#we've got a big boy round up this week

[captainkirkk]

✩ WEEKLY FIC ROUND-UP ✩

All the fics I’ve read and really enjoyed in the past week-ish. Reminder: This list features any and all ratings and themes. Please read the tags and warnings before reading.

BNHA

you could have knocked me out with a feather by sahwen

"Your X-rays don’t indicate any fissures or other breaking in the skull,” his handler said as she looked over his file. She always spoke like that, as did his other handlers; the skull. Not his. Because it wasn’t his, when you got right down to it. He was a public figure. He was property. He was real estate.

And he knew what she meant when she said your x-rays don’t indicate any fissures. It meant, you’ve wasted our time. It made him sweat.

Or: Hawks gets bonked. The HPSC is not a hospital.

Stranger Things

Adopt a Jock by @sp0o0kylights

Hellfire adopts Steve during his final year of high school. Pre-Steddie. (Ongoing tumblr fic)

DC (Batfamily)

This Dark Ceiling Without a Star by Miss_Lazy_Tuesday

"For fuck’s sake, your chatter is going to drive me crazy faster than this stupid spell.”

“Then you talk!”

“There’s no point!” Jason snaps. “I can feel it, okay. It’s—there’s no emotion behind it, it’s not using my thoughts. It’s just a bunch of weird Greek echoing in my brain and a compulsion to act. And it’s getting stronger. Talking isn’t going to slow it down.”

“Then what will slow it down?”

After five long seconds of silence, Tim gives into the urge and viciously jabs his fist into Jason’s leg for the second time.

“Goddammit, why?” Jason snaps, green briefly sparking in his eyes before disappearing just as quickly.

“You are not seriously going to just sit there and wait to die.”

“The hell do you care anyway?”

“Because I don’t want you to die! Obviously!”

“You fucking should."

Marvel

status quo by jilliancares

"So, you’re investigating this not-so-bad-bad-guy, and you’re coming out of his apartment at—" Wade tilts his head to the side, just enough to check his watch “—almost exactly the time you usually start your patrol.”

Peter chews on the inside of his cheek. “Yep,” he decides on.

“And — just to be clear — I definitely shouldn’t unalive this guy instead of the douchebag across the street.”

“Definitely not,” Peter agrees. “No one would like that.”

Wade bangs his head against the fire escape again. “Okay, Webs. This one’s just to gauge if you’re smarter than a fifth grader: how much of that do you think I actually believe?"

Or: Somehow, the components of Peter’s secret identity keep crumbling all around him.

Also: He’s running out of excuses not to tell Wade that he’s in love with him.

9-1-1

Don't You (Forget About Me) by Princessfbi

"Bill, can you tell me your location? I want to send some people to make sure you’re okay. You don’t sound okay.”

“I’m not. But he’s worse off than I am. Shouldn’t you want to help him instead? Wouldn’t you want to know where he is?”

“Who is he?”

“That firefighter I buried underground.”

The long awaited buried alive fic

ATLA

All the Little Things by CSHfic, VSfic

Sokka receives an offer of an arranged marriage from the Northern Water Tribe. On the one hand, accepting would strengthen ties between their tribes. On the other hand, Chief Arnook has suggested Hahn as a potential match, and Hahn sucks. But with the future of the Southern Water Tribe Reconstruction project relying heavily on the good will of the North, Sokka doesn’t know how to say no.

(Katara doesn’t have to deal with this. Katara is dating the Avatar.)

Zuko has a solution. Sokka just wishes he’d realized he was in love with the Fire Lord before he agreed to pretend to date him.

Classroom Lessons by Thisisentertaining

Sokka never would have thought he'd be pretending to be a Fire Nation Colonial Citizen, going to a parent conference about his fake!son who was an airbender, but here he was.

At least life wasn't boring.

Sokka turned on Aang, fake mustache and beard bristling. "Young man, as soon as we get home, you're gonna get the punishment of a lifetime."

The headmaster smirked, smugly, evil-y, Fire Nation-y. "That's what I like to hear. Really Zuko him."

the snakes, and the people that they bite by Serie11

Rai is just a normal guy, really. One of the many guards that patrol the Fire Lord's palace.

Why did it have to be him who got caught up in this assassination attempt?

Finishing Each Other's Sentences by mindbending

fire lilies are red your melancholy mood’s blue still I prefer you 

After the war, Sokka starts writing poetry.

She broke your throne by Serie11

Zuko is kidnapped from his afternoon of paperwork by a well intentioned friend. There just so happens to be a festival on in town for them to attend instead of working...

[vivwritesfics]

Poly!Landoscar where they’re on winter break and reader takes them to her home town which is super snowing, ski/snowboard village type vibe? (I’ve got Colorado in my head for some reason🤣) Maybe she’s got a really big family and they all share a cabin for a holiday in the winter?

Making my way through blurb requests tonight (don't be surprised if this is the only one I end up doing)

Snow. It didn't often snow in England, where Lando spent a lot of his Christmases before he met his partners. It didn't snow where Oscar was from, either.

So, when Y/Ns family invited the boys up to the family cabin in Denver, they jumped at the chance. A snow day was exactly what they needed this Christmas.

With the length of the flight, Y/N, Lando, and Oscar decided it best to spend at least two weeks up there. A week with Y/N's family and a week in the cabin.

During their week in Y/N's home, the three of them shared Y/N childhood bed. It was a squeeze for the three of them, who were used to one of those bigger than normal beds. But it was cosy and comfortable in the cold climate that the boys weren't used to.

Lando and Oscar were like kids out in the snow. Lando threw snowballs as Oscar tried his best to build a snowman (but Lando kept aiming for the snowman, hitting the head off of the body). When Oscar was finish, Y/N came out with a spare hat and scarf. She wrapped it around the snowman, standing back to admire Oscar's work.

On the second week on their holiday, the throuple, along with Y/N's parents, set off for their holiday cabin. Y/N's siblings and families were to meet them their. Her brother and her sister both had families of their own, partners they had married and a gaggle of kids each.

Y/N had warned Lando and Oscar about the gaggle of kids on the drive up. "They are wild, feral demons," she said, driving behind her parents. "Don't let them bully you, okay? Because, you show one sign of weakness, and they'll be on you."

"Should we be scared?" Asked Oscar. When Y/N drove (which wasn't very often, only when they were in the states for insurance reasons), Lando would be in the passenger seat and Oscar would be in the back. If it was Oscar driving, Y/N was beside him and Lando was in the back. And, if it was Lando, Oscar was in the front with him.

"Terrified, more like," Y/N answered as the cabin came into view.

The cabin was a part of one of those skiing villages. It was owned by the entire family, Y/N's parents, aunt and uncles on both sides. They just had to stay coordinated enough to ensure it was being evenly shared.

Y/N parked up beside her parents. "Game plan is we settle in and hit the slopes," she said and pushed open the car door.

The boys grabbed their things from the back of the car. They didn't let Y/N carry anything as she led them into the cabin, following her parents.

When they got inside, Y/N's parents were stood in the foyer. "We've been thinking," said Y/N's mother as the boys set their things down, "that, because there are three of you, you guys should get the master bedroom."

Y/N's brows furrowed. "Are you sure?" She asked them.

With his jaw clenched, Y/N's father nodded his head. "Just remember, we'll be in the room next door," he said, staring past her, at Lando and Oscar.

After they unpacked their things, Y/N took the boys skiing. They started on the easiest slope, since Lando and Oscar didn't have as much skiing experience. They had some, but not a lot.

Once the skiing was done, Y/N took Lando and Oscar to the café in the skiing village. She'd been going there since she was a kid, most of the staff being friends she knew from high school.

After ordering three rounds of hot chocolate, Y/N joined the boys by the window. As she sat down, they were by the window, watching as the snow fell. "This is amazing," Lando muttered as he cupped his hand around his hot chocolate.

***

Y/N's siblings had arrived that evening. It had taken the kids three hours to break Lando and Oscar.

Y/N and her siblings had all been ice skating since they were children. The sisters had played hockey while growing up and now the kids did the same.

As soon as they'd met Lando and Oscar, the kids had been trying their best to get them to take them skating. It didn't matter that they couldn't skate, but it was what the kids wanted. They'd been screaming, jumping up and down on the sofa as they screamed at Lando and Oscar.

And then the boys agreed.

The kids settled down for the night, with the promise of going skating the next day.

The skating... wasn't going well. Lando and Oscar were like bambi on the ice, with the kids skating circles around them. They were tripped up, falling flat on the facing several times.

Y/N's laugher wasn't helping. She stood on the side lines, watching and high fiving the kids as the skated past her.

And then she got onto the rink. "Osc, grab a hold of Lando," she said as she grabbed Lando's hand. Oscar placed his hands on his shoulders as Y/N began skating backwards, pulling them along. She was constantly looking around, keeping an eye on her nieces and nephews.

They managed to trip her up once, with her, Lando and Oscar falling into one pile. But they didn't mind, the three of them erupting into giggles. "Kind of the best snow day ever, right?" She asked and leaned forward to kiss Lando.

She kissed Oscar, too, the kids behind them letting out a series of 'ew's.

[w2soneshots]

Confess -W2S

words: 1.1k+

warnings: angst, alcohol consumption, hospital, injury, car accident, worrying.

summary: when you fall in love with your best friend you struggle to keep your feelings at bay then Harry gets into an accident and it changes everything.

notes: hello my loves! Here is the request🫶🏼. This is like nothing I’ve ever written before so I hope you enjoy🤭💓

Tonight I'm going to a club with the boys and the side girls for a night out. It was Freya's last minute idea since we haven't been with each other as a group in so long. I was slightly nervous since I knew Harry was going to be there. I've had a crush on him since last year. There wasn't a specific moment that I realised but when I found myself constantly thinking about him and his big blue eyes I knew there was a problem.

I tried to convince myself that I didn't like him but eventually I accepted that I had a crush on one of my best friends. We've grown apart the past year due to me not wanting to be within two feet of him, worried that I'll do something I'll regret.

I invited Faith round to my apartment for pre drinks. Once she arrived I poured us both a drink and turned the music on. She helped me figure out what I was going to wear then after a few finishing touches we left. When we arrived outside of the club I took a deep breath. "You alright?" Faith asked with furrowed brows. "Mhm." I hummed then hopped out of the uber.

