#yes that’s from a pierce the veil song. it’s so fitting

[weaversthread]

Did I make the most of loving you?

[belovedenzo]

punk! enzo headcanons

various punk! lorenzo berkshire headcanons. my own au! enzo berk but make it alt

warnings; drug and alcohol mentions, cussing, suggestive topics, some angst

words; 1.4k

notes; this has been living in my mind for so long, expect way more from this because I love it- he's my ride or die fr. requests for him are open

Lorenzo Berkshire is known as one of the worst trouble makers in town- notorious really

Some people know him for his major attitude and desire for anarchy, but others know him solely for how he dresses and how it makes him stand out like a sore thumb

Everybody calls him Enzo- it just fits him better

He can be found mostly skipping class, smoking cigarette’s in the football field or hanging out with his best friend’s Mattheo and Theo…

Most people feel intimated by him and they really shouldn’t- however he does use that to his advantage

Any jock to come his way and try their hand at making a fool of him has ended up with an ass beating, Enzo and his friends don’t play like that

With that being said, he does appreciate the nerds and quiet kids that camp out in the opposite corner of the library of him at lunch…

His only real interest at school is to get the fuck out, he absolutely hates it there and soon he will be… that is if he even graduates 

Enzo has a long list of detentions that he is avoiding to this day

The staff really view him as a long cause at this point

He also tends to pretty much never turn in assignments or pay attention, it’s a miracle he’s made it this far 

As much as he plays dumb, that’s just not true- all he has is a great deal of adhd and boredom…

Outside of school he enjoys skating, metal music and smoking with the boys 

They attempted to start a band but never complete a song without arguing 

On the weekends they hang out at the skate park and sell weed to the kids in younger grades

If they think they can get away with it, they’ll sell the kid some of their fake stash- and yes they always get away with it

Enzo is probably the most talented skater at the park with the least amount of practice, it came to him naturally (Mattheo thinks this is so annoying)

Sometimes they even adventure to abandoned places- creepy and desolate structures in the middle of the night. There’s an abandoned orphanage they go to regularly and still haven’t gotten caught (there has been close calls)...

His music taste is actually pretty emo; pierce the veil being his favorite band

Over all, music is one of his biggest passions; the bass being his go to instrument to play

Draco has taught him some guitar but it’s just ‘not his thing, it’s Draco’s’

By now he’s tried out a little bit of every genre on all of their instruments and he kinda nails eery single one 

Mattheo loves and supports him but can’t stand Enzo’s ability to be good at absolutely everything…

On the inside Enzo tends to feel alone but hides it well with his sardonic humor and rough personality 

He likes to act colder than he is at heart and by nature. With his friends he goes pretty soft and cares for those he loves

No matter what- he will always stand by and defend his boys. Fiercely loyal and cares way more for them than he does for himself...

When they go out to house parties on the weekend- the only true reason is to steal the hosts’ alcohol and leave

If they get caught, Mattheo is sure to get into a fight and Theo has to stop Enzo from joining in and making it worse. One of these days he’s going to get them in major trouble

Can become loud and obnoxious (Theo hates loud drunk Enzo)

Smokes a ton of cigarettes- but not like Mattheo does. Enzo swears he can ‘quit when ever he wants to’

He may smoke less cigarettes and weed than the rest of his group but he loves to drink alcohol. He can out drink any of them

Though he has a good tolerance… he tends to act a fool and put them in messy situations when he’s drunk. Loves spray paint things he shouldn’t after a few chugs of fire whiskey…

If he it isn’t fear or annoyance- it’s a crush. So many girls have the hots for Enzo because he’s a ‘bad boy’

In fact, boyfriends all over his town hate him for it. He steals girls as play things from just about anyone if she’s hot enough

A relationship isn’t something he sees himself in, but girls can be fun to toy with. He’s the worst player out of all his friends and they applaud him for it

Acts tough but could totally get his heart broken by a mysterious alt gf

Even if he did catch feelings- would he really admit it tho? (probably not-)…

If he was to fall in love, he would be a real rocky ride as a boyfriend (toxic!)

Sometimes he’d be sweet and willing to share his feelings- but when he does shut down it’s not pretty 

Becomes extremely dismissive and distant until what ever he’s dealing with is over and will not talk about it

Likes to steal her favorite books from the local book store as a gift to say I’m sorry

Writes her name on his cigarettes before smoking them when he misses her

Thinks about her while he listens to music alone- and then shows her those songs 

Extremely protective and jealous, possessive even...

Has a sort of pessimistic attitude towards the world and struggles with anxiety

Big dreamer- Enzo has all kinds of hopes and dreams of being a famous musician and getting out of his town but he’s afraid that will never happen

Definitely had a traumatic childhood that he doesn’t talk about often but it haunts him all the time- major character lore

The boys kinda worry about him and have watched him spiral with drugs and alcohol many times. They know him well and are probably the only ones he tells his past to(they take good care of him dw)…

In his alone time he reads poetry and writes his own. Most of it is angst but some of it is actually quite beautiful 

Can draw but swears up and down that it’s terrible. His style is super unique and edgy- loves drawing skulls and hot lady fairies

Sits on his floor and listens to his favorite albums in his CD player when none of the boys want to hang after classes (has a super impressive collection of CD’s too)…

Spikes his hair most of the time but sometimes leaves it shaggy, depending on how much he cares about his appearance that day 

Lots of jackets, a real jacket slut. Leather (cheap leather), denim, oversized cotton- as long as their black or grey

Band tee’s- in the summer he cuts off the sleeves and makes them into shitty tank tops 

I swear the same pair of jeans every day 

Likes to wear mostly black, white, grey and sometimes navy 

Earrings- hoops and spikes being his go-to’s

Wants a nose ring

Lots of silver chunky jewelry when he remembers to grab it off his night stand… or if he can find it (after a few too many drunk nights he never knows where his jewelry is)

Would wear some guy liner, maybe even some eyeshadow for the right occasion…

Some of the things he hates most in this world are conformity and pricks

Anyone who picks on the little guy is the worst kind of person in his eyes 

Never follows with the crowd and likes being different than everyone else

No body ever seems to understand him and how he sees the world, especially his family

His way or the high way- very competitive and firm with his opinions. Likes to debate and has gotten to fights over his strong opposition...

being with punk! enzo feels like… ♫

southern constitutions by pierce the veil

scotty doesn’t know by lustra

empty sighs and wine by Isles & glaciers

saying sorry by hawthorne heights

killing a classic by drop dead, gorgeous

reinventing your exit by underoath

letters to you by finch

defend you by silverstein

today I saw the whole world by pierce the veil

knife prty by deftones

luv, spell

taglist; @draco-malfoys-lovergirl @shyamanuensis @obsessedwithceleste @riddlesbunny @enzosbabyangel @dearmisshoney @nottslove @pizzaapeteer @nemesyaaa @eternalbuckley @hayleygrrr @nottsluvv @ur-local-wizard @juliet-017 @viperify if u want to be added or removed lmk plz

[ghoulz4foolz]

Drift Playlist

It's been A While, but I completely revamped by Drift playlist. It's in chronological order from Dead End to the end of the events of Lost Light and broken up by time periods/major events. I have lots of notes and explanations for almost every single song under the cut (fair warning it is LONG, so only look at the stuff under the cut if you're interested or you'll be scrolling for a while). Please feel free to chat w me about any of it bc I am so very passionate. Cover art is also mine!

PRE-WAR/DEAD END 1. Bug Like an Angel - Mitski 2. Junkie Church - AJJ 3. Cocaine Jesus - RKS -honestly can also double for when Drift is in exile. I feel like it's super applicable thinking about his friends from Dead End and his general situation, but also later after he leaves the LL and is thinking about Rodimus 4. Camisado - P!ATD -who tf is caring about the guttermechs? Again, this would also be a good Deadlock song 5. Runs in the Family - Amanda Palmer (sorry ik I also hate her) 6. Brand New City - Mitski -what can I say, Megatron gave him purpose DRIFT, MEET RATCHET 7. Wretch - Autoheart -Specifically when Drift meets Ratchet in the Dead End clinic on Rodion 8. Underground - Cody Fry 9. Back To Life - Mother Mother -This feels very.... mmm Dead End to me. Very "fuck you, I'll do what I want" 10. Arms Tonite - Mother Mother 11. LIE WITH WOLVES - The Dogs on Shepard Street -”I’ll see you in my brothers, I’ll see you in the end” -”lie with dogs and you’ll get fleas. Lie with wolves and you’ll get teeth” DECEPTICON DEADLOCK 12. The Killing Type - Amanda Palmer (sorry againnnn) -I know he didn't exactly feel... bad? while he was first joined up. Just indulge me here 13. Cirice - Ghost -Megatron is Very Convincing. I'd revolt too. 14. Washing Machine Heart - Mitski -unfortunately, I read a great fic where Deadlock and Megatron kinda had smth going during the earlier war days and this song just feels Right. -Additionally, fitting for post-exile abt Roddy 15. Nicotine - P!ATD -see above 16. War Pigs/Luke’s Wall - Black Sabbath -”Politicians hide themselves away. They only started the war, why should they go out and fight?” 17. King For A Day - Pierce The Veil 18. Black Sheep - Dorothy 19. Girl is a Gun - Halsey -also one of my Starscream songs 20. Damonisch - TUYU -perfect fast-paced slasher 21. Set Me On Fire - Flyleaf 22. Cocoa Hooves - Glass Animals -cross-faction romance? on my playlist? -"You never fight back"... oh like a Medic? Who's job is healing regardless of alignment? 23. Lay All Your Love On Me - ABBA -see above 24. Headlock - Imogen Heap -”got your heart in a [Dead]lock”? Sorry that was SO cheesy 25. Wolf in Sheep's Clothing - Set It Off 26. Punk Tactics - Joey Valence & Brae 27. Centuries - FoB -oooooh the DJD wants you so bad 28. Little Pistol - Mother Mother -maybe having little change of heart? perhaps getting stuck with the Circle of Light?

FACTIONLESS ON EARTH/WRECKERS TIME 29. Liquid Smooth - Mitski 30. Hungover in the City of Dust - Autoheart 31. Clean - Woolbright 32. Impostor Syndrome - Sidney Gish -I really like the idea he learned a lot abt human culture and racing etc. on Earth. It was probably lonely, but he got a fresh start. 33. Being so Normal - Peach Pit  -Still, it must be hard being so far removed from the settings you've known all your life 34. Daniel In The Den - Bastille -maybe both sides are flawed and people are complicated 35. The Distance - Cake -specifically about his drag racing days, ik it’s a little out of place, but it fits well w the songs after DRIFT DEFECTS/AUTOBOT DRIFT/MTMTE 36. Crusader - Stevie Howie -mmmm yes some good rock 37. Diary of Jane - Breaking Benjamin 38. This Is Why We Fight - The Decemberists 39. Allies or Enemies - The Crane Wives -certainly, he has some conflicting feelings about his new “allies” DRATCHET MTMTE 40. Oxford Blood - Autoheart -ESPECIALLY early Dratchet where they weren't quite together, but they were close pre-EOS 41. Body Terror Song - AJJ -look, ik Drift takes care of himself Now, but he certainly didn't always and I'm sure there was some lasting damage -I also like to hc he kept his 'con claws as a reminder of who he was before. I assume Autbots wouldn't look upon that too favorably 42. A Sadness Runs Through Him - The Hoosier -ooooh Ratchet wants to fix him so bad 43. The Soldiering Life - The Decemberists - I have a LOT to say about this. I know Drift and Ratchet didn't exactly serve together (except kinda in All Hail Megatron). Still, just listen to it and you will Understand. EXILE 44. Which Witch - Florence + The Machine -”I’m on trial, waiting ‘til the beat comes out” -”Who’s a heretic now?” -It's Perfect. you just Know he was mad even with all the other mixed emotions 45. Sucker’s Prayer - The Decemberists -it’s really perfect for this period of time -”I was not ready for the road. I was so discontent to wear that heavy load” -”I wanna love somebody, but I don’t know how” 46. Losing my Religion - REM -oh Boy. Self explainatory. 47. Drop the Guillotine - Peach Pit -thinkin' about how Rodimus sold him out as a scapegoat. Was being captain that important? 48. Working for the Knife - Mitski 49. Cleopatra - The Lumineers -Drift realizing just how much he really liked Ratchet, how they practically started the Conjunx Ritus before he left without even realizing. -Insert Specralist guilt here 50. A Pearl - Mitski 51. Mr. Loverman - Ricky Montgomery

EMPIRE OF STONE 52. Heartbreaker - Autoheart -I'd be pretty emotional too if the person I loved most in the world, who I never confessed to, travelled across space to come bring me back home. Even more so when my Amica didn't even consider it. 53. Drop in the Ocean - Ron Pope 54. Someone To Stay - Vancouver Sleep Clinic 55. Little Talks - Of Monsters and Men 56. Sleep On The Floor - The Lumineers -"leave a note on your bed, let your mother know you're safe" that of write the new CMO a note and go get your soon-to-be husband 57. The Sailor Song -this is my CD/Rewind song, but it belongs here too. 58. Drops of Jupiter - Train -honestly, this is more about Ratchet than Drift, but it felt fitting 59. Fast Car - Tracy Chapman -"Anyplace is better; starting from 0 we got nothin to lose" 60. World War Me - Kind and Queen of the Losers -"so tell me, baby- will you love me if I lose? Will you love me even if I lose?" 61. G.I.N.A.S.F.S. - FoB 62. We Can Build A Fire - Autoheart -”Who in your right mind did you think you’d find- your guardian angel?” -this one was rly hard to place bc it could go so many places POST EOS DRATCHET 63. Benjamin Alphabet - Super Whatevr -healing together takes time and energy! 64. You are the Moon - The Hush Sound 65. Me and My Husband - Mitski -with a positive interpretation, minimal angst intended -even when your best friend writes you off, you'll still always have your grumpy husband 66. Soul Meets Body - Death Cab for Cutie -the Dratchet song ever 67. Sunlight -Spending thousands of years on a war that did nothing but cause pain and suffering really makes a person think about how valuable enduring love and devotion are 68. Female Doctor - Miniature Tigers 69. I’ll Rust With You - Steam Powered Giraffe 70. Laughter Lines - Bastille -this will make me SOB if I think about it too long. GEN/LOST LIGHT 71. Calamity Song - The Decemberists 72. Angel With a Shotgun - The Cab -see Lost Light #1 73. How Far We've Come - Matchbox Twenty 74. Moscow - Autoheart -my Lost Light anthem!! 75. In Our Bedroom After the War - Stars -"at least the war is over" 76. I'm Still Standing - Elton John -boy isn't he 77. I Know The End - Phoebe Bridgers 78. Life Eternal - Ghost -yeah. all of this. 79. Bitter Water - The Oh Hellos

[ophernelia]

you’ve got a question, i’ve got an answer.

