#while lewis claps in the background

[livetogether--diealone]

come get your child, he keeps having teenage pregnancies!

[xyvyl]

One More Race - Chapter 1 - Y/N

Summary: New to formula 1, Dutch driver Y/N L/N. F2 and F3 world champion, now racing for Lamborghini in F1. The only woman racing in F1 right now.

Chapter song: Legend - The Score

Word count: 1375

Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2iH7vTDNnObb2HMBDuRhrY?si=9ec8ffb7ec164637

A/N: taglist open!

---------------🏎️---------------

Lights out and away we go!

The words ring in my ears as I start driving. Starting from P4 isn't bad, but George, Charles and Max were in front of me. Max obviously sped off, Charles following close behind.

I managed to pass George after turn 1, but Charles and Max already had a big gap between us.

After 5 laps I managed to catch up to charles and almost pass him, but turn 13 fucked it up.

“How much time is between me and leclerc?” I ask through the radio. “0.7 second, keep it up, you're almost in the DRS zone.” “copy.”

I do my best to keep this distance until the DRS zone, once in I manage to pass him with ease, putting me in P2.

Luckily Charles couldn't pass me, except for when I pitted, but i quickly regained my spot.

---------------🏎️---------------

“P2, P2. good job!”

I sit in silence for a while, driving in the car. P2? In the first race of the season? First race of my career in f1? P2?!

“Y/N?” I hear my engineer, shaking me out of the daze I was in.

“P2? Are you serious?” “very”

“WOOOO! P2 BABY!” I yell in excitement as I pull up to the p2 stand, getting out of the car.

I quickly take off my helmet to see who I ended up on the podium with.

“Max? Natuurlijk ben jij P1!" (of course you’re P1!) I congratulate Max, turning around to see Charles’ car pull into the p3 stand.

“Charles! Congrats man!” I walk up to his Ferrari, hugging him as soon as he climbs out of his car.

“Congrats Y/N you did amazing!”

I smile and run to my team, “P2 baby!” “Where did Logan end?”

“He got P8.” My mouth drops, p8? That's such an improvement from his time with Williams!

---------------🏎️---------------

The cooldown room was quiet when I entered it, probably because Max and Charles were too busy chugging their water bottles.

I sigh in contentment and grab my own water bottle, drinking every last drop.

“Congrats on P2 in your very first F1 race, Y/N.” Charles claps me on the back, making me almost choke on my water.

Max laughs in the background and I glare at him as I swallow my water.

“Thanks Charles, you did a great job as well! And Max?”

“Yeah?”

“I hope you choke on your water” I smile at him, making Charles burst into laughter.

“Wow! Okay! What happened to, ‘beetje medelijden voor een mede-Nederlander'?" (A little compassion for a fellow Dutchman?) Max fakes being hurt as I stick my tongue out to him.

---------------🏎️---------------

Standing on the podium feels the same, yet so different from F2 and F3… nevertheless, it's an amazing feeling. Standing there, the trophee in my hands and champagne next to me and millions of people watching me stand there next to Max and Charles. The Dutch national anthem in the background.

I laugh as I put the trophee down and grab the champagne, already being targeted by both Charles and Max.

I launch the bottle down to the floor as the liquid starts spraying everywhere, mostly at Max and Charles, but also my team who are below the stands.

Everything seems to go in slow motion as I put the bottle to my mouth and drink the liquid, Max and Charles doing the same.

The first woman to stand on the F1 podium..

---------------🏎️---------------

“Y/N!” I turn around and see Logan running up to me.

“Logan! Congrats on P8!” I give him a hug, smiling.

“I was going to ask you if you wanted to come with us to get dinner, to celebrate.” He smiles when I nod.

“Wait, you said ‘us’ who else is going?” I question him.

“You, me, Max, Charles, George, Lando, Lewis, Carlos and Oscar.” He smiles, making me smile.

“Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!” I exclaim as I run to my black lambo, Logan following closely behind.

The ride there wasn't too long, since the restaurant was almost next to our hotel, which isn't too far from the track either.

“We're here, ready to celebrate?” Logan grins as he turns the car off.

I nod, a huge smile on my face as I get out of the car.

I wait for a hot minute to wait for Logan as he gets out of the car.

“Let’s go!” I exclaim as I speed walk into the restaurant. As soon as I enter I see the others sitting at the reserved table.

“Hi guys!” I smile as I sit down next to Lando, who smiles at me. Logan takes the seat next to me.

“We thought you guys weren't coming.” Max jokes, making me stick out my tongue at him. “Ha ha, very funny Max, why wouldn't we come? We had amazing results!” I laugh, making the rest of the table laugh too.

“Have you seen twitter lately?” Lando asks me, “No, why?”

“You're getting mixed responses to being the only woman on the grid..” His response made me look at him confused.

“I take it I shouldn't look at it?” I smile, already knowing the answer.

Lando only confirmed it by nodding his head. I put my phone back in my purse and grabbed the menu.

“Did you guys already order?” Most of the table shook their heads.

“We wanted to wait until you two were finally here.” Lewis smiles at me.

The waiter comes and we all order. After we got our food and started eating, I took a second to look around the table.

All talented male drivers, and me, a female driver who somehow got a seat with Lamborghini..

I sigh and Carlos notices, looking at me with a look that says, ‘are you okay?’, to which I nod. When I start eating I notice in the corner of my eye that Lando is looking at me, but I pay it no mind and enjoy the food in front of me.

---------------🏎️---------------

After we all finally finished our food, we paid separately and went on our way. Me, Lando and logan staying behind for a little.

“So.. how was your first ever F1 race?” Lando asked and I could sense the awkwardness in his voice.

I smile, “Amazing, the whole grid is nice, our team is great! The car is just… wow, I don't have enough words to describe this feeling.” Logan and Lando smile at that as the valet comes out with Logan’s car.

I give Lando a hug and we get in the car.

“How was your food?” I ask Logan, trying to make conversation.

“It was good, yours?” okay.. We're both awkward..

I nod and look out the window, enjoying the view.

---------------🏎️---------------

I dropped myself on my bed, the hotel we're staying at was amazing, comfortable beds, huge bathroom, just amazing. 

Logan's room isn't far from mine, literally next to mine.

I sigh, a smile on my face as I look towards the giant window overlooking the race track. A ping comes from my phone. It's Logan,

‘Plane leaves at 8, meet at my room at 6?’

I quickly reply, ‘I'll be there!’

8 am.. So early…

I roll my eyes at the time.

I get up from the bed and walk to the bathroom, getting ready for bed.

When I return I see my phone on my bed, exploding with messages, both from messages and twitter.

I remember what Lando said at dinner, ‘You’re getting mixed responses to being the only woman on the grid..’ 

I pick up my phone and decide to look at the messages first, seeing messages from almost the whole grid, but mostly Lando and Logan.

‘Don't listen to whatever they say’ -Lando

‘If you want to talk, i'm here’ -Logan

‘Twitter doesn't know anything, you're an amazing driver and friend’ -Lando

‘I think they might be blind, you got p2 all on your own’ -Lando

‘You're an amazing friend, teammate and driver and you're a world champion in f2 and f3! Don't listen to them!’ -Logan

Their messages put worry in me and I hesitated clicking on the twitter icon..

But I eventually did and what I read and saw…

[interlvgos]

Ooooo! Could you please use the sentence “Can you please come and get me” -> I don’t know if you write Lando/George but if you do could it be George asking Lando to come and get him but if not maybe George asking Lewis to come and get him?

Thanks <3

Send me a ship + a sentence and I’ll write the next 5 [or more] sentences.

The afterparty of Brazil rages on while George hides in its afterglow, hidden within an alleyway as he takes a moment to catch his breath, his shaking hands clutching at his sides in an effort to trap some warmth between them. He keeps his back pressed to the walls, trusting the shadows to keep his secret for him, hiding him from sight as he steadies his breathing and unlocks his phone. 

It’s too much all of a sudden and all at once, and when he closes his eyes against the heavy bass of the club looming in the distance, George just wants to go home. 

He wants to see pretty brown eyes, he wants to be held in strong; tattooed arms capable of keeping him hidden from the constant weight of hands clapping his shoulder and eyes on his back, a quietly protective barrier between the threshold of George’s tolerance for attention and what the rest of the world wants from him. 

Home is synonymous with Lewis, now. 

Lewis, who’s a once in any lifetime, with his trophies and his victories and successes to sing his legacies for him when George’s voice runs out and it fades into the background with all those who have praised Lewis before him; and all those who will praise him long after. His Lewis. 

George is drunk. He’s tired. He feels a little bit sick and a lot overwhelmed. 

Lewis, who will pick up the phone to George, anyway. He always does.

George thumbs at his phone screen, squinting as though the blurriness in his vision will make way to clarity if he tries hard enough, finding his contacts and settling on Lewis’ name. 

It rings once, twice. Lewis answers, voice soft with residual sleep, and George crumbles.

“Can you please come and get me?”

George doesn't know what transpires in the conversation afterwards, but between one breath and the next, Lewis is suddenly in front of him, eyes coming into view and his hands reaching out for him, and George folds into him, letting him navigate the space between their bodies until there’s nothing left. 

Yes, George thinks, as he inhales the scent of Lewis’ skin. Home.

[thirstyandbeautiful]

Babes I’m begging for more Royal!Lewis 😭

holy shit here we go, new lewis fic YASSSS

Find Me Again (Royalty!Lewis)

PT. 1 - PT. 2

Fic Summary: When you and Lewis are on opposite sides of the court and have been harboring a steamy affair, how will it stand the test of an arranged marriage, a toxic court and the usual drama of the royal lifestyle? 

Chapter Summary: You must find a way to settle into a crown you don’t want while Lewis is interrogated by the other lands’ princes. (Lots of background to start this fic out right!)

“Darling-“

“No!” You screeched, taking advantage of the fact that you had an empty room with your father, “No, this isn’t fair.”

Your tears burned like ice down your cheeks as you let your emotion go. So unbecoming for a Queen, your mind reminded you, pushing you further into distress.

The throne room had been cleared after court had ended, and you’d taken up the fight with your father. Any good feelings you had from being in Lewis’ arms evaporated as the reality set in. This was much more than just trying to ensure you married your lover, this was your life. And how your life would change drastically from one man’s decision to continue succession when it was too early to.

But, as always, your father didn’t see that.

“My dear,” your father rose from his throne and descended down the steps to you, “no one who has it in their grasp ever wants the throne.” You glared up at him as his fingers pushed your chin up, “And as cruel as you might think me, your reluctance to take your rightful place as ruler of our land solidifies my stance on you becoming Queen.”

You stepped back and covered your face with your hands, rubbing away tear tracks before lifting your head to look at your father. You were devastated, and he didn’t look remorseful.

“But- marriage, I-“

“I didn’t want the throne.” He told you softly, “I pushed it away and pushed it away, and then what happened? War happened and it was forced on me in the worst way imaginable.” He approached you slowly, like you were a deer, with his hands up, “If you take it now, I can guide you.”

“You can retire.” You sneered.

He chuckled, “That too.”

You rolled your eyes as he laughed at you like he did when you were a child. You didn’t understand how a parent, how your parent, could offer you up on a silver platter to the playhouse of treachery and put the shiniest target in all the world on your head- voluntarily.

But no matter your anger, you could feel the pressure of responsibility, of your nobility, as it crushed your shoulders down until you rolled them back and steeled your face. When you looked at your fathers smirking face, you didn’t even flinch.

“How long do I have?” Your voice didn’t waver.

“I’ll give you 6 weeks.” He clapped his hands together and turned tightly on his heel to begin his ascent back to his seat, “After that,” he called over his shoulder, “this seat is yours, and you’ll be a married woman.”

He settled back into the golden throne and rested his cheek against his fist as he leaned on the armrest like he was bored after all the emotional turmoil you had rolled through. He smiled down at you before he wagged his fingers in a childish wave goodbye, dismissing you.

You tore off down the hallways, careful that your footfalls weren’t heavy. The last thing you needed to be seen doing was stamping your feet down the hallways after leaving the throne room.

There were just so many people infesting your kingdom, and every turn you made you felt like your head was loose on top of your shoulders with the way you had to keep nodding. Fed up, you cut into one of the study’s and pushed what looked like a frame in, making the thing swing out and reveal the secret passageway.

It was a curious contraption, a masterfully created maze of back hallways and staircases that allowed one to move across the castle undetected. It was your kingdom’s best kept secret.

When you finally got to a familiar square cut out, the handle of it wrapped with pink silk, you sighed and swung it open. Stepping into your room, you carefully closed it and collapsed in front of your vanity.

“Oh!” Your chambermaid squeaked as she stepped into the room with a stack of fresh linens, “Your highness, you frightened me.”

You nodded dismissively, but still bit out an apology as you rummaged the drawers for some of the powder that your crying had soaked off. Lifting your brush, you gently worked some powder under your eyes. They’d only just deflated enough to look normal, and you couldn’t afford a day hidden behind your bedroom door. With four kingdoms in attendance, you had to be seen as much as possible.

“M’lady,” your chamber maid came into the reflection of your mirror behind you, “I should mention that they’re waiting for you in the parlor.”

“Thank you, Aurora.” You gave her a small smile that you could just about manage.

The familiar face returned the gesture before turning on her heel. She took two steps before she backtracked and captured your attention. The look on her face was torn, and you felt your heckles rise.

“M’lady,” Aurora said again, with a tone you did not like, “if I may-“

“What?” You bit out, not liking the way her lips were askew as she struggled to find her voice but looked desperately like she was spilling a secret, “What do you have to share?”

“Well, your highness, I just- I, I had heard some of the librarians speaking before,” you dropped your brush with a clatter that made Aurora jump, “and they seemed to be insinuating that some noises in the study have become common place-“

“And?” You challenged her through the mirror’s reflection.

“And I just thought you should know.”

You kept your stare on her through the reflection, unsure how to process the news in a royal way. This is bad, very bad.

“Aurora, you’re dismissed for the rest of the day.”

The normally helpful, yet bird like woman bowed deeply before rushing from your room. Your foot falls felt like hammers to your chest. The guilt of treating Aurora in such a way, to dismiss her was so stupid. The fear of her knowing exactly what she spoke of spooked you.

You had to tell Lewis tonight.

-

“You’re doing quite well today.”

Lewis nodded at his fathers compliment, stoic on the outside but preening inside.

“Thank you, I am trying.”

“Yes, I can tell. I know how you detest these courts and the royal proceedings with the other kingdoms but you respect the importance.” Lewis nodded as his father elaborated, “Which is why I was shocked that you missed the meeting in the reading room.”

Lewis almost, almost, tripped but didn’t. He had told his father he’d attend that meeting, but abandoned it in order to get some time to blow off steam with you. When he lifted his eyes to look at his father, he almost laughed at the look on his face.

“I’m not going to pretend I don’t have a hunch,” Lewis could feel his heart beat out of his chest, “but please, be careful.” He chuckled.

Lewis’ mind slowed to dripping honey as he realized the insinuation had nothing to do with you. His father regarded him like a naughty boy who was fucking a maid, not his neighboring kingdom’s princess.

He didn’t have anything to say, not wanting to confirm nor deny such a thing, lest he wanted his father to push the topic and potentially have to lie intricately. So he settled for nodding.

“But now,” his father changed the subject after a beat of silence, “it’s time for your least favorite duty.”

Lewis sighed heavily as his father clapped a hand on his shoulder, “Do I have to?” He asked lowly.

“Yes,” he laughed, “go mingle and strengthen our future.”

Well, that’s one way to put it to guilt the fuck out of me, Lewis sighed, “Alright, alright. I’ll see you tonight.”

His father nodded as he came to a stop in the middle of the hallway, at an intersection where they’d part. Formally, Lewis bowed before taking off down the hallway for the next part of his day. Informally, upon standing up straight again, he winked at his father before turning on his heel and continuing on with his day.

