#with her comically large drumstick

[wayward-banana]

second play through going well. very serious game

[resident-gay-bitch]

steve’s pov here :)

prey.

lots of prey.

that’s what eddie knew.

he watched them enter his land through that… thing. that hole in the ground that let off a high pitched sound and kept him in line. it scared him and his brethren. none of them could go near it. it hurts if you do. they’ve all learnt the hard way, whilst trying to escape. it burns your body to touch and turns your brain dizzy.

but the prey passed through it without an issue.

eddie watched from the top of the tree he was perched in, crowded around by his resting family, his cousins and friends. he watched the prey make their way through his world, listened as his master told him to kill.

eddie attacked when they least expected it.

he swooped down and swiped at one of their necks with his claw. he would have gotten it, if that one with curly hair didn’t scream his name.

it sent eddie flying back- he recognised it, the voice. the face.

it wasn’t prey.

it was a friend.

eddie flew away. too scared of what would happen if he stayed.

he couldn’t stay.

his master was mad. beyond mad at him.

he threatened to kill eddie if he didn’t complete his task. he’d send his brethren on the prey and himself.

eddie didn’t want that. he wanted the prey to live, he thought. well… the curly haired one. he didn’t know about the rest. but if not for that curly haired one, eddie might let master carry out that promise. he didn’t like this world. it was cold and dark and he felt dirty and he only remembered pain.

he flew back to his home, to his nest in a place he felt most safe. a safe place that was still standing. his old home, the one with who he thinks is his father from the other world, now destroyed to the hole that was too big and too loud and hurt too much if he flew near it.

his home in the drama room at school. he’d dragged mattresses and pillows and blankets back into the changing room and built himself a nest, collected all his favourite things.

he had a pile for his father, flannelette shirts all piled up on a bunch of random mugs. he had his sweetheart there too. he’d been collecting dice from everywhere he could find them, all different shapes and colours, they were scattered around his nest, and he played with them when he got bored and couldn’t sleep. he had a picture frame shoved there somewhere with a photo of his mother, a flower pressed under the glass that was her namesake. it was the only name eddie could remember; petunia. and he had the mangled old teddy bear she gave him as a baby that he curled up with every night.

but he had his most favourite pile there too, at the place where he lay his head every night. in the pile was a green and white jacket with a name eddie couldn’t read written across the back. there were shirts and two jumpers, a red and a yellow one. he had three odd socks and one pair, and some underwear, and a singular sneaker. he’d taken them all from a large house on the nice looking side of this world, from a room he didn’t like very much, but he remembered the boy that owned all those things was very special to him.

he couldn’t remember his name or his face though, and eddie cried about it every night.

he pottered around his nest, moving his things about and settling down in it. he hurried out and to the other side of his home where he had a pile of things he’d collected that took up too much space in the nest. he sifted through them; some more mugs, a weird al shirt, a pair of drumsticks, some comics, a bunch of action figures, a green ribbon, an old year book, some novels, an acoustic guitar, car keys, a cheer skirt, journals, a lunchbox- all things that made his heart clench to look at, to touch, but he couldn’t remember why.

except for the yearbook.

when he found the yearbook he got so excited he’d stretched out his wings and started flying in the tiny little room. he knocked over a rack of costumes with them, fucked up his nest, and put a hole through the wall. he didn’t care though.

he had the year book almost permanently open to one page. a page he remembered looking at a lot when he was younger. on the page was him, the man that eddie couldn’t remember the name or face of. the one he loved so much. and beside him was another man with eddie’s old face! he’d made it. he remembered making it. he wrote something, but eddie couldn’t read that either.

after finding that year book, eddie looked at the page every day and every night, whenever he could. he often went to sleep with the page open, he’d sometimes just sit there and look at it. he’d draw his claw lightly over the man’s pretty face and sometimes he’d lick it when he particularly missed him.

oh eddie loved him so much.

so that’s what eddie did now. he sat down in his nest and drew over his pretty face and he stretched out his long tongue until it touched the page and then he smiled.

he smiled so much his heart squeezed.

he missed his boy.

but his master was not happy with him. he made eddie go back out to kill them.

eddie promised himself he wouldn’t kill the curly haired one.

he flew out until he found them, and then he swooped down over their heads to give the prey a scare and perched himself atop an electricity pole. he crouched there with his wings hanging heavy down behind him and looked at his next meal.

only, he didn’t attack. not straight away.

there was something familiar about one of them. the one holding a bat over his shoulder, scowling at eddie. he had floppy hair and strong shoulders. eddie thought he’d put up the biggest fight.

but there was something about him.

eddie cocked his head and looked at him some more. looking looking looking. trying to figure him out. he ignored everyone else. the man adjusted his grip on his weapon, ready to swing it at eddie if needed.

eddie moved his head forward because… no…

no it- it couldn’t be.

it was him.

the boy in the picture.

the one he loved!

he straightened his back out in a flesh, sitting up tall, perched on the pole, and he let out a screech of excitement. he hoped the man was just as excited as he was.

his love leered forward slightly, looking ready to fight… to protect. oh, he looked so strong and brave like that, ready to defend his own brethren. eddie admired him so much. he was so beautiful. so strong. so handsome.

eddie stretched his wings out and stood, he let out another thrilled sound because- oh, because he was here! the one he loved was here… in his world! and eddie could have him.

eddie clutched at his heart like he’d just been struck by cupids arrow and fell backwards off the pole, like he was fainting. he was swooning afterall. he hoped to impress this man too.

eddie had to impress him.

so he free fell and right before he hit the ground he stretched his wings out further and lifted himself high into the sky. way higher than he needed to go. he looked down at the one he loved and- oh goodness, he just couldn’t help himself. he tucked his wings around his body and nosedived straight for him.

it’s what he’d seen his family do, when they found their love. one would fly high in the sky and barrel roll into the other, catch them, and take flight again.

it was their mating ritual, so it’s what eddie would do.

he crashed into the pretty golden haired love and had to take a moment to just look at him as he wiggled around on the ground beneath eddie. eddie tired to pin him down, to show him he was safe… it was just eddie. he tried to communicate, clicking his tongue to say “hello, it’s me, i love you” but he didn’t seem to get it.

that was okay.

eddie would show him.

but before he had a chance his wing was struck with an immense amount of pain.

he stretched it out to look, and found a hole clean through it, and he lowered it just enough to see one of his prey, standing there, a gun aimed right at him.

you hurt me, eddie thought, you tore me.

he was going to make her death the most painful. save her for last.

he looked back at his love and grabbed him tight and lifted up info the air. it made him scream, and eddie thought it was a nice sound. similar to his own happy call. eddie really liked this man.

he took him to his home, sweeping through the crack in the roof, down into his little home, and he lay him down in his nest. his love is the only other being allowed anywhere near his home.

the last being to try - his brother and friend - was ripped to shreds by eddie’s own teeth. no one breached these walls again.

eddie laid him down and crawled back to sit by his loves legs, crouched there and waiting. he looked at him curiously. he looked quite different than the picture. he had lighter, floppier hair, and some scruffy fur around his mouth, and he had this thing on his face that made his eyes look a little bigger than usual, and… clothes. in the picture he only had little swim shorts on. eddie hoped his love might take these clothes off soon.

oh eddie thought he was just neat.

the perfect new item to make home of his nest. he’d keep him here forever, that was for sure.

he was eddie’s now.

he looked a little confused, but that was okay. eddie would help him understand anything he needed. all eddie wanted to do was look after his love.

oh. the picture. that would help him understand. that’s how eddie could tell him he loved him.

great idea!

he crawled over to get it, leaving his love in the nest for a little moment. he sifted through some of his other things before retrieving it. he grabbed the book with his teeth, and crawled back over to pretty man, and perched himself as close as possible. he dropped the book between his own feet and pressed his hands on top of it to keep it safe, and waited.

when he turned back around to look at eddie, he freaked out a little. eddie thought it was very sweet. eddie wanted to see every face this man could make, they were all so beautiful. he cocked his head to the side and looked at him some more, trying to figure him out.

to ask if this was okay.

his love held up the jacket with the name eddie couldn’t read. he looked at the jacket, then back at his love, then back at the jacket, then back at his love and he felt warmth bubble up in his chest. he purred, hoping to let his love know what this meant. hoping to let him know he was happy that he was here. that he wanted his love to wear the jacket.

eddie noticed how his love was wearing one thing that meant a lot to eddie himself. a vest. one covered in patches and pins that he used to wear every day. eddie lowered his head to bump his loves shoulder and blinked at him once.

“it’s yours.” his love said, and it made eddie’s heart flutter so much! he loved the sound of his voice. it was so soft and smooth and eddie wished he could talk the same. his love tugged at the sleeve of the vest, “i know, i’m sorry. i hope you don’t mind. it helped ground me on the bad days.”

don’t mind? don’t mind!?

why would eddie mind about that? this was the best day of his life. not only was his love here, but he was here and collecting eddie’s things too.

eddie cocked his head, trying to communicate that of course he was okay with it. that he was okay with anything his love wanted.

“can you understand me?” he asked.

eddie nodded.

“can you talk like me?” he asked again.

eddie really wished he could. he wanted nothing more than to say that he loved him. he wanted to ask his name.

“i’ll take that as a no.” he hummed, and it made eddie’s chest vibrate, “you have a lot of my things.”

eddie wanted to collect more of them.

he dropped the book on his loves lap and watched curiously as he opened it. eddie’s heart was about to leap out of his chest when the man found the page eddie wanted him to see.

his pretty pretty love drew his finger over the page and read out the words eddie had written there many years ago… the words eddie had longed to be able to read or remember, and now he’d know, “by the time you graduate, this will be real, and he will be nice and want you back.”

oh… right.

yes. eddie loved him. he knew now. didn’t he. his love knew and- oh, he was laughing.

eddie didn’t like that. why was he laughing? did he not love eddie too.

eddie screeched at him and pouted because… because why would he laugh? that’s mean. it hurts eddie. it hurts eddie a lot. he would just like to love his love.

oh eddie loved him so much.

he watched with sad eyes as his love realised how much it was hurting eddie, and then he said, “you technically still haven’t graduated, you know?”

oh goodie. his love wanted him too!

he loved him so much he just- oh, he just couldn’t hold back any more. he flicked his tongue out and licked up his loves cheek and it was so much better than licking the picture. this time, when his love laughed, eddie liked it.

this was a good laugh.

