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starcrossed591 · 4 months

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CDrama Year in Review 2023

I'm still very much a CDrama beginner--I just started watching them in the summer of 2022--but since this is the first year I got into them in earnest, I figured I might as well do a year in review a la @dangermousie (whose lists I have found incredibly helpful in deciding which CDramas I really, really need to go back and watch as part of my CDrama education--so thank you!). So, without further adieu, here is my ranking of 2023 CDramas, in order of least enjoyed to most enjoyed*.

(See also: KDrama Year in Review 2023)

*Disclaimer: *not* a measure of objective quality

10. Royal Rumours: This drama was not great? Meng Zi Yi and Jeremy Tsui were fun, but the story started out messy and got messier. For some reason I still finished it, I think because I had a lingering cold and it was all my brain could handle at the time *shrug*

9. Gone with the Rain: I actually really enjoyed this one! The pacing was inconsistent, but Zhang Nan was fun as the irreverent Mo Xi, and we love a grizzled general. Special shout to the teacher who was not actually evil, just a sad lesbian whose gf disappeared on her

8. Love You Seven Times: Intriguing concept, not a strong enough FL to carry it through. The reincarnation stuff really worked for me at first, especially in their first mortal tribulation (as people, not CGI animals), but I got tired of it pretty quickly. I admit, the gifs of Ding Yu Xi as a sexy cat demon *did* pull me back in, but not enough for me to actually finish the thing, alas

7. Destined/Chang Feng Du: Started out really strong, and then stalled out on me. I think I only got up to about episode 22 or so, after their epic desert crossing and new start in a new state--they lost all narrative momentum for me there. I stopped watching and then just...didn't start again. I do, however, remain a big Bai Jing Ting fan, and will be keeping on eye out for whatever he does next

6. Hidden Love: (Contemporary) Age gap romances are hit or miss for me, but Zhao Lu Si absolutely stole/carried the show for me in this one. Although more fun imo when the main couple are in the the will-they-won't-they phase than in the family melodrama after they get together, still the only contemporary CDrama to get me to give it a go this year--and I'm glad I did

5. My Journey to You: Featuring my favorite murder girlies Esther Yu as Yun Wei Shan and Lu Yu Xiao as Shanguan Qian! Gorgeous costumes and sets, sweeping cinematography, and plot that kept me on the edge of my seat. Full disclosure, I have not actually watched the last two episodes because I got busy and then saw weird chatter about them, so I have no comment on the allegedly weird ending

4. Till the End of the Moon: Look, I know the ending wasn't ideal, but for the majority of its run, this drama owned my entire soul. It also introduced me to Bai Lu as Li Su Su, who inspired my first actual tumblr post (that wasn't a reblog) because I was so obsessed with her. And everyone knows that Tantai Jin is the CDrama ML of the year. 10/10, no regrets at letting it take over my life (and the OST my Spotify) from April to May of this year

3. The Story of Kunning Palace: More Bai Lu is always a good thing, and she's extra fun here as the transmigrated former evil empress and totally-over-your-nonsense Xiang Xue Ning here. The reverse haremness of it all totally shows why Bai Lu is the chemistry queen, especially with the princess (Liu Xie Ning) and cranky, morally grey, would-fail-gym-class strategist Xie Wie (Zhang Ling He). So glad this drama made it out of the CDrama vault and didn't languish indefinitely in censorship hell

2. A Journey to Love: Finished this one two days ago as of this writing and am still not normal about it. Ren Ruyi (Liu Shi Shi) and Ning Yuan Zhou (Liu Yu Ning) lead an exceptionally strong ensemble cast in this wuxia that explores the complicated relationships between love, duty, loyalty, loneliness, and companionship. Ruyi and Yuan Zhou are far and away one of my fave OTPs of the year, but just as compelling are the relationships between friends/brothers/fellow assassins Yu Shisan, Yuan Lu (ugh my heart), Qian Zhou, and Sun Lang. This drama definitely has one of the strongest ensemble casts of the year. And the character growth of Yang Ying from little princess abandoned in the cold palace to who she becomes by the end will stick with me for a long time. Plus another 10/10 OST!

1. Lost You Forever S1: I'm not normally a reverse harem girl, but the longing, loss, and hard resolve portrayed to perfection by Yang Zi as Xiao Yao really did it for me here. This whole drama struck an emotional chord for me, and where TTEOTM consumed my soul, LYF took over my heart. Xiao Yao's relationships with her power hungry, overprotective cousin Cang Xuan; hot snake demon Xiang Liu/playboy archery shufu Feng Feng Bei; and perfectly devoted Tushan Jing are all equally compelling to me, and while I may know who she ends up with in the end, who I *think* she should be with changes based on who's on screen at any given time. And A'Nian, my favorite bratty princess who really just needs some strong parenting, holds a special place in my heart. I know we may never get S2, and even if we do, censorship means it probably won't be what the drama makers are capable of, but I'm so glad for this little piece of absolute perfection. And, again, a top notch OST!

Fave Drama: Lost You Forever, by just a hair over A Journey to Love. See above.

Least Fave Drama: Royal Rumours--truly why did I finish this, what was past me thinking

Biggest Disappointment: 2023 is also the year I read Dreamer in the Spring Boudoir, my very first CNovel! But then I didn't even bother checking out its adaptation, Romance of a Twin Flower, because it got rid of everything that made the novel such an addicting read, including a brilliant, strategic, ice cold FL and an ML who actually kind of sucked at the beginning, only to grow on you very, very slowly over time. I'm grateful that the chatter around the drama is what brought the novel to my attention, but other than that, hard pass.

Favorite Male Character: Lots of good ones this year, but I'm gonna go with Cang Xuan (Zhang Wan Yi) from Lost You Forever. The conflict he faces between getting enough power to protect the people he loves the most and that power making him incompatible with those loved ones is so compelling, and his yearning for Xiao Yao even when she's right in front of him is wrenching. Full disclosure, I also just really love the sound of his voice

Favorite Female Character: This could easily have gone to Li Susu (TTEOTM), Xiao Yao (LYF), or Ren Ruyi (AJTL), but I'm gonna go with Bai Lu's Xiang Xue Ning in The Story of Kunning Palace. Something I really loved about this character was just how jaded Xue Ning really was, even in her second go round at life. Yeah, she wants to make amends for the harm done in her previous rise to power, but that has hardly turned her into a good--or even pleasant--person. Instead, she's incredibly skeptical and still plays most things ice cold, especially with her family. As a bonus, we got plenty of Bai Lu's fantastic side eye as she basically had to do high school all over again when she gets called into the palace despite her very best efforts not to be.

Favorite Ship: Ren Ruyi and Yuan Zhao from A Journey to Love have got to be it. They balance each other out so well, and over the course of the drama, learn to communicate effectively with each other whenever they have a problem. They also recognize that not all problems can be solved by ~love~, which makes their relationship even more compelling when they decide to prioritize each other in a way that respects what the other wants from life.

Favorite Secondary Ship: Little princess Yang Ying and Yuan Lu absolutely broke stole my heart in A Journey to Love. Doomed love even more than the main OTP, these two's youthful romance was such much fun to watch, especially as they egged their respective mentors on in their own romance. Yang Ying's recognition that her first love did not have to be her only love is also something I always love to see, even as it broke my heart that (spoiler) she and Yuan Lu never really had a chance at an HEA. Their relationship really exemplified a key theme of this drama: that you should love the people you love while they're still with you because tomorrow is never promised.

Non-2023 Dramas that I Watched: Two non-2023 dramas I watched that deserve a special shout out are Love and Redemption and The Sword and the Brocade. Love and Redemption prepared me to really appreciate the big swings that Till the End of the Moon took, and The Sword and the Brocade went a little way to filling the Story of Ming Lan shaped hole in my heart. The Sword and the Brocade also had absolutely searing critique of the concubine system, even as it featured one of the most genuinely good-hearted FLs I've seen. Would recommend both!

Most Looking Forward To: Yes, I'm a sucker and the censors (not to mention the characters) will probably break my heart, but I'm still crossing my fingers that Lost You Forever S2 will live up to the promise of part one. See above: still a CDrama beginner, have not yet had all the optimism knocked out of me. Sue me.

