concert and Q&A, and a few other things.

RWBY pre-panel

There were several things that stood out to me at this panel.

Before the panel began, two women came out on stage to warm up the crowd. (This was after Craig from GameAttack came out to ask for donations for the Extra Life charity stream that they do). I hate to reduce them to stereotypes because I don’t really know anything about them and don’t have anything against them, but it’s the easiest way to convey the scene. Girl #1 was cosplaying as Yang. She seemed to be a very energetic and outgoing type of person and I got the impression that she is trying to get hired by Rooster Teeth in a marketing/PR role. Girl #2 was wearing a RWBY dress and was the quieter kind of nerdy girl who had a little trouble speaking either due to nervousness or she just stutters when she talks. Girl #2 also had a bat wrapped with barbed wire, like from The Walking Dead which apparently someone just gave to her as a gift.

I bring up their appearances/personalities because they mentioned they had introduced several panels together, meaning that some organizer had put them together for some reason. There just didn’t seem to be any chemistry between the two. Girl #1 would start to go off on a PR line about how beautiful all the Yangs/cosplayers looked and Girl #2 would say “I like turtles”. She didn’t actually say “I like turtles” but I’m just trying to illustrate the kind of disconnect between them.

 “So amazing!”

Girl #1 repeated this phrase at least 20 times while she was on-stage. I get she was there to hype up RWBY and RT, but maybe she went a little too far. She made it sound like everything at RTX was the best thing ever, which I get for fans, it’s a very enjoyable experience and from a PR perspective that’s what you want to convey. This is no different from something like Electric Daisy Carnival where they really push the “You are loved”/“We are all friends” message as you bake for 12 hours in the sun.

“Proud of me yet dad?”

Girl #2 said this near the end of their time and it felt like it was one of the few genuine moments during that opening.

“RWBY is the most forward facing property that Rooster Teeth has.”

Girl #1 said this and it’s one of many things she said that made me think she was trying to get hired.

“Are you guys ready for the Yang-bang with Barb?”

I cringed at this. I was completely unaware that the group selfie with Barbra Dunkleman (the voice of Yang) and other Yang cosplayers was referred to as a Yang-bang (I looked it up and that is what she tagged it as in 2016). I get that RWBY is now dark and gritty and no longer a “kid-friendly” show per se. But phrasing the selfie like this seemed to be a little too casual pun on “gangbang”.

Besides this, they went through the usual crowd questions like “Who’s here to see RWBY?”, “How many people have been to RTX before?”, “Did you guys get your merch? Oh that merch is so great.”, etc.

RWBY main panel

Once the panel officially started, I was confused as to why, just like in 2016, everyone seems so unorganized/unprepared. Maybe they think it’s funny, but I’d much rather prefer just a concise 45 minutes of presenting/banter, with 15 min for question. Kerry is always like “Oh guys, where did I put that? Is this next? Is that later? Should we just do it now?”

They announced “RWBY After the Fall” a new set of YA novels from Scholastic. It makes sense that they’re exploring the RWBY universe but it does make me wonder whether the V4 timeskip was seen as more of a business opportunity or done more in service to what would make the story better.

The most shocking thing about the panel was the discussion about how the writing process is different for Volume 6. Kerry and Miles initially started to say “In the past” but then quickly altered course and said “Let’s not talk about how we used to do it, just how we’re doing it now.” They basically described how they are writing more than one draft/getting the opinions of other people in the company who have been on the RWBY team for a long time.

It was shocking that they are doing it just now in Volume 6. I can understand Volume 1 and 2 just being a product of Monty/Miles/Kerry and 3 can kind of get a pass. But before/during Volume 4 and 5, wasn’t there anyone that said “Hey, maybe we need to do something different”? Maybe they did and it didn’t work out like they hoped. I am glad to hear that they are trying to improve the process.

The other big thing they did was to show a new character short. This one focused on the villains, mainly the White Fang/Adam. The short featured at least one new Jeff Williams vocal track and some of the animation looked amazing. In general, the animation for V4 and beyond has been decent to good, but there aren’t many instances where it really blows me away.

The short shows Sienna Khan using a chain rope weapon against multiple enemies at the same time. The chain (with a blade at the tip) moves so fluidly and the combat has a real sense of rhythm to it. Sure, you can have the greatest animation in the world, but it doesn’t mean anything if the story isn’t there to match it. I’m willing to stick around some more to see if the script improves. They did also announce a new RWBY Co director and if this short was a product of his involvement, then I like what I’m seeing so far.

Jeff and Casey Williams Q&A

When tickets first went on sale, the only option to be on the floor was to pay 60 dollars for a poster, ticket, and Q&A with Jeff and Casey. I think afterwards, you could just buy the standalone ticket, but I didn’t want to risk not being on the floor.

I get that the concert is hosted by ACL and not by RTX, but you would think there would be a little more coordination between the two organizations given that the concert appears on the RTX schedule and the graphic says “RTX presents”. On Saturday afternoon, I tried to figure out when and where the Q&A would be held. The regular guardians didn’t know and referred me to their manager. I was told to contact the venue to find out and that RTX wasn’t in charge of the event. It was just weird that RTX staff didn’t seem interested in finding out for themselves. I would bet I was not the only person to ask someone at RTX for information about the concert. Additionally the guy in charge of coordination was apparently not at RTX that day so I guess maybe he would’ve known. I ended up getting an email at 4pm telling me to go to the venue at 6pm. But for anyone who didn’t see that email, they were pretty upset that they missed it.

When I got to the venue, one of the staff members saw my Babymetal shirt and asked if I had seen them at ACL. I said no, but that I had seen them elsewhere. From that guy’s reaction and some of the looks from the other staff members, it felt like they instantly had a level of respect towards me. Like they had seen how the fans of Babymetal were at the show and thought “hey, this guy knows his good music.” Maybe I read them completely wrong. It was a very bizarre feeling because few people know what Babymetal is and fewer can read my almost illegible shirt.

Jeff seemed like he didn’t enjoy the stress of having to put on a big show and seemed kind of bored or just tired? Maybe RWBY fatigue is setting in and he feels kind of trapped by the constraints of the show. He talked about wanting to retire and start his Rush Limbo side project, which is music by the band Rush set in all 4-4 time in a reggae style. Obviously someone had to be that guy to ask Casey if she was single. I realize the guy thinks he is being funny or has a chance, but I think you’d be far less likely to go out with someone after subjecting them to a question like that where they are obligated to give you a response.

They floated the idea of playing shows in other locations but that seemed to be constrained by the forces at Rooster Teeth. Or maybe they’re just concerned they aren’t big enough to make any money off a tour. Jeff recommended everyone read a book called “The War of Art” which is about overcoming yourself to create the thing you’ve always wanted but never finished.

JWFO concert

The concert itself was great, but got off to a late start.

I almost forgot about all the weird things that happened while waiting for the concert to start. Someone started a sing along to Bohemian Rhapsody and several other songs. I’ve experienced the Bohemian Rhapsody sing along before, but never at another concert. When they played Numb by Linkin Park as background music, everyone sang along to that too, which is something that I have seen at other concerts at Hard Rock/House of Blues. At one point some people in the crowd erupted in shouts of “Jason?!” which I can only assume was a Heavy Rain reference. Then the crowd started to cheer whenever any technician or photographer came on stage. Again, this is not something I experience at many/if any shows.

This super hype atmosphere is fine, until it turns into everyone trying to be a comedian while there’s either a break between songs, or when the musicians are conversing on stage. Someone said like “Rest in pieces Pyhrra” or something like that at one point and sure I can handle one or two jokes or the occasional shout out. But at the end of the day, I’m here to see the band, not the crowd. I don’t blame those people in the audience trying to get Jeff or Casey to notice them and to have that deeper connection, but it gets old after a while.

There seemed to be communication issues or just not enough time to practice the ordering of the songs. Richie Branson was incredible as an opening act. I’ve seen him three times before and he is great every time. I think a lot of the audience didn’t know who he was or that there would be an opening act, but he seemed to win everyone over by the end of the first song. Adrienne Cowan, Lamar Hall, and Lydia were great again on vocals during the main act.

There were sadly no solos sections like there were in 2016. I remember vividly the extended piano solo the keyboardist performed to lead into “When It Falls”. Jeff also didn’t crowd surf this year either. But I think they were just pressed for time. Casey still seems to struggle more on some songs than others, but she was frank during the Q&A that she has a long way to go and it’s a struggle to keep up at Berklee.

Highlights for me were “Ignite” and “Smile” off the Volume 5 soundtrack.

 Other things

I spent the majority of my time in the Vendor Room playing Rock Band 4. Harmonix was there because “This Will Be The Day” is now available as DLC. But with everyone playing the same song, I think they were grateful for anyone who wouldn’t play that. There were some talented players there and it just felt good to play Rock Band after not having done it with a group in a while. I think the people in the Rock Band line were some of the friendliest I met all weekend.

I felt like I struggled socially during the whole weekend. Maybe it’s just that most con-people aren’t very good at socializing. Or it’s just me or a byproduct of going alone. Everyone else staying at the hostel I was at was interested in talking though.

I went to see an improv comedy show at the Fallout Theater. The show was called “Penalty Box” and there were a set of rules that the audience knew but the performers didn’t. So every time they violated a rule, they would get sent to the penalty box and through trial and error they would figure out most of the rules. It’s entertaining as an audience member, but as someone who is taking improv classes, I recognize how painful it is for the performers. Some of the rules prevent you from doing things that you are taught to do, resulting in at least one scene where the performers just stood still on stage and didn’t talk.

The Mega64 panel was also very enjoyable. Arcade UFO is a pretty nice arcade with a lot of games you don’t normally see in the US. I also got to see a friend I haven’t seen in a while. I have mixed feelings about Troy Baker’s “TED” talk style panel, but I respect that it was not just “another Q&A” type panel.

 Maybe I’ll go back next year.

[missytearex]

To Read List - Larry

This list is purely for myself to keep track of everything I still want to read. Its gonna change as I actually read though them and find more stuff to add.

Find fics I’ve already read here.

Larry

Lonesome When You Go by 13ways 

Harry, Louis, Niall, and Liam are surgeons-in-training at the most prestigious program in the United States.

More than that, Harry and Louis have a history unknown to the others, a history that involves dogs and God, anatomy lessons, food fights, vinyl jazz records, and one hell of an oyster tour.

A story of trust and friendship, of poetry and rock and roll, pink-tinged dawns and the darkest nights.

A tale of portraits, tattoos, and everlasting love.

if it kills me by you_explode

Harry and Louis have worked together in a difficult office environment for six years. They're best friends; Louis is the bright spot of all of Harry's days. But Louis is in love with Harry, and Harry's engaged to someone else. And that's only the beginning.

The Office AU. More or less follows the first five seasons. A lot of pining and misunderstanding the depth of feelings and rejection and angst, until there isn’t.

Back To You And Tennessee by rippedgloves

Louis Tomlinson rises to rock and roll fame at age twenty three and is thrown into a life of luxury and excess, but being on stage isn’t easy for a boy who has always stuck to the side-lines, and Louis struggles to deal with his new fame as he joins the Grand Ole Opry and is sent out on tour with names like Liam Payne and Elvis Presley. His life takes a turn, however, when his childhood role model, Harry Styles, joins them on tour, and the two become closer than two men in the spotlight are allowed to be.

-

OR, the one where Louis is Johnny Cash and Harry is June Carter

Through Eerie Chaos by MediaWhore

For as long as anyone can remember, Old Hillsbridge Manor has always been believed to be haunted. Everyone in the village agrees and keeps a respectful, fearful, distance. New in town after a bad breakup and an internship that led to disappointment rather than a permanent job, Harry Styles figures taking pictures of the decrepit building could be a great new creative project. Or at least a much-needed distraction while he searches for a job and crashes at his parents’ new house. No one warned him about the apparitions though; about the music, the laughter, the people who flicker and vanish when you call after them, the echoes of a past that should be long gone… Harry has never believed in spirits but even he can admit that there’s something weird going on. What starts as mere curiosity evolves into a full-blown investigation and soon enough, Harry finds himself making friends with an aristocrat from the 1920s and struggling with finding the best way to tell him that he’s dead.

The Ghost Hunter AU where Niall lives to prove ghosts are real, Zayn is a skeptical librarian and Harry gets caught up in a century-old mystery and catches feeling in the process.

Love is the Right Place by Chelsea Frew (chelseafrew)

They met when they were seven and five. Louis was a new kid in a new town and Harry was a blind kid in need of a friend. They hit it off immediately, each of them exactly what the other needed. Over the years, friendship turns to more. Just as their romance blossoms, however, Louis gets an offer which promises fame and fortune far from home. Will they be pulled apart or will their love survive?

Do Not Go Gentle by afirethatcannotdie

“This is all a game to you, isn’t it? Well, it’s not for me. This is a real life or death situation,” Louis says, spitting the words at him. “And I just don’t think you’re cut out for it.”

For a moment, they stare at each other in complete silence. Harry can feel his blood thrumming between his ears, can see Louis glaring at him, feels red-hot anger. And then all he feels, oppressively and desperately, is lust.

Suddenly Louis is surging up to him to press his lips against Harry’s. Harry walks the two of them backwards, pressing Louis back against the door. Louis oomphs in surprise and brings his hands under Harry’s scrub top, scratching at his lower back.

“Lock — oh — lock the… fucking door,” Louis mutters.

When Harry Styles starts his first day as a surgical intern, he expects a lot of things: to treat patients, to observe a surgery, to feel a bit overwhelmed. What he definitely doesn't expect, however, is that the handsome guy he kicked out of his bed this morning is also an intern.

A Grey’s Anatomy AU where tensions are high, Harry and Louis are hooking up in secret, and no one has time for love. Or do they?

If I Had Three Wishes (They'd All Be For You) by phdmama

When Harry Styles sets off for Provincetown, MA from his tiny hometown of Kerkhoven, MN, he’s facing an uncertain future. He’s always planned to leave, just...not like this. When he meets a gorgeous cabaret performer on his first night in P-town, little does he know how his life is about to change, or how much he has yet to learn. When they become more than just friends, Louis makes it clear he's not looking for anything serious, but at least, Harry consoles himself, they’ll always be friends. Over one extraordinary summer, Harry learns to navigate life on his own through a journey of self-discovery and sexual awakening. But when Harry’s past tragically reappears in his life, will his friendship with Louis be able to hold on?

what this world is about by isntrio

An eighties American high school AU; there are first times, football games, and feelings.

Alternatively titled: the beginning.

maybe we're perfect strangers by starprediction

When an EDM festival in the Caribbean touts itself as a “life-changing and transformative experience,” Harry’s not too sure he buys into it. Regardless, Harry wants nothing more than to please his best friend, so he goes along for the ride. What he doesn’t expect is to fall head over heels for the festival’s organizer who Harry discovers is also the object of his best friend’s affections.

in which it takes three days under the tropical sun for two men to fall in love

End Game by alex4968

Harry styles is the most feared man in London, notorious for always getting everything he wants. All of that changes when Louis comes around and opens his eyes to a new, beautiful side of the world.

rivers 'til i reach you by embodied

Louis can’t begin to understand how he’s always this close and still can’t manage to make Harry his. He stands up and gets another beer. AU. Louis studies astronomy; Harry studies Louis. They spend their summers on the water and it shouldn't be complicated (spoiler: it is).

Show Me How The Fire Works by turnyourankle (side note: I remember this author from my old bandom days! :D)

The Styles-Twist holiday in the Catskills is supposed to be just that: a family holiday. A last hurrah before Harry relocates to the states for uni. Instead, it quickly devolves into a honeymoon for his parents, leaving Harry and Gemma to fend for themselves. Harry quickly befriends the staff at the resort, and is enticed by Louis, one of the dance instructors. Harry gets in over his head in an attempt to impress him, but with Gemma egging him on and a ticking clock, how could he not at least try?

Or, the Dirty Dancing AU no one asked for.

When Worlds Collide and Days are Dark by darkmarkburning, staybeautiful

It's Harry's job to investigate and stop any threats to National and International security as MI6's top operative, which in this case, might just be Louis, over glorified Personal Assistant / Ministerial Diary Secretary to the Prime Minister, no matter how blue his eyes are or what his tight pants might do to Harry. With Harry as James Bond, Louis as his Bond Girl, Liam as M, Niall as Moneypenny, and Zayn as Q.

Blue Neighbourhood by Thingssicant

“Being gay... Do you think it’s wrong?” He asked. Louis let the silence stretch on far too long. He thought about all the times he had asked himself this question. All the times his dad's words answered it.

“No.” he whispered.

“How am I going to get to heaven?” Harry asked.

“If you’re not going to heaven than no one is.”

Harry turned around to face him. “So you’re okay if I’m-”

“Yes.” Louis smiled, “You’re my best friend no matter who you are. Now get some sleep please.” This was going to make it much harder to control his feelings.

Or an Au based off Troye Sivan's Blue neighbourhood trilogy

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart) by thedeathchamber

Harry thinks he has good reasons for avoiding relationships. Meeting Louis puts those reasons to the test.

How Fast You Fall by FullOnLarrie

They meet as transfer students at university orientation, and Louis wants Harry the first time he sees him. But Louis isn’t looking for a boyfriend. With school and work, he doesn’t have time for anything more than a casual hookup.

When they become roommates, Louis decides it’s best not to pursue Harry and take the chance of messing up their living situation. They quickly become good friends and soon Louis realizes that his attraction is much more than just physical.

However, because Harry has a plan to stay single and celibate until he graduates, Louis assumes that he doesn’t stand a chance, and tries everything he can think of to make himself forget about his feelings for Harry.

Why Can't It Be Like That by taggiecb

Louis Tomlinson, head of his local hospital's charity fund, suddenly finds himself in the heart of the Royal family when his mother marries the third son of the reigning monarch. Such an upset in lifestyle brings a lot of changes for Louis, one of them being the need for a stylist.

Enter Harry Styles, a cutting edge fashion stylist who loves his job and prides himself on his passion. The first time he sees Louis Tomlinson on the cover of a tabloid he wants to dress him, style him, make him as beautiful as Harry knows he could be. When he's hired to do just that, he knows this will be a perfect partnership. That is, until he actually meets the man.

A fashion AU with a royal twist, where Louis doesn't need a stylist, Harry's thrilled to have a real life Barbie doll, and they're both very wrong about each other.

Far Away. by dimpled_halo

Harry swallows hard, clearing his throat. “Hi Lou,” he says, looking at Louis reluctantly. He’s even more gorgeous than he remembers, so much, he feels uneasy looking directly at him, he’s so beautiful. Louis looks at Harry, does a quick once-over and smiles, eyes so bright and blue—just how Harry remembers. “Harold!” He gets up out of his seat and embraces him into a warm hug. It’s a friendly platonic hug; one that ends way too soon. Harry wishes it would last longer so that he can breathe Louis in and memorize his new but somehow still familiar scent. It instantly leaves his body aching for more.

**** Harry returns to London after five years. Stuck in the past with "what ifs" and "what might have beens", he sees that his friends and ex (and possible love of his life) Louis have all moved on with their lives while he finds himself questioning his own life choices, past and present.

The Spicy Cologne by millionlittletings

New job, new city, new life. Louis is pretty excited to start the next chapter of his life.

Harry Styles, the sole heir of the Styles Group of Hospitality Ltd, is a man like no other. For the world, he is a recluse charmer and a sharp businessman. Behind all that, hidden from the world, is a man struggling with himself and his last abusive relationship.

As their paths cross, everything around them is put to test, from their will to their patience and courage, only to reach a point where nothing ever will be the same again.

Nocturnal Creatures Are Not So Prudent by patdkitten

Louis spins a finger in midair, like he’s indicating someone to turn around, staring pointedly at Liam as the faucet turns itself on and the can rinses itself in the sink behind him. Liam, moon burn him, doesn't rise to the bait, choosing instead to lean back on his stool and wrapping his hands around his own mug.

“Anyway, like I was saying and that you were ignoring, there's this new club near my school and I want you to go with me. Could do you some good, getting out once in awhile.”

Louis is a white witch with a little black cat named Hemlock and a best human friend Liam (they're a lot like Samantha Stephens and Louise Tate). When he's dragged out to a new club Liam's heard about from a friend and classmate, Louis comes face to face with that which witches do not touch: a charming vampire by the name of Harry.