“licking? really?”

eddie smiled at him and nodded his head because, yes. of course! he had to show his love and that’s how he did that. that’s what he knew. he hoped his love would lick him back… but maybe that’s not how those creatures showed their love.

that’s okay. eddie would learn eventually.

eddie helped shuffle his love back to cuddle because he didn’t care how mad his master got right now, eddie had his love and he’d finally be able to sleep well. he was sure this would be the first sleep he got without crying since waking up down here, in this world.

he curled up with his teddy and wrapped his wings around his love, curling into his lap and chest. eddie pressed his ear up over his heart to listen to the steady drum beat of it inside. it was one of the best sounds in every world. eddie started to purr again, feeling warm and dizzy against his love. he smelt amazing, and eddie nuzzled his face under the vest to get closer to him.

eddie felt his love pet his head softly and hold him a little tighter. eddie didn’t think he could love something any more than he loved this being right here. he was going to keep him forever. protect him and make sure he was safe, and well fed, and warm. he’d stay here, in eddie’s home, where no one else was allowed to go so eddie could keep him for himself. if he wanted anything, eddie would fetch it for him.

eddie would love him with every fibre in his body and more.

he’d do anything for his love.

he was sure of it.

if only he could remember his name.

[fetabathwater]

slides in here 🧎‍♂️ Fans, Baby, Wild card!

questions here!

This got so long I had to stop myself finally.

Fans: How is their relationship with their fans? Do they go out of their way to interact? 

Look, Jennifer Lamb is a category 5 hurricane of emotion on the average day, but something about the fans just twinges something in her brain. In the small bars, yeah she'd be more than happy to sit around the bar later, chatting with the ones who'd hung around, let them buy her a beer or two, and go on her way. Sign some things, and y'know throwing out the usual guitar picks and broken drumsticks to the local small crowd. Discounting shirts and homemade merch at a bar while they were one of the bands to float through the night. Maybe throwing everything in a free tote bag that has a scribbled logo. Especially as favours to any bar owners who let them in, then it'd probably get a lil more of a personal touch especially if they had kids of their own who were fans and/or they were fans themselves, then it would still largely be merch. More or less short circuits her because people like the band. And Her. And the Music. And they want to HAVE something of hers. Wild.

But her interaction with fans is actually her being an absolute nutjob and trawling fansites. Most of her private life has already ended up online or splashed across local magazines, especially because of the very public fight/breakup with Seven, and then recently finding out from Maya that the number one fansite is run by a teenager… it's quite accessible in the worst way. Jen is super interested in reading fansites, just to see what they've posted/what they know. The kind of manic 'I should be sleeping 3am but I'm on wikipedia energy' but instead she's going down a rabbit hole of her own history, especially when people still keep up photos of Seven in the band - and she fucking loves polls. (Jen you would've loved og gossip girl fr). Definitely has made a throwaway account on a forum more than once (she forgets the password not long after making an account) and like. Loves to deep dive on timelines and people breaking down the meaning in her songs. She is that one person who responds to the song meanings like 'its about having sex relax its not that deep' and then is like. Told she's wrong and banned. Also it's so funny for her, when she's wrangled into appearing on their social media, to drop like some batshit insane comment or demo, and then has her little 1 hour scroll through these people going bananas. She has a few favourite accounts bookmarked, even. Stupid head.

Sheenas as the fan name for her came about after one of Jen's first solo covers (pre-breakup actually) was her doing 'Sheena Is A Punk Rocker', but also dressed like Sheena, Queen of the Jungle from the comics, at a Halloween party for the local crowd, and it kind of stuck... she only found out why recently from Maya. So not only is she like, confused anyway, but then she's like doing maths about when this kid would've seen that video. Did they see all of it? Should she check what versions were uploaded? Can she get a copy?

But essentially she's now very much publicly in the space of actually having Orion largely coach her through interactions because... she's floundering. Literally becomes a publicist's wet dream with how she can get the smiles and the eyes and the hand movements, and mostly manages to not let her mouth run, but it's like she needs to be micromanaged because this is no longer the comfortable small bar shit she loves and wants to go back to. Even before ending up on the TV, really. A lot of the focus is also on (pretty much) deflecting questions about Seven, but in particular the like months following it all. There was one very salty former fan who took it quite personally and just missed Jen's eye with a pin (that they actually had handed out at one gig many moons before). And her pre-pin incident comments about him weren't even bad! People just lost their marbles.

She did actually set up a PO Box at one point, with the intent of people sending fanmail to because she has a soft spot for handwritten letters, but it hasn't been advertised since the pin incident. Superfans may know about it, but Jen also hasn't checked it in years.

Baby: How do they feel about Jazzy leaving? How are they coping? What are their plans to stay in touch?

I looked back on my answer for this and. Okay no, we're changing our tune a bit.

Whilst Jen is happy for her, and knows that fundamentally Jazzy wanted something different from her life than Jen did... a part of her resents that Jazzy was able to walk away. And it's not even resenting Jazz! Realistically, it's easier to think that, even for Jen, that she's just so mad that even after everything, Jazz is able to walk away with the house and the husband and the white picket fence (not really but y'know). Those are also just like little bitey thoughts that plague her and make her do the what-if spirals that always end up "why didn't I just walk away, too?" because Jen doesn't even know if she wants any of the other things, anyway.

So Jen's coping is like correlation and causation type scale nonsense going on, especially with choosing to tour with Soft Violence, the way Jazzy reacted, even, and she's like. In such a place where she doesn't even know if she wants to reach out, keep updated and update Jazz, etc, etc. Because she also absolutely loves Jazz, and is so happy for her, and honestly wants to be there with her through this rollercoaster she's about to get on, because it's Jazzy. It's Jazzy. And god, she misses her so much already.

Wild card: Tell us something about your MC! Feel free to really just roll us over with an emotional steamroller and crush the souls out of our bodies, if you’d like. (You’re also welcome to choose one of the other questions to answer!)

Only other tattoo is the one on her lower stomach (Medusa head) (yeah that got repurposed sry Harper I'm doing smth else with you) but she absolutely loves the awful jokes she can make about it when people react after seeing it for the first time. "If someone is getting to a point where they can see it, [she] definitely knows that something turned to stone."

Jen does not understand how her putting on her glasses and Depression Greys™ makes her like. Walk around Clark Kent style. Fascinates her and compels her to try to do stupid shit with it.

This combined with her absolute inability to understand nor use social media has compelled some to see her as a #cryptid, which just further confuses her. She's seen her face on a post. She knows it exists. Yes she knows the name of the app? (don't embarrass her, man, there's hot people here)

Oh! And combining this with her Average Voice Resting Time™, where she's Clark Kent-ed out, wheat bagged and this close to just turning into a burrito, she uses a small whiteboard to talk. She's quite verbose, unfortunately.

Her fave flower is Queen Anne's Lace, because its a complex lil flower made up of dozens of others, and at the centre is a tiny lil red bud. The apparent story for it's naming is a provocation of Queen Anne to make a more complex lace flower than another king's wife, and in doing so she pricked her finger, so a little droplet of blood landed in the middle. There's also a poem! It's also for safety and refuge, because it turns inwards and seemingly 'dies' when it is actually ready to grow. Also attracts wasps lmao. It's commonly mistaken for baby's breath, which is everlasting love… which isnt wrong for Jen either, however it is that inward protection. At the centre of it all, there is a burst of colour, and she wants to protect it… the internalisation of it all.

During high school, she ran one of those ‘Ask Annie’ columns in the school paper. Her advice was ridiculous, and it was really well received even if she was pulling answers out of thin air. She's not sure if anyone cracked that it was her.

It did lead her to testing out some situations on people before answering, even. Or outright going 'hey if xyz happened do you think doing abc would work'. She wasn't even trying to be subtle by the end.

Jen has a pet bearded dragon. Named Lizanardo Da Vinci.

Just like how she has Vlad the Impala

Was voted most likely to date a rockstar. Made out with her own mirror image in response.

Turns out she’s got a real knack for maths. No one knows where it came from. Jen was one of those 'coasted through on C+/B-' kind of students. But no one is ever ready for the quick maths.

The first time Jen went in to get contacts, and was trying to put them in, and her arm was weirdly angled and the optometrist was patient but it freaked her out to think about putting something basically on her eye. Seven kind of like, went through the motions with her until she was comfortable.

He still has the pair of glasses that were always left in the right side pocket of his jacket. The case is worn and faded and cracked and still has all the stickers and scribbles on them, but the frames are still fine, lenses are only a check or two old, but Jen never knew how to ask for them back.

With Seven, especially when they were much younger, watching scary movies was such a big deal and like they were breaking the rules at sleepovers, even if it meant they were literally terrified. For days. It became "their thing" and especially as they got older with rewatches and marathons, and then the band, and eventually dating, the inside jokes were always there. Sometimes, they even used it as bad flirting, which weird people out just as much, if not more, than the fact that they were attached at the hip. Jen hasn't even looked at one of those movies since, and deleted OSTs, etc, off of any and all things.

Is a big fan of meditation because a girl sometimes has a lot of pent up energy and just wailing on the mic doesn't cut it. Quiet time, Jen is in her attempt at a lotus position.

[badassindistress]

because this last week in particular has been absolutely emotionally draining, any couple from a disney film you like in a robin hood-esque universe?

Hmmmm okay that is a very good one...

Okay I think I've got it. Who better to be outlaws for the Greater Good than Tiana and Naveen. Naveen the spoiled prince who is exiled or lost during a diplomatic trip meets Tiana who's doing more than giving gumbo to the whole neighbourhood.

Our maid Marian would then of course be Lottie, in her pretty pink palace secretly aiding our dashing heroes. You already have Lawrence as a pretender to the throne, with Dr. Facilier as his evil Vizier.

They hide out in the bayou where the gators eat any of the sheriff's men and the parties are not only merry but full of jazz (and excellent food).

Of course then there will a plot for poor Lottie's hand in marriage, so they'll have to sneak in in disguise. of course it's a trap, but who could resist the competion for the best ukelele player or the best chef for the royal wedding feast?

(Lottie meanwhile is doing her absolute best throwing tantrums and stringing everyone along while she works on her escape plans)

Naveen gets captured, of course, because it was either him or Tiana and he can't let that uptight, wonderful waitress run that risk. Lottie sneaks out at midnight to the dungeons to see this outlaw her dear friend Tia's been in a tizzy about. She gets captured by the Evil Pretender's (shadow) men before she can get him free and there's a scuffle but she is finally defeated. She is forced into her wedding gown, Naveen is languishing in the dungeons (which conveniently overlook the wedding banquet set up in the courtyard of course).

Lottie is forced to walk the aisle at knifepoint, the priest starts his speech and in swans Tiana (in a very fetching adventurer's outfit) shouting her objection. a guard disarms her but she lays out the whole evil plot while duelling the guards with whatever she can get her hands on (most large spoons and knives and a comical drumstick from the banquet tables). all the wedding guests gasp, Naveen cheers from the dungeon, but Dr. Facilier and the Evil Pretender just laugh. It is no matter that she revealed their plot, there is no higher authority here.

