#new york city open mics

[thenewwei]

The New Wei Literary & Artistic Salon

The New Wei Literary & Artistic Salon is a regular gathering of dynamic NYC writers and multifarious artists with the goal of socialization, exchanging ideas and forging collaborations.

NYC has plenty of open mics, writing workshops, theatrical performances, speed dating events, art galleries etc. etc.--we have less actual places where established and developing writers and artists can meet, socialize, bond, understand their creative practices and ultimately create new aesthetics and collective enterprises through collaborations, aided by hosts dedicated to bringing writers and artists together.

The first meeting will be held on Tuesday March 28th 7pm-9pm at Pando 39, 54 W 39th Street in midtown Manhattan, in the style of an informal dinner including mingling, icebreakers and Human Library "checkout sessions."

The Salon has no charge but we do ask that participants pay their fair share for appetizers ordered for the group, and encourage them to order drinks and entrees to be paid individually.

The Salon is open to all but please RSVP to Tejas Desai at thenewwei@gmail.com by Tuesday March 21st with names and number of people attending.

Hosts: 

Tejas Desai created The New Wei literary movement in 2012 to promote independent, provocative and significant narrative artists.  He is the author of the international crime trilogy The Brotherhood Chronicle which has won 15 literary honors and includes Amazon #1 bestsellers, plus the controversial and acclaimed short story collection Good Americans (The Human Tragedy, Vol. 1). He has performed or planned literary collaborations with musicians, filmmakers and dancers. He is also a librarian, manager, publisher, journalist, critic, amateur actor and international adventurer. He has no pets--yet.

Kacper Jarecki is a Principal Library Manager, voracious reader and cultural consumer. He is the author of the subversive Blue Rainbow Sprinkle novels and director of the cult classic film Eeeee eee eee. He wears blue--a lot.

Vijay Ramanathan (He/Him) is the Head Librarian of Kristine Mann Library, a cozy, esoteric, spiritual psychology library that is in the lineage of the 20th Century historical figure Carl Jung. He is currently studying at Naropa University to receive his Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Vijay is a published poet and for almost five years he worked on the podcast The Truth to Power Show that streamed live and is archived on Radio Free Brooklyn's app and website. Vijay seeks to empower others to authentically express their creativity.

[cloveroctobers]

RODEO — Javi Rivera.

A/N: got the chance to see twisters on my birthday and it ofc inspired me to finally write something for Anthony lol. This isn’t going to be anything big since I still want to be on break until late September early October. Am I going to give Javi the love his deserves or am I going to be messy? What type of summer is it? A brat girl summer…whatever that means 😉

WARNINGS: language + stepping out of relationships, mentions of another character from challengers, reader and Kate don’t get along, mentions of minor smut/sexual relations, and ended up different than I originally planned. Enjoy!

*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚

A text on short notice never bothered you.

Granted you had to take a ride from Brooklyn to Manhattan but majority of the time Javi was considerate, letting you know when he was going to be on your new side of town—you were a South Carolina native—and the both of you would make it work. He had this experiment that he worked on with his old friend Kate that actually proved to work this time and with some other guy that had the widest laughter lines you’ve ever seen. A classic cowboy—you deemed him as—that looked awfully familiar when you met him in passing at a dinner you didn’t know you were “imposing” in on.

Kate’s words not Javi or the cowboy’s.

The trio were going back and forth to the city, mostly Kate and the cowboy you learned to be named Tyler but once Javi learned you were in the city too? (Apparently Kate found a home in New York also, working in Mahattan after what went down in Oklahoma five years ago.) He had no problem trying to get to you. You learned that Kate didn’t approve of what you two had going on (Javi let it slip one night as he smacked on some chips and you sipping on some terribly made Kombucha around the outside of the usual meet up spot once he touched down in NY), considering that you were engaged to someone else and that someone was slowly rising in the public eye, Patrick Zweig…you may or may not know him.

Tyler did.

To keep it short, this wouldn’t be the first time that you didn’t give a fuck about what Kate Carter had to say about you. Back in college the both of you tried to get along but it’s just the common case of two people not being able to mesh well. You didn’t appreciate how Kate always felt like she was right, sure the girl was crazy intelligent but she didn’t enjoy your sarcasm or want to listen to your opinions on anything, she found your lack of drive for storm chasing to be confusing on why you bothered to hang out with the group when that was their sole connection, and didn’t understand the relationship you had with her boyfriend, Jeb who was actually your friend first and you were the one who introduced them at a party—it was childish sure but even years later you didn’t need her judgment.

Which is why you and Javi were always discreet. Moments with your college friend in the present never felt like enough but reminded you that you often wondered what it would have been like if you had a different ring on your finger given to you by someone else. Javi always made it his mission to take it right off, slamming it in the drawer beside the bed before interlocking his fingers right with yours as he rocked you into the temporary mattress.

That never lasted long since you loved to be on top. Just ask Tyra’s problematic self! And who was Javi to say no, having you above him like this? like the true goddess that loved to be in control, you never left his mind, even when he struggled to keep his eyes open at the rotation of your hips. His fingertips would leave bruises but you never complained, you liked him leaving marks. Javi felt like this should be wrong, of course he cared about you, maybe even more than that, always did but he had his head turned in a different direction once upon a time. He wasn’t sure if your feelings were genuine or just something to pass the time but he was the first person you told that you didn’t want to marry Patrick after accepting his proposal.

People pleasing was never something that you often did so why were you settling for a man who was fucking around with not only his ex but some strangers on tinder? Javi did his research on your fiancé, some tennis athlete that didn’t have the best stats which was odd since it seemed like he was in his prime in college, Javi would give him credit on that, it was evident that this Patrick guy knew how to play yet something was missing in his gameplay. It was also safe to say that Javi didn’t think Patrick was even your type to be honest…but maybe you had other people in your head too much about where you should be in life.

When it was time to have those deep conversations, like you were nineteen again, present you didn’t want to hear it majority of the time with your fingers in his curls and another hand feeling a part of Javi that was always ready for you. Javi always cursed himself for folding every time you got your hands on him, he wanted to know what was going to become of this relationship but he couldn’t help it.

A piece of your heart was okay for a little while.

There was something about you that he never wanted to let go. You weren’t with the crew when that tornado touched down in Oklahoma that day, you got into an argument with Jeb that day for putting you on the back burner for their project, and as usual Javi checked in on you the best that he could since he was also part of the experiment. You brushed it off like you always did, tired of being the main one to put your frustrations out there; since you were basically the black sheep to the group and clocked into your shitty part time job with Javi promising that he would come check you out once they were done out there. The aftermath of it all also whipped through the friendship that was once there. There was tension no doubt, misdirected anger of course, your unresolved feelings for Jeb, Javi wishing he could have been at two places at once—as if he could have saved his friends from something so destructive with just his two hands. Kate became a ghost, you actually didnt have much to say to her like you thought you would, she was a walking frostbite, with a limp so prominent, disconnected, and leaving a numbing coldness trail behind her everywhere she went the longer she stayed in Oklahoma. It was sad because you knew she had to witness it all and that would forever haunt her.

Unfortunately that bitterness gave you joy. Javi dropped out of college but you kept at it, to distract you from the what if’s along with the great loss and when he thought the military was his best option, you tried to beg him to stay with a kiss that wasn’t the answer to your shared pain. He’s done the dissociating shit before as a way of grieving, he just hoped that you being with him now wasn’t your way of escaping whatever you were still running from.

Storm chasing wasn’t really your thing, don’t think you didnt try but Kinesiology and bull riding was more of your passion. Javi liked to trace and kiss those scars on your body because of that old hobby when you allowed him to hold you afterwards but he had them memorized just like you with his freckles. Yet you still kept coming around which really confused Kate but you got along with everyone else for the most part. The dance parties and stick and poke tattoos with Addy, the 150 questions the hypochondriac Praveen had for you about body horror stories he caught himself reading and watching! And wanting to know what proper care he would have (as if you were suddenly a doctor and not a kinesiology major) to take if that ever happened to him—getting struck by lighting wasn’t enough to get him to stop storm chasing but it was his life and he lived it how he wanted, and then there was Jeb. You used to be able to catch each other’s eyes from across the room and send each other ridiculous facial expressions before carrying on and eventually finding each other later. The shift in your friendship changed once you got left outside of the team. You began to connect with party-man Javi once Jeb started to slip away and build something more with Kate.

It’s always funny how that works out in friend groups isn’t it?

Coming in sync was always something you made your priority. Knowing Javi’s ticks and studying not only his face but his body always made you kick it up a notch, just crossing a boundary that you knew he would try to tap out but you proved to know his body better than he did himself and Javi honestly wanted to hate you for it but couldn’t.

He didn’t think anybody could lock you down—not even your fiancé—and it was something he always thought of when you put your back to him and let him to hold you while you briefly checked your phone.

No new messages from the Fiancé!

Javi peeped.

This Patrick guy didn’t give a fuck about you, just liked having a place to rest his head in instead of his car that you probably paid majority of the rent on. That’s right, Javi always remembered your blabbering once you had too many aperol spritz and what seemed to open you up more on a personal level lately.

“Want something from the café downstairs?” You asked, turning your phone face down to peek back at Javi who was still panting.

Javi slowly blinked, lifting his head in search of the alarm clock to find out what time it is.

[1:40 am]

You were making it your mission to try everything at least once on the menu every time Javi flew in. It was your usual hotel with a delicious café and you just about finished everything on the lunch and dinner menu except for two items that didn’t seem that appetizing to you. This time around you snuck up behind Javi and his laptop while he was downstairs about to dig into one of the dinners he wouldn’t share with you at one of the high rise tables…you were onto the breakfast menu.

He slips his free arm to caress the bone by your ear, “I want you.”

You snort, “I’ll give you another round when you can handle it, preferably in the shower since I’m meeting the girls at 8 for hot yoga. Breakfast can come as early as 6.”

The freckled face man fought the urge to roll his eyes at this. Since when the hell were into hot yoga of all things? The rough around the edges person seemed to be morphed into something else but Javi knew you were still in there somewhere. Don’t get him wrong, Yeah people grow and you’re into what you want to be into but he would have never guessed you hanging out doing yoga or brunch or even having a routine. Maybe axe throwing but he guessed he better be thankful for the yoga since you seemed to be more flexible every time the both of you tried a new position.

Javi tossed in, “is your bitch of a soon to be husband, Patrick joining in on that session?”

You quirk up a brow at this energy but don’t work to defend him, “…never mix business with pleasure.”

Which meant that you never brought multiple parties into your relationship together. He did his thing and you did yours. Patrick was never faithful to you, you knew it and Javi knew it too, you couldn’t be upset about it because you never truly wanted to marry him. There was no wedding date set because frankly the both of you were still young and trying to figure it out. It was selfish since you were still holding out hope that Patrick will actually make something of himself but you both weren’t sure if you even liked each other besides having nightcaps or getting people off your backs when you were seen together. The both of you were lonely, him more than you—if you wanted to make it a competition but it’s what worked and it didn’t need to make sense. It just made Patrick’s family (who were a lot to handle and always kept referring to two of his exes before you in front of you) happy that he had a “stable” person in his life for once and it got your parents off your back—some—but not without their own sly comments.

“Is that what your relationship is?”

You shrug, “yeah.”

“And what about us?”

You turn your face away to reach for the card, “i think you’ll like the BLT French toast or even the prosciutto toast—

He nudges your face back to meet his sunlit honey eyes and there wasn’t an ounce of humor in them. “Listen, I’m serious. We got too much history to keep downplayin’ this. I’m moving back to Miami by the end of the summer and I just want to know how much longer we’re gonna keep doing this. Is this only just sex for you or what?”

Javi’s thumb burns into your skin now and his stare is sharp. You try not to get lost in his eyes and the tightness in your chest isn’t the most pleasant. You’re scared and have been scared before with Jeb but there’s no risk without action. Or whatever it is they say.

“…if you’re in love with me, just say that.”

Javi blinks, “What I know is that you won’t be marrying Patrick Twig—

“That’s not—

“I’m not done.”

Javi ignores the tilt of your head at his command, “You’re better than this and I know you see that when you look in the mirror. Maybe you didn’t fully heal yet and that’s not me tryin’ to disrespect you or nothing but I’m just callin’ it like I see it. I could give you the world besides just this or shit, as least try to but only if that’s what you want because I know what you need and it definitely ain’t a bozo who can’t even take care of what he thinks is his.”

You can always count on Javier Rivera to tell you exactly how it is. He was on your case about your feelings for Jeb just like you were with his with Kate but that all changed once the two started dating. It would have made sense for the both of you to gravitate towards each other then but the need to compensate for what you both missed out on wasnt fulfilling that void with forced love. It was platonic then but what was it now?

“…Do you think I’m yours?”

Javi puffs out a breath at this, “respectfully, imma need you to stop answering me with questions and just be honest with yourself and me. I don’t know how much longer I can keep holding out.”

“But you don’t, not unless I say so anyways.” You wink reaching to caress the back of his shoulder blade but Javi isn’t budging, which makes you sigh, “…okay fine. I hear you, you don’t want to be in a situationship with me anymore.”

Javi nods and awaits for you to say more but the glazed over look in your eyes, tells him that you’re trying to get out of this and he won’t lie, it stings.

“Here’s the thing,” you start with an intake of breath, “you’re right, I’m probably never going to marry Patrick. We’re equally each other’s placeholders, as fucked up as it sounds it’s true. As for this…”

Javier swallows the lump in his throat, just waiting on you to break his heart.

“You’re not the first person to pull this. It’s not my first rodeo…and no that doesn’t mean I’ve been with anyone else outside of you. I wouldn’t do that, not to you. You’re too important.” You admit, “and if we’re gonna do this…I just need you to be patient with me.”

A grin splits onto Javi’s face then, “so that does mean you love me?!”

“…I didn’t say all that.”

He smooches your cheek multiple times that makes your nose crinkle, “you didn’t have to, I can just tell.”

“How?” You ask as he rests his head back on the cloud-like pillow beside yours.

Javi hums, “I’m real in touch with my feminine side you know? Raised by my mom and aunties, got a sister that really wants to meet you—

“Huh? What?”

“Baby steps though,” Javi promises seeing the smidge of panic in your eyes, “I just need more confirmation that you’re going to try this with me. And that you’re not gonna run away since that is kinda what we all do.”

It was your turn to be vulnerable like Javi knew you could be. So you turn to face Javi, face to face and take a moment. “…I can’t say that I’m not scared and not of you but just the idea of actually being loved more than the intimacy and I’m sure you’re more than capable of giving that to me…it’s just that I get in my head a lot.”

Javi nods, “well it’s okay to be scared…Rome wasnt built in a day. We’ve been diligent—

“What if this doesn’t work—

“Nah, we’re not gonna back out when we just started.” Javi slips his hands down to clasp your hands in his, “We keep going, we love, we share—

“Just like your sandwich last night?”

Javi snorts, “we’re all works in progress, don’t hold that against me, baby.” He pecks your hands while you laugh a little, “we do what feels right and I got to ask, does this feel right to you as it does for me?”

You press your forehead against his, “every time I’m with you it does…as much as I try to block you out when we’re away from each other…I can’t. I wont.”