Looking Through You by allwaswell16

Just as Louis and Liam were starting out in the music industry, writing and producing for up and coming artists, a fateful meeting with new pop singer Harry Styles changes everything. Four years later, just as Harry is set to embark on his next world tour, a drunken confession causes a rift between once inseparable friends. As Harry tries to make sense of his feelings for Louis, he begins writing his next album to express them as it may be the only way to break through the walls that Louis has built between them.

The World Turned Upside Down by dogslpdi

In September 1984, Harry Styles starts at Manchester Polytechnic with two goals: to take pictures and to join the Lesbian and Gay Society. He’s never paid much attention to the news, but everyone he meets in Manchester supports the miners. He realises how right they are when he meets Louis Tomlinson, a striking miner who flirts with him. A month later they are both at the founding meeting of Manchester Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners, trying to bring down the government. Through letters and visits they build a relationship, in a world very much not of their own choosing.

Manchester and Doncaster in the 1980s are grim, hopeful and alive. Niall is president of the Young Labour club, Nick Grimshaw is in love with the singer of an up and coming band, Fizzy wants to know more about the women of Greenham Common and Harry and Louis are brave.

A Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners/Pride AU.

Atlas At Last by louisandthealien

He doesn’t know what he had been expecting out of the road trip itself besides burping contests and too much shitty gas station food with Oli and Stan, but in the brief moment before Harry ambles up his driveway, Louis idly wonders if this is about to become some sort of Gay Coming of Age story.

Maine to California in ten days. In which Zayn’s an open-shirt hippie they meet somewhere in Ohio, Liam’s the pastor’s son running away from home, and Niall’s the number they call on the bathroom wall.

It’s 1978. Harry and Louis are just trying to get to San Fran in time for the Queen concert.

Say Hallelujah, Say Goodnight by alivingfire

Louis is an angel who is just a little too bad to be good, Harry is a demon who is just a little too good to be bad, and they're both a little too in love to be impartial when angels and demons go to war.

Louis has been alive since life was a mere concept; he watched the summoning of Man into existence, he was there when Eve took the apple. He’s seen seas break the world into separate pieces, he’s watched empires crumble into dust. He’s seen wildfire consume cities, he’s seen the world painted white with snow. He has known the most beautiful humans to walk the planet, he has watched the most powerful mortals gather their riches and influence around them and then die just like the poorest, weakest humans do. He’s met humans whose motives defy explanation, people who use their lives as battering rams, as tools, as weapons, as chess pieces.

None of that stopped Louis in his tracks.

But Harry did.

My Sweetest Downfall by kiwikero

Louis is a retired guardian angel. After the death of his last charge, he became jaded. Humans die—what use is prolonging the inevitable?

He's more than happy to forget about humanity altogether until one day, when Louis is pulled from his desk job for a new assignment: protect One Direction's Harry Styles. It doesn't help that there's something about Harry that Louis can't resist, and it's making him question everything he's ever known. Humans are strictly off limits, and breaking that rule means risking everything, but Harry just might be worth it.

This is a story about forgiveness and discovery, featuring an angel who wants to be a little more human and a human who is so much more than he seems.

Last Day Alive by alex4968

Harry Styles was born to the leader of the Following - the organization that keeps their world peaceful and just. Without the Following, the world would only return to the ways of the Old Times and all of them would come to an untimely end. Or, so he thought, until he meets Louis, the leader of the Rebellion.

I Walk the Line by Awriterwrites

Professor Louis Tomlinson is the leading researcher in his field. Harry Styles is Louis’ recently hired grad assistant. Sparks fly between them but something doesn’t add up when it comes to Harry, and Louis is determined to find out what.

What happens when everything Louis thought he knew comes crashing down around him? Is he doomed to repeat his past mistakes? Or will he learn to follow his heart and find a way to forge his own path, alongside someone he’s not sure he can trust, but who might just be the best thing to ever happen to him.

the new romantics by wildestdreams

After being blindsided and dumped by his boyfriend Isaac, Louis does the only thing he can do: wallow and mope. But when Harry tells Louis that karma’s going to get Isaac eventually, Louis decides karma isn’t moving fast enough. He takes matters into his own hands, and if he has to drag Harry into his schemes and seduction plans, then so be it.

or

John Tucker Must Die AU featuring drunk dance sessions, bad disguises, and a seduction plan gone wrong.

Before We Evaporate by crimsontheory

Louis Tomlinson; executive chef and owner of his own five star restaurant, been voted one of the top chefs in London, and has won several awards for his work in the kitchen. He’s always dreamed of being on Chopped, but never believed it would actually happen. Until it does. Now that he’s officially made it onto the show, there’s one tall, curly haired distraction that might just ruin everything for him.

Or the kinda sorta enemies to lovers Chopped AU with far more smut than necessary.

no matter where you are (no matter how far) by ceaseandexist

"You kind of have to be a little bit dumb to decide to climb Everest, I think,” Harry says. “Like at some point you should probably say to yourself, ‘Hey, this is really dangerous and expensive and stuff, and maybe I should just, like, become an architect or something.’”

Louis cocks an eyebrow. “An architect, Haz? Is that your secret dream? You want to build --”

“Shh,” Harry says, holding a finger up to Louis’s lips. “I’m trying to make a point. Just that, like, at some point, we all make a stupid choice to put our lives in danger, but that’s just part of why climbing this mountain is such an accomplishment, right? Because most people aren’t dumb enough to try.”

Or: An Everest AU where Louis sets out to climb the tallest mountain on the world and meets a curly-haired guy named Harry who worms his way into Louis's life. It's not long before reaching the summit becomes the least of Louis's worries.

Like a Puzzle by littlepinkbow

When One Direction went their separate ways, Harry did what he had always wanted. He got married and started a family. Only, he didn’t realise that starting his family would mean losing his wife. In a few short minutes Harry felt like the world was taken away from him and given to him and there’s no real way to know how to feel on a day like that.

Being a single parent wasn’t so bad and Harry was certain he could do it, until he got an unexpected diagnosis for his daughter. While Zayn and Nick both thought Harry should reach out to the other boys, thought that Harry needed a deeper support system, Harry wasn’t willing to reach out to them. They had gone their separate ways and to Harry they had done that for a reason. He was doing just fine, really.

As fate would have it, Louis was brought back into Harry's life and it didn’t take Louis long to realise that sometimes fate has a funny way of rearing her head and this would be the last time that he ever let Harry Styles walk away from him.

growing pains by crybaby

‘Harry Styles? It’s Louis Tomlinson. About the job,’ he pauses, ‘Would you be able to start this coming Friday?’

Harry Styles is stuck. He’s just broken his mum’s heart by dropping out of law school, lives with his childhood best friend-turned boyfriend-turned best friend again, and his greatest prospect at the moment is his casual arrangement with Nick.

Until Nick gets him a job as a nanny for the summer, resulting in multiple attempts at ignoring feelings, questioning morals and sexuality, pining, and the obligatory angst that comes with a Movie Star falling for his nanny.

wings to break your fall by karamelised

“I’m glad you like my clothes,” Harry whispers, sliding his arms further along the couch until he’s speaking directly into Louis’ ear. “Would you like me to take them off?”

or

strip club AU. Harry’s work and family are keeping him busy. He really isn’t looking for a relationship, doesn’t want one. He just wants Louis. Problem is, Louis has other plans.

Featuring: spilled drinks, meddling mums, accidental insults, a pivotal plot point masquerading as a private dance, Harry with wings, slow morning sex, a secret relationship, and tea that fixes everything.

Anyplace, Anyhow, Anytime by aimmyarrowshigh, colazitron

Harry's going to audition for The X-Factor in a few days, he really can't use this persistent tickle in his throat. What's even worse is when the tickle turns into a full blown cough, and the cough makes him pass out only for Harry to wake up in a different world. And then another one, and another one, and another one. The only other person who seems to be as affected as he is, is a boy with blue eyes who keeps showing up in every single one of these worlds.

A Marriage Of True Minds by sweetly_disposed

In which Louis and Harry first meet at the wedding of Louis' childhood friend, where Harry is a guest and Louis is doing his duty as best man. Over the course of a year, their paths continue to cross, and Louis finds himself becoming irreversibly entwined with Harry, falling harder and harder for him each time they meet. Despite the obstructions in their paths, they just can't stop coming back to each other.

But the course of true love never did run smooth, and in the end, Louis must decide. Either love who he should and be content with it, or love who he truly wants, forsaking all others, but risk hurting the people he cares about in the process. Although Fate hasn't always been good to him, this time, she might just be on his side.

Featuring four weddings, a funeral, speeches, karaoke, cocktails, cake, a healthy dose of heartache, and a love that just doesn't know how to quit.

Here Between Earth and Sky by ohnoscarlett

Louis is an RAF pilot, along with his best mate Liam. They've been bounced from station to station for years together, until they finally end up in Scotland. Louis is unimpressed with how his military career is progressing, so he suggests they go train at the American tactical fighter school, otherwise known as Top Gun.

They're transferred one more time, even further up into the wilds of Scotland, and Louis is ready to call it quits. But then they meet the incredibly friendly Zayn and Perrie, who introduce them to everyone else they know, including their fun neighbors and co-workers.

There's a baby, an unconventional proposal of marriage, lots of airplane!porn (because airplanes!), and then a little regular porn after Louis and Harry get it together.

Lots of picturing lads in uniform, looking very sharp indeed. Then, wait--what? An opportunity to join the European Space Agency to possibly go to the International Space Station? Or Mars! Ok then.

These Hands Not Fit For Holding by MiniMangaFan

“You should be grateful,” Harry tells him, leaning in so he’s almost whispering in Louis’ ear. Louis stands as still as a statue, trying not to react when Harry’s low voice caresses his cheek. “I’m offering you something better: a chance to join my crew. I’ll pay you to work as a carpenter on my ship.”

“I’m not a fucking pirate,” Louis says, anger flaring. He steals little trinkets occasionally, if he thinks they’ll make his sisters happy. He’s not a proper thief, or a murderer, though, and certainly not on the level of Captain Styles and his crew.

Or, Harry is the captain of a pirate ship, and Louis is an accidental stowaway.

a building storm by outofcases (hockeycaptains)

"The news reports, months ago, had said that this winter would be a mild one. It seems like no one really accounted for this much snow."

The story of a boy who can control the weather, and how his entire world crashes down around him.

run away home by hattalove

Louis stands, in the middle of a clearing with his hands in his pockets, and stares. This boy—God, this gorgeous, gorgeous boy. He seems so clumsy, confused at the best of times, but there’s a wisdom about him as he speaks, a maturity that belies his age.

Louis is hopelessly, wildly attracted to him.

or, louis is a successful jockey down on his luck, struggling to get his life back on track after an injury. harry has a horse, a house fit for a prince, and a broken heart.

it takes them a while to figure out that they need each other.

even with our oath by starcarnivals

Though Harry is glad Liam cares about him, he also really hates that Liam cares about him. Liam's coworker Louis really isn't Harry's type - he probably even listens to commercial radio, for God's sake.

In which Harry and Louis go to great lengths to appease Liam, Louis's taste in music broadens dramatically, and Harry stops pretending to be a Huge Pretentious Douche all the time.

I'll Make This Feel Like Home by Theprincesof1d

A long time ago, in a land far away a boy fell in love with a girl. But the boy was no ordinary boy; no he was the king of a big and mighty realm in the south. All would have been well if the girl had been as noble as he, but sadly enough, she wasn't.

Tweet-five years later, when the king was old and sick, he received a message without a seal. The message wasn't long. All it said was this; "You have a son. His name is Harry and I promise you that you'll need him when the northern armies come in search for your crown."

A fantasy AU with dragons, a big battle and love.

Coax the Cold by MediaWhore

England, 1897.

English Professor Louis Tomlinson’s passion for the occult has been a source of mockery and derision for most of his life. When he hears whispers of a travelling freak show newly established in London claiming the existence of a monstrous sea hybrid, half-man, half-fish, Louis sees it as his ticket to credibility amongst his peers. The summer he spends undercover working on the show, however, gives him much more than that.

if my heart was a compass, you'd be north by cheekiestcheeky, heartsoftlouis

All Louis really cares about is his skateboard, tattoos, football, and his family. He has a job that he (mostly) loves and a (small) handful of good friends, and at 24 he is pretty content with his life... until he nearly crashes into a boy with wild curls and cratered dimples, he begins to think maybe he's been missing something he never knew was missing. That missing piece is apparently big enough for two.

[Or the one where punk Louis likes to think he’s not clumsy, but he suspects he’ll have to accept it when he falls face first into a relationship with a head full of curls and his tiny human.]

Night Changes by colourexplosion

Harry slips and nearly knocks his head on the tile wall. The bottles of shampoo and bodywash that line the shower tumble down as he catches himself, one of them managing to land right on the top of his foot. Fuck, that hurt.

Fuck, he loves Louis.

Wait, of course he loves Louis. What’s not to love? He’s kind and he’s funny and he’s patient with Harry always and he’s always been there when Harry needed him. Well, not tonight, but Harry hadn’t specifically said to him that he needed him and whatever — okay. Of course he loves Louis. That doesn’t mean he’s in love with Louis.

But I am in love with Louis, he thinks, and curses as his shampoo runs into his eyes.

Or, Louis and Harry are soulmates. (With a twist.)

Blessed be the Winds Above by iwanna_seeyou_undoit

Harry has a brief moment where he wants to throw Louis over his shoulder and walk off with him, but he pushes it down. Nothing good can come from dwelling on the feeling in his chest. What he needs to do is get some booze from the bar, get drunk with his mates, and put all thoughts of relationships with cute, English sailor boys safely away in a locked box. As far away from the reckless side of his brain as possible.

In which Louis is a fisherman and Harry is a lot of things, but a fool isn't one of them.

Six Weeks by LadyLondonderry

A little after 5:30, the bells above the door chime and the only face with an order that Harry remembers steps in. With the sun shining outside, Louis no longer looks like a mudslide personified, although Harry notes that he's still not really dressed for the weather

When Harry takes the afternoon shift at the cafe, he meets a boy who drinks a lot of tea and never remembers his umbrella.

Paint The Sky With Stars by kiwikero

On 10 April 1912, Harry Styles boards the finest ship the world has ever seen. Still grieving the death of their mother, he and his sister are being sent to America to live with a callous uncle who cares more about his business connections than family. Harry prepares himself for a long, disappointing voyage alone in his stateroom.

Louis Tomlinson has borrowed and saved, and finally has enough to purchase a Third Class ticket to America. With all of his belongings in a single ruck sack, he boards the Titanic filled with hope for a brighter future. Never one to sit still, he can’t resist exploring the massive ship, and soon goes sneaking into First Class in a stolen steward’s uniform.

By a twist of fate, Louis finds himself in Harry’s stateroom, entranced by the most attractive man he’s ever laid eyes on. He keeps returning day after day, even if he doesn’t understand what it is about Harry that continues pulling him in. That’s all right; Louis has a week to figure it out, and Harry is plenty willing to help.

Except they don’t have a week. They have four days. Because on 15 April, their entire world will be turned upside down.

Or, the historically accurate Titanic AU with a happy ending.

To the Ends of the Earth by stylinsoncity

During a yearlong hiatus, Louis visits Harry at his cabin in Idaho, where long-buried feelings ignite like the fire keeping them warm.

coming home to you was easy by tippytoetomlinstyles

Louis Tomlinson. The name that’s heard on every tabloid magazine for being the socialite son of the year with the heart of gold. Harry Styles. The broke small town boy who is just trying to find his place in the real world.

They are two unlikely paths that meet in the most unlikely of places. A luxury 5 star resort. Louis’ there to drink and have fun and enjoy his summer, while Harry is there to work his ass off as a poolside bar server to earn money for uni tuition and maybe score a mini vacation in his time off. Though Harry has a past with people like Louis and refuses to have anything to do with him, we all know Louis is a persistent bastard who doesn’t know when to take ’no’ for an answer. And thus the game of cat and mouse chase was born.

or the one where there's UK’s version of the Hamptons, Harry works there, Louis parties there, and they clumsily fall in love.

(don't forget) where you belong by rippedgloves

It takes less than two seconds before Harry all but throws himself at Louis, who still has an IV hooked to his arm and looks more fragile than a newborn. He doesn’t realize he’s crying until Louis’ left arm circles around him to pat him in the back.

“Fuck, love, you scared me so much,” he murmurs against Louis’ neck, “I missed you.”

“Um, hi—Harry, was it?”

Harry can’t help but laugh, tears wetting his cheeks as he pulls back a little to look at Louis’ face, expecting a teasing smile. Instead, he is met with Louis’ confused gaze. His heart drops in his chest as he realizes that Louis isn’t messing with him.

“It seems,” Niall says, “that Lou is having a bit of trouble remembering certain things about his life.”

“Certain things,” Harry repeats, his tone flat, as he removes himself from Louis’ side.

Louis is eyeing him curiously, his eyes wide and confused, and he looks a little worried, like he wasn’t expecting Harry to react like this—like he wasn’t expecting Harry at all.

*

or, the one where Louis wakes up from a coma and doesn't remember Harry.

Behavioural Ecology by turtlekz

Louis Tomlinson is a primatologist working with the Jane Goodall Institute for primate conservation; and Harry Styles is the photojournalist sent from National Geographic to write a piece promoting awareness about the endangered species. They meet, and love is never, ever simple, as we know.

Featuring Eli the chimpanzee, bickering humans, storytelling, and five men who come to gain an understanding of what it means to be human; all stationed in the Republic of the Congo.

Pillow Talk by FallingLikeThis

“So, do you think I should… find someone to fool around with?” Harry asks, nervous again. “To see if I like it?”

Louis swallows hard but hopes he covers it pretty well with a casual shrug. “I mean, it would probably help to know that you actually want everything that goes along with being with a guy. If you can’t handle the machinery, it’s probably not for you, you know?”

Harry nods and appears to be steeling himself. Louis tenses, afraid that he knows what’s coming.

“Would you do it?”

“Do what?” Louis plays dumb.

Harry has to take another deep breath before he can say it.

“Will you help me figure out if I like it? Being with a boy?”

Or When Harry starts having confusing feelings for a male classmate, his sister's best friend, Louis, helps him figure himself out. Cue lots of kissing, sex, and falling in love.

Your Wounds and My Sutures by offwiththeirheads

Louis is a harpy who lives in Nog and has never seen the outside world. He is content living with his clan and his unusual childhood best friend, Niall, a Baunny. Yet somewhere deep within his soul, there’s an emptiness he feels during the night sky. He meets Harry, a beautiful merman one night.

Mer-creatures are the devils of the sea or so they say according to the stories but Louis’ never been one to resist his curiosity and Niall’s got the youth and joy of a fawn that he finds fascination just as wonderful as Louis but he’s more cautious.

Along their journey of love, friendship, trials and tribulations, two creatures of the wild find their souls blending into one and five friends learn to have each other’s backs.

Faking It by TheCellarDoor

A uni AU in which Louis has been Harry’s best friend since he offered him cubed fruit on the playground, and they spend more time cuddling in their dorm beds than they do apart, but it’s not like that. Or is it?

Aka Harry pretends to date his best friend to escape unwanted attention from a too insistent classmate and hopes it won’t blow up in his face. Featuring embarrassing dildo accidents, awkward boners, longing, first times, late night conversations, emotional discoveries and Niall as the exasperated friend with bad advice.

Only Look Ahead by hostagesfic

Louis never intended to fall in love with Harry: not five years into their time together in the band, not when they’re living on opposite continents, and especially not when he’s the new dad to a tiny human with way too much personality for anyone under nine pounds. Yet somehow Harry manages to worm his way into Louis’ life with every bit of weird affinity for Swedish homegoods and expensive baby clothes that you’d expect.

nocturne in silver and blue by tinyweirdloves

There’s a boy sitting on the branch. Harry’s sure he’s a real, live boy, not a pretend one. Only– he doesn’t look like any boy Harry’s seen before. Because he glows. His skin looks like there’s a gentle light coming out of it, and if Harry squints– are those colours on the boy’s skin? Harry suddenly thinks, looking at him, that he looks just like the sky.

[louis is a fallen star and harry brings him home. told over the course of fourteen years.]