Except for Naveen's extremely Royal parents who Tiana went to warn. Their golden armoured guards are only too happy to free their prince and apprehend their old advisor. Lottie smacks him in the face with her extremely spikey wedding bouquet and all's well. The King and Queen of Maldonia turn to where their newly found and freed son was standing with the two brave ladies who saved him, but he's no longer there.

Cut to the three of them running away on a river boat, dancing and playing in the gleaming sunlight as they make their way far far away from there.

The end.

Give me an AU and I'll tell you the story I won't write

[viciouslyfilthy]

@dragonskxn it seems a group of geriatrics have joined the soupfest...

~

"Try not to drool in the sssoup, you abssssolute caveman. Rabies is the lasst thing anyone would want in their food." The serpent scolded the fox, pulling at one of Willy's elongated ears and causing him to whine.

Willy, in return, of course snapped and tried to nip at Cornelius' hand, lucky for him- the rabid fox missed the target and dropped his item he intended to add to the soup. He called it Pudge. Short for Pumpkin Smudge.

"My ingredient!" The man exclaimed as he scrambled to recollect the vegetable. Willy had brought a large pumpkin he held in his arms. It seemed a little old, not fresh out of a pumpkin patch but still edible; he had sloppily carved what seemed to be a pig's face on it (probably an attempt at picturing the dragoness' pet hog). The sudden movement and the weight of the food item caused him to lose his footing and drop the pumpkin, which rolled away from him.

"Now look what you've done! You BASTARD!" The fox yelled from afar... Versy chuckled at the poor man's misfortune and continued slithering along without him.

He carried a storage basket in one of his arms. Inside it was two freshly baked loafs of brioche bread, gingerbread, a piece of roasted swan (safe to assume he ate the rest), plum puddings, a comically large truffle that had been washed so clean, neatly cut into slices and picked from any parasites that may have been in it that one wouldn't believe this thing was buried deep into the dirt just a day or two ago, and sea grapes. Not all of these were i gredients for the soup, obviously, only the truffle was meant to be ingredient for the 'main event' at the dragon's cottage, the rest? Well! They were only to be considered little snacks to nibble on for everyone. And of course he would be eager to hear other's opinions on his food, which he always simply loved to discuss.

He slithered alongside a distinguishable gentleman wearing a dapper vertical-lined tuxedo and a red rose on his chest that stood out the most in all of his black and white fashion. Maxwell!

He said nothing as the serpent lightly bullied the fox man earlier, only appearing slighting annoyed but ultimately unamused. Versy's size and appearence made him a tad uneasy, but nothing he wasn't used to already in The Constant, what with all the giant monsters he created and the beasts that came with each season. He had a personal vendetta against the Bearger for destroying his beehives.

In his arms he carried none other than Chester! The little living container panted just a like a dog, content. Inside, he carried not just his own eyebone, but also several bundlewraps that stored the ingredients he brought for Annalise: several berries, four drumsticks, a pair of frog's legs, two tallbird eggs, a leafy meat, two eggplants, a mandrake, as well as some uh... more questionable items, like snake skin, a batilisk wing, a deerclop's eyeball and several pieces of monster meat (hopeful their 'harmful flavor' would no doubt be neutralized by Anna upon being mixed with so many other of her ingredients in her cooking like it would sometimes happen when he made meatballs with it... or maybe, best care scenario, it wouldn't harm her at all, like it happens with the spider child, since she was not all human in nature like him).

The mandrake was his ingredient for the soup. Much like Willy's pumpkin, it didn't seem all that fresh either; it had some scratches that gave the item some darkened spots here and there- the most noticeable dark spot was the massive stab wound at the center, but it wasn't outright rotten. At best it may have been a little stale but not bad. He felt a little embrassed giving her an item in such a condition, but hey- mandrakes were no easy task in finding and killing!

There rest... were all a gift. He knew Anna loved cooking and was terrific at it, how could he not? Especially given the conditions of his ingredient. Of course he'd bring gifts for the lady herself. One such gift that was quite ah.. eye-catching, was small but very round blue egg, with lime green, chunky spots all over it, simply wrapped in a black shadowy bow (mostly to emphasize that it was meant as a gift and not as the ingredient given the circumstances).

Annalise's a farmer... and, from what little he knew so far, a bird-like dragon, so she must know a thing or two about hatching eggs..

[general-sleepy]

[ID: A four-panel black-and-white comic. A light-skinned elven Warden with dark hair French kisses Alistair, who wears full armor. Their eyes are shut and they hold each other obliviously as various characters stand in the background with captions.

"In Front Of Your Father Who You Just Rescued From Tevinter Slavers". An older elf stares, dumbfounded, as he says, "Tabris! I thought you were dead... Oh, am I interrupting something oh geez why is this shem's tongue down your throat please stop I... Sweetie?? Hello????

"In Front of Morrigan". Morrigan sits at a campfire gesturing furiously with a large drumstick. She yells, "Must you copulate in front of my roasted duck??!"

"In Front Of Arl Eamons Decaying Corpse". Hollow-eyed and bedraggled, Eamon lies in a four-poster bed with the blankets pulled up. Isolde lingers off to the side, looking awkwardly as she says, "Um can you please leave?"

"In Front Of Morragain." In the field, Morrigan stands with her staff beside Zevran. Zevran grins and gives a double thumbs up, while Morrigan yells in exasperated anger, "Really?!! This is the 5th time this morning". END ID]

I love the kiss mechanic in dragon age origins because i basically just used it as a display of dominance during tense situations or in front of people that i knew would feel uncomfortable. being able to make out at anytime no questions asked is the best lmao

[ticklishraspberries]

Friends Like Us (Sebastian, Sam, Abigail)

Summary: Sebastian’s friends like to make him laugh. He doesn’t mind. (I started playing Stardew Valley and couldn’t resist writing a fic for this group of friends!! I hope y’all enjoy it.)

Sometimes, Sebastian wondered what good he’d done in a past life to deserve friends like Sam and Abigail. Never in a million years did he expect to find friends that shared his interests, especially not in Pelican Town. They were both so cool, and at first, Sebastian just couldn’t believe that they truly liked him.

But after knowing them for a good, long while, Sebastian wondered what atrocity he had committed in a past life to deserve Sam and Abigail’s teasing. Once those icy layers were melted away, Sebastian was pretty chill. But he had his little pet peeves like anyone else, and his friends not only knew those bothersome things, they also exploited them (playfully, of course) for their own amusement.

Ruffling his long hair once he’d finally gotten it to sit right, and crooning that stupid nickname his mother called him to watch his cheeks flush. To be fair, he did the same thing right back. Laughing when Sam fumbled a move on his skateboard, stealing Abigail’s drumsticks, normal things that friends do.

However, there was one thing that Sam and Abigail did that Sebastian assumed was meant to annoy him, but it just…didn’t. In fact, he actually found it quite fun. He swore to himself that he’d never admit it for anything, not even for a fresh, warm bowl of pumpkin soup.

Basically, Sebastian was super ticklish, and his friends found it totally hilarious.

“Come on, Seb, don’t look so mopey!” Sam teased, pulling a denim-clad leg into his lap, fingers scribbling behind Sebastian’s knee.

Abigail wrapped her arms around Sebastian’s middle, leaning her head on his shoulder. “Yeah, seriously, this band was your idea, at least pretend like you’re having fun!”

Sebastian’s giggles couldn’t be contained for very long, and he buried his face in his hands to muffle the sound, flustered beyond belief at the more high-pitched sound that left his mouth.

Sam let out a chuckle at the sound. “Wow, I didn’t know you could hit such high notes, dude. Maybe you should be our vocalist,” he teased, switching his technique to squeeze Sebastian’s knee and up his thigh.

Abigail’s grin was comically large. “Yeah, Seb, you’re a proper soprano!” Her fingers quickly joined in his torment, wiggling over his sides. Through his hoodie, it wasn’t the most effective method, but it still left him squirming and giggling like mad.

“Shuhut up!” he whined, burying his blushing face in his hands.

See, his mom wasn’t the most physically affectionate, choosing to show her love in words instead. His step-father and him weren’t close, so they avoided contact as much as possible. On a similar note, he and Maru didn’t interact much at all, so it wasn’t like he was used to this sort of affection.

Ever since Sam and Sebastian became friends, it was more common to experience the occasional nudge, poke, or hug. But Sebastian’s gloomy nature usually led others to believe that he wasn’t the touchy-feely type, and honestly, he’d sort of assumed the same about himself.

But once he got used to those fleeting touches from his friend, Sebastian found himself craving it more and more. Slowly, it became more common.

Once Abigail joined the mix, it was even better. She was a great hugger, and Sebastian always found himself looking forward to their hellos and goodbyes, just so he had an excuse to receive one.

The tickling had come later. Sam had discovered his ticklishness a while back, but rarely acted on it. But when Abigail spotted Sebastian’s reaction to a simple poke from Sam, she quickly grew interested in hearing the resident emo laugh his head off.

It became an almost daily occurrence after that. It was something he looked forward to, anticipated with nervous glee, and even felt disappointed when it didn’t happen.

Breaking through the barrier his hoodie provided, Abigail slipped her fingers beneath his sweater and scratched at his sides, making his laughter kick up a notch. Sam, clearly bored of tickling Sebastian’s legs, joined Abigail at his torso, going for his belly.

He shrieked, falling back against Abigail’s chest and nearly sending the three of them toppling to the floor, which seemed to be their cue to back off. Sebastian wrapped his arms around himself, rubbing at his sides to rid himself of the residual tickly feeling.

“You guys suck,” he said.

Sam laughed. “You love us,” he replied.

“Yeah, Seb. What would you do without friends like us?” Abby said.

Sebastian grinned. Yeah, he was pretty lucky to have them.

[metalrequiem]

i drew these wayyy back as i was writing FiMbWC (and u can tell,, lmao), but I just colored them now. so here’s some new and improved Shenanigans :)

description under cut

[Image description: two collections of drawings from the Celestial Swap AU fanfiction Friendship is Magic, But Who’s Counting?, one for each chapter. From top left to bottom right:

Image one: Sunset Shimmer sits on a pillow and Spike stands next to her, excitedly pointing at a passage in a book laid out in front of them.

Sunset stands in a cloud of dust, coughing.

Four ponies sit in a semicircle playing various instruments. Lyra Heartstrings is sitting on the ground using her magic to help play a saxophone. Octavia Melody stands next to her, plucking an upright bass. Next to her, Vinyl Scratch sits at a drum set levitating their drumsticks. The bass drum has “PON3″ painted on in bright bubble letters. Next to the drums, Rara sits at a grand piano, speaking to the others as they play.

Sunset marches with her head low, annoyed, while Spike and Derpy chat amicably over her.

Sassy Saddles stands in the middle of various items she’s levitating, inspecting two slightly different colored ribbons.

Sunset and Derpy walk next to each other. Sunset has her head hung in mild shame while Derpy talks happily to her.