Javi pulls back to kiss your forehead, “bet. Feelings mutual and i just needed to hear you say it so…now that we’re on the same page…go ahead and order me that prosciutto and meet me in the shower.”

He’s kicking the covers back as you sit up on your elbow, “I’m not debating over which asscheek of yours is bigger than the other again.”

Javi sucks his teeth as leans against the doorway of sliding bathroom door in all his naked glory, “you pointed that out, I just wanted to know if the freckles on my left asscheek were also shaped like a palm tree like the ones on my chest.”

Scrunching up your nose, you hold your hand up in the air as if that defense was any better. Javi’s laughter suddenly turns dark as he takes in your appearance and slowly steps back as something stands to your attention.

“So…you joinin’ me or are you just going to continue watching the show?” He points behind himself, slowly stepping back.

Sighing you fold your arms back behind you, “ah…I’ll think about it finster.”

Javi sucks his teeth, stomping right back into the room to yank the tight hotel sheets back from the bed making you hiss at the coolness of the AC. “No way you just compared me to a rugrat.”

He pulls you right into his arms, limbs locking around him easily as you toy with the ends of his curls as he spins you around to lead you right into the bathroom, “did I?” You tease, bumping your nose against his before pulling back, “wait! You didn’t let me order.”

“Guess we’re skipping breakfast now and you might be late to yoga, sorry not sorry.” He mutters before slamming his lips right against yours.

Your thighs alone clench right around his hips as Javi slips his tongue along the shape of your lips while feeling around for the shower latch.

This time around, as sure as you are of the racing of your heart, you’re willing to let Javi lead this round…for now.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚

read more twisters anthology fics here.

[nofingjustaninchident]

I had an idea today. rockstar reader x Jason Grace? Like he’s a fan of her and he goes to one of her concerts and gets a wink from her and they later meet through a shared friend and their relationship blooms from there? And she’s a typical rockstar girl, red leather jacket, smudged eyeliner, kinda “hardcore”. I got the idea after listening to arabella by artic monkeys!

ᯓ★ arabella

summary you and your band are back in new york, so you call some friends to your show - smau and written

warnings smoking in like one pic, i know nothing about rock

author’s note thank you anon, for requesting this. i’m sorry it took me a month and a half to do this, honey, really am. i still don’t have much time to write these days, so i did a smau. hope uou enjoy!

now listening to arabella by arctic monkeys

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

liked by seaweedbrainfr, ghostking and 806 others

blond.superman oh god, not me taking my friends to a rock concert

beautyqueen oooh is this >>her<< show?

wisegirlbeth good luck! you’re gonna need it 🥰

ghostking well have so much fun 🤩

blond.superman already regretting even inviting you three

reynathequeen nah you’re not

repair.boy lol i’m so freaking excited to tease you all night about her

liked by blond.superman, dovecameron and 504,623 others

yourusername not back to 505, but back to the big apple

dovecameron can’t wait to see you babyy

yourusername OMG YOURE HERE?? AS IN NEW YORK???

user y/n as lost as we are helppp 😭😭

user can’t WAIT to see her show today

honeymoon as hot as ever i see

yourusername love ya loads

user MOTHER IS MOTHERING

user how can someone be so pretty???

user that’s not a face card, that’s a face ECONOMY 🛐

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

“she winked to me.”

that made nico, the closest person to jason (and the only one that wasn’t too intoxicated to understand something) to turn to him with confused expression.

“who winked at you?” the shorter boy asked, seemingly confused by his friend’s words.

“y/n. i’m a hundred percent sure.” the blond boy replied, staring at the guitarist. she was way too pretty, and he was afraid that maybe he was right and she did winked at him.

nico snickered. “oh, sure. delulu is the solulu, am i right?”

“nico, im not joking.” he repeated, and she did it again. this time, an open mouthed percy turned to him, bewildered.

“jason! y/n winked at you! did you see it?!” the brunet said, smiling more than he’d usually do. god, the alcohol was clear in his face.

jason looked at nico as if to say see? as they turned back to enjoy the show.

after ten more songs, the concert was finally done. the guitarrist, y/n, walked over to the front of the stage and grabbed the mic. her hair was damp from sweat, her mascara and eyeliner smudged around her eyes. "good night, my pretty city!" she said, earning a round of cheers from the crowd.

"it's so nice to be back here with my favorite people in the world. here is where this dream began, and here is where it'll continue!" she finished and, with another round of applause, the band was finally off the stage.

reyna, as drunk as she was, smiled cheekily at her friends. "so, i may or i may not be friends with the vocalist." she revealed, making the other three friends snap their heads towards the puerto rican.

"WHAT?!" the three friends half-shouted at the same time.

"what do you mean you're "friends with the vocalist"? and why did you never tell us?" nico asked, all color draining from his face.

"well, it doesn't matter right now. what does matter is that we got pass to the back stage. which means we're gonna meet the band. which means that jason gets to see his all time crush. so, do you want to go now or miss the opportunity?"

"like hell we're missing it." the blond spoke up and grabbed reyna's arm. "lead the way."

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

tagged: arcticmonkeys

liked by sabrinacarpenter, blond.superman and 1,005,478 others

yourusername another show that almost had me in tears. every show is awesome but the new york ones just hit different. thanks for everyone that was there!!

user alright the show was great and all but WHO WAS THE PERSON SHE WINKED TO???

blond.superman best show ever (liked by author)

user WHO’S THIS ONE???

user WAS HIM WHO SHE WINKED TO???

user just stalked him, his face card is offering 🙏🏻🙏🏻

user shoo our girl doesn’t need m*n

honeymoon dear lord when i get to heaven, pls let me bring my woman

yourusername COMPLETELY IN LOVE WITH YOUU

liked by yourusername, beautyqueen and 107,896 other

blond.superman damn, suddenly i'm famous

user well, damn. i came here to boo him for supposedly wooing our girl and ended up being wooed as well

yourusername last slide is SO ME

blond.superman i wonder why's that

yourbff oh no, my girl was wooed by a wh*te m*n repair.boy i'm latino, in case you're interested ghostking LEO NO

user he's hot, a drummer, blond.. is this heaven?

user i can see why y/n was wooed by him

user hell yeah

tegged: blond.superman

liked by your bff, blond.superman and 1,975,830 others

yourusername petition for my new boyfriend to teach me how to play drums or join my band

blond.superman love you <3 (liked by author)

seaweedbrain FINALLY!!! he'd been pining on you for the past two years y/n. two. years.

user NOT JASON BEING EXPOSED

yourusername oww how cute

blond.superman i'll find you, jackson. i'll find you.

oliviarodrigo aww my favorite american couple!! so cute you two (liked by author)

matthewhelders first of all, you should thank me and reyna for introducing you two. second, I'M YOUR DRUMMER!!

yourusername yeah yeah thx reyna and YOU'RE OLD MATTHEW!! WE NEED MORE GEN-Z

user y/n is so awesome omfg

wisegirlbeth so happy for my boy (nah i'm just glad we don't have to hear about how awesome she is anymore)

beautyqueen nope we're hearing twice as much now

honeymoon so happy for you boo! (liked by author)

sabrinacarpenter fav couple (liked by author)

[mediumgayitalian]

fic rec friday 13

hi!! welcome to fic rec friday. every week, i pick five fics i have bookmarked and rec them with a little review. check them out!

I Need A Hero by @theroyalsavage

The "Nico is a superhero, Will is a med student" AU nobody asked for or wanted.

OBSESSED WITH THIS AU OBSESSED WITH THIS AU OBSESSED WITH THIS AU. I AM LOSING MY MIND AND HAVE READ IT SO MANY DOZENS OF TIMES. genuinely one of my top faces like its so fucking GOOD!!! the romcom romance of it all!! makes me lose it!!! the angst of loving someone who is constantly putting himself on the front lines!! the fear of not knowing if he's coming home!! being his healer, holding his life in your hands because he doesn't trust it with anyone else!!!! what if i rioted!!! what if i chewed clean through my ceiling!!!!! what if i swallowed my phone!!!!!!!!!!!!!! what if i clawed my way out of the pit of despair!!!! i am!! gonna!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHH!!!

2. As If His Hands Were Enough (to Hold an Avalanche Off) by @theroyalsavage

Nico di Angelo has been through enough to know life doesn't always work out the way you plan. But fate is a funny thing, and, in Nico's junior year of college, it hands him salvation in the form of freckled cheeks and a smile like the sun.

OH dude this author is actually everything to me. prepare for an onslaught of their stuff bc i am OBSESSED, but this one especially....oh it's special man. this had me LOSING MY MIND. seph’s acceptance made its way into my devotion scrapbook. never be ashamed of loving anybody….what a fucking thesis. i also ADORED how a) story didn’t end with them getting together, went thru them learning each other too and b) nico didn’t get fixed by dating will. he got fixed by loving himself, something he learned to do by loving will. crying.

3. Of Gods and Men by @theroyalsavage

There is something profoundly strange about the forest behind Will Solace’s new house. The trees, it seems, breathe magic. The truth is this: there are things that the forest hides that humans cannot understand. Nico di Angelo is one of them.

I LOVE PARTICULAR AUS!!!!!! AND I LOVE YOU ROYAL SAVAGE!!!!! dude god nico and mortal will is always gonna knock me flat bc its so canon, you know? will is going to be a consort of a god one day. and to read it in fic has me HOWLING but this one in particular....OH the ending is gonna knock yall flat fr!!! if you like percy refusing immortality for annabeth youre gonna LOVE this!!

4. Kitchen Nightmares by @theroyalsavage

Nico is the owner and head chef of an upscale restaurant in Hell's Kitchen, New York City. There's nothing easy about running a business, especially when you have to juggle an overprotective father, a college-age sister, and a staff about as under control as a stampede. The last thing Nico needs is a rival in the form of the ugliest food truck on the face of the planet. And yet, that's exactly what he gets. Of food fights, fledgling friendships, and Nico di Angelo's stupid little soft spot for Will Solace.

i know ive literally said it like five times now but NO ONE does an au like theroyalsavage idc. dude romeo & juliet but food truck and fancy restaurant?? hello!!!! omg!! i literally sat my ass down and devoured this i could not stop myself. and then i hit the end and started it right back up again. the love without having the space to establish anything….inherent homoeroticism of rivalry…..my heart!!

5. don't wanna be lonely, just wanna be yours by @theroyalsavage

Will Solace, café manager extraordinaire, just wants to coast through their monthly open mic night in peace. He definitely is not banking on meeting a handsome stranger with the voice of the gods and the death glare of a high-ranking member of the KGB. And yet, that's exactly what he gets.

telling someone you’re not even dating you’re in love with them after like five months is insane behaviour will solace i get you 😭😭 he is so real in every scenario all the time like he is genuinely perfect for nico who is equally as insane and deserves someone who is fully obsessed with him. god.

thank you for joining me this friday!! happy reading!!

[bluewatersfairy]

could’ve been - j.p.

loosely inspired by H.E.R. & Bryson Tillers’ ‘Could’ve been’

synopsis: two exes run into each other at a night club and spend some time catching up

warnings: mature content, MINORS DNI! unprotected sex (carry a condom at all times in cases of emergencies), semi public sex (i guess?)

word count: 5.2k (thank you for your patience) 

p.s. i started writing this during the off-season last year so the timeline is a bit fuzzy.

•••

All-star break had a habit of coming around right when everyone needed it.  Though Jordan was still the same goofy dude he’d always been, he felt like he was walking around with a chip on his shoulder.  He had been stuck in the mindset that he had something to prove all season, and it was starting to affect his mental.

His friend had suggested a night out to try and get his mind right and though it wasn’t exactly what he had in mind, he didn’t see it being a bad thing.  He didn’t think it would be a good idea to drink so he volunteered to be the sober driver.  

He was pressed up against the wall with a glass of lemon water when he caught a glimpse of someone who could’ve been you across the club.  For just a moment, he felt his entire body freeze, pins pressing into the bottoms of his feet and nails dragged down the back of his neck.  He stood up straight and rolled his shoulders back before leaning his head back again.  He couldn’t pull his eyes away now, he was stuck doing this again. 

Again because he’d done the exact same thing in London over the summer.  Someone had slipped past him in a rush and for a split second he thought it was you.  He’d stopped in his tracks and scanned the street.  It wasn’t you, of course, he knew you were in New York for a work conference and still not returning his texts.  Or even opening them to read.  It just happened to be someone who was roughly the same height as you and wore the same perfume or used the same hair products.  It couldn’t have been you. 

San Francisco was a different story.  You could very easily be in his adoptive city without him knowing.  He was sure he’d heard your company’s name in passing a few times in the past two days, and he was sure he’d heard one of your co-workers talking on the phone as they skipped the line outside.  She had a very strong accent, talked very fast and made a habit of yelling to be heard clearly on phone calls.  Somehow she always called you when the two of you were together, and Jordan liked getting in on them.  He could hear the whole conversation and it was too easy for him to do impressions and make you laugh whilst trying to be professional.  

Once while on a video conference she was leading, Jordan had made you burst out into laughter that you’d have to cover with a coughing fit, excusing yourself and muting your mic.  The two of you ended up on the floor laughing at the same thing over and over again until your sides hurt and tears were rolling down your face.  Whenever he thought of your time together, it was a scene like that that stuck out.  You were always laughing, joking, or out of breath in his presence, like you were filled with light.  

It’s part of the reason why he was so blindsided when you showed up at his hotel door to tell him things had to end between the two of you; that this wasn’t what you needed, or wanted anymore.  Jordan swore up and down that he could adjust what you needed to make it work, that he’d pull your weight while you couldn’t but all you could do was shake your head and say no.  

Jordan had to chug his lemon water to make the thoughts stop.  Some of it spilt down his face but he didn’t seem to care, just wiped it off on the back of his hand and continued to stare straight ahead. He kept his gaze slightly higher than the average height to make sure he didn’t catch a glimpse of anyone that could be you.  But then the perfume you wear flushed his senses and forced his eyes shut.  This wasn’t happening.  It was all just wishful thinking.  And it would remain wishful thinking.

“Can I stand here?” an index and middle finger touched just above his hip, the type of touch that he’d recognise anywhere.  Even with his eyes closed and his mind and heart fighting over where they should run to.

“It’s a free country,” Jordan answered as he bravely turned his head to meet your gaze for the first time in close to a year.  

It felt like something had hit his chest while he took you in, tingles spreading from his shoulder blades to his fingertips.  Your cheeks looked slightly fuller than the last time he’d seen you, and there were no longer heavy bags under your eyes, and your lips were smooth, unbitten and shiny.  You looked healthier, happier.  Your smile worked like a key in his chest; things were trying to turn again. 

“Hi Jordan,” you grinned with a glimmer of hope in your eyes, allowing yourself to take him in properly.  You were glad you’d decided to cross the room to see him closer.  You had no idea what you were starting, but you couldn’t stay away from him. 

You weren’t sure if he’d seen you on his way in, he was surrounded by his friends and they seemed deep in conversation.  You noticed him almost instantly.  Ever since you’d gotten off the plane you’d been searching for him in every room.  You couldn’t count on both hands how many times you’d hovered over his contact name over the past 3 days, but you’d somehow managed to stop yourself each time.  Seeing him in the flesh was a different story.  You could only be so strong. 

