#wait until i get the rei at the tour event

[averagewriter-inthedark]

I Want My MTV 🎤 | Jake Seresin Imagine

Takes place after the events of TGM

TGM Masterlist

Characters & Pairings: Jake Seresin x popstar!reader (romantic), dagger squad x reader (platonic)

Content Warnings: fluff, profanity, implied suggestive content if you squint | female!reader (she/her) | wc: 8.6k

Premise: glitter and writing love songs are her favorite things in the world…..and also music that gets people dancing and wishing they were a fictional character in a fan edit. When she meets Lt. Jake Seresin, he becomes not only the light of her life but also the source of her inspiration because every love song has to have a muse. And for international popstar Y/n L/n, the man they call Hangman is the muse that keeps her going.

Requested 📨 yes/no (by the lovely @avaleineandafryingpan w/ some suggestions from @gizmodear on this post)

Note: I’m so sorry this took a bit (forgive me, school has been crazy) but I really really enjoyed writing this and i hope its everything you imagined @avaleineandafryingpan 🥹♥️ I made sure to add all the little hc’s you sent in & added some things of my own I thought would be great so I hope you don’t mind! Please let me know what you think!

Songs headcanoned by popstar!reader: ‘34+35’, ‘Love Me Harder,’ ‘Break Free,’ & ‘Imagine,’ by Ariana Grande + ‘Rain On Me’ w/ Lady Gaga. ‘Summertime Sadness,’ ‘ Young & Beautiful,’ ‘Norman Fucking Rockwell,’ ‘Video Games,’ & ‘Love Song,’ by Lana Del Rey. ‘Last Friday Night,’ ‘Teenage Dream,’ & ‘Firework,’ by Katy Perry. ‘Power,’ ‘Secret Love Song,’ ‘ Between Us,’ & ‘Salute’ by Little Mix

———————————————

August 2026

“Deep breathes, darlin’,” his hands were smooth against her shoulders, instantly calming her nerves. Y/n took a deep inhale, nodding as she slowly let the air leave her lips. Jake beamed at her, “This ain’t the first time you’ve been on stage. You got this.”

“I know, but performing on live television for millions of people is different than a few thousand in a venue,” she reminded him, feeling the anxiety return causing her to close her eyes. “It’s been six years since my last VMA performance, Jake. Also,” she nervously laughs, “This is the Vanguard award they’re giving me—I’m, quite literally, shitting my pants. I want this to be amazing.” To be fair the reason for her not being invited back to the VMAs was a mini break from music she went on after they got married in 2021. The birth of their children was another factor so it wasn’t until late 2025 that Y/n had released the music she’d been working on.

The break was much needed, but she was missing the stage, the touring, the fans. It was what kept her going and made her career worth it. Music was her life, but so was her family which is why she took so long to release an album. Now here she was years later about to step foot on the VMA stage for the first time in six years. Another thing that made it worthwhile was she was being honored with the MTV Video Vanguard Award. Leading up news outlets were covering her return and on the red carpet reporters were eager to know what Y/n was cooking up.

“And it will be,” he told her, cupping her face in his hands, careful not to mess up the gemstones and glitter around her eyes. She could feel the cool metal of his wedding band against her skin. “You are one of the best vocalists of our generation—the High Note Princess. One of the best stage performers of all time—it’s gonna be an amazing show. You’ve been working so hard for months,” he gives a comforting squeeze to her shoulders. “So just breathe with me and then you’ll go out there and sing your pretty little heart out. And it’s gonna be the best performance of the night.”

As she mentally prepared while waiting for the stage manager, Y/n leaned more into Jake’s arms and let her mind wander. Memories started to appear, reeling back to when her career kicked off all the way to when she met her husband and finally to the present day.

February 2008

Like any aspiring star, Y/n L/n made the rash decision to quit college and move to Los Angeles in hopes of achieving her goal of becoming a singer. Hollywood was calling her name, so she spent months applying to jobs in the area before finding a small studio apartment and packed up her little Honda and set sail for the city where dreams are made. Time would be the make or break factor if she stayed or retreated back home with her tail between her legs.

One year.

That was her deadline. One year to get a job at a label, get discovered, or possibly find something worth renewing her lease. Working as a singer at a jazz bar could possibly have one of the options come true. Again, it would take time before something happened.

Y/n wasn’t the only singer at the club. Another girl was on stage Monday’s, Wednesday’s, and Saturday’s whereas Y/n was booked Tuesday’s, Thursday’s, and Friday’s. The club was closed Sunday’s and the nights Y/n didn’t sing she was a server or bartender. The pay was good for the most part with her tips racking in more income than the biweekly check for singing and serving. Sometimes she’d get compliments from patrons, especially the older crowd saying, “You have such a unique voice—the way you have control and range makes me think you should be on the radio and not some little jazz club like this. Your talent shouldn’t be wasted, dear.”

The words and support always boosted Y/n’s confidence. Truly did it make her feel she could make it big. Actually break through into the industry. But that takes time and sometimes the opportunity arises when one least expects it.

Maybe she could audition for American Idol. Maybe she could upload videos on that new website YouTube. Maybe she could be bold and send some demos to labels, praying it would land on someone’s desk.

Or, someone important from said label would wander into the club.

That idea seemed like a far stretch. But just three months shy of Y/n’s deadlines she was approached by a gentleman after she finished her number one Friday night. A business card in his hand, he said, “Give me a call Monday morning, I’d like to set up a meeting to talk with you about your potential. Bring some demos if you have any.”

A notebook of songs in her hand and a CD of demos she spent the whole weekend working on, Y/n left Capitol Records that morning with a copy of her contract in hand and the promise of bringing forth the best music of her life. There were tears shed as she relayed the exciting news to her family back home. Her coworkers whom she adored threw her a party at the club in celebration that night. She wouldn’t leave the club just yet. Just because she had signed didn’t mean she would make it big in the long run. No, she decided to stay at the club until she at least was at the level where she could financially afford to.

The first time Y/n heard herself on the radio she broke into tears. It happened unexpectedly too. After packing up her car with two weeks worth of groceries that cost her entire paycheck Y/n switched the the radio to the pop station and was singing along to the tunes when she heard the beginning chords to her song, ‘Teenage Dream.’ Cars honked around after she slammed the brakes and abruptly pulled to the side of the road, eyes wide with her hands covering her mouth.

“You think I’m pretty without any makeup on. You think I’m funny when I tell the punchline wrong. I know you get me, so I let my walls come down, down.”

Y/n literally changed the channel just to change it back to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. That it was actually her song playing.

“Before you met, I was alright, but things were kinda heavy. You brought me to life, now every February, you’ll be Valentine. Valentine.”

“Let’s go all the way tonight. No regrets, just love. We can dance, until we die. You and I, will be young forever.”

“Oh my God!!!” She got out of her car just to scream while jumping up & down. People on the sidewalk were looking at her crazy but she didn’t care. Not when her own song was blasting from her car on the radio.

“You make me, feel like I’m living a Teenage Dream. The way you turn me on, I can’t sleep. Let's run away and don’t ever look back. Don’t ever look back.”

Y/n’s entire life took a 180 after that very day. Her talent agent and manager from Capital Records were calling her saying she was on the Billboard Hot 100. They were planning on releasing her second single earlier than planned in order to push up the release of her album. Every radio station was playing ‘Teenage Dream,’. There were days Y/n would be in a store and would hear in playing, causing her to break out in a grin.

Before long Y/n was getting calls left in right with her manager and publicist securing television appearances and interviews. Her second single ‘Firework’ was an instant hit, becoming a gold certified record in just a few weeks. People auditioning for X-Factor and American Idol were covering it. Videos being posted to YouTube. Then Y/n released ‘Last Friday Night,’, becoming a popular song for teenagers and young adults. The full album shot her off into stardom.

“SNL?” She dropped her muffin, staring wide eyed at her manager. “SNL wants me to perform?”

“I got Lorne Micheals on the phone—I literally have him on hold—and he’s awaiting your answer.”

“Tell him my answer is ‘fuck yeah!’”

“I’ll tell him…you said yes.”

The appearance on SNL only increased Y/n’s popularity. Following it was invitations to the Kids & Teen Choice Awards, the Billboard Music Awards and the MTV VMAS, in which she won Best New Artist at all shows and Song of The Summer at the TCA’s. The first time she won she was a stuttering mess, thanking the fans and people who voted for her and her family, managers, execs at Capitol Records all while trying not to cry on live television.

Then the 2009 Grammys happened. And she won Best Pop Album and Record of The Year for ‘Last Friday Night’. Her hands shook as she accepted the award from none other than Usher, trying not to fangirl as she approached the microphone. She was never gonna get used to meeting the people she admired.

“O-oh wow,” she stuttered over the screams, feeling the cool surface of the award in her hand. A Grammy. She was a Grammy Award winning recording artist. “This is the greatest honor I’ve ever received—bigger than when I graduated with high school honors,” she laughed nervously, causing people in the crowd to smile at her. “Huge thank you to the Recording Academy for this award. It’s an honor to be part of a group with so many artists I admire—some of whom I’ve listened to for years a-and I can’t believe I have the privilege of being in your presence. I-I wanna take a moment to thank everyone at Capitol Records, my managers Raven and Paul. To everyone who helped me on this album who put their heart and soul into it—this award is not just mine it’s yours. To my family watching at home, I know you’re all losing your minds in front of the tv,” she grinned at the laughs around her, “I love you all so so much and thank you for your support—helping me get to where I am. I’m sorry if I forgot anyone else—t-there telling me to wrap up—b-but thank you—thank you so much for this, I’m so blessed and honored—I can’t even put it into words. Thank you!”

All of 2009-2010 was dedicated to her second album. Y/n was in the studio, writing songs on napkins when she was out with friends, mentally hearing the tunes in her head. She presented and performed at award shows and she went on tour. The goal was to have the songs ready and written by the time the tour ended. Luckily she achieved that goal with at least twenty potential for an album. Anytime Y/n found inspiration she made sure to write it down as quickly as possible.

Now with two Grammys under her name, one of which was for her debut album, the pressure was on.

“This is totally different from what you’ve been doing,” her producer said to her after reading the songs.

“I know, that’s the whole point,” she gave a pointed look, “I don’t want everything to be or sound the same. This is gonna have a different sound than what we did last year. Trust me it’s gonna be big.”

Might as well call her psychic cause that’s exactly what she was.

“It’s been a great week for popstar Y/n L/n, her recent single ‘Summertime Sadness,’ has shot to the top spot of this week’s Billboard Hot 100. A new sound that’s more mellow than her previous work, it’s been well received by fans and critics. L/n is finishing up the American leg of her world tour and is set to release her second studio album in the fall. Just two years ago L/n became an international star after winning two Grammys for her debut album and appearing on television such as Saturday Night Live, Ellen Degeneres, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. With her unique voice and style she’s been viewed as the next pop diva, joining that of Madonna, Britney Spears, and Lady Gaga.”

‘Video Games’ was released when the tour concluded and it became her best single to date. The music video was played on MTV early in the mornings and predicted to be nominated for every award one could think of. It was that single combined with the critical acclaim from her album in 2011 that had Baz Luhrmann calling Y/n to write a song for his upcoming 2013 movie ‘The Great Gatsby.’

“And the Oscar goes to….” Y/n’s hand clutched her manager’s, keeping a calm face since the camera was panned on her and the other nominees. In Halle Berry’s hand was the envelope with the winner of the 2014 Oscar for ‘Best Original Song.’ Heart pumping out of her chest, she barely registered her song and name leaving the actress's lips. “Young & Beautiful,’ by Y/n L/n.”

Baz jumped from his seat, as did her manager and producer, the latter of whom she was sharing the Oscar with. A hand flew to her mouth, feeling her arm tugged as they lifted her from her seat while the theater erupted in applause. It felt like she was floating when she approached the stairs, taking the arm of her producer when he offered her help.

“Congratulations,” Halle said, opening her arms for a congratulatory hug before handing the gold statue to the singer. Y/n let out a mix of a sob and laugh as she replied, “T-thank you.”

Another statue was presented to her producer, Y/n waiting for the applause to end until giving her speech.

“O-oh my God, I just met Halle Berry,” there were some chuckles, the singer pausing to hold a hand to her thumping heart while the other clutched the Oscar. “I-I don’t know how to start. First, thank you to the Academy foremost—it’s an honor to be receiving this recognition. Shout out to the other nominees and their incredible work—you all are amazing and we’re so lucky to be almost you all. We all have one major thing in common, and that’s music. Music and movies bring people together—it’s a universal language that we get to be a part of and I am so grateful everyday for being a part of it. Thank you to Baz for allowing us this opportunity—it was so fun working on this song for you and your spectacular film. This Oscar is for you, Baz,” she saw the director blow a kiss from his seat. “Thank you to my producer, Tim—who’s standing right next to me. The magic behind Young & Beautiful, Tim you are a genius and I love you so much. Lastly, to my family back home—ah!” She waved the trophy like a little kid, “Look! I love you all so so much—thank you and I can’t wait to celebrate with you when I come home. Thank you everyone!”

Each year came with more success. The rest of 2014 going all the way to 2016 was nonstop energy. She was working day and night, touring, performing on talk shows, collaborating with other artists—like Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj, The Weekend, & Justin Bieber—and dabbling in acting jobs. Y/n secured roles in films like The Greatest Showman, The Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials & Death Cure, & The Shape of Water. Some television roles included MTV’s Teen Wolf, American Horror Story and guest appearances on Criminal Minds, Greys Anatomy, and Doctor Who. Her role on AHS garnered her an Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. After the award show her manager told her with a wink, “All you need is a Tony and you’re part of the EGOT club.”

EGOT. The ���grand slam’ in show business. Where only more than a dozen people have achieved the status in which they have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony. The biggest awards in television, music, film, and theater.

After she heard that….well you could say Y/n was on a mission.

She continued to release music while pursuing acting. She leased her third and fourth studio albums in the span of eight months—a rare sighting for an artist. Both broke records in their own right. ‘Break Free,’ was playing in every club and ‘Imagine’ was used in Riverdale. She won the Grammy for best Pop album once again and performed ‘Imagine’ at the show. The second it was revealed she got the role of Christine in Broadway’s Phantom of the Opera, the buzz was already on if she would achieve EGOT status if she was nominated for the Tony.

The show opened in early 2017, selling out at a rapid rate with people coming from all over the country solely to watch Y/n perform. She already showed the world she was a brilliant singer and actress, now it was time to combine the two.

Never did she think she’d meet the love of her life at a show.

Jake Seresin wasn’t much of a musical man, but his sister and nieces were so he sucked it up and attended with them. Now Jake wasn’t living under a rock, he damn well knew who Y/n L/n was and frankly the man was a fan. A lot of his exes were fans of the popstar so he was quite familiar with her music and even enjoyed her acting. So of course he was more keen to the idea of going to a Broadway show if it meant he got to see her perform live.

What he didn’t expect was to—literally—run into her on his way back to the hotel. After telling his sister he’d pick food up since her daughters were too tired to go to a restaurant, Jake took a shortcut which happened to be the alley between the show venue. The bag in his hand dropped, the pilot falling to his ass when the door suddenly opened and hit smack in the face.

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry!” A voice shouted followed by a gasp. “Are you okay, sir? ‘Please don’t have blood-please don’t have blood.’

“I’m fine,” he moaned, shaking his head a bit and feeling for any sign of a wound. Thankfully he found none. “It’s alright, ma’am.”

“Here let me,” she helped him up, Jake stumbling a bit and apologizing when he bumped into her. “Are you sure you’re okay? Do you need me to call an ambulance in case you have a concussion?”

“No, no,” he insisted, finally looking up which only resulted in him freezing. The woman he watched on stage not even an hour ago was standing in front of him. “Oh wow.”

Y/n was frozen too, for he was the most attractive man she’d ever laid eyes on. The glow from the street light shined down on him, illuminating his green eyes and blonde hair. His bone structure was what most Hollywood heartthrobs would die for. Come to think of it he could literally pass as a young James Dean.

“H-hi,” she smiled, feeling a bit flustered all of a sudden. It didn’t help that he was still holding onto her shoulders, and she was clutching his forearms.

“Hi.” Gosh even his voice was attractive. A southern accent could be made out with the simple word.

“I’m so sorry for not looking before pushing the door out like that. I—,” Y/n cut herself off when she spotted the discarded bag of what appeared to be food. Some of it spilled out causing guilt to fill her, “Oh gosh, I’m so sorry about your food.” Stepping away she reached into her bag to pull out her wallet. “How much was—.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Jake says, but the singer shakes her head.

“No I insist,” she takes out a random amount of bills which was likely triple what he had actually paid but she didn’t care. She extended her hand out with the cash, “I rammed a door into you and made you drop your food. Please let me make it up—otherwise I’m gonna have to drag you to the place you got it from and replace it myself.”

Jake couldn’t help but smile, taking the cash and examining it before only keeping the amount he had originally paid. “No need to give me more than what it was worth. Here,” he hands back the extra, making her frown but she takes it regardless. Her eyebrows then raise when he goes, “But you could make it up to me in another way?”

Tilting her head, she can’t help but say, “How so?”

“By having a drink with me. If you’re available.”

So that’s how Y/n L/n met her soulmate. By hitting him face first with a door. He literally fell for her if one thought about it—pun intended.

What made it even better was Broadway not only gifted her future husband, but her status as an EGOT winner.

“Last night was a record breaking night for popstar Y/n L/n. The 30-year-old singer and actress has become one of just over a dozen to join the prestigious EGOT Club after winning the Tony for her Leading Actress in a Musical for her role of Christine in Broadway’s Phantom Of The Opera. L/n won the Grammy for Best Pop Album and Record of The Year in 2009 followed by the Oscar for Best Original Song in 2014 for The Great Gatsby. She then went on to appear in several television series including the popular horror series American Horror Story in which she won the Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. It was rumored L/n would venture into Broadway to possibly add a Tony to her collection of numerous awards, confirming this in mid-2016 when the cast for the 2017 run of Andrew Webber’s Phantom Of The Opera was released. Classically trained as a child, the popstar showed she can belt a lyric and hold a tune. It was a spectacular night for Y/n L/n, receiving a standing ovation when her name was called for the award and dedicating the Tony to her family, friends, cast members, and managers who’ve been with her since her debut in the music industry almost a decade ago. She is one of the youngest stars to ever achieve EGOT status and the fastest ever in a career.”

Many many songs were inspired by her relationship with Jake. Her entire album released a year after they got together was basically a love letter to him. ‘Love Song’ was regarded as her most beautiful record to date, a source for many fan-made videos for their favorite fictional characters and features in movie soundtracks. ‘Love Me Harder,’ & ‘34+35’ had fans go crazy with how frisky they were. Though their relationship was a secret it was obvious the popstar was in love. It only made fans want to know who was the special man to take her heart.

Jake learned pretty early on the price that came with dating a critically acclaimed songwriter: that if messed up there would be a song about it.

Immediately speculations arose that Y/n and her secret partner were broken up with the release of songs like ‘Woman Like Me,’ & ‘Power.’ She had to get on instagram one day to settle the rumors with a picture of their interlaced hands saying, “You drive me wild sometimes, but my love for you overpowers all.”

Their relationship was eventually exposed when Jake appeared in her music video for ‘Secret Love Song,’ released just shortly before he was set to return to Top Gun. People could easily tell the chemistry between Y/n and her ‘love interest’.

Maybe a little too much chemistry.

Dedicated fans were able to find out who Jake was in less than a week. Matching up his social media post locations and dates with hers, they didn’t even need them to confirm their suspicion to know they were together.

“I guess the cat’s out of the bag,” Jake chuckled, showing Y/n his phone screen with a picture that was just sent to TMZ of the two in San Francisco.

Y/n simply shrugged, “I’m fine with it if you are. I’m happy we got to keep it to ourselves for this long. And considering people are now asking about this—,” she held up her left hand, flashing the diamond engagement ring Jake spent his entire year’s paychecks on. “It was bound to happen sooner or later.”

Was Jake still the arrogant, egotistical pilot amongst his peers? Yes. But was he the type to boast about how he was engaged to one of the best musical artists of the century? Surprisingly no.

He actually enjoyed keeping that little detail a secret. To Jake his personal life was for him and him only. And he didn’t want people going around saying he was a gold-digger or wanting to be that guy who got to say he hooked up with a celebrity. Nah, he was in love with Y/n with his entire being. She was the gravity that kept him down to Earth. Sure they bickered like any couple but never once did either of them cross a line.

The only time they ever had a big argument was when he did get jealous over one of her former co-stars trying to have a shot at her. Y/n tried brushing it off saying it was nothing, but Jake could tell the signs and it upset him Y/n was not taking him seriously. “I just don’t see why you’re being so childish about a dinner party that’s gonna have multiple people.”

“Have you even asked who else is coming? Or wondered why he’s started texting you more when you guys finished filming ages ago? I’m not trying to be insecure or jealous, Y/n, but I know when a guy is trying to flirt. He didn’t even acknowledge me as your date when we were at the premier party. In fact I don’t think he said hello to me when he approached. All his eyes were was on you—which I don’t blame because you’re the most beautiful woman on the planet—but trust me, I know that look because I have it every second I’m with you.”

Needless to say you didn’t go to that dinner party and instead were doing what ‘Love Song’ was about the entire weekend.

When Jake goes to Top Gun for the special detachment, he’s still the arrogant asshole the others thought him to be. But if they were being honest they could see a difference in him. Maybe it was because he wasn’t flirting with anything with legs. Maybe it was the fact he rejected the drink from a pretty blonde. Maybe it was because they caught him smiling at his phone whenever he got a text. Whatever it was, they wanted to find out.

The only person in the detachment who knew of Y/n was Javy considering he was Jake’s best friend. She met him roughly eight months after she and Jake got together after much discussion. Their relationship was still a secret by then so they were hesitant to let anyone besides her team know, but Javy was an important person to Jake. He wanted his best friend to know the woman he loved.

Natasha being the amateur sleuth she was pretty much discovered Jake’s secret in a few days, “No fucking way.”

The evidence was presented to Jake during their lunch break the day after she found out, Nat holding the phone up for him to see. She literally watched the gears turn in his head, a sly smirk forming on his lips. “What about that, Trace?” The question caught the attention of their colleagues, who were trying not to show they were eavesdropping.

“Is that not you?” Nat looked at the screen to make sure it was on the zoomed in image of him and Y/n L/n. The entire music video Jake’s face was pretty much hidden from view, but briefly his face could be made out at certain angles.

“It is,” he shrugged, going back to his sandwich. A cluttered sound indicated Nat had dropped the phone on the table, scrambling to pick it up.