Sunset is fuming as she drips neon green dye into the puddle she’s standing in. She’s levitating an empty bucket next to her head.

Sunset is curled up against the wall as she cries, shaking. Gilda sits next to her, looking away and thumping her tail against the ground. Gilda is captioned “The risk I took was calculated, but man, am I bad at math.���

Zecora is standing over her cauldron, dropping a handful of objects into the multi-colored brew. She’s speaking to somepony off-screen.

A three panel mini comic. In the first panel, Derpy stands in the doorway to the library. Sunset is holding the door with her magic. The second panel is an image of the closed door, captioned “SLAM”. In the third panel, Spike looks up at Sunset as she says “This town is weird.” Sunset is still dyed green, but her hair has curled slightly as it dried.

Gilda smirks at Pinkie Pie as she picks her up off the ground completely. Pinkie keeps talking, regardless.

Zecora stands in between Derpy and Sassy Saddles. Derpy leans forward excitedly and Zecora smiles as they listen to Sassy tell a story.

Daybreaker stands menacingly, laughing and looking down on an unseen crowd.

A drawing in white pen on a black background of Sunset telling Princess Luna, in her dream, of the terrible day she had.

Sunset and Daybreaker stand nose-to-nose. Daybreaker is leaning forward, grinning with her eyes narrowed, and Sunset is leaning back, intimidated. The image is captioned “Narrator: And then things went from bad to worse.”

Image two: A full body drawing of Spike gesturing to a vial in his hand. He has bags under his eyes. The image is captioned “Zecora’s knockout juice” on top and “Buy it now!” on the bottom.

A three panel mini comic of Sassy Saddles. In the first panel, she’s leaning forward, slightly hysterical, and saying “Hey check out how hard I can panic!” The second panel is just the words “5 minutes later”. In the third panel, she’s calm and collected, levitating a long sheet of paper depicting five hastily-drawn pictures. From left to right, it’s an angry picture of Sunset, three drops of water, a grove of trees, the Elements of Harmony, and the night sky. The panel is captioned “Ok here’s the plan-”

A picture of Rara from the neck up. Her hair is pulled up and she has bags under her eyes. She’s smiling.

An old griffon wearing a crown steps around a podium holding the Idol of Boreas. Gilda’s feathers are fluffed up in alarm and disbelief as she watches.

Derpy and Sassy stand in a creek, leaning against each other. Sassy has a small smile and mascara running down her cheeks. Derpy is looking up at her and trying to cheer her up.

Derpy stands in a creek, laughing as her reflection in the water scowls angrily at her.

Sassy and her mirror image look at each other in surprise and alarm. They’re both captioned with an exclamation point.

A close up of Sunset speaking calmly, saying “Ah, yes, my worst enemy:”. The picture is immediately followed by another close up of her, squished with her fur puffed out and her ear laid back. It’s captioned “EMOTIONAL VULNERABILITY.”

Two pictures of Rara. The first is a close up. She has her brow furrowed thoughtfully and is holding a large leaf between her teeth. It’s captioned “Maybe I should sleep more?” The picture directly below it shows her leaning over a sleeping bear, placing the leaf onto its head, captioned “Nah.”

Sunset and Daybreaker stand nose-to-nose. Sunset is grinning victoriously and saying “Jokes on you, the real Elements of Harmony were the friends we made along the way the whole time!” while Daybreaker snarls angrily at her.

Princess Luna offers a hoof to Princess Celestia, who’s laying on the ground in front of her. They’re both crying.

A headshot of Gilda smiling with narrowed eyes and saying “Cringe.” She’s wearing the Element of Loyalty around her neck.

A headshot of Zecora. She’s smiling and her pupils are the shape of fire. It’s captioned “Vengeance.”

A wide shot of the inside of Sugar Cube Corner. The sign above the bar says “Congrats! You saved the world!” Gilda is sitting on a stool, excitedly telling Pinkie Pie about their adventure. Spike sits on Gilda’s back, yawning and rubbing his eye. Derpy, Zecora, and Sassy sit at one table together. Derpy is looking hungrily at the muffins in front of her, and Zecora is saying something to Sassy. At another table, Rara is offering a cupcake to a nervous Celestia. Sunset and Luna stand near the door. Sunset is looking away and rubbing her hoof against her arm while Luna smiles at her knowingly.]

[brian-roger-deaky-and-fred]

Playing Dress-up (Roger Taylor x Reader)

Summary: Roger is distracted from his studies when the reader decides to do her best impression of him.

Warnings: Giggly sex, Unprotected Sex, Cursing

A/N: Don't worry! I'm writing Deaky, too! Deaky's fic will be much sweeter, but just as playful. Thank you for your kind words. I ADORE when people comment on my work! As always, this can be read for real Roger or Ben!Roger. All my love! Enjoy!

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Roger frowned into his textbook for about the 80th time. He'd read the same paragraph over and over, but it somehow made less sense everytime. He looked to the little neon green numbers glowing on the clock above the stove and sighed. He hadn't even been working for an hour.

The bedroom door let out a little creak and he heard you walk into the kitchen. He kept his eyes on the book, trying to focus his fuzzy head. You cleared your throat expectantly, and he glanced over his shoulder at you.

There you stood in the doorway, with your hands on your hips. One of his silky button ups draped over your shoulders. You'd neglected to button it so that it exposed your bare sternum and tummy, the way he had always worn it. It was almost comical how bunchy and big it was on you. Your fingers ran through your purposefully mussed hair. Against the naked middle of your chest sat three silver chains, and you had a pair of large sunglasses perched on your nose. His eyes fell to your bare legs, where he noticed the unlit cigarette between your fingers and one of his drumsticks tucked against your thigh through the leg hole of your underwear, like a sheathed sword. You took an overly dramatic 'drag' of your cigarette and leaned against the doorframe.

He choked at the sight, falling into a fit of laughter. He twisted around in his chair to get a better look.

"What on earth are you doing?"

You tried to swallow your grin and stay in character, taking another drag.

"I'm Rogah Taylah, love." You thickened your accent to mimick his, barely getting the words out before you started laughing too.

Roger's cheeks went red and he held the bridge of his nose in faux exasperation.

"Are you now?" He chuckled, trying to calm his laughter as you swaggered over to him and sat down on the edge of the table. You spread your legs, partially to tease him, but also because he had a bad habit of sitting that way.

Your feet dangled off the ground, and he took your ankles in his hands, resting his chin on your knee.

"Does this mean you're playing the gig next Friday for me? Because I needed a night off..."

You pulled the drumstick from where it was pressing against your hip and and attempted to twirl it expertly between your fingers the way Roger always did. He snorted when as it fell to the ground, pursing his lips to hide a smile.

"Maybe I could give you a little drum lesson after the show, baby." You muttered coolly.

He gave into his laughter. He'd used that one far too many times. He took the sunglasses from your nose, sliding them on to his before snaking his arms around your waist. Your elbows circled his neck as he brought his lips to yours, humming contentedly.

He hooked his hands under your thighs and pulled you up off the table. Your legs wrapped around his hips and you giggled as he carried you back into his bedroom, plopping you down onto the covers.

"Good looking fellow, aren't I?" He teased, winking at you. "I don't remember having such killer tits but hell, I'm not complaining." He took off the glasses, setting them on the bed side table haphazardly.

You grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it up over his chest, to admire him.

"They look pretty killer to me, love."

He grinned, raising his eyebrows at you, "What, are you gonna motorboat me?"

You absolutely adored the way he looked when he bit his lip the way he was.

"I might. You better watch out."

He gave a dramatic gasp and clasped his hands over his chest.

You giggled and he went back to work, grabbing your shirt collar and kissing down the valley of your breasts. Pausing to pull you into his lap, he grinned to himself, "If you're being me, does that mean I get to be you?"

You unbuttoned his jeans, "What does that entail?"

He thought to himself for a second before a wicked smirk spread across his face. He pulled you into a tight hug and cried out, " Oh Fuck, Roger! Mmh your dick is massive! What a monster cock! You're an Adonis, Rogie! An absolute paragon! Fuck me harder!"

You smacked his shoulder lightly and buried your face in the crook of his neck, face going bright red.

"Shut up! The neighbors!" You couldn't help but laugh.

He met your lips again, giving your hips a squeeze.

"That tickles! Cut it out!" Your words spurred him on.

"What? Are you gonna fight me?"

"Let's rumble, bitch." You teased. He chuckled and pinned your arms above your head.

You held your knees to your chest, "I will twist your fuckin' nipple, Taylor."

He giggled, "Kinky little minx..." 

You rolled your hips against his and he moaned from his chest.

He kissed you hungrily, "I'm gonna eat you alive, baby girl."

"Big words..."

"Not the only big thing I've got, sweetheart."

"Prove it."

He grinned and helped you wrestle your underwear off. He crept his hand between your legs and you whined, hips stuttering.

"Who got you this wet, angel? Was it Roogaah Taaylahh?"

"Shove off." You made a noise somewhere between a sob and a laugh, brows furrowed in concentration as you fought for more friction.

"Is that the name you'll be moaning tonight, love?

"Not unless you get on with it..."

He laughed as he struggled to rid himself of his jeans. You straddled his hips, taking him in your hand and pumping him teasingly before letting him push up into you. You rolled your body against him and he gave a weak moan.

"God you're so tight." He mumbled breathlessly.

"Sorry I stole you away from that book." You panted through a smile, screwing your eyes shut. Your wetness had begun to creep down your thighs and onto his middle as you bounced on his cock.

"This is far more entertaining."

He bucked against your pubic bone and you cried out. He took in a sharp breath, letting out a string of curses.

"-And you feel a whole lot nicer too."

Your whole body felt tense and weak under his touch. The throbbing inside you told you he was close. You knew you weren't far behind.

"That's not saying much, Roger. It's a bloody textbook."

He gave a hoarse chuckle a brought his hand down to rub you gently. You squirmed, tightening around him as he came. The pulsing warmth filling you tipped you over with him. You trembled weakly as you tried to catch your breath. Roger flopped down next to you, pushing his bangs from his forehead. He met your eyes, grinning ear to ear. Rolling over onto your stomach, you draped an arm over his chest. He kissed your forehead and giggled. His fingers laced themselves through your hair, letting you lean into his touch. He hummed a little, realizing you were still clad in his shirt.

"You're a right mess love, you know that?"

You wiggled your nose teasingly, laughing as he leaned forward to nip at it. Both of you were far too playful for your own good.

"I'm your mess." You mumbled, starting to grow sleepy.

"Don't you forget it, gorgeous."

"I could never..."

