#though. while we’re here… a little thing i liked about the chorus was how the lyrics drifted onto the screen

[deus-ex-mona]

for the record, this is a ✨nagisa safe space✨

~~please dni if you dislike nagisa and/or nghy~~

[goldenwilliamson]

back in training | leah williamson

pairing: leah williamson x reader

summary: ridiculously fluffy. leah is back in training after doing her ACL and reader is just very proud of her. showering together after training. general domestic sweetness.

a/n: thought this might become smut, but still doubting my abilities there. we're working on it. requests are welcomed and appreciated!

word count: 1.9k

What would have been a standard day at training in London Colney was made extra special thanks to the fact that Leah was out on the grass with you for the first time since her ACL injury. The entire training session Leah had a smile plastered on her face, and you did too. After almost a year of recovery and rehab, you were both itching to be able to share this part of your life together again. Leah being amongst the training sessions again was also one huge step towards playing games, which was what she wanted more than anything. 

While you harboured some secret concerns about whether Leah was ready to return, purely coming from a place of love and worrying about her injury, she proved you wrong. She was in full form, slipping into her role in the team with ease. There was an energy in the air having her authoritative presence around, and it seemed like everyone was taking their performances up a notch. Her loud supportive voice cheered everyone on, and you felt so much better because of it. In your opinion, Leah was the glue of this team, and you knew you weren’t alone in feeling that. When she did her ACL it was heartbreaking for the whole team, knowing they were losing one of the most valuable and dedicated players the club has ever seen. But now that she was making her eventual return, it felt as though things were returning to their natural order. 

At one point you and Leah jogged past each other and you lightly smacked her on the bum, unable to help yourself. 

“Oi,” Leah reprimands you with a grin on her face as you innocently shrug your shoulders. 

“What?” You respond, acting as though you had no clue what she was talking about. 

When training finished you and Leah came together and wrapped your arms around each others waists slightly leaning into each other as you and the girls did the walk back to the gym. 

“I can’t even tell you how good it feels to look up and see your face out here,” you tell your girlfriend, and she squeezes your waist just a little tighter. 

“I’m just buzzing,” Leah says, giggling a little bit. 

“So proud of you,” you say, kissing her on her cheekbone. You know how hard she has worked for this moment, and how difficult the mental journey has been for her. 

“Thanks baby,” Leah says, moving her hand up from your waist to stroke the back of your head. 

Back at the gym some girls stretch, some go into some strength training, but some also decide to call it a day and head home. You and Leah, not wanting to leave each others sides decide to head on home together. You go and grab your bags from the changing room, but before you go Leah tells you she just wants to talk to the girls for a minute. 

You walk back to where most of the others are working out and Leah grabs their attention.

“I just wanted to say thank you to all of you for the support you’ve given me over the last year, and for the love I felt out there today in training. It’s been one of the hardest moments of my life, but it was made so much easier thanks to you lot, so yeah, I appreciate you all, and I’m just so proud to be coming back to this team.”

She’s met with a chorus of love and support, as well as everyone coming over to give her a hug. 

“The look on your face,” Katie nudges you with her elbow, pulling your eyes away from Leah and towards your Irish teammate. 

“What? I’m proud of her,” you say, playfully defensive. 

“You’re so in love,” she says rolls her eyes with a smile on her face, “Go enjoy a romantic night together while we’re all here training.”

“Oh, we will,” you assure Katie, making her laugh. 

“Of course you will,” she shakes her head as she walks over to Leah to embrace her before finally the two of you head off. 

Leah reaches for your hand as you step out of the building and into the car park, happily swinging her arm as you walk towards the car. Before you move around to the passenger seat, you pull on Leah’s hand so she steps closer to you and you lean in to give her a quick kiss. You step away to find Leah looking at you like a lovesick puppy and you shake your head.

“That face kills me,” you point your finger at her as you begin to walk around to your side of the car, making Leah laugh. 

As Leah gets into the car and starts it, connecting her phone to choose the music for the drive home, you sink into the passenger seat. 

“I’m bloody exhausted,” you say, “How are you feeling?”

“I don’t think I’ve ever felt this good after training,” Leah says.

“I’m so happy for you Lee,” you say as she begins to reverse out and get on the road.

“Thanks. I was going to say something back in there, but I didn’t want to put you on the spot, but I hope you how much you helped me through all this,” she says.

“I’m glad to hear that, sometimes I felt so useless,” you say honestly.

“No!” Leah immediately counters moving her hand to hold your thigh, “You’re the reason I was able to stay positive through it, you were the biggest help, not useless at all.”

“Good, that’s good to hear,” you say, resting your hand on top of Leah’s on your leg, tapping it lightly. 

When you get home you walk into the kitchen first, opening the fridge to work out what you can have for dinner while Leah steps in behind you, grabbing glasses from the cupboard and getting you both some water. She hands your glass to you and then stands behind you, leaning down to rest her chin on your shoulder and peer into the fridge with you. 

“I’ll sort something out here, you can have a shower first,” you murmur to Leah. 

“Mm,” Leah hums right beside your ear, “Was kind of hoping you’d shower with me.” 

A smile spread over your face instantly, “I can do that,” you close the fridge door as Leah stands up straight, “You go get the water running, I’ll come up in a minute,” 

“Great plan,” Leah pecks you before making her way upstairs to the bathroom. 

When Leah goes up stairs you make a quick decision to call her favourite Italian restaurant to order some takeaway for dinner. Once you know that is on the way, you move your way around the kitchen and lounge room to light some candles and pour two celebratory glasses of wine for you two to have when you’re finished rinsing off the day. Finally you switch off the overhead lights to allow the space to be filled with candle light, looking awfully cosy. You could almost hear the voice of Kate McCabe telling you to enjoy your romantic night, and you knew she would get a kick out of knowing that you followed through with that. 

Moving quickly up the stairs you walk into your shared bedroom and can hear the water running in the ensuite. You strip out of your clothes from training and throw them into the dirty clothes basket before pushing open the door to the bathroom. 

“Finally,” Leah smiles, openly looking you up and down as you step into the shower with her. 

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” you say, pushing your hair out of your face as the water runs over your skin. Leah steps to the side, allowing you to take up some space under the shower head to warm up and rinse your body. 

“It was worth the wait,” Leah says, running her hands down the sides of your torso, letting them settle onto your lower back which allows her to pull you close to her for another kiss. This one is deeper, more passionate. 

“Spin round,” she tells you, and you know what’s coming. Your showers together is one of your favourite routines. Leah pours some shampoo in her hands and begins to smooth in onto your hair, running her fingers through your scalp and massaging your head as she does so. 

You sigh at the relaxed feeling settling into your body, “You’re so good at this, you could be a hairdresser in another life,” you tell Leah and she laughs. 

“Just want to make you feel good,” she says in her simple Leah way and she’s got you melting with her words in a matter of seconds. 

“Well you definitely know how to do that,” you assure her as she drags her fingers through the length of your hair, letting the shampoo rinse out. 

“Your turn,” you spin around to face her, motioning her to turn around too with a rotation of your hand. 

You imitate her movements, massaging the gel into her hair, letting your fingers trail lightly down her neck and over her shoulders. Leah’s head rolls back slowly and she groans slightly. 

“Does that feel good?” You ask.

“Mmhmm,” she hums, and from her lack of words you know that it must. 

When the shampoo rinses out next you both takes turn washing each others body’s with the shower sponge, taking extra care and much longer than you would on yourself. When you rinse the last bits of soap off of Leah’s body you remember the little surprise you have for Leah downstairs. 

“We’re starting to waste water now,” you say and Leah laughs at you. 

“Alright, out we get then.” 

You step out first and grab two towels off the rack, passing the second to Leah and loosely wrapping the first around yourself. You quickly pat yourself dry and then move out into your bedroom, going to your drawers to pull out something comfortable to slip into. Leah does the same, getting into some trackies. 

While you move back into the bathroom to comb through your hair, Leah tells you she’ll meet you downstairs. 

“Alright,” you smile, knowing what she will see when she walks downstairs. 

About five seconds later you can hear Leah calling out your name, and you go downstairs to join her. 

“What’s all this for?” Leah says sweetly, watching you as you move towards her. 

“For my girl being back in training,” you say and Leah can’t contain the smile on her face.

“Come here,” she opens her arms and you step into her embrace, finding solace and comfort in the way your bodies melt into one another. 

“There’s some pizza on the way too,” you inform Leah and she moves to kiss your neck.

“How did I get so lucky?” She says, her words muffled against your skin as she kisses you again. 

“Yeah I ask myself the same thing from time to time,” you say, placing a kiss against the side of Leah’s head. 

You suggest that you go lay down on the lounge, and Leah agrees, grabbing the two glasses of wine and setting them down on the coffee table. Leah lays down first and opens her arms for you to crawl beside her. As you lay together, arms and legs wrapped around each other watching telly for the remainder of the night, you realise it’s the first night in a long time that you haven’t felt a vague sense of separation from Leah. Finally, she is doing what she is meant to do again, being back in the team at Arsenal, with you, and everything feels back to normal. 

[dilfmobius]

Sliding in while I recuperate from that smoking snippet to ask about “Don’t lie to me.” (And alligator tears if you’re feeling generous!)

Thank you for the ask! <3

Don't lie to me is set right after s2e1, and I just really wanted some sweet h/c and to write about Loki's time slipping. I started this so long ago and I hadn't even looked at it until I was going through all my WIPs, and re-reading what I have I really want to jump back into it.

Snippet time:

“How painful was it? Slipping through time?” “Mobius, we’re past it, it’s over — I’m fine—” “Just answer the question. And don’t lie to me.” Loki opens and shuts his mouth, his usual chorus of I’m fine and I can handle it dying in the back of his throat. Mobius has done so much for them — risking life and limb, and skin. Mobius has taken his chances, again and again, with Loki, saving them more than once. Loki owes Mobius so much. They can start with a little honesty. “It was one of the most painful things I ever experienced.” “Worse than the pruning?” Loki pauses, trying to choose their words carefully. Was there anything worse than being rapidly disassembled and then reassembled? Was there a difference between getting pruned and having your entire body break apart and snap back together in a matter of moments?  “Different. Still awful, but,” Loki draws a shuddering breath, “different.” “Oh, Loki,” Mobius says softly. He reaches out but quickly stops himself, stuttering in his movements. “Can I — can I hug you?” Loki feels their heart clench at the mere consideration. Mobius just stares at Loki, nothing but concern bleeding through his gaze. Loki shuts their eyes as they begin to sting. They nod and lean in, silently pleading for Mobius to catch them, hold them close, keep them together.  Mobius doesn’t hesitate, scooting closer to gather the god before him in his arms.  Loki presses forward, hiding their face in the crook of Mobius’ neck. They feel arms wrap around them, careful not to be too rough. Mobius holds them as if they were something fragile, but precious — not broken. Something to be cared for. Loki’s muscles still ache, a dull throbbing coursing through their entire body. They couldn’t believe they survived being disassembled and promptly reassembled — being ripped apart and scattered through time and space.  And the time slipping felt as though they were being stretched in a million directions, only to rubber band back, snapping them into place. Loki could feel their bones cracking in and out of place, their muscles expanding and twisting in inconceivable ways.  Loki doesn’t think they’ll ever forget what that feels like. “I got you, Loki,” Mobius says, voice as soft as his hold but just as secure. A promise.

Alligator tears is simply an idea for now, and it's not dacryphilia?? but it does have to do with Mobius' being obsessed with how beautifully pathetic Loki looks when he's crying and how he longs to swoop in and stop those tears. ��� (it was also first inspired by the song alligator tears by beyonce lol)

I don't have much written for it, but here's this:

To see it on a screen was something else, and to have the actual thing sitting at his feet like this, well, Mobius would have never considered himself so lucky. But here he is, with Loki looking up at him with wide, wet eyes, trembling against his legs, miserable and hopeless, begging for a morsel of tenderness. It claws at Mobius’ sensibilities and dissolves his self preservation. A scheme or not, he’s seen enough of Loki to know that there is always more than meets the eye. After watching Loki scramble and fight for acceptance, affection, for a kind of warmth that could be tailor made for him, here comes Mobius, ready to take the god into his arms and offer him what so many have refused him for so long. Mobius hears a whimper as Loki presses his face into his knee, and then a choked off sob, and he can’t take it anymore. “Hey, c’mon now,” Mobius says softly. He reaches out to run his fingers through Loki’s dark curls, pulling the god’s attention back to him, deciding to play into it. When Loki looks back up at him with tear tracks down his face, Mobius just tuts and moves his hand down to wipe at Loki’s face with his thumb.

WIP list here!

[buckyssoldat]

Chapter 54: Tempting

Warnings: smut, strong language, mentions of grief

A/N: This is part of my series, Forsaken - The Fallen Soldier. If you wanna be tagged in this, just send me an ask or a message. Feedback is always appreciated, don’t be shy to share your thoughts on this :)

Your head lies, full of fire

I'm risin' up, risin up

My heart loves, full of fire

Love's full of fire, love

Six months had passed since Alice and Steve first slept together. Since that day, Alice basically lived with Steve in his apartment. They had a happy life – during the day, Alice went to work at the coffee shop while Steve helped those who were affected by the Snap, including going to a support group near his apartment. And the nights were filled with late night movies, cuddles, and sex. It all seemed perfect. Steve might not be Bucky, and Alice might not be Peggy, but it was great, nonetheless. They had to move on, or at least try.

