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avelera · 4 years

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So I finished part 2 of the Director’s Cut of Ridley Scott’s “Kingdom of Heaven” about the fall of the Frankish Kingdom of Jerusalem. My reviews basically boil down to:

- This film probably suffered with critics for being too nuanced about the moral ambiguities of the Crusades in 2005 during the height of the Iraq War, when most mainstream Americans were not ready for this message. It also certainly suffered by having 45 minutes of the story cut out for the theatrical release that was so panned, so it could fit the “summer action movie” cookie cutter mold that dumb execs wanted for it, which left a lot of story points and character motivations on the cutting room floor.

- By coming out in 2005, it feels tragically caught between the late 20th c. sword-and-sandal historical epic cinema tradition, where you’re allowed to have slow pacing and an intermission in a film that clocks in at 3-4 hours, vs. the golden age of prestige television miniseries that really take off in the 2010s. It feels too long and too short at the same time. Too long in that I’m sure the graceful panning over Balian’s now-irrigated lands would be absolute torture if you’re stuck sitting in a theater for 3 hours, but sitting on my couch at home getting only glimpses of Ghassan Massoud’s incredible performance as Saladin opposite Alexander Siddig made me long for the 10 part miniseries where we can have an episode that’s just about Balian’s rise to prominence and renewal of his estate, as well as an episode we just spend with Saladin’s army, or an episode that’s just about the common folk living in Jerusalem.

- The irony is, it’s very clear that this film learned from Lord of the Rings, taking the lessons there on how to do an epic of this scale in a different direction than many sci-fi fantasy films, applying those lessons to period piece costume dramas rather than superhero cinema like Marvel, for example, did. It also seems very clear that “Game of Thrones” borrowed heavily from “Kingdom of Heaven” and probably wouldn’t exist without it. The “Battle of the Bastards” cinematography in particular seems, at times, directly lifted from Kingdom of Heaven. But I find this ironic because I think if Kingdom of Heaven came out 10 years later, after Game of Thrones, emerging from the prestige television manhunt for a new sweeping period piece 6-10 episode miniseries to fill the gap now that Game of Thrones is over, it would be a fantastic, instant hit. So, it allowed the films that thrived after it to thrive, but would have done better itself if it came after the films it allowed to happen :P

- There were some eye-roll moments, let’s be fair, that kept it from being a true masterpiece, though it’s largely a matter of personal taste. Balian of Ibelin, Orlando Bloom’s character, was historically a nobleman and not a blacksmith and went on to become Lord of Beirut, not return to being a nobody in France. I found the historical inaccuracy that came out of trying to make him an everyman the most annoying part of the film. That said, I understand the motivation, the 00s had a bunch of fictional aristocrats reimagined with humble beginnings or walking away from their own birthright, Aragorn and his disinterest in becoming King of Gondor being another example I found extremely annoying. It was just the common wisdom I think that the film protagonist couldn’t be sympathetic if they weren’t an “average Joe”? Anyway, it’s dumb, even if Ridley Scott wrapped up those themes nicely (if inaccurately) at the end.

The Director’s Cut is worth a watch, I think, and I think lovers of historical dramas and fantasy films will enjoy the film a great deal, probably a lot more than critics did when it came out. It could have been more, it probably could have been better in places, and it definitely could have been longer and better served as a miniseries, but the core performances are fantastic for what we’ve got and while it is undeniably Western-centric and riddled with inaccuracies , to my eyes at least there was a surprising number of moments where Scott went the extra mile to show things like historical combat accurately even when it was clearly more expensive, difficult, or time consuming, and there is an obvious effort to avoid racist cliches about the Middle East and demand its Western audience reexamine its own prejudices, at a time when that was not the most popular stance to take.

Edit: And just a final note: KoH is a western-centric film, with a western director, talking about a complex historical event with a lot of modern and ancient mythology around it, in order to make a thematic point about a current conflict in the Middle East to a western audience. It is not perfect. There are no doubt offensive or problematic things it does that either went over my head or that I’m unfairly excusing. I give KoH points for trying but I would never suggest others need to do the same or that it is anything other than what it is: a fictional film borrowing from history to tell a specific fictional story.

#kingdom of heaven #maggie watches koh #movie review

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thadelightfulone · 4 years

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Apollo Night

So, my good friend @shaekingshitup placed this idea in my head. It is an already planned series of one- or two-shots of College Erik shenanigans. I hope you all enjoy. Those who want to be tagged just let me know. As always, my OCs are always black!

Summary: Melanie just wanted to get more involved on campus.

It is Melanie’s first year at Cal State, and she has been looking for a way to make new friends, get more involved on campus, and experience all college life has to offer. Some of the girls in her Sunday School class at church were students on campus and BSU board members. They advertised their annual Apollo Night on Sunday before class began since it was open to the community as well. She decided that this might be an excellent way to meet some of her goals as she finishes her freshman year in college.

The following Saturday morning, she goes to campus for auditions for the show. While waiting, she sees a few groups from various fraternities and sororities preparing song and dance numbers for their auditions. She moves off to a corner of the building and practices vocal exercises until they call her name. She follows her friend, Marie, from church, to where she will be auditioning. Along the way, they pass a group of rowdy guys leaving their audition, clearly excited because their act was chosen to perform.

She looks up, making eye contact with one of the guys as he passes her while waving to Marie. Shining dark brown eyes meet her timid hazel ones. He smiles down at her since her 5'2 frame is much shorter than his own 6 ft. Dimples and gold canines in full view, she internally swoons while meeting his smile. Melanie didn’t realize that she picked up her pace, and stops short right before running into Marie. He chuckles and continues behind his boys. She drops her head and follows her to the audition room.

The audition goes well, and Melanie is informed right there on the spot that she will be performing in the show. The board explains to her how the show will go – following closely to how A Night at the Apollo does their Amateur Night. They have someone who will be Sandman and remove folks who are booed for longer than 15 secs off the stage. They let her know that it is not like singing at church; no one will coddle her. And if Melanie wants to make sure she stays in the competition, then she should make sure she has some friends who can make serious noise in the audience – just in case. Melanie sighs but nods her head in understanding.

She is given the date and location of the show. The board lets her know about the optional walk-through rehearsal two hours before the show. Also, the latest time that she can check-in for the show because she will need a soundcheck if she doesn’t attend the rehearsal. Melanie thanks the board for their time, and quietly exits the building. Mentally running through a checklist of things she will need to do before the show in two weeks. She frowns when she remembers what the board said about having support, most of her friends were across the country at HBCUs or the Ivy League schools of their choice. Not paying attention to what she was doing, Melanie pushes on the door leading out of the building hard enough to hit some people standing on the other side.

“Aye, watch it!” One guy jumps out of the way as the door swings wide.

“Damn, girl!” Another voice calls out, and when Melanie looks over, he is rubbing his upper arm after taking most of the impact.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry.” She looks down away from the group of guys who all turned to face her. “I wasn’t paying attention. My bad.” Melanie looks up and realizes it is the group she saw on her way into the audition. The guy she hit was the one who smiled at her earlier, now frowning in her direction.

“I take it the audition didn’t go well.” Melanie barely hears his words over, watching his muscular arms flex and stretch in response to her attack with the door. She shakes her head, “No?” He stops moving and looks directly at her.

“Oh no, I mean, it was fine. I got through.” A small smile appears on her face. “It’s just a lot to think about, I have never performed in front of a group I don’t know before.” All the guys nod their heads in understanding. “Well, I guess I will see you guys at the show. I should go.” Melanie looks back up at him. “Again, I’m sorry about that.”

He waves her off, “You’re good. We all celebrate differently. Just be careful next time.”

“Will do,” she waves at the guys, “Bye.” They all watch her leave before breaking out into laughter.

“Oh no, nope.” Luke, who was the other guy who almost got hit, says, “Too easy.” He stands in front of Erik, who Melanie hit with the door, and looks at him, “Not her.”

Darrin, another member of their group, speaks up, “Why not? She would be perfect.”

“I agree, I don’t see why we can’t make her it,” Erik spoke.

“You saw her first. You are never supposed to encounter the mark. We choose them the night of the show.” Marcus, the last member of the group, lowers his voice as he walks closer to them, so no one will hear what they are discussing.

“Ok, so we do it differently this year. My vote is for her.” Erik responds. The guys all look at him.

“Are you sure about this?” Luke asks warily.

Darrin slaps Luke on the back, “You heard the man. She’s the one.” He shrugs when Luke moves out of his grasp and closer to Marcus. “Besides, it’s his choice this year anyway. Who cares when it was decided?”

“Fine. Don’t make us regret this.” Luke says before walking away.

— Two Weeks Later —

Melanie walks into the Student Union Pavilions, where the show was going to be. She sees Marie and some of the other board members finishing up the final touches to the stage. She decided to skip the rehearsal and just come in for a soundcheck. Marie takes her music to the sound guy who plays it while Melanie hums along, he makes sure to mark the levels on both the music and mic so she can be heard clearly on the mic.

Once that is done, she heads to the bathroom to change into her outfit for the night. Melanie chose a navy blue shift dress that has a deep shawl collar with some black velvet booties. The dress wasn’t too form-fitting, but anyone could see the curves she was rocking. Her natural curls were already pinned up in a chignon bun with loose tendrils framing her face. She wasn’t one for much make up but decided to put on some black mascara with a matte raisin lipstick. She pouted her lips, took a couple selfies in the mirror for her snap before calling herself ready.

Walking into the waiting room, she sees all the acts gathering around while waiting for the lineup announcement. She goes to a corner and decides to run a few vocal exercises to warm up since she didn’t sing full out at her soundcheck. She starts at her normal chest voice, “Ma Me Mi Mo Mu – oooh,” going up half a step, she gets through 3 repetitions before she hears a throat clearing behind her.

Looking up from her seat, she sees the guy she hit with the door the day of her audition. “Ahhh, so she sings.” She smiles at him as he sits next to her. Holding out his hand, "I’m Erik.”

She takes his hand, “Melanie.”

“Nice to meet you, Melanie.” He lets go of her hand, “I haven’t seen you around campus before. You go here?”

“Yeah. It’s my first year here.” Erik nods at her. “Trying to get more involved on campus.”

“That’s kool. You a member of the BSU?” He takes a sip of some water.

"Not yet, but I know a few of the board members from my church.” He nearly chokes on his water.

“You go to church with Marie and her friends?” She nods at him. Coughing a bit more to clear his airways, “That’s what’s up. I bet she wants you to pledge S G Rho, too?”

“Actually, the girls from Zeta are already trying to recruit me.” She looks down at his outfit, noticing he is in a blue jersey with white writing on it. The Greek letters of Phi Beta Sigma big and bold, going down the right side. Erik smiles at her, nodding his head.

“Well, I’ll let you get back to practicing. Break a leg tonight, Melanie.” Erik stands to leave.

“Thanks. You, too Erik.” She returns to finishing her vocal warmups, as Erik makes a hasty retreat from Melanie over to his group members, and frat brothers.

“Yo, we gotta pick someone else.“ Marcus, Luke, and Darrin look at him, shaking their heads.

"No, can do. Word is out about the chosen act of the night. It’s a done deal.” Marcus looks at Erik.

“What happened to change your mind?” Luke asks.

“Doesn’t matter, she doesn’t deserve it. So, pick someone else.” He hisses out, keeping his voice low.

“No one does, Erik. That’s what makes it so great.” Darrin laughs while looking around. “Do we know when she goes on?”

“Second half. Speedy just read off her name.” Marcus answers, “Gives us enough time to spread the word during the intermission.”

“Fuck all that and listen to me! Pick. Someone. Else.” Erik keeps looking over at Melanie, who moved outside the door to sing a little louder without bothering anyone.

“Nah, we got our one. We’re good.” Luke walks outside, “Let’s get that last part together before we go onstage.” Passing Melanie, who is coming back inside, “Aye, break a leg tonight, young lady.”

She smiles at all of them, “Thanks fellas, you too.” She continues out to the Pavilion, deciding to watch the first part of the show since she didn’t perform until the second half.

—

The host of the evening was a local SoCal comedian by the name of Speedy. He welcomed everyone to the BSU’s Annual Apollo Night, explaining how the show would go. Speedy completed a short comedic set and introduced Ace Money, the special guest performer for the evening. Ace Money opened the show and brought out the first performer of the competition.

About 5 acts into the show, Speedy came out asking the audience about their love of the Divine Nine. The crowd went wild as they knew this means the next few acts represented the black fraternity and sorority chapters on campus. First up was a guy from the school’s shared chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, reciting some poetry earning plenty of snaps and praise for his prose. Followed by a quartet of girls from the campus chapter of Delta Sigma Theta singing Giving Something He Can Feel as En Vogue in their long red gowns.

Before Speedy even returned to the stage, the crowd was loud already knowing who was next up to perform. “Well, I guess these brothers really don’t need this introduction, but ya’ll gonna get it anyway.” He walked across the stage to the side where Darrin and Luke were standing, “Keep making some noise for the Men of Fire and Brimstone, PHI BETA SIGMA!!!”

The music starts, and the audience goes nuts as Erik, Darrin, Marcus, and Luke all stroll out from both sides of the stage to 112’s Dance with Me. They stood in a straight line across the stage before breaking out into their choreography for the song. As the song progressed, they made their way off the stage and down into the audience.

Erik was on Melanie’s side, and he spotted her immediately on the aisle not far from the stage. So when he made his way down, he went directly to her and started dancing in front of her. Much to the delight of her classmates who she sat with during the show. He takes her hands and lifts her from the seat right as the call and response part of the song came on –

If you sexy and you know it clap your hands (claps)

Erik dances behind Melanie, holding her by her hips, waiting for her to clap along. When she doesn’t, he takes her hands and claps them for her in tune with the song.

If you sexy and you know it clap your hands (claps) If you sexy and you know it and you really wanna show it, If you sexy and you know it clap your hands (claps)

Yeah!

Before Erik heads back up to the stage, he pulls Melanie in and whispers in her ear, “Thank you.“ He makes his way back to finish the performance on stage, and Melanie drops back into her seat, as her friends laugh and snicker around her. The song ends, and the guys bow before leaving the stage.

Speedy comes out and starts fanning girls he sees in the front row, "Yeah, I think now is a good time to call for an intermission. Some of you need to cool off. See ya in 20 minutes.”

Melanie had a big old grin on her face as she faced the people around her. “Who was that?” Alicia, a girl in her math class, asked.

“Just a guy I met before the show began. It’s nothing.“ The other two girls look at her and laugh, "Whatever, I’m gonna get some water and head backstage. I’ll see you all after the show.” They all gave her hugs and well wishes before watching her disappear behind the stage.

—

Speedy came back out on stage after the intermission and told a few jokes before starting the second half of the show.

“Alright, ya’ll ready for your next act?” He holds his mic out to the crowd.

“YEAH,” variations of it overlapped as he got everyone hyped for the next performance.

“I said, are you ready for your next act?”

“YEAH!” the crowd returns much louder than before.

“Please welcome to the stage, Miss Melanie Alonzo.” Melanie walks out, smiling to Speedy and then the crowd. He brushes past her and wishes her luck.

She takes a moment to breathe and looks to the back, cueing the sound guy. Melanie has an accompanying track for her song, but she starts off acapella. Following her favorite version of the song, she starts singing –

Birds flyin’ high, you know how I feel Sun in the sky, you know how I feel Breeze driftin’ on by, you know how I feel

Some cheers come from the audience as they recognize the song she is doing. She exhales as she continues feeling herself relax more as she adjusts to her sound on the stage.

It’s a new dawn It’s a new day It’s a new life for me Ooooooooh And I’m feelin’ good

She looks over the audience as she continues to sing and get more comfortable at the mic. The friends who were able to make the show smiling at her as the music starts.

Fish in the sea, you know how I feel River runnin’ free, you know how I feel Blossom on the tree, you know how I feel

As she pulls the mic from the stand to move around the stage, she starts hearing ‘boos’ coming from opposite corners of the room. She looks out at the audience and recognizes one of the guys booing her as one of Erik’s groupmates. She slows her pace on the stage as she continues singing while the ‘boos’ get increasingly louder.

It’s a new dawn It’s a new day It’s a new life for me And I’m feelin’ good

Eyes roaming the audience, she can see make out that each one of Erik’s group members is spaced out and booing at her from their spots in the crowd. She was the Boo Boo Act for the night.

Dragonfly out in the sun, you know what I mean Don’t you know Butterflies all havin’ fun, you know what I mean

She can see her friends trying to cheer louder for her along with others in the audience who are enjoying her performance. Even their Sandman is holding back from running her off the stage.

Sleep in peace when day is done, that’s what I mean And this old world is a new world and a bold world for me She continues singing, hoping that the mixed reaction is enough to keep her in the competition when she spots someone dead center in the audience, Erik. He isn’t booing or cheering, just looking directly at her with a confused expression. Melanie is ready to bolt from the stage in embarrassment, but she won’t let him and his childish group of friends win. She puts the mic back on the stand, stares straight into the spotlight, and continues singing.

Stars when you shine, you know how I feel Scent of the pine, you know how I feel Oh, freedom is mine, and I know how I feel It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life for me

Melanie’s voice increases in strength, and she belts out the last part, along with her own variation of Nina Simone’s scat before ending the song.

And I’m feelin’ – good

She holds that last note loud, long, and proud as the music ends, and she immediately exits the stage. Melanie had no idea that she earned a standing ovation or saw that Erik was cheering the loudest as she finished the song.

Speedy returns to the stage and looks back at Melanie, who went back to the waiting room. “I don’t know what that girl did to ya, but she handled that very well.” He shakes his head, looking down at his list of upcoming acts. “That couldn’t have been me, no sir.” There are a few scattered laughs and claps as the audience agrees with him.

—

Speedy calls out all the acts that made it through to the end. There was another act that the audience successfully managed to boo off the stage. He was still in the backstage waiting room. Melanie didn’t even want to be bothered with it anymore. She stayed in the back and listened from the open door. When a girl who sang Ex-Factor by Lauryn Hill, was announced as the winner, Melanie moved away from the door.

Everyone came back in and was congratulating one another for a job well done and an incredible show. Erik and his group were the loudest, cheering on their friend who won the competition. Melanie stayed out of the way towards the back. Gathering her things together when someone tapped her on the shoulder. She turns around to find the guest artist, Money Ace, a new rapper gaining traction around the SoCal rap scene, standing there.

