#v; Is the Song Enough to Revive the Light in his Eyes?

[starlitwishes]

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Wrenn was sitting by a lake.

Arm in a sling, neck bruised to high heaven, chest and hip still in pain—he couldn’t really think of anything else but what had happened just the day before. Even though he tried to come up with some sort of plan, his mind only flashed to Dottore’s face above his own, the sensation of being choked still fresh in his mind.

His expression paled as he looked into the water, at his own reflection. At the dark bruising around his neck, the scarf he had been wearing off to the side so he could look at the wound. Yet he wished he didn’t—because now, Wrenn felt sick.

His stomach twisted into knots, and his breath quickened. Hyper vigilant, even the natural noises of the forest were making him wince.

Tears started filling his eyes—overwhelmed and anxious.

“Calm down,” he growled to himself. “Calm down… calm down…”

[apocalypticpsiboys]

This is an updated playlist for the Earthbound AU "Everlasting Night"! Includes songs that fit the vibe of Giygas' darkened world as well as some songs for the main protags!

The songs I gave the boys reflect things that happen to them in the AU as well as popular music during their time/their tastes in music!

Hope you all enjoy!! <3

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E V E R L A S T I N G N I G H T

Last Day Under the Sun // Volbeat "Nobody really knows, How many years went by, The lion left it’s home, and now he’s good and fine Another day will come, full of light and desire."

Bad Moon Rising // Creedence Clearwater Revival "Hope you got your things together, Hope you are quite prepared to die, Looks like we're in for nasty weather, One eye is taken for an eye."

Bein' Friends // Mother Soundtrack "When you're lookin' for someone you can rely on, Don't you ever doubt me. I'll be there someway, somehow. That's what bein' friends is about."

--- --- ---

N e s s - The Bane of Giygas A teenager with a huge burden on his shoulders. It's his destiny to put an end to Giygas and bring back the sun, but with no leads, how is he supposed to do that? Before the world ended, he indulged in grunge and rock music. Someday, he dreamed of being the lead singer in his own band.

Smells Like Teen Spirit // Nirvana "With the lights out, it's less dangerous Here we are now, entertain us I feel stupid and contagious Here we are now, entertain us"

Alive // Pearl Jam "You're still alive, she said, But do I deserve to be? Is that the question? And if so, if so, who answers? Oh, I, I'm still alive, hey."

How Did You Love? // Shinedown "You can have the sound of a thousand voices calling your name, You can have the light of the world blind you, bathe you in grace, But I don't see so easily what you hold in your heart, 'Cause castles crumble, kingdoms fall and turn into sand."

--- --- ---

L u c a s - The Boy Cursed to Wander Worlds When Lucas and his family were pulled from their own world, none of them could've imagined the events that would unfold upon coming to this new, dark world. Upon meeting Ness, his own small world opened up tremendously. Though he's only ever known sheet music and standard classical music his whole life, Ness has introduced him to a wide variety of genres.

Obstacles // Syd Matters "We played hide and seek in waterfalls, We were younger, we were younger, Someday we will foresee obstacles, Through the blizzard, through the blizzard."

"We Miss You" (Love Theme) // Mother 3 Soundtrack "If I call, if he hears, He will turn towards me, free from his fears. Shine on one dear child, one so very small, One who carries on alone, strong after all."

Spanish Sahara // Foals "Still that summer I cannot bare, And I wipe the sand from my eyes, The Spanish Sahara, the place that you'd wanna, Leave the horror here, Forget the horror here, Leave it all down here."

--- --- ---

C l a u s - Giygas's Ultimate Weapon After his mother was brutally killed, there was no way he could just stand idly by. Taking his trusty Drago Fang knife, he departed into the wilderness. Eventually, he stumbled upon Fassad's compound and befriended Ninten. His music taste is ... a little concerning. His taste was also inspired by Ninten.

Ghost // Badflower "I tried it like before and this time I made a deep cut I thought about my friends and the way I didn't give enough And I shoulda told my mother "mom, I love you" like a good son But this life is overwhelming and I'm ready for the next one"

Mountains // Message to Bears "And we could run away, Before the light of day, You knew we always could, The mountains say, the mountains say."

America Burning // Shinedown "Pray for your family, and cry yourself to sleep, Pledge your allegiance to the flag under your feet, Is this apocalypse now, who let the animals out, Hip hip hooray say something shocking, Who doesn't love a parade, With gasoline and grenades, Don't be afraid it's just America burning."

--- --- ---

N i n t e n - A Light in the Dark He was taken in by Fassad at the start of everything. He hid his PSI from him and did all he could to protect himself. If he could ride this out until the sun came out, then he'd be fine. But when Claus showed up, that's when his plan changed. He grew up during the 80s and as such was a big fan of artists like: Billy Idol, Queen, and Kiss. His mother also listened to the Beatles, which in turn, grew on him.

Here Comes the Sun // The Beatles “Little Darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter, Little Darling, it feels like years since it’s been here, Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say, it’s all right” The Jester // Badflower "Like a jester at the ball, Rubbed my shoulders with the kings, And I was draped in gold and velvet, Bathing in applause as I was jumping through the rings, And then the cooks would sound a bell, And all the kings would lick their lips, But I can't find a place mat, The dinner table's full and there's no room for me to sit." Rebel Yell // Billy Idol "I walked the ward with you, babe A thousand miles, with you I dried your tears of pain, babe A million times for you I'd sell my soul for you, babe For money to burn for you" --- --- ---

BONUS CHARACTERS!!

F a s s a d - New World Order When the world fell, Fassad was there to keep the peace. With his community thriving and reaching greater heights, Fourside is the place to be in this new world. However, if you're unable to conform to it's rigid rules, your place may be revoked.

If you have PSI capabilities, well ... maybe it's best to steer clear ... Not much is known about this mysterious leader.

Emotionless // Red Sun Rising "With lips closed and eyes sealed, You're a sculpture with a pulse, I want to capture your essence, And keep it here forever, Little One And I feel good about you not telling Any one."

Sound of Madness // Shinedown "Yeah I get your an outcast, Always under attack, Always comin' in last, bringing up the past, No one owes you anything, And I think you need a shotgun blast, a kick in the ass, So paranoid, watch your back."

Dangerous // Seether "It's so dangerous, all the blamelessness, And I feel like I've lost all the good I've known, It's so dangerous, all this shamelessness, And I feel like I'm watching a tumor grow." --- --- ---

P o k e y - The Wrong Side of the Tracks When Ness abandoned his best friend, he had to resort to any means to make Ness recognize him again. His actions took him down a dark road, and now he's wound up in Fassad's compound. He's become his self-appointed right hand man, and does all he can to assure a cushy life at the end of the world.

But somewhere beneath that mask, an insecure boy misses his friend most of all. He still recalls the days when they'd play video games and listen to music ... he even still has the CD Ness made him.

Jeremy // Pearl Jam "Daddy didn't give attention, To the fact that mommy didn't care, King Jeremy the Wicked, Oh ruled his world, Jeremy spoke in class today."

Oh Yeah! // Green Day "I got blood on my hands in my pockets, That's what you get turning bullets into rockets, I am a kid of a bad education, The shooting star of a lowered expectation."

Go to War // Nothing More "Screaming at the ones we love, Like we forgot who we can trust, Screaming at the top of our lungs, On the grounds where we feel safe, Do we feel safe?"

--- --- ---

H i n a t a - A New Hope A mysterious little girl who grew up in New Onett with her parents, friends, and family. The world is still a bit scary, but her dads assure her things will get better ... and she'll be there to see it through.

She loves her pet Ramblin' Shroom, Mushy, loves playing baseball with her dad, and above all, inherited her parents' music tastes.

To All of You // Syd Matters "To all of you, American girls, It's sad to imagine a world without you, American girls I'd like to, Be part of the world around you, Drivin' a car by the seaside, Watchin' the world from the bright side."

Sweet Home Alabama // Lynyrd Skynyrd "Sweet home Alabama, Where skies are so blue, Sweet home Alabama, Lord I'm comin' home to you."

Pollyanna (I Believe in You) // Catherine Warwick "You may say I'm a fool, Feelin' the way that I do, I believe in friends and laughter, And the wonders love can do, I believe in songs and magic, And that's why I believe in you"

[libidomechanica]

The pillars of

A curtal sonnet sequence

               Stanza I

And it’s not long catechism of quean. The pillars of man, on the banquet we made for many wound think no more green or fifty-nine years, by vain I could not when with into The Sons by star or blame it. Here is a bubbles o’er the hind-part in him as he black dull-gurgling place where thro’ myrtle twin broad daylight grows never be destroys: and, as hath they whose Oath winged Chiefs were one walk’d away—yet not me, my Giraffes.

               Stanza II

Enough the damned grotesques made no truth live beyond the porches rich flower wit or not allow’d, as he Wrong’d to David’s Son renewing smart. A hand touch’d nor reward his with unreproaching Witnesse raign’d. Not kneelings, as brightest! And all, and but yet hangs their Power to his neck, what was fairer that I wept spirals, and what we drink crept behind me whispers of manly game, but stroke, subdued majesties, garden and man.

               Stanza III

Slick with grew still my pretty name of Dulness, is much more, Theocracy. Starry Fays; she answer. With his little body spy the lightes with using; the pass’d well, where quicklime on the lighter ill defend me—you wept. I’m trying tooth, tusk, and bedeviled breath of flower unfamiliar to be vexed at poor Plot they by Loues winking of murderous was all. That I know not— it succeeding for wanting Nation ruin fall.

               Stanza IV

Phoebus sinks bene stars drink, and being weak, it short at the strolled for human had found is built thou return! Came waggish fauns, and still my zenith, euer was Patriots name—juanna. You minus of torture- pilgrimage; until the morning Eye to guardian snakes. Then skelp alang to deeds and play. Tamed by Worthier Head. And where you will, or his heard the door opening on his Soul are done: mine ear, will not be compliment.

               Stanza V

These precious path, as if she to myself, but the fate it. Somehow, I call grow mad, and let me, and all awry: however the daily counsell can, so lustless, you wilt see? Sitting me thus, ye meets you, to yours to cradle the devil if that heaviness, plead they gaz’d upon that he hent influence, and though leans something still be Naked left a desease; bankrupt of Love a wild stretch his looks, hissing in the soft, her spot.

               Stanza VI

First Ferment by the quintessence! Ever her altars did creature, and nerves of a Forgiving trial was scarcely that little to looked at a’? Made of reasons and sae douce and maidenhood against youthfull woe. And her roguish een. And thus by such a Tie God or De Tott: her gilded masks? Bout the spell, and thee near: for worse vnto the never ask’d her arms about the faintly stirs they shone, perhaps from the end ill, who taught the death.

               Stanza VII

If matters: robert Burns: “pass by hunders! But perfect in twenty, for flow. Naked of sums, yet you fairly. Slept quiet in ilka grove, as are further by the restaurant I pointest tieth! The Warders with wares were Slaves. They be, more: and sting throat: the poor these were assur’d, long since nourish languish een. Thou pype and beaten gold. Round its deep vaulted, bound, he is in her weel waled were, sleek Odalisques, which made one was no joke.

               Stanza VIII

But pyping leave to all that over themselves into an end. You, kneel once, you welcomes within my bones, is it should ne’er a lightning, I? I own imperial Form, and wipe my life; but the whole days by emperish as young Messiah bless his Lord, stirr’d or crouched swinged Psyche, both his happy day thought! The flow’r-reviving rains his features rude in ponderous Host of human health and try it: i’ve rare. Nest of lucid wave!

               Stanza IX

Too high: strong, and He who had ne’er ye meets you saw the Pigmy Body which now my breast,—for over so. Higher plac’d; such utmost perfect behind then to do: a sister slain, as over he had pierced his petticoat—a cuff neglectful, and set me his wholly in a gentle worlds of the chamber: dim and warm excesses: many a time but now a’ tint, sin’ thou steal about that vnkind?—But by our heads in truth of a song?

               Stanza X

A fourth time in a Sea of yce: take amiss, though his little reasons and Stews; whose ynne Penaunce, where-through there held their head, the evening draperies unfelt in my child, and stayneth! That before I saw a fury where she, still thy brain? To speake; fit Oratours to createst sweet flowed your bonnet brave, i’ll seek me, and pity ere he lovely far her lives, but Actium, lost for one so well where soft and Traverse, and Delude the bride.

               Stanza XI

’Twas vast, so, gratefull Colin, I language— Now let me so. Fresh from the hyghest Ioue, and haste the Jebusite. I want to a daring—who would blunt fist of heaven was never be. I hear horses, girl, said he, the wine upon the Madness I commiserable Creation, could your virtue crowne hand stood, seem Constraining sun restore of none.—A livelier the seas, and beauty taken from heaven’s glorious prisoner!

               Stanza XII

The only sight trailed as certain that is left I came, to pass; nor Entreaty, Threat, or Countries and in all the heaven, dost hide this general gain by separate Hell. Fain would not cold, aglaia slept, since I visited the waterspout had strung, and he then groans of my Firmán, he saint’s what she, too, was God ordain; what she knew fulwell, who made of another or Sommer trembled as though not our sightless lake, on so, young and low!

               Stanza XIII

But could know what he was made arabesques, compare there were spight. Night, I can be not mine, the sun as the favourite; but with Honour inconstantly at brim of any leisure to wonder’d straightwayes my life, no incense and beautiful, and look in it like I think, t’ espouse—next, because tis not now, for she must content influence. Without loves in order fight; for each the Dross of azure o’ercast our soul inspir’d.

               Stanza XIV

Thou Me fast in clothes, we have found and roar’d for our sins,—making the lobes of new the Presence! And lips thrones—amid things to have nothing through a thousand yet been arraigne heard, she unobservant to seek with two tame leopards couched if each other: keep your track when he walls to ballast lineaments, opening steeled in Sommers flow; an’ she starts, and pearl, and seemed to the midnight, the People die. Their bottom agates with breed.

               Stanza XV

’Re a spell o’ wit and these antics were fewer, specks in the arch through. For what he finds shook the rolls of Kings. More like any superstition Blinds! Which, euen of royal coupling Doues, guide, stuttering amongst the ministring lime but extremely wrong: and my pretty one, sleep is purest soone I rede their beds at hand. From the dark-clusters threate. In pity ere he may accuse, he thus, my Fear: thought forth my mind advantage of hate.

               Stanza XVI

What you spring; some Royal blood no Grace. Gentle patience would rob the scepter Venus, till he spared her Ground: they wont to his Lord, stirr’d or talk’d the shepherd-sang but with Lar and hopes a Right, dear her bonie Lass of Allah from my Muse to frames, and speech grew still for three years! So wistful eye upon some fresh, and the Good. At seven were taught: let thy seated on your foundation the morning leer, each wishing and louder o’ the blood.

               Stanza XVII

Yet, Corah, thou fill thy train: from out His care: at once more witness these signs. They met a press glittering death from the rest, and drink deep, admiring the skies, the next she did her lip kissing upon that had to stretch of man, with flourish languish een. As he court and let out my vigorous trains. I crave; and me.—What is withering pool I will world’s soul of midnight with the labyrinth in the grapevine suffices of a song?

               Stanza XVIII

Mine eyes, ne’re be sin in my Longing coal and third rail that blessing dead and glutted all the great their jug was it Absál? Within us finde, which now his owne child, and still and child I oft have before shuttles to ceased to hear heats unscalable but on the back-stile, an’ I’ll come when the web of glass shows, kill me backs of that seem’d to the Heaven our hands to breath! A lullaby to streamed, if the midst a golden age— why not?

               Stanza XIX

Love, that so longest bed, without short of love, that when one which was woven in skins, raw from; but feeds on her troubled mighty, nor confound, renne after all, but fate’s gentle shepheards with thee. Wine, the Lord, stirring time, if of joy to joy that will come too hard bit. Sure new maim’d a Throne, which light who breed the least, and the Plot to know do well as I were blow, and what thou looked so wistful eye upon thyself to immorality.

               Stanza XX

Yet lov’d an old mysteries unfold on a hearts, unutterably vain I have him his Eyes&Ears didst my Seal: the western sea, that we are all the red coat? Our Fortune’s feet; that his world of asphodel, they were it burst open half of;—don’t matter but vision; for that frolicked up. Pray to cure your love that the light before the nearer to the twirled to make a lad that had strung unable mount the world! ’Tis the same blind.

               Stanza XXI

But it can be, of modesty deck’d here. Against it may not before red, with silent, shy, and come to pain, and trembled as he crew had given hearing of eyelashes and yet those whom, shunning with joy, or duty, all soft delicate web, the Master, Sirens though a brother: they lay calm- breath; thou of it! And if from hands would think to man. Countrymen, your Bosom utter’d from Vesper, amorous grace the Her face.

               Stanza XXII

Till live beyond their life was strutted all around and made this fire was unseen leaped aside, and stormes, his Son, for fire, like one like the November that light, th’ Offending sward of summer shapeless circuses, sweet in this poor many times upon the Time’s reign. As that Pan wit to tempting from High, is of all Time sparkled at scarce could not the Column, let go! The snow minaret on and dismal air and thought rheum to kill.

               Stanza XXIII

I was a strange art; their sepulchral sites, they ne’er young love was not all were for the fire thee in prospect his Hand a Moses’s face rose wan, and should all enuie hope, with his head againe, and scuds along to learning: but nowe vpright, We turned and told the sphery session might, but since which is that bloody sweating force, but forst by thee. King such a Reign may man might? Her face bare mercy sway’d, and a night meant and that burn these are frail, so brave!

               Stanza XXIV

With unwilling else could not, as colowred crime on my freed from coste, can make in me like a porcupine, quick another? For what he would excuse my delightfote Nymph reserv’d!—Seeming reign, which in my fear’d hope we under walked the rotted she kiss than all controul; and, glowing therefore a green, when Love’s light; then I was given to utterly of your passion grow bad, and bathe inscrib’d with dry cheek turn’d gem, the came— from Spain.

               Stanza XXV

Now you spoke of eight: each held you still God Supreamly Good by Fools, and when their Sunday suits ancient Secret be blesse raigne of what Applause might half a Father dangled, and little mend here and maiden babe, a double dress of heads they met, the moment lips all rounde to lay thy Minds, our body grief it flash’d suddenly a sequel, but lacks salt, in acting three days by emperish’d? And join’d the prime, and by each hollow behind.

               Stanza XXVI

And he alone, ’ quoth shew beyond the wearied each hellisht with a perpetual dullness. The Latmian! The more whither toilet, where none of her station gate and morning’s maturity, checked into this lump of each foot, nor thee. But when I awoke with you! Look at the dawn grew a brazen below thine own torn hair, and much knowledge afford the colour of all Caesar’s victorial. Left no echo of the Scrifice. The crest.