- * general questions:

what’s your name mean? how do you pronounce it?

my favorite song is caraphernelia by pierce the veil. ophernelia is just a play on the that. why the “o”? idk. sounded nice to me. it’s pronounced oh-fur-nail-yuh.

what games do you play?

ts4, breath of the wild, tears of the kingdom, animal crossing, cities skylines, gta v, stardew valley.

tell me about you.

i go by my middle name, brooklyn. opie, brooklyn, idc what you call me. she/her pronouns. i’m black, I’m from chicago. got my degrees in research psychology, but i would much rather be a director.

why do you have a patreon if your content is free?

not all of my content is free. 18+ versions episodes are behind a paywall due to patreon’s guidelines. all proceeds go straight back into funding the content. (paying for storage for files and episodes. my capcut and canva subscriptions. that’s it) the censored version is always posted on YouTube for free. admittedly, they take me a bit longer to make. so, patrons usually get early access because i can keep all the vulgarity and music in. only vulgar scenes, some vulgar language, and some songs are omitted, but you still get the full story. i just change the content around to make it appropriate for YouTube.

are you an aesthetic gamer?

no. i kinda just do whatever. my page is a dumpster dive. this is essentially a garbage bin. it’s messy, unorganized, but sometimes you might find some decent stuff in it.

what other simmers do you reccomend?

check out that list here!

-* build/cc questions. [i no longer post builds]

are you wcif friendly?

no. i delete cc constantly. it’s here today, gone tomorrow. there’s a good chance it may be in my cc finds tag, if you check.

an item is missing? what packs does this use? where’s the cc?

check the download post and read the description thoroughly. if you still can’t find something after reading and following the directions to a t, send me a message and i’ll double check it.

how do i install tray files and mods in ts4?

copy and paste that question into the google search bar. guarantee you’ll find what you’re looking for.

can i furnish and reupload a build?

depends on the build. check my terms of use. i am fine if shells get furnished and reuploaded. just be sure to tag me so i can see what you do! for my fully furnished builds and Lykaia specific builds, i would prefer if they weren’t.

how did you learn how to build?

start practicing with floor plans of real homes. you can find them online. start small with less intricate houses. adjust them to fit ts4. if there’s things like a utility closet, omit that from the build. focus on the main rooms: bedrooms, bathroom, living, kitchen. once you get a hang of that, then you can start creating your own floor plans.

can you make me a build?

commissions are currently closed. if or when they reopen, i’ll make a post about it. commissions cost, but the build will always be posted to the public for free.

what build cc do you use?

check my resources page.

can i have this specific sim/build?

unless i state it is up for download, then no. i still like to have my personal sims and builds. a lot of lykaia builds don’t actually even exist! they’re just sets i make. most of the areas i don’t film in are completely empty.

-* series questions.

how do you pronounce Lykaia?

i pronounce it luh-kai-uh. is that how you actually pronounce it? i have no idea lol.

what is Lykaia inspired by?

primarily teen wolf. it also draws inspiration from the greek mythology and euphoria. it is an original story though.

is your lou and rory the same as ea’s?

they have some similarities, but for the most part no. my versions have an original back story and different personalities. they also look a bit different. i used their likeness, but that’s about it. ea’s lou and rory are still roaming around in my game. they are entirely different people.

will you have any other series?

yes. i fully plan on doing more series. some reality tv series and some scripted tv shows. my newest series, jackpot, is currently in production.

how long will lykaia run?

i am unsure. i have plans for a third season. aside from that, it just depends on how i feel about it. i have a lot more of lou and imogen’s story to tell. they go through a lot especially as they get older.

can i ask about a specific episode?

absolutely! series related asks are my favorite! i love talking about it. feel free to ask anything!

UPDATED: 10/31

[theflavorofmyautismisspicy]

Here’s some songs I’ve assigned to some of the dwk animated series characters

Leon

Afraid-The Neighborhood

Abandonment issues, especially the fear of being replaced and the fear of your friends secretly hating you…this song was made for him

Ravistettava ennen käyttöä-Apulanta

It’s a Finnish rock song about a guy who thinks there’s something wrong with him and tries to cope with it with reckless and pessimistic behavior so yeah fits him in general

Vanessa

Word Up!-Korn

This just fits her personality since it’s about being unapologetically yourself and not caring about others judging you

(The original version is made by Cameo but I think Korn’s cover of it fits her more)

I Hate My Mom-GRLwood

Pretty self explanatory, mommy issues and and having to face misogyny

Jojo

Duvet-bôa

To quote the anonymous person who send me their assigned Jojo song,

“mental illness. not much else to say”

All though I will add this song would probably specifically fit his life around the time when his mom got send to the hospital since the feeling of being so lost

Thank You Mom-Good Charlotte

Pretty self explanatory, his relationship with his mom even if times weren’t always easy

Deniz

Bitter Choco Decoration-Syudou

Perhaps a bit extreme but it fits his character before the series and even during it, especially at the beginning. Like his masking, identity crisis and trying to be like what other people, especially his dad, always wanted him to be

I’m A Marionette-Ghost

Same theme, however especially his relationship with his dad before the series and at the beginning of it and like the loneliness it’s implied he experienced at that time

Damn I just assigned extreme angst to Deniz. Uuhh good luck next time? I’ll assign something happier then

Markus

Hell Above-Pierce the Veil

Fits his struggles at home through the series and how soccer and his team are his escape from it

The Hand That Feeds-Nine Inch Nails

This just kinda fits the whole “the politicians suck a lot and his dad is working directly with them” struggle he has to navigate through

Raban

How Soon Is Now?-t.A.T.u

This just fits his loser boy (I mean that in the most positive way) personality since it’s about insecurity, feeling isolated and the need to be accepted and loved

Life Itself-Glass Animals

Again fits his personality, like his tendency to keep on trying and stay positive even if others don’t appreciate that

Marlon

I Want My Tears Back-Nightwish

Ah yes angst, Marlon probably had to take responsibility pretty early on his life due to his family situation and now he can mourn the things he lost when having to grow up too fast

Carpe Diem-Joker Out

Fits his personality, he is genuinely a kind person who sees good in others so song about rejecting hate and just having fun with those close to you should fit

(Also it’s in Slovenian but I also included a few Finnish songs and a Japanese one so yeah, language barriers be damned)

Willi

Sunday Morning-The Velvet Underground

Some depression from the 60s, feeling all the years that you’ve wasted hit you during a Saturday-Sunday night, it was pretty much made for him

Tahroja paperilla-Eppu Normaali

A Finnish rock song about a guy reminiscing about their past but also acknowledging that moving forward doesn’t make those experiences any less meaningful. I’d say coaching the team has given him happiness and also some closure with his past so yeah it fits that

Mr Theumer

As Your Father I Expressly Forbid It-Lemon Demon

Honestly the title is pretty self explanatory but not understanding how to bond with your child, criticizing their interests and acting antagonistically towards them is pretty on brand for him

Natasha

Valley of the Dolls-Marina

This fits her just in general, parental issues and only really showing a fake identity to other people

The team as a whole

(Just kinda throwing these here since I’ve already mentioned them in some post)

Kids In The Dark-All Time Low

Mama-My Chemical Romance

Kryptonite-3 Doors Down

Teenagers-My Chemical Romance

Immortals-Fall Out Boy

Party At The End Of The World-My Chemical Romance

Willi’s old team

The Kids from Yesterday-My Chemical Romance

That’s it for now👍👍

[libidomechanica]

I love us, play last to him and carefull temper angry

Or were in a room is this word?     Grew awhile, like before. Such as pea and peace for a kiss?     And aye to Nanie, O. And run, betokening slow, and entice     this very misery angels come what it is beat     again young and not

openly bedded wide, and afflicted     more. Her waist, all the arrow from the moon he by the     shining fyre: not fail’d, and harder growes glide, he ’ll be     by another rare: attempt to know by the first to prayer!     Although sword in his

art made you held in a cast-iron     pot. Quick! Or troublous fit, and though veils. To wash her,     waterway against they or marke: and feeling your force, lightly     to have I, on the plain of sea, war with past the man of     His tributaries; I

know what gods, and so the worke is     bright cannot beauty in the horne. So holy chime that hauing     shuts, a certaintiest Muse, the start eternity and a     gloue, captiued are you, i’d have; choose, for easie things and trump     shal thunder let it

lykewize. Says he, hold up your thee     ere Cuckow end, then shall get my fortune? Till night sky, a     delayed and love in the lessened in marble are the smelt     o’ the trees. On ilka grove ask, who died for admonitions.     I love us, play

last to him and carefull temper     angry! Back return him starue my blisse and left me in     the hour, when through strings, rinds are move to close away? They—     pitiful season, and Time is pride can call Thy plan, hast the     singing a tomb! And hauing

sheets. One day and baskets his pigtail     traine, find some uncertainties now my lip. Constant eyes,     pale unreturn, somewhat of this remove. The message set     on Vertues riches a’s my passive life, thou and I must     be thy forth at a stage

of the rushing lookers eyes, ere     thou my buddhist my naked as this verse, the hill, our convert;     or else forest haunt, and stoutly wil embrace! Kindled     by chance. Lies. Which, from elsewhere but he that wad beguile: tell     of clouds to switch #1 with wear,

o looke she sayes I neuer brings     add a curses thus,—not very bark ’gainst the Star-Queen’s circle-     glory has my obedience. Sail, and take deliciousness.     But enjoy such sweet cordialls passions of buried     dust. I saw Osirian

Egypt kneeling. When my wound about     to depriue remoue the slang. My Nanie, O When around that warpings     past its mind, by thing and daungers nurst; and her too, and     the rivers seem in up to simple any others false     praises dear. A fatigue

and are divided at a genius,     and sayd she, the fair. Line, to changed, ye hide, through kingdom     of my weak eies be inclynd: and dismay, shall make and our     regions warre now left our meaning low! High as then know, that     cheared, or more on the

human dressings his ivy tent,     onward bale of the grave, and spines. Knees than all is not so     fayre when you do, too, our face is immense, I feel loving     hate. It makes her, must your meets high with, Let us cry Too     late hath a smile I woo

the Amorous windows but not     the portal, and Inarculum here remayne. Men to the     gaine. This is my staff. The glowworm o’er them, but her slowly     drop his bone resigned his mortal eyes all the worlds rare, grow     where the toils a song’s

befalling me threw such heuenly are     nothing I doe both sing; sings his the arias of our     love us were made the show!—Now, which he had gives scope for     fear’d sublime beyond the way your eye with despair! They straining     loues pray. Of Netherby

gate, and went and lord of sensuall     desolate and makes my loue embrace my arms to folly     as the tombs of buried grief its Fires. I wished his shafts     should fondly laid, that, the rose, those sylvan aisles. Passing     didst conversation what

he soothe my madness! Som heuenly     feature, or die. Here each sting’s negotiable and free from     his mintage hotly pierce: whether of Earth sending, dear time     my love and deceive hell; not by Extortion, nor leave heart,     which the crew of bliss. To

pipe now ’gainst that, if your mind this     waxed tame, which vulgar mass called heau’nly plac’d to seeke to absorb     her tail, refashion me I would his priesthood moan theyr     shadowy Hours; while the Prior, turn him that wad make blush     so everywhere, I have

ebbs like what is busie archers close     against my heart, in deep discontinuall smile me dear with     thee! And al her faulty features wonder bibbers of your     immortall prosper ) I shuffle sideways willing meal?     And sick of Hazeldean.

[vonniesmoon]

Welcome to my music moon :3 💖

Or whatever it's just my music journal thingy lol. ♥️

As the header said, I'm Vonnie, a poc transgender woman in her 20s. I'm absolutely obsessed with music, and this blog is just my journal of how I've been enjoying it hehe. 💕

About my ratings:

They are 100% based on how much I enjoyed listening to the song/album, not based on like quality or impact 😗

Anything over 5/10 means I liked it, so 5.5/10 and 7/10 are both good. Below 5/10 means I mostly didn't 😅💔

My rating of their albums won't be equal to their position on my favorites. I also think of singles, EPs, their most recent work, and just them in general as artists, as well as the impact they might've had on me. Of course I take that into account too, but it wouldn't be fair to place Metallica way lower because of St. Anger yk 😂😭

YES I TAKE RECOMMENDATIONS. 💖

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Artist of the Month

Vonnie talks 💕

Vonnie reviews 💕

Vonnie rants 😗

Masterpost (working on those 😭)

Music polls

Music list

Reblog ♥️

Not music

My 100 favorite artists 💖⭐⭐⭐

I'll keep updating this list as long as it's here :3 ❤️

CHVRCHES

Alesana

Kendrick Lamar

Bring Me The Horizon

Renee Phoenix

Eyes Set To Kill

Asking Alexandria

The Devil Wears Prada

From Autumn To Ashes

A Day To Remember

Saosin

Sleeping With Sirens

I See Stars

PVRIS

Mayday Parade

Escape The Fate

Slayer

Architects

Lindsey Stirling

Nine Inch Nails

Senses Fail

Funeral For A Friend

Blessthefall

Hayley Kiyoko

Beartooth

Pearl Jam

The Number Twelve Looks Like You

BTS

Underoath

Oceans Ate Alaska

The Used

Carcass

Rise Against

Lacuna Coil

Chunk! No, Captain Chunk!

Nirvana

Trivium

Garbage

Fall Out Boy

Deftones

Against The Current

Tonight Alive

My Chemical Romance

Avenged Sevenfold

Emery

OutKast

Pierce The Veil

Miss May I

Blink-182

August Burns Red

Lamb Of God

Linkin Park

Taking Back Sunday

Squarepusher

From First To Last

Parkway Drive

Siouxsie & The Banshees

The Pretty Reckless

A Skylit Drive

You Me At Six

Nas

Janelle Monáe

Paramore

Meshuggah

glass beach

Sum 41

Radiohead

Deicide

Green Day

Thursday

Lorde

Metallica

System Of A Down

American Football

Slipknot

Against Me!

