#nazz bun

[ededdneddy-artrefs]

[bates--boy]

And now Peter had arrived at the comedown.

      Which meant lying curled up in the dark of his bedroom, head propped up on an elbow, and scrolling through the chat backlog to distract himself from the obsessive worry that he had let his emotions get the better of him over the past couple weeks, and this was the start of a depressive episode. He had the pills in his body, even swallowing an extra one just in case.

        It meant that this was as clearheaded as he was going to get. A message popped up onto his screen.

        [Mike] Y’all up? got some good news!

        [Mike] We’re almost at 1M sales!

        [Tarsha] WHOOOOOOOOOOO!

        [Adel] Celebration?

        [Mike] you know it!!!

        Tired as he was, Peter smiled, turning onto his stomach to get more comfortable.

        [Pete] we should plan something big

        [Nazz] Livestream maybe? Let our adoring fans in on the festivities.

        Peter was clearheaded. He knew he was, even if he felt like wrapping himself in a blanket and doze off for a week. He showered and bathed morning, noon, and night until his body stopped shivering with Naseem and Ashira’s unabated heat and tenderness. He occupied his time with terrible movies and amazing books until he stopped thinking about how toned Naseem’s legs were when he straddled them, or how slender Ashira’s fingers were around his thigh.

        And yet he saw Naseem’s name--

        [Sheer] Shall I buy some new party clothes for the kids?

        Then he saw Ashira’s name, and he redirected his thoughts to fantasies with them both that weren’t centered on fucking and getting fucked.

        Like how fun it would be to help Ashira fix her hair in a bun.

        Or laying his legs across Naseem’s lap while they enjoyed a bottle of wine while making music.

        Or he and Ashira writing some stories together with no plans to publish, just a fun thing between them.

        Like all three of them going to a bookstore, Peter carrying the bouncing Hasan in the baby carrier strapped to him, Ashira holding Pakiza’s hand, the team following Naseem as he led them through the shelves and carried the basket of books they wanted to buy.

        Peter opened a new message and added Naseem and Ashira.

        [Pete] hey guys. just wanted to let you know that i decided that i would love to be in a relationship with you

        [Nazz] Great!

        [Nazz] You free this Saturday?

[eene-fangirl]

A Fairy-ED Come True [An Ed, Edd n Eddy Fanfiction]

Note: Can anybody who reads this please leave a review? It is going into my senior thesis. Thanks and enjoy!

The Peach Creek high school gym was covered in glitter, party streamers, and even a disco ball to make it look lively for a dance. The school faculty had to spruce things up to some extent in order to make students come to a place they didn’t even want to attend in the day time.

Guests arrived wearing their best attire. Gowns, tuxes, jewelry, ties. All were ready to have the best night of their lives. If it weren’t for two boys constantly distracting one another they could have been having a better time.

“Double Dee brings Sarah? She’s his ‘special date’? Eddy scoffed to Nazz when he saw Edd walk into the dance. “Isn’t she like a child? How does she have any idea of what love means? I thought he was referring to Marie or any other girl in this school.”

“Do you want him to be with someone else?” Nazz asked. She was put out with Edd’s constant annoyance over Edd. He was the only person Eddy talked about all evening.

“Well, yeah… I mean no… I just…” Eddy was flustered by the question. His tongue hardly ever tied up like this. For years he was confused by the feelings he felt. He was trying to avoid them. But, they wouldn’t leave his mind alone.

“Don’t be silly, Nazz.” Eddy said in an almost ‘shut up’ tone.

Nazz leaned forward to touch his hand. Eddy flinched. His head kept turning back and forth. Nazz was taken aback when Eddy took both of her hands to hold them tenderly. Tenderly was not the word. His hands were so floppy that they could have been a rubbery mannequin.

“Are you sure you wanted to come to the prom with me, Eddy?”

“Why the question? ‘Course I do.”

“You’re not just using me to make Double Dee jealous, are you?”

This got Eddy’s attention. How could he plead innocence when he was staring down Edd on the dance floor.

“I think someone wants to dance.” Eddy changed the subject. He was giving her the worst romantic eye a person could ever fake.

Without warning Sarah was dipped to the floor once more. She was getting motion sickness. Edd practically dropped her on her head a dozen times, stepped on her feet, and poked her eye out with his nose.

“Wonderful. He’s bringing Nazz to the dance floor. He’s such a showoff.” Edd said.

“If he’s here do you think could take it down a notch or learn how to dance?”

Sarah looked as if she came out from a wrestling match rather then a dance. Her hair was wrecked from the perfect bun it was in. Edd kindly tried to fix her up when he gasped seeing Eddy right next to him.

“Didn’t know you were at that base.”

Edd had no idea what Eddy was referring to until he saw his hand accidentally tug Sarah’s dress strap.

The music picked up. The dance floor was filled to the brim with people dancing close together.

