#women danced fiercely on DJ

[best24news]

Haryana News: बेटी का घोडी पर निकाला बनवारा, डीजे पर जमकर नाची महिलाएं

Haryana News: बेटी का घोडी पर निकाला बनवारा, डीजे पर जमकर नाची महिलाएं

हरियाणा: नारनौल जिले के गांव कलवाड़ी में एक शिक्षित परिवार ने अपनी बेटी पूजा की शादी में घोड़ी पर बनवारा निकालकर खुशी मनाई। परिवार की ओर से लड़का-लड़की में भेदभाव खत्म करने का संदेश देकर लोगों ने भी इसी तहर बनवारा निकालने की अपील की। Haryana News: शादी से एक दिन पहले दूल्हा लापता, जानिए फिर क्या हुआ? जानिए परिवारिक हिस्ट्री: पूजा एमएससी पास हैं और वह लुधियाना में डाक सहायक के पद पर कार्यरत हैं।…

[earthtoharlow]

Favorite Almost

3) the part where your heart is broken

Jack Harlow x Reader

a three part series

As the weekend approached, Jack approached you with an unexpected offer. “Hey, I know this is last minute but my DJ got sick and I could really use your help at my concert this weekend in Vegas. Would you be up for it?”

Your heart leaped with excitement at the thought of accompanying Jack to his show. You couldn’t resist the opportunity to be by his side as he performed.

With a grin you nodded eagerly. “Hell yeah! I’m down!”

As you traveled with Jack, excitement was coursing through your veins. Watching Jack do what he loved filled you with pride, and you couldn’t help but marvel at his talent and dedication.

The crowd cheered loudly as you finished your set. Jack pulled you aside, his eyes filled with admiration. “You were amazing out there,” he said, his voice tinged with genuine pride. “I’m so proud of you.”

His praise meant more to you than he could ever know, and in that moment, you felt a deeper connection to him than ever before.

Jack leaned in to kiss your forehead, a rush of emotions washed over you. The tender gesture filled you with desire to hold onto this moment forever wishing you could tell him how you felt.

***

Your heart swelled with affection as you gazed into Jack’s eyes, fingers tracing gentle patterns across his chest.

“You mean so much to me.” he whispered, his voice barely above a murmur. “I never want to lose you”

A pang of longing pierced your heart as you listened, the urge to confess your growing feelings threatened to spill from your lips. But as you opened your mouth to speak your courage faltered and you swallowed back the words, masking your emotions with a forced smile.

Your voice barely above a whisper “You mean a lot to me too, Jack. More than you’ll ever know.”

As those words left your lips, a hollow ache settled in your chest. Deep down you knew that Jack’s declarations were little more than fleeting whispers, empty promises that crumbled like dust at the first sign of adversity.

And yet, despite the overwhelming sense of doubt that clouded your mind, you couldn’t help but wish that Jack meant every word he said. That he saw you not just as a temporary distraction and a warm body, but as someone worthy of his love and affection.

You couldn’t shake the feeling of emptiness as Jack wrapped his arms around you as he went to sleep. In that fleeting moment, you wished for nothing more than to tell Jack just how deeply you had fallen for him.

***

As the loud music filled the air, Jack couldn’t tear his eyes away from you as you danced with another guy across the crowded club. Despite the fact this relationship was casual, a surge of jealousy gnawed at him. Twisting his insides with an unsettling mix of possessiveness and longing.

Every move you made with the other guy felt like a dagger to Jack’s heart, igniting a fierce sense of protectiveness over you. He couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that washed over him. Jack felt a strong urge to reclaim your attention. To assert his presence in your world.

As Jack continued to watch you two sway to the music, a storm of emotions raged within Jack’s mind. Insecurity mingled with desire, jealousy intertwined with longing, creating a tangled web of conflicting feelings that threatened to consume him.

Unable to bear the sight any longer, Jack made his way through the throngs of partygoers, his steps fueled by a sense of urgency he couldn’t ignore. The distance between you seemed to stretch infinitely, driving him to the brink of desperation.

Finally reaching your side, Jack couldn’t suppress the surge of relief that washed over him. Without a word, he gently pulled you away from the other guy, his touch possessive yet tender as he wrapped his arms around you.

Before you could question him, Jack pulled you closer and swayed to the music. Jack felt a sense of triumph wash over him. You were his, and his alone. It didn’t matter how many women he spoke to. You were his favorite.

***

CURRENT DAY

Rain continued to fall outside as you felt like your heart was being drowned in a storm of your emotions. Sitting across from Jack you had mustered up the courage to tell him how you really felt, as you were leaving in 2 weeks. You were met with a response colder than the rain hitting the pavement.

Jack’s hurtful response pierced the silence like a lightning bolt. “Falling in love was never part of the deal.”

Your heart shattered into million pieces at his words. You were shocked at how heartless he sounded. “I never signed up for this!” Jack’s words, harsh and unforgiving. The pain of his rejection cut deeper than any knife, leaving you feeling raw and exposed.

“You’re just kidding, right?” You whispered, your voice trembling with disbelief. “After everything we’ve been through, you’re telling me you don’t feel anything for me?”

Jack’s expression was stoic, his eyes betraying no hint of remorse as he delivered another blow. “I’m sorry, but it’s the truth. I don’t have feelings for you. I never did, and never will.”

“You’re lying,” you cried, voice cracking with anguish. “All those moments we shared, all the times you told me you cared about me… They meant nothing to you?”

He remained unmoved, as he spoke again. “You were just a temporary distraction, Nothing more.”

You recoiled as if struck, the venom in his words poisoning your soul with each syllable. How could he be so heartless, so indifferent to the love you had shared? Anger bubbled within you, fueling the fire of betrayal that raged in your heart.

“You’re a coward,” you spat, voice dripping with as much venom as you could. “Leading me on like this, pretending to care about me when all along you were just playing games. How could you do this to me?”

Jack’s gaze devoid of any empathy as he delivered the final blow. “You knew what this was from the beginning. I don’t have time for this emotional baggage.”

Lightning flashed through the house as Jack continued spewing out hurtful insults. Jack stared at you watching as you tried to control your emotions in front of him. For the first time since he arrived, Jack finally looked regretful. But it was too late for that now.

“Are you done?” You asked with a shaky voice. You wanted him gone, not even able to look at him any longer.

All Jack could do was nod as he walked out the door. When you heard the door shut you began to cry harder. You would never be able to forget the hurtful words Jack spoke, nor the sweet moments you shared together that were now tarnished by his words.

You walked down the hallway towards the guest bedroom where you had been staying all summer and started frantically packing your clothes. You needed to get out of Kentucky. Desperate to escape the pain and the memories that were beginning to hunt you.

With a heavy heart, you texted Cassie apologizing for leaving without properly saying goodbye. Telling her that you would explain everything when you arrived back home.

You caught the first flight out of Louisville. As you got settled in your seat on the plane you looked out the window in thought wondering how you were going to get over Jack. You had the time of your life this summer. Now you felt lost and confused.

You knew that deep down you would eventually find a way to move on. You refused to be consumed by a love that was never meant to last, no matter how much it hurt to let go.

***

ONE YEAR LATER

“You look so happy.” Cassie said, pulling away from the tight hug she had you in.

And you were happy. After leaving Kentucky you went back home and put all your effort into your career as a DJ. A year later you found yourself in a better place. You were doing multiple events every month, and making connections with tons of industry professionals. You had invited Cassie to a Spotify event where you were playing for a couple hours.

As you were about to ask Cassie if she wanted you to grab her a drink. Her eyes widened, spotting something or someone behind you. “What are you looking at—“

“Wait, don’t look!”

It was too late as you had already turned around and there he was. Jack Harlow. You hadn’t thought about him in months. His presence stirred up a whirlwind of emotions within you, but you remained composed.

You always thought that if you ever saw him again that old feelings would come back but you felt a sense of detachment wash over you as you looked at Jack. Realizing that you no longer held any romantic feelings for him.

“Hey.” Jack said as he walked towards you, a hint of regret in his eyes. “It’s been so long. I’ve missed you.”

“I wish I could say the same.” You told him calmly but before Jack could respond you felt a hand on the small of your back and a soft kiss to your forehead. “Hey baby!” Your boyfriend’s presence was comforting and reassuring.

“Is everything okay here?” he asked, casting a protective glance at you.

You smiled gratefully at him, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over you. “Everything’s fine,” you assured him, your gaze lingering on Jack. “I was just saying bye to an old friend.”

Jack nodded at you both before tucking his tail and walking away disappointed. You couldn’t help but wonder what you ever saw in him. Jack would always be your favorite almost, but as you leaned into your boyfriend’s embrace you knew that you finally found the happiness and closure you had been seeking for.

***

AN: i hope you enjoyed this mini series! Let me know your thoughts 💋

Tag List:

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@heavyhitterheaux @hoodharlow @neon-lights-and-glitter @babiefries @mace23477 @snows-blog-of-fiction @dstark-0706 @harlowsbby @itsyagirljaz @leftapricotprofessorlover @minkookie95 @harlowcomehome @jackharloww @jaydaaasworld @kkrenae @hufflewhore128 @w1ldthoughts @jackiehollanderr @katiaw2 @halfmoondaze @babybardi2 @vinniehackersbaee @cassies-cookies

[filth-thezine]

Brujas - Olof Dreijer & Diva Cruz

The Knife’s Olof Dreijer introduces Colombian - Swedish percussionist and DJ Diva Cruz with a new collaborative EP on Dekmantel Records. The 'Brujas' EP follows the debut of their exciting hybrid live show at Sonár Istanbul and ahead of upcoming performances at Sónar Barcelona, Dekmantel, and Øya Festival. Together, opposing patriarchy, racism, colonialism, capitalism, and immigrant challenges, they joined forces in Olof's studio, resulting in the creation of the ‘Brujas’ EP, where Diva debuts her voice. "I dream to empower everyone who feels outside the box with my lyrics. It is so sad to see children singing and dancing to music made by male artists whose lyrics degrade women, and on top of that, they win prestigious awards while doing so. I dream for a better world and especially Latin America, which needs to change the macho perspective and work together for a better world for everyone," says Diva Cruz. As a percussionist Diva brings a combination of fierce live percussion together with a rhythmic blend of tunes from all over the world during her energetic DJ-sets. She has also been the lead percussionist for both Fever Ray and Robyn on their world tours. Olof quote: I’m very excited about sharing this music with the world especially since it’s been a few years in the making. I’m very grateful to work with Diva. She has shown me a new world of music and I feel like I keep evolving and learning new things all the time, especially with our new live show when playing percussion together. 

[8dpromo]

Box Office Poison - NO! feat. Gieza Poke (Random Records)

8DPromo · Box Office Poison - NO! feat. Gieza Poke (Random Records)

Box Office Poison, the house production alter ego of Random Records' head honcho Snax, joins forces with the inimitable Gieza Poke, Berlin’s fiercest drag sensation, to unveil their latest single, “No!” This powerful anthem, dedicated to women, queers, and anyone who has faced disrespect or violation, especially in the club scene, is set to become the summer’s most essential dancefloor statement. “No!” is a bold and unapologetic rebuke to those who fail to respect boundaries and consent. Gieza Poke’s commanding vocals, backed by Snax’s own harmonies, deliver a clear message: “Open your throats and let them know, loud and clear… NO!” The track’s infectious energy and empowering lyrics create an irresistible combination that will have clubgoers singing along while asserting their own boundaries. Box Office Poison’s production prowess shines through in the various mixes available. The pop edit original serves as the gateway, while the extended Negative Yes mix offers an immersive club experience for DJs to keep the dancefloor moving. Instrumental versions and a solo ‘Giezapella’ recitation by Gieza Poke herself round out the release, providing versatility for any fabulous setting. Gieza Poke, a comedic songwriting force and host of drag shows across Europe, brings her fierce wit and unapologetic attitude to “No!” Now Gieza and Box Office Poison have joined forces and created an anthem celebrating self-empowerment and consent, making it sexy and undeniable once again. “No!” marks the first original track by Gieza Poke, known as a comedic songwriting force and host of drag shows across Europe. Together, Box Office Poison and Gieza Poke have crafted a release that not only satisfies the body’s need to move but also ignites a conversation about respect, boundaries, and the power of asserting oneself — and to create a magical space where we’re free to dance on our own terms.

Electrosexual (Berlin) – “I love the Negative yes Instrumental! purrrfekt for my set!! Love the uplifting vibe!” Luis Machuca (Friskybeat Records) – “Always awesome work from Box Office Poison.” Piiit (So Watt) – “Fabulous!” Ursula 1000 (Insect Queen Music) – “Tasteeee.” Brian Busto (Serious Soul) – “So 90’s New York. I love it.” Drew Exildiscount (Unboxing Shadows) – “I love everything about this release.”

Available Now From: Bandcamp, Beatport, Apple Music, And Spotify.

[uniquemonikue]

Bloodlust part 1

Asani loves Halloween. It's that time of year she can go all out and show her vampuric side. I find it fascinating her desire to be perceived as One of the undead. Even more, her insistence that my oddly pointy ears make me look like a pixie. If I had to choose though I would prefer a fairy to a pixie, but I can appreciate the comparison. My androgynous style make it difficult to identify my sex unless I speak, mischievous is my middle name and I am fierce when it comes to protecting the ones I love like most pixies. Were these creatures real a union between a vampire and a pixie is not only unorthodox but near impossible as pixies are notable only 4” in height. Her smile however pulls me in like a moth to a flame. And tonight clad in an all black, tight leather jumpsuit with red contacts and her locked red dyed hair she was to be queen of the damned at our annual Halloween party Blood Lust. I, had a surprise for her, I had always refused to dress up often claiming normal was freaky enough to her displeasure. But for tonight I would be her Enkil, her King for the night and not just a vampire but a Hybrid. A Pixie-Vampire mix. Safe word was our play ground, our BDSM club that we run secretly for a private group. Of course this is Jamaica where lesbianism is taboo but where BDSM even more taboo so secrecy was our way of life here. Our clients loved our club but especially loved special events like hollowen, Valentine's Day and other specials. I made sure she went to the club without me. I watched as she worked the room, her plum breasts sat perfectly before her with the top two buttons of her suit open revealing just enough to make our guests wonder what they taste like. I came into her view, as she examined me from the ground up, her lips parted wider the more of me she saw. My black boots glistening in the light were tucked under my straight black fitted designer pants that clung to my hips with the aid of my belt. Tucked in the pants was my black long-sleeved collared shirt which had a red collar and gold cufflinks visible on the hand not tucked in my pocket. The red and black vest only served too brighten the full length coat with an up turned collar. I pulled off my shades so she could look into my eyes which were blue with a ring of white around them. A new member walked by making sure to touch my collar and pull my attention to her. She was dressed like a contemporary noble, tight silk white dress. She had a nice figure which I ogled for a short while before looking back at Asani.

She was watching me intently and anger began to creep across her face. The newcomer forgot her place, and made a slow walk around me running her hand across my chest. I wasn't even aware of her presence anymore just the fury that was building in my queen. The newcomer mistook my silence for conscent and proceeded to kneel before me unzipping pants. I kept my eyes on Asani, she couldn't take it anymore and made her way towards us. Stop. I said sharply and the newcomer obeyed. I pulled her to her feet by her hair and pulled her close, inhaling her scent, she made her neck available to me. I looked at Asani as I revealed my sharpened implanted fangs. She stopped at the sight. A friend held her arm and as she averted her gaze I walked away. I watched as she searched the crowd for me. The DJ started playing korn’s why won't you die. I stood in the middle of the dance floor as her eyes found mine. The ecstasy of the song drove the patrons and two fledglings began grinding on me as they pulled off my jacket. I kept my eyes on her. She walked over and with one look, both women walked away. She began dancing for me. Her movements were fluid and filled with sexual energy. The tension between us was magnetic as I moved towards her and our bodies became one. It was as if we were alone in the room. I could tell she would be furious with me later but for now our dance was pure sexual energy.