Thankfully Harry hadn't arrived yet so I got myself a drink. When I made my way back to the table I noticed that in the five minutes I'd been gone Harry and Freezy had arrived. It felt so weird to be nervous around him, we've been friends for so long and I've always felt so... safe when I'm with him. "Hey! y/n, how've you been?" Freezy asked. I smiled politely. "Great thanks." I sat down next to Talia.

After almost an hour of avoiding Harry I left to use the toilet. "Wait!" I turned around swiftly, just as I was about to open the bathroom door. Harry stood before me. I started to panic. I've never felt so strange in my life. Why do I feel like I'm going to explode. "I just- are you ok?" He asked. I looked to the floor. "I'm fine." I replied, swiftly pushing myself into the bathroom.

I took a deep breath once the door closed. "What the fuck is wrong with me?! I need fresh air." I thought. I made my way outside after freshening up and I let the cool air wash over my body. "I can't continue like this. I need to talk to Harry." I told myself. But first I need to get a little more drunk. When I returned to the table Talia began asking me where I'd been. I told her I wasn't feeling great so went to get some fresh air. She didn't look like she fully believed me but she let it go.

Later in the night once I was extremely drunk I decided it was time to talk to Harry. I took a deep breath then walked over to the bar where he stood next to Ethan. I tapped him gently on the shoulder. "Can I talk to you?" I asked him softly. He nodded quickly. I led him outside. "Ok so-" my words slowly cut out as he stepped towards me, so close I could smell the mixture of cologne and alcohol lingering on his body. "Can I kiss you y/n?" He asked. My breath hitched. I leaned closer. "Yes. Please." I whispered. Slowly his lips touched mine and everything finally felt complete.

After that night I didn't hear a word from him. I was upset but assumed that he didn't remember since we were so drunk or that he thought it was a mistake. But I couldn't stop thinking about that kiss. It was sweet but desperate. Slow yet fast. Soft yet rough. I tried desperately to forget and move on but I just couldn't.

Almost two weeks after that night I was headed to my car after a long day at work when I got a call from Freezy. "Hello?" I answered, confused. "y/n, hi. Um- Harry's in the hospital." He told me quickly. My eyes widened. "I- what- Is he ok?!" I frantically ran towards my car. "He's ok but he's asking for you." "Me?" I stopped as I opened the car door. "Yes. Are you on your way?" He asked. "Mhm. I'll be there in ten."

When I arrived outside of the hospital I quickly parked then practically jumped out of the car. I made my way towards the reception desk and gave Harry's name. The woman nodded politely then showed me to his room. "Just in there." She said sweetly. I smiled lightly. "Thank you." She walked away and I stared nervously at the closed door. I took a long, deep breath. "He's fine. Everything's fine." I attempted to silently reassure myself. Before I could contemplate any more I pushed the door open.

Harry sat on a hospital bed with a few machines hooked up to him and a large bruise on his forehead. My mouth dropped open. "Oh my fucking god! I thought Cal said you were fine!" I rushed towards him. "I am." He reassured quietly. "You're clearly not! What the fuck happened?" "I- I was hit by a car." He looked into my eyes. A look of complete shock graced my features. "Hit by a car?!" "Uh, yeah. It was only a bump but I fell and knocked my head on the pavement. I think I passed out, it's all kind of a blur." My eyes fluttered closed. "Why am I here Harry?" I asked, eyes still shut.

It was silent for a second before he finally spoke. "Because I- I realised that if I had been really hurt today I would've regretted not telling you that... that I- I love you y/n." My eyes shot open. "You what?" My voice came out much quieter than I expected. "I love you. I've loved you for years. And I haven't stopped thinking about you since that kiss." "You remember?" "How could I not?" He pushed himself from the hospital bed. "Why- why didn't you say anything? No call, no text, nothing." I stepped back. "Because I thought you didn't remember." He replied.

I sighed, looking down at my feet. "I love you too." I whispered, barely believing that I was saying those words out loud. A tear slipped down my cheek. I wasn't sure if it was because I was nervous, stressed or happy but I didn't have time to think before I felt two strong arms wrap around my figure. I burst into floods of tears as I clung onto him. "I was so worried." I squeaked out. "I'm sorry." He whispered. I pulled away slowly with a sniffle. "I'm glad you're okay." "Me too because if I wasn't I wouldn't be able to do this." He placed his hand on the top of my back as our lips connected for the second (but definitely not last) time.

[daddyelliott1979]

Good morning littles, middles and bigs!

It's been a while since we've posted, life has been super busy and whilst we still play daily but haven't really had the chance to share much!

The last month has seen a massive shift in our dynamic, something that I want to preface with a story.

For me a true Dom must process one specific character trait that most of these so called Alpha Dom's lack- they lack a lot, in particular humility.

See a true Dom understands that their primary function to create the space for the sun to explode their submission and their fantasies.

Without humility, a Dom won't see that! We exist for you, not the other way round. Which brings us to this story.

Now my Boy is perfect, and amazing, we are always looking for ways to deepen his little space. I was sat one Sunday morning thinking about all of this and I cooked up the perfect way to do this!

Once he was up, had his morning nappy change and bottle, during our morning cuddles I put to @squirtdaboi my idea. That one day a month I will switch and submit to him, this would help me stay humble. It also enables me to role model babyish behaviour and set expectations in his behaviour.

So on our first day of my submission to my boy, aka us switching in which he had licence to do as he pleased with zero limits! And I had to do as he wanted.

I spent that first day fully padded, dressed like a baby, I was forbidden from acting big. I was spanked, I got tied up, tortured and eventually I had to Bottom for him!

Now the cheeky monkey didn't to use to his advantage- he said if I had to do as he said then he was making this a week long thing!!!!

Ofcourse I reminded him that once this was over I would make him pay - I got spanked for my cheekiness!

So began my week long stint as his baby, full nappies, lots of bottles, baby food and early nights. I had to satisfy his sexual urges multiple times a day. I Bottomed for him every night, sometimes multiple times in one day!

It was actually a ton of fun, I learnt a lot about myself, as a Dom, apparently as a Switch, most importantly I became aware of how much I had let things slip at times.

And apparently I do miss occasionally getting to be little! Because I'm still wearing nappies full time. But our dynamic is very fluid.

I Bottom for him more often too, nothing better than seeing your boy with his nappy half off, drooling around his dummy as he pounds you!

It's been an interesting month to say the least!

But at the heart of it all he's the love of my life, my boy, my baby, my little son, and I love him more now that I have ever done!

Sadly he's got all the pics, so maybe @squirtdaboi will share some!

Love and respect Tumblr Fam

[stargazer-sims]

The Rumour Mill

Caroline: Nora! We're a week and a half into the school year, and this is the first we've seen of you. Where have you been?

Camellia: For that matter, where were you all summer? I mean, not that me and Forest and Caroline particularly wanted to hang out with you every single day or whatever, but... you know. We were still concerned.

Nora: My parents made me get a job, so I was working at a summer camp in Granite Falls.

Caroline: No, you weren't. Camellia and I were at Llama Scout camp in August, and I know for a fact that the scout camp is the only organized summer camp up there.

Nora: Pfft... Llama Scouts. That's so lame.

Caroline: It is not!

Camellia: Yeah. We're going to be assistant scout leaders for the Little Llamas after we turn eighteen. Right, Caroline?

Caroline: Right.

Nora: Anyway, what I did this summer is none of your business.

Camellia: Fine, but whatever it really was, it obviously couldn't have been something as physically active as summer camp.

Nora: What are you talking about?

Camellia: Well, not to state the obvious or anything, but your belly is kinda falling out the top of those shorts. It’s not a good look.

Caroline: You're probably going to get dress coded for that, actually.

Nora: Why do you care?

Camellia: We're not total jerks. We don't want you to get detention. Maybe you can borrow a hoodie from one of the boys. It'll cover up your bump and, uh... also that stain on your top.

Nora: It's not a bump.

Camellia: What else would you call it? I mean, if I didn't know better, I'd say you're pregnant, 'cause that's kinda what it looks like.

Nora: So what if that’s how it looks? My body, my business.

Caroline: Nora, you're not really pregnant are you? Is it from the boy I overheard Victor and Aunt Ellie talking about? You know that's totally going to ruin your future.

Camellia: Hang on... Nora, you met a boy? When did this happen? I guess that'd make the pregnancy make sense, wouldn't it?

Nora: Shut up! I'm not pregnant! And even if I was, why would the two of you need to know? Plus, you don't give a crap about my future, Caroline. You don't even like me. And anyway, he's not a boy. He's a man, which is something you wouldn't know anything about. Your stupid little boyfriend probably hasn't even worked up the nerve to kiss you yet.

Caroline: Forest isn't stupid. Don't talk about him like that.

Camellia: You know what I think? Methinks the lady does protest too much.

Caroline: Like... Shakespeare?

Camellia: Exactly. Like, you wouldn't deny it that hard if it wasn't true.

Caroline: Nora, if you're pregnant, you need to tell your parents. Aunt Ellie and Uncle Leo would—

Nora: They wouldn't do anything. They don't give a crap about me either. They're too busy making a big deal of my brother. You know, in between rounds of trying to self-destruct their marriage.

Caroline: Parents have problems sometimes. That doesn't mean they don't love you or care about you.

Nora: Oh, like you'd know. What's the biggest problem your parents have? When dumbass Uncle Victor can't remember where he put his shoes again, or when Uncle Yuri is late for his manicure?

Caroline: That's mean, and it's not true.

Nora: Your parents are so fairytale, it’s disgusting. I hate how perfect your life is.

Caroline: Hate all you want, but you have no idea what goes on at our house. We have problems you don’t know anything about, but even when stuff is really bad, I know Victor and Yuri still love me, and they'd still support me even if I made a really bad choice like getting pregnant before I graduate high school.

Nora: For the last time, I'm not pregnant! Now, if you guys are done harassing me, I have to get to class.

Camellia: Would your parents really support you if you got pregnant? 'Cause my dads would lose it if that happened to me. Like, I slept with Hayden for the first time this summer, and afterwards we both freaked out because it was kinda spontaneous and we didn't use protection.

Caroline: I didn't say Victor and Yuri wouldn't lose it. They totally would, but they'd still support me. We always support each other, and I don't think that'd change. But more important point here, you and Hayden... did it? I didn't know you were even allowed to date. If Forest isn't, how come you are?