“So you just casually ended up in Y/n L/n’s music video for her iconic song?” By now heads turned, expressions of absolute shock. Well all except Coyote. He just raised his brows at Jake while holding back a laugh, wanting to see what he would say.

“No, I ended up in my fiancé’s music video for her iconic song.”

“You’re what?!”

“Babe, I got a favor to ask you,” Jake’s voice was tainted with exhaustion when he FaceTimed Y/n that night. She was at their Fresno home since he was stationed at NAS Lemoore and was planning to meet him in San Diego that weekend. Raising a brow at him through the screen she could tell he looked apologetic.

“What is it?”

“You think you could come down earlier than planned?” At her reaction he explained, “My detachment found out about us and well……they’re accusing me of photoshopping the photos of you and I—even though they literally saw us make out in your music video. And I want to prove to them I’m telling the truth.”

A moment passed and then Y/n burst into laughter to the point of tears. What got her was the photoshopping accusation.

“Stop laughing,” he pouted, “I’m fighting for me life out here—I could use some backup.”

“My goodness, Jake Seresin,” she calmed down, shaking her head at his butt hurt expression. “You’re something else you know?”

“So does that mean you’re coming?”

“I’ll book my flight for the morning as soon as we get off.”

One could envision the confusion on the pilots/WSOs when Jake prevented them from leaving the airstrip at the end of the work day. It was pushing five in the afternoon, they were tired and hungry, and honestly could care less about what Jake had to show them.

That was until the black SUV with tinted windows pulled up to the parking lot where they were standing. When the door opened jaws dropped to the floor with eyes bulging out at the person emerging from the vehicle. Who happened to jump into Jake’s awaiting arms. Fanboy had to rub his eyes to make sure he was seeing clearly. That it was Y/n L/n sharing a kiss with the resident asshole.

“Oh my God he wasn’t kidding,” Rooster said with a mix of awe and disbelief. Javy patted him on the chest, moving first to greet the popstar who shocked the pilots again with her warm welcome to them. None knew how to react when the couple approached hand in hand.

It’s not everyday someone meets a fucking EGOT winner.

“Hello,” Y/n smiled a dazzling grin, drifting her eyes over each of them and committing their callsign to memory. She could tell what they were likely thinking, ‘How the hell did Hangman manage to pull a fucking popstar?’ And ‘He must be brainwashing her, blink twice if you need help,’ kind of stuff.

Introductions were in store as well as explanations for how the couple came to be. In all the years they knew the pilot, none could’ve predicted that kind of secret. They quickly learned Y/n was not the typical celebrity—some of them were even ashamed to think she’d be stuck up, arrogant, snobbish. They were almost convinced the personality she had in interviews and fan interactions were fake, but Y/n was a truly genuine person. Not only did she come from humble beginnings, but she was a hard, driven worker who truly earned everything she’s gained.

And she was perfect for Jake. They were like two peas in a pod, with Y/n being the only one who could bring him back down to earth. Truly was an amazing thing to witness and the daggers were having trouble comprehending it at times. Hearing the story of how the two met brought tears to Rooster and Fanboy’s eyes by how funny it was, while Phoenix was covering her mouth to hide her smirk at how embarrassed her colleague was.

“In my defense,” he puts his hands on his chest when Bob asks why he thought to pass the side door, “I didn’t expect anyone to still be inside and potentially use that door.”

“He just hates when I tease him about how he literally fell for me,” Y/n winks, making them all smirk.

Later on in the night after going to the Hard Deck for drinks and pool, Rooster says, “You know I feel I won’t be able to use my karaoke song if we ever go cause I’ll be too flustered to sing a song in front of the person it’s written by.” Y/n couldn’t help but blush, giggling lightly.

“What is it?”

“Last Friday Night. Such a banger—really gets the crows going.”

Even after the Uranium mission happened, the daggers continued to remain in contact. Many were offered jobs of instructors but the real surprise came a couple months later from the Pentagon asking if they could remain a permanent team. Selling their San Francisco home, Jake and Y/n moved to San Diego, which was better since it was closer to L.A. The team hung out often with Friday nights reserved for the Hard Deck.

Y/n even found musical inspiration with them.

“So I have a proposal,” she hums to Nat and Callie one day while the guys are playing football on the beach. “Not a marriage one Jake claimed that one already,” she pauses when they all laugh at the joke, “but a ���if you want to be a part of it I would love it if you did but I understand if you can't be’ kind of one.”

Nat tilts her head curiously, Callie mirroring her, “What is it?”

“I wrote a song….that you two helped inspire,” Y/n smiles at their expressions, “and I’d love for you both to be in the music video after I release it.”

Nat loses it, “OH MY GOD YOU WHAT?!!”

“Can we hear it!?” Callie blushes, “I’m so honored—oh my God I literally don’t know how to react to that.”

“Girl you cannot just drop that on us,” Nat playfully points with narrowed eyes, “If you weren’t Jake’s soon to be wife I would marry you right now.” Y/n just laughs, rummaging through her bag to find her notebook to show them the song.

“If he messes up you’ll be the first to know and we can head to the courthouse.”

“Don’t play with me now, Y/n,” Nat shakes her head. “No man has ever done something like that. Write a song inspired by me?” She gives a dramatic sigh. “Feels like I’m living in a romance novel.”

Both read the song, both fell in love with it and pretty much cried. It was empowering, motivational, a love letter to women, everything they wished they heard growing up in a field where men dominated and looked down upon them. Y/n made sure to keep them updated when she was in the studio, allowing them to hear it first before it was released.

2020 was a year no one could’ve expected.

It started off great with the singer releasing ‘Salute,’ shortly after the New Year and filing the music video in February. The song was well received from fans and critics, with people already calling it the ‘anthem of the year.’ Jake loved it and would send clips of him in the car to Y/n belting the lyrics. The guys all loved it too and loved that their colleagues were the source of inspiration.

Halo and Phoenix were part of the MV as well as women who in real life were doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, athletes, students, astronauts, & scientists from all ages, races/ethnicities, genders, etc. Not all of them were in the armed forces, but a couple were along with Nat and Callie. Special permission from the Navy & Top Gun was needed to put cameras in the F-18’s on the exterior and interior to capture footage of the two flying. Halo was Nat’s backseater for that day and the guys came out just to watch and support.

Released just before March, the music video hit 100 million views in less than 12 hours. It only grew from there with people praising Y/n and the women included in the project. There was talk of ‘Salute’ being nominated for the upcoming awards, Team USA asked permission to use the song for promotion for their women athletes for the upcoming Games. Y/n was over the moon, really looking forward for what the year held. Especially with her wedding around the corner.

Then the world shut down. Literally.

A global pandemic altered everything and everyone. Anything that required a group of people ranging from small to stadium level was banned. States were on curfew and not letting people cross borders, international traveling was restricted. Lockdown was mandated for pretty much everywhere to the point Jake was working from home for a couple months.

In that time Y/n threw herself into writing songs to release her next album. Her reason: she was in need of a break. Not a ‘I’m retiring from music,’ but a ‘I’m drained and in dire need of taking time for myself and start the family I’ve always wanted.’ It was always her plan for after she and Jake got married, just to have a few years for themselves and see where life takes them.

Thankfully when the pandemic hit Y/n was already done with her collaboration with Lady Gaga. The fellow popstar had been her friend since she joined the industry and it was a long time coming for the two to work together. Not to mention they were on American Horror Story together. The Mother Monster approached the High Note Princess in late 2019, both sharing ideas and writing the song together before recording to release in 2020. Filming the music video, they combed both of their aesthetics and styles to create a pop masterpiece.

Fans went crazy. They loved the return to classic pop when both singers had gone off to pursue acting careers and change their sound a bit. Many felt deprived of being able to dance to ‘Rain On Me’ in a club since going out was restricted. And you can best believe the Daggers felt the same—especially Rooster who loved to dance his ass off, “I would be tearing it up right now if Rona wasn’t such a bitch.”

Surprisingly the 2020 VMAs still happened. It was roughly six months after the outbreak and very strict regulations were in place for the show to go on. With ‘Rain On Me,’ being so popular and popstars releasing albums, Y/n and Lady Gaga were invited to perform. After prepping for weeks and self-quarantining, the daggers all gathered around at the couple’s home to watch the live show. Lady Gaga was the first to perform solely when it was their turn, then Y/n joined causing the select few in the crowd to cheer—with her friends and loved ones going crazy in their living room. All were in awe when she hit a high note, killing it with the choreography and honestly being the best performers of the night. Finally Lady Gaga left the stage with her dancers allowing Y/n’s to appear in time for the popstar to sing ‘Salute.’ At the house, Halo and Nat were dancing along and belting the lyrics with the guys while recording the performance on their phones.

“Sisters, we are everywhere! Warriors, your country needs you! If you’re ready, ladies, better keep steady, ready, aim, shoot! Don’t need ammunition, on a mission—now we hit you with the truth! Divas, queen, we don’t need no man, SALUTE!!”

2021 came with hope and breaths of fresh air. A vaccination was developed, restrictions were lifted in most locations meaning Y/n and Jake could finally plan for their wedding. It took a few months to plan, desiring an intimate private wedding at their home with their close friends and family. The daggers were all there, including Maverick, Cyclone, Warlock, and Hondo. Their families were all there as well as Y/n’s managers & agents, some cast members from the shows/films she grew close to, as well as artists like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys, David Guetta, and The Black Eyed Peas, the Jonas Brothers, & Miley Cyrus.

A sweet ceremony, Y/n squealed when Jake tipped her back to the cheers of their loved ones as he kissed her passionately. “I love you so much, Y/n. Or should I say, Mrs. Seresin.”

“I love you too, Mr. Seresin,” she kissed him again, “Now let’s show them we’re the life of the party.”

Rings on their fingers, grins plastered their faces when they ran through the Arch of Swords the guys of the Dagger Squad set up on the aisle. Then came time for the reception. Jake presented Y/n with a sword, per military tradition, to cut the cake and Y/n poured the champagne over the tower of glasses. They had their first dance, which Javy made sure to do his best man duties and record everything.

Which came in handy when it was time for Y/n’s surprise for Jake.

Seating him in a chair at the front of the dance floor, Y/n smirked at his confused expression as she took the mic from the DJ, calling everyone's attention. “All of you know I’m one for surprises. And tonight is no exception,” biting her lip she signaled for her maid of honor, who started rounding up the bridesmaids. “I thought it would be great to give Jake a little treat tonight—do not take that the wrong way, I can already see your minds going somewhere,” she pointed at the daggers who were hollering, giggling as she continued, “Stop it. Anyways, we’ve been cooking up this little number for the past month and now it’s time to let it shine. Baby, this is for you.”

Jake slapped a hand to his mouth containing his expression of glee when the opening chords to Y/n’s ‘Power’ echoed through the speakers. Her bridesmaids got into place, the singer discarding her veil and moving to the center. Everyone was on their feet hooting and hollering, capturing the performance on their phones for memory. Javy even put the phone right up in Jake’s face, Payback slapping the pilot on the back as the others whistled and danced. Just the expression of his mother and family sent Jake into tears of laughter.

She was flabbergasted. Unlike his sister and brother who were having the time of their lives witnessing the masterpiece that was Y/n practically seducing her husband live and singer her own song.

“I don’t think she’s heard this song until now!” He shouted over the music to the phone, blushing when Y/n winked at him. To be fair, the bridge of ‘Power’ was a little on the frisky side and Y/n was edging closer to Jake until she was basically in his lap.

“Don’t be fooled, I got you wrapped up. In the arms of an animal—get you thinking that I’m all innocent. But wait ‘til I get you home. If you don’t, baby, you should know. I’m the one who’s in control.”

Hell yeah she was in control when she got home that night….well at least for a few rounds she was.

Sadness came with the announcement of her break from music. The hot topic for media outlets, Y/n had released a statement on Twitter and Instagram confirming the suspicions many had after her wedding. Fans were understandably upset that their favorite artist wouldn’t be releasing new material until further notice, but they’d rather have Y/n at her best and not give half ass energy in her work. She was burnt out. It was time for a break after 13 years with six albums, each with their own tour. Don’t get her wrong, the popstar loved to be on the road, but after a while she was ready to just stay home for some time without planning for what was next.

In the meantime she sold songs for other people, collaborated on writing with artists, and acted when filming was either in L.A or San Diego. She and Jake were happily married, little to no financial stress or personal issues, and were ready to expand their family. By mid 2025 they had/adopted two kids, two dogs, and a cat. They were a full house with no dull days whatsoever.

“Are you going to get back in the studio like you mentioned the other week?” Jake asked at dinner, helping cut his son's food into smaller pieces.

Y/n nibbled on her floor while also assisting their daughter, “Yeah I think this weekend I’m gonna call Jack up and see what his schedule is like. I got some lyrics I’d like him to read.” Sipping on her drink briefly she then asks, “How long do you think this next mission is going to be?”

“Probably a week or two. Mav is working out the details and hopes to tell us Monday. I just pray I’ll make it in time for your birthday.”

Y/n feels her heart skip, giving a soft smile, “You know I understand if you can’t, honey. If the Pentagon is tasking you then you know it’s important. We’ll celebrate either before or after you get back,” she assured, reaching over to hold his hand when he frowned.

“I just hate the idea of missing it, you know? It’s your birthday and I missed our anniversary last year,” he pauses to sigh, “I just hate leaving you guys for so long. And I never wanna make you feel like you’re always alone.”

“I knew what I was getting into when we fell in love. Don’t feel like you’re missing out or I’m going to suddenly start giving ultimatums because you know I’m not that person. If it was our anniversary or another memorable date I would still feel the same. You have a job, Jake, you’re the best there is to do it. There will be plenty more birthdays for us to be together for.”

Being back in the studio felt like a whole new world. It had been nearly five years since her last single was in late 2020. When Jake was working the kids would come with her and be the stars of the crew, playing in the mini play area they had set up while Y/n was recording. Besides the people she worked with, only Jake knew she was releasing new music. Quite literally Y/n did not announce anything until the night before with a single Tweet and Instagram post with the art cover and the caption, “Tomorrow at midnight, Between Us.”

She broke the internet to put it lightly.

@ Y/ns_microphone: WE’RE GETTING NEW MUSIC OMFG PLEASE TELL ME IT’S A WHOLE ALBUM!!

@ livinginharryshouse: y’all the High Note Princess is back I’m gonna lose it.

@ a_teenage_dream: 2025 ending on a great note 🥹 five years and the wait is over!!!!

@ dylanobrien ✔️: crying, shitting, throwing up. Thank you @ Y/n

August 2026

18 years in the music industry and the rush before a live performance had Y/n pacing backstage during the commercial break of the VMAs. Their children were being occupied by her manager while Jake helped her mentally prepare. He was going to be the one to present her the award at the end of her set, so they were just waiting for the green light from the stage manager. The performance was going to be nearly ten minutes, the longest she’s ever done live on an award show since it was going to be a medley of some of her classic hits while also including ‘Between Us’. Lady Gaga, Y/n’s close friend and who collaborated with her again on her most recent album, was going to introduce her.

“Deep breaths with me, baby,” Jake held her in his arms, kissing her forehead. “I can feel you shaking. But once you get on stage it’s gonna be like you never left.” Taking a strong inhale, Y/n let it out slowly before repeating.

“I know it probably won’t happen,” she starts to laugh, “but I can’t help but dread the idea of me falling on my ass or forgetting my lyrics.” Jake laughs with her, shaking his head while pulling away to look at her.

“Knowing you, you’d fall gracefully and make it look like it was intentional. Also you mumble those lyrics in your sleep…you won’t forget them.”

She leans more into him just as the stage manager yells, “You’re on in five, Y/n!” The commercial break must have ended. Lady Gaga was already being pulled on stage after wishing the popstar good luck with a hug and friendly kiss to the cheek. “We need you over here please.”

“That’s your cue,” Jake grins, cupping his wife’s face before bringing her in for a passionate kiss. Y/n smiles into it, nuzzling their noses together causing him to chuckle. When they pull away he says, “Go out there and have fun. Bottom line, baby, have fun out there and sing your heart out. I’m so lucky and honored to be your husband and share this life with you. Don’t start crying,” he playfully scolds when her eyes tear up, “you’ll ruin your nice makeup your team worked so hard on.” That makes her laugh. Jake kisses her again, “I love you, baby. I’ll see you at the end.”

“I love you, Jake,” she hugs him tightly, feeling comfort in the smell of his cologne. “Thank you for being by my side everyday. You’re the light of my life—,” she nods to the stage manager who was waving frantically. “Fuck okay, I wanted to be more romantic but I got to go before they drag me.”

“Go, go,” he kisses her cheek, Y/n moving quickly to kiss her children and hug her managers before waving goodbye. “We love you!!”

Running to the nearly annoyed stage manager, she throws off her robe to reveal her stage outfit and takes the microphone. Heart pounding, she adjusts her earpiece as they escort her to the spot she was needed just as Lady Gaga finished her introduction speech, “Los Angeles and to everyone watching at home, it is my honor to present to you your recipient of this year’s MTV Video Vanguard Award. Get on your feet and make some noise for the one and only, Y/n L/n!!”

It was still dark on stage where Y/n was hidden from the audience as all attention went to the giant screens all around showing the pre-recorded video montage with her face in black and white and eyes closed. The crowd was already going crazy as the camera zoomed in toward Y/n’s face while audio played of her talking about her love for music and the thrill of performing. The camera continued to pan in, the popstar on stage thinking about everything that had led her to that moment. From starting out her days singing in a jazz club, to becoming one of only 19 EGOT winners, and now the recipient of the Video Vanguard award.

The microphone went to her mouth, Y/n putting on the show of the year when the video ended with her eyes opening and voice echoing the music channel’s iconic phrase in the stadium, “I want my MTV!!”

…………

TGM Tag List: @avaleineandafryingpan, @caitsymichelle13, @poppyalice2001, @cutelittlepotatofry, @luckyladycreator2, @americaarse, @elenavampire21, @back-tooo-black

[herri-writes]

slowly crying

[always-andromeda]

i. sound of a love song | Joby Taylor x fem!Reader

Joby Taylor x fem!Reader

Word Count | 3,043

Summary | A washed up former lead singer, Joby Taylor finds himself drunk at a bar and listening to you, a singer who’s way too good for him.

Author’s Note | My first ever multi chapter fic is here! This piece is so self indulgent and I’m trying not to feel too bad about it because I crave this man so deeply. The Joby Taylor brain rot I have from working on this is not even funny! Also just adore the idea of Joby falling in love with a reader with Lana Del Rey vibes and trying to be totally chill about it the whole time.

Warnings | none! please let me know if I need to add anything!

Joby Taylor was a mess. The fact hit him as he shifted in his bar stool and rested his head on the bar. He hadn't showered in days and even he couldn't ignore it anymore. The pomade he liked to run through his hair almost every morning was starting to build up, making him look particularly greasy. The alcohol certainly didn't help his appearance either. His tolerance was high and he was determined to keep drinking until he was on the edge of blacking out. He wanted to stumble back to his hotel room and flop down on the lumpy, probably bedbug infested mattress and pass out. Or maybe he would just pass out on this bar. It was all the same to him.

He didn't mean for it to get like this. Being a rockstar wasn't just about drugs and sex and alcohol but it sure helped the days pass by. And Joby had always been one of the guys who said he could stop whenever he wanted. His friends would jeer at him as he got more and more fucked up. No one stopped him. So he figured he didn't have to. It made his touring days much more eventful. But he didn't have the rockstar excuse anymore. He was just some poor bastard rotting from the inside out, listening to droning live music in a shitty bar.

Hours earlier, the night crowd was rowdy enough that he didn't notice the music. But, as midnight came closer and the crowd had thinned out enough, the soft guitar had come through. He turned his head and fought to keep his eyes open. Through blurry vision he saw you. You were at the microphone, hips swaying to the music. Your cream colored dress fluttered back and forth at your knees. The peasant neckline showed your chest, breathing slowly as you waited for your cue to start singing. He thought you were pretty. But any sort of terrible thought he could've had snuffed themselves out once you began singing.

"Hey, what you doin'?" Not a lot

Shakin' and movin' at my local spot

Baby, don't ask me why, don't ask me why

Why, why, why, why, why, why, why

Your voice was equal parts sad and sultry. He wasn't used to the gentle sound. He didn't typically like that sound in the first place. But it paired well with his mood.

Lay, lady, lay

On that side of paradise

In the Tropic of Cancer

'Cause if I had my way

You would always stay

And I'd be your tiny dancer, honey

He could've sworn that you looked at him then. He thought he saw you wink at him too. He licked his lips and tried to pull them into a smirk. His head was spinning. Bile rose in his throat and he swallowed it down. You're too fucking drunk. He didn't want to begin to entertain the thought of you flirting with him. You were just doing your job. As long as the men in this bar thought you were singing to them, they'd stick around and buy more drinks. Pretty girls like you did well in these kinds of joints.

The man off to the side of the stage strumming on the guitar looked agitated, some of his chords hitting harder than they were meant to. Joby figured it was your boyfriend, just worked up seeing his girl making eyes at middle aged men. He chuckled at the thought. If he felt better about himself at the moment, he probably would've tried to flirt back. He would've pulled you into a shadowed corner after your performance and pressed his lips to your pretty neck. He would let his hands wander and get himself familiar with your figure underneath the flowing dress. But he was so tired he could barely piece together the words you were singing.

Joby lazily hummed along, missing most of the notes and not quite getting a hand of the tune. The song ended as his eyelids began to flutter closed. He heard light applause, some wolf whistles, and a male voice thanking the crowd on the microphone before soft rock continued to play through the bars speakers. He felt a tap on his shoulder and jolted awake. There you were, sitting next to him as though your form had simply materialized there like an angel.

"This is how an artist dies, hmm?" you said, swiping your tongue over the rich red lipstick on your lips.

He blinked a few times, trying to process the sentence, "Huh?"

"Joby Taylor...didn't think I'd get to see you again. Especially not this trashed." You had the stem of a maraschino cherry between your fingers. You plucked the cherry with your teeth and your wet lips wrapped around the fruit. The maneuver had him entranced. Wait, he shook his head a little, you'd seen him before? He scanned his mind, trying to place your face. Despite you now sitting next to him, your face was still a bit blurry.

"You don't even remember me, do you?" you sneered at him.

"Of course I do..." he trailed off. He wished he hadn't drank so much. His head was pulsating and nothing was clear. He didn't want to embarrass himself in front of someone as pretty as you. But who was he kidding? He smelled like complete shit and looked worse. He’d worn the same leather jacket he’d worn for years now, the stench of cigarette smoke pungent from years of smoke breaks. Sweat had dried to the hoodies underneath the leather from the nights he’d tossed and turned, trying to find sleep. You, with your styled hair and glittering eyes, were way too good for him.