"There's that smile that lights up the room," she uttered breaking the voices in my psychopathic mind.

"Capturing happiness in the moment is one of the most important parts of modeling, but even without it, you've got the whole package. I mean... just look at you." I replied. "Had fun?" I questioned as my long fangs extended from pouty lips. My serene bold eyes brightened exposing the deep ruby red of a vampire that wants to feed, but I managed to keep my primal instincts in check. "I think you're amazing. I don't care about that female you know this. Will you... will you be my chalice tonight?" she sweet mouthed me. "Jasz... I don't know what to say…" I gasped in reply while being rudely interrupted by a squeeze to my ass she manage to steal, the words barely managing to escape my lips. I grinded my teeth while watching as the new ginger haired member flashed an apologetic glare that sooth the monster growling inside. Jasz met my stare and responded "Then don't say anything," I broke the chain of contact and glared with eyes full of desire to the fine specimen before me pressing a soft kiss to her lips. We held each other close, each melting further into the other's protective embrace as soft and yearning kisses slowly grew to burning, passion-laced sucks. Lips joined together as tongues danced, only allowing muffled sounds of joy to escape from the snug kiss. Fingers brushed along smooth skin and through hair. "I need you now," she gasped breathily once she pulled back from the kiss, fangs protruding from my lips even as my tongue slid along them to taste the saliva she had left there. I pulled her swiftly after whispering “Not just yet”. We made our way through the crowd greeting our most frequent visitors and new members. We finally arrived at the bar where I order us two glasses of Golden Caan Merlot wine. With the returning of our glasses the bartender handed me a letter but before she could show me the sender the person was out the door, immediately Jasz’s attention was stolen. Her eyes fixed on the letter anticipating what was written inside. I sighed and opened, it reads:

Blackened beauty with a heart of charcoal your psychopathic mind drenched in sodomy in thoughts intrigue me, my illustrious goddess, please dip your teeth into me, hide me in the dark place where you bury your soul, enter my cave where sins collapse while caged inside, let my demon eyes be your light, even with quicksand pathway draw closer towards me, so I can have a sharp intake of breath and continue to be stunned by your aura that emanates in shadows, tumbling down my body. You are the sweetest scent in the air smokey yet divine. My beautiful goddess of the dark, I wish to make you mine.

[lilmajorshawty]

Juno Through The Houses: 💕

Juno In Aries/ Juno In The First House(Men):

+(CamelPhat ft. A*M*E Paradigm(Jake Faust Remix)

+(CamelPhat ft A*M*E paradigm(Tom Hall Remix)

+(Tove Lo - Talking Body(DJ Hasan Remix)

“I Don’t mind begging for you baby, i don’t mind chasing you baby, Please be mine baby”

For women who are attracted to men, or to men who are attracted to men and for the lovely people who don’t represent themselves as either you may find that your true lover is Passionate, Direct, Bold and Blunt as all hell. They are the type to speak what they say into existence and the types to shower you with their desire very early in the courting stage as if they may never see you again. They will seem impulsive and urgent as if they run on entirely new frame of time then you could ever keep up with. They are lively, eccentric and a tad too emotionally available because of how deeply and intensely everything they feel is expressed. they turn into wild animals the second your’re disrespected, hurt, upset or disgruntled in any way because in their eyes you are all their’s, their lover, best friend, and the other piece to their long voyage and they’ll be damned if anyone brings you misfortune. They don’t care about any one else but you, they only want your body, your heart and every messy part that comes with that. They are brave and hardly ever back down(unless you tell them so) and they readily jump continents for you. They are VERY sexual and will eat you alive every moment of every day. sex may run rampant and even feel obsessive with them. the interesting thing is once you get married and domesticated so to speak this same traits will come out in you. You’re going to be intense, impulsive and slightly testosterone driven. you’ll be direct, bold and confrontational when you settle down with the one. you’ll often find yourself expressing your true animalistic sexuality and your powerful desires and opinions full force when you’re with them. your “one” could be muscular in some way or have a really great body. the face may be ruddy or a bit gritty as if the person plays outside a lot or is getting hurt in some way around their face or body. Their could either be plenty of facial hair or very little. The eyes will be INTENSE and you’ll know it’s them by the fierceness of their actions and tenaciousness. it’s common for them to have strong 1st house, planets in Aries or Scorpio and or having strong mars hitting personal planets. your marriage will be fiery, combative, and INTENSE. It is likely that you will meet them in a place of expression, a place where the two of you are authentically yourselves no mask, outdoors, or in a school setting as Aries is still a kid you see. 

Juno In Aries/ Juno In The First House(Women): 

+(Dua Lipa - Last Dance (Samuel k Remix)

+(Paul Woodford - Hang Up Your Hang Ups(CamelPhat Remix)

+(CamelPhat & Cristoph - Breathe(Feat. Jem Cooke)

“I’m a whirlwind, a storm, Chaos, the brightest summer and the most star filled of nights how could you say no to such a sensational atmosphere?”

The same could be said for those who attracted to women. The Women will often project a strong masculine aura and be highly in touch with her drive, her independence and her more aggressive and boy/girl next door riding the motor bike energy. She will swoon you with her ruffled hair and passionate gaze. She’s a leader and she never bites her tongue. She Spits fire and acid when it comes to fighting for what she wants and she will fight you tooth and nail until it’s in her grasp. She is strong willed and even stronger personality wise and if you’re not careful she will eat you alive. Her mothering nature and instincts to protect you will be powerful and she will literally rip the earth up if you’re hurt, in danger or ever saddened in any way. she speaks in terms of “i” and “me” quite a bit but i assure you she’s thinking more about the “we” and “us” of things 99% of the time. Her sex drive would put eros and Lilith to shame and she can be a roaring lantern of passion and fire when she flips the light switch. She’s driven and intensely ambitious and much of what she does no matter how involved or focused she is; you will always be a priority. She will encourage you, guide you and be the loudest supporter in the audience. Ruffled hair, strong muscular body and or very direct and blunt manners of speaking and presenting herself are common. she will likely posses strong Aries or Scorpio, 1st house placements or mars contacts. Meeting her in a place outside, in a busy office, in a place of expression, anywhere that is busy and noisy is common. ironically meeting the men and different tends to be in different areas depending on the person. 

[alolowrites]

Get on the Floor

Summary: Todoroki invites you to his successful nightclub. Meanwhile, you invite the dashing man to join you on the dance floor after catching his eye. 

Author’s note: I recommend listening to Michael Jackson’s “Get on the Floor” for the full effect.

~~~

Disco music blared throughout the packed nightclub as lights flashed across the energetic crowd going wild on the dance floor.

Todoroki took one sip from his whiskey, the beverage leaving a rather sharp taste against his throat. His heterochromia eyes quietly scanned at the scene below him and he fished for his phone hiding inside his pocket.

‘11:35pm’ read the time and Todoroki shoved it back inside his white pants. Midoriya and the others said they would be here soon, but that was ten minutes ago. Todoroki signaled the waitress to bring him another glass of whiskey and she obediently fetched for one. After all, the young man was the nightclub’s owner.

The twenty-six year old business man opened this club after convincing his father, Enji, that such investment would be promising for the Todoroki Enterprise. It took many proposal meetings which laid out the nightclub’s financial backbone and, most importantly, the potential profit it could make after two years.

Fast forward two years and here he was—proudly relishing his project’s success through the delightful screams of the crowd. Todoroki tries to frequently visit his club to make sure everything was running smoothly. Of course, he whole heartily trusted his staff to supervise in absence; after all, he did hire them after they successfully passed his thorough vetting process. But to be physically present and seeing the club running himself made Todoroki feel calmer.

“Sir, your guests are here,” a bodyguard informed the stoic man and Todoroki blinked. The young man nodded, allowing the bodyguard to relay the message. The burly guard gestured his coworker to lift the red rope nestled at the bottom of the staircase. Gray and blue eyes mindlessly glanced below, but took a double take when he spotted you.

Midoriya did say Uraraka was going to bring along her roommate and Todoroki had no problem with this. He didn’t think much when he told his assistant to add your name on the list, but seeing you now…

Todoroki physically gulped.

As you ascended the stairs, he observed how your delicate fingers grasped the rails to steady yourself on those fierce heels. The dress, a bold and passionate dark cherry hue, accentuated your lovely figure. But it was those eyes—those enticing eyes of yours that captivated him oh so much and it shook his very core.

“Todoroki!” Midoriya cheered at his long-time friend, giving him a quick side hug. Uraraka wrapped both her arms around the half-and-half man before Iida waved a curt hello at him. Finally Todoroki’s eyes fell upon you and you shyly smiled at him.

Uraraka giggled. “Oh Todoroki, this is my wonderful friend and roommate!”

The bubbly brown-haired woman shared your name to the club’s owner and you immediately offered your hand for a polite shake.

“Nice to finally meet you,” you loudly stated over the music with the man’s hand easily engulfing yours. His hand was warm and firm and you squirmed under his intense gaze. You’ve seen a few pictures of him online and from Uraraka herself. He was extremely handsome in those photos, each one carrying a sense of confidence that made your knees weak. So when Uraraka invited you to his nightclub while casually saying he was going to be there…

You. Freaked. Out.

During the Uber ride to the club, you mentally prepared yourself by saying everything was going to go fine. Just say hello, be polite, try not to faint at the sight of him, and maybe dance to a few songs while you’re at it.

Oh how stupid you were for setting those expectations so high. You already failed the moment you spotted him standing near the balcony, sipping on his alcoholic beverage.

“It’s a pleasure to have you here,” Todoroki smoothly replied. Extending his arm out to the empty couch seats, you sat down next to Uraraka and Iida. “Please order anything you like, it’s on the house.”

You ordered a simple Vodka Cranberry to start out safe.

As the night went on, that one glass of Vodka Cranberry transformed into two before finally sipping on a Death in the Afternoon cocktail. Being dead in the afternoon was how you were going to feel the next day if you didn’t stop—but logic was thrown out the window the moment the bodyguard lifted the red velvet rope to Todoroki’s throne.

Your shoulders loosen and your head bobbed to the song’s beat. Todoroki mentioned he decided to host a 70’s disco night and what a smart idea that was; the line to get into his majestic party palace circled around the block. You felt so smug skipping all those people who threw daggers at you.

‘Oh, well,’ you thought as you finished your cocktail. The DJ transitioned from one song to the next and your head snapped up. Giddily patting your friend’s arm, you beamed: “Hey, Uraraka, let’s go dance!”

Todoroki eyed the two women rushing down to the dance floor and he shifted his body accordingly. You pushed your way through the crowd until you were satisfied with where you were. Unintentionally, you placed yourself under the man’s direct eyesight and he intensely watched how your hips sensually swayed to the music.

You snapped your fingers to the beat. You flung your arms high into the air. And you shimmied your shoulders with Uraraka. Grabbing your friend’s hand, you twirled and threw your head back while a loud laugh escaped your lips.

Todoroki’s tongue instinctively licked his own as his fingers curled tightly around his glass.

He was hot and it was not because of his quirk.

Drowning the rest of his whiskey, he harshly slammed his drink on the table and ignored the burning sensation tingling down his throat. Two fingers swiftly unfastened the first three buttons on his silky, navy blue dress shirt before he stood up from his seat.

“Hey, you okay?” Midoriya raised a concerned eyebrow at his friend.

“Yes,” he growled, marching to the stairs. “I’m going to dance.”

Like a predator hunting its prey, Todoroki shoved his way through the sweaty crowd. The alcohol clouded his vision and the music masked his rapid heart beat as he searched for you. Emerging from the tall grass, he spotted your entrancing figure; Uraraka spun you around and you laughed until your eyes landed on his.

You sucked in your breath and momentarily stopped dancing.

However, the liquor swimming in your system brought a new kind of courage you never felt before. Wanting to see how this played out, you flashed Todoroki a flirty smile and beckoned him to come closer with your finger. Without hesitation, the red and white haired man stalked forward as you rhythmically moved your arms all while welcoming him into your space.

He didn’t touch you at first, choosing to keep a slight gap between the both of you.  

You swung your hips left and the man went right. You stepped to the right while he swaggered to the left. The trumpets blew through the speakers as you leaned closer to him. Your hands slid underneath his white suit, dragging your sharp nails on his blue shirt and Todoroki muffled down a moan.

You were torturing him.

The bass picked up and you spun around, your hair tickling Todoroki’s semi-exposed chest. Both of you gyrated against each other, the pace increasing as the song echoed in the background. One of your arms draped around Todoroki’s neck while the other happily guided the man’s hungry hand towards your waist.

His fingers possessively gripped the fabric of your dress and it took all of his willpower not to burn it off from you. He was breathing heavily against your skin. You bit your lips, closing your eyes to selfishly bask yourself in this heated moment. The heavy pants, the hands shamelessly roaming around each other, the adrenaline coursing between your aroused bodies was unbelievable. As your ears listened to the song’s quick whispers, you whipped around and grabbed Todoroki’s shoulders all while boldly piercing into his gaze.  

“Get on the floor,” you proudly sang, mimicking Michael Jackson’s high-pitch laugh. “And dance with me.”

Running your fingers into his hair, you belted out, “I love the way you shake that thing, boy, especially…”

You snatched his hand and boogied your heart out until the song faded away, leaving you both out of breath. As the next song pumped through the speakers, Todoroki yanked you into his chest and whispered, “I’m glad you came tonight.”

“And I’m glad you listened to Michael Jackson’s advice, Icy Hot,” you smirked at him, feeling a chuckle rumble through his chest.

Neither of you left each other side, opting to dance the night away instead.

~~~

Gotta love that liquid courage, hahaha!

Thank you again for reading this story!

[neonlights92]

CHANGE: Chapter II

When the feud between EXO and Bangtan escalates beyond control Bangtan’s leader Kim Taehyung sees only one solution: a marriage of convenience between a member of Bangtan and a member of EXO. Park Jimin was not born into Bangtan but has slowly become an intrinsic part of Taehyung’s trusted inner circle.

And that is how Jimin finds himself married to you; EXO leader Xiumin’s little sister.  You’re not like any other woman he’s ever met before; fierce, angry and talented with a switchblade. When you first meet Jimin you’re left angry and disappointed.

Except slowly, things change. And despite yourself, you find your heart warming to the idea of falling in love.

A/N: ENJOY!

WARNINGS: Language and smut

The next time you saw Park Jimin, it was on your wedding day. 

As had been decided, the only thing you had any creative control over was the picking of the dress.  Everything else was more or less a surprise to you. 

Your parents were both dead - killed in a car-bombing orchestrated by Bangtan when you were just a child - and so Xiumin was going to walk you down the aisle.

As you waited in one of the back rooms of the church, you felt something akin to nerves sizzle through your veins.  The truth was, this was close to the worst day of your life.  You felt sick, and like something angry had taken home in the pit of your stomach.

“It’s going to be alright,” Xiumin tried to comfort you, “This is what’s best-” “For one second… For one fucking second, can you just be my brother?” You turned sharply to face him, tears welling in your eyes, “Stop saying how this is what’s best for EXO, and understand that I don’t want to do this.  Just...Please.” 

Xiumin’s dark eyes softened a shade at the desperation in your voice.  Your brother was callous, sure, and at times he was impossible to deal with, but he was all you had.  

“Alright.” He nodded gently and came towards you, placing a hand on your shoulder and pulling you in for a hug, “I’m sorry Y/N.  I know how tough this is for you but… you’re going to do great.  You always do great.”

The words melted over you slowly, and you let yourself settle in his embrace.  You could count the times Xiumin had hugged you on one hand so you appreciated it.

He moved away from you and though you’d never dare mention it, you noticed a mistiness in his eyes, “I’m proud of you.  I love you.” He’d only ever said that to you once, the day your parents died.  It was all you’d needed, and you never asked for reassurance again.  