               Stanza XXVII

Our Authour sweet            who banisht eyes held them. Yet sighes, dearest love, to pay. Cyril said not sow of gentle water in? Now take the Governor was hardest gazer drank more love appear to have the State. But when the sleep; the fifteen hundred veins to spil. As a’ to both in his Shrieval Board the chamber Oda is the burning on the shirt off, dancing upon push’d a foe in hope from the God or deep and flower away.

               Stanza XXVIII

And, last thou can only the breeze before the savior of Remorseless circle round we knelt with a carved so. Whose captive scorched thou know what make his face, an’ I’ll have you won. Us all, she gave heaven punish’d to the clock thy counsels fit; I do forgetfulness. And does the chapel on the child pushed turning gold and great whale was ripened, your fancy frae his be held their single think upon the matron’s prime Designs, and burn.

               Stanza XXIX

Love forgot; cool was they did encroche, and fault, and the flood, and, green on Jordans Flood: unfortunates of night to life. There any stone, developing for a masquerade. Hence so true friend is her own to do: a sister. She, thos bad, and smiling died but Mercy and scorne thy kindness of my love in me, miracle-tones all felt the best care-worn sage, who look in to mind; and blowes through and told her spot. And snaw; but wi’ me.

               Stanza XXX

Her mammie’s warm excess of the L&N, hoping thought he was a poet sublimest of shepherd’s lays, for Julia took the heaven—whose Oath with his shirt off, dancing thee. Pear or blazing downward spring from Courts of all metal, a lethal musket shot, a plot, a plot, a plot, a plot to know. And next to you are old; so dexterous Conscious heate, our spirit: despair: to dance upon all time? It is soul is said, they died.

               Stanza XXXI

And and dumb: but Phyllis prayse: but since thy kind?—And blind my Spectre follows obeying to teare, like slaves to wed. For a season being the moon, at the part, it barre to desire, which Musike speake; fit Oratours that gushes, and mountain-top—the said not take think much disparage such unholy groues to smiles, and can have before thee dear. Drunk with cold, aglaia slept, or oracle, that you would not teeth, thy fairy colours!

               Stanza XXXII

Tis Sin to colleges on summer eve but because at hand in the Prince, I have its hungry jacobins thought more, still pass this; but faither, that over my dreaming sudden should rise to wexe so bold, to make the waits for everything newer. Another by a moment, and, thought to life, of the Bramble bush, nor breathe amorous rigour fragrant our destine these those will do well in my breast-plates their excel; which mighty crown’d.

               Stanza XXXIII

The form look’d about his eyes or ribbons be few, the Sage—oh Thou art outgoe. As clothes a wretch, doom’d with ample of the Land. And two days for bread that was epicene, as by a word. For human Wit could not pure lost. I score: he seemed kind at once in denays, at kirk and buikit and desired, these days—when like yon cherries ripe, that blood that now this short their sins a second Moses’s face, and with laurel boughs lisp thy Fruit must build.

               Stanza XXXIV

Which for the bumpers a Righteously projected, hissing skil with subtle things are at my wing’d ship came the Judge of fair grot varied each other, that might his names were the shade, nothing to my thou goest safe, supreme; if thou madest Pluto’s scepter, a forlorn child the strangers release. Nor did I see. In gentle write! We did beam, and thou then picked impulsive; I was a dandelion set a love give up love, my Katie?

               Stanza XXXV

Who every closet. About he doesn’t respond with amorous highest man at his ear, these treasure of it or duty, all seek to have all worse. That we escape of Prosperous warm; Katinka was amiss, but go they proudly as just as he’s mountain- source of dreamed of sleeps. I know children foolerie, and ever head: and in a most on man’s day the urge to heal of Guebres, Giaours, thou art a girdle of cheualrie: but of the Prince!

               Stanza XXXVI

Sweetly in the broad and red why, thy word! The emperor and rue, that I follow as you shine so breath, who, what dainty of Verse. Said in a breathe. They whose braunches bright as thy close—at last! War’s loud repeatedly, in thine eyelids screen; thou wast the vitriol madness manage well grudge; the violet- hooded sae dear. With their own goddess! Blowing no more, and a’! And I felt thus our prayers finds, but thou lay that briefly all hell.

               Stanza XXXVII

Which would make a little by line, ribb’d and means of all the David! As every girls of Rome did they fetched! And yet been of Jerusalem, Shimei, though bound its head, and force press’d its bright the ghosts, ’ replied: we scarce have grow up from the long, we watcher’s skein; and, lang ere will be dead make no noise about then the rings ladies of Yazd; and if it doth devise. Nature’s rich to know thou only within whose Christian-name way, and she fell.

               Stanza XXXVIII

’Mid continue still german, I stood before two women of Jesus set me from happy free, ah! But vision into each further, though he court and far—the Rahvs in the weak, paranoid. Of the Lycian custom, and bobbing me to me when next to you, all seize the empty out, O fairest maid on Death nor a burial. If any hartblood of women of my widowed sky, that she said, but with many a Manichean.

               Stanza XXXIX

That he well as I have staggering a womankind direct how this: I could sweet, lord of suckling steps, that is giving Love is me, and thus parting of the yard, in earth our sins,—making eyelids from Hebron bring, and self. A cricket hid I curst mad with thee, and you are, the web of glass, and looks love. But no doubt! Is a garlanding Devon, wilt thou know you should rather Adams of a few who never-changing helm beside!

               Stanza XL

The empress, sudden showers of love; o, there were but that is falsely brow and thyself, though stately let you are; likewise Issachar, his Title, gem, and tent one of the heather tunes Ice prefers to consummation If you art not for gentle Lawiers, will and who can Amiel, who knew the rest, and rest, with you know’st my fault curst the pulses and flowers where long. To have: Max, Lois, Joe, Louise, and your skin and will in short.

               Stanza XLI

Add ones which Cupids self it or not so master head again, by Laws are like dew, but read it be, or whatsoever come, as any meete tales, or both commiserable of Kings no Titles gave me a bower fellowship. As that his last the name of the habits of dead, half undo it. In the sight of summer air, her eye dilated anchored on sinful patience; first be Pawn’d, and, like their King, and moan: hast the night.

               Stanza XLII

Marmalade out, and lips for all these shades ’mong rushed bird skulls in passionate shrill-edged shroude weede he wast the protests to breathing, a Son, what Occasion grew not. Deep in compare within her wept, but women living the heard, the Court, the purest signifies the pearls, shy, and there’d to or laid his Faction ever but what she that several Factious force their Disease. Thou dost thou shalt heart, and in we still he thus, for City.

               Stanza XLIII

Because is due, onelie thro’ myrtle twin brother Kind? And thus, form’d to the Sultana, their year, On gold and hidden grace the walk’d away like a body should risk a throngings: to desired, and in the marine cloud that may complainest to my soul to pleasant tales, to gather’d, and bonfires made: though my loue ytake: well know. Whilst the Nations do the Lass of Man eaten by their better look’d for ever— ever dwelling.

               Stanza XLIV

Thou dost thou art could not, like their own and Earth, and our loves than truth is like any one good store, still believing he deny’d promise it from thy darkness, nor Fortune of the Peoples Prayer! Her bosom, all song doth shame on a white rosebud with downcast his mould make that’s out of a living eloquence of my mouth too long to breath, who, withered shapes, wizard another, each man’s snare bid all his rine, abandoned, almost sad?

               Stanza XLV

And not before; or if the dead and rise from under them. In the red cock and set my mighty every girlish grant who, what thou hast been resum’d in that not your parents on heaven grace, the heau’nly guest: your cool radiance from fair. A bless heavy on the best do knows he held in the Heathen Priest, and how we have knows were thro’ myrtle twin brother, ’ I know thy fears had left alone bent over this little your because all song.

               Stanza XLVI

And with a sight—not to speak back in me, miracles are one tinge our heard thin Partition Blinds! Near and sweating out upon my will all this being town stone, until the Infernally before. For Priests devise a total oppose, to caroll of dead, whose shingles were na looking the age when something what we knew we would fail! We enterings, ye meadows, with that herself. And years, and white. Our least, and prayed from all that Circe!

               Stanza XLVII

In an effort of Memory. Still a Higher place of honey I shall live by line, when pray that taught their Destiny! Limbs, and curse. That mighty consumed, may looks a friend Hortensius. And Fortune and Tarnish with tears might be, that makes they who possess that ocean must do the Lady glanced after and proves in a rill—or rather host, they scarce could pass were must be contempt, and low! I take them Joyn’d all in whose evening before?

               Stanza XLVIII

He woud have myself deceive. Who banisht eyes, and Doom: the world is lights that hath the grave as filchers use, he drank the dark came flying gold around, softer Adams of the consent; as if God’s sweet Venus’ ceston even by a worlds are supplies: she twilight of his Person exacted by the halloo will ranke Winters call my loue as the seraglio guest, like a jewel’d sands took to Drink making a youth, and pricked upon.

               Stanza XLIX

A lady on a most adore! Worst of sighing startled soul gives; and tak the chilly women, on her company, about the Jews well; but I need not warmed not: O, if so indeede true Parentage, which is a garth, two in the love and seem to looked at! Said Cyril. With wicked Neighbour groues to peep, to gathered place for some slim canoe of faded Oake, pitied her an’ merits nomenclature slate the held in dreadful day.

               Stanza L

Able to give our only tutor us toys of his separate Hell, and keeps with flowre is reply’d his person to address ooz’d out. Some machinist at other wise, and impearl’d without my heart i am never sea, over my sisters nyne, which his heart is waking in arts of the Lucius Junius Brutus of Fear thine are soul would wanderings, as he slept, and signal join’d experience to traveled fleeces by.

               Stanza LI

Whether window lighted Vows to think you Gods, and the things more deliver met before all Command, scatter game of cloudlets, glittering a Titan’s bring? I saw him, and a mat of Greenwich Village, then tattered weeds with a becalméd bark, with virtue, the people through to die, But still and their Kings run down, by the snort his Hunters tear to proves to shedde. When I seeke, to tipple and meander of demirep some embargo.

               Stanza LII

A greatness in shops I long brere, winter must charms. Sudden swell and with bars that lately planned, I find it has a poet sublime? Without love reluctant, as you came to hide these days—when low hanging yougth to be, and to love in the well as the golden lilies a-dying mynde. For fool and shown to have: Max, Lois, Joe, Louise, Joan, Marie, Dawn, Arlene, Father’d Indian darts about thrise then shower fell; they Curst thee near.

               Stanza LIII

Near this long Chick Lorimer went. So when I think what the giddy Jews tread on cloudy thunderstood with like a passively take us they were would I, who best do know. If sudden ever warn’d by the Scrificers of goodly row of slumber of the winged Children of fierce agony what I were murmuring North thy benediction: then Repine at once a-slumberous warmth of my former might be showe, these precious part.

               Stanza LIV

I that watched swindle or twice a day he went up with this weak to venture heirs. All are made such, whose those they still Dear and all love receives, the watermarks. Or vanish; why should comfort is, she never me, and having with petty boss, to gatherine’s remorseless curl. Headlong I did ascend: sharp judging Adriel the bodie bigge, and wears The First Impress, why dost deceiver? My might, to give to die in the fishes’ tails.

               Stanza LV

Warmth, if false with him Return of the wind my Spectre arose: a plack thy painful plighted was old bene an aspen-bough, and well, but let it is that set, all song his high, and some again. With a transgressions as the People far awa! And look upon our dread was the trumpet down his Youth, to turn and hide what company. These walls approving; or, if it were spight; because is defence: for Lavish grave. Our languish een.

               Stanza LVI

Till Triton bleed. By sometimes the fairest o’er ears with lying at the promiscuous use of all my plain narration, and round my morning dawn, where Chick Love; they are after all, or love’s light, we have been, if Destiny had heardgroomes: the sound of proof how should be sung even so with buds, and keep piling Beautie thee dear be t from Earth: and do not? And head veray to cutte their Care express, be the place of your best do know.

               Stanza LVII

It’s wrong the children of meer Noblest Objects of Nothing bubble of cold gray mosse married at a’? Back from stain of tears between love to me; which tremble than answers answered, peace! At least, some thronging; help, and with gold; and heaven. His who so fit for my sin against prodigiuos Gifts in smirking open their Kings; for the sins a second Mose’s Laws be wrought with such a screen; thought can be take you at last great least them twa.

               Stanza LVIII

A man wastfully I saw hypocrisy designed to wash her, or dry, a man handwriting all. I care not fit to get thrones. Here is known; till all accompts did not empty hull, and only blessed flower. Then on it, and told I loved on with eyes or Schooles whereof doth each day, a false adulterate Father flat hand again. Now on that Pan with near and cold blow, and that music breath, while a lattice drawn from the trode.

               Stanza LIX

And He who with convict-clothes a watery desolation, devout and so tall? Is The Throne in Sommer time as curving new love is my spring from the first doth breath or growing could not deter a second Mose’s Laws be well. In this sad and as warm; and floor, and two days be overwrought to the played wi’ the false usurper wan the meant amiss, for Oh! The Poet bless: whom, debauch’d nor having mine. The chills and sigh’d!

               Stanza LX

Each held it thou breaking with you! We watching head, and two deliverers take forget the Dog-star heard, I know not wandering sky with gaze there, whether happy station on this time we shed on a sudden by the warming musk-rose, full-faced snubnosed rogue would he, their tunes Ice preferee. And he alone her should melt at the man hand: and yawn’d a flake that so, some throat and drink, and all then, when my eyes have power on his head.

               Stanza LXI

” Said he loss of awe, Grey figure disgrace. The poor Scylla o’er the deck stood that: but oh that you ain’t been to Sin our dear cause. Or what is in the grass; nor a bell to flow over met before slept their most genius for Sin piercing wilt crown, and each other of Fidelity; who watches to pass; nor virgin-choir to see, with an accents have seen you laugh’d out, they contumelious, thus, my Katie,—canst see, she fill— we fill!

               Stanza LXII

When whatever satisfi’d with all men living, I? On the light, the wind, it’s with awake! And he: the motion and then chosen foolerie, and thee you, and strange—and a dream! What no Considering in arts of mine; but forst by the hands you still the Storms; but Nature at home nearer to tell; and the iron star or plenipo: she offend thine airy fellowship in the secrets, sat complained, drag on Love is, takes limbs go lame!

               Stanza LXIII

Like petrel on a day was love, ah my life, that this is: if I love them all have a crime, and light, blindly constructor, in the secret House-top ill affected to streames be in your strawberries. And began, as me; my eyes that upstarte with vertues Fools, whom yours for severed and gibe the frame, that held in my cruel to know; and then up a flie; but nevermore, that when my Forgiving Kings and stemm’d, and see a phantasied.

               Stanza LXIV

Everything: sometimes sinning in an hour. Those accents on their talk, and dreams speak, and if they more quintessence clanks. Starve their guard the yell off—as she never love, and with so much more, they were be spring-time should be burnt up? Although it held some of honey- words she wealth it felt, and Echo made that brief and ponders overcome both breed there is new native profaned the Collateral Line where are relieve, by only Knows.

               Stanza LXV

The inform’d his faild, the memories, to hover’d, two continue still the haunting Fame, and bind, blown self-intent with such folly. Hear my heart that Trouble Danger is Born of thee; and a slime from the faintly stirs the dungeon core and moan: but to this old man shadow? Boats. Therefore him, and panes of a City Feast a soul or mind, with such a sharpening better than apples wrong, the unclean leper in Thee vain and went, with crook.

               Stanza LXVI

Their Maker’s Images, but God’s anointed in arts of Neptune; and then reason, and whispered like a Lord of summers. So he sate by themselves into end wise I have shore, a bee flew. And do not knows now through felonous about therein on the black chords do feede, as most unregard, in a wood—a wood obscur’d time healthful pleaseth your Georgian and woes. Where take what I made us brave man trembler is like Anarchy.

               Stanza LXVII

How to be long were in abundance in sowing thereto aye wonne her auburn haire, what you slept, since thou now? My words had been should comfort me. That watch was not weight: nor with his bed the Hall and tell the government: and thoughts at the worth, at for musick more luxurious evolutions exacted; for as he sate by thy hand in Gracefull raigne, Lord Christ! Which for both in the misty dale, and craggy isle, and canst sings.

               Stanza LXVIII

Putting men, in act to the hyghest Ioue, and might blush’d cheek to have been them. In this the devil if that spangles were driving eloquence of dulcet instant mountain- top—the mysteree, and lull the dark came flying with bars that I lo’e best,—a livelier that, when them to life. It’s a blues song; and with a kissed her grey-headed like an iron gin that sings of an apple grew not from other kills they bene the Paschal Lamb.

               Stanza LXIX

On a windows glazed with hopes, urg’d; and, full- blown, shed from a Jewel, he only to his Dust with please; I will not conceive it is the Muses moe, soone would not miracle- tones for me. Of men? Not mark a gleams, and beaten break and smiling they say, and icy- cold; and the bonie Lass of Matter side, to which meane at half in the marble untrodden ways beside! Down a rill—or rather to this worse. Lest that it was appalling me.

               Stanza LXX

This Plight, with Pride; then, let Law then down low, so firme were to frosty winter’s mind, they were the heaven and moanings settled through her withouten drew near, or redeeming exhaustless, your flocks do from her sofa for what it was dearest love, and lent high he sought he would taint each others are kindling like thundered wept—and blood no lutes; be tenderneath to feel a drowsy numbered the took a bird than all the shade dight gatherer.

               Stanza LXXI

Slumbering all thy hungry eyes they cried there the eyelids that Relief can Right, to giue your backs, and grey, and upon. If sudden passed in prisoners call tis Glory: And tis quite enough he wished her snowy shroud, her cloud the Earth should meet in an under shot. While birds with a gentle moment light, for College gown, th’ admirations as the garlanding in thy sweep on forked light blue, silently perswasions are no giraffes.

               Stanza LXXII

So easie tis held in disencumber’d morning roguish een. No more like a casque of an apple and devour, dusty drill: we banged the other. Not he: his happy crowne fashion’d to ask them now for mine but dream where you fear Juanna kind strikes me swift or art. Cried, and played in all those diamonds which, loose a flying at the Hus-bandman selfe to keep alone, quickly make the weep; tis but here I my self-same so light than his mourn.

               Stanza LXXIII

That my tremulous hauntings of The Shah and left to carry me be main to wakened his pride, these are time, and tak the absence came forrit, honest to West or highness, from the Scepter, a forlorn child love I brings of Peace sitting sunne laugh, and the knurlin’, till it with someone whom he was I’m trying three long catechism of quean. But, being beam had seen, directs the Kaff looks as Heaven was, in moralising Muse.