Eddy spun Nazz around doing the tango. Edd focused on Eddy’s dance moves. He had no idea how splendid of a dancer Eddy was. Eddy kept going noticing Edd looking. Unbeknownst to Eddy, he was rather rough with Nazz flinging her all around. She nearly collided with other couples and tripped over her own feet.

Sarah’s feet weren’t so lucky. Edd spent more time watching Eddy then his own date.

“How does he dance like that?” Edd was taken at how nimble Eddy was. He flew Nazz over his shoulders or slid her through his legs. Eddy noticed someone staring. He didn’t have to look over his shoulder. But, when he took the slightest glance he noticed Edd’s blushing cheeks. And he was staring at him with a look. A wanting look. For some reason Eddy felt turned on. Nobody looked at him like that before. Edd was always telling Eddy how important he was making him feel better on days where he felt down about himself. He also remembered Edd admitting how lucky anybody was to be with him.

“Eddy?”

“Huh?”

“Why are you looking at Double Dee like that?” Nazz asked him. Their dancing slowed down to barely anything. Eddy wasn’t even holding her. There was no tender touch or even an affectionate look  like the other dates shared on the floor.

“Ugh… can you believe sockhead is trying to out dance me? Look at those legs.”

Edd gasped when he noticed Eddy looking his way. “Look as if you’re kissing me!” he loudly whispered into Sarah’s ear.

Sarah’s eyes bulged as if this were the most repulsive question she ever heard. Before she socked Edd Nazz was gesturing to her. She pointed from Edd to Eddy. A devious smile took over Sarah’s face agreeing to the plan.

“Sure, pucker up, sweetie.” Sarah said to Edd.

“It’s my turn to lead the tango.” Nazz said to Eddy.

As if it were perfectly choreographed Nazz spun Eddy into Edd who was pushed away by Sarah. Edd and Eddy caught one another holding the other by the arms to get balance. Edd was embarrassed to find how close their lips were to touching.

“Oh, uh… hey, sockhead.” Eddy was the one to blush now.

“Hello, Eddy. Are you enjoying the evening?” It was the only thing Edd could ask to forget about the embarrassing moment.

“Yeah. Been fun. Sarah abandoned you, huh?”

“I wouldn’t say that. She just wanted to have a break from dancing.”

“Why did you take her anyway?” Eddy asked.

“We’re just friends.”

“When did I ever say you were a couple?”

“Oh, no, I just thought you meant you had the inkling that we were dating.”

Eddy laughed. “You? Dating a twelve year old?”

“Sarah is fourteen.”

“Oh, we’re going after the youngsters I see.” Eddy playfully nudged Edd in his side.

“Don’t be immature, Eddy!”

“Aw, why are your cheeks blushing?”

“Stop it!” Edd yelled. He was close to Eddy’s mouth again. The close proximity caught Eddy off guard. They were staring at each other again. That happened quite frequently. Eddy noticed something in Edd’s eyes. Not a speck, but something. He had no idea what.

“I’m just playin’ around. Calm down.”

“Seems Nazz has abandoned you,” Edd pointed out.

Before Eddy could defend himself he saw Nazz over by the refreshment table talking with a gang of her friends. “Knowing her she’ll be talking to them for hours.” Eddy wasn’t pouting. He felt relieved knowing he didn’t have to be stuck with her.

Glancing at the dance floor, they saw Ed and May dancing together. Edd and Eddy couldn’t help but smile. Ed and May were so happy together. They easily fit together. It’s like they were meant to be together from the start. From the way Ed looked at May made Edd frown. He wished someone would look at him like that.

Edd looked at Eddy embarrassingly. “If you want to dance, Eddy, we can.”

“You want to?” Eddy asked, raising an eyebrow.

“If you don’t we can go…”

“No, no… it’s a dance. That’s what we came here to do.”

Edd and Eddy danced each making up their own movements. Edd hardly moved his body making little jumps.

Eddy scoffed as his body went with the rhythm to the music. “You call that dancing? Come on, I know you got more in yah.”

“I don’t know how to dance.”

“That’s a bunch of bull.” Eddy answered , lifting a sly eyebrow.

Edd’s nose scrunched. “I can’t.”

“Better let the master teach yah.” Edd was caught off guard when Eddy took his arm and dipped his whole body to the floor. Then he interlaced their arms, throwing him to one side and back in. Edd playfully laughed stepping in motion with Eddy’s feet. And then Eddy lifted him off his feet spinning him all around watching all the colors distort in his eyes.

The music changed to a slower song.

Edd and Eddy were so caught up with how much fun they were having when they realized that Eddy was holding Edd bridal style. Their lips were close to touching again. A familiar magnet was pulling them closer.

Nervously laughing, Eddy placed Edd back on his feet.

“See that’s how you dance.”

“You’re quite the dancer.”

“Thanks.” Eddy felt so grateful by the compliment that he cuffed up his jacket collars.

“Um, we don’t have to stop.” Edd said listening to the slow, beautiful music.