“Hey, I just wanted to let you know I thought you did a great job out there.” She looks him up and down, not saying anything. “I get it. Sometimes, it’s just not your night, and your voice just doesn’t match the song.“

Melanie rolls her eyes at him, “Yeah, thanks. I appreciate it.” She grabs her bag and moves to leave. He grabs her arm, stopping her in front of him.

“Wait, I am always looking for people to sing hooks on my songs.” He pulls out a business card, “Maybe we can find something for you to sing for me.” Ace takes Melanie’s hand and slides the card into it. “Just think about it.” She nods, and he walks away right as Erik makes his way over to her. Melanie puts on her jacket, double checks that she has all her stuff before heading for the back door leading out of the TSU.

Erik had been watching her since he got back to the waiting room, he noticed she never came out on the stage with everyone else. When he finally got a moment away from everyone, he saw that she was talking to Money Ace. He tried patiently to wait for them to finish before approaching her. When he shook her hand, Erik moved towards her, but Ace caught him and wanted to chat.

Melanie was walking over to her friends when she heard her name being called from behind her. She turned and saw Erik standing there. She turned back around and continued walking.

“MELANIE! Melanie, wait up!”

She stopped in front of her friends and turned around to face him. "What do you want, Erik? There’s no crowd here to embarrass me in front of, so I don’t know what’s in it for you.”

He scoffed at her, “It wasn’t even like that. I promise you.” She sucks her teeth at him. He looks at the card in her hand. “What did he want?”

“Oh, Ace?” She twirls the card between her fingers. “He likes my sound and wanted to see if I was interested in singing hooks on some of his tracks.” She knew she had no intention of doing anything with it, but it serves Erik right for acting bothered by it after what he just did.

Erik frowns at her, then reaches out and grabs the card, “Nah, you don’t need friends like that.” He tosses it in the nearest trashcan.

“But I need friends like you?”

“He only wants to fuck, Mel. You don’t mind if I call you that, do you?” She shrugs at him. "And as I said, it wasn’t even like that.”

“Then what was it like? Because I was just starting and then I get booed. I look out in the audience and notice your friends are the ones egging people on.” Erik lowers his head. “Oh, and let’s not forget the not-so-secretly hushed rumor that one act was chosen to be the Boo Boo Act. I guess it was just a good thing that I had enough people on my side to make sure I wasn’t booed off like-” she takes a minute to remember the name, “like Vanessa was last year.” Erik is wringing his hands in front of him. “I take it that was you and your frat buddies at work again, right?” Erik looks at Melanie, who has begun tearing up in front of him. “What did I ever do to you and your friends? Did you really think I deserved that?”

“I told them to call it off.” He responds lowly.

“Clearly, they didn’t hear you, or they didn’t care.” Melanie inhales deeply, “Doesn’t matter, I don’t need that kind of friend either.” She wipes her eyes of the tears that started to fall. “Please just leave me alone.” Turning around to her friends who witnessed their whole interaction, they leave Erik standing by himself in the fresh night air.

“I tried to warn you, E.” A clap on the back brings him face-to-face with his frat brothers. Luke has a smirk on his face. “You think she’ll participate in Apollo Night next year? She did pass with flying colors.”

“Why did you do it? I told you I wanted it stopped.” Erik looks at all three, Luke, Marcus, and Darrin.

“Now, E, you know we couldn’t do that. It goes against the rules.” Darrin replies.

“Once the act is picked, it is final.” Marcus recites in a precise manner.

“Besides, you stupidly chose her two weeks ago. And we knew it was a bad idea, but you never backed down until tonight when it was too late to pick another.” Luke chimed in.

“This is why we wait until the night of the show. When we have the chance to meet the performers and speak with them during the rehearsal or soundcheck.” Marcus throws his hands up. “You were warned.” Erik walks away from them.

“So, how bad did you fuck this one up, Erik?” Darrin catches up to walk beside him as they head back inside the TSU.

“She told me to leave her alone.” Erik stops short of the entrance.

“Serves you right, nigga. Picking on lonely girls like that.” Luke utters as he passes Erik, who trips him at the door. They all watch Luke try to catch his balance before he hits the ground, “Damn, man. It’s not my fault that you fucked up.”

“That’s not gonna stop him,” Marcus says as he helps Luke up. They all look over at Erik and can just see the wheels turning in his head. He grins at them while scratching his beard. “Ahhh, here it goes.”

#erik killmonger #erik killmonger x oc #college erik #black panther fanfiction #college shenanigans #thadelightfulone

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artemisegeria · 5 years

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Love by Design (Chapter 6/?)

Title: Love by Design (Chapter 6/?)

Rating: T

Word count: 3130

Warnings: None for this chapter.

Summary: Vision makes elaborate foam art as a barista at the coffee shop that his brother owns. One day a new customer comes in, and he completely loses his cool. As she keeps coming back, they grow closer. A casual acquaintance becomes something much more.

AO3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/16272371

Vision prepared Wanda’s latte to go, so that it was ready when she arrived. She was in the middle of the end of school year rush and had barely had a chance to say hello most mornings during the past couple of weeks. She came in a few minutes later, looking harried.

“Hey, Vizh. Is that mine?” She pointed at the waiting cup. “Thanks so much.”

“It is.”

She removed some money to pay, but then added, looking at the display case as he hoped she would, “Could I get a croissant, too?”

“Of course.” He ducked down to reach for it and placed it in a paper bag for her. Smiling at his success in encouraging her to have more for breakfast than a cup of coffee, he gave her the new total and the bag.

She took a sip from her cup and put it down, lingering as she carefully replaced her change in her wallet. “Did you hear back from the conference yet?”

“Not yet,” Vision replied regretfully. Every day that passed made him more convinced that his proposal had not been accepted. His advisor had told him through several emails that this was not unusual, but he could not shake the feeling. Wanda sensed his mood and placed her hand over his where it rested on the counter, smiling softly at him.

“Hopefully soon then. Sorry I can’t stay.”

“I am as well, but it’s perfectly alright, Wanda.” He hoped that his smile was sufficiently reassuring and hid the ache he was feeling at her absence in his life. “I know you have been busy.” Vision turned over the hand that was still underneath hers, clasping it back.

“I won’t be around tomorrow, either. The play is next weekend, and we’re in full rehearsal mode. Some of the kids still don’t have all their lines down.”

“Good luck.”

With a quick wave and a smile, she left the shop, taking the warmth with her and leaving it cold and empty.

***

A week later Wanda hurried into the shop late in the afternoon. “Hi, Vizh.”

A pleased smile appeared on his face, and she couldn’t help but return the gesture, despite the mood she had fallen into all day. “Hello, I wasn’t expecting to see you until after the play was over.”

“I know, but we’re starting a full dress rehearsal in,” she looked down at her watch, “half an hour. I need something to keep me going.” What she did not say was that seeing Vision’s face would keep her going as much as the caffeine. “Could I get just a large black coffee?”

“Right away.” A few minutes later, he handed her a cup and a paper bag. She opened it curiously. Inside was a chocolate chip cookie.

“I didn’t pay for this, Vizh.”

He shrugged. “I hope you don’t mind it’s a little burnt. I wasn’t going to sell it anyway.”

“Oh, thanks.” Seeing his answering grin, she decided she could spare a few more minutes. “By the way, I don’t think I ever officially invited you, but you’re welcome to come see the play tomorrow or Saturday.”

“I would love that, thank you. I am free on Saturday evening.” Visio’s smile grew even wider. They looked directly into each other’s eyes, and she was struck again by how beautiful he was. She couldn’t help smiling back at him.

“I’d love to go, too.” Both Wanda and Vision jumped. She really needed to keep better track of when Ultron was around. Wanda hoped that her face did not betray her displeasure too much as she pasted on an inviting expression.

“The more the merrier.” She glanced at Vision, whose smile now looked equally forced. She was saved by the time. “I’ll see you both then. Got to get back to rehearsal.”

***

That Saturday morning, Vision had a prior commitment volunteering to clear trash from the local river. While removing bottles, wrappers, and other detritus, Vision struck up a conversation with a fellow volunteer. The woman had shoulder-length curly gray hair and wore a long skirt and clogs. “It’s so nice to see a younger person out doing their part.”

“Thank you, ma’am.” He speared a piece of newspaper and stuffed it in his bag.

“You can call me Marian, sweetheart.”

“Marian. I’m Vision.” She didn’t even react oddly to his name. “I am happy to help out. What do you do when you are not volunteering?”

“I’m a retired nurse. I loved helping people, but I couldn’t wait to get out of the hospital structures. Bloodsuckers. Don’t care at all for people’s pain, just profit.” She looked up at him apologetically. “Sorry, I can’t talk about my former job without getting all riled up.”

“That’s perfectly understandable. It seems to me that if they are not following their primary mission of healing people, the hospitals ought to be made to.” Marian grinned at finding a kindred spirit. They continued their designated section of the riverbank and found they had similar opinions on many societal and political ills.

As they were cleaning up their tools, Marian said, “Are you or any of your friends looking for a condo to rent? I’m moving to be closer to my daughter in a few months, but I don’t want to sell my old place. And I hate using the internet to try to find tenants. I much prefer word of mouth, and I have a good feeling about you.”

“Not that I know of, but I will mention it to them.” They exchanged contact information, and he promised to inform her if he found any leads.

Vision returned to the apartment later that afternoon, contemplating Marian’s offer. He showered and took care to dress for the play in a black button down and dark jeans. Through the open door, he could see Ultron smoothing his hair and applying copious amounts of cologne in front of his bedroom mirror. When he emerged, Vision’s eyes watered. Ultron said, “I think you’re going to develop a sudden bout of stomach flu.”

Vision had a brief, unaccountable wish to tell Ultron that his cologne would cause a stomach flu in anyone, but, of course, he held his tongue. He considered the best response for a moment. This time he was not going to give in to his brother. “No, I won’t. I promised her.” Ultron pursed his lips at Vision’s rare open defiance.

“I will explain it to her.” His voice took on a more threatening tone. “And I’ll give her these for you.” Ultron lifted the small bunch of peonies that Vision had bought for Wanda and carefully arranged in a bouquet.

“No, I am going.” Vision and Ultron stared at each other; Vision’s gaze did not break. He did not try to take the flowers back, but this is something he would not compromise on.

Ultron glowered at him, but he made no attempt to argue further. Though Vision was convinced that he would pay for this another time. “Fine.”

They walked over to the school and got seats near the front. Ultron raised a brow when Vision waved at Steve and his other teacher friends, who were taking up most of the back row of the auditorium. When he flipped through the program, he frowned more deeply. “Why is your name in the ‘Special Thanks’ section?”

Vision had not noticed that. He looked down at his name, and happiness glowed within him at the memories of helping her and getting to know her friends better. “I helped build some of the sets.”

“Still trying to get in her pants the slow way?”

Vision tried not to bristle too much at his brother’s crudeness. “Please do not talk like that. As I have told you, we are friends. I was simply doing her a favor.”

Ultron’s sneer conveyed his deep contempt. “You’ll never get laid with an attitude like that. That’s cuck, beta male thinking.” Vision sighed internally; Ultron needed to get away from those forums he loved to frequent. He was saved from replying by the lights going down in the auditorium. The first half of the play passed fairly quickly. Vision could see what Wanda meant when she said that the students were not the best, but the show was still entertaining. When the intermission began and the lights went up, Ultron groaned, “I hope she appreciates this. I have never heard more incompetent singing.”

Vision refrained from saying that he had not had to come at all. “I think they are all doing a decent job.”

“That’s because you refuse to say anything negative about anyone.” Vision did not bother to defend himself. Eventually the lights were turned back down, and the play resumed. As it approached the dramatic conclusion, Vision lost himself in the story. The dark romance of the possible love triangle felt inherently compelling. He joined the standing ovation of supportive friends and family when the whole cast bowed and presented Wanda with a bouquet on stage.

Several minutes after the end of the show, all the actors and stagehands came out to greet their loved ones. The auditorium began to empty, and Wanda emerged from the side of the stage. She smiled when her eyes settled on Vision, preparing to speak when Ultron shoved the flowers into her face. “Thank you.”

“I picked these out for you. I thought you would like them the most.”

“You were right.” She spoke in Ultron’s direction, but her eyes quickly turned to Vision, and her smile brightened. As Wanda re-focused on Ultron, her voice took on a sardonic tone. “It’s amazing that you managed to pick my favorite flowers. I don’t think I ever mentioned that to you.” Her slight emphasis on the last two words was lost on Ultron, based on his smug grin, but Vision beamed at her from behind his brother at the thought that she remembered the conversation from a few months prior.

“I just knew what you would enjoy.” Vision struggled not to roll his eyes, but he could not be too bothered when her eyes continued to be all for him. “And now that you’ll have more free time, I’d love to take you out to dinner. You’ve already denied me twice. Third times the charm.”

“Thank you for the invitation.” Wanda’s eyes flicked briefly back to Ultron. “But I’m seeing someone.” This was news to Vision. He was not sure where Wanda found the time to meet someone between teaching, the play, and spending time with him. They hadn’t had as much time together lately, with her school commitments and his renewed dissertation work, but it was still a significant amount.

As Ultron turned away, Wanda mouthed “thank you” at him, raising the flowers slightly. He nodded at her. But throughout the walk home Vision was consumed with thoughts of the person she might be seeing. He did not think it was any of their friends. Most of them were already attached, or people she seemed to regard as loving and exasperating siblings.

By the time he reached the safety of his bed and brooding space, Vision was convinced that this was for the best. He had no experience with relationships. We would not know how to give her what she deserved. While increasingly their smiles lingered and lengthened, and he felt a greater urge to ask her on a proper date unambiguously, she had also done nothing concrete to indicate that she favored a more romantic shift in their friendship.

With these morose thoughts coating his mind, he fell into a fitful sleep.

***

“Wanda, do you still want to go dressed up on opening night like we planned?”

“Of course, Vizh! I’ve been looking forward to this movie for months.” She wondered why he was even asking. They’d discussed their costumes and bought tickets a few weeks ahead of time because seats were selling out. “Why wouldn’t I?”

“I thought you might want to go with the person you’re seeing.” Vision was doing a very poor job of appearing casual.

She couldn’t help herself. “Oh, Vizh!” she said around a laugh. That explained his unusual stiffness and diffidence over the last couple of weeks. She had thought it was clear that she had no time to form a relationship outside her classes and hobbies and the time spent with him.

“What?” Wanda only laughed harder at his truly bewildered face.

“You believed me when I said that to Ultron?”

Vision ducked his head bashfully. It was adorable. “Well, I thought it was a possibility.”

“I guess, but I just told your brother that because in my experience, men like him won’t give up unless they think they’re intruding on another man’s territory.” She could feel her face screw up in disgust.

Vision shook his head, looking equally dismayed. “I cannot fathom thinking that way, but you understand my brother very well.” She shrugged. Ultron was very transparent; she didn’t consider it a challenge to understand him. But this line of thought did inspire her to ask a question that had been lingering in her mind for some time. “I’ve wondered why he didn’t influence you to think the same way when you were younger.”

He shrugged slightly, the movement neat and precise as all his movements were. “I have considered this much myself. I suppose it is a combination of nature and nurture. I always felt differently from him about a variety of subjects, even before I could truly articulate those differences. He also sought out influences that nourished his worst impulses while I have attempted to cultivate the better angels of my nature.” He seemed embarrassed as the words flowed out of him. Despite the high-flown language, there was a certain matter-of-factness in his tone that did speak of having given this much thought. It was more than he usually said about his upbringing.

Wanda appreciated his honesty, understanding how difficult it could be. “Well, whatever it is, I’m glad you’re who you are,” she rushed to reassure him. Vision smiled gratefully at her.

***

As Vision and Wanda stood in line waiting to be let into the movie theater, they discussed what they thought would happen. The excitement of the crowd was rising in intensity, pushing their own anticipation higher. At least half the people in line were in full costume; others wore various pieces of merchandise from the series. At one point, Wanda held up her phone for them to take a selfie together, moving closer to him so that they would be centered in the frame.

The doors finally opened, and they took their seats. The crowd grew more and more impatient as the previews for upcoming films meandered on. Before the lights dimmed, Wanda showed him a quick post that she had made on her social media account. It was the selfie she had taken with the caption: “@songs_in_scarlet: Excited to see the movie of the year with @whatasight.” In the minute or so since she had posted it, the photo had already received several likes from their friends.

Finally, after twenty or so minutes of previews, the movie started. The entire theater was dead silent. Vision always thought there was nothing to compare to the experience of attending a comic book movie on opening night with a packed house of other fans. Nothing could match how the cheers, gasps, and spontaneous applause of the audience fed off each other, everyone hanging on every moment onscreen. The reactions of the crowd tonight topped any movie he had seen previously. As the credits rolled after the grand finale, the audience sat stock still for several moments before giving a standing ovation.

Wanda and Vision spent the entire ride home excitedly discussing the film and pondering about what would come next. When he pulled into the parking lot of her apartment complex, she said, “Thanks for the ride.” She pushed her door open slightly but lingered in the car. “I had a lot of fun tonight.”

Vision felt an odd sense of déjà vu. This was starting to remind of him the night they went to the concert and he had impulsively kissed her hand. But this time he fancied that Wanda was looking at him almost expectantly. His mind rebelled at the thought that she might want him to kiss her. “I had a wonderful time as well. As always.” Her smile made his heart beat a little faster.

They remained in the same position, neither moving. Wanda finally climbed from the car. “See you tomorrow morning.”

“Have a good night.” He waited for her to reach the inside of the building before pulling out of the parking lot. Vision had to wonder if he imagined the flicker of disappointment in Wanda’s eyes when she waved at him.

***

Ultron stormed past her without even pausing as she entered the shop in the early afternoon, before symphony practice. She raised an eyebrow at Vision, who had a white-knuckle grip on the counter before shaking his head and wiping a cloth in front of her. “What’s up?”

“Ultron was unhappy that my conference proposal was accepted. He hates when I can’t be here, or dare to defy him.”

Ultron forgotten in the wake of her happiness about Vision’s success, Wanda said, “Congrats!” Vision smiled, but he quickly frowned again. “Don’t worry about him. He’ll get over it.”