#CDrama #year in review #Lost You Forever #A Journey to Love #The Story of Kunning Palace #My Journey to You #Hidden Love #Chang Feng Du #Destined CDrama #Till the End of the Moon #Love You Seven Times #Gone with the Rain #Ren Ruyi #Yang Ying #Yuan Lu #Bai Lu #Meta #CDrama Review

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madamlaydebug · 1 year

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REMEMBERING MINNIE RIPERTON

Photograph of Minnie Riperton with her daughter actress Maya Rudolph and her son Marc Rudolph.

Minnie Julia Riperton Rudolph (November 8, 1947 – July 12, 1979) was an American singer-songwriter best known for her 1975 single "Lovin' You" and her four octave D3 to F♯7 coloratura soprano range. She is also widely known for her use of the whistle register and has been referred to by the media as the "Queen of the Whistle Register."

Minnie Riperton grew up in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood on the South Side. As a child, she studied music, drama and dance at Chicago's Lincoln Center. The youngest of eight children in a musical family, she embraced the arts early. Although she began with ballet and modern dance, her parents recognized her vocal and musical abilities and encouraged her to pursue music and voice. At Chicago's Abraham Lincoln Center, she received operatic vocal training from Marion Jeffery. She practiced breathing and phrasing, with particular emphasis on diction. Jeffery also trained Riperton to use her full range. While studying under Jeffery, she sang operettas and show tunes, in preparation for a career in opera. Jeffery was so convinced of her pupil's abilities that she strongly pushed her to further study the classics at Chicago's Junior Lyric Opera.

The young Riperton was, however, becoming interested in soul, rhythm and blues, and rock. In her teen years, she sang lead vocals for the Chicago-based girl group the Gems. Eventually the group became a session group known as Studio Three and it was during this period that they provided the backing vocals on the classic 1965 Fontella Bass hit "Rescue Me".

After graduating from Hyde Park High School (now Hyde Park Academy High School), she enrolled at Loop College and became a member of Zeta Phi Beta sorority. She dropped out of college to pursue her music career.

Her early affiliation with the legendary Chicago-based Chess Records afforded her the opportunity to sing backup for various established artists such as Etta James, Fontella Bass, Ramsey Lewis, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters. While at Chess, Riperton also sang lead for the experimental rock/soul group Rotary Connection, from 1967 to 1971.

On April 5, 1975, Riperton reached the apex of her career with her No. 1 single "Lovin' You". The single was the last release from her 1974 gold album titled Perfect Angel. Riperton's third album, Adventures in Paradise was released in 1975. Despite the R&B hit "Inside My Love", some radio stations refused to play "Inside My Love" due to the lyrics.

Her fourth album for Epic Records, titled Stay in Love (1977), featured another collaboration with Stevie Wonder in the funky disco tune "Stick Together".

In 1978, Richard Rudolph and Riperton's attorney Mike Rosenfeld orchestrated a move to Capitol Records for Riperton and her CBS Records catalog. In April 1979, Riperton released her fifth and final album, Minnie. "Memory Lane" was a hit from the album.

Riperton provided backing vocals on Stevie Wonder's songs "Creepin'" from 1974's Fulfillingness' First Finale and "Ordinary Pain" from 1976's Songs in the Key of Life. In 1977, she lent her vocal abilities to a track named "Yesterday and Karma", on Osamu Kitajima's album, Osamu.

In January 1976, Riperton was diagnosed with breast cancer and, in April, she underwent a radical mastectomy. By the time of diagnosis, the cancer had metastasized and she was given about six months to live. Despite the grim prognosis, she continued recording and touring. She was one of the first celebrities to go public with her breast cancer diagnosis but did not disclose she was terminally ill.

In 1977, she became a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. In 1978, she received the American Cancer Society's Courage Award, which was presented to her at the White House by President Jimmy Carter.

Riperton died of cancer on July 12, 1979 at the age 31.

During the 1990s, Riperton's music was sampled by many rap and hip-hop artists, including Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, A Tribe Called Quest, Blumentopf, The Orb and Tragedy Khadafi.

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alyjojo · 15 days

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Thinking of You - April ✂️ 2024 - Aquarius

Whole of their energy towards Aquarius: Ace of Swords

Feelings: Page of Wands

Intentions: 9 Pentacles

Actions: King of Pentacles rev

This person is undependable, or you are. Ace of Swords can be like a wake up call, or something is said or realized that sets off a chain reaction in this connection with Wheel of Fortune, already has, or will. The Hermit at the bottom, intentions being just focusing on themselves and what they want, need, their work. For some of you this is someone at work, but with Promise & Fury being in the oracles, it’s probably a closer connection. Doesn’t have to be love but it’s someone you or they feel like…you should be able to rely on this person, and you/they can’t. There’s a lot of conflict between you. If work, you could be competing with others for something you feel like *you* were promised, why are others involved?? Or that could be any relationship really. You could also have argued over how things are changing, things that are outside of your control, and being fixed that’s very difficult for you to deal with.

In their feelings, again could be either side, for some this is the Aqua. Page of Wands clarified by 9 Cups, these are hopes and dreams you or they find inspiring, it’s the life force inside of you, the things that get your blood pumping, when you envision a future, these things are what you’re thinking of. It’s like this person just shits on these things - OPENLY - with no regard for your feelings. Or they see you that way. The High Priestess rev with 5 Swords, someone isn’t even trying to hide their mean & nasty mouth, underhanded comments, petty behaviors, like what do you/they really expect to gain from that? A closer connection? Victory how? 9 Swords at the bottom, this person has played some of these things in their mind like a broken record, mean behaviors, or they may even think you *enjoy* being that way. Or switch. What? 🥴

In the intentions is just minding their own business, what they can control, could be an earth sign, Queen of Pentacles at the bottom. She runs these pentacles, very responsible, on top of things, making her money, getting shit done, she doesn’t *need* anyone and she knows it. Temperance clarifying shows this person trying to keep calm, they don’t want to fight. There clearly is fighting, petty behavior and snide bs going on, and this person has taken several steps back like…you can do that all by yourself mmkay. Not interested. Very independent energy.

In action, this person could become work obsessed, maybe they already are. The Queen showed up at the bottom of the deck and the King is here reversed, for those in relationships it’s like this person may work more to try to avoid or just not talk to you, keeping themselves busy on purpose. If you work together, they’re going out of their way to not have to speak to you as much as possible. Before they may have shown up as a friend or tried to, and after interacting with you it’s like they’ve realized okay no, it’s just business now. They’ll probably have a tone change, something about their demeanor, they’ve simply seen the truth, in their mind, Wheel of Fortune indicates a cycle or a long period of time for some, like this has been going on long enough and they’re not going to engage in conflict or drama, nor are they going to let someone tear down their hopes and dreams - cuz the world doesn’t do that enough right? Do wtf you want. Or switch it. The foot is down 🦶

Messages:

Their side:

- STATUS 😎

- Too different.

Your side:

- I want to have my cake and eat it too 🍰

- Really Tall

Oracles:

Sit Happens 🧘‍♂️

Origin 🌱

Initiation - Creativity - Vitality

Promise 💍

Responsible - Confirmation - Assurance

Fury 🤬

Offense - Madness - Unpleasantness

Possible signs:

Heavy Sagittarius, Pisces, Aquarius & Virgo

If you’re dealing with:

The Moon is a fearful energy, there’s no clarity in some of these relationships, or hidden factors are involved. You’re not sure you can trust the people around you, you got that message last reading too, probably with good reason right? There could also be things you’re hiding from others, or projecting onto them even, when there’s no clarity, The Moon can go haywire in the brain assuming the worst and concocting worst case scenarios. It’s also a card of intuition, walking through the dark and your other senses are heightened, which will be true in other cases. You know without having to know. You or others.

Aries - could be this person they have two of the exact same cards, same energy, it’s like you or they allow others to compete for their time & energy and someone’s perspective has or will shift because of this - no thanks 👎

Taurus - heartbroken by a sudden ending and new beginning they never saw coming, this person really loves/d you

Gemini - giving you a baby? Be careful. Offering you something to help you move forward in some way, generally feels helpful.