Eight Cakes and Two Eulogies (Make a Happy Marriage) by yesllliam

The Honourable Louis Tomlinson, heir to the Earldom of Colbury and the multi-billion pound family business, RLA Enterprises, often feels under pressure to conform to the expectations of those around him. The 30 year old, nerdy and rather homely physicist part of himself feels he ought to be getting married and carrying on the family line – as does his formidable Grandmother. The only problem is, after his last disastrous relationship, seven years ago, he has little desire to get intimate with another woman, let alone marry one. Of course, Harry, his famous actor of a best friend, always likes to pip in that he is free to marry him and while Louis loves him to pieces, the joke is getting a bit old now.

To Him Who in the Love of Nature by wayfared

“Enjoy your stay in Svalbard?” the cab driver asked over his shoulder. “Amazing,” Harry answered for Louis, flashing his signature smile. “Good,” the man nodded in approval. “Everyone is lucky in Svalbard. You're lucky, too.”

Or, after Louis' delicate world comes crashing down upon him, he takes off for the loneliest place he can think of. But, in the midst of the whirling snow, there's always a warm fireplace to come home to.

nobody shines the way you do by wildestdreams

“We might as well just date.”

Harry froze in his arms, his body stilled as he slowly lifted his head up at Louis to give him the most confused expression he’d ever worn. Louis literally wanted to fuck him into the next century. “What?” Harry asked. “Are you--.”

“No,” Louis said, shaking his head before Harry could go far with that idea and trap Louis into confessing his own feelings. “I mean...like I think I have a plan?”

“A plan?” Harry said slowly. “A plan other than me going to Peter’s tomorrow and groveling for hours; maybe even days?”

The thought of Harry doing that made Louis’ skin burn, but he schooled his expression well and nodded swiftly. “There will be no groveling. Well, there will be, but not on your end.”

or

Louis pretends to be Harry’s boyfriend to help him win back his douchebag ex-boyfriend, but things don’t go according to plan.

leave it to the breeze by hattalove

Louis couldn’t be prouder of his bake, but there’s something—there’s something. Something about Harry Styles and the earnest way he measures, pours, mixes, scrapes. Something about the tip of his tongue poking out of his mouth as he knocks the air out of his batter.

or a great british bake off au in which louis cares about winning and winning only, harry is made of sunshine and rainbow sprinkles, and niall sticks his nose into other people's business. also featuring liam as louis's best friend-slash-concerned mother, and zayn as a macaron connoisseur.

to be loved (and to be in love) by nouiiam

"What? I’m a very quiet person." Harry shrugs, shoving his hands in the pockets of his jeans.

Louis purses his lips.”You seemed a bit more reckless, I guess,” He says. “Must be the curls.”

"Must be," Harry agrees, nodding and smiling. Louis makes a humming noise and pokes the corner of Harry’s mouth.

"Those dimples, too. Very rebellious looking," He tells him, crossing his arms and grinning like mad.

-or the one where Louis’s popular, Harry’s not and they bond by trying to get their friends together while accidentally matchmaking the entire school.

here comes the sun (little darling) by you_explode

louis and liam are a trapeze act who’ve just joined syco circus. despite his best efforts, louis immediately falls head over heels for harry, one of the jugglers with a penchant for glittery pink leotards. but louis’s had issues before with intra-circus dating, so he’s trying his best to ignore his feelings. which is why he’s not at all bothered by harry flirting with everyone but him.

featuring lots of pining, lots of ot5 friendship, runaway boys reconnecting with their families, harry and louis becoming co-dependent best friends until they figure out they’re in love with each other, liam fancying zayn who’s already dating perrie, and a beatles-themed circus.

Outwit, Outplay, Outlast by dancesongsoul, lookatyourchoices

“Tommo and Harry are gonna do it. I don’t know when, but they’re gonna do it. They’ve got the mattress, the pillows, everything’s in place, and they’re gonna do it. I really wish those two the best of luck.” –Taylor Swift, "Chapera"

Or a Survivor All-Stars AU in which Harry and Louis are just in this game to win the million dollars, but they end up with something better.

Featuring Harry's yellow swim shorts, Louis in snapbacks, and OT5 shenanigans.

Breathing in the Same Light by amberdowny

Louis Tomlinson has made a great start on his first year of uni. He gets on really well with his three flat mates, who've just become his mates. The lessons themselves aren't bad. And even though he's not sure when they started dating (no one told him about it) he likes his girlfriend Eleanor well enough.

Then he gets an accidental @reply from this @Harry_Styles kid. Which would be no big deal, except it keeps happening. Soon Louis has struck up a friendship with Harry, but can a relationship online ever really be real?

so grab your passport and my hand by infinitelymint

The one in which Louis plays football and Harry sings a lot, and somehow that means they're meant to be. They'll figure it out soon enough.

Closer You and I by avatarlahey

It’s like learning the boy’s name brings about a new desire for Louis to see Harry all the time. If he can learn Harry’s name, then what else can he discover? So when Louis’ head hits the pillow every night, he wishes, he hopes, he prays that he’ll get to see Harry. And sometime he does and sometimes he doesn’t, but when he does, something awakens in Louis. A silly thought: being asleep, yet feeling more awake than ever. He supposes it’s Harry’s doing.

[Or, Louis likes to sleep, particularly because the only time he gets to see Harry is when he dreams.]

Featuring Louis’ ragtag team of best friends: Niall, Liam, and Zayn. Niall is the always popular childhood friend that miraculously knows exactly what to say at all times. Liam is the future Dr.McDreamy, self-diagnosed with lovesickness. And Zayn is a god amongst mortals with a fatal flaw of accepting love. Together, they help Louis uncover the mystery that is his literal dream boy.

you look so good in blue by patdkitten

“You don't believe in ghosts, do you, Mr. Styles?”

If he's honest with himself, Harry's not sure what his stance is on the subject. So he just smiles and shrugs before leaving. After all, he's never actually met a ghost, that he knows about. Besides, even a ghost wouldn't bring him down on how affordable the rent on the flat is.

Or: Harry Styles hears about a perfect flat from his roommate Zayn's boyfriends and decides to sign the lease. The only problem is: the flat has a reputation for being haunted. It certainly doesn't help that Harry's cat is seeing things as soon as they move in...

Like Real People Do by moodlighting

The summer is an engram of particular moments now, hazy episodes that play behind Harry’s eyes as he drifts off to sleep with an arm holding him close. All of those days of summer will blur together soon, but Harry will always remember them in his senses. They’ll be coconut-scented sunscreen and burnt cinnamon toast, grass stains on knees and flour-streaked hair, blue raspberry tongues and citrus sticky fingers, sunshine freckles and soft hands, warm tan skin and seaglass eyes. Harry will always remember those days of summer as the time he fell in love with Louis Tomlinson.

But he doesn’t know that yet.

AU. Harry is Louis' soulmate but Louis isn't Harry's - it takes Harry a while to figure it all out.

False Start by jfcxtommo

The phone call itself had been quite brief. Simon was simply informing him that The X-Factor was announcing its final series and they wanted to bring back the show’s biggest acts as both a nod to the fans, and a subtle reminder of the show’s impact on all their lives. Louis couldn’t disagree with that kind of logic and figured, a couple weeks mentoring, or maybe a pre-recorded performance was something he could white-knuckle out. Hell, maybe he’d even get some of that closure people were so fond of mentioning when they shook their heads and mumbled about what a shame it ended the way it did.

Or: After 5 albums and 5 world tours, the men of One Direction are called back to where it all began. Unfortunately, the reunion doesn't go exactly as planned.

Evil Heartbreak Messenger by Angel669

Harry poured the fragrant, golden tea into two mismatched mugs. "So," he said with a grin, handing Louis his tea, "why are we breaking up again?"

"Beats me." Louis winked. "Maybe we could start over." He leaned forward to snag a cookie, which wasn't all that easy considering the dual handicap of his bottom-heavy costume and those quicksand pillows.

"Hm. Maybe." A rosy blush crept over Harry's cheeks, matching his luscious lips. "But seriously, why did you call me a jerk, and what's with the outfit?"

*****

Breaking up is hard to do...so hire someone else to do it for you! That's the motto of Louis's and Zayn's break-up agency, a business where they deliver these bad news for their clients. To sweeten the message, they wrap the words into a song and don animal costumes.

One day, Louis delivers a break-up to a student called Harry, who was unaware of even being in a relationship. Their immediate chemistry is undeniable, and Louis tries to recruit Harry for his business to see more of him. Unfortunately, Harry finds the business unromantic and doesn't want to play any part in promoting heartache...

No Ground Below by louissincerely

“You'll never take down the Dream Team, Malik!” Louis calls from their hiding place, receiving a questioning look from Harry.

“Dream Team?” Harry grins at him with amusement. He throws another cupcake, this time hitting Niall.

“Just go with it, Harold. It's much cooler if we have a name. As in best team ever and they just wish they could be as awesome as us.” Louis doesn't even know where this is all coming from. He's known Harry for a week and surely that's not merely enough time for him to feel this attached to him. Or is it?

Or, Uni AU where the boys all go on a trip to South America. Louis needs help with his assignment and also fixing his broken pieces, Harry is a photography student who goes on adventures and has mad baking skills, Zayn is Zayn, Liam gets on Louis' nerves sometimes and Niall has lilac hair.

Marking Up The Atmosphere by acidveins

At the age of twenty, Harry deals with things expected to occur at his age: student loans, instant meals, electricity bills, and the constant, incessant presence of never ending coursework.

That, and the job of raising his six year old daughter and avoiding the charm of a young, successful, and very off-limits Louis Tomlinson.

Every Arrow That I Aim Is True by estrella30

“I can see you don’t believe me,” Harry says, pretending to be stern. Louis chuckles a little but doesn’t get out of the bed. “Anyway, I texted Liam and told him you’re with me. He said to stay here as long as you need, and he’ll deal with the show over there until you want to come back, all right?”

Louis doesn’t say anything again so Harry whispers, “Just stay here with me for a while, yeah? I’ll take care of you.”

Louis is quiet. He never picks his head up, but Harry can see the pillow move from where he’s nodding and his fingers tighten around Harry’s. “Yeah,” Louis says. “Yeah, all right.

(Take You Back Where You Belong) This Could be Our Favorite Song (orphan_account)

When recently divorced, thirty-five year-old, overworked tax accountant Louis Tomlinson gets sent on a two-week vacation to Aruba by his best friend, he automatically assumes it's going to be two weeks of panicking about all of the work he's missing and staying holed up in his room. But then, right on his first night in Aruba, he meets Harry Styles, the cheeky, crass, and charming waiter and up-and-coming musician. Who happens to only be eighteen years old.

Nonetheless, a whirlwind romance kicks up between Louis and Harry, and Louis finds himself falling for the boy in a way he hadn't thought he could fall again after his divorce. But as Louis' two weeks in Aruba come to a close and Harry finds himself standing on the cusp of the fame he's always craved, Louis has to make the decision of whether or not he's going to stay with Harry, or leave him behind in Aruba, and it turns out to be the toughest decision Louis ever has to make.

we are full of stories to be told by delightfulalot

Harry and Louis get engaged and break up and then married; Liam accidentally tells Zayn he’s in love with him on their first date but they end up being friends (and maybe more); Niall shears a sheep and gets slapped in the face a lot. or: the HIMYM AU with my favorite plots from the first two seasons, where Harry is Marshall, Louis is Lily, Liam is Ted, Zayn is Robin, and Niall is Barney.

Weaker without you by Tita

Louis and Harry have superpowers but that doesn't really define their lives. What does is meeting each other, and school and prom and life and bullies. But they get through that together because they're harryandlouis and they were meant to be, right from the start.

Or, the one where they have powers and grow up together.

Two Halves of a Blue Sky by dea_liberty

Harry had tried to get used to the attention fame had brought him - had learned to at least pretend to deal with the rumours and speculation about every aspect of his life, had learned to pretend to be all right with the paparazzi shadowing his every move, had learned to pretend to cope with too-many-fans mobbing him whenever he went anywhere - but after being outed all too publicly, it all became too much. A break from it all on island in the middle of the Pacific, far away from everything and anything seemed to be just the sort of thing Harry needed.

A distraction was even better, especially when it came in the form of a gorgeous surfing instructor with a smile that could outshine the sun - even if a summer romance hadn't been on the original agenda. A heart-shaped island in the middle of the ocean was probably sort of place to fall in love. But Louis had his own reasons for being in Tavarua, and those might just mean that neither of them get the happy ending they're looking for.

Notting Hill-esque AU set in Fiji.

From Eight Until Late, I Think About You by supernope

After finding out that his University of Brighton roommate has a YouTube channel, Harry starts up his own channel, on which he posts videos of himself doing weekly challenges. He strikes up a friendship with Louis, a popular youtuber in London, that starts in the comments on their videos and progresses to texting, skyping, and talking about each other in their own videos far too often. They fall for each other long-distance, but put off meeting face-to-face as long as possible, too nervous that they'll screw it all up.

Involves a bunch of YouTube challenges (AKA excuses for Harry to get naked), some awkward snapchat mishaps, and a whole lot of pining.

A Million One, A Million Two (a Hundred More Will Never Do) by LittleLostPieces

While Harry doesn’t want to spend his final year at Wilshire Academy sharing his space with yet another idiot roommate, he figures he could have ended up with a lot worse than Niall. As the school’s newest scholarship student, Niall provides a fresh perspective on Harry’s privileged life, as well as a grounding presence when Harry’s other friends, Liam and Zayn, are acting like lunatics. Most importantly, though, Niall introduces him to Louis, a cynical townie with zero interest in spending his time around entitled boarding school kids. Convincing Louis that he’s more than a trust fund and a charming smile won’t be easy, but Harry’s never been one to back down from a challenge.

An AU loosely inspired by the short-lived WB drama, Young Americans, and the Gotta Be You music video.

A Reptile Dysfunction by makesomelove

Or, Louzard.

"So what's wrong with me then?" Louis says.

"Well, I'm no expert..." Liam says. "But in my opinion, I’d have to guess, well. Yer a lizard, Louis!”

teenage dreams in a teenage circus (orphan_account)

The three of them have always been a unit, seamlessly pulling pranks to get revenge and keep life interesting. The last few months of sixth form bring about a lot of changes, however. Gemma refuses to let anything stop her from getting into her top-pick uni, Perrie second-guesses what makes her special, and Louis breaks the most common of friend codes: he falls for his best mate's little brother. A coming-of-age tale rife with sneaking around, late-night vandalism, first times, successes, and jealousy.

The Finish Line (Is A Good Place For Us To Start) by LoadedGunn 

Louis Tomlinson, one-time Formula 1 World Champion, is looking forward to the 2013 season. He’s got Zayn in his garage and Liam in his ear, he’s got Cowell Racing backing him despite former indiscretions, he’s got experience and the best race car out there. Not to mention he’s the only racer they have, after Oliver dropped out late last year.

It hasn’t occurred to him that Oliver would have to be replaced by February. That is, until he finds himself at a party celebrating Harry Styles leaving Ferrari for Cowell. Harry hotshot Styles, who broke a record last year and is probably looking to make a big splash. Harry Styles, who is talented and somewhat intimidating. Harry Styles, who left Ferrari for reasons unknown and seems kind of lonely and harmless in person. Lonely, harmless, hot as fuck. Whatever.

The first thing Louis does is take him under his wing. From there it’s nine months of slow-burning romance, the past catching up to them, turning into the human puppy pile that is OT5 and a lot of feelings until, of course, reaching the finish line.

Schrödinger's Cat (Or, the Five Times Harry and Louis Both Met and Did Not Meet) by aimmyarrowshigh

"Schrödinger's cat" is a paradox applied within the many-worlds theory of quantum mechanics which basically posits that if you have a box containing a cat and a flask of poison, until you open the box and determine whether the cat is dead or alive, it is both; within the theory of multiple universes, the box is a branching point, or a moment of divergence between the universe in which the cat is alive and the universe in which the cat is dead. Both are true in their own worlds.

When two people are fated to be together, their lives are full of such branching moments, instances that split the universe in two more actualities, one that begins their future together and one in which they have to wait a bit longer still.

These are the five moments in which Harry and Louis both did, and did not, meet.

if you're ready, like i'm ready by vlieger

"Are you-- wait a minute," said Liam. "You're not here so I'll actually deal with it, you're here so that when management tries to deal with it I'll be your-- your shotgun marriage advocate, or something."

Keep on Dreaming, This is Hollywood by popfly

Louis Tomlinson, a pop star manager, makes his way to LA with a pop star (and his new music demands) and a very busy schedule.

Harry Styles came to Los Angeles with a dream and ended up sharing a flat and an occupation with a male prostitute from Ireland.

What happens when Louis meets Harry, and makes him an offer he can't refuse?

AKA A Pretty Woman AU where Louis is the high-powered businessman and Harry is the hooker. No, there is no necklace scene, but there is definitely piano sex.

in this life, i think i'm falling by ithacas

ob-gyn/midwife au; Louis delivers babies for a living, most of his staff are certifiable and Harry moves in the office upstairs.

tiptoe through our shiny city by ithacas

The one where they’re two strangers on a train and end up spending the day in Paris. Because that’s what you do when you’re young and definitely not in love.

now I'll surrender up my heart and swap it for yours by estrella30

Louis can’t believe this. He just - he honestly, in all of the ideas he had in his head as to who Harry was, he never in a million years thought this was going to be the answer.

“You’re a prince?” Liam asks, for what is possibly the hundredth time in the past five minutes. It seems to be the only thing either of them can say. Harry’s sat primly in his chair, back a straight line and hands folded neatly on the kitchen table.

He nods once, and bows his head slightly. “Yes.”

“And you have to stay here,” Louis clarifies, “Because you were almost kidnapped?”

OR - a (kind of) Princess Protection Program AU

He's Falling, Doesn't Even Know it Yet by YinAndYangOnIce

basically what happens after the Night Changes video, Harry is on crutches, Louis is in jail, and they're just starting to figure it all out

You'll Be the Death of Me by YinAndYangOnIce

This story is 50% denial and 50% bad puns

Basically Louis is a punk who is failing history and Harry is a nerd who's really good at surprising him.

Trust In Your Dream by disarm_d

Harry hits his head and wakes up in a world where he and Louis are not dating.

The Second Hand Unwinds by FullOnLarrie

Louis Tomlinson is one of the first members of NASA's top secret Chrono Exploration Program. When things go wrong and he's sent further back in time than planned, he has no other option than to show up on his ex-boyfriend's doorstep.

The Way You Move (Ain't Fair, You Know) by indiaalphawhiskey

Fuck Niall Horan. Fuck Niall Horan for drunkenly suggesting, over their fifth pint of beer, that Harry appear on Drop the Mic for his Dunkirk promo. Fuck Niall James Horan to the moon and back.

--

Or, the Drop The Mic drabble no one asked for.

Howls Like A Beast (You Flower, You Feast) by indiaalphawhiskey

France, 1754. Château de Versailles.

“You don’t love me,” Louis had said, utterly blasé as he callously fractured the heart of a Harry that was just barely eighteen.

“I do,” Harry had insisted pleadingly, green eyes already watering.

Louis had rolled his eyes, exasperated and flippant in the way only beautiful, young boys could be when faced with the affections of a baby prince. He had run his finger down Harry’s cheek then, had forced him to look into his eyes as he delivered the final blow.

“You’ll change your mind once you’ve seen more of the world,” Louis had teased, pressing a brutally delicate kiss onto Harry’s lovely, pure cheek. “Once you’ve been properly defiled.” He had whispered filthily, delighted by the gasp he heard, the frantic pink blush that had rested high on Harry’s cheeks, the power he had felt at knowing he could make the Crown Prince squirm.

No One Like You by myownspark

Dear Niall,

I was glad to have the chance to talk with you again at the AHA conference. Your idea that the Musee D’Orsay Tomlinson painting is in fact not a self-portrait is an intriguing one, and I may have discovered something that will have a bearing on that theory.

Some background: as you may remember, I’ve been researching for a book I’m writing about Harry Styles. I’ve been in communication with Styles’ last living descendant, who is in possession of a trunk that her family believed to have belonged to Styles himself. It held some personal items she presumes to be his, including two unmounted paintings and a small collection of letters.

Upon spending the last few days in Provins studying these items, I believe there to be a connection between Tomlinson and Styles, and I would very much like your opinion.

Are you up for a trip to France?

Sincerely, Liam Payne

Where Liam and Niall are art historians discovering the truth about two nineteenth century painters on opposite sides of an artistic divide.

red hands by reveries_passions

“I’ve never told anyone,” Harry murmurs, voice so soft no one else would be able to hear, if it wasn’t just the two of them.