“Hi,” he breathed out as he dropped his head so you’d be able to hear each other.  

“I don’t think I can say your name, right now.”  He confessed, his heart pounding in his chest.  “I don’t know if you’re really here yet.”

You smiled as you wrapped your arm around his and slid your fingers down his forearm to tangle them in his own.  The action triggered a rush of endorphins and nothing could stop the memories that followed.  At various stages of your relationship, you'd used it as a silent communicator. 

Sometimes it meant that you were ready to go, or that there was someone you wanted to introduce him to, and occasionally that you were dragging him away because he was making too good of an impression on a coworker you did not want to have to invite around for drinks or worse, a meal.  Every now and again, it meant something less innocent, something the two of you rarely let happen outside the comforts of a bedroom.  You’d gotten into the habit of squeezing his hand gently to confirm the message towards the end of the relationship, so when you squeezed his hand in that club, it felt like he’d been hit in the chest.

“I promise,” you said into his ear, “I really am here.”  

He let out a deep breath and you watched as he glanced up for a few moments before relaxing into you.  He seemed to hesitate against your person, his fingers barely grazing the skin of your forearm.  When he did finally lay his hand on your arm, you could tell he was expecting to go straight through you.  

“Here,” you half laughed as you moved so you were standing in front of him, facing him, and wrapped your arms around his waist.  “You can hold me if you need to.”

Jordan half laughed in response but wrapped his arms around you and pulled you closer.  You watched as his eyes scanned the room, his hands pressing into your lower back.  He tucked his head and you were properly connected for the first time in what felt like forever.  

“I was thinking about texting you tonight,” you confessed, “it would’ve been out of the blue but I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”  Being able to look Jordan in the eye and hold him against you again felt a little too comfortable.  You shouldn’t have liked it as much as you did. 

“It’s been like that a lot for me too,” he licked his bottom lip, “there’s a lot I’ve been thinking about.”

“I’m proud of you,” you smiled softly, “I wasn’t sure if a text from me would ruin your celebrations, but I’ve never been more proud of all the work you’ve put in.”  your lips brushed against his ear lobe as he leant in closer with every word you said.  

“Nothing about you would’ve ruined anything,” he shook his head and tightened his grip on your waist, his thumb caressing your right hip, “if anything, it would’ve made things better.”  

He was grinning, cheesing, like you’d said something funny, like he did in some of those pictures you’d seen during the celebrations.  You scanned over his face again, taking time to look into his dopey eyes and cheeks to see if there was any sign of intoxication.  You couldn’t do this if he wasn’t sober, that wouldn’t be fair.

“Have you been drinking?” you asked with your hand instinctively reaching for his neck, “I’m not wasting my breath if you’re not all here with me.”

Another big grin and something of a laugh; he really had a habit of confusing you further when it came to clarifying things.  If it wasn’t for his hand’s grasp on your wrist, you would’ve given his face a little playful shove, and probably would’ve laughed too.  But instead you took a small step back, unwrapping your arm from his waist, and put some space between the two of you.  The desire to touch him remained, and you couldn’t bring yourself to lose his warmth, so your hand found itself resting on his chest.  The vibrations of his heart pounding against his ribcage spread throughout your body.  

“Jordan,” you raised your voice to make sure he could still hear you, “I’m being serious.”  

You couldn’t help but smile, couldn’t help but blush with the way he looked at you.  It was like nothing had changed in his eyes.  They were ever so hooded, sleepy looking, with that sparkle of joy you felt whenever you closed your eyes.  For a second there, you realised that this could’ve been reality if you hadn’t let him go, that this wouldn’t just be a passing moment, but a daily occurrence.  What’s worse is you knew you were looking at him with the same admiration you always had.  He still felt like your goofball guy, you still felt invincible in his arms, endlessly safe in his gaze.  

“I’m sober, I promise,” he laughed as he pulled you closer to him, your fingers entwining, “I’m Ms. Daisy tonight, I’m responsible.” 

“Responsible,” you teased with your head tilted and hands on his shoulders, “I’m not sure I’d use those exact words.”  

“See, I’m grown now baby,” he smirked, “I take care of people, keep them in line, you know, the whole nine yards.”  

Just like that, everything fell back into old patterns.  The two of you were smiling and laughing, joking around and teasing each other like the past few months never occurred.  In each other's embrace, quickly everything disappeared in the background and all you knew was each other.  

Tucked away together, no one could touch or bother you.  You were invisible to the rest of the world.  Except when Jordan cut you off mid-sentence to put a hand out to stop someone from bumping directly into you.  Well, a couple actually, they too seemed pretty caught up in their own world, just instead of catching up, they were making out.  

“Cmon bro,” Jordan clicked as he moved you and them out of the way, “get a stall or something.”  he looked annoyed and rolled his eyes before looking back down at you, barely even realising how he’d pulled you into his chest as if they were a true threat.  

“What?” he asked you in a softer tone, his hand cupping the back of your head, “you got that look on your face.”

“I dunno what you’re on about,” you shrugged your shoulders, “this is the way I always look.”

He rolled his eyes again and shook his head, “I know that look well, you’re thinking dangerous, dangerous thoughts, and I’m not about to comply.”

“I’m thinking nothing of the sort,” but you were, “maybe we should go somewhere more private to talk though.  I did not enjoy being involved in their very intimate moment.”

“Mhm,” he hummed, “sounds like an excuse, if you ask me.”

This time it was your turn to roll your eyes.  You pulled away, grabbing his hand in the process, and started searching for a bathroom.  

It wasn’t necessarily that you were trying to start something, but Jordan hit all your weak spots without meaning too.  He always looked good, but there was something about him that night that was more alluring than before.  It could’ve been that you hadn’t seen him in a while, or maybe that he was starting to fill out as he surpassed his scrawny teenage-like figure.  There was more to him, physically and mentally, and you wanted to get all in it.  

Which is exactly how the two of you ended up in a locked unisex bathroom at the back of the club.  You were sitting on the counter with Jordan between your legs.  His hands ran over your thighs, his fingers applying pressure every now and then.  There was little room between the two of you, heart-to-heart you carried on talking.  It was taking everything in you not to turn to the nasty corner of your mind that painted fantasies of Jordan part-time.  He smelt so good and he made you laugh.  Not to mention the flutter in your chest and the pulsing deep in you every time he looked at you.

It was all too easy, you pressed your lips together as you tilted your chin up to look at his face.  The lines you'd drawn were starting to blur and fade away.

“I’ve missed this,” you sighed as your fingers caressed his neck and shoulders.  

Jordan gave you a shy smile in response and cupped your chin in his right hand.  You kept looking up at him and slowly his hand travelled to your throat.  There was no risk, no added pressure in this gesture; just a reminder of what has passed and what still remained.  The two of you were putty, easily pulled and shaped into whatever the other wanted.  Stress free fun and a whole lot of love.  

“Me too,” he breathed out as your lips brushed against one another.  He was pulling you in with his entire being, but something was stopping him from making the connection.  Every part of your body burnt with anticipation, and you weren’t above begging for it.  

"Don't play games with me," you bit the inside of your lip, "you know what I want."  You could feel your cheeks and chest flush as each word passed through your lips.  

Somewhere between adoration, passion and pain, Jordan stared lasers into your soul.  His breathing deepened while he analysed what you had said and what you were doing.  Like you, he wanted to feel the fire that always came with your love.  The endless burn of lust and greed that dripped from every part of him the second he saw you undress.  He never wanted to lose you, never wanted to forget how good you looked on top of him.  Tonight was no different, except for the tightness in the hole of his chest.  He wanted to drink in the image of you in your little black dress and trace the curves of your body.  

Jordan never wanted to forget this moment.  He wanted you seared into his memory, let it be your silhouette he sees every time he closed his eyes.

The loss of contact surprised you as he took a few steps back.  Your thighs felt cold without him on you.  He crossed his arms and tilted his head at you, observing you, savouring you.  His hooded eyes dragged over every inch of your body and you followed him.  You leant back on your hands and spread your legs apart further.  Your hand fell to spot his eyes seemed to forget and you drew him in.  

Jordan felt like his mind was running 100 thoughts every millisecond that passed.  Memories, wants and needs blended together.  He needed to touch you with every part of him, wanted to drag his mouth over every inch of your skin.  Without a second of warning, echoes of the past rang through his ears, his head between your thighs as you swore to the Heavens.  There was nothing quite like you, nothing that he craved more on his tongue than your sweet pussy juices.  He could eat it for hours and never get bored.  There was always something new to try.  And he loved how he could dig his fingers in your thighs.  The small bruises from the pads of his fingers made him feel proud.  The red handprints and grips on your ass and thighs gave him a spike of confidence.  When he was inside you, he knew he was king.  He never questioned his actions or his success, you were never shy when it came to unholy acts.

"You wanna know something?" Jordan asked as he found your eyes again.

You nodded your head and watched closely as he dragged the tip of his tongue across the soft pink lip of his bottom lip.  

"This feels like the first time I'm seeing you all over again," he smiled shyly as he stepped closer to you again, his hands on your thighs.  "Like it feels like I've never touched you before.  I feel all giddy and nervous."

His tone didn't match his words.  He spoke low and with confidence.  He consistently had a demeanour that could only be described as smooth and it always sent a shiver down your spine when he got close.  He pulled you in mentally and you wanted to melt into him.

"You've always known how to touch me," you reassured him as you reached your hand out to hold his neck.  He tilted his head and smiled at you.

You could tell there were words that were better left unsaid at that moment.  His eyes, though playful, held that glimmer of doubt you'd left him with.  Neither of you could bear to address the elephant in the room.  Instead, you let the wants and needs of your body paint the fantasies the two of you shared.

You felt like Jordan was waiting on you.  So very gently you pressed a kiss to the right and then left side of his neck; just below his pulse points.  His eyes were closed when you guided his face so that you could place your lips to his forehead, then to the tip of his nose.  He hummed his approval of each touch, the sides of his mouth pulled up into a blissful smile.  

You pushed your lips together as you ran your thumb across his.  Jordan’s hands slipped up your body and wrapped around your torso, pulling you even closer to him.  

“Cmon baby,” he mumbled with you flushed against his chest, your lips with barely any space between them again, “you’re allowed to kiss me.  I’d prefer it, actually.”  his eyes flicked from your lips to both your eyes and it started to feel like it was all too much.

You reached out to him and let your lips encase his.  It was like an electric volt was sent down your spine and something switched in both of you.  In a matter of moments, your kisses became sloppy and rushed, the two of you trying to get closer.  You needed to feel Jordan on every inch of your skin and it seemed he felt the same.

The first time your lips separated, Jordan took his glasses off and immediately attached his lips to your neck.  His hand pulled your head back with gentle force and a gasping moan escaped your opened mouth.  The sleeves of your dress were pulled off your shoulders and Jordan’s mouth followed.  His teeth and lips dragged across your hot skin, hissing as he groped your breasts with both hands.  

You pushed your dress further down to expose your chest to him fully.  You were completely out of breath when he wrapped his lips around your left breast, his tongue catching your nipple and flicking it before he began to suck.  

You encouraged him with affirming words and louder moans.  Unconsciously, your hips rolled towards him.  The only thing your body knew was him and the only thing it needed was continuous contact with something warm.  Every inch of you ached for him, begged and pleaded for him.

“Jordan,” you gasped out as you tried to grab at his clothes, “I need you on me baby, take it off.”  

He nodded his head and took a step back to pull his shirt off over his head.  Your eyes fell on the tent he’d pitched in his pants and you couldn’t help but feel pleasure.  You pulled your dress off and slipped your panties off, no longer sitting on the bench.

You kissed Jordan and dragged your hands over his naked chest.  You pushed him against the spot you’d just been sitting and started to kiss down his neck.  You kissed a trail between his pecs and licked a line down his abdomen.  You smiled up at him, now on your knees as you worked to get his pants off.

“Fuck, you know me so well,” he moaned as you palmed him through his pants, “don’t play with me baby, I don’t have much patience tonight.”  he bit down hard on his bottom lip as you freed him.

You kissed the tip of his dick before spitting on it and using your hand to stroke him and spread your saliva.  He threw his head back, the veins of his neck strained and he let out a throaty groan.  With two hands, you stroked him and added more of your spit.  You’d forgotten how much fun it was to have this type of control over him.  You loved seeing him strain to contain himself and the rush it sent through him.  He would only let you do so much but you loved it when he let you decide how things were gonna play out.  

“I don’t have condoms,” you said with one hand reaching under his shaft to play with his balls, “do you care?”

“That depends,” he groaned out with his eyes squeezed shut, “you slept with anyone?”

“No,” you swallowed as your eyes met, “have you?”  his eyes were darker than before – you weren’t sure if it was because you were getting him off or because of what he’d just asked you.  Either way, you felt it down in your stomach.

“I haven’t,” he confirmed and you stood up quickly.  

Jordan grabbed you again, his strong arms lifting you so you were against the counter again.  He kissed you with a sense of urgency, his tongue dipping into your mouth.  Your moans mixed together and your legs wrapped around him, your hand reaching between the two of you.  

“God, I need you inside of me, Jordan,” you said, dripping with sex.  The two of you were focused on the space between you.  You pumped his length a few more times before running his tip through your slit.

“You’re so fucking wet,” he spoke with amazement, his voice breathy.

He grabbed your neck and turned your face so you were looking at him when you put him inside you.  His mind took a mental recording of the look and sound of relief that left your body as he filled you up.  

“My pretty baby,” he cooed with a devilish smirk, “don’t I feel good inside of you?”

You were speechless, nothing more than mewls and moans of joy were able to be expressed.  You felt so tight and you swore you could feel every inch of him.  It was hot, in every way.  You wanted to stay in the moment as long as you could, but there was little you could focus on other than how good it felt.

“You feel so good,” you spoke mindlessly, “fuck me please, give it to me.”

Jordan listened.  His hips pulled back and angled back into you perfectly for the first few strokes.  Each sound you let out egged him on so much so that he very quickly reached an erratic pace.  He was being fuelled by his own needs and unfulfilled desires and your constant confirmations of pleasure.

“Look at me baby,” Jordan found himself saying as he moved your leg so that you were now on your side, your head leaning partially on the mirror to keep yourself up as you fell into pure bliss.

You found his brown eyes as his hand came down hard on your ass cheek.  You gasped and reached for his hand, giggling a little.  He smiled and watched you move it to rest between your thighs.  He read your sign loud and clear and started to stimulate your clit.  You called out his name loudly and threw your head back.

“Oh just like that, yes.”  you felt like you were floating for all of 30 seconds before he moved his hand away.  You were about to protest, open your eyes and speak, but you were still getting fucked in the exact way you loved, and it was hard to concentrate.

“Look me in my eye,” Jordan said roughly, this time with his hand grabbing at your face so you’d actually make eye contact with him.  “Don’t that feel nice?”

“It feels so nice,” you responded loudly, his hand back on your clit before you could fully process it.  “You’re so fucking deep, I need you so badly.”