Cancer - nostalgic about how things used to be and continues to stalk you vs saying words, and if you do talk it’s mostly about the past

Leo - sorry they walked out on you, wants to reunite, or that’s switched - there’s love here

Virgo - falling in love with you, could be a brand new relationship that has all of the feels

Libra - something they’ve invested in is bearing fruit and they’re so happy about it, for someone it’s literally gardening, tis the season 🌺

Scorpio - its over and they’ve healed from it

Sagittarius - the boss’s right hand man? Someone you work with and look up to as a leader, you refrain from judging them harshly like you might with other people - why idk

Capricorn - quietly loves you and wants to move on from the drama without being verbal…do they realize you’re an air sign? 💬

Aquarius - has left, is returning, still on the same toxic bs they were on when they left

Pisces - either sees you as spicy but unreliable or that’s switched, they like you, but don’t like how impulsive you are - it’s like *eyeroll* 🙄

#Aquarius #thinking of you #april 2024 #astrology #tarot reading #tarot #tarotblr

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myonedream · 3 months

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⋆⋆‧̍̊ ·̊ ~⋆ ✦ ⋆~ ·̊ ‧̍̊ ‧̍̊ ·̊ ~⋆ ☾ ⋆~ ·̊ ‧̍̊ ‧̍̊ ·̊ ~⋆ ✦ ⋆~ ·̊ ‧̍̊⋆⋆

★ Hello & welcome, you can call me L! I’m a 00’ liner nonbinary person from the eastern part of America & my pronouns are she/they! I’m also @huexuri’s “✨” anon!

☆ On this blog you’ll see TXT (Tomorrow X Together) smut mostly with some fluff here & there!

★ As my bio says, I’ve been a MOA since April 2019 & I’m OT5 biased.

☆ What will I write about? Mostly anything! But I will only write stories with an afab reader as I’m not experienced in writing male x male. I will also not write about anyone who isn’t TXT, member x member, feet, rape, incest/stepcest, toxic!TXT, drugging, knife play, butt stuff, pee, scat, vomit, blood (that includes vampires too since I have a phobia of blood), lactation, pregnancy sex, feeding, fat fetishism, & yeah I think that’s all!

★ If you want me to write anything in particular, send me an ask! Hard & soft hours are always open :)

☆ And here are a few rules!

1. No minors or ageless blogs are allowed to interact with my content, if you do, you will be blocked! So please have your age in your bio!

2. Absolutely no bullying, drama or intolerance of any kind allowed. It’s all love here on my blog 🤍

3. No reposting my work without my permission! If you want to repost it, ask me, & if I say you can, credit me.

4. Please do not ask me about my sex life. That makes me severely uncomfortable so if you do, you will be blocked.

5. Please do not refer to me as a girl! As someone who is nonbinary, that makes me deeply uncomfortable. Though queen, mom and sis are fine!

⋆⋆‧̍̊ ·̊ ~⋆ ✦ ⋆~ ·̊ ‧̍̊ ‧̍̊ ·̊ ~⋆ ☾ ⋆~ ·̊ ‧̍̊ ‧̍̊ ·̊ ~⋆ ✦ ⋆~ ·̊ ‧̍̊⋆⋆

I believe that is all, I truly do hope you all enjoy my content! If you do, please feel free to reblog but if you don’t want to expose your freaky self to your followers, that’s fine, send me an anonymous message of support instead if that makes you more comfortable 🫶🏻.

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bethaven · 24 days

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The list, Q1

When I completed my christmas calendar in December I made a list of (for me) new series I'd like to watch in 2024. This is what I've got so far:

Griselda

(Netflix)

🦩🦩🦩🦩🦩

This was mine and my boyfriend's mutual project. We don't really have the same taste in series, but sometimes they overlap. Like, when it both have drugs, murders and Sofia Vergara. This one's really Sofia in her prime, she does an amazing job portraying the strong, targeted drug queen of Miami. Highly recommend!

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Heartbreak High

(Netflix)

🦩🦩🦩🦩

This has come up as a sugestion for me for a long time, since it's in my absolute most common genre; teenage dramas with queer elements. That also comes with some high expectations when I finally get around to watch it. Heartbreak High mostly lives up to this, there's a lot of well developed characters and a story that reminds me a lot of Sex Education. I'm looking forward to how season 2 (drops April 11th) will develop the story. And yes, Quinni is the best!

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The Unlisted

(Netflix)

🦩🦩🦩🦩

This was practically all my childhood nightmares come to life and I was so hooked by the ever thrilling story. I sat in angst cheering so hard for the kids to succeed with their mission. Looses one flamingo mostly because it ended with a cliffhanger and then got canceled.

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One Day

(Netflix)

🦩🦩

First and foremost, I do have a big problem with these kind of stories. It concists of building up a lot of hope, just to tear it down by the end. I don't really see the fascination in that. But I did mostly like the movie from 2011 and therefore it felt obvious I should check this out. I really liked the production, the environments and the overall look of it. But I was not that impressed by the actors', more specifically the leads', performance. Big bonus for Essie Davis as Alison though, would love to see more of her.

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Never have I ever

(Netflix)

🦩🦩🦩

This is also a series that's been lying around in my list, waiting to be seen, for a while. I can't say it entirely lived up to my expectations, but it definitely has its highlights and insights. I like the comedy-drama-mix, cultural representation and the adults. But I'm having trouble with a lot of Devi's personality and how they handle queer representation. From time to time I mostly found it a bit boring.

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Everything now

(Netflix)

🦩🦩🦩🦩

This was HEAVY on so many levels, I had to watch this from time to time spread out over several weeks, mixed up with lighter stuff. But it was also SO good! Not having ED myself I can't say weither this was a good representation of it, but I really felt I got to be inside Mia's brain and understand anorexia a bit better. I liked how not everything was about that though, it was also just normal teenage life, because yeah, why shouldn't it? I also liked how everyone's sexuality was normalised.

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My life with the Walter boys

(Netflix)

🦩🦩🦩

This was the kind of series that got me giggling, hiding behind a pillow several times. Not cringey, more like I really felt their feelings and cheered for them not to make bad decissions. It's a beutiful story and a bit like a teenage version of Chesapeake Shores meeting all Hallmark christmas movies. The queer representation leaves a lot to wish for. And I can't stop thinking about the fact that Jackie moves in to a family, directly sees some of them as siblings (Parker, for example) while she has no trouble falling in love with two others. Isn't that a bit...strange? What am I missing?

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The White Lotus

(HBO)

🦩🦩🦩

My immidiate description of this series is; odd. It was not at all what I expected and I'm having trouble describing it at all. Is it good? Well, it's not bad..? There are definitely some amazing cast performances from i.e. Jennifer Coolidge, Aubrey Plaza, Haley Lu Richardson, Leo Woodall (I actually found him to be better here than in One day), Murray Bartlett and Jake Lacy. The constant background music is mostly just annoying, but otherwise the sets and production is great.

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Smiley

(Netflix)

🦩🦩🦩🦩🦩

Don't even know how to start here, because I was kind of floored by this. I binged it all in one night and I changed between crying and laughing the whole time. It's a wonderful, cute, well-written, queer love story set in the city of my dreams (Barcelona). The agonising feelings of falling in love are so relatable and so are the challenges meet by friends and family. This is a slow burn, opposites-attract story for when you just want to feel good. Bring tissues!

------

Other highlights and rewatches:

Young Royals season 3; one of the best last episodes ever, even caught the eye of my very hesitant boyfriend.

Modern Family; when the world's in shambles - go back to comfort.

Blown away season 4; who knew a reality show about glasblowing would be this thrilling? I've saved the finally for a rainy day.

Young Sheldon season 7; last season is droping one episode a week. I'll sure miss this!

Glamorous; I was very sad to find out this was cancelled, but a rewatch still makes me happy!

XO, Kitty; I'm getting more impatient to hear what's next, give me season 2 now!

But, the biggest thing dropping during these first months was obviously;

Heartstopper season 3 will drop in October!!🍂

See you in June for the next report!

#heartstopper #griselda #heartbreak high #the unlisted #one day #never have i ever #everything now #my life with the walter boys #the white lotus #smiley #netflix #hbo #disney+#young royals #modern family #blown away #young sheldon #glamorous #xo kitty

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libertyreads · 24 days

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April TBR 2024--

This next month is set to be full of rereads, hockey romances, and new to me books. It is also the month I'm starting a certification program so it will probably be a bit of a struggle to get through this month's TBR. I don't even remember the last time I've thought that about a month's TBR. I really hope I have as much fun with this TBR as I'm expecting to. I've really been in the mood for these rereads and these hockey romance so I'm excited to finally get to it.