His foot falls echoed as he moved with purpose towards the tea room where the princes regularly met during these types of trips. It was easily his least favorite part of the day. The food was good, the tea divine but how could anyone enjoy such splendor with the most rotten of princes in attendance?

Lewis rolled his eyes as he rounded another corner. He amused himself by remembering the few times that the offensive prince had skipped tea time. How much nicer and lighter, fun even, the time had turned without the poison of such a leech to spoil it.

Have I manifested this?

Lewis stared into the room with shock as the two other princes here for the weekend sat playfully joking with each other in the room. His least favorite of future rulers no where to be seen.

“He’s here.” Daniel sighed and called to him as Lewis walked further in, “He’s just late.”

“Maybe he’ll skip all together.” Lando giggled.

The tea room was an overly large room with powder blue walls and a navy, velvet carpet that matched the heavy drapes. A lone, golden, circular table with intricate designs running down its legs held a small feast for the men, and the varied couches and seats around the table were just as gaudy.

Not willing to chance it, Lewis took the seat between Lando and Daniel’s.

“Doubt it.” Lewis nodded to Daniel before facing Lando with a smile, “He’d never give up an opportunity to torture us.”

“The cunt.” Daniel commented loudly.

Lewis smiled softly as the youngest king laughed as he lounged back in his own seat like a cat.

Daniel and Lando were never a problem. Daniel was a part of a much less problematic nation that kept to itself and was kept in check by a fair ruler, his father. He was funny, and friendly, and when he was finally friendly enough with you, raunchy. When Lewis had first met him, he found himself blushing around the man, unsure whether it was the shock of his comments or heat of his arousal around the crass man.

Lando was on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. He was young and sheltered, his nation relatively new to independence but incredibly wealthy. He still smiled like a boy, a very cute one at that. He had this air of innocence that had Lewis fearing for the day it would be crushed. Because inevitably, it would be.

No prince can stay a boy forever.

Lewis’ wistful thoughts had pulled him away from whatever Daniel and Lando were discussing, but the two obviously thought he was listening with the way they just kept going on and on. It wasn’t until your name was mentioned that his bubble of melancholy and responsibility popped.

“I can’t believe they’re going to marry her off.” Lando mumbled.

“That’s the way it goes, kid.” Daniel sighed, “I-“

Daniel was cut off by the doors that had been previously shut by a maid swung open. The bitch had arrived and wanted everyone to know.

“What a day!” Prince Nico called too loudly, all too eager to have the attention to steer whatever bullshit he wanted to go on about today as he sat next to Lando and directly across from Lewis.

Lewis made a point to not meet his gaze.

“Do you really think they’ll arrange a marriage for her?” Lando asked in a small voice, more than used to working his way around Nico’s outbursts.

Nico laughed dryly as he snatched a cookie off the table, “If they’re smart, if her father wants any insurance that his kingdom will live past his own stupidity-” Daniel and Lewis hissed at the lack of tact, “he’ll arrange something to help her keep it.”

Lando’s eyes widened and watered for a moment, and the realization dawned on Lewis in a moment, “It’s expected of us, come a certain age.” Lewis told Lando softy, “But you’re many years away.” 

Lando nodded his head before looking down at his lap again. He carefully lifted his tea cup to his lips. He hadn’t quite mastered covering his feelings, but Daniel, Lewis and most of the other princes tried their best to make him feel comfortable in his lack of control.

“Some of us have escaped it for some time.” Nico mumbled rather loudly into his own drink as he got comfortable in his seat.

Daniel shrugged, “Not the type to be arranged, mate.” 

The Aussie’s shoulders were turned toward Nico and his feet were planted on the ground. He looked ready to leap forward at a second’s notice, and while Lewis would’ve loved to watch Nico get mopped, he didn’t want to do so in your kingdom, he thought it was an unspoken sign of respect to have a higher decorum here. 

Lewis chuckled and slapped his hand against Daniel’s shoulder, “I don’t think she is either.”

“Ah, that little firecracker doesn’t need a husband to run a kingdom.” Daniel shrugged, relaxing back slightly, “But I reckon it would be fun at her side.”

Lewis chuckled and nodded, “We’ll have to see who she chooses.”

“Don’t you feel entitled to her?” Nico asked with a lift of his chin, the sly smirk on his face already telling him that Nico thought he knew the answer.

“How exactly does one end up with a feeling of entitlement over another individual?” 

“Well, many summers together had to breed some urges between you both. I know that if I spent the hottest months of the year with something like that- with the flush on her cheeks, I-”

“Will you be asking for her hand, then?” Lewis was careful to keep his composure and didn’t move a muscle, not willing to show an ounce of his true feelings in the matter in front of such an audience. 

The other princes were leaned in, eager and listening with wide eyes. It wasn’t the first tiff that he and Nico had gotten into, and would definitely not be the last, but this was the first one that centered around a princess.

“Maybe,” He smirked and lounged sideways on the luxurious loveseat he was perched on, further grating Lewis’ mood, “she’d be a shit wife, but with that temper probably a great lay.”

Lewis leaned forward and placed his cup down so gently it barely scraped the wood of the table, “I wish all the best to whatever poor soul ends up tethered to your own, Nico.” 

Nico’s smirk pulled into a snarl before he rolled his eyes and took a sip, signifying the end of the conversation. He was a pissy prince, but he gave up easily enough when Lewis stayed unruffled. 

“Who would you wed then?” 

Lewis almost rolled his eyes as Daniel’s voice broke the tension with Nico, and added another layer of it, “I dunno.” he answered noncommittally.

“It just seems like it would make sense-”

“Nah,” Lando cut in, “you know after her father and his aunt-”

“I’m sat right here.” Lewis cut him off sharply, “We’re all so eager to discuss my future bride when I hear that you two have been quite the commotions.” 

Lando’s eyes got big and instantly started to water, while Nico’s grin spread back across his face. Lewis could feel Daniel staring a hole into his face. 

“Fuck this.” Daniel growled as he tipped his goblet back and downed the rest of the fiery liquid he always smuggled into court down his throat before rising to his feet, “Let’s go, Lando.” 

“Tell me,” Nico raised his voice as he reached out to grab Lando’s wrist, “how does your father feel about a potential kingdom change for his young boy? Is it his interest or your own?” When Daniel snarled and pulled the youngest prince along behind him, Nico felt more emboldened by the Aussie’s back, “And you, Daniel, a knight? Really?”

The doors to the lounge shut with a deafening bang that had Lewis giving Nico a blank stare, “Really?”

“What?” Nico shrugged, “It’s such a cliche.” 

“Daniel and Michael grew up together.”

“As did you and our prized princess.” 

Fuck. He’d fallen right into Nico’s trap.

“It’s not fair to pick on Lando either,” Lewis continued, forcing himself to stay unfazed, “he’s the youngest and I’m pretty sure he still thinks us as his friends, even you.” 

“He’ll learn.” Nico chuckled, “Just like you did.”

Lewis ignored the quip, “It’d be nice if it were by guidance, not fire.” 

“Is there a difference?” Nico spit out.

“Not to you.” He sighed as he pushed himself to his feet and continued to the same way Daniel and Lando had gone. 

[aquaburst3]

Been seeing this meme going around lately, so I decided to give it a whirl with my own “Yuu” Adriana. Here are six main characters that inspired her creation. 

TWST Cores:

Yuu/The Player: Adriana is my stand-in for the player character. Since Yuu in this game is a blank slate with zero personality, almost nothing about them inspired Addie other than her being sassy and short. 

Jasmine: While Addie is part Mexican, Cuban and Sicilian, not MENA or Desi like her, but they share some things in common personality wise. They are both determined, fiery and courageous rich girls, who dish out all of the clap backs. They also have a strong connection with cats. Her wanting to stick Grim on jackasses was inspired by Jasmine unleashing Rajah on her suitors.

Alice: They're both outsiders from another world, who are analytical, creative and logical. Her being an atheist is also inspired by Alice, since it puts her at odds with a world filled with magic, fae and actual gods. Her being into art and photography are inspired by Lewis Carroll's love for these things.

Other Inspirations:

Naofumi from The Rise of the Shield Hero: While this show is problematic and I admit that I don't like it all too much, they are both the lowest rank in that society and forced to claw their way up. Sometimes by questionable means.

Sokka from Avatar the Last Airbender: Mainly in the sense that they're both non-magical people in worlds where almost everyone has a super power, but use their wits and ingenuity to survive. They are both leaders within their friend group. And kinda goofy at times.

Ruby Matthews (Sex Education): One of my intentions with that character was to make Addie "twisted" in her own right while still making her sympathetic and layered as a character, so I made her a former popular mean girl. Outside of Regina George, Ruby was the main character of that archetype that I drew from.

Ruby seems like a more realistic version of that archetype. In that series, while Ruby can be a bitch at times, she is also a guarded person, who cares about her father and is scared about others finding out that she's from a modest background. While Addie is from a wealthier background, she also guarded, cut throat and secretive person with a soft and kind side as well.

I also can't help but see some parallels with Addie/Jamil and Ruby/Otis with them both being popular girls pairing off with socially awkward dorks. (Still pissed about Ruby/Otis not being endgame in that show, though.)

Proto Jasmine: For those of you who don't know, Howard Ashman's original draft of the Aladdin screenplay was much different than either the animated or live action movies. In that, Jasmine was a spoiled brat, who was described by Ashman as "Madeline Kahn or Bernadette Peters in a really bad mood." She got a song named "Call Me a Princess" where she shows off how shallow and obnoxious she is. She never ended up with Aladdin in the end, instead a girl named Abbi did.

I drew inspiration for some of her character flaws. Sure, Addie isn't a obnoxious brat like Proto Jasmine, but she can be rather materialistic, superficial, obsessed with her psychical appearance and vain thanks to her rich upbringing. In fact, part of the reason why she got the part time gig in her world was because her mom forced her to in order to teach her how to earn money and become more humble, because her mom had to claw her way up to gain her wealth. This is one of her flaws she must outgrow throughout the story.

[sanderssides-springfling]

Say It Again

For @intrus1veth0ts!

Title (and a few other lines) are from the song I Love You Always Forever, by Donna Lewis. Shoutout to my beta reader, @cygnusfae! (they also chose the title!)

Now have some soft Logicality fic!

Warnings: swearing, kissing, food

Logan came downstairs to the scent of smoke, to find Patton staring at a pot of something on the stove with the most contemptuous look Logan had ever seen on him.

“Patton? Is everything alright?”

Patton bit his lip. “Uh, yeah, so about that homemade dinner…”

Logan sighed, stepping forward to survey the damage.

He was silent for a moment. “How the fuck did you manage to burn spaghetti?”

Patton turned, face planting into Logan’s shoulder. “I don’t know…”

Logan laughed.

“I was gonna do something nice for you…”

“It’s okay…do you wanna go out, or get delivery?”

“This was for you, you get to choose.”

“I still don’t understand why you’re so insistent on this, but okay. I don’t mind going out.”

“You don’t mind, or you want to?”

“You know I can’t make decisions.”

“Well, one of us has to.”

“I mean, we seem rather dressed up to just order pizza.”

Patton nodded, but an uncomfortable expression crossed his face.

“Patton? We don’t have to.”

“No, let’s do it.”

Logan watched Patton carefully. “…Okay.” Logan put the pot in the sink, filling it to soak, while Patton called the restaurant for reservations.

  Logan looped his arm through Patton’s as they walked inside.

They’re seated at a corner table, overlooking the street. Patton’s vision was caught by the view, and Logan smiled softly, his eyes coming to rest on his boyfriend.

“It’s so pretty,” Patton murmured.

Logan followed his gaze. It’s nothing extraordinary, just the old fashioned lamp posts lighting up the passerby, and the steady hum of traffic on the street. He supposed that’s always an ability Patton had, to see the beauty in all the everyday things.

Maybe Logan needed some of that.

The server came by in a few minutes, and took their drink orders. Then, they’re left in silence.

It’s almost magical, the moments like this with Patton. The way his eyes sparkle at something that anyone else would hardly notice. The way he could make anyone feel welcome. 

Logan never felt like he had to fill the silence with Patton. He never had to second guess his behavior, or worry about his complete lack of social skills.

Patton had him covered.

Patton was more fidgety, and less talkative than usual. Logan met his eyes across the table, about to inquire about it, but Patton snapped his attention back to the menu.

“What’re you having?” Patton asked, except it’s not the voice he usually uses with Logan. It’s tense, almost, like he sounds when he’s trying to distract his grandmother away from another meaningless argument.

Logan is a little shaken, but he attempted a smile. “We discussed the decision making issue already.”

“Whatever the special is?”

Logan nodded in agreement, as the server approached their table again.

They placed their order, and then they were left alone again.

“Patton? You’re quiet tonight.”

Patton startled. “Oh. I-uh…yeah.”

“Is everything alright?”

Patton nodded quickly.

“Then what is it?” Logan reached across the table, and took Patton’s hands.

Patton whined. “You’re ruining my plans.”

Logan’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”

“You’re sitting there all gorgeous, and concerned about me, and how am I supposed to wait until dessert at this rate?”

“Wait for what?”

Logan smirked, and Patton clapped a hand over his mouth.

“Fuck.”

“Well, I can see why that would have to wait, but what were you really talking about?”

Patton sighed heavily, slamming his head into the table before Logan could stop him.

Logan tried to stifle a laugh as he reached across the table. “Are you okay?”

“No.” Patton took a deep breath. “Okay, um, here we go.”

Patton stood, and Logan looked up at him in confusion, before Patton crossed to Logan’s side of the booth.

“Patton?”

“Logan, I, I-fuck.”

“What?”

“I forgot the speech I wrote. Okay, you know what, I’m just gonna improvise.”

Logan’s started to piece this together, but he couldn’t stand to interrupt Patton again.

“Um, well, we’ve been together for five years, and I just love you so much, and god, stop looking at me like that, you’re too pretty, I can’t think straight. Well, I’m not straight, am I?” Patton sighed. “I’m getting off track again. So, I planned out this whole thing, but it’s kinda falling apart, so I’m just gonna cut to it. I really, really want to spend the rest of my life with you, and, wait, I’m supposed to be kneeling, aren’t I?”

Logan was laughing almost hysterically, and he wasn’t quite sure if it’s because of how much Patton was messing this up, or if it was just an overflow of love. Probably both.

Patton clumsily got down on one knee, and pulled a box from his pocket. “Will-will you marry me?”

Logan had started crying, but he managed to choke out “Yes.”

Patton smiled, throwing his arms around Logan. Logan pulled him close.

Logan faintly registered applause in the background, he wasn’t aware that was a thing that happened outside of the movies.

“I-um-I gotta put the ring on you.”

Logan frowned. “But then I gotta let go of you.”

“I know, I’ll be quick.” 

Patton pulled back and flipped open the box, slipping the ring onto Logan’s finger.

The band was silver, with a dark blue sapphire set in the center. Small diamonds dot the band around it. Logan could feel an inscription against his finger, he’d have to examine that later.

“I-I love it. I love you.”

Logan brought Patton closer once again, peppering kisses over his face.

The server came back with champagne, and informed them their meal was on the house.

Patton was giggling hysterically, as he managed to pull away and sit across the table from Logan, interlacing their fingers together.

"I didn’t know things like this happened in real life,” Patton said, awed.

“Um…about that,” Logan started.

“What?”

“I hate to make this proposal even more cliche, but-” Logan fumbled in his coat pocket for a moment, before producing a nearly identical box, and sliding it across the table.

Patton was giggling even harder as he clicked open the box.

“It’s beautiful.”

He carefully picked up the ring, examining it, and gasped when he caught sight of the inscription. Everything I will do for you.

“You like it?”

Patton nodded enthusiastically, tears spilling onto his cheeks. “Look-look at yours.”