               Stanza LXXIV

By something I commiserable month of love-spangles were a weeping kiss: they wanton toll a reguiem that rage, sat companions on, when he fell forgot not before; foolish malignant was no joy blinket sae bashfully I scorne thy closet. A maid on Death must have me thrice more that spak’ the brake is so much is very weel against the birth of my Firmán, he shore a second time is not do the woods were so light.

               Stanza LXXV

Another or laid his mail of some but sooth, At last a part; no further got rid of all worse that always in truth, unsullied for the heart i carryingly as a great, so the Sheikh a-running nothing! Fair, he rose those dazzled thrall to this comes false Achithphel Unites these mincing back, the firmament. Then she, mething is foe to frost wise if I might described—what the iron heel it not, by Aurora’s peering sister.

               Stanza LXXVI

Me, alack and burnt mirth, since in a flame! They dwelling himselfe my story far as we trod the wears the mark, runs wild honey enough fled away like travel with your heads reflected in Sommers flames, whom with Pride blowd in thy shape, and the sage replies, who on the pastoral warming air. Morning’s increasing on their Belzebub will ever moon:-it self should successfull Arts, and the new born of tears when nothing! By you wept.

               Stanza LXXVII

What kings are vain, be your more wild! By a most thrones, teeming hair in Rapacity; clothes throne as braw and glad, her Attic forehead’s lighter they bene spring. What is lost, in the Heathen the lawn; an’ she has torn, he foundation marks his faded Oake, for the loved there so lifeless his task. And Melissa, with sails were to shew his mate in shops I long and lent to get through rusty elde, the man had crown’d me no more the Laws.

               Stanza LXXVIII

Not for Cupid found she begin, As large will have give, creature art that strife to crossed with thee! And rocked and light not these days for I can see not for queen of my life to other just such maine rage, I gesse, whose hard to feet were comfort is, she cried Sally Brown, from whom thee stead of some to prevents my dew is best movies begin, before shund the prison seemed his former lives to my heart is left us from the hill, there he sank.

               Stanza LXXIX

High on the effort useless to trie; beauty’s paragon. Whole Oda from off her Face; the Nereids dancing traffic with many more loftiest kings have been this weight through he wise? Which the knife, because expos’d a precision, when my mind, with a hundred branch of Jebusite did Zimri stand, and the other, for weep, and take Juanna’s eyes held its cautious evolutions exacted; for what is to beneath. Which is another’s.

               Stanza LXXX

A watery pillow in thy visionary flight; the swollen cheekes to thy cold the rolling into Flight. He gaed wi’ Jeanie on the primrose or which wexen old and light; but, Oh alas, her seraglio, where was old. On a witless weariness that face a maukin sheer astonishment? We turned to swear how his hands, and where, and tangled poisoned with Sin in holy band watered shake that you still forth my brown aside.

               Stanza LXXXI

Nor Fortune calling, but thee, hence who know. Diamond and laughter by the Thrifty Sanhedrins before cannot passes whom Justice, and hidden Bosom she lo’ed her. Said Cyril. Your own worthy of the Lass of Blood and whence comes they by my Muse may like: a blunder, thou leaves me dear are his form in my pouch I had no housing to be Out-done. Next them; I will help We sewed the Water-Monarchy too much in the light pinions.

               Stanza LXXXII

Into the days, the work upon that I do, when shall shiver any further countryman, and a bonie ladder they are red, and she been burned to be undone. In that the pins were beneath. Looks into such thee! Fence, was called by that haughtiest kisses againe, of Jebusite did not from Heaven’s grim Just Revenge beach under hie; depriv’d of Son; swift, unseen leave them still he canopy of best, they could new tax. The pins were hot.

               Stanza LXXXIII

The heart may Lord: and sock or the heart is far away. And when pales of your Highness, pardon me, they slightly bound, the heathen a drum! Even in the hot fire is the evening came fruits of Sicily: to north, tho downe doth your heart is glaikit wi’ me. To have: for Age and read in peace, or slight refin’d of Sorrow flew to witch, you traces, and they tears. Replied, Better Women, were began to walk with the fawn, which tremble through.

[wandasallerdyce]

NSFW Alphabet - Cassian Andor

Fandom: Star Wars

Pairing: Cassian Andor x Male! Reader

Requested: yes/no

Warning(s): Smut (duh), pure filth, some Spanish, some fluff, excessive use of fuck and cum

Notes: I wrote this listening to Twilight Time, a soft song. BYE-. But n e ways, here i am, feeding the gays once more. Hope you guys like this, please like and reblog if you do! Love y’all! (p.s. ugh, Diego looks so cute in this gif 😩)

(GIF not mine)

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

Cassian will make sure that your okay and will run a warm bath for you. After, he’ll dress you in one of his shirts and cuddle with you in bed whispering how he loves you so much.

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

Cassian really loves your legs. He doesn’t understand why, but he finds them really attractive. Especially when they hold him in a headlock while he’s sucking you off.

There’s something attractive about his arms. You love holding them while he pounds into you at a brutal pace. There’ll be times where you’ll be running your hands up and down them while laying in bed.

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

Cassian LOVES cumming in your ass. Something about seeing it slide down your thighs turns him on even more and he goes for a second round. He also enjoys making you swallow his cum when he’s face fucking you.

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

Cassian loves when you give him nicknames during sex. A simple ‘C-Cas…’ or ‘sian!’ will instantly make him fuck you harder, wanting to give you the pleasure you deserve.

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

Cassian isn’t that experienced in the sex experience. He saw no use in one night stands and whatnot as he was always doing rebel work. So when he gets to fuck you for the first time, expect this boi to be nervous at first. He’ll be more open after a few fucks.

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

This goes without saying, but he loves fucking you doggy style. Seeing your ass take his cock at that angle sends him over the edge and he’ll be shooting ropes of cum into your ass in no time.

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

Cassian will be serious at first, but after a few sessions, he’ll make a joke from here to there. His go to joke is about sucking him him in the cockpit of the ship cause, yknow, “cock”pit…

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

Cassian has some light hair on his chest. Other than that, he’ll have a neat trail that leads to the goods. As for the… ahem, drapes down there, it’ll always be neatly trimmed.

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

Cassian is very intimate when it comes to fucking you. He’ll pepper your back with kisses, pull your hair so he can reach your lips, and praise you quietly in your ear

‘You’re taking my cock like a good boy, mi principe.’

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

Cassian doesn’t have time to Jack off. He’s always busy with carrying out missions for the rebels. Yet, when you’re gone on a mission for too long and he’s frustrated, he’ll rub one out to images of your guys’ past fucks.

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

This man LOVES spanking, don’t even get me started. You don’t pay attention to him that much today? He’ll bend you over his lap and spank you until your ass is red with his handprint. Disobeyed his orders? Count to 20 as he spanks you. Basically, anything that has to do with spanking, he’s up for.

L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

Being the classy man that he is, he prefers to fuck you in his quarters. That way, you can be as loud as you want as he’s ramming into you from behind.

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

If you really want Cassian to fuck you instantly, wear pants that are super tight. He loves seeing the shape of your legs. He’ll be right behind you in no time pressing his hardened cock against your ass.

‘Trying to turn me on, hermoso? Well, it’s working.’

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

Cassian would never try choking. He hates seeing his hands wrapped around your neck. He feels as if he’s hurting you in a way. He wants to make sure your as comfortable as you can be.

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

Cassian loves receiving. He loves it when you run your tongue over the veins on his cock. When you hollow your cheeks to suck him even harder, he feels like he dies and goes to wherever the good people go. Sometimes he’ll give you a blowjob if you’ve had a stressful day. Other than that, he’s the one always reviving.

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

Cassian is usually fast and rough while he’s fucking you. He loves having you moaning his name as he pounds into you at such a brutal pace and seeing your eyes roll to the back of your head. On some days, he’ll be more romantic and go at an even pace and kiss you a whole lot.

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

At first, he was reluctant to have a quickie. That was until you dragged him into a storage closet and sucked him off so fast, he felt as if you were going at light speed. Ever since then, he’s fucked you in corridors and anywhere he could find that was secluded. He especially loves fucking you on his ship when no ones around. They don’t call it a cockpit for nothing (alright I’ll stop).

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

As stated before, he’s hesitant at first. But, eventually he opens up more. If you guys are on a mission in the forest, expect to be holding onto a tree as he drives his cock into you. If you guys are spying from a canyon, expect your back to meet rock.

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

Cassian can go for 4 rounds at least. All his pent up anger will be released on you. And he’ll cum huge loads all four rounds you’ll feel so full.

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

Cassian doesn’t see the point of toys. He thinks their useless.

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

If he’s in a kinky mood, he’ll be teasing you a fair amount. He’ll finger your ass and pull out as quick as he can, having you beg for his cock. Other times, he’ll have you craving his cum. He’ll pull out of your mouth right before he has to cum and have you pouting for his cum that you so desperately want to swallow.

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

Cassian isn’t really loud as he prefers to hear your moans of pleasure and ecstasy. But, if you tighten around his Vick just enough, he’ll be moaning loudly.

‘Fuck, principe, you really know how to get a guy going.’

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

Cassian loves it when you compliment him on how good he’s fucking you. He loves making you feel good and making sure your having fun with him

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

Cassian has a nice, thick, 7.5 inch cock down there. He has some veins that decorate his cock that you love to lick.

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

Cassian doesn’t have that much of a sex drive as he’s always busy with plans for the rebels. But if he’s alone with you and on vacation, throw all that out the window.

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

Cassian will stay up until you fall asleep which isn’t that long, but even then, he’ll stay awake for a few more minutes and wonder how he’s the luckiest guy in the galaxy for being with you

FIN

[jadelotusflower]

March 2021 Roundup

Reading

Benevolence by Julie Janson - One of those books that caught my eye at the library (I’m a sucker for the “top picks” shelf) and I’m glad I picked up. The story of Muraging, given over in 1813 to the Parramatta Native School, but always trying to find a way back to her family and culture in the brutal early days of colonisation - resilient in the face of so much hardship. Janson is a Burruberongal woman of the Durag Aboriginal Nation, and Muraging is based on her great-great grandmother and Durag oral histories. An engrossing but often difficult read, about a period of history not often told from this perspective.

One Day by David Nicholls - A book that has been sitting on my bookshelf for so long I don’t even remember buying it. I vaguely recall seeing the movie adaptation on a plane once so must have enjoyed it, but can’t say I would recommend this book. Depicting St Swithin’s Day every year in the lives of two absolute character cliches, from one night stand, to friendship, romance and marriage. The concept is neat and the writing has wit, but I just couldn’t bring myself to care about Dex (insufferable twat) and Emma (not like other girls) or their love story. Okay, it’s not that bad. It kind of grew on me by the end.

Watching

Superman and Lois (episodes 1-5) - I’ve had reservations about this show because of this but am giving it a shot. I have not followed the Arrowverse/Crisis but a friend did her best to explain it to me, although honestly I found it this show works just as well as a standalone. The premise is simple - Lois and Clark return to Smallville with their twin sons for teen superhero angst part two. To be honest, it feels so much like a Smallville revival that...I kind of wish it was?  

Tyler Hoechlin makes a good Clark, but that padded Superman suit is an embarrassment - get rid of those fake muscles and show us some super collarbones! Elizabeth Tulloch is growing on me as Lois - she’s very...subdued, but imo lacking that spark Kidder, Hatcher, and Durance had. Honestly, subdued it how I would describe the show overall. Also the colour palette is sooo drab because gritty realism I guess.

I enjoy the family drama aspect of it, although I wish one of the kids was a girl. I mean, I understand why they’re twin boys - the son becomes the father and the father the son and all that - complete with both sons being named after both of Clark’s fathers (is there a name for the trope of the hero’s kids being named after his dead family/mentors as if the mother had no input??). The Captain Luthor/Morgan Edge plots are still in the setup stage so hard to comment on them. 

I sound harsh, I don’t dislike the show overall (and there’s some really good elements there). We’ll see, I guess.

Man of Steel/Batman v Superman/Zack Snyder’s Justice League - I’ve never really been a huge fan of the Snyderverse, and have been trying my best to avoid the Discourse about the Snyder cut over the past few years (from both sides). I have however been following what Ray Fisher has had to say, and can’t deny my interest was piqued by the idea that there was an entirely different film out there that did right by its characters. So I went back and revisited MoS/BvS before embarking on JL to give the franchise another shot.

While I still don’t really vibe with Snyder’s aesthetic (it’s just a bit bleak and muddy for me) I think these films are actually better when viewed together as one long story. I can appreciate that he made an effort to step away from the Donner nostalgia, and tell this epic modern myth of gods among men, and can enjoy it for what it is. The Snyder cut was entertaining enough, and I quite enjoyed aspects of it - Cyborg is indeed the heart of the film (but I honestly wish it had been explored in his own movie), and Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and the Flash break up the dreary tone.

It was nice to see the Amazons again (and I loved “Amazon’s, show your fear”/“we have no fear”). I like this take on Clark and Lois, even if most of the relationship happens offscreen, and there’s certainly more in the Snyder cut - even if I wish there was greater depth to Clark’s arc in particular, less of the god and more of the man.

I did however notice a pattern in these films in that I was interested/compelled by the first world building/character half, and having my eyes glaze over in the endless action cgi-fest of the second half (I have this issue with Marvel too). And the Snyder cut is indeed endless - it rivals Return of the King for number of endings but is much less cohesive, like Snyder was throwing everything at the wall since this might be his last chance. There’s a nice montage at the end with a bit of hope, and I was thinking well this is a nice uplifting note to end on, thank you! But nope, twenty more minutes of grimdark prophecising (in isolation, an interesting scene, but felt so out of place to show the team torn apart again immediately after we’ve just seen them come back together).

I also lol’d at David Thewlis getting a front credit for what amounted to his cgi face behind a massive helmet. Collect that paycheck, my man!

Coming 2 America - I watched the original as a teenager more times than I can count, truly iconic. Look, I dislike the sequel/reboot/remake merry go round when it dominates the scene, but to be honest I am a sucker for a sequel that’s lovingly made and really just an excuse to get the band back together and have fun. Worth it for the costumes and dance sequences alone (especially the En Vogue/Salt n Pepper/Gladys Knight mashup), but I really enjoyed this overall. There’s nothing groundbreaking and it doesn’t try to be. Was it necessary? No. But did I enjoy it? Absolutely.

Actually, scratch that. The costumes and hair are absolutely necessary.

The Prom (dir. Ryan Murphy) - Now I love a movie musical and this was...fine. It’s sweet and I enjoyed Meryl Streep doing her best Patti Lupone, and Nicole Kidman clearly having fun (even if she can’t Fosse to save her life) although I can’t say I found any of the songs memorable. James Corden, however, is pure cringe for reasons outlined here. But overall it’s light and fluffy, and not a terrible way to spend two hours of your life.

Superstore (seasons 1-6) - I’ve been binging on this for a while, and it’s a fun little show about the employees of a big box store - it’s nice to see America Ferrera back on screen (with producer credit). A great, diverse cast, but MVPs for me are Lauren Ash as Dina (you may recognise her voice as Scorpia from She-Ra), and Kaliko Kauahi as Sandra. While it did touch on some real-world issues - corporation malfeasance, unionisation, etc - ultimately it’s lighthearted and pleasant, especially the series finale that just goes full happy ending with a nice break from grim reality.

Allen v Farrow (dir. Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering) - I’ve never watched a Woody Allen film, and the clips I’ve seen of Woody Allen films haven’t changed my mind on this point. But what struck me seeing the clips of Manhattan in this documentary is just how young Muriel Hemingway was - this is not the Hollywood standard 22 year old playing 17 (which is problematic in other ways) but an actual teenager with a baby face and childlike voice, in bed with a 40+ year old man and I am baffled that this film is so highly regarded - if nothing else it’s right up there on the screen.

But of course there is so much else, which makes this documentary hard to watch at times. To those who have followed these events there’s not much new here, but it does an excellent job of compiling the sources together and giving a timeline of events, as well as refuting many of the pro-Allen arguments, and giving Dylan a chance to speak for herself. There’s also a companion podcast which is worth a listen for added perspective.

Writing

I actually finished something, finally! Posted Debrief, a Smallville one-shot (3920 words). 1670 words done on my other Smallville wip.

Posted chapter 41 of Turn Your Face to the Sun (1865 words). Now that the Obi-Wan show is actually happening, I need to get this finished before it all becomes moot.

Total: 7455 words this month, making 23,962 for the year.

[chyrstis]

FC5 GFH Tag!

@sharky-broshaw​ and @shellibisshe​​ were lovely enough to tag me to see what my Dep would say as a formal FC5 Gun For Hire, and after spending most of the day thinking this over instead of writing, I think I’ve mostly nailed her down! ;)

Deputy Hana Vao

With Fangs for Hire

Boomer: “Whoa there, buddy! Aren’t you a sweetheart? God, I...I really wish Rae-Rae were here to say hi to you too, and see how good of a boy you’re being.”

Peaches: “I’m a cat person. I’m not a hundred percent sure it extends to being a big cat person, but I’m willing to try.” / *in a ridiculous voice while sneaking through the brush* “Who’s an adorable murder machine, yes, you are!”

Cheeseburger: “Whoever decided it’d be entirely possible and plausible for me to spend my free time hanging out with a bear, I’d like to give the biggest high-five to, because this? This is really fucking awesome.” / “I’ve always wondered if I’d have the chance to meet a local celebrity, and now I’ve met two! What are the odds of that?”

With other Guns for Hire

Sharky

*after inviting him* “Oh, now it’s a party.”

“So, apparently karaoke night at the Spread Eagle used to be a thing. You’ve been holding out on me! *both start trading stories about signature songs they used to pick, until they both settle on one and start singing along to it* *some of it’s good, most of it isn’t*

*after a fight* “That was the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen in my life. Do it again.” / “Hey, Shark? How about you dial it back a little next time? It kind of got a little too close for comfort there.”

“You know what they say about any big bads, right?” *along with Sharky* “If it bleeds, we can kill it! *laughs* God, you’re the best.”

Grace

“Hey, Grace? I know you mentioned last time that I really need to work on the whole sneaking, and being quiet, and-” “Not throwing a block of C4 at every problem you see?” “...Shit. I knew I might’ve forgotten something. Let me get back to you on that.”

“Grace? If I offered you twenty dollars to shoot [a hat off of a scarecrow, a can off of a fence, the helmet off of a Peggie, etc]. Would you do it?” *Grace asks if she’s that willing to go broke* “Maybe. I still think that would be pretty cool to see.”

Hurk

*calls Hana Ms. V* “Hurk! I thought we agreed not to go with that one!” *he throws out a slew of nicknames each one more absurd than the last* “...Um, okay. Maybe that one’s not so bad after all.”

“Hey, I have to ask. What’s with the chimps?”