“But you’ve told someone,” Louis tells him firmly. “And that’s not gonna fucking happen around here. You don’t speak a word of it, or someone’s going to kill you, and we can’t let that happen.”

*

a dystopian au in which harry, an ex-soldier who’s escaped from his government run camp, accidentally stumbles across the biggest rebel movement in the country, and louis, one of the rebellion’s mysterious leaders who appears to hate him, seems to simultaneously have an obsession with keeping him alive. or: harry is wanted for treason, niall hasn’t changed in four years, liam is always smiling, and louis is angry. like, really angry.

Light My Fire, Blow My Flame by messofgorgeouschaos

“In New York, you can be a new man.” Broadway actor Louis Tomlinson has it all. An amazing flat, a wonderful friend group, a Tony under his belt, and the world at his fingertips. Yet there’s one thing that’s missing. And it might be in the shape of the curly haired lawyer who becomes Zayn’s new roommate.

Or, the One Where…. Louis is a Broadway actor, Harry is a newly graduated lawyer, Liam is a radio DJ, Zayn is an English Professor at NYU, and Niall is a music producer. A Friends AU.

hope is like a drug in this wild wild world by 5sexualhomos

Louis is a mutant who has been on the run for months, from Sentinel Services, the branch of the government responsible for catching mutants and torturing them. He prefers to stay alone, but when an accident exposes him and a friend. He must team up with an underground group of mutants to fight for what's right.

Just Me, Him, and the Sun and Moon by SadaVeniren

Alola!!

You have formally been chosen to participate in the FIRST EVER Pokemon World Championship Tournament. We have not made this selection lightly and have weighed your many years as a master pokemon trainer and pokemon friend in our decision to extend this offer to you! We hope that you will accept our offer and join us at the Hano Grand Resort on Akala Island!

The tournament will take place starting on May 15, but we request that you join us on May 13 to partake in an opening ceremony. The tournament will last two weeks, and accommodations will be provided for you and your pokemon, but transportation to the island will not (so bring a flying type!)

We hope you join us!!

Professor Kukui

---

AKA a gratuitous Pokemon AU featuring farmer!harry, professor!louis, paradise, pokemon battles, love, and the fate of the world

CAROLINA (Given a Chance) by darkmarkburning, staybeautiful

“Harry Styles is on TV!” Niall yelled from the living room.

Louis sighed and climbed out of his bed. He started talking before he was even fully out of his room. “What the hell is a Harry Styles?”

or Louis will swear on his life he doesn’t know a Harry Styles, but that won’t explain why the lead single off Harry’s album, “Carolina”, is most definitely about him.

Fireproof by Justalittlelouislove

After managing to survive everything Louis's thrown at him over the past decade, Harry thinks he's seen it all. That is until he comes home to a dragon egg in his living room. Together, Louis and Harry learn a little about co-parenting mythical creatures and a lot about themselves.

like cabbages and kings by you_explode

When Louis was a kid, he had a series of very vivid dreams about a place called Wonderland. There were rabbits wearing waistcoats and talking cats and ridiculous tea parties, and amidst all the absurdity, there was a boy. A boy with dimples, big green eyes and the sweetest soul Louis has ever known. Louis has always kept a place in his heart for that boy and for his funny dreamworld, and when he’s twenty-five and his life falls apart, it turns out Wonderland might not be so imaginary after all.

Warm Me Like Sunshine by rainbowslovehl (Larrymateforlife)

The pictures weren’t as surprising since Louis had seen him around with a giant camera hanging off his neck, and occasionally clicking passersby. What surprised him were the written parts, occasionally spread out between his photos. They ranged from random song lyrics, a few of which he recognised, mixed in with quotes, that he claimed he wrote himself. They were haikus or poems, mainly about love and longing for someone. And of course he wrote poetry, Louis shouldn’t be surprised. He did seem to be the type of person who are just perfect in every aspect.

Or alternatively, Louis accidentally discovers that Harry, the boy who he likes, has a tumblr account. He thinks it’s a chance to talk to him online without actually talking, getting to know him before they converse in real life. But things don’t go according to the plan when he finds that Harry is pining over someone who seems to be perfect. It gets worse when Harry starts talking to him in real life as well, since now he has to hide from him that his online friend (Tommo) is the same as his real life friend (Louis).

Given a chance, I'd show you my heart by sweetstrawberryheadache

Louis Tomlinson is a 28 year old journalist living in London and working for the Hoxton District, a famous music magazine. With a 3000-word article, he can basically make or break someone’s career. His world is turned upside down when Harry Styles, hot stuff photographer, gets transferred in London as the new HD Head of Photography.

Or the Music Industry AU no one asked for, with Journalist!Louis and Photographer!Harry. Also featuring Niall as Harry’s sensational best friend and Zayn, Louis’ artsy sidekick.

Delight in Masques by kassio

Popstar Louis Tomlinson has been pulling one over on the mortals for years. In the five years since he put on a human illusion and tried out for the X Factor, none of them have realised that he’s one of the Fair Folk – a cat shapeshifter, to be precise – and he’d like to keep it that way.

When he returns to the X Factor as a guest judge, the last thing he expects is for some half-Siren fool to use magic on the judges. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what Harry Styles does. Now Louis has to track down some rogue changeling before he exposes them all. Even worse? Apparently, Harry doesn’t even know what he is.

(An urban fantasy adventure, set in the world of - but not crossing over with - the October Daye book series. No need to be familiar with those books; I just want to give credit where it's due on a lot of the worldbuilding.)

Loyal Knight and True by rainbowninja167

Harry Styles falls in love on a Tuesday afternoon, and it is everything he’d always imagined it would be. The man is perched on a low stone wall that divides the road from the river, his chin resting on his knees and his brown hair fluffing lightly in the wind. There’s a small notebook on the wall beside him, open to a page as though he’s only just put it down. A ray of sunshine hits his face, giving it a golden glow, and as Harry watches, the man closes his eyes, tips his face toward the sky, and smiles.

Oh, Harry thinks, mouth open on a silent gasp. This is how it happens.

In contemporary Oxford, Harry Styles and Niall Horan run a magical bookshop, unbowed by an entire academic establishment that insists magic doesn't even exist. Sometimes, Harry finds, it's much easier to have faith in magic than in himself. Louis Tomlinson is a classically trained poet who needs something to believe in, and Liam Payne longs to be a part of something magical.

But when the lines between reality and fiction - poetry and magic - start to blur, can they trust each other to keep track of what's true?

Medicine by SophiaSoames

I've had a few, got drunk on you and now I'm wasted.

Louis Tomlinson doesn't do feelings. He doesn't do relationships. And when he has an itch to scratch there are always clubs and hook ups. Quick dirty encounters in dark places that feed the need that brews in the pit in his stomach. He works every hour of the day as the Front Office manager or the Clouds Westminster hotel in central London. He's a good boss, and he knows his shit.

Then that asshat Styles swans in like he owns the bloody place and Louis's carefully managed world starts to fall apart. Harry Styles needs. He's impulsive and stupid and childish and probably the last person in the world who should be allowed to run the Food and Beverage department at the Clouds Westminster, however many brilliant ideas he has and seems to manage to miraculously pull off. He needs. And he needs Louis Tomlinson.

It's a match made in hell. A recipe for disaster. There will be a bloodbath one day. They all know. Everyone knows.

The Sound of Love Astounds Me Every Time It Calls by nothing_but

It had been nothing more than maybe two or three hours so far, but Louis was already fed up. Fed up with kind, weirdly endearing Harry, fed up with his little daughter, fed up with this whole journey and mentoring thing that wasn’t going his way at all. He wanted to hate Harry, all right, and so he would, perfect looks, strange kindness, and little daughter be damned! Louis was unstoppable, always had been, and this man certainly would not break him. As always, everything would eventually go the Tommo Way.

OR

Mentoring a newcomer in the children’s literature scene is an offer that Louis Tomlinson, accomplished children’s book author, simply can’t refuse. Especially since it comes with a two-week holiday in a remote luxury hotel and overly generous compensation. What Louis certainly did not sign up for was Harry - young, vibrant, bubbling right over with ideas, imagination, and kindness - radically turning his world upside down.

Castle Hollow and Cold by Nicolasgrimshaw

Prince Harry is a private person. He keeps himself out of the public eye as much as he can, using his bedroom as his hideaway, and disguised visits to town as his escape. The albatross around his neck gets heavier and heavier every passing day, and all he needs is someone to help him lift it off--but he’s already accepted the fact that it’ll never happen.

Louis was a rather forgettable person. Nothing he did would land him on the cover of a magazine or make him the recipient of the Nobel Peace prize. He just went to his college classes and performed all the chores his wicked stepmother unfairly assigned him. He was a maid more than he was a stepson.

One fateful night, he finds himself at the masquerade ball being thrown in the Princes honor. It was really just meant to be one big pool of women for the Prince to peruse through--after all, he was in need of a princess; a Prince can’t exist without one, right? But in a twisted turn of events, the women aren’t the one’s Prince Harry is showing an interest in.

Ain't That A Kick In The Head! by lesbianharrie, wreckingtomlinson

“Well.” Niall unlocks his phone. “It wasn’t getting the traction I wanted on Snapchat. So…I tweeted it.”

What.

“You tweeted it,” Harry states, nearing a state of brain dead. “To your ten thousand followers.”

Niall nods, handing Harry the phone. “You’re a meme, Harry.”

“I’m a what?”

“A meme. It’s like an internet—”

“I know what a fucking meme is, Niall! Why did you make me into one?”

Niall has the fucking balls to cackle at that while Harry looks at the mess his former friend created. Videos of him screaming at Tomlinson about Tide Pods and his ass are being quoted and combined with memes to a create a level of memeception Harry has never seen before. That isn’t even including the thousands of tweets of him falling up the stairs remixed with random Top 40 songs.

~

In which Harry’s a disaster gay who doesn’t know shit about soccer, Liam drinks too many blue raspberry Coolattas, Niall knows everyone, Zayn looks dead, and Louis is Not Happy about sharing his breakout moment with “Drunk Hawaiian Guy.”

Take a Chance on Me by velvetnoodle (goldfishsunglasses)

Harry Styles, former member of the hugely successful boyband Status Single, returns to his hometown of Holmes Chapel with his daughter nine years after the band broke up and he disappeared from the limelight. Convinced he’s faded into obscurity by now, Harry deems this the perfect place to give his daughter a stable childhood, which includes signing her up to play football at the local club, of course.

The only problem is the coach, Louis, seems to dislike him. Like really, really dislike him. Which drives Harry mad, because everyone likes him. Everyone. So when he finds out Louis’ flat has flooded and he’s got nowhere to stay, Harry is quick to offer up his spare room in the hopes of winning the other man over.

(aka the Strangers to Enemies to Friends to Lovers Roommate AU you didn’t know you needed, feat. Single Dad!Harry, Footie Coach!Louis, a precocious 9 year old, a band of meddling family members, an overly excited labradoodle, an extremely Done cat, and a Shiall wedding you’ll never forget.)

Back to How it Was by lululawrence

Harry carefully stood up and was on his way to the window to look outside when he ran his hand through his hair, and it stopped entirely too soon.

He froze then began fervently patting all over his head. Where was his hair? He’d been growing it out for a couple of years now and it was finally almost to the length he’d had as a goal the entire time. How could it have gotten cut off overnight?

Harry rushed over to the mirror hung on the wall adjacent to the window.

Oh shit. What the hell was happening? Harry leaned closer and saw that not only was his hair cropped shorter than he’d ever wanted to go again, but it looked like he had the beginning of crow’s feet by his eyes. Those definitely weren’t there yesterday! And what happened to his tattoos? He still had some of them, like the star and the letters he’d gotten for his mum and Gemma, but most of the rest were missing and there were a few he’d never seen before instead.

What. The. Fuck.

Or the one where Harry goes to bed angry with his bandmates and wakes up in a universe where One Direction was never formed and he has to find a way back home. Home definitely has nothing to do with his best friend and bandmate, Louis. That would be ridiculous.

Lead Butterfly by LadyLondonderry

Dawn breaks on a cloudy bleak morning sky. Salty mist sprays up with the swell of the waves and buffets all of the lonely sleepy ships that drift as their sailors sleep on.

The Lady Charlotte dips and rises as it moves through the mist in the hopes of a clearly sky. The black flag flaps lazily from the highest mast, the emblem of the sparrow only a shadow from down on deck.

When the ship Harry lives on is boarded and overtaken by the crew of The Lady Charlotte, he thinks it’s going to be the end of the line. What he’s not expecting is to be brought onto the ship and provided safe passage. At least, as long as no one finds they’ve mistaken a common pirate for a noble.

Wild Love by purpledaisy

“Good,” Julia says, clearly pleased to have them both uncomfortable and unable to look at each other. “Now, I only have one more question before you can go. What are you planning to do when this experiment ruins your friendship?”

“We said we’d stay friends no matter what,” Harry says smoothly, his chin lifting in defense.

“That was our one thing going into it,” Louis agrees. “Stay friends no matter what.”

Julia raises a perfectly manicured brow, “That’s all fine and good. But I hope you realize your emotions aren’t going to realize this is an experiment in the end. If one of you falls for the other and finds out those feelings are not reciprocated, you’re not going to be able to laugh it off as a social experiment. I’m not saying you shouldn’t do this, I’m just hoping you’ve considered all of the possible outcomes.”

- AU: Two best friends try to date each other for forty days. It's supposed to be fun until emotions make it complicated.

keep this love in a photograph by suspendrs

“I could never forget a damn thing about you, Harry Styles, not even if I wanted to,” Louis says. His hair falls into his face when he glances over at Harry, the moonlight reflecting off of it and making it glow golden, like maybe Louis himself is the sun.

Harry thinks of how dark and cold his life got once Louis went away, how Harry got a taste of the sweetest sunshine imaginable and then was plunged into the longest winter of his life. He feels like he’s been buried under mounds of snow for months, years, and he’s finally made it to spring, finally getting another taste of how wonderful life can be.

Or, it’s 1919, and Harry’s been falling in love with his best friend for his entire life.

Don't Let the Tide Come and Take Me by kiwikero

The aquarium in the lobby has been there as long as Louis can remember, and so has the merman inside. That is, until the day Louis loses his job and decides to set the creature free.

They set off on a road trip to the sea, learning to communicate more and more each day. Their destination is LA, but the closer they get and the more Louis gets to know the merman, the more he dreads having to say goodbye.

Or, the one where Louis decides to set a merman free and ends up finding his own freedom along the way.

Nobody compares to you by fallenflowercrowns

Harry has a long-term crush on his bandmate and best friend Louis, who is straight, at least as far as he knows. He also starts falling in love with this guy he met on tumblr. Who also has a crush on his own best mate. Things are about to get complicated.

Or, the one where Harry falls in love twice, Louis is just incredibly sweet and supportive, and Al from tumblr is super nice but also really secretive about his identity - not that Harry can blame him, considering his own blog is run under false pretences, too.

Among Friends by secretswekeepxx

God. How is it possible that the three of them managed to fuck things up for themselves so thoroughly in such a short amount of time?

Harry turns on the faucet, splashes some cold water on his face and hopes it’ll help clear his mind a bit. He does his best to avoid looking at the mirror; focusing instead on spreading toothpaste on his toothbrush. He doesn’t need to see his reflection to know that all of his mistakes are written on his face.

Of course all it would take for the universe to align was to tempt it, and now, after three months, and a stupid, drunken pact made among friends, it feels like the stars are spelling out a giant fuck you three in the sky.

Or the ‘That Awkward Moment’ AU where Harry, Niall and Liam make a pact, because being on your own is a great concept until it just isn’t anymore.

All That You Are by asphodelknox

Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson meet on a civilian boat, taking them home after their rescue from Dunkirk. Harry is won over by Louis’s smile and his plea to write letters but would never guess the long stretch of war would give him something he never imagined could be his.

Written for the 2018 Flicker Fic Fest! Based on Since We’re Alone.

Getting Naked on Camera (NOT CLICKBAIT) by velvetnoodle (goldfishsunglasses)

harry's finally convinced louis to shoot a video with him for his youtube channel - a boyfriend clothing swap, to be exact - but louis' got other ideas

my favourite colour is you by velvetnoodle (goldfishsunglasses)

Harry and Louis have been best friends for decades, and practically attached at the hip the entire time. Harry would scoff whenever the people closest to them would question their lack of an actual relationship, because the idea of the two of them being anything more than friends is the most preposterous thing he can think of.

Until, one day, it isn’t.

Slow Hands (Slow Days) by LadyLondonderry

Louis Tomlinson is the new vet hired on at Payne Veterinary Practice, in the middle of the Yorkshire countryside with nothing but rolling hills and farms for miles.

Harry Styles is a resident farmer, with pigs and sheep and beautiful green pasture and a, confusingly, completely empty milking parlour.

Maybe Louis is putting too much thought into this, but he really, really thinks Harry should have cows. And Harry really, really seems to disagree.

Your Shadow Running Round by harrystanslouis

Seven years ago, Harry chased a dream, leaving behind his home and everyone in it. Including Louis, his best friend and quite possibly, the love of his life. When he's brought back to perform a charity concert for his old high school's Arts program, he realizes not much has really changed, including his feelings. This town is still achingly familiar, his mom still gives the warmest hugs, and Louis still makes his heart feel shimmery around the edges.

Run With Your Mind by larryandgaystuff (cnd8544)

Harry has lost everything. After coming out and being kicked out of his home, he lets the soothing monotony of the moonlit interstate guide him away from all that he’s ever known. When he stops in an unfamiliar paper town however many miles away from his own blue neighborhood, he finds a night of solace in a strangely intimate establishment dedicated to pleasure. The last dancer of the night captivates him, golden skin and mysterious eyes finding Harry’s across the club. When the stranger, with help from friends, finally catches him, offering a warm touch and a place to stay, Harry accepts. He’s thankful for the kindness, of Louis, the dancer with a voice like pink velvet and blue eyes that shine brighter than the flickering neon all around. And when he lets himself be led, by gentle hands and a soft gaze, upstairs to a small apartment above a strip club and overlooking a street he doesn’t recognize, it feels like the beginning of a new life. One filled with laughter, kittens, stripper boyfriends and femme fatales, grilled cheese sandwiches, and listening to a boy sing in the shower as he shrugs off his persona only for Harry to see, knowing with absolute certainty it’s all going to break his heart.

Took Me by Surprise by QuickedWeen

Louis Tomlinson and his best friend Bridget had a daughter when they were very young and he was on the brink of becoming the next MLS star. Until he blew out his knee.

A decade later, he's the head anchor of the American version of Match of the Day and is raising the coolest nine-year-old on the planet, who happens to be obsessed with Harry Styles - popstar, musician, and all-around household name.

All My Friends Are Here by abrighteryellow

He is about to decline, though. If he has to sit through forced merriment, the least he can do is avoid participation at all costs. He is about to, but then the guy with the microphone is looking out into the crowd. He’s saying things, too — about rules and prizes and team names. At least, Louis assumes so. He can’t really hear him over the ringing in his ears.

“Alright, mate. I’ll play.”

maybe by momentofclarity

I cannot not see you again. I cannot.

Beat the Odds Together by crimsontheory

Harry and Louis are both YouTubers who met and starting dating through YouTube. One morning Harry wakes up to a surprise video from Louis.

Just Enough (to Feel My Body Come Alive) by lululawrence

As soon as the door closed behind him, Louis leaned against it and let out the breath that he’d been practically choking on just moments before. He’d been able to hide behind his metaphorical armour until Harry, the barista, had approached the table. That one moment somehow cracked Louis open enough that he’d felt a surge of joy for just a second, and that second was enough to scare the shit out of him.

He couldn’t let anyone in like that, not even for a laugh. Especially not another cute boy.

Patience, Please by hrrytomlinson

The blue sky was quite beautiful, but nowhere near as beautiful as the blue of Louis’ eyes. Harry had never noticed it before this day, but now that he had, he would never see them the same way ever again. Heart pounding, palms damp, nerves twitching; it was at that moment that Harry had realized he fell in love with his childhood best friend.

Without You For The First Time by Ladyinbooks

Louis is ready to take the next step in their relationship. Harry finds out about this, freaks out and leaves.