Seeing that no one else was currently in the shop, he came around the counter and sat next to her. “Thank you. But this does mean that I’ll be away for a week.”

“Where are you going?” Wanda tried not to dwell on her disappointment that Vision would be away so long. This was a wonderful opportunity for him. It’s not like he would be gone forever, she comforted herself.

“My advisor has been wanting me to go back to work on the final version of my dissertation. Now we also have the conference presentation to polish, so we are going to have a round of intensive edits and mock oral defenses.”

“When do you leave?”

“The week after next.”

“What will I do without you?” She had intended to tease, but she cursed herself when her lip quivered just slightly. Wanda hoped Vision didn’t notice.

He gave her one of his small, lopsided smiles. “Well, we have a spare milk frother to make foam and I can teach to you a few simple designs to use while I’m away.” Despite his teasing words, his eyes were sincere as they looked at her. Wanda nudged his shoulder with her own.

“That’s not really what I meant, Vizh.”

He ducked his head shyly but met her eyes directly. “I know. I will miss you as well.”

#alternateuniversescarletvision #au #fanfiction #wanda x vision #scarlet vision

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sandersstudies · 6 years

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Sanders Sides fluff

Hey guys! This is my first time posting any Sanders Sides fic work, and I just want to know what people think!

Warnings: Insomnia/Mild distress? Both are resolved. This is basically all fluff so I don’t think I need any more warnings, so please let me know if there is something that requires a warning.

Platonic pairings only here, and mostly just a lot of soft love and a bit of witty banter.

Words: 1870

Faint light streamed in through the blinds of Patton’s room, casting stripes of dark and light across the floor. Patton rolled over in bed and blinked a few times. He squinted, trying the make out the dark form on the floor. He fumbled on his nightstand for his glasses and slid them up his nose.

Virgil had stretched his hoodie taut around his torso. He screwed his eyes up even in sleep. His saliva grumbled in the back of his mouth as he breathed.

Patton slid out of bed, bringing the blanket with him. He draped it over Virgil, who didn’t stir.

Patton left his room on tiptoe, careful not to bump Virgil’s feet when he opened and closed the bedroom door. The dim sunlight was shifting to a bright rose color as Patton pulled eggs from the kitchen fridge. He didn’t turn any lights on; it was nice to make breakfast in the sunrise.

Roman and Logan had conjured food for years before Patton had taken up cooking. As sides, eating wasn’t a necessity, but Patton had gotten into the habit of making breakfast for his family every morning. He shelled eggs as he waited for a pat of butter to melt in the pan. He feared the others only ate his food to be polite, but the process was relaxing. He whisked the eggs and poured some into the pan. As the liquid darkened to a consistent gold, the sunrise brightened to the same hue. Patton could hear faint shuffling in Logan’s room. He folded the omelet over itself as he heard a book page rustle, and smiled as the pun “om-letter” occurred to him.

There was a dull creak from Patton’s door. Patton added more butter to the pan and did not turn around. He heard the sound of a blanket sliding against the floor.

“Morning, kiddo,” he murmured.

Virgil was squinting against the sunlight so his eyes were almost invisible. He’d wrapped Patton’s blanket around his shoulders, and Patton could see his white knuckles clinging to the cloth. He used one hand to hold the blanket as he flattened his bedhead with the other. (Or, Patton thought, would it be floorhead?)

Virgil reached for the coffee. Patton got there first and pulled the pot away faster than he meant to. Virgil blinked at him, brows furrowed.

“You know what Logan says about caffeine, Virge,” Patton said, drumming his fingers on the side of the pot. Virgil grunted a response and turned to open the fridge. “The usual on your omelet?” Patton asked, leaning forward.

Virgil nodded.

Patton nodded back even though Virgil wasn’t looking at him. He put the coffee pot back. He added mushroom to the first omelet and started a second. He heard the clink of a glass on the counter behind him.

When he turned around to give Virgil his omelet, Virgil was sitting on the other side of the counter with two glasses of chocolate milk. He slid one toward Patton as Patton set down the omelets. Virgil had his with mushroom, Patton’s with cheese and extra butter. They ate and drank without speaking for a long moment. The sun was up now, and Patton examined Virgil’s eyeshadow, wondering if it was hiding a second layer of dark circles.

Virgil cut a slice of mushroom into little squares with his fork.

“Something wrong with the omelet?” Patton asked.

“No,” Virgil said. “No, it’s really good, thanks.”

“Trouble sleeping last night?”

Virgil shrugged. There was the muffled sound of books thudding against Logan’s floor. Patton hoped Logan hadn’t been up too late working on his latest theory.

“We don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to, kiddo,” Patton said. He took his empty plate to the sink and began rinsing it off.

“Didn’t want to bother you or anything,” Virgil muttered. His voice cracked with sleepiness. He drank the rest of his chocolate milk and then wiped the liquid off of his lip. “But I didn’t…want to be alone.”

The only sound was running water and distant birdsong.

“You wouldn’t bother me,” Patton said. “Wake me up anytime you need to.”

“Yeah, well.” Virgil stopped. He joined Patton at the sink and began to wash the milk glasses. They dried and put away the dishes without speaking.

Patton rubbed his hands on a dishtowel as Virgil wiped his palms against his hoodie.

“Sure is a nice sunrise,” Patton said. Virgil muttered agreement.

They gazed through the window until the beams faded to a pale buttercup color. The light brightened Virgil’s face so even his pale skin looked flushed. The crisp beams of early morning turned into the warm embrace of day, and Patton started another omelet.

Logan’s door opened. As usual, he had dressed for the day. He’d recently learned from Roman how to tie a Prince Albert knot, and displayed one at his collar.

“Salutations,” he said. “It is 62 degrees and sunny this morning.”

“Thanks, Alexa,” Virgil said.

“Ah, sarcasm,” Logan said, placing the tea kettle on the stove. He glanced at Patton. “Is that unfertilized poultry reproductive byproduct for me?”

“It’s just eggs, Logan,” Patton said. “I’m making an omelet.”

“Excellent,” Logan said. “Sustenance will serve as a refreshing intermission from my attempts to solve the Köthe conjecture.”

Roman’s door slammed open. “Did someone say intermission?”

“I did,” Logan said. “But your failure to contextualize is disturbing.”

“Say, Virge,” Patton said. “Why don’t you let me show you how to make an omelet for Roman?”

“Ah, a feast,” Roman said, emerging from his room. His floor-length velvet robe billowed behind him as he strutted into the kitchen, revealing his patterned silk pajamas.

Virgil watched Patton melting butter in the pan. “How you like your omelet, Roman Tumoral?”

“With a little of everything, Dark Twain.”

“Weak.”

“Oh, please, it’s early. A prince needs his beauty rest.”

“Jam-uel Clemens,” Logan said, producing a jar of Crofters. He smiled before noticing that no one had laughed. “The legal name of the pseudonymous author Mark Twain to whom Roman alluded was Samuel Clemens. Considering that jam and Sam share corresponding sounds, I assumed that this would be an excellent example of exploiting word meaning.”

“Explaining makes it worse,” Virgil said.

“So was that a-” Patton asked.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” Logan said. “Paronomasia is not equivalent to paternal humor.”

Patton smiled anyway.

***

Patton’s room was lit only by moonlight and he couldn’t make out the figure next to his bed even after he’d put his glasses on.

“I’m sorry.” Patton recognized Virgil’s voice. “Didn’t…sorry for – bothering – I couldn’t…” He whispered half of his words, and the rest were inaudible as if he’d swallowed them.

Patton got out of bed and hugged Virgil around the shoulders. “It’s okay, kiddo,” he whispered. “Let’s just be quiet.”

The two tiptoed to the kitchen. Patton poured two glasses of chocolate milk and handed one to Virgil. He went back to his room and pulled the blankets off of his bed. When he came back out, Virgil was sitting on the living room couch with his hoodie up around his face. He was drinking his milk.

Patton turned on the TV. Logan had left Big Hero 6 in the DVD player, and the main menu was playing in Spanish. Patton switched it to English and started the movie.

***

Logan had had a pair of earbuds in for most of the evening playing 528hz frequency music as he went over his notes and paced around the room. He’d had relative peace since he’d given Roman an “island of knights and knaves” logic problem. He’d heard a few frustrated outbursts from Roman’s room at first, but Princey must have given it up, as the noises had stopped some time ago. Had Roman solved the problem, he would have come back to brag.

A faint sound distracted Logan from his contemplation, and he removed his earbuds. “Immortals” played somewhere in the house.

Interesting, Logan thought. Roman must have returned to playing Disney music at inopportune hours. Logan checked his watch. It was an optimal time for a recreational break from his work. He should invite Roman to join him for a game of chess. Roman enjoyed the game despite his frequent failure. He slid his castles and galloped his knights into Logan’s hands each time. His aggressive strategies were predictable, and Logan could achieve checkmate within twenty minutes. Logan had tried to teach the game to Patton, who had almost broken into tears when Logan took his queen. Patton’s emotionality and simplicity made him a better player at checkers, where he failed to personify his pieces so much. Checkers bored Logan, and his failure to teach Patton chess had discouraged him from teaching Virgil.

Logan left his room and leaned against Roman’s door. Faint snoring from inside, and no music.

The door to Patton’s room was open, and Logan peered inside. The bed was stripped and empty.

Logan entered the living room. Big Hero 6 played on the screen, and Patton and Virgil were asleep on the floor, surrounded by couch cushions and blankets. Virgil’s had pulled his hoodie up and flattened his bangs down, hiding most of his face. Patton wore his cat hoodie over fuzzy pajamas. Logan’s chest swelled a little at this evidence that Patton had appreciated his gift.

Two empty glasses sat on the floor, one turned onto its side. Logan considered the probability of lactic acid buildup in the dregs of chocolate milk overnight. He’d better rinse the glasses. He did so while keeping one eye on the sleeping sides on the floor.

Blue light is bad for circadian rhythms, Logan remembered as he finished rinsing the glasses. He turned off the TV. Virgil snorted and rolled over in his sleep, exposing the side of his face which he had pressed against a couch cushion. Red lines from the pressure of the fabric ran over his cheek and temple like little ruts in his face. A blanket had smeared his eyeshadow down the sides of his face where the makeup settled in the ruts like ash.

Logan surveyed the scene again. What else should he incorporate for optimal sleeping conditions? Sleeping on the floor could cause muscle soreness, but disrupting the sleep cycle by waking the sides up would be damaging. Logan pulled a blanket over Virgil and Patton’s shoulders. That seemed correct. He knelt down to remove Patton’s glasses, which were askew. Logan could hear Patton’s breath whistling, and a small pool of saliva darkened the pillow under his head. Logan folded the glasses up and put them on the TV stand where Patton would be able to find them.

Logan stood up. Yes, he had established excellent conditions for sleep. He was not sure why either side had left their room in the first place but suspected it had something to do with feelings. Either way, he hoped he’d managed to ease any stress with his efforts.

“Sleep well,” he said. It felt very silly speaking out loud to the two sleeping figures. He feared he was becoming sentimental.

He poured himself a glass of chocolate milk and went back to his room.

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blossomingx · 6 years

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Aside from watching the reputation stadium tour last night, this entire weekend has been HORRIBLE. So I’m just going to rant a little to blow off some steam.

Friday - the day before the concert - I plan to do all the last minute things I need so I wouldn’t have to worry about anything. I double check my room reservations, flights, rental, tickets... all the necessary things. I got my eyebrows threaded and it’s a new lady at the place I go to, and even tho I was hesitant on weather or not I should do them with her, I still did. Big. Mistake. She CUT MY EYELID. I was full on bleeding. And to top it off, she thinned the hell out of them after I told her NOT TO. Everyone with a face knows that bad eye brows equal a bad time. So there’s Bad Thing #1.

Next day, we get up early and make our flight in time. Everything is going smoothly. My sisters came with me and we always fight. But I guess the excitement of seeing Taylor kept us in a good mood. So, we land in Dallas and o call to confirm my rental (just to be EXTRA sure) and the dude says there’s no reservation for me for that day even though I paid for it over the phone when I booked. He said he’d return my money. Uh! I need a car! So, now we have to bust out money for an Uber. There’s Bad Thing #2.

Finally we figure out how to work Uber (we never used it before because is not available in our town) and we get to our hotel. We got a good rate for a night, so when the receptionist tells me to hand my card over and she will be charging me TRIPLE what I booked the room at, I flipped out. Bad Thing #3. (Side note: after yelling like a psychotic mother we got our room at the price I initially booked it at, but still. It took some arguing and embarrassment.)

We finally get ready and head over to the AT&T Stadium. Got there just in time with a few minutes before doors open, and didn’t even have to wait in the heat for long before we got in. FINALLY WE’RE HERE and it’s such a relief! We get in line to buy merch and the whole time the family behind us are talking about how ridiculous it is that a whole group of 4 girls are in front of them. (We were that group.) Why, I don’t know. The lines were long everywhere, and to say that lines existed at all is a lie. It was a crowd of people pushing and shoving trying to get to the front. And for some reason, it was OUR fault for the huge crowds and unidentifiable lines. Standing in line with a obnoxious parent behind us brings us to Bad Thing #4.

We get to our seats and are enjoying the environment, you know, getting hyped for Charlie XCX to come out. We were on the side where people are going back and forth from back stage to the front, so we try to get their attention in hopes of getting upgraded to the pit. A group in front of us got upgraded by chance and we were a bit upset because they were just sitting there on their phones and we were actually enjoying ourselves. The same man that upgraded them came up to us and told us he’d be back to get us in to the pit. We were EXCITED. We were actually going to get to be in the pit! He said he’d return so we waited.. and waited... and waited... he never returned. We were heart broken! Just our luck I guess. Bad Thing #5.

Charli XCX comes out and she was great! We didn’t know all her songs but her set was great and I loved her energy. Crowd was so loud already; I couldn’t wait for Taylor any longer. Suddenly three girls drink out of their minds pile into one seat next to me and are bumping and grinding on themselves - and on me - while Charli is performing and it kills my mood big time. I don’t know why or how they got away with that, but they did. As soon as her set was done, they disappeared. But they managed to leave behind their beer all over my shoes. Great. Bad Thing #6.

Camila is next and my sisters and I agree to ignore what happened and not let it ruin the night. Camila comes out and two of the three girls come back. One of the girls seems a bit out of it, but we don’t let her keep our attention. Camila was soooo great I loved her set so much! You can see her emotion during her performance and just how passionate she is about her music. I loved her! During her last song, I felt a huge hit in my thigh and look to see it’s the girl that was completely out of it. Her head. Was on. My. Freaking. Thigh. What in the world?! I pushed her off only to realize she is passed out wasted. Bad Thing #7.

During the intermission between Camila & Taylor, this girl is making a scene for herself. Her friend is telling her to eat or drink something, but she won’t budge. I’m livid. Is this really going to be the person that ruins what I’ve been looking forward to for the past year!? Her friend is yelling now. “Get up!! What the fuck are you doing?! I hate you! GET UP!” You guessed it people, this girl was on the floor. Our entire section is freaking out. Security is now surrounding this girl. She isn’t awake anymore, but she isn’t asleep either. Security told us that as soon as she stands up we need to tell them so the can escort her out immediately. Once security leaves, the functioning girl full on BEGS us not to call them because she loves Taylor and blah blah blah. I wasn’t having it. So this mess of a scene is Bad Thing #8.

The group behind me taps my shoulder and says to me - jokingly, “you’re on baby sitting duty tonight!” Uh, what? Hell no I’m not. I quickly responded “she’s moot my friend and I didn’t pay $200 to watch some one that can’t handle alcohol” and they gasp. What did they want me to say, yesill watch her? HELL NO. Anyway, Taylor comes out -FINALLY. We see her right as she walks into the stage then the lights go down and we’re screaming for Taylor. The moment is finally here! I’m looking forward to the intro because it is ICONIC. I press record on my phone and 20 seconds in I hear and feel it all over my legs and feet. Yup, she just vomited. All over me. I’m PISSED at this point I could punch her in the face. I missed the whole intro. Her friend is yelling I HATE YOU STUPID BITCH and yelling at me PLS DONT CALL SECURITY. What was I supposed to do!? Bad Thing #9.

Taylor was amazing. Breathtaking show. It was literally sooooo perfect. & I love to record everything so I couldn’t wait to replay the show when I got to the hotel room. After an hour of repetitive Uber cancellations (Bad Thing #10), we finally get to our room. I’m looking for my favorite performances of Taylor so I can post, and in every single video you can hear this girl yelling at her drunk friend about how much she hates her. Every! Single! Video! I have no good content except for my memory. Bad Thing #12.

Next morning (today) we miss our flight because someone in our flight security line was making a scene. Greaaaat. They couldn’t let us go and handle the man on the side? Nope. They make countless people miss their flights. Bad Thing #13.

So now I’m writing thing long post because we’re on stand by for the remainder of the day praying we get to go home today. I just want this weekend to end. I miss my kids!!! If you got this far down my post, I’m going to assume you’re bored, or you are evil and find humor in the awful weekend I’m still experiencing. I’ll feel better when I’m home!!!

#taylor swift #this trip was crazy #i wanna go home #i still have vomit on my shoes #someone pray for me #rep tour dallas #rep tour arlington #night 2 #taylurking

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notprincehamlet · 7 years

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tecklenburg misadventures & meeting pia again: a post

August 13.

11 am. I come to the Düsseldorf train station to leave for Tecklenburg.

11:15 am. Turns out my train, of all trains, is five minutes late. Interesting.

12 am. Someone kicks me out of the seat because they booked it. After that I start realizing I will probably miss the second train because this one was late in the first place. Mild fear begins to settle in.

1 pm. The train arrives. I jump out and see that my other train has not left yet. I sprint down and up the stairs with my heavy-ass suitcase in two seconds. I make it to the train. Some guys are laughing at me. Then I see the info board. Turns out this train was also late. It doesn't leave the station for the next ten minutes. I begin to get the jokes about Deutsche Bahn.

2 pm. I arrive to Lengerich. Now I only need to catch the bus to Tecklenburg. I see two buses approaching but I'm not sure if any of them is mine. I have to check. By the time I finish checking, both of the buses have left. One of them was definitely mine.