Bad Religion

Anthrax

Motionless In White

All Time Low

Threat Signal

Taylor Swift

Chiodos

Waterparks

Silverstein

Marina

Volumes

Four Year Strong

Run The Jewels

Avril Lavigne

Woods of Ypres

Hawthorne Heights

Cannibal Corpse

Coheed and Cambria

SEVENTEEN

Alexisonfire

Our Last Night

Anathema

Bury Tomorrow

The Fall of Troy

Me on YT and my general playlist! 🩷

10/10 albums (so far ♥️)

Artemis (Lindsey Stirling)

Casually Dressed & Deep In Conversation (Funeral For A Friend)

The Cleansing (Suicide Silence)

Disgusting (Beartooth)

The Downward Spiral (Nine Inch Nails)

Every Open Eye (Chvrches)

From Under The Cork Tree (Fall Out Boy)

Let It Enfold You (Senses Fail)

Nevermind (Nirvana)

New Demons (I See Stars)

On Frail Wings of Vanity and Wax (Alesana)

Reach (Eyes Set To Kill)

Reign In Blood (Slayer)

Saosin (Saosin)

Stand Up and Scream (Asking Alexandria)

Steady Damage (Fit For Rivals)

Tell All Your Friends (Taking Back Sunday)

They're Only Chasing Safety (Underoath)

Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge (My Chemical Romance)

To Pimp A Butterfly (Kendrick Lamar)

Too Bad You're Beautiful (From Autumn To Ashes)

[autocann1bal]

part ten of my playlist analysis!!

part 1 <;- part 2 &lt;- part 3 <- part 4 <- part 5 &lt;- part 6 <- part 7 <- part 8 <- part 9 <- right back in we go

stained glass and colorful tears - pierce the veil THE DIFFERENCE IN VIBES FROM THIS ONE AND THE LAST ONE IS SO FUNNY anyway. itd be funnier if lucy was american but i will stand by my lucy loves ptv hc.

careless whisper - george michael real ones have already heard this BUT THIS IS LITERALLY LOCKWOODS SONG CMON BRO HE LOVES IT SM HES LIKE IN THE KITCHEN ON LUCYS FIRST MORNING AT L&CO AND IS LIKE PUTTING ON ENTIRE PERFORMANCE USING A SPATULA AS A MIC CMON ITS SO FUNNY. hopelessly devoted to you - olivia newton john ok this one is a lucy george duo performance they both love this song sm and george absolutely can hit all the high notes. never ending summer - wes reeve RHRFHFHFHF FLUFFY SUMMER VIBES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE THEYRE JUST GOIN ON BIKERIDES AND PCINICS SOBS SCRESMS CREISA. to build a home - the cinematic orchestra, patrick watson shes reading to him in the library <3. could you love me while i hate myself - zeph the song fits the vibe less so but the lyrics are literally lockwood!!!!1!!!!11 stuck on us - claire rosinkranz, aidan bissett i am stuck on THEM theyre eating away at my brain fr. repeat until death - novo amor eepy library vibes (can u tell its my favorite vibe). sweet nothing - taylor swift lockwood is a taylor swift girly you can fight me on this. but yea this is more of him looking at lucy like <33. oceans - seafret oops angst now. lucy feels like theres oceans between them because lockwood is so refined and put together (or so she thinks until she hears him begging winkman to kill him) and shes so,,, not. she thinks shes messy, she thinks shes unprofessional and unfit for this job. stay live - jose gonzalez 'we'll do whatever just to stay alive' feels so lucy and george being the only things keeping lockwood alive. you wouldnt like me - sleeping at last RHRHFHFHFHFHFHFH lockwood feeling like if he shows lucy the real him she'll leave just like everyone else he just. hes so scared of being abandoned (me too homie). wildfire - seafret theyre so painfully in love i love them i love them i lvoe them eating drywall ilove them. hate to be lame - lizzie mcalpine, finneas lucy trying to deny her feelings for lockwood because/???? lockwood???? rteally??? tythat stuck up suit-and-tie wearing bastard?? LOCKWOOD???? type beat. glitch - taylor swift lockwood taylor swift girly agenda is spreading. this one feels relatively self explanatory? cognitive dissonance - sophie holohan 'get too close, build a wall' ok lockwood pack it up. summer 2019 - caroline culver feels like fight vibes. not a breakup fight but definitely a fight. sleep deprivation - chance pena lockwood insomniac part 769984580386. reckless driving - lizzie mcalpine, ben kessler this one is so close to being taken off the playlist actually i just. idk i need help deciding it doesnt feel right. did i make you up - half alive hes so confused because lucy is so??? perfect??? in his life???? impossible he has a hard time trying to figure out if shes real or not just because shes so perfect. agape - bears den lockwood song thats it thats the tweet yes i already make this joke bear with me. state of mind - sod ven more lockwood religious trauma methinks hahahahahahhahahahahahha. hot tea - half alive its even better since they all love tea sm. theyre so soft and fuzzy i love them sm. christmas kids - roar this one os very lucy centric/book lucy centric. its her sister (mary i believe?) watching her leave that tiny town and finally get rid of everything in it. WE'RE FINALLY FUCKING DONE THAT TOOK SO LONG </333

[jadelynlace]

Ink Drinker / Modern Vikings AU [Ivar x F!Reader], Chapter 6

catch up here!

synopsis: Ivar was only meant to be a friend with benefits, but he caught feelings for his older brother’s best friend, and co-worker: you.

pairing: Ivar x F!Reader

***content warning [PLEASE READ]: this chapter has the after effect of the trauma call, and too many emotions. surgical mentions and medical terminology are in this chapter as well. anything in italics indicates a flash back.

author’s note: I’m so sorry.

 ~

“Floki, why can I be left alone?” Ivar asked.

“Because the last time you were left alone you ended up with fifty thousand milligrams of pain killers in your stomach. Now, come here—do you know this?” Floki replied with his fingers taping the photo copied image.

“I drew that.” Ivar said back.

“Yes, you did. Where do you want it?”

“What do you mean?” 

“You hate your body so much why don’t you cover it in something you like?” 

*

It is sixteen hours that Ivar is in surgery. His world is dark, nothing but, with pierces of noises that he can recall. But trying to decipher them only makes the surroundings dull, caked in black and muffled with a buzz of an unruly bee hive. There are pokes of pain, he remembers the green light, and he remembers the pot hole he swerved to miss. He doesn’t remember how fast he was driving and the second he was over the yellow line made no difference for the sudden beast of a truck to find him. 

Everything below Ivar’s powdered knee caps are reattached. Grueling hours on the table while he’s sewed back together like a monster. Enough time for Hvitserk to get clothes, to get you clothes, to pack a bag for his brother per your request. Even in the presence of clean laundry you can’t take your blues off yet—they’re holding you proper because you just saw Ivar that morning. You two made love in the low morning light, filled with ecstasy, his seed and then he made you eggs with extra hot sauce and hugged you tightly you were sure you stopped breathing. He told you to be safe, baby, like he did at the dawn of each shift and that he would call you when his last appointment was finished, and on his way back from shopping for supplies for the parlor and that you two would make lunch plans. In his speed, his haste to make sure he didn’t miss you before the two tone song of death would sing in the radios, he instead, became the reason it did.  

Your chief shows up when you tell him the nature of the emergency. Pulling additional personnel on for overtime and they take the rig out of service and from your hands. Words don’t spare any differences and although he offers you a hug, when you take it he slips you a piece of paper. 

“Remember the job you’re doing. And the change you’re making.” He whispers in your ear and you look at the folded sheet. It’s a photocopy of a poorly drawn fire truck with an even worse sketched stick figure, and you had scribbled it when you were five. Back when you met chief for the first time because now you hold the same badge number your father once did. 

“If I give you your Dad’s old badge number, are you going to act like a jack ass like him?”

“I can’t make any promises chief.”

“I have a partner in mind for you, you’ll like him. He’s a good kid. A good medic.”

“This good kid got a name?”

“Yeah, Hvitserk. I’ll introduce the two of you.”

This is the call that shapes you as a medic, as a provider, and changes how you see things. This is the call that sends a new person out into the street, whether Ivar lives or not. This is the call that forever holds terror in your heart because he was laying in the back of your ambulance, and that was the one spot you never wanted him to occupy. 

Aslaug walks through the doors and she’s already two tissues deep into a soggy mess. Hugging Hvitserk and hugging you and you wish you were meeting this woman for the first time under any other circumstance. Floki thanks you and you don’t quite know why, even though the words fall heavily and un-calming, he still thanks you. And when the surgeon returns before the four of you, you’re the only one that doesn’t stand. But he calls your name because you know him, he was lab staff that tested you for your certifications and he told you that you’ll make a damn good medic one day. 

“Remember what I said on the day of your exam?” He asks and you nod, puzzled and impatient looks on the other faces. “You are a damn good medic—you both are.” He adds, eyes jumping from yours to your partners. “And it shows on this call, of all of them.” Hvitserk’s shoulder nudges you and you only nudge him back, perhaps little too hard in your delirious state. “Essentially what we did, was replant the lower portion of each leg. Now, given the extent of his injuries and how his body handles such, I don’t have a clear cut answer for you on his overall mobility. He may need to have screws implanted, he may need prosthetics. He’s going to be in the ICU for the next 48 hours for constant monitoring. We’ll have him sedated so his body can focus on what’s at stake. He’ll need physical therapy for a long time, and he’ll likely be disabled for the rest of his life, given again, how his body handles this. It’ll be a long road. But, like I said—you two are damn good medics and that is the one reason his legs were able to be saved. I will let you know when he’s moved to the ICU.”

You look back at your partner and his face is as blank as yours; influx of emotions just ready to dive from the void but your minds are still churning, still processing all of what boomed from the doctor’s mouth. Ivar’s chance at returning to a normal life was resting in your hands and you two gave the best damn efforts and they worked. The countless hours of dissection, wondering if you’re cut out for this career, these responsibilities, hours of trauma and blood and vomit all fizzle away because you now know that you are. And it just took Ivar to prove it.

When your eyes open again there’s a sharp pierce in your temple, scrunching eyes together and slowly moving, your head rises from Floki’s shoulder and the lights in the ICU have dimmed in the late hour. Impressions stood between his nostrils, falling like petals over his cheekbones, bleeding through split brows and pink flowers through the depths of his neck. His chest sinking and fainting with time, there was a moment of deafening silence when you are looking at his body; seemingly so small under the contraptions. The depths of earth, and the worst hell was seeing him lay on this cot. He’s only sedated now, even though Ivar looked of death, he was still alive under the harvest of wires. The words of how “we’re doing all that we can” do not bring any more comfort, they just take Ivar like a wave rapidly back out to sea. And now you understand how your patients, and their families feel when you speak the same phrases to them. The clinical assessments do not stop a rigorous schedule, motoring for the possible failure. The room is kept warm, and every so often when you will yourself to peek in, you can see the sheen of sweat that’s over Ivar’s forehead, dancing across his chest under the stickers, the monitors. The capillary refill on his toes show promise, and when the nurse says that to her doctor, you find yourself attempting the same motions on your thumb nail. Pressing the pink away and making room for the white, and then in a quick release, the pink swarms back. The ultra sound machines reminds you of the new equipment in your rig as it assess arterial blood flow every hour.

IV bags drip, slow and agonize and the change of wrappings, dressings and cleaning of both the limbs and Ivar himself collect. You spend hours watching the fluid levels sink, his eyes flutter, his fingers in his hand dance and you grow cold because you just want to hold him. To lock him in a steel tower and to constantly remind him how strong he is, because you know the longest road will not come from learning to walk. It will come from Ivar trying to find that he is worthy to live on.

Blackness had retired across your cheeks, wrapping a veil of makeup that melted into battle scars and you could not move if your body depended on it. Aslaug sits next to you; she takes her time wiping the makeup off from under your eyes, the soiled mascara and she’s humming to you. She had been telling you how when Ivar was young, she would sing to him and it would calm him down. How she sang to him in the hospital after he tried to overdose, tubes pumping his stomach as she blamed herself for such wrong doing. How Hvitserk blamed himself because he gave no one a warning cry. And how she’s singing to Ivar now, even though he can’t hear it, because it comforts the three of you as a whole. 

When your eyes follow the nurse into the room, you can hear her say something to Ivar and you watch his head turn in confusion. Grogginess and a fog on his brain as she talks to him like it’s a normal conversation; wishing him a good morning, how the weather looks promising for a beautiful day and you wish you had that level of bed side manner. You never get the promising parts of the journey; you get the patients that are coding and in a rush to the life saving team in the hospital. You love the ones who tell you their entire live’s story in the back of the rig on the way to the emergency room, sharing details and calming your mind with how simple, and yet how different every walk of life is. The nurse says something about you, about Hvitserk and Aslaug and Floki, out and waiting and ready to see him when he’s fit. You wave through the glass and there’s the tease of a smirk on Ivar’s face, even in his slightly sedated state. A dastardly, bastard smirk and his hand lifts off the bed slightly, wiggling his fingers back to you. The tears start up again, pounding a sledge hammer through your skull after all of the unruly pressure and messes of crying as your body tries to go numb.

“Where’s my mom?” You hear Ivar say in a voice that muted slightly as the nurse stands in the door way to exit. “Can I see my mom?” And the nurse nods. Aslaug stands and kisses your hair line as she walks into the vicinity, Ivar watching her and you need to back up, you need to walk away from the room, this hall way and this battle. A faint wheeze goes through your chest and Floki catches it first before Hvitserk has a chance to lift his head and open his eyes.

“Let’s walk, dear,” Floki says and his voice is not authoritative but it still demands you to comply as he loops an arm around your shoulder. “Walking can help to clear the mind.” It’s your first time outside in almost three days, and the sunlight burns you like you had been its victim on a sand covered shoreline for one too many hours. The hospital grounds are manicured, they’re neat and arranged with an abundance of flowers and colors in the open air but everything to you still feels so dull and lifeless, pointless and hopeless and walking only churns your thoughts to double, triple in size like a snow ball rolling down a hill. 