“You really want to dance?”

“If you do.”

Edd offered Eddy his hand. Eddy slowly took it. Edd’s hand was so smooth to the touch. It tickled Edd when Eddy place his hand on his hip. He never danced with anyone before. In truth Edd wanted to dance with Eddy for years. It was his dream.

They stepped in perfect motion, slowly spinning along the floor. Their eyes never broke contact.

“So, you didn’t want to take Marie?” Eddy asked starting a conversation.

“Marie?”

“Yeah. I thought you were…”

“Oh, um… we were. Not anymore, though.” Edd looked away. He didn’t want this conversation to go on any longer.

“Oh, sorry. Why?” Of course Eddy would question!

“Oh, we were just too different.” Edd admitted though there was very different reason harboring. “Why do you ask?”

“Nothin’, things seemed steady between you two and I just thought…”

“Absolutely not!” Edd didn’t know why he raised his voice. He felt cornered in a way. He realized that it had been over a year since their incident in the bog in the woods. Eddy had kissed him.

They kept dancing as the music grew slower. They noticed couples dancing closely together, their heads laying comfortably on one’s shoulder. Edd and Eddy met eyes once more.

It was Edd’s turn to notice that wanting look. He looked at him so gently staring deep into his eyes. They were holding one another closer now.

Eddy could feel his stomach tingling. His body heated up. What was this feeling? His tongue was drying up. He always felt this way when he was near Edd. That was normal right?

That magnetic force was stronger now. It was when Edd’s lips were inches away from Eddy’s lips that the boy ran from the embrace shoving through the crowds of people to find the exit doors.

“Hey, sockhead, where are you going?” Eddy caught him by the air when they were out in the fresh night air.

“What happened in there, Eddy? My emotions were escalating and I had an urge that has never come over me before. Oh, I think it’s time…”

“It’s fine, Double Dee!” Eddy grasped Edd by his arms.

“I-It is?”

“I’m going to be the most honest I have ever been. I came with Nazz to make you jealous.”

Edd blinked. He felt as if his tongue swelled losing the ability to speak. “That’s why I brought Sarah.”

“Aren’t you the sly dog.” They were holding each other again. The same embrace from the dance floor. But, they were alone. They could enjoy the moment savoring the feelings they craved for the longest time.

“I wanted to come here with you.” Edd admitted at long last.

“Me too.”

“Eddy, I’ve loved you for the longest time. I never knew how to tell you. I’m so sorry for ignoring you. It’s just that, oh, how do I explain it?”

“How ‘bout by shutting up and kissing me?”

Edd smirked, but they went ahead and kissed. It was the most amazing feeling that went through their bodies. Nothing felt important. They were here in an embrace, soft lips touching the other at long last.

Instead of walking back through the doors into the claustrophobic crowds they ended their dance out in the beautiful night air with the moon showing overhead. Love never felt so real as, that night, their dreams finally came true.

[sweetbitradio]

Sweet Bits #2

Cheap Trick’s The Latest: Sweet Bits #2

The Latest was the first Cheap Trick studio album I purchased. After buying “Live: At Budokan” in the early Spring of 2010 and listening to it non-stop, I quickly purchased Cheap Trick’s “latest” studio album, pun intended, that was being promoted all over Ultimateguitar.com at the time. When I got the album I was excited and anxious all at once. I remember listening to “Miss Tomorrow” in my computer lab class a lot and that single track convinced me that I needed to purchase the album. I’m not exactly sure I remember what songs stuck out to me initially, I just remember listening to the album non-stop until I purchased more Cheap Trick albums later in the year. In my mind for the longest time, this was the greatest Cheap Trick album.

So what’s the deal with the Latest? Is it a good album, or is it just an album for the sake of being an album? A lot of the material was reworked older material and even just a straight cover of a song from Robin Zander’s 1993 solo album. The Latest was the 16th studio album published by the band. Julian Raymond, who had worked with the band previously (and also would work with them in future), Howard Wiling alongside the band produced this album.  The album was recorded from 2008- 2009 and eventually released in June of 2009. The first single, and the only official one, from the album, was a cover of Slades’ “When the Lights Are Out” which had a promotional video produced which contained old concert footage.  Another video was released for the album for the track “Sick Man of Europe.” This music video was also just old concert footage spliced together with some “trippy” effects of a go-go girl dancing at the start of the video.

Commercially the album debuted at number 78 on the Billboard charts and quickly fell off the charts. It was reported that the album had sold 24,000 copies as of March 2016. The band appeared on the Conan O’ B. show in September of 2009 to promote the album. The performance of “Sick Man of Europe” from that show also featured some go-go dancer girls like at the start of the music video mentioned earlier. The Latest was unique because it was released on CD, Vinyl, and 8-tracks which have quickly become collector’s items. This is also the last album to feature Bun. E Carlos on drums. So, does this album send Bun. E off with justice? Let us find out.