Boyfriend Material by Speechless

What really fucks with his head is the fact that Nick Grimshaw didn't just lie and disguise his evil plan as a birthday present. He didn't simply force Louis into his little psychological torture despite his efforts to keep that from happening. He didn't even stop after involving another innocent person into his cruel game. He also paid Harry Styles, a handsome, charming, young chef, so he would teach Louis how to cook. He told Harry Styles which days Louis works the morning shift and that's why Harry Styles knocks on his door every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

* So basically Nick bets Louis he can't go two months without sex. And then he introduces Harry to him. Because he's the Devil*

three worn words by Skyebyrd

Harry isn’t completely bad. Kensington Gardens is, so far, an incredible show that sticks really true to the novels, lifting almost the entire dialogue from them. It’s just that Harry isn’t Victor. Harry is...he’s Harry.

Harry is sweet, and kind, and also, right, never fucking called him back. Fuck him.

He sucks as Victor, Louis takes it back.

Louis is a big fan of the romance novel Kensington Gardens. What he isn't a fan of, however, is Harry Styles playing Prince Victor of Wales.

it ain't right, but isn't it amazing by suspendrs

It’s all Niall’s fault, as most things are. Niall’s the one that made the bloody Tinder account in the first place, and the one that added every decent looking photo of Louis he could find on his phone, and the one that swiped right on the first fifteen guys that popped up. Yeah, Louis might have done the rest of the work that landed him here, in the men’s toilets of a Japanese restaurant in west London with vomit dripping down his chin and down the very, very attractive chest of the very, very attractive man in front of him, but Niall started it.

Or, Harry takes Louis for sushi on the first date. It doesn't go well.

blend into my favourite colour by rainbowninja167

Harry often wonders if they’ll ever meet in real life. And if Harry will recognize Tommo the instant they see each other, like somehow their souls will just know. Or maybe Harry’s soul is shouting “Louis!” too loudly for any other signals to go through.

Harry is a barista with a secret Werewolf High fan blog, a desperate crush on a customer named Louis, and a best friend on Tumblr who always makes him laugh. Louis can't figure out why the barista at his favorite coffee shop keeps creepily staring at him, and to make matters worse, he may be slightly in love with a friend he met online.

A love square involving two boys, one TV fandom, and one food fight.

we wreak havoc with our hearts by flimsy

Harry finds that he can't keep things separate; neither can Louis.

Harry tousles his hair, smoothes it back, shrugging. “Alright,” he says. “I’m, you know, outside if you need anything.”

“Yeah,” Louis replies. “Sure.” He doesn’t look like he’ll be needing Harry, and Harry tells himself that that’s okay. They’ve both got their moods sometimes or maybe the timing isn’t good, and if it’s not then that’s alright as well. Harry can respect that. And it’s not like this is their first tour; Harry knows that Louis will come around. He always does.

Don't Think About The Consequences by selflovelouis

“Can you shut up, for once?” Styles asks, and Louis’ eyes widen in shock. He opens his mouth, and Styles can tell he’s going to start yelling again about something absurd that Styles really doesn’t want to listen to. Professor Styles keeps talking instead, not giving Louis the chance to yell. “How…. how do you go from flirting with me in the middle of class to these annoying outbursts of anger? Can’t you just, can’t you just…” Fuck it. He leans in, and molds his lips against Louis’ open mouth. The wind gets knocked out of him when their lips finally meet, and he can finally feel Louis’ softness against his own lips. His hands reach up to cup Louis’ face, as Louis leans closer to Styles and he finally relaxes into Styles’ embrace. Styles doesn’t deepen the kiss, instead he pulls away and ghosts his lips across Louis’ while he comprehends what he just did fully. Fuck.

I Like Digging Holes by lululawrence

As soon as the video loaded, Harry practically choked on his tongue. It was a video of Louis writhing on his bed, moving his mouth to something. It was probably a song they had played, because he had tagged Harry specifically saying, “Thank you for my Morning Jam!” in bold white text.

All of that was great, but Harry really couldn’t get past the fact that Louis was topless, his tanned and tattooed torso looking like it was glowing as he sang along to whatever song it was.

“Harry,” Zayn said, snapping his fingers. “Oh my God, what is going on over there?”

Harry looked up from his phone, wide eyed with his cheeks burning. He truly had no idea if they were live again or not. He’d lost complete sense of his surroundings and time thanks to Louis’ erotic video. Harry knew he hadn’t meant it that way...or at least, he assumed Louis hadn’t...but it didn’t change the fact it absolutely was.

“You’re back on in five,” Liam said. “Pull yourself together, Harry.”

Or the one where Harry and Zayn host the Breakfast Show and Louis is a popular YouTuber who catches Harry's attention.

I Want Your Midnights by secretswekeepxx

Louis had started to make his way down the dark hallway, only the dim emergency lights guiding his way when he noticed there was still one office fully lit. Directly across from him in the West Building.

Or Louis is the Night Security, and there’s a man working late nights in the building across the way that he just can’t stop wondering about.

Kryptonite by secretswekeepxx

Louis watches with hooded eyes as Harry’s adam's apple bobs up and down a few times, before licking his lips and slowly bringing his eyes back up to Louis’. Even in this lighting Louis can see how dilated his pupils have become, and imagines his must look similar. “Are you wearing lace under your top, Lou?” Harry asks, voice deep with a rough edge that sends a shiver down his spine. “I’m wearing lace under my everything, Harold.” he says coyly, batting his mascara laden lashes slowly. -- For the first time in all of the years they’ve been working together both Louis and Harry are single at the same time. With their company’s annual Halloween bash just around the corner, both men decide it might just be the perfect time to take a risk, and maybe get a little risqué with their costumes in the hopes that the reward might be each other.

An AU written for 31 Days of Smut: Cocktoberfest with the prompt: Party

To Get Away From It All by secretswekeepxx

After a grueling final year of college, Louis and Harry are ready to embark on a celebratory trip. This is a vacation that is finally going to be just for them, and Louis has been counting down the days ever since they booked their flight. Seven all-inclusive days filled with sun, fun, and his boy.

Or the one where Louis and Harry go on a college graduation trip to Jamaica.

Green Eyes by Cherrie

Sometimes things don’t go according to plan. Sometimes people who should be the closest to you are the ones you sometimes need to get away from, and sometimes just a job can turn into the most important thing in your life.

fake it 'til you make it by tempolarriefics

“So.” Louis clears his throat, trying to prompt the curly haired boy into speaking.

“You want me to what?” The boy asks incredulously, speaking slowly in a way that emphasizes the absurdity of what Louis has just asked.

Louis clears his throat, hoping he doesn’t look as completely mortified as he feels. He shrugs nonchalantly before squeaking out, “To go to the Yule ball with me, to make my ex-boyfriend jealous?”

or, the one where Harry and Louis are seventh years at Hogwarts and while trying to make Liam jealous, fall in love along the way.

bonded by juliusschmidt

Louis cannot remember his life before Harry. He had one- Harry is, after all, two years younger than he is- but he cannot pull up even one memory that is not somehow intertwined with Harry.

the one where they are bonded, but it's not like that and they have to pretend like it is

need your grace by juliusschmidt

“I can’t wait to kiss you,” he says, softly. “With, like, tongue.”

Louis closes his eyes. This afternoon on the train in, he would never have guessed that at the end of the night he’d have Harry Styles- the Harry Styles- beside him, begging to be kissed. With tongue. Jesus Christ.

hope you guessed my name by juliusschmidt

Harry blows out a breath, testing.

Orange.

The flames dance in mid-air before flickering out. Tonight they are orange like the globe of the sun before it slips beneath the horizon.

Harry is a hungry devil and Louis is his unsuspecting prey.

feel so foolish by juliusschmidt

Louis and his friends keep laughing at Harry; he's sure of it. But he's not sure why.

Day 12: Family Game Night by juliusschmidt

“Is that really what you want? For me to let you win?”

No, it was not. What Harry wanted, wanted so badly he ached with it, was for Louis’ smirk to drop off his face with wonder at Harry’s cleverness. Harry wanted his luck to show up, that luck which had followed him faithfully into every single aspect of his life- his book being picked up by a publisher and then flying off the shelves, his heart finding its mate in Louis, his two (mostly) spectacularly well-behaved and sweet-natured children, his knack for discovering the perfect car and perfect home for exactly the right price- that giant pot of luck needed to arrive in its final destination: family game night.

Giving Me Excitations by juliusschmidt

Gemma's BFF Louis joins the family on a beach weekend. Harry likes him so much.

I'll Fly Away by juliusschmidt

Harry and Louis grew up together in Lake County, Harry with his mom and stepdad in a tiny cottage on Edward’s Lake and Louis in his family’s farmhouse a few minutes down the road. But after high school, Louis stuck around and Harry did not; Harry went to Chicago where he found a boyfriend and couple of college degrees. Six years later, Harry ends up back in Edwardsville for the summer and he and Louis fall into old patterns and discover new ones.

ft. One Direction, the local boyband; Horan’s Bar and Grill; families, most especially children and babies; Officer Liam Payne; many local festivals and fireworks displays; and Anne Cox, PFLAG President.

A Cuppa Courage by juliusschmidt

Liam kicks Harry's shin, picking up another cup to fill. “He seems like he’d be a good catch, if you liked guys, I mean.”

I do like guys, Harry does not say, even though he’d like to shout it at the top of his lungs. I DO LIKE GUYS.

[a fluffy lil' fall coffee shop coming out au.]

The Worst Fucking Idea by juliusschmidt

Liam suggests Harry and Louis do Seven Minutes in Heaven, just like they always used to in high school.

the lunatic, the lover and the poet by juliusschmidt

Louis Tomlinson, Harry's long-time crush, shows up at summer Writing Camp. But, of course, like everyone else on the planet, Louis is interested in Veronica, not Harry.

Scoring Position by juliusschmidt

Harry Styles hasn’t pitched a perfect game, but if he closes out this final inning, he’ll get the win and bring handsome soccer star Louis Tomlinson home.

[Or the one where they’re all athlete-type people (except Gucci model Zayn and overly-friendly sports journalist Niall) and long-fated lovers Harry and Louis finally get together after Liam plays in the Superbowl.]

Strange Things by juliusschmidt

“You’re serious? You want kids, now?” Niall’s laughing as he asks, like it’s some kind of joke.

Harry fights the urge to bare his teeth, settling instead for a curt nod.

“But Louis doesn’t want that?”

Harry doesn’t answer because Niall obviously already knows what happened. Louis’ not really one to keep his mouth shut.

“Maybe you need practice. To show him how fun it would be and that you could handle it,” Niall suggests.

[In which Harry and Louis are magically given the opportunity to practice parenting.]

little wings on my shoes by juliusschmidt

You have C Lunch?” Louis asks, peering over at Harry's work. The problem Harry’s just finished is printed neatly, the correct answer circled. Harry’s finger marks the next problem in his book as he copies it onto the page. It doesn’t look like he’s stealing the answers out of the back. Nice.

He’s dimpled and smart.

And probably gay.

[The American High School AU in which no one is cool (except Niall) and Harry wears a rainbow bracelet.]

stirringofbirds between my arms by juliusschmidt

Sixteen-year-old Harry develops a crush on his neighbor, Louis, who is twenty-three.

Turning Page by purpledaisy

“What’s your name?”

“Harry.” He draws the word out slowly, hesitantly - like he’s not sure about it. The guy knots his hands behind his back. “Harry Twist.”

“Right,” Niall says, eyes lingering suspiciously on Harry before looking back to Louis. “You wanna buy Harry a drink?”

Louis lets his eyes drip back to Harry, to his wide eyes and the way his shoulders curve down. He really is pretty – Louis will be the first one to admit it and the last one to ever say it out loud. Louis almost smirks and his lips twitch as he tilts his head, “Not particularly, no.”

-

AU: Harry Styles tries to get lost in a place he’s never been.  Louis Tomlinson has been perfecting the art of being lost for years. What they don’t expect to find is each other.

Since I've Found You by Rearviewdreamer

Louis woke up on the morning he was meant to volunteer at the Feed the Homeless program at St. Mary's church hoping for an opportunity to give back a little to a city that has given him everything he could ever want. Little did he know, there was one more great thing waiting there for him; a boy with radiant green eyes in a weathered jacket and a beat-up backpack slung over his shoulders.

To Give You a Hand to Hold by gettingaphdinlarry

When he spoke again, Harry’s voice was low. “Ever think of how many birthdays they don’t get?”

Louis avoided Harry’s eyes. “What do you mean?”

“Martinez was what, nineteen? Missed a good sixty of them.” Harry took the last of his cake and passed the plate to Louis. “Figure sixty missed birthdays each. Just on our side. How many is that?”

Louis used the edge of his fork to scrape frosting off the plate. “Never thought about it.”

“What would your shrink say?”

“‘Focus on the positive.’”

Harry ran a hand over his head and scratched the back of his neck. “How’s that working?”

:: Marine Louis Tomlinson is medically discharged when an IED explodes in Afghanistan. Months later, he's reunited Stateside with his Navy medic Harry Styles. The two of them shelter each other even as they refuse to admit they're in the throes of PTSD, until one night nearly destroys them.

to be a king beside you by dramaturgicallycorrect

He’s beautiful, he’s got a bright open face, clear eyes, a contagious smile. Louis reminds himself that on the night of the Kennedy-Nixon debate, those who listened to the radio thought Nixon won, but those who watched it on television thought Kennedy won. How a candidate looks does have some credence, like it or not. So that’s the only reason Louis studies his features so closely.

Beyond that, Harry is just good. He rises from his folding chair and shakes the hand of every person in the room, his warm smiles provoking some in return from people who have probably never greeted a politician warmly in their lives. That’s step one, getting them to like you. But getting people to trust you, that’s a whole different ballgame. Eventually, they’ll go home, they’ll forget his face. They’ll remember his age before they remember his words. He needs credibility.

With a few gentle prods in the right direction, Harry Styles could be formidable. Harry Styles could go all the way.

[Or Louis is the Kingmaker and he’s going to make Harry a king.]

fortune's fools by dramaturgicallycorrect

It's about respecting the night and the reason they've come together. It's a rite of passage, as it were, a symbol of status, and that's the only thing that keeps Louis from skiving off and going for a run with Liam.

And he knows Lottie would chew off his left arm if he kept her away from the first All Hallows' Ball she's eligible for. So he keeps himself plastered to her side as soon as they step into the foyer, works hard at keeping his claws at bay once they're behind enemy lines. It’s a hard habit to unlearn, but he’s trying.

Louis likes an armistice as much as the next lad, but until he sees some sort formal treaty, he generally trusts the vamps about as far as he can throw them. Which is, admittedly, quite far, but not far enough. He's here to represent the pack, and that's all. He won't pick a fight. But he will finish one if it starts, he has to. The war resumes at sunrise anyway.

[Or two immortal households, both alike in dignity.]

(Sounds Like You) When I Close My Eyes by colourexplosion, dramaturgicallycorrect

a non-au where harry and louis never got together, but both of them wanted to. they get it right eventually.

Sometimes the Truth Is Stranger than Fiction by dramaturgicallycorrect

Zayn Malik stares at the blank page and the blank page stares back. And judges. Because Zayn has nothing. Fuck, he thinks, so he clacks it out on the typewriter he uses out of spite and the word stains the page with small, satisfying little Courier New letters. fuck !! Zayn sighs and closes his eyes, massaging his forehead and pulling up the image that has been haunting him for weeks. Tall, lanky, gangly, almost too thin to exist. Perpetual, generous smile and a firm handshake. Friend to everyone and friends with no one. Open face, greener than green eyes. Bed hair sky high, curly, impossible. Work hair tame, plastered, parted sensibly. Aggressively loves humanity, but too afraid of letting the world break his heart. Zayn blinks his eyes clear and presses return a couple of times, not bothering with the expletive. This is a story about a man called Harold Styles. And his wristwatch. -- Or a Stranger Than Fiction AU where Zayn has writer's block. Perrie's here to help. Harry is a character in a story, which is strange because he's definitely a real person. Louis refuses to be audited. Liam dispenses sage literary advice. And Niall wants to be a rock star.

Win a Date with Louis Tomlinson by dramaturgicallycorrect

Disgruntled film star Louis Tomlinson gets in trouble with the media and with his management company, so he is roped into a media stunt to recover his image: Win a Date with Louis Tomlinson!!!!

Harry Styles, a Tesco baker from Holmes Chapel, is delighted when his best friend Eleanor wins a date with Louis Tomlinson (!!!!). What nobody (including Louis) sees coming is Louis following her home to Holmes Chapel. What Louis doesn't see coming is having his life changed by the bouncing, baking, enthusiastic idiot called Harry Styles.

Ace by aclosetlarryshipper

It’s real. He can’t keep denying it. Denial has just made things more difficult. Acceptance is the first stage to anything.

Louis sniffles and pulls the sun visor down, flipping it open to reveal the mirror. He stares into his own icy eyes, grimacing at the red rim around the edges.

He tries to say the words, but they still feel too final and condemning.

or

The sexuality crisis you probably haven't read.

Like to Keep You Laughing by kikikryslee

Louis gasped. “Are you straight? Oh, I'm sorry, man. You should’ve just told me; I would’ve left you alone.” “No, no, that’s not it," Harry said. "I like guys. I definitely like guys.” “OK…” “Louis, I’m ace.” Louis snorted. “Kind of full of yourself, aren’t you?” --- Or, the one where Louis is a frat boy who likes to hook up and Harry is someone who doesn't hook up ever.

Pi Time by aclosetlarryshipper

Harry, 20. Less Than 1 Mile Away, Active 1 minute ago. I think when it comes down to it, I’m just looking for someone supportive. That’s all I really need in life. I know this is an app, but we can find people in all the most obscure places ☺ -H.S

or

Hot, hipster Harry from Tinder is nothing like Louis expected.

Two Hearts Drawn Together by Chelsea Frew (chelseafrew)

Louis Tomlinson is 1/3 of a world-famous boy band. Harry Styles is a deaf university student. When they meet each other at a book signing, they experience an instant connection. They soon discover, however, that bridging the divide of their differences is easier said than done.

led by your beating heart by missandrogyny

Nick leans over. "Oh," he says, his voice smug. "Who is that?"

Harry just blinks at his phone. "Um," he manages to stammer out.

"Who's that, Harry?" Nick asks again, but this time he raises his eyebrows and smirks. Harry knows Nick is just teasing, and that he's not really looking for new Harry Styles gossip, but, um. He might have found something. Accidentally.

Harry opens his mouth to speak, but all that comes out is another 'um'. He really needs to work on translating his thoughts into words. But then it probably wouldn't be any helpful right now, would it? His mind is as blank as a newly erased etch-a-sketch.

"Oh," Nick says again, this time gleefully, seemingly having picked up on Harry's distress. "Looks like we've got a story here! Are you going to call or delete her number?"

Her number. So Nick thinks it's a girl. Well, Harry can't blame him: 'Lou' is kind of an androgynous nickname. His stylist's name is Lou.

But this Lou, well, Louis, he's kind of, really, really not a girl. He's really pretty though, which, is something.

(Or: AU where Harry's in One Direction, Louis isn't, and they reconnect over a game of 'Call or Delete'.)

rummaging for answers in the pages by brownheadedstranger

high school au, aka shameless fluff. louis goes to harry's after a bad date.

take my hand (and my heart and soul) by bananasandboots

Harry feels nauseous when he opens his mouth. "Hey. Um, hi. It's me," he mumbles before realizing with a jolt that Louis might not have his number anymore. "It's Harry... Styles," he tacks on, screwing his eyes shut and pinching the bridge of his nose. This was a terrible idea.

There's silence on the other end for a long time. Harry understands. He shouldn't have called. He tries not to let the static swallow him whole.

"I – yeah. Hi," Louis finally answers, slowly, awkwardly. "I um. Sorry. I heard about your accident. You're alright?"

Or, the one where Harry hasn't spoken to his best friend in sixteen months and can't remember why.

All of My Intentions Were True by onewasturning

There’s a hope, long taken for granted; as long as they’re together, everything would be okay.

Orphans AU. Growing up, Harry's and Louis' worlds revolve around each other. But growing up is more than just leaving home and getting jobs, and reality can be cruel.

Some things change, but others never will.

Whether Clouds or Clear Skies by onewasturning

“You, young Harold, are a baker among curry houses and vintage clothing stores,” Louis says, and it forces a bark of surprised laughter out of Harry.

“I’m a— sorry, what?”