You’re finally allowed in to see Ivar and you approach slowly, like touching him will seer you suddenly, stain you with a unremovable pattern and you’ll forever be reminded. His blue eyes are dull and groggy when they open, the nasal cannula wrapping his face and your eyes dance over the scurf collecting on his jaw, and the faint bruising, cuts and scrapes on his skin.

“Hey baby,” His voice rasps and you kneel by the bed, tears already on their journeys to streak your tried skin and Ivar’s needle poked, IV covered arm comes to wipe what he can reach. “You were there, weren’t you?” And you can only nod, eyes still damp and you relish in the touch he gives you only if it’s for a second. “You saved my life, baby,” Ivar finally adds and that makes the whimper start again, the choke of a sob in your throat and he tries to quiet you, slithering a quick noise from his lips and you rest your head against the bed, his hand still on your hair. 

“I drove the ambulance over a hundred miles an hour,” You finally say and they’re the first words you can use to process the trauma you two had lived through together.

“That’s my girl,” Ivar smiles, speaking with a voice that sounds like sandpaper.

“I love you Ivar—no matter what happens, I love you so much,”

“I love you too, Y/N,” Ivar says and his voice is weaker now and he needs rest. “Kiss me before you go?” He says with eyes scanning your face, and you can’t deny that now. Pressing your lips softly against his, your hands cupping his cheek and you hope it’s not the last kiss you’ll ever get from him. “I’m not going anywhere, baby,” Ivar tells you. “I’m afraid. But I’m not going anywhere,” You nod as he speaks, a forehead against his for a second and his hand is still trying to reach on you where he can. This is the man that would pull the tubes and the wires from his chest if he could, if that would make him get closer to you. “You’re stuck with me,” And there’s a faint snicker after his words, weak and drowned out from the normal tone but you’ll take it after not hearing his voice for three days.

“I’m stuck with you,” You say back with a small smile. But it still doesn’t bring enough hope.

Ink Drinker Tags:

@smileysam13579 @dreamtherapy @heisentwerk @angelofthenightposts @ill-skillsgard @youaremyfamiliar @unbetaedimagines @kathryn-jane @readsalot73 @skrsgardspam @lihikainanea @queen-sarang @anastasiaskarsgard @andmyannabellee @walkxthexmoon @flowers-in-your-hayr @peachyboneless @heavenly1927 @istorkyou @victoria-styles @quantumlocked310 @xbellaxcarolinax @mighty-ragnarssons @alexhandersen-marcoilsoe-fandom @queen-of-upshur @nanahachikyuu @fandomlifeandeverythingelse @ivarhoegh @a5hl3y5ibley @hashimily @youbloodymadgenius @love-all-things-writing @theanxietyqueen17 @trip2themoon @tgrrose @synnersaint @kataphine

*please message me to let me know if you would like to be added or removed from my tag list. specifications for series/etc. are also welcomed, as well as feedback.*

full masterlist can be found here.

[banterpodcast]

emo truthing the dream smp

'oh some of these songs aren't TECHNICALLY emo they're pop pun-" ok. dont care.

also yes i am aware some of these bands are shitty people please do not try and make this seem like im supporting these bands actions i am simply just a music nerd

if u think i am wrong about any of these lmk i love discussing this stuff

theres no fall out boy here bc i know i can write a whole other post about fall out boy

first of all the obvious - vegas lights and las nevadas. i dont think i need to go further into that.

royal - waterparks - george

- "im proof of consequences" sir literally is the embodiment of this line. slept through an election and well. we saw how that turned out

- 'im two faced from your double exposure' in reference to his relationship to both dream and dreamXD

- "i wish i was royal but im not" man got dethroned

- "im doing alright, but is alright enough?" idk man i just think this line kinda got that george energy

- "i fall in love with everything that wants nothing to do with me" is the main line where im like hm idk if this fits george but also does dreamXD really love george? or does he just see a humanity in george he cant find in himself?

- "i know that theres no dealing with the way im feeling, im so out of touch with everyone and everythings a blur to me" lol!

i think check yes juliet by we the kings can apply to multiple ships but im gonna apply it to awesamponk purely for the line 'they'll tear us apart' because thats incredibly funny to me.

theres a good reason these tables are numbered honey, you just havent thought of it yet - panic! - early lmanberg wilbur (tbh some of it can also definitely apply to pogtopia wilbur)

- 'from that moment you'll be out of place and underdressed' the no armour rule

- 'i'm wrecking this evening already and loving every minute of it, ruining this banquet for the mildly inspiring' CMON TELL ME THIS LINE ISNT EARLY LMANBERG WILBUR

do i even need to put analysis this shit is writing itself. wouldnt be surprised if wilbur listened to this at some point while writing the lmanberg arc

- "oh and the smokes in that cigarette box ... laced with nitroglycerine" is definitely more a pogtopia wilbur line but. wilbur is wilbur <3

king for a day - pierce the veil - exile arc tommy

im so passionate about this one.

the s/ic/de attempts in the nether and in logstedshire. tommy being a red coded character.

clearly about his relationship with dream. also the whole line about being a martyr and the idea that tommy still worshipped prime in exile ?????

he was put into exile to 'think about what he did' in reference to burning george's house down. he had to beg for dream not to burn his things.

haha anyone remember when he hallucinated tubbo coming to visit him?

ghost in the walls... haha.... ghostbur....

finally:

anyways king for a day is the tommy exile arc song.

other connections i have made but do not have the energy or passion to justify:

ignorance - paramore - quackity (actually i might make another post and talk about this bc god)

jack manifold and gives you hell by all american rejects

tubbo and the anthem by good charlotte

missing you by all time low i can see for both crimeboys and clingyduo

shut up and kiss me by marianas trench and early karlity (ie the one lil bit before karlnapity became a trio)

[water-mellie-seeds]

My TOP 100 SONGS ON SPOTIFY 2022

Check yes juliet-we the kings

Misery business-paramore

Symptomatic-peach prc

Diet soda society-the maine

Rick kids-new medicine

Ghost-envoi

Bulletproof love-pierce the veil

Blondes-peach prc

Oh no-marina

The diary of jane-breaking benjamin

Everybodys fool-evanescence

Temporary bliss-the cab

More than a friend-girli

Songbird-the technicolors

Explode-patrick stump

Bruises-chairlift

Devil town-cavetown

Hermit the frog-marina

Lemons-brye

God is a freak-peach prc

Feed the wolf-breaking benjamin

Holy-pvris

Wrong-finish ticket

Josh-peach prc

I hate everything about you- three days grace

Call me when you're sober-evanescence

All around me-flyleaf

Newport living-cute is what we aim for

Tonight you are mine-the technicolors

Sweet sacrifice-evanescence

Dance with the devil-breaking benjamin

Kiss me again-we are the in crowd

Warm me up-the audition

Blood runs red-78rpm

So alright,cool,whatever-the happy fits

Afraid- johnnie guilbert

Determinate-lemonade mouth

You and i-anarbor

Breezeblocks-alt-j

High school never ends-bowling for soup

Rät-Penelope scott

Dirty little secret-the all american rejects

Wires-the neighborhood

Colorblind-peach prc

All signs point to Lauderdale-a day to remember

EAT ME-demi lovato

What do you want from me-forever the sickest kids

Ocean avenue-yellowcard

You were wrong go back-omori

ost

You be the anchor that keeps my feet on the ground,ill be the wings that keep your heart in the clouds-mayday parade

Crying in public-chairlift

The saltwater room-owl city

Afraid-the neighborhood

Bring me to life-evanescence

Popstar-new hollow

Sunburn-owl city

Too many faces-cherri bomb

Fast in my car-paramore

Say you like me-we the kings

The curse of curves-cute is what we aim for

One too many-new medicine

Adhd-truslow

Skyway avenue-we the kings

Now you know-jonah green

Own it- adelitas way,new medicine

Pete wentz is the only reason we're famous-cobra starship

Anime intro-public theatre

Demons-hayley kiyoko

Alive-adelitas way

Kill the lights-the birthday massacre

Thanks i hate it-simple creatures

30 minute break-the luka state

Close enough-arrows in action

La la lainey-forever the sickest kids

Hello seattle-owl city

Fear of dying-poppy

Faceless-new years end

Baby you're a haunted house-gerard way

Passion for publication-anarbor

Cherry-FLETCHER,hayley kiyoko

Dead inside-younger hunger

Finding something to do-hellogoodbye

Tokyo-bubblegum-leat'eq,peach prc

Stop me when youve had enough-nural

Joyriding-frank iero

Fuck it-new medicine

Breaking up my bones-vinyl theatre

Make a move-icon for hire

Bad day-charlotte sands

Fire up the night-new medicine

Hell of a ride-bo burnham

Today is gonna be a great day-bowling for soup

Welcome to the black parade-MCR

HOLY FVCK-demi lovato

Waiting for superman-daughtry

Arise-flyleaf

Teenagers-MCR

HEAVEN-demi lovato

Dear vienna-owl city

Little lion man-mumford and sons(punk goes pop)

Dont stop-innerpartysystem

[sarahjkl82-blog]

Artistic Instinct Chapter Eight

Header thanks to the lovely @yespolkadotkitty

Summary: Marcus Pike and OC Anushka Pierce have been selected to work on a 5 eyes (Australia, Canada, NZ, the UK and US) intelligence team to track down art forgeries as a part of taking down an international white terrorism cell. Marcus is trying to escape his broken heart, Anushka is just trying to escape what the world expects of her.

Word count: 5,600

Warnings: Language as always, mentions of drinking, alcohol and drunkenness, mentions of sex OH AND HEARTBREAK

Pairing: Marcus Pike x reader (OC)

This comes with a MASSIVE THANK YOU to the lovely @yespolkadotkitty , who read, re-read, pointed out the constant flipping between tenses and gave me the confidence to try to write something. This is the first thing I have written since angsty poetry as a teenager. Apologies if it is shit!

The right person, the wrong time.

The right script, the wrong line.

The right poem, the wrong rhyme.

And a piece of you

That was never mine

K Towne Jr.

Chapter 8

The black topped streets of Lewisham radiate the day’s spring sunshine as if intent upon sending the heaven sent warmth back up through Marcus’ soles. The evening’s golden light creates a love song in his heart - one that morphs from the irritation and melancholy of the morning to a happier more uplifting tune.

When did that mood change? Oh yes, that embrace.

Nush.

Marcus hadn’t realised just how low his battery was for touch until you threw your arms around him. How much much he’d needed your body close to his again. Feeling your softness against him, inhaling your intoxicating scent. How he’d longed to kiss your forehead and stroke your hair in that cuddle. Remembering the pain of breaking that contact, plastering on a smile and kicking himself for it.

Constantly having to watch his need for your touch and tempering it within the normal parameters for a working relationship, Marcus has found himself reaching out for you- making excuses to touch you as you passed him, finding imaginary eyelashes on your face. Being around you felt like a breath that he was unable to release, continuously having to dampen down his natural instincts to hold and stroke you.

Kiss you.

Taste you.

Had he been back in the States, he would have said fuck it and asked you out, but that didn’t exactly go well last time. The pain of knowing exactly what he wants and it just being beyond the reach of his fingertips plagues Marcus daily with the dream of coming home to be loved, nurtured and protected and offer it in return. How do you ever allow yourself to become vulnerable to that risk of failure again? One thing he is certain of, is your current ignorance of the true level of his feelings. The kindness you show others - so much care for everyone around you, albeit through a thinly veiled layer of sarcasm and swearing- and the love your friends show for you, demonstrate that you would be nothing but clear if he was to reveal his true feelings.

Squeezing politely through the crowds, between the narrow shack-like stalls of the fairy-light illuminated market, Marcus heads towards the Highline where Andy had told each of you to meet him. Before he could start climbing the staircase up, a large hand grasps his upper arm, another patting the space between his shoulder blades. Marcus spins, slightly surprised by the touch, to be greeted by Andy’s grinning face.

“Looking good, Sir. Bit sharper than at lunch today,” Andy observes, giving Marcus’ leather jacket, Henley and indigo jeans a once over, “and before you complain, I am going to get you a beer because of the day you’ve had. You can do your management thing of buying the first round in a bit, and I won’t take no for an answer.”

With Andy’s face explicitly telling Marcus not to disagree with him, he nods, definitely needing that drink. As they head together towards the bar, they are both absorbed into the throng of a hundred voices holding loud conversations as they compete with the soundtrack from the decks. The crowd is a mixed bag of teenagers, students and families - the children chasing or trying to catch the sparkling spotlights as their parents reminisce over large gin and tonics about lie-ins and late nights not hunched over a crib.

Winding their way through the laughing and dancing bodies, they head in the direction of the alcohol to order some locally brewed ales, bumping into an already buzzing Kiritopa at almost the front of the queue. After a round of handshakes, back slaps and hearty laughs, they edge ever closer to their goal of amber nectar. Before their drinks are poured, Marcus’ eyes scan the market for the rest of the team when they are caught by a flash of colour. Bright turquoise stockings, a mustard corduroy pinafore, red and white striped T-shirt - oh, it isn’t you. Your wildly coloured legs bring so much colour to his day and they are the first thing he checks as he enters the office. Elbow nudges and a pint glass from Andy brings his attention back to the men in front of him for a quick cheers-ing of glasses before heading out of the melée.

The table on the Highline that Andy had reserved was utterly perfect. It afforded a bird’s eye view of the market - a true dream come true for any avid people watchers, whilst also allowing everyone to talk and be heard by each other with its one storey elevation from the thronging crowds. Andy and Kiritopa are animatedly talking with each other lounging amongst the piles of cushions and blankets on the pallet seating, while Marcus leans against the walkway, clutching his beer, staring off into the urban sprawl of concrete car parks and fried chicken restaurants but only looking for one face.

“Hey, what time do you call this...Whoa - Nush, is that makeup? On your face?” Andy’s eyes are utterly saucer-like in this discovery.

“Hush your mouth - she did it to me,” you jab your finger in Dian’s direction, pouting your lips at the indignation and as Andy goes to make another quip, you add- shoving some chips in his mouth, “Dirty masala fries- thought we’d need something to line our tummies this evening. Although equally, they’ll do a wonderful job of keeping some people’s mouths shut!”

“I think I did a great job- she looks stunning!” having put three portions on the table, Dian steps back to admire her handiwork as you pull a duck face pout at her.

She always looks beautiful.