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@whovianayesha

[lampmeeting]

For the challenge, how about Toddler Moon Shadow stealing Pickles' drumsticks?

well i’m not very familiar with this oc, but i did say anything so i’m gonna make good on my word and try my best!  :)

—

The little girl raced through the hall and into the game room, squealing as Pickles gave chase as best he could after a full bottle of Jack. She beat on every surface as she passed, the sticks comically large in her tiny hands. “Heyyy,” Pickles whined. He was sweating already and felt sick from all the running. “C’mon, kiddo. Yer dad needs those for work, okay? Give ‘em back, please.”

“No!” she said, happily tap-tapping on one of the arcade machines. Pickles grumbled and sat on the edge of the coffee table, trying to think of how he could possibly manage to wrangle his drumsticks from a toddler who seemed quite determined to keep them.

Suddenly he realized Moon Shadow wasn’t just banging randomly–she was drumming. It was a rhythm. He watched her for a moment, a bit awestruck, and when she finally decided to give them back with a huge smile, Pickles smiled in return and waved her along. “Nah, you keep ‘em. You’ll grow into ‘em.”

[raywritesthings]

What Have They Lost? 1/?

My Writing Fandom: Arrow, The Flash Characters: Barry Allen, Iris West, Laurel Lance, Oliver Queen, Connor Hawke, Cisco Ramon, Ted Grant Pairings: Barry Allen/Iris West, Laurel Lance/Oliver Queen Summary: "I can definitely tell you that there’s a way we’re going to bring [Laurel] back and she’s going to be alive and well. And Flashpoint might have a little bit to do with that." -Wendy Mericle AKA: The AU where that wasn't a blatant lie, and Flashpoint has bigger repercussions for Barry's friends and allies than he first realized. Notes: So, probably not wise to start yet another WIP without finishing the one I have going but...I got really excited about this idea and wanted to see what people thought. If this is continued (which I hope to do so), things may get a little confusing as certain characters will be going by different (more comic book accurate) names, but I'll do my best to make that clear when introducing them. There are characters referenced in this chapter who will have a bigger role going forward, and when that happens I will add their character tags. Similarly, if some characters haven't been mentioned at all yet, that doesn't mean they won't be in the story. Their character tags will be added later, too. Much thanks to @colorofmymindposts for beta-ing this chapter and helping me restructure some things. It's a much better beginning as a result. Title is pulled directly from a line in DC Rebirth by Geoff Johns while song titles and lyrics were pulled from both the Black Canary solo book and Green Arrow Rebirth, and I make no claim of owning any of them. I hope you all enjoy and let me know your initial impressions! *Also can be read on my AO3*

Barry felt that, all things considered, life was treating him fairly well lately.

Of course, he’d had to fix the mistake he’d made going back in time to save his mother, and even now there were consequences from that. The team hadn’t been happy to learn that truth, and he worried his and Cisco’s friendship would never again be quite what it was. There were things that had resulted from his meddling that he would always feel guilt over.

But not this. Not him and Iris. Despite an awkward first attempt at a date and the second getting interrupted as well, they were falling into a better pattern now as a couple.

She found him in his lab one late morning while Julian was out at a crime scene, so they had the space to themselves for a bit. Iris wrapped her arms around his middle from behind and placed her chin on his shoulder, though he doubted it was to see the spectrometer he was working with.

“Any plans for tonight?”

Barry shook his head. “Nothing specific. You know, just,” he waved a hand to indicate general Flash stuff, which Iris understood with no trouble.

“Think you could take a break for one night?”

Barry raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

“Because I got concert tickets and I want you to go with me.”

A concert? That wasn’t usually his scene. “How’d you get them?”

“Daria in Arts and Entertainment gets sent them sometimes and she can’t make tonight work, so she offered them to me.”

Daria in Arts and Entertainment? That probably meant this was some kind of pop thing, didn’t it? Barry’s face scrunched up.

“I don’t know, Iris…”

“Bear, come on.” She squeezed him tight for a moment before letting go and taking a couple steps back. “It’s Birds of Prey!”

“Am I supposed to know them?”

“They’ve only been my favorite band since college, so I would hope so,” she remarked, and Barry turned around with a frown. He could have sworn Iris always said she liked the pop star Cassidy best. “They do some slow stuff, too. I know how you like your jazz,” Iris added  with an indulgent roll of the eyes. “So are you in or out?”

He knew Iris still wanted to do some normal couple stuff as well as more extravagant dates. And if she was happy, Barry was sure he could put up with some music that might not be his taste.

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m in. It’ll be fun.”

“Great.” Iris leaned in and pecked him on the lips. “Gotta head back to work, but I will see you later for our date. I’ll text you the details.”

“Okay.” Barry watched her go, his smile falling off his face as she disappeared down the stairs. If this was Iris’ favorite band, he was going to have to do some research.

He went to his computer and searched the name Birds of Prey, only finding articles about a band and their lead singer, a woman only known as Dinah.

“Triumphant return to Central City after particle accelerator accident,” he read aloud to himself from the bit of preview text from one article. What did that mean? And why did the name Dinah sound oddly familiar to him?

A knock on his lab door called his attention, and he was busy the rest of the afternoon with casework, even with Julian’s added assistance. Rather than resume his internet search after his shift ended, Barry decided to pursue a different avenue of inquiry.

Cisco was present when he rushed into STAR Labs. His friend barely looked up from the computer monitor he’d been studying.

“Cisco, hey, what do you know about Birds of Prey?”

That question caught the engineer’s attention. “Uh, you mean one of the greatest musical groups of our time?”

“Yeah. Sure.” How did everybody already know this band besides him?

“They’re stopping here on their comeback tour. I think it’s tonight, isn’t it? I missed the online bid for tickets.”

“Iris got two from her coworker, so we’re going tonight,” Barry revealed.

Cisco groaned. “Lucky. I only saw Dinah live once, back when she was doing open mic nights around colleges, you know?” Cisco’s gaze got a faraway look. “I had a poster of her on my wall all through grad school. I’d give anything for a picture with her.”

“Well, I can’t promise that, but I can try and get you a picture of just her.” Barry checked his phone. “I’ve got to meet Iris at the house.”

“Yeah, have a good night.”

“You, too.” It hadn’t been perfect, but Cisco had at least been willing to open up to him about some topic, even if it was one that made little sense to Barry.

He arrived home and changed quickly into clothes better suited for a concert. Iris already had the keys to the car, so she drove them over rather than him running them. They parked on the street near the venue and joined a fast-growing line to get in.

“So, everybody keeps calling this the comeback tour,” Barry began. “What’re they coming back from?”

“You really didn’t hear?” When he shook his head, Iris continued, “They were performing on stage the night of the particle accelerator explosion.”

“And there was an accident,” he said, repeating what he had read before.

“Yeah, the sound equipment and everything, you know? I mean, the band manager got them all off the stage before anyone got too hurt, but there were all kinds of rumors about Dinah’s voice being damaged or the trauma being too much to let her go back on stage.”

“Wow,” was all Barry could come up with. 

“Yeah. But, she got back in the game. This is their last stop on the tour, at least for now. People are wondering if they might go international next.”

They had passed through the doors and now were too busy looking for their seats to talk. They weren’t right in the front row, but Arts and Entertainment writers were clearly given a good spot, probably in hopes the review would be better.

The lights dimmed, and a voice came over the systems. “Central City, here tonight is the band that needs no introduction. This is...Birds of Prey!”

The obligatory fog machine obscured things as the musicians all got into place. He counted two redheads and a woman with hair so dark it almost bordered on black. Nothing about them seemed to stand out in his memory.

But he didn’t need the large screens on either side to tell who the woman was that strode confidently downstage to the mic in the center. Even if it should have been impossible.

“Laurel?”

The crowd was too loud around them, and Iris was busy with cheering and didn’t hear him or see his distress.

How could it be possible? He still remembered standing in front of Laurel’s grave, watching as Oliver tried to hold back the anguish that had been in the wet sheen of his eyes and the deep lines of his face. He didn’t think he could ever forget that look. It hadn’t just been Barry’s team who’d loved her.

And yet she was standing above him on a stage, so alive.

“Hello, Central City! It is good to be back.” Laurel paused to let the cheers subside. “I wanted to make sure we stopped here on tour. Had a bit of a fight for it. You can ask Ted.”

Iris leaned over to tell him, “Ted’s the band manager. He’s practically a father to her.”

“He is?” Who was Ted? Where was Captain Lance?

Iris nodded but gave him a second look. “You okay?”

He felt incredibly faint, actually, but there was no time to explain anything to Iris. There were people all around them and Laurel was speaking again.

“But Ted agreed, because we don’t walk away from things. Right, Central City?”

Laurel paused again for cheers. Someone out in the crowd shouted a, “We love you!”

“I love you, too!” She replied with a beautiful smile. “No matter how many times we get knocked down, we get back up. So let’s get up and get things started!”

She motioned back to the band, and the dark brunette hit her drumsticks together four times before the rest of the music started up. People were already on their feet, and Barry stood as well to see better. Now that he was over the shock he started taking more of her appearance in. There was still her blonde hair cascading down her back, but that was about where the similarities ended in how this Laurel styled herself. She had on a blue tank top, ripped up jean shorts, and fishnet leggings on under those. Fishnets!

Was it Siren? Was this all just some trick? And yet even as he thought that it made little sense. Iris’ favorite band since college, Cisco’s poster in grad school...somehow, Laurel Lance had been a member of this band for years. 

But she’d been a hero. They all knew that. Or they had.

The song they were performing now seemed to be called Fish Out of Water, judging by the chorus. Barry could relate to that feeling. Then it hit him that Laurel actually had a really good voice. He’d never known that about her, whether it had even been true before...all this.

Because it was dawning on him what this was. Just like the changes that had occurred to his friends’ loved ones because of his meddling, the only explanation for Laurel not only being alive but drastically different than he remembered was the timeline being altered. But how could he have missed this?

If this much was different, what else had changed in Star City? He’d spoken to Felicity briefly since returning to this timeline and realized John now had twins instead of a daughter, but what about Oliver? Were he and the others okay?

“I’m gonna slow things down a bit,” Laurel was saying. “Even if I know you guys like things fast around here.”

Iris nudged him in the side with a big grin. It faded as he looked at her, though. “Seriously, Bear, you okay?”

“It can wait.” Now wasn’t the time or place to get into it. He wasn’t even sure how to explain to Iris that a woman she had never met but admired was now still a woman she had never met but admired just in a different way.

“If ya broke the wings of a blackbird, baby...it’s a joke to think she’ll look backward, baby,” Laurel sang. She looked...sad, somehow. Not in an obvious way. The confidence was still there, but it was like something was missing. And Barry thought he knew what it was.

His mind raced as the band closed out with another louder number to get people cheering right at the end.

“How do you feel about pretending to be from Arts and Entertainment?” He asked at more of a shout in Iris’ ear to be heard.

She raised both eyebrows. “What do you mean?”