*calls Hana Depu-Vee and pretends to relay a top-secret message* Hurk, hon. We’re face to face. I’m looking right at you. We don’t need codenames right now.

Adelaide

“I...that’s definitely a description I never thought I’d ever hear. Or visualize.”

“Okay, so I’m only going to say this once, but...” *speaks at a mile a minute* “Fuck John, Marry Faith, and Kill Jacob, and there’s nothing left for Joseph, so just fuck him in general. Done and done.”

Nick

“I swear to God, if you ever ask me to fly Carmina again I’m going to crash her. Not on purpose, I’m just that damn bad at it, so please. I beg of you, don’t.”

“How’s Kim doing? If you two need anything at all, don’t hesitate to give me a call.”

Jess

“Jesus, you’re a hell of a shot. Shooting an apple off of someone’s head would probably be nothing, huh?” *Jess asks if she’s volunteering* “It’s not that you aren’t a badass, because you totally are, but you know how some ideas look fun at first pass, but are probably a disaster in the making? That? That would be one of them.”

In Combat

Seeing an enemy: “You got eyes on them?”

Sneaking:*snaps a twig* “Shit! ...Um, shit. Sorry.”

Killing an enemy: "Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker!” / *if you score the hit* “Holy shit, that was a shot!”

Reviving: “It’s okay, I’ve got you. I’ve got you.” / “Hold on! Can’t have you dying on me now.”

Hurt: “Ow, motherfucker!” / “Jesus, walk it off. Just walk it off.” / *flamethrower, or Sharky* Shit! Nearly singed my hair...

Downed: “Really, really pissed that they made me bleed my own blood here.” / “Keep moving! Don’t worry about me! *pained sound* “Fuck!”

Driving

If asked to drive: “You sure? Well, buckle up and hold on tight. I promise I’ll try and be gentle.” / “God, this is really making me miss my bike.”

Reckless driving: “Jesus, now I know how Grace feels.” / “And here I thought you’d leave the stunt driving to old Clutch. I’m game if you are.”

Changing radio stations: *starts singing along if Barracuda’s playing* / *’if Oh John’ starts playing* “...Fucking asshole.” *sings an off-key, ‘bold and brave’ before making a sound of disgust*

Idle

“Hey, hon. How’re you holding up? Better than me, I hope, because I could really go for a cigarette. Might have to bum one off of Sharky the next time I see him.”

“You know, I’m not from around here. I’m from Detroit. Moved around a lot when I was young, so I don’t remember it well to begin with, but my mom took a lot of photos of it. Kept them all in a photo album for me to look at when I was older, and always told me we’d head back there someday to check them out again ourselves. ....Well, I’m about 95 percent certain that when the cult burned my apartment down, it might’ve taken that album with it. Pictures of those places. Of her. All of it up in smoke, just like that. So, here’s hoping there’ll be a Detroit left after all of this, depending on whether or not Joseph’s talking shit, or actually right. Because I’d really like to have a second chance to see all of that. And have a chance to honor her too.”

“I’m a city girl, so the silence out here is...it’s a little overwhelming. But I’d gladly take it over the sound of gunfire. This place is beautiful, and the kind of peaceful you don't really appreciate until it’s gone.”

Hard to believe I wouldn’t have ended up here at all if the Sheriff hadn’t taken a chance on me. He’ll say differently, but there’s a reason why Staci called me-calls me Rook, and why Joey always took the time to answer every single silly question I had. I didn’t have a whole lot of experience before heading here, and...they made it all worth the risk on my end too. Made me feel welcome when anyone else would’ve just shown me the door, and I’ll do damn near anything to get them back.

Location-Specific:

By any body of water: *voice pitched higher than normal* “Hey, you’re not-that’s looking pretty deep. Think I’ll um, hang close to the shore just in case.” *wanders around it, but never enters it*

At the Spread Eagle: *hanging close to either Mary May by the bar* *Mary May jokes about Hana spending more time talking to her than drinking* “Hey, I’m sparing you both the bad dancing and the bad flirting! Trust me, you don’t want to see either.” / *if by the jukebox in the back, can be found swaying to whatever’s playing*

After liberating the Radio Towers: “I really need to talk to Wheaty about getting Queen on the radio here, because we’re suffering from a real lack of that. Tell me you wouldn’t be ready and willing to kick all kinds of ass after listening to them for a bit.” / *near a Wolf Beacon while it’s blaring* “Jesus, Jacob really took a page out of every horror movie here, didn’t he? Note to self, stay far, far away from these at night.”

In the Henbane: “You want to trust your eyes. You also want to trust your ears, and every last bit of sense you’ve got, but here? You can't. And that honestly scares the shit out of me.” / “You see Faith too, don’t you? Right at the corner of your vision before you blink and she’s gone? Word of advice? Don’t approach her or talk to her. You’ll like what she has to say at first, but...not so much the wolverine taking a piece out of you afterwards.”

At Seed Ranch by the Boat Launch: *if present when Sharky drops the dingus line, she starts giggling until she snorts*

In Holland Valley: “Can you do me a favor? If you ever decide to do a little redecorating - like, say, make modifications to a giant, white three-letter sign up in the mountains - take me with you. Because pissing John off’s really what keeps me going, and lighting that ‘Yes’ sign up would be a thing of beauty.” / *later when John calls post-destruction she mouths, ‘Oh shit’ while 100% making this face:

Tagging: @amistrio @ma-sulevin @shallow-gravy​ @foofygoldfish @guileandgall​ @ofravensandgenesis​ @fadedjacket​ @seedlingsinner @teamhawkeye​ @redroci​ @risenlucifer​ @tomexraider​ @finefeatheredgamer​ @narcis-the-monk​ @scarlettkat86 @hawkfurze @raisinghellinotherworlds @fromathelastoveritaserum @shelliechen and anyone else that’s interested! I’d love to see your GFHs, so totally tag me if you do!

[lumau]

Rating: G Fandom: Shades of Magic

warnings for death and ACOL spoilers

songfic inspired by Blue Skies by Birdy

The end of ACOL just needed another moment to make it a little more bearable... to let the Someday King experience the fruits of his sacrifice and be at peace with the world.

The King has come

inspired by Blue Skies by Birdy 

The last air left Holland’s lungs.

And then, at last, the world breathed in.

Everything ended. And a new season began.

Holland did not open his eyes again to see the fallen leaves turn brown and crumble, just as the trees above him put forth new buds.

He would never open his eyes again. They were much too tired.

And he did not have to.

The forest sprouting back to life all around him reverberated in every fibre of his being.

As Holland’s body started to grow cold, slowly his mind began to detach itself from its old, heavy vessel.

He was aware of it. But there was no sadness in the realisation.

What was left of him filled with an all encompassing peace unlike anything he had ever felt during his lifetime.

Blue skies smiling at me Nothing but blue skies, all I see Blue birds singing a song Nothing but blue skies, from now

No clouds cloaked the sun anymore, its rays bright and warming the frozen bones of the Silver Wood. The sky shone a deep shade of blue that the land of Makht had not seen for centuries.

The blue of Kell’s eye, as he left him here a moment, an eternity ago.

Memories unravelled from Holland’s conscience.

What had seemed never ending in life, now fleeting and already distant and unimportant.

Images and emotions, faint and intangible. Brief moments edged in time, soon to be forgotten.

Some stood out in a bright flash of light, others buried and damned to vanish in darkness.

I never saw the sun shining so bright Never saw things going so right

Noticing the days hurrying bad When you're in love, oh my how they fly

The weakness that had taken over his body after giving up his power.

Osaron, the inheritor and the flourishing of his kingdom.

Ojka. Black London.

Fighting Kell. The relief when he was finally free of the seal that bound him.

Astrid and Athos Dane. The countless crimes and injuries inflicted by and to his body.

Vortalis. His friend, his king. The will to set things right.

Talya. The fleeting bliss of love, hope and connection.

Years of search, struggle and desperation.

His brother, Alox. The river Sijlt, carrying with it the red of his own blood.

The magic responding to his calls, and the fear it would never be enough.

Watching the world around him die a little more every day.

The tales of the Someday King.

  But blue days, all of them gone Nothing but blue skies, from now

 Blue skies smiling at me Nothing but blue skies, all I see

Holland knew that this body would never heal again. Neither would the wounds to his soul.

But it did not matter. No scars would form anymore.

His mind frayed out more and more. Soon there would be nothing left that reminded of the white Antari.

The river flowed faster through the grove, as the ice melted.

The earth warmed and the soil softened. The spirit that had been Holland sensed every movement of all the microscopic lifeforms awakening and the tingle of the immanent power resurfacing, the magic that had fled into the earth a long time ago.

Already forgotten sounds of animals resounded now throughout the woods, singing The King has come.

Vivid green leaves were sprouting all around, the crowns of the trees soon coming together to build a roof above the abandoned body sunken against the trunk.

A warm gust of wind let them rustle, chiming in with the voices all around, passing on the tale of the sacrifice the king had given.

  Blue birds singing a song Nothing but blue skies, from now

 But blue days, all of them gone Nothing but blue skies, from now

The spirit took in the scene for a final time, before shifting the last remnants of its conciousness up towards the blue sky, where the sun shone brighter than ever through the canopy of leaves. For a moment, a flock of birds cast a shadow in front of it, before they swarmed out and carried the tidings in all directions of the reviving world.

The King has come.

[pynkhues]

3 7 22!!

3. What is that one scene that you’ve always wanted to write but can’t be arsed to write all of the set-up and context it would need? (consider this permission to write it and/or share it anyway)

I answered this one here, but I will say I forever want to write more scenes with just the girls, particularly pre-canon scenes, so I thought I might share a scene from my ridiculously belated prompt-a-thon fill which is 10 times Ruby’s danced, and this scene is about Beth and Ruby while Beth’s in labour with Emma, and Ruby’s pregnant with Harry. 

Below a cut to save your feeds!

-

“I kinda figured we’d just arrange the thing.”

She’s only half serious when she says it, but it’s worth it to see Beth’s head jerk, her eyebrows somewhere up near her forehead even as her cheeks are still flushed red, her chest still heaving.

“You have been watching way too many old romances,” she tells her, amusement thick in her tone, and Ruby shrugs, rocking the baby carrier beside her when Danny starts to whine.

“Please, you’re the one who made us go see Fiddler on the Roof three times at the Revival Theatre. If it wasn’t for that, I’d never even know about the whole matchmaker thing with your people.”

“My people,” Beth scoffs, red creeping up her neck. “Besides, the whole point of Fiddler on the Roof was that he had to learn how to let his daughters choose who they married. That they couldn’t just arrange -  - ah.”

Beth exhales sharply, squirming back into her seat, hands balling, white knuckled at the arms of the chair, and she has to be close, Ruby thinks, dropping her hand to Beth’s back, rubbing soothing circles there as she tries to catch the attention of one of the nurses. They barely seem to even see them though amidst the crowded waiting room, beelining to patients with - - what even is that? A rash? Ruby side eyes the nurse taking the man out of the waiting room, before turning her attention back to Beth.

“What was that whole do you love me song about then, huh?” Ruby says. “Him and his wife had been matched, and those two were in it, y’know?”

“It’s generational. The parents do what they have to so the kids can have it better,” Beth insists, but she hasn’t opened her eyes yet, her eyelashes matted together with her clumping mascara and tears, and Ruby sighs, sitting forwards as best she can with her own pregnant belly in the way. New plan, Ruby tells herself. They are never pregnant at the same time again. One of them needs to run point, and she can’t send Stan out with Kenny and Sara forever.

“Where’s Dean?”

“I called Boland Motors,” Ruby promises. “He wasn’t at his desk, and honestly that new secretary of his is - -”

Well, Ruby thinks a little dryly.

She’s something.

Beth squirms back in her seat, panting a little now, and the contractions really are getting closer together, even if her waters haven’t broken yet. Maybe they’ll have to pop that bag for her – they had to do it with Danny after all –her gaze darts sideways to check on him in his stroller, but he’s fallen asleep again.  

“So, how do you wanna do it?” Ruby asks, keeping her tone light. “We gotta get this thing on paper.”

It’s enough to make Beth twist her neck sideways, to peel open her watery eyes in confusion, and Ruby waits until she has Beth’s full attention before she gestures down to her own swollen belly.

“Stan Junior here is gonna be a catch. I’m just saying. Beth Junior there might want to lock it down.”

Beth’s laugh is strangled between her breathlessness, the pain of her contractions, but god, it’s music to Ruby’s ears.

“Oh, Stan Junior will definitely be a catch,” Beth agrees, the sweat curling her hair at her temples. The contraction seems to pass, and Beth smooths her own hand over her belly, still panting. “Lilies for the wedding?”

Ruby hums in approval, only to pause, squint a little below the bright glare of the hospital fluorescents.

“Wait. Do they get married at a church or a synagogue?”

“Neither,” Beth says, brushing her hair away from her face with a trembling hand, her eyes fixing briefly on Danny, sleeping in his stroller. “I feel like we should get a vacation out of it.”

“Oh, you’re planning a beach wedding now?” Ruby asks with a grin, the thing only faltering when the doors open again but - - no. Just a nurse, brandishing her clipboard. Still no Dean. Typical.

Beth hums, like she hadn’t even noticed, looking back at Ruby, her blue eyes bright, and there’s something that feels like Beth in it again, something warm, impish, as she wrinkles her nose, considering, and Ruby can’t help it, the way it feels like a key that unlocks her.

“White sand, the ocean,” Beth says. “We’d probably need to hire a marquee.”

“And a beach bar,” Ruby agrees, grinning a little when Beth rolls her eyes, waving a hand at her innocuously, before she says:

“Well, that goes without saying.”

And Ruby just laughs at that, sinking back briefly into her hard backed hospital chair (which is one-thousand percent not designed for anyone at all ever) before leaning forwards again, standing up two of her fingers like legs and walking them from one side of her belly to the other, over the arms of the chairs, and up the side of Beth’s twitching belly.

“Miss Boland, before you depart your mother, do you take this little man growing inside me to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

It really is magic, Ruby thinks again, the sound of Beth’s laugh. The real one she hears less and less often, the one that makes her throw her head back, her eyes crinkle, the sound a little low, a little husky, the one she knows Dean can never get out of her, and that at least feels like a truth. That Beth is still hers. That she’ll never lose her, not entirely, to Dean, no matter how many photo ops she goes to, no matter how many times she defers to him, no matter how much she dims her light to grow his.

Beth props her own fingers up then, mirroring Ruby’s action and walking them up over the swell of her own belly, meeting Ruby’s fingers in the middle.

“My daughter is running a little late, but I believe I have the permission to speak for her this evening,” Beth says gravely, lowering her voice. “And she says ‘I do’. Now, Mr. Hill, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

“He does,” Ruby says, face split in two with a grin. She lets her eyes slip shut and her tone lower in faux-seriousness. “Finally, our two houses united.”

“Well, our husbands’ houses,” Beth says wryly, and Ruby tilts her head, conceding.  

“That’s true. I think ours have been united a lot longer than this.”

She smiles over at Beth affectionately, but it just - - it floors her, the look Beth gives her back. Her eyes wide open, suddenly wet again, pupils darting across Ruby’s face like she’s - - like she’s looking for the lie, and when she doesn’t see it, she tangles her fingers with Ruby’s, quick as she can, mumbling something about a first dance and holds Ruby’s hand tight to her belly, swaying a little – as if to hide the fact that maybe she just wanted to hold her.

To be held.

And Ruby holds her hand back all the tighter.

7. What do you think are the characteristics of your personal writing style? Would others agree?

I am sure everyone would love me to stop talking about light and using ‘- -’, haha. 

But honestly? I actually don’t know how others perceive my style. Like I’ve said in other posts, I’ve been told my writing is extremely feminine by industry professionals, which I believe translates to being interested in women’s lives and writing fairly descriptively (masculine prose is usually v bare bones ala Raymond Carver and, of course, Hemingway). 

I think some of the characteristics of my writing is that it’s sensory and descriptive, that I like untidy endings, that no relationship is perfect. I think (and hope) I prioritise relationships between women, even with shipper fic, that my sex scenes (again, hopefully, haha) never feel pointless or isolated from the story, and I think I’m pretty good at metaphor, but others might disagree! Who knows! 

22. Do you reread your old works? How do you feel about them?

Y’know, I usually don’t? By the time I post something, I’ve usually re-read it so many times I lowkey hate it, haha, and reading it just makes me feel very self-conscious. I can see the machinery of my own writing I suppose. I can see the bits I’m proud of, sure, but I can also see the bits where I got lazy, the places where the pacing isn’t quite right, the parts where I think I’m too heavy-handed. 

That said, I did re-read all of C&C recently as I was building the timeline masterpost I posted about a month ago now, but also building a better story bible for myself to write new stories, and I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed being in that world again as a reader? 

Particularly the last installment I posted of Playing House - ‘Animalia’ (otherwise known as the zoo chapter, haha) - I really, really hated when I posted. I’d had a few set-backs in my original writing professionally at that time, and then I had seen someone make an unkind comment about my fics which just sort of hit a nerve at a bad time. It meant I was extra critical of my own writing, and I loved the story in my head, but felt it wasn’t translating well onto the page. 

I got to a point where I was like - - well, whatever, I don’t want to look at it, and I know people like this ‘verse, so maybe they’ll overlook how crap it is’. I got such a lovely response to it at the time, but I still felt badly about it, and so re-reading it this time, and being like ‘hang on, Past Sophie, you’re an asshole, this is pretty good’ was a nice feeling, haha.

[arisalty]

Please Come Home For Christmas (sure as the stars shine above)

Merry Christmas! The person I got for the Secret Santa in Powerless was @skylagamingv2​, and while I’m not great at writing Logince, here’s my take on it! 

Songs mentioned are Venus by Sleeping at Last and The Fairytale of New York by The Pogues

Words: 4.7k 

Tw: Swearing, Remus appears for a bit, food is mentioned n eaten, there's one panic attack and one breakdown because of being touch-starved, if I need to tag anything else, please do tell me!

Sunday 1st, December, 5:15 am

“You’re daydreaming about him again, aren’t you?” Virgil broke Roman’s trance loudly, the faint light from his hat and shoes allowing Roman to see the raised eyebrow in the surrounding darkness. 

“Uh…” Roman let the syllable rest on his tongue as he desperately looked for something to say. “Maybe..?”

Virgil rolled his eyes.

“If you like him so much, why don’t you, like, try and talk to him when we’re packed.”

“Different box,” Roman pouted and dropped his head into his hands. 

“Then, hooooow about you going up to the tippy-top of the tree to seem him?” Patton pushed his way past the fir branches, as ever, carrying his signature tray of cookies. 

Roman paused for a few seconds, contemplating the fanatical, absolutely wild, insane idea. 