“Thank you Xiumin.”  You cleared your throat and wiped at the tears, “I love you too.” There was a moment of softness between the two of you and you found yourself smiling, despite the discomfort in your chest.  

“I’m going to miss you.” He nodded, “Me too.”

A knock at the door broke the two of you out of your reverie, and you watched as it opened.  Kim Taehyung was stood on the other side, as dark and intimidating as always.  

“It’s time.”  He told you both, eyes carefully assessing the situation, “Are you ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.”  

“Come on, then.” 

You and Xiumin shared a final look, as Taehyung led you to the back of the church silently.  You could hear your heart thrumming in your ears, and you felt so completely out of your depth.  You were so used to violence and anger and carnage.  But this?  This was something completely different to you. 

Everybody in that church was going to be staring at you in a moment.  Everybody was going to be judging you - and soon you would become Mrs Park Jimin.  

“Good luck,” Taehyung muttered quietly, as he slipped through the stained glass double doors and took his seat at the front of the church. 

And then, after a moment, the music started.  You turned to Xiumin and he nodded. 

“You’re going to do great,” He told you, “I promise.” 

The double doors swung open, and you were revealed to the entire church - all four hundred guests.  The left side was spilling over with members of EXO, and as Xiumin led you down the aisle, your eyes found Baekhyun’s.

He was smiling at you warmly, and that gave you some encouragement. You felt yourself relax slightly, before your gaze moved to connect with the grooms. 

Jimin was standing at the front of the church, looking as completely dazzling as always.  You hated how handsome he was - hated that despite everything you knew about him and his kind he still caused your heart to trip over itself. 

He wasn’t smiling at you, but he didn’t necessarily look upset.  His eyes were neutral, two dark pools of chocolate boring straight through you. 

When you reached the front, and Xiumin handed you over to him, Jimin’s lips quirked up slightly at the side. What was he playing at? You refused to return the gesture, working on keeping your face as stony as you could.  But you weren’t as good at keeping your emotions in check as Xiumin was, and you knew that Jimin could probably tell how nervous you were. 

A few minutes into the service, you felt him squeeze your hand.  You raised a brow and he nodded gently.

“You’re doing great,” He whispered to your surprise, “Just relax.” 

You didn’t know why he was telling you that - and in any other circumstance you might have even been annoyed at him for assuming you needed encouragement - but at that particular moment you were grateful.  Despite yourself, you felt the side of your mouth shoot up gently.

“Thanks.” 

The rest of the service continued on, and eventually you could feel your nerves sizzling out.  You hated yourself for it, but Jimin’s reassurance, and the fact that he was here, with you, kind of helped. 

It didn’t change how you felt about him of course, but it made things a little easier. 

When the words, “You may now kiss the bride,” were finally said, you felt a huge wave of relief crash over you.  It was over. 

Jimin smirked and pulled you towards him.

“Sorry about this,” He whispered, before pressing his mouth against yours in a hot kiss.

You’d only ever been kissed by a few men in your lifetime - most of them sloppy kisses behind bars, drunk or high.  But this kiss was like electricity.  You hated yourself for leaning into Jimin’s lean chest, but you felt yourself doing it almost unconsciously, enjoying every moment of his lips on yours. 

He tugged a slender hand through your curls, and after a moment, when he pulled away, you felt yourself gasp for air a little bit.  You knew you looked dazed, but you couldn’t help it.

That kiss had been ridiculous. 

And he wasn’t sorry at all.

He smiled teasingly at the look on your face and bit his bottom lip, “Welcome to the family, Mrs Park.” 

What the hell had you gotten yourself into? //

“Don’t pretend you didn’t like it.” You glared at your husband, “Shut up.” You hated the fact that you had to sit beside him, whether or not it was your stupid wedding reception.  Everybody kept congratulating the two of you, and you forced a fake smile onto your face, pretending not to listen to Jimin’s stupid remarks.

“Just admit you enjoyed kissing me and I’ll shut up,” He told you after a moment, looking at you over the rim of his wine glass. 

“My mother taught me not to lie,” You grinned sarcastically, “So no, I won’t admit anything.”

The truth was, of course, Jimin was right.  But you couldn’t help that your body had responded to him.  And you would never ever admit that to him.  

“You know we’re going to spend the rest of our lives doing a lot more than kissing,” He raised a brow and chuckled slightly, “So you might as well start to enjoy it.”

The remainder of your wine was gone as you knocked it back quickly, feeling the warmth of the alcohol buzz it's way through your system.

“God.  Don’t remind me.” 

You stood abruptly, rolling your eyes at the smirk on Jimin’s face.  He seemed to almost enjoy pissing you off. 

“I’m going to go and dance.”  You informed him sharply, “I’m tired of listening to you.” “Not without me you’re not,”  He stood with you, smile widening at the glare you set on him, “Oh come on.  We’re the bride and groom.  I can’t leave my beautiful wife all alone to dance on her wedding day, right?  What would the neighbours say?” You hated that he was trying so hard to make peace with you.  That despite the fact that the two of you had been forced into this marriage, he seemed to want to make it work. 

That was not what you wanted, and you’d made that clear to him on several different occasions.  You wanted to remain angry.  That was much safer. 

“Whatever,” You grunted, making your way to the dancefloor and groaning when the song changed to something slow.

“This one’s for the bride and groom!”  You knew the DJ was probably only trying to help, but at this very moment in time you wanted to claw his eyeballs out.

“C’mere,” Jimin whispered, grabbing your hand and pulling him towards you.  He wrapped his arms around your waist, and begrudgingly you looped your own over his shoulders. 

“Have you ever done this before?” He asked after a moment, noticing immediately how awkwardly you seemed to be moving with him.

You rolled your eyes, “Is it that obvious?” His answering chuckle confirmed your fears. 

“Don’t worry about it.  Just follow my lead.” You did as you were told, but couldn’t stop yourself from at least biting back something snarky. 

“It’s not like slow dancing is at the top of my things to do,” You told him gruffly, “I have other important stuff that take up my time.” You wanted him to understand how different you were to most of the women in the mafia.  Xiumin had assured you that he was aware; that he knew you were capable and strong.  And yet, you felt like you needed to make the point yourself.

“Are you trying to intimidate me?” The smirk on his face annoyed you more than was humanly possible, “Y/N, I knew the kind of person you were when I said yes to marrying you, okay?  You don’t have to try and prove your dominance to me.” 

You licked your teeth and clicked your tongue, “Yah!  That’s not what I’m doing…” “The angry glares, the swear words… the sarcasm.  That’s all intended to make a point, right?  I get it, you’re not going to just roll over and do my bidding.  I would never want that kind of wife anyway.” 

You raised a brow, “Really?” “Really.  Contrary to popular belief, most men enjoy a woman with a personality,” He rolled his eyes, “And frankly, your surprise at that is insulting.” As you opened your mouth to bite back with something angry, you heard the clinking of glasses.  Oh shit.  You knew what that meant.

“They want us to kiss again,” Jimin smirked. 

You wanted to wipe that stupid smile off his stupid (handsome) face. 

“No.” “We have to give the people what they want,” He winked at you, “C’mon.  It can’t be that terrible.” 

You hated that despite your best intentions, Jimin seemed set on melting the ice around your heart.  You hated that as you looked behind him, you watched a sea of people ‘oooh’ and ‘ahhh’ at the ‘lovely young couple.’  You hated this vulnerability, and you wanted it to stop.

“It is.” You groaned, as Jimin dipped his head towards you and stopped a breathe shy of your lips. 

“Don’t lie, Y/N.  You’re not very good at it.” And then he pressed his lips to yours, and despite the anger so clearly coursing through your veins hotly, you felt yourself lean into his warm touch.  There was something about him - he was complicated.  Funny but serious.  Warm but cold.  Distant but close.  You weren’t sure what any of that meant… all you did know was that he kissed better than anybody else you’d ever had the misfortune of kissing. 

When he pulled away, you knew that you looked dazed. 

“That wasn’t so bad, huh?” He smirked, and you wanted to punch the look off his face. 

“I’m going to have to burn my lips off with acid,” You retorted, rolling your eyes, “You’re gross.  And that is the last time you ever kiss me again in public.  Got it?” Jimin pulled away from you and nodded, “Of course.  Anything for you… Sweetheart.”  

You wanted to give him the finger, but you knew you couldn’t.  Not here with everyone watching.

So you resigned yourself to moving away from him and trailing back to the wedding table.  Jimin didn’t follow you, and you thanked your lucky stars for that.  He was such an enigma to you - so different to every other mob man you had encountered.  

And God he could kiss.

You blinked harshly against your thoughts and tried to knock yourself back onto your feet.  One kiss from a relatively attractive man and suddenly you’re forgetting everything Bangtan stands for? 

You steeled yourself against whatever warmth had settled into your chest and downed a glass of wine. 

You refused to go down without a fight.

//

Seven glasses of wine later, and you and Jimin rolled into the ridiculously expensive hotel room EXO had shelled out an enormous amount of cash for. 

“Anything for their golden girl, right?” Jimin muttered as he took in his surroundings.

You were drunk of course - the wine you’d consumed was coursing quite angrily through your blood - but you still heard him.

“Fuck off,” You grumbled, “Smartass.” Jimin turned to you and rose a blonde brow.  You hated the smarmy look on his face already. 

“How much did you have to drink?  Jesus.”  He pulled a face at the way you stumbled over to the King sized bed, “I’m guessing you can’t handle your drink.” You wanted to tell him to fuck off again, but the world was spinning so quickly you had to shut your eyes to stop yourself from puking.  You were still in your wedding dress, but you couldn’t be bothered to move.

After a moment, you felt the bed shift. 

“Seriously.  Are you ok?” Your eyes blinked open blearily and you rolled over carefully, searching Jimin’s face.  He was lying down next to you a comfortable distance away, but he was still too close for your liking. 

“Get away.”  You shoved at his shoulder and stuck your tongue out at him, “Leave me alone.  This is my bed.  My brother paid for it.” 

“I am not sleeping anywhere else but this bed.  So save it.” 

Jimin’s eyes were playful, but you knew he was serious.

“No funny business,” You muttered, sitting up clumsily and reaching for the zipper of your dress.  After a few misses, two warms hands came to still your palms.

“Let me,” Jimin whispered from behind you, his hands moving to pull the zipper down.  

You felt a shiver crawl up your spine and you absolutely detested yourself for it. 

What was happening to you?  Park Jimin was your mortal enemy.  What, just because he could kiss and he was kind of nice to you, suddenly you were fawning all over him like some lovesick teenager?

But you were drunk, and you didn’t care enough to stop yourself from reacting to his touch.

“There.”  

He moved away from you and you felt a hot blush bloom across your collarbones.  God.  What was happening to you?

“Thanks,” You grumbled, despite yourself, standing up and moving to the bathroom blearily.  

You shut the door and leaned against the surface, pressing a heart against your beating chest, and trying to calm yourself down.

You weren’t completely inexperienced in the bedroom - you’d indulged in your fair share of experimentation - but the truth was, when it came to the actual deed… You were a virgin.  It wasn’t that you’d never had the opportunity to have sex… It was that you’d never wanted to.

And yet now… despite yourself… you were hot all over, just from the thought of Jimin wanting to fuck you.

Pathetic.

Your hands shook as you pushed your dress down your body and stepped out of the skirt, running a hand through your hair and groaning at the stupid frilly underwear you had been forced to wear.

So fucking embarrassing.

You stared at yourself in the mirror.  White frilly french panties, and a transparent balcony bra.  It wasn’t anything ridiculous - not at all like the horror stories you’d heard from some of the other girls in EXO who’d also been married off. - but you hated seeing yourself like that.

Weak… almost viriginal. 

Your eyes moved to the door and you rolled your eyes when you spotted a white lace babydoll nightgown hanging off the back. 

You assumed that was supposed to be what you wore to bed tonight?

Well.  It was better than sleeping in this ridiculous underwear, you supposed.  So without trying to think about it much more, you grabbed the nightgown and threw it over your head, cringing when it barely reached the top of your thighs.

This wasn’t you goddamn it.

After you gave yourself a moment to calm down, you opened the bathroom door and slipped out.  When Jimin looked up at you, you felt your mouth dry instantly.

He’d taken off his suit, and was currently in just a pair of black briefs.  They hugged his hips tightly, and you had to rip your eyes away from the muscular outline of his thighs.

Shit.  

“Oh fuck.”  In your drunken haze, whatever weak filter you’d had was gone, “You’re naked.  Almost.” He smirked, “You too.” There was a charged moment between the two of you.  You wondered if he was going to make a move, but he didn’t, instead turning back towards the bed and making his way underneath the plush covers. 

Your pupils dilated, as you thought about those thighs wrapped around you. 

Shit…

It had been so fucking long since you’d had the time to even think about men.... 

“I’m a virgin.” Jimin’s eyes moved to meet with yours.  He quirked a brow.

“I’m not like… A complete virgin.”  You corrected, and despite yourself, you felt an angry blush paint your cheeks, “But I’ve never… You know.  I’ve never actually done it.” You cringed internally at how utterly childish you sounded.

“I know you probably think I’m not, because I try to come across so tough,” You were rambling now, but you couldn’t stop yourself, “But I am.  Really.  I’ve never really been in a position to lose it.  Y’know.” Jimin’s face softened at your revelation, and you wanted to kick yourself for the butterflies that were gnawing so anxiously up the pit of your stomach.  He shrugged.

“That’s alright.  We don’t need to do anything tonight.” You stared at him carefully.  You should agree with him, right?  You barely knew him… And you were supposed to hate him.  So, why were you suddenly so warm? Why did the thought of Jimin not want to touch you make you angry?

“I want to.”  You answered thickly, “If you do.”

You hated this.  All of it.  It was far more vulnerable than anything you were comfortable with.  If Jimin rejected you, you would be so fucking pissed off.  At yourself mostly, for even putting yourself in this position to start with… But at him, too.

Because he’d flirted with you earlier.  And kissed you.

He’d made you think that he wanted you.

And despite all the complications, you were pretty sure you wanted him too. 

“Just sex.  No feelings.”  You added on, as clarification, “Please?”

At some point during your ramblings, Jimin had stood up, and now he was in front of you, eyes darker than the moon.  He stared down at you, and you felt yourself tremble.

God, what had you been reduced to?

“No feelings.  Got it.” And then his lips were on yours again.  You groaned against him, not caring that it probably made you sound far needier than you wanted to be.  Because damn it did he know how to kiss.

You felt the flames in your stomach being stoked to life, and soon Jimin was leading you towards the bed.  He laid you down carefully, his lips moving towards your collarbone and sucking harshly at the skin.

“Wanna make you so wet babygirl.” The endearment came as a surprise to you… and so did the dirty talk.  But you knew you liked it when you arched up into him.  He smirked against your skin and pulled your nightgown off, eyes blooming with lust as your lingerie was revealed.

“For me?”  He licked his plush lips, “Oh baby, you shouldn’t have.” “Shut up,” You growled, moving your hips towards him, “And help me out.” He chuckled wickedly, and helped you shimmy out of your underwear, “All in good time, princess.” The pet name should have annoyed you.  Princess?  But still, you whined, feeling yourself grow wetter at his words. 

“C’mere.” And then he was moving down the length of your body, pressing hot, sloppy kisses wherever he could, and painting your skin the colour of indigo.  You knew you would be mad at yourself in the morning for letting this happen, and for letting him mark you, but you couldn’t bring yourself to care.

And then, his head was between your legs and fuck you were gone.

Jesus.  Nobody had ever gone down on you like that before.

“Jimin…” You moaned, feeling your head expand, and your body tremble under his touch.

He licked you like he was a man starved, “Yes baby?”  He didn’t move away from you, vibrations causing you to arch your back further.

“Fuck, that feels good.”

It didn’t take much longer for you to finish, and when you did, it felt like stars were exploding behind your eyes.

