#it was about 2 years ago & i’ve seen ~10 musicals/plays since

[tulsa24]

jeremy jordan & eva noblezada are going back to broadway in two months and i am absolutely overjoyed

[biscuitboxpink]

Thanks for tagging me @brookezilla!

Post 10 GIFs of movies you loved as a child, then tag people. Optional: Tell us why you love(d) the films you picked.

In no particular order:

1. The Sound of Music (1965)

I’ve loved this movie since I was like 2. My grandma used to take me grocery shopping with her and make me sing the songs. And of course two year old me sang them all in an English accent, which according to my grandma made me sound like an actual British child. Probably the start of my love for theatre.

2. Ever After (1998)

Honestly, this is still my all time favourite movie. If anyone asks me what my favourite movie is, my mind automatically goes here. Like many of the movies on my list, this one was introduced to be by my mum and is very special to me.

3. The Harry Potter Series (2001-2011)

Harry Potter has always been a massive love for me, and always will. It’s helped me through so much. Honestly, so disappointed in JKR (I in no way support her or her actions).

4. The Anne of Green Gables Trilogy (1985, 1987, 2000)

I have loved Anne of Green Gables my whole life. It’s another one my mum introduced me to (and it’s her all time favourite). Took me a long time to watch Anne with an E because I love this one so much, but I quite like that now as well.

5. Annie (1982)

This movie is so funny, honestly. I used to watch this when I was sick (and Anne of Green Gables), and listen to the soundtrack on repeat and never get bored. There is going to be a theme to my favourite movies. Many are musicals lol.

6. Peter Pan (2003)

So I have such a love for this movie, and so many things to say about it (so much so that I will be teaching it in the fall alongside the original book and play). It does so many things so well, and I will always argue with people that it’s the best (and only) Peter Pan in my mind. Also, Jason Isaacs as Captain Hook 😮‍💨

7. Finding Neverland (2004)

On the same note as Peter Pan, Finding Neverland was one I found when I was quite young and fell in love with. I loved the story behind it. And the musical that came out about 10 years ago is absolutely perfect. Kate Winslet is so wonderfully tragic in it too.

8. Pride & Prejudice (2005)

This one is a bit of a controversial opinion in the Jane Austen fandom, but I love this version of Pride & Prejudice. It was my introduction to Jane Austen, and it’s just gotten larger from there. I’m now an English Lit professor focusing in the 18th century (and I very often teach Austen), so I think that tells you the impact this movie had on me.

9. Pollyanna (1960)

This movie is just so pure and sweet and lovely. Yet another my mum introduced me to haha.

10. The Phantom of the Opera (2004)

So there is a whole story around my love for Phantom, and the musical will always be massively special to me. This was the first version I got to see, and I was too young to see it when it came out but I begged my mum until she let me. Obviously by then I had already known the soundtrack so well. I no longer like the movie as much now that I’ve seen the stage show (and the Royal Albert Hall production which is my all time favourite), but it was my favourite as a kid.

And I guess honourable mention to the Royal Albert Hall Phantom because that came out just as I was finishing high school.

Tagging @mexicangela @deardarlingthings @roamwithahungryheart @mtfunkzoo and anyone else who wants to do this!

[something-tofightfor]

15 questions to get to know me!

thanks for the tag, @skyshipper!

1. are you named after anyone?

I am not. My mom even spelled my name differently than it usually is because after a bunch of hours of back labor she didn’t care what my name was or how it was spelled. (I was supposed to be a Jessica, but my grandma said absolutely not.)

2. when was the last time you cried?

A couple days ago thanks to my Timehop. The end of March and first couple weeks of April are always really painful to relive. 

3. do you have kids?

I do not and I never will and I’m sick of people trying to convince me that the only way to feel fulfilled and truly happy with my life is to have kids. I’m perfectly happy and content to be able to wake up in the morning and decide to take a spontaneous trip, or make a purchase just because I want to or do what I want and need to do with my free time. 

4. do you use sarcasm a lot?

If something sarcastic doesn’t come out of my mouth regularly, you know something’s wrong.

5. what’s the first thing you notice about people?

Physically? Their eyes. But the first thing I look for is how they treat the people they come into contact with. 

6. what’s your eye colour?

Blue, but it’s sort of tinged with gray? 

7. scary movies or happy endings?

I’ve never seen a truly scary movie, but I’m always on the hunt for a good one. 

I like happy endings, but they have to be realistic. (Hallmark movies don’t count because those bitches are always the most unrealistic BS and yet I can’t stop watching them.)

8. any special talents?

I have an insane amount of useless and trivial pop culture knowledge in my head. I am INCREDIBLE with word puzzles, and am really good at things like Family Feud and Jeopardy. 

I’m also a more than decent cook. 

9. where were you born?

About 10 minutes from where I currently live in Ohio. I’ve lived in the same state for all 35+ years of my life. 

10: what are your hobbies?

Cooking. Reading. Writing. Traveling. Seeing live concerts. Gardening (It’s almost tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiime)

11. have you any pets?

Technically, I have three cats, but only one lives with me. Beckett is a cat I got in 2006 while in college that my dad “stole” from me when I took her home for Christmas break one year. She’s lived at his house since late 2008. Reptar is a cat that Chris and I adopted at the end of 2010 (about a month and a half after we got Neptune) that also lives at my dad’s house with Beckett. He went to live there after my childhood dog died, and Beckett needed a friend. Reptar’s really skittish, and they had a larger house with more places for him to hide/be comfortable with. 

And then there’s the Perfect Little Prince, my Tiny Baby Turdle, Sir Neptunington the First, His Royal Highness and my little honeybee .... Neptune. 

I’ve had him since July 2010, we found him on Craigslist, and the person that listed him said he was a Ragdoll/Siamese mix. 

He is not. He’s half Maine Coon, half Siamese and he’s more like a dog than any other cat I’ve ever met and he is huge and he is PERFECT. 

12: what sports do you play/have you played?

I’m the least athletic person you could possibly imagine. I hate the idea of participating in organized team sports, but I love swimming, and I’ve skied since I was 11 or 12, so for about 24 years. 

13: how tall are you?

5′6″

14. favourite subject in school?

English. I also really liked the journalism courses that I took. I hate math, and was not a big fan of my science and biology courses, either. 

15. dream job?

I currently get paid for writing, so that’s great, but it would be really cool to actually get to write things that I want to be writing for $$. I would love to work in the continuity department for some sort of production company, because details are very important and they’re often overlooked. 

Another ideal job, though? Music or food journalist. Someone should pay me to follow tours around and try new kinds of food and drinks. (Reader’s job in Locked Down is directly influenced by something that I’d enjoy doing. The freedom of getting paid to travel and have a good time would be incredible)

no pressure tags: 

@the-blind-assassin-12 @valkblue @haylzcyon @felteppsters @oonajaeadira @heychangbin @wildemaven @writeforfandoms ... and anyone else that really wants to play! tag me so I can see your answers 

[wordrummager]

15 questions 15 tags I was tagged by @infamouslyroggylives and @definegodliness to answer 15 questions. Thank you for thinking of me! 1. Are you named after anyone? Supposedly, my name (Andira) is a composite of three family members’ names though my dad often said he couldn’t exactly recall how he came up with it (filthy hippie). 2. When was the last time you cried? I cry pretty much at some point every few weeks. I think the last time was driving home from work a week or so ago and music I was listening to after a rough workday spurred on some tears. 3. Do you have kids? I do. I have a son who is 21 and a daughter who is 19. They are a delight and a joy to me. 4. Do you use sarcasm a lot? It used to be a default and I sometimes still resort to it but I find less need for it the older I get. I don’t know if it’s maturity or world-weariness, but sarcasm feels to me like I’ve given up trying. 5. What’s the first thing you notice about people? Their eyes, smile, then hands. I don’t notice clothes or hair so much. 6. What’s your eye colour? Hazel, like partly brown with green spokes coming out from the pupil. 7. Scary movie or happy ending? Happy ending after a thrill. 8. Any special talents? Well, I sing. I have always sung. Music is a gift that has seen me through a lot of garbage. 9. Where were you born? Pennsylvania 10. What are your hobbies? Photography, reading, puzzles, mysteries. 11. Do you have any pets? Not currently. 12. What sports do you play/have you played? I was a dancer for 30 years. I’m not into sports but I like to walk when I can, usually in the woods. 13. How tall are you? 5’5” 14. Favourite subject in school? English 15. Dream job? Writer, Editor Tagging @asecondathousandvoices @desayunogratis @conversinginmetaphors @dustseeker @writeforthehellofit since I haven’t seen much of them in awhile.

[wanderingchild]

Phantom’s 35th. My thoughts.

I haven’t seen this show in almost 10 years. Tonight was my…54th time? 55th? I honestly have lost count. I know it was once on a National Tour (2006 with Gary Mauer), once in London (2013 with Marcus Lovett), and the rest on Broadway (2005, 2010-2014, & 2023 -many Phantoms, but mostly Hugh Panaro).

I loved this show. For several years, it was my life, it consumed everything about me. I was there for her 10,000th show, for her 25th Anniversary, Peter Jöback’s Broadway debut…so many small milestones and unique shows too with fun understudy & swing combinations. I knew this show inside & out, who covered what role, the timing of the choreography for every role, every single person onstage & behind the scenes. It was strange not knowing all the lyrics, the new choreography choices, who was at the stage door. A lot of these choreography changes, particularly for Christine & Raoul…10-years-ago me probably would’ve had a fit!

It shouldn’t surprise me that things changed over the last 10 years, particularly after Hal Prince & Gillian Lynne’s deaths - Hal was the last thing keeping the show from being any less than the “Brilliant Original”. Tonight showed me while the show is far from a shadow of what it used to be, it certainly is a phantom of the show I used to love. sorry i had to

There’s no getting around it: It’s old. It’s tired. It’s a well-oiled machine, but it’s rusty & showing its age. It probably has for a long time, but in the 10 years since I put aside my rose-tinted glasses, I can see it now. Even my mom commented on it. Perhaps they were just tired, and I know it was a 2-show day, but a lot of the acting felt lackluster. Or maybe they just don’t care as much anymore since they know she’s closing. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Ben had some fantastic, but brief, moments - his softer sections were definitely his strong points for me (“I gave you my music”, “lead me save me…”, “Christine I love you”). His word pronunciation was inconsistent, and his character in the Final Lair confused me. Is he meant to be drunk? It was odd.

Emilie was lovely, if a bit too subdued - her vibrato was a bit strong for my taste, but I’ve never cared for strong vibrato. The PONR choreography makes ZERO sense to me now - I was in the front of Rear Mezz, and it was not remotely clear at all 1. when Christine knew it was the Phantom and 2. if she, like, cared.

Sidenote: it was very cool to see & hear all the changes made to wigs, props, and lyrics to accommodate & acknowledge Christine no longer only being played by white/white-passing actresses.

Paul was Raoul tonight. He was always a better Raoul than Phantom, but neither were ever anything special to talk about. He seemed to just be…standing there, a lot of the time. Mom said he was her favorite of the trio though, so that counts for something.

And for the record, I still hate the Wandering Child trio. It just sounds like vibratic chaos.

The managers were funny - the contrast of the younger, more frantic Andre & the more humbug “this shit is ridiculous” Firmin has never been more stark, which both amused and annoyed me. Nehal Joshi has many more comedic roles in his future, for certain.

I did record the show tonight, but I don’t think the audio will be very good. The people next to me kept making stupid comments and ruined MOTN. When they arrived back late in Masquerade & the one started commenting about it, I turned to them & said, “Please stop talking. I did not pay all this money to hear you talk”. Thankfully, they shut the fuck up after that. I’ll see how much the recording picked up- might have to just post pieces, we’ll see.