Camellia: That's the thing. We're not allowed to date. Can you keep a secret?

Caroline: Of course. You know I keep all your secrets.

Camellia: Well, I was babysitting at a neighbour's house, and I texted Hayden to come over. We did it after I put the baby in bed.

Caroline: Was it... good?

Camellia: Honestly? Not really. Right at the end if felt amazing, but when he was, you know… inside me, it hurt a little at first and it was... I don't know. Really awkward. And the scare afterwards was totally not worth it.

Caroline: So, do you think Forest and I shouldn't do it?

Camellia: I don't know. I guess you should talk it over with Forest and like, plan it out. Use protection, and maybe don't do it on the sofa in somebody else's living room. At least we had the sense to put down a couple of blankets, but I would rather not have had to do laundry at my babysitting job, and... yeah.

Caroline: What are you and Hayden going to do now?

Camellia: We're gonna try to hold off until we graduate, or at least until I turn eighteen in January. And we're definitely going to be safe. Hayden and I both want to go to university, and I'm not about to risk messing up his chances, not to mention my own.

Caroline: If Forest and I do it, we're absolutely going to use protection. I don't know if I want to go to university yet, but I don't really want to be a mom either. Not now, when I’m still in school. That'd be the worst thing ever.

Camellia: Personally, I think the worst thing ever would be getting pregnant and then realizing you have to handle everything on your own. At least if it happened to one of us, our families would take care of us even if they weren't thrilled about the situation. Like, do you think Nora's parents really don't care?

Caroline: They care, and Nora is lying when she says Aunt Ellie wouldn't support her.

Camellia: Do you think she's really pregnant?

Caroline: I don't know.

Camellia: I guess time will tell, yeah? And speaking of time, we should probably get to class.

Caroline: Yeah.

Camellia: Wow, we’re somehow still early.

Caroline: Or the teacher is late.

Camellia: Okay, since we’ve got a minute, tell me what you know about this boy Nora met.

Caroline: I don’t know a lot. I think she met him right at the end of last school year. All I know is, I don't think Aunt Ellie was too pleased about it. I heard her complaining to Victor that she can't control Nora any more.

Camellia: Our parents don't control us. Not since we were really little kids who didn't know anything.

Caroline: Neither do mine. Yuri and Victor always say part of growing up is learning to make your own choices. They don't have to control me. They ask me to do stuff, and I usually make the choice to do what they ask. I think, if somebody's parents have to control them, it means they don't know how to think for themselves and make good choices.

Camellia: Or their parents don't trust them to think and make good choices.

Caroline: I can't imagine my parents not trusting me. That'd be horrible.

Camellia: Yeah. I'm glad my parents trust me.

Caroline: It's much better that way.

Camellia: So, here's something I want to know. If you found out about Nora meeting a guy back in the spring or whatever, how come you didn't tell me and Forest? You didn't tell Forest, did you?

Caroline: I didn't tell anybody, mostly because that one conversation was the first and last I heard about him. I didn't even get his name or how old he is or anything.

Camellia: Obviously he's older than us.

Caroline: Why do you think that?

Camellia: 'Cause she said he's a man. I think we're all realistic enough not to call guys our age men. Like, I don't call Hayden a man and I don't think he expects me to, but I think an older guy would be insulted if you called him a boy.

Caroline: Good logic. I wonder how much older he is?

Camellia: Let's keep our ears and eyes open, and maybe we'll find out.

Caroline: Definitely.

[nerdthatsiriuslylovesteaxx]

Helpless part 13 (Hello I hope someone is listening)

"Morning Death boy."

"What time is it?"

"Eight o'clock I the morning."

"Goodnight Giraffe."

"Get up, we're getting breakfast."

"Let me sleep."

"Nope." Nico was refusing to get up so Will decided to do the only logical thing and pick him up.

"Put me down Solace."

"Don't think I will Death breath."

"That's a new one."

"Thought of it on the spot."

"Good for you Sunshine, now put me down."

"Not a fan of that idea." Will ran, carrying a very pissed Nico. "Hey Percy."

"Hi Will, should I ask why you're carrying Nico and also how you haven't gotten murdered yet?"

"Well he wouldn't get up so it was to only logical solution."

"Fuck you." Nico muttered,

"I wish you luck on not getting murdered."

"You know I could just shadow travel away?"

"No you quite literally can not, it would kill you."

"Great."

"Neeks."

"Do you have a death wish Will?"

"He's harmless."

"I have killed people William."

"I can confirm this, I was nearly a victim."

"Let's not forget you also tired to kill me."

"Why are you two trying to kill each other?"

"We don't talk about that."

"He's annoying as fuck." Percy and Nico said at the same time, locking eyes with each other, leading to a mildly concerned Will.

"Okay.... I'm going to pretend this never happen." Will placed Nico on the floor.

"Finally."

"Di Angelo, me and Jason-"

"-Jason and I."

"Not you to, same thing. We have decided to kidnap you, you're finally joining us on the big three table."

"Why exactly?"

"You'll get lonely."

"I'm perfectly fine being alone."

"Too bad, sucks for you."

"Stronzo." Nico muttered under his breath before waking off to join Jason, Percy went to follow him but Will pulled him back.

"Make sure he eats three full meals a day, shove it down his throat if you have to. I'm not joking, if he's refusing to eat or drink hold him down and make sure he eats for the next few months. I don't know how he's still alive at this point."

"I'll make sure he eats; mate you alright? Your eyes are bloodshot, when's the last time you slept?"

"A few days ago, I'm fine."

"A few days?! Mate, you need to sleep."

"I'll survive, pure chaos in the infirmary. Oh, don't tell Nico this but, you know how Aphrodite kids can speak French because it's the language of love? I can speak Itallian because it's the language of music, so if you were wondering, when he walked off he called you an asshole."

"Eh, not surprising. I'll catch you around Will."

"Yeah see you round." Willl walked off to join his siblings at the Apollo table.

***

"Don't think we didn't hear that, you're taking today off and no night watch until Tuesday." Kayla said pulling Will down and shoving a piece of toast in his hand, "And you're eating breakfast today, you've skipped it for a week."

"I've been busy."

"Would you like me to show you a list of every single person you've told to stop skipping meals? Let me start the list, Nico, Selina, Leo, Beckendorf, Annabeth, Michael-"

"Okay, okay you win. But I can't take the day off-"

"Not optional, go pine over Nico for the day or something. Maybe even, you know, sleep? Can't remember the last time you did that, more than a week."

"Oh shut up."

"Actually, I have a great idea." Austin interrupted, "Go talk to Cecil and Lou Ellen, they tired to kidnap you many, many times."

"Shit, yeah I should probably go talk to them." Will tried to get up but was held down by his younger siblings,

"Not so fast, you're still eating breakfast." After being force fed three full plates and swearing on the river of Styx that he would get eight hours of sleep that night he was finally allowed to leave.

***

"Finally, we missed you. We've been waiting for you to get off work for the past week." Lou Ellen said punching him in the arm.

"I should probably tell my siblings the kidnapping's off..."

"The what?!"

"Well me and Cecil tried, but Kayla found out we were coming and stopped us."

"So then I thought if I got the rest of the Hermes kids in on it they couldn't stop all of us."

"Of course you did."

"Well you're always in the infirmary."

"I've been busy for a few days, that's all."

"Well I know you haven't slept properly for the last eight days, and that you always insist on taking night watch."

"And anything difficult, and Nico."

"So? I'm fine, just busy."

"You're overworking."

"No I'm not."

"Will when was the last time you took a break?"

"Last year, Michael and Lee's funeral, I took half a day off."

"You can't do that to yourself."

"I can't let Kayla and Austin burn themselves out."

"Gods, I can't do this right now. I'm going to trust your siblings to talk some sense into you; want to go steal something?"

"I'm down, we just need to be back by three. In time for the thing." Lou Ellen smirked,

"Ohh rightttt."

"What did you do?!"

"You'll find out Sun boy."

"I'm scared."

"You should be."

***

_______

I wonder, if nobody is listening to my voice. Am I making any sound at all?

I hope you're prepared for what's coming soon.

[1016week]

1016 Week 2023 - The Round-Up (Part 1)

Hi fellow Piarlies, and happy holidays!! ❤️ Whatever you're celebrating IRL, we'd like to invite one and all to come celebrate Piarles with us here on Tumblr! 💙 Today, on the 26th (AKA, the 10+16th) we are celebrating our beloved squid boys by posting the final round-up of all content created for 1016 Week 2023.

One of our favourite things about fanweeks and fandom events is how they can bring together a whole group of people to create something amazing together. And in this fanweek, we certainly did that - with Piarlies from all corners of the fandom working together, we created more than fifty new pieces of Piarles content! 😍👏❤️💙Once again, we would just like to say the BIGGEST thank-you to everyone who participated and made this possible - you guys made this event succeed beyond our wildest dreams, and we truly can't thank you all enough for it <333

Please enjoy the official masterpost of all the 1016 Week 2023! Don't forget to give our wonderful creators some love in the form of reblogs, replies, kudos, comments and bookmarks ❤️ (P.S. - this post coincides very nicely with the timing of 2023's Just Leave A Comment Fest, so if you're interested in taking part in that wonderful event, and you've been looking for somewhere to start... why not with some of our amazing fics here? 😉💙)

Below the cut is Part 1 of our official round-up: you can find Part 2 here ❤️💙

Day 1 - Monza

Monza + Montreal embroidery by @gaslybottoms [cross-stitch]

you're my guiding lightning strike by @wolfiemcwolferson [fic]

Pierre finds out the soulmate bracelet he's worn since he was 14 has been coded to the wrong person's DNA. He gets the right bracelet. (A Piarles soulmate AU)

all roads lead back to Monza ♥ by @brasiliangp [edit]

I Will Never Ask You For Anything (Except a Dream) by @espithewarlock [fic]

Monza is the one race a year where they are allowed to have each other. They do not talk about it the next day.

we've got our whole lives (no ending this in sight) by @duquesademiel and @chaesonghwas [fic]

On the night of their ninth anniversary, Charles and Pierre travel to Monza together.

sanctuary by @fenesacha [fic]

From the comfort of their shared bed, Pierre watches Charles lean over the railing of the balcony and reach out to the screaming fans below.

monza-themed web weaving by @crimsonicarus [web weaving]

holy ground by @your-littlesecret [fic]

Charles can’t really pinpoint where Monza became their place. It might have started with one or another fan post and they just took it to their hearts. Or: Even with all the changes through the years, Monza will always be their place.