2:30 pm. I find the bus schedule on the wall. Apparently, the next bus will only come in two hours because it's Sunday. I want to punch myself in the face. The station is eerily quiet. I sigh, sit down and start rereading Rebecca.

2:45 pm. A taxi drives by to the taxi parking. The driver and I exchange glances. I'm not sure if I should do this and spend the money on a taxi. But what if the bus doesn't come and this guy also leaves?

3 pm. My anxiety and I approach the driver. "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" I ask hopefully - hope is always the last to die, after all. "No". Hope dies in agony. "Können Sie mich nach Tecklenburg fahren?" He can. We drive.

3:15 pm. The hotel door is locked. This can't be happening. I start pushing every button I can find on the wall because I’m smart like that.

3:16 pm. A man parks his car nearby and comes to the door, carrying some boxes. I ask him if he knows how to enter, adding the shameful "Ich spreche aber fast kein Deutsch" at the end of my sentence. Turns out he works here.

3:20 pm. The key to my room is missing. I love adventures. The room, however, isn’t locked, so I can at least come inside and get ready for Rebecca. "Der Schlüssel kommt später," says the guy. Cue nervous laughter.

4 pm. I come down to ask if anyone has found the key. Nope. Someone, however, is gonna come in an hour, and that someone apparently has the key. I start googling mild German insults, just in case.

6 pm. I come down to leave for Rebecca and see the key hanging on the board behind the counter. The girl (she speaks English) hands it to me. "Sorry, I found it too late", the woman next to me says, also in English. She is beautiful. I'm gay and not angry anymore. She tells me to open the front door with the same key because it will be late when I return from the musical. She asks me if I would like to have breakfast tomorrow from 8 to 10. Maybe I would but I’m too gay to think about it right now. On that bright note I lock my door and leave.

***

I did manage to come earlier, which was nice after all the nightmares I'd had about being late to Rebecca (yeah, I guess being a bit late to Elisabeth in June took a toll on me). It was such a nice weather and I'm SO grateful for it, especially since it had been raining so hard the night before. Tbh I’d been kinda skeptical about the production at first becase it looked so different from the Stuttgart one and I thought the costumes looked ugly but my friends told me I’d definitely like it (especially if I didn’t rewatch the Stuttgart production - which I didn’t). AND SURPRISE, I LOVED IT. Let me just say I will never doubt open air productions again. Everything was so cleverly done imo and I loved the changes made to adapt to the demands of an open air stage and the costumes didn’t look so ugly in person :”) I would’ve loved it even if it hadn’t been Gay™ and that’s huge because Gayness was my main criteria for this show (i know.... i know)

We all know the main reason I came there for (Gay Icon Mrs Danvers aka Pia Douwes aka Actual Light of my Life etc etc) but I was really excited to see the rest of the cast. I was curious about Milica since I’d only heard like.. one song of hers. And I loved her (d u h I almost cried during Zeit in einer Flasche), though her Ich seemed a bit too mature for my liking. As for Jan Ammann, I still can’t believe I saw and heard him live, I love one man ;~~; and I don’t know him personally but I.... trust him. Also! He looked more like Laurence Olivier than usual, 10/10 would recommend 😍 I was very much looking forward to Roberta Valentini as well. I love Kerstin Ibald’s Beatrice with all my heart but Roberta was wonderful too, and I think I would’ve picked her Beatrice if I ever had to choose. I’m glad I don’t actually have to choose though C: I also really liked Thomas Hohler, which was a surpise since I’ve never given much thought to him. Guess I gotta check him out in Elisabeth or something.

(there was also this one guy in the ensemble whose face was dead serious the whole time he was dancing and it was h i l a r i o u s. also #mood. and he reminded me of Thomas from Downton Abbey)

Now, to the Love of my Life. Mrs Danvers was Extra Gay in this version, I would like to thank everyone involved in making the gayness happen ;~; the Gay Subtext™ was palpable and I loved every second of it. Pia was amazing and killed it in every song, and by it I mean “IT but also ME”. The stage was pretty big and I died a little every time Pia was upstairs or in Rebecca’s bedroom because I couldn’t see her properly then. Good thing I have a strategy for such cases; it’s called “press glasses as close to your eyes as you can and squint as hard as possible”. Now to (some of) the songs and general moments.

Sie ergibt sich nicht: gay, upstairs, the orchids are red, nice Die lieben Verwandten: ROBERTA AND HER PLAID TWEED LOOKS The scene after Bist du glücklich: the way Danvers asked Ich what she did with the remains of the statue made a Danvers-shaped hole in my heart (and I don’t even like Mrs Danvers l o l)

Danvers: *lurks at the back of the stage looking pensive* Me: *clutches chest* oh my god (was she realy somewhere on stage during Hilf mir durch die Nacht or did I imagine it? or was it during another song? I honestly can’t tell anymore)

Was ist nur los mit ihm: I just listened to it again and almost cried, I love Roberta so much and I loved her in that green dress Sie war gewohnt, geliebt zu werden: THIS IS MY FAVOURITE SONG FROM THIS MUSICAL NO JOKE and I loved the whole setup with Rebecca’s bedroom. Not sure what to think of the whole Favell on top of Danny thing but I had to try very hard to block every association with amateur porn from my mind because EWWWW. In other news: this song is still gay and I l o v e it. Rebecca: I REALLY ACTUALLY HONESTLY HEARD IT LIVE CAN YOU BELIEVE IT. ICONIC. Obviously, this song became 198776542x times more gay (I thought it wasn’t possible but here we are) because of that Rebecca shadow thing and Danvers putting the nightgown on her. I had vaguely heard about it and I’d heard it was controversial so I didn’t really know what to think at first. It’s hard to overestimate my undying belief in not having any physical representation of Rebecca at all, and I feel like this wasn’t really necessary, but on the other hand the production didn’t suffer one bit because of it. Plus the Rebecca/Danny shipper in me says YES PLEASE THAT WAS AMAZING. Yeah, I’m pretty biased here (BIased!!!!! get it????/?). Finale erster Akt: I got chills.

Then came the intermission and after an hour of sitting on a wooden bench my lower back was Not Happy.

Rebecca (Reprise): I felt like someone was cutting my heart out of my chest thanks to Pia, plus goosebumps all over Nur ein Schritt: I live for creepy!Pia tbh. And the rocket was real! Have I mentioned I love open air now? Mrs Danvers bin ich: Danvers looked so hurt, m*rder me right now :”) and I was looking forward to hearing Pia shout “Nein” but I got distracted right before it l m a o. Life is hard when you have the attention span of a goldfish. The court scene: I live for this kind of symbolism!!!!!!! The scene where they found out Rebecca was sick and it was like someone stabbed Mrs Danvers when she heard it.... that moment ended me. I thought that was IT. But I knew nothing yet. Ich war ihr nah: WOWZIES. I’m always a sucker for some suffering!Pia, especially when she’s alone on stage. Just. Wow. Her voice. Her acting. She really did THAT. Also...... gay. Jenseits der Nacht & Manderley in Flammen: I LOVED the way they handled the fire!!!! That was the thing I was looking forward to the most. Everything looked so good. Besides, the weather was really cooperating which only added to the atmosphere. My friend had told me I would die and I *was* dying, but then The Scream happened. THAT was when I truly died. The Scream & Rebecca taking Mrs Danvers with her: DID SATAN CREATE THIS? IS THIS A FANFIC OR?? I’M???? #DEAD #SHOOK #SHOOKETH Tbh I was about to crawl to the nearest cemetery, dig my own fucking grave and just lie there. Then again, that moment was absolutely unnecessary from the rational point of view but I enjoyed it SO much and I felt SO emotional that I don’t give a single shit. THAT WAS AMAZING.

***

After the show and multiple bows (I love these people) it was over. And when you leave, you have to walk up the stage and towards the entrance. May have screamed a little when I saw the set up close, may have taken a blurry selfie (or three). Anyways, I found the stagedoor, I found my friends, I managed to burn my finger on some vile stingy plant all within the scope of 30 minutes, and THEN She came out. And She was the sweetest. As always. I just. Talent aside, I will never get over how genuinely NICE and GOOD Pia is. She took her time to talk to everyone, she posed for pictures, she signed everything and she was very excited about her gifts :”) she is such a good person and I honestly can’t deal with the way she radiates that energy.

I wanted to give her a book of translated Russian poetry as a gift, I’d even wrapped it up in craft paper and stuck a “thank you” sticker on it. I wish the book was thinner but it was the only one I found that had most of my favourite poems lol #priorities. I had A LOT of doubts about it but then again, I’m pretty sure it’s not the weirdest gift she’s ever got. So I finally came up to Pia, said hi, gave her the gift, pointed out the “thank you” sticker and explained that it meant “thank you for your work” (her face was so close holy shit). Honestly, I keep saying sorry and thank you every time I meet her lmao but I’m thankful!!! and I’m sorry!!! and I want her to know that!!! what else am I supposed to do!!!! And I *think* I said something about the show being great and her being great in it, but I’m not sure.

Then she was like “and you’re from...?” “Russia”, I told her, not expecting her to remember anything about me. Then she went “Of course! We’ve met before, right?” “We did, yes” “I was gonna say Russia!” WHAT KIND OF FACE MEMORY DOES SHE HAVE OH MY GOD. Well, probably the selective kind, let’s be real here, but this is still unbelievable. As of August 13 it has been a little over a year since our last brief meeting - a year, three months and 12 days but who’s counting? - and after all this time there was something that made her go "wait, I know her” when she saw me ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ And it’s the SECOND time she remembered me so we’re practically married at this point, right? Right??? I replied with something generic like “oh, you remember me? That’s so nice!” yeah, “nice” indeed :“”“) I will be raving about it forever because I honestly can’t believe it keeps happening to me. What have I done to deserve this? Could it be possible to love this woman more? At that particular moment I thought not, but the evening wasn’t over yet. Then this happened:

Me: thank you 😍 Pia, taking the gift: thank you! Me, distracted by her closeness: thank you 😍 Pia, pointedly: thank you for the gift Me: Oh. You’re welcome. (jesus fucking christ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Then she signed my programme and then I almost left without a picture because I was THAT awestruck :’’’’’’’) As we posed, she was standing THIS close to me and she was touching my elbow behind my back all the time we were posing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can see how hard I’m trying to conceal my emotions in the pics because um ??? an actual Goddess is touching my arm right this second???? And then she said she appreciates my coming to see her again ♥ I’m sorry but I’m pretty sure being this precious is illegal, I’m gonna have to alert the authorities. Oh, and I’m tattooing every single generic phrase she said on my forehead.

Then I just hung around for a while and even took a good enough picture of my friends and Pia! My hands weren’t shaking like they always do when I feel Emotions!!! I am truly growing.

After a while the crowd started to dissolve a bit and I spontaneously decided to try and ask if I could give her a hug. Yeah, I know, I don’t recognize myself either. And I did ask her, with countless “I’m so sorry”s and “I understand it might be intrusive”s (her face was so close and she was looking at me so intently i’.m!!! dying!! I was Not Prepared) because making her uncomfortable is my worst nightmare.

And then

she DEADASS GRABBED THE BARE PART OF MY ARM (my sweater covered my elbow but not my forearm so it was a skin to skin contact with the goddess!!!!! I’m a normal person with a normal life and zero obsessions I swear), looked me in the eye and started explaining why she doesn’t normally do it - because, quote, “then she *nods at someone* would wanna do this, and she would wanna do this and I would be here till 3am”. Somehow my brain didn’t shut down completely: all I could feel was her hand on my arm, but I was actually registering what she was saying and I was even ANSWERING stuff like “that’s totally fine, yes, i understand, everyone would want to do this, that’s absolutely fine, thank you so much”. But she honestly has THE SOFTEST hands, it’s literally like touching a cloud, what kind of magic is this (and what kind of hand cream), I couldn’T COPE. SO SOFT. AND SHE WAS SO CLOSE. HER PERFECT FACE. CLOSE TO MINE. SAYING THINGS. SMILING. I LOVE HER. And it seemed that explaining the reason was very important to her and she wasn’t letting go of my arm the whole time 😭 honey….. you don’t have to explain anything to me…. I’m just happy to be here…. And she was looking me in the eye the whole time too. Anyways, I FINALLY timidly put my other hand on top of hers (!!!!!!!!! living that self-insert fanfic life) and told her it was absolutely fine again while trying very hard to conceal my emotions (hahaha who’s freaking out? not me lmao hahaha lol). I LOVE HER SO MUCH WHAT A GODDESS WHAT AN ICON. Not to be dramatic, but I can still feel her calming touch :”) she may have cured my anxiety or something. And yeah, well, I told her it was absolutely fine and she told me to take care and that was it.

Did I sound like a complete tit? Certainly. Did I still sound more coherent than the other two times I met her? Absolutely. I’m SO proud of myself. Am I still #shook? You bet! I can’t believe life is this good to me. And I’m still very sad I don’t know when I will see Pia again :/ certainly not next year because it’s my final uni year and I’m gonna be busy as shit, plus all these trips are getting expensive. I hope she doesn’t do anything HUGE next year and saves it for the time I can travel again ~

Oh, by the way, it was pitch black almost the whole time I was walking back to the hotel and I even had to pass by a church graveyard. Fucking T*ckl*nburg.

#the great pia meltdown 2k17 #~

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nubnubblr · 5 years

Text

If You Do .18

THEA

We arrived at the venue, Sam and Jae had taken their seats in the audience. I followed Charlie backstage, their show today was actually a promotional showcase for the public and the investors. There were even scouts form big-named dance companies that would come out to find dancers for tours and what not. The showcase was also filmed and photographed, which is why I was backstage rather than sitting in the audience.

"Bongyong is over there with May J Lee," Charlie pointed out the couple out before joining a group of choreographers, most of them I knew, intimately.

Bongyong and May J Lee looked deep in conversation, I just stood there awkwardly waiting for them to finish talking. I was also a little distracted by Bongyoung's arms which were seriously attractive. I was a shame that Charlie had forbidden me from going there, also he and May J Lee were together and I wasn't a home wrecker.

"Thea," May J Lee smiled at me, she was honestly the sweetest person I knew.

"Hey, I didn't want to interrupt," I waved walking over to them.

"You're not interrupting, what did you need?" Bongyoung asked.

"I just need to know where you need me to be? I don't want to get in the way of the cameramen,"

"You won't be in there way, we need more photos than we do videos, so you just go where you need to to get the shots you do and the cameramen can work around you," May J Lee shrugged.

"You can put your bag down over there, it will be safe," Bongyoung stated.

"Okay," I nodded.

"Hey," Shawn smiled at me as I passed him.

"Hey," I smiled back.

We had kind of been seeing each other recently, I mean we weren't dating or anything serious, but we were hanging out, and sleeping together. So, I guess we were friends with benefits or something like that.

"Are you here to take photos of me?" he asked following me over to the table Bongyoung had pointed out.

"I'm here to take pictures of everyone," I rolled my eyes but smile anyway.

"But I'm included in everyone, so technically," he shrugged.

"Okay, I guess you're right,"

"What's the plan for tonight?"

"What do you mean?" I frowned.

"I mean are we going to your friends' club or your friends' bar?"

"Oh, probably the bar," I shrugged.

"Oh, you're here, does that mean Charlies here? I need to, uh, ask her a question about the routine," Doonbin asked awkwardly.

"She just went over there," I nodded pointing him towards the group of choreographers.

"Thanks," he gave a quick wave wandering off.

"So are you going to let him come tonight?" I raised an eyebrow.

"To the bar?" Shawn frowned.

Doobin was Shawn's little brother and Shawn was a little bit overprotective of him. I mean I can understand why he is only 19 but it was very rare for Shawn to let Doobin come to any of the afterparty events. It's not like he wasn't old enough to drink and we would all be there to keep an eye on him.

"Yeah,"

"I don't know," he shook his head.

"Oh come on, we will all be there he will be fine," I assured him.

"Mm,"

"I mean if you say no then he might go to a different bar with his friends and at least if he comes with us then you'll know where he is and that he's okay," I shrugged.

"Just think about it, I have to go and make sure that my camera settings are okay for the lighting," I started making my way back out towards the stage.

SAM

The lights started to dim and the crowd fell silent, a video started to play on the screen behind the stage, it was cutes of the choreographers in the dance room practising for what I assumed to be this showcase. Charlie was focused on her own reflection making sure her moves were perfectly in time, her dedication was attractive, so was the fact she was only wearing tights and a sports bra, which was usually what she wore during dance practice.

The last choreographer that was in the video was Koosung, but rather than practising alone he was teaching a group, he turned to the camera and smirked before everything went black.

A few moments later the music started and the spotlight lit up on the group of dancers, Koosung just happened to be the centre. I didn't like Koosung, he was close with Charlie as a dancer, but he was overly confident and always flirting with her no matter how many times she's declined his passes at her. Honestly, I just thought he was a complete douche. Also, he's slept with Thea, that says a lot about him as a person because she's not big on sleeping with the good guys.

On the plus side, Charlie wasn't in the opening group which meant that she wasn't dancing with him. He was kind of her go-to as a dance partner, probably because they have great chemistry on stage, another reason I didn't like him. It's not like I was jealous of him or anything, it was just that he got really handsy and I didn't like the way that he objectified her.

Okay, so maybe I was a little jealous, but can you really blame me? He gets to all but have sex with her on stage, and he wasn't exactly unattractive either. He was pretty much Charlie's type; tall, attractive, skinny, and a major douche, the fact that he was a dance was just a bonus.

The stage went black again, another video played somehow Koosung had weaselled his way into that as well. It was of him and a group of other guys some I knew and some I didn't. They were also practising in the dance room, then they were messing around with each other, the video ended with them standing in a group with a gangster pose then everything went back.

Music started to play and the spotlight beamed onto the same guy from the video, I had seen him around and I knew he was kind of friends with Charlie but I didn't really know his name. He walked to the centre of the stage and started to dance, 30 seconds into the song the 6 other guys from the video all dressed in black joined him; three I didn't know, one I recognized but couldn't name, Shawn who was Thea's flavour of the week, and Koosung.

JACKSON

I watched Jacob walk off stage and the group of guys was replaced with a couple, they walked out on stage with their hands intertwined. No music played, instead, they had microphones in their free hands. They waited for the crowd to stop clapping.