1.      Sleep Forever: The start of the album does lack some energy, although I can’t imagine where else this song could be placed on the album. Maybe as a hidden track at the end of one of the ballads? This song sounds like it could fade into the other ballad on this album entitled “Miracle.” Maybe they could’ve made it as a little intro for “Miracle.”  Rick Nielsen in a 2009 interview told the reporter that they had to put it at the start of the album because no one would’ve listened to it anywhere else on the record.  This track was written about a friend of the band who passed away. Clocking in at just over a minute and a half, this song is one that I have found myself skipping over the years. Nothing is wrong with this song, and for what it is, it’s beautiful and haunting. Robin’s voice carries this song while a piano and keyboard have a haunting but lifting undertone in the background. I just personally wish a full song would’ve been made out of this song. It just deserves more love and attention. This track was performed live during this era of the band and would fade into “Heaven Tonight” when performed live.  2/5 for this track. Won’t wake you up, but might make you “Sleep Forever” with some Trazadone thrown in.

2.      When the Lights Are Out: With a sustained chord from “Sleep Forever” fading into this track it is quickly followed up by the familiar “Elo Kiddies” drum riff. Here is a cover of the Slade classic. It does seem like a proper Cheap Trick song but it also seems like the band is making a point to remind you of their past tracks at the same time if this makes any sense. The video possibly doesn’t help in this matter because it is all old Cheap Trick concert footage just spliced over this song.  Personally, I feel like this track should have opened the album but then again I have a hard time trying to find a place for “Sleep Forever.” Starting off the album with a haunting ballad and a cover with homages to the band’s past is a unique way to set the pace for this album. I do love the lyric “you can blow me over, blow me a beautiful blow” and this was featured as a favorite quote on my Facebook for many years.  This track was also performed live by the band during this era. It should also be noted that this backing track was allegedly recorded in 1976…. then again I’m probably wrong.  3/5 beautiful blows for this Slade cover.

3.      Miss Tomorrow: I remember hearing this song for the first time in my computer lab class in high school Junior year and instantly falling in love with it. This is the second cover of the album, with the original being a B-side from Robin’s 1993 solo album. This version, an unpopular opinion, is better than the one from Robin’s solo album in my opinion. With either version you can’t hide the fact that this track is very “Beatles-lite”, even referencing the band in the 2nd verse. This version just has a certain energy to it that I don’t hear or feel on the solo Robin version. It should also be noted that the Robin solo version seems to get wrongfully bundled in with the Red Ant demos from the band from time to time with online compilations.  The main synth riff on this song is something that instantly stuck out to me when hearing it along with the strings playing the main melody as an intro and pre-chorus. There’s one part after the second chorus where the song gets “trippy” and bongos are played over a delayed guitar making some scratch noises before Rick Nielsen makes his guitar whistle and ends this section of the track.  The song resumes back to normal and jumps into its catchy chorus. This song was played live during this era of the band but doesn’t seem to translate too well live.  This just seems to be one of those songs that only sound right in the studio. I would give this track 4/5 Beatles bleeding.

4.      Sick Man of Europe: This song was named referencing the band’s original name “Sick Man of Europe.”  In an interview when questioned about this Rick Nielsen responded “it was a bad idea for a band name years ago. And here we are X amount of years later. If it’s a bad idea, we’ll take two.” This song was performed live during this era of the band. The song starts off with a grungy guitar riff before the entire band kicks in and Robin starts screaming “This ain't the new, it's the old generation? Oh!” The song is high energy and frantic throughout the duration of the song. During the track, you will hear a line also referencing “the Nazz” which is a reference to the group “Sick Man of Europe” and their lead singer’s old band name (I think I’ve got that right.)  Personally, I enjoy it now; however, when I first started listening to this album, I always skipped it. In recent years, I’ve really come to enjoy this track and found that it is one of the most “Cheap Trick like” songs off this entire album. Is it my favorite song off the album? No; however, it is a song that any casual listener should spin at least once to understand what Cheap Trick is about. 3/5 Sick men over Europe.

5.      These Days: The second ballad of the album fairs a lot better than the first one. You’ll notice with a few of these songs on this album, they begin to start sounding similar. When you first hear this song, it’s enjoyable and nothing is seemingly wrong with it. As time goes on and you listen to the album more, you realize that this seems to be a “sibling song” to another song that comes later on this album. This track over the years hasn’t aged too well with me. Of course I’ll sing along when the song comes on, however, I don’t think I’ve willfully listened to this track since senior year of high school.  The band have played this track live during this era and it seemed to bring some much-needed life into the song. “These Days”, I would give this track 2/5.