At those support group meetings, Steve never talked about Alice. He didn’t want to make it all about him, or make the other members feel bad.

“What about you, Steve?” the leader of the group, Jimmy, asked him since he had been quiet since the beginning of the meeting. “Got anything to share with us?”

“Umm…” Steve hesitated for a bit. “Yeah, I uh… I’ve been seeing someone,” he finally admitted, his gaze fixed on his clasped hands.

The group perked up, exchanging glances of surprise and curiosity. Jimmy leaned forward, his brows raised in interest. “That’s great, Steve! Moving on… that’s why we’re here. To help each other move on, to give advice and share our experiences.”

The others were already buzzing with excitement, throwing out questions like rapid-fire. Sarah, a young woman with bright eyes, chimed in, “Come on, Steve, give us something! How did you two meet?”

Steve sighed, realizing he wasn’t going to get out of this easily. “Uh, we… I guess you could say we met at work,” he mumbled, feeling the weight of the group’s anticipation.

“And how long have you been seeing each other?” Ron, another member of the group, asked, leaning back in his chair with a knowing grin.

“About six months,” Steve replied, his voice a little firmer now. “But it’s… it’s still pretty new.”

“Six months? That’s serious!” Sarah exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. “How did you know she was the one?”

Steve shifted uncomfortably, his cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. “I… uh, I don’t know if she’s… the one, per se,” he stammered. “But she’s… she’s special.”

The group erupted into playful teasing, urging Steve to spill more details about his mystery girlfriend. And despite his reluctance, Steve found himself smiling, warmed by the friendship of the group. Maybe it was time to start opening up a little more about Alice.

Steve cleared his throat, gathering his thoughts. “Well, uh… she’s… she’s really into movies,” he began, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “We have these movie marathons, and she always falls asleep halfway through, but she insists on staying up till the end.”

A chorus of chuckles rippled through the group, and Steve continued, feeling a bit more at ease. “And, uh… she’s got this… this laugh that’s just… contagious, you know?”

Sarah sighed dreamily. “She sounds lovely, Steve.”

“And she… she loves to cook,” Steve added, a fondness creeping into his voice. “I swear, every time I come home, there’s something new on the stove. And even though… even though most times it’s a disaster, she always insists it’s the best thing she’s ever made.”

The group laughed again, nodding in understanding. Jimmy leaned forward, a gentle smile on his face. “Sound like you’ve found someone pretty special, Steve. We’re happy for you, really.”

Steve nodded, his gaze softening. “Yeah… yeah, I think I have. Thank you.” And for the first time, he felt a sense of gratitude for the support group, for giving him a space to share, even when it felt uncomfortable.

As the support meeting drew to a close, Steve felt a weight lift off his shoulders. Opening up about Alice, even just a little, had been surprisingly liberating. He exchanged farewells with the other members.

As he stepped out onto the city streets, Steve’s thoughts drifted back to Alice. Maybe it was time to take the next step, to let her in completely. He pulled out his phone, scrolling through his contacts until he found her name.

With a deep breath, Steve dialled her number, his heart racing with anticipation. After a few rings, Alice’s voice filled his ear, warm and familiar.

“Hey, Steve,” she greeted, her tone soft with affection.

“Hey, Alice,” Steve replied, a smile spreading across his face. “Listen, I was thinking… how about dinner at that Italian place downtown? My treat.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line. Alice didn’t know what to answer – on one hand, she liked being with Steve, it brought her comfort. On the other hand, she didn’t want to move fast too soon. But maybe it was for the best – it was no use waiting for Bucky, he was not coming back. “Sounds perfect, Steve. I’ll meet there in an hour.”

But Steve sensed slight hesitation in Alice’s voice, a hesitation he couldn’t ignore. “Hey, uh, Alice… would you like to go as, you know, a date?”

There was a moment of silence before Alice responded, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “Steve, I... I would love to go on a date with you.”

Steve’s heart skipped a beat at her acceptance, his smile widening. “Great! I’ll see you there in an hour then?”

“Yes, I’ll be there,” Alice confirmed, her tone more assured now. “Looking forward to it.”

“Me too,” Steve said, feeling a surge of excitement. “See you soon, Alice.”

As they hung up, Steve couldn’t wipe the grin off his face. Maybe their relationship started off a drunk night, but it didn’t matter. What mattered was that Alice had accepted, and he couldn’t wait to spend the evening with her. With a lightness in his step, Steve set off to meet Alice, his heart full of hope and anticipation for the future.

Steve made his way to the Italian restaurant, his mind was abuzz with thoughts of Alice. Despite the initial uncertainties, he was eager to take this step forward with her.

Arriving at the restaurant, Alice scanned the room, her eyes lighting up as she spotted Steve sitting at a cozy corner table, his smile radiant as he waved her over.

“Hey,” she greeted as she reached his table, a nervous yet excited grin playing on her lips.

“Hi,” Steve replied while getting up from his chair, helping Alice sit on hers, his eyes never leaving hers as she took her seat. “You know,” he began, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his lips, “I can’t believe you’re wearing the same dress from that night.”

Alice chuckled. “I figured it was fitting,” she replied, a twinkle of mischief in her eyes.

Their conversation continued late into night, each moment spent together feeling like a treasure. And as they shared a plate of tiramisu, Steve couldn’t shake the feeling that Alice had worn that dress to mess with him. His suspicions were confirmed the moment he felt Alice’s foot slowly caress his leg, then his thigh, and finally his groin. This action almost made him spit out a bit of tiramisu, which made Alice chuckle.

“You okay there, Cap?” she teased him.

Steve’s heart raced as Alice’s foot continued its tantalizing exploration under the table. He swallowed hard, trying to maintain his composure despite the unexpected sensation.

“Yeah, you just caught me off guard,” he managed to reply, his voice slightly strained as she shifted in his seat.

Alice smirked. “Maybe I should have warned you,” she teased, her foot still tracing light patterns against his leg. “And maybe you should punish me once we get home.”

Steve’s mind raced with a whirlwind of emotions and desires. He couldn’t deny the thrill coursing through him. Leaning in, he whispered, “Maybe I will punish you later. You’re dangerous, you know that?”

Alice’s grin widened, her gaze smouldering with intensity. “You have no idea,” she whispered back, her lips brushing against his ear.

As they left the restaurant, Steve couldn’t resist the urge to reach for Alice’s hand, intertwining their fingers as they walked side by side.

“You look really handsome tonight,” Alice began, keeping her gaze on the path in front of her.

Steve stared at her, curiosity showing in his eyes. “What’s up with you tonight? First you decide to wear that dress, then you decide to mess with me at the restaurant, and now you’re complimenting me? What do you want?”

“I don’t want anything…” she replied nonchalantly, a small smirk playing on her lips.

The rest of their walk was silent, with only sexual tension coursing through the air.

As they reached Steve’s apartment building, she turned to him with a playful glint in her eyes. “So, Captain,” she said, her voice low and husky, “are you ready to deliver that punishment you promised?”

Steve’s pulse quickened at the suggestive tone in her voice. He couldn’t deny the desire that burned within him, the need to lose himself in her completely.

With a smirk, her pulled her close, his lips brushing against hers in a tantalizing kiss. “Oh, I think I can come up with something,” he murmured against her lips, his hands trailing down her back.

The elevator ride to his floor seemed like an eternity, even though it was only five stories. Steve couldn’t wait to get home and finally have his way with her, the way she wanted him to. As soon as the elevator doors opened, he rushed to his front door. Always the gentleman, he let Alice in first, but once he closed the door, he pushed her against the wall and kissed her passionately, grabbing her hands and pinning her.

Alice gasped at the intensity of Steve’s kiss, feeling a surge of desire as he pressed her against the wall. His hands, strong and steady, held her wrists firmly above her head. She couldn’t help but let out a soft moan as his lips moved from hers to her neck, trailing hot kisses along her soft kiss.

“You’ve been very bad tonight,” Steve murmured against her ear, his voice low and commanding. “And bad girls deserve to be punished.”

Alice’s breath hitched, her eyes darkening with anticipation. “What are you going to do to me, Captain?” she whispered, her voice trembling with excitement.

Steve didn’t respond. Releasing her hands, he moved them down her body, savouring the feel of her curves through the thin fabric of her dress. He took a step back, his eyes locking with hers, filled with a mixture of lust and determination.

“Turn around,” he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Alice complied, her heart racing as she faced the wall, feeling the cool surface against her flushed cheek. She heard the rustle of fabric as Steve slowly unzipped her dress, his fingers grazing her skin with tantalizing slowness. The dress slipped off her shoulders, pooling at her feet, leaving her in nothing but her lacy underwear.

Steve took a moment to appreciate the sight before him, his gaze intense and hungry. “You’re beautiful,” he murmured, his hands caressing her back before settling on her hips. “Now, bend over.”

Alice’s heart pounded in her chest as she bent over, pressing her hands against the wall for support. Steve’s hands traced a path down her spine, lingering at the small of her back, making her shiver with anticipation.

“Good girl,” Steve whispered, his voice a deep, commanding growl that sent a thrill through Alice. His hands moved to her hips, gripping them firmly as he positioned her just right. He could feel her body quiver under his touch, a response that only fuelled even more his own desire.

He leaned in, his lips grazing her ear. “Tell me, Alice, do you know why you’re being punished?”

Alice’s breath hitched. “For teasing you,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

“That’s right,” Steve murmured, his hands slipping around to her front, tracing the edge of her lacy underwear before tugging them down. “And do you think you deserve it?”

Alice bit her lip, her body trembling. “Yes, Steve. I deserve it.”

A satisfied smile tugged at Steve’s lips as he straightened, his hands returning to her hips. “Good,” he said simply, delivering a sharp, stinging slap to her right butt cheek. Alice gasped, the sensation sending a jolt of pleasure and pain through her body. He repeated the action on her left cheek, her soft moans filling the room.

“Do you like that?” Steve asked, his voice a husky whisper as he continued his ministrations, each slap making Alice’s body arch in response.

“Yes,” she breathed, her voice shaky with need. “I like it.”

Steve’s hands soothed over the stinging flesh, his touch gentle and comforting. “Then let’s see how much you can take,” he said, a teasing edge to his voice. He continued to spank her, alternating between sharp slaps and soft caresses, driving Alice to the edge of her control.

Each strike sent waves of sensation through Alice, her body straining against the onslaught of pleasure and pain. She could feel the wetness pooling between her thighs, her arousal growing with every touch. Steve’s name fell from her lips like a mantra, each gasp and moan a testament to the effect he had on her.

Finally, when he sensed she was nearing her limit, Steve paused, his hands soothing over her reddened skin. “You’ve done well, Alice,” he murmured, his voice filled with pride. “I think you’ve had enough punishment for now.”

Alice’s body quivered with relief and lingering desire. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Steve turned her around to face him, his eyes dark with need. He lifted her chin, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. “Now, let me reward you,” he said against her mouth, his hands slipping between her thighs to find her wet and ready.

Alice’s knees nearly buckled as his fingers expertly teased her, her body aching for release. “Please, Steve,” she begged, her voice a desperate plea. “I need you.”

Steve didn’t need to be asked twice. He scooped her up effortlessly, carrying her to the bedroom where he laid her down on the bed. She watched him, eyes wide with anticipation as he undressed, his movements deliberate and controlled.

Steve’s gaze was intense as he joined Alice on the bed. He kissed her deeply, his hands exploring her body with a mix of tenderness and urgency. The room filled with the sounds of their desire, each touch and kiss heightening the connection between them.

As he positioned himself above her, their eyes locked, a silent understanding passing between them. “Are you ready?” he asked, his voice low and husky, laced with need.

Alice nodded, her breath hitching as she felt him press against her entrance.

“I need to hear an answer,” Steve said in a serious tone.

“Yes, I’m ready,” she finally managed to reply.

He entered her slowly, savouring the sensation of her warmth enveloping him. They moved together in a rhythm that felt both new and achingly familiar, each thrust deepening their bond. Alice’s fingers dug into his back, her nails leaving marks as she pulled him closer, urging him deeper.

Their pace quickened, the intensity building with each passing moment. Steve’s breath was hot against her ear, his whispered words of encouragement and love driving Alice wild. She felt the pressure building within her, her body responding to every movement, every touch.

“I’m close,” she gasped, her voice breaking with need.

“Me too,” Steve replied, his own voice strained with effort.

With one final, powerful thrust, they both tumbled over the edge, their cries of release mingling in the air. Waves of pleasure washed over them, leaving them breathless and trembling in each other’s arms.

For a few moments, they lay entwined, their bodies still humming with the afterglow of their climax. Steve pressed a gentle kiss to Alice’s forehead, his heart swelling with affection.

“You’re amazing,” he whispered, his fingers brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.

Alice smiled, her eyes shining. “So are you.”

They spent the rest of the night wrapped in each other’s arms. As they drifted off to sleep, Alice couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment. With Steve by her side, she would never be alone again.