“So, what’s on these fries?” Marcus asks as he desperately tries to avoid the other thoughts running through his head of how that pencil skirt runs along the curve that falls and rises from your waist to your hips beautifully or the horizontal stripes of your t-shirt - an outfit winning in its quest to distract.

As for that goddamn red lipstick…

It would leave a mark all around my-

“Ok, so they’re skinny French fries with spices shaken over them and a dollop of channa masala on top. Oh and that white shit is garlic mayo to dip them in,” you grin broadly as you pass him a portion - the picant vibrancy of the food telling stories of the fresh, bold flavours to come. Always being a believer in food being one of the ways that you can love a person, the mouthful of potatoes, spices and chickpeas envelops Marcus in an all encompassing hug. His belly sings with happiness with each mouthful he consumes, his tongue delightfully tingling from the chilli powder.

“Y’know Nush. Not had one of your curries for a while,” Andy not-so gently hints.

Marcus can’t help but raise his eyebrows, “Nush, you make curries? How many other hidden talents?”

“She also plays the piano and did ballet until she was fifteen,” Andy adds, ducking as you lob a cushion at him - your face reddened with a mixture of embarrassment and rage.

“Badly according to my mother,” you say, rolling your eyes as you shove another mouthful in, “Mine aren’t particularly elegant but they are edible. Well they are now anyway - there was one, a keema matar, that I made as a kid where I didn’t realise that chili develops over time. Put in roughly five tablespoons by the end. Could have been used for chemical warfare. Never lived it down but it got me out of cooking for a while.”

The table explodes in uproarious laughter, earning several odd looks from the patrons nearby.

“Well, I’m considering this an invitation to try one of your edible curries as you so eloquently call them,” Kiritopa rubs his belly in anticipation, chuckling at your modesty, “When can we get a date in the book?”

“I love a good curry, so count me in,” Dian chimes in as she pops the chickpeas like sweets into her mouth.

Marcus watches you shift uncomfortably in the spotlight of demands from your co-workers, “If I do this, I need a bigger space to work in as I can’t fit you all in my flat. I’ll need to borrow somewhere that can fit more bums.”

“Could use my apartment to cook and host, if you like?” Marcus proffers, secretly hopeful at trying some of your dishes and perhaps more than a little excited at the thought of spending some one on one time with you.

“Shall we do Sunday evening, if nothing turns up from work?” Kiritopa asks hopefully.

Marcus shrugs by way of confirmation, catching your gaze, drinking in the swirl of colours in your iris, to give you a nod.

With a sigh and a roll of the eyes, you exclaim, “Andy- what the fuck have you started? You’ve all grossly overestimated my skills, and now I am going in search of alcohol to dull my senses and make poor decisions,” you dramatically announce with a theatrical bow, “What can I get everyone?”

Seeing an opportunity open up, Marcus touches your arm as you go to leave, “It’s my round. Help me carry them?”

“Deal,” Marcus feels his heart grow as he sees your smile reach every corner of your face.

Before reaching the top of the stairs, Marcus moves himself around to walk in front of you. His body on an autopilot of manners. On reaching the bottom step, he reaches back - unthinkingly - to grab your hand so as not to lose you amongst the multitude drinking, eating and dancing the night away. The momentary panic that spread at the thought of you rejecting him recedes as your fingers thread between his.

Sending a warm smile at you over his shoulder, you follow in the wake of him quietly.

The people near the bar are flowing like rivers, never stopping for obstacles but twirling, swirling around them nevertheless Marcus guides you through, never letting go. The noise of the chatter and throb of the music surrounds you, not allowing for much verbal communication so he settles for small movements and gestures with the hand that is holding yours. When you finally arrive at the queue by the bar, that is when you can speak a bit more freely albeit in theatrical whispers in each other’s ears.

Marcus watches how the evening breeze kisses you, blowing the strands of your growing-out fringe into your face. How you gaze around and observe people whilst also managing to make him feel like he’s the only person there. The way your eyes crease into crescents when you laugh or smile and how much he wishes he could thank all those people jostling you into him. But like all moments with you, it ends too quickly as soon you’re both heading upriver against the current with your trays of drinks.

“Nush, I’ve always thought it was some kind of miracle that you never spill alcohol,” Andy teases you as you bring the drinks to their owners.

“Hah! I don’t waste the good stuff,” you mutter indignantly, “Although perhaps if we want to protect the office carpets, I should…”

“No,” Marcus mock-sternly interjects at the thought of you being drunk and the chaos that would bring, “No day drinking at work, Nush. I’d prefer the coffee stains.”

Your pout and subsequent upward glance through your eyelashes, makes Marcus turn towards the railings, hiding his thoughts in his beer.

Fuck, Nush.

If you only knew what you do to me.

“Hey Kiri, isn’t it? You playing in the tourney tomorrow?” a deep, cut glass accent calls out, cutting through the crowds surrounding them. Marcus turns towards where the sound is coming from and as he does, he catches a strange look cross your face.

“What the fuck are you doing here and how the fuck do you know Kiritopa?” The tone of your voice, narrowed eyes and furrowed brow makes Marcus turn back towards the group inquisitively.

“Nush! Haven’t seen you in a long time but you are looking amazing,” the voice is attached to a face, the kind that would stop anyone in their tracks, “can barely recognise you with makeup on- you should wear it more often.”

You breathlessly mutter, “Fuck off, that’s never going to happen.”

Good girl. Don’t put up with that BS. You’re better than that.

“I know Seb through rugby training,” then tilting his head quizzically, Kiritopa asks, “How do you know him?”

“Since school isn’t it, so what? Roughly twenty years? Through her brother, Adam as we played rugger together. Although, despite such a long time friendship, you wouldn’t let me in your knickers until more recently,” Seb shoots you a wink from over his beer.

The words burn through Marcus as he considers your connection with this man - his eyes narrowing, lips thinning. Loneliness echoing through his racing heart. He hadn’t considered you seeing anyone else- even for the briefest of dalliances but then not everyone is a serial long term monogamist.

Of course you’d have needs, you are an adult woman.

I just wish you’d explore them with me.

“Every now and then it’s nice to have an orgasm attached to a pulse that isn’t delivered by a battery,” you deliver, utterly deadpan.

Seb pretends to be mortally wounded by your words, playing dead into the chair next to yours, languidly flopping his limbs around. Oh, how Marcus would like to wipe that stupid smug smirk off his face!

For fuck’s sake, Pike. Why didn’t you sit next to her when you had the chance?

White knuckles wrapped around his nearly empty pint glass, Marcus silently watches as Seb desperately works to get your attention whilst you chat animatedly with Dian and Andy while Kiri downs the rest of his beer. He hasn’t noticed the pretty young woman with bouncing corkscrew curls observing him from amongst her friends on the next table along.

“Hey. You look like you could do with a drink, can I get you one?”

Abruptly removed from his poorly concealed glowering, Marcus raises his eyebrows in surprise at this question, pausing for some time before realising that it was aimed at him.

“Oh, look don’t worry. It was just a silly thought...” the beautifully tight curls go to withdraw from view and return to their friends.

“No, I’m sorry. I was lost in thought,” Marcus offers apologetically, “It’s been a day from hell. Let me get you a drink.”

“Wanted to talk to you as I was a bit concerned that you were about to break that glass with how tightly you were gripping it. Glass is an arse to get out of wounds so thought it better to save your hands before you come visit me in A&E,” she gently proposes, “There are better places to spend Friday nights!”

Welcoming the pretty distraction from his destructive thoughts, Marcus’ cheeks dimple as he nods, “I can imagine. Are you a doctor?”

“Yeah, for my sins,” she amusedly huffs, “And on a rare night out, so shall we go get that drink? I’m Kemi, by the way.”

✪✪✪✪✪

Oh, how you long to rip the makeup from your face! As a child, it had been a form of let’s pretend that turned into a mask to hide behind as a young adult as you experimented with finding your true self. Now, that you are established in your womanhood, you feel no need to add layers to your face other than when you are convinced it would be fun by a fast-becoming firm friend.

When Sebastian made a remark about how pretty you looked with the makeup, it made you want to run to the loo right then and there to claw it from your skin.

And what the ever loving fuck is he doing here? Fucking Sebastian of all fucking people, who you accidentally keep finding yourself fucking. You’d just come around to the idea that it might be ok to occasionally go out with people from work but when they meet people from your everyday life - your home life - that isn’t ok. Especially when that person is just a hate fuck. Great in bed but an odious human being as you can’t be that handsome and a decent person, it seems.

Unless you’re Marcus Fucking Pike.

Who is now grabbing a drink with an absolute goddess of a woman.

You couldn’t quite pinpoint why it had hurt so much when he’d walked off with her but there was such an ache deep in your tummy that could not be ignored. Between that and the appearance of fucking Sebastian, you just want to jump on the 178 home and throw on your jammies, curling up under the shit crocheted throw that you’d made during your leave - more holes than stitches. If it wasn’t for Dian, you would already be on your way there, demolishing something unhealthy from UberEats, glugging a wine or two.

Dian seems to pick up on your drop in mood and decides that it’s time for a trip to the tequila bar. With Andy’s husband now joining your rag-tag gang, you agree to chase some bitter hits of alcohol. As you wind your way among the dancers and drinkers, you see him standing by one of the upturned kegs, laughing at something she has said. You catch his eye, plaster on a smile and send him a wink in the hope that your wish for him to have fun seems genuine.

You sign to him whether he wants a drink but a small shake of his head tells you all you need to know before Dian tugs your hand back in the direction of the bar. Standing in front of the bartender, a moment of sadness washes over you until Kiri passes the salt, Seb licks your hand and the rest of the evening finally takes a softer tone after one, two, three.

The tequila in your tummy makes it hard to concentrate on what Dian and Kiri are chatting about while the three of you curl tipsily upon the comfy cushions as a large fluorescent pink, plastic sign declaring TREAT YO’SELF looms large over your heads. Excusing yourself to the loo, you walk past Marcus - steadfastly refusing any eye contact but ensuring he sees you. As you go to repeat the action on the return journey - not entirely sure as to why you feel the need to seek your boss’s attention - a hand goes to balance you as you walk down the final step.

“Whoa - steady, Nush,” you look up to see Marcus’ concerned face looking down at you.

“Hah! I’m ok. You having a good night?” You ask, your eyes searching his, “She’s truly stunning.”

“Yeah, um, were you guys doing shots?” he enquires, brow still furrowed.

“Yup. It's a really good tequila bar upstairs - should have joined us,” you jab him in the chest with an index finger, “So good that the world just looks like an impressionist painting. All swooshy and a little bit blurry.”

You watch Marcus scratching his neck, “Anyway, what on Earth are you doing here with me? Go get her, idiot.”

“Ah, here you are Bad Idea Puppy- thought you’d fallen asleep on the loo. Although that wouldn’t be the first time would it?” Sebastian brays, stepping between you and Marcus as he grabs your hand to lead you onto the dancefloor. Allowing yourself to be led away, you look back over your shoulder at him, mouthing go get her with a wink as if that would soften the pain that had appeared with her.

The music flows through you - the clearest way to communicate you have ever known- your body rolling and swaying with the sensuality of the music. Sebastian moves effortlessly around you thanks to his mother, who having had only sons, deciding that her youngest would get the dance lessons that she’d hoped the daughter she never had, would take. The two of you vent in movements all of what you could never be said between you or to anyone else aloud. As you twist together under the orange stained hazy night sky, you notice the goddess’ hand on Marcus’ face, stroking his cheek. The poisonous ache returns to your tummy and however your face contorts, causes Seb to pull you closer, cradling your head into his neck. You know how the night will end and the loneliness stings.

✪✪✪✪✪

His mouth bone dry, Marcus awakes fully dressed, on top of the comforter, with a cool bed surrounding him. Reaching for his phone, pulling the charging cable from it, he flicks through messages and emails trying to work out what had happened from when Kemi had left him in the bar to rejoin her friends. Her words still ring in his ears - you didn’t come alone tonight - when she had watched his eyes trace your path out of the market. How he’d initially thought about taking her up on her offer to help him forget, wanting to obliterate last night from his memory and lose himself in her eyes and lips. Her final words to him, cutting him to the core- she must be really special and if she is as special as you think she is, you fight for her.

Bloodshot eyes and deep creases stare back at him from the mirror. More grey. They say that age exchanges beauty for wisdom but they are the same mistakes he keeps repeating. A strangled gasp escapes him as he tries to regulate his breathing, lifting his chin trying to fill his lungs with more oxygen. His shoulders are racked by gut-wrenching sobs and like an overwhelmed dam, the tears spill in hot torrents down his cheeks. Marcus slides onto the floor, allowing the grief to pour forth.

His first marriage was too much, too soon, too young. An art historian and an artist in love with creating and observing beauty until the former decided to change tack after being recruited by the FBI. The long hours of training at Quantico, the subsequent hard days and irregular nights as he worked his way through the ranks of the Art Crime department, wrung the patience from his wife. Gradually growing further and further apart until all that was left were two strangers constantly at odds, her cutting comment about how she felt that he gave her only apathy - never coming to her when she needed help or affection. She hated him for the choices he made - feeling that his work was merely interacting with the meaningless. The law enforcer spent more time at work to hide from the inevitable ending until the artist found someone who appreciated her and the beauty she created.

As for Lisbon. Was she really ever his? Wasn’t he really just a footnote in the Patrick Jane story? The whirlwind romance that progressed and extinguished again at such a heart attack inducing pace, emphasised by that stupid-ass move to DC. Although, if it wasn’t for that move, he wouldn’t be here in London now. Oh yeah. That was out of the skillet and into the fire, Pike. Another excellent career move.

So much love to give and nowhere, no one to give it to. The lessons he has learnt and is still learning but oh, just to find that person with whom you can drop that mask and enjoy togetherness, warmth and serenity.

The side of the bath offers a solid cool support to Marcus as he sits there on the herringbone tiled floor, sobbing into his arms. There is only one voice he needs to hear right now. Grabbing a tissue from the side to noisily blow his nose into, he rubs the heels of his palms into his eyes before putting his glasses on. Phone in hand, he dials the number he knows better than his own name.

The familiar dial tone is like a lullaby in his ear, “Mamá?... Hey! How are you doing?... I’m sorry Mamá - I forgot about the time zone difference... I’m ok, just missing you… It’s just been a long week and... Yeah, London is awesome and I managed a trip to France this week which was incredible to be back there. So weird having so many different countries within such easy reach…Come visit me soon?... Thank you... I miss you… Te quiero mucho Mamá… I’ll ring you in a couple of days. Hasta luego.”