Also, I met ALW in the lobby before the show & got a selfie with him. We both look terrible in it so just take my word for it.

Ben made a speech from some notecards for the curtain call, acknowledging ALW & former cast members being there, and thanking the swings & understudies for making Phantom’s reopening & continued performances possible.

They had a fancy cake made again (it was standing vertical??? Apparently it was rice krispies or something), but the cast didn’t even get to eat it! It had dry ice on it for the “candles” & was apparently sitting backstage all show, so…maybe that was for the best. Black icing doesn’t taste very good, anyway.

I don’t know, tonight was strange for me. I had a swell of emotion during the Overture, and another one at “it’s over now, the Music of the Night”, and when everyone sang Happy Birthday during Ben’s curtain call speech. But otherwise, this show didn’t do much for me.

And honestly? I am very, very okay with that.

I saw tonight as closure, a farewell to an incredibly tumultuous time in my life and to this beautiful production. I’ll probably see it again some day somewhere, but this was my last time seeing her on Broadway.

Farewell my fallen idol my love. It was good to see you one last time.

[jodilin65]

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1988 I’ve been up since 2:00 this morning and fell asleep around 7:30. Sasha, the stray cat I took in, woke me up. I was just falling asleep again at 3:00 when Andy M called. Our parents were friends for 30 years, but that ended in the 70s and I haven’t seen him since.

We talked about music and he played his keyboard for me. He’s quite good. I played a little guitar for him. He said he likes my style and was looking for a guitarist to play some songs he’d written. He also told me he was gay, too.

Tomorrow I see Nissan! I can’t wait. I really hope all goes well. She doesn’t come on till 1:30 and at 10:00 I have to see my doctor.

Later…

It’s now lunchtime and I’m at the Chinese place right next to La Baron.

I can’t wait to see Nissan. I just hope all goes well and I get some answers to some of my questions, like does she want me? I doubt it. I’m probably not good enough for her. It seems all I get is druggies or weak-minded losers. And why can’t I have anyone I’m attracted to???

Tonight I’ve got to finish recording those tapes. Also, I want to write her a copy of my songs such as My Time Has Come and Carry Me Away. I hope she likes them and doesn’t think they’re stupid.

It’s pouring out now just as they predicted it would on the news this morning. With my luck, it’ll pour when I get out of school.

I have to go back now and finish winding my perm rods.

Ok, I am back in the classroom. Miss Loretta and Diane are in here now talking so I guess I’ll write more.

Mom and Dad are visiting Goldie and Al, long-time family friends. She called me yesterday which was when she had said she was leaving but didn’t because of the rain.

I can’t wait till that house sells so I can hopefully move. When I do, they’re giving me the stuff in the house, then I’ll sell mine. Their washer and dryer will surely come in handy. I’m sick of lugging my laundry down the street.

I hope she doesn’t tell me to finish my perm rods yet because I want to write those notes of what to say to Nissan on the bus for Kevin if he ever tags along with me.

TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 1988 I finally met somebody and she’s gorgeous! She’s a PVTA bus driver. Her name is Nissan as in Nissan cars and trucks. I’ve had Nissan on my mind quite a bit.

Two Saturdays ago I took the Belmont bus up to see Dr. Donoghue, my new therapist/shrink, and the driver was this guy I’d seen quite often. He wanted to get together with me and I told him I’d prefer a woman. Then he kept questioning me about why I’m gay. You know how males are. So, near the end of the line, we passed this woman bus driver who he said was gay.

After seeing the doctor, I got the bus she drove, and oh my God! She was beautiful! I thought to myself, could she really be gay? Sure enough, she is, but she’s taken, but I think, or I should say I hope, I still stand a chance, as she says she’s having problems with her girlfriend. She’s had mostly boyfriends, though.

I rode with her last Saturday from 1:30 to 7:30 on the bus. At first, she seemed distant but then we were laughing and joking and she sang for me. She has a great voice. I sang for her, too.

She says my haircut makes me look younger and she’s gonna help me style it. She said with my hair done up nice and a little makeup and nice clothes, I’d be beautiful.

She gave me a tuna sandwich for lunch and also bought me some coffee.

This Saturday I’m going on the bus with her again. I asked her if she’d mind because if she did, I wouldn’t come back. She said I could, though.

I’m gonna bring her some of those Jerky treats she likes and make a tape of Gloria Estefan for her.

In the midst of our discussions, she told me that I have to get rid of my mean streak, and I really respect her, so I’ll try. Never would I ride a bus that long unless I’m in love. And I am, as you can see, but I wonder if she’d ever want someone like me. Maybe I’m not good enough for her.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1988 I’ve decided to cut my hair off. It’s dead, uneven, unmanageable, and I can’t keep the ends from splitting. Also, it’s getting to be a pain in the ass and I’m sick of it. I’ve had it basically all my life. This way it’ll be easier to brush and it’ll only take two seconds to blow it dry.

MONDAY, APRIL 18, 1988 I’m now in McDonald’s taking a late lunch break as I was tied up giving this Puerto Rican a manicure. Dolores was supposed to do it but she left school early. I’m the only one in class today. Lecenia and Sonya are absent. Well, I guess for my remaining two hours I’ll study my textbook and work on the mannequins.

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1988 Today sure is a sucky day. It’s raining out and I didn’t go to school. I had set my alarm for 7:15 and didn’t realize it was going off for an hour and a half later. Can you believe that?! It seems so weird that I can sleep so soundly with that thing blaring for so long. What is wrong with me? How can anyone sleep so deeply?

Later…

I just had a hell of a time trying to track down Mary C’s number, which was changed. First I called all the P's in the book but no one was related to John. Then I called Shell Mini Mart looking for Doug or the number. Doug’s been gone 3 months and this guy tried to find the number in a file. No suerte. Called Dunkin Donuts and got nowhere. Called where John works. He wasn’t there and no one knew his number and the guy was gonna go to the office to get it but it was locked up and he had no key. So finally I called McDonald’s where Crystal used to work to speak to Larry. He wasn’t there but the manager said he was in the book and gave me the name of the street. He’s listed under Arthur G. He’s not home but I’ll probably have luck there.

THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1988 I’m now on my lunch break at McDonald’s, sitting by the window on the lookout for Nervous. So far there’s no sign of him, but I really doubt he has the guts to come spying on me.

Late last night I pulled a prank on him by calling him to tell him that I needed him to take me to the emergency room because my ankle was killing me.

He asks, “Are you serious or are you just playing a joke on me?”

I tell him I’m serious and then I lay in bed with all the lights off till he came and knocked on the back door a few times. I then jumped up to peek out the bedroom window, and man was he flying to that front door, desperate for it not to be a joke. He was a complete bundle of nerves, being teased with seeing me and all that.

I dialed his number and let it ring until he got home. When he picked up and didn’t say anything, I asked if he was going to talk or not, then asked him why he was running so quickly as if his life depended on it. All he said was, “Oh, just making a move.”

Well, that sure was quite a move for the little desperate boy!

I told him it was his April Fools I owed him and that I wanted to do it before I ended our friendship which was right now. He says, as I knew he would, “I’ll be seeing you. I’ll be around.”

I couldn't care less if the bastard spies on me, and I’m sure he will cuz he has no guts to come face me personally. Hey, the guy’s desperate. After all, he hasn’t made it with anyone in 5 years because he could never get anyone but a hooker. He has no friends. His phone will never ring anymore except for his mother. If he wanted company or to go do something, he has no friends to call. He deserves what he has and that’s nothing.

All I know is I had a hell of a grand time using him and he’s a sucker for it, too. I asked him if he realized I was using him, and he said yes. As hooked on me as he is, he couldn't care less, though. If anyone else asked him to take them to the store he’d say he was too tired or that he didn’t feel like it.

In 20 minutes, I have to return to school and take a test over that I failed because of long hard words I can’t even pronounce, then I’ll bust my ass working on the mannequins. School can get boring!

Later…

When I went back to school, I learned how to give a manicure and worked on my pin curls. I took two tests and got a 92% on both of them. Not bad.

You won’t believe what a hell of a night I had ranking on Nervioso. I sent him 3 pizzas and chicken from Quickies. The delivery guy was pissed.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1988 I found out some baffling information about why I was put on disability. Mom says it’s cuz I could never hold a job, but social security says it’s cuz of my ear. Somebody’s lying somewhere.

Another thing is that when Ron and I went over to my parent’s house and told them we wanted to get married (God only knows why I ever considered marrying an ugly loser like he was!) they tried to convince me that if I got pregnant, I’d probably have a miscarriage or the baby would be deformed or have other problems cuz of the DES (a drug my mother took to keep from miscarrying me).

Dad was saying, “Would you want your kids to have the same problems you do?”

I just called a GYN that said that that’s pure bullshit. He said that if I really did have a chemical imbalance, it wouldn’t be because of the DES. Nor would my ear be. My parents just want me to believe I’d be an unfit mother. As if they were the greatest parents themselves!

Whether or not I really was DES-exposed, I believe I was an accident. Even Philip agrees. Larry’s 12 years older and Tammy’s 8½. People don’t normally space their kids out like that.

I’d love to view her medical records, but I’d need her permission and she’d never go for it. It seems my life has been based on too many lies. It’s not comforting to catch your own parents in lies. How can I trust them?

When Kevin’s sister Judy called the folks to bitch about my prank phone calls to her, after Kevin stupidly gave her their number, Dad told her that they were trying to get me into an institution down there and that they were paying my roommate to watch me.

I confronted Dad with this bullshit. He said nothing and ma denied it, but their silence spoke a thousand words. I believe his motivation behind that was to try to make Judy feel sorry for me so she wouldn’t prosecute, but she couldn’t have if she wanted to.

Tammy says that Ma was abused as a kid, but I don’t know too much about it. Ma does all her talking to Tammy. I’m too “mental and immature” for either of them to speak to. Whether or not she was abused herself is no excuse to be abusive.

Tammy lies just as much as Mom and Dad do. She says Mom never told her about my dispute with Jenny, which has ended our friendship, but I say that’s bullshit. There’s no other way she could find out. Whatever I tell Mom, she tells Tammy, and vice versa. In fact, I’m sure Tammy will run and call Mom to tell her what I discussed with her on the phone tonight. Only Tammy’s allowed to call. Not me. I’m too annoying.

As for the Jenny dispute, there’s not much to say there. I just got sick of her selfishness. I feel we’ve become too different over the years, too.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1988 I started hairdressing school at La Baron over on State St. I have never felt better! There’s nothing like having something to get up for in the morning and believe it or not I’m having no problem getting up. Sometimes I wake up before the alarm goes off! I think I should’ve done this two years ago. I need structure and routine. It takes my mind off of other bullshit.

[hotflatrock]

Foreigner at Shoreline

I was on the fence about this one for a long time. I never loved Foreigner, but their music was ever-present during my junior high and elementary school years, which could only tip the option up to a maybe. Learning that the opening band would be Loverboy probably worked against the odds. My hesitancy meant we passed up 2 different TIcketMaster sales that would have made the price more palatable. Thanks to the wife’s continued insistence on this one, we made a spot decision to buy tickets in person at the box office when went to Shoreline to see Sam Hunt, removing the TicketMaster fees from the equation.

My worry was largely that the whole concert would lean to the 80s hair band. I have never been a metal head, a few songs aside, and I was concerned that both bands would trend that way in person. What I had ultimately forgotten, however, was how many legendary hits Foreigner cranked out in their prime in the late seventies and early eighties.