The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm flow over the room. Steve woke first, his body comfortably entwined with Alice’s. As he watched her sleep, memories of the previous night replayed in his mind, a mix of pleasure and concern settling over him.

Carefully, he disentangled himself from her embrace, not wanting to disturb her rest. He lay on his side, propping himself upon one elbow, and gently brushed a few strands of hair away from her face. As if sensing his gaze, Alice stirred, her eyes slowly fluttering open. She smiled sleepily when she saw him, a look of contentment on her face.

“Good morning,” she murmured, her voice still husky with sleep.

“Good morning,” Steve replied softly, his brow furrowing slightly. He then noticed the faint purple bruises in the shape of his hands on Alice’s butt cheeks. Guilt twisted in his stomach, and he quickly approached her, his expression turning serious.

“I’m so sorry. Look at these bruises… I didn’t realize I was that rough.

Alice placed a finger on his lips, silencing his apology. Her eyes were warm and reassuring. “Steve, you were perfect. I loved every moment of it.”

“But still,” Steve insisted, his voice tinged with worry. “I never wanted to hurt you.”

Alice’s eyes sparkled with affection as she took his hand and led him to the mirror in the bedroom. “Let me show you something,” she said, turning him so his back faced the mirror.

Steve’s eyes widened when he saw the angry red scratches running down his back, courtesy of Alice’s nails. “Wow,” he breathed, a mixed feeling of surprise and understanding.

She wrapped her arms around his waist from behind, resting her cheek against his shoulder. “See?” she whispered. “We both got a little carried away. You don’t need to apologize.”

Steve turned to face her, his hands gently cupping her face. “You’re incredible, you know that?” he said, his voice filled with admiration.

Alice smiled up at him, her eyes filled with warmth. “I know,” she smirked, leaning in for a tender kiss. “Now, how about breakfast?”

With a lighter heart, Steve nodded, allowing himself to relax. “Breakfast sounds perfect,” he agreed, slipping into his boxers and grabbing a t-shirt while Alice just put on a big shirt.

As they moved to the kitchen, Alice playfully smacked his backside, making him jump. “And remember, next time is me who does the punishment.”

Steve couldn’t help but laugh at Alice’s playful remark. “Deal,” he replied with a grin, pulling her into a tight hug. “But just so you know, I might not enjoy being punished as much as you did.”

Alice chuckled, leaning into his embrace. “I’ll keep that in mind,” she teased, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

Together, they set about making breakfast. As they cooked and joked, Alice couldn’t shake the feeling of contentment that settled over her. Maybe Steve wasn’t Bucky, and she wasn’t Peggy, but in each other, they had found something special.

“I’m gonna meet Natasha later today,” Steve shared as he ate one of the pancakes Alice had made. “You could come with me, she misses you.”

Alice smiled at the mention of Natasha. “I’d love to see her again,” she replied, a warmth in her voice. “It’s been too long since we last saw each other.”

Steve nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Yeah, it has. She’s been through a lot too. It’ll be good for both of you.”

Later that day, Steve and Alice made their way to meet Natasha at the compound. It had been a year and a half since Alice had last seen her. During that time, they would occasionally text each other, just to say they’re okay, but they hadn’t seen each other.

Steve was the first to enter the briefing room of the compound, with Alice following behind him. Natasha was sitting at a desk, typing something into the computer.

“Hey there,” Steve greeted her.

Natasha rose from her seat, returning Steve’s smile with one of her own. “Hey,” she replied, stepping forward.

“I brought someone to see you,” Steve announced before the scootched to the left, showing Alice standing behind.

Natasha’s eyes widened in surprise as she took in Alice’s presence. “Alice! Oh my god, I can’t believe it’s you!” she exclaimed, rushing forward to envelop Alice in a tight hug. “It’s been way too long!”

Alice laughed, returning Natasha’s hug with equal enthusiasm. “I know, right? It’s so good to see you, Nat.”

Natasha pulled back, studying Alice with a mix of curiosity and affection. “You look great,” she said sincerely. “How have you been?”

Alice smiled, a warmth in her eyes. “I’ve been good, thanks. Just taking things one day at a time.”

Natasha nodded, her expression understanding. “I hear you. Well, I’m glad you’re here. We have a lot of catching up to do.”

“Well, I’m gonna give you ladies some time alone,” Steve began as he grabbed his bag. “I’ll be at the gym if you need me.”

As Steve left the room, Alice and Natasha settled into comfortable chairs. When Alice sat down, she moaned in pain due to her previous night spent with Steve. This made Natasha raise an eyebrow in suspicion, but she didn’t say anything about it.

Their conversation was flowing easily as they caught up on each other’s lives. They talked about everything.

“So, how did you and Steve find each other?” Natasha asked. “You guys had a pretty bad fight, I thought you were not gonna speak to each other for years.”

Alice chuckled, remembering the argument she had with Steve. “Yeah, we did have a rough patch,” she admitted. “But we both realized we said some pretty bad stuff. We accidentally met each other at a bar a few months ago.”

“A few months ago?” Natasha asked in shock. “Why didn’t you tell me about this?”

“I don’t know, I didn’t wanna make a big deal out of it,” Alice replied. She didn’t know if she wanted to tell Natasha about her and Steve. “We apologized for the stuff we said and then drank together. But enough about me. What about you? What have you been up to?”

Natasha leaned back in her chair, a thoughtful expression crossing her features. “Well, you know, same old, same old,” she replied with a small smile. “Dealing with the aftermath of the Snap, trying to keep things together. It hasn’t been easy, but we’re managing.”

“I can imagine,” Alice said softly. “But you’re strong, Nat. You always find a way to make it through.”

Natasha’s smile softened. “Thanks, Alice.” She hesitated for a moment before continuing, her expression growing serious. “Listen, I know things have been tough for you too, especially after… after everything that happened, and loosing Bucky…”

Alice’s heart clenched at the mention of Bucky’s name, a pang of sadness washing over her. “Yeah, it’s been hard,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “But I’m trying to move on, you know? Trying to find some semblance of normalcy.”

Natasha reached out, squeezing Alice’s hand in a gesture of comfort. “I get it,” she said softly. “And I’m here for you, whatever you need.”

Alice smiled gratefully, feeling a surged of warmth at Natasha’s words. “Thanks, Nat. It means a lot to me.”

Their conversation continued late into the afternoon, the hours slipping away as the shared stories and laughter. By the time Steve returned to the briefing room, shirtless and sweating from the gym, Alice and Natasha were deep in conversation, their bond stronger than ever.

“I take you ladies have talked about everything you needed to,” Steve said as he wiped some sweat from his forehead with a towel.

“Yeah, we did,” Natasha shared a smile with Alice.

Steve turned around to go to the kitchen and grab a cup of water. This made Natasha see his back, filled with scratches.

“Steve, what happened with your back?” she questioned suspiciously.

Steve froze, caught off guard by Natasha’s question. He glanced back at her, trying to think of a plausible explanation. “Oh, uh…” he stammered, his mind racing. “I, uh, fell yesterday. Nothing serious, don’t worry.”

Natasha raised an eyebrow, her expression sceptical. “You fell, huh?” she said, her tone teasing. “Looks more like someone got a little too carried away.”

Alice’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she realized Natasha had noticed the marks on Steve’s back. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, unsure of how to respond.

“Well, you know how it is,” he said with a nervous laugh, trying to play if off. “I just slipped and fell.”

That was the moment Natasha put all the pieces together – the scratches on Steve’s back, Alice moaning in pain when she sat down, and they arriving together at the compound.

“Oh my gosh,” Nat’s eyes widened as realization dawned her. She glanced between Steve and Alice, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. “You two…” she began, her voice filled with amusement.

Steve shifted uncomfortably, his cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. “Nat, it’s not what you think,” he protested, though his tone lacked conviction.

Alice couldn’t help but laugh at the situation. “Yeah, it’s exactly what you think,” she admitted.

Natasha chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. “I can’t believe you two are sleeping together,” she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Well, I’m happy for you both. It was time to move on. And you make a cute couple.”

Steve and Alice exchanged sheepish glances, their embarrassment quickly giving way to amusement. “Thanks, Nat,” Steve said with a sheepish grin.

“We’re still figuring things out, but we’re happy,” Alice added.

“Well, I won’t keep you two lovebirds any longer,” Natasha said, standing up from her chair. “But we’ll definitely have to catch up again soon.”

“Definitely,” Alice agreed, a smirk tugging at her lips.

As they said goodbye to Natasha and made their way out of the compound, Steve couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. Despite the awkwardness of being caught, he was grateful to have Natasha’s support and acceptance.

“So, that went well,” Alice commented as they walked side by side down the street.

“Yeah, surprisingly well,” Steve agreed, a hint of relief in his voice.

Alice bumped her shoulder against his playfully. “Well, I guess the cat’s out of the bag now,” she teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “It’s only a matter of time before Rhodey, Carol, Okoye, Nebula, and Rocket know about it.”

Steve chuckled, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “Yeah, I guess you’re right,” he admitted.

tags: ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​@capswife

← previous chapter       next chapter →

masterlist

[aristocratic-otter]

Hello all! I've been tagged on so many lovely things the last couple of weeks and, while I've been writing, it's just been one step to far to post with everything else I've got to do. But I've got time today, hooray! So first to thank all the lovely folk who keep tagging me even when I disappear:

@ivelovedhimthroughworse, @katmiscellanious, @prettygoododds, @messofthejess, @j-nipper-95, @rimeswithpurple, @aroace-genderfluid-sheep, @you-remind-me-of-the-babe, @wellbelesbian, @alleycat0306, @hushed-chorus, @ionlydrinkhotwater, @whatevertheweather, @ileadacharmedlife, @confused-bi-queer, @cutestkilla, @nightimedreamersghost, and @shrekgogurt.

On to the sentences!

From Westward Son:

“Mistress Penny!” he shouts. “My little brother is coming, and my mother wants your help!”

We all straighten. We’d thought Chapa was heavily pregnant months ago, but she’s only gotten more immense since. She’s had to ride in the wagon for the last two months, once her bulk meant she couldn’t keep up with the slow pace of the wagon train. Penny is certain that she’s carrying twins, given the size of her.

From my Age of Sail AU:

When I emerge onto the beach, blinking rapidly against the sunlight, the tide has gone out, and the rock spur our ship is hung up on is surrounded by prolly only a foot or so of water. 

“Ah, there you are, Simon lad,” Davy appears at my elbow, and I turn obediently to listen. “The tide’s low enough,” he tells me. “We’ll take the raft out an’ you and the Pitch boy can climb around the ship like the monkeys you are and retrieve anythin’ that’s of use.”

“Aye, sir,” I tell him. I’m bone tired, but we’ll need those barrels and boxes of goods on the ship if we’re to survive here.

From this year's COTTA: Snow Fox

Penny’s horse was done in from her wild ride to Snow Island, so she’s mounted up behind me, clinging to my waist, and Shepard is riding behind my second in command. Which would be fine were she not using her position to hiss angry rebukes in my ear. 

Finally, I’ve had enough. “Fine, I get it, Pen. I’m an arsehole! What can I do about it now?”

“Now?” she shouts back. “Now you can save my brother. Later? You’re going to train me, and Shepard, so that we can defend our family and make sure this never happens again!”

From To Heal A Broken Mind (final chapter!):

His head is tilted down, his hair loose and falling into his face. He tends to do that when he feels vulnerable, I’ve noticed. Like his hair is a mask that will protect him from a harsh world. It’s odd..I never used to think of Baz as someone who’d ever need or want protection. But I know better now, and I’m glad for it. Glad that he lets me see this side of himself. 

And From Saving Simon Snow

“Now grab Baz’s hand, Simon, and think about what I told you to,” she directs. Simon does. I do my best to clear my mind, though when Simon closes his eyes and concentrates, I can’t help but think about how erotic he looks, with his closed eyes turned towards the roof of the car, his lower lip sucked into his mouth, his forehead tense with concentration. Crowley, he looks like he’s in the midst of an orgasm! 

And that’s when I feel a surge of excitement, mixed with joy and incredulity. The feelings aren’t completely at odds with my own, but I still report them dutifully to Bunce.

Yes, only five WIPs! Except actually there's a secret project going on that I can't share yet...and CORB choosing starts soon...so, yeah.

Tag Backsies to everyone above for Wednesday, along with these folks:

@artsyunderstudy, @angelsfalling16, @bazzybelle, @bookish-bogwitch, @carryonsimoncarryonbaz, @dragoneggos, @erzbethluna, @fatalfangirl, @facewithoutheart, @ic3-que3n, @krisrix, @larkral, @letraspal, @moodandmist, @frjsti, @raenestee, @thehoneyedhufflepuff, @theearlgreymage, @tea-brigade, @upuntil6am, @yellobb-old.

[communist-ojou-sama]

Too late, we’re doing it live. You’ve got to understand. Please understand.

What little analysis I’ve seen of Magic Theorem focuses narrowly on Dorothy’s twisted ethics and about the events of Dorothy’s Vision, that the light fluffy lo-fi atmosphere is supposed to contrast with the darkness of the things she’s doing. I get that this is open to interpretation but I don’t think that this is what’s going on with this song at all.