“Shit,” You rasped, as you came down from your high, “That was good.” Jimin was beside you in a moment, eyes darker than anything you’d ever seen before.  Obsidian black.  You felt his touch on you like molasses sticking to your skin, and you groaned.

“Fuck me already, then.”

“Your wish is my command, princess.”  

You rolled your eyes at the nickname but said nothing else, waiting as he pushed his boxers down and lined himself up with your entrance.  His eyes softened for a moment.

“It might hurt,” You told you sincerely, “If you need me to stop, say.  If you need me to slow down, say.  Okay?” The genuine concern in his face threw you off.

“Fine.”  You wiggled against him, “Now go.” And so he did.  He pushed into you slowly, and you felt yourself gasp against him.  He was right.  It did hurt.  But it wasn’t unbearable.

“Are you okay?”  He whispered against your face, eyes searching your own carefully.

You nodded, “Yeah.  You can move.  Please.” He started thrusting into you slowly, and despite everything feeling too tight, you let him.  It wasn’t terribly painful, but you knew you weren’t going to come like this.  And yet….

The feeling of having Jimin so close to you was something indescribable.  His eyes were locked on you as he fucked you, despite yourself, you used one hand to push some of his blonde hair out of his eyes, so you could see him better.

The gesture was soft and gentle, and Jimin slowed down, moving inside of you carefully.

“I’m not going to last much longer,” He grunted, and you nodded.

When he finished, you wrapped your arms around him, pulling him closer so that he could ride out his orgasm.  You weren’t sure why you’d done it…

Or why you’d even felt the need to have sex with him in the first place.

But once he stilled inside you, you groaned.

“You’re suffocating me.” He pulled back, and your heart turned at the twinkle in his eyes.

“That’s for next time, sweetheart.”  He pressed a kiss against your lips and pulled out carefully, wincing when you cringed, “Are you ok?” “As I can be.” There was a pause.

“It will be better next time.” “Here’s to hoping.” Another pause.  This time, you moved to grab your nightgown and pull it over your head.  Jimin cleaned himself up and offered you a tissue, which you took. Once you were ready, you climbed back into bed and turned away from him, suddenly angry and embarrassed with yourself by your behaviour.

Why had you let him in like that? You had promised yourself that you would only let yourself hate Park Jimin.  And things had to stay that way.

So despite everything that had just happened, you steeled your heart against any warmth that was blooming towards your husband.

“Y/N?  Is everything okay?” 

You scooted a little further away from him, “Goodnight, Jimin.”

The final pause.  This one longer and harsher.

“Goodnight, Y/N.” That night as you fell asleep, all you could think of was the fact that your husband, Park Jimin, was by far the most dangerous man you’d ever met.

Because when you were in the mafia, matters of the heart, was deadly.

//

[independentartistbuzz]

Good News, Good Music 1.0

Here we are at the end of 2020. We don’t need to tell you that this has been a very hard year. We are feeling beaten down by the bad news and music is the one thing that lifted our spirits again and again and saw us through. We have partnered with our friends at Cyber PR Music to bring you a series of GOOD News from artists who carried on making music in spite of all of the insanity that was happening and continues to grip us.  We have cried listening to some of the tracks, felt deeply inspired and yes we laughed as well.  What we have seen is the Cyber PR artist community is rich and varied - there are artists from all across the USA included as well as Jamaica, Australia, South Africa, France, Sweden, The UK,  Germany and Scotland.

So - we bring you part 1 of our 4 part series GOOD NEWS, GOOD MUSIC.

Please Follow the Spotify Playlist below to hear all of these amazing tracks.

Thanks to all of the artists who shared their music AND their good news.

JVMIE & Lionel Cohen | “We Will Rise Again”

Started A Collaboration From A Quarantine Hotel Room and Got Nominated For A Major Award

We had a crazy year but some great things came out of it! I was forced to leave LA and head back to Australia until things ‘calmed down’ but started a remote collaboration with LA based film composer Lionel Cohen - we received a grant from HOTA (Home Of The Arts Gold Coast) to create an album and we were just nominated for a HMMA Hollywood Music In Media Award :) The whole process of collaborating and talking every day was what helped me keep my sanity throughout this crazy year!

Perle Vybz | “Electric Dancefloor”

Almost Lost Her Partner To COVID And Took The Leap Of Faith To Release Music 

My debut single 'Electric Dancefloor' was released on Dec 8th, against the odds. A few months ago , my partner almost lost his life (to COVID). He was hooked up on a ventilator and had a really rough time. At the same time, I lost my main source of income and so, during the pandemic lockdown I had more time on my hands to focus on my music. So I'm glad that in spite of what was happening around me I was able to take that leap of faith and get my music out there.

Arielle Silver | “What Really Matters”

Became Music Connection's Hot 100 Live Unsigned Artists and Bands and Top Prospects 2020 lists in their year-end issue

As COVID shut everything down in April, I leaned into my commitment to authentic connection and inspiring creative expression with the creation of two weekly livestreams: Tomes & Tunes, a weekly show where I interview songwriters about books, and Arielle's Acoustic Happy Hour, both of which are going strong. In June, I released a new album, A THOUSAND TINY TORCHES, along with two official music videos (one shot entirely during quarantine), which have been featured in American Songwriter, Music Connection, and more.And in September, in the wake of closing studios, my sweetheart and I launched a new online yoga studio, Bhavana Flow Yoga, with online classes, workshops, and retail. 

Alongside my own sorrow at the pandemic, I have been living a year of creative expansion, and was recently featured in Music Connection's year-end issue on both their Hot 100 Live Unsigned Artists and Bands and Top Prospects 2020 lists.

Hannah Judson | “Deep Sea Diver”

Launched The Backwards Record Release Concept  And It Worked!

The 2020 lockdown was an exploration of new ways of doing and connecting. Everything became an experiment as new processes were developed to replace the no longer actionable old ones. I launched the Backwards Record Release for "Stingray," a rock/folk collection of songs. The 8 week campaign started with a socially distanced concert in a chateau courtyard, was fueled by my new podcast the Hannah Judson Beat, conversations with women in music, and concluded with a capstone edition of MUSEfest Online, a music festival I normally produce in major cities that promotes women in music, film, art and culture. I stayed connected with colleagues and fans, envisioned future projects, and maintained momentum and enthusiasm for creative projects, present and future. 

Evan Mazunik | “Comfort and Joy”

Funded, Recorded & Released A New Holiday Album

I’m grateful that I was able to successfully fund, record, release, and sell my new holiday album this year.

Eli Lev | “Anywhere We Can Go”

Released A Touching Global Fan Driven Music Video 

I had a powerful experience this year when my music community from all across the world helped me create the music video for 'Anywhere We Can Go.' I was in happy tears editing it and seeing all these wonderful faces come together and make something truly special. Here it is and I hope it brings some joy to folks.

Jeff Oster | “Five Great Mountains”

Found Solace (And Music) In Mother Nature

I was lucky to spend three months in the fall of 2020 up in Vermont. In the midst of all of the turmoil, Mother Nature just kept on shining. I was able to create this video on my iPhone, in an attempt to capture her beauty.

Beca Dreams | “Calm Before the Storm”

Had A Creative Burst That Resulted In Ad Campaigns & New Singles

It’s been a very challenging year, and yet I’ve somehow managed to have some awesome wins I am super grateful for. 

Partnered with Bounty to write/perform Quicker Picker Upper, currently streaming on all major platforms and has gotten over 7M views on Tik Tok and 150K streams on Spotify so far. Composed/performed song for an ad campaign for fashion designer Asher Levine on launching his new groundbreaking LED outerwear line (who’s recently worked with Doja Cat, Lil Nas, Lady Gaga). I also released 2 singles “Calm Before The Storm” and “Taking Time For Myself” and  most recently was featured on “Dance Party In The Living Room” by UK producer Fritz von Runte, about making the most of the quarantine.

I feel so lucky to be making music and doing what I love, which has been a huge silver lining during these dark times.

AfriCali | “The Struggle”

Turned An Eviction Into A Special Retreat & Healing Place 

Our landlord lost her pilates practice and couldn’t afford her Oakland home so

Our family of four with a baby due any month now had to figure it out and find the humanity in moving out before the lease was up. In the magic of mother earth and without knowing we were blessed with a beautiful place to be away and seven thousand feet above the mountains where we could have this beautiful bundle of joy. Which would turn into a special retreat healing place after our departure this past October.

Akira AK | “Pearl”

Completed His New Release Remotely Over Zoom

My "good news, good music" story is simply how I was able to release 2 major projects this year despite everything that is going on: putting out my second EP and my first music video.  The EP in particular had been in the works for 3 years and was SO CLOSE to being done when everything started to shut down, so with the work of my engineer, we set up remote sessions via zoom that helped put the last song over the line and get the release out there! From there I was able to promote it with it's adjacent merch.

As far as my first music video is concerned; I was able to safely show up in person in NYC and film it with the help of a great videographer. The conceptualizing of the video is very special and I think speaks to the experiences some of us have had about going to that special place inside your head where you feel most powerful/comfortable/fierce to deal with whatever is going on externally. The promo for the video was also a success in terms of being able to schedule it on time and put it out there to hype the video itself. And once it was out it was really (unexpectedly) well received!

Those are just my personal success stories and I'm excited to see others' as well!

Monsterboy | “Ain’t Worth the Dime”

Played 60 Livestreams That Reached 7,000 Households

When my husband and I found ourselves without gigs and our small business closed, we decided to go live with our music and stay in touch with our fans. We cobbled together equipment from our home studio and gigging rig, going live in that first week. We really didn't know what to expect. The messages we got from people were so heartwarming, we built a little community for them night after night, reconnecting with existing fans and finding new.  In total, we did over 60 live streams during the shutdown and reached over 7k households on some streams. Entertaining and interacting with people was our way to do our part for our community. A podcast found us via the streams and started hiring us to produce music for their shows from it.

Artist: Crotona P., Producer: Pablo Brownbeats | “Silk”

Forged An International Collaboration South Africa and the USA via A Chance Facebook Meeting

I'm Pablo Brownbeats, a producer  who has been producing  since my youth and creating music for the last 12 years. I just released my new Ep with Crotona P from Rochester New York featuring Street Da Villain, Dj Shawn Touch, KING Flamez all from Rochester New York and SOLO MAJITA from Free State South Africa. The African Ep is available on digital stores and Bandcamp.  I enjoyed making this project and it will be an honor to share the leading single Titled Silk.

This project was recorded during the  early days of Covid19. Me and Crotona met over Facebook and exchanged some few words and he agreed to do the single (silk) then African EP was born.

Scott Whitfield | “A Bi-Coastal Christmas, Vol. 1, by Scott Whitfield & Friends”

Released A Christmas Album That Features Artists Who Have Passed That Started Recording in 2004.

Despite the challenges, I was able to release a Christmas album on Bandcamp!  It's available as a digital download OR a physical CD.  This is the culmination of MANY years of work (some tracks date back to 2004, and, sadly, a few of the artists who played on them are no longer with us).

John Maksym | “Drinkin’ & Thinkin’”

Worked With 22 Collaborators Spanning 7 Countries and 16 Cities

I kicked off this year as a solo recording artist for the first time in my life and had an ambitious goal of releasing music every 5 weeks. When the pandemic struck, I had just started recording my 4th single in the studio and everything got shut down. Within a couple of weeks I was able to pivot and invest money into building my own little home studio, to continue to create. With every musician in the world stuck at home, I was able to connect with a dream team of collaborators who helped me finish the song that I had started and go on to record 8 more songs through remote session recording from their own home studios. All in all I worked with 22 collaborators, spanning 7 countries and 16 cities, which I would never have thought of doing had the world not been in lockdown. It also allowed me time to revise my original release plan and build a more robust plan to release a number of singles and eventually an album throughout 2021.

Stay tuned ...There’s more Good News Coming!

[wiremagazine]

NICK OF ALL TRADES, NUMEROUS TALENTS & MANY HATS

By John Stein | Photos by Jay Fuertez

Nick Stracener is best known to his 200,000 followers on Instagram for wearing close to nothing at all. In real life, however, he wears many hats. In addition to being a social media star, he’s a nationally qualified men’s physique athlete, an international flight attendant, and a DJ/producer whose new remix of Lindsay Lohan’s “Back to Me” was recently heralded by the Hollywood actress. What doesn’t the soon-to-be husband do?Wire Magazine spoke with Nick from his Dallas home. 

John Stein: Before breaking into DJing, you traveled the world as a go-go boy! DJ Nick Stracener: I’ve go-go danced in Dallas, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Diego, Toronto, Oklahoma City, Austin, and a few other cities that I can’t remember off the top of my head. 

JS: Was it fun? NS: It was a great opportunity to really let loose, express myself, be creative, and come out of my shell. I’m naturally a shy person, but when I’m on stage or on the box, I feel confident. 

JS: Do go-go boys get the respect they deserve? NS: I don’t think so. These guys spend countless hours in the gym and maintain strict diets year-round just so they stay booked at all the biggest events. It takes a lot of commitment to stay in top physical form all year. 

JS: So, how did you make the jump from the box to the booth?  NS: I am a self-taught DJ. After putting my second mix on Soundcloud, DILF Party reached out to me to open up for Kitty Glitter in Dallas. That went really well and I was booked for DILF Atlanta and DILF LA and the gigs kept rolling in. Then COVID-19 hit. 

JS: How would you describe your style of music? NS: It’s a combination of indigenous rhythms with a lot of sultry uplifting female vocals. I want to give you something upbeat to dance to most of the time, but also take you on a journey with slow moments so you can experience different emotions. Music, to me, is therapy and a way to escape life’s biggest hurdles.

JS: Who are your favorite divas? NS: Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Whitney Hou-ston, J.Lo, and Lindsay Lohan.

JS: Let’s talk Lindsay. Has she heard your remix of “Back to Me”? NS: Yes, she did! My friend, who knows Lindsay, sent it to her. She sent me a video telling me how much she liked the remix and that she would like to meet me at some point. So yeah, that was pretty exciting. I hope I do get the chance to meet her one day.

JS: What inspired you to remix her song? NS: I am drawn to Lindsay’s confidence and how she comes across so fierce. She’s an entrepreneur, which is something that I can relate to.

JS: She also battles her share of criticism online. Do you? NS: I encounter bullies every week on my Instagram. When people are behind a keyboard, they will say anything. It really used to get to me. I’ve gotten better at not taking things personally. The more I ignore, the happier I am.

JS: Are you as bold and confident as you project on Instagram? NS: Bold, yes. Confident, not always. I want people to know that behind the risqué pictures and the body, there is an actual human being. I have feelings, just like everyone. I am a shy and introverted person until you take a minute to get to know me.

JS: Are you keeping up with your workout routine during these weeks in quarantine? NS: I’m trying! I found a set of dumbbells on Craigslist and bought some cables.

JS: What's the deal with wearing the leotard?   NS: (Laughing) I don’t usually sport women’s clothing, but every once in a while, I do like to create an Instagram post that makes a state-ment. The brand I’m wearing is called EX-SL and it’s a men’s lingerie company. You can be as masculine or feminine as you want. I hate labels. Masculinity is not defined by what you wear.

JS: Tell us about becoming a nationally qualified men’s physique athlete. What did you have to do to achieve that? NS: To become nationally qualified, you have to place first or second at a show. My first show took place in Houston in 2018. I placed 4th. Shortly after, I competed in Dallas at the Ronnie Coleman Classic. I worked on my posing and tweaked my diet, and took first! It was one of the proudest moments of my life!

JS: How often do you work out? NS: Pre-corona, I would work out six days a week. Chest is my favorite. It’s also one of the hardest muscles for me to grow.

JS: Do you follow a strict diet?   NS: My meals usually consist of a good protein, a good carb, and a good fat like avocado. I try and stay away from fried foods and sugar. I drink a lot of unsweet tea with Splenda to satisfy my sweet tooth; definitely a southern thing.