"You're a terrible liar, Joby Taylor." you laughed lightly and wrapped your lips around a straw. You were drinking something clear and bubbly. Probably just a soda. Of course you weren't like him, taking a few shots before performing on tour. You were put together and presentable. Again, way out of his league.

He finally processed what you'd first said to him, "How does an artist die?" Were you trying to deliver some weird riddle? Now he knew he was way too drunk to figure that out.

You motioned towards his slouched body. "I'm watching an artist die right before my eyes."

He sighed heavily, "What makes you think I'm dead?" Shit, he wasn’t even convinced he was alive either. Not for a while, at least. He was just on autopilot.

You chuckled shyly, "I've seen you perform before. You really know how to turn it on for a crowd.”

"You seem to know so much about me and I don't even know who you are."

"You really don't remember me?"

Joby shook his head, hair falling over his eyes.

"Damn," your face fell, "I'm y/n l/n. We played at a couple festivals a few years ago. James and I are friends."

Joby grimaced as you mentioned the name of his old bandmate. James was a fucking snake. He stole his band. Took credit for all the work he had spent years putting into Snake Trouble. But you knew him. He was working to click the pieces together in his brain. He vaguely remembered your name; remembered you with flowers in your hair and heavy eye makeup. Your voice...that was what he recalled clearest. Your melodic sound echoing through a microphone. He remembered feeling held by the song you had sung.

When you said James name, you saw him wince. It must've been a sore spot for him. But you kept prodding, "I actually talked to him a little while ago. He said that he's out of a lead singer now. He said you quit."

"Well, James is a fucking liar because he kicked me out. I wouldn't have quit that band even if I was on my fucking deathbed." His speech was angry and slurred. His body was too worn out to express it but his face began to turn red.

"Oh, his loss, I guess." you shrugged.

With that, Joby felt bad. James wasn't that terrible. None of his bandmates were. They just didn't get it. They knew a little about Claire but they didn't know about the divorce or the custody battle with Ellen. Hell, he didn't think he'd ever told them he had been married in the first place. His marriage with Claire had only happened to appease her parents when she'd gotten pregnant. They'd gone to a courthouse, signed the papers, and that same night he was playing another show. Then he never talked about it again. In the years following the marriage, his vows had never really mattered. He still slept with other people and dated around. James and his other bandmates witnessed all of it. Hell, they encouraged it for a while. They were once his friends but over time he started to see them more as coworkers than anything.

They didn't get his sound, his ideas, his art. That was alright on its own, but they didn't have to be assholes about it. They didn't have to rub it in his face about how hard he had fallen. That didn't matter anymore though. James could take his stupid band and write his own stupid songs. He didn't care.  He did care, though, that you seemed to think he was good enough. He sat up a bit straighter, raising his head from the bar. He stuck out his chin and managed a sleazy smirk.

You recognized the look plastered on his face. You'd seen him in a similar state after shows and at a handful of parties. It was more annoying than attractive. You couldn't help admitting you had a thing for guys like him. They had a type of sway and attitude that made your knees weak. Simultaneously, you despised his type, especially in your industry. If you had been blackout drunk at shows, flirting with fans, and passing out on random couches, you'd be a laughing stock. No one would want to work with you. Only an asshole like him could pull all of the shit he did and still pass off as a tortured male musician. But it all seemed to be catching up to him now.

You remembered seeing him on stage at a festival, years before. He had looked a lot more controlled even with the black eyeliner just starting to run down his face. The girls thought he was hot and he played into it well. He put all his energy into the music, flipping his dark hair and swiveling his hips. Your ears had been ringing from all the girls shrieking when he ran his hands down his chest seductively while performing. You had rolled your eyes. He was hot, but way too full of himself. And now he was next to you, looking more pathetic than he ever had.

"You sounded good up there." he tried a compliment of his own.

You lit up. Very rarely were you admired for your talents. And even though the praise came from him, it meant a great deal. Most of the time the men in these bars leered at your body. They'd offer to buy you drinks in return for the alluring performance. You always rejected them, not wanting to let yourself be vulnerable in any way. It made some of the men mad, of course, but you felt all the more comfortable keeping those walls between yourself and them.

"Well, I'm flattered. When do you think you'll get back up on a stage again?" You hated to keep talking about the music but it was the only subject you figured you could relate with him about. Besides, you really were wondering. James had told you the last time they'd performed as a band had been less than a month before. Joby's expulsion from the band left them to postpone the tour, scrambling to find a replacement. But if your observances of his performances said anything, you knew it wouldn't be easy to find someone that could live up to Joby's presence. He was the lead singer for a reason.

“I could just never get on one ever again. Who fucking cares. Who would listen anyways.”

He was fishing for some flattery. You weren’t about to feed into that bullshit.

“Maybe you’re right. There’s enough sad bastards writing about women who won’t fuck them anyways.” You smiled sarcastically before taking another sip from your straw. He glared at you, surprised at the biting remark. Yeah, his lyrics could get a little stale sometimes, but what else was there to write about? It’s not like his life has been filled with much else. Besides, who were you to be talking shit while you were up there, whoring yourself out to sell drinks?

He scoffed, “Oh, yeah, like I see you doing so much better up there, little Miss Lana Del Rey cover artist.”

Your blood ran cold. If that washed up asshole thought he could insult you like that, he had another thing coming. “At least I’m doing something. And at least I do it well. And I take my work seriously enough that I don’t show up wasted for it.” you spit back, crossing your legs and suddenly feeling indignant.

He fumbled for a bit, grasping at straws for some sort of retort. He couldn’t fault you on any of those points. He could call you any nasty name he wanted to but that didn’t change how shattered he felt inside. Music had been his whole life. But almost as soon as the band had taken off, he lost the spark. He’d had humble roots and a story to tell back then. Now he was a one trick pony. He was pretending that he didn't absolutely fucking despise the singles that gave his band a name; reciting lyrics that he’d written when he was younger and his writing was sharper. The substances hadn’t fried his brain and the touring hadn’t drained his spirits then. He was a joke. A nobody. A washed up relic of albums people listened to during their high school days. You are a dying artist.

“I’m sorry…” he shook his head, feeling like his brain was a water balloon ready to burst, “I’m really not myself right now. I think I better head out.” He stood from his barstool, hand braced on the bar top to steady his lumbering frame.

“Wait, where are you staying?” Your gaze on him softened and you placed a concerned hand on his leather clad arm.

“Uhhh…the Motel 6 across the street.”

“Oh, you’re not gonna walk back there like this, are you? You have someone who can take you, right?” You looked around, trying to see if there was some girl you'd missed before. Any time you'd seen him at a show, he always had some girl hanging off his arm. But Joby met you with silence. You’d known the answer before you could even finish speaking. Most of the people Joby considered his friends left him in the dust when he got kicked out of Snake Trouble. Of course he was drinking alone.

“Shit. Let me drive you back.” You insisted. You would hate yourself if he got hurt on the way back. Over years of going out drinking with friends, you had quickly designated yourself the sober one that would make sure everyone got home safe. Besides, you had a bit of a fondness for Joby. As much of an asshole as he was, you were drawn to the persona. Especially this rawness you’d never seen from him.

Joby nodded and mumbled an okay in your direction. When he started to walk, he stumbled over his own shoes, almost falling forward and smacking his already vibrating head on the bar. But you caught him just in time. You put one hand on his chest and one on his lower back to support him.

He almost felt ashamed when he leaned into your touch until your forehead was almost on his shoulder. He hadn’t been touched in a while. The depression falling over him made it impossible for him to want to engage in one of his favorite pastimes. Even when he was having sex, it wasn’t like this. It was a closeness with all of the intimacy removed; skin rubbing on skin without making a single spark. And while he could get off, it would never compare to truly being familiar with someone.

Your hands were soft and your voice was smooth as you whispered, “You alright?”

He nodded again, this time his breath seemed stuck in his throat. Be normal about this, will you? She’s just being nice. You need nice right now. But the breath stayed stuck as you grabbed his hand and led him out the door to your car. God, he was going to have the most insane headache the next morning.

The car ride was quiet until you turned on the radio, letting some random country music station play. When you finally pulled into the motel and helped him out of your car, he still felt that electric feeling on his spine where you’d touched him. He felt around his pockets and searched his wallet before realizing that his room keycard wasn’t with him. Mentally retracing his steps it hit him.

You saw his face go blank when he admitted, “I left my keycard in the room.” It would be too late to go to the front desk and ask for another. But you couldn’t just leave him. Not when it was this cold out. You were already shivering in your light dress.

You sighed, “Come on, let’s just go back to my place. We’ll come back in the morning and you can sort this out when you’re sober.” Joby couldn’t believe his luck that he managed to run into you, didn’t even remember your name, and insulted you, and yet you were willing to take him in for a night. You’d let him sleep on your couch and then he’d get to see you again in the morning. Sure, he probably wasn’t going to see you again after that, but it was something to him.

[msjokesgf]

Love Match-Part 9 (Shoto Todoroki x Reader)

Summary: You were hopelessly single. Between working full time and caring for your aging parents, romance was never much of a priority. That is, until your mother suggests seeing a nakodo, a traditional Japanese matchmaker. Curious, you agree, and are matched with none other than Shoto Todoroki, the famous Pro Hero. At first, you think it's a joke, but as you grow closer, you begin to wonder if a marriage between two strangers could really work.

Were you making a mistake? Or had you found your perfect match?

Word Count: 4,830

Ao3 Link | Masterlist

The date was set for late September, about six months from now.

You had your doubts about being able to plan an entire wedding in such a short frame as well as find a house, but the Todoroki family had an important resource that made everything easier: money. Lots of it. Endeavor and Rei generously offered to cover much of the costs as part of their wedding gift, much to your mother’s delight, and Shoto said he would take care of purchasing the house.

If you could agree on what to buy.

“I hate hardwood,” he told the realtor on one of the tours. “Tatami mats are much more comfortable and they don’t stick to the bottom of my feet.”

You just sighed and mentally checked that one off the list while the realtor smiled and nodded along. All the houses you’d seen were beautiful but Shoto found something wrong with each one. At this rate, you’d end up living with his parents anyway.

Not that you would mind. You’d spent a lot of time with Shoto’s family lately, especially his mom. Rei was all about wedding planning. She had lots of ideas and loved listening to yours and your mother’s. Fuyumi even joined in occasionally, which really made you feel like part of the family. After years of being the only child, you were finally going to have a sister, something you always wanted. She too seemed thrilled with the prospect. Growing up with three brothers must’ve been difficult, and Natsuo was for sure not going to go dress shopping with you.

He was the only family member you hadn’t seen since that dinner, where you overheard him and Shoto arguing. It seemed like he rarely came to family events, much to your relief. You got the vibe he didn’t like you much. Not that you were surprised, considering he thought this whole thing was a mistake. Still, Fuyumi and Rei assured you he’d be at the wedding to support Shoto and you would never want to deny him that, for your financé’s sake.

Aside from house hunting, you and Shoto hadn’t seen much of each other. He didn’t take much interest in wedding plans and neither of you had found the time for a proper date. So, one day, you decided to take matters into your own hands. You wanted to ask Rei and Fuyumi to come dress shopping with you and planned to surprise them at home. While you were there, perhaps you could catch Shoto as well and the two of you could go on a date, or maybe even hang out there. All you really wanted was to spend some time alone with him.

You clutched your wedding binder to your chest as you waited at the front door of the Todoroki estate. Usually, Rei or Fuyumi would answer but this time, you were greeted with none other than the hulking figure of Endeavor himself. It took you a moment to get over the shock of seeing him standing there.

“H-hi, Endeavor,” you squeaked out, almost immediately regretting this decision, “Is-is Shoto home?”

He seemed equally surprised to see you. “Um, no, but he will be soon. Why don’t you come in?”

You were self conscious of every movement as you removed your shoes, feeling Endeavor’s steely gaze fixed on you. Despite all your time spent here, you’d never been alone with just him. Normally, Rei was with him or even Shoto, acting like a handler of sorts. Although he was your future father-in-law, you were very intimidated by him. His deep, booming voice, large, powerful figure, and his perpetual scowl weren’t exactly inviting. However, you also felt bad, because he’d been nothing but polite to you and was generous enough to bankroll your entire wedding.

“Is Rei here?” you asked, straightening up.

“No, she isn't. You just missed her,” he replied.

You deflated a bit. What were you going to do now? She was your whole excuse for being here. Plus, now your shoes were off and Endeavor told you Shoto would be back soon. It would be rude to just walk out, and you at least had to try to get used to him. You were going to be his daughter-in-law!

“I’ve, uh, made some tea,” Endeavor offered, rubbing the back of his neck. “Would you like some while you wait for Shoto?”

Oh. “Sure.”

Neither of you said anything as you went to the kitchen, where he poured you a cup of tea. You noticed he was not wearing his comfortable house clothes and wondered if he’d just returned home from work himself. It must be strange, having your dad as a boss, you thought as the two of you moved to the dining room. You laid your binder on the low table, then sat on the floor across from him.

“What’s this?” he asked, eyeing the planner.

“Oh, that’s just my wedding planner,” you replied, sliding it over to him. “You can take a look. I wanted to show a few things to Shoto and I also wanted to ask Rei if she’d like to come dress shopping with me.”

You swore you saw a smile on Endeavor’s face, but it was hard to tell. Regardless, he seemed pleased. “She’d love to go, I’m sure. You know, it means a lot you’re including her in all this. She’s been very happy lately.”

“Well, I’m glad! She’s been such a big help with everything. I didn’t realize how much planning was involved,” you admitted.

“It’s because Shoto set such a short deadline,” Endeavor murmured as he flipped through the pages, occasionally nodding. “You’re very organized. That’s good. My agency could use more people like you, especially since Bakugo made another one of my admins quit.”

“Oh, that’s a shame,” you replied, before taking a sip of your tea. Bakugo was the angry one from the phone call, you recalled. He definitely didn’t seem like an easy person to work with.

Endeavor closed the planner and set it aside with a sigh. An awkward silence settled over the room as you seemingly exhausted every conversation topic. What were you supposed to talk about until Shoto got back? The weather? You checked your phone to see if he texted but there were no new messages. Not that he was expecting you to be here. It was meant to be a surprise.

Endeavor cleared his throat and you looked up. “So, uh, what do you do? For work, I mean. Shoto mentioned your office is near the agency, correct?” he inquired.

You nodded. “Yes, it is, but my work is nothing special, really. It’s just a job, something I do to provide for my parents, not some kind of ‘calling’ like being a Pro Hero is for Shoto or you.”

Suddenly, he looked older than his years. A frown tugged at the corners of his mouth and his broad shoulders sagged, as if he’d taken on some unseen weight. His change in demeanor worried you. Had you said something completely out of line? All you did was mention being a Pro Hero, something both men were clearly devoted to. At one time, Endeavor had been the Number 1 Hero in all of Japan. You figured he would want to tell you more about his job.

Before you could apologize for upsetting him, Endeavor hummed pensively. “Yes, for me, it started as a calling,” he said, in a low, serious voice, “but it eventually devolved into an obsession and I let it consume me. I hurt everyone I loved and not a day goes by that I don’t deeply regret my actions towards my family. As I’m sure you know, it’s taken almost a decade for me to mend my relationships with Rei and Shoto and I’ve come to accept I may never have one with Natsuo. I’m fortunate Shoto’s even let me be a part of this wedding at all. He truly is a better Hero and a better man than I’ll ever be.”

You sat there, stunned and speechless. This wasn’t the kind of conversation you envisioned having with Endeavor. Instead of awkwardly commenting on the weather five different times, he was opening up to you about his life’s greatest regrets under the assumption you already knew about everything he was talking about. It’d been obvious from the beginning, Shoto’s relationship with his father was rather strained. That cold glare he’d sent when Endeavor brought up his own marriage at the matchmaker’s still gave you chills. But Rei? Why had he needed to repair his relationship with her? They seemed like any other middle aged couple. Did it have something to do with that conversation you’d overheard in the kitchen?

You had so many questions you wanted to ask and you genuinely believed he would’ve answered them all truthfully. But you wrestled with your loyalty to Shoto. Was this overstepping some kind of boundary? He was going to be your husband, not Endeavor. Shouldn’t he be the one to tell you about his past, about his feelings towards his family and how you were going to fit into it as his wife? Would he feel betrayed if he found out you’d gone to his father for answers instead of him? That was part of the problem. Shoto didn’t give you answers, only more questions.

“I-I apologize,” said Endeavor, breaking you out of your trance. He bowed his head. “I didn’t mean to make this about me and my regrets. We should be discussing you and Shoto. Please, tell me about yourself.”

Now the subject had been changed to you.

“Oh, please, I’m quite boring, really. Shoto’s far more interesting than I am,” you insisted, looking down at your tea bashfully.

“So, let’s talk about your relationship, then. What was your first date like? Rei and I couldn’t get more than a single word out of Shoto when he came home that night,” Endeavor said.

“Well, it was certainly…eventful,” you replied, picking your words very carefully. “He talked about his job a lot and what he was looking for in a marriage partner, as well as finances and some basic small talk. He was very upfront about how dangerous and demanding Hero work can be, which I did appreciate. The media certainly makes it seem much more glamorous than he described. It made me glad I never pursued that path,” you told him.

You conveniently left out some key details, namely Shoto’s “I don’t expect to fall in love” line, for Endeavor’s sake and your own. Time may have lessened the impact of those words, but they were always there, playing in the background of your mind. Lately, you’d been living in a little bubble of happiness, enjoying your engagement and planning the wedding with your mother, Rei, and Fuyumi, while reassuring yourself that you and Shoto were growing closer. Soon, you would be just as “in love” as your mother had promised and you fiercely pushed away anything that threatened your bubble, especially the memory of Shoto telling Natsuo, “I’m not in love with her.”

“Oh? Did you consider it?”

You blinked. “Huh?”

“Being a Pro Hero. You said you were glad you never pursued it,” he reminded you.

That’s right. You had said that. “When I was a kid, yeah,” you answered. “Teachers always said my Quirk had a lot of potential but around middle school, when it was time to start applying to high schools, I saw how competitive the other students were and I realized I just didn’t want it as much as they did.”

For a moment, Endeavor was silent, as he thought about how to respond. “Your Quirk,” he started, tentatively, “is it heat based like mine? At dinner, you mentioned using it to keep warm sometimes.”

You smiled. “I guess you could say that. My Quirk is called Solar. I can absorb the sun’s energy and then release it, usually as beams from my hands but I also use the stored heat to warm myself.” You blushed a bit. “I’m kind of embarrassed I don’t do more with it. Even Shoto said it sounded useful and had a lot of development potential.”

Endeavor’s eyebrows raised in question. “You’ve…talked about these things.”

“I mean, not in detail. But I think it’s natural to talk about each other’s Quirks, especially if you plan on having children. If you think about it, it’s really no different than wondering what kind of hair or eye color they’ll have,” you replied wistfully. “Besides, Shoto’s Quirk is so unique. I’ve never seen anything like it. Then again, everything about him is unique.”

Were you really gushing over your fiancé right in front of his dad?

Endeavor shifted uncomfortably. “Yes, well, Shoto’s a special case. None of his siblings have Quirks like his. Fuyumi and Natsuo both have ice Quirks similar to my wife’s and Toya had a more powerful version of my fire Quirk.” He sighed before continuing. “Shoto was fortunate to receive resistance to fire and ice, as well as the ability to regulate his body temperature, even when using his power a lot. Overheating is something I always struggled with, and in Toya’s case, it was much worse. Every time he used his Quirk, he burned himself because he inherited Rei’s resistance to ice and cold temperatures. It made him weak to his own flames, and ultimately, they killed him.”

Your eyes widened in horror. That’s what Shoto meant when he said Toya’s body couldn’t handle his Quirk. Poor Rei. You wondered if she blamed herself for passing on that gene.

“What a terrible accident, you breathed.

“No, it wasn’t an accident,” Endeavor said grimly. “It was a suicide.”

A suicide.

“I’m so sorry,” you managed. “I-I never should’ve brought it up. Shoto told me you didn’t like to talk about Toya.”

His expression softened. “Don’t apologize. I’m the one who brought him up. I’m sure Shoto means well but we never want to forget our son or what happened to him. We try to remember him as he was, a playful boy always determined to do his best. I can’t just pretend he didn’t exist. He was my son, my first born.”

You nodded. “Of course not.”

You expected him to go quiet again, but instead, he exhaled and took a drink of his tea. “More than anything, I wish he could be here with us. But let’s focus on a happier subject. It won’t be long until you and Shoto are married and moving into a home of your own.”

You chuckled. “If we can find one. Shoto’s so picky. I’m just happy to even buy a house. I was expecting to live in an apartment the rest of my life.”

“Yes, Shoto can be quite particular.”

“Only about some things,” you added. “As far as the wedding goes, he’s happy to leave everything to me.”

“Well, you have some good ideas. And to be fair, I usually leave matters like this to my wife as well. I just sign the checks,” he replied.

“Thanks, Endeavor,” you said with a smile.

He sighed loudly, clearly exasperated. “Please, you don’t have to call me that. I do have a name. Enji is fine.”

You relaxed a bit. “Sorry, force of habit. All my life you’ve been ‘Endeavor’ to me, this symbol, this larger than life character. And now you’re going to be my father-in-law. It’s a lot to process.”

You’d gotten used to the idea of Shoto as your husband but End-Enji was another matter. He was such a contrast to your own father, big and loud and gruff. How could you ever think of him as another father figure? This was the first time you’d even been alone together. Was six months long enough to build up that kind of relationship?

Enji cleared his throat. “Yes, well, that’s true. When you marry Shoto, you’ll become my daughter. So, if you’re comfortable, of course, my wife and I would be thrilled if you called us ‘mom and dad.’”

You were taken aback, both by his request and the sight of such a powerful man awkwardly fidgeting in his seat, unable to meet your eyes. There was no question you’d refer to him as “dad” just as Shoto would address your parents as if they were his. Yet, Enji looked like you would start berating him for even making such a request.

“Ye-yes, absolutely!” you chirped, sitting up straighter. “If anything, I thought you’d prefer a more formal title. Why wouldn’t I call you dad?”

He looked up at that, his expression unreadable. You stared at him, trying to make sense of all this, of everything you’d talked about.  

“Oh, I just, I didn’t know how Shoto would feel,” Enji mumbled. “I’m probably saying these things all wrong. I’m not good at this type of stuff. I should’ve waited for Rei to get home.”