“Harry,” Louis says, “last night I had an experience bordering on profound.”

“You’re making it sound like you did something sexual with my muffin,” Harry says.

Or, Louis gets into the habit of stealing baked goods while Harry’s busy keeping tabs on the weather.

wait up, i'm coming home by hattalove

The boy beams. It’s brighter than the lights dotting the sidewalk into the distance. Louis is absolutely entranced by the stretch of his lips and the way his jaw gives way to his neck, pale skin and smooth bone. There’s something about him that reminds Louis of a sunset, a painting, a beautiful thing.

or the one where louis finds harry, then loses him, then finds him again. a flawless performance from fate featuring some penguins, some celestial bodies, and a whole lot of tea.

Standing on the Edge of Forever by EllaO

“So let me get this straight. You took Mr. Squiggles from the classroom habitat, took him with you on your fieldtrip to the zoo, and released him in the aviary?”

Harry Styles is a single father, just trying to keep his life organized after losing his husband four years earlier. Between his daughter, Liam's hellion twins, and Sophia throwing him into any romantic tangle she can think of, life gets a little crazy. Of course, everything changes the moment Lo and the twins get interested in their school musical, The Wizard of Oz. Because the new director, Louis Tomlinson, is just about the most attractive man that Harry has ever seen.

Featuring adorable Dad Harry, hotshot actor Louis, three sassy kids, a badass Sophia Smith, and a Liam who just wants all their kids to be well behaved.

Make It Everlasting So Nothing’s Incomplete by supernope

Trying to be conspicuous so he doesn’t startle him, Harry sidles up to Louis and asks, “How’s it going?”

“Alright,” Louis muses, turning his head so he can smile at Harry. “I wish there were explanations about what each of the flowers mean on labels or something, though.”

A thrill runs up Harry’s spine, and he can’t quite temper the grin that spreads across his face as he asks, “Well, I could tell you, if you’d like?”

“Oh, only if you have time, I don’t want to keep you away from your work -”

“Louis,” Harry laughs, gesturing around the empty shop. “There is nobody here and, as luck would have it, there is literally nothing I would like more than to talk to you about flowers.”

Change My Needs by zarah5

AU. A one-night stand gone wrong. Or: it’s just Louis’ luck that the boy he wanted to take home needs stitches after a club brawl. Honestly, a precautionary trip to the emergency room isn’t Louis’ idea of a fun time - but a hospital waiting room is a good place to fall in love.

Want You More Than A by TheCellarDoor

Falling in love with your step-brother’s best friend is a disaster enough. When he happens to be the boy everyone loves and you’re a nerd who wears sweater vests and cries during rom-coms, it takes it to a whole new level.

Sweet to the Soul, Health to the Bones by wildhalos

“When you walk in, every single thing stops. I see you, only.” Someone keeps declaring their love on the brick wall outside Louis’s office window. It's possible Louis should be concerned, but the romantic in him would like to believe a stalker would use something slightly more vicious than chalk and pretty words.

love is a word (you gave it a name) by hattalove

“It’s worth it anyway,” says Harry, looking into Louis’s eyes. He’s untucked his hair from behind his ear, and it falls down in silky strands to obscure his face. He looks so painfully young, even after everything. Louis’s strong, strong boy. “Just for the two of us. We get to be selfish for a little while.”

it's christmas. in between snowman building, tree shopping, and ill-advised skating on a frozen lake, louis and harry get ready to take the most important step of their lives.

Par for the Course by colourexplosion

Harry's right there. In person. Wearing a ridiculous purple golf shirt and those stupid gloves that keep the clubs from flying out of your hands when you swing and he's staring at Louis like he's just seen a fucking ghost.

Though, Louis supposes, he really sort of has.

Or, a golf au.

(based on the summary of Becky Wicks' Before he was Famous)

(break me) like a promise by pendules

Louis lives in a sleepy college town, helping his mum taking care of his sisters. Harry's just started school and is working part-time at a bakery he frequents.

you'll always be my thunder by tomorrows

Louis doesn't let himself think about it. He doesn't think of The List or LA or the cobblestone streets he knows like the back of his hand by now. He ignores the way the sun reflects off the gold band on his finger and decidedly puts on the peppiest, most sickeningly upbeat tunes on his phone. The sound of Anne's voice was enough for him, he thinks. Now it's just a matter of coping. He wonders if he's got the strength to ignore the pain in his chest for that long, until the end of his life, he presumes.

Based on these tags where a two-year long zombie apocalypse finally comes to an end and Louis and Harry don't know if the other's survived.

You'll Know What Makes The World Turn by objectlesson

Sometimes, when things are messy and they have more than a few weeks apart, they need the reminder. It’s comforting to have stars to map your course by.

or, Harry's blue bandana is a day collar.

Once Upon a Dream by objectlesson

“M’not gonna half-ass our fake relationship,” Louis almost snaps, voice sharp with a defensive edge, like Harry wandered too close to a bruise with needy fingers. “Now kiss me again. We’re gonna make every shitty tourist here wish they had stayed in the Midwest. We’re gonna burn Disneyland down with our gay. ”

Harry shuts his eyes and opens his mouth, because he can’t fucking say no to Louis.

--

Or, a fake dating AU where everyone is lying and they happen to be at the Happiest Place on Earth.

Better in Hotel Sheets by objectlesson

#9. Because you're in a hotel.

---

“Finding some random person to fuck just because I wanna make the best of this bed seems really exhausting,” Harry says. Which is a perfectly normal, acceptable thing to say to one’s best mate. “Wish you and I could just, like…fuck casually instead. Way less exhausting, and you wouldn’t have to sleep with Zayn in sexile,” he adds, which is not, under any circumstance, normal or acceptable.

Go Nowhere Tonight by objectlesson

As always, the easy nonchalance with which he treats the rumors hurts, stabs Harry in the gut, twists the knife. Because it is hard for Harry; it’s hard to know people think they should be or are together because he wants that. Wants it so fucking badly, and it would be one thing if he could just silently quarantine that part of himself and pine secretly, but instead he’s faced with fictionalized accounts of his and Louis’s nonexistent love life and photoshopped pictures of them being coupley every time he’s on the internet. It is hard, and the fact that it supposedly isn’t for Louis functions as proof that it’s unrequited. “It’s gonna be a rude awakening for them,” he starts, gazing into his empty glass, “when we eventually come out but are dating other people. No one likes being half-right.”

---

Or, the aftermath of a very tense dinner party.

To Keep the Night From Ending by objectlesson

It doesn’t always feel real to kiss in the dark, Harry guesses. He wants it to feel real. He wants it to be the realest thing, burnt indelibly into his skin.

Or, Harry and Louis take a night swim.

Grenadine Sunshine by objectlesson

Harry’s only sixteen, it shows right now, and Louis wants…he wants so many things. He wants to taste the faint, sugary ghost of lip gloss, he wants to cup Harry’s face between his palms and swipe the shimmery wet shadows from beneath his eyes. He wants to show him everything he knows, even though he doesn’t know anything about this, about kissing boys or flirting with them or doing their makeup or even showing them it’s okay to want to wear makeup in the first place. Still, Louis just wants, wants and wants and wants. It’s what Harry does to him.

You Drive Me Crazy ( I Just Can't Sleep) by objectlesson 

The first time Louis ends up in Harry’s bed is a total accident.

Saved Tonight by objectlesson

Harry is the world's most persistent seduction-baker, a questionable dog-sitter, and Louis's biggest fan. Louis hasn't written in years, is trying to pass loneliness off as cynicism, and absolutely hates his fans. It's probably destiny.

Continued here.

[onestowatch]

Brandt Orange Returns With "Good Energy" from Debut Album [Q&A]

Asian-American songwriter and producer, Brandt Orange, returns from working on his Fresh Finds-featured side project, Morii Morii, with his latest single, "Good Energy." Ahead of his upcoming debut album, "Good Energy" provides listeners with a peek at what is to come for the young artist.

With popular releases like "Hands" amassing a million plays and counting on Spotify alone, Brandt Orange has already proven himself an expert storyteller, but his latest song, "Good Energy," pushes the artist's work even further. This track feels effortless, his lyrics carefully walking the line between a stream of consciousness and a crafted story. With its casual electric guitar and a less-is-more production style, Brandt Orange reveals a new sense of maturity and deliberateness with his craft.

Ahead of his supporting tour this fall with Gus Dapperton and Spencer, we spoke with Brandt Orange about his writing process, his love for Frank Ocean, and what we can expect from his upcoming debut album. 

OTW: This is your first single off of your upcoming debut album. Why did you pick this song specifically?

BO: In the past year or so, I’ve released a few singles that are pretty different thematically and sonically. It was me falling in and out of love with creating, learning countless lessons, and figuring out what in life evokes the most emotion out of me. That being said, it’s been a while since I’ve released my own music (Morii Morii), so I wanted to start the rollout with something that really shows the through-line of my writing the most. “Good Energy” was just that. I can see 15-year-old me writing these melodies and lyrics. The more I write, the more I get stuck in my head about what is good or bad. There’s a blissful ignorance about 15-year-old me writing songs that I feel “Good Energy” captures, and I hope that translates.

OTW: I know you are a very meticulous when creating your music, controlling pretty much the whole process single-handedly... How did "Good Energy" come together? Was this any different from your typical process?

BO: First off, I want to shout out one of my closest friends (and now roommate lol), Cyrus Elia. Yes - I write all my songs and do a lot of the production work on them, too, but I accredit nearly all of my creative growth in the past year to Cyrus; he’s a wizard haha. I think of him more as an executive producer on the project, making sure that what I’m trying to say gets communicated in a way that’s focused and powerful. “Good Energy” was no exception to that. I would produce it piece by piece and ask for his opinion along the way. He’d give me advice and criticisms... I wouldn’t listen to a lot of them, and then two weeks later I’d realize he was right and change them. That’s how our creative relationship has been - he’s really helped me to silence my ego in creative spaces.

OTW: "Good Energy" seems to be a very personal song, and the album is also destined to be quite intimate to your real life. What is the story you’re telling across this album? What are some of the main themes?

BO: Yeah, it’s extremely personal for me. All I’m going to say is that the album details my personal journey with character and morality. There was a breakup involved, and I also touch on me wrestling with my ethnic identity, death, and religion.

OTW: Which song from your upcoming album are you most excited about releasing? Do you have a clear favorite?

BO: I’m the most excited about a song called “Videoscreen.” I don’t think it’s gonna be a single but I’m pretty sure it’s gonna be the first track on the album.

OTW: You're going on tour with Gus Dapperton and Spencer soon, how did that come together?  

BO: It’s kind of a long story, my manager has been talking with Gus’ agency for a minute. A couple of their reps eventually came to my show at The Factory last month and I guess they liked me enough to throw me on the tour very last minute. So so grateful and super excited to play with them.

OTW: You cite Frank Ocean as one of your primary inspirations; how do you feel his work has influenced yours?

BO: It was a gradual thing for me, I didn’t fall in love with it at first. I think as I grew older, I started to relate more to his personal story, and I got to see how his personal life inspired the music that he made. I realized that he’s really just telling stories about his life. That was really powerful to me because up until that point, I was writing songs about made-up stories. Also, his attention to detail is inspiring (space, sounds, lyrics, etc.).

OTW: Here's just a fun one -- if you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

BO: John Lennon! I think there is an enigma surrounding his name that maybe precedes his works. I wonder, sometimes, if we prescribe more power and magic to his process than he did. It might have to do with his early death. For example, I think I like Paul McCartney’s writing more, but I’m more intrigued by John’s. It’s intangible and seems transcendental. I would’ve loved to work with him just to observe his process when writing a song. I have a feeling it was a lot less precious than we like to think.

OTW: Who are your Ones to Watch?

BO: Jack Samson, Benee, Hope Tala, Brandon Banks, Common Souls, Mk.gee, Taylor McFerrin, emawk, and Boy Willows just to name a few.

[bokuranosign]

“I want Tegoshi to wear naughty underwear.” -KK

April Duet Scans, with the interview having a focus on gifts! Scan credits to Inala. ^_^

Did some quick translations, didn’t read over them so sorry for errors!

Translations under the cut!!

Massu

Something you’ve received from someone recently: I get socks from stylists often. They prepare socks for our outfits right? But compared to other clothing items, it’s troublesome sometimes to return socks that have already been worn once, so sometimes I just receive them to take back home. There’s a lot of almost brand new socks that have only been worn once at home lol. 

Something you’ve given to someone recently: I haven’t given it yet but my friend just had a baby so I’m going to give them a stroller!

The most memorable gift you’ve received: I’ve been given things from all kinds of people, and all of them are important so I can’t pick the number one!? But a memorable gift I got from a senpai is quite a while ago I got camouflage pants from Imai Tsubasa kun. I still love and use them now.

This is the return gift for White Day: If I were an office worker, I think telling my female coworker something like “As a return gift for Valentine’s Day, I’ll treat you to a meal” is good. A smart adult guy! lol

The no-fail gift from vacations: If I find something I want, like a super cute keychain, it’s not like to give to anyone, but I would buy a lot and if I meet friends within a week of coming back I would give it to them. If there’s extra I can use it myself then. I went to Tanzania for a show before and I bought a lot of Masai tribe stoles (scarves). 

If you were to give a present to members now?: For Tegoshi, a bowling lane lol. When he was into bowling, he would say at interviews “I have my own gloves and shoes”, and when I would say “You even have your own lane right!”, he would say “No way!”. I just remembered this kind of back and forth lol. For Koyama I might design clothes for Sorajiro. Because it’s cute like when Sorajiro’s wearing a down jacket on cold days. I would make a Johnny’s like outfit and Koyama would give it to Sorajiro lol. For Shige, clothes. Before designing clothes for “EMMA”, there was a request to style the coordinates from clothes that already exist, and there was a tshirt made of material that I thought would match Shige, so that one!

Koyama

Something you’ve received from someone recently: 2 days before Valentine’s Day, I got pants from my mother. It was in a box for Valentine’s and she even prepared them from my friend(s).

Something you’ve given to someone recently: The other day I was doing Danshari (throwing away, getting rid of) for my clothes, and there was a knit sweater that I wouldn’t wear but was nice so I gave it to NEWS’ music producer.

The most memorable gift you’ve received: A letter I received from a certain person after last year’s “24 Hr TV”. The phrase that really hit me in the 10 page letter was “It’s becoming a show where Koyama kun’s personality is conveying the news”. I’ve decided to continue being a caster by “not trying to reach too far and by conveying things with my actual own words”, but when I read  the words “Koyama’s personality is conveying the news”, I became really happy thinking “Oh, my way of doing things was good”. The person who gave me the letter being Tokumitsu Kazuo san made it even more important. Right now I have that letter on my Kamidana. (TN: Tokumitsu Kazuo is a famous and veteran announcer. Kamidana is a Japanese religious alter/shelf thing seen in many homes)

This is the return gift for White Day: With the words “For White Day”, a NEWS CD. It works as a return gift, and they’ll listen to our songs, so it’s the two birds with one stone strategy lol. 

The no-fail gift from vacations: If I’m honest, I’m not very good with the “Omiyage policy” lol. (TN: Omiyage are the gifts you’re often societally obliged to get in Japan when you go on a trip somewhere) When I get a break from a certain job to go on a private vacation, I’ll get a big snack type gift that I can say “Please have it with everyone” with, but I almost never buy a gift for someone in particular.

If you were to give a present to members now?: For Shige, I want to give him an extension cord. The other day when I was on Shige’s transportation car the extension cord in there was a mess. It wasn’t like the stylish Shige. I want to find a cool switch-based one for him. For Massu, alcohol. I’m trying not to drink alcohol until around before my concerts, so there’s a lot of alcohol that I’ve received building up at home. I can’t give him my top tier, but I can give him a second line wine! lol. For Tegoshi, I recently gave him about two pairs of underwear but I’ll give him around 5 more for the tour. I want Tegoshi to wear naughty underwear. I’ll give him the type that’ll get him teased on “Itte-Q” where they’ll be like “You’re wearing some amazing ones~” lol.  

Tegoshi

Something you’ve received from someone recently: I got cookies from Sapporo from my friend. I coincidentally met them on the day they got back, so they gave it to me like “Here, omiyage!”. I’m also the type who buys omiyage frequently when I go somewhere. I even give it to the person at the front desk of my apartment saying “Thank you everyday”.

Something you’ve given to someone recently: I found the phone case my friend had mumbled “I want this one” for on the net, so I bought it and gave it to them last time I hung out with them.

The most memorable gift you’ve received: The binding (part you put on shoes) for my snowboard I got as a birthday present from hyde from L’arc-en-Ciel. I also had plans to go snowboarding with him so it made me extra happy.

This is the return gift for White Day: I would go out for dinner. Not a material thing, but beautiful scenery and delicious food, delicious wine... I would give this kind of situation as a present!

The no-fail gift from vacations: No-fail? I would buy the typical ordinary gift from the area, like chocolates with the name of the place on them, no matter if they taste good or bad. Also for myself I try to buy myself a sticker to put on my suitcase and a shot glass to put in my showcase at home.

If you were to give a present to members now?: To Shige chan, I would give him shoes that don’t have the pivot on the heel. The sounds of his heels are soo loud when he walks around. He’s at the top of my “Heel sound ranking” of all the people I’ve met in my life lol. The other day when we were recording the extra video for our Album, when Shige chan was coming closer the sound like “Gan! Gan!” was a like is Gozilla attacking!? It’s not a thing, but if I could give feelings or thoughts, I would give Massu “Tegoshi’s positive thinking” lol. It’s super easy if you can think of everything as a plus like me~. If I could choose ignoring price, I want to give Koyama a oxygen capsule. He really looks after his health, but surprisingly he gets tired easily and gets sick easily too. He works hard as a caster every day so when he goes back home he could read a newspaper in the oxygen capsule and get “stamina recovery and information gathering’ done in one go to prepare for the next day!

Shige

Something you’ve received from someone recently: Tangerines. My friend in Wakayama sent me a box. They get bad a little at a time, so I’m trying hard to eat them, but it’s hard to finish by myself. I turned it into 100% juice with the slow juicer I got from Koyama, and added carrots to change the flavor, and when I finally thought “Just a little more...”, my friend from Shikoku contacted me saying “I’ll send you tangerines” lol.

Something you’ve given to someone recently: I still haven’t given it to them, but there’s something I’ve been thinking of giving. I got this delicious rice from a farmer I met on location for a show. Koyama often says, “I like rice!”, so I asked him if he wanted half, he replied “Oh, I also got ‘rice that goes with fish’ on location the other day so I’ll give some to you!” We promised to trade rice lol. 

The most memorable gift you’ve received: A portrait a illustrator friend of mine did and framed of me. Also a oil painting homage that my artist friend did of a Ukiyoe I like. Sharaku (famous ukiyoe artist) is doing the “Chankapaana” pose!

This is the return gift for White Day: For a casual return gift, things like aroma candles, preserved flowers, super expensive hand towels, a bit good quality pen; aren’t these kinds of things good?

The no-fail gift from vacations: It depends on the location, so there’s no such thing as no-fail one. But when I went to Cuba by myself I got Koyama a “I LOVE CUBA” tshirt on purpose as a joke lol. 

If you were to give a present to members now?: For Koyama, maybe a glass. When the four of us were in “Oshareism” he was saying he collects Edo Kiriko. From now on for every birthday maybe I’ll give him a small glass. For Tegoshi, I would find a movie he might like. Cause last year, when he was into a foreign zombie drama, he didn’t go out to play and quietly watched it at home lol. So to tie him down at home, I would send Tegoshi a box chock full of DVDs. For Massu, maybe the expensive Senkou-hanabi that was around 1000 yen for one that they were talking about on “Mirai Theater” would be good. It’s super beautiful and I think he would be moved. Massu’s also a summer baby.

[cutsliceddiced]

New top story from Time: We Were Planning to Sell Our Home Before the Pandemic Hit. Now, the Real Estate Market May Never Be the Same

We were on a mission and refused to see the signs. For years, my husband and I have dreamed of selling our small house in the Bay Area and moving someplace more rural, more affordable. After we had a baby, those dreams finally got upgraded to plans. We chose a real estate agent. We settled on a price. And we spent every free hour getting the house ready, planning to put it up for sale just in time for the annual spring rush, when families look to resettle between school years.