JS: How has the pandemic impacted your job as a flight attendant?   NS: The pandemic has vastly affected everyone in the airline industry. Personally, I haven’t been able to pick up any extra flying, and that means bills are getting harder to pay and my anxiety has been super bad lately.

JS: You've been open on Instagram about your struggles with depression and anxiety.   NS: My anxiety levels have skyrocketed over the last few weeks. I expected it would. A lot is from worrying about things that are out of my control.

JS: Is your fiancé helping to keep your spirits up? NS: My fiancé, CX, has been an incredible source of light through all of this. He reminds me how far I’ve come and encourages me to stay positive. We have been staying very busy with our two new fur babies, Oliver and Olivia. They don’t allow us a whole lot of time to dwell on the situation at hand, which has been a blessing.

JS: Where can fans find you during this time of COVID-19?   NS: I have done a couple of live streams on Instagram and Facebook. I just got some better equipment, so I will be doing even more soon.

JS: Any shout outs to your Miami fans? NS: I just want to thank all of you for supporting me and my music, and I can’t wait to be back in beautiful Miami real soon!

Visit nickstracener.com. Follow Nick Stracener on Instagram @thenickstracener. A free download of Nick Stracener's remix of Lindsay Lohan’s "Back to Me" is available now at soundcloud.com/nickstracener/lindsay-lohan-back-to-me-nick-stracener-remix

This was originally published in Wire Magazine Digital Issue 5.2020

[kyotakumrau]

2019.07.07 SUGIZO HALF CENTURY ANNIVERSARY FES.

It was a rainy day but such a happy day!

Arriving at the venue a bit after 4 I saw some fans already lining up for the entry. I managed to still go up to the second floor and see the flowers before staff closed the area in preparation for door time. They should have started earlier as by 5 there was still a lot of people outside and the show had to start 20 minutes late.

Also, earlier on SUGIZO announced (and staff reminded fans between sets) that taking pictures will be allowed during his performance, but not when any of the guests are on stage.

(so I will include few pictures from SUGIZO's performance but I don't have any from other times)

S.T.K.

When I arrived at my seat a few minutes after 5 the DJ/keyboardist (?) from S.T.K was already on the stage, but they haven't started the proper set until 5:20ish.

When SUGIZO came on stage many fans greeted him with happy shouts and small applause!

I knew nothing about S.T.K besides the fact it's SUGIZO's project, but I was very nicely surprised. I think the best way to describe their music is 'soothing' or 'sounds of earth'.

First song had SUGIZO on electric violin, the other man on keyboard. For the second song (or mid performance?) a female singer in a white dress joined them, she had a really beautiful voice. I remember SUGIZO also used his bow to 'play' wind chime. The backscreen had images of nature or 'the moon logo'.

lynch.

After a quick stage update (all lynch. instruments were ready during S.T.K's set, so they just had to remove few things) it was lynch.'s turn! Fans chanted and clapped to welcome them on stage. Their set had a good mixture of songs!

And I felt lucky that around me were lynch. fans (or double lynch/torii-chans like me) and we had a lot of fun headbanging, singing and dancing.

Hazuki had to do some MC, because.

First was a disbelieving 'So SUGIZO is turning 50? Seriously??' Yeah😂 then Hazuki was explaining his theory that one birthday a year is not enough, there should be 2 birthdays or more!

He was addressing all fans and commenting - 'hello to soul's mates (SUGIZO's fans), ah everyone is here in the front. sukekiyo and Kyo are someone I respect, I'm really happy to be able to play at the same event with them. So sukekiyo fans... are you called Torii-chan? I guess I will say Torii-san (all present ⛩ちゃん burst laughing).

And... lynch fans. Meh lynch fans are just called lynch fans.'

Fans rotfled😂

Hazuki commented that lynch fans are mostly in the back or on the second floor.

He kept addressing fans, he announced a guest to join their set, he asked everyone to become SLAVES (LUNA SEA fans) for the upcoming song and Sugizo came to join them for a LUNA SEA cover! They played IN FUTURE!! It was super fun!!😁

Somehow I didn't think they would cover any songs (maybe I was too focused on Zessai), but I'm so glad they did!! It sounded great! The amount of fanboying from Hazuki was priceless. He was the number one SLAVE😂

Announcing _pulse was also fun! Hazuki's calling included 'women of our senpais! Let's have fun!!!'😂

And finishing their set with MOON was such a nice nod to SUGIZO and LUNA SEA😁

During the break between sets I run to have a look at SUGIZO's guitars, electric violins, Gumpla and costumes. It is mind blowing to realize he is playing music for as long I am alive. His collection of guitars only is absolutely amazing!

sukekiyo

Their set started so suddenly! The BGM was cut and lights just dimmed and went off. Takumi played piano, the members stood ready, when Kyo walked on stage Guuzou moratorium started.

They had back screen with (as far as I can tell) the same videos for songs as their solo in Nakano last month.

Fan who had seat in the first row reported on twitter that SUGIZO was watching sukekiyo's set from the side of the stage.

Kyo first was facing the back screen which showed the (video) close up of his face, on the video he had a suit with diamondy CHA NEL brooch. Real Kyo on the stage was was wearing the black outfit with an 'open back'.

During THE WAIZATSU Kyo turned around and kept dancing. I wonder how other bands' fans felt with the very flashy video after dark moratorium 😂

YUCHI as usual came to the middle and Kyo danced with him as YUCHI was headbanging.

utA came closer to the edge of the stage and kept jumping, raising one leg and jumping. He was totally owning 90s v-kei style - he had sheer sleeves, floaty clothes tied with belt, long boots, old v-kei puffed up hair (he changed later and photo with Takumi shows him in the event t-shirt).

And it matched the song they covered so perfectly! They played SHADE. Woah.

Takumi started playing unknown piano intro and I knew there was a cover song coming!! Excitement level over 9000!! HOW FRICKIN AMAZING THIS WAS ❤❤❤

And I think they made it theirs, it sounded like it could flawlessly fit in on IMMORTALIS. I have just listened to the original and they definitely swapped one guitar for Takumi's piano. As they were playing I couldn't help but remembering when at SUGIZO's tube Kyo and SUGIZO talked about reviving older, fast LUNA SEA's songs.😁

But what a flawless choice, both lyrics and story wise as well - it fit so well with INFINITUM theme!

As sukekiyo started there were random few standing fans here and there on the 1st floor but the whole 1st floor stood up for the cover, dancing and waving their hands with music, and stayed standing since then.

Honnou okotowari was so powerful.

I'm very sure that Takumi played the slow piano melody of Tada, mada, watshi. that they used for the story breaks at their solo Nakano show, but this time it was shorter and went into anima.

And the warm feeling of the poppy field again. 忘れりない

YUCHI took his jacket off before hyohaku flavour - yup, he really was giving his all!

The atmosphere went darker again.

Kyo was dancing and was so lost in it he dropped his mic too early, but he just picked it up and continued singing to dance again and drop it one more time later.

Seeing them leaving one by one from the second floor looked so different, especially that the stage looked so big compared to the space they took with their equipment.

When Takumi finished the last piano notes they got a very fierce applause!! ❤

SUGIZO

When the staff prepared the stage for SUGIZO's set I could see why they needed a stage that big. The front of the stage was left open for SUGIZO, in the back they set three stands, two percussion sets and one for keyboardist.

To me SUGIZO's solo music is either ethereal or quite dancey, something you can play when you need to relax or need something inspirational when painting.

But not gonna lie - Zessai was the highlight for me.

Kyo came on stage wearing a suit, he changed into his more fitted grey piece. For Zessai SUGIZO and Kyo shared the space in the middle. Guitar and microphone.

It was so powerful, so perfect, so beautiful.

I can't remember at all what kind of video they had for it on the screen, my whole focus was on two of them on the stage.

Steady and soft.

When the singing part was over Kyo just left, which probably surprised some people. But this was SUGIZO's anniversary.

As reported by a fan from the very front SUGIZO still said 'thank you, Kyo-chan' turning to the side of the stage (where Kyo quite possibly stood).

They played two more songs which I enjoyed dancing. The light and laser show also looked amazing. Then SUGIZO introduced the musicians who performed with him, threw few things and they left after bowing deeply.

Fans gave a loud applause and kept clapping, some shouting SUGIZO's name.

Then, instead of calling for encore many fans started using flashlights and singing Happy Birthday song.

Of course SUGIZO came back.😁

He gave a speech thanking everyone for helping him to create this event. He also talked about caring for earth and clean energy...

'Sorry for interrupting!!' - came the cake delivered by yours one and only Hazuki! As he shouted his arrival he wheeled the caked in on trolley covered with a black cloth.

They called the rest of lynch. back on stage, then called sukekiyo. Almost all of them changed into the event t-shirt with an exception of Kyo and Takumi. lynch members stood on the left side of SUGIZO and sukekiyo on the right.

Hazuki prompted fans to sing Happy Birthday again.

They took a picture with all bands members. It made me feel so fluffy inside to see how Kyo was herding other sukekiyo members to go stand closer to SUGIZO, to go ahead in front of him. But photographer asked everyone to squeeze more and Kyo's plan failed as SUGIZO motioned Kyo to sit next to him, sukekiyo and lynch. members around them.

(atm we are all waiting for them to publish the photo!!)

There was another very important thing. Hazuki (having a new job of the MC which suited him perfectly) announced that the Minister of the Environment (also the Minister of State for Nuclear Emergency Preparedness), Yoshiaki Harada will be joining them on stage.

He also gave a speech, a cute part was 'I knew he was a skillful musician but I didn't realize Sugi-chan was so popular' - he said he knows SUGIZO through his work related to hydrogen energy. He was full of praise especially that the show in Nakano was fully powered by hydrogen energy!!

SUGIZO received an official recognition for his work for environment, with Harada very formally handing him a letter.

When bands members were leaving the stage they all stopped by SUGIZO to shake his hand, bow and share some words. Kyo was last and he extended his hand but SUGIZO gave him a warm hug instead.

❤❤❤

And when Kyo was walking off from the stage he sent some foxes to the audience🦊

SUGIZO talked more about his projects, including explaining the costume he wore, coat jacket created by tenbo, the design was made using drawings created by children from Irak suffering from cancer, the inside of the coat had photos of some of the children. SUGIZO talked about the collaboration with tenbo (check their website here). I think he said something along the lines that the state some of those children are is very similar to the comdition in which were children in Hiroshima after bombing.

Hazuki interrupted him before with the cake, but he was interrupted again as suddenly a backtrack music started to play 😂

But this time SUGIZO finished his thought before they played two more songs.

Synchronicity was such a soft, perfect ending!

SUGIZO once more introduced all musicians, they bowed together and left, leaving only SUGIZO. He took some selfies with the whole audience (we're waiting on those photos, too!), threw some water bottles and picks and walked away while waving to fans.

An amazing night!

[lonelypond]

Moonlight Becomes You: Midnight Apocalypse Dance Party, Ch. 13

NozoELi, NicoMaki, KanaMari, YoshiMaru, Love Live/Love Live Sunshine, 2.5K, 13/?

Summary: The party continues, Eli has a conversation or two, and Nico and Maki flirt over a pool table.

Party On

Eli wondered how she had gone from Irish dancing in the huge, floor to ceiling window extravaganza that had turned out to be Nico’s feral DJ’s MANSION to the cold, windy beach at its base, in the middle of three women who didn’t read unfriendly but were as serious as Eli had ever seen anyone.

Kanan stepped forward, what looked like a fur coat over her arm as Yoshiko hovered to her right bouncing and You stood quietly next to Eli, occasionally shifting her hat’s position.

Kanan spoke, her voice carrying easily over the waves, “I want you to know exactly why I understand, Eli, and I hope you can trust me without worry.” Kanan wrapped the coat around her shoulders and in a blink and a shimmer there was a large sea lion in front of Eli.

Yoshiko’s voice boomed next to Eli, startling the dancer, “We are all glorious, mythical beings trapped in the mundane interactions of the dusty mortal path.” Yoshiko stepped forward and huge black wings unfurled, one brushing Eli’s cheek with a burning tingle as Yoshiko launched herself from the ground, sand flying everywhere.

You chuckled, a quiet friendly vibe, “Well, I’m mostly mundane.”

The sea lion barked a laugh and rolled toward the water, it seemed to have a wounded flipper. That made sense, Eli realized, Kanan had her arm in a cast. And were sea lions really that big? Kanan looked 8 or 9 feet long.

“Yohane descends to the mortal realm. Beware thou impure of intent” was announced above Eli’s head, the flier’s voice somehow merging with the wind in a way that Eli felt it reverberate in her bones, but then the dark haired woman blew the mood as she nearly tilted into Eli on her landing as the soft, shifting sand threw off her footing, “Damn it. Why can’t the ground just stay still.”

You was bent over, laughing, and Kanan stood, once again a human, “You really should be used to beaches by now, Yoshiko.”

“Yohane.” Eli suspected the dark haired woman had tried to thunder from her rising stance, but it came out a bleat of complaint.

Eli was still processing the ease of Kanan’s transition, “You can control it. How?”

Kanan shrugged, her long hair whipping around in the wind, and Eli felt like she was standing in a scene out of time and that a Chumash sewn plank canoe might be seen on the horizon at any point. Kanan swept down into a move Eli recognized from the choreography she was learning. “It’s who I am. Both. That what’s the dance is. Between. Together.” Kanan smiled, “That’s probably why I felt like you understood on some level.”

“But I don’t.” Yes, Eli could hear the tears in her own voice and the anger. But why should she hide her emotions, here on this beach, with women as impossible as her? It was so easy for everyone but Eli, she thought as Yoshiko-hane furled her wings away so they became invisible. Never losing control, even between willing transformations. But Eli had never wanted this. Any of this. To be torn. To be what and not who.

“Eli?” Kanan’s voice was gentle, worried.

Eli spun and sprinted down the beach. Yoshiko bent to follow, but Kanan reached out a hand, “Let her alone.”

You was watching the sea. “Tide going out.”

Kanan stared into the night, “She just needs to think.”

“Thinking is the gate to…” Yoshiko swept up her arms, but Kanan interrupted her.

“Not all of us act before we leap.”

“Good thing too.” You elbowed Yoshiko, “Some of us need to keep watch. On the ground.”

There was an unsettled moment, a gathering of power around the frowning fallen angel, a darkening of the night as a cloud passed over the moon, but then the brightness returned.

“And you, my friend, are a fierce guardian.” Yoshiko pulled You into a bro hug.

“Would be nice not to be needed.” You kicked at the sand.

“We’ll change that, one day.” Kanan hugged herself, looking after Eli. “We start by taking care of one person at a time.”

“Yeah.” You met Kanan’s glance, “Time to go get her.”

“Yeah.” Kanan took off after Eli at a slow jog.

“Let’s get back to the party before Hanamaru wanders down here.” You pivoted on her heel.

Yoshiko shoved her hands in her pockets, kicking sand in front of her, “Zuramaru has far too many snack options to go anywhere for at least an hour or so.”

Even though her life wasn't what anyone would call easy or settled, You loved her friends. They always made her laugh, even on the darkest nights.

###

Nico’s baked pasta had been a bigger hit than she’d anticipated and Maki and Mari were now having a standoff over the remnants. Nico would be flattered, but it was getting tiring, suddenly having Mari Ohara stick her spoon in everything Nico wanted.

“This sauce is DREAMY.” Mari fluttered her eyelashes, spinning, hugging the spoon to herself.

“Nico knows.” Nico caught Maki’s glance and rolled her eyes, but couldn’t keep the hungry homeowner’s attention as Maki swept in for the last bite of pasta, but was blocked with a clink as Mari pulled the dish away and curled up on the couch next to where Nozomi was dealing out cards for Hanamaru.

“Divination by poker deck?” Mari asked.

“War.” Hanamaru giggled as she grabbed Nozomi’s latest play.