In a strange way, this endearing awkwardness reminded you of Shoto.

“No, I’d love to call you dad,” you assured him. “And Rei’s been so helpful, I already feel like she’s my second mom. You’ve done so much to make me feel like part of the family. I’ve always wanted to be part of a big family since it’s just been me and my parents for so long. They love Shoto and I’m sure my mother is already introducing him as her son.”

“I’m glad they’re happy about the match,” said Enji. “We’re excited one of our children is getting married.”

“My parents are more relieved, I think. They were worried they’d never live to see my wedding or my children,” you told him. “They’re thrilled I met Shoto. I don’t think they could’ve asked for a more perfect son-in-law.”

“Yes, the nakodo picked well. Rei and I think you’re good for Shoto. We worry about him sometimes, you know? But he’s a good man, and I’m sure he’ll be a good husband. Better than I ever was,” Enji assured.

“I have no doubt he’ll be a good husband,” you said. “I just hope I can be the perfect wife. I have to be everything he wants.”

A look of concern crossed Enji’s face. “Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. No one can be the perfect spouse and a marriage takes two people to work. You can’t hold it all together on your own and there will be struggles. Every marriage has them. So, if you need to…talk or ask about anything, don’t hesitate to come to me or my wife. Nothing is off limits between us.”

Once again, you’d been stunned into silence. Enji was much more open than you anticipated, especially about difficult subjects, ones Shoto had told you not to mention.

“And things could be more difficult when children…”

Enji was cut off by the sound of the sliding door opening. You both looked up and there was Shoto, his face set in a hard expression. He shot his father a cold glare, then went straight over to you. Before you could say anything, he grabbed your hand insistently and tugged you to your feet. They’d fallen asleep after sitting for so long but you tried to ignore the fuzzy sensation as Shoto led you out of the room.

“We’re going to my room,” he announced without looking back. “We want to be alone for a while.”

Your eyes widened at his words and you couldn’t help the deepening blush on your cheeks. He was taking you back to his bedroom? Why? He’d been reluctant to show it to you on the house tour and now he was practically dragging you there. His cold fingers dug into your skin almost painfully as you followed behind, too shocked to say anything.

When you finally reached his room, he opened the sliding panel and hurriedly pulled you inside. Before you could even glimpse the interior, Shoto forcefully closed the panel behind you and pressed you up against it. His eyes bore into yours, icy blue and steely gray, the tips of his bangs brushing against your skin as he loomed over you. He was so close you could feel his warm breath on your face and your eyes flickered to his lips. Was he going to kiss you? Your heart hammered in your chest, so loud you swore he could hear it. You’d never seen this side of Shoto and it excited you in a way you hadn’t felt before.

“What are you doing here?” he demanded, in a low, stern voice, his eyes narrowing.

You blinked. “Huh?”

Shoto backed away and you mourned the loss of his body heat. He crossed his arms and repeated the question.

“Why are you here?” he asked.

You fumbled to find your words. You must’ve completely misread the situation. What you’d mistaken for passion was actually anger but you weren’t sure what caused it. Was he mad at you for coming over unannounced? Had you violated a boundary? Everyone else said you were welcome anytime and in a couple of months, you’d be living together. It seemed ridiculous you couldn’t visit your fiancé without making an appointment but you couldn’t understand what else might’ve set him off.

“I-I came to ask your mom and Fuyumi if they wanted to come dress shopping with me. Sh-she said it was okay to come over whenever a-and I thought, if you were here too, then maybe we could spend some time together. I-I’ve missed you,” you blurted out, wringing your hands together nervously.

He didn’t say anything so you continued talking.

“You know, we haven’t seen each other lately because we’ve both been so busy and when we do go out, we’re never alone. I-I just think it’s important for a couple to have time alone together. I-I’m sorry if I overstepped, I didn’t mean–”

Shoto sighed and the tension left his shoulders. He uncrossed his arms and took your hands in his.

“No, I’m sorry,” he said, looking down at your entwined hands. “I wasn’t upset with you. I was…feeling protective is all. My old man, what was he saying to you? Was he bothering you?”

You shook your head. “N-no, not at all. We were just chatting about the wedding and looking at my planner. He said what a good match we were and what a good husband you’ll be.”

“What does he know about that,” Shoto murmured under his breath. If he wasn’t so close, you wouldn’t have heard it.

“I said I was sorry–”

He squeezed your hands. “You don’t have to be. You didn’t do anything wrong. You’re right, we haven’t had a chance to spend time together. I just figured you were busy with the wedding planning and that’s what’s important right now. You said you brought your planner. Can I see it?”

“Well…” you started, “I don’t have it with me. It’s back in the dining room with your dad.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah.”

After making such a scene, you both felt weird trudging back out there to grab your binder from Enji.

“We can get it later,” Shoto said. “How about we just hang out here for a while?”

You smiled up at him. “Sure.”

He stared down at your left hand, running his fingers over your engagement ring. “You’re wearing it,” he said.

“Of course I am. It’s beautiful,” you breathed. “And it makes me think of you.”

Shoto made a face and it looked like he was trying not to smile, the faintest pink dusting his cheeks. He moved in closer.

“Can I kiss you?” he asked, voice practically a whisper.

“You don’t have to ask,” you replied. “After all, you’re going to be my husband.”

Your eyes fluttered shut and he pressed his lips to yours. The kiss was sweet, but you were suddenly keenly aware of where you were. This was Shoto’s bedroom. You’d never even been in a man’s bedroom before, let alone kissed in one. Your mind wandered to what you’d do in your shared bedroom once you were married.

He broke away and stepped aside so you could take a look around his room. It was pretty sparse and not nearly as messy as he claimed. For a childhood bedroom, it looked like any other traditionally furnished room in the house, save for the futon on the floor and the extensive manga collection. There was also a TV and his laptop was charging in the corner so obviously he spent some time relaxing in here.

“You can sit on my futon if you want,” Shoto said. “I don’t mind.”

It felt weird to just go and sit on his bed but that’s what you did. You’d only ever slept on a mattress before but the futon was surprisingly comfortable and you ended up laying back on it, appreciating the softness of the covers.

“Oh, Shoto, I like this,” you said, sprawling out. “Your bed is so comfy.”

When he didn’t respond, you lifted your head up and saw Shoto staring down at you. He had the weirdest expression on his face and his fist was clenched at his side. You sat upright and folded your legs underneath you, which seemed to snap him out of it.

“Um, yeah, I like futons,” he replied. “I was thinking we would have them in our rooms.”

“Our rooms?” you repeated.

“Well, yeah, with our schedules, it just makes sense for us to sleep in separate bedrooms. I come and go at all hours and wouldn’t want to disturb you. It’s for the best,” Shoto said.

It wasn’t uncommon for couples to sleep in separate bedrooms, especially when one had a crazy schedule and a taxing job. Sleep was very valued and Shoto probably needed a lot of it to function. You didn’t mind the suggestion at all. The only reason your own parents slept in the same room was because you lived in a two bedroom apartment and since they were retired, they kept the same schedule. Just wait until kaasan hears about this.

Shoto grabbed his laptop and sat on the floor, just beside the futon. “I’ve found a few more houses we can look at. There’s a showing at one next week or we could book an appointment with the realtor for a different day, if you want. I could take some time off,” he said.

“Yeah, that’s fine,” you replied, leaning over so you could peek at the screen. “It looks nice.”

He turned his face to look at you and your noses happened to brush. Once more, you found yourself in a particularly intimate position. Without breaking eye contact, he closed the laptop and set it off to the side.

You swallowed thickly. “So, what did you want to do now?”

It took a moment but then his eyes widened, almost imperceptibly, and darted around the room. “Um, did you want to see my manga collection?” he asked, already moving to get up.

“S-sure,” you stuttered, only just now realizing how loaded that question was.

He returned with a few volumes and you spent the next hour or so flipping through them, wondering when you would be able to leave the room and maybe get something to eat. Your stomach audibly growled.

“Are you hungry?” Shoto asked.

You felt a flash of annoyance and closed the volume you were holding. “Yes, and I’d like to get a snack, but somebody had to make a scene,” you replied, pointedly.

He wasn’t phased. “Well, go get it. They left like, half an hour ago.”

“What? How do you know?”

“Used to it. I can hear practically everything in this house,” said Shoto, not even bothering to look up from his manga.

Your stomach growled again and you sighed. Clearly, he wasn’t going to walk you to the kitchen or offer to order takeout so you had to do it yourself. But the thought of rummaging through Rei’s kitchen uninvited was too mortifying and you decided to leave instead. This hadn’t been the visit you expected. There were a few nice moments, sure, but you honestly had more of a connection with Endeavor than your future husband. Is this what married life with Shoto was going to be like?

“I’m actually going to go, Shoto,” you said as you got to your feet. “Thanks for having me over. I’ll just ask your mom about dress shopping at a different time.”

He did at least look up at that. “Oh, okay. Text me when you get home.”

You nodded and slid open the panel. But before you stepped out, you noticed something lying on the floor of the hall. It was your wedding planner. Enji must’ve stopped by and left it there. You bent down to pick it up and glanced back at Shoto. Although Enji mentioned rebuilding his relationship with Shoto, clearly they were still on uneasy terms. What had it been like before, if this is what Enji considered “better?”

-

And now you guys are all caught up with the current chapter! Thank you all so much for the recent show of support on this fic, it really means a lot, especially after a rough March. Hopefully April is much better :)

[knightthunderis]

New York and Karyson Wolfe

Chapter 2- New York and Karyson Wolfe

In an alley just outside Russo’s Grill in New York, Jamison Logan Reimeiko Thunderis McKagan Llewellyn threw the last of the night’s trash into the big trash dumpster outside.

[A few more hours here just to make this look good, then I can be glad to get home and back to my routine.] she thought.  As Knight Thunder, she and her Knights had helped to bust Raymond Fitzgerald, one of the biggest mob bosses and drug lords around.  For the last fifty generations, the Fitzgerald Crime family had been using their royal nobility and duchies to manufacture and run their illegal runners, claiming diplomatic immunity every time they got busted, so the International Crime busting Enforcers, or I.C.E as they were called, called on Knight Thunder and her Enforcers for help to bring the crime syndicate down by interrupting and catching the drug lord in the act of the transfer.  Jamison went undercover at Russo’s with the rest of her Knights close by.  But he was not just using Russo’s as his constant cover for drops.  But he was also taking Russo’s for everything they had in exchange for ‘protection’ against unruly vandals. “It is just another glamourous night in New York on a Saturday night taking out the garbage to the dumpster.”

“It could be worse.” Alex said. “There could be...RATS! Rei, Help.”

Jamison laughed. “Alexander, you are such a scaredy-cat. Do not tell me that you are afraid of this little mouse family.  They are just trying to get by the same as the rest of us.”

“Hey Reimeiko! Alexander!” Gregory snapped. “Quit slacking off out there.  I know that I told you to take out the trash, but now, I am telling you to wait on that bachelor party that just walked in.”

[This was not my idea of spending this Saturday night.] Jamison thought sourly. [I want to drop my Reimeiko cover, go back to Jamison McKagan Llewellyn, my husband Tristan and the rest of the ThunderStar Crew.  The last thing that I want to do is wait on a bunch of drunks who are going to be seriously grabby. I wish I were already gone.]

“Ah waitress, there you are.” one business suited man said. “We need your very best table.” 

Jamison had her back to them talking to Alex, having not noticed them yet. “You know what, forget the table.” Another man said. “Bring us whiskey and lots of it.”

“Rei, please take this one.” Alexander pleaded. “I have got a date tonight and I will never make it out of here in time to go home, change and meet Tracy.”

“You really want me to take this bachelor party?” Jamison asked. “Well considering how they are dressed; the tip might be insane.  But why do I get the rowdy tables?” But Alexander’s pleading gaze was her downfall. “Ugh, you so owe me one, Alex. Just go live your happily ever after for the both of us you dork.”

“I want to hear all about this tomorrow when you come in.” Alexander replied. “And Reimeiko, you are totally the best.”

“Are you still talking?” Gregory demanded. “I have seated them already. Now get to work and get over there before I dock your pay.” Ruffling, she headed over to the table where three of the men were sitting wanting to get the night over as quickly as possible.  If it had not been for Knight Thunder and her Knights being called into bust the mob boss, she would have been gone from this place hours ago.  But as it was, she had to stay in character until she would be able to clock out from Russo’s for good.  Taking a deep breath, she turned and made her way over to the table.

“Hello gentlemen.” Jamison said. “I am Reimeiko Thunderis and I will be taking care of you this evening.  The food and alcohol lists are both in the menus my manager gave you.  The closest thing we have to fillet anything is Russo’s famous deluxe burger.”

“We will be fine with your best bottle of whiskey and four deluxe burgers.” Derrick Werner announced. Jamison lifted a questioning brow at the mention of four when there were only three of them present.  He nodded behind her.  She turned around to see Tristan Llewellyn, but in the form of Karyson Wolfe.  As Reimeiko Thunderis, her heart got to pounding heavily.

[What the heck?] Jamison thought.  [He, as Tristan, is supposed to be in Arkansas.  I will have to check this out when I get the chance to break away from here.]

“I am sorry that I am late you guys.” Karyson said. “Thank you for your patience, Miss--”

“Reimeiko.” Jamison blurted without thinking. “I am Reimeiko Christyne Thunderis.”

“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Reimeiko.” he said, putting on his most charming smile.

“The pleasure is all mine.  It is nice to meet you too.” Jamison said, claiming her senses. “Let me get your orders in and I will be right back.”

Jamison went to turn the orders in and took a picture of the four men, Karyson included, then went into the back room to call and check in with Tristan to make sure she was not seeing things.  She sent him the picture while waiting for him to answer the phone.

“That is super weird, Jamie.” Tristan replied. “You can tell by the group GPS where I am.  I will get word to mom and dad and find out what they want us to do in this situation and they will update Reimeiko’s mom and dad about it too while I am thinking about it.”

“I will debrief them tonight after I get off here.” Jamison said. “I know I will need you and the Knights here on standby.  I got a feeling; I am going to need you guys super close.  Right now, I need to go my orders are up and ready.”

“The Knights and I will meet you at the New York apartment later tonight.” Tristan said. “Be careful Jamie.  I love you and we will see you soon tonight or tomorrow.”

“I love you too Tristan.” Jamison said. She disconnected the call and stuck her phone in her pocket before taking the orders to the table. Later, a little after closing, Jamison was wiping down the bar when she was tapped on the shoulder.  She turned around and came face to face with Karyson.  She still could not figure out how the two personas were suddenly two separate individuals.

“I think that we are about ready to head out.” Karyson announced. “I just wanted to thank you and to apologize. I know we kept you late and my friends can be seriously demanding.”

“Demanding? That is one way to put it.” She replied. “But it was nothing, I could not handle.  I have dealt with a big variety of characters before this.”

“I have a feeling that you could very easily take care of yourself.” He said with a smile. “If you do not have any plans tonight, then perhaps I can make it up to you by buying you a drink.  We are about to head out to a club here in town.  I was hoping you might have some recommendations on which one we might go to because we are not from around here.”

“I kind of figured you and your friends were not from around here.” She replied. “I was only here temporarily too; but I would recommend the hottest club in the jam, Destiny's Rose.”

“That sounds perfect.  I know that the guys want to really go crazy tonight.” Karyson said. “And I cannot think of anyone better as a tour guide than you Reimeiko.  Lead the way.”

“Okay, sure.” Jamison replied. “Let me finish up here and then I will meet you and your friends up front.”  She quickly finished the clean up around the room, texted Tristan and the Knights about the change of plans, then went into the break room to change clothes out of her uniform and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and groaned. “I am so ready to get out of my uniform and back to my life as Jamison McKagan Llewellyn.” She changed into a deep green club dress and matching heels.  She gathered her things into her bag as she would not be returning. “I am so ready to show this crew a good time their last night here.” 

She stepped out to see Karyson and his party waiting for her. Derrick Werner was the first one to notice her, shocked at her new look but quickly gathered himself. “Whoa Nellie, you look great.” Derrick gushed. “I almost did not recognize you.  That uniform was not doing you justice.”

“Yeah, the waitress is major hot.” Malachi Blanchard said with a bugged-out grin on his face.

“Her name is Reimeiko, and I doubt she appreciates you talking about her like that.” Karyson said angrily.

“You are right.” Malachi replied. “I am sorry Reimeiko. I meant to say that you look very lovely.  Now let us get this party started.”

“So, she is going to be our tour guide and is coming with us?” Terrence asked seriously. “This goes completely against the rules of royal protocol you know right?”

“Actually, we are going with her and she is picking our next destination.” Karyson replied. “She knows the area whereas we do not, and I want to see as much of it as we can before we return. She was kind enough to agree to show us around. She is doing us a favor so play nice.”

(I had almost forgotten how commanding Karyson could be under the circumstances.) Jamison thought to Tristan. (What do your parents think about this turn of events where Karyson is concerned?)

(All we know is that something way out of the ordinary is going on and we will be sent to investigate it.) Tristan replied. (We know what the outcome for Karyson and Reimeiko is and my mom and dad are meeting with yours and the Universal Council right now.  They should have a game plan for us soon.)

(So, for now, until we can get you and Karyson reconnected,) Jamison sighed. (Reimeiko is going to have to stay in the spotlight for now. Okay keep me posted.) A short time later, Jamison and the group arrived at the entrance of the Destiny Rose club and joined a long line of party goers waiting to get inside the club. “Here it is, the hottest club in town the Destiny Rose.”

“Yeah, I can tell by this line.” Malachi replied. “We are going to spend the rest of the night waiting for it.”

“Hey, I just knew where to go.” Jamison giggled. “How we get in is up to you guys.  Though, I do know one of the bands they have playing here.  They are one of the headliners for ThunderStar Enterprises and Universal.”

“Let me talk to the man at the door.” Karyson announced.  He walked up to the doorman and began speaking with him.  After a few minutes of the conversation, the doorman undid the velvet rope and gestured for Jamison and the group to follow and go inside the club Destiny Rose treated like royalty.

[elopez7228]

Scenic route 20/47

Read on AO3 : https://archiveofourown.org/works/18268208/chapters/43229774 

Start over : https://elopez7228.tumblr.com/post/620919089893933056/scenic-route-0147

***

The conversation flowed amicably and Rey was quite relaxed by the time the Millenium Falcon reached the parking lot of the tourism office.

Maz left the car with one last affectionate pat for BB8, taking a moment to thank Rey for wishing her safe travels.

Inside the immense air-conditioned mass that was the tourism office, a 4-feet-wide digital clock showed the countdown until the next eruption of the geyser.

With nearly half an hour to spare, Rey took a walk through the gift shop. She briefly admired the keychains and postcards, before pausing in front of an item that left her quite perplexed. Bear spray?  What on earth was that?

The shopkeeper—who was appropriately decked out in green forest ranger attire—informed her that it was used by hikers to ward off bears in the unfortunate event of an encounter. An accessory that would surely save lives, given the population of grizzlies that roamed freely within the park.  

Rey bought one because she knew that only too well. The odds of her being attacked by a bear a second time in so few days were low, but she had learned not to underestimate her natural tendency to conjure bad luck out of nowhere.  

Her phone informed her it was almost show time, so she settled on one of the benches installed in a semi circle at a safe distance from the white crater of the geyser.

***

Syed felt like a punk in a playground. She had ended up in the middle a sea of tourists who were all wearing some hideous combination of sun hats, shorts, Hawaiian shirts, cameras, and—she shuddered—socks with sandals. She stuck out like a sore thumb against the pastel masses with her tall black-clad frame, her numerous piercings, and her menacing brass chains.

She cursed Kylo for sending her to hell, far from her friends, her audience, her guns... and him. She had taken multiple photographs of a very sloppily dressed Rey, who had taken the Millennium Falcon for a joyride. Now she was wondering who to send them to. Kylo? Or Hux? Or maybe Snoke?

Theoretically, she was doing this mission on behalf of Kylo Ren. But he had shown signs of weakness that in his interest, she had the duty to report further up the chain of command...his obsession for this little English brat was beyond comprehension.

He used the hunt for environmental activists as an excuse to justify his meddlesome romantic advances, but Syed was no fool. This girl was just a tourist. She wasn’t a secret agent of the Earth Soldiers. She was frolicking about with sunglasses and a cap glued to her skull, sipping some basic frappuccino, bothering bears, and taking selfies. It was improbable, and even impossible, that she was on a mission for an ecologist association that was making dooms-day preparations. She was too relaxed; obviously a woman on vacation, certainly not an agent on active duty.

Syed meanwhile, was always on the clock. It was a shame really, the amount of time had she wasted stalking that bitch.

She finally sent the photos to Armitage Hux. He was particularly pleased when he received an image of Kylo in the throes of passion with his plaything.  She didn’t know what he would do with it, but she knew from experience that when Kylo needed a guardrail, Armitage Hux was the man of the hour. He would simply do a little sleight of hand and suddenly the unruly punk would fall back in line.  

Everything would be back to normal...like nothing had ever happened.

As for Kylo Ren himself, knowing he needed a bone to chew on, she sent him hourly reports of his little protege, deliberately omitting any mention of the hitchhiker. It was really the only useful information of the day;  and she preferred to keep an ace up her sleeve in case he decided to be difficult.

The hitchhiker was nearing the Millennium Falcon again, and Syed went off to disappear into the crowd.

The little woman circled the car for a while, then sat down on the hood, with spectacular ease. She took off her hiking boots and massaged the soles of her feet. Syed rolled her eyes. For fuck’s sake, this old hag was probably less important an update than she had initially anticipated.

When Rey came back, the woman had come down from her perch and was waiting patiently next to the mirror. Rey frowned. People had to seriously stop their fascination with her car. What was that all about?

All her wonder at the sight of the geyser (the truly magnificent explosion of water and steam as high as a five-storey building), faded to give way to an anxiety that was alas, very familiar.

"You’re still here?” Her reaction was harsher than intended, spurred on by the unexpected intrusion.

"I was waiting for you, I hope you don’t mind," Maz replied innocently.  “I haven’t found another ride, may we continue some of this journey together?”

Rey regretted her initial inclemency. She reacted too intensely, to everything.  She took a breath to force herself to regain her composure. Maz was harmless, but it was easy to see why she was struggling to find a helping hand: the park was teaming with pretentious tourists who were reluctant to change their route or their agenda...and who were suspicious of pickpockets.  She had been one of them, after all.

Rey sighed, her shoulders sagging. “Okay, fine...but I’m warning you, I’m doing a tour of all the geological marvels out here.” She said with a smile.

“Fine with me,” Maz smiled in return. “Thank you very much. I promise you won’t even know I’m here.”