When the sun fades out of sight, Constellations come to life. The serotonin keeps us floating. We contemplate our lives.

The first verse sets the scene, when the lights are low, beneath this false sky from which the catastrophes rain down, Dorothy, driven by her sense of purpose, is contemplating her life.

Though the numbers safe and sound, My hypothesis abound. I've got a theory, you're there with me, Transcending data found.

I can see how this gets assocated with the liquids if you just take the first two lines of this stanza: There’s a set theory of originium reaction, that precludes what she knows to be possible, but she’s got an idea on how to break through, sure, but I don’t think you can quite fit the last two lines to fit into that mold, no. The meaning here is that while she knows that what she’s hypothesizing about isn’t possible, a theory of “you” being with her.

I’ll skip the chorus for now because that’s what ties it all together, and is the part that is currently causing my brain to unravel

Falling for a simple dream. A theorem of a fantasy, I- Live fully.

Now, keep in mind, Dorothy is a brilliant scientist and a science minded person here. I want to argue that “fantasy” here refers to “something that is prima-facie impossible.”, her simple dream.

Life is a gift to me, I'm here for it. Like a smile at a party, I swoon. Measure time by the moon. Is it over too soon?

Now we’re getting into it: Life is a gift to her, so she must before it. Remembering this, she’s overcome: Will she have enough time to to make good on this gift that’s been given to her in such a cruel fashion?

Take a picture, don't forget her. Let it linger in your view. The formula for finding magic. One plus one, just me and you.

Full disclosure: tears are dripping onto my keyboard as I try to put this into words. Why is life a gift for Dorothy Franks? Because when she was just a child she went off to nurture her scientific gifts, her pioneer mother and everyone else in the camp was dead. The subject matter here is deeply personal. Take a picture of her, her mother, never let her stray from her heart. Like, literally her mother is always “lingering in her view”. The thought of being with her again, that simple 1+1 animates the “magic” that pushes her research forward. Never forget the pain, the cruelty that tore her from you, end despite all your scientific knowledge, never give up the dream of being here again. These lyrics express the sheer impossibility of Dorothy’s simple desire to see her mother again, the perceived enormity of the gift that’s been placed on her shoulders, and how the pain really does never go away.

[strifesolution]

The last chapter was so good!! And since you were talking about the fic's details, I was wondering about the playlist (I am listening to the main one on a daily basis) and I imagine that every songs were carefully chosen. I can guess what some songs mean about 5r6c. Like, From Eden is probably about Eden and Callie. You also mentioned that Genghis Khan is Dan and Wilbur's song.

Would you mind explaining how did you choose these songs and how some of them are related to the fic ?

(If this is too bothersome or would spoil too much of the fic, feel free to ignore the question)

LET’S GOOOO we’re so happy you like the playlist :D you’d be correct, most of the songs are chosen pretty deliberately, though a handful are more just there for the “vibe” of the AU rather than specific lyrics.

Link for anyone who hasn’t seen it; we update pretty often! I added Flu Game last night actually. Expect... a lot of art for this AU with the new Fall Out Boy songs LOL

Since there’s… a lot of songs, and a good amount of them would be kinda spoilery, we’ve both chosen one of our favs and wrote up a little analysis.

Here’s Van’s (@irished-lads) of Neon Moon by Brooks and Dun copied straight from our DM’s

~~~

fun fact, this is one of the songs i listened to on repeat while writing the earlier chapters. this is the ideal chapter 16 song in terms of story and vibe, and while an early 90's country song may have not intended to talk abt the intricacies of gay cowboy polyamory, I Sure Can Make It Do That.

peep the beginning;

There's a rundown bar 'cross the railroad track / I got a table for two way in the back / Where I sit alone, and think of losing you

thinks about kevin and sean having their degrees of feeling alone at this point. sean's always had a little bit of a thing for dan (not to mention kevin flirting with sean nigh all the time- note that kevin's only had to pay for one drink), and while kevin may be. erm. Physically Intimate (this is a pg-13 blog) with dan,he also wants more. its that disconnect that him and dan has that feels a mile long. Now. see the chorus:

Now if you lose your one and only, / There's always room here for the lonely

well hey. look at that. some of the loneliest guys in aurora sitting next to each other in a bar sharing a bottle of whiskey. they're friends, sure, but in that moment (ch 16), they recognize that they both can be more than that. to each other, and to dan. theres always room here for the lonely.

~~~~

And here’s mine (Emma here!) of STRIKE 3 by Ferry

This song is where the lyric in the fic's description comes from; it’s one from the PMV series Parties Are For Losers. You don’t need to watch the series to get the gist of the song (it is really good though!) but within the context of the narrative, the singer is voicing their frustrations as they desperately try to help those they care about who keep putting themselves in harms way. “You spin the barrel of a fully loaded gun” is just a fancy way of saying “STOP BEING RECKLESS!!!” because, y’know, it’d be a literal death sentence to play roulette if the gun is fully loaded...

In terms of 5r6c… well, one of the fics' central themes IS protecting the people you love. Dan continuously worries about what life Daithi and Brian had before this that made them criminals, and Sean and Kevin are protective of Dan, thinking Daithi and Brian are dangerous in arc 1, and suspicious of Spiff in arc 2. Here’s a bit from the first chorus…

"If there's no winning, might as well just have some fun." I want to scream, when will you get it through your skull that I will not let you drown? "The light is gone, the thought keeps running through your mind, but fearing life is easier than fighting, right?" Oh please, just hide behind this back of mine and save your helpless spite.

Which is peak sheriff’s office argument back in chapter 7...

I also really like the first verse relating to Daithi and Brian in the gang.

Channeling love through the fear of being torn apart by crowds of your barbarian peers. The human filth around us wants to trample all that is dear under the guise of watchful reason.

We learn from…pretty much every time one of them brings up Evan that it is NOT a very happy place to be, particularly in Brian’s POV of chapter 9.

Lastly, we have the pre-chorus.

A thousand years ago, it was a tepid autumn day. A lock has sealed this door— But no more.

If you recall in chapter 16, we learn the raid on the farm where Dan’s family died was in the fall (not directly, Dan always visits the bar on the anniversary and Sean makes the connection himself…but anyway)

...this is because ding ding ding of this song!