Loverboy did trend towards the hair band ethos, and I didn’t love their set. I could only remember one song of theirs from back in the day, although ultimately three were recognized. What was a delight was the contrast between the Loverboy of today vs the Loverboy of yore. I spent most of the set texting people with sight gags from the show. I loved that the lead singer continues to wear a headband, as he did in the eighties, even if he no longer sported the tight leather pants for which he was known. They closed, as expected, with Working For The Weekend. I may have left before the song ends to get to the snack bar.

Foreigner brought the nostalgia, and damn the nostalgia was fun. I don’t have any major life moments or memories where Foreigner provides the soundtrack. But I do have a handful of mental GIFs. Learning BASIC in my first computer class, while listening to Juke Box Hero. Eating pepperoni pizza with my dad in a Round Table Pizza, while Waiting For a Girl Like You played on the jukebox. Nice memories, but nothing special.

What was surprising was the depth of their collection that they could crank out in concert. Out of the gate with four giant hits from back in the day: Double Vision, Head Games, Cold As Ice, and Waiting For A Girl Like You. That was followed by three I didn’t recognize, then they closed with another half dozen memorable, singable hits, interrupted by some extended drum and guitar solos. 10 memorable songs in 2 hours is a pretty respectable showing.

I haven’t been following their roster movement over the last 4 decades, but I was surprised with how spry the lead singer was. Wikipedia informed by that Lou Gramm left the band a couple decades ago, so the lead was now Kelly Hanson. Hanson was so good, so active, and so enthusiastic, he single-handedly removed by concern about seeing legacy bands with replacement lead singers. I’ve always been about the voice and the lyrics. Most of the time, drums, bass, and guitars are all replaceable, for me, but a different lead singer was a dealbreaker. But Hanson was great, which I guess makes sense, since he has been in the role for 20 years. But this change of heart opens me up to consider seeing a whole raft of loved bands that now have a different lead singer: Journey and INXS are the first to mind.

Despite all my hesitancy, the wife was right. It was a good time, one of the better concerts I have seen this year. Since it was purportedly Foreigner’s last tour, I am glad she pushed the agenda.

[yeetthedragon]

sick, tag game! thanks for the tag :D

1. Are you named after anyone? not that i know of

2. When was the last time you cried? i don’t know if this is really the last time but it was a couple weeks ago when my mom and i watched Steel Magnolias. i hadn’t seen it before and she warned me it would be sad. it was

3. Do you have kids? ew no. people keep telling me i’ll change my mind when i’m older but like. i grew up as the oldest of four siblings. i’m okay. and with the state of the world today i will not be planning on raising a child. plus i don’t think i’d be a good parent

4. Do you use sarcasm a lot? yes. maybe too much but it’s fine

5. What sports do you play/have you played? i was on a competitive swim team for about thirteen years, but i quit cause it just wasn’t for me anymore. i did basketball for a season when i was younger, hated that. i did volleyball for awhile and really enjoyed that. idk why i quit. i think it was because i didn’t want to be on my high school team, or that i didn’t think i was good enough

6. What’s the first thing you notice about people? idk lol. probably how they present themselves. like what they’re wearing, how their hair looks, if they’re wearing makeup, if they have piercings or tattoos. basic answer but there ya go

7. What’s your eye color? depending on the lighting its either blue or grey. but it’s blue. fun fact i have a little freckle in one of my irises and i only found that out when i took a close up picture of my eye with sunlight shining into it cause i wanted to see the color. i still have the picture if anyone’s curious

8. Scary movies or happy endings? i’m a horror enthusiast 100%. love me a good horror movie. especially the ones with a good mind-fuck that screws you over for the next 24 hours. i have so many recommendations

9. Any special talents? i can sing. not to brag (ok maybe a little) i made the state choir my senior year. also i can reach that spot that no one seems to be able to scratch. idk how to describe it

10. Where were you born? california. i do not live there anymore

11. What are your hobbies? i’m an avid music listener. i love music. i love writing, i’ve had a project i’ve been working on for over four years. it’s also what i’m going to college for. normally i’d say i also watch shows but honestly i haven’t seen anything new since november. it’s july. movies don’t count, i’ve seen a few new movies since november lmao. also i’ve been learning german but i haven’t been working on it much. oh i also make knitted bracelets. i have way too many. i haven’t done that in awhile either. i play minecraft, and a few other games occasionally. i want to learn how to crochet

12. Do you have pets? my youngest sister has a fish that lives in the room we share, but he’s not my fish. i do wanna get a hedgehog someday. or a cat

13. How tall are you? 5’3

14. Favorite subject in school? i’ve loved choir since before i can remember

15. Dream job? i’d love to be an actor or a professional singer, but i don’t know how to get into either profession, which is a huge bummer. it would be so fun. right now though i hope to be an author. it’s probably the easiest job i hope to do. and i’ve wanted to do it for years now

thanks again for the tag! no pressure to respond but ima tag @byler-solo @crying-in-converse @goiwantamuffin @seatedbythescimitar @veeonii @toomanyfandomsstuff @shipsgaysfordays

15 Questions 15 Mutuals

Tagged by @emozionidinchiostro ages ago

1. Are you named after anyone? My dad wanted to give me his little sister's name as a middle name, and I did have it on some early pediatric reports when I was a baby, but it's not on any actual official document, so technically I do not have a middle name, even though my parents convinced me I did. I mentioned my unofficial middle name to some friends at school when I was around 12 or something, and it became my nickname forever. Everyone called me that. The friends I've kept in touch from back then still call me that. Even my mom has me saved under that name on her phone. But it's, like, only 3 people now. // tl;dr: kinda.

2. When was the last time you cried? I can't remember to be honest. This might come as a surprise to you guys but I'm not a big crier. I'm just sad and whiny.

3. Do you have kids? No and I don't want any.

4. Do you use sarcasm a lot? I don't think so?

5. What sports do you play/have played? NONE, I suck at sports and have always hated playing them. I mean, I've tried a few but never for any significant amount of time.

6. What's the first thing you notice about people? Whether they're nice/friendly, I guess. If someone is kind to me I will fall in love with them. I love kind people.

7. What's your eye color? Dark brown. I-almost-can't-make-out-your-pupil kind of brown.

8. Scary movies or happy endings? Neither? Happy endings if I have to choose, but I like drama. (I mean, comedy too, big fan. But sometimes you just want to watch a film that makes you think about the human condition and despair, you know?)

9. Any special talents? Misplacing things. Forgetting about events in the recent past. Petting cats.

10. Where were you born? Italy.

11. What are your hobbies? Not doing a lot these days to be honest :( Fannish activities (fanfic writing and the like). I'm in a funky pop-rock choir which I attend semi-regularly. I have attempted to learn Spanish at various points in my life and failed miserably, not always for reasons within my control (I enrolled on a Spanish course organised by the local library a while ago, and the teacher quit after my first term. He had been there for years. But I think the main issue is that after studying Russian for 5 years at uni, I look at Spanish and think, "surely it won't be that hard". And then I just... don't study it. I think I can learn it by osmosis or something, just by virtue of being Italian. Which doesn't fucking work).

12. Do you have pets? Not currently. I had a cat. I shall have one again some day.

13. How tall are you? About 168 cm.

14. Favorite subject in school? Italian Lit always, and in later years (high school) Latin and English Lit. At uni — I think English phonetics & phonology, weirdly enough; also pragmatics and anything related to sociolinguistics.

15. Dream job? Something to do with creative writing, in an ideal world. Or even "just writing", but not the kind that makes me want to kms (don't ask). Copywriter or radio scriptwriter both sound cool.

No pressure tagging: @nevergonnasaygoodbi @sapphicdragonlord @ayebydan @marki9 @yeetthedragon @valsansretovr @groundbreakingdot872 @vi-visected @crunchy-soup222 @fuckyeahsnackables

(ETA: sorry it's not 15 people and it's not even all mutuals, which I think was the point of the game, but *turns around and starts running away*)

[itsallyscorner]

request:

maybe like a part 2 where the reader was a singer!

but maybe like everyone in the marvel cast goes to the sweetener world tour to suprised them n congratulate them?

Thank you for the request, hun! I appreciate you for reading my other stuff and suggesting a part 2! Now that I think about it, I might make the whole singer thing into its own series of imagines and headcanons! Just a thought🥰 Happy reading!❤️

A/n: I’ve never been to an Ari concert, so I don’t know the set list, but enjoy my loves❤️

💌.

Sweetener

(She’s so pretty ugh)

You looked at yourself in the mirror. You leaned forward making sure your makeup was all good and to check if your lipstick has smeared onto your face.

“Everything good, hun?” Your makeup artist, Perrie, chirped from behind you. You took a step back, getting one more look.

“Yes Ma’am.” You turned to her and she was holding up the familiar bottle of setting spray.

“One more spray for good measure.” She motioned for you to close your eyes and you did. You breathed in through your nose as you felt the vibrations of the arena. The mix of the music playing out on stage mixed with the cheering of your fans added to your adrenaline.

The tour was finally at Inglewood, California, the last stop of the Sweetener World Tour. You had been traveling around the world for the past 10 months, performing every night in a different country or state. As tiring as it sounded, you absolutely loved the experience. Not only were you traveling and seeing new places, you were meeting your fans from different countries and doing what you loved. After 101 shows and 3 tour legs, it was finally coming to an end. The ending of tour was always bittersweet. You’ve been traveling with multiple people and crew who have grown to be another family. You were going to miss them so much but it was time for you to go back home to your real family. Not only have you missed your parents and siblings, but you also needed the rest. 10 months of nonstop traveling definitely took a toll on you. But nonetheless, it was all worth it.

“All done!” You opened your eyes to see Perrie smiling at you.

“Thank you so much!” You pulled her into a hug as your eyes began to water. You groaned playfully and tilted your head back.

“I’m gonna miss you doing my makeup everyday. Ugh, I haven’t even gone out on stage yet and I’m crying already.” You laughed through tears as Perrie began to protest.

“(Y/n), I swear if you mess up your makeup, you’re never going to hear the end of it. Cry later!” She laughed as she tried to get you to stop the tears from falling.

She gripped onto your arms and yelled, “NO TEARS LEFT TO CRY REMEMBER?” You bursted out laughing at her reference. You waved your hands at your eyes and when they finally felt normal, you looked straight.

“Okok, I think I’m good.” You released a breath as you smiled sweetly at her, “I love you!” You giggled pulling her into another hug.

“I love you too, darling. Have fun out there, you’re going to do amazing like always.” She squeezed you tight before letting you go. Victoria, one of your dancers and friend, peaked her head into the room.

“You ready? They’re waiting for you in the circle.” She informed you holding a hand out. The circle was like a pre-show ritual you had backstage with all the dancers and crew. You took her hand as you all walked out the makeup room. Your heels clicked against the floors, echoing in the hallway. The closer you got to the stage the louder the fans got and the stronger the vibrations got.

The circle was already gathered with all the dancers and crew. When Scott, another one of your dancers and friend, noticed you he began to cheer. Everyone followed along as you entered the circle. You were tucked in between Scott and Brian, who were twins. The two have been your dancers since the beginning and still are how many years later. You were truly grateful for them and everyone who was included in your Sweetener family.

“Damn. Last show ya’ll!” You began causing them to all cheer. You waited till they quieted down, shyly laughing, before continuing.

“Um, I don’t wanna get all emotional and shit right before going on stage. I’m gonna look like a mess out there with my mascara running down my face. Perrie I’m sorry!” You laughed. “I just wanna say, thank you to every single one of y’all. You guys have been the most fucking amazing people to work with. You guys have been working day and night to make the show as spectacular as it is and I love you all so much. You guys are my family and I can’t wait to write another album so I can tour with y’all again. I just want to hug every single one of you, you guys mean so much to me. Like literally, from the bottom of my heart I love all of you so much. I know I’ve said that like multiple times, but I really mean it. Y’all are gonna get a fatass check after this.” You finished making everyone laughing again. By now a few tears have made its way down your face. You even saw a few people’s eyes well up.