Logan frowned in confusion, but took off his ring, his eyes glancing over the inside. Everywhere I will be with you.

“Oh.”

Patton nodded, giggling helplessly.

“Roman didn’t tell you,right?”

Logan shook his head. “I had no idea…I guess we really are meant to be.”

“Yeah…I guess we are.”

Logan put his own ring back on, before taking Patton’s and gently slipping it onto his finger. 

He laced their fingers together so the words lined up.

Everywhere I will be with you.

Everything I will do for you.

[doof-doofblog]

"It's Disgusting!"

Monday 12th October 2020

Good evening folks! I hope you've had a brilliant weekend. We're are back with another week of EastEnders and I am so intrigued as to what is going to happen this week. I'm just going jump straight in with it ... so the episode starts this evening with Whitney on the phone to Bianca. Bianca must've heard what happened while she was in court, Whitney is visibly tearful as she tries to explain to her what has happened and how she's going to deal with it. Is Bianca also trying to convince her to plead Not Guilty? As Whitney is walking through the Square, Sonia is following along behind her, adamant she needs plead Not Guilty, but Whitney has had enough. She claims to her that Leo is dead because of her, I guess Whitney just believes she needs to do what's right, regardless whether he made her life a misery or not. Do you guys really think she'll go down for Leo's murder? Or is there going to be some miraculous change of heart/mind of the jury and they could find her Not Guilty? Who knows?!

Meanwhile, Mick is still feeling the blame for what happened in Court. It's understandable that his head all over the place right now, trying to cope with the fact that he's found a daughter he never knew he had! He still hasn't told Linda about Frankie, how much longer is he going to keep her a secret? We all know secrets never last long in this soap and it's always explosive when secrets are revealed! He's just going to make things worse for himself and for Linda if he leaves it much longer! What do you guys think? Linda can see there's something clearly wrong with her husband, she tries to comfort him and assure him that what happened in court was not his fault, his panic attack couldn't be helped. But will Mick really see it that way?

Ahhh okay, so Phil is still going to do whatever he can to make sure that Raymond will be in his life. I kind of love the fact that he's making a cheese sandwich, I don't really know why ... I just think it's brilliant! Phil Mitchell making a cheese butty! Ha! Anyway, while he's preparing food in the kitchen, Ben is having a word with his Dad whether it really is a good idea to keep seeing Raymond, as he makes the valid point - "You can't go back on adoption!" Plus things are only going to explode once Ellie finds out who Phil really is. I know I've probably said it before, but this story is one that I'm really looking forward to - whether something will come out of it remains to be seen. But even the possibility of Ben seeing his younger brother, I think that scene - if it ever happens - is going to be beautiful!

Meanwhile, in the café, Gray is seen still looking very miserable, is he still thinking about what happened the day before? Is he perhaps hiding from Karen and Mitch? Karen still hasn't caught up with him for missing his wife's funeral, but I'm sure as soon as she claps eyes on him, she'll be having words! In the background Sonia and Linda are discussing how important it is to keep hold of things that mean the most to you, as one day it could all be taken away. As Linda leaves the room, Sonia approaches Gray and basically pleads to him to speak to Whitney, to try and convince her to change her mind, but Gray feels he's caused too much damage to her trial already, so he declines, much to her disappointment.  

At the Prince Albert, Frankie is talking to Tina about other possible theme nights and promotions that they could put on at the bar, she states to Tina that not everyone who go to gay bars are gay, Tina makes a really funny remark to Frankie, after making a move on her and feeling embarrassed because she rejected her. Frankie's reaction is almost apologetic, she obviously feels bad for giving Tina the wrong impression. Suddenly, Linda makes her way in and asks Tina to have a talk with Mick, as she's asking Tina this favour, Frankie appears to listen in to the conversation. She overhears Linda explain that her husband isn't sleeping, not eating properly, isn't opening to up to her - she feels like he's hiding something. Frankie realises that it's because of her, we can see the look in her face! Is Frankie going to be able to somehow convince her Dad to tell the truth to his wife?!

Back at the Mitchell household, while Ben is waiting for Lexi, he's explaining to his boyfriend that he's really worried about Phil being hurt again. He worries that if Phil is going to keep seeing Raymond, it could all backfire for him. He makes the important point that the one person he's forgotten about is Denise, how is Denise going to feel if/when she finds out Phil has repeatedly been to see their son. Callum makes the suggestion that perhaps Phil seeing Raymond may be a good thing, the silver lining is that he's not focusing on any dodgy deals or dodgy work right now. Whilst Ben and Callum are having this discussion, little Lexi has hear to the door on the other side, listening in to their conversation. While this chat is taking place, Denise and Jack are walking through the Square, Denise appears to be just a little bit on edge as Jack makes the remark that she's been drinking a bottle of wine every night since being reunited with Raymond. As Denise shrugs off Jack's remark, they bump into Phil as he leaves Minute Mart, they share a quick look and he walks away. Denise admits to Jack that she doesn't trust him, I have a feeling that somehow Denise is going to stop Phil from seeing their son. This is what I mean when I say this story could go so many ways, there are so many routes the story could go down and I am so intrigued and excited to see what happens.

Meanwhile at the Vic, Kat and Jean are doing their jobs and cleaning all the tables and bar area. I love how Jean is talking about that for Hope's birthday she was going to get Mo to dress up as the Queen. Brilliant! As she continues her conversation with Kat, the subject turns onto the topic of Stacey, and how she became to realise that Martin only lied to her to protect her. Jean reveals that Stacey is hoping for her and Martin to get back together once he returns from his holiday. But as Kat is listening to this, she's scrolling on her phone on what we only assume to be their social media pages, but then she stop and says "Oh my god!" - Something has happened between Martin and Ruby, but what?!

Back at the Café, Tina and Linda are discussing Mick. Tina is reassuring Linda that there is nothing wrong with her husband, she explains that this is what Mick does, if something is bothering him, he'll disappear to sort himself out and he'll return. She assures Linda that she hasn't done anything wrong, she everything will be fine come dinner time. While this conversation is happening, Frankie finds Mick in the park and decides to join him. We can see that Mick is in deep thought as she places a coffee mug in front of him. Frankie tries to console Mick, she promises that she never wanted to cause him any stress, she doesn't want to come in between his marriage. She understands if he doesn't want to tell Linda about her, she wouldn't even ask him to. Mick smiles at his daughter and offers to buy her a bacon sandwich (YUM!) ... but as he queue's up, he bumps into Max. He decides to apologise for his behaviour the other day, Max is more than understanding, they both come to a mutual understanding and accept each other's apology, Frankie is watching in the background as they chat. Suddenly their conversation changes and Max sympathises with Mick about what happened in court, bringing up his fling with Whitney, as the conversation continues Frankie is completely stunned. Mick returns to her and she starts kicking off on him, saying that he had some affair with a lady named "Wendy!" - that's a good point, does Frankie even know who Whitney is? Has she even met Whitney yet? Mick tries to explain to his daughter that she has completely misunderstood, but she walks off before he gets a chance to explain.

Meanwhile at the Slater household, Stacey is excited to see that Martin and Ruby have returned from their holiday. This could be the chance she needs to tell Martin exactly how she feels. As she rushes upstairs to get ready, Jean and Kat are trying to come up with a plan to try and stop her before she walks into the situation and ends up feeling humiliated. They clearly know something we don't ... Suddenly the front door slams shut and they realise Stacey has already left. Eventually she finally catches up with Martin, he's stood on his front door with his luggage case. Stacey pours her heart, saying she understands why he lied to her, but she wishes he'd have just told her the truth, it could've saved them so much arguing. As she's saying this, Martin looks as if he doesn't know what to say, "Talk about timing, Stace!" he says. She looks a little confused as Ruby makes an appearance, she states to Martin that he's got to carry her over the threshold .... WAIT! WHAT?! .... THEY'VE GOT MARRIED!!!!! WHO? WHAT? WHY?? .... I didn't even think Ruby and Martin were a serious thing! I did not even think they were going to last!!! Ooooo did you see the smug look on Ruby's face as Martin says to Stacey that they've got married!!! Do you want to know what I think, I think it's Ruby's way of getting her own back on Stacey ... like, "You stole my money, I'm going to steal your man!" ... What do you guys think? I feel so sorry for Stacey, I was kind of hoping that Martin and Stacey would rekindle their relationship and start again!

Back at the Prince Albert, Tina is fuming at Frankie for leaving the bar when she specifically asked her to cover. Before Frankie is even having a chance to apologise or explain herself, Tina is kicking off at the poor girl, asking whether she's some kind of stalker because she's found out about her taking photographs of the family. Eventually Frankie manages to get a word and states a name "Katy Lewis!" ... Tina's face turns to shock ... Frankie then begins to explain that Katy Lewis is her Mum, now this is the confusing part ... Tina's face turns from shock to pure joy! She seems so excited to hear that name. She reveals that she and the rest of the family as well as Frankie's Mum are old friends. Tina instructs that as soon as they finish up at the bar she wants to discuss with Frankie everything about her Mum, the look on Frankie's face is just pure confusion!

Back on the Square, Gray bumps into Whitney. This is first time they've seen each other since his breakdown in court. She reveals to him that the only way she's going to be able to go through with it is if she pleads Guilty. Gray instantly tells her not to! He struggles to say the next sentence as it's kind of referring to him also, he slowly states to Whitney that Chantelle believed that you should always tell the truth, because it'll always come out in the end if you don't! It looks as if what Gray has said to her has managed to persuade her to plead Not Guilty, could this be the pep talk she needed to fight her way through court?!

The last scene of tonight's episode was in the Vic, Tina and Frankie had met up with the rest of the Carter family and Tina excitedly explaining to them all that Frankie is Katy Lewis's daughter. Mick looks a bit quiet as he sips his drink, Linda recalls hearing the name, whereas Shirley seems to remember her perfectly. This is really interesting now, Tina then reveals to Frankie that Katy was Mick's carer? She make the revelation that Mick was only 12 when he seemed to have a crush on her. Frankie's face drops! Her head is spinning as Mick admits that he was just only 12. Frankie excuses herself to escape the conversation, Mick follows her pretty quickly, as they talk together alone in the corner of the Vic, Frankie is absolutely shocked, she can't believe what she's just heard - she initially thought that she was the result of an affair? But it looks as if he could've been sexually abused as a child!!! Did Frankie's Mum abuse him???!!! Also, very interestingly, did you see the look on Shirley's face! She knows something! She knows something isn't right with Mick!!!

I'm telling you now folks, that new female character who's going to be joining the soap. No name revealed, and yet we know she'll have something to do with the Carter's ... I'm telling you now! That is Katy Lewis! That is going to be Frankie's Mum! I am so convinced!! She is going to turn up to the Square, searching for her daughter, eventually she'll bump into Mick he'll start to relive everything he went through as a child. Will Frankie end up choosing who to live with, her Mum or Mick? Oooo I cannot wait to see how this story progresses!!! What do you think folks?! Really looking forward to hearing your thoughts about the current storylines! I'll be back tomorrow evening following Tuesday's episode! Goodnight everyone! xXx

[deadcactuswalking]

REVIEWING THE CHARTS: 13/02/2021 (Digga D, AJ Tracey, Cardi B)

It’s not as big of a week as it is just a confusing one, so there’s no pre-amble. Olivia Rodrigo spends a fifth week at #1 with “drivers license” and let’s start REVIEWING THE CHARTS.

Rundown

I started writing this a bit later than usual so I just want to rush through most of what’s here. The songs dropping out of the UK Top 75 are either debuts from not long ago like “Notorious” by Bugzy Malone featuring Chip and “Lo Vas A Olvidar” by Billie Eilish and ROSALÍA, or songs that have been here for a while, like “Monster”  by Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber, “Holy” by Justin Bieber featuring Chance the Rapper and “Dynamite” by BTS. We even have some #1 hits dropping out of the Top 75 this week, like “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac, “WAP” by Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion and “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. In terms of fallers, we have, seemingly, some of the older Winter cuts being replaced, as we see “Sweet Melody” by Little Mix getting a harsh streaming cut down to #30,  “Whoopty” by CJ down to #33, “Levitating” by Dua Lipa and remixed by DaBaby down to #34 (although this could rebound given the album release), “you broke me first” by Tate McRae at #37, “SO DONE” by The Kid YAOI at #57, “All I Want” by Olivia Rodrigo at #61, “Looking for Me” by Diplo, Paul Woodford and Kareen Lomax at #62, “Train Wreck” by James Arthur at #63, “See Nobody” by Wes Nelson and Hardy Caprio at #64, “Take You Dancing” by Jason Derulo at #65, “Therefore I Am” by Billie Eilish at #68, “Before You Go” by Lewis Capaldi at #72 and “Golden” by Harry Styles at #73, as well as some more recent debuts, including the entirety of Fredo’s album impact from last week, as “Money Talks” with Dave is at #11, “Ready” with Summer Walker at #31 and “Burner on Deck” with Young Adz and the late Pop Smoke at #32. “Skin” by Sabrina Carpenter and “Apricots”  by Bicep aren’t faring that well either, at #51 and #56 respectively. When I said these songs are being replaced, I wasn’t overestimating anything as we have our new crop of hits seemingly all surging, as “Martin & Gina” by Polo G is at #54, “Be the One” by Rudimental, MORGAN, TIKE and Digga D is at #49, “Best Friend” by Saweetie featuring Doja Cat is at #42, “My Head & My Heart” by Ava Max is at #35, “Love Not War (The Tampa Beat)” by Jason Derulo and Nuka is at #27, “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals is at #24, “Your Love (9PM)” by ATB, Topic and A7S is at #23 (it’s honestly starting to grow on me), and “Blinding Lights” by the Weeknd is somehow back up to #20. Speaking of the top 20, we also have “Friday” by Riton, Nightcrawlers and Musafa & Hypeman dopamine re-editing itself up to #16, “Save Your Tears” also by the Weeknd at #15, and two new top 10 hits, both songs with basically the same chart run and genre. “Goosebumps” by Travis Scott, remixed by HVME, remixed by Travis Scott is at #10, becoming HVME’s first and Travis’ fourth top 10 hit here in Britain. We also have “The Business” by Tiesto grooving up to #7, becoming Tiesto’s fourth top 10 hit. I honestly feel bad for the still completely uncredited vocalist. We also have a third new top 10 entry but that’s a debut that we can discuss later. I should also note that “Roses” by SAINt JHN and remixed by Imanbek is back at #74, and a winning Eurovision song, “Arcade”, by Dutch singer Duncan Lawrence is also back at #39 off of the back of some TikTok traction. I think this is the most streamed Eurovision now – I’d watch out for this being a big hit. Welp, time to get into our really, and I mean REALLY, varied and weird crop of new arrivals, starting with...

NEW ARRIVALS

#75 – “Roadtrip” – Dream and PmBata

Produced by Banrisk and Perish Beats

Okay, so this is a song by Minecraft YouTuber Dream, or at least that’s who I think he is. I think there was some kind of scandal related to him, and a couple people got involved and someone got doxed... listen, I don’t care. Not only is this song really not worthy of reviewing on the principle that unlike Wilbur Soot a couple weeks ago, Dream has never been a musician, which is clear from how involved no-name singer PmBata was in this, but I care for my private information not being made public so... What ridiculous excuse do I have to not review this? Okay, 1997 reggae-rock classic “Doin’ Time” by Sublime returns to #75 after Boris Johnson made a TikTok in the Houses of Parliament where he says “Pogchamp, Brexiteers, I just got tested for COVID-19” with the song in the background, and Joe Biden is on a Zoom call with him a few seconds later visibly annoyed because he prefers the New Radicals. Sure, let’s go with that. What was this entry about again?