Rey swallowed a remark about Maz’s tiny stature, and gently pushed BB8 over to make space.

“It's funny,” Rey observed. “BB8 doesn’t seem at all disturbed by your presence.  She’s rather aggressive with strangers, usually.”

“What strangers?” Maz laughs, reaching out to stroke the dog.

"Oh, just one stranger in particular," Rey corrected with a wave of her hand. “It was impossible for him to approach, she would try to bite him.”

“Had they met before?”

“No, of course not. He would have told me if...” Rey’s voice caught in her throat.

Did Ben and BB8 have history?  It was unbelievable, and yet...he had immediately shown interest in her, seemingly out of nowhere, when they had joined him in the Jackson Hole Lodge parking. He even outright asked if BB was her dog.

It was a silly question to ask someone walking with a dog on a leash. Why would he need confirmation?

Now that she thought about it, he had asked the same strange question about the Millennium Falcon:

Is this your car?

Obviously, it was hers. It’s not like she was just playing Russian roulette out there, hoping to find a car she could force open in the middle of the parking garage. But it was strange that he tried to make sure.

That said, in his defense, perhaps it was simply because the Millennium Falcon was an infamous bastard of a car. Anyone would have been shocked at seeing a machine like this still in use! Who knows what went on in Ben’s head?

Her face had scrunched up into a worried expression, which did not escape Maz.

"Something bothering you?” She asked in a gentle voice, “maybe I can be of some help?”

"I don’t really know," said Rey, still pensive, as she slowly pulled out of the parking space, "I've experienced some rather unlikely things since I landed in Denver. I wouldn’t even know where to start.”

"Start at the beginning," Maz replied encouragingly. “I've got plenty of time.”

That afternoon, Rey and Maz visited some of the most spectacular geological sites around the volcano: boiling springs that gave way to rainbows, geysers by the dozen, bubbling fumaroles ...they even crossed paths with animals that were once threatened in the wild—but were in total safety within the park’s verdant confines. They came upon placid bison, elk, and bald eagles. Thankfully, they saw neither bears nor wolves. These animals, however numerous, tended not to approach busy trails.

They spoke a lot.

Rey found in Maz an attentive third party, to whom she could open up without fear of judgment, and especially without fear of the rampant sexual tension present in her conversations with Ben. She knew he was attracted to her, he did nothing to hide it. But as a result, she continually wondered if the words he said were sincere, rather than a carefully prepared speech designed to charm her to his bed. He had almost managed to get there, in fact.  

In principle, there was no harm to that, she was a consenting adult. And she had to admit that she had savored every kiss, every touch...But her own ardor worried her. Had she flirted with Ben Solo because she wanted him, or because she needed to be reassured, to be held, after what Finn had done to her?

She had to put her heart back in place, heal her wounds, find her inner peace.  Only then would she consider Ben Solo.

"You do not want to make him your consolation prize," Maz hummed sagely.  “That is rather commendable.”

“I don’t think he cares either way. I mean, we are both consenting adults, but I don’t want to be a trophy...be just another notch in his bedpost.”

"You should talk to him...is it possible you’re mistaken about his intentions towards you?”

Rey narrowed her eyes. “Yes, we need to talk ...” about more than you know.

Maz was from Florida. She was bored of her apartment which sat at one end of the land, and thus decided one morning to go on foot to the other end. She had plenty of time, and improvised her itinerary at random. She had a host of tales to tell about backpacking trips to Central Asia or South America, often far from cities and crowds, and Rey began to wonder how old she really was.

It was impossible to say: her face was both smooth and furrowed, her eyes constantly hidden behind huge triple-focus glasses. Her hands were small but her fingers were long and bony. Despite her diminutive appearance, she seemed to burst with energy, and possessed an exceptional amount of savoir faire.  

Yellowstone?  She knew every corner of the place. Alaska?  She knew which roads to use in which season. London?  She had lived there twice in her youth. The Millenium Falcon? She had once owned a car of the same make and model. BB8?  Canine behavior was no mystery to her.

What a strange old woman, Rey pondered, finally glad to have good company.

Black Sand Basin, Geyser Basin, Great Fountain Geyser, Lower Geyser Basin...The park's attractions were like cat nip to tourists, including Rey and Maz.  It was hard to blame people for coming all the way to Yellowstone form the corners of the globe.

Evening was falling. The day had been exhausting, the traffic was atrocious, and the heat was stifling.

Rey went to the Madison Village campground in the park to reserve a place for the night.

Everything was complete.

Finally able to stop panicking, she was content to sleep in her car in the campground parking. Simple as that.

But what about Maz?

Leaving the campsite's bungalow, she returned to her car. The little woman was standing there, her bag hoisted on her shoulders.

"I’m all done for today," Rey explained, “I'm going to sleep in the car, they told me it was okay as long as I paid parking fees. How about you?”

She gestured awkwardly at the  car. “Do you want the back seat?  BB8 can come sleep with me...?”

Maz smiled to assuage her fears. “Don’t worry, young lady. I'm used to sleeping under the stars.”

"Right here?! With the bears and everything—“ Rey was incredulous.

“Don’t fret. I’ll take care of myself, you take care of yourself and BB8.”

Rey looked away as the sound of tinkling bracelets faded into the distance. Better not think about it, the last thing she need was an extra dose of anxiety. And besides, she was hungry.

The vending machine at the campsite procured a packet of chips, a flavorless coffee, and a Snickers bar. Dejectedly, she looked down at her meal. It was the food pyramid of sadness.

She wanted fresh vegetables and a hot plate...she would have to plan better tomorrow. These snacks were barely what she considered food.

What was Finn doing now?  She couldn’t help but wonder.

He was probably still on the respirator; if there had been any improvement in his condition, Poe would have called her.

What was Ben Solo doing?

That was easy, he was about to give a concert. Rey pulled out her phone. Should she call him or send him a message?  She opted for a message.

Good luck with the concert tonight!  Not too nervous I hope?  

An answer arrived immediately. He wasn’t on stage yet.

Thanks for the good vibes! But I wish you were here in the room.

[lacrossepapi]

Happiness is a Buttefly

This is set to Lana del Rey’s Happiness is a Butterfly 

Words: 2428               Ao3: Link

This was insane. Stiles felt his heart racing as he thought over the last few weeks. He’d returned to Beacon Hills and discovered that it was possible to live a relatively quiet life now that the Nemeton was appeased. That had been a shock on its own, but the larger shock that hit Stiles on his first day home was that the Nemeton was appeased because Peter Hale bound himself to it. Peter, who had always said he only stuck around for Derek and Cora, was now the only pack member to reside there full time. Stiles’ return meant that there was now two pack members in Beacon Hills year round. 

He had rushed to the rebuilt Hale House and discovered Peter sitting in a rocking chair on the porch, a soft gray cardigan around his shoulders and a steaming cup in his hands. Stiles had stumbled at the sight. Peter had always been hot, sexy, fierce, and Stiles had been attracted to that. This Peter on the other hand? Soft, warm, cozy Peter sent a pulse of want down Stiles’ spine too, in a different way but no less strong. 

He had taunted the human for stumbling before welcoming him home with a hug, cheek rubbing affectionately against Stiles’, and a soft ‘I always did like you best Stiles.’ Something in the man had fundamentally changed in the years Stiles had been away, yet Peter was still Peter and Stiles still felt so drawn to him that he couldn’t stop the invitation to dinner from slipping out of his mouth. 

The odd thing was, Peter declined the offer. Peter continued to decline his offers, even though every time Stiles visited the werewolf his actions spoke of a yearning to see and touch Stiles. Muttered things like ‘It is always a pleasure, Stiles.’ and bold statements made with heated eye contact like, ‘I don’t know why you gift me with your presence but I’m grateful.” left Stiles feeling like a ship out to sea. He was being rocked this way and that by Peter’s behavior and knew Peter well enough by now that he knew what the man was doing. 

Stiles checked the time one more time before sending Peter his location, entering the bar, and praying to a god he didn’t believe in. Maybe he’ll be able to save the werewolf from himself. 

Do you want me or do you not?

I heard one thing, now I'm hearing another

Dropped a pin to my parking spot

The bar was hot, it's 2 am, it feels like summer

Stiles nursed his vodka cranberry and pointedly did not look at his phone. If he couldn’t get Peter out of the house then Stiles would content himself to a life indoors. He’d been in love with Peter since he was seventeen. Stilinski’s fall in love fast and they stay there. They had both endured lives so dark, and Stiles had found a light, soothing solace in Peter long before the man had even looked at him twice. Peter did not deny himself simple pleasures, but he did deny himself the pleasures necessary to be healthy. Stiles had noticed it quickly, seeing past all the pompousness and sarcasm. 

Stiles followed the thought process of ‘If I’m miserable all the time, why would I deny myself any happiness I found?” and lived his life accordingly. When he discovered he was falling in love with an older man, who had enough baggage and psychological land mines to bury them both, he didn’t hesitate for a moment. Contentment was so rare in Beacon Hills already and Stiles feel peaceful next to Peter. That’s all that mattered to him in the end. In those moments of peace with Peter, Stiles was able to learn more about the man’s life than he ever thought Peter would give up willingly. 

Peter was a Scorpio, his favorite ice cream flavor was mint moose tracks, and he used to spend his days watching the pack’s children. He was the only teenager in a pack full of adults and babies, and looking at him in the light of Derek’s desk lamp Stiles could see the young man he’d been. Peter had loved taking care of his nephews, nieces, and cousins. He spoke fondly of his aunt Ruby who’d teach him about magic and the world around them while the younger kids slept. Peter had smiled then, the memory still brought butterflies to Stiles’ stomach six years later.

He was starting to get drunk on his nostalgia of a man he thought would love him back one day, and the alcohol burning his throat. 

Happiness is a butterfly

Try to catch it like every night

It escapes from my hands into moonlight

Every day is a lullaby

I hum it on the phone like every night

And sing it for my babies on the tour life

Ah ah

His phone chimed, and Stiles couldn’t resist checking it. 

Not very smart to send a murderer your location, Bambi.

Peter made jokes about being a villain, but he was no longer the half-mad man he once was. He’d more than paid for his crimes by now. 

What could you possibly do to me that hasn’t already been done? Come drink with me.

Stiles sent the message off before he could rethink it. If Peter was the villain of this story, then Stiles would gladly get caught in his traps. Stiles has had his heart, mind, and body broken and come out the other side stronger. There’s nothing left for Peter to break, not that the werewolf would even try. 

Peter had been alone for at least two years now, wrestling with his guilt and shame on his own. The man that Stiles found waiting at the Hale House was not the same man he’d left there four years ago. His trips back had been so brief the first two years, always full of fighting and fear. He hadn’t even questioned why they called him back less and less the last two years of his degree. Now, he knows though, knows that Peter sacrificed any chance at having a life outside the horrors and traumas he endured here to bring peace to his home land. Now, he knows that he isn’t going anywhere either. Stiles will stay with Peter no matter what. 

The door chime made Stiles glance up, already telling himself there was no way it was Peter, and directly into a pair of sad blue eyes that spoke of grief and fear. 

Peter had actually come to the bar. 

For a moment they stared at each other, both surprised the werewolf was there, before Stiles smiled at Peter and patted the seat beside him. 

If he's a serial killer, then what's the worst

That could happen to a girl who's already hurt?

I'm already hurt

If he's as bad as they say, then I guess I'm cursed

Looking into his eyes, I think he's already hurt

He's already hurt

The bar around them was once loud, now a quiet buzz as all of Stiles’ focus zoomed in on Peter and the wary look he had in that moment. Stiles doesn’t know what to do with the melancholy that clings to Peter, so he does the only thing he knows will work: distracting. Stiles is able to needle Peter until he relaxes and they converse as easily as they would’ve  before Peter had been left in solitude with only his inner thoughts as company. Stiles talks of his dad, and Peter informs him that Derek is currently helping an associate of Deaton’s that recently took down a puppy mill. 

They share a smile over a picture of Derek covered in fur and smiling with a freshly shaved poodle in his hands. They share a laugh over a picture of Cora hanging out the window of a jeep, her tongue out and her hair whipping wildly around head, in a jungle somewhere without consistent service. They share a kiss over a vodka cranberry. 

Stiles hadn’t meant to do it, but Peter looked so handsome in the colored fluorescents he couldn’t stop himself. He leaned fully into the kiss, his arm going up onto the bar to support his weight.

He didn’t understand why Peter had jumped back so fast, breaking their kiss abruptly, until he looked down at his now sticky arm. Of course a complete klutz like Stiles would ruin his first kiss with Peter by spilling his drink. At least it didn’t get on either of their clothes. 

When Stiles’ eyes found Peter’s again, the older man wasn’t making eye contact and seemed to be disappointed. Stiles hurriedly apologized for being an idiot and knocking over his drink, but Peter just admonished him for calling himself an idiot. 

The werewolf decided it was time to go, no word of their kiss. Stiles was four vodka cranberries in and more than a little drunk, which meant a tantrum when they got outside. 

Peter really started it by wrapping Stiles in his cardigan before ushering him into a taxi. He refused to let the other man shut the door and part ways. He demanded to know why he couldn’t ride home with Peter. When Peter pointed out that he drove his motorcycle, which Stiles hadn’t even known the man owned, Stiles protested that he wasn’t too drunk to ride on the back. 

“What’s the real problem, Stiles? You’re not like this, even when you are drunk.” Peter’s worry was clear in his breathtaking eyes. 

“I’m not that drunk.” He muttered petulantly, getting out of the taxi. 

When Peter only stared at him, he sighed, “I just wanted to spend more time with you. We could go dancing if you won’t let me ride your motorcycle?” 

Peter smiled sadly at him and shook his head before motioning for Stiles to follow him to Stiles’ Jeep. 

I said, "Don't be a jerk, don't call me a taxi"

Sitting in your sweatshirt, crying in the backseat

Ooh

I just wanna dance with you

Hollywood and Vine, Black Rabbit in the alley

I just wanna hold you tight down the avenue

I just wanna dance with you

I just wanna dance with you

Baby, I just wanna dance (dance)

With you (dance)

Baby, I just wanna dance (dance)

With you

Peter took them to downtown and parked across from Jungle, apprehension noticeable in his movements. A war was being fought in Peter’s mind, and Stiles could only hope things would come out in his favor. They entered the club hand in hand and made their way to the bar, one more shot before show time. Stiles nodded to himself before slipping his fingers between Peter’s and gently pulling the man onto the dance floor. Something in Peter had changed the minute he realized he wasn’t going to back out of this night with Stiles and the events unfolding between them. Gone was the soft, melancholy of a man twice abandoned and left to live with ghost, and in his place was the predator Stiles had first fallen in love with. 

Peter smirked at him before he spun Stiles around and roughly pulled him against the werewolf’s chest. 

“Dance for me, Stiles.” 

The words went straight to Stiles groin, but also to the part of his brain that reveled in Peter’s aggressive behavior. The part of his brain that held tightly onto the memories of Peter’s aggression saving his life more than once. 

The two of them danced until last call and lights up, shuffling out with the other stragglers, the embarrassed grins of new lovers on their faces. 

They drove down the boulevard with their windows down and their hands intertwined. 

Left the canyon, drove to the club

I was one thing, now I'm being another

Go down to Sunset in the truck

I'll pick you up if you're in town on the corner

Ah ah

They made it back to the Hale House and Stiles could see the doubt creeping back into Peter’s eyes. He left the werewolf to over think alone in the Jeep and made his way inside the restored pack house. When Peter finally came inside it seemed like he was about to apologize or something equally unwarranted, so Stiles rushed to inform him that he was indeed allowed to be happy. 

Peter’s shoulders sagged as a breath whooshed out of him in defeat. He made his way over to the couch and sat heavily down next to Stiles. The older man tried to say that Stiles didn’t understand,  but the human was more than equipped to understand and handle Peter’s grief. 

“Peter look at me.” Stiles had to repeat himself twice before Peter finally made eye contact. 

“You deserve to be happy. You have paid for your crimes tenfold. Do you honestly believe your family would want you to punish yourself this way?” 

Peter could only choke out his niece’s name before sinking to his knees at Stiles’ feet. The human ran his finger slowly through the werewolf’s hair as he spoke with absolute certainty, “You made a mistake. You regret that night, and you weren’t in control. No, it doesn’t bring her back and it won’t take away your guilt. But Peter that doesn’t mean you should live with the ghosts of your mistakes. Laura wouldn’t want that.” 

Peter’s breathing hitched as Stiles spoke. 

He let the other man grieve in silence for a while before grasping his hand and standing. 

“I think that’s enough for tonight. The Peter Hale I love would never kneel at anyone’s feet.” Peter’s head whipped up to face him, his eyes flashing supernaturally blue, “One last dance before we go to bed, zombiewolf.” 

Stiles smiled at him before pulling out his phone and putting on the first classic slow song he saw. 

He hummed along with Patsy Cline as he placed his hands on Peter’s shoulders and swayed them around the room gently. 

Happiness is a butterfly

We should catch it while dancing

I lose myself in the music, baby

Every day is a lullaby

Try to catch it like lightning

I sing it into my music, I'm crazy

Things aren’t better in one day, but they’re starting the journey to ‘better’ together. And in the end that’s what matters right?

If he's a serial killer, then what's the worst

That could happen to a girl who's already hurt?

I'm already hurt

If he's as bad as they say, then I guess I'm cursed

Looking into his eyes, I think he's already hurt

He's already hurt

[gingerandwry]

Montgomery, Alabama

After Birmingham my next step was 1.5 hours south, the state capital Montgomery, another historically-charged city in the South. I read it was pretty sleepy (truth) so I decided I would just spend a few hours there but my time did not disappoint. Even more so than Birmingham, Montgomery is a step back in time with important lessons for the present. If only they would learn....

My first stop off I-65 was the brand new National Memorial for Peace and Justice. It opened last year to commemorate victims of racially-motivated violence, from slavery to police killings, but its primary focus is lynchings. Atop a grassy hill under a low slung roof hang 400 rectangular iron slabs, one for each county where lynchings took place (mostly in the South, but parts of the midwest too). On each slab is engraved the name of the county and the people who were lynched there (tho only a fraction of the victims and their stories are known). The pathway slopes downward in a loop until the slabs’ hanging effect becomes unmistakeable. Along the sides are engraved inspirational quotes and the shocking stories of some of the victims (one man was lynched after a coat went missing). The horrific details of torture and death are not spared. Outside this roofed area an identical set of 400 slabs lie on the ground like a field of coffins, waiting for each county to pick theirs up and display it, in an attempt to create a truly national memorial and a semblance of accountability. It’s deeply saddening and moving, a truly provocative, moving, overdue addition to our country’s national monuments. But unlike, say, the Vietnam Memorial, here you must have your bags inspected, pass through a metal detector and be told not to take selfies with the statues of tormented slaves in chains. How awful that those precautions are still needed.

From there I moved to Montgomery’s most famous institution, the Rosa Parks Museum. It has two halves: a children’s wing that tells a very simplified version of black history from slavery to Jim Crow (all while sitting on a “time machine” bus with hydraulics driven by the robot Mr. Rivets); and a wing focused on Parks’ protest and the ensuing bus boycott. Annoyingly the ticket person didn’t tell me that the first part was for children when he sold me a ticket, so I wasted 30 minutes riding this Magic School Bus. At least I was all alone (except for Mr. Rivets) so I didn’t have to give up my seat to anyone.

I decided to postpone the second half of the museum and walk through downtown Montgomery to the capitol building. The main street, Dexter Ave, has not changed much since Parks was arrested there almost 65 years ago. Most of the storefronts are deserted and judging by the signage left behind, they have been empty for decades. Some of the structures are quite beautiful and historic, such as the fountain at Court Square (originally a slave market and later the bus stop where Parks boarded that bus) and the Winter Building (where the Confederate leaders sent a telegram to their generals permitting them to fire upon Fort Sumter, which started the Civil War). But mostly it’s pretty bleak. Even the more modern government buildings at the end are really unattractive smorgasbords of too many architectural styles.

The capitol building itself is fairly nice. The grounds are well-maintained, and they had the decency to remove the Confederate flags from their massive monument to the Confederacy.... (Fittingly I had the disgust of seeing Jeff Sessions pass by as I was photographing the monument.) The building has undergone several expansions and renovations and even tho there has been some attempt to restore original details, it still looks like the interior came from Julia Sugarbaker of “Designing Women.” The walls are mostly painted pink and lavender, and the carpeting and chandeliers are quite... ornate. The original Senate chamber is where the Confederacy was born, and the front steps are where Jefferson Davis was sworn in as president. (Over one hundred years later, MLK would address 25,000 supporters from those steps after they walked in protest from Selma, the first attempt ending in the police severely beating the marchers.) Weirdly I think I saw maybe three people working in the entire STATE CAPITOL, not to mention the dozen I saw walking around the city for an hour. It is sleepy there....

Montgomery has an interesting way of addressing its dual history as the birthplace of both the Confederacy and the Civil Rights Movement. The public signage is notably impassive: “This happened here. This happened there.” Of course true objectivity doesn’t exist-- they use “secede” and “secession” a lot, rather than, say, “rebel” and “traitor”-- but I do think the state has struck the right chord. They know how divisive their history continues to be. They clearly just want to acknowledge historic events and keep the government neutral in these heated discussions, a wise lesson for Alabama. (My biggest gripe is that I saw nothing acknowledging that Montgomery began as an important port for slave trading. Even the sign at the riverfront only mentioned that the port traded a lot of cotton, grain “and other commodities”.)

The non-state sites, such as the Rosa Parks Museum and the Lynching Memorial, stir enough passion to make up for the official indifference. My next stop was the National Civil Rights Memorial, an homage to 40 people who died as martyrs during the Civil Rights struggle, Some of them were active protestors; others were bystanders whose deaths helped propel the movement. Some are familiar, like Medgar Evers, Emmett Till and MLK; others are unknown. The terrifying, harrowing personal stories hit hard. Outside of the museum is a water sculpture designed by Maya Lin (of the Vietnam War Memorial) that is solemn and dignified, while its flowing water and circular design suggest the struggle has always been happening and continues to this day.

After this it was time for lunch at Dreamland, a small Alabama BBQ chain that was as delicious as it was friendly. It’s in an area just northwest of downtown by the riverfront that is undergoing a promising, well, gentrification. It’s full of beautiful old brick factories and warehouses that are being restored and converted into lofts, galleries, restaurants, bars, etc. It sounds tragic to coastal ears, but I think Montgomery could really benefit from development that draws in young people. And the restorations look remarkable.