You laughed as you heard a chorus of “I love yous” as everyone squeezed in for a group hug.

“Alright! That’s enough crying, let’s get this show on the road!” You cheered to help everyone from crying. Everyone moved out the circle and got into places.

Before you can get in place, Perrie pulled you aside to fix up your makeup. Your stylists began smoothing out your skirt and making sure your knee high boots were securely on. Next was to get your earpiece on while one of the stage hands gave you your mic. From backstage you could hear the intro to the concert playing causing the fans to scream louder.

You got into place as you got the signal to start singing. You sang the opening lyrics of Raindrops (An Angel Cried) and began to smile as your fans sang along.

The platform began to move up when you finished and the beat of God Is A Woman began to play. You were now on the stage, the sea of white lights looking back at you. The adrenaline was still running through your veins. You performed the song, acing every move of the dance you’ve learned 10 months ago.

When the last note of God Is A Woman played, all the lights turned off except for the red lights on the stage.

“INGLEWOOD!” You yelled into your mic, your fans cheering even louder than before. You shared an excited smile with Brian.

“Welcome to the Sweetener World Tour!” And with that the opening notes of Bad Idea began to play, the show finally kicking off.

You were in the middle of singing R.E.M which was part of Act 2 of the concert. You moved towards the pit to see familiar faces beaming up at you.

“Boy, you’re such a drea— oh my god!” You squealed as you saw the pit full of your Marvel cast mates. You saw all the Chris’, both of the Tom’s, Robert, Scarlett, Elizabeth, almost everyone you’ve worked with in Marvel was there. You got down to your knees to touch their outstretched hands.

The fans screamed as the camera from stage panned down to the pit where all the actors were. You took the mic away from your mouth and leaned down to them.

“What are you guys doing here?” You asked them through the loud arena.

Scarlett, Brie, and Lizzie were the nearest to the stage.

“We’re here to surprise you! It’s your last show and we wanted to be here for it!” Scarlett yelled over the track that was playing.

“We’ll catch up later, keep going!” Lizzie urged you to continue the concert with a toothy grin.

You held onto Brie’s hand as you sang to them, “Inglewood let me hear ya’ll! Excuse me um...”

“I LOVE YOU!” The fans sang back to you, including your cast mates. You dusted your knees off and continued to walk around the ramp. Before you could leave, you sent an excited wave to Brie and the rest of them.

~After the show~

You hopped off the platform that brought you down from the stage and were greeted by a bunch of congratulations and cheering. You and your dancers shared another group hug.

“(Y/N)!” You heard a familiar voice yell. You follow the voice and see Anthony waving at you with his infamous grin. He was accompanied by the rest of the cast behind him. You run towards them and jump into Anthony’s outstretched arms.

“I’m so sorry, I’m sweaty, but I’m so happy to see all of you!” You wrapped your arms around Anthony’s neck as he spun the two of you around. He let you go and you were suddenly being pulled into hugs by everyone.

When you got to Robert, a proud smile was on his face as he cradled your face, “Sweetheart, that was amazing. You’ve outdone yourself.” He pressed a fatherly kiss to your forehead and pulled you into a hug.

“Thank you.” You laughed, your eyes welling up with tears once again. Next was Chris (E) who playfully shoved Robert.

“Stop it, you’re hogging her! Let me hug (y/n)!” He childishly whined. He gasped when he saw your eyes watering.

“And you made her cry! C’mere.” His arms enveloped around you as he hugged you tightly.

In your ear his whispered, “You absolutely killed it.”

You thank him and move on to Scarlett who already had her arms out for you, “Surprise!”

“This was your idea?” You asked her as she hugged you. A cheeky grin quirked on her lips.

“Maybe” she teased dragging the ‘e’. You hugged her again as she laughed into your shoulder.

“Thank you, Scar. This means so much.”

“It’s not a problem, honey. We just wanted to see you together while you did your thing up on stage.”

You were now full on crying through a smile as your Marvel family showed you mass amounts of love. You stumbled into Tom (Holland) who instantly grabbed you into a bear hug. Tom’s actually seen your show in London with his friends and brothers, so this was his second time seeing you perform.

“You know what’s so crazy?” He asked you leaning down to your ear so you can hear him.

“What?”

“It’s literally just as great as it was in London. Like everything looks the same, you sound exactly the same, everything! The show was fantastic!” He looked at you with wide eyes with so much amazement on his face.

You laughed at him and patted his shoulder, “Thank you, Tom.”

Suddenly there was a commotion a few feet away from you. You saw Robert standing on one of the cases your crew used to store equipment in.

“ATTENTION EVERYONE!” When everyone backstage was looking at him Robert sent them a sweet smile and was handed a megaphone.

“Alright, so I gotta say, (y/n), you definitely know how to throw a show. Everyone who was part of this tour, your hard work pays off because that show was the most fun I’ve had in a while! (Y/n), you keep surprising us everyday with your talent and I hope you get to do more of what you love in the future. As my way of thanking you all for throwing such an amazing night, I want to take out every single one of you for dinner! I just rented out a whole restaurant just for all of us and I hope to see all of you there!” Robert said into the megaphone. A round of cheers and claps were heard from everyone at the announcement. As everyone began to file out, you were being called to get out of your costume.

Before you can turn to leave you hugged Robert and looked at all your cast mates who showed up for the night.

“Thank you guys for being here, it really means a lot.” You sniffled, wiping a tear from your face.

“And you, I can’t believe you rented out a restaurant for my crew, thank you Robert.” The older man just waves you off as he slung his arm around your shoulder.

“Not a problem, sweetheart. We wanted to be here and we are all so proud of you, you’ve come a long way, (y/n).” He gave your shoulders a squeeze.

“Now run along now, you still need to get changed and I’m starving. Go.” He teasingly turned you towards your stylists. You rolled your eyes as you waved at all of them.

“We’ll see you at the restaurant!” You heard Brie yell after you. You quickly turn back, “OK, I LOVE YOU!”

The further you got you heard Evans scream, “I LOVE YOU TOO!” You turned down the hall, your laugh echoing against its walls.

That was definitely one way to end a tour.

[jokertrap-ran]

[スタオケ] La Corda d'Oro Starlight Orchestra Main Story Chapter 1-4 Translation

*Starlight Orchestra Masterlist *Spoiler free: Translations will remain under cut *Main story tag will be #Main Starlight

Sakuya: Hang on, aren’t we supposed to be practising for the concert? Why are we outside?

Ginga: Did you think all we have to do is to perfect our performance in the practice room and show off in the concert hall? How naive!

Ginga: This Starlight Orchestra of ours does not have a name for itself. No one knows about us.

Ginga: No one’s gonna come if we hold a concert like this. So we’re going to nab ourselves our future audience.

Ginga: They say that one actual performance is better than 100 practices with nothing to show, don’t they?

Ginga: If all goes well, we might even get a potential recruit from the audience!

Ginga: And if they’re moved enough, we might even get tips! Yup, this is a perfect plan, if I say so myself!

Sakuya: I’m starting to worry about the future… So, all we have to do now is to recruit enough people to join us?

Ginga: Yup.  It’s a pretty solid plan, no?

Ginga: Here, I’ve prepared a score for you. It’s Mozart’s famous Piano Quartet No.2.

Ginga: Alright, then let’s get stringing!

☆ ━━━━━━━ ∘◦♬◦∘ ━━━━━━━ ☆

Ginga: Wow, you guys are doing well. Good, good.

Ginga: Alright, that was pretty good for a song I just sprung on you out of nowhere.

Ginga: But we still need something to wrap it in the basket. Let’s go with something that makes much more of an impression next.

Sakuya: Huh? Even if you say that… What do you suggest we do?

Ginga: You’ll never know until you try. Okay, now try improvising with the piece on the spot.

☆ ━━━━━━━ ∘◦♬◦∘ ━━━━━━━ ☆

General Ed Guy: Whoa… I never knew that there was someone in the general ed department who could play like this…

General Ed Girl: Oo~ Sounds good! I might attend their concert if they do hold one. ☆ ━━━━━━━ ∘◦♬◦∘ ━━━━━━━ ☆

Ginga: Yes, yes. Perfect! You guys must be geniuses to be able to get the hang of it so quickly!

Ginga: Whew, I’m elated to have such brilliant members!

Music Ed Guy: Huh? What’s this? The general ed students are recruiting members for an Orchestra?

Music Ed Guy: Seriously? Ugh, what a joke. Right, Ryuzaki?

Hayate: Starlight Orchestra…!? What’s the meaning of this?

☆ ━━━━━━━ ∘◦♬◦∘ ━━━━━━━ ☆

Hayate: Aren’t you the general ed student that came by to undertake the entry test for our club back then?

Hayate: Do you know just what the Starlight Orchestra is? Are you doing this despite knowing what it stands for?

⊳ Choice: Not really.

Hayate: What? Surely, you must be joking.

⊳ Choice: I’m aiming to make the best Orchestra the world has ever seen!

Hayate: That’s bold coming from you.

⊳ Choice: I don’t know, but we’re looking for members.

Hayate: Wha- Are you trying to poach me?

Hayate: I’ll tell you since you don’t seem to know anything. The Starlight Orchestra is a thing of legend.

Hayate: About 10 years ago, the winner of the Nationwide Concours personally selected talented members from all over the country to form an ensemble that was later known to be the Starlight Orchestra.

Hayate: It’s not something that an amateur like you should be playing around with on a whim.

Hayate: You’re sullying the name of the Starlight Orchestra. You should disband right this instant.

Hayate: What? You’ve got a problem?

Hayate: It’s for your own good too. Especially when you’re giving such pathetic performances with your hodgepodge of an ensemble.

Sakuya: He sure has a lot to say about us…

Ginga: Go, (L/n)! I choose you! Refute him!

⊳ Choice: Even so, I still want to give it my best shot.

Ginga: Oh, now that’s really something. I can’t believe you said something like that when faced with such a threat.

Hayate: Just hearing about your intentions to work hard does no wonders. Results are everything.

⊳ Choice: But it’s just as he says…

Sakuya: *sigh* Why are you only backing down now, of all times…?

Hayate: So you ARE aware.

⊳ Choice: I want to make that legend a reality.

Hayate: …! That’s bold.

Music Ed Guy: Knock it off, Ryuzaki. They won’t listen to us anyway, and this isn’t any of our business.

Hayate: …You’re right. And it’s only a waste of time to get involved.

Hayate: We may share the same name, but we’re completely different. After all, yours is just a make-believe mockup made by general ed students.

Ginga: *sigh* Seiso Academy’s Music Education Department really has sky-high pride.

Sakuya: You graduated from music ed too, didn’t you?

Ginga: But we were much laxer about it then, you know?

Ginga: Well, let’s leave it at that. It’s getting dark out and I’m getting hungry, so let’s call it a day.

Ginga: We did great for our first day. See you next time!

☆ ━━━━━━━ ∘◦♬◦∘ ━━━━━━━ ☆

Sakuya: *sigh* He made us play so many times, and there weren’t any rehearsals, so we had to make do… I’m exhausted.

Sakuya: ……

Sakuya: …Sorry, can you head back first? I need to stop by elsewhere.

⊳ Choice: I’ll go with you if you’re buying something.

Sakuya: It’s alright if you don’t. It’s nothing important. See you tomorrow then.

⊳ Choice: Alright.

Sakuya: See you then. Good night.

⊳ Choice: Good work today.

Sakuya: Yeah. You should rest too.