Day 2 - Social Media

we were meant to be as one by @wolfiemcwolferson [fic]

Pierre & the librarian with a secret Tumblr account.

crushing down like waves on the sand by @your-littlesecret [fic]

There’s nothing that could explain the change in feelings, but if Charles thinks about it… if he really thinks about it, there’s nothing really new there.

seven rings by @duquesademiel [fic/edit]

With You Around Me It’s Just So Easy To Be In Love by @espithewarlock [fic]

Their relationship was no secret. They posted about it everywhere on social media. Nobody believed it.

Scuderia Ferrari social media admin AU by @effervescentdragon [fic]

"Mr. Gasly. You have an impressive portfolio, and your CV is one of the best I've seen. What I want to know is, what will you bring to this job? What is the thing that distinguishes you from all the other candidates for this job?"

Piarles + social media AUs by @brasiliangp [edit]

plug me in by @fenesacha [fic]

After a long race, Pierre logs into Twitch and clicks on Charles' stream.

you and me would be (a big conversation) by @chaesonghwas [fic/edit]

When the media pairs up Pierre with Esteban of all people, Charles steps in to help. It doesn't quite go as planned.

social media-themed web weaving by @crimsonicarus [web weaving]

Day 3 - Blasphemy

maybe i don't want heaven by @chaesonghwas, @duquesademiel and @wolfiemcwolferson [fic + playlist]

Pierre kneels thrice: once in front of God and twice in front of Charles.

pulvis et umbra sumus by @your-littlesecret [fic + moodboard]

Great disrespect shown to something Holy. The action or offence of speaking sacrilegiously about sacred things; profane talk. And what could be a greater disrespect than Pierre and his demonic blood, loving Charles, an angel in essence?

Take Me by the Hand Before I Come Undone by @espithewarlock [fic]

Pierre believed in what he could see, hear, feel, experience with his own senses. He worshiped exclusively at the altar of Charles Leclerc.

piarles + take me to church by @singsweetmelodies [edit]

a well loved bicycle by @fenesacha [fic]

Pierre turns around one last time before he begins to pedal away. There is a boy standing at the fence, slightly shorter than him and Esteban. His fringe, light-brown and soft, is being blown into his eyes, but he doesn’t flinch, even as the freezing rain starts to fall. Pierre never saw or heard him approach.

blasphemy-themed web weaving by @crimsonicarus [web weaving]

blasphemy embroidery by @gaslybottoms [embroidery]

Day 4 - Free Day

crochet calamars by @gaslybottoms [crochet]

I hunger for you only by @wolfiemcwolferson [fic]

Charles has a request.

i wanna be a good boy, i wanna be your sex toy by @your-littlesecret [fic]

“I think we should make a bet.” Pierre hums, looking into his eyes. “Not a bet. A reward. Whoever has the first win this year-” Charles smiles deviously, like he’s just thought of the perfect reward. “Whoever wins first gets a ‘free use’ day of the other.” Pierre frowns, “A- free use day?” “Yes. A day where you can do whatever you want with me. Or me with you. Whatever.”

Coloring Outside the Lines by @espithewarlock [fic]

One male profile did catch his eye, a deceptively simple CharlesL16 username hiding exactly what he was looking for. Half the photos were perfectly innocent. Curled up on the couch in a comfortable sweater, sweaty and flexing at the gym, angled shots of him playing the piano, and more that made him look domestic and cozy. There was always a twist, though, and Pierre was instantly hooked. He found himself creating an account and subscribing almost unconsciously.

(i watched it) begin again by @chaesonghwas [fic]

When Juliette is 6 years old, they decide on taking her to Monza. She loves it.

ringing, it's too early by @duquesademiel [fic]

Pierre can't sleep. Charles can't wake up. They might fight about it, but in the end, they love each other more.

how d'ya like them apples by @fenesacha [fic]

Wearing one of these hands on each of your hands at all times, communicate to your teammate the names of these films. You may not raise your voice. You have five minutes. Your time starts when Jenson blows his whistle.

piarles + longing by @crimsonicarus [web weaving]

Our Love Is Not Illusion Based by @espithewarlock [fic]

Having magic wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. Most of the adults would happily admit that having a Witch in the village was a good thing. Charles thought that Pierre's magic was a great thing.

❤️💙

[ladytesla]

The Great Faerun Baking Show (part three)

For those of you who are just stopping by, I had a horrible idea a while ago and this is the result. I have no idea what's going to happen or who's going to win. I’m just going to roll a D20 ‘bake check’ for everyone and write out the results, including what everyone rolled so y’all know I’m not cheating just so my druid boyfriend can win.  The person with the lowest total score (out of a possible score of 60) goes home.

We've got the main 6 companions, Jaheira, Halsin, Minsc (and Boo), Minthara, Dammon, and my tav Medora (who y'all can just pretend is Alfira if you don't want someone else's tav in the story, since they're both female bards)

Week One, Cake Week: Star baker was Karlach, Minthara went home

Week Two, Biscuit Week: Star baker was Halsin, Shadowheart went home

Week Three: Bread Week, or "No you can't use Mage Hand to knead your dough"

Signature: Cottage Loaf

Astarion: Sun dried tomato and paprika. Unfortunately somehow he never turned on his oven, so all he had when time was called was a big ball of dough that wasn't able to be judged.

Dammon: Greek spices and olives. Or whatever the Faerun equivalent of Greece is. Maybe Waterdeep? Anyway, there were a few too many olives and it was a little underbaked, but it wasn't too bad.

Gale: He really wanted to keep with a magical purple theme, but ube and red onion really don't vibe with each other. It was way overworked thanks to the mage hand he totally didn't use to help with the kneading process.

Halsin: Rosemary and wild mushroom. All of which he'd gathered himself, of course. Nearly perfectly done, and beautifully decorated with little sprigs of rosemary.

Jaheira: Cinnamon pumpkin bread. Very autumnal, but the moisture in the pumpkin threw off the consistency of the dough and left it underprooved. The decorative pumpkin seeds on top could only hide so many sins.

Karlach: Jalapeño cheddar. Just the right amount of heat, from someone who's an expert on it. She even decorated it with a few slices of jalapeño for presentation.

Lae'zel: For some reason she decided to put smoked salmon, herring and tuna in the same bread to make a fish loaf? It was also underbaked, and didn't go over well at all.

Medora: Saffron, rose and pistachio bread. The rose was a bit too overpowering, and the loaf was overworked. It looked nice, though.

Minsc: He used Indian spices in his bread like garam masala and curry powder, which gave it a really unique flavor. It was slightly overprooved, but overall a successful loaf.

Wyll: Gluten-free garlic and herb. He wanted to challenge himself to make a classic flavor more available to those with dietary restrictions (because he is a Very Good Boy) and it was a resounding success. He earned a Hollywood Handshake for his efforts.

Technical: Baguettes

I was surprised to find that the lowest roll for this round was an 8! So they all did pretty well. I think that, from now on, if there's a tie I'll roll for them a second time. The second roll won't contribute to the score at all, it'll just determine the order in the technical.

Worst to best:

10. Halsin

9. Dammon

8. Astarion

7. Karlach

6. Minsc

5. Jaheira

4. Lae'zel

3. Wyll

2. Medora

Gale

Showstopper: Bread Sculpture

Astarion: He recovered from his disastrous signature round to make a masterfully-done sculpture... of himself, with a dagger in one hand and a glass of wine in another. He had to reference the face from a sketch someone had made of him, but thankfully it had been a skilled artist. Paul and Prue had to look really hard to find a flaw.

Dammon: He made a bread dinosaur. A stegosaurus, to be exact. And thanks to its sturdy bread-roll legs, it was able to stand upright unaided. The tip of the tail got a bit burnt, and to save it he'd had to take it out of the oven underbaked.

Gale: He made Elminster's hat, and colored the bread with paprika and cayenne to get the red color. It ended up being quite lopsided, unfortunately, and overworked.

Halsin: His owlbear was incredibly detailed, and the garlic chip decorations he used for some of the feathers accented the flavor of the bread wonderfully. Some of the chips had browned a bit too much on the ends however, so it wasn't perfect, but it was close.

Jaheira: She had a rough time this round. Dropped one of her doughs so she only had two to work with and underbaked her sculpture of a tree so badly that it had to be propped up to stand upright.

Karlach: She made a tower of bread skulls, with one of four different flavors. And tiny grassini breadsticks to represent swords and spears. A mammoth undertaking that she pulled off very well.

Lae'zel: Unhappy about her gingerbread dragon, she was bound and determined to make a dragon right this time. And thankfully, she succeeded. Otherwise she would have continued to make dragons until she got it right. The bread was quite spicy and had chili peppers in it for good measure, but the heat wasn't overpowering at all.

Medora: She attempted to make a lighthouse on an island. It was really precariously tilted to one side, and the bread making the lighthouse was underbaked, but the bread the island was made of tasted fine.

Minsc: He made a giant bread version of Boo the Miniature Giant Space Hamster. Which he presented next to the real thing. It was a huge loaf of bread so it was underbaked in the middle, but it was visually impressive.

Wyll: His bread version of the Ravenguard family crest had a braided border which took a lot of time. However, with the added colors in the dough to bring the crest to life, Wyll was still able to make something delicious and very nicely baked within the time constraints.

The Results:

Our star baker for the week, with a score of 52/60, is Wyll!

Unfortunately, with a score of 23/60, Jaheira has to leave the tent.

Feel free to play along in the comments! How would your tav or favorite npc compare?

Let's fuckin go we're doing pies and tarts next.

[metalheadcowboy]

Turning a Harringrove Cowboy/Farm AU I wrote A LONGGGG time ago into an actual multi part/chapter fic, so here's the first part, enjoy!

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

It was the spring of '84 when Steve Harrington first decided he hated Billy Hargrove with every damn bone in his body.

The beginning of that spring had been particularly rough in many ways. 

Steve's second senior year of high school was going quite a ways away from great, it seemed like no matter what his old man was pissed off about something or another, the calving season had only just started and it was going straight to shit. Oh, and on top of that, it was hotter than a witches tit outside, a record high in southern Indiana that year, great.