Jordan groaned in response, feeling your walls grip around him as if you never wanted him to leave.  He wanted to savour the beautiful feeling of you and never let it go.  He may have been caught up in the moment, but he hadn’t forgotten all his troubles.  The way he felt about you hadn’t changed, and seeing how well you fell back into old habits and how perfectly your bodies fit together, he was convinced this all meant something.  Something this good couldn’t get lost.  He wasn’t going to lose you again.

“Baby boy,” the nickname passed through your lips like silk, your hand reaching out to him, “stay here with me, don’t get lost in the other shit.”

Your words practically melted him into you, your bodies moving so his arms could wrap you in a hug.  He filled you to the hilt again and you squeezed your eyes shut, your mouth dropping open in a silent, all consuming moan.

“This better?” Jordan asked smiling, his forehead now resting against yours.  

“Mhm,” you hummed and caught his lips on yours as you pulled him even closer.  The new angle he thrusted into you was sending repeated shots of pleasure up your spine.  It was pure ecstasy and made your verbal reactions even louder.  “This is exactly what I needed.”

In Jordan’s strong grip, you were perfectly in rhythm with one another.  Though the composure of the sex was slipping, you were only growing more needy.  Your lips and teeth dragged over his soft skin and he did the same, his lips attaching to your neck at any chance he could get.  

“You feel so fucking good on me,” Jordan grunted out between thrusts.  

He was close.  The look on his face and the way his hips were starting to move without control or rhythm was enough for you to know.  You were too, ultimately.  When you told your friends you fit together, you never felt like it really sold just how good this could all be.  He could drag his cock over all the best spots inside your pussy, and give you enough friction on your clit to make you dance.  You wanted all of him, and nothing less.  

“Cmon baby,” you moaned, “keep going.  Please don’t stop.”

As if it was a trigger, Jordan’s rhythm was quickly lost and his hips started to move faster, chasing a high to fulfil your pleads.  His groans and thrusts pulled moans and curses out of you, your eyes squeezing shut as you opened up your chest.

“Nah baby,” he spoke roughly as he wrapped his hand around your throat, “you gotta look at me now.”  He grinned as you moaned again.  You opened your mouth to respond but he cut you off with his lips, his tongue licking into you.  

“Fuck,” he groaned as your walls clenched around him, “keep doing that and I’ma cum inside you.”

“God, I want you to,” you gasped as he somehow reached deeper inside of you.  “Cum inside me, please, please, please.”  

Your begging was enough to send him over the edge.  He filled you to the hilt and let out an incoherent string of curses and your name.  Your walls contracted with every twitch of his tip, spurting hot liquid into you.  When he felt he was finished, he pulled his hips back again and kissed you.  He moved with precise strokes that had you calling to a higher place.  He was dragging over your g-spot over and over again and it was exactly what you needed to send you over the edge.  

You threw your head back, your back arching the same way and said his name over and over again, praising him.   He scattered kisses all over your exposed neck and decolletage until he felt your pulsating core begin to subside.  

“I can’t tell you how much I missed seeing you like that,” Jordan cheesed with your hands cupping his face.  You looked him over, the same cheesy grin spreading across your cheeks.

His chest heaved in sync with yours and a layer of sweat covered his beautiful brown skin.  He looked ethereal and the way the light caught his sweat gave him a golden aura.  You couldn’t resist gently pressing kisses to his collarbone along to his shoulder where you rested your chin. 

“There really is no one like you.”

You gazed up at him and felt your heart skip a beat.  It wasn’t easy to accept, but you could see how you could have been wrong.  The best things in life were rarely easy.  And really, the more you thought about it, the more you knew that the difficult things that made you break things off with him were circumstantial and out of your control.  Maybe it wouldn’t be ideal, but you couldn’t see yourself living without him.  Plus, the last time you guys had sex couldn’t be in the uni-sex bathroom of a club you’d probably never return to.

“Hey Jordan,” you said softly after a peaceful silence of you both looking at each other, “I know there’s a lot to be said, but I was wondering,” you trailed off with a smile.

“Yeah?” Jordan encouraged, his smile growing wider.

“Do you wanna give us another go?”

[stevethehairington]

begin again au where eddie is a singer songwriter who moves to new york with his singer songwriter boyfriend, who recently got "discovered" when his song was put in a movie.

said boyfriend has an affair with someone on his team from the label, and eddie dumps him on the spot and stays with chrissy for the night because he has nowhere else to go.

chrissy drags him to a local dive bar for an open mic night, and she pushes him to get up onstage where he sings one of his newer songs.

it gets a lukewarm reaction from the crowd, barely any reaction actually, but eddie doesn't care. it's whatever.

except, as he's slumping back onto his stool, he's approached by this guy. this beautiful beautiful guy who sort of looks a little worse for wear and absolutely, definitely is drunk because he starts going on and on about how incredible eddies song was and how great his voice is and how he hears things, hears whole arrangements, and that's what he heard with eddies song. he tells eddie he's a music producer, that he wants to sign eddie.

eddie doesn't believe him. tells him he doesn't want to be signed anyways.

this guy — steve, his business card says — accepts the rejection, and leaves. but then when eddie himself finally decides to leave the bar, steve's outside, like he was waiting for him. here he admits that he couldn't actually sign eddie even if he wanted to, and explains how he basically just got fired from his label and that's how he ended up at the bar, drinking himself into a stupor.

they hit up another bar together, and get to chatting some more, about music, about their careers. and at the end of the night, steve proposes signing eddie again, tells him he can make it happen if he really wants it. eddie makes a promise that he'll call steve the next day to let him know what he decides.

the next day rolls around and eddie calls. he tells steve's he's in. so steve picks him up and steve takes him to his label and he has eddie play for his boss — who tells steve he's just not into it. steve pitches they get eddie in the studio, get him some back up instruments to really get the full vision he heard in the bar, find someone who will produce it and then give it a new listen with fresh ears. his boss tells him they don't make demos, so come back with a real one yourself and we'll talk.

steve's disappointed by that, but he's not going to let that discourage him. he and eddie get coffee after and steve's thinking a mile a minute, tells eddie fuck that they don't need a demo, they don't even need a studio. all they need is eddie, his guitar, and the city. they'll record outside, right here in the city — a whole album, every song in a new location.

and eddie — he fucking loves the idea.

they get chrissy to help with the recording, and they comb the city for musicians. they find gareth on the drums, jeff with his bass, archie with his guitar. lucas with his cello, erica with her violin. robin with her trumpet. dustin with his keyboard. one by one they fold them into this project, add them to their band.

they record in alleyways, on rooftops, in parks, in the subway, all over the city. they use the background noise to their advantage. they make fucking magic with it.

along the way, of course, eddie and steve fall in love.

when they finish the album, they meet with steve's old boss again, who loves what they've done. eddie demands he give steve his job back and for a bigger share in the deal. but steve's boss isn't down for that, as great as their album is.

when all is said and done, eddie decides he doesn't care if he's been signed or not. he decides to distribute the album online for $1. steve calls in a favor from an old friend, an old journalist friend who's known for her honest music reviews, who has a pretty big following because of it, and she — nancy — helps promote the album. she gets the word out, and they release the album.

and it does fucking incredible.

and it's all thanks to steve. and the beautiful record they created together. the beautiful journey they went on together.

in the end, eddie doesn't care that this whole thing didn't work out the way he'd hoped it would at the start of this all because, well, he's had the fucking time of his life making this album, and he's made so many friends along the way, and he — he's fallen in love. and it's the best thing thats ever happened to him. steve is the best thing that's ever happened to him.

he couldn't be happier.

[xxxninjaxxx23]

You brought the light I needed in my life

Part 1

Samantha Carpenter x GN Reader.

New York City has always been a bustling hotspot for restaurants, opportunities, and some “night activities.”

And yet Samantha Carpenter can’t shake this emptiness she feels everyday in her life.

(Sam’s Pov) It was a busy friday evening and I had just gotten off my shift at the diner. The Manager let me go home early with my regular pay as a reward for working hard.

Truth is. There’s a reason why I don’t take days off and constantly work.

I wrapped up my leftovers in a bag for dinner later and walk back to the apartment since the gym was closed today ‘that’s where I usually spend my time’.

New York being the big city it is, I had to bump through crowds, junkies and greeted some couples. When I got to my complex, some people were already shooting looks at me, one threw a paper ball at me.

‘Looks like our neighbors know I’m the daughter of a small town serial killer.’

After getting past the death glares, I enter my apartment and put my leftovers in the fridge. Then I pour a cup of whiskey, sitting down to collect my thoughts, not bothering to turn on the tv.

I hear the door open a half hour later “Sam! Im home” hearing that voice always brings a little smile to my face.

Tara sets her shopping bags down and sits on the couch next to me, turning on the tv. I felt a bit of joy knowing I’m giving Tara what she always wanted. A degree, a boyfriend, and freedom to live her life provided she be careful of the dangers.

I took a sip of my drink “So how was your date with Chad?”

Tara jumped in excitement “Amazing! We went to a nice restaurant that had an open mic. You should have seen Chad try to sing “All of me” he did it a little off key but reassured that it was a “song picked just for me.” Tomorrow we’re going to an arcade that just opened. Want to join us?”

I felt an ache in my chest and it wasn’t the whiskey “Thank you Tara….but I don’t want to impose. Especially since I’m letting you live your life freely.”

Damn. I didn’t do much to hid my emotions and Tara was quick to notice.

“Is everything ok?” She asked putting a hand on my shoulder. Normally, I hate being asked that but this is my sister ‘sigh’ “I guess….I guess I’m just lonely to tell you the truth.”

Tara was confused “Lonely? Aw don’t be silly, you have me and the twins.”

I sipped my drink once again “I mean you know….lonely.” Tara playfully slapped her forehead. “Ohhh I see. I mean, I can try to help you find a date.”

I smiled a bit. “That would be nice, I just hope I find one. It’s not that easy when you’re the daughter of the first Ghostface.” Tara nodded “If that worries you, I can take a break from Chad and spend some time with you.”

“But Tara, you love him.” My sister nodded “I do. But you’re my sister and I love you more. All you have to do is say the word.”

I sniffled heavily before wrapping my arms around Tara “Oof. How can a (Guy/Girl) not love a woman with big muscles?” I laughed a bit.

(1 month later)

(Tara’s pov) True to my word, I spent more time with Sam. Even though she assured me that it was ok with me bringing Chad to the apartment or going on dates with him.

Since Chad is still asleep from finishing that assignment, I’m eating breakfast with Mindy and Anika. They were surprised that I chose to eat at the place Sam works at.

“I think I know what i want.” I said as Mindy looked up from her menu “T. Did you choose this place because it’s that good?”

“Or did you want a free meal from your sister?” Anika finished, laughing.

I rolled my eyes “No….I’m going to pay for-“ I felt my pockets “Shit! I forgot my wallet!” Mindy shook her head “Didn’t you forget it the last time you went with my brother to that restaurant.”

I blushed from embarrassment “Y-yes but I gave him the money back when I got paid.”

Anika nodded “What you really need is one of those wallet chains so you never have to lose it again. Plus it would look hot on you.”

Mindy playfully smacked Anika’s arm as Sam came by to take our orders “Now, now. Don’t kill each other until AFTER you eat.” As we took our orders, I picked mine which was a bit pricey ‘Sorry Sam.’

“Umm big sis. You think you can spot me for this one?”

Sam rolled her eyes “Again? How many times do I have to tell you to stop forgetting your money?” I smiled playfully “Pleaseeee. I won’t forget next time and I will pay you back, I promise.”

(Sams pov) I shook my head, not wanting my sister to throw a tantrum or steal somebody else’s food “Fine. I’ll hold you to that.” I gathered up the menus and took the orders to the kitchen. After that, I decided to wipe down the counter since it was a slow morning.

I was finishing the display case until a new customer walked in. “Welcome to Crown Shy. Would you like

I looked up from the case and was at a loss for words when I set my eyes on the person that walked in.

(Sorry I had to. Lol)

Their (gothic/eccentric) attire was stunning enough to make a lot of heads turn. I shook my head, hiding my blush “ ‘Ahem’ Welcome to Crown Shy. Would you like a booth or a table?”

(He/She) requested a booth saying they have a friend meeting them here for a class assignment. My shoulders tensed as I dropped the menu on the floor, running to get new one “Sorry about that”

I took a quiet breath and awaited their order.

(Tara’s pov) Another waitress brought our food and we were in the middle of a feast until I spotted Sam making eyes at the new customer that just walked in. I tapped Mindy on the shoulder “Ooh! Direct hit Cupid.” Mindy whispered.

“I’ll say. I think this is the first time I’ve seen my sister as a drooling lovesick puppy.” I nearly laughed when she dropped the menu and went to snatch a new one off another table “Smooth move Casanova” Anika whispered.

After Sam took her potential lovers order and brought their food out, she stepped outside telling her boss she was taking her fifteen. “Looks like someone needs a little push Tar” Mindy said.

I nodded as I went outside to find Sam with a hand on her chest, trying to control her rapid breathing.

“Someone’s got a crushhhh. Someone’s got a crushhh” I said in a singing voice, handing Sam a water bottle from my bag.

Sam wasn’t amused and showed her blush “Look. Try to talk to them Sammy. This is your chance to finally get a (Boyfriend/Girlfriend)”

She took a sip from her water bottle “B-but what if they don’t like me? What if they find out who I really am and never talk to me again?” I gently squeezed her shoulder

“Sam, you won’t know if you don’t try. I’ll be right there to comfort you if anything happens. Just introduce yourself and ask if you can sit with them until their friend shows up, make some small talk my hot sis.”

(Sam’s pov) I shook my head, smiling “I’m not really that hot but I’ll still make small talk with them.” We both head back inside the diner, seeing that the new customer is already eating their food.

I check my watch “Ok still on my break, time to make my move” I whispered.

I walk over to their table “Hi. Um, do you mind if I sit with you? I’m currently on break and my coworkers are having a football debate back there.

The customer looked up and smiled “Sure. I could use the company, seeing my friend is running a bit late.”

I hid the excitement in my stomach and sat down. “I’m Y/N by the way Y/N L/N.” They said extending their hand “Samantha….Carpenter. It’s nice to meet you.”

“I’ll say. It’s not often I see a pretty girl wanting to have lunch with me.”

I was flattered “So you think I’m pretty?” Now it was their turn to blush “Um s-sure? I mean I would really like to get to know you more.”

I felt my phone vibrate. I open it to see laughing emojis from Tara saying we are “Both hopeless with the small talk.” I shot a look at her, shaking my head.

I took a breath and engaged in a conversation like our favorite hobbies, movies, latest tv shows. I was amazed by how much we have in common unlike Ritchie who never liked almost all my hobbies. Sometimes I question why I got with him in the first place.

Anyways we talked a bit more along with me complementing their outfit, saying it “Makes them stand out and look more attractive.” I didn’t realize how long we were talking until I realized I was five minutes over my break.

I quickly jumped from the booth and back to my station in a flash but not before leaving my number on the receipt if they want to talk more.

(One shift later)

(Sam’s pov) This day was very slow and tiring. I was anxiously waiting for the time to fly by and luckily it did. But earlier, Tara didn’t help by eating loud and throwing trash on the floor. I swear my sister has the manners of a child. I rest my case when she let out a loud belch which ‘sigh’ everyone heard!

“Sorry! Excuse me!”