#71 – “Goodbye” – Imanbek and Goodboys

Produced by Joris Mur, Imanbek and Goodboys

Everyone’s favourite Kazakh house producer Imanbek is finally back on the charts with his collaboration with British pop trio Goodboys, who you may know from their carbon-copy hits made with MEDUZA. After listening to that EP he made with Rita Ora, I’m slightly less impressed with Imanbek’s production, but that EP’s impact, if any, will be seen when the lead single featuring David Guetta and Gunna debuts low next week. Yes, seriously, all four on the same track. Anyway, this song, “Goodbye”, is actually pretty okay, with a generic deep house groove and fake hand-clap effectively saved by the Goodboys’ really intriguing vocal delivery and processing, which ends up in a Travis Scott-like Auto-Tune harmony that’s honestly pretty endearing right before the anti-climactic slap-house drop. The song’s lyrical content probably isn’t worth talking about, but it’s about a generic struggle with a break-up, and how hard it is for one of these good boys to say good bye. The build-up with the pre-chorus before the blue-balls second drop is kind of genius, and that’s probably my favourite part of the song outside of the abrupt vocaloid drop at the end. For what it’s worth, it takes more risks than most of these house-pop songs, most notably by having only a single verse in the middle of the song, and being really short, clocking in at less than two and a half minutes. It’s not as infectious as “Piece of Your Heart”, but this is fine. I’m glad it’s here if it’s going to give Imanbek another non-Rita Ora-assisted hit.

#60 – “Little Bit of Love” – Tom Grennan

Produced by Jamie Scott, LOSTBOY and Daniel Bryer

Tom Grennan is an English singer-songwriter who released their debut record in 2016 and was crowned by the BBC as the “Sound of 2017”, before dropping off the face of the Earth. He was brought to fame by a guest feature on a Chase & Status song that didn’t even do that well and now he’s back with the lead single from his upcoming sophomore effort, and his highest ever charting song. Well, is it any good? I mean, I like OneRepublic too. The rising strings here in the intro and chorus are pretty cool, and I’ll give it to Grennan for having an interesting voice but the odd level of grit in it does not fit well for this plastic production, which quickly devolves into vaguely danceable synth-mess that’s just not interesting. The content is mostly about unconditional love, particularly one that feels not particularly reciprocated, although some of the detail in the second verse feels like it’s going somewhere. I’ll admit, the chorus is catchy, but this mix puts way too much emphasis on a flawed vocal take from Grennan, which really detracts from the pathetic excuse for a bridge. I do enjoy how this feels like a flash-back to the mid-2010s, where happier, synth-based pop was this prominent, and I do love how the strings come back in the outro, but good production can’t do much to save a song that just feels under-cooked and definitely under-written. The OneRepublic comparison feels particularly fitting here too because their stuff tends to be just as stagnant, not to mention the lyrical riffs off of “Counting Stars”. I mean, when you start your first verse – in the first 10 or so seconds of the track – with the most recognisable part of a very recognisable song, I think Ryan Tedder deserves at least some royalties.

#58 – “Astronaut in the Ocean” – Masked Wolf

Produced by Tyron Hapi

Masked Wolf is an Australian singer and this song is actually from June 2019, just gaining enough traction, presumably off of TikTok, to debut on the charts this week. The song got a 2021 reissue and I assume a remix and, well... for God’s sake. The Kid LAROI should not have been an entry point for Australian trap, because outside of a second or two of distortion in the intro, this is far from unique. It has a guitar-based trap instrumental with dark 808s that even Gunna would pass up on, and an Auto-Tuned delivery from Masked Wolf, clearly trying too hard to replicate Drake in the intro and bridge, Kid Cudi in the chorus, G-Eazy in the first verse, Eminem AND Kendrick on the second verse, to the point where he even directly references Kendrick Lamar’s much better music. He suffers from the same problems as all of these artists combined, with lyrics that seem like they’re building up off of something interesting about depression before going into aimless flexing like a mid-tier Kid Cudi track, flows that sound as meandering and checked-out as Drake’s, the failed attempt at some kind of white-boy swagger that G-Eazy hasn’t pulled off successfully since 2016, the substance-less content hidden behind fast flows from Eminem and... oh, my God, this guy’s just like Australian Logic. I don’t like American Logic, why do we need this guy too? Yeah, this is bad, and there’s not much worth nitpicking in this mix or even the lyrics to even point out. I guess the worst bar is when he says he believes in G-O-D but not a T-H-O-T. So he’s a slut-shaming NF now? Jesus Christ, I’d take a full album from The Kid LAROI over this.

So the next two songs are ones I’ll actually need to somewhat lump together, as they are consecutive on the chart and both from the same album, and the same washed-up band.

#53 – “Waiting on a War” – Foo Fighters

Produced by Greg Kurstin

We have two songs from Dave Grohl and friends here from their latest album, Medicine at Midnight, technically three if we count the entire top 100, which means, yes, the UK just had a Foo Fighters album bomb. I’ll focus on the album as a whole with the next song because this is easily the worse track here and the worst track on the album purely out of how misguided it is. Dave Grohl wrote this song because he felt inspired by the current hell-scape of the political climate, reminding him of his own youth when he was surrounded by rising Cold War tensions. His young daughter asked him if there was going to be a war and naturally this song came out of it, reflecting on the fears he and his daughter have and that everyone deserves a future and a lifetime not taken away from them by conflict and fear. This is a good song idea but it absolutely does not work, and that’s partially down to the production. When I first heard this track on the album, I genuinely grimaced at the vocoder-mumble that Grohl takes on against the scratchy acoustic guitars. The whole point of the instrumentation is that it builds tension with rising strings, multi-tracked acoustics and eventually some electric guitars and powerful drums, yet because of how slow-paced the song is, it fails to mirror the rising tension of the prospect of there being a war. Instead, it’s a slog and its pay-off by the end feels unwarranted in the most boring way. Sure, the squeals of the guitars in the back of the mix sound good, but surely a song like this should not end like any of the Foo Fighters’ other pop-rock anthems, especially not as abruptly as it does. Wouldn’t you want a more subdued outro to comfort your daughter’s fears that at least right now, everything’s okay? That would make the most sense to me, but that’s thrown out of the window, with pathetic songwriting, with verses that play word association with the blandest of rhymes, seemingly irrelevant pop-song-generator filer and a chorus that is mind-numbingly repetitive but ultimately fails to build tension because of the content asking us to wait, constantly, even when it gets into its heavier rock tone. We’re supposed to wait for something that is only implied to never come, because there isn’t finality. Sure, that could work as a way of saying that Grohl is just as uncertain and scared as his daughter is about political conflict, but that would imply this song gives off any further emotion than the fact the Foo Fighters felt the need to cut a vaguely political track out of necessity. As a song, and as an album, Dave Grohl is utterly confused, and “Waiting on a War” is way too slow and non-specific to act as a protest song, as well as being way too on-the-nose for it to work as a ballad. Let’s talk about this next single.

#52 – “Making a Fire” – Foo Fighters

Produced by Greg Kurstin

What the hell is Greg Kurstin doing here? This is the first track on the album and is supposed to make some kind of gripping impact but is instead just a snoozefest. The choral female vocals sound bored, but at least it’s not as strained as the struggling Dave Grohl trying and failing to yelp over a stiff groove which has its momentum killed by drumming too slow and mixed too oddly to make this pre-chorus even coherent, not helped by Grohl’s butt-rock delivery and non-descript lyrics. There could be a guitar solo here, to make this track feel memorable, but no, it’s hidden under a pre-chorus with an extended gospel bridge that doesn’t build up effectively to a chorus that just comes crashing in and hence has no effect. Maybe I just can’t listen to arena  rock in a quarantine context, but I can’t even imagine this making much of a fuss in a packed stadium without desperately needing tweaks in the songwriting and especially the production, because this just sounds stunted. It’s telling that Grohl made his best tracks as the Foo Fighters on his own and those first two records, alongside a pretty decent 2014 comeback in the form of Sonic Highways, are still great. I’m not denying that Grohl can write a good song, or that the Food Figures can’t play, because they’re all talented guys. This is just one album in many that leaves me with the feeling that these guys just can’t do much more outside of their comfort zone than fail miserably. These songs won’t stick around, and thank God for that.

#50 – “Believe Me” – Navos

Produced by Tom Demac and Navos

Another week, another... okay, but we already had a generic pop-infused deep house track from a couple EDM randos, do we really need another? Okay, well, this one is even less interesting than Imanbek’s effort as it doesn’t even try for a verse, instead going for a deep house groove I’ve heard countless times before, drowned out by some square synths and, yes, you guessed it, 90s piano loops and an uncredited female vocalist repeating basically the same couple lines over and over. This is made for the clubs, but I feel like even regular club-goers would tire of this vocaloid drop and cloudy production two minutes in. There’s nothing worth discussing here, because this probably took as many minutes to make as it did to listen to. I have no idea why Navos debuts a song so high, but I’ve got to assume TikTok’s to blame. Apparently this guy makes tech house, where’d any of that skill or intrigue go here?

#21 – “Up” – Cardi B

Produced by Sean Island, DJ SwanQo and Yung Dza

Anyone else surprised at how such a big name gets production from people I’ve never heard of before? Not that it matters, it’s just odd. Anyways, this is Cardi’s new single, presumably from that ever-elusive second album, debuting around 20 spots lower than it will in the US, and it’s going for a more gangsta-rap content than the hyper-sexual “WAP”, but does she keep the same energy? Well, yes... in fact, after all the mediocrity, I’m glad to have a genuinely great song debut this week. This is a great, bass-heavy beat that gives a Memphis phonk feel in the dark keys as well as the hard-hitting 808s and spacey percs and sound effects that add some needed distortion, even if there’s going to be some brief clipping along the way. Cardi brings some necessary energy from the brilliant opening lyrics and continues with a fast-paced, chanting flow that accentuates some of her funnier lyrics with her charisma that she always brings to a trap track like this. I’d say that this is maybe too repetitive – with very little of the verses to speak of – or even somewhat derivative of her previous song, “Money”, but there’s a lot better lyrical content in this one, not to mention how well she complements a more straight-forward but still killer beat. Oh, yeah, and Cardi’s stacks are Shaq-height as she dismisses haters with an impressive level of swagger and confidence, that carries the refrain, but that’s not to say the lyrics aren’t really great in the verses. There’s genuinely funny and sexy wordplay here, especially in the second verse, and also some great liners: “hoes speakin’ cap-anese”, accusing her haters of having pink-eye and their breath smelling like “horse sex”. This is a short, probably underdeveloped song, but it’s the type of surreal, high-energy trap I kind of really love and I hope this sticks around further in the UK.

#19 – “Latest Trends” – A1 x J1

Produced by ShoBeatz

A1 x J1 are a British rap duo with no other songs. Yeah, something’s fishy here: this is their only song on Spotify that blew up from a 15-second clip on TikTok, and their Spotify bio is trying to decide whether they’re the next D-Block Europe or the Beatles, as well as really emphasising how the song grew “all organically”, even though they’re already signed to Universal... yeah, there’s nothing subtle here, so I won’t buy this TikTok fame schtick, but does it matter when the song is good? Well, not really, and honestly, I’m kind of into this guitar-based drill-R&B fusion in the beat, but it doesn’t really help the fact that J1’s Stormzy impression is janky and unconvincing, especially if he’s going to try for some shallow wordplay, and that A1’s Auto-Tuned croon is just boring, reminding me a lot of A Boogie wit da Hoodie, but with a less recognisable voice and delivery, even if the first verse contains a funny line about a woman making that ass clap “for the NHS”, although he totally took that from Swarmz anyway. Yeah, I’m not a fan of this fake attempt at an organic pop-drill crossover, but unfortunately, I can very much see this working, though I’d be happy if the British public will see through this dishonesty as soon as possible.

#5 – “Bringing it Back” – Digga D and AJ Tracey

Produced by TheElements and AoD

Now for a rap duo that makes more sense to debut this high and are actually, you know, separately successful rappers, therefore they debut in the top five, which is impressive. The whole concept of this song is that Digga D and AJ Tracey are using old flows, those that would be nostalgic to their deeper fan base, to spit bars on a new track called, fittingly “Bringing it Back”. The flow AJ Tracey brings back is from his overlong “Packages” freestyle, a five-minute track from 2016, that works more as a freestyle than it does as a song, where he uses a familiar UK drill flow to go off for a really long time, and, yes, it is pretty impressive but the flow becomes stale too quickly. Digga D uses his flow from his “Next Up?” freestyle from 2017, a similarly badly-mixed UK drill freestyle but with a much more palatable length. Digga D’s flow he uses in that track is arguably slicker but honestly one that I see used a lot in UK drill and by Digga D, so I’m not sure it’s not worth “bringing it back” when you could come up with a new, catchier flow. I’ll admit that “Bringing it Back”, however, is a pretty damn good song, with Digga D’s more technical and fluid flow allowing for a lot more intricate internal rhymes that sound really great over the triumphant, string-heavy drill beat, as he trades bars with AJ Tracey’s slower but more confident, laid-back flow, which allows him to spit some more specific, interesting bars, some of which really hit, like when he says he “locked up the food for the kids like Boris and then I let it go like Rashford”. Hey, I respect it, I haven’t heard a more clever way of intertwining political commentary with cocaine smuggling since Pusha T last released a record. The way AJ Tracey and Digga D play off of each other’s lines is really smooth, and especially how Digga D plays with the beat, as while his lyrics may be less interesting, they mash perfectly with the beat’s frantic fades in and out, especially in his last lines before the first chorus, where he asks for the track to literally be turned off... and it is. So, yeah, I’m pretty damn happy with this debuting so high off the energy alone, even if Digga D is going to pronounce “LOL” like a one-syllable word. I’d say this is actually a really good starting point for people who want to get into more UK drill because it has a lot of the grit and menace of the genre in a more accessible, catchy form, even if it may run a bit too long for my taste.

Conclusion

Wow, what a weird, weird week... and a lot of it was straight garbage. I’m giving Best of the Week to “Up” by Cardi B, with an Honourable Mention to Digga D and AJ Tracey for “Bringing it Back”, though Worst of the Week is pretty much a toss-up. I’ll give it to the Foo Fighters for “Waiting on a War”, with a Dishonourable Mention tied between “Astronaut in the Ocean” by Masked Wolf and “Believe Me” by Navos for just both being worthless. Anyways, here’s our top 10:

The UK Singles Chart is honestly kind of chaotic right now – even more so than usual – and I don’t see that changing. Even if I don’t like all of the songs, it’s at least compelling. Anyways, thank you for reading and you can follow me @cactusinthebank on Twitter if you want. I can’t really make any predictions for next week other than Taylor Swift re-recording her own music and I guess some impact from Rita Ora and Imanbek, or hopefully, slowthai. Regardless of what happens, I’ll see you next week!

[radramblog]

Linkin Park Retrospective Pt. 2

Aight let’s get into it.

Minutes to Midnight

The third album, and what many would call Linkin Park’s turning point. When this came out in 2007, nu-metal was mostly dead, and the band was growing up, so like most other people they left a lot of it behind in favour of a more diverse set of tracks.

This was a controversial move.

Minutes to Midnight was probably my least favourite of the studio albums (until No More Light, but we’ll get there), but I guess I’m far from alone in that. The album suffers greatly from not using the signature call-and-response vocals between Chester and Mike that got the band famous- the only song on the list that has both sharing the lead is Bleed it Out, which is probably the best track on the album. Ironically, despite the name and lyrics, it’s probably the least edgy of the harder songs there- it’s literally about struggling with writing lyrics- but its not like it isn’t emotional, as Chester as usual has a screamy bridge to work with. I think adding the claps and backing vocals, like it’s being played at a bar, was a ballsy move.