6.      Miracle:  Even when I was in love with this album in high school, I never cared too much for this track. The song isn’t terrible, it’s just bland after following up “These Days.” The song starts off with Robin Zander doing a counter vocal melody to an acoustic guitar strumming some chords. Then quickly becomes something I could hear off of a later Beatles album. Once again this song was played live by the band during this period and does bring some fresh life into the track; however, there just isn’t anything that makes this track stick out on this album. I could be crazy, but I could hear this being on the Red Ant album and sounding killer. It does feel like they added this track, just for the sake of adding it onto an album. It’s a Miracle to get through this one 1/5.

7.      Everyday You Make Me Crazy: Originally a jingle for a Pepsi commercial that seemed to be recorded during the Red Ant sessions. This track does breathe a breath of fresh air into a part of the album that was getting bland. The biggest fault of the song? The song only being less than a minute and twenty seconds long. It gives you enough punch and makes you want more….maybe I need a Pepsi now? This song does sound like a classic Cheap Trick track and add another minute or two to this track and I think it could almost be the highlight of the album.  I would give this track 3/5 Diet Pepsi cans.

8.      California Girl: Cheap Trick again makes a little reference to themselves by writing a song entitled California Girl. Get it? Because they covered California Man on Heaven Tonight. Well, actually this is another song from the Cheap Trick vault that goes back to 1997 when Cheap Trick appeared on an All the King’s Men tribute album.  That song from 1997 was entitled “Bad Little Girl.” It’s essentially the same song. This track does bring some energy that’s needed on this album but I personally don’t think the song has enough “wow” factor. I’ve actually found this track to be more forgettable over the years. While listening to this album to prepare for the review, I forgot this song was on this record. I still knew the words, it just seemed to have gotten lost “Into the Void”, yes a KISS reference. I don’t dislike this track, but I don’t love it either. 2/5 bad little girls in the neighborhood that are up to no good.

9.      Everybody Knows: The greatest John Lennon song written between 2008-2009 that wasn’t actually written by John Lennon. This song is unique in that it focuses on a crew on a sinking ship and what’s going through their minds before the ship finally goes under. This song isn’t like the other ballads on this album and offers a unique sound and feel to it. It’s hard to explain exactly. Maybe it’s the John Lennon influence. The haunting piano riff followed by the little organ played over the piano during the intro just sets the tone perfectly for this song. Is it perfect? In my opinion, it isn’t. It’s just not honestly my style; however, I feel that I understand the song though and appreciate it musically and lyrically. I just feel like it could use something more “grand.” Maybe it’s the production, I’m not sure. Something just doesn’t fully go together with this song. Although I really do enjoy the breakdown where Robin sings in falsetto. It definitely stands out on this album. 2.5/5 bloody hells for this track.

10.  Alive: Originally a demo entitled “What’s in It for You” this is the band going back in the vaults to resurrect a forgotten song. Basically making the demo transform into a kick-ass track. Easily the most “Cheap Trick sounding” song on the album. This song just has an energy that this album needs; however, I think it almost comes too little too late. The chorus pays homage to the “Dream Police” track by having very similar strings found on that track buried in the chorus of this song. Again, this seems to be the band reminding you of their previous works.  This song is easily the best track on the album, but not my personal favorite track… if that makes any sense. Rick Nielsen truly shines on this track. Robin does a fantastic job on the verses. If you haven’t heard this song, take the time to fully listen to it and appreciate it. 4/5 Silver Linings (when we want gold.)

11.  Times of Our Lives: Honestly, this just sounds like a different version of “These Days.” This is the “sibling song” I was referencing earlier. This song isn’t bad at all, just bland to some degree. Very forgettable to another degree. It’s fine, I’ve just personally never cared for it and always thought “These Days” was a superior song. This track does feature a nice little slide guitar solo from Rick Nielsen. It just doesn’t seem to fit on an album that is already staying past its welcome in some ways. Give it a listen, enjoy it and then forget about it.  2/5 (not the name of a soap opera.)

12.  Closer, The Ballad of Burt and Linda: This song is based on Burt Pugach and Linda Riss. What makes their story so unique that Rick Nielsen decided to write a song about it? Well…. Burt had a relationship with Linda but once Linda discovered that Burt was actually married, she broke up with Burt after discovering this. Burt would continually harass Linda and was even was quoted as saying “If I can’t have you, no one else will have you, and when I get through with you, no one else will want you.” Once Burt found out Linda had got engaged, he hired three assailants to throw Lye in Linda’s face causing her to go blind in one eye, partially blind in another and left her being permanently scarred. Burt would go to jail for 14 years and afterward, Burt and Linda would continue their relationship after Burt got released from jail. They even wrote a book together. Enough backstory, although it is very entertaining. This song, I almost don’t want to say anything about it because it really is a killer ballad and makes the album worth a full listen. This song was performed live by the band during this era and the live versions sound just as good as the album version in my opinion. Just listen to it and enjoy. 4/5 Burt hired assailants.