Silver in the Bone by Alexandra Bracken-- This is just one of a few rereads this month. Book two in the series comes out next month. I originally read this one as an ARC so I definitely need a refresher first. Tamsin Lark is a mortal with no magical talent who was never meant to break into ancient crypts or compete with sorceresses and Cunning folk for the treasures inside. But treasure hunting is the only way she could keep herself and her brother Cabell alive following her thieving foster father's disappearance. Ten years later she's looking for a ring that is supposed to save her brother from a curse. It's based in Arthurian legend.

Teen Titans: Beast Boy by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo-- Another reread before a new book in the series. I remember enjoying this one slightly less than Raven's book, but I still enjoyed meeting a new character and getting their origin story. I also felt like it addressed an issue that isn't brought up a lot: male body image issues. We see it addressed a lot in fiction for girls, but there are boys who also go through this growing up. Plus it's beast boy and lots of green animals.

The Score by Elle Kennedy-- A hockey romance! I've been so in the mood for hockey romances this year. I don't know if it's because I found a few new to me authors and bought some kindle books for Christmas or what. In this one we follow Allie Hayes who is in crisis mode. Graduation is looming and she's dealing with a broken heart thanks to the end to her longtime relationship. Wild rebound sex is definitely not the solution to her problems, but gorgeous hockey star Dean Di Laurentis is impossible to resist. Just one though because even if her future is uncertain it sure as heck doesn't include Dean. It seems like he's going to pursue her after she puts him in the friend zone following their one night stand. I love it when the guy falls first or the guy is pursuing the girl so I'm looking forward to this one.

Stars and Smoke by Marie Lu-- The last of the rereads for this month. I'm so excited for the next book too. In this one we follow an international pop sensation named Winter Young who is brought into the world of spies when a major crime boss gifts his daughter a private concert with Winter for her birthday. Sydney Cossette is a member of the elite covert ops group who is forced to work alongside Winter to infiltrate the crime organization's inner circle. This was such a fun and quick read for me last year and I can't wait to go back into this world of glitz, glam, and spies.

Bad Men by Julie Mae Cohen (NetGalley)-- This one just sounded so good when I saw it on NetGalley. It's unhinged women at its finest. Saffy Huntley-Oliver is an intelligent and glamorous socialite; she also happens to be a proficient serial killer. Over the course of fifteen years, she's dispatched bad men--rapist, murderers, domestic abusers. But leading a double life has left her lonely. Dating's rough when your boyfriend might turn out to be your next victim. Saffy thinks she's finally found a truly good man in Jonathan Desrosiers, a true crime podcaster. This is a feminist thriller that asks if even a serial killer can have a happily ever after. My hopes for this one? Rich people drama and some mad women.

The Hemlock Queen by Hannah F. Whitten (New Release)-- The second book in the series is finally coming out. This series starts with Lore, who has a dark power and a hidden past, as we follow her into the intrigue of the Sainted King's royal court. The king and his priest manipulate Lore and have her spy on the prince in order to determine just who is killing the villages at the edge of the kingdom. We follow on from the events of the first book in this new one.

My Lucky #13 by Piper Rayne (Kindle)-- A hockey player who is going through a scoring draught is worried he's going to get traded before the deadline if he doesn't turn it around. Following a New Year's Eve with a woman, he has a waterfall of goals and knows he has to see her again. She wants nothing to do with him and he feels his has to change her mind. A hero falls first sounding story that I'm so looking forward to. I will say that there's a very obvious hockey error in the synopsis of this one and we all know I'm a little picky about hockey details. But I'll try to keep an open mind on this one.

Just Do This One Thing For Me by Laura Zimmerman (Library)-- I'm going to pull the synopsis straight from GoodReads since it's a Mystery/Thriller and those are hard to explain at the best of times: "'Just do this one thing for me.' Drew's mother says it more often than good morning. Heidi Hill has been juggling shady side hustles for all of Drew's seventeen years, and Drew knows that 'one thing' really means all the necessary things her mother thinks are boring, including taking care of her fifteen-year-old sister and eight-year-old brother. In fact, Drew is the closest thing to a responsible adult they've ever known. When their mother disappears on the way to a New Year's Eve concert in Mexico and her schemes start unraveling, Drew is faced with a choice: Follow the rules, do the responsible thing, and walk away--alone--from her mother's mess. Or hope the weather stays cold, keep the cons going, and just maybe hold her family together."

#silver in the bone #Alexandra bracken #teen titans: beast boy #kami garcia #Gabriel picolo #the score #elle kennedy #stars and smoke #marie lu #bad men #Julie mae cohen #the hemlock queen #Hannah f. whitten #my lucky number 13 #piper rayne #just do this one thing for me #Laura zimmerman

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chdarling · 1 year

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It’s so interesting to see everyone’s different opinion on Graham. At first I was definitely wary of him. I was slightly worried that he would mess with Lily’s heart but honestly now I think he’s the one that’s gonna get his heart broken. Like he said, just because he can’t have a girlfriend right now doesn’t mean he doesn’t have feelings for her. And honestly who could blame him for falling for our Lily. I’m sure even James couldn’t fault him for that. (Although I’m sure he would try haha)

What I love most about the character of Graham that you’ve created is that on the surface he and Lily could be perfect together. They have similar backgrounds and beliefs and struggles. But just because you have something in common with someone doesn’t mean you’re meant to be together. Plus Lily has already given her heart away. Although I do hope that they will remain good friends.

But also that anon that said he might be the one to leak the list has got me worrying 🤔

Also I just wana add in while I’m here that I think an under appreciated OC is April. That moment after the meeting where she switches the music to ABBA was so funny! “Damn it, April!” 😂 I know Lily has a complicated history with girl friends but her and April could have such a fun time together getting high and listening to records. Plus Lily could definitely use some girl time right about now. She needs a break from all of these boys causing drama in her life haha.

Great to have you back CH!

April, my beloved!!!! Chill disco queen. Thank you so much for this message, it brightened my evening. ❤️

#ch answers #tle2 #tle2 spoilers #THE GRISCOURSE

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secreterces5 · 3 months

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🦋 Hi, I'm Charlie! This is my art blog! I also have a main (secreterces-charlie), a turtle blog (teenagemutantninjatrauma) and a somewhat DST oriented blog that is more like a second main (charlie-charlie-yes-i-am-here).

🦋 I mostly post Don't Starve and TMNT art right now, as well as attempts at original stuff :)

🦋 I do commissions! If you'd like to learn more about those, head on over to here 👉 https://secreterces5.carrd.co

🦋 I also have a ToyHouse for all my OCs and sonas and whatnot, because I keep making more, unfortunately!

⭐ General organization tags! ⭐

#🌹 charlie's art ;; #🌹 oc art ;; #🌹 self art ;; #🌹 charlie's animations

#🌹 chareblog ;; #🌹 my friends' art! ;; #🌹 other people's ocs

⭐ Ongoing stuff! ⭐

🌹 2k3 separated AU - a TMNT 2003 Separated AU! Mikey is a Timestress, Leo is a Foot Ninja, and Donnie is missing entirely. Raph, after growing up with only his dad, decides to try and find his brothers!

🌹 Revolution Radio AU - a fic I'm writing on AO3! The 2003 ninja turtles start a radio broadcast!

🌹 AHC AU - art for the Actions Have Consequences AU, co-written with @/violetvulpini on AO3, about president Bishop accidentally adopting Cody Jones and the Dark Turtles after the Fast Forward season.

🌹 Clone Zixx Theory - art operating on my headcanon that Zixx is a Bishop clone. Mostly made this tag for adding context to my art, not gonna lie.

🌹 TCAJ - To Catch a Jackdaw, a to-be-published original story of mine about different worlds intertwining and causing magical events of catastrophic proportions. Currently involving characters Aran, Flip and Iotash.

🌹 the haters club - a roleplay inspired scenario between me and a friend where several no-longer-human people team up to be racist against monsters who literally did nothing to them. they make each other worse and are besties. Currently consisting of DST Charlie, TMNT Stockman and Bishop, and TOH Belos (and Lilith, kinda?)