After lunch I walked to Old Alabama Town, a collection of small old homes spread across several blocks that display what the city used to look like (I’m not sure when exactly). It was cute and charming but not architecturally noteworthy and hardly worth the walk over. I went back, past the Hank Williams statue, and popped over to the riverfront, also not worth the walk (at least not on a grey winter day).

My last stop was back at the Rosa Parks Museum to see the “grown-up” wing I missed before. It’s one of these museums that makes you sit through various presentations rather than proceed at your own pace. I’m not a fan of that, especially when I’m tired and trying to get to Mobile before the rain and dark arrive. The first video describes life for blacks under segregation and explains how the bus segregation was the most hated of all, which was actually pretty interesting. It tells Rosa Parks’ backstory as well, but although it explains how she worked with the NAACP, it glosses over how much of her protest was plotted in advance so that the museum can stick to the “just a tired lady on the bus” narrative. Once that video ends, some doors open and lead the viewers into a room designed to look like a bus stop, complete with the shell of an old bus. In the windows a video is playing, and for the next ten minutes actors in the video recreate the scene when Parks wouldn’t give up her seat. It sounds weird-- and it was-- but somehow it works. (Fun fact: under city law Parks was allowed to sit where she was and did not have to give up her seat, tho neither she nor the driver was aware.) Unfortunately I had to skip the self-guided history of the boycott (which is really the best part) because my meter was running out. I also decided to skip the Lynching Memorial’s sister Legacy Museum. It sounds amazing, but I wanted to get on the road and frankly, it sounds really depressing, and I had had enough for the day.

I then left for Mobile (to be continued) and while I was having dinner there I caught up on the news of the day. It turns out that while I was touring Montgomery’s and Alabama’s tortured history of discrimination, the US Supreme Court handed down a decision in the case of Domenique Rey. Rey is a Muslim man on death row in... Alabama. After exhausting his appeals, he asked that an imam be allowed to pray with him during his execution. The state told him that only the officially sanctioned (Christian) chaplain would be allowed. Rey appealed, citing the Constitution’s anti-establishment clause which forbids the government from favoring any religions. The Eleventh Circuit stayed his execution but the US Supreme Court decided against him. The new conservative majority of five thought that because his petition arrived just weeks before the execution, he was only trying to delay it (nevermind that he filed as soon as he learned the imam would not be allowed). Even many conservative commentators think this will go down as one of the Court’s worst decisions, along with Dred Scott and Plessy (which I learned about on the time machine bus tour!). Curiously, after the Eleventh Circuit stayed the execution, Alabama figured the jig was up so they changed the rule so that no clergy of any faith would be allowed to comfort the condemned during an execution. This echoes the state’s tactics during the fight against segregation, when they closed parks, pools, schools, etc. rather than integrate them. Alabama, will you ever grow up?!

[neijayah]

Seoul, day 5 - back to school and they left us (again) ㅠㅠ

Thursday was regular school again. The announced Typhoon 'Kong-Rey' (태풍 '콩레이'), which I heard about first time around Tuesday or Wednesday, sent us rain showers. Regular ones, if I have to compare that to rain showers in Germany. Though, for the southern part of the country they had predicted more than 200 millimeters of rain. Busan had heavy storms at their costal lines. But nonetheless people wandering around in kind of flip-flops....with and without socks, though pavements were wet and with a lot of puddles, they actually walked through. Strange Koreans. The good thing though, you don't have to stay out in the open most of your time. When using the subway, you spend all your time in the underground anyway. Only for getting from the station to your school/working place will be wet. And this also on a minimal basis, as I already said, subway stations have several exits. And the one I'm using takes up about 10 Minutes to get from the entrance to the train itself. You don't even have to leave the station/underground as a lot of them have malls for shopping like clothes, food, accessories, mobile phones and what not. And you can also use them to stay dry. Sometimes you have to use them, to get over big street crossings the fastest.

Unfortunately, mine is set out with a tile floor. The wet weather and the water that is brought in with the shoes and umbrellas makes the entrances/exit areas quite slippery. So watch out.

So after having October 3rd off (National Foundation Day, something similar to the Germany holiday, even on the same date), school was calling again. First class was working online with a provided iPad. Pretty cool actually. I will remember that for my teacher. Maybe we can get excess to that tool, as well. Afterwards communicating lessons in a lounge like class room, than having a break for an hour. So I looked around if one of these small shops like CS, GS25, 7-Eleven have to offer face masks. My throat was still itchy and my Korean teacher from home told me to gurgling with mouthwash, or keep a face mask on, all the time, when you're out in the open. And I actually found some in the one next door. Though I hoped, the rain will wash that stuff away. I was going around with face masks on a daily basis at work already. Didn't need to feel like I was at work here in Korea.

Back to school, with a lesson on listening comprehension and a lecture about the alphabet. Totally not necessary for me, but nice to now the letters names. We also made a small riddle. We had a list of words (short and long) and someone had to name the consonants of each syllable and we had to search for that word. Kinda fun. After that, again at least 1 hour of waiting time, as we had an evening excursion. I took the time to wander around and find that Isaac toast shop, so I could find a way to easily get there. Unfortunately, I wasn't hungry. Otherwise, I would have brought on. They fill you up so bad, that you have to be careful.

The way things are organized here, impresses me really much and other countries could learn from that. Every excursion is announced on the EF app. So you know, where and when things will happen, what it costs and if the event is full or some places are still open. If there are still places open, you can join the event via this app. So they actually know, who will join the excursion/event. Pretty cool. Unfortunately, an event I would have liked to join was a concert on next Tuesday. A K-Pop concert somewhere south of Seoul "World Friends Music Festival". It's for free, you will just have to pay for the transit. And know I see, 3 places are open again. ㅠㅠ The last time I looked up, everything was full. So I didn't mind that the sister of my Korean teacher had to cancel the Wednesday meeting and postponed it to Tuesday. Well, just my luck that I won't be able to join that either. The line up will be iKon, ASTRO ❤️, Momoland and a few more. Really would've liked to see Astro live.

So back to the excursion. Our guide, the lady from the front desk, told us that she'd been out from home for over 12 hours already. Poor thing had to fight not to fall asleep on us while the ride. We talked a bit while the commute. She was also the one doing the Gangnam Street Tour with us on the first day. She told us, that she was still living at home, like most women in their 20s do, just because they cannot afford living on their own.

We went via metro, what else and left at City Hall. This way you just have to walk like 100 meters to reach Deoksugung Place (덕수궁 약사). It was a night tour, which is something you should for every historical building in the city. It looks so stunning and pictures come out even more beautiful, than in daylight. The entrance fee is 1000 Won, approx. $ 1 or less than € 1.

Some strange music was coming from somewhere, we didn't know yet. But the atmosphere at that small place was just awesome. You didn't know, where to take pictures first. You just wanted to take pictures of these buildings from all angles. And the best part was actually the contrast to the modern buildings behind that area.

Then we found something that seemed like a fountain, without water. The light, that shone on it changed the color and gave it a different atmosphere each time. Though we (2 girls and I) were there just like 5 minutes, our group was gone. And we couldn't find them anymore.

We searched the whole area, which isn't really big. But no one was there anymore. I tried to reach out for them via KakaoTalk, but hadn't received any answers. But the internet access in that area, even with Wifi egg, was pretty bad. We left the park and waited at the entrance of the palace and watched the performance going on over the street. A huge tower crane had like 20 people hanging on a rope. First we thought they were mannequins, but it turned out to be real people moving in a certain choreography. And suddenly, right behind them fireworks started. A nice surprise. Due to that, I couldn't hear our guide calling us, via KakaoTalk. But she picked us up a few minutes later. They all were obviously at that Street Art Festival for a while.

After that we continued our tour to get to Gwanghwamun (광화문) via the restorated Cheong Gye Cheon (청계천). The Cheong Gye Cheon used to be a small stream running stream until 1958.

Till 1976 they built a massive highway complex on it, until 2003 the former mayor decided to remove the highway and restore the stream.

You can actually walk for miles, but as it was pretty late already and some of us have a long ride to their guest families ahead, we decided to shorten it and leave the trail at the next possible exit.

She showed us, where to find what metro line, so we all went our ways. One other student joined me on the way home. The only disadvantage of taking line 2 is, that it takes like ages to get to Gangnam station. Line 3 would have been faster, but than you have to change lines, which includes taking a lot of steps.....meh. 😑

We both went into the 'Paris Baguette' store, it's something between store and fast food restaurant....don't ask me how to name it better. I got myself ice creme, as it has gotten so warm again throughout the evening. Though, Koreans are on the extreme sweet side on food and drinks, this was pretty good. Not too sweet and not too extreme in taste, like Germans probably like it. This local is really good, when you want something from your known food list. Especially, when like some students, you're here for half or a full year.

I went to bed like 2 o'clock, which wasn't so bad, as next days' classes would start half past 1 pm. So I could catch up on sleep.

[mikumanogi-blog]

2021-09-09 “Love is” Hayakawa Seira blog [ENG]

Everyone, good evening!

I’m 21-year-old Hayakawa Seira from Osaka. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Are you feeling well everyone?

 Since becoming September Tokyo has suddenly become cold.

Is it wearing long sleeves at night cold?

I’m not even wearing short sleeved pajamas I’m wearing long pants. The clothes I bought in the spring have become a little bit short and so I kind of want something that fits me nicely.

Recently I’ve been thinking that I’ve become a little bit more mature, and I’ve started to like fall.

I used to really dislike the autumn chill which felt like the end of summer but recently the reason for me to like autumn have increased because of things like ‘I want to eat pacific saury’ and ‘It’s not hot’ and ‘sweet potatoes’.

I want to eat pacific saury with sudachi and grated daikon! I also want to stuff my face with delicious white rice!

On top of that I want to dig for sweet potatoes! Mushrooms are also delicious, it’s definitely the season of good appetite ^ ^

 Ah!

By the way, I went to the art museum. It’s also the best season for enjoying art.

When I was in high school, I frequently went to the art museum by myself, but I haven’t been able to go much recently. When I went for the first time in a long time it was so much fun, it makes me want to go again. I like those moments when you lose all track of time while staring at a painting. Recently I’ve also been using the audio guides and it makes it even more interesting.

I promise you that I bought postcards that I didn’t intend to buy or use.

Right now, at the Tokyo National Museum in the Hyokeikan the ‘four seasons of Nogizaka46’ is open. If you’d like, please come and feel the autumn of art with Nogizaka46.

Which means, Tada!!

My birthday shirt. My work of art?

It’s cute isn’t it〜

This year I made it a simple “t-shirt showing not enough love’

It didn’t make it in time for the previous individual online meet and greet so if you like you can wear it to the next meet and greet with me!

 The last online meet and greet was the last one for the 27th single. During this single as well I received many words of thanks from everybody. I was very glad, thank you very much.

Even though it’s just a little thing, there were many people that made me feel happy, many people that congratulated me, kindly asked if I was ‘okay’, they showed off Mother Nature for me, they showed or performed something to me, I can’t write about it all but the time that we spent together really cheered me up.

The first time we did the online meet and greet it was overwhelming and there were many things I couldn’t get accustomed to, but I was able to get through all of those things thanks to all of my fans ^ ^

I’m looking forward to having fun with everyone during the 28th single! Please continue to look after me〜

 The last online meet and greet I was a,

1st time slot: Aichi Tour t-shirt wearing big sister

2nd time slot: Fukuoka Tour t-shirt wearing big sister

3rd time slot: polka dot blouse wearing big sister

4th time slot: yellow blouse wearing big sister

5th time slot: purple dress wearing big sister

^ ^

If you have a hair or clothing request, please let me know in the comments.

As always, thank you very much ☺︎

 ☀︎☀︎☀︎☀︎announcements☀︎☀︎☀︎☀︎

☀︎Nogizaka46’s 28th single ‘Kimi ni Shikarareta’ will go on sale Wednesday September 22nd.

The 28th single ‘Kimi ni Shikarareta’ will go on sale this month.

https://youtu.be/1_oWkusqP4Q

↑Please make sure to check out the MV

I’d be happy if you were to listen to the unit song I’ll be participating in ‘Moshimo Kokoro ga Toumei nara’. I’m pleased to announce that the ballots for the online meet and greet have concluded. I received a lot of applications, thank you very much! I’m very happy! I’m looking forward to talking with everyone ^ ^ You can check the details of the national event information among other information whenever online. Thank you very much.

-TV-

☀︎ Nogizaka Star Tanjo! Nippon TV every week on Mondays at 25:29.

It’s a tv show where the 4th generations are challenged to sing hit songs from the Showa and Heisei era. Last week I sang Toshinobu Kubota.  ‘LA・LA・LA LOVE SONG’ with Rei-chan and Yuna. I really like this song and I’m glad I was able to sing it.

This week, I’ll be performing Ushirogami Hikaretai-san’s “Toki no Kawa o Koete’. To tell you the truth ‘setsuna shojo’ song ‘Anata o Suki na Kimochi ha Dare ni mo Tsutaezu Hakaba made Motteiku’ from Nogizaka skits is made using the motif from ‘Toki no Kawa o Koete’. I’m glad that even though it’s on a different show I can perform again as a member of ‘Setsuna Shojo’ ^ ^

To those that missed the last episode please check it out on Hulu!

https://www.ntv.co.jp/nogistar/

↑details can be found here!

-Radio-

☀︎INNOVATION WORLD (KYOCERA TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE) J-Wave, Every week on Fridays around 21:40.

In September the creative director, editor, Hakuhodo’s company executive, and Hakuhodo Kettle’s executive creative director Koichiro Shima held an online futuristic lecture!

http://radiko.jp/share/?t=20210903200000&sid=FMJ

↑If you like you can listen to last week’s lecture

☀︎Radirer! Sunday NHK Radio 1, Sunday September 12th between 20:05-22:55

During the Paralympics, Next Radirer! Sunday both Tamura Mayu-chan and me will be appearing. Everyone, let’s have a fun time ^ ^ There will be a lot of topics from the mail that we receive and so I’m really looking forward to it.

https://www.nhk.or.jp/radirer/

I’ll be waiting for a lot of mail

☀︎The Hit Studio Every Wednesday at 24:00 on MBS Radio.

Next week, Takada Shu-san, Hasamatsu Ikumi-san and me will having a fun conversation together! Recently our theme has been trending topics! Of course, the people in Kansai and in other regions can listen to it on ‘radiko’.

I’ll be waiting for your mail, messages and opinions!

https://cgi.mbs.jp/cgi-bin/form/mail/hitsui.cgi

↑you can send them here!

http://radiko.jp/share/?t=20210909000000&sid=MBS

↑I’ll be taking a break this week but if you want to hear enjoyable conversations make sure to listen ^ ^

 ☀︎Enecle presents everyday Zakiyama Special on FM Nack5 on Saturday September 18th from 12:55-14:55

I visited the untouchable Yamazaki-san’s program with Kaki! It was very fun, and we talked about a lot, I’d be glad if you were to listen to it. The topic on Kaki and Zakiyama-san’s common features, I personally feel, hit the mark ^ ^ Please look forward to it

-Magazine-

☀︎Platinum FLASH, currently on sale.

This is the first time since becoming 16 members that we’ve got a picture together on the front cover! I’m very grateful. Unexpectedly, it’s a special feature that extends 100 pages. I’d be happy if you were to check it out. There is a special appendix with a 4th generation member clear file attached! Please check it out.

☀︎Young Gangan, currently on sale

This year I was once again able to have a gravure published in Young Gangan! Tsutsui Ayame-chan is on the front cover ^ ^

Please check it out!

☀︎blt graph. On sale Friday September 17th.

I was able to publish a solo gravure! Iwamoto Renka-san is on the cover. If you’d like please check it out ^ ^ I’ll post a behind the scenes picture soon!

 !!! The unreliable Q&A!!!

·         Seira-chan do you want to go to Russia?

→As I’ve said before, watching ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre is one of my small dreams!

Unreliable

·         Once Basirou is grown up what food will you make with it?

→I want to make a pizza! Once Basirou is grown I’m going to my best to knead the pizza dough.

Unreliable

·         Is there anything in Tokyo that you feel has infected you since moving there?

→I’m no longer impressed but people stopping taxies in the middle of the road.

Unreliable

·         Are there any songs that you listen to on the veranda at night that make you feel melancholic?

→I’ve recently been addicted to the song called ‘day and night’

·         What anime comes to mind when people say, ‘old nostalgic anime’?

→Ashita no Nadja, nostalgic isn’t it ^ ^ I loved it 〜

Unreliable

 As always, thank you for all the comments! I always enjoy reading them. Thank you for cheering me up ☺︎

Please have a wonderful autumn evening.

Thank you for reading until the very end.

 See you soon! !

2021.9.9 Serra

https://blog.nogizaka46.com/seira.hayakawa/2021/09/063070.php

[octranslations]

Haiiro no Ginka Volume 1

Haiiro no Ginka Volume 1

Translation Credits:

All translations credited to mbear

Dir en grey in Okinawa

1st Day From corresponding airports?Naha Airport?Hotel Night: Dir en grey Welcome Night

2nd Day Own free time until evening Special Event with Dir en grey

3rd Day Own free time until the party Dir en grey Last Night Party

4th Day Free time until departure time Naha Airport?Haneda Airport

8/5 Welcome Night

All 182 people joined the first day at Okinawa Welcome Night. It was certainly a wonderful plan where members handed over to each person a special sign-up privilege but on top of that, as an added thing for the trip, there were souvenir photos taken with the members. From the first day is it okay to have such a great idea?

For that night, the 3, Kyo, Kaoru and Die were encouraged to do an acoustic practice for the next day's Special Event. Before the departure, they quickly looked at popular songs and decided on adding Jetcoaster Romance. While listening to the KinkiKids CD that was bought at Haneda the 3 stayed in a room and did their best. Also, due to losing at Janken (rock, paper, scissors), Die's room became the practice studio.

8/6 Special Event

After everyone going out on their own free-time, they departed for Tomigusukujoushi-koen by bus. That was where the Special Event would be held. In the treasure hunt there are signed souvenir/memorabilia items, members' Polaroids, and hand-drawn postcards (sent to homes). People who didn't find any would get to shake the hands of the members, and there were lots of presents.

After the treasure hunt, everyone went to the barbecue. The members went around to everyone's seat as they ate? At the watermelon breaking, Kyo who missed (the watermelon) ate bitter melon deliciously(?). Shinya kind of scratched it and escaped from the weird bitter melon and Toshiya excellently hit the watermelon.

And what you have been waiting for, during the Acoustic Live, they played 3 songs: Jealous, Garden, and the song they practiced so hard the day before, Jetcoaster Romance.

After that, during the fireworks fest, each member had to light a firework and Die made a special immediate announcement, "Let's all go to the beach tomorrow!!" and the day was finally wrapped up to a close. Dir en grey rode on a cart and disappeared into the Okinawan night.

8/7

As Die's quick decision from yesterday, they went to the beach. From noontime they went to Ginowan beach... Under the sunny sky, Die, Kyo and Shinya were absorbed in playing beach volleyball and badminton. Toshiya and Kaoru, who were late from shopping also joined in. And in an indies station a familiar D.Tommy came with a beer in one hand and had a match with the members at badminton and etc. (Laugh)

Last Night Party

This last day in the Okinawan Trip's last event is the Last Night Party. While listening to Dir en grey BGM it was dinner time. In the question and answer corner there was a question box prepared with questions gathered up from the people and whatever question the members picked, they would answer. For bingo, there were a lot of presents prepared, presents from members, presents from a knot, and presents from the manager and etc. For those who didn't get any prize on the Okinawa trip  they had to play Janken and the last remaining person joined the members for cocktails. And finally, each and every person who joined got a polaroid picture taken with the 5 members. Isn't it such a wonderful memorabilia?

It was a 4 day-3 night short trip but did you enjoy it? Were you able to see the members there differently from lives? Next time we will be thinking more of different events so please expect more fun.

Afterwards

More than a fan and band members, we were able to enjoy it like friends. To all the staff and band members thank you for giving me the 3 days that were like a dream.

I really had fun and I was so glad I came. My back and shoulders are stinging from the sunburn but it was such a great memory.

The best thing that was left in my mind was when Die looked at my hair and said to me, "Nice color".

For me this trip was this summer's biggest event.

It wasn't all but fun stuff but it was the best when I was able to talk to my favorite Toshiya.

Until now I have been going to their lives alone so this time I made a lot of friends and the next live will be something to look forward to.

During the lighting of fireworks, the members were busy lighting them that it was sad they weren't able to play. But Kyo looked like he played.

Thank you everyone ? Great job. I really like Kaoru? Thank you.

I thought that Shinya can only eat jellies and Kombos (cereal), I was surprised he ate a lot of meat.

There is only one copy of the polaroid picture that we took on the last night so I will really treasure it.

(Bottom comments left to right)

It was three days of happy explosive power. We want to go again somewhere.

It was a great fun and happy 4 day(trip). I had fun with Shinya's beach volleyball. Please do it again next time.

It was great fun to play beach volleyball with Shinya and the others. It was good that Die let me in as the final person and got fired up.

We were so happy that we were able to play with the members at the beach. It was good we came and we made more friends.

It was really fun playing with the members at the beach. It was unexpected to see a certain face who went all the way to Okinawa?

It was fun to see another side of the members and we were able to talked with them. Time passes by quickly when you have so much fun and we miss it.

Kyo Akuma ka warumono ka

Barter/Exchange Corner

The Batsu necktie(the previous type, not the one with the butterfly numbers, the one with the alphabet B) that I wore during "I'll" is gone. That being said, please exchange it with the precious leather thong bracelet I wore for the entire tour. (300 yen) There is a possibility of more than one winner. Best regards.

Crime 2 Hirai Rei No. 01120

During grade 5, in my teacher's school lunch's  soup, I was able to put in an acorn with a unknown white insect in the acorn and gave it to the teacher. The teacher finished all of it.

(Kyo) That's cute but still very young(green).

Crime/Evil Meter 50% Lowest point akuma highest point warumono

Crime 1 Ishizaki Izumi No. 02542

The worst thing I have done so far was passing my divorce papers all crumpled up to the local city office. In the divorce papers, it was even properly filled-up and signed. A sorry thing.

(Kyo) That's great. You rock as a person who's hurting.