☆ ━━━━━━━ ∘◦♬◦∘ ━━━━━━━ ☆

I stepped into the dorm. Something smells good…

???: Oh, welcome back, senpai. You’re just in time. I’ve just finished cooking up some curry.

???: The supermarket opposite the station was selling chicken wings for super cheap, so I added lots of them into the curry.

???: I mean, the Dorm Mom’s taking a break from meal-making today and all.

⊳ Choice: Can I really eat it?

???: Of course. That’s why I made it.

⊳ Choice: Thank you.

???: Haha, no worries. I’m glad that you’re happy.

⊳ Choice: Yay!

???: A day like this is perfect for curry, don’t you think?

Tomoharu: I just got my first paycheck so I have the cash to spare.

Tomoharu: Hm? No, I don’t think I can really be considered a self-supporting student.

Tomoharu: I mean, this dorm costs an exceptional fee of ¥5000 with all utilities included.

Tomoharu: Oh, right. Do you want pickled vegetables? I have scallions too if you want.

⊳ Choice: You’re splurging way too much.

Tomoharu: Haha, I can’t help it. Although, I might have taken it a little too far with my newfound financial freedom.

⊳ Choice: I give you full points for service!

Tomoharu: Hehe, please enjoy your meal.

⊳ Choice: I’ll pay for half of it.

Tomoharu: Are you sure?

Tomoharu: Ahh, then how about you make something next time instead? That way, we’re even.

Tomoharu: But I’m glad you look happier today.

Tomoharu: I mean, you looked pretty troubled yesterday, and you were even muttering something about a strange bus…

⊳ Choice:  Actually…

Tomoharu: What!? A new Orchestra? That’s amazing!

Tomoharu: I’m sure you’re happy, aren’t you? You did say that you wanted to try your hand at being part of an Orchestra again.

Tomoharu: Plus, you’re constantly cooped up in the practice room playing all day.

Tomoharu: I respect the amount of hard work you put in.

⊳ Choice:  So you’re aware…

Tomoharu: Haha, well, of course, I’d notice.

⊳ Choice:  Because it’s something I love doing!

Tomoharu: Haha. And I think it’s cool that you can say that.

Tomoharu: So you’re forming a new Orchestra and gathering members to aim to go worldwide together…

Tomoharu: That sounds brilliant. It makes me feel like wanting to try my hand at performing in an Orchestra too…

Tomoharu: Do you think someone like me can enter that Orchestra of yours? I think I can work hard if it’s your Orchestra I’m joining.

Tomoharu: So, how about it? Senpai-

Tomoharu: Uh, oops! The seaweed soup’s about to boil over.

Tomoharu: I’ll just be over here, so take a break, yeah?

☆ ━━━━━━━ ∘◦♬Main Starlight♬◦∘ ━━━━━━━ ☆

Previous Part: (Chapter 1-3) Next Part: (Chapter 1-5)

[mike-wheel]

here’s my byler autumn event one shot i kinda hate it

Drunk on Halloween

inspired by the song “drunk on halloween” by wallows

⚠️TW: drinking/alcohol consumption⚠️

Michael Wheeler was being dragged to a high school party that one of Lucas’s basketball teammates were throwing. It was a halloween party and the rest of the party had begged Mike to dress up as the Mystery Gang with them but he refused. Ever since Will had moved away 3, now almost 4 years ago, it was hard to spend Halloween together, especially because of the distance but they did, every year. Except for this one apparently. And Mike didn’t like celebrating without him, so for the first time ever, he didn’t dress up this year.

This year El had come into town to celebrate Halloween with them. Will had come to, but he wasn’t at the party. He didn’t know where he was and even if he did, Will probably wouldn’t want to see him, not since last Halloween.

“Mike!” Max called to him from the back door, “We’re gonna go out back and play a quick game of basketball, wanna come?”

He just shook his head, resulting in Max rolling her eyes and heading out the back door. Mike stayed in the corner, leaning against the wall, drinking his can of coke. He didn’t like parties. He didn’t like being around all these people, yelling, dancing, just so many people. He couldn’t just go dance and drink without thinking about if people were watching him and if they were, what they were thinking. So he stayed in the corner. Away from everything.

Usually he and Will would be in the corner together. Laughing and talking about people’s costumes and dance moves. Drinking soda because neither liked the feeling of alcohol, and waiting until their friends would say it’s time to go. Usually they’d be together, this time was different.

Well only for about 10 minutes when Will bumped into him in the corner.

“Sorry I hope you don’t mind I’m here with you, it’s just loud and I can’t find my sister, she said we’d only have to be here- Mike?”

“Will. Hey” Mike said awkwardly, tugging at his hair a little “I thought you weren’t coming to the party”

“Yeah well El made me, my mom too. Said it was important to come, see my friends again, you know the same stuff. But I was tired and didn’t want to go, so El promised only for an hour, I don’t know where she is though” He shrugged

“Yeah totally” But Mike knew he didn’t want to come because he didn’t want to see him. “You didn’t come with us though?”

“Robin dropped me off”

“Oh” Even though the party was loud as all hell, the silence between him and Will killed him. “Are you drinking?” He asked, pointing to the cup in Wills hand

“Ha no, you know I don’t like alcohol, it’s just sprite.” He smiled for the first time he’d seen him that night.

And Mike smiled back. And it stayed like that for a little, both smiling with each other in the corner, like old times. And Mike took a risk. He got the confidence to bring it up. He finally got it in that moment.

“Will about that night, last Halloween,” And he fucked it up. Because the smile immediately disappeared from Wills face and his eyes became wide with panic, as he looked around the room for some kind of escape.

“Will I, I’m sorry okay-“

“No Mike, just forget it okay? I want to forget it, we’re fine”

“Will I know we aren’t, I just want to talk about it. Please”

“You had all year to talk about it. I wanted to talk about it, but you chose to forget it, and now i want to too.”

Mike opened his mouth, searching for some kind of response, any reply to make it better, but he couldn’t think, he couldn’t find one.

“I should go Mike.” He sighed “Tell El I went home. We’re staying at Dustins, make sure she gets home safe.”

“Okay” And he got that same feeling he got when he watched Will bike away that summer of ‘85. The guilt, heartbreak, anger at himself all coming back. And then the music felt louder than normal. It hurt his head and he just wanted to leave. And as babyish as it sounded, he wanted to be in his moms arms.

He threw his coke away and went to the front, and took a seat on the porch steps. Putting his head in his hands, trying to block out the sounds, the loud music that gave

him a headache. He just wanted to talk to Will, to be with him, talk to him, make things right. He wanted to try it, he didn’t want to be scared. He knew what he wanted and wanted to go through with it.

“Mike?” Dustin and Max were in front of him now, “Are you okay? What happened?”

———————————————————————

“Are you drunk?” Mike laughed as Will slumped his head on his shoulder. They were sitting on the bathroom floor. Will said it was too loud for him and Mike took him to the bathroom. He had a red solo cup full of something. He didn’t know what, but Wills breath smelled a little like alcohol.

“I’m not drunk! You know I only drink soda” Will said smiling up at Mike

“I think you mistook some alcohol for soda William” He teased, brushing some of Wills hair out of his face. “How are you feeling?”

“Tired”

“Do you want to go home?”

“No I like being here with you. Do you like being here with me?” He asked, eyes closed now

“Of course I do. I’ve missed you a lot Will, I’m really glad you came home for Halloween”

“I’ve missed you too. My friends don’t like Halloween” He pouted a little

“They sound crazy”

“No were crazy remember?”

“Ha yeah we are. Are you feeling a little crazy Will?” He asked looking down at Will who was playing with Mikes jacket zipper

“Yes”

“How come?”

“I like someone”

“Really? I never thought this day would come” Mike chuckled “Who?”

And to Mikes surprise, Will sat up, looked him in the eyes, and placed a soft quick kiss on his lips. And for a couple seconds, Mike kissed back and then he felt a snap of reality and pulled away.

“Will..”

“Mike” He smiled

“You’re drunk, you don’t mean that.”

And his smile fell

“Yes I do, I like you Mike.”

“Will cmon this” he motioned between them “It wouldn’t work”

“You kissed back, don’t you want it to?”

“I- I don’t know. I mean the kiss was nice, but it wouldn’t work. It couldn’t. We’re both boys Will, what would my family think? Our friends?”

“They might not care, our friends love us, and your mom and nancy cares about you so much.”

“That’s a big might Will. And I cant trust my family. Nancy maybe but my mom? My dad, holly even.” He started tugging at the back of his hair. He really needed to stop doing that.

“But Mike-“

“I don’t want to talk about this Will!” Mike softened his voice “I just, I don’t want to talk about this, please” He put a hand on Wills shoulder, but Will pulled away.

“Fine Mike. But maybe you should try facing your feelings, instead of running away from them all the time.”

————————————————————

“Can you take me to see Will, Dustin?”

“Sure”

The car ride was quiet as everyone kept giving side eyes to Mike. They didn’t know what was wrong, but knew if it was about Will, it was important.

Dustin dropped Mike off at his house, saying the rest of them were gonna go get some dinner and bring some back.

“Will?” Mike said knocking on the guest room door, “I’m gonna come in okay?”

“Okay” he called from the other side of the door

“Can I sit?” Mike asked, pointing to the second twin bed, next to Wills.

“Sure”

Mike took a breath of relief, “Okay, I want to talk about last halloween. And before you say anything I know I made the choice to not talk about it. And that’s my fault. But I’m sorry. I really am. I was just scared of what people would think of me. I said stupid shit and I should’ve been worried about you. You were brave and took an insane risk, and if I’m being honest. I loved that kiss. I think about it a lot, well all the time. And that night. I would’ve done that night completely differently if I could. And I’m just really sorry Will.”

And Will laughed. A laugh of relief and Mike laughed with him.

“Thanks Mike, and I’m sorry too. I was kind of a jerk. I know facing your feelings is really hard. Shit it took me like 2 years, and I just put so much pressure on you. And that was super unfair.”

“Yeah we were both kind of stupid that night huh?”

“I guess we do make each other crazy”

“Yeah we do.” Mike smiled at him

“So you loved that kiss?” Will teased, “Want to do it again?”

“I- I uh yes” Mike laughed awkwardly as he moved over to sit next to Will, “Is this okay?” He asked, placing a hand on Wills cheek

“Yes” Will smiled brightly as he put a hand on Mikes waist and leaned in a little

“Are you sure about this Mike? I want to make sure you’re okay with this”

“More than okay” He smiled and closed the gap between them.

“Happy Halloween Mike” Will whispered as he put his forehead against Mikes

“Wow both our ‘first’ kisses with each other on Halloween”

“Yeah, I guess it’s kinda our holiday hm” Will laughed

“I guess so”

[whimperandabang]

1 - named after anyone?

yes, two of my great grandparents (first + middle name)

2 - last time you cried?

i think the last time i genuinely cried was about a week ago. i’ve come close a couple times since then but no real crying

3 - do you have any kids?

nope

4 - do you use sarcasm a lot?

not really but i believe in their beliefs

5 - what’s the first thing you notice about people?

i don’t think i have a universal thing, tbh? i’d say everyone has something different that catches my eye

6 - color of your eyes?

dark brown

7 - scary movies or happy endings?

happy endings when i’m just looking for something fun or entertaining, tragedy or bittersweetness when i’m looking for something more deep/emotional. i don’t generally watch many scary movies, though i’ve seen heathers and scream and enjoyed them both quite a bit.

8 - any special talents?

i sing :D also i write (prose, plays, poetry, and music) though i wouldn’t call that a talent so much as a skill i am constantly trying to improve.

9 - where were you born?

usa

10 - hobbies?

reading, writing, singing, acting

11 - any pets?

i have a dog!