Even after the coronavirus started to spread in the United States, we convinced ourselves it would still happen and kept going — cleaning the grout, repainting the patio, starting to pack up. Then six Bay Area counties, including ours, became the first in the nation to issue stay-at-home orders on March 16. Open houses were shuttered. At that point, we had to admit that our plans were, at best, on hold.

Leonard Steinberg, an industry veteran at real estate company Compass, likened the day the pandemic was declared — 3/11 — to 9/11, a turning point that united people and upended business. As back then, the initial effects on the housing market were chaotic. Supply dried up as sellers pulled homes off the market or didn’t put them on. New construction slowed. As millions lost their jobs and programs started allowing homeowners to suspend mortgage payments, lenders panicked and made it harder to get loans. Some states deemed realtors essential, some didn’t. By mid-April, the number of homes under contract had plunged 43% nationally, according to a report from real estate company Redfin.

About eight weeks in, the chaos is easing. People have figured out how to transfer property with minimal human contact, and the way we buy and sell our homes may never be the same. There are plenty of upsides to not letting 100 strangers traipse through your bedroom, and everything from drive-through title signings to virtual “open houses” could save time and stress. A kind of “Covid contract” has even come into use, allowing buyers to walk away if they successfully bid on a house without visiting it but don’t like what they see in real life.

Yet these glimmers of what the future may look like don’t quell the uncertainty that homeowners are facing. It’s hardly the most urgent problem in the world, but like many of the 65% of Americans who own their homes, our house is by far our most important asset. How much we are worth depends on what it is worth. There were spreadsheets of comparable sales in our area that helped us settle on a price in the old times. But this new reality is, in many ways, an incomparable one.

For the first several weeks, it was easy to decide what to do, because we couldn’t do much. Our plans to list the house were indefinitely paused. Even after real estate was deemed an essential service in California at the end of March, selling was all but impossible for us. According to our county order, showing occupied homes was still not allowed.

We were now occupying our home at an unprecedented rate, and the idea of moving out to sell it was laughable. Huddled in our Lysol-coated kitchen, we tried to strategize. Should we put the house on the market as soon as possible or wait until it became clear what letter of the alphabet our economy resembled?

It was heartening to see prices remain steady, despite economic tumult. Nationally, homes prices have been slightly up from last year, in part because a big chunk of buyers and sellers moved to the sidelines at the same time. “Supply and demand sort of reduced in concert with each other,” explains Richard Green, director of the Lusk Center for Real Estate at the University of Southern California.

Plus, unlike during the Great Recession, “there was an acute housing shortage pre-pandemic,” says Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors. “And now there are even fewer listings.” Yes, some sellers are offering discounts to close a deal amid all the precarity, but many buyers “are essentially offering whatever the list price is.” Buyers in some markets are frustrated by a lack of choice, he adds. That could point to an opportunity. But most sellers also plan to buy a home, which means they too could be stuck with limited prospects.

According to the Redfin report, supply and demand have begun creeping back up in places that deemed real estate an essential service. Despite the pandemic, people remain motivated to move, for happy reasons and sad ones. Workers are still relocating for new jobs. Women are still getting pregnant. The newly unemployed — at last count, at least 33 million — are being priced out of expensive areas and going in search of fresh opportunities.

When I asked Yun if he’d try to sell soon or hold out until later in the year, he wasn’t bullish on waiting. His cited seasonal decline that tends to happen every winter. But there are additional considerations this year, including the nerve-wracking election, which could wreak more havoc on the economy, and uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. In many places, stay-at-home restrictions are now being loosened; in our area, real estate rules are relaxing. Maybe the economy will have improved in several months. Maybe layoffs will have stopped and rehiring will have begun. Maybe people will feel more confidence to buy. But a second wave of the virus could also send us back into lockdown limbo.

Green says everyone has to consider their individual circumstances. If job requirements or financial pressures require a move, so be it, he says, despite the unknowns. “But if you don’t have to, I would hang on until we’re through all of this,” he says. The rub, of course, is that we don’t know how long that will be, or what “all of this” will look like day to day.

In places where realtors have been able to do showings, they’ve often been private tours. Agents might walk through with just two people at a time, after they open all the doors and turn on all the lights to discourage shoppers from touching things with their own hands. Title companies have started closing deals in parking lots, and notaries are figuring out how to notarize online.

In some cases, buyers aren’t even visiting their new house until after the contract is signed. There were always reasons that people were willing to do this. Consider: people who buy condos in luxury high-rises before the building is complete, or far-away buyers who rely on a relative to check a place out. But the pandemic has pushed more to consider it. “I thought people were going to tour homes virtually but then not really buy them,” says Glenn Kelman, CEO of Redfin. Actually, he says, they have been.

On a recent Friday, I signed up for a virtual “open house” conducted via Zoom by an agent in Portland, Ore. “Feel free to put any questions in the Q&A box, and I’ll check those after each level,” he said as he began a looping tour of a modern four-story townhouse. Flying in the face of typical marketing practice — in which all personal or chore-related things are hidden from view — he showed not just the highly styled living spaces but closets that still held things like hangers and half-deflated birthday balloons.

3D tours, made using cameras and software sold by companies like Matterport, are also helping buyers and sellers minimize in-person perusing. According to Matterport’s CEO, RJ Pittman, an estimated 10% of listings in America currently include one of their 3D tours. Unshockingly, the Silicon Valley veteran is willing to make bold claims about the future. “Houses will be bought and sold online just like everything else,” Pittman says.

Some agents have also been more transparent with their 3D scans during the pandemic, as they try to turn them into a replacement for the real thing. The inside of cabinets, the water heater, the creepy stairs leading to a storage area, it all gets snapped. “Now we need to photograph the good, the bad and the ugly,” Ruth Krishnan, an agent in San Francisco, told me while restrictions on showing occupied homes remained in effect.

While incredibly detailed, these tours can be wonky to navigate, much like Google Street View. (On one, I got stuck on a porch and couldn’t click my way back inside.) Still, they’re enough for some. A 3D tour recently helped convince a couple Krishnan represented to make an offer on a place sight unseen, after the sellers said no one could visit until a contract was signed. “We spent a lot of time online with the marketing materials, and come Monday we were one of four people that wrote an offer,” Krishnan says. “It was a multiple-counter situation. We ended up prevailing.” The buyers had the right to walk after visiting the next day, but they liked what they saw and are now the happy owners of a $2.2 million home, secured with a 2.875% interest rate.

These kinds of contracts are not new, but the pandemic has altered attitudes toward them, says Kelman. “Sellers used to dislike that and now they’re kind of relieved,” he says. “You don’t want twenty different looky-loos walking through your place.”

The pandemic didn’t just change the way we look at homes. The agent we’re working with, like many others, started requiring buyers to prove they have the funds to purchase a house before they can visit. Weeding out casual browsers before they reach the threshold may have lasting appeal, even if it disappoints some house hunters.

Sellers also face new considerations when it comes to the facts they’re required to disclose when listing a house. Typically, those include physical defects like termite damage or a wonky step. Now some realtor associations have started recommending that sellers tell buyers if someone on the property has tested positive for COVID-19. When I asked our realtor about this, she replied with a note from the company’s attorneys: “Until I see some governmental entity tell me I don’t have to, I would disclose.”

Many in the business world have been pulling for a V-shaped recession, one that sees things bounce back quickly, though pundits are now predicting that the rebound will come slower. While the usual spring rush isn’t happening, Yun believes it still will. Kelman is also optimistic, up to a point. “I just have an asterisk on San Francisco or New York,” he tells me.

Among the changes the pandemic has wrought are some that could cool such markets. One is attitudes about density. Even when packing a lot of people into one place is no longer forbidden, the shine may be off cramped, high-priced urban spaces that require a lot of interaction with elevator buttons. And after this grand remote-work experiment, some employers in those cities may have second thoughts about the need for workers to come into the office.

Kelman says that “a major tech company” he cannot name has told Redfin that it expects 25% of its workforce to start working remotely full-time after this. According to Buzzfeed News, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey sent an email on Tuesday telling many employees that they could work from home forever. The company is headquartered in the heart of San Francisco.

We’ve half-joked with our realtor that the test for buyers is no longer asking if they can imagine living in a place but if they can imagine quarantining there. Will suburbs rebound as city-dwellers start caring more about their proximity to a backyard? Will young families abandon metros for unglamorous hometowns where Mom and Dad can help with the kids? The ability to have a high-paying job might be a reason to shell out $1.25 million for 900 sq. ft., but what if you can move to Boise and still collect New York City pay? For people like us, who are living a 30-minute commute away from downtown San Francisco, our fate could turn on whether such trends materialize and how they do.

Counties in the Bay Area recently extended the stay-at-home order through the end of May. But our realtor just told us that showings of occupied homes are now allowed, so long as the residents are not there when the home is shown. So we’re back to strategizing about what is safe and what is smart when it comes to this basket that so many of our eggs are in. We’re back to comparing the value of consistency and change. In the end, that may be the real calculation we rely on.

via https://cutslicedanddiced.wordpress.com/2018/01/24/how-to-prevent-food-from-going-to-waste

[cynthiajayusa]

TLC: From Top to Bottom

TLC never had to go chasing their gay fans – we came to them. And not just because “Waterfalls,” one of pop history’s most prominent HIV/AIDS-awareness anthems, made a generation of LGBT people more sexually responsible, or because “Unpretty” affirmed you’re fine just the way you are. Ever since their debut dropped in 1992, the self-proclaimed “prissy tomboys” – nobody could wear condoms quite like Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas – led us all to embrace our own crazy, sexy, cool selves, gender norms be damned.

But when Lopes, the trio’s swagging rapper, was killed in a car accident in 2002, T-Boz, 47, and Chilli, 46, took a long break from the recording studio to tour and pursue solo ventures. Now, 15 years post TLC3D, and thanks to a Kickstarter that funded the project, one of pop music’s flyest girl groups is taking their final bow with their self-titled fifth studio album TLC and opening up to their gay fans.

And no, they didn’t just stick to the rivers and lakes they’re used to. During our nostalgic and, ahem, educational interview, TLC talked about how “No Scrubs” gets the queers “crunk”… and, you know, just casually reminisced on that time they got schooled on what it means to be a top and a bottom.

Have you ever been to a gay club when “No Scrubs” comes on? Because you’ve never seen anything gayer or more inspiring.

T-Boz and Chilli: (Laughs)

Chilli: You know what’s funny? One of my friends works for VH1 and, oh my gosh, it’s hilarious. He’s gay and I’m the only girl who could be his play girlfriend he tells me, and he always sends me – and, I mean, he just sent one the other day – video of when “No Scrubs” comes on, and he’s like, “Chilli, I love you!” And he’s singing and showing me everybody singing. It is crunk!

So, I take it you’re aware of your LGBT following?

T-Boz: Oh, very aware. Very, very, very! The thing I love about our fans is, we’ve grown with them and they’ve grown with us. Some of them have kids now, so we have generations there. But, yes, we are very, very, very aware of the community, honey, ’cause all of our friends let us know. I love it!

When did you first know you had a gay following?

T-Boz: I did a party around (1994’s) CrazySexyCool and that was one of the best parties I hosted. I learned so much! Like, I didn’t know there were certain terms and stuff! They hooked me up with a lot more knowledge of stuff that went on than I really realized. I was like, “Ohh?!” It was just such a free, fun party. No judging. No anything. It was just one of the best environments I had ever been in, so I thought that was cool. So, probably around ’95-ish when I was really aware.

What did you learn about the gay community that night?

T-Boz: I learned what a top was, a bottom was. And versatile! (Laughs) I learned all of those terms! I was like, “Oh my god – this is so cool.”

Chilli: Oh, Lord. Oh, Jesus. I wasn’t at that party!

Sounds like you really missed out, Chilli. When was your gay awakening then? Ha!

Chilli: (Laughs) I don’t know why I feel weird saying it now, ’cause you already said it! The bottom part. And you know… the top. I keep laughing!

Ha! Moving on to the new album: Which songs on it do you hope become gay club anthems?

Chilli: It’s funny that you kind of break it down like that. But really and truly, for me personally, I just kind of feel like when we make our songs, we make them for everybody. I mean, everybody. So, you never know who’s gonna like what the most. I guess we’ll find out in time by what song really speaks to whomever and what’s the most popular one that’s being played at certain clubs. It’s kind of harder to gauge that one for me.

T-Boz: I think “Perfect Girls.” The three I’ve heard mostly from my gay friends have been “Perfect Girls,” “Scandalous” and “Start a Fire.” Those are the top three. But I think “Perfect Girls” has a message that’s been universal no matter what sex you are – anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t love themselves from the inside out or have a goal they’re trying to reach but can’t ’cause they’re looking at people who they think are perfect. But there’s no such thing!

What do you remember of the LGBT community’s response to “Waterfalls” when it first came out?

T-Boz: We did a campaign for Pfizer, and there was a new cocktail out. We did seminars and it was really cool because we let it be known that there was a new drug from this company and it could help HIV/AIDS patients. They would come up to us; they felt like we were their voice. It was such an epidemic at the time, so they just felt like we were speaking for them.

Chilli: It was basically about bringing more awareness (to it) because nobody really talked about it. It was kind of just hush-hush, even though these things were happening. It was like, “People are getting sick, they’re dying and nobody is really talking about it much.”

T-Boz: People even said they thought about committing suicide and it helped save their lives. We started really seeing the seriousness of it, especially when we did charity events. We got a lot of calls for charity events for AIDS benefits, so it started making a really big difference. We basically got one of our wishes through that song, because we always wanted to help change and save lives.

Gay icon Bette Midler covered “Waterfalls” a few years ago – what was it like hearing her rendition?

Chilli: That was an honor. It was an honor because she is legend, oh my god. That’s legendary right there! And not only that, but she contributed to our Kickstarter campaign. We were shocked. We couldn’t believe, like, ‘Bette Midler?!’

During “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Tatianna showed some TLC love when she did T-Boz drag. Did you tune in for that?

T-Boz: (Laughs) I absolutely saw it and I loved it! I put it on my page; I reposted it.

Chili: I don’t think anybody ever has (dressed up as me). Maybe I’m boring! I’m no fun, I guess. (Laughs) I just got the long, wavy hair. And I don’t hardly wear any wake up, so I don’t think I’d be a fun person to dress up as, is what I’m thinking.

T-Boz: Yeah, I’ve seen T-Boz drag more than once, actually. It’s cool to see different renditions of myself. It makes you go, “Oh, that’s how you see me!” (Laughs)

What do you remember from RuPaul’s visit to the set of the “No Scrubs” video in 1999?

Chilli: I remember the first time I saw him – and at first I didn’t know even it was him because he wasn’t in drag! He was just walking around with no makeup and it was so funny. But then, when he smiled, it was like, “Oh, that is RuPaul.” You know that smile anywhere. And he was so sweet too. And really tall! (Laughs)

T-Boz: He just came to show love. He was just there to support us, which I thought was awesome. That was it. He was just showing love.

At the start of your career, you rocked a tomboy look. How intentional was your subversion of gender? And what did that do for your lesbian following?

Chilli: This is how we looked at it: We call ourselves “prissy tomboys” ’cause we’re super girly, but we’re tomboys at the same time, so we felt like we represented all the girls who did not feel comfortable wearing a tight dress. We represented that crew. Then lettin’ everybody know you don’t have to wear a tight dress to be sexy – it’s the attitude. So, even though we had baggy clothes and all that kind of stuff, we were still feminine, So, again, whoever gravitated toward that and felt comfortable, we helped them feel more comfortable. That’s how it was, because we didn’t wanna wear tight dresses! We still don’t really like dressing like that.

Did your style give the ladies the wrong idea – that you were lesbian? What do you remember of those rumors?

T-Boz: I got most of it! They was always after me, child! (Laughs) All the lipstick lesbians – everybody! Child, I got everything. But that doesn’t bother us. Ultimately, no matter what your sexual orientation, we were standing up for anybody that felt like they didn’t fit in. We were letting them know you can still be sexy in boy clothes, you can rock this, you don’t have to be naked or half-dressed. You can be yourself and be just as fly.

As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBT wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. Reach him via his website at chris-azzopardi.com and on Twitter (@chrisazzopardi).

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2017/07/26/tlc-from-top-to-bottom/ from Hot Spots Magazine http://hotspotsmagazin.blogspot.com/2017/07/tlc-from-top-to-bottom.html

[demitgibbs]

TLC: From Top to Bottom

TLC never had to go chasing their gay fans – we came to them. And not just because “Waterfalls,” one of pop history’s most prominent HIV/AIDS-awareness anthems, made a generation of LGBT people more sexually responsible, or because “Unpretty” affirmed you’re fine just the way you are. Ever since their debut dropped in 1992, the self-proclaimed “prissy tomboys” – nobody could wear condoms quite like Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas – led us all to embrace our own crazy, sexy, cool selves, gender norms be damned.

But when Lopes, the trio’s swagging rapper, was killed in a car accident in 2002, T-Boz, 47, and Chilli, 46, took a long break from the recording studio to tour and pursue solo ventures. Now, 15 years post TLC3D, and thanks to a Kickstarter that funded the project, one of pop music’s flyest girl groups is taking their final bow with their self-titled fifth studio album TLC and opening up to their gay fans.

And no, they didn’t just stick to the rivers and lakes they’re used to. During our nostalgic and, ahem, educational interview, TLC talked about how “No Scrubs” gets the queers “crunk”… and, you know, just casually reminisced on that time they got schooled on what it means to be a top and a bottom.

Have you ever been to a gay club when “No Scrubs” comes on? Because you’ve never seen anything gayer or more inspiring.

T-Boz and Chilli: (Laughs)

Chilli: You know what’s funny? One of my friends works for VH1 and, oh my gosh, it’s hilarious. He’s gay and I’m the only girl who could be his play girlfriend he tells me, and he always sends me – and, I mean, he just sent one the other day – video of when “No Scrubs” comes on, and he’s like, “Chilli, I love you!” And he’s singing and showing me everybody singing. It is crunk!

So, I take it you’re aware of your LGBT following?

T-Boz: Oh, very aware. Very, very, very! The thing I love about our fans is, we’ve grown with them and they’ve grown with us. Some of them have kids now, so we have generations there. But, yes, we are very, very, very aware of the community, honey, ’cause all of our friends let us know. I love it!

When did you first know you had a gay following?

T-Boz: I did a party around (1994’s) CrazySexyCool and that was one of the best parties I hosted. I learned so much! Like, I didn’t know there were certain terms and stuff! They hooked me up with a lot more knowledge of stuff that went on than I really realized. I was like, “Ohh?!” It was just such a free, fun party. No judging. No anything. It was just one of the best environments I had ever been in, so I thought that was cool. So, probably around ’95-ish when I was really aware.

What did you learn about the gay community that night?

T-Boz: I learned what a top was, a bottom was. And versatile! (Laughs) I learned all of those terms! I was like, “Oh my god – this is so cool.”

Chilli: Oh, Lord. Oh, Jesus. I wasn’t at that party!

Sounds like you really missed out, Chilli. When was your gay awakening then? Ha!

Chilli: (Laughs) I don’t know why I feel weird saying it now, ’cause you already said it! The bottom part. And you know… the top. I keep laughing!

Ha! Moving on to the new album: Which songs on it do you hope become gay club anthems?

Chilli: It’s funny that you kind of break it down like that. But really and truly, for me personally, I just kind of feel like when we make our songs, we make them for everybody. I mean, everybody. So, you never know who’s gonna like what the most. I guess we’ll find out in time by what song really speaks to whomever and what’s the most popular one that’s being played at certain clubs. It’s kind of harder to gauge that one for me.

T-Boz: I think “Perfect Girls.” The three I’ve heard mostly from my gay friends have been “Perfect Girls,” “Scandalous” and “Start a Fire.” Those are the top three. But I think “Perfect Girls” has a message that’s been universal no matter what sex you are – anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t love themselves from the inside out or have a goal they’re trying to reach but can’t ’cause they’re looking at people who they think are perfect. But there’s no such thing!

What do you remember of the LGBT community’s response to “Waterfalls” when it first came out?

T-Boz: We did a campaign for Pfizer, and there was a new cocktail out. We did seminars and it was really cool because we let it be known that there was a new drug from this company and it could help HIV/AIDS patients. They would come up to us; they felt like we were their voice. It was such an epidemic at the time, so they just felt like we were speaking for them.

Chilli: It was basically about bringing more awareness (to it) because nobody really talked about it. It was kind of just hush-hush, even though these things were happening. It was like, “People are getting sick, they’re dying and nobody is really talking about it much.”