13.  Smile: This song deserves better. It truly does because at its core, it’s an amazing ballad. It’s just lost in the shuffle of this album. I think the intro sounds too similar to “Everybody Knows” and that always hurt me listening to this track when I first purchased the album. I always got parts of this song confused with “Miracle” at the initial listens.  This song also has always gotten lost to me because “Closer” is such an amazing song to me. It should be noted that this track was performed by the band in 2015 at the Rock N Roll Fantasy Camp, although Robin isn’t singing lead on the song and it has a few other “guest” musicians from the camp playing on the track. Now, to put it simply, I love this song. Robin’s voice is beyond powerful in the chorus and the chorus is just something that needs to be heard while listening to the album. Not in a car, not while walking or running but actually sitting down and listening to this track and hearing the raw power coming from Robin’s voice. I truly believe this is an amazing Cheap Trick ballad that just simply gets lost by being at the end of this album. 3.5/5 Smiles from my love.

Nostalgia kept me blind to this album for many years as far as being “one of the best Cheap Trick albums”. Honestly, it just doesn’t feel like a Cheap Trick album. In some ways with production and songwriting style, it honestly gives me Countryside Blvd. vibes. I would never tell anyone not to listen to a Cheap Trick record, but this wouldn’t be the first I recommended to anyone. My friend who is a casual Cheap Trick fan loves the album. I think if you’re a casual fan, you would enjoy the album. I was a casual fan when I bought the album and loved it. I still love this album. I just feel like the thing that makes Cheap Trick……Cheap Trick is missing. There are some amazing songs on here and there were some I had a hard time listening to for the past few weeks.  This album is out of print and somewhat pricey for a used CD so if looking to listen to it I would suggest streaming it on Spotify or buying it off iTunes if it’s still on there. My total rating for the album would 2.5/5. Again, what’s good is good on here but what isn’t; seems to drag a lot of what is good down.

Sorry for the shameless plug but if you enjoyed reading this maybe check out my band’s latest single that we recorded. https://soundcloud.com/patrick-grindstaff/id-give-it-up-for-you-tonight

[bates--boy]

They all had their fill of drinks and cake, and because Peter’s car was nearby and he was the only sober one of them all, they all agreed that it would be easier to shove handfuls of crumpled gas money to Peter and let him take them home instead of waiting for multiple cabs to come and squeeze into the street where their cars and bikes were parked.

       Although, looking into the rearview mirror, Peter had a hunch that part of this quickly-decided carpool was so that the night didn’t end immediately. With Naseem sitting in the passenger seat, the rest squeezed into the back, where sugar and alcohol made them so silly. Adel was bold enough to offer Tarsha his lap to sit in so she wouldn’t be crushed between him and the door. Tarsha accepted, and Adel looked as happy as can be having his arms around Tarsha’s waist to keep her in place.

         Somehow, the directionless banter and chatting soon gave way to singing, and out of all the things to sing, Peter’s car filled with the offkey howling of a medley of SpongeBob songs. Everyone was really passionate about “Sweet Victory”, and Peter didn’t have the heart to tell them that it wasn’t a SpongeBob Squarepants original.

       They ran out of songs to sing and the car grew quiet, with Mike falling asleep, Tommy trying to not throw up, and Tarsha and Adel giggling softly to each other, the latter leading to Tarsha asking Peter to just drop her and Adel off at her place to discuss the music video they were going to collaborate on. As long as they didn’t start making out in his car, directly behind Peter, he was happy to play along.

      The numbers dwindled this way, until it was Naseem left to drive home. When Peter looked over at him from the corner of his eye, he found Naseem leaning his head on the window, gazing at him with a sleepy smile. 

        Peter smiled sheepishly. “What?”

        “...You... dyed your hair, ag’n.”

        “You’re just now noticing?” Peter snickered, touching the neat bun he’d tied on the back of his head. 

         “No, I meannn, it’s like...” Naseem raised a hand and waved it around Peter’s head. “It’s ssssho... sho-shiny. Like metal. How’dyou get its so... metal-like?”

        “Arctic Fox,” Peter replied simply. 

        “Hm...” Naseem settled back against the window and watched the street ahead of them. “I should get Ash.. Ach... Sheer. To col’r her hair like that. I bet it’da be fun.”

        “I think so, too, but she doesn’t seem like the type to do so,” Peter stated as he made a turn.

         “’Less I get Keez to back me up. No one could say no t’that gurl.”

          Peter nodded. “True.”

          They grew quiet, again, and Peter watched the drift of snow sprinkle allowed the car to coast along the highway. It was a perfect time for his mind to wander, but with his friend sitting next to him, it was impossible to think of much else besides the one thing.

          “So, Nazz...” Peter began, tapping his palm on the steering wheel. “About the Dramaten...”

          Naseem furrowed his brow. “Yeah...?”

          “It’s a government theatre, right?”

          Naseem lazily nodded. “Somethin’ li’e that, yeah.”

          Peter turned into an exit, his heart fluttering at the idea that if what’s brewing in his head worked, it meant that at least one of their impossible fantasies came to life.

          “Do you think a recommendation will help?”