🌹 Survivor Charlie AU - a Don't Starve AU where Charlie is somehow dethroned and now one of the Survivors!

🌹 Magician Interview! - small DST snippets of Charlie and Maxwell's life before... well, before.

Graveyard of unlikely-to-be-elaborated-upon-right-now AUs under the cut 👍

🌹 Spider Queen Charlie AU - Maxlie but they're cannibalistic spider hybrids

🌹 DST pirates AU - Maxwell is a somewhat struggling pirate captain. Wilson Higgsbury never wanted to be a pirate but ends up having to work with one anyways. They seek out the pirate queen for help, but unfortunately, there is relationship drama involved.

🌹 Understarve AU - An Undertale AU of Don't Starve Together. Wilson Higgsbury, a human, loses his way and wanders into a world of monsters. Maxwell and Charlie are plant monsters, studying magic to hopefully one day free monsterkind.

🌹 Spilled Beans AU - A Don't Starve AU where Maxwell tells Charlie everything. They are doomed, either way.

🌹 Stolen Blessing AU - Philza Minecraft is an angel committing crimes. It doesn't work out great for him.

🌹 The Sun Can't Stop Us AU - An Apritello Rise of the TMNT AU based on the Greatest Showman movie where Donnie is an acrobat and April falls in love with him.

🌹 UDOA AU - Unwanted, Dead or Alive! A Fast Forward AU in which somehow, Leo is the only ninja turtle left standing as his family goes missing and their disappearance is pinned on him. With the help from the Dark Turtles, he now has to clear his name and find his family, all the while looking for the true culprit behind this and bonding with his kind-of-sort-of brothers.

🌹 Old Man Mikey AU - The year is 2275, and you have just graduated under your master with the title of chūnin. "Who will be my new master, though, sensei?" you inquire, unable to contain your curiosity. Your sensei names a person that you frankly didn't even think was real. "The Ancient One, of course." (Or, Mikey became the Ancient One long after Fast Forward.)

#Pinned Post!#shiny and new!#hopefully all these links work lmao

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michyeosseo · 1 year

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2022 creator wrap

favorite works

bringing back a love thyself tag thing-y from two years ago to fill up an otherwise empty yearend queue

january - all i ever wanted was a sister as far as i could remember. therefore, the way my brain has been wired... it’s no surprise to combine the jazzy vocals of luisa (from encanto) with chungmuro’s finest showing of sisterhood in recent memory.

february - hongxue, my beloved. anita yuen hitting a corporate prick in the head, in cheongsam, is ~magnificent~ let’s not mince words. to my delight, i discovered she’s also been taking on roles checking the kissing women requirement all the way back to the early ‘90s. good for her.

march - an entry for kww featuring kang malgeum. have you ever been personally changed by the nation’s unni and her ghost smile or are you normal?

april - moran × oksun. i even assigned the invu album to their dynamic only to be immeasurably disappointed.

may/june - here’s the latest in the never-ending law of the lady shoutouts. i was provided, bombarded even, with so much jiejie crush material. (warning: wetv subtitles were just a grade above machine translation.) xu jie assuming the role of chen ran’s baby daddy – putting their “partnership” full circle – i dunno where to begin to thank cdramas for them.

july - it is Not Perfect nor was it archived here but ‘twas my humble offering for queen moon’s birthday [ofc it was going to be a sehwa fancam to the kpop milf anthem wooah hip].

august - do mob bosses gently ask to have dinners with their indentured servants? as per the miniature hell in my head, chairwoman kang insook certainly seems convinced that’s how it works with her secretary kim yoonjae. and if my takeaway from that terrible movie is a positive reception of the dismembered wrist marked with her tattoo and totes not leaving her for dead, so be it.

december - meet jin hwayoung, the youngest daughter of a conglomerate. fashionista, my meow meow, achieved having a purse-carrying malewife. (the last bit representing actual affection is very notable, considering everyone else in show-window marriages.) dad, ily, but we both know why i picked this drama up. long after the faux chaebol revenge fades from the limelight, the general public will continue to owe kim shinrok for refusing her talent to be boxed as merely garnish/‘only daughter amongst many sons’ and for her commitment to having maximum fun on set for us. give her a worthy slice-of-life next.

if you’ve read up to this point, i just want to express my sincere thanks for following me/my crazed hyperfixations ♡

sideblog stuff under the cut

special mention

this is the (half-)year i kinda leaned into vidding. with encouragement from dear friends, here are some archived because twtr video compression is absolute dogshit fruits of those late nights. i wanna try to do more next year, maybe revisit old ideas, while not abandoning my main bread and butter, gifs. here’s to hoping the quality of the two modes of output will be honed closer.

feeling each other’s ribs that are protruding

ok i lied, i’m not a ‘little bit’ in love with gwendoline christie; i want to sell my soul to her

#unsure if these are insightful to my 'creative' process but these surely are my thoughts alright #the plan is to start the year filling up the lack of jin hwayoung gifs #next capcut-ing project: hwachang #the monotony of pandemic times has been broken #only to be displaced by chronic fatigue #melting smiley has never been more relatable #that said i am so glad tumblr continues to exist #and so does my handful friends i love you i really do #i feel like i am actively missing a chunk of the year #all those complex giffing techniques i see lately ;~;#but i guess missing on that's just part of the sacrifice i chose (which i'm praying goeswell)

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kickmag · 2 years

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A Strange Loop Is Leaving Broadway Early Next Year

Michael R. Jackson's Tony-Award-winning Best Musical A STRANGE LOOP has 14 more weeks on Broadway. The musical opened at the Lyceum Theatre on April 26th to critical acclaim. Tony Award nominee Stephen Brackett is the director of A STRANGE LOOP, Raja Feather Kelly is the choreographer, and Barbara Whitman Page 73 Productions, Wolly Mammoth Theatre Company and Playwrights Horizons are the producers.

A STRANGE LOOP won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and was named Best Musical by the Tony Awards the New York Drama Critics’ Circle, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Drama League, and Off-Broadway Alliance. Michael R. Jackson also won the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical for A STRANGE LOOP. Jaquel Spivey was awarded the Drama Desk Award for Best Actor in a Musical, the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Actor in a Musical, and a Theatre World Award.

Jaquel Spivey stars as Usher who is a Black queer writer writing a musical about a Black queer writer writing a musical hence the uncanny identity loop. Usher uses humor and truth to transcend his self perceptions while finding his artistic voice. Creator Michael R. Jackson says, "Though A STRANGE LOOP is not autobiographical, it is my life's work. As such, I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to share this raw, vulnerable, and personal story with the world and to have connected with so many enthusiastic, loving audiences. I am also indebted to the many extraordinary collaborators and institutions past and present that made the telling of this unique story possible. You each will have a piece of my heart, soul, and my loop forever.”

The show made its world premiere at Playwrights Horizons, in May 2019, in association with Page 73 Productions. In December 2021, the show had a critically acclaimed run at Washington, D.C.’s Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company prior to coming to Broadway. When the musical closes on January 15th it will have played 301 regular and 13 preview performances for audiences that have included Queen Latifah, Michelle Obama, Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Porter.

Ghostlight Records and Yellow Sound Label released the original Broadway cast recording of A STRANGE LOOP on June 10, 2022.

A STRANGE LOOP's performance schedule is Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm; Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 8pm, with matinees Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm; and Sunday at 3pm. Tickets are available at Telecharge.com (212-239-6200). Digital rush tickets are available at strangeloopmusical.com/lotteryandrush for $55 the day of the performance.This is a first-of-its-kind digital rush on Broadway and will augment the existing lottery ($43) and in-person rush ($47) ticket availability.

Check out the official site for more information and follow A STRANGE LOOP on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube at @strangeloopbway.

#a strange loop #michael r. jackson

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guitars-and-kaleidoscope-eyes · 2 years

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Queen Band; X Reader; A Highschool Dream

I should mention, this is NOT to be confused with my Rock Intern series. This is a different Queen fan fiction. In this, your a freshmen in highschool in England. You going through a lot at home. Then four boys change that... (Also, let me know if anyone wants a part two!)