Unfortunately I can’t really talk about the last chorus and outro without SPOILING EVERYTHING so you’ll just have to guess from there ;>

~~~

Hopefully that's some food for thought! Honestly we COULD go over every song on the playlist but then this ask would be WAY too long. Just really quick: Hell's Comin' With Me is a HUUUUGE full story song but I really can’t say who it's about without giving away everything, Ambrosia Wine is the Kiwo/Mango dynamic, and Devil's Train (not on Spotify but would be on the playlist if it was) is gonna fit really well for the next few chapters!

[jackalsinthekitchen]

pop report #5: endless summer edition (9/16/23)

a sundazed glance at Billboard’s top 20 from two weeks ago – bitch, I said what I said

Summer’s over, the heat from the proverbial kitchen and literal sun still burning the other cheek I feebly turned to both. Per tradition, we’re bidding the season goodbye with a smattering of typical plaints that it wasn’t long enough, or felt like it didn’t happen. But here in Texas, it’s in full swing by early May, with not much mystery over what we’re in for beyond what degree (Fahrenheit) of punishing. So yeah – we’re pretty sure it happened. Yet again, we thought we were ready for it, and yet again, it went a little harder on us than it needed to. Whatever else went down, that lucky old sun made it cruel enough to justify a now-ancient Taylor chorus shooting up the pop charts. Like anything else that shoots up the pop charts these days, reasons why were imperfectly clear. One more testament to the inimitable inhabitability of the One True Pop Star’s catchy canon, perhaps? My summer wasn’t my fave; I can still feel it from here.

I’ve barely touched this new blog o’ mine, which I dreamt of putting up for years – the present you ogle at through the shop window for ages only to take it home and unwrap it, and see all that built-up desire instantly brown with oxidization. While Jackals! still doesn’t have a hook, for the first four weeks of 2023, at a rate of productivity that was ultimately to no one’s benefit, I looked at the pop charts and decided to think out loud about what they meant. But the thing is, in a year when people are thinking about it more out loud than usual, nobody seems to know exactly what they mean. There are analyses trenchant and muddled, and scattered rebuttals to both, strewn throughout comments sections we’ll never read. I’m too bored to even try to recap what I think I know about how these numbers are measured. Even my late best friend’s agitated analyses resisted my comprehension. Why dull the aesthetic with the statistical?

Suffice it to say, there are so many theories about “gaming the system” floating around, it feels a bit like last election year. Most of the people on my radar are in some way convinced that one Oliver Anthony Music’s “Rich Men North of Richmond” won its surprise Billboard victory through nefarious right-wing interference – comparable, you hear, to that Jim Caviezel movie about (fighting) child trafficking, where people bought out whole theatres just to stick it to Brandon. It’s not about the music, they say, it’s about waving a righteous-anger rag, and the rallying cry might as well be coming from any red-faced red-haired Bible-belt boy with a banjo who caught the Qanon virus at très-unmasked family get-togethers. A more neutral friend points out that “Rich Men North of Richmond” hung in at a basically ungameable top 3 place on Spotify for a bit. It was all great industry all around: for MAGAfolk, thinkpiecers, Billy Bragg.

Times change fast, though, so even if a few people are still reeling from them, the Billboard chart – much less Spotify’s Today’s Top Hits, where Anthony has vanished – has moved on to its latest single-star infiltration. That star is Queen Zillennial Olivia Rodrigo, whose guts are is filled with readymade hits, and who may portend a long-awaited pendulum swing back to a more rockist zeitgeist. But because it still literally does not matter what I do here, I wanna warm up these lazy fingers some by casting an eye back to two weeks ago, a whole world away, when the charts looked a bit more like they did in the middle of swelter season. At the ground floor of that top 20 was the indefatigable fatigue-pop of “Anti-Hero”, my most favorite song, which does not seem to have engendered a self-reflection revolution here on earth. But hey, maybe people are just keeping quiet about it. Even Taylor is going through some shit.

#19 is “Thinkin’ Bout Me”, by Morgan Wallen, the, uh, hot-button country artist about whom many folks certainly have thoughts. I haven’t heard this song as of this point in this paragraph, and I suspect it’s not as good as Frank Ocean’s pillow-pop classic “Thinkin’ Bout You”, which is the next song you get when you type “thinkin bout” in the search bar. Mr. Wallen, a reformed butt-rocker, has a harder edge than many of his southern-pop peers, and an excellent article I linked to earlier in this piece, written by a (non-right-wing) writer who’s spent just a little more time with young Wallen’s proudly endless albums than I have, suggests his lyrics even bespeak hip-hop (gasp!) influences. Perhaps this explains some words he enjoys using. The beat of this one is ripped unaltered from hip-hop; the lyrics might pass too, if rapped, though not in what I perhaps unfairly call “truck nuts voice”. Wallen is feeling upset, and entitled, about a recent breakup in this enduring hit, not helping his case by singing the song like an asshole. (More on this later.)

Country really is in its butt-rock era, in a sense – the guitars are amped-up and grinding, the (male) vox are growly and real-ass proud about it. “Need a Favor”, by something called Jelly Roll that’s miles away from Morton, was cited recently in an AA meeting I attended by someone it caught unsuspecting on the radio. We’re a very talk-to-God crowd in AA, and contra Wallen, there’s a humility in this song that’s not matched at all by its sound, but which pushes its stridence into something resembling passion. I’ve just found out via Google/Wikipedia that Jelly Roll is apparently an “American rapper”. He looks like a heavier Post Malone – also an “American rapper” even though everything he puts out sounds just like a pop song – and has a narrative about being incarcerated many times, which also lends some poignant complexity to his hit’s hook. Verdict: annoying if you’re in the wrong mood, but not necessarily bad for your health.

Next in my discovery journey is finding out who the War & Treaty are – they’re a Black husband and wife who weave country and rock into more traditionally Black styles like soul and blues. It makes sense that they’d team up with Zach Bryan, one of the better and, dare I say it, more soulful heavy country hitters hanging out in the high end of these charts. “Hey Driver”, which doesn’t trouble you with electric guitars or even drums at the top, is really stirring. The juxtaposition of tW&T’s full-bodied harmonies against Bryan’s voice, which crumbles once it hits the air, is gorgeous, and the lyrics boast a complexity rarely troubled with on most of these hits. It’s all sincerity, but for the most part, I feel like it earns it. Though the Billboard charts continue to exhibit a kind of separate-but-equal mélange of genres, this sort of crossover still feels rare – even if so much pop, R&B and country takes production cues from hip-hop.

At #16 (we’re at #16 btw) is the ever-restless, currently-somewhat-exhausted Miley Cyrus, whose tired but empowered “Flowers” is already one of pop’s great breakup anthems and stands as one of the songs of last summer. I spent some time in Ms. Cyrus’ canon last spring for a piece I’m proud of, but it didn’t dispel the impression I’ve always had that behind that fabulous voice and insouciant demeanor is not a very clear artistic vision. Cyrus swings from new tack to new tack, and unless she’s put a truly fantastic single together – she does this every so often – there’s always a trace of “unconvincing” there for me. “Used to Be Young” is scarcely different. A piano ballad, something she seems to personally favor, it has an air of reflective weariness (cf. “Malibu”) and light penitence (perhaps for She is Coming?). The media was rarely kind to her, but the hurt only comes out in her songs. The hook is solid, if a little programmatic (“you say I used to be wild, I say I used to be young”), and the music narrowly avoids sappiness with an atmospheric, beaty arrangement. And the fact is, when she starts to belt, she thins out her competition.

“Religiously” by Bailey Zimmerman – I would’ve typed “Blake” based on his face and sound if I hadn’t looked twice – is another revved-up, growly country song about having been deserted, and unlike Mr. Wallen, Zimmy doesn’t wink at you that she was super wrong to leave. The chorus – “I ain’t got the only woman who was there for me/religiously” – skirts patriarchal discomfort, but the lucky among us have had a deeply patient, unwaveringly supportive partner, so the regret is broadly relatable. The religious content is also rather muted – not like this is worship music or anything, though I guess it could pass if it were cornier – weaving the spiritual and secular in a seemingly seamless way. But it’s not not corny. It’s not clear if BZ has a sense of humor, and while his voice has some nice gristle to it (a la ZB), like most of country’s current heavy hitters, the music sounds straight from the factory (a factory with mandolins).

Lil Durk (feat. J. Cole)’s “All My Life”, #14, is also corny, but not enough to drag it down. The slow unfurl of its polysyllabic ruminations (there’s an element of hip-hop the rest of pop would do well to absorb), the classic-Kanye style kids’-choir hook, the simple, gorgeous chord progression: this is a song that aims to make you cry, and more or less earns it. Cole’s climactic middle section about slain young rappers is the highlight, of course; never were more brilliant pop stars cut down too soon than in the modern rap era. But the whole thing has a humility and sense of dynamics that arrests you the whole way through, even the verses you’re not following perfectly between choruses. There is a problem here, though – the single’s sweet sugar was harvested and glazed over by none other than Dr. Luke, one of music’s accused whose charges seemed credible enough to strip him of his license to practice. Can’t Ke$ha count on us?

#13 is “Flowers”, and #12 one of three fantastic hits from the indisputable movie of the summer. Barbie was fainter for me than I wanted, though I’m not sure how much more subversive – it’s quite subversive! – it could’ve been while still nailing the something-for-everyone thing. And anyway, what do I know? I’m just a Ken (or perhaps an Allan). “Barbie World”, the #12 in question two weeks ago – remember, this is all two weeks ago, I make the rules here – is the weakest of the trio. It’s a trap-haze interpolation of the old Aqua hit, a great song which nevertheless felt so aggressively hyper back in the ‘90s, it could hit like a form of torture in the wrong mood. Nicki Minaj, my original 2010s hero, hasn’t helped herself personally for a bit, but her effortless, earth-scorching command, even at a low temperature, is a perfect vessel for the universal empowerment this theme and its film intend – “all of the Barbies is pretty” indeed. #6 on this chart is Dua Lipa’s mint-condition, made-to-order disco anthem “Dance the Night”, the sort of banger that feels like it’s been around forever. The last Barbie hit, Billie Eilish’s startlingly canny “What Was I Made For”, a ballad that astounds a little harder every time it languidly unfolds, hung in at #22.

Oliver Anthony Music had dropped just outside the top 10 at this time. Part of my picking an earlier chart is that I wanted to write about him; that said, I don’t know that a single song has had more written about it in the recent past, and all in one week. Much was made of Anthony(whose beard conceals his build)’s irritation with people who use taxpayer-funded welfare to buy cheap treats. In fact, his fatphobia is the clearest toxicity in the lyrics, though the reference to “minors on an island somewhere” – as if the U.S. government did a thing to keep Jeffrey Epstein from hurting people – codes conspiracy theorist. But all the carping about his fishy success belies the fact that the song sounds great. Mr. Music’s voice is searing and powerful, the stark banjo and the outdoor ambience a production coup, and if it wasn’t so clear he was coming at this from the wrong place (though to be fair, he’s abjured any party affiliation), it would speak to the great open secret of U.S. politics, which is that bullshit pay is everybody’s problem, and these wedge issues, however serious, are there to distract us from uniting against our oppressors. As Billy Bragg put it in his pitch-perfect rebuttal, “join a union”. We’ve just been reminded strikes still work.

Having already touched on #6, I’ll breeze through 10 to 7. 10 is Rema & Selena Gomez’s “Calm Down”, an Afrobeat-graced pop hit with a vibe much resemblant of Bad Bunny and other recent Latin pop. Gomez’s post-Waverly Place penchant for coming on like she’s absolutely done with everything and is too tired to be bothered anymore suits the single’s quiet storm perfectly. “Vampire” is Olivia’s current piano-kissoff coup, and you already know how much it doesn’t suck. Gunna’s “Fukumean” gets stuck in my head here and there – well, just the “Fukumean” part – and I always subsequently wonder what it sounds like on the radio, where you still can’t quite say exactly what the fukumean. The music feels generic if peppy; the lyrics are conventional hip-hop aggro-bravado. SZA’s “Snooze” is no snooze, but also no “Kill Bill”.

I went through a breakup this summer, right around the time Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night” blew up. His music is insistently catchy and melodically brawny, so for a short time “no way it was our last night” was sort of a pet chorus in my head. But this deteriorated quickly, paying attention to the rest of the lyrics – said night was booze-fueled, not the most relatable or charming thing for a grateful recovering alcoholic, and once again, Wallen’s greasy cockiness is an automatic turn-off. There’s very little indication that his ex wants to stick around, much less that Wallen, whose cultural function is primarily as a “cancelled” superstar half of the country is propping up in retaliation, has done a lot of self-interrogation about it. The song really does sound great, and its hook is invincible, but once again, it isn’t exactly good for you.

The late-breaking triumph of Taylor’s “Cruel Summer” would also leave a bad taste if the song weren’t one of her best. I say this because of the recent scenario in which our new pop hero Olivia Rodrigo had to pay Swift, whose business acumen seems genuinely frightening, for a touch of inspiration from this song (a chanted section…?) that could be ungenerously interpreted as some sort of theft for which some sort of repayment is in order. Their lawyers worked it out, but bad blood feels inevitable; Swift famously supported Rodrigo in a deliberately maternal way when “Drivers License” (sorry, “drivers license”) hit, but it’s not impossible to imagine that zillionaire cipher feeling a twinge of jealousy from which a few petty things might result. Rodrigo’s evasive responses in interviews seem to give credit to this suspicion.

Into the top #3, and here sits one of my favorite curios, Luke Combs’ musically beefed-up but lyrically unaltered cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car”. Combs absolutely has truck nuts voice, and I’m still not clear what people who prefer that voice above all others do when he drops the line about his time as a checkout girl. It’s hard to pinpoint anything nefarious here; Combs has just sent an influx of money into the bank account of a more-or-less forgotten Black female singer-songwriter – though that song endures, and is now living in the high reaches of the charts, because it’s fucking fantastic. But then, I haven’t read any thinkpieces about it, and I’m getting about as tired of writing as you are of reading, so we’ll move on.

My boy Zach Bryan and our girl Kacey Musgraves are (well, were) at #2 with their gently broken collab “I Remember Everything”. With its soft bass-drum pound, quiet strumming, slowly sawn violins and swaths of echo, it sounds a bit like mists floating grimly over fields (antebellum, perhaps? Nah, not for Kacey). Here are two of our deftest, most openhearted country stars, and, finally, a country breakup hit with not a kernel of corn, setting its scene through pure suggestion instead of beating you over the head with a big new cliché in a sack full of old ones. Its magic dispels a little the closer you look, but it really works. So does the unflappable Doja Cat’s “Paint the Town Red”, noted by chartwatchers as the first rap hit atop the hot 100 in a hot minute. As with “Dance the Night”, once DC rolls in over the music, the song feels classic and eternal. Not unlike Dionne Warwick’s “Walk on By”, the source of its sample – a 60-year-old hit of such intense and incongruous fragility, it’s astonishing how well they worked it in. In the Spotify age, all pop is eternal. To that end, any summer whose soundtrack is woven into your soul is endless.