12 - what sports do you/have you played?

none in a long time. i did track for a year in fourth grade and hated it. also not exactly a sport but i did taekwondo on and off as a kid

13 - how tall are you?

5’4

14 - favorite subject in school?

history or english. it switched depending on my teachers.

15 - dream job?

if it wasn’t so financially unreliable/unstable, i’d want to do something like what lin-manuel miranda or maggie stiefvater does—essentially, someone who does all kinds of art. i would want to be heavily involved in the writing world, the theater world, and maybe even the music scene, doing some writing (plays/books/music/maybe poetry), some acting, some singing, maybe even some directing or conducting—i don’t know. i would definitely want to be able to experiment with those things. as for my dream job in the world we live in, i’m very much unsure.

no pressure tagging @galaxitic @friendly-neighborhood-wizard/@adamshallperish (whichever blog you prefer to do it on) @dragonsarecats @protectcosette @pocket-sized-nightmare @saderplate7

tagged by @quimerical :> 1) named after anyone? i partially named myself after someone, but the name i mostly use in day-to-day life is not named after anyone.  

2) last time you cried? had a big cry last sunday

3) do you have any kids? nope

4) do you use sarcasm a lot? pretty frequently, yeah.  5) what’s the first thing you notice about people? idk 6) color of your eyes? very dark brown 

7) scary movies or happy endings? i dont watch scary movies so happy endings i guess, although i dont always write them in my short stories

8) any special talents? being silly on company time  9) where were you born? the US of A (derogatory)  10) hobbies? writing, reading, drawing, playing video games 

11) any pets? yes, i have an ouppy at home (* ^ ω ^) also chickens although i consider those more livestock than pets 

12) what sports do you/have you played? field hockey (elementary/middle school) and track (high school.) never again god bless 

13) how tall are you? 5′2″

14) favorite subject in school? social science/history/english

15) dream job?  thats currently what im trying to figure out lol. something socially impactful/meaningful that involves writing and doesnt force me to mask tagging: @whimperandabang @suckmygncnis @xialing-gf​

[ID: Picture of an angel lying on the ground with the caption “me after being awake for 1 hour. End ID.]

[mellow-em]

Bittersweet Temptations

CHAPTER 2

[special dt @bluewingedangel <3]

Your neighbors, Nathan and Elena, have been friends with your parents for years. Whether it’d be family gatherings or vacations, they were around; they were family. But when you return home from your final years of college, what will happen when you find that it isn't just them living in the house next door anymore?

_____________________________________

The afternoon sun brought in a relaxing mixture of natural light from the windows, but I wasn’t even remotely focused on it.

My right leg was bouncing hastily under the kitchen table while I prodded my salad with a fork. I tossed a particularly small carrot around in the bowl, swirling it around the sea of other vegetables.

“Are you gonna eat that or play around with it sweetie?” The sound of my mothers voice raced right through one ear and out the other one.

I only sighed in response, and leaned the side of my head on my hand, not bothering to look up at either of my parents that sat across from me.

They urged me to consistently have family meals with them today, in an attempt to dine on the experiences I had away at college. If they’d asked me to do this at any other time, I wouldn’t mind.

But my head was clouded by something else; or should I say by someone else.

Last night refused to escape my line of thinking. Even after it all went down, I went back to bed to try and fall back asleep, but it was absolutely no use.

The cunning quirk of his lips as he smirked back at me was an image that glued itself to the front of my brain. I reeled around in bed until sunrise, unable to silence my thoughts regardless of any persistence. So as of now, I was beyond exhausted.

“y/n? Are you alright?”

I jump faintly in my chair, with my fathers words pulling me away from my cogitation of the man from the pool, “I’m um.. I’m fine, sorry.”

I gave them a toothless smile as reassurance, but by the exchange of looks they both gave each other, they didn’t seem too convinced.

I shifted uncomfortably, and stabbed the carrot I was messing with. I slowly bring it towards my mouth, finally having the compulsion to take a bite.

Until the man’s wink decided to project in front of me, as if I was experiencing the whole ordeal all over again.

I abruptly dropped the fork into the bowl, resulting in a reverberating clash that not only startled my parents, but it startled me back into reality again.

“Jesus y/n, what’s gotten into you?”

I’m asking that same question, mom.

“Nothing, I uh- think I’m just tired,” the excuse flew out of my mouth in a panic, “I’m just.. I’m gonna go shower for the party later.”

I hurriedly sprung from my seat, and scurried up the stairs to the bathroom.

“Well that was smooth, dumbass,” I muttered out in the open, while slamming the door behind me.  

That son of a bitch is driving me crazy, and I haven’t even had a single conversation with him.

I take a few steps into the bathroom, placing both of my hands on opposite sides of the sink, leaning over with my body weight. With my head bowed down to the direction of my feet, I suspired deeply.

This was stupid. The brief interaction was embarrassing, yes, but with how I reacted today during lunch, especially when the party was happening later on today..

I just needed to stop thinking about what happened last night.

Act like it didn’t happen.

It didn’t happen.

____________

Turmoil carried on in the form of muffled conversations, and distinct bass from the speakers on the lower levels of the house. Even being upstairs in my room, the walls weren’t thick enough to block the noise that derived from the party.

Of course, my dad’s annual excuse backfired, and instead of the party being fairly small, it was as big as the rest of the parties we've had in the past. Although I really shouldn’t be surprised, knowing this really has carried on for 10 years at most.

As of now, I could only assume that the booze was already out for everyone, and by the end of the night, I could guarantee that almost half the people here will be drunk. It reassured me though, especially when I’ll probably end up being one of those people.

I could use a little alcohol in my system; to let myself go a little bit.

While fixing the straps of my white sundress, I looked at myself in the mirror, making sure any scraps of exhaustion were not visible on my features. Despite longing for a few hours of rest, I knew for a fact that I wasn’t going to get much yet again.

With satisfaction, I back away from my vanity, and start for the door that barricaded me from the chaos.

The exchanges of laughter became much more pronounced as I slowly opened the door, and traveled down the hall. My feet carried me towards the stairs, shaking from the rumble of the speakers seeping through the walls and floors.

It was a blessing that the noise didn’t affect our neighbors enough for them to make complaints; but that was mostly because they were all here.

With each step down the flight, more of the party overtook my vision. Guests were dispersed amongst every room as far as I could see, gathering around each other in hopes of starting conversation over the music. It had been fairly crowded to say the least.

Immediately after I make it to the ground floor, I’m bombarded by my mother.

“Hey honey, Nathan and Elena are outside if you want to say hello to them!” her slightly raising her voice didn't really help much, with us being right next to the speakers. But I nodded letting her know I understood.

Turning away from her, I then faced the crowd of people in front of me. I start to weave my way through, making slight pauses along the way to thank them for coming. Most of the people around me had a slight stench of beer already, making me scrunch my nose; that smell is definitely going to linger afterwards.

Eventually making it to the door, I slide it open and step out, letting the freshness of the outside air fill my senses. I quickly noticed the difference between the outdoors and the impeded aura from inside the house. It felt like I was finally able to breathe.

After shutting the sliding door behind me, I strolled away towards the yard.

I made sure to make a slight detour to the cooler to grab myself a beer though, rashly cracking it open as soon as I got my hands on one. I take a swig while observing the guests around me.

As soon as I saw a familiar head of blonde hair a few yards away, I could feel myself smile widely. I hadn’t seen Nate or Elena in four years, and being back home now is making me realize how much I missed them.

The both of them had moved into the neighborhood about a year after my family, and that was over 15 years ago. Ever since then, they hit it off more than you could imagine.

They had all gotten so close to one another, that they’d have annual dinners together, game nights and tag along on all of our family trips. They would even bring in their ideal vacation spots up to us, which evolved into us traveling to entirely different countries most of the time.

While Elena and my mom went to any beach they could find, and my dad found the bar, Nathan really wanted to drag me along to the historical landmarks and teach me about everything he knew. It made our relationship blossom, and now I considered him my second father.

Plus, because of him I began to develop an endless love for history.

I liked it so much that I made the decision to go to college for it. Nathan’s reaction when I told him before I left was something for the cover of a photo album, and I just knew already that a million questions were going to arise when I got to them.

I stepped down from the deck, and walked towards them with my lips still curled in a smile.

As I made it closer to them though, my gaze became hazy. With my brows contorting, my confused demeanor became more visible with every footstep I made closer to Nate and Elena.

There was another man wrapped into their conversation. He was taller than the other two, especially Elena. I noticed his hair slicked back ruggedly, from above the others’ heads. Though, I still couldn’t get a proper look at his face yet.

I turned my direction slightly to discreetly see who my neighbors were conversing with. My curious nature was overriding my body.

I should have just listened to that universally cliche phrase.

Curiosity did kill the fucking cat, and I wish it would just kill me now.

From here, I had a clear view of his face. He stood there listening to Nate’s banter, with a cigarette wedged between his lips.

The lips I had been staring at the night before, along with the rest of him.

Shit shit shit shit shit.

By this point I would’ve  been repeating my annual habit of staring in place. But  fortunately, I turned on my heal sharply to try and escape.  

“Oh my god y/n?” My breath hitched while Elena's voice rang out towards me.

Well great.

I held that particular breath in as I turned my body once more to face her. My warm smile returned to my face, but a layer of embarrassment and panic riddled beneath the surface.

“Elena, it’s so good to see you,” I went over and wrapped my arms around her carefully, keeping her baby bump in mind, “I’ve missed you so much.”

“I’ve missed you too,” she returned the hug, leaning close to my ear, mumbling, “especially when I’ve had to deal with him all alone. I swear sometimes I really question whether the pregnancy hormones are hitting me or him harder.”

I look over at Nate for a quick second, stifling a laugh while I let go of Elena. The two of us continued laughing faintly, certainly gaining the attention of Nate.

“What are you two laughing about? What’d I do this time?” Nate looked genuinely perplexed, which made it funnier.

“Oh nothing, Nate,” Elena and I looked at each other, smirking as she spoke.

Even with Elena and I’s pleasant interaction, that uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach just wouldn’t quit. I just knew he was watching my every move.

Especially, when in the corner of my eye, I watched his travel with me as I went to give Nate his hug.

“It’s good to have you back, Crash.”

Hearing the nickname took me away from my thoughts on the man behind me for a moment, and made my smile lift. 

“It’s been too long, Aku.”

We stayed this way for a few more seconds, until I feel him pat my back. I let my arms fall away from him, and return to my spot in front of them.

I then feel my head slowly turn over to the unknown one of the three; well to me he was unknown. 

“So who’s this?” I cross my arms in front of me, anticipating an answer from one of them.

But silence continued to radiate around us. 

They all stood there, exchanging looks with one another, making me raise one of my brows. While awaiting a response I decided to take a long sip of my beer, feeling the cold liquid slide down my throat. 

That is, before Nate finally spoke up, “Y/n, this is Sam,” he paused, and I could see the hesitation written all over him, “Sam Drake.”

I almost choked on my beer as soon as I heard the last name. I thought for a solid minute that my eyes were going to fall out of their sockets. 

“Is this your-” I pointed between the both of them.

“He’s my older brother.” Nate finishes my sentence, as he scratched at the back of his neck. 

My face fell even more if it was even possible.

Wait.

Nate was in his early forties to begin with, so that would make Sam…

I looked at Sam’s face intensely again, specifically at the wrinkles that were tainted across his face. Now that my brain was functioning properly, unlike last night, I noticed how many there really were. 

Great. Not only was I checking out Nathan’s BROTHER, but the man that was more than twice my age.

Fuck.