"Hey everyone, welcome to 1million dance studios showcase, I'm May J Lee and this is Bongyoung Park. For those of you who are new here, we're not only choreographers but we also own and run 1million with a group of amazing staff and the group of talented dancers who will perform for you tonight," May J Lee stated with a bright smile, he pixie cut bob sways and she turned her head to Bongyoung.

"I hope everyone is having a good time, our dancers have worked really hard to bring you these performances tonight. A lot of the back up dancers tonight are actually 1million students, we run classes all week for all ages, you're never too old to express yourself through dance, so if you or someone you know is interested in joining our dance classes come by our building and sign yourself up for one of our free beginners classes," he explained.

"Speaking of dancing, it's our turn. Please enjoy the showcase," May J Lee smiled.

A stagehand ran out on stage and collected their microphones, the two dancers walked to either side of the stage and waited for the music to start before walking back towards each other and beginning their performance.

Their chemistry as pretty good, I thought that they might be actually dating rather than just being business partners. The finished their stage and quickly ran off, a large group of people ran onto the stage and got into position as a video of students in the dance room played. It was mostly the students being taught but there were clips of them chatting and having fun while they waited for their class to start too.

Once the video had ended the lights began to flash and the large group began to dance, they were completely in sync which was impressive considering I was pretty sure they were all students. After they were done they stood in a line and bowed before making their way off stage.

The next video played, two kids dancing, the camera spun around then and they became teenagers at a school dance, the camera spun again and the couple was now adults; adults that I knew.

Lum was dancing with Charlie, I don't know why I hadn't realized it earlier, I should have at least thought about it earlier when she had said that she had a dance show tonight, it's not like a lot of places have dance shows on the same night.

The video faded and the lights hit the stage, Charlie was sitting centre stage, she began dancing as the music started to play. Jacob walked out seconds later and joined her. She was really good, I pulled my phone and took a quick photo sending it to Mark.

Jackson: Told you she was a dancer...

I went continued watching as it clicked in my head; it this was the dance show Charlie was performing at, which meant that Thea was here somewhere. I don't know why I looked around the crowd, there was no way I would be able to see her with this many people let alone in the dark.

My phone buzzed drawing my attention away from the crowd.

Mark: Congratulations? I care because?

I just sighed shaking my head as Jacob and Charlie finished dancing and made their way off stage. The room grew brighter as the lights where slowly undimmed, May J Lee came wandering up onto the stage with a microphone. Most of the crowd let out sounds of disappointment that the show was over.

"It's okay, we're just going to take a brief intermission, our dancers need some time to hydrate and change outfits and you have all been sitting and enjoying the show for an hour so we thought you might like to stretch your legs, have a bathroom break and what not before we continue in 15 minutes," she smiled before leaving the stage.

THEA

I started going through the photos that I had already taken, there were a few that I didn't like because they were too dark and some that were a little blown out which just made me annoyed at myself for not being able to keep up with the showcase lighting, I could fix them in post but I didn't like putting too much editing into my photos, not because I'm lazy but because I like to keep them as original as I can. It's the main reason I tell clients that I don't airbrush, I so any editing that distorts the original image from being as close to the original as possible.

The exception to that rule was Junior but he had a fashion line and if his models needed airbrushing then that's what they got, but that was a rare occurrence because Juniors models were held to a very high standard.

I was so focused on the replay image on the camera screen that I almost didn't notice that my phone was buzzing in my pocket. I frowned down at the caller ID.

"Hey, perfect timing. The show has just gone into intermission,"

"I know," he responded.

"What do you mean you know?" I frowned.

"I'm here,"

"What?" I froze, why was he here? Did I tell him where the showcase was?

I started to overthink the whole thing. Was he going to be another one of those crazies that I seemed to attract? We only met face to face properly today and that was honestly kind of a disaster, why would he track me do at a dance showcase?"

"Yeah, my cousin is performing tonight, I didn't realise that this was the showcase Charlie was until the came out on stage together,"

"Oh," relief and a bit of embarrassment washed through me.

"Did you think I was some kind of weird stalked?" he joked.

"Yeah," I laughed back.

"Wait, seriously?"

"I mean, kind of,"

"Yeah, I guess I can see why you would think that," he laughed awkwardly.

"Where are you? It might be easier to talk face to face," I stated, also my phone was dying.

"Down the back corner,"

"Come up to the stage, I'm taking photos it will be easier for you to find me than for me to find you,"

"Okay, see you in a minute," he stated before hanging up.

"Hey Hobbit," I heard Jae behind me.

"No," I pointed at him, he just raised an eyebrow. Sam was next to him, a frown on his face.

"What?"

"You can't be here right now," I shook my head trying to usher them away.

"Why not? It's an intermission, it's not like we're distracting you from your job," Jae pointed out.

"Yeah, but your face grosses me out," I stated.

"I still have nightmares of when you used to sit on me," he retorted.

"I never sat on you,"

"I'm pretty sure I still have lung damage," he nodded.

"Thea," I heard Jackson behind me. I closed my eyes and let out a sigh; it was too late now. I plastered on my sweetest smile and turned around.

"Hey," I stated tucking my hair behind my ear.

"I'm going to throw up," Jae dry heaved, I glared over my shoulder at him.

"Is he bothering you?" Jackson frowned past me at Jae.

"He's always bothering me, but he's harmless," I waved him off.

"You know him?"

"Ah, yeah, unfortunately. This is mine and Charlie's friend Sam, and that's Charlies bro Jae," I shrugged.

"This is Jackson," I reluctantly introduced.

"Wild and Sexy?" Jae smirked.

"Ignore him," I sighed, trying to use my glaring ability to kill him.

"It was supposed to be funny, I regretted it instantly," Jackson laughed awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck.

"Everyone regrets something," I mumbled glaring at Jae.

"Wait, you were the guy that answered the phone," Jackson pointed at Jae.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Jae shrugged.

"Yeah, that was him. He's the type of person that you can't even deal with in small doses," I smiled sweetly at Jackson.

"You can get Jae in small doses?" Sam asked hopefully.

"Nope," Jae shook his head.

"Are you stalking Thea? Because I'm sure there are better things you could do with your time. Like talk to actually girls, not a dwarf-sized Sherk," Jae stated casually.

Jackson frowned at him, shocked that he had just flatly insulted me so nonchalantly, I made a not to be careful with what I said around him in case he was easily offended. But then again I guess it wasn't normal to hear people that are often in the same group of mutual friend completely disrespect each other.

"That wasn't very nice," Jackson stated seeming slightly annoyed.

"It wasn't supposed to be," Jae shrugged.

"That's ho the two talk to each other, they're basically arch nemesis, you get used to it," Sam said trying to ease the tension.

"The intermission will be over soon, you should probably get back to your seats," I added.

"Why don't you come and sit with us? We can tell you all about our dear friend Thea," Jae gave a smirk that I wanted to smack right off his stupid face.

"I don't think that's a good idea," I stated.

"I think it's a great idea," Jae shrugged.

"You would," I frowned.

"I'll make sure he behaves," Sam assured me.

"If you don't want me to I won't,"

"Oh come on Thea, he's clearly sitting by himself," Jae pointed out.

"Are you here alone?"

"Yeah, but I don't mind," he nodded.

"I'm so going to regret this," I let out a sigh.

SAM

The crowd grew quiet again as the lights dimmed and a video began to play, it was Koosung walking into a bar, he began flirting with a girl at the bar, the video flashed forward to them dancing together in the centre of an empty bar, he grabbed her hand and the ran at the camera then the screen went black and Koosung cam walking out on stage, two back up dancers were already standing in the centre.

"Ooh, Thea has slept with him," Jae commented to Jackson.

"What?"

"Don't be surprised, she's slept with basically everyone, Koosung is just one of them,"

"Dude," I frowned at Jae.

"What? It's true," he shrugged.

"I don't think he wants to hear about her sex life," I stated quietly.

"He should be prepared for what he's getting himself into," he stated then laugh.

"It's really not any of my business," Jackson stated awkwardly.

"See, now leave the guy alone," I sighed.

Koosung left the stage and the intro video started to play, the girl from the stage earlier and Austin, who happened to be BM's friend, were dancing on the beach ankle deep in the water. It was no surprise that Austin didn't have a shirt on, well it was no surprise to me, all the girls in the audience cheered.

"She's slept with him too," Jae stated.

"She slept with Austin?" I frowned as Austin and the girl from earlier, May J Lee I think, came out on stage.

"You know him?"

"He's friends with BM, how don't you know him,"

"Huh, I wonder if BM knows they've slept together?"

"How do you know they've slept together?"

JACKSON

"It's not hard, I just pay attention to people, she basically loses interest in the guy after they sleep together, and she doesn't even look at him," Jae pointed towards where Thea was standing taking photos of the dancers on stage.

"How many of the dancers as she slept with," Sam shook his head.

"From my count, 4," Jae shrugged.

"It was a rhetorical question," Sam frowned at him.

"She would probably have slept with more if Charlie hadn't put a Thea ban on some of them," Jae shrugged.

"Jae, shut up," Sam stated.

Clearly, I hadn't keep my face as expressionless as I had hoped, at least judging but the apologetic look Sam was giving me. It wasn't that I was judging her for having slept with guys, I was just surprised and maybe a little shocked.

After a few more performances and Jae pointing out more of Thea's previous partners, the showcase was over. I got up and made my way to find Jacob who was thanking some of his students for their hard work.

"How was it?" He smiled when he noticed me standing there.

"You were great," I nodded.

"We're all going to a bit of an after party if you want to come along," he stated.

"Jackson?" Charlie made her way over.

"You know Charlie?"

"We went to lunch today," I nodded.

"Are you two..." Jacob frowned pointing between us.

"No, It was me Mark, Chalie and her friend," I shook my head.

"Thea dragged me along to a surprise double date so she could meet him," Charlie explained.

"Thea..." Jacob asked absently.

"You're interested in Thea?"

"That seems to be the same reaction I'm getting from everyone here,"

"She has a bit of a reputation," Jacob shrugged.

"So her nemesis says,"

"Her nemesis?" Charlie frowned at me.

"Jae? He was pointing out everyone she had slept with,"

"She's only slept with two people here," Charlie raised an eyebrow.

"He said it was four,"

"He doesn't know anything, ignore him. He tried to sleep with her just over a week ago so," Charlie shrugged it off.

"Help me," Thea came in the door first.

"With what?" I raised an eyebrow sliding a beer towards Drew who had decided to drop by.

"So it turns out that Jackson's cousin dances for the same company as Charlie so he was there tonight, and Jae has been telling him things about me all night, like who I've slept with,"

"So everyone?" I smirked.

"Dude," Drew frowned at me.

"What? She doesn't really have a small list of past sexual partners," I stated, he gave me a strange look but stopped talking.

"You are supposed to be my bro," she shook my head taking the beer out of Drew's hand.

"You don't drink beer," Drew stated reaching for his bottle.

"If it has alcohol in it, I drink it," she glared at him walking off to the table down the back, she drank a mouthful and walked back.

"This is disgusting, you have problems,"

"I told you that you wouldn't drink it," he shrugged drinking ti comfortably, he pulled the bottle away from his lips, they were now red. I handed him a napkin.

"See, she just makes out with everyone," Jae walked in next to Jackson nodding towards Drew.

"I'm pretty sure Drew is the last person Thea would make out with," Charlie shook her head following in behind them.

"I just took a sip of his beer, I didn't make out with him," Thea cleared her throat.

"Likely story, you hate the taste of beer," Jae retorted.

"I think Jae is just a little obsessed with Thea, he did try to sleep with her last week. We're pretty sure he has a secret thing for her," I started looking at Jackson.

"I do not have a thing for the deformed midget," he huffed walking off.

"You're welcome," I smiled at Thea.

THEA

"Whatever, can I have a drink please?" I sighed.

"Oh me too," Doobin stated.

"No," Shawn shook his head.

"Shawn, he's 19. Technically he doesn't need your permission," I pointed out.

"Have you see this trouble maker after he's been drinking? The last time he stole someone's scooter and raced down the street almost killing himself. He doesn't need alcohol,"

"I totally get you man, no alcohol for little brother," BM shrugged.

"You're a total buzzkill," I rolled my eyes at him.

"The poor guy is probably going to have to deal with you drunk, he doesn't need to handle his brother too," BM stated.

"Is it just pick on Thea day or something?" I sighed.

BM shrugged handing me a drink, I turned around and scanned the room. Most of the group was sitting down the back in the area BM had set aside specifically for us. Jackson was sitting with his cousin glancing at me occasionally, Jae was down the other end of the table from him which was somewhat of a relief. Doobin wandered off to join the table, I was actually surprised that Shawn had let him come, then again, from the way Shawn spoke about Doobin, it was better to know where he was than to wonder.

His mother had sent him to live with Shawn just over a year ago because he was getting into trouble at home and their mother wasn't handling it well. I'm not really sure what happened to their dad but he wasn't in the picture.

"Yo, yo, yo," Austin walked into the bar as I was about to walk over to the group.

"Sup bro," BM nodded, I frowned.

"Bro?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Sup shorty," he rested his arm on my shoulder.

"So you two have met?" BM stated.

"We've met," Austin nodded with a smirk.

"Please tell me that look doesn't mean what I think it means," BM sighed shaking his head at me.

"You two are friends?" I asked slowly.

"We're gym buddies," Austin nodded.

"You didn't think to mention this earlier?" I raised an eyebrow at him.

"Why?" he shrugged.

"Because if I had of known you were bros with my bro then I wouldn't have..."

"Had mind-blowing sex with me?" he smirked.

"Mind blowing for you maybe," I frowned.

"You seriously slept together?" Drew gave a judging expression.

"Shut upDrew," I sighed.

"Who did Thea sleep with now? Can I have a lemonade?" Charlie walked up to the bar.

"Apparently, Austin," BM nodded.

"Seriously?" Charlie shook her head at me.

"In my defence, I didn't know he was friends with you, and I mean, have you seen what's under that shirt," I motioned at his abs.

"That's because you don't listen when anyone else speaks," BM scolded.

CHARLIE

"Okay, that's clearly my cue to leave," she frowned at BM.

"That was a bit harsh bro," Drew stated.

"I'll take a whiskey sour and a bottle of bourbon and coke too," I sighed knowing Thea wouldn't want to come back up and it would turn into a 5-minute discussion of who would go for her.

"I get that you're annoyed but she is Thea, and she didn't know that he was our friend. You know she wouldn't have slept with him if she did," Drew defended her.

"Why do you think I didn't tell her? This one is completely on me bro," Austin stated.

"No, it's not, she needs to stop using the 'it's Thea what did you expect' excuse and just stop sleeping with everything,"

"Dude," Drew shook his head.

"I don't know what's got you so pissy tonight, but if you knew that Austin went to 1Million, and Thea came to see me at 1Million, then you should have known that they were going to happen at some point. If you didn't want it too then you should have at least told me that you two were friends and I would have put him on the off-limits list,"

"So what you're saying is that really, this is BM's fault?" Drew asked as BM placed the three drinks on a tray.

"That's exactly what I'm saying," I picked up my glass and made my way over to the group.

0 notes

sambart93 · 7 years

Text

2017.04.05 StarMyuMyu/ High School Star Musical: The Musical! [Review]

I got to see this beauty Wednesday afternoon! I really enjoyed the anime when it originally came out in 2015. In anticipation of this musical, I, of course, rewatched the anime earlier this year and still enjoyed it!! ^_^ so naturally, I was hyped for this musical! Especially because it has some amazing names in there such as Sugie Taishi, Suzuki Shougo, Sakurai Keito and many more!

Official Website here Official Twitter here Press 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Dress Rehearsal Videos 1, 2, 3 PreOrder DVD/BR here and here and here and here

CAST and CHARACTERS

Team Otori: Sugie Taishi as Hoshitani Yuta Yamanaka Shouta as Nayuki Toru Arthur Lounsberry as Tsukigami Kaito Suzuki Shougo as Tengenji Kakeru Takahashi Kensuke as Kuga Shu

Team Hiragi: Sakurai Keito as Rui Tatsumi Kitagawa Naoya as Sawatari Eigo Tanzawa Seiji as Inumine Seishiro Takano Akira as Toraishi Izumi Hoshimoto Yuzuki as Ugawa Akira

Student Council: Hatakeyama Ryo as Hiragi Tsubasa Kiyama Haruki as Otori Itsuki Takizawa Ryo as Akatsuki Kyoji Tsurimoto Minami as Yuzuriha Christian Lion Taka as Sazanami Sakuya

Ensemble: Yamamoto Teppei, Takashi Yukiya, Yamauchi Ryohei, Sawabe Neo, Shinkai Rio and Obigane Ryota

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Non-Spoiler Review: I think this is the most well produced musical I’ve seen live from 2.5. And yes that means I think it’s better than TouMyu in terms of dance and singing skills. This is very faithful to the anime BUT they’ve taken one major point out so they could put one entire season of the anime into a 2 hour 30 minute musical. Overall the actors performances were great and while some characterizations were off, I was completely in this world and was with these characters and I enjoyed myself immensely. If you’re a fan of the anime and the actors then you’re going to love this. Rating: 9/10

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I’ll try and remain un-bias BUT that ain’t going to happen, because in my opinion: I freaking loved it and think it’s the most highly produced musical I’ve ever seen in person! But anyway, onto the long review!

I was super lucky to get smack bang in the middle on the 8th row! It was surprisingly close! Also the girl next to me was Chinese and the girl in front of me is/was rank 581 on Ensemble Stars (a mobile game I am somewhat obsessed with).

Okay now to head into spoiler territory.