[infinitelytheheartexpands]

Le prophète (Karlsruhe, 2015): Reactions, Part I

new (ish) filmed production of le prophète just dropped??? there go any other plans i may have had for this friday night

no loitering allowed

this chorus is essentially just “thank fuck that it’s sunny and not storming” which…i get it bc i live in tornado alley, but also as we come out of a VERY hot summer…storms are nice every once in a while

also: no room for sun in a neon capitalist/oligarchist hellscape

berthe’s got rocker girl vibes!

the waitress: “eh might as well listen to your story not like i have anything better to do on company time”

this does not feel very heterosexual on berthe’s part

edit: scratch that apparently that was fidès, in which case…why have her come in before she’s supposed to be there, director

also though: as a friend said, (paraphrased) “if y’all ship filippo and rodrigo i should be able to ship fidès and berthe bc it’s basically the same thing”

“tomorrow this place is ALL YOURS!!!”

(we love women business (co) owners)

she got all her papers in order, she’s done everything RIGHT, and yet…

THE ANABAPTISTS ARE HERE

also: i’m sorry but i find it so fucking funny that they’re dressed up like mormons. idk why that’s so funny to me but i saw a production of the barber of seville once where one of almaviva’s disguises was as a mormon missionary and i lost my shit laughing. anyway back to the opera

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA THEY WENT TO FIDÈS’ PLACE THAT MAKES THIS EVEN FUNNIER

(on the other hand, though: why is everything such a huge problem if fidès and jean live in the same town as berthe??? a big part of it is that berthe is asking to LEAVE oberthal’s domains. i wonder what the modern equivalent is)

“nah not interested” *slams door in their faces* yes you go fidès 

weird cuts but THIS CHORUS NEVER FAILS TO BLOW ME AWAY

the power of community organizing! (unfortunately done by people with…less than great intentions)

fun activities with friends: doing acrobatics and breakdancing on police cars

everyone reading each other for filth. it’s fun but they all suck

also, no picture but: LUCIA LUCAS IS IN THIS??? (she plays Mathisen) NICE!!!!!!!!

two brave women supporting one another we love to see it (also: one of the prettiest duets you ever did hear)

oberthal you little bitch

you’re just gonna leave her chained to that? 

WAIT OBERTHAL WAS IN THE BACK SEAT WITH BERTHE THE WHOLE TIME OH FUCK

talk about mood whiplash! (also: this chorus BOPS)

uh oh (also especially with the mormon missionary-esque costumes, their being at more or less a sports bar is hilarious)

jean is a tenor with no brain cells and he’s able to admit it, unlike most tenors with no brain cells

his dreams could be prophetic for real, or a fluke…but either way they are GOING to be manipulated 

“no sports. only our warped version of Jesus”

“guys. stop kneeling before me. i’m not Jesus or any warped version thereof”

(also i REALLY want them to start singing “hello”)

THE WAY HE LAUGHED AT THEM YES JEAN GET ‘EM

“DUDE, we’re not supposed to have beer”

“oh sorry”

he’s just a guy who really loves his mom and his rocker girl fiancée! 

so jean. about that marriage tomorrow.

oh HONEY

HOW DO YOU NOT SEE HER OH MY GOD

i’ll try to put the rest in a reblog bc apparently you can now only put in 30 images per post, which is STUPID and DUMB and i HATE it

[dailykoreanpop]

Music Fans Think G-Eazy’s Verse on ATEEZ’s ‘Work’ Remix Is a Callout to Halsey: ‘This Was Not on My Bingo List’

G's mention of Libras raised eyebrows in his new remix to the K-pop group's No. 1 hit.

With the newly released version of ATEEZ’s No. 1 single “Work” poised to make crossover impact for the K-pop group via the all-English remix featuring G-Eazy, the rapper’s verses have also sparked speculation among fans online that he used the track to take a jab at his ex-girlfriend, Halsey.

Released Friday, Aug. 9, the “Part 4” remix of “Work,” which topped World Digital Song Sales in June for ATEEZ’s first chart-topper on the ranking, features G-Eazy delivering a verse that has fans talking: “Actin’ innocent, no, it’s not your first time/We’re far away if Libra is her sign/ Oof, danger, danger (Danger, danger)/Don’t be a stranger (Don’t be a stranger)/ She said no one can save her.”

This particular line has drawn attention due to Halsey’s Sept. 29 birthday, making her a Libra and leading to widespread speculation that the lyrics could be a thinly veiled reference to his experiences and their past relationship. The stars were in a highly publicized relationship from 2017 to 2018 before an abrupt breakup in July 2018. While neither has spoken up directly about what ended their time together, both artists have released music that fans believe alludes to their breakup. Halsey has also previously mentioned being in an “abusive relationship,” though she has never explicitly confirmed if G-Eazy was involved.

After the collaboration’s release, one user on X (formerly known as Twitter) wrote that they “got weirded out when he sings that [because] I immediately remember Halsey…this is ATEEZ’s song why tf did u make it about u.” One X user added, “A collab of all things to make a little diss at your ex,” with another saying, “G-Eazy shading Halsey in a K-popcollab…this was not on my bingo list AT ALL.”

As some fans have noted, the particular lyrics in G-Eazy’s verse stand out against the backdrop of ATEEZ’s original message in “Work,” which is about focusing in on pushing toward your goals and achieving success. One fan on X wrote, “We’re talking about clocking in and he’s over here harassing his ex.”

Indeed, the K-pop group sings about the hustle in lines like, “I like to party when it’s a party/That’s payin’ me to pull up” and the addictive chorus of “Gotta work, gotta work / Gotta make that money, make purse.” G-Eazy later adds, “Work, flex, work, flex, always in the lab/ How I earn checks/ Hundred thousand dollars for a verse, yes/Wouldn’t lift a finger if it were less.”

The collaboration comes after ATEEZ’s established admiration for Halsey. The K-pop group’s fans, known as ANTINY, know the members frequently share music recommendations: Both Wooyoung and Jongho have shared their fondness for “Boy With Luv,” her hit collaboration with BTS, Yeosang has recommended Halsey’s chart-topping Billboard Hot 100 hit “Closer” with The Chainsmokers to fans. Mingi has also praised G-Eazy’s work, notably his Hot 100 hit “Me, Myself & I” featuring Bebe Rexha, and previously recommended Calvin Harris’ Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2 album, where Halsey features on two tracks.

Representatives for G-Eazy nor ATEEZ did not return Billboard‘s request for comment at press time.

Even if the potential diss has dominated most of the conversation, it’s important to recognize the latest steps in ATEEZ’s barrier-breaking 2024 that includes multiple “Work” remixes, being named an “Up Next” star in Variety’s Young Hollywood Impact Report, and the ongoing [Towards the Light : Will to Power] in North America arena and stadium tour that just took over New York’s CitiField on Saturday, Aug. 2. This year has also been momentous for G-Eazy with the June 21 release of his seventh studio album, Freak Show, marking his first full-length project in nearly three years, which precedes a world tour hitting North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand through this and next year.

Listen to Part 4 of ATEEZ’s “Work” with G-Eazy below:

Credit: Billboard

[existentialmagazine]

Review: Chloé Sautereau’s new bare-faced acoustic-pop single ‘Ten Thousand Stories’ merges warm guitar with a narrative of finding your place in the world

The Swiss born and raised, New York based singer-songwriter Chloé Sautereau has slowly but surely finding her place within the music scene, sharing bare-faced pop that blurs catchy hooks with intimate storytelling. With influences such as artists like Amy Allen, FINNEAS and Julia Michaels, Chloé is a familiar but uniquely striking force to be reckoned with, and she only continues to grow with every new release. Since her debut ‘Get to Know You Game’ earlier this year, Chloé now shares her latest offering ‘Ten Thousand Stories.’

As songwriting lies at the heart of everything Chloé does, ‘Ten Thousand Stories’ spills out with admissions of her ever-changing environments and headspaces, coming to terms with her new reality based within New York city and the way her life has shifted both internally and externally. Consumed by the big city, the endless faces, thousands of apartments and passing cars, bright lights and nightlife, the world Chloé now finds herself in is one that never stops moving, and that causes a lot of introspection. As she sings ‘sleeping here can get a little lonely’ , it’s almost like the masses of crowds and bustling streets can emphasise the loneliness of her solitary apartment, surrounded by so many and yet spending every night alone. The chorus hook continues ‘I’m ten thousand stories tall but I’m falling… I’m trying to keep up with the city lights’ , expressing how Chloé’s new life leaves her feeling a little lost within the world, constantly in a cycle of needing to be moving and doing something just like everyone around her. Just like we all experience and put on, there’s an inherent external pretence buried within her words, with Chloé feeling she must keep her emotions within to save face but allowing herself the freedom within her lyrics to come clean: ‘when I think about tomorrow, is it okay if I say I’m a little scared.’ As we’re all constantly pushed to grow, learn, make money and progress in our lives, ‘Ten Thousand Stories’ really flows out like the internal monologue most of us have buried within us, trying to make peace with the reality of life’s consuming needs. But littered within her self-analysis is just as much light as there is turmoil, as Chloé sings ‘have you seen how the morning sun makes every little thing so lovely’ , finding a new home in a place that glows with endless life. Erring between overwhelm and a newfound appreciation, ‘Ten Thousand Stories’ is here to give you an anthem for those days it all gets a little too much, guiding you through while Chloé’s figuring things out just as much as we all are.

Between the breathing lungs of her lyricism is a soundscape that’s both tender and warm, extending a welcoming hand to anyone needing to find the strength and familiarity of a friend to get them through and feel a little less alone, even if that’s in the distant form of Chloé from afar. Beginning with gentle acoustic guitar strums and intermittent plucks that ring out into the vastness of the sound, ‘Ten Thousand Stories’ captures an immediate intimacy that you can’t help but resonate with, built up with occasional dreamy electric guitar twangs. The chorus surrounds you with a cloudy haze of soft instrumentals, layering differing guitar strums and plucks within each other, showing more of a strength in their delivery than the verse’s more melancholic hums. Chloé’s vocals truly take centre stage though, soaring through a clean and airy higher range with a haunting delicacy, bridging the gap between powerful vocals with a lighter edge. Towards the track’s closure, radiant backing vocals make her words all the more engrossing, creating an atmospheric aura before things calmly fade out. All in all, the soundscape of ‘Ten Thousand Stories’ is intentionally minimal, there to soothe but not to take the focus of a narrative that Chloé is determined to have heard.

Check out ‘Ten Thousand Stories’ here to journey through Chloé’s heartfelt storytelling and whimsical sound!

Written by: Tatiana Whybrow

Photo Credits: Unknown

// This coverage was created via Musosoup, #SustainableCurator.

[mythica0]

Reddit is being stupid so I’m writing this here to link there- this is inspired by a writing prompt.

“Hey guys!” I called out to my friends-Kyle and Jane- who were sitting at the lunch table.

As usual, my *other* friends were following me. The imaginary ones. I slipped up sometimes- spoke to them in front of other people. They always called me crazy.

But that’s not important.(yet.)

“Hey Gabby!” They called out in sync, waving at me.

I sat down at the table, the dragon siblings( there are eight ,all based on an element. Can be tough to deal with.) laying next to my tray. Gaiya sat on the floor, while Harley and Dazzle elected to stand.

“Oo! Lunch time is always fun!” Ollie spoke, his mermaid-like tail flopping next to him, his wings settled on the table.

“I don’t agree. Too boring.” Fiona sneers from her spot across from him. Her tail, Fire-tipped, crackling but not alighting anything.

I tried to ignore the chatter my friends couldn’t hear.

“How are you guys?”

“We’re awesome!” Jane exclaimed ecstatically.

“Damn right we are.” Kyle replies lightly, with a smug grin on his face.

I roll my eyes and scoff. “Maybe we are. You? Not so much.”

He gasps over-dramatically. “How *dare* you!”

We all dissolve into laughter.

——————

In biology, Gaiya helps me. Her vine-like hair and antlers blocking my view as she looks at my paper. Her gentle, quiet voice is hard to hear in the loud room, but i hear it all the same.

“Oh, actually you flipped those two.” She says, gentle and non-judgmental, pointing to the diagram if environmental progression I was drawing.

I don’t know how she know things I don’t. Considering she, and all of the others, come from my imagination. But sometimes I talk to her about biology and ecosystems late into the night. Or let her talk in her soothing voice until I fall asleep.

—————

In chorus, Dazzle sings along with me. We harmonize together, her thin, ribbon like tails swaying with the music. Her voice is a little higher than mine, she a soprano and I an alto. Her glittery freckles and pink skin shine in the light through the window. She would be an excellent stage performer were she real. Her curly purple hair and bright pink skin might get in the way though.

———���—

After dinner, I sit out on the porch. It’s Friday, so I can stay up as late as I want. Harley sits with me. Harley is an odd one out amongst my friends. While the rest are very colorful and bright, Harley is more dark and subdued. He has piercing green sclera, and white irises. I don’t really know what he is. He has the body of a werewolf, but he also has bat wings and a snake as a tail. I suppose he’s the manifestation of my love for Halloween.

We look up at the stars.

—————

The dragon siblings fight a lot. It makes sense, theirs eight of them. All of them are ampitheres(meaning dragons with no legs but two wings)

Ollie is the water dragon. Scarlet is the air. Ellie the lighting, Tourmaline the earth, Fiona the fire, Ivan the ice, Leviathan(or Levi) the light, and Dahlia the Dark.

“Are w-we going anywhere fun today?” Ellie asks, her stutter getting in the way of her speech.

“Maybe. Might go for a walk later.”

My mom here’s me speaking. “Are you talking to yourself again?”

I sigh. “Yes mom.”

She doesn’t see them. Only I do. It makes sense, they’re imaginary after all. (…right?)

Tourmaline flies slowly up to me, his tail weighed down by the large stone attached to it.

“I wonder what she made for breakfast.”

“Yeah, me too. Let’s go and see.”

“I’m cool with whatever. Pun intended.” Ivan flies up as well. He loved making puns about everyone’s element, but especially his own.

“Yeah! Race you down!” Scarlet said, quickly zipping away.

“No one is racing you!- and she’s gone.” Ollie replies.

“I keep telling her no one will race her because we all know she’s the fastest, but will she listen? No.” Dahlia rolls her eyes, following down the stairs.

“I hope we can find something colorful!” Levi pitches in, completely missing that the topic had moved on from what we were doing today.

I chuckle a bit. “Yeah, bud. Me too.”

————

The next day I go to the park with my friends. The real ones this time.

We have a blast together, that is until-

“Ugh, I want expecting to be in the presence of losers today.”

Great. Harold. The name of my entire existence.

He chose me and my friends as targets, I suppose. Bullies us for no reason.

“We may be losers but at least we have friends!” Kyle replies, snarky.

“Yeah. This guy is such a jerk.” Gaiya whispers next to me.

Dazzle shouts: “Oi! We may be strange but we’re also awesome! And unlike you, we have *good* opinions.”