WARNINGS: Abuse, trauma, attempting suicide, injuries.

April 30th, 1975

Your POV:

Another long day of school. And I still have three more years to go.

There's not really much excitment going on right now. I'm fact, my life is pretty routine. I go to school, I go home, I do my homework, and then I repeat.

The bell just rang and Mr. McGuire told me this morning that he wanted to see me after school in the choir room. I was actually surprised that Mr. McGuire, the drama club director, wanted to see me. I've been asking and asking to be given a job in stage crew, and everytime, he said he'd "think about it".

Every year on the last day, my school puts on a musical. Recently they've been adding some kind of entertainment for intermission.

3rd person POV:

While (y/n) walked to the choir room, Mr. McGuire and Queen made their way to the room as well.

Once they entered the room, Mr. McGuire turned to the boys and started.

"I should warn you guys, the girl that we have taking care of you all, we originally weren't going to have her do this. You see, we usually don't hire freshmen. But she's been begging to have a job in this department and to be honest, it's been getting a bit old. So when we found you guys and hired you to perform, we kinda just gave her this job last minute."

"Oh don't worry dear, I'm sure she'll be great." Freddie said.

"Believe us, we've had worse." John said.

"She'll be here soon. Once she arrives I have a folder with everything explaining what to do. Then she'll take you all down to the band room to begin." Mr. McGuire said.

Your POV:

I walked to the other side of the school (Our school's huge. You could have no reason to be anything but thin here!) and knocked on the closed door.

"Ah, (y/n)" I heard Mr. McGuire say. "Please come in."

I opened the door and oh hell! Did I have a surprise! Freddie, Brian, Roger, and John! Queen!

"So your (y/n)?" Freddie asked sweetly.

"Um, y-yeah." I said shyly while looking down.

"Boys, this is (f/n) (l/n), she'll be managing you all. (Y/n), well, you already know who they are." Mr. McGuire smiled.

He handed me a file with everything needed and left me to do my job.

"Well, we need to go to the band room, most of the cast of Wicked, the musical we're doing, will be rehearsing here in the choir room." I explained.

We walked across the hall and over to the band room.

"So the idea is that during the intermission, we'll have you perform In The Lap Of The Gods, Now I'm Here, and Seven Seas Of Rye. The musical will be on June 6th. And I have papers here explaining everything." I said as I handed them the papers.

"Well lovies, let's get the important stuff down first." Freddie said.

"So you got a boyfriend?" Roger asked me.

"Roger!!" Brian yelled.

"That's ok." I said. "And no, I don't yet." I chuckled.

"Sorry about Roger." Freddie said.

"That's fine." I responded.

"Well, I'll give you a tour of the school." I said.

After showing them around the PAC center and everywhere else they started rehearsing on In The Lap Of The Gods while I worked on homework.

"That was lovely darlings." Freddie said. "Let's give it one more run though."

"Roger, keep better time." Brian said.

"Oh focus on your own time ya sod!" Roger shot back.

"Just keep break'n sticks drummer boy." John added.

I laughed softly at the shenanigans.

"Let's ask the little darling what she thinks of it." Freddie asked as they all turned to me.

I was kinda star struck that Queen actually wanted the opinion of a shy highschooler, but I managed to keep it together.

"Well, the drums did sound a bit off."

Freddie, Brian, and John all laughed at each other as Roger turned to me in almost a disappointed shock.

"Um, did I say something wrong?" I asked, scared.

"No darling," Freddie chuckled. "Roger's just disappointed that for once, someone didn't take his side. And boys, keep in mind we are keeping this girl because she gets common sense." Freddie stated bluntly as he pulled me into a hug.

Roger kicked Freddie in the ankle and Brian interrupted them. "Well let's have one last run though before we go."

They played one last time, discussed a few measures to go over and then packed up their stuff.

"Good rehearsal my darlings. What time should we come on Friday (y/n)" Freddie asked.

"Same time as today, 3 to 7. And you can enter through the main office." I told them.

3rd person POV:

As asked of them, the next day the boys came in through the main office, signed in, and waited for (y/n)'s arrival. Once she arrived, they came back to the band room and worked on a few of the measures they were having trouble with.

Meanwhile, (y/n) said she was going to fill out some paperwork in the cafeteria and gave the boys a map to it so they could join her later.

Your POV:

I had gotten a few tacos at the food stand that some of the students had set up for rehearsals for the musical. At the moment I was studying for the final exams that was coming up. I actually hadn't realized how long I had been there until I looked at my watch. I had been there for two hours!

"Still studying my little workaholic?"

I looked up from my work to see Freddie standing at the table with John next to him.

"Yeah, my finals are coming up." I replied. "Where are the others?"

"They left. Rehearsal ended two hours ago." John answered.

"Oh my God!" It's 9:00 pm?!" I yelled while flying up from my seat.

"Don't worry my dear. We can give you a ride if you need it." Freddie said as he placed a hand on my shoulder.

"No, no, I'll leave on my own." I said as I gathered up my stuff and ran towards the door.

"Are you sure? It's really not much trouble." John said.

"Just... it's fine." I said as the door slammed behind me, leaving Freddie and John to stand there.

The next day I came in late for a morning rehearsal. About ten minutes. I know it doesn't seem like a lot, but if Mr. McGuire finds out, I'm a dead women!

It's raining outside so my hair is wet. I run into the band room where the guys are already warming up.

"Guys!"

The boys all turn towards me.

"You guys, I am so sorry I'm late! Traffic was absolutely horrible and-"

"(y/n), (y/n), it's alright dear! It's alright." Freddie said, clearly seeing how distraught I was.

The boys put there instruments down and walked up. Roger took my hands in his, John placed his hand on my shoulder, Brian put his hand on the side of my head, and Freddie placed his palm on the side of my face.

"I'm sorry if I scared you guys. I'm just worried that you guys might get mad if I show up late." I said.

"Don't worry (y/n), we're just glad you're alright. John said as he kissed the top of my head.

As they all returned back to there instruments, Brian turned back to me and asked.

"Hey (y/n)?"

"Yeah?"

"If you don't mind me asking, why would you think we'd be that mad if you showed up ten minutes late? After all, it's only ten minutes."

I looked down. "Oh, I uh, just thought you might."

"Ok?" Brian replied.

"Don't worry Brian dear." Freddie said. "Our girl is safe here with us."

I smiled and the boys started off with Now I'm Here. After an hour of rehearsal, it was 7:30 and five minutes before students would start pouring in.

"Well, that was a pretty good rehearsal guys." I said while gathering up the files. "See you in the same place at 3 later today?"

"See you then darling." Freddie said.

So after they left and I put the files back on the folder, it was classes, classes, and more classes. Finally, came 2:40 and rehearsal.

"I still don't know how I feel about the solo here." Brian said. (They're practicing Seven Seas Of Rye.)

"Oh darling, the audience will love it!" Freddie said while waving around his arms.

"(y/n), hope much time have we got?" Roger asked me.

"About three hours, you should be good." I said while glancing at my watch.

"I'm actually gonna go to the vending machines. Does anyone want anything?" I asked.

"Just a water for me."

"Coke and Marathon Bar please."

"Water darling."

"Bri?" I asked looking up at him.

"Could I actually come with you?" Brian asked.

"Oh, uh, I guess you could."

"Thanks." Brian smiled.

Brian's POV:

The reason I actually asked to come with (y/n) was because I wanted to ask her something important.

After seeing her so frantic this morning, I knew something must be up. I had just never seen anyone so anxious before.

"So two waters, Marathon Bar, and coke. Bri?" (Y/n) asked as she pulled out a handful of coins.

"Oh nothing for me thanks." I said.

"You sure?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

On the way back I finally asked the question.

"Hey (y/n)?" I asked.

"Yeah?" She asked back.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Depends on what you're going to ask." She chuckled.

"It's about this morning."

She looked down a bit before saying.

"Yeah, I'm really sorry if I scared you guys. I was just a bit stressed. That's all."

I nodded. I would definitely need to bring it up later.

Your POV:

After Monday, Wednesday, and Friday rehearsals, the boys and I had to come in early on Saturday to get in extra hours.

Students were rehearsing on stage, so the concession stand was open, this time with breakfast foods.

Not really much though. Donuts, orange juice, coffee.