General/Random Comments:

Ohhhh a great thing about being smack in the middle and 8th row(!!!) is that it’s perfect height for where the actors naturally just look out blankly so it looks like they’re looking straight at you even though you can tell they’re just starring out into nothing in concentration but it was a nice feeling xD

By the intermission I was convinced I needed to get Shougo and Keito’s bromides and naturally once the show finished I did! ^_^ BUT one thing you all ought to know about me; I am a person who HATES intermissions. I cannot stand them. Unless they’re like TouMyu (or the last K stage)’s where it’s a break between the stage and the live, (those I can deal with) BUT any other type of intermission, I do NOT want. Because everytime there’s an intermission my energy and hyperness for the stage goes. I get drained instantly and slumpy. And the intermission in StarMyu was no different. The first half of this musical, I was pumped, I was loving every part, I was drinking it all in. POST intermission; I can’t even tell you what happened the first 10 or 20 minutes to be honest, I vaguely remember and knowing the anime I know what happened. However, due to the intermission, at the beginning of part two, I was so taken out of it and I started feeling uncomfortable and sleepy << this is what I call my ‘Post Intermission Slumb’ and it happens ALL the freaking time. So yes I would rather have watched this 2 hour 30 minute play without a break. Hell I managed TouStage which was OVER 3 hours without a break. PLEASE stop doing intermissions stages and musicals, for my concentration’s sake! *cries* xD

About the Performances:

Everyone is a really good singer. I was a little unsure about Sugie and Takahashi before they started but they were good; you can tell Takahashi has definitely improved once again since I last saw him, and while Sugie couldn’t really sing high notes, he matched really well with others; especially his duet with Otori their voices matches very well. Yuzuki sounded a little rough in his first song, but was fine in the rest of the songs. Also Yuzuki does my pet peeve of miming along to other people’s lyrics in songs... I really hate when people do that... it’s why I hated Fujigaya for KisMyFt2 for the longest time. I can’t stand people who mime to other peoples lines in songs... it’s a strange pet peeve I know but... moving on(!)...

The ensembles’ dancing was so flawless and fluid and fun to watch! Also, speaking of dancing, I really enjoyed Sugie’s solo part where he had to dance and he can dance damn well! I enjoyed it a lot!

Of course I shed a tear just after the boys learnt Otori had gone and Hoshitani is like a lost soul and all ‘but what do we do now?! We need Otori! I need Otori!’ and then when Otori turns up and is like ‘it’s not me you need, it’s your team mates’ and they do a duet together and yes the feels were hit.

BUT I’m a little annoyed they didn’t do my favourite Nayuki x Hoshitani scene. They started the scene where Nayuki is like ‘we need you! you’re our leader! Without you, I would never have gotten into this group! Without you, this team wouldn’t be as great’ and I was sat there like ‘come on with the ‘I like you’ Nayuki, come on!’ and Nayuki goes ‘I have something I want to say’ and I thought ‘it’s here!’ but he ends up saying something else and I was like ‘NOOOOO! You’re supposed to tell him you like him!!!’ so I was upset they cut that out BUT I can understand why they cut it out.... but still -__-

Also I wish we got full performances from Team Hiragi and Team Otori. How they did it was they would do the opening properly singing and performing, and then in order to cut to the council members talking, the music would quieten and their voice on the CD/song would continue quietly while they continued dancing and lipsyncing the lyrics. I just want FULL performances!! No one cares what the Student Council think!! Just give us a full performance! Having the constant switch between them properly performing and them pulling the spotlights on the student council was too distracting and we ALL know we’re there for Team Otori and Team Hiragi (both characters and actors) so why do that?!

Seriously that pirate performance!!!! I was looking forward to it ever since my friend, Emma, mentioned and reminded me that Team Hiragi’s theme is pirates! I love almost anything to do with pirates so when they came on, I was like ‘YES!!!!’ And we got to see them on boat which had been made from the stairs and apparatus’, and they got swords and were fighting as well as dancing and singing and it was so god!! They all sounded awesome together too!

Although, I feel like the ending was rushed a little. It felt like very quickly the storm came and very quickly Team Hiragi walked in and was like ‘here’s what you can do!’ and then Team Hiragi performed and straight away after that Team Otori performed and it ENDED as soon as Team Otori finished their song(!). Meaning that there were no competition results or anything. In fact they didn’t really even state it was a competition, just that they all had to perform. So that’s a major part of the plot that they took out to save time. But, as stated, I didn’t like that ending. I would’ve preferred there to be a little more; for example: they perform and Otori shows up and says they did well or like they finish performing and they’re like ‘lets continue and do better next time *star sign* yay!’ and finish. Just a bit more something rather than ‘perform *black out* curtain call’ which was a bit too quick for me.

I noticed and felt during the curtain call that a tear or two fell down the sides of my face, and I was like ‘what?...damn I enjoyed it that much?’ normally I’m completely aware of when I’m crying but they just slipped out this time to my surprise.

The curtain calls were so cute for several reasons! First was at the end of the first curtain call Naoya put his arm around Keito, and Keito put his around Naoya’s and they walked off xD Then during the speeches Sugie pointed out that three of the guys (Akira, Yuzuki and someone else) were still 19 and then he went ‘and then this guy. This 30 year old! Oi!!! 30 year old!’ and Kiyama had his back to Sugie and eventualy turned around and went ‘oh me? Nah I’m still 19 too!’ xD Then, at the end of the second curtain call I saw Keito and Naoya practically walk off holding hands <3 Keito waited til the view could be almost fully blocked, but he very obviously looked down to see where Naoya’s hand was and then latched on xD it was adorable!!!!

Individual Remarks:

Team Otori Sugie Taishi as Hoshitani Yuta: As mentioned before, he wasn’t the best singer but he was good eough and he matched during duets and in group songs with the other members very well! I’ve seen him sing quite a few times and for some reason I still always sit and wonder ‘can this guy even sing?!’ xD

I think Sugie tripped up the stairs when he was on the phone to Shouta in the cat searching scene, but it was so funny and cute and it totally fit his character so it was okay xD also towards the end of the lunch box ‘fight’, someone (I think Akira) grabbed onto Sugie who then grabbed onto Kiyama (by mistake it seemed or too forceful than he should’ve) and Kiyama tried to get out of it and ran across the stage going ‘my hair!!’ xD

Yamanaka Shouta as Nayuki Toru: His voice is so high! It was a perfect fit for Nayuki and I think he did a great job as Nayuki too! Unfortauntely not as cute BUT he did the personality perfectly. Also he’s got really nice legs. Not the skinny rat ones like more Japanese actors (I’m looking at you Keito, Takahashi, dare I go on.), he has proper, decent looking legs that look like they’ve got some sort of muscle build xD and he’s short enough that his legs look cute haha ALSO fucking Takahashi is a giant! He looked so ridiculous next to EVERYONE, especially Shouta because of the eight difference xD good job TonChan didn’t do this stage >.< oh god help us in HakuMyu... by the way, I’ve met Ton-Chan, just rubbing that in there xD ANYWAY! I am happy with Yamanaka’ overall performance of Nayuki *thumbs Up*

Arthur Lounsberry as Tsukigami Kaito: Seriously, Arthur though must burn at least 3000 calories a day just from his blinking! I’ve never seen anyone blink so much in my life! I was starting to crack up because of how much he blinked xD Also, maybe it’s because Arthur is a newbie actor (?) or just because he wanted to make the character more serious but I felt his Tsukigami was very unemotional. He had the exact same expression the entire way through. His face just stayed the same, even when he was singing there was no alteration to his facial features which I found a little unnerving and makes me feel like he’s a bit of an amateur actor. BUT I am wiling to give the StarMyu Anime a THIRD viewing just to prove it is just part of the character rather than Arthur himself. I wanna give him the benefit of the doubt. But yeah, the lack of facial expression and/or change in his face, even when singing, was something that really drew my attention.

Suzuki Shougo as Tengenji Kakeru: Do I really need to talk about this mother chucker of a stage god?Seriously, Shougo... seriously! It’s Shougo! I could listen to him sing all day! He completely takes the room and his voice is so nice! Seriously, does he not have any solo singles or albums out?! I want them!! I want them all! And just as I predicted he looked MUCH better in real life as Tengenji unlike that AWFUL visual poster we got to begin with xD his bromides are nice too! *see bottom of post* Shougo did his job, he did a brilliant job, I thoroughly loved his solo song performance and his kimono costume and fan for it. Also the ‘acting’ scene with Takahashi with is momentarily them pretending to be Romero (Taka) and Juliet (Shougo) was hilarious. Shougo never backs down from comedy and always gives his all <3 OH MY! His cat scene too was COMPLETELY adorable!! <3

Takahashi Kensuke as Kuga Shu: Holy moly Takahashi! Whenever he was on stage too, I could not look away. He’s just LONG; his legs and arms are so long and skinny. AND it did not help that every movement he did was just so sexy; he was just dripping in sexiness seriously - and I don’t even think he was trying to be sexy all the time(!). BUT I also could not unsee Hachi and Ultraman in this face xD And, as said before, he towered over everyone which was super funny especially when he was stood next to poor Shouta xD

Takahashi played Kouga a bit more openly and more talkative than I would’ve wanted. In the anime Kuga is very reserved and a man of few words and only really speaks when necessary but in this I noticed Takahashi was WHOLE monologues and tons of lines, and I personally feel that’s NOT the Kuga I know BUT Takahashi is a suave and popular guy, I guess you just gotta give him more lines (so he gets more money). But on a positive, Kuga turned out to be such a sweetie and so adorable, for example: when he’s playing the piano and then eats ramen (which he actually did on stage!), but when he’s finished, his stomach rumbles (pretty sure this is a scene in the anime too) but denies to Nayuki that he’s still hungry but Nayuki makes him food anyway <3 ; another part is towards the end when Hoshitani learns that his luck for the day is really bad unless he shakes hands with someone and he pulls a hand out to Tengenji who rejects him, then to Tsukigami who also rejects him, and then Kuga holds his hand out but because Hoshitani has his back to him only the audience and Tengenji sees and everyone is like ‘awwww’ while Hoshitani and Nayuki decide to shake hands instead. But then an announcement comes out so Nayuki moves before Hoshitani can shake his hand so another awwww from the audience xD poor Hoshitani, but mainly poor Kuga xD

Team Hiragi:

Sakurai Keito as Rui Tatsumi: Keito... Keito is so freaking precious guys! First he super suits the whole short blonde hair and green eyes! Seriously he looks so good!! Secondly, Keito is freaking adorable, and his legs are so tiny! Thirdly, he can dance and sing and is so cute!!! Did a mention who cute, precious and adorable he is? Because seriously, he is! He did a great Rui which when I first saw the announcement, I wasn’t sure about BUT Keito really does have this softness and delicacy to him that i can now totally see why they hired him for Rui. Also during the fight scene between Hoshitani and Ugawa and Keito puts a hand in front of Ugawa or pulls him back and is like ‘no’ and how Ugawa just obeys him! I really liked their interactions with each other in the stage! And there’s a cute part/adlib with Tanzawa which I’ll mention later. Keito as a pirate seriously! I am so glad I got his bromides and his sakura bromide is the best! I kind like how awkward he looks in the bromides even though he DOES look much better in real life. He’s like Takasaki Shouta; more more handsome in person than in photos. Keito can do no wrong <3 Guys, I could VERY easily become a Keito fan, but I’m not gunna allow myself... for many reasons... but seriously... I really do enjoyed whatever the hell he does.

Kitagawa Naoya as Sawatari Eigo: I’m going to be honest, I purpose didn’t pay attention to him all that much BECAUSE I know my friend is seeing the stage for him very soon and I didn’t wanna pay attention and end up spoiling his performance for her ^_^ BUT what I will say is that I enjoyed his performance and he looked really good in the pirate suit and eye patch. He seemed to get along ell with everyone too ^_^ and suited his character. I don’t think he got as much stage time and lines as I was expecting though...

Tanzawa Seiji as Inumine Seishiro: Tanzawa was the comedy relief of the musical. In all honesty, actually, it got about 30 minutes into the musical, and I noticed there hadn’t been ANY comedic relief, and I was starting to worry a bit that this wasn’t going to have any Higawari’s or comedy relief or anything, but then this dumbo walked in and he was so sweet and silly and innocent, but he’s so dumb, but so funny!

Towards the end of the musical, Inu and the gang walk in to say they’ll help Otori team, and Inu throws his icecream (which is a plushie) up to Rui/Keito and unfortunately Keito caught the cream side rather than the cone side and the entire audience started laughing, and Keito just looked at his catch very unimpressed and without even cracking, and slolwly grabbed the cone side. Then Inu decided to climb UP the pole to get to the upper stage which was also hilarious because the pole is RIGHT next to the stairs which also lead up to the upper stage and Ugawa was just looking at him and the stairs like ‘use the stairs idiot’ xD

Takano Akira as Toraishi Izumi: As soon as he came on stage I immediately remembered why he looked so damn familiar. It’s so weird that I’ve seen this kid since he was like 12... he’s growing up so well! Also he reminds me a lot of Suzuki Katsuhiro in terms of how he looks. I really, really enjoyed (maybe a bit too much) his grey t-shirt that he wore when they were in their practise gear. His shirt is like wide at the top so you can get a good view of his collar bone and stuff - I am just a walking pervert aren’t I... he’s done quite a lot of 2.5 and I’d like to see his other performances, especially his Ichigo. Oh my! His profile is now EX-Dream5 member! So he left to persure 2.5 and acting instead?! wow.... oh wait, they disbanded last year?! Oh this all makes so much sense... anyway(!). I do this this kid will go far, he always had potential, even when he debuted as Dream5, so I’m excited to see what other stages and such he does in the future.

Hoshimoto Yuzuki as Ugawa Akira: I really don’t have much to say about him... I don’t know how to explain my thoughts on his as Ugawa without some people possible taking it the wrong way but the only ways I can describe it is; he played Ugawa very feminine and too feminine, which I never saw in his character in the anime, and I also feel like Yuzuki didn’t play him like a little shit enough. It just sounded like he was moaning the entire time rather than being a mean little shit that he is in the anime. He just wasn’t the juicy little shit that I wanted to back hand which I what you would expect from a performance of Ugawa.

Student Council: Hatakeyama Ryo as Hiragi Tsubasa: I thought I knew Hatakeyama from somewhere! As soon as he came on stage I thought ‘he looked awfully familiar’ and while he does have the face that quite a few other actors have, when I saw his profile and saw he was in Brother’s Complex, I was like ‘that!!’ xD OH HE WAS ALSO IN SAIYUKI!!! THAT’S HOW I DAMN KNOW HIM!! He’s been in Haikyuu, Amnesia, Kuroko no Basket also, so he’s not exactly unknown xD

Kiyama Haruki as Otori Itsuki: You could tell as soon as Kiyama came on stage that he’s supposed to be in the west end and on broadway. His performance is/was flawless and so captivating, but also has a very narcissistic vibe, and full of ego that it’s obvious he’s from that side of the theatre world. I think he was a bit too egotistic for Otori. Nevertheless, I think he gave an amazing performance, and (like I said) his dances and his singing was flawless and you could not look away when he was on stage. Although BECAUSE of his background, at the beginning of the musical he got two whole (FULL!) songs to perform which I feel is unfair, especially when at the end, the two teams only get to do like half a performance. I understand that because of his background and experience, he’s more capable of pulling off a full performance or two but he is not the main character, so why does he get to do TWO full performances when the main guys got only half a performance? That’s where I think it’s unfair, but I understand WHY he got to do it. I just want to see my boys do a full song performance okay... =[

Not going to like, I didn’t pay even a milisecond of attention to these three; Takizawa Ryo as Akatsuki Kyoji, Tsurimoto Minami as Yuzuriha Christian Lion and Taka as Sazanami Sakuya, EXCEPT I strongly feel like Taka lipsynced the opening song while the other 4 were clearly singing, because he hardly moved his mouth... but other than that, I do not remember their performances at all.

And finally Ensemble: I already talked about how amazing their dance performances were and one of them did catch my eye but I can’t tell you who it is unless I research how tall they all all; pretty much the tallest one is the one who caught my attention.

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And that’s my review done! I hope that was good enough ^_^

Now the goodies:

Look how adorably awkward Keito looks!! Also Shougo is freaking flawless and beautiful as usual <3

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I hope you enjoyed that! Have a good evening, day, night, whenever you read this!ke

#sakurai keito #suzuki shougo #takano akira #sugie taishi #takahashi kensuke #yamanaka shouta #hoshimoto yuzuki #kitagawa naoya #hatakeyama ryo #kiyama haruki #starmyu #starmyumyu #スタミュ #スタミュミュ #high school star musical #review #stage #stage review

11 notes · View notes

philcreateddan · 7 years

Text

Something performed during a theater intermission

Title: Something performed during a theater intermission.

Words: 4000 ish

Warnings: none. it’s a chaptered thing so that might change in the future.

Preview:

In which there’s a boyfriend in LA. Phil isn’t really fond of the color green and Dan’s cheek rose patch is focus of adoration.

Daylight beheld no meaning yet. Not without coffee pumping in his veins. A requirement that still needed a process which initiated with; boiling water, pouring it into both cups, mix with the bitter powder then sweeten according to taste and necessity. First step completed Phil rubbed his eyes going at it full intention before fingers crashed with glasses. Maybe later, after fully waking up he’d find the amusement in it but for now a simple curse was breathed muffled with a siren that resounded outside increasing in volume as it approached and decreasing as it followed it’s way. Then the water was ready giving it a green light for the process to be continued.

“You look like a Pooh furry.” Honesty fluid naturally sometimes. Too natural in fact but only when he felt at ease with the person or with Dan. Dan, whose coffee was tepid enough to drink now but who wouldn’t drink it quite yet because his tongue still wants to be able to taste thank you very much. Dan who is by now used to his remarks but still acted as if it had upset him.

“Thanks mate, that’s the look I was going for.”

Phil decided to take a picture to prove his point. Dan deleted that picture and changed fur to Totoro for at least one week after that.

“I did it again.”

Phil had to bite back the honestly obvious lyrics that triggered in his mind for two reasons; one being that singing something from the nineties would make him feel old close to his thirties and second being the plump that sat next to him. More specifically the plump’s face. He didn’t need to ask before the story was unfolded to him.

“I spaced out and threw the salad in the bin.” Despair was what he encountered when Dan looked back at him. “I literally saw myself doing it and didn’t stop.” Someone would believe a murderer was confessing by the tone of it alone.

Phil didn’t say your brain is fine stop torturing yourself, you’re too young to have Alzheimer or one of the diseases you’ve read online Dan because instead a “Perhaps it was for the best. I believe the vinegar was expired.” was enough to bring him back with a startled blink.

“No it wasn’t. I bought it last week.” And he knew Dan would check the bottle just in case but he was not in a spiraling self destructive mode now.

Phil shrugged. “I was gonna order something anyway. Italian?” Dan shook his head and when was the last time the straigtheners were used anyway? “Sushi?” another shook “Mexican?” a nod. “I’m going for my laptop.” And with that he came back, if a blanket happened to also make its way back along for Dan to cover himself up it was merely a coincidence.