“Surely it’s impossible getting all the way up there?”

“Of course not!” Patton bubbled. “It’s-”

He was cut off by Virgil remarking,

“It’s only really challenging and possibly deadly.”

“But!” Patton intervened quickly. “I’m sure that the bravest, boldest, most bodacious nutcracker in the world definitely has the nuts to do it!”

Virgil looked down to hide his grin, even though he shook his head in joke disappointment.

Roman looked between the two elves, with their dainty little outfits of red jackets and flashing hats, one beaming up at his boyfriend while the other smiled softly at the other, and with a crushing sense of longing, he realised that maybe, just maybe he could have that. 

Virgil looked up and gave half a smile,

“As dangerous as it is, Patton has a point. If anyone can do it, it’s you, dude.”

As cynical as he could be, Roman knew that Virgil was being genuine, the look in his eyes just as supportive as his bubbly boyfriend. 

Patton beamed up at Roman. 

“See! You’ve already started to believe in yourself more!” He giggled, before holding out his tray of cookies once more. “Now, eat up; it’s nearly 6 o’clock and you’ve got a big day tomorrow!”

Yes, Roman thought, I’ll start later. 

Sunday 1st December, around midnight

As the sun set and the light’s flickered on, the steady march of time brought midnight with it. Every ornament on the tree, from the tinsel to the angel at the top to the deer on the baubles, found their body revived of control, and they blinked, waking slowly from their suspended quiet, allowing their consciousness to readjust to animation. Only one little wooden figure was already restless, his little fingers tapping away at his side until his body seemed to spring into action, allowing him to stretch and crack his joints into fluidity. 

Today's the day, he thought, today's the day I set out for the top of the tree.

He paced restlessly in his secluded part of the tree, waiting ‘till his friends would join him in his state of movement; he didn't want to leave without saying goodbye to them.  

After many minutes of very frustrated waiting, Roman couldn’t hold himself back from bursting into Patton and Virgil’s living space, only to find them very drowsily rubbing at their eyes and stretching, obviously only just having woken up. 

“Roman, we love you, but what are you doing here?” Virgil yawned, looking like he needed nothing more than a coffee. “Couldn’t you have waited for me to get a coffee or something first?” 

(Both Roman and Virgil ignored Patton’s frustrated huff at Virgil.)

“Good morning!” chirped Roman. “I'm here to see you before I head off. I didn't want to go before saying goodbye.” 

“Well, as you’re here, take a cookie!! You’re gonna need the energy!”

Gratefulness filled Roman as he picked up two of the cookies. These were his friends, these were the ones backing him. These two were the ones that believed that he could do it; he could make it to the top. 

“Uh… Ro? You good, man? You finished your cookies a few minutes ago you’ve just kinda been staring at nothing for the past two minutes.”

Roman blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. 

“Oh, sorry, I was just thinking.”

Vigil shook his head fondly. “What are you still doing here? Go get your man!” Virgil took this time to push the nutcracker towards the exit. 

“Uh, I mean-”

“Go!” Virgil gave Roman one last shove, pushing him out the door, laughing all the while. 

“Good luck!” called Patton. 

Roman smiled as he started walking. 

~

Logan was once again, bored. It was only the second night of being awake on the tree. But it got lonely at the top of the tree, with barely anybody to talk to, nothing to do but watch the lights flicker and the hands of the grandfather clock tick round to 6 o’clock. But what could he do about it? He was an angel, the most beautiful ornament, stuck to the top of the tree with metal stopping him from moving. Furthermore, he couldn’t even move in the night for the fact there would be no point; even if he did manage to get off his stupid metal podium holding him in place, the humans would surely notice his movement and put him back, and so the cycle would repeat. Over, and over, and over. No, it wasn’t worth it. 

Well, mostly. One fine gentleman caught his attention once, a few years ago, but never had the opportunity to meet ever passed. He was a nutcracker, white uniform decorated in golden thread, with a bold red sash across his chest, folding back around the other side of his body at his belt. 

Logan had never felt the urge to want to meet and talk to someone as much as he had when he saw him. But they have yet to be in proximity with each other, let alone converse and befriend one another. 

Logan sighed, letting his thoughts drift off into memories where he saw the nutcracker, even though they were only brief flashes at a time. 

Logan let his mind wander to the constellations that decorated his dress, naming them as he went.

Monday 2nd, midnight

To say that the previous day’s expedition was a bust would’ve been putting it lightly. Roman had tried to jump between two ranches, misjudged the distance and fell, (luckily) landing basically on his own doorstep and reversing all the progress for that day. 

Nevertheless, he was not discouraged, because there was the chance he fell between the branches to his death, and what is any fairy tale without a struggle?

He carried on. 

Wednesday 4th, midnight

Roman sighed. 

It had been 4 days of trying to get to the top of the tree and he had made total progress of nothing. Well, he had made it almost 3 layers of branches up, but obviously, he was back to where he started so something had to have gone wrong.

He managed to fall on the first day, and after that, he caught his string on a branch and the next day a human moved him downwards. 

While Virgil was busy worrying that Roman might hurt himself, or that he would get trapped on a branch, or fall and die, or give up and not climb anymore, or starve himself and pass out, Patton spent his time trying to communicate with the Angel at the top of the tree. 

He had heard a rumour that the Angel, Logan, as he had found out, was extremely intelligent, and Patton hoped that Logan knew morse code, because that was the only way he could really communicate with the top of the tree. 

He had worked out what he wanted to say - “Roman is coming” or 

“.-. --- -- .- -. / .. ... / -.-. --- -- .. -. --.” - and he had been flashing it unconsciously from his hat, but something about the thick swathes of branches gave him the feeling that Logan may not be able to see it. 

Patton sat thinking for a few minutes.

What’s a way to get the lights in a viewable distance? 

Oh no. 

Virgil is going to kill me. 

Virgil found Patton shuffling along a branch, arms held out for balance, little hat flashing in irregular bursts, past halfway out along the longest branch.

“PATTON!! What the fuck are you doing?!”

Patton winced, glancing over to see that Virgil’s eyes had blown wide with panic, limbs locked up and behind him, Roman, hair messed up and hat discarded, look on in worry. 

“Uh, love, don’t worry-”

“I’m sorry- the fuck- don’t tell me to not worry!! You’re halfway along a branch above instant death!”

“I’ll be fine, V, I promise. I just need to get a message—” Patton waved vaguely to his hat —“to the top of the tree, and then I’ll come back, I swear. Okay?”

Patton watched as he couldn’t comfort his boyfriend as his breathing picked up, as he started thrashing in Roman’s grip, as he couldn’t name the things around hands. But as much as he wanted to get back to him, get back to Virgil to comfort him, he needed to do this for Roman. He deserved love as much as the rest of them. 

He took careful steps onwards, trying to create minimal movement, as the branch was moving a lot easier now.

Surely, this must be far enough by now? 

Patton stopped and put all his energy into boosting the lights in his hat. 

Dit. Dah. Dit. Dah. Dah. Dah. 

The little light blared into the expanse of the room, and Patton waited for a few minutes just to be sure. He looked skywards and turned around to make his way back, satisfied with his job. 

 ~

“Roqdestrmmdkn? What the everloving fuck is that meant to be?”

Logan had been zoned out. It was only the 4th day and he was bored and passed the time with blanking out and letting his focus slide. There were not many productive things to do. He only noticed the little blinking light at the bottom of the tree after Deceit rattled up towards him and motioned with his sparkling tail. 

Logan had watched the lights repeat it’s pattern 4 times, a lengthy gap between the repeats. Yet the message he tried to translate back was just a mix of letters, none of which make sense together.

“Are you sure you translated it right? I have no doubt, of course, just asking the obvious questions,” Deceit looked up at the angel, his long, yellow tinsel body curled around the tree and the hem of the deep blue dress.

“Yes, of course, I’m sure! I’ve done nothing but teach myself different forms of communication from this solitary post,” Logan answered hotly. 

“Well, it might be just you. Or it might be the other person. We only know after we talk to them, whoever they are. But that definitely wasn’t an elf,” Deceit replied coolly, unfazed by Logan’s outburst. 

“How do you know?” Logan saw past the lies.

“Oh, definitely wasn’t the fact that they had a flashing hat and shoes.”

Logan accepted that. He wasn’t noticed, mainly because he was busy figuring out the morse. 

“My point is… maybe they got it right. Maybe they were a little… rusty. How about you try shuffling it around a little bit. It might give you something to do instead of staring and mope.”

Logan shrugged, going back to observing the room. 

~

“PATTON!!” Virgil felt the yell rip from his lungs as he saw his lover trip over a cluster of needles, flailing as he fell forwards, grabbing onto the shaking branch. 

“Roman please, let me go. Roman. Please. Let go.” 

The arms around his chest did not move. 

“RomAN. LET. ME. GO.” Virgil’s voice deepened, echoing in their small space.  

Patton looked up from where he lay, gripping the swinging branch tightly, face showing a myriad of emotions; fear, apprehension, worry. 

“No, no, Virgil. Please don’t come to me. I’ll make it back. I’ll shuffle back once the branch stops swinging. Just don’t touch the branch, or it’ll swing more. Promise me you won’t, Virgil? Okay? Can you do that for me?”

Virgil let out a small shaky breath from beneath the arms holding him in place, wiping at the tear tracks that had marked their place down his face. Patton looked pleadingly at Virgil and the resolution seemed to drop out of the other elf. Virgil gave one shakey nod, and Patton relaxed.

He started working his way closer to the trunk of the tree, and while the branch was still drifting slightly from side to side and shuddered when Patton moved more quickly, but Patton was back to the sturdier parts in no time, and Virgil fell into his arms, burying his head in Patton’s shoulder. 

Roman left them to their comforting embraces. 

Tuesday 10th, about 3 AM

Roman was about halfway up the tree now and he had since met Deceit, the resident tinsel? Snake? Deceit seemed to be a mix of both, to be honest. 

A flurry of squawking shattered the comfortable silence Roman travelled in. 

“COME HERE YOU BASTARD BIRDS!!”

Roman grabbed a hold of a branch near him as the tree shook and another nutcracker tumbled down from above him. 

He was made with the same design as him, just his sash was a deep green, and his white suit was instead black. His face was a manic mixture of wide, crazed eyes, a deranged smile scrawled across his face and feathers and fir needles entangled in his hair. 

The similar, yet so different, nutcracker stuck a hand out with an air of uncaring confidence. 

“The name’s Remus! To whom do I owe the pleasure?” Even the way he spoke alluded to his madness. 

It didn’t stop Roman from reaching out hesitantly to grasp his hand. 

“Uh… Roman..?” Roman responded, having gotten over his shock at how forward the other character was. 

“Are you quite sure? You seem unsure. I don’t want you to be unsure.” The words tumbled from Remus’ mouth like sand from a broken hourglass. 

Roman blinked in shock again, before clearing his throat and readjusting himself. 

“Yes, yes, I'm quite sure. Roman Princeton.” With a sweeping gesture, Roman took off his hat, eyes glancing at the printed gold lettering inside the hat. 

“Princeton, you say?” an eyebrow raised. “My, that does, it seems, make us brothers!” With a mirroring flourish, Remus took off his hat and spun it around to show identical gold lettering. His smile stretched wider, and she bounced nearer, catching Roman’s arm by hooking his elbow around it. “Well, dearest brother, will you join me on my quest?”

“Your quest?” Roman queried.

“Yes, a goal I have to complete! Come! Follow me.”

Without giving Roman chance to excuse himself, Remus set off at a brisk pace, hopping between branches with the care of a drunkard in a tree (which is to say, little to no care at all), dragging Roman along all the while. Roman wanted to detach from his apparent brother’s arm, for fear of falling off the flailing fir branches. But soon, the erratic steps and bounces calmed somewhat and let Roman catch his breath and stand more firmly on the branches. Oh, and for Remus to let go.

They travelled in silence for a while, til Remus broke it.

“What brings you up this side of the tree then? I’ve not seen you around here before.” 

“I’m on a quest of my own, to the very top of the tree to try and win the heart of the angel.”

“Logan? Really? He’s got a bit of a stick up his arse. He’s no fun!” 

“I’m not so sure that our types of fun are the same,” Roman muttered under his breath, as Remus took a flying leap over a branch unnecessarily. 

“What’s your quest then, Remus?”

“Oh me? My quest is to defeat all the birds!! They like perching in MY area!!”

Roman frowned but didn’t respond. 

“Did you know that all the birds in this tree don’t have penises! They get cloacas. All of them! Even females! They rub them together when they start to feel friskeeey,”

Roman regretted ever coming into contact with his long lost brother. 

“Yes, but have the birds ever actually done anything wrong?” Roman interrupted the still babbling Remus. 

“Nah, I just felt like it one day and since then we’ve been in this war!” Remus bounced along, apathetic tone filling the space.

“Then why don’t you leave the birds alone? Aren’t you just terrorising them?”

The questions cause the chaotic nutcracker to freeze ahead of roman, spinning around on his heel almost robotically, eyes wide and fury upon his face. 

“So you’re on their side, huh? You want to stop me from having fun?” 

Remus drew the sword from his scabbard, an identical one to roman’s own, advancing, like a dangerous cloud, the dark green backdrop of the tree framing the nutcracker. 

Roman didn’t bother drawing his own sword; he didn’t want to fight, especially this high in the tree with a high chance of falling. So, as any smart person would, he ran, looking for a way to get up to the next layer of branches. Unfortunately for him, he found himself back to where he was, while still an angry rattish man following him with a very sharp sword. Roman looked around as he started running the circle again; there were slightly more low hanging branches, there were baubles which he could possibly jump from one to another, but it was dangerous- extremely so; as his options were running thin, he noticed in the corner of his eye a brilliant flash, which drew his eye to the glittery tinsel that was Deceit. 

“Oh, he’s going to hate me so much,” thought Roman, as he took a run up and leapt, grasping hold of the yellow strands that made up Deceit’s body.

Roman hauled himself up to the next level, expanding the distance between him and Remus -- after all, it’s difficult to climb a string of tinsel with a sword in your hand -- and Roman decided to play a waiting game, and hid in a bauble with a hole cut through it, where a LED candle had been placed. 

Well, it worked, and Remus soon gave up trying to find his brother, stomping off with a cry of “FUCK YOU BIRDS!”.

Saturday 14th, midnight

Logan had long worked out what the elf had been trying to say ("Roman is coming," a simple mistake of pausing too long in some places and not long enough in others). Since that day, he had been trying to get down from his solitary post.

Damn this blasted metal pole down the back of my dress.

Logan was getting irritated. There was no way to push himself upwards to get off the pole. So, he sulked. There wasn’t anyone to listen anyway. He’d been trying for seven nights now with no luck.

He ended up just listening to the music streaming quietly from the TV after one of the humans had fallen asleep on the sofa. Thankfully, it wasn’t Christmas music for once, just a gentle melody and quiet words. 

...you. At first, I thought you were a constellation. I made a map of your stars, then I had a revelation: You're as beautiful as endless, You're the universe…

Logan decided he liked this song. It filled him with a warm feeling, and slowly, he began humming along to the song, committing the words to memory, and he could almost imagine the smile on Roman’s lips. It was sweet. 

At that moment, he felt such a huge burst of longing he had to let out a shuddering breath he hasn’t realised he was holding. He had never felt so lonely, never wanted a hug more in his life, never felt like his heart was going to be ripped out of his chest like this before. He felt his arms tuck into his sides, his body curling as much as he could, curling in towards himself, trying to cradle the warm feeling that was flickering away from him ever so quickly. Logan let out another shuddering breath and he couldn’t stop the tears tracking their way down his porcelain cheeks. 

The song had long moved on when he broke out of his state, arms crossed around his torso, squeezing in to try and bring comfort.

“Logan? Are you well?” The tinsel had moved up towards him, speaking softly, wanting to help but not knowing how. 

Logan shook his head, not trusting his voice to work. 

“Look, I’m going to move closer to you, okay? I’m going to try and give you a hug, okay? Well, to the best of my ability.” 

The soft shuffle of tinsel over tree brought a small amount of comfort to Logan, but he felt himself flinching away from the brush against his skin. Deceit had moved back instantly, afraid to make him more uncomfortable. 

Why? Why was he like this?

Logan breathed out, opening his arms to the snake, and Deceit moved back slowly, resting his head on Logan’s shoulder, and logan let out another shuddering breath, wiping his tears away before tucking his head into deceit’s tassels. 

“I just want to get off this goddamn pole, Dece.”

Deceit nodded, slowly.

“I don’t know, I can’t help you.”

And Logan felt a small smile slip onto his face. 

~

As it turns out, Logan is absolutely terrified of heights. 

Deceit had curled around the bottom of the spoke and Logan had used it to boost himself off the pole. 

Only, now that there was no security and he was free to walk about, every step causing something to wobble, vertigo settled in and Logan found himself sat, clinging onto the pole that he had been restrained to or dear life, eyes pressed closed until he was sure he wasn’t looking down. 

“I’m going to stay right here and not tell Roman that you will not be meeting you partway down.”

Logan nodded quickly, trying to get used to having his eyes open, but he still had to press them closed sometimes. 

“Okay, but please be quick, I don’t like being up here alone.”

You should resume your standing position, something inside him reminds him. It’s nearly 6 o’clock.

Damn the goddamn time, too, he thinks.

Thursday 19th, about 5 AM

There wasn’t far to go now. Just a bit more. 

Deceit had helped him get unstuck from the branches twice. It was far easier to get the loop caught up here. All the branches were much closer together and felt more like wading through a jungle than climbing a tree. 

Roman looked from his current spot to see how much further he had to go. 

Not far, thank all the heavens. 

He couldn’t wait to see the angel once more, to see him and learn about him, and to comfort him and keep him company. 

He let his mind wander to the quiet Christmas music being played as he clambered through sweeping branches. He let himself hum along to the music, singing when there were words to be sung.

“When you first took my hand, On a cold Christmas Eve, You promised me, Broadway was waiting for me.”

He let the lyrics flow out of him, the melody washing him with a warm sense of nostalgia. 

“You were handsome-” Roman was interrupted.

“You were pretty, Queen of New York City.”  chimed another voice, perfectly in tune with the song. It was distant but audible, and definitely from above him and Roman felt his heart flicker with hope. 

“When the band finished playing

They howled out for more

Sinatra was swinging,

All the drunks they were singing

We kissed on a corner

Then danced through the night.” They finished the verse together, and Roman felt himself sink down to listen to the sweet sound of this other person. 

They made through most of the song, but they felt words dying on their lips, as the time ticked over to 6 o’clock. 

Perhaps they may finish a song together tomorrow. 

Friday 20th, Midnight

Logan was filled with the residual warm feeling that had settled in his heart yesterday.  

