Here’s a snippet of a ficlet (before I had ficterruptus) for the lovely @m-faithfull … *Warning - not polished, and very silly (wait, that's everything I write 😁)*
You’ve made it. Backstage. The Holy Land. And sans even the slightest particle of dust on your knees. Your excitement is palpable, nearly overwhelming as you struggle to drink in every last drop. Your wild wonderment reluctantly dwindles into dull surprise as you realize that it’s not exactly what you expected. In fact, it left more than a little to be desired. Stark lighting … check. The stench of cold concrete and stale cigarettes … check. Half-dressed girls with glittery daggers for eyes … double check. No, make that triple, you muse, your gaze flickering up and down exhibits A, B, and C. They’re surrounded by boisterous roadies doling out favors on what appears to be a sliding scale. The more generous the slide, the more generous the favor. You clench your teeth as you watch the festivities, nearly gagging by proxy. Your revelation creeps into a pang of disappointment. Holy Land? More like Sodom and Gomorrah. Not glamorous. Not by a long shot. Completely dispirited, you turn on your heel to leave, freezing as a splash of red catches your eye. Searing needles fill your cheeks, and you blink, not quite sure if you’re seeing what you think you see. The third flutter confirms it. You are. It’s Robert, floating above the fray, and he’s staring at you. Right at you, cigarette dangling from his lips, that trademark dimple slowly deepening. Your heart skips a beat as you read the glimmer in his eye. It’s full of mischief and fun, and perhaps something a bit more carnal. Your gaze drifts to the paper taped haphazardly next to him, but you can’t decipher the scribble and assume it’s a makeshift sign for the dressing room. You glance back, but he’s turned toward a bear of a man donning a white suit and a black bowler hat. That must be Bonham. Your suspicions are validated as Robert lets loose a howling laugh.
“Christ, Bonzo, how many times are you going in there? Gives new meaning to the term drum stool.”
“Fuck you, mate.”
“Maybe they should just replace yours with a commode, yeah?”
“Piss off. I was workin’ on something for Zoe. And it’s the only fuckin’ quiet place around here.”
“What’s it this time? Another scarf?” With a smirk, Robert leans into his friend. “Better not let Pagey have a look.”
“Yeah, yeah. It’s a bloody jumper, you git.” The drummer grunts. “I’m thinkin’ about doing a muzzle next, but I’m not quite sure if I can make it big enough for your fat gob.”
As Bonzo lumbers past him, he gives Robert a tiny shove, eliciting another smile from the singer as he resumes his inspection of you. His fingers clutch his belt buckle, and you follow their progress, transfixed by the sight. They’re so big. Every inch of him is so big … hands, chest, thighs. And other things. You realize that you’re holding your breath. He slinks off the doorframe and takes a step toward you, but you panic, whirling around and darting into the closest room you can find. The heavy panel clicks shut behind you, and you inhale deeply, only to have your solace interrupted. You’re not alone. Your jaw drops as Jimmy’s head jerks up, his delicate, yarn draped fingers outfitted with the largest pair of knitting needles you’ve ever seen. Your shocked gazes lock for a beat, and you pray the grin that’s begging for release stays put. But the guitarist's pretty, pink pout lets you know it’s too late.
optic nerve: xie chaoyu and ju xiaowen for vogue uk march 2022
Nirvana performing at ManRay Nightclub, Cambridge, MA, US 🇺🇸
April 18, 1990
I kinda just want a partner that has long (wavy) hair, is unpredictable, loves and cares for me, loves music, is tol, dominant with a bit of submissive femininity, goofy, is up for anything in bed, and many other things I am too lazy to list
If I don't feel like this when I see them...
Wish I was her 😔
Debbie Harry, late 1970s
F A C E
The complexities hidden under a placid exterior.
Blue pen, watercolor, black gouache on Bristol, 6x9". This piece like all my originals is for sale, 120 which includes the ride worldwide.
I mean