He put on speaker mode the moment he accepted the call. “And here I was expecting something for my chopped lips. You’ve disappointed me and them.” Dan was loud which meant his family was not nearby.

“Hey, I’ve agreed on our house to smell of petroleum and ash for you isn’t that proof enough of my present giver talent?” not far the noises of utensils were resounding and if Dan heard them too well he was used to it by now.

“How lame is it that we both bought candles for each other? Candles, Phil.”

“Beyond lame. There isn’t a name for it.” Martyn shouted from the sofa in front just as Phil said “We are adults now.”

“Oh, go step on a Lego.” Dan laughed and even if he wasn’t sure for whom exactly it had been directed to, Martyn rolled his eyes at the phone.

“Mom isn’t nearby, you can swear to your heart’s delight.”

“No thank you very much, I won’t fall for that one again.” Phil couldn’t blame him even if this time Martyn was being serious about it and by now Mother Lester didn’t mind the swearing that much. Not when it came from Dan anyway.

“I don’t think I’ll ever wear that sweater for a video though. Do you think auntie will get upset if I give it to charity?” the brown fabric in his hand looked as repulsive as it had a few hours ago when he opened the present. Martyn chuckled.

“I wouldn’t allow you to wear that in any place that could be public to begin with.” He had sent the picture to Dan of course, every gift had been shared by pictures by now. “And no, you can’t keep the mug it’s mine.”

Phil whined loud enough for it to be heard “But it has Collin on it! And he looks so cute.”

“I’ll tell my mom to give you one for your birthday.”

“Yeih!” They both knew Phil would use it more but still.

“A cup? Really, brother? And here we were breaking our brains to guess what should we give you thanks for the tip.”

“Just kidnap Collin and I’ll be good.”

“My mom would murder you. And me. Probably.”

“Not if she never finds us.”

“Right Phil let’s just escape to Florida with my family’s dog. Mom won’t notice it.”

“Your only reason to reject the idea is the paperwork.”

“He doesn’t want to be caged in the suitcase, trust me.”

“Put him on the phone I’ll convince him.”

“No, last time you spend twenty minutes on the phone with him.”

“Facetime me then”

There was a pause then. “Later. But only if you model the sweater for me.”

“That’s just mean Dan.”

“I can’t handle you both without something in my stomach.” Martyn interrupted walking off to the kitchen where infinite treats were waiting. Phil would take some home to see how much they last, see if they could make it to January. Doubtable.

“Brown doesn’t suit me.”

“Yeah but I want to see how it looks on you so maybe I can wear it instead.”

“Keep telling yourself that, you just want me to be shirtless for you on camera you walking kink.” Dan’s muffled laugh was brusquely interrupted by who Phil recognized as his mother’s voice asking for something. “Put me on speaker I want to say hi to your mom.”

“Yeah, yeah. Mom, Phil wants to say hi.”

The clock was ticking. Ticking and his mind was comfortably fussed with liquor when it hit midnight and there were hugs everywhere and a cute dog with it’s tail indicating it’s enthusiasm and a beautiful kid grown up now hugging Dan. Phil didn’t believe he could be smiling more. It had been a good idea coming here for New Year’s Eve.

Not far the sky was illuminated and brought to life with pyrotechnic but it was cozy inside and his friend was hugging his wife and kid. A family that had adopted them both and without noting they had become uncle Dan and uncle Phil of a beautiful child.

Then Dan, big brown sparkling eyes as he was after playing with Emily, was tugging at his shirt and asking with his eyes because he had also at least one cup on his system along rush of a New Year beginning. They’d have to tweet soon, to share the celebration with the people who, from the outside, had given them so much and not even a minute past midnight had gone (or had it?) and his lips were sealed with Dan’s. Dedicatedly, just a simple brush that tasted of champagne and happy new years and the promise of I love living with you and it wasn’t enough when Dan tried to chase for more, eyes closed but Phil kissed his forehead instead. Perhaps lingering for longer than respectable when Dan, blushing so, laughed and laughed and not even the fireworks resonated louder in his ears.

“You’re never going to burn that candle are you?” Bryony asked, already knowing the answer as she eyed his white deer proudly standing on the coffee table.

“I wouldn’t want to, it would be grotesque to kill the deer that way, to see it melting and screeching in pain.”

“It’s not sentient Phil.” Dan remarked from the other side of the room for the ninth time since Christmas.

“Or you could film it while it burns.” She offered and yes, it would be a great lessamazingphil video. Hauntingly beautiful with the correct score.

“The sequel of tape 6 that everyone wants.” They both looked back at Dan smirking “A collaboration with 2009 Phil?.”

Phil smiled. “Maybe. Let me enjoy it being alive for a while longer. It could wait for Halloween.”

“And why are you getting rid of this again? It’s beautiful.” Bryony inquired captivated by the greenish shirt (Phil said it was grey with touches of green but Dan disagreed to the point of asking Martyn for color palettes) “And it’s quite new it seems.”

“Never wore it so yeah.” Dan shrugged “I figured since Derek and I broke up I wouldn’t have to act as if I like it anymore.”

Only few announcements evoked total silence between people that spend high percentage of their lives on the internet. Phil would have seen the manifested irony in it had it not been for his own astonishment but their friend beat him to ask.

“You broke up with Derek? When? Why? Are you okay?” she was already lifting her arms for a hug and Phil didn’t seem to find the ability to move as his mind projected images of the past days looking for a single clue that’d have let him be aware of it.

“Like two days ago. We both agreed it wasn’t going to work you know, long distance and all so it was a short time coming thing and yeah I’m fine.”

“Did you know about this?” Bryony turned her attention to Phil then, a little upset she hadn’t been informed sooner but then again Phil had not known either and it came to his mind that perhaps by now Derek had unfriended him on facebook and that would be okay because Derek was a good person and he had been good to Dan but now Phil had no real intention on being politely chatty with this person anymore.

“I didn’t.” maybe he was furrowing his eyebrows and maybe their female friend was also surprised by it but he wasn’t upset. Not really. He was concerned because by every Dan Howell’s face and attitude definition (an encyclopedia still in progress and owned solely by Phil), he was fine.

“It was not a big deal and I’m fine but I was going to tell you soon.” Dan met his eyes with exasperation as if saying it’s nothing, not important Phil.

“You dated for how long?” Phil already knew the answer but he heard Dan saying it anyway.

“Like a year? I mean if you count it as dating we saw each other like 3 times during that time honestly.”

“Still a year is something. Are you sure you don’t want a bucket of ice cream and pizza and cry over Love actually?”

“That sounds disgustingly close to my average Friday night but truly I am fine.”

“Breakups are hard Dan no matter what.”

“I know, but this doesn’t feel like a breakup somehow? I don’t know I guess “he exchanged a knowing look with Phil “I know how a heartbreak feels like and this one doesn’t resemble that amount of pain so maybe I’m immune now? I don’t know.” His nose crunched creating million wrinkles on it.

Phil was sure the heat in his skin could be visible if Bryony were to be looking at him, which she wasn’t, but Dan had noted for sure during that eye contact before deviating back to the TV.

“If that’s how you see it then fine.” She folded the shirt and Phil realized then that was a piece of fabric he wouldn’t see ever again, and how hideous the color really was under the artificial light of their lounge “I’ll take this with me and we’ll move on alright?”

“Thanks.” A fond smile was given her way by the pair of brown eyes that were still just fine and Phil stood up almost as in cue, taking his plate and muttering something about hydratation before exiting the room as fast as he could.

Dan was fine, of course he was. That was all that mattered. That’s what matters he kept repeating like a mantra while pouring the ribena on the glass, alerted of the steps behind him. Phil didn’t turn to meet him but already the second glass was being filled.

“I was going to tell you. I would have if it have been bad you know.” He was being cautious, as if Phil was the one who just broke up with his boyfriend. As if Phil had been the one to go through another breakup, and Phil didn’t want to remember that, to compare what of him might have been folded and taken away for Dan to move on but brains are soulless and spare no mercy sometimes.

And perhaps he recalled his university hoodie that had been seen in the washing machine but never quite returned to his room.

He didn’t say You hurt me too back then, You’re not the only one who’s immune now. Because half of it was a lie and saying things give a green light for sentiments to emerge. They stay quiet and untouched when you repress them long enough, Phil would know.

Instead he catches his reflection on the toaster to check his tone is far from rose and says “That shirt looked awful on you anyway.” He turns his head fast enough to catch Dan shaking his head with laughter as he leaves.

And as days go by Dan is, by every definition, fine.

As expected a flash verify of his personal account confirms that Derek had decided to cut the connection with him too. A normal thing to do given the only person they shared in common was not mutual anymore. A glimpse of sympathy flashed for a moment with the urge to contact and comfort that person for the simple fact of empathy. A message to let him know now they shared losing the same person now and that was okay. Friendships could be saved with effort if desired.

Then a crashing sound made him go to Dan’s room only to find the terrarium, or what remained of it, in pieces on the carpet right in front of the alien shaped vintage mirror. There was barely anything worth of recovery without counting the hours spend on it. Dan was looking at it astonished, bulged eyes and all perfect definition of being surprised, before meeting his eyes and (Phil was lost of words right then not even puns came to mind) just like that fell into hysterical laughter for so long his ribs started to hurt.

No message was send after that and Derek was labeled as another person once known because Phil felt no empathy anymore. Not with exasperated fond eyes urging him to be careful while picking up the pieces of glass from the floor because Phil I can clean up this mess what are we going to do if we both end up with bleeding hands? Think of the videos we still have to edit.

Lateral thinking is solving problems through an indirect and creative approach, using reasoning that is not immediately obvious and involving ideas that may not be obtainable by using only traditional step-by-step logic. It also meant sometimes thoughts would connect indifferently of the situation and even if for a creative point of view it benefits him, it wasn’t a good combination when walking down the street.

Because of the irony, Phil thought, of how cars would see a red light and stop but it was the call out for people to walk. It was all a matter of perspective and suddenly the green titillating person that urged him to move was mocking him for not being fast enough before it turned to a red person and the cars, seeing their own green light had the go to. Phil just wanted to go home and the immobile red person irritated him.

He thought something was off when lunch was eaten alone and no complaints were made when he “accidentally” slammed pans down the sink.

He knew something was not okay at nine. A whole day had flashed by and he found himself in front of the only door that had been closed since he woke up. He opened it though, because locks were not a thing used apart from their front door. Not since the Manchester incident of 2012.

“Dan.” The curtains had not been touched and Phil regretted not wearing his contact lenses. It was always annoying to adjust his sight to darkness with his glasses (maybe they not being too clean enhanced the problem but he had made a mental note already to solve that in the future).

“Phil?” his voice was hoarse and acute. The light from the corridor reflected the plump moving an inch to the side as an invitation to be joined under the bed sheets. Phil got accustomed enough to define facial features once his head rested on the second pillow that was not occupied. Glasses being slightly pressed up to the right of his nose, so close now his hand barely had to be lifted in order to accommodate a rebellious brunette curl back with the rest.

“Piggy tail indeed.” Dan laughed softly lifting his knees to a fetus position, pressing to the body next to him.

“Stop insulting my hair Lester. I’ll unleash my curls defense squad on you.”

“You can’t turn a squad against their leader Dan.”

“Shut your mouth.” If eye rolls could be heard Phil was certain this was an example of it. “This is not an existential crisis by the way.”

“I know Dan.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah”

“I just… read that Derek had been pretty bad since the breakup you now? All Nickelback and everything.”

“You can go there if you want. Be with him, talk things out. I’ll book the ticket if you…” the sentence was almost unfinished when Dan shook his head with exasperation.

“No! Jesus you don’t understand. Look I don’t want to go back with him, I just” he sighed loudly “Phil you’ve ruined me.”

“What?” Hands immediately reached to hold fist of his shirt when Phil started to retract as if attacked. An actual accurate description of how he felt.

“Just listen to me.” He must’ve perceived something in Phil’s eyes that strengthened the grip and plea in his tone “Please.” Proceeding only after a nod of approval. “You know me better than anyone else, did you ever during this days saw me affected by it? No, because I wasn’t. Because what I told Bryony was true. I felt nothing, not even a glimpse of sadness or numbness and yet Derek has been probably crying all this days or loathing me or something.”

“Dan, you,” Phil rubbed his eyes under the glasses with a loud sigh. Repressing feelings was common territory for him. “You can’t feel bad about that alright? We all react to this kind of things differently and you, you do feel. You always feel so much you cry with pretty much any movie, so don’t feel like a monster or something like… “

“I did.” He interrupted again. “For a few hours today I believed that I had actually become a freaking robot. Then you were so loud in the kitchen that I thought you were starting a band with the utensils and” another pause to fill with air his lungs and Phil knew he was about to talk fast as he does in certain situations, when his brain has been overworked and needed to unleash before exploding “when we broke up I felt. Shit Phil, I thought I was gonna die.”

“Don’t” the tiny man of the traffic light threatening to turn green and Dan kept talking because he was always talking and he needed to talk but Phil wasn’t quite sure he wanted to listen to it all.

“I couldn’t breathe Phil.”

“Fuck, I know Dan. Do you think you were the only one that” glasses were disposed to the bedside table. “You can’t act as if only you had a heart broken when we” he sit down, back and head resting on the headboard, Dan imitating his position only looking at him. “It was hard for the both of us, but it doesn’t have to be like that every time. Each relationship is different so stop…“

“Don’t lecture me on that. I only want “ he passed his hands through his hair messing it up more sounding as exasperated as Phil felt. Breakups, their breakup was not the kind of subject that could be brought up during dinner. It was a beating reminisce behind every intoxicated brush of skin and lips that the morning after things would go ack to normal.

“What Dan, what do you want?”

“I just” body turned to be right in front of him then Dan pulled him closer by the shirt and Phil almost couldn’t see because his eyes were a fail but Dan’s features were familiar enough to recognize even without his glasses. Familiar enough to tilt his head in the correct position for their lips to be nearly touching. “I couldn’t breathe Phil.”

“Now?” he had to stop to swallow embarrassingly loud “Can you breath now Dan?” hands gripping waist, pulling Dan closer, keeping him there because natural was simple and dangerous and things needed to be cleared out because somehow their lives had blended into their life somewhere along time. A life with blurred lines that waved between a definite.

“With you. Fuck Phil, you’ve literally ruined me to anyone else haven’t you?” A smile decorated his face and Phil kissed the rose stain that completed the work of art that was Dan Howell. All excruciatingly confusing and emotional and unfair and intoxicated with loud thoughts.

“Stop saying that, you make me feel…” one smooth maneuver and Dan was straddling him now “Dammit Dan, you can’t tell me that and expect me not to feel like shit about it. You know I’d do anything… I have done anything…”

“You’re not. Shit I mean, you’re not shit.” Dan backed away just enough for his smirk to be glimpsed. “Maybe sometimes but not in this. Look what I mean is, no Dereks in the world are going to break my heart because it has been secured away by you already. For years. It literally can’t be reached by outsiders.”

“You had to make it sound so macabre didn’t you?”

“I was trying to be fucking romantic.”

“Dan” Phil groaned, hand reaching to get his glasses and put them on before turning the bear lamp on. With a better visibility now of the mess of a man sitting on his thighs. “That’s not romantic. You’re saying we’ve been purposely miserable for years for nothing and…”

“We were on an interlude of our “ then hands were holding his face for Phil to meet his lips with a steady pace that left him with erratic palpitations when they moved to kiss his jaw.

“Stop interrupting me already.”

“Yeah.”

Mouths separated, Phil was prepared to shut him with his palm if it was necessary but for now Dan seemed attentive enough. “What I understand from all of this is you want the interlude to be over, to stop with the platonic thing is that what you want Dan?”

“Yes.”

“If this is just to get inside my pants then you only had to ask…” a hit on his arm while he chuckled with a shut up then Dan was kissing him and Phil felt an immense empathy towards his plants because if this was how they felt when finally getting water after so long then he should be locked up for cruelty.

“Not that the conversation was not interesting but” hips were rolled obscenely against his own making Phil gasp “can we pause it for, let’s say an hour or two?”

“I thought we were beyond pausing things now.” Even as he said it, Phil rolled them over and Dan’s curls were already a mess but his hand itched to grab a fistful and the eyes staring at him were golden and unfocused and beside the pink tone of his skin that rose patch was a focus seeker he gladly kissed. And it was terrifying. “Let’s sleep. You need sleep.”

He doesn’t say I need to think. We need to talk. But Dan understands, maybe afraid as well and is nodding and already pulling the mattress for them to be tucked in.

“Stay with me tonight?”

“Don’t punch me in the face.”

Dan sighs deeply, arms and legs wrapping themselves on Phil “That literally happened once.”

Glasses already gone, lights off and with a promising morning awaiting slumber was reaching on when a loud, grumbling noise interrupted from the younger’s tummy.

“So, maybe I forgot to eat all day.” Phil was already up muttering an I hate you before putting on his glasses ready to go to the kitchen. And maybe he prepared an extra sandwich for himself and had to go twice to the kitchen in order to bring along the drinks. And maybe Dan had switched rooms completely disorienting Phil for a minute or two until he finds him under hiw brighter sheets, because You know I can’t sleep on demand so let’s watch a movie meanwhile.

And it was okay because even if daylight was annoying sometimes, waking up next to a Dan curled up next to him was something Phil had missed, dare he say it, more than coffee.

sidenotes; it’s 2 am so any mistake should be forgiven! Also I already have the continuation of this in my mind so it should be something I’llstart working on soonish. elieve it or not this was going to end up on smut but it felt right to end it like this instead idk. Everything’s a mess.

#phan #phanfiction #danisnotonfire #amazingphil #mine #phanfic

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kuuxkat · 7 years

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Kuuxkat’s guide to survive a LV

I know Wikia did one, Reddit probably did one, but now that I didn’t survive 1L, I thought I might as well throw in some pointers for those who are going to the dekayed 1LV, NA fans, this is for you~

Pre-event

1) Get your goods first, I know it’s 100% too late, but based on Rex you still have a shot at getting some 1L goods. Get your goods first because you wouldn’t want to be queuing for the entire duration before the live and the most desired goods go fast! Like super fast! We all know we want KB and T-shirts, and those will fly off their shelves.