Surprisingly, there are a lot fewer tracks on this album that come even remotely close to metal than I remember. Like, it’s pretty much just Given Up and No More Sorrow, if you don’t count What I’ve Done. And I don’t count What I’ve Done, it sucks. What I’ve Done was literally written to be a single for the album, even they didn’t like making that shit, and it’s just so utterly overrated. While I can’t comment as such on the movies that they’re attached to, New Divide (which isn’t on an album) is basically just What I’ve Done but actually good. Back to MtM though- Given Up introduces us to something somewhat surprising- Minutes was actually the first album to have a parental advisory sticker, and Given Up is probably half of why what with the multiple F-bombs (Bleed it Out is the other half). No More Sorrow is probably the better of the pair, with a more interesting chorus in my opinion, and while the bridges of the two songs are similar enough that I confused them while writing this, I think NMS’s sludgier tones gives it the edge, though Given Up does have that 17-odd second scream which is pretty hella.

The rest of the album, on the other hand, is a mix of softer tracks, which vary wildly in quality. In my opinion, Leave Out All The Rest, Shadow of the Day, and Valentine’s Day haven’t really aged well, and honestly listening to Chester being a sadboi isn’t really something I’m down for considering semi-recent events. (Valentine’s Day is actually edgier than it seems, it’s about a funeral not a breakup. This does not make it a better song.) On the other hand, Hands Held High is really unique among the band’s discography, being a protest march/hymn with pretty sparse instrumentation under Mike’s frustrated rhyming that shouldn’t ring as true today as it did in ’07. It took me way too long to realize the backing vocals were going Amen in those little bits.

On a less somber note, I do think the album’s last 3 tracks do work fairly well. In Between gets carried pretty hard by that little riff, but the bridge really gets to me. In Pieces is a nice little bit where disconnected elements of percussion and vocals (and later get some guits) slowly build and come together before a fun little solo and the last minute actually sounding like a Linkin Park song. Some would argue I’m being unfair separating this from Shadow of the Day etc, but that last bit does save it for me. And The Little Things Give You Away is just a really chill, very gradual build which is just a great style for songs to be in.

Minutes to Midnight is still far far from my favourite LP album, and the contemporary complaint that it didn’t sound like a Linkin Park album is valid, but the band was moving away from its roots regardless. MtM is like a stepping point, a stumble maybe, for the more experimental work to come.

 A Thousand Suns

(psyche)

Reanimation

Yeahhhh I wanna give more time to A Thousand Suns. It’s my favourite album, which is a controversial pick, so I think it deserves space to breathe. So instead, we’re gonna talk about Reanimation now.

(oh fuck I have to talk about people rapping? shiet)

Released in 2002, between Hybrid Theory and Meteora, Reanimation is an album of remixes of all the tracks from Hybrid Theory, as well as some of the B-sides from that era, done by a bunch of DJs I’ve never heard of and featuring rappers I also have never heard of. I’d argue its almost painfully early 2000s, and I mean that in the most loving way possible.

The quality of the tracks on Reanimation varies pretty wildly, which makes sense considering they’re all done by different people. On the one hand, you’ve got stuff like Frgt/10 (that’s Forgotten by the way, yes they’re all like that) where the instrumentation is kind of utterly awful but the guest verse (and Mike’s new one) are pretty decent, but on the other hand you have stuff like P5hng Me A*wy, one of the few where the remix was done my Mike himself, which I actually like a fair bit more than the original. I think H! Vltg3 is easily the best of the 3 or so versions of High Voltage, and I’ve definitely tried to memorise its bars before.

I suppose not mentioning Enth E Nd would be criminal of me. I think it’s a lot like Frgt/10, though rather than having awful instrumentation its just…different. It fits the tone of this version of the song better, for sure, but it does feel weird to have the original chorus just sitting on it feels really weird, and the random stuttering on it doesn’t help at all. Unlike with the original In the End, the effects on the vocals don’t feel as deliberate, or as meaningful (if that makes sense). Again, though, I really like the added verse from Mike, even if Motion Man’s doesn’t do a lot for me.

Mike and the guest DJs aren’t the only ones with remixes in the game, as both Wth>You and Kyur4 Th Ich (unsurprisingly) are by mister haaaaaaaaaaaahn himself. The former is actually pretty similar to the original, outside of the different instrumentation in the verses, guest bars, and that little piano line running through its latter half which I do admittedly like. Kyur4 Th Ich is just so incredibly extra compared to the original, mixing in some of the vocals from the (pointedly absent from this album) Step Up. Where Cure for the Itch is Mr. Hahn showing off, Kyur4 Th Ich is him just kinda fucking around, and I can appreciate that.

Reanimation tries to save the best for last, in the form of Krwlng. Krwlng has been built up to, with both the Opening and Ntr/mssion being samples of its strings line (hey looks strings in a rock song my favourite), and itself being a slow build of strings with lyrics faded into the background until a minute and a half in when the rhythm from the original kicks in, but it’s still loose and low-energy, guest vocalist Aaron Lewis giving a much more restrained performance (not that that’s hard on a Crawling remix),. It isn’t until the 4 and a half minute mark when the song has a similar energy to the original, but it feels earned, and the result is arguably a much more satisfying one.

Unfortunately, I’ll probably never be able to take Krwlng seriously, because of a particular stage magician show I went to, the performer’s name redacted for spoilers I guess but mostly I don’t remember it. One of the big ones, as far as you can have those in that industry, I guess. Either way he was using Krwling to build up to the climax of the show, with the Opening and Ntr/mssion bits being hype for the big bit where he flies or some shit, but the second I recognized those strings I practically cracked up then and there in the audience. It was hard to take this bloke’s aura of mystique seriously anymore because I knew that he was probably just as much of a Linkin Park nerd as I am, and he’s getting away with it on the big stage. Kudos to him to be honest.

Next time: A Thousand Suns. 

[tiredrobin-scooted]

arthur headcanons (w some general trio ones) evn tho nobody asked. it’s long. talk to me about them if u want. 

i just feel like rambling with a mild aim, so. claps hands together. lesgo

he has ocd

he hoards items as a result, and he doesn’t like people touching his things. throwing stuff away is hard. he has methods of managing it, tactics that help when he knows he needs to reduce clutter, but it’s still difficult.

one of his personal rituals involves the pins on his jacket. he checks them frequently throughout the day to make sure they haven’t fallen off. when he washes his jacket, he has to put the pins in the exact same spot (the holes there are worn open and visible, which makes it much easier). he has a specific pattern when he checks them too, & he jokes that its like those games where u have to hit the buttons in the same pattern that they light up in

violent intrusive thoughts central, babey! often coupled w graphic imagery. hes having a great time! love it

also like. anxiety and depression

sighs. and insomnia. he cant sleep! especially in unfamiliar environments. and he has to turn things “away” or else he feels watched (which i think is from his ocd)

SIGHS. and adhd, while we’re at it. infodumping hours are the best bc vivi and lewis are very good listeners even when they have no idea what hes talking about. (and vivi, although not inclined towards mechanics and robotics, is good at asking questions that help push the conversation forward. lewis has a tougher time but he makes up for it in attentiveness)

he doesnt medicate because finding meds that dont exacerbate other aspects is difficult. he had a therapist for a good while, though, after uncle lance took him in, so he has a lot of different methods of helping himself

and he has rly supportive, understanding friends who also have their own mental and physical issues so it’s like. they get it. Everyone Gets It.

hes a gamer...... 

he likes puzzle games a lot, but rpgs are usually what he plays

not that he plays them OFTEN because turns out he has 20 other projects to work on (haha what do i mean im projecting. dont talk to me.)

also trans??? hes dfab binary trans guy

he didn’t make, like, robo-prosthesis himself, those existed before his amputation, but when he was fitted with his own he either built the whole thing from scratch or he totally revamped the one he got

he has a shoulder port and actually, he’s decided, it SUCKS,

if he isn’t careful about the weather, the metal will freeze or heat up and i mean. you can imagine the consequences

rapid changes in weather and pressure causes pain

phantom limb pain in general is just here. and he

is tired

also hes bi, and poly, and

laughs

but yeah. i hc hes been on t for.... a while? but i have a side hc where he hasnt been on t purely because i get really shitty cramps and im projecting those onto him. u cant stop me. 

and now..... some (more) vivi, and also some lewis stuff, and actually just a buncha general stuff

lewis joins arthur in the depression club. they high five about it

vivi is also trans! shes hella nonbinary. still uses she/her, but like. .. .

shes nb. mayyyybe genderfluid btwn Woman and a smattering of nb identities. i havent made up my mind yet

all of them actually have adhd, ive decided just now. all three of them. its party town, its infodump hours, no one can stop them and no one can stop me,

lewis and arthur bond over puzzle games. they all play mystery games when the desire hits

vivi almost ALWAYS gets first in mario kart. shes just too good

arthur kicks butt at super smash bros tho and can usually win

lewis’s strong suit isnt really fighting-based games. he likes exploration and socializing. theres probably an mmorpg they all play together

vivi is the fighter, arthurs the spellcaster, and lewis is the combination alchemist/healer

theyve probably played dungeons and dragons. i can see them sitting in the back of the van on late nights out, trying to play but devolving into conversations about enemy logistics or game mechanics or like. something entirely unrelated

lewis deserves his own section to discuss this in greater detail but he came from a wealthy/royal background. i have evidence to back this up. i have no idea if other people have thought of this

hes VERY bi

lewis is the mom friend, except he runs himself into the ground caring about other people so much so that vivi and arthur actively have to work to get him to relax and take time for himself. its a lot of work! he just wants to make sure everyone else is taken care of, “which is lovely, lewis, really,” vivi assures. “but you really need to look out for yourself too, y’know,” arthur pipes up.

like you either gang up on him or it just isnt going to work. hes full of love and a desperate need to prove himself

wheezes. he and arthur bond over abandonment issues

ok if i dont stop i will actually never stop, so. folds hands. thanks for listening.

[underoossss]

of love and magic - four

Hogwarts AU - year four

year one  year two  year three

pairing: Harrison x reader 

Warnings: none, just a cute dose of fluff at the end

AN: Sorry it took so long but erased and rewrote this a bunch of times because it wasn’t coming out the way I wanted it to. But I’m happy with the outcome. FEELINGS ARE FLOWERINGGGG!!! Year five later today! 

You heard commotion as you closed your dorm door and headed towards the Slytherin common room downstairs. You were going to meet Tom, your best friend and Harrison to spend the day at Hogsmade Village. As the end of fourth year approached, the four of you needed a break from last minute assignments and tests or your brains would explode.

Once you reached the Common Room you saw that a group of students were gathered around a couch arguing while others carried on with their business in the background. You spotted Tina Lewis, the current captain of the Quidditch team and a good friend of yours. She was also arguing with the group, her brow furrowed resembling the way it gets when someone’s late to practice. You decided to shoulder your way towards where she was to find out what on earth was going on.

“Tina, what’s all this about?” You spoke over the voices hoping she could hear you.

“These first years are giving Henry a hard time because he’s friends with a Gryffindor.” She huffed, “Can you believe how absurd that is?”

“Wait, what?!” You blinked twice trying to understand how something so cliché was repeating itself in your house. Henry was a really sweet first year boy, always reading and a damn good chaser when playing quidditch. So much so that Tina always let him tag along to quidditch practice and was planning on offering him a place on the team next year. To think kids were being rude to him of all people hurt your heart. “We need to stop this.”

“I’ve tried but no one is listening.” She crosses her arms over her chest, probably wishing it was the Quidditch team since we were kind of scared of her.

“Let me try, I’ve got a bit of a flair for the dramatic.” You assure her before stepping on a couch close to you so that you were looking down at the screaming mess. Bringing your fingers to your lips you let out a loud whistle, something that Harrison taught you over the summer and that was enough to make everyone turn their heads to you.

“‘Sup everyone! It has been brought to my attention that a group of students are giving Henry a hard time because he has a friend from Gryffindor.” You raise your voice as you speak, the first years try to open their mouths but you hold your hand up. “Let me remind you we are in the twenty first century and how fu-” Tina clears her throat reminding you not to curse and making you sigh.

“How freaking stupid it is to hold someone’s friends against them. Listen to me very well, you may not realize this but things have changed whether you like it or not. This house has busted their butts trying to erase the stigma of Slytherin being the ‘bad house’, and we are not about to let first years come and screw that up because they’re still brainwashed into thinking we can only hang out with Slytherins. We are friends with everyone in the castle.”

The people in the back put their books down and agreed so you take that opportunity to address them as well. “Jenny,” You say pointing at the curly haired seeker for your team. “Aren’t you currently dating Hannah from Ravenclaw? And Jacob, your sisters are in Hufflepuff and Gryffindor right?” Both of them agree and you turn to the crowd again.

“You see, things have changed for the better. Blood purity and stereotyping houses isn’t a thing anymore, get that through your heads. Both my parents are muggles and I’m a Slytherin, if that doesn’t tell you that times have changed then I don’t know what will. Even if your parents say the opposite, create your own opinion because it’s the most valuable thing you have.” The common room claps and you feel your cheeks burn before you addressed the trouble makers.

“Now, the three of you. Our prefect will escort you to Headmaster Mcgonagall’s office.” You nod towards Marcus who gives you a thumbs up and places a quick kiss to his boyfriend’s cheek before leading the three kids out of the common room.

“Wow, you’re a natural.” Tina nods approvingly, “A tad extra, but you’re a great leader. I saw a bunch of heart eyes around the room.”

That brings a laugh out of you and you shove her shoulder. “Shut up, I’m not.”

“Let’s agree to disagree.” She smiles, “Well, I’m off to the library. I got a hot date with my potions notes.”

Shaking your head, you see Henry still sitting on the couch with his head down as he read a Herbology book. You walk over and sit next to him with a smile on your face. “Herbology huh? It’s tiring but interesting at the same time don’t you think?”

He shakes his head, “Not tiring, just interesting. Professor Longbottom is awesome.”

“Yeah he really is a great guy, he helped me a lot during second year when I struggled with Mandrakes.” You shudder at the thought of those noisy plants but stood up placing a hand on his shoulder. “Hey listen, don’t mind those brats okay? They’ll learn, I’m pretty motivating or so I’ve been told.”

That makes a smile appear on his face as he looks up at you, bangs covering his eyes slightly. “You are and that was a nice speech. Can I ask you something though?”

“Sure buddy, anything.” You shrug nonchalantly.

“Do you have friends that aren’t Slytherin?”

“I do! I have a bunch. My best friend, Alicia is a Ravenclaw, I have another one called Tom that’s in Hufflepuff. One of his brothers is in Ravenclaw and I’ll tell you a secret but you can’t tell anyone.” You leaned in a little bit and lowered your voice.

Henry nodded his head and mimicked zipping his mouth making you chuckle. “The guy I have a crush on is a Gryffindor.” You wink as his mouth hangs open in surprise.

“Really?”

“Yep. So keep your head up Henry, I doubt those kids will bother you anymore. Oh and-”

You were cut of by someone grabbing you by the waist and spinning you around making jump before laughing hysterically. “Come on Y/N, we’re all waiting!” Harrison says over your laugh.

You punch his shoulder but smile nonetheless at seeing his face. His beautiful blue eyes crinkling on the corners because of his own smile. “You scared me you div!”

“That was the point,” He rolls his eyes jokingly at you before gesturing you towards the door. “Shall we, your lateness?”

“Oh shut up.” You laugh as you walk behind him before turning to wave goodbye at Henry.

He was smiling from ear to ear as he points his finger at Harrison, who had his back turned to both of you, as if saying that’s him right? You feel your cheeks burn again as you nod and motion him to zip his lips. With a serious look he does so and pretends to throw the key before waving goodbye.

“You alright?” Harrison asks as he holds the Common Room’s door open for you.

Yes, but I feel like I’m falling in love with you and I’m terrified. You think to yourself before settling for a smile and a nod. “Brilliant.”

“Good, ‘cause Tom says the Butterbeers are on you for taking so long.”