"Gah lee," Steve huffed as he fell flat on his rear, wiping the sweat off his forehead, with the part of his arm that wasn't covered in cow crap and god knows what, "That 'as one big son 've a bitch." The force of his collapse knocked his Stetson hat clean off, but he was quick to recover the rather expensive item he’d received for Christmas not too long ago. 

He slowly collected himself, pushing the medium tan leather down upon his dark, messy waves. He couldn’t help but blink his eyes a few times as he practically panted like a dog to will any form of cold into his body, "Yeah, 'll least this one's livin'," his dad remarked, and he couldn't disagree with that. Seemed like they'd had more still born calves than live ones this season.

" 'Ts only March, we've got a few months," The teen reminded, manifesting at least a shred of hope for the coming weeks. It wasn't that they didn't have calves other times of the year, they were just few and far between. Now was the time when they started raising a good sized herd to sell of at the beginning of next spring to support them most of the year round, besides the practical penny change they made selling their cows milk local, "Good job, mama," he praised the brown and white blotched animal next to him, already akin to new motherhood, licking her almost identical oversized calf like she knew nothing else.

Steve willed himself up off the ground onto shaky knees, this day had been one of his longest in a while. School on top of all the heifers seeming to want to calf at the exact same time. But as he looked past their property line, out into the marvelous bubblegum pink and creamsicle sunset, he found some sliver of peace.

Only the voice of his father snapped him out of his blissful moment of zoning out, seemed like he was doing a lot more of that lately "You best go wash up 'fer dinner, you know your ma ain't gon' have you at the table lookin' that way." He was right and Steve knew it, but he couldn't lie, a hot shower did sound pleasant on his aching joints.

He gave a quick "Yes sir," ending what was probably the tamest conversation they'd had in weeks, before making the short, yet long trek back to their homestead. He could see the lights on in the kitchen and living room, and as he got closer he came upon the silhouette of his mother washing her hands in the kitchen sink in the small window next to their side door.

He trotted up the last few stairs, smiling as he walked through the door to someone just as happy to greet him, "Well, look what the hot mess express brought in, my word sweetie," she said with no real malice, grinning at him like he was her pride and joy, which he was.

"Hi mama," he replied plainly, chuckling softly as she came over and pulled his nearly six foot frame down to her 5 '2 height for a kiss on the side of his head.

His chuckle turned into a full chested laugh when she made a fake gag of disgust, "You smell just 'bout right rank, son. You sure the heifers weren't the ones hackin' it up at your stink?" she teased and Steve just shook his head.

"Had my arm so far up one of 'em I'm prolly 'bout half cow any how," The brunette boy mimicked the struggle sticking his arm up the back end of a cow, to which Annette Harrington grimaced, "That's why I let you boys do your thing and I do mine," she gestured to the kitchen, which is what first alerted Steve to the smell of freshly made chicken pot pie sitting ready on the ceramic countertop. 

His eyes immediately lit up with pure delight, like a kid on Christmas morning, except he was nineteen and to some sad extent pot pie was the highlight of his week, “Mama you didn’t!” he exclaimed, about to go in for a big hug before remembering what he was covered in. 

Mrs. Harrington just shook her head, “Alright, go get cleaned up, the pie ain’t gon’ grow legs.” Within an instant Steve was racing off to his bedroom to grab a pair of pajamas and then to his bathroom to shower. 

And to say he was right would have been an understatement. Steve swore the hot stream of water that cascaded down his spine sent him into seventh heaven, easing out his jammed knee and stiff elbow with ease. 

He enjoyed his escape for about as long as the hot water lasted, a mere few minutes, but that was long enough for him. When he stepped out of the shower he shook his hair out like a wet dog, letting the towel he scrubbed his head with next catch the excess. Shortly after, he grabbed the comb up next to his sink, swiping the steam off the mirror to give his unruly mop a good brush through before quickly throwing on the pajamas he had grabbed prior. 

Steve practically burst through the bathroom door, following the promising scent of dinner, blatantly stopping in his tracks when he found something that was definitely not chicken pot pie. 

“Oh, Steven,” Oh boy, “We have someone we’d like ‘fer you to meet.” The smile on his moms face was sickeningly different from that she had on when welcoming him in from his chores. A lot less genuine and a lot more plastic, but still warm in the way it always was, it was just her nature. 

Steve didn’t say anything for a few seconds, taking in the atmosphere, his parents, that boy. He would be lying if he said the golden-haired figure standing between his folks didn’t look straight out of one of the magazines he’d seen the few times they went into the city. 

Striking icy blue eyes, rimmed with lashes that damn near put any woman’s to shame. Thick brows somehow shaped to perfection, lain a top skin so perfectly sun kissed and freckled with intent. Steve had to force himself to shake these thoughts, knowing how damn stupid he must have looked gawking like an idiot. But that didn’t push away the confusion he felt as his heart seemed to pick up at the statuesque mystery man standing before him. 

“If they’d ‘a told me we were having’ company I would’ve thought to dress a ‘lil nicer ‘n this,” he remarked, cheeks burning a bit with embarrassment, feeling almost stark naked in his pajama pants and plain white t-shirt. He huffed out a short breath when the guy in front of him gave him a rather unconvincing pity laugh, parents following suit, “Ain’t no skin off my back, ‘m sure we’ll see each other in worse,” the radiant boy replied, once again leaving Steve baffled, but maybe that’s just what he did. 

“Names Billy by the way, Billy Hargrove” the boy- Billy extended his hand for Steve to take and he did, taking the few steps forward to give his hand a proper shake before returning the favor, “Steve Harrington, pleasure’s mine,” he replied simply with a short nod of his head. 

His father seemed pleased enough by this interaction, though Steve could never really tell, he always had this sort of stone cold thing going on. 

There was a beat of somewhat awkward silence before Annette interjected, “How about some homemade pot pie?” she offered, with a prompt clap of her hands, sending her boys and their guest to the dinner table. Normally Steve would have been beaming, ready to talk and talk and talk about anything and everything under the sun, but suddenly he wasn’t exactly in the mood. 

“Well, Billy we really are glad to have ya here,” Mr. Harrington continued in the tone he only used around guests or, really, people he was trying to impress. The sickeningly sweet, layered on false happiness and enthusiasm that made Steve’s stomach hurt, “Yeah, ‘ll y’know my old man’s been rearin’ to get me out of the house since the second I stepped foot outta school,” Hm, so he was older, “Since I graduated early ‘n all, couldn’t happen fast ‘nough.” The lanky boy nearly spit out his water, choking in an awkward way to where it came halfway up his nose and made his eyes water. 

Steve coughed it out a bit before bringing his napkin up to his face, watery eyes of shame blinking themselves dry, “Y’ alright there cowboy?” Cowboy, Steve looked up at the smirk on the other boy’s face and had to hold back a sneer. The last thing he needed tonight was to get into it with his dad while they had company over. 

“ ‘M fine, thanks,” he mumbled, feeling the short- lived rage in his stomach settle when his mother brought the meal over just in time, “Shall we?” she chimed in a sing-song tone, that wasn’t anything like his fathers, hers was genuine. Because if there was one thing about Annette Harrington, she didn’t have a mean bone in her body for anyone, unless they messed with her family. 

Steve tuned out the prayer, forehead pressed solidly against his hands clasped so tight his knuckles were about ghostly white. He was just wondering when this Billy guy was going to leave so this night could be over. But of course, just when the brunette thought the topic might change, of course, even after the prayer, his father, John, had to dwell. 

“I’ll say that’s right impressive, y’know Steve here’s held back a year, he’s ‘sposed to have graduated by now, but,” Mr. Harrington shrugged as he dug into his dinner. His son sat there halfway gobsmacked, halfway offended, but he should’ve expected such. 

Steve scoffed, “Only ‘cus you got me doin’ half your work every day. I barely got time for anythin’ else,” he mumbled under his breath just loud enough for the table to hear as he stared down at his mashed potatoes. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t feel his fathers eyes boring into his skull like laser beams. 

Steve’s mom just looked at him with a disappointed expression, but didn’t interject because she knew good and well it was true, “ ‘F that’s whatcha really think ‘n you’ll be happy to hear you won’t have to do it no more.” Steve’s eyebrows practically shot up his forehead and through his hairline. 

What the hell was he talkin’ ‘bout?

“Huh?” Was all he could manage before his dad excitedly cut off whatever he was planning to say next, “Well what else do you think we got Billy here for, looks?” This gave everyone but Steve a good laugh, he didn’t see any reason to be laughing right now. 

“ ‘N just what ‘o you mean by that?” He was so blinded by anger that he couldn’t even think about eating the pot pie his sweet mother had made, but he’d get over that guilt. He couldn’t say the same for the fury burning deep within him. He looked over at Billy who looked smug as ever, chewing on a bit of his food, sneaky eyes peeking out of the rim of his rather ratty looking Resistol. Oh what he would give right now to punch that smug look right off that pretty boy face. 

John Harrington gave Steve the look, his signature look that said ‘I dare you to go testin’ me, boy’ and if there was ever a time for that it would be now, “Steve, you’ve been slacking lately ‘n we both know it, son.” Steve went to open his mouth but got cut off, again, “ ‘N I figured having Billy stay here ‘n work with me ‘d give you the time off to do sumn else. Like helpin’ your mom ‘round the house, you did always seem… better suited for those things.” 

This couldn’t be fuckin’ for real, “John-,” his mom tried to scold. 

There’s no way his dad just basically called him a sissy, not after-

“I had my hand up a cow’s ass ‘fer you today, ‘n then you’re gonna go sayin’ that- that bullshit?” Steve burst, knowing he would no doubt have to pay for these words later. He felt tears pricking the corners of his eyes, not from guilt, not from shame, but of pure, unfiltered rage. But what really put salt in the wound was looking over at Billy, whose subtle smirk had far faltered, turning into something more innocent, more regretful. Like this wasn’t all his own damn fault in the first place. 

Everything’s so unfair, this is so unfair. Not only did he feel hurt, but he felt embarrassed, having his dad say those things about him, basically calling him a sissy, in front of his own mother. 

“Steven-” he heard his father try to reprimand, but Steve refused to take it. Instead, he stood up abruptly, the straightening of his knees sent his chair flying backwards against the wall. He would have cringed at the sound if he weren’t so genuinely pissed. 