Barry ran instead, back to her office at Central City Picture News to grab a camera and a couple of press passes. When he reappeared at her side, she blinked in surprise.

“Barry—”

“It’s kind of important that we talk to her. I’ll explain on the way home.”

Iris looked unsure, but she nodded, trusting him. Barry felt a boost of confidence at that; the rest of his teammates weren’t that willing to trust in his ability these days.

They made their way backstage with the passes and waited as Laurel and the others exited the stage. Barry felt a little stunned to watch her approach this close despite seeing her up on the stage. She was real and alive and a part of him wanted to rush forward and hug her — but that would probably get them kicked out.

There were a few lucky fans with special passes there, too, and he watched as the woman and sometimes-teammate he’d known signed autographs and took selfies with them. He snapped a couple of pictures with the camera he’d borrowed for appearance’s sake.

“Great show tonight, Dinah,” Iris called out to get her attention. She held out her hand when the other woman approached. “I’m Iris West with Central City Picture News. Huge fan, really.”

“Thanks for coming out,” said Laurel, her eyes only briefly passing over Barry, and it was so strange not seeing even a hint of recognition there. Had they never met in this timeline? What did this mean about whether she knew the others?

“So what’s next for the band?” He asked. “International, somewhere else in the states? Star City, maybe? It’s our, uh, sister city,” Barry added when both Laurel and Iris gave him odd looks.

“Funny you should say that. We’ll be taking some time off in Star, yeah. Ted and me, anyway. The other girls are stopping home in Gotham, but Ted’s got a place there.” She nodded back towards an older man with flecks of gray in his hair and a few lines in a deeply tanned face.

“Great,” said Barry.

“Your new song, Blackbird. It’s really good, and the lyrics, uh, what’s the story behind that?” Iris asked. Barry knew he’d put her on the spot and that this style of interview wasn’t exactly her specialty. He thought she was doing a great job, though.

Laurel shrugged. “I’ve had a lot of false starts in life. A lot of things I’ve had to walk away from. You learn to live with it.” She glanced over at Ted again who made some kind of motion. “Listen, there’s a girl scheduled to meet me in the green room, so if we could wrap this up?”

“Yeah, absolutely. I’ll message your people if I think of anything else to ask,” Iris said quickly. “Thanks so much for your time.”

“Yeah, thanks Lau— uh, Dinah,” Barry remembered at the last second. Her eyes jumped to his with a sharp look.

“Yeah. You too.” Laurel said quietly. She turned and walked away, glancing back at them over her shoulder once.

“So what was that actually about?” Iris asked in his ear. Barry gave a start and looked away from the hallway Laurel had disappeared down. They went through a side exit and started the walk back to the car.

“I know her. Or knew her. Um, before I changed the timeline.”

Iris’ eyes widened. “Really? How?”

“She wasn’t a singer. She was the Black Canary. A hero, part of Oliver’s team. She died last spring—” Iris stopped in her tracks, expression one of alarm. Barry reached for her hand to keep her moving down the sidewalk. “—or she did in that timeline. I don’t know how this happened.”

Iris was quiet for a few moments, processing the information. “Well, at least she’s here in this timeline?”

“Yeah, but,” Barry began. He shrugged. “It’s so different. She doesn’t even go by the same name!”

He remembered seeing Dinah on the gravestone, only then realizing they’d all been calling her by her middle name the whole time. What made a person decide to change names? How far back did this divergence from the timeline go?

Iris was frowning, discomfort showing on her features. She had defended his actions in changing things to the rest of the team, but was this a step too far? What did she think of him now? “Well, Bear, I think you’re just going to have to leave this be,” she said eventually. “It’s too late to change things.”

“I know. I just — I need to check on the others in Star, okay? Just so I know what’s been going on if we ever have to team up sometime.”

“Okay.” Iris let him go with a kiss, and then Barry was off running again, first to get his suit and then to Star City.

What was Team Arrow like without a Black Canary? What was Oliver like? He didn’t know too much about the other man’s relationship with Laurel, but they’d obviously been close judging by how affected he’d been at the funeral. What would Barry be like without one of his teammates? He couldn’t even imagine it.

He entered the cave and stopped, calling out to make sure the space wasn’t as empty as it appeared. “Hey, Ollie, you in? Really need to talk to — woah!”

Barry didn’t quite dodge out of the way of two arrows connected by a wire that shot out and pinned him to the wall behind him.

A young man, teenager really, with blonde hair and dark skin emerged from behind a support beam. He carried a bow and quiver of arrows and was grinning as he approached. “Gotta watch your surroundings better, Flash.”

“Connor,” said a familiar voice, the tone only slightly warning.

“I’m only messing, dad,” said the teenager to Oliver as the older man approached. Barry felt his mouth drop open. Since when did Oliver have a second son?

Oliver himself seemed different, somehow, in ways that were hard to define. The stubble he usually had could more accurately be called a goatee, and there were lines in his face that Barry could have sworn hadn’t been there. But he didn’t look as abjectly miserable as the last time Barry had seen him.

“What’s going on, Barry?”

He decided to just cut to the chase. “What do you know about Dinah Laurel Lance?”

Oliver’s face scrunched up. He frowned, though it was more in confusion than anything else. Then the worst possible answer left his lips.

“Who?”

[a-second-hand-sorrow]

We Certainly Should (Roger Taylor X Reader)

WC: 1747

Warnings: Language, jealousy, brief sex mentions, drinking

Summary: Y/N and Roger have been friends for years, and Y/N realises her feelings for him when he starts seeing another girl.

A/N: This was requested by an Anon “hi! could you do ben!roger taylor x reader where she works for queen and they were always good friends but one day she realize that she likes roger and she starts acting weird because he has a girlfriend (but he has broke up with the gf)” This is a little different from the request but I hope you enjoy!

BORHAP MASTERLIST

“Oi, Roger. Wait up!” Y/N called, waving a hand out to get the blonde’s attention. He stopped, turning around to look at her with raised eyebrows.

 “What do you want Y/N? I’ve got band practice and I can’t be late again.” He said, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Yeah, I was going to ask if maybe I could tag along. You said you replaced Tim which was frankly a long time coming and I want to see what the new guys are like.” Y/N said, and Roger chuckled, shaking his head slightly.

“Sure, why not. You’re decent company Y/L/N.” Roger said, slinging his arm around Y/N’s shoulders as they walked to his car.

“You know what? I’ll take that as a compliment, Taylor.” Y/N said, climbing into the passenger seat of Roger’s precious vehicle. She was the only person he let ride shotgun and she certainly took advantage of that status.

“So, what was the new band name again? Queen?” Y/N asked, closing the passenger side door and pulling a biscuit out of her handbag. She took a bite and Roger let out a strangled cry, nearly slapping the biscuit out of her hand.

“Oi, watch the crumbs you cretin.” Roger said, and Y/N gave him the finger, taking a large bite of the biscuit to spite him. Roger just sighed, starting the car so they could drive to his flat.

The drive from their university was quick, and the two of them hurried out of the car once they had arrived. “If I’m late again this is on you.” Roger muttered, and Y/N rolled her eyes, letting out an exhausted sigh.

“No, it’s not because I’m not the one who thought it’d be a good idea to hit up the leggy brunette who just so happened to be a lesbian.” Y/N said, cackling to herself as Roger unlocked his door.

“In my defence I thought I was getting somewhere.” Roger said, causing Y/N to let out a short laugh.

“Mate she was more interested in me than you, trust me.” Y/N said, causing Roger to let out an irritated huff.

“Finally, they’re back. Can we start now?” Brian said, his guitar hanging at his side. 

“Shut up, mate.” Roger said, picking up his drumsticks and sitting at the kit.

“It’s nice to see you Brian.” Y/N said, giving him a quick hug before taking a seat on the small couch in the living room.

“Y/N this is Freddie, our new singer and John, our new bassist.” Roger said from the kit, gesturing to each man respectively.

“It’s nice to meet you all.” Y/N said, shaking John’s hand politely. She went to shake Freddie’s hand, but he kissed her cheeks instead, causing her to flush slightly.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Y/N.” Freddie said, and Y/N smiled, nodding in agreement as she sat back down again. The rehearsal went relatively smoothly and by the time it was over the sun had set, and Y/N was beginning to get tired.

“I should probably go. It’s late and I’m tired and hungry.” Y/N said, slinging her bag over her shoulder.

“You don’t have to leave. I’ve got a spare room and I can just buy you dinner.” Roger said, and Y/N felt her stomach fill with butterflies. Sure, she’d always found Roger attractive, but he was a bit of a prick so seeing him be so nice to her made her heart flutter.

“You don’t have to do that Rog, I’m a big girl.” Y/N said, laughing softly as Roger shook his head.

“You’re my best friend, it’s the least I can do.”

“For the love of God Roger! Where are your bloody pants?” Y/N says as Roger makes his way into the studio, his blonde hair a mess and his pants clearly missing.

It was 1979 and Queen were in the process of recording their album ‘The Game’. Y/N had been hired as Jim Beach’s second in command, and she worked very closely with the band.

Y/N loved her job and she was eternally grateful to Roger for helping her get it, however it was moments like this that irritated her beyond belief.

“Sorry love. Dominique spent the night and I wasn’t exactly in a hurry to leave this morning, if you know what I mean.” Roger said, and Y/N rolled her eyes in disgust.

Roger had been with Dominique for a while now and while Y/N claimed to be happy for them, she couldn’t help but feel angry whenever Dominique would touch Roger, or when he’d pull her in for a deep kiss in front of everyone.

She’d been nursing romantic feelings for her best friend for nearly 10 years and even though she had become very good at hiding them, she was still hurt when she saw Roger with other girls.

“Whatever Rog, just get behind the kit.” Y/N said, taking a seat beside Brian. He sensed that she was frustrated so he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and she leaned into his touch.

“Sorry about Roger.” Brian said, and Y/N let out a sigh, resting her head in the crook of his neck.

“I know nothing has happened between us, but I just get so mad whenever I see him with Dominique. I know jealousy is an ugly emotion, but I can’t help it.” Y/N said, noticing Deacy’s concerned look and giving him a thumbs up.

“Just give him some time, Y/N.” Brian said, giving Y/N’s shoulders a reassuring squeeze.

“I’ve given him nearly ten bloody years but that’s fine.” Y/N muttered, causing Brian to chuckle softly.

Roger glared at the two of them from his drumkit, trying to fight the jealousy that was arising. He loved Dominique, yes, but something about seeing Brian be so close with Y/N made him see red.

“Fuck it.” Roger whispered, playing the drums as aggressively as he could, hoping to drown out his sudden burst of jealousy.

Roger groaned, the shrill noise of the phone ringing waking him suddenly. “Hello?” He mumbled, rubbing his eyes as he looked at the clock beside his bed.