“Let’s play poker.” Mari suggested.

Maki had moved to the pool table, leaning with a cue in hand, “No chips.”

“I’ll keep a tally in my head” Mari winked.

Maki huffed and turned away.

“Where did Eli go?” Nozomi wondered.

Nico picked up the brownie platter and dumped it in the middle of the card game. Eli and Kanan had wandered outside half an hour ago, Eli looking lost. But while Nico might go out there after her in another 5 minutes, Nico was certain Eli would want Nozomi distracted.

“I’m sure Eli will be right back so if you want some more dessert you’d better get it before then. Chocolate lasts two minutes around her.” Nico spun, hand on her hip, dialing up the flirt, “Then you can watch Nico beat everyone’s favorite DJ at pool.”

Maki snorted, “Not happening.”

Nico slid toward Maki, socks making the glide smooth, pulling up to a stop right under the taller woman’s nose. Maki startled, loosened her grip on the pool cue, and Nico pulled it away, “Bet on it?”

###

Yoshiko was on the couch, half asleep, arms around the snuggling, murmuring warmth of Zuramaru, who was watching Nozomi deal out Tarot cards, with Mari kibitzing, while Nico and Maki discussed shots and angles. In this striking home, here was a patch of cozy that somehow soothed any qualms the world outside might be trying to crash through Yohane’s barriers. Yoshiko still had dreams about the colors and the depth and the cutting cold of her former celestial neighborhood, the beauty that was both breath and burn. But Zuramaru was home, it had taken Yoshiko no time to realize that. Her only fear was that she would not have the time to fully express to Hanamaru her gratitude. But for now there were moments like this, quiet contact bringing Yohane to earth, dulling the echoes of warning choirs.

###

Eli stared into darkness. It was too cold to be this dramatic but she didn’t know how to go back, how to start a normal conversation. Then Kanan’s voice startled her.

“So, no family support, right?” Kanan settled gracefully next to Eli, leaving two hands of distance so Eli didn’t feel crowded.

Eli inhaled, closing her eyes as the cold, wet air lumped in her lungs, as heavy as the memories she had to fight, “My grandmother...my grandmother taught me to tame…to stay hidden.”

“My family…” fondness warmed Kanan’s response, “My grandfather taught me that there was twice the joy, living in two worlds.”

Eli shook herself, she couldn’t imagine...no, that wasn’t possible, “I’m just not there.”

“Have you ever tried…” Kanan could see Eli dancing, memories of rehearsal, of the talented precision machine that Eli forced herself to exist as fumbling, the stiffness where one state refused to meld smoothly into the next. Maybe if they rehearsed in the pool, Eli might understand, Kanan thought, dump the dancer in fluidity, force her to float. And maybe if Eli understood, that would help her with this.

Eli’s response was hesitant, evading Kanan’s unfinished question. “Mari? How did she find out?”

“We met on the beach as children. Then as teenagers…” Kanan curled up, smaller and surprisingly sad, “she left, I asked her to." Kanan was silent for too long, but Eli didn't know how to push more, "Eventually, she returned and demanded” Kanan lifted her head, “we tell the truth about our feelings. So we did.” Kanan leaned back, Eli was almost shivering, but Kanan was as relaxed as if it was a breezy summer afternoon. “You’re not alone, Eli. There are people like us, people sharing worlds everywhere. And allies, like You, Mari, and Nico.”

Eli leaned her chin on her knees, “Nico’s amazing.”

“Yoshiko runs a weekly group, CRAAVI. We could go to a meeting together sometime. Or you could bring Nico. There’s always friends and family helping.” Kanan started to get up, “I’ll bring some info to our next rehearsal, okay?”

“I’ll think about it.”

“Good.” Kanan squeezed Eli's shoulder, “Don’t stay out here too long. People are waiting for you inside.”

People were waiting for her inside. Nico...and Nozomi. Eli smiled, remembering their ride here, the drive had been mostly quiet, Nozomi mentioning places she liked to frequent as they drove by them, coffeeshops, art galleries, tiny theatres, a very old, very dramatic church. Nozomi had no trouble keeping up a stream of chatter, even drawing a few of Eli’s favorite restaurants out of her. It had been the most normal thing in Eli's life since she couldn't remember when, just chatting. She wanted more.

###

Nico was winning. And grinning. And so so annoyingly sexily smug that Maki just wanted to throw everyone else off the balcony and see what else Nico could do with a pool table. But Nico kept glancing at the door. And there was no sign of Eli. And the last person Maki wanted to be thinking about now was Nico’s randomly viciously roommate, but she was.

Nico stood up after sinking a nice bank shot into a side pocket. Maki had gotten closer and leaned in, enjoying Nico’s jump as Maki’s hair brushed Nico’s cheek.

“Hey, Nico?” Maki’s voice was soft, the conversation obviously private. Nozomi had drifted out somewhere and now Yoshiko and You were entertaining Hanamaru and a Mari cuddled up on Kanan by telling stories illustrated with with grand gestures. You seemed to be some kind of tilting...penguin?!?

“Hmmmm.” Nico hummed a question and Maki’s focus snapped back.

“If you want to check on Eli, I’ll make sure you get some privacy.”

As grumpy as Maki was about either of them remembering Eli’s existence, the way Nico brightened at that offer made Maki want to reach out and hug her. Instead Maki turned back to the table, “I’ll just finish you off and…”

Maki watched Nico out of the corner of her eye, noticing where Nico’s gaze lingered. Maybe she should invest in some very closely tailored shorts.

“Ha! Nico took it easy on you.”

“Sure.”

Maki nailed the shot, then bowed. “Who’s next?”

That caught Mari’s attention. Maki enjoyed the flash of discontent on Nico’s face as the blonde squealed and jumped up, “My turn, my turn.”

“No bet.” Maki insisted, stroking the velvet, watching Nico nod and duck out to the balcony.

Mari shook her head, choosing her cue. “That’s no fun, Your private number if I win, I delete DJ Diamond Princess as a contact if I lose.”

A pause, then reluctant agreement. After all, Maki could always just set up a new account. New phone, just for Nico, maybe matching, Nico would probably love it if Maki got them matching charms...moving on automatic, Maki collected the balls, racking them loosely, as she considered.

###

Eli still couldn’t believe Nico knew anyone who owned a house like this. Metal and glass bright against the darkness of the sky, as Eli approached she could see the shapes moving around inside.

“Eli?” Nozomi’s voice came out of the darkness.

“Hi.” Eli heard herself sound...eager.

Nozomi almost rushed Eli, almost hugged Eli, almost...both she and Eli stepped back, eyes locked.

“Kanan said you were getting cold out there.” Nozomi held out a jacket between them, “I thought you might need another layer.”

Eli took it, hugging it to her chest, savoring the warm sweet friendliness rising from it as she relaxed.

“Those work better when you put them on.” Nozomi chided, a gentle tartness that brought heat to Eli’s cheeks.

“Ha.” Eli laughed and shrugged into the coat. It was a little loose, so not her style, but so warm.

“Hey, Eli…” Nozomi managed confident, shy, and confiding as she settled Eli’s collar, “the party seems to be all danced out by now and I was…”

“Eli!” Nico was there, a little out of breath, “Nico couldn’t find you. This house is…”

“Amazing.” Eli chuckled as Nico got caught staring back over her shoulder, probably wondering what Maki was doing at that moment.

“Yeah, that.” Nico smacked Eli on the arm, “But how are you supposed to keep track of anyone?”

“You better get back before you lose your DJ.” Eli bumped Nico with her shoulder, a silent thanks for looking out for her.

“Thought you might need my car keys. Maki’s got a spare bedroom I can crash in tonight. Her mom’ll be here in the morning to check on our rescue and I want to know she’s all right.”

“Who, Maki?” Nozomi couldn’t resist, a bite in her tone.

“Yeah, Maki. And Dia.” No spark from Nico, just serious consideration. “Nico can’t believe what a crazy day it’s been.”

“Truth.” Eli sighed. She knew she’d be exhausted once she actually got somewhere familiar.

“We all just need a few minutes of quiet.” Nico muttered, mostly to herself, right hand pointing and sweeping, drawing out some thought half spoken, “without anyone dropping in. Then practical Nico resurged, “I have to grab my go bag, then you can have the car.” Nico started toward the garage”

“I’ll be right there.”

Nico waved as she bounced toward the garage.

“Guess it’s time to call it a night.” Eli started to take off Nozomi’s coat, “I had a lot of fun.”

“Keep the coat.” Nozomi’s arms were wrapped around her torso, but her eyes were serious, and she was so solid, rooted, and tall that Eli felt safeguarded, no tension in the air. “I’m going to take you out for the best chocolate cake in LA day tomorrow so you can return it to me then.”

Eli didn’t have to think about that. Her reply was an instinct, “I’d love to.”

A/N I have visited family, thrown a party, cast a show (Arsenic and Old Lace). First rehearsal is tonight but I miss writing so here you are.

[artificialqueens]

Beneath the Amber Moon, Part 7 (Galactica AU Group Fic) – TheDane & Veronica

Heyyy!! Welcome to Part 7 of “Beneath the Amber Moon,” a group fic set in the Galactica Universe. Click here for previous chapters.

We hope you’re enjoying it! Let us know what you think!

Summary: Violet gets a check-up, Fame gets birthday shots, and Courtney gets a visit.

/////

“Violet.”

Violet recognised the voice, the baritone the only reason she wasn’t fully freaking out as a hand oh so gently touching her cheek.

“Violet, wake up darling.”

Violet opened her eyes, only catching a glimpse of blue before she had to close them again, wincing in pain. The sun was too bright, the light almost white with it’s blinding.

“Don’t move too much.” Violet felt Sutan move her head slightly, a shirt getting shoved under her to give her support, Violet briefly trying to remember what brand Sutan had worn. “You just fainted.” She really hoped it wasn’t his vintage Ralph Lauren.

“Are we still on the yacht?”

“Yes.”

Violet swallowed, her throat painfully dry.

“How long was I out?”

“Only for a minute or two.” Sutan was still holding Violet’s face, the man quickly calling for someone to bring some water.

Violet really hoped everyone wasn’t looking. That would be beyond embarrassing, her stomach still curling with shame whenever she remembered that Adore had seen her throw up the day before. Courtney was somewhat okay, and for a minute Violet almost hoped the blonde was near. They had seen each other in so many degrading and frankly horrible positions that Courtney was one of the few people Violet rarely felt ashamed around.

“How are you feeling? Did you hit your head?”

Violet shook her head slightly, holding her breath for a moment as she waited, but thankfully nothing hurt. Violet heard voices, someone, maybe Fame, giving Sutan a glass of water.

“Try to sit up, sweetheart.”

Violet nodded, opening her eyes, her cheeks instantly going red as she saw that she was surrounded not only by Sutan and Fame, but also Raja, Juju, Alaska, Courtney, and worst of all. Bianca. Sutan helped her up, his hand on her back keeping her secure as she took the water, slowly sipping at it.

“Anything hurt?”

Violet took a deep breath, slowly focusing on each part of her body, one limb at a time like she had learned at the Academy whenever she had taken a nasty fall. Start from the top, and work your way done.

“I’m fine.”

“What happened?” Alaska looked worried, the blonde often being so much kinder than Violet felt like she deserved.

“I think...” If Violet was honest, she had no idea. “It must be heat stroke...” It was the only thing she could think of. It had happened once before, in Indonesia, Sutan, Raja, Raven and her caught in a jeep for almost an hour because a Komodo Dragon had blocked the road.

“Let’s get you to our room, okay?”

Violet nodded, beyond thankful that Sutan was going to take her away from it all.

What she didn’t notice however, was Fame, who was walking away decisively, making a beeline for the crew for the number to the nearest hospital.

/////

Sutan sat up, surprised when he heard a knock on the door. He wasn’t expecting anyone, though Raja had sent him a look when he had walked off with Violet, Sutan quickly but resolutely declining his twin’s offer for help. He knew Violet, and he knew that what she needed most of all right now was rest and to be alone, though he desperately wished he could smoke, Violet laying on the lounge chair of their balcony, slowly drinking the water had forced on her.

He squeezed Violet’s thigh, getting up and walking over to the door, opening it with a puzzled expression.

Fame pushed inside, followed by Bianca and a man that Sutan didn’t recognize.

“Where is she?”

“What the hell is going on?” Sutan asked, relieved that he’d closed to door to the balcony to protect Violet from this onslaught.

“This is Doctor Dias.” Fame gestured vaguely. “I had him helicoptered in. He’s going to check on your girlfriend.”

“Why?”

“Because something is obviously wrong, Sutan.”

“Violet already told us it was a heat stroke-”

“It’s 75 degrees! It wasn’t heat stroke!”

“She probably knows her body better than you do, Fame.”

“You are such an idiot sometimes,” Fame said. “Just let the doctor check her over.”

“Fine.” Sutan threw up his hands. “He can talk to her, but you both need to leave. Especially you-” he pointed at Bianca. “What are you even doing here?”

Bianca shrugged, sitting down on the bed. “Blondie asked me.”

“She speaks Spanish,” Fame explained, and Sutan realised Fame probably expected Bianca to translate for the doctor.

“Bianca?” Sutan rolled his eyes. “I’d say barely.” Sutan was growing more and more tired, a headache threatening to break through. Fame had a tendency to oversell Bianca, attributing more skills to their shared friend than she deserved, and normally he didn’t mind, but right now it was just.. bad. “You do realise that this is Brazil, right? They don’t even speak Spanish here.”

“Potato, potahto,” Fame waved her hand. “Where is Violet?”

“Sir, if I could just see the patient,” Dr. Dias ventured kindly. In perfect English, Sutan was sure to note.

“Yes, sorry about that, I just need to-”

“This is a nice room, Tan.” Bianca lay down on the bed, stretching languidly. Sutan wanted to punch her, her smug satisfaction for once not as endlessly amusing as he usually found it, but instead infuriatingly annoying. “Not as nice as my room upstairs, but pretty good. Have you tried the-”  

“Get out! Both of you, now!”

Fame opened her mouth, aghast, a hand pressed dramatically to her heart.

“Sutan!”

“You both know how uncomfortable Violet will be with this entire situation.” Sutan didn’t normally raise his voice, especially not at these women, but they were dancing on his very last nerve. “This isn’t the time for either of you to be petty bitches.” Sutan pinched the bridge of his nose. “Thank you for calling the doctor, I’m sure he’ll do his job just fine without your supervision. So please leave. Now.”

“Come on, blondie,” Bianca said, pulling Fame to the door. “Party’s over. Tan found his balls.”

“Did you hear him shout at me?” Fame asked her, indigent, and Bianca laughed.

“Yeah, we kinda deserved it…”  

Sutan let out a relieved sigh as the door shut behind them.

“Sorry about that, doctor. Do you mind waiting a moment while I talk to my girlfriend? I want to make sure she’s okay with all this.”

/////

“How are you feeling?”

“Okay...” Violet sighed. The doctor had taken her vitals, drawing blood, asking routine questions and noting down her answers, and for the first time, Violet was genuinely scared. She had heard the entire argument through the door, Sutan standing up for her so fiercely she was sure she would have jumped him if they had been alone. She had wanted to believe it was a heatstroke, but no matter how little she liked it, Fame was right. It wasn’t normal for her body to act like this.

“Come lie with me?” Sutan obliged straight away, Violet curling into his arms in the fresh linen on their bed, his hand running up and down her back, broad strokes and the sound of his heartbeat calming her down.

“I’m sure you’ll be just fine lovely eyes.” Sutan kissed her hair.

/////

Adore found the room first. A fully-stocked bar tucked away on one of the lower decks, with a dance floor, epic sound system, strobe lights and a fabulous disco ball. So she and Courtney began to blast pop songs from their college days, those long ago times of the early 2010s.