[something-tofightfor]

15 Questions

Thank you for tagging me last week - @grogusmum @quica-quica-quica @oonajaeadira and @miss-mandalorian - im sorry it took 8 years for me to respond! 

1. are you named after anyone?

I am not. My mom always told me that after 26 hours of back labor she didn’t care what my name was, and so she didn’t even spell it the correct way because she wrote really fast. I get called by my middle name a lot more than my first by my family anyway. 

2. when was the last time you cried?

About 20 minutes ago. (Have TLOU playing in the background) But the last time I actually cried for a reason that wasn’t media-related was on my birthday because I did my yearly tradition of listening to my voicemails from my dad. 

3. do you have kids?

I do not and never will. I am perfectly happy without them. 

4. do you use sarcasm a lot?

Sure do. If I’m not being sarcastic, you know there’s something wrong.

5. what’s the first thing you notice about people?

Posture. And I tend to look at people’s hands - don’t know why, it’s just always something that I’ve done.

6. what’s your eye color?

Blue! But they’re sort of a gray blue. 

7. scary movies or happy endings?

I haven’t ever seen a movie or show that has truly scared me - I wish I could find one. I *do* like happy endings, but know that they’re very unrealistic in a lot of scenarios - even though they’re fun to imagine. 

8. any special talents?

I am UNREASONABLY good at word puzzles and trivia games - Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune, Lingo, Jeopardy, bar trivia ... I retain ridiculously unnecessary amounts of general knowledge and pop culture trivia, and it’s always a shock to people.  

9. where were you born?

A hospital about 10 minutes from where I currently live. 

10: what are your hobbies?

Writing, reading, singing along to music loudly and off-key. Gardening. Live music. 

11. have you any pets?

A half Maine Coon / half Siamese cat named Neptune that is the literal light of my life, and a tabby cat named Beckett that lives with my sister because my dad stole her. 

12: what sports do you play/have you played?

The closest thing to a sport that I participate in is skiing. 

13: how tall are you?

5’6”

14. favorite subject in school?

I loved all of my writing courses. My senior year, I had four of them, two study halls, two art classes and both early dismissal and late arrival. I’d literally go to school, write and fuck around in the art room for 5.5 hours a day and then go home. It was great. 

15. dream job?

Someone needs to pay me to travel around and try new foods And if that isn’t going to happen, I would love to work on the continuity department for moves and TV ... because the amount of inconsistencies I’ve caught watching the shows and movies I love is staggering and I KNOW I could do better since I am obsessed with details. 

If you want to play, please feel free! So many people have already been tagged, I’m not sure who is left. 

[d-criss-news]

20 Questions With Darren Criss: How Acting Has Helped Him Make New Music

While Darren Criss has graced our TV screens with a range of characters, from high schooler Blaine Anderson on Glee to serial killer Andrew Cunanan on The Assassination of Gianni Versace, he was last spotted just being himself, on our For You Page on TikTok. “I’m walking to rehearsal with a guitar on my back with a Trader Joe’s bag ... I did not bring an umbrella because I forgot that it was raining. I’m rocking that NYC musician life,” the Glee alum explained in the hilarious clip posted three days ago.

While Criss’ acting work has earned him acclaim and stardom, he leaned into making music during the pandemic. On Aug. 20, he dropped a new EP, Masquerade, featuring five new tracks that Criss says were inspired by the different characters Criss has embraced throughout his career. After Criss wrote songs for his musical comedy web series Royalties and Apple TV+’s animated sitcom Central Park before the pandemic struck the United States, he then used those experiences as a precursor to his new EP. As Criss continues to promote his new music, he answered 20 of Billboard's questions – giving us a peek into how his new EP came together, and how growing up in San Fransisco shaped him as an actor, singer and all-around artist.

1. What inspired your latest project, Masquerade?

Although I would have preferred that it come at a far less grim cost, I finally had the time. Before the pandemic, I had written 10 new songs for my show Royalties -- along with an original song for Disney and another for Apple’s Central Park. These were all assignments in which I was writing for a certain scenario and character. Go figure. It was the most music I had ever written in a calendar year. This really emboldened me to rethink how I made my own music— to start putting a focus on “character creation” in my songs, rather than personal reflection. The latter was not proving to be as productive. The alchemy of having this time and having set a new intention with my own songwriting and producing made me put on a few of my favorite masques and throw myself a Masquerade.

2. How do you think your background as an actor complements your music?

They are one and the same to me. I treat acting roles like musical pieces— dialogue is like scoring a melody; there’s pace, dynamics, cadence, tone. Physical characterization is like producing -- zeroing in on the bass line, deciding on the kick pattern. Vocal characterization is like choosing the right sonic experience, choosing the most effective snare sound, and mixing the high end or low end. It goes without saying that it works in the complete opposite direction. Making each song is taking on a different role literally and employing the use of different masques to maximize the effectiveness of the particular story being told.

3. On Instagram  you wrote that “Masquerade is a small collection of the variety of musical masques that have always inspired me.” Which track do you identify with most in your real life?

Everybody absorbs songs differently. Some key into the lyrics, some into the melody, some the production, some into vocal performance. When I listen to songs, I consider all of their value on totally different scales. So it’s hard to say if there’s any track I “identify” with more than any others, since I -- by nature -- identify with all of them. I think I just identify with certain aspects more than others. If it helps for a more interesting answer, I will say I enjoy the slightly more classical, playful -- dare I say -- more Broadway-leaning wordplay of “Walk of Shame,” but that’s just talking about lyricism. I enjoy the attitude of “F*kn Around,” the batsh--t musicality of “I Can’t Dance,” the relentless grooves of “Let’s” and “For A Night Like This.” All have different ingredients I really enjoy having an excuse to dive into.

4. What’s the first piece of music that you bought for yourself, and what was the medium?

Beatles audio cassettes: “Help” and “Hard Day’s Night.” I just listened on repeat on a tape-playing Walkman until my brother and I got a stereo for our room with a CD player in it, which was  when I just bought the same two albums again, but this time as compact discs.

5. What was the first concert you saw?It’s hard to say, because my parents took us to a lot of classical concerts when we were small. But I guess this question usually refers to what was the first concert you went to on your own volition, and that my friend, was definitely Warped Tour ’01. My brother and I went on our own— two teenagers going to their first music festival, in the golden age of that particular genre and culture. It was f--king incredible.

6. What did your parents do for a living when you were a kid?

My dad was in private banking and advised really, really wealthy people on how to handle their money. My mom was, by choice, a stay-at-home mom, but in reality, she was my dad’s consigliere. They discussed absolutely everything together. They were a real team, and I saw that every single day in the house. They both had a background in finance (That’s how they met in the first place.) and were incredibly skilled at all the hardcore adulting things that I absolutely suck at. They were total finance wizards together. So of course, instead of becoming an accountant, I picked up playing the guitar and ran as far I could with it. Luckily, they were all about it.

7. What was your favorite homecooked meal growing up?

My dad was an incredible chef. For special occasions, I’d request his crab cakes. They were unreal. I’ve never had a crab cake anywhere in the world that was good as my dad’s.

8. Who made you realize you could be an artist full-time?

I don’t know if I’ve actually realized that yet.

9. What’s at the top of your professional bucket list?

The specifics change every day, but the core idea at the top is to continue being consistently inconsistent with my choices, and to keep getting audiences to constantly reconsider their consideration of me. But I mean, sure, what performer doesn’t want to play Coachella? What songwriter doesn’t want to have Adele sing one of their songs? What actor doesn’t want to be in a Wes Anderson film?

10.  How did your hometown/city shape who you are?

San Francisco. I mean, come on. I was really lucky. The older I get, the more grateful I am for just being born and raised there. It’s an incredibly diverse, culturally rich, colorful, inclusive, vibrant city. By the time I was born, it had served as a beacon for millions of creative, out-of-the-box thinkers to gather and thrive. I grew up around that. The combination of that with having parents, who were unbelievably supportive of the arts themselves, laid an incredibly fortunate foundation to consider the life of an artist as a legitimately viable option. It’s a foundation that I am supremely aware is not the case for millions of young artists around the world. I was absurdly lucky.

11.  What’s the last song you listened to?

I mean probably one of mine, but not by choice. I know, lame. But I’m promoting a new EP, what’d you expect? But if you wanna know what I’ve been listening to, as far as new s--t is concerned: a lot of Lizzy McAlpine, Remi Wolf, and Charlie Burg.

12.  If you could see any artist in concert, dead or alive, who would it be?

The Beatles is an obvious "yeah, duh." Sammy Davis, Mel Tormé, or of course, Nat King Cole. I would’ve loved to see Howard Ashman give a lecture on his creative process and his body of work.

13. What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen happen in the crowd of one of your sets?

I feel like just having a crowd at all, at any one of my sets, is pretty wild enough.

14. What’s your karaoke go-to?

The real answer to this I’ll write into a book one day, because I have a lot to say about karaoke etiquette. I have two options here: I can either name a song that I like to sing for me, for fun, or I can name a song that really gets the group going. The answer depends on what kind of karaoke night we’re dealing with here. So I will say, after I’ve selected a ton of songs that services a decent enough party vibe for everyone else, then I would do one for me, and that would be the Beatles’ “Oh! Darling.”

15. What’s one thing your most devoted fans don’t know about you?

What I have up my sleeve.

16. What TV show did you binge-watch over the past year?

Dave is a stroke of genius. There are episodes that I believe are bona fide masterpieces. Also, My Brilliant Friend is a masterclass in cinematic television.

17. What movie, or song, always makes you cry?

It’s A Wonderful Life.

18. What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?

Get used to sharing everything about yourself and your life now, or more astutely, to the idea that you don’t necessarily get to control how your life is shared. I know it’s not really your thing, but you’re gonna have to get used to it, so start building up those calluses now. And don’t worry, all the stuff you love now will be cool again in your mid-thirties, so keep some of those clothes because you’ll be a full-blown fashion icon if you just keep wearing exactly what you’re wearing. Oh nd also, put money into Apple and Facebook.

19.  What new hobby did you take on in the last year?

I’ve always been a linguaphile. My idea of leisure time is getting to study or review other languages. This past year, I took the time to finally dive into learning how to read, write, and speak Japanese. Other than making music, it was one of the biggest components of my 2020-2021.

20. What do you hope to accomplish or experience by the end of 2021?

I hope I get to play live shows again.

[chudleycanonficfest]

The Switch

Day 10, Story #2 is by @adenei

Title: The Switch

Author: adenei

Pairing: George Weasley/Angelina Johnson

Prompt: First Date

Rating: T

TW: Mentions of character death

***********

The shop is quiet as George locks the door to his office. It’s been a month since the grand re-opening of Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, and the steady thrum of customers has put the business back on track to where it was before the untimely closure due to the war. Things are different, of course, with Fred not being there, but George’s family and friends have stepped up and offered more support than George knows what to do with—not that he wanted it in the first place.

  In retrospect, he is thankful for his family and friends, Ron and Angelina in particular. They helped him put down the bottle and get his life back on track. 

  “Fred wouldn’t want this.” Angelina had told him late one night while she and Lee were staying over in his flat that smelled of days-old Firewhisky and hadn’t been cleaned since before they’d gone into hiding at Aunt Muriel’s.

  “How would Fred feel if you let everything the two of you worked for go to shit? How would you feel if the tables were turned and if it was—” Ron had yelled as he snatched the half-full bottle away from his brother and dumped it down the drain. The emotion was raw as the words caught in his throat, the end of the phrase hanging between them like the weight of a bludger pulling them down and grounding them.

  At first, he’d been pissed, but they were right. Fred wouldn’t have wanted George to resort to any of that. And even though he’d been begrudging in accepting help to begin with, George knew he wouldn’t have gotten the shop up and running as swiftly as he did without everyone’s help. The hole in his heart still ached, and not a moment went by where he didn’t miss his brother, but finding a new stride in this post-war life is exactly the push George needed to not only move on but also honor and make Fred proud.