Harold’s head perks up. “Which one of you bozos said that?! I have amazing opinions!”

I startle. He heard her?

He stares in our direction for another moment. “Who are all of you? ***What*** are all of you?”

My friends look at him, confused. Internally, I’m panicking. We’re they real this whole time? How does he see them?!

“We’re dragons!” Ollie calls. “Not that we care about you. Jerk.”

Dazzle glares at him. “Cooler than you, that’s what.”

Harely stares at him, Ears back, the snake that’s attached to him hissing. “That’s none of your business, buddy.”

“….what is going on?” Jane asks, completely befuddled.

“Your loser of a friend is surrounded by *freaks* that’s what!”

“Hey, we are not freaks…” Gaiya whispers, sounding disheartened.

“Don’t listen to him Gaiya, he’s just a jerk and an idiot.” I whisper back to her, holding her hand for a moment.

A pause. “Gabby? Is there something you’re not telling us?”

As Kyle speaks, my other friends chase Harold away. I have a feeling he won’t bother us for a while.

“…. I thought they were imaginary.” That’s the only thing I say at first. Jane prompts me to elaborate.

“I have..apparently not-so-imaginary friends. I don’t know how, but Harold just saw them. And heard them.”

“Really? Wow!” Kyle exclaims.

I whip my head up to look at him. “You believe me? You don’t think I’m nuts?”

Jane spoke this time, amusement in her voice. “I mean, we all saw what just happened, I think the evidence is there.”

“I wish you could see them…”

“Well, tell us about them!” Kyle pipes up.

“Alright! So there’s the dragon siblings, Dazzling, Harley and Gaiya….”

Maybe they would see them one day. Maybe they wouldn’t. Who knows. All I know is that *all* of them are my friends, real or ‘imaginary.’

[theeverlastingshade]

Girl with Fish- feeble little horse

Philadelphia has been the epicenter of indie rock for roughly a decade by this point. Brooklyn was the indie rock mecca for the first decade of the 21st century, but after becoming financially unsustainable for the vast majority of artists who aren't bankrolled by family, Philly swiftly became the de-facto feasible alternative. The scenes there have flourished, and have been a home base for forward-thinking iconoclasts like Alex G and Spirit of the Beehive as well as timeless-sounding singer-songwriters like Kurt Vile and Waxahatchee, and musicians of all sorts of stylings in-between. While much has been made of how absurdly high above their weight class Philly has been punching throughout the last decade, I haven't been privy to nearly as much coverage w/rt to the cross-state indie rock scene that's developed in Pittsburgh. And hopefully I'll see that start to shift following in the wake of Girl with Fish, the excellent sophomore LP from feeble little horse. While steeped in the DIY sensibilities of Philly indie (most obviously Alex G) flh have managed to carve out a lane for themselves by playing a style of noise-pop that fuses the delicacy of twee with the brutality of shoegaze, resulting in a sound that feels familiar but is ultimately unlike anyone else making music right now. Their first LP, Hayday, and their lone EP, Modern Tourism (both from 2021) are promising records that showcase the seeds of the sound that they would go on to develop, and on GwF those seeds have begun to blossom into some of the sharpest indie rock that I've heard all year.

Fbl consists of guitarists Seb Kinsler and Ryan Walchonski, drummer Jake Kelley, and bassist/vocalist Lydia Slocum, and throughout the course of GwF they play with genre conventions while slyly upending them. They've described their music making aspirations along the lines of what they call Ableton-core (they've acknowledged SotB as a guiding force in this realm) and it's not hard to hear that sort of chaotic discipline guiding the music here. Opening cut "freak" opens to a trail of feedback before massive guitar chords flailing into the red emerge, and within short order the band are delivering honeyed vocal melodies that see-saw between relatively clean playing and effects-laden guitar passages rounded out with bashed cymbals. The whole song is barely 1:45 long, but the intoxicating effect lingers much longer and sets the stage for the proceeding 25 minutes of melodic mayhem. While the band don't deal in outright abrasion on every single song, everything here exudes some kind of off-kilter presentation, whether we're talking about the pitch-shifted warbling guitar on "Paces", or the mountains of distortion that threaten to steamroll the gentle vocal melody on "Steamroller" but never quite do. Nothing here exceeds the 3.5 minute mark, but nothing ever comes close to sounding slight or tossed off either. Fbh wisely give their ideas plenty of room to breathe, but they change course before anything ever wears its welcome. The result is a lean album overflowing with ideas that contains enough momentum to work superbly in any way that you want to experience it.

The ingenuity on display ensures that GwF is an engaging listen from start to finish, but even though everything here works there are still a handful of clear standouts that are just as strong as anything that I've heard this year. The aforementioned "freak" kicks things off on an extremely high note with its infectious juxtapositions, and mid-album highlight "slide" plays a similar trick. Throughout "slide" the band alternate between jangly acoustic guitar passages and an otherworldly 16 bit synth melody that lulls the listener into a sense of tranquility before thick slabs of in the red guitar distortion and one of Slocum's tightest vocal melodies yet come barrelling into the frame. The quiet/loud/quiet verse/chorus/verse structure is one of the most well-worn tropes in all of rock music, but it's rarely executed with this kind of immediacy and stylistic variation. It sounds remarkably fresh and inspired despite its colossal precedence. And there's no way to do a conversation about this band justice without mentioning the absolute showstopping "pocket", which isn't just their best song, but easily one of the best songs that I've heard this year. On "pocket" the band open with a twee melody over softly strummed guitars, lush synth chords, and a tender baseline, they slowly build up steam with faster strumming and bird chirps, transition into a funk bridge, turn up the amps for an abrupt pivot into hardcore, and then close things out with the initial twee stylings all in less than 3 minutes. It's an astonishing statement of purpose that deftly showcases their bold approach and somehow doesn't collapse under the weight of its ambition. The forms may well-worn, but on GwF fbl are taking them to bracing new heights.

Essentials: "pocket", "slide", "freak"

[thislovintime]

The Monkees, 1966.

“‘Do you know, while we’re sitting here talking, I’m getting mad because I got kicked out of Disneyland because I have long hair?’ Dolenz asked. ‘Our show is going to go higher and higher in humor,’ Jones said. ‘We are trying to take Peyton Place’s audience away.’ ‘Mike wore a hat as a trademark,’ Tork said, ‘but as soon as he had to wear it, he got tired of it. So he began wearing a bowler in public.’ ‘I’m having the original hat bronzed,’ Nesmith said. ‘We’re doing a story about a kid who is tossed out of Disneyland because he has long hair,’ Dolenz said. ‘Micky has a monorail mind,’ Tork said. ‘Tell your readers to picket Disneyland,’ Jones said. ‘Don’t pick it, it will never heal,’ from Tork. Peter picked up his guitar and began to sing. ‘Peter sings at the drop of a hat,’ [Davy] said, dropping Mike’s green wool hat. They all joined in for a pretty chorus.” - Article by Joan Crosby, Hope Star, October 22, 1966

“[Before filming the pilot episode] they put us in a room with $20,000 worth of equipment and told us to sort out who would play what. I could sing but couldn’t play anything. I was trained as an actor. Micky Dolenz was a guitar player but we needed a drummer so he took up the drums! Peter Tork can play about 10 instruments so he got hold of the bass guitar while Mike Nesmith picked up a guitar, an instrument he’d taught himself.” - Davy Jones, Record Mirror, January 7, 1967

“[Peter’s] really a genius, a prolific musician — he plays about seven instruments.” - Micky Dolenz, Record Mirror, February 11, 1967

“The most important thing is that we’re such different people. Know how I see us? Well, I’m tall and skinny and ugly. And there’s Micky who’s wild and keen like a little chihuahua. And Davy who is cute and cuddly. And Peter who is the one who plays a dummy, though he isn’t a dummy and he sort of makes a comment on that.” - Mike Nesmith, Record Mirror, February 18, 1967

“It makes me mad and violent to hear people putting the others down. I know how darned good they are on their instruments and in their playing and in their acting. I don’t care for myself because I’ve been around long enough to be able to look after myself… but to say guys like Mike and Peter don’t play is just plain ridiculous.” - Davy Jones, Record Mirror, February 18, 1967

“I have a great deal of respect for Mike as a musician and a songwriter. He’s very good. He could make it on his own easily. Also he’s one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. Micky has a practical side that he tries to hide behind his jokes and imitations, but it’s there nevertheless. I’m not practical at all, so I admire this in him. He’s got his business affairs in order at all times and knows just what happens to all his money and things. I never do. I can’t keep track of how much money I have with me at a given time. Davy has a lot of guts. Internal fortitude if you prefer. I wouldn’t want to be as popular as he is. I mean, I’d like it, but it scares the heck out of me to see the way twenty million girls will rush him at once. What knocks me out is that it’s always me or Mike that’s trampled or ripped. Little Davy (oh, I hope he doesn’t see that) is never harmed, though there will be twice as many after him. I think it has something to do with small people being quick and light on their feet and big people being slow and plodding.” - Peter Tork, Flip, August 1967

[cebwrites]

hey! i'm a gnc trans gay dude who uses she/her and recently ive been feeling kinda insecure about it like im faking or something 💔 also im tired of pretending fem she/her reader is about me. can i get hcs/scenarios of law, zoro, yamato, and one other character of your choice bragging about their gnc pronoun nonconforming boyfriend? only if you're comfortable ofc

dw pronoun anon we champion gnc transmasc solidarity in this house, fuck yeah expression doesn’t equal gender 🤝🤝 admittedly i've never used neos or interacted with anyone who does before so here's my preemptive apologies if i mess up ;0;

oh also i changed the limit of characters from 4 to 3 a while ago, just updating for anyone who isn't aware! :] love this all trans lineup tho 🤭

bragging about their boyfriend who doesn't use he/him pronouns (Law, Zoro, Yamato)

he/they law, trans zoro  reader’s pronouns: they/them, she/her, it/it's, ey/em/eir, ve/vis word count: 0.6k

Law

Being a he/they bitch himself, there’s no way in hell that Law would ever question your pronoun usage and anyone who does is getting their head swapped with their ass

He’s hardly the braggy type though, mostly leaving that to the chorus of his crew to pick on if you ever needed some extra support - of course, not a single one of them would bat an eye at it, either

They do, however, make a concerted effort to use your chosen pronouns more when Law gets a hint that you’re feeling out of it

“Tell ey to bring these to my office later,”

“It’s their turn on dish duty today, don’t let them out of it,”

“This is eirs, right? Toss it in the wash,”

All just slightly within earshot and casual conversation - once the captain starts, the rest of the crew is sure to follow, too

They don’t mean to be obvious, but the moment the Heart Boys (genderless) are tipped off that you aren’t feeling too hot, you’ll also be accosted here and there throughout your slump to conveniently do all the things you loved or at least enjoyed in their company 

Even your partner themself is a little bit more cuddly in private during that crummy self-doubt day or week, not that he’d ever mention it, but that’s neither here nor there

Zoro

Zoro’s a bit (a lot) confused as far as neo pronouns go, but he’s got the spirit 

He’s as transmasc as the next feral swordsman you’d find on the Grand Line, but pronouns have never really been a thing that he’s had to put too much thought into (in Zoro’s mossy brain: he/him is typically used for guys, so he’ll use he/him because he’s a guy, easy)

Zoro knows that’s not the case for you, though, so he’ll make adjustments to his vernacular accordingly

He slips up every now and again grammar-wise, using the wrong subject and possessive forms here and there, but it’s nothing that a quick correction can’t fix - he’s always at least a little guiltily pouty too, so you can’t really stay mad at him, honestly

Bragging, though, is an artform that Zoro is clearly familiar with

“In your dreams, Swirly, I’m clearly going to win because ve has my back!” (”Oh? So it’s not your own power then, Mossy?” //insert loud queer squabbling)

“Hmph, its MY boyfriend and it could kick your asses any day!”

“Doesn’t matter, this is vis and cause we’re dating I get half a dibs, ve’s a lot cooler than you all anyway,” (”That’s really not how that works, Zoro”)

A lot of these brags have to do with your power, forgive him, Zoro’s a very simple man-

There’s a very minor learning curve that some of the other Strawhats have to adapt to, too, but again it’s no real issue after the first week or so

Yamato

Yams is your BIGGEST cheerleader, he’ll bulldoze ignorant assholes out of the way for you and howl about how great you are and how much he loves you from the highest rooftop without even asking

He’s 100% supportive of your decisions and won’t stand for anyone who doesn’t (if you don’t want to cause a scene you may have a little trouble holding him back or have to discuss it with him beforehand because Yamato absolutely will call someone out on their bullshit when he sees it)

Sometimes you even get a little flustered or overwhelmed with the intensity and vigor that he supports you (very much the ’guns blazing’ type) but it’s all with an endearing air and the knowledge that Yamato only wants your best interest at heart

“Have you met her? She’s my boyfriend!”

“My boyfriend’s so handsome today, isn’t she handsome everyone?? <3″

“I love my she/her boyfriend!!! She’s so fucking HOT!!” [yelled from the tallest building in the Flower Capital]

Yamato is so embarrassing and openly affectionate the Akazaya are sick and tired of him, someone PLEASE leash this puppy and take him home, preferably away from them

[yespleasetommyshelby]

Temporary - Oscar Diaz imagine Part 6

Previously...

"De nada princesa." He winked before stepping out into the yard, a chorus of 'spooky!' coming from the Santos as he closed the door behind him.

A cough from beside me brought me back to earth, turning to see three sets of eyes on me, Ruby and Jamal looking as though I'd killed somebody right then and there and Cesar with a knowing smirk on his face.

"What?" I asked innocently.

------------------

"What did you do?" Jamal asked, still stood staring at me with wide eyes.

"I have never, ever, seen an actual smile on that guys face." Ruby muttered, watching the front door as though Oscar would magically walk through it any second.

"He's got a point." Cesar added making my eyes move to him. "He's my brother and I've never heard him call anyone 'princesa' before, let alone offer to let a girl stay over with no repayment, if you get what I mean." He smirked as he looked at me, his eyes holding a knowing glint.

"Maybe I just have that effect on people." I shrugged with a slight laugh. "Anyway, what's this about a school dance?" I asked in attempt to change the subject.

"It's on Friday and we're gunna get freaky with it." Jamal sung as he moved his hips in what I think was supposed to be a 'sexy' way.

"Okay, that's gross." I stated pointing at the younger boy as he slowly stopped dancing, crossing his arms before flopping down on the couch besides me.

"What is with you people and throwing water on my flame?" He groaned to himself.

"Jamal, baby, you need to have a flame for someone to put it out." I spoke with false sympathy, laughing as he rolled his eyes and mimicked me.

"How were the school dances in Cali?" Ruby asked leaning against the kitchen counter as he watched me.

"Uh, I didn't actually go to any." I shrugged thinking back to how me and Jess would just take a couple bites down to the beach and drink the night away.

"You didn't go? Like, to any?" Cesar asked with a surprised look on his face.