“Roger! Hello!” Y/N shouted, the volume making Roger pull away slightly. 

“Y/N? What are you doing up?” He asked, and Y/N let out a giggle.

“I went out with some friends. I don’t know where they are but that’s ok. I’m having fun!” Y/N said, slurring her words slightly but sounding incredibly enthusiastic.

“Are you drunk, Y/N?” Roger asked, and Y/N paused for a second, as if she had to think about it.

“You know what Roggie? I think I might be. Isn’t that marvellous? Being drunk is so fun. You should try it sometime.” Y/N said, hiccupping slightly as she spoke.

“That’s it, I’m coming to get you. Where are you?” Roger said, throwing the covers off as he picked up a discarded shirt to slip on.

“I’m at a club or bar somewhere. Not sure but there’s a lot of blokes here. Is this a gay bar? Excuse me sir! Is this a gay bar?” Y/N shouted, making Roger wince as he buttoned up his pants.

“So, it seems I’m at a gay bar. The nice man said it was the Oil Boxhall Cavern.” Y/N said solemnly, and Roger rolled his eyes.

“The Royal Vauxhall Tavern?” He said, and Y/N gasped, her eyes widening on the other end of the phone.

“Yes! That’s it. You’re a genius Roger!” Y/N said, and Roger chuckled, standing up and stretching his arms.

“Y/N I will be there in ten minutes. Wait for me out the front, please?” He said, and Y/N hummed in agreement.

“Okie dokie. See you then Roggie!” Y/N said, hanging up the phone. She sighed and slowly meandered out of the bar, pushing past people and fighting the yawns that were creeping up on her.

She sat down on the curb, resting her head in her hands as she waited for Roger. Time seemed to take an eternity to pass, but suddenly she heard a very familiar voice.

“Jesus you’re a right mess.” Roger said, and Y/N gasped, leaping up to hug him. 

“That was mean but it’s ok. I’m so tired.” Y/N said, causing Roger to chuckle as he led her to his car.

“Let’s get you home then.” Roger said, buckling her into the passenger seat. Y/N furrowed her eyebrows, a confused and concentrated look on her face.

“But what about Domino? I don’t want to bother her.” Y/N said, and Roger let out a bitter laugh.

“Dominique doesn’t live with me anymore. We broke up.” Roger said, and Y/N let out a sigh of relief, her intoxication removing all the walls she’d put up regarding her feelings for Roger.

“Good. I don’t mean to be a bitch, but I never liked her. She was just using you, and besides you deserve better than her.” Y/N rambled, and Roger looked at her with confusion.

“Like who?” Roger asked, his heart beating at a mile a minute. He had broken up with Dominique because he realised that he had feelings for Y/N and he hoped that she felt the same.

“Like me. Don’t tell anyone though, it’s a secret.” Y/N said, whispering comically loudly, shushing Roger as she did. A smile broke out on Roger’s face as they pulled up to his flat.

“Ooh, here’s another secret. I think you’re very hot and I’ve thought so for nearly ten years. I can hardly count past ten on my fingers, so that’s a very long time.” Y/N babbled, swaying slightly as they made their way up the stairs to Roger’s flat.

Roger’s smile widened as he heard Y/N’s admission, leading her into his living room. “You need to sleep, Y/N. You are absolutely shitfaced.” He said, watching her attempt to take off her shoes.

“Maybe so.” She said, sitting down on the couch. Roger frowned, hoisting her up and helping her into his spare bedroom. Getting Y/N into bed was a bit of a difficult task but she eventually settled down, and Roger was about to go back to bed when he heard her soft voice.

“Stay please.” She said, and Roger felt his heart swell as he gingerly climbed into bed with her. Y/N snuggled into him, resting her head against his chest.

“I like this. We should do it more often.” Y/N mumbled, her voice slightly muffled by Roger’s chest. Roger nodded, holding Y/N close to him as they started to drift off.

“We most certainly should.”

[sleepyssnail]

Voltron AU: Three Men and a Baby (Part Two?)

Previously

“Where’re you going?!”

Walking to the door as he patted his pockets for his wallet, Shiro yelled, “I’m going to the supermarket for some baby food! Watch her!”

As the door shut, Adam glanced down at Katie who was still screaming and shook his head, “Your daddy’s a dead man.”

18 hours earlier

“Happy birthday dear Shiro, happy birthday to you!”

Laughing as the caterer wheeled out a cake made to look like a building with a man hanging on to the edge, Shiro looked around the room full of people invited to the celebration. Veronica smiled next to him while Matt and Adam smiled smugly at their friend and roommate.

Clearing his throat, Shiro gestured to the cake and around him as he said, “I’d, um, I’d like to thank you all for coming, and I’d like to thank Adam, Matt, and Veronica for embarrassing me like this. Um…thanks for coming!”

Laughing at the speech, the crowd dispersed to mingle and continue to dance. Grabbing his hand, Veronica smiled softly and kissed Shiro’s cheek gently before making her way to the dance floor.

“So many women,” Matt commented, leaning on Adam’s shoulder as he watched a man and woman dance too close to each other.

“So little time,” Adam and Shiro finished, their own eyes trailing across other occupants of the room.

Laughing, Matt separated himself from his friends and made his way through the large apartment, conversing with several of his friends with benefits before planting himself in front of the jukebox and selecting a song. Nodding his head along to the tune that was almost drowned out by the pounding music all around him, Matt heard his name being called.

“Matt! Long time no see!”

Shaking his head at the man approaching him, Matt pushed past towards a try of liquor saying, “Rolo, I’ve told you, I don’t do commercials anymore. I’m in a big movie, you’ll have to take your business somewhere else.”

“No, I actually-”

Waving his hand as if to dismiss his former director, Matt grabbed the hands of a girl and exclaimed, “Florona! How’ve you been? You look different.”

“I’m dressed!” Florona giggled, letting Matt draw her hand to his lips for a kiss.

“That must be it!”

Releasing the woman, Matt ran a hand through his hair and felt someone grab his shoulder. Turning to see Rolo, Matt shook his head again and began to protest only to be interrupted by the lanky man.

“Matt, I’m not here to ask you to do a commercial, I need a favor.”

Pausing, Matt nodded and turned to face Rolo head on as he inquired, “What kind of favor?”

Leading Matt through the apartment by the shoulder, Rolo explained, “I have a package being delivered tomorrow, but I won’t be in town to pick it up, I’m going to be in LA for a shoot.”

Stopping, Matt felt a tinge of bitterness rise in him as he asked, “LA? Who’re you filming in LA?”

Shrugging, Rolo stated, “Bii Boh Bi.”

“You-you’re shooting with Bii?”

Rolo snorted and threw an arm around Matt’s shoulders, “I thought you didn’t do commercials anymore. Anyway, I need someone to hold onto my package for me until I can get it, do you mind if I have it delivered here? Tomorrow?”

“Sure,” Matt said, forcing a smile, “No problem.”

Waving to Rolo, Matt wandered back into the main room where he noticed Adam duck into his room with a girl.

Clearing a few papers and some of his markers off the foot of his bed, Adam motioned for the girl to sit and asked, “You ever been in an artist’s room? It’s a bit messy, but it’s home.”

Nodding, the girl smiled and picked up one of the comic strip books Adam had written and flipped through it saying, “I can’t believe you draw Lion Cats. This is…amazing.”

Sitting in his chair, Adam frowned at the sadness in her tone and asked, “Is it about David again?”

“Yeah.”

“The good-looking one?” Adam asked, sitting up straighter as an image of a man with chocolate brown curls and just as beautiful eyes flashed through his mind.

“Incredibly good looking!” The girl exclaimed, looking wistfully back down at the book, “He used to read Lion Cats to me over breakfast.”

Exhaling deeply, Adam smiled as an idea struck him, “Nothing better to cheer you up, than dancing with an artist.”

The girl’s lip wobbled as she choked back tears saying, “David is an incredible dancer! He studied ballet in France for three years!”

“Th-three years?” Adam asked weakly, trying to imagine the man. Swallowing, Adam said slowly, “I think you two are gonna get back together.”

“Would it be okay if I invited him to the party?”

“Um, sure,” Adam said, standing up and moving to the door, “You make the call, I’ll be out here.”

Sighing in defeat, Adam rejoined the mass of people dancing and drinking, his eyes locking onto Shiro and Veronica slow dancing together in a corner. A small smile crept onto Adam’s face at seeing his best friend happy with the woman before ducking into the kitchen.

As guests left and the clean up began, Shiro hummed to himself and smiled at Veronica and commented, “This was nice.”

Raising an eyebrow at the comment, Veronica stated, “You hate parties. I’m surprised you didn’t jump out a window to get out of this.”

“Stay,” Shiro stated, putting his arms around Veronica’s neck and offering a smile.

Glancing around, Veronica smiled, “You don’t need me to stay over tonight. You’ll be fine, my platonic partner.”

“You sure?” Shiro asked, motioning to the bottles of liquor on the counter, “We can talk about the stupid sexual expectations of our generation.”

Standing on her toes to press a kiss on Shiro’s scar, Veronica whispered, “I have work in the morning. Spend some time with Matt before he leaves.”

Nodding, Shiro hugged Veronica gently before wandering into the billiard room and grabbed a glass of whiskey before pulling up a stool to the pool table. Sipping on the drink, Shiro hummed to himself as Adam pulled up another stool next to him.

“Rough night? Shiro asked, offering his drink to the other who quickly took a swig.

Making a face, Adam muttered, “You could say that. Veronica go home?”

Laughing nervously, Shiro leaned on the table and stated, “Looks like we’re gonna be alone with ourselves tonight.”

“Hey guys, what do you recommend for wooing a lovely lady this late?” Matt asked, walking past and looking in the liquor cabinet.

Tuning out as Adam quickly answered, Shiro yawned and rested his chin on his hand.

“Woah, woah, what’s got you two so glum?” Matt asked, cradling a bottle of wine in his arm.

“Veronica left,” Adam stated.

Rolling his eyes, Shiro sat up and teased, “Adam saved another dying relationship.”

Snorting, Matt leaned on the pool table and snickered, “You’re never gonna get a woman if you keep becoming her big brother when you get into the bedroom.”

“I know, I know, I just feel bad,” Adam said, taking off his glasses and rubbing his nose bridge.

Pondering for a moment, Matt put down the bottle he was holding and said, “Hey I have an idea. How about I get rid of Florona–stop laughing I’m serious! I escort her out, we play a few rounds, and drink the night away.”

“You wouldn’t do that,” Shiro commented, smiling at the thought of Matt refusing a woman.

“It’s my last night here, then I’m gonna be in Turkey for ten weeks filming. We should have some bro time!” Matt insisted, picking up the wine bottle again and offering a smile.

Pointing at the hallway that led to Matt’s room, Adam stated, “You go in there and have a good time, and we’ll see you in ten weeks.”