I cleaned the rest of the floors and whatever trash was on the tables as the last 30 mins approached. When it was time, I clocked out and said bye to my coworkers and boss.

Heading outside, I put my apron away and check my phone for any new messages. I got one from Tara who once again teased me that I was in a rush to see my new “lover.” I rolled my eyes and left that on read.

The next message was from….Oh Y/N and they asked if I wanted to watch a movie together. I responded back to it being a plan. We’ll watch a movie at my place and I’ll make the best dinner.

(Later)

(Tara’s pov) I sat on the couch waiting to go to the arcade. Chad really needs to stop staying up late and sleeping in late. It’s getting pretty hectic but I still end up dealing with it.

I check my phone “Hm, still got an hour left” I turn on the tv and snack on a few corn chips.

I got halfway through an episode of South Park until Sam came by with a hand vac, “Tara! I just cleaned here. Must you always be so messy.”

I scoffed “Looks like someone’s eager to keep the place clean for their new (Boyfriend/Girlfriend)”

Sam snatched the chips away from me “They’re not my lover. I just want spend time with a new friend, and that is making sure this place looks presentable.”

I nodded “Sure and I’ll be a millionaire one day. Look I get it. You want to make a first impression and that’s ok. No more lone wolf tonight Sam, it’s time for a new chapter, go get (him/her) tiger!”

(Sam’s pov) After cleaning Tara’s mess for the second time, I take a long needed shower and put on something simple. An hour later, the doorbell rings. “Y/N! Nice to see you again. It’s me uh Sam….from the diner” We both shared a hug before they went to the living room to pick out the movie.

Tara left for the arcade but not before ripping into me again “I swear you have no game sis. How did you even end up with Ritchie?” She whispered, laughing as she closed the door.

Damn it Tara! Why do you have to be such a gremlin? Though she’s not wrong, I really need to work on my pull game.

‘Just be yourself Sam, just be yourself.’

As I got the cooking utensils ready, I called from the kitchen island “So baby. Did you choose a good movie for us to watch?” I slapped my mouth

‘Of course! Leave it to Sam Carpenter to find a way to fuck a simple question up!’

Y/N smiled, laughing a bit “Hmm not yet. Maybe you should pick, baby.” They said, winking.

‘This is gonna be a long night…..good, I hope it never ends’

After Y/N selected the movie to watch, (he/she) joined me in the kitchen to help prepare the food.”

“Ok let’s make some of my famous pasta. Normally we charge $19.99 for this at the cafe.” Y/N was shocked “$20 for pasta?!” I nodded “It’s a family recipe, my um….father knew the right spices to use.”

Then we set the noodles and water to a boil. As it was cooking along with the sauce, we took the opportunity to take some silly pics together then post them. When the food was done, we set the plates and ate on the coffee table (Sam made sure it was clean after her sister put her bare feet on it recently. She really let Tara have it afterwards)

“I hope this isn’t a gory movie. I don’t want to lose my dinner.” Y/N shook their head “No this is more of an action movie. It’s called John wick.” I smiled “I don’t think I ever heard of that movie.”

A few hours into the movie, I was blown away by how ruthless this man was all over a car and…well I guess it makes sense with the dog.

(Y/N’s POV) After the movie was over and we cleaned up, I got my jacket and was about to head out seeing it was late. I said my byes but right as I was about to leave, I felt a hand on my arm “Stay with me….please?”

I smiled ‘How can I say no to that face?’ “Alright but um….I don’t have any sleepwear. I might have to sleep in my underwear if you don’t mind?”

I saw sweat pouring down from Sam’s forehead “N-No…I don’t mind at all.” I gave her a kiss on the forehead ‘probably shouldn’t have done that’ but she shrugged it off and led me to her room.

(Bedroom)

As Sam was in the bathroom, changing into her night clothes, I stripped down to my underwear. I put my clothes next to the bed on the floor. Few minutes later, Sam came back wearing said night clothes but she stood like a deer in headlights.

I was confused for a minute but then realized “Ah, you like what you see here? I said, showing off my body a bit.

Sam swallowed “Mmhm” was all she said before pulling me into bed with her.

Sam had a tv in her room so we watched a show just to fall asleep to but mostly talked a lot rather than watch the show or even drifting off to sleep.

I decide to try my luck “Snuggle me?” Sam was hesitant “Y-you want me to snuggle you?” That got me nervous, hoping I didn’t push things too quick besides the kiss of course. “Yes…but I understand if you don’t want to. I’m not here to make you uncomfortable.”

I felt some relief when she giggled “Come here.” She said extended her arms which I fell into perfectly. I felt butterflies in my stomach as she nestled next to me. “Sorry I was a little confused at first because no one I dated asked me to be the big spoon.”

I faced her a bit “Hm? Who wouldn’t want a woman with big biceps wrapped around them so safe?” Sam smiled “Probably because, they were jealous that I was more fit and muscular than them.”

I shook my head “I guess they forgot the definition of “Exercise” and “Workout” I said. “I do workouts myself but I been meaning to find a partner to go to the gym with.”

Sam rubbed my arms sounding a bit tired “I’d be happy to fill that role and go to the gym with you.”

I felt myself blush ‘Part of me really wants to kiss Sam for real this time but I don’t know if she wants a relationship now…or one with me. That might not be true, maybe just maybe I might have a chance at love again….I hope.’

I stayed awake for a bit hoping to ask Sam if she’s interested but I didn’t realize that sleep has taken her until I heard a snore from said girl. “Maybe tomorrow….yeah tomorrow’s ‘yawn’ a good day to tell her.” I felt my eyes get heavy, then fell asleep into Sam’s arms, holding me in place.

(Later on into the night when the pair were fully asleep, Tara came home and went to check on her sister. She had to stop herself from squealing at the sight that had emitted her eyes.

“This is definitely going on my page.” Tara said as she snapped a quick photo then left, closing the door.

“Goodnight Sam….Goodnight Y/N. I think you just brought the light my sister needed in her dull life.”

To be continued

Btw there’s the idea of the reader but the choice is still yours if these pictures don’t cut it

You got the gothic(eh maybe) or the elegant reader lol.

[thatshappinessforme]

When We Are Together - Pt. 1 (?)

omg...hi. i'm really here rn. posting this. at nearly 4 am on a monday morning. im nervous. i could vomit. so...this has been in my head for forever. literally. the idea is massive. it extends so far. it's seriously a whole universe in my little brain. it took so long to get the basis of this all out on paper, but, i'm hoping this is a series...a long one. the title isn't going to make much sense right now, but i pinky swear we'll get there eventually. so...without further ado...here she is...(EEK!) (also i have no idea how to set this post up so bear with me lol)

so i guess i just lost my fanfic writing vcard💌

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word count: 2.4k

cw: just a little swearing, maybe a bit of bad writing, also maybe typos?? might be a little boring because it’s mostly to just like set the scene idk? (eventually the plan is to have a lil smut or smth but this really is just an intro lol)

_____________________________________________

The day starts as usual. You wake up to the sound of your alarm and your roommate’s hair dryer blaring through the thin walls of your Brooklyn walk-up. With a groan, you peel yourself out of the warmth of your bed, go to your desk, and open your laptop, holding onto a shred of delusional hope that one of your classes might be canceled for today; they rarely are…but you can’t blame a girl for being an optimist. 

You scroll through your inbox, refreshing, and refreshing – you really don’t want to go to class today. Blame the essay you’d procrastinated that you’d spent all of last night speed-writing. Blame senioritis. Blame the unpaid music publicity internship that you’d been letting eat up your time in hopes of scoring a good job. Blame the frigid snow and ice that seem to be taunting you from outside your window. But, luckily it’s a Friday.

You refresh your inbox one last time, just for good measure. And, something actually comes in. But, it’s not from one of your professors. It’s from some company named “Dirty Hit.”

You raise an eyebrow and open the email, thinking it must be something related to one of the countless jobs you’ve applied for in the last few weeks, preparing for graduation at the end of the semester.

Y/N,

I’m a representative with one of our bands here at Dirty Hit. We’re really impressed with your work and have an opportunity we’d love to discuss with you, if you have a free moment this week at some point. Are you based out of New York? Get back to us when you can. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.

Best,

The Dirty Hit Team

“That’s weird,” you whisper to yourself, reading the short, ominous email over and over again. It’s not everyday that a label reaches out to a random college student to work with them. You’re not really sure what they could possibly be impressed with. You’ve just done minor PR internship work with underground bands from the east coast – that’s not exactly impressive. It sure as hell doesn’t warrant an email.

“Y/N?,” you hear one of your roommates and best friend, Vivian, call from outside your door before walking in, not bothering to knock. The two of you are close, almost like sisters at this point. In some ways, you’re exactly the same person, but in others your polar opposites. She’s a little bit more outgoing than you are, but she always helps to get you out of your shell. “Do you think I can get this guy I’m talking to into the venue tomorrow night? It’s just at The Soundwave, right?,” she asks, plopping down on the corner of your bed. 

Shit. You completely forgot you signed up for an open mic tonight. You’d been playing your songs at small bars in Brooklyn and Manhattan for the past year or so. Songwriting had always been a bit of a hobby for you. So when you’re a broke college student in one of the most expensive cities in the world, you just find tricks to get you and your friends to do fun things for free. You’d learned a while back that performing at open mics usually meant you and your friends could get into bars and clubs without having to pay a cover, so you’d been spending your weekends doing that for a while. It’s all for fun. Sure, you like performing and put a lot into your songwriting, but pursuing it isn’t even quite a dream for you. You have an impending college degree you’ve worked your ass off for. In every sense of the word, music was a hobby for you. 

“Yeah, it shouldn’t be a problem. He might have to pay the cover, but it’s not like it’s the sort of thing where people buy tickets. You know the drill. But, obviously you’re my plus one, so no cover for you,” you nod, still staring at your laptop screen.

“What are you staring at, over there? Everything okay?,” she asks, getting up and moving to stand over your shoulder at your desk. You move your head a little so she can get a good look at the words on your screen. You watch her face as she reads the email, her lips dancing on each of the syllables as you watch her process it. “Dirty Hit? What the hell is that? Sounds like a porn company. Impressed with your work? Do you have a booming, secret OnlyFans I’m unaware of?,” she jokes. 

I laugh and playfully nudge her arm. “No, no,” you giggle, “It’s a record label, I think. I’ve heard the name thrown around a few times at my internship. I think they’re kinda big.” You tab over and do a quick Google search. Immediately, a sea of popular artists and bands pop up under the label.

“Holy shit. Beabadoobee? Bleachers? The 19 fucking 75? I have their fuckin’ poster on my wall. They’re cool as shit,” she reads over your shoulder. “I mean, I have no idea what they could possibly want from me. My resumè isn’t all that impressive. Sure, I’m planning on going into music PR, but there’s no reason why I would stand out against someone who has like…an actual career under their belt,” you ramble, trying to make sense of the 67 words in haunting your inbox. 

There’s a long pause, both of you trying aimlessly to make sense of the email. “Well, you’re gonna email them back, right?,” she eventually asks. You take breath, starting a reply to the email, leaving your cell phone number.

You try to focus on anything other than waiting for a reply. You do your best not to let your mind wander into the what-ifs, but as soon as you get done with your lectures for the day, you check your phone for any response.

Y/N,

Thanks for getting back to us so quickly. The band and management is also in New York for the next few months for a project. We would give you more information over email, but much of the matter is highly confidential. We have a studio space at Electric Lady in Greenwich Village that we could meet at, if that works for you. I know it is rather short notice, but could you meet this evening at some point? Let us know.

Best,

The Dirty Hit Team

You quickly reply to the email on your walk back from campus, confirming the meeting for later this evening. You get back to your apartment and practically tear apart your closet trying to figure out what the hell to wear. You know it’s a business meeting, but it’s also for some mystery band. You don’t want to dress unprofessionally, but you also don’t want to seem uptight. You decide on a black mini skirt with tights and a chunky black turtleneck sweater. You finish primping and step into Vivian’s room, practically out of breath from all the outfits you’ve tried on and scrapped.

“Okay, if you were a band looking for…a PR representative…? Would you hire me?,” you ask her, standing in front of her bed as she looks up from her phone. She looks you up and down and grins, “Of course I would, Y/N. You look great,” she reassures you, sensing you’re anxious, “So, you really think this is just a PR gig?”

“I mean, yeah. What else could it possibly be? It couldn’t be my music. I’m not even on any streaming platforms; I don’t promote it at all,” you say with certainty. She shrugs and smiles, before wishing you the best of luck as you head out the door.

You get on the subway and head to Electric Lady. The train has always been one of your favorite parts about living in New York for college. Putting your pink headphones on, looking out the window into the catacombs that stretch throughout the city, people watching. It’s where you did your best thinking. 

You get off the train and walk through the streets, your headphones on and your music blasting, only interrupted occasionally by Google Maps telling you where to turn and such. Eventually the robotic voice in your ear says “Arrived” and you look over your right shoulder…here it is. You're right on time. You go to open the doors, pushing on them gently; must still be locked. You sigh, assuming that its to be expected. That this is simply upholding a prophecy of some sort that the band and music-industry-folk run behind…until you hear a laugh.

“It’s a pull,” you hear a man’s voice call out with a slight chuckle. From just those three words, you’ve determined that he has one of the thickest English accents you’d ever heard. You look over your left shoulder and see a man leaning up against the wall of the studio smoking a cigarette. “What?,” you ask, confused as you look over to him. He has a hood on and you can’t make out his face, or what he was trying to tell you. “The doors. It says right on them. ‘PULL,’” he chuckles, tossing his cigarette to the ground and putting it out with his Adidas sneaker, walking over to you. “Oh, um, thanks, I’m an idiot. I almost gave up,” you chuckle, pulling the door open this time. The man follows you into the studio, holding the door open once you tug on it. You look back over your shoulder to thank him for holding the door, the first time he’s been close enough for you to make out his face; Christ, it’s Matty Healy.

“I know who you are,” he says to you with a cheeky grin as he starts walking into the back of the studio. You just stand there near the doorway, the gust of cigarette-scented, cold January air lingering around you. You’re perplexed, to say the least. He keeps walking down the hall before finally turning over his shoulder, “You’re just gonna stand there? You have a meeting. Wouldn’t be very professional of you to stand us up,” he teases dryly. You blink a few times before nodding, following him, still in a bit of disbelief that this was the band that had some sort of ‘interest’ in you.

He shows you into a studio in the back. Once he opens the door, there are four other men sitting there, three that you also recognize from your roommate’s wall. The other, a bit older, more professional looking. 

“Y/N! I’m Jamie, I manage these blokes. Thank you so much for agreeing to come meet with us today. I know everything was rather vague on the emails, but…we had to keep it that way. But, now that you’re here, let's talk, yeah? Are you familiar with The 1975?,” the older man asks you, in a super friendly manner as you sit down on a plush chair in the corner of the room. Every eye in the room is glued to you. The air is almost sticky with anticipation. You take a deep breath and try to slap on the most composed, thoughtful, professional smile you can manage.

“Um, yes! Of course,” you nod, tucking a stray strand of your hair behind your ear, “I’m actually a fan of you all. Really, I listen to your stuff with my friends – you’re fantastic.”