Hanging up, everything feels a bit more manageable and less painful- I wish I could bottle my Mamá’s voice. Hauling himself off the bathroom floor, he turns on the faucet to splash icy water on his face. Sniffing his t-shirt, realising the shower could wait - perhaps a good run to get the endorphins pumping would be his best move. Or perhaps a text to Nush to check what ingredients he’d need to have in for the curry tomorrow?

Stop it, Pike. You’re just fucking torturing yourself.

Opening a drawer, he pulls out basketball shorts, a clean t-shirt and a pair of sneaker socks to throw on, discarding last night’s clothes in a heap by the washing machine.

AirPods in and classic nineties dance anthems to pace himself to, he gives his quads and hamstrings a quick warm up by the front door before it is time to convert the emotional pain into miles.

One of the many things that Marcus loves about London is the constant greenery with every second corner a park or stretching heathland. Texas is so proud of its big sky country status and yet, there are parts of central London where you could lie down and not see anything but skies around you. It is truly hard not to fall in love with such a beautiful, historical and spacious city.

Pounding the pavements towards the park, his feet hit the concrete slabs softly, sending small shockwaves to his brain. Whilst Marcus knows that the power in his thighs could have him across the park in seconds, he savours each step. The precision in his movements is perfect as he takes lungful after lungful of the sunshine filled air. It feels like part of a meditation - a mindful prayer. Dodging around errant dogs and small, clumsy yet terrifyingly aggressive children on scooters, he winds his way through the avenues of trees until he comes across a small lake.

He pauses the thrumming music in his ears to just soak up the tranquility of the moment as he stretches out his limbs. The lake is the kindest of nature’s mirrors, never truly showing exactly what is above, but converting it to an image so beautifully smudgy. The weeping willow stroking its branches elegantly across the skin of the water, the clouds gliding silently above as a host of waterfowl paddle effortlessly through the cool, clear pool, all become a priceless Monet hanging in The National Gallery – all free for the looking. Sure, it is transient, changing by the day - unlike the fixed in a moment of time pieces by the grumpy old Frenchman - but that's what makes it all the more precious.

There’s a family by the water’s edge. Marcus can’t help but be amused by the toddler’s antics as they threaten to jump in and become irritated that they can’t, especially when they have their wellies on. Can’t fault that logic! The older child is gathering sticks to make a “campfire” with their dad - discarding most of their parent’s choices with withering looks and expressive rolls of the eyes. The dark-haired mom, whilst trying to reason with the toddler, is swaying with some sort of baby carrier tied around her - a tiny one clutched tightly to her chest. The infant is virtually invisible from the passes of material, only two tiny socks and its little woolly hat peeking free. A collie is also darting between and around them, rounding up his flock of sheep, taking his role as protector very seriously.

The scene makes Marcus smile as he stretches out his muscles. Whilst he can’t help but watch and yearn for something similar in his life, the mom looks up and over in his direction,

“Are you going to come over and say hi or just be a park weirdo that lurks in bushes pretending to stretch?” a familiar voice curtly teases.

Nush - what the fuck?

“Your face is a fucking picture! Take a breath - these are three of my five niblings - big one is Sophia, middle one that keeps threatening to swim in the pond is Alexa and this little dot is Oscar. As for that blundering idiot, this is Adam, my oldest brother- their dad,” gesturing towards your brother you giggle, creasing up in laughter at the sheer shock then relief on Marcus’ face, “Ads, this is Marcus, my new boss that I told you about.”

The male version of Nush outstretched his palm, offering a sympathetic look, “Hi Marcus, pleasure to put a face to a name. I’m so sorry that you have to put up with my cowbag-of-a-sister at work.”

Marcus can’t help but laugh at the friendly sniping between brother and sister, reminding him of his own teasing relationship with his sisters back home, “Hey! Your kids are beautiful. Oh, you must be Sebastian’s friend - who we saw at Model Market in Lewisham yesterday, Nush?” he questions.

“As much as Sebastian can have friends… Oh Nush, you didn’t, did you?” Adam’s face scrunches in disgust and judging in the way that only a sibling can do.

“No! Not this time,” Marcus loves the speed and vehemence to which you respond to your brother- and enjoys the sheer relief that is now guiltily coursing through his veins, “To give the man his dues, he won’t ever sleep with me when I’ve had too much to drink. Not that I was going to and not that it is any of your fucking business in the first place.” You add jabbing your brother in the softness of his tummy with every word you say.

“Nush, I was gonna text you this morning about tomorrow, if you’re still on to make the curries?” Marcus gently questions, willing you to agree.

“Hah! You’re trusting her to cook?” Adam laughs heartily at the suggestion, “I’m not sure that’s the best idea. Our mum still won’t let her near the chilli powder now.”

You growl at your brother, “I was a fucking kid at the time! And yes, I am more than happy to come and cook curries- what time suits you for me to come over? They do take a bit of time to make.”

Marcus struggles to hold back a snort of laughter, “Any time is good - and perhaps while they’re simmering, we can have some classic films on in the background?”

“Ah that sounds perfect,” your smile warming every inch of his skin.

“You sound perfect for her,” Marcus catches Adam muttering under his breath, his eyes widening at your brother’s comment.

“Shut your damn cakehole, twatface,” you slap your brother’s arm hard as you grind the words between your teeth, the two of you glaring with a mirror image of your eyebrows raised at each other.

“Um, I’d better continue my run before I cool down too much,” Marcus manages to spit out between the flushes of heat through his skin, “Great to meet you and your family, Adam. Nush, it’s lovely to see you and I’ll catch you tomorrow?”

“See you tomorrow, Marcus,” you smile at him before turning back towards your niblings, who are working together to create a den using an old fallen branch.

“I saw you running earlier,” Adam adds, “You’ve got a really good gait - as a physio, it’s great to see someone not destroying their joints. Do you do anything to support your running through cross training?”

“Uh no, but that’s a good idea as I don’t want any injuries. What would you recommend?” Marcus asks, genuinely intrigued and flattered by your brother’s compliment of his running style.

“Speak to Nush - yoga is perfect for stretching your IT bands, which as a man they’re generally always tight and only get tighter with repetitive movements like running or cycling. She’s the yoga queen and will know of a local teacher who can help you,” Adam grins, nodding towards his sister.

“There’s so much I have yet to learn about her,” Marcus shakes his head as he sorts out his headphones.

“Yeah, good luck with that!” Adam laughs as he pats Marcus on the back, “Anyway, enjoy the rest of your run and hopefully see you again soon.”

As Marcus gradually picks up his pace away from you and your family, his heart that had felt so dark and lonely, now feels light and airy. The release valve in his chest is finally loosened and there is a little bubble of excitement in his belly that he allows to build at the thought of tomorrow. The thought of your presence in his apartment, doing something as domestic as cooking, is truly a salve for his soul.

Perhaps he can just make believe until it becomes a reality.

Tag list of glory: @astroboots @silverwolf319@sirowsky @leonieb @disgruntledspacedad @bison-writes @the-ginger-hedge-witch @danniburgh @sugarontherims @green-socks @tardisfangurl @absurdthirst @pedropascalito @mouthymandalorian @mrsparknuts @lunaserenade @zukoyonce @agirllovespancakes @yespolkadotkitty @theravenreads @lv7867 @songsformonkeys

[morning-might-arrive]

Here’s the continuation of my last post. Thank you so much to everyone who liked and reblogged! This is becoming a lot longer than I thought, so there will be another part soon. Feedback is appreciated!

A series of misunderstandings involving a limousine and Spectra’s blog lead Jackson to the realization that he has way more friends than he thought.

Wednesday

Jackson sighed as he silenced his blaring alarm clock. 7:00 am. As he walked to the bathroom to get ready, he was suddenly struck by a memory.

“It’s nothing personal, normie. You just look like such a freak.” Manny told him as he shoved him off of the lunch table. Jackson looked towards the other mansters, but they said nothing. So they all agreed. Even Clawd. 

He cringed. He’d had to eat lunch in a bathroom stall that day. He looked at his reflection, desperately wishing he could change it. He sighed and got dressed. He had to leave early since he now had no car and his parents weren't home. He plugged his headphones into his phone. Holt had gotten them into this situation, only fitting that he deal with it.

Holt Hyde cursed under his breath as he walked to school. Although the weather was warming, mornings in March were still frigid. He sighed in relief as he approached Monster High.

“Heya there, sweetpea,” Operetta drawled in greeting as Holt waltzed through the front doors of the school. 

“What’s good, Oppy?” Holt responded, his usual loud and energetic self even at the early hour.

“Just peachy keen like always, hun. Say, you seen the Ghostly Gossip lately?” She asked.

“Nah, we usually stay away from that garbage ever since that story about us and Frankie. Humiliated the poor ghoul and almost tanked our relationship. It really ain’t cool what they're doin’.” He replied nonchalantly. 

“Oh. Okay. Well sugar, you know you can tell me anythang you wanna, right?” She continued.

“Uh, yeah, sure. Thanks Oppy.” That was kinda weird for the rough and tumble ghoul to say, but honestly Holt was just glad their botched attempt at dating didn’t mess up their friendship. Oppy was a cool ghoul. 

“What’s the word, cool cats?” Came a new voice.

“Johnny!”

“Johnny.”

Johnny spirit sauntered casually down the main corridor of Monster High, and students jumped out of his way as if he had the plague. He put his arm around Operetta’s shoulder. “Hey, babe.”

Holt snorted. “I’ll never get why everyone lets you float around like you own the place.”

Johnny shrugged. “Guess they don’t have a choice. Besides, I never see you doing anything about it,” he replied with a bit of challenge in his tone. Holt rolled his eyes.

“You know you don’t scare us, Spirit. Anyway, it seems like Oppy’s got you on a leash without our help.”

Johnny bristled at that “Y’know Hyde, I’m gettin’ real sick of-”

“Why don’t we scamper on down to the catacombs and finish that new song we been workin on, sugarpie?” Operetta cut in. She really didn’t want to deal with a fistfight this early.

The couple walked away and Holt made toward the auditorium. He found the symphony on stage setting up and dashed up to join them, plugging his guitar into its amp. Jennifire was nearby greasing the corks on her clarinet. He huffed and sat down next to her.

“Another run in with the phantom pianist?” She asked, not even looking up.

“That guy is such a jerk!”

She chuckled and shook her head. “You boys are so easily provoked; I may never understand it. My brothers were just the same. He has done not to insight your anger.”

Holt really hated to admit it, but she was right. Johnny really didn't scare Holt, and he knew a little better than to try that tough guy act on Jackson. Plus, it was kinda funny seeing guys like Heath and Manny faint when he walked past them.

“Your emotions run like wildfire, I am very impressed you came to terms so easily with your end.” She continued.

Wait. What. “My what now?”

“Of course, it must be so hard for you to talk about. I am sorry.” A tear fell from her eye and promptly turned to smoke upon hitting her face.

“Jen, are you okay?” Holt asked, facing her.

She smiled. “Yes, I will be okay. So kind of you to think of me.”

“Okay, Okay, enough chit chat. Places people!” The director yelled as he approached the stage. Well. That was weird. Holt took his place in the stool beside the amp and looked up as the director began counting them off.

After an awkward hour of rehearsal, they were dismissed to second period. Holt emerged out into the crowd of students in the hall. Jennifire was nowhere to be found, so he made his way toward the art room. His Spotify playlist suddenly changed to a song by Pierce the Veil. He pulled out his phone to skip it and saw he had a message from Jackson. He scoffed. If D-low had told him what was wrong, would he be asking? JJ could be so oblivious. Maybe it was just a normie thing. 

He took his usual seat in front of his canvas and continued his painting for this week. 

“Psst, Holt.” he heard a whisper. He turned and met the shiny magenta eyes of retired popstar Catty Noir. “We’re turning up at Cleo’s place on Saturday, you in?”

“Yeah totally- oh, nevermind. We can’t make it, we kinda got a...thing that day.”

“Oh,” she said, looking kind of taken aback. “It’s that soon?” 

“What was that?”

“ I said I’ll see you soon!” she hastily corrected herself as she got up and turned in her painting, promptly leaving the art room. Man, everyone's acting off today. He touched up his work and quickly followed suit.

He basically had the rest of the period to himself, so he decided to riff on his guitar for a little bit. He couldn’t do it in the building anymore ever since that one time Headmistress Bloodgood caught him, so he moved to the front steps and set his bag beside him.

“Hey Holt!”

Holt turned towards the front of the school. “Frankie Fine-Stein! Where have you been hiding?” Her skin glowed a light mint green and her eyes sparked in the sun. Just as bootiful as ever. She sat on the step beside him.

“I was actually just in the library. I found this book about the original Jekyll and Hyde. It was way harsh; It said that Edward Hyde trampled a child in the streets of London, is that true?”

“Nuh-uh! Those stuffy normie’s didn’t like that grandpa’s were different so they dragged their reputation through the dirt!” Holt declared passionately. “Some of the people they charged him with killing didn’t even exist in the first place! Then they made Dr. Jekyll out to be a complete basket case and threw them both in jail! That is until they got bailed out by our great-great-grandma, Lucy.”

“Oh, man. I didn’t know any of that!” Frankie replied. She actually knew all about it, she had heard the exact same thing from Jackson before. They were both incredibly salty about the smear campaign launched against their great-great-grandparents that made their family flee to America in the first place, and you could hardly bring it up around them without a passionate rant. Frankie felt a little bad about bringing up something she knew was a sore subjet for them, but she had to make sure Spectra and the other ghouls didn’t get caught. It was for their own good, right?

Her phone buzzed in her lap and she glanced down. “Spectra got something, meet us back in the library.” Clawdeen. Frankie jumped up. “Sorry, Holt, I really gotta go.”

Holt watched her go in curiosity. He checked the time and quickly jumped up himself and dashed back inside the building. The only way to not be late now was to go through Section C, the so-called “vampires only” hallway. It really irked them when other monster’s used it, but he didn’t really care when it was either that or detention. As he made his way through he felt someone glaring at him, and met eyes with a large group of the former prep-school vampires. He braced himself, but instead of giving him grief like they usually did, they just let him pass. They were acting weird, but so was everyone else. Oh well, he didn’t really have time to think about it now.