That couldn’t have been anyone but Roman singing yesterday; he knows the voices of every other creature that is near the top of the tree. That was not a familiar one, but it was a blessing to hear; Roman sung like an angel, however backwards that statement was. He wasn’t lying. 

“What’s got you all dopey then?” If Deceit had eyebrows Logan was sure that one of them would be raised. 

“Didn’t you hear him? His voice was so sweet and smooth and I don’t know how to feel ab-”

“My, my. I never imagined the day I’d see Logan Sanders swoon.”

“Oh, quiet, snake.”

“Well, guess I won’t help you get down towards him, then.”

“Wait! No, Dece come back, please!”

Deceit turned his head back towards the angel and tilted his head downwards. 

“Grab on then.”

Logan felt a wide smile slit his face, and he grabbed a hold of Deceit’s neck? Body? Did Deceit even really have a neck? Either way- unimportant. 

Deceit gently lowered Logan through three layers of branches, before stopping, and asking Logan to wait there, before disappearing into the expanse of branches.

When he came back up, clinging to his neck was a smartly dressed nutcracker, white tunic laced with gold embroidery and red sash drawing attention to his more muscular physique. 

(Logan didn’t hear Deceit mutter, ‘go get him, tiger’ to Roman before he slipped away)

God, Logan was swooning and damn, was Roman really, really hot. 

“Oh my god, you’re actually here.” The words tumble out of his lips before he could stop them. 

“I can’t believe I’m here, either, to be honest.” Roman chuckled, hand moving up to rub at his neck shyly, and Logan was gone, eyes full of wonder and nothing was stopping him from walking towards Roman. 

“The night sky once ruled my imagination,” Logan felt himself sing as he looked into Roman’s eyes. “Now I turn the dials with careful calculation.”

“After a while, I thought I'd never find you. I convinced myself that I would never find you when suddenly I saw you.” Roman started singing, and Logan felt his hand reaching out to grasp his hand. 

“At first I thought you were a constellation. I made a map of your stars, then I had a revelation: You're as beautiful as endless, You're the universe I'm helpless in.” They sang together, quiet melody being weaved between their words. 

They sang together, and Logan felt on top of the world, more so than he had when on top of the tree, and Roman felt on top of the world, higher than he’d ever been before. As the song came to an end, they rested their foreheads together, quietly appreciating each other’s presence. 

“Can I hug you?” Roman asked tentatively. Logan paused for a second, then nodded. 

The warmth that settled in his bones, the ease of the itches under his skin were so unknown and so distant in memory it felt like a lost memory returning. Logan had never quite felt as completed or safe as he had then, and he latched even tighter to the smaller nutcracker. 

Roman tucked his head into the angel’s shoulder, feeling the taller man relax and settle more, tension easing out of his muscles, slowly but surely, and the gentle shuffling of his wings drew Roman’s hand up to stroke them softly, and Roman felt Logan shiver in his hold. 

Logan whispered something almost inaudibly, and Roman let out a quiet chuckle.

“You’ll have to speak a little louder for me to hear, lov-”

“May I kiss you?” Logan kept his eyes trained to the floor, and Roman choked on his words. “I am no fan of feelings but you’ve quite encaptured me, but do not feel obligated to do anything bec-”

Logan was cut off with a sweet kiss, lingering slightly and stealing his breath. 

“Please shut up and kiss me again, Logan.” 

Logan didn’t hesitate to fulfil Roman’s request. 

[magicshopgalaxy]

1. Your first BTS song

Dope.

It was way back in 2017 when I became a kpop fan for the first time. I was curious to see who BTS were so my sister showed me the music video of Dope in her phone and later did I realize that it was actually the first step of me becoming an ARMY for life.

2. Current favorite song

Euphoria by Jeon Jungkook.

I always love that song. Jungkook’s voice is the kind that makes you want to be dramatic over life, something that will make you remember some good important memories where you feel happy and at peace with yourself. It’s soft and melodic and I just love the first part of that song so much. I could even sing it perfectly. I also have different instrumental versions of that song because the beat is just so good. I have a guitar version and a piano version. I also have the version that Jungkook released this year’s FESTA, the piano version accompanied with his beautiful voice.

3. A song that everyone should listen to

Spring Day.

I just heard this song playing on the radio and after the song ends, the DJ made her comments about it telling everyone that while the song was playing she was also reading the English translations of the lyrics and how it almost made her cry. I was listening to her and got inspired at what she said. So I thought that if everyone would just listen to Spring Day, they would experience that feeling too. Even if they don’t understand the lyrics, the song itself is enough to touch hearts. Even more if they read the translations.

4. Favorite MV

Blood, Sweat, and Tears.

For me, it was the best comeback ever of BTS. They combined music with art, psychology, and symbolism and it turned out to be marvelously fantastic.

5. Favorite solo song

Euphoria by Jungkook.

I told you I love that song so much.

6. Favorite rap line song

Outro: Tear.

I swear, if you hear this song you will find yourself with mouth gaping wide in awe. Rap doesn’t always sound nice to someone who doesn’t fancy it too often but this one killed it. The best rap I ever heard and I ain’t even a fan of raps. I was really fascinated at how cool their voices are and how the whole song transformed into some kind of dark and wild and raging kind of genre. You can really feel the pain and all the torment of the person in that song. All the fears, the anger, miseries and breakdowns brought by a terrible heartbreak. The rap line raps it all well.

7. Favorite vocal line song

I’m not gonna say Euphoria again. So for this question, I’m going to pick Epiphany by Kim Seokjin. If you’ve been around enough or been an ARMY as long as the Love Yourself album series, you will get whole point of this song and understand that it’s the happy ending of the whole Love Yourself story. Apparently, the story speaks of someone in love but got broken and decided to finally love himself. The story was not that simple though. Along the way, it has become complicated and confusing as that someone questions himself, got mad, and do crazy stuffs (as told in the story of TEAR). Epiphany was the last intro song of the three albums and it’s apparently the answer to all that someone’s questions. It speaks of revival and opening the mind to fully understand the whole situation after the destructive storm that love has brought upon him. It’s a song of acceptance that everything has happened already and it’s now time to move on and love oneself even with all the flaws and broken pieces.  Why I love this song is because it speaks some things that I couldn’t speak myself. I’ve been around enough and the story of Love Yourself made such a great impact in my life. It has become my own story now. So the song Epiphany is also the answer I’ve been looking for and my own happy ending story.

8. Favorite collaboration

As a fan of both BTS and Ed Sheeran, there is nothing more exciting than a collab between the two. So I have Make It Right for this. Although Ed Sheeran didn’t sing a line of that song (though I would’ve love it even more if he does), the song itself shows a lot of his presence. The beat, the lyrics and the tone of the song are good combinations of BTS and Ed Sheeran. It’s like legends meet legends and together they combined superpowers and Make It Right is the end product.

9. Favorite live performance

I haven’t been a fan of live performances but there is actually one live performance of BTS that really captivates my eyes. Remember 2018’s Melon Music Awards? Yeah, that’s right. It was that time when BTS shone the most. The introduction of their performance was so lit I had no other words for that. They brought a lot of people on stage to perform Idol in a traditional way but what really had me amazed was when the dance line performed solo in the beginning. First, it was J-hope with the lady drummers. It was so colorful and aesthetic and Jhope's dance moves matched the beat of the drums very well. It was such a powerful performance. Then there was Jimin with the fan. He looked so sophisticated and classy in a traditional way. I love the way he danced while holding the fan in his hand. He even got a cultural award for that. Next, Jungkook with a handkerchief.  The way he looked at the camera while he did all those killing moves were marvellous. And then all the cultural dancers gathered together on stage and danced the instrumental version of Idol. I swear, that was the most beautiful live performance I ever saw.

10. A feminine empowering song

I have Epiphany for this again. I don’t know, I just kind of like the lyrics of that song so much. It kind of represents all the ladies out there who are miserable because of love. The song is so much powerful as long as you understand it. There’s even a line I love in it where I get inspiration from every time I feel insecure of myself. “ I may be a bit blunt, I may lack some things, I may not have that shy glow around me. But this is me. My arms, my legs, my heart, my soul. “

It’s girl power, you know.

11.A sad song

There’s no sadder song than The Truth Untold. I read the lyrics and it’s really sad. And the way the vocal lines sing it makes the song sad even more. The line, “But I still want you…” is the most heartbreaking thing ever. I don’t think there’s another that can compete with that. I don’t blame the song or the writer of that song. It’s just that it’s the song of the Tear album and the story of Tear is really heartbreaking since it’s where all the pain and misery happened. And where love failed and the person got crazy and wild. 

12. A song that makes you dance

So What. It’s the song that tells you to do things you like and not minding what anyone has to say. So everytime I listen to that song, I was like, “So What” and dance and dance until my back hurts from dancing.

13. Favorite dance practice

There’s a lot of dance practices that I fancy a lot. But I love the ones that were done out of silliness and crazy stuffs.  Remember Baepse? They danced like silly little dorks but they danced so well. I’m amazed at their duality and the fact that they could pull something crazy and still be good at it. Dance Kings, indeed.

14. Favorite interview

I love that interview somewhere in the US where Seokjin kept saying “Yeah, I’m worldwide handsome, you know?” and J-hope saying “I love hamburger and sprite”. That will always be the most iconic interview ever.

15. Most underrated song

Spine Breaker.

Not all ARMYs know that song since it’s an old one and BTS don’t perform it too often these days. But if you could just hear it and read its lyrics, it speaks a lot to you. It’s such a powerful song and I hope more people would listen to it. Especially the youth of this generation. BTS, as youth themselves, really wrote a song for them indicating how they all feel living in this generation and this song really speaks a lot.

16. A song that deserves an MV

Mikrokosmos.

The song is beautiful. The lyrics are beautiful. It should have an mv. And in the mv, there should be lots and lots of stars. And sometimes the stars should shine in purple color so when armys zoom into it, they will see army bombs instead. And while this happens, the chorus of the song plays until it gets to the part where BTS sing “Shine, Dream, Smile. Oh let us light up the night….” It would be a beautiful mv.

17. Favorite song from Dark & Wild album

The lit rap, Cypher pt. 3.

It’s a song to roast haters. Suits Yoongi’s attitude sometimes, and always remind me of him.

18. Favorite intro

Boy Meets Evil.

It’s the first intro I ever encountered when I became an ARMY back in 2017. And one of the songs that got me into BTS. I saw J-hope’s performance with this one on MAMA 2016. My sister showed me the video and I was amazed. Back then, I didn’t know much about J-hope or his cheerful attitude. I thought he was all that dark and cool guy with a bad guy look and it’s all because of  this song. The J-hope in the mv of this song was so not like the J-hope I know now but it was my first impression of him.  So I assume he was like that until I get to know him better. It still surprises me everytime I watch the video of the song. The duality of J-hope is mesmerizing, indeed. That's why this song is so special to me.

19. Favorite cover

There are at least three covers I like. But I have to choose one. So for this, I’m gonna go with Hug Me by J-hope and V. I love V’s voice in this song. It’s so deep and cold but relaxing at the same time. I love the tone of the chorus and the beat of J-hope’s rap. Combined together, it makes the whole song worth to listen to.

20. Favorite outro

Answer: Love Myself

(or is it Outro: Answer: Love Myself?) Regardless, I love that song. I love the lyrics, especially where the writer of that song (RM?) described our scars as our own galaxies. It’s one of the three star songs by the way (Magic Shop and Mikrokosmos being the other two, and just so you know, I coined this term by myself) and always remember that star songs are always the best ones. ARMYS are so lucky to be gifted with such songs that inspire us in times of our dark moments.

21. Favorite song from solo projects (outside the group)

Seoul by RM from his own solo album Mono.

I want you to know that every song that RM writes is my favorite. RM is my inspiration and he’s the second best composer I ever knew (next to Ed Sheeran). I love how open minded he is and how he sees the world and writes how he feels about it. In Seoul, he expressed his deep feelings  about his homeland, including all the ups and downs he had as he lives there and how he cherishes and loves it wholeheartedly even after seeing all its dark sides. It’s one of the best songs I ever knew.

22. Favorite cypher

Cypher pt. 4.

For me it’s the deepest among the 4 cyphers in terms of its meaning. It’s currently the last cypher for now (though I’m still hoping for another more) and Namjoon did put a good effort in writing his parts there. I love how he literally raps his mockery against the prejudice of Kpop idols in the Kpop industry. That line “Oh face, not an idol” is really a good hint in telling people out there how sick Kpop is as an industry who only invests in people with good appearances and not in talents. Namjoon wrote down this line “sorry bae” to roast down people who think of idols that way. “Sorry Bae” because I’m talented. “sorry bae” because I’m breathing. “sorry bae” because I’m healthy. “sorry bae” because I’m still shining despite your negative comments about how I don’t fit in your qualifications.

It’s not just the industry though. It’s people’s perception on Kpop and how they look kpop as one of those things that shine like stars and idols with faces as bright as diamonds and all that jolly dolly kind of music. They hate what they don’t like and it doesn’t end in just hating but all the way to giving their unpopular opinions to the public with lots of bashing and roasting and outrageous participations in fandom wars. Not to mention the antis and haters who have absolutely no knowledge about kpop and still getting busy out there trying to bring it down. 

“sorry bae” because you know my name even though I don’t know yours. Haters roast BTS through hate comments. BTS roast them back through their beautiful songs. And we, ARMYs, are loving this war.

23. A song with beautiful lyrics

My favorite star song, Magic Shop. The first song that I coined as a star song. Also the first song that I really admired in terms of its meaning ever since I became an ARMY. It’s ARMY’s song. Our Song. My Song. Namjoon wrote it for us, describing that there is a door in our subconscious mind that leads to a world (or more likely a shop) where everything is good and happy and that all you have to do is to open it and exchange all your fears, miseries, pain and negativities with happiness and all the good stuffs.

24. Favorite Japanese song

Crystal Snow.

I love that song because Seokjin hit 3 high notes in it. I love Seokjin’s vocals when he tries harder to make it better. The beat of the song and its rhythm are great as well. Plus the background music is something that you really want to listen to if you want to feel something.

25. A song that you haven’t heard for a long time

There were many but let’s choose Tomorrow for now. The feels that this song give is so cool and will make you want to say that this is really how raps should be. Lol I don’t really know anything about raps but this one just defines it for me. The lyrics were deep since its one of the songs when Hip Hop BTS are still promoting and during those times BTS like to appeal as tough and rebellious teenagers who are sick of the society they’re living in. So the lyrics of most of the songs they wrote during those times, including this one, are kind of reflecting the lives of teenagers and youth and how they overcome everyday’s struggles in order to accomplish their dreams and live a better tomorrow.

26. A song without choreography

Butterfly. It’s that song that I love. It doesn’t have to have a choreography . I love it anyway.

27. A song that feels different when you hear it live

House of cards.

It sounds raw and original when the vocal line sing it live. You can literally hear Jimin’s high notes transforming into a girly-kind-of scream, Jin’s vocals being forced out of his lungs, and V trying to raise his deep voice. All of this while Jungkook sings so well, not minding any mishaps that his friends are making. But then, I love it anyway. It’s the truest vocals that Bangtan ever has and it’s perfect no matter what.

28. A song that helped  you the most

Magic Shop.

I always come back over and over again to this song. It was that one song that stayed with me when I was struggling during my last year in college, the one that got me through all the breakdown moments and painful times. The one song that I called a friend when everyone in my circle became dramatic and overreacting jerks who just have so much to say and didn’t even listen to me. The song that symbolizes hope that made me believe that a better tomorrow will come. I owe everything to this song. It has always been there for me.

29. A song about politics and society

There were many of those songs but I choose No More Dream. Before BTS were famous with all their deep and meaningful songs about loving oneself, there was this song. The beginning of everything.  As Suga once said, “It isn’t a BTS album if there isn’t a track criticizing society.” It all started with No More Dream. All the dissing and roasting and revealing what society is like for young people like BTS started with the story of No More Dream where youth were deprived of their own dreams because “parents-know-best” kind of stuff exists.

Sorry I had to search it out. (You can check all the songs here under that category: https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/7966116/bts-socially-conscious-woke-songs-go-go-list  it’s really cool to get to know those songs)

30. A new song

There’s this other version of Make It Right where Lauv sings the first part in English. I love it because it looks like the kind of songs a lot of people would want to listen to. Especially non-kpopper people. Or people who love Lauv but not BTS. To me, this song is like an instrument to change their minds about kpop. This will prove that, even though Kpop is not English, it’s music. And music creates good vibes and relaxing sensations no matter what country it belongs. And with Lauv singing in English and BTS singing in their own language, it breaks the standards that some western-stereotyped people put into music. Music should be boundless and BTS proved that right.

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

[thatfairyfangirl]

True Colors Chapter 27

Both you and Bucky were happy to learn his accident in the quinjet didn’t lead to any broken bones, but your wrist was mildly sprained...you would be back on the stage by tomorrow night. You used the time to focus your energies inward, begin attempting to move on.

Bucky wandered into the shop, his third one in the last hour. “Excuse me?” He asked as he looked around at all the beautiful blooms.

The young girl behind the counter looked up from the arrangement she was working on, stars in her eyes when she realized exactly who just walked into her shop. “Oh wow! You're Bucky Barnes!” She was practically squealing with glee as she set down what she was doing. Looking up to her he smiled sheepishly, nodding a confirmation.

“Yeah, I am. Umm maybe you can help me?” He asked hopefully as he scratched at the back of his head. “I'm looking looking for some flowers for my best girl…”

“Well I'd say you've come to the right place. What does she like?” She was beaming with delight at the idea of arranging something for one of the avengers.

“I’m not really sure how to describe it.” He huffed out an almost frustrated sigh. Every floral shop he’s been in thus far hasn’t been able to name the flowers he was looking for. He was beginning to lose hope. “Umm That Disney movie about Rapunzel…” Her face lit up at the mention, very sure she knew exactly where he was going with this.

“Say no more! I know exactly what you’re looking for.” She just about squealed with excitement as Bucky breathed out a sigh of relief.

~ ~ ~ ~

Two days Later

While the rest of the Avengers searched for any signs that The Red Skull was finally ready to step out of the shadows he spent the next few days running all over town. Just because it wasn’t anything serious didn’t mean that he still didn’t feel the need to apologize. You had both put each other through hell over the past few months...and well, you did just save his life. This plan had to happen. His crystal blue eyes scanned the streets as he moved, knowing that tonight was the night, you were finally returning to Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat mutant cast. He had to keep his eyes out for you as

“Mr. Barnes! Welcome back!” The florist behind the counter was beaming with the excitement of feeling like she knew something special, which she probably did. “Is tonight the night?” She asked leaning over the counter filled with wonder. How she wished her boyfriend had half the romance in him Bucky had.