“Good, good. We’re glad to hear it,” he grins, looking around at the boys who also all look to be pleased. Even though everyone’s eyes are on you, you feel Matty's specifically, practically burning a hole in the side of your head as he stands, still leaning in the doorway.

“We’re impressed with you, Y/N. So, I’m just going to get on with it. George went to a little bar in Bushwick last month and sent us a video he took of you singing one of your originals…you’re bloody fantastic. We’re going on tour this summer. We want to do something a little different this time with our opener. We want to build someone from the ground up. You’re it. We want you. What do you say? You interested?,” he explains with a wide grin, his tone casual like he didn’t just tell you the craziest shit you’ve ever heard. 

Jamie’s words hit you in slow motion. You look around the room, the air moving from feeling sticky to feeling ice cold, jolting you awake. “I’m sorry…what the actual fuck did you just say?,” you blurt out blankly, any ounce of composure you may have had completely gone. 

You immediately catch yourself, your language, your lack of professionalism, though, “Oh my god, I’m sorry. I…that just came out of my mouth…I-,” your face goes bright red as you desperately try to correct yourself.

The room erupts in laughter, the men you recognize from Viv’s poster nearly barreling over off the sofa. Jamie’s jaw on the floor as he howls, slapping the table in front of him. You look over your shoulder to see that Matty’s still in the doorway, and he’s just standing there with his arms crossed, shaking his head at you with a shit-eating grin.

“Oh, I think we’re gonna get along quite well with this one,” he remarks, licking his lips, weirdly impressed with your mispeakings.

You can’t help but sigh softly and shake your own head when he looks at you like that; something in you shifting as if he’s the only person in the room; as if he was the only person who'd ever laid eyes on you; as if he was the only person ever. As if, the offer you got just moments before wasn’t the most absurd thing that had ever happened to you. As if you didn’t need to thoroughly think this all over. As if you could make the decision right now.

You look back over to Jamie, who’s still chuckling. Before you can give yourself the time to overthink, you swing one of your legs over the other, lean back into the chair and smirk, “Jamie, where the hell do I sign?” 

…and this is how it starts.

[gloomysoup]

when the world stops turning (my heart stops beating)

hello hello i bring you some actual writing for once how exciting !! this is based off this post by @acowardinmordor once i saw it my brain just wouldn't stop until i fleshed it out into something relatively coherent so here it is !! if this does well i'll probably put it up on ao3 later

ao3 pt. 2 pt. 3 pt. 4

cw: drugs, illusions to drug abuse and overdose, minor character death, illusions to major character death (probably temporary), panic attack, medical crisis

When Eddie was eight years old, he found his mother on the bathroom floor, a half-empty bottle of pills in her hand. She wouldn't wake up. Eddie hadn't known what to do, so he wandered across the way to his favorite neighbor’s house. Mrs. Westbrooke was an older widow who'd lived in the same house for decades. Once Eddie had told her his mom wasn't waking up, she called for an ambulance. The paramedics came and took his mom to the hospital. Eddie stayed with Mrs. Westbrooke until Wayne came to pick him up.

That was the first time he spent more than a night or two at Wayne’s. It was about a week and a half before he was taken back home. The same thing happened a year and a half later. His mom passed out on the kitchen floor that time, and it was a baggie of colorful pills instead. Something she'd gotten from a friend of his dad. Something his dad had gotten her hooked on several months prior, when the doctor stopped writing her prescriptions. He was with Wayne for three days before his dad came to get him. Two weeks later, he was on Wayne’s doorstep with a single bag of everything he owned, his dad behind bars. He'd been with Wayne ever since.

His uncle had made a promise to him that first night, when Eddie finally realized this was it. He was with Wayne for good. There was no going back. He'd promised Eddie none of that would ever happen again. He didn't have to worry about Wayne disappearing in the flashing red and blue lights. He wouldn't find him half-dead on the floor of their trailer. He was safe. Eddie believed him. For years, Eddie believed Wayne was right. He'd never once let Eddie down before. He was always there. He took him in when he had nowhere else to go.

Too bad Wayne couldn't have predicted this.

New York City. June 1994. A sold out show at Madison Square Garden. Eddie on stage with his best friends. His boyfriend watching from the wings. How it was always supposed to go.

The air was fizzing with energy. The crowd was screaming so loud. Eddie’s heart was pounding, blood rushing with adrenaline. He kissed Steve hard in the green room, a promise between them of more to come. Steve wished him luck, and it was time to take the stage. They'd finally made it. All their hard work was paying off.

About halfway through the set, Steve disappeared. Eddie wasn't worried. He didn't know he should've been. When they came off stage, the crowd was still screaming, and the band was riding the high of a great show. It felt amazing. It was more than they ever dreamed, growing up the way they did in a town like Hawkins. Eddie was grinning so wide his cheeks hurt.

“Anyone seen Steve?” he asked, handing off his guitar and starting to pull off his mic pack.

“Not for a while,” one of the techs responded. “Said something about the bathroom, I think, but he never came back.”

Eddie frowned, a little confused. It wasn't like Steve not to be there when he came off stage.

“He's probably just waiting in the green room, Ed,” Gareth said, knocking his shoulder against Eddie’s as he passed. “I'm sure there's nothing to worry about.”

Eddie didn't hang around with the others. He headed straight for the green room, hoping Gareth was right. There was a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. The same feeling he got all those years ago, right before he opened the front door to find his mom on the kitchen floor. It ate away at his insides, churning deep and uncomfortably. His heart was racing, and it was no longer due to the high energy of the show. Panic was coursing through his veins.

His hand hesitated on the door to the green room. He felt eight years old again, knocking on Mrs. Westbrooke’s door when he couldn't wake his mom up to make dinner. His hands trembled as he grabbed the knob and twisted, easing it open. The room was empty. Eddie’s heart plummeted. Steve wasn't there. Steve was missing, and Eddie had this horrible feeling spreading through his entire body. He still wasn't sure why the feeling was there; he had never once had a reason to believe Steve was doing anything harder than weed. It was still there, though, and Eddie was panicking. He needed to find Steve. He had to make sure Steve was okay.

He headed for the bathroom next. The techs had said he went to the bathroom. Maybe something happened. Maybe he hit his head and couldn't remember where he was. The feeling said otherwise, but Eddie refused to believe it. He was overreacting. Steve was fine.

He was lying to himself.

The bathroom door was unlocked. He pushed it open, knocking. “Steve? Are you in here?” he called. He could barely hear through the rush of blood in his ears. He stepped inside, and he was sure his heart stopped beating altogether.

Just like that, he was ten years old. His mother was dead on the kitchen floor. Mrs. Westbrooke held him on her front porch as his mother was taken away in a blur of red and blue. He was ten years old, watching Wayne’s old pickup coming up the drive. Through the pounding in his ears, he could faintly hear the gravel crunching under the tires of the red truck. An odd comfort. A reminder of safety. What he wouldn't give to have that again right now.

“She wouldn't wake up, Uncle Wayne,” Eddie said softly, his voice trembling as a few tears rolled down his cheeks.

Wayne bent down, his old knees creaking, and pulled Eddie into a tight hug. “I'm sorry, Ed.” He squeezed tighter, letting Eddie bury his face in his worn flannel. “You're gonna come stay with me for a couple days, ‘til everythin' gets settled.”

“I don't got any clothes, Wayne.”

“Don't you worry ‘bout that right now. We’ll figure somethin’ out. I promise it’ll be alright.”

Steve was lying on the bathroom floor. Eddie couldn't breathe. There was a bag of colorful pills, so similar to the ones his mom had taken, sitting on the sink counter. Next to it was a line of white powder. Eddie’s vision blurred with tears as he dropped next to Steve, shaking his shoulder.

“Steve? Steve, baby, wake up. Please wake up.” Eddie was gasping for breath through his sobs as he tried to shake Steve awake. It wasn't working. He wasn't waking up.

“Mama? Mama, come on. You gotta get up.” Eddie crouched down next to her, shaking her shoulder. “Mama, please. You can't sleep on the floor.”

“Please, baby,” Eddie begged, pulling Steve into his arms on the bathroom floor. “Please. I can't lose you too, Steve. You gotta wake up. Please wake up.”

“Eddie? Are you okay?” The bathroom door opened. Jeff walked in, stopping dead in the doorway. It only took a few seconds for him to gain his bearings and jump into action. He crossed quickly, bending down next to them. “Shit. What happened?”

“I- he- he won't wake up, Jeff,” Eddie sobbed, still holding Steve tightly.

“Okay. Okay, let's not panic yet.”

The cracks in Jeff’s voice were not comforting. Eddie was already panicking. He'd been panicking since the feeling started to solidify, since he didn't find Steve in the green room. Eddie was well past not panicking. Eddie was teetering on the edge of a full-blown panic attack.

Jeff glanced around, took notice of the drugs on the counter, the way Steve’s chest wasn't rising or falling. He wasn't breathing at all. Jeff stood up quickly. “I'll go get help. I’ll be right back, Eddie. It's gonna be okay.”

Jeff ran from the bathroom. Eddie could barely hear the slap on his shoes on the linoleum in the hall over the sound of his own sobbing, the blood still rushing in his ears despite it feeling like his heart had stopped beating. He held Steve against his chest, burying his face in his hair. He silently begged the universe not to take Steve away from him. He wouldn't be able to handle losing anyone else. He needed Steve.

Eddie wasn't sure how much time passed before Jeff came back, paramedics in tow. All he knew was that Steve wasn't waking up. No matter how hard he tried, no matter how much he begged and cried, Steve wasn't waking up. His skin was pale and starting to grow cold. There's remnants of white powder on his nose. The paramedics try to move him from Eddie’s arms, but Eddie can't let go. He can't lose Steve.

“Eddie, you have to let go,” Jeff said gently, trying to tug Eddie’s arms off Steve.

Eddie shook his head. “I- I can't- can't, Jeff,” he forced out between sobs.

“The paramedics are gonna help him, Ed, but they can't do that unless you let go.”

“The paramedics are gonna try to help your mama, honey,” Mrs. Westbrooke promised eight-year-old Eddie as they watched from her porch. “Everything'll be alright, don't you worry.”

He missed Mrs. Westbrooke. He wished she were here to hold him, tell him he would be okay. He wanted to sit on her porch in the creaky rocking chairs, eating fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. He wanted safety and familiarity. It'd been a hard day for Eddie when the old woman died. He'd give anything to be back there with her, instead of here in this living nightmare.

Eddie reluctantly released Steve. The paramedics moved him to lie flat on the floor. Jeff’s arms wrapped around Eddie as he continued to sob. Eddie’s hands grasped at Jeff’s shirt. It was clean and dry. He must've changed after the show. Before he found them. The paramedics took Steve away, but Eddie couldn't move. He couldn't breathe. His whole body shook. He couldn't stop sobbing. Over and over, all he could think was that he felt like a little kid again, back when everything was falling apart. Steve was going to die, just like his mom did.

It was all Eddie’s fault.

[kalinihta]

𝐂. 𝐇𝐎𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃 — 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐋

a/n: my first post on this account (and fiction writing in months)! i’m not that great of a writer so corrections are appreciated but please don’t be rude to me or anyone on my blog. i hope you enjoy this:)

_________________________________________________

plot: reader is a jazz singer in the wastelands and she sings about her husband of a lifetime.

trope: cooper howard x reader, the ghoul x reader

fandom: fallout

_________________________________________________

even after the bombs, the living still needed entertainment. good thing i was still alive. i owned a small little jazz club downtown of filly, many people came to see me — ghouls, raiders, you name it. i made my living off bottlecaps from the entry fee and tips. 20 bottle caps for entry and i usually got tips above 30. i used my caps to buy meds, meds for my husband.

my husband’s a ghoul, somehow im not. i was already examining a vault when the bombs had dropped. coop had a birthday party gig, i felt i shouldve begged him to come with me to the vault, but i hadn’t. i should’ve trusted my instincts that day. nonetheless i still love him, hes still a divine being in my eyes.

currently, im backstage getting ready for a performance. cooper was out hunting a bounty, said he might be back in a couple days. i sighed as i combed my hair, i held my gaze in the mirror. if something were to happen to him i dont know what i’d do.

standing up, i examined myself in the mirror.

i think im ready..

as i walked out of the room i gave dogmeat i quick pet before walking out on stage. my heels clicked on the medium sized stage, gazes locked on my body, and commotion erupted. cat calls and claps echoed through the small club. one i had reached the mic i turned to my piano player and nodded. he smiled and began to play.

You're no good for me

Baby, you're no good for me

You're no good for me

But baby, I want you, I want…

i paused for a moment, a small blanket of whistles covered my ears. i took a breath and closed my eyes.

Diet mountain dew, baby, New York City

Never was there ever a girl so pretty

Do you think we'll be in love forever?

Do you think we'll be in love?

Baby, put on heart shaped sunglasses

'Cause we gonna take a ride

I'm not gonna listen to what the past says

I've been waiting up all night

i heard the old doors of the club open, but i didnt pay any attention and kept singing. silent foot steps echoed the club as i kept my eyes closed. i heard them pause for a moment before sitting on one of the many squeaky chairs.

Hurt me and tell me you're mine

I don't know why but I like it

Scary? My God, you're divine

Gimme them, gimme them dope and diamonds

whispers and mumbling always came up during this song. they speculated my lover physically hurt me, when it was never physically. he always had a way with my heart, and no matter how much bad news he told me i always was there for him. it’s not like he abused me, oh no, never. it was just sad to see him go through so much that it even hurt me.

as i sang along, i slowly opened my eyes to gaze around the room. many men’s stares and some women smiling and talking. as my eyes roamed i spotted a familiar cowboy. my eyes widened slightly seeing him here, he said he wouldn’t be back for days… i pushed away that thought and lightly smiled at him, holding his gaze. the song ended, i thanked everyone for being there and went off the stage and left the band to play. claps and whistles erupted as i left the stage.

as i cleaned off my makeup, i felt a hand on my shoulder. i looked up in the mirror and smiled.

“you know, that makeup made you awfully pretty, darlin’.”

i giggled. i looked up at him and held the hand that was on my shoulder.

“you did pick it out, remember? 200 years ago…”

i spoke softly. his hard gaze softened lightly, brushing my hair with his hand. he pressed a kiss to my head and held me for a moment.

“you said you wouldn’t be back for days, what happened?”

“well, sweetheart, the guy just so happened to be traveling on his way to filly. speaking of filly…”

he reached in his pocket, rummaging for a moment. he pulled out a beautiful ring that looked oh so familiar. our engagement ring.

he held it out between his two fingers, his gaze all over his face. i sighed deeply, tears building up. he softly smiled, wiping the tears that did fall.

“i just so happened to find our engagement rings. the rings that had been stolen from us, oh so, long ago, darlin’.”

“thank you…”

i breathed out. i was so surprised he found them, the same rings that matched our eyes. they were very dear to us, my ring matched his eyes, and his matched mine. i let him slide the ring on my finger, i gazed at it before jumping to give him a hug. he stood still for a moment, slowly moving to encase me in his grasp.

“do you find me scary, sweetheart?”

“scary? my god, you’re divine…”

i pulled back slightly to look at him. my hands held his face. we both leaned in and encased ourselves in a kiss, a soft embrace.