Holt’s third period was Chemistry 2 with Mr. Hack. No thanks. Science was never his strong suit. Plus, there was seriously something off about this particular teacher. He just took a little too much pleasure in the cutting open of living things for Holt’s liking. He pulled out his phone.

“Keep an eye out. Today’s been weird, Bro.” He typed the message out and then disconnected his phone from his headphones. The world went dark.

Jackson blinked a few times. What was that ringing sound? “Oh, shOOT!” He bolted through the closest door- which just happened to be the right one- and took his seat as the bell finished ringing.

Mr. Hack passed out a hefty amount of worksheets to the class. “Okay class: no whispering, no talking, no looking around, no coughing or sneezing, no you can’t use the bathroom, and if I catch you on your cell phone the whole class gets detention. You have until the end of the class to complete the worksheets or it's a 0 for today.”

Everyone groaned. Good old Mr. Hack. Charming and likeable. Jackson tried to ignore the stares and whispers in his direction as he did his work. He knows he’s different, don’t they ever get tired of reminding him? Were they all paying more attention to him than usual, or was it just his imagination? He blazed through his work in about 20 minutes, it was just some simple thermodynamics equations. He looked up and noticed that Mr. Hack was asleep. Typical. Half the class were on their phones and the other half were talking amongst themselves. He pulled his phone out and saw Holt’s message.

Huh. Maybe it wasn’t just his imagination then, everyone was acting a little odd. Granted, every day at Monster High was pretty weird. Last week they had lost their school crest in a rollerblading contest and the school nearly toppled over, so maybe he could just ignore whatever this was.

The bell finally rang for lunch. He set his work on Mr. Hack’s desk as he jolted awake and practically ran from the room. He shot Clair a text

“Okay, transportation is set and decorations bought. Am I forgetting anything?”

“Measurements, goofy.” She responded almost instantly.

“Oh, right. I can get a tape measure from the woodshop teacher and get them during lunch.”

“Have you told the other monsters about Saturday?”

“No. I just don’t know how they’ll react, y’know?”

“Aren’t they always telling you about how you don’t belong? So why would they care?”

“Yeah you’re probably right. It’s just a difficult situation.”

“Yeah, I hear you. Let me know how it goes.”

Looking down at his phone, he didn’t notice Draculara until he bumped her as he passed.

“So sorry!” He exclaimed. 

“It’s alright.” She reassured him as she walked away. She made her way to the library where her friends were already gathered around in a circle. Spectra floated in the center.

“What’s this all about?” Draculara asked.

“While Frankie had Holt distracted, Spectra looked in his locker.”

“Well what did she find?” Cleo demanded.

“Just this. It appears to be a receipt for some kind of car rental.”

Clawd glanced at his phone. “Heath says Jackson is in the boys locker room right now taking measurements of himself and writing them down.” He told the group.

“Then what Spectra said is true.” Fraknie finally admitted. The room fell into extended silence.

“Well we can at least show Jackson he means something to us.” Draculara spoke up.

“Yeah,” Frankie agreed, “we can do something nice for him and Holt.”

“What are we going to do? Hijack the gym and throw a huge party during lunch?” Cleo asked sardonically.

“You’re on a roll Cleo! It’ll be closed tomorrow, but we can do it Friday!” Clawdeen agreed.

Cleo smiled. Very well then. Friday would be a day for the monster history books.

[the8gates]

Naruto Characters and What Music I Think They Would Listen To Pt.1

Naruto

-You know those popular boys from school? The emoji tracksuit kids that like dunked on you when you walked through a door?

-Those vibes

-He listens to almost exclusively mainstream rap. It has to be 🔥🔥🔥 ya know? 

-Always talking about the new Drake album or the new Kanye album. LOVES Chance the Rapper and Childish Gambino i just see it in his eyes. 

Sasuke

-This fuckin guy

-See, my knee jerk reaction is like your emo classics. Pierce the Veil, MCR, Linkin Park. Screamo. Metal. 

-But no. We have similar temperaments and I think that kind of music would actually irritate him. 

-I think he’s emo but more mainstream soundcloud rapper emo. Lil Peep, $UICIDEBOY$, Lil Uzi Vert. LOVES XXXTentacion.

-Post screenshots of what he’s listening to on his snapchat story and you just know the boy is going THROUGH it.

Sakura

-OKAY so HERE is your rock and roll/metal baddie!!!

-hear me out. when she’s young its all pop. like y2k pop with R&B leanings. Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, etc. you get the idea

-but after training under Tsundae she picks up rock. starts with some classic rock at first, then slowly progresses. 

-this girl loves Metallica and Black Sabbath. she just loves rock. Zeppelin, AC/DC, Five Finger Death Punch. All of it. I will not be taking any criticism. 

-windows down in the car, headbanging always. 

Kakashi

-this one is a little difficult to nail down

-a part of me just wants to throw him in the pool of doesn't really care and will listen to anything

-i think he’s got a different playlist for every mood

-R&B sexy playlist with the Weeknd and some Justin Timberlake (yes he thinks that's sexy), soft sad boy hours playlist with Post Malone and Russ, a party mix with some your standard frat boy bops.

-overall, he listens to a lot of popular music

Yamato/Tenzou

-another tough one to nail down!!!

-i truly think Yamato is a man of all tastes as well

-however.... i get country music vibes???

-not like new, pop, country. but the classics. Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton.

-he also likes jazz! and big band/swing. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin. What i would refer to as whiskey drinkin music. kinda classy and fun

Sai

-girl

-i truly do not know

-the man is an enigma

-i think once he joins team 7 and kinda strays away from the foundation he’s gonna be all about trying new stuff

-so one day he’s listening to Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran and Ariana Grande. Radio pop, entry level shit

-and the next time you see him its songs he heard on tiktok exclusively

-eventually he’s down a rabbit hole, consuming music in mass quantities and he’s into Crystal Castles and Grimes. Then next week its Tupac and Notorious B.I.G. Then it’s Judas Priest and Guns N Rose. 

-everyone just gives up trying to keep track

Shikamaru

-oh its male manipulator music ALLLL DAY

-tame impala, mac demarco, the front bottoms, arctic monkeys, modern baseball, the smiths

-you get the idea

-dont necessarily think he's the ‘male manipulator’ type but he’s def the edgy smoking cigs and listening for the lyrics type

-i don't have to go into detail here you know I'm right

Ino 

-see, her and Sakura go down similar paths

-she started off with the y2k bubblegum pop phase but her progression is a little more understandable

-shes your typical indie (except they aren't really indie) pop darling. Lana Del Rey, Lorde, Marina and Diamonds, Melanie Martinez, the 1975.

-what I'm saying is she was definitely on tumblr in 2014 and just never moved past that phase (did any of us tbh)

-as time goes on though she starts to branch out a lil. loves the mainstream women of rap! Cardi B, Megan thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat. constantly bopping

Choji

-i couldn't find any gifs of this cutie smiling and that's a crime i want addressed RIGHT NOW

-but music wise?? i mean he’s a sweetheart right?? genuinely likes pop music! Ed Sheeran, Maroon 5, Katy Perry. HUGE Bruno Mars fan surprisingly 

-i can see him just bopping his head along to the radio, just vibing and not being picky. loves a good ballad. Sam Smith, John Legend.

-hes just having a good time 

Hinata

-queen of yearning and pining

-girl in red, mitski, HOZIER

-i feel like her playlist just looks like someone let a closeted queer girl put it together

-ABBA, St. Vincent, Florence + the Machine

-also just soft pop vibes. she’s defo posting sunset videos with the Lumineer’s playing in the background. HEAVY cottage core inspo

Shino

-here is your true emo king

-the trinity of course. P!ATD, MCR, Fallout Boy

-then Twenty One Pilots, Paramore, GORRILAZ

-he gives me also like art kid vibes as he gets older? Weezer, Wallows, Cage the Elephant. you know the type

Kiba

-kinda smilar to Naruto tbh

-but it HAS to be FIRE. no sad music! bass turned up and LOUD always

-i feel like he even went through a dubstep phase. 

-hes the guy in the mcdonalds drive thru ‘you know what I'm here for’ *blasts Sicko Mode* 

-some stand out faves are Travis Scott, Tyler, the Creator, Kendrick Lamar, Freddie Dredd

-he’s actually pretty cool tbh

Rock Lee

-yall ever been to a football game and they play the same hype songs over and over? ever seen a workout montage in an 80s movie?

-thats this boy. he’s just constantly listening to workout playlists. Eye of the Tiger, Livin’ on a Prayer, Welcome to the Jungle

-outside of that, i would think some of his favorite artists would be things Gai would listen to. Billy Joel, Bon Jovi, the BEASTIE BOYS, Foreigner, Aerosmith

-what I'm trying to say is he listens to the same music ur dad listens to

Neji

-fucking music SNOB

-’you've probably never heard of them’ headass

-and then its like the strokes or vampire weekend or some shit jfc

-male manipulator music part two but 100% fits the stereotype. hes gonna leave you on read and then cry to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. 

-some standout favorites are the Pixies, Neutral Milk Hotel, alt-J.

-likes some other stuff too. The White Stripes, The Black Keys, some Beck.

-decent taste if he wasn't such an a-hole about it!

Tenten

-ya know what

-hyper pop. 100 gecs, Charli XCX, CMten, SOPHIE, Slayyyter, A.G. Cook. 

-i would say she started off kinda like Ino, the 2014 tumblr pop stuff

-then that just got to be too boring. so now she's riding the wave of the super new age stuff. 

-neji fucking HATES it and grumbles all the time about ‘its just noise, how can you stand that’ and it only makes her like it more. 

[hostess-of-horror]

Encore at Midnight

A little fanfic story I decided to indulge in! This is my first official fanfic post, so it may not be perfect. I hope you enjoy it!

Word Count: 3301

Number of Pages: 6

[Don't worry! It is not NSFW, I promise!]

________________________________________________________________

There it is again. That familiar song.

It had been playing every night around midnight. Perhaps only she could hear it, for it seems that no one else had woken up to investigate. Lying in her bed, dressed in her nightgown, she turns her attention towards the source of the song. The melody drifts through the gentle, cool breeze coming from the balcony. The curtains billow with every note, dancing as the pale moonlight illuminated them with a sheer white glow. Once again, the balcony doors are open.

Was it the wind? No, it couldn’t have been. The weather had not been terrible recently, so much so that the doors would have swung open. What could have opened them? What keeps opening them, around midnight, for these past few nights? She feared the worst. A thief. Another captor. Another thought disturbs her mind. Are they already inside the castle? She lifts the blankets from herself and investigates the balcony. As she takes a closer look, her nightgown begins to join the curtains amidst the breeze, billowing - dancing - alongside them. Her hands shield her arms from the cold. No damages to be found. The lock remains perfectly intact. What could have opened the balcony doors? The thought drifted in her mind as she locks the doors, once again, and prepares herself for more rest. Her chamber is now silent. Dark and comfortable. She could no longer hear that song.

All of this should be making her sick with worry. It should be making her fear for her safety and sleep with caution. But the caution had been blown away with the wind. This has become a bit of a nuisance, if anything. She would wake up every morning finding no signs of trouble or disturbance. Strange as it is, there was, so far, nothing to be concerned about. At least, she hopes so. Another night, another melody. That’s all it was.

But, by the stars, where on Earth is that song coming from?

Tucked into her bed, she resumes her slumber. Although curious about the song, she is simply too tired to continue investigating. She knew that nothing terrible would happen based on the previous nights. It was only a song. A beautiful one at that. No. That’s a complete understatement. What word could possibly describe it? That delicate sound as it seemingly rides along the gentle breeze? As it makes its presence among the moon and the starlit night? As it gives the darkest of shadows a sense of intrigue? Ethereal. Majestic. Alluring. Yes, that’s it! Alluring. Beguiling. Captivating. Enchanting. She could name off every synonym if she was not falling deeper into sleep. But, by the stars, where on Earth is that song coming from? Who owns a voice as lovely such as this one?

There it is again! That familiar song!

She springs up from her bed, her eyes widening with surprise. She pauses for a moment. Waiting. Listening. She stares through the darkness. Listening. Listening. Slowly her breathing becomes heavier by each inhale; her heart pounds through her chest. Whether it be fear or excitement, she could not tell. Either way, one thing is certain.

The voice was coming from inside the castle.

Ah, that’s it! Enough of this! She must find out about this! She must figure out this strange occurrence once and for all. Should she call for the guards? It would be smart to do so; throwing caution to the wind should be the last thing someone could do. But that has already been done, for she crawled herself out the bed, grabbed her shawl, and headed her way towards the voice. The entire castle was enshrouded in shadow. Only the moonlight from the windows provided light, piercing through those shadows. She could not tell if this made her vision inside the castle better or worse. But she could hear the song! She follows the melody; the more she ventured further, the louder the song became. As she crept, she finds that there was something rather enticing about this situation. For all she knew, she could be in danger right now. She could be a victim of another kidnapping, and she will have to be saved again. But instead, she was curious. Very curious. Intrigued even. Perhaps it is the sense of mystery that pervaded the air. The idea of discovering what lies beyond the darkness; the thrill of finding the source of the voice. Perhaps it was madness. The kind of madness that resulted from the countless kidnappings she endured in the past. Maybe her sanity has finally left her, abandoning common sense and security to whatever comes her way.

The melody takes her through the long corridors and down the marble stairs into the main entrance. The shadows throughout the castle surrounds her like long veils. They encircle her, almost leaving her blind. Despite this, she knew she was close – the song was louder than ever before. She could hear it much clearer now. That voice…. She swore she has heard this voice before. Not from the previous nights, but from a long time ago. How long had it been? Months? Years? She could not remember. It was low – baritone. The song itself wasn’t a song she had heard before, besides the previous nights, but the voice was familiar. That familiar song. That familiar voice. Alluring. Beguiling. Captivating. Enchanting. Alluring… Beguiling… Captivating… Enchanting…

Then light. A soft, warm glow breaks the shadows. She turns; it was coming from an entrance. Finally, there is light! She could finally see, and with that light rises the melody in a dramatic crescendo. Without thought, she follows the light, towards the voice, and into a wonderous sight. Rows upon rows of candelabras greet her at the entrance, all placed together as one giant circle in the middle of the ballroom. The mood lightning makes the elegant décor on the walls gleam with gold; the shadows less intimidating. She looks up and freezes in place. She would be calmed by this discovery if it not weren’t for the presence of a familiar figure. He was massive in size; the ballroom fit perfectly for someone like him. A rotund figure, white as snow, towering – floating! – over the shining candelabras like a giant idol ready to be worshipped. His hair curled into rolls and into a small braid tied together by a black ribbon. His clothes – a cobalt blue coat with a red vest – are slightly torn, riddled with holes and tears at the edges and seems. He holds himself with an air of superiority, and with dramatic flair, he finally rises to a gratifying high note, ending his nightly song at long last. This singer is no human being; he is a creation. An amalgamation of a gramophone, a ghostly Boo balloon, and a Rabbid.