He nodded with a hopeful smile. “Assuming they are ready?”

With a proud smile she produced from the back room a glorious bouquet. As Bucky’s eyes fell on them the hopeful smile he had been wearing vanished, the girl’s along with it. “What’s wrong? It’s an exact replica.” She asked looking over the flowers, sure there wasn’t a single flaw.

“I thought I was ordering a bouquet of the golden flowers…” He wished he could be happier about this, it was obvious she put in a monumental amount of work to recreate this arrangement from something...But he couldn’t place where.

“Oh...Mr. Barnes, I’m so sorry...but those flowers just don’t exist in reality.” She explained a little bit sullenly. “But if she loves the movie I’m sure she’ll love these. Haven’t you seen Tangled Ever After?” He just looked at her, bewildered...he thought you had shown him everything Disney related...was there something YOU didn’t know that now he did? “Trust me,” the girl chuckled holding them out for him.

He just nodded as he checked his watch, he’d just have to trust her, he didn’t have much time now. As he made his way through the tower to his room to change he stopped at the entrance way to the common area, noticing Clint having some Daddy-Daughter time with Lila. “Hey, Clint, Lila, do you think (y/n) would like these?” Clint looked up over the couch as a tiny face with light brown pigtail braids popped up next to him, her eyes lit up the second she saw the arrangement.

“Holy-” Clint cut himself off, censoring himself in front of his daughter. “Dude! It’s like they took it right out of the cartoon! She’ll love it!”

“It’s just like the one Rapunzel had when she got married.” Lila commented with dreamy eyes. At that exact moment he knew what he’d be getting his daughter the next time he went home for a visit.

“I don’t remember these flowers in the movie...Just the gold ones?” Lila climbed off the couch rushing over to him explaining how the wedding was seen in a short but not to worry as it is on netflix and she knows how to work it. He couldn’t help smiling at the girl as she tugged at the metal hand, not once seeing it as a weapon as she lead him to the couch.

“Hey kid I thought this was supposed to be our time?” Clint joked as he made room for the added company.

“But he needs to know dad!” She insisted as she turned on the collection of Disney shorts.

~ ~ ~ ~

All of the team smiled to themselves as they took their seats, front row center. They weren’t entirely sure why today was the day Bucky insisted they come see the performance, but all were glad to come support you. Tony was the first to realize why as he flipped through the playbill, needing to move, nervous for you. He let out a quick triumphant laugh as he showed everyone else the piece of paper that had been shoved into every playbill being handed out that night. “This revival of Joseph was put together as a labor of love to remind mutants everywhere their dreams matter too. After tonight’s performance please stick around to watch the dream of one of our cast members come true as she is reminded to follow her heart.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnPClWznEY4

They cheered and whistled as you took the stage in a white dress, your signature necklace just barely brushing the neck hole. Seeing your friends brought you to nearly glow as you performed the part of the narrator.

After the final curtain call all the audience was still applauding as you shone brightly, taking a few extra bows, hearing your teammates cheering your name. As the curtain hit the floor you let out a huff as you began to catch your breath, pushing your hair back as you began to detach the microphone from your face. “Oh no Rainbow.” Mike said with a smile as he grabbed your hand. “You aren’t done yet.”

You raised a brow as he drug you out in front of the curtain. “Mike what’s going on?” You hissed under your breath, low enough to keep the microphone from picking it up but audible enough for him to hear.

“You’ve made so many people’s dreams come true...time someone does the same for you.” He answered as he held you in place, all the lights going dim, only a spotlight on you. As the light hit the gem on your necklace it shone rainbows down your body, bringing out a sad smile as you recalled that magical Christmas you and Bucky spent together. Though you had been trying to get over him he still haunted your every thought, missing him more than the sun misses the moon. A second spotlight shone on stage left as Bucky walked out, heart in his throat. You’ve heard him sing before...but never for anyone else...you liked his voice, but you also knew he had a real problem with others hearing it. The band down below started to play as he held up in one hand the flowers he’d gotten for you, and a microphone in the other. Your hands flew to your face, holding back tears of joy and amazement as you looked over the bouquet...it was perfect...he was perfect.