[mrs-johansson]

Escape from LA - Lisa Manobal x Fem!Depp!Reader

Part 5:

The last show in New York was here in no time. I was happy and also a little bummed about it because I enjoyed every show in Madison Square Garden but I was glad to have 2 weeks off and then go to the next city. My birthday was tomorrow also and what better way to celebrate than go to a Blackpink concert?

But before that, I had one last run in New York. While getting ready I was just really quiet trying to store all the energy for the night and be very electric. I will be presented with a Banner Dedication so it’s gonna be fun.

About half an hour into the show I was sitting in a chair in the middle of the stage at the piano. I was speaking before and the next song was New York on the setlist so I needed a few seconds just to settle in and have a more relaxed demeanor. But then the crowd started singing. I didn’t hear what they were singing because of my earpiece so I took them out and then realized they were singing Happy Birthday.

My mouth fell open and tears immediately welled up in my eyes. The smile on my face was so big that my face hurt and when the crowd was lit up with a big light I saw that everyone was holding a paper with Happy Birthday written on it and a gray heart that I always use. I was so happy and filled with joy as the tears slid down my cheeks.

When they finished singing I took a deep breath and tried to get rid of the huskiness in my voice from the crying then spoke into the mic. “Ah, you guys are the most beautiful people out there. Thank you so much!” I wiped off the tears from my face. “I love you all so much you don’t even know. This means a lot!”

The show moved along pretty fast and the next thing I knew was that we were on the last song. I was taking a water break when another voice rang through the arena. It was Jimmy Fallon. “Y/n Fleur Depp everybody,” he said and my eyes shot to the side of the stage where he walked out from. The only thought running through my mind was What is he doing here?

“Jimmy? Hi!” I said, genuinely surprised that he was on the stage. “Hello buddy,” he walked up to me and we shared a quick hug before I looked backstage’s way trying to find out why Jimmy Fallon was on stage. “You’re surprised, aren’t you?” He asked and I nodded with a smile. “Yeah, I don’t know what’s happening,” I chuckled a little nervously. “Well… I received the unbelievable honor to say thank you to you and to say how incredibly proud of you I am. We all are, right?” He asked the crowd who cheered very loudly. “Thank you,” I smiled shyly, now knowing what this is. “These past two weeks you’ve been giving your heart and soul to the people of New York but actually you’ve been doing that ever since you put your first song out. You are electric. You are dazzling. Your music gives us joy and you give us joy. But most importantly you are inspiring. Y/n you are one of the most impactful people in this generation,” said Jimmy, and the audience expressed their agreement with loud applause. All I could do was smile like an idiot already getting emotional. “And we know it’s not a surprise but we have a little something for you,” he said and then a line of light went straight to the banner with my name on it. “15 consecutive sold-out shows in Madison Square Garden! You are officially the youngest artist alive to ever do that,” Jimmy spoke excitedly as I just kept staring at the banner being pulled up to the top of the stadium. Tears rolled down my cheeks for the second time that night. My name hanging next to Billy Joel, Phish, and who else but Harry Styles. Insane moment. “You made over 250.000 people sing over the past two weeks and we enjoyed every minute of it. And there’s no denying it, you are a legend already!” Hearing Jimmy’s words I stopped looking at the banner for a moment and hugged him again. “Thank you so much. It’s an honor to have this presented by you dude,” I said without a mic just trying to soak in the moments of this evening. “Of course buddy. You’re amazing!” He said then I cleared my throat and turned to my fans.

“Thank you so much.” I bowed in front of the stadium. “This is absolutely insane and surreal. I only say a few words because I don’t want to talk too much…” I wiped away a tear that bothered my eye. “There are no words to express how happy every one of you makes me every single day. Your support is something that makes me feel and live. Without you, there wouldn’t be 15 nights here or a single show in the world, so thank you from the deepest parts of my soul. I'm forever in debt to every single one of you. I love you endlessly.”

***

The alarm next to my bed was going off for the fifth time this morning. But finally, I decided to wake up and start getting ready to leave for California for the first time in a while. I was very excited but at the moment I was more tired than excited.

My phone was going off all day, getting birthday messages from basically anyone who had my number. I answered my family and my close friends then left the others till I had time to look at them.

I left the hotel pretty quickly. By 11 am I was already on the plane, trying to get some sleep. Thankfully I slept through the whole 6 hours of the flight so I will have enough energy for the concert.

Got home and Lily was coming over so I had some food then she arrived. We picked some great outfits and while that we listened to music getting in the mood for Blackpink.

“So how are things with Lisa?” Asked Lily as we were finally on the way to the festival. “Everything’s good. I’m excited to see her finally. We’re still getting to know each other but it’s fun,” I smiled and Lily gave me a weird look. “What?” I asked and she shrugged. “I didn’t say a thing,” she insisted. “You made a face.” “It’s just you know that a relationship will definitely won’t be an option,” Lily said and I glanced out the window and then back at her. “Who said anything about a relationship?” I asked and she sighed. “I just hope you know what you’re doing.”

Once we got to Coachella, Lily and I met with some friends, just chatting with people who we knew. Lily went off to find her girlfriend, Shake, so I sent Lisa a text that I arrived.

me: hey, I’m at the backstage area. Are you getting ready already?

Rosalía was currently on stage so I was watching her perform from the TV at the tent. My phone buzzed in my hand but before I could open the text, arms wrapped around me from behind.

“What’s up, Birthday Girl?” The voice I only heard over the phone for the past weeks was by my ear now physically, I looked up at Lisa smiling and I got up from the couch and immediately wrapped my arms around her waist and hugged her tightly. “Careful, we’re filming for Blackpink’s YouTube,” she whispered and I looked for the camera and spotted them right away. “Mhm,” I cleared my throat and let her go. “Are you nervous? I’m so excited to see you perform,” I said as I turned my back to the cameras and also tried to speak quietly. “I’m so nervous,” said Lisa, and I smiled gently. “Come on, you will eat this up,” I brushed my hand along her arm. Lisa sighed, still looking anxious. I reached towards her and brought her into the friendliest-looking hug, hoping she would get a little more loose and be more excited than nervous. “I’m so happy you’re here,” she whispered and I couldn’t contain my smile. “Me too.” “Come on, let’s see the girls,” she pulled me to their trailer.

As we stepped into the trailer she said something in Korean and all three girls turned their heads towards us. “Hi,” I smiled widely and we all greeted each other and they introduced me to their assistants and managers. We sat around the lounge area just talking and catching up. Lisa got up to get herself something to drink and then sat back next to me. She looked very out of the conversation, just fidgeting with the water bottle. “What’s up?” I leaned closer to ask her and she shook her head with a soft smile. “Have you eaten today?” I questioned because she seemed like the person who won’t eat if she’s nervous. “Yeah…” Lisa was clearly avoiding eye contact and I sighed. “Come on, let’s get something to eat. Do you guys want anything?” I asked the rest of the people in the trailer and only Rose asked for something so it won’t be hard to remember.

We walked around the backstage food trucks, looking for anything comforting for Lisa to eat. “You don’t have to worry about anything, you know? This is your thing, you were born for this,” I bumped my shoulder to hers and she let out a soft chuckle. “You still haven’t seen me perform.” “But I’ve seen videos and my sister also told me. I’m just excited to see it live finally. And not just me, everyone will be at your show,” I said and she smiled. “It’s gonna be insane,” said Lisa. “Yeah, it will. Best way to spend my birthday honestly.” Lisa laughed at my comment but I just spread my arms. “What? It’s true. It’s kinda unfair that you’ve already seen me perform twice,” I smirked. “It’s kinda unfair there are so many people around,” I felt her fingers brush along mine and I laughed. “It’s a shame, yes, but we’ll have enough time. Two weeks seems like a year these days,” I said and she nodded. “Is your boyfriend coming?” I asked and she shook her head. “He’s busy, but it’s better that way.”

Found the right food place, and we got our meals and for Rose. We made our way back to the girls’ trailer, then Lisa looked at her phone before handing it over to read a message she got.

Rosie💩: we all went to look around

Rosie💩: the trailer is free

Rosie💩: LOCK THE DOOR!

I laughed at Rose’s text and gave Lisa her phone back. “Like we would do anything bad,” I said and Lisa looked at me with her eyebrows raised. “We won’t?” She asked and I chuckled, wrapping an arm around her waist and bringing her closer to my side. “Forbidden things have a charm to them.”

[lululawrence]

41 💛

jinny babes i love youuuuu!! i hope these fic options bring some joy to you!

page 41 of my bookmarks include...

Lovin' you is a gift by softfonds

With his 28th birthday approaching, Louis was looking forward to celebrating in New York City with an all-expenses paid trip. He just didn't expect to spend it with an escort when he suddenly finds himself single a few days before it. A Pretty Woman AU.

The Clock Strikes Christmas by jacaranda_bloom / @jacaranda-bloom

The clock ticks over to midnight and Niall strikes the match, lighting the candle and looking expectantly at Louis. “Time to make all your dreams come true. What’s your birthday wish Tommo?”

Louis stares into the flame and wonders. Closing his eyes, he thinks of cold winter nights curled up by the fire, driving along country roads holding hands across the console, laughter and warmth and a sense of belonging. An image creeps into his mind, blurry and shimmering. Curls, green eyes, milky white skin. Louis sucks in a deep breath, opens his eyes and blows.

The lights in the pub go out and the music stops, time seems to be teetering on the edge of something, like the crest of a roller coaster before the fall.

Then the pub surges back to life. “Sorry about that folks! Damn storm must be coming.” The bartender shouts out.

Niall is staring at him, mouth agape, before regaining his composure. “Must’ve been a helluva wish Tommo.”

Louis is a little stunned himself, but blinks out of it and laughs. “Yeah, must’ve been.”

OR the one where Louis needs someone to love, Harry needs a miracle, and sometimes, wishes really do come true.

Ready To Fall by whoknows

“Ninety and rising,” Nick says triumphantly, as though making Harry’s heartbeat pick up by thrusting an obscenely attractive person in front of his face is any kind of success. “Louis Tomlinson has just walked into our control room and suddenly our dear Harry Styles has lost all ability to speak. Could this be some kind of strange coincidence?”

“I hate you,” Harry hisses, forcing his eyes back into Nick’s direction, uncaring that the mic must have picked it up. “I thought we agreed that you were going to play fair.”

“I’m sure I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Nick denies, except he’s holding up a picture of Louis’ face now, sharp cheekbones prominent, soft lashes nearly sweeping against his cheeks as he looks down, and his fucking mouth –

“A hundred and two!” Nick crows, all but clapping his hands together in glee. “The highest it’s ever been!”

“To be fair, I did bend over the desk on purpose,” Louis’ voice comes crackling in the headphones. Harry practically breaks his neck whipping his head around at the sound of it, gaping at him through the glass panel. “You can’t really blame him for getting a little excited about that, can you?”

Choose one of my 103 pages of bookmarks in AO3 and I'll give you a random selection of fics from that page!

[sparks-olivarpente]

Byler reunion fics list

Here is a list of "Will and Mike haven't talked for months/years and now find their way back to each other" fics I've read and loved! If you know of other such fics or have written one, please reblog and add them :) Thanks to the writers <3

are there still beautiful things? by @aceoflanterns will attends an open mic poetry night at a local cafe, invitation courtesy of one max mayfield. this turns out the unexpected effect of seeing one mike wheeler again… and maybe also sparking a conversation long overdue.

see me (i'm waiting for the right time) by agustplz (shout_out_lou) It's been ten months since the last time Mike and Will last spoke. Mike shows up at his dorm in Chicago, determined to fix things for good.

the gaps and the silence by @parkitaco (delusionaltogether) "Oh my God, I had such a crush on you back then," Mike says, laughing a little, and sounds so easy with it that it takes Will a couple of seconds to process. or, will and mike reunite 5 years after their friendship ends

bury me in metamorphoses by @hiscleric It’s been seven years since Will Byers vanished from Hawkins for the second time; seven years since he picked up his life, moved across the globe, and finally settled. OR: Running away and the reunion of a lifetime.

anything, anything by inblue It isn’t before Will is inside Mike’s two-bedroom apartment for the first time that Mike realizes a part of him had expected the world to implode as soon as he stepped past the threshold, as if Will’s presence in Mike’s apartment would trigger some sort of ancient curse or something. Or: Five years after the Byers family leaves Hawkins, Mike and Will rediscover each other within a small apartment in New York.

things lost, buried, and found again by iwannabeyourpoetry It’s December 1993 when, in the wake of Lonnie Byers’ untimely death, Will finds himself returning to Hawkins for the first time in years—a morose husk of the person he once was.

Lost Without You by Julia_Skysong After graduating, both Mike and Will struggled to adjust to life after the Upside Down. It didn't help they had already drifted apart. But now, 8 years later, Mike finally reached out again, and the 2 struggle to rebuild their friendship while also hiding their romantic feelings for each other.

The Crossover by @futureboy-ao3 (nbfutureboy) Will Byers, a comic book author and illustrator at the very beginning of his career, initially turns down the invitation to Hawkins ‘HorrorCon’. But after hearing that a certain musician has gone missing - and despite the fact that Mike and Will haven’t spoken since their high school graduation - he can’t seem to shake the feeling something’s seriously wrong. With embeded sounds and songs! :D

More Than a Metaphor by Nikocat Will Byers returns home from college for the first time for Christmas break and he's a bundle of nerves. He's reckoned with some deep truths while away at school, finally coming to accept that he's gay. While he can be open and honest in his new city of New York, Hawkins is an entirely different story. Or Will Byers comes out to the people he loves and gets more than he bargained for.

Reunion by Nymphadoragreenleaf Will comes back after two years away and Mike can't wait to spend the summer with him! But there's someone with him… bonus: Mike being secretly good at cooking &lt;3

The Cemetery Dance by oceanfruit Will doesn't like his memory. He calls it his inflammable wood-- No matter how long it sits out and dries, a fire can never quite catch. Even with the challenges, he tries to forget, hoping one day he'd become unrecognizable. Yet there are things, people, that exist with him in a ghost-like manner. or, Will works in a restaurant, his memories wont let him alone and he can't stand the flickering light. When someone from his past walks in… AU full of mystery!

Path of the Paladin by olliecoddle "A paladin who has broken a vow typically seeks absolution from a cleric… " or, a few hours after delivering his father’s eulogy, Mike Wheeler punched his former best friend squarely in the face.

Can This Be a Real Thing (Can It?) by Pseudologia They’d graduated and Will had disappeared — not just to Mike, to everyone. It’s not like it was mean-spirited. He needed to leave Hawkins in the rearview, to figure out who he was without the ghosts of monsters at his heels (…) Except, well, now Mike is sitting here, at a gay bar…

Fool Me Once by @queerxqueen It took nearly three years of growing apart, but Will Byers has finally gotten used to life without Mike Wheeler. He has El, he has Max, he has his art, and, as of two days ago, he has a full ride to art school in Chicago, so things are good. Right? So when Mike climbs through his window one night and stumbles back into his life, Will’s not prepared for the resurgence of old feelings…

I Wanna Be Anything You've Lost by @edelweiss-coffee (scout_thewise) Will left his hometown after graduation, determined to get to know himself in New York City. It's 1992, he has a great job as a florist at The Secret Garden, and life is beautiful and fulfilling. He wouldn't change a thing… -or- Someone familiar has been hired at the coffee shop below his loft, and Will's avoidance tactics are taking a rough blow.

meet me at memory lane by @smoosnoom Still, it’s fine. It’s all fine. He’s allowed a bad day or two. It’s fine. “Will?” What’s not fine, however, is when he finds Mike Wheeler on his front porch step. or, It's senior year, and, after three years of silence, Mike and Will find their way back to each other.