[eene-fangirl]

A Fairy-Ed Come True [An EddEddy Fanfiction]

This is a request by the amazing @nintendogal55

The Peach Creek high school gym was covered in glitter, party streamers, and even a disco ball to make it look lively for a dance. The school faculty had to spruce things up to some extent in order to make students come to a place they didn’t even want to attend in the day time.

Guests arrived wearing their best attire. Gowns, tuxes, jewelry, ties. All were ready to have the best night of their lives. If it weren’t for two boys constantly distracting one another they could have been having a better time.

“Double Dee brings Sarah? She’s his ‘special date’? Eddy scoffed to Nazz when he saw Edd walk into the dance. “Isn’t she like a child? How does she have any idea of what love means? I thought he was referring to Marie or any other girl in this school.”

“Do you want him to be with someone else?” Nazz asked. She was put out with Edd’s constant annoyance over Edd. He was the only person Eddy talked about all evening.

“Well, yeah... I mean no... I just...” Eddy was flustered by the question. His tongue hardly ever tied up like this. For years he was confused by the feelings he felt. He was trying to avoid them. But, they wouldn’t leave his mind alone.

“Don’t be silly, Nazz.” Eddy said in an almost ‘shut up’ tone.

Nazz leaned forward to touch his hand. Eddy flinched. His head kept turning back and forth. Nazz was taken aback when Eddy took both of her hands to hold them tenderly. Tenderly was not the word. His hands were so floppy that they could have been a rubbery mannequin.

“Are you sure you wanted to come to the prom with me, Eddy?”

“Why the question? ‘Course I do.”

“You’re not just using me to make Double Dee jealous, are you?”

This got Eddy’s attention. How could he plead innocence when he was staring down Edd on the dance floor.

“I think someone wants to dance.” Eddy changed the subject. He was giving her the worst romantic eye a person could ever fake.

Without warning Sarah was dipped to the floor once more. She was getting motion sickness. Edd practically dropped her on her head a dozen times, stepped on her feet, and poked her eye out with his nose.

“wonderful. He’s bringing Nazz to the dance floor. He’s such a showoff.” Edd said.

“If he’s here do you think could take it down a notch or learn how to dance?”

Sarah looked as if she came out from a wrestling match rather then a dance. Her hair was wrecked from the perfect bun it was in. Edd kindly tried to fix her up when he gasped seeing Eddy right next to him.

“Didn’t know you were at that base.”

Edd had no idea what Eddy was referring to until he saw his hand accidentally tug Sarah’s dress strap.

The music picked up. The dance floor was filled to the brim with people dancing close together.

Eddy spun Nazz around doing the tango. Edd focused on Eddy’s dance moves. He had no idea how splendid of a dancer Eddy was. Eddy kept going noticing Edd looking. Unbeknownst to Eddy, he was rather rough with Nazz flinging her all around. She nearly collided with other couples and tripped over her own feet. 

Sarah’s feet weren’t so lucky. Edd spent more time watching Eddy then his own date.

“How does he dance like that?” Edd was taken at how nimble Eddy was. He flew Nazz over his shoulders or slid her through his legs. Eddy noticed someone staring. He didn’t have to look over his shoulder. But, when he took the slightest glance he noticed Eddy’s blushing cheeks. And he was staring at him with a look. A wanting look. For some reason Eddy felt turned on. Nobody looked at him like that before. Edd was always telling Eddy how important he was making him feel better on days where he felt down about himself. He also remembered Edd admitting how lucky anybody was to be with him.

“Eddy?”

“Huh?”

“Why are you looking at Double Dee like that?” Nazz asked him. Their dancing slowed down to barely anything. Eddy wasn’t even holding her. There was no tender touch or even an affectionate look  like the other dates shared on the floor.

“Ugh... can you believe sockhead is trying to out dance me? Look at those legs.”

Edd gasped when he noticed Eddy looking his way. “Look as if you’re kissing me!” he loudly whispered into Sarah’s ear.

Sarah’s eyes bulged as if this were the most repulsive question she ever heard. Before she socked Edd Nazz was gesturing to her. She pointed from Edd to Eddy. A devious smile took over Sarah’s face agreeing to the plan.

“Sure, pucker up, sweetie.” Sarah said to Edd.

“It’s my turn to lead the tango.” Nazz said to Edd.

As if it were perfectly choreographed Nazz spun Eddy into Edd who was pushed away by Sarah. Edd and Eddy caught one another holding the other by the arms to get balance. Edd was embarrassed to find how close their lips were to touching.

“Oh, uh... hey, sockhead.” Eddy was the one to blush now.

“Hello, Eddy. Are you enjoying the evening?” It was the only thing Edd could ask to forget about the embarrassing moment.

“Yeah. Been fun. Sarah abandoned you, huh?”

“I wouldn’t say that. She just wanted to have a break from dancing.”

“Why did you take her anyway?” Eddy asked.