Crime/Evil Meter 80%

Die Meisyo de Meisyu in Kanezawa

Wait, wait~ Am I not cool today as well~

Today's drinking venue

Today's entry-

Today's famous drinks

1. Fukumasamune: Sweet. Easy to drink. Right to the taste. Smooth on the throat. (By Shinya) Score: 7

2. Tetorimonogatari: Bit of a twist. Probably a bit dry. Don't like it that much. There's a bit of a stanch. (By Shinya) Score: 2

3. Manzairaku: Not too sweet, not too dry. The after-taste is very much like Japanese shochuu (By Toshiya) Score: 5 [Tastes] like water (By Shinya)

4. Tengumai: Definitely sweet the after-taste is refreshing. Ah...my tongue became numb. This is the best (By Shinya) Score: 4

5. Kikuhime: Not sweet. It's a bit sour. The after taste is bad. (By Shinya) Score: 3 Toshiya doesn't seem to like it.

And it has started. My corner "Meisyo de Meisyu" so say my corner's main gist is to go to a famous place and drink famous (alcoholic) drinks.

As to say I really don't understand it much so, I will go to a place that I wanted to go to and drink delicious alcohol and report about it.

This time we went to Kanezawa. We are currently in a middle of a tour and today's live at Kanezawa's AZ Hall is over.

As a special guest, Shinya came and I told him not to bring Toshiya but he still did.

So today, we have 5  bottles of Nihonsyu prepared for us and we will be comparing each of its taste. But... Shinya, it's okay to drink alcohol but please stop drinking ahead of me when it's my corner and start saying "This is good, this is bad."... And Toshiya...Please stop saying that "I'm already drunk today." after drinking only 2 frozen strawberry cocktails (More so, you were bothering Shinya being happy as always.)

Well, if I tell the kids reading this that this alcohol is good or such, even if I say it's good, it's probably not interesting so only the people who are curious should try drinking it.

Personally, I don't like Nihonsyu though. And so, it's short but this is the end. Next time, I will look for a new place to go. And I want to dig deeper for something more interesting to do, so wait until the next time. See you next week!! U-hoho~i!! "Voice of Heaven" The Nihonsyu that were made from delicious water in the northern regions were excellent. We are grateful that ROSE BAY CLUB prepared 5 bottles for us. It was a after a live so Die had unruly(exploding) hair but, he tasted each kind carefully for us. Because of this, everyone slowly became done... Because of the rain we weren't able to go to a lot of those so called famous places but anyway, it was a tourist attraction though... So please look forward to the next time.

Hello everyone. This corner has begun from this time but, for the time being it's the first time so I think I will go lightly.  First of all, from the first postcard, because it said "Please try something other than Kombos. Tell me how they are." I immediately ate various kinds.

First, "Corn Frosty": They were sweeter than I thought.  I like Kombos because it's sweet and these are sweet too. But the taste is only so-so. Next was "Chocowa": They were hard. Also the flavor wasn't sweet and I didn't feel like eating them a second time. And next was "Choco Krispy": the flavor is delicious.  It's about the same level as Kombos.  But because they're made of wheat, even if you eat a bowl full it's not enough.  It feels like it won't give enough morning energy. Next is ordinary "Cornflake": This is out of the question. I never ate them and I will never eat them. And finally, "Toppin Choco": They looked very much like Kombos.  they're cornflakes with chocolate chips but the taste was different. They weren't really sweet.  But they were okay. Now, the second postcard....But, the deadline for this column has already past and because I don't have time I can't write.  Because I'm always seeking more letters, please go ahead and send them. So let's meet again.   Sayounara.

Translator's Note: Kombos, Corn Frosties and the like are Kellogg's cereals in Japan. Tony the Tiger is on the "Corn Frosty" box, the picture of which is helpfully included in the magazine.

Ganso Kaoru Ya

Welcome(Irasshaimase), "Ganso Kaoru ya" is now OPEN. This shop is a shop that presents very artistic items. Otherwise known as a museum. This time not a lot of entries were made so I will introduce and add my own stuff and stuff from the office.

("My Love, the toys") Toys are good. Looks like there are a lot but please put more of it.

My Cellphone strap +? (plus alpha) It's heavy...

My house's characters. Things I received, things I received from Mr. Asakura and the others and others that I bought myself.

Our office's Chi-un's PC monitor area. I want the Manson Card at the bottom that can be received when you buy something at HMV. This is where our advertising designs are born.

The cactus, "...". I am looking for a name for it. Together with everyone let's see over its growth.

This is not a Gundam!

DESIRE Banzai(long live)! IYUKIYA Banzai!

This is my friend from Nagoya's band, Kein. It's a tape with 2 songs. Both songs are very cool so please listen to it and go see them live.

TOTAL INFORMATION [KIRche] Nagoyaken Nagoyashi Nakamura-ku Taibundoori 9-24-10 TIM 202

This month's Heavy Rotation

SPRIGGAN Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

ROB ZOMBIE Hellbilly Deluxe

MARILYN MANSON Mechanical Animals

Toshiya Kalt Ruine (Temporary)

And so Toshiya's corner has begun but no title has been decided upon. So everyone please think more for a title and send it to "a knot"'s "Name for Toshiya's Corner Submission!!" I will be waiting for a lot of entries!! Until then, there is none yet so, it will always be this temporary title... Oh! Our corner looks like some (TV) program (Laugh)

Sept. X (WED) We had a photo shoot for a teens level magazine. We had the photoshoot in Harajuku but when this newsletter comes out they might not sell it anymore(Laugh) so please check it out. We had the photoshoot on the roadside shops and there was one that sold a necklace with studs and it was so cute.

Sept. X (THU) Today is interview day. There was a plan by RockLove-san at MGAZETTE for cosplay check awards and they will decide the best winner. The fan's interest(spirit) was communicated. Next was the GB interview and finally the SHOXX's meeting. And today's work was done.

Sept. X (SAT) Today was a new song's pre-production. I put in the bass for 1 song only and it was done.

Sept. X (SUN) It's pre-production for today as well. Everyone did a good job.

Sept. X (MON) At 19:00 (7pm) we had a meeting with SHOXX's Goto-san. Each and every person discussed what they wanted to do with the Cameraman-san and Goto-san. Please do your best to make it a good thing Goto-san!

Sept. X (WED) Today we did the TD of a LIVE at the Sun Plaza for Musoukogaigeki. In the middle of it, I went with Kaoru to the game center and played UFO catcher and got more than half of the poster prize and went home. I had fun.

Sept. X (MON) Today there was a great amount of interviews. First was "CD Skit," next, "Parshasu," next was "Hair and Face," next was "L Teen," next was "Rakudasu," and next was "POP BEAT" and finally "SHOXX"...as expected it was tiring. From morning to evening it was interviews.

Sept. X (TUE) We had a photoshoot for the end of October SHOXX. The photoshoot involved us being inside coffins and each person each had a different motif. For me, there was honey being dropped from above and I became sticky. So enjoy the next SHOXX. After the shoot we checked the video and went home.

Sept. X (WED) We all went to a certain place in Tokyo to buy shoes. There wasn't anything that was good so in the end I didn't buy anything. (So if there are any shoes that would look good on me, everyone please think about it.) After shopping, it was the Kakugaigeki video check and we went home.

Sept. X (THU) Today we got artist pictures taken and everyone had a NEW costume. This time's costume was made with the image of "Wings". They used "Mermaid(Half-fish)" parts for the hand and leg part of this. How do you like the the sea-to-air transformation? Personally, I really like it. This time's costume's name is "WING" (Just the way it is (Laugh)) Thank you ID-JAPAN for making it. After the photoshoot we checked the Kakugaigeki and went home.

Sept. X (FRI) Today we recorded the comment for the Japanese on-air "Ultra COUNT DOWN", had an "Arena 37" interview, had a meeting for Nihon Budoukan, went to TBS, and taped "Pop File". It was a bit hard(schedule). Then, we went to the convenience store, bought food and on the way home when I thought there was a call, there was an order from the office to urgently meet up. And suddenly, in order to compose, we were imprisoned in a certain hotel in the city and there was an order that we could not go out unless it was important and then, all the members were stuffed in the hotel!! It sounded like a lie but it was real and I almost went nuts. (Cry)

Sept. X (SAT) Morning, when I woke up, it was the hotel.(Laugh) As expected, yesterday's events were not a dream and a sigh came out...However there was something more shocking that happened. Believe it or not! When I was washing my face in the basin , one of my contacts got flushed away!! GA-N!! It wasn't there since morning. It was a great shock. Then I had to go to Killer so I got permission and left the hotel. Yaaay! After I went to the office, I went to the contact lens maker, there were contacts that were ready-made but they said it would take 1 week to make, I was shocked. Moreover they said that my pupils were bigger than normal so they had to make a special order and it will be a bit pricier and I was shocked for the second time. Then I went to Killer and had a meeting and discussion with Fujita-san about the equipment I needed to buy. Then, I went home to that cold hotel.

Sept. X (SUN) It's the third day of living in that hotel and we were given the order that we could go home and finally our imprisoned life was over but we ended up going to the studio to do the TD of Musoujyuukakugeki. During TD I fell asleep. I'm sorry.

Sept. X (MON) Today is the meeting and artist photo check and SHOXX's photo check. Goto-san brought his most bragged about toy and lets us play with it. The pictures were pretty good. And today ends there.

Sept. X (TUE) We went to the studio at 6:00PM for checking Musoukakugaigeki and TD. I think we were able to make something weird. So we ended up going home the next day at 10:00AM. Everyone did a good job.

Sept. X (THU) Today after a long time it's RH(rehearsal). We have certainly forgotten songs. I think we didn't practice much. And then, the guitar I asked Killer to make for my younger brother's present arrived. After the Shibuya Koukaijo(Public Hall) live, my younger brother who didn't have interest in being in a band told the thrilled me that he wanted to perform with a guitar, but then again, why guitar? Was he influenced by Kaoru or Die? As I thought, I was a bit irritated but anyway, I was very happy and I bought it and gave it to him as an older brother. Now I currently think of, "when will be the day that we'll perform together". (Laugh)

Sept. X (FRI) Today was rehearsals too. I want to do a live as soon as possible.

Sept. X (SAT) Today is rehearsals too. After rehearsals, it's been a long time since we called Konishi-san who took care of us during the pre-production of MISSA and he told me to come over to his place and I did. I went online and took a peek at Dir's homepage. (Laugh) I thought that I should buy a Mac and do internet! It was very fun.

Sept. X (SUN) After today's rehearsal we were on our way to "LAREINE"'s Nihonseinenkan Live but in the car I was the only one tired and left while waiting for everyone else to return. To everyone in LAREINE I am so sorry that I wasn't able to go to the LIVE!!

Sept. X (MON) For today's "Vicious" photoshoot we had to go into a certain place in the city inside a Japanese house. It was like going to my grandmother's house and I was filled with nostalgic feelings. Although there were a lot of mosquitoes there and bit me on the body so it's very itchy. There was a Shinya and I 2 shot. Again, we have done it.(Laugh) The concept was to make the readers of "Vicious" feel excited. They, as always, had many orders (Laugh) but in the worst case, Shinya and I are not "Homo" (Gay) so you guys over there don't misunderstand that please. (Laugh) After the "Vicious" photo shoot was the "Band Yarouze!"'s photo shoot. As for BanYaro's photo shoot, personally I was pretty happy. I think it's very nice that kids would copy and play our songs.

Sept. X (TUE) Today was interview day. First was "Vicious" and next was "Zipper". Personally, I read "Zipper" every month so I was a bit happy. After which was "FOOL'S MATE" and as usual, FuckingKatou-san's interviews are interesting and it was easier to speak to him. Next was "Clap X2"'s interview and the last was "Shelby"'s interview. As expected, I am sorry to Shelby-san but I was tired and I wasn't able to say much. Sorry! That is all for today. I'm tired.

Sept X. (WED) Today was the pre-production of the new song. In the middle of it, a call came to tell me that the equipment that I ordered before arrived and Manager Inoue went and got it for me but the "KORG" keyboard and the "TRINITY V3PLO X" was huge and was hard to fit in my house. (Laugh) After that I went to get my contacts and farewell to my glasses. And my "YAMAHA MTR MD8" arrived so I went home and quickly connected the TRINITY V3PLOX and as soon as sound came out I got into it. I am sure I was such a nuisance to my neighbors. (Laugh)

So, September is over. When everyone is reading this newsletter I wonder what I would be doing by then? Plus, I am writing this right now and it's October. Anyway, what do you think of Toshiya's first corner? I thought it's a bit too serious but from now on there will be more deviations so please until next time. So let's meet again in the next newsletter.

Toshiya's Design Room

November 2 TOUR Deep[sink], Deep[gaze], Deep[agonize], Deep[----] Final More Deep[sympathy] ~meet evil with evil~

Nihon Budokan

Kyo I wanted to sleep. I slept until the last two minutes before the live. The packed lunch was delicious. There were a lot of (band-related)guests. It was the first time we  had an after party in Tokyo. I let the very energetic fans see my hair. The reviews were bad. It was sad. I received a lot of sheep. I don't need it anymore. Cheers to the sheep.

Die The view that was visible from the stage was great. At that moment, I remembered the times that there were only a few audience members. When the SE(sound effect) started I was surprised by the loudness of the welcoming voices. I was nervous only when the SE started. Within the entire tour, Budokan was the easiest on physical power. (Because there was an electric fan from below.)

Kaoru The signage/billboard in front was good. The LIVE was good but for myself I wasn't good. the tour was so fun I caught a cold. I had a cold all the way to Budokan but my condition became better though. But as soon as the LIVE started i didn't give it any mind. It's been 4,5 years since I ran.

Toshiya Next time I want to come out with Die kun for Kendou. "Everyone should enjoy Kendo together" Next time it will be more fun.

Shinya Because of all the fans we were able to come all the way here so I am really thankful. Without everyone's support we won't be able to come all the way here. As for the indies' last LIVE it is only fitting to share this memorable day with this many people and I am really happy. Thank you very much.

NEWS

It's determined that they will have a major debut!!

Kaoru's Heartburn!? A certain day in November, in a studio in the city, Kaoru was discovered complaining of heartburn. As the result of the proceeding investigation, the asserted cause was the buttered potatoes (Jyagabata-) but it is nothing of great importance.

Kyo's Appeal(Imploration) Kyo is seeking all kinds of Getter Robo LDs (Laser Discs) and Kikaider01 LDs. He's been saying this for quite some time and seems to want both. Passionate Love Found!? In a certain resort place, there is an exciting shot of a passionate love triangle! Please take note of the three people after this.

Currently, Beef Bowl Curry the Secret Boom Currently Beef Bowl Curry is the boom among the members. The strange mix will get all minds stirring.

Show-off, Cutter This time it seems that Die is a cutter and Kaoru is a show-off. You can get the meaning of these words from listening to the new single so I would like you to listen to it.

[thunderstaruniversalenterprises]

Ch 2 New York and Karyson Wolfe

In an alley just outside Russo’s Grill in New York, Jamison Logan Reimeiko Thunderis McKagan Llewellyn threw the last of the night’s trash into the big trash dumpster outside.

[A few more hours here just to make this look good, then I can be glad to get home and back to my routine.] she thought.  As Knight Thunder, she and her Knights had helped to bust Raymond Fitzgerald, one of the biggest mob bosses and drug lords around.  For the last fifty generations, the Fitzgerald Crime family had been using their royal nobility and duchies to manufacture and run their illegal runners, claiming diplomatic immunity every time they got busted, so the International Crime busting Enforcers, or I.C.E as they were called, called on Knight Thunder and her Enforcers for help to bring the crime syndicate down by interrupting and catching the drug lord in the act of the transfer.  Jamison went undercover at Russo’s with the rest of her Knights close by.  But he was not just using Russo’s as his constant cover for drops.  But he was also taking Russo’s for everything they had in exchange for ‘protection’ against unruly vandals. “It is just another glamourous night in New York on a Saturday night taking out the garbage to the dumpster.”

“It could be worse.” Alex said. “There could be...RATS! Rei, Help.”

Jamison laughed. “Alexander, you are such a scaredy-cat. Do not tell me that you are afraid of this little mouse family.  They are just trying to get by the same as the rest of us.”

“Hey Reimeiko! Alexander!” Gregory snapped. “Quit slacking off out there.  I know that I told you to take out the trash, but now, I am telling you to wait on that bachelor party that just walked in.”

[This was not my idea of spending this Saturday night.] Jamison thought sourly. [I want to drop my Reimeiko cover, go back to Jamison McKagan Llewellyn, my husband Tristan and the rest of the ThunderStar Crew.  The last thing that I want to do is wait on a bunch of drunks who are going to be seriously grabby. I wish I were already gone.]

“Ah waitress, there you are.” one business suited man said. “We need your very best table.” 

Jamison had her back to them talking to Alex, having not noticed them yet. “You know what, forget the table.” Another man said. “Bring us whiskey and lots of it.”

“Rei, please take this one.” Alexander pleaded. “I have got a date tonight and I will never make it out of here in time to go home, change and meet Tracy.”

“You really want me to take this bachelor party?” Jamison asked. “Well considering how they are dressed; the tip might be insane.  But why do I get the rowdy tables?” But Alexander’s pleading gaze was her downfall. “Ugh, you so owe me one, Alex. Just go live your happily ever after for the both of us you dork.”

“I want to hear all about this tomorrow when you come in.” Alexander replied. “And Reimeiko, you are totally the best.”

“Are you still talking?” Gregory demanded. “I have seated them already. Now get to work and get over there before I dock your pay.” Ruffling, she headed over to the table where three of the men were sitting wanting to get the night over as quickly as possible.  If it had not been for Knight Thunder and her Knights being called into bust the mob boss, she would have been gone from this place hours ago.  But as it was, she had to stay in character until she would be able to clock out from Russo’s for good.  Taking a deep breath, she turned and made her way over to the table.

“Hello gentlemen.” Jamison said. “I am Reimeiko Thunderis and I will be taking care of you this evening.  The food and alcohol lists are both in the menus my manager gave you.  The closest thing we have to fillet anything is Russo’s famous deluxe burger.”

“We will be fine with your best bottle of whiskey and four deluxe burgers.” Derrick Werner announced. Jamison lifted a questioning brow at the mention of four when there were only three of them present.  He nodded behind her.  She turned around to see Tristan Llewellyn, but in the form of Karyson Wolfe.  As Reimeiko Thunderis, her heart got to pounding heavily.

[What the heck?] Jamison thought.  [He, as Tristan, is supposed to be in Arkansas.  I will have to check this out when I get the chance to break away from here.]

“I am sorry that I am late you guys.” Karyson said. “Thank you for your patience, Miss--”

“Reimeiko.” Jamison blurted without thinking. “I am Reimeiko Christyne Thunderis.”

“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Reimeiko.” he said, putting on his most charming smile.

“The pleasure is all mine.  It is nice to meet you too.” Jamison said, claiming her senses. “Let me get your orders in and I will be right back.”

Jamison went to turn the orders in and took a picture of the four men, Karyson included, then went into the back room to call and check in with Tristan to make sure she was not seeing things.  She sent him the picture while waiting for him to answer the phone.

“That is super weird, Jamie.” Tristan replied. “You can tell by the group GPS where I am.  I will get word to mom and dad and find out what they want us to do in this situation and they will update Reimeiko’s mom and dad about it too while I am thinking about it.”

“I will debrief them tonight after I get off here.” Jamison said. “I know I will need you and the Knights here on standby.  I got a feeling; I am going to need you guys super close.  Right now, I need to go my orders are up and ready.”

“The Knights and I will meet you at the New York apartment later tonight.” Tristan said. “Be careful Jamie.  I love you and we will see you soon tonight or tomorrow.”

“I love you too Tristan.” Jamison said. She disconnected the call and stuck her phone in her pocket before taking the orders to the table. Later, a little after closing, Jamison was wiping down the bar when she was tapped on the shoulder.  She turned around and came face to face with Karyson.  She still could not figure out how the two personas were suddenly two separate individuals.

“I think that we are about ready to head out.” Karyson announced. “I just wanted to thank you and to apologize. I know we kept you late and my friends can be seriously demanding.”

“Demanding? That is one way to put it.” She replied. “But it was nothing, I could not handle.  I have dealt with a big variety of characters before this.”

“I have a feeling that you could very easily take care of yourself.” He said with a smile. “If you do not have any plans tonight, then perhaps I can make it up to you by buying you a drink.  We are about to head out to a club here in town.  I was hoping you might have some recommendations on which one we might go to because we are not from around here.”

“I kind of figured you and your friends were not from around here.” She replied. “I was only here temporarily too; but I would recommend the hottest club in the jam, Destiny's Rose.”

“That sounds perfect.  I know that the guys want to really go crazy tonight.” Karyson said. “And I cannot think of anyone better as a tour guide than you Reimeiko.  Lead the way.”

“Okay, sure.” Jamison replied. “Let me finish up here and then I will meet you and your friends up front.”  She quickly finished the clean up around the room, texted Tristan and the Knights about the change of plans, then went into the break room to change clothes out of her uniform and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and groaned. “I am so ready to get out of my uniform and back to my life as Jamison McKagan.” She changed into a deep green club dress and matching heels.  She gathered her things into her bag as she would not be returning. “I am so ready to show this crew a good time their last night here.” 

She stepped out to see Karyson and his party waiting for her. Derrick Werner was the first one to notice her, shocked at her new look but quickly gathered himself. “Whoa Nellie, you look great.” Derrick gushed. “I almost did not recognize you.  That uniform was not doing you justice.”

“Yeah, the waitress is major hot.” Malachi Blanchard said with a bugged-out grin on his face.

“Her name is Reimeiko, and I doubt she appreciates you talking about her like that.” Karyson said angrily.

“You are right.” Malachi replied. “I am sorry Reimeiko. I meant to say that you look very lovely.  Now let us get this party started.”

“So, she is going to be our tour guide and is coming with us?” Terrence asked seriously. “This goes completely against the rules of royal protocol you know right?”

“Actually, we are going with her and she is picking our next destination.” Karyson replied. “She knows the area whereas we do not, and I want to see as much of it as we can before we return. She was kind enough to agree to show us around. She is doing us a favor so play nice.”

(I had almost forgotten how commanding Karyson could be under the circumstances.) Jamison thought to Tristan. (What do your parents think about this turn of events where Karyson is concerned?)

(All we know is that something way out of the ordinary is going on and we will be sent to investigate it.) Tristan replied. (We know what the outcome for Karyson and Reimeiko is and my mom and dad are meeting with yours and the Universal Council right now.  They should have a game plan for us soon.)

(So, for now, until we can get you and Karyson reconnected,) Jamison sighed. (Reimeiko is going to have to stay in the spotlight for now. Okay keep me posted.) A short time later, Jamison and the group arrived at the entrance of the Destiny Rose club and joined a long line of party goers waiting to get inside the club. “Here it is, the hottest club in town the Destiny Rose.”

“Yeah, I can tell by this line.” Malachi replied. “We are going to spend the rest of the night waiting for it.”