The boys and I had gotten our food and decided to sit against the walls and eat in the hallway of the music hall.

"So that's how I became known as 'Carrot Face'." I said as I finished telling them an embarrassing story from primary school.

"Back when I was a lad I was known as 'Bucky'." Freddie said, obviously because of his overbite.

"Aww." I said.

"Ah, don't worry deary. I was teased then, but look at me now! All those motherf***ers have a boring nine to five hour job while I'm living the dream!" Freddie said, rather loudly.

"Fred!" Brian said.

We all chuckled at that.

I then stretched up a bit, my shirt rising a bit. That's when everyone suddenly gasped.

"Oh my gosh, (y/n)!" Deaky exclaimed.

"What?" I asked.

Deaky lifted my shirt a bit and pointed at the large purplish bruise at the bottom of my right rib.

"Oh my God, I didn't think it had gotten that bad!" I said as I tugged my shirt back down.

Brian shock his head. "Ok, that's it. Band room. NOW."

The guys and I had eaten everything, so there was no food to grab. Freddie and Brian gently, but firmly, grabbed my wrists and pulled me up. Roger led up to the band room, and Deaky followed behind us. We arrived and the boys set four chairs around one and had me sit in the center and the guys all sitting around me.

"Look (y/n), I didn't want to have to bring this up, but with the way you acted when you came in late, the way you hesitated to answer me when we went to the vending machines, and now this. Are you sure there isn't something wrong?" Brian asked. There wasn't really any anger in his voice. His tone was a bit stern, but he spoke gently with warmth in his eyes.

"It's nothing, really." I lied.

"(y/n) darling, we're not stupid. We can tell that you're clearly lying. So please tell us what's going on. We care about you. We all do." Freddie said in a sweet comforting tone.

I sorta just sat there for a moment trying to think of the right words to explain. But luckily the boys were all very patient with me. I finally inhaled and started going.

"I come from a lot of baggage. You see, my mother and little brother died in a car crash when I was three years old. I don't really remember them much. Than two years later in 65', my dad got drafted into Vietnam. I haven't seen him sense. With no other family to take care of me, I was put into foster care. I'm currently in my fourth home. Every home has been the same. The woman dresses like a street walker and treats me like an unpaid servant, and the man drinks too much and beats me if he ever loses his temper. That's how I got this bruise on me."

I had to take a moment to take a deep breath before continuing.

"You know, you guys are actually the first I've ever told this to. I've never brought this up to anyone else before because all the men have always threatened to send me off to another home. And if there's anything worse then what I deal with now, is that."

I finally finished and looked up at the boys to see there reaction: Shocked.

"Oh my gosh, (y/n). Honey, I am so sorry." Freddie said.

"(y/n), you need help." Brian said.

"No Bri. I've already tried that. The men and women were informed by the police who ended up doing nothing at all. Then the man physically punished me. I'll just hold off until I'm on my own." I said.

"But what if this gets worse? What if you don't live to see that day?" Roger said, with pure concern in his blue eyes.

"Trust me Rog, I'll be alright. I promise." I said as I took one of his hands and held it in both of mine.

"Well, can we still give you a hug?" Deaky asked.

"Oh, from you guys, of course." I said as we all stood up and was brought in the middle of a Queen group hug. I felt them gently pat or ruffle my head, rub my back, and occasionally kiss the top of my head.

Fast Forwards To June 2nd:

After weeks of rehearsals, tech week had finally come!

Everyone is getting costumes together, rehearsing lines, doing hair and makeup, and of course, the boys are getting ready.

"So here's the packet telling you where to enter so you won't get mobbed, performance times, and everything else you'll need to know." I said as I handed each of them a packet as we made our way to the auditorium.

"Alright love." Roger said, as he leaned down and kissed the back of my head.

"In about 30 minutes they'll call us back and we can go over strict details. For the time being, we can just watch the dress rehearsal." I said as we collapsed into the seats.

Some time goes by, then I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn around and through the dimmed light, I see Lucy Boynton, a junior stage hand.

"They're ready for you." She said. "Dressing rooms in the back. You'll need to go over costumes and makeup. Then you'll start dress rehearsal at 7."

"Ok, thanks Luc." I wispered.

We went back to the dressing rooms. There was a few actors and actresses back there. There's a separate room for changing clothes, so everyone was fully dressed.

Some of the other students had brought in a turntable and a Beach Boys record was playing.

"Well it looks like Mr. Reid already brought in some costumes to choose from." John said.

After a while of going over choices, they finally picked them out and left to go change.

After about 10 minutes, they finally retuned.

Freddie was wearing a white batwing shirt with white pants, Brian was wearing the same thing but with black pants, and John and Roger were wearing basically the same brown jacket and green pants, only Roger's jacket was open.

So what do you think darling?" Freddie asked.

"Woah, you guys look great! Now what makeup do you normally wear? I asked.

"Black liquid eyeliner, mascara, and eyeshadow honey." Brian told me.

"Alright, whoever wants to go first, you can sit here." I said, gestering towards to the stool infront of mine.

John came and sat down infront of me and the others say down on the couch. After John was finished, he went back to the auditorium and Roger sat down. Then Brian, and then finally Freddie came and sat infront of me while the others waited in the auditorium.

"So how do you guys feel about the songs?" I asked as I started his mascara.

"I think we're good. Of course we had a lot more fun with you helping us." He said as he leaned in and kissed my cheek as I giggled and playfuly pushed him away.

It was a bit quiet for awhile. Then I felt him reach over and lightly tickle my ribs.

Me being wanting to be a mature, professional adult, I tried to ignore it and bit my lower lip to keep myself from smiling. Then he continued.

"Fred, stop it." I said.

"Ah, so you are ticklish!" Freddie smiled as he continued.

"I never said that!!" I panicked.

"Anyone who says to stop when someone is tickling them is always ticklish!" Freddie smiled wickedly.

Then when he tickled my stomach, I completely lost it. I rolled off the stool laughing as he continued.

"Hey what's going on here?" I heard Brian ask.

I looked up to see the other three standing over us.

"Hey lads, come over here, she's ticklish!" Freddie grinned.

"Guhihihiys! Nohohoho! Plehehehease!!" I yelled. But to no avail, the boys ignored me and joined in with Freddie. John tickling my waist, Brian tickling my ribs, and Roger and Freddie scribbling their fingers all over my belly.

"Guhihihiys, stohahahap ihihihit!" I screamed.

"Do you surrender??" Roger integrated.

"Yehehes!! I surrender!!" I yelled.

The boys finally stopped, leaving me painting on the ground.

"We'll meet you in the wings honey." Fred smiled as he pat my shoulder.

I lay there for a moment (Luckily everyone else had left awhile ago.) until finally getting up and finding the boys waiting for me.

"Five minutes." I wispered.

The boys nodded and we continued to wait until it was time for them to go on and oh boy, I'd always knew they were amazing performers, but seeing them up close And in person was even more amazing! I couldn't imagine what it'll be like when there's hundreds of people watching.

We repeated the same things for the rest of the week until it was finally...

✨Show Day✨:

I've finished my very last final for this year and am waiting to leave the classroom. Everyone NEEDS to be in the PAC center as soon as the bell rings so we can get every last detail of everything together for the performance at 6 tonight.

At 2:39 pm, the bell finally rings. I quickly dart off to the loo to change into stage clothes. (Black t-shirt, black shorts, and black running shoes.) Then the PAC to get everything started. Everyone had a meeting with Mr. McGuire in the auditorium and then it was time for rehearsals.

We had last minute security checks, special effects, singing rehearsals, we even had the school orchestra performance music for Wicked. Then at 5:20, the boys came in.

"Hi guys, thanks for coming early." I said as I opened the back door.

"Anything to make out performance perfect." Brian said.

"(y/n!)" I heard someone yell.

I turned around to see Lucy behind me.

"Mr. McGuire wanted me to give you these." She said while holding out a head set. "Sense you're technically part of the stage crew, you'll need these to stay on track with us.

"Ok, thanks Lucy." I said and turned back to the boys.

"Well let's go to the band room. You guys can rehears for an hour, then hair, makeup, and costumes, than you'll go on at 7:30."

"Right." They said.

Practice lasted for an hour, the boys killed it, as usual, then came makeup, hair, and costumes.