  As George makes his way onto the main floor of the shop, a figure standing behind the counter makes him pause. He’d recognize that silhouette anywhere, the unrequited crush from his Hogwarts days now thrust back in his life, as if to taunt him of just another thing he’ll never have.

  “You’re still here?” The exhaustion is apparent in George’s voice after a ten-hour day.

  “Yeah, I wanted to make sure you didn’t stay on and try to do all the inventory yourself again like last week.” Angelina runs her fingers over the various displays of fireworks that are locked away behind the checkout area as she lightly teases George.

  “Nah, I learned from that mistake. Besides, don’t you have your regular job that you need to get back to? Now that things are running smoothly again, we’ll be able to manage without the extra help. Especially once things die down after the first.”

  “I don’t mind spending a few hours here after work, you know that. Things’ll start to pick up again soon once the Quidditch season gets underway, I’m sure, but right now, my corresponding duties are light. Call me crazy, but I’ve enjoyed spending more time with you lately. Almost makes me feel like we’re back in Hogwarts, you know? When real life and responsibilities seemed so far away.”

  A chuckle escapes George’s lips. It was true, all this time they’d been spending together, especially with Lee and sometimes Alicia, almost made everything feel right again.

  “Well, we can hang out in other places, too. I swear I don’t live at Wheeze’s.”

  “George, you live upstairs.”

“Ah, bugger off.”

  “I’m only teasing.”

  “And all I’m saying is if you want to do something outside these walls, all you have to do is ask.”

  “Are you hungry, then?”

  A genuine laugh bubbles up into George’s throat at Angelina’s brazenness. “Bloody hell, woman! Impatient much?”

  His outburst brings a smile to Angelina’s face, brightening the dark circles under her eyes from the extra hours spent helping out. 

  “You’re the one who said to ask. So, what do you say? Fancy a drink and a meal down the street? It’s late enough that the Leaky shouldn’t be too busy.”

  “I s’pose it couldn’t hurt. Beats making something for myself, that’s for sure.”

  “Great, let’s go.” 

  Angelina walks around the counter and reaches out to take George’s hand in hers. An electric shock shoots up his arm from the point of contact, and George has to stop himself from pulling away from the surprise of it all. A memory flashes through his mind of twinkling lights amongst a silver backdrop in the Great Hall all those years ago. He sees two figures dancing and twirling to the music of the Weird Sisters, one with flaming red hair much like his own and the other whose sapphire gown swished against the travertine floor. The memory brings a reminiscent smile to his lips as Angelina tugs him out the door.

  When they reach the Leaky, the pair settles into a quiet booth in the back of the establishment, away from curious eyes. It’s late in the evening for a meal, which is made evident by the empty tables and chairs scattered throughout the pub. Only a handful of patrons litter the bar, allowing Tom to be attentive to their needs. 

  George takes a large swig when the barkeep returns with Butterbeers, and they place their orders.

  “No shot of Firewhisky tonight then?” 

  George shakes his head. “I told you, Ange, I was serious about stopping. I can’t use the bottle as a crutch for grief anymore.”

  Angelina nods as she observes him intently. George can feel the heat of her gaze trailing over him as he takes another sip from his drink. 

  “You’re staring.”

  “Sorry, I was just thinking.”

  “Oh? And here I was thinking I was mesmerizing you with my dashing good looks,” George quips. 

  Angelina smiles, and for a moment, George thinks he sees a blush on her cheeks before she recovers.  For all the time they spent together during Hogwarts, and more recently in the months following the war, George finds it odd that they’re struggling with conversation now.

  “Knut for your thoughts?” asks George.

  “Just that it’s been nice reconnecting with you. And Lee. Circumstances are shit, of course, but with my hectic schedule during Quidditch season, I don’t get much time for socializing and friends. I even had to drop my registration for the semi-pro league I was hoping to play for.”

  George nods, and his stomach twists as he processes her words. That would mean she’d be leaving soon once things got busy. He’s overcome with the urge to see if her job is something she’s passionate about.

  “Do you love it? Your job, I mean.”

  “Well, yeah, if I can’t play professionally, the next best thing is writing and commentating. Plus, I’ve gotten to see the world all on the Ministry’s dime. Can’t complain there…”

  “But is it something you see yourself doing for a long time?” George presses. He doesn’t mean to sound judgmental, but he needs to know if it’s even worth it to pursue.

  “Well, after graduation, it seemed like the right fit. The opening was there, my parents were encouraging me to see the world, and I didn’t have anything tying me down. Honestly, I think my parents thought it was safer for me to travel, especially with the war on...”

  And what about now? 

  George is nodding his head up and down while the question ricochets in his mind. He opens his mouth, gathering the courage to allow the four words to escape his mouth when Angelina interrupts him.

  “Well, there are some openings that would allow me to stay in London that have just come up. They’re looking for commentators and stats writers for the matches played in the Kensington stadium. So, if you needed an extra hand at the shop, I could stay—”

  “—I don’t want you to stay for the shop. If you want to travel the world, you should. I doubt you’ve seen all the world has to offer in two seasons.”

  No! What are you thinking! 

  George can almost hear Fred chastising him for his rash response. It doesn’t come out the way he meant it to sound, and he knows he messed up given the crestfallen look on Ange’s face.

  “I only meant—”

  “I-I’ve actually already put in for the London job, George. And I promise it’s not because of the shop. Lee promised to help me with commentating, and this way I can play again. I start training next week. You know how much I missed playing Quidditch, and now that England is safer, I can stay and have the best of both worlds.” 

  The longer she goes on, it feels like she’s rambling and going on with a laundry list of pre-prepared reasons, which doesn’t sound like the Angelina he knows. It’s almost like she’s trying to convince herself that those are the reasons she’s staying, and not for anything else.

  “Oh.”

  Ange rolls her eyes. “Don’t worry, I know you and Fred always used to think you two were the center of the universe, but I promise I didn’t choose to stay just for you.”

  Her voice is light, and she’s smiling, but George can’t help but sense something else lingering beneath the surface. Disappointment, perhaps? Or maybe he’s just reading into things too much. Hoping something might be between them that really isn’t. He forces himself to stop overthinking and simply enjoy her company instead.

  “Well, I, for one, am happy you’re staying. We’ll be able to get together more often, and it’ll almost feel like our Hogwarts days. Maybe I’ll even be able to convince you and Alicia to test new products again.”

  Angelina nearly spits out her Butterbeer at George’s joke as Tom approaches with their meal. He knows he’s not fooling either of them; the irony is that the girls were always two steps ahead of him and his brother. They were the only two in their year who managed to avoid becoming test subjects to all of their prototypes.

  The two fall into more reminiscing as they tuck into their fish and chips. George doesn’t realize how ravenous he is until he starts eating, and he’s even more grateful for Ange’s suggestion now.

  As they are polishing off the remainder of their baskets, the topic of conversation falls on the Yule Ball, as Ange remembers how Fred had tossed the wad of paper at her.

  “It was romantic, wasn’t it?” George jokes as he remembers his brother’s ridiculous attempt at asking a girl out. “Still don’t know why you said yes to that tosser.”

  To this day, he’d always resented his brother for drawing his wand first and asking Ange to the ball. Of course, George knew it was all meant to be a bluff. It was Fred’s attempt to get his brother to buck up the courage and ask Angelina for himself. 

  George remembers it vividly. “Just ask her. What’s the worst she’ll say? No? Fine, if you won’t do it, I will.”

  When Fred had gotten Ange’s attention, George had no idea what to expect. They were usually well in tune with each other, and George could anticipate Fred’s moves, but when his brother had asked Angelina himself, it took George by surprise.

  “We were getting down to the wire, weren’t we?” Angelina interrupts George’s thoughts. “No one else had asked me, so I figured it was better to go with one twin than none at all.”

  George chooses the wrong moment to polish off the last of his chips. The fried potato catches in his throat, and he coughs it up, all while reaching for the last dredges of his Butterbeer to clear things out.

  Did she just say it was better to go with one twin than none at all? But then that would mean… 

  “Ange, don’t tell me you were waiting for me to ask you.”

  She shrugs and averts her eyes from his gaze. “I mean, I wouldn’t have been disappointed if you’d asked, let’s put it that way.”

  After this revelation, George burst into laughter. To anyone else in the near vicinity, it probably sounded like he should be admitted to the Janus Thickney Ward. He hasn’t laughed this hard since he and Fred were able to pull off a prank on Muriel shortly after arriving at her Manor at the end of March.

  “You—Fred—I—me—” He can’t seem to formulate a coherent string of thoughts until Angelina goes from amused to offended.

  “Honestly, George, I didn’t realize it was that funny. Forget I said anything.” She checks her watch and gathers her bag. “Maybe this wasn’t a good idea after all. It’s getting late, and clearly the thought of the two of us together appalls—”

  She’s in the process of standing up when George sobers from the onslaught of irony and reaches out to grab her wrist.

  “Ange, wait. I’m not laughing at that. Just—just give me a chance to explain, yeah?” He pulls her into the bench beside him, where she lands on her bottom harder than she needed to as she lets out a loud huff of indignation.

  “Fred never intended to go with you when he asked.”

  “Excuse me?” Her eyebrows have raised so high on her face that George is surprised they haven’t gotten lost in her braids.

  “No, what I mean is, he’d been pestering me to ask you since the ball was announced. He knew I had a thing for you—obviously—and was being supportive.”

  It felt weird for George to admit that he fancied Angelina in school now, after so many years of keeping it close to his chest. Fred and Lee were the only two who ever knew.

  “So, what are you trying to say, then?”

  “When Fred asked you...I was shocked, too. I didn’t realize he’d already devised a plan that I didn’t cotton on to right away.”

  The look on Angelina’s face transformed from defensive to shock to comprehension, all in the span of a few seconds. “Don’t tell me…”

  “Being an identical twin has—er, had—its benefits.”

  “So.. are you trying to tell me that I didn’t go to the ball with Fred?”

  “Nope.”

  “And at the end of the night, when I kissed Fred in an attempt to make you jealous, I was actually kissing you all along?”

  “Sorry if it was disappointing.” The wisecrack escapes George’s lips before he can stop it.

  Half of him is expecting Angelina to slap him for the ‘switcheroo’ that he and Fred pulled, and in fairness, they deserved it. What if Ange actually had fancied Fred, and they’d pulled one over on her?

  But to his surprise, Angelina does the opposite. She leans in and kisses George right then and there. The same shock he felt when holding her hand earlier ignites within him once more as he lets his body take control. He allows himself to get lost in the feel of her lips, realizing that it’s the first time he’s truly felt like himself since Fred’s passing. He even dares to let himself think he’s found happiness again.

  Eventually, George pulls away as his lungs begin to burn from the lack of oxygen. They remain close, foreheads touching as he offers a weak smile. 

  “Y’know, I was going to tell you it was me at the end of the night, but how could I when I thought I was going to break your heart when you thought you’d kissed Fred?”

  “You’re insufferable, you know that?” 

  “Yeah, but you can’t argue with sixteen-year-old George’s logic, can you?”

  Ange rolls her eyes and leans back. George misses the contact as soon as it’s gone.

  “What do you say we get out of here?” Ange raises her eyebrows in question as if tempting him to follow when she scoots out from the bench a second time.

  George pulls enough money to cover their meals out of his wallet and leaves it on the table before scooching out behind her. He pays no mind to the remaining customers as he pulls Angelina back into him and whispers in her ear,

  “I’d say we’ve wasted five years of pointless pining to wait any longer.”