“Hey, I just knew where to go.” Jamison giggled. “How we get in is up to you guys.  Though, I do know one of the bands they have playing here.  They are one of the headliners for ThunderStar Enterprises and Universal.”

“Let me talk to the man at the door.” Karyson announced.  He walked up to the doorman and began speaking with him.  After a few minutes of the conversation, the doorman undid the velvet rope and gestured for Jamison and the group to follow and go inside the club Destiny Rose treated like royalty.

[politicalmamaduck]

The Last Shot

A Smuggler Ben Solo/Dark Side Rey arranged marriage fic for @the-reylo-void. Many thanks to @lariren-shadow for her inspiration, and @cosetteskywalker for the amazing moodboards!

Read it on AO3 here.

Chapter Eight: The Time in Between | Chapter Seven: The Negotiations | Chapter Six: The Duel | Chapter Five: The Discovery | Chapter Four: The Bargain | Chapter Three: The Bounty | Chapter Two: The Meeting | Chapter One: The Treaty

Rey could not wait to be far away from all the politicians and Resistance officials and left to her own devices, but the smuggler caught up to her as she was hurrying down the hallway to the turbolift up to her quarters.

“Rey, wait a moment, if you would.” He caught her arm, and Rey inwardly cursed his long legs. She was a tall woman, but he was still a head taller than her yet. She looked up at him, and gave him a glare filled with boredom and annoyance.

“I was wondering if you’d like to meet on Naboo early, to start discussing our married life. And we agreed to go on a mission together afterwards.”

“Yes, that’s fine,” Rey replied. It would get her away from Hux, at the very least. And she did want to see Naboo before she had to marry the smuggler and they would be expected to serve on some post-unity tour or other Republic nonsense.

“Now, about our comlink codes. I meant to get yours the other night. We’ll need to communicate without an intermediary, and if you wanted to practice learning Nubian, I’d be happy to.”

“That’s fine too,” Rey said, getting out her comlink. “I want to return to a regular training schedule ahead of the wedding; I’m sure I won’t be sent on any missions with my Knights in the meantime.”

Ben nodded, and they exchanged their codes.

It seemed to be a moment of finality for Rey; her fiance being able to contact her at any time made their impending nuptials finally seem real. There was no going back now; she was going to spend the immediate future with this man, whether she wanted to or not.

At least the wedding will be on Naboo, she thought. She knew her grandfather had no grave; his remains had been scattered to the stars above Endor. But still, she could pay her respects to both him and her parents, who had served there briefly before their assignment on Jakku.

She still knew very little about her own family history. She could see General Organa watching her and the smuggler from a safe distance, and the look of love and worry on her face cut Rey to the quick.

She stifled it under a mound of anger. She wanted to destroy another droid. That would serve to erase her brief moment of compassion.

“Well then?” she asked, looking up from her comlink to the smuggler once more.

“I guess I’ll see you next month,” he said, awkwardly shrugging and shoving his hands in his pockets. “A week before the wedding?”

“Very well,” Rey said, and turned away from him, heading back down the hallway towards the turbolift.

“Rey?” he asked again, and she rolled her eyes before turning around once more.

“May the Force be with you,” he said, then turned in the opposite direction. He offered his arm to his mother, and they headed down the hallway to their own side together.

The room service datapad in her suite was the next sacrifice to Rey’s rage as she howled alone in her quarters. She ignited her lightsaber and went through her forms, imagining shadows that she destroyed one by one.

On the other side of the hotel complex, Ben Solo and Leia Organa felt a wave of anguish and rage in the Force that could not be denied.

Ben sighed.

Leia gently placed her hands over his and squeezed.

“I hope I know what I’m doing,” he muttered.

“You do,” Leia said, with a sad smile.

The weeks between the end of the treaty conference and the wedding seemed to fly by. Rey returned to the Finalizer, avoiding Hux and the Supreme Leader. Phasma she saw only occasionally, usually when the captain was patrolling during early morning rounds. Rey devoted herself to her training with a new vengeance. She wanted to be prepared for anything that could happen when she began traveling with the smuggler. She would not let the First Order down, even though the peace conference’s events had left her irritated and unsure of where the Force was leading her.

Though she was not looking forward to spending time with the smuggler, she was looking forward to traveling through the galaxy. She hoped that she would be able to convince him to travel outside the usual hyperspace lanes to planets that suited her goals without making him suspicious. Malachor and Mustafar would be far too obvious, but perhaps he would be more understanding if she wanted to return to Jakku.

Rey wanted to know what exactly her parents had been doing stationed there. She had tried to ask Grand Admiral Sloane about her experiences on Jakku after she had become more acquainted with her, but the admiral remained tight lipped about the end of the war. She was more comfortable when Rey asked about serving under the Emperor, which was still useful information, but not everything that Rey needed and wanted to know.

After having defeated her seventh consecutive training obstacle course, complete with battle droid and Resistance troop simulations, Rey powered down her lightsaber and headed back to her quarters. She had a comm scheduled with the smuggler, and she wasn’t entirely sure what she would say. It had been a week since the treaty had been officially concluded, the Resistance having received approval from the New Republic, the First Order, and the Naboo government for the wedding and for the former senator to officiate. From what Rey had heard, the Nubians were overjoyed to host the wedding, hoping to increase tourism to the planet afterwards.

Hux had passed along various wedding dress designs from the galaxy’s finest couturiers, but Rey couldn’t help but roll her eyes at everything. She was not a princess, meant to be coddled and hidden behind voluminous fabric. She would have readily worn her basic everyday apparel, but was persuaded when the Queen of Naboo herself suggested her favorite designer.

The dress was ornate, yet elegant. Looking at old holos of her grandfather in his senatorial days, before becoming Emperor, and of Padme Amidala, Ben’s biological grandmother, it seemed to her that they would have approved of her choice. She would be able to carry her lightsaber with her and access it easily, should the worst occur. She would still have a full range of motion and fight off any attackers if need be, but she would look like “a proper bride”, as Hux put it.

She stopped Phasma one morning on her rounds and asked the other woman her opinion, even though Rey knew the captain would probably be buried in her chrome armor and likely had no apparel besides the standard First Order issue.

“I think it will suit the occasion, and it will suit you as well,” she said, saluting and then continuing on her route.

Now only a week remained before she was due to meet Ben on Naboo, and then another week until she would actually wear the dress and get married.

She sighed when she saw the smuggler’s name appear on her comlink.

Pressing accept, she surrendered her will to that of the Force.

“Bon dia,” he said, sounding as energetic as she had come to expect from him.

“Bon dia,” she replied.

[bluemagic-girl]

🔥10 Amazing Music Documentaries You Can Stream To Get Your Live Music Fix🔥

You might have been looking forward to your local venue’s latest concert series or a road trip to your favorite annual music festival this year. Unfortunately, it appears that most fans will have to get their live music from streaming documentaries for a while, at least.

The world of entertainment has had its fair share of awkward elbow rubbing with sociopolitical events, but never like the severity brought on by the Coronavirus. The global outbreak has resulted in movie studios putting their most anticipated releases on hold, the production of several films and TV shows halted, and, of course, the postponement of big music events such as Coachella and SXSW in hopes to procure public health.

If you are a concertgoer who can no longer go to the show or festival you had been waiting all year for, looks like it is time to start streaming. The following is a list of 10 documentaries (or should I say “rockumentaries”) that will most likely not help in finding a cure for the Coronavirus, but may at least quench your thirst for big, live, musical entertainment.

The Beatles: Eight Days A Week – The Touring Years (2016) You might find the claim, made mostly by adults in the 1960s, that rock n’ roll was dangerous to be utterly ridiculous, but, when you are a rock star, every day is a fight for survival. Just ask the Beatles, who played concerts for three of their eight years together. This documentary explains why.

Through archive footage of live concert performances and new interviews with the surviving members of the Beatles and their peers, director Ron Howard reveals the secrets behind the band’s brief touring career, which proved to be a severely distressing time for everyone involved, from a hectic schedule to obsessive audience members who redefine the meaning of “rowdy.” The Beatles: Eight Days A Week – The Touring Years is a must for fans of John, Paul, George, and Ringo, especially those were there to witness the chaos firsthand. Stream it on Hulu here.

Homecoming: A Film By Beyoncé (2019) My heart goes out to those burned by the postponing of Coachella, who now have to wait until October to see the likes of Rage Against the Machine, Lana del Rey, and even Danny Elfman perform at the annual festival held in Indio, California. Fortunately, if you have a Netflix subscription, you can get the next best thing right now.

Homecoming invites fans to relive Beyoncé’s now iconic performance at Coachella in 2018, which featured a reunion with Destiny’s Child, but from an entirely new perspective. Co-directed by the Queen B herself with her frequent collaborator Ed Burke, this Grammy-winning film chronicles the the full story of the show, including its creative inception, rehearsals, and all the way to its breathtaking cultural impact. Stream it on Netflix here.

Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids (2016) After putting his music career on a long hiatus in favor of prolonging his acting career, it was clearly important to Justin Timberlake to make the return to his bread and butter an especially grand comeback. It must have been equally crucial for his concert documentary, exclusively available on Netflix, to make just as big an impact, based on who he got to direct.

Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids is a documentation of the pop star and his 25-piece band in the final performance of The 20/20 Experience World Tour at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Academy Award-winning filmmaker Jonathan Demme (whom you have not yet seen the last of on this list) directs the show with his signature eye for capturing the most talented artists at the top of their form, making JT looks slicker than ever. Stream it on Netflix here.

The Last Waltz (1978) One of most iconic acts in contemporary music is a group so recognizable, just calling themselves The Band was sufficient. When it came time for the Canadian-American quintet to part ways in 1976, music lover Martin Scorsese (whose name you have also not seen the last of on this last), who had previously received acclaim for gritty crime dramas Mean Streets and Taxi Driver, stepped in to film their final performance.

Featuring onstage collaborations with iconic guest musicians such as Muddy Waters, Neil Diamond, Joni Mitchell, and Bob Dylan to name a few, The Last Waltz is one of the most acclaimed concert documentaries of all time with how Martin Scorsese transforms it into more than that category simply suggests. Instead of merely capturing this legendary event onto celluloid, he preserves a lost era in music history into a captivatingly intimate cinematic experience. Stream it on Amazon Prime here.

Katy Perry: Part Of Me (2012) You might remember Katy Perry best as the pop star who kissed a girl and liked it, the woman who was once married to Russell Brand, or even from her days as a Christian music artist. Whichever stage in the Grammy-winner’s life you know best, you will be reminded of all of it and more from this hit doc.

Released theatrically in 2012, Katy Perry: Part of Me follows the eccentric singer-songwriter on her international California Dreams Tour, complemented by bizarre stage decoration and costume design. In between performances, you’ll get an inside looks at Katy Perry’s personal life and career through interviews with family and other musicians and behind-the-scenes footage that sees the artist at her funniest, bubbliest, and most vulnerable in this film that is veers between exciting and heartbreaking, but all-around inspirational. Stream it on Tubi here.

Springsteen On Broadway (2018) Bruce Springsteen performed a one-man show for 236 nights at Jujamcyn’s Walter Kerr Theatre on Broadway from 2017-2018. He saved the best for last and shot it for this Emmy-winning Netflix special.

Directed by Thom Zimmy, who is responsible for many filmed performances throughout Bruce Springsteen’s long, illustrious, and inspirational career, Springsteen on Broadway sees the singer-songwriter in a rare sight without the accompaniment of the E Street Band – just an acoustic guitar, harmonica, piano, and his life story. Even if you have had the pleasure of seeing him in concert before, this remarkable, 153-minute film, featuring a special guest appearance by his wife Patti Scialfa, will make you feel closer to the Boss than ever before. Stream it on Netflix here.

Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story By Martin Scorsese (2019) Any die-hard Bob Dylan fan knows that there is not just one way to describe the prolific singer-songwriter and that whichever rendition you choose may or may not be the truth. Rolling Thunder Revue, a Netflix original film profiling the North American Concert tour of the same name that ran form 1975-1976, uses its subject’s mysterious reputation to its advantage to create a rockumentary that exists between the realm of myth and reality.

Martin Scorsese returns to the world of Bob Dylan after once telling the folk singer’s life story in the 2005 documentary No Direction Home, but this time focuses less on fact to craft a story that reimagines a boundary-pushing moment in his career and a pressing time in American history. Fusing actual concert footage and staged interviews with real musicians and made-up characters, Rolling Thunder Revue is one bizarre experience that you could only expect from a musician as unique as Dylan and a vision as ambitious as Scorsese. Stream it on Netflix here.

Miss Americana (2020) You would surely get the live Taylor Swift performance you are looking for in her 2018 Netflix concert special depicting the Reputation Tour. However, if you really want to get an inside look at the incomparably famous singer-songwriter beyond the stage and behind the curtain, try this more recent documentary exclusive to the streaming service.

From Emmy-winning director Lana Wilson, Miss Americana chronicles Taylor Swift’s rise from a teen starlet to the pop star who everyone either worships for her talents or taunts for her public persona. Yet, in between the end of the Reputation Tour and the recording of her 2019 album Lover, she learns to have the strength to toot her own horn without fear of scrutiny. Stream it on Netflix here.

Stop Making Sense (1984) The Talking Heads are the kind of group that aims to make their performance style as more than an expression through the sound of their music. They wish to take their audience on an intimate journey that celebrates the art of eccentricity. In the hands of director Jonathan Demme, their 1984 concert film Stop Making Sense does just that.

The documentary, shot over the course of multiple live performances in 1983 at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood with each angle representing a different night, is one of the most iconic and beloved of its kind, with Talking Heads frontman David Byrne’s goal being to do just as the title suggests by going as far as wearing a much-too-large suit and dancing with a floor lamp. Stop Making Sense is an innovative achievement in music on film that still stands as being nothing like anything to come before and nothing to follow it either. Stream it on Amazon Prime here.

Shine A Light (2008) When you think of Martin Scorsese, it is not unusual to suddenly hear the sound of The Rolling Stones, whose music has been a staple of the director’s filmography since “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” appeared in Mean Streets in 1973. I suppose Mick Jagger and crew thought it would be a nice way to repay their most cinephilic fan for making their music important to film history by making film history with them.

Shine a Light, spans the Stones’ career from their days as the bad boys of rock n’ roll to rock’s oldest souls through interviews interspersed between a pair of shows at New York’s Beacon Theater in 2006. Also featuring special guest appearances such as Jack White and Christina Aguilera, the film is an infectious celebration of the legendary band that shows them at their most raw and exemplary at an age when most rock stars tend to slow down. Stream it on Tubi here.

Do these rockumentaries fill the void left by your favorite cancelled concerts, or are there any available to stream that you feel we criminal left out? Let us know in the comments and be sure to check back for more music movie news and updates on how the Coronavirus is ruining the entertainment industry here on CinemaBlend.

What is your favorite music documentary to stream?

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[runicmagitek]

was tagged by @farfromdaylight right before I headed off for DragonCon to talk about my WIPs for fics or whatever story ideas I have. Going to stick more to fics, seeing that's what I've been focusing on most of my life lately. This got longer than I thought (shocker, I know), so throwing it under a read more. Also going to tag others here (talk to me about your WIPs whether it’s fics or original stuff, but no pressure!): @wingsyouburn @dvske @h34rt1lly @summonerluna @pocketseizure @listentoyoubleed

I'm the Darkness, You're the Starlight - my massive Celes/Setzer fic that follows the canon storyline while weaving in how they could possibly fall for one another. I hold this story dear to my heart, because there's really fuck all for this ship, so clearly I had to do something about it. It's technically done, but I got super busy earlier this year with cosplay, then got sick, then flat out got stuck on a chapter I hated. I'm 2/3s done with rewriting said chapter. Hopefully after that, it's smooth sailing and all I need to do is edit chapters and post them, but man... seriously... fuck that one chapter.

Sing to Me - a Setzer-centric fic I started last year and... kinda forgot about. It spans the length of his life and focuses on his love for both opera and the ladies who have come and gone along the way. It's only going to be four chapters, but... my life imploded back when I started doing this and then my interest went elsewhere. I will get back to this eventually.

I have a lot of drabble collections that I haven't finished (Drafts, Antes, and Skylines & Revelry) along with short story collections (Fire Soul in Love and Wings of Valor and Compassion), but I only really update those when inspiration strikes.

The rest of my WIPs aren't really posted yet and um... I have this huge, irrational superstition about not revealing titles of things I haven't posted yet. I can't explain it, I just can't stand calling WIPs by their title until it's 100% done. So here's what I got....

OT3 fic - Setzer/Darill/Maria centric. Pre-canon goodness and lots and lots and LOTS of porn. With plot. But still, almost every chapter has sex. I sent this to my braintwin to beta read (which... was a while ago? I'll poke her to check on progress. I think we both got distracted), so just waiting for feedback before editing again and posting. I'd like to finish Darkness/Starlight before posting this one. I actually like this one more than Darkness/Starlight, too.

Post-canon Relm fic - I don't know where the idea came from, but I got inspired to do a multichapter fic about Relm and what she does after the game. I relate with her a lot now that I'm older and there are a lot of topics to touch on with her post-canon that hit really close to home with me. So I sense this will become a personal fic, but I hope I get back to it. I don't think a lot of people care about Relm, but... oh well, I want to write this for me.

Pre-canon Rinoa fic - says it all, really. I wrote this initially for the Successor challenge last year and... yeah. Not dying trumped fics. It's all written, I just need to edit it. This will turn into a series of sorts, because there were other things I wanted to touch on both mid-canon and post-canon, which would all follow the same timeline and events. I'd love to get back into it.

The rest of my WIPS... aren't written yet, but I have outlines and research drafted out, so that counts, right?

Sailor Moon/Shadowrun fusion crossover - I've been jotting down notes for this for maybe two years now. I love both fandoms and got struck hard with inspiration to do this. Basically the Sailor Moon characters in the Shadowrun world, but instead of being senshi, they're just Shadowrunners and the villains are CEOs of the megacorps and yeah. I really want to sit down and write it. I have character info jotted down for all the main characters and the story outlined. Just need to do it (Rei is the POV character, too, and there will be lots of Rei/Minako, because reasons).

Transistor pre-canon - This was for Transistor week last year and... yeah. Boyfriend almost dying trumps fics. sigh... but I haven't forgotten what I want to do. It's essentially what all the characters are doing before Red's performance at the Empty Set. So many feels. Shouldn't be that long (for me, anyways).

Transistor AU - I have so many notes on an AU where Red is stuck in the Transistor and Royce is the one who loses his voice and is carting around the Transistor. Canon compliant, but still diverts here and there. Hope it's something people would want to read.

RWBY Canon Divergent thing - I really hate writing fics when I haven't completely consumed everything of the source material. Then again, RWBY is ongoing so... I guess it's to be expected? It's an Oscar-centric fic that goes over his time with Glynda as she trains and prepares him for the final fight ahead and him slowly realizing the connection between them along with his own feelings for Glynda and all the angsty bullshit that comes with it. No, there's no underaged bullshit. It takes place over the course of ten years, so by the time those two ever get to that talk, Oscar is a lot older. I have most of the outline plotted out along with my own headcanons for how the whole Oscar and Ozpin thing goes, so... yeah. We'll see.

Pyre modern day musician AU - This one hit me in the face one day at work and I've jotted down more extensive notes than are probably called for. Tariq/Celeste-centric where Tariq is a famous musician and finds Celeste playing at a local lounge while on tour. The two connect, though he needs to continue his tour and she needs to keep working her day job to put food on the table, but they manage to reconnect each time he comes back to the city while on tour. Will have many Pyre cameos. I might do this for NaNoWriMo this year. Not sure. I just love them don't judge me.

[gadgetsrevv]

Barca won’t risk Messi vs Athletic – Valverde

Lionel Messi ensures Barcelona fans the club will fight for every trophy in 2019-20 after only winning La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup in 2018-19.

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde says Lionel Messi will not be risked for the Spanish champions’ La Liga opener against Athletic Bilbao on Friday.

Messi injured his calf in training last week and missed Barca’s tour of the United States. He has not featured in any of the club’s five preseason friendlies and hasn’t played competitively since the Copa America.

The Argentine forward is doing recovery work but has not yet trained with his teammates and will not be unnecessarily rushed back at San Mames.

“We don’t take risks with any players, so especially not with Leo,” Valverde said in a news conference on Thursday.

“He’s still not trained with the team and doing recovery work is not the same as working with the team. We’re going to wait a little bit and see, but he’s recovering well.”

Messi could be back for Barca’s first home game of the new campaign, against Real Betis on Aug. 25, but until then Valverde is likely to use the front line he fielded against Napoli in Ann Arbor, Michigan, last Saturday.

Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele and Luis Suarez were all on target as the Blaugrana downed the Italians 4-0.

Valverde’s attack could yet be further strengthened this month, with talks ongoing with Paris Saint-Germain regarding the possibility of bringing Neymar back this summer.

“I’m not involved in all these issues,” the coach said when asked about sporting director Eric Abidal’s trip to Paris this week to meet with PSG to discuss a deal.

“I focus on the team and the players I have. I am happy with my squad. I have respect for other players and for other teams. He’s a PSG player and we will see, but I can’t tell you anything about that.”

Valverde would prefer to have his squad finalised ahead of Friday’s curtain-raiser, though. The transfer window remains open until Sept. 2 in Spain, meaning there’s plenty of time for business still to be done. The Premier League transfer window shut ahead of the first round of fixtures last weekend.

“It’s inconvenient, there’s no logic to it,” Valverde moaned. “It’s not normal that we start the season with the transfer window still open.

“It would be better if all teams could start knowing what they’ve got. These 15 days of uncertainty aren’t good. It should be like the Premier League.”

Valverde’s prepared for a “tough” start in the Basque Country against his former side. Despite winning the league title in each of his two seasons at Camp Nou, he starts the season under increased pressure following back-to-back Champions League failures and a Copa del Rey final defeat to Liverpool.

There are also calls for his side to play more attractive football.

“Everyone wants to play better,” he said amid the continued criticism. “Sometimes you manage to do that and you win by big margins; other times it doesn’t quite come off.

“If I am compared with George Clooney all day long, it’s going to be difficult; if [my Barca] is compared with the best Barca in history, it’s complicated for us. But if I stop and look at it, in two years we’ve lost four games [in the league] and two of them were when we were already champions. …

“I would sign right now to be in the same position as we were last May, because it cannot be improved upon. To get to that stage of the season still being able to win four titles is the ideal situation, of course. I hope we reach May 1 having won two titles. It’s really difficult to repeat winning La Liga in April, though.”

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