"Ok, now no tricks this time." I said, blushing a bit.

"Oh, I don't know." Brian teased as I did his makeup while the others watched.

"Brian! I'm serious, don't!" I panicked.

"Don't worry honey, I won't." He said.

I finished makeup on the boys, (I never truly realized how hard it was to do a dude's makeup!) got their hair done, and they changed into costumes.

"Ok, we've got about 45 minutes until show time." I told them, suddenly my head set began vibrating.

Me: Hello?

Mr. McGuire: Hi (y/n), would you mind coming out here to help move around sets?

Me: Not at all. I just finished the boys hair, makeup, and costumes.

Mr. McGuire: Ok, great! We need you on stage right.

Me: Right. I'll be there.

"I've gotta go. I'll be back in 30 minutes." I told the boys.

"Alright darling. See you then." Freddie told me.

I ran over to stage right to find Mr. McGuire waiting for me.

"Thanks for coming (y/n)." He wispered. "We're going to need the stairs moved in a moment. Then the others will tell you what to do from there."

"Alright." I wispered back.

From there, it was moving sets, helping with effects, and pulling ropes.

"Can we recruit someone else to cover for me?" I wispered to on of the stage hands as I looked at my watch. "I need to get the boys."

"Yeah, we'll cover for you." He wispered back.

I ran back to the band room to get the boys.

"Guys, we're ready for you. You've got ten minutes." I said.

The guys got there instruments and we got someone to assist with the piano and drum set.

"Ok, the curtains will come down in a moment, then someone will help me get the piano and drum rises on stage, you'll get into positions, then the curtains will come back up." I told them.

Suddenly I felt a huge weight fall on my ankle. A bag holding down the ropes. I immediately fell to the floor.

"AHH!" I yelled in pain.

"Oh my gosh! (Y/n)!" Freddie yelled.

"QUIET!" I wispered.

"Sorry" Freddie said.

"Common, we've got to get you in a chair." Brian said.

"Wait! You guys have got to go on in 7 minutes." I said.

"Right, 7 minutes. You're more important." Roger said as he kissed my head.

The boys picked up the bag and helped to pick me up from the ground and onto a chair with a stool supporting my left foot.

"Ok, well lucky, I don't think you've broken anything." Freddie said as he examined my foot. "But it is swelling. Do we have any bandages?" Freddie asked around to people in the wings.

"Here's some." Mr. McGuire said and handed Freddie a roll off them.

"Thankyou darling." Fred replied.

Freddie then raped the bandages around my ankle and someone brought over a bag of ice for it.

"There you go love. You'll be good as new soon. Just let it sit like that for awhile." Freddie said he patted my knee.

"Hey Fred, how did you know that it wasn't broken?" I asked.

"When I was a lad, I used to do boxing. And despite being at the top, I was often injured at the beginning. So after so many times of the doctors examining, I guess it just sort of caught on." He explained. "And lucky for you, you'll be just fine. Just need to sit still for awhile."

I nodded and glanced over at the stage and exclaimed. "Oh guys! The curtains are going down!"

"Well let's go my darlings." Freddie said to the others.

Two of the stage hands helped move the piano and drums on stage and the boys grabbed their instruments and ran on stage.

Just as the curtains went up, Brian started the guitar for Now I'm Here.

I'd always known that Queen put on amazing performances, but watching the perform live was surreal! The way Freddie moved, the way Brian played, everything was amazing!

"Good evening my beauties!" I Freddie shouted through the mic.

The audience shouted back to him and Freddie took it all in. It's amazing how he can command the audience like that. They were eating out of his hand!

Then Roger said into his microphone.

"Thankyou! I'd like to feature for you now, commonly referred to by the press as Mr. Two Fingered Freddie Mercury, using all ten fingers tonight. I hope you enjoy this. This is a good one, this is really loud. It appeals to the lower elements such as myself. This one's called The Seven Seas Of Rhye!"

Finally, they ended with In The Lap Of The Gods. This. THIS was amazing! Everything about this song has always made me feel better when I was dealing with the depression from the abuse. When I would lay on my bed and cry over everything in my life, just listening to the song gave me comfort. This song absolutely gave me the chills watching!

Finally, they finished and the curtains came down. The boys ran off stage and two stage hands helped move the drums and piano.

"Oh my God! You guys were amazing!" I exclainlmed.

"Thankyou my darling. How's your foot?" Freddie asked.

"I think I'm fine to walk now." I said.

"Ok, but you should probably keep the bandage on." Brian said. "Can't risk you getting even more injured.

The boys helped me stand to make sure I was alright to walk. Then we returned to the bank stage area.

"Oh by the way, there's an after show party tonight." I said.

"Oh really? We didn't know." John said.

"You didn't??" I asked, panic filing me.

"Don't, worry (y/n). I made some calls to John Reid, and we've got suits for the boys to wear."

I turned around to see Mr. McGuire standing there holding four suits.

"Oh my gosh, thankyou sir!" I exclaimed. "I'm so sorry I didn't tell the boys, I-"

Mr. McGuire interrupted me. "Don't worry, it was just an accident. In fact, there's something I wanted talk to you about in the hallway. If you'll excuse us boys."

I followed Mr. McGuire out the door and when he closed it, he turned to me and started.

"(y/n), I originally wanted you to have this job because Queen was a last minute thing. But seeing how well you were with this job I have you, I believe I stood corrected. I think you're ready to tackle real stage jobs. So I wanted to ask you, would you be willing to be an official member of stage crew for the next school year?"

I stared at him in disbelief. Lost for words.

"Y-you're sure?" I asked.

He smiled and nodded.

"Oh my gosh, yes! Thankyou so much Mr. McGuire!" I bursted.

"Don't mention it (y/n). I really think you've proven yourself and you'll make a great member." He said.

I thanked him again and grabbed my dress to get changed for the cast party.

It took me months to save up for this dress but was totally worth it. A floor length blue silk dress with white flowers on it and with spaghetti straps, necklace with gold flowers and matching earrings, a flower ring, and tan sandle shoes. As for hair and makeup, my hair was half up and curled, and my makeup was basic makeup with eyeliner and plum colored lips.

I arrived back at the dressing room to find the boys there. They were all dressed in black suits.

Freddie took a look at me and gasped.

"Oh my gosh! (Y/n)! You look amazing!"

He came up to me and swirled me around, making me giggle.

"Thankyou Fred. You all look great too!"

"Not nearly as great as you look (n/n)." Roger said.

"Well, Thankyou again. So you all want to help head out to the party?" I asked while getting my bag.

"Yeah, let's go." Brian said.

We all made our way down to the gym and entered. Everything looked great! Music playing, tables set up with pounds of food and sweets, everyone looked amazing!

The boys and I stayed close but begin to drift apart to mingle. But for some reason, I just felt this overwhelming feeling of sadness. I hadn't really got much of a reason to. I've been promoted to stage crew, I had the time of my life with Queen. But I felt this sadness controlling me more and more.

Maybe it was because I knew I would never truly get out of this. And the idea that I was going to have to spend another whole summer going through abuse. At least in school I was protected. I left the after show at that moment.

I don't know where I'm going. I'm waking down the London streets alone, clutching my bag to my chest. It almost feels like I'm having a panic attack.

I come to a railroad track. I passed by this place often. I cannot control the overwhelming feel of hopelessness. The boys know. But as usual, there's nothing that can be done. Of course, they're willing to do anything for me. But in the end, nothing will be done from the right authorities.

Tears begin rolling down my face. In the distance of the sunset, I see a train coming. Closer, and closer, and closer. I can't do this anymore, I can't do this anymore, I can't do this anymore...

3rd Person POV:

(y/n) slowly opens her eyes, which are blurred by the tears, to find it's dark outside next to the side of the tracks. Her head is resting in Freddie's lap. Roger's stroking her hair, John and Brian are holding her hands. Freddie finally starts.

"(y/n) darling, we know you're hurting. But we're going to take care of you. Everything's going to be alright. We're going to take you to a doctor. Alright (y/n)?"

And finally, after ten years of abuse, (y/n) feels calm. She closes her eyes and nods.

#Spotify #fanfic #fanfiction #queen band #rock music #mental wellbeing #mental health #mentally ill #x reader #imagines

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