He was able to hold the tears in until he turned around, then it was like the dam just… burst. He felt a whine work its way up his throat, but he willed it back down, swallowing what last bit of pride he had left down with it. 

Could a sissy do that? Maybe Steve didn’t want the answer to that. 

He didn’t know what was going on, he’d never felt this was, this upset, this angry. He didn’t understand. He practically glid to his room, socked feet moving so fast he wasn’t sure whether or not he was actually taking real steps. And, frankly, he didn’t care, just wanted to be away. 

When he made it to his room, he closed his door behind him and flopped down onto his bed, stomach down, choking on his own hushed sobs. It made him feel like a child again, pathetic, small, lonely. He turned on his side and curled in on himself a bit, clinging on to whatever little bit of comfort he could. 

Through wallowing in his own self pity, he barely heard the faint mewl coming from behind him. He just groaned, hoping maybe if he ignored it long enough it, or rather she, would go away. 

“Meooowww.” He should’ve known better, it was his fault for locking her in there with him anyways. 

“Oh, Ginger,” he sighed, stuffy nose making him sound all nasally. And it was as if that was the permission the rather plump orange tabby needed to jump up on top of him like he was her human pillow, “Cain’t a man even have a few seconds alone.” To that, of course, she meowed at him in protest, ever the chatterbox. 

Steve quickly accepted his defeat to the tubby cat when she somehow still gracefully jumped off his ribs and onto the empty spot in bed next to him. The pale light of bright stars shining through his window, reflecting off of Ginger’s big round saucer eyes were the only thing giving his room any light. But it didn’t matter because soon after he shut his own eyes, focusing on the purring of the seemingly content cat next to him, half wishing to disappear, half wishing to go back out there and beat Billy to a pulp. Even if only for existing.

Billy, stupid Billy and his stupid white teeth and his stupid pretty eyes and his stupid everything.

Fuck this dinner, fuck this day, and most importantly fuck Billy Hargrove.

[nikrei]

May Comics Round Up!

I didn't think I got all that much read this month, but it looks like there's a decent amount!

Swamp Thing (71-90) (1988-1990)

Swamp Thing tells a good story as always, and is delightfully messed up in many ways. Intertwined a bit with the start of Hellblazer at this point, so read them together!

The Demon (1-4) (1987)

Missed this mini last month, so grabbed it this time around. A pretty good sequel to the 70s run, and ends with Etrigan kissing Blood on the mouth as they break up, so I think it's a success.

Invasion Event (1-8 + all tie-ins) (1989)

This is a fun event! It is also where the term 'meta-human' originates, so check it out if you wanna get that history.

New Guardians (6-12) (1989)

Sort of a mediocre run overall. Definitely groundbreaking, but you can tell that the guy with the vision left after the first couple of issues (because dc wouldn't let him be as progressive as he wanted to be with the story). Makes me wonder if Tom continues to be a fully enlightened being when he shows up in GL issues after this (if he doesn't they're all cowards)

Plastic Man (1-4) (1988-1989)

A fun gag comic mini. Good for an intro to the character, and it's neat how each issue starts with detailed "serious" comic art that then becomes v stylized and fun.

The Spectre (21-31) (1989)

Oh boy did this go places in the finish. The first half of this run has an entirely different vibe then the second half and neither of them really do it for me.

Dr. Fate (1-14) (1988-1989)

Look the new Dr Fate is sooo wierd, they are just wildly going places with this whole thing. Old Lord of Order Nabu is now a grumpy couch potato, the new Dr Fate duo have no idea what they're doing and consist of a kid that's been aged up to adulthood and his v young stepmom, and also they are soulmates. No idea where they at gonna go with this after they've killed Eric off.

Hellblazer (1-26) (1988-1990)

I like this one a lot, as serious titles go. It really is amusing the difference between Constantine in this title and in Swamp Thing. In his own title he struggles to travel around England, hitchhiking and train hopping and the like, compared to how he's jetsetting around the world in Swamp Thing.

The Question (Annual 2-33) (1989)

The Question is always quality, and also Shiva showed back up!! Many things happen, and also Hub City is literally the worst. Gotham and Bloodhaven think that they are the worst but it is 100% Hub City sorry guys.

Action Comics Weekly (609-641) (1988-1989)

Or at least the bits that were Black Canary/Dead Man/Phantom Stranger/Nightwing/Speedy/The Demon/Phantom Lady (i am not immune to the power of tits okay). These little stories were all really fun, and super easy to miss if you don't have a reading list to follow (I was following a Roy list, then backed up to catch the Dinah stories story) However, the Demon story there at the end had Jason and Etrigan back together already, so I looked up a reading list for him and discovered:

Cosmic Odyssey (1-4) (1988)

Read this to find out how Etrigan and Jason got back together. I love the fourth world. I have many things to say about it and I have written out some of that already. Jim Starlin is my enemy.

Secret Origins (26-38) (1988-1989)

Catching up on folks changed backstories for the post crisis era pretty much

Green Arrow (14-16) (1989)

Only just got started on Arrow at the end of the month! I'll read more now!

Bonus: weeks 5-9 of the Comic Kon superboy reading club! We've finally made it to the Superboy solo! But boy, does that start off getting caught in every big event around, the extra credit has to work hard!

[dominickeating-source]

Star Trek Explorer Issue 3 (2003)

Weapons Overload With a new complement of weapons at his disposal (including photon torpedoes!), the Enterprise NX-01's armory officer and all-round tough guy is looking forward to entering the Delphic Expanse in the third season of Enterprise. Filming has just got underway on the Paramo8utn backlot as we went to press, but Reed's alter-ego, British actor Dominic Keating, is already aremed, Dangerous and in the mood to kick some Xindi butt! Over the next few pages, he gives Nick Joy the low-down on what's to come in Season Three.

You've started work on Season Three. What can we look forward to?

We now have a crack team of SAS-type military bods on board who are called the MACO. They are Starfleet's finest GI's, and that's put the spanner right up Reed because he's being undermined and having his position jeopardised. A new character, Major Hayes, is in charge of them and looks like he'll be Malcolm's arch nemesis. He's played by Steven Culp, who played Bobby Kennedy in Thirteen Days and has a recurring role in Jag. (Significantly, he also played Picard's new first officer Martin Madden in the deleted scene from the end of Nemesis). There's a lot of action in this first episode and a particularly good scene with these bright young MACO lads. I have a feeling that when they show the first episode, and the fans react favourably to these big action sequences, then we'll see a lot more of these guys.

Are there changes to the principal cast?

T'Pol has had a big makeover to make her more prettified and feminine; it was quite a revelation when Jolene (Blalock) walked on to the set yesterday with longer hair and in her sexy new coloured outfit. There were a lot of 'ooohs' and 'aaaahs'.

Has Malcolm Reed been given a makeover?

No, I'm the only one who didn't get touched! I'm kinda hacked off about it to be honest. Connor (Trinneer) has a slightly new hairstyle, and so has Scott (Bakula). So has Linda (Park), now I get to think about it. I can never tell with Anthony (Montgomery) whether he's got a new style, but he assures me that it was changed!

So, do you foresee an increase in conflict this year?

Absolutely. Already we're off to the save the captain, again. Some things never change! He's in a fix and we're going deeper into the Expanse to find him and meet the Xindi. I think this is going to constitute our mission for at least this year. Rather than being an episodic show, Enterprise is now going to have a theme running right through a large part of the season.

Is Malcolm looking forward to deploying those new weapons?

Oh yeah! And at least I know that they are now. One fan asked me at a convention whether I had photon torpedoes in my armoury and I went, "Dude, I don' t know anything about them, except that they're grey".

How do you see Malcolm developing this year?

It seems fairly self-evident that one of my main dramatic tensions this year will be with Major Hayes, and I'm noticing a brewing dissatisfaction between Malcolm and the captain. He's upset by the captain's silence in allowing this team to be put on board and it's speaking volumes to him that the captain doesn't think Malcolm is up to the job for this mission. And this, of course, gets right under his skin.

Have the producers shared with you Malcolm's longer-term story arc?

They keep us completely in the dark about what's happening. I've got no idea what next week's episode is about and whether or not I'll even be in it. I do hope that they give me some more stuff with Tripp as they've set all the groundwork. We've got a friendship and a professional respect, but we also rub each other up the other way, so there's plenty of scope to develop this as this expanse of space starts testing us all.

After two failed attempts, might Malcolm try to seduce T'Pol again?

That's not going to happen, They've left that up to Trip, the swine! No, the blonde hunky boy gets the hot love interest. There's a scene in this first episode where Trip can't sleep because he's ailing after his sister's death and Phlox suggests that he Trip goes to see T'Pol. There's a very sexy scene, which I think they are filming even as we speak at twenty past eight in the morning. It's heavily implied in the writing that there will be some sexual frisson between these two characters this years.

Do you enjoy being the 'Englishman abroad' for Star Trek?

Yeah, but I've been in America for ten years now and I don't feel like an alien, if you pardon the pun! I'm very much at ease and au fait with how Americans are. I really like them; you just don't want to eat with them (laughs)!

Are you happy that Malcolm has developed from being this uptight 'stiff upper lip' Brit?

I think Brannon (Braga, Enterprise's executive producer) proved that when he wrote 'Shuttlepod One' and that scene with Scott in Minefield. I know he likes writing for Malcolm, but I think he's also aware that the main thrust of our show is the Captain, the Vulcan babe and an American blonde six-foot guy. They're writing an American show for an American audience and I think I'm a nice salt and pepper flavour to mix up the taste here and there. They've seen what I can do and they're happy with that. I'm a good gun on their hip that they can throw in whenever they want, and I'm quite happy with that.

Are the hours really punishing on the show?

Jolene and Connor work very long hours, and to some extent so does Scott. Scott is there a lot of the time but they do try and make is as easy as possible for the star. I sometimes get four or five days off in a stretch and I love that. I've just come back from hiatus after travelling round the world and to be quite hones I'm looking forward to getting back to work to have some rest! I don't mind that they only throw me three or four good episodes a year that are really meaty for me - I'm a good filler for them.

Have you been in any other projects?

I haven't gone arduously looking for other work this hiatus. I think my main thrust now is to direct. Most of last year when I wasn't actually acting I was sitting in the edit suite, shadowing directors and going to the LA film school. I already know how to act - I've done it since I was ten years old - and I'm kind of intrigued about starting a new career at this point in my life.