“Of course he said that.” You merely roll your eyes before exiting the room with him in tow, smile still on your face and heart hammering on your chest when Harrison’s hand accidentally brushes against yours.

Yep, definitely falling.

tagging: @stephie-senpai​ @bisexualparkerr​ 💞

[lgcjinyoung]

「     LGC Cafe Performance  ⇛  2022 Q4 solo     」  

set list:

Hozier - Take me to church

WOODZ - Different

Lewis Capaldi - Someone You Loved

Chanyeol - minimal warm

Coldplay - Ink

being allowed to perform like that meant a lot to jinyoung. slowly, as he was easing into the every day life of a model, he had to admit he missed the performing aspects of his training. so getting the chance to still sing and dance on stage in both newsies and like this meant a lot to him. he wanted to keep doing it with every opportunity given to him so now sitting on this stage, people looking back at him with expectations and raised phones left him more flustered than he’d like to show or admit.

he’d rarely had the chance to legit be on a solo stage, always having the back up of other trainees and people around him to blend into the background. if anything, he could probably count down the amount of times he appeared to perform solo in topic on one hand. it was nerve-wracking to say the least. he tried to keep his voice calm, his smiles gentle and his responses during the talking sections pleasant and light. never having been much of a talker or a person to stand by himself, for himself, he had to admit this was as far out of his comfort zone as it could get.

but looking into the impressed faces of his audience as he sang, along with the way the crowd seemed to follow him as he tried to animate them to sway or clap along felt nice and reassuring in the best way. he allowed himself to feed off the energy they were giving him while allowing himself to make them feel great in return. and when he closed up his performance for the night and this trimester, he took a deep, grateful bow to them for listening to him as he tried to take his first baby steps out there as a debuted model and potential artist if anyone was willing to pick him up as a feature.

[patriotsnet]

How Often Does Joe Manchin Vote With Republicans

New Post has been published on https://www.patriotsnet.com/how-often-does-joe-manchin-vote-with-republicans/

How Often Does Joe Manchin Vote With Republicans

The West Virginia Senator Was Cozy With Trump For Political Reasons But Hes Less Of An Obstacle To An Ambitious Agenda Than An Organized Gang Of Senate Moderates

There is now a new most powerful person in the United States: Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia. With the Senate evenly split, Manchin, a Democrat representing a state in which nearly 70 percent of the votes cast in both the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections went to Donald Trump, has the power to break a tied vote on almost any legislative business requiring a simple majority to pass. He can even decide which bills to be passed with a simple majority.

For some liberals, this is a disheartening prospect. Manchin voted with Trump more than any other Senate Democrat, opting to confirm two of the former presidents three Supreme Court nominees and evenflirting with endorsing Trumps reelection campaign.* If the new Democratic majority is forced to craft legislation designed to win over Manchin, it could all but guarantee a watered-down and compromised version of the big and transformative agenda Joe Biden began promising last year.

But, honestly, negotiating with Manchin may not be as difficult as liberals fear. A much more worrying alternative is not just possible but may be taking shape at this very moment.

Joe Manchin is, considering his circumstances, by no means the worst Democratic senator. He is quietly a semi-reliable partisan who opposed the GOPs tax bill and the repeal of the Affordable Care Act. And while he later suggested to the press that he would consider endorsing Trump, Manchin did vote to oust him in his first impeachment.

Stop The Steal Unfolding In Plain Sight

But you know who would gladly use a wacked out video clip to contest a free and fair election? Republican state legislators, local officials and members of Congress.

Much like the Jan. 6 insurrection, the GOP plan to steal the next presidential election is unfolding in plain sight. The goal isnt just to make it harder to vote but to also undermine the administration of elections, remove any official who stood in the way of Trumps attempt to overthrow the 2020 election, and then give Republican legislatures new powers to interfere in elections when they dont like the results. 

This is happening as Republicans are preparing new electoral maps that will almost surely allow them to take back the House, while earning far fewer votes than their opponents. And if Republicans control Congress, the chances of a duly elected Democratic president having a victory accepted in both the House and Senate are plunging toward zero.  

Faced with what Ari Berman, author of the book “Give Us The Ballot,” calls a concerted attempt to end the second Reconstruction, whats Manchin thinking about? 

In an op-ed Sunday, Manchin insisted, The right to vote is fundamental to our American democracy and protecting that right should not be about party or politics. This sentence should be the foundation of a stinging rebuke to Republicans who are undermining that right across the country, but the West Virginia senator used it to slam his fellow Democrats. 

How Does The John Lewis Act Differ From The For The People Act

Descriptions of the two pieces of legislation are often boiled down to the For the People Act as broad and the John Lewis Act as narrow. Thats true, but the bigger difference is that the For the People Act is a highly prescriptive bill that preempts state voting and election laws, mandates many practices and prohibits many others .

The John Lewis Act would create procedural rules governing voting-rights violations. This is similar to Section 2 of the original Voting Rights Act, which established legal grounds for private parties or the federal government to challenge state laws that are intended to, or have the effect of, diluting minority voting rights. . The far more powerful Sections 4 and 5 created a system whereby jurisdictions with a history of discriminatory practices would have to submit changes in voting and election laws to the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department for review and preclearance as non-discriminatory before they could take effect. It was Section 4, which set up a formula for determining which jurisdictions fell under the Section 5 preclearance requirement, that the Court killed largely killed in its 2013 Shelby County v. Holder ruling, claiming it was based on outdated evidence of discriminatory practices.

Despite Manchins Continued Demands For Voter Id Rules And Against Mail

After an all-night vote-a-rama on the Democrats $3.5 trillion budget resolution, the Senate early this morning took a step forward on voting rights legislation, with a 50-49 party line vote that discharged the For the People Act, also known as S. 1, from the Rules Committee. The vote was designed to give Senate Republicans a chance to support the process of moving forward, or to demonstrate to Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., that Republicans had no such intentions.

The vote came after weeks of negotiation with Manchin over S. 1, in which he arrived at a place where he was ready to support the legislation, just as long as it wasnt the full bill that he had already vowed to oppose. Manchin often extracts a round of concessions before offering his support to the party, and he appears to have done so again on S. 1.

I have made it crystal clear that I do not support the For the People Act, Manchin said on the Senate floor, referring to Oregon Democrat Sen. Jeff Merkleys flagship reforms to protect democracy. I have worked to eliminate the far-reaching aspects of that bill and amend the legislation to make sure our elections are fair, accessible, and secure.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., nevertheless admonished the proposal as an illicit attempt to advantage Democrats in elections.

Joe Manchin Opposes Voting Rights Bill And Defends Filibuster In Blow To Democrats

Senator key to progress cites Republican opposition as reason

In a huge blow to Democrats hopes of passing sweeping voting rights protections, the West Virginia senator Joe Manchin said on Sunday he would not support his partys flagship bill because of Republican opposition to it.

The West Virginia senator is considered a key vote to pass the For the People Act, which would ensure automatic and same-day registration, place limits on gerrymandering and restore voting rights for felons.

Many Democrats see the bill as essential to counter efforts by Republicans in state government to restrict access to the ballot and to make it more easy to overturn election results.

It would also present voters with a forceful answer to Donald Trumps continued lies about electoral fraud, which the former president rehearsed in a speech in North Carolina on Saturday.

In a column for the Charleston Gazette-Mail, Manchin said: I believe that partisan voting legislation will destroy the already weakening binds of our democracy, and for that reason, I will vote against the For the People Act.

Manchins opposition to the bill also known as HR1 could prove crucial in the evenly split Senate. His argument against the legislation focused on Republican opposition to the bill and did not specify any issues with its contents.

Manchins op-ed might as well be titled, Why Ill vote to preserve Jim Crow

Havent you empowered Republicans to be obstructionists? Wallace asked.

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Despite Trumps recent criticisms of him, Manchin maintains a line with Trump. They last talked two weeks ago after Trump teased him in front of GOP senators and the Democratic senator is hopeful that Trump will treat him with kid gloves this fall. In Manchins estimation, he is often the only thing keeping the president from becoming a down-the-line partisan.

At times, Manchin was the only Democrat who clapped during Trumps State of the Union address. This spring, Manchin killed liberals hopes of blocking Gina Haspel for CIA director by getting behind her early. Manchin supported Trumps Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch, voted for now-embattled EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and even backed the presidents hard-line immigration proposal.

Im with him sometimes more than other Republican senators are with him, Manchin said.

But Manchin has been frustrated that every time he thinks he’s got the president in a moderate place on immigration or background checks for guns, Trump goes to the right. And he hasnt always been there for Trump, most conspicuously on the GOPs tax reform bill, which attracted no Democratic votes. He also voted against Betsy DeVos to be education secretary, Tom Price to lead the Health and Human Services Department and Obamacare repeal.

Summing up his predicament, Manchin said, Washington Democrats are making it more difficult for me to be a West Virginia Democrat.

Joe Biden Wrong About Voting Records Of Joe Manchin Kyrsten Sinema

If Your Time is short

Sens. Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema support the continued use of the Senates filibuster rule. This stance imperils the prospects for key elements of Bidens agenda. 

However, on actual votes taken in the Senate, both Manchin and Sinema supported Bidens position 100% of the time. 

In a speech marking 100 years since a race massacre in Tulsa, President Joe Biden gave a rhetorical nudge to two senators hed like to see greater support from.

“June should be a month of action on Capitol Hill,” Biden said in Tulsa on June 1. “I hear all the folks on TV saying, Why doesnt Biden get this done? Well, because Biden only has a majority of effectively four votes in the House and a tie in the Senate, with two members of the Senate who vote more with my Republican friends. But were not giving up.”

Biden didnt specify which Democratic senators he had in mind, and the White House didnt respond to an inquiry for this article. But observerswidelyassumed that he was referring to Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, whose words and positions have not always been in lockstep with Bidens.

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., surrounded by reporters at the Capitol on May 26, 2021.

However, in his Tulsa remarks, Biden was wrong to say that Manchin and Sinema or any other Senate Democrat, for that matter “voted more” with Republicans than with Biden.

Featured Fact-check

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., outside the Capitol on Feb. 5, 2020.

Joe Manchins Hard No On Voting Bill Leaves Democrats Seeking New Path

The West Virginia senator has stated, in an op-ed, that he will not back the For the People Act unless it has bipartisan support

For months, Democrats in the US Senate have danced delicately around Joe Manchin, giving him space and holding out hope that the West Virginia Democrat would eventually come around and give his must-win vote to legislation that would amount to the most sweeping voting rights protections in a generation.

That detente effectively ended on Sunday, when Manchin authored an op-ed making it clear he will not vote for the bill, leaving Democrats to find a new path forward that is, if there is one at all.

Manchin did not raise substantive concerns about the legislation, the For the People Act, in the Senate but rather said that he would only support it if it was bipartisan. He also reiterated his resistance to eliminating the filibuster, a legislative rule that requires 60 votes to move most legislation forward in the Senate. Getting 10 Republicans to sign on to voting rights legislation is a fools errand, many observers say, pointing to how the party has embraced Trumps baseless lies about the election and is actively trying to make it harder to vote.

Republican intransigence on voting rights is not an excuse for inaction and Senator Manchin must wake up to this fact, said Karen Hobart Flynn, the president of Common Cause, a government watchdog group, which backs the bill.

The Middle Ground Could Be Found

Manchins upbringing centered on understanding and hard work.

For a long time in the state, it was Republicans, not Democrats, who needed to find political friends on the left to get anything done. And as Manchin rose through local politics, first as a member of the House of Delegates, then as a state senator, secretary of state and finally governor, Manchin was known for including Republicans in negotiations, even if Democrats enjoyed sizable majorities in the state.

He told me one time, I will never forget, if you have an issue where you cannot get one vote to go with you from the other party, regardless of who is in the majority it is probably a bad idea, recalled Mike Caputo, a Democratic state senator in West Virginia who served as majority whip in the House of Delegates during Manchins time as governor.

He added: Joe has always been the kind of guy that has always believed you can find common ground if you work hard enough. I know when he was governor, we had major disagreements, but he always believed that if we talked long enough and both sides wanted to find a resolution, the middle ground could be found.

Manchin signaled this position remains inside him in an interview on Thursday, telling CNNs Manu Raju that he was not ready to get rid of the Senate legislative filibuster, a move that would allow Democrats to do more without Republican support.

Manchin Goes Full Maga

The vulnerable West Virginia Democrat is embracing Donald Trump, figuratively and literally: We just kind of do the man-bump type thing.

06/06/2018 04:02 AM EDT

Sen. Joe Manchin talks with a local reporter on June 5 in Ranson, W.Va. The president’s popularity in the state has Republicans salivating over the prospect of knocking off the 70-year-old senator this fall. | John Shinkle/POLITICO

RANSON, W.Va. Joe Manchin wants you to know he really likes Donald Trump.

The West Virginia senator doesnt put it quite that way. But more than any other Democrat in Congress, he’s positioned himself as a vocal Trump ally. In fact, the senator, up for reelection in a state Trump won by more than 40 points, told POLITICO he isnt ruling out endorsing Trump for reelection in 2020 a position practically unheard of for a politician with a D next to his name.

Im open to supporting the person who I think is best for my country and my state, Manchin said this week from the drivers seat of his Grand Cherokee, insisting hes game to work with any president of either party. If his policies are best, Ill be right there.

The president recently mocked Manchin in front of the Senate GOP caucus as trying to hug him all the time only a slight exaggeration, by Manchins telling.

We just kind of do the man-bump type thing. Thats it. And I think hes pulling me as much as Im pulling him, Manchin said in describing his physical embraces with the president.

Can The John Lewis Act Conceivably Get Through Congress Without Being Filibustered

The premise of Joe Manchins argument for making the John Lewis Act rather than the For the People Act the main vehicle for voting rights action in Congress is that the Voting Rights Act was last extended by a unanimous Senate vote and a Republican president . Thus legislation to restore it should command considerable bipartisan support. The trouble is, it doesnt. When the bill passed the House in 2019, only one Republican voted for it. As noted above, no Republicans voted for the new version.

It is true, perhaps, that killing the John Lewis Act would be marginally more embarrassing to the GOP than killing the For the People Act, given the partys past support for the VRA. But theres little doubt Republicans will find a way to justify doing it in, by either taking the Supreme Courts position a bit further and arguing racial discrimination in voting simply no longer exists, or arguing any voting-rights legislation must include election integrity provisions addressing their phony-baloney fraud claims. Whataboutism has become the standard Republican excuse for refusing to do the right thing. So actual passage of anything like the John Lewis Act remains impossible for the foreseeable future, at least so long as Democrats cannot muster the internal Senate support to kill or modify the filibuster.

This piece has been updated.

Joe Manchin Was Never A Mystery

Its always been pretty obvious who he is: a middle-of-the-road guy with good electoral instincts, decent intentions, and bad ideas.

About the author: David A. Graham is a staff writer at The Atlantic.

The failure of the For the People Act in the Senate yesterday evening didnt provide much drama. All 50 Democrats backed the voting-rights bill, but with no Republican support, they didnt have enough votes to break a filibuster. That Democrats didnt have the votes was clear from the start of the Congress.

But journalism requires drama, which means that over the past few months Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia has been the subject of extensive coverage. The problem with this coverage is not that Manchin is unimportant; as the most moderate Democrat in a 50-person caucus, he is crucial. Its that there is no mystery to him.

Trying to figure out who Manchin is and what he wants, or how hes changedthe natural and reasonable defaults of political-profile writingassumes theres something more than meets the eye. Really, though, Manchin is who hes always been: a middle-of-the-road guy with good electoral instincts, decent intentions, and bad ideas.

Reporters and pundits engaged in a frenzied hermeneutic quest to decode what Manchin wanted and what hed allow. But trying to make sense of it all was a waste of time. The important thing was he was against nuking the filibuster then, and he is now.