“We’re just friends.”

“When did I ever say you were a couple?”

“Oh, no, I just thought you meant you had the inkling that we were dating.”

Eddy laughed. “You? Dating a twelve year old?”

“Sarah is fourteen.”

“Oh, we’re going after the youngsters I see.” Eddy playfully nudged Edd in his side.

“Don’t be immature, Eddy!”

“Aw, why are your cheeks blushing?”

“Stop it!” Edd yelled. He was close to Eddy’s mouth again. The close proximity caught Eddy off guard. They were staring at each other again. That happened quite frequently. Eddy noticed something in Edd’s eyes. Not a speck, but something. He had no idea what.

“I’m just playin’ around. Calm down.”

“Seems Nazz has abandoned you.”

Before Eddy could defend himself he saw Nazz over by the refreshment table talking with a gang of her friends. “Knowing her she’ll be talking to them for hours.” Eddy wasn’t pouting. He felt relieved knowing he didn’t have to be stuck with her. 

Edd looked at Eddy embarrassingly. “If you want to dance, Eddy, we can.”

“You want to?” Eddy asked raising an eyebrow.

“If you don’t we can go...”

“No, no... it’s a dance. That’s what we came here to do.”

Edd and Eddy danced each making up their own movements. Edd hardly moved his body making little jumps. 

Eddy scoffed as his body went with the rhythm to the music. “You call that dancing? Come on, I know you got more in yah.”

“I don’t know how to dance.”

“That’s a bunch of bull.”

Edd’s nose scrunched. “I can’t.”

“Better let the master teach yah.” Edd was caught off guard when Eddy took his arm and dipped his whole body to the floor. Then he interlaced their arms, throwing him to one side and back in. Edd playfully laughed stepping in motion with Eddy’s feet. And then Eddy lifted him off his feet spinning him all around watching all the colors distort in his eyes.

The music changed to a slower song.

Edd and Eddy were so caught up with how much fun they were having when they realized that Eddy was holding Edd bridal style. Their lips were close to touching again. A familiar magnet was pulling them closer. 

Nervously laughing, Eddy placed Edd back on his feet.

“See that’s how you dance.”

“You’re quite the dancer.”

“Thanks.” Eddy felt so grateful by the compliment that he cuffed up his jacket collars.

“Um, we don’t have to stop.” Edd said listening to the slow, beautiful music.

“You really want to dance?”

“If you do.”

Edd offered Eddy his hand. Eddy slowly took it. Edd’s hand was so smooth to the touch. It tickled Edd when Eddy place his hand on his hip. He never danced with anyone before. In truth Edd wanted to dance with Eddy for years. It was his dream.

They stepped in perfect motion, slowly spinning along the floor. Their eyes never broke contact.

“So, you didn’t want to take Marie?”

“Marie?” 

“Yeah. I thought you were...”

“No.” Edd spat in a voice so repulsed by the thought.

“Okay, sorry.”

“Why do you ask?”

“Nothin’, you talked about her at one point and I just thought...”

“Absolutely not.”

They kept dancing as the music grew slower. They noticed couples dancing closely together, their heads laying comfortably on one’s shoulder. Edd and Eddy met eyes once more. 

It was Edd’s turn to notice that wanting look. He looked at him so gently staring deep into his eyes. They were holding one another closer now. 

Eddy could feel his stomach tingling. His body heated up. What was this feeling? His tongue was drying up. He always felt this way when he was near Edd. That was normal right?

That magnetic force was stronger now. It was when Edd’s lips were inches away from Eddy’s lips that the boy ran from the embrace shoving through the crowds of people to find the exit doors.

“Hey, sockhead, where are you going?” Eddy caught him by the air when they were out in the fresh night air.

“What happened in there, Eddy? My emotions were escalating and I had an urge that has never come over me before. Oh, I think it’s time...”

“It’s fine, Double Dee!” Eddy grasped Edd by his arms.

“I-It is?”

“I’m going to be the most honest I have ever been. I came with Nazz to make you jealous.”

Edd blinked. He felt as if his tongue swelled losing the ability to speak. “That’s why I brought Sarah.”

“Aren’t you the sly dog.” They were holding each other again. The same embrace from the dance floor. But, they were alone. They could enjoy the moment savoring the feelings they craved for the longest time.

“I wanted to come here with you.” Edd admitted at long last.

“Me too.”

“Eddy, I’ve loved you for the longest time. I never knew how to tell you. I’m so sorry for ignoring you. It’s just that, oh, how do I explain it?”

“How ‘bout by shutting up and kissing me?”

Edd smirked, but they went ahead and kissed. It was the most amazing feeling that went through their bodies. Nothing felt important. They were here in an embrace, soft lips touching the other at long last. 

Instead of walking back through the doors into the claustrophobic crowds they ended their dance out in the beautiful night air with the moon showing overhead. Love never felt so real as, that night, their dreams finally came true.