Karl arrived next, attracted by the delicate melody of Britney’s “Work Bitch,” immediately taking over as DJ, followed by Jinkx and Alaska, who seemed like they were in the mood to just let go and have some fun after the stress of chasing Adore down all day. Raven, never one to be left out, came soon after, dragging Juju along with her. Detox and Raja joined as soon as their kids were asleep, quickly getting into the festive spirit, shouting out song recommendations to Karl.

By the time Bianca and Fame walked in, the party was in full swing. Drinks flowing, dancing, shrieking laughter. Fame was just about to scold her friends for the raucousness - there were people trying to sleep, she was sure - but then Karl spotted her and screamed, “BIRTHDAY GIRL!”

The entire room erupted into cheers, pulling Fame onto the dance floor, giving her drinks and lavishing her with all the attention she could ever dream of. She laughed and let Raja spin her, supposing that the lecture could wait awhile.

What was the harm of a little noise, anyway?

Bianca watched her friend twirl and dance, smiling. She was glad that Fame was having a good time. Firstly, because it was her birthday and she deserved to have fun and second, because then the rest of them could relax. As Patrick always said, happy wife, happy life, and things were simply easier and better when Fame was happy.

“Hey! Need a refill?” Adore held up a bottle of tequila, giggling.

“I’m still working on this one, thanks.” Bianca grinned at her sister. “Come here.”

Adore basked in the affection, letting Bianca put her arms around her waist, lean a head on her shoulder.

“I love you, kiddo.”

“Are you drunk?” Adore asked, grinning down at her big sister. “Or dying? What’s going on?”

“I don’t know, I just love you. Do I need a fucking reason to say that?”

Adore laughed, hugging her back.

“Absolutely not. I’m very lovable.”

“That you are. Little shit.”

Adore giggled again, taking a swig directly from the tequila bottle.

“Classy.”

“Always!” she agreed, then realized that Bianca’s attention had been diverted. She followed her eyes, landing quickly on Courtney on the dance floor.

The blonde was currently engaged in a very provocative dance with Raven to Rihanna’s “S&M.” Adore turned back to her sister, saw the way her eyes were glazing over, glued Courtney’s every move. She kissed the top of Bianca’s head, making a secret wish for those two to get their shit together once and for all.

/////

Courtney tossed and turned in her bed, drifting in and out of a fitful sleep. The humidity was making it impossible for her to relax. Well, the humidity and the tension that had been building for days, now coiled in her abdomen like a spring.

A sharp knock on her door sounded, making her sit up straight. She stumbled out of bed, grabbing a blanket from the chair on her way, both confused by the middle of the night interruption and not at all confused.

As she opened the door, her stomach filled with butterflies. Bianca stood in the hall, hair loose and blowing in the ocean breeze, in bare feet and a flimsy nightgown.

They stared at each other for a long, heated moment, eyes locked, barely breathing.

Then, it all seemed to happen at once. Courtney took a step backwards, dropping her blanket to the floor. Bianca lunged forward to grab her face, crashing their lips together in a desperate, heated kiss - unleashing the passion she’d been holding back all week, a moan leaving the back of her throat.

Courtney’s hands were everywhere. Sliding over Bianca’s full tits, down the sides of her torso, cupping her ass. She pulled at the nightie, ripping it up over Bianca’s head, hands moving back to her smooth, heated skin.

She gripped the back of Bianca’s thighs and lifted her up, smiling at the little yelp that left Bianca’s throat as she tightened her legs around Courtney’s waist.

“I got you,” Courtney said, gazing up at her.

Fuck, she was even stronger than she looked. Bianca relaxed a little, realizing that she wasn’t going to fall. Courtney then turned around, walking towards the bed and tossing Bianca down, eyes still locked on hers. Bianca’s heart raced, lips and thighs both parting instinctually, chest heaving with desire.

Courtney crawled forward, hovering over her on all fours, sliding a hand up her thigh, looking into her eyes, pupils so dilated that they looked nearly black in the moonlight. She brushed a teasing kiss over Bianca’s mouth and started to lift her head away, when Bianca grasped a handful of her hair and pulled her down for another, deep and messy, relaxing into it as Courtney’s body pressed her into the mattress.

Their legs now tangled together, Bianca arched up against Courtney’s thigh, gripping her hips so tightly that she was sure to leave marks. When Courtney flexed against her, Bianca let out a hoarse whimper. Courtney began to trail a row of teasing kisses down her neck, grinding harder against her, feeling how wet she was getting. She inched her fingers down, when Bianca’s eyes flew open.

“Get away from my pussy with those claws, ma’am.”

The nails. Courtney stifled a laugh.

“Shit, sorry.”

Courtney pushed her legs open wider and crawled down to kneel between them. She could see how glistening wet she was, arching up, demanding attention. Courtney raked the tips of her nails lightly down her stomach, making her shiver.

“Those things are terrifying,” Bianca said, watching her through half-lidded eyes.

Courtney flashed a smirk up at her, placing a tender kiss just below her bellybutton, then lower, and lower.

“This better?”

“Much.” Bianca’s voice was low and husky, heart racing as Courtney continued her slow journey down. When she couldn’t stand it one second longer, she threaded her hands into her hair and pushed her head down.

The second Courtney’s tongue came in contact with Bianca’s clit, her head fell back against the pillows, a relieved groan falling from her lips. God, it had been so long. Those bicurious trophy wives were perfectly fun for casual encounters, but they had nothing on a real lesbian. Bianca gasped as Courtney’s tongue swirled around, slowly and carefully bringing her to the brink.

Courtney wrapped her arms around Bianca’s thighs, looking up at her face, head thrown back, lips parted, eyes shut.

“Is this why you came tonight, B?” She placed a soft kiss on Bianca’s tender inner thigh. “Is this what you wanted?”

A breathy “yeah” was all Bianca could manage. Courtney smiled and licked her lips, relishing the taste of her, before returning to the task at hand, paying close attention to the changes in her breathing, the way her body arched, sense memory reminding her of exactly what Bianca liked as she flicked a tongue over her clit.

Her first orgasm was quiet, blissful sighs and breathy whimpers, fingers tangled in Courtney’s hair, as Courtney lapped her up like dessert, tongue soft against her. She waited patiently for Bianca’s body to slow down before going in for more, sucking on her clit, one hand reaching up to toy with her nipple. She knew what Bianca really wanted, and had half a mind to chew off a couple of those awful nails, but unfortunately, they weren’t budging.

She slid to the side of the bed, smiling at Bianca’s whine, reaching over into her open suitcase and coming up with exactly what she was looking for: a Magic Wand.

Bianca lifted herself up on her elbows, dark eyes hooded with lust.

“Wow, you’re not messing around.”

“Nope.” Courtney twirled the Wand in her hand, giggling. “You ready?”

“Uh huh...”

Courtney laid down beside Bianca, turning her face and licking her mouth open, plunging a tongue inside. She flipped the Magic Wand on, letting it rest lightly against Bianca’s clit.

Bianca arched against the vibrator, vision going blurry as Courtney began to swirl a tongue around her nipple. Her fingers dug deep into Courtney arm, a string of whimpers and then curses falling from her lips. Every time she got close, Courtney changed the speed, keeping her on the edge, driving her crazy until she couldn’t take it anymore.

She moaned, pulling hard on Courtney’s hair, suddenly not satisfied with this passive role. She flipped them over, pushing Courtney’s legs open with her thigh, grinding down against her, rolling her hips faster and faster. She pulled the vibrator out from between them, turning it off and then tossing it aside, bearing down.

Sparks raced through her body as their wet pussies rubbed against each other. Courtney was fingering her nipples, arching up into her, and Bianca bit down hard on her shoulder, sucked bruises into her skin. Branding her. Mine.

“Fuck,” Bianca groaned as she came once again, slowing her movements to the pace of her throbbing cunt, sticky wetness mixing as she rutted against her.

She rode out the last aftershocks, then collapsed on top of Courtney, a sweaty mess, face buried in a cloud of blonde hair. Courtney trailed her nails up her back, round and round, making circles on her damp skin.

As if by instinct, Bianca’s mouth moved to Courtney’s neck, sucking on her pulse point, bruising the tender flesh, a hand snaking down to find her core, warm and wet.

“Oh, god, B…” Courtney whined as Bianca began to stroke her slowly, toy with her in that devilish way she had.

Whimpering with increased urgency now, Courtney arched up, pulse beating frantically as she begged for more friction, more pressure, more heat.

But Bianca’s movements were languid. Intentionally taking her sweet time, a soft tongue chasing her biting kisses, keeping Courtney wracked with pleasure, toes curled. She didn’t even mind those fucking nails digging into her shoulders, every scratch showing her the effect she was having on Courtney’s body as made her way down. Her tongue trailed lazy circles over her golden skin, still salty from the ocean.

She brushed her lips gently over Courtney’s clit, blowing hot air against her, holding her hips down as she strained and arched.

Suddenly, Courtney summoned all of her strength and flipped them over using just her thighs. She knelt above Bianca’s face, the look of surprise on her face almost as good as the feeling of her hot, plush mouth, the triumph of being in control.

Bianca’s arms circled her thighs, holding them open, mouth open and ready, a thrill rushing through her as Courtney’s hips rolled against her, grinding against her tongue, hot and messy and dripping wet. Her frantic movements set the pace, and Bianca kept up, tongue seeking her out, enthusiastically devouring her.

One of Bianca’s hands slid up, thumb brushing against Courtney’s nipple, and she groaned in pleasure, hips moving faster, her own hand moving to her other breast, pinching her nipple as she rode Bianca’s face.

Before long, Courtney’s thighs were shaking. As strong as she was, she was having trouble supporting her own weight in this state, whimpers bubbling up from the back of her throat, close to the edge, biting down on her lip so hard that she tasted blood.

All it took was a gentle push to get her onto her back, so that Bianca could take back the reins, finishing her off slowly, leisurely. Swirling her tongue, unbearably soft, as Courtney bucked and moaned, begging for more. Bianca lifted her head, just one finger toying with her as she looked at her face, eyes rolled back, mouth open in a silent scream. Bianca smiled, still watching as her tongue caressed Courtney’s swollen clit, eliciting a guttural moan, another gush of wetness that Bianca licked up greedily.

“Please B...oh god...I…” Courtney let out another broken moan, knuckles white from her tight grip on the sheets.

“I lied,” Bianca murmured against her, breathing her in deeply. “This is the reason I came here.”

She sucked harder, tongue circling faster, coaxing Courtney through wave after wave, passion engulfing her like a tsunami, leaving her gasping for breath, wrung out, her whole body unravelling as she melted into the bed.

It didn’t matter how much time had gone by. In that moment, Bianca knew that Courtney was hers entirely. She inhaled the scent of sweet victory, lips brushing against her, before rolling off, curled on her side, watching Courtney slowly regain her composure.

“Fuck.”

Bianca chuckled, sliding a hand across her abdomen, the newly formed 6-pack that had been taunting her all week.

“Your body is just…”

Courtney turned a head toward her, a smile tugging at her lips, eyes still half-closed with exhaustion.

“You like it?”

“Hell yeah,” Bianca replied.

“I thought you’d like me better dainty.”

“I thought so too, but...shit.”

Courtney giggled, lacing their fingers together.

“These, on the other hand?” Bianca lifted her hand, scowling at those dreaded nails. “These are a hate crime.”

“They were supposed to keep me from misbehaving,” Courtney explained.

“Oops.”

Courtney laughed again, turning to the side to face her, eyes soft and shining. They didn’t speak for awhile, simply enjoyed the quiet intimacy of the moment, naked and spent, curled together.

“B?”

“Yeah?” Bianca brushed another kiss against Courtney’s lips, pulling her closer by the waist.

Courtney allowed herself a few more moments of gentle affection before clearing her throat and sitting up slightly, propped against the pillows. She carded her scandalous nails through Bianca’s hair, watching her long lashes flutter.

“Um…”

“Yeah? What’s up?” Bianca asked again.

“Should we...talk about what this means?”

“Why, you moving back to New York?” Bianca retorted. Courtney’s hand stopped moving in her hair and she immediately regretted the sarcastic tone. Shit.

There was a long pause, and then Courtney muttered, “Forget it,” withdrawing her hand.

Bianca couldn’t bear to look up, to see the hurt that she knew would be in her eyes. What the fuck was wrong with her? Why did she have to destroy this moment?

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean...I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Okay.”

“I just...didn’t think anything had changed for you, so-”

“You’re right. It hasn’t.”

Bianca felt like she was swallowing a mouthful of sawdust as the reality of the situation hit her like a ton of bricks. Courtney wasn’t hers anymore. She had her own life, her own career. This was just a fling. And as much as Bianca wanted to get on her knees and beg her to come back, she knew that wasn’t the answer.

Courtney finally managed to catch her eye, saw how sorry she really was. She swallowed down her own pain, her own spoiled fantasies of what this was going to be, and offered her hand, palm up.

“Just wanted to make sure we’re on the same page.”

“Right.” Bianca took her hand, tried to be grateful for what they had, instead of angry about what she was losing, once again. Tried to pretend, for a little while, that things were different. That this was a new beginning instead of the same old tune.

She held onto Courtney’s hand, thumb rubbing her palm, until she heard Courtney’s breathing even out, and then gave her one final squeeze. One last kiss, soft, against her cheek.

It would be better if they woke up alone.

[thekwanderer]

Today again felt like three separate days! It also was quite action packed. We started the day with another delicious breakfast of dosas and Indian parathas. I tried to eat a little lighter since I definitely over ate the day before. Bobby leaned in and his stomach is definitely feeling better since he got to India since there is little to no cross contamination. We met up with my friend Stephanie who went to college with me and her husband Patrick. They had gotten in at 2 am after their trip to only be turned away because the hotel had overbooked! They were troopers though and ate breakfast at the hotel with us. We then got ready for the Haldi ceremony! And as usual fashion, the groom's family was late (an hour to be precise).

The Haldi ceremony is when family members rub turmeric on the bride and groom. In this ceremony, they had mustard oil, yogurt, and turmeric powder and each person had two little utensils with some sort of green leafy plant tied on to them. You are supposed to dip the leaves into the oil, yogurt, and then turmeric and touch the bride and groom on their feet, knees, shoulders, cheeks, and then the top of their heads. It's meant to be a ceremony that helps the couples fertility. They even let the guests partake and it was fun smearing it on Anna and Rahul! After each person has their turn with the leaves, they mix together the rest of the ingredients into a box and mixed it into a paste. The family then proceeded to smear it on the bride and grooms' faces. After that was done, the family began to sing and guests danced around. Rahul's family were all wearing these beautiful pieces of clothing in a deep mustard yellow color. Anna wasn't sure of the customs so we didn't dress up.

After the ceremony, we took an Uber into more of the center city to a mall called Select CITYWALK. We got a chance to meet up with our friends, Ishan and Namrata, a couple who we meet up every week in Seattle for trivia. Worlds colliding! I brought Stephanie and Patrick along with us and we went to a store called FabIndia to get some traditional clothes. Bobby got a long kurta in a copper orange and I got a salwar kameez in blue with orange accents. It was fun trying on other clothes! However I started feeling a little sick that I deduced later that it some dehydration. We went Punjab Grill that everyone raved about! I wasn't able to partake, but the highlights were the grilled paneer, the grilled chicken tikka, and the black daal. We had a lovely time meeting up with Ishan and Namrata but we had to leave the mall since it was getting close to rush hour on a Monday!

At the hotel I wasn't feeling so well, but rallied for the wedding! I change into my new Indian threads, which are amazingly comfortable, and go see what's going on with the bride. What I loved about this experience is that I had a backstage pass to all of the preparation for the bride. There were about 100 people at this wedding and the bride only had 20 on her side. She asked us to be a part of her wedding procession. We were supposed to start the wedding at 7, but as we learned quickly in India nothing goes to plan and you have to roll with it. Luckily, the groom thought ahead and rented a hotel room and filled it with liquor for folks to partake in while waiting. Indians love their whisky so that was definitely in attendance.