Could you be following in the directorial footsteps of such Star Trek stars as LeVar Burton and Roxann Dawson?

I just directed a little public access show here in LA called The Heartbreak Café, and a couple of past Star Trek incumbent have done it - Roxann Dawson and Tim Russ. LeVar Burton works very quickly; he doesn't mess around with umpteen takes and I really respect that.

To date, Malcolm's inventions have included the red alert sirens and the ship's shields. Any aspirations to invent anything new this year?

God, I don't know. Maybe some x-ray specs for when I'm looking at T'Pol? Next question!

Finally, if you had a wish for this year, what would it be?

I just hope that our ratings pull up, it would be nice to be sitting on a bona fide hit show, and not some old horse that it still on the race track. I've been around the world meeting fans at conventions and God knows the fan base is healthy. The trouble is that there's so many channels on cable and satellite these days. There's even a horse channel and I'm convinced we've lost a lot of our regular viewers to that station!

[inaris-mage-of-storms]

The farmboy AU continues! Read part one here. Warning for coarse language.

Prev | Next

Jimmy didn't have a clue about half of what Scott and his grandfather were talking about while they discussed the best care for the flowerbeds, but he settled against the porch steps to whittle and was happy to listen to Scott talk all the same. Scott's face seemed brighter while he chattered about the best soil pH and sun exposures for oxeye daisies and rosebushes, and Jimmy's knife slipped and almost nicked his fingers when Scott glanced over and gave him a soft smile.

Jimmy could feel the flush creep up his neck and turned his attention back to his carving. He was just trying to decide if he should shorten the llama's ears when three riders came up the path. "Hello, sheriff," said Jimmy's grandfather to the man in front, in a level voice with all of the caution and none of the warmth it had carried in his greeting to Scott a few days ago. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"

The big man looked down at him from the saddle, and the deputies behind him placed a hand casually over their guns. "Oh, just making the rounds, checking up on business," he said. "Records show you ain't paid any taxes lately, Jack."

"We're not part of the mesa," said Jimmy's grandfather. "Haven't you said plenty of times, that your territory extends everywhere the terracotta does? I left Tumble Town a long time ago."

"See, I've been doing some thinking about that," said the sheriff, "and I reckon, being this close and all, that if I were to kick up some of this sorry excuse for soil then there'd be terracotta not far underneath it." His eyes traveled over the three of them and lingered on Scott. "Seems you're not doing too bad on coin if you've got a new farmhand, anyway."

"He's not a farmhand," said Jack, "just a wanderer who's helping out a little in exchange for a roof and a meal."

"A wanderer, huh?" said the sheriff. "What's your name, kid? Where you from?"

"Nowhere in particular," said Scott. His voice was casual but his back was ramrod stiff. "Was up north for a while, visited the goblin caves, explored the old ruins."

"If you don't have any further business," said Jack, taking a step to the side and partially blocking Scott from the sheriff's view, "we've still got plenty of weeding and watering to get to today."

"Look, for old times' sake, I won't even take back taxes into account," said the sheriff. "Just the ones for this year. Tumble Town's really struggling lately, and everyone's gotta pitch in if it's to keep growing."

"He already said we aren't part of your stupid town!" exclaimed Jimmy. "We're out here minding our own business, so maybe you and your thugs should do the same!"

"Jimmy," said his grandfather warningly.

"Hah!" exclaimed the sheriff sharply. "Is that how you've raised your boy to talk to his betters, Jack?" He looked at Jimmy like he'd stepped in something behind the barn. "Well, can't be helped I suppose. You can't have expected much from a little bastard your whore daughter dropped in your lap."

Jimmy's face twisted in anger and he leaped to his feet, but his grandfather put a hand across his chest. "I apologize for my grandson's behavior, sir," he said to the sheriff. "I'll have a talk with him."

"A beating would be better suited," said the sheriff, "but I doubt it would do much good." He straightened in the saddle and picked up the reins. "I'll be back in six weeks to collect your taxes. And teach that boy some manners before he winds up in my jail, or dead." He gave Jimmy another glare and Scott another considering look before wheeling his horse around and leaving, his deputies right behind him.

"Hey. Take a breath and relax," said Scott against Jimmy's ear, and his cool hand touched Jimmy's clenched fist. He coaxed the whittling knife out of Jimmy's grip and replaced it with his own hand, entwining their fingers and giving a comforting squeeze.

Jimmy's grandfather was still staring after the retreating riders. "I... I'm sorry, Granddad," said Jimmy hesitantly to the broad back before him. "I didn't mean to - "

"It's all right," said Jack, cutting him off. "We'd best get that weeding done, and I think the beets are ready for harvest." He turned around finally, and Scott dropped Jimmy's hand. "Lots to do in the next few weeks."

"What? You're not seriously thinking about paying him, are you?" demanded Jimmy. "We're not part of the mesa! It's just extortion!"

"Go clear the weeds from the wheat field," said his grandfather instead of answering his question, picking up an empty basket from the porch. "And when you're done go teach our guest what's forageable in this area like you promised."

"But - !"

Jack was already on his way to the patch of beetroot, and Scott took Jimmy's hand again. "Come on," he said. "Some of those weeds are definitely dandelions, and they'll make a great salad." He tugged lightly, and Jimmy sighed but followed him to the field.

[lielove]

dairy entry ; hoshino ai's twelfth birthday.

the caretaker read off the names of all the children who had a birthday this week. it was so monotone and boring, i could tell that she didn't care at all... some of the other kids smiled and clapped when they heard their names... or a friends. but nobody did that for me.

but that's fine, i wasn't expecting them to anyway.

there was a small, round chocolate cake this time. the caretaker said to make sure all the birthday kids got a slice but, as usual, the kids just run up and take it. she doesn't do anything to actually make sure that the birthday kids get anything, and the cake is too small.

i didn't get my slice again this year. but that's fine, too. : )

dairy entry ; hoshino ai's thirteenth birthday.

it's my first birthday working under strawberry productions as an idol. there's only four of us in b-komachi right now; watanabe, nino, takamine and myself. nino seemed a bit annoyed at the whole thing, but the other girls were nice.

director ichigo bought a big cake... it said "happy birthday ai" in big letters.

this is the first time i've had a cake just for me.

i split it with the girls, but i was able to take the rest home with me. it was shaped like a strawberry, and tasted like it too.

after we ate cake the girls gave me some presents, watanabe's gift was my favorite. ✰

diary entry ; hoshino ai's fourteenth birthday.

b-komachi had a mini concert today, so i spent my birthday performing with the girls. director ichigo still brought a cake, he sliced it and let us have some after the meet and greet.

so many of my fans brought me gifts and wrote letters... i've never had so many people care about my birthday... care about me. i'm going to take the time to read them all when i have some time off.

these people... they really love me. i'll have to keep lying to them so they'll always see me as their picture perfect star. ♡

maybe a day will come where i can shout "i love you" out into the crowd and mean it, that'd be nice.

diary entry ; hoshino ai's fifteenth birthday.

the people at lala lai are nice.

they were just as... no, maybe they were even more enthusiastic about throwing a party for me than director ichigo was. is this how life at the theater always is ?? i'm still pretty new here but everyone is treating me like i've been there for years already. it'll take some getting used to... but i can just lie my way through it so nobody realizes, eheh.

i had to step away from the party for a bit.

i found a boy standing outside when i did, he was smoking a cigarette and looking up at the sky. i think his name was hikaru ?? i've met so many people since i came here... it's hard to remember everyone... and i've never really been good with names.

he's got a memorable face, though. so i don't think i'll forget him.

i don't even think the rest of the theater group realized that i spent the rest of the party out there with him. ✨

diary entry ; hoshino ai's sixteenth birthday.

i'm staying the night at hikaru-kun's tonight.

spending the entire day with him... feels kinda romantic, aha... ♡

i was able to get a reservation at that nice restaurant, we've got a private place tucked away for ourselves there, no one should bother us at all, and it's all thanks to that director for helping me find restaurants and places where we could keep meeting in secret.

i haven't been able to tell him i love him and mean it, but i do like him a lot... it sounds kinda silly when i write it out like that.

but being his girlfriend, and calling him my boyfriend. it's nice.

i think today is going to be a really fun day.

diary entry ; hoshino ai's seventeenth birthday.

it's my first birthday since the twins were both... now that they're here i don't think i could ask for a better gift. they're so small and cute... just looking at them makes me so, so happy.

miyako and director ichigo stopped by with a small cake and a few necessities, he gave me a small bonus as a birthday gift... he didn't have to, but i think he did it so i could have more to put towards my kids.

i've gotta do even better as an idol so i can keep seeing their cute smiling faces, i want to give them the best life that i can... as their mother... i'm all they have, and i have to give it all i've got.

diary entry ; hoshino ai's eighteenth birthday.

i think miyako tried to help the kids make a birthday card for me, it was the first thing i saw when i woke up this morning. it's a little hard to make out but it's cute... i'm going to put it up on the fridge anyway. i'll have to thank her later for that.

today i have a photoshoot at nine, an interview at noon, and i'm going to be a guest star for a radio station from three to five. that's how most days have been recently, though.

i'll probably ask director ichigo if he can pick up a cake that we can all share once i'm home, the kids probably shouldn't have sugar so late at night but... it's a special occasion so i think it'll be okay, just this once.

diary entry ; hoshino ai's nineteenth birthday.

the filming for that was the start is still ongoing, but i think it might wrap up soon ?? the cast and crew threw a little party for me for my birthday. it was sweet of them. i had fun, but i was really looking forward to getting home... i picked up some board games to play with ruby and aqua the other day... spending some time with my family is all i want for my birthday this year.

i've been so busy that i've spent more time out of the house than in, i know miyako is taking care of the kids but... as their mother, i should still make sure to spend time with them, too.

diary entry ; hoshino ai's twentieth birthday.

b-komachi is going to be performing at the dome today. director ichigo talks so highly of it... i wonder what it'll be like. there'll probably be a lot of people.

he said he was going to get some of the nicest champagne he could find and we'd have a toast once we gets me back home after the show. does alcohol taste good ?? i don't really see the appeal but... i'll still try it. he seems to really like it, at least.

there's front row tickets for ruby, aqua and miyako. as long as i can see my kids in the crowd then i'm sure i'll be shining just as bright -- no, i'll shine even brighter than usual.