“Yeah,” Shiro echoed, “Enjoy yourself, don’t worry about us.”

Flashing a smile, Matt dashed to where Florona was waiting for him.

“Shiro? Have you seen Matt?”

“He left this morning, Florona,” Shiro called, completing his set of pushups.

Hearing the woman exit the apartment, Shiro smirked as the phone rang and the answering machine picked up. taking a breath and stretching out on the floor, Shiro listened as Matt’s voice came through the machine.

“Hey, it’s Matt! I forgot to tell you, but I’m having a package delivered today, it’s not gonna be a big deal, just set it aside and don’t worry about it. Anyway, I’ll see if I can bring you back a drumstick or something.”

“…ADAM!”

Closing the front door, Shiro turned to look at his roommate’s door, still sweaty from his run. Waiting a moment, Shiro opened the door again and looked down at the very obvious baby basket containing said baby sitting in front of the door.

Closing it again, Shiro turned and yelled, “ADAM!”

“What?” Adam asked, yawning as he slid his glasses on his face and tightened his robe.

Smiling at what had to be a joke, Shiro pointed to the door, “Look out in the hallway.”

“Why?”

“Just do it.”

Shrugging, Adam opened the door and laughed at the little human in the basket, “It’s a baby.”

“What’s it doing there?” Shiro asked teasingly, playing along with the joke.

Staring at the kid for a moment, Adam whispered, “It’s sleeping.”

“Why’s it sleeping?”

“Oh! Shiro! There’s a little note,” bending down to pick up the piece of paper, Adam stood up straight and read the note aloud.

So…yeah I continued it. the tag for this is #three men and a katie and I’ll be posting this on my Ao3 for reading there too.

[mysynthfetish]

ONDEKOZA again.

So lemme just start by saying this is the second attempt at thumbfucking this post out on my phone in the Stumblr app. First time I was almost all the way through the post when I dipped out to grab a link to a video and when I flipped back to this app guess what, fucking post had fucked off into fuck knows where. Pissed. Me. Off. Anyway.

Exactly one month ago I was visited by opportunity in the form of a Saturday work day which I was told at the last minute (on Friday) that I didn’t actually need to attend. Mental wheels started frantically spinning. What was it that I had thought about doing or going to but in the end gave up on the idea because of travel time and difficulty finding a place to stay... oh shit yeah, Ondekoza is playing kinda sorta nearby. Righty-O then. I immediately got busy contacting the boss (this woman I live with who is the mother of our children) and asked her if she minded if I took the car and fugged off for the weekend. She was like “how soon can you be gone?” Hahaha no not really. She just said sure go ahead just be careful. Then I got in touch with Naoto, the one member of Ondekoza who I talk with regularly, and asked if it’d be ok for me to drive out and stay with them and help set up and tear down for their show and whatever. A positive reply came rather quickly so a last minute plan came together and Saturday morning off I went.

They were doing workshops and fun things, as well as playing a full concert (outdoors, on a stage set up in the middle of a terraced rice field area) to bring a week-long artsyfartsy event to a close. What was the event called again? Something like Umi-no-Stage 2019 (Umi means ocean, sea or beach), featuring workshops and performances by mostly off the wall/weirdo/wacky artists (right up my alley) held in a wee rustic hamlet (so small it’s almost not on maps) called Tagarasu (literally means Rice Field Crow, I dig it) near Obama City (yes, they made a big deal outta that when Drumpf’s predecessor was in office), in Fukui Prefecture (not “fuckyouey” hahaha no, “fooh-kooh-wee”) on the Sea of Japan side. Enough parentheses in that last sentence for you? Hehe. So as you can see on the map, google maps said it would be a two hour drive if I took the non-toll roads. Lemme tell you, freeways are anything but free here. The routes on the left and right on that map had tolls of $40 and $50 each, one way, so I was like the hell with that. It was an easy drive anyway once I got out of the urban sprawl and traffic jam factory of Kyoto City itself. Then it was twisty mountain roads, fresh, cool air, and scenic routes through mountain forests and alongside rivers in valleys. I thought it quite ironic and a helluva coincidence that I ended up driving the westernmost length of a road which I had ran the easternmost part of a few weeks prior on an overnighter with the third graders for work. Here’s a shot of the road sign:

ACCIIIIIIIIIIEEED!!!!!! So before I knew it I arrived in one piece, parked at a beach access parking lot that said “$10 a day, pay at the front” but I was like “I’m with Ondekoza, can I park here? Oh by the way do you know which house they’re in right now?” And the confused looking lady in charge grabbed a guy who was event staff and had him take me to where I needed to go, and in the end I found out that the fee is for people who want to go fishing out on the breakwaters there so whatever.

No sooner had I walked in the door and exchanged greetings than they tell me “we’ve got a job for you today.” Cool. I thought they’d ask me to write up something in English, or maybe do some lettering like make a sign or something, chalk art, whatever. Nope. “We want you to play shime-daiko for a five minute or so attention-getter we’re gonna play to fire people up for tomorrow’s show. It’s a mashup of Utsu Hachijo and Yatai Bayashi. Cool?” Jeeeeezus are you kidding me? Yeah ok I’m familiar with those pieces but it’s been ages, literally 27 years since I practiced them with the then-members of Ondekoza when they came to my hometown and stayed a few weeks during the latter part of their America Marathon Tour (I think maybe it was called the Odyssey tour?). Anyway. Moro-kun (the newest/youngest member?) and I sit down and start brainstorming. We talk out the arrangement of the piece and how it will progress, then do a “rehearsal” drumming out our parts on the table there. All was good. He was sweating bullets, really nervous about the whole thing. I was like “when are we supposed to do this?” And he said “in about half an hour.” HOLY SHIT FOR REAL?! Yikes. Ok ok ok, let’s run through this one more time, cool? We did. No problem. Moro-kun was still a bundle of nerves. I was like “Right. We got this. Let’s go! It’ll all work out in the end.”

Before we were on though, a small, quite out-there modern dance outfit called Monochrome Circus put on a performance at the hamlet’s shrine, so we hit that on our way. Here’s a photo of the entrance as seen from the street:

Fantastic atmosphere. The director of the group gave a short introduction, then explained what the first performance would be. In Japan, there’s a super popular style of comic called the yon-koma-manga (four-frame comic strip). Quite like the funnies in the daily newspapers back home actually. They would set a scene somewhere within the shrine grounds, then one person at a time would enter the scene, strike a pose and freeze, until four people had entered and then the audience would be prompted to say “FINISHED!” For the first one, the group members showed what the deal was so everyone would get it. From the second one on, they asked members of the audience to join in. I ran over to the stairs you can see in the photo, whipped out my iPhone and sat down, pretending to be messing with it—an homage to the modern mindless moron that today’s society overflows with so profusely. The second person came and stood behind me looking over my shoulder. I couldn’t see where the third or fourth people ended up. FINISHED!!! This kept on for a few more rounds, then the group did a few dances, which were really nice actually, and not SO out there. Then it was time to go. Righty-O. Let’s go!

Yeah so when we got to the seawall there, I didn’t get stage fright until it was time to take off my shoes and socks and sit down in front of the drum. Biggest goof? Forgetting to take off my damn sunglasses. Duhhhhhh. At least I managed to keep in time and didn’t fuck up disastrously, though the sticks were a helluva lot thicker and longer than the sticks I’m used to (Ondekoza makes all their drumsticks by hand). But it ain’t everyday you get to play with Ondekoza, so I’m glad I had the chance.

After that we just hung out, did dinner, then walked around checking out the sunset.

Not too shabby. In the evening, a wacko but fun group called something like the Tōhoku Six Prefecture Rock-n-rollers gave a show at the same stage Ondekoza would be using the next day so we went and saw that. Fun, crazy shit. Then off to bed.

The next morning we were up by 5:45, and then it was off on the daily 6am run. Everyone split up and went off on their own though and I was like WHAAAT?! So instead of going solo and getting completely the fuck lost, I tagged along with Naoto. What a scenic run! Through tunnels and down twisty roads that hugged the coastal sides of the smallish mountains there. The view was fantastic. We reached a turnaround point and Naoto said “I’ve got breakfast duty so I need to head back.” No problem. I followed him back, then ran an extra 1km and a bit. Still it totalled about 7km, three short of their daily 10km run (they don’t strictly adhere to this distance though, they’ve become a bit more flexible and I don’t think it’s a bad thing—when they were founded and when they ran in the US when I spent time with them they all ran together as a group but not anymore). Shower, breakfast, then a full-on day of setting up. After the setting up part was done, they had a soundcheck and mini rehearsal. I snapped this photo while that was going on.

What a place. Beautiful. Absolute nightmare for music though, as far as acoustics are concerned. But it all worked out. Two o’clock arrived and concertgoers started mozying in. We retreated to a large tent that was set up as a dressing room. They changed into their performing outfits, and I just zoned out for a bit. Before they go on, they always do this ritual of making a circle and doing warmup exercises, then adjacent members hold hands, and they do a little pre-game cheer of sorts. I was invited to join in all this so I was pleasantly surprised. Then it was GAME ON!!! I shot video of the whole show, and here’s a photo from Instagram of them playing Ōdaiko with me at the right shooting video.

Hahaa a cameo. Gimme a break. Anyway I’ll put a link to the video here in a sec but I just want to say they told the audience that video and photos were prohibited, so I set the video to “unlisted” and the only way to see it is if you have the link. They don’t really mind people seeing the video, it’s more a concern about people taking photos or video and then trying to sell it. Right then, here you go:

It’s about an hour twenty minutes or so. Hope you have nice speakers too. Yeah. So it was a fantastic show in an idyllic, beautiful environment. Then it was time to tear down and pack up. We had quite a bit of help this time so it was over within about an hour. Then they were gonna drive north along the Sea of Japan, heading to catch a ferry way up in Aomori, on their way to their annual Hokkaidō camp and concert, before heading off to a two week stint in China. I said a sincere thanks for being allowed to tag along, let them know that I really appreciated it, and then the director (Mr Matsuda) said “C’mon, you’re family! And besides that, you get shit done! Having you here was a huge help and it’s you who should be thanked.” I was floored. Did not expect to be told that. Wow. So it was in very high spirits thst I made the drive back home, arriving safely, but still full of adrenaline. What a weekend.

The next time I’ll get to fool around with them will be in September when they’ll be in Nagoya for a concert. I’m cooking up a plan to design and have vinyl stickers made for them to sell at shows and events while I’m back in the US this summer. 123stickers.com man, vinyl fucking stickers for reasonable prices and the damn things last forever. I’ve slapped a shitload of small ones here and there around Osaka and Kyoto over the years and they’re still there, in great shape. Graffiti background bared for all to see huh? Hahaha. Anyway. That’s all I have to say about that!