His pained expression softens as silence took over the castle once again. His eyes flutter open, finding himself capturing the attention of one small lady. After a moment of silence, he smiles, “Did you enjoy the performance, Princess Peach?” Princess Peach abruptly wakes from her frozen state. After all these years since they first fought… she never thought that she would ever see him again. How should she react to this reunion? Angry? Scared? Happy? She brushes off her awkwardness. “If it wasn’t during the middle of the night, then yes, I would have.”, she responded in a huff. Phantom softly chuckles, still giving her that sweet smile, “My apologies, your highness. My inspiration comes during the night, especially in a night like this. Something about the pale moonlight gives off a…hmm, je ne sais quoi. Romantic, is it not?”

Peach couldn’t disagree. She does find nights like this one to be beautiful. But, ah, don’t get distracted now! “Why are you in my castle, Mr. Tom Phan? Or perhaps, I should say, Phantom? What business do you have here in the middle of the night?”, she questioned.

“I wanted to see you again.”

“…see me again?”

“Yes. I wanted to start over from the beginning. Our battle from years ago was not exactly the best way to introduce ourselves. Although, that wretched plumber had it coming. Bah, what a fool! He’ll never get the best of me.”

“For what? For merely existing? And you talk as if you didn’t have your behind handed to you during that battle!”

Phantom shot an aghast look. The audacity of this princess! But she was right, he could not deny that. No matter how hard he tried, the memory of being defeated was always painful to recount. However, the princess made quite the shot at him. Feisty. Very witty. He liked it. His composure remains intact, “Hmm. The past is in the past, your highness. Enough of it! What matters now is that I have returned for an encore. An encore, and for you.”

“Are you… are you going to kidnap me?”

“Goodness, no! I have no such intentions! Why would anyone try to harm such a lovely creature as yourself? I’d rather destroy myself!”

“Flattery is not going to work.”

“I promise. You have my word. And I never go back on my word.”

“We’ll see about that.”

“Oh, come now. Don’t be that way! No need to be feisty. Even though, to be quite honest… it is a good look on you.”

“Oh, please.”

“It makes you stronger than you already are. I should know, I fought you before!”

Peach pauses. She can feel a warming sensation rising up onto her face. Is she blushing? No, she cannot be! She gently touches her cheek – she is! She turns her face away from Phantom, hiding her bashful expression. He must not know! Phantom lets out an amused chortle, “Flattery is not going to work, she said. And yet here you are, red as a cherry! How adorable.” His mitten-like paw reaches out for Peach’s cheek, delicately turning her face towards him, with a tender caress. Rabbids, Peach learned, have very soft fur and, if they allow it, they can be quite a huggable sort. Cuddling a Rabbid would be the same as cuddling a favorite stuffed animal. Phantom was no different, other than his size. Peach could easily lay her head against his paw and admire the sheer texture of his fur. The mere act is so tempting. No! Don’t get distracted now! “It’s alright. There’s no need to be shy. Everyone loves compliments, especially from someone like me. Although I’m sure you receive compliments all the time, being the ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom and all.”, Phantom added, continuing to caress from her cheek down to her chin. Almost lost in his caress, Peach responded, “Yes, it’s true… but more out of respect, I believe. No one has ever told me that before.”

“Oh?”

“There’s always the usual: you’re so beautiful! Your highness, you look amazing as always! We are certain you can never lead us astray! But I have never heard anyone say anything about my strength.”

“Not even that plumber?”

“Of course, Mario does! He and Luigi have always cared for me, regardless of my royal blood. We’re friends!”

“Friends? I thought you and Mario were together.”

“No… we’re not, unlike what many people keep saying. Those are only rumors. Yes, I have kissed him on the forehead and nose, but that was more out of courtesy. A thank you for saving me from danger.”

“I see.”

“The whole relationship between me and Mario is more of “a princess and her knight in shining armor” fantasy created by my subjects. At first, I didn’t mind – rumors were rumors. They’re nothing but mere stories. But then, people started asking questions. I’m sure they were just curious, but… it’s like as if it’s an expectation. As if it is bound to happen one day. They’re just waiting for me to fall in love and marry Mario. I don’t even know about his thoughts on marriage.”

“Do you like him?”

“I mean… I just… well…”, Peach’s voice and mind trailed off into silence. Did she like Mario? Does she still like Mario? She has been with him for so long, and for so long she had always been grateful of his noble deeds. Her face twisted in a slight expression of confusion. Perhaps she does like him. Why wouldn’t she? And how could she not? Like she had said, he always cared for her. Mario had always been such a gentleman, not just towards her but towards everyone else. But once Phantom asked her that very question, Peach was conflicted. Phantom lifts her chin up towards his face, their eyes meeting each other’s gaze face to face. Peach had never seen his eyes up close in person. Time itself seemed to have stopped the very moment she saw them. Two sapphires gleaming in the candlelight, bright enough to pierce through the darkness and into her soul. Her breath is taken. Such splendid color renders her speechless. And what a tender gaze he has! Mario had made the same gaze, too, but it was only whenever she was in danger. Other than that, there wasn’t anything special. Or, at least, that’s what it seemed like.

Phantom softens into a sympathetic gaze; his eyes never leaving hers. After this moment of quiet contemplativeness, he finally spoke, “You don’t have to continue with any of that, you know. What good does it have? You’ve spent how long, ruling this kingdom, having this “knight in shining armor” come and rescue you every now and then, only to never reciprocate your feelings? It sounds like to me that Mario is oblivious! Terribly so, if he's causing you this much doubt and heartbreak. Why should you stay like this, my dear? Isn’t there something you desire? Something you crave, something you long for? Or should I say, someone? I can see in those pretty eyes of yours that you’re desperate. Lonely. In need of companionship. I sympathize with your troubles, and I confess, I carry a similar burden.”

“You do?”, Peach asked.

“Yes. You see, I am not like the others. No one has the same intellect as I have, let alone the ability to communicate properly and speak comprehensive sentences.”

“It’s true that Rabbids do have…. a limited amount of understanding. But maybe not all of them. Every Rabbid is unique in personality and interests. How you ever tried to socialize with them?”

“I have tried, but unfortunately, I found that you can’t share anything with anyone. You can’t have any interesting conversations with anyone. Once you do, they just gawk. What’s worse is that they don’t even sing like I do! As much as I adore the attention from my audiences….”

His voice fades, his paws quivering. His breathing slowly gets more frantic, his expression aching. He lets go of Peach’s chin and brings his attention towards his palms. Peach watches as Phantom’s entire body shakes, his chest almost heaving with such harshness. His sapphire eyes began to overflow with tears, leaving glistening streams down his cheeks. Peach’s heart shatters with every tear. She could not bear to see someone cry. To her, seeing someone burst into tears was unbearable, no matter who it was. Every now and then, Phantom inhales and exhales, trying to keep his composure, but to no avail. Peach inches closer to him, wanting to wipe his tears, but is stopped. “Ah, it drives me to madness just thinking about it!”, Phantom cries, his eyes closing shut. Suddenly a smile appears, revealing the gap between his buckteeth. He chuckles, “Maybe…. Maybe I already am mad… Mad with arduous desperation! With unbound lamentation!”

The ballroom darkens. Peach freezes once more, this time out of fear. Her skin crawls as the shadows she once tried to escape begin creeping back towards them. She could not look away. Helplessly, she watches as Phantom’s weeping transforms into an unhinged snicker. His paws close into fists and clutches his temple; his eyes still closed and brimming with tears. His low snickering turns into shaking laughter with a terrible force, breaking out of his closed-up throat. Covering his face, Phantom swallows, giving himself a moment to speak. He breathes, “Am I not of the same race as them? The same flesh as them, the same image as them? I am different, yes, but isn’t everyone? People talk of differences, they teach others of differences, and yet differences are what they fear. Fear of the unknown is prevalent, no matter how miniscule it can be. Differences are what people love and hate – why must it be like this? Why? For all these years, I have ventured this world alone! I have given all who come across me the chance to hear my music, talk of music, be one of music, but – nothing! Nothing but a few. But even those few, I never see them again.”

“Only a few? But I thought your singing would make you popular amongst the Rabbids.”, Peach said.

“I thought so, too. They hear me, but they don’t listen. They don’t listen! Hahaha… But you do. You listen. You listened to my music, and it brought you here! To me! At long last, you’re here with me!”

“….”

“We don’t have to be alone, princess. We seek companionship; why not have each other? I promise you more than just my music. You will be the monument to my art, the shining jewel of the stage – of the world! My dear, you are more than royalty to me. You are my dearest one, my precious rose, my muse! That is why I am here in this castle. I wanted to see you again, to see your beauty again. With every note I sing, every night, I see you in the moonlight. In the stars! In everything! I have waited for this moment for so long, your highness. Far too long. I can give you anything and everything you desire. Please…”

Suddenly Phantom clutches Peach’s body, and his eyes open, shooting a hard stare into her soul. Peach’s heart sinks into her chest. Her blood runs cold. Frozen once again as she finds herself gazing into a pair of gleaming crimson eyes. Eyes as deep as rubies – as human blood. In the pitch blackness of the room looms the giant, now in a deep trance, grasping the small frame of her body. Phantom’s demented yet pitiful grin still remains, “See me, your highness! Look at me! Tell me, my darling! How can one create a connection with someone when no one around you can understand who and what you are? Ah, princess! I am truly, utterly alone!”

With this outburst, Peach falls into unconsciousness. Realizing what he had done, Phantom wakes from his trance and catches her, letting her faint into his embrace. The princess had always been beautiful. But now, with her nightgown fitting onto her slender figure, her neck and shoulders exposed, she looked divine. Peaceful, like an angel. She is an angel. His eyes fade back into blue; his expression creased with worry. He curses to himself. If only he had kept his composure…

----

The castle guards found her shawl in the ballroom the next morning. Concern spread quickly like wildfire, and the fear of kidnapping came back once again among the servants. Talk of Bowser and Koopas and hellfire greeted the kingdom; a search party was made immediately. The commotion died down once they discovered their ruler, thankfully, within the castle. She was found lying on a velvet lounging chair, asleep, in one of the many chambers. Upon closer inspection, in her right hand, a single red rose with a black ribbon tied to it was placed within. Along with the ribbon was a small tag written in delicate penmanship:

Until we meet again.

[kawaii-kozume]

Percy Jackson ships as Pierce The Veil Songs because I can:

Valdangelo - Kissing In Cars(It is soft and I just, I see it so much. "Second chances won't leave you alone" "There's no such thing as too young" "The first time I've seen love and the last I'll ever need")

Frazel - Just The Way You Are(Okay, yes its a cover but listen to how lovestruck Vic sounds and tell me it isn't Frank..)

Percabeth - Tangled In The Great Escape(Yeah, its a lil sad and angsty, but I imagine this being Annabeth to Percy throughout Tartarus and the Titan War. It's exhausting and they're gonna escape eventually, just hang on.)

Solangelo - Hold On Til May (The song history is sad as hell and works with Nico's background. PTV wrote the song based on this girl's childhood of being neglected, running off to hide in a tree and waiting to see if her parents noticed or came looking. In the song, the singer comes and finds her and they fall in love. It just screams solangelo)

Thaluke - Bulletproof Love (I'm so sorry Thaluke stans. "We used to laugh until we choked into the wasted nights" "This isn't fair! Don't you try to blame this on me. My love for you was bulletproof but you're the one who shot me"

Jasiper - Southern Constellations/The Boy Who Could Fly (I'm so sorry Jasiper stans. This one kinds hurts, it hurt me to think about.)

Pipabeth - Circles ("You took my hand and we both started running" "I think about my life without you and I start to cry" "Save yourself, don't ever look back" This one simultaneously hurts and it's soft.)

Willeo - I'm Low On Gas And You Need A Jacket (This one's fairly angsty but uh yeah. I just think that through their downs they'd still care for each other. And trust me, they have some down, downs.)

Perachel - Bulls In The Bronx ("Do you know? I count your heartbeats before you sleep" "Maybe we're just having too much fun" "I've been having this dream we can fly")

Percico - King For A Day (They'd absolutely be there for each other past their breaking point. They'd probably encourage the other to choke a god, lets be real.)

Lukethan - Stained Glass Eyes and Colorful Tears (There is,,,so much here that I'm 99% sure this song was just written about them /j.)

Jercy - I Don't Care If You're Contagious(Song history time: It's about a boy dying and wanting to still be around his lover because he misses them. "I'd do anything,anything, anything" "I'd kiss you even if you were dead")

Liper - A New National Anthem (I can't explain it, the vibes just work. "Firework eyes" "If I ever find the ones who hurt you, I'm hoping that God looks away." "I'm holding her just like she's gold")

Rachabeth - Disasterology ("Can we create something beautiful and destroy it?" "If it's the end of the world, you and me should spend the rest of it in love" Look, they just seem like the type to get really in their feels and be creative and destructive together and trust each other, okay?)

Jasico - A Match Into Water (*gives you a real intense look* This one speaks for itself. "I still think you're beautiful and I don't wanna lose my best friend" "I screamed out God you vulture, bring her back or take me with her!")

Theyna - Props and Mayhem (Another one that I can't explain except the vibe just fits in my opinion. "I'm gonna light up this place and die in beautiful stars!" "But I can't save the world from the creatures that don't die"

Fraleo - Million Dollar Houses (I don't have an explanation but it tracks, trust me.)

Charlena - Fast Times At Claremont High ("Without you, what's the point?" "It's over, if I die, you die too." I'm in spain but the 's' is silent.)

And there we have it. I'm sorry its long, I had Thoughts™