Why Democrats Were Desperate To Win Joe Manchin’s Vote For An Already

Analysis by Chris Cillizza, CNN Editor-at-large

On Tuesday night, the “For the People” Act will fail.

fait accompli Every single Democrat wanted to make elections more fair and open. And every single Republican stood in opposition to that effort.“Today’s debate about how to best protect our right to vote and to hold elections, however, is not about finding common ground, but seeking partisan advantage. Whether it is state laws that seek to needlessly restrict voting or politicians who ignore the need to secure our elections, partisan policy-making won’t instill confidence in our democracy â it will destroy it.“As such, congressional action on federal voting rights legislation must be the result of both Democrats and Republicans coming together to find a pathway forward or we risk further dividing and destroying the republic we swore to protect and defend as elected officials.”

Whats In It For Republicans

Manchin has suggested that any voting rights reforms must be bipartisan, and hes resisted filibuster reform in the past. So even Manchins somewhat watered-down voting rights proposals face a tough road in the Senate unless hes willing to reconsider his desire to secure Republican votes.

That said, Manchins proposal does include a few ideas that may prove enticing to some GOP senators.

He would impose a nationwide voter ID requirement meaning voters would be required to show some form of identification before casting a ballot. Such laws enjoy broad support from Republicans, who often claim they are necessary to combat voter fraud.

In reality, such fraud is virtually nonexistent, and many voting rights advocates fear that voter ID prevents left-leaning groups, such as students, low-income voters, and voters of color, from casting a ballot because these groups are less likely to have ID.

New research, however, suggests that voter ID laws may not have much of an impact at all that is, they neither prevent fraud nor do much to disenfranchise voters. And Manchin also proposes a fairly permissive form of voter ID. While some states have strict voter ID laws that require voters to show specific forms of photo identification, Manchin would permit voters to cast a ballot if they show alternative forms of ID, such as a utility bill with their name and address on it.

Dc And Puerto Rico Statehood

In a November 10, 2020, interview, Manchin said that he did not “see the need for the D.C. statehood with the type of services that we’re getting in D.C. right now” and that he was “not convinced that’s the way to go.” Of Puerto Rico statehood, Manchin said that he opposed it but was open to discussion. In a January 10, 2021 interview, he did not affirm his opposition to statehood for D.C. or Puerto Rico, saying only, “I don’t know enough about that yet. I want to see the pros and cons. So I’m waiting to see all the facts. I’m open up to see everything”. On April 30, 2021, Manchin came out against the D.C. Statehood bill that had passed the House of Representatives, suggesting that D.C. could instead be given statehood by constitutional amendment.

The Deal Hes Pitching To Replace Hr1 Isnt Much Of A Deal At All

WSJOpinion

Senate Democrats tried and failed Tuesday to move their version of H.R.1, the bill to impose a federal election code on all 50 states. That 800-page travesty was doomed once West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin came out against it. But now Democrats are rallying around Plan B, which is based on a three-page memo circulated by Mr. Manchins office.

Its a curious document. The preamble insists that any voting bill must be the result of both Democrats and Republicans coming together. But then it suggests an H.R.1 compromise that is no bipartisan kumbaya. As Republican leader Mitch McConnell said last week in ruling out Mr. Manchins wish list, it still involves an assault on the fundamental idea that states, not the federal government, should decide how to run their own elections.

To start, Mr. Manchins memo suggests mandating at least 15 consecutive days of early voting. Yet one prominent Democratic opponent of H.R.1., New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner, has objected that his states constitution dates to 1783, and it requires that a voter must be present on Election Day unless absent from the town or city, or physically disabled. Yet New Hampshire, he added, has had the third highest voter turnout in the country for each of the last four presidential elections.

The Pressure Of Legacy

Another lens through which West Virginians understand Manchin that national media tend to overlook is by knowing who came before. Manchin holds the seat of the longest-serving senator in U.S. history, Democrat Robert C. Byrd, and served alongside another Senate great, Jay Rockefeller. 

For Manchin, the shadows of these two men surely loom large. Both were known for their commitment to working in a bipartisan manner, bringing members of their chamber together across the aisle to do what was right for the country. 

Both rallied Congress around significant shifts in policy in their time. Byrd was known as the rules man; he essentially wrote and rewrote Senate rules on order and the filibuster in his 51 years in the body, and also knew better than anyone how to work the system to bring millions of dollars of federal investments to the state to the continued benefit of West Virginians. 

Rockefeller, who spent 31 years in the chamber, has said his most prized accomplishments included authoring legislation to create CHIP and helping shepherd the passage of the Affordable Care Act, just to name a few of the more than 2,000 pieces of just health care-related policy he had his hands on.

Both were true statesmena designation that I would argue few politicians in Washington and any other Capitol deserve today. The legacy of both, and how his own legacy will compare, must weigh heavy on Manchin.

[aquaburst3]

Seen some others do this meme, so I want to do this for my own Yuu/player character/oc in my fic series. So...

Adriana Strano-García

TWST Cores:

Yuu/The Player: Like I said before, Addie is my stand-in for the player character. Since Yuu in this game is a blank slate with zero personality, almost nothing about them inspired Addie other than her being sassy.

Jasmine: While Addie is part Mexican, Cuban and Sicilian, not MENA like her, but they share some things in common personality wise. They are both determined, fiery and courageous rich girls, who dish out all of the clap backs. They also have a strong connection with cats. Her wanting to stick Grim on jackasses was inspired by Jasmine unleashing Rajah on her suitors.

Alice: They're both outsiders from another world, who are analytical, creative and logical. Her being an atheist is also inspired by Alice, since it puts her at odds with a world filled with magic, fae and actual gods. Her being into art and photography are inspired by Lewis Carroll's love for these things.

Other Inspirations:

Proto Jasmine: For those of you who don't know, Howard Ashman's original draft of the Aladdin screenplay was much different than either the animated or live action movies. In that, Jasmine was a spoiled brat, who was described by Ashman as "Madeline Kahn or Bernadette Peters in a really bad mood." She got a song named "Call Me a Princess" where she shows off how shallow and obnoxious she is. She never ended up with Aladdin in the end, instead a girl named Abbi did.

(Honestly, that's something I'm glad changed in the final product. From looking at that script, Abbi is a massive NLOG due her being a tomboy thief that looks down on other girls for being "girly". I enjoy that Aladdin is a role reversal on the "rich guy falls for a middle class to poor girl" trope that shows up in shit like Pretty Woman and 50 Shades with the Jasmine/Aladdin ship. But that's besides the point.)

I drew inspiration for some of her character flaws. Sure, Addie isn't a obnoxious brat like Proto Jasmine, but she can be rather materialistic, superficial, obsessed with her psychical appearance and vain thanks to her rich upbringing. In fact, part of the reason why she got the part time gig in her world was because her mom forced her to in order to teach her how to earn money and become more humble, because her mom had to claw her way up to gain her wealth. This is one of her flaws she must outgrow throughout the story.

Ruby Matthews (Sex Education): One of my intentions with that character was to make Addie "twisted" in her own right while still making her sympathetic and layered as a character, so I made her into a former popular mean girl. Outside of Regina George, Ruby was the main character of that archetype that I drew from.

Ruby seems like a more well rounded and realistic version of that archetype. In that series, while Ruby can be a bitch at times, she is also a guarded person, who cares about her father and is scared about others finding out that she's from a modest background. While Addie is from a wealthier background, she also guarded, cut throat and secretive person with a softer and kind side as well.

I also can't help but see some parallels with Addie/Jamil and Ruby/Otis with them both being popular girls pairing off with socially awkward dorks. (Still pissed about Ruby/Otis not being endgame in that show, though.)

Snow White: Nothing much character wise other than her being a rich girl forced to work in a low paying job by Crowley, being hard working and having a good singing voice. But I named her after Snow White's voice actress, Adriana Caselotti.

Meg: There is one major aspect of her character that she inspired, but it's a huge spoiler.

Naofumi (The Rise of the Shield Hero): While this show is super problematic and I admit that I don't like it all too much, they are both the lowest rank in that society and forced to claw their way up. Sometimes by questionable means.

Sokka: Mainly in the sense that they're both non-magical people in worlds where almost everyone has a super power, but use their wits and ingenuity to survive. They are both leaders within their friend group. And kinda goofy at times.

[writerleo86]

Terravenger Season 5 - Part One: Episode 325 (Do Not Copy)

   At the center of a dark sanctuary, the mysterious man stood before a small table made of glass while he was surrounded by small candles that were lit.

   He had his eyes closed while his right palm was placed in front on a small crystal ball on the table, And a white light began to shine around the ball.

   "Transporto," He said in his calm voice.

   Then the color off the light around the crystal had changed from white to blue.

Episode 325:  The Fakinos Reunion -- The Night Magician

By a dark room at a the Marion Library, the student Colby Fox walked into a long wooden broom which fell to the ground.

"Who is there?"

The villainous Leo turned around and spotted Colby standing outside of the room where he stood. The entire body of the boy soon froze as if it were a statue. And the emotionless Leo walked toward the intruder.

Leo noticed who his captive was and gave out a soft chuckle.

"So it is you," He implied. "You are the Little Fox. You are the one that tries to steer my Jon back to the world of happiness."

Colby tried to break from the hold as Leo said "You my boy are a deceiver. You are nothing more than an obtuse little dog with weak ambitions. And this little dog tries to take Jon away from me."

Then he held the face of the helpless Colby with his left hand.

"And it appears..." Leo responded. "...that you have done what a dog does. The little pup has listened to all that was said. What must I do but silence him?"

Before he could do anything, Leo was punched on his face by a mighty fist. As the helpless villain fell face down on the ground, Colby fell to his knees.

After that, Colby spotted the fearless soldier -- Sage Wood -- standing before Leo.

Colby was soon helped by Jonny Griffin as Leo slowly rose. And he found the pink-haired Wood who held up his fists.

Minutes later, a silent ray of purple energy pierced through the right shoulder of Sage Wood. He was forced to release Leo from his hold. And Wood slowly fell to his knees as he felt a strong pain on his shoulder.

Some time later, Leo was visited by a mysterious Englishman as they stood on the bridge of Taurus Road.

"I had a strong feeling that it was you," Leo implied.

He soon turned to the newcomer and said "Not many are able to appear to these mortals undetected. But you... You have the exact ability. And this gift comes from the old version of Earth's magic."

The wizard placed his hands inside the pockets of his coat. And he stared at the large city along with Leo.

"Then again..." Leo responded. "You come from a small faction of white sorcery, before meeting with our great lord. And that alone has proven useful to us... Merlin."

After he blew a small breath, Leo said more.

"The Romani and Magicians have quite in common. We all have abilities that are not explained by those in the normal society."

   The man finally opened his eyes and gave out a soft smile.

Merlin's thoughts:

On the bridge of Taurus Road, both he and Leo continued.

"During your time here," Merlin implied. "You must have learned of the weaknesses of the Midas Armed Forces."

"The warden of this nation has plenty of that," Leo reported. "But his main that I know of is the wellness of his children -- his two little sons."

"Yes," Merlin reviewed. "The weakness of the city's commander would be his two children. But in reality, his other main weakness would be the people of this prosperous nation."

Leo gave out a soft laugh and told Merlin "Then I shall leave everything to you. Just you be cautious when around not only Alexia Palantine, but all soldiers of these nations. And this includes the faithful Magician -- the Knight of Morah.

   The young man then walked into a dark hallway as he carried a small cup in his left hand that had a lit candle.

   He reached a closed door that slowly opened on its own after the man called out "Aperis!"

   And the mysterious man faced someone who laid in silver chains inside a small room.

   This was another young man. He had blue eyes and bright skin. His hair was short and spiked up. And he had a thick beard. He wore nothing but a white suit with long sleeves and leggings.

   Merlin informed the man "You may be of use to me."

   The man stared at him as his eyes changed into a lighter-blue color.

   Later, Merlin was in a dark room which had a pair of candles lit on a small table made of glass.

   He sat on a glassed chair that was at the right side of the table with his head leaning on his left fist. Meanwhile, his left elbow was on the left arm of his chair.

   He closed his eyes as he ordered in a calm voice "Attack the castle. Harm all but two -- Tai Ravenstone and Mercury Fakinos. You are to test their abilities, and only that."

   An angry growl was hear in the background.

   And Merlin opened his eyes as he said "I must learn of what risks the both of them would take to save those around them, especially him. Mercury, the one who he had always called the Magician."

   During one bright morning, many had stood at the center of the opened sanctuary at the Castle of Morah. Standing at the small chapel at the front of the attendance was the determined groom, Pluto Fakinos. He was joined by his three brothers -- Mercury, Houston, and Keith.

   At the front of the older brother Houston stood his happy son, Micah. He was a small boy with fair skin, brown eyes, and curly brown hair. And he wore the same outfit as the three groomsmen.

   Someone began walking through the space at the middle of the attendance. It was Rhoaina Fakinos with blue eyes and peach skin. She had long burgundy hair and a golden ring coming from each ear. And she had on red lipstick. She wore a blouse that was colored cream, a white suit, and a pair of white slippers with high heels. And she had on a thick golden necklace.

   Following her were the bridesmaids led by a tall girl with fair skin and short black hair. Her eyes were as blue as glass. She also had on black eyeliner and pink lipstick. She wore a long dress that was colored cream, a golden cuff around each wrist, and a pair of short brown boots with high heels.

   Both McKennah Roberts and Cordelia Fakinos were among the maids walking behind the girl as they all wore the same attire. And they were followed by the beautiful bride, Lilah Lewis.

   Lilah wore her long gown along with a thin golden crown on her head followed by a long veil. And she carried a large bouquet of white roses.

   Standing at the front of the right row was Tai Ravenstone who wore a collared white shirt, a cream-colored tie, a white suit, and white shoes.

   He was joined by his brother Denny who stood by his left side. Denny wore a collared white shirt, a blue tie, gray dress-pants, and black shoes.

   Lilah walked with the other women onto the chapel. And she stood beside her groom Pluto who had a soft smile on his face.

   A while later, the two shared a long kiss as everyone clapped their hands for them.

   The mother of the groom -- Rhoaina -- placed her hands together as she gave out a large smile. Meanwhile, Mercury stood amongst the groomsmen as he shook his head with a soft smile.

   Then the young lady with short black hair placed her left hand on the right shoulder of Rhoaina.

   "You have done brilliantly," Rhoaina told her. "You handled the arrangements of the wedding perfectly. Your father would be proud of you today, Keira."

   The girl shook her head and responded "Father would had been here to officiate this himself. But he had an emergency to take care of."

   "It cannot be helped," said Rhoaina. "But he taught everything to his only child. And you did beautifully including its theme. Your uncle would smile at you as well."

   "Thank-you milady," said Keira.

   A loud horn was suddenly heard by everyone.

   "What is that?" cried McKennah.

   "The alarm has been sounded!" reported Rhoaina. "That means that someone uninvited has come toward the castle!"

   A barrage of arrows with the heads lit had fallen to the sanctuary. Houston hurried to the married couple and blew his hands out. A large gust of wind had pushed from his body which blew every projectile away.

   After that, Mercury placed his arms apart. A large globe of wind soon formed around the castle which blew more of the flaming arrows away.

   "Could it be Lyris once again?" The counselor asked.

   Cordelia carried their son Micah in her arms as Houston ordered "Take him and Mother to safety."

   "Yes dear,"

   And Cordelia raced away along with both Micah and Rhoaina.

   Next, Keith placed his left hand on the back of his younger brother Mercury. And white fire began to cover the barrier of wind created by Mercury.

   "We must protect our home at all cost!" shouted Keith.

   Mercury lowered his head and thought to himself "No. It cannot be him, not the Blue Moon. This ki... It does not display the calm matter he possesses."

   "Very well," He told Keith. "We shall face this threat together."