I got to peek into the bride's area where she got ready. There was a professional woman who was the lead who had 3 assistants. Some of the first women at work that I've seen! Anna's hair looked like it took hours. She had not one, but two fake pieces of hair. One to give a platform on top of her head to attach the veil and one to make her bun more voluminous. Around her bun there fresh flowers that were quite fragrant but I'm not sure what they were (I'm guessing jasmine). Her outfit was pretty simple to get on. It was a top and skirt separate, but the skirt was super heavy at about 20 pounds and there was so much structure underneath the dress that it could stand up on its own. On top of her henna she also had bright red and gold bangles that went up half of her forearm. The original tradition is to keep them on for 13 months, but most modern brides keep them on for 13 weeks instead. But Anna and Rahul have already been married for a year, so no need to prove her devotion to him. Additionally she had on a bracelet with long dangling pieces that almost look like bells. Anna was supposed to wave these pendant things over single women's heads to ensure that they get married soon, but I didn't see her actually do that. Lastly, Anna had to put on a veil. It was a pink tulle like material, but it had to be folded in such a way and pinned. I'm not sure of the significance, but apparently it's a big deal because it took 20 minutes and the head attendant did it twice. Once ready, it was hurry up and wait! Simultaneously there was a big drum show to entertain the groom's side of the family while the bride gets ready. I didn't see any of it since I was waiting for the bride to get ready.

Finally, around 8:30, they are ready for us. We go downstairs and they bring out a canopy made out of flowers. Anna's two sisters are up front to hold the front two corners, but there are also 6 more of us holding up the sides of the canopy. We then walk out to the rest of the crowd in our little procession to Christina Perry's "1,000 Years" from the Twilight soundtrack which I get a giggle out of since I know Anna is not a huge fan of that movie. The music quickly switches to an Indian love ballad and we approach Rahul on the stage. He's wearing white and has a red turban on. Once they make it to the stage, after a flurry of pictures of course, Anna needs "some friends on stage". Of course, being the Wellesley women we are, we get on stage. They turn us away and ask for the men. It turns out that they need guys to help lift Anna into the air while Rahul is being lifted to put flower garlands on each other.

As that ceremony goes on, the DJ is already spinning beats. One of Rahul's cousins really wants to dance, and of course Bobby is the first to say yes. They jump on the dance floor, and because they look like their having so much fun, others join in. Sadly our dance party was cut short because they started the religious ceremony. There was another stage where everyone has to take off their shoes. It was a gorgeous platform, it was green and there were real flowers hanging from the ceiling next to a chandelier. Anna's and Rahul's families were on stage and the priest was reciting a mix of Hindi and Sanskrit which Anna and her father had two repeat. Anna did a pretty good job and even the aunties and uncles we were standing nearby were impressed. There is also a small fire that they stoked with ghee and Anna's family poured other things into like puffed rice. In this ceremony, Anna made 7 promises to the groom and they walked around the fire 7 times. It was very cool to see, however, strangely no one can tell us what the 7 promises are after the fact. So you'll just have to know that it was a religious ceremony. The ceremony traditionally went in for 7 days, it was shortened to 7 hours, but they did the ceremony in about one hour.

During the religious ceremony, Rahul's youngest aunt gave us a hot tip. It turns out that there's a tradition where the bride's friends steal the groom's shoes and hold them ransom until he gives them what they want. Anna's sisters proceed to steal one, and us as Anna's friends stole the other. We didn't understand the tradition very well since it was second hand knowledge, but we knew there were spies everywhere since Rahul's side outnumbered us at least 2 to 1 if not 4 to 1! We all stand in a tight circle and take out our scarves and wrap them around our hands so people don't know who had the shoe. Then, we walked to different corners of the wedding area to hide it! The time finally comes around where the negotiating began. Anna's sisters cave quickly to $50 each. The Wellesley women drove a harder bargain. We weren't happy with just money, we wanted more. After fierce negotiations, we landed on a pretty good deal. First, Rahul will treat us to a nice thanksgiving dinner on Thursday in Goa. Secondly, he will visit each of Anna's friends in their cities within the next year (Seattle, LA, Philadelphia, and NYC). And lastly, as a kickback to our informant, we said that Rahul had to take his aunt to a nice spa day.

After the main ceremony, dancing resumed and we ate a hearty dinner of Indian food. But by this time it was 10 pm on a Monday and the wedding was dying down. The day was an incredible experience that I don't think I'll have one of again. I was so happy that we made the long trip halfway around the world to see one of my dear friends Anna get married.

[lpwarwick]

Generally speaking, cinephiles love onscreen gangsters. As the writer-director of the gangsteresque dramedy Hustlers, Lorene Scafaria, recently told the New York Times, "we can name 1,000 of those characters by their first and last names. We've enjoyed them." Indeed, Hustlers feels akin to the crime films of both Martin Scorsese (Goodfellas, Casino) and Adam McKay (The Big Short, Vice). This movie too is zingy, surreal, and wildly entertaining. The key difference between it and the many great films that depict men doing horrible things for understandable reasons—love, money, power—is that Hustlers asks, why not women?

Inspired by a real-life crime spree and a 2015 New York magazine article by Jessica Pressler that examined the ringleaders behind it, Hustlers follows Destiny (Constance Wu): a novice in stripping who gets wise to the culture in Manhattan during the flashy mid-aughts. Newly employed at a club flush with Wall Street bros and cash in 2007, Destiny meets her mentor, Ramona (Jennifer Lopez), in a sequence that merits an updated definition of "legendary." In the reflexive way that embattled women often recognize and embrace each other, Ramona envelops Destiny in her chinchilla coat and teaches her the tricks of their trade—all of which boil down to how to best keep a man wanting and thus spending more.

Then the Great Recession hits, and many of the men who caused it vacate the clubs into which they'd once poured their ill-gotten gains. The financial crisis dovetails with Destiny becoming pregnant by a deadbeat boyfriend, retreating to Queens, and struggling to support her beloved grandmother and baby daughter with little more than a GED. In 2010, Destiny returns to the hollowed-out club of her heyday and to her friendship with Ramona, who has fresh recruits (Keke Palmer, Lili Reinhart) and a new plan. To expedite their usual process of teasing money out of corporate suits, the quartet resorts to "fishing" for men, spiking their drinks with a blend of ketamine and MDMA, and maxing out their credit cards. "It's stolen money," Ramona tells Destiny, referring to their top clientele's robbing of millions of people of their livelihoods. Why not steal it back?

The viewer's proxy for this bonkers scheme is a journalist named Elizabeth (Julia Stiles), who interviews Destiny and Ramona individually in 2015. When Destiny starts waxing nostalgic about happier times, Elizabeth cuts in with, "Let's get back to the drugging." Her eyes widen at the audacity and absurdity of it all. When Destiny offers her a cup of tea, she hesitates before sipping. These comical cues feel necessary, but also a bit grating. Getting viewers to like male characters who kill people, sans apologia, has never been difficult, but persuading them to like female characters who hurt men is an altogether different beast. Hustlers chips away at that weird double standard, but stops short of obliterating it. The piling on of consequences grows thick in the end, eliciting viewers' sympathy for a contrite and seemingly reformed Destiny above all. Yet the first half of the film is more effective in generating empathy. We get to know and like these women before their actions turn rotten—and even then, their motivations are clear.

Hustlers' opening shot tracks Destiny from the dressing room through the strip club on her first night of work to Janet Jackson's "Control," which sets up the gaze through which the audience will view the narrative while revealing the protagonist's primary goal: Destiny wants to hold the reins of her own life. As she tells Ramona, who also is a single mom to a young daughter, "I don't want to rely on anyone for anything." Theirs is a platonic love affair, as Destiny's dreams ignite as she observes Ramona's fierce independence and entrepreneurial streak.

"When did things start to get out of control?" Elizabeth asks Destiny. "Ramona was always in control," Destiny replies. When these two are together, the men in the room tend to fuzz at the edges. "We are hurricanes," Ramona whispers in Destiny's ear. The men in their path are collateral damage. So when the women's world spins from dollar-drenched dreaminess into a no-hands-on-the-wheels nightmare, Destiny is at first too high in the whirlwind of their creation to register the change.

If they'd been born into better circumstances, if their lives had taken other turns, or if society functioned differently, these women might be working on Wall Street. Instead they start at the bottom of the strip club hierarchy, with club managers, security, and DJs taking deep cuts from their nightly earnings. But Ramona sees the scoreboard from above. Everyone is hustling, to varying degrees of success. "This whole country is a strip club," she says to Elizabeth in her interview. "You've got people tossing the money and people doing the dance." Ramona's mix of mama-bear cuddliness and long-sighted, feline ferocity cements her place on film history's list of notable heavies. Her opening quip to Destiny, "Doesn't money make you horny?" encapsulates her worldview. Her code is capitalist to the extreme: Get money for yourself and your loved ones in this screwed-up world, and screw anyone who gets in your way.

Hustlers, it must be said, is hustle incarnate. The film's editor, production designer, the majority of the cast, and three of its executive producers are women (the other two are McKay and Will Ferrell). Scafaria, originally hired as Hustlers' screenwriter, had to convince her higher-ups that she, rather than Scorsese or McKay, should direct the picture. As producer Jessica Elbaum told the entertainment site Vulture in an oral history of the film's production, "We were prepping by February, we made the movie in March, we wrapped it in May, and the movie's coming out in September, which is insane." Crazier still is how the 29-day shoot and rush to theaters shows not at all in the movie itself. Impeccably acted, plotted, paced, researched, and composed, Hustlers is an immersive thrill ride through every lush and period-conscious frame.

On top of that, Scafaria avoids both romanticizing the strip-club scene and exoticizing the profession of her diverse ensemble. She shows the strippers' friendships and fights, base injustices and heightened coups, and how getting by looks different depending on where you stand. Rapper Cardi B—a former stripper herself—who appears in a crowd-pleasing cameo, has said that Hustlers matches many facets of her own experience. "I recommend every stripper to see it," she said of the film in an Instagram post. "Especially if you are a New York stripper—like, you definitely will relate." As a woman who hasn't climbed a pole for money but has had to dance in other ways (haven't we all?), I found myself relating too.

[totallyvain]

Totally Hot Q&A With: Aura ♥

WORDS BY: Thania Garcia 

Sounds Like: The most polished mix of the most spontaneous sounds  

Hometown: Providence, Rhode Island 

 Totally Hot is a rapid-fire Q&A session with artists on the up and up. Think of it as a super invasive first date ...who knows? You might commit enough to add a few songs to your collections.  

  Totally Vain: Let’s get the basics down. How did you get your start in creating music? 

Aura: “I had been writing songs since childhood, never truly writing them down- but always making them. Then I had started making beats when I was 16; I didn’t think to put the two together til I was 19.”

 TV: How did your environment shape or influence your music and music industry experience? 

Aura: “Well, I grew up with expressive parents and siblings, all of us have strong personalities! My father would often sing aloud all throughout the house. He loved to dance and blast Michael Jackson. My mom is super kind, always making friends and telling ‘inappropriate’ jokes. When I began with my music though no one in my family had yet to pursue any sort of creative endeavors. I was the first. I don’t know though, I can remember waking up every day, getting ready for school to the MTV Jams channel and I bet that was a big influence. But of course, environments shape everything about a person until they grow enough to realize they have the ability to learn/unlearn what they want for their lives.”

 TV: Would you say you tend to prefer creating inside one genre over another? 

Aura: “I don’t really create within genres so I can’t say I have a preference. But I blend sounds often and I think they’re all fantastic! And not to be trite but making music is so fun! I love playing around with all the different effects and mixes.” 

 TV: You've covered country, you've created dance music and hip-hop sounds. How has the accessibility of streaming (specifically on Soundcloud) allowed you to venture and create as freely as you do? 

Aura: “I’ve been able to release and share my music easily because of SoundCloud which has been really nice, it’s also been cool to be able to connect with the community through it. But I don’t know that it’s had an impact on how playful I am with my art.”

 TV: Your cover art is so colorful and uniquely Aura (I personally love the art for your Minute-Man EP!), how would you describe this aesthetic that you've sort of created for yourself?

Aura: “Thanks so much! I love it when I get compliments on my style haha. I don’t really know how to describe it, I’ve always loved the look of Microsoft Paint and all the character styling on 2000’s Disney Channel- I guess my aesthetic is made up of all the cartoons, colors and looks I saw growing up.”

 TV: What message are you looking to spread within your lyricism?

Aura: “This is the best question ever! My whole mission as a writer and actually just my entire reason for putting myself out there vulnerable as can be and embracing artistry- is to promote oneness, spread self-love, confidence and to bring forth an admiration for honesty and truth. To clarify, by truth I mean I want to be able to inspire everyone who listens to be themselves and to be honest about what that means and where they come from. A lot of the time we allow our mistakes or upbringing to throw us into a state of denial, we become ashamed about who we are or even lie to others to gain whatever false validation they may give us. It’s all too harmful!! It’s so spectacular to be yourself! We’re never given the chance to bask in ourselves and stand firm in who we’re growing to be, and it’s not ‘til later in our lives that some of us are able to snap out of that mentality. So yeah, overall, my intention with my lyricism is to aid people that are in the process of learning who they are and lift them up in love.”

 TV: Who are your main musical influences? Who are your fashion inspirations?

Aura: “Pete Rock, Kelis, Azealia Banks, M.I.A., Madonna, Tyler the Creator, Charli XCX! Hmm… my fashion inspirations are vast I always have trouble pinpointing them, but I think much like my aesthetic, I just kinda mesh together ideas from everything I’ve seen. I will say though, two women who I channel when I’m feeling low are Princess Nokia and Rihanna! I look at fierce photos of them and I just feel like, ‘whew, I’m capable of anything!’”

 TV: "Righteous" carries a message of a personal sense of accomplishment, can you talk a bit about the process in writing those lyrics?

Aura: “Does it really? My intention wasn’t for it to be personal, even though I wrote it of course from my own experience. This song is of triumph and reclamation. Most of my songs are either footnotes to myself or guidebooks for others. Righteous was both. In my past, I was very affected by what people thought and had to say about me to a point where I felt crippled by it. Every time this or that was said about me, I’d want to hide. Anyway, song-writing for me comes easily and I wrote the whole tune in about an hour. I had to get these things I had felt off of my chest, but I couldn't believe I was able to get them onto paper. Like I said, song-writing for me is very easy, but it was the first time I had ever been able to write something so meaningful, freeing, and healing. ‘Righteous’ and another one of my songs ‘Pushback 5’ are my favorites works to date.”

 TV: The production and mixing of "Righteous" are super spacey and fun and I think they compliment the lyrics perfectly, what was the production process like?

Aura:  “I didn’t produce the initial beat to Righteous, that was my pal ARIV. Although through the mixing I basically did co-produce, as did my engineer Enytime. The beat was so crazy I couldn’t help but want to add to it, I could hear the snaps and DJ scratches as I recorded the verses. A lot of the mixing was good ‘ol off the top improvising, but I remember telling Enytime ‘I need DJ scratches here, there, and there.’ We didn’t have a mixer but somehow he pulled out his laptop and did the damn thanggg!”

 TV: What drives your motivation to continue creating as a young and up and coming artist in the streaming age?

Aura: “Not to be dramatic, but my only motivation to continue working is the fact that the world is a dark place… Many people need guidance yet most influencers have nothing of value to offer. Drugs, fashion, money, and drama are okay I guess, I’d love to do without it, but I’m sure there needs to be a balance of some sort. I know that with the right people leading the way the world can once again see pure love and light. People will be able to recognize their own power and abilities individually, as well as united- and when we’re in that power we’re able to make great, kind and eco-friendly choices, etc. My motivation to keep creating is to be able to see that world, and have played a part whether small or large in building it.”

You can find Aura’s info + tunes at: http://linktr.ee/auramoreno