"Not that I remember no, I used to just go down to the beach and get drunk." I shrugged with a small smile.

"You should come." He continued making me look up to him in slight confusion. "To our dance." He clarified with a smirk.

"Oh, well in case you haven't realised I finished school a couple years ago, and I didn't even go to yours." I smiled at his offer.

"So? We can bring dates from other schools, or not from school at all, this is freeridge, it's a pretty relaxed deal." He shrugged, the smirk still on his face.

"I'm not sure that's going to a school dance with a fourteen year old is such a great idea." I muttered unsurely.

"You're overthinking things here Lia." Jamal said loudly as he pushed himself up and stood next to Cesar and Ruby. "God, you're definitely related." He spoke to himself as he looked up to the ceiling.

"Hey!" Me and Ruby yelled at the same time making Jamal raise his eyebrows in an 'I told you so' style. "But he's right." Ruby shrugged. "It's nothing serious just a dance, besides, I thought you'd be up for some fun after whatever just happened." He continued.

"Ruby's right." Cesar nodded, all three boys stood watching me and waiting for an answer.

"Fine." I sighed in defeat. "You're on." I smiled.

--------------

"Thank you again." I smiled as Oscar grabbed what he needed from his room before spending the night on the couch.

"Ain't nothin'." He shrugged as he headed towards the door, fresh shirt and shorts in hand.

"I'm going to the school dance with your brother." I blurted out stopping him with his hand on the doorknob. "Oh my god that sounded so much stranger out loud." I groaned as I flopped back onto his bed staring at the ceiling.

"Why?" He snorted as he turned round, dumping his stuff on a set of drawers before he stood at the side of the bed looking down at me in a mix of confusion and amusement.

"They was talking about the dance and I mentioned I'd never been to one, then Cesar offered to take me." I shrugged before sitting up and looking up at him. "It's not that strange right?"

"You're 19 and going to a school dance with my brother." He said matter-of-factly as he looked down at me with a raised eyebrow.

"I know it's so weird." I half groaned, half laughed as I thought about what I had agreed to. "You know you don't have to sleep out there right? I'm more than happy to, this is your bed after all." I mentioned, running my fingers through my tangled hair.

"A princesa should sleep on a bed, not a couch." He gave me a small smile and a shrug.

"And what about a caballero?" I asked making him look at me in confusion. "Well, you were my night in shinning armour." I teased with a smirk, and I'm sure, I saw a hint of pink lining his cheeks before he cleared his throat and it was gone. "Oscar Diaz get your culo into the bed before I tell all your little home boys that you cried at Marley and me." I smirked knowing that seeing Spooky Diaz crying earlier was going to come in handy, not that he'd admit he was.

"A) I wasn't crying, and b) even if I was you wouldn't dare." He muttered narrowing his eyes at me although the small smirk on his face let me know that he wasn't quite 100% serious.

"Try me." I smirked.

I let out a laugh as he sighed loudly throwing his head back before huffing his way over to the opposite side of the bed, pulling his top over his head before throwing himself down dramatically.

"You're such a drama queen, you know that?" I laughed as I lifted the cover and settled down on the pillow.

"Let's remember who's bed this is yeah." He muttered, both of us laid on our backs and watching the plain white roof.

"Was you close to them? Your parents I mean." I whispered remembering Ruby saying that the Diaz brothers had been alone for the majority of Cesar's childhood.

"My mum died when I was younger, couple years after Cesar was born, I don't remember much about her other than she was a jumped up crackhead." He muttered, my eyes widening slightly at how blunt and open he was being about it. "Me and my dad were kinda close when it came to gang business, I guess, but other than that I barely knew the man personally." I felt him shrug from his place besides me. "What about you?" He asked making me scoff quietly.

"Well, I don't know if you've noticed or not but me and my mum don't exactly have the greatest relationship. She's constantly on my ass trying to put me down, she tried her hardest to make me into the housewife that she's always been, and that's just not me." I shrugged laughing slightly. "But my dad." I trailled of with a sigh, a small smile on my face. "He's the greatest man I've ever met, I mean sure, he's had some troubles in the past but he's always put me and mum above it all. Even when it costs him more than he has, he always finds a way to make sure we're alright." I smiled at the thought of the hero that was my dad.

"He sounds like a good man." Oscar whispered making me turn to face him only to realise that he was already watching me.

"He is." I whispered with a small smile, my eyes captured by his as the familiar butterflies from earlier suddenly reappeared, his eyes moving between my own and my lips.

Not risking another interruption he quickly leant forwards and captured my lips with his own, moving our lips against each other's slowly, the cliché of butterflies and fireworks never really making much sense to me until this moment, when I felt it all.

I kept my eyes closed as we slowly pulled away, his forehead resting against mine as he released my bottom lip with a slight pop. Taking a deep breath I opened my mouth to speak before I was interrupted by a quick kiss on my lips before he pulled back completely.

"Sorry, I uh, I shouldn't have done that." He said quietly, looking into my eyes briefly before reaching over and playing with the small 'D' pendant that hung around my neck. "I know you got a boyfriend." He muttered scowling, dropping the necklace as though it had burned him.

"It's alright Oscar." I smiled slightly, bringing my hands up to the sides of his face my thumb rubbing his jawline gently. "I'm done with him, enough is enough, right." I shrugged making him chuckle slightly.

"It's okay." I smiled bringing my hands to the sides of his face, my thumb rubbing over his jawline gently. "I'm not with him anymore." I shrugged making him chuckle slightly.

"Good." He smirked, placing his hands on he sides of my face forcing me to let go of his and hold onto his wrists instead. Giving me one more smirk he leaned in placing his lips against mine as his hands disappeared from my face, reaching behind my neck as I felt the weight of the necklace disappear.

Pulling away I couldn't help but laugh as Oscar threw the necklace towards the drawers opposite his bed, the small chain sliding across the surface before dropping down the back. Letting out a chuckle of his own he laid himself down pulling me towards him do that my head was resting on his chest, his arm wrapping around me waist from behind while his other was folded under his head.

"Night Lia." He mumbled, placing a small kiss on my forehead.

"Goodnight Oscar." I whispered into the otherwise silent room, placing a brief kiss to his bare chest before drifting off into the darkness.

——————

"Aye Spooky! Where you at?" Accompanied by a know at the door make me jump the next morning as I was getting myself a glass of water in Oscars kitchen the next morning.

Since I'd always been an early bird, as my mother would put it, it was no surprise that I had woken up before Oscar and Cesar, my head resting on Oscars chest with his arms wrapped around me tightly.

"Spooky man, open up!" A different voice called from outside again accompanied by a know that was more like banging.

Sighing to myself I debated whether to go and wake Oscar or to just answer the door myself, yet another knock on the door answering my question for me.

"Can I help you?" I asked as I opened the door to be met with the same Santo that had stepped up to Diego yesterday along with another one that I recognised from the Monse and Cesar fight, the one who tried to step up to me, bitch.

"Where's Spooky?" The bitch asked as he looked me up and down with smirk, only then did I remember that I was in the same clothes I'd slept in, a pair of Oscar's boxers and my tank top, luckily I had remembered to put my bra back on when I'd gotten up this morning.

"How 'bout you show me a little respect before I slam this door in your culo feo." I smiled sarcastically crossing my arms over my chest before the other guy got my attention.

"Hey, uh, Lia right?" He asked with furrowed brows like he was trying to remember. "I was there when your boy came for you." He smiled slightly.

"Right." I nodded. "Thank you for that." I smiled sincerely, genuinely thankful that he had stepped in.

"I'm sad eyes by the way." He smiled as he stuck his hand out for me to shake. "And that's Johnny." He nodded over to his companion.

"Lia." I smiled putting my hand in his and shaking it lightly. "But you already knew that." I laughed.

"Is spooky here or what?" Johnny huffed against the door frame, once again letting his eyes roam my half naked body.

"Spooky's gunna kick the shit outta you if you don't stop looking at her like that." Cesar's voice made me jump as he came to the door with a glass of juice in one hand. "Here." He smiled as he handed me the juice while taking the water from my other hand.

"Oh, thank you C." I smiled as I took a sip. "Oh shit yeah, you guys wanna come in?" I asked quickly remembering the two Santos stood waiting in the doorway.

"Thanks." Sad eyes laughed as he made his way in, fist bumping Cesar on his way.

"Apologise." I said, putting my arm across the doorway before Johnny could walk in, looking up at him with a smirk as he glared down at me. "Apologise for acting like a jackass or you can wait for Spooky out in the yard." I shrugged as he looked at me in disbelief. "Oh, and it rained last night so the couch is slightly damp." I shrugged again as I went to close the door before his hand stopped me.

"Alright, I'm sorry." He smiled sarcastically as he tried to take a step inside.

"You're sorry for what exactly?" I smirked as I stepped in his way again, getting a kick of amusement at the scowl on his face. "Well, I'm waiting." I sighed tapping my invisible watch on my wrist.

"I'm sorry for being a jackass." He groaned rolling his eyes. "Happy?" He sighed as he looked down at the smirk on my face.

"Very." I smiled as I moved out of his way to let him in, closing the door behind him.

"Aye spooky! Where you been man? Damn hyna trying to make me wait inside." Johnny cheered as Oscar appeared from the hallway in nothing but the pair of shorts that he'd slept in last night.

Sure, Oscar Diaz wasn't exactly rocking an eight pack and abs of steal, but my god was he something to look at first thing in the morning. I couldn't help but blush as his eyes landed on me, scanning me up and down quickly before he looked back to Johnny, giving him an uninterested look before shaking his head and heading into the kitchen.

"Lia." He called looking over his shoulder at me. "Come here a second." He added, motioning for me to go over to him.

"What's up?" I asked standing next to him as he opened the fridge only to from when it came up empty.

"I was gunna ask if you wanted anything but I gotta go to the store." He groaned rubbing a hand over his tanned head.

"I can take a walk to that cafe down the street, mama coco's is it?" I asked recalling seeing the small cafe a few times since I'd been back in town.

"Nah." He muttered shaking his head, closing the fridge and heading back into the living room. "Johnny, go down to mamma coco's and grab me a coffee and one of those roll things I like." He told him before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a twenty and throwing it onto the Santos lap.

"Do you normally sleep with cash on you?" I asked amused knowing that he had slept in those very shorts. "My bad." I giggled as he turned to look at me with an eyebrow raised and an amused smirk playing on his lips.

"Nah, the girl just offered man." Johnny shrugged as he picked up the cash and held it out for me to take.

"I don't care." Oscar muttered as he pushed his outstretched hand away. "What do you want?" He asked looking over his shoulder at me.

"I'll have a tea with two sugars please." I smiled at him. "Oh! And a blueberry muffin!" I added excitedly, smirking when Johnny rolled his eyes.

I laughed as Johnny stood up with a huff before making his way out of the house, with one last laugh I made my way back to Oscars room to put on my clothes from yesterday since the rest of my stuff was back at Ruby's.

"Weren't you wearing that yesterday?" Monse's voice made me jump as I made my way back into the living room that was now occupied by Oscar, Sad eyes and the core 4, plus Olivia. The core 4 was dotted around the room, Sad eyes was laid back on the recliner in the corner while Oscar and Olivia was on the couch, their thighs brushing slightly, a wave of jealousy washing over me before I shook it off, he wasn't mine, I had no right to be jealous over silly little things like that.

"Uh yeah, I haven't been back to Ruby's because, well, ya know." I shrugged slightyl before turning to the blonde girl. "You must be Olivia." I smiled over at the young girl, I'd never met her before, or even heard of her before mum and Geny told me about he staying.

"That's me." She smiled. "You're Lia right?" She said, crossing one leg over the other subconsciously pushing hers and Oscars legs closer together.

"And my date to the dance on Friday." Cesar grinned as he came over to where I was stood and out his arm over my shoulders.

"Strictly friends only, got it." I raised my eyebrows as I looked to him, making him chuckle and nod in agreement.

"Since when are you taking her?" Monse asked confused, ignoring the looks that the rest of the crew was giving her instead opting to keep her attention on me and Cesar.

"Since last night when she told me that she'd never been to her own school dances." He shrugged casually, to him it was no big deal but I could see I'm Monse's eyes that she was hurting.

"You know I don't have to go, not if you two were planning on going together." I said quickly, not looking to be in the middle of a teenage love triangle or whatever this shit was.

"Nah, we're just friends, right monse?" Cesar shrugged as he pulled me close to his side, Monse not missing the gesture.

"Right." She mumbled looking at the ground just as Johnny stormed in and threw a paper bag down onto the ktichen counter before putting the drinks down considerably gentler.

"Oh food!" I grinned as I pulled away from Cesar's hold, jumping up on the counter and opening up the bag, immediately pulling out my blueberry muffin and digging in, sending a muffin filled smile in Johnny's direction. "Gracias." I smirked as he shook his head and leant against the wall.

"Aye where's mine foo'?" Oscar piped up, leaning forward in his seat, resting his elbows on his knees as he watched me finish my muffin, throwing the wrapper to the side before taking a sip of my tea.

"I'm the bag." I shrugged with a smirk, watching as his eyes lit up with amusement while Ruby and Jamal watched with horror on their faces.

"Is that right?" He asked smirking at me with an eyebrow raised.

"That's right." I nodded as I blew into the lid of my tea before taking another sip.

"You not gunna bring it here?" He asked tilting his head to the side slightly like a confused puppy.

"I'm sorry, remind me how much you're paying me to be your waitress again?" I asked sarcastically, laughing as Ruby and Jamal's eyes widened that little bit more.

"I'll get it for you Mr Spooky Sir." Jamal said quickly getting up from his seat and rushing towards the bag only for me to grab the bad and hold it behind my back.

"Nu-Uh." I muttered shaking my head with a chuckle. "I'm gunna need the owner of the bag to come and collect it thank you." I smirked looking from Jamal to Oscar who was watching me with an amused smile on his face before he pushed himself to his feet and walked over.

"I'm right here." He smirked making Jamal jump as he appeared behind him. "Can I get my food now?" He asked as Jamal scurried back to his spot making me laugh.

"Of course." I grinned handing the bag over. "What do I get for keeping it safe for you?" I asked quietly, knowing that the other people in the room were watching the interaction.

"I could think of something." He muttered, a smirk on his face as he stepped closer.

"Oh yeah?" I smirked back as he took another step so that we were basically chest to chest only having to look up at him slightly from where I was sitting on the counter.

"Yeah." He mumbled before taking my head in his hands and bringing his lips down on mine in a slow but butterfly filled kiss.

The joint "Oh my god." From Ruby and Jamal making us pull apart slowly with small smiles on both our faces.