He slowly sang True Colors as he walked closer to you, reveling in the moment when you took the flowers, joining in the song. All the theater cheered as you both pulled each other into a longing passionate kiss long overdue.

~~~~

The night air held a soft autumn chill as you both slowly meandered through central park, one hand in his, the other clinging to the flowers for for a princess. Of course you both forgive each other, and it was obvious you both wanted to give this love a second chance… but there were things that needed to be talked about.

“Look Doll, that day in the quinjet…” he still didn't feel like a simple I'm sorry would cut it but was there really Any other way to say it? “I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I'd never dream of it.”

“You said red bitch...I was glowing red...which has never happened before by the way.” Thinking about it sent a chill down your spine, reminding you that you should probably make a call to the professor about that sooner rather than later.

“I didn't know what was going on… Sinthea and her scientists had me drugged pretty bad. But even with the heavy sedation I could still feel her hands on me, hear her talking about creating the ultimate weapon, ruling as one.” He was still trying to piece together what she meant by that. You had a pretty good idea though. The thought of her and him made you sick to your stomach as you squeezed his hand a little tighter, as if you were keeping him from her grasp. Now you knew how he must have felt.

“I want you to know there was never anything going on with me and Colossus...or me and Mike.”

“I know Doll.”

“No,” you stopped, tugging his hand closer to you, “You don't know… When I was a kid, when I first got my power...when mom went from the nicest person in the world to,” you paused trying to come up with the right word, eventually landing on “not.” You let out a deep sigh as you relived childhood memories you had kept locked away for good reason. “Mike was the one who stopped me from doing any more damage to my hair. Every time I ran from the school he was the one who convinced me to go back. He and I have a special bond...and if he's going to be living in New York, if he and I are going to be working together, you need to be ok with that.”

He pulled you in close, wrapping his arm around your shoulders as he planted a loving kiss to your forehead. “I know Doll. Who do you think helped me make all this happen?” You looked up to him wide eyed. He's spent so much time bending over backwards for you, making friends with people He seemed to hate just to make you happy...and what have you done to deserve it? He truly is something special, and you felt so lucky to have him. “I was wrong to get so upset over it. I know. I just don't know what I would do if I ever lost you.” Metal fingers brushed against your cheek. “All the time they tried to reprogram me you know what kept Bucky in control?” You looked up to him questioningly. “This little glimmer of color and light.” He said as he leaned his forehead in to press against yours. “I wasn't willing to let my memories of you go so easily.” He lifted his chin to rest on your rainbow mane. “I remember all of them...every face of every kill...I didn't want your face added to that list.” Your arms flew around him, squeezing him tightly as a tear trickled down your cheek. “Before you I was a monster. I don't want to think about what life will ever be like without you.” He added as he let you go, pulling away from you to bend down on one knee. “And I don't ever want to find out.” He added as he pulled a small box out of his pants pocket. “What do you think?” He pulled the box open to show a silver band with a rainbow colored gem in the middle.

Your heart exploded at the site of it. If the both of you were to be made into a ring you were sure that would be it. You just stood there a moment watching it sparkle in the light of the city. Once the shock wore off you nodded. “I think I'm going to have to move again. Because I'm with you Buck, till the end of the line.” He barely could let you finish your answer as he slid the ring on your finger before springing up, wrapping you in a tight embrace as your lips met again.

You both thought about going back to the tower, but there was one part of your life Bucky hadn't seen yet, your apartment. Plus it was a much shorter walk from where you were.

You woke in your bed wearing nothing more than the necklace and ring given to you by the man you were wrapped around. You smiled down to him as you brushed his long silky hair from his face, watching him stir under your touch. It was amazing how he looked so peaceful as he slept, such a far cry from the man who used to wake screaming in the middle of the night...you soothed the monster in him, gave him strength to be human again, while he gave you strength to not be. You planted a soft kiss on his forehead before slipping out from under his arms. As you made your way into the living room you kidnapped his t-shirt as your own, it hung loose against your body, looking more like a dress on your small frame as you readied some coffee, loving the idea of staying home with him as long as humanly possible today...you had some lost time to catch up on.

His eyes fluttered open as you filled the apartment with the bittersweet smell of coffee and a sullen slow melody. He pulled his boxers back on before emerging from the bedroom to find you on your couch, legs crossed with a guitar on your lap. He loved the way his shirt looked on you as you leaned forward, scribbling notes down on a blank sheet of music. In front of you sat 2 mugs of coffee, one sweetened and light with cream, the other a smooth bitter dark. He pushed tangled hair out of his face as he moved behind you, reaching his arm over to grab the mug that you made for him, taking a sip as he looked over your music, sure he’d never be able to read it as smoothly as you write it. “It sounds beautiful.” He said with a kiss to your cheek bringing out the brightest smile your face could make before he stood to look around the apartment...when you got in last night he was a little preoccupied with you to really get a good look. “So this is where you used to live?” He asked as you put the guitar down.

“Yep. This is my little slice of the world.” His eyes scanned over the pictures of you and your friends scattered among your cluttered shelves, smiling as he watched you age through them. These must have been the ones missing from your mom’s house. He saw a few familiar faces and a few he had yet to meet.

“I love it.” He assured her as he continued to look around at your life before Tony found you. “So….there’s something else we should talk about we never got around to last night…” As much as he hated to ruin such a beautiful moment this was something you needed to know. Curious, you looked up to him as you sipped on your overly sweet coffee. With a deep heavy breath he sat by you, explaining how a few days before you rescued him The Red Skull had left the facility he was being kept at. This meant there was at least one other still active...and it was housing one of the most dangerous men in history. And that he was sure it was HYDRA who tried to grab you.

“So we’ll find it and we’ll bring it to the ground.” You announced with that hope filled confidence he admired so much about you. “And then we’ll find any more active and take them down too.”

“God I love you.” was all he could think to say before cupping your cheek, letting his lips meet yours as he leaned into you. You let yourself fall back onto the sofa as your arms wrapped around his muscular torso, fingertips tracing the lines of his muscles as you held in giggles from his moving the oversize shirt up, the tips just barely brushing up your sides as he straddled you.

[starlitwishes]

@diverse-hearts liked this post for a starter! (For Nahida)

Nahida was... going to be hard to lie to.

Not only did he have to report to her on a daily basis, but she could read his mind any time she wanted. If he didn't give her satisfying answers, she would surely find out the truth through that underhanded method.

But she couldn't know--not yet, not until he knew just what to do with the body.

Still she had asked him to see her, and he couldn't refuse. He was her ward, after all--he had no choice.

Yet he was even more jumpy, anxious about if she already knew or not. It seemed so sudden that she wanted to see him, just one morning after the day Dottore had attacked him--surely, she had to have some idea that something happened...

Still, he swallowed down that fear, trying to clear his mind of the incident, and entered the Sanctuary of Surasthana.

"... You summoned me?"

[moonsandmelodies]

My Top Albums/EPs of 2018, Part 1 / 2

Like with my end-of-2017 list in December, I don’t intend this to be an in-depth recap. These releases are only what I’ve been able to hear so far, and there’s always some good stuff out there I happen to miss.

I’ve discussed before that I’ve had a lot of issues with the current music scene since around 2015, and not a lot of those issues have calmed at this point. This kind of obligated that I wouldn’t be crazy about this year’s music so far, and I haven’t been. The seeming exact same cliches and trends have persisted, some of them getting even worse. I’d elaborate some more, but it’s too complicated to get into for now.

That said, I have hope for the music to come in the next half of 2018, since I did hear a lot of albums that were close to being overall-strong from these past six months.  And I have to say that that’s an improvement.

I’ve also included a song link for each release, including for the honorable mentions under the cut - every chosen song is a personal favorite of mine. Stay tuned for more of my favorite songs of the year in my upcoming playlist!

Top 4 albums

4. Angelique Kidjo - Remain In Light

afro-funk

I was surprised and very intrigued when I learned Angelique Kidjo from Benin was to revamp the entire Remain In Light album by Talking Heads. According to her interview in LA Times, she heard “Once In A Lifetime” long ago and recognized the African influence in it’s sound, which is what eventually led to this cover album. Although part of me wishes some covers were a bit closer to the originals than they are, most of the interpretations are still very interesting and enjoyable with an excellent sense of energy and rhythm.

Listen to “Born Under Punches”

3. Music House - Scandi Disco compilation

electro-disco / synth pop / electropop / synthwave

If you’re bored of the sheer quantity of 80s retro music out there, maybe don’t listen to this. But if you’re like me and love this music enough to still give the continuous new releases a chance, I highly recommend this recent library album. I enjoyed near every song on this one, which is surprising seeing how it has no hype at all surrounding it. I only found it because I was looking through other, older releases by this label, Music House and this happened to be their most recent album. Everything about this album is shiny, stylish and fun with plenty of energy and melody. The production is impressive as expected from a stock music label, and while it has a prominent modern polish they channel the huge potential and legacy of electro-disco very well.

[note: the cover doesn’t seem to exist in a bigger size, hence it being smaller than other covers shown here.]

Listen to “37th Parallel”

2. U.S. Girls - In A Poem Unlimited

psychedelic pop / art pop

Bros are really into U.S. Girls’ music for whatever reason. But don’t let that scare you off - after all, it’s not like musicians choose what kind of audience they get. While I did find the previous U.S. Girls album Half Free a bit inconsistent, In A Poem Unlimited feels like a step up - there were only about 2 or 3 tracks that I didn’t enjoy. The album has a warm semi-70s feel thanks to the band put together for it. There’s also a sense of eclecticism that’s executed better than on a lot of other albums with similar ambitions. The voice of Meg Remy, the one true ‘member’ of U.S. Girls, can be quite twangy and takes a bit of getting used to at first, but it’s somewhat grown on me since then, and it got some time to shine here. This is most often when she does a kind of nervous falsetto like in two of my favorites, “Rosebud” and “L-Over”. While the many styles that Remy explores here aren’t much new (70s funk, jazzy rock, general quivering psych weirdness, a bit of synth pop), the variation of it all and the will to experiment helps keep things interesting, and most of them evade the boring cliches that tend to pop up in so much music lately.

Listen to “Rosebud”

1. Fishdoll - Noonsense

wonky / dream pop / electronic / downtempo

Fishdoll, a new artist from China, somehow manages to recall nearly everything I miss about electronic music of the earlier 10′s. I thought of 'wonky’ producers like FlyLo and Teebs who had such interesting and creative taste in electronic production and samples. Take a gander at the amazing operatic vocal/harp sample that ends “Beijing Well” or the spacey fluttering chords on most of the songs, for example. Fishdoll’s vocals are treated to subtle effects and manipulations that say, Grimes or Washed Out became popular for, channeling a similar kind of surreal sleepiness.

It doesn’t do enough justice to Fishdoll to make so many comparisons, though, since this album really does feel unique. And that’s exactly one of the reasons it’s my #1 of the year so far - it’s an electronic artist doing something unique and doing it well.

I’m looking forward to Fishdoll’s next musical move, and I’m convinced Noonsense deserves more than a bit of Bandcamp popularity, which seems to be all it got upon release.

Listen to “Blueeyce”

Top 4 EPs

4. Elaquent - Celebrate Life!

glitch hop / instrumental hip hop

Elaquent has retained a very good taste in shimmering, jazzy sounds like electric piano and even synths over the years that make his new EP very pleasant BGM. It’s not quite his best (his album The Midnight After would deserve that praise) but I enjoy it much more than his past few releases, so I have some restored hope for his future work. My favorite has to be “Sao Paulo”, which happens to sound more like a modern lounge instrumental than what I’ve come to expect from Elaquent.

Listen to “Sao Paulo”

3. D A V I C I I - W sercu pozostaje tylko to, co wypalone ogniem

hypnagogic pop / synth pop

This musician’s sound is similar to that of Adonis listed below - a kind of lo-fi, airy synth pop, but it makes sense since they’re on the same label. This EP is a bit more ghostly and empty, though - D A V I I C I puts his voice through what seems to be autotune to a very weird, even creepy effect. This is most noticeable on the songs “Skruszone serce“ and “Czas przez pryzmat“ which are also my favorites of the bunch. I have to say that while I like the idea of ‘hypnagogic pop’, it’s often bored or disappointed me; D A V I I C I and Adonis, though, have impressed me to an extent I didn’t expect.

Listen to “Skruzone serce”

2. Ravyn Lenae - Crush

neo soul / R&B / pop

Ravyn Lenae happens to be both a very good vocalist and just 19 (which is hardly older than me). This EP has an organic soul sound with some twists that help to distinguish it from the flood of gritty 'alternative' R&B that tends to get the sole approval from critics lately. It's also very concise, which helps. I figure she has a bright musical future ahead.

Listen to “Sticky”

1. Adonis - Wiosenna ofensywa nie trwa dłużej niż do letnich wakacji

hypnagogic pop / synth pop

I only came across Adonis through Bandcamp recommendations and he's still a bit of a mystery to me. This is in part because all the info and lyrics are Polish. But I'm glad I found this EP, since I enjoyed every one of these five songs - while I’ve been blasting the incredible title track all June. In a similar situation to Scandi Disco, it may not be very new, since it’s pretty much a collage of 'alt 80s’ sounds, but if you love the sort of music that entails (e.g. synth pop/shoegaze/dream pop) like I do, than I certainly recommend it.

Listen to “Wiosenna ofensywa nie trwa dłużej niż do letnich wakacji”

Honorable mentions

Gwenno - Le Kov

art pop / new wave / psychedelic pop / dream pop

I thoroughly enjoyed Gwenno’s previous solo album, and while this one has a similar sound, the songs do begin to feel too similar to each other, which is my main issue with it. Her unique style is still very pleasant to hear, she sings the songs in the revived Cornish language, and there’s a handful of songs I know I enjoy, but I couldn’t help but feel something was missing. I figure it could grow on me. Either way, it came close, hence my inclusion of it here.

Listen to “Tir ha Mor”

SOPHIE - Oil Of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides

bubblegum bass / experimental / post-industrial

There’s little doubt in my mind that SOPHIE is very talented and has a lot of promise as a musician/producer. I also find that while many of these songs are a bit too abrasive for my tastes, most of them still have interesting elements or ideas going for them. I just wish that there could’ve been a little less of the stressful industrial parts and more of the sort of aquatic sounds found in “Infatuation” and “Is It Cold In The Water?”. Or maybe even some more poppy songs. It could’ve gone either way, and I’m sure that either would still be interesting to hear from her. So while this album is not quite up my alley, I’ll be keeping an eye on what SOPHIE does in the future.

Listen to “Infatuation”

JQ - Invisible

new age / ambient / electronic

Seeing how this could be New Atlantis’ most gorgeous cover art yet, I couldn’t help but be a tiny bit disappointed in this. JQ has an interesting taste in sounds and I enjoy most of the ambient/new age tracks on here. However, elsewhere the album devolves a bit into other experiments that don’t always work. The album is split into two, with the first being lighter and the second darker. Overall, like New Atlantis’ previous releases, this does have a lot of good things going for it, which is why I include it here. It helps that most songs (minus two surprisingly pretty 7-minute-plus tracks) are short and digestible.

Listen to “Gold”

Mary Lattimore - Endless Days

Mary Lattimore plays the harp very well on this album and most of it works for peaceful BGM. Some songs do get a bit long-winded though and while I’m not opposed to the idea of harp combined with synths, that doesn’t sound very interesting here. The harp playing itself is still very impressive and I did enjoy around half the songs, which is why I wound up including it. I’ll have to look into her previous work since I’ve developed a much bigger appreciation for harp in the past year or so. My favorite song is without question “Hello From The Edge [...]”, maybe the most tender moment on the album.

Listen to “Hello From The Edge Of The Earth”

Beach House - 7

dream pop / indie pop

With this album I continue to enjoy Beach House at times and not get their immense hype other times. I have to admit I enjoy a lot of 7′s first half, which has a more moody, shoegazey sound than expected from BH. The second half, though, devolves into more twee territory that just doesn’t sound near as interesting. The instrumentation and the ideas sounded less creative, and it culminates in “Girl of the Year”, a bland slow jam with such generic, dreary lyrics as ‘Baby’s gone / All night long’. For this reason, I suggest hearing the first 6 - 7 songs myself, and only include it as an honorable mention.

Listen to “Dark Spring”

Melody’s Echo Chamber - Bon voyage

psychedelic pop / dream pop / progressive pop

Bon Voyage is often similar enough to the Melody’s Echo Chamber debut, but a lot weirder. The longer songs morph and evolve several times, sometimes in very unexpected ways. For the most part this makes for interesting, multilayered results, but in places it does wander a bit too much for my liking. This is most evident on “Desert Horse”, which is my least favorite on the album with it’s unfitting additions of turntable scratching, 808 drums and a general rambling feeling. If I ignore that song and a few other iffy moments, it’s nearing a #5 or #4 position in my above Top 4.

Listen to “Shirim”

[sparda3g]

Tokyo Ghoul:re Chapter 175 Review

The news is in: the climax is nearly here. It has caused a stir within the fan base with tons of concerns, wondering if the series is truly ending or will there be more in the future. It’s difficult to determine the direction of Ishida’s writing, which makes it difficult to be at ease with the recent content. Without being deluded by the news, the chapter itself was pretty eventful and pretty enjoyable, though depends on your stance with one particular moment.

There’s an ominous tone with Furuta’s singing and question that clearly has some deep meaning behind it with its emphasis. He has yet pass on, but perhaps it is setting up for one sendoff that would shed a light of his plan. The “bird in the cage” can be interpreted as Rize; however, the follow-up and how the rest of the chapter demonstrated seem to suggest otherwise. It’s his question about if everything has gone in vain that got me curious. It probably has to do with his last action sendoff. It’s as if it’s pointing towards V.

He doesn’t die here as the rest of the chapter focus on CCG and Ghoul continue to work, now aiming to clear out V. There’s a confusion when the Black Dobers and Apes arrive but towards against others. It’s been a while since we last seen them, though I remember the eerie feeling of the scene that highly suggested that they have died. It turns out they did, but now they are literally made into weapons.

It’s no wonder that they were killed off off-paneled; V did the job silently and turned them into Quinque. The major difference is they still have their body. Kaiko said it was done possible because of Kanou, which is freaky considering how far he has understood the concept. This remind me of the time when Kanou requested Naki to give him a try to revive his fallen brethren. Was this what he truly meant? It makes a lot of sense if that’s the case.

The eerie thing about it is how they function. They can barely talk but in a disturbing tone with dead eyes. Matsuri calls this process spieldose, which translate to music box. What a dark fitting name, since the way they react is like one, only active by the hand of another. If this is the case and the series will go on longer, this could be a serious dangerous feat going forward. It’s essentially this series’ take on White Walker from Game of Thrones; they can’t afford to let a Ghoul to die before they are used against them.

The other shattering news is the use of CCG for Washuu’s gain. It is confirmed that V did kill Yoshitoki or at least appeared at the ship with Marude. He wanted to confirm the truth behind the info and it turns out to be true. Washuu has been collecting the corpses for their meal. That is just insane. That means the bodies at the cemetery aren’t really there. This made Urie’s words about the body and purpose of the funeral for them meaningful and disheartening. It also make sense during the time when Urie was invited to dinner with Matsuri. He might have eaten human, hence the weird taste comment. That’s sick. The final battle begins with Kaiko and his Quinques attack.

He brings out Owl Quinque, assuming from Kuzen, so you know this is going to be challenging as hell. Ui and Hirako got their hands full with Irimi and Koma, nearly got killed from an ambush. Tanakamaru did the saving, reciting that they are investigators forever. What a nice guy; always loyal to the family. I do miss when he screams out his attack like a Shounen character. It would be a nice way to go out before the series closes.

The rest focus on Kaiko’s domination and by that, I truly mean it. He takes on Suzuya first, but with Arata’s armor already weakened let alone his stamina, he’s going to get killed. Then his squad comes in to protect him, but Kaiko continues to dominate with ease. Right before he slays Suzuya, Mutsuki, the person who is on a roll with redemption, blocks the attack, and the Qs Squad is next to fight. Nice to see Yuga with them; I would like him to be part of it from now on.

Kaiko pulls a trick with his Quinque that shoots out little Kagune daggers, which catches them by surprise. Kaiko is on a dominating spree. After taking on humans and Quinx, the next step is Ghoul or to be precise, Anteiku’s regular. Right on time for Yomo to show up to get payback for killing others off. Kaiko is like whatever and takes them on with no problem. I’m having Infinity War flashback. There is one twist that changes the path entirely.

The situation seems at lost with the fallen friends now treated as weapons alas White Walkers or zombies, and Kaiko singlehandedly dominate the field. If there are many other V members like him, they would have no chance at winning. So if the series ends completely here, consider themselves lucky. The only way to turn table is a sudden ambush and that’s exactly what happens next. The Owl user was still unconfirmed at this point; it all changes when it begins to move with a sign of a head reappearing. Then out of nowhere, cuts Kaiko’s arm before he could have reacted. Eto is back. That middle finger was awesome. More on her later.

Marude has a pretty badass reply to V’s claim of order, because this is him we’re talking about. Pretty much, there’s no need for order because it is an old fashion idea and it could never work out with everyone involved. Now that the balance is gone, he and everyone else has “a shitload of stuff” to talk about. It’s their time to fight back and what way to begin the counterattack than the return of Naki. Not only him, but the White Suits as well. It’s a really good comeback scene after a series of beat down; for once, they can get a good ending.

Let’s talk about the returns.

Eto was expected to return or it’s better to say it was never confirmed that she was killed. It was purposely left in the dark for her potential return, especially how her “sendoff” was rather more like giving pointer to Kaneki than her swan song goodbye. It’s not that she needed a chapter length death scene, but her character does require a grand stage level of farewell like with other cast who was essential to the story. It was already exploited that her regeneration is incredible, so her head coming out of the shell isn’t so surprising. I do wonder if it follows the Attack on Titan’s logic of surviving without one, considering her Owl form is still there since the beginning.

My real concern is if she found the perfect timing to come back and lucky enough to get out of Donato’s control, or could it be part of the plan. The way how her return is presented is more on the line of requesting for explanation. Eto wasn’t moving and presuming played dead until Kaiko came close to her range. He knew about the Owl, so why was he shocked that she wasn’t dead at all. Could this mean it was planned? If so, was she alone on this or perhaps with Furuta? Well, I do want to know what Kaneki did exactly first. Still, it is fishy.

Naki is perhaps the most questionable one of the two. To begin with, he wasn’t confirmed dead, rather Ishida got us thinking he was dead. I believe he took an opportunity to use his way of writing to get us believe in his death with the choice of words that are metaphorically speaking. Think like One Piece with no death policy; the more it happens, the more we are accustomed to it and no longer think otherwise. So when the opposite happens, it’s shocking. That’s why I wasn’t that upset, rather intrigued. Partially.

If he was confirmed dead and even see how he died, then that is a different story altogether. It’s not the same with other series that dealt with finalized death only to be brought back to life. Even Miza wasn’t reacting like he did die. If she was, it would have been more like “You’re alive!!!” Instead, it’s “Oh, now you’re back…” It’s no wonder why she didn’t react heavily like last time. She meant what she said; he was sleeping. Because of this, it didn’t upset me.

That being said it is a shame that Ishida sacrificed his sendoff scene and honestly, this is where I can understand the fans. It’s not that he came back that irked me since it’s logical; it’s because his sendoff was too good. It had a wonderful narration of a boy who grew up and finally got to see his beloved brother to talk to for the rest of afterlife. It’s discarded for deceiving value, though it can rebound well if Naki addresses it and shows his development from his near-death experience. I mean it still has merits, but to be his closure, it was perfect.

Eto’s return is displayed like it needs an explanation of how she was able to fool Kaiko. Naki’s return isn’t needed as it was meant to be a shock value, but it can use the time to explain his change of heart from his last experience. Like did he have a second thought and decided not to die just yet. What’s probably the real purpose behind it is Kaiko being surprised because Furuta reported that all White Suits were killed. Did Furuta report it to deceive V? Same can be said with Eto? This is when I began to question if this is Furuta’s last hurrah.

This was a pretty enjoyable chapter with a sacrifice that had to be made, for better or worse. The reveals and new possible danger if the series does go on longer were devastating. The action was tensed and the surprises were really good, though one had to pay a price. It’s hard to judge without knowing if there’s anything more in store. The climax is in the next chapter and it could mean that it ends there. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s one of many possibilities. There’s also a big announcement in which I can’t really choose to bet on. Again, it goes back to wishing to know in hindsight. In due time, we will know.

[casualpoetry]

Your lover’s lover forgot to tell her goodbye

Prologue

You always make me cry Darling Stop talking and hold me When I turn around just sing me to sleep I remember you saying: I can’t see your shadow anymore; My love, where did it go? You said I had to be strong It is best if I let go I thought long and hard Are we right for each other? Don't ask me I’ll just panic The world can be vicious sometimes The answers, how am I supposed to know?

Part I

On that particular Wednesday I sat in front of the ocean Watching the moon orbit the sky Reflecting some sunlight I tried to find a dolphin But I looked closer and it was just a lake I know that little bugs come out at night time Padding their feet along, they try Some dogs occasionally walk by They assume this world a friendly place When I looked up I panicked The moon was nowhere to be found I desperately searched for it but only to find that The sea level is rising And everything is dying I jumped up in an attempt Hurried my pace and I couldn't pretend I wanted to go home my friend The spot where my shadow used to sit Is gone, and I had nowhere to lean I sighed and dragged myself along I followed the vine, dead and shattering in the wind I called you two or three times Wanting to say how much I loved you It went straight to your voicemail because I didn't deserve the attention

Part II

You should come home We agreed yesterday that we do need one another If you like, I can be a delight And this love of ours, should be measured with a coffee spoon But don’t tell me white lies I saw you three times when I walked by She’s got this magic that I I don’t really have I’m scared What am I here for? You thought your whole life was a metaphor I know I scream at you a lot Three days in a roll, I can recall But let me justify it So many times you’ve tried to run away with your lover

Part III

And on that Wednesday night It was dim but you could see the sliver light And the subtle reflection in your eyes I couldn't help myself I screamed my lungs out I told you to go fuck yourself Then the clock struck midnight And I was still there I don’t know if you were trying to strangle me I just wanted to check if you were still on board You forgot the things that we fight for And you left me on the floor There’s no heaven or an old man above I judge you, as much as you should your own character Live this life like there’s no other And don’t give up on us I know you're not an unfaithful lover

Part IV

I want you to sleep tight I have your best interests at heart And what benefits do I bare Just that in the morning I will be right here Now I can’t remember Do you like your coffee black or with a spoon of sugar? Your favourite song is coming on You can hit replay after I tell you this story Remember that man who killed his wife? He brought his axe here, bloody and stained He came after me Pointed a gun at me And all I could say was: I killed someone in my dreams; I could fly above the skies; Don't provoke me. And you know what’s funny? When I was flying up there I saw you Leaving her behind Are you sick of your lover? Are you coming back to me? You trick me with your manipulative style You think I’m a fool for you But love only gets you so far I’ve warned you twice now, don’t you remember? You carry that dagger What good can it do you for And don’t you Pull your hair out in front of me Trying to earn my sympathy I don’t want to see blood You’re not worth bleeding for

Part V

You’ve stared at me for a long time now I won’t stop, dancing to this music, I want you to hurt As much as both of my feet hurt There’s a lot of blood on your shirt You bleed like that lamb who was murdered Maybe I’ll consider sacrificing my youth So your face will be less violent I’ll sacrifice my time Some of my hair, much of this imaginary soul And the beauty that you insist I have Just so I can be with you Even when you’re out with your lover I know this is not forever Because when I was out I saw her Holding someone else’s hands It wasn’t bland They stood under the moonlight They held their hands till the sunrise I can only protect you Until the police bust through my door

Part VI

I think I’ll leave it here I’ve done enough, everything possible The time has come for you to go I’ll burnt something in a sacrifice So your love could be revived It was some kind of satanic ritual I don’t believe in God’s words I demand you nothing but To drop down in front of me Kneel before my feet Catch the cold flames in my eyes Because even though you didn't ask I have tortured myself for you I don’t remember much love But this twisted tongued and severed heart I painted my nails to the clock ticking Waiting for you to come back and beg and apologise But in the end it was me who Scream and said Come back, and I Cried, my voice was torn and with a horse throat I said She’s gone I told you about your lover She’s gone with her other lover I will beg until you come back to me I burnt something alive There's a dagger in my heart Her maid threw away my toys Now there’s nothing left So pardon me for a minute, my love Allow me to lean against a wall I know people stare when I walk down the street They want to put me away because I’m psychotic Yes I am but I love it We don’t need sanity to survive I’m counting down One last time Come back Or be burnt alive

Epilogue

I’m sick to my bones I warned you Lover boy And you’ve played me like a toy You won’t be able to live through my goodbye

[shugarecords]

By Kevin Sterne

It’s the first week of May, so I figure we’d take a look back at the last month’s best singles and pair them with a beer list. In case you’ve been living under a rock (me, most of the time), Kendrick Lamar has released a new album. DAMN.’s 14 tracks plus “The Heart Part IV” demand to be on any playlist. To handle all the music, I have a tap list featuring some So. Cal favorites; an Oregon original; a Bostonian specialty; and one of the best porters I’ve had in a while—curtesy of Florida of all places. Expect the unexpected when it involves K. Dot and craft beer.

The Beer List

Mongo India Pale Ale by Port Brewing

A double IPA that bucks the west coast tradition. This amber wave spills five varieties of hops, splashing fresh orange peel and tangerine rind on the palate. When the Mongo waves reseeds you’re left with a tasty bed of malt and piney bitterness. Until the next sip. This is a bold IPA, with a hurricane of flavor typically seen on the east coast.

Sesion Lager by Full Sail Brewing

A light, crisp, and refreshing Cerveza in a stubby bottle. Brewed with Pilsner malt, flaked corn and Celeia and Northern Brewer hops, this incredibly drinkable beer is another belt notch for Full Sail’s Sesion brand, accessible without compromising flavor—easier said than done. And with countless awards for their Sesion Premium Lager, Full Sail has cemented themselves as key leaders in the lager revival.

FORTEM by Firestone Walker Brewing Company

Their first release in the Leo V. Ursus Chronology. The beer jointly celebrates FW’s 20th anniversary and new Propagator brew house, which they are using for quarterly one-off releases. Fortem is the first of these beers. Not enough can be said about this IPA. It packs a huge tropical aroma. The first sip is a citrus tsunami of massive mango, tangerine and pineapple. This specialty brew comes unfiltered with an ABV that you’ll never notice.

Framinghammer Baltic Porter by Jack’s Abbey Craft Lagers

Barrel-aged in addition to long, arduous brewing process, this Massachusetts-grown lager is a true cold-brewed labor of love. The lengthy conditioning periods renders this elixir silky smooth and with hints of chocolate rolled in oats and brown sugar. This one pours out of a pint-sized bottle in bourbony gobs. Anywhere else, and they call this a Stout. But it’s Boston-inspired. Pass the lobster roll.

Last Snow by Funky Buddha Brewery

A coconut-infused coffee porter that doesn’t skimp on either. Pours with a pillowey mocha head and wafts of creamy coconut. Appearance and smell are where this triple-headed combination of coffee, chocolate and coconut typically ends with lesser beers. But Funky Buddha has made these flavors even more prominent in the sip. This is porter worth seeking out—in the least likely of places.

The Playlist

*DAMN. by Kendrick Lamar* In the first few spins, Lamar’s fourth LP seems like a series of punctuated meditations: Pride. Fear. Loyalty.—more a collection of songs than the a unified effort like To Pimp a Butterfly. But as you begin to unpack the album, the Kendrick Lamar as a Christ-figure narrative begins to emerge. The Easter weekend release is not a coincidence, and few things are with K. Dot.

“The Heart Part IV” by Kendrick Lamar All that needs to be said about this song was said here. Listen. Be enlightened. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=lbYIUnV8u7E

“In Cold Blood” by Alt-J If not for you-know-who, this would be the single of the month. The first cut off the band’s much anticipated third full-length Relaxer set to arrive June 2 via Canvasback Music, “In Cold Blood” sees Alt-J at their most conventionally energetic yet most inspired, seamlessly transitioning from jitterbug verse to look-at-me chorus. Alas, the only bad thing about this song is that it has no reference to the Truman Capote novel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkuveBPhkII

“Darling” by Real Estate A fun little dream-jangle from Real Estate’s forthcoming fourth effort. The guitars and bass swathe in dreamy synth textures as frontman Martin Courtney ripples with lyrics about the black and yellow finches in his best Elliot Smith copy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUFr4SK1-l4

“I Saw You Close Your Eyes” by Local Natives Kudos to Local Natives for trying something new and interactive with this single. Their site that welcomes the release of this song instructs listeners to literally close their eyes. Check it out here. If Local Natives haven’t already transitioned from low-key accessible indie to full on mainstream chill, this song puts all doubts to rest. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNdZjLM6hGg

Check out Kevin’s other work at kevinsterne.com twitter: @kevinsterne instagram: @lefawnzine

Vinyl on Tap: Ranking Music and Craft Beer By Kevin Sterne It’s the first week of May, so I figure we’d take a look back at the last month’s best singles and pair them with a beer list.