Based on the comments on GV Cinemas, they couldn’t bring in more due to the JP side so don’t fault the Cinema’s for being unable to get more stuff.

So get your things early, during the pre-order period if it’s possible!

Else, if you’re going to queue for merch anyway, go EARLY! Queue management is really a self-policing role just like how leaks should be self-policing.

Nothing hurts more then being in the queue and being the first 20 person and get shoved to the back cause someone else is reserving seats for someone else and what you want is sold out just in front of you.

Don’t be inconsiderate to others!

Currently the cinema restricts one merch type per person to avoid the scenario where the first individual buy 20 KB in one shot for example, but rule enforcement for cutting queue varies from place to place (or it is an asian thing?) so please take note!

Be considerate! If your friends want to reserve seats, please ask them to join you in the queue. I was in the queue for second day 3 hours before sales even start and there were many people who arrived 2 hours after I did trying to cut in, only to be reported and sent to the back.

So please be considerate to everyone who arrived for the goods thirst, you wouldn’t want that to happen to you, right?

2) Get your necessities done before the LV starts, and by that I mean visit the washroom, take off all your accessories (Watch/Necklace etc), unseal all your KB and plop in new batteriesi, open up the spare batteries and keep a coin in your pocket to open the KB more efficiently, get your water filled and prepare your tickets to enter! It’s embarrassing to hold up the queue

3) Prepare medication for the LV, of course this is the assumption that you will be cheering them on like crazy (which you should) with or without wota, screaming their names or maybe singing them on.

Personally I went with two varieties, the apparently Mimorin approved Nin Jiom Herbal Candy, it’s great on the throat and I always use it before the live to soothe my throat from all the socialising you’ll do pre-event.

Second and a new discovery on my part was Euphon Menthol Lozenges. I picked this up to try it out and it works wonder. My throat was dead after chanting Rikyako Rikyako during Day 2 but I popped two of these and it helped tremendously.

What you want are those that you can pop more of without it drying your throat up and is convenient.

Apparently Ricola helps too so it’s really personal preference.

4) Keep yourself healthy and eat before the LV. The last thing you need is for your personal health to affect your performance at the live. I was half down with flu during Day 1 and it almost killed me at the end of Day 1 as I sang along at the end. So sleep early the previous day and make sure you are at top condition! Due to the nature of Wota you’ll be sweating buckets and that might worsen your condition. You should eat because you’ll burn lots of energy too so don’t starve yourself!

5) Practise Wota before the Live. I mean this seriously and with a KB in hand so that your body can adapt to the movements and the weight of it.

It matters cause Wota takes alot of stamina and even if it‘s generally 3 songs before an intermission that allows you to take a break, wota-ing will be taxing, especially if you want to do it for the whole concert.

Romeo Furi is particularly tough as compared to Normal Furi and as you’ll be doing other chants like PPPH and etc, you don’t want to be caught off guard.

You wouldn’t want to stop half way during a song would you? My left arm is still covered with all sorts of patches as it went numb after Day 2 when I woke up this morning. I’m totally out of shape... but at least I lasted the entire concert, I did wota-practise every day for a week before 1L with the KB standing up. It really helped me lots.

I suffered during day 2 cause I wasn’t used to holding 2 KB in each hand... but I eventually got the hang of it.

6) Mores the company, and tickets should be bought before the LV.

Seriously if you haven’t bought tickets before the event, you’ll be disappointed as there might not be seats, the seats might not be as good and you might not be with the best company.

Preferred seats are at the back and in the middle as that provides the best view and allows you to Wota to the max as all the hardcore fans would be there.

If you can get a friend with you, that’s even better as LV is a team effort. I was with Lary and another friend of mine and we helped each other for the entire LV before, during and after.

You have no idea how reassuring it is to have people that can help you and of course coordinate their wota with.

If you are able to meet with people before the event, that’s even better as the hype train will continue and get you all pumped for LV.

Lastly, even if you are alone, the person beside you will be your best friend during the LV so be friendly and try to engage them too as it makes it more fun. I made a few new friends during the LV before the event and even during the event, so mores the company and the more fun!

During the Event

1) Try to be on time or at least a little earlier. It might not apply for the NA crowd as they have a fixed timing, but for LV (in the future), you wouldn’t want to miss a single moment of it and you need to unpack too.

We stepped into the cinema slightly early, found our sets and unpacked by preparing our KB, setting our water bottles at the side and for me personally, slinging my towel over my shoulders so I can wipe myself better.

Being early also lets you see how the people live in Yokohama arean were already hyping up with some wota- going on.

This also allows you to do some final check of your equipment, is your KB color code installed properly and etc. Stick your KB tuner with your phone so you can reinstall it ASAP if it gets reset.

IMO: If KB dies, you’ll need to re install the color codes, but if you start losing colors or flickering, turn it off and change batteries it’ll be fine.

2) Make friends! Greet the other guy beside you and apologize for possibly hitting them. I always do that cause it’s a foregone conclusion XD I always hit someone’s kb during cheers when I get too hyped, and who knows you might even make new friends out of them.

3) If there are WOTA Gods - guys who can lead, take note of where they are, probably in front as they’ll be the ones doing the calls first so follow them as appropriate. If they aren’t, don’t lead unless you are super confident with it. The LV might not project the call chants from the audiences at the live.

4) One KB or Two KB? Or UO or KB in the first place?

It all depends on what you’re comfortable with. UOs are acceptable, and I saw a guy who broke 9 different colors and switch it all the time so it’s possible to use UOs for the concert but it’s very dim compared to KB.

There are also smaller KBs with widths that are like literally 1/4 of that of a normal Aqours KB, those are probably for those guys who want 9 on both hands.

I finished Day 1 with 2 KBs, one in each hand and I must say I enjoyed myself much more than I did with only one KB. I can’t explain it, but it just feels better XD

Another example of why 2 KB is better than 1 is during transitions, I joked that I would switch colors by dropping one KB and raising another, but somehow it worked XDDD

So decide early whether you’re going for broke with 1 KB in each hand or just gonna do it with one hand.

5) Hydrate yourself. Like seriously, drink during intermissions and if you can, drink between songs and pop your lozenges no matter what. I did that like crazy in Day 2 and I survived better, so remember to keep your throat dry.

6) Stand up? I mean seriously. You can sit during MC/Intermissions, but when the song starts, stand up and wota or just cheer them on. Sitters probably will get intimidated, but that’s how LVs are. I saw a mother bring a kid in and bail half way, at least she lasted half way? XD

As seats are at back are preferred, if you are blocked even while standing, ask if the guys in front of you are willing to trade seats cause while... you want to see it right? That’s another reason to be there early =D

After the Live

1) Thank everyone, the people behind, in front and beside you and of course the VAs even if they can’t hear you, it’s important!

2) Make sure you continue to keep yourself healthy as day 2 is ahead!

Well actually just rest well for Day 2~

This turned out to be such a huge post but I ran out steam at the end as I’m going to cry to Rikyako again...

I hope this helps those who read till this part~

#kuuxkatspeaks #first live hype #live viewing #long post

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itzjhay · 4 years

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vent-

my bfff asked me to come thru to socal bc she said she needed me to be here. From the get go I told her that I was unemployed and had no typa funds so idk how I would pay for anything. She was hella like no no dude its okay and ill talk to your parents, so she swooped me from our hometown the last week of may with her quarantboo. i told her I would drive halfway and she was lowkey upset so by the time we were 40 miles away she was like can we buy alc. so im like okiiii so her boo and her bought alc, like within 15 mins home girl finished a whole bottle of Malibu to herself. Maybe like 30 mins later shes like jai I have to pee and her boo was like nah nah keep driving and im like nah if she has to pee its okiii so we pulled to the side of the road and homegirl blacked tf out while her boo was helping her boo and she started hella yackinnnn. And so we had to fix her throw up and so basically she was booty cheek ass naked and mind you its freaking broad daylight so im like telling her boo hurry we have to haul ass so this doesnt look sus. Long story short, I drove the entire way, paid for gas and paid for food while she was blacked out and her boo was in the back with her

We got to her brothers place in la and she was still hungover asf and didnt remember shit. She fell asleep while showering. And like the next day I was so dead from the drive and shes like cleaning and I asked her if she needed help. And shes like no im okay. So I go ahead and start packing bc she got a place in lb so we were leaving her brothers apt. and then we get to lb and her mans was going to come over and I told her hey if he is going to come over can he at least bring water bc we have no typa groceries. And shes like omg no thats embarrassing and im like oh okay and then he comes thru and she tells him how I haven’t done shit and she cleaned the whole place and how she paid for the place in lb and I was like damn thats a slap across the face bc i told you my situation from the get go lol so then like I just mind my business and then im like she makes it seem like Im not going to help out so like the next day I spend $500 in groceries, and her and her boo aint say shit or say thank you or anything

Then like im like okay thats fine, at least i am able to contribute in some way so I end up being cleaning lady, cooking lady, house lady bc I felt like damn im living here for free lemme at least try and help in someway. But homegirl has a problem where she blacks the fuck out and doesnt remember when shes drinking. So the same day I got groceries and she was in class and her boo was having people over and he was drinking and they got into a fight bc she felt fomo, so this girl drinks two trulys and she is alrdy fucked the fuck up and he gives her two shots of henny and she yacks, and I have to clean it and calm her down, and I tell her boo to bring her to the bathroom pls while I clean her yack and shes like going off on him in the bathroom and his friends are like okii I think we need to leave and her boo is like no no its coo and they’re like nah dude yall should handle that and so shes in the bathroom and shes like cussing him out but I didnt know bc I was clean up crew, and she goes off for like a half hour and half until she passes out booty cheek ass naked in the shower, her boo probably walked out like thirty minutes ago and so I checked up on him and hes like I cant handle that disrespect ya feel me and hes like I applaud you for being able to be so calm and so then I was his therapist/counselor and by that time it was like 2-3am so I told him ima call it a night and if he needs anything to wake me

Apparently I was passed the fuck out so he didnt wake me up but homegirl yacked on him and peed so he had to handle that alone and didnt sleep until like 5am and im like omg shiiii and then its like 6:30am and she comes to my room hella crying and im like omg what happened are you okay and shes like what did I do I dont remember what happened so I told her and shes like omg im so embarrassed and thats so bad and im like yeah dude you were cussing him out and went off on him and shes like I think hes mad at me I dont want him to leave me and im like nah dude I dont think hes going to leave you but I think you should let him sleep bc he hasn’t slept at all and shes hella persistent like no I want and need to talk to him and im like dude you have class soon you have to focus on that we’ll handle it later and I go talk to her boo and hes like over it but then eventually they make up bc I was like mediator and shit

Then it happens the next day where she gets fucked up over like three trulys and shes like in the tub again yacking and throwing a fit at him and hes like honestly I dont want to deal with this disrespect again and im like no I feel it its okay I understand ill handle it… then I am her therapist and counselor and tell her she needs to calm down but I guess she just be internalizing their fights and everything to the next level soooo yeah…. And then like a couple days go by and like its the weekend and I got invited to go to my other friends boyfriends friends graduation party where basically all hell happened….

So basically I got picked up by my other friend and main homegirl and her boo were spending the day together mind you I started drinking by like 2pm and it was probably like 7pm and home girls texts me that shes alone at the park by herself bc they got into something so im like okay come thru and she comes thru and like maybe like 10 mins in she is alrdy fucked up…. And im like laying on the floor chilling and I get up and im like oh fuck where is she and so I find her upstairs with my guy friend and she was alrdy fucked up yacking and he was helping her and im like omg I can handle this and hes like no its okay she needs help and so shes like jai jai call my boo and im like okay okay and so I call her boo and hes like out with his friends and he hangs up and tells me he doesnt want to deal with her disrespect so he’ll let me handle it and im like no worries enjoy your friend time and then she just goes berserk…. She cusses everyone out, she yacks, she goes face first down the stairs, she breaks my friends fan and she was just going off, and instantly kills everyones vibes… and shes like booty cheek ass naked and like thats just hella embarrassing not just to my other friend but to her housemates who own the house, but to like everyone….. and so my friend was like jai she has to go and im like okay but shes fucked up and everyone went to fucked up to sober so fast bc of homegirl… and so I said ill handle it on my own… so I was alone in the bathroom with home girl and she was going off on me and I like broke down and I was so embarrassed bc like I didnt come to socal for this….and eventually me, my friend, her housemate and my guy friend help me bring homegirl home back to our place and I packed all my shit that night while she was passed out… and im like I cant do it this is the last straw…

So Im telling her boo the update and how we are home and she lost her phone and hes like thank you for updating me and I say im packing bc I cant do this anymore and hes like dont leave her youre her rock and im like no im not leaving her but like damn that was just too much for me… and then I wake up at 6am and shes awake and asks what happened and I told her and im in tears and I said ima leave but I didnt and then we get ready to go to church bc her boo was expecting us to go to church and it was hella awkward bc my friend was texting me saying wtf happened and her house mates feel a way and I was trying to move in with them so they’re like questioning me as a person and if im drama bc of how last night turned out …. And pretty much I apologize via text to my friend and her housemates bc that was so embarrassing and they dont really react to what happened or say much. So we went to church and we met her boo and after we get food and it was like an awkward lunch bc her and I get confrontational and her boo was like well you have a wonderful down real ass friend right here and she was like thank you for the intermission but lets go and her boo was like so was this like in one ear and out the other and im like yup and she replies like no I just dont think we can dwell in the past so they decide to go to the mall and im on the phone with my friend and my mom bc im updating them on the shits that happened so then we leave the mall and we drop him off and then her and I drive in silence and go to our rooms and im on the phone with my friend and homegirl goes to sleep in her room and then I check on her and the door is locked so im like okay and then we have to go to pm church and we drive again in silence

And I start having an anxiety/panic attack and so im like dude im not right rn and so I have to collect myself and she doesnt really say much… and then I collect myself then we meet her boo and we go to church and she was like not in the mood but I wanted to do something and her boo and his friends wanted to go to the brewery but then she was like I dont want to be the reason yall dont do anything so lets go but first I need to get my phone, so we stop by my friends place to get homegirls phone and my friend tells homegirl to be mindful next time and everything…. And then thats that and we leave to go meet up at the brewery and I order 3 flights of beer which is like 12 in total LMAO bc it has been A MF DAY and its coo bc she isn’t really down with beer anyways and so we go and then head home and her boo and his friends come over with Seagrams which is like 3% alc and then we are all chilling and shit then his friend asks homegirl for her permission if her boo can go out Friday night for his birthday and shes like why do you need to ask for my permission and so for an hour the friend is trying to convince her to let him go and its in front of everyone and she walks out and were all like oh fucking fuck then her boo comes back and says that she cried it all out and they talked and everything so she comes back and apologizes to the friend and then like we all call it a night

Then like the next day its just like I stay in bed until like 2pm and go back to sleep bc im so tired and then its like 4pm and im like hey can you bring me to my titas in la and her and her boo seemed hella upset bc they were supposed to work out and everything…. But I was like hey I have to go tho bc my tita is waiting for me and she has work and so she drops him off and then drops me off at la and im like hey I wanna say I dont hate you and I am not mad and dont think I am abandoning you and shes like no dude im fine and im over it im never going to see those girls ever again and im sure im out of that housing living situation so dont worry and shes like I told my parents how you and I need space from one another and they were really confused and she was like yeah they’re like but youre so easy going why do yall need space and I laughed and was like yeah youre not easy going when youre drinking and then the rest of the car ride was silent and awkward and I asked her if she needed gas money or anything and shes like no im okay and im fine and then she hella just seemed like she was over it and wanted to rush back to her mans… and I could tell that.. I walked her back to her car and shes like call me if you need anything and im like yeah thank you, take care text me when you get home safe and the 15th is the last time her and I spoke…

I mean I dont expect her to pay me back for groceries or anything, if she wanted to pay me she could have and if she didnt thats okay too I dont expect shit in return yaknooo like thats just me and thats my heart if I am down for you ima just be hella down for you like we’ve been friends since high school yaknoo and like I needed space bc like I didnt come here to be your care giver but dont think I left bc Im over you like yeah I may have been petty and upset but I alrdy know how she is when she gets a mans she forgets me and focuses on the relationship, I appreciate the fact that her mans was okiii with me yaknoo and made that effort and he knows ive only shown goodness to her and to him, I know there is something deeper within her I could tell when she came back to cali and when I saw her in feb she wasn’t okay, I told her I dont think shes mentally stable and I broke down saying I really dont know who she is when shes drunk and shes looking to fill the void that she feels and how she cant push me and him away when we are trying to be there for her I mean if anything I helped her be able to communicate with him a whole lot better yet she didnt communicate anything with me except her relationship and feels she has for him, i guess it just sucks bc like I never knew that we’d end up like this lol she still views my ig stories and has my location I think its kinda funny bc like I honestly really came here because of her and for her yaknoo and I texted her around 7pm today and like I know she saw my text and she just didnt react to it and I know shes home so idk dude

A part of me feels stupid bc its like why am I so down for people I love, yet its like damn I didnt know I had to question whether or not youre as down for me *kanye shrugs* maybe my heart really be so damn big and forgiving, I feel the tears in my eyeballs wanting to flow out I guess I didnt realize how much it hurts me til right now lol

#jhalexpersonal #ventsesh

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newyorktheater · 5 years

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Both King Kong and Olaf, the goofy snow man from Frozen, will loom large on Thanksgiving Day — but not on Broadway; neither current musical is one of the four Broadway shows performing on Thursday. (see Thanksgiving Week Broadway schedule below.)

Olaf will be one of the huge balloons hovering over Sixth Avenue during the 92nd annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the cast of “King Kong” will be performing a number from the new musical during CBS’s coverage of the parade. (Also performing on CBS: the casts of “Dear Evan Hansen.” and “Head Over Heels.” Performing at the parade itself, broadcast by NBC: “Mean Girls,” “My Fair Lady,” “The Prom,” and “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.”)

BUT…

both Frozen and King Kong have added a matinee on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving — as have most other Broadway shows. Many have also added a Monday night performance.

Below is the Broadway schedule for Thanksgiving Week, as well as a list of my four favorite shows that have opened this season so far, and another four that are evergreens suitable for young children.

Skip to Broadway Thanksgiving Week Schedule