[allthemusic]

Week ending: 11th September

Another week, another two hits. This time, we've got an (indirect) link to Eurovision, too, which is fun! Eurovision was only three years old at this point, which is kind of wild - it feels like it's existed forever, but 1958 was, in fact, quite a long time ago. Anyway, awkwardly, we've got the cover this week, and then the original next week, so I'll save some Eurovision nerdery for that. Just know that it's coming!

Volare - Dean Martin (peaked at Number 2)

This song was originally by the Italian singer Domenico Modugno, so I'll save a deep dive into its origins until we get his version - which we will, next week. Suffice to say, it's a Eurovision number, albeit a particularly classy-souding one. And it's very Italian, Italian enough that Dean Martin of course had to cover it. You know, what with him being basically a professional Italian, at this point.

Interestingly, I know the original fairly well, just from hearing it around in Italian restaurants and in the background of film scenes. And yet, it's actually this version, by Dean, that seems to have been the bigger hit in the UK, at least in terms of chart position. And while it's a pretty credible copy of the original, it is different, not least because it includes some random English bits. They're odd actually, because it's literally one verse at the start, and then two lines right at the end, all about how your love has given me wings and about how just like birds of a feather, a rainbow together we'll find. And the entire rest of the song is in Italian, no further concessions to the English-speakers out there - but apparently that's enough of a sop for people to buy this over the original? Or perhaps it's more Dean's name and star power that had people buying this version and not Domenico's?

Either way, since it's still mostly in Italian, it's a song that I can only assume people were buying less for its meaning, and more for the sound of it. And admittedly, it is a pretty cool-sounding song. It's a big old ballad, with these sweeping whoooooah bits that you almost certainly know, even if you think you don't. Instrument-wise, you've got this cool slightly ethereal Italian jazz sound, with a walking bass, mandolins, and all these fun little flourishes on harp and what sounds like chimes or vibes. And then as the song goes on, you also get a bunch of moments that speed up and slow down, creating a sort of dreamy effect in the middle with a Hammond organ, before picking up the pace again as the chorus comes in. It's a fun combination of things, you know?

Unfortuantely, my main association for the song is hearing it playing in the bathroom at Frankie and Benny's, a UK Italian chain restaurant that I pretty much only ever went to for people's birthdays. If it weren't for that, I think this would feel much classier, in my mind, much less cheesy. But unfortunately, the associations are just too strong - I can't quite take it seriously, as a song, however hard Dean's trying.

Poor Little Fool - Ricky Nelson (4)

Ricky Nelson isn't an artist I have a very solid mental picture of. I kind of knew he was a rock and roller, but I think I was confusing him with other artists. Turns out, he's a fresh-faced teenager, who rose to fame as a child actor alongside his parents, in a sitcom called The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, where he basically played a verison of himself? The show ran for over a decade, either way, and was still running at this point in 1958, but Ricky, a known fan of Elvs, had been putting out music since 1956, and was about to properly make the jump to a musical career. Which feels very modern, somehow, very Miley Cyrus. We've seen musicians turning to acting before, but I'm not sure we've seen it the other way round, at least not outside of comedy or TV tie-in records.

The song itself is pretty nondescript, a soft, vaguely doo-woppish, rock and roll-ish teen love song, all about a boy who used to play around with hearts who falls for a girl who gives him a taste of his own medicine, singing about how she played around and teased me with her carefree devil eyes / She'd hold me close and kiss me, but her heart was filled with lies. She kisses him, but then abandons him the next day, leaving Ricky singing about how much of a fool he felt, and how he never expected somebody to do that to him. It's the sort of thing that could come off self-pitying, it he was just a little more waily and mopey about it, but thankfully, Ricky mostly just sounds kind of dejected, rather than being fully distraught about it all. It's a glum sigh of a song, no more, no less.

Amazingly, for a bland song, it's got quite the origin story. It was originally written by one Sharon Sheeley. She was only 15, and was in a short-lived relationship with Don Everly, of the Everly Brothers, and when they broke up, she wrote this and immediately approached Ricky about recording it, going so far as to drive to his house and claim her car broke down. Which is one way to get an artist's attention, for sure. Ricky swapped the love interest's gender, slowed the pace down, and the result was this - I still think it's pretty nothing-y, but it was a huge hit at the tiem, big enough to make Number 1 on the new US Billboard Top 100, the first song to do so.

Both of these songs are fine. Neither rocked my world, but both are baseline competent. Unfortunately, in my head, Dean Martin and Ricky Nelson have combined to form Ricky Nelson. And now I've just got Livin' La Vida Loca playing in my head. Which is a much more exciting song than either of these, and which I honestly would have more to say about than I do about either of these. Oh well.

Favourite song of the bunch: Volare

[grahamatkins]

TOWIE's scandalous start - Big Brother star claimed TV execs 'stole' his cast and idea - Graham Atkins Lawyer

Big Brother winner Brian Belo even made a trailer for Totally Essex, featuring Mark Wright, Amy Childs, Sam Faiers and Kirk Norcross

Two years after winning Big Brother in 2007, Essex lad Brian Belo came up with an idea for a fly-on-the-wall documentary.

It would feature all his rich mates and detail their glamorous lives, lavish spending and love of excess.

Graham Atkins Lawyer

And to get it off the ground, he rounded up Sam Faiers, Mark Wright, Kirk Norcross and Amy Childs to shoot a trailer for the show - Totally Essex.

In the epic video, semi-professional footballer turned night club promoter Mark was seen bragging about buying £5,000 rounds and his pulling prowess.

He gloated: "We're not an ugly bunch of boys either so we don't even need to pull out that [money] as much, but the fact that we've got that, and we're good looking, the girls just fly in.

"Just all round our table, on our laps, I probably couldn't tell you one week or one night of the year we go home empty handed." A 21-year-old Kirk showed the cameras around his dad's sprawling manor house estate and his own pad, boasting about dropping £1,500 on drinks for his mates on a standard night out. Read more---->>>>>

[ryanlockheart]

beau would've thought he just confessed to a murder, the way fletcher was reacting. he guessed he understood his apprehension, but truth be told, beau thought he'd jump at the chance to get a taste of him — but maybe that was his own inflated sense of self coming through. "no, she wouldn't be there. it'd just be you, me, and the camera... that's enough already. 'm just saying she wouldn't mind," beau answered quickly. if he were being honest, he'd never even brought the idea up to her, but that was a problem he'd address when the time came for it. they hadn't exactly been the most in tune as of late. the passion had died down — if it had ever even existed to begin with. fletcher was on his mind more often than he cared to admit. ever since he'd moved in, all he could think about was that plump, round ass sinking down on his cock. nothing else helped to get him off quite like that. seeing how affected fletcher got by his faint teasing was just adding fuel to the fire. those rosy cheeks and that growing bulge in his pants were more than enough confirmation that beau should continue, to press him harder. "right. the dryer's the sock thief, and not the pretty boy with a hard-on just talking about my socks right now," beau said with a smirk. "and how would you know they're sweaty? 'm telling you, fletchie, don't lie to me! i notice everything." his legs stretched out onto the coffee table, socked feet on display for the smaller boy. toes wiggled in his socks, putting on a little show for fletcher. of course, there was the unmistakable bulge in his grey sweatpants. he was giving the slightly younger male a full show. beau wanted fletcher to have no choice but to give into those deepest, darkest desires — desires that he could see in the twinkle of his green eyes. "sure, and the sky's green," beau said with a little scoff. his brown eyes rolled playfully, a little smirk turning up on the corners of his thin lips. "prolly... but we'd make more together. people would kill to see that pretty little ass fucked. and by a cock this big? we've hit the gold mine," beau singsonged. he could see his little idea was starting to turn the gears in fletcher's head. everything was going according to plan. "uh... nah. i've heard plenty of people commenting on it. just embrace it, baby face. you've got a fat ass, why not put it to good use?" beau questioned with a cocked brow. "we'll 'say' that... but truth is, i think you're fuckin' hot. dunno that i've ever found a guy hot before 'til you, but i mean, since you moved in here... been thinkin' about how good you'd look getting pounded into the mattress... or with your face buried in my feet," he explained. "caught you jerkin' it to my sock last week, by the way, mr. it was the dryer. you really got me all fucked up since then. can't stop thinkin' about seeing you get a taste of the real deal."

well... of course fletcher was shocked?! his uber-straight, hunky, taken roommate had just suggested that they have sex on camera to pay the bills. there was a part of fletcher that expected beau to burst into a fit of laughter, to reveal that his poorly concealed crush was being exploited to tease him — but no, his roommate was dead serious. and for some reason that was all the more terrifying. "w-what? are you being serious? would she like... watch, or something?" fletcher gawked, lips forming a little 'o' shape. as much as fletcher hated it, ashley was the last component that he had to consider. beau was the kind of hot that left an impact, and fletcher had certainly been affected. he started swiping his dirty socks weeks ago, using them to get off when he craved the kind of filth that only a straight gym rat could offer. fletcher never thought that beau would notice, but he supposed he wasn't really hiding it — there was a pile of them under his pillow, which made beau's accusation all the more humiliating. and, for some reason, that was really doing it for fletcher. his cock was already rising, faint bulge forming in the crotch of his grey sweats. "i dunno, beau. must be a problem with the dryer," he lied, never taking his eyes away from the other male's feet. "she's repulsed by them? that seems a bit dramatic. they're not that bad... i mean, they're a bit sweaty, but who's wouldn't be with how much you work out?" fletcher didn't know why it physically pained him to learn that beau wasn't getting those gorgeous feet worshipped every single night, but it only made him dislike ashley just a little bit more. a guy that hot deserved a little slut to slobber all over their toes, and fletcher was about to start drooling. "that wasn't because of you!" fletcher protested, but his rosy cheeks only flushed deeper. "why me? you would make plenty of money all on your own with those feet, and that... your dick. 's pretty big." fletcher was as sweet as could be, but even he had a bit of a jaded past — with guys, at least. it was difficult to not let that uncertainty build an iron gate around his heart, but fletcher was slowly breaking it down. "guys don't... no, beau. they probably just liked my jeans, and my butt isn't that big. it's a very normal-sized butt," fletcher replied, shaking it off with an awkward chuckle. "i... listen, let's just say that i do think you're hot. let's say that i steal your socks and dream about your feet when i'm alone... why do you want to do this? and you can't just say it's because of the money."