Shrike by StepfordSnarker It's the late '80s, and Will is coping with the loneliness of having left the Party behind (…) It's the early '90s, and Mike is coming to understand that there are some people worth losing your false sense of self for. But now that Mike and Will have parted ways, this realization may have come too late.

Stepping On the Last Train by @suzieburself After everything they've been through, it is Mike who rips off the final band-aid of their friendship. Years pass of Will pretending like he never thinks about Mike at all. Years pass of him forging his own life and finally letting go. But when a young boy shows up at Will's apartment, it becomes clear that he'll never fully be done with Mike Wheeler.

I’m a Wreck (Without You Here) by @talkingtothelights Mike has been living 2,200 miles away from his family and hometown for the past fourteen years. He rarely visits, but when he receives heartbreaking news, he’s forced to return home for a funeral. It’s in this unfortunate chapter of life that Mike must come to terms with the consequences of abruptly running away from home and perhaps reconnect with the one person he’s tried his damnedest to forget about.

[enjoythesilentworld]

WILLE'S MONTH 2024

(intothelight / @enjoythesilentworld)

Day 1: Sandwich (G, 450)

Wille has a lot of feelings about sandwiches. (It's not about the sandwiches).

Day 2: Summer (T, 800)

Summer School AU where Simon is there to catch up before starting at a new, fancy school and Prince Wilhelm is there because he really can’t be bothered to pay attention in class, much less do his homework. (That is, until he meets Simon.)

Day 3: Literature (M, 1k)

“I thought you were a literature student?” “This is literature!” Wille is a very serious literature student, thank you very much.

Day 4: (Dance Dance) Revolution (T, 1.2k)

the gang celebrates. wille gets his first glimpse at normal.

Day 5: Cooking/Baking (G, 700)

Kristina finds Wille in the kitchens.

Day 6: Video Games (T, 1.4k)

Wille meets Simon at an open mic night. AU.

Day 7: Erik (T, 1.4k)

A story of siblings in three parts.

Day 8: Engagement (T, 1.5k)

Wille asks Simon to marry him. Simon says no.

Day 9: Riding (T, 900)

Wille really enjoys his morning.

Day 10: Secret (T, 2.5k)

3 secrets Simon can’t keep from Wille and 1 secret he can, until he can’t. An idiots to lovers AU.

Day 11: Future (T, 800)

Wilhelm writes a letter to himself. 

Day 12: Social Media (G, 350)

Wilhelm finally gets to run his own social media with no insight from the Royal Court.

Day 13: Lake (T, 1k)

The boys go to the lake. (Wille's POV)

Day 14: Mental Health (T, 900)

Wille steps down. Kristina steps up.

Day 15: Fashion/Style (T, 1.4k)

AU. Crown Prince Wilhelm finally meets his favorite artist, Simon Eriksson, at the Met Gala.

Day 16: Friends (G, 1.5k)

Wille and Simon are very, very good friends, indeed. 

Day 17: Joy (M, 1.2k)

Wille brings the pancakes to Simon. A joyous morning. 

Day 18: Soulmates (T, 800)

Wille, fully crossfaded and face down on the football field, sees some things.  Or, Wille sees his and Simon's lives laid out, intertwining across every universe. 

Day 19: Frogs (M, 1.3k)

Wille and Simon go camping. It goes better than last time. Mostly.

Day 20: Movie (G, 1.1k)

Simon makes Wille a home movie. Or, Wilmon Girl Dads return. 

Day 21: Family (Dinner) (T, 700)

A glimpse at the Royal Family’s dinner table over the years.

Day 22: (After) Party (M, 2k)

After meeting at the Met Gala, Wilhelm follows Simon to an afterparty. AU.

Day 23: Freedom (G, 800) 

Wille and Simon go out to enjoy a nice, summer day in town. Something is weird, though, and they can’t quite place what it is.

Day 24: Vacation (M, 1.4k)

Wille and Simon have different ideas about what “vacation” means.

Day 25: Hands (M, 1.1k)

Everyone’s been trying to get their hands on Wilhelm all his life. 

Day 26: Date (T, 1k)

Wille meets 'S' at a bar. They exchange a few notes. 

Day 27: Dream (E, 1.7k)

Wille has a dream. He very much needs to tell Simon about it.

Day 28: Birthday (T, 1.9k)

Wille gets a real kid’s birthday.

Day 29: Music (Room) (T, 2k)

Ex-Prince Wilhelm, hoping to escape the turmoil following the end of the monarchy, enrolls in university in New York City. He meets fourth-year music student Simon Eriksson in a music room on campus. AU.

Day 30: Fairytale (G, 1.7k)

The lonely prince finds a lamp with the power to fix all his problems.

Day 31: Voicemail (Free Day) (G, 800)

A collection of voicemails left by Wille.

[kanmom51]

JK on GMA

AWKWARD...

The JM question... JK with his "yes, in New York", pointing back like it's far away.

Well, so far away apparently that he couldn't join one of the shortest lives ever JK had, and one he couldn't get over fast enough.

*Side note: probably not going to post about that live, given there was really nothing post worthy in it. Other than him loving the cake, him being a little sick, him telling us there will be more performances and he has a schedule following the live, him telling us he slept 2 hours last night, up at 4:30 am (meaning he went to sleep at 2:30 am, I guess fulfilling his promise to ________ seven days a week).

Like I said, he couldn't wait to get it over fast enough.

And back to GMA.

Yeah, not a great interview...

Poor boy.

He was not ready for that kind of interview. And he is one that needs to prepare. The interviewer was, excuse my French, I am not going to mince words, crap.

The sound in the studio was bad. He didn't have a proper mic. The interviewer was shocking. Yeah, not good.

Euphoria

Dynamite

Seven

Oh, and did I mention the camera work for the pre-taping was not great either?

But let's leave that aside for a second and talk about something interesting. Something obviously not only I noticed.

Now, we've all agreed that this song is about sex, true?

True.

And we have also agreed that the song is gender neutral, true?

True, but not for the rap.

The rap has male pronouns and is clearly sung to a male.

Tightly take control, tightly take his soul Take your phone and put it in the camera roll (Uh) Leave them clothes at the door What you waiting for? Better come and hit ya goals He jump in it both feet Going to the sun-up, we ain't gettin' no sleep Seven days a week, seven different sheets Seven different angles, I can be your fantasy Open up, say, "Ah" Come here, baby, let me swallow your pride What you on I can match your vibe Hit me up and I'ma Cha Cha Slide You make Mondays feel like weekends I make him never think about cheatin' Got you skippin' work and meetings Let's sleep in, yeah (Seven days a week, ooh)

(That swallow your pride line is...ok...).

In the recorded song and the MV Latto is the one rapping, mostly, JK does the singing.

But in the performance, JK did part of the rap.

Loud and clear.

So, someone clearly went and told him he just cannot sing the lyrics as is, and went and changed the line "I make him never think about cheatin'" to a female pronoun - her. Cause Scoot, he has A LOT of money banking on this song, and ain't no one, especially not JK, going to ruin it for him with no explicit queer shit.

Thing is, it comes out worse in a sense, lol.

Cause that mix of female pronoun with lines that are clearly male intended kind of makes your mind go to other places which I will not detail here right now (well, if you have one and it's not empty like the y/ns that will listen to her and swallow it like the imbeciles that they are).

And yeah, JK's English might not be the greatest, but he most definitely knows what the lyrics he's singing are.

He knows what it means when he sings "fucking you seven days a week" and he knows what the lyrics of the rap part are as well, it being his damn song. And he definitley knows what "come here, baby, let me swallow your pride" means too.

So, JK singing this rap, with the male pronouns, talking about explicit sex acts with a man, this my friends was a definite no no from the Scoot. NO SIR. NOT ON HIS WATCH.

Do we have to say closeted once again? And prices to pay as well?

So yeah, JK had an almost free hand with the photo shoot concept, and obviously had styling choices of his own in the MV and the performance today (cough JM mirroring going on again cough). I think it's also safe to say he was involved in the MV concept itself and the storyline and idea for the scenes. And we don't know just how much say he had with the lyrics of the song (although it's clear that he does feel a connection with the song, and I'm not surprised either with some of the mirroring going on there to JM's Like crazy), but clearly for JK's part, there are no female pronouns.

So, if he wanted to rap, having to say the word her in the rap was a price to pay, which he did. All with the 4 buff tattooed male dancers prancing around him.

For a song about a clearly hetro man singing about having sex 7 days a week with a woman that is kind of a weird, let's say, choice of backup dancers, I have to say.

Or not, seeing that this man does not have one straight bone in his body...

Thinking back though to that line he inserted the her...

"I make him never think about cheatin'"...

This one rings so JK...

"I make JM never think about cheatin'"...

Yeah, that sounds about right...

[chickwiththepurpleguitar]

Song prompt: Close Behind by Noah Kahan

Check DMs for more details :)))

Sorry this took so long! I didn’t have an idea I liked enough for it, and then I recently got re-obsessed with this show, re-read my longfic, and suddenly had an idea :) It’s sad I hope that’s what you were hoping for :) Hope you enjoy!

Tw: mention of a suicide attempt.

This is sorta vaguely in my All Too Well series, but it should make sense even if you haven’t read it. When I eventually move this over to ao3 I probably won’t make it part of the official series, mostly cause I was too lazy to check my own continuity, but it’s definitely inspired by that series’s specific brand of canon divergence.

Tagging @felicitysmoaksx by request :)

“So you know I worry that you’re all I have to lose”

“I live my life in years to come to prepare myself for sorrow”

“I should change this way of thinking, that all my fears are facts of life”

—Close Behind by Noah Kahan

“Bobby always thought he wasn’t good enough, always thought he’d be forever on the outside, always thought Luke, Reggie, and Alex would wake up one day and decide they wanted to go back to just having each other and didn’t need Bobby anymore, and technically, in a twisted morbid sort of way, he was right.”

—i might be okay but i’m not fine at all

***

They have a band meeting.

Luke holds Julie’s hand, because he can, and stands before his boys (come on, Luke, two out of three of his boys) and says, “I wanna fix things with Bobby.”

Alex and Reggie look at each other, and then at him. Reggie says, “Okay, man! Whatever you need.”

Alex says, “Just, you know. Be careful about it, okay?”

Luke bounces a little on his toes, trying to redirect the anxious energy buzzing underneath his skin. He looks at Julie, who gives his hand a comforting squeeze, and then back at Alex and Reggie. “I need to stop jumping to conclusions. I don’t want to get back at him. I don’t want revenge. I just… I wanna understand what happened. Will you guys help me decide what to say?”

They settle around Julie’s dining room table with some snacks courtesy of Mr. Molina and a place set for Julie’s mom, as a sign of good luck. Julie pulls up Trevor Wilson’s Wikipedia page, and they get started.

The beginning is laughingly low in detail. Trevor Wilson was born in New York. Trevor Wilson relocated to Los Angeles at age 18. Trevor Wilson was discovered at an open mic at Ridley’s Bar on July 22, 1998.

“That’s—” Reggie starts to say.

“Yep!” Luke interrupts, hands gripping the edge of the table. “Keep going, Julie!”

“Despite not being native to the city,” Julie reads, “Wilson became a household name among Angelinos in the music industry as soon as his self-titled debut album was released in September ’98.”

“And that would be…”

“Our self-titled debut album,” Alex fills in, patting Reggie’s hand. “We know, Reg.”

Luke puts his head in his hands and lets out a long, muffled groan.

“It’s okay, hey, we knew this part already!” Julie rubs Luke’s arm comfortingly. “Do you wanna keep going?”

“No,” Luke says into his hands. “…Yes.”

He sighs and drops his hands back into his lap, just in time to see Julie, Alex, and Reggie exchange a look. Like they’re worried about him.

Maybe they should be.

Julie takes a breath and looks back at her phone. “His album got a bunch of hits. His second one… didn’t. He, um… oh, god, I remember this, I was like five or six and Trevor had this crazy mental breakdown on live TV. He, like, threw a desk and cried a bunch. Says here he chugged a whole bottle of tequila and told a reporter he just wanted to be loved.”

“Oh, wow,” Reggie says.

“Jeeeeez,” Alex murmurs.

Luke stares at Julie’s phone like it holds all the secrets of the universe. “Bobby got drunk?”

“Next couple paragraphs are all about his history with alcoholism,” Julie reports with a sympathetic wince. “And then he went into rehab in 2010, I remember that too, my mom told Carrie and me he was on a ‘business trip,’ but it was, like, all over the news.”

“Damn,” Alex says under his breath.

Reggie pouts. “Poor Bobby.”

Luke feels like there’s an ice cube steadily tracing a path through his bloodstream. “He, uh. Really had it rough, didn’t he?”

Julie reaches over to take his hand, but her eyes don’t stop scanning down her phone screen. A few scrolls later, and her face goes sickly pale.

Luke’s heart skips a beat. “Julie? What’s wrong?”

She clicks her phone off and lays it face down on the table. “Nothing!” she says in her high-pitched lying voice. “I think we’ve seen enough, don’t you? Trevor lost you guys, and obviously was going through it for a while, and no matter why he stole your songs, clearly he felt pretty guilty about it, so I think that’s a good enough start for a reconciliation! How about you start by apologizing for haunting him—”

“Julie,” Luke interrupts, unable to unsee that look on her face. “What’d the rest of that page say?”

She takes a deep breath, shifting in her seat, and looks all three of them in the eye in turn, hand still clutching Luke’s. And then she says, “A few years ago, right when Carrie and I stopped being friends… Trevor Wilson tried to kill himself.”

Luke makes a sound like all the air has been punched out of him. He closes his eyes, and the blackness, paired with the ringing in his ears, makes his friends around him seem to disappear.

Makes the world seem to disappear, leaving Luke with nothing but himself, and his memories of a Bobby who doesn’t exist anymore, and the painful truth of the life Trevor lived.

The songs don’t matter, in light of this, do they? The music doesn’t matter, the legacy doesn’t matter.

What matters is that they messed up. They assumed the worst, never bothered to get all the facts, haunted a man who’d been chased by ghosts his whole miserable life.

They may have lost the music of Sunset Curve. But Bobby lost them.

“So, uh.” Alex’s voice brings Luke’s focus back. He opens his eyes and realizes they’re all holding hands now, him and Julie and Alex and Reggie, one big band circle. One big family. Alex squeezes his hand. “We’re all gonna go apologize to Trevor now, right?”

“We have to,” Reggie adds. “His life has been so… sad.”

“Well, not anymore,” Luke promises. “He didn’t lose us, guys. All that sad stuff his brain told him— it was wrong. He is loved. And he’s not alone.”

Reggie nods. Julie smiles. Alex says, “Course he’s not alone. He’s getting us back.”