   Many knights dressed in silver armor had hurried to the large gate that guarded the castle. And both warriors who led the army -- Keira and Tai -- spotted a large horde of vicious creatures standing at the gate.

   "What are they?" asked Keira.

   Tai analyzed the frail creatures that had brown skin and weapons in each hand. He soon yelled "They're goblins!"

   Three more heroes -- Denny, Pluto, and Mercury -- ran toward the doors.

   "So..." Pluto reported. "We are attacked by those mountain creatures."

   "But why?" questioned Keira. "Why do these monsters come from their land?"

   The eyes of Mercury had changed from a light-blue to a gloomy black. And he replied "The creatures are controlled by some form of magic. Otherwise they would not have left their homes during this time."

   "By some hocus-pocus huh?" Tai yelled. "We just need to beat some sense into them!"

   After his blue eyes returned, the counselor Mercury shook his head.

   "Agreed," He answered. "But we must not hurt them severely. They are not at fault for bringing this attack here."

   Three from the grotesque army had climbed on the gate of the castle. This made Mercury spread his arms apart as wind slowly blew from his body. As the goblins on the ground started lowering to their knees, the other three remained on the gate.

   Next, Pluto blew a large gust of red wind from his mouth that forced the three goblins to fall to the ground.

   "You will pay for ruining my wedding!" He yelled.

   The goblins that stood at the front began to shoot more flaming arrows from their bows at the gate. The gust of wind blown by Mercury had pushed the arrows away. And the arrows had burned into parts of the goblins that stood at the front.

   Another set of the creatures fought through the wind and made their way to the doors of the gate. The eyes of Mercury turned black once again. He soon brought forth mud from the ground that wrapped around the ankles of many goblins. And Pluto blew a large cannon of wind from his mouth that pushed more of the goblins away from the castle.

   "Who's that?" cried Tai.

   They all spotted someone walking through the horde of goblins. It was the mysterious young man with blue eyes, bright skin, spiky dark hair, and a thick beard. He wore a short-sleeved top that was dark-yellow with a green line falling from each shoulder. And he had a thick black collar. He also had a long-sleeved black shirt underneath. He had a pair of long green pants and dark-green boots. And he wore a silver necklace with a small silver pendant hanging from the center.

   "Erik?" Keira questioned. "Is he controlling these creatures?"

   Mercury began analyzing the newcomer and informed his young cousin "No, he is not. The same source of magic is manipulating the actions of the poor man as well."

   The man laid his left hand forward and pushed it which summoned a large bubble of green liquid. After the projectile touched it, the gate began to melt slowly.

   "Counselor!" yelled Denny.

   "No!" cried Mercury. "He is creating a way into the grounds using acid."

   A large opening shaped as a square finally formed through the gate which caused the army of goblins to enter. And everyone began to fight the vicious horde.

[bussanbaby]

the lifeboat

Hunter’s Moon seems to be particularly crowded on this evening - most of the tables further in are taken, werewolves, seelies, vampires and warlocks coexisting peacefully in a half-drunken atmosphere filled with the clinking of glass and toned down chatter. Groups of colorful folk mingle by the door and by the bar as well, Magnus has to subtly shoulder his way through, the gold detailing on his jacket catching the dimmed light as he moves.

It’s his first free evening off in a bit and he wants to celebrate, have a strong drink to the sound of good music, maybe meet someone along the way. As he passes through the throng of bodies, people greet him with polite nods, some faces more recognizable than others; he also catches shreds of conversations, background white noise, equally easy to tune out and listen into.

“Well, if it isn’t my favorite customer,” Maia chimes as Magnus sits down on one of the stools by the bar. She looks as radiant as always, her smile wide as she swings a cloth onto her shoulder, then leans on the counter in front of him.

“If it isn’t my favorite bartender,” Magnus quips back and Maia winks with a chuckle before moving to pour a beer for a burly warlock to the left. There are years of experience in her movements, sure efficiency in the way she slides the pint across the top without spilling a drop; although this is nothing compared to the tricks Magnus has seen her do with a shot glass.

“What can I get for you, mister?”

Magnus leans his elbows on the bar, ringed fingers threaded together underneath his chin.

“I had to deal with a summoning gone buck wild, take from that what you will,” He sighs, scratching along the side of his goatee. It’s been a stubborn demon and while Magnus has mostly recovered from the extensive magic usage earlier, he’s in no mind to be doing anything productive, hence the visit.

“Sheesh,” Maia grimaces with sympathy, eyebrows knitting together. “Double martini coming right up.”

“You’re a lifesaver.”

Maia turns around, busying herself with the drink; she’s got a light brown leather jacket on, the back embroidered with the words “WOLF GIRL” on top of a canine mouth full of jagged teeth. Magnus’ eyes wander further - over the collection of bottles neatly set on shelves lined with fairy lights that crawl onto the walls, over his own fingernails covered in burgundy polish, one of them chipped at the top. A glass crashes somewhere and raucous laughter erupts like a choir - Magnus has missed this place, where all cultures mix and everyone’s a pal if only until the bottom of the glass.

“It’s looking busy today,” He observes, absentmindedly scanning for familiar faces - there are some wolves from Luke’s pack playing cards, two young warlocks from Manchester, Raphael’s kids throwing back wine-red shots.

Maia hums in agreement and sets Magnus’ drink in front of him, then pulls two beer bottles from under the bar to hand them off to two seelie girls. “Simon’s bringing in quite the crowd after his last concert.”

“Is he playing tonight?” Magnus takes a sip, enjoying the slight burning sensation as the alcohol slides down his throat. He knows Simon, mostly through shared connections - he’s practically the son Luke never got to have and Raph’s protégé. He seems like a fun kid, the living embodiment of ‘winging it’ and quite the musician. Magnus heard him play a handful of songs before, so he’s looking forward to another concert.

“Yep, should be coming in soon,” She confirms, toying with an empty beer pint.

The stage is sitting snug in the corner of the space, just beside the giant jukebox and pool tables. What’s surprising is that there’s two high wooden stools and microphone stands instead of one, but before Magnus can ask about them, Maia juts her chin towards the entrance. “Speak of the devil.”

Magnus turns in his seat, expecting to see Simon on his own, but there’s another figure next to him. A shadowhunter with the deflect rune curling up the side of his neck, mussed-up brown hair, and a bomber jacket over broad shoulders. He and Simon seem to be friends, judging by the easy way the newcomer tilts his head down to listen to the vampire’s quick words as he carries a keyboard case.

“Who is that?” Magnus asks, prompting Maia to look up again, a knowing smile curling up her plum-colored lips.

“That is Alec. The Lightwood family’s oldest son, a soon-to-be Head of the NY Institute, or so I’ve heard,” She answers nonchalantly, putting down another polished glass with a clink. “He’s pretty cute, but no match for his gorgeous sister.”

Magnus’ eyes follow the duo all the way to the stage, people parting to let them through. Alec Lightwood, where has Magnus heard that before? He’s not exactly fond of Shadowhunters, but he does work with them sometimes, they might have saved the world together once or twice before. Then, it clicks - it’s the same guy that bravely came out a while back, currently the only proudly gay Nephilim, a vocal adversary against Clave’s treatment of Downworlders and general work ethic.

It’s actually strange that they haven’t met in person since Luke has mentioned working with him and Simon has talked about an ‘Alec’ in passing. What Magnus didn’t know is that the stoic and grumpy archer is the same person as this handsome fellow currently helping Lewis set up all of the equipment, eyes rolling at Simon’s nervous talking.

Magnus turns back, swivels his drink before taking another big sip. “Should I remind you that Simon is your boyfriend?”

This time it’s Maia who rolls her eyes, her smile widening at the mention of the b-word, as she dips her head to hide it. “He is. Still, it doesn’t change the fact that Isabelle Lightwood is his friend and we hang out sometimes. I have eyes, Magnus, and she has a lot to look at.”

Magnus chuckles, about to answer, when a hand claps him on the shoulder and Luke slides into the seat next to him.

“Good to see you, Magnus,” Luke greets, face split into a grin, smelling like New York after dawn and teriyaki chicken from the Jade Wolf.

They shake hands and Magnus watches Luke order a beer, then lift the bottle to his mouth and down a couple of gulps with a relieved sigh. “God, there’s no parking anywhere close. You’d think being in the police force would get you some perks.”

Magnus hums with understanding, lifting his drink in a subtle toast to Luke’s words. “This is why I don’t own a car. Anyway, I thought you’d be at the precinct tonight?”

Luke shrugs off his jacket and folds it in his lap, his police badge twinkling at his belt. “I was supposed to, but Simon’s van broke down and I offered to give him and his equipment a lift.”

An unpleasant noise cuts through the bar’s bustle, a mix between a chair screeching against floorboards and microphone feedback. Everyone quiets down and turns to look at Simon smiling sheepishly from behind a mic.

The shadowhunter - Alec - elbows Simon somewhat gently, spurring him into action.

“Hi, hello everyone. I’m Simon Lewis and I’ll be providing you some quality entertainment for the next couple of hours. No comedy though, my jokes are pretty sucky.” Simon snaps his fingers, fangs visible as he smiles at the snickering crowd.

Alec groans from behind him, theatrically covering his face with large palms, one of them holding onto a mic too. He seems kind of uncomfortable being in the center of attention, his seat pushed back behind Simon’s, eyes roving over the crowd with concealed anxiety. He’s making the best of it, though, happy to support his friend. “I’m telling you, his humor is a giant pain in the neck.”

Laughter washes over the public again and Magnus can’t help but smile as well at the corny vampire puns. He wants to get to know Alec better, there’s something about him that Magnus can’t place, an air of mystery, a subtle pulling tide of curiosity.

“Anyway, my good buddy Alec here lost a bet, so now he will sing for you,” Simon says with a smug grin, clapping the shadowhunter on the shoulder and earning himself a grave stare.

“I am not your buddy, I just tolerate your antics,” Alec bites back in a flat tone, mic pressed near his mouth, one corner of his mouth turned up despite the knitted brows.

“Aw, love you too, best friend,” Simon coos, clearly enjoying himself, while Alec slowly runs out of sanity and/or patience.

Magnus sips his martini, making a mental note to get this shadowhunter’s number after this, maybe ask him out for drinks and see if they click when he feels a pair of eyes on him. He looks up and it’s nobody other than Alec.

As cliché as it sounds, time seems to pause for a moment. They hold each other’s gaze, Magnus’ heart trips over its own feet, a stutter step caused by the awfully charming lopsided smile blooming on Alec’s face. He looks intrigued, stunned into stillness before he blinks rapidly, lets his eyes appreciatively slide up and down Magnus’ body.

“Um, this is ‘The lifeboat’.”

People clap and cheer, Simon starts to strum the guitar settled in his lap. He shoots Alec an encouraging smile, who shifts on his feet, fingers gripping the mic tightly.

“Well, hello, what's your name? What's your sign? Mine's the same, I do feel you could use a change... “ Alec’s voice is pleasantly low, certain words losing form beneath his New York accent, some raspy in a way that sends a subtle shiver down Magnus’ spine.

With the first line, he steps off the stage, the thumb of his free hand hooked in a belt loop, then continues wandering around the crowd. Even despite small detours, his eyes keep drifting back to Magnus, who finds himself sitting up straighter, unconsciously gripping the stem of the martini glass tighter between his fingertips.

Out of the corner of his eye, Magnus can spot Maia leaning over to whisper into Luke’s ear, see him then turn to Magnus with an arched brow and laughter on his lips. Magnus is still focused on Alec though, on the way the fabric of his jeans clings to his thighs, on how he licks his lips with a smile, on the thin line of skin beneath the edge of his shirt. Magnus really wants to invite him out for drinks now.

“Oh, my love, I'm not the type, the one that floats your boat then leaves you capsized, capsized... “ Alec continues his song, voice louder on the chorus when he comes to stand in front of Magnus. He reaches out, palm up, the invitation clear.

His own quick heartbeat accompanying the song in Magnus’ ears, he downs the rest of his drink in one go, then takes Alec’s hand, lets himself get dragged off the stool and into the crowd.

Alec’s hand is warm, holding onto his not too tightly as he spins Magnus around. Letting the music guide him, Magnus starts to dance - it’s all languid, keeping the same flirty tone as he shifts, steps and turns. It feels as easy as breathing, he doesn’t even have to think about what comes next - the instrumental break ends, Alec’s voice picking up the words again, his tone joined by Simon’s next time the chorus rolls back around.

People are clapping, some falling into a simple rhythm along with Magnus; it feels euphoric to just let go, enjoy life if only for a bit before stepping back into the shoes of the High Warlock of Brooklyn. Yet, the song ends too quickly for Magnus’ taste and he stops with a flourish, eyes opening to the sight of Alec before him, the look on his face speaking of fascination and a curious kind of keenness.

Magnus runs a couple of fingers through the hair spiked tall on his head to fix the strands that moved astray, Alec’s gaze following the arch of his arm, hanging onto the sight of Magnus’ bicep moving against the velvet fabric. He grips the microphone tighter before snapping out of his daze, abruptly moving towards Simon, almost like he’s wanting to run away.

Alec all but throws the mic to him, then says maybe two sentences, barely giving Simon time to nod before he’s back, all giddy and smiling adorably, while Magnus is still trying to calm his own breathing.

“Hi, I’m Alec. I probably should’ve started with that instead of pulling you out of your seat,” He says in one breath, gesturing restlessly with his palms. “Also, you’re an amazing dancer.”

Magnus smiles, biting down on his lower lip to stop the grin from becoming too large; he doesn’t miss the way Alec’s eyes dip down to his mouth.

“It’s okay and thank you. I quite liked your little performance there as well.” At that Alec nods in silent thanks, looking up at Magnus from beneath a thick fringe of eyelashes; he almost stutters over his own name. “I’m Magnus Bane.”

It’s suave, it’s flirty, it’s definitely working. With a shimmy of his shoulders, this time it’s Magnus who extends his hand for a shake and when Alec grabs it, firmly and softly at the same time, it’s different from before. There’s no swelling music, no big movie moment where the narration kicks in, but it’s the something more of this evening.

They don’t let go, two stars in a constellation, the rest of the universe moving around them; people shift around with Simon’s next song, the free space between tables turning into a dance floor, but neither Magnus or Alec are paying attention.

“Would you like to go out with me?” Alec says, gently squeezing Magnus’ hand.

Magnus hasn’t expected the shadowhunter to be so outright or so quick to do anything. He’s known them mostly as these reserved, sour-faced people moving through life with as little joy as they can manage; Alec, he’s different, Magnus knows, how doesn’t matter.

“I’d love that. When?” Magnus switches the hand he’s holding Alec’s with to reach up and touch at the vine earcuff he’s wearing.

Alec glances down at their joined hands, Magnus’ fingers wrapped around Alec’s, rings against bare skin, then looks back up, mouth hanging open as he decides on his words. “How about now?”

“Now?” Magnus repeats, then pauses, thinking of all the places he could take this man to. “There is this Chinese restaurant a block away.”

For a blink, Alec’s brow furrow down as if he can’t believe Magnus actually agreed, but then his face smooths out, that lopsided smile back on his lips; Magnus already loves it, how free it is, how it hides nothing.

“I’m down for Chinese.”

“Let’s go, then.” Magnus spurs them into action, pulls on their joined hands towards the bar; Alec follows suit without complaint, only the first step unsure.

It almost seems too good to actually be true, too easy; everyone around them is having fun, not paying attention to them and what could be the romance of a century. Magnus quickly pulls out a hundred dollar bill and slaps it on the bar counter. “Keep the change, Maia.”

They exchange a smile as she slips the money into her pocket. “I sure will. Go get ‘em, tiger.”

He can’t even roll his eyes before Luke gives him a pair of enthusiastic thumbs up. Magnus shoves at his shoulder and says goodbye, before dragging Alec out into the cool New York evening air.

And the rest? That’s history.