T-Boz: People even said they thought about committing suicide and it helped save their lives. We started really seeing the seriousness of it, especially when we did charity events. We got a lot of calls for charity events for AIDS benefits, so it started making a really big difference. We basically got one of our wishes through that song, because we always wanted to help change and save lives.

Gay icon Bette Midler covered “Waterfalls” a few years ago – what was it like hearing her rendition?

Chilli: That was an honor. It was an honor because she is legend, oh my god. That’s legendary right there! And not only that, but she contributed to our Kickstarter campaign. We were shocked. We couldn’t believe, like, ‘Bette Midler?!’

During “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Tatianna showed some TLC love when she did T-Boz drag. Did you tune in for that?

T-Boz: (Laughs) I absolutely saw it and I loved it! I put it on my page; I reposted it.

Chili: I don’t think anybody ever has (dressed up as me). Maybe I’m boring! I’m no fun, I guess. (Laughs) I just got the long, wavy hair. And I don’t hardly wear any wake up, so I don’t think I’d be a fun person to dress up as, is what I’m thinking.

T-Boz: Yeah, I’ve seen T-Boz drag more than once, actually. It’s cool to see different renditions of myself. It makes you go, “Oh, that’s how you see me!” (Laughs)

What do you remember from RuPaul’s visit to the set of the “No Scrubs” video in 1999?

Chilli: I remember the first time I saw him – and at first I didn’t know even it was him because he wasn’t in drag! He was just walking around with no makeup and it was so funny. But then, when he smiled, it was like, “Oh, that is RuPaul.” You know that smile anywhere. And he was so sweet too. And really tall! (Laughs)

T-Boz: He just came to show love. He was just there to support us, which I thought was awesome. That was it. He was just showing love.

At the start of your career, you rocked a tomboy look. How intentional was your subversion of gender? And what did that do for your lesbian following?

Chilli: This is how we looked at it: We call ourselves “prissy tomboys” ’cause we’re super girly, but we’re tomboys at the same time, so we felt like we represented all the girls who did not feel comfortable wearing a tight dress. We represented that crew. Then lettin’ everybody know you don’t have to wear a tight dress to be sexy – it’s the attitude. So, even though we had baggy clothes and all that kind of stuff, we were still feminine, So, again, whoever gravitated toward that and felt comfortable, we helped them feel more comfortable. That’s how it was, because we didn’t wanna wear tight dresses! We still don’t really like dressing like that.

Did your style give the ladies the wrong idea – that you were lesbian? What do you remember of those rumors?

T-Boz: I got most of it! They was always after me, child! (Laughs) All the lipstick lesbians – everybody! Child, I got everything. But that doesn’t bother us. Ultimately, no matter what your sexual orientation, we were standing up for anybody that felt like they didn’t fit in. We were letting them know you can still be sexy in boy clothes, you can rock this, you don’t have to be naked or half-dressed. You can be yourself and be just as fly.

As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBT wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. Reach him via his website at chris-azzopardi.com and on Twitter (@chrisazzopardi).

from Hotspots! Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2017/07/26/tlc-from-top-to-bottom/ from Hot Spots Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.tumblr.com/post/163454451845

[hotspotsmagazine]

TLC: From Top to Bottom

TLC never had to go chasing their gay fans – we came to them. And not just because “Waterfalls,” one of pop history’s most prominent HIV/AIDS-awareness anthems, made a generation of LGBT people more sexually responsible, or because “Unpretty” affirmed you’re fine just the way you are. Ever since their debut dropped in 1992, the self-proclaimed “prissy tomboys” – nobody could wear condoms quite like Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas – led us all to embrace our own crazy, sexy, cool selves, gender norms be damned.

But when Lopes, the trio’s swagging rapper, was killed in a car accident in 2002, T-Boz, 47, and Chilli, 46, took a long break from the recording studio to tour and pursue solo ventures. Now, 15 years post TLC3D, and thanks to a Kickstarter that funded the project, one of pop music’s flyest girl groups is taking their final bow with their self-titled fifth studio album TLC and opening up to their gay fans.

And no, they didn’t just stick to the rivers and lakes they’re used to. During our nostalgic and, ahem, educational interview, TLC talked about how “No Scrubs” gets the queers “crunk”… and, you know, just casually reminisced on that time they got schooled on what it means to be a top and a bottom.

Have you ever been to a gay club when “No Scrubs” comes on? Because you’ve never seen anything gayer or more inspiring.

T-Boz and Chilli: (Laughs)

Chilli: You know what’s funny? One of my friends works for VH1 and, oh my gosh, it’s hilarious. He’s gay and I’m the only girl who could be his play girlfriend he tells me, and he always sends me – and, I mean, he just sent one the other day – video of when “No Scrubs” comes on, and he’s like, “Chilli, I love you!” And he’s singing and showing me everybody singing. It is crunk!

So, I take it you’re aware of your LGBT following?

T-Boz: Oh, very aware. Very, very, very! The thing I love about our fans is, we’ve grown with them and they’ve grown with us. Some of them have kids now, so we have generations there. But, yes, we are very, very, very aware of the community, honey, ’cause all of our friends let us know. I love it!

When did you first know you had a gay following?

T-Boz: I did a party around (1994’s) CrazySexyCool and that was one of the best parties I hosted. I learned so much! Like, I didn’t know there were certain terms and stuff! They hooked me up with a lot more knowledge of stuff that went on than I really realized. I was like, “Ohh?!” It was just such a free, fun party. No judging. No anything. It was just one of the best environments I had ever been in, so I thought that was cool. So, probably around ’95-ish when I was really aware.

What did you learn about the gay community that night?

T-Boz: I learned what a top was, a bottom was. And versatile! (Laughs) I learned all of those terms! I was like, “Oh my god – this is so cool.”

Chilli: Oh, Lord. Oh, Jesus. I wasn’t at that party!

Sounds like you really missed out, Chilli. When was your gay awakening then? Ha!

Chilli: (Laughs) I don’t know why I feel weird saying it now, ’cause you already said it! The bottom part. And you know… the top. I keep laughing!

Ha! Moving on to the new album: Which songs on it do you hope become gay club anthems?

Chilli: It’s funny that you kind of break it down like that. But really and truly, for me personally, I just kind of feel like when we make our songs, we make them for everybody. I mean, everybody. So, you never know who’s gonna like what the most. I guess we’ll find out in time by what song really speaks to whomever and what’s the most popular one that’s being played at certain clubs. It’s kind of harder to gauge that one for me.

T-Boz: I think “Perfect Girls.” The three I’ve heard mostly from my gay friends have been “Perfect Girls,” “Scandalous” and “Start a Fire.” Those are the top three. But I think “Perfect Girls” has a message that’s been universal no matter what sex you are – anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t love themselves from the inside out or have a goal they’re trying to reach but can’t ’cause they’re looking at people who they think are perfect. But there’s no such thing!

What do you remember of the LGBT community’s response to “Waterfalls” when it first came out?

T-Boz: We did a campaign for Pfizer, and there was a new cocktail out. We did seminars and it was really cool because we let it be known that there was a new drug from this company and it could help HIV/AIDS patients. They would come up to us; they felt like we were their voice. It was such an epidemic at the time, so they just felt like we were speaking for them.

Chilli: It was basically about bringing more awareness (to it) because nobody really talked about it. It was kind of just hush-hush, even though these things were happening. It was like, “People are getting sick, they’re dying and nobody is really talking about it much.”

T-Boz: People even said they thought about committing suicide and it helped save their lives. We started really seeing the seriousness of it, especially when we did charity events. We got a lot of calls for charity events for AIDS benefits, so it started making a really big difference. We basically got one of our wishes through that song, because we always wanted to help change and save lives.

Gay icon Bette Midler covered “Waterfalls” a few years ago – what was it like hearing her rendition?

Chilli: That was an honor. It was an honor because she is legend, oh my god. That’s legendary right there! And not only that, but she contributed to our Kickstarter campaign. We were shocked. We couldn’t believe, like, ‘Bette Midler?!’

During “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Tatianna showed some TLC love when she did T-Boz drag. Did you tune in for that?

T-Boz: (Laughs) I absolutely saw it and I loved it! I put it on my page; I reposted it.

Chili: I don’t think anybody ever has (dressed up as me). Maybe I’m boring! I’m no fun, I guess. (Laughs) I just got the long, wavy hair. And I don’t hardly wear any wake up, so I don’t think I’d be a fun person to dress up as, is what I’m thinking.

T-Boz: Yeah, I’ve seen T-Boz drag more than once, actually. It’s cool to see different renditions of myself. It makes you go, “Oh, that’s how you see me!” (Laughs)

What do you remember from RuPaul’s visit to the set of the “No Scrubs” video in 1999?

Chilli: I remember the first time I saw him – and at first I didn’t know even it was him because he wasn’t in drag! He was just walking around with no makeup and it was so funny. But then, when he smiled, it was like, “Oh, that is RuPaul.” You know that smile anywhere. And he was so sweet too. And really tall! (Laughs)

T-Boz: He just came to show love. He was just there to support us, which I thought was awesome. That was it. He was just showing love.

At the start of your career, you rocked a tomboy look. How intentional was your subversion of gender? And what did that do for your lesbian following?

Chilli: This is how we looked at it: We call ourselves “prissy tomboys” ’cause we’re super girly, but we’re tomboys at the same time, so we felt like we represented all the girls who did not feel comfortable wearing a tight dress. We represented that crew. Then lettin’ everybody know you don’t have to wear a tight dress to be sexy – it’s the attitude. So, even though we had baggy clothes and all that kind of stuff, we were still feminine, So, again, whoever gravitated toward that and felt comfortable, we helped them feel more comfortable. That’s how it was, because we didn’t wanna wear tight dresses! We still don’t really like dressing like that.

Did your style give the ladies the wrong idea – that you were lesbian? What do you remember of those rumors?

T-Boz: I got most of it! They was always after me, child! (Laughs) All the lipstick lesbians – everybody! Child, I got everything. But that doesn’t bother us. Ultimately, no matter what your sexual orientation, we were standing up for anybody that felt like they didn’t fit in. We were letting them know you can still be sexy in boy clothes, you can rock this, you don’t have to be naked or half-dressed. You can be yourself and be just as fly.

As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBT wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. Reach him via his website at chris-azzopardi.com and on Twitter (@chrisazzopardi).

from Hotspots! Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2017/07/26/tlc-from-top-to-bottom/

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Q&A: How A R I Z O N A Found Success From The Studio To The Stage

Photo: Jimmy Fontaine

“We’ve just been doing it for other people. It hasn’t worked for them, but the minute we did it for ourselves, it started to work,” chuckled Zach of A R I Z O N A as we began chatting at Lollapalooza. Funny how that works, right? To give Zach’s quote a bit more context, let’s rewind and share a bit more about A R I Z O N A’s background. 

Zach Hannah (vocals), David Labuguen (keys), and Nathan Esquite (guitar) of A R I Z O N A came together by complete happenstance during their college days in Boston, a time when all three performed for various bands and produced for other artists. They casually chose the name A R I Z O N A, added the spaces for comic effect, and continued to create the catchy indie electro-pop style they’d always owned--with zero expectations of the success that was about to come their way. Signed to Atlantic Records and Artist Publishing Group in 2016, it became clear that the trio was onto something special as listeners and fans came rolling in the hundreds of millions. The whirlwind continued in 2017 with major festival slots at Governors Ball, Lollapalooza, Firefly, and Hangout Festival, plus the announcement of a headline tour in the fall. All the while, A R I Z O N A have maintained an air of humble confidence, claiming that ultimately, “We were the dudes who created those records that gave them to people to go play on stages and for us, we’re just driving the vehicle now.”

Get to know the band in our exclusive Q&A below, where we discuss David’s relationship with the Jonas Brothers, Nate’s Pop-Tart obsession, Zach’s artists to watch, and more.

OTW: How has Lollapalooza been so far? What are you looking forward to seeing here?

Nate: I’m super super super stoked for Arcade Fire. That’s like the biggest reason I’m even coming Sunday. I’m so stoked to see them; I’ve been trying to see them for years.

David: Lolla’s been good. It was hot yesterday, then it rained at night, and now it’s cold, but it’s allowing me everything I want to wear, so I’m cool.

OTW: You like the warm clothes?

David: I think I do best in Fall. Fall’s a good season--this is a little fall vibes, so I can wear something a little heavier.

Zach: I wish I had gotten the memo, because I would have dressed differently.

OTW: How was your guys’ set?

Zach: It was good. A lot of fun. Big turn-out, big party. It was just more than we expected, and it was awesome–everything about it.

OTW: Are you noticing more fans turning up and singing your songs?

Zach: I mean, yeah, as time goes on, we notice a natural incline of that. It’s also hard to gauge at the festivals, and that’s what makes them so cool. At venues you can kind of see the size of the rooms, and festivals sometimes look one way and end up being another way. I think the main thing with festivals is that everyone’s always there to have a good time, so it always ends up being one big party--always.

OTW: So you guys first came together in Boston. How did that happen?

David: I was going to school at Emerson college. Nate and I met in church one day. Nate went to Berklee, and the next school year we were roommates. Zach and I have known each other for the better part of 12, 13 years now, so Zach would come and crash at our place. He would eat Nate’s tortillas, and at some point, we all started making music together, so that’s kind of how it all started. But that’s not how A R I Z O N A started; that’s just how our group dynamic started.

Zach: We were producers, so our job was to make music for other artists. That was what we did for a long time--producers and song-writers.

OTW: What kind of artists did you produce for?

Zach: Literally everybody. I lived in L.A. for a long-time. Nate came out to live with me. Dave was back and forth. We were all back and forth quite a bit. We kind of got our start--like that’s a weird story…

David: I grew up with the Jonas Brothers. Their dad was my pastor. So, one of their songwriters took us under his wing. So that’s how Zach and I got started, and then Nate came into the fold, and we were all living in Boston.

Zach: Years after the Boston thing, we were in L.A., and during a long down period of not much going on, we just made some music just by ourselves for fun. Just to be like, “ah whatever.” I was literally going to become a history teacher. Dave was working at Al Jazeera news network. Nate and I were living together in England at some point. There wasn’t really much going on, so we said before we totally give everything up, let’s just make a few songs for ourselves, and it’ll just be fun. But that ended up being the thing that went online and this is what happened. It was really weird.

OTW: Did you start with this sound or did it evolve?

David: It’s funny, because people who knew us when we were producing for other people were like, “You have been doing the A R I Z O N A sound forever. Like this has just been you guys.”

Zach: We’ve just been doing it for other people. It hasn’t worked for them, but the minute we did it for ourselves, it started to work. It’s weird.

OTW: Why A R I Z O N A?

David: Iced Tea was taken.

Zach: Funny enough though, during that time when we started to make those songs for fun, we had one or two of them and we were FaceTiming between LA and Boston. We had a FaceTime call about this one record we made called “Let Me Touch Your Fire.” It was our first song, and we were like “Oh this is fun, this sounds cool. Who is it for?” It’s for nobody. And that’s when we had the idea, well maybe we should make more of these and maybe we could make it a “band.” It was like a really, really funny idea for us. So much so, that we had been so strung out on being in the industry that you just get so sick and tired of taking everything so seriously after awhile. So, Dave was like, “Bro it doesn’t matter what we call it. No one’s going to hear it. It’s never going to be a thing, so you call it whatever you want.” And Nate on FaceTime happened to be wearing a hat that said Arizona on it, so he said yeah call it Arizona.

OTW: Did it have the spaces?

Zach: No, no no. Furthering that joke, we were just like, “Yeah we can make it look hipster. We could space it out. It could be cool.” Dave does all of our design anyway. He’s our visual artist guru. He made it look really cool, as a joke. And after we got done laughing, we just kept it. It was something we just liked. It was the spirit we appreciated about it.

OTW: Do you think spaces are the new not having vowels?

Zach: [laughs] Those are two very, very dumb things.

David: That was something that passed through our minds for a split second. I was like if we do A R I Z O N A without vowels, but with spaces..it was too much.

Zach: It would just be like R Z N. Like, “What’s the name of your band?” “R Z N, it’s pronounced Arizona.” It’s a dumb thing people do these days, and I think it’s just something we like to make fun of in a “don’t take yourself seriously” way. It’s tongue in cheek for sure.

OTW: You released your debut album, GALLERY, this year. What was the process for it? Were there any themes that bring it together?

David: We started out on a course to write an EP, and when we got to the stage of presenting all of that, we were working with our A&R and our label very closely and collectively decided to do an album. Because we didn’t have some high-concept album, we actually named it GALLERY. For us, all these songs have real touch points in our lives, and so it’s us on display.

OTW: What kind of touch points?

Zach: Everything that’s happened the past ten years of our lives. We have enough momentum, we have enough material to do it, we should make a full album. It made sense on paper all across the board in everybody’s mind. But for us, it was a little bit more than that, because we went from taking this huge scary step to becoming the ones performing, singing, and playing on the song. We’re not going to make it for other people-- it went from making one song ourselves in the studio, low-key after-hours, to us making a whole album. And that’s the intention, everyone’s intention--“you guys are an artist and you’re going to make your whole album right now.” It was just an opportunity for us to look back at the ten years that had just passed and view it in a different way, third-person, and take those experiences and reshape them in a form of creation that was completely brand new for us.

OTW: Is that an amazing feeling?

Zach: It was a lot of things, obviously, but that’s how this past year unfolded. It was just going through the motions of dealing with that, and at the end of it we came out with GALLERY.

OTW: And are you working towards a second album now?

Zach: Oh yeah.

David: It’s been considered. [laughs]

Zach: We’re definitely not not making music. It’s what we do. We make music.

OTW: You’ve been playing some pretty major festivals. How has the live side been?

David: It’s funny, because we’re so used to being on the other side of the glass or the other side of the soundboard, so we’ve been coming into our own since the top of the year. I think if I look at how I was performing at the top of the year, I’ve gotten a lot less stiff on stage--that’s for sure.

Zach: Same.

David: For Zach, especially. Nate and I grew up in church playing live music, so we had a little bit of experience, and Nate had a lot of hardcore bands.

Nate: Yeah, I grew up playing in a ton of bands, so performing wasn’t new for me at all, but Zach--his first performing in front of other people was with A R I Z O N A.

Zach: Yeah, I don’t want to see those videos. [laughs] It’s funny, but it’s become something that you love, because the love goes straight to you. It’s one thing to see the numbers, like oh ten million people on Spotify, it’s a crazy number, but at the end of the day that’s sort of a disconnect. But when you’re standing in front of those people that are like shouting your lyrics back at you--a bunch of dudes who never imagined themselves being those guys, and then being those guys, it’s an odd feeling.

OTW: Does it make you feel more confident as a person?

Zach: No. I think I speak for most of us when I say I don’t think it affects our confidence as people just because we know what it is. We were the dudes that created those records that gave them to people to go play on stages and for us we’re just driving the vehicle now. So, it doesn’t help your confidence as a person; I think it just makes you feel nice. It makes you feel like, “Wow there are people that actually care”--you just have to find them and go talk to them. It makes the world a little smaller, that’s all.

OTW: Nate--we heard your fans bring you Pop-Tarts. OTW: Any flavor recommendations?

Nate: Brown cinnamon only.

Zach: That used to not be my favorite, and then I was converted. I used to love the s’mores one. I still do like those, but the brown sugar cinnamon has an emotional connection to me.

Nate: It’s a classic, clean favor.

Zach: It’s a staple.

OTW: What do you wish for the future A R I Z O N A? How would you define an ultimate success point?

Zach: World domination.

Nate: I think if we ever sell out a room and every single person there brings us Pop-Tarts, then we’ve succeeded.

Zach: Also, world domination as supreme galactic chancellor.

Nate: Also, owning Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts. Re-invent breakfast.

OTW: Who are your Ones To Watch?

Zach: Kaytranada.

David: The funny thing is I’ve been on such an old-school kick lately, like super old-school, so I’m like, “Ah what am I listening to that’s up-and-coming?”

Nate: I’ve been really, really into Warpaint lately. They’re pretty up there already, but I still love them. Fickle Friends. Joan.

Zach: I was just going to say being here at Lolla helps us, because we get to discover, cause we’re so trapped on the road, in the basement sometimes making records, being out here and discovering is what we love too.  

